Improvement of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) for Patients Treated in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

Background: Self-care tasks or activities of daily living (ADL)’s performance are often disrupted after an older adult sustains an injury or illness, which can be a determining factor for discharge placement after hospitalization, or it can determine the level of assistance required after discharge from a skilled nursing facility (SNF). We believe that comprehensive rehabilitation can improve a patient’s overall functioning during their short term stay in SNFs. The purpose of this study is to determine if an individual’s level of independence improved after admission to a skilled nursing facility and procurement of rehabilitation services. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 4612 nursing home patients in California who underwent rehabilitative services at skilled nursing facilities to determine how the patients responded to their environments, therapy interventions, and any other additional supportive measures. The records of patients who were admitted for short-term rehabilitation were reviewed in a blinded fashion, looking specifically at Section GG of the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Self-Care Section GG scores recorded by rehabilitative staff provide objective data and measure patients’ levels of assistance that were required. Each activity is scored from 1, being completely dependent, to 6, being entirely independent, with varying levels of assistance with scores in between. The admission scores versus the discharge scores can be compared to determine if a patient improved their level of functioning upon discharge. Results: Utilizing the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, a strong correlation of improvement in ADL performance on Section GG between the admission and discharge scores was identified, implying significant improvement in functional independence upon discharge. The average percent improvement for Managed Care patients was ~35.4% and ~39.4% for Medicare patients. Conclusions: The results support the benefits of rehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities, and the data suggests that admission scores can be used as a predictive tool for functional outcomes.

Research on the Correlation between NSE Level and Activities of Daily Living in Parkinson’s Disease

Objective: To establish a prediction model of activities of daily living (ADL) as an auxiliary evaluation scheme of hospitalized Parkinson’s disease patients. Methods: The hospitalization data of Parkinson’s disease in patients in the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were collected. Firstly the NSE values and each BI item were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Secondly, The NSE, Age, Body weight and Education level related to the total score of Barthel index were obtained by correlation analysis. At last, a multiple linear regression model was established with NSE, Age, Body weight and Education level as independent variables and BI as dependent variables. Results: A total of 95 patients with PD were enrolled in this study, including 53 males (55.8%) and 42 females (44.2%). The effects of the four independent variables incorporated in the model on the total score of Barthel index were statistically significant, as well as the regression model (F = 9.531, P Conclusion: The prediction model established in this research can effectively predict the activities of daily living of Parkinson’s patients and can be used as an auxiliary evaluation scheme of the hospitalized PD patients.

The Effect of Early versus Traditional Hospital Discharge on Activities of Daily Living for Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section. An Observational Cohort Study

Background: Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide and its consequences and complications represent a major public health concern. The policy of enhanced recovery after surgery has been implemented after cesarean section to optimize perioperative care. Enhanced recovery also aims to reduce the length of hospital stay, which might imply substantial healthcare savings. Rising hospital costs are one of the factors in early discharge. Patients & Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. 158 patients met the inclusion criteria of the study, 81 patients were discharged after 48 hours and 77 patients were discharged after 24 hours. All patients received the same postoperative care and instructions. All the study participants received a phone call 1, 3, and 5 days after discharge to objectively assess the activities of daily living through Katz index of independence in activities of daily living. All patients were offered a postpartum visit 1 week after discharge during which the wound was assessed by the Southampton wound assessment scale. Moreover, other maternal complications such as mastitis, puerperal sepsis, or pyelonephritis were assessed and cases who were readmitted were documented. Initiation of successful breastfeeding and neonatal readmission were reported as well. Results: 158 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study. There was no significant difference between the two arms of the study regarding baseline characteristics. Katz index of independence showed that the resumption of activities of daily living after CS was similar in both arms of the study on days 1, 3 and 5 after discharge. Time till the passage of flatus and stool after the cesarean section was significantly shorter among the early discharge arm (9.31 VS 14.68, p value < 0.001 & 13.25 VS 24.82, p value < 0.001 respectively). Maternal readmission was not significantly higher among the early discharge arm and at the 1-week postpartum visit, objective wound assessment by Southampton wound scoring assessment was made and there was no significant difference between the two arms of the study. Initiation of successful breastfeeding, and neonatal readmission were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The policy of early discharge can be adopted in low-risk cases scheduled for elective uncomplicated CS provided that the mother and the neonate are in good general condition and proper instructions regarding red flag manifestations are given.

