Rehabilitation Clinical Practice Research Articles

Validation of the Norwegian International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) in adult readers with normal vision

There is a lack of standardised reading tests in Norwegian suitable for adults and persons with visual impairment (VI). The International Reading Speed Texts (IReST) measure reading performance of longer paragraphs. The aim of this project was to translate and validate the IReST in Norwegian. Each of the German, English and Swedish IReST were translated into Norwegian. The translations were matched for length, linguistic difficulty, and structure, and piloted in five adults. Reading speed was assessed in 25 readers (41 years, SD = 10) with normal vision and the readings were recorded. Reading speeds were analysed for variability between texts and participants. There were no statistically significant differences between the ten texts (135 words, 765 characters [SD=18], word variation index 91.8% [SD = 0.9%]). Reading speed in adult readers was 204 (SD=31) words/min. There was no difference across texts for any of the participants (p>0.05). Reading speed variance was 77.4% between subjects and 22.6% between texts. The Norwegian IReST is standardised and comparable to the international IReST tests. Reading speed falls within normative values in adult readers. The Norwegian IReST will be a valuable tool in assessing reading in clinical health care, rehabilitation and educational practice of adult and visually impaired readers and in reading research.

Effects of Maitland mobilization technique on upper extremity function in stroke survivors with spasticity: An experimental study.

The recovery of upper limb function is of great significance for stroke patients to regain their self-care ability, yet it is still a difficult point in clinical practice of neurological rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Maitland joint mobilization technique on the recovery of upper extremity function in patients with spasticity after stroke. From August to December 2023, 71 patients with upper extremity flexor spasm after stroke were recruited and randomly divided into experimental group (n = 35) and control group (n = 36). The control group was given conventional rehabilitation treatment, while the experimental group was treated with Maitland mobilization technique treatment of upper extremity joints on the basis of the control group. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. Participants of the 2 groups were observed for Fugl-Meyer motor assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE), box and block test (BBT) and Brunnstrom stage, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), and functional independence measure (FIM) at pre- and post-8 weeks study. There was no significant difference in gender distribution, hemiplegic side, diagnosis, past history, age, duration, body mass index, and mini-mental state examination between the 2 groups (P > .05). After 8 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant improvement in FMA-UE, Brunnstrom stage, BBT, FIM, and MAS of the shoulder (P < .05); however, there was no significant change in MAS of the elbow, wrist, and finger joints (P > .05). The posttreatment values showed a significant improvement in FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group compared to the control group. Comparing the changes in pretreatment and posttreatment, FMA-UE, BBT, and FIM in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group (P < .05). Maitland joint mobilization can improve the motor function of upper extremity and the spasticity of shoulder joint complex in patients with stroke.

Age-Related Variations in Breast Cancer Complications: Insights from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinical Practice.

