Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

The Interaction of Knee, Hip and L5-S1 Joint Contact Forces and spatiotemporal variables between Sound and Prosthetic Leg in Patients with Unilateral below-knee Amputation during Walking

Keyvan Sharifmoradi; Mostafa kamali Ardekani; Mohammad Taghi Karimi

Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 53-59

Abstract

  Background: there is little knowledge explaining how forces applied on knee, hip and L5-S1 joint between the sound and prosthetic leg in unilateral Below-Knee Amputation (BKA), so the ...  Read More Background: there is little knowledge explaining how forces applied on knee, hip and L5-S1 joint between the sound and prosthetic leg in unilateral Below-Knee Amputation (BKA), so the aim of this study was to assess the interaction of knee, hip and L5-S1 joint contact forces between sound and prosthetic leg in patients with unilateral BKA during walkingMethods: Five patients with BKA were recruited in this study. A Qualisys motion system capture with seven cameras and a Kistler force plate were used to record kinematics and kinetics variables of walking. The forces applied on knee, hip and L5-S1 joint contact forces (JCF) were calculated by using Open-SIM software. SPSS software was used to analyze data at an alpha set point of 0.05.Result: The propulsive and second peaks of ground reaction forces applied on sound leg were significantly higher than prosthetic leg (p<0.05). Although the forces applied on hip, knee and L5-S1 joint in the sound leg were higher compared to prosthetic leg, the interaction between side and joint factor was not significant (p>0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the meaningful JCF applied on the sound leg were more than that of prosthetic leg. Insignificant increases in JCF on the sound leg during life can create cumulative forces on knee and low-back and endanger these joints at the risk of knee OA and chronic low-back pain. Balanced forces applied on sound and prosthetic leg is important, if this is the case, so indicating using a proper usage of socket pin and prosthetic feet which may have beneficial impact on sound side loads.

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More realistic dynamical modeling of a humanoid robotic arm to reduce control effort with uncertainty using self-impact joint constrained

Seyed Iman Hosseini; Yousef Bazargan Lari

Volume 6, Issue 2 , June 2019, , Pages 68-79

Abstract

  Background:The main challenge of modeling humanoid robots is establishing a compromise between the simplicity of the model and accuracy of the system. One of the realities of movement ...  Read More Background:The main challenge of modeling humanoid robots is establishing a compromise between the simplicity of the model and accuracy of the system. One of the realities of movement which is important about humans is moving their hands to keep balance and reduce energy consumption while they are walking. Methods: In this context, the role of elbow joint and the limitation that the joint exerts in terms of movement on the forearm and arm as self-impact joint constraint is undeniable. This paper deals with modeling and control of humanoid robot’s hand as double-pendulum will consider mentioned constraint while normal walking and also in throwing darts. Results: The presence of the self-impact joint constraint contributed to about a 26% saving in power consumption of robot motors within an impact range of 0.6346 to 0.6896 during normal human walking.  Since this control has a high power, 10 to 30% of the uncertainty was added to the length and mass parameters. As was observed, this controller routed the desired curves in the least possible time. Conclusion: As mentioned earlier, consideration of this constraint in elbow joint of the humanoid robot will help in approaching the reality of system in comparison with past models previously designed. As constraint causes addition of severe nonlinear terms to dynamic system equation, the control of systems with this type of constraint faces a great deal of complexity. For adaptive-neural controller to control of the system of humanoid robot’s hand will be used. Also, to display the ability of control system, the uncertainty of length and mass for this system will be considered. The existence of self-impact joint constraint will cause saving in consumption power of robot engines within the impact range.

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The Comparison of Neurodevelopmental- Bobath Approach with Occupational Therapy Home Program on Gross Motor Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy

Faranak Behzadi; Hesammedin Noroozi; Marzieh Mohamadi

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 21-24

Abstract

  Background & objectives: Traditional Bobath approach (TBA) is one of the several methods using in treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who referred to occupational therapy ...  Read More Background & objectives: Traditional Bobath approach (TBA) is one of the several methods using in treatment of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who referred to occupational therapy setting. In this study, the effect of TBA compared with home program Bobath approach (HPBA), on the gross motor function (GMF) of children with CP.Methods: in this clinical trial, 30 children with CP studied in two groups of 15, randomly. Control group received Bobath traditional services 12 sessions. In the intervention group, along with these services, parents participated in training program and fallowed the exercises. Peabody scale assessed GMF before and after intervention.Results: GMF increased significantly in both groups. In addition, differences between the two groups were significant (p=.007).Conclusions: the results of this study showed that TBA with HPBA was more effective than the traditional ones.

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Comparison of the Effects of Massage and Cryotherapy on the Knee Extensor Muscles Fatigue and Isokinetic Parameters in Soccer Players

Mohsen Razeghi; Hassan Nouri

Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  Background:Fatigue can cause a significant effect on the mechanics of complex motor skills and reduce physical and mental efficiency. One of the common ways to reduce fatigue is passive ...  Read More Background:Fatigue can cause a significant effect on the mechanics of complex motor skills and reduce physical and mental efficiency. One of the common ways to reduce fatigue is passive recovering or using massage and cryotherapy after exercise. The present study aimed to compare the effects of massage and cryotherapy on muscles fatigue and isokinetic parameters.Methods:This study was conducted on54 healthy athletes aged 20-30 years who were randomly divided into three groups: cooling (ice therapy), massage, and control (resting). Each of the volunteers was evaluated in two sessions. The first session was to familiarize the participants with isokinetic contraction. The second session started with a brief warm up subsequently, using Biodex Isokinetic System Average Peak Torque (APTQ), Average Power (AP), and Total Work (TW) were measured. Then, the fatigue protocol was applied. Afterwards, interventions were performed for 15 minutes. After the intervention, isokinetic parameters were evaluated again. Also, perceived fatigue and Fatigue Index (FI) were recorded before and after the intervention.Results:APTQ, AP, and TW significantlyincreased in massage and cryotherapy groupsafter the intervention, while perceived fatigue and FI decreased significantly in both conditions (P<0.05). In the control group, however, no significant differences were observed in APTQ, AP, and TW before and after the intervention (P>0.05), but perceived fatigue and FI decreased significantly (P<0.05). Moreover, isokinetic variables (APTQ, AP, and TW) were higher in the massage group compared to cryotherapy and control groups (P<0.05), but such a difference was not observed between the massage and cryotherapy groups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Massage and cryotherapy could increase isokinetic parameters and decrease FI and perceived fatigue. Therefore, massage and cryotherapy have been more effective than rest as a strategy to return to normal state and no significant difference was observed between these two groups.

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Effect of Kinesiotaping and Stretching Exercise on Forward Shoulder Angle in Females with Rounded Shoulder Posture

Arghavan Hajibashi; Ali Amiri; Javad Sarrafzadeh; Nader Maroufi; Shohreh Jalae

Volume 1, Issue 4 , December 2014, , Pages 78-83

Abstract

  Background: Rounded shoulder posture is a common abnormal posture in upper quarter. Kinesiotape is a new intervention that recently used in rehabilitation. There are no studies have ...  Read More Background: Rounded shoulder posture is a common abnormal posture in upper quarter. Kinesiotape is a new intervention that recently used in rehabilitation. There are no studies have examined the effect of kinesiotape on rounded shoulder posture. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of scapular kinesiotaping and pectoralis minor stretching exercise on forward shoulder angle in female subjects with rounded shoulder posture.Methods: Twenty female students aged between 18 to 25 years old with rounded shoulder posture participated in this study. Then, the subjects were randomly and equally assigned to two groups: the stretch group and the stretch plus kinesiotape group. Both groups were trained for doing home exercise to stretch Pectoralis minor bilaterally for two weeks. Kinesiotape group received kinesiotape on scapular area additionally. Forward shoulder angle was measured in four sessions including pre-intervention (first session), immediately after the first intervention (second session), fourth day (third session) and at the end of two weeks (fourth session). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA (4x2) was used for data analysis.Results: kinesiotape group showed significant within-group decrease in forward shoulder angle between first session with three other sessions (P≤0.05).There was no significant within-group difference in stretch group and between groups (P=0.20) forward shoulder angle-by-group interaction in measurement sessions was significantly different (P=0.02)Conclusion: scapular kinesiotaping along with pectoralis minor stretching exercise improved rounded shoulder posture in subjects of the present study. kinesiotape is suggested as a complementary treatment with immediate effects on postural correction of rounded shoulder.

