Opportunities For Rehabilitation Research Articles

Living Conditions of Children with Disabilities in Rural Thailand: Factors Leading to Life Change through Interventions

This study aimed to identify the characteristics and challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families living in rural Thailand, and understand the factors that bring changes in their lives through intervention. In a 2021 online survey on the quality of life of school-aged children with disabilities, approximately half of the respondents indicated that they were not enrolled in school. However, the factors responsible were not identified. Therefore, in 2023, we interviewed three children with disabilities in one of the target areas for the abovementioned survey to explore the correlation between the level of independence in the activities of daily living (ADL) and educational and rehabilitation opportunities. This study did not identify a clear correlation between the two factors. Furthermore, a hypothesis emerged that the changes in their lives are influenced more by environmental factors, especially personal factors such as social group awareness and attitudes, caregivers’ understanding and support, and individual relationships within the community. Further research is needed to develop environmental factor assessment tools for problem-solving in accordance with the regional characteristics of rural areas, assess the degree of functional independence of children with disabilities in daily life, and build regional support models.

Work of ART: Profiling the First 100 Patients Discharged Home From an Acute Hospital with the Active Recovery Team (ART)

Abstract Background The Active Recovery Team (ART) is a new therapy lead rehabilitation team that offers supported discharge and admission avoidance from a large acute hospital. This interdisciplinary team consists of a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, medical social worker and two therapy assistants. ART accepts referrals from all services within the hospital including the emergency department. Methods As ART is a new service, a retrospective audit of the first 100 patients who discharged on the pathway was completed. Demographics included age, sex, referring specialty, presenting complaint, frailty (measured by the Clinical Frailty Score) and level of input received. ART use the coding of low, medium and high intensity to describe the intervention provided based on dosage (visits) and complexity. Results Most (67%) of the group were female and mean age was 77 years. Only 8% were pre-frail (CFS 0-3), 86% were living with mild to moderate frailty (CFS 4-6) and 6% considered severely frail (CFS 7-9). The type of intervention patients received was 31% low, 33% medium and 36% high intensity. Referrals came from a range of specialties, but the highest percentage of referrals were from emergency medicine (29%), medicine (20%), orthopaedics (18%) and geriatric medicine (16%). Most (53%) initially presented post a fall at home. Most frequent reason for ART referral (78%) was that the patient was discharging home not at their functional baseline but had potential to an achieve a specific goal(s) with further input (most frequently within domains of mobility indoors/outdoors, transfers, stairs and activities of daily living). Conclusion This is an effective pathway that improves the transition from hospital to home. ART offer patients an opportunity for further rehabilitation at home with continuity of care from the acute hospital. Future work will examine the impact of ART on length of stay, readmission rate and explore patient satisfaction with this service.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Elders with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Pilot and Feasibility Trial

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is an important window of opportunity for early intervention and rehabilitation in dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effect of delivering transcutaneous electrical acupuncture stimulation (TEAS) intervention to elders with aMCI. Methods: A total of 61 aMCI patients were randomly allocated into the intervention group (receiving a 12-week TEAS) and control group (receiving health education). The feasibility outcomes included recruitment rate, retention rate, adherence rate, and an exploration of patients’ views and suggestions on the research. The effective outcomes included cognitive function, sleep quality, and life quality, which were measured by the Montreal cognitive assessment scale (MoCA), auditory verbal learning test—Huashan version (AVLT-H), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and quality of life short-term-12 (QoL SF-12). Results: The recruitment rate, retention rate, and adherence rate were 67.35%, 92.42%, and 85.29%, respectively. Most aspects of the research design and administration of the TEAS intervention were acceptable. The quantitative analysis suggests that compared with the control group, the scores of MoCA, AVLT-H, and SF-12 (mental component summary) were significantly better (p < 0.05); however, the differences were not statistically significant in PSQI and SF-12 (physical component summary) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that the study was feasible. TEAS awas possible for enhancing cognitive function and mental health in people with aMCI.

Public policies applied to the social reintegration of adolescents

This paper analyzes the public policies associated with social rehabilitation, subject to the universal principle of the child's best interests and that can offer a real and sustained rehabilitation opportunity over time for adolescents who have broken the law. This analysis includes evaluating existing policies, identifying strengths and weaknesses in their implementation, and comparing them with successful approaches in other countries. In addition, recommendations based on Comparative Law are proposed to improve the effectiveness of public policies, ensuring that the fundamental rights of adolescents are respected and they are provided with the necessary tools for successful reintegration into society. The main results show the essential elements to ensure adequate rehabilitation and reintegration, under human rights and social needs.

