Symptoms, care consumption, and healthcare costs in hospitalized patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess symptomatology post discharge from the hospital in patients with COVID-19 treated during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to follow care consumption and healthcare costs six months post discharge. METHODS: This study was a descriptive observational study over time. Data were retrieved from the Sahlgrenska University (SU) hospital registry for patients admitted to an SU hospital during March 2020 to August 2020. Of these, 1014 received a questionnaire approximately six weeks post discharge regarding symptoms. Data regarding care consumption were retrieved from the registry in the Region Västra Götaland for 529 (52.2%) patients who completed the questionnaire. Of these, 466 patients were included in the analysis of care consumption. RESULTS: There was a reported decrease in mobility from admission to discharge in both men (p = 0.02) and women (p = 0.01). The costs of inpatient care amounted to a total of 9 601 459.20 Euro (EUR). Symptoms were reported in 436 (93.6%) patients post discharge, of which weight loss during COVID-19 was most common in both men (n = 220, 77.5%) and women (n = 107, 58.8%). During six-month follow-up, 409 (87%) patients consumed care. Of the registered visits, 868 (27.1%) were related to a COVID-19 diagnosis. The total sum of outpatient care (i.e. visits with a registered COVID-19 diagnosis) was 77 311.30 EUR. CONCLUSIONS: At discharge from the hospital, there was a decrease in mobility. Most patients had remaining sequelae post discharge. At six months post discharge, nearly 90% of patients had consumed care, with approximately 20% related to COVID-19. This indicates a persisting need for rehabilitation post discharge from hospital in patients treated for COVID-19.

Spinal mobility and muscle function in middle-aged patients treated for early onset idiopathic scoliosis: compared with untreated and treated adolescent onset patients.

PURPOSE: To determine long-term outcome in terms of spinal range of motion (ROM) and trunk muscle endurance (TME) patients treated for idiopathic scoliosis, diagnosed before the age of ten, were evaluated and compared with untreated or treated patients with idiopathic scoliosis with adolescent onset (AIS). METHODS: Sixty-three braced and 53 operated patients underwent examination of spinal ROM and TME. Validated questionnaires were used for evaluation of back function. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were examined 26.5 years after treatment. Braced EOS patients had longer bracing time and operated EOS patients had longer fusions compared to the respective AIS groups. Braced EOS patients had similar total ROM (thoracic ROM 40°, lumbar ROM 78°) and TME (trunk flexors 140 s, trunk extensors 255 s) as untreated AIS patients (thoracic ROM 34°, lumbar ROM 88°, trunk flexor endurance 158 s, trunk extensor endurance 234 s). Braced patients also had significantly better results than braced AIS patients. Operated EOS patients were slightly but significantly stronger and more mobile compared to AIS peers. The lumbar ROM was found to affect the back function in the operated EOS group (Oswestry Questionnaire, rs = 0.49, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The braced EOS patients had mostly similar muscle strength and mobility as the untreated but younger AIS group, while the braced AIS group showed reductions of both strength and mobility. Similar significant, but small, differences were also found between operated EOS and AIS patients. Especially for muscle strength were findings at a level that would be of significant clinical importance. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: III.

Daily life one year after corrective osteotomy for malunion of a distal radius fracture an interview study.

The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life experiences of people one year after corrective osteotomy following a symptomatic, malunited, distal radius fracture.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty respondents, median age 65 (22-81) years. The respondents were recruited consecutively. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Three authors took part in the analysis.The result is presented as one theme, 'Daily life works again' with five categories: Relief of inconveniences and symptoms, Managing new symptoms and complications, Regaining abilities, Normalised social relationships, Increased wellbeing. The symptoms had declined in severity, some participants regarded themselves as fully restored and used their hand again without hesitation. Others were still bothered by their wrist occasionally and a few had to manage complications. The participants had regained the ability to perform many everyday life activities and reported increased independence and less irritation between spouses, as well as increased wellbeing.One year after a corrective osteotomy following malunion of a distal radius fracture, the patients' experiences represent a continuum. Some are still restricted by their wrist occasionally, the majority experience an increased ease in their performance of activities of daily life and some regard themselves as fully restored. The recovery has a positive impact on social relationships and the patients' wellbeing.

