Original Articles

1. Identification of the predictive value of demographic factors on users’ satisfaction with lower-limb orthoses and services in Ahvaz: A regression analysis

Mohammad Khayatzadeh-Mahani; Mohadese Salehi; Meimanat Akbari; Ali Reza Jamali; maryam Moradi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 01 September 2021

Abstract

  Background: Satisfaction with orthotic devices and services results in greater orthotic usage. Evaluation of users’ satisfaction could enhance the quality of service delivery. ...  Read More Background: Satisfaction with orthotic devices and services results in greater orthotic usage. Evaluation of users’ satisfaction could enhance the quality of service delivery. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the predictive value of demographic factors on users’ satisfaction with lower-limb orthoses and related services. Methods: Ninety-seven users of LLO participated in this cross-sectional study. Users’ satisfaction was evaluated with the Orthotic & Prosthetic Users’ Survey (OPUS). SPSS version 22 using linear regression test was used to identify which demographic variables explain variation in satisfaction with LLO and services. Results: According to linear regression, the variance of satisfaction with device was significantly explained by the income level and the type of orthosis (P <0.05). However, the predictive value of these variables was relatively low (Adjusted R2 = 0.118). The results also showed that the variance of satisfaction with services was significantly explained by none of the dependent demographic variables (P> 0.05) and the prediction of the independent variable by the demographic variables was very low (Adjusted R2 = 0.063). Conclusion: Orthotists should focus more on clients with low-income to acquire their satisfaction with devices and services. They also need be more careful when making long orthoses such as Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis or Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis to satisfy their users.

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Case Report

2. Vestibular Rehabilitation in Three Patients with COVID-19 Induced Vestibular Neuritis.

sadegh jafarzadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 03 October 2021

Abstract

  COVID-19 could induce vestibular neuritis in some patients and there are limited information on the vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation in them. Three cases infected by COVID-19 ...  Read More COVID-19 could induce vestibular neuritis in some patients and there are limited information on the vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation in them. Three cases infected by COVID-19 induced vestibular neuritis underwent vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation. They showed unilateral dysfunction in caloric and video head impulse test. A home-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR) was used for their treatment. Although the symptoms in one patient significantly improved, she still had a mild episode of vertigo. The other two patients completely recovered. As well, they had no remaining vertigo or imbalance at the end of VR. The final physical examinations were normal and the total score of Dizziness Handicap Inventory showed no handicapping. VR could be effective on the management of COVID-19 induced vestibular neuritis. So, we could expect a good recovery similar to other disorders with unilateral vestibular hypo-function. VR could be effective on the management of COVID-19 induced vestibular neuritis. So, we could expect a good recovery similar to other disorders with unilateral vestibular hypo-function.

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Original Articles

3. A Comparative Study of Short-Term Efficacy of Intra-articular Hypertonic Saline and Hypertonic Dextrose Prolotherapy in Knee Osteoarthritis

Zahra Babaeian; Hamidreza Farpour; Ebrahim Mostaghni; Attiye Vasaghi; aref nasiri; Hossein Arjmand

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 January 2022

Abstract

  Abstract:                 Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common public health disease with an increasing ...  Read More Abstract:                 Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common public health disease with an increasing prevalence. It is one of the leading causes of disability, especially in the elderly. Intra-articular hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy is one of the therapies used for KOA. There have been some articles showing that patients receiving intra-articular normal saline as a control group of the article had improvement as well. The aim of this randomized clinical trial study was to evaluate the efficacy of intra-articular hypertonic saline in comparison with hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy in treatment of KOA. 54 patients with KOA were randomized in two groups: hypertonic dextrose (28 patients) and hypertonic saline groups (26 patients). All patients received three intra-articular injections of either hypertonic dextrose or hypertonic saline at two weeks intervals. The visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Oxford knee scale (OKS), and Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire were the outcome measures which were evaluated before, 2 and 4 weeks after the injections. The data were analyzed using t-test and repeated measurement tests. Both groups showed improvements in outcome measures after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups. We concluded that the intra-articular injection of hypertonic dextrose and hypertonic saline are both effective in the management of KOA. Hypertonic saline can be considered as another medical agent in management of KOA. However, further studies are suggested to evaluate its long-term effects

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Case Report

4. Ulnar Mononeuropathy Associated with Covid-19 Infection, A Case Report Running Title: Ulnar Mononeuropathy and Covid-19 Infection

Leila Sadat Mohamadi Jahromi; Hamidreza Farpour; Hossein Etminan; Reyhaneh Parvin

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 January 2022

Abstract

  Abstract: Covid-19 was reported from China for the first time. The most common manifestation of this novel infection is respiratory problems. However, it can also invade both central ...  Read More Abstract: Covid-19 was reported from China for the first time. The most common manifestation of this novel infection is respiratory problems. However, it can also invade both central and peripheral nervous systems. The usual reported symptoms in patients with central nervous system complications were dizziness (16.8%) and headache (13.1%). In patients with peripheral nervous system problems, the most common reported symptoms were taste impairment (5.6%) and smelling impairment (5.1%) due to olfactory nerve involvement. In this case study, we present a 46-year-old male who was referred to our clinic in Shiraz for electrodiagnosis due to paresthesia and numbness of the right 4th and 5th fingers accompanied by weakness and atrophy of the muscles in the ulnar nerve territory, which occurred during Covid-19 infection in this patient. Severe partial involvement of the right ulnar nerve at the elbow was detected in the electrodiagnosis, and findings in the right elbow MRI were in favor of ulnar neuritis.

