scholarly journals Arm Movements Effects in Response to Posture Instability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Manifar
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Region Detection ◽  
The Neural Network

In recent years, because of an increasing aging population there are higher incidences of falling according to epidemiological reports. Because of this high frequency the prevention of falls becomes a major concern. Evidence of the high occurrence and significant cost of falls on health-related quality of life, significant financial load on the health care system, and on their social impact has been provided by various epidemiological studies. Falls are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a major cause of death in many countries, especially the United States. Balance impairments are frequent and particularly high among people who suffer from stroke, TBI, incomplete spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and in general for people who suffer from different neurological disorders. For all of these groups, balance disorders have a major social and quality of life implications, which require attention and exploration of effective ways to evaluate risk and develop training programs that prevent falls. According to the literature, the most important factors for fall prevention are suitable training programs and the availability of feasible and cost-effective comprehensive risk measurement [1, 2]. This thesis describes the acquisition of acceleration data of a human body while maintaining balance on a balance board with three-axis accelerometers. Three different algorithms of balance region detection, the wavelet transform, and the neural network were developed to segment and classify the unstable regions of the accelerometer signal. To simplify the calculation of these algorithms vector processing technique was used. The experimental results show that arms have an effective role in the improvement of balance. From the balance region detection the duration and amount of activity can be found which will be good for prediction of falls. The wavelet transform is the best way to separate unstable periods from one another. For classification of stable and unstable parts of movements, the neural network is the best technique. It is effective to compare the amount of stable and unstable parts in more detail. The results suggest the specific role of the dominant and non-dominant arms.

scholarly journals Arm Movements Effects in Response to Posture Instability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Manifar
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Region Detection ◽  
The Neural Network

In recent years, because of an increasing aging population there are higher incidences of falling according to epidemiological reports. Because of this high frequency the prevention of falls becomes a major concern. Evidence of the high occurrence and significant cost of falls on health-related quality of life, significant financial load on the health care system, and on their social impact has been provided by various epidemiological studies. Falls are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is a major cause of death in many countries, especially the United States. Balance impairments are frequent and particularly high among people who suffer from stroke, TBI, incomplete spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and in general for people who suffer from different neurological disorders. For all of these groups, balance disorders have a major social and quality of life implications, which require attention and exploration of effective ways to evaluate risk and develop training programs that prevent falls. According to the literature, the most important factors for fall prevention are suitable training programs and the availability of feasible and cost-effective comprehensive risk measurement [1, 2]. This thesis describes the acquisition of acceleration data of a human body while maintaining balance on a balance board with three-axis accelerometers. Three different algorithms of balance region detection, the wavelet transform, and the neural network were developed to segment and classify the unstable regions of the accelerometer signal. To simplify the calculation of these algorithms vector processing technique was used. The experimental results show that arms have an effective role in the improvement of balance. From the balance region detection the duration and amount of activity can be found which will be good for prediction of falls. The wavelet transform is the best way to separate unstable periods from one another. For classification of stable and unstable parts of movements, the neural network is the best technique. It is effective to compare the amount of stable and unstable parts in more detail. The results suggest the specific role of the dominant and non-dominant arms.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nephrology Fellow Training and Well-Being in the United States: A National Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. ASN.2020111636
Author(s):  
Kurtis A. Pivert ◽  
Suzanne M. Boyle ◽  
Susan M. Halbach ◽  
Lili Chan ◽  
Hitesh H. Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Preparedness For Practice

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic’s effects on nephrology fellows’ educational experiences, preparedness for practice, and emotional wellbeing are unknown.MethodsWe recruited current adult and pediatric fellows and 2020 graduates of nephrology training programs in the United States to participate in a survey measuring COVID-19’s effects on their training experiences and wellbeing.ResultsOf 1005 nephrology fellows-in-training and recent graduates, 425 participated (response rate 42%). Telehealth was widely adopted (90% for some or all outpatient nephrology consults), as was remote learning (76% of conferences were exclusively online). Most respondents (64%) did not have in-person consults on COVID-19 inpatients; these patients were managed by telehealth visits (27%), by in-person visits with the attending faculty without fellows (29%), or by another approach (9%). A majority of fellows (84%) and graduates (82%) said their training programs successfully sustained their education during the pandemic, and most fellows (86%) and graduates (90%) perceived themselves as prepared for unsupervised practice. Although 42% indicated the pandemic had negatively affected their overall quality of life and 33% reported a poorer work-life balance, only 15% of 412 respondents who completed the Resident Well-Being Index met its distress threshold. Risk for distress was increased among respondents who perceived the pandemic had impaired their knowledge base (odds ratio [OR], 3.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00 to 4.77) or negatively affected their quality of life (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 2.29 to 5.46) or work-life balance (OR, 3.16; 95% CI, 2.18 to 4.71).ConclusionsDespite major shifts in education modalities and patient care protocols precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, participants perceived their education and preparation for practice to be minimally affected.

