Differences between home-visit rehabilitation users and providers in their understanding of the content and subjective effects of rehabilitation practices

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify differences between home-visit rehabilitation users and providers in their understanding of the content and subjective effects of this practice. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were home-visit rehabilitation users and providers. [Methods] Home-visit rehabilitation users and providers were given self-administered questionnaires regarding home-visit rehabilitation, such as the content and subjective effects. The McNemar’s test was used for statistical analysis. [Results] Responses of 34 pairs meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Mean user age was 75.2 ± 9.2 years, and 58.8% (20/34) of respondents were female. In terms of home-visit rehabilitation content, users believed that the following 3 items had been “implemented” to a greater extent than that estimated by providers: paralysis improvement exercise, floor sitting and standing, and self-care activities. No significant differences in awareness were identified between users and providers regarding the maintenance/improvement effects of home-visit rehabilitation. [Conclusion] Users tend to consider that programs aimed at relieving symptoms and pain and improving mobility are being implemented to a greater extent than that considered by providers. Providers need to explain the aims of home-visit rehabilitation programs in a way that can be understood by users.Key words: Home-visit rehabilitation, Subjective effects, Rehabilitation program     

Differences in understanding of specialist palliative care amongst service providers and commissioners in South London

This paper describes a study that sought to identify service providers' and commissioners' understanding of specialist palliative care within the context of changing service provision in one area of South London. Using a formative evaluation framework, we examined the views of 44 providers and commissioners from statutory and voluntary health and social care services about their understanding of specialist palliative care services and, in particular, the remit of current service provision delivered by a Marie Curie Centre. Face-to-face audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted. A qualitative thematic analysis highlighted a number of issues including a lack of consensus about definitions of palliative care, ambivalence about referral procedures, and a lack of role clarity between specialist and generalist palliative care providers. The study took place within the real world context of changing services and economic pressures. This raises methodological issues about how services are evaluated and what terminology is used to describe end-of-life care. The study findings confirm that confusion about terminology and referral criteria remain major issues for clinical workers and organizations seeking to access services.     

The relationship between smartphone use and subjective musculoskeletal symptoms and university students

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of smartphones by university students in selected areas, their musculoskeletal symptoms, and the associated hazard ratio. [Subjects and Methods] This involved the completion of a self-administered questionnaire by dental hygiene students in Seoul, Gyeonggido, and Gyeongsangbukdo. The 292 completed copies of the questionnaire were then analyzed. [Results] The most painful body regions after the use of smartphones were found to be the shoulders and neck. In the musculoskeletal system, back pain was found to have a positive correlation with the size of the smartphone’s liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, and pain in legs and feet were found to have a negative correlation with the length of time that the smartphone was used. As a result, it was revealed that the use of a smartphone was correlated with musculoskeletal symptoms. [Conclusion] Therefore, in today’s environment, where the use of smartphones is on the rise, it is necessary to improve the ways that they are used and to develop a preventive program to alleviate the symptoms of musculoskeletal damage.Key words: Smartphone, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Prevent     

抑郁症患者睡眠质量的主客观差异及相关因素

目的:探究抑郁症患者主客观睡眠质量之间的差异以及此差异的相关因素.方法:采用美国精神障碍诊断与统计手册第四版(DSM-Ⅳ)诊断标准,共收录30例以失眠为主诉的抑郁症患者,汉密尔顿抑郁量表17项版本(HAMD-17)总分≥17分.对照组共14例,均排除严重躯体器质性疾病、精神疾病史及家族史.采用匹茨堡睡眠质量指数量表(PSQI)评定主观睡眠质量.采用多导睡眠监测仪(PSG)评定客观睡眠质量.结果:与对照组比较,抑郁症组的主客观睡眠时间、睡眠潜伏期及睡眠效率差异均有统计学意义(P＜ 0.001).抑郁症组的主客观睡眠质量差异与PSQI及HAMD-17分数均存在相关性(P＜0.05).结论:抑郁症患者缺乏主观睡眠满足感,存在夸大主观失眠严重程度的倾向,其主客观睡眠质量存在明显差异,且此差异与HAMD-17睡眠障碍因子分存在相关性,提示抑郁症状在抑郁症患者的主客观睡眠质量差异中起到重要作用.     

