Self-perceived Physical Function Research Articles

Older adults and use of video games

Digital technologies are having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives and are driving major societal changes. The use of information and communication technologies in education is one of the fastest developing areas of research, but there is still a digital divide and a need for action in lifelong learning to empower older adults. Our aim was to understand the profile of older adults who use videogames and to identify the factors behind their use and their relationship with certain aspects of health and well-being (self-perceived health status, cognitive and physical functioning, psychological and social well-being). With this aim, we assessed the use and acceptance of different types of technology and how these might be influenced by different factors, such as older adults' age, gender and level of education. Results obtained suggest that there are significant differences between the frequency of video game use and age, gender, educational level and previous experience with digital technology, but no significant differences by gender were found in overall technology use. In conclusion, this study could contribute to the design of lifelong learning approaches for older people that can take advantage of the benefits offered by video games and other technologies to leave no one behind.

"Back Health 24/7/365"-A Novel, Comprehensive "One Size Fits All" Workplace Health Promotion Intervention for Occupational Back Health among Hospital Employees.

Projects for workplace health promotion (WHP) for back pain traditionally focus exclusively on work-related but not on leisure-time stress on the spine. We developed a comprehensive WHP project on the back health of hospital workers regardless of the physical characteristics of their work and compared its effects on sedentary and physically active hospital workers. Study assessments were carried out before and six months after participation in the WHP intervention. The primary outcome parameter was back pain (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI). Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), work ability (Work Ability Index), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), and quality of life (Short Form-36) were assessed via questionnaires as secondary outcome parameters. Physical performance was measured via the 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand test (30secSTS). Sixty-eight healthcare workers with non-specific back pain were included in the evaluation study of the WHP project "Back Health 24/7/365". After six months, back pain, physical performance, and self-perceived physical functioning (SF-36 Physical Functioning subscale) improved significantly in both groups. Not a single parameter showed an interaction effect with the group allocation. A comprehensive WHP-intervention showed significant positive effects on hospital workers regardless of the physical characteristics of their work.

Effects of declines in personal mastery on self-perceived mobility, physical function, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms: a 6-year follow-up study from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study

Effects of declines in personal mastery on self-perceived mobility, physical function, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms: a 6-year follow-up study from the Social Environment and Biomarkers of Aging Study

The broader impact of specialized outpatient cancer rehabilitation on health and quality of life among breast cancer survivors.

e18881 Background: After diagnosis and treatment, women with cancer often experience significant functional decline from which most do not recover. Functional deficits, especially when persistent, are related to poorer health and quality of life (QOL). Interventions to mitigate declines in function, health and QOL are necessary given their known associations with morbidity and mortality yet are understudied and underutilized. While there is evidence supporting cancer rehabilitation’s (Physical or Occupational therapy, PT/OT) ability to improve physical function and upper extremity disability among breast cancer survivors (BCS), the impact of cancer PT or OT on health and QOL is unknown. To understand this broader impact, we examined the rehabilitation needs and outcomes of BCS who attended specialized, community-based cancer PT/OT. Methods: In this retrospective study, we extracted case characteristics and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures of health, function and QOL from a national sample of BCS who attended cancer-specialized outpatient PT or OT. We examined ICD-10 codes to identify rehabilitation needs. PROs collected at baseline and discharge from rehabilitation included: Patient Reported Outcome Measuring System (PROMIS) global physical health, global mental health, physical function, and ability to participate in social roles and activities. To examine change from baseline to discharge we used paired t-tests ( p< .05) and calculated effect size (Cohen’s d). Results: PT/OT patients (N = 2,706; PT, n = 2,245; OT, n = 461) were 99.6% female, 58.33±12.50 years old and attended approximately 10 (IQR: 7.0 – 17.0) sessions. Needs included: muscle atrophy, weakness or ataxia (PT: 44%, OT: 32%); lymphedema (PT: 40%, OT: 56%); upper extremity impairment (PT: 44%, OT: 28%); pain (PT: 44%, OT: 25%); and scar tissue or fibrosis (PT: 15%, OT: 16%). At discharge, all health, function and QOL-related outcomes improved significantly (p < .001) in both PT and OT. Specifically, significant gains in PROMIS global physical health (PT: M∆ = 3.56±7.21, d= 0.49; OT: M∆ = 2.26±7.03, d= 0.32), global mental health (PT: M∆ = 2.01±6.91, d= 0.29; OT: M∆ = 1.34±7.20, d= 0.19), physical function (PT: M∆ = 2.81±7.45, d= .38, M∆ = 1.91±7.39, d= .26), and participation in social roles & activities (PT: M∆ = 3.24±9.09, d= .36; OT: M∆ = 1.91±8.41, d= .23) were observed. Conclusions: BCS presented to community-based outpatient rehabilitation with a variety of needs yet, despite this variety, demonstrated significant improvement in self-perceived health, physical function and QOL. Significant gains were reported for both PT and OT interventions. For providers working with BCS, these results can be used to increase awareness of the role of cancer rehabilitation and support referral to these services. Future research should evaluate the impact of specialized PT/OT on individuals with other cancer types.

