Measures Of Functional Ability Research Articles

Age Differences in Heritability of a Latent Dementia Index Score in Men and Women

AbstractBackgroundHeritability estimates of dementia are ∼50‐60% of the total variance across older adulthood. Earlier age of onset, however, might be associated with greater genetic influence whereas older age of onset might be associated with greater environmental influences. The categorical nature of dementia diagnosis outcomes has made testing the relative importance of genetic and environmental influences on dementia difficult due to low statistical power. To overcome this methodological limitation, we tested linear and quadratic effects of age on genetic and environmental variance underlying a continuous measure of dementia likelihood in men and women.MethodThe analytic sample was 5,670 (53% female) pairs of twins from 10 studies in the Interplay of Genes and Environment Across Multiple Studies (IGEMS) consortium. Dementia likelihood is quantified continuously using a latent dementia index measure that is estimated from twins’ available cognitive, memory‐specific, and functional ability measures. Linear and quadratic age differences in genetic and environmental influences on dementia likelihood were tested by modeling univariate correlation between twins’ dementia scores as a linear function of zygosity and age in Mplus. Separate models were estimated for male and female twin groups.ResultsAge moderated genetic and environmental influences on dementia likelihood scores. Both genetic and nonshared environmental variance increased as a function of age, whereas common environmental variance declined. Sex significantly moderated the effect of zygosity on the twin correlations (monozygotic male: .57, monozygotic female: .51, dizygotic male: .19, dizygotic female: .25). Notably, MZ twin correlations were consistent with previously reported heritability estimates for dementia. The pattern of age moderation was the same in men as women, although the linear effect of age on both genetic and common environmental influences was greater in men than women (see Figure 1).ConclusionAge linearly moderated genetic and environmental variance underlying dementia likelihood similarly for both men and women, despite quantitative genetic and environmental sex differences in dementia likelihood. Genetic variance accounted for similar proportions of total variance at younger ages, whereas genetic variance accounted for greater variance in men than in women at older ages.

Rehabilitation of Post-COVID-19 Musculoskeletal Sequelae in Geriatric Patients: A Case Series Study.

The musculoskeletal system is affected in over 40% of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There is an increased need for post-acute rehabilitation after COVID-19, especially in elderly people with underlying health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of an early and goal-orientated rehabilitation program using combined approaches, robotic medical devices together with other rehabilitation techniques and therapies, in elderly people after acute COVID-19. Ninety-one patients (62.64 ± 14.21 years) previously diagnosed with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to the Medical Rehabilitation Clinical Hospital Baile Felix, Romania, for medical rehabilitation, but only six patients (85.33 ± 3.07 years) met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. The rehabilitation treatment was complex, performed over 4 weeks, and included combined approaches: exercise therapy, robotic gait training, occupational therapy, and massages. Activity and participation evaluation were performed using the Barthel Index and Functional Independence Measure for activities of daily living (ADLs). Assessments were performed at admission and discharge from the rehabilitation clinic. Lokomat patients' reports revealed that the patients had improved motor control (with one exception). The measurement of functional ability revealed an improvement in most cases. This study presents some of the first data on outcomes of COVID-19 patients' musculoskeletal rehabilitation in our country. Early complex medical rehabilitation improved functional independence and autonomy in ADLs in very old patients, post-COVID-19.

Reliability and Validity of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Ankle Instability in Hebrew.

BackgroundThe International Ankle Consortium has recommended several instruments for assessing and diagnosing chronic ankle instability. These include the Ankle Instability Instrument (AII), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and assess the reliability, validity, discriminative power, and classification agreement of the Hebrew online versions of the AII, CAIT, IdFAI, and FAAM.Material/MethodsAfter translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaires, we recruited 87 participants with self-reported ankle disorders to evaluate the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. To evaluate each questionnaire’s discriminative power, we recruited 75 healthy participants. Reliability was assessed by calculating internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas) and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed by Spearman’s correlation between each instrument and the Short-Form-12 (SF-12) score for physical and mental components, respectively.ResultsAll instruments had acceptable internal consistency (α>0.7) and good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1>0.8), except for the IdFAI (ICC2,1=0.73). All instruments had moderate convergent validity (ρ>0.4 with SF-12 physical component) except for AII (ρ=0.36). No instrument was correlated with the SF-12 mental component score (good divergent validity, ρ<0.3). All instruments had excellent discriminative power (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve >0.9). Strong correlations were found between all instruments.ConclusionsThe Hebrew online versions of the AII, CAIT, IdFAI, and FAAM are valid, consistent, and reliable and may be used in research or clinical settings.

