ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#Circuit class therapy is a cost-efficient model of treatment that can be beneficial in a setting with limited resources. Current literature has conflicting results regarding which is a more effective approach to stroke rehabilitation: focusing on functional training or on improving impairments. This pilot study provides preliminary information comparing the effects of a task-oriented versus an impairment-focused circuit class therapy on walking ability among patients with chronic stroke.@*METHOD@#Eighteen participants with a single episode of chronic stroke and limited mobility were randomized into task-oriented circuit class (task group) (n=9) and impairment-focused circuit class (impairment group) (n=9). Both groups underwent intervention thrice a week for four weeks. Blind examination was done using the Ten Meter Walk Test for comfortable gait velocity (CGV) and fast gait velocit(FGV), Time Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT).@*RESULTS@#All participants completed the treatment sessions without adverse effects. After four weeks of treatment, the task group showed statistically significant within-group change in CGV (0.12±0.08, p=0.003) and FGV (0.25±0.22, p=0.007). The impairment group only showed statistically significant improvement in 6MWT (25.80±31.2, p=0.038). There were no statistically significant changes between the groups in all outcome measures.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The preliminary data from this pilot study suggest either program can improve walking-related outcomes and may not be different, although this needs to be confirmed using an appropriately-powered trial.
ABSTRACT
@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: Teaching clinics provide low-cost health programs while offering valuable learning opportunities for student clinicians, which then contributes to increasing health care accessibility. To date, there is a paucity of literature exploring the satisfaction of patient seen in rehabilitation teaching clinics in developing countries. Thev Service Quality (ServQual) Scale is a valid and reliable tool that has been used to measure client satisfaction in different work settings and industries.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVES</strong>: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of ServQual in measuring the satisfaction of clients in a rehabilitation teaching clinic in a developing country.</p><p><strong>METHODOLOGY</strong>: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for three months among CTS-AA (Clinic for Therapy Services- Adult and Adolescent Section) clients who are at least 18 years old; have attended at least three sessions; and can read. Prior to administration in CTS-AA, the ServQual scale was translated to Filipino, validated and pilot tested for reliability.</p><p><strong>RESULTS</strong>: Thirty-two respondents were included in the analysis. there was no statistically significant difference between the expectation and the perceptions of the clients for the domains of reliability (z=1.799, p=0.0721), responsiveness (z=0.839, p=0.4013), assurance (z=1.914, p=0.0556) and empathy (z=1.772, p=0.0764). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the clients' perception and expectation for tangibles (z=4.117, p<0.0001) and between the overall client perception and expectation (z=4.086, p<0.0001).The overall ServQual score for CTS-AA is -0.3782.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong>: The ServQual has been shown to be useful in assessing the satisfaction of clients in rehabilitation clinics and the specific areas that needs improvement. The tool can still be further improved by including items on cost, relationship of students with supervisors and outcomes of treatment.</p>