Self-report Measures Of Function Research Articles

How does change occur in psychotherapy? Innovative moments predict stronger therapeutic alliance and functional improvement in a psychodynamic case study

Innovative moments (IMs) in psychotherapy contradict or challenge clients’ maladaptive patterns of meaning associated with their suffering. IMs are receiving increased theoretical and empirical attention in psychotherapy research and are associated with symptomatic improvement. However, little is known about possible predictors of IMs and their impact beyond their association with outcomes. A therapeutic alliance (TA) that implies a collaborative bond between clients and therapists might set the stage for the occurrence of IMs. Additionally, the occurrence of IMs could serve as a relational experience within the session that strengthens the TA. Thus, in the present study, we examined the association over time between IMs and (i) TA, and (ii) functioning, in a time-limited case study with a good outcome. Furthermore, this study is one of the first to explore IMs in psychodynamic therapy (PDT). Transcriptions of ten randomly selected sessions of PDT of a 43-year-old male with dysthymia were coded using the innovative moment coding system. Self-report measures of function and TA were collected at each session. Data were analyzed using simulation modeling analysis. Consistent with good-outcome cases in other therapeutic approaches, high-level IMs (H-IMs) increased while low-level IMs (L-IMs) decreased throughout treatment. H-IMs predicted a change in functioning in the following session. Finally, H-IMs were associated with higher TA post-session, and specifically with agreement on treatment tasks. To conclude, moments of change in the client’s pattern of meaning are related to stronger TA and better treatment outcome. If replicated, these findings may provide important insights regarding the unfolding of therapeutic change.

Dupuytren Disease Surgical Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Partial Fasciectomy by Bruner Approach Versus Zetaplasty.

Dupuytren is a fibroproliferative pathology leading to contracture of the palmar fascia. Several approaches have been described for the surgical treatment with partial fasciectomy with few comparisons in literature. Our purpose is to compare the functional outcomes between the partial fasciectomy performed by Bruner type incision and zetaplasty incision. The method used was a randomized clinical trial including adult patients of both sexes with surgical indication for Dupuytren disease presented to a reference center. Patients were randomly and consecutively allocated in the groups 1:1. We recorded the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; range of motion for active and passive extension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints; visual analog scale for pain; and complications. In all, 62 patients were included, with 48 patients reaching the minimum follow-up of 6 months with 63 operated fingers. In the Bruner approach group, we obtained a correction of the active and passive extension of the MP of 28° and of the PIP of 23°. In the zetaplasty group, correction of MP was 30° for active and passive, and 18° for active extension and 16° for passive extension of the PIP. The reduction in the DASH score was 10 points in the Bruner group and 22 points in the zetaplasty group. There was no statistically significant effect of the type of treatment on preoperative and postoperative differences in any of the parameters evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques for self-reported functional outcomes or objective measures of physical examination.

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Digital Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in Working Adults: Multiarm Randomized Controlled Trial.

Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and have broad-ranging negative implications. Digital interventions are increasingly available in the workplace context, but supporting evidence is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of 3 digital interventions for depressive symptoms in a sample of UK-based working adults experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. This was a parallel, multiarm, pilot randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated to 1 of 3 digital interventions or a waitlist control group and had 3 weeks to complete 6 to 8 short self-guided sessions. The 3 interventions are available on the Unmind mental health app for working adults and draw on behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Web-based assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention (week 3), and at 1-month follow-up (week 7). Participants were recruited via Prolific, a web-based recruitment platform, and the study was conducted entirely on the web. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using objective engagement data and self-reported feedback. Efficacy outcomes were assessed using validated self-report measures of mental health and functioning and linear mixed models with intention-to-treat principles. In total, 2003 individuals were screened for participation, of which 20.22% (405/2003) were randomized. A total of 92% (373/405) of the participants were retained in the study, 97.4% (295/303) initiated their allocated intervention, and 66.3% (201/303) completed all sessions. Moreover, 80.6% (229/284) of the participants rated the quality of their allocated intervention as excellent or good, and 79.6% (226/284) of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their intervention. All active groups showed improvements in well-being, functioning, and depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with the control group, which were maintained at 4 weeks. Hedges g effect sizes for depressive symptoms ranged from -0.53 (95% CI -0.25 to -0.81) to -0.74 (95% CI -0.45 to -1.03). All interventions were feasible and acceptable, and the preliminary efficacy findings indicated that their use may improve depressive symptoms, well-being, and functioning. The predefined criteria for a definitive trial were met. International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) ISRCTN13067492; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13067492.