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Original Articles

5. The effect of features of text (word length and frequency) on the Iranian dyslexic students’ eye movements

Masood Sharifi; mohammad kaghazloo; Majid Firouzkouhi Berenjabadi; Mina Bandeh Pour

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 10 January 2022

Abstract

  Abstract Background: The aim of study was to investigate the impact of frequency and word length on the eye movements in dyslexic students while they were reading Persian textbooks. Methods: ...  Read More Abstract Background: The aim of study was to investigate the impact of frequency and word length on the eye movements in dyslexic students while they were reading Persian textbooks. Methods: The method applied to this study was quasi-experimental. The statistical population consisted of both 56 male and female students at first, second, and third grade referring to Learning Disorder Centers of Educational Organization in 2and 10 districts in Tehran. Twenty five of these students with dyslexia were selected using available sampling method (participants included 12 boys and 13 girls who were at second, third, fourth and fifth grade with 6, 8, 8, and 3 students respectively). Eye tracking device, SMI-RED-120Hz, was used for data collection. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) method was applied to analyze the data.  Results: There are two significant findings: the effect of words' length on the number of fixation, fixation time, number of regression, as well as the effect of words' frequency on the number of fixation, fixation time, and number of regressions Conclusion: Frequency and word length on fixation and regression play an important role on the process of reading in dyslexic students.

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Original Articles

6. Translating and Assessing the Validity and Reliability of Persian Version of The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale Questionnaire 12 (SSQ12-Persian Version)

mahsa sepehrnejad; Farshid Rahimi; Nariman Rahbar; Mohammad Hossein Nilforoush; farnoosh Frajadi Rad

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 January 2022

Abstract

  ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study was to prepare the Persian version of The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaire-12 (SSQ-12-persian version) and to ...  Read More ABSTRACT Background: The aim of this study was to prepare the Persian version of The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale questionnaire-12 (SSQ-12-persian version) and to assess its validity and reliability to facilitate the investigation of the effect of the usage of hearing aids on individuals using them. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was translated to Persian according to WHO method. Firstly, two fluent Persian-speaking translators, translated the questionnaire from Persian to English and then three audiologists examined the questionnaire. In the last step, two bilingual translators translated the questionnaire from Persian to English and were evaluated conceptually. Finally, the Persian version of the SSQ12 questionnaire was voluntarily presented to 99 elderly people aged 22 to 52 years hearing aids users whom hearing thresholds were measured recently. For assessing reliability and validity and test-retest reliability T-test examination and Cronbach Alpha was used. Results: Persian version of SSQ12 questionnaire shown high internal consistency (assessed by Cronbach Alpha = 0.924) and high test-retest (assessed by Cronbach Alpha = 0.868) reliability. Conclusion: The ssq12 questionnaire is a comprehensive summary of the SSQ49 questionnaire. It would be one of the valid questionnaires for evaluating hearing performance improvement in hearing aids users. This study showed that the Persian version of ssq-12 questionnaire has high reliability and validity regarding Paired Sample t-test (p<0.001) and Cronbach’s alpha showed that the questionnaire has high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha =0.924). The reliability of test-retest after a month was obtained and the total scale result was 0.867. According to results of this study SSQ-12 can be used as other Persian translated questionnaires like GHABP, SHQ, IOI-HA for examining the effectiveness of hearing aids and their effects on limiting disabilities related to hearing loss.

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Original Articles

7. Effects of Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, with or without Weight Loss, on Urinary Incontinence in Obese Women: A non-Randomized Single Blind Clinical Trial

Seyedeh Saeideh Babazadeh_Zavieh; Behnoosh Vasaghi-Gharamaleki; Afsaneh Nikjooy; Seyed Mohammad Jafar Haeri; Javad Sarrafzadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 January 2022

