Contraindications for superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound: do sources agree?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the amount of agreement among general rehabilitation sources for both superficial heating and therapeutic ultrasound contraindications.


METHODS
English-language textbook and peer-reviewed journal sources, from January 1992 to July 2002. Searches of computerized databases (HealthSTAR, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase) as well as Library of Congress Online Catalogs, Books in Print, and AcqWeb's Directory of Publishers and Venders.


METHODS
Sources were excluded if they (1) were published before 1992, (2) failed to address general rehabilitation audiences, or (3) were identified as a researcher's related publication with similar information on the topic.


METHODS
Type and number of contraindications, type of audience, year of publication, number of references, rationales, and alternative treatment strategies.


RESULTS
Eighteen superficial heat and 20 ultrasound sources identified anywhere from 5 to 22 and 9 to 36 contraindications/precautions, respectively. Agreement among sources was generally high but ranged from 11% to 95%, with lower agreement noted for pregnancy, metal implants, edema, skin integrity, and cognitive/communicative concerns. Seventy-two percent of superficial heat sources and 25% of ultrasound sources failed to reference at least 1 contraindication claim.


CONCLUSIONS
Agreement among contraindication sources was generally good for both superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound. Sources varied with regard to the number of contraindications, references, and rationales cited. Greater reliance on objective data and standardized classification systems may serve to develop more uniform guidelines for superficial heat and therapeutic ultrasound.
Batavia
Mitchell
M
Department of Physical Therapy, Steinhardt School of Education, New York University, 380 Second Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10010, USA. mitchell.batavia@nyu.edu
D000075202:Contraindications; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*