Physical Disabilities Research Articles

Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction Among People With Physical Disabilities During COVID-19: Observational Evidence from a Korean Cohort Study.

To determine the factors influencing the life satisfaction of people with physical disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering demographics, disability-related characteristics, health behaviors, and psychosocial characteristics. We used cross-sectional data from 301 respondents of the 2021/2022 survey of the Korean Health Cohort Study for People with Physical Disabilities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the research subjects' characteristics, and chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of life satisfaction. Among socio demographic variables, occupation had a strong association with life satisfaction. Significant health behavior variables included daily regular meals, weight control effort, and chronic pain. All psychosocial characteristics (perceived stress, depression, suicidal ideation, cognitive function assessment, subjective health status, family satisfaction, income satisfaction) were strongly associated with life satisfaction. Results of the analysis of factors affecting life satisfaction showed that unemployment, lack of regular exercise, elevated stress, suicidal thoughts, and dissatisfaction with family contributed to increased life dissatisfaction. Economic support through job creation that considers the specific characteristics of people with disabilities, and social access through community integration services that encourage participation in social activities, should be prioritized.

The Problem of the Sexy Cyborg: The Ethics of Cyborg Imagery

In this article, I discuss two popular tropes about the cyborg in speculative fiction visual media: apotheosis — the pinnacle of human form and function; and grotesquerie — the violation of that perfection through fascinating horror. I look at these tropes in service of discussing the effects of such images and cultural understandings on actual cyborgs. The everyday or common cyborgs that are disabled people; the ones with prosthetics, who use wheelchairs, hearing aids, beta blockers, and Ritalin, who have artificial valves, knees, and pacemakers. I argue that the imagery of perfection and horror that surround cyborgs in media reinforce problematic tropes about disabled people, specifically the tropes of the super crip, pity, and bitter cripple narratives, and the ugly is evil trope where physical disfigurements and disabilities are often shorthand for moral failing. I connect these tropes to longstanding beliefs that were foundational to the eugenics movement of the 19th and 20th centuries, and that still cause resistance to robust social services for disabled people.

Comparisons in Limited Mobility: Exploring the Shaping of Travel Experience for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Tourism emerges as a focal point under the “new mobilities” paradigm. Current research, however, needs to address how groups with limited mobility navigate their travel experiences. This study delves into the tourism patterns of tourists with physical disabilities—a prominent mobility-limited demographic. Utilizing constructivist grounded theory through interviews, participatory observation, and online data collection, we discern that the tourism experience of those with physical disabilities is shaped dynamically by “comparison” across four orientations: time, space, self, and others. This multidimensional comparison transitions from tangible tourism to profound experiential realms, defining their unique travel experiences. “Comparison” is identified as a core microgenetic mechanism, challenging existing psychological theories and potentially reshaping our understanding of the experiential processes for all tourist groups, not just those with mobility limitations. The findings enrich our understanding of mobility-constrained tourism within the “new mobilities” paradigm, offering insights and practical implications for the tourism industry. This article is also available in [Chinese]. See supplemental material for details.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Parameters in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) detrimentally impacts individuals' exercise capacity and respiratory parameters depending on sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions. Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts cardiovascular health and pulmonary function in these individuals. This study determined the relationship between PA and exercise capacity and respiratory parameters in individuals with SCI. This cross-sectional study included 40 individuals with paraplegia. Assessments included the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), 6-min manual wheelchair propulsion test (MWPT6min), MWPT slalom test (MWPTslalom), 20-m MWPT propulsion test (MWPT20m), pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Subjects' mean age and body mass index were 46 ± 13 y and 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. PASIPD total score was significantly associated with MWPT6min (r = 0.657, P < .001), MWPTslalom (r = 0.403, P = .17) and MWPT20m (r = 0.477, P = .056), FEV1 (r = 0.552, P < .001), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.532, P = .02), PEF (r = 0.683, P = .004), PImax (r = 0.484, P = .01), and PEmax (r = 0.481, P = .16). However, PASIPD total score was not significantly associated with FVC (r = 0.168, P = .41). PA level influenced exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with SCI and may play an important role in delimiting physical fitness.

Adapted physical education: how the character development of students with physical disabilities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia?

