Rehabilitation implications of stepper exercise technique on exertion and hip extensor muscle activation--a small exploratory study.

This study evaluated which of two different stair-stepping techniques produced a higher level of perceived physical exertion and whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify gluteus maximus activation during stepper exercise and/or differences in gluteus maximus activation between exercise techniques. The study was a prospective, single-blind, randomized, two-period, crossover trial. The stair-stepping techniques were 15-minute sessions of (1) short steps with arms unsupported (Short) or (2) full steps with arms supported (Full).

Normative values for the unipedal stance test with eyes open and closed.

Purpose: Limited normative data are available for the unipedal stance test (UPST), making it difficult for clinicians to use it confidently to detect subtle balance impairments. The purpose of this study was to generate normative values for repeated trials of the UPST with eyes opened and eyes closed across age groups and gender.

Methods: This prospective, mixed-model design was set in a tertiary care medical center.

Sleep disturbance in patients with chronic low back pain.

Objective: To document the relationship between sleep disturbance and chronic low back pain in patients referred to a physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic.

Design: This is a prospective cross-sectional survey of 268 patients 18 yrs or older being evaluated for low back pain of greater than 6 months at a tertiary medical center. The survey consisted of a 43-item composite form that contained the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); a pain visual analog scale (VAS); and questions regarding bed type, sleep position, and patients' sleep description.