Physiotherapy needs assessment of people with stroke following discharge from hospital, stratified by acute functional independence measure score.

Purpose: To determine the physiotherapy-related needs of people with stroke at discharge, 6 months after discharge, and 1 year after discharge from hospital, and to examine the results stratified by participants' acute Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores.

Methods: A total of 241 adults with recent stroke were recruited into this longitudinal cohort study. As well as participating in a semi-structured interview that included questions about mobility needs and barriers, participants were asked to complete and return a closed-ended needs-assessment survey.

A pilot study of the incidence of post-thoracotomy pulmonary complications and the effectiveness of pre-thoracotomy physiotherapy patient education.

Purpose: To estimate the incidence and examine the pattern of post-thoracotomy pulmonary complications (PPC) that are amenable to physiotherapy treatment and to estimate the effect size of a pre-thoracotomy physiotherapy education session compared to no preoperative physiotherapy for reducing PPC.

Methods: Forty-two patients undergoing thoracotomy participated in this two-group retrospective-prospective cohort study. The preop group (n=22) received physiotherapy education prior to surgery and the no preop group (n=20) did not receive preoperative physiotherapy education.

Needs assessment of individuals with stroke after discharge from hospital stratified by acute Functional Independence Measure score.

Purpose: To determine the needs, barriers and facilitators of function in individuals with stroke after discharge from hospital. To examine the results stratified by the patient's acute score (<41, 41-80, >80) on the functional independence measure (FIM).

Method: This was a cohort study of 209 patients who had been admitted to hospital because of stroke.

Muscle weakness and falls in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate and summarize the evidence of muscle weakness as a risk factor for falls in older adults.

Design: Random-effects meta-analysis.

Setting: English-language studies indexed in MEDLINE and CINAHL (1985-2002) under the key words aged and accidental falls and risk factors; bibliographies of retrieved papers.

Progressive resistance strengthening exercises after stroke: a single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of progressive resistance strengthening exercises to improve gross motor function and walking in patients receiving intensive rehabilitation after stroke.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Five inpatient rehabilitation programs affiliated with teaching hospitals.