Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate perceived determinants of physical activity (PA) maintenance following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention during this period.

Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (16 women, 3 men) were recruited from the intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 7) of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of remote coaching following hospital-based, supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation.

Barriers and enablers to physical activity behaviour in older adults during hospital stay: a qualitative study guided by the theoretical domains framework.

Background: Older adults admitted with an acute medical illness spent little time active during hospitalisation and this has been associated with negative health outcomes. Understanding which barriers and enablers influence the physical activity behaviour of hospitalised older adults is a first step towards identifying potentially modifiable factors and developing, evaluating and implementing targeted interventions aimed at increasing their physical activity behaviour. Using a theoretical framework has been found to be more successful in changing behaviour than using a non-theory driven approach.

Can concept mapping support the quality of reflections made by undergraduate medical students? A mixed method study.

Background: Students perceive reflective writing as difficult. Concept mapping may be an alternative format for reflection, which provides support while allowing students to freely shape their thoughts. We examined (1) the quality of reflection in reflective concept maps created by first-year medical students and (2) students' perceptions about concept mapping as a tool for reflection.

Replacing canes with an elasticated orthotic-garment in chronic stroke patients - The influence on gait and balance. A series of N-of-1 trials.

Objective: To investigate the effect of replacing canes with an elasticated orthotic-garment on balance and gait-function in chronic stroke survivors.

Design: Experimental, N-of-1 series with a replicated, ABC design with randomised phase duration in a home setting.

Participants: Four cane using chronic stroke survivors (P1-4).

Patients' experiences of unilateral spatial neglect between stroke onset and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation: a thematic analysis of qualitative interviews.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how stroke patients with unilateral spatial neglect experience; (a) performance in activities of daily living; (b) alterations in bodily perceptions; and (c) personal hopes and expectations, looking at the period between stroke onset and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 7 (5 men, 2 women, mean age 69 years) consecutively sampled participants. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Movement goals encoded within the cortex and muscle synergies to reduce redundancy pre and post-stroke. The relevance for gait rehabilitation and the prescription of walking-aids. A literature review and scholarly discussion.

Current knowledge of neural and neuromuscular processes controlling gait and movement as well as an understanding of how these mechanisms change following stroke is an important basis for the development of effective rehabilitation interventions. To support the translation of findings from basic research into useful treatments in clinical practice, up-to-date neuroscience should be presented in forms accessible to all members of the multidisciplinary team. In this review we discuss aspects of cortical control of gait and movement, muscle synergies as a way of translating cortical commands into specific muscle activity and as an efficient means of reducing neural and musculoskeletal redundancy.

The influence of walking-aids on the plasticity of spinal interneuronal networks, central-pattern-generators and the recovery of gait post-stroke. A literature review and scholarly discussion.

Background: Many aspects of post-stroke gait-rehabilitation are based on low-level evidence or expert opinion. Neuroscientific principles are often not considered when evaluating the impact of interventions. The use of walking-aids including canes and rollators, although widely used for long periods, has primarily been investigated to assess the immediate kinetic, kinematic or physiological effects.

Boundaries of the thoracic paravertebral space: potential risks and benefits of the thoracic paravertebral block from an anatomical perspective.

Purpose: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) may be an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia. A detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the TPV-space (TPVS), content and adnexa is essential in understanding the clinical consequences of TPVB. The exploration of the posterior TPVS accessibility in this study allows (1) determination of the anatomical boundaries, content and adnexa, (2) description of an ultrasound-guided spread of low and high viscous liquid.

In Vivo Reconstruction of Lumbar Erector Spinae Architecture Using Diffusion Tensor MRI.

Study Design: Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) reconstruction of lumbar erector spinae (ES) compared with cadaver dissection.

Objective: The aim of this study was to reconstruct the human lumbar ES from in vivo DT-MRI measurements and to compare the results with literature and cadaver dissection.

Summary Of Background Data: DT-MRI enables 3-dimensional in vivo reconstruction of muscle architecture.

A tailored exercise program versus general exercise for a subgroup of patients with low back pain and movement control impairment: Short-term results of a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Exercise is an effective treatment for patients with sub-acute and chronic low back pain (LBP). Patients with a movement control impairment (MCI) can be diagnosed as a subgroup of patients with LBP. Unknown is which exercise intervention is most beneficial for this subgroup.

The effect of crutches, an orthosis TheraTogs, and no walking aids on the recovery of gait in a patient with delayed healing post hip fracture: A case report.

Accelerated rehabilitation following hip fracture and joint replacement, including early unrestricted weight-bearing and muscle strengthening, has gained importance in hastening functional recovery and hospital discharge. The influence of walking aids on these parameters is sparsely investigated. In this case report, we document the effect of walking with crutches; an orthotic garment and strapping system, TheraTogs; and no walking aids over 3-4-week periods on walking speed, trunk sway, and muscle activity measured with electromyography (EMG).

Development and assessment of a digital X-ray software tool to determine vertebral rotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background Context: The amount of vertebral rotation in the axial plane is of key importance in the prognosis and treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Current methods to determine vertebral rotation are either designed for use in analogue plain radiographs and not useful in digital images, or lack measurement precision and are therefore less suitable for the follow-up of rotation in AIS patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a digital X-ray software tool with high measurement precision to determine vertebral rotation in AIS, and to assess its (concurrent) validity and reliability.

