Fatigue Experiences in People With Stroke.

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a major symptom in patients with stroke. Because fatigue is an overarching multidimensional phenomenon, it is important to understand how the characteristics of fatigue change over time. The purpose of this study was to explore how fatigue characteristics change over time in patients with stroke. DESIGN: This study used a mixed-method observational design. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of data from a previous study, the results of which indicated fatigue to be a prominent symptom. Participants in that study were patients with stroke who met eligibility criteria and provided informed consent. This secondary analysis used data from numeric rating scale scores for fatigue, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale scores, fatigue descriptors, and participant comments about fatigue gleaned from transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients participated in the study. Thirteen characteristics of fatigue were evaluated. Seven characteristics showed significant improvement ( p < .05) from admission to 1 month follow-up, and six characteristics did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue experiences vary over time and have both physical and mental aspects to them. CLINICAL RELEVANCE TO REHABILITATION NURSING: Nurses may consider providing a quiet environment for physical rest, which may allow the brain to not be distracted by multiple stimuli.

Review of Risk Factors Associated With Biomarkers for Alzheimer Disease.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with no cure. The number of individuals living with AD doubles every 5 years. The current clinical practice relies on clinical history, mental status tests, cerebrum imaging, and physical and neurological examinations; however, recent advances in the field of biomarkers have provided clues for the early detection of AD. High levels of tau and low levels of amyloid-ß (Aß) in cerebrospinal fluid are well-known biomarkers for AD. METHODS: A database search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL was conducted to identify relevant articles published within the last 5 years. The search was limited to articles concerning adults 65 years or older and published in the English language. Twelve articles were included in the review. RESULTS: Risk factors of sleep disruption, depression, and motor function are implicated. Cerebrospinal fluid parameters for biomarkers of tau and Aß were universally lower among Blacks compared with Whites, raising concern that norm reference may not be accurate for all populations. Older adults are more at risk for AD. Results are inconclusive regarding whether depression is related to Aß and tau pathology. CONCLUSION: Nurses should screen for sleep architecture, depression, and motor function in their patients and educate them on good sleep hygiene. Sleep studies should be advocated for people with suspected sleep apnea to mitigate the risk factor related to abnormal Aß and tau pathology. Falls and decreased motor function require screening because they may be early indicators of abnormal biomarkers leading to AD.

Rapid Response Team Activation Triggers in Adults and Children: An Integrative Review.

PURPOSE: This integrative review aims to identify the triggers for rapid response team (RRT) activation and their outcomes in pediatric patients and to compare them with those of adult patients. In addition, this integrative review synthesizes the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay, and mortality following RRT activation. METHOD: An integrative review using the Whittemore and Knafl methodology was undertaken with a search of three large databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and CINAHL) and found 25 relevant studies published in the years 2017 through 2022. RESULTS: Tachypnea, decreased oxygen saturation, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, and level of consciousness were the most common triggers in both populations. However, specific activation triggers differed between children and adults. CONCLUSIONS: The most common triggers for RRT are detectable through vital signs monitoring; therefore, vigilant tracking of patients' vital signs is critical and can provide early clues to clinical deterioration.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Muscle Tightness in Young Adults.

In young adults, muscle sprains and strains leading to muscle tightness are considered short-term and believed to have no ill effects on quality of life. However, recent advances in the science indicate that muscle tightness is an invisible condition that can limit life activities. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and characteristics of muscle tightness in young adults. The study used descriptive quantitative design. One hundred individuals aged between 18 and 27 years completed a survey based upon a validated muscle tightness measurement tool. Seventy-two percent of participants reported experiencing muscle tightness that limited their daily living and recreational activities. Fifty-six percent reported experiencing pain with muscle tightness. Women were more likely than men to experience muscle tightness. Awareness, prompt evaluation, and treatment of this condition are key to preventing negative consequences associated with chronic muscle tightness.

