Physical Disabilities Research Articles

The representation of disability in the Italian media: The case of Ansa

The representation of disability in the media significantly influences the social perception of disability among the general population, as well as among individuals with disabilities themselves. This study focuses on the case of Ansa, the primary Italian press agency, to examine its portrayal of disability and persons with disabilities in the year 2022. Through the content analysis of a corpus comprising 1692 articles collected via keyword search, the research aims to draw a ‘map’ that can describe the disability narrative conveyed by Ansa. Key findings highlight Ansa’s narrative as displaying a form of under-representation of disability. Physical and mobility disabilities dominate the discourse, adhering to the common mediatic ‘hierarchy of disabilities’. But even more clearly, Ansa’s representation tends to be generic, abstract and lacking in specificity, thus presenting disability as a depersonalised and collective label. The narratives predominantly revolve around political interventions, funding, and institutional aid, with limited attention given to personal life stories that rarely attain national news status. Ultimately, the agency’s portrayal appears as a narrative of disability without the disabled persons, representing the phenomenon as a systemic issue that can be resolved through public frameworks and policies, with no direct involvement of those affected. This reinforces the notion that disability is a depersonalised problem that always needs external solutions.

Molecular Adaptations of BDNF/NT-4 Neurotrophic and Muscarinic Pathways in Ageing Neuromuscular Synapses.

Age-related conditions, such as sarcopenia, cause physical disabilities for an increasing section of society. At the neuromuscular junction, the postsynaptic-derived neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) have neuroprotective functions and contribute to the correct regulation of the exocytotic machinery. Similarly, presynaptic muscarinic signalling plays a fundamental modulatory function in this synapse. However, whether or not these signalling pathways are compromised in ageing neuromuscular system has not yet been analysed. The present study analyses, through Western blotting, the differences in expression and activation of the main key proteins of the BDNF/NT-4 and muscarinic pathways related to neurotransmission in young versus ageing Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) rat muscles. The main results show an imbalance in several sections of these pathways: (i) a change in the stoichiometry of BDNF/NT-4, (ii) an imbalance of Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB)-FL/TrkB-T1 and neurotrophic receptor p 75 (p75NTR), (iii) no changes in the cytosol/membrane distribution of phosphorylated downstream protein kinase C (PKC)βI and PKCε, (iv) a reduction in the M2-subtype muscarinic receptor and P/Q-subtype voltage-gated calcium channel, (v) an imbalance of phosphorylated mammalian uncoordinated-18-1 (Munc18-1) (S313) and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) (S187), and (vi) normal levels of molecules related to the management of acetylcholine (Ach). Based on this descriptive analysis, we hypothesise that these pathways can be adjusted to ensure neurotransmission rather than undergoing negative alterations caused by ageing. However, further studies are needed to assess this hypothetical suggestion. Our results contribute to the understanding of some previously described neuromuscular functional age-related impairments. Strategies to promote these signalling pathways could improve the neuromuscular physiology and quality of life of older people.

Prevalencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos en el cuidador primario de pacientes con discapacidad física

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the primary caregiver of patients with physical disabilities at the Central Military Hospital. Methodology: Participants who were caregivers of pa tients with a disability were sought to complete the questionnaire. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied to each person, the Nordic questionnaire for the detection of musculoskeletal symptoms and the Zarit questionnaire to assess the caregiver’s burden, descriptive statistics of these questionnaires were performed. Results: The final sample was 29 people, the sociodemographic questionnaire showed that the primary caregiver is usually a single woman aged 40 (± 11.5) years, with a daughter relationship, who is dedicated to household activities. The Nordic questionnaire showed that 21% of the caregivers reported pain, the largest areas with pain were back (45 %), shoulder and neck (both with 21 %). The Zarit questionnaire indicated that nearly 90 % of the patients did not present activity overload. Limitations of the study: Being a study carried out in a military hospital, the results may not be representative of the Mexican population. Originality: Few are the works focused on the study of the Primary Caregiver both nationally and internationally. Conclusions: The informal primary caregiver is usuallya vulnerable population with a low educational leveland without any economic remuneration, and whichcontributes a lot to the care of patients with disabilities,therefore measures must be implemented to help trainthem to care for their integrity and that of their relatives.

