Rehabilitation Experience Research Articles

Psychological conditions, social coexistence and rehabilitation of ex-prisoners under Internal Security Act in the southern border provinces of Thailand

Ex-prisoners are defined as those under the Internal Security Act who have previously committed offenses connected to the incidences of disturbance/conflicts in Thailand's southern border provinces. Additionally, certain people have a strong propensity for repeat transgressions, which could be detrimental to society. This study used qualitative research techniques and in-depth interviews to examine psychological circumstances, social coexistence, means of subsistence, occupations, and current support practices. Following a period of reintegration into society, some observations were made namely: i) 23 ex-prisoners in the southern border provinces were on insurgent charges, ii) 10 government employees with five years of experience were in care, assistance, healing, and rehabilitation process, and iii) four members of civil society with five years of experience in aid, recovery, and rehabilitation were among the informers for the sources of information. The results also revealed that most ex-prisoners experienced psychological stress and anxiety after re-entering society. This phenomenon occurs due to issues related to debt, low income, localized violence, and frequent visits by the army troops' to their houses, it was discovered that some groups were stigmatized by local residents. Nevertheless, they were found to have adjusted to living and got along well with their families. In terms of occupation and sources of income, it was found that most were merchants, general laborers, and rubber tappers. Additionally, the community networks supporting the restoration of coexistence in the community are either the responsibility from government agencies or authority both direct or indirect involvement of the civil society organizations/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs). The findings of this study will be helpful in establishing a framework for assisting and rehabilitating the quality of life of ex-prisoners under the Internal Security Act that is congruent with the local requirements and context.

Psychosexual well-being following spinal cord injury: Perspectives of adults with spinal cord injury and rehabilitation clinicians.

This study aimed to identify important mental health topics for people with spinal cord injuries (PwSCI) and garner insights from health care clinicians working with this population. In doing so, we identified psychosocial adaptations in the context of sexuality, intimacy, and reproductive health. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used, with 60-90-min virtual focus groups involving PwSCI, rehabilitation clinicians, and psychologists. Themes were identified through deductive and inductive transcript analysis. Eligibility for PwSCI included: (a) SCI for ≥ 1 year, (b) 18+ years, (c) U.S. residency, (d) conversational English skills, and (e) cognitive capacity to provide informed consent. Clinicians required ≥ 5 years of rehabilitation experience. Sixteen PwSCI, eight rehabilitation clinicians, and four psychologists participated. Three major themes emerged: (1) The effects of SCI on relationships with noninjured significant others with subthemes of (a) internalized and partnered ableism in intimate relationships and (b) navigating care partner dynamics and resource gaps; (2) sexual self-esteem with subthemes of (a) gender role adaptation and (b) body image concerns; and (3) challenges in sexual and reproductive health with subthemes of (a) family planning and self-advocacy in health care settings, (b) access to specialized care, and (c) health care provider competence. This report illuminates the complex effects of SCI on their relationships with noninjured partners, revealing how internalized and partnered ableism can heighten feelings of inadequacy and alter relationship dynamics. These findings underscore the need for more research, support, and services in sexual and reproductive health for all PwSCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Post-COVID in healthcare workers and its consequences on quality of life, activities, participation, need for rehabilitation and care experiences: protocol of a cohort study

IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCWs) have been of particular relevance for overcoming the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. At the same time they have been affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections with above average probability. Around 6.5% of the overall infected persons are likely to develop persistent symptoms resulting from the infection, known as long-COVID or post-COVID syndrome (PCS). The aim of this study is (1) to investigate the prevalence, course and characteristics of PCS in German HCWs, (2) to examine its effects on psychosocial variables, (3) to identify rehabilitation and healthcare needs and (4) to analyse treatment experiences.Methods and analysisIn a cohort study with a randomised selection of participants (N=20 000) from the Employer’s Liability Insurance Association for Health and Welfare Care, the health status of HCWs, who had COVID-19 in their professional context will be examined. There will be two measurement points: baseline (T1) and a 12-month follow-up (T2). The outcome measures are the health status with a particular focus on persistent or newly occurring symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, health-related quality of life, functional capacity, the subjective need for and utilisation of healthcare services. Pre-existing conditions, the course of the acute infection and sociodemographic factors are considered as predictors. An advisory board made up of affected HCWs supports the study by contributing to the surveys’ contents.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Center for Psychosocial Medicine at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf (LPEK-0518). For dissemination, the results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and communicated to relevant stakeholders in general and rehabilitation medicine.Trail registration numberhttps://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00029314

New protocol for early robot-assisted gait training after spinal surgery.

