The overall aim was to study and gain knowledge about what it means to live with muscular dystrophy and to study rehabilitation from the patient's perspective, among adults with muscular dystrophy in three Swedish counties: Örebro, Östergötland and Norrbotten. The thesis comprises two qualitative and three quantitative studies. Thirty interviews about illness experience were subjected to content analysis and 37 interviews about perceived support in rehabilitation were analysed according to phenomenological guidelines. Data were also collected by the Assessment of Problem-focused Coping (APC), the ADL Staircase, the Self-report ADL, the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, the Sickness Impact Profile, the Psychosocial well-being questionnaire and the Quality of Life Profile. The APC was developed for assessment of problem-focused coping and also covers questions concerning the extent to which activities are experienced as problems and satisfaction with activities. The result shows that the experience of illness is largely similar in the three diagnostic groups (proximal MD, Myotonic muscular dystrophy, Myopathia distalis tarda hereditaria). The persons reported many restrictions of everyday activities, most often in mobility and transportation. Over half were dependent on other people in activities of daily living, and the illness was experienced mainly as having negative consequences for everyday life. A lower quality of life may be partly explained by a reduced capacity for activities. Problem-focused coping was used only to a limited extent, and 'Fighting spirit' was the dominant coping strategy. Rehabilitation was experienced as very valuable, particularly the education about the muscle disease, technical aids, grants and physical training. Over a five-year period, disability and quality of life of the study participants deteriorated significantly, and the dependence on other people increased.

A comprehensive understanding is lacking of the experiences persons with acquired physical disabilities have of changes in their engagement in occupations and of the conditions influencing these experiences Furthermore, little is known about the experiences these people have of the rehabilitation process and whether the rehabilitation services satisfy their needs. Access to such knowledge would significantly add to the ability to design rehabilitation services intended to enhance participation in everyday life. The overall aim of this thesis was, therefore, to illuminate and enhance the understanding of how persons with acquired physical disabilities experienced their rehabilitation process and their possibilities to engage in occupations in everyday life. The thesis is comprised of five studies. The planning of the clients’ rehabilitation at hospital was explored through interviews with the clients (n=57) and the professionals (n=50). Interviews exploring how persons with physical disabilities experienced their rehabilitation process (n=15), their occupational lives in their homes (n=13) and the use of assistive devices (n =17) were analysed qualitatively. Data was also collected from persons with spinal cord injury (n =161) by the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire. The findings showed that the professionals used different strategies to encourage the clients to participate in the planning of the rehabilitation and that the strategies were based on traditions rather than on the individual clients’ desires to participate. The informants’ experiences reflected three parallel chains of rehabilitation over a period of time, a medical, a psychological and a social one. The influence of the different rehabilitation chains on how the clients’ lives turned out varied over time, and the professionals were predominantly involved in the medical rehabilitation chain. The informants’ experiences showed that their engagement in occupations in the home differed profoundly. Access to social support, which was provided under different conditions, was of decisive importance for their occupational engagement. The findings also showed that changes in the informants’ occupations in the home setting transformed the meaning of the home in general. The meaning of using assistive devices was experienced as manifold and double-edged. The incorporation of or resistance to assistive devices was understood as different approaches to adaptation with the same intention: to achieve desired occupational self-images. The majority of the informants perceived their participation in the life situation as sufficient but more than half reported one or more severe problems with participation. Access to social support in everyday occupations had a greater impact on predicting severe problems with participation than certain traditional health related factors or aspects related to the individual. To conclude, the findings indicate that the rehabilitation services need to be better able to adapt to clients’ desires to participate in the planning of their rehabilitation, and designed to satisfy the various needs the clients experience throughout the rehabilitation process. It was revealed that the societal and social environment, as manifested through social interactions, are of central importance in understanding the consequences of and possibilities to engage in occupations supporting participation in everyday life.

No description available.

The purpose of this thesis was to examine coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and secondary complications in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In particular, this thesis was organized around the central theme of adiposity, which is a prevalent complication following SCI. Study 1 focused on understanding the relationships between activities of daily living (ADL) and CHD risk factors including central adiposity, lipoproteins, and triglycerides. Using generalized linear models, while controlling for pertinent covariates such as sex, age, and leisure time physical activity (LTPA), it was found that Mobility ADL (wheeling and transferring) were negatively associated with total and LDL-cholesterol. Study 2 examined whether individuals who considered themselves to be overweight subsequently had less favourable subjective well-being, and were more likely to report specific secondary complications than individuals who did not consider themselves to be overweight. Logistic regression analysis and partial correlations controlling for pertinent covariates such as sex, age, and injury severity, revealed that individuals who considered themselves to be overweight reported greater pain, depression, overuse injuries, and fatigue, and less satisfaction with life than individuals who did not consider themselves to be overweight. In summary, the findings suggest that a) participation in specific types of ADL (i.e. Mobility ADL) are associated with a lower CHD risk and should be further explored and that b) elevated perceived adiposity is associated with specific secondary complications and lower subjective well-being. Overall thesis findings support the overwhelming evidence of the benefits of daily physical activity and maintaining a healthy bodyweight in the SCI population. / Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-05-28 11:40:32.574