Functionally relevant physical exercises as an objective measure of clinical improvement in pediatric chronic pain.

This exploratory study demonstrates the application of functionally relevant physical exercises (FRPE) to objectively assess physical functioning among children with chronic pain. Intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) focuses on functional improvements as a primary outcome. FRPEs aim to enhance clinical assessments and monitoring by providing relevant data for physical and occupational therapies. Children enrolled in three weeks of IIPT provided data for study. They completed two self-report measures of functioning (Lower Extremity Functioning Scale [LEFS] and Upper Extremity Functioning Index [UEFI]), measure of pain intensity, and six separate FRPEs (box carry, box lifts, floor to stand, sit to stand, step ups, and modified six-minute walk test). Data from 207 participants aged 8-20 years old were analyzed. Upon admission, over 91% of children could perform each FRPE at some level to provide clinicians with a baseline assessment of functional strength. Following IIPT, all children were able to complete FRPEs. Overall, children reported statistically significant gains in functioning on all subjective reports and FRPEs (p's < 0.001). Spearman correlations demonstrated that LEFS and UEFI were weakly to moderately correlated to all FRPEs at admission (r's between.43-.64, p's < 0.001 and.36-.50, p's < 0.01 respectively). Correlations between all subjective and objective measures were comparatively lower at discharge. FRPEs appear to serve as good objective measures of strength and mobility for children with chronic pain, measuring variability across patients and change over time, which is unique from subjective data gathered via self-report. Due to face validity and objective measurement of functioning, from a clinical practice perspective, FRPEs provide meaningful information to support initial assessment, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. This study offers initial support for a novel measurement method that is easily administered and replicated to effectively measure functional improvement in children with chronic pain.

Self-report measures of parental psychosocial functioning did not predict further maltreatment of children involved with child protection services: A small cohort study

AimThis prospective study explored whether self-report measures of parenting self-efficacy, mood, anxiety, stress, emotional regulation or substance use were useful in predicting subsequent notifications of harm to Child Protection Services (CPS). MethodsCPS-involved parents living in Christchurch, New Zealand were recruited to the study, all of whom retained the custody of their youngest child at the time of assessment. Comprehensive data regarding the aforementioned constructs, along with demographic data, were gathered during a baseline assessment. Notifications of harm were prospectively retrieved from the national child protection database. Methods of analysis included logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses. ResultsNo individual psychological constructs, nor cumulative risk scores, were found to be associated with notifications of harm among the study sample (N = 26). The Area Under the Curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.49 to 0.65, indicating that these scores generally performed no better than chance. Two background factors predicted CPS notifications, namely: having more children and the parent reporting a personal history of neglect. ConclusionSelf-report measures of mood, emotional regulation, parenting self-efficacy and substance use are unlikely to be useful for PCA when conducted in the context of child protection casework or court assessments.

Psychological distress and symptom-related burnout in asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People with asthma may be particularly vulnerable to pandemic-related psychological distress, and research is needed to understand the impact of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic on their health and well-being. We sought to study the well-being of people with asthma relative to non-asthmatic controls during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also investigated asthma symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety as potential mediators of distress. Participants completed self-report measures of psychological functioning, including anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout. Controlling for potential confounds, multiple-regression analyses examined differences in psychological health between people with and without asthma. Mediator analyses investigated the role of asthma symptoms and COVID-19-related anxiety in this relationship. 234 adults (111 with asthma, 123 without) participated in an online survey from July to November 2020. During this time, people with asthma reported higher levels of anxiety, perceived stress, and burnout symptoms compared to controls. Elevations in burnout symptoms were found beyond general anxiety and depression (sr2 = .03, p < .001). Reported symptoms typical in both asthma and COVID-19 partially mediated this relationship (Pm = .42, p < .05). People with asthma reported unique psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic including elevated burnout symptoms. Experience of asthma symptoms played a key role in vulnerability to emotional exhaustion. Clinical implications include increased attention to asthma symptom burden within the context of heightened environmental stress and restricted healthcare access.

