The Impact of Black Sea Sand Treatment Effectively Reducing Different Type of Pain

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP), Gonarthrosis, knee, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome have been regarded as affecting more than three-quarters’ of individuals in their lifetime. The aim of this study was conducted to determine and compare the effects of topical patients with sand compared with control related to Gonarthrosis, LBP, knee, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain. Methods: This is a prospective case and control designed study based on 101 pain case with Sand and 101 control subjects. The interventional groups in addition either topical sand or without sand 2 months after the intervention were assessed. We assessed tolerability of an established pain perception scale by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square (χ2) test. The paired t-test was used to compare the two groups before and after the intervention. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for comparison of several group means. Results: The study was based on 202 patients, 41 males (20.3%) and 161 females (79.7%). There were statistically significant differences between subjects with and without Sand in term of Gonarthrosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis LBP, knee, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain (p = 0.033). Majority of patients were over age 55 years old (55%) and females 78 (77.2%). The mean score of total pain experience before and after the intervention was 7.41 ± 1.1 for black sand, and 4.24 ± 2.38 for without sand as control group. The mean scores of these 5 groups were highly significant before and after the intervention (p There was statistically highly significant in regarding subjects with Sand as compared with those before Sand after treatment mean score specifically with gonarthrosis before pain 7.23 ± 1.86 vs after treatment 4.54 ± 2.18 p < 0.001;rheumatoid arthritis before 8.28 ± 1.48 vs after treatment 4.80 ± 3.71 p < 0.001;Low Back Pain before 8.42 ± 1.83 vs after treatment 4.37 ± 1.52 p < 0.001;knee pain before 8.93 ± 0.89 vs after treatment 4.24 ± 0.24 p < 0.001;Carpal Tunnel Syndrome before 7.664 ± 1.04 vs after treatment 4.26 ± 1.03 p Conclusion: The current study has revealed that the topical treatments with sand could have a significant effect on the perception of pain compared to those in the control group with respect of gonarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, LBP, knee, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome pain .

Infant’s Sigh Breathing Matters—The Role of the Hering-Breuer Deflation Reflex in Bronchial Decongestion

Background: The prolonged slow expiratory (PSE) technique can induce sigh breaths related to the Hering-Breuer reflex in children.PSE is a specific chest physiotherapy technique often used in children to help with the clearance of secretions, reduce pulmonary obstruction and decrease ventilatory effort. Purpose: The main objective of this review was to synthesize and clarify the existing knowledge of the physiological mechanism behind the Hering-Breuer reflex and its utility in the PSE technique. The secondary objective was to provide an overview of PSE which is probably the main mechanical feature for mucus clearance in infants and to identify gaps and any further research required. Method: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE, from 1968 to January 2024, using search terms relating to “Interaction of Hering-Breuer reflex and chest physiotherapy therapy, sigh breath in infants and prolonged slow expiration technique” to create an overview of the advances and gaps in current knowledge of PSE. Result: The data obtained following treatment with PSE maneuvers in infants with histories of recurrent wheezing shows that the presence of sighs could be the main active principle of treatment. Conclusion: Changes in volume induced by PSE technique and, effects from crying may stimulate the Hering-Breuer deflation reflex and sighs in turn improving alveolar ventilation as well as lung volume in infants.

