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[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the awareness amongst healthcare staff of post-stroke cognitive impairment in a university teaching hospital and supporting stroke rehabilitation unit. [Subjects and Methods] A cross sectional study was employed to collect data from 20 healthcare staff about post-stroke cognitive impairment. This study was conducted in Ireland at two sites, the Acute Stroke unit in Cork University Hospital, and the Stroke Rehabilitation unit and Assessment and Treatment Centre in St. Finbarr's Hospital. [Results] Approximately 75% of participants felt that they had knowledge about post-stroke cognitive deficits, with around 50% of them having patients with persistent cognitive decline between 40% and 60%. Most participants (70%) agreed that cognitive function should be routinely assessed and the majority (85%) discussed the potential impact of post-stroke cognitive deficits with patients and their families. However, some participants need to be aware of post-stroke cognitive deterioration. [Conclusion] Although there was evidence of good practice, a small number of healthcare staff felt that they did not have sufficient knowledge about post-stroke cognitive deficits. Thus, further professional education should be provided to improve the knowledge of healthcare staff about potential cognitive impairments after stroke.
RESUMO
[Purpose] The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on wound surface area in patients with foot ulcers. [Methods] Four databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched up to the end of April 2018 to identify relevant studies. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: randomised controlled trial (RCT), assessed the efficacy of HILT in patients with foot ulcers, evaluated wound surface area, and written in English language with available full text. The PEDro scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies. [Results] A total of three RCTs met the inclusion criteria, with two studies of the efficacy of HILT in adult patients with diabetic foot ulcers and one in spina bifida children with neuropathic foot ulcers. According to the PEDro scale assessment, all three studies were rated as a fair quality. All studies found that HILT provided significantly better outcomes compared to sham laser or standard medical therapy. [Conclusion] This systematic review suggests that HILT is an effective modality for wound healing in patients with foot ulcers, but further large-scale studies are required to confirm its efficacy.
RESUMO
We assess the long-term effect of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of the post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS). A total of 61 women participated in this study (30 in the laser group and 31 in the placebo laser group), with a mean age of 53.56 ± 1.11 years. Patients who were randomly assigned to the laser group received HILT three times per week for 4 weeks, plus a routine physical therapy program (RPTP). The placebo laser group received placebo HILT plus RPTP. The outcomes measured were pain level by visual analog scale (VAS), shoulder range of motion (ROM), and quality of life (QOL). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA with repeated measures to compare the differences between baseline and post-treatment measurements and after 12 weeks of follow-up for both groups. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Shoulder ROM significantly increased in the laser group after 4 weeks of treatment and after 12 weeks of follow-up compared with the placebo group. VAS results showed a significant decrease post-treatment in the laser group relative to the placebo group, and QOL results showed a significant improvement in the laser group compared with the placebo group and still improved after 12 weeks of follow-up. HILT combined with an RPTP appears to be more effective in patients with PMPS than a placebo laser procedure with RPTP.