Although 13 risk factors were identified, none was confirmed as significant check details in an independent study. Four

failed to be validated as predictive in a subsequent study, which amplifies the need for validation studies. The remaining nine that await validation are spinal symmetry, lumbar spine extension endurance, the ratio of lumbar flexion mobility to extension endurance, the ratio of lumbar extension mobility to extension endurance, the ratio of lumbar flexion and extension mobility to extension endurance, high levels of physical activity, parttime work, abdominal pain, and psychosocial difficulties. Future research should use a standard definition of low back pain, use short recall periods, and report raw data to enable results to be meaningfully pooled across studies. Given the constraints of predictive studies and the many covariates, measurement of predictors selleck may be futile and a focus on intervention studies may yield greater benefit. eAddenda: Appendix 1 available at www.JoP.physiotherapy.asn.au. “
“Postoperative pulmonary complications are a major cause of morbidity after thoracotomy, resulting in patient discomfort, prolonged length of hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs (Stephan et al 2000, Zehr et al 1998). Thoracotomy can also lead to long-term restriction of shoulder function and range of motion, reduced muscle strength, chronic pain, and reduced health-related quality of life (Gerner 2008,

Kutlu et al 2001, Li et al 2003, Schulte et al 2009). In Australia and New Zealand, physiotherapy is routinely provided after thoracotomy with the aim of preventing and treating both

pulmonary and musculoskeletal complications (Reeve et al 2007). Reeve and colleagues (2010) recently reported the primary outcome associated with the current study. A respiratory physiotherapy intervention provided already after pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy did not decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications or length of stay, compared to that achieved by a control group who were managed by medical and nursing staff using a standardised clinical pathway. This clinical pathway included early and frequent position changes in bed, sitting out of bed from the first postoperative day, early ambulation, and frequent pain assessment. The ability of a postoperative physiotherapy shoulder exercise program to prevent or minimise shoulder dysfunction after thoracotomy has not been investigated. Therefore, the research questions associated with the secondary outcomes of this study were: 1. In patients undergoing elective pulmonary resection via open thoracotomy, does a postoperative physiotherapy exercise program that includes progressive shoulder exercises improve pain, range of motion, muscle strength and shoulder function? A randomised trial with intention-to-treat analysis, assessor blinding, and concealed allocation was undertaken as described fully by Reeve and colleagues (2008).