Participation In Physical Therapy Research Articles

Combined genicular artery embolization and genicular nerve block to treat chronic pain following total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundChronic knee pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common complication that is difficult to treat. This report aims to highlight the benefit of combining embolotherapy and neurolysis intervention for symptomatic relief of post-TKA pain in a patient with long-standing pain refractory to conservative management.Case presentationA 77-year-old man who had previously undergone left knee arthroplasty has been grappling with worsening knee effusion and debilitating pain, resulting in limited mobility and progressive musculature deconditioning over a 20-year period. Diagnostic arteriography showed marked diffuse periarticular hyperemia around the medial and lateral joint spaces of the left knee, along with capsular distention. The patient initially underwent microsphere embolization to selectively target multiple branches of the genicular arteries, achieving a 50% reduction in pain at the one-month follow-up. Subsequently, the patient underwent image-guided genicular nerve neurolysis, targeting multiple branches of the genicular nerves, which led to further pain reduction (80% compared to the initial presentation or 60% compared to post-embolization) at the one-month follow-up. This improvement facilitated weight-bearing and enabled participation in physical therapy, with sustained pain relief over the 10-month follow-up period.ConclusionThe combination of genicular artery embolization and genicular nerve block may be a technically safe and effective option for alleviating chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Coming back for more: factors linked to higher participation among Veterans with chronic pain in an innovative VA-YMCA wellness clinic

In 2019, the Indianapolis VA developed a Wellness Clinic in partnership with the Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCA) to comprehensively address Veterans’ chronic pain. Our specific aims were twofold: (1)...

Improved nursing home end-stage renal disease patient participation in physical therapy with onsite, more frequent dialysis.

For end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the logistics and physical exhaustion of life-saving hemodialysis therapy often conflict with rehabilitation goals. Integration of dialysis care with rehabilitation programs in a scalable and cost-efficient manner has been a significant challenge. SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving onsite, more frequent hemodialysis (MFD) have reported rapid post-dialysis recovery. We examined whether such patients have improved Physical Therapy (PT) participation. We conducted a retrospective electronic medical records review of SNF-resident PT participation rates within a multistate provider of SNF rehabilitation care from January 1, 2022 to June 1, 2022. We compared three groups: ESRD patients receiving onsite MFD (Onsite-MFD), ESRD patients receiving offsite, conventional 3×/week dialysis (Offsite-Conventional-HD), and the general non-ESRD SNF rehabilitation population (Non-ESRD). We evaluated physical therapy participation rates based on a predefined metric of missed or shortened (<15 min) therapy days. Baseline demographics and functional status were assessed. Ninety-two Onsite-MFD had 2084 PT sessions scheduled, 12,916 Non-ESRD had 225,496 PT sessions scheduled, and 562 Offsite-Conventional-HD had 9082 PT sessions scheduled. In mixed model logistic regression, Onsite-MFD achieved higher PT participation rates than Offsite-Conventional-HD (odds ratio: 1.8, CI: 1.1-3.0; p < 0.03), and Onsite-MFD achieved equivalent PT participation rates to Non-ESRD (odds ratio: 1.2, CI: 0.3-1.9; p < 0.46). Baseline mean ± SD Charlson Comorbidity score was significantly higher in Onsite-MFD (4.9 ± 2.0) and Offsite-Conventional-HD (4.9 ± 1.8) versus Non-ESRD (2.6 ± 2.0; p < 0.001). Baseline mean self-care and mobility scores were significantly lower in Onsite-MFD versus Non-ESRD or Offsite-Conventional-HD. SNF-resident ESRD patients receiving MFD colocated with rehabilitation had higher PT participation rates than those conventionally dialyzed offsite and equivalent PT participation rates to the non-ESRD SNF-rehabilitation general population, despite being sicker, less independent, and less mobile. We report a scalable program integrating dialysis and rehabilitation care as a potential solution for ESRD patients recovering from acute hospitalization.

Patient Perspectives on Seeking Emergency Care for Acute Low Back Pain and Access to Physical Therapy in the Emergency Department.