Limitations in activities of daily living increase the risk of stroke in older Chinese adults:a population-based longitudinal study

It remains unclear whether limitations in activities of daily living(ADL) increase the risk of stroke in older Chinese adults.This longitudinal study used data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to investigate the effects of limitations in ADL on the incidence of stroke in older adults.Between 2002 and 2011,46,728 participants from 22 provinces in China were included in this study.Of participants,11,241 developed limitations in ADL at baseline.A 3-year follow-up was performed to determine the incidence of stroke.During the 3-year follow-up,929 participants(8.26%) and 2434 participants(6.86%) experienced stroke in the ADL limitations group and non-ADL limitations group,respectively.Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of ADL limitations on the risk of stroke.The results showed that after adjusting for the confounding factors gender,age,weight,hypertension,diabetes,heart disease,natural teeth,hearing impairment,visual impairment,smoking,alcohol abuse,exercise,ethnicity,literacy,residential area,and poverty,the ADL limitations group had a 77% higher risk of developing stroke than the non-ADL limitations group.After propensity score matching,the ADL limitations group still had a 33% higher risk of developing stroke than the non-ADL limitations group(OR = 1.326,95% CI:1.174–1.497).These findings suggest that limitations in ADL are a stroke risk factor.

Factors associated with activities of daily living among the disabled elders with stroke

Objective:To determine the factors associated with activities of daily living(ADL)among the disabled elders post-stroke.Methods:A total of 158 patients were chosen from community health service stations in eighteen regions of Tianjin city by convenience sampling from March to November in 2013.The Barthel Index(BI)and the short-formmini-nutritional assessment(MNA-SF)were used to evaluate the ADL,the nutritional status respectively.Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-test,one-way ANOVA,Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis.Barthel ADL index was the main outcome.Results:The mean score of ADL was 50.50±27.125.The multiple linear regression showed that the factors which had significant impact on ADL were stroke frequency,types of stroke,nutritional status,financial status,and age.Conclusions:Disabled elders with recurrent strokes,hemorrhagic stroke,dependent financial resources,older age,worse nutritional status and living with family had poorer strokerelated outcome.Healthcare providers can discover the high-risk groups of disability and implement individualized preventive interventions in accordance with the related factors.

Effect of Activities of Daily Living on Self-Care Agency in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus continues to be a global health problem with increasing importance across the world by affecting the activities of daily living and self-care ability of patients due to its incidence and troubles caused by it. The present study aims at determining the effect of activities of daily living of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on their self-care agency. Methods: The population of this descriptive study consisted of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were being treated at the internal medicine clinic of a provincial state hospital between July 2014 and November 2015 and its sample consisted of 150 diabetic patients who volunteered to take part in the study and who were open to communication. A personal information form, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale and the Self-Care Ability Scale (CAS) were used as data collecting tools. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (numbers, percentages, mean, standard deviation, mean rank and frequencies), the Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis Variance Analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and Cronbach’s alpha formula and correlation analysis. Results: Approximately 97.3% of the patients with type 2 diabetes stated that they were independent in ADL and 75.3% of them in IADL. The patients’ mean self-care ability score was found to be 83.85 ± 17.87 ADL and IADL were found to be affected by age, marital status, education, duration of disease, willingness to receive further education, and presence of another disease besides diabetes. There was a significant correlation between the self-care agency score and marital status, education, duration of disease, willingness to receive further education, presence of another disease besides diabetes, regular checking of blood sugar and compliance with diet. A significant positive correlation was found between the patients’ activities of daily living and their self-care agency. Conclusion: The patients’ activities of daily living were found to affect their self-care agency. The personal and disease-related characteristics of patients should be identified so that their self-care behaviors can be increased.

Relationship between fall risks and activities of daily living in older individuals

Objective:To investigate the relationship between fall risks and maintaining activities of daily living in individuals aged 65 and over.Methods:This study is cross-sectional.It was conducted with 233 individuals who were aged 65 and over in Family Health Centers located in the eastern part of Turkey between February and June 2018.Results:The mean older individuals’DENN Fall Risks Assessment Scale score was 11.73±7.13,and 62.2%of the participants were in the high-risk group.Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living(ADL)mean score was 68.03±25.36,and 45.1%of the participants were in the moderately dependent group.There was a statistically significant,negative correlationship between Barthel Index of ADL score and age and DENN Fall Risks Assessment Scale score.In addition,there was a statistically significant,positive relationship between the DENN Fall Risks Assessment Scale score and age(p<0.01).Conclusions:This study found that level of dependency and fall risks increased with the increase in age.Effective global and multidisciplinary interventions are needed to decrease older individuals’dependency levels and fall risks today when the number of older individuals is increasing.

