Disability Scale Research Articles

Treatment with combined exercise in patients with resistant major depression (TRACE-RMD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAround 40% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience moderate remission, with the remainder meeting the criteria for resistant major depression (RMD). It has been shown that exercise has a low-to-moderate effect on MDD, but there is a lack of evidence on exercise interventions in RMD patients. The primary purpose of the proposed study will be to investigate the effect of a 12-week supervised combined exercise program on depressive symptoms in people with RMD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.MethodThis randomised, single-blind, controlled experimental trial will include 70 adults (≥ 18 years old) with RMD. Participants randomised to an exercise intervention, or a TAU group will be assessed at baseline and after a three-month intervention period. The primary variable will be participants’ depressive symptoms measured with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcome variables will include cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake through peak cardiopulmonary exercise test), body composition (bioimpedance and anthropometric variables), physical activity level (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (the Short Form-36 Health Survey), functional outcome (the Sheehan Disability Scale and Quality of Life in Depression Scale), overall disease severity (the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity of Illness), and biochemical variables (a fasting blood sample).DiscussionThis study will try to answer whether a supervised co-adjuvant combined (aerobic and resistance training) exercise program will help the prognosis of this population with RMD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05136027. Last public release on 12/13/2023.

Validation of the Korean version of inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale in patients with inflammatory neuropathy.

The Inflammatory Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS) is an effective activity measure for use in inflammatory peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to validate the Korean version of the I-RODS in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) neuropathy, and autoimmune nodopathy. A total of 120 patients underwent clinical evaluations, which included the I-RODS, Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) assessment, and Jamar grip strength (kg) measurement. Follow-up assessments were performed for 83 patients during their regular clinic visits. To estimate the test-retest reliability of the I-RODS, the scale was reapplied to a subset of 16 patients within 2-7 days of the initial test. Overall, reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the I-RODS were evaluated. Internal consistency was good, as indicated by a person separation index of 0.966. The raw and standardized Cronbach's alpha values were both 0.974. The test-retest reliability analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also high (ICC = 0.972). The I-RODS showed a strong correlation with INCAT scores (ρ = -0.81, p < .001) and a moderate correlation with grip strength (ρ = 0.61, p < .001). Furthermore, the sensitivity for detecting clinically meaningful improvement was highest for grip strength (60.4%) followed by I-RODS (52.1%), while for capturing deterioration, it was highest for I-RODS (80.0%). The Korean version of the I-RODS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring disability in patients with inflammatory neuropathy. The I-RODS is useful for both clinical practice and research applications.

Effect of stabilizer pressure biofeedback on post-thyroidectomy neck pain in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionTo investigate the effect of stabilizer pressure biofeedback on post-thyroidectomy neck pain, disability, endurance capacity of deep cervical flexors (DCFs), and cervical range of motion (ROM) in women after menopause.MethodsThirty-six women aged 50–65 years with post-thyroidectomy neck pain were incorporated in this study. Participants were assigned randomly into two groups. Each group was comprised of 18 women. Group A underwent active stretching exercises of the neck muscles. Group B underwent cranio- cervical flexion training using stabilizer pressure biofeedback in addition to active stretching exercises. Q1: The treatment interventions were administered 3 times per week for six weeks. A stabilizer pressure biofeedback device was utilized to evaluate the endurance capacity of the DCFs. A digital goniometer was used to measure the cervical spine ROM. The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) was utilized to assess neck pain and disability levels prior to and following six weeks of treatment.ResultsGroup A had no significant improvement over group B in the endurance capacity of the DCFs. Both groups (A and B) showed significant increases in cervical ROM and decreases in NPDS. However, comparing the two groups post-treatment, group B showed a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measurements.ConclusionsStabilizer pressure biofeedback is efficacious in enhancing the endurance of DCFs and ROM, in addition to reducing neck pain and disability in postmenopausal women who experience neck pain after thyroidectomy.