Distinguishing apathy and depression in dementia: A longitudinal study.

Apathy is a common symptom in dementia, though can be difficult to distinguish from depression due to shared features and frequent co-occurrence. As such, a significant limitation of much previous research on apathy is the failure to control for depression. The current study sought to address this by examining the trajectory and clinical correlates of apathy after controlling for depression. Seven hundred and seventy-nine patients with dementia were recruited from nine memory clinics around Australia. Measures of dementia severity, cognition, functional ability, neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregiver burden and medication use were completed at baseline and at regular intervals over a 3-year period. Driving and institutionalisation data were obtained throughout the study. Mortality data were obtained from state registries 8 years after baseline. Of the 662 patients with completed measures of neuropsychiatric symptoms, 342 (51.7%) had apathy and 332 (50.2%) had depression at baseline, while 212 (32.0%) had both. Whereas apathy increased over time, depression remained relatively stable. Apathy, but not depression, was associated with greater dementia severity, poorer cognition and function, driving cessation and mortality. Both apathy and depression were associated with greater neuropsychiatric symptoms, psychosis, caregiver burden and institutionalisation. Apathy increases over the course of dementia and is associated with worse clinical outcomes independent of depression. Distinguishing apathy and depression appears important given their different implications for prognosis and management.

Investigation of the Kinematic Upper-Limb Movement Assessment (KUMA): A Pilot Study.

Purpose: Upper limb movement disorders are common after stroke and can severely impact activities of daily living. Available clinical measures of these disorders are subjective and may lack the sensitivity needed to track a patient's progress and to compare different therapies. Kinematic analyses can provide clinicians with more objective measures for evaluating the effects of rehabilitation. We present a novel method to assess the quality of upper limb movement: the Kinematic Upper-limb Movement Assessment (KUMA). This assessment uses motion capture to provide three kinematic measures of upper limb movement: active range of motion, speed, and compensatory trunk movement. The researchers sought to evaluate the ability of the KUMA to distinguish motion in the affected versus unaffected limb. Method: We used the KUMA with three participants with stroke to assess three single-joint movements in: wrist flexion and extension, elbow flexion and extension, and shoulder flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. Participants also completed the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment, two clinical measures of functional ability. Results: The KUMA distinguished between affected and unaffected upper limb motion. Conclusions: The KUMA provides clinicians with supplementary objective information for motion characterization that is not available through clinical measures alone. The KUMA can complement existing clinical measures such as the MAS and CMSA and can be helpful for monitoring patient progress.

Pain interference and health-related quality of life in caregivers of service members and veterans with traumatic brain injury and mental health comorbidity

To examine (1) the relationship between caregiver pain interference with caregiver health-related quality of life (HRQOL), caregiver age, and service member/veteran (SMV) functional ability, and (2) change in caregiver pain interference longitudinally over 5years. Participants were 347 caregivers of SMVs diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Caregivers completed the SF-12v2 Health Survey Bodily Pain scale at an initial baseline evaluation and up to four annual follow-up evaluations. Caregivers were divided into three pain interference groups: High Pain Interference (n = 104), Neutral Pain Interference (n = 117), and Low Pain Interference (n = 126). Caregivers also completed 15 HRQOL measures and a measure of SMV functional ability. The High Pain Interference group reported more clinically elevated scores on 13 measures compared to the Low Pain Interference group, and seven measures compared to the Neutral Pain Interference group. The Neutral Pain Interference group had more clinically elevated scores on three measures compared to the Low Pain Interference group. The High and Neutral Pain Interference groups were older than the Low Pain Interference group. Parent caregivers were older than intimate partner/sibling caregivers, but did not report worse pain interference. Caregiver age, and measures of Fatigue, Strain, Perceived Rejection, and Economic QOL were the strongest predictors of pain interference (p < .001), accounting for 28.2% of the variance. There was minimal change in Bodily Pain scores over five years. The interaction of time and age was not significant (X2 = 2.7, p = .61). It is important to examine pain in the context of HRQOL in caregivers, regardless of age.

