Confidence In Daily Activities Research Articles

EFEITOS DA FISIOTERAPIA AQUÁTICA NA QUALIDADE DE VIDA DOS PACIENTES IDOSOS: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Aquatic physiotherapy is extremely necessary in the rehabilitation of patients due to its physical properties and physiological effects of water. It aims to investigate the effects of aquatic physiotherapy on the quality of life of elderly patients. An integrative review study, published between 2015 and 2024, selected through the Medline/PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases, found 250 articles, 10 of which met the previously established inclusion criteria. Aquatic physiotherapy has been shown to contribute significantly to the quality of life of elderly patients, providing relaxed sleep, improved mobility and increased confidence in daily activities.

Development and Production of a Children's Upper-Limb Cycling Adapter Using 3D Printing.

The research described in this study focuses on the development of an innovative upper-limb adapter for young children aged 1-3 years who have congenital upper-limb defects. The objective was to create a functional and affordable solution that allows children to engage more safely and actively in physical activities such as cycling. The adapter was designed within the DESIGN+ project at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen in collaboration with the German company Ottobock. The development included a detailed analysis of hand movements during cycling, modelling using CAD software (NX 1888), prototype manufacturing through 3D printing, and subsequent testing. The result is an adapter that allows 360° rotation around the arm axis, provides natural hand movement while turning, and is made of soft material to enhance safety. Despite initial challenges and necessary prototype adjustments, a functional and reliable design was achieved. This adapter will contribute to improving the quality of life for children with upper-limb disabilities, supporting their coordination, strength, and confidence in daily activities.

Peran Bimbingan Konseling Pesantren dalam Meningkatkan Penguatan Karakter Siswa Madrasah Aliyah Baytul Mukarromah Watampone

Islamic boarding school counseling guidance is a form of implementing services provided to help students or santri to develop into individuals who are independent, responsible, creative, productive and behave honestly through character strengthening education. The values that exist in character education are included in Islamic boarding schools' guidance and counseling services. The role of Islamic boarding school counseling is to instill the habit of practicing Islamic teachings in students or santri in daily life through the practice of worship. With program material covering faith, morals and worship. Forming character cannot be done in an instant by giving advice, orders, or instructions, but with the role of the Islamic boarding school guidance and counseling program. The formation of character requires an example, patience, habituation, and repetition. Thus, the process of education and character strengthening will be experienced by students or santri as a form of personality or self-character experience. The values of religious and moral life will strengthen the character of cooperation, time discipline, courage, and confidence in daily activities and learning processes. This is a step to gain knowledge and be able to apply knowledge in the form of skills work and as a positive attitude. From the results of this study, several important things were obtained regarding the role of Islamic boarding schools as a character strengthening program in madrasas. First, helping students or santri in dealing with the problems of everyday life. Second, giving motivation to students or students and teachers in order to build a spirit of enthusiasm for service. Third, implementing the results of coaching as a character education agenda. Meanwhile, based on the role played by a guidance and counseling teacher, namely the planning of Islamic boarding school guidance and counseling services, the implementation of Islamic boarding school guidance and counseling services, and the evaluation of Islamic boarding school guidance and counseling reports. services carried out with Islamic boarding school counseling to students or santri can form a spiritual and emotional soul with moral development as character strengthening.

Optimizing Surgical Outcomes in Congenital Syndactyly: Evaluation of Flap and Graft Techniques in Older Pediatric Patients.

Background Congenital syndactylyis a common congenital hand anomaly that impairs daily activities and impacts both functional and aesthetic outcomes. The fusion of adjacent fingers limits functionality and often requires surgical intervention to restore web spacing, maintain function, and improve appearance. This study evaluates surgical outcomes of congenital syndactyly treatment using flap and graft techniques, focusing on older patients. Methodology This study utilized retrospective data collected from patients aged 2 to 12 years diagnosed with congenital syndactyly. These patients underwent surgical separation procedures employing various flap techniques and full-thickness skin grafts. The chosen methods aimed to minimize scarring, secure optimal blood supply, and reduce postoperative complications. Postoperative assessments included web spacing, aesthetic appearance, and functional recovery. Results Patients generally experienced improved web spacing and proper alignment, with minimal contracture post-surgery. Flap and graft techniques effectively reduced visible scarring and provided favorable cosmetic results. Functional recovery was significant, allowing patients to resume age-appropriate tasks with minimal limitations, thereby restoring confidence in daily activities. Despite not undergoing early surgery, older patients still achieved marked improvements in web spacing, aesthetics, and overall function. Conclusions Surgical treatment of congenital syndactyly using flap and graft techniques significantly enhances both functional and aesthetic outcomes, even when the intervention is delayed beyond the recommended early age. Comprehensive planning and tailored approaches are crucial to achieving optimal web spacing, minimized scarring, and restored hand function. These measures ultimately improve the quality of life for patients, regardless of age at the time of surgery.

