Functional Ability Research Articles

Paralabral cyst in cricketers – A case series

Objectives: Paralabral cysts of the shoulder are rare, and it is usually associated with labral tears. Repetitive stress on the labrum due to increased training history in cricketers can cause micro-tear of the labrum. These tears commonly occur during the early cocking phase in cricketers. These longstanding micro-tears usually form paralabral cysts where the tear operates as a one-way valve. It is fairly common in cricketers who had a longer duration of training and playing history. These cysts are commonly seen in posterior-superior labral tears and SLAP tears. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from a total of 12 cricketers between the period of March 2022 and July 2023. All these athletes mostly came with complaints of chronic shoulder pain, and the diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. All these patients were treated by arthroscopic cyst decompression with labral repair. A rehabilitation regimen was administered postoperatively to improve the functional ability of the shoulder and help the athlete to return-to-play. QuickDASH score was performed 12 months postoperatively to assess the effectiveness of the surgical outcome. Results: All the patients reported remission of pain and showed improvement in their QuickDASH scores compared to the pre-operative period. A properly supervised rehabilitation regimen helped the athlete to return to sport. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of paralabral cysts helps in preventing neurological compromise and quicker return-to-play in cricketers. Arthroscopic cyst decompression with labral repair, along with a criteria-based rehabilitation program helps in improving the functional outcome of the athlete.

Asthma and Memory Function in Children

ImportanceAsthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting approximately 5 million children in the US. Rodent models of asthma indicate memory deficits, but little is known about whether asthma alters children’s memory development.ObjectiveTo assess whether childhood asthma is associated with lower memory abilities in children.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study used observational data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a multisite longitudinal investigation that began enrollment in 2015. Approximately 11 800 children aged 9 to 10 years were enrolled at baseline with follow-up at 1 and 2 years. Participants were selected based on exposures described subsequently to determine longitudinal and cross-sectional associations between asthma and memory. Data were analyzed from Month year to Month year.ExposuresAsthma was determined from parent reports. For the longitudinal analysis, children were selected if they had asthma at baseline and at the 2-year follow-up (earlier childhood onset), at the 2-year follow-up only (later childhood onset), or no history of asthma. For the cross-sectional analysis, children were selected if they had asthma at any time point, or no history of asthma. The comparison group of children with asthma history was matched on demographic and health covariates for each analysis.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was episodic memory. Secondary outcomes included processing speed, inhibition and attention.ResultsFour hundred seventy-four children were included in the longitudinal analysis (earlier childhood onset: 135 children; mean [SD] age, 9.90 [0.63] years; 76 [56%] male; 53 [28%] Black, 29 [21%] Hispanic or Latino, and 91 [48%] White; later childhood onset: 102 children; mean [SD] age 9.88 [0.59] years; 54 [53%] female; 22 [17%] Black, 19 [19%] Hispanic or Latino, and 83 [63%] White; comparison: 237 children; mean [SD] age, 9.89 [0.59] years; 121 [51%] male; 47 [15%] Black, 48 [20%] Hispanic or Latino, and 194 [62%] White). Children with earlier onset of asthma exhibited lower rates of longitudinal memory improvements relative to the comparison group (β = −0.17; 95% CI, −0.28 to −0.05; P = .01). Two thousand sixty-two children were selected for the cross-sectional analysis (with asthma: 1031 children; mean [SD] age, 11.99 [0.66] years; 588 [57%] male; 360 [27%] Black, 186 [18%] Hispanic or Latino, and 719 [54%] White; without asthma: 1031 children; mean [SD] age 12.00 [0.66] years; 477 [54%] female; 273 [21%] Black, 242 [23%] Hispanic or Latino, and 782 [59%] White). Children with asthma (1031 children) showed lower scores on episodic memory (β = −0.09; 95% CI, −0.18 to −0.01; P = .04), processing speed (β = −0.13; 95% CI, −0.22 to −0.03; P = .01), and inhibition and attention (β = −0.11; 95% CI, −0.21 to −0.02; P = .02).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, asthma was associated with memory difficulties in children, which may be more severe if asthma onset is earlier in childhood and may extend to executive function abilities.