Smartphone addiction: Neck functional disability and quality of life among undergraduate university students

ABSTRACT Background: Smartphone usage is on an increasing rise among undergraduate students worldwide owing to their portability and usability. Although beneficial in many ways, excessive use places degenerative strain on the user’s skeletal system while also reducing their quality of life (QOL). This study investigated the relationships between smartphone addiction, neck functionality, and QOL among undergraduate students. Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted. Four hundred and four smartphone using undergraduates from a Ghanaian university (207 females, 197 males; mean age = 21.23 ± 1.769 years, who spent a mean of 8.13 ± 5.21 h on their smartphones daily) were recruited. The Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS), and assessment of QOL (AQoL) were used to assess smartphone addiction, functional levels of the neck, and QOL, respectively. Results: Among participants, 79.95% had a high degree of smartphone addiction. 99.26% scored above the normal range (≥20) on the CNFDS. There was a significant positive correlation between participants’ SAS and CNFDS scores (P = 0.038) and SAS and AQoL scores (P = 0.001), while CNFDS and AQoL (P = 0.885) were negatively correlated. Conclusion: Smartphone addiction is associated with neck disability among undergraduate students and negatively affects their QOL. Increasing awareness can alter how people perceive addiction. Further studies are required to understand the causes of smartphone addiction because the study also revealed that the participants were addicted to their phones.

How to personalise cognitive–behavioural therapy for chronic primary pain using network analysis: study protocol for a single-case experimental design with multiple baselines

IntroductionCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic primary pain (CPP), but effect sizes are small to moderate. Process orientation, personalisation, and data-driven clinical decision-making might address the heterogeneity...

Real-life experience with disease-modifying drugs in hereditary transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy: A clinical and electrophysiological appraisal.

New treatments have dramatically improved the prognosis for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN). However, there is a lack of routine follow-up studies outside of therapeutic trials. Our aim was to report the long-term clinical and electrophysiological evolution of a cohort of ATTRv-PN patients and to determine which biomarkers are most sensitive to change. We retrospectively collected neuropathy impairment scale (NIS), polyneuropathy disability scale (PND), overall neuropathy limitation scale (ONLS), rash built overall disability scale (RODS), electrodiagnostic data, motor unit number index (MUNIX), troponin and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. Electrophysiological worsening was defined as a 20% decrease in previous values. Thirty-five patients, with a median age of 58 (interquartile ranges 42-71) years, were followed for a median of 36 (24-48) months. All patients received a transthyretin stabiliser, gene silencer or liver transplant. Overall assessment of the cohort showed clinical, biological and electrophysiological stability. However, on an individual basis, NIS worsened in 45% of patients (14/31), ONLS in 46% (13/28), PND in 28% (9/32) and RODS in 39% (11/28) at the last follow-up. Motor amplitude sum score decreased in 33% (11/33), amplitude recorded on tibialis anterior muscle in 44% (12/27), sensory amplitude sum score in 39% (11/28) and MUNIX sum score in 27% (7/26). Overall effectiveness of ATTRv-PN treatments in routine care is good. However, individual assessments show up to 40% deterioration over time. Electrophysiological measures are valuable monitoring tools but are not more sensitive to change than clinical scores. Results must be confirmed in larger cohorts.

Testing Polynomial (Non-Linear) Effects of Neurological and Physical Disability on Sexual Well-Being in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is among the most prevalent chronic autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system. In Poland, the MS incidence rate is 6.3 per 100,000 patients. The results of studies indicate that people suffering from MS are less involved in sexual life in both the physical and emotional aspects, they assess that sex is less important to them than to healthy people, and their sexual motivation is limited, especially its physical dimension. Methods: A total of 121 people participated in the study. It used four questionnaires: authors’ survey on sociodemographic and biomedical data, Short Sexual Well-Being Scale, Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: A positive and moderate relationship was found between neurological disability and physical disability. Also, the correlation between neurological disability and the number of sexual dysfunctions was significant. Problems in the neurological sphere were also negatively associated with sexual well-being. Physical disability was not significantly associated with the level of sexual well-being or the number of declared sexual dysfunctions. The number of dysfunctions was moderately associated with the levels of sexual well-being. The polynomial regression analyses did not find any non-linear relationships between the severity of disability and sexual well-being. Conclusions: This study suggests that the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions can be an important subject in MS patients’ sexual well-being. It underlines the fact that the subject of one’s sexuality cannot be omitted while providing medical and psychological support for individuals with MS.