Clinical Study of Applying Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Concept in Single-Segment Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Objective: With the aging population and changes in lifestyle, lumbar spinal stenosis has become a common spinal disorder. Treatment modalities have been advancing, and the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles provides a new approach to postoperative recovery in patients. This study aims to investigate the clinical application effects of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Methods: This study included 64 patients who underwent lumbar fusion surgery in the Spinal Surgery Department of Baise People’s Hospital from July 2022 to July 2024. These patients were divided into an experimental group (ERAS group, 33 cases) and a control group (conventional group, 31 cases) based on perioperative care, receiving ERAS principles and traditional treatment, respectively. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of gender, age, BMI, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, hospital costs, VAS scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3), and ODI scores (preoperative/postoperative day 3). Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, and BMI between the ERAS group and the conventional group (gender: χ2 = 0.5008, P = 0.4792;age: 54.55 ± 8.51 years vs. 57.39 ± 8.16 years, P = 0.0892;BMI: 25.11 ± 2.70 vs. 24.77 ± 2.75, P = 0.3098). However, during surgery, patients in the ERAS group had significantly less blood loss than those in the conventional group (197.58 ± 195.51ml vs. 438.71 ± 349.22 ml, P = 0.0006), and the postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (7.00 ± 2.24 days vs. 11.55 ± 5.23 days, P = 0.0000). On postoperative day 3, VAS scores were significantly better in the ERAS group compared to the conventional group (3.70 ± 0.88 vs. 4.32 ± 0.87, P = 0.0031), and the ODI scores showed significant improvement as well (46.00 ± 3.04 vs. 48.00 ± 3.39, P = 0.0078). Although there were no significant differences in postoperative complications and hospital costs (complications: 3 cases vs. 0 cases, P = 0.2154;hospital costs: 63524.29 ± 17891.80 RMB vs. 58733.84 ± 13280.82 RMB, P = 0.1154), ERAS demonstrated better postoperative recovery outcomes in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery. Conclusion: The study results support the implementation of ERAS principles in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis surgery to promote rapid recovery, reduce healthcare resource consumption, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

The Impact of Physiotherapy Interventions on the Elderly Population with Mental Health Conditions at Chainama Hills College Hospital in Zambia. A Pre-Post Single Sample Study Design

Background: Physical functional decline is common among elderly individuals with mental disorders, worsening their symptoms. Physiotherapy interventions have shown some evidence in improving physical function and mental health outcomes in this population. This study aimed to assess the impact of physiotherapy interventions on the elderly with mental health conditions at Chainama Hills College Hospital in Zambia. Methods: A pre-post single sample design was used to track patient progress over six weeks, with 10 physiotherapy sessions. The study population (N = 30) comprised of all elderly individuals with mental health conditions, encompassing both men and women, who were hospitalized during the research period. The Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living and the six-minute walk test were evaluated before and after the intervention. The IBM SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data and results were presented as mean ± SD with a 95% confidence interval. The variables were described in terms of their mean, SD, and range. A significance level of 0.05 was used for a paired T-test to detect changes and multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mental health. Results: Following the intervention, the percentage of participants achieving full function and independence increased significantly to 96.7% from the initial 73.3%, supported by a 95% CI = [0.82 - 0.99]. There was also a notable decrease in the proportion of individuals experiencing moderate impairment, dropping from 26.7% to just 3.3%, with a corresponding 95% CI = [0.00 - 0.17]. Conclusion: The findings derived from this study illustrate an enhancement in the aspects of participants’ overall health and functional condition, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Consequently, physiotherapy exercises can be employed as a tactic to ameliorate the functional status and physical well-being of older individuals afflicted with mental disorders in Zambia.

Improvement in Patient Mobility Following Short-Term Rehabilitation in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Background: Mobility in older adults can be impaired after acute illness or hospitalization, and the level of severity can be used as a predictor of one’s ability to return to independent living. Patients are often referred to skilled nursing facilities in hopes of improving their mobility. We wanted to prove that rehabilitative services at Skilled Nursing Facilities improve overall outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 4612 patients admitted for short-term rehabilitation in a large nursing home chain in California. Our aim was to determine whether patients’ mobility scores, as measured by rehabilitative staff, significantly improved by time of discharge compared to their scores at admission. Mobility scores were rated from 1 to 6, with 1 being the most dependent on aid and 6 being the most independent, over a variety of tasks at admission and compared to scores at discharge. Pearson’s correlations were performed to determine if there were significant relationships in the data: the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to describe the relationships between patient admission to a skilled nursing facility and medical improvement upon discharge. Results: The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patients’ mobility scores upon discharge, with Medicare insured patients showing on average 57% improvement and Managed Care insured patients showing on average 59% improvement. Additionally, admission scores appeared to be predictive of the patient’s outcome at discharge. Conclusions: The values and consistency of improvement support the use of acute rehabilitative services in skilled nursing facilities. An equation can be formulated that evaluates patients’ estimated mobility statuses upon discharge from facilities based on their conditions on their arrivals. With this, new interventions can be studied and compared to the current standard of care by using these measurements. They can determine if further improvements can be made to increase patient outcomes.