Association Between Household Income and Self-Perceived Health Status and Poor Mental and Physical Health Among Cancer Survivors.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is multidimensional and is composed of, at a minimum, self-perceived health status, physical functioning, and psychological well-being. HRQoL measures reflect the extent of disability and dysfunction associated with a chronic disease such as cancer. The objective of this study is to examine factors associated with HRQoL among cancer survivors.Methods: Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey was used to examine factors associated with HRQoL among participants who reported having ever been diagnosed with cancer. Four questions associated with HRQoL included self-perceived health status, number of bad physical health days, and number of bad mental health days per month. Least square regression and logistic regression models, adjusted for confounding variables, were used for an ordinal and dichotomous [5 (bad) vs. 1–4 (excellent, very good, good, fair)] scale of HRQoL, respectively.Results: Fifty nine thousand one hundred seventy three participants reported having ever been diagnosed with cancer. Adjusted mean self-perceived health status (5-point scale) among survivors of thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer was 3.83 (0.05), 4.02 (0.04), 4.36 (0.06), 3.77 (0.03), 3.88 (0.03), 3.78 (0.04), and 3.96 (0.05), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, a positive dose-response effect was observed between income range and all three HRQoL measures across all seven cancer sites. Income was consistently and inversely associated with a higher chance for reporting poorer HRQoL [OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.71], [OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48–0.82], [OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56–0.80], [OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.86], [OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.49–0.62], [OR:0.55, 95% CI: 0.44–0.69], [OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.91] among those with thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer, respectively.Discussion: This study found that income range was associated with HRQoL among cancer survivors. It is plausible that financial resources may lessen the overall burden of cancer survivors, which could improve health-related quality of life among cancer survivors.

Personalized physical rehabilitation program and employment in kidney transplant recipients: a randomized trial.

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for kidney failure; however after transplant, reduced physical function, poor self-perceptions, and unemployment are common concerns that remain. This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 12-month exercise rehabilitation program (intervention) to standard care alone (control) in kidney transplant recipients. The exercise intervention consisted of a 2day/week, 60-minute personalized, one-on-one, resistance-based exercise trainings. Eighty participants completed the study (52 intervention vs. 28 control). For individuals unemployed at baseline, there was a 52.3% increase in employment compared to 13.3 % increase in the control group after 12months (P=<0.0001). For those already employed at baseline, 100% of individuals maintained employment in both groups after 12months (P=0.4742). For all comers, there was a positive trend for Global Physical Health (P=0.0034), Global Mental Health (P=0.0064), and Physical Function (P=0.0075), with the intervention group showing greater improvements. These findings suggest the implementation of an exercise rehabilitation program postkidney transplant can be beneficial to increase employment for individuals previously unemployed, improve self-perceived health, physical function, and mental health, overall contributing to better health outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. (Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02409901).

Effects of SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG home-exercise for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Introduction Cervicogenic headache (CGH) may originate from the C1-C2 zygapophyseal joints. CGH is often associated with loss of range of motion (ROM), specific to this segment, and measurable by the cervical flexion-rotation test (CFRT). The main purposes of the study were: 1) to investigate the immediate effect of C1-C2 rotation SNAG mobilizations plus C1-C2 self-SNAG rotation exercise for patients with CGH and 2) to explore the link between the CFRT results and treatment response. Methods A prospective quasi-experimental single-arm design was used where patients with CGH received eight physical therapy treatments using a C1-C2 rotational SNAG technique combined with a C1-C2 self-SNAG rotation exercise over a four-week period. Outcome measures were pain intensity/frequency and duration, active cervical ROM, CFRT, neck-related and headache-related self-perceived physical function, fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia. Results The intervention produced strong effects on pain intensity, CFRT, physical function and pain catastrophizing. Moderate improvement was noted on active cervical ROM and on fear-avoidance beliefs and kinesiophobia. No link was found between pre-intervention CFRT ROM and treatment response. Conclusion SNAG mobilization combined with a self-SNAG exercise resulted in favorable outcomes for the treatment of CGH on patient-important and biomechanical outcomes, as well as pain-related cognitive-affective factors.

SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FUNCTION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH BODY COMPOSITION AND BLOOD LIPIDS

Clinical indicators of health status such as body composition, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness are objective; however, self-perceived health may be influenced by multiple factors. Thus, the PURPOSE of the present study was to explore associations among objective measures of health, self-perceived health, and habitual physical activity in overweight, older adults. METHODS: In 35 (27 F/8 M) overweight (body mass index, BMI≥ 27 kg/m2), older adults (>58 years) we assessed blood lipids (point-of-care analyzer); body composition (bioelectrical impedance); habitual physical activity (7-day accelerometry); cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max); and self-perceived health (36-item short form survey, SF-36). The SF-36 includes questions that assess eight health concepts including perceptions of physical function and general health. Scores for each concept can range from 0% (poor) to 100% (excellent). Associations were assessed utilizing partial correlations (controlling for age and sex). Significance was set to p< 0.05. RESULTS: Average values for these subjects included: age: 64±5y; SF-36 (general health): 63±14%; SF-36 (physical function): 77±16%; BMI: 35±5 kg/m2; body fat percentage: 44.7±0.1%; VO2max: 16±3 ml/kg/min; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): 47±23 min/day, LDL cholesterol: 105±27 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol: 49±11 mg/dL, triglycerides: 113±40 mg/dL, and glucose: 100±15 mg/dL. Self-perceived physical function was significantly (p< 0.05) correlated with indices of body composition and blood lipids [body fat percentage (r= -0.39), visceral fat area (r= -0.42), and LDL cholesterol (r= -0.51)], but not habitual MVPA. Self-perceived general health was significantly correlated with LDL/HDL (r= -0.60), but not indices of body composition or physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that perception of general health and physical function are more closely related to indices of body composition and blood lipids than habitual physical activity level.

Self-Perception of Physical Function Contributes to Participation in Cognitively- and Physically-Demanding Activities After Stroke.

Background: Persons with and without aphasia experience decreased participation in meaningful activities post-stroke that result in reduced autonomy and poorer quality of life. Physical, cognitive, and/or communication deficits are prevalent post-stroke and many activities given up are purported to require high levels of communicative, cognitive, or physical skill. However, the relationship between deficits after stroke and participation in life activities that appear to require high skill levels in these three areas has not been investigated fully.Objectives: The objectives of this study are to: (1) determine differences in reported participation in communicatively-, cognitively-, or physically-demanding activities in persons after stroke with and without aphasia living in the community, and to (2) investigate whether performance on commonly used self-perception assessments of these three areas predicts reported participation in activities requiring higher levels of skill in these domains.Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 82 individuals at least 6 months post-stroke with (N = 34) and without aphasia (N = 48) were administered a battery of neuropsychological and participation-based assessments. Supported communication techniques maximized inclusion of individuals with aphasia. A series of regression analyses investigated the relationship between self-perceived communicative, cognitive, and physical functioning and reported participation in activities post-stroke that required high amounts of skilled function in these areas.Results: People with and without aphasia did not differ in terms of the percentage retained in communicatively-, cognitively-, or physically-demanding activities. All individuals retained higher levels of participation in communicatively- and cognitively-demanding activities (at least 60% retained), compared to participation inphysically-demanding activities (about 50% retained). The strongest predictor for retaining participation in two of the three domains of activities was self-perception of physical function, though much of the variance remained unexplained. Self-perception of communication was not related to participation retention in any of the three domains.Significance of Impact: Rehabilitation professionals should be aware of the impact that a variety of communicative, cognitive, and physical factors may have on participation post-stroke. Self-perceptions of impairments in communication and cognition may not directly predict participation in activities requiring high levels of communicative and/or cognitive skill, at least for those with mild impairment, even though activities requiring those skills are given up or done less after stroke.