scholarly journals Urban Education: High-Quality Education, the Economic Impact it Generates, and the Tragedy of Urban Education in the United States of America

2021 ◽  
Vol Volume II (December 2021) ◽  
pp. 103-127
Author(s):  
Sergio Paez
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Urban Education ◽  
General Education ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Exceptional Case ◽  
The Impact

Education is an investment in improving the quality of life for individuals, and therefore benefiting society in general. Education in the United States of America exemplifies a correlation between the level of an individual's education, their salary level due to those academic qualifications, and the impact they generate within themselves, their families, society, and within the nation. This contemporary study of education in the U.S. shows how a community in an urban center of Massachusetts made fundamental changes to transform the education of its students who historically experienced school failure. This exceptional case of leadership and altruism was accomplished with intensive influence from the State Government. This case can be the basis for educational initiatives that can have relevance and social impact anywhere in the world. At a global level, we can see that a society with high levels of education, based on knowledge and academic training, stands out for the multiple opportunities that arise to obtain a higher quality of life. The outcomes of a good education are beneficial to the growth of an entire society. Societies benefit from advances in technological and economic fields, health systems, construction and accessible housing, industry, commerce, and even social security.

Biopsychosocial Patterning of Multimorbidity and Its Consequences

2018 ◽  
pp. 220-236
Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronic Medical Conditions ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Over Time

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.

scholarly journals Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) Improves Overall Stuttering Experience among Adults Who Stutter: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2187
Author(s):  
Omrit Feldman ◽  
Eran Goldstien ◽  
Benjamin Rolnik ◽  
Ariel B. Ganz ◽  
Shahar Lev-Ari
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Adults Who Stutter

Stuttering is a speech disorder that can cause disturbances in the timing and flow of speech. In addition to being a communication disorder, stuttering is often accompanied by a reduction in the quality of life and has impacts on social status, mental well-being, self-acceptance, and the chances of integration into the labor market. The Inquiry Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) program, developed in the United States by Byron Katie in 1986, is the clinical application of “The Work” method (Thework.com) and represents an emerging mindfulness and cognitive-reframing method. IBSR has been demonstrated to improve mental health and well-being in adults and may alleviate psychological and psychosocial symptoms of stuttering. The purpose of this trial was to examine the effect of a 12-week IBSR intervention on the overall stuttering experience and indicators of anxiety, psychological flexibility, and well-being among adults who stutter (AWS). This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants were randomized to IBSR (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Validated questionnaires of overall stuttering experience (OASES-A), anxiety (STAI), psychological flexibility (PFQ), and satisfaction with life (SWLS) were completed before, after, and one month after the intervention. An intention-to-treat approach was implemented for analysis. Our results show that participants in the IBSR intervention group exhibited a greater improvement in their overall stuttering experience as compared to the control group, as well as in general information on stuttering awareness and perception, reactions to stuttering, communication in daily situations, and quality of life. In addition, we found a greater reduction in anxiety levels and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores in the IBSR group. These results indicate that IBSR can improve the overall stuttering experience.