The "International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health" (ICF) is a model that classifies health and health-related function. Of the ICF domains, least is known about participation. Although a few measures have been developed in English that tap the construct "Participation", none exist in Spanish. The Reintegration to Normal Living (RNL)-Index is the measure of reference to evaluate participation. The general objective of the present study was to translate, culturally adapt, and assess the psychometric properties the RNL-Index in Spanish for use in Spain. The translation and the cultural adaptation of the RNL-Index consisted of a five-step process, leading to the Spanish version of the RNL-Index (SRNL-Index). Psychometric evaluation consisted of a cross-sectional study design, with a longitudinal design used for test-retest evaluation. Thirty-two subjects with stroke and 36 with total knee arthroplasty completed the SRNL-Index twice, as well as the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and for stroke subjects, the Barthel Index (BI). Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc t tests were calculated, as well as Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's, and Intraclass correlation coefficients. The SRNL-Index was found to be internally consistent. Test-retest reliability was quite poor, being moderately low for the TKA sample and moderate for the stroke sample. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by the correlations between the SRNL-Index's Perception of Self and Daily Activity subscales with the Mental and Physical Component Summary scores of the SF-36. The SRNL-Index has convergent validity as shown by the high correlations between of the SRNL-Index and the 6MWT. Known-groups validity was shown in people with stroke grouped by Barthel Index scores, and in both samples when grouped according to gait speed. The SRNL-Index demonstrated acceptable validity and internal reliability for subjects with stroke and total knee arthroplasty. However, further studies are needed to reassess external validity, reliability, and responsiveness in other populations and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Background: Subjective Memory Concerns (SMC) in seniors can be one of the earliest indicators of future dementia. There is a lack of research into the nature of these concerns and functional impairments. Methods: This retrospective secondary analysis gathered data from 67 healthy seniors aged 65+ using neuropsychological tests, memory concern questionnaires and daily functioning scales. Informants corroborated memory concerns and daily functioning. Participants comprised two groups: SMC if worried about their memory and Not Concerned about Memory if not. Results: People with SMC report more difficulty with word finding, remembering appointments, learning to use new equipment, and remembering details of social and personal events. Informants perceive word finding difficulties and minor problems with vocational abilities and bowel/bladder control in SMC participants. Conclusions: The SMC group primarily reports social difficulties. Further research is required to create a comprehensive list of cognitive concerns, which will ultimately improve care of the SMC population. Contexte: Les préoccupations subjectives de mémoire (PSM) chez les aînés peuvent être indicatives d’une démence future, bien qu’il existe un manque d’information sur les préoccupations et l’effet fonctionnel. Méthodes: Une analyse rétrospective secondaire de questionnaires de mémoire, de tests neuropsychologiques, et d’échelles fonctionnelles a été entreprise auprès de 67 personnes, en bonne santé, âgées de 65 ans et plus. Les aidants naturels ont pu appuyer les préoccupations cognitives et le niveau de fonctionnement chez deux groupes de participants: ceux avec préoccupations ou non. Résultats: Les participants PSM relèvent des difficultés de manque du mot, de rappel (rendez-vous, événements sociaux), et d’utilisation de nouveaux équipements. Les aidants naturels ont aussi trouvé de légères difficultés au travail et au niveau du contrôle intestinal et urinaire. Conclusions: Les PSM identifient principalement des lacunes au niveau social. Les recherches devront viser l’identification d’une liste exhaustive des préoccupations afin de pouvoir octroyer de meilleurs soins.

