Functional Assessment Tool Research Articles

Prognostic role of discordance between plain coronary angiography and quantitative flow ratio in revascularization guidance

Abstract Background/Introduction Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by functional coronary stenosis severity has been associated with less clinical adverse events compared with plain coronary angiography. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) has proven to be a reliable tool for functional assessment of coronary lesions. Purpose To investigate the prognostic role and the extend of disagreement between plain coronary angiography and QFR in guiding the decision to treat a coronary lesion. Methods We retrospectively performed an offline QFR analysis in consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography in a single center. Patients with referral for coronary artery bypass graft surgery after coronary angiography were excluded. We aimed to measure QFR in all vessels of each patient. Patients were divided in two groups according to the concordance or discordance of the two methods. Patients with at least one vessel with QFR value ≥0.80 treated with PCI and/or at least one vessel with QFR value <0.80 not treated with PCI were included in the discordance group. The remaining patients formed the concordance group. Primary endpoint was the composite outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infraction and ischemia-driven revascularization. Results Overall, we included 549 patients in the study. Concordance between plain coronary angiography and QFR was present in 404 (73.6%) patients, while discordance between the two methods was found in 145 patients (26.4%). Baseline patient characteristics are displayed in Figure 1. Patients in the discordance group were older, with more extended coronary artery disease and higher SYNTAX score. After a median follow-up period of 30.5 (26.4–33.7) months, multivariate regression analysis showed significant higher rate of the composite outcome in the discordance group (OR: 2.975 95% CI 1.782–4.967, p<0.001) (Figure 2). Conclusion In our study, discordance between plain coronary angiography and QFR in revascularization guidance was present in approximately one fourth of patients and was found to be a strong independent predictor of higher cardiovascular adverse events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

P08.02.B The Clinical Frailty Scale as predictor of overall survival after resection of high-grade glioma

Abstract Background The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) describes the general level of fitness or frailty and is widely used in geriatric medicine, intensive care and orthopaedic surgery. This study was conducted to analyze, whether CFS could be used for patients with high-grade glioma. Material and Methods Patients harboring high-grade gliomas, undergoing first resection at our center between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients’ performance was assessed using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) preoperatively and 3-6 months postoperatively. Results 289 patients were included. Pre- as well as postoperative median frailty was 3 CFS points (IqR 2-4) corresponding to “managing well”. CFS strongly correlated with KPS preoperatively (r = -0.85; p < 0.001) and at the 3-6 months follow-up (r = -0.90; p < 0.001). The reduction of overall survival (OS) was 54% per point of CFS preoperatively (HR 1.54, CI95% 1.38-1.70; p < 0.001) and 58% at the follow-up (HR 1.58, CI95% 1.41-1.78; p < 0.001), comparable to KPS. Patients with IDH mutation showed significantly better preoperative and follow-up CFS and KPS (p < 0.05). Age and performance scores correlated only mildly with each other (r = 0.21⋯0.35; p < 0.01), but independently predicted OS (p < 0.001 each). Conclusion CFS seems to be a reliable tool for functional assessment of patients suffering from high-grade glioma. CFS includes non-cancer related aspects and therefore is a contemporary approach for patient evaluation. Its projection of survival can be equally estimated before and after surgery. IDH-mutation caused longer survival and higher functionality.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology.

This paper presents the consensus of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology on the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil. The authors conducted a literature review regarding clinical and research criteria for AD diagnosis and proposed protocols for use at primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. Within this clinical scenario, the diagnostic criteria for typical and atypical AD are presented as well as clinical, cognitive, and functional assessment tools and complementary propaedeutics with laboratory and neuroimaging tests. The use of biomarkers is also discussed for both clinical diagnosis (in specific conditions) and research.

Diagnóstico da doença de Alzheimer: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia

ABSTRACT This paper presents the consensus of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology on the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Brazil. The authors conducted a literature review regarding clinical and research criteria for AD diagnosis and proposed protocols for use at primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels. Within this clinical scenario, the diagnostic criteria for typical and atypical AD are presented as well as clinical, cognitive, and functional assessment tools and complementary propaedeutics with laboratory and neuroimaging tests. The use of biomarkers is also discussed for both clinical diagnosis (in specific conditions) and research.

Proprietary Model of Qualification for In-Hospital Rehabilitation after COVID-19.

