No abstract

Background and Purpose-The aim of the present study was to identify clinical determinants able to predict which individuals are susceptible to deterioration of mobility from 1 to 3 years after stroke. Methods-Prospective cohort study of stroke patients consecutively admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. A total of 205 relatively young, first-ever stroke patients were assessed at 1 and 3 years after stroke. Mobility status was determined by the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and decline was defined as a deterioration of Ն2 points on the RMI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for mobility decline. The discriminating ability of the model was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results-A decline in mobility status was found in 21% of the patients. Inactivity and the presence of cognitive problems, fatigue, and depression at 1 year after stroke were significant predictors of mobility decline. The multivariate model showed a good fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow test PϾ0.05), and discriminating ability was good (area under the curve 0.79). Conclusions-Mobility decline is an essential concern in chronic stroke patients, especially because it might lead to activities of daily living dependence and affects social reintegration. Early recognition of prognostic factors in patients at risk may guide clinicians to apply interventions aimed to prevent deterioration of mobility status in chronic stroke.

BackgroundYoungsters with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency (UCBED) seem to function well with or without a prosthesis. Reasons for rejecting prostheses have been reported earlier, but unfortunately not those of the children themselves. Furthermore, reasons for acceptance are underexplored in the literature.ObjectivesTo investigate opinions of children and early and late adolescents with UCBED, and those of their parents and healthcare professionals, concerning (1) reasons to wear or not to wear prostheses and (2) about rehabilitation care.MethodsDuring one week of online focus group interviews, 42 children of 8–12 y/o, early and late adolescents of 13–16 and 17–20 y/o, 17 parents, and 19 healthcare professionals provided their opinions on various topics. This study addresses prosthetic use or non-use of prosthetics and rehabilitation care. Data were analyzed using the framework approach.ResultsCosmesis was considered to be the prime factor for choosing and wearing a prosthesis, since this was deemed especially useful in avoiding stares from others. Although participants functioned well without prostheses, they agreed that it was an adjuvant in daily-life activities and sports. Weight and limited functionality constituted rejection reasons for a prosthesis. Children and adolescents who had accepted that they were different no longer needed the prosthesis to avoid being stared at. The majority of participants highly valued the peer-to-peer contact provided by the healthcare professionals.ConclusionsFor children and adolescents with UCBED, prostheses appeared particularly important for social integration, but much less so for functionality. Peer-to-peer contact seemed to provide support during the process of achieving social integration and should be embedded in the healthcare process.

Children and adolescents with congenital limb deficiencies are visibly and physically different from their peers. They present limitations in activities, depending on the severity of deficiency. Therefore they are at risk for lower participation in social and leisure activities. This might negatively influence the perception on their quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to describe participation and quality of life in children with congenital limb deficiencies. Participation and quality of life are relatively new concepts. Psychosocial functioning, being closely related to the concept of quality of life, is described as well. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted on participation, quality of life and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents with congenital limb deficiencies. The review involved a systematic search using multiple data sources. Fifteen cross-sectional studies were included in this review. The literature to date provides limited knowledge on how children and adolescents with congenital limb deficiencies participate and how they perceive their quality of life. The psychosocial functioning, although described as at risk, appears to be comparable to healthy peers. In conclusion, more research is needed on how children and adolescents with congenital limb deficiencies participate and how they perceive their quality of life. A broader perspective will not only help parents in making the right choices for their children, but can also have implications for health care providers, teachers and agencies funding rehabilitation services.