Abstract

  Background: Obesity is known as an important risk factor in the development of UI (urinary incontinence). Physiotherapy (exercise therapy and biofeedback) has been presented as a common ...  Read More Background: Obesity is known as an important risk factor in the development of UI (urinary incontinence). Physiotherapy (exercise therapy and biofeedback) has been presented as a common treatment for the improvement of UI. Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) with weight loss (WL) may significantly improve UI in obese women. This study aimed to compare the effects of PFPT with or without WL on UI symptoms in obese women. Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial was performed and 51 middle-aged obese women with UI were recruited. Twenty-nine women in the PFPT group received 12-session PFPT. Twenty-two women in the PFPT+WL group received 12-session PFPT and nutritionist recommendations for WL. The outcome measures included anthropometric measurements, strength and endurance of pelvic floor muscles, intravaginal pressure (IVP), international consultation on incontinence questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life (QOL). All measurements were performed at baseline and after 12-session treatment. Results: The PFPT+WL group had a 4.95 kg weight loss (P <0.001). Finally, the strength and endurance of PFM, IVP, ICIQ UI-SF, VAS, and QOL were showed significant improvement in both groups (P<0.001). The ICIQ UI-SF and total I-QOL in the PFPT+WL group were significantly different from those in the PFPT group (P=0.015, P=0.033 respectively), (95% CI: 2.23- 5.10 vs. 2.85- 5.35 and 180.48- 214.67 vs. 164.13- 203.39 respectively). Conclusion: The proposed protocol of applying PFPT with WL comparison to PFPT alone leads to much significant improvement in UI severity and QOL in middle-aged obese women with UI.

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Original Articles

8. Investigating the role of coronavirus artery stress in work shifts and nurses' emotional fatigue in coronavirus conditions

farshid aslani; akbar bahmani

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

Abstract

  Background and Aim: The sudden outbreak of the new Corona virus has caused a wave of concern among the community and the treatment staff. The effect of work shifts in coronavirus conditions ...  Read More Background and Aim: The sudden outbreak of the new Corona virus has caused a wave of concern among the community and the treatment staff. The effect of work shifts in coronavirus conditions on employees' emotional fatigue with the mediating role of coronavirus stress has been investigated. Research Method: The present study was an applied and descriptive research in the field of field studies that was conducted cross-sectionally in 1399. The statistical population of the study was 250 nurses of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Amol city. Using a simple random sampling method, a sample of 150 was selected using Morgan table. Data collection tool was a standard questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. In data analysis, structural equation modeling method was used to measure the fit of the research model and test the hypotheses using SPSS 22 and Amos22 software. Results: The results showed that shift work disorder has a significant effect on employees' emotional fatigue and coronavirus stress in nurses. coronavirus stress has a significant effect on nurses' emotional fatigue. The mediating role of coronavirus stress in the relationship between work shifts and emotional fatigue was also confirmed. Conclusion: The rate of transmission in different types of coronavirus mutations with consecutive peaks has caused constant stress in nurses. , Which leads to poor performance and reduced quality of life and ultimately emotional fatigue.

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Case Report

9. The Effect of Early Language Intervention in Children with Developmental Language Disorders: A Case Study

Fatemeh Hasanati; mojgan tavasoli; Salimeh Jafari

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 07 February 2022

Abstract

  The first three years of life are a critical period for development. The environmental stimuli have positive effects on the development of speech and language. Language skill involves ...  Read More The first three years of life are a critical period for development. The environmental stimuli have positive effects on the development of speech and language. Language skill involves the development of expressive and receptive skills among children. Speech and language disorders, during childhood, have important negative outcomes in the life of the child. So, early detection of children at risk in the preliminary phases of development and starting the early intervention for them is very important. The aim of this case study was to investigate the effect of early language intervention in children with a developmental language disorder(DLD). A twenty-seven-month-old child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder was conducted in this  case study. Occupation and speech therapy was performed for him.  Results showed that the early intervention was essential for improving the child's communication, and proper environmental stimuli could prevent possible problems in the future. In addition, the result revealed that the child professionals should not wait and see for improving development.

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Original Articles

10. Diagnostic Accuracy of Adult-Assisting Hand Assessment in People with Chronic Stroke Who Had Pain

Seyed Hossein Hosseini; Ghorban Taghizadeh; Akram Azad

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 19 February 2022

Abstract

  Background: Pain in patients with stroke is one of the essential factors that can influence upper-limb performance, and it is better to divide these people into separate groups. The ...  Read More Background: Pain in patients with stroke is one of the essential factors that can influence upper-limb performance, and it is better to divide these people into separate groups. The Ad-AHA (Adult-Assisting Hand Assessment) is a tool that recently is being used in upper-limb performance evaluation among patients with stroke.  The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Ad-AHA among patients with chronic stroke who had pain to discriminate between the high upper-limb performance group and the low upper-limb performance group.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 patients (The mean age±SD was 69.33±8.73) with chronic stroke who had pain have participated in the study. The patients have been divided into two groups with a high and low upper-limb performance by Action Reach Arm Test. The best cutoff point between groups, sensitivity, and specificity by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) for Ad-AHA has been calculated.  Results:  Significant differentiation in the total score of Ad-AHA between high and low upper-limb performance groups have been seen (P˂0.001). The best cutoff point for the total score of Ad-AHA between stroke patients with high and low performance in the upper-limb who had pain was 47 (sensitivity=95.45, specificity=89.21). Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that the Ad-AHA has high sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between stroke patient with high and low performance in upper-limb performance who had pain. 

