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Abstract Background To tailor physical activity treatment programs for patients with osteoarthritis, clinicians need valid and feasible measurement tools to evaluate habitual physical activity. The widely used International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) is not previously validated in patients with osteoarthritis. Purpose To assess the concurrent criterion validity of the IPAQ-SF in patients with osteoarthritis, using an accelerometer as a criterion-method. Method Patients with osteoarthritis (n = 115) were recruited at The Division of Rheumatology and Research at Diakonhjemmet Hospital (Oslo, Norway). Physical activity was measured by patients wearing an accelerometer (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days, followed by reporting their physical activity for the past 7 days using the IPAQ-SF. Comparison of proportions that fulfilled physical activity recommendations as measured by the two methods were tested by Pearson Chi-Square analysis. Differences in physical activity levels between the IPAQ-SF and the accelerometer were analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Spearman rank correlation test. Bland-Altman plots were used to visualize the concurrent criterion validity for total- and intensity-specific physical activity levels. Results In total, 93 patients provided complete physical activity data, mean (SD) age was 65 (8.7) years, 87% were women. According to the IPAQ-SF, 57% of the patients fulfilled the minimum physical activity recommendations compared to 31% according to the accelerometer (p = 0.043). When comparing the IPAQ-SF to the accelerometer we found significant under-reporting of total physical activity MET-minutes (p =

Quality indicators are indirect measures of quality within an area. The development of quality indicators is based on transparent and systematic methods where professional as well as value-based considerations are combined. It is recommended to use a formalized consensus process; the RAND/UCLA method. The aim is that final indicators are assessed according to relevance, utility, evidence and feasibility. Quality indicators may be useful tools when describing and evaluating quality in physiotherapy care to different patients groups. It is required that both patients and physiotherapists participate in all stages of the development process, in order to secure legitimacy. The article describes the different stages in a developmental process. The preparation of quality indicators for physiotherapy to patients with spondyloarthritis is used as an illustration.

Physiotherapists are imposed to deliver proper physiotherapy and to keep professionally updated. However, a majority of physiotherapists treat patients with a variety of diagnoses and conditions, of all ages and with many different needs. Thus, keeping updated in all areas is challenging. In this context knowledge-based clinical guidelines may be effective in guiding the individual clinician. The purpose of a knowledge-based clinical guideline is to ensure clinical practice according to best available research, clinical judgment and patient preferences. Strict requirements for methodical accuracy and transparency are laid on the development of a knowledge-based clinical guideline. In this article the different stages in a development process are described. The development of a clinical guideline; «Spondyloarthritis and physiotherapy» is used as an illustration of a development process.

Objective The present study assessed the prevalence of depressive disorders and associated factors in a sample of elderly persons in the south of Santa Catarina. Methods A cross-sectional study based on population data was performed, evaluating 1021 elderly individuals aged between 60 and 79 years. Home interviews were carried out using the Portuguese version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), in order to collect demographic data, information on hypertension and reports of acute myocardial infarction. The disorders studied were current depressive episode, dysthymia and a comorbidity of a depressive episode and dysthymia, representing double depression. The comparison of mean age and prevalence was made with the t-test and other associations were analyzed using the Chi-squared test. Results The prevalence of depression was 26.2%, while 5.5% of the sample suffered from dysthymia and 2.7% experienced double depression. Risk factors for depression were: nine or more years of schooling [PR = 1.44 (1.17 to 1.77); p

Considers how systemization of the action learning process combined with implementing solutions company-wide will greatly enhance results. Focuses on knowledge created by International Management Centres Association (IMCA) and Canadian School of Management (CSM) Action Learning programmes. Looks at how “Enterprise Schools of Management” can harvest and disseminate knowledge and in particular at IMCA’s Published Learning initiative. Routinely publishing research may enhance learning and bring together theory and practice to provide workable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Batting in cricket is a demanding task, requiring physical and mental capabilities. While batting, players must offset a number of factors to ensure ultimate concentration and performance. While the bowler and the forthcoming delivery are the primary concern, external influences (crowd dynamics, field placement, information from the coaching staff and captain as well as previous performances) have a substantial affect on batting performance. In order to understand how batsmen cope with these factors, we must first understand the basic information processing capabilities required of batsmen when batting for extended periods. These have yet to be established, and as such form the basis of this investigation. Methods: Fifteen top order (1-5) amateur batsmen from the Eastern Cape province of South Africa were recruited for this investigation (mean ? s: age 17 ? 0.92 years; stature 1.75 ? 0.07 m; body mass 78.29 ? 13.21 kg). Participants completed a six-stage, 30-over batting simulation (BATEX?) interspersed with five periods (pre, post 5, 15, 25 and 30 overs) of cognitive assessment (CogState brief test battery, Melbourne Australia). Physical performance was assessed throughout the simulation through sprint times. Results: Sprint times slowed significantly (P<0.05), with the slowest times observed in stage 6. Repeated shuttle running during prolonged batting significantly (P<0.05) impaired high-order cognitive performance. Executive function during the Groton maze-learning task was significantly impaired only post batting. Further, task performance illustrated a speed accuracy trade-off where significantly (P<0.05) faster processing speed came at the expense of higher (P<0.05) error rates. In low order-tasks speed of processing and accuracy responses were unchanged. Conclusion: Duration of an innings is a key determinant of batting performance. Further, under ideal laboratory conditions where external batting influences are reduced, it is evident that cognitive responses of batsmen deteriorate over time. Therefore, future research should investigate how mitigating factors affect cognitive performance and how interventions can be introduced to improve accuracy while maintaining processing speed. Further, coaches should utilise prolonged batting spells and shorter duration innings' in conjunction with shuttle running in preparation for matches. This combination may facilitate coping strategies that can be implemented during match play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]