Predictors of Awareness of Functional Ability in People with Dementia: The Contribution of Personality, Cognition, and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms – Findings from the IDEAL Program

Introduction: Discrepancy scores reflecting the difference between parallel ratings made by people living with dementia (PwD) in the mild-to-moderate stages and by their informants provide a way to investigate awareness of functional ability in relation to activities of daily living (ADL). Methods: Two measures of ADL (Functional Activities Questionnaire; Dependence Scale) were completed by 1,227 PwD and their informants in the IDEAL cohort study baseline assessment. Self-rated and informant-rated scores were used to calculate discrepancies, which were used as an indicator of awareness of functional ability. Smaller discrepancy scores were considered to reflect greater awareness on the part of PwD. PwD completed questionnaires on depression, personality, comorbidities, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and completed a measure of cognition. Informants provided ratings of stress. Univariable and multiple regressions were used to investigate factors related to ADL discrepancy. Results: A similar pattern of associations were found for both ADL discrepancy scores. Smaller discrepancy scores were associated with higher levels of depression, higher neuroticism, fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms, higher comorbidity, lower carer stress, and receipt of less than 1 hour of care per day from the informant. Discussion/Conclusion: There was a clear pattern of factors that were associated with greater awareness for both measures of functional ability. These factors associated with smaller discrepancy scores could be used to identify PwD who might benefit from targeted interventions to support their independence.

MO132: Gait Speed in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Role of AST120 in Sarcopenia Prevention in Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gait speed (GS) is an important measure of functional ability. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with GS in patients with chronic kidney disease with respect to sarcopenic component, plasma uremic or inflammatory markers and quality of life. METHOD The RolE of AST120 in sarCOpenia preVEntion in pRe-dialYsis chronic kidney disease patients is a 48-week, randomized controlled, parallel group, open-label, multicentre trial to determine the role of AST-120 in patients with chronic kidney disease. A total of 150 study participants were recruited from six general hospitals in South Korea. The participants were classified into four groups according to GS: ≤0.8, 0.8–1.0, ≤1.0–1.3 and ≥1.3 m/s. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with GS. RESULTS The mean GS was 1.06 ± 0.3 m/s. The mean age of the total population was 65.0 ± 10.8 years, and 97 (64.7%) were males. The group with a GS ≤ 0.8 m/s was the oldest and had the highest proportion of participants with low education level and medical aid. The levels of albumin, creatinine, eGFR and proteinuria did not differ between the groups. Participants with a GS ≤ 0.8 m/s showed the lowest level of physical component scale (PCS) and mental component scale (MCS). The levels of IS, TNF-α and myostatin were not different between the groups; however, the level of IL-6 showed a higher trend in the lower GS group. HGS and GS showed weak correlations with one another (R2 = 0.066, P &amp;lt; .001); however, GS and the SMI were not significantly associated (R2 = 0.016, P = .119). In the multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, medical aid (β = –18.4, P = .007), handgrip strength (β = 0.85, P = .031), interleukin-6 level (β = –13.2, P = .001), haemoglobin (β = 2.84, P = .041), MCS (β = 0.45, P &amp;lt; .001) and PCS (β = 0.51, P &amp;lt; .001) were significantly associated with GS. Specifically, physical functioning, role limitation due to physical health problems and bodily pain in PCS, role limitation due to emotional problems, vitality and social functioning in MCS were statistically significantly correlated with GS. In the kidney disease-specific scale, symptom/problem, work status, cognitive function, quality of social interactions, social support and overall health rating in kidney disease were statistically significantly correlated with GS in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION GS is associated with handgrip strength, interleukin-6 and various components of quality of life including MCS and PCS.

Demographic, clinical and neuroimaging markers of post-stroke emotionalism: A preliminary investigation

IntroductionPost stroke emotionalism (PSE) is a common but poorly understood condition. The value of altered brain structure as a putative risk factor for PSE alongside routinely available demographic and clinical variables has yet to be elucidated. Methods85 patients were recruited from acute inpatient settings within 2 weeks of stroke. PSE was diagnosed using a validated semi-structured interview and standardised measures of stroke severity, functional ability, cognition, mood and quality of life were obtained. Neuroimaging variables (intracranial volume and volumes of cortical grey matter, subcortical grey matter, normal appearing white matter, cerebrum, cerebrospinal fluid and stroke; white matter hyperintensities; and mean cortical thickness) were derived using standardised methods from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. The relationships between PSE diagnosis, brain structure, demographic and clinical variables were investigated using machine learning algorithms to determine how well different sets of predictors could classify PSE. ResultsThe model with the best performance was derived from neuroradiological variables alone (sensitivity = 0.75; specificity = 0.8235), successfully classifying 9/12 individuals with PSE and 28/34 non-PSE cases. ConclusionsNeuroimaging measures appear to be important in PSE. Future work is needed to determine which specific variables are key. Imaging may complement standard behavioural measures and aid clinicians and researchers.