Spasticity, Pain, and Fatigue: Are They Associated With Functional Outcomes in People With Stroke?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether spasticity, pain, and fatigue symptoms were related to functional outcomes in people with stroke. DESIGN: A longitudinal correlation design was used. METHODS: Twenty-two stroke patients experiencing spasticity, pain, and fatigue were followed for 7 days over 6 weeks: 3 days in acute rehabilitation units, 3 days postdischarge to home/community, and an additional 1 day at 1 month postdischarge. Demographics, numeric ratings, and PROMIS tools were used to determine associations over time. RESULTS: Pain was related to fine motor activities on admission. Fatigue was significantly associated with activities of daily living, motor functions, mobility, and ability to perform physical tasks at 1 month. Spasticity was significantly related to activities of daily living, pain experiences and fatigue at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue were associated with functional outcomes in this sample of patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE TO REHABILITATION NURSING: Symptoms can influence physical recovery; therefore, nurses could improve care through recognition of suspected correlation of symptoms in people with stroke.

Are Symptoms of Spasticity, Pain, and Fatigue Related in People With Stroke?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue are correlated in people with stroke. DESIGN: A longitudinal-correlation, mixed-method design was used. METHODS: Spasticity, pain, and fatigue symptoms were explored in 22 patients with stroke admitted to three different rehabilitation units certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Data were obtained upon admission, postdischarge, and 1 month after discharge. Demographics, numeric ratings, and a semistructured interview were used to determine associations over time. RESULTS: Symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue were quite variable. Fatigue was more likely to impair recovery. Spasticity appears to contain pain experiences. Pain does not appear to be a major factor over time. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of patients with stroke, symptoms of spasticity, pain, and fatigue were correlated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In managing poststroke spasticity, pain, and fatigue, nurses should recognize that these symptoms are correlated.

Understanding Clinical Characteristics of Muscle Weakness.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness is a debilitating condition that can lead to frailty, falls, and functional decline. Muscle weakness is found across many diseases; therefore, understanding what constitutes this condition is paramount. The National Library of Medicine provides 2 definitions of muscle weakness, both from a disease perspective. These definitions are narrow and do not account for overlapping causes of muscle weakness. Nurses are holistic practitioners, so they need to understand the clinical characteristics of muscle weakness, regardless of underlying disease processes. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from an earlier qualitative study. Using content analysis of transcripts of semistructured interviews with a multidisciplinary group of 12 experts in the management of muscle disorders, we identified characteristics of muscle weakness from the clinicians' perspectives. RESULTS: Muscle weakness has characteristics of debility, loss of function, and asymmetry. The characteristics of debility include lack of strength, atrophy, and fatigue. Muscle weakness does coexist with muscle tightness. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of muscle weakness identified in our study are markedly different from those included in National Library of Medicine definitions. As a condition, muscle weakness has both subjective and objective traits. Therefore, clinician assessment and patient input combined capture the comprehensive nature of muscle weakness. Nurses' awareness of what constitutes muscle weakness, regardless of diagnosis, is the first step in optimal management of this condition.

Validation of the Muscle Tightness Measurement Tool.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: For nurses, muscle tightness is an important aspect of patient care, but no bedside tool is available that allows them to measure it. Therefore, a standardized tool that measures muscle tightness is needed. The purpose of this study was to validate a tool to measure muscle tightness. METHODS: Using Delphi technique and quantitative design, the tool was validated in two phases. The phase 1 included 20 expert clinicians who established content validity with Lawshe's rating. In phase 2, divergent validity was established by administering the tool to one group that had muscle tightness (n = 26) and one group that did not (n = 20). RESULTS: Findings indicate that the muscle tightness measurement tool has content and divergent validity. CONCLUSIONS: Further tool refinement with validity and reliability studies are recommended for clinical practice.

Consensus Definition of Muscle Tightness From Multidisciplinary Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Muscle tightness is a complex ailment that affects quality of life in people who experience it. Muscle tightness is not clearly defined by the National Library of Medicine, which creates confusion in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify the attributes of muscle tightness from expert clinicians' perception and develop a consensus definition from multidisciplinary perspectives. METHODS: This nonintervention study employed semistructured interviews using qualitative design. Twelve multidisciplinary expert clinicians participated in the study. RESULTS: The results indicate that limited range of motion is a key feature of muscle tightness; however, there are six other attributes: loss of function, changes in muscle texture, change in sensation, asymmetry, pain, and contracted muscle state. These attributes are largely subjective and are interrelated. DISCUSSION: The new definition captures the multiple domains of muscle tightness. Lack of a standardized tool is a challenge, particularly when subjective assessments require patients' input. Development of such a tool to measure muscle tightness is advocated.