A tailored exercise program versus general exercise for a subgroup of patients with low back pain and movement control impairment: A randomised controlled trial with one-year follow-up.

Background: Exercise is an effective treatment for patients with sub-acute and chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Previous studies have shown that a subgroup of patients with NSLBP and movement control impairment (MCI) can be diagnosed with substantial reliability. However, which type of exercises are most beneficial to this subgroup is still unknown.

Influence of fear-avoidance beliefs on disability in patients with subacromial shoulder pain in primary care: a secondary analysis.

Background: Little information exists about the role of fear-avoidance beliefs and catastrophizing in subacromial pain syndrome.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations among pain, catastrophizing, fear, and disability and the contribution of fear-avoidance beliefs to disability at baseline and at 3-month follow-up.

Design: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis was conducted.

Ultrasonography of the cervical spine: an in vitro anatomical validation model.

Background: Anatomical validation studies of cervical ultrasound images are sparse. Validation is crucial to ensure accurate interpretation of cervical ultrasound images and to develop standardized reliable ultrasound procedures to identify cervical anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to acquire validated ultrasound images of cervical bony structures and to develop a reliable method to detect and count the cervical segmental levels.

Constructive, collaborative, contextual, and self-directed learning in surface anatomy education.

Anatomy education often consists of a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions, the latter frequently including surface anatomy. Studying surface anatomy enables students to elaborate on their knowledge of the cadaver's static anatomy by enabling the visualization of structures, especially those of the musculoskeletal system, move and function in a living human being. A recent development in teaching methods for surface anatomy is body painting, which several studies suggest increases both student motivation and knowledge acquisition.

How to improve walking, balance and social participation following stroke: a comparison of the long term effects of two walking aids--canes and an orthosis TheraTogs--on the recovery of gait following acute stroke. A study protocol for a multi-centre, single blind, randomised control trial.

Background: Annually, some 9000 people in Switzerland suffer a first time stroke. Of these 60% are left with moderate to severe walking disability. Evidence shows that rehabilitation techniques which emphasise activity of the hemiplegic side increase ipsilesional cortical plasticity and improve functional outcomes.

Movement control exercise versus general exercise to reduce disability in patients with low back pain and movement control impairment. A randomised controlled trial.

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in subacute and chronic stages can be treated effectively with exercise therapy. Research guidelines recommend evaluating different treatments in defined subgroups of patients with NSLBP. A subgroup of patients with movement control impairment (MCI) improved significantly on patient specific function and disability in a previous case series after movement control exercises.

Hip abductor control in walking following stroke -- the immediate effect of canes, taping and TheraTogs on gait.

Objective: To confirm previous findings that hip abductor activity measured by electromyography (EMG) on the side contralateral to cane use is reduced during walking in stroke patients. To assess whether an orthosis (TheraTogs) or hip abductor taping increase hemiplegic hip abductor activity compared with activity during cane walking or while walking without aids. To investigate the effect of each condition on temporo-spatial gait parameters.

General practitioners' treatment orientations towards low back pain: influence on treatment behaviour and patient outcome.

Background: In low back pain (LBP) treatment and research attention has shifted from a biomedical towards a biopsychosocial approach. Patients' LBP beliefs and attitudes were found to predict long-term outcome, and recently it has been suggested that the health care providers' ideas about LBP are also important predictors of treatment behaviour and outcome.

Aims: In the present study we examined whether (1) differences in General Practitioners' (GP) LBP treatment orientation are associated with differences in actual treatment behaviour and (2) whether treatment orientation is related to LBP outcome in patients.

Pain-related fear at the start of a new low back pain episode.

Previous research supports the fear-avoidance model in explaining chronic low back pain (LBP) disability. The aims of the present study were to determine: (1) whether fear-avoidance model variables are associated already during acute stages of LBP and (2) whether (increases in) pain-related fear are associated with other patient characteristics routinely assessed by the General Practitioner (GP). General practice patients consulting because of a new episode of LBP completed questionnaires on pain-related fear, avoidance, pain and disability.

A longitudinal study on the predictive validity of the fear-avoidance model in low back pain.

Recently, fear-avoidance models have been quite influential in understanding the transition from acute to chronic low back pain (LBP). Not only has pain-related fear been found to be associated with disability and increased pain severity, but also treatment focused at reducing pain-related fear has shown to successfully reduce disability levels. In spite of these developments, there is still a lack in well-designed prospective studies examining the role of pain-related fear in acute back pain.

Decline in physical activity, disability and pain-related fear in sub-acute low back pain.

Aim Of Investigation: To evaluate whether a perceived decline in the level of physical activity after the onset of pain (PAD) is more appropriate in the explanation of disability as compared to the actual level of physical activity (PAL) in patients with sub-acute back pain.

Methods: Patients with 4-7 weeks of non-specific low back pain (LBP) participated in this study. Their habitual physical activity level before the back pain started (H-PAL), their actual level of physical activity (PAL) and their perceived decline in the level of physical activity after the onset of pain (PAD) were assessed.

Pain-related fear in acute low back pain: the first two weeks of a new episode.

The overall aim of this study was to explore the natural course of pain-related fear during the early stage of a new low back pain episode, using a prospective case series design. Specific research questions addressed the existence of typical patterns in individual time series of pain-related fear and sequential relationships between the occurrence of pain-related fear, pain and pain catastrophizing. Forty-four general practice patients who consulted their physician with a new episode of non-specific low back pain were recruited.