ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study used a mixed methods research design in an attempt to verify the effects of robot-assisted rehabilitation on the gait ability of stroke patients with hemiplegia, and thereby further understand the benefits and challenges of stroke patients’ experiences relying on robot-assisted rehabilitation. @*Methods@#An exploratory sequential mixed methods study design was used in order to combine both quantitative and qualitative data. For the quantitative data collection, a total of 30 stroke patients with hemiplegia were recruited from one rehabilitation hospital. Qualitative data were collected through individual interviews using semi-structured questionnaires for a group of 15 patients who were currently undergoing robot-assisted rehabilitation. The data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. @*Results@#As a result of the quantitative analysis, there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of daily living activity patterns, total number of steps, and average walking speed. As a result of the qualitative analysis, the four main themes derived consisted of, ‘curiosity about the usage of robot-assisted rehabilitation,’ ‘pleasure experienced while using the robots,’ ‘insufficient information about robots,’ and ‘a lack of education about robot-assisted rehabilitation.’ @*Conclusions@#Robot-assisted rehabilitation had a significant effect on the walking ability of stroke patients with hemiplegia. Additionally, stroke patients with hemiplegia experienced difficulty during the course of their robot-assisted rehabilitation, due to a lack of sufficient information on correct usage techniques. These quantitative and qualitative findings could provide the basic foundation for the development of an educational program on robot-assisted rehabilitation.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#Despite the importance of mental health-related quality of life among workers, its comprehensive understanding is lacking. This study aimed to identify influencing factors regarding mental health-related quality of life through a comprehensive literature review. @*Methods@#The integrative review method of Whittemore and Knaf was used. Data search was conducted on papers published before September 2020, and RISS, NDSL, and KISS were used for the search. @*Results@#Fourteen studies were selected for analysis. Five factors affecting the mental health-related quality of life of workers were found. Mental and physical health status, job stress, working environment, health behaviors, and other personal and socio-economic characteristics were significant influencing factors. @*Conclusion@#Findings from the review suggest the necessity of developing a customized intervention program to improve the mental health-related quality of life of workers.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study aimed to identify the factors that influence the wellness of bus drivers by examining the relationships between job stress, physical activity, subjective happiness, and wellness. @*Methods@#Self-report questionnaires were distributed during October 2017. @*Results@#Based on a multiple regression analysis, the significant factors found to affect the wellness of bus drivers were physical activity (β=.48,p<.001), subjective happiness (β=.25, p=.001), and job stress (β=-.17, p=.025). The total explanatory power of the study variables for wellness was 45.7% (F=33.04, p<.001). @*Conclusion@#These findings highlight a need to develop workplace wellness programs to reduce job stress and improve physical activity and subjective happiness among bus drivers.