Physical impairments, sensory disturbance, and functional ability in a cancer patient with and without chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

The present study examined the objective and patient-reported measures of physical impairments, sensory disturbance, and functional ability between cancer patients with and without chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms. Forty-one cancer survivors exposed to neurotoxic chemotherapies were conveniently recruited and completed a single cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes (VAS for pain intensity and ABC scale) and objective assessments (SWM test, TUG test, 5xSTS test, Romberg test with eyes open and eyes closed, 6MWT, and FAB scale). Cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy with CIPN symptoms did significantly worse in the SWM test, TUG test, 5xSTS test, Romberg test with eyes closed, 6MWT, FAB scale, and ABC scale (p < 0.05) when compared with cancer survivors without CIPN symptoms. Cancer survivors with CIPN symptoms have lower physical performance, sensory perception, and functional ability, which may increase the risk of falling and disability. These findings further emphasize the need for effective rehabilitation and interventions to treat CIPN symptoms and related physical impairment and functional deficits.

Functional Abilities of an International Post-Stroke Population: Standard Assessment of Global Everyday Activities (SAGEA) Scale

Background and ObjectivesFunction is an important outcome after stroke; traditional assessments may not capture functional deficits important to patients. We examined the validity of the Standard Assessment of Global Everyday Activities (SAGEA), a patient-reported outcome that assesses activities important to patients and for use in international clinical trials. MethodsThe NAVIGATE-ESUS trial evaluated rivaroxaban compared to aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke in 7213 participants. The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the SAGEA were collected at entry. Chi square tests were used to compare proportions and Spearman rank correlations were used to compare between measures. SAGEA was compared to the Modified Frailty Index (MFI) and the occurrence of infarct to examine criterion validity ResultsParticipants were 67 years, 2/3 were male, and at baseline 30% had no disability and 58% had slight disability according to mRS scores. SAGEA was weakly correlated with the mRS (r=0.37), the NIHSS (r=0.29) and the MFI (r=0.30). Of the 2154 with an mRS score of 0, 61% reported difficulty on the SAGEA. The largest discrepancies between SAGEA and other measures were because of cognitive functional deficits detected by the SAGEA that were not identified on other assessments. A larger number of MRI identified infarcts (acute and covert) were associated with a higher SAGEA score (p=0.007). ConclusionsThe SAGEA is a simple, globally applicable measure of cognitive and functional abilities that identifies issues that other commonly used assessments of disability and function do not capture.

Chronic Ankle Instability and Associated Self-Reported Function in South African Professional Ballet Dancers

Introduction: Ankle sprains are the most common acute injury among dancers and may result in the development of chronic ankle instability (CAI). Chronic ankle instability is characterized by recurrent ankle sprains, incidents of the ankle “giving way,” and sensations of instability and has been reported to negatively impact functioning and psychosocial status. The large number of ankle sprains in addition to contextual factors relating to professional dancing, suggests that CAI may be a significant problem in professional ballet dancers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CAI and describe the ankle injury history and level of self-reported function in South African ballet dancers. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included all professional ballet dancers employed by three professional South African ballet companies (n = 65). The Identification of Functional Ankle Instability Questionnaire (IdFAI), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Dance Functional Outcome Survey (DFOS), and a researcher-developed injury history questionnaire were completed by consenting participants. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: A CAI prevalence of 73.3% CI [55.6%, 85.8%] was calculated among 30 participants. Twenty-five (83.3%) participants reported sustaining at least one significant ankle sprain with 88% (n = 22) indicating dance related activities as the cause. Dancers with CAI demonstrated a tendency to have less control over their ankles giving way and tended to take longer to recover from their ankles giving way than those dancers not affected. Eight participants (36.4%) with CAI were identified as having a significant level of disability on the FAAM activities of daily living (ADL) subscale and six participants (27.3%) on the sport subscale. Participants with CAI had a median total score of 83.5; IQR [80 - 90] on the DFOS.Conclusion: The self-reported function of South African professional ballet dancers is not severely affected, however, the high prevalence of CAI and reported symptoms is concerning. Education on CAI symptoms, prevention, and evidence-based management is recommended.