Early rehabilitation post-spinal surgery is vital for patients' recovery. Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) shows promise but requires further study to establish a specific protocol and gauge its effects on both patients and physical therapists. This study aimed to determine the impact of a newly developed protocol for early RAGT on patients' functional enhancement and satisfaction levels after spinal surgery, as well as on the physical therapists who implemented the therapy. First, we developed the protocol in collaboration with three physiatrists and two physical therapists with extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The protocol was updated three times, each after three rounds of face-to-face meetings. Afterward, we conducted a cross-sectional study involving five physical therapists and 32 post-spinal surgery patients at a tertiary hospital rehabilitation center. The intervention consisted of five sessions of RAGT. Main outcome measures included the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), the ambulation item of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI ambulation), and satisfaction surveys for both patients and physical therapists. RAGT typically started 17.91 ± 9.76 days postoperatively and was successfully applied with no remarkable adverse effects. The FAC scores increased from 2.65 ± 1.21 to 3.78 ± 0.71 (p = 0.006), and MBI ambulation increased from 7.69 ± 2.71 to 10.66 ± 2.90 (p < 0.001) between transfer and discharge. Satisfaction with the robot, RAGT, and treatment, assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, were 3.30 ± 0.79, 3.72 ± 0.85, and 3.08 ± 0.84, respectively. Satisfaction was notably the highest for alleviating fear of falling, whereas managing pain and discomfort during position changes scored the lowest. Physical therapists rated RAGT satisfaction, impact on the working environment, and treatment stability at 3.0 ± 0.65, 2.80 ± 0.67, and 3.50 ± 0.61, respectively. Early spinal surgery rehabilitation with RAGT improved patients' functionality and gait satisfaction. While physical therapists considered RAGT safe, its impact on their work environment was limited. Integrating RAGT into post-spinal surgery rehabilitation demands ongoing protocol refinement, custom robot development, and efficacy evaluations.

FAMILY-ORIENTED PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Family-centered physical therapy programs for children with autism involve the child, family members, and professionals working together. They aim to provide support, education, and resources that enable the family to understand and cope with the special needs associated with the rehabilitation of a child with autism. By involving the entire family in the therapy process, such programs help improve communication, enhance the quality of life for the entire family, help the child develop skills to participate in various activities with peers, strengthen family ties and provide a more holistic approach to child care. Aim. To substantiate the structure and program of family-oriented physical therapy for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Materials and methods. Analysis of literature sources, including clinical guidelines and recommendations, as well as scientific research on the rehabilitation of patients with autism spectrum disorders; systematic analysis and synthesis, methods of analogy, abstraction and generalization. The experience of rehabilitation and physical therapy of children with ASD, gained by the NGO Agape, which is engaged in the rehabilitation and habilitation of children with disabilities in Khmelnytskyi, was also taken into account. Results. A child's atypical development and disabilities affect the entire family. Caregivers and family members may develop feelings of vulnerability and guilt, or they may feel unable to care for their child. In addition, the patient-centered and biopsychosocial approach assumes that decisions about therapy are made by caregivers, as they are the best experts on their needs and abilities. There has also been a shift in emphasis from impairment of body structures and functions to the child's participation in family life and activities with the family, as well as from what the child cannot do to what the child can do. Supporting the child and family through this complex process of rehabilitation and physical therapy with this in mind, and recognizing the family's interests and values, is crucial and helps families feel stronger and more confident as they face daily challenges. Family-centered physical therapy takes all of these approaches into account. Family-centered physical therapy is a set of activities aimed at involving the family and the family environment in the child's physical therapy process to provide support, necessary skills and resources to both the patient and the family at each stage of therapy, ensuring the best possible results. All phases of physical therapy involve the child and family members in the evaluation, goal and objective setting, education, implementation of the planned intervention program, counseling and monitoring, and adjustment of the goal, objectives and physical therapy program. Conclusions. Family-centered service programs encourage therapists to move from focusing on an isolated impairment and the needs of the child alone to understanding disability within the social model of services and the context of the family and community. A family-centered physical therapy program for children with ASD involves close collaboration between physical therapists, the child, and parents and other family members. This ensures an individualized approach to therapy, increased effectiveness of the sessions, and improved quality of life for the child and the entire family. Active involvement of parents and providing them with the knowledge and skills to conduct sessions at home helps to achieve sustainable results in the child's development and strengthens family ties, increasing the overall level of satisfaction.