Evaluation of activities of daily living following pseudophakic presbyopic correction

Background:Pseudophakic presbyopic correction is among the prevalent methods for regaining near vision capacity.The purpose of this study is to compare the impact of pseudophakic monovision correction and multifocal lens implantation on the performance in a series of activities of daily living(ADL)of presbyopic patients.Methods:An ADL research framework(10 ADLs)was constructed and validated in a sample of patients divided into three validation groups according to their near visual acuity.Sixty-two participants that underwent mini-monovision(MoG)cataract extraction and 60 that underwent bilateral multifocal lenses implantation(MfG)populated study groups and addressed the ADLs.Binocular uncorrected distant(BdUVA)and near(BnUVA)visual acuity were associated with ADL scores and with subjective satisfaction using the VF-14 questionnaire.Results:Test-retest reliability[all Intraclass Correlations Coefficients(ICC)>0.90]and construct validity(all p<0.05)tests indicated sufficient psychometric performance of the ADL framework.Both study groups presented comparable mean ADL scores(p=0.07)however,MoG patients had lower performance in demanding ADLs(p=0.02).ADL scores demonstrated significant correlation with BnUVA(r^(2)=−0.67,p<0.01)VF-14 scores(r^(2)=0.53,p<0.01).Conclusions:Both methods provide sufficient near vision capacity for the majority of activities of daily living.However,only multifocal lens implantation can address demanding near vision tasks.

Effect of action observation therapy on daily activities and motor recovery in stroke patients

Objective:To evaluate the effects of action observation therapy,which is based on mirror neuron theory,on upper limb function and activities of daily living in patients with stroke.Methods:Sixty-one patients with stroke were randomly divided into two groups;those in the control group received routine rehabilitation treatment and nursing,whereas those in the experimental group additionally received eight weeks of action observation therapy for 30 min,six times per week.Patients receiving action observation therapy watched videos depicting a model performing specific motor actions typically performed in daily life before enacting the same actions themselves.All patients were assessed using the FugleMeyer assessment,Barthel index and the modified Ashworth scale at baseline and at eight weeks,after treatment.Results:After the eight weeks of treatment,both groups of patients exhibited significant improvement in all the measurements(all p<0.05).Furthermore,the FugleMeyer assessment,Barthel index and modified Ashworth scale scores were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group(all p<0.05).Conclusion:Action observation therapy significantly improves upper extremity motor function and performance of activities of daily living,and alleviates upper limb spasticity in patients with stroke.

Treatment of Elderly Bedridden Patients with Removable Dentures to Promote Their Daily Physical Activities: A Case-Control Study

Bedridden patients remain in bed for various reasons, such as chronic illness, old age, and disability, and they cannot perform self-care activities completely or partially. The provision of care for bedridden patients is a major issue in the aging population. Effective rehabilitation is associated with several factors such as cooperation between the patient and the medical staff, selection of effective facilities, and the financial burden. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on the activities of daily living (ADL) of occlusion restoration using removable dentures in bedridden older people. This case-control study comprised 32 bedridden older patients who were divided into two groups as follows: denture (n = 18) and no-denture (n = 14). No rehabilitation was provided to any of the patients. The patients were evaluated 3 months after placing the denture, and the ADLs were compared between the two groups. Of the 18 bedridden patients who received removable dentures, 55.6% demonstrated improvements in the ADLs, and the effects persisted for at least 3 months. No improvement in the ADL was observed in the no-denture group. The results of this study suggested that adequate occlusal support can improve the ADL of the elderly. Thus, it is important to take care of oral health early in life in order to maintain oral health, which could help prevent the decrease in the ADL during the later stages of life.

A Brief Clinical Assessment of Cognitive Deficit with Impaired Daily Living Functioning in Parkinson’s Patients with and without Dementia

Cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is defined as dementia which affects activities of daily living (ADL) function. Dementia is one of the recognized issues in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease patients (PDP) as it is becoming a major contributor to morbidity. The objective of our study was to evaluate the cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease patients (PDP) and the influence of cognition on daily living function deterioration in cognitively impaired and cognitively unimpaired PDP. Cognitively impaired PDP (n = 24), and cognitively unimpaired PDP (n = 16) were administered MoCA and MMSE performance based tests for cognitive measurements and Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Activities of Daily Living Inventory (ADCS-ADL) to determine everyday functioning. The significances of MoCA and MMSE among cognitively impaired PDP and cognitively unimpaired PDP in univariant analysis were P < 0.001 and P < 0.05. In partial correlation, MoCA was strongly related to ADL function as compare to MMSE (r = 0.623, P = 0.001). Cognitively impaired PDP showed significantly lower score on visuo-construction and attention. Among all variables of MoCA domains, attention is strongly associated with instrumental activity daily living (IADL) scores (logistic regression coefficient = 0.672, P = 0.01). These results suggest that dementia affects daily living performances especially the IADL tasks like attention and execution. Therefore, the assessment of complex daily activities particularly IADL is probably useful for the diagnosis of early stage cognitive impairment in PDP. Further MMSE test is less sensitive than MoCA for detecting significant cognitive decline in PDP and impaired attention is an important determinant of ADL functions in cognitively impaired PDP.

The Association between Activity of Daily Living and the Combination of Alzheimer’s Disease and Cataract in Elderly Requiring Nursing Care

Some clinical and epidemiological studies have suggested that Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and cataract, may share common pathogenetic mechanisms, subsequently a positive association between the prevalence of AD and cataract, although other studies found no significant relationship between dementia and visual impairment including cataract in the elderly. Little is known about the association between Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and the combination of AD and cataract. To examine the association between ADL and the combination of AD and cataract, we performed a national survey in nursing care institutions in Japan, examining the decreased ADL in elderly with and without AD and cataract for 453 elderly aged 85.0 ± 8.13 years. The proportion, 43.5% of AD in subjects without cataract was significantly higher than that, 23.5% with cataract. Almost all ADL in AD with cataract was significantly lower than that without cataract, although all ADL in cataract patients receiving surgery in AD was significantly (all p < 0.002) higher than that in cataract patients without surgery in AD, as was confirmed by the multiple regression analysis incorporating into the relevant factors as independent variables. These results showed that ADL scores including cognitive functions decreased by cataract were increased by the surgery in the patients with AD. A significantly negative association between AD and cataract seen in our data, which was inconsistent with the previous result, might lead to the necessities of the clinical diagnosis for slight severity of cataract for patients with AD.

Application of a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND Rehabilitation nursing is considered an indispensable part of the cerebral infarction treatment system.The hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model can provide continuous nursing services across hospitals,communities,and families for patients.AIM To explore the application of a hospital–community–family rehabilitation nursing model combined with motor imagery therapy in patients with cerebral infarction.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,88 patients with cerebral infarction were divided into a study(n=44)and a control(n=44)group using a simple random number table.The control group received routine nursing and motor imagery therapy.The study group was given hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing based on the control group.Motor function(FMA),balance ability(BBS),activities of daily living(BI),quality of life(SS-QOL),activation status of the contralateral primary sensorimotor cortical area to the affected side,and nursing satisfaction were evaluated before and after intervention in both groups.RESULTS Before intervention,FMA and BBS were similar(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,FMA and BBS were significantly higher in the study than in the control group(both P<0.05).Before intervention,BI and SS-QOL scores were not different between the study and control group(P>0.05).However,after 6months’intervention,BI and SS-QOL were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).Before intervention,activation frequency and volume were similar between the study and the control group(P>0.05).After 6 months’intervention,the activation frequency and volume were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).The reliability,empathy,reactivity,assurance,and tangibles scores for quality of nursing service were higher in the study than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Combining a hospital–community–family trinity rehabilitation nursing model and motor imagery therapy enhances the motor function and balance ability of patients with cerebral infarction,improving their quality of life.

Clinical value of ankle flexion and extension exercises combined with a psychological intervention in knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND Considering the limited effectiveness of clinical interventions for knee osteoarthritis(KOA),it is necessary to continue to explore appropriate and effective treatment strategies to improve the condition of KOA patients.AIM To clarify the influence of ankle flexion and extension exercises combined with a psychological intervention on the psychological status and activities of daily living(ADLs)of patients with KOA.METHODS The research participants were 116 KOA patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between May 2019 and May 2022,including 54 patients receiving routine treatment,care and psychological intervention(control group)and 62 patients additionally treated with ankle flexion and extension exercises(research group).The two groups were comparatively analyzed in terms of psychological status(Self-rating Anxiety/Depression Scale,SDS/SAS),ADLs,knee joint function(Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale),pain(Visual Analog Scale,VAS),fatigue(Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory,MFI),and quality of life(QoL;Short-Form 36 Item Health Survey,SF-36).RESULTS After evaluation,it was found that the postinterventional SDS,SAS,VAS,and MFI scores in the research group were significantly reduced compared with the baseline(before the intervention)values and those of the control group,while the postinterventional Lysholm,ADL and SF-36 scores were markedly elevated.CONCLUSION Therefore,ankle flexion and extension exercises are highly effective in easing negative psychological status,enhancing ADLs,daily living ability,knee joint function and QoL,and relieving pain and fatigue in KOA patients,thus warranting clinical promotion.