The Relationship between the Level of Compliance in the Physiotherapy Program and the Functional Ability of Patients with Genu Osteoathritis at Dr. Moewardi Hospital

Genu Osteoathritis is a degenerative disease characterized by damage to articular cartilage so that it can cause symptoms of stiffness and pain in the knee joint that will affect the functional ability of adherence or also called compliance is an important component in the physiotherapy program, especially exercise therapy for patients, because adherence greatly determines the success rate of the outcomes compiled by the physiotherapist. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of patient compliance in the physiotherapy program with the functional abilities of patients with genu osteoathritis. This research method used a correlational research method with cross sectional approach. Namely the research method used to find the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. The population in this study was 30 people. The measurement of functional ability using a questionnaire is the Knee Injury and Osteoathritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and to measure the respondent's level of compliance using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS). The results of the study were analyzed using the product moment correlation test and the p-value was 0.347. So it can be concluded that there is no corelation between the level of adherence with the functional abilities of patients with genu osteoathritis in RSUD Dr. Moewardi.

A Study to Analyse the effect of Calcaneal Taping Techniques in Plantar Fascitis

Plantar fascitis is one of the most common cause of heel and foot pain, calcaneal taping technique places the foot in improved biomechanical position by re-positioning the calcaneal alignment closure to neutral and increasing the medial longitudinal arch height, thus reduce stress and pain. Hence this study is proposed to determine the effect of calcaneal taping technique in plantar fascitis. Total of 30 subjects diagnosed with planter fascitis was selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and informed consent were obtained from the subjects involved in the study. Subjects were consecutively allocated to 2 Groups of 15 subjects each by odd and even method. Subjects in Group A (Conventional) was treated with ultrasound along with plantar fascia stretching. Group B (Experimental) was treated with ultrasound along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique. Patients were measured for pain with Numerical Pain Rating scale (NPRS), and functional ability measure with foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM). From statistical analysis made with the quantitative data revealed statistically significant difference between Pretest and posttest values of Group A and Group B. it has been concluded that ultrasound therapy along with plantar fascia stretching and calcaneal taping technique (Group B-Experimental group) was found to be more effective than ultrasound therapy and plantar fascia stretching (Group A-conventional group) reduces pain in the heel and increasing functional ability of the foot.

Measuring functional ability in healthy ageing: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in the Philippine older population

ObjectivesTo analyse the empirical support of the functional ability concept in the healthy ageing framework developed by the WHO in a sample of the Philippine older population. According to this...

Effects of Exergame-Based Dual-Task Training on Executive Function and Dual-Task Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized-Controlled Trial.

Objective: Aging is associated with decline in executive function that may lead to reduced dual-task performance. Regular exercise has been recommended for promoting or maintaining mental and physical health in older adults, yet only a fraction of older adults exercise regularly. Exergame training may have the potential to enhance exercise adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of exergame-based dual-task training on executive function and dual-task performance in community-dwelling older adults. Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded, randomized-controlled trial. Twenty community-dwelling older adults were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups. All participants completed 36 trainings, including three 60-minute sessions/week over 12 weeks. Participants in the experimental group received exergame-based dual-task training, while those in the control group received home-based multicomponent exercise training. Measures of executive function, dual-task performance, and community walking ability were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant group × time interactions (P = 0.000-0.027) with large effects were found in all selected outcome measures. Compared with the control group, the experimental group improved significantly in measures of general executive function (P = 0.014), inhibitory control (P = 0.037), cognitive dual-task performance (P < 0.001), and community walking ability (P = 0.002). Enhanced general executive function was highly correlated with either improved motor dual-task performance (r = 0.674) or improved cognitive dual-task performance (r = -0.701). Conclusion: These results suggested that exergame-based dual-task training improved both executive function and dual-task performance in older people. These positive effects could be transferred to enhance community walking ability. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN 12617000095369.

