Background: Technological advancements, demographic shifts, and lifestyle changes have led to increased healthcare expenditures, making access to healthcare services more challenging. People with disabilities, who frequently require specialized healthcare and rehabilitation services, encounter substantial financial and structural barriers to access. Economic and social inequalities significantly influence access to rehabilitation services, often preventing individuals with disabilities, particularly in developing countries, from utilizing these services due to financial constraints and inadequate insurance coverage. Objectives: This study aims to examine socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare and rehabilitation expenses for persons with disabilities in Iran, highlighting the financial burden and disparities in access to essential services. Methods: This descriptive-analytical quantitative study utilized secondary data from a national survey conducted in 2020. The analysis employed the Gini coefficient and Concentration Index to assess socioeconomic inequalities. The dataset included responses from 483 adults with physical disabilities who were members of the Iranian Disabled Community and had participated in the original survey through a structured electronic questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Stata software. Results: The average total cost was 24,600,000 Iranian Tomans (PPP 270.09$ US), indicating significant economic pressure on individuals with disabilities. The Gini coefficient, nearing 0.90, reflects severe inequality in the distribution of total healthcare and rehabilitation expenditure among people with disabilities. This inequality implies that some individuals face high expenses for these services, while others pay much less. The Concentration Index based on income was positive, indicating that inequality favors higher-income groups, while based on educational status, inequality favors individuals with lower education levels. Conclusions: The findings reveal a significant level of inequality in healthcare and rehabilitation expenditure for individuals with disabilities. These expenses are typically high and can be particularly burdensome for this population, many of whom face challenges related to inadequate education and insufficient income. These findings emphasize the necessity of targeted policy interventions to alleviate financial barriers and ensure equitable access to rehabilitation services across socioeconomic groups. Such policies could enhance health outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is highly effective and efficient in improving skill-related components in athletes. However, the effects of combined HIIT and step aerobics (SA) exercises have been scarcely studied in futsal players. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 4-week high-intensity interval training with SA training (HIITSA) program on agility parameters during the pre-season in fifteen professional futsal players from the first division of Thailand, aged 18 to 22 years. Methods: Participants were enrolled and assessed for body height, body weight, fat mass, fat-free mass, leg muscle mass, Body Mass Index (BMI), and futsal-specific change of direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RAG) tests to determine agility. Each HIITSA training session consisted of seven exercises performed with rhythmic music and bench steps at a height of 6 inches. The HIITSA protocol set exercise intensity at 20 seconds at 90% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), interspersed with 10-second recovery periods at 60% HRmax, performed three times per week over a 4-week period. Pre- and post-training assessments of changes in physiological variables were conducted. Results: The agility results showed a significant improvement in the HIITSA group following the training program (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Twelve HIITSA sessions over 4 weeks were effective in improving the fitness levels of futsal players, contributing to improved performance in agility.

Background: Vertical root fractures (VRFs) can occur during root canal therapy, either during canal preparation or obturation, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Rotary systems are recognized for their common use, user-friendliness, and low incidence of root canal preparation accidents. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the surface defects in root canal dentine following preparation with two different common nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files compared to a traditional hand k-file. Methods: In this experimental study, 100 single-canal mandibular premolars were selected and divided into four groups. Group 1 samples were unprepared. Group 2, group 3, and group 4 samples were prepared using hand K-files, the Mtwo rotary system, and the M3 ProGold rotary system, respectively. All root canals were irrigated with 10 mL of 2% NaOCl solution, followed by a final rinse with normal saline. After preparation, the samples were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm distances from the apex and evaluated under 12x magnification with a stereomicroscope. The defects were categorized as no defects, fractured, and defective. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 with a P < 0.05 significance level. Results: Group 3 exhibited the most significant defects, while the control group had the fewest. A two-way ANOVA indicated significant interactions between preparation methods and section levels (P = 0.012). Tukey’s post hoc test confirmed that group 3 had significantly more defects than groups 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The M3 ProGold rotary file system creates fewer dentinal microcracks compared to the Mtwo rotary file system and hand K-files. Therefore, the M3 ProGold system may be a better choice for root canal therapy.

