ABSTRACT
Spina bifida is a disease that requires cross-disciplinary treatment for each life stage from the neonatal period to adulthood. Various rehabilitation therapies are required depending on the life stage of patients. In this study, we aimed to clarify the current status of rehabilitation services at children's hospitals in order to improve quality of rehabilitation care for children with spina bifida. We performed a survey targeted at the Japanese Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. The framework of the cross-disciplinary co-operation of medical treatments for spina bifida existed in 67% of children's hospitals surveyed. In most of these hospitals, the departments of rehabilitation medicine participated in these frameworks. In the medical treatment for children with spina bifida, acute phase rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery was adequately provided in children's hospitals. However, convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies, and the co-operation with education institutions or habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children were determined to be inadequate. Regarding general paediatric rehabilitation, convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies were mainly provided outside children's hospitals：habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children mainly provided convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies and were considered to be the desirable setting for such therapies. To improve paediatric rehabilitation, including the rehabilitation for children with spina bifida, several factors need to be considered. These include the construction of appropriate frameworks for medical services (such as personnel training and the recruitment of rehabilitation doctors, therapists, and related staff), and co-operation with regional education institutions or habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children.
ABSTRACT
Spina bifida is a disease that requires cross-disciplinary treatment for each life stage from the neonatal period to adulthood. Various rehabilitation therapies are required depending on the life stage of patients. In this study, we aimed to clarify the current status of rehabilitation services at children's hospitals in order to improve quality of rehabilitation care for children with spina bifida. We performed a survey targeted at the Japanese Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. The framework of the cross-disciplinary co-operation of medical treatments for spina bifida existed in 67% of children's hospitals surveyed. In most of these hospitals, the departments of rehabilitation medicine participated in these frameworks. In the medical treatment for children with spina bifida, acute phase rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery was adequately provided in children's hospitals. However, convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies, and the co-operation with education institutions or habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children were determined to be inadequate. Regarding general paediatric rehabilitation, convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies were mainly provided outside children's hospitals：habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children mainly provided convalescent and community-based phase rehabilitation therapies and were considered to be the desirable setting for such therapies. To improve paediatric rehabilitation, including the rehabilitation for children with spina bifida, several factors need to be considered. These include the construction of appropriate frameworks for medical services (such as personnel training and the recruitment of rehabilitation doctors, therapists, and related staff), and co-operation with regional education institutions or habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children.
ABSTRACT
Children's hospitals and related institutions, along with habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children with disabilities, practice pediatric rehabilitation medicine. However, the status of rehabilitation medical services at children's hospitals has not been examined. To help improve pediatric rehabilitation medicine, we aimed to clarify it with this study. We performed a nationwide survey targeting the Japanese Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. The median numbers of full-time rehabilitation doctors, board-certified rehabilitation doctors, and board-certified instructors per institution were one, zero, and zero, respectively. The median numbers of full-time physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language-hearing therapists, and clinical psychologists were nine, five, three, and two, respectively. Demand for increasing the number of rehabilitation staff members was high across all specialties. Only about half the institutions surveyed were certified as training facilities by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine. Some institutions did not meet the health insurance system's higher-level criteria for rehabilitation facilities. The construction of an appropriate medical service framework and an increase in hospital services, including staff assignment, will be needed to improve pediatric rehabilitation and to expand research and education in this field.
ABSTRACT
Children's hospitals and related institutions, along with habilitation/rehabilitation facilities for children with disabilities, practice pediatric rehabilitation medicine. However, the status of rehabilitation medical services at children's hospitals has not been examined. To help improve pediatric rehabilitation medicine, we aimed to clarify it with this study. We performed a nationwide survey targeting the Japanese Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. The median numbers of full-time rehabilitation doctors, board-certified rehabilitation doctors, and board-certified instructors per institution were one, zero, and zero, respectively. The median numbers of full-time physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language-hearing therapists, and clinical psychologists were nine, five, three, and two, respectively. Demand for increasing the number of rehabilitation staff members was high across all specialties. Only about half the institutions surveyed were certified as training facilities by the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine. Some institutions did not meet the health insurance system's higher-level criteria for rehabilitation facilities. The construction of an appropriate medical service framework and an increase in hospital services, including staff assignment, will be needed to improve pediatric rehabilitation and to expand research and education in this field.
ABSTRACT
The incidence of cerebral infarction due to Takayasu's arteritis is relatively low, and there are few reports on rehabilitation for this condition. We report the case of a patient with Takayasu's arteritis, repeated expansion of cerebral infarction, and subclavian steal syndrome who required careful observation at the start of ambulation. A 17-year-old male was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis complicated by subclavian steal syndrome eleven months ago. He was admitted for the treatment of cerebral infarction in the right side of the middle cerebral artery. One day after admission, the area of the infarction expanded. Next day, after he started ambulation (16 days after admission), the area of the infarction further expanded despite ongoing medical treatments, including corticosteroid and immunosuppressant administration. Cerebral blood flow scintigraphy showed stenosis of right middle cerebral, right internal carotid, right common carotid, brachiocephalic, left subclavian, and left vertebral arteries.These arterial stenosis progressed in the two weeks following admission. Thereafter, he complained of dimmed vision more frequently when he raised his body to an upright position. The rehabilitation schedule had to be carefully adjusted according to his symptoms. Two and a half months later, angiographic examination showed development of adequate collateral circulation from the bilateral intercostal arteries to both vertebral arteries. After we confirmed the collateral circulation, we allowed him to use a wheelchair. The confirmation of collateral circulation by image analysis is important in order to decide the time to start ambulation in patients with Takayasu's arteritis (early phase) along with repeated cerebral ischemia.