Validation of self-administered tests for screening for chronic pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

BACKGROUND: Many women develop pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy and about 10% have chronic pain several years after delivery. Self-administered pain provocation tests are one way to diagnose and evaluate this pain. Their validity in post-partum women is not yet studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of self-administered test for assessment of chronic pregnancy-related PGP several years after delivery. METHODS: Women who previously have had PGP during pregnancy and who participated in one of three RCT studies were invited to a postal follow up of symptoms including performance of self-administered tests after two, 6 or 11 years later, respectively. In total, 289 women returned the questionnaire and the test-results. Of these, a sub-group of 44 women with current PGP underwent an in-person clinical examination. Comparisons were made between test results in women with versus without PGP but also, in the sub-group, between the self-administered tests and those performed during the clinical examination. RESULTS: Fifty-one women reported PGP affecting daily life during the last 4 weeks, and 181 reported pain when performing at least one of the tests at home. Those with chronic PGP reported more positive tests (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between diagnosis from the self-administered tests compared to tests performed during the in-person clinical examination (p = 0.305), either for anterior or posterior PGP. There were no significant differences of the results between the tests performed self-administered vs. during the clinical examination. CONCLUSION: A battery of self-administered tests combined with for example additional specific questions or a pain-drawing can be used as a screening tool to diagnose chronic PGP years after delivery. However, the modified SLR test has limitations which makes its use questionable.

Functional outcome after corrective osteotomy for malunion of the distal radius: a randomised, controlled, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomised, controlled, double-blind trial was to evaluate functional outcome during the first year after corrective osteotomy for malunited distal radius fractures, with or without filling the osteotomy void. METHOD: Patients were randomised to receive a HydroSet bone substitute or no graft. Cortical contact was maintained and stabilisation of the osteotomy was carried out with a DiPhos R- or RM Plate. To evaluate subjective functional outcome, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (Q-DASH), the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the RAND-36 were used. Moreover, range of motion and grip strength were measured by blinded evaluators. Evaluations were made pre-operatively and three, six and 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups at any time point post-operatively with respect to any of the PROMs that were used or range of motion or grip strength (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was a significant improvement at the 12-month follow-up compared with pre-operatively for the PRWE, the Q-DASH and the COPM satisfaction scores. The RAND-36 revealed no significant differences except for two domains, in which there was an improvement in the treatment group (p < 0.05). For grip strength and for range of motion in all movement directions, except dorsal extension, there was a significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in functional outcome during the first year after corrective open-wedge distal radius osteotomy, where cortical contact is maintained, regardless of whether or not bone substitute to fill the void is used.