Item-Level Analysis of the Revised Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Performance Evaluation Applied in Practice

Competency-based assessments for healthcare professionals are critical for safe and effective client outcomes. Rehabilitation clinical skill competency assessments must be validated and revised to produce safe and skilled practitioners. The revised American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) instrument measures occupational therapy student performance to determine readiness for practice. The assessment includes thirty-seven competencies that address both profession specific clinical skills and general professional behavior skills. The objective of this study was to use Rasch methods to explore the use of the revised FWPE in actual fieldwork practice and to determine the instrument’s psychometric properties when separating the item components into two distinct subdomains: General Health Professions Competences and Occupational Therapy-Specific Competencies. Internal construct validity and test reliability were analyzed using data from 149 occupational therapy students after completing their initial Level II A fieldwork clinical internship. This study examined the item difficulty hierarchy, item fit, person-fit to model, person separation index, person separation reliability coefficient, strata, ceiling and floor effect, and unidimensionality of the FWPE instrument as a whole and as two separate domains. With the exception of not meeting the criteria for unidimensionality, the full FWPE instrument and the Occupational Therapy-Specific Competencies subdomain showed acceptable item-level psychometrics for reliability and precision. While the General Health Professions Competencies subdomain showed good item-level psychometrics, it was below the criterion for reliability and only separated the sample into two strata. Results support the validity, reliability, and clinical use of the revised FWPE full instrument and the Occupational Therapy-Specific Competencies subdomain to measure entry-level clinical skill competencies in practice.

Stroke Patients’ Reintegration into Normal Living Post-Discharge from Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Integrative Review

Background: Stroke rehabilitation professionals have historically focused rehabilitation on physical functions and overlooked the concept of community reintegration after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The lack of focus on psychosocial functions post-stroke may lead to lower levels of satisfaction during community reintegration. Methods: This integrative review synthesized findings from research literature on stroke patients’ reintegration into the community after inpatient rehabilitation to address three research questions: a) What specific physical and psychosocial functions have been identified as predictors of successful reintegration into normal living after stroke?, b) How do physical and psychosocial functions promote successful reintegration into normal living after stroke?, and c) What factors have been identified that hinder stroke patients’ reintegration into normal living after stroke? Results: A systematic search of literature identified sixteen studies that provided significant context for the research questions. What physical and psychosocial functions of stroke patients included, for example, improved mobility, independence in daily activities, reduced disability, psychological well-being, self-efficacy, social support, and personal relationships. How physical and psychosocial functions promote reintegration included, for example, disability management, emotional well-being, self-care independence, sense of purpose, and employment influence. Factors that hinder stroke patients’ reintegration consisted of longer stride time, impaired balance/mobility, activities limitation, severe stroke, presence of comorbidity, depressive symptoms, speech and language challenges, inadequate self-efficacy, fear of falling, older age, low educational level, lack of social support, and social isolation. Conclusion: Successful community reintegration after stroke requires a shift of focus from rehabilitation interventions that target physical functions to include interventions that address psychosocial functions.

Knowledge towards Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation among Training Doctors and Medical Students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech

The aim of our study is to evaluate the knowledge regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation among physicians in training and medical students at the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech, to approach the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of doctors regarding physical medicine and rehabilitation and evaluate the knowledge in theoretical training related to PRM among the students. We conducted a monocentric cross-sectional analytical study, using a web-based anonymous survey, carried out among 558 undergraduate student and training doctors, randomly selected in the form of a survey on the knowledge towards Physical Medicine and rehabilitation. We received 558 survey duly completed by students of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech (62.4%) and training doctors (37.6%). The mean age of the participants was 24.53 ± 3.9 years, with extremes ranging from 17 to 39 years. 52.7% of the participants were from the former educational reform, The predominance of participation was remarkable among pediatricians 23%, The population who knew PRM was the majority (79.3%), 40.7% of the participants were unaware of the availability of a PRM department at Mohamed VI University Hospital, 0.5% of all training doctors and medical students questioned strongly agreed with the sufficiency of their training in disability management were belonging to the new reform, 84.1% of participants had never attended or referred a patient to the PRM department. 23.2% of training doctors affirmed the referral of patients to PRM for further management. Despite the essential role of PRM in the management of diseases, it remains little known by training doctors and medical students. This lack of knowledge of PRM reflects the lack of the undergraduate and postgraduate of the medical education in the field of rehabilitation.

