ThemFis_Vol 7_Issue 3_July-Sept 2011_69-82

The Effect of a Rehabilitation Programme, Different in Weekly Frequency, in Women Office Workers with Chronic Neck Pain

Ioanna Filippaiou, Paraskevi Malliou, Anastasia Beneka, Asimenia Gioftsidou

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to assess a rehabilitation programme, which presents different weekly frequency, according to pain disability and active range of motion (aROM). 20 (N=20) female offi ce workers with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to two training groups. The first training group performed a rehabilitation programme two times/week and the second one 4 times/week. Measures were taken in the beginning and in the end of the programme. Neck pain was assessed by VAS, disability was assessed by Neck Disability Index and active ROM was assessed by a goniometer. The analysis was ANOVA repeated measures 2x2 (2 groups x 2 measures).

First group reduced statistically significant pain F(1,18)=150.427, p<.001, disability F(1,18)=330.957, p<.001 and aROM (flexion F(1,18)=53.491, p<.001, extension F(1,18)=36.000, p<.001, right lateral flexion F(1,18)=26.766, p<.001, left lateral flexion αριστερά F(1,18)=57.316, p<.001, right rotation F(1,18)=70.560, p<.001, left rotation F(1,18)=87.045, p<.001 in the end of the programme. Second group reduced statistically significant pain F(1,18)=10.759, p<.01, disability F(1,18)=15.033, p<.01, right lateral flexion F(1,18)=5.420, p<.05 and left lateral flexion F(1,18)=7.579, p<.05, in the end of the programme. Both weekly frequencies decreased pain and enhanced disability, but the most advantages were offered by the shortest term programme which has presented the highest frequency.

ThemFis_Vol 7_Issue 3_July-Sept 2011_83-92

Low-Energy Hip Fractures; Special Considerations Regarding Physical Therapy Intervention

Stasi Sophia, Konstantinos Krasoulis, George Papathanasiou

Abstract

Low-energy fractures of the hip in elderly adults are a major health problem with serious financial, social and psychological consequences. The predominant cause of hip fractures in elderly adults is falling. Osteoporosis is implicated as the main pathogenetic cause. Pre-existing disease or pathology may also affect rehabilitation, with neurological impairment having a significant negative impact. The main purpose of physical therapy is the design and the implementation of individualised rehabilitation programmes. Among the general principles underlying physical therapy intervention following surgical treatment is the early mobilisation of the patient for the prevention of postoperative complications, without overloading the fractured hip. Special consideration should be given to retraining balance in order to prevent a new fall, thus minimising the possibility of a second fracture. Balance training should be incorporated early in the rehabilitation programme and remain an important part until its completion. Specific aspects of rehabilitation should be taken into account according to the type of

fracture, the surgical approach and treatment. Of particular importance is the avoidance of single movements or movement combinations during the crucial phase of hospitalisation, as herein discussed. Finally, an active exercise programme of increasing difficulty, with imposed hip loads, a focus on strengthening key muscles and increasing the associated ranges of motion, is proposed.