Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Meta-Analyses

The effect of warming up on knee position sense: A systematic review and meta-analysis

parisa sayyadi; Hooman Minoonejad; Foad Seidi; Rahman Sheikhhoseini; ramin arghadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 August 2022

Abstract

  Introduction: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study is to investigate the effect of warming up on knee position sense. Method: The keywords of this systematic review ...  Read More Introduction: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study is to investigate the effect of warming up on knee position sense. Method: The keywords of this systematic review and meta-analysis study were searched on December 1 by two authors in the following electronic databases: PubMed, web of science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The quality of articles was checked by the Downs and Black checklist. Statistical analysis was performed using CMA software, and I-square was used for examining the heterogeneity of data and I2 was utilized for estimating the percentage of heterogeneity. Besides, Funnel Plot method was used for assessing the risk of bias of articles and trim-and-fill method was used in case of observation of possible bias. Results: Out of 5,133 studies found in selected databases, 31 ones were selected after reviewing the title and abstract, and 7 articles were included in the study after reviewing the full text. The results indicated that warming up has a significant effect on reducing the active absolute angular error (P<0.05) and increasing the active relative angular error (P<0.05) but has no significant effect on the passive absolute angular error (P>0.05). Conclusion: Warming can reduce absolute and relative angular error. Therefore, it has a significant effect on improve proprioception.  

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Original Articles

Evaluation of the quality of life of pregnant women with lumbar pain using the new pregnancy belt and compare to the current belt

Zhaleh Heydari; Mohammad Ali Mardani; Akbar Biglarian; Maryam Shokrpour; Gholamreza Aminian

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 13 September 2022

Abstract

  Background: Quality of life is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social functions. Lumbar pain during pregnancy can reduce the quality of ...  Read More Background: Quality of life is a multidimensional concept that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social functions. Lumbar pain during pregnancy can reduce the quality of life and using the pregnancy belts can improve it. Today, the most common design pattern of belts is in the form of an adjustable one-piece panel at the pelvic girdle and did not support the lumbar region. But the new pregnancy belt supports the lumbar and pelvic girdle simultaneously. The purpose of this study is evaluation of the quality of life of pregnant women with lumbar pain using the new pregnancy belt compared to the current belt.  Methods:  The total of 48 pregnant women with pregnancy-related lumbar pain participated in this randomized control trial study and were divided into three groups (current belt, new belt, and control group). All groups completed a demographic questionnaire and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) at the beginning of the study and after three weeks of follow-up. Results: All eight health concepts of the (SF36) questionnaire increased in both belt user groups but decreased in the control group after three weeks of follow-up. On physical health and mental health scales, there was a significant difference in the new belt group compared to the current belt group. Although there was no significant difference in the 2 variables (p=1.00, p=0.15, respectively). Conclusion: The new pregnancy belt can have a greater impact on enhancing the quality of life of pregnant women than the current belt.    

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Original Articles

Audiological findings of speech perception in noise test and speech, spatial and qualities of hearing scale questionnaire in patients with chronic kidney diseases

Ahmad Reza _Zamani; Sima Tajik; Somayeh Falahzadeh; Mina Bandad; Seyyed Mohammad Reza Seyyed Mohammad Reza Taghavi; Farshid Oliaei