The purpose of this study is to describe the learning system of Adapted Physical Education for students with physical disabilities to develop the character of students with physical disabilities. The methodology used used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach and literature study. The type of data collected comes from secondary data in the form of the results of previous experiences and elaborated sentences which are answers from research subjects conducted by means of interviews. The subjects in this study were 30 Adapted PE teachers in Yogyakarta. The research instruments used interview guides and documentation. The interview instrument had previously been validated for each item through expert judgement by two experts (Gregory) with a validity score of 0.86. Adapted PE teachers use various approaches and strategies in learning for students with physical disabilities in an inclusive manner to strengthen physical and character development. The independent curriculum in Indonesia is closely aligned with inclusive education in character development by publishing the Concept and Guidelines for Strengthening Character Education. Although the use of technology has not yet been implemented, teachers agree on the development of technology in learning that is easily accessible, supports active participation of students, and can be adapted according to the individual needs of students.

DISP-13. TELEHEALTH UTILIZATION IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY: EXPERIENCE AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are frequently characterized by physical disabilities, and treatment is often associated with side effects, as well as financial toxicity and loss of income owing to disease-related neurological deficits. Treatment at centers with specialized neuro-oncology care is associated with an overall survival benefit. However, access to such centers can be limited for many patients. Telehealth services represent an option for improving access to specialized care. During the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency (PHE), regulatory and reimbursement changes provided patients improved access to neuro-oncology by telehealth. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed our institutional utilization of telehealth visits in the neuro-oncology vs solid tumor oncology practice after the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Between July 2020 and April 2021, telehealth represented 24.1% of all neuro-oncology visits compared to 13.3% for all solid tumor groups. Between May 2021 and April 2023, telehealth visits remained frequent in neuro-oncology compared to solid tumor groups (34.6% vs 15.2%). Utilization rates declined across the practice in the year following expiration of the COVID-19 PHE in May 2023, though remained high for neuro-oncology at 34.1% vs 15.2% for solid tumor groups. Overall, telehealth visit utilization for neuro-oncology has remained more than double that of the oncology practice as a whole. CONCLUSIONS The striking difference between telehealth visit utilization in neuro-oncology compared with general medical oncology indicates that patients with CNS tumors, and those that provide care for these patients, have come to depend on this mode of care delivery. Even after expiration of the COVID-19 PHE, telehealth use remains high in neuro-oncology at our institution. Prospective evaluation to determine the safety of and clinical outcomes associated with telehealth visits for individuals with CNS tumors are critically needed. Such data may promote regulatory and reimbursement reform enabling broader adoption, service sustainability, and improved access to specialized care.

Iris Recognition System Using Advanced Segmentation Techniques and Fuzzy Clustering Methods for Robotic Control

The idea of developing a robot controlled by iris movement to assist physically disabled individuals is, indeed, innovative and has the potential to significantly improve their quality of life. This technology can empower individuals with limited mobility and enhance their ability to interact with their environment. Disability of movement has a huge impact on the lives of physically disabled people. Therefore, there is need to develop a robot that can be controlled using iris movement. The main idea of this work revolves around iris recognition from an eye image, specifically identifying the centroid of the iris. The centroid’s position is then utilized to issue commands to control the robot. This innovative approach leverages iris movement as a means of communication and control, offering a potential breakthrough in assisting individuals with physical disabilities. The proposed method aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of iris recognition by incorporating advanced segmentation techniques and fuzzy clustering methods. Fast gradient filters using a fuzzy inference system (FIS) are employed to separate the iris from its surroundings. Then, the bald eagle search (BES) algorithm is employed to locate and isolate the iris region. Subsequently, the fuzzy KNN algorithm is applied for the matching process. This combined methodology aims to improve the overall performance of iris recognition systems by leveraging advanced segmentation, search, and classification techniques. The results of the proposed model are validated using the true success rate (TSR) and compared to those of other existing models. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed method for the 400 tested images representing 40 people.