Background: Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Poland, 6,128,006 people have been diagnosed, of which 116,798 died. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 and require rehabilitation due to varied impairments should be provided an opportunity to participate in an individualized, complex rehabilitation program starting from acute care and being continued in the post-acute and long-term rehabilitation phase. It is recommended to offer out-patient and in-hospital rehabilitation procedures depending on the type and persistence of symptoms and dysfunctions. The aim of this paper is to present the qualification process of post-COVID19 patients for an in-hospital complex rehabilitation program developed on the basis of pulmonary physical therapy. Methods: The presented qualification program was developed on the basis of clinical experience of over 2000 patients participating in the pilot program of in-hospital rehabilitation launched in September 2020 and based on the Regulation of the Polish Minister of Health of 13 July 2020. Results: The proposed model of patients’ qualification rests on well-known and validated tools for functional assessment: exercise tolerance assessment, dyspnea intensity assessment, functional fitness assessment, assessment of arterial blood saturation, lung ventilation function assessment, assessment of long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms, and patient’s basic mental health condition. Conclusions: The proposed qualification model for the post-COVID rehabilitation program allows us to introduce adequate qualifications followed by much needed assessment of the health effects.

132. Utilizing the Dubousset Functional Test to bridge the gap between functional testing and postural radiographic sagittal alignment

132. Utilizing the Dubousset Functional Test to bridge the gap between functional testing and postural radiographic sagittal alignment

Comparison of functional outcome scales in paediatric acute encephalitis: Responsiveness and outcome predictors.

To compare scoring systems and their ability to capture short and long-term recovery of paediatric patients with acute encephalitis. To identify clinical predictors of short-term outcomes by correlating functional outcome measures at 1month post diagnosis of acute encephalitis. Patients with encephalitis diagnosed between July 2011 and 2016 based on Granerod's criteria were studied in this retrospective cohort study. Functional outcome scores on WeeFIM, LOS, GOS-E, mRS and ICF at initial presentation and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months later were compared. WeeFIM and LOS scores both showed maximum change in the first 3 months, reflecting highest recovery in this period. With WeeFIM, the greatest change occurred within the first month following diagnosis. On univariate analysis, seizure frequency in the first month, presence of movement disorder, presence of autonomic dysfunction and lower baseline functional score was associated with poorer WeeFIM scores at 1 month. The latter three variables remained statistically significant on multivariate analysis. WeeFIM is a potentially preferred functional outcome assessment tool as it demonstrated greatest recovery within the first month due to a trend of high responsiveness and relatively low ceiling effect. Presence of autonomic dysfunction and movement disorders at diagnosis correlated with poorer outcome at 1 month post diagnosis.

Nursing Experience of Applying Swanson's Caring Theory in the Care for a Patient Who was Non-compliant with Hemodialysis

<p>本文旨在敘述一位不遵從血液透析治療療程病人之護理經驗。照護期間自2019年2月1日至6月3日，發現個案因飲食及水份自我控制差，導致透析過程中身體不適及影響透析品質，且由於個案無法接受增加透析次數，亦對未來感到無力、無助感，故以Gordon’s十一項功能性健康型態評估作為指引，歸納出主要健康問題為：體液容積過量、不遵從及無力感。筆者運用Swanson關懷理論中五個核心過程：「了解、在旁陪伴、為他做某些事、使他能夠、維持信念」，主動關懷個案需求，透過護理活動介入，協助個案獲得良好支持系統，以減輕個案內心之無力、無助感；加強對疾病深入認識了解，使其能以正向態度坦然並積極遵從血液透析治療，重建自我價值，提升對於未來的正向信念。建議對於處於疾病調適期的個案，醫護人員應該用正向角度看待個案，強調遵從的正向效果，誘發個案自我效能以重建信心。期望藉由此照護經驗，能提供護理人員對於血液透析病人照護之參考及運用。</p> <p> </p><p>This article aims to share our nursing experience of caring a noncompliant patient receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The patient had large interdialytic weight gain secondary to poor adherence to sodium and fluid restriction during February 1, 2019 to June 3, 2019. The frequent poor self-control of dietary water and inadequate dialysis made him extremely tired, uneasy, edematous, and despond. He was then in a depressive mood, feeling powerless and hopeless for the future.</p> <p>Gordon’s11 functional assessment tool was applied; we evaluated and categorized the patient’s health problems as fluid overload, noncompliance, and powerlessness. Based on Swanson’s Theory of Caring, the five key principles of care were knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief. Through the patient-centered nursing process, we looked after his needs, utilized resources to get him a good support system, tried to regain his confidence in the fight against the illnesses, and alleviated his helplessness and powerlessness. By collaborating with the dialysis staff and handling the difficulties in a positive manner, the patient rebuilt his self-worth and optimistic attitude toward life.</p> <p>It is recommended that for patients with an adjustment disorder, the medical staff should treat them properly in a positive perspective, utilize available resources to develop a supportive system, reassure the importance of dietary and fluid compliance, and increase the patients’ self-confidence. We think that the nursing experience is a good example for professionals taking care of patients on hemodialysis.</p> <p> </p>