Validation and Translation of the Greek Version of the “DCDDaily-Q-GR” Questionnaire

The origin of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) has not been clarified yet. DCD is considered as a movement disorder that may strongly affect child’s Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Reliable evaluation tools for young DCD are importantly useful. This study aimed to translate and validate the Developmental Coordination Disorder Daily Questionnaire (DCDDaily-Q) into Greek. The current validation study reports on the translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Greek. The total sample consisted of 191 children (age 5 - 8 years) and their parents who completed the questionnaire as a reference group. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (100 parents) completed only the DCDDaily-Q. The second group consisted of 91 parents who completed the DCDDaily-Q, while their children were additionally evaluated with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2 (MABC-2). Then two groups were created that included (25) children with DCD and a control group 30 children with typical developmental. The results were analyzed was performed using IBM SPSS statistics 24.0 (a = 0.05). The internal consistency of the Greek version of the DCDDaily-Q was assessed (Cronbach’s α = 0.86). High test-retest reliability for all items and good diagnostic performance for identifying children with DCD were achieved with a sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.67. The Greek version of DCDDaily-Q was proved to be a reliable and valid screening tool for ADL assessment in 5 to 8 year old children with DCD;offering an easy to use and economical tool in the Greek healthcare system.

Arabic Version of the Modified Constant Murley Score

Objectives: “Patient-reported outcome measures” has been used extensively, and it has shown the diseases’ impact on patient quality of life and has enabled the clinician to evaluate the clinical care efficacy. In the literature, there are more than 34 shoulder function assessment scoring instruments;the Modified Constant Murley Score (M-CMS) is one of the most popular scores. Although, the M-CMS had been translated and culturally adapted to Danish, Brazilian and Turkish versions, there is no Arabic version found in the literature. We aim to translate and culturally adapt M-CMS into the Arabic language. Method: The M-CMS was translated using previously published guidelines. The translation and cultural adaptation were done in five stages, initial translation by two bilingual translators then a synthesis of the translations after that, back translation by two native English speakers. Then an expert committee meeting approved the pre-final Arabic version. Finally, a pilot test was conducted on 41 patients to ensure its validity. Results: The M-CMS was successfully translated from the original English version to the Arabic version;no difficulties in the translation process were faced. Conclusion: A validated Arabic version of the M-CMS was produced and ready to be used for functional assessment of different shoulder pathologies in Arabic-speaking countries. Future study is needed for translation and cultural adaptation of the English standardized test protocol to assure the reproducibility of the Arabic version of the M-CMS.

Intervention effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on ICU acquired weakness: A meta-analysis

Objective:The early use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)to prevent intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)in critical patients is still a controversial topic.We conducted a systematic review to clarify the effectiveness of NMES in preventing ICU-AW.Methods:The Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMBASE,MEDUNE,Web of Science,Ovid,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc(CBMdisc)and other databases were searched for randomized controlled trials on the influence of NMES on ICU-AW.The studies were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.After data and quality were evaluated,a meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 576 patients were included.The meta-analysis results showed that NMES can improve muscle strength[MD=1.78,95%CI(0.44,3.12,P=0.009);shorten the mechanical ventilation(MV)time[SMD=-0.65,95%CI(-1.03,-0.27,P=0.001],ICU length of stay[MD=-3.41,95%CI(-4.58,-4.24),P<0.001],and total length of stay[MD=-3.97,95%CI(-6.89,-1.06,P=0.008];improve the ability of patients to perform activities of daily living[SMD=0.9,95%CI(0.45,1.35),P=0.001];and increase walking distance[MD=239.03,95%CI(179.22298.85),P<0.001].However,there is no evidence indicating that NMES can improve the functional status of ICU patients during hospitalization,promote the early awakening of patients or reduce mortality(P>0.05).Conclusion:Early implementation of the NMES intervention in ICU patients can prevent ICU-AW and improve their quality of life by enhancing their muscle strength and shortening the MV duration,length of stay in the ICU and total length of stay in the hospital.

