These findings suggest that low-intensity WBV induced via a noninvasive oscillation platform may be an effective therapy for reducing symptom severity in patients with chronic functional constipation.
Lymphedema is a dreaded complication of breast cancer treatment. The standard care for lymphedema is complex decongestive physiotherapy, which includes manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), short stretch bandaging, exercise, and skin care. The Kinesio Taping could help to improve lymphatic uptake. We reported a patient with unilateral secondary malignant breast cancer-related lymphedema and arteriovenous (A-V) fistula for hemodialysis happened in the same arm, and used kinesio taping, MLD, and exercise to treat this patient because no pressure could be applied to the A-V fistula. The 12-session therapy created an excellent effect. We do not think the kinesio taping could replace short stretch bandaging, but it could be another choice for contraindicating pressure therapy patients, and we should pay attention to wounds induced by kinesio tape.
Objective. To investigate the relationship among walking speed, exercise capacity, and leg strength in community dwelling stroke subjects and to evaluate which one was the leading determinant factor of them. Design. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Thirty-five chronic stroke patients who were able to walk independently in their community were enrolled. Walking speed was evaluated by using the 12-meter walking test. A maximal exercise test was used to determine the stroke subjects' exercise capacity. Knee extensor strength, measured as isokinetic torque, was assessed by isokinetic dynamometer. Results. The main walking speed of our subjects was 0.52 m/s. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) was 1.21 ± 0.43 L/min. Knee extensor strength, no matter whether paretic or nonparetic side, was significantly correlated to 12-meter walking speed and exercise capacity. Linear regression also showed the strength of the affected knee extensor was the determinant of walking speed and that of the nonparetic knee extensor was the determinant of exercise capacity in community dwelling stroke subjects. Conclusions. Walking speed and peak oxygen uptake were markedly decreased after stroke. Knee extensor strength of nonparetic leg was the most important determinant of exercise capacity of the community-dwelling stroke subjects. Knee extensor strengthening should be emphasized to help stroke patient to achieve optimal community living.
Porpose The aims of this study were to identify (1) the incidence and risk factors for axillary web syndrome (AWS) 4 weeks after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for individuals with breast cancer (BC), and (2) whether early-intervention physical therapy (PT) could reduce the recurrence of AWS.Methods A retrospective review of patients with BC receiving ALND and patients with AWS referred to receive PT twice weekly between January 2019 and December 2020 was performed.Results A total 173 breast cancer patients receiving ALND were enrolled. The incidence of AWS was 18%, and the time to diagnosis was 26.3 days. There was a predominant difference in age (p=0.004), number of removed lymph nodes (p = 0.044), and whether they were receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p =0.002) between patients with and without AWS. These 3 factors were associated with an increased risk of developing AWS. Initial shoulder flexion and abduction were 132.1˚ and 123.4˚, respectively. After 14.8 PT sessions, shoulder flexion and abduction improved to 172.3˚ and 171.8˚, respectively. Improvement in shoulder ROM was 40.2˚ and 48.4˚ in flexion and abduction, respectively, which was significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion Younger age, higher number of removed lymph nodes and receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of developing AWS. Early intervention with a PT program could effectively restore shoulder function and decrease the incidence of AWS in long-term follow-up.
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