Hearing Impaired Students’ Multilingualism in FLT

The deaf and hard of hearing are a very heterogeneous group of language (language) users. In many cases, they are multilingual with experiences of sign language use, hearing and speech rehabilitation, verbal and sign communication in the immediate environment and at school. The article presents the directions of research on the plurilingualism of students with hearing impairments and a proposal for solutions in the practice of foreign language teaching.

Navigating the road to recovery after stroke

This article considers the patient experience of rehabilitation after stroke, the current situation and how things might be in the future. It draws on presentations given at the European Stroke Organisation's conference this year in Switzerland, and draws conclusions about unmet needs, and health and social care services.

The Paradox of the ‘Care’ of London’s Children: Discourses of ‘Safety’ and ‘Respect’ in England’s Ministry of Justice Inspection Reports

Using English prison inspectorate reports, the article presents an Ervine Goffman-inspired sociological discourse analysis of official political accounts about the living conditions of incarcerated children held in London’s Feltham prison. Through a close reading of inspection reports, we develop a critical window into their lived experiences in an exceptionally harmful UK prison regime. The construction of this prison estate conjures its dilapidation, unhygienic conditions, and endless social danger. The stigmatizing construction of the child prisoner intimates a pervasive culture of violence and bullying, resulting in their aversion to purposive activities. While, at first blush, prison inspectorate reporting is based on the policy of efficiency to ensure a safe and rehabilitative prison experience for youth, it is argued that the nature of the reporting of incarceration obviates a critique of the wider political fabric that custodial interventions will invariably reproduce. The Inspectorate operates within the state’s dominant class-stratified political ideology. The adoption of a generic labeling discourse in the reports minimizes the communication of harms inflicted on children by criminal ‘justice’ that can only worsen their wellbeing and reproduce the harmful intensity of their pre-existing marginality.

Stroke recovery—what are people talking about on Twitter? A content analysis

Purpose Prioritisation exercises seek out what matters to key stakeholders to inform the planning of research. Social media platforms are potentially useful data sources. The aim was to examine the content of tweets, short messages containing text and pictures, to ascertain the priorities of Twitter users regarding stroke recovery. Materials and methods Content analysis of Twitter was conducted. An electronic search used the identifiers: #strokesurvivor and #strokerecovery. Tweets spanning four weeks from January 2021 were analysed. Results There were 1361 tweets extracted and 486 analysed following exclusion of duplicates and unrelated material. Six themes were uncovered (n = number of tweets): maintaining motivation and positivity (153); sharing of resources (146); raising awareness of stroke (74); symptomatic aspects of recovery (39); experience of rehabilitation (63); and concerns about Covid-19 (17). Conclusions Despite the brevity of tweets, a rich picture arose. A key limitation was lack of biographical data about Twitter users. Recommendations about topics requiring attention from stroke researchers, clinicians and policy makers are: management of psychological problems; public perception of stroke; rehabilitation considerations including treatment burden, person-centred care and equality of care; symptom management including fatigue and aphasia. Findings can be used to supplement and validate other priority-setting exercises.