Understanding Symptoms of Muscle Tightness, Weakness, and Rigidity From a Nursing Perspective.

PURPOSE: This study examined the nature of muscle tightness from nurses' perspectives and explored how the symptoms of muscle tightness are communicated, managed, and differentiated from other conditions, such as muscle rigidity and muscle weakness. DESIGN: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was used. METHODS: Eight rehabilitation nurses described lexicons, care strategies, and communication for muscle tightness, weakness, and rigidity. FINDINGS: Nurses used conflicting terms to describe muscle tightness, weakness, and rigidity. They identified medications and range of motion as the best strategies to manage muscle conditions. Nurses approach care holistically and do not differentiate care strategies that are based only on a symptoms lens. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses were unable to clearly differentiate between muscle tightness and rigidity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses influence patients' choice of vocabulary; therefore, they must use simple but precise terminologies to educate their patients. Miscommunication between nurses and patients can lead to errors, which can have negative consequences.

Effects of yoga on oxidative stress, motor function, and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Hatha yoga on oxidative stress, motor function, and non-motor symptoms among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: The study has a pilot randomized controlled trial design with two arms: an immediate treatment group and a wait-list control group. The yoga-for-PD program was implemented via twice weekly 60-min group-based classes for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 6 months post-intervention. Outcome measures included oxidative stress, motor function, physical activity, cognitive function, sleep quality, and quality of life. Data on program acceptability and yoga adherence were collected during the intervention and at 6 months post-intervention. RESULTS: Participants (n = 20) had a mean age of 63 years (SD 8, range 49-75) and disease duration 4.8 years (SD 2.9, range 1-13). All participants had mild-moderate disease severity; 18 (90%) were on dopaminergic medications. Seventeen participants (85%) attended at least 75% of the classes and 4 (20%) attended all classes. Most participants (n = 17) reported they "definitely enjoyed" the intervention program. No adverse events were reported. At 12 weeks, there were no major differences in blood oxidative stress markers between the two groups. Motor function based on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was better in the treatment group, but their scores on sleep and outlook in Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQUALIF) Scale and the physical activity levels based on the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire were worse than those of the control group. In within-group comparisons, motor function, cognitive function, and catalase improved but three PDQUALIF domains (social and role function, sleep, and outlook) and physical activity level worsened by the end of the yoga intervention program compared to baseline. The response rate for the 6-month follow-up survey was 74% (n = 14) with six participants (43%) who signed up for a yoga class and four (29%) who practiced it independently. Health problems were the main barrier to yoga practice. CONCLUSION: Yoga is feasible and acceptable and may serve as a complementary method for improving motor function in PD. Further research using a larger sample size is needed to determine its impact on oxidative stress and non-motor symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02509610031.

CE: Managing Movement Disorders: A Clinical Review.

: Neuromuscular disorders are complex, difficult both to differentiate and to manage. Yet nurses, who encounter a symptomatically diverse neuromuscular patient population in various practice settings, are expected to be well versed in managing the variable associated symptoms of these disorders. Here the authors discuss how to assess such neuromuscular conditions as muscle tightness, spasticity, and clonus; the pathophysiology underlying each; and the available recommended treatments, an understanding of which is necessary for successful symptom management and clear provider-patient communication.

Lived Experiences of Muscle Tightness Symptoms From Patients' Perspectives.

The aims of this study were to understand symptoms of chronic muscle tightness from the patient's perspective and explore symptom management strategies used by them. Muscle tightness, a common symptom, is a challenge to manage in clinical practice because it is commingled with other orthopedic conditions. Nurses may not be aware of the negative impact of tight muscles because this symptom is presumed to be self-limiting; however, if not treated appropriately, muscle tightness can become chronic. The focus of this study is the lived experience of patients with chronic muscle tightness. The researchers used a qualitative descriptive design in which patients provided insights into the experiences and self-management of chronic muscle tightness. Sixteen adult subjects experiencing physical impairments who were managed by physical therapists in a specialty clinic participated in the study. The subjects participated in 45- to 60-minute semistructured interviews to provide understanding of chronic muscle tightness. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis. Results indicate that patients identify day-to-day experiences of chronic muscle tightness as unresolving; these patients experience myriads of sensations and live with life restrictions that negatively affect their quality of life. Uses of complementary therapies are commonplace in managing this symptom. The symptom of chronic muscle tightness may linger, and patients use workarounds to manage their lives. Nurses must understand patients' perspectives to assist them in achieving an acceptable quality of life.

