Balance and Walking Speed Outcomes in Individuals Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation for Acute Cerebellar Stroke.

Background/objectives: Cerebellar strokes account for only 2-3% of all strokes occurring annually in the United States but represent a disproportionally higher share of morbidity and mortality. Evidence examining the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on functional outcomes following a cerebellar stroke is limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of inpatient rehabilitation on balance and walking speed in individuals with cerebellar stroke.

Examining the effects of amplitude-based training as a component of the plan of care in an individual with olivopontocerebellar atrophy.

Background: Amplitude-based exercise training has been shown to be effective in the motor performance of individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, with limited research investigating its effects on Parkinson plus syndromes such as olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA). The purpose of this clinical case report is to examine the effects of amplitude-based training exercises on an individual with OPCA.

Case Description: A 68-year-old man with a 14-month history of OPCA presented to physical therapy with bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.

The Immediate Effect of Trunk Weighting on Balance and Functional Measures of People with Parkinson's Disease: A Feasibility Study.

Background: Declines in postural control, mobility, and gait are related to negative health outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD). The addition of small weights to the trunk has been used to increase postural stability and functional performance in persons with neurological dysfunctions but not in persons with PD. The purpose of the study was to determine if small weights applied on the torso have immediate effects on balance and mobility in people with PD.

Effects of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training on Balance, Mobility and Lower Extremity Strength of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study.

Aim: There is growing evidence that confirms the benefits of partially supporting a person's body weight during exercise. Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) unweighting is a new method of providing partial body weight support. This pilot study aims to investigate the effect of LBPP treadmill training on balance, mobility and lower extremity strength in community-dwelling older adults.

Preparation, roles, and responsibilities of Filipino occupational therapists in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Purpose: Despite the increasing number of literature that identifies the roles of various rehabilitation professionals in disaster-related work, there is still limited evidence that examines how these professionals prepare for and function in the various phases of disasters. This study describes the roles and responsibilities practiced by Filipino occupational therapists in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The study also describes the preparations undertaken for the therapists to assume these roles.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to improve motor outcomes in older adults with chronic stroke.

This case series described changes in motor outcomes across 4 cases of older adults (mean age - 64.75) with chronic stroke (more than 6 months) after implementation of a 6-week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based program. Findings of this study were compared with a previously reported case.

Clinimetrics of the Upright Motor Control Test in chronic stroke.

Introduction: Insufficient literature exists regarding the clinimetric properties of the Upright Motor Control Test Knee Extension and Flexion subtests (UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF, respectively). This study examined the interrater and test-retest reliability of these subtests, and determined the relationship between the UMCT-KE and a clinical measure of muscle function in a sample of adults with chronic stroke.

Methods: Three raters independently administered the UMCT-KE and UMCT-KF on adults with chronic stroke with spasticity/abnormal movement patterns.

Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on balance, strength, and mobility of an older adult with chronic stroke: A case report.

This study described the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) program on balance, strength, and mobility in an older adult with chronic stroke. The patient was male, aged 69 years, with right hemiplegia for 17 years, and had diminished balance, balance confidence, lower extremity (LE) strength, and gait velocity. He received 1 h of PNF-based therapy thrice a week for six weeks.

Measurement properties of the upright motor control test for adults with stroke: a systematic review.

Background: The Upright Motor Control Test (UMCT) has been used in clinical practice and research to assess functional strength of the hemiparetic lower limb in adults with stroke. It is unclear if evidence is sufficient to warrant its use. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize available evidence on the measurement properties of the UMCT for stroke rehabilitation.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of contrast baths.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Introduction: Contrast baths are used as an intervention in hand therapy, yet it is unclear which patients, if any, benefit from this intervention.

Purpose Of The Study: To examine the nature and quality of the evidence regarding the use of contrast baths using a systematic review process.

Improving cultural diversity awareness of physical therapy educators.

In a climate of increasing diversity in the population of patients requiring physical therapy (PT) services, PT educators must prepare students and future clinicians to work competently in culturally diverse environments. To be able to achieve this goal, PT educators must be culturally competent as well. The purposes of the study were to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess cultural diversity awareness and to develop an educational workshop to improve cultural diversity awareness of PT academic and clinical educators.

Physical therapy intervention for an adolescent with a knee flexion contracture and diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome.

Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe a course of physical therapy for a client with a rare genetic condition, multiple pterygium syndrome (MPS).

Summary Of Key Points: MPS is a rare genetic disorder characterized by connective tissue webbing across multiple joints, dysmorphic facies, and various visceral and skeletal deformities. Before the patient commenced physical therapy, surgical amputation was recommended for the client's knee flexion contracture.

Physiotherapists' perceptions and use of medical imaging information in practice.

Background And Purpose: Physiotherapists must take responsibility for all aspects of patient care. Information from medical imaging studies can influence clinical decisions. The purpose of the present study was to gather information about physiotherapists' perceptions and use of medical imaging information in clinical practice.

Shoulder impingement syndromes: implications on physical therapy examination and intervention.

A painful shoulder presents challenges in examination, diagnosis and intervention for the physical therapist because of the complexity of the structures involved. A common cause of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement syndrome. This was first described as a condition in which the soft tissues of the subacromial space were chronically entrapped and compressed between the humeral head and the subacromial arch.