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Literature Reviews

11. Hearing loss in patients with Covid -19: a narrative review

Shaghayegh Omidvar; Afsaneh Doosti; Zahra Jeddi; Zeinab Moradi Ganjeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 05 March 2022

Abstract

  Objective: Although the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are otolaryngological symptoms including cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell and taste, reports ...  Read More Objective: Although the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are otolaryngological symptoms including cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell and taste, reports of autologous and audiological manifestations of the disease such as hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and. .. There is also. The present study reviews existing studies to investigate the occurrence of hearing loss, its types and possible causes in patients with Covid-19.findings:Studies show that the risk of transient hearing loss, sensory neurosis, and sudden deafness increases following Covid-19. Upper respiratory tract infection, followed by acute otitis media, can be a major cause of transient hearing loss in people with Covid-19. Regarding the causes of sensorineural hearing loss and sudden deafness, various reasons such as direct viral damage to peripheral organs, vascular disorders, and the use of autotoxic drugs used in the treatment of the disease have been cited.Conclusion:Because persistent hearing loss has devastating effects on quality of life, early detection of hearing loss and early intervention are essential. According to the available reports, it seems that hearing loss can be one of the complications of Covid-19, but due to the lack of sufficient evidence and heterogeneity among the existing studies, this issue can still not be stated with certainty. Therefore, longitudinal studies on a larger number of patients using appropriate assessment tools are recommended.

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Literature Reviews

12. A Review on Voice Indices Available for Voice Assessment

Saeed Saeedi; Mahshid Aghajanzade; Ahmad Reza Khatoonabadi

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

Abstract

  Background: In recent years, some voice indices have been developed for multiparametric objective voice evaluation. This study aims to review these indices and examine their efficiency ...  Read More Background: In recent years, some voice indices have been developed for multiparametric objective voice evaluation. This study aims to review these indices and examine their efficiency through literature. Methods: This study design is traditional narrative review. Five databases, including ‘PubMed’, ‘Scopus’, ‘Google Scholar’, ‘Science Direct’, and ‘Web of Science’ were searched by keywords including ‘voice index’, ‘acoustic’, ‘voice assessment’, and ‘acoustic analysis’. It was attempted to include only the acoustic indices that are validated and fairly user-friendly. Results: Five voice indices were found that met the inclusion criteria: Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID), The Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI), and Acoustic Psychometric Severity Index of Dysphonia (APSID). Conclusions: The results do suggest using AVQI, ABI, DSI, and CSID in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders. Of course, it is recommended to examine the efficacy of these indices in more languages and also developing new indices by considering more aspects of voice.

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Literature Reviews

13. An Overview on Auditory and Vestibular Disorders in Alzheimer's disease

Zahra Iran Pour Mobarakeh; Marzieh Amiri; Atefeh Rahmani; Mana Zamanpour Shahmansori; Parisa Bahrami; Afsaneh Doosti

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 March 2022

Abstract

  Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which in addition to affecting memory, cognition, language, and other functions, also appears to be associated ...  Read More Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, which in addition to affecting memory, cognition, language, and other functions, also appears to be associated with hearing loss and vestibular function. In this paper, neural pathology of AD, relation to neuroplasticity, associations between AD and auditory and vestibular dysfunction has been reviewed. Methods In the present study, articles were reviewed between 2000 and 2021. 50 articles, mostly related to hearing and vestibular disorders in AD, were selected from a review of 200 English articles. The keywords Alzheimer's disease, neuroplasticity, auditory and vestibular rehabilitation, auditory and vestibular disorders were searched in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases.   Results Recent studies have shown an association between AD and auditory and vestibular function. Hearing loss can cause dementia and reduced communication skills in patients with AD. It has also been observed that some patients with AD lose their vestibular function, leading to an imbalance in the body and an increased risk of falling. It seems neuroplasticity of the brain is a good treatment for degenerative diseases such as AD, which is possible through auditory and vestibular rehabilitation.   Conclusion Hearing and vestibular evaluation in people with AD can be an effective way to identify problems related to them, so that if the disorder is observed, due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity and the use of auditory and vestibular rehabilitation, therapists can take effective steps in improving the performance and quality of life of these patients.