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Original Articles

The role of a Functional Movement Screen test in predicting sports injuries in three-person basketball athletes Functional Movement Screen test in predicting sports injuries in three-person basketball

homa naderifar; mohammad karimizadeh ardakani; shima babakhanian; roya najafivosough

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 August 2023

Abstract

   background: The necessity of screening athletes before the competition season to identify those at risk of injury is of great importance. Three-person basketball is a type of ...  Read More  background: The necessity of screening athletes before the competition season to identify those at risk of injury is of great importance. Three-person basketball is a type of team-neighborhood sport whose injuries should be taken into consideration. The present study aims to investigate the role of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test in predicting sports injuries in three-person basketball athletes. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 50 male athletes (22 athletes with injuries and 28 athletes without injuries) with an average age of 25.58±3.83, weight of 76.64±6.23, and height of 184.18±6.55. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors related to injury. SPSS software was used for data analysis, with a significance level of p<0.05. results:The results of the multiple logistic regression model showed that there was a strong association between FMS functional screening test and injury. So that, the risk of injury decreased significantly with increasing FMS functional screening tests (P-value<0.05). The adjusted OR of FMS functional screening test was 0.673. Conclusion: The results indicate that in team-neighborhood sports as well as in championship sports, the FMS test can be used to identify athletes who are more prone to injury. It is suggested that coaches and athletes use FMS tests in neighborhood disciplines such as three-person basketball to predict and develop more targeted sports injury prevention programs.  

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Effects of Cycling-Induced Fatigue on Lower Extremity Coordination, Variability, and Proprioception in Semi-Skilled Man Cyclists

Soraya Maghsoodi; Mohammadtaghi Amiri-Khorasani; Mohammadreza AmirSeyfaddini

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 August 2023

Abstract

  Background: Cycling has been considered as a sports activity both in professional sports and in public sports. Excessive activity and fatigue are the main causes of injury during pedaling. ...  Read More Background: Cycling has been considered as a sports activity both in professional sports and in public sports. Excessive activity and fatigue are the main causes of injury during pedaling. The present research is aimed to determine the effect of a single bout of functional fatigue on proprioceptiveness and the degree of coordination and variability between lower extremity joints and segments in semi-skilled male cyclists. Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental study that utilizes a pretest-posttest method and involved 24 randomly chosen semi-skilled male cyclists with a mean age of 26.32±5.72 years. Prior to inducing fatigue through cycling, a pretest and posttest were administered to assess the coordination and variability among segments of the lower extremities, as well as to evaluate the proprioception of the knee and ankle joints. These measurements were captured using a three-dimensional optoelectronic system comprising six cameras, operating at a sampling frequency of 200 Hz, which facilitated the acquisition of kinematic data pertaining to the lower extremities. Statistical analysis involved the implementation of a one-way repeated measures ANOVA test and a dependent t-test, enabling the comparison of all variables. Results: The significance level in all statistical tests was 0.05. Findings showed that there was a significant increase in knee and ankle proprioceptiveness (P<0.001) and coordination and variability of lower extremity segments (P<0.001). Conclusion: The presence of heightened proprioceptive errors in the joints, decreased coordination, and increased variability between segments highlights their association with sports injuries. Consequently, prolonged cycling and fatigue may contribute to an elevated prevalence and diversity of sports injuries among semi-skilled cyclists.    

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Literature Reviews

ICF-based functional classification systems for children with cerebral palsy

azade riyahi; Mehdi rassafiani; Afsoon Hassani Mehraban; Malahat Akbarfahimi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 August 2023

Abstract

  Background : Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Children with cerebral palsy suffer from multiple problems and potential disabilities making it more ...  Read More Background : Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Children with cerebral palsy suffer from multiple problems and potential disabilities making it more difficult to treat. Having scales together with other diagnostic tools in order to an accurate assessment and set an effective treatment plan for these children have become more essential. The main purpose of this study is to review ICF-based functional classification systems in children with cerebral palsy and the relationship between these systems.  methods: This study was conducted to review ICF-based functional classification systems. Google Scholar, PubMed, ERIC, OVID, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, OTseeker were searched by keywords including cerebral palsy and keywords related to the body function, activity and participation until September 2022. Results: According to the reviewed articles, five valid and reliable classification systems have been developed. The relationship among these classification systems was moderate in most studies. The simplicity and completeness of these classification systems have changed the description of the functional status of children with CP and the quality of their care. However, to complete this description, other classification systems for other neglected functions are warranted. Conclusion: The results of this review showed that classification systems for some functions for children with CP were developed. The development of other new systems for neglected functions along with the aforementioned classification systems can provide an overall and integrated overview of the most important functional capacities and performances of children with CP.  

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Original Articles

Evaluation of kinetic and kinematic changes in the gait of patients with foot drop disorder

Mohammad Taghi Karimi; Alireza Ashraf; Mohammad Amin Vafaei; Kourosh Barati; Fatemeh Shamsi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 August 2023

Abstract

  Background:  Patients with foot drop may need to rely on compensatory mechanisms to improve their gait. Although several gait analysis parameters have been studied in these individuals, ...  Read More Background:  Patients with foot drop may need to rely on compensatory mechanisms to improve their gait. Although several gait analysis parameters have been studied in these individuals, no prior research has examined their joint contact force. Thus, in this study, we focused on investigating not only multiple parameters of gait analysis but also the joint contact force of the joints in patients with foot drop. Methods: This study was an experimental study. Twenty individuals aged 15 to 60 (mean value 56.4 ± 3.68) with foot drop disorders were recruited in this study. Moreover, there was a control group matched with the first group based on the age, height, and gender of the subjects. The participants were instructed to walk in a 12-meter-long walk away. A motion analysis system with 8 high-speed cameras and a Kistler force plate were used. During gait analysis, various parameters are measured, such as spatiotemporal, peak of forces applied on the leg, range of motions, moments applied on the lower limbs, and joint contact forces. Results: The mean values of stride length and speed of normal subject was 1.32±0.2 m and 1.24 ± 0.177 m/s, compared to 0.961±0.24 m and 0.686 ± 0.25 m/s for foot drop subjects, respectively (p-value = 0.00). The joint contact force components of the ankle joint increased significantly in foot drop subjects compared to normal. Conclusion: The joint contact forces of the ankle joint increased significantly in foot drop patients  which should be considered in the rehabilitation treatment of these subjects.  

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Investigating Psychometric Properties to Explore the Talents of Children with Special Needs in Indonesia

Subagya Subagya; Munawir Yusuf; Priyono Priyono; Erma Sari; Arsy Anggrellanggi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 October 2023

Abstract

  Background: This study aims exploring psychometric properties to improve the interest of the talents of children with special needs in Indonesia. Method: This study uses a descriptive ...  Read More Background: This study aims exploring psychometric properties to improve the interest of the talents of children with special needs in Indonesia. Method: This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach. The population of the qualitative part included the teachers of special schools in the Indonesia. For this purpose, teachers/therapists in this field were selected purposefully. In the quantitative part, the sample size was considered to be 354 who were selected by random sampling. In order to analyze the information in the qualitative section, all the interviews were written down and then all the important topics were coded in several steps. For the quantitative part of the research, content validity, material analysis, internal consistency and retesting were examined. Results: The results of the qualitative analysis of the interviews showed that the talents of these children fall into 6 categories: cognitive, language, movement, social and emotional, learning and education, and daily life skills. The minimum and maximum (Content validity ratio) of CVR is equal to 0.8 and 1. The results of the correlation of the items with the total score of the scale indicate that all the items have a significant correlation with the total score. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the existence of 6 factors with acceptable factor loading. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the children’s behavioral questionnaire has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used in research and rehabilitation activities.

