A randomized controlled trial to prevent patient lift and transfer injuries of health care workers. A pilot study to investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on recovery of hand function and sensation in subacute stroke patients. Randomized clinical trial of hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the treatment of morbid obesity.
Randomized controlled trial (RCT).
                To compare the effectiveness of training and equipment to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, increase comfort, and reduce physical demands on staff performing patient lifts and transfers at a large acute care hospital.
                Back injury to nursing staff during patient handling tasks is a major issue in health care. The value of mechanical assistive devices in reducing injuries to these workers is unclear.
                This three-armed RCT consisted of a "control arm," a "safe lifting" arm, and a "no strenuous lifting" arm. A medical, surgical, and rehabilitation ward were each randomly assigned to each arm. Both intervention arms received intensive training in back care, patient assessment, and handling techniques. Hence, the "safe lifting" arm used improved patient handling techniques using manual equipment, whereas the "no strenuous lifting" arm aimed to eliminate manual patient handling through use of additional mechanical and other assistive equipment.
                Frequency of manual patient handling tasks was significantly decreased on the "no strenuous lifting" arm. Self-perceived work fatigue, back and shoulder pain, safety, and frequency and intensity of physical discomfort associated with patient handling tasks were improved on both intervention arms, but staff on the mechanical equipment arm showed greater improvements. Musculoskeletal injury rates were not significantly altered.
                The "no strenuous lifting" program, which combined training with assured availability of mechanical and other assistive patient handling equipment, most effectively improved comfort with patient handling, decreased staff fatigue, and decreased physical demands. The fact that injury rates were not statistically significantly reduced may reflect the less sensitive nature of this indicator compared with the subjective indicators. Objectives.  1) To compare the effect of cyclic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the forearm and elbow extensor muscles with passive stretching exercises on hand function and sensation following stroke. 2) To inform sample size for a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). Materials and Methods.  Twenty-two subjects with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke during the previous 12 months were randomly allocated into stimulation (treatment) and exercise (control) groups. Stimulation was applied to the elbow, and forearm extensor muscle groups of the hemiplegic arm for 12 weeks. Subjects in the control group were taught passive stretching exercises for the same period. The primary outcome measure was the Action Research Arm test (ARAT). Sensation was tested using two-point discrimination. Statistical analysis applied nonparametric analysis of covariance (ancova). Results.  Statistically significant between-group differences in change in ARAT scores were shown between the two groups after 12 weeks of treatment (p = 0.003) and following 12 further weeks without intervention (p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in sensation. Conclusions.  1) A significant treatment effect of electrical stimulation over passive exercise has been demonstrated in a group of 22 subacute stroke patients, randomized into two equal groups and further work identified which may help to improve recovery of hand function and sensation following stroke. 2) A sample size of 24 subjects in each group has been estimated assuming a two-sided test significance level of 5% with 80% power, primary outcome variability SD = 6.75, a minimum difference of ten ARAT score units, and a 10% dropout rate. : Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) has increased in popularity since the introduction of the laparoscopic procedure, but this approach requires extensive surgical skill and the learning curve is steep. The present study examined the suitability of hand-assisted laparoscopy for RYGBP.
                In a prospective trial, 50 patients (median age 38 years, body mass index 45 kg/m(2)) were randomized to either hand-assisted (n = 25) or open (n = 25) RYGBP. The hand-assisted device was introduced through a right subcostal incision. Laparoscopic staplers were also used in the open group, allowing a short upper midline incision. The gastrojejunostomy was made by means of a circular stapler and the Roux limb placed behind the colon and excluded stomach.
                The postoperative outcome, with respect to morphine consumption, complications, hospital stay (6 days) and weight loss, was similar in the two groups. The operating time was significantly longer in the hand-assisted group (150 versus 85 min; P < 0.001) but there was no conversion to open operation. One patient in the hand-assisted group was reoperated owing to leakage and one patient developed an incisional hernia after open RYGBP.
                The hand-assisted technique was feasible and allowed good working conditions in all patients. However, the postoperative outcome was excellent in both groups and there was no advantage to the hand-assisted technique.
                Copyright 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd.
Despite the limited number of trials performed, meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in conversion rates among the hand assisted group. There was no difference in operating time or perioperative complication rates.  Additional adequately powered and methodologically sound trials are needed to determine if there is a clinically important difference in perioperative outcomes.  Due to significant costs associated with the use of hand-assist devices, economic analyses are also warranted.