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Literature Reviews

14. Management of dysphagia by speech language pathologist during Covide-19 pandemic

Manijeh Zarei Mahmood Abadi; Talieh Zarifian; Lida Sharifi-Rad

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 09 April 2022

Abstract

  Background: the other reasons of dysphagia in patients at risk respiratory systems during COVID-19 pandemic and muscle weakness. During COVID-19 pandemic rehabilitation program becomes ...  Read More Background: the other reasons of dysphagia in patients at risk respiratory systems during COVID-19 pandemic and muscle weakness. During COVID-19 pandemic rehabilitation program becomes critical problem. The purpose of this narrative review was to answer this question “What is the modified management of dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 by the SLPs?” Method: The databases was searched such as Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for information about ‘COVID-19 and dysphagia’ using search words such as “COVID-19 and dysphagia’, ‘speech therapy and COVID-19’, ‘COVID-19 and dysphagia speech and language pathologist’. As this review concentrate on the interventin of dysphagia throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, we encompassed the reference list of articles organized by this search strategy and selected those we considered relevant in keeping with our keywords. Result: 27 articles were considered for this review  among 83 articles that had been selected in the first round. There were very limited clinical or original articles with this regard. The main topics that these publishedpapers talked about includes dysphagia intervention and COVID-19 transmission risk and swallowing assessment and therapy in patients with COVID-19 by SLPs, dysphagia screening tools, kinds of swallowing treatment and sensory stimulation in patients with COVID-19, swallowing exercises and maneuvers in cases with COVID-19 by SLPs . Conclusion: As instrumental evaluation of swallowing should be narrow in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, SLPs would be better to find different ways for appropriate management of patients with suspected dysphagia. generally, dysphagia intervention should be reserved for tele-health.

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Original Articles

15. Rehabilitation Educators′ Perceptions of Clinical Education Challenges in Iran; Are COVID-19 Having Redundant Effects?

neda oraki; zeinab rashidi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 12 April 2022

Abstract

  Background: Clinical education is a core component of the curriculum of undergraduate rehabilitation students. Despite the importance of clinical education, this field has more shortcomings ...  Read More Background: Clinical education is a core component of the curriculum of undergraduate rehabilitation students. Despite the importance of clinical education, this field has more shortcomings than the other fields of education that should be improved Methods: The aim of this study was to explore the challenges of clinical education from the perspective of rehabilitation educators. Moreover, the COVID-19 outbreak has added new challenges that should be mentioned. This qualitative study was conducted through purposeful sampling. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 12 rehabilitation clinical educators of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Data analysis was accomplished according to conventional content analysis. To prove the trustworthiness of the data, credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability were assessed. Results: By data analysis, 240 initial codes were extracted. They were revealed in three main categories and nine sub-categories indicating redundant challenges faced by COVID -19: restricted clinical resources (inadequate patient number and diversity, inadequate equipment, limited clinical space, inadequate manpower), the inefficient clinical education system (poor management of clinical education programs, insufficient clinical evaluation), personal and professional characteristics of the students (lack of students’ practical knowledge, lack of motivation, fear). Conclusion: The results of this study provided a deeper insight into the perceptions and experiences of rehabilitation educators about clinical education challenges. At present, the accidental and unexpected problematic event (COVID-19 pandemic) has detrimental effects in various aspects of clinical rehabilitation sciences. It is necessary to implement the changes in futuristic plans for adaptation with COVID-19.

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Original Articles

16. Comparison of Brain atrophic changes in dementia patients with and without swallowing dysfunction

Mansoureh Chegeni; Shiva Ebrahimian dehaghani; Mehrzad Lotfi; Zahra Salami

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 April 2022

Abstract

  Background: On the one hand, very few studies have been performed to identify active areas during swallowing in healthy individuals and people with dementia, and on the other hand, ...  Read More Background: On the one hand, very few studies have been performed to identify active areas during swallowing in healthy individuals and people with dementia, and on the other hand, there are no studies which compare brain atrophies in dementia patients with and without dysphagia, until the researchers know which brain atrophic areas lead to dysphagia. The aim of this study was to evaluate brain atrophies in dementia patients in Medial temporal lobe (hippocampus), frontal lobe (and anterior cingulate), parietal lobe (and posterior cingulate) and insula cortex.Methods: The present study is a retrospective cross-sectional study. 54 patients with dementia were studied. Data were collected using a checklist that included age, sex, duration of disease and swallowing information, and brain atrophy findings based on MRI reports. Atherosclerotic changes of the medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) score, Koedam score scale and The global cortical atrophy (GCA) scale were recorded in the checklist.  The descriptive indexes of subjects applied to report the results and Chi-square test used to compare two groups.Results: The mean age of the patients was 72.01 with a standard deviation of 10.64 years, and rang of 50-95 years. 32 patients (59.3%) were male and 22 patients (40.7%) were female with hippocampal atrophy (P = 0.12), frontal lobe atrophy (P = 0.46), parietal lobe atrophy (P = 0.83) and insular cortical atrophy (P = 0.91),did not show a significant difference in patients with and without swallowing disorders. The frequency distribution of the degree of atrophy based on the site of atrophy was significant in patients with dysphagia (P = 0.033). Conclusion: In general, the results of the present study show that the rate of atrophy of the hippocampus and frontal lobe (and anterior cingulate) in dementia patients with dysphagia is higher than dementia patients without dysphagia.

