ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Utilizing Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS) tests, when indicated, may have implications for efficient patient management and assist in more efficient referral to appropriate providers or specialists. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS) on clinical decision-making and patient perspectives within PT practice settings. METHODS: 462 patients, who were candidates for diagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) were included in this outcome study and questionnaire-based survey design. Pre-test diagnosis was compared to post-test diagnosis. Post-test, patients were asked to rate their perceived benefit of the testing. RESULTS: Management was changed in 60.61% of patients post EMG/NCS testing (p < 0.0001). The diagnosis was changed post-EMG/NCS test in 39% of the patients with a change in management, which is greater than expected (p < 0.0004). There was no effect of gender or age (p > 0.05) on change in treatment (tx) or diagnosis (dx). 89.8% of patients agreed, or strongly agreed, that they were better able to understand their condition; 92.4% strongly agreed, or agreed, that they were reassured about their condition; 89.1% strongly agreed, or agreed, that they were better able to manage their condition and 92% reported very high, or high, value perceived from the EMG/NCS test administered. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that EMG/NCS testing appears to have a significant impact on clinical decision-making, and higher scores on the patient perceived benefit.
Subject(s)
Clinical Decision-Making/methods , Electromyography/methods , Neural Conduction/physiology , Patient Satisfaction , Physical Therapy Modalities , Adult , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outpatients , PerceptionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to study the nerve conductivity of the tibial motor, peroneal motor, peroneal sensory, and sural nerves in patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). SUBJECTS: Twenty each: primary RP, secondary RP, and normal controls. METHODS: Electromyography using distal latency (DL) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) as dependent variables. RESULTS: Peroneal nerve DLs were slower and NCVs were weaker for the secondary RP group compared to the primary RP group and controls. Tibial motor nerve DLs from slowest to fastest were: primary RP, secondary RP, and controls. NCV strength order was: secondary RP weakest, primary RP, and controls. DISCUSSION: Patients with secondary RP generally had the slowest DLs and the weakest NCVs, with differences most pronounced in the motor nerves. With the exception of the tibial motor nerve, patients with primary RP had similar NCVs to the control group. Neural mobilization techniques can be applied to assist with patient symptoms.
Subject(s)
Lower Extremity/physiopathology , Neural Conduction , Peroneal Nerve/physiopathology , Raynaud Disease/physiopathology , Sural Nerve/physiopathology , Tibial Nerve/physiopathology , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Electromyography , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a vapocoolant blend of pentafluoropropane and tetrafluoroethane (Gebauer's Spray and Stretch) on hip flexion stretching. METHODS: Thirty volunteers were randomly assigned to spray and stretch treatment and stretch only control groups. Each group was assessed pre- and posttest on passive and active hip flexion range of motion (ROM). RESULTS: Findings indicated greater posttest hip flexion gains for the spray and stretch group over the stretch only group for both active and passive ROM. Additionally, females achieved greater pre- and posttest differences on active ROM compared to males. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that spray and stretch techniques can be an effective treatment in increasing hip flexion ROM.