Understanding the Relationship Between Patient-Reported Function and Actual Function in the Upper Limb Prosthesis User Population: A Preliminary Study

ObjectiveTo understand how perceived function relates to actual function at a specific stage in the rehabilitation process for the population using upper limb prostheses. DesignQuantitative clinical descriptive study. SettingClinical offices. ParticipantsA sample of 61 participants (N=61; mean age, 43.0±12.8y; 51 male/10 female) with upper limb amputation who use a prosthetic device and were in the definitive stage of a prosthesis fitting process. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresA patient-reported outcome measure, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH), and 2 performance-based outcome measures, Box and Blocks Test (BBT) and Capacity Assessment of Prosthesis Performance for the Upper Limb (CAPPFUL), were used as variables in multiple linear regression models. ResultsThe multiple linear regression models, which controlled for prosthesis type and amputation level, did not show evidence that changes in the independent variable (DASH) are significantly associated with changes in the dependent variables (log(BBT) (B=−0.007; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.015 to 0.001; P=.0937) and CAPPFUL (B=−0.083, 95% CI, −0.374 to 0.208; P=.5623)). In both models, individuals with elbow, transhumeral (above elbow), and shoulder disarticulation showed a significant negative association with the dependent variable (CAPPFUL or logBBT). In the CAPPFUL model, there was a significant negative association with individuals using a hybrid prosthesis (B=−20.252; 95% CI, −36.562 to −3.942; P=.0170). In the logBBT model, there was a significant positive association with individuals using body-powered prostheses (B=0.430; 95% CI, 0.089-0.771; P=.0157). ConclusionsAlthough additional data and analyses are needed to more completely assess the association between self-reported measures and performance-based measures of functional abilities, these preliminary results indicate that patient-reported outcomes alone may not provide a complete assessment of an upper limb prosthesis users’ functional ability and should be accompanied by population-specific performance-based measures.

Pengaruh Latihan Penguatan Dengan Elastic Band Dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pasien Osteoarthritis Knee Di Rumah Sakit Condong Catur Sleman

Background Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by joint cartilage damage. The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and movement disorders that can affect the functional disorders. The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in Indonesia is quite high reaching 15.5% in men and 12.7% in women. It is estimated that 1 to 2 million older people in Indonesia suffer from disabilities due to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis treatment is intended to reduce pain improve functional ability and prevent deformity. Elastic band strengthening exercises are exercises that can be used to reduce pain increase muscle strength and functional ability.Objective This study aims at determining the effect of elastic band strengthening exercises in improving knee osteoarthritis functional capabilities.Method The method used in this study was quasi-experimental with pre and post-test control group design. The number of respondents of this study was 20 respondents diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in Condong Catur Hospital Sleman. Respondents were randomly divided into two groups namely the treatment group that received elastic band strengthening exercise treatment and the control group that received standard treatment given at the hospital. The treatment was given twice a week for four weeks. Measurement of functional ability was done using WOMAC score.Results There was a decrease in pain level in the treatment group while in the control group the pain level was still the same as before. In the functional ability there was an increase in the treatment group. The statistical test showed that there was an influence between the treatment group and the control group.Conclusion Elastic band strengthening exercises effectively improved functional capabilities in knee osteoarthritis in Condong Catur Hospital Sleman.Keywords elastic band strengthening exercises functional capabilities knee osteoarthritis

Non-pharmacological interventions for spatial neglect or inattention following stroke and other non-progressive brain injury.

Non-pharmacological interventions for spatial neglect or inattention following stroke and other non-progressive brain injury.

Mirror therapy in adult stroke patients: a review of possible applications and effectiveness with an emphasis on activities of daily living

Aim: To present the current knowledge about possible applications, effectiveness, and other aspects of mirror therapy in adult stroke clients, with an emphasis on the performance of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), or on supporting independence and self-care, including limitations. Design: A descriptive mapping study. Methods: A systematic literature search and an interpretative content analysis (according to predetermined criteria) of 34 identified relevant studies (2000&#8211;2017) and conceptualization of findings in relation to ADL performance / limitation among adult stroke clients. Results: Mirror Therapy (MT) is a simple and undemanding approach which improves the function of extremities with respect to performance of ADL. However, due to smaller research samples, it is impossible to clearly confirm its effectiveness and extrapolate the conclusions. MT is also used to complement other therapeutic approaches, or various approaches can be combined with it (e.g., micro-sensory electrical stimulation or observation imitation). Assessment of ADL was primarily performed with the Barthel Index, Modified Barthel Index, and Functional Independence Measures, Functional Ambulation Categories, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure tests. Conclusion: It seems desirable to apply task-oriented MT &#8211; an approach that includes functional tasks to prevent clients from becoming bored during therapy. The performance of MT tasks need not always be supervised by a physiotherapist. Good cooperation between nurses from clinical practice and physiotherapy is desirable. In order to be able to widen the conclusions and clearly confirm the effectiveness of MT in the context of ADL, other randomized controlled (pilot) studies are desirable.