Low back pain is a common reason for visiting the emergency department (ED), yet little is known about patient motivations for seeking emergency care. The purpose of this study was to explore patient perspectives on visiting the ED for low back pain to inform a more patient-centered approach to emergency care. We conducted focus group discussions and individual interviews among patients visiting an urban academic ED for acute low back pain. We recruited participants from an ongoing prospective study of 101 patients receiving either ED-initiated physical therapy or usual care. We conducted discussions, and interviews using an a priori developed discussion guide. We audio recorded, transcribed, and iteratively content analyzed the data using a consensual qualitative approach until thematic saturation was reached. We conducted 4 focus group discussions among 18 participants (median age 46.5 years, 66.7% women, 61.1% Black) and individual interviews with 27 participants (median age 45 years, 55.6% women, 44.4% White). No new themes emerged during the fourth and final focus group. We identified 5 summary themes: (1) the decision to seek emergency care for low back pain is motivated by severe pain, resulting disability, and fears about a catastrophic diagnosis, (2) participants sought various goals from their ED visit but emphasized the primacy of pain control, (3) participants were reluctant to use pain medications but also acknowledged their benefit, (4) participants perceived a number of benefits from direct access to an ED physical therapist in the ED, and (5) participation in physical therapy ultimately facilitated recovery, but the pain was a barrier to performing exercises. These patient perspectives and resulting themes may be used to inform a more patient-centered emergency care experience and contextualize quantitative research findings on ED care for low back pain.

Efficacy and Safety of Supraclavicular Thoracic Outlet Decompression.

We aimed to report efficacy, safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes of a multidisciplinary treatment approach including supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression among patients with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). TOS is a challenging condition where controversy remains in diagnosis and treatment, primarily given a lack of data exploring various treatment approaches and associated patient outcomes. Patients who underwent unilateral, supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression, or pectoralis minor tenotomy for neurogenic, venous, or arterial TOS were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Demography, use of preoperative botulinum toxin injection, and participation in multidisciplinary evaluation were measured. The primary endpoints were composite postoperative morbidity and symptomatic improvement compared with baseline. Among 2869 patients evaluated (2007-2021), 1032 underwent surgery, including 864 (83.7%) supraclavicular decompressions and 168 (16.3%) isolated pectoralis minor tenotomies. Predominant TOS subtypes among surgical patients were neurogenic (75.4%) and venous TOS (23.4%). Most patients (92.9%) with nTOS underwent preoperative botulinum toxin injection; 56.3% reported symptomatic improvement. Before surgical consultation, few patients reported participation in physical therapy (10.9%). The median time from first evaluation to surgery was 136 days (interquartile range: 55, 258). Among 864 patients who underwent supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression, complications occurred in 19.8%; the most common complication was chyle leak (8.3%). Four patients (0.4%) required revisional thoracic outlet decompression. At a median follow-up of 420 days (interquartile range: 150, 937) 93.3% reported symptomatic improvement. Based on low composite morbidity, need for very few revisional operations, and high rates of symptomatic improvement, a multidisciplinary treatment approach including primarily supraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression is safe and effective for patients with TOS.

Depressive and Anxiety Disorders Increase Risk for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Pain Following Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Biceps Tenodesis

