Tongue-based biofeedback for balance in stroke: results of an 8-week pilot study.

Objective: To assess balance recovery and quality of life after tongue-placed electrotactile biofeedback training in patients with stroke.

Design: Prospective multicenter research design.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

Pursuit and implementation of hospital-based outpatient direct access to physical therapy services: an administrative case report.

Background And Purpose: Despite legislative approval of direct access to physical therapy, other regulatory barriers and internal institutional policies often must be overcome before this practice model can be fully adopted. Few institutional initiatives have been published describing strategies designed to change policies restricting direct patient access. This case report describes steps and strategies associated with successful implementation of a direct access physical therapy model at a large academic medical center.

Influence of acuity on physical therapy outcomes for patients with cervical disorders.

Objectives: To assess the influence of symptom acuity on functional outcomes, pain, and patient perception of recovery after a physical therapy (PT) program for cervical disorders and to determine what variables are associated with patient function at discharge.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Outpatient settings at a tertiary care facility.

Patient outcome following rehabilitation for rotator cuff repair surgery: the impact of selected medical comorbidities.

Study Design: Prospective, multicenter research design.

Objectives: To assess functional and health status outcomes in patients following a physical therapy program after rotator cuff repair surgery, and to determine the impact of selected patient medical comorbidities on rehabilitation outcomes.

Background: While authors have studied the influence of multiple factors on patient outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery, little research has been done on the impact of comorbidities, particularly as it relates to establishing an accurate patient prognosis.

Changes in disability following physical therapy intervention for patients with low back pain: dependence on symptom duration.

Objectives: To assess the impact of symptom duration on functional outcome, functional improvement, pain, and patient perception of recovery after a physical therapy (PT) program for low back pain (LBP) and to determine what variables are significantly associated with improved function.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Outpatient setting at a tertiary care facility.

Effects of vestibular and balance rehabilitation on sensory organization and dizziness handicap.

This retrospective study was undertaken to assess balance recovery and dizziness handicap in 32 patients after a vestibular and balance rehabilitation program. Outcomes were compared between 12 patients with peripheral vestibular disorders and 20 patients with central or mixed balance disorders. The patients were tested with posturography (sensory organization test [SOT]) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) before and after their therapy program.

Outcomes after rehabilitation for adults with balance dysfunction.

Objectives: To assess balance, dynamic gait, and dynamic visual acuity outcomes after a vestibular and balance rehabilitation program and to determine which variables were significantly associated with improved balance and ambulation.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Setting: Outpatient setting at a tertiary care facility.

Outcomes in vestibular ablative procedures.

Objective: To assess dizziness handicap and postural recovery in 17 patients undergoing a vestibular ablative procedure.

Study Design: Outcomes were compared between nine patients who underwent selective vestibular neurectomy and eight patients who underwent a transmastoid labyrinthectomy.

Setting: Patients underwent ablative procedures at a tertiary care facility.