Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Original Research Open Access

A 6-week Lagree Intervention Improves Functional Movement, Dynamic Balance, and Muscular Endurance—A Case Series

Mayrena Isamar Hernandez , Samuel T. Lauman , Jose N. Romo , Nia Matthews , Mary L. Williams , Christopher D. Greenleaf , Cynthia Trowbridge , Harsh H. Buddhadev

Lagree Methodology is a new multimodal exercise approach that is rapidly gaining popularity, and it claims to improve areas such as muscular endurance, balance, functional movements. However, no research has prospectively examined these effects. The purpose of this case series study was to determine the effectiveness of a 6-week Lagree methodology program on functional performance and balance in healthy adults. 

Case Report Open Access

Septic Pubic Symphysis Osteomyelitis in a Tetraplegic Patient: An Overlooked Cause of Autonomic Dysreflexia

Alicia Badts , Antoine Royer

Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of spinal cord injury occurring at T6 or above. It is most often triggered by a sublesional irritative stimulus, typically involving the urinary or gastrointestinal tract. Although common causes are well recognized, less typical etiologies may complicate the clinical picture. 

Case Report Open Access

Focal Dystonia in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Can Surgery Make Both Better?

Michelle L. Andary , Ian S. Ackers , Cheryl N. Craig , Brian G. Loder , Michael T. Andary , Geoffrey K. Seidel

Objective: This case aims to describe a rare case of complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS II) associated with tibial nerve entrapment and dystonia, and to highlight the role of electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing in identifying a potentially treatable peripheral nerve lesion. Methods: We report a rare case of CRPS II involving the tibial nerve with associated dystonia, painful paresthesia’s, and autonomic changes in the right foot. 

Original Research Open Access

Quantifying Clinical Outcomes of IDD Therapy in Patients with Cervical and Lumbar Disc Bulges and Herniations

Samuel Bartrom , Esa Syed , Tyler Graham

Lumbar and cervical disc herniations and bulges are common causes of pain and disability, with conservative, non-invasive treatments recommended as first-line interventions. Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a form of targeted spinal decompression that aims to reduce disc pressure and promote healing. While some studies question the efficacy of traction-based therapies, others suggest potential benefits.

Original Research Open Access

Treatment of Pelvic Pain Using Systemic Manual Therapy

Adi Halili

Background: The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment for non-specific pelvic pain using Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT). This study evaluates outcomes across episode of care and after implementation of specific SMT protocols. Design: Computerized decision support software (CDSS) analysis of electronic medical records (EMR) using the Halili Physical Therapy Statistical Analysis Tool (HPTSAT) to query EMR.

Case Report Open Access

Cervical Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression for Disc Herniation in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Study Using the DRX9000C

Jacob A. Connolly , Amanda M. Gabro , Susan Welsh , Jessie Bexley , Nathan D. Schilaty

Cervical disc herniation (CDH) can produce severe radiculopathy and functional impairment, and management becomes more complex when neurological comorbidities such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are present. This case study reports on a 35-year-old female with CDH at C5–C6 with a concurrent demyelinating MS lesion at the same level, who presented with debilitating cervical pain, marked left upper-extremity weakness (3/5 strength), sensory loss, absent reflexes, and significant activity limitations.

Original Research Open Access

Prosthetics and Orthotics Service Distribution in Ghana: A Geospatial and Demographic Correlation Study

Daniel Opoku-Gyamfi , Akouetevi Aduayom-Ahego , Prince Oduro , Benjamin Acheampong , Joseph Pitoor Bikala , Cecil Owusu Bempah , Christian Kwaku Agbewoavi

The availability and accessibility of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) services in Ghana remain largely unquantified, with anecdotal evidence suggesting significant disparities between urban and rural areas. A quantitative, cross-sectional geospatial design was utilized in this study using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map P&O service distribution.

Case Report Open Access

Rehabilitation of a Traumatic Brain Injury Patient with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Case Report

Mohit Kataruka , Puja Sannyashi , Amala Sajeev , Jalil Sk

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to motor deficits and impaired balance and gait, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) aims to increase recovery by modulating cortical plasticity. A male patient in his late 20s presented with tetraplegia and balance impairment for four years after TBI. Initial home-based exercises yielded no significant improvement. The patient subsequently underwent rTMS and neuromotor training over 2 weeks to improve motor control and balance.

Original Research Open Access

Comparative Effects of Music Therapy, Dance, and Physiotherapy on Emotional States in Parkinson’s Disease

Kirsti Pedak , Toomas Toomsoo , Maria Ines de Magalhaes Cardoso de Oliveira Margato , Alice Pehk

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving motor and non-motor symptoms that reduce quality of life. Non-motor symptoms, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, are often underrecognized despite their significant impact on daily functioning. This study aimed to examine the effects of three group-based rehabilitation interventions on emotional well-being in patients with moderate PD.

Original Research Open Access

Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Shoulder Tests in Establishing the Etiology of Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain

Peter Verspeelt , Martine De Muynck , Guy Vanderstraeten , Astrid Vermeersch , Gaetane Stassijns

Clinical testing is essential in establishing the etiology of non-traumatic Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain. To assess the Sensitivity and Specificity of the Painful Arc test, the Neer test, the Hawkins-Kennedy test, the Jobe or Empty Can test and the Cross-Body-Adduction test in different pathologies of non-traumatic Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain such as bursitis, cuff tendinopathy and cuff tear.

Original Research Open Access

A Mixed Methods Study Evaluating a Four-Week Post-COVID Rehabilitation Program: Insights and Satisfaction of Rehabilitants and Employees

Anna Völkel , Sanny Witt , Jörg Heimsoth , Magnus Friepörtner , Claas Unverferth , Natalie Schüz , Aike Hessel , Anna Levke Brütt

 Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) affects about 10% of COVID-19 patients, causing persistent symptoms such as chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, and depression. These symptoms reduce quality of life and work capacity and are therefore targeted in specialized rehabilitation programs. A rehabilitation center in Germany developed a four-week group-based PCS rehabilitation program focusing on energy management.