SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Physical Functional Performance”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Mediastinal reinforcement after induction therapy and pneumonectomy: comparison of intercostal muscle versus diaphragm flaps.

OBJECTIVE: Prospective non-randomised comparison of full-thickness pedicled diaphragm flap with intercostal muscle flap in terms of morbidity and efficiency for bronchial stump coverage after induction therapy followed by pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Between 1996 and 1998, a consecutive series of 26 patients underwent pneumonectomy following induction therapy. Half of the patients underwent mediastinal reinforcement by use of a pedicled intercostal muscle flap (IF) and half of the patients by use of a pedicled full-thickness diaphragm muscle flap (DF). Patients in both groups were matched according to age, gender, side of pneumonectomy and stage of NSCLC. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were recorded. Six months follow-up including physical examination and pulmonary function testing was performed to examine the incidence of bronchial stump fistulae, gastro-esophageal disorders or chest wall complaints. RESULTS: There was no 30-day mortality in both groups. Complications were observed in one of 13 patients after IF and five of 13 after DF including pneumonia in two (one IF and one DF), visceral herniations in three (DF) and bronchopleural fistula in one patient (DF). There were no symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Postoperative pulmonary function testing revealed no significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicled intercostal and diaphragmatic muscle flaps are both valuable and effective tools for prophylactic mediastinal reinforcement following induction therapy and pneumonectomy. In our series of patients, IF seemed to be associated with a smaller operation-related morbidity than DF, although the difference was not significant. Pedicled full-thickness diaphragmatic flaps may be indicated after induction therapy and extended pneumonectomy with pericardial resection in order to cover the stump and close the pericardial defect since they do not adversely influence pulmonary function.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Prevalence of functional disability among elderly patients with cancer.

This study is part of a larger multicenter prospective study conducted in Italy to assess the efficacy of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) among elderly patients with cancer (i.e. aged 65 years or older). The prevalence of functional limitations, and its association with selected characteristics, was investigated among 303 elderly patients consecutively admitted at the Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (Northeast Italy), between 1995 and 1998. These patients had a median age of 72 years (range, 65-94), and were affected by haematological (n=182) or solid tumours (n=121). At baseline, their physical function was assessed, in addition to performance status (PS), by means of the activity of daily living (ADL) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales. Overall, 17% of the patients had a limitation for ADL, and 59% for IADL, the prevalence of functional disabilities increased with age. Specifically, 8% of patients had continence limitations and 13% had limitations in taking the prescribed drugs. By multivariate analysis, a poor PS turned out to be a strong independent determinant of both ADL and IADL disabilities.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1994

Axon-sparing lesions of the medial nucleus of the amygdala decrease affiliative behaviors in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster): behavioral and anatomical specificity.

The neural basis of affiliative behavior was examined in the prairie vole, a rodent that exhibits high levels of social contact and paternal behavior. In the first study, the axon-sparing excitotoxin N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA) produced lesions in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala or the corticomedial amygdala. Males with corticomedial lesions showed significantly less contact with a familiar adult female and a pup when compared with males with lesions of the basolateral nucleus or controls. This behavioral change was not associated with changes in exploratory behavior, motor function, performance in an olfactory task, fearfulness, physical well-being, or body temperature. In a second study, NMA lesions restricted to the medial nucleus also decreased paternal behavior. Neurons in the medial nucleus of the amygdala appear to be essential for the normal expression of paternal care in this species.

Amygdala↗

PubMed2003

Gender differences in health-related quality of life among patients with asthma.