Mid-term outcomes of posterior capsular release for fixed flexed deformity after total knee arthroplasty.

Fixed flexion deformity also called flexion contracture is relatively rare, but a very demanding functional limitation that both surgeons and patients may have to deal with. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional outcomes after posteromedial capsular release in case of fixed flexed deformity > 15 o . Between June 2011 and November 2018, 15 patients (6 males and 9 females) were treated with open posterior capsular release through medial approach for fixed flexion deformity of the knee > 15 o and prospectively followed with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Primary outcome was knee extension measured with a manual goniometer and secondary outcome treatment related complications. All patients reported inability to walk and clinical semiology of pain and swelling. The mean age of the study population at surgery was 61.7 years with a mean BMI of 30.9 kg/m2. Complete data were recorded for all patients. Statistically significant improvement was found in clinical and functional assessment tools analyzed from baseline to the latest follow-up (p<0.05). More precisely, the mean postoperative fixed flexion deformity was decreased from 23.57 o to 2.86 o . No adverse effect or major complications were recorded during follow-up. Posterior open release via posteromedial was shown to be an efficient and safe salvage procedure to deal with persistent fixed flexion deformity of more than 15 o following TKA at two years follow-up. However, future studies with a higher number of participants and longer follow-up should be conducted to validate our data.

Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Functional Assessment Using a Marker-Less Image Capture System in End-Stage Knee Arthritis

BackgroundPatient self-assessment of knee function in end-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has become standard for defining disability. The relationship of PROMs to functional performance requires a continued investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine correlations between patient demographics, PROMs, and functional performances using a marker-less image capture system (MICS). MethodsPatients indicated for elective TKA completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) and an office-based functional assessment using a MICS. Patient age, body mass index (BMI), and gender were collected. A total of 112 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 65.0 (±9.7) years, mean BMI was 32.5 (±6.6) kg/m2, and mean KOOS-JR was 14.5 (±5.7). The relationships between patient characteristics, KOOS-JR, MICS Alignment (coronal), MICS Mobility (flexion), and composite Total Joint scores were described using Spearman’s correlation coefficients. ResultsBMI was weakly correlated with KOOS-JR (ρ = −0.22, P = .024), whereas age was not. Age and BMI were not correlated with performance scores. There were weak to no correlations between KOOS-JR and MICS Alignment (ρ = −0.01, P = .951), Mobility (ρ = 0.33, P < .001), and Total Joint scores (ρ = 0.06, P = .504). ConclusionThis study found no strong correlation between KOOS-JR and functional performance using a validated MICS for patients with end-stage knee OA. Further study is warranted in determining the relationship between PROMs and performance to optimize outcomes of patients undergoing nonoperative or surgical interventions for knee OA. The use of high-fidelity functional assessment tools that can be integrated into clinical workflow, such as the MICS used in this study, should permit PROM/functional performance comparisons in large populations.

Development of a functional assessment task in metastatic breast cancer patients: the 30-second lie-to-sit test

Purpose To develop a physical function test based on lie-to-sit transition and to study its feasibility in patients suffering from metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Materials and methods This cross-sectional study recruited 90 women diagnosed with MBC. Patients were asked to transfer from lying to sitting position as fast as possible during 30 s, performing the 30-second lie-to-sit test (30-LTS). Heart rate (HR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and number of repetitions were measured. An assessment included the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30-STS), handgrip strength, Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) and Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI). Pearson correlation was calculated between 30-LTS and independent outcomes. A linear regression model explaining the 30-LTS results was further constructed with variables that had a significant correlation. Results About 72 patients were measured, of which 65 were able to perform 30-LTS. Subjects performed 8.13 repetitions on average, with a mean RPE of 4.78 (0–10), reaching 63.08% of maximal HR. 30-LTS was significantly correlated with 30-STS (r = 0.567), handgrip (p = 0.26) and LLFI (r = 0.348). The regression model was significant (F = 4.742; p = 0.00), and these variables explained 32% of the variance of the 30-LTS. Conclusion The 30-LTS showed to be a feasible functional and submaximal test in a sample of MBC. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The 30-second lie-to-sit (30-LTS) developed does not require the patient to acquire a standing position and therefore it is an alternative to other more biomechanically demanding tests such as a 30 second sit-to-stand test or Timed up-and-go. 30-LTS involves both a functional and energy system assessment tool that can be implemented by allied health professionals in oncology rehabilitation to individualize exercise prescription, as well as for functional screening purposes. The present study adds value to current research focused on individualizing exercise prescription in the oncology field and provides reference values of function in metastatic breast cancer patients.