ABSTRACT
The incidence of cerebral infarction due to Takayasu's arteritis is relatively low, and there are few reports on rehabilitation for this condition. We report the case of a patient with Takayasu's arteritis, repeated expansion of cerebral infarction, and subclavian steal syndrome who required careful observation at the start of ambulation. A 17-year-old male was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis complicated by subclavian steal syndrome eleven months ago. He was admitted for the treatment of cerebral infarction in the right side of the middle cerebral artery. One day after admission, the area of the infarction expanded. Next day, after he started ambulation (16 days after admission), the area of the infarction further expanded despite ongoing medical treatments, including corticosteroid and immunosuppressant administration. Cerebral blood flow scintigraphy showed stenosis of right middle cerebral, right internal carotid, right common carotid, brachiocephalic, left subclavian, and left vertebral arteries.These arterial stenosis progressed in the two weeks following admission. Thereafter, he complained of dimmed vision more frequently when he raised his body to an upright position. The rehabilitation schedule had to be carefully adjusted according to his symptoms. Two and a half months later, angiographic examination showed development of adequate collateral circulation from the bilateral intercostal arteries to both vertebral arteries. After we confirmed the collateral circulation, we allowed him to use a wheelchair. The confirmation of collateral circulation by image analysis is important in order to decide the time to start ambulation in patients with Takayasu's arteritis (early phase) along with repeated cerebral ischemia.
ABSTRACT
<p>For lower limb amputees, good prosthetic fittings are important for wearing prostheses while ensuring gait stability, without skin breakdown. Poor prosthetic fittings tend to occur in the early stage after amputation because of significant changes in residual limb volume. We measured the extent of change in residual limb volume in three below-the-knee amputees by using computed tomography. The measurements were performed before and after inpatient rehabilitation for the first prosthesis. The measurement showed a remarkable change in residual limb volume in a highly active amputee without complications. In contrast, the change in residual limb volume was small in two less active below-the-knee amputees with serious complications, such as heart and renal failures. Generally, to maintain good prosthetic fittings, the first prostheses should be made during inpatient rehabilitation to facilitate maturation of the residual limbs. For the less active below-knee amputees, the prostheses could be made in the outpatient settings because the volume fluctuations of their residual limbs are small and the functional requirements for their daily living are modest.</p>
ABSTRACT
Bed rest for pregnant women recovering from threatened abortion and premature labor to prevent abortion can cause deconditioning syndrome, but it is not clear what kind of physical exercise should be provided for these patients. To better provide appropriate rehabilitation for threatened abortion and premature labor patients, we investigated patient clinical records retrospectively. In 11 patients who were provided rehabilitation within the past three years, eight delivered during hospitalization and three became independent in ADLs and were discharged while still pregnant. All patients who delivered during their hospitalization became independent in ADLs immediately after delivery, and as a result, the maternal prognosis was good. Choosing an appropriate rehabilitation approach for patients with threatened premature labor may help alleviate their deconditioning during pregnancy without any adverse impact.
ABSTRACT
Skeletal dysplasias are developmental disorders of chondro-osseous tissue, and include 456 disorders according to "Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders : 2010 Revision". Research on the rehabilitation for patients with skeletal dysplasias is scarce, but many patients experience various kinds of disabilities throughout their lives. Achondroplasia is a representative disorder manifesting short stature. In childhood, muscle hypotonia leads to delayed motor development. Individuals with achondroplasia may need support for their ADL, mainly ambulation. Though discussion exists as to whether short stature itself is a disability, growth hormone treatment and limb lengthening surgery are performed in some patients and patients undergoing the latter require postoperative physiotherapy. Leg deformities associated with knee joint laxity are refractory to brace treatment and treated with tibial osteotomies to prevent progression to osteoarthritis in some patients. In adulthood, spinal canal stenosis is a matter of great concern. Kyphosis at the thoracolumbar junction is a risk factor for early development of clinical symptoms, and must be prevented with posture management and spinal orthoses, if necessary, from childhood on. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a representative disorder manifesting bone fragility. Bone fragility constitutes a vicious cycle with fractures, fixation and reduced weight bearing as their treatment. A multidisciplinary approach to break this vicious cycle is mandatory, including orthoses and/or surgery to treat fragility/deformity of long bones and spinal deformities, medication for bone fragility, and rehabilitation to prevent fractures and improve ambulatory status. In rehabilitation planning, it is important to set an appropriate goal in ambulation.
