Objective/Background To compare the effects of simple and task-oriented mirror therapies on upper extremity function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Methods A single-subject, reversal (applied behaviour analysis) research design was used, and the study included four patients and two treatments. Treatment 1 involved simple mirror therapy that was performed using simple upper limb movements. Treatment 2 involved task-oriented mirror therapy that required each patient to perform functional movements associated with the tasks of daily living. Changes in upper extremity function were assessed during 23 sessions using box and block test, cube carry, and card turning tests. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity function was also performed. Results The upper extremity function of all patients increased after mirror therapy. However, the improved upper extremity function of the patients undergoing simple mirror therapy was not maintained after the conclusion of the therapy. By contrast, the improved upper extremity function of the patients receiving task-oriented mirror therapy continued to improve, even after therapy cessation. Conclusion Task-oriented mirror therapy in stroke patients provided more effective improvement in the upper extremity function of the hemiplegic stroke victims.
Occupational balance is an important variable associated with health and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the influence of occupational balance on health, quality of life, and other health-related variables using structural equation modeling. We analyzed data from 208 adults over 55 years old. Mean age of the participants was 70.21 years (SD 7.22). The research model for analysis was based on the results of previous studies addressing occupational balance and related variables such as stress, leisure satisfaction, life satisfaction, subjective health, quality of life, and participation. General fit indices of the final model were acceptable (x2/df = 1.708, p < .001, RMSEA = .058, TLI = .923, CFI = .929, and SRMR = .067). Although the size of effect was small to medium (.157–.249), occupational balance was identified as an independent variable directly or indirectly affecting subjective health, quality of life, and health-related variables in the final model. Our results showed that it is possible to improve subjective health and quality of life by promoting better occupational balance. Further studies developing an intervention program based on occupational balance are required to confirm the feasibility of the intervention and its effect on older adults’ health and quality of life in real-life circumstances.
Task-oriented training interventions are useful for improving muscle strength and gait related activities in both acute/sub-acute and chronic stroke patients. Although this meta-analysis provides evidence of task-oriented training for improving functioning after stroke, further studies are necessary to investigate the effects of training on upper extremities and the overall cost-effectiveness of such training.
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the effects of obesity on falls as a practical verification of the importance of obesity-targeting interventions as part of future fall prevention programs. [Subjects and Methods] The study involved 351 elderly people (172 men, 179 women) living in rural areas. The dependent variable, fall efficacy, was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale, while the independent variables, body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat, were measured using the InBody 720. The Faces Pain Scale was used to measure pain. Mobility was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test, and balance ability was measured according to the duration subjects could stand on one foot with their eyes closed. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed for the final data analysis. [Results] Investigation of the correlations between the variables revealed a negative correlation between fall efficacy and the other variables. Ultimatley, investigation of the causality of fall efficacy revealed that the BMI, pain, and mobility were influential factors. In other words, fall efficacy tends to be lower when there are higher degrees of obesity, increased pain, and decreased mobility. [Conclusion] To improve the fall efficacy of elderly people living in rural areas, pain management and the maintenance of physical functionality are required. The present study confirms that the elderly need continuous obesity management to lead healthy lives.
[Purpose] This research investigated the relationship between balance measured by a TETRAX and activities of daily living (ADL) assessed by NEI-VFQ 25. The results should provide basic data for rehabilitation therapy for low-vision patients. [Methods] We used the NEI-VFQ-25 vision-related Activities of Daily Living evaluation, MMSE-K, and TETRAX to evaluate 30 low-vision outpatients at K hospital in Daejeon, South Korea from July 5 to July 23, 2012. We performed linear regression analysis using a statistical significance level of 0.05. [Results] Balance in the normal eyes open (NO) posture correlated with the normal eyes closed posture and age, but showed no correlation with NEI-VFQ 25. The ADL level correlated with monocular vision, female gender, cognition, and NO posture. These variables explained 54.4% of the aspects of their ADL. [Conclusion] This research proves that low vision adversely affects balance ability, and is influenced by type of vision, gender, and cognitive assessment.
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