The effect of mobile application-based technology on post-stroke aphasia: a systematic review.

Enhancing speech-language therapy remains the most effective strategy for improving post-stroke aphasia, However, conventional face-to-face interventions often lack the necessary therapeutic intensity. In recent years, mobile application-based speech-language therapy has emerged progressively, offering new opportunities for independent rehabilitation among aphasic patients. This review aims to evaluate the impact of mobile application-based interventions on post-stroke aphasic. By conducting a systematic search across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus), we identified and included studies that investigated the utilization of mobile application-based technologies (such as computers, iPads, etc.) for treating post-stroke aphasia. This study included 15 research investigations, including 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), four self-controlled studies and one cross-over experimental design study. Among these, eight studies demonstrated the efficacy of mobile application-based therapy in enhancing overall language functionality for post-stroke aphasia patients, three studies highlighted its potential for improving communication skills, three studies observed its positive impact on spontaneous speech expression. Moreover, four studies indicated its effectiveness in enhancing naming abilities, two studies underscored the positive influence of mobile application-based interventions on the quality of life for individuals with aphasia. Six studies noted that speech improvement effects were maintained during the follow-up period. The results of this review demonstrate the potential of mobile application-based interventions for improving speech-language function in individuals with aphasia. However, further high-quality research is needed to establish their effects across different domains and to delve into the comparative advantages of various treatment approaches. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=405248.

The learning curve for minimally invasive Achilles repair using the “lumbar puncture needle and oval forceps” technique

IntroductionAn acute Achilles tendon rupture represents a common tendon injury, and its operative methods have been developed over the years. This study aimed to quantify the learning curve for the minimally invasive acute Achilles tendon rupture repair.MethodsFrom May 2020 to June 2022, sixty-seven patient cases who received minimally invasive tendon repair were reviewed. Baseline data and operative details were collected. The cumulative summation (CUSUM) control chart was used for the learning curve analyses. Achilles tendon rupture score (ATRS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot score, and visual analog scale (VAS) at 3/6/9/12 months were calculated to assess the clinical outcomes.ResultsThirty-six cases underwent at least a year of follow up and were enrolled in this study. The gender ratio and average age were 80.5% and 32.5 years. The linear equation fitted well (R2 = 0.95), and CUSUM for operative time peaked in the 12th case, which was divided into the learning phase (n = 12) and master phase (n = 24). No significant difference was detected between the two groups in clinical variables, except for the operative time (71.1 ± 13.2 min vs 45.8 ± 7.2 min, p = 0.004). Moreover, we detected one case with a suture reaction and treated it properly.ConclusionMinimally invasive Achilles repair provides an opportunity for early rehabilitation. Notably, the learning curve showed that the “lumbar puncture needle and oval forceps” technique was accessible to surgeons.

Exercise Responses During Outdoor Versus Virtual Reality Indoor Arm+FES-Leg Cycling in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: Virtual reality (VR)-enhanced indoor hybrid cycling in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) can be comparable to outdoor hybrid cycling. Method: Eight individuals with chronic thoracic-lesion SCI performed voluntary arm and electrically assisted leg cycling on a hybrid recumbent tricycle. Exercises were conducted outdoors and indoors incorporating VR technology in which the outdoor environment was simulated on a large flat screen monitor. Electrical stimulation was applied bilaterally to the leg muscle groups. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, energy expenditures, and Ratings of Perceived Exertion were measured over a 30-minute outdoor test course that was also VR-simulated indoors. Immediately after each exercise, participants completed questionnaires to document their perceptual-psychological responses. Results: Mean 30-minute VO2 was higher for indoor VR exercise (average VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1316 ± mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1255 ± 53 mL/min; highest VO2-indoor VR-exercise: 1615 ± 67 mL/min vs. outdoor cycling: 1725 ± 67 mL/min). Arm and leg activity counts were significantly higher during indoor VR-assisted hybrid functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling than outdoors; 42% greater for the arms and 23% higher for the legs (P < 0.05). Similar responses were reported for exercise effort and perceptual-psychological outcomes during both modes. Conclusion: This study proposes that combining FES and VR technology provides new opportunities for physical activity promotion or exercise rehabilitation in the SCI population, since these modes have similar "dose-potency" and self-perceived effort. Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney Ref. No. 01-2010/12385.

