<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background</span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><...<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background</span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A correlation between self-care and gait in stroke patients has been shown. However, there are few reports suggesting an interaction between self-care and gait. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate the interaction between locomotion and improvements in self-care. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Participants and Methods</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> We retrospectively analyzed 3034 stroke patients who were registered in the Japanese Rehabilitation Database. Using their data, patients were classified into three groups (severe, moderate, slight) based on the motor functional inde</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pendence measure upon admission, and data were modified as mean-centered </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">values. We performed a correlation analysis to evaluate the relationship among all the collected data. Subsequently, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate interaction using the self-care motor score from the Functional Independent Measure (FIM) as the dependent variable. Model 1 used two independent variables (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and cognitive FIM score), model 2 used two independent variables (locomotion gain and gain of an item with the strongest correlation coefficient to the de-pendent variable), and model 3 used a mean-centering value, which was added to model 2. The simple slope was used for further analysis. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Locomotion showed an interaction with self-care, except in the slight group. The R</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> changes in models 1 and 2 were significant in the following: grooming, dressing lower body, and bladder management in the severe group (p < 0.01), and only dressing upper body in the moderate group (p < 0.01). Results of the simple slope analysis were significant for grooming, bowel management, and dressing lower body in the severe group and for dressing upper body in the moderate group. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Locomotion demonstrated interaction with improving self-care, mainly in the severe group. Therefore, for moderate and slight cases, an intervention that not only involves locomotion training but also focuses on improving activities of daily living should be considered.</span></span></span>展开更多
Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) often suffer from speech impairments and dysphagia due to impaired motor control of the tongue and lips. Aim: To investigate the effect of singing on peak flow, speec...Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) often suffer from speech impairments and dysphagia due to impaired motor control of the tongue and lips. Aim: To investigate the effect of singing on peak flow, speech- and swallowing abilities in individuals with CP. Method: Ten adults with CP received one-to-one singing lessons by a professional singing teacher for one hour twice a week for 6 months. Methods: The peak flow, swallowing-, speech-, and eating abilities were investigated pre, and after 3 months and 6 months of singing. Results: The meal analysis revealed that an average of eleven factors was improved after 6 months of singing. Nine out of ten participants improved their pronunciation of the letter “N” and seven participants improved their pronunciation of the letter “G”. The singing lessons increased the peak flow significantly (p = 0.02;Pre = 246 ± 36, 3 months = 287 ± 34, and 6 months = 336 ± 48). Self-reported difficulties on a 1 - 10 scale reduced significantly for both swallowing (p = 0.039) and speaking (p = 0.049). Conclusion: 6 months of singing lessons improve the peak flow, speech-, swallowing- and eating abilities in adults with CP. The present study indicates that singing is a very promising intervention for the treatment of speech and eating impairments in individuals with CP.展开更多
Background: Infants with congenital muscular torticollis are born with an asymmetric range of motion and a muscular imbalance in the cervical spine, as a result of a shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocl...Background: Infants with congenital muscular torticollis are born with an asymmetric range of motion and a muscular imbalance in the cervical spine, as a result of a shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate passive range of motion (PROM) for rotation and lateral flexion, and muscle function of the cervical spine in children that had a history of CMT as infants. Study design: a prospective cohort study. Patient sample: 58 children at the age of 3.5 to 5 years that had been treated for CMT have infants participated in the study. Method: PROM was measured with protractors and muscle function was estimated with a modified Muscle Function Scale. Data from infancy were taken from earlier records. Result: PROM in rotation of the neck was mean 98.7° and PROM in lateral flexion of the neck was mean 69.1°. Symmetric PROM of the neck was found in 74% of the children for rotation and in 88% of the children for lateral flexion. Multiple regression showed that gender and PROM in rotation as infants had a significant impact on asymmetric PROM. Forty-five percent of the children had some degree of muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck. Conclusion: Possible risk factors for later asymmetric PROM are: gender, birth weight, gestation week and PROM in rotation as infants. These factors ought to be taken into consideration when developing guidelines for long-term follow-up.展开更多
Major advancements have been made in the field of prosthetics, but devices remain largely out of reach for the amputee population domiciled in the developing nations, which makes up 80% of the entire amputee populatio...Major advancements have been made in the field of prosthetics, but devices remain largely out of reach for the amputee population domiciled in the developing nations, which makes up 80% of the entire amputee population of the world. The amputees are left to contend with low function prosthetics that do not mimic the behavior of the natural lost limb, with the long-term use of such devices leading to physical injury to the user. This work was aimed at developing a low-cost ankle-foot prosthesis that affords the user the opportunity to manually alter the stiffness of the ankle, as well storing energy in a forefoot section to aid push-off in late stance. In this paper, the design and results of structural analysis performed on critical parts of the prosthesis are presented, as well as the future direction of the work.展开更多
To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syn...To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syntheticum (an enhancer) was applied on ten subjects with un-displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. Pain scores, foot and ankle function questionnaires and regional swelling were carefully assessed and recorded. Peripheral blood was taken to measure the inflammation cytokines. Assessment checks were performed biweekly to enforce effective patch application and compliance. The results showed that pain improved after two weeks and fracture sites swelling had 20% reduction in thickness when measured with an ultrasonic tool. Foot and ankle functional scores markedly improved after six weeks. Radiological examinations revealed early perfect fracture unions. The topical herbal patch was effective in promoting fracture healing. It was well tolerated by the fracture patients. Larger randomized controlled trials would be indicated.展开更多