Developing Skills in Intra-Workplace Rehabilitation Education: Paper III

Rehabilitation is a medical discipline which is needed wherever people have lost full functionality, and it is needed increasingly in noncommunicable diseases, such as neurological problems, but also, and perhaps more importantly, in middle- and high-income countries, where populations are growing more aged. The burden is borne by the health care systems, especially where family cannot take the full load of care. Rehabilitation is also a discipline which is carried out most effectively in multi- or interdisciplinary teams, which carry their own weight of learning and group tensions. They are also bound to consider best practice guidelines. Furthermore, there is also a wide gap between learning in college or university and practice in the ward which leads to a loss of confidence in newly trained medical and paramedical personnel such as doctors, nurses, physiatrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. There is a genuine need for expert rehabilitation specialists who can mediate within teams as well as between groups and patients and their families. This paper lays out the range of considerations such a rehabilitation therapist must have under their belt. A model is presented. There are also two sets of parameters when using the model in practice. The first is the levels at which it works: hospital, departmental and individual. Then there are the specific challenges. Curriculum practice guidelines work at the hospital and departmental and professional levels;teamwork with its intrinsic challenges is of paramount importance;finally, the individuals will learn how to represent their insights in writing, most specifically represented in full-blown case reports. If the levels and roles coordinate, rehabilitation medicine should develop favourably.

Enhancement of Visual Attention by Color Revealed Using Electroencephalography

Attention constitutes a fundamental psychological feature guiding our mental effort toward specific objects, concurrent with processes such as memory, reasoning, and imagination. Visual attention, crucial for selecting surrounding information, often decreases in older adults and patients with cerebrovascular disorders. Effective methods to enhance attention are scarce. Here, we investigated whether color information influences visual attention and brain activity during task performance, utilizing EEG. We examined 13 healthy young adults (seven women and six men;mean age: 21.2 ± 0.58 years) using 19-electrode electroencephalograms to assess the impact of color information on visual attention. The Clinical Assessment for Attention cancellation test was conducted under the black, red, and blue color conditions. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test was used to assess differences in task performance (task time and error) between conditions. Spearman’s rank correlation was utilized to examine the correlation in power levels between task performance and color conditions. Significant variations in total task errors were observed among color conditions. The black condition exhibited the highest error frequency (0.7 ± 0.9 times), followed by the red condition (0.5 ± 0.8 times), with the lowest error frequency occurring in the blue (0.2 ± 0.4 times) condition (black vs. red: P = 0.03;black vs. blue: P = 0.00;red vs. blue: P = 0.032). No time difference was observed. The black condition showed negative delta and high-gamma correlations in the central electrodes. The red condition revealed positive alpha and low-gamma correlations in the frontal and occipital areas. Although no correlations were observed in the blue condition, it enhanced attentional performance. Positive alpha and low-gamma waves might be crucial for spotting attentional errors in key areas. Our findings provide insights into the effects of color information on visual attention and potential neural correlates associated with attentional processes. In conclusion, our study implies a connection between color information and attentional task performance, with blue font associated with the most accurate performance.

Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Training Is Effective at Improving Extension Power and Disability in Subjects with Diagnosed Lumbar Multifidus Dysfunction

Background: Lumbar multifidus dysfunction is a prevalent cause of disability in individuals with lower back pain. Previous research highlights the benefits of isolated lumbar extension training for non-specific lower back pain, however, studies examining its efficacy in lumbar multifidus dysfunction are lacking. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of isolated lumbar extension resistance training on disability and strength in individuals with lumbar multifidus dysfunction. Methods: Subjects underwent a physiotherapy led structured rehabilitation program incorporating isolated lumbar extension. Sessions were conducted twice weekly targeting momentary muscular failure with time under load 90 - 120 seconds and progressions aimed at 5 - 10 lbs increments. Outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index and lumbar extension strength testing at baseline and after 12 weeks, with statistical analysis using t-test and chi-squared 2 × 2. Results: Forty-five subjects (24 male, 21 female) with a median age of 48 completed the intervention. Improvements were noted in Oswestry Disability Index scores (median pre: 24, post: 15) and maximal lumbar extension strength (median pre: 122 lb, post: 186 lb), with p ≤ 0.05. Overall, 89% showed improvement in disability scores, 67% moved to a better disability category, and 51% saw at least a 50% increase in strength. No significant gender differences were observed. Conclusions: Isolated lumbar extension resistance training is effective at improving extension power and disability in subjects with lumbar multifidus dysfunction.