0679 Do Individuals with ADHD and Sleep Disorders Symptoms Exhibit Worse Executive Function?

Abstract Introduction Sleep disorders in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more prevalent than in people without ADHD. Given that sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia and OSA) impact daytime function (e.g., mood, memory, motivation, attention, executive function [EF], etc.), it is reasonable to wonder if these domains interact. Thus, the aim of the present analysis was to evaluate subjects diagnosed with ADHD who were also symptomatic for insomnia or OSA on a self-report measure of executive function. The hypothesis for the analysis being: subjects with insomnia would show more severe executive function deficits as compared to subjects without symptoms of insomnia and/or subjects with OSA. Methods This analysis includes data from 149 subjects diagnosed with ADHD (38% female, Mage 32.8±13.2yrs). Sleep disorder and EF data was provided by the Penn ADHD Treatment and Research Program. Database assessments were gathered from intakes, which included the SDS-CL-25 (a comprehensive screener for sleep disorders) and the BDEFS-LF (a self-report measure of EF deficit). In order to type individuals as “symptom positive” for insomnia or OSA, subjects were required to score &amp;gt;3 for any item within each category. These groups were then compared for their scores on the BDEFS-LF (total score and for three factor scores: self-restraint score [BDEFS-SR], self-regulation of emotions score [BDEFS-SRM], and self-motivation score [BDEFS-SM]). Results Subjects with-and-without insomnia symptoms were not found to significantly differ on the BDEFS-T, or any of the three sub-scales. In contrast, subjects with-and-without OSA symptoms significantly differed on the BDEFS-T (p=0.0328), and on two of the three sub-scales (BDEFS-SR [p=0.0183] &amp; BDEFS-SRM [p=0.0032]). Conclusion Contrary to our hypothesis, it was the symptom positive OSA group that showed the most deficits on executive function (as measured by the BDEFS-T). This suggests that, in people with ADHD, sleep fragmentation and/or hypoxia may be more associated with EF deficits than problems with sleep initiation or maintenance. This said, it is also possible that other measures of insomnia that better represent sleep insufficiency and/or total nocturnal wakefulness may be more associated with executive functioning deficits, alone or in combination with the sleep sequela of OSA. Support (if any)

Influence of interim functional assessments on patient outcomes at the time of return to activity following ACL-reconstruction

ObjectiveTo compare patient outcomes at the time of the return to activity (RTA) progression between those with a prior interim assessment and those without. DesignRetrospective, Cohort Study. SettingControlled Laboratory. ParticipantsPatients following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR) were recruited through an ongoing RTA assessment program. Patients were stratified into two testing groups = “Single RTA test”: only assessment between 6 and 9 months post-ACLR and “Repeat RTA test”: prior assessment performed >2-months before their RTA assessment. Patients were matched based on time post-surgery, age, activity level, and graft type. Main outcome measureSelf-reported knee function and isokinetic knee flexor and extensor strength/symmetry were compared between groups. Results392 patients were identified. Once matched, 138 patients (21.1 ± 7.0 years, 7.3 ±0 .9 mo post-ACLR) were analyzed. Repeat RTA test patients demonstrated higher measures of self-reported knee function (P = .04) and greater knee flexion strength (P = .006) and symmetry (P = .05). ConclusionPatients with interim functional assessments reported greater self-reported knee function and higher hamstring strength at the time of RTA compared to patients that completed their only assessment within this time point. Early functional assessments may identify individualized deficits that can be addressed while patients are under supervision of rehabilitation specialists.