This study has a twofold objective: 1) to explore to what extent suffering from asthma affects the HRQL of men and women differently at several stages of disease severity and 2) to analyze whether the informed poorer HRQL of asthmatic women is related to their higher scores on instruments measuring emotionally disordered symptoms. One hundred fifty-one outpatient asthmatics (84 women and 67 men) completed the Spanish versions of the Asthma Quality of Life questionnaire (AQL), as well as anxiety and depression inventories. A full history, physical examination, and pulmonary function test were performed on all subjects. Patients were classified into one of four asthma severity categories following the criteria of the Global Initiative on Asthma (GINA). There were no gender differences in sociodemographic variables, asthma duration, GINA, FEV1 or dyspnea. However, women showed a poorer HRQL than men, as well as high degrees of anxiety and depression. When these data were reanalyzed taking into account the four groups of asthma severity, women only reported a poorer HRQL than men at the intermittent asthma level. The gender differences on depression and anxiety scores were maintained at the three lower severity levels, but not at the most severe asthma degree. When depression and anxiety scores were partialed out, the AQL scores maintained significant relationships with asthma severity, dyspnea, and FEV1, both in women and men. Therefore, only in men were there also relationships among AQL and sociodemographic data. The best predictor of the women's HRQL was the dyspnea score, whereas in men it was the asthma severity (GINA).

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Peak aerobic power is an important component of physical performance in older women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between peak aerobic power (VO2peak) and performance on a modified Physical Performance Test (modified PPT) in older women. METHODS: One hundred one women aged 75 years and older seeking enrollment in randomized, controlled trials of exercise and/or hormone replacement therapy were recruited from the community-at-large and from congregate living sites. Measures obtained included VO2peak, a modified PPT, and self-reports about performance of activities of daily living. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis demonstrated that VO2peak was associated with total PPT score (r =.53, p <.001), gait speed (r =.44, p <.001), time to arise from a chair five times (r =.43, p = <.001), and time to climb one flight of stairs (r =.36, p =.007). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the relationships between VO2peak and total modified PPT score, gait speed, chair rise time, and time to climb one flight of stairs were independent of age. CONCLUSIONS: Peak aerobic power is a significant independent predictor of performance on a standardized test of physical function in older women and is an important component of physical frailty in this population.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2000

Effects of a group exercise program on strength, mobility, and falls among fall-prone elderly men.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial studied the effects of a low- to moderate-intensity group exercise program on strength, endurance, mobility, and fall rates in fall-prone elderly men with chronic impairments. METHODS: Fifty-nine community-living men (mean age = 74 years) with specific fall risk factors (i.e., leg weakness, impaired gait or balance, previous falls) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 28) or to a 12-week group exercise program (n = 31). Exercise sessions (90 minutes, three times per week) focused on increasing strength and endurance and improving mobility and balance. Outcome measures included isokinetic strength and endurance, five physical performance measures, and self-reported physical functioning, health perception, activity level, and falls. RESULTS: Exercisers showed significant improvement in measures of endurance and gait. Isokinetic endurance increased 21% for right knee flexion and 26% for extension. Exercisers had a 10% increase (p < .05) in distance walked in six minutes, and improved (p < .05) scores on an observational gait scale. Isokinetic strength improved only for right knee flexion. Exercise achieved no significant effect on hip or ankle strength, balance, self-reported physical functioning, or number of falls. Activity level increased within the exercise group. When fall rates were adjusted for activity level, the exercisers had a lower 3-month fall rate than controls (6 falls/1000 hours of activity vs 16.2 falls/1000 hours, p < .05). DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that exercise can improve endurance, strength, gait, and function in chronically impaired, fall-prone elderly persons. In addition, increased physical activity was associated with reduced fall rates when adjusted for level of activity.

Accidental Falls↗

PubMed1983

Are maximal inspiratory breathing exercises or incentive spirometry better than early mobilization after cardiopulmonary bypass?

