Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development back issues from January 2007:
Building research capacity through partnerships: Spinal Cord Injury-Vocational Integration Program Implementations and Outcomes inaugural meeting
Jan 01, 2007; ... INTRODUCTION Innovative integration of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services into the healthcare continuum for veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) was the focus of the inaugural meeting of the "Spinal Cord Injury-Vocational Integration Program (SCI-VIP): Implementations and ...
Outcomes in spinal cord injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Spinal cord injury remains a disorder without a sufficient remedy. Although both private and academic researchers continue to pursue therapies, proof of efficacy in improving neurological recovery remains elusive. One of the reasons for this difficulty may be our lack of sensitive outcome ...
Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on roll-over shape in adults with hemiplegia
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are intended to improve toe clearance during swing and ankle position at initial contact (IC) and midstance. Changes that lead to improved ankle-foot kinematics may result in a more biomimetic roll-over shape (ROS). ROS is the effective geometry to which the ...
Chair rise strategies in older adults with functional limitations
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Studies investigating chair rise (CR) strategies in older adults, including the identification of CR strategies in the clinical setting, are limited. We identified biomechanical differences between CR strategies performed by older adults. The "healthy" momentum transfer (MT), the ...
Randomized clinical trial: Group counseling based on tinnitus retraining therapy
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The main component of tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) is structured counseling. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that group educational counseling based on TRT principles would effectively treat veterans who have clinically significant tinnitus. Veterans ...
Review of physiological motor outcome measures in spinal cord injury using transcranial magnetic stimulation and spinal reflexes
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article reviews methods that have been developed as part of a clinical initiative on improving outcome measures for motor function assessment in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). Physiological motor outcome measures originally developed for limbs-transcranial magnetic ...
Directed rehabilitation reduces pain and depression while increasing independence and satisfaction with life for patients with paraplegia due to epidural metastatic spinal cord compression
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We determined whether directed rehabilitation affected survival, pain, depression, independence, and satisfaction with life for veterans who were nonambulatory after spinal epidural metastasis (SEM) treatment. We compared 12 consecutive paraplegic veterans who received 2 weeks of ...
Spinal Cord Independence Measure: Comprehensive ability rating scale for the spinal cord lesion patient
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) is, at present, the only comprehensive rating scale that measures the ability of patients with spinal cord lesions (SCL) to perform everyday tasks according to their value for the patient. This article describes the scale and its scoring ...
Dynamic biomechanical model for assessing and monitoring robot-assisted upper-limb therapy
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article describes the design, validation, and application of a dynamic biomechanical model that assesses and monitors trajectory, position, orientation, force, and torque generated by upper-limb (UL) movement during robot-assisted therapy. The model consists of two links that ...
Quantitative sensory tests (perceptual thresholds) in patients with spinal cord injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article was presented at the Premeeting Workshop on Outcome Measures at the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Annual Scientific Meeting in Dallas, Texas, in May 2005. The article summarizes preliminary findings of three quantitative sensory tests that were evaluated as part ...
Assessment of upper limb in tetraplegia: Considerations in evaluation and outcomes research
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article briefly discusses several measurement tools for evaluating the upper limb of persons with tetraplegia. Muscle strength testing and electrodiagnostics are discussed as they relate to technique and usefulness for clinical trials. Standardized measures of hand function are ...
Assessment of autonomic dysfunction following spinal cord injury: Rationale for additions to International Standards for Neurological Assessment
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We present a preliminary report of the discussion of the joint committee of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society concerning the development of assessment criteria for general autonomic function testing following spinal cord injury ...
Development of international standards to document sexual and reproductive functions after spinal cord injury: Preliminary report
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Clinicians need standard terminology to communicate effectively about remaining autonomic function in persons after spinal cord injury. This article illustrates the development of standard nomenclature that describes the impact of injury on sexual functioning. A standard anatomic ...
Domains of outcomes in spinal cord injury for clinical trials to improve neurological function
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Selecting appropriate outcome measures in spinal cord injury clinical trials that aim to improve spinal cord function is a challenging task. Proving that an intervention has the intended effect on neurological functioning is insufficient. Any improvement must be shown to be clinically ...
Dynamometry testing in spinal cord injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Persons with a spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrate strength deficits that can limit their functional ability to perform activities of daily living. For a specific lesion level, performance of functional activities is related to the level of muscle strength. Consequently, in clinical ...