Depressive Symptoms are Associated with More Negative Global Metacognitive Biases in Combat Veterans, and Biases Covary with Symptom Changes over Time

Metacognitive awareness, insight into one’s abilities, is thought to be disrupted in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with more negative metacognitive biases and reduced awareness, respectively. However, studies have rarely examined global aspects of metacognitive awareness in depression and PTSD, instead using task-specific measures. In 467 trauma-exposed post-9/11 veterans, we administered assessments of PTSD and depression, self-report and objective measures of cognitive functioning (neuropsychological battery of memory, attention, and executive function measures), and self-report and objective measures of general health (index of five cardiometabolic factors). We used self-report/objective correlations to measure metacognitive sensitivity and 'self-report minus objective' scores to measure bias. We also examined associations between changes in metacognitive awareness and changes in PTSD and depression over time. Metacognitive sensitivity was comparable between individuals with and without PTSD and depression. However, metacognitive bias was significantly more negative in those with greater depressive symptoms (i.e., underconfidence) across cognition and health, independent of PTSD symptoms. Notably, metacognitive bias changes covaried with depressive and PTSD symptom changes two years later. This shows that, in trauma-exposed veterans, negative metacognitive biases are specifically related to depressive symptoms and these biases may be relatively domain general. Further, our longitudinal results suggest that, rather than being a stable trait, metacognitive biases change with PTSD/depressive symptoms over time.

523 Deep Phenotyping Reveals Germline Determinants of Disease Severity in Neurofibromatosis Type 2

INTRODUCTION: Although germline nonsense and frameshift mutations are hypothesized to confer more severe disease in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), the mechanisms of genotype-phenotype association are unknown. METHODS: Patients (n = 169) with NF2 were enrolled in a natural history study (NCT NCT00598351). Deep phenotypic profiles were created (serially for 5 years) including clinical evaluations, self-reported functional measures, lifetime interventions (surgical, radiation and drug treatments), and imaging (tumor number, type, and volume). CLIA certified germline mutation analyses (n= 69) were supplemented with a custom PCR panel (NF2, LZTR1, SMARCB1, SMARCE1, and SUFU). Data were analyzed (QIAGEN CLC Genomics Workbench) for mutation type, location, and predicted protein effect (truncating/non-truncating). Low frequency variant detection was used to detect mosaicism. RESULTS: Germline mutations (nonsense-36%, splice-site-16%, and large deletions-16%) were grouped by predicted protein effect (truncating-41%, non-truncating-27%, and mosaic-33%) and mapped to the chromosomal locus. As predicted, disease severity increased in patients during the study (mean increase of 1.9 tumors/5-yrs and 3,793mm3/5-yrs). However, the disease severity was not associated with age at study enrollment (tumor number/volume) (p = 0.15/0.58). We found that truncating mutations in exons 8, 11-12 were associated with a higher tumor burden (p = 0.03). Truncating mutations at exon 8 were also associated with schwannomas (p = 0.04). Change in tumor volume during the study was predicted by younger age (p &lt; 0.01) and truncating mutation (p = 0.05). Unlike prior studies, mortality was not predicted by truncating mutation type. CONCLUSIONS: We deeply phenotyped a diverse cohort of patients with NF2 and found that the location of truncating mutation determined the phenotype. We suspect that truncating mutations at exons 8 &amp; 11-12 disrupt the transition from highly conserved FERM domain to the alpha-helix region leading to a severe NF2 phenotype.

Risk assessment for major adverse cardiovascular events after noncardiac surgery using self-reported functional capacity: international prospective cohort study