Can the balance evaluation systems test be used to identify system-specific postural control impairments in older adults with chronic neck pain?

Older adults with chronic neck pain (CNP) demonstrate impaired postural control. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) is used to assess systems underlying postural control impairments, but its use in CNP has not been reported. This study assessed whether the BESTest can identify postural control impairments in CNP as well as the level of BESTest item difficulty by Rasch analysis. This cross-sectional study recruited thirty young adults (YOUNG) aged 20-40 years and eighty older adults aged 60 years or older [without neck pain (OLD) = 60, with chronic neck pain (CNP) = 20]. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data, intensity of neck pain (VAS), patient's self-rated neck pain and disability (NDI), and balance confidence in daily activities (ABC). The BESTest was used to assess postural control. The CNP group showed the lowest ABC scores. Compared to the YOUNG group, the BESTest score was significantly lower in the OLD group, while the CNP group showed the lowest score, suggesting that balance control deteriorated from the normal aging process and further declined in the CNP group, especially in biomechanical constraints, transitions-anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response (p < 0.05). Using scores from these three sections, the BESTest was accurate at the cutoff score of 48.5 out of 51 for differentiating the older adults whose daily life are affected by neck problems (using the NDI as a reference) with a high AUC (0.79), sensitivity (72%), and specificity (69%). The Rasch analysis revealed that the Timed Up and Go with dual task test was the most difficult BESTest item for all groups, whereas 14 items showed more difficulty for the CNP group. The BESTest can be used to identify postural control impairments in CNP patients, even those with moderate pain and mild disability with a high level of physical functioning. The combined score of biomechanical constraints, transitions-anticipatory postural adjustment, and reactive postural response domains was suggested for the detection of older adults whose daily lives are affected by neck problems. This will also help clinicians consider the management of neck pain to prevent falls in CNP.

Comparisons of tai chi and Iyengar yoga intervention effects on muscle strength, balance, and confidence in balance.

The aim of the study is to compare a 16-week tai chi and Iyengar yoga program effects on muscle strength, static and dynamic balance, and balance confidence in elderly people. A total of 48 participants (≥60 years old) without mobility-impairing neurological disease, dementia, cardiovascular disease/symptoms during moderate exercise, poorly controlled hypertension, or balance-impairing drug use. Participants were divided into a tai chi group, an Iyengar yoga group, and a control group (eight males and eight females per group), using a restricted randomization scheme generated by software. While the former two undertook 16-week exercise programs, the control group received general education. Maximum concentric strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. The one-legged stand with eyes closed, "8 feet up and go," and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale were used to assess static balance, dynamic balance, and balance confidence in daily activities, respectively. Both programs improved all measures significantly with tai chi being more effective for increasing knee flexor strength (P=0.045) and extensor strength (P=0.032) and ABC score (P=0.034); Iyengar yoga was more effective for improving static balance (P=0.014) and dynamic balance (P=0.025; all P values here vs. the other program). Tai chi and Iyengar yoga can improve strength, balance, and balance confidence among older people. Both are suitable exercise choices for older adults.

Are weight shifting and dynamic control strategies different in postmenopausal women with and without type-I osteoporosis?

ObjectiveTracking postural control processes at dynamic conditions might help develop an appropriate rehabilitation program in osteoporotic women. This study aimed to investigate the differences in center of pressure (COP) control at weight shifting and dynamic tasks between postmenopausal women with and without type-I osteoporosis. Also, we investigated the correlations between bone mineral density (BMD), the activity-specific balance confidence questionnaire (ABC-Q) score, and postural control parameters. MethodA total of 62 volunteer postmenopausal women participated in this study. The participants were classified into non-osteoporotic (NOP, T-score >1, n = 35, age = 60.04± 5.33 years) and osteoporotic (OP, T-score < −2.5, n = 27, age = 61.88 ± 5.34 years) groups. The COP sway was recorded using a Kistler force plate during performance-based Limits of Stability (LOS), Curve Tracking (CT), Sit to Stand (STS), and Turn tasks. In addition, the level of balance confidence in daily activities was evaluated by ABC-Q. ResultsIn the LOS task, COP sway velocity in the anterior direction (P = 0.02) and COP maximum excursion in the side-to-side direction (right-side P = 0.027 and left-side P = 0.044) were significantly lower in the OP than the NOP group. In the CT task, all the quantified parameters, including errors and area, showed significantly lower values in the OP group than the NOP group (P < 0.05). In the STS task, the rising index score was significantly higher in the OP group than the NOP group (P = 0.014). The two groups had an equal ABC-Q score (P = 0.175). The COP sway variables correlated significantly with the lumbar and femoral neck T-score (P < 0.05). ConclusionBMD decline can change weight shifting and dynamic postural control in postmenopausal women.