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Systematic Reviews

17. A systematic review of speech recognition assessment tools for Persian-speaking children with and without hearing disorders

Mohammad Majid Oryadi-Zanjani

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

Abstract

  Background  Speech recognition is a significant component of speech perception assessment as a main clinical target in children with hearing disorders. So, this article presents ...  Read More Background  Speech recognition is a significant component of speech perception assessment as a main clinical target in children with hearing disorders. So, this article presents a systematic review designed to provide clinical and research guideline for the speech recognition assessment in Persian-speaking children with and without hearing disorders. Methods A systematic search was conducted to determine the research evidence dedicated to the assessment of speech recognition in Persian-speaking children with and without hearing disorders. Therefore, peer-reviewed journal articles published between 1982 and December 2021 were identified using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science,Magiran, IranMedex, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Google Scholar. The included papers were analyzed according to different variables including: test age, vocabulary competency, cognitive demands, response format, presentation mode, stimulus format,stimulus variability, stimulusmode, and test condition. Results The review identified four papers related to the development of five assessment tools to measure speech recognition in Persian-speaking children including: Persian Monosyllabic Lexical Neighborhood Tests (PMLNTs), Persian Disyllabic Lexical Neighborhood Tests (PDLNTs), Persian version of the words-in-noise (WIN), Tavana(test for evaluating auditory skills), and closed-set speech recognition test for Persian speaking children. The properties and the limitations of each test were considered in this review article. Conclusion According to this systematic review, there are just four speech recognition assessment tools to measure specifically spoken word recognition in Persian-speaking children. The results of this review article can be used as a clinical and research guideline for the speech recognition assessment in Persian-speaking children with hearing disorders.

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Original Articles

18. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders risk factors and ergonomic assessment of posture among senior students of Rehabilitation School of Shiraz University: a cross-sectional study

Mostafa Mehraban Jahromi; Sara Abolahrari-Shirazi; Sahar Safari; Farzaneh Moslemi Haghighi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 April 2022

Abstract

  Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and to evaluate the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in senior students of Rehabilitation School ...  Read More Objective: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and to evaluate the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in senior students of Rehabilitation School of Shiraz University. Methods:  53 senior physical and occupational therapy students with an average age of 22-42 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to evaluate work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the postural analysis was performed using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Results: In our study, there was a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the lower back, hand, neck, and shoulder regions. Approximately, 47% of the students reported lower back pain in the past 12 months, respectively. Disability in the lower back (23%) was the most common disorder in senior physical and occupational therapy students.  The results of sub-group analysis based on sex showed that the low back was the body region with the highest prevalence of pain. Also based on the BMI, the neck is highly reported for having pain. In addition, 36% of the senior students based on the REBA tool had a highly risk level for developing musculoskeletal disorders, while the prevalence of medium risk level was 49%. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that lower back pain was the most common musculoskeletal disorder among the senior physiotherapy and occupational therapy students. This research also showed that based on the REBA tool, 36% of the senior students had a high risk level of developing musculoskeletal disorders.  

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Original Articles

19. Evaluating electromyographic onset time and activity level of medial and lateral heads of hamstrings, vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis in women with patellofemoral pain

Amin Yoosefi Kordi; mahsa mazaheri; Sobhan Sobhani; Alireza Motealleh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 April 2022

Abstract

  Background: Delayed activation of medial hamstrings (MH) relative to lateral hamstrings (LH) could lead to external tibial rotation. Also, it is a long-held belief that altered force ...  Read More Background: Delayed activation of medial hamstrings (MH) relative to lateral hamstrings (LH) could lead to external tibial rotation. Also, it is a long-held belief that altered force sharing between vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) plays a main role in the pathophysiology of PFP. It was presumed that patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) exhibit altered muscular activation pattern of MH and LH during functional tasks. The aim of this study was to compare the electromyography (EMG) activity of hamstrings and quadriceps in patients with PFP and healthy subjects during stair descending. Methods: Twenty-four women with PFP and 24 non-symptomatic individuals, aged 18-40 years, recruited through convenience sampling. The EMG activity of MH and LH, VMO and VL was recorded during stair descent. The main outcome measures were onset latency and amplitude of muscle activity measured relative to the moment of foot contact measured by foot switch. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the onset of hamstrings heads between groups (p=0.014). The LH activated before MH in PFP group. Normalized muscular activity was significantly reduced for VMO (p=0.002), VL (p=.045), and LH (p=0.019) in patients with PFP compared to control group. Conclusions: Difference in temporal activation patterns of LH and MH may result in lack of rotational knee stabilization and lead to an increased patellofemoral joint pressure. Earlier activation of LH rotates tibia externally, and likely produced lateral patellar tracking.