A systematic review of cell therapy modalities and outcomes in cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is widely recognized as a condition that results in significant physical and cognitive disabilities. Interventions aim to improve the quality of life and reduce disability. Despite numerous treatments and significant advancements, cerebral palsy remains incurable due to its diverse origins. This review evaluated clinical trials, studies, and case reports on various cell therapy approaches for cerebral palsy. It assessed the clinical outcomes of applying different cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells, olfactory ensheathing cells, neural stem/progenitor cells, macrophages, and mononuclear cells derived from peripheral blood, cord blood, and bone marrow. In 60 studies involving 1474CP patients, six major adverse events (0.41%) and 485 mild adverse events (32.9%) were reported. Favorable therapeutic effects were observed in 54 out of 60 cell therapy trials, indicating a promising potential for cell treatments in cerebral palsy. Intrathecal MSC and BM-MNC applications revealed therapeutic benefits, with MSC studies being generally safer than other cell therapies. However, MSC and BM-MNC trials have shown inconsistent results, with some demonstrating superior efficacy for certain outcomes. Cell dosage, transplantation route, and frequency of administration can affect the efficacy of these therapies. Our findings highlight the promise of cell therapies for improving cerebral palsy treatment and stress the need for ongoing research to refine treatment protocols and enhance safety. To establish conclusive evidence on the comparative effectiveness of various cell types in treating cerebral palsy, randomized, double-blind clinical trials are essential.

Comparing priority ranking of inclusive education indicators using multi-criteria decision-making methods: children with locomotor disabilities vs. physical disabilities

Comparing priority ranking of inclusive education indicators using multi-criteria decision-making methods: children with locomotor disabilities vs. physical disabilities

Examining the Relationship of Everyday Discrimination with Self-Esteem among Physically Challenged Adults

We critically review the literature that is currently available on how discrimination affects the self-esteem of adults with disabilities. Discrimination is a pervasive issue which impacts people with physical disabilities in a number of ways. We provide a combination of contemporary research with important findings, proposed structures, and areas requiring more investigation. We also discuss implications for mediations and emotionally supportive networks that can help lessen the negative psychological effects of routine segregation and boost the self-esteem of genuinely challenged adults. This analysis has implications for developing tactics and remedies that combat isolation, assist really tested adults, and boost their self-esteem. These strategies should raise awareness of problems, promote inclusivity, and provide open resources. We can further develop the prosperity of truly tested people by generating a healthy climate and tending to separation.

Academic performance of learners with special needs in open and distance learning: a study in Anadolu University open education system

ABSTRACT This study delves into the academic performance of learners with special needs enrolled in Anadolu University’s Open Education System, shedding light on their performance in a distance learning context. Employing quantitative methods and utilising learning analytics data, the research scrutinises the educational outcomes of 98,875 learners. Through descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis, the study uncovers varying achievement rates among learners based on disability type. Notably, individuals with sensory, physical, and chronic disabilities exhibit higher success levels compared to those with cognitive disabilities. A key finding is the positive correlation between Learning Management System (LMS) usage and overall academic success, highlighting the importance of engagement in LMS activities and their influence on self-assessment grades and overall success rates. Additionally, the time to reach graduation differs, with physically and chronically disabled learners taking a longer time to graduate compared to those with sensory disabilities. This research provides pivotal insights into the effectiveness of open and distance learning for learners with special needs, emphasising the role of digital learning platforms in enhancing their academic journey.

Assessment of cardiovascular risk and physical activity: the role of cardiac-specific biomarkers in the general population and athletes.

The first part of this Inter-Society Document describes the mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly arterial hypertension, in adults and the elderly. It will also examine how consistent physical exercise during adolescence and adulthood can help maintain blood pressure levels and prevent progression to symptomatic heart failure. The discussion will include experimental and clinical evidence on the use of specific exercise programs for preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases in adults and the elderly. In the second part, the clinical relevance of cardiac-specific biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk in the general adult population will be examined, with a focus on individuals engaged in sports activities. This section will review recent studies that suggest a significant role of biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly the presence of cardiac damage, in athletes who participate in high-intensity sports. Finally, the document will discuss the potential of using cardiac-specific biomarkers to monitor the effectiveness of personalized physical activity programs (Adapted Physical Activity, APA). These programs are prescribed for specific situations, such as chronic diseases or physical disabilities, including cardiovascular diseases. The purposes of this Inter-Society Document are the following: 1) to discuss the close pathophysiological relationship between physical activity levels (ranging from sedentary behavior to competitive sports), age categories (from adolescence to elderly age), and the development of cardiovascular diseases; 2) to review in detail the experimental and clinical evidences supporting the role of cardiac biomarkers in identifying athletes and individuals of general population at higher cardiovascular risk; 3) to stimulate scientific societies and organizations to develop specific multicenter studies that may take into account the role of cardiac biomarkers in subjects who follow specific exercise programs in order to monitor their cardiovascular risk.

