The relationship of non-cognitive factors to academic and clinical performance in graduate rehabilitation science students in the United States: a systematic review

Purpose: Rehabilitation science programs utilize cognitive and non-cognitive factors to select students who can complete the didactic and clinical portions of the program and pass the licensure exam. Cognitive factors such a prior grade point average and standardized test scores are known to be predictive of academic performance, but the relationship of non-cognitive factors and performance is less clear. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the relationship of non-cognitive factors to academic and clinical performance in rehabilitation science programs.Methods: A search of 7 databases was conducted using the following eligibility criteria: graduate programs in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, United States-based programs, measurement of at least 1 non-cognitive factor, measurement of academic and/or clinical performance, and quantitative reporting of results. Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full text, and data were extracted.Results: After the comprehensive screening, 21 articles were included in the review. Seventy-six percent of studies occurred in PT students. Grit, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and stress were the most commonly studied factors. Only self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and personality traits were examined in clinical and academic contexts. The results were mixed for all non-cognitive factors. Higher grit and self-efficacy tended to be associated with better performance, while stress was generally associated with worse outcomes.Conclusion: No single non-cognitive factor was consistently related to clinical or academic performance in rehabilitation science students. There is insufficient evidence currently to recommend the evaluation of a specific non-cognitive factor for admissions decisions.

The current evidence base surrounding Bobath Concept (NDT) in adult neurorehabilitation: a scoping review update

Review question / Objective: This scoping review aimed to gain a clear understanding of the current evidence base surrounding neurological rehabilitation based on the Bobath Concept (NDT) in adult population, by analyzing the different types of evidence that address and inform practice in this field and the way the research has been conducted. The specific questions, in regards to the available international published and unpublished literature, are: • What types of research are being conducted about the Bobath concept in adult neurorehabilitation? • How Bobath concept in adult neurorehabilitation is being studied, defined, conceptualized and operationalized? • What are the main knowledge gaps about the research involving the Bobath concept in adult neurorehabilitation and the implications for rehabilitation science? Condition being studied: The Bobath Concept approach in adult neuroreabilitation.

Information-based decoding of the coupling among human brain activity and movement paths

BACKGROUND: Walking like many other actions of a human is controlled by the brain through the nervous system. In fact, if a problem occurs in our brain, we cannot walk correctly. Therefore, the analysis of the coupling of brain activity and walking is very important especially in rehabilitation science. The complexity of movement paths is one of the factors that affect human walking. For instance, if we walk on a path that is more complex, our brain activity increases to adjust our movements. OBJECTIVE: This study for the first time analyzed the coupling of walking paths and brain reaction from the information point of view. METHODS: We analyzed the Shannon entropy for electroencephalography (EEG) signals versus the walking paths in order to relate their information contents. RESULTS: According to the results, walking on a path that contains more information causes more information in EEG signals. A strong correlation (p= 0.9999) was observed between the information contents of EEG signals and walking paths. Our method of analysis can also be used to investigate the relation among other physiological signals of a human and walking paths, which has great benefits in rehabilitation science.

Face and Content Validity of an Automated Vehicle Road Course and a Corresponding Simulation Scenario

Introduction: Automated vehicle use is rapidly expanding globally. Florida is one of the leading states for researching, testing, implementing, and operating automated vehicles. Although driving simulators may create an opportunity to assess user behaviors related to automated vehicles, their use in this context is not well-documented.Objectives: This study examined face and content validity of an on-road automated shuttle route and its congruence to a driving simulator scenario representing the on-road route.Methodology: Face validity (i.e., clarity, understandability, congruence) was examined directly by members of the Institute for Mobility, Activity, and Participation. Content validity was assessed via a content validity index (CVI) based on inputs from experts who represented a variety of disciplines. These included computer and information science, engineering, transportation engineering, rehabilitation science, industrial and systems engineering, experimental psychology, and driver rehabilitation science.Findings: Face validity resulted in feedback pertaining to traffic, environment, hazards, fidelity, and “other” recommendations. Six of the recommendations were used to enhance the simulator scenario. For content validity, the CVI scale was equal to 0.83 and was above the acceptable threshold of 0.80. However, on the item level, two items, i.e., traffic flow (I-CVI = 0.57) and seat direction (I-CVI = 0.67), were rated lower than anticipated. The ratings resulted in implementing enhancements to the driving simulator scenario.Conclusion: Automated vehicle on-road routes can be replicated in a driving simulator scenario but require a process of examining the face and content validity and refining the developed scenario as needed to ensure reasonable accuracy.