Hydrogel dressings for treating pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers and pressure injuries, are localised areas of injury to the skin or the underlying tissue, or both. Dressings are widely used to treat pressure ulcers and there are many different dressing options including hydrogel dressings. A clear and current overview of the current evidence is […]
Exercises for mechanical neck disorders
Abstract Background Neck pain is common, disabling and costly. Exercise is one treatment approach. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of exercises to improve pain, disability, function, patient satisfaction, quality of life and global perceived effect in adults with neck pain. Search methods We searched MEDLINE, MANTIS, ClinicalTrials.gov and three other computerized databases up to between […]
Interventions for improving upper limb function after stroke
Abstract Background Improving upper limb function is a core element of stroke rehabilitation needed to maximise patient outcomes and reduce disability. Evidence about effects of individual treatment techniques and modalities is synthesised within many reviews. For selection of effective rehabilitation treatment, the relative effectiveness of interventions must be known. However, a comprehensive overview of systematic […]
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease: a comparison of techniques
Abstract Background Despite medical therapies and surgical interventions for Parkinson’s disease (PD), patients develop progressive disability. The role of physiotherapy is to maximise functional ability and minimise secondary complications through movement rehabilitation within a context of education and support for the whole person. The overall aim is to optimise independence, safety and wellbeing, thereby enhancing […]
Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers affect approximately 10% of people in hospitals and older people are at highest risk. A correlation between inadequate nutritional intake and the development of pressure ulcers has been suggested by several studies, but the results have been inconsistent. Objectives To evaluate the effects of enteral and parenteral nutrition on the prevention […]
Interventions for improving sit-to-stand ability following stroke
Abstract Background Standing up from a seated position is one of the most frequently performed functional tasks, is an essential pre-requisite to walking and is important for independent living and preventing falls. Following stroke, patients can experience a number of problems relating to the ability to sit-to-stand independently. Objectives To review the evidence of effectiveness […]
Botulinum toxin for upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction in neurological swallowing disorders
Abstract Background Adequate upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) opening is critical to safe and efficient swallowing due to the close proximity of the UOS to the airway entrance. Many people with neurological conditions, progressive and non-progressive, present with UOS dysfunction. The consequences for the person include difficulty swallowing food with subsequent choking and aspiration (passage of […]
Rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery
Abstract Background Several rehabilitation programmes are available for individuals after lumbar disc surgery. Objectives To determine whether active rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery is more effective than no treatment, and to describe which type of active rehabilitation is most effective. This is the second update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2002. First, we […]
Light therapy for improving cognition, activities of daily living, sleep, challenging behaviour, and psychiatric disturbances in dementia
Abstract Background Rest-activity and sleep-wake cycles are controlled by the endogenous circadian rhythm generated by the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Degenerative changes in the SCN appear to be a biological basis for circadian disturbances in people with dementia, and might be reversed by stimulation of the SCN by light. Objectives The review examines […]
Rehabilitation for improving automobile driving after stroke
Abstract Background Interventions to improve driving ability after stroke, including driving simulation and retraining visual skills, have limited evaluation of their effectiveness to guide policy and practice. Objectives To determine whether any intervention, with the specific aim of maximising driving skills, improves the driving performance of people after stroke. Search methods We searched the Cochrane […]