Challenges and opportunities in adolescent intellectual disability care and rehabilitation

Background: There have been mounting concerns over the lack of proper facilities for adolescents living with intellectual disability (ALWID), and the struggles particularly of the developing world to provide care and rehabilitation services for this population. Care and rehabilitation services are needed to improve this population’s normal functioning but have been scarce or non-existent in most communities.Objectives: This study aimed to solicit and describe nurse managers’ views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering care and rehabilitation services to ALWID. The study was based on Julian Rappaport’s empowerment theory, which provided a framework for organising essential knowledge while rendering care and rehabilitation services for ALWID.Method: A qualitative, explorative design was used to solicit nurse managers’ views of the challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID in Tshwane District, Gauteng province, South Africa. Thirteen participants were purposively selected from three rehabilitation centres.Results: Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-step method. Five themes emerged relating to challenges and opportunities in rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID. Two themes focussed on challenges, namely inadequate age-appropriate rehabilitation services and a lack of material and non-material resources. Strengthened support systems, partnerships with outside stakeholders, and the promotion of physical activities emerged as opportunities for rendering rehabilitation services to ALWID.Conclusion: Nurse managers believe rehabilitation services empower ALWID towards autonomy, enhancing their societal function and quality of life with a crucial strong support system.Contribution: Nurse managers should lead in creating collaboration platforms for ALWID care, promoting partnerships, sharing best practices, and overcoming challenges in treatment and rehabilitation.

Stroke rehabilitation: from diagnosis to therapy.

Stroke remains a significant global health burden, necessitating comprehensive and innovative approaches in rehabilitation to optimize recovery outcomes. This paper provides a thorough exploration of rehabilitation strategies in stroke management, focusing on diagnostic methods, acute management, and diverse modalities encompassing physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies. Emphasizing the importance of early identification of rehabilitation needs and leveraging technological advancements, including neurostimulation techniques and assistive technologies, this manuscript highlights the challenges and opportunities in stroke rehabilitation. Additionally, it discusses future directions, such as personalized rehabilitation approaches, neuroplasticity concepts, and advancements in assistive technologies, which hold promise in reshaping the landscape of stroke rehabilitation. By delineating these multifaceted aspects, this manuscript aims to provide insights and directions for optimizing stroke rehabilitation practices and enhancing the quality of life for stroke survivors.

Frailty and innovative participatory rehabilitation

This Mini-Review showcases the latest evidence on rehabilitation opportunities for older people with multimorbidity and frailty. There is growing evidence, that a person-centered and contextualized rehabilitation approach may offer benefits, not only in the context of preserving mobility, but especially targeting social participation. Modern rehabilitation aligns with the bio-psycho-social model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), emphasizing the individual and collaboratively determined definition of personalized rehabilitation goals at the activity and participation level.Further studies are warranted to evaluate objective outcome-measurement tools within the domains of activity and participation.

Concept and content of probation in criminal legislation

This article is dedicated to analyzing the concept and legal nature of probation in Ukrainian criminal legislation. The study focuses on understanding probation as a form of criminal-legal influence that combines elements of punishment and opportunities for rehabilitation for the convicted. Considering the historical context and contemporary realities of criminal legislation, the author examines the evolution of the probation institute, from the release from punishment for minor crimes in the pre-revolutionary period to conditional sentencing and suspension of the sentence in independent Ukraine. Particular attention is given to the changes that occurred following the adoption of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in 2001, which marked a significant expansion of non-custodial punishments and defined new legal frameworks for probation. The article also explores various legal interpretations and scientific approaches to defining the essence of probation, emphasizing its ambiguity and complexity. The article analyzes the concept of «probation» in the context of criminal legislation, taking into account the perspectives of prominent scholars. The author aims to investigate the essence of this term, its object, and the subject of regulation in criminal legislation. It is revealed that the institution of probation in Ukraine developed less intensively compared to Western countries, with its formation commencing with the adoption of the Criminal Code of Ukraine in 2001. The article highlights the stages of the establishment and development of the probationary system in independent Ukraine, emphasizing the transition to a new approach to penalties not associated with imprisonment.&#x0D; The study scrutinizes the institution of criminal law in Ukraine - release from punishment and its serving, particularly in the context of conditional releases. Section XII of the Criminal Code of Ukraine examines various forms of release. Special attention is given to conditional releases linked to the fulfillment of specific requirements during the probationary period. The article elucidates the procedure for applying release from punishment with probation, emphasizing the role of the court and the obligations of the convicted individual. It notes that different human rights advocates have different interpretations of the term «probation.»