Expert opinions on success factors for upper-limb prostheses
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The goal of this study was to gather the opinions of prosthetics experts on the most important factors for the successful use of upper-limb (UL) prostheses, compare them with those of prosthesis users, and ultimately direct research efforts in this field. UL prosthetics experts were ...
As history repeats itself, unexpected developments move us forward
Jan 01, 2007; ... As long as our country has been involved in war, men and women have sacrificed life and limb serving this great nation in the pursuit of freedom. The unwavering commitment to enter battle comes with a trust in their fellow soldier and the peace of mind that in the event of injury, our great ...
Gait characteristics of persons with bilateral transtibial amputations
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The gait characteristics of persons with unilateral transtibial amputations are fairly well documented in the literature. However, much less is known about the gait of persons with bilateral transtibial amputations. This study used quantitative gait analysis to investigate the gait ...
Biomechanical and energetic effects of a stance-control orthotic knee joint
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Users of traditional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFOs) walk with either locked or unlocked knee joints depending on the level of stability required. Some users may benefit from new stance-control KAFOs that prevent stance-phase knee flexion but allow swing-phase flexion. We collected ...
Consistency, precision, and accuracy of optical and electromagnetic shape-capturing systems for digital measurement of residual-limb anthropometrics of persons with transtibial amputation
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing systems have been adapted for specific use in prosthetics, providing practitioners with a means to digitally capture the shape of a patient's limb, modify the socket model using software, and automatically manufacture either a ...
Utility of Treatment Implementation methods in clinical trial with rehabilitation teams
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Clinical trials of rehabilitation interventions pose unique challenges to researchers. Treatments can be technically complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary team of professions. This article demonstrates the application of Treatment Implementation (TI) methods in a rehabilitation ...
Assessment of residual-limb volume change using bioimpedence
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We investigated electrical bioimpedance as a potential measurement modality to assess residual-limb volume change in lower-limb amputees. Four strip electrodes were positioned across the anterior lateral to posterior lateral aspects of the proximal lower leg or residual limb such that ...
Comparison of two exercise testing protocols in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This study examined whether a linear exercise stress-testing protocol generated different peak exercise performance variables than a stepwise exercise testing protocol in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We conducted a comparative study with patients randomly allocated to ...
Reproducibility of noninvasive cardiac output during arm exercise in spinal cord injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing method is a noninvasive technique to estimate cardiac output during exercise, but few data are available on the validity and reliability of this measure in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Sixteen male subjects with SCI (mean age 45 +/- 9, ...
Assessing mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Although engaging in an active lifestyle is beneficial for maintaining quality of life, a majority of wheelchair users are inactive. This study investigated the mobility characteristics and activity levels of manual wheelchair users in the residential setting and at the National ...
Longitudinal assessment of vibrations during manual and power wheelchair driving over select sidewalk surfaces
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Wheelchair users rely on their wheelchairs for mobility for extended periods of time every day. According to the International Standards Organization 2631-1 standard on human vibration, individuals in a seated position when exposed to whole-body vibrations (WBV) are at risk of injury ....
Distribution and cost of wheelchairs and scooters provided by Veterans Health Administration
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-During fiscal years 2000 and 2001, the Veterans Health Administration provided veterans with more than 131,000 wheelchairs and scooters at a cost of $109 million. This national study is the first to investigate Veterans Health Administration costs in providing wheelchairs and scooters ...
Acquired Monocular Vision Rehabilitation program
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Existing programs concerning patients with low vision do not readily meet the needs of the patient with acquired monocular vision. This article illustrates the development, need, and benefits of an Acquired Monocular Vision Rehabilitation evaluation and training program. This proposed ...
Comparison of spectral and entropic measures for surface electromyography time series: A pilot study
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-In a previous study, we reported that the mean square displacement calculated from the surface electromyography (sEMG) signal of low back muscles exhibits a plateaulike behavior for intermediate times 20 ms < t < 400 ms. This property indicates the existence of correlations in the ...
Anodal and cathodal pulsed electrical stimulation on skin wound healing in guinea pigs
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We investigated the effects of anodal and cathodal electrical stimulation on wound healing. In a randomized controlled trial, we divided 42 male albino guinea pigs into two control (C1 and C2) and four experimental (E1-E4) groups. A 3 cm linear incision was made at the dorsal skin of ...