Thoracic mobility and its relation to pulmonary function and rib-cage deformity in patients with early onset idiopathic scoliosis: a long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN: A group of adult patients with idiopathic scoliosis, diagnosed before the age of ten, at a mean of 26.5 years after treatment with either brace or surgery during childhood and adolescence attended a clinical follow-up. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between thoracic mobility, rib-cage deformity, and pulmonary function. Long-term studies of pulmonary function in relation to thoracic mobility after treatment in this patient group have not been published. METHODS: A total of 106 patients, 57 braced and 49 operated patients, attended the follow-up. We examined thoracic mobility (range of motion of the thoracic spine, thorax expansion, and breathing movements) and rib-cage deformity (curve size and trunk deformity) as well as pulmonary function, especially total lung capacity (TLC). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated in a subgroup. RESULTS: Thoracic range of motion was significantly less among the surgically treated patients compared with both the brace-treated and comparison group. Thorax expansion and breathing movements during maximal breathing were significantly reduced in the scoliotic patients compared with the reference values, with no significant differences between the treatment groups. The brace-treated group had better pulmonary function than the operated group, as measured by the TLC, forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (percentage of predicted values). The respiratory muscle strength was significantly lower only in the surgically treated patients when compared with reference values. The results of a multivariate analysis revealed that the strongest factors explaining TLC percentage of predicted were gender, brace model, and smoking habits. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic mobility was significantly reduced at mean 26.5 years after completed treatment in both brace-treated and surgically treated patients with early onset scoliosis, compared with the reference values, which did not influence TLC as strongly as gender, brace model, and smoking habits. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Life has become troublesome - my wrist bothers me around the clock: an interview study relating to daily life with a malunited distal radius fracture.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the everyday life experiences of people suffering from a symptomatic, malunited, distal radius fracture.Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with twenty respondents, median age 59 [16-85] years. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis.Results: The result, presented as one main theme with categories and subcategories, describes the impact of the injury. Everyday life was affected in all participants, very much in a few highly valued activities such as sports and work, whenever the hand was used, or even at rest. This study indicates that the injury has an impact on the ability to move around, other parts of the body, sleep, emotions, self-perception and relationships. It also shows that the patients used several strategies to manage the situation.Conclusion: The malunion of a distal radius fracture has a negative impact on a wide range of daily activities, as well as other aspects of daily life. There is a need for information between caregivers and patients, and clear routines, once a malunion has occurred.Implications for rehabilitationThe symptomatic malunion of a distal radius fracture should be acknowledged as a complex condition requiring comprehensive interventionsTechnical equipment, braces and new solutions on practical problems was necessary to manage everyday life and should be a focus of intervention for this patient groupThe consequences of the injury was not only restricted activity performance but also affected social relationships and emotionsInformation about fracture healing and how a malunion can occur, as well as information on how much the wrist can be loaded at different time points, is important to reduce anxiety.

Long-term outcomes of corrective osteotomy for malunited fractures of the distal radius.

The aim was to investigate the long-term outcome after corrective osteotomy for malunion of distal radius fractures. Radiological findings, function, activity performance, pain, health-related quality of life and self-efficacy were studied. Evaluation of 37 patients 3-10 years after osteotomy fixated with a volar plate. Conventional radiographs were taken. Grip strength and range of motion were evaluated. Scores from the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) were compared with normative values. The RAND-36 was used for evaluation of health-related quality of life and the General Self-Efficacy scale (S-GSE) for self-efficacy. Radial height, volar tilt, and ulnar variance improved postoperatively. In the long term, the corrections were maintained. Radiographs showed significantly more advanced osteoarthritis. Mean grip strength was 31 kg (SD 13) 89%, and range of motion varied between 80% and 95% compared to the uninjured side. The median PRWE was 12 points (0-99). The study group experienced higher levels of pain than reference values. There was a moderate correlation between the PRWE and volar tilt (rs = 0.453, p = .006) and grip strength (rs = 0.40, p = .014). At long-term follow-up functional outcome after a corrective osteotomy is generally good, but patients may experience some degree of pain. Corrective osteotomy might be considered for patients with a poor functional outcome after a distal radius fracture.

Early coordinated rehabilitation in acute phase after hip fracture - a model for increased patient participation.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that patients with hip fracture treated in a Comprehensive Geriatric Care (CGC) unit report better results in comparison to orthopaedic care. Furthermore, involving patients in their healthcare by encouraging patient participation can result in better quality of care and improved outcomes. To our knowledge no study has been performed comparing rehabilitation programmes within a CGC unit during the acute phase after hip fracture with focus on improving patients' perceived participation and subsequent effect on patients' function. METHODS: A prospective, controlled, intervention performed in a CGC unit and compared with standard care. A total of 126 patients with hip fracture were recruited who were prior to fracture; community dwelling, mobile indoors and independent in personal care. Intervention Group (IG): 63 patients, mean age 82.0 years and Control Group (CG): 63 patients mean age 80.5 years. INTERVENTION: coordinated rehabilitation programme with early onset of patient participation and intensified occupational therapy and physiotherapy after hip fracture surgery. The primary outcome measure was self-reported patient participation at discharge. Secondary outcome measures were: TLS-BasicADL; Bergs Balance Scale (BBS); Falls Efficacy Scale FES(S); Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) at discharge and 1 month and ADL staircase for instrumental ADL at 1 month. RESULTS: At discharge a statistically significant greater number of patients in the IG reported higher levels of participation (p < 0.05) and independence in lower body hygiene (p < 0.05) and dressing (p < 0.001). There were however no statistically significant differences at discharge and 1 month between groups in functional balance and confidence, performance measures or risk for falls. CONCLUSION: This model of OT and PT coordinated inpatient rehabilitation had a positive effect on patients' perceived participation in their rehabilitation and ADL at discharge but did not appear to affect level of recovery or risk for future falls at 1 month. A large proportion of patients remained at risk for future falls at 1 month in both groups highlighting the need for continued rehabilitation after discharge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03301584 (Retrospectively registered: 4th October 2017).