Abstract B036: Self-perceived health status, poor physical and mental health days among cancer survivors with different socioeconomic status

Abstract Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is multidimensional and is composed of, at a minimum, self-perceived health status, physical functioning and psychological well-being. HRQOL measures reflect the extent of disability and dysfunction associated with a chronic disease such as cancer. Self-perceived health status is a good proxy for disease burden among cancer patients. Purpose: This study used a nationally representative population survey to examine socioeconomic status disparities in HRQOL among survivors of thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate or ovarian cancer. Methods: Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey conducted by the CDC were used to examine factors associated with HRQOL among participants reported ever having been diagnosed with cancer. Typically, the cancer survivorship module is an optional component of the survey. However, the 2009 survey considered the cancer survivorship questions to be a core or required component of the survey. The BRFSS is a cross-sectional survey that assessed overall HRQOL, self-perceived health status, number of bad physical health and bad mental health days per month. Least square regression and logistic regression models, adjusting for confounding variables (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, and number of comorbidities), were used for ordinal and dichotomous (5 (bad) vs 1-4 (excellent, very good, good, fair)) scale of HRQOL, respectively. Results: Among 432,607 surveyed, 59,173 reported ever been diagnosed with cancer. The seven most reported cancers were the focus of this study. Mean score for self-perceived health status (5-point scale) among survivors of thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and ovary was 2.83 (1.10), 3.15 (1.12), 3.68 (1.12), 2.98 (1.17), 2.93 (1.09), 2.94 (1.10), and 3.16 (1.18), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, a positive dose-response effect was observed between income level and all three HRQOL measures across all seven cancer sites. Income was consistently and inversely associated with a higher chance for reporting poorer HRQOL [OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57-0.71], [OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48-0.82], [OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56-0.80], [OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56-0.86], [OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.49-0.62], [OR:0.55, 95% CI: 0.44-0.69], [OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.91] among those with breast, thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer, respectively. Race or ethnicity was not associated with in HRQOL among cancer survivors in the adjusted models. Conclusion: This study found income, but not race or ethnicity, is associated with HRQOL among cancer survivors, after adjusting for confounders in this nationally representative survey population. Household income appears to be a strong predictor of HRQOL among cancer survivors. Despite potential survival bias in this cross-sectional survey, it is possible that financial resources may lessen the overall burden of cancer survivors. Citation Format: Sarah N. O'Connor, L. Joseph Su. Self-perceived health status, poor physical and mental health days among cancer survivors with different socioeconomic status [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B036.

Do clinical or patient characteristics influence return to driving a car after a total knee or hip arthroplasty? a systematic review of the literature

Purpose: Recommendations for return to driving a car after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or a total hip arthroplasty (THA) are ambiguous. In fact, previous systematic reviews reported that it takes approximately 4 weeks to return to driving in the United States following a right-sided TKA or THA; however, such timeframes are dependent on patient and clinical factors. Although several reviews have published on time frame and laterality, none specifically examined potential covariates that can influence return to driving. The purpose of this study is to systematically review patient characteristics and clinical determinants that may influence return to driving status and time frames following a primary TKA or THA. Methods: This systematic review was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Final electronic database searches were completed in October 2019 in Medline/PubMed, Medline/OVID, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane Library using the following keywords: “joint arthroplasty”, “hip arthroplasty”, “knee arthroplasty”, and variations where “arthroplasty” was replaced by “replacement”. Outcome terms included “brake time,” “braking,” “reaction time,” “driving,” and “automobile.” Manuscripts of prospective and non-randomized studies that recruited primary knee or hip arthroplasty patients to examine return to driving outcomes were included. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to measure study quality. Study selections and quality assessments were completed by 2 authors with disagreements resolved through discussion, and, if needed, a third reviewer. Data extracted included: study title, author(s), country, year, study design, sample size, inclusion and exclusion criteria, age, BMI, gender, statistical analyses, driving measure, follow-up time, surgical approach, laterality, and postoperative management. Results: A total of 23 eligible studies were identified, including 12 TKA studies (n = 654) (Figure 1) with mean patient ages between 43 to 82 years, 9 THA studies (n = 922) with mean ages between 34 to 85 years, and 2 combined TKA and THA studies (TKA, n = 815; and THA, n = 685), yielded MINORS scores between 6 to 12 (Table 1). Return to driving was measured in 17 studies with driving simulators, using pre and postoperative response times; in 4 studies, with self-reported outcomes, and in 1 study with both approaches. Most patients achieved or exceeded preoperative response times between 1 to 8 weeks following a TKA and 2 days to 8 weeks following a THA, and/or self-reported return to driving between 1 week to 6 months (Table 1). Clinical Factors. TKA approaches were varied with mostly cemented techniques, Day 1 rehabilitation focused on mobility and weight-bearing and return to driving between 2 to 6-weeks (Table 2). For THA, the return to driving time occurred between 4 to 6 weeks for patients receiving the posterior approach, 3 to 4 weeks for the anterior approach, and 2 days to 4 weeks for the lateral approach (Table 2). Patient Characteristics. Influences on return to driving time included being female in 5 (71.4%) of TKA and 2 (25%) of THA studies, age in 1 (16.7%) of TKA and 1 (20%) of THA study, self-perceived readiness in the 2 (100%) TKA and the 4 (100%) THA studies, pain in the 3 (100%) TKA studies, assistive device use in 1 (50%) of TKA and 1 (33.3%) of THA study, and physical function in the 2 (100%) TKA and the 2 (100%) THA studies (Table 3). Conclusions: Our study results were consistent with previous published reports indicating that return to driving a car after a primary TKA or THA is highly variable, and most commonly occurs around 4 weeks, but can range between 2 to 8 weeks. Various patient and clinical factors can influence return to driving for a TKA or THA. For TKAs, the patient’s gender, pain levels, and assistive device use contributed to return to driving time. Meanwhile, for THAs, the surgical technique had some influence. Both for TKAs and THAs, in addition to laterality, the patient's self-perceived readiness and physical function influenced return to driving. The heterogeneous nature of the reviewed studies prevented a meta-analysis that could be beneficial for examining the strongest contributing factor(s) to determine return to driving a car following a primary TKA or THA. Regardless, this study presents current insight on patient and clinical factors beyond generalized timeframes for return to driving a car post TKA or THA, which can guide clinical recommendations and patient and clinician expectations.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Early Psychological and Social Factors Explain the Recovery Trajectory After Distal Radial Fracture.

