Disability and rehabilitation
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The aim was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) into Arabic language and to examine its measurement properties in patients with musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremity. ⋯ The Arabic Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Ar) is a reliable and valid measure of activity limitation due to lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders with relatively small measurement error. LEFS-Ar can be used in daily clinical practice and for research purposes to quantify activity limitation in Arabic-speaking individuals with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
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Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are one of the most complex and disabling diseases, implying severe consequences on aspects of life of people affected by SCI and their caregivers. The aim of our study was to explore the situation of informal caregivers of persons with SCI when discharged home from a SCI Unit, in relation to needs, emotional experiences, difficulties and subsequent reactions to discharge. ⋯ Understanding the importance of discharge from the spinal cord unit as a meaningful step in the rehabilitation path for both patients and their informal caregivers. Orientating healthcare professionals towards a better caregiver involvement during the rehabilitation process. Promoting rehabilitation interventions addressed to the patients and their caregivers concerning supportive communication strategies as well as providing meaningful information, psychological and social support, educational intervention besides the physical aspects of care. Understanding SCI survivors caregivers' needs can assist healthcare professionals in planning and improving taking charge of this core aspect of nursing care.
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This study surveyed Canadian occupational therapists to identify whether their pain knowledge is current or if the gaps identified in past studies have remained the same. The findings will provide information to guide the development of targeted pain knowledge translation strategies for occupational therapists. ⋯ Pain is a prevalent condition in all age groups of occupational therapists' clients. There appear to be gaps in occupational therapists' evidence-based knowledge of aspects of pain. Occupational therapy training programs and occupational therapy associations should provide education with a particular focus on identified pain knowledge gaps.
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The aim of this study was to examine the quality of life (QOL) of Finnish children with cerebral palsy (CP) in different parts of Finland from the children's and caregivers' perspectives. The acceptability of the Finnish version of the CP QOL-Child questionnaire for clinical use is also evaluated. ⋯ The used questionnaire provides an effective tool to identify areas for targeting support actions and to set goals for rehabilitation plans. The study brings forward the voices of children. It was found that pain has a great role in QOL, which should be taken into account when making rehabilitation plans. The participation of children with CP should be strengthened in every possible ways.
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To translate and culturally adapt the Spinal Cord Injury Measure version III (SCIM III) into Greek (GR-SCIM III). To conduct initial testing of psychometric properties of both measures by self-report. ⋯ The Greek version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM) is valid and reliable for self-report. Further testing is needed to assess psychometric qualities not assessed in the present study. Researchers and therapists in Greece can use a specific measure to assess functional independence in people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Consideration needs to be given to the participants' type of injury, which may affect the results of SCIM III.