Experience of socio-psychological rehabilitation of patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders using the Therapy with Creative Self-Expression by M. E. Burno

Socio-psychological rehabilitation is an essential component of modern complex therapy of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Psychotherapy is one of the main forms of such rehabilitation, and Therapy with Creative Self-Expression by M. E. Burno (TCSE) is one of psychotherapeutic techniques suitable for use in this area. This domestic method is actively applied today in various regions of the Russian Federation, but its official recognition is still insufficient. The purpose of the study: to supplement the available information on the effectiveness of TCSE in the field of socio-psychological rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders based on summarizing many years of experience in the practical use of this method. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Republican Clinical Mental Health Center (Izhevsk), where group TCSE has been used for the past 25 years. In total, 270 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders passed through the TCSE groups during this period; of these, 240 patients received short-term TCSE (4 months) and 30 patients — long-term TCSE (2–5 years or more). To assess the rehabilitation effect of the method, two study samples corresponding to the two variants of TCSE were formed, with 30 participants in each. Results. The use of short-term TCSE in patients significantly reduced the severity of most psychopathological symptoms assessed on the SCL-90‑R scale (the decrease in the overall symptom severity index was 16.67 %) and considerably increased the indicators of 7 out of 13 subscales of schizophrenia patients' quality of life questionnaire by V. L. Kozlovsky and S. Yu. Maslovsky. The use of long-term TCSE reduced the average annual rate of hospitalization to a mental health hospital by 71.4 % and the average duration of one hospitalization by 21.5 %. Conclusion. The TCSE method is quite effective in the field of socio-psychological rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. It is proposed to include this technique in official clinical guidelines for the treatment of the specified disorders.

Physiotherapy rehabilitation experiences of people with shoulder dislocation in ARTISAN study: a qualitative study

BackgroundAcute Rehabilitation following Traumatic anterior shoulder dISlocAtioN (ARTISAN) was a large trial comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two rehabilitation interventions in adults with a first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation. Participants...

‘Making a connection’: a qualitative study of experiences from a cancer telerehabilitation program

PurposeSpecialised group-based exercise rehabilitation is beneficial for cancer survivors but access to these services is limited. Telerehabilitation provides an opportunity to expand reach, but we do not know about the experiences of those who participate in this way. This study explored participant experiences of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program for people with cancer.MethodA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was completed. Twenty-two cancer survivors were purposively sampled from the experimental group of a randomised controlled trial evaluating exercise-based cancer telerehabilitation delivered in groups using synchronous videoconferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded independently by two reviewers and analysed inductively by thematic analysis.Results‘A feeling of connection’ was the overarching theme. Participants perceived they connected with the health service, expert health professionals, and peers through participating in the telerehabilitation program. These connections provided a personalised rehabilitation experience and improved perceptions of physical and emotional well-being. Two subthemes suggested connection was facilitated by (1) the acceptability of telerehabilitation and (2) enhanced accountability to exercise. Participants felt disconnected when they were unable to participate in the program due to cancer treatment and side effects (e.g. fatigue), feeling unwell, and co-morbidities.ConclusionWe identified that telerehabilitation facilitated connections that enhanced the reach of exercise to cancer survivors. Our findings support using telerehabilitation to deliver specialised group-based exercise programs alongside more traditional models of care to increase participation in exercise among people with cancer.

A visualized and bibliometric analysis of cancer vocational rehabilitation research using CiteSpace

