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Background: At present there is no comprehensive overview of the long-term development of the clinical picture, disease-associated impairments and neurobiological correlates of anxiety disorders as well as what influence certain risk factors and treatment have on the prognosis. Objective: This article presents findings regarding disorder-specific symptoms and disorder-associated changes in the areas of functional level, quality of life, neurocognitive performance and structural brain anatomy over the lifespan. It also reports on how patient-related and environment-related aspects as well as guideline-oriented therapy influence the course of the disorder. Material and methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed on the aspects of individual components. Meta-analyses, longitudinal and cohort studies were included. To illustrate changes over time, the findings were predominantly presented separately for children and adolescents as well as for early and late adulthood. Results: Anxiety disorders primarily exhibit age-associated differences in the symptom profile but also in the areas of functional level and quality of life. Risk factors for an unfavorable course of the disorder were identified particularly for young and middle-aged people; however, the findings indicate that evidence-based psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy also has a lasting effect even after termination. Conclusion: For long-term therapeutic success, age-dependent characteristics and limitations as well as prognostically relevant aspects in the diagnostics and treatment of anxiety disorders should be taken into consideration and treatment should be started as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 45 individuals diagnosed with DMD between the ages of 5 and 18 years. LUTS were evaluated with the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System, functional levels with the Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Classification and the Vignos Scale, lumbar lordosis angle with a bubble inclinometer, pelvic inclination angles with a digital inclinometer, and muscle strength with a hand‐held dynamometer. Results: The mean age of the children was calculated as 9.00 ± 3.32 years, body weight as 31.10 ± 12.59 kg, and height as 125.87 ± 18.46 cm. LUTD was detected in 20 children (44.44%). There was an association between high LUTD severity and low strength of the following muscles: bilateral hip flexor (Dominant: r = −0.338, p = 0.023; nondominant: r = −0.411, p = 0.005), quadriceps femoris (Dominant: r = −0.445, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = −0.504, p < 0.001), elbow flexor (Dominant: r = −0.461, p = 0.001; nondominant: r = −0.455, p = 0.002), and elbow extensor (Dominant: r = −0.442, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = −0.450, p = 0.002). Upper extremity functionality level was significantly higher in the LUTD‐negative group (p = 0.004). There was no relationship between lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination angles and LUTS symptoms (p > 0.05). Conclusion: To provide the adequate care for bladder health in children with DMD, it is essential to focus on parameters that will increase functionality and independence in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Employment and relationship are crucial for social integration. However, individuals with major psychiatric disorders often face challenges in these domains. Aims We investigated employment and relationship status changes among patients across the affective and psychotic spectrum – in comparison with healthy controls, examining whether diagnostic groups or functional levels influence these transitions. Method The sample from the longitudinal multicentric PsyCourse Study comprised 1260 patients with affective and psychotic spectrum disorders and 441 controls (mean age ± s.d., 39.91 ± 12.65 years; 48.9% female). Multistate models (Markov) were used to analyse transitions in employment and relationship status, focusing on transition intensities. Analyses contained multiple multistate models adjusted for age, gender, job or partner, diagnostic group and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) in different combinations to analyse the impact of the covariates on the hazard ratio of changing employment or relationship status. Results The clinical group had a higher hazard ratio of losing partner (hazard ratio 1.46, P < 0.001) and job (hazard ratio 4.18, P < 0.001) than the control group (corrected for age/gender). Compared with controls, clinical groups had a higher hazard of losing partner (affective group, hazard ratio 2.69, P = 0.003; psychotic group, hazard ratio 3.06, P = 0.001) and job (affective group, hazard ratio 3.43, P < 0.001; psychotic group, hazard ratio 4.11, P < 0.001). Adjusting for GAF, the hazard ratio of losing partner and job decreased in both clinical groups compared with controls. Conclusion Patients face an increased hazard of job loss and relationship dissolution compared with healthy controls, and this is partially conditioned by the diagnosis and functional level. These findings underscore a high demand for destigmatisation and support for individuals in managing their functional limitations.

Abstract Background Malnutrition of older individuals, leads to significant functional decline, reducing their quality of life. Lifestyle interventions; dietary improvements and supplementation are explored to enhance the physical function of older adults. The current study aimed to assess the impact of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on the functional and activity levels of Sri Lankan older adults. Methods This randomized controlled trial included; an intervention group (IG) receiving 200 mL of ONS providing 247 kcal per serving, for 12 weeks and a control group (CG) receiving an equivalent volume of water. Changes in handgrip strength, knee extension strength, gait speed, functional and activity levels were assessed. Results The IG showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (43.96 ± 18.61 kg vs. 32.81 ± 17.92 kg; p

