Biomedical subjects
W Stuberg
Publications and source records attributed to W Stuberg.
Overview of genetics and role of the pediatric physical therapist in the diagnostic process.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to enhance awareness about the pathogenesis of various genetic diseases and syndromes that physical therapists frequently encounter. The intent is to summarize various aspects of genetic diseases and how they relate to the role of the physical therapist. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Specifically, the origination and development of some of the genetic diseases physical therapists are likely to encounter are discussed, as are resources available to physical therapists and other professionals for further understanding specific genetic diseases. Clinical features of specific genetic diseases can be found in the references provided. RECOMMENDATIONS: Physical therapists can play a primary role in the intricate management of genetic disease in a particular patient and address family and social issues associated with these conditions. It is recommended that the physical therapist work closely with genetics professionals so that a mutual and further understanding can be developed for the benefit of all patients with genetic diseases.
Home accessibility and adaptive equipment in duchenne muscular dystrophy: a case report.
PURPOSE: This case report describes the history of a 26-year-old man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The report includes descriptions of the natural progression of his physical disability and the adaptive equipment and home modifications that were used to maintain independence. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: The transition from childhood to adulthood for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy requires a physical therapy care plan that focuses on the use of assistive technology to maintain independence in mobility and to minimize or to facilitate caregiver assistance. RECOMMENDATIONS: Disability in Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be minimized by the use of properly fitting and functioning equipment. Assisting the family with available equipment options, documentation of medical necessity, and coordination of services are all important tasks for the physical therapist in carrying out a comprehensive plan of care.
Measurement of tibial torsion and thigh-foot angle using goniometry and computed tomography.
Three therapists measured tibiofibular torsion and thigh-foot angle (TFA) goniometrically in 17 normal subjects, aged three to 24 years. Tibiofibular torsion was also measured using computed tomography (CT). Differences between testers for the goniometric measures were analyzed using a nonparametric analysis of variance. Wilcoxon's rank sum test was used to determine differences between goniometric and CT measures for tibiofibular torsion. No significant difference for goniometric measures was found between testers for tibiofibular torsion or TFA. A significant difference averaging 5 degrees between goniometric and CT torsion measures was found between testers. Although a significant difference was found between the two measurement methods, the degree of difference may not represent a significant clinical difference, as a range at 5 degrees is commonly reported as the margin of error for goniometric measurements.
Validity of visually recorded temporal-distance measures at selected walking velocities for gait analysis.
The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of measures of temporal distance in a clinical analysis of gait. Data were collected from 15 normal subjects by one examiner. Equipment consisted of a 10-meter laminated walking track, dictaphone, metronome, and ink markers. The number of errors at four walking speeds were examined using a standardized analysis of gait. Analysis of variance showed a significant number of errors between the first and last halves of the measurement distance and among the four walking velocities. Post hoc analysis using the Scheffé test indicated significant differences in the mean number of errors at the velocities of 60 and 75 versus 25 and 40 m.min-1. An F test for simple effects indicated a significant number of errors occurred during the second half of the measured distance and at walking velocities of 60 and 75 m.min-1. These results indicate that the gait analysis is valid for measurements taken at all of the walking velocities only when recorded over a three-meter distance and only at the velocities of 25 and 40 m.min-1 over a six-meter distance.