The development of a feeding harness for an ALS patient.

In treating patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis occupational therapists face an ever-changing disability for which they must select a wide range of assistive devices to maximize function in performance of activities of daily living. This case report emphasizes the significance of the patient's contribution in the fabrication of equipment. The success of the feeding harness described depended as much on the process of its creation as on the enhanced function it gave the patient.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of TRH in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of single doses of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was performed on 12 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Each patient was given subcutaneous injections of TRH 150 mg or placebo, and IV infusions of TRH 500 mg or placebo at 72- to 96-hour intervals. Eight motor and functional ratings were scored at regular intervals after each injection.

A survey of rationales for and against hand splinting in hemiplegia.

This study investigated rationales underlying splinting decisions involving patients with hemiplegia. The survey incorporated a limited-choice, multiple-option questionnaire based on the case study of a man with a left hemiparesis at three hypothetical stages of recovery. Ninety-three occupational therapists who answered indicated whether they would or would not recommend a splint at each stage, and selected one or more reasons for their decisions.