Screening for psychological factors in patients with low back problems: Waddell's nonorganic signs.

The role of Waddell's nonorganic signs test as a screening tool for psychological factors in the examination of patients with low back problems has been described. The presence of nonorganic signs should alert the physical therapist to the need for additional psychological tests and should not necessarily be considered an indicator of malingering. Nonorganic signs may coexist with organic findings.

Quantifying the effects of interventions for movement disorders resulting from cerebral palsy.

The purpose of this article is to review a variety of tests and measures that are useful in documenting and quantifying the outcomes of intervention for persons with cerebral palsy. The topics included are (1) a discussion of the need for meaningful outcome measures, (2) a model of the disabling process for classifying measures used to assess several different dimensions of disablement, and (3) a review of selected tests and measures categorized according to the model described.

The effects of intrathecally administered baclofen on function in patients with spasticity.

The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the effects of intrathecally administered baclofen on impairment in spasticity and muscle activation patterns, on functional limitations in mobility and self-care, and on disability in daily life roles. We found plentiful evidence of improvement in spasticity, spasms, and bladder function and some reports of improved patterns of muscle activation and kinematics of single-joint movement. Improved ability to accomplish transfers, self-care, and locomotion is less consistently studied but has also been reported in about 60% to 70% of patients.