Treatment for dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) in hereditary ataxia
Abstract Background Hereditary ataxias are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in progressive inco-ordination. Swallowing impairment, also known as dysphagia, is a common and potentially life threatening sequel of disease progression. The incidence and nature of dysphagia in these conditions is largely unknown. The loss of an effective and safe swallow can dramatically affect the […]
Pharmacological interventions for unilateral spatial neglect after stroke
Abstract Background Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is characterized by the inability to report or respond to people or objects presented on the side contralateral to the lesioned side of the brain and has been associated with poor functional outcomes and long stays in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Pharmacological interventions (medical interventions only, use of drugs […]
Constraint-induced movement therapy for upper extremities in people with stroke
Abstract Background In people who have had a stroke, upper limb paresis affects many activities of daily life. Reducing disability is therefore a major aim of rehabilitative interventions. Despite preserving or recovering movement ability after stroke, sometimes people do not fully realise this ability in their everyday activities. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an approach […]
Rivastigmine for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease is the commonest cause of dementia affecting older people. One of the therapeutic strategies aimed at ameliorating the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease is to enhance cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain by the use of cholinesterase inhibitors to delay the breakdown of acetylcholine released into synaptic clefts. Tacrine, the first of […]
Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment
Abstract Background Manipulation and mobilisation are commonly used to treat neck pain. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003, and previously updated in 2010. Objectives To assess the effects of manipulation or mobilisation alone compared wiith those of an inactive control or another active treatment on pain, function, disability, patient […]
Wound-care teams for preventing and treating pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers, which are localised injury to the skin or underlying tissue, or both, occur when people are unable to reposition themselves to relieve pressure on bony prominences. Pressure ulcers are often difficult to heal, painful and impact negatively on the individual’s quality of life. The cost implications of pressure ulcer treatment are […]
Treadmill training for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Treadmill training is used in rehabilitation and is described as improving gait parameters of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training in improving the gait of patients with Parkinson’s disease and the acceptability and safety of this type of therapy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Movement Disorders […]
Electromagnetic therapy for treating pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers are defined as areas “of localized damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by pressure, shear, friction and/or the combination of these”. Electromagnetic therapy (EMT), in which electrodes produce an electromagnetic field across the wound, may improve healing of chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers. Objectives To assess the effects […]
Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers (i.e. bedsores, pressure sores, pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue. They are common in the elderly and immobile, and costly in financial and human terms. Pressure-relieving support surfaces (i.e. beds, mattresses, seat cushions etc) are used to help prevent ulcer development. Objectives This […]
Massage for low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems in modern society. It is experienced by 70% to 80% of adults at some time in their lives. Massage therapy has the potential to minimize pain and speed return to normal function. Objectives To assess the effects of massage therapy […]