Forty-nine adults who had undergone cardiopulmonary bypass surgery were randomly assigned to one of three exercise programs to determine if either maximal inspiratory breathing exercises or incentive spirometry offered a therapeutic advantage over early mobilization alone. After extubation, the patients started their assigned exercise programs. A physical examination and pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, at the start of the exercise program, and 24 and 48 hours after the start of the program. The results showed a significant decrease (approximately 50%) in lung volumes but no airflow obstruction in patients who had coronary artery bypass graft. In those patients who had valve replacement, lung volumes fell, and in addition, mild airflow obstruction occurred. A majority of patients had postoperative pulmonary complications. There were no significant differences among the exercise programs in improving lung volumes and airflow or in preventing postoperative complications. We conclude that maximal inspiratory breathing exercises or incentive spirometry, when used in addition to early mobilization, offers no therapeutic advantage over early mobilization alone after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Postmastectomy reconstruction: comparative analysis of the psychosocial, functional, and cosmetic effects of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap versus breast implant reconstruction.

Over 40,000 postmastectomy breast reconstructions are performed annually. In this study, we investigated the psychosocial, functional, and cosmetic effects of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap versus breast implant reconstruction. Thirty-three women who had undergone postmastectomy breast reconstruction were contacted by telephone and agreed to participate in the study. Twenty-two women completed the self-assessment questionnaires regarding their quality of life, psychological symptoms, functional status, body image, and global satisfaction. The TRAM and implant groups contained 8 and 14 patients, respectively. The groups were well matched for age, employment status, marital status, race, religion, and severity of medical and surgical illnesses. The average follow-up was 36 months. Statistical analysis of the responses revealed that women who had undergone TRAM flap reconstruction were more satisfied with how their reconstructed breast felt to the touch (p = .01), and there was a trend toward greater satisfaction with the appearance of their reconstructed breast (p = .08). However, these same patients identified more difficulties as far as functioning at work or school, performing vigorous physical activities, participating in community or religious activities, visiting with relatives, and interacting with male friends (p < .04). There were no statistically significant differences in body image or overall satisfaction. In this small cohort study, both the TRAM flap group and the implant group were satisfied with the results of their breast reconstruction, but the TRAM flap group was more satisfied with how their breast felt and tended to be more satisfied with the cosmetic result. The TRAM flap group reported greater psychological, social, and physical impairments as a result of their reconstruction.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Cochlear micromechanics--a mechanism for transforming mechanical to neural tuning within the cochlea.

A linear mathematical model is proposed which will account for the differences observed between mechanically measured data of Rhode (1971) for basilar membrane motion, and the responses of neural tuning curves (Kiang et al., 1974). We show that theoretical tuning curves may be derived from mechanical responses by forming the difference between the pressure across the basilar membrane and its displacement. Some ramifications of this proposal are discussed. We then propose a hypothetical physical model which could perform such a function.

Acoustics↗

PubMed2000

Motility powered by supramolecular springs and ratchets.

Not all biological movements are caused by molecular motors sliding along filaments or tubules. Just as springs and ratchets can store or release energy and rectify motion in physical systems, their analogs can perform similar functions in biological systems. The energy of biological springs is derived from hydrolysis of a nucleotide or the binding of a ligand, whereas biological ratchets are powered by Brownian movements of polymerizing filaments. However, the viscous and fluctuating cellular environment and the mechanochemistry of soft biological systems constrain the modes of motion generated and the mechanisms for energy storage, control, and release.

Actins↗

PubMed2006

[Test-retest reliability of the Work-related Physical Capacity Evaluation].

BACKGROUND: Functional capacity evaluations are used to quantify and qualify the physical abilities of an individual in relation to the physical requirements of an occupation. One major observation associated with functional capacity evaluations is a lack of evidence on their psychometric properties. PURPOSE: This article presents the results of a study on the test-retest reliability of a functional capacity evaluation tool: the Physical Work Performance Evaluation (PWPE). The PWPE is an instrument for evaluating the physical work capacities of individuals with physical limitations resulting from a health problem. METHODS: The PWPE was administered twice to a convenience sample of 30 workers in good health. RESULTS: In the section on 'Dynamic Strength', the tasks demonstrate a good test-retest reliability (0.79 < ICC < 0.91). The three sections and the global score of the PWPE demonstrate a moderate stability (0.43 < kappa > 0.52). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The PWPE score should be interpreted with caution and further studies on its psychometric properties will be necessary to clarify its clinical utility.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Acute and custodial care among impaired aged.

