[ study of the effect of progressive resistance training on functional balance of 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome]

Rehabilitation interventions have significant role in reducing the disabilities of Down syndrome. Due to great role of balance in the function of individuals particularly in Activity of Daily Living and the effect of strength on balance, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Progressive Resistive Exercise on functional balance in children with Down syndrome. Fifteen girls children aged between 8 and 12 years, with Down syndrome participated in this study by available sampling method. The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week progressive strengthening program. During intervention, 3 of them excluded. Balance were measured by Berg Balance Scale and right/left hip abductor and flexor, knee extensor and flexor muscles isometric strengths were measured by Nickolas hand-held dynamometer. Paired-sampled T-Test was used for data analysis. The results of this study showed that the mean of functional balance and muscles isometric strengths were significantly increased after intervention [P<0.001]. It seems that the results of this study confirm the effect of progressive resistance training on progressing functional balance, and 8-12 years old children with Down syndrome can benefit from these exercises

Relationship between facial identity discrimination and social function in schizophrenic patients

People with schizophrenia have deficits in interpersonal and social skills associated with social dysfunction. Facial processing ability is an effective component of social functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between facial identity discrimination and social functioning in 20-55 years old schizophrenic patients and comparison with normal matched group. The method of this study was analytical- descriptive and comparative. Twenty normal individuals and 20 schizophrenic patients matched in age, sex and educational level, were assessed about facial identity by researcher- made test, and interaction skills by [Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills][ACIS] questionnaire. Available sampling was used for census patients [who inhabited Tolou rehabilitation center and supported houses in Tehran] and normal group. There were significant difference in scores of [communication and interaction skills] [p<0.01] without any significant difference between facial identity discrimination testing variables [p>0.05] between two groups. The relationships between [facial identity discrimination] and [communication and interaction skills] in schizophrenia were compared with control group and did not show significant difference. [p>0.05]. The facial identity in schizophrenic patients and healthy adults were processed globally [configural]. However, its relation with Communication and Interaction Skills in schizophrenic patients requires further study

[Effects of occupational therapy and neurofeedback on recovery of the motor function in stroke patients [a single-system design]]

Motor impairments, such as hemiparesis, incoordination and spasticity, are the most common deficits after stroke. Most patients show recovery in some of their lost motor function over time. Motor rehabilitation are included mixed of combined movement therapy techniques in many occupational clinics, cerebral waves such as Theta wave can influence on patients function. There fore, the purpose of this study is to understand the influence of combined of occupational therapy and neurofeedback on motor recovery of stroke patients. This study used a single-system [A-B] design. During the baseline phase patient's function of upper and lowe limb were measured by Fugl-Meyer and Berg Test on three day intervals during 4 week and have occupational therapy every day. After this time, their treatment program began. In this phase they received combined of neurofeedback and occupational therapy for 4 week. Then results of evaluations of two phases were analysed. Both cases show significant recovery at upper limbs [case1 81.1%, case2 68.1%] and lower limbs [case1 73.1%, case2 75.4%] in Fugel-Mayer test and Berg test [case1 51.6%, case2 68.1%]. Regarding the significant recovery of upper and lower limb function of patients, adding neurofeedback to routine occupational therapy can be considered as a practical method in rehabilitation of stroke patients. However further research is needed

[Survey validity of translation for Persian and cultural adaptation of Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS] questionnaire in multiple sclerosis patients in Iran]

Fatigue is one of the most common problem of multiple sclerosis. It is a sign of inefficiency in the physical, social, and cognitive function. It is a major factor in limiting the responsibilities of social work of patients. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS] in Iranian and create an appropriate tool for measuring the impact of fatigue and effectiveness of treatment and also rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in Iranian patients. In order to use the FIS in Iranian patients, the forward and backward translation and assessing the patient's perspective was done and the Persian version of the questionnaire was prepared. The questionnaire was completed by twenty patients with multiple sclerosis. The time duration of filling out of each questionnaire took ten to twenty minutes .The final corrections was carried out. All questions of patients was acceptable and understandable and questions of "sexual activity" was completed only by married patients. The question of "financial support" was completed only by employed person [working people]. Finally, as much as possible, this questionnaire was adapted with Iranian culture and sentences were confirmed by MAPI Institute. Persian version of the FIS is an appropriate tool for measuring the impact of fatigue, effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis

[Comparative study of instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs] in patients with schizophrenia and normal matched individuals]

Schizophrenia is a disabling condition which affects independent functioning in instrumental activities of daily living [IALDs]. Due to their importance in mental health and rehabilitation planning, this study was designed to compare functional capacity and daily life performance in IADLs in patients with schizophrenia with healthy matched individuals. The relations between capacity and performance are also considered. Thirty community dwelling patients with chronic schizophrenia and thirty healthy matched individuals were selected. After obtaining a written consent, IADLs were assessed using the Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills [PASS] and the Lawton's index of instrumental activities of daily living. Data analysis was done by SPSS, version 14.0. Comparing two groups, patients with schizophrenia scored significantly lower in independency, process, and quality in PASS, and in total score of Lawton's index [P<0.001 for all variables]. No significant correlations were found between two measures. It seems that functional capacity and performance in IADLs are limited in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Functional capacity was not related to daily life performance. However, further studies are needed to investigate factors affects functional outcome

[Relationship between balance and independence in activities of daily living]

The capability of balance preservation in activities of daily living [ADL] is of paramount important. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between balance disorders and independence in ADL of patients, 6-24 months after their stroke in Tehran. This was a cross-sectional study. Forty Five stroke patients attending occupational therapy clinics in Tehran over a 7 months period, who met the inclusion criteria, were selected using simple randomization. The subjects were evaluated for performance of ADL by Barthel Index and for balance by Berg Balance scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. There was a significant relationship between balance and independence in ADL [p<0.05]. However, there was no significant relationship between balance in sitting position and independence in ADL. The results show a correlation between balance and independence in ADL. Improvement of these factors especially dynamic balance, may improve independence and the quality of life in hemiplegic patients