ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: In recent years, pulsed radiofrequency (PR) has been used as a minimally invasive pain intervention. However, various studies on the efficacy of PR as modalities for the treatment of radicular pain in lumbar disc herniation have had varied results. Objective: This study aims to determine the efficacy of PR in reducing radicular pain among lumbar disc herniation patients compared with conservative treatment. Methods: This study was conducted using the before-andafter quasi experimental design. There were 50 subjects that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and they were divided into an intervention group (n=25) and control group (n=25). The intervention group was given once PR in the dorsal root ganglion. All subjects were assessed for Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before treatment, at 1- , 2- and 4-week after treatment. Results: At1-, 2- and 4-week, the VAS reduction in the intervention group was statistically significant compared to the control group. Four weeks after the intervention, the VAS score decreased in the intervention group (mean VAS -78.5, SD 16.8) more significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001). The ODI score decreased in the intervention group (mean ODI -61.8, SD 20.1) more significantly than in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Finding showed that at1- , 2- and 4-weekPR was more efficacious in reducing radicular pain among lumbar disc herniation patients compared to the conservative therapy.
ABSTRACT
@#Many people with neurological impairment following stroke prefer home-based care instead of long-term hospitalization. This study aims to identify the physical and psychological outcomes of home-based care after a stroke. The studies were identified by searching the following electronic databases, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, PsyARTICLES, MedLINE, CINAHL, and EBSCO. Twenty-seven articles analyzed and reviewed using the content analysis method. Most physical interventions resulted in increased upper body motor function. The most common equipment were treadmill and computer games. The studies we reviewed highlighted the muscle limb pain and falling as the adverse events that occur during home-based care, but most studies did not systematically document those adverse events. Home-based interventions are particularly effective to improve motor function and reduce anxiety and depression.