JRRD at a Glance

Volume 47 Number 1, 2010
   Pages xiii — xiv

Management of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans in a Veterans Health Administration chiropractic clinic: A case series

Anthony J. Lisi, DC

Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans commonly have musculoskeletal conditions. These veterans may be receiving chiropractic services in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This study is a first step toward understanding the effectiveness of such services for OIF/OEF veterans. The records of one VHA chiropractic clinic were reviewed, and 31 OIF/OEF veteran cases were found. All had musculoskeletal pain complaints, and most were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but some cases that previously screened negative for PTSD were screened positive in the chiropractic clinic. Before reaching the chiropractic clinic, most patients had tried several other treatment options for their musculoskeletal pain complaints. Of these cases, 19 reported an important pain decrease after chiropractic treatment.

Neurotherapeutic and neuroprosthetic effects of implanted functional electrical stimulation for ambulation after incomplete spinal cord injury

Stephanie Nogan Bailey, BSE, et al.

Ability of Functional Independence Measure to accurately predict functional outcome of stroke- specific population: Systematic review

Douglas Chumney, DPT, PT, et al.

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is a tool used to assess the functional progress of a patient who has had a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or amputation. We looked at the available research to determine whether the FIM could be used to predict the outcomes of people who had suffered a stroke. We found some evidence that the FIM could be used to accurately predict the functional outcome of a stroke patient. We believe more research should be conducted to help support this evidence.

Use of weight-bearing MRI for evaluating wheelchair cushions based on internal soft-tissue deformations under ischial tuberosities

Nogah Shabshin, MD, et al.

Deep tissue injury is a serious pressure ulcer typically occurring in muscle tissues because of sustained deformations. No method currently exists for measuring internal tissue deformations noninvasively; so wheelchair cushion design and selection are based mostly on measuring sitting pressures. Here, we evaluated influences of different commercial cushions on internal tissue deformations in the buttocks, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although cushions reduced internal tissue deformations only about 10%, our interpretation suggests that they may theoretically add safe-sitting time. In the future, MRI can be a tool for evaluating the fit and design of cushions to the individual.

A pilot study examining effects of group-based Cognitive Strategy Training treatment on self-reported cognitive problems, psychiatric symptoms, functioning, and compensatory strategy use in OIF/OEF combat veterans with persistent mild cognitive disorder and history of traumatic brain injury

Marilyn Huckans, PhD, et al.

Combat veterans are at risk for brain injury as well as psychiatric disorder. Therefore, many veterans return from combat with a variety of cognitive problems, such as problems with attention, memory, and organization. We designed a group treatment for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom combat veterans with mild cognitive problems. As part of this group treatment, veterans received training in and practice with strategies and aids to help them with their cognitive problems. Following the group treatment, veterans reported that they used these strategies and that these strategies were useful to them. Veterans also reported less depression and cognitive difficulty and more life satisfaction.

Iontophoretic delivery of nitric oxide donor improves local skin flap viability

John A. Russell, MS, et al.

This research will help develop a new technique for treating serious medical problems in combat veterans. Effective methods for treating hypoxic wounds will promote healing of trauma sites and wounds caused by replanted/transplanted tissues. This new method will promote improved wound healing, reduce the chance of infection, and reduce risk the of tissue death. Benefits to combat veterans include the method's portability, appropriateness for use in the field, and inexpensive cost. Veterans sustaining difficult wartime wounds will heal faster and safer if complications due to wound healing can be eliminated by this new technique.

Quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and urinary disorders: Reliability and validity of Turkish- language version of Incontinence Quality of Life Scale

Sibel Eyigor, MD, et al.

Incontinence is one of the most frequently encountered problems in multiple sclerosis (MS), and it has a negative effect on the daily lives of patients. Therefore, investigating this complaint and starting appropriate treatment early are important. Our study has demonstrated the internal consistency and reliability of the Turkish-language Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL) in patients with MS. We recommend that patients with MS be investigated for incontinence, often ignored in clinical practice in Turkey, using the Turkish-language I-QOL, a comprehensible and clear scale.

Use and usability of custom-made orthopedic shoes

Jaap J. van Netten, MSc, et al.

Many veterans experience problems with their feet and/or ankles. Orthopedic shoes can help prevent or diminish these problems. For a successful outcome, it is essential that these shoes are used. We looked into the relationship between a person's decision to use the shoes and aspects of the usability, such as effectiveness, comfort, and cosmetics. We found that all aspects of usability are important. Therefore, clinicians and shoe technicians should focus not only on the effect alone but also on the comfort and cosmetics of the shoes to make the best pair of shoes for the veteran.

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