Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Comparing the effects of balance training with and without cognitive tasks on the quality of life and balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a single-blind randomized clinical trial

Ehsan Sinaei; Fahimeh Kamali; Ahmadreza Nematollahi; Zahra Etminan

Volume 3, Issue 4 , December 2016, , Pages 91-96

Abstract

  Background: Aging process can deteriorate the ability to maintain balance, specifically under dual-task conditions. Thus far, different methods of exercises therapy have been applied ...  Read More Background: Aging process can deteriorate the ability to maintain balance, specifically under dual-task conditions. Thus far, different methods of exercises therapy have been applied to improve balance performance of older adults. The present study was designed to compare the effects of two protocols of balance training on the quality of life (QoL) and balance performance in older adults with mild balance impairments.Methods: Twenty-four older adults over 60 years old were allocated randomly into single-task (n=12) and dual-task (n=12) exercise groups. Single-task group received routine balance exercises, over a four-week period and dual-task group was treated by the same exercise program plus a cognitive task. QoL and balance status were assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB) questionnaires, before and after the interventions. Results: After four weeks of training, balance performance and some factors of QoL improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in any of the variables between the two groups.Conclusion: Balance exercises, under both single- and dual-task conditions can improve the balance level and some aspects of QoL in older adults with mild balance impairments, with no priority of one group over another. 

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The Grammatical Deficits of Persian-Speaking Children with Specific Language Impairment

Zahra Ghayoumi-Anaraki; Fatemeh Haresabadi; Toktam Maleki Shahmahmood; Abbas Ebadi; Veda Vakili; Zahra Majidi

Volume 4, Issue 4 , December 2017, , Pages 102-108

Abstract

  Background: Specific language impairment (SLI) is one of the most common disorders of language development in children, which has been less addressed in Persian studies. The aim of ...  Read More Background: Specific language impairment (SLI) is one of the most common disorders of language development in children, which has been less addressed in Persian studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grammatical characteristics of Persian-speaking children with SLI using Photographic Expressive Persian Grammar Test (PEGT).Methods: This case-control, cross-sectional study was conducted on 16 children with SLI and 16 normal children aged 4-6 years, who were monolingual Persian speakers. The subjects in both groups were age- and gender-matched. After selecting each participant, PEGT was administered and results were recorded in an answer sheet and analyzed. To analyze the data, the mean total scores of the test and mean scores related to each syntactic structure of the PEGT were compared between the two groups using Mann–Whitney test.Results: In this study, a significant difference was observed in mean total scores of the test between the studied groups. In detail, the mean score of the normal group was significantly higher as compared with the SLI group (P<0.05). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the groups regarding each of the evaluated syntactic structures (P<0.05).Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, children with SLI had weaker performance as compared with their normally developing age-matched peers in evaluated morphosyntactic structures.

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Effects of special pelvic floor muscle training on the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence, a clinical trial

Abbas Ali Pourmomeny; Anahita Torkzadeh; Mahtab Zargham

Volume 5, Issue 4 , December 2018, , Pages 106-110

Abstract

  Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine which occurs with physical exertion and an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Pelvic floor muscle training ...  Read More Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the involuntary loss of urine which occurs with physical exertion and an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is generally recommended to reduce SUI. This study aimed to compare the effects of three different exercises in women with urinary incontinence by abdominal and pelvic floor muscle retraining.Methods: A total of 81 patients with urinary incontinence (UI) were randomly allocated to the pelvic muscle training by biofeedback (BF), pelvic muscle training by biofeedback plus abdominal exercise (BF+AbdExs), and only abdominal exercise (AbdExs). All participants received 12 weeks of treatment. The outcome measure was maximal vaginal squeeze pressure and Quality of life (QOL) Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Results: The mean age of pa­tients was 49.4 ± 8.4 years. The scores of QOL, pelvic floor muscle strength, and endurance increased in all groups after the treatment. The mean score of QOL in group BF+Abd.Exs ranged from 65.2 to 93.6, while in groups BF and AbdExs, it ranged from 61.8 to 85.6 and 63.6 to 79.1 respectively. More aspects of QOL improved significantly in the BF+ AbdExs group than in other group. However, the difference in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance was not statistically significant among the three groups (p>0.05)Conclusion: An increase in pelvic floor muscle strength was associated with AbdExs, which improved QOL. Thus, the AbdExs seems to induce co-contraction in pelvic floor exercise. However, AbdExs alone is not adequate for improving incontinence.