Taking ACTION to reduce pain: ACTION study rationale, design and protocol of a randomized trial of a proactive telephone-based coaching intervention for chronic musculoskeletal pain among African Americans.

BACKGROUND: Rates of chronic pain are rising sharply in the United States and worldwide. Presently, there is evidence of racial disparities in pain treatment and treatment outcomes in the United States but few interventions designed to address these disparities. There is growing consensus that chronic musculoskeletal pain is best addressed by a biopsychosocial approach that acknowledges the role of psychological and environmental factors, some of which differ by race. METHODS/DESIGN: The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to test the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological, self-regulatory intervention, administered proactively by telephone, at improving pain outcomes and increasing walking among African American patients with hip, back and knee pain. Participants assigned to the intervention will receive a telephone counselor delivered pedometer-mediated walking intervention that incorporates action planning and motivational interviewing. The intervention will consist of 6 telephone counseling sessions over an 8-10 week period. Participants randomly assigned to Usual Care will receive an informational brochure and a pedometer. The primary outcome is chronic pain-related physical functioning, assessed at 6 months, by the revised Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire, a measure recommended by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT). We will also examine whether the intervention improves other IMMPACT-recommended domains (pain intensity, emotional functioning, and ratings of overall improvement). Secondary objectives include examining whether the intervention reduces health care service utilization and use of opioid analgesics and whether key contributors to racial/ethnic disparities targeted by the intervention mediate improvement in chronic pain outcomes Measures will be assessed by mail and phone surveys at baseline, three months, and six months. Data analysis of primary aims will follow intent-to-treat methodology. DISCUSSION: We will tailor our intervention to address key contributors to racial pain disparities and examine the effects of the intervention on important pain treatment outcomes for African Americans with chronic musculoskeletal pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01983228 . Registered 6 November 2013.

Understanding symptom experiences of muscle tightness from patients' and clinicians' perspectives.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine how patients' symptom experiences of muscle tightness correlate with examiner assessments. To address this question, we (1) obtained the vocabularies used by patients and examiners to describe muscle tightness, (2) correlated patient- reported Visual Analog Scale ratings for locations of muscle tightness on a body diagram and (3) explored the similarities and differences between patient and examiner evaluation of muscle tightness analytically and graphically. BACKGROUND: Symptoms of muscle tightness are common complaints that occur due to musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Terms such as muscle tightness are often intermingled with other conditions including muscle tension, muscle spasticity and muscle rigidity. Discrepancies between patients and clinicians understanding of similar symptoms have been reported in the literature. DESIGN: A concurrent exploratory mixed methods design was used. METHOD: Fifty-seven participants (six physical therapists, 51 patients) participated. Participants provided semi-structured interviews, ratings through Visual Analog Scale and concurrently provided the words used to describe muscle tightness. Patients also provided the location of muscle tightness on a body diagram. Content analysis and hierarchical linear modelling were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The patients' vocabularies contained more sensory and pain experiences when compared to the clinicians' vocabularies. Examiners and patients ratings were variable (standard deviation >20) and contained discrepancies. Stress played a role in the symptom experience of muscle tightness. Examiners tended to focus on patients' chief complaints, while patients reported their symptoms from a whole-body perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom experiences of muscle tightness can occur with or without pain. Use of complementary therapy and development of an objective tool that accounts for patients' sensory experiences is warranted. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Findings from this study indicate that in addition to all other available treatments options, nurses must also educate patients about correct posture alignment, breathing exercises and stress management.