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 September 2022

Abstract

  Background: Disturbance in the nervous system of patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD(, including uremic neuropathy, may lead to changes in the auditory processing of these patients. ...  Read More Background: Disturbance in the nervous system of patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD(, including uremic neuropathy, may lead to changes in the auditory processing of these patients. The impairment of auditory processing results in communication, social and emotional problems in the life. Accordingly, in this study, communication abilities and speech perception in noise in CKD patients are analyzed to identify the disorders more rapidly. Methods: In this cross-sectional/comparative study, 30 CKD patients and 29 normal adults aged 20-55 years with normal peripheral hearing were randomly selected and the consonant-vowel (CV) test was performed with 5 signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and silence, and speech, spatial and qualities of hearing scale questionnaire (SSQ) was applied to them with three subscales. The scores of the two groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: In both groups, the increase in noise led to a decrease in the consonant-vowel recognition scores. However, the normal group outperformed the patients at all levels. Patients in three subscales of the SSQ obtained a lower score than the normal group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The chronic renal failure reduces speech perception abilities in noise, and this finding indicates the auditory neurological involvement in CKD. Although the self-assessment by patients did not reveal any speech processing disability, for the early diagnose of hearing disability and mitigation of the consequences of hearing disability, it is recommended to periodically and regularly control the central hearing of patients and take proper rehabilitation measures if a disability is diagnosed.  

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Meta-Analyses

Electromyographic analysis of trapezius and serratus anterior muscles in individuals with scapular dyskinesis in different types of push-up: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ramin arghadeh; Hooman Minoonejad; Mohammad Hosein Alizadeh; Rahman Sheikhhoseini; parisa sayyadi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 September 2022

Abstract

  Background: It has been recommended to use push-up for strengthening the scapular stabilizers and to use unstable surfaces for increasing the neuromuscular system involvement. However, ...  Read More Background: It has been recommended to use push-up for strengthening the scapular stabilizers and to use unstable surfaces for increasing the neuromuscular system involvement. However, the effect of this instability on the electromyography activity of the periscapular muscles during push-up in individuals with Scapular dyskinesis is not clear. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the effect of unstable surfaces on the electromyography activity of trapezius and Serratus anterior muscles in individuals with scapular dyskinesis during push-up. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases without time limit for start date until September 25, 2021. Using the search strategy, 5,249 articles were identified using the three main keyword categories, including Scapular dyskinesis, electromyography, and push-up. After reviewing the full text of the articles, four studies were included in the final review. Data extraction and methodological quality evaluation were conducted. For meta-analysis, the SMD and the 95% CI were obtained using CMA Software, Ver.3. P-value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the results, the use of unstable surfaces in individuals with scapular dyskinesis caused an increase in the activity of the upper trapezius (P= 0.011; SMD= 0.807 [95%CI 0.188, 1.427]) and a reduction in the activity of the Serratus anterior (P= 0.000; SMD= -0.665 [95%CI -1.023, -0.307]). However, it did not significantly affect the electromyography activity of the Lower trapezius (P= 0.176). Conclusion: Unstable surfaces should be used with higher caution in individuals with scapular dyskinesis because these people have an imbalance of the upper trapezius muscle compared to the serratus anterior muscle and incorrect use of unstable surfaces can cause exacerbation of muscle imbalance in these individuals.  

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Original Articles

The effect of a neuromuscular training program on landing kinematics in young soccer players with poor landing mechanics

Nezam Nemati; Ali Asghar Norasteh; Ali Shamsi Majelan

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 October 2022

Abstract

  Background: increased knee valgus, decreased knee flexion and poor landing pattern are contributing risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young soccer players. ...  Read More Background: increased knee valgus, decreased knee flexion and poor landing pattern are contributing risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young soccer players. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test scores in young male soccer players with poor landing mechanics. Methods: The present study was quasi-experimental. 47 soccer players with poor landing mechanics were purposefully recruited and they were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=23 players, age= 12.69±0.70 years, height= 1.53±0.06 m, weight= 49.91±6.76 kg) and control group (n=24 players, age= 12.55±0.64 years, height= 1.51±0.08 m, weight= 51.25±7.73 kg). Knee Valgus angle, Knee flexion angle and LESS test scores were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The intervention group used the PEP program as a warm-up for 8 weeks while the control group performed its routine warm-up during this time. ANCOVA and paired-sample t-test were used to evaluate changes. Results: The results obtained in the intervention group showed there was a significant reduction in knee valgus angle (p=0.001) and there were significant enhancements in knee flexion angle (p=0.003) and LESS test scores (p=0.001) but there were no significant differences in the control group in knee valgus and knee flexion angles (p>0.05) except for LESS test scores (p=0.001). Moreover, the outcome showed significant differences between groups in knee valgus angle (p=0.001), knee flexion angle (p=0.025) and LESS test scores (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that PEP program was effective in reducing dynamic knee valgus angles, increasing knee flexion angles and improving LESS test scores in young soccer players. Thus, it seems that this program can reduce the risk of ACL injuries in young male soccer players.