The ageing population is more predisposed to chronic diseases and functional disabilities with an increased level of dependence. The delivery of adequate health care services to the ageing population requires enquires...The ageing population is more predisposed to chronic diseases and functional disabilities with an increased level of dependence. The delivery of adequate health care services to the ageing population requires enquires into their quality of life. This cross-sectional study therefore investigated the relationship between some selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the quality of life of aging adults. Using a convenient sampling technique, one hundred and forty six (146) adults of ages 50 years and above from varying locations within the Metropolis of Enugu State, Nigeria were recruited. The parameters obtained were participants’ blood pressure, height, body weight, waist circumference and blood sugar level. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the WHO-QOL BREF and physical activity level was assessed with the IPAQ. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage while the statistical measures of relationship (Pearson’s moment correlation and spearman rho correlation) were used to calculate the relationship between obtained data. The result revealed a positive relationship between waist circumference (obesity indicator) and the environment domain of quality of life measure (r = 0.227, p = 0.006). Surprisingly, no relationship was found between obesity indicators (waist circumference and BMI) and physical/psychological health status. The result also found a positive relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life;a weak negative relationship between casual blood sugar levels and the social relationship domains of quality of life and a weak negative relationship was also observed between age and physical activity and psychological health. Therefore, reduced physical activity level influences a poor quality of life. We recommend physical activity participation among the older population, as well as detailed similar studies for higher degree of certainty.展开更多
Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using t...Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC). The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises. Following a six weeks training period, an online survey was made available to the participants who provided demographic information and answered questions about their exercise habits and their satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the Carter Cuff as well as its impact on their lives. The results of the survey provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the Carter Cuff and its positive effects on people with amputations. Though more quantitative data on physiological and psychological measures are needed, these preliminary findings have important implications for occupational therapy practice.展开更多
Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel of wrist which leads to the typical symptoms of numbness, paresthesia and sometimes pain in the patient’s hand. The sym...Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel of wrist which leads to the typical symptoms of numbness, paresthesia and sometimes pain in the patient’s hand. The symptoms are usually sensed in the first three radial fingers and the lateral side of the ring finger because these areas are innervated by the median nerve. Objective: To assess hand function among patient with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Methods: This was a descriptive study in which 41 subjects (27 females and 14 males) were included from Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore and Shalamar hospital, Lahore (from August 2018 to October 2018) according to inclusion criteria. Samples were collected according to WHO (World Health Organization) calculator. Hand function was measured with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: Majority of the patients with CTS fell into mild functional severity and mild symptom severity. The mean score for functional severity was 2.34 and for symptom severity it was 2.97. Conclusion: Activities of daily living such as grasping, writing, gripping and carrying objects were affected by the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the patients suffering from CTS.展开更多
Objectives: To investigate the long-term efficacy of lateral glide mobilisation for patients with chronic Cervicobrachial Pain (CP). Methods: A randomised controlled trial which involved ninety- nine participants with...Objectives: To investigate the long-term efficacy of lateral glide mobilisation for patients with chronic Cervicobrachial Pain (CP). Methods: A randomised controlled trial which involved ninety- nine participants with chronic CP. Participants were randomised to receive either the lateral glide with self-management (n = 49) or self-management alone (n = 50). Four assessments were made (at baseline and 6, 26 and 52 weeks post intervention). The primary outcome measure was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Patient perceived recovery used the Global Rating of Change score (GROC). Functional outcomes included the Neck and Upper Limb Index score (NULI) and the Short-From 36 (SF36). Costs and reported number of harmful effects in response to intervention were evaluated. An intention to treat approach was followed for data analysis. Results: No statistically significant between-group differences were found for pain (using VAS) in the short-term at six weeks (p = 0.52;95% CI -14.72 to 7.44) or long-term at one year (p = 0.37;95% CI -17.76 to 6.61) post-intervention. The VAS outcomes correlated well with GROC scores (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in NULI scores favouring self-management alone (p = 0.03), but no between-group differences for SF36 (p = 0.07). The cost of providing lateral glide and self-management was twice that of providing self-management alone. Minor harm was reported in both groups, with 11% more harm being associated with the lateral glide. Conclusion: In patients with chronic CP, the addition of a lateral-glide mobilization to a self-management program did not produce improved outcomes and resulted in higher health-care costs.展开更多
Health related physical fitness (HRPF) is considered to be an indirect marker of a person’s health and wellbeing, reflecting the interplay and integration of many persons’ systems and body functions. Purpose: To inv...Health related physical fitness (HRPF) is considered to be an indirect marker of a person’s health and wellbeing, reflecting the interplay and integration of many persons’ systems and body functions. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and HRPF in a national cross-sectional sample of Saudi girls and adolescents. Methods: Weight, height and four components of HRPF (body fat composition, strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness) were measured in three age groups [(8 - 10), (11 - 12) and (13 - 15) years]. Pearson correlation coefficient and regressions analysis using a non-linear quadratic model were used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and HRPF in three age groups. Results: The results revealed variable relationships among tests. Lower scores in body fat composition and cardio-respiratory fitness were associated with higher body mass indexes in each age group. Also lower scores in muscle strength and endurance were recorded in girls aged from 11 to 15 years. Relationships between BMI and flexibility differed among age groups. Conclusion: BMI significantly and differentially influenced individual HRPF, but effects varied with age. Higher body mass indexes were generally associated with lower HRPF. The level of HRPF determined by this study may serve as an indicator of potential health risks that overweight and obese children girls and adolescents faced.展开更多
Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to ...Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SRAO on performance-selected tasks, following fatiguing activity. Twenty active, college-age subjects (22.7 ± 1.2 years;weight 71.7 ± 13.0 kg;height 171.7 ± 9.4 cm), without lower extremity trauma within 2 years, consented participation. Randomized trials for balance (star excursion balance test (SEBT)), agility (shuttle run (SR)), and power (vertical jump (VJ)) were compared between 4 conditions [fatigued, braced (FB);fatigued, un-braced (FUB);non-fatigued, braced (NFB);non-fatigued, un-braced (NFUB)]. Participants were bilaterally fitted with a well-known, commercially available SRAO for all braced trials. Two Wingate supramaximal exercise bouts were used as the fatiguing protocol. RMANOVA was performed for each functional test to determine main effects (SPSS, IL;α = 0.05 for all tests). No main effects for VJ & SR were observed under any of the bracing conditions. Main effect for bracing was observed for the SEBT. Tukey pairwise comparisons revealed that there were significant increases in distance reached for the posterior-medial direction (NFB = 0.91 cm ± 0.2;FB = 0.95 ± 0.2;p = 0.046) and medial direction (NFB = 0.74 cm ± 0.1;FB = 0.79 ± 0.1;p = 0.039) during the braced conditions. Although subjects reported that the SRAO restricted ROM during most SEBT directions involving inversion and eversion, overall performance was not hindered by the application of the brace. Further, the only main effects observed with functional performance involved increases in SEBT that could likely be attributed to comfort and confidence of motion while wearing an ankle device. It was concluded that articulated SRAO effectively limits ankle mobility, but does not appear to hinder athletic performance following a fatiguing bout.展开更多
Background: Interventions have recently been developed to test the therapeutic value of storytelling for people with cancer. This evidence includes different designs, as a result an integrative review is needed that c...Background: Interventions have recently been developed to test the therapeutic value of storytelling for people with cancer. This evidence includes different designs, as a result an integrative review is needed that can determine the impact and value of storytelling interventions for people with cancer. Aims: To undertake an integrative review of evidence identifying the impact and outcomes from storytelling interventions for people with cancer. Methods: An integrative review of group based storytelling interventions using a qualitative led-synthesis. Results: Eleven studies were identified with a total of 493 (49 female, 16 male, 428 not disclosed) people included. Two major themes were identified: 1) content of interaction and 2) outcomes from the interventions. Six sub-themes were identified. The results provided a unique insight into the psycho-emotional impact of storytelling interventions. Conclusions: It is essential that health care professionals understand the core benefits of storytelling for people with cancer. Further interventions are needed to identify an approach which could be applied within clinical settings.展开更多
Objectives: Aging workforces with increasing numbers of chronic conditions require health initiatives with greater workplace focus. A regional pension insurance introduced a Return To Work (RTW) strategy for insurants...Objectives: Aging workforces with increasing numbers of chronic conditions require health initiatives with greater workplace focus. A regional pension insurance introduced a Return To Work (RTW) strategy for insurants with chronic conditions. The objective was to identify the degree of implementation of work related measures in medical rehabilitation and the extent of RTW outcomes. Methods: 5883 insurants were considered. Severe Restriction of Work Ability (SRWA), Work-related Medical Rehabilitation (WMR), and Case Management (CM) were examined for 2008 and 2012. An Index of Employment status (IoE) was used in a logistic regression. Results: Utilization of WMR raised from 12.3% in 2008 to 66.1% in 2012. The proportion of insurants with SRWA and WMR grew from 8% up to 40.1%. In 2008, 14.7% of insurants with SRWA received WMR;in 2012, it grew to 76.6%. On the other hand, in 2012 26% got WMR without SRWA and 12.2% had SRWA and got no WMR. CM was not conducted in 2008 but reached 20.2% in 2012. Across all indications, WMR resulted in positive RTW as measured by IoE: OR = 0.75 (KI-95%: 0.67 - 0.86). Conclusion: WMR was successfully implemented according to the German guideline. There is a need to optimize the linkage between SRWA and WMR and CM to provide need-based care.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Multi-sensory stimulation is beneficial to a wide variety of conditions typical of geriatric patients. Some therapies for elderly people are based on the philosophy t...<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Multi-sensory stimulation is beneficial to a wide variety of conditions typical of geriatric patients. Some therapies for elderly people are based on the philosophy that the activities to be carried out will also be stimulating to the senses. On the other hand, the dynamics of the senses play</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> an important role beyond mere reason and sensibility in people’s lives. The hand care therapy that used natural herb oil is the alternative medicine that utilized a plant or its essential oil, which is used in various application scenes. In our past study, the hand care therapy that used natural herb oil demonstrated the effectiveness for elderly people. In this study, we examined influences on psychologi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cal condition of the side to treatment on. On the evaluation with question p</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">aper, baseline of POMS factor and TMD average were similar to pre-HCT. In post-HCT, T-A, A-H, F and C which were negative factors decreased than pre significantly. The forward factor V did not have significant difference, but the mean increased. Furthermore, the TMD (total mood distance) score generally </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">decreased and changed in the balance of good feelings. On the objective ev</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">aluation, temporal change differences in the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous Sys</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tem) during the relaxed state and following the induced stress state were m</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">onitored using ECG (electrocardiograph). The SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) of students in HCT has decreased, and the PNS was confirmed to increase. For the tendency in SNS, the changes during the HCT were small. There were no significant changes in rSO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (regional oxygen saturation) by HCT. BVI (blood volume information) showed significantly big values at left hand treatment and after HCT than BL, indicating that peripheral circulation of the blood flow quantity of the student increased. Generally, it was shown that the subjective emotional evaluation of the hand care treatment side, the objective autonomic nervous system change, and the coronal blood flow were all good. In Japan, the global pandemic of COVID</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">19 disrupts human interaction, and there are concerns about physical, cognitive, and mental deterioration. The use of hand care therapy has been shown to be an effective technique for building quality communication for both recipients and performers.</span>展开更多