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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

Volume 9, Issue 3 , September 2022, , Pages 110-117

Abstract

  Background: Obesity is known to be an important risk factor in the development of UI (urinary incontinence). Physiotherapy (exercise therapy and biofeedback) has been presented as ...  Read More Background: Obesity is known to be 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 and without WL on UI symptoms in obese women. Methods: This non-randomized clinical trial was performed with 51 middle-aged obese women with UI. Twenty-nine women in the PFPT group received 12 sessions of PFPT, and 22 women in the PFPT+WL group received 12 sessions of 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 taken at baseline and after the 12-session treatment. Results: The PFPT+WL group had a 4.95 kg weight loss (p <0.001). Strength and endurance of PFM, IVP, ICIQ UI-SF, VAS, and QOL 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 compared to PFPT alone led to more significant improvement in UI severity and QOL in middle-aged obese women with UI.  

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The effect of bilingualism on the processing of clustering and switching in verbal fluency tasks

Najme Mardani; Mohammad Pourjafari; Mohammad Amin Irandegani; Nassim Ahmadi; Kowsar Baghban

Volume 7, Issue 3 , September 2020, , Pages 114-117

Abstract

  Background: This study examined the effect of bilingualism on the processing of clustering and switching in verbal fluency tasks in Farsi-Balochi bilinguals. Methods: Ninety participants ...  Read More Background: This study examined the effect of bilingualism on the processing of clustering and switching in verbal fluency tasks in Farsi-Balochi bilinguals. Methods: Ninety participants entered this study, including 45 Farsi monolinguals and 45 Farsi-Balochi bilinguals. All participants were male university students between the ages of 18 to 24 years. Verbal fluency tests were performed and the clustering and switching scores were calculated. Data was analyzed in SPSS-16 software. Results: The monolingual group obtained a score of 32.84 in the total semantic fluency task and 24.13 in the phonemic fluency task, while the bilingual group obtained 30.70 in the semantic task and 29.37 in the phonemic task. The number of switches between the clusters and the mean cluster size were 35.82 and 2.6 in the monolingual group and 38.65 and 2.26 in the bilingual group, respectively. The difference between groups in phonemic fluency, phonemic switching, and semantic clustering was significant (p˂0.05). Discussion: The bilingual group performed better in phonemic fluency and switched more between the clusters. Meanwhile, the monolinguals produced more words in each cluster than the bilinguals.

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Physical and Sensory Perturbations Changed Joint Regulations in Control of Posture: A Power Spectral Analysis

Mohammed N. Ashtiani

Volume 8, Issue 3 , September 2021, , Pages 115-120

Abstract

  Background: Standing on an unstable platform needs more effort from neuromusculoskeletalsystem. This study was about to highlight the joint regulationsin keeping balance, while standing ...  Read More Background: Standing on an unstable platform needs more effort from neuromusculoskeletalsystem. This study was about to highlight the joint regulationsin keeping balance, while standing on an unstable platform using spectralanalysis.Methods: Thirteen healthy young males were participated in this cross-sectionalstudy to stand on an unstable platform with two levels of support stiffness, twovisual, and three cognitive dual-task conditions. Motion analysis was utilizedto measure postural regulations at the lower extremity joints. Power spectralanalysis was applied on the joint rotations to discriminate the joint behaviors indifferent standing conditions.Results: Results showed that the body used higher levels of postural adjustmentby more joint regulations as the standing conditions became more difficult.Support stiffness of the platform and vision were effective in keeping balance(p <0.05), while the dual cognitive tasks had no significant effect (P>0.05). Insimpler standing conditions, the ankle-hip strategy was responsible for bodystabilization in lower frequencies. However, increasing the standing difficultyby eliminating the vision or use of looser support of the platform was led to thepredominance of ankle strategy.Conclusion: Standing in different conditions prevailingly relied on the anklestrategy. The enhancement of postural difficulty may revert to dominantly usethe ankle strategy.

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The Association between Spatiotemporal Gait Asymmetry and Walking Balance in People Post Stroke

Mania Sheikh; Hossein asghar Hosseini

Volume 6, Issue 3 , September 2019, , Pages 117-122

Abstract

  Background: Falls are a common complication post-stroke and often induce due to poor balance. Given that falls often occur during walking, it is possible that gait patterns influence ...  Read More Background: Falls are a common complication post-stroke and often induce due to poor balance. Given that falls often occur during walking, it is possible that gait patterns influence balance during walking. Walking post-stroke is frequently spatiotemporally asymmetric, which may reduce walking balance. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between gait asymmetry and walking balance in persons with chronic stroke. Methods: Fifty-four persons with chronic stroke (34 men and 20 women) with the mean age of 57.28 participated in this cross-sectional study.Participants walked at their self-selected speed to calculate gait asymmetry ratios for stance time, swing time, and step length. The data were collected using a conventional camera with a sampling frequency of 60 Hz. Reflective markers were attached to the heel and toe regions. Participants also performed walking balance tests including Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest). Pearson correlation test was used to determine the relationships between gait asymmetry and walking balance. Results: The mean ± standard deviation values of stance, swing and step asymmetry ratios and FGA and Mini-BESTest were 1.2 ± 0.11, 1.43 ± 0.24, 1.25 ± 0.15, 24.11 ± 2.93 and 22.87 ± 2.29, respectively. Increased FGA and Mini-BESTest scores were related to decreased swing (r = -0.64, P ≤ 0.001 and, r = -0.71, P ≤ 0.0001, respectively) and step asymmetry (r = -0.41, P ≤ 0.002 and, r = -0.51, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). No significant relationship was identified between FGA, and Mini-BESTest and stance asymmetry (r = -0.25, P ≤ 0.06 and r = -0.23, P ≤ 0.08 respectively). Conclusion: According to the current results spatiotemporal gait asymmetry may be related to decreased balance during walking in individuals with chronic stroke suggesting that rehabilitation interventions should focus specifically on ameliorating spatiotemporal gait asymmetry.