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The effect of bilingualism in semantic and phonological neuropsychological tasks in adults

Seyede Zohre Mousavi; Azar Mehri; Saman Maroufizadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Various studies have reported conflicting results regarding the differences between monolingual and bilingual people in verbal (semantic and letter) fluency. Considering ...  Read More Background: Various studies have reported conflicting results regarding the differences between monolingual and bilingual people in verbal (semantic and letter) fluency. Considering the differences between languages in bilinguals and cultural differences influencing language, the present study was conducted to investigate verbal fluency in Kurdish and Azari bilinguals and comparing it with Farsi monolinguals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 Farsi monolingual students, 28 Kurdish- Farsi bilinguals, and 29 Azari-Farsi bilinguals. In this study, both semantic (fruits and animals) and letter fluency (/f/, /a/, and /s/) tasks were used. Each bilingual subject was asked to perform verbal fluency tasks twice (once in their native language and once again in Farsi). Results: Bilinguals performed better in Farsi than their mother language (Azari and Kurdish) in both fluency tasks (P <0.001). Also, bilinguals and monolinguals were found to be the same in formal language of their community (Farsi language). Conclusion: It seems that, formal language in Iran (Farsi) dominates the language of bilingual people, because people study in educational system and formal writing is done in Farsi and bilinguals only use native language for conversations in their native context and with their peers.  

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The effect of a period of scapular stabilization exercises on pain, shoulder position and performance of volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia

Roghayeh Karimi; Ebrahim Mohammad Ali Nasab Firouzjah

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of scapula stabilization exercises on pain, shoulder position and performance of volleyball players with ...  Read More Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of scapula stabilization exercises on pain, shoulder position and performance of volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia.Methods: The current study was semi-experimental and applied type. 30 female volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia were purposefully selected and randomly placed in two control and training groups. Shoulder position, shoulder pain and specific performance of volleyball players were evaluated by using photography method, numeric pain rating scale and AAHPERD service test, respectively. scapula stabilization exercises were performed for eight weeks by the training group. After the exercises, the post-test was performed. To analyze the parametric data, the dependent t-test and the analysis of covariance test were used, and the Wilcoxon and Yeoman-Whitney tests were used for the non-parametric data.Results: The results of the research showed that eight weeks of scapular stabilization exercises have a significant effect on improving shoulder position, specific performance and reducing shoulder pain in volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia.Conclusion: scapular stabilizing exercises can be effective in improving shoulder position, developing specific performance and reducing shoulder pain in volleyball players with scapular dyskinesia.  

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Original Articles

Role of Risk and Protective Factors with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Zahra Farsi; Masoud Jabari Morooei; Samaneh Farnia; Ali Abbaskhanian; Sara Dehbozorgi; Amir Asadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Identifying the risk and protective factors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can play an important role in preventing their occurrence. This study aimed to determine the ...  Read More Background: Identifying the risk and protective factors of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can play an important role in preventing their occurrence. This study aimed to determine the risk and protective factors associated with ASD.Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted in Sari, Iran in 2020-2021. One Hundred Ninety-Six children aged 2-17 years referred to Baghban (Touba) Clinic, Clinic of Zareh Psychiatric Hospital, and Bu-Ali Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic were recruited by convenience sampling. 98 children with ASD were included in the case group based on the DSM-V diagnostic criteria, and 98 children who did not have ASD were assigned to the control group. Then, possible risk factors in both groups were examined. At a significance level of P < 0.05, the odds ratio with a 95% confidence level was calculated.Results: After adjusting the odds ratio (95% CI), ASD was significantly associated with relatives’ consanguinity [0.625 (0.409, 0.953)], breastfeeding [0.743 (0.582, 0.950)], and child’s head trauma [15.911 (1.78, 142.238)]. Closer relatives’ consanguinity increased the risk of autism in children by 1.6 times. Children who breastfed for a longer period (up to 2 years) were 1.34 times less likely to develop autism. Also, children with a history of head trauma were about 16 times more likely to develop autism than children without a history of head trauma.Conclusion: Breastfeeding has a protective effect and the existence of closer relatives’ consanguinity and a history of head trauma as risk factors for ASD. Further studies are recommended.      

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Original Articles

The association between Self-Care and Quality of Life among Iranian Older Adults: Evidence from a Multicenter Survey

Hassan Soleimanpour; Saber Ghaffari-fam; Ehsan Sarbazi; Raheleh Gholami; Hosein Azizi; Masumeh Daliri; Saman Sedighi; Hossein-Ali Nikbakht; Layla Shojaie; Ali Allahyari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Considering the growing number of aging population, ensuring their Quality of Life (QoL) and the social services designed for this population group has become more and more ...  Read More Background: Considering the growing number of aging population, ensuring their Quality of Life (QoL) and the social services designed for this population group has become more and more important. This study explored how socioeconomic status and self-care affect older adults’ QoL.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 322 older people living in Tabriz, in 2021. The subjects were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Older persons were asked to complete the Socio-Economic Status (SES) questionnaire, the self-care behavior questionnaire, and the Iranian version of the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Results: A Hierarchical logistic regression analysis model was used to investigate the factors influencing QoL. The regression analysis showed that marital status, social self-care, and during illness self-care had the greatest impact on the older person’s quality of life (p< 0.05). Twenty-nine and twenty-seven percent of the variance of the mental and physical health dimensions were respectively predicted by the variables included in the model.Conclusion: Promoting the social self-care and during illness self-care had a positive relationship with the QoL of older persons. These results can serve as a reference for future studies pertinent to self-care for older adults.   

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Original Articles

Preparation and validation of Persian word/non-word lists for assessment of repetition skill in preschool children

Safa Hamid; Peyman Zamani; Behnoosh Tahanzadeh; Maryam Najarzadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: In the Persian language, the tasks that measure the skill of repeating real words along with non-words are limited. However, clinical centers need such tests to investigate ...  Read More Background: In the Persian language, the tasks that measure the skill of repeating real words along with non-words are limited. However, clinical centers need such tests to investigate speech and language problems in children accurately. In the present study, two real-word/non-word lists were prepared and their psychometric properties are determined. Methods: In this methodological and cross-sectional study first, 120 speech contexts (60 words and 60 non-words) were prepared and were divided into two equivalent lists 1 and 2. Then, the content validity of them was determined. In order to check the consistency and reliability, the lists were conducted in two sessions at one-week intervals on 50 normal children aged 4 to 6 years from preschool centers in Ahvaz city. Children were asked to repeat each speech context after hearing it. Finally, Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability, and equivalent form reliability were calculated.         Results: The content validity ratio of both lists was equal to 1. Cronbach's alpha coefficients of lists 1 and 2 were 0.792 and 0.790 respectively. Also, the repeatability coefficients of lists 1 and 2 were equal to 0.70 and 0.71 respectively and both were significant (p = 0.000). As regards, the difference between the average scores of the two lists was not significant (t=-0.67 and p>0.05). Age (but not gender) caused a significant difference in repetition scores.Conclusion: The made real-word/non-word lists to evaluate repetition skills have relatively good validity and reliability which can be used for clinical and research purposes in Persian-speaking preschoolers, especially 4 to 5 years old children. 

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Original Articles

Can hamstring to quadriceps rate of torque development ratio be an index for knee stability in male basketball players? A cross sectional study.