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Meta-Analyses

20. The effect of exercise training programs on postural control and dynamic balance in individuals with flat feet and Cavus feet: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Parisa Sedaghti; Mohammad Adib Chamachaei; Hamed Zarei

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 08 May 2022

Abstract

  Background. Considering the high prevalence of flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities among people and the adverse effects resulting from these complications on both the balance and ...  Read More Background. Considering the high prevalence of flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities among people and the adverse effects resulting from these complications on both the balance and function, a systematic review on the effect of various exercise programs on postural control and dynamic balance of these individuals seems to be essential. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis study is to examine the effect of exercise training programs on postural control and dynamic balance among individuals with flat feet and cavus feet. Method. The papers were identified through searching across eight databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PEDro, and Google Scholar. The search period ranged from the beginning of available date up to November 2021. In addition, manual search and complete investigation of the references of papers were also performed. Results. 13 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis indicated that the exercise programs had a significant effect on posture control (p=0.001) and dynamic balance (p=0.001) among individuals with flat feet and cavus feet. The effect size of Hedges's g of the exercise programs on postural control was 1.81 with confidence interval 95% (1.40-2.22). The effect size of Hedges's g of the exercise programs on the dynamic balance was 1.32 with 95% confidence interval (0.98-1.67). Conclusion. In the present systematic review, it was found that exercise programs had a significant effect on postural control and dynamic balance of individuals with flat feet and cavus feet abnormalities. The results of studies revealed that to better correct abnormalities and thus improve the postural control and dynamic balance further, the period of exercise program should be increased. Also, exercise programs should also focus on greater involvement of neuromuscular systems and direct effect on the central nervous system so that greater effect would be observed on improving postural control and dynamic balance.

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Original Articles

21. Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers-short version in patients with stroke

Ali Reza Jamali; Afsoon Hassani Mehraban; malek amini

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 11 May 2022

Abstract

  Background: Regarding the prevalence of stroke, an economical and reliable questionnaire is needed for use in research and rehabilitation to measure the amount of burden of these patients’ ...  Read More Background: Regarding the prevalence of stroke, an economical and reliable questionnaire is needed for use in research and rehabilitation to measure the amount of burden of these patients’ caregivers. In addition, to our knowledge there is no exclusive instrument to assess stroke caregivers’ burden in Persian language. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the validity and reliability of burden scale for family caregivers-short (BSFC-s) in stroke patients’ caregivers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 51 stroke patients and their caregivers were studied.Construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by Spearman and Eta correlation. Cronbach’s Alfa was used to assess internal consistency. Factorial structure was evaluated by exploratory analysis. It is a translated version of English questionnaire. Results: The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was calculated to be 0.93 and the questionnaire’s internal consistency was 0.93. The construct validity of the questionnaire was acceptable. Conclusions: In general, it can be said that this questionnaire has a good structure for assessing the burden of caregivers. In addition, by 10 items we can consider this questionnaire as an economically viable option in research and practice.

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Original Articles

22. Investigation the relation among locus of control, emotional quotient and resiliency in opium addicted men in Shiraz

Bahareh Zeynalzadeh Ghoochani; Alireza Derakhshan; Mohammad Ahmadpour

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 May 2022

Abstract

  Background: Addiction disturbs routine life style and affects person, family and society. To explore addicted individuals characters this study investigates correlation of resiliency, ...  Read More Background: Addiction disturbs routine life style and affects person, family and society. To explore addicted individuals characters this study investigates correlation of resiliency, emotional intelligence and their locus of control. Exploring their weaknesses would help recovering or in a more global view expand prevention agenda. Methods: Fourthy opiate addicted men were recruited in this cross sectional study by convenient sampling from Shiraz Ibn-Sina hospital. Rotter, Connor-Davidson, Shrink and demographic questioners were used in this cross-sectional study. Pearson test was applied. Results: Those with lower level of resiliency experienced more relapses after recovery (p=0/006, r= -0/424). Those with more social awareness used more psychological treatments to survive (p=0/033, r=0/337). Those with more frequency of abuse per day and those who were addicted more years than others have more periods of relapses after recovery (p=0/022, r= 0/362 and p=0/042, r= 0/323, respectively). Motivation for recovery has been more external. Frequency of abuse per day was positively correlated with years of abuse (p=0/005, r= 0/433). Conclusion: Recovery centers are suggested to assess and enhance resiliency, emotional intelligence and locus of control. It can be a prevention priority to include such programs in schools. Most participants started their addiction between 20 to 25 years old because of curiosity, so Media and policy makers must play an important role in increasing social awareness by showing real detrimental consequences. Most of the participants were unemployed and in need of money even for a better treatment so it is suggested that occupational therapist establish some vocational rehabilitation during recovery programs.

