effects of combined treadmill training and pharmacological treatment on management of multiple sclerosis female patients

To compare the effectiveness of two treatment methods of 'combination pharmacological treatment and treadmill training' and 'pharmacological treatment' on management of multiple sclerosis [MS] female patients. In this quasi experimental and interventional study a sample of 20 MS patients [mean age: 36.75 years] with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores [EDSS] 1.0 to 4.0 were randomly assigned to a 'pharmacologic treatment' [Ph] group and a combination group of 'pharmacologic treatment and treadmill training' [PhTT]. All these individuals used the drugs of choice 'Rebif' and 'Avonex'. The intervention consisted of 8-weeks [24 sessions] of treadmill training [30 minutes each], at 40 - 75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate for the PhTT group. The Ph group followed their own routine treatment program. Balance, speed and endurance of walking, quality of life and fatigue were measured by Berg Balance Score, 10 meter timed walk test, 2 minute walk test, and Fatigue Severity Scale [FFS].Data were analyzed by paired t test and one way ANOVA. Comparison of results indicated that pre and post intervention led to significant improvements in the balance score [P=0.001], 10m walk time [P=0.001], walking endurance [P=0.007], and FFS [P=0.04] in the PhTT group. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the Ph group's balance score, 10m timed walk and fatigue, while there was a significant decrease in the 2min walking distance [P=0.015] in this group. These results suggest that treadmill training in combination with pharmacological treatment improve balance and walking capacity and level of fatigue in women with mild to moderate MS

Quality of life in elderly diabetic patients: comparison between home and nursing home

Research and planning to improve the quality of life for elderly seems to be essential, as the population of this age group has shown an increasing trend. Any chronic disease including diabetes has an impact on lifestyle of the patient. The objective of this study was to compare the quality of life between two groups of elderly diabetic patients who were residence of home as well as nursing home. A descriptive analytical random study was conducted during 2010-2011 on two groups of 93 elderly diabetic patients, who were living in Kahrizak nursing home of Tehran [Iran], and home residents as well by interview for their demographical information and one standard questionnaire provided by world health organization. SPSS 16 was employed for data analysis. Significant differences were found in physical, psychological and social domains between two groups [P<0.05]. In physical and social domains the elderly diabetic patients of nursing home had a higher mean score but in psychological domain the result was in contrast. Regarding the difference between scores in two studied groups it is necessary to study the weak points of each group individually and try to resolve the problems

[Standardization of data elements of audiology records: a suitable model for Iran]

Providing high quality health care is not possible without information related to the past and current condition of the patient. Records show which services, where, when and by whom was delivered. Documentation is referred to the process of precisely recording the information regarding patient care and treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the essential data set required in audiology record keeping and designing a model for Iran. In an applied research of a descriptive-comparative type which was carried out in 2010, data elements of audiology records of domestic and foreign patient notes were used to compile a check list which was subjected to debate by Iranian audiologists in Delphi method. 110 audiologists and 17 faculty members responded to the opinion poll. From 51 elements which were subjected to discussion, 37 elements by more than 75 percent of the participants, nine elements by 50 to 75 percent of the participants and five elements by less than 50 percent of the participants, were agreed upon. The only element to be considered more important by faculty members than audiologists was "Gender" [p=0.018]. Seventy percent of the participants valued the effectiveness of information in patient records very high. The minimum data set for audiology records must include demographic information, past medical history, patient assessment and treatment plan. With reference to record design principles this information was used to develop a model for patient audiology record which also included the necessary instructions for completing it