A Review of Studies of the Association of Vision-Related Quality of Life with Measures of Visual Function and Structure in Patients with Glaucoma in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-276
Author(s):  
Naira Khachatryan ◽  
Maxwell Pistilli ◽  
Maureen G. Maguire ◽  
Angela Y. Chang ◽  
Marissa R. Samuels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
The United States ◽  
Related Quality

What is Happening in the United States? How Social Classes Influence the Political Life of the Country and its Health and Quality of Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 002073142199484
Author(s):  
Vicente Navarro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
United States ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Political Context ◽  
Political Life ◽  
The Political ◽  
Race And Gender

This article analyses the political changes that have been occurring in the United States (including the elections for the presidency of the country) and their consequences for the health and quality of life of the population. A major thesis of this article is that there is a need to analyse, besides race and gender, other categories of power - such as social class - in order to understand what happens in the country. While the class structure of the United States is similar to that of major Western European countries, the political context is very different. The U.S. political context has resulted in the very limited power of its working class, which explains the scarcity of labor, political and social rights in the country, such as universal access to health care.

scholarly journals Assessment and management of disease burden and quality of life in patients with hereditary angioedema: a consensus report

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Konrad Bork ◽  
John T. Anderson ◽  
Teresa Caballero ◽  
Timothy Craig ◽  
Douglas T. Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hereditary Angioedema ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
The United States ◽  
Consensus Meeting ◽  
Consensus Statements ◽  
Consensus Report

Abstract Background Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease characterized by unpredictable, potentially life-threatening attacks, resulting in significant physical and emotional burdens for patients and families. To optimize care for patients with HAE, an individualized management plan should be considered in partnership with the physician, requiring comprehensive assessment of the patient’s frequency and severity of attacks, disease burden, and therapeutic control. Although several guidelines and consensus papers have been published concerning the diagnosis and treatment of HAE, there has been limited specific clinical guidance on the assessment of disease burden and quality of life (QoL) in this patient population. Practical guidance is critical in supporting effective long-term clinical management of HAE and improving patient outcomes. The objective of this review is to provide evidence-based guidelines for an individualized assessment of disease burden and QoL in patients with HAE. Methods A consensus meeting was held on February 29, 2020, consisting of 9 HAE experts from the United States and Europe with extensive clinical experience in the treatment of HAE. Consensus statements were developed based on a preliminary literature review and discussions from the consensus meeting. Results Final statements reflect the consensus of the expert panel and include the assessment of attack severity, evaluation of disease burden, and long-term clinical management of HAE caused by C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. Patient-reported outcome measures for assessing HAE attack severity and frequency are available and valuable tools; however, attack frequency and severity are insufficient markers of disease severity unless they are evaluated in the broader context of the effect on an individual patient’s QoL. QoL assessments should be individualized for each patient and minimally, they should address the interference of HAE with work, school, social, family, and physical activity, along with access to and burden of HAE treatment. Advances in HAE therapies offer the opportunity for comprehensive, individualized treatment plans, allowing patients to achieve minimal attack burden with reduced disease and treatment burden. Conclusion This consensus report builds on existing guidelines by expanding the assessment of disease burden and QoL measures for patients with HAE.

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

scholarly journals Last Place of Care and End-of-Life Quality of Life in the United States: Evidence From a National Representative Data Set

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 17-17
Author(s):  
Yifan Lou ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Katherine Ornstein
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: Quality of life (QoL) during last stage of life has raised expanded interests as an important aspect of person-centered care. Last place of care (LPC), refer to the last place decedents received their formal end-of-life care (EOLC), has been identified as a key indicator of older adults’ end-of-life QoL, but the relationship was understudied. This study explores the association between LPC and end-of-life QoL among American older adults. Methods: Data used seven waves of Last Month of Life data with a total sample of 3068 Medicare decedents in NHATS. Outcome is end-of-life QoL assessed by eleven measures on four domains: pain and symptoms management (SP), quality of healthcare encounter (HE), person-centered care (PC), and overall quality of care (QC). LPC was categorized into home, hospital, nursing home, and residential hospice. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship with covariates. Results: LPC varied by most demographic characteristics, except immigration status and education. Older adults whose LPC is hospital, compared to those who had home-care, were less likely to have great experiences on HE, PC, and QC. People dying at nursing homes are more likely to receive care meeting their dyspnea and spiritual needs. Residential hospice is negatively related to respected care, clear coordination, and keeping family informed, but are more likely to provide PS and spiritual care. Discussion: Home-based end-of-life care has certain advantages but still has room to improve on SP and religious concerns. Hospitals should keep reforming their service delivery structure to improve patients’ QoL.

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