Health Education has shown itself as essential for the understanding of indi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">viduals about psychological and physical changes caused by diseases. The chro...Health Education has shown itself as essential for the understanding of indi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">viduals about psychological and physical changes caused by diseases. The chron</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe public health problem, and it depends on health education measures for its control. A group of patients with COPD, in pneumatological medical treatment, were investigated to find </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">information about the disease. An observational, descriptive and analytical study </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">with analysis and application of a semistructured questionnaire to evaluate the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">individuals</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> knowledge about the COPD. Collected data were registered and </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">analyzed using Google Docs. The software used for the calculation of statistica</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">measures was Microsoft Excel<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><sup>®</sup></span>. For the research participants’ characterization</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">analysis, the use of grouped data for the frequency distribution of Sturges Rule</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">was necessary. This study provided knowledge about which information a group</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of bearers of COPD receives at a college hospital providing treatment. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The interviewed have an average age of 70 years old and most are women with </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">education level between elementary and high school and diagnose time of 6</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">8 years. Most of the sample reported knowledge and consciousness about the disease, informed by the doctors, followed by physiotherapists. Although </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the role of the Ministry of Health in health education, subjects were better infor</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">med about the disease by their doctors instead of public campaigns.展开更多
Squatting movements are used frequently in the activities of daily living and squatting exercises are used to strengthen abdominal core and lower limb muscles. However, many individuals cannot perform a traditional sq...Squatting movements are used frequently in the activities of daily living and squatting exercises are used to strengthen abdominal core and lower limb muscles. However, many individuals cannot perform a traditional squat. An alternative is to hire a physical trainer or coach for supervision which can be prohibitively expensive. The DB Method<sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup> machine is unique and affordable. A product satisfaction descriptive survey to owners of The DB Method machine describes increased gluteal, core, pelvic floor and lower body strength, an improvement in gluteal region shape, and an increase in activity and energy level. A surprising result of the survey was that this DB Method also seemed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and, in some cases, to lessen urinary incontinence. In this article, the results of this survey are described as the kinetics of this machine relative to the lower limbs and the pelvic floor muscles. A comparison between traditional squats and The DB Method and the benefits of using The DB Method are discussed.展开更多
Background: The interaction between self-care and caregiving ability in home discharged stroke patients is unclear. Purpose: This study investigates the interaction between caregiving ability and individual self-care ...Background: The interaction between self-care and caregiving ability in home discharged stroke patients is unclear. Purpose: This study investigates the interaction between caregiving ability and individual self-care activities for post-stroke patients upon home discharge based on their motor-Functional Independence Measure (m-FIM) score. Methods: A total of 2626 stroke patients registered in the Japanese Rehabilitation Database were retrospectively analyzed. Extracted data were divided into three groups based on the m-FIM score at discharge and classified into two groups based on their discharge destination (home discharge, non-home discharge). After the data were modified as mean-centered values, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis evaluated the change in variance amount (ΔR<sup>2</sup>) using discharge destination as the dependent variable. Model 1 used two independent variables (Rankin Scale and cognitive FIM score), model 2 used two independent variables (caregiving ability and individual self-care), which were added to model 1, and model 3 used an interaction term value, which was added to model 2. Furthermore, a simple slope analysis was performed for these interaction effects. Results: The ΔR<sup>2</sup> exhibited six and five self-care items in the moderate and mild groups, respectively. The interaction was significant on simple slope analysis in the moderate group for six self-care items (except dressing upper body, toileting, and bowel management) and in the mild group for three self-care items, including dressing upper body, bladder management, and climbing stairs). Conclusion: This study suggests the need for intervention, especially bladder management and single-foot standing ability during step climbing, in stroke patients discharged to home. In addition, caregiving ability is one of the factors that should be considered in mild group.展开更多
Purpose: To compare and examine motor and cognitive functions in people who require support, and in healthy elders. Method: The variables of age, BMI, educational background, blood pressure, grip strength, knee extens...Purpose: To compare and examine motor and cognitive functions in people who require support, and in healthy elders. Method: The variables of age, BMI, educational background, blood pressure, grip strength, knee extension, gait speed, MMSE, and subjective health feeling for 36 rehabilitation users and 22 healthy elders were assessed. We compared and examined motor and cognitive functions in rehabilitation users who need support and healthy elders. Results: The percentage of MMSE scores with 27 points or higher and that of subjective health feeling with 3 points or higher were significantly higher in healthy elders than in rehabilitation users. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in rehabilitation users than in healthy elders. Gait speed and MMSE scores were significantly higher in healthy elders than rehabilitation users. Conclusion: Gait speed could be used for physical fitness in elders. Gait speed was the best physical fitness measurement for elders. Gait speed of rehabilitation users was strongly related to MMSE scores. Gait speed could be a determinant of MMSE scores.展开更多
Aim: To examine the experiences of health care professional (HCP)-patient interactions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), identifying factors that can influence these interactions. Methods: A three-stage systematic review an...Aim: To examine the experiences of health care professional (HCP)-patient interactions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), identifying factors that can influence these interactions. Methods: A three-stage systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research was undertaken. Stage 1: the systematic literature search;Stage 2: methodological appraisal of the qualitative papers;Stage 3: thematic synthesis of all qualitative papers and the integration of quantitative findings into the synthesis. Results: Forty-nine qualitative studies were identified. This included 1014 individuals with MS (244 male, 755 female and 15 unknown) and 106 carers and 86 HCPs. Seventeen quantitative studies were identified which included 7680 (2008 male, 5812 females, and 40 unknown) participants as well as 224 carers. Two themes are discussed: 1) The expectations, experiences and perceptions of interactions with HCPs, and 2) The factors that influenced interactions and relationships. Discussion: There is need for improvement in the content and provision of information to patients with MS from HCPs. Specific strategies are suggested and implications for patients and health care providers are considered.展开更多