Maha Moore; Amin Kordi Yoosefinejad; Farzaneh Yazdani; Samaneh Ebrahimi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 December 2023

Abstract

  Background:Due to the crucial nature of knee joint stability in basketball players and the possible role of ...  Read More Background:Due to the crucial nature of knee joint stability in basketball players and the possible role of the rate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio for determining knee joint stabilityin the early phase of explosive movements, the purpose of this cross sectional study was to explore the relationshipbetween the rate of torque development hamstrings to          quadriceps ratio and biomechanical  parameters of hip and knee joints in sagittal and frontal planes during the drop vertical jump test. Methods: 20 healthy male recreational basketball players (aged 15-18) were recruited. After measuring anthropometric data, rate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio was assessed using an isokinetic Biodex system. Biomechanical variables were measured using motion analysis system during drop vertical jump test. Results: rate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio (0-50milliseconds) was negatively correlated with knee abduction angle (p= 0.028), knee adduction angle (p= 0.003), knee abduction moment (p= 0.023), knee joint range of motion in frontal plane (p= 0.01) during 17-50ms after initial contact. Other biomechanical parameters did not have a significant correlation with rate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio. Conclusion:The results of this study revealed that the rate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio was negatively associated with knee kinematic and kinetic parameters. Based on the outcomes of this study and previous investigations, it can be acknowledged that therate of torque development hamstrings to quadriceps ratio might be a useful tool to add to the athlete's injury screening.    

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Original Articles

Factors Associated with Women’s Perceived Experiences of Sense of Being, Becoming and Belonging in COVID-19 Crisis

Somayeh Kavousipor; Sepideh Nazi; Samaneh Karamali Esmaili; Farzaneh Yazdani; Sahar Ghanbari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Women faced enormous burdens in COVID-19 pandemic. Due to specific conditions of homes during social isolation, women's occupational choices were limited by environmental ...  Read More Background: Women faced enormous burdens in COVID-19 pandemic. Due to specific conditions of homes during social isolation, women's occupational choices were limited by environmental factors. In a crisis, it is important to understand the human experience of what they do to meet basic needs of Being, Becoming and Belonging. This experience can be a reflection of life participation and occupational wholeness in a pandemic. The purpose of this research was to investigate the factors related to women’s perceived experiences of women's sense of Being, Becoming and Belonging in social isolation/distancing. Methods: Participants of this cross-sectional study were 1,168 women from Arab countries, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, and Spain recruited using snowball sampling in a larger survey of the COVID-19 pandemic. They completed an internet-based questionnaire whose questions were extracted from the Occupational Wholeness Questionnaire, also included questions about demographic information, perceived stress, and physical health. Results: Women with postgraduate education had a more positive sense of Being and Belonging. Women with age > 45 showed a higher negative sense of Being and Becoming. Stress was associated with sense of Becoming. Conclusion: Older women have a more negative experience of social isolation. Also, women with postgraduate education makes them more likely to have a positive experience from such a situation. We can concluded that an occupational imbalance resulting from a crisis may also have positive effects in life.  

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Original Articles

The Effect of Frontopolar Cortical Cooling on the Capacity of Working Memory in Healthy Adults, a Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Roohollah Zahediannasb; Mohammad Nami; Maryam Hosseini; Amin Abolhasani Foroughi; Amirsaeed Ghodsinejad; Hadi Aligholi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Since the brain temperature fluctuations are related to the cognitive disorders, the regulation of the brain temperature has become one of the main trends in the cognitive ...  Read More Background: Since the brain temperature fluctuations are related to the cognitive disorders, the regulation of the brain temperature has become one of the main trends in the cognitive studies. The present study examined the effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on the working memory applying the cortical thermal stimulation device (CTSD). Methods: The current study is a phase II, randomized, controlled trial in which twenty participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 30 minutes of frontopolar cortical cooling in four sessions. The control group received sham cooling while the intervention group received real cooling. Before and after the first session and after the fourth session, spatial working memory test was recorded from both groups. In this study, a cortical thermal stimulation device was used to cool the frontopolar cortex, the mechanism of which is through the flow of water and alcohol in a closed loop. Results: After four sessions of frontopolar cortical cooling, a significant effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on working memory was observed. The analysis of working memory results after one and four sessions of cooling, based on ANCOVA test, demonstrated an improvement in the SWM test in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on the capacity of working memory, the results suggested that the use of appropriate tool for cooling the cerebral cortex may turn into a practical approach in the field of cognitive rehabilitation in the future.    

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Original Articles

The Persian version of Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire: Translation, cultural adaptation and Psychometric Properties

Majid Farhadian; Mitra Khalafbeigi; Malahat Akbarfahimi; Peyman Hassani Abharian; Farzaneh Yazdani; Ali Shoaei

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Leisure as an occupation plays an important role in people's daily life. The purpose of this study was to translate and cross-cultural adaptation of the original Nottingham ...  Read More Background: Leisure as an occupation plays an important role in people's daily life. The purpose of this study was to translate and cross-cultural adaptation of the original Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire to Persian and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version. Method: One hundred and forty healthy individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Face and content validity were assessed by determining the impact score of the item, content validity ratio and content validity index methods. Convergent validity was assessed using the correlation method between Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire and Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11, Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment, 36-item short-form health survey and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Reliability of the Persian version of Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire was assessed by the internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Analysis of the obtained data was done by applying SPSS. v. 23.0 software at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Face and content validity demonstrated acceptable range (impact score: 2.2 to 4, content validity ratio: 0.57 to 1 and content validity index: 0.87 to 1). Convergent Validity is supported by significant correlation between assessment tools. There was moderate internal consistency (α = 0.77) and excellent test–retest reliability for number of leisure score (inter class correlation coefficient = 0.894) and frequency of leisure participation score (inter class correlation coefficient = 0.883). Conclusions: Persian version of Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire is a psychometrical valid and reliable and useful instrument to assess leisure in healthy Persian-speaking participants.      

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Original Articles

Persian version of Dysexecutive Questionnaire: assessment of the psychometric properties in methamphetamine- abstinent individuals

Majid Farhadian; Malahat Akbarfahimi; Peyman Hassani Abharian

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 December 2023

Abstract

  Background: Methamphetamine addiction is a worldwide growing concern associated with executive dysfunctions that can negatively influence the daily life. Most conventional executive ...  Read More Background: Methamphetamine addiction is a worldwide growing concern associated with executive dysfunctions that can negatively influence the daily life. Most conventional executive dysfunctions tests are complex and time-consuming. It seems that using a valid, reliable and simple instrument to assess the executive dysfunctions is necessary. The present research was intended to assess the psychometric properties of Persian version of the dysexecutive questionnaire (DEX-P) in methamphetamine- abstinent individuals. Methods: One hundred participants, who were in the age range of 20 to 50, selected via convenience sampling. The Dysexecutive questionnaire(informant and occupational therapist rating), Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome, Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting test, and Tower of London task were then applied in order to evaluate the participants. The face validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability of the DEX-P were then examined. Analysis of the obtained data was done by applying SPSS. v. 23.0 software at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Face validity demonstrated acceptable range (impact score: 1.95 to 3.86). Convergent Validity is supported by significant correlation between DEX-informant rating and other assessment tools. There was good to excellent internal consistency (DEX-P occupational therapist rating: α = 0.91 and DEX-P informant rating α = 0.87). The test-retest reliability result for DEX-P occupational therapist rating and informant rating were ICC= 0.911 and 0.925, respectively. The inter-rater reliability result was ICC = 0.980. Conclusion: DEX-informant rating could serve as a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the dysexecutive symptoms in methamphetamine- abstinent individuals.