Background Breast cancer patients often experience complications related to the disease or its treatment. With the rising average life expectancy, age is becoming less of a factor in treatment decisions for this condition. This study aims to evaluate differences in breast cancer complications among various age groups in patients referred to a hospital's physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) department. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted among all breast cancer patients evaluated in a PMR department between November 2019 and March 2021. Data were collected from patients' clinical files. SPSS® version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis. Results We assessed 85 patients with a mean age of 56 years, finding that shoulder pain was the primary referral reason, reported by 85.9% of patients, followed by lymphedema in 32% of cases. Patients aged 56-65 years exhibited greater deficits in shoulder mobility compared to those between 66 and 75 years old, as well as greater functional limitations compared to other age groups. Most patients reported symptoms post-surgery, with an average delay of 24 months in PMR consultation. Despite this, nearly all patients (89.3%) reported clinical improvement following interventions. Conclusions We found that individuals in the 56-65-year age group were more prone to develop functional and shoulder mobility limitations. Despite delayed consultation, the majority of patients experienced clinical improvement, highlighting the intervention effectiveness of PMR interventions. These findings suggest that age alone may not be a determining factor in the reported breast cancer sequelae, implying the influence of other contributing factors in patient management. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the diverse burden of disease sequelae observed across different age groups and to devise tailored interventions.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation alone and in combination with rehabilitation therapies on gait and balance among individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurogenerative disorder implicated in dysfunctions of motor functions, particularly gait and balance. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation offered as a potential adjuvant therapy for PD. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify whether tDCS alone and combined with additional rehabilitation therapies improve gait and balance among individuals with PD. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and relevant databases for eligible studies from inception to December 2022. Studies with a comparative design investigating the effects of tDCS on motor functions, including gait and balance among individuals with PD, were included. A meta-analysis was performed for each outcome using a random effects model for subgroup analysis and pooling of overall effect sizes. A total of 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that tDCS has moderate overall effects on gait, measured by gait speed (standardized mean deviation [SMD] = 0.238; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.026 to 0.502); stride length (SMD = 0.318; 95% CI - 0.015 to 0.652); cadence (SMD = - 0.632; 95% CI - 0.932 to - 0.333); freezing of gait questionnaire scores (SMD = - 0.360; 95% CI - 0.692 to - 0.027); step length (SMD = 0.459; 95% CI - 0.031 to 0.949); walking time (SMD = - 0.253; 95% CI - 0.758 to 0.252); stride time (SMD = - 0.785; 95% CI: - 1.680 to 0.111); double support time (SMD = 1.139; 95% CI - 0.244 to 0.523); and balance, measured by timed up and go (TUG) test (SMD = - 0.294; 95% CI - 0.516 to - 0.073), Berg balance scale (BBS) scores (SMD = 0.406; 95% CI - 0.059 to 0.87), and dynamic gait index (SMD = 0.275; 95% CI - 0.349 to 0.898). For the subgroup analysis, gait and balance demonstrated moderate effect sizes. However, only cadence, stride time, and TUG indicated a significant difference between real and sham tDCS (P = 0.027, P = 0.002, and P = 0.023, respectively), whereas cadence and BBS (P < 0.01 and P = 0.045, respectively) significantly differed after real tDCS plus other therapies rather than after sham tDCS plus other therapies. Our results indicated that tDCS is significantly associated with gait and balance improvements among individuals with PD. The findings of this study provide more proof supporting the effectiveness of tDCS, encouraging tDCS to be utilized alone or in combination with other therapies in clinical practice for PD rehabilitation.

Spatial Neglect: An Exploration of Clinical Assessment Behaviour in Stroke Rehabilitation.

There is a large gap between evidence-based recommendations for spatial neglect assessment and clinical practice in stroke rehabilitation. We aimed to describe factors that may contribute to this gap, clinician perceptions of an ideal assessment tool, and potential implementation strategies to change clinical practice in this area. Qualitative focus group investigation. Focus group questions were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and asked participants to describe their experiences and perceptions of spatial neglect assessment. Online stroke rehabilitation educational bootcamp. A sample of 23 occupational therapists, three physiotherapists, and one orthoptist that attended the bootcamp. Prior to their focus group, participants watched an hour-long educational session about spatial neglect. A deductive analysis with the Theoretical Domains Framework was used to describe perceived determinants of clinical spatial neglect assessment. An inductive thematic analysis was used to describe perceptions of an ideal assessment tool and practice-change strategies in this area. Participants reported that their choice of spatial neglect assessment was influenced by a belief that it would positively impact the function of people with stroke. However, a lack of knowledge about spatial neglect assessment appeared to drive low clinical use of standardised functional assessments. Participants recommended open-source online education involving a multidisciplinary team, with live-skill practice for the implementation of spatial neglect assessment tools. Our results suggest that clinicians prefer functional assessments of spatial neglect, but multiple factors such as knowledge, training, and policy change are required to enable their translation to clinical practice.

Investigating shared decision-making during the use of a digital health tool for physical activity planning in cardiac rehabilitation.