BACKGROUND: There are numerous publications on cancer vocational rehabilitation, visual techniques can help medical researchers and social workers be more familiar with the state of this field. OBJECTIVE: To summarize cancer vocational rehabilitation research, we applied visualized and bibliometric analysis to enable medical workers and social workers to identify evolving patterns of knowledge among articles and research trends, understand the current research status of vocational rehabilitation of cancer, and carry out further research on hot topics. METHODS: Based on a review of 933 papers on cancer vocational rehabilitation published in the Web of Science Core Collection, this study used Citespace software to systematically and objectively describe cancer vocational rehabilitation. RESULTS: Since 2003, the field of cancer vocational rehabilitation began to sprout. The most published and most cited country, institution, author and cited journal were the United States, University of Amsterdam, Angela G. E. M. de Boer, and Psycho-Oncology, respectively. The three most frequently cited keywords were breast cancer, quality of life and cancer survivor. The three keywords with the largest spike in citations were cohort, absence and symptom. Conducting randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies to help cancer survivors return to work, and using qualitative methods to understand the vocational rehabilitation experiences or perceptions of cancer survivors or medical staff are hotspots in this field. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer vocational rehabilitation has attracted the attention of researchers all over the world. Future studies may focus on other cancer types and explore more high quality interventions.

Generation and content validation of physical and vocational rehabilitation in paraplegics: An interview guide

BACKGROUND: As the mainstay treatment for paraplegics is rehabilitation, patient satisfaction and experience are important predictors of the care being provided. To understand whether the current arrangements of rehabilitation services are sufficient to help an individual with paraplegia return to a productive life. Patient-centered interview guides to explore their rehabilitation experience are lacking, which calls for a generation of the same. OBJECTIVE: To generate and validate an interview guide (PVR-PIG), which aims at understanding and exploring the experience of physical and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with paraplegia. METHODS: After an extensive literature search, an initial 27-item interview guide was formulated under three domains: general experience and expectations from rehabilitation care; physical rehabilitation experience, barriers, and facilitators; and vocational rehabilitation. Later, it was sent for content validation to a multidisciplinary expert panel with prior experience in spinal cord injury (SCI) management. RESULTS: After suggestions were received from nine experts with an average of 14 years of experience in dealing with SCI, a 15-item interview guide was finalized, with a scale-level and item-level content validity index of 0.897 and 0.78–1, respectively. CONCLUSION: The generated interview guide (PVR-PIG) aimed to explore physical and vocational rehabilitation experiences in paraplegics was found to be valid.

Perceptions on Community-based Rehabilitation by Physical Therapy Alumni at Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc.:A Qualitative Research Design

This qualitative research study aimed to assess the perceptions of physical therapy alumni after participating in Community-Based Rehabilitation activities. Using phenomenological approach, data were analyzed from surveys and direct interviews with 10 participants from Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation, Inc. (DRTREFI), Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines, who were selected to gain deeper understanding of their perceptions and experiences with community-based rehabilitation. Participants included physical therapy alumni from 2019 to 2020 batch of Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Educational Foundation Inc., who have worked in at least two barangays, managed three different patients, and gained over two months of experience in community-based rehabilitation (CBR). Study narratives revealed the importance of creativity in patient care. Through participation in community-based rehabilitation (CBR), participants developed a critical approach to managing their patients. After participating in community-based rehabilitation, physical therapy alumni became more open, sensitive, and mindful of their actions towards the community. This experience helped them better relate to the struggles of their patient, thus improving their initial perceptions of the patient-Physical Therapy relationship and enhancing their approach to providing health care in the community.

‛Until you're in the chair and executing your role, you don't know': A qualitative study of the needs and perspectives of people with stroke-related communication disabilities when returning to vocational activity.

