Physical properties of short-stretch compression bandages used to treat lymphedema.

This study examined the physical properties of six common brands of short-stretch compression bandages used to treat lymphedema. The physical properties examined were (a) maintenance of pressure over a 12-hr period, (b) variability of pressure across the width of the bandages, and (c) variability of pressure when the bandages were wrapped with a 50% overlap. The results of the study indicate that all six brands of bandages tested maintain pressure well over a 12-hr period. Each has a variance of pressure between the middle and edge of the bandage, with the edges measuring (in mmHg) between 6% and 28% lower than the middle. When the bandages were wrapped with an 50% overlap, all six brands measured fairly consistently in pressure readings (in mmHg) across the width. These results indicate that the six brands of short-stretch compression bandages tested have similar physical characteristics.

The effect of water temperature on hand volume during volumetric measurement using the water displacement method.

This study evaluated the effect of water temperature on hand volume during volumetric measurement using the water displacement method. Four volumetric measurements were taken for 24 normal subjects using four different water temperatures--5 degrees C (41 degrees F), 20 degrees C (68 degrees F), 35 degrees C (95 degrees F), and 45 degrees C (113 degrees F). Between volumetric measurements the skin temperature of the hand was allowed to return to baseline levels using an Orion biofeedback unit. In comparing the two extreme temperatures, the average change in hand volume was +5.8 milliliters (ml), which represented a deviation of 1.4% of the mean (coefficient of variation). In using a t-test to determine significance, it was found that the change in volume between these two temperatures was significant at the 0.01 level. In comparing the two moderate temperatures, the average change in hand volume was +1.9 ml, representing a deviation of 0.5% of the mean, with no statistical significance. For research purposes, this study suggests the need to control for water temperature when using a volumeter to measure hand edema. For general clinical practice, however, the use of "cool" or "tepid" water does not appear to alter hand volume readings significantly to be of concern.

Circumferential finger measurements utilizing a torque meter to increase reliability.

The purpose of this study was to compare the reliabilities of two methods of measuring finger circumference. Traditionally, finger circumference is determined clinically by the use of a tape measure. In this study, a tape-measure device for recording finger circumference utilizing a torque meter was compared with the traditional method to determine reliability differences. Ninety-two occupational therapists and occupational therapy students obtained circumferential measurements of the author's left index finger at the middle of the proximal phalanx utilizing the two methods. The readings obtained for each method were analyzed to determine the coefficient of variation and to compare their variances. The coefficient of variation for the traditional method was 2.92 and for the device utilizing the torque meter was 0.75. The F ratio was 15.63, which is significant at the 0.01 level. The results of this study indicate greater interrater reliability using a device that can accurately measure torque and allow the therapist to control the amount of tension applied when obtaining circumferential measurements using a tape measure.

The use of electromyographic biofeedback in treating a client with tension headaches.

EMG biofeedback was used during a 4-week treatment program to decrease upper trapezius activity related to tension headaches. The headaches were believed to be caused by general tension and anxiety and affected the patient's ability to adequately attend to activities of daily living, including child care, homemaking, and vocational activities. The program combined deep-breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation exercises, resisted shoulder elevation exercises, and EMG monitoring during upper extremity tasks involving shoulder flexion. An important adjunct to clinic sessions was a home exercise program to be completed 2 to 3 times per day. In this case, the EMG biofeedback program was successful in assisting the patient to eliminate tension headaches for at least an 8-week period. At the same time, the patient reported an increased ability to attend to activities of daily living, stating that she was able to "do more around the house" and had not missed a day at work in 2 months.

Plaster splinting as a means of reducing elbow flexor spasticity: a case study.

Plaster splinting was used to decrease severe elbow flexor spasticity in a patient with an upper motor neuron lesion. A series of plaster splints were applied over a period of several weeks that allowed elbow extension yet controlled the amount of flexion. The design of the splint was effective in reducing the spasticity, which was probably a result of the input from the golgi tendon organs in the spastic flexors. Initially, the splints were worn 24 hours a day. Later in the treatment process the wearing time was reduced to 12 hours at night only. Currently, the patient has voluntary, functional range in the impaired extremity.

A proposed selective cell carcinogenesis in mammary tumors.

The present study was done to ascertain whether a specific carcinogenic agent has a causal effect on the initial proliferation of only one cell type or whether it acts indiscriminately on all cells in the breast secretory unit. Enzymes histochemistry and electron microscopy were performed on DMBA-induced mammary tumors in female Sprague-Dawley rats and on virus-associated spontaneous mammary tumors in C3H/HEJ mice. The results showed that the chemical carcinogen DMBA affects initial myoepithelial cell proliferation, while virus-associated mammary carcinoma originated from ductular epithelial cell proliferation. To determine whether a specific tumor is composed of a single cell type, tumors were grown in tissue culture. The monolayer was fixed in the usual manner for electron microscopy while in Falcon tissue culture plates. The plates were dissolved in xylene and the monolayer was cut into small pieces and embedded in the plastic media. Electron microscopy performed on the tissue culture and the original tissue from the virus-induced tumors showed the presence of viruses in large numbers. It also suggested the differentiation of basal membrane to form basal lamina and apical plasma membrane into microvilli. This study strongly suggests the presence of selective cell carcinogenesis in the mammary gland.

Dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum--an ultrastructural study.

A case of dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum, a rare disorder with unknown etiology and pathogenesis, was studied ultrastructurally. The intranuclear inclusions identified were not seen to be of viral origin. The ultrastructural characteristics of the abnormal cells support the prevailing theory that these cells represent hypertrophied granular neurons.