title: Efficacy of a combined physical and occupational therapy intervention in patients with subacute neuralgic amyotrophy: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neuralgic Amyotrophy (NA) is characterized by neuropathic pain, subsequent patchy paresis and possible sensory loss in the upper extremity. Many patients experience difficulties in performing activities of daily life and are unable to resume work. We developed a combined physical- and occupational therapy program for patients recovering from NA.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention program for patients with subacute NA.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a within subject proof-of-principle pilot study in eight patients with subacute NA. Patients followed 8 hours of physical and 8 hours of occupational therapy spread over a 16-week period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ).
  
  
  METHODS
  Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improvements (mean (95% CI)) were found in the performance and satisfaction scores of the COPM +2.3 (0.9-3.7) and +1.4 (0.4-2.4) points, respectively and the SRQ +14.8 (7.4-22.0) points. The majority of patients (6 out of 8) also demonstrated improvements in the DASH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed physical and occupational therapy program, may be effective for patients with subacute NA, as demonstrated by improvements in activity, performance and participation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jos
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ijspeert
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Renske M J
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands Center for Human Movement Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen.
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murgia
authors.affiliation: Program in Clinical Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Martijn F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Pisters
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Edith H C
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Cup
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Groothuis
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nens
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Alfen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000592:standards*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Neuralgic amyotrophy; interdisciplinary studies; occupational therapy; physical therapy; upper limb rehabilitation