BackgroundGuidelines endorse self-reported functional capacity for preoperative cardiovascular assessment, although evidence for its predictive value is inconsistent. We hypothesised that self-reported effort tolerance improves prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after noncardiac surgery. MethodsThis is an international prospective cohort study (June 2017 to April 2020) in patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery at elevated cardiovascular risk. Exposures were (i) questionnaire-estimated effort tolerance in metabolic equivalents (METs), (ii) number of floors climbed without resting, (iii) self-perceived cardiopulmonary fitness compared with peers, and (iv) level of regularly performed physical activity. The primary endpoint was in-hospital MACE consisting of cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and congestive heart failure requiring transfer to a higher unit of care or resulting in a prolongation of stay on ICU/intermediate care (≥24 h). Mixed-effects logistic regression models were calculated. ResultsIn this study, 274 (1.8%) of 15 406 patients experienced MACE. Loss of follow-up was 2%. All self-reported functional capacity measures were independently associated with MACE but did not improve discrimination (area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic [ROC AUC]) over an internal clinical risk model (ROC AUCbaseline 0.74 [0.71–0.77], ROC AUCbaseline+4METs 0.74 [0.71–0.77], ROC AUCbaseline+floors climbed 0.75 [0.71–0.78], AUCbaseline+fitnessvspeers 0.74 [0.71–0.77], and AUCbaseline+physical activity 0.75 [0.72–0.78]). ConclusionsAssessment of self-reported functional capacity expressed in METs or using the other measures assessed here did not improve prognostic accuracy compared with clinical risk factors. Caution is needed in the use of self-reported functional capacity to guide clinical decisions resulting from risk assessment in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Clinical trial registrationNCT03016936.

Relation of pain sensitization to self-reported and performance-based measures of physical functioning: the Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) study

It is unclear if alterations in nociceptive signaling contribute to poor physical functioning in persons with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to characterize the relation of pain sensitization to physical functioning in persons with or at risk for knee OA, and determine if knee pain severity mediates these relationships. We used cross-sectional data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a cohort study of persons with or at risk for knee OA. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and temporal summation (TS) were assessed with quantitative sensory testing. Self-reported function was quantified with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index function subscale (WOMAC-F). Walking speed was determined during a 20-mwalk. Knee extension strength was assessed with dynamometry. Relations of PPTs and TS to functional outcomes were examined with linear regression. The mediating role of knee pain severity was assessed with mediation analyses. Among 1560 participants (60.5% female, mean age (SD) 67 (8), body mass index (BMI) 30.2 (5.5) kg/m2), lower PPTs and the presence of TS were associated with worse WOMAC-F scores, slower walking speeds, and weaker knee extension. The extent of mediation by knee pain severity was mixed, with the greatest mediation observed for self-report function and only minimally for performance-based function. Heightened pain sensitivity appears to be meaningfully associated with weaker knee extension in individuals with or at risk for knee OA. Relations to self-reported physical function and walking speed do not seem clinically meaningful. Knee pain severity differentially mediated these relationships.

Psychological and physical function in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant survivors with chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This study comprehensively evaluated physical and psychological function among individuals with cGVHD. Additional aims were to investigate relationships between disease severity and psychological and physical function, and to investigate patterns of psychological and physical function by disease site. Adults at least 6months post allogeneic HCT were enrolled and either had cGVHD (n =59) or served as a reference sample of HCT survivors with no cGVHD history (n = 19). Participants completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, pain, cognition, and sexual function and had a comprehensive clinical evaluation of cGVHD using NIH consensus scoring criteria. Participants with cGVHD were stratified by disease severity and site and compared to the reference group with no cGVHD. Participants with mild cGVHD had comparable psychological and physical symptoms to the reference sample, while participants with moderate cGVHD experienced more severe anxiety and problems with sexual function, and participants with severe cGVHD experienced more severe depressive symptoms and pain compared to the reference sample. Participants with cGVHD manifesting in the skin and GI tract had the most severe symptoms, including mood disturbance, fatigue, and pain. Results suggest that patients with more severe cGVHD and those with cGVHD manifesting in the skin, GI tract, and lungs are at risk for poorer psychological and physical outcomes and may benefit from proactive interventions to optimize function.

Surgical approach affecting long-term urinary continence status after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy prospectively evaluated using self-reported functional status (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite, EPIC-26).

