Botulinum toxin A as an adjunct to treatment in the management of the upper limb in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) is “a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture causing activity limitation(s) that are attributed to non-progressive disturbance that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain” (Rosenbaum 2007, p.9). The spastic motor type is the most common form of CP. Therapeutic management may include splinting/casting, […]
Special care units for dementia individuals with behavioural problems
Abstract Background The behavioural problems of people with dementia are often considered as one of the most challenging issues in caring. Special Care Units (SCUs) have flourished since the 1980s with the aim of taking care of dementia patients, usually those with Alzheimer’s disease, and in particular for those with behavioural problems. Although lacking a […]
Exercise for people with peripheral neuropathy
Abstract Background Peripheral neuropathies are a wide range of diseases affecting the peripheral nerves. Demyelination or axonal degeneration gives rise to a variety of symptoms including reduced or altered sensation, pain, muscle weakness and fatigue. Secondary disability arises and this may result in adjustments to psychological and social function. Exercise therapy, with a view to […]
Botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia
Abstract Background This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in Issue 3, 2004 of The Cochrane Library and previously updated in 2007. The use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia is currently the treatment of choice for management of this neurological voice disorder. Over the past 20 years, botulinum […]
Overground physical therapy gait training for chronic stroke patients with mobility deficits
Abstract Background Overground gait training forms a major part of physical therapy services for chronic stroke patients in almost every setting. Overground gait training refers to physical therapists’ observation and cueing of the patient’s walking pattern along with related exercises, but does not include high-technology aids such as functional electrical stimulation or body weight support. […]
Interventions for apathy after traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Apathy is a deficiency in overt behavioural, emotional and cognitive components of goal-directed behaviour. It is a common occurrence after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with widespread impact. We have systematically reviewed studies examining the effectiveness of interventions for apathy in the TBI population. Objectives To investigate the effectiveness of interventions for apathy in […]
Protein and energy supplementation in elderly people at risk from malnutrition
Abstract Background Evidence for the effectiveness of nutritional supplements containing protein and energy, often prescribed for older people, is limited. Malnutrition is more common in this age group and deterioration of nutritional status can occur during illness. It is important to establish whether supplementing the diet is an effective way of improving outcomes for older […]
Enteral tube feeding for older people with advanced dementia
Abstract Background The use of enteral tube feeding for patients with advanced dementia who have poor nutritional intake is common. In one US survey 34% of 186,835 nursing home residents with advanced cognitive impairment were tube fed. Potential benefits or harms of this practice are unclear. Objectives To evaluate the outcome of enteral tube nutrition […]
Very early versus delayed mobilisation after stroke
Abstract Background Very early mobilisation is performed in some stroke units and recommended in acute stroke clinical guidelines. It is unclear whether very early mobilisation independently improves outcome after stroke. Objectives To determine the benefits and harms of very early mobilisation (commenced within 48 hours of stroke) compared with conventional care. Search methods We searched […]
Intervention for dysarthria associated with acquired brain injury in children and adolescents
Abstract Background The term ‘acquired brain injury’ (ABI) incorporates a range of aetiologies including cerebrovascular accident, brain tumour and traumatic brain injury. ABI is a common cause of disability in the paediatric population, and dysarthria is a common and often persistent sequelae associated with ABI in children. Objectives To assess the efficacy of intervention delivered […]