Tyrimo tikslas: Nustatyti smulkiosios motorikos sutrikimų bei skausmo įtaką kasdienės veiklos aktyvumui bei gyvenimo kokybei, esant trauminiam rankos sužalojimui. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Įvertinti smulkiosios motorikos dinamiką reabilitacijos laikotarpiu, esant trauminiam rankos sužalojimui. 2. Įvertinti kasdienės veiklos aktyvumo pokyčius reabilitacijos laikotarpiu, esant trauminiam rankos sužalojimui. 3. Įvertinti gyvenimo kokybės ir skausmo pokyčius reabilitacijos laikotarpiu, esant trauminiam rankos sužalojimui. 4. Nustatyti smulkiosios motorikos sutrikimų bei skausmo sąsajas su kasdienės veiklos aktyvumu bei gyvenimo kokybe reabilitacijos laikotarpiu, esant trauminiam rankos sužalojimui. Tyrimo metodai ir kontingentas. Tyrimas vyko VšĮ Raseinių ligoninės Fizinės medicinos ir reabilitacijos skyriaus ergoterapijos kabinete 2013m. gruodžio – 2014m. balandžio mėnesiais. Iš viso dalyvavo 30 pacientų, patyrusių dilbio lūžį. Tiriamiesiems buvo atlikta 10 ergoterapijos procedūrų po 30 min. kiekvieną darbo dieną. Užsiėmimų metu buvo taikoma aktyvi rankos mankšta, darbas ergoterapinėmis priemonėmis. Tyrimui naudota tiriamojo anketa, dinamometrija, goniometrija, nestandartinis smulkiosios motorikos vertinimo testas, kasdienės veiklos vertinimo testas ir gyvenimo kokybės vertinimo testas SF – 36 Išvados. 1. Ergoterapijos taikymas po trauminio rankos sužalojimo pagerina smulkiosios motorikos užduočių atlikimą, plaštakos raumenų jėgą ir riešo aktyvių judesių amplitudę (p<0,05). 2. Po... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The aim : To identify small movement disorders and pain impact on daily business activity and quality of life in traumatic hand injuries. Study objectives: first to evaluate the dynamics of fine motor rehabilitation period in traumatic hand injuries. Second to evaluate changes in the activities of daily living activity during rehabilitation , if traumatic hand injuries. 3rd Rate the quality of life and changes in pain during rehabilitation , if traumatic hand injuries. 4th Set of fine motor dysfunction and pain links to daily activities and quality of life and activity during rehabilitation , if traumatic hand injuries. The methods and contingent . The study took place in PI Raseinių Hospital Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Occupational Therapy office 2013 . December - 2014m . April. A total of 30 patients experienced fractures of the forearm . The trial was carried out in 10 occupational therapy treatment for 30 min . every working day . Lessons were applied with a hand exercise, work ergoterapinėmis means. The study used the test form , dynamometry , goniometrija , unconventional fine motor assessment test , daily activity assessment test ( ADL) and quality of life assessment test SF - 36 Conclusions . First application of occupational therapy after traumatic hand injury improves fine motor tasks, hand muscle strength and wrist active range of motion ( p < 0.05). Second after traumatic hand injury using occupational therapy procedures , daily activity... [to full text]

People in developed countries are living longer with the help of medical advances. Literature has shown that older people prefer to stay independent and live at home for as long as possible. Therefore, it is important to find out how to best accommodate and assist them in maintaining quality of life and independence as well as easing human resources. Researchers have claimed that assistive devices assist in older people’s independence, however, only a small number of studies regarding the efficiency of assistive devices have been undertaken of which several have stated that devices are not being used. The overall aim of this research was to identify whether the disuse and ineffectiveness of assistive devices are related to change in abilities or related to the design of the devices. The objective was to gather information from the elderly; to identify what assistive devices are being used or not used and to gain an understanding on their attitudes towards assistive devices. Research was conducted in two phases. The initial phase of the research was conducted with the distribution of questionnaires to people over the age of fifty that asked general questions and specific questions on type of devices being used. Phase One was followed on by Phase Two, where participants from Phase One who had come in contact with assistive devices were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Questions were put forth to the interviewee on their use of and attitudes towards assistive devices. Findings indicated that the reasons for the disuse in assistive devices were mostly design related; bulkiness, reliability, performance of the device, difficulty of use. The other main reason for disuse was socially related; elderly people preferred to undertake activities on their own and only use a device as a precaution or when absolutely necessary. They would prefer not having to rely on the devices. Living situation and difference in gender did not affect the preference for the use of assistive devices over personal assistance. The majority strongly supported the idea of remaining independent for as long as possible. In conclusion, this study proposes that through these findings, product designers will have a better understanding of the requirements of an elderly user. This will enable the designers to produce assistive devices that are more practical, personalised, reliable, easy to use and tie in with the older people’s environments. Additional research with different variables is recommended to further justify these findings.

Doctor of philosophy (PhD) / Abstract As one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, Australia has a high proportion of minority communities. However, its ageing population, particularly within these ethnic minorities, faces a range of barriers or difficulties in gaining access to and using health and aged care services. This study aims to identify the acculturation factors that affect the health status of Iranian-born elderly immigrants to Australia and their utilisation of health and community aged care services. The results of this study will be of value to Iranian elders, their families, and Australian aged health care service providers. The findings could also contribute towards enriched multicultural policy and improved social fairness, access to services, and equity for the aged from different ethnic backgrounds. 302 Iranian migrants aged 65 years who had lived in the Sydney Metropolitan area for at least six months were surveyed via a written questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and telephone interviews. The results were analysed using SPSS and then compared to the findings from a 1999 survey of NSW elderly. The results indicate that Iranian migrants suffer higher levels of psychological distress and are more limited in their physical functioning than the general population of older Australians. They are in greater need of assistance with activities of daily living, have a lower sense of wellbeing, and are far less likely to utilise aged care services. Iranian migrant who do not speak English at home experience these disadvantages to an even greater extent English language proficiency was the only acculturation factor found to affect whether Iranian elderly utilised health and community aged care services, while ability to engage in activities of daily living (ADL) was the only health variable associated with their utilisation of community supportive aged care services. This variable did not predict the use of community aged care services in the broader sample of NSW respondents. Since limited proficiency in English placed elderly Iranian migrants at greater health risk and impeded their access to necessary assistance, the findings suggest that they would clearly benefit from English classes and from access to health and community care services and information regarding these services in the Farsi language.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2007. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.