Shared decision making (SDM) between healthcare professionals and persons with CVD can have a positive impact on motivation, adherence, or sustainability regarding long-term goals and integration of cardiovascular disease (CVD) rehabilitation in the everyday lives of persons with CVD. SDM can foster the transition between regular heart-healthy activity at rehabilitation facilities and more independent activity at home, but it is often challenging to implement SDM given limited time and resources, e.g., in the daily practice of rehabilitation. Digital tools can help but must be appropriately tailored for situated use and user needs. We aimed to (1) describe in how far SDM is manifested in the situated context when using a digital tool developed by our group, and, based on that, (2) reflect on how digital health tools can be designed to facilitate and improve the SDM process. In the context of a field study, we investigated how SDM is already naturally applied and manifested when using a digital tool for joint physical activity planning in cardiac rehabilitation in clinical practice. In a two-week qualitative study, we collected data on expectations, experiences and interactions during the use of a digital health tool by seven persons with CVD and five healthcare professionals. Data was collected by means of observations, interviews, questionnaires and a self-reported diary, and analysed with a particular focus on episodes related to SDM. We found that SDM was manifested in the situated context to limited extent. For example, we identified high improvement potential for more structured goal-setting and more explicit consideration of preferences and routines. Based on mapping our findings to temporal phases where SDM can be adopted, we highlight implications for design to further support SDM in clinical practice. We consider this as "SDM supportive design in digital health apps," suggesting for example step-by-step guidance to be used during the actual consultation. This study contributes to further understanding and integration of SDM in digital health tools with a focus on rehabilitation, to empower and support both persons with CVD and healthcare professionals.

Phytotherapy: knowledge, experience and prescription in oral healthcare. A cross-sectional survey of dental practitioners.

This exploratory survey assessed Brazilian dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding phytotherapy. This study used a consecutive sample of registered dentists who were active in clinical practice and attending advanced training for complex oral rehabilitation at a leading dental school in Latin America. Participants responded to a semi-structured 38-item instrument designed to collect data on sociodemographic, professional and health variables, and on their knowledge, use, prescription and opinions of phytotherapy. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were described and analyzed with a thematic approach. A total 53 dentists responded the survey (88.3% response rate). Six dentists reported formal education in phytotherapy and 33 had informal knowledge. Twenty-one dentists (39.6%) reported using herbal medicine, and 17 (32.1%) prescribed phytotherapy to their patients, mostly traditional medicinal plants. A logistic regression model showed that post-graduate degree and personal use of phytotherapy were associated with phytotherapy prescription. Opinions on how to improve the rational use of phytotherapy included the need for research evidence, specific academic education, and knowledge dissemination to clinicians. As a clinical recommendation, it was proposed that questions on herbal medicine should be asked during the dental patient's anamnesis. Dentists with post-graduate degrees and personal use of phytotherapy prescribe herbal medicines for their patients in real-world clinics, regardless of formal education on the subject. Qualitative findings indicate the need to implement scientific initiatives.

Use of Virtual Reality in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

ABI is found in all societies as the most severe, disabling neurological disorder. A cognitive rehabilitation program is essential for the clinical recovery of these patients, improving functional outcomes and quality of life. Modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) offer several advantages over traditional therapies, including the ability to engage people in simulated performance of functional tasks. This review will examine the studies in which virtual reality has been used as an aid, technique, or intervention in patients with acquired brain injury. Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. We found that TBI patients responded positively to VR treatment depending on the damaged or impaired cognitive and motor functions they acquired. It is now a tool that is available in the rehabilitation of these patients and supports the recovery of various motor and cognitive functions. This review has shown that VR is an intervention technique that increasingly exists in clinical rehabilitation practice for ABI patients. The device uses advanced technologies that can cause general changes in cognitive, motor, and psychological aspects and create a simulated environment that can partially restore these functions and behaviors, as well as the behaviors of everyday life.