People with communication disability after stroke experience low rates of return to vocational roles. Vocational rehabilitation is recommended; however, there are no clear guidelines informing vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability. Understanding the needs and experiences of this population is critical to improving vocational stroke rehabilitation outcomes. This study aimed to: (1) investigate the experience of vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability after stroke, (2) identify gaps and, (3) provide preliminary recommendations for tailored service delivery. Seven participants with an identified communication impairment following stroke were recruited from a larger clinical trial of early vocational rehabilitation (20% of total sample, n = 34). To address the study aims, a qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were integrated with demographic and intervention audit data to contextualise participant experiences, identify vocational rehabilitation gaps and inform preliminary recommendations. Participants were five men and two women aged 24-69 years whose communication profiles included difficulties with auditory comprehension and information processing, reading comprehension, thinking, executive function and self-regulation, as well as difficulties with verbal and written expression. Vocational rehabilitation was perceived as beneficial but participants identified gaps including limited access to psychological and peer-based support during early rehabilitation, limitations to accessing specialist vocational rehabilitation programs, barriers to accessing ongoing rehabilitation after resumption of vocational activity, and limited preparedness for the degree of impact that their communication changes had on execution of vocational roles and responsibilities. Vocational environments are communicatively demanding and people living with acquired communication difficulties face a range of vocation-related participation barriers even when communication difficulties are mild. Greater emphasis on evaluating the vocational communication environment and targeted communication training and preparation for colleagues within the workplace is recommended to reduce barriers faced. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation, inclusive of psychological care, may support working-age stroke survivors to recognise and acknowledge changes in their communication function, lead to improved engagement in the rehabilitation process, and ensure early identification of factors likely to influence successful return-to-vocational activity. What is already known on the subject Stroke is common amongst people of working age yet fewer than half of stroke survivors will return to pre-stroke vocational roles. Communication difficulties affect anywhere between 24% and 45% of people after stroke and include changes to language abilities, motor speech, vision, hearing and cognition. This group experiences much lower rates of return to vocational roles when compared to people with stroke who do not have a concomitant communication difficulty. Vocational rehabilitation is recommended. However, currently there is limited evidence to inform vocational rehabilitation guidelines for people with stroke and communication difficulties. Achieving a successful return to vocational activity is associated with improved life satisfaction for people with communication difficulties after stroke and is a key research priority for this population. What this study adds This study investigated the experiences of people with communication difficulty after stroke who reported a goal of returning to pre-stroke vocational activity. Data associated with types of interventions received, the experiences and perceptions of vocational rehabilitation, and experiences of returning to vocational activity were analysed to identify core rehabilitation needs and develop preliminary recommendations to inform future vocational rehabilitation guidelines for this population. What are the clinical implications of this work? The present study provides preliminary evidence that people experiencing communication difficulties after stroke require a more integrated rehabilitation pathway. During early stages of vocational rehabilitation psychological and peer-based support is indicated to support adjustment to changed communication function and to enable productive goal setting and engagement in rehabilitation. Clinicians need to complete a detailed analysis of the vocational communication environment and consider the communication activities involved in the individual's future vocational duties in order to plan meaningful rehabilitation. A multidisciplinary approach is required and additional training for clinicians is indicated to support clinicians to work collaboratively within the vocational setting.

Positive Association between Patients' Perception of Chronic Pain Rehabilitation as a Personally Meaningful Experience and the Flourishing Aspect of Well-Being.

Chronic pain rehabilitation helps to reduce pain and restore valued life roles. Patients may have more positive outcomes when they perceive rehabilitation to be personally meaningful. This study examined associations between self-reported, personally meaningful rehabilitation and well-being. A pilot study was conducted using an online survey of people with chronic pain and experiences of rehabilitation. The PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a and The Flourishing Scale were used to explore well-being. A modified self-report measure, the Meaningfulness in Rehabilitation Scale, was pilot-tested for construct validity and used in the survey. Of the 48 participants (81% female; 19% male), most attended a generalist therapy practice (62%) once per week (33%) or once per fortnight (29%). No statistically significant relationship was found between self-reported meaningfulness in rehabilitation and pain interference or other patient and therapy characteristics (duration of chronic pain category, type of therapy practice, resolution of rehabilitation category, and frequency of appointments). The nonparametric analysis identified a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between self-reported meaningfulness in rehabilitation and the flourishing aspect of well-being. This raises important questions and suggests that patients' perception of rehabilitation as meaningful warrants further research. This pilot study provides valuable guidance to inform a larger investigation.