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The Effects of an 8-Week Scapular-Focused Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Sports Performance in Wheelchair Basketball Players

Danial Moslepour; Hassan Daneshmandi; Aynollah Naderi

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, , Pages 126-136

Abstract

  Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can reduce shoulder pain and improve wheelchair basketball ...  Read More Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can reduce shoulder pain and improve wheelchair basketball sport skills.Methods: This is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving twenty-five elite wheelchair basketball players aged 25 to 54 who experienced shoulder pain. They were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n=13) or the control group (n=12). The 8-week exercise program consisted of strengthening exercises targeting the serratus anterior, scapular retractor, and shoulder external rotator muscles, as well as stretching exercises for the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor muscles, and the posterior glenohumeral capsule and underlying soft tissues. Shoulder pain intensity was assessed using the wheelchair user's shoulder pain index, and basketball performance was evaluated using wheelchairs’ basketball skill tests. In addition, measurements of shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion, scapular upward rotation, maximal isometric muscle strength of middle and lower trapezius muscles, and pectoralis minor muscle length were taken at baseline and after the 8-week exercise intervention.Top of FormResults: Participants in the exercise group experienced a significantly lower level of shoulder pain (p=0.001) and demonstrated a higher level of sports performance in all tests (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, the exercise group showed significant improvements in shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM) (p>0.001), external rotators muscle strength (p<0.001), and middle and lower trapezius muscle strength (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, scapular upward rotation (p<0.001) and pectoralis minor length (p<0.001) were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Conclusions: Indeed, the results suggest that an eight-week exercise program focused on scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles can improve glenohumeral internal rotation, pectoralis minor length, and lower trapezius muscle strength. As a result, this exercise program could be considered a viable option for alleviating shoulder pain and enhancing sports performance in wheelchair basketball players.   

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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

Volume 9, Issue 4 , December 2022, , Pages 156-161

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 relationships among neural, mechanical, functional outcomes, and clinical parameters in spastic chronic stroke patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated 45 spastic chronic stroke patients. Clinical assessments were conducted using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS). Neural properties including H-reflex latency and Hmax/Mmax ratio were acquired. Mechanical properties including fascicle length,pennation angle, and thickness of spastic medial gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. Functional outcomes were evaluated by the 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:A low negative correlation was determined 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, no significant correlation was found between MMAS and functional outcomes.Conclusion:Based on these findings, it is clear MMAS can partly identify changes in neural and mechanical properties of spastic muscles.

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Effects of 12 Weeks Concentric and Eccentric Resistance Training on Neuromuscular Adaptation of Quadriceps Muscle

Talieh Bagheri; Bahram Abedi; Nosratollah Hedayatpour

Volume 7, Issue 4 , December 2020, , Pages 161-166

Abstract

   Manipulating resistance training program variables is a commonly used tool for optimizing maximum muscle strength in rehabilitation and/or exercise training programs. The current ...  Read More  Manipulating resistance training program variables is a commonly used tool for optimizing maximum muscle strength in rehabilitation and/or exercise training programs. The current study purposed to compare the effects of 12 weeks of concentric and eccentric resistance training on neuromuscular adaptation of quadriceps muscle. Methods  Twenty-six male subjects (age, mean ± SD, 22.1 ± 2.4 yr; body mass, 72.3 ± 9.9 kg; height, 1.75 ± 0.08 m) were recruited for this controlled laboratory study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the eccentric training group (No = 13) and the concentric training group (No = 13). The maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) of quadriceps muscles, vertical jumping, and surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded before and after 12 weeks of resistance concentric and eccentric training. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test differences between means before and after resistance training. Results  The maximal isometric voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle and vertical jumping were significantly increased after eccentric and concentric training (p <0.05). Eccentric exercise resulted in a greater increase in maximal isometric voluntary contraction of the quadriceps muscle and vertical jumping compared to concentric training (p <0.05). The amplitude of surface EMG signals was also significantly increased after eccentric and concentric training (p <0.05), with a greater increase observed in the eccentric than the concentric training group (p <0.05). Conclusion  The results of this study showed higher increases in muscle force output and EMG activity after eccentric training. This may indicate that stretch combined with overloading is the most effective stimulus for enhancing neuromuscular activity during dynamic resistance exercise. The knowledge gained from this study may be relevant for designing exercise and/or rehabilitation training to improve muscle output.