Behavioral risk assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers of petrochemical industries: protocol of a mixed method study

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational diseases and the main cause of disability worldwide. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are one of the common health risks and the most important cause of absenteeism due to disability in various industries, including the petrochemical industry, in developed and developing countries. These disorders have important social economic, and significant financial consequences due to direct and hidden costs. Health behaviors play a role in both creating and preventing musculoskeletal disorders in employees. Therefore, by identifying the influencing factors on these behaviors, it is possible to strengthen and improve the preventive behaviors of musculoskeletal disorders through educational intervention programs. This study aims to assess the behavioral risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and design and implement an educational intervention to teach effective behaviors in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in petrochemical industry workers.MethodsThis study is a mixed-method study implemented in four stages involving the qualitative study, the design and evaluation of an instrument, the design of an experimental randomized clinical trial, and the psychometric evaluation of the instrument and the evaluation of the program. The research community consists of employees working in the petrochemical industry. The volume of samples in the qualitative study with the purposeful sampling method, in the instrument design stage based on the available sampling method, and also in the experimental study, the samples are employees suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, who were selected based on a simple random method from among the employees of the petrochemical industry. Then they will be divided into intervention and control groups. The instruments of this research include a demographic questionnaire, a researcher-made questionnaire for measuring behavior, and two auxiliary instruments including the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Quebec Disability Scale. Evaluation is done in 4 stages: pre-test, immediately, 3, and 6 months after the intervention of both groups. The obtained data will be analyzed using SPSS software.DiscussionMusculoskeletal disorders related (WMSDs) to work can harm employees’ health in various industries, including the petrochemical industry. This study attempts to evaluate the behavioral risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among petrochemical industry workers and design and implement an appropriate educational intervention program.Trial registrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT20240321061346N1). Registered on 2024–04-10.Ethics Status: Ethics code: IR.MODARES.REC.1402.251.

Effect of yoga-based exercise program in female patients with myofacial pain of temporomandibular disorders.

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of Yoga-based exercise program on pain, range of motion (ROM), quality of sleep, depression and quality of life in female patients with myofacial pain of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). 39 Female patients with myofacial pain of TMD were included in the study. Yoga based exercise program was performed to the first group and second group was control group. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), neck and jaw ROM, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PUQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Short Form 36 (SF36) were evaluated. Evaluations were repeated before treatment and 6 weeks later. From the measurements, a decrease in Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) (p = 0.005) and neck pain (p = 0.031) was found to be significant in favor of Yoga Group. It was also observed that the increase in ROM in the neck right lateral flexion (p = 0.001) in favor of Yoga Group. The sleep quality did not change. In yoga group, a decrease in depression level (p = 0,023) and increase Quality of life in parameters of physical function (p = 0.023), vital capacity (p = 0.026), emotional health (p = 0.002), mental health (p = 0.080) were found as significant, statistically. It was concluded that yoga-based exercise program can be used as an alternative program in patients with myofacial pain of TMD. Further study on myofascial pain of TMD is recommended. Yoga-based exercise program can be used in patients with myofascial pain due to TMD.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN DRY NEEDLING AND KINETIC CHAIN ACTIVATION TECHNIQUE WITH SPECIFIED EXERCISE PROGRAMME IN PAINFUL ARC SYNDROME

Objective: Many researcher have reported that painful arc syndrome arises from multiple lesion i. e. minor tear of supraspinatus tendon, supraspinatus tendinitis, calcified deposit in the supraspinatus tendon, subacromial bursitis, crack fracture of greater tuberosity of humerus and bicipital tenosynovitis. In this study, dry needling and KCAT technique with specific exercise programme has been done to reduce pain and improve functioning and their by prevent shoulder pathologies. The objective of the study is. 1) To evaluate the effectiveness of kinetic chain activation in painful arc syndrome. 2) To evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling therapy in painful arc syndrome. 3) To evaluate the effectiveness of a specific exercise program. Methods: 50 patient diagnosed with painful arc syndrome by the physiotherapy department orthopedic department OPD will be initially assessed for the inclusion or exclusion criteria. prior to the treatment procedure patients are oriented to the study and taken informed consent, patient is divided in to two groups(Group A and Group B) and both groups will be assessed for the pre-test parameter. Outcome measure – shoulder pain and disability scale and goniometry is used for measuring pre-test and post-test. Results: The study was significant in reducing pain level and improving function with the pretest. At the end of 6 w treatment program with, both group A (dry needling) and group B(KCAT) showed improvement in painful arc syndrome. Based on results, the study supports research hypothesis that there was a significant improvement in ROM and significant reduction in SPADI score associated with painful arc syndrome. Patient participated in group B shows more significant changes. Conclusion: The study showed that significant improvement in symptoms of group B as compared to group A from the initial level to week 6. At the end of 6 w training programme both group A and group B Shows improvements in symptoms but the result of study supports that group B (KCAT CONCEPT-finger fanning technique) B is more efficient compare to group A(dry needling).