Introduction/Aims: The utilization of virtual reality (VR) and biofeedback training, while effective in diverse populations, remains limited in the treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD). This study aimed to determine the feasibility of VR in children with D/BMD and compare the effectiveness of VR and biofeedback in children with D/BMD. Methods: The study included 25 children with D/BMD. Eight children in the control group participated in a routine follow‐up rehabilitation program, while the remaining children were randomly assigned to the VR (n = 9) and biofeedback (n = 8) groups for a 12‐week intervention. The following evaluations were performed before, during (week 6), and after treatment: Muscle pain and cramps, laboratory studies, muscle strength, timed performance, function (Motor Function Measurement Scale‐32, Vignos, and Brooke Scales), and balance (Pediatric Functional Reach Test and Balance Master System). Motivation for rehabilitation was determined. Results: The median ages were 9.00 (VR), 8.75 (biofeedback), and 7.00 (control) years. The study found no significant differences between groups in pretreatment assessments for most measures, except for tandem step width (p <.05). VR and biofeedback interventions significantly improved various aspects (pain intensity, cramp frequency, cramp severity, muscle strength, timed performance, functional level, and balance) in children with D/BMD (p <.05), while the conventional rehabilitation program maintained patients' current status without any changes. The study found VR and biofeedback equally effective, with VR maintaining children's motivation for rehabilitation longer (p <.05). Discussion: The study showed that both VR and biofeedback appear to be effective for rehabilitation this population, but additional, larger studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malnutrition of older individuals, leads to significant functional decline, reducing their quality of life. Lifestyle interventions; dietary improvements and supplementation are explored to enhance the physical function of older adults. The current study aimed to assess the impact of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on the functional and activity levels of Sri Lankan older adults. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included; an intervention group (IG) receiving 200 mL of ONS providing 247 kcal per serving, for 12 weeks and a control group (CG) receiving an equivalent volume of water. Changes in handgrip strength, knee extension strength, gait speed, functional and activity levels were assessed. Results: The IG showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (43.96 ± 18.61 kg vs. 32.81 ± 17.92 kg; p < 0.001) and knee extension strength (23.45 ± 2.29 kg vs. 16.41 ± 2.09 kg; p < 0.001) following 12 weeks compared to the CG. The IG also exhibited significant improvements in gait speed (1.31 ± 0.52 m/s vs. 0.87 ± 0.26 m/s), Barthel index score, (0.30 ± 0.47 vs. -0.18 ± 0.66), PASE score (0.52 ± 17.79 vs. -1.60 ± 21.77) and IPAQ categories. Conclusions: ONS was found to be effective in improving the functional and physical activity levels of malnourished older adults. Trial registration.: Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry SLCTR/2022/021. Registered on 06/10/2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at high risk for pulmonary and vascular complications. Smoking is an important risk factor for respiratory symptoms and vascular complications of many diseases in the general population. However, studies on the role of smoking in SSc are insufficient. This study aimed to compare pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, functional level, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with SSc according to smoking status and to assess the correlation between cigarette consumption and these parameters in patients with SSc. Seventy-two patients with SSc (smoker group; n = 35 or nonsmoker group; n = 37) were included. The pulmonary function test was measured with a spirometer. Respiratory symptoms were questioned and the perceived severity of dyspnea and fatigue was evaluated. The functional levels were determined by questioning the patients' average daily walking distance, exercise habits, and daily sedentary time. HRQoL was assessed by Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire. The rate of respiratory symptoms including dyspnea, cough, and sputum were higher in the smoker group (p<.001, p =.041, and p<.001, respectively). Also, the perceived severity of dyspnea and fatigue was higher in the smoker group (p <.05). The mean daily walking distance, exercise habits, and overall HRQoL were lower (p =.004, p =.002, and p =.034, respectively) and the sedentary time and vascular complications were higher (p<.001 and p =.038, respectively) in the smoker group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the pulmonary function test (p >.05). There was a weak to moderate correlation between cigarette consumption and respiratory symptoms, dyspnea and fatigue severity, functional level, and HRQoL in the smoker group (0.001 ≤ p ≤.024). Smoking may increase respiratory symptoms and vascular complications and decrease the functional level and HRQoL in patients with SSc. To maintain functional independence in patients with SSc, awareness of the harms of smoking should be increased and smoking cessation should be encouraged, along with physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs including exercise and physical activity recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Systems Engineering & Electronics is the property of Journal of Systems Engineering & Electronics Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Total knee arthroplasty is a frequently met replacement procedure for patients with degenerative knee disease. The main purpose of the intervention is to provide pain relief and to promote range of motion and joint stability for patients in which conservative options such as pharmacological treatment or physical therapy can’t accomplish any more an adequate symptom alleviation. Most guidelines regarding the first stage of the rehabilitation process recommend early mobilization in order to gain as quickly as possible functional independence, and also to promote muscle strength and coordination. This should be done from the first day post surgery, depending on the patients compliance. In the subacute stage, the emphasis is put on maintaining a progression of the weight-bearing status, and promoting normal walking without the use of an assistive device. Patient education will be focused on changes that need to be made in a domestic environment and also modifications regarding social and professional activities. The third phase of the rehabilitation process focuses on limb symmetry and equal weight bearing which represent absolute objectives that need to be obtained. Balance exercises will include progression from bilateral to unilateral, and integration of unstable surfaces if possible associated with cardiovascular training. This phase of the rehabilitation process is considered to be completed once all realistic functional goals are achieved.

