Disability and rehabilitation
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Transcranial direct current stimulation in the recovery of postural control after stroke: a pilot study.
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple sessions of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) during 4 weeks on balance and gait parameters after stroke. ⋯ This pilot study indicates that 16 tDCS-sessions could have a beneficial effect on balance and gait in stroke patients measured with the Tinetti test. However, further research is needed to elucidate these findings. Implications for Rehabilitation Sixteen sessions of tDCS is beneficial in the recovery of postural control in stroke patients. tDCS has to be applied as soon as possible to enhance beneficial effects.
-
Comparative Study
The performance quality rating scale (PQRS): reliability, convergent validity, and internal responsiveness for two scoring systems.
The performance quality rating scale (PQRS) is an observational measure of performance quality of client-selected, personally meaningful activities. It has been used inconsistently with different scoring systems, and there have been no formal publications on its psychometric properties. The purpose of this study was to test and compare the psychometric properties of two PQRS scoring systems in two populations. ⋯ Both scoring systems have demonstrated they are reliable and have good internal responsiveness. The PQRS-OD demonstrated greater consistency across raters and is more sensitive to clinically important change than the PQRS-G and should be used when greater accuracy is required. Further exploration of validity with actual rather than perceived performance measures is required.
-
Multicenter Study
The experience of acute burns of the hand - patients perspectives.
This study endeavoured to explore the experiences of adult patients with acute burns of the hand in order to gain insight and understanding the effects of the burn injury on their participation in rehabilitation. ⋯ This study showed that a holistic approach, in which the physical, psychosocial and emotional needs of the individual were addressed, was paramount to the patients' experience of therapy, recovery and future outlook. It emphasised the need for early psychological intervention and the value of providing an understanding and empathetic approach in addressing the needs and expectations of the patient.
-
Comparative Study
A head-to-head comparison of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) and Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) in an older acute medical population.
To compare the clinimetric properties of the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI®) and the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS). ⋯ The DEMMI® and EMS are both valid measures of mobility for older acute medical patients. The DEMMI® has a broader scale width than the EMS with interval level measurement and therefore provides a more accurate method for measuring and monitoring changes in mobility for older acute medical patients. Implications for Rehabilitation Mobility of older acute medical patients. Hospitalised older acute medical patients are at "high risk" of mobility decline. Accurate measurement of mobility is essential for preventing and treating mobility decline. Many existing mobility measures have significant measurement limitations. The DEMMI® is a more accurate measure of mobility than the EMS in an older acute medical population.
-
Multicenter Study
Explaining daily functioning in young adults with obstetric brachial plexus lesion.
To study the influence of obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) on arm-hand function and daily functioning in adults, and to investigate the relationship of arm-hand function and pain to daily functioning. ⋯ Many young adults with OBPL experience limitations in daily functioning. Pain, rather than arm-hand function, seems to explain these limitations. Implications for Rehabilitation Obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL) is caused by traction to the brachial plexus during labour, resulting in denervation of the muscles of the arm and shoulder girdle. Adults with OBPL are hardly seen in rehabilitation medicine. This study shows that many young adults with OBPL experience limitations in daily functioning. Pain, rather than arm-hand function, seems to explain these limitations. Fifty percent of the participants complained about moderate or severe pain, which was located in the affected arm, the back and the non-affected arm. There seems an age-related increase in pain prevalence. Persons who had undergone plexus surgery had a significantly worse arm-hand function, but comparable scores on daily functioning scales compared to persons without plexus surgery. When limitations in daily functioning or pain occur, referral to a rehabilitation physician is indicated.