Effects of transfer training on musculoskeletal pain in the caregiver of a stroke patient: a case report

The purpose of this case report was to evaluate the effectiveness of training of transfer techniques to a caregiver of a person who had suffered a stroke in decreasing musculoskeletal pain, depression and anxiety. This study adopted a single subject research design to evaluate the effectiveness of transfer-techniques training on musculoskeletal pain, depression, and anxiety in a 25-year-old female caregiver of a person with a stroke. The study was completed in four phases, including a baseline evaluation [1st and 3rd week], training [3rd, 5th and 7th week], post-training [9th week], and follow-up evaluation [11th week]. During the 1st week, demographic and descriptive information [such as age, time since diagnosis, cognition and independence of daily living] were collected from the stroke patient. Also, pain severity, anxiety and depression levels of the caregiver were evaluated. In weeks 3, 5 and 7, transfer training was undertaken. The patient was involved in the training with the caregiver under the supervision of an occupational therapist in their own home. The effectiveness of the training with regard to musculoskeletal pain and depression and anxiety levels of the caregiver was evaluated in the 5th, 9th and 11th weeks. The data were analyzed using a visual analysis of trends and levels. The results showed a decrease in pain severity, anxiety and depression during training and post-training. The changes continued during the follow-up stage. This study suggests promising results for the effectiveness of the transfer-techniques training and justifies further clinical trials. A larger trial is required to confirm the effectiveness of transfer training in improving pain management in caregivers of stroke survivors

Community integration for after acquired brain injury: a literature review

This paper reviews the current literature on acquired brain injury [ABI] with a focus on ABI burden, importance of community integration, and community integration definitions suggested by the literature. Acquired brain injury [ABI] is referred to a diverse range of disabilities resulted of injury in different parts of the brain. People with ABI are in face with different aspects of individual, family and social concerns or burdens which directly affect their lives. Although community integration as an ultimate aim of rehabilitation is optimal approach to overcome their consequences, a comprehensive concept of it is always challenging. There are several different definitions for community integration including various aspects of life with ABI. Living with brain injury constitutes an expanded experience of community isolation and consequences which reduces participation and social integration. Community integration is aimed to condense concerns of people with ABI with returning them to community

Fatigue in progressive neurological conditions: a literature review

This paper reviews the current literature examining the pervasive symptom of fatigue experienced in three of the most common degenerative neurological conditions: multiple sclerosis [MS], Parkinson's disease [PD] and post-polio syndrome [PPS]. The existing literature can be considered under four headings; definition and prevalence, type, cause, impact of fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom in degenerative conditions and has physical, cognitive and psychosocial manifestations. Although the causes of fatigue seem to differ between conditions, its pattern, with few exceptions, is very similar regardless of diagnosis. The literature consistently shows that the impact of fatigue on the person's physical and mental performance considerably increasing the risk of unemployment and reduced quality of life. Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms in degenerative neurological conditions. With few pharmacological solutions, non-pharmacological solutions for fatigue management should be considered when determining rehabilitation interventions for this group of people

Universtiy students' performance on three tests of equilibrium

The purpose of this study was to determine preliminary norms of female and male students on three clinical tests of equilibrium, Tilt Board Tip [TBT], Tilt Board Reach [TBR] and Flat Board Reach [FBR], and to determine sex differences in equilibrium performance. 105 students, 55 boys and 50 girls, aged between 18-35 years [21.88 +/- 3.30] participated in this study. The three tests were done on each subject, while measuring four different angles: the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in TBT test [TBT angle], the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in TBR test [tilt board TBR angle], the angle between pelvic and horizontal line in TBR test [pelvic TBR angle], the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in FBR test [FBR angle]. The data was analyzed using stepwise discrimination analysis and multiple ANOVA. The results showed significant differences between female and male subjects on TBR, FBR, and Pelvic TBR angles, with boys obtaining significantly higher scores. No significant differences on the other hand, were observed on Tilt Board [TBR] angle. The findings are in agreement with earlier findings with regards to the differences between female and male subjects' performance on a number of equilibrium measures, which means that sex specific normative data should be used in evaluating equilibrium reactions. The reasons for male subjects obtaining higher scores on TBT, FBR and Pelvic TBR angles are discussed