Objectives: To review the measurement properties of outcome measures of function or mobility currently used in the context of spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: A keyword search of multiple databases to identify original papers. Papers were reviewed where they had included an evaluation, of people with SCI, of the psychometric properties of an outcome measure, which included functional or mobility domains. Information was extracted concerning item generation, ease and intended method of use and scale properties, in particular: reliability, validity and responsiveness. Conclusions were reached concerning the psychometric properties of each instrument. Results: Eight outcome measures were identified (plus adapted versions). Five had originally been developed specifically for evaluating patients with SCI (chiefly reflecting clinicians' perspectives), the remaining three had not. The psychometric properties of the instruments varied, with some mixed/ contradictory evidence likely relating to differing study sample sizes, characteristics and variable quality. Instruments also varied in stated purpose or emphasis. Conclusion: In addition to weighing evidence concerning measurement properties, users need to consider the stated purpose and item content of instruments in relation to their specific aims. With regard to the former, while reviewed instruments had some flaws, the Spinal cord Independence Measure (revised version III), Quadriplegia Index of Function (Short-form), Needs Assessment Checklist and SIP68 appeared the best, despite limited evidence of their responsiveness.

Following stroke, patients who received CIMT every day for 4 weeks in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation therapy showed significant changes in the BI upon discharge and this positive outcome was preserved after 6 months follow-up. This improvement indicates an overall significant improvement in ADL status for patients who received CIMT and has implications for future use in stroke rehabilitation as home-based therapy for stroke rehabilitation.

Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a widespread public health problem that may lead to disability and loss of productivity. Adiponectin is an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue and has been shown to be involved in cartilage homeostasis. In the present study, the association between the rs266729 (−11377C/G) and rs2241766 (45T/G) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and LDD was investigated. In addition, the correlation between the plasma adiponectin level and LDD was examined. A total of 289 subjects, 168 patients with LDD and 122 healthy individuals, were recruited in the study. All subjects were genotyped for rs266729 and rs2241766 SNPs using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Circulating levels of adiponectin protein were measured using the ELISA technique. A strong association was found between adiponectin level and LDD (P<0.01), where high levels of adiponectin were found in patients compared with healthy controls. The increase in adiponectin level was not affected by gender. However, no significant differences were found in the genotype distribution or allelic frequency of the two examined polymorphisms between patients with LDD and healthy controls (P>0.05). In conclusion, adiponectin appears to be elevated in patients with LDD. The rs266729 and rs2241766 SNPs in the ADIPOQ gene are not associated with LDD.

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