Background: This case-control study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Bender-Gestalt test (BGT) in identifying neuropsychological impairments in individuals with drug abuse compared to healthy controls. Methods: A total of 70 participants, comprising 52 individuals with drug abuse and 18 healthy controls, all with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score greater than 15, were included in the study. Each participant completed the BGT to assess visual-motor and neuropsychological impairments. Results: Individuals with drug abuse exhibited significantly more visual-motor errors than healthy controls, including rotation/reversal (P < 0.001), omissions (P = 0.004), and partial rotation (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The BGT is a reliable and cost-effective tool for detecting neuropsychological impairments in individuals with drug abuse.

Background: The absence of an obligatory psychological component in amputee rehabilitation services can delay post-amputation adaptation and may amplify the influence of psychological variables on adjustment among Omani individuals. The integration of mental health practices into recovery could significantly enhance the overall integrity of the rehabilitation process. Objectives: This study explores the experiences of traumatic amputees in North Batinah, Oman, focusing on the impact of professional psychological support, social support factors, and self-esteem on their resilience. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative analysis of three psychological scales—the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10), and the Protective Factors of Resilience Scale (PFRS)—with thematic analysis of narratives from nine participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and group comparisons. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, with themes generated from the participants' shared experiences. Results: The descriptive statistics indicated variability in protective factors, while self-esteem and resilience scores were more consistent. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between self-esteem and resilience (r = 0.76). Thematic analysis identified four major themes: Self-perception as a determinant of resilience, perceived social support, impact of professional psychological support on resilience, and key contributors to resilience. Participants with positive self-perception and strong social and psychological support networks reported higher levels of resilience. Additionally, prosthetic acceptance and employment emerged as crucial factors in promoting recovery. Conclusions: This study highlights the pivotal role of professional psychological support in enhancing resilience and facilitating post-amputation adaptation among traumatic amputees. The findings underscore the importance of integrating tailored psychological interventions into rehabilitation programs. For clinical practice, these results suggest the need for customized rehabilitation programs and treatment plans that address the psychological well-being of amputees. Future research should address the limitations of this study, including sample size and demographic diversity, and explore additional factors influencing resilience in this population.

Background: Perfectionism, a multidimensional trait, impacts psychological well-being with both adaptive and maladaptive effects. Existing tools, such as the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) and Hewitt and Flett Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (HMPS), face limitations in non-western contexts, including Iran. The Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form (BTPS-SF), a concise 16-item scale, retains the core dimensions of perfectionism while enhancing usability in large-scale studies. Objectives: This study aimed to translate and validate the Persian version of the BTPS-SF, providing a reliable, culturally adapted tool for research and clinical applications in Iranian populations. Methods: This psychometric validation study employed advanced validation methods to assess the factor structure and psychometric properties of the short form of the BTPS-SF among Iranian adults. A sample of 1,271 participants, aged 18 to 50, was selected from Karaj using cluster sampling. Data collection involved the BTPS-SF and BTPS, with rigorous translation and cultural adaptation processes. Validity and reliability were assessed through content, concurrent, and construct validity, as well as internal reliability measures. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 18 and Lisrel 8.8 software. Results: The BTPS-SF demonstrated robust content validity, with content validity ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) values exceeding the established benchmarks. Concurrent validity revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.82, P = 0.001) between the BTPS-SF and BTPS scores. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed a three-factor structure, explaining 70.77% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated an excellent model fit, with a root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.035 and a Comparative Fit Index (CFI) of 0.99. The scale demonstrated high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.887 to 0.916, and split-half reliability coefficients of 0.940, confirming its robust psychometric properties. Conclusions: The Persian BTPS-SF is a valid and reliable tool for assessing multidimensional perfectionism in Iranian adults. Despite limitations, such as self-reporting, the geographic focus on Karaj, and the cross-sectional design, the findings provide a solid foundation for future studies. Expanding the sample and adopting longitudinal designs could further refine its applicability across diverse contexts.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of helping behaviors in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and empathy among female prisoners diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Objectives: The present study employed a descriptive correlational design. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the partial least squares (PLS) approach. The statistical population comprised all female prisoners in Isfahan diagnosed with ASPD and sentenced to one year of incarceration. Methods: A purposive sampling method was utilized. During the period from spring to summer 2023, 128 individuals diagnosed with ASPD were selected as the target group following clinical interviews and the administration of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) test. The research instruments included the MCMI-III, the EI Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Sociable Personality Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using PLS software with SEM. Results: The findings revealed that helping behavior acts as a mediating variable in the relationship between EI and empathy, enhancing the mutual effect of these variables. Conclusions: The results of this study underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between EI, empathy, and helping behaviors in female prisoners with ASPD. The findings suggest that helping behaviors mediate the influence of EI on empathy, demonstrating that engaging in prosocial behaviors positively affects individuals' capacity to comprehend and share others' emotions, but the fit indices of the model were not confirmed.