Multilingualism impacts children's executive function and core autism symptoms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with marked heterogeneity in executive function (EF) abilities. EF components including inhibition and shifting are related to ASD core symptoms such as perspective taking, social communication, and repetitive behavior. Recent research suggests that multilingualism may have a beneficial impact on EF abilities, especially in children with ASD. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the relationships between multilingualism, EF, and core symptoms in children with ASD. Here, we examined these associations in 7-12-year-old children with and without ASD (N = 116; 53 ASD, Mean age = 9.94 years). Results suggest that multilingual children have stronger parent-reported inhibition, shifting, and perspective-taking skills than monolingual children. Furthermore, we found a significant interaction between diagnosis and multilingual status on inhibition, such that the effects of multilingualism were stronger for children with ASD than typically developing (TD) children. Finally, we found indirect effects of multilingualism on perspective taking, social communication, and repetitive behaviors mediated by EF skills. These results demonstrate the supportive influences multilingual experience might have on bolstering EF and reducing ASD-related symptoms.

Research on the mechanism of the effect of music rhythm synchronization training on biomechanics gait optimization and rehabilitation outcome

The integration of movements or activities that match the beat of music is known as music rhythm synchronization (MRS). Excessive musical tempo can enhance motor abilities and general movement efficiency and it requires synchronizing physical activities like walking or exercising. Enhancing the speed of movement that leads to quick walking, longer step length symmetric, and functional walking ability. The training with MRS mechanism, this research aims to analyze the movement in biomechanics, optimization, and the findings of rehabilitation impacts. This research utilizes 75 participants with Parkinson’s illness and they are divided into two categories group A with training in MRS mechanism and received traditional mechanism training in group B. This research explores the training in MRS mechanism-affected biomechanics movements are performed by utilizing the pre-post method by providing more evaluations. The three-week supervised rehabilitation program presenting the MRS has been followed by the two-week follow-up stage as a part of the intervention. There are two significant deviation estimations in the patterns of normal gait like the gait variable score (GVS) and gait profile score (GPS). The regression analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and paired sample t-test, which are the data assessment techniques are evaluated by utilizing the SPSS statistical software for the performance. The conclusion demonstrates the MRS mechanism training significantly improved gait biomechanics. The GPS score shows the enhanced overall quality of gait and it decreased significantly. These findings illustrate the potential of the MRS mechanism training mechanism in improving gait biomechanics and producing excellent rehabilitation outcomes.

Endowed with positive values and fatal weaknesses: Public art practices in post-industrial landscape --- A systematic review

Public art, due to its convenient participatory function and strong social integration ability, is being widely used in the protection, adaptive reuse and innovation of urban post-industrial landscape. In the process of urban renewal, although different forms of public art practice have brought many positive values and benefits to post-industrial landscape, such as the preference for sustainable development of the city, the continuation of urban context or the concern for local community residents based on “top-down” and “bottom-up” cases. Meanwhile, a series of fatal weaknesses arise are ultimately attributed to fragment and single protection of post-industrial landscape. The goal of this study is to systematically review and classify articles on the involvement of public art in post-industrial landscape (a process for screening articles was designed) in order to more clearly find out the positive values and fatal weaknesses of public art practice in various process of post-industrial landscape protection based on both “top-down” and “bottom-up” models. Most previous studies have focused on case analysis and have not discussed this issue or used this method. Therefore, the study is valuable. The conclusions of the study show eight positive values and seven fatal weaknesses in the application of public art practice in post-industrial landscape. It should be pointed out that “inspiring interaction and involvement” and “strengthening community identity,” are the most important factors in the practice of public art in post-industrial landscape. In the future stage, we should focus on and address the issue of "how to establish long-term artistic practice?” and “how we can better balance interests and rights among multiple stakeholders?" within public art academic ocean.

Translate and cross-culturally adapt the original English version of the lower extremity functional scale into the Sinhalese version

Objectives: Functional ability is critical for quality of life (QOF), and its evaluation is vital in a clinical context. However, there is a deficiency of a universally recognized grading scale in Sinhala for assessing functional capacity in athletes with lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. This research aimed to validate the linguistic and cross-cultural adaptation of a translated Sinhala version of the lower extremity functional scale (S-LEFS). Materials and Methods: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The lower extremity functional scale was cross-culturally adapted to Sinhala through independent, double forward, and backward translation. An experienced clinical researcher tested the translated version to establish the linguistic validation of S-LEFS. The finalized version was validated for construct, convergent, and criterion validity. A total of 112 participants, comprising 57 healthy (50.89%) and 55 unhealthy (49.11%) lower limb athletes, completed S-LEFS. Results: S-LEFS demonstrated excellent reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.952. Exploratory factor analysis revealed good factor loadings (>0.48) for all 20 items, with three components accounting for 70.63% of cumulative variance. Scale got a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 81% at a cutoff point of 67.5. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.918 (P < 0.0001), and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity was significant (P < 0.01). No correlation was detected between S-LEFS and World Health Organization QOF-Bref (r = 0.281). Conclusion: S-LEFS is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating lower limb function in athletes.