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Review on Spatial Hearing Processing Disorder and Its’ Rehabilitation Methods among Elderly in Iran

Maryam Delphi; Afsaneh Doosti

Volume 8, Issue 4 , December 2021, , Pages 164-168

Abstract

  Background: The hearing system can detect the location of the sound source and help us pay attention to it. In the presence of the background noise, it helps detecting the desired signal ...  Read More Background: The hearing system can detect the location of the sound source and help us pay attention to it. In the presence of the background noise, it helps detecting the desired signal (especially speech) and comprehend it. This ability is called spatial hearing processing. Spatial hearing processing disorder can adversely affect signal detection in noise, which is very important in the elderly. The aim of the present paper was reviewing the spatial hearing processing disorder and its ‘rehabilitation methods in Iran for the elderly. Method: In this narrative paper, theoretically, all papers on spatial hearing processing disorder and its’ rehabilitation methods among the elderly in Iran from 2000 to February 2021 were collected. The papers with the following keywords in Medline, Google scholar, Proquest, science direct, Scopus, and Magiran were studied after discarding duplicated papers: spatial stream, binaural advantage, spatial release of masking, spatial hearing segregation, rehabilitation, aging, elderly, speech in noise, localization, training, and Iran . Results: Aging adversely affects the spatial hearing processing and especially in complex environments, so rehabilitation of spatial hearing disorders can potentially improve comprehending speech in noise for the elderly. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there is absolutely necessary to develop different rehabilitation programs for different elderly groups base on their needs.

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Stance Phase Characteristics and Asymmetry in Females with Low Back Pain

Morteza Sadeghi; Hamed Esmaeili

Volume 10, Issue 4 , December 2023, , Pages 188-193

Abstract

  Background:This study aimed to investigate stance phase characteristics and asymmetry in females with non-specific low back pain (LBPP) which they adopt different strategies in walking ...  Read More Background:This study aimed to investigate stance phase characteristics and asymmetry in females with non-specific low back pain (LBPP) which they adopt different strategies in walking to reduce pain and enhance walking quality. The results of this research can provide new insight into gait characteristics for individuals with LBPP by examining temporal characteristics and asymmetry in their stance phase during walking.Method: In this cross-sectional study, 36 females were purposefully recruited and divided into two groups: one consisting of 18 individuals with low back pain (LBPP) and the other without LBPP. Data were collected using the Footscan system and analyzed with the Footscan Gait 7 gait generation software. Independent t-tests were employed to compare the outcomes between the two groups.Results: The results indicated that the right (p=0.001) and left (p=0.001) foot progression angles in the low back pain group were higher than those in the healthy group. Additionally, the low back pain group exhibited higher asymmetry in the timings of the initial contact phase (p=0.02) and forefoot contact phase (p=0.02), as well as in foot progression angle asymmetry (p=0.009) compared to the healthy group.Conclusion:Given the higher foot progression angle and observed asymmetries in individuals with low back pain, rehabilitative exercises need to consider these differences when evaluating and planning rehabilitation procedures. 

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Comparing Environmental Barriers to Social Participation Between Visually, Auditory Impaired Primary School Children and Normal Peers in Shiraz City (2015)

Sahar Ghanbari; Zahra Solayman Pour; Soraya Elhami Far; Mahsa Abedini; Sara Afshar; Nasibeh Noori Mombeini; Dorsa Hamedi

Volume 3, Issue 1 , March 2016, , Pages 15-19

Abstract

  Background: Participation is an important component in a child’s growth, which is not just affected by child's functional abilities, skills, interests and family culture; but also ...  Read More Background: Participation is an important component in a child’s growth, which is not just affected by child's functional abilities, skills, interests and family culture; but also affected by the physical, social and institutional environment. Hearing and visual impairment in children may cause growth delay including cognitive, mobility and communication skills. The aim of this study was to compare the environmental barriers to social participation from parent perception in primary-school children with hearing/visual impairment and normal ones in Shiraz City (2015).Methods: This was a cross-sectional and comparative study. Convenience sampling was used and 75 children with visual, hearing impairment and normal ones (25 in each group) were selected from 4 areas of Shiraz Schools. Demographic data and environmental factors of Craig Hospital questionnaire were used. The findings were analyzed by using SPSS 21 software with One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests at a significant level less than 0.05.Results: The results did not show statistically significant difference in the environmental barriers to participation from parent perception among three groups of normal children, children with hearing/ visual impairment (P-value=0.12). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between three groups of children in terms of the physical and structural barriers subscales (P-value=0.341), attitudes and support (P-value= 0.424), services and help (P-value=0.115), work and school (P-value=0.221). However, there is a significant difference between the 3 groups in Policy barriers subscales (P-value=0.003).Conclusion: No differences in environmental barriers to participation between normal children and those with hearing/visual impairments can be resulted from excessive families’ support to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Therefore, serious challenges may not be created for independent participation of children to reveal the existing barriers.

