Cost analysis of early rehabilitation after stroke in comprehensive cerebrovascular centres in the Czech Republic.

Objectives: The paper analyses real-world data on cost of treatment in patients after stroke hospitalized in early rehabilitation units within comprehensive stroke centres in the Czech Republic. This is the first study of the kind in the Czech Republic, while such information is extremely rare worldwide. Stroke treatment witnessed a dramatic development in the last years, when the main progress was due to establishment of specialized (comprehensive) stroke units incorporating also early rehabilitation.

Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: From Ultrasound Scanning to Treatment.

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is commonly encountered in clinical practice. It results from either static or dynamic compression of the ulnar nerve. While the retroepicondylar groove and its surrounding structures are quite superficial, the use of ultrasound (US) imaging is associated with the following advantages: (1) an excellent spatial resolution allows a detailed morphological assessment of the ulnar nerve and adjacent structures, (2) dynamic imaging represents the gold standard for assessing the ulnar nerve stability in the retroepicondylar groove during flexion/extension, and (3) US guidance bears the capability of increasing the accuracy and safety of injections.

Ultrasound-guided perineural vs. peritendinous corticosteroid injections in carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Corticosteroid injections are proven to be effective in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); however, the optimal injection site still remains unclear.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. peritendinous target sites for corticosteroid injection in CTS.

Ultrasound Imaging and Guidance in Common Wrist/Hand Pathologies.

Wrist/hand pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition with a great spectrum of etiologies (varying from overuse injuries to soft tissue tumors). Although most of the anatomical structures are quite superficial and easily evaluated during physical examination, for several reasons, the use of ultrasound imaging and guidance has gained an intriguing and paramount concern in the prompt management of relevant patients. In this aspect, the present review aims to illustrate detailed cadaveric wrist/hand anatomy to shed light into better understanding the corresponding ultrasonographic examinations/interventions in carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain tenosynovitis, rhizarthrosis, and the radiocarpal joint arthritis.

Early post-stroke rehabilitation for upper limb motor function using virtual reality and exoskeleton: equally efficient in older patients.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy (VRT) Armeo Spring® upper limb exoskeleton (Armeo), in early post-stroke rehabilitation with a focus on the elderly.

Clinical Rationale For The Study: Convalescence from a stroke is a complex process driven by a spontaneous recovery supported by multifactorial activation. Novel technology-based rehabilitation methods are being introduced to support brain plasticity.

Cost and cost-effectiveness of early inpatient rehabilitation after stroke varies with initial disability: the Czech Republic perspective.

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether the cost and cost-effectiveness of early rehabilitation after stroke are associated with the degree of initial disability. The data for cost calculations were collected by the bottom-up (micro-costing) method alongside the standard inpatient care. The total sample included 87 patients who were transferred from acute care to early rehabilitation unit of three participating stroke centers at the median time poststroke of 11 days (range 4-69 days).

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the distal femoral and talar cartilage thicknesses in patients with poliomyelitis: a cross-sectional observational study.

Background: Sequelae of poliomyelitis, coupled with asymmetric impairment and weight-bearing, typically alter walking biomechanics which can be associated with the knee and ankle osteoarthritis.

Aim: We aimed to investigate whether the distal femoral and talar cartilage thicknesses were different in patients with poliomyelitis.

Design: Cross-sectional observational study.

Role of diversity in assembling of rehabilitation teams in Central Europe.

Background: Multiprofessional teamwork in physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) allows achieving patient-centered goals in accordance with the assumptions of the bio-psycho-social model of functioning. Team composition and methods of collaboration depend of the specificity of goals to be achieved, as well local contextual factors. International comparative studies on rehabilitation teamwork are lacking, despite data on how teams differ between countries are crucial for the process of harmonization of PRM practice across Europe.

The approach of physiatrists to low back pain across Europe.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common type of musculoskeletal pain, thus it is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. The physicians who are primarily responsible for the nonsurgical management of LBP are physiatrists.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the approaches of physiatrists to low back pain across Europe.

Evidence-based position paper on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine professional practice for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury. The European PRM position (UEMS PRM Section).

Background: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain that occurs after birth caused either by a traumatic or by a nontraumatic injury. The rehabilitation process following ABI should be performed by a multi-professional team, working in an interdisciplinary way, with the aim of organizing a comprehensive and holistic approach to persons with every severity of ABI. This Evidence Based Position Paper represents the official position of the European Union through the UEMS Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) Section and designates the professional role of PRM physicians for people with ABI.

Effects of a single dose of erythropoietin on motor function and cognition after focal brain ischemia in adult rats.

We tested the influence of erythropoietin (EPO), a basic cytokine in erythropoiesis regulation, on the process of motor function and cognition after focal brain ischemia induced by a local application of endothelin. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced short lasting strong vasoconstriction, with described impact on the structure and on the function of neuronal cells. Neurological description of motor function and Morris water maze test (the swimming test is one of most widely used methods for studying cognitive functions in rodents) were used to study the process of learning and memory in three-month-old male albino Wistar rats (n=52).

Functioning and disability in multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: To describe functioning and disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the model endorsed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods: Adult patients with MS were consecutively enrolled. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) and the ICF checklist were administered in individual sessions.

Functioning and disability in traumatic brain injury.

Purpose: To describe functioning and disability in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to the model endorsed by the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods: Adult patients with acquired TBI were consecutively enrolled. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO-DAS II) and the ICF checklist were administered in individual sessions.