Methodological Support of Social and Natural-Resource Evaluation of Inclusive Tourist Objects in the Sustainable Development Context

"This research aims to form a scientifically grounded and usable methodological support of social and natural-resource evaluation of inclusive tourist objects for the effective formation of a sustainable inclusive tourism space. The author’s understanding of the social and natural-resource evaluation of inclusive tourist objects as a set of ecological, economic, social, inclusive, and rehabilitation approaches is suggested, which allows monitoring the natural-resource potential taking into account individual characteristics, the accessibility of the tourist object and its rehabilitation opportunities for people with disabilities of various nosologies. The research is based on an attempt to take into account subjective and objective conditions in the aesthetic landscape valuation. The results obtained during their interaction will make it possible to take into account the peculiarities of the landscape that affects a person, as well as the specifics of perception and the degree of susceptibility of a person. Compliance with the recommendations for social and natural-resource evaluation will make the socio-cultural space unhindered for all categories of the population, which will provide access to social services for each person for their integration, socialization, and adaptation. Methodological principles of quantitative evaluation of accessibility parameters and attractiveness factors of natural resources and tourist infrastructure objects for participants on the implementation of an inclusive rehabilitation and social tourism programme have been developed, which will provide access to social services for every person and promote their integration, socialization, and adaptation."

An machine learning model to predict quality of life subtypes of disabled stroke survivors.

Stroke causes serious physical disability with impaired quality of life (QoL) and heavy burden on health. The goal of this study is to explore the impaired QoL typologies and their predicting factors in physically disabled stroke survivors with machine learning approach. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was applied to clustering 308 physically disabled stroke survivors in rural China based on their responses on the short form 36 (SF-36) assessment of quality of life. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to differentiate the subtypes, and the Boruta algorithm was used to identify the variables relevant to the categorization of two subtypes. A gradient boosting machine(GBM) and local interpretable model-agnostic explanation (LIME) algorithms were used to apply to interpret the variables that drove subtype predictions. Two distinct subtypes emerged, characterized by short form 36 (SF-36) domains. The feature difference between worsen QoL subtype and better QoL subtype was as follows: role-emotion (RE), body pain (BP) and general health (GH), but not physical function (PF); the most relevant predictors of worsen QoL subtypes were help from others, followed by opportunities for community activity and rehabilitation needs, rather than disability severity or duration since stroke. The results suggest that the rehabilitation programs should be tailored toward their QoL clustering feature; body pain and emotional-behavioral problems are more crucial than motor deficit; stroke survivors with worsen QoL subtype are most in need of social support, return to community, and rehabilitation.

The Long-Term Detection of Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration and Water Colour in Gravel and Sand Pit Lakes through Landsat and Sentinel-2 Imagery

Over the past half century, the demand for sand and gravel has led to extensive quarrying activities, creating many pit lakes (PLs) which now dot floodplains and urbanized regions globally. Despite the potential importance of these environments, systematic data on their location, morphology and water quality remain limited. In this study, we present an extensive assessment of the physical and optical properties in a large sample of PLs located in the Po River basin (Italy) from 1990 to 2021, utilizing a combined approach of remote sensing (Landsat constellation and Sentinel-2) and traditional limnological techniques. Specifically, we focused on the concentration of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and the dominant wavelength (λdom, i.e., water colour). This study aims to contribute to the analysis of PLs at a basin scale as an opportunity for environmental rehabilitation and river floodplain management. ACOLITE v.2022, a neural network particularly suitable for the analysis of turbid waters and small inland water bodies, was used to atmospherically correct satellite images and to obtain SPM concentration maps and the λdom. The results show a very strong correlation between SPM concentrations obtained in situ and those obtained from satellite images, both for data derived from Landsat (R2 = 0.85) and Sentinel-2 images (R2 = 0.82). A strong correlation also emerged from the comparison of spectral signatures obtained in situ via WISP-3 and those derived from ACOLITE, especially in the visible spectrum (443–705 nm, SA = 10.8°). In general, it appeared that PLs with the highest mean SPM concentrations and the highest mean λdom are located along the main Po River, and more generally near rivers. The results also show that active PLs exhibit a poor water quality status, especially those of small sizes (&lt;5 ha) and directly connected to a river. Seasonal comparison shows the same trend for both SPM concentration and λdom: higher values in winter gradually decreasing until spring–summer, then increasing again. Finally, it emerged that the end of quarrying activity led to a reduction in SPM concentration from a minimum of 43% to a maximum of 72%. In this context, the combined use of Landsat and Sentinel-2 imagery allowed for the evaluation of the temporal evolution of the physical and optical properties of the PLs in a vast area such as the Po River basin (74,000 km2). In particular, the Sentinel-2 images consistently proved to be a reliable resource for capturing episodic and recurring quarrying events and portraying the ever-changing dynamics of these ecosystems.

