BACKGROUND: The study objective was to obtain consensus on physical therapy (PT) in the rehabilitation of critical illness survivors after hospital discharge. Research questions were: what are PT goals, what are recommended measurement tools, and what constitutes an optimal PT intervention for survivors …

Two key air pollutants that affect asthma are ozone and particle pollution. Studies show a direct relationship between the number of deaths and hospitalizations for asthma and increases of particulate matter in the air, including dust, soot, fly ash, diesel exhaust particles, smoke, and sulfate aerosols. …

Background/Aims: This study examines the feasibility of a preoperative exercise program to improve the physical fitness of a patient before gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: An outpatient exercise program was developed to increase preoperative aerobic capacity, peripheral muscle endurance and respiratory …

Surgery aims to improve a patient’s medical condition. However, surgery is a major life event with the risk of negative consequences, like peri- and postoperative complications, prolonged hospitalization and delayed recovery of physical functioning. One of the major common side effects, functional …

The use of musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSU) has been increasing amongst physiotherapist. The efficacy of MSU as a biofeedback training tool diaphragm muscle has not yet been evaluated even though it is a muscle known to be vital in contributing to spinal stability. Before assessing the effectiveness …

AimTo provide insight into the impact of substituting general practitioners with nurse practitioners in out-of-hours services on: (1) the number of patients; and (2) general practitioners' caseload (patient characteristics, urgency levels, types of complaints). BackgroundGeneral practitioners' workload …

Introduction: The 6-minute walk test is a submaximal exercise test used to quantify the functional exercise capacity in clinical populations. It measures the distance walked within a period of 6-minutes. Obtaining reference values in the pediatric population is especially demanding due to factors as …

The purpose of this study was to establish standard reference values of the Transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles during maximal inhalation, exhalation and respiratory pause in a standing position. Additionally, this study aims to estimate the correlation between those standard reference …

BACKGROUND: Online self-management diaries are used to support patients' self-management skills and facilitate associated behavioral changes. Although web-based diaries are well-known as a potential self-management tool, reasons that patients use (or do not use) self-management diaries, as well as …

Stimulating physical activity behaviour in persons with a physical disability is important, especially after discharge from rehabilitation. A tailored counselling programme covering both the period of the rehabilitation treatment and the first months at home seems on the average effective. However, a …