Expert consensus on management of pain, agitation and related issues in adult patients with critical respiratory diseases

As patients with critical respiratory diseases suffer from the discomfort of disease, frequent medical and nursing procedures, and the noise disturbance of the ICU environment, it is necessary to implement analgesia and sedation to reduce their negative stress and oxygen consumption. Special emphasis will be placed on the clinical practice of analgesia, sedation and rehabilitation in critically ill patients with respiratory diseases, as different pathophysiological features of the respective pulmonary diseases are presented, such as severe asthma and acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as the exclusive situations during respiratory therapy, such as recruitment maneuvers, bedside bronchoscopy and operation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenators. To standardize the prevention and management of pain, agitation, delirium, immobility, and sleep disturbance in adult patients with critical respiratory diseases, the Chinese Thoracic Society and Critical Care Medicine Group of Chinese Association of Chest Physicians, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized pulmonary and critical care experts to discuss 19 important issues and ultimately provided 20 recommendations based on the best available evidence.Assessment, prevention and management of pain should be prioritized before the administration of continuous infused sedatives in all patients with critical respiratory diseases. Bundles that include multiple strategies of non-pharmacological interventions to prevent and manage delirium and sleep disruption are encouraged. For the patients with stable respiratory and hemodynamic status, early mobility and exercise could be safe and beneficial. Respiratory drive control by addressing patient and ventilator factors should be the priority before administration of analog-sedation protocol in the ARDS patients. Deep sedation could be necessary in the early stage of ARDS with high respiratory drive, and during the recruitment maneuver, prone position and measurement of the respiratory mechanics. Maintaining spontaneous breathing with a lower level of sedation is recommended in COPD patients on invasive mechanical ventilation, while a deeper level of sedation, even with a short course of neuromuscular blockade, may be beneficial among severe asthma patients with high peak airway pressure. Pharmacokinetic alterations in patients with critical respiratory diseases during ECMO support are complicated as varied factors are involved, including ECMO circuit factors, drug factors, and patient factors. Therefore, the dosage of analgesics and sedatives should be adjusted according to the target of analog-sedation protocol in the respective disease.

Efficacy of rehabilitation interventions evaluated in common neurological conditions in improving participation outcomes: A systematic review

Objective Modern clinical rehabilitation practice aligned to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities highlights the importance of attention to participation in the rehabilitation formulation. This systematic review investigates the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions evaluated in common neurological disorders reported to influence participation outcomes. Data sources PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to 25 April 2023. Only randomised controlled trials were considered for inclusion. Review methods The data were extracted by two independent reviewers in the following categories: characteristics of the included study publications, description of intervention and outcome measures. Results A total of 1248 unique article records were identified through the databases. Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials were included with 15 publications having participation as a primary outcome measure. Articles were related to multiple sclerosis (N = 4), spinal cord injury (N = 2), stroke (N = 16) and traumatic brain injury (N = 6). Four publications showed significant differences in pre- and post-intervention within experimental groups. All four articles described participation as primary outcome measure. Conclusion There is a limited evidence of the identified rehabilitation interventions to improve participation in common neurological conditions. However, there was a paucity of articles involving individual with Parkinson's disease that met the inclusion criteria.

Strengthening the connection between clinical research and clinical practice of cognitive rehabilitation.

Strengthening the connection between clinical research and clinical practice of cognitive rehabilitation.

Recovery of autonomic dysfunction assessed by heart rate variability after acute stroke: an observational study