Clinical profile and associated comorbidities of cerebral palsy in children visiting Orotta National Referral Hospital, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common physical disabilities in children. This study aimed to explore the clinical spectrum of CP at Orotta National Referral and Teaching Hospital, including CP subtypes, gross motor function, patterns of associated comorbidities, and possible risk factors in children aged 2 to 12 years.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2022 in 153 children with suspected motor symptoms. The Surveillance of CP in Europe (SCPE) decision tree was used as an inclusion criteria guideline and the evaluation of the participants was done using a standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were employed to statistically analyze the data.ResultsEighty-four children who fulfilled the clinical criteria were included in the study. The median age was 5-years [IQR: 3.8] with an equal distribution of males and females. Quadriplegic CP was the most common subtype (51.2%) followed by unilateral (hemiplegic) CP (22.6%), and dyskinetic CP (14.3%). Most children had severe gross motor impairment GMFCS level IV-V and females were almost three times more likely to have GMFCS level IV/V than males (AOR: 2.70; CI: 1.08–6.72; p-value = 0.033.) More than half (52.4%) of the neonates either did not cry within five minutes and/or needed breathing resuscitation, 55.3% had to be admitted to the NICU with a median of 5 days’ hospital stay. Between the first week of birth and the first year of life, 28.6% had trouble feeding, 26.2% had an infection, 10.7% had difficulty breathing, 20.2% had seizures and 6% had jaundice. Feeding problems (64.3%), speech problems of some sort (91.7%), and epilepsy (46.4%) were the most commonly associated comorbidities with CP.ConclusionsThe clinical profile of the CP patients was found to be dominated by the spastic subtype and moderate to severe disability. Since perinatal risk factors were found to be dominant, strengthening maternal and child healthcare systems is recommended to minimize incidents of preventable risk factors and the burden of the disability.

FİZİKİ MƏHDUDLUĞU OLAN ATICILARIN MƏŞQ PROSESİ ÜÇÜN SƏMƏRƏLİ VASİTƏ VƏ METODLARIN TƏYİNİ

Determination of Effective Tools and Methods for the Training Process of Physically Disabled Shooters Summary The topic we are addressing has been relevant for almost all time. We are talking about people with physical disabilities. It is a fact that this issue will always be on the agenda of the society as long as humanity exists. Disability is not only the result of certain unpleasant events, but also a consequence of birth. That is, this urgent issue is approached from a medical point of view. A more important issue is the rehabilitation of disabled people, their integration into society. As one of the main means of effectively organizing the leisure time of the disabled, sports has attracted great interest among the disabled. Key words: shooting, air pistol, training process, physical limitation, instability, efficient tool, method

Pemidanaan Terhadap Pelaku Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga Oleh Suami Terhadap Istri

Domestic violence, especially that committed by husbands against their wives, is actually not a new thing. However, so far it has always been kept secret or covered up by the family, as well as by the victim himself or the family. Violence that occurs in the household contains something specific or special. The impact of violence experienced by wives can have psychological consequences such as anxiety, moodiness, depression, insecurity, loss of trust in their husbands, self-blame and so on. Physical consequences such as bruises, broken bones, physical disabilities, menstrual disorders, uterine damage, miscarriages, infectious diseases, psychomatic diseases and even death. Therefore, this article aims to analyse the punishment of perpetrators of domestic violence by husbands against wives.

Expert Consensus Document: An Algorithm for the Care and Treatment of Patients with Constipation Based on Ultrasonographic Findings in the Rectum.

Chronic constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder, and its management is critical. However, it is extremely difficult to assess its subjective symptoms when patients are unable to report them due to cognitive or physical disabilities, especially in cases of patients with incurable geriatric, pediatric, palliative, psychiatric, or neurological diseases. We had previously established a protocol for observing and assessing rectal fecal retention using ultrasonography and for classifying cases into three categories based on the rectal findings: no fecal retention, fecal retention without hard stools, and fecal retention with hard stools. However, although the detection of rectal fecal retention using ultrasonography would be expected to lead to better therapeutic management, there is no standard algorithm for selecting specific treatments and defecation care options based on ultrasonographic findings. Therefore, we organized an expert consensus meeting of multidisciplinary professionals to develop such an algorithm based on rectal ultrasonography findings for patients with constipation in both residential and hospital settings.

The use of general anesthesia for dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs in Alberta, Canada.