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of the surgical approach for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) on long-term urinary continence status in the era of self-reported functional status measures using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26. This is a prospective evaluation of 232 patients undergoing RALP between September, 2019 and September, 2020. Urinary continence status and postoperative incontinence (pad usage) were evaluated 12 months after RALP using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite 26 questionnaires. Patients were categorized according to their surgical approach and outcome into the following groups: successful nerve sparing (NS), primarily without nerve sparing (prim. NNS), and no nerve sparing by secondary resection (NNS by SR). The median levels of their questionnaire outcomes were evaluated and compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction. Urinary continence status 12 months after RALP differed significantly between the NS and prim. NNS (p = 0.0071) and the NS and NNS by SR (p = 0.0076) groups. There was no significant difference between the prim. NNS and NNS by SR (p = 0.53) groups. Pad usage 12 months after RALP had no significant difference with regard to SR of the neurovascular bundle (p = 0.14). Patient-reported outcomes of long-term urinary continence status seem to show no difference in postoperative continence, regardless of whether a non-nerve-sparing result was planned or reached through SR. Instead, preservation of neurovascular bundle seems to lead to better long-term continence rates.

5-year follow-up of adolescents with social anxiety disorder: Current functioning during COVID-19

The present study followed-up adolescents with social anxiety disorder (SAD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 5-years following their participation in an Attention Bias Modification Training (ABMT) program (Ollendick et al., 2019). The current study aimed to evaluate current functioning and quality of life (QoL) during the emerging adulthood period. Participants included 27 young adults who completed a randomized controlled trial of ABMT and were available for follow-up. Participants filled out self-report measures of QoL and functioning and underwent a clinical interview to assess current severity of social anxiety. Clinician-rated symptoms of SAD significantly decreased from post-treatment to 5-year follow-up. Additionally, results demonstrated that social anxiety severity was significantly related to poorer self-reported physical and psychological health as well as poorer functioning with regard to social distancing fears during COVID-19. Lastly, when evaluating change in symptoms over time, increases in social anxiety severity over a 5-year period significantly predicted worsened social distancing fears during COVID-19.

What are small, medium and large effect sizes for exercise treatments of tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo quantify and describe effect size distributions from exercise therapies across a range of tendinopathies and outcome domains to inform future research and clinical practice through conducting a systematic review...

Unpacking trust: The Italian validation of the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ).

The construct of epistemic trust has received much consideration in recent psychological literature, even though mainly from a theoretical perspective. The overall aim of this study was to validate the first self-report measure of epistemic trust-the Epistemic Trust, Mistrust, and Credulity Questionnaire (ETMCQ)-in an Italian sample. Our primary goal was to test the factorial validity of the instrument, also exploring the influence of age, gender, and level of education on epistemic trust (Study 1, n = 843). Secondarily, we investigated the associations between epistemic trust, mistrust, credulity, and other aspects of psychological functioning, as well as with the presence of adverse childhood experiences in a smaller number of participants (Study 2, n = 445). Besides the ETMCQ, the survey included an ad hoc questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics and self-report measures of reflective functioning, mentalized affectivity, traumatic experiences, attachment, and psychological symptoms. Statistical analysis showed a three-factor hierarchical structure similar to the model proposed in the original validation, with some differences that suggest an influence of cultural factors in determining individuals' epistemic stance. Our results corroborate previous theoretical contributions regarding the association between epistemic trust and psychological wellbeing, and between epistemic disruptions and higher levels of psychological suffering. Both Mistrust and Credulity were significantly related to the presence of childhood traumatic experiences, attachment avoidance and anxiety, lower levels of mentalization, lower abilities in emotional regulation, and higher levels of psychopathological symptoms. The ETMCQ represents an easily administered and time-effective tool. Its use could pave the way for interesting clinical and theoretical findings.

Self-reported physical function is strongly related to pain behavior and pain interference and weakly related to physical capacity in people with chronic low back pain