The Effect of Travel Constraints on Travel Intentions of People with Disabilities: The Mediating Role of Travel Motivation

According to WHO, 16% of the world's population are people with disabilities. Given this high number, disability-friendly tourism can be utilized as a special tourism market. This study aims to analyze the effect of travel constraints on travel intention through travel motivation for people with disabilities in Bandung. Over the past few years, Indonesia has begun to develop disability-friendly tourism infrastructure and services. The theory used in this study is the Theory of Planned Behavior, which has proven effective in shaping the behavioral intentions of tourists. This research was conducted using quantitative methods with structural equation modelling analysis procedures using CB SEM. The data collection technique used was non-probability sampling, targeting people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and mild mental disabilities. There are 200 pieces of data collected using a questionnaire. The results showed that travel constraints significantly positively affect travel intention through travel motivation among people with disabilities in Bandung. Existing literature finds a direct effect of travel constraints on travel intention in the tourism industry. This study contributes to the existing literature by including travel motivation as a mediating variable in mediating the effect of travel constraints on travel intention among people with disabilities in Bandung.

Physical activity barriers among adults with physical disabilities or chronic diseases during and after rehabilitation: the ReSpAct cohort study

Physical activity barriers among adults with physical disabilities or chronic diseases during and after rehabilitation: the ReSpAct cohort study

Inferiority feelings mediate the impact of subjective social support on anxiety/depression symptoms in individuals with physical disabilities

BackgroundPersons with physical disabilities are more likely to suffer from psychological symptoms and inferiority feelings, and social support plays an important role in improving those symptoms. However, the interaction between psychological symptoms, inferiority feelings and social support is yet to be understood.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate anxiety, depression, and inferiority feelings among individuals with physical disabilities in a Chinese sample. The questionnaire included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Self-designed Disability Questionnaire, and Social Support Rating Scale including three dimensions: subjective social support, objective social support and utilization of social support.ResultsOut of the 1,453 respondents with physical disabilities, 49.7, 60.4, and 62.5% reported experiencing anxiety, depression, and inferiority feelings, respectively. Factors such as time since identification of physical disabilities, comorbidities, daily travel, social interaction, internet use, subjective social support, and inferiority feelings were found to be associated with anxiety or depression symptoms among physically disabled individuals. Subjective social support was found to be associated with inferiority feelings, which partly mediated the effect of subjective social support on anxiety symptoms by 37.4% and depression symptoms by 28.7%.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of physically disabled individuals in addition to their physical rehabilitation. Psychological intervention strategies should focus on improving subjective social support and reducing inferiority feelings, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Nose-Driven Cursor Control: An Assistive System for Disabled Individuals Using OCRM Similarity Tracking

This paper introduces a visual mouse system designed to assist disabled individuals in controlling computer mouse functions, such as cursor movement and clicking actions, using simple body gestures. Specifically, the system tracks the user’s nose tip to execute mouse commands, providing an untouchable alternative for desktop interaction. The main goal is to create an accessible, low-cost solution using widely available hardware to make computing more inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities. Using a camera, the system captures and translates user head movements into mouse gestures on the screen. The proposed methodology is built around visual tracking, isolating a sample region from each video frame and then identifying that region in subsequent frames through Optimal Cost Region Matching (OCRM). This similarity measure ensures accurate and seamless tracking of the user's movement, providing an effective control mechanism. Experimental results demonstrate that the OCRM-based visual mouse system outperforms existing Camera Mouse applications regarding reliability and efficiency. The proposed approach delivers a flexible, cost-effective, and consistent solution for enhancing computer accessibility for disabled users.

A clinical review of early assessment for congenital hypothyroidism in newborns

Congenital hypothyroidism is a critical factor associated with stunting, as thyroid hormone deficiencies can impair growth starting in utero. Children with thyroid disorders, including conditions like hypoparathyroidism, often experience growth retardation due to congenital abnormalities and growth hormone deficiencies. For neonates, a lack of thyroid hormones can lead to long-term impacts, such as physical and mental disabilities, neurological disorders, and stunted growth. Early detection of congenital hypothyroidism is, therefore, essential and is typically part of newborn screening aimed at identifying congenital abnormalities. Implementing early screening protocols can diagnose and treat congenital hypothyroidism promptly, mitigating risks such as stunting and enabling better health outcomes for children. This literature review examines methods of early detection for congenital hypothyroidism across various global contexts. Three databases—PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar—were searched using a systematic literature review approach, yielding five eligible studies with a combined study population of 920.441 newborns. These studies involved screenings for T4, TSH, 17-OHP, and G-6-PD, identifying hypothyroidism in 2.530 (27%) cases. Screening involved blood samples taken from the umbilical cord or heel within 48 to 72 hours after birth. Understanding early detection procedures for congenital hypothyroidism is essential for nurses, as it enables them to engage in early intervention and provide effective nursing care for affected infants. Early involvement can help prevent the adverse, long-term effects associated with congenital hypothyroidism, improving quality of life and supporting healthy growth trajectories for children at risk. Keywords: Congenital hypothyroidism; literature review; nursing assessment; paediatric nursing; prevention