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Original Articles

Adaptation and Psychometric Features of a Parent Report Measure for Profiling the Conversational Skills of the Persian-Speaking Children with/out language disorders

Masoomeh Salmani; Fatemeh Paknazar; Jalal Bakhtiyari; Marziyeh Maddah; Fatemeh Malayjerdi; Amir Shakibi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 26 December 2022

Abstract

  Backgrounds: Language professionals need proper tools to obtain representative information about children’s language in different settings. This study aimed to provide a Persian ...  Read More Backgrounds: Language professionals need proper tools to obtain representative information about children’s language in different settings. This study aimed to provide a Persian adaptation of the Pre-schoolers’ Conversational Skills scale a long with preliminary data on conversational skills in children with/out language disorders. Method: This study was designed to adapt an English research instrument into Persian version. The research team administered forward translation, synthesis of translations, backward translations, expert committee review, pretesting and cognitive interviewing, test of pre-final version, and submission and appraisal of all written reports to adapt the scale. The participants were four translators, a statistician, a linguist, a speech therapist, the research team, eleven language professionals, 10 mothers in cognitive interviewing and 114 mothers in pretesting final version of the adapted version. A test-retest approach was applied to evaluate the scale’s reliability. Results: There were not any complicated word or phrase during translations. The expert panel kept all items in the adapted version by adding examples to two items. The participants reported the Persian version items as clear and simple. The CVR and S-CVI were 1 and above 0.9 sequentially. The Cronbach’s alpha was equal to 0.9. The cut-off points of scale to categorize children were at or below 2.5, between 2.5 and 4.8, and at or above 4.8.   Conclusion: The adapted version of the Pre-schoolers’ Conversational Skills scale has excellent validity and highly reliable. It is easy, and quick tool to be administered in clinical settings. According to this scale, children can be categorized as “no or infrequent pragmatic skills”; “pragmatic skills are emerging” & “well-developed pragmatic skills”.  

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Original Articles

Comparison of parents general health of hearing-impaired children with early and late intervention

nasrin gohari; Seyede Faranak Emami; Bahareh Khavarghazalani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 December 2022

Abstract

  Background: Late identification and intervention of hearing loss in children can negatively impact their hearing, language, and cognitive skills. As parents of hearing-impaired children ...  Read More Background: Late identification and intervention of hearing loss in children can negatively impact their hearing, language, and cognitive skills. As parents of hearing-impaired children (HIC) experience high levels of stress and depression, this study sought to examine the effect of early intervention on the general health of parents of HIC.Method: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of moderate to severe HIC who received either early or late intervention. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), which measures the four subscales of physical symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression, was administered to both groups of parents. The independent t-test, an analysis of variance, and the tukey test were employed to compare general health and its subscales between the two groups.Results: A significant difference (Pv = 0.042) was found between the overall general health scores of parents (fathers and mothers) of HIC with early interventions and parents of HIC with late interventions, particularly on the social dysfunction subscale (Pv = 0.003). Mothers of children with late interventions exhibited greater disturbance on the GHQ’s social dysfunction subscale than did other  parents (Pv = <0.05).Conclusion: Early intervention enhances the general health of HIC’s parents, particularly in the social dysfunction subscale. The late intervention has a greater impact on the general health and social function of HIC mothers than on the  general health of other parents. 