Smartphone tests quantify lower extremities dysfunction in multiple sclerosis.

Increasing shortage of neurologists compounded by the global aging of the population have translated into suboptimal care of patients with chronic neurological diseases. While some patients might benefit from expanding telemedicine, monitoring neurological disability via telemedicine is challenging. Smartphone technologies represent an attractive tool for remote, self-administered neurological assessment. To address this need, we have developed a suite of smartphone tests, called neurological functional test suite (NeuFun-TS), designed to replicate traditional neurological examination. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of two NeuFun-TS tests-short walk and foot tapping-to quantify motor functions of lower extremities as assessed by a neurologist. A cohort of 108 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients received a full neurological examination, imaging of the brain, and completed the NeuFun-TS smartphone tests. The neurological exam was digitalized using the NeurEx™ platform, providing calculation of traditional disability scales, as well as quantification of lower extremities-specific disability. We assessed unilateral correlations of 28 digital biomarkers generated from the NeuFun-TS tests with disability and MRI outcomes and developed machine learning models that predict physical disability. Model performance was tested in an independent validation cohort. NeuFun-TS-derived digital biomarkers correlated strongly with traditional outcomes related to gait and lower extremities functions (e.g., Spearman ρ > 0.8). As expected, the correlation with global disability outcomes was weaker, but still highly significant (e.g., ρ 0.46-0.65; p < 0.001 for EDSS). Digital biomarkers also correlated with semi-quantitative imaging outcomes capturing locations that can affect lower extremity functions (e.g., ρ ~ 0.4 for atrophy of medulla). Reliable digital outcomes with high test-retest values showed stronger correlation with disability outcomes. Combining strong, reliable digital features using machine learning resulted in models that outperformed predictive power of best individual digital biomarkers in an independent validation cohort. NeuFun-TS tests provide reliable digital biomarkers of lower extremity motor functions.

The effects of free dance versus hatha yoga on quality of life and motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease: protocol study for a randomized clinical trial

Objective: To describe a protocol comparing the effects of free dance, hatha yoga, and a control group on quality of life, motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease (PwP). Methods: This is a randomized three-arm study. Inclusion criteria will be people with clinically diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD), ≥ 45 years old, and in stages I to IV of the Hoehn and Yahr Disability Scale (HY). Who do not reach the cut-off point of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and classified in stage V of the HY will be excluded. The interventions will last 60 minutes, twice a week, progressing from light to vigorous intensity. The primary outcome will be quality of life assessed by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ39). Secondary outcomes will include the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the evaluation of motor and physical function such as shoulder and hip range of motion (goniometer), cardiorespiratory fitness (six-minute walk test), balance (MiniBESTest), as well as non-motor aspects such as anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), cognition (MoCA), hope (Herth Hope Scale), fecal incontinence (Fecal Incontinence Quality of life), urinary incontinence (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention. Discussion: If study interventions are deemed effective compared to standard of care (i.e. control group), the present study will advance current knowledge on non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies for People with Parkinson. Study registered RBR-54s92mh on 02/29/24.

The superiority trial of Baduanjin training on patients chronic low back pain: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCNSLBP accounts for 85% of all LBP cases and impairs physical health, quality of life, and work productivity, posing a significant health and economic burden. Baduanjin (BDJ) exercises are traditional Chinese Qi Gong mind-body exercises that have been practiced for over 1,000 years. However, the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration does not stimulate core muscles, limiting the effectiveness of low back pain rehabilitation. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the original BDJ protocol.MethodsThis 24-week single-center, single-blind, parallel-group randomized control superiority trial will allocate 100 patients into two groups (control and intervention) at a 1:1 ratio. The patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The patients in the patients in the control group will perform the standard BDJ protocol established by the State Sports General Administration. The intervention group will perform intervention. The primary outcomes will be Quebec back pain disability scale. Secondary outcomes will include visual analog scale pain scores, Surface electromyography. The assessments of the tests will be performed at four time points. Adverse events will be recorded faithfully during the study.DiscussionThis randomized control trial is the first to compare a standard BDJ protocol and an optimized protocol in patients with CNSLBP. This study can help guide rehabilitation programs.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200065618, Registered on 10 Nov. 2022. This protocol is the first version 1, which was approved on 26 Aug 2022.