Development of a Lightweight Powered Wheelchair for Persons with Physical Disabilities Using a Participatory Action Design

Development of a Lightweight Powered Wheelchair for Persons with Physical Disabilities Using a Participatory Action Design

SRPK3 Is Essential for Cognitive and Ocular Development in Humans and Zebrafish, Explaining X-Linked Intellectual Disability.

Intellectual disability is often the outcome of neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by significant impairments in intellectual and adaptive functioning. X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) is a subset of these disorders caused by genetic defects on the X chromosome, affecting about 2 out of 1,000 males. In syndromic form, it leads to a broad range of cognitive, behavioral, ocular, and physical disabilities. Employing exome or genome sequencing, here we identified 4 missense variants (c.475C > G; p.H159D, c.1373C > A; p.T458N, and c.1585G > A; p.E529K, c.953C > T; p.S318L) and a putative truncating variant (c.1413_1414del; p.Y471*) in the SRPK3 gene in 9 XLID patients from 5 unrelated families. To validate SRPK3 as a novel XLID gene, we established a knockout (KO) model of the SRPK3 orthologue in zebrafish. The 8 patients ascertained postnatally shared common clinical features including intellectual disability, agenesis of the corpus callosum, abnormal eye movement, and ataxia. A ninth case, ascertained prenatally, had a complex structural brain phenotype. Together, these data indicate a pathological role of SRPK3 in neurodevelopmental disorders. In post-fertilization day 5 larvae (free swimming stage), KO zebrafish exhibited severe deficits in eye movement and swim bladder inflation, mimicking uncontrolled ocular movement and physical clumsiness observed in human patients. In adult KO zebrafish, cerebellar agenesis and behavioral abnormalities were observed, recapitulating human phenotypes of cerebellar atrophy and intellectual disability. Overall, these results suggest a crucial role of SRPK3 in the pathogenesis of syndromic X-linked intellectual disability and provide new insights into brain development, cognitive and ocular dysfunction in both humans and zebrafish. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:914-931.

‘I just want to show that I am living a normal life’. Young People with Physical Disabilities on Social Media

‘I just want to show that I am living a normal life’. Young People with Physical Disabilities on Social Media

Jazz Musicians and Their Disabilities: Django Reinhardt, Les Paul, and Michel Petrucciani.

Musicians with physical disabilities who achieved stardom are part of the lore of popular music. Guitarist Django Reinhardt contrived alternate fingering patterns necessitated by burn contractures of his left hand. Les Paul, a legend in the development of the solid body electric guitar and multitrack recording, mangled his right arm in a car wreck so severely that his elbow was set permanently at 90° so he could continue to play guitar. Michel Petrucciani suffered from osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that stunted his growth to the point where he used a special attachment to reach the sustaining pedals of his piano. Their stories show the force of human genius in music.

Impact of Siponimod on Clinical and Radiological Parameters of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Prospective Study.

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) presents with a challenging clinical phenotype, and siponimod has a potential to treat the active clinical phenotype of this disease. This single-center longitudinal study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of siponimod in patients with active SPMS over 12 months. The clinical and radiological parameters of 50 patients with active SPMS treated using siponimod were assessed at baseline and after a 1-year follow-up period using the annual relapse rate (ARR), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the occurrence of gadolinium-enhanced lesion (GdE+), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. The urine bladder postvoid residual (PVR) volume was also measured in a subcohort of 39 participants. Participants with an EDSS score ≥5.0 at baseline were finally assessed separately in prespecified subgroup analyses. There were significant reductions in ARR (p<0.001), GdE+ (p<0.001), and MFIS score (p=0.001) during the follow-up period. The progression of physical and cognitive disabilities remained stable (p>0.05). The PVR-volume analysis revealed a significant decrease in urine bladder PVR volume (p<0.001). These observations were consistent for the subgroup with EDSS score ≥5.0. Siponimod demonstrated efficacy in reducing ARR, GdE+, fatigue levels, and PVR volume, while maintaining stability in the cognitive and physical disability statuses of patients with SPMS. Similar findings were documented in the subgroup with EDSS score ≥5.0.

