Mobile Health Interventions for Traumatic Brain Injuries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMobile health (mHealth) interventions may be useful for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there is minimal knowledge regarding how mHealth technology is currently being used for TBI treatment or rehabilitation. The purpose of this review is to examine the extant literature on the use of mHealth for intervention delivery in order to identify considerations for using mHealth with the TBI population, and to provide recommendations for further study.Recent FindingsConsistent with recent literature in other disability populations, mHealth shows promise for people with TBI as a compensat...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 31, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Military Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review and discuss the epidemiological, neuropathologic, and mechanistic characteristics of blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) specific to the military population.Recent FindingsMilitary service members have sustained over 383,000 reported incidents of TBI since 2000. In combat, mild bTBI due to explosive attacks comprise the most common type. Identification, treatment, and reporting of bTBI are compounded by the operational demands of combat as well as frequent co-presentation with PTSD and associated injuries. Following primary injury, a secondary metabolic and inflammatory ca...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 31, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

The Accuracy of SPECT/CT for Diagnosing Lumbar Zygapophyseal Joint Pain: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurposeTo determine the accuracy of Tc-99m methylenediphosphonate single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for the diagnosis of lumbar zygapophyseal joint-related pain with dual medial branch block (>  70% threshold) as the reference standard.Recent FindingsTo date, the accuracy of SPECT/CT for the diagnosis of lumbar zygapophyseal joint pain has not been systematically reviewed.SummaryOne study met inclusion criteria. A prospective cohort study of 35 patients reported a prevalence of 24% (95% CI 9.0 –40.0%) using dual medial branch blocks (MBBs) as the means of diagnosis and found that SPECT/CT...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 28, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Sarcopenia: a Muscle Disease with Decreased Functional Capacity and an Increased Risk of Adverse Health Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to provide an overview of sarcopenia, an enigmatic skeletal muscle disease where age, disuse, injury, and chronic disease can all contribute to the accelerated loss of mass and strength beyond normal variation, and that can negatively affect a person ’s physical function and quality of life.Recent FindingsA rapid and pervasive “graying” of societies worldwide is expected to continue in the coming decades. Due to this projected increase in the number of older adults, sarcopenia and its associated costs will be a significant public health concern. New international guidelines ad...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 24, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Ultramarathon Comprehensive Injury Prevention
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review injury prevention for ultramarathon runners during training, race day, and recovery.Recent FindingsInjury prevention starts with a training plan that emphasizes a gradual increase in distance interspersed with speed work, long runs, strength training, and active recovery. Pre-race training environment that mirrors race day terrain and climate is preferred. Customized nutrition and hydration strategies are recommended. Further research is needed regarding various carbohydrate/fat nutrition strategies.SummaryThere are numerous reviews of ultramarathon running-related injurie...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - July 3, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Knee Osteoarthritis and Meniscal Injuries in the Runner
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review new evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of knee osteoarthritis and meniscal injuries in the recreational and professional running population.Recent FindingsThough conservative measures remain the mainstay of treatment, increasing evidence shows a role for platelet-rich plasma as a conservative management option for osteoarthritis and meniscal injury, though further studies need to be performed. Cell-based therapy, such as mesenchymal stem cells, remains a controversial topic without clear evidence of their efficacy. Newer surgical options, s...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 30, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Sex Differences in the Spine
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review anatomic and pathology-specific sex differences of the spine.Recent FindingsWhile cadaveric and imaging analyses have shown differences in planar orientation of vertebral anatomy and alignment, the data is less conclusive for clinically correlating these differences. Reports show that predilection to injury in athletes is influenced by both gender and the nature of the sport, which makes it difficult to determine the exact contribution of sex differences to injury rates. Multiple articles report an increased incidence of spondylolysis, disc degeneration, and ankylosing spo...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 26, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Review of Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention in Female Soccer Athletes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review the recent literature regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in female soccer athletes.Recent FindingsFemale soccer players are at risk for many musculoskeletal injuries, mostly involving the lower extremities, due to anatomic, hormonal, and biomechanical factors. Various programs are available that target overall injury prevention, as well as specifically the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ankle, and overuse injuries. The F édération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ is the most well-studied program for overall injury preve...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 10, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses the current practice of evaluation and treatment of patellar tendinopathy with emphasis on rehabilitation.Recent FindingsThe latest studies revolve primarily around implementation of isometric and heavy slow resistance (HSR) exercises in the rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy rather than the traditional rehabilitation method of eccentric exercise.SummaryPatellar tendinopathy is a common injury of the inferior anterior knee seen in athletes but predominantly in jumping athletes. Onset is insidious and frequently noted in a loaded position with knee flexion. Physical exam f...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 7, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