Patients’ experiences and preferences for rehabilitation following an ankle fracture

Background To explore patients’ experiences of a physiotherapy rehabilitation following an ankle fracture and understand their preferences for how rehabilitation should be organised. Methods We included 13 participants who all suffered an ankle fracture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted 9–26 weeks after the fracture they started rehabilitation. Participants were all from one region of Denmark and were identified using the medical documentation system. Interviews followed an interview guide and were conducted and recorded online and then transcribed verbatim. Two researchers used reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes. Results Thirteen participants were interviewed, nine of whom were female. The age ranged from 46 to 69 years with a median of 60 years. Four major themes and four subthemes were generated: Transfer from the hospital to the physiotherapeutic rehabilitation, Structure and content (subthemes: Shared decision making, Goals and monitoring of progress, Termination of the rehabilitation), Information, instruction and communication (subtheme: Change in physiotherapist) and Subgroups. Participants in an ideal rehabilitation program involved prompt initiation of rehabilitation after plaster/boot removal, effective information dissemination and communication, personalised treatment, and continued care from the same physiotherapist. In an optimal rehabilitation, the participants preferred an early rehabilitation after removing boot/plaster, individualised treatment including thorough information and customised communication and having only one physiotherapist during the rehabilitation. Conclusions This study demonstrates the heterogeneity of rehabilitation experiences following an ankle fracture. Tasked to design rehabilitation to meet their preferences, participants described several common themes and some individual preferences which highlights the need for person-centred physiotherapy. These results enable a deeper understanding of the important factors during rehabilitation after an ankle fracture and can assist clinicians and policy makers to optimise rehabilitation following an ankle fracture.

Highly Adhesive and Stretchable Epidermal Electrode for Bimodal Recording Patch.

For numerous biological and human-machine applications, it is critical to have a stable electrophysiological interface to obtain reliable signals. To achieve this, epidermal electrodes should possess conductivity, stretchability, and adhesiveness. However, limited types of materials can simultaneously satisfy these requirements to provide satisfying recording performance. Here, we present a dry electromyography (EMG) electrode based on conductive polymers and tea polyphenol (CPT), which offers adhesiveness (0.51 N/cm), stretchability (157%), and low impedance (14 kΩ cm2 at 100 Hz). The adhesiveness of the electrode is attributed to the interaction between catechol groups and hydroxyls in the polymer blend. This adhesive electrode ensures stable EMG recording even in the presence of vibrations and provides signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio (>25 dB) for over 72 h. By integrating the CPT electrode with a liquid metal strain sensor, we have developed a bimodal rehabilitation monitoring patch (BRMP) for sports injuries. The patch utilizes Kinesio Tape as a substrate, which serves to accelerate rehabilitation. It also tackles the challenge of recording with knee braces by fitting snugly between the brace and the skin, due to its thin and stretchable design. CPT electrodes not only enable BRMP to assist clinicians in formulating effective rehabilitation plans and offer patients a more comfortable rehabilitation experience, but also hold promise for future applications in biological and human-machine interface domains.

Understanding barriers to spinal cord injury rehabilitation services in Nepal: A qualitative study of rehabilitation professionals' perspectives.

This study aims to explore the perspectives of rehabilitation professionals regarding the barriers to spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation services in Nepal. A qualitative study involved 15 rehabilitation professionals working in the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center in Nepal. After obtaining informed consent, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted using Zoom and phone calls between June and July 2023. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach was utilized to analyze the interviews and generate themes from the participants' responses. The participants represented nine different rehabilitation professions. Over half of them were female (53.33%), and 86.67% had one to 10 years of experience in SCI rehabilitation. From in-depth interviews, four themes depicting barriers to rehabilitation were identified: (a) resource constraints within the rehabilitation centers, (b) concerns related to finance, awareness, and support mechanisms, (c) systemic problems coupled with geographical and physical barriers, and (d) beliefs and practices influencing access and adherence to rehabilitation. Delivering effective rehabilitation services for people with SCI presents a range of barriers. Considering the critical importance of rehabilitation for this population, the findings underscore the necessity of engaging stakeholders at multiple levels, individuals, communities, and government agencies to address the identified barriers and improve rehabilitation services in Nepal. The implications of the findings are further discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).