The authors surveyed a community-based population of 628 persons who were 65 and over and who lived either in a rural Maryland county or in Baltimore. For each subject, the number of different medical problems, the subject's capacity to perform physical tasks, and the ability to function were assessed. The number and type of medical problems tended to be the best predictors of whether or not hospital or physician's office care were used, and of the volume of physician's office visits for subjects who sought outpatient care. The subject's ability to function was the best predictor of whether or not the subject used a paid home aide and the volume of family caregiving. Implications for research on association between need and use of long-term care are discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2004

Influence of processing-induced phase transformations on the dissolution of theophylline tablets.

The object of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of (1) processing-induced decrease in drug crystallinity and (2) phase transformations during dissolution, on the performance of theophylline tablet formulations. Anhydrous theophylline underwent multiple transformations (anhydrate --> hydrate --> anhydrate) during processing. Although the crystallinity of the anhydrate obtained finally was lower than that of the unprocessed drug, it dissolved at a slower rate. This decrease in dissolution rate was attributed to the accelerated anhydrate to hydrate transformation during the dissolution run. Water vapor sorption studies proved to be a good predictor of powder dissolution behavior. While a decrease in crystallinity was brought about either by milling or by granulation, the effect on tablet dissolution was pronounced only in the latter. Tablet formulations prepared from the granules exhibited higher hardness, longer disintegration time, and slower dissolution than those containing the milled drug. The granules underwent plastic deformation during compression resulting in harder tablets, with delayed disintegration. The high hardness coupled with rapid anhydrate --> hydrate transformation during dissolution resulted in the formation of a hydrate layer on the tablet surface, which further delayed tablet disintegration and, consequently, dissolution. Phase transformations during processing and, more importantly, during dissolution influenced the observed dissolution rates. Product performance was a complex function of the physical state of the active and the processing conditions.

Cellulose↗

PubMed1998

An anthropological approach to the evaluation of preschool children exposed to pesticides in Mexico.

In this comparative study, we compensated for many of the known variables that influence children's growth and development by selecting two groups of 4-5-year-old Yaqui children who reside in the Yaqui Valley of northwestern Mexico. These children share similar genetic backgrounds, diets, water mineral contents, cultural patterns, and social behaviors. The major difference was their exposure to pesticides. Pesticides have been applied to the agricultural area of the valley since the late 1940s. In 1990, high levels of multiple pesticides were found in the cord blood of newborns and in breast milk. Building on anthropological methods for rapid rural appraisal of problems within the environment, a Rapid Assessment Tool for Preschool Children (RATPC) was developed to measure growth and development. The children of the agrarian region were compared to children living in the foothills, where pesticide use is avoided. The RATPC measured varied aspects of physical growth and abilities to perform, or function in, normal childhood activities. No differences were found in growth patterns. Functionally, the exposed children demonstrated decreases in stamina, gross and fine eye-hand coordination, 30-minute memory, and the ability to draw a person. The RATPC also pointed out areas in which more in-depth research on the toxicology of pesticides would be valuable.

Anthropology↗

PubMed2006

Iron supplementation and the female soldier.

Twenty-two percent of women in the United States are iron deficient. Iron deficiency adversely affects immune function as well as physical and cognitive performance. Although the risk of developing iron deficiency is high for female soldiers, this risk can be minimized with proper nutritional guidance. Recommended dietary modifications include (1) heme iron consumption, (2) ingestion of vitamin C and protein with meals, and (3) discontinued tea and coffee consumption with meals.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Indications for lung transplantation in advanced cystic fibrosis].