Penatalaksanaan Fisioterapi pada Kasus Calcaneus Spur Dextra dengan Modalitas Ultrasound, Hold Rilex dan Calf Raise di RSUD Ciereng Subang

Calcaneus spur is an abnormal bone growth on the inferior part of the os. calcaneus, from the fibrocartilaginous attachment site specifically the plantar fascia ligament, which is a common cause of calcaneus spur. To determine the physiotherapy management in reducing pain, increasing joint range of motion and increasing functional activity ability in Calcaneus Spur Dextra cases with ultrasound, hold rilex and calf raise modalities. After 6 times of therapy using VAS, it shows a decrease in silent pain T1 worth 2 to T6 worth 0, a decrease in motion pain T1 worth 5 to T6 worth 2 and a decrease in tenderness T1 worth 6 to T6 worth 3. Increased active motion LGS in the sagittal plane dextra ankle joint T1: 100- 00- 300 to T6: 200-00-400. Increased functional activity ability which can be seen from the increase in FADI score T1 worth 76% to T6 worth 87% with moderate difficulty. Ultrasound can help reduce pain, hold rilex and calf raise can help increase joint range of motion and improve functional activity ability.

Penataklasanaan Fisioterapi Pada Kasus Tennis Elbow Sinistra dengan Modalitas Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) dan Hold Relax Exercise di RSUD Ciereng Subang

Tennis Elbow is the formation of abnormal tissue in the wrist extensor muscles which occurs due to inflammation due to excessive contraction. To determine the implementation of Physiotherapy in reducing pain, increasing muscle strength, increasing the Scope of Joint Movement and increasing functional ability and preventing contractures in Tennis Elbow Sinistra cases using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Hold Relax Exercise modalities. After 6 treatments using VAS, it showed a decrease in movement pain from T1 with a value of 6 to T6 with a value of 3, a decrease in tender pain from T1 with a value of 5 to T6 with a value of 3, while for silent pain T1 to T6 a value of 0. There was an increase in strength. muscles using MMT, namely elbow extension muscle T1 worth 4 to T6 worth 5, elbow flexion muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 worth 5, supination muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 5, pronation muscle T1 worth 3 to T6 worth 5, wrist extension muscle T1 value 4 becomes T6 value 5, while the wrist, radial and ulnar flexion muscles are normal, namely T1 value 5 and T6 value 5. There is an increase in the range of motion of the joints by measuring using a Goneometer, namely in the elbow joint in the sagittal plane T1: 00-00-1450 becomes T6 : 00-00-1500, in the rotation plane T1 : 900-00-700 becomes T6 : 900-00-800, and in the sagittal plane wrist joint T1 : 400-00-500 becomes T6 : 500-00-600, while in The frontal plane is normal, namely T1: 200-00-300 becomes 200-00-300. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can help reduce pain and reduce muscle tension, Hold Relax Exercise can increase muscle strength, reduce stiffness and increase joint range of motion and can help improve functional ability.

Handy Insights: Could Online Patient-Reported Outcome Measures be used to Assess Hand Injury Rehabilitation?

This protocol explores the use of online patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess recovery following hand trauma surgery. Hand injuries significantly impact patients’ functional abilities and quality of life, making PROMs crucial for tracking recovery and guiding rehabilitation. This study leverages online versions of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) and Hand Injury Severity Score (HISS) to assess patient perceptions of their recovery over time.Our prospective cohort study involves 250 participants who will complete these PROMs at four intervals post-surgery. We aim to understand how demographic factors such as age, gender, and injury severity influence recovery perceptions and outcomes. This research seeks to enhance patient care by identifying factors that influence postoperative outcomes and by tailoring rehabilitation strategies accordingly.•Prospective cohort study following hand trauma surgery.•Online PROMs using the MHQ and HISS.•Data collection at four time points: baseline, 2-4 weeks, 6-8 weeks, and 10-14 weeks post-surgery.By making these tools accessible online, this protocol aims to improve patient engagement, increase response rates, and provide valuable insights to guide personalized rehabilitation strategies.