Reliability of RT3 accelerometer for measuring mobility in people with multiple sclerosis: Pilot study
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This pilot study investigated the test-retest reliability of an RT3 accelerometer (RT3) for measuring motion in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Ten people with MS (mean age 49 yr; Extended Disability Status Scale mean +/- standard deviation = 3.4 +/- 1.3) and ten nondisabled people ...
Electronic aids for daily living
Jan 01, 2007; ... OVERVIEW Electronic aids for daily living (EADLs) are devices used to help people access, operate, and control electrical appliances in the home, school, or workplace. The primary purpose of an EADL is consistent performance of necessary daily tasks. These devices also maximize ...
Effects of vacuum-compression therapy on healing of diabetic foot ulcers: Randomized controlled trial
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate vacuum-compression therapy (VCT) for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. Eighteen diabetic patients with foot ulcers were recruited through simple nonprobability sampling. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an ...
Effects of intensive gait-oriented physiotherapy during early acute phase of stroke
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We assessed the effects and strenuousness of intensive gait-oriented inpatient rehabilitation initiated very early after stroke. Therapy content and interrater reliability of the assessments were also analyzed. Of 22 patients, 19 (average 8.0 d poststroke) completed the study. Before ...
Stroke caregiver information needs: Comparison of Mainland and Puerto Rican caregivers
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Research indicates that informal caregivers of stroke survivors often do not have the information necessary to adequately manage the recovery process at home. This article presents findings on the information sources and needs of stroke caregivers both in Puerto Rico and the Mainland ...
Televideo assessment using Functional Reach Test and European Stroke Scale
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This study explored the equivalence of physical function assessment by physical therapists (PTs) during face-to-face and remote administration of the European Stroke Scale (ESS) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) to 26 subjects with a history of stroke. Patients were randomized to ...
Influence of pain and depression on fear of falling, mobility, and balance in older male veterans
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This study determined the extent to which pain and depression influenced changes in fear of falling, mobility, and balance in older veterans with mobility disorders. Data were reviewed from 95 consecutive patients (aged 60 to 95 yr) who attended the Geriatric Gait and Balance Disorders ...
Identifying veterans with acute strokes with high-specificity ICD-9 algorithm with VA automated records and Medicare claims data: A more complete picture
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Medicare claims data are available to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) researchers to identify veterans with acute stroke. Our study sought to (1) ascertain whether additional acute stroke cases are identified with Medicare data and (2) assess the use of VA and Medicare inpatient ...
Relationship between self-reported function and disability and balance performance measures in the elderly
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Fifty-five older adults (mean age 79.7 +/- 5.2) participated. We calculated test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ....
Comparison of mobility device delivery within Department of Veterans Affairs for individuals with multiple sclerosis versus spinal cord injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) report decreased satisfaction with their mobility devices compared with individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). This study (1) investigated the demographic differences between veterans with MS (V-MS) and veterans with SCI (V-SCI) who were ...
Chronic pain after spinal cord injury: What characteristics make some pains more disturbing than others?
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Different types of pain are often present in the same individual with spinal cord injury (SCI). Relieving the most disturbing of these pains may substantially affect quality of life. Persons with SCI and chronic pain (n = 194) completed a structured interview that detailed the ...
Residual-limb quality and functional mobility 1 year after transtibial amputation caused by vascular insufficiency
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This study identified which residual-limb quality factors are related to functional mobility 1 year after transtibial (TT) amputation. A group of 28 TT amputees were evaluated with respect to their functional mobility (Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire [PEQ], Locomotor Index, Timed Up ...
Porous composite prosthetic pylon for integration with skin and bone
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article presents results of the further development and testing of the "skin and bone integrated pylon" (SBIP-1) for percutaneous (through skin) connection of the residual bone with an external limb prosthesis. We investigated a composite structure (called the SBIP-2) made of ...
Effectiveness of group versus individual hearing aid visits
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Demand for hearing aid services in the Veterans Health Administration increased over 300% from 1996 to 2005, challenging the delivery of timely, high-quality care. Using group visits may help meet these needs, but whether this approach would still provide high-quality rehabilitation is ...
Self-reported chair-rise ability relates to stair-climbing readiness of total knee arthroplasty patients: A pilot study
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), physical therapists must evaluate patient readiness to safely begin stair-climbing. Physical therapists might find self-reported chair-rise ability useful in determining stair-climbing readiness of patients. We grouped 31 subjects who were at ...