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Original Articles

The effect of eight weeks of rebound therapy on balance and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease

maryam fijani; gholamali ghasemi; ahmad chitzas

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 07 January 2024

Abstract

  Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system, which is mostly focused on the elderly age group, and its symptoms include tremors, ...  Read More Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system, which is mostly focused on the elderly age group, and its symptoms include tremors, slowness of movements, muscle stiffness (rigidity), and postural instability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of rebound therapy on the balance and quality of life in people with PD. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental research with pre-test and post-test. Among patients with PD, 24 people who had severity 2 to 3 according to the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), were selected as convenience and judgmental and randomly divided into two groups, a rebound therapy (n=12) and a control group (n=12). Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQL) was used to evaluate the quality of life levels. Also, the Single Leg Stance (SLS) Test and Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) were used to evaluate static and dynamic balance, respectively. The exercises of the intervention group were performed for eight weeks (two one-hour sessions each week). To analyze the data, repeated measures ANOVA was used at a significance level of 0.05.    Results: The results showed that the post-test quality of life scores in the rebound therapy group was significantly higher than the pre-test, which means that the intervention increased the quality of life (QoL) in patients (P ≤ 0.05). Also, the results showed that the amount of static and dynamic balance of rebound therapy group patients in the post-test was significantly higher than in the pre-test (P ≤ 0.05).  Conclusion: The results showed that rebound therapy for eight weeks can be an effective method to improve the balance and quality of life in patients with PD. Therefore, in medical centers, rebound therapy can be used as a complementary rehabilitation method to improve the health of PD.    

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Literature Reviews

Occupational therapy interventions for Acute Psychiatric Inpatient: a scoping review

Hajar Sabour Eghbali MostafaKhan; Fatemeh Hasanati; zahra nobakht

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 March 2024

Abstract

  Background: Individuals with mental disorders experience limitations in participation in daily life activities. Exacerbation of the symptoms and the person's inability to function ...  Read More Background: Individuals with mental disorders experience limitations in participation in daily life activities. Exacerbation of the symptoms and the person's inability to function sufficiently are reason to hospitalization. Our aim was to review the existing studies to determine the extent and nature of research in occupational therapy intervention for acute psychiatric inpatient by a scoping review. Method: The scoping review was conducted to extract relevant literature using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The review was done in three stages according to the scoping review method including pre-search, search and post-search steps. Structured search of three databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted for items dated to 5 April 2023. Two independent reviewers reviewed the extracted literature in two stages. Results:Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of publications were in the Japan followed by United States and Germany. Occupational therapy intervention was compared with control group who did not participate in such activities. Statistically significant difference was reported in the scores of Personal and Social Performance Scale. Use of a weighted blanket in sensory room reduced significantly distress and a range of disturbed behaviors. In the investigation of effectiveness of MetaCognitive Training, Cognitive Remediation and Occupational Connections (OC) significant differences were reported between the groups. Conclusion:It seems that occupational therapy intervention in acute psychiatric inpatient is effective intervention. Further investigation need to prepare occupational therapy intervention methods for acute psychiatric inpatients.

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Original Articles

The effects of pain neuroscience education plus conventional physical therapy on pain and quality of life in adults with chronic nonspecific neck pain and central sensitization

Fateme Derisfard; Farzane Soleimani; Maryam saadat; Marzieh Saeidi; Hosein Kouhzad Mohamadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP) is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder. Central sensitization (CS) of pain is probably the reason for the persistence or ...  Read More Background: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP) is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder. Central sensitization (CS) of pain is probably the reason for the persistence or relapse of pain cycles in CNP patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) added to conventional physical therapy on pain intensity, CS, and quality of life in patients with CNP who have CS.Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty-five patients with CNP who have CS, participated in a 4 weeks intervention program including conventional physical therapy plus PNE. CS, pain intensity and quality of life were assessed with CS inventory, visual analog scale (VAS), and SF-36 respectively. All the subjects were evaluated before and after 12 (three times a week) sessions of the intervention.Results: The results of the present study showed that after the intervention, the pain intensity and CS decreased (pain intensity: mean difference = -58.96±16.35, Effect Size = - 3.61, CS: mean difference = -25.52±7.25, Effect Size = - 3.52) and the quality-of-life score increased (mean difference = 24.04±12.50, Effect Size = 1.92) significantly. Also, the quality of life score was significantly correlated with age.Conclusion: It seems that adding PNE to conventional physical therapy is more effective than conventional physical therapy alone in patients with CNP in improving CS, pain intensity, and quality of life.  

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Original Articles

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Training on Functional Movement Screening Test and Posture Control of Athletes with Lower Crossed Syndrome

Mohammad Rahimi; Farangis Sadat Chavoshi; Farhad Rajabi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training on movement patterns and posture control in female athletes with ...  Read More Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) training on movement patterns and posture control in female athletes with lower crossed syndrome (LCS). Methods: This study is based on a semi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design. Thirty healthy athlete women with age average (24.98±2.26) with LCS were randomly divided into the experimental group (15 subject) and control group (15 subject). Subjects in experimental group performed the DNS training protocol for 8 weeks at 3 sessions per week. Before and after the training intervention, the Y-balance test and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) were used to assess posture control and functional movements. For data analysis, the paired t-test, ANCOVA, and Wilcoxon test were used. Results: The finding of ANCOVA indicated a significant difference in the Y-balance test and FMS scores between the experimental and control groups in subjects with LCS. In the study of within-group differences, the mean of research variables in the experimental group in the post-test scores was better than that in the pre-test after participating in DNS exercises (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, eight weeks of DNS training had a significant effect on the scores of functional movement screening test and Y-balance test in female athletes with Lower Crossed Syndrome. Therefore, these exercises can be recommended to athletes to improve the balance or performance of their lower limbs.  

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Original Articles

A Multithreading Queuing based sEMG Data Acquisition System for Rehabilitation with Real-Time Visualization

Rajendra Kachhwaha; Ajay P Vyas; Rajesh Bhadada; Rajendra Kachhwaha

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: Myoelectric signals have been used in various applications during the past two decades, most notably in rehabilitation technology and hybrid human-machine interfaces. A ...  Read More Background: Myoelectric signals have been used in various applications during the past two decades, most notably in rehabilitation technology and hybrid human-machine interfaces. A critical issue encountered in the fabrication of self-engineered and economical devices is the acquisition of a reliable and accurate myoelectric signal. Furthermore, identifying the optimal anatomical site for signal detection on the muscle presents a considerable challenge that this study aims to address. Method: This study is an applied research, specifically a technological development study with experimental elements. This research proposes a multithreading queuing-based technology to display and record muscle activity in real-time when applied to a low-cost multi-channel surface electromyography (sEMG) signal-collection system. This technique has been compared in terms of categorization results utilizing raw (R) dataset and feature (F) dataset via specialized classifiers to categorize sEMG signals of the silent utterance of English vowels from the three facial muscles of a single healthy volunteer. Results: Using the low-cost hardware with the proposed sEMG data acquisition technique, significantly surpasses previous techniques in English vowel classification accuracy, achieving 0.91 mean accuracy for both R (raw) and F (feature) datasets, a substantial increase over past research. Model4, when used with low-cost hardware, attains a notable 0.94 mean accuracy, far exceeding traditional methods, from 14.6% to 74.07% improvement compared to prior studies. Conclusion: The results we obtained with MTQ technique are significantly improved to those of existing hardware configurations, which means that low-cost sEMG data collection devices could be used instead of commercial hardware configurations in the rehabilitation device and related human-machine interface domains.    