Increased joint pain after massive weight loss: is there an association with joint hypermobility?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of pain in weight-bearing joints. Although pain often decreases after obesity surgery, this is the reverse for some patients. Hypermobility is described as an excessive range of motion in joints and has been suggested to be a possible cause of joint pain. It is not known whether there is an association between increased joint pain after weight loss and hypermobility. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between hypermobility and increased joint pain after massive weight loss. SETTING: University hospital, Sweden. METHODS: A survey including a screening questionnaire about hypermobility and questions about joint pain was sent to 149 people who had previously undergone bariatric surgery. Ninety-three people (72 women and 21 men) completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: Nineteen of the respondents fulfilled the criteria for hypermobility. There were no significant differences between the groups with and without hypermobility regarding pain in weight-bearing joints before or after surgery. There was a significant difference between the groups with increased or novel pain in the ankles, shoulders, hands, and feet (P<.05) after the weight loss. Furthermore, the patients with hypermobility had increased or novel pain in a significantly higher number of weight-bearing joints, other joints, and joints in total (P< .05). CONCLUSION: Even with a small sample size, a tendency can be seen for people with hypermobility to experience increased joint pain after weight loss compared with those without hypermobility.

Predictors and consequences of long-term pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: a longitudinal follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a multifactorial condition, which can be mentally and physically compromising both during and after pregnancy. However, long-term pregnancy-related PGP has been poorly investigated. This longitudinal follow-up study uniquely aimed to describe prevalence and predictors of PGP and its consequences on women's health and function up to 11 years after pregnancy. METHODS/DESIGN: A postal questionnaire was sent to 530 women who participated in 1 of 3 randomized controlled studies for PGP in pregnancy. Women who reported experiencing lumbopelvic pain were offered a clinical examination. Main outcome measure was the presence of long term PGP as assessed by an independent examiner. Secondary outcomes were: working hours/week, function (the Disability Rating Index, and Oswestry Disability Index), self-efficacy (the General Self-Efficacy Scale), HRQL (Euro-Qol 5D and EQ-Visual scale), anxiety and depression, (Hospital anxiety and depression scale,) and pain-catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), in women with PGP compared to women with no PGP. RESULTS: A total of 371/530 (70 %) women responded and 37/ 371 (10 %) were classified with long-term PGP. Pregnancy-related predictors for long-term PGP were number of positive pain provocation tests (OR = 1.79), history of low back pain (LBP) (OR = 2.28), positive symphysis pressure test (OR = 2.01), positive Faber (Patrick's) test (OR = 2.22), and positive modified Trendelenburg test (OR = 2.20). Women with PGP had significantly decreased ability to perform daily activities (p < .001), lower self-efficacy (p = 0.046), decreased HRQL (p < .001), higher levels of anxiety and depression (p < .001), were more prone to pain catastrophizing, and worked significantly fewer hours/week (p = 0.032) compared to women with no PGP. CONCLUSIONS: This unique long-term follow up of PGP highlights the importance of assessment of pain in the lumbopelvic area early in pregnancy and postpartum in order to identify women with risk of long term pain. One of 10 women with PGP in pregnancy has severe consequences up to 11 years later. They could be identified by number of positive pain provocation tests and experience of previous LBP. Access to evidence based treatments are important for individual and socioeconomic reasons.

Muscle force, balance and falls in muscular impaired individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a five-year prospective cohort study.

Individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) have progressive muscle weakness with gait and balance impairments. We explored prospectively the natural history of muscle force, gait, balance, balance confidence and walking ability in muscular affected individuals with DM1. After five years data from 43 individuals (m/f:18/25) were analysed. All measures of balance showed statistically significant deterioration (p < 0.001) with averaged yearly loss of function by 3-4%. In the group as a whole, loss of muscle force was statistically significant in all lower limb muscles measured after five years: changes relative to baseline force were median -6% to -18%. For males muscle force loss was statistically significant in all leg muscles, but only in hip flexors for women. After five years 100% of the men had fallen during the previous year and 67% three times or more, in contrast only 60% of the women had fallen in the previous year and 36% three times or more. The proportion of individuals seeking medical care the previous year, after falling, was more than doubled after five years, albeit the number of falls had not changed. Awareness of this increased risk of falls is important for caregivers and patients.

Factors of importance for dynamic balance impairment and frequency of falls in individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 - a cross-sectional study - including reference values of Timed Up & Go, 10m walk and step test.

Patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 suffer from gait difficulties including stumbles and falls. To identify factors of importance for balance impairment and fall-risk a mapping of functional balance was performed, in a cross-sectional study of 51 adults. Walking, balance, falls and muscle force were self-assessed and measured. Reference values of balance were established through measurements of 220 healthy subjects. Falls were more frequently observed in the patients who were more severely affected of muscle weakness than in mildly affected patients, p=0.014. The number of falls showed negative correlation with balance confidence (rs=-0.516, p<0.001). The ankle dorsiflexor force together with the time difference between comfortable and maximum speed in 10m-walk proved to be significant factors for fall frequency. A ten Newton muscle force decrease showed 15% increase in odds ratio for frequent falls. One-second increase in time difference between comfortable and maximum walking speed showed 42% increase in odds ratio for frequent falls. In conclusion, assessing the ankle muscle force and the time difference in different walking speeds is important to detect risk of falling. The activities-specific balance confidence score reflects the consequences of the muscle force decrease. Certain patient strategies to diminish risk of falling could be due.

Patients' experience of health three years after structured physiotherapy or surgery for lumbar disc herniation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of health among patients 3 years after treatment with a structured physiotherapy model or surgery for lumbar disc herniation. DESIGN: A qualitative research study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Patients were referred to the orthopaedic clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation. Twenty patients who were eligible for surgery were treated either with a structured physio-therapy model or with surgery. METHODS: Open-ended interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: Findings were grouped into two themes: feeling of well-being and feeling of ill-being. In the group treated with structured physiotherapy there were a high number of codes in the feeling of well-being theme. In the group treated with surgery there were a high number of codes in the feeling of ill-being theme. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with structured physiotherapy or surgery experienced feelings of well-being and ill-being 3 years after treatment. Patients treated with physiotherapy and surgery described varying experiences of health 3 years after treatment for lumbar disc herniation. It can be speculated that the experience of well-being may be explained by the ability of structured physiotherapy treatments to empower patients.

The inter-rater reliability of a standardised classification system for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain.

Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain has varying clinical presentations and effects among subgroups. Different lumbopelvic pain subgroups require different specific management approaches which require the differentiation between lumbar and pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Thirty-one consecutive pregnant women with non-specific lumbopelvic pain were evaluated by two examiners and classified into lumbar pain, PGP, or combined pelvic girdle and lumbar pain. A standard history about different positions/activities of daily life such as bending, sitting, standing, walking, and lying, was followed by a standardised mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine (Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy), including tests of repeated end-range movements to standing and lying, pelvic pain provocation tests (distraction test, posterior pelvic pain provocation test, Gaenslen's test, compression test, and sacral thrust) a hip-rotation range-of-motion test, the active straight-leg-raising test, and a neurological examination. Agreement for the three syndromes (lumbar pain, PGP, or combined pelvic girdle and lumbar pain) was 87% (27/31), with a kappa coefficient of 0.79 (95% CI 0.60-0.98). It was possible to perform the classification procedure throughout pregnancy. There was substantial agreement between the two examiners for the classification of non-specific lumbopelvic pain into lumbar pain and PGP in pregnant women.