This prospective study identified the association of demographic, injury, psychological, and social variables, measured early during recovery, with limitations in function (measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test [PROMIS UE]) at 6 to 9 months after a distal radial fracture. Additionally, we assessed variables associated with the PROMIS UE; the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH); the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE); and the 3-Level EuroQol 5 Dimensions Index (EQ-5D-3L) over time. A total of 364 adult patients (73% female), with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range, 45.5 to 77 years), who sustained an isolated distal radial fracture completed questionnaires at 3 time periods after the fracture: within 1 week, between 2 and 4 weeks, and between 6 and 9 months. We created a multivariable regression model and a generalized least squares random effects model, accounting for multicollinearity using correlation matrices, the variable inflation factor, and the partial R. Multiple variables within a week of the injury correlated with 6 to 9-month limitations in bivariate analysis. Being retired (partial R = 0.19; p < 0.001), using opioids after the fracture (partial R = 0.04; p < 0.001), using antidepressants (partial R = 0.11; p < 0.001), greater pain interference (partial R = 0.03; p = 0.001), and greater pain catastrophization (partial R = 0.04; p = 0.002) within 1 week of the injury were strong predictors of greater limitations (PROMIS UE) at 6 to 9 months in multivariable analysis. Longitudinal analysis of variables over time demonstrated greater pain interference, greater fear of movement, lower self-efficacy, older age, and female sex as strong predictors of limitations. Recovery from a distal radial fracture is influenced by a series of demographic, psychological, and social variables. Of these factors, being retired, using opioids, using antidepressants, greater pain interference, and greater pain catastrophization within a week of the injury explain the largest amounts of unique variance in self-perceived upper-extremity physical function. Evaluating the impact of change in variables over time underlined the influence of pain interference as well as the influence of fear of movement and self-efficacy (or resiliency) on limitations in physical function and general health. These findings have important implications for identifying individuals who can benefit from behavioral interventions for these psychological factors to optimize recovery. Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Decision to Return to Sport Participation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Part II: Self-Reported and Functional Performance Outcomes.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is the most commonly used method for helping athletes regain function and return to preinjury activity levels after ACL injury. Outcomes after ACLR have suggested that athletes return to a level of function that would support a return to sport participation; however, in a recent meta-analysis, pooled return rates were only 55%. It is unclear whether this discrepancy is a result of functional impairments. To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs), dynamic balance, dynamic functional performance, strength, and muscular endurance in athletes who returned to sport (RTS) and athletes who did not return to sport (NRTS) after ACLR. Case-control study. University research laboratory. Two groups of participants with primary unilateral ACLR: 18 RTS individuals (7 males, 11 females; age = 23 ± 11 years, height = 163.58 ± 40.41 cm, mass = 70.00 ± 21.75 kg, time since surgery = 4.02 ± 3.20 years) and 12 NRTS individuals (5 males, 7 females; age = 26 ± 13 years, height = 171.33 ± 48.24 cm, mass = 72.00 ± 21.81 kg, time since surgery = 3.68 ± 2.71 years). The PROs consisted of the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Tegner Activity Scale, and Marx Activity Scale. Functional performance outcome measures were the anterior and posteromedial reach on the Star Excursion Balance Test, a battery of single-legged-hop tests, isokinetic quadriceps and hamstrings strength at 60°/s and 180°/s, and a novel step-down-to-fatigue test. All measures were taken during a single laboratory session. The Limb Symmetry Index was calculated for all functional performance measures. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare measures between groups ( P < .10). Compared with the RTS group, the NRTS group had lower scores on the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (RTS median = 92.52, range = 66.67-97.70; NRTS median = 82.76, range = 63.22-96.55; P = .03) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Symptoms subscale (RTS median = 88, range = 54-100; NRTS median = 71, range = 54-100; P = .08). No differences were observed for any functional performance measures. The NRTS athletes displayed lower PROs despite demonstrating similar function on a variety of physical performance measures. These results further support existing evidence that physical performance alone may not be the ideal postoperative outcome measure. Measures of patients' symptoms and self-perceived physical function may also greatly influence postoperative activity choices.