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Original Articles

The effectiveness of a cognitive package of early interventions on cognitive and academic performances of students with the specific learning disorder

malahat amani; Rogayeh AsadiGandomani; abas nesayan

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 December 2022

Abstract

  Background:The early detection and intervention can lead to successful future educational experiences for children at risk and reduce the negative consequences of learning disorders. ...  Read More Background:The early detection and intervention can lead to successful future educational experiences for children at risk and reduce the negative consequences of learning disorders. This study was conducted to develop an early intervention package for first-grade students with specific learning disorders and examine its effects on their cognitive performance. Methods: The method was quasi-experimental with post-test and pre-test design with a control group. The statistical population is first-grade students in Bojnord who were referred to specific learning disorder centers. Using the available sampling method, 32 first-grade students referred to specific learning disorder centers were selected and then randomly divided into experimental and control groups. In the pre-test stage, the fourth version of the Wechsler IQ Scale, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the researcher-made of spelling and reading tests and arithmetic abilities tests were performed among both groups. Students in the experimental group received cognitive interventions in 16 sessions. Then, post-tests were performed in both control and experimental groups. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance. Results: The results showed that the experimental group had higher scores than the control group in the post-test of reading, spelling, and mathematics, and lower scores in executive functions. Conclusion: the results indicate that the designed cognitive package is effective in reducing executive function problems and improving reading, spelling, and math performances.    

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Original Articles

The effect of teaching communication skills to mothers to reduce the behavioral problems of children with cerebral palsy: A semi-experimental study

Hossein Alibakhshi; Mona Simin ghalamaval; Karim Ayoubi Avaz; Masoomeh Salmani; Aliakbar Pahlavanian; Fatemeh Motaharinezhad; Zahed Kanani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 18 January 2023

Abstract

  Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) affects different aspects of children’s development. Some of these negative effects (such as child’s behavioral issues) could be eliminated ...  Read More Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) affects different aspects of children’s development. Some of these negative effects (such as child’s behavioral issues) could be eliminated by teaching mothers –as the main caregivers- to have proper skills. The present study investigated the effectiveness of teaching communication skills to the mothers of children with CP in reducing the children’s behavioral problems. Methods: Forty-two mothers who had 4-10-year-old children with CP, they were able to read and write, age between 20 and 40, and their children’s mobility score was at or below 3 in Gross Motor Function Classification System were recruited by convenient sampling. In this semi-experimental study, mothers completed the Rutter Children's Behavioral Questionnaire Children’s behavioral problems before and after the training. The experimental group received nine 90-minute training sessions on how to communicate with their children, the control group did not have any intervention regarding children’s behavioral problems.  Data were analyzed by Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Results: Comparing the two groups’ mean scores in five Rutter’s sub-tests showed significant differences (Aggression & hyperactivity, Social incompatibility, Anti-social behaviors, Anxiety & Depression, and General Behavioral problems) before the training indicated differences between groups (p =0.001). After training, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in five subtests of Rutter’s (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study indicated strengthening mothers with proper communication skills may change their interactions with their children with CP, and reduce the occurrence of a child’s behavioral problems. Therefore, rehabilitation team can consider the communication skills training program along with other therapeutic plans to intervene for children with CP.  

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Original Articles

Stance phase characteristics and asymmetry in females with low back pain

Morteza Sadeghi; Hamed Esmaeili

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 18 January 2023

Abstract

  Background:Patients with low back pain (LBPP) take different strategy during walking in order to reduce pain and enhance postural control. Investigating stance temporal characteristics ...  Read More Background:Patients with low back pain (LBPP) take different strategy during walking in order to reduce pain and enhance postural control. Investigating stance temporal characteristics and asymmetry provide new insight for LBPP gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to investigate stance phase characteristics and asymmetry in females with non-specific low back pain. Method. In this cross-sectional study, 36 females were recruited purposefully and divided into two groups of 18 people with and without low back pain.  Data collected by footscan system and analyzed by footscan gait 7 gait generation. Independent t –test was used to compare outcomes of the groups. Results. The results showed that right (p=0.001) and left (p=0.001) foot progression angle in low back pain group was higher than healthy group. Also, asymmetry of the initial contact phase (p=0.02) and forefoot contact phase (p=0.02) timings, and foot progression angle asymmetry was higher in low back pain group (p=0.009).      Conclusion. Regarding to higher progression angle and asymmetries observed in LBPP, rehabilitative exercises must consider these differences to in evaluating rehabilitation procedure.      