Congenital Radial Dysplasia

AbstractRadial dysplasia (RD) is a congenital condition which can affect the entire upper limb, compromising multiple tissues, and it always features alterations in the thumb. It can be uni- or bilateral condition, the latter being very disabling. Treatment with manipulations, casts and/or orthoses is recommended for the least severe presentations of this disease. The surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe cases, and carpal centralization is the treatment of choice today. The most frequent complication of this intervention is the recurrence of the deformity. The patients submitted to the surgical treatment report a significant improvement in the cosmetic aspect of the extremity. The current challenge is to improve the follow-up and the use of functional assessment tools regarding the results.

The Clinical Frailty Scale as predictor of overall survival after resection of high-grade glioma

BackgroundThe Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) describes the general level of fitness or frailty and is widely used in geriatric medicine, intensive care and orthopaedic surgery. This study was conducted to analyze, whether CFS could be used for patients with high-grade glioma.MethodsPatients harboring high-grade gliomas, undergoing first resection at our center between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients’ performance was assessed using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) preoperatively and 3–6 months postoperatively.Results289 patients were included. Pre- as well as postoperative median frailty was 3 CFS points (IqR 2–4) corresponding to “managing well”. CFS strongly correlated with KPS preoperatively (r = − 0.85; p < 0.001) and at the 3–6 months follow-up (r = − 0.90; p < 0.001). The reduction of overall survival (OS) was 54% per point of CFS preoperatively (HR 1.54, CI 95% 1.38–1.70; p < 0.001) and 58% at the follow-up (HR 1.58, CI 95% 1.41–1.78; p < 0.001), comparable to KPS. Patients with IDH mutation showed significantly better preoperative and follow-up CFS and KPS (p < 0.05). Age and performance scores correlated only mildly with each other (r = 0.21…0.35; p < 0.01), but independently predicted OS (p < 0.001 each).ConclusionCFS seems to be a reliable tool for functional assessment of patients suffering from high-grade glioma. CFS includes non-cancer related aspects and therefore is a contemporary approach for patient evaluation. Its projection of survival can be equally estimated before and after surgery. IDH-mutation caused longer survival and higher functionality.

Validation of a Multi-Sensor-Based Kiosk in the Use of the Short Physical Performance Battery in Older Adults Attending a Fall and Balance Clinic.

BackgroundThe Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a well-established functional assessment tool used for the screening and assessment of frailty and sarcopenia. However, the SPPB requires trained staff experienced in conducting the standardized protocol, which may limit its widespread use in clinical settings. The automated SPPB (eSPPB) was developed to address this potential barrier; however, its validity among frail older adults remains to be established. Therefore, this exploratory study compared the eSPPB and manual SPPB in patients attending a tertiary fall clinic in relation to their construct validity, reliability, and agreement.MethodsWe studied 37 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 78.5±6.8 years; mean FRAIL score, 1.2±1.0; 65% pre-frail) attending a tertiary falls clinic. The participants used the mSPPB and eSPPB simultaneously. We evaluated the convergent validity, discriminatory ability, reliability, and agreement using partial correlation adjusted for age and sex, an SPPB cutoff of ≤8 to denote sarcopenia, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots, respectively.ResultsThe eSPPB showed strong correlations with the mSPPB (r=0.933, p<0.01) and Berg Balance Scale (r=0.869, p<0.01), good discriminatory ability for frailty and balance, and good to excellent reliability (ICC=0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–0.97). The Bland-Altman plots indicated good agreement with the mSPPB (mean difference, -0.2; 95% confidence interval, -3.2–2.9) without evidence of systematic or proportional biases.ConclusionThe results of our exploratory study corroborated the construct validity, reliability, and agreement of the eSPPB with the mSPPB in a small sample of predominantly pre-frail older adults with increased fall risk. Future studies should examine the scalability and feasibility of the widespread use of the eSPPB for frailty and sarcopenia assessment.