Relationship between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults.

Evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life and degree of life satisfaction among older adults. Cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 351 people older than 60 years participated in the study. The Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) was calculated to assess the degree of adherence to the MD. MD adherence was related to health-related quality of life using the Short Form Healthy Survey (SF-12) questionnaire, to life satisfaction using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and to sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle variables. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyse this relationship. Mediterranean diet adherence was related to health- related quality of life. Participants with better adherence to the MD were more physically active (p=0.01) and had better health-related quality of life (p<0.05) and lower consumption of alcoholic beverages (p=0.04). The age-adjusted model showed a significant association between the MD and mental function for both sexes and with physical function only for men. The fully adjusted model showed a direct relationship between the MD and life satisfaction of women (p>0.05) but not for that of men (p=0.31). The adherence to the MD is directly associated with the self-perceived physical and mental function of both sexes and with the life satisfaction of women. Further studies in older adult populations should be performed to obtain conclusive results on the MD effect on health-related quality of life, including wellness indicators.

Physical function and muscle strength in sporadic inclusion body myositis

In this study, self-reported physical function, functional capacity, and isolated muscle function were investigated in sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) patients. The 36-item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey and 2-min walk test (2MWT), timed up & go test (TUG), and 30-s chair stand performance were evaluated. In addition, patients were tested for knee extensor muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometer) and leg extension power (Nottingham power rig). TUG performance was the strongest predictor of self-reported physical function (r2 = 0.56, P < 0.05). Knee extension strength and between-limb strength asymmetry were the strongest multi-regression indicators of TUG performance (r2 = 0.51, P < 0.05). Strength asymmetry showed the strongest single-factor (negative) association with 2MWT performance (r2 = 0.49, P < 0.05). TUG assessment appears to sensitively predict self-perceived physical function in sIBM patients. Notably, between-limb asymmetry in lower limb muscle strength had a substantial negative impact on motor tasks involving gait function. Muscle Nerve 56: E50-E58, 2017.

The effect of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.

[Purpose] To examine the efficacy of Ai Chi in relieving the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and improving, physical functioning, proprioception and quality of life. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-five persons with knee osteoarthritis completed 5 weeks Ai Chi practice (60 minutes per session, twice per week, 10 sessions in total). Knee pain and stiffness were measured before and after the intervention program. [Results] Significant improvements in pain, self-perceived physical functioning and self-perceived stiffness were observed after the Ai-Chi intervention. On average, no significant change in knee range of motion, 6-minute walk test distances or proprioception was observed. [Conclusion] A five-week Ai Chi intervention can improve the pain and stiffness of knee osteoarthritis and self-perceived physical functions and quality of life improvement. Ai Chi may be another treatment choice for people with knee OA to practice in the community.

Associations Between Statin Use and Physical Function in Older Adults from The Netherlands and Australia: Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam and Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.