Pre-operative collapsed disc is a negative prognostic factor of back-pain outcome in trans-foraminal endoscopic discectomy. A single cohort clinical study

PurposeTrans-foraminal endoscopic discectomy (TELD) is an alternative surgical technique for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Compared with microscope-assisted open discectomy, TELD is expected to result in less postoperative low back pain (LBP) and has a lower likelihood of complications. However, some clinical analysis report patients still had persistent LBP at follow-up. Several studies have identified different known risk factors for LBP after TELD, including the preoperative presence of disc height loss and “microinstability” of the lumbar spine, which can be detrimental to a patient's successful outcome. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of a cohort of 86 patients with symptomatic LDH who underwent TELD surgery in a single Neurosurgery Unit from 2021 to 2023 and subjected themselves to a clinical and radiological follow-up program up to one year, focusing on the presence of collapsed disc (Group A) and the presence of normal intersomatic height (Group B) at the site of lumbar herniation. ResultsThe two groups demonstrated no significant differences in the pain and disability scales at the preoperative and postoperative phases, both after surgery and during follow-up. However, at the 1-year clinical evaluation, patients who had signs of a collapsed disc before surgery experienced less recovery on the ODI scale compared to the other group ConclusionOur study showed that the presence of severe intervertebral disc height loss, accompanied by pre-operative signs of a collapsed disc at the site of the LDH, may serve as a predictor of poor postoperative pain recovery.

Parents and service providers’ perspectives about social inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities in Qatar: investigation of financial transactions and personal status laws

The current study aims to explore parents and service providers’ attitudes towards the social inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities into society, through exercising their rights in various financial transactions and personal status matters in the State of Qatar. Additionally, the study aims to explore any differences in the participants’ attitudes towards social inclusion based on their role, gender and the child’s disability type. Eighty-two service providers (46 Female) and sixty-five parents (40 Female) of children with Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder participated in this study. They completed the Attitudes towards social inclusion of people with disabilities (ASIPD) Scale. Findings showed that the participants believe that the Shari’ah (Islamic law) places a high premium on the social inclusion of the people with neurodevelopmental disabilities and predates various modern theories on the subject. In addition, the Islamic law permits the persons with mild neurodevelopmental disabilities to engage in many contracts in the realms of financial transactions and personal status. Parents and service providers have neutral to positive attitudes towards social inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities in terms of performing some financial transactions and some personal status rights like marriage and divorce according to severity of disability. Results were discussed and further recommendations were provided.

Prevalence of Non-specific Low Back Pain Among Chinese Healthcare Workers (Surgeons and Surgical Nurses): A Multi-Center Survey Study

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common diseases affecting many persons including Healthcare Professionals (HCPs). LBP affects the quality of work and daily activities in HCPs. However, many factors contribute to LBP including age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and working experience. Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of LBP and examine the potential risk factors associated with LBP in Chinese HCPs (surgeons and surgical nurses). Method: A cross-sectional survey performed from October 2023 to January 2024. Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) was used to assess the rating of LBP impairment. As well as Ovako Working Posture Assessment System (OWAS) is used to assess the working postures of HCPs. In addition to five more questions with yes/no answers. Results: A total of 250 surgeons and surgical nurses were collected from six hospitals with a mean age of 45.8 ± 11.0 years old, 47 females and 203 males. The BMI was 25.07 ± 1.49 kg, and working experience was 20.30 ± 10.0 years. Working hours in a week range from &lt; 50 to &gt; 55 hours. However, the OWAS action category was 1 in 109, 2 in 107, 3 in 30, and 4 in 4 participants. The majority of participants with mild LBP (90.4%), half of them had neck pain, and 26% with knee pain. The QBPDS scores of HCPs with LBP were 10.88 ± 4.78. Moreover, the risk factors associated with LBP include long working hours and incorrect postures of the trunk and lower extremities. As well as notice the orthopedic surgeon was the highest risk among HCPs (p = 0.046, 0.005). Conclusion: LBP is a common disorder in surgeons and surgical nurses and is associated with different factors including age, work experience, BMI, and abnormal working posture.