Self-administered tests as a screening procedure for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

The aim of this study was to investigate sensitivity and specificity of self-administrated tests aimed at pain provocation of posterior and/or anterior pelvis pain and to investigate pain intensity during and after palpation of the symphysis. A total of 175 women participated in the study, 100 pregnant women with and 25 pregnant women without lumbopelvic back pain and 50 non-pregnant women. Standard pain provocation tests were compared with self assessed tests. All women were asked to estimate pain during and after palpation of the symphysis. For posterior pelvic pain, the self-test of P4 and Bridging test had the highest sensitivity of 0.90 versus 0.97 and specificity of 0.92 and 0.87. Highest sensitivity for self-test for anterior pelvic pain was pulling a mat 0.85. Palpation of symphysis was painful and persistency of pain was the longest among women who fulfilled the criteria for symphyseal pain. There were overall significant differences between the groups concerning intensity and persistency of pain (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that pregnant women can perform a screening by provocation of posterior pelvic pain by self-tests with the new P4 self-test and the Bridging test. Palpation of the symphysis is painful and should only be used as a complement to history taking, pain drawing and pulling a MAT-test.

Physical therapy treatment of back complaints on children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was performed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how 2 different treatment options affect perception of health, pain, and physical functioning over time among children and adolescents with low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP among children and adolescents has increased. The literature shows that children with LBP also suffer from this condition as adults. Thus, it is important to prevent and treat LBP in children and adolescents. METHODS: Forty-five children and adolescents were consecutively randomized into one of 2 treatment groups and were studied for 12 weeks. Group 1 was given individualized physical therapy and exercise and a standardized self-training program and back education. Group 2 was given self-training program and back education but no individualized therapy. The children and adolescents were tested before and after the treatment period. Child Health Questionnaire Child Form 87, Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire, Painometer, Back Saver Sit and Reach, and test of trunk muscle endurance were used to evaluate the interventions. RESULTS: Both groups improved statistically significant in most parameters over time. On comparison between the groups the physical function measured by Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire and the duration of pain measured by Painometer improved statistically significant in Group 1. CONCLUSION: An individual assessment by a knowledgeable physiotherapist and an active treatment model improve how children and adolescents experience their back problems with respect to health and physical function, pain, strength, and mobility, regardless of whether treatment consists of a home exercise program with follow-up or home exercise combined with exercise and treatment supervised by a physiotherapist.

Quantification of mobility impairment and self-assessment of stiffness in patients with myotonia congenita by the physiotherapist.

We investigated test-retest reliability and responsiveness in two functional measuring instruments, Timed Up&Go (TUG) and Timed-Stands Test (TST), and in three self-assessment scales, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Borg's Category-Ratio Scale (BorgCR10) and Myotonia Behaviour Scale (MBS) when quantifying myotonic stiffness and mobility impairment. These methods were used in the assessment of treatment efficacy of mexiletine. Six male patients with myotonia congenita followed a standardised protocol with time scoring and rest on two occasions, with and without mexiletine. Time scoring of TUG and TST and self-assessments of stiffness were performed. A 14-day stiffness diary was used at home. Timed Up&Go and TST showed very good test-retest agreement (ICC=0.87-0.95) and significant to change (P=0.005 and 0.001, respectively). All self-assessment scales revealed excellent responsiveness and good test-retest reliability. The measurement instruments possess great capacity to detect functional impairment in the myotonia congenita patient group, and sensibility to identify true changes due to treatment. When considering the results, three instruments are favoured; Timed Up&Go and BorgCR10 for short, and MBS for long-term evaluations.

Results of early active rehabilitation 5-7 years after surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation.

A prospective and randomized study was conducted of 52 patients who were treated by two home training programs after surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Twenty-six patients followed an early active treatment program, and 26 patients followed a less active training program (control group). Forty-nine patients (82%) answered a questionnaire 5-7 years postoperatively. The reoperation rate was two of 49 patients. None of these patients had followed the early active treatment program. Patients with signs of depression before surgery were not significantly less satisfied with the outcome than patients with no signs of depression before surgery.