Background: The progressive symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) negatively affect upper extremity skills, and this may have an effect that reduces the independence of daily life. Aims: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between functional level and upper extremity function, pain, and stiffness in children with DMD. Methods: A total of 38 children with DMD were participated. The functional level of the upper and lower extremities was assessed using Brooke scale and Vignos scale. Upper extremity function, pain and stiffness were assessed using Upper Limb Short Questionnaire (ULSQ). The correlation between ULSQ and Brooke and Vignos scales was calculated. Results: A moderate positive correlation was calculated between ULSQ total scores and Vignos scale (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) and Brooke scale (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between Vignos scale scores and ULSQ subscores of function (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and stiffness (r = 0.56, p < 0.001); no significant correlation was found between pain scores and Vignos scale (p = 0.053). There was a moderate positive correlation between the function (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), pain (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and stiffness (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) subscores of the ULSQ with the Brooke scale. Conclusion: In our study, there was a significant relationship between the functional level of patients with DMD and upper extremity function, pain, and muscle stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: First, to investigate the correlation between prenatal presurgery anatomical and motor levels of the lesion with motor level at birth in cases undergoing prenatal repair of open spina bifida and, second, to identify factors leading to a loss of two or more motor levels between the presurgery and postnatal assessments. Methods: This was an observational study of singleton pregnancies undergoing prenatal repair of open spina bifida, conducted between March 2011 and May 2022. All fetuses underwent an ultrasound assessment at 20–24 weeks of gestation to determine the motor and anatomical levels of the lesion before surgery. The anatomical level of the lesion was defined as the highest open posterior vertebral arch. The motor level was determined by systematic observation of the lower limb movements and was defined as the most distal active muscle present. Prenatal repair was performed at 23–26 weeks. At birth, motor level was assessed by a rehabilitation specialist by physical examination. Cases of intrauterine death or termination of pregnancy and those delivered at other sites were excluded from the neonatal assessment. The agreement between presurgery motor level and motor level at birth, and between presurgery anatomical level and motor level at birth, was assessed using the weighted kappa index (wκ). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors leading to a loss of two or more motor levels between the presurgery and postnatal assessments. Results: Presurgery motor and anatomical levels were assessed in 61 fetuses at a median gestational age of 22.7 (interquartile range (IQR), 21.6–24.4) weeks. Prenatal repair was performed at a median gestational age of 24.6 (IQR, 23.7–25.7) weeks. Motor level at birth was assessed in 52 neonates after exclusion of nine fetuses due to loss to follow‐up or fetal loss. There was moderate agreement between presurgery motor level and motor level at birth (wκ = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.21–0.63), with a median difference of 0 (IQR, –2 to 9) levels. Factors leading to a loss of two or more motor levels between the presurgery ultrasound assessment and postnatal examination were higher presurgery anatomical level (odds ratio (OR), 0.59 (95% CI, 0.35–0.98); P = 0.04) and larger difference between the anatomical and motor levels before surgery (OR, 1.85 (95% CI, 1.12–3.06); P = 0.017). None of the other ultrasound, surgery‐related or neonatal variables assessed was associated significantly with a loss of two or more motor levels. There was slight agreement between the presurgery anatomical level of the lesion and motor level at birth (wκ = 0.07; 95% CI, –0.02 to 0.15). Conclusions: There is moderate agreement between fetal motor level of the lesion before prenatal repair of open spina bifida and motor level at birth, as opposed to only slight agreement between presurgery anatomical level and motor level at birth. A loss of two or more motor levels between the presurgery and postnatal assessments is associated with a higher presurgery anatomical level and with a larger difference between the presurgery anatomical and motor levels. Consequently, motor level, rather than the anatomical level, should be used for prenatal counseling. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the technology of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) advances, these vehicles are increasingly being used in various industries. However, the navigation of UAVs often faces restrictions and obstacles, necessitating the implementation of path-planning algorithms to ensure safe and efficient flight. This paper presents innovative path-planning algorithms designed explicitly for UAVs and categorizes them based on algorithmic and functional levels. Moreover, it comprehensively discusses the advantages, disadvantages, application challenges, and notable outcomes of each path-planning algorithm, aiming to examine their performance thoroughly. Additionally, this paper provides insights into future research directions for UAVs, intending to assist researchers in future explorations.

Background: Problems such as progressive muscle function loss, postural deteriorations, and contractures seen in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (D/BMD) may affect children's balance ability, and impaired balance ability may lead to limitations in children's functional level.Research Question: What factors are associated with balance ability in children with D/BMD?Methods: Twenty participants with D/BMD were included in the study. Participants' ages were asked; height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Children's functional level was assessed with the Motor Function Measurement-32 (MFM-32), Brooke and Vignos Scales. Muscle strength of hip flexion and extension, knee flexion and extension, and ankle dorsiflexion was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Balance measurements were performed using the Balance Master System. The relationship between balance and continuous independent variables was determined using Spearman's test.Results: The mean age of the participants was 8.57 ± 3.27 years. The balance abilities of children with BMD were better than those of children with DMD (p < 0.05). The balance diminished with age (p < 0.05), while there was a positive correlation between balance and weight, height, BMI (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the balance and the MFM-32 total and subsection scores. Muscle strength was positively related to balance (p < 0.05).Significance: The results showed the balance ability in children with D/BMD was affected by age, height, weight, BMI, functional level, and muscle strength. Based on the results of this study, balance and strength training should be an integral part of the rehabilitation of children with D/BMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The working environment of contemporary mechanical products is becoming more complex, and the working conditions are becoming more extreme. This has led to a significant increase in the frequency of problems in mechanical products. In order to reduce the frequency of human repair after problems, the application of the self-recovery concept has become a hot research topic in the area of smart design. However, the current application of the self-recovery concept is mostly limited to the structural and parametric levels, with less research at the functional level, which may lead to a waste of resources within products. To solve this problem, this research combines the functional-level product research method with the self-recovery concept and establishes a design process model of complex products under functional self-recovery. This model extends the application scope of the self-recovery concept and improves the efficiency of resource utilization in the product. The design process model has six steps. First, according to the user requirements and the existing product, the initial function solving is carried out, and the initial function model of the product is established. Next, the main functions of the product are determined based on the initial function model of the product. Then, according to the determined main functions of the product, combined with the parameters marked in the