PurposeTo evaluate factors associated with postoperative anterior shoulder pain following arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ABT) and to determine the clinical impact of postoperative anterior shoulder pain.MethodsA retrospective study of patients that underwent ABT between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. Groups were categorized by the presence (ASP+) or absence (ASP−) of postoperative anterior shoulder pain. Patient-reported outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow score [ASES], visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, subjective shoulder value [SSV]), strength, range of motion, and complication rates were analyzed. Differences between continuous and categorical variables were tested with two-sample t-tests and chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests, respectively. Variables collected at different postoperative timepoints were analyzed using mixed models with post hoc comparisons when significant interactions were detected.ResultsA total of 461 (47 ASP+, 414 ASP−) patients were included. A statistically significant lower mean age was observed in the ASP+ group (P < .001). A statistically significant higher prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) (P = .03) or any anxiety disorder (P = .002) was observed in the ASP+ group. Prescription medication with psychotropic medications (P = .01) was significantly more prevalent in the ASP+ group. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of individuals reaching the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for ASES, VAS, or SSV between groups.ConclusionsA pre-existing diagnosis of major depressive disorder or any anxiety disorder, as well as the use of psychotropic medications was associated with postoperative anterior shoulder pain following ABT. Other factors associated with anterior shoulder pain included younger age, participation in physical therapy before surgery, and lower rate of concomitant rotator cuff repair or subacromial decompression. Although the proportion of individuals reaching MCID did not differ between groups, the presence of anterior shoulder pain after ABT resulted in prolonged recovery, inferior PROs, and a higher incidence of repeat surgical procedures. The decision to perform ABT in patients diagnosed with MDD or anxiety should be carefully considered, given the correlation to postoperative anterior shoulder pain and inferior outcomes.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective case-control study. To evaluate factors associated with postoperative anterior shoulder pain following arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (ABT) and to determine the clinical impact of postoperative anterior shoulder pain. A retrospective study of patients that underwent ABT between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. Groups were categorized by the presence (ASP+) or absence (ASP−) of postoperative anterior shoulder pain. Patient-reported outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow score [ASES], visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, subjective shoulder value [SSV]), strength, range of motion, and complication rates were analyzed. Differences between continuous and categorical variables were tested with two-sample t-tests and chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests, respectively. Variables collected at different postoperative timepoints were analyzed using mixed models with post hoc comparisons when significant interactions were detected. A total of 461 (47 ASP+, 414 ASP−) patients were included. A statistically significant lower mean age was observed in the ASP+ group (P < .001). A statistically significant higher prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) (P = .03) or any anxiety disorder (P = .002) was observed in the ASP+ group. Prescription medication with psychotropic medications (P = .01) was significantly more prevalent in the ASP+ group. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of individuals reaching the minimal clinical important difference (MCID) for ASES, VAS, or SSV between groups. A pre-existing diagnosis of major depressive disorder or any anxiety disorder, as well as the use of psychotropic medications was associated with postoperative anterior shoulder pain following ABT. Other factors associated with anterior shoulder pain included younger age, participation in physical therapy before surgery, and lower rate of concomitant rotator cuff repair or subacromial decompression. Although the proportion of individuals reaching MCID did not differ between groups, the presence of anterior shoulder pain after ABT resulted in prolonged recovery, inferior PROs, and a higher incidence of repeat surgical procedures. The decision to perform ABT in patients diagnosed with MDD or anxiety should be carefully considered, given the correlation to postoperative anterior shoulder pain and inferior outcomes.

Physical Therapists Use Different Motivational Strategies for Stroke Rehabilitation Tailored to an Individual's Condition: A Qualitative Study.

Various strategies are used to motivate individuals with stroke during rehabilitation. However, how physical therapists select the motivational strategies that they use for each individual is yet to be established. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how physical therapists use different motivational strategies for individuals in stroke rehabilitation programs. A criterion sample of 15 physical therapists who have worked in rehabilitation for over 10years and were interested in an individual's motivation participated in one-on-one semi-structured online interviews. The interviews explored their perspectives and experiences regarding the motivational strategies used depending on each individual's condition. The collected data were analyzed with thematic analysis. A total of 9 themes emerged from the data upon thematic analysis and inductive coding. Participants used different strategies to encourage individuals' active participation in physical therapy depending on (1) their mental health, (2) their physical difficulties, (3) their level of cognitive function, (4) their personality, (5) their activities and participation, (6) their age, (7) their human environment, and (8) the type of rehabilitation service where the individual underwent treatment. For example, in cases where an individual lost self-confidence, participants offered practice tasks that the individual could achieve with little effort to make them experience success. The interviews also revealed (9) motivational strategies used regardless of the individual's condition. For instance, patient-centered communication was used to build rapport with individuals, irrespective of their condition. This qualitative study suggests that physical therapists use different strategies depending on the individual's mental health conditions, physical problems, level of cognitive function, personality, activities and participation, age, human environment, and the type of rehabilitation service where the individual undergoes treatment to motivate individuals with stroke during physical therapy. The findings of this study can provide experience-based recommendations regarding the selection of motivational strategies for stroke rehabilitation.

A Retrospective Analysis of Guanfacine for the Pharmacological Management of Delirium.