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Original Articles

23. The Relationship between Neural Properties, Mechanical Properties, Functional Outcomes, and Clinical Parameters in Spastic Chronic Stroke Patients: An Observational Study

Ehsan Ghasemi; Khosro Khademi-Kalantari; fateme bokaee; Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban; Majid Ghasemi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 May 2022

Abstract

  Background: Subsequent to spasticity, which is a positive impairment of stroke, neural and mechanical changes often occur in paretic muscles, affecting muscle function. The aim of this ...  Read More Background: Subsequent to spasticity, which is a positive impairment of stroke, neural and mechanical changes often occur in paretic muscles, affecting muscle function. The aim of this study was to find more accurate indices, which could affect decisions about spasticity treatment by investigating the relationship among neural, mechanical, functional outcomes, and clinical parameters in spastic chronic stroke patients.  Methods: In this cross sectional study, 45 spastic chronic stroke patients were included. Clinical assessments, such as spasticity evaluation, were conducted, using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS). Neural properties including H-reflex latency and Hmax / Mmax ratio were acquired. Also, mechanical properties including fascicle length, pennation angle, and thickness of spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. Functional outcomes were evaluated through Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Timed 10-Meter Walk Test (10-m WTT). Spearman's rank correlation analysis in SPSS version 22.0 was used to find correlations between parameters. Results: There was a low negative correlation between MMAS and H-reflex latency (r= -0.320, p = 0.032). MMAS score had a low significant relationship with pennation angle (r=0.296, p= 0.049) and thickness of muscles (r=0.389, p=0.008). However, there was no significant correlation between MMAS and functional outcomes. Conclusion: Based on these findings, MMAS can partly identify changes in neural and mechanical properties of spastic muscles.

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Original Articles

24. The Effect of Mulligan Mobilization Technique on Static and Dynamic Balance in Patients with Moderate to Severe Knee Osteoarthritis

Javid Mostamand; Maryam Adeli; Hosseinali Ahmadi; Akbar Hassanzadeh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 May 2022

Abstract

  Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most degenerative joint disease which can consequently cause a defect in balance control. Controlling the balance is necessary to prevent physical ...  Read More Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most degenerative joint disease which can consequently cause a defect in balance control. Controlling the balance is necessary to prevent physical and psychological damages. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Mulligan mobilization technique on static and dynamic balances in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 31 patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis were included and then assigned randomly into two groups of treatment (16 patients) and control (15 patients). Static and dynamic balances and pain score were evaluated in these patients once before and once after 10 sessions of treatment. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used for statistical analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Pain significantly decreased in both groups after intervention (P<0.001). Pain reduction in the treatment group was significantly more than that of the control group (P=0.005). A significant improvement was found in static (P=0.01) and dynamic balances (P=0.006) after performing the intervention in the treatment group. Additionally, there was a greater improvement in static (P=0.04) and dynamic balances (P=0.02) in the treatment group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The results of the present study reveal that Mulligan mobilization technique could improve balance in patient with moderate and severe knee osteoarthritis.

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Original Articles

25. Psychological and muscular beneficial effects of the resistance exercise in patients with chronic heart failure – A randomized controlled trial

Marzieh Saeidi; Roya Ravanbod; Mohammad Hossein Pourgharib-Shahi; Hosein Navid; Babak Goosheh; Abdolvahab Baradaran; Giti Torkaman

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 May 2022

Abstract

  Aims: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are characterized by debilitating muscle weakness, inability of moving, and resultant psychological disadvantages. Therefore, this study ...  Read More Aims: Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are characterized by debilitating muscle weakness, inability of moving, and resultant psychological disadvantages. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) and its impact on psychological health and peak muscle contraction (PMC) in patients with CHF. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed between October 2019 to December 2020. Fifty-seven patients with CHF (NYHA Class II, III) underwent initial assessments for 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), psychological response to exercise and PMC. They were randomly divided into R1, R2, and control groups. The intervention consisted of performing a short aerobic exercise including 15 minutes of walking at an intensity of 50%-reserved heart rate for all three groups and additional RE with the intensity of 50%-1RM and 75%-1RM for R1 and R2 groups, respectively. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between groups for 6MWT, peak muscle contraction and psychological response to exercise after the intervention (P≥0.05). PMC and psychological response to exercise improved significantly in all groups, however 6MWT increased significantly just in group R2 after the intervention. PWB was related to peak muscle contraction of left knee extensors and dorsiflexors positively and PD and FATwas related to walking distance and peak muscle contraction of left knee extensors and dorsiflexors negatively.  Conclusions: Performing just one session of exercise had significant beneficial impacts on, PMC, and psychological response in patients with CHF regardless of the exercise type and RE intensty.However, walking distance (6MWT) increased significantly in group R2 (75% of 1-RM) that shows performing higher resistance exercise is both safe and lead on functional advantages in CHF patients. There was a positive relationship between PWB and 1RM and negative relationship between PD and fatigue with 1RM.

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