Comprehensive Management of Daily Living Activities,behavioral and Psychological Symptoms,and Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease:A Chinese Consensus on Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is the most common cognitive disorder in the elderly.Its main clinical manifestations are cognitive decline(C),behavioral and psychological symptoms(B),and a decline in the activities of daily living(A),also known as ABC symptoms.Early identification and evaluation of ABC symptoms are helpful for establishing the accurate diagnosis,comprehensive treatment,and prognosis of AD.To guide Chinese clinical practice for optimization of the comprehensive management of AD,in 2018,The Academy of Cognitive Disorder of China gathered 22 neurologists and gerontologists in China to build a consensus on the comprehensive management of AD.Based on a review of the evidence,the consensus summarizes the pathogenesis,pathological changes,clinical manifestations,evaluation,diagnosis,drug and non-drug treatment,and patient care for AD.Focus group discussion was used to establish a flowchart of comprehensive ABC management for AD patients.The new consensus provides a feasible AD management process for clinicians.

Comparison of cerebral activation between motor execution and motor imagery of self-feeding activity

Motor imagery is defined as an act wherein an individual contemplates a mental action of motor execution without apparent action.Mental practice executed by repetitive motor imagery can improve motor performance without simultaneous sensory input or overt output.We aimed to investigate cerebral hemodynamics during motor imagery and motor execution of a self-feeding activity using chopsticks.This study included 21 healthy right-handed volunteers.The self-feeding activity task comprised either motor imagery or motor execution of eating sliced cucumber pickles with chopsticks to examine eight regions of interest:pre-supplementary motor area,supplementary motor area,bilateral prefrontal cortex,premotor area,and sensorimotor cortex.The mean oxyhemoglobin levels were detected using near-infrared spectroscopy to reflect cerebral activation.The mean oxyhemoglobin levels during motor execution were significantly higher in the left sensorimotor cortex than in the supplementary motor area and the left premotor area.Moreover,significantly higher oxyhemoglobin levels were detected in the supplementary motor area and the left premotor area during motor imagery,compared to motor execution.Supplementary motor area and premotor area had important roles in the motor imagery of self-feeding activity.Moreover,the activation levels of the supplementary motor area and the premotor area during motor execution and motor imagery are likely affected by intentional cognitive processes.Levels of cerebral activation differed in some areas during motor execution and motor imagery of a self-feeding activity.This study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Nagasaki University(approval No.18110801)on December 10,2018.

Visual feedback therapy for restoration of upper limb function of stroke patients

Objective:To investigate the effects of mirror neuron theory-based visual feedback therapy(VFT)on restoration of upper limb function of stroke patients and motor-related cortical function using functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI).Methods:Hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups:a VFT group and a control(CTL)group.Sixteen patients in the VFT group received conventional rehabilitation(CR)and VFT for 8 weeks,while 15 patients in the CTL group received only CR.The Barthel Index(BI)was used to assess the activities of daily living at baseline and the 8th week of the recovery training period.The Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)scale,somatosensory evoked potential(SEP),and fMRI were used to evaluate the recovery effect of the training therapies.The latencies and amplitudes of N9 and N20 were measured.Before recovery training,fMRI was performed for all patients in the VFT and CTL groups.In addition,17 patients(9 in the VFT group and 8 in the CTL group)underwent fMRI for follow-up 2 months after treatment.Qualitative data were analyzed using the x2 test.The independent sample t-test was used to compare normally distributed data among different groups,the paired sample t-test was used to compare data between groups,and the non-parametric test was used to comparing data without normal distribution among groups.Results:There were no significant differences between the VFT and CTL group in all indexes.However,after 8 weeks of recovery training,these indexes were all significantly improved(P<0.05).As compared with the CTL group,the FMA scores,BI,and N9/N20 latencies and amplitudes of SEP in the VFT group were significantly improved(P<0.05).Two months after recovery training,fMRI showed that the degree of activation of the bilateral central anterior gyrus.parietal lobe,and auxiliary motor areas was significantly higher in the VFT group than the CTL group(P<0.05).Conclusions:VFT based on mirror neuron theory is an effective approach to improve upper extremity motor function and daily activity performance of stroke patients.The therapeutic mechanism promotes motor relearning by activating the mirror neuron system and motor cortex.SEP amplitudes increased only for patients who participated in visual feedback.VFT promotes sensory-motor plasticity and behavioral changes in both the motor and sensory domains.