A Review of Hip-Spine Syndrome
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review is aimed at summarizing our current understanding of hip-spine syndrome. In particular, the review discusses the clinical assessment and diagnosis of commonly implicated conditions to help a practitioner realize an efficient and organized approach to the evaluation and management of pain in the setting of hip-spine syndrome.Recent FindingsWhile initially described as the concurrent presence of hip osteoarthritis and lumbar spinal stenosis, the catalog of diagnoses associated with hip-spine syndrome has expanded and includes femoroacetabular impingement, acetabular dysplasia, hip osteoar...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 2, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Lower Limb Sports Injuries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo outline current evidence on the use of ESWT for the treatment of lower limb sports injuries.Recent FindingsThere is growing evidence to support the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions in the general population. However, research focused on the use of ESWT specifically for lower extremity injuries in the athletic population is more limited. Athletes represent a subgroup of patients that may benefit from ESWT. Compared with injections or surgical interventions, athletes undergoing ESWT often are able to continue sports participation with fewer...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - June 2, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Management of Pressure Ulcers and Pressure-Related Injury
We examined which studies of available support surfaces, new and currently utilized wound dressings or any other treatment modalities have provided ev idence of any greater effectiveness than standard of care in the prevention of pressure injury and in promotion of pressure ulcer healing. Our objective is to provide healthcare providers with an assessment of the relative efficacy of the various interventions available to facilitate their decision- making in the healing of their patient’s pressure ulcers. Goals for pressure injury prevention or treatment, especially in the geriatric population, address repositioning for p...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - May 31, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Musculoskeletal Injuries in Climbers
This article aims to review the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in climbers, risk factors leading to those injuries, and treatment and prevention strategies specific to climbers.Recent FindingsMost chronic climbing injuries occur in the upper extremities, especially the hands, and are due to overuse. Outdoor climbing is associated with a higher rate of injury than indoor climbing, and among indoor climbing sub-disciplines, bouldering has the highest injury rate. Further research is needed to identify specific techniques or training regimens that may lead to injury, and furthermore, if changing technique during tra...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - May 30, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Evidence Analysis of Sympathetic Blocks for Visceral Pain
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis paper aims to review common sympathetic nerve blocks to treat visceral pain.Recent FindingsExtensive reviews exist exploring the approach to care for those with visceral pain due to malignancy. These often include interventional pain procedures. Research demonstrates these procedures may reduce opioid use. Research is ongoing to assess the efficacy when treating non-malignant source of visceral pain. Recently, several case reports and small-scale studies demonstrate benefits for non-painful entities, such as improved cardiac function after such procedures.SummaryThe management of visceral alge...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - May 30, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research

Outcome Measures of Free-Living Activity in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this article was to describe the utilization of body-worn activity monitors in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population and discuss the challenges of using body-worn sensors in rehabilitation research.Recent FindingsMany activity monitor-based measures have been used and validated in the SCI population including stroke number, push frequency, upper limb activity counts, and wheelchair propulsion distance measured from a sensor attached to the wheelchair.SummaryThe ability to accurately measure physical activity in the free-living environment using body-worn sensors has the potential t...
Source: Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports - May 27, 2019 Category: Rehabilitation Source Type: research