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Study Design: Prospective, population-based cohort study. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of selected complications following traumatic spinal cord injury during acute care and to identify the risk factors for pressure ulcers. Setting: The only tertiary academic (Groote Schuur) hospital in the catchment region providing specialised acute care. Methods: A descriptive, observational study of an inception cohort. Secondary complications were predefined and consisted of pressure ulcers, pulmonary complications (pneumonia and atelectasis), urinary tract infections, autonomic dysreflexia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, postural hypotension, neuropathic pain and spasticity. Possible risk factors for pressure ulcers included variables concerning demographic and injury characteristics and complications. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Data of 141 patients (97%) were analysed. In total, 71 (50.3%) patients had one or more complication. The most common was pressure ulcers (n = 42; 29.8%), followed by pulmonary complications (n = 33; 23.4%) and urinary tract infections (n = 24; 17%). Significant risk factors were gun-shot injury, motor completeness (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) A│B), vertebral injury, no spinal surgery, pulmonary complications, urinary tract infection and level of consciousness. In the final multivariate model that correctly predicted 81.6% of subjects, motor completeness and vertebral injury remained significant independent factors, whereas having a urinary tract infection was associated with an increased risk (odds ratio: 2.86), but not significant at the 5% level. Conclusion: Pressure ulcers and pulmonary complications were prevalent during specialised acute phase. The occurrence of pressure ulcers, despite protocols in place, is worrisome. To prevent pressure ulcers, special attention seems necessary for persons with motor complete lesions and those with vertebral injuries.

Study design: Prospective, regional population-based study. Objectives: To provide the incidence, aetiology and injury characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in the City of Cape Town, South Africa. Setting: All government-funded hospitals within the City of Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: All survivors of acute TSCI, given that they met the inclusion criteria, were prospectively included for a 1-year period. The International Spinal Cord injury Core Data Set was used and systematically completed by specialist doctors. Further, international standards for neurological classification were adhered to. Results: In total, 147 cases of acute TSCI were identified and 145 were included in the study. The male to female ratio was 5.9:1 and the mean age was 33.5 years, ranging from 18 to 93. The crude incidence rate was 75.6 per million (95% CI: 64.3-88.8) with assault as the main cause of injury, accounting for 59.3% of the cases, followed by motor vehicle accidents (26.3%) and falls (11.7%). Most injuries occurred in the cervical spine (53.1%), and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A severity was most common (39.3%) in the cohort. Conclusion: The incidence rate of TSCI in a region of South Africa was high when compared to previously postulated figures for the country. There is a need for primary preventative strategies to target younger men that are exposed to violent activities. A national study is required to learn whether these findings are only locally applicable or generalisable.

Background and Purpose: In order for people with Parkinson disease (PwPD) to benefit from neurorehabilitation research, interventions tested in research settings require assessment in real-world clinical practice. There is little evidence for whether efficacious exercise interventions for PwPD remain effective when transferred to standard clinical settings. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of the adapted HiBalance program on balance control and gait among PwPD. Methods: Participants (n = 117) with mild-moderate Parkinson disease were consecutively included into either the 10-week HiBalance group training (n = 61) or the control (n = 56) group. The main outcome was balance performance (Mini-BESTest). Secondary outcomes were comfortable gait speed (10-m Walk Test); functional mobility (Timed Up and Go [TUG] test) and dual-task interference (cognitive TUG test); physical activity level (steps per day); perceived balance confidence (Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale) and perceived walking difficulty (Walk-12G) and self-rated health (EQ-5D visual analog scale). Results: In total, 98 people completed the trial. Compared with controls, the training group showed significant improvement in balance performance (P < 0.001), gait speed (P = 0.001), and dual-task interference (P = 0.04) following the intervention. No group differences were observed for physical activity level or any patient-reported measures. Discussion and Conclusions: Highly challenging balance training is effective at improving balance, gait, and dual-task performance when delivered at a clinically feasible dose, in a range of rehabilitation settings, without direct involvement of the research group. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplementary Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A299).

Study design A prospective, regional, population-based study.Objectives (1) Determine the mortality rate and factors associated with it 4 years after a TSCI and (2) The point prevalence of secondary medical complications of survivors at 4 years. Setting Communities of the Cape metropolitan area, South Africa. Methods All persons (n = 145) sustaining a TSCI from 15 September 2013 to 14 September 2014 were eligible for followup at 4 years. Participants were contacted after 4 years. The next of kin, via verbal autopsy, was used to establish cause of death. Those who were alive at 4 years were asked to indicate any secondary medical complications. Logistic regression techniques were used to identify independently associated risk indicators for death and development of secondary complications, respectively. Results Of the initial 145 persons, 87 were included and accounted for. Of these, 21 (24%) had died, 55 (63%) were alive and completed the survey, and 11 (13%) were classified as alive but did not submit the survey. The main cause of death reported was septicaemia (n = 7; 33%), followed by unknown natural causes (n = 7; 33%), then pressure injuries (n = 5; 24%). Out of the 55 persons alive, 89% had at least one medical complication at the time of enquiry, while more than 50% experienced 6 or more complications. The most common complications were pain (80%), muscle spasms (76%), sleeping problems (56%), and bladder dysfunction (44%). Conclusions Almost one-quarter of persons with TSCI have died 4 years after injury. Also, secondary complications were found to be highly prevalent at 4 years. This information could be used to develop secondary complications prevention programmes to reduce premature deaths.

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Background: Determining the functional abilities and factors influencing outcome of patients with stroke following rehabilitation are essential for the planning of future interventions and services in order to optimise recovery. Objectives: To determine the activity limitations and factors influencing functional outcome of patients with stroke managed at a specialised rehabilitation centre. Methodology: A longitudinal study design was used to determine the functional outcomes of patients admitted to the centre on admission and discharge. A data gathering sheet was developed to collect information pertaining to the demographicand medical profile and process of rehabilitation, whereas the Barthel Index was used to collect data relating to functional abilities. For analysis, descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics (Student t test) were utilised to determine the paired differences. Six prognostic factors influencing functional outcome were selected and tested using linear (bivariate) regression. Results: The mean Barthel Index scores on admission and at discharge were 58.85 and 81.59 respectively. A significant improvement was noted in the execution of functional task of patients with stroke (p< 0.01) between the data collection points. Despite the significant overall improvement, results show a high prevalence of dependence with walking and stair climbing at discharge. Only functional ability on admission (r=0.49) predicted a favourable functional outcome at discharge. Conclusion: This study highlights the limitations of younger stroke survivors and the need for continued rehabilitation following in-patient care. It further underscores the administration of a functional rating scale on admission in order to aggressively manage activity limitations.

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