Background Delirium is a syndrome of acute brain failure that represents a change from an individual's baseline cognitive functioning characterized by deficits in attention and multiple aspects of cognition that fluctuate in severity over time. The symptomatic management of delirium's behavioral manifestations remains difficult. The alpha-2 agonists, dexmedetomidine and clonidine, are efficacious, but their potential cardiovascular adverse effects limit their utilization. Guanfacine is an oral alpha-2 agonist with a lower potential for such adverse outcomes; however, its use in delirium has not been studied. Methods A retrospective descriptive analysis of guanfacine for managing hyperactive or mixed delirium at Tampa General Hospital from January 2020 to October 2020 was conducted. The primary outcome was the time reduction in acute sedative administration. Secondary outcomes included renewed participation in physical therapy or occupational therapy (PT/OT), decreased opioid use, and an incidence of cardiovascular adverse effects. Results One hundred forty-nine patients were identified as having received guanfacine for managing delirium during the study period. All experienced a reduction in acute sedative use after the initiation of guanfacine. In 93 patients receiving PT/OT and no longer participating due to behavioral agitation, 74% had a documented renewal of services within four days. Of 112 patients on opioids, 70% experienced a 25% reduction in opioid administration within four days. No patients experienced consecutive episodes of hypotension that required a change in their clinical care. Two patients experienced a single episode of consecutive bradycardia that led to the discontinuation of guanfacine. Conclusions Based on our retrospective study, guanfacine is a well-tolerated medication for the management of delirium. Even in medically and critically ill patients, cardiovascular adverse events were rare with guanfacine. Patients treated with guanfacine experienced decreased acute sedative use for behavioral agitation. Additionally, patients treated with guanfacine received fewer opioids and were better able to participate in PT/OT. Future studies with prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled designs are warranted to evaluate this promising intervention for delirium further.

The management of a Bell's Palsy Diagnosis in a Geriatric Patient Following COVID-19 Vaccination

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To educate health care professionals about and document the potential unique incidence of Bell's Palsy diagnosis following COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic while documenting significance of high-volt pulsed electrical stimulation intervention strategies by a physical therapist. <h3>Design</h3> Single subject retrospective case study. <h3>Setting</h3> Private practice physical therapy out patient clinic. <h3>Participants</h3> Retrospective single subject case study, based on diagnosis. <h3>Interventions</h3> A 72-year-old female, independent in all activities of daily living, experienced significant symptoms of Bell's Palsy following a COVID-19 vaccine. Past medical history included idiopathic Bell's Palsy on the contralateral side. Functional difficulties were documented and Facial Disability Index scores obtained. Physical therapy was initiated and utilized electrical stimulation protocol, active and active assistive exercise, and patient education/support. Focus for electrical stimulation included Frontalis, Orbicularis Oculi, Zygomaticus Major and Orbicularis Oris. Significant improvement and a full return to function was documented in 7 weeks. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Functional tolerances (patient reported), visual/strength improvements, and Facial Disability Index scores. <h3>Results</h3> Patient participation in physical therapy for the treatment of Bell's Palsy following a first dose vaccine for COVIID-19 is documented, with the outcome being full return to function and all social activities. FDI scores improved significantly as well as patient satisfaction scales, and the patient reported full credit to the physical therapy for the recovery, while refusing other interventions that were offered. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This case study presents a unique onset and etiology for a Bell's Palsy in a geriatric patient and contributes to the literature by offering physical therapy interventions with outcome findings. Patient advocacy for obtaining physical therapy was critical and significantly meaningful. Given the unique case of a single subject control, this case may be valuable for clinicians who may be presented with cases in the clinic, or for educational purposes in the classroom. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Totally Excited about Moving Mobility and Exercise (TEAM Me): A Successful Multidisciplinary Exercise Quality Improvement Initiative for Pediatric and Young Adult Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Inpatients.

Background: Pediatric, adolescent and young adult (PAYA) patients are less active than their healthy counterparts, particularly during inpatient stays. Methods: We conducted a quality improvement initiative to increase activity levels in patients admitted to our pediatric oncology and cellular therapy unit using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. An interdisciplinary team was assembled to develop an incentive-based inpatient exercise and activity program titled Totally Excited About Moving Mobility and Exercise (TEAM Me). As part of the program, patients were encouraged by their care team to remain active during their inpatient stay. As an additional incentive, patients earned stickers to display on TEAM Me door boards along with tickets that could be exchanged for prizes. Activity was assessed by documentation of physical therapy participation, tests of physical function, and surveys of staff perceptions of patient activity levels, motivations, and barriers. Results: Compared to baseline, patient refusals to participate in physical therapy decreased significantly (24% vs. 2%) (p < 0.02), and staff perceptions of patient motivation to stay active increased from 40% to 70% in the post implementation period. There were no changes in physical function tests. Conclusions: An incentive-based exercise program for young oncology inpatients greatly improved patient activity levels, participation in physical therapy and influenced professional caregivers’ beliefs.