DEVELOPMENT, CORRECTIVE AND REHABILITATION OPPORTUNITIES OF A TALE TO WORK WITH PRESCHOOLERS

The article deals with creative and development, corrective and rehabilitation opportunities of a tale to work with preschoolers. Under the urgent unsteady social and cultural conditions, a new line and trend of the native education development is being formed; it is originated in humanism and democracy, creativity and self-realization. The process is aimed at optimizing the cooperation between a personality, society and nature in the life creativity of every citizen, regardless of the development level, social status, mental and physical opportunities, etc. Thus, forming the content, teaching and upbringing forms and methods for the children play a significant role. These tools may provide for the effective revealing of their personalities, forming the ability to think creatively, independently make customized solutions, perform a flexible reaction on the changes under the conditions of a radical restructuring of every spheres of the society life.The problem is actualized by a rapid mental health deterioration of children that is caused by traumatic events of the brutal war of aggression of rf against Ukraine. Most children suffer from anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, dissociative and behavioral disorders. Since, it is the education system which is designed to both develop a creative, socially active and harmoniously developed personality and provide an everyday social and psychological, as well as an emotional support for children. Here it is a teacher of a preschool institution in the center, who should possess these universal methods, tools, techniques of a creative development of preschoolers and being oriented on their corrective and rehabilitation opportunities. A tale is among the integrative tools of creative abilities development of a child, correction of the internal deformations and harmonization of his relation to the external world.Based on a tale use in an educational process at a pre-school institution, the authors determine creative and development functions of a tale, that include expanding the range of abilities (cognitive, intellectual, specific: artistic, literary, mathematical and others) and individual features (emotionality, courage of imagination, fantasy, intuitivity, etc.) of the children; they are getting visible and rich at the practice of different constructive activity, which results are described as new and original. Corrective and rehabilitation opportunities are also proved. They comprise the reflection of a child’s internal world, the consideration of complex phenomena and feelings, identification of his emotional status with the hero, comprehension of the problem and its solution, mastering the constructive variants to solve conflicts, the behavior change, emotional reactions, social communicative skills, learning moral standards

Pertanggungjawaban Pidana terhadap Pelaku Tindak Pidana yang Diancam dengan Pasal 112 Ayat (1) Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2009 tentang Narkotika

A more crucial problem which is also the main topic of discussion in this research is the provisions of other articles whose impact may be to close the opportunity for medical rehabilitation for narcotics addicts and abusers, namely the provisions in Article 112 paragraph (1) of Law no. 35 of 2009. Example of the case of Central Jakarta District Court Decision Number 51/Pid.Sus/2022/PN Jkt.Pst, related to Article 112 paragraph (1). The research method used is the normative juridical method, namely research that prioritizes library data, namely research on secondary data. This secondary data can be in the form of primary, secondary or tertiary legal materials. This research includes research regarding the positive legal provisions in force in Indonesia relating to criminal liability for perpetrators of criminal acts which are threatened with Article 112 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics. Based on the research results, the author concludes that the rationale for the establishment of Article 112 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 concerning Narcotics, is not a denial of the principle of legality) in principle it is to realize justice for the defendant and the community. And if there is a conflict between justice and law enforcement, then the sense of justice must take priority. Meanwhile, the problems that arise from Article 112 paragraph (1) of Law Number 35 of 2009 include: a) It can criminalize drug addicts and abusers who should be given the right to rehabilitation. What is meant here is the vulnerability of this article being used to criminalize people who are not actually involved in criminal acts but whose cases are fabricated as if they were carrying or controlling narcotics.&#x0D;

Pit lakes from gravel and sand quarrying in the Po River basin: An opportunity for riverscape rehabilitation and ecosystem services improvement