ABSTRACT
<b>Introduction</b> : The purpose of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of a home exercise (HE) program for hemophilic patients.<br><b>Methods</b> : An intervention study was conducted over twelve weeks for patients aged 16 to 60 years, inclusive. Exercise guidance to assist in the improvement of their knee function was provided to the patients. Using questionnaires and assessments of physical function, we measured the physical condition of the patients before and after HE. Guidance about the strengthening of knee extensor muscles, static stretching of knee flexor muscles and standing balance training, as well as advice for the promotion of physical activities, was provided on an individualized basis. Muscle force and range of motion of the knee, modified Functional Reach (mFRT), 10 meter walking time, and 3 minute gait distance were all measured. All patients were surveyed for bleeding frequency, activities of daily living (ADL), and health related quality of life (HRQOL : SF-36), respectively.<br><b>Results</b> : Twenty-two patients with an average age of 37.2 years, were included in the analysis, with 86.4% of them having a history of severe of hemophilia (coagulation factor level <0.01 IU mL−1). There were significant improvements in strength of knee extensor and range of extension of the knees, mFRT, 10 meter gait time, 3 minute gait distance, ADL, and physical function of SF 36. There was a significant correlation between Ex for locomotive activities and change of 3 minute gait distance. No increase in bleeding frequency was noted.<br><b>Conclusion</b> : HE for hemophilic patients is useful for the improvement of muscle force and range extension of the knees, mFRT, gait speed, and ADL. Individualised guidance for improvement of physical activities and knee function is necessary for improvement of overall physical function.
ABSTRACT
Objective : The purpose of this clinical research was to create an assessment for patients with muscle disease who wish to continue driving by investigating their motor function and driving experience. Methods : Twenty-four patients with muscle disease who visited our hospital from December 2009 to April 2010 were enrolled in our research. For patients who were still driving, physiatrists evaluated their motor functions, examined simulated driving motions and recorded their driving capabilities and techniques, their ability to get into and out of the vehicle and their ability to store and remove their wheelchairs. Patients no longer driving were asked why they had given up driving. Results : Fifteen patients who continued driving had enough upper limb strength and could simulate driving motions, though the location and degree of their muscle weakness were variable. Five of fifteen drove with the aid of a hand-operated brake and accelerator. Seven needed personal assistance: three to get into and out of the vehicles, six to store and remove wheelchairs. The nine patients who had stopped driving reported that the primary reason for discontinuing driving was that they recognized their muscles were insufficient to control the vehicle. Conclusions : We propose to evaluate muscle strength and to test simulated driving motions when assessing patients with muscle disease. A hand-operated brake and accelerator is efficient for patients with lower limb muscle weakness. However, since no efficient automobile modifications are available for those patients who cannot get into and get out of their vehicles or store and remove their wheelchairs by themselves, we suggest arranging personal assistance for such patients.
ABSTRACT
Disabilities in children with spina bifida include those due to central nervous system dysfunction, motor-and-sensory disturbances of the trunk and lower extremities, and excretory disorders. These lead to the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach by medical doctors, rehabilitation staff, nurses, and psychologists involved in the treatment. As motor weakness leads to disturbances in ambulation, physiatrists and physical therapists must deal with the patients with enough knowledge about the factors affecting ambulation, the assessment of motor function, and the indications/limitations of physical therapy and brace treatment. Ambulatory status is affected by motor and sensory deficits, deformities and contractures of the legs, spinal deformities, equilibrium, mental status and so forth, among which the neurosegmental level of paraplegia is the most important variable. Physical therapy in neonates and infants includes careful assessment of the neonate, manual exercise to correct deformities and to improve contractures, positioning and handling leading to sitting and standing exercises. Once the sitting balance is stable, standing and walking exercises should be considered. In patients with higher neurosegmental levels involved, the practical way of ambulation in the future is by wheelchair. Whether standing and walking exercises are indicated in these patients is controversial. In those with lower levels involved, braces may be prescribed considering the muscle strength and the joint stability. Treatments of hip dislocations and spinal deformities are also controversial. Finally, in the overall rehabilitation approach, the possibility of osteopenia and latex allergy should be kept in mind.
ABSTRACT
Ambulation in patients with spina bifida is affected by many factors, of which neurosegmental level is the most influential. In addition, some ambulatory patients experience deterioration over time, though longitudinal studies are scarce. This study investigated patient ambulation and its related factors in 21 patients with open myelomeningocele who were followed from infancy until over 15 years of age. In five patients, ambulation at the final visit exceeded the goal set up by Oki according to the patient's neurosegmental level. As these patients had L3 or L4 paralysis, our estimation of their neurosegmental level made according to Menelaus, which differs from that made using Sharrard's classification, may have influenced this result. Ambulation in five patients was below the goal, and two patients among this group experienced ambulatory deterioration during the follow-up period. In these five patients, as compared with the remaining 11 patients, the incidence of scoliosis, hip dysplasias, and obesity was higher, which may have influenced their lower ambulation status.