Disability and rehabilitation
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We adapted the reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index for the Arabic language and tested its metric properties in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Although, the reduced WOMAC index has been clinically utilized within the Saudi population, the Arabic version of this instrument is not validated for an Arab population to measure lower limb functional disability caused by OA. The Arabic version of reduced WOMAC (ArWOMAC) index is a reliable and valid scale to measure lower limb functional disability in patients with knee OA. The ArWOMAC index could be suitable in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries where the language, culture and the life style are similar.
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The study aimed to elucidate the meaning of acceptance in relation to the lived body and sense of self when entering a pain rehabilitation programme. ⋯ Healthcare professionals should be aware that individuals with long-term pain conceptualize and hold different meanings of acceptance when starting rehabilitation; this should be considered and addressed in rehabilitation programmes. The meaning given to acceptance is related to the experience of the lived body and the sense of self, as well as to getting legitimization/acceptance by others; therefore these aspects need to be considered during rehabilitation. The process of achieving acceptance seems to embrace different processes which can be understood as, and facilitated by, an embodied learning process. The bodily existential challenges presented in the present study, for example to develop an integrated and cooperative relationship with the painful body, can inspire health professionals to develop interventions and communication strategies focusing on the lived body. A wide range of competencies in rehabilitation clinics seems to be needed.
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To evaluate the conformity of the Arm Activity measure (ArmA) passive function sub-scale to the Rasch model. ⋯ The ArmA passive function sub-scale was shown in this evaluation to conform to the Rasch model once disordered thresholds had been addressed. Using the logit scores produced by the Rasch model it was possible to convert this back to the original scale range. Implications for Rehabilitation The ArmA passive function sub-scale was shown, in this evaluation, to conform to the Rasch model once disordered thresholds had been addressed and therefore to be a clinically applicable and potentially useful hierarchical measure. Using Rasch logit scores it has be possible to convert back to the original ordinal scale range and provide an indication of real change to enable evaluation of clinical outcome of importance to patients and clinicians.
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The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation is an application of the ICF of the World Health Organization with the purpose of identifying problems and resources relevant for people in a vocational rehabilitation given a health condition. ⋯ The existing version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation was confirmed almost entirely by the focus groups to explore the vocational situation of patients with SCI. Implications for Rehabilitation Validation of the ICF Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation as a useful tool to facilitate social reintegration and rehabilitation of patients with SCI. Return to work is a key outcome in vocational rehabilitation of patients with SCI including those who are young with long-term employment prospects. The results of this study could provide a foundation in utilizing the ICF Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation to guide rehabilitation goals, service planning and evaluation, and fostering an engaging relationship with employers in the context of SCI rehabilitation. SCI patients have specific needs, not entirely covered by the both ICF Core Set for SCI long-term context and for Vocational Rehabilitation. Our results underline some of the second level categories, probably related to specific SCI impairment, which can be useful to plan specific rehabilitation programs to improve the return to work after SCI.
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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.