Evaluation of Outcomes in Patients Receiving Modafinil to Improve Alertness after Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Modafinil is used for improving wakefulness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. The goal of this study is to evaluate alertness and participation in physical therapy and occupational therapy in patients with a first-time diagnosis of traumatic brain injury using modafinil. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, chart review, cohort study of Ochsner Medical Center patients from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients included in the study were 18 years of age or older who were hospitalized due to a traumatic brain injury and received modafinil either by mouth, nasogastric, or enteral feeding tube to help improve alertness. The primary outcome is the change in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score from baseline to 72 hours after initiating modafinil. Results: One-hundred and Forty patients were included with a mean age of 67.8 years and 59.3% were male. The majority of the patients (52.9 %) were predominantly patients who suffered ischemic stroke. The mean change in GCS score in 72 hours was +0.35 (95% CI [-0.16, 0.88], p=0.177). One of the secondary endpoints was the mean change in course of therapy GCS score which showed significant improvement in neurological function after initiation of modafinil: +1.22 (95% CI [0.64, 1.80], p=0.0001). The percent physical therapy/occupational therapy (PT/OT) session participation at 72-hour post-modafinil initiation was 96.7% compared to 95.7% during the course of therapy. The correlation between increase in GCS score and percent PT/OT therapy session participation was analyzed at 72 hours and throughout the course of therapy, which revealed no significant association (r=0.14 [p=0.0911] and -0.06 [p=0.4881], respectively). Conclusion: Our study did not find a significant increase in the mean change of GCS score at 72 hours of modafinil use. Although, there were high percentage of patients participated in PT/OT in 72 hours and course of therapy (96.7% and 95.7%), there was no significant statistical correlation between increase in GCS score and PT/OT participation. Randomized studies are needed to further assess the impact of modafinil for treating traumatic brain injury associated sleep-wake disturbances while considering factors such as medication initiation time, appropriate dosage, GCS score, and long-term outcomes.

Investigation of Participation in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program After Traffic Accidents with Injuries

Investigation of Participation in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program After Traffic Accidents with Injuries

Racial and Social Disparities in Health and Health Care Delivery among Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Related Disorders in a Multiracial Clinical Setting.

There are racial and socioeconomic disparities in the care of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Bellevue Hospital Center (BHC) in New York City is the oldest public hospital in the United States providing care to a multiracial, socioeconomically diverse and medically underserved population. We investigated racial and social disparities in providing care to patients with PD and related disorders at BHC compared to a NYU Langone Health, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence. Retrospective chart review of patients with diagnosis of PD or PD-related disorders evaluated at BHC or at NYU outpatient clinics from January 2012 to August 2017. 100 patients were enrolled from each site: BHC (55% men); NYU (49% men). The majority of patients at NYU were White (77%), compared to 14% at BHC; Hispanic patients comprised the majority at BHC (56%) (p < 0.001). BHC patients had more clinic visits per year compared to the NYU cohort (2.88 vs. 2.40, p = 0.001). BHC patients were less likely to self-report exercise (p = 0.047) or participation in physical therapy (p = 0.015). There were no clinically significant differences in diagnosis type, time to diagnosis, average Hoehn & Yahr or levodopa equivalent dose. Compared to a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, PD patients in a public hospital system are more racially diverse, are less likely to be insured, have higher rates of care utilization and are less likely to access necessary interventions such as physical therapy and exercise.

Update on medical management of acute hip fracture.

Morbidity and mortality rates associated with acute hip fracture remain high. Over the past decade, the management of hip fracture has shifted to emphasize prompt surgical treatment, multimodal analgesia to reduce opioid use, and incorporation of enhanced recovery pathways. Preoperative evaluation focuses on acutely correctable problems, with the understanding that delaying surgery may worsen the outcome. Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, treatment of preoperative anemia and acute kidney injury, and cardiac stabilization are important measures to reduce morbidity. Multimodal analgesia incorporating regional anesthesia techniques may help prevent delirium and facilitate early participation in physical therapy to reduce complications.

Functional recovery following surgery for chronic subdural hematoma.