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Original Articles

Consistency between Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment and Fluoroscopic Barium Swallow Study

Manijeh Zarei Mahmood Abadi; Fariba Yadegari; Mehrzad Mehdizade; Lida Sharifi-Rad; Enayatollah Bakhsh; Fateme Zamani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 March 2023

Abstract

  Background: A swallowing disorder is one of the most common problems in the pediatric population. Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment – Persian (SOMA-P) has become one of the best ...  Read More Background: A swallowing disorder is one of the most common problems in the pediatric population. Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment – Persian (SOMA-P) has become one of the best methods for the assessment of swallowing disorders in the pediatric population. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of SOMA-P by fluoroscopic barium swallows study. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. SOMA-P was assessed on 52 children with swallowing problems. The children were 6 to 48 months and had been referred for a fluoroscopic barium swallow. We analyzed sensitivity; specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SOMA-P, with the fluoroscopic barium swallow as the gold standard. For the evaluation of the correlations among variables, Cronbach's coefficient alpha was calculated. Results: In this study 6 parts of SOMA-P had 0-25% sensitivity, 90-97% specificity, 0-66% positive predictive value, 84-87% negative predictive value, 78-86% compatibility percent and 0.06-0.17 kappa value. Internal consistency was 0.93 using Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that SOMA-P is valid for the evaluating of swallowing disorders.  It can use as a screening test and as a complementary method to fluoroscopic barium swallow.  

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Original Articles

Effect of priority and delay of the prone positioning and chest physiotherapy on respiratory outcomes in patients with covid-19: A randomized clinical trial

Ali Rezaee Chamanabad; Mehrnaz Kajbafvala; holakoo mohsenifar

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 04 March 2023

Abstract

  Background: Coronavirus 19 (covid-19), known as SARS-COV-2, is a new coronavirus with a global epidemic. Physiotherapy is one of the helpful treatments for this disease. This study ...  Read More Background: Coronavirus 19 (covid-19), known as SARS-COV-2, is a new coronavirus with a global epidemic. Physiotherapy is one of the helpful treatments for this disease. This study was conducted with the aim of the effect of priority and delay of the prone positioning and chest physiotherapy (CPT) in patients with covid-19. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 26 patients with covid-19. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: The priority of the prone positioning over CPT (7 men and 6 women, with an average age of 67.46±5.91) and the priority of CPT over the prone positioning (8 men and 5 women, with an average age of 68.38±5.85). Respiratory outcomes including SpO2, PaO2, FiO2, FEV1, FVC, measured by the pulse oximetry, ABG, and spirometry, respectively, and FEV1/FVC, and SpO2/FiO2 ratios were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The demographic characteristics of the patients and the respiratory outcomes at baseline between the two groups were not significantly different (P> 0.05). In each group, a significant difference was observed between the respiratory outcomes before and after the intervention (P< 0.05). But after the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in respiratory outcomes (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Both the priority of the prone positioning over CPT and the priority of CPT over the prone positioning could improve each respiratory outcome. However, it was not observed that the priority or delay of the prone positioning and CPT can affect the improvement of respiratory outcomes in covid-19 patients.  

