This should be a “duh” moment, but the conclusion of this study opens a can a worms.

In the February issue of Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is an original research article that concludes that “visual observation is not a valid and reliable method to assess partial weight-bearing.”

The ability to determine the weight-bearing (WB) level during active walking was no better for therapists who were experienced in PWB, than for therapists who did not tend to treat that type of injury.

Each therapist watched the ambulating patient and then marked on a visual analogue scale (VAS), sectioned in 10% increments, the level of weight-bearing they were observing.

I was stunned at the variation in estimations; with ranges from 10% WB to 100% WB and everything in-between on the same patient during the same ambulation sample.

And…this wasn’t an isolated incident.  Huge ranges are noted more frequently than not.

But, the problem is this:  The study also reports that neither palpation, nor using a bathroom scale is accurate, either.

So, how are therapists supposed to accurately assess weight-bearing without expensive equipment?  I’d like to know.

How’s this for observant?  Harriet Wright, a nurse at Dorset County Hospital in Great Britain, noticed that patients who chewed gum following bowel surgery recovered faster.  She was given permission to perform a six month study as part of her thesis work.

She found that patients who chewed gum three times a day recover 1-1/2 days faster than the non-chewing-gum patients, and they were able to tolerate oral fluids and solid foods quicker.  A patient normally required a week to recover from the surgery and return home.  Patients are now able to return home 4-5 days after surgery.

And, the gum has no side effects.  Pass the Juicy Fruit.