This study aims to validate the accuracy of a cervical traction therapy simulation model by comparing the intervertebral separations of six asymptomatic male adults when traction was applied to their cervical spines. ...This study aims to validate the accuracy of a cervical traction therapy simulation model by comparing the intervertebral separations of six asymptomatic male adults when traction was applied to their cervical spines. The subjects were tested on two mechanical traction devices, representing the inclined and sitting positions. A total of 55 radiographic images of their cervical spines were taken before and during traction. The result showed statistically significant intervertebral space changes in the inclined position but the changes in the sitting position were not statistically significant. The observed changes of the cervical spine were used to adjust parameters of the traction therapy model, which contains a human model with cervical spine built with springs and dampers and two traction devices in inclined and sitting positions. A series of traction forces and traction angles were applied to the model to simulate the actual parameters used in the experiment and the new model was used to evaluate the two traction positions. The result suggested that inclined position creates greater intervertebral separations on the posterior sides. Differences in separations due to age were not observed in both positions. The result also suggested that the inclined position provides better control in positioning the separations at different spinal segments than the sitting position.展开更多
文摘<strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Background</span></strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A correlation between self-care and gait in stroke patients has been shown. However, there are few reports suggesting an interaction between self-care and gait. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Purpose</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate the interaction between locomotion and improvements in self-care. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Participants and Methods</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> We retrospectively analyzed 3034 stroke patients who were registered in the Japanese Rehabilitation Database. Using their data, patients were classified into three groups (severe, moderate, slight) based on the motor functional inde</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">pendence measure upon admission, and data were modified as mean-centered </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">values. We performed a correlation analysis to evaluate the relationship among all the collected data. Subsequently, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate interaction using the self-care motor score from the Functional Independent Measure (FIM) as the dependent variable. Model 1 used two independent variables (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and cognitive FIM score), model 2 used two independent variables (locomotion gain and gain of an item with the strongest correlation coefficient to the de-pendent variable), and model 3 used a mean-centering value, which was added to model 2. The simple slope was used for further analysis. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Locomotion showed an interaction with self-care, except in the slight group. The R</span><sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sup><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> changes in models 1 and 2 were significant in the following: grooming, dressing lower body, and bladder management in the severe group (p < 0.01), and only dressing upper body in the moderate group (p < 0.01). Results of the simple slope analysis were significant for grooming, bowel management, and dressing lower body in the severe group and for dressing upper body in the moderate group. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Locomotion demonstrated interaction with improving self-care, mainly in the severe group. Therefore, for moderate and slight cases, an intervention that not only involves locomotion training but also focuses on improving activities of daily living should be considered.</span></span></span>
文摘Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) often suffer from speech impairments and dysphagia due to impaired motor control of the tongue and lips. Aim: To investigate the effect of singing on peak flow, speech- and swallowing abilities in individuals with CP. Method: Ten adults with CP received one-to-one singing lessons by a professional singing teacher for one hour twice a week for 6 months. Methods: The peak flow, swallowing-, speech-, and eating abilities were investigated pre, and after 3 months and 6 months of singing. Results: The meal analysis revealed that an average of eleven factors was improved after 6 months of singing. Nine out of ten participants improved their pronunciation of the letter “N” and seven participants improved their pronunciation of the letter “G”. The singing lessons increased the peak flow significantly (p = 0.02;Pre = 246 ± 36, 3 months = 287 ± 34, and 6 months = 336 ± 48). Self-reported difficulties on a 1 - 10 scale reduced significantly for both swallowing (p = 0.039) and speaking (p = 0.049). Conclusion: 6 months of singing lessons improve the peak flow, speech-, swallowing- and eating abilities in adults with CP. The present study indicates that singing is a very promising intervention for the treatment of speech and eating impairments in individuals with CP.
文摘Background: Infants with congenital muscular torticollis are born with an asymmetric range of motion and a muscular imbalance in the cervical spine, as a result of a shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Purpose: The study aimed to investigate passive range of motion (PROM) for rotation and lateral flexion, and muscle function of the cervical spine in children that had a history of CMT as infants. Study design: a prospective cohort study. Patient sample: 58 children at the age of 3.5 to 5 years that had been treated for CMT have infants participated in the study. Method: PROM was measured with protractors and muscle function was estimated with a modified Muscle Function Scale. Data from infancy were taken from earlier records. Result: PROM in rotation of the neck was mean 98.7° and PROM in lateral flexion of the neck was mean 69.1°. Symmetric PROM of the neck was found in 74% of the children for rotation and in 88% of the children for lateral flexion. Multiple regression showed that gender and PROM in rotation as infants had a significant impact on asymmetric PROM. Forty-five percent of the children had some degree of muscular imbalance in the lateral flexors of the neck. Conclusion: Possible risk factors for later asymmetric PROM are: gender, birth weight, gestation week and PROM in rotation as infants. These factors ought to be taken into consideration when developing guidelines for long-term follow-up.
文摘Major advancements have been made in the field of prosthetics, but devices remain largely out of reach for the amputee population domiciled in the developing nations, which makes up 80% of the entire amputee population of the world. The amputees are left to contend with low function prosthetics that do not mimic the behavior of the natural lost limb, with the long-term use of such devices leading to physical injury to the user. This work was aimed at developing a low-cost ankle-foot prosthesis that affords the user the opportunity to manually alter the stiffness of the ankle, as well storing energy in a forefoot section to aid push-off in late stance. In this paper, the design and results of structural analysis performed on critical parts of the prosthesis are presented, as well as the future direction of the work.
文摘To observe the safety and effectiveness of a topical herbal agent used to promote fracture healing, a herbal patch containing extracts of three herbs, viz., Flos Carthami, Radix Dipsaci, Rhizoma Rhei and Borneolum Syntheticum (an enhancer) was applied on ten subjects with un-displaced fifth metatarsal fractures. Pain scores, foot and ankle function questionnaires and regional swelling were carefully assessed and recorded. Peripheral blood was taken to measure the inflammation cytokines. Assessment checks were performed biweekly to enforce effective patch application and compliance. The results showed that pain improved after two weeks and fracture sites swelling had 20% reduction in thickness when measured with an ultrasonic tool. Foot and ankle functional scores markedly improved after six weeks. Radiological examinations revealed early perfect fracture unions. The topical herbal patch was effective in promoting fracture healing. It was well tolerated by the fracture patients. Larger randomized controlled trials would be indicated.