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Original Articles

Investigation of the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of patients with spinal cord injury on secondary complications

Mohammad Amin Vafaei; Hamidreza Farpour; Payam Pourbasirat; Sima Farpour; Pardis Hemmat

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 07 March 2023

Abstract

  Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating situation which imposes a large socio-economic burden on patients and society. One of the most important disorders that may occur ...  Read More Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating situation which imposes a large socio-economic burden on patients and society. One of the most important disorders that may occur in these patients and cause an increase in the disease burden is secondary complications. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of patients with SCI on secondary complications.  Method: The current cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients with spinal cord injury about secondary complications. Patients with SCI were identified through the hospital information system. Data were collected through a questionnaire that included demographic and clinical information and a three-part questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, and practice. Results: one hundred eighty patients participated in the present study. The findings showed moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice with the mean respectively 84.12, 13.62, and 21.5 in patients with SCI. Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of the patients trough potential complications of spinal cord injury, were moderate. There is a significant relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practice with education. Also, there is a significant relationship between knowledge and sex. There was no significant relationship between age with knowledge and practice, but there was a reverse relationship between age and attitude.  

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Original Articles

The effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance and performance of female volleyball players with knee dynamic valgus defect

Ebrahim Mohammad Ali Nasab Firouzjah; Rogayeh imani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 14 March 2023

Abstract

  Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance and performance of volleyball girls' players with knee dynamic valgus ...  Read More Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance and performance of volleyball girls' players with knee dynamic valgus defect. Methods: The statistical population of this study was all female volleyball players in East Azarbaijan who had knee dynamic valgus defect. 30 subjects were selected from volleyball players with knee dynamic valgus defect. Subjects were randomly divided into control and experimental groups after completing the personal profile form and screening by squat test to diagnose knee dynamic valgus defects. static and dynamic balance was measured through BESS and Y balance tests of the lower limb and upper extremity function by using Y functional test for upper extremity were measured in both groups. The experimental group then performed the corrective exercises for 10 sessions, while the control group only did their specific exercises in volleyball. After the end of the training, subjects from both groups had a post test. First, the normality of the data was checked through the Shapiro–Wilk test. In order to determine the effect of the corrective exercise program on the dependent variables of the research, data were analyzed using covariance analysis and dependent T-test at the confidence level of (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The Overall results indicated that corrective exercises had a positive effect on static and dynamic balance (P = 0.001) and upper extremity function (P = 0.001) of volleyball players with knee dynamic Valgus defect. Conclusion: The results of study showed that the corrective exercise program with the approach of the National Academy of Sports Medicine has a significant effect on reducing dynamic valgus of the knee, improving the balance and upper extremity function among young female volleyball players.  

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Original Articles

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of mini-Manual Ability Classification System

azade riyahi; nazanin sarlak; hosseinali Abdolrazaghi; Nazila Akbarfahimi; zahra nobakht

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 April 2023

Abstract

  Background:Cerebral Palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of the development and posture, causing activity limitation. More than half of the children with CP experience ...  Read More Background:Cerebral Palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of the development and posture, causing activity limitation. More than half of the children with CP experience various upper extremity problems with varying severity. Considering the importance of knowing the ability of children under 4 years old the aim of this study was to determine prepare Persian version mini-Manual Ability Classification System (mini-MACS) and evaluating its validity and reliability.Methods In a methodological study, after translation procedures, the face validity, content validity, test–retest reliability and interrater reliability of the Persian version of mini-MACS were evaluated. In total, 100 parents of children with cerebral palsy, 12 occupational therapists and a researcher participated in the evaluation of the scale’s reliability. Fifty six boys and 44 girls with cerebral palsy with an average age of 33.21 (SD=11.37) month participated in the study.Results The overall results indicated that the words and sentences used in mini-MACS were simple, clear, understandable, relevant and necessary. The ICC for test–retest reliability for parents, occupational therapists and researchers were 0.955, 0.979 and 0.943, respectively. The interrater reliability coefficient between parents and occupational therapists was 0.939, between parents and researcher was 0.954, and between occupational therapists and researcher was 0.922.Conclusion:The Persian version of mini-MACS seems to be valid and reliable. This system could be used to evaluate children with cerebral palsy. 