Balance disorder, falling risks and fear of falling in obese individuals: cross-sectional clinical research in Isparta.

To examine the effect of obesity according to gender on balance, posture, the risk of falling and the fear of falling. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Sports Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey, from December 2016 to June 2017, and comprised individuals aged 40-60 years who were divided into obese and non-obese groups based on their body mass index values. Demographic data was recorded before collecting target data using Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, History of Falls Scale, Single Leg Stance Test, Functional Reach Test and the New York Posture Rating Test. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Of the 251 subjects, 129(51.4%) were females and 122(48.6%) were males. The obese group had 125(49.8%) subjects. There was a significant difference between the history of stumbling in obese males and the history of stumbling and falls in obese females (p<0.05). A high restriction in activity was determined in obese females because of fear of falling (p<0.05). There was impaired posture in all 125(100%) obese individuals and they had all experienced loss of balance. Despite loss of balance and impaired posture in obese males, they did not experience fear of falling and no difference was determined in confidence (p>0.05). Fear of falling was high in obese females and confidence in daily activities was low (p<0.05). Significant negative relationship was found among body mass index, loss of balance and poor posture (p<0.05). No significant relationship was determined in males between obesity and Tinetti Falls Efficacy Scale and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale scores (p>0.05). Obesity causes loss of balance and posture. However, despite functional losses in obese males, as there was no fear of falling and a deceptive sense of confidence, this prevented prediction of the risk of falling.

The effects of Task-Oriented Motor Training on gait characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes neuropathy.

BackgroundIt is known that general gait training improves lower extremity muscle strength and endurance in Diabetes Neuropathy (DN). But, it is still unknown whether Task-Oriented (TO) gait training would change gait biomechanics and the risk of falling in DN. TO gait training focuses on promoting timing and coordination of lower extremity movements through goal-directed practices with sufficient repetition.MethodsA group of 14 patients with DN participated in a time-series study. All subjects participated in four sessions of assessments (Initial, Pre, Post and Follow-Up). Training was twice a week for 12 weeks. Vertical and horizontal Ground Reaction Forces (GRF), Time Get up and Go (TGUG) and Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) were evaluated. Gait training started with stepping patterns that progressively changed to complicated patterns of walking. Then, training continued combining walking patterns with upper extremity activities and then ended with treadmill-paced practice.ResultsDN patients significantly increased Second Vertical Peak Force and Horizontal Propulsive Force in addition decrease in Minimum Vertical Force. TGUG significantly decreased while FES-I reflected significant increase after gait training.DiscussionConclusively, training not only improved gait performance, confidence in daily activities and attenuated risk of falling, but also helped DN patients to improve feet biomechanics, muscles timing and coordination.ConclusionsGait training with respect to principles of motor learning allowed patients to effectively improve through sessions.

Golfers have better balance control and confidence than healthy controls

In a well-executed golf swing, golfers must maintain good balance and precise control of posture. Golfing also requires prolonged walking over uneven ground such as a hilly course. Therefore, repeated golf practice may enhance balance control and confidence in the golfers. The objective is to investigate whether older golfers had better balance control and confidence than non-golfing older, healthy adults. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at a University-based rehabilitation center. Eleven golfers and 12 control subjects (all male; mean age: 66.2±6.8 and 71.3±6.6years, respectively) were recruited. Two balance control tests were administered: (1) functional reach test which measured subjects' maximum forward distance in standing; (2) sensory organization test (SOT) which examined subjects' abilities to use somatosensory, visual, and vestibular inputs to control body sway during stance. The modified Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) determined subject's balance confidence in daily activities. The golfers were found to achieve significantly longer distance in the functional reach test than controls. They manifested significantly better balance than controls in the visual ratio and vestibular ratio, but not the somatosensory ratio of the SOT. The golfers also reported significantly higher balance confidence score ratios. Furthermore, older adults' modified ABC score ratios showed positive correlations with functional reach, visual and vestibular ratios, but not with somatosensory ratio. Golfing is an activity which may enhance both the physical and psychological aspects of balance control. Significant correlations between these measures reveal the importance of the balance control under reduced or conflicting sensory conditions in older adults' balance confidence in their daily activities. Since cause-and-effect could not be established in the present cross-sectional study, further prospective intervention design is warranted.