文摘The ageing population is more predisposed to chronic diseases and functional disabilities with an increased level of dependence. The delivery of adequate health care services to the ageing population requires enquires into their quality of life. This cross-sectional study therefore investigated the relationship between some selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the quality of life of aging adults. Using a convenient sampling technique, one hundred and forty six (146) adults of ages 50 years and above from varying locations within the Metropolis of Enugu State, Nigeria were recruited. The parameters obtained were participants’ blood pressure, height, body weight, waist circumference and blood sugar level. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the WHO-QOL BREF and physical activity level was assessed with the IPAQ. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage while the statistical measures of relationship (Pearson’s moment correlation and spearman rho correlation) were used to calculate the relationship between obtained data. The result revealed a positive relationship between waist circumference (obesity indicator) and the environment domain of quality of life measure (r = 0.227, p = 0.006). Surprisingly, no relationship was found between obesity indicators (waist circumference and BMI) and physical/psychological health status. The result also found a positive relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life;a weak negative relationship between casual blood sugar levels and the social relationship domains of quality of life and a weak negative relationship was also observed between age and physical activity and psychological health. Therefore, reduced physical activity level influences a poor quality of life. We recommend physical activity participation among the older population, as well as detailed similar studies for higher degree of certainty.
文摘Five participants with unilateral, upper extremity amputation were recruited from a convenience sample and participated in a supervised resistance training exercise program in their own local exercise facility using the Carter Cuff (Carter Medical Devices, LLC). The Carter Cuff is a relatively new assistive device that allows people with unilateral, upper extremity amputation and other disabilities or injuries of the hand to engage in resistance training exercises. Following a six weeks training period, an online survey was made available to the participants who provided demographic information and answered questions about their exercise habits and their satisfaction with the ease of use and effectiveness of the Carter Cuff as well as its impact on their lives. The results of the survey provided preliminary support for the effectiveness of the Carter Cuff and its positive effects on people with amputations. Though more quantitative data on physiological and psychological measures are needed, these preliminary findings have important implications for occupational therapy practice.
文摘Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the compression of the median nerve in carpal tunnel of wrist which leads to the typical symptoms of numbness, paresthesia and sometimes pain in the patient’s hand. The symptoms are usually sensed in the first three radial fingers and the lateral side of the ring finger because these areas are innervated by the median nerve. Objective: To assess hand function among patient with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Methods: This was a descriptive study in which 41 subjects (27 females and 14 males) were included from Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore and Shalamar hospital, Lahore (from August 2018 to October 2018) according to inclusion criteria. Samples were collected according to WHO (World Health Organization) calculator. Hand function was measured with Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Results: Majority of the patients with CTS fell into mild functional severity and mild symptom severity. The mean score for functional severity was 2.34 and for symptom severity it was 2.97. Conclusion: Activities of daily living such as grasping, writing, gripping and carrying objects were affected by the symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the patients suffering from CTS.
文摘Objectives: To investigate the long-term efficacy of lateral glide mobilisation for patients with chronic Cervicobrachial Pain (CP). Methods: A randomised controlled trial which involved ninety- nine participants with chronic CP. Participants were randomised to receive either the lateral glide with self-management (n = 49) or self-management alone (n = 50). Four assessments were made (at baseline and 6, 26 and 52 weeks post intervention). The primary outcome measure was the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Patient perceived recovery used the Global Rating of Change score (GROC). Functional outcomes included the Neck and Upper Limb Index score (NULI) and the Short-From 36 (SF36). Costs and reported number of harmful effects in response to intervention were evaluated. An intention to treat approach was followed for data analysis. Results: No statistically significant between-group differences were found for pain (using VAS) in the short-term at six weeks (p = 0.52;95% CI -14.72 to 7.44) or long-term at one year (p = 0.37;95% CI -17.76 to 6.61) post-intervention. The VAS outcomes correlated well with GROC scores (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in NULI scores favouring self-management alone (p = 0.03), but no between-group differences for SF36 (p = 0.07). The cost of providing lateral glide and self-management was twice that of providing self-management alone. Minor harm was reported in both groups, with 11% more harm being associated with the lateral glide. Conclusion: In patients with chronic CP, the addition of a lateral-glide mobilization to a self-management program did not produce improved outcomes and resulted in higher health-care costs.
文摘Health related physical fitness (HRPF) is considered to be an indirect marker of a person’s health and wellbeing, reflecting the interplay and integration of many persons’ systems and body functions. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and HRPF in a national cross-sectional sample of Saudi girls and adolescents. Methods: Weight, height and four components of HRPF (body fat composition, strength and endurance, flexibility and cardio-respiratory fitness) were measured in three age groups [(8 - 10), (11 - 12) and (13 - 15) years]. Pearson correlation coefficient and regressions analysis using a non-linear quadratic model were used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and HRPF in three age groups. Results: The results revealed variable relationships among tests. Lower scores in body fat composition and cardio-respiratory fitness were associated with higher body mass indexes in each age group. Also lower scores in muscle strength and endurance were recorded in girls aged from 11 to 15 years. Relationships between BMI and flexibility differed among age groups. Conclusion: BMI significantly and differentially influenced individual HRPF, but effects varied with age. Higher body mass indexes were generally associated with lower HRPF. The level of HRPF determined by this study may serve as an indicator of potential health risks that overweight and obese children girls and adolescents faced.