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Case Report

The Effect of Radial Shock Wave Therapy for a Non-Healing Foot Ulcer in a Patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A Case Report

Parisa Taheri; Soroush Sadri; Hamidreza Ghasemi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 26 April 2023

Abstract

  Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD) refers to a group of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies with a prevalence of about 1 per 2,500 population. The commonest feature ...  Read More Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTD) refers to a group of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies with a prevalence of about 1 per 2,500 population. The commonest feature of this disease is muscle weakness and impaired sensation in the extremities. However, various presentations can be observed in heterogeneous diseases included in this disease group, such as infection and ulcer in the foot. Case presentation: Here, in this case report study, we report an 18-year-old lady who was referred to us with a non-healing ulcer on the plantar surface of her right foot and was diagnosed with CMTD, based on the history of sensory and motor symptoms and the results of electromyography. Her ulcer healed successfully after five sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Conclusion: Besides the significance of paying attention to patient’s symptoms for diagnosis of CMTD, this case presented the efficacy of ESWT on wound healing of a non-healing ulcer in the setting of CMTD. Further studies are required for verifying this treatment as the standard of care in such patients.  

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Original Articles

Effects of 8-week scapular focused exercise program on the shoulder pain and sports performance of wheelchair basketball players

Danial Moslepour; Hassan Daneshmandi; Aynollah Naderi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 29 April 2023

Abstract

   Background: This study investigated the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can help to decrease shoulder pain and increase wheelchair ...  Read More  Background: This study investigated the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can help to decrease shoulder pain and increase wheelchair basketball sport skills. Methods: Twenty-five 25- to 54-year-old elite wheelchair basketball players with shoulder pain were randomly assigned to an exercise (n=13) or control (n=12) groups. The 8-week exercise program included strengthing exercises for serratus anterior, scapular retractor, and shoulder external rotator muscles and stretching exercises for upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor muscles, and posterior glenohumeral capsule and underlying soft tissues. Shoulder pain intensity was measured using the wheelchair user's shoulder pain index and basketball performance using wheelchairs’ basketball skill tests. Shoulder internal and external rotation ROM, scapular upward rotation, maximal isometric muscle strength of middle and lower trapezius muscles, and pectoralis minor muscle length were also measured at baseline and after the 8-week exercise intervention. Results: Participants of exercise group experienced a lower level of shoulder pain (p=0.001) and a higher level of sport performance in all tests (p<0.05) compared with control group. In addition, shoulder internal and external rotation ROM (p>0.001) and external rotators muscle strength (p<0.001) and middle and lower trapezius muscle strength (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively) were improved significantly in the exercise group than control group. Scapular upward rotation (p<0.001) and pectoralis minor length(p<0.001) were also increased significantly in the exercise group than control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: An eight-week exercise program that targeted scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles can improve glenohumeral internal rotation, pectoralis minor length, and lower Trapezius muscle strength, therefore can be a viable option for shoulder pain relief and enhancing sport performance in wheelchair basketball players.  

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Original Articles

The effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance, performance and explosive power of volleyball girls players with knee dynamic valgus defect