Background/Aims Early mobilisation after acute stroke is recommended worldwide, and autonomic dysfunction is a common complication. However, little is known about autonomic adaptation to postural changes during early mobilisation. The aim of the present study was to clarify the recovery process of autonomic dysfunction after acute stroke regarding adaptation to postural changes. Methods A total of 23 patients (mean age 60 ± 11 years) were included in this observational study. Those with a history of arrhythmia, heart failure and diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy were excluded. Autonomic functions were assessed using heart rate variability. Electrocardiograms were recorded when the patients were lying down, sitting up and then lying back down again for 5 minutes in each position. The indices of heart rate variability, total power, high frequency band and low frequency/high frequency ratio, which correspond to total, parasympathetic and sympathetic activity respectively, were calculated to evaluate participants' autonomic function during the 7 days after the onset of stroke. Results From days 3 to 7 after stroke onset, the low frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly higher, and the total power and high frequency were reciprocally lower in the sitting position than in the supine position. On day 7, the total power and high frequency were significantly higher while the low frequency/high frequency ratio was lower than the total power and high frequency values that were recorded on the second and third days after stroke. Blood pressure levels and heart rates also changed, corresponding to changes in heart rate variability. Conclusions The patients' autonomic function, as well as heart rate and blood pressure levels, changed gradually during the first 7 days after onset of stroke. The results could lead to optimised clinical practice in safe early stroke rehabilitation.

Undergraduate Rehabilitation Education and Clinical Practice: Stakeholder Perspectives on Areas of Research Need

BackgroundThere remains some uncertainty on the role and nature of undergraduate-level rehabilitation education (URE) programs and service providers The existing research remains wide-ranging and limited.ObjectivesThis study evaluated perspectives from URE program stakeholders on key areas of research need relating to (a) undergraduate rehabilitation education, (b) URE graduate professional identity, and (c) professional issues relevant to URE.MethodsSurveys of URE perspectives on areas of research need were completed by thirty-nine URE stakeholders. A qualitative content analysis was utilized to identify themes within the data.FindingsParticipants identified a variety of areas of research need within the three broad content categories. Frequently cited topics included URE graduate outcomes, the place of URE programs and service providers in the greater field of rehabilitation, program accreditation, and areas of best practice in URE.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study highlight multiple areas of research need. To best prepare URE graduates for success and to bolster the current status of the field of rehabilitation, a better understanding of the role and nature of URE will be valuable.

The age-related dynamics of brain stem volume in women

Aim to study the dynamics of brain stem volumetric parameters in women from the early adulthood period to the middle old age according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.&#x0D; Material and methods.The material for the study was the MRI data of 94 female patients. The MRI was prescribed to exclude a probable pathology of the central nervous system in these patients. All the subjects gave their consent to participate in the study. The study sample included individuals without pathology of central and peripheral nervous system, with absence of alcohol or drug addiction, with skulls of average shape mesocranes. The cranial index was calculated according to the protruding extreme points on the axial section in 3D reconstruction mode. The subjects were divided into four groups according to selected age periods. The first group consisted of 25 women of the early adulthood (21-35 years); the second group included 25 women of the middle and late adulthood (36-55 years); the third group included 23 early old age women (56-74 years); the fourth group consisted of 21 middle old age women (75-88 years).&#x0D; Results. The brain stem volume in women decreased by 1.21% (t=3.84; p0.01) during the whole period of adulthood and by 0.82% (t=2.32; p0.01) from the late adulthood to early old age. From early old age to middle old age, there was only a tendency for volume to decrease by 0.83% (t=1.75; p0.05). In early adulthood period women, the brain stem volume was 2.8% higher than in middle old age women (t=6.47; p0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion.The results of intravital comparative analysis of the brain stem volume in women of the adulthood period, early and middle old age contribute to the knowledge about its relation to age and sex parameters and can be used in further morphofunctional studies and in clinical practice in gerontology, neurology and rehabilitation.

Approaches to tracheoesophageal voice rehabilitation: a survey of the UK and Irish speech and language therapists' current practice and beliefs.

