Clinical Scenario: Tendinopathies plague many active individuals, causing pain and reducing sport activity by decreasing range of motion and strength. There are many modalities that have been used to treat pain associated with chronic inflammation, such as ultrasound, moist heat packs, and electrical stimulation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is one such modality. Potential benefits of managing pain associated with tendinopathies have been investigated using LLLT. Cellular respiration and metabolism are thought to be increased by LLLT acting on the mitochondrial cytochromes. The effects LLLT may have on cellular activity could increase blood flow to progress the healing process by reducing the pain-spasm cycle. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to identify the clinical effectiveness of LLLT on pain associated with tendinopathy and to identify the parameters used to achieve statistically and clinically relevant pain outcomes. Focused Clinical Question: What is the effect of LLLT on pain associated with tendinopathy? Clinical Bottom Line: Although LLLT significantly decreases pain from baseline, its use may be no better than placebo or traditional treatments such as ultrasound, moist heat packs, electrical stimulation, or therapeutic exercise to reduce pain associated with tendinopathy. Total accumulated joules across the treatment sessions may need to be taken into account as a parameter.
We have developed a new, steerable microangioscope for performing percutaneous coronary angioscopy. The angioscopic catheter is made of polyethylene, contains a distal balloon for occlusion of blood flow during imaging, fits through an 8 Fr percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) guiding catheter and is steerable by means of a guidewire. Initial feasibility was demonstrated in animal studies involving both peripheral and coronary arteries. Angioscopic findings in normal vessels included normal endothelial surface, collateral blood flow, and side branches. Angioscopy was also performed after balloon denudation of the arteries, laser-assisted balloon angioplasty, and stent implantation. In early human clinical trials we have performed percutaneous angioscopy in six patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty without complications. Findings in these patients include atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus, and dissection. This new device has great potential for use in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of coronary atherosclerosis.
This case follows a female collegiate basketball player who was diagnosed with Acute Ly mphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Th is five-year study explores the unique aspects of this subject's case by examin ing each characteristic of her journey fro m init ial d iagnosis as an undergraduate freshman through treatment and into remission by her senior year. Participation in collegiate athletics was identified for its positive influence in serving as a modality to overcome this oncologic condition that affected the mental, physical and emotional state of the athlete. The first part of this study examines the subject's battle with cancer uniquely occurring over her five years of undergraduate study. Follo wing the case report, the physical effects of cancer on the body are discussed as well as the benefits of exercise for cancer patients. To conclude the discussion, the psychological implications of cancer and tools used to combat the negative consequences on the mind are rev iewed. This study concludes that physical activ ity in conjunction with the integration of support fro m her collegiate basketball team contributed to the positive outcomes of the subject's psychological and physical well-being.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.