Statin therapy may cause myopathy, but long-term effects on physical function are unclear. We investigated whether statin use is associated with poorer physical function in two population-based cohorts of older adults. Data were from 691 men and women (aged 69-102years in 2005/2006) in the LASA (Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam) and 5912 women (aged 79-84years in 2005) in the ALSWH (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health). Statin use and dose were sourced from containers (LASA) and administrative databases (ALSWH). Physical function was assessed using performance tests, questionnaires on functional limitations and the SF-12 (LASA) and SF-36 (ALSWH) questionnaires. Cross-sectional (both studies) and 3-year prospective associations (ALSWH) were analysed for different statin dosage using linear and logistic regression. In total, 25% of participants in LASA and 61% in ALSWH used statins. In the cross-sectional models in LASA, statin users were less likely to have functional limitations (percentage of subjects with at least 1 limitation 63.9 vs. 64.2; odds ratio [OR] 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.9) and had better SF-12 physical component scores (mean [adjusted] 47.3 vs. 44.5; beta [B]=2.8; 95% CI 1.1-4.5); in ALSWH, statin users had better SF-36 physical component scores (mean [adjusted] 37.4 vs. 36.5; B=0.9; 95% CI 0.3-1.5) and physical functioning subscale scores (mean [adjusted] 55.1 vs. 52.6; B=2.4; 95% CI 1.1-3.8) than non-users. Similar associations were found for low- and high-dose users and in the prospective models. In contrast, no significant associations were found with performance tests. Two databases from longitudinal population studies in older adults gave comparable results, even though different outcome measures were used. In these two large cohorts, statin use was associated with better self-perceived physical function.

Entry into vocational rehabilitation program following work-related hand injury: Potential candidates.

This case-control study aimed to investigate the predictors of return to work (RTW) following work-related major forearm, wrist or hand injury at the preparation stage of return to work. A total of 80 clients were recruited and divided into 2 groups depending on their readiness of RTW. The groups were compared with each other with regard to their demographics, compensation status, hand injury severity, health perception, and time off work (TOW) using correlation coefficient. Predictors of RTW were measured by logistic regression analysis. There were no significant differences in demographics and the severity of hand injury between 2 groups. Self-perceived physical functioning (p = 0.04), vitality (p = 0.01), mental health (p = 0.03) and TOW (p = 0.001) were significantly different between Action group and Preparation group. With binary logistic regression analysis, self-perceived vitality (odds ratio (OR) = 1.041) and TOW (OR = 0.996) were shown to be strongly predictive of RTW at the preparation stage of return to work. This study has shown that shorter TOW and better self-perceived vitality could predict early readiness for RTW after major work-related forearm, wrist or hand injury.

Intermittent and constant pain and physical function or performance in men and women with knee osteoarthritis: data from the osteoarthritis initiative.

Severe constant and intermittent knee pain are associated with "unacceptable" symptoms in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) [22]. We hypothesized that constant and intermittent pain would be independently related to physical function, with intermittent knee pain being a better predictor of future declines in physical function in early symptomatic knee OA. This study included men (n = 189) and women (n = 133) with radiographic, unilateral knee OA, observed using data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Pain types were measured using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) scale. Physical function was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC-PF) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-FSR) and physical performance tests. High baseline intermittent (B = 0.277; p = 0.001) and constant (B = 0.252; p = 0.001) knee pain were related to poor WOMAC-PF. Increased constant (B = 0.484; p = 0.001) and intermittent (B = 0.104; p = 0.040) pain were related to 2-year decreased WOMAC-PF. High baseline intermittent knee pain predicted poor KOOS-FSR at year 2 (B = -0.357; p = 0.016). Increased constant pain was related to decreased chair stand test performance over 2 years in women (B = 0.077; p = 0.001). High baseline intermittent pain was related to poor performance on repeated chair stands (B = 0.035; p = 0.021), while baseline constant pain was related to poor 400-m walk performance in women (B = 0.636; p = 0.047). Intermittent and constant knee pain were independent factors in self-perceived physical function and were important predictors of future limitations in physical function. Identifying intermittent and constant pain in early symptomatic OA may allow patients to adopt strategies to prevent worsening pain and future declines in physical function.

Association Of Self-perceived Physical Function With Functional Capacity, Gait And Balance In Older Adults

Association Of Self-perceived Physical Function With Functional Capacity, Gait And Balance In Older Adults