文摘Despite the perceived protection of semi-rigid ankle orthoses (SRAO), coaches and clinicians are often concerned with the restriction that the SRAO may pose on functional performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SRAO on performance-selected tasks, following fatiguing activity. Twenty active, college-age subjects (22.7 ± 1.2 years;weight 71.7 ± 13.0 kg;height 171.7 ± 9.4 cm), without lower extremity trauma within 2 years, consented participation. Randomized trials for balance (star excursion balance test (SEBT)), agility (shuttle run (SR)), and power (vertical jump (VJ)) were compared between 4 conditions [fatigued, braced (FB);fatigued, un-braced (FUB);non-fatigued, braced (NFB);non-fatigued, un-braced (NFUB)]. Participants were bilaterally fitted with a well-known, commercially available SRAO for all braced trials. Two Wingate supramaximal exercise bouts were used as the fatiguing protocol. RMANOVA was performed for each functional test to determine main effects (SPSS, IL;α = 0.05 for all tests). No main effects for VJ & SR were observed under any of the bracing conditions. Main effect for bracing was observed for the SEBT. Tukey pairwise comparisons revealed that there were significant increases in distance reached for the posterior-medial direction (NFB = 0.91 cm ± 0.2;FB = 0.95 ± 0.2;p = 0.046) and medial direction (NFB = 0.74 cm ± 0.1;FB = 0.79 ± 0.1;p = 0.039) during the braced conditions. Although subjects reported that the SRAO restricted ROM during most SEBT directions involving inversion and eversion, overall performance was not hindered by the application of the brace. Further, the only main effects observed with functional performance involved increases in SEBT that could likely be attributed to comfort and confidence of motion while wearing an ankle device. It was concluded that articulated SRAO effectively limits ankle mobility, but does not appear to hinder athletic performance following a fatiguing bout.
文摘Background: Interventions have recently been developed to test the therapeutic value of storytelling for people with cancer. This evidence includes different designs, as a result an integrative review is needed that can determine the impact and value of storytelling interventions for people with cancer. Aims: To undertake an integrative review of evidence identifying the impact and outcomes from storytelling interventions for people with cancer. Methods: An integrative review of group based storytelling interventions using a qualitative led-synthesis. Results: Eleven studies were identified with a total of 493 (49 female, 16 male, 428 not disclosed) people included. Two major themes were identified: 1) content of interaction and 2) outcomes from the interventions. Six sub-themes were identified. The results provided a unique insight into the psycho-emotional impact of storytelling interventions. Conclusions: It is essential that health care professionals understand the core benefits of storytelling for people with cancer. Further interventions are needed to identify an approach which could be applied within clinical settings.
文摘Objectives: Aging workforces with increasing numbers of chronic conditions require health initiatives with greater workplace focus. A regional pension insurance introduced a Return To Work (RTW) strategy for insurants with chronic conditions. The objective was to identify the degree of implementation of work related measures in medical rehabilitation and the extent of RTW outcomes. Methods: 5883 insurants were considered. Severe Restriction of Work Ability (SRWA), Work-related Medical Rehabilitation (WMR), and Case Management (CM) were examined for 2008 and 2012. An Index of Employment status (IoE) was used in a logistic regression. Results: Utilization of WMR raised from 12.3% in 2008 to 66.1% in 2012. The proportion of insurants with SRWA and WMR grew from 8% up to 40.1%. In 2008, 14.7% of insurants with SRWA received WMR;in 2012, it grew to 76.6%. On the other hand, in 2012 26% got WMR without SRWA and 12.2% had SRWA and got no WMR. CM was not conducted in 2008 but reached 20.2% in 2012. Across all indications, WMR resulted in positive RTW as measured by IoE: OR = 0.75 (KI-95%: 0.67 - 0.86). Conclusion: WMR was successfully implemented according to the German guideline. There is a need to optimize the linkage between SRWA and WMR and CM to provide need-based care.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Multi-sensory stimulation is beneficial to a wide variety of conditions typical of geriatric patients. Some therapies for elderly people are based on the philosophy that the activities to be carried out will also be stimulating to the senses. On the other hand, the dynamics of the senses play</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">s</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> an important role beyond mere reason and sensibility in people’s lives. The hand care therapy that used natural herb oil is the alternative medicine that utilized a plant or its essential oil, which is used in various application scenes. In our past study, the hand care therapy that used natural herb oil demonstrated the effectiveness for elderly people. In this study, we examined influences on psychologi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">cal condition of the side to treatment on. On the evaluation with question p</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">aper, baseline of POMS factor and TMD average were similar to pre-HCT. In post-HCT, T-A, A-H, F and C which were negative factors decreased than pre significantly. The forward factor V did not have significant difference, but the mean increased. Furthermore, the TMD (total mood distance) score generally </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">decreased and changed in the balance of good feelings. On the objective ev</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">aluation, temporal change differences in the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous Sys</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">tem) during the relaxed state and following the induced stress state were m</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">onitored using ECG (electrocardiograph). The SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) of students in HCT has decreased, and the PNS was confirmed to increase. For the tendency in SNS, the changes during the HCT were small. There were no significant changes in rSO</span><sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2</span></sub><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> (regional oxygen saturation) by HCT. BVI (blood volume information) showed significantly big values at left hand treatment and after HCT than BL, indicating that peripheral circulation of the blood flow quantity of the student increased. Generally, it was shown that the subjective emotional evaluation of the hand care treatment side, the objective autonomic nervous system change, and the coronal blood flow were all good. In Japan, the global pandemic of COVID</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">19 disrupts human interaction, and there are concerns about physical, cognitive, and mental deterioration. The use of hand care therapy has been shown to be an effective technique for building quality communication for both recipients and performers.</span>
文摘Health Education has shown itself as essential for the understanding of indi</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">viduals about psychological and physical changes caused by diseases. The chron</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">ic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a severe public health problem, and it depends on health education measures for its control. A group of patients with COPD, in pneumatological medical treatment, were investigated to find </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">information about the disease. An observational, descriptive and analytical study </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">with analysis and application of a semistructured questionnaire to evaluate the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">individuals</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">’</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> knowledge about the COPD. Collected data were registered and </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">analyzed using Google Docs. The software used for the calculation of statistica</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">l </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">measures was Microsoft Excel<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><sup>®</sup></span>. For the research participants’ characterization</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">analysis, the use of grouped data for the frequency distribution of Sturges Rule</span> <span style="font-family:Verdana;">was necessary. This study provided knowledge about which information a group</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> of bearers of COPD receives at a college hospital providing treatment. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The interviewed have an average age of 70 years old and most are women with </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">education level between elementary and high school and diagnose time of 6</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">8 years. Most of the sample reported knowledge and consciousness about the disease, informed by the doctors, followed by physiotherapists. Although </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the role of the Ministry of Health in health education, subjects were better infor</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">med about the disease by their doctors instead of public campaigns.