function structure, the self-diagnosis function is designed. After that, the LT matrix and effect library are used to design the self-regulation function corresponding to the main functions, and the parameters are used to screen the self-regulation function design scheme. Finally, according to the design scheme of the self-diagnosis function and self-regulation function, the functional period oriented to self-recovery is constructed to ensure the realization of the main functions of the product. The effectiveness of the design process model is proved through the design process of an intelligent photovoltaic power generation system at the end of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The development of prosodic functions covers a long period, till adolescence. • The PEPS-C evaluates the prosodic competence in both comprehension and expression. • The Italian version aimed to describe the developmental trajectories in this language. • The cross-linguistic comparison showed similarities and differences amongst languages. The development of prosody covers a long age period, with some functions not well-mastered till adolescence. Moreover, languages show different prosodic developmental trajectories, which can be related to their distinctive characteristics. The Profiling Elements of Prosody in Speech-Communication (PEPS-C) consists of a battery of tasks developed to analyse this competence in both comprehension and expression. It takes into account several prosodic functions (including both affective and linguistic functions). Easy to administer and to score, it has demonstrated its usefulness in the evaluation of prosodic competence from preschool age and in several languages. The main aim of the present work is to investigate the development of prosodic competence in a group of Italian children from four to ten years of age through the administration of the Italian version of the PEPS-C. The results confirm that prosodic development covers a long age period for Italian too: indeed, while the affective function of prosody seemed to be well-mastered from the preschool period, other functions, like use of the prosodic focus, are not well-mastered till late, after the age of ten years. The developmental trajectories found are discussed in relation to those found for languages other than Italian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of rehabilitation is the recovery and reconstruction of body function,and cardiopulmonary function is not only the core of body function, but also the core element of physical fitness. As one of the important interventions of modern rehabilitation treatment, exercise rehabilitation is the fundamental way to improve the level of body function, and plays a key role in the process of disease rehabilitation. The forms of exercise rehabilitation are widely used in clinic including aerobic exercise, high intensity interval training,muscle strength training, and traditional exercise and so on. Different forms of exercise rehabilitation can improve the level of body function and promote physical fitness in varying degrees. The main functions include regulating blood pressure, blood lipids and blood glucose, improving balance and muscle strength,increasing bone mineral density, enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and walking ability, improving cognitive and memory functions,regulating emotions, promoting mental health, and improving the quality of life, etc., so as to achieve the goal of shortening the process of disease rehabilitation and improving its curative effect. However, there are differences in the dimensions and degrees of the influence of different forms of exercise rehabilitation on functional level and physical fitness. Among them, aerobic exercise mainly has a positive impact on cardiorespiratory fitness, glucose and lipid metabolism,emotional regulation, cognition and memory and other dimensions, and its mechanism involves the increase of endogenous cannabinoid in circulation and the integrity of white matter fibers and so on. Compared with moderate intensity aerobic exercise, high intensity interval training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiac metabolic health more timely and its mechanism involves the increase of muscle mitochondrial production capacity and the regulation of partial gene expression in skeletal muscle. Muscle strength training can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of chronic diseases and death by increasing muscle strength and endurance, especially for postmenopausal women and overweight/obese elderly. Traditional exercises, such as Taijiquan and Baduanjin, are important interventions of rehabilitation in traditional Chinese medicine, which have definite effect in improving balance, cognition and memory, and are worthy of clinical promotion and application. At present, how to choose the best form of exercise rehabilitation and the best course of treatment for people with different functional disorders and different disease status remains to be further clarified by follow-up clinical and basic research.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) + standard physiotherapy (PT) to standard PT during inpatient rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients in terms of post-operative outcomes. The hypothesis was that PMR + standard PT would lead to better pain, function, and neuromuscular outcomes than standard PT.Methods: A total of 106 patients were randomly allocated into PMR or standard rehabilitation (SR) groups. Both groups received standard PT during their hospital stay. PMR group additionally performed PMR exercise on post-operative days 1, 2, and 3. Patients were evaluated regarding pain intensity, functional outcomes, muscle strength, active range of motion, knee edema, anxiety, depression, and kinesiophobia.Results: There were no differences between groups at baseline (n.s.). During the inpatient period and at discharge, the PMR group had better results in terms of pain relief (p < 0.05), quadriceps strength (p = 0.001), kinesiophobia level (p = 0.011) compared to the SR group. No difference was detected between groups regarding other evaluation parameters during the inpatient period, at discharge, and third post-operative month (n.s.). The within-group analysis showed statistically significant differences over time in both groups in each variable (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our findings support that PMR therapy offers beneficial results in subjective and objective measures of TKA patients during the inpatient period. Therefore, PMR therapy could be implemented into the rehabilitation program of TKA patients to enhance their early recovery from various symptoms following TKA.Level Of Evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this research, determine the level of influence of families with children with cerebral palsy in Northern Cyprus and to reveal the difference in being affected between parents. The study was carried out on 49 children with CP and 49 couples of parents. Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM) was used to evaluate the functional status of children, and the Impact of Family Scale (IFS) and the Quality of Life Scale (SF-36) were used to measure the influence of families. Those with WeeFIM total score between 18-90, the group requiring observation (CNO) (n = 34), and those between 91-126 were divided into independent group (IC) (n = 15). No relationship was found between IFS, SF-36 score of parents and functional level of their children. There was a positive correlation between mothers and fathers in IFS and SF-36 scores within groups (CNO IFS p: 0,021 r: 0,394; CNO SF-36 p: 0,001 r: 0,546; IC IFS p: 0,038 r: 0,602; IC SF-36 p: 0,001 r: 0,825). When the levels of influence and quality of life of the mothers and fathers within the groups were compared, it was observed that there was not a significant difference between the mothers and fathers in the group CNO and in the IC group (p>0.05). According to this study family influences of parents with children with cerebral palsy in Northern Cyprus are not affected by their functional levels. The fact that there was no difference between mothers and fathers in terms of quality of life and level of influence revealed the geographical cultural difference in favor of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition associated with the degeneration of spinal disks in the lower back. A significant majority of the elderly population experiences LSS, and the number is expected to grow. The primary objective of medical treatment for LSS patients has focused on improving functional outcomes (e.g., walking ability) and thus, an accurate, objective, and inexpensive method to evaluate patients' functional levels is in great need. This paper aims to quantify the functional level of LSS patients by analyzing their clinical information and their walking ability from a 10 m self-paced walking test using a pair of sensorized shoes. Machine learning algorithms were used to estimate the Oswestry Disability Index, a clinically well-established functional outcome, from a total of 29 LSS patients. The estimated ODI scores showed a significant correlation to the reported ODI scores with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.81 and p