Influences of Horticultural Therapy and Functional Recovery Training at a Day-Care Center for the Elderly and Text Mining of Care Records by AI

Background: In Japan, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various behavioral restrictions were implemented from March 2020, resulting in an increased number of elderly people with reduced participation in care and rehabilitation. As a result, the decline in motor and cognitive functions became more pronounced. Purpose: The study examined how activities combining passive horticultural therapy, which is always introduced, with active functional recovery training, which is used in the functional recovery training of patients with hemiplegia, influence the behavior of elder people using the facility. Methods: 36 elder people with care need 1 or 2 who regularly used the day-care facilities after the pandemic ended and who agreed to participate in the study was included. The assessment data were every three months from December 2021 to December 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic, the MMSE and Moca-J, TMIG-Index, and GDS15. AI-based text mining was used to compare changes in visit reports before and after the introduction of the Posture Chart and Red Code, and the relationship between the language used. Results: The results of MMSE and Moca-J were both significantly higher in Group B and C than in Group A. TIMG assessment, was significantly higher in Group B and C than in Group A, and Group C was significantly higher than Group B. The GDS, an assessment of depression in old age, tended to be significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C. In the “Co-Occurrence Network Analysis” shown after the introduction of the latest functional recovery training equipment such as the Red Cord, its results showed a high association between the words Bathing and CARE and words such as POSTURE, Red-Code, and AI, App, which are used in functional training and rehabilitation, and their analysis. Conclusion: At day-care facilities specializing in functional recovery training and rehabilitation, a combination of horticultural therapy and the latest functional training equipment found to help maintain the physical and mental health of elderly people certified as requiring nursing care. Since this is a short-term study following behavioral restrictions, long-term research should continue to study the effects of adding functional training, handled by rehabilitation professionals, to horticultural therapy.

Reliability of the K-Force Muscle Controller Dynamometer on Eccentric and Isometric Hip Adduction Strength

Hip adduction strength tests are commonly used in clinical practice to provide an accurate diagnosis of groin injuries. Athletes with reduced adductor muscle strength are at risk of developing groin injuries. Our study aimed to evaluate the relative and absolute test-retest reliability of the side-lying eccentric hip adduction strength test and the long-lever adduction squeeze test using the K-Force hand-held dynamometer. Twenty physically active male individuals with a mean age (±SD) of 30.7 (±7.3) years were included. Both tests presented excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient: 0.77 - 0.95). The best and mean scores of the eccentric and isometric tests presented the smallest test-retest variation (MDC%: 12.8 - 14.9 and MDC%: 14.6 - 18.7, respectively). Our study showed that the K-Force dynamometer has excellent reliability for assessing hip adduction strength in two different testing positions. We suggest the best and mean of three repetitions for clinical practice as they present the lowest variability. Further research evaluating its clinimetric properties in different populations and gender is recommended.

The Immediate Analgesic Effect and Impact on Gait Function of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Late-Stage Elderly Individuals with Knee Pain: Examination of Gait Function Using an IoT-Based Gait Analysis Device

Purpose: This study verified the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which can be worn during walking and exercise, in elderly individuals with late-stage knee pain who exercise regularly. Methods: Thirty-two late-stage elderly individuals were evaluated for knee pain during rest, walking, and program exercises, with and without TENS. Gait analysis was performed using an IoT-based gait analysis device to examine the effects of TENS-induced analgesia on gait. Results: TENS significantly reduced knee pain during rest, walking, and programmed exercises, with the greatest analgesic effect observed during walking. The greater the knee pain without TENS, the more significant the analgesic effect of TENS. A comparison of gait parameters revealed a significant difference only in the gait cycle time, with a trend towards faster walking with TENS;however, the effect was limited. Conclusion: TENS effectively relieves knee pain in late-stage elderly individuals and can be safely applied during exercise. Pain management using TENS provides important insights into the implementation of exercise therapy in this age group.