BackgroundInclusion of self-reported and capacity-based measures may help to further elucidate the interactive link between how people think and move. ObjectiveTo characterize the relationship between self-reported factors of physical function and pain with objective physical capacity measures. DesignCross-sectional study of 328 adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). MethodSpearman correlations assessed the relationship between pairs of measures. Multiple linear regression models assessed the association between self-reported measures of physical function and the grouping of physical capacity measures. Self-reported measures included Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), PROMIS Physical Function, Pain Behavior, and Pain Interference; Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Capacity measures included walking speed and endurance, lower extremity functional strength, lumbopelvic range of motion, and trunk endurance. ResultsPROMIS Physical Function was directly and weakly correlated with walking speed (ρ = 0.26, 2-min walk) and inversely and weakly correlated with lower extremity strength (ρ = −0.29, 5x sit-to-stand). RMDQ was not correlated with any of the capacity-based measures. PROMIS Physical Function was inversely and moderately correlated with Pain Interference (ρ = −0.48) and Pain Behavior (ρ = −0.43), PCS (ρ = −0.36), and FABQ (ρ = −0.31). The RMDQ was strongly correlated with PROMIS Physical Function (ρ = −0.56), Pain Behavior (ρ = 0.51) and Pain Interference (ρ = 0.49); and moderately correlated with PCS (ρ = 0.37) and FABQ (ρ = 0.33). PROMIS Physical Function and RMDQ were not correlated with CPAQ. Lower scores on PROMIS Physical Function were weakly associated with lower measures of lower extremity strength (−0.30, 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.09, p = 0.005). Higher scores on RMDQ were also weakly associated with lower measures of lower extremity strength (0.26, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.41, p = 0.001). ConclusionsA strong association emerged between self-reported limitations in physical function, pain behavior, and pain interference. A weak association emerged between self-reported physical function and lower extremity strength.

Population Prevalence of Vision Impairment in US Adults 71 Years and Older

Existing estimates of the prevalence of vision impairment (VI) in the United States are based on self-reported survey data or measures of visual function that are at least 14 years old. Older adults are at high risk for VI and blindness. There is a need for up-to-date, objectively measured, national epidemiological estimates. To present updated national epidemiological estimates of VI and blindness in older US adults based on objective visual function testing. This survey study presents a secondary data analysis of the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a population-based, nationally representative panel study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older. NHATS includes community-dwelling older adults or their proxies who complete in-person interviews; annual follow-up interviews are conducted regardless of residential status. Round 11 NHATS data were collected from June to November 2021, and data were analyzed in August 2022. In 2021, NHATS incorporated tablet-based tests of distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity with habitual correction. National prevalence of impairment in presenting distance visual acuity (>0.30 logMAR, Snellen equivalent worse than 20/40), presenting near visual acuity (>0.30 logMAR, Snellen equivalent worse than 20/40), and contrast sensitivity (>1 SD below the sample mean). Prevalence estimates stratified by age and socioeconomic and demographic data were calculated. In the 2021 round 11 NHATS sample, there were 3817 respondents. After excluding respondents who did not complete the sample person interview (n = 429) and those with missing vision data (n = 362), there were 3026 participants. Of these, 29.5% (95% CI, 27.3%-31.8%) were 71 to 74 years old, and 55.2% (95% CI, 52.8%-57.6%) were female respondents. The prevalence of VI in US adults 71 years and older was 27.8% (95% CI, 25.5%-30.1%). Distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments were prevalent in 10.3% (95% CI, 8.9%-11.7%), 22.3% (95% CI, 20.3%-24.3%), and 10.0% (95% CI, 8.5%-11.4%), respectively. Older age, less education, and lower income were associated with all types of VI. A higher prevalence of near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity impairments was associated with non-White race and Hispanic ethnicity. More than 1 in 4 US adults 71 years and older had VI in 2021, higher than prior estimates. Differences in the prevalence of VI by socioeconomic and demographic factors were observed. These data could inform public health planning.

The Role of Illness Severity and Emotional Distress in General and Cognitive Rehabilitation of Individuals with Post-COVID-19

Background and aims: Emotional distress is widespread among individuals recovering from COVID-19. The present study examined the relationships between illness severity and emotional distress and the outcomes of a general and cognitive rehabilitation program. Methods: Participants were 61 post-acute COVID-19 patients who participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Data were collected at admission and discharge, 6 months later. Medical evaluations and self-reported emotional, neuropsychological and functional measures were used. Results: Mild illness was associated with higher levels of self-reported anxiety and depression and with lower self-reported executive functioning. Elevated anxiety levels and lower cognitive profile at admission were significantly linked to poorer cognitive outcomes, but not to motor or general functioning level at discharge. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate the significance of monitoring emotional characteristics, particularly anxiety, in post-COVID-19 individuals during multidisciplinary rehabilitation.