Background: Among the elderly, chronic subdural hematoma is a relatively common neurosurgical condition. Presenting symptoms range from headache and focal neurological deficits to seizure and coma depending on location and extent of brain compression. Functional recovery following surgery for chronic subdural hematoma is central to quality of life and ongoing health for elderly patients; however, there is a paucity of data regarding functional recovery in this population.Methods: In this study, the physical activity of patients who underwent surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma was surveyed, as well as participation in physical therapy following surgery. In total, 38 patients completed the survey.Results: Of the 30 patients who exercised regularly before surgery, 28 (90.3%) returned to exercise within 1 year after surgery. Of 13 patients who reported playing hobby sports before surgery, 9 (69.2%) returned to those sports. 17/38 (44.7%) patients participated in physical therapy after surgery. 35/38 (92.1%) of patients reported that the surgery improved their quality of life.Conclusion: The majority of patients who underwent surgery for chronic subdural hematoma were able to return to exercise within 1 year. Participation in physical therapy was associated with return to exercise and sports. Further study is needed to determine which factors contribute to a return to baseline levels of physical activity following surgery for chronic subdural hematoma.

Factors Affecting Participation in Physical Therapy During Posttraumatic Amnesia

ObjectivesTo examine the effect of agitation, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and pain on physical therapy participation and outcomes during posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). DesignProspective longitudinal study. SettingInpatient rehabilitation hospital. ParticipantsParticipants (N=77) with moderate-to-severe TBI who were deemed to be experiencing PTA using the Westmead Post-Traumatic Amnesia Scale. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale and time in therapy (min) were recorded twice daily after routine physical therapy sessions during PTA. The FIM-motor (select items related to physical therapy) score rated on admission and after emergence from PTA was used to calculate FIM-motor change. ResultsAgitation was associated with lower participation in therapy. The presence of agitation and pain both predicted lower FIM-motor change at emergence from PTA. Higher levels of cognitive impairment and fatigue were also associated with lower participation and less time in therapy. ConclusionsThe presence of agitation, fatigue, pain, and cognitive impairment impede rehabilitation success during PTA. This study strengthens the case for implementing environmental and behavioral recommendations, such as conducting therapy earlier in the day within a familiar space (ie, on the ward) and tailoring session duration to patient needs. This is with the aim of minimizing fatigue, agitation, and pain, while promoting cognitive recovery and arousal during PTA to maximize physical gains. Further research is warranted to examine the factors associated with rehabilitation success across other therapeutic disciplines.

Evaluation of Outcomes in Patients Receiving Amantadine to Improve Alertness After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background: Amantadine has been used off-label to improve alertness after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal of this study is to assess the mean change at 72 hours and in course of therapy (COT) Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score after amantadine initiation and to correlate the change in GCS score with participation in physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) among patients with TBI receiving amantadine during the first hospitalization. Methods: This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included patients ≥18 years old hospitalized for a TBI from August 2012 to February 2018 and received ≥1 dose of amantadine to increase alertness. The primary endpoint is the mean change in 72-hour GCS score after amantadine initiation. The secondary endpoint is the mean change in COT GCS score after amantadine initiation and the correlation between the change in GCS score and percent PT and OT participation at 72 hours and during the COT. Results: Seventy-nine patients were included. The mean age of patients was 41 years, and 79.8% of the patients were men. The mean change in 72-hour GCS score was +0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.09-1.42, P = .027), and the mean change in COT GCS score was +2.29 (95% CI = 1.68-2.90, P < .001). There was no significant correlation between the increase in GCS score and percent PT/OT session participation at 72 hours and during the COT, r = -0.15 (P = .24) and r = -0.02 (P = .74), respectively. The percent PT/OT session participation at 72-hour post-amantadine initiation was 61.3% compared with 65.9% during the COT. Conclusion: There were small but statistically significant increases in the mean change at 72 hours and in COT GCS score; however, they were not correlated with percent PT/OT participation. Other studies are needed to determine the appropriate time and GCS score to initiate amantadine along with the optimal dose in the inpatient setting.

The Effect of Bladder Catheterization on Ambulation and Venous Thromboembolism Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Institutional Analysis