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Original Articles

Ability of Side Hop Test to Predict Deficits in Dynamic Balance Control and Isometric Strength of Hip and Ankle Muscles in Recreational Male Athletes with Chronic Ankle Instability

Fatemeh varezardi; Neda Orakifar; Razieh Mofateh; maryam Seyedtabib

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

   Background: Functional performance tests (FPTs) combine multiple movement components that are mostly assessed by instruments. While, FPTs are inexpensive, quick to administer, ...  Read More  Background: Functional performance tests (FPTs) combine multiple movement components that are mostly assessed by instruments. While, FPTs are inexpensive, quick to administer, and convenient to perform. Among the these tests, side hop test (SHT) is a useful tool for physiotherapists to evaluate functional limitations in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI).  Using a valid FPT to assess multiple movement components and detect specific deficits may be helpful for identifying impaired component easily and accelerating rehabilitation training and consequently returning athletes with CAI to the sport safely. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the SHT performance, dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI. Specifically, the study was aimed to examine the ability of SHT to predict deficits in the dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in these individuals.  Methods: Sixty recreational male athletes with CAI (mean age 29.6 ± 6.2years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The SHT score, dynamic balance control using Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) and maximal isometric strength for invertor, evertor, hip abductor, and external rotator muscles using hand-held dynamometry were assessed. Bivariate correlations and simple linear regression were used for analysis the assessed variables.Results: Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed fair negative correlations between the SHT and MSEBT in the posteromedial (PM) (r = -0.43, P < 0.001) and posterolateral (PL) reach directions (r = -0.26, P = 0.04). Linear regression model showed that only 19% of variance in the PM reach direction and 7 % variance in the PL reach direction were explained by the SHT score. Conclusion: The SHT may not be an appropriate tool for predicting deficites in dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI. 

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Original Articles

The effect of volleyball specific fatigue protocol on balance, proprioception and performance of volleyball players with high and low risk of ACL injury

Hamid Alizadeh Darabi; Ebrahim Mohammad Ali Nasab Firouzjah; Sajad Roshani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of volleyball specific fatigue on balance, proprioception and performance of volleyball players with high and low risk ...  Read More Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of volleyball specific fatigue on balance, proprioception and performance of volleyball players with high and low risk of ACL injury. Methods: The current research was a semi-experimental type with a pre-test-post-test design. therefore, 40 volleyball players from Urmia were selected in two groups with low and high risk of ACL injury. After selecting the subjects by using landing error scoring system (LESS) test (score below 6 indicates low risk and score above 6 indicates high risk), static balance with stork test, dynamic balance with Y balance test, knee proprioception with goniometer and performance with Sargent jump test was evaluated. After that, the special volleyball fatigue protocol was used to create fatigue and after causing fatigue, the tests were evaluated again. Analysis of covariance and dependent t-tests were used to compare the differences inter-group and intra-group. Results: The results of dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance showed that fatigue had a significant effect on the reducing of static balance (P=0.001, P=0.001), the total score of dynamic balance (P=0.001, P=0.001) and It has performance (P=0.001, P=0.001). The results of Wilcoxon and U-Man-Whitney tests also showed that fatigue has a significant effect on reducing proprioception (P=0.001, P=0.001). The results also showed a significant difference between the groups in all variables (P<0.05) except proprioception (P>0.05). Conclusion: In general, the results of the present study showed that fatigue was an important factor in reducing balance, proprioception and explosive power, that this decrease in the group with high risk of injury is more than the group with low risk of injury and this difference can be attributed to the basic neuromuscular weakness in the high-risk group of injury.      

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Original Articles

Is School Function in Children with Down syndrome be same as their Normally Developing Peers? A Preliminary Study

Farnoush Khosravi; minoo kalantari; Marzieh Pashmdarfard; Hamidreza Rostami; Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban; Faezeh Heidari Beni

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: Active participation in school is an effective way to develop children's cognitive and social development. Children with Down syndrome (DS) confront various problems in ...  Read More Background: Active participation in school is an effective way to develop children's cognitive and social development. Children with Down syndrome (DS) confront various problems in the school environment due to different impairments in body functions and structures.   Methods: This study aimed to clarify the nature of performance of children with DS in the school environment in Isfahan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 51 children with DS was recruited from five schools for exceptional children and their normally developing peers recruited from four regular schools in Isfahan, Iran. Parents and teachers completed the demographic information questionnaire, and only teachers completed the School Function Assessment (SFA).   Results: Children with DS had a moderate level of participation (criterion score = 60.04). The children's school function scores were significantly lower than the criterion scores of normally developing peers. There was no significant relationship between gender, age, and educational level with school function scores in children with DS (p>0.05). Conclusion: School functions of children with DS was significantly different with their normally developing peers. Children with DS are significantly better in physical performance than in cognitive-behavioral functions. The weakest cognitive-behavioral functions requiring particular rehabilitation interventions are task behavior/completion and safety.  

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Original Articles

The Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture on Functional Status, Symptom Severity, Pain and Grip Strength in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Study Protocol for a Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial.

Hasti Lotfi; Alireza Pahlevan Sabagh; Abbas Tabatabaiee; Mehrnaz Kajbafvala; Mahdi Ashoori; Marzieh Yassin

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2024

Abstract

  Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment that alters median nerve function at the carpal tunnel level. As a previous study showed, many ...  Read More Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment that alters median nerve function at the carpal tunnel level. As a previous study showed, many patients prefer non-surgical treatment. While some shreds of evidence show electroacupuncture can lead to nerve regeneration and functional improvement, the results remain inconclusive. This study aims to explore the impact of electroacupuncture on symptom severity, functional status, pain, and grip strength in patients with mild and moderate CTS. Methods: The present study is a two-arm parallel-group, double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled superiority trial. The study includes 38 patients diagnosed with CTS who will be assigned to the treatment group, which includes electroacupuncture, and the control group, which includes Sham electroacupuncture for ten sessions twice weekly. Both groups will receive neurodynamic techniques as standard treatment. Symptom severity, functional status, pain, and grip strength will be assessed at baseline, after the fifth session, 48 hours following the tenth session, and two months post-treatment. Conclusion: The present study will evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in CTS patients. Trial registration: This trial was registered at https://www.irct.ir/, (IRCT20191208045652N5) on 7/12/2022.    

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Original Articles

Client Perspectives of Telerehabilitation in Stuttering during the Pandemic Covid- 19: A Survey at a Tertiary Rehabilitation Center in Kerala

Preethy Susan Reni; Vrinda R; Rejitha Kumari L; Suja K Kunnath

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 May 2024

Abstract

  Background  The reported studies from India on telerehabilitation had addressed the matter from the clinicians’ point of view. Hence this study aimed to understand the client ...  Read More Background  The reported studies from India on telerehabilitation had addressed the matter from the clinicians’ point of view. Hence this study aimed to understand the client perspectives of telerehabilitation in adults who stutter during the pandemic Covid-19. Method A mixed survey method of an interview and a self-report questionnaire was used to understand the client perspectives of telerehabilitation in adults who stutter during the Covid-19 pandemic. Twelve adults who stutter in the age range of 18 to 40 years who were attending telerehabilitation at the home institute participated in the study. Results All the participants were comfortable in discussing their problems and anxieties with the clinician during tele-therapy sessions and 91.7% (n=11) of the participants reported that they could handle the online platform well. Among the participants, 66.7% (n=8) of them rated the sessions as excellent, 33.3% (n=4) rated the sessions as good.  Half of the participants preferred tele sessions while the other 50% of them preferred hybrid mode. Avoiding travel during pandemic was considered as an advantage by majority of the participants. Internet connectivity issues was the major disadvantage identified. Conclusion The results of the study helped to identify the advantages of telerehabilitation and also the possible challenges faced by adults who stutter during the treatment duration. The participants believed that the telerehabilitation for stuttering could help them to improve their fluency of speech and hence it was reported to be a viable way for individuals with stuttering.   tering, adults who stutter, telerehabilitation, Covid-19 

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Original Articles

Assessment of Knee Angular Deformities: Correlation between Photogrammetric, Clinical and Radiographic Methods

Nasim Rashedi; Bina Eftekharsadat; Neda Dolatkhah; Jafar Soleymanpour; Yaghoub Salekzamani; Soraya Babaie

