Examination of Regional Interdependence Theory in Chronic Neck Pain: Interpretations from Correlation of Strength Measures in Cervical and Pain-Free Regions.

Objective: Impairments present in chronic pain conditions have been reported not to be limited to the painful region. Pain-free regions have also been proposed to be adversely affected as a cause or consequence of the painful condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between muscle strength in painful and pain-free regions and chronic neck pain.

Dry needling versus trigger point compression of the upper trapezius: a randomized clinical trial with two-week and three-month follow-up.

: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the long-term clinical effect of dry needling with two-week and three-month follow up, on individuals with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. : A sample of convenience (33 individuals) with a trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle, participated in this study. The individuals were randomly assigned to two groups: trigger point compression ( = 17) or dry needling ( = 16).

Relationship Between Proprioception and Endurance Functionality of the Cervical Flexor Muscles in Chronic Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Participants.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the relationship between flexion endurance capacity and joint position error in participants with or without chronic neck pain (CNP).

Methods: Sixty-one CNP and 60 asymptomatic volunteers participated in this cross-sectional, case-control, and correlational analysis study. The measured variables included absolute and constant joint repositioning errors in the sagittal and horizontal directions, clinical flexor endurance test score, pain intensity, and neck disability index.

Hamstring muscle length and lumbar lordosis in subjects with different lifestyle and work setting: comparison between individuals with and without chronic low back pain.

Background And Objectives: Shortened hamstring muscle length has been noted in persons with low back pain (LBP). Prolonged sitting postures, such as those adopted during different work settings and sedentary lifestyle has been associated with hamstring shortness and LBP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lifestyle and work setting on hamstring length and lumbar lordosis in subjects with and without LBP and to identify the relationship between hamstring muscles length and lumbar lordosis in individuals with different lifestyle and work setting.

Amphetamine and methamphetamine have a direct and differential effect on BV2 microglia cells.

A comparative analysis of the direct effects of amphetamine and methamphetamine exposure on BV2 microglia cells in the presence and absence of cellular debris was performed. A significant dose-dependent and treatment-dependent effect of amphetamine and methamphetamine on BV2 cells was demonstrated: methamphetamine, but not amphetamine, inhibited phagocytosis, and a differential regulation of cytokines was observed in response to amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Theoretical perspective: resilience in medically fragile adolescents.

Medically fragile adolescents require medical technology and skilled care from parents and nurses in daily life. These adolescents may be ventilator dependent, require intravenous nutrition or medications, depend on nutritional or respiratory support, and depend on nursing care or other medical devices for daily living. Much of the extant research on medically fragile children and adolescents has lacked an overarching theoretical perspective.

The experiences of medically fragile adolescents who require respiratory assistance.

Aims: To report a study of the experiences of medically fragile adolescents who require respiratory assistance.

Background: The population of medically fragile adolescents has grown in recent decades because of the sequelae of prematurity, injuries and chronic or terminal illnesses. Medically fragile adolescents who require respiratory assistance are part of this unique population, yet as nurses, we know little about their experiences and the best approaches to use in caring for them.

The experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the school-age child's perspective about living with a tracheostomy.

Design And Methods: A qualitative design using phenomenological methods was used to describe and interpret the lived experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy.

Results: The perceptions of five children were explored, and three themes emerged: "I'm the only one," "friends are helpful," and "just tell them.

Students' perceptions of their learning experiences using high-fidelity simulation to teach concepts relative to obstetrics.

In this era of expanding technology, amidst a shortage of nursing faculty and clinical sites, there has been increasing emphasis on the use of simulation to enhance clinical learning. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to describe students' self-perceptions of their learning experiences using high-fidelity simulation in teaching concepts relative to obstetrics. A sample of 60 second-year associate of science in nursing (ASN) students attended simulation experiences in obstetrics in addition to required clinical time in a hospital.

Qualitative data collection with children.

Qualitative researchers have clear methods to guide them in data collection with adult participants, but little is known about effective interview techniques with children. The findings from this methodological study on qualitative interviews with children indicate that children are able to articulate their experiences in interviews.

Peak flow monitoring in pediatric asthma management: a clinical practice column submission.

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring has long been a mainstay of asthma management, but controversy surrounds its efficacy in the pediatric population, and little published research exists on the subject. PEF is both effort and technique dependent and is not suitable for use in children under the age of 5 or with developmental disabilities. However, PEF is useful for monitoring airway changes if used properly, especially in that segment of the population labeled as "poor perceivers" of worsening symptoms.

The professional portfolio: an evidence-based assessment method.

Competency assessment is critical for a myriad of disciplines, including medicine, law, education, and nursing. Many nurse managers and educators are responsible for nursing competency assessment, and assessment results are often used for annual reviews, promotions, and satisfying accrediting agencies' requirements. Credentialing bodies continually seek methods to measure and document the continuing competence of licensees or certificants.

HIV testing among lesbian women: social contexts and subjective meanings.

This study provides descriptive statistics on prevalence of testing, testing sites, and reasons for testing among lesbian women in the United States. It also provides qualitative data about the social meanings and specific circumstances of their HIV testing experiences. Analysis draws on a sample of lesbian women living in a single large southeastern city.

An alternative approach to treating lateral epicondylitis. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of noxious level electrical stimulation on pain, grip strength and functional abilities in subjects with chronic lateral epicondylitis.

Design: Randomized, placebo-control, double-blinded study.

Setting: Physical Therapy Department, North Georgia College and State University.

The breastfeeding surgical patient.

In the United States, more than 10 million women are either pregnant or breastfeeding at any given time. Of the women currently pregnant, over 70% will initially choose to breastfeed. The needs of a breastfeeding surgical patient are unique and are best met by a supportive surgical team using evidenced-based practice.

The effect of oscillating-energy manual therapy on lateral epicondylitis: a randomized, placebo-control, double-blinded study.

Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis (LE) are attributed to degenerative changes and inflammatory reactions in the common extensor tendon induced by microscopic tears in the tissue after repetitive or overload functions of the wrist and hand extensor muscles. Conventional treatments, provided on the premise of inflammatory basis of LE, have shown 39-80% failure rate. An alternative approach suggests that symptoms of LE could be due to active tender points developed in the origin of hand and wrist extensor muscles after overuse or repetitive movements.