Interface compatibility and hysteresis in shape memory materials are affected by lattice distortions from applied stresses

Significant effort has been put into designing shape-memory materials that can survive many cycles without functional or structural fatigue. A component of the design process is the condition defining perfect interface compatibility between the austenite and martensite lattices (λ2=1). In this paper, we evaluate the traditional mathematical theories of martensite under applied stresses, which distort the lattice compatibility through elastic strains. In NiTi we find that elastic distortions resulting from applied stresses influence the interface compatibility to a degree of impacting the material's functional abilities. Combining our results with empirical relationships connecting interface compatibility to transformation hysteresis we show that the model matches reasonably to a number of experimental results in the literature in which hysteresis changes under applied loads. We also apply these theories to a shape-memory ceramic (zirconia), which suggests a large orientation-dependence and asymmetric behavior in tension and compression. In both systems, we find that variant selection plays a large role in whether interface compatibility will improve or worsen under stress.

Alterations of Excitation-Inhibition Balance and Brain Network Dynamics Support Sensory Deprivation Theory in Presbycusis.

Sensory deprivation theory is an important hypothesis involving potential pathways between hearing loss and cognitive impairment in patients with presbycusis. The theory suggests that prolonged auditory deprivation in presbycusis, including neural deafferentation, cortical reallocation, and atrophy, causes long-lasting changes and reorganization in brain structure and function. However, neurophysiological changes underlying the cognition-ear link have not been explored. In this study, we recruited 98 presbycusis patients and 60 healthy controls and examined the differences between the two groups in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in bilateral auditory cortex, excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance (Glu/GABA ratio), dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC), hearing ability and cognitive performance. Then, correlations with each other were investigated and variables with statistical significance were further analyzed using the PROCESS Macro in SPSS. GABA levels in right auditory cortex and Glu levels in bilateral auditory cortex were lower but E/I balance in right auditory cortex were higher in presbycusis patients compared to healthy controls. Hearing assessments and cognitive performance were worse in presbycusis patients. Three recurring connectivity states were identified after dFNC analysis: State 1 (least frequent, middle-high dFNC strength with negative functional connectivity), State 2 (high dFNC strength), and State 3 (most frequent, low dFNC strength). The occurrence and dwell time of State 3 were higher, on the other hand, the dwell time of State 2 decreased in patients with presbycusis compared to healthy controls. In patients with presbycusis, worse hearing assessments and cognition were correlated with decreased GABA levels, increased E/I balance, and aberrant dFNC, decreased GABA levels and increased E/I balance were correlated with decreased occurrence and dwell time in State 3. In the mediation model, the fractional windows, as well as dwell time in State 3, mediated the relationship between the E/I balance in right auditory cortex and episodic memory (Auditory Verbal Learning Test, AVLT) in presbycusis. Moreover, in patients with presbycusis, we found that worse hearing loss contribute to lower GABA levels, higher E/I balance, and further impact aberrant dFNC, which caused lower AVLT scores. Overall, the results suggest that a shift in E/I balance in right auditory cortex plays an important role in cognition-ear link reorganization and provide evidence for sensory deprivation theory, enhancing our understanding the connection between neurophysiological changes and cognitive impairment in presbycusis. In presbycusis patients, E/I balance may serve as a potential neuroimaging marker for exploring and predicting cognitive impairment.

A life course perspective on mental disorders and psychopharmacologic drug use among persons living with cerebral palsy

In this study, we investigated the prevalence of mental disorders and the use of psychopharmacologic drugs among individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). We studied how the association between CP and mental illness develops over the life course (between ages 5 and 65 years), and how it varies across disability specific factors (intellectual disability, gross motor function and communicative ability). We used logistic regression models on a longitudinal matched case-control data material on all persons with CP in Sweden linked to several administrative registers including, the national patient registers and the pharmaceutical registers.Our results showed that the probability of being diagnosed with mental disorders and being dispensed psychopharmacologic drug was significantly higher among persons with CP compared to persons without CP across the different outcomes [OR=1.52–4.7]. For some mental and neurodevelopmental disorders including sleep disorders, autism, and ADHD, and for the use of anxiolytics and sedatives, there was a sizeable gap already in childhood. However, the excess burden of mental illness appeared to grow over the life course, indicating that adults with CP may be a particularly disadvantaged group. Diagnosis for mental disorders and dispensation for psychopharmacologic drugs were not consistent with respect to disability specific factors, especially communicative and intellectual function, which indicates the need for systematic approaches in the mental health care of individuals with CP.