Lung transplantation has become a valid therapeutic option for cystic fibrosis patients with end-stage lung disease. The indication for transplantation does not rely on strict criteria only but must be evaluated case by case. In particular, the dynamics of the clinical course need to be considered with regard to impaired physical performance, recurrent infections, decline in pulmonary function and weight loss. Important risk factors are a poor nutritional status, osteoporosis, liver involvement, previous pleurodesis and the occurrence of multiresistant bacteria. Management and assessment of cystic fibrosis patients for lung transplantation is complex. Therefore patients should be referred to specialised centres at an early stage.

Bacterial Infections↗

PubMed2003

[Postoperative course of ischemic heart disease in patients with various reconstructive procedures on the coronary vessels].

The study was aimed at evaluation of a clinicofunctional condition of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) operated on the coronary vessels as well as features of postoperative course of the disease to design relevant therapeutic and prophylactic measures. The analysis was made of rehabilitation and long-term (up to 60 months) outcomes of cardiosurgical operations. Features of rehabilitation were studied in groups of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), creation of a mammarocoronary bypass combined with CABG and transcutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. To assess the results of cardiovascular patients rehabilitation, to study long-term results of cardiosurgical operations and compare conditions of patients after different cardiac operations, the parameter of "double product" is proposed under loading of 50 W. Three periods of postoperative run of the disease were identified: improvement with maximal physical performance of the patient, clinicopsychological stabilization, functional depletion and development of IHD complications.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed2005

The INFIR Cohort Study: investigating prediction, detection and pathogenesis of neuropathy and reactions in leprosy. Methods and baseline results of a cohort of multibacillary leprosy patients in north India.

The aim of this study was to find predictors of neuropathy and reactions, determine the most sensitive methods for detecting peripheral neuropathy, study the pathogenesis of neuropathy and reactions and create a bank of specimen, backed up by detailed clinical documentation. A multi-centre cohort study of 303 multibacillary leprosy patients in Northern India was followed for 2 years. All newly registered MB patients requiring a full course of MDT, who were smear positive and/or had six or more skin lesions and/or had two or more nerve trunks involved, were eligible. A detailed history was taken and physical and neurological examinations were performed. Nerve function was assessed at each visit with nerve conduction testing, warm and cold detection thresholds, vibrometry, dynamometry, monofilaments and voluntary muscle testing. Because the latter two are widely used in leprosy clinics, they were used as 'gold standard' for sensory and motor impairment. Other outcome events were type 1 and 2 reactions and neuritis. All subjects had a skin biopsy at registration, repeated at the time of an outcome event, along with a nerve biopsy. These were examined using a variety of immunohistological techniques. Blood sampling for serological testing was done at every 4-weekly clinic visit. At diagnosis, 115 patients had an outcome event of recent onset. Many people had skin lesions overlying a major nerve trunk, which were shown to be significantly associated with an increased of sensory or motor impairment. The most important adjusted odds ratios for motor impairment were, facial 4.5 (1.3-16) and ulnar 3.5 (1.0-8.5); for sensory impairment they were, ulnar 2.9 (1.3-6.5), median 3.6 (1.1-12) and posterior tibial 4.0 (1.8-8.7). Nerve enlargement was found in 94% of patients, while only 24% and 3% had paraesthesia and nerve tenderness on palpation, respectively. These increased the risk of reactions only marginally. Seven subjects had abnormal tendon reflexes and seven abnormal joint position sense. In all but one case, these impairments were accompanied by abnormalities in two or more other nerve function tests and thus seemed to indicate more severe neuropathy. At diagnosis, 38% of a cohort of newly diagnosed MB leprosy patients had recent or new reactions or nerve damage at the time of intake into the study. The main risk factor for neuropathy found in this baseline analysis was the presence of skin lesions overlying nerve trunks. They increased the risk of sensory or motor impairment in the concerned nerve by 3-4 times. For some nerves, reactional signs in the lesions further increased this risk to 6-8 times the risk of those without such lesions. Patients with skin lesions overlying peripheral nerve trunks should be carefully monitored for development of sensory or motor impairment.

Adolescent↗