No abstract

On the basis of these preliminary findings, the FES(S) appears to have acceptable test-retest reliability. The test may be a reasonable addition for assessing stroke patients with balance disturbances and risk for falls.

In chronic stroke patients, 3 months of PRB exercises and motivational discussions induced improvements in balance at 3 months and in walking speed at 3 and 6 months. Implications for Rehabilitation A progressive resistance and balance exercise program supported by motivational group discussions and one home-based exercise appears to be an effective means of improving the short-term balance and the walking speed in individuals with chronic stroke. People with poor balance and motor function discontinued the study more often and may require additional support. There is a need for powerful and cost-effective strategies that target changes in behavior to obtain long-term changes in physical function after exercising.

The regular exercise group with self-initiated training seemed to enhance HRQoL more than the intensive exercise group with scheduled intensive training. The degree of motor function, balance, walking capacity and independence in activities of daily living is of importance for perceived HRQoL.

Objective--To investigate the effects of deep breathing performed on the second postoperative day after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Design--The immediate effects of 30 deep breaths performed without a mechanical device (n = 21), with a blow bottle device (n = 20) and with an inspiratory resistance-positive expiratory pressure mask (n = 20) were studied. Spiral computed tomography and arterial blood gas analyses were performed immediately before and after the intervention. Results--Deep breathing caused a significant decrease in atelectatic area from 12.3 +/- 7.3% to 10.2 +/- 6.7% (p < 0.0001) of total lung area 1 cm above the diaphragm and from 3.9 +/- 3.5% to 3.3 +/- 3.1% (p < 0.05) 5 cm above the diaphragm. No difference between the breathing techniques was found. The aerated lung area increased by 5% (p < 0.001). The PaO (2) increased by 0.2 kPa (p < 0.05), while PaCO (2) was unchanged in the three groups. Conclusion--A significant decrease of atelectatic area, increase in aerated lung area and a small increase in PaO (2) were found after performance of 30 deep breaths. No difference between the three breathing techniques was found.