Background: Spasticity is a disabling condition commonly experienced by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), significantly impacting their quality of life. Botulinum toxin (BT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent due to its ability to inhibit presynaptic acetylcholine release; however, its efficacy in MS patients remains inconsistent across the literature. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall efficacy of BT in reducing spasticity in MS patients, focusing on outcomes such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). The goal was to consolidate the available evidence to provide clearer clinical guidance. Methods: A systematic search of databases including Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted from January 2000 to April 2023. Additionally, references to the included studies were examined to ensure a comprehensive capture of relevant research. Data were extracted on total participants, publication date, country of origin, mean age, disease duration, EDSS scores, and key findings. Results: The initial search yielded 1,618 articles, of which 684 were duplicates. After applying exclusion criteria, 17 articles were selected for the systematic review, with 4 deemed suitable for meta-analysis. Participants' ages ranged from 38 to 53 years, with follow-up durations spanning 1 to 36 months. The most frequently reported complication following BT injection was muscle weakness. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for the MAS demonstrated significant effectiveness of BT at week 4 (SMD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.6) and week 12 (SMD: -1.16; 95% CI: -1.77 to -0.54). Conclusions: Intramuscular injection of BT appears to be an effective treatment option for reducing spasticity in MS patients. However, further well-designed studies are needed to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

Background: Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles and joints to move freely through their full range of motion. It is a key component of physical fitness, contributing to good posture, injury prevention, and enhanced overall movement quality. The hamstring muscle is particularly prone to injury due to reduced flexibility. Deep heat modalities are commonly used to improve muscle flexibility. Previous studies suggest that trans-electrical capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy offers an effective alternative for producing heat in deep tissues. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of capacitive TECAR therapy (CTT) and capacitive-resistive TECAR therapy (CRTT) on hamstring muscle flexibility in individuals with hamstring shortness. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial involved 33 individuals with hamstring shortness. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: The CTT group (11 individuals), the CRTT group (11 individuals), and the sham group (11 individuals). Each participant underwent five intervention sessions on alternate days. The straight leg raising (SLR) and passive knee extension (PKE) tests were used to assess hamstring flexibility before the treatment and after the fifth session. Results: A total of 33 participants (mean age: 24.85 ± 4.82 years; 16 males and 17 females) completed the study. Both the CTT and CRTT groups showed significant improvements in SLR and PKE by the fifth session (P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the CTT and CRTT groups in terms of their effectiveness (P > 0.999). Conclusions: Both CTT and CRTT were effective in improving hamstring flexibility compared to the sham treatment, demonstrating their clinical utility. The lack of significant differences between the two modalities suggests that either can be selected based on clinical judgment or patient preference. Further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of these therapies.