Development of an older adult Nutrition Equity Index (NEI) and association with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in older Black and White U.S. adults

ObjectivesWe developed a novel measure for older U.S. adults called the Nutrition Equity Index (NEI), which includes functional ability. We compared both the NEI and food insufficiency with Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. DesignThe Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study is a prospective, longitudinal cohort of Medicare-eligible, community-dwelling Black and White men and women. SettingPittsburgh, PA and Memphis, TN. ParticipantsParticipants (N = 2468, aged 74.7 ± 2.9 years) had baseline (1997−98) and 1-year follow-up NEI data; and 1 year follow-up for food insufficiency, key covariates, and the HEI (diet quality measure) from a 108-item interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. MeasurementsFood insufficiency was defined from a modified validated question on ample food amount/variety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NEI was constructed from 8 questions in three subdomains: food insecurity (food insufficiency, hunger, anxiety about limited food, limited money for food), food access (groceries), and food acquisition (difficulty shopping, preparing meals, carrying groceries). Final NEI categories were low nutrition equity (0), moderate nutrition equity (1), and high nutrition equity (2). Multivariable linear regression compared both NEI and food insufficiency with HEI, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and comorbidity factors. ResultsOf participants, 13.5% had food insufficiency, 12.1% had low NEI, and 32.5% had moderate NEI. Participants with food insufficiency (vs. food sufficiency) or low NEI (vs. high NEI) were more likely to be Black and have < high school education (both p < 0.0001). In minimally adjusted models, food insufficiency was associated with 2.2 point lower HEI score (p = 0.001), low NEI with 2.6 point lower HEI score (p = 0.001), and moderate NEI with 1.0 point lower HEI score (p < 0.05). Adjusting for race attenuated NEI associations with HEI to non-significance. After multivariable adjustment, food insufficiency was associated with 1.5 point lower HEI score (p = 0.03). ConclusionFood insufficiency was associated with lower dietary quality in this sample of older Black and White U.S. adults. NEI performed similarly to food insufficiency for HEI associations prior to multivariable adjustment and identified more older adults with nutrition inequity, who may be at risk for poor health outcomes.

A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Phrase Structure and Subject Island Violations

Abstract In principle, functional neuroimaging provides uniquely informative data in addressing linguistic questions, because it can indicate distinct processes that are not apparent from behavioral data alone. This could involve adjudicating the source of unacceptability via the different patterns of elicited brain responses to different ungrammatical sentence types. However, it is difficult to interpret brain activations to syntactic violations. Such responses could reflect processes that have nothing intrinsically related to linguistic representations, such as domain-general executive function abilities. To facilitate the potential use of functional neuroimaging methods to identify the source of different syntactic violations, we conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment to identify the brain activation maps associated with two distinct syntactic violation types: phrase structure (created by inverting the order of two adjacent words within a sentence) and subject islands (created by extracting a wh-phrase out of an embedded subject). The comparison of these violations to control sentences surprisingly showed no indication of a generalized violation response, with almost completely divergent activation patterns. Phrase structure violations seemingly activated regions previously implicated in verbal working memory and structural complexity in sentence processing, whereas the subject islands appeared to activate regions previously implicated in conceptual-semantic processing, broadly defined. We review our findings in the context of previous research on syntactic and semantic violations using ERPs. Although our results suggest potentially distinct underlying mechanisms underlying phrase structure and subject island violations, our results are tentative and suggest important methodological considerations for future research in this area.