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Comparing Knee Joint Position Sense in Patellofemoral Pain and Healthy Futsal Women

negar kooroshfard; sedigheh kahrizi

Volume 4, Issue 1 , March 2017, , Pages 15-19

Abstract

  Background: Proprioception, or joint position sense, probably plays animportant role in joint function. A number of studies have shown that properjoint position sense can decrease the ...  Read More Background: Proprioception, or joint position sense, probably plays animportant role in joint function. A number of studies have shown that properjoint position sense can decrease the risk of injuries in sports. It is not very clearhow patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) can affect athletes joint position sense(JPS). Regarding the importance of proper joint position sense for movementperformance and injury prevention in athletes, the aim of this study was toevaluate knee JPS in athletes with PFPS and compare it with asymptomaticindividuals under non-weight bearing (sitting) conditions.Methods: The study design was comparative in which 15 patients and 15 healthyathletes participated. JPS was evaluated by active and passive replication of kneeangles for 30, 45 and 60° of knee flexion target angle while visual cues wereeliminated. Each test was repeated three times. By subtracting the test anglefrom the replicated angle, the absolute error was calculated as a dependentvariable. T-statistical test was used to compare data between two groups andP value of 0.05 was considered as the level of statistical significance.Results: No significant difference (P<0.05) in active (A) and passive (P) kneeJPS was found between two groups for three (30°, p-value (A =0.79, P=0.68), 45°,P value (A=0.12, P=0.54) and 60°, P value (A=0.74, P=0.71)) target angles.Conclusion: According to results, both groups had the same JPS ability, it seemsPFPS does not affect the knee JPS at least in athlete cases. It would be possiblethat deficiency of JPS compensated for the physical activity or on the otherhand, maybe pain intensity was not high enough to interfere with JPS accuracy.According to our results, PFPS doesn’t reduce IPS but further investigation isneeded to disclose if other factors such as skill level, intensity of pain or jointpathology are effective on JPS accuracy or not.

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Biomechanical Evaluation of Spontaneous Repair of Osteochondral Defects in the Rabbit Knee

Fahimeh Kamali; Giti Torkaman

Volume 1, Issue 1 , March 2014, , Pages 17-20

Abstract

  Background and objectives: Examination of cartilage repair in animal work is dependent upon the thickness and radius of the induced impalement.  Full-thickness defects with a radius ...  Read More Background and objectives: Examination of cartilage repair in animal work is dependent upon the thickness and radius of the induced impalement.  Full-thickness defects with a radius of 3 mm have been commonly used in animal studies to evaluate new procedures designed to improve the quality of articular cartilage repair. The aim of the present study was to define the biomechanical characteristics of the repair of 5×4 mm full-thickness osteochondral defects in adult male rabbits.Methods: In a controlled clinical trial study 5 mm diameter and 4 mm deep osteochondral defects were drilled in the femoral patellar groove of twenty-one rabbits, and examined at 4, 8, and 16 weeks. The left knee was kept intact and was regarded as control. The knee joints were removed, and both legs were examined biomechanically by in situ indentation method at three time intervals (4, 8, 16 weeks). The instantaneous and equilibrium elastic- modulus (after 900 second) were measured during the test.Results: There were no differences in cartilage mechanical properties (instantaneous and equilibrium elastic-modulus) in different weeks (4, 8, 16 weeks) in the two groups (p=0/08). However, significant differences were seen between the experimental and control groups in 16 weeks in instantaneous elastic_ modulus (p= 0.44). It suggests that new tissue in this group  had more  stiffness than control in 16 weeks.Conclusion: Full-thickness osteochondral defect, measuring 5×4 mm   in the patellar groove of the adolescent rabbit knee healed spontaneously.

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Evaluation of Ankle Joint Proprioception and Balance in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Subjects

Farzaneh Moslemi Haghighi; Farahnaz Ghafarinejad; Ladan Hemmati; Zahra Saadat; Zeinab Oorangi; Somayeh Torabi; Mohammad amin Mohammadzadeh

Volume 2, Issue 1 , March 2015, , Pages 17-19

Abstract

  Background: Joint proprioception plays an important role in limb movement and awareness of position sense. Diabetes has a lot of complications such as lossof sensoryfunction, which ...  Read More Background: Joint proprioception plays an important role in limb movement and awareness of position sense. Diabetes has a lot of complications such as lossof sensoryfunction, which canleadtoimpaired balance, thus the aim of this study to evaluated joint proprioception and balance in diabetic patients.Methods:Twenty type II diabetic patients and20healthy controls participated in this case-controlled study. Standing balance in various positions and ankle joint proprioception were measured. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and chi-square test.Results:It was observed that the ankle joint proprioception and balance in diabetic patients were significantly less than control groups.(P<0.05)Conclusion: Joint proprioception and balance functions impair in diabetic patients. Thus improvement of joint proprioception for prevention of fall is important.