Identifying subtle functional change in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: development and validation of the Healthy Brain Ageing – Functional Assessment Questionnaire

ABSTRACT Accumulating research suggests that individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) experience subtle functional changes, but that available functional assessment tools are insensitive to this. To address this gap, we describe the development and validation of the self-report, “Healthy Brain Ageing Functional Assessment Questionnaire” (HBA-FAQ). We examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the HBA-FAQ in 503 participants with normal cognition, subjective cognitive decline (SCD), MCI or dementia. Our results found the HBA-FAQ to have good reliability, validity and stronger discriminative ability between healthy control participants and those with SCD (0.734, p = .001), MCI (0.666, p = .012) and dementia (0.798, p < .001) compared to a widely-used instrumental activities of daily living screener. In conclusion, the HBA-FAQ is a valid, reliable self-report tool, providing an efficient and sensitive approach to identifying subtle changes in daily functioning in older people at risk of dementia.

A preliminary investigation of procedural refinements to the performance diagnostic checklist - human services

ABSTRACT The Performance Diagnostic Checklist – Human Services (PDC-HS) is a functional assessment tool used in the field of Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) to assess reasons for employee performance problems and inform intervention development. There are two aspects of the intervention-selection process that could inhibit the objectivity and utility of the tool, particularly for practitioners with limited experience conducting the assessment. Proposed refinements to address these drawbacks include (a) identifying a cutoff threshold to objectively identify the categories requiring intervention based on the PDC-HS outcome, and (b) developing decision-making models to identify a single category that should be the focus of intervention. A between-groups design was used to evaluate the degree to which access to components of these proposed refinements resulted in appropriate intervention selections when practitioners in the field were presented with scenarios derived from published case studies. Binary logistic regressions indicated that practitioners with refinement access were 4.97 times more likely to select the most appropriate category for intervention, relative to those who did not have access to the refinements (p < .001, 95% OR CI [2.38,10.41]). Secondary analyses indicated variables such as certification level and experience in organizational behavior management did not significantly influence the selection of an appropriate category for intervention. Preliminary findings suggest that future applications of the PDC-HS, particularly as it relates to the intervention-selection process, may benefit from the supplemented refinements.

The Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA) tool: a feasibility pilot study

BackgroundThe life expectancy for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) has greatly increased over the last 50 years. Adults with SCD experience multiple complications such as cardiopulmonary disease, strokes, and avascular necrosis that lead to limitations that geriatric populations often experience. There are no dedicated instruments to measure functional decline and functional age to determine risk of future adverse outcomes in older adults with SCD. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA).MethodsWe enrolled 40 adults with SCD (20 younger adults aged 18–49 years as a comparison group and 20 older adults aged 50 years and older) in a single-center prospective cohort study. Participants were recruited from a comprehensive sickle cell clinic in an academic center in the southeastern United States. We included measures validated in an oncology geriatric assessment enriched with additional physical performance measures: usual gait speed, seated grip strength, Timed Up and Go, six-minute walk test, and 30-second chair stand. We also included an additional cognitive measure, which was the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and additional patient-reported measures at the intersection of sickle cell disease and geriatrics. The primary outcome was the proportion completing the assessment. Secondary outcomes were the proportion consenting, duration of the assessment, acceptability, and adverse events.ResultsEighty percent (44/55) of individuals approached consented, 91% (40/44) completed the SCD-FA in its entirety, and the median duration was 89 min (IQR 80–98). There were no identified adverse events. On the acceptability survey, 95% (38/40) reported the length as appropriate, 2.5% (1/40) reported a question as upsetting, and 5% (2/40) reported portions as difficult. Exploratory analyses of physical function showed 63% (25/40) had a slow usual gait speed (< 1.2 m/s).ConclusionThe SCD-FA is feasible, acceptable, and safe and physical performance tests identified functional impairments in adults with SCD. These findings will inform the next phase of the study where we will assess the validity of the SCD-FA to predict patient-important outcomes in a larger sample of adults with SCD.