Ebrahim Mohammad Ali Nasab Firouzjah; Rogayeh Imani

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

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance and performance of volleyball girls players with knee dynamic valgus defect. The ...  Read More The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of corrective exercises on balance and performance of volleyball girls players with knee dynamic valgus defect. The statistical population of this study was all female volleyball players in East Azarbaijan who had knee dynamic valgus defect. Based on sample size formula, A sample of 30 subjects were selected from volleyball players with knee dynamic valgus defect. Subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups after completing the personal profile form and screening by squat test to diagnose knee dynamic valgus defects. Dynamic balance through Y balance test and upper extremity function by using Y test for upper limb were measured in both groups. Also explosive power was measured by the Sargent jump test in both groups. The experimental group then performed the corrective exercises for 10 sessions, three sessions a week, while the control group only did their specific exercises in volleyball. After the end of the training, subjects from both groups had a post test. The normality of the data was evaluated through Shapiro–Wilk test. To determine the effect of corrective exercise program on the dependent variables, the data were analyzed using covariance analysis and dependent T-test at the confidence level of (P ≤ 0.05). the Overall results indicated that corrective exercises had a positive effect on dynamic balance and upper limb function of volleyball players with knee dynamic Valgus defect.

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Original Articles

Evaluation of Self Esteem, quality of life, health, and physical satisfaction in inactive and inactive Iranian elite athletes after early retirement due to sports injuries

Shima Babakhanian; Mohammad KarimiZadeh Ardakani; Mohammad Hani Mansori; Homa Naderifar

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

Abstract

  Introduction: Most athletes retire young severe sports injuries can be considered one of the most important reasons for psychological problems in sports retirees. This study aimed to ...  Read More Introduction: Most athletes retire young severe sports injuries can be considered one of the most important reasons for psychological problems in sports retirees. This study aimed to investigate the effect of early retirement from sports injuries on the physical condition, quality of life and health, self-esteem, and body-esteem of active and inactive Iranian elite athletes. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on fourty elite retired Iranian athletes, mainly ski, wrestling, and mountaineering, with an average age of 66. 62±4.65 years, height 166. 70 ±3.66cm, weight 66. 15± 4. 88 kg . participated were divided into two active groups (n = 20) and inactive (n = 20) based on the current type of sports activity. The Nordic, SF-36, Rosenberg, and Mendelson questionnaires were used to determine musculoskeletal pain, quality of life, self-esteem, and Body Image. Results: The results in the active and inactive groups showed that the participants in the active group reported a higher score in terms of quality of life compared to the inactive group (P = 0.001). Also, in body image (P = 0.001) and self-esteem (P = 0.001), the active group reported more points than the inactive group, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the study's results, it is suggested that sports health and psychology experts pay more attention to the post-exercise period of elites and recommend that elite sports retirees continue light sports activities as much after doing professional sports.

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Original Articles

The lower limb kinematics of healthy individuals during walking on real sloped surface compared to level walking

Zahra Masoompoor; Abbas Rahimi; Aliyeh daryabor; Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 31 May 2023

Abstract

  Background: This study aimed to investigate kinematic parameters of lower limb joints during gait on inclined surfaces in comparison to level ground. Methods: In this cross-sectional ...  Read More Background: This study aimed to investigate kinematic parameters of lower limb joints during gait on inclined surfaces in comparison to level ground. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 healthy individuals walked with their self-selected speed in level ground with zero slope and two inclined surfaces constructed according to real environments with +8 (uphill) and -8 (downhill) slopes along 8 m. Measured variables included angles of sagittal plane of ankle, knee, and hip joints in different phases of gait through a three-dimensional motion capture system. Results: Significant differences were seen in uphill walking compared to level-ground walking with their increase in ankle, hip, and knee angles in initial contact, maximum ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, maximum knee flexion in stance phase, and maximum knee extension in swing phase, and also with their reduction in maximum angle of knee flexion in swing along with maximum extension of hip joint (P<0.05). In downhill walking compared to level ground, significant differences were observed for increase of ankle and knee angles at initial contact, maximum ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, maximum knee flexion in stance and swing phases, maximum knee extension in swing, and also decrease of hip extension maximum angle. No significant difference was observed in hip joint angle at initial contact between level and downhill surfaces (P>0.05). Conclusion: Walking on inclined surfaces clearly affects flexion and extension angles of lower limb joints in different phases of gait, requiring greater movement of joints. These changes are more obvious in uphill than downhill, particularly at initial contact.

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