To examine associations between neurosegmental and functional level classifications in children with Spina Bifida, and determine which classification best reflects daily walking activity. A prospective correlational study was conducted. Children with Spina Bifida were given ratings for lesion level [X-ray and International Myelodysplasia Study Group (IMSG) level determined by muscle strength] and functional level [Hoffer ambulatory level and Dias functional classification of myelomeningocele (FCM), Functional Mobility Scale (FMS)]. Daily walking activity was measured with a StepWatch monitor. Data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Sixty-one children were included, [56% male, average age 9.8 (SD 2.7) years]. The neurosegmental level classifications, X-ray lesion level and IMSG level showed little to no correlation with each other (r = 0.17). Among functional classifications, the Dias FCM correlated strongly with the FMS (r = 0.80−0.87). Correlations with steps per day were moderate to good for the Dias FCM and the FMS (r = 0.53−0.62), fair for IMSG level (r = 0.45), and little to none for X-ray lesion level (r = 0.03). The Dias FCM is comprehensive, including elements of neurosegmental level and function, and correlates well with walking activity. We recommend its use for classifying function in patients with Spina Bifida. Functional classifications correlate better with daily walking activity than neurosegmental level classifications for patients with Spina Bifida. The Dias FCM includes neurosegmental and functional level elements, correlates well with daily activity, and is recommended for use in classifying Spina Bifida patients. Combined use of the FMS and activity monitoring is recommended for research and clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between cognitive status, functional level, life satisfaction, and quality of life in elderly people. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in Ankara Universty School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics. Seventy-nine elderly individuals whose ages over 65 years were included in the study. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST), Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: The mean age of the patients was 76.72 ± 7.26 years. Of the patients examined, 34 (43.0%) had mild, 11 (14%) had severe dementia,17 (21.5%) had moderate dementia and 17 patients (21.5%) had standard cognitive status. The weakest areas were found to be success expectancy, interest, choices, problem-solving, organization, and energy in MOHOST. The life satisfaction of individuals was found to be “satisfied” on average. Furthermore, there were a positive correlation between MOHOST (P < 0.001) and SF-36 scale (P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between MMSE and The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) (P < 0.001) scores. The cognitive status in elderly people is associated some variables, especially functional profile. Conclusions: High rate of dementia was found in elderly individuals. The weakest areas were found to be motivation for activity-role of the individuals. It was concluded that low functional level was a risk factor for the elderly. Considering the higher ratio of dementia in the elderly, activity-role participation should be motivation to the affected elderly to improve their quality of life, cognitive status, and life satisfaction level.

The working environment of contemporary mechanical products is becoming more complex, and the working conditions are becoming more extreme. This has led to a significant increase in the frequency of problems in mechanical products. In order to reduce the frequency of human repair after problems, the application of the self-recovery concept has become a hot research topic in the area of smart design. However, the current application of the self-recovery concept is mostly limited to the structural and parametric levels, with less research at the functional level, which may lead to a waste of resources within products. To solve this problem, this research combines the functional-level product research method with the self-recovery concept and establishes a design process model of complex products under functional self-recovery. This model extends the application scope of the self-recovery concept and improves the efficiency of resource utilization in the product. The design process model has six steps. First, according to the user requirements and the existing product, the initial function solving is carried out, and the initial function model of the product is established. Next, the main functions of the product are determined based on the initial function model of the product. Then, according to the determined main functions of the product, combined with the parameters marked in the function structure, the self-diagnosis function is designed. After that, the LT matrix and effect library are used to design the self-regulation function corresponding to the main functions, and the parameters are used to screen the self-regulation function design scheme. Finally, according to the design scheme of the self-diagnosis function and self-regulation function, the functional period oriented to self-recovery is constructed to ensure the realization of the main functions of the product. The effectiveness of the design process model is proved through the design process of an intelligent photovoltaic power generation system at the end of the paper.

Background: Scapular kinesia is an important component of glenohumeral rhythm and shoulder stability. No studies have evaluated scapular dyskinesis and its relationship to shoulder proprioception in patients who have undergone arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). Purpose: To investigate scapular dyskinesis, proprioception, and functional level after ABR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included 13 male patients who underwent ABR (ABR group; mean age, 30 years; range, 24-36 years) and 13 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals (control group). The age, height, weight, and dominant side of all participants were collected. Scapular dyskinesis was evaluated using the lateral scapular slide test and the scapular dyskinesis test; proprioception was measured by the active angle reproduction test using a smartphone goniometer application, and functional level was assessed using the upper-quarter Y-balance test for dynamic stability as well as the Rowe score and Walch-Duplay score for quality of life and return to activities of daily living. Results: The presence of static scapular dyskinesis in the neutral position, at 45° of abduction, and at 90° of abduction as well as the presence of dynamic scapular dyskinesis was higher in the ABR group compared with the control group (P ≤.04 for all). Shoulder joint position sense (absolute error) at 40° and 100° of shoulder elevation and shoulder functional level according to the Rowe score were worse in the ABR patients compared with the healthy controls (P ≤.02 for all). Dynamic scapular dyskinesis was negatively related to shoulder joint position sense at 40° of shoulder elevation (r = –0.64; P =.01). Static scapular movement as measured on the lateral scapular slide test was moderately related to the Rowe score (r = 0.58; P =.03). Conclusion: Scapular kinematics and proprioception should be evaluated after ABR. Treatment approaches to improve scapular control and proprioceptive sense should be included in the rehabilitation program for patients after ABR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills (PASS-Home) is a client-centered, performance-based, criterionreference, observational form designed to capture client's performance skills in completing daily task activities. The aim of the study was to describe the process of translating, adapting and validating the PASS-Home from English language version into a Malay language version. The development of the translated Malay version of the PASS-Home consisted of two stages. Stage one involved the exclusion of the items that were not culturally relevant to the Malaysian culture. Stage two involved the translation process. The five steps of the cross-cultural adaptation process were followed: (1) initial forward version; (2) a summary of recommendations by the expert panels; (3) the back-translation; (4) modifications of the translated Malay version of PASS and a summary of problems found during the pre-testing, and (5) the final version of the PASS Malay Version (M-PASS). A total of five items from the PASS-Home were omitted in the Malay version (M-PASS) and another five items that were considered as suitable in Malaysian context were added in the M-PASS. The Content Validation Index (CVI) showed perfect agreement with an average of I-CVI was reported at 0.99 and S-CVI/universal agreement (S-CVI/UA) was at 0.93. Test-retest reliabilty showed that the M-PASS were highly reliable reported of its three main constructs of Independence (ICC=0.706), Safety (ICC=0.906) and Adequacy (ICC=0.950). M-PASS showed strong evidence as a valid and reliable assessment in evaluating the functional level of older people who live independently in community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The employment rate for people with intellectual disabilities is low. This study aims to increase the knowledge about the association between age, gender, diagnosis, functional level, educational level, and daily activities for adults with intellectual disabilities. Method: A multinomial logistic analysis was applied to registry data on 12,735 adults with intellectual disabilities from the Norwegian Information System for the Nursing and Care Sector (IPLOS) and Statistics Norway (SSB). Results: Higher likelihood of employment and day care participation were associated with younger age but differed between genders and diagnoses. High functional level and lack of a registered functional level decreased the likelihood for employment. Educational level was not associated with employment. Conclusions: The systematic differences in employment and day care participation among people with intellectual disabilities indicate that actions are needed to prevent inequalities. Improved individual assessment of personal resources and wishes might promote participation in employment and day care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assaf Buch,1–3 Lital Keinan-Boker,4,5 Ofer Kis,1 Eli Carmeli,1,6 Elena Izkhakov,1,2 Maya Ish-Shalom,1,2 Yitshal Berner,2,7 Gabi Shefer,1,2 Yonit Marcus,1,2 Naftali Stern1,2 1The Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; 2The Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; 3Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel; 4School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; 5Israel Center for Disease Control, Israel Ministry of Health, Ramat Gan, Israel; 6The Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel; 7Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel Purpose: Unwanted weight loss is one of the established criteria for the diagnosis of frailty. However, the relevance of this criterion to detect frailty in obese older adults has not been assessed. In particular, with the exception of malignancy, unwanted weight loss is not commonly seen in older obese subjects. Therefore, we tested the possibility that some obesity phenotypes and/or diabetes might be more useful in the detection of frailty in this setting.Patients and methods: A preliminary cross-sectional study of 50 consecutive subjects was conducted at The Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Inclusion criteria were: young elderly (aged 65–75 years), with general and/or abdominal obesity, without cancer. Frailty was assessed directly using the Fried model, the five-item fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight (FRAIL) scale. Eventually, in the assessment of frailty, the weight loss criterion was replaced by one or several of obesity/diabetes-related variables each time: severity of obesity by body mass index, waist circumference (and their interaction), body fat, and diabetes. The receiver operating characteristic curves for functional impairment indices were plotted to compare the usefulness of the frailty accepted and adjusted models.Results: The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in this cohort were 7/50 (14%) and 27/50 (54%), respectively, but unwanted weight loss was seen in three subjects (6%) only. The level of abdominal obesity had the strongest correlation with functional score (r=0.292, P

PURPOSE: Assessing motivation and motivation-related factors will contribute to a better understanding of motivation and the development of optimal rehabilitation conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the motivation level and investigate the relationship of motivation level with socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, comorbidities), functional level, and family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers in children with disabilities. METHODS: Sixty-two children with disabilities were included in the study, and the socio-demographic characteristics were recorded. Children were assessed by the Pediatric Motivation Scale (PMOT) and the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM). Also, parents were asked to complete a questionnaire titled, "A patient satisfaction instrument for outpatient physical therapy clinics." RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 12.16 ± 3.19 years. Total PMOT and WeeFIM scores were found to be 93.71 ± 9.66 and 108.23 ± 22.14, respectively. There was a positive correlation between children's PMOT score and the satisfaction score of their families that was statistically significant (r = 0.602, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers was found to be positively correlated with the motivation level of children. Improving family satisfaction with rehabilitation centers, potentially through modifying the physical conditions of rehabilitation centers and focusing on the interest of the family, may increase the motivation level of children, and thus may improve rehabilitation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the scientific literacy levels among the government secondary school science students of district Lahore. Proportionate stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were used for selection of 16 government secondary schools comprised of seven boys' and nine girls' schools of district Lahore. The selected schools were taken by five percent of proportion of total population. By using Bybee Scale, the test was designed contained two to ten contextual situations and questions of four scientific literacy levels. Analysis of the study was based on percentage, mean, t-test, and ANOVA. The results revealed that secondary school science students attained the nominal and functional level of scientific literacy which was at the lowest levels. Findings also showed that girls performed better than boys in all levels of scientific literacy. There was no difference in the scores of students related to their mothers' education and mothers' skill level. There was a difference in the scores of students related to their fathers' education, fathers' skill level and students' dedicated time for learning of science (hours per day, at school as well as at home). The curriculum developers should plan a course of scientific literacy or merge scientific literacy concepts and activities in science textbooks for secondary schools to increase scientific literacy. The time period for science subjects should be increased in government schools. All teachers from any subject should use such teaching methods especially for boys to make them critical thinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: This study was investigate the impact of level of functional independence and ages on the quality of life of the mothers in children with Down Syndrome. MATERIALS and METHODS: Thirtyseven Down syndrome children (7.9±3.5 years) were included in this study. Functional independent level of children were evaluated by using Functional Independence Measure, mothers quality of life were evaluated by using Sort Form-36. Down syndrome children were classified according their Functional Independence Measure total score into two groups; need observation (36-90 scores) (n=19), and independent (91-126 scores) (n=18) groups. RESULTS: Functional Independence Measure total scores of children in need obsevation group and children in independent group were 73.7±15.4, 106.7±11.6, respectively. Sort Form -36 Physical, Sort Form -36 Mental and Sort Form -36 Total scores of children in need obsevation group were 53.1±25.1, 49.6 ± 14.9 and 102.7±37.4 and children in independent group scores were 68.3±21.6, 62.1±13,9 and 130.5±33.7, respectively. When we compared Sort Form -36 Mental and Sort Form -36 Total scores of the groups were significant in favor of independent group (p<0,05), but the difference of Sort Form-36 Physical score was insignificant (p>0,05). In addition, it was found no relationships between the quality of life of mothers and children age in the all groups (p>0,05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested that functional dependence level of Down syndrome children effects on mothers' quality of life and affected domain of quality of life was mental health. It was seen that the age of Down