BackgroundAlthough intermittent catheters are immediately removed, indwelling catheterization may lead to decreased ambulation and participation in physical therapy, critical components to post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) management. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effect of catheterization treatments on (1) postoperative ambulation distances, (2) deep vein thromboses (DVTs), and (3) pulmonary emboli (PEs) following TKA. MethodsA total of 9123 prospectively collected primary TKA patients were assessed based on postoperative catheter status. Patient demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Indices, body mass indices, DVT prophylaxes, first ambulation distances, DVTs, and PEs were collected at approximately mean 12 months of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with independent t-tests and multiple linear regression models in order to compare catheterization techniques. ResultsThere were 1193 patients who had urinary retention and treated with either indwelling only (62%, n = 734), both indwelling and intermittent catheterizations (13%, n = 160), or intermittent only (25%, n = 299). Multivariate analyses found that indwelling catheter-only use had an 11% decrease in ambulation distance (P < .001). Additionally, the indwelling catheterization-only group was found to be at increased risk of DVTs (odds ratio 2.605, P < .001), even after controlling for DVT prophylaxes (odds ratio 2.807, P < .001). ConclusionThis study showed that the use of an indwelling catheter for treatment of urinary retention significantly decreased TKA patient ambulation distance and subsequently increased the risk for DVTs. This information is important as we would recommend the treatment with intermittent catheterization rather than indwelling catheters to decrease the risk of immobilization and postoperative DVTs.

Periarticular regional analgesia in total knee arthroplasty – Efficacy and outcome of single posterior capsular vs multiple site injections

ObjectiveTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a frequently performed elective orthopedic intervention for painful arthritic knee with the purpose to improve postoperative quality of life. However, TKA is followed by intense pain in postoperative period. Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-known clinical problem and prevents patients from sleeping, ambulating and participation in physical therapy. The infiltration of a cocktail in knee joint is a simple procedure performed by surgeon in soft tissue before component implantation. However, the technique and site of periarticular infiltration is still evolving, recent studies suggest that the proper technique of periarticular injection includes drug administration at eight sites around the knee. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and outcome of single posterior capsule vs multiple site infiltration. MethodsThis was a prospective randomized control study. A total of forty patients were randomly assigned into two groups of twenty each. Group A was given a single periarticular injection of a fixed cocktail just before implantation of components while group B was given same cocktail at eight predetermined sites around knee. Post operatively pain status was assessed by means of visual analogue scale. ResultsComparison of the pain scores of the two group were not statistically significant. ConclusionThe results of the study indicates that periarticular infiltration is a safe and effective means of postoperative pain control and that single posterior capsular infiltration is as effective as multiple infiltration.

Vaginal Diazepam for Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Pharmacokinetic Profile

BackgroundVaginal diazepam is frequently used to treat pelvic floor tension myalgia and pelvic pain despite limited knowledge of systemic absorption. AimTo determine the pharmacokinetic and adverse event profile of diazepam vaginal suppositories. MethodsWe used a prospective pharmacokinetic design with repeated assessments of diazepam levels. Eight healthy volunteers were administered a 10-mg compounded vaginal diazepam suppository in the outpatient gynecologic clinic. Serum samples were collected at 0, 45, 90, 120, and 180 minutes; 8, 24, and 72 hours; and 1 week following administration of a 10-mg vaginal suppository. The occurrence of adverse events was assessed using the alternate step and tandem walk tests, the Brief Confusion Assessment Method, and numerical ratings. Plasma concentrations of diazepam and active long-acting metabolites were measured. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by standard noncompartmental methods. ResultsThe mean peak diazepam concentration (Cmax) of 31.0 ng/mL was detected at a mean time (Tmax) of 3.1 hours after suppository placement. The bioavailability was found to be 70.5%, and the mean terminal elimination half-life was 82 hours. The plasma levels of temazepam and nordiazepam peaked at 0.8 ng/mL at 29 hours and 6.4 ng/mL at 132 hours, respectively. Fatigue was reported by 3 of 8 participants. Clinical ImplicationsSerum plasma concentrations of vaginally administered diazepam are low; however the half-life is prolonged. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths include use of inclusion and exclusion criteria aimed at mitigating clinical factors that could adversely impact diazepam absorption and metabolism, and the use of an ultrasensitive LC-MS/MS assay. Limitations included the lack of addressing the efficacy of vaginal diazepam in lieu of performing a pure pharmacokinetic study with healthy participants. ConclusionVaginal administration of diazepam results in lower peak serum plasma concentration, longer time to peak concentration, and lower bioavailability than standard oral use. Providers should be aware that with diazepam’s long half-life, accumulating levels would occur with chronic daily doses, and steady-state levels would not be reached for up to 1 week. This profile would favor intermittent use to allow participation in physical therapy and intimacy.Larish AM, Dickson RR, Kudgus RA, et al. Vaginal Diazepam for Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Pharmacokinetic Profile. J Sex Med 2019;16;763–766.