Trajectory of Walking Function in Late-Stage Older Individuals Managed with a Regular Exercise Program: A 5-Year Longitudinal Tracking with an IoT Gait Analysis System Using Accelerometers

Purpose: This study focused on maintaining and improving the walking function of late-stage older individuals while longitudinally tracking the effects of regular exercise programs in a day-care service specialized for preventive care over 5 years, using detailed gait function measurements with an accelerometer-based system. Methods: Seventy individuals (17 male and 53 female) of a daycare service in Tokyo participated in a weekly exercise program, meeting 1 - 2 times. The average age of the participants at the start of the program was 81.4 years. Gait function, including gait speed, stride length, root mean square (RMS) of acceleration, gait cycle time and its standard deviation, and left-right difference in stance time, was evaluated every 6 months. Results: Gait speed and stride length improved considerably within six months of starting the exercise program, confirming an initial improvement in gait function. This suggests that regular exercise programs can maintain or improve gait function even age groups that predictably have a gradual decline in gait ability due to enhanced age. In the long term, many indicators tended to approach baseline values. However, the exercise program seemingly counteracts age-related changes in gait function and maintains a certain level of function. Conclusions: While a decline in gait ability with aging is inevitable, establishing appropriate exercise habits in late-stage older individuals may contribute to long-term maintenance of gait function.

Prognosis Factors of Urinary Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease

Introduction: Quality of life in Parkinson disease is not necessary linked to motor symptoms. It’s correlated of overactive bladders and prostatic symptoms. Prognosis factors of urinary quality of life are unknown. Objectives: Our study aims to find prognosis factors of quality of life associated specifically of urinary disorders in PD. Patients and methods: We conducted a transversal, analytic and descriptive study in Physical Medicine, and Neurology departments, Fann Teaching Hospital, Dakar and included patients followed for treatment of PD. Urinary disorders, quality of life and functional autonomy were assessed respectively by Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP), Qualiven Short Form, Schwab and England Scale. Results: 38 patients presented PD, with a mean age of 60.89 ± 13.6 years and sex-ratio of 2.45. Mean duration of PD was 3.1 ± 2.9 years. Urinary disorders were found in 47.36% and dominated by incontinence (88.88%) and overactive bladders (88.88%) which were minor in more than 55%. Quality of life was impaired in 88.88% of cases. Minor forms (43.75%) were predominant and constraint dimension (50%) was the most severely altered. Prognosis factors for quality of life of urinary disorders were PD stages (0.046) and functional autonomy (0.042). Discussion and conclusion: Urinary disorders in PD are common, impaired quality of life, especially the constraint dimension, depends on stage of evolution of PD and functional autonomy of patients.

Muscle Strength, Lumbar Curve, Fear of Movement and Functional Disability among Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Review

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) refers to the rupture of the fibrous annulus of the intervertebral discs. Lumbar curvature may lead to the occurrence of lumbar disc degeneration. Fear of movement may worsen their disc herniation and cause further pain and injury. LDH conditions impact the individuals’ quality of life, to explore the relationship between lumbar curve, muscle strength, fear of movement and functional disability among patients with LDH. Methods: An electronic search was conducted on PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Springerlink, Google Scholar and a hand search from reference lists was reviewed. Publications were included in human studies, patients 25 - 85 years of age, original studies and published in English language journals from January 2002 to December 2023. Result: In total, 64 articles were researched through the online search engines, and 9 papers were found through manual searches of reference lists. As a result, a total of 11 articles were included for the purpose of this review. The comprehensive analysis revealed the presence of eight cross-sectional studies, two retrospective studies and one experimental study. A minimum of 25 participants and a maximum of 360 participants were included. Ten studies included both genders, only one studies included healthy adults and patients with LDH but these studies didn’t mention gender. Results showed that the factors influencing LDH can be categorized into non-modifiable factors, such as gender, age, height or others. Modifiable factors included increased BMI, DM, smoking, alcohol, employment status, lifestyle and health problems or psychology. Conclusion: Females with greater VASC may be at risk of LDH. The lumbar extensor muscles indicated a localized disc herniation or nerve root pathology in patients with LDH. The fear of movement may lead to psychological consequences and reduce functional disability among patients with LDH.