syndrome children did'nt has effect on quality of life of mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workforce inclusion is an important political goal in many countries. However, nearly 70% of Norwegians registered with mild intellectual disabilities (IDs) are not registered employed or attending in day care centres. This study investigates the association between age, gender, functional level and hospital admissions with employment or attendance in public financed, community‐based day care centres for adults with mild IDs in Norway. Method: This study is based on data from a linkage of the national population‐based registries from 2013 to 2015: Statistics Norway (SSB), the Norwegian Information System for the Nursing and Care Sector (IPLOS) and the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR). The sample consisted of 2370 adults registered with a mild ID, receiving disability pension in Norway, aged 18–67 years. Binary and multinomial logistic analyses, adjusted for age, gender, functional level and hospital admissions, were performed. Results: In 2015, 45.7% and 19.6% of the samples aged 20–31 and 52–63 years, respectively, were registered as employed or in day care centres. Participation in day care is a public service registered in IPLOS, which requires registration of functional level, while attendance in employment support is registered in SSB, where functional level is not registered. Compared with people registered with a high functional level, the probability of being employed or in day care centres was lower for people without registration of functional level. People with hospital admissions were less likely to be employed, especially if they had both psychiatric and somatic hospital admissions. People were less likely to attend day care and open employment only if they had a combination of both types of hospital admissions. Attendance in day care centres was less likely for men than women. Conclusions: Older people with mild ID, without registered functional level (meaning not receiving public community‐based services) and with a history of hospital admissions were significantly less likely to be employed or participate in day care centres. The clear association between not being employed or attending day care centres and not having one's functional level registered implies there is a need for increased focus on how to enhance work participation among people with mild IDs who are not within the system of receiving public services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between trunk muscular endurance, balance, and functional level in individuals with chronic low back pain. Material and Methods: Sixty-three individuals, aged 18-65 years and having chronic low back pain for the last six months, were included in the study. Sociodemographic data of the individuals were recorded. The static and dynamic endurance of trunk muscles was evaluated by the curl-up test and modified Sorenson test. In order to evaluate the dynamic balance, the Timed Up and Go test was performed. The functionality level related to the low back pain of individuals was evaluated by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: Forty-one female (65%) and twenty-two male (35%) individuals were included in the study. The mean age of the individuals was 40.50 ± 16.75 years, and the mean body mass index was 26.51 ± 5.34 kg/m2 . A moderate negative correlation was found between trunk flexor and extensor muscle endurance with both dynamic balance and functional level (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there is a significant relationship between balance, trunk muscular endurance, and functional level. The presence of this relationship may guide the planning of exercise therapy in individuals with chronic low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was planned to investigate the relationship between cognitive status, functional level, life satisfaction, and quality of life in elderly people. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in Ankara Universty School of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics. Seventy-nine elderly individuals whose ages over 65 years were included in the study. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST), Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results: The mean age of the patients was 76.72 ± 7.26 years. Of the patients examined, 34 (43.0%) had mild, 11 (14%) had severe dementia,17 (21.5%) had moderate dementia and 17 patients (21.5%) had standard cognitive status. The weakest areas were found to be success expectancy, interest, choices, problem-solving, organization, and energy in MOHOST. The life satisfaction of individuals was found to be "satisfied" on average. Furthermore, there were a positive correlation between MOHOST (P < 0.001) and SF-36 scale (P < 0.001) and a negative correlation between MMSE and The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) (P < 0.001) scores. The cognitive status in elderly people is associated some variables, especially functional profile. Conclusions: High rate of dementia was found in elderly individuals. The weakest areas were found to be motivation for activity-role of the individuals. It was concluded that low functional level was a risk factor for the elderly. Considering the higher ratio of dementia in the elderly, activity-role participation should be motivation to the affected elderly to improve their quality of life, cognitive status, and life satisfaction level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study investigates the effect of time and age on health-related quality of life, general self-efficacy, and functional level 12 months following dysvascular major lower limb amputation (LLA). Methods: A prospective cohort study design with assessments at baseline and follow-up 3, 6, and 12 months post-amputation. Data were collected via in-person interviews using Short Form 36, the General Self-efficacy scale and Barthel Index 100. Out of a consecutive sample of 103 patients having dysvascular major LLA (tibia, knee, or femoral), 38 patients completed the study. Outcome at follow-up was compared with baseline and analyzed in age groups. Results: All SF36 subscale scores were below population norms at baseline. At 12 months, two out of eight scores—physical function and role-physical—had not improved. Different patterns of change over the 12 months were detected among the subscales, and psychosocial problems persisted and fluctuated throughout the 12 months in all age groups. Large differences were identified between age groups in physical function with the loss of physical function almost solely evident among the oldest (aged 75+ years) patients. Conclusions: Special attention should be given to the oldest patients need for rehabilitation so that they gain higher quality of life. Psychosocial problems persist and fluctuate throughout the first 12 months after major LLAs in all age groups and rehabilitation services should include psychosocial support throughout the first year to all patients independent of age. Waiting for an unnecessarily long period of time for a prosthesis can negatively impact both physical and psychosocial aspects of health-related QOL, and interventions to reduce waiting time are warranted. Differences between age groups in functional level after 12 months exist, with the loss of function almost solely evident among the oldest patients (aged 75+ years). A special focus should be given to the oldest patients' need of everyday rehabilitation to regain basic physical functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship among neurocognitive variables, depressive symptoms, functional activities, and the quality of life (QoL) in patients with mild dementia and single-domain amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI). Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven mild dementia patients and thirty a-MCI participants were recruited. All subjects participated in a series of neuropsychological measures (Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument, family pictures, and digit span), geriatric depression scale-15 (GDS-15), activities of daily living (ADL), The Lawton instrumental ADL scale (IADL) and QoL-Alzheimer′s disease. Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that only depressive symptoms was a predictor for the QoL in mild dementia (β = −0.56, P < 0.001). In contrast, all variables were not associated with the QoL in a-MCI. Mildly demented people scored significantly lower on most aspects of cognitive functioning and reported poorer performances on IADL than a-MCI. There were no significant differences on GDS, ADL, and QoL between the two groups. Conclusion: Findings indicated that depressive symptoms contributed to the QoL in mild dementia. Interventions targeting depressive symptoms in mild dementia may improve their QoL during their early stages of dementia.