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How intensity of impairment and dose of occupational therapy services impact the outcome in cerebral palsy?

Mohadeseh Balvardi; Saeedeh Pourahmad; Somayeh Kavousipor; Hadi Raeisi Shahraki

Volume 7, Issue 1 , March 2020, , Pages 20-24

Abstract

  Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of occupational therapy sessions, using the neurodevelopmental technique, (NDT) on gross motor function and ...  Read More Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of occupational therapy sessions, using the neurodevelopmental technique, (NDT) on gross motor function and other moving outcomes in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: The present cross sectional study evaluated all patients who referred to the occupational therapy service centers in the private sector and welfare organizations in Shiraz, Iran in 2015. The studied patients were children of both genders affected by spastic CP. A total of 59 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were entered in the study. A researcher-made questionnaire including 66 questions of gross motor function measure (GMFM) was used. This questionnaire measured the gross motor function in 5 dimensions including lying down, and rolling, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing and walking, running and jumping. A negative binomial regression model with logarithmic function was applied in STATA 11 software. Results: 59.3% of the patients were boys. According to our results, 38.3%, 33.3% and 38.3% were affected by spastic diplegia, spastic hemiplegia and spastic quadriplegia respectively. Children at level one of gross motor function had 1.3 times higher achievement, compared to the individuals in other levels (P=0.003) and the subjects who participated in more than five sessions per week had 1.04 more achievement than the others (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the more common occupational therapy sessions the children participated in, the more successful thegross motor function of children affected by level 1 CP of gross motor function classification was. Further investigations are required to assess other motor levels.

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Clustering and Switching Strategies in Verbal Fluency Tasks: Comparison between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Healthy Controls

Najme Mardani; Nahid Jalilevand; Mona Ebrahimipour; Mohammad Kamali

Volume 6, Issue 1 , March 2019, , Pages 21-26

Abstract

  Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that ALS patients suffer from cognitive and language impairments. One of the most striking and consistent cognitive dysfunctions in these ...  Read More Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that ALS patients suffer from cognitive and language impairments. One of the most striking and consistent cognitive dysfunctions in these patients is verbal fluency deficits. The aim of this study is the determination of verbal fluency performance of Persian speakers with ALS. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, analytical-descriptive study. In this study, 30 individuals (15 patients with ALS, and 15 healthy people) were examined by verbal fluency test. Verbal fluency test is a cognitive-linguistic test that has two subtests: phonemic fluency and semantic fluency; in each of them, words normally fall in clusters. Finally, the total number of words, mean cluster sizes and number of switches between clusters are counted and the results are compared between patients with ALS and healthy control groups. Results: Mean score of total naming, switching, and clustering in verbal fluency in the patient group was 39.80, 22.53, and 0.809. For the control group, it was 55.26, 31.86 and 1.00. Difference between the two groups in total naming (p≤ 0.05) and in switching (p≤ 0.05) was significant, but not in clusters (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Result of this study shows that ALS patients have a deficit in total naming and switching parts of verbal fluency test, but they have no impairment in clustering part. Based on these results, it seems that these patients may have problems in searching in the lexicon, but no problem in accessing words in clusters.

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Effectiveness of compensatory rehabilitation on neuropsychological functions of preschool children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms

Mahdis Maghsudloo; Vahid Nejati; Jalil Fathabadi

Volume 5, Issue 1 , March 2018, , Pages 23-29

Abstract

  Background: The effects of aquatic exercises on strength and balance are still controversial, nevertheless an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of underwater trampoline ...  Read More Background: The effects of aquatic exercises on strength and balance are still controversial, nevertheless an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of underwater trampoline exercise, in comparison with traditional aquatic exercise, on strength, balance, and quality of life in middle-aged women Methods: A total of 26 middle-aged women participated in this study. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e. underwater trampoline exercise (age: 44.8±10.3yr, height: 1.62±0.6 m, weight: 76.2±8.6 kg) and traditional aquatic exercise (age: 45.7±8.8yr, height: 1.58±0.5 m, weight: 71.8±8.8 kg), using a matching method. Static balance (by stork test), strength (by dynamometer), and quality of life (by SF 36 questionnaire) data were collected before and after applying an 8-week exercise regime (three sessions per week, each session of 30–45 minutes duration). Finally, the data was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS software (Version 21) (P<0.05). Results: The data analysis showed a significant interaction (P<0.05) in regard to higher mean value of criteria in the underwater trampoline group, however the values of hamstring strength and quality of life between the two groups were not significantly different. Conclusion: The current study showed that underwater trampoline exercises can well affect the balance and strength of the users. The underwater trampoline group showed better progress in terms of the mentioned criteria. Therefore, it can be concluded that the underwater trampoline device can create a unique aquatic environment for enhanced therapeutic treatment and musculoskeletal rehabilitation

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Comparative Effectiveness of Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection Versus Mesotherapy of Calcitonin on Pain Reduction and Improving Function in Patients with Lumbosacral Canal Stenosis: A Randomized Control Trial

Hamidreza Farpour; Elham Sheybani; Elahe Keshavarzi

Volume 9, Issue 1 , March 2022, , Pages 23-29

Abstract

  Background: The use of epidural steroid injection in spinal stenosis painmanagement has expanded greatly. Calcitonin is also effective in relievingneuropathic pain in spinal canal stenosis ...  Read More Background: The use of epidural steroid injection in spinal stenosis painmanagement has expanded greatly. Calcitonin is also effective in relievingneuropathic pain in spinal canal stenosis through the mechanisms of arterialdilation, anti-inflammation, anti-edema, and rises in beta endorphin levels. Thecurrent study was designed to evaluate the effect of mesotherapy with calcitonincompared with epidural steroid injection for pain relief and functionalimprovement in patients with lumbosacral canal stenosis.Methods: A total of 39 patients comparable in age and gender with signs andsymptoms of lumbosacral canal stenosis participated in this randomizedcontrol trial. Group A comprised patients receiving mesotherapy of 100 IUCalcitonin+Marcaine 0.5% (4 mL) in three repeated injections in the lumbosacralarea; group B received a single caudal epidural injection of Marcaine 0.5%(4 mL)+80 mg methyl prednisolone (2 mL) under the guide of a fluoroscope.Patients were evaluated before and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention using thevisual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Quebec back paindisability scale (QBPD), and Ronald-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).Results: Based on the VAS, ODI, QBPD, and RMDQ scales, a significantimprovement in pain and functional disability was observed in both groups 4and 8 weeks after intervention (P<0.05), which was comparable between the twogroups (P>0.05).Conclusion: Mesotherapy with calcitonin Marcaine is just as effective as caudalepidural steroid injection; considering its advantages, mesotherapy can be aproper alternative method for managing pain and functional impairment inpatients with lumbosacral canal stenosis.

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Effects of Adding Segmental Traction Therapy to Routine Physiotherapy on Pain and Functional Ability of Patients with Acute Low Back Pain

Parvin Akberov; Noureddin Karimi; Leila Rahnama

Volume 2, Issue 2 , June 2015, , Pages 37-40

Abstract

  Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complications of today’s societies which, poses a big portion of health expenses and work absentees. Lumbar ...  Read More Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complications of today’s societies which, poses a big portion of health expenses and work absentees. Lumbar disc herniation is claimed to be one of the several causes of LBP. Conservative therapies like physiotherapy are found to be beneficial for treatment in such a kind of LBP. However, there is low evidence proving traction therapy can be effective. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of a 7-day physiotherapy protocol along with segmental traction therapy on pain and range of motion in patients with acute LBPMethods: A total of 9 patients with acute LBP voluntarily participated in this study. They undertook a 7-day conventional physiotherapy along with segmental traction therapy.  Pain, functional ability and lumbar flexion range of motion (ROM) were measured before and after the therapeutic intervention.Results: A significant reduction in pain was observed after the intervention (p=0.006). In addition, patients’ functional ability increased significantly (p=0.03).However, there were no significant changes in lumbar in flexion ROM.Conclusion: According to results of the present study segmental traction therapy along with a physiotherapy protocol consisting of TENS, Ultrasound and Hot pack reduces pain and improves functional ability in patient with acute LBP. Although no effect on lumbar ROM is expected.

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A Computer-Based Sustained Visual Attention Test for Pre-School Children: Design, Development and Psychometric Properties

Roohollah Zahediannasb; Malahat Akbarfahimi; Mohammad Reza Keyhani

Volume 3, Issue 2 , June 2016, , Pages 39-44

Abstract

  Background: Sustained visual attention is a prerequisite for learning and memory. The early evaluation of attention in childhood is essential for their school and career success in ...  Read More Background: Sustained visual attention is a prerequisite for learning and memory. The early evaluation of attention in childhood is essential for their school and career success in the future. The aim of this study was to design, development and investigation of psychometric properties (content, face and convergent validity and test-retest and internal consistency reliability) of the computer - based sustained visual attention test (SuVAT) for healthy preschool children aged 4-6 with their special needs.Methods: This study was carried out in two stages: in the first stage computer-based SuVAT in two versions original and parallel were developed. Then the test-retest and internal consistency reliability using intra-class correlation and Cronbach's alpha coefficients respectively were examined; Face validity was calculated through ideas gathering from 10 preschool children and content validity evaluated using CVI and CVR method and convergent validity of SuVAT with CPT was assessed using Pearson correlation.Results: The developed test showed a good content and faces validity, and also had excellent test-retest reliability. In addition, the assessment of internal consistency indicated the high internal consistency of the test (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.869). SuVAT and CPT test demonstrated a positive correlation upon the convergent validity testing.Conclusion: SuVAT with good reliability and validity could be used as an acceptable sustained attention assessment in preschool children.

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Effects of Massage in Prone Position on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Healthy Women

Narges Meftahi; Soha Bervis; Shohreh Taghizadeh; Farahnaz Ghafarinejad

Volume 1, Issue 2 , June 2014, , Pages 40-43

Abstract

   Background: At the present time, massage has become a popular therapy employed in complementary medicine. There is evidence showing that back massage might have many positive psychological ...  Read More  Background: At the present time, massage has become a popular therapy employed in complementary medicine. There is evidence showing that back massage might have many positive psychological effects, possibly due to having many autonomic nervous system afferent inputs. One of the frequent positions during massage is prone position. However, there has been limited research investigating the effect of back massage in the prone position on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The present study planned to investigate the changes of blood pressure and heart rate after back massage in prone position.Methods: Sixty-one healthy women were divided into two groups. Group one lay prone and was given a 15-minute massage while group two just lay prone for 15 minutes. Immediately prior to and after interventions, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured in both groups. To assess within group differences, paired t-test was used. Independent t-test was also used to assess between group differences.Results: The results showed that systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after massage and also in the group only lying prone (P<0.05), with no significant difference between groups (P>0.05). Changes of diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were not significant in either group.Conclusion: Massage and lying prone both can cause a decrease in systolic blood pressure. Massage was not seen to be more efficient than lying prone.

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Interaction of Endurance Training and Low Calorie Diet on Homocysteine Levels and Lipid Profile of Plasma in Males with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Asghar Mahmoudi; Abbasali Gaeini

Volume 5, Issue 2 , June 2018, , Pages 46-52

Abstract

  Background: Lifestyle change through diet and exercise is first line therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with increase in risk of cardiovascular ...  Read More Background: Lifestyle change through diet and exercise is first line therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with increase in risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and low calorie diet on levels of homocysteine and plasma lipid profiles in men with NAFLD. Methods: 70 patients with NAFLD [weight 89.6±5.8 , age 39.2±0.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.4±1.9 kg/m2] were randomly assigned into four groups(training, diet, combined of training & diet, and control). The endurance training program included moderate intensity training with 55-75% of maximal heart rate for 45 min/session, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Low calorie diet with an energy deficit of 500 calories of daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day food records of the patients. Blood samples were measured before and after intervention. Homocysteine levels and lipid profiles were measured before and after intervention. Results: Fifty out of the 70 of the participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse effects. Result exhibited that interaction of endurance training and low calorie diet decrese blood LDL-C (P=0.001), TG (P=0.006), TC (P=0.011) and homocysteine (P=0.001), whereas increased HDL-C (P=0.001) levels significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that endurance training and low calorie diet interventions are effectiveness in reducing lipid profile and homocysteine levels among patients with NAFLD. However, combined interventions specifically improves NAFLD and has a better effect.

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Evaluation of the efficiency of Minerva collar on cervical spine motions

Pegah Saddat Hosseini; Mohammad Taghi Karimi; Fatemeh Abnavi; Marzieh Golabbakhsh

Volume 4, Issue 2 , June 2017, , Pages 47-52

Abstract

  Background:  Various types of cervical collars have being used to immobilize the cervical spine. There was no information regarding the effectiveness of Cervicothoracic collars (Minerva) ...  Read More Background:  Various types of cervical collars have being used to immobilize the cervical spine. There was no information regarding the effectiveness of Cervicothoracic collars (Minerva) on restriction of motions in cervical spine. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the immobilization achieved follow the use of Minerva collar in cervical and Cervicothoracic spine. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects (10 females and 10 males) were recruited in the study with no history of pain, deformity and surgery in spine. A motion analysis system was used to record the motions of cervical, upper thoracic and cervicothoracic in flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation with and without Minerva collar.Results: The motion restriction of the upper cervical spine obtained with Minerva collar varied between 86.32 and 90%. The range of flexion/extension of cervical and cervicothoracic parts decreased by 27.35 and 56.32%, respectively follow the use of Minerva collar. The flexion/ extension range of motion of this segment decreased by 77.85 and 63.25%, respectively between occiput and T12.Conclusion: The maximum restriction of motion with Minerva collar was achieved in cervical spine. Due to the efficiency of Minerva collar to restrict the motions of cervical, especially in the upper part.

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