Children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) often require specialized interventions due to their disabilities. Dental general anesthesia (DGA) is a treatment modality, which improves their access to care but concerns about repeated DGAs persist. This study investigated DGA utilization in children with SHCN and identified factors associated with multiple DGAs in Alberta, Canada (2010-2020). This retrospective population-based study used administrative data encompassing all children (<18 years) undergoing DGA in publicly funded facilities. Children were identified as SHCN based on their diagnosis codes and categorized into behavioral/psychiatric disorders, mental/intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, systemic conditions, syndromes/congenital anomalies, physical-mental disabilities, and disabilities with medical conditions. This study analyzed 3884 DGA visits for children with SHCN, predominantly males aged 6-11 and from low-income families. Mental/intellectual disabilities were prevalent (31.8%), and autism was the leading disease. Caries was the primary dental diagnosis across all groups, whereas pulp problems were higher in psychiatric/behavioral disorders (23.6%), and periodontal problems were more common in physical-mental disabilities (13.2%). 28.7% had multiple DGAs, with younger age, disabilities with medical conditions, mental/intellectual disabilities, and initial pulp treatments, increasing the likelihood of multiple DGAs. This study highlights the importance of individualized prevention and less conservative treatments for younger children to reduce oral health disparities.

Examining the impact of self-stigma on workplace well-being: an empirical investigation of medical students with physical disabilities in China and the moderating role of trait mindfulness

BackgroundAs societal evolution unfolds in China, individuals with physical disabilities are increasingly provided opportunities in higher education, particularly in the field of medicine. However, these medical students often encounter bias in their work environments, including during internships, which fosters self-stigma and impedes their experience for workplace well-being (WWB). Such a decrease in WWB detrimentally affects not only their mental health in the workplace but also hinders their sense of personal worth and assimilation into broader society. This study aims to examine the challenges faced by medical students with physical disabilities in China as they aspire to achieve WWB, and to explore potential intervention strategies.MethodsLeveraging cognitive consistency theory (CCT), we introduces a conceptual framework to examine the relationships among self-stigma, perceived discrimination, and WWB. It also investigates the role of trait mindfulness as a potential mitigating factor in this dynamic. We employed the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS), Discrimination Perception Questionnaire (DPQ), Workplace Well-being Subscale (WWBS), and Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to survey 316 medical students with physical disabilities. Statistical analyses, including correlation, regression, and moderated mediation effect assessments, were conducted using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0.ResultsA notable negative correlation exists between self-stigma and WWB (r = -0.56, p < 0.01). Perceived discrimination partially mediates the relationship between self-stigma and WWB. The direct effect of self-stigma and its mediating effect through perceived discrimination account for 60.71% and 21.43% of the total effect, respectively. Trait mindfulness moderates the latter part of this mediating pathway. Moderation models indicate that trait mindfulness has a significant negative moderating effect on the impact of perceived discrimination on WWB (β = -0.10, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSelf-stigma adversely affects the positive work experiences of medical students with physical disabilities by eliciting a heightened sensitivity to discriminatory cues, thereby undermining their WWB. Trait mindfulness can effectively counter the detrimental effects of perceived discrimination on WWB. Consequently, this study advocates for the systematic incorporation of mindfulness training into educational services and workplace enhancement programs for medical students with disabilities, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive external environment.

Workplace social support for people with physical disability

BACKGROUND: The employment experiences of individuals with physical disabilities in previous studies shed light on the challenges they face and the assistance they receive in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the practical and emotional social support received by individuals with physical disabilities in their workplaces from colleagues, employers, or supervisors. The study explored different forms of social support, considering both positive and negative outcomes. METHODS: Twenty participants completed a questionnaire consisting of open and closed-type questions to gather demographic and personal data. In-depth interviews were conducted as free discussions. Employing content analysis, the researchers categorized the reported forms of workplace social support into four primary categories and calculated their frequency of occurrence. RESULTS: Participants reported 175 cases of practical support and 358 cases of emotional support, both with positive and negative outcomes. Among these cases, 376 referred to social support, practical and emotional, with positive outcomes, and 157 to social support, practical and emotional, with negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: The participants received more cases of social support, practical and emotional, with positive outcomes than corresponding cases of social support with negative outcomes. At the same time, the reported cases of emotional support with positive and negative outcomes outnumbered the corresponding cases of practical support. These findings could be the starting point for future studies in workplace social support for people with physical disabilities.