Since the 1950s, an intense sand and gravel quarrying from the river floodplains led to the formation of pit lakes (PLs) that have changed the morphology and the drainage system of several Italian river basins. In the last decade, a renewed interest in PLs has grown as tools for rehabilitating rivers and their floodplains, in order to provide a similar ecological service once offered by pristine riverine wetlands, which were lost due to anthropogenic pressures. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the number, distribution, and major morphometric characteristics of these ecosystems in the Po River basin, in order to assess their relevance and suitability for ecological restoration purposes. To achieve this aim, a synergistic approach was used including remote sensing techniques, satellite archives, and regional databases. The results show that more than 12,650 small lentic water bodies are present in the Po River basin, with agricultural ponds the most represented category, followed by PLs. Specifically, 1580 PLs were identified, divided into three subcategories: active (338), ceased (1188) and doubtful (54). These artificial ecosystems, when compared with pristine riverine wetlands, are more numerous, widely distributed, and on average more extensive, although more regularly shaped. The temporal analysis of satellite imagery showed that the number and the total area of PLs have increased from 1990 to 2021. PLs currently account for 63.5 km2 surface area, an average water volume of 378 × 106 m3 and for a removal of 26.6 mg N m−2 d−1 via denitrification. Therefore, PLs can contribute ecosystem services, e.g., water provisioning and regulation of the nitrogen cycle, and can be exploited for rehabilitating the riverscape. In this context, remote sensing is a very reliable tool for quantifying and analysing PLs and others water bodies in a vast area such as the Po River basin.

“I’ll live better, stay away from crime”: exploring the reintegration of former prisoners into the community through a music programme

PurposeThere is evidence that music programmes can have a positive impact on people in contact with the criminal justice system. However, little attention has been paid to the potential role of music programmes as people leave prison and re-enter the community. Providing support for former prisoners “through-the-gate” is important to aid resettlement and reduce the risk of reoffending. This paper aims to present research on a programme called Sounding Out: a two-year, London-based programme providing ex-prisoners with longer-term rehabilitative opportunities upon their release to bridge the gap between life inside and outside of prison.Design/methodology/approachThe study aimed to understand the impact of the Sounding Out programme on ex-prisoners from the perspective of participants, staff and family members. Semi-structured interviews took place with 17 people: ten participants across two Sounding Out projects; six members of staff – three from the Irene Taylor Trust, two musicians and one former prison worker; and one family member of a participant.FindingsThe research provides an understanding of the impact of involvement in a carefully designed programme of music creation, skills development and work placements. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in three key themes: personal impact, focus and direction and interpersonal relationships. The findings are consistent with the body of research that demonstrates the impact of music programmes on prisoners.Originality/valueThe current study adds to the relatively limited body of evidence on the role of music programmes in the reintegration of former prisoners into the community.

Predicting sense of coherence among caregiving partners of persons with multiple sclerosis.

Within the framework of the Salutogenic Model of Health, this study aimed to investigate sense of coherence among caregiving partners of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), and its relationship with perceived social support and illness beliefs conceived as generalized resistance resources in tension management. In this cross-sectional study, 398 caregiving partners of PwMS (Mage = 44.62; 34.9% women and 65.1% men) filled in questionnaires measuring sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale-13), perceived social support from family, friends and significant others (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and illness beliefs (Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire). Hierarchical linear regression analysis was performed to assess the contribution of perceived support and illness beliefs to sense of coherence, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Perceived support from family and beliefs concerning illness-related emotional representations, illness coherence, and treatment control emerged as significant predictors of participants' sense of coherence. Higher perceived support from family and stronger beliefs in illness coherence and treatment control were associated with higher sense of coherence, while more negative emotional representations were related to lower sense of coherence values. Findings lend support to the relevance of a salutogenic approach to caregiving in multiple sclerosis. They further suggest the usefulness of interventions that can promote caregivers' sense of coherence and successful coping in life by benefitting from family support, favoring the construction of a coherent illness view, offering comprehensive information and expert guidance on treatment and rehabilitation opportunities, and promoting adaptive management of negative emotions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Barriers and facilitators in providing home-based rehabilitation for stroke survivors with severe disability in the UK: an online focus group study with multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams

ObjectivesIn the UK, over 20% of stroke survivors leave hospital with severe disability. Limited evidence-based clinical guidance is available to support the rehabilitation of these individuals. Our previous research has...