Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Univ., 2001. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Virginia, 1997. / Spine title: Waiting threats to independence. Includes bibliographical references (186-196). Also available online through Digital Dissertations.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [46]-51).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin-Madison. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-61).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1992. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-63).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 126-132).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Univ., 2009. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Purpose: Toileting is an activity of daily living that is often difficult to perform independently for rehabilitation patients, which can be detrimental to the patient’s self-esteem and hygiene. Technology-Assisted Toilets (TATs) are commercially-available toilet seats which clean the user with a stream of water, and have a fan for drying. TATs are operated by a wall-mounted remote control. This thesis investigated whether TATs could improve stroke and geriatric rehabilitation patients’ ability to clean themselves independently after a bowel movement, and improve psychosocial outcomes when toileting. Methods: Stroke rehabilitation participants answered the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scales (PIADS) to assess the psychosocial impact of their regular toileting, then used the TAT for a bowel movement on three occasions. In geriatric rehabilitation, participants completed two bowel movement trials; one using regular toileting and one using the TAT. In both studies, participants answered the PIADS and were visually assessed for cleanliness after each trial. Results: Stroke rehabilitation patients had significantly higher PIADS when using the TAT. TATs cleaned participants completely in 73% of BM trials. In geriatric rehabilitation, participants gave TATs higher PIADS scores than regular toileting, but the difference was not statistically significant. Cleanliness level was equal between TAT and regular toileting. Conclusions: These pilot studies show that TATs have the potential to be useful assistive devices for stroke and geriatric rehabilitation patients who have difficulty cleaning themselves independently in the bathroom. PIADS scores in both studies suggest that participants would be unlikely to abandon using TATs.

The purpose of this descriptive exploratory study was to describe specific self-care behaviours related to the provision of eye care and performance of daily living activities, of postsurgical cataract patients during their first few weeks at home following cataract extraction. The twenty subjects who comprised the study sample were all over sixty years of age, were English speaking, had a best corrected visual acuity in the unoperated eye of 20/50 or less, and had undergone uncomplicated unilateral standard cataract surgery without lens implant. Subjects were interviewed in their homes on two occasions. Difficulties that were experienced and concerns that were expressed by subjects and family members in the performance of eye care procedures, and management of daily living routines were recorded; and factors which influenced the ability of subjects to manage their care at home were identified. Observations were made of the instillation of eyedrops, the application of a protective eye shield, and the status of the operated eye. The findings suggest a high degree of adherence to the prescribed medication regime, and to the precautionary measures that were to be followed. Difficulties were reported or observed in several areas such as administering eyedrops, applying the eye shield, reading instructions, opening eyedrop containers, and obtaining prescriptions or supplies. The majority of concerns expressed were related to the performance of eye care procedures, and to the prospective visual outcome of the surgery. Examples of factors identified as affecting home self-care were: the availability of direct assistance and emotional support from family and community resources; the understanding of the surgical procedure and recovery process; the knowledge, and the timing of the receipt of knowledge, of expected behaviours; and the possession of adequate manual skills to perform the eye care procedures with competence and confidence. Implications for nursing, medical, and pharmacist's practice are discussed, and areas for further research are identified. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

Aerobic exercise training is used for rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although it has little effect on muscle weakness and atrophy. Resistance training may be a useful addition to aerobic programs for these patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training in addition to aerobic training on functional outcomes in patients with COPD. Seventeen COPD patients enrolled in an aerobic-based program that met twice a week were assigned to a 12-week control/aerobic [CON: n=8; 63 (8) years; mean (SD)] or a resistance/aerobic group [RES: n=9; 61 (7) years]. RES trained an additional twice a week on 12 resistance machines, performing three sets of 8-12 repetitions at 32-64% of their one-repetition maximum (1-RM) lifts. RES (P<0.05) increased upper (36%) and lower (36%) body strength, as well as lean body mass (5%), while CON showed little to no change. The 12-min walk distance increased (P<0.05) in only the RES [676 (219) to 875 (172) m]. Measurements of three of the eight tasks of activities of daily living improved in RES (P<0.05) compared to CON. This study demonstrated that progressive resistance training was well tolerated and improved functional outcomes in COPD patients that were currently involved in an aerobic training program.