Disability and rehabilitation
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Comparative Study
Adaptive ability, behavior and quality of life pre and posttraumatic brain injury in childhood.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common, acquired childhood disability, which has been shown to have a significant impact on children's cognitive and educational function. While behavioral problems are also noted, there is ongoing debate about the contribution of preinjury factors in this domain. Few studies have attempted to measure the impact of these preinjury functions on postinjury behavior. ⋯ Severity by time interactions were identified across a range of outcome domains demonstrating that more severe injury is associated with a decrease in functional ability at 6 months post-TBI. This effect was most pronounced for everyday executive skills, social function and internalizing aspects of child behavior. Preinjury function was a consistent predictor of postinjury status. Injury severity contributed little to the prediction of functional outcomes once preinjury functioning was accounted for in the model. Age at injury and family cohesion were relevant to specific outcome domains only. Socio-economic status did not contribute significantly to outcome at 6 months. Preinjury functioning as reported by parents in the acute phase may be a useful predictive tool for identifying children who may be at risk of functioning difficulties 6 months post-TBI.
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To explore the experience of post-stroke fatigue in community-dwelling stroke survivors with and without post-stroke mood disturbance within one year of stroke. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that in spite of reasonable objective physical recovery post-stroke, fatigue in community-dwelling stroke survivors may be disabling. The use of qualitative methodology was sensitive in identifying the factors that play a role in the experience of fatigue. The essential role of health professionals in this context is to provide support and education regarding fatigue and to promote participation after stroke in therapy programs. Routine practice for stroke services should include fatigue advice prior to discharge.
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To validate a single item self-report of satisfaction with participation in two groups with differing patterns of symptoms and disease progress, multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ More research is needed to better understand the multiple dimensions that comprise participation and to develop robust and sensitive measurement tools. A global rating of satisfaction with participation using one item has a number of potentially useful applications including description of case mix in clinical trials.
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To explore the feasibility of progressive strength training commenced immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). ⋯ Progressive strength training initiated immediately after TKA seems feasible, and increases knee-extension strength and functional performance without increasing knee joint effusion or knee pain.
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To explore the change in kinesiophobia in relation to activity limitation after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme in patients with chronic back pain. ⋯ Improvement in physical ability was not related to the initial degree of kinesiophobia but to the SDC in TSK. To prevent patients with high kinesiophobia from preserving high activity limitations, it might be useful to include targeted treatment of kinesiophobia.