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 May 2024

Abstract

  Background: Photogrammetry is a safe and non-invasive technique for evaluating posture in clinical settings.  Body vision is a novel system that employs photogrammetric principles ...  Read More Background: Photogrammetry is a safe and non-invasive technique for evaluating posture in clinical settings.  Body vision is a novel system that employs photogrammetric principles to assess postural parameters. This study aimed to determine the relationship between clinical, photogrammetric, and radiologic techniques in knee angular deformity detection.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 53 volunteers of both genders, with a total of 106 lower limbs with complaints of knee pain or knee deformity. Sampling was conducted in a non-random and accessible manner considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Moreover, all of the participants had previously full-length lower limb radiographs. The clinical evaluation was conducted through the measurement of the anatomical axis, Q angle, and intermalleolar and intercondylar distances. The aforementioned parameters were evaluated using the Body Vision photogrammetric system while the patient was in a standing position. Finally, the analysis was performed using angles and distances obtained from these methods.Results: The evaluations indicated a strong correlation between the photogrammetric and radiological methods regarding the anatomical axis of the lower limb (r=0.939, p<0.001). Moreover, a high correlation was obtained between the clinical and photogrammetric methods to the intermalleolar distance (r=0.948, p<0.001) and intercondylar distance (r=0.927, p<0.001). Regarding the Q angle, a high but relatively lower correlation was detected between the clinical and photogrammetric methods compared to the previous cases (r=0.834, p<0.001). However, a moderate correlation has been detected from the clinical measurement of the anatomical axis with photogrammetric and radiological methods (r= 0.70, r= 0.62 respectively).Conclusions: As a result of this study, a strong correlation was demonstrated between the photogrammetric technique and the gold standard method, indicating that photogrammetry can be used as an alternative method for evaluating knee angular deviations.  

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Original Articles

The relationship between Attention and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A comparative preliminary study in diplegia and hemiplegia

mahrokh ghahari; Aliyeh Daryabor; mino kalantari; ashkan irani; zahra Shafiee

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 May 2024

Abstract

  Background:  Among the important issues and problems related to children with cerebral palsy after tone disorder and imbalance, attention and concentration disorders of these children ...  Read More Background:  Among the important issues and problems related to children with cerebral palsy after tone disorder and imbalance, attention and concentration disorders of these children during activities can be mentioned. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attention and balance in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 children with hemiplegia (8.8  ±2), and 10 with diplegia (8.5± 1.43), with Gross Motor Function Classification System level II, and Manual Ability Classification System level II were recruited from occupational therapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Attention and balance were measured by Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used at a significance level of α=0.05 to determine the relationship between attention and balance in children with CP. Results: The study showed Spearman's correlation test had no significant interaction between dynamic and static balance with attention (P<0.05) in children with hemiplegia. However, there was a significant correlation between dynamic balance and attention (P=0.04), static balance and attention (P=0.01), along total balance and attention (P=0.02) in children with the same category. Conclusion: Based on our findings, there was a significant correlation between attention and balance in diplegic CP, but not for hemiplegic. Considering that diplegic children have weaker dynamic and static balance compared to hemiplegic children, it seems that sources pay more attention to balance and due to the small size of the samples, it needs further investigation  

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Original Articles

Comparison of Some Postural and Functional Indicators in Adolescent Boys with and without Chronic Non-Specific Low-Back Pain

moein yari bishak; Ebrahim mohammad ali nasab firouzjah; Mehri Mohammadi Dangraloo

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 May 2024

Abstract

  Background: Back pain are one of the common disorders in people, which can be caused by various factors and have various consequences. The purpose of this study was to compare some ...  Read More Background: Back pain are one of the common disorders in people, which can be caused by various factors and have various consequences. The purpose of this study was to compare some pastural and functional indicators in adolescent boys with and without non-specific chronic back pain. Methods: 30 adolescent male students with non-specific chronic back pain and 30 healthy adolescent male students were selected purposefully. Individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain were identified using a visual pain scale as well as confirmation by a physical medicine specialist. Then, kyphosis and lordosis with a flexible ruler, proprioception with the lumbar angle active reconstruction test at a 30-degree angle using a goniometer, core stability with McGill functional tests, upper limb function with the upper limb Y test and Static and dynamic balance were evaluated with stork and Y lower limb tests, respectively. To compare the average variables in two groups with and without non-specific chronic back pain, independent T-test was used. Results: The results of the research showed that there is a significant difference between proprioception, core stability, static and dynamic balance between two groups with and without non-specific chronic back pain. But in other variables, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: The results show the importance of paying attention to proprioception and core stability and static and dynamic balance in adolescent boys with non-specific chronic back pain and in order to develop and strengthen them in the design of rehabilitation protocols, special attention should be paid to these components.    

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Original Articles

The Effectiveness of Puppet Play Therapy on Social Skills of Children with Cochlear Implantation

Sedigheh Rezaei Dehnavi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 20 May 2024

Abstract

  Background: Learning social skills is a significant challenge for Hearing Impaired Children (HIC).  Play therapy is a suggested intervention for facilitating and accelerating social-emotional ...  Read More Background: Learning social skills is a significant challenge for Hearing Impaired Children (HIC).  Play therapy is a suggested intervention for facilitating and accelerating social-emotional development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Puppet Play Therapy (PPT) on the social skills of male children aged 6 to 9 years with Cochlear Implant (CI). Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design with a control group. Twenty-four male students aged 6 to 9 years with CI were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=12) or the control group (n=12). Participants in the experimental group received cognitive-behavioral play therapy using puppets in ten 45–60-minute sessions. The Gersham and Eliot Social Skills Rating System was used to measure social skills in the pretest and posttest. Results: The findings indicated that the mean scores of three social skills subscales, including cooperation (p<0.001), assertion (<0.001), and self-control (p<0.001), were significantly higher in the experimental group after PPT. Conclusions: Based on the results, PPT is suggested as an effective intervention for improving social skills in children with CI as a supplementary rehabilitation.  

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Original Articles

The Effect of Eight Weeks of NASM Training and Kinetic Chain Training on Pelvic Tilt, Lordosis, and Hip Joint ROM in Individuals with LCS

Leila Ghadirian marnani; hooman fatahi; mehrnoosh esmaeilian; Saeid Rostami

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 June 2024

Abstract

  Introduction: Lower crossed syndrome is a common condition with muscle imbalances and reduced flexibility. The aim of this semi-experimental pre-test and post-test study was to compare ...  Read More Introduction: Lower crossed syndrome is a common condition with muscle imbalances and reduced flexibility. The aim of this semi-experimental pre-test and post-test study was to compare the effects of NASM and kinetic chain exercises on lordosis, pelvic tilt, and hip joint ROM in individuals with LCS . Methods: This study employed a semi-experimental design in the field of sports. Thirty participants were purposefully and conveniently selected and randomly divided into three groups: NASM, kinetic chain, and control group. The NASM and kinetic chain groups underwent an 8-week training program consisting of 3 sessions per week. Lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler, pelvic tilt angle was measured using a tilt meter, and hip joint ROM was measured using a goniometer, before and after the 8-week training program. To analyze the data, the statistical method of analysis of variance with repeated measures was used and the level of significance was considered to be P ≥ 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software Results: the results showed that both NASM and kinetic chain exercises significantly decreased lumbar lordosis (P=0.000 for both)  and anterior tilt of the pelvis (P=0.000 for both) and significantly increased hip joint ROM in flexion and extension (P=0.000 for both). Follow-up tests showed that the NASM exercises had a greater effect on reducing lumbar lordosis, anterior tilt of the pelvis, and increasing the ROM of hip flexion compared to kinetic chain exercises, while the kinetic chain exercises had a greater effect on increasing the ROM of hip extension compared to NASM exercises. Conclusion: In conclusion NASM and kinetic chain exercises can be used by corrective exercise experts to improve the symptoms of LCS. NASM exercises are particularly effective in reducing lumbar lordosis and anterior tilt of the pelvis, as well as increasing the ROM of hip flexion, while kinetic chain exercises should be used to increase the ROM of hip extension.  