The effect of the interaction between intrinsic capacity and social support on the trajectories of activities of daily living in older adults

ObjectivesThis study explored the effect of the interaction between intrinsic capacity and social support on the activities of daily living in the older adults. MethodsA total of 3,124 older adults participated in the study. Data on the assessment of intrinsic capacity as well as activities of daily living (ADL) and social support were collected. The latent growth curve model (LGCM) was used to examine the effect of the interaction between social support and intrinsic capacity on the activities of daily living in the older adults. ResultsA total of 3,730 older adults were included at baseline, and 3,124 older adults completed the 4-year follow-up. The ADL score of the older adults showed a significant downward trend with time over 4 years (β=-0.115, P<0.05). In the elderly population with high intrinsic capacity, the ADL of individuals with low levels of social participation decreased significantly over time (β=-0.114, P=0.012). In the elderly group with low intrinsic capacity, the ADL of individuals with low levels of social participation (β=-0.245, P=0.005) and high levels of life care (β=-0.167, P=0.001) decreased significantly over time. ConclusionThis is the first longitudinal study to explore the effects of interactions among intrinsic capacity, social participation and family support on the trajectory of ADL in the older adults from the perspective of the life course. Social participation can effectively improve functional ability of older adults with low intrinsic capacity. Life care is beneficial for maintaining the functional ability of older adults with intact intrinsic capacity, but it accelerates the deterioration of the functional ability of older adults with low intrinsic capacity.

The efficacy of cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive rehabilitation for people living with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cognition-oriented treatments (COTs) are a group of non-pharmacological treatments aimed at maintaining or improving cognitive functioning. Specific recommendations on the use of these interventions in people living with dementia (PLwD) are included in the Italian Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment, developed by the Italian National Institute of Health. This systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the GRADE methodology, is part of the guideline. Considered outcomes included the cognitive functions, quality of life, and functional abilities of PLwD, taking into account disease severity, modality and system of delivery, and form of the intervention. The effectiveness of these interventions on caregivers' outcomes was also assessed. Both group and individual cognitive stimulation were reported as effective in supporting cognitive functions in PLwD at any degree of severity. Individual cognitive training and group cognitive training were reported as effective in improving global cognitive functions in people with mild dementia. Cognitive rehabilitation appeared to be effective only in improving the functional abilities of people with mild dementia. Cognitive rehabilitation appeared to be the most effective in improving caregivers' outcomes, with results suggesting a reduction in care burden. The observed differences in the effectiveness of these interventions in people with different disease severity can be explained by the intrinsic characteristics of each intervention. Despite the large number of available studies, a high clinical, statistical, and methodological heterogeneity was observed. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed to clarify the effectiveness of each protocol and modality of intervention.

Depressive syndrome, cognitive impairment, and associated factors among community-dwelling aged persons in Cameroon.

Background: Depressive syndrome (DS) and cognitive impairment (CI) are associated with unsuccessful aging. However, little is known about Cameroon. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with DS and CI among older adults in Cameroon. Methods: A representative sample of 599 individuals aged ≥ 60 years was selected for this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and health data were also collected. DS and CI were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. The Rosow Mobility Scale, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scales were used to evaluate functional abilities. Chi-2, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with DS and CI. The threshold of statistical significance was 5%. Results: The average age was 68.9±7.2 years, sex ratio M/F=0.93, and weight 68.5±14.7 kg. DS affected 14.5% of the population and the CI was 21.4%. In the multivariate analysis, DS was positively associated with male gender (Odds Ratio (OR)=1.7 [95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.1-2.7], p=0.031) and inactivity (OR=1.7 [95% CI:1.0-3.0], p=0.043). CI was positively associated with lack of education (OR=6.5 [95% CI:3.5-12.2], p<0.001), inactivity (OR=5.3 [95% CI:1.6-17.9], p=0.008), single (OR=3.7 [95% CI:1.2-11.3], p=0.023), and widowhood (OR=3.3 [95% CI:1.6-6.5], p=0.001), and negatively associated with no IADL (OR=0.3 [95% CI:0.2-0.6], p=0.001) and ADL disability (OR=0.5 [95% CI:0.2-0.9], p=0.032) limitations. Conclusions: The associated factors suggest that it might be of interest to fight inactivity and encourage early and long-term education to prevent DS and/or CI among older adults.