After total laryngectomy, surgical voice restoration is used to establish communication via tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis. Once voice is established, there is a paucity of information on what speech and language therapists (SLTs) should do to improve tracheoesophageal voice quality to ensure functional communication. No existing surveys or studies investigate this specific question. There is also a disconnect between guidelines, knowledge and clinical practice, whereby clinical guidelines stipulate the requirement for SLT intervention, but do not detail what this entails in the rehabilitation context. (1) To advance understanding of current clinical practice beyond voice prosthesis management and care. (2) To explore what approaches are implemented in clinical practice across the UK and Republic of Ireland to rehabilitate tracheoesophageal voice. (3) To investigate the barriers and facilitators to provision of tracheoesophageal voice therapy. A self-administered 10-min online survey was developed using Qualtrics software and piloted before dissemination. Survey development was informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify barriers, facilitators and additional factors contributing to SLTs' provision of voice therapy to tracheoesophageal speakers. The survey was disseminated via social media and professional networks. Eligibility criteria included SLTs with at least one year post-registration experience and with experience of working with laryngectomy in the past 5 years. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse closed answer questions. Open question responses were analysed using content analysis. The survey received 147 responses. Participants were representative of the head and neck cancer SLT workforce. SLTs believe that tracheoesophageal voice therapy is an important aspect of laryngectomy rehabilitation; however, there was a lack of knowledge about therapy approaches and insufficient resources for implementing therapy. SLTs expressed a desire for more training, specific guidelines and a stronger evidence base to inform clinical practice. Some SLTs expressed feelings of frustration and lack of acknowledgement for the specialist skills required to undertake laryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheoesophageal work in general. The survey identifies the need for a robust training approach and detailed clinical guidelines to promote consistent practice across the profession. The evidence base within this clinical area is emergent, hence there is a need for increased research and clinical audit to inform practice. Under-resourcing was highlighted, which should be considered in service planning to ensure that adequate staff, access to expert practitioners or time ring-fenced for therapy are available for tracheoesophageal speakers to receive the support they require. What is already known on this subject Total laryngectomy results in life-altering changes to communication. Clinical guidelines advocate for speech and language therapy intervention; however, there is no clear information on what SLTs should do to optimize tracheoesophageal voice and the evidence base to support practice is lacking. What this study adds to existing knowledge This survey identifies what interventions SLTs provide in clinical practice to rehabilitate tracheoesophageal voice; and it explores the barriers and facilitators that influence the provision of tracheoesophageal voice therapy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Specific training, clinical guidelines, increased research and audit are required to support clinical practice in laryngectomy rehabilitation. Service planning should address the under-resourcing of staff, expert practitioners and therapy allocated time.

Usability of exergames as a home-based balance training tool for older adults: protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionExergames are used in the clinical practice of geriatric rehabilitation to increase physical activity levels and motivate players/patients. Their use in the home environment makes it possible to perform fun,...

Innovative Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation for Quality-of-Life Improvement: Experience from Cooperation Between Centres in Hungary and Slovakia

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the experience of two participating workplaces in introducing innovative robotically assisted rehabilitation in clinical practice and influencing the quality of life of patients. Methodology/Approach: Online questionnaires were distributed to the rehabilitation staff of the two workplaces, and the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Barthel index were measured before the start of rehabilitation and after the completion of rehabilitation. Results showed that the robots were highly effective, easy to use, and significant in achieving the therapeutic goal. Rehabilitation specialists who already have experience in robotic rehabilitation perceive the expected impacts with a higher efficiency of 10% compared to those who do not have experience with robot-assisted therapy. In a selected group of patients, a significant positive effect on the functional status of patients and their quality of life was demonstrated. Research Limitation/Implication: Robotically assisted rehabilitation has a positive effect on functional status and quality of life, motivating rehabilitation workers even when treating patients with severe disabilities. Originality/Value of paper: Data collected are beneficial for health, educational, and social fields.

Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations

Aim: Best-practice in audiological rehabilitation takes a holistic client- and family-centred approach and considers hearing care in the context of personal well-being. Hearing loss not only impairs the ability to hear, but can also compromise the ability to communicate, thus negatively impacting both social and emotional well-being. Hearing care professionals play a key role in fostering their client’s well-being. This paper aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to ensure inclusion of social-emotional well-being in audiologic rehabilitation clinical practice. Methods: A review of current research and expert opinion. Results: This guide proposes a 5-step plan which includes: identifying the client’s social-emotional well-being; including family members in audiological rehabilitation; incorporating social-emotional needs and goals in an individualized management plan; relating identified hearing needs and goals to rehabilitation recommendations; and using counselling skills and techniques to explore and monitor social-emotional well-being. Each component of the 5-step plan is discussed and clinical considerations are presented. Conclusion: These comprehensive recommendations provide guidance to hearing care professionals looking to ensure clients’ social-emotional well-being are considered throughout the rehabilitation journey.

The effect of whole-body vibration on lower extremity function in children with cerebral palsy: A meta-analysis.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration training on lower limb motor function in children with cerebral palsy in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers systematically searched the records of nine databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, CNKI, etc.) from inception to December 2022. Tools from the Cochrane Collaboration were used to assess risk of bias. Standard meta-analyses were performed using Stata 16.0 and Revman 5.3. For continuous variables, the arms difference was calculated as the weighted mean difference (WMD) between the values before and after the intervention and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Of the 472 studies identified, 13 (total sample size 451 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that WBV training could effectively improve GMFM88-D [WMD = 2.46, 95% CI (1.26, 3.67), P<0.01] and GMFM88-E [WMD = 3.44, 95% CI (1.21, 5.68), P = 0.003], TUG [WMD = -3.17, 95% CI (-5.11, -1.24), P = 0.001], BBS [WMD = 4.00,95% CI (3.29, 4.71), P<0. 01] and the range of motion of ankle joint and the angle of ankle joint during muscle reaction in children with cerebral palsy. The effect of WBV training on 6MWT walking speed [WMD = 47.64, 95% CI (-25.57, 120.85), p = 0.20] in children with cerebral palsy was not significantly improved. WBV training is more effective than other types of conventional physical therapy in improving the lower limb motor function of children with cerebral palsy. The results of this meta-analysis strengthen the evidence of previous individual studies, which can be applied to the clinical practice and decision-making of WBV training and rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy.

ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ЭНДООССАЛЬНОГО ЦЕЛЬНОКЕРАМИЧЕСКОГО ВИНТОВОГО ОДНОЭТАПНОГО ИММЕДИАТ-ИМПЛАНТАТА В ОРТОПЕДИЧЕСКОЙ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ ПАЦИЕНТОВ С АДЕНТИЕЙ

The subject of the study is the prospects for the introduction of an endosseous all-ceramic screw one-stage immediate implant in the clinical practice of orthopedic rehabilitation.&#x0D; The objectives analysis of the prospects for the use of the developed dental implant (endossal all-ceramic screw single-stage implant) in dental practice during orthopedic rehabilitation of patients with adentia.&#x0D; Methodology. The study was performed on the basis of an analysis of orthopedic rehabilitation means and their effectiveness in patients of dental clinics in the cities of Kemerovo for 2018–2022.&#x0D; Results.The results of rehabilitation of patients with adentia using dental implants based on zirconium dioxide (both imported and patented bio-implants) and implants based on titanium alloys are presented.&#x0D; The new endosseous all-ceramic screw one-stage implant developed by the author of the study (RF Patent for Invention No. 2651052; Eurasian Patent No. 035482) is distinguished by its design (rough active two-component thread passing into a polished neck by switching the platform and then into a suprastructure with the possibility of its individualization in the cavity mouth) and the method of treating the surface of the exclusively threaded part of the implant with calcium hydroxyapatite.&#x0D; The possibility of using the developed implant will satisfy the needs of patients for a minimally invasive implantation procedure, ensuring its economic efficiency in relation to an analogue imported ceramic implant. In addition, due to the specialized surface treatment, the developed implant does not require the use of bone substitutes, and the presence of a biocoating allows expanding its use in groups of patients with somatic pathologies.&#x0D; Conclusions. The performed study allows us to recommend the use of the developed bio-implant in clinical dentistry in order to study the possibilities of its use in the near and long term.