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Original Articles

Comparing the effectiveness of modified Iranian and rigid Minerva braces in cervical and thoracic spine movements

Alireza Khalili; hossein asiyaeimehr; Mohammad taghi Karimi; Amirhossein Zare

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 June 2024

Abstract

  Background: To facilitate the fusion of the injury site For nonoperative treatment or after surgery, various braces are available to immobilize an unstable cervical spine. The most ...  Read More Background: To facilitate the fusion of the injury site For nonoperative treatment or after surgery, various braces are available to immobilize an unstable cervical spine. The most effective and successful braces for immobilizing unstable cervical spine injuries are Minerva and Halo. The performance of cervical braces was measured by the degree of motion restriction. This study aims to obtain information on the function of modified Iranian and rigid Minerva braces compared with each other by relying on three-dimensional motion analysis as a standard method. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy male subjects without a history of spinal pain, malformation, and surgery were included in the study. This is a cross-sectional study. A 3D Motion capture system was used to record cervical and thoracic spine flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Range of motion was tested without a brace, with modified Iranian and rigid Minerva braces. Results: Immobilization in flexion (89.03%>87.8%) and rotation (84.85%>83.19%) were higher in the modified Iranian Minerva than in rigid Minerva, but extension (89.37%>85.95%) and lateral bending (81.26%>71.71%) were higher in rigid Minerva at cervical region (p value>0.05). In flexion (76.35% <75.96%), lateral bending (46.92% >44.5%) and extension (79.44%>62.58%) immobilization were higher in the rigid Minerva than modified Iranian Minerva, but rotation (53.04%>41.21%) was more restricted in the modified Iranian Minerva than in the rigid Minerva at the thoracic region (p-value>0.05).  Conclusion: Both Minerva braces significantly reduced the neck’s range of motion (p-value<0.05). The Rigid Minerva was more effective in controlling extension and lateral bending, but the modified Iranian Minerva provided greater flexion and rotation limitations (p-value<0.05).    

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Case Report

Physical therapy interventions for a patient with poor muscle strength, knee functions, and psychological readiness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with meniscus repair: a case report

I Putu Gde Surya Adhitya; I Gusti Ngurah Wien Aryana; Putu Ayu Sita Saraswati; Fajar Purnama; Ida Kurniawati; Noval Adhitya Wardhana; I Putu Prananda Dinata; Putu Devinda Ardaswari; Tabita Febyola Wijaya

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 June 2024

Abstract

  Background: This study aimed to evaluate phase III of physical therapy management, which is late rehabilitation phase based on the patient's specific goals and athletic demands, to ...  Read More Background: This study aimed to evaluate phase III of physical therapy management, which is late rehabilitation phase based on the patient's specific goals and athletic demands, to increase muscle strength, knee functions, psychological readiness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Case Presentation: A patient underwent ACLR using a hamstring tendon graft with lateral meniscus repair on November 7, 2022. Thirteen weeks after surgery, the patient represented the poor muscle strength (< 10 mmHg vs. uninjured leg), knee function (< 80 of Lysholm's score), and psychological readiness (< 70 of ACL return to sport index (ACL-RSI) score).  The patient received 5 times the standard physical therapy interventions from February 6, 2023, to February 15, 2023. The leg circumferences, muscle strengths and knee functions in both legs were measured before and after interventions for the baseline and follow-up measurements. There were increases in leg circumferences, respectively, by 0.2cm, 1cm, and 0.5cm on the 20cm, 10cm, and 5cm above the center of the patella (COP) and by 1cm below COP. The strengths of the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles were improved by 12 mmHg, 15 mmHg, and 25 mmHg. In addition, there were score improvements in knee functions by 27 points of Lysholm's score and 32 points of ACL-RSI. Conclusion: The case study found that phase III of physical therapy interventions on an ACLR patient effectively improved leg circumferences, muscle strengths, knee functions, and psychological readiness. The physical therapy protocols of this study case can be used for reference to treat post-ACLR patients.  

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Original Articles

Comparison of physical performance of soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under the impact of knee injury prevention training: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Amir Shamlou kazemi; hassan daneshmandi; Parisa Sedaghti; Yasin Hoseini

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 June 2024

Abstract

  Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the severe and complex knee injuries that usually occur in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer training (SMST) is one of ...  Read More Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the severe and complex knee injuries that usually occur in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer training (SMST) is one of the successful protocols for preventing knee injury and enhancing performance for soccer players. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the SMST injury prevention protocol on the performance of soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: The method of this research is a semi-experimental type, and the samples included 42 soccer players with an age range of 18-30 years old. These players had 3 years of regular exercise in soccer and were divided into two groups of 21 subjects (with and without ACLR). Physical performance was determined by the Illinois agility test, 40-yard sprint test, and Sargent vertical jump test in both groups before and after six weeks. SMST training was done in three sessions of 90 minutes. Statistical analysis was performed to compare intra-group differences with the dependent t-test and inter-group differences with covariance analysis test (P≤0.05). Results: The dependent t-test results in both groups after six weeks of SMST training showed a significant difference in speed (P=0.01), agility (P=0.01), and explosive power (P=0.01) factors. The results of the covariance analysis showed that after six weeks of training, there was no significant difference between the records of speed (P=0.57), agility (P=0.07), and explosive power (P=0.71) tests in the two groups. Conclusion: The main factor that increased performance indicators in the subjects was the similarity between the SMST protocol factors and performance evaluation tests. SMST training is highly recommended for healthy and ACLR players, as it helps to improve the level of physical and athletic performance of soccer players while preventing injury and even re-injury of the ACL.  

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Original Articles

Assessing the Impact of Closed and Open Kinetic Chain Hydrotherapy on Lumbo-Pelvic Stability, Pain Intensity, Kinesiophobia, Rate of Loading, and Vertical Ground Reaction Force in Men with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

hossien ashoury; Ali Yalfani; mahdi arjipour

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 11 June 2024

Abstract

  Background: Chronic Non-Specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is recognized as one of the leading causes of work absenteeism and increased reliance on health insurance and healthcare services. ...  Read More Background: Chronic Non-Specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is recognized as one of the leading causes of work absenteeism and increased reliance on health insurance and healthcare services. Despite the widespread impact of this condition, there remains a scarcity of research investigating the effects of open and closed kinetic chain (O/CKC) exercises conducted in water on improving CNSLBP. Therefore, this study aimed to assessing the impact of closed and open kinetic chain hydrotherapy on lumbo-pelvic stability, pain intensity, kinesiophobia, rate of loading, and vertical ground reaction force in in men with non-specific chronic low back pain. Methods: The double-blind randomized controlled trial was designed with a pre-post-test in men aged 40-60 (48.10 ± 5.97) with CNSLBP. Patients were randomly assigned to two hydrotherapy groups CKCE and OKCE and the control group in this clinical trial. Pain intensity, kinesiophobia, Lumbo-Pelvic Stability (LPS), Rate of Loading (ROL) and Vertical Ground Reaction Force (vGRF) were measured with the visual analog scale, Tampa kinesiophobia scale, biofeedback pressure, and plantar pressures device. The intervention groups performed prescribed exercises for eight weeks and three sessions per week. The analysis of covariance was used to compare the group differences. Results: In the comparison within the OKCE and CKCE groups, significant differences were observed in the pre- and post-intervention measurements (p<0.05). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in pain (p=0.001) and kinesiophobia scores (p=0.001) with a large effect size. Additionally, noteworthy differences were noted in vGRF (P=0.003), ROL (P=0.012), and LPS variables (p=0.022). Conclusion: The study results indicate that utilizing hydrotherapy exercises involving open and closed kinetic chains is beneficial in the rehabilitation of individuals with CNSLBP. We suggest that healthcare professionals, including doctors, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, include these exercises in their comprehensive rehabilitation programs for such patients.  

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