Students’ safety culture at tertiary level academic institutes in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

This study aims to investigate the safety culture of tertiary-level students in Bangladesh and identify the factors that influence it. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1676 students from 16 universities and medical colleges in Bangladesh to gather data. The survey consisted of a paper-based structured questionnaire with three scales: a 17-item safety beliefs and values scale, a 10-item safety perception and awareness scale, and a 14-item safety attitudes scale. The results showed that tertiary-level students generally exhibit moderate levels of safety beliefs and values, safety perception and awareness, and safety attitudes. Female students had better safety perception and awareness [β = -0.083; 95%CI = -0.140, -0.025] and safety attitudes [β = -0.173; 95%CI = -0.230, -0.117], while male students had stronger safety beliefs and values [β = 0.047; 95%CI = 0.005, 0.089]. Students with physical disabilities and those who had experienced accidents had significantly higher levels of safety perception and awareness, as well as safety attitudes, compared to their peers. Additionally, students in private institutions had lower levels of safety perception and awareness [β = -0.130; 95%CI = -0.189, -0.070] as well as safety attitudes [β = -0.058; 95%CI = -0.116, -0.001], than public institution students. Age, gender, and type of institute were significantly associated with all three components of safety culture. Accident experience was also significantly linked to safety perception and awareness [β = 0.054; 95%CI = 0.002, 0.105], and safety attitudes [β = -0.093; 95%CI = -0.143, 0.043]. Based on these findings, it is recommended that tertiary educational institutions in Bangladesh develop intervention strategies that consider the age, gender, and physical disability of students to enhance their safety culture.

Do gender stereotype threats have a spillover effect on motor tasks among children? A mixed-model design investigation

ObjectivesThe stereotype threat effect has captivated social and sports psychology researchers for over two decades. However, many questions remain unanswered. This research was designed to explore the spillover effects of stereotype threat in motor tasks. DesignA mixed model design with within-between-subjects was utilized, with soccer performance and throwing scores serving as the dependent variables. MethodForty-two 10-year-old girls without mental or physical disabilities participated in the study and were randomly assigned into two groups: stereotype threat (ST) and nullified stereotype threat (NST). After measuring baseline performance in throwing and soccer tasks, the participants in the ST group received soccer-based stereotype induction. Afterwards, they performed 20 trials of soccer shooting. Half an hour later, the children were asked to perform 10 throws with the non-dominant hand. ResultsOur results indicated that inducing soccer-based stereotypes towards girls led to underperformance in soccer, however, this negative effect did not spill over onto subsequent task (i.e., throwing) which was unrelated to the induced stereotype. ConclusionsOur finding regarding the stereotype threat spillover effect is novel and provides more insight into the range of effects of stereotype threat within the motor domain. The findings encourage the researcher to practice caution regarding the generalizability of the stereotype threat spillover effect, especially in motor tasks.

Challenges Linked to Post-Polio-Paralysis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Region

Background: Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease often causing permanent paralysis. Post-Polio Paralysis (PPP) involves the delayed onset of new or worsening neuromuscular symptoms years after the initial attack. Polio survivors face numerous physical disabilities and significant social, financial, and human rights barriers. Aims: To identify the challenges faced by individuals with PPP in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a sample size of n=200, selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Post-Polio Clinic Questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 22. Results: The gender distribution was 21.50% female and 78.50% male. New health and physical problems (neurological, arthritis, and physiological) were observed in 64.5% (n=129) of participants. Aggravated previous complications, such as pain, fatigue, and muscular atrophy, were reported by 91.5% (n=183). Difficulty performing heavy tasks was noted by 49.5% (n=99). Using public transport was a challenge for 46.5% (n=93), and driving a car was deemed impossible by 70% (n=140). Using an Indian commode as a toilet was a complication for 58% (n=116) of participants. Conclusion: The study reveals significant health and daily life challenges for polio survivors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including a high prevalence of new and worsening neuromuscular symptoms, aggravated complications like pain and fatigue, and difficulties with heavy tasks, public transport, driving, and using certain toilets. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for polio survivors by addressing their physical health and social and financial barriers.