文摘Squatting movements are used frequently in the activities of daily living and squatting exercises are used to strengthen abdominal core and lower limb muscles. However, many individuals cannot perform a traditional squat. An alternative is to hire a physical trainer or coach for supervision which can be prohibitively expensive. The DB Method<sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup> machine is unique and affordable. A product satisfaction descriptive survey to owners of The DB Method machine describes increased gluteal, core, pelvic floor and lower body strength, an improvement in gluteal region shape, and an increase in activity and energy level. A surprising result of the survey was that this DB Method also seemed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and, in some cases, to lessen urinary incontinence. In this article, the results of this survey are described as the kinetics of this machine relative to the lower limbs and the pelvic floor muscles. A comparison between traditional squats and The DB Method and the benefits of using The DB Method are discussed.
文摘Background: The interaction between self-care and caregiving ability in home discharged stroke patients is unclear. Purpose: This study investigates the interaction between caregiving ability and individual self-care activities for post-stroke patients upon home discharge based on their motor-Functional Independence Measure (m-FIM) score. Methods: A total of 2626 stroke patients registered in the Japanese Rehabilitation Database were retrospectively analyzed. Extracted data were divided into three groups based on the m-FIM score at discharge and classified into two groups based on their discharge destination (home discharge, non-home discharge). After the data were modified as mean-centered values, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis evaluated the change in variance amount (ΔR<sup>2</sup>) using discharge destination as the dependent variable. Model 1 used two independent variables (Rankin Scale and cognitive FIM score), model 2 used two independent variables (caregiving ability and individual self-care), which were added to model 1, and model 3 used an interaction term value, which was added to model 2. Furthermore, a simple slope analysis was performed for these interaction effects. Results: The ΔR<sup>2</sup> exhibited six and five self-care items in the moderate and mild groups, respectively. The interaction was significant on simple slope analysis in the moderate group for six self-care items (except dressing upper body, toileting, and bowel management) and in the mild group for three self-care items, including dressing upper body, bladder management, and climbing stairs). Conclusion: This study suggests the need for intervention, especially bladder management and single-foot standing ability during step climbing, in stroke patients discharged to home. In addition, caregiving ability is one of the factors that should be considered in mild group.
文摘Purpose: To compare and examine motor and cognitive functions in people who require support, and in healthy elders. Method: The variables of age, BMI, educational background, blood pressure, grip strength, knee extension, gait speed, MMSE, and subjective health feeling for 36 rehabilitation users and 22 healthy elders were assessed. We compared and examined motor and cognitive functions in rehabilitation users who need support and healthy elders. Results: The percentage of MMSE scores with 27 points or higher and that of subjective health feeling with 3 points or higher were significantly higher in healthy elders than in rehabilitation users. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher in rehabilitation users than in healthy elders. Gait speed and MMSE scores were significantly higher in healthy elders than rehabilitation users. Conclusion: Gait speed could be used for physical fitness in elders. Gait speed was the best physical fitness measurement for elders. Gait speed of rehabilitation users was strongly related to MMSE scores. Gait speed could be a determinant of MMSE scores.
文摘Aim: To examine the experiences of health care professional (HCP)-patient interactions in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), identifying factors that can influence these interactions. Methods: A three-stage systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research was undertaken. Stage 1: the systematic literature search;Stage 2: methodological appraisal of the qualitative papers;Stage 3: thematic synthesis of all qualitative papers and the integration of quantitative findings into the synthesis. Results: Forty-nine qualitative studies were identified. This included 1014 individuals with MS (244 male, 755 female and 15 unknown) and 106 carers and 86 HCPs. Seventeen quantitative studies were identified which included 7680 (2008 male, 5812 females, and 40 unknown) participants as well as 224 carers. Two themes are discussed: 1) The expectations, experiences and perceptions of interactions with HCPs, and 2) The factors that influenced interactions and relationships. Discussion: There is need for improvement in the content and provision of information to patients with MS from HCPs. Specific strategies are suggested and implications for patients and health care providers are considered.
文摘This study aims to validate the accuracy of a cervical traction therapy simulation model by comparing the intervertebral separations of six asymptomatic male adults when traction was applied to their cervical spines. The subjects were tested on two mechanical traction devices, representing the inclined and sitting positions. A total of 55 radiographic images of their cervical spines were taken before and during traction. The result showed statistically significant intervertebral space changes in the inclined position but the changes in the sitting position were not statistically significant. The observed changes of the cervical spine were used to adjust parameters of the traction therapy model, which contains a human model with cervical spine built with springs and dampers and two traction devices in inclined and sitting positions. A series of traction forces and traction angles were applied to the model to simulate the actual parameters used in the experiment and the new model was used to evaluate the two traction positions. The result suggested that inclined position creates greater intervertebral separations on the posterior sides. Differences in separations due to age were not observed in both positions. The result also suggested that the inclined position provides better control in positioning the separations at different spinal segments than the sitting position.