Investigating postural control as a predictor of low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy

BackgroundFalls are common during pregnancy, posing risks to maternal and fetal health. Pregnant individuals also commonly experience low back and/or pelvic girdle pain. Other populations with pain, such as older adults with back pain demonstrate increased fall risk. This study assessed the relationship between standing balance control characteristics during single leg stance and low back/pelvic girdle pain scores during and after pregnancy with eyes open and closed. We hypothesized that standing balance control characteristics of smaller sway and sway velocity would be related to greater low back/pelvic girdle pain during the third trimester. MethodsDuring the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum nineteen individuals performed single leg stance on a force platform with eyes open and closed and completed the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the variance of Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale scores that could be explained by postural control variables for each time point and condition. FindingsDuring the third trimester, decreased total sway and anterior/posterior sway range with eyes closed were significantly associated with higher low back/pelvic girdle pain disability scores (P = 0.005, R2 = 0.480). No significant relationships were found during the second trimester or postpartum nor for eyes open conditions. InterpretationThis study suggests a potential association between low back/pelvic girdle pain and postural control during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals with lumbopelvic pain may demonstrate postural stability deficits, particularly without visual input. Balance assessments and interventions should be considered during routine care for pregnant individuals, especially for those with pain.

Effect of Social Skill Training on Social Function in Patients with Schizophrenia

Objective: To explore the effect of Social Skills Training (SST) on the social function of inpatients with schizophrenia. Methods: A total of 40 patients with schizophrenia (20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group) were selected from a psychiatric hospital in Shanghai for 10 times (once a week) of social skills training. The control group was treated with routine hospitalization (drug therapy and routine hospitalization nursing) for 10 weeks. Social Disability Screening Schedule before and after intervention for patients enrolled in the intervention group (Social Disability Screening Schedule, SDSS and Scale of Social Function in Psychosis Inpatients, SSPI). Conclusion: The results of social skills training on SDSS and SSPI were different between the two groups, and there was no statistical value (P &gt; 0.05). Observation of patients in this group, when undergoing social skills training, SSPI score was significantly better than the control group (P &lt; 0.01) and SDSS score was significantly lower than the control group (P &lt; 0.01), the differences were statistically significant. Social skills training and social work group intervention can improve psychiatric symptoms and further enhance social function in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia.

Validity and reliability of the new NIMHANS intellectual disability screening instrument (NID-Screener) for children and adolescents in India

IntroductionThere is a gap in tools specifically designed for assessing Intellectual Disability (ID) in Indian settings. To address this, the NIMHANS intellectual disability screening instrument (NID-Screener) was developed by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. MethodsTen non experts/language and ten experts rated face and content validity of NID-Screener respectively. Content validity was measured by Content Validity Ratio, Content Validity Indices (I-CVI, S-CVI) and Modified Kappa statistics. Construct validity was calculated by performing Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA) on responses from 275 parent(s)/guardian(s) of children and adolescents (6–17 years). Criterion Validity was tested against Brief Intellectual Disability Scale (BIDS) and Clinical Diagnosis by Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Kappa Statistics was used to calculate inter – method and inter-Rater Reliability. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess Internal Consistency. This study was approved by NIMHANS ethics committee. ResultsFindings revealed that NID-Screener has good face and content validity (S-CVI/Average = 0.917). Criterion Validity was excellent (Kappa Value=0.862, p-value<0.001) when compared with BIDS. Sensitivity and specificity were found to be 84.7 %, 89 % respectively against Clinical Diagnosis. On EFA, only one underlying factor with Eigen value > 1 was identified (55.8 % of total variance). Kappa value was found to be 0.971 and 0.942 for inter- rater and inter –method reliability respectively(p-value<0.001). NID-Screener has good internal consistency [Cronbach’s alpha = 0.841]. ConclusionsNID-Screener is a reliable and valid tool for screening ID among children and adolescents in India, facilitating its early detection through diagnostic assessments and subsequent interventions.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE STUDIES FOCUSING ON ATTITUDES TOWARD INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN TURKIYE

Attitudes play a crucial role in understanding individuals’ behaviors and judgments regarding disability. There have been a lot of studies conducted to assess attitudes toward disability in Türkiye. However, there is a need to examine the objectives, methods, and results of the conducted studies and suggest implications for future studies. The current paper aims to systematically review attitudes toward general disability research that was conducted using the available scales for assessing attitudes toward disabilities in general. For this aim, four attitudes toward disability scales that were developed in Türkiye or translated into Turkish were determined: Attitude Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP), Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons (ATD), Attitudes towards Persons with Disabilities Inventory (APDI), and Multidimensional Attitude Scale toward Persons with Disabilities (MAS). 68 research studies using one of these scales were identified and examined on the basis of four determinants: research, sample, methods, and results. Results showed that most of the studies were descriptive and quasi-experimental and found positive attitudes towards IWDs. Even though there are contrasting findings for sociodemographic variables, having contact with IWDs and taking courses about disability might be effective in increasing positive attitudes. The limitations and implications for future studies are also discussed.