Objective: To evaluate whether specific obesity phenotypes in community-dwelling elderly: (a) affect differently the relationship between frailty and functional impairment and (b) are related to cognitive impairment.Study Design: A post-hoc cross-sectional analysis of the last Israeli national health and nutrition survey of the elderly (≥ 65 yrs.; n = 1619).Main Outcome Measures: We implemented a previously validated frailty model based on frailty-related variables that were obtained in the survey. Mild cognitive impairment was defined using the Mini-Mental State Examination (a score <24 and >17). The Katz's scale of activities of daily living was used for functional assessment. Data were clustered according to different obesity phenotypes using measured body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).Results: The link between frailty and disability was most prominent in subjects with abdominal obesity who were non-obese by BMI: compared with non-obese subjects as defined by WC and BMI, the odds ratio (OR) for functional limitations in this phenotype was 8.34 (95 % CI, 2.14-32.48) for pre-frail subjects and 69.26 (10.58-453.55) for frail subjects. The rate of cognitive impairment was 3.3 times higher (p = .023) in women who were obese by WC but not by BMI.Conclusions: In elderly people with a large WC and BMI < 30 kg/m2, disability is more tightly linked to frailty than for any other form of obesity. Cognitive impairment was more prominent in women with central obesity and BMI < 30 kg/m2 than in the other anthropometric phenotypes. WC should be used for early detection of individuals at risk of progression of frailty to functional incapacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This study was planned to compare the static and dynamic balance in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) at different functional levels with each other and with healthy peers. Material and methods Sixty nine children between the ages of 6 and 11 were included in this study where 52 of them were diagnosed with DMD in Level I (18 patients), Level II (17 patients), and Level III (17 patients) according to Brooke Functional Classification Scale and 17 of them healthy peers were included. In order to assess static and dynamic balance pediatric functional reach test (PFRT) and timed up and go test (TUGT) were used. Results When compared in terms of the TUGT, differences were found between all groups, i.e. Level 1 and 2, Level 2 and 3, Level 1 and 3, Healthy peers and Level 1, Healthy peers and Level 2, and Healthy peers and Level 3 (p < 0.0083). When compared in terms of the PFRT in the standing positions, there was difference between level 3 and healthy peers (p < 0.0083), but not between the other groups. Conclusions We found poor functional level in DMD to affect the dynamic and static balance parameters in this study. The dynamic balance of a child with DMD at Level 3 is decreased to a third of a healthy peer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ability to walk with different cadences (cadence variability) is considered an important factor for determining the functional ability of individuals with lower-limb amputation and making prosthetic recommendations. However, a method to quantify cadence variability of these individuals has never been presented before, so there are no standardized methodologies or values to guide prosthesis prescription. The purpose of this study was to develop and demonstrate feasibility of a method to quantify real-world cadence variability. Materials and Methods: The method utilizes step-count data collected by an accelerometer-based activity monitor. Cadence at each minute is calculated. Then, the spread of the cadence data distribution during a 7-day observation period is measured to quantify cadence variability. To demonstrate feasibility, this method was applied to a set of step-count data for individuals with unilateral lower-limb amputation classified by their health care provider as a K2 or K3 ambulator. Results: Results showed that this method was able to differentiate the cadence characteristics of individuals classified as K2 versus K3. On average, individuals classified as K2 walked with significantly less cadence variability than those classified as K3. Conclusions: This study provides a novel method for objectively determining cadence variability and provides a foundation for ultimately developing normative cadence characteristic values for K2 and K3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: There are two main goals in amputated persons: Enabling the person to walk, returning them into social environment. Adjusting to life with a prosthesis and other mobility technologies is a complex rehabilitation process. Unfortunately there is no information about individual functional level and health status for persons with limb loss to identify importance for rehabilitation programs . Purpose: consideration of individual functional level and health status in war related above knee amputees. Material and methods: For this study, 54 Iranian above knee amputees were examined according to 5-level functional classification system and asked to report their health status. Results: Pain or countralateral limb arthritis was reported in 77.77% , back pain in 74.07%, mental disorders in 55.55% of patients. 7.41% of patients were in level 1, 25.92%of patients were in level 2, 57.41% of patients were in level 3 and 9.26% were in level 4. Conclusion: according to this study, the most prevalent disorders were pain or countralateral limb arthritis, back pain and mental disorders. Also more than half of the amputees were in functional level 3 that the person has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence.