Disability and rehabilitation
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The present study aimed to measure the internal consistency, inter-rater-reliability and validity of the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II) for its application to stroke patients and their closest others. ⋯ The WHODAS II is a valid, generally reliable and useful instrument for the assessment of stroke patients over the first year after stroke.
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To describe the development of a conceptual framework for cultural competence that could help and guide the training of rehabilitation practitioners, students and researchers. ⋯ The empirically validated conceptual framework is a promising tool for training and evaluation of cultural competence.
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Phantom limb pain is chronic and intractable. Recently, virtual reality (VR) and motion capture technology has replicated the mirror box device of Ramachandran (Ramachandran et al. Nature 1995, 377, 489-490; Ramachandran and Rogers-Ramachandran Proc R Soc Biol Sci 1996, 263, 377-386) and led to reductions in this pain. We present results from a novel variation on this method which captures motion data directly from a patient's stump (rather than using the opposite remaining limb) and then transforms it into goal directed, virtual action enacted by an avatar in a VR environment. ⋯ This technique, which has shown similar success rates to trials of a virtual mirror box, is relatively cheap and portable, and will allow further trials in a home environment.
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To explore the role of Botulinum Toxin type A (BoNT-A) in the management of the spastic hemiplegic shoulder and identify the common achievable goals for treatment. ⋯ BoNT-A injection of the proximal upper limb, with combined therapy, produced a reduction in spasticity, improvement in passive function and pain. Management of upper limb spasticity should include evaluation and, if necessary treatment, of the shoulder girdle and proximal musculature.
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The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of chronic widespread pain patients' perception of a multimodal treatment with a cognitive approach. ⋯ The core category changing one's life plan included the categories; changing one's perception of life, depending on support and managing one's life. Informants experiencing overall life changes were more likely to achieve reorientation than those who experienced life adjustments.