The effects of a Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program on cognitive function and visual perception ability of patients with acute stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program (CBCR) on the cognitive function and visual perception ability of patients with acute stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 patients with acute stroke. [Methods] The subjects were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG subjects received CBCR with the CoTras program. The CG subjects received conventional cognitive rehabilitation. All subjects participated in a standard rehabilitation program according to a daily inpatient treatment schedule. In addition to standard rehabilitation, the subjects received 20 sessions (5 days a week for 4 weeks) of CBCR or conventional cognitive rehabilitation for 30 min. To compare the two groups, the Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment (LOTCA) and Motor-free Visual Perception Test-3 (MVPT-3) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvement in LOTCA and MVPT-3. Furthermore, there were significant differences in LOTCA and MVPT-3 between the two groups. [Conclusion] CBCR with CoTras may contribute toward the recovery of cognitive function and visual perception in patients with acute stroke.Key words: Cognitive function, Korean computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program, Visual perception     

卫生学校女生主观幸福感与领悟社会支持、应对方式的相关研究

[目的]探讨卫生学校护理专业女生主观幸福感与社会支持、应对方式的关系.[方法] 以302名女生为研究对象,采用主观幸福感指数量表、领悟社会支持量表和简易应对方式问卷进行调查.[结果]社会支持各维度与主观幸福感各维度呈显著正相关;消极应对方式与主观幸福感无相关性.[结论]社会支持是影响卫生学校女生主观幸福感的重要因素.     

Nurses as information providers: facilitating understanding and communication of statistical information

Nurses are increasingly being called upon to be the conveyers of important statistical information to patients. This trend is particularly evident in the domains of genetics and cancer screening. These new roles, however, demand new competencies, such as the ability to solve statistical problems, and the skill to communicate the answers effectively, as effective communication is an important ingredient in shared decision making. Genetic testing, perhaps more than other medical domains, relies heavily on the use of statistics. Being able to convey statistical information effectively is vital. In this paper, we illustrate the problems health care professionals have had in tackling and communicating statistical information. We introduce the natural frequencies method of solving Bayesian inference problems and review empirical evidence that shows the superiority of this format. Being able to transform probabilities into natural frequencies facilitates correct Bayesian inferences. It is argued that the conventional approach to educating nurses in Bayesian problem solving should be reconsidered and their statistical curriculum should be supplemented with instruction in using the natural frequency format.     

Differences in the total hip rotation range of motion between sides in healthy young Japanese adults

[Purpose] To investigate the difference by degrees in total hip rotation range of motion (ROM) between sides and with regard to gender in healthy young Japanese adults. [Participants and Methods] Data from previously published studies were used. We utilized the left and right hip rotation ROM of 205 Japanese participants aged 18 to 25 years, who satisfied the inclusion criteria and were randomly measured three times in the prone position by the double-blind method. The average value of the three measurements was used to calculate the left–right difference of the hip total rotation ROM in the hip joints, which is the sum of the hip internal and external rotation ROM. We investigated the distribution of the total hip rotation considering the flexibility factor and its relationship with gender. [Results] We confirmed that there were seven participants with 2 SD or more and two with 3 SD or more. No significant difference was found in the left–right difference in the total hip rotation ROM, regardless of gender. [Conclusion] The distribution of left–right differences in the total hip rotation ROM in healthy young adults showed the existence of a significant left–right difference of 2 SD or more.Key words: Total hip rotation, Range of motion, Laterality     

Differences in Transversus Abdominis Muscle Function between Chronic Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy Subjects at Maximum Expiration: Measurement with Real-time Ultrasonography