Ambulatory Duchenne muscular dystrophy children: cross-sectional correlation between function, quantitative muscle ultrasound and MRI.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic muscle disease. Quantitative muscle ultrasound (US), muscle MRI, and functional tools are important to delineate characteristics of muscle involvement. We aimed to establish correlations between clinical/functional and above-named imaging tools respecting their diagnostic and prognostic role in DMD children. A cross-sectional retrospective study of 27 steroid-naive, ambulant male children/adolescents with genetically-confirmed DMD (mean age, 8.8 ± 3.3 years). Functional performance was assessed using motor function measure (MFM) which assess standing/transfer (D1), proximal (D2) and distal (D3) motor function, and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Imaging evaluation included quantitative muscle MRI which measured muscle fat content in a specific location of right rectus femoris by mDixon sequence. Quantitative muscle US measured right rectus femoris muscle brightness in standardized US image as an indicator of muscle fat content. We found a highly significant positive correlation between the mean MFM total score and 6MWT (R = 0.537, p = 0.007), and a highly significant negative correlation between fat content by muscle US and MFM total score (R = -0.603, p = 0.006) and its D1 subscore (R =-0.712, p = 0.001), and a significant negative correlation between fat content by US and 6MWT (R = -0.529, p = 0.02), and a significant positive correlation between muscle fat content by mDixon MRI and patient's age (R = 0.617, p = 0.01). Quantitative muscle US correlates significantly with clinical/functional assessment tools as MFM and 6MWT, and augments their role in disease-tracking of DMD. Quantitative muscle US has the potential to act as a substitute to functional assessment tools.

The Alusti Test, a Functional Assessment Scale Applicable to the Geriatric Population

Introduction: Decreases in functional ability generate dependence, limiting people’s quality of life. Assessment tools are needed to evaluate functional abilities of the older adults that can objectively and accurately assess any type of user. Such proper or adapted tools are not always available. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness and universal application of the Alusti Test, a functional assessment scale, in the older population and to evaluate the sensitivity to change of the Alusti Test short version (Alusti-S) in a psychogeriatric hospitalized population. Methods: Longitudinal study was conducted in a psychogeriatric clinic in Navarra, Spain. The study sample comprised 539 persons of 65 years and older hospitalized at a psychogeriatric clinic (mean age 82.8 ± 7.3 years). The sensitivity to change was assessed upon admission and discharge through the application of three tests: Barthel Index, Complete Alusti Test, and Alusti-S. Results: We verified sensitivity to change, as illustrated by an improvement of 24.7%, 13.8%, and 16.0%, respectively. Due to the greater functional deterioration upon admission, the improvement margin in the three tests was higher in patients over 85 years of age and in women. Conclusion: We consider the Alusti Test an innovative functional assessment tool due to its simplicity, sensitivity, and suitability to universal application in psychogeriatric populations. Correlating recommended physical activity based on the functional ability of the person, based on the Alusti Test, is a pending task that could be of interest for the sake of efficient interventions.

Practical application of the International classification of functioning during medical and social expertise of a child with cerebral palsy

The aim of the work is to assess the degree of dysfunction and limitation in daily life activities in a child with cerebral palsy, to provide an expert opinion for medical and social expertise by Medical Supervisory Committee (MSC) in accordance with the principles of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Materials and methods. A clinical example of measuring the degree of disability of the cerebral palsy child in accordance with the ICF principles using standardized tools for functional status assessment and the ICF Categorical Profile. International standardized scales recommended by the international expert group to be applied for cerebral palsy children were used at the State Institution “Ukrainian Medical Center for Rehabilitation of Children with Organic Nervous System Disorders of Ministry of Health”. Results. During a comprehensive examination of the child with cerebral palsy, a multidisciplinary team of specialists determined the degree of body dysfunction and limitation in daily life activities as well as environmental effect influence on the level of functioning and social adjustment. Based on these findings, ICF Categorical Profile of the patient was formed capturing all spheres of his activity according to the functional state. Parents of the child received the medical conclusion based on the results of the examination for MSC expertise at the place of residence. Conclusions. The IСF covers the whole complex of life activity and functioning of CP children and reflects all the changes associated with their growth, development and state of health, as distinct from the classical clinical examination of patients. Standardized tools for the assessment of the degree of dysfunction and life activity limitations in CP children allow to avoid controversies between specialists from different medical institutions during medical and social assessment and when making a rehabilitation diagnosis. Members of multidisciplinary rehabilitation team can timely identify and correct dysfunctions, provide early career guidance based on child functional capacity by using the IСF principles to assess life activity in CP children.