Verification of the Physiological Therapeutic Effects of Harvesting Activities in a Patient with Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease with Long-Term Agricultural Experience

Background: Harvesting activities have proven effective in reducing stress in patients with dementia. At a psychiatric hospital, occupational therapists (OT) made patients with dementia perform vegetable harvesting activities as a part of their treatment. The patients became calmer and began to smile not only after but also before and during harvesting activity. Therefore, this study aimed to measure autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses over time in a female patient in her 80s with moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who had experience in farming when performing harvesting activities. Additionally, this study aimed to consider factors associated with changes in ANS responses over time and to verify the physiological therapeutic effects of harvesting activities. Methods: An OT with more than 10 years of experience and a good relationship with the patient conducted one-on-one sessions with the patient. Harvesting activity was performed in a courtyard with trees. The patient harvested lettuce (three lettuce plants) grown in a planter while sitting on a chair. Additionally, the planter was set up on a desk. ANS responses were measured over time from before to after the activity for different events at six time periods. Changes in the patient’s ANS responses were assessed during each period. Results: With the involvement of environmental factors and OT during harvesting activities, parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity significantly increased. This may lead to improved mental stability. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that implementing harvesting activities may have a positive effect on the PNS in patients with AD with long-term agricultural experience. However, further studies with a larger sample size and multidimensional evaluations are needed.

Relationship between Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis and Calf Circumference in Older Women

Purpose: Frailty is a state of declined vitality of the body and mind with age in which life functions are impaired. In addition, there is a difference in the susceptibility of older women to frailty compared with that of older men. Therefore, assessing and encouraging physical activity in older adults before they become frail is essential. We aimed to clarify the relationship between calf circumference and body composition and assess the potential association between calf circumference and physical activity indices in older women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 18 healthy older adults (age 69.0 ± 5.7 years). The physical characteristics, calf circumference, body composition, calf muscle thickness, and physical activity questionnaire that included items on exercise-related activity thermogenesis (EAT) and nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) were assessed. The association between calf circumference and these additional measures was examined. Results: Positive and significant correlations were found between the calf circumference and body weight, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, calf muscle thickness, total questionnaire score, and NEAT score (r = 0.66 - 0.87). However, no significant correlations were observed between the calf circumference and EAT scores. Conclusion: Calf circumference in older women may reflect NEAT activity. Improving NEAT activity is an important health-promoting factor in older women.

Impaired Cognition and Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes: Are They Related?

Background: Stroke survivors who exhibit impaired cognition at admission to inpatient rehabilitation may experience participation challenges and poorer functional outcomes than those without impaired cognition. Differences in functional outcomes between stroke survivors with and without impaired cognition may be attributed to age, level of cognitive impairment, and severity of stroke. Materials and Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted using health-related administrative data acquired from a Southwestern Ontario hospital’s stroke rehabilitation database. The aim was to explore potential linkages between post-stroke impaired cognition and functional gains, rehabilitation stays, and living settings after discharge from rehabilitation. Results: An aggregate sample of 393 males and 314 females subclassified as experiencing mild, moderate, and severe stroke was analyzed. At inpatient rehabilitation admission, 21.5% (n = 152) of these patients had no impaired cognition, 33.7% (n = 238) had mild impaired cognition, 22.2% (n = 157) had moderate impaired cognition, and 22.6% (n = 160) had severe impaired cognition. Cognitively impaired stroke patients were significantly (p 0.001) older, had (mostly) moderate to severe stroke with significantly (p = 0.012) more moderate cognitive impairment, had significantly (p 0.001) longer rehabilitation stays, and a high propensity for being discharged to longer-term care facilities compared to non-cognitively impaired patients. Conclusion: Presence of significant dissimilarity in rehabilitation stays and post-discharge destinations among stroke survivors with and without cognitive impairment is attributed to the age of the patient, level of cognitive impairment, and rigorous rehabilitation interventions.