Neurocognitive enhancement therapy with work therapy in schizophrenia: 6-month follow-up of neuropsychological performance
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Cognitive deficits are a major determinant of social and occupational dysfunction in schizophrenia, and new treatments are needed that address these impairments. The current study determined whether neurocognitive enhancement therapy (NET) in combination with work therapy (WT) would ...
Rehabilitation Research & Development Announcement
Jan 01, 2007; ... Research Health Science Specialist, Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Research and Development (ORD) Program officers are sought who have basic science or clinical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: a) spinal cord injury, b) ...
Team approach to diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury and its comorbidities
Jan 01, 2007; ... With advances in body armor technology and acute trauma care, many military service members are now surviving injuries that would have been fatal in previous wars [1]. However, the brain remains susceptible to nonpenetrating injuries from high-impact collisions and explosive blasts [2]. As ...
Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center: Peacetime and wartime missions
Jan 01, 2007; ... INTRODUCTION Congress created the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) (previously known as the Defense and Veterans Head Injury Program) in 1992 during the Persian Gulf war to integrate specialized traumatic brain injury (TBI) care, research, and education across the ...
Adaptation of life care planning to patients with polytrauma in a VA inpatient setting: Implications for seamless care coordination
Jan 01, 2007; ... INTRODUCTION As of March 2006, more than 1.3 million U.S. military service members had served or were serving in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Both active duty and veteran service members are eligible to receive healthcare services from the Department ...
Auditory dysfunction in traumatic brain injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Effective communication is essential for successful rehabilitation, especially in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors examined the prevalence and characteristics of auditory dysfunction in patients with TBI who were admitted to a Department of Veterans Affairs TBI ...
Visual function in patients of a polytrauma rehabilitation center: A descriptive study
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Little is known about the visual function deficits associated with polytrauma injury. In this retrospective descriptive study, we examined the records of a clinic established to assess visual function in patients experiencing deployment-related polytrauma. We describe the clinical ...
Awareness problems following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: Prevalence, assessment methods, and injury correlates
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-We examined the degree to which individuals with a history of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are unaware of their postinjury deficits. We also examined correlates between awareness problems and injury acuteness and severity and whether awareness problems differed across ...
A neuropsychiatric perspective on traumatic brain injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to closed mechanisms causes strain injuries to axons that increase in number and severity as injury severity increases. Axons that project up from the brain stem are vulnerable, even in milder concussive injuries, and include axons that participate in ...
Review of sports-related concussion: Potential for application in military settings
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This article reviews current issues and practices in the assessment and clinical management of sports-related concussion. An estimated 300,000 sports-related concussions occur annually in the United States. Much of what has been learned about concussion in the sports arena can be ...
Motor impairment after severe traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal multicenter study
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Neuromotor impairment is a common sequela of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) but has been understudied relative to neurocognitive outcomes. This multicenter cohort study describes the longitudinal course of neurological examination-based motor abnormalities after severe TBI ....
Objectively assessing balance deficits after TBI: Role of computerized posturography
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Balance impairment, or postural instability, is a common source of residual physical disability after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Standardized functional measures such as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) do not specifically assess balance. Furthermore, no agreement ...
Using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to understand challenges in community reintegration of injured veterans
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-This pilot study used the framework of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to understand the challenges faced by Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans as they reintegrate into the ...
Military and VA telemedicine systems for patients with traumatic brain injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Telemedicine plays a critical role within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration by allowing the surveillance and care of patients who are isolated by geography, poverty, and disability. In military settings, telemedicine is being widely used to identify ...
Program development and defining characteristics of returning military in a VA Polytrauma Network Site
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a new generation of combat survivors with complex physical injuries and emotional trauma. This article reports the initial implementation of the Polytrauma Network Site (PNS) clinic, which is a key component of the Department of ...
Community-integrated brain injury rehabilitation: Treatment models and challenges for civilian, military, and veteran populations
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem in civilian, military, and veteran populations. Individuals experiencing moderate to severe TBI require a continuum of care involving acute hospitalization and postacute rehabilitation, including community reintegration and, one ...
TBI Announcement
Jan 01, 2007; ... Seventh World Congress on Brain Injury The International Brain Injury Association is pleased to announce details for the Seventh World Congress on Brain Injury, which will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, April 9-12, 2008. The IBIA World Congress is the largest gathering of ...
Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms and mild traumatic brain injury
Jan 01, 2007; ... Abstract-In this article, we review the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD-like symptoms that can occur along with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion, with specific reference to concussive injuries in the military. We address four major areas: (1) clinical ...