Key Findings From Peer-Reviewed Published Research by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Review.

Recognizing the dearth of published research on board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation and its subspecialties, the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation has increased efforts to conduct and disseminate research in this area. This report summarizes key findings of peer-reviewed studies published by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation staff and leadership in the past 6 yrs, including those conducted in partnership with other entities. The reported studies are organized in three main categories: initial certification, continuing certification, and subspecialty certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Examination of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation on health and life satisfaction in community-dwelling adults with dysvascular lower limb loss.

Background: People with physical disabilities are at risk for social isolation, which has been shown to negatively influence health and well-being.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of social disconnectedness and perceived social isolation (PSI) on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and life satisfaction in adults with dysvascular lower extremity amputation (LEA).

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Current status and trends in subspecialty certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Background: There is a need to better understand the overall state of sub-specialization in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

Objective: To examine the status and trends in subspecialty certification for each of the seven subspecialties approved for American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) diplomates.

Design/setting: Retrospective analysis of deidentified information from the ABPMR database.

Acupuncture combined with moxibustion for insomnia after stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

Background: Stroke is the main cause of death and disability in the world and insomnia is a common complication of stroke patients. Insomnia will not only seriously affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients with stroke, but even cause the recurrence of stroke. Many studies have proved that acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively improve insomnia symptoms.

3D printing and amputation: a scoping review.

Purpose: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative technology being utilized to create prostheses for individuals with limb loss. However, there is a paucity of research on the feasibility of using this technology to fabricate prostheses. A scoping review was conducted to map the literature on 3D printing and its applications in the field of amputation.

The Impact of Introducing a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Trauma Consultation Service to an Academic Level 1 Trauma Center.

Objective: Previous retrospective studies suggest that early physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) consultation for trauma patients improves outcome and reduces acute care length of stay (LOS). There have not been controlled studies to evaluate this impact. This study assesses the impact of PM&R consultations on acute trauma patients.

The experiences and needs of Chinese-Canadian stroke survivors and family caregivers as they re-integrate into the community.

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and community re-integration is a priority for stroke rehabilitation. In North America, we have a growing population of individuals whose first language is not English. Little is known about the experiences of visible minorities living in North America as they re-integrate into the community post stroke or how these experiences change over time.

Relationship and responsiveness of three upper-limb tests in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Purpose: To determine (1) the relationship among three common upper-limb tests for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): unsupported upper limb exercise test (UULEX), 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT), and a muscle-strength test using a hand-held dynamometer; and (2) the responsiveness of these three tests to changes after pulmonary rehabilitation that included a resistance arm-training programme.

Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The UULEX and the 6PBRT were used to measure peak arm exercise capacity and arm function, respectively.

Acceptance and meanings of wheelchair use in senior stroke survivors.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain understanding of the lived experience of senior stroke survivors who used prescribed wheelchairs in their homes and communities. The study involved semistructured, in-depth interviews that were conducted with 10 participants, ages 70 to 80 years old, who had used a wheelchair for a mean of 5.6 years.

Does increased prosthetic weight affect gait speed and patient preference in dysvascular transfemoral amputees?

Objectives: To determine if increased prosthetic weight affects gait speed in dysvascular transfemoral amputees and to see if there is any patient preference for lighter versus heavier prostheses.

Design: Randomized prospective double-blind crossover trial.

Setting: Outpatient, tertiary care, amputee clinic in Ontario, Canada.

Effects of enhanced patient education on compliance with silicone gel sheeting and burn scar outcome: a randomized prospective study.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether enhanced patient education increases compliance with silicone gel sheeting (SGS) on hypertrophic (HT) scars and to determine whether this results in any improvement in scar outcome. Outpatients with a HT burn scar were randomized to either a conventional education group (CEG), which received routine instruction on the use of SGS or to an enhanced education Group (EEG), which also received routine instruction, along with a detailed 5-page handout and a 26-minute videotape. The CEG (n = 12, 67% male, age 38 +/- 10 years) and the EEG (n = 13, 77% male, age 47 +/- 10 years) were followed monthly for 6 months.

Conflict of interest, physicians and physiotherapy.

Since Ontario introduced auto-insurance legislation that guaranteed extensive physiotherapy treatment for people who have been in car accidents, the cost of outpatient claims to insurance companies has skyrocketed. However, there has not been a measurable improvement in patient outcomes. At the same time, the average in-hospital stay for patients receiving hip and joint replacements has decreased greatly.