The purpose of the present study was to compare the contraction ability at maximum expiration of the transversus abdominis (TrA) in patients with chronic low-back pain (CLBP) with that of healthy individuals. [Subjects] We studied 15 patients with CLBP and 15 healthy subjects. The subjects were informed of the study''s aim and methods, and the experiment was performed after obtaining the consent of the subjects. [Methods] The thickness of the abdominal muscles was measured using a LOGIQ Book XP (GE, USA). The main outcome variable was the ratio of TrA thickness at maximum expiration versus in the relaxed position (TrA activation ratio). [Results] There was a difference between the healthy subjects and the back pain subjects with regard to the thickness of the TrA at rest and the thickness of the muscle during contraction. However, there was no difference in the rate of change in the muscle activity. [Conclusion] In conclusion, CLBP patients exhibited atrophy of the TrA muscle, but voluntary TrA muscle activation was similar to that of the normal subjects.Key words: Low back pain, Transversus abdominis, Maximum expiration     

Differences in two-point discrimination and sensory threshold in the blind between braille and text reading: a pilot study

[Purpose] This study investigated two-point discrimination (TPD) and the electrical sensory threshold of the blind to define the effect of using Braille on the tactile and electrical senses. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight blind participants were divided equally into a text-reading and a Braille-reading group. We measured tactile sensory and electrical thresholds using the TPD method and a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator. [Results] The left palm TPD values were significantly different between the groups. The values of the electrical sensory threshold in the left hand, the electrical pain threshold in the left hand, and the electrical pain threshold in the right hand were significantly lower in the Braille group than in the text group. [Conclusion] These findings make it difficult to explain the difference in tactility between groups, excluding both palms. However, our data show that using Braille can enhance development of the sensory median nerve in the blind, particularly in terms of the electrical sensory and pain thresholds.Key words: Electrical sensory threshold, Pain threshold, The blind     

Differences in Rheobase and Chronaxie between the Paretic and Non-Paretic Sides of Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: a Pilot Study

[Purpose] Rheobase and chronaxie are used to confirm muscle degeneration. For stroke patients, however, the uses of rheobase and chronaxie in determining paretic side muscle degeneration is not yet fully understood. Thus, in this study, we examined the electrical properties of the quadriceps muscles of stroke patients’ paretic side and compared them with their respective values on the non-paretic side. [Method] The subjects were six stroke patients (three females, three males). The pad of an electrical stimulator was applied to the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis regions to measure rheobase and chronaxie until the contractive muscle response to electrical stimulation became visible. [Result] Rheobase was significantly increased on the paretic side compared to that of the non-paretic side of hemiplegic stroke patients. Furthermore, chronaxie was significantly increased on the paretic side compared to the non-paretic side of hemiplegic stroke patients. [Conclusion] These results suggest that stroke affects the sensitivity of skeletal muscle contraction. Therefore, this data may contribute to our understanding of the muscle status of stroke patients.Key words: Rheobase, Chronaxie, Hemiplegic stroke patients     

Autonomy in stroke rehabilitation: the perceptions of care providers in nursing homes

Twenty-seven health care providers from three nursing homes were interviewed about the autonomy of stroke patients in rehabilitation wards. Data were analysed using the grounded theory method for concept development recommended by Strauss and Corbin. The core category 'changing autonomy' was developed, which identifies the process of stroke patients regaining their autonomy (dimensions: self-determination, independence and self-care), and the factors affecting this process (conditions (i.e. circumstances) and strategies of patients; strategies of care providers and families; and the nursing home). Teamwork on increasing patient autonomy is recommended, which can be stimulated by multidisciplinary guidelines and education, and by co-ordination of the process of changing autonomy.     

Long-term effects of combined botulinum toxin treatment and rehabilitation on upper limb muscle spasms: a case report

[Purpose] We report our experience with a patient with a central spinal cord injury who showed improved finger and upper limb functions after long-term treatment with a combination of rehabilitation and botulinum toxin type A. [Participants and Methods] The patient had spasms and pain that gradually became more profound and was given botulinum toxin type A at 1 year 3 months after sustaining a spinal cord injury. We administered 14 botulinum toxin type A injections periodically for 7 years 4 months after the injury. We administered the injections at an average interval of 5.6 months. Splints that allowed extension and improved finger muscle tone and contracture were made for the patient. [Results] The patient experienced gradual alleviation of the spasms in the proximal upper limb muscles and improved range of motion after receiving five doses of botulinum toxin type A. The spasms and range of motion in the fingers gradually improved around 4 years after the injury through splint therapy and a combination of botulinum toxin type A administration and rehabilitation. [Conclusion] The combination of botulinum toxin type A, splint, and rehabilitation therapies can lead to positive improvements in finger spasticity and range of motion and is recommended for hypertonia cases with severe contractures.Key words: Carry-over effect, Concomitant use of splint, Restoration of hand function     

Changes in family functioning for stroke rehabilitation patients and their families

This study charted changes over time in the family functioning of a group of stroke rehabilitation patients and their families. Participants were 60 12-month stroke survivors who had undergone an inpatient rehabilitation programme, 46 spouses, and 25 other family members. Participants were assessed at the time of admission to and discharge from rehabilitation, and 6 and 12 months after discharge. The study was undertaken in the rehabilitation unit at Repatriation General Hospital, in Adelaide, South Australia. Family functioning was assessed using the McMaster Family Assessment Device, and functional outcome was monitored with the competence scale of the Australian ADL Index. Longitudinal change in family functioning was observed in problem solving, family communication, role definition, behaviour control, and affective involvement. There were no significant differences between the family functioning ratings provided by patients and their spouses. It is important that consideration be given to means by which the increase in family dysfunction following stroke can be addressed.     

Network-based geriatric rehabilitation for frail elderly people: feasibility and effects on subjective health and pain at one year.

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility and 1-year effects on subjective health and symptoms of a network-based geriatric rehabilitation intervention for frail elderly people. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled trial. SUBJECTS: A total of 741 frail elderly people who lived at home, aged > 65 years, without severe cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination < 18), and eligible to receive Pensioners' Care Allowance (a benefit that is independent of personal income or insurance). The setting included 41 municipalities and 7 rehabilitation centres in Finland. METHODS: Over a period of 8 months the intervention group received network-based rehabilitation for 3 in-patient periods (totalling 21 days) at rehabilitation centres and a home visit by a professional. Both groups received standard social and health services locally. Functional Independence Measure, subjective health, common symptoms and pain were assessed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: After baseline measurements, 33 of those allocated to rehabilitation withdrew from the study. Of the 343 intervention subjects, 276 attended all 3 in-patient periods. At one year, there were no differences in symptoms between the groups. Subjective health was improved in the intervention group and impaired in the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The network-based geriatric rehabilitation programme was feasible for use among the frail elderly people and improved their subjective health.     

康复期精神病和双相情感障碍患者自知力的差异及其影响因素

目的:了解康复期精神分裂症和双相情感障碍患者自知力的差异及其影响因素。方法:对40例精神分裂症患者、30例精神病性双相障碍患者及32例非精神病性双相障碍患者的自知力及其影响因素进行评估,并作Logistic回归分析。结果:精神分裂症患者的自知力与精神病性双相障碍患者的自知力差异无显著性(χ2=0.038,P=0.812),但两者的自知力均低于非精神病性双相障碍患者,差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。在康复期,虽然患者的精神症状基本缓解,但仍有36%的精神分裂症、38%的精神病性双相障碍以及10%的非精神病性双相障碍患者存在自知力损害。精神分裂症组患者的自知力损害是非精神病性双相障碍组患者的4.65倍(95%CI=1.02～20.80),而精神病性双相障碍患者的自知力损害为非精神病性双相障碍组的5.72倍(95%CI=1.30～24.76)。并且,患者的性别、年龄、病程和住院次数均与自知力均分无关。结论:康复期大多数精神病患者的自知力恢复良好,但仍有少数患者存在自知力损害,影响患者自知力恢复的主要因素为精神病性症状。