Universal Health Care Coverage for Aging Population

The term Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to a situation where “all people (both males and females, boys and girls) have access, without financial hardship, to the full range of type of quality health services when and where they need them, now and at times”. The UHC envisages coverage of the full range of essential health care services: from health promotion to (1) ‘Prevention’, (2) ‘Treatment’, (3) ‘Rehabilitation’, and (4) ‘Palliative care’ [aimed at improving quality of life of people (adults and children) and their families confronted with life-threatening illness]. It is pertinent to note that the UHC aligns with the SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Target 3.8: achieve universal health coverage. The UHC is, thus, global commitment. However, in to deliver this promise, national governments need and inter-governmental organizations need to have health systems that are rooted in the locations communities they serve. Also, such health systems need to be • Need-based, • Efficient, and • Equitable. The author of this review paper argues that Primary Health Care (PHC) is the most effective and cost-efficient way to reach out to people with the UHC, with consideration of “need-based approach”. Further, it is due to this consideration of need-based theory that every country, with its own socio-economic and demographic profile, adopts a different strategy for the purpose of achieving the UHC. Furthermore, national governments decide what to cover, depending on the needs of their populations, including availability of health infrastructure (resources). Investment in the scientifically designed UHC programs has the potential to ensures that health needs of people are (a) ‘Identified’, (b) ‘Prioritized’, and (c) ‘Addressed’. The conceptual framework of the UHC is of increased relevance for aging population (individuals above the age of 65). The author of this work is of the considered research view that objective of achieving the SDG-3.8 target cannot be fully and adequately realized without transforming health care system that has significant impact on functional ability in older age people (or aging population). Objective of this evidence-based review paper is to investigate into significance and implications of the UHC for aging population. Also, it briefly outlines renewed strategies needed for the UHC for aging population. Secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. The method of data analysis is ‘descriptive’, involving non-statistical (mathematical) techniques. The paper briefly concludes that scientifically-designed mechanism for offering the UHC for older people, without financial burden, is crucial. It is important that health financing systems of the national governments are designed to cater to health needs of older people, while protecting them from to access services when they are needed, but also to protect them from financial catastrophe (by abolishing “out of pocket spending”).

Fit club: Outcomes from 35-minute daily exercise program for autistic adolescents

BackgroundAutistic children and adolescents have academic performance challenges and are often reluctant to participate in physical activities. Executive function (EF) abilities generally remain stable or worsen as autistic children get older and obesity and lack of physical fitness are frequent concerns experienced by these individuals. Finding ways to address these concerns has the potential to improve outcomes in autistic youth. MethodWe conducted a 12-month, repeated-measures study to examine the effectiveness of a mandatory 35-minute daily school physical activity intervention involving low to moderate exertion for autistic adolescents (n = 29). Changes in fitness, EF, social responsiveness, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors were examined. ResultsSignificant improvements were seen in fitness, EF areas (specifically cognitive flexibility and planning/organizing), restrictive and repetitive behaviors and social responsiveness. ConclusionFindings suggest that participation in a mandatory daily 35-minute physical activity program with low to moderate exertion is feasible and may contribute to improved EF, fitness, restricted and repetitive behavior, and social responsiveness in autistic adolescents.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies: A scoping review and overview of currently available rehabilitation strategies.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) constitute a diverse group of inherited disorders primarily affecting skeletal muscle. Despite the absence of cures, rehabilitative treatments offer potential for preventing and mitigating loss of muscle strength. However, the role of exercise training in LGMD patients remains contentious. This review aims to provide an overview of the currently available motor rehabilitation strategies for the most common subtypes of LGMD. To identify relevant articles, we performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, focusing on muscular and respiratory interventions. The search resulted in 560 potentially relevant articles, of which 16 were included in the review. Eight studies concentrated on neuromuscular functional rehabilitation therapy programs, seven combined both neuromuscular rehabilitation and interventions to maintain or enhance respiratory functionality and one focused on respiratory intervention only. Altogether, the papers examined offered a comprehensive view on the rehabilitative strategies available and provided an indication of the most valuable practices to deal with patients' health and needs. Upon analysis, we conclude that, when tailored to individual needs, muscle training can enhance strength and functional abilities, positively impacting psychological well-being. However, generic protocols may lead to limited benefits, fatigue, pain, and compliance issues. Moreover, early management of respiratory symptoms and personalized respiratory physiotherapy can enhance patients' well-being and their capability to participate in muscle training exercises. Future studies should not only refine rehabilitation approaches but also assess their impact on patients' quality of life, including psychological factors like depression and self-esteem.