Spasticity over time during acute rehabilitation: a study of patient and clinician scores.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to describe spasticity trajectories as a function of time, gender, and diagnosis and to explore the correspondence between patient and clinician scores of spasticity. BACKGROUND: Discrepancy between examiner assessment and patient rating of spasticity exists. Assessments that include the patient perspective are critical for patient safety. This mixed-method study provided patient descriptors of spasticity integrated with clinical scales. METHOD: Twenty-three participants provided spasticity descriptors and rated their spasticity based on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores. A clinician evaluated spasticity daily using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). This resulted in 1976 points of data for analysis. RESULTS: Spasticity was highly variable over time. The empirical correspondence between the clinician-rated MAS and the patient-rated NRS revealed that patient and examiner understanding of spasticity were diverged considerably. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical evaluation protocols should include patient reports on spasticity. Knowledge about patient word choice can enhance patient-provider communication.

Prevention of Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Rehabilitation Nursing.

PURPOSE: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries remain a concern for the nursing profession. The purpose of this study was to reduce work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries by 10% on the rehabilitation unit in a Midwestern hospital. DESIGN: Using a quality improvement and evidence-based practice lens, one group time-series design was employed. METHODS: Shift reports, interdisciplinary collaboration, self-study educational packets, and journal club sessions were implemented. FINDINGS: Results, although not statistically significant, indicated over a 50% reduction in work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries. Self-engagement and the Hawthorne effect are thought to have contributed to this decline in injury rates. CONCLUSIONS: A cost-benefit analysis indicates an estimated savings of $90,000 over 4 months. A yearly practice-based education program and improvement in electronic health records is advocated to sustain this decrease in nursing injury rates. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Context-specific interventions, communication, algorithm approach to patient transfers, and research knowledge are needed to decrease rehabilitation work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries.

Understanding Work-related Musculoskeletal Injuries in Rehabilitation from a Nursing Perspective.

PURPOSE: The incidence and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal nursing injuries is a top concern for nurses. These injuries are thought to be a dynamic interplay of multiple factors. A literature review reveals a knowledge gap in understanding context-specific patterns of nursing injuries. DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional descriptive research design, 58 rehabilitation nurses participated in this study. METHODS: Anonymous paper surveys were sent to all rehabilitation nursing personnel on the unit. FINDINGS: Six themes emerged: lack of time and help, patient acuity, ergonomics, body movement issues, knowledge deficit, and communication. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing input is critical in understanding and reducing context-specific work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Further research that includes nursing voices is advocated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rehabilitation nursing injuries appear to be a complex interaction of multiple determinants; therefore, multifaceted solutions using a quality improvement lens are recommended to improve the working conditions on the units.

Caregiving experiences of family members of persons with dementia in south India.

This study reports on the first phase of an investigation aimed at adapting The Savvy Caregiver program, a successful family caregiving curriculum developed in the United States, for application in South India. Thirty family members caring for a person with dementia were interviewed regarding their experiences as caregivers (CGs). Qualitative interviews were conducted with the family member at a geriatric clinic, while other diagnostic procedures were being carried out with the person with dementia. Findings from the study revealed that although family members understood the term CG, none could identify a word for CG in his or her language. There was little understanding of dementia as an illness. Family CGs reported feeling distressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated with caregiving. Caregivers were interested in an educational program, but many had unrealistic expectations for what they wanted to learn. The findings provide directions for adapting The Savvy Caregiver curriculum for Indian family CGs.

Understanding the Burden on Caregivers of People with Parkinson's: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Caregivers are healthcare assets because they care for patients at home; however, when clinicians focus solely on patients, caregivers' needs may not be recognized. The purpose of this scoping literature review is to identify the burdens on caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease. CINAHL and PubMed databases were searched to locate thirteen original articles, one systematic review, and one meta-analysis within the last five years that highlighted caregivers' burdens. Results indicate the need to identify practical interventions that decrease caregivers' physical, psychological, and socioeconomic burdens. Correlates of Parkinson's caregiver burdens are not clearly available. Caregivers' contextual demographic information is missing, as is an understanding of how caregivers negotiate day-to-day caregiving activities. Gaps exist about how caregivers reconcile multiple medications and manage rehabilitation needs of the patient at home. A recommendation for practice is a systematic evaluation of the caregivers' capacity at the time of clinic visit.