Meeting the needs of physically disabled tourists: use of service robots toward the hotel attachment

满足身体残障游客的需求：酒店服务机器人在促进酒店情感联系中的应用研究目的本研究关注身体残障游客, 并检查他们对酒店服务机器人的感知, 以及对整体体验、行为意图和酒店情感联系的影响。研究方法通过Prolific平台进行调查, 收集了409名受访者的数据。数据使用PLS-SEM进行分析。研究发现显著的PLS-SEM结果表明, 感知安全性和功能性收益显著影响酒店的整体体验和再次入住意愿。感知隐私与酒店的整体体验和再次入住意愿无关。此外, 酒店的整体体验显著影响再次入住意愿, 进而影响酒店情感联系。研究局限性本研究仅考察了身体残障游客对酒店服务机器人的感知。研究结果基于调查, 因此无法推广到整体。研究创新当前研究表明再次入住意愿和酒店情感联系的影响。此外, 本研究探讨了整体酒店体验在感知隐私、感知安全和功能性收益与再次入住意愿之间的关联中的中介作用。

Comparing the reliability of physical activity questionnaires in community-dwelling adults with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Physical activity (PA) is important for people with stroke, but the reliability of PA questionnaires used in this population has been relatively unexplored. Objective To compare the internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability of 3 commonly used PA questionnaires in adults with stroke. Methods Participants reported their PA levels twice, 2–3 days apart, using the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) were calculated for test-retest reliability, Cronbach’s alpha (α) for internal consistency, and standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) for absolute reliability. Results Twenty-eight people (64.4 years, 50% female, 5.2 years post-stroke) participated. Internal consistency was acceptable for total scores on the IPAQ ( α = 0.79) and GPAQ ( α = 0.74), but only domain-level scores for the GPAQ ( α = 0.71–0.88). In the full sample, test-retest reliability was good for the PASIPD (ICC2,1 = 0.83) but poor for the IPAQ and GPAQ (ICC2,1 <0.50). After excluding participants self-reporting true changes in PA, all questionnaires had good test-retest reliability (ICC2,1 = 0.77–0.88). SEM and MDC95 were lowest for the PASIPD (188.8 and 523.3 MET-minutes/week, respectively). Conclusions In adults with stroke, the IPAQ and GPAQ had adequate total-questionnaire internal consistency, and the GPAQ had acceptable domain-level internal consistency. When true change in PA did not occur, test-retest reliability was good for all questionnaires. We suggest clinicians and rehabilitation scientists can use any of the three questionnaires, but may consider the GPAQ due to acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

An evaluation of conceptual frameworks to improve reproductive health outcomes among women with physical disabilities.

To identify and evaluate conceptual frameworks intended to guide reproductive health research among women with physical disabilities. Discussion paper. We identified and evaluated frameworks related to the reproductive health of women with physical disabilities using modified criteria by Fawcett and DeSanto-Madeya with constructs from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. We conducted a systematic review of literature published from 2001 to 2024 in four databases. Our review revealed two frameworks: (1) A perinatal health framework for women with physical disabilities is applicable to studies that consider multiple socioecological determinants in pregnancy; (2) A conceptual framework of reproductive health in the context of physical disabilities can guide the development of patient-reported outcome measures for a range of reproductive health outcomes. The identified frameworks have high potential to guide studies that can improve the reproductive health of women with physical disabilities. However, they have low social congruence among racially and ethnically minoritized women. Future frameworks must take an intersectional approach and consider the compounding injustices of ableism, racism, classism and ageism on reproductive health. A holistic approach that is inherent to the discipline of nursing is essential to address these knowledge gaps. The reproductive health of women with disabilities is a research priority. Nurses and other researchers can select the framework most applicable to their research questions to guide study designs and should incorporate multi-level determinants to eliminate reproductive health disparities.

Bahaya pada Masa Remaja

This article discusses the dangers faced by teenagers, both physically and psychologically. Adolescence is an important transition period in an individual's life, where they experience various physical, emotional and social changes. This article outlines some of the physical dangers that teenagers face, such as the risk of death, suicide attempts, physical disabilities, and problems with awkwardness or stiffness. Additionally, psychological dangers are discussed, including immature social behavior, risky sexual behavior, and conflict in family relationships. It is important to understand that these dangers can have a significant impact on a teenager's development and well-being. Therefore, this article also explores the implications of adolescent development in the context of counseling services, including the importance of emotional development, moral education, religious awareness, creativity, and political awareness. In conclusion, this article highlights the complexity of adolescence and the importance of appropriate interventions in supporting positive adolescent development.

Effectiveness of Online Sexual Health Psychoeducation Program on Sexual Health Attitudes of Adolescents with Physical Disabilities: A Randomized Controlled Study

Effectiveness of Online Sexual Health Psychoeducation Program on Sexual Health Attitudes of Adolescents with Physical Disabilities: A Randomized Controlled Study