Disability and rehabilitation
-
To assess the prevalence and variation of post-concussion symptoms within the first year after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), and explore the association between injury severity, demographic factors and symptoms. ⋯ Persistence of symptoms was a considerable problem even 1 year after the injury, with cognitive symptoms dominating. More severe AIS scores were associated with a higher level of cognitive and physical symptoms at 3 months, but not at later follow-ups. Strategies to prevent and treat these symptoms should be focussed in clinical practice.
-
The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness can be an extremely stressful, traumatic experience. However, many survivors report also various positive changes, referred in empirical literature as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Empirical studies that documented stress disorders and PTG in patients and survivors of life-threatening diseases are reviewed in three areas: Predictors of PTG, relationships between PTG and indicators of mental health and the impact of PTG on the process of convalescence. ⋯ The results point to the potential adaptive significance of PTG. More research is needed to investigate specific disease-related profiles of PTG and the complex mechanisms, which underlie the relationships between PTG and the process of convalescence. This knowledge may help to foster the overall positive adjustment of chronically ill patients.
-
Multicenter Study
Towards an ICF-based clinical measure of functioning in people with ankylosing spondylitis: a methodological exploration.
To explore whether it is possible to construct clinical measures of functioning for patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by integrating information obtained across categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ⋯ For the first time, it has been shown that clinical measures of functioning, in principle, can be constructed based on the comprehensive ICF framework covering body functions and structures and activities and participation domains. The results of this investigation are preliminary and must be validated, but they are promising and can contribute to the acceptance and usefulness of the ICF in clinical practice.
-
To describe the development of a conceptual framework for cultural competence that could help and guide the training of rehabilitation practitioners, students and researchers. ⋯ The empirically validated conceptual framework is a promising tool for training and evaluation of cultural competence.
-
To explore the role of Botulinum Toxin type A (BoNT-A) in the management of the spastic hemiplegic shoulder and identify the common achievable goals for treatment. ⋯ BoNT-A injection of the proximal upper limb, with combined therapy, produced a reduction in spasticity, improvement in passive function and pain. Management of upper limb spasticity should include evaluation and, if necessary treatment, of the shoulder girdle and proximal musculature.