Function and Disability Journal
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Published By "Farname, Inc."

2588-6304

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-160
Author(s):  
Milad Qolami ◽  
◽  
Natalia Cantó-Sancho ◽  
Mar Seguí-Crespo ◽  
Elena Ronda-Pérez ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: The prolonged use of digital screens can cause a set of visual and ocular symptoms known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which is a common health issue among computer users. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CVS among university employees and graduate students in their occupational environment in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Rehabilitation School of Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. The study population (n=154) included all university employees and graduate students who spend at least one hour of computer work per day in their workplace. The participants completed a validated self-administered questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed and the prevalence of CVS was calculated. The correlations between variables were assessed using the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and non-parametrical tests were used to evaluate the association between CVS and predictor variables, as well as differences between subgroups. Results: The Mean±SD age of the sample was 37.7±11.0 years, 64.3% were women, 57.8% were employee, 56.5% have higher education and the Mean±SD of computer usage time was 5.08±2.2. The total prevalence of CVS was 48.7% and the most frequent symptoms were eye redness (62.3%) and burning (56.5%). A significant positive correlation was found between the number of hours working with a computer and the total score of CVS (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.248, P=0.02). Moreover, the total score of CVS significantly differed between participants who use six or more hours the computer and those who spend less than six hours (Mann-Whitney U test: P=0.007). Conclusion: This is the first investigation using a validated questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of CVS among computer users in the occupational environment, in Iran. The results show a relatively high prevalence of CVS these populations. The most affected are those who use the computer for a longer duration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-184
Author(s):  
Asieh Sadat Sedighi ◽  
◽  
Ali Mirzajani ◽  
Ebrahim Jafarzadehpur ◽  
Jamileh Abolghasemi ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: The color vision evaluation of gas station workers in Isfahan City. Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was performed on workers at gas stations in Isfahan; all the workers were men. The participants were divided into two 40-people groups of exposure and non-exposure (the members of the fuel sales department). The participants had better vision than 8/10 and no underlying problems or eye disease. Besides, examination, including color vision was performed for all subjects. Color vision was assessed using the D15 test under high to medium light conditions. Also, the color vision test was performed monocularly. Then, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS V. 22. Results: The two study groups significantly differed in terms of color vision impairment index (P <0.001). Also, more color vision defects were seen in the group exposed to gasoline. The color confusion index (as the indicator of color vision defects) were 1.485 and 1.129 in exposure and non-exposure to gasoline groups, respectively. Thus, color vision defects were significantly higher in the exposure to gasoline group, compared with the control group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a difference in color vision index between the two groups. Therefore, long-term exposure to organic solvents, such as gasoline in fuel stations may cause color vision loss.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-204
Author(s):  
Pezhman Masoudi ◽  
◽  
Soheil Mansour Sohani ◽  
Ali Amiri ◽  
◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Patellofemoral Arthropathy (PFA) is the most common knee disorder in runners and various factors can lead to the development of its symptoms. It has been proposed that frontal plane motions of the hip and knee can raise the dynamic quadriceps angle during functional tasks. The aim of this study was to evaluate frontal plane acting hip muscle flexibility and strength differences in male sprinter runners with unilateral PFA. Methods: A total of 38 male runners complaining of peripatellar pain or showing positive unilateral patellar grind test, assigned to the normal and sound legs, and 20 matched control groups were compared in this case-control study. Participants’ hip abductor and adductor muscles strength and their flexibility were evaluated through a hand-held dynamometer and 2D motion analysis tracker software. To measure the strength, participants were positioned side-lying position, performing abduction and adduction, while a dynamometer was placed on the lateral and medial femoral epicondyle. Active and passive abduction and adduction range of motion were recorded via a camera in the supine position and the film was analyzed by the software. Results: Abductor muscle strength and abduction-to-adduction ratio on the involved side were significantly lower than the uninvolved side (P=0.029, P=0.008, d=-0.388, d=-0.459), while greater adduction and lower abduction to adduction ratio were found in the control group (P<0.001, F=3.599). Also, lesser passive abduction and active adduction range of motion were found in the control group on both sides (P<0.001, F=2.792, F=8.979). Conclusion: Strength changes of the involved side compared with uninvolved side and less flexible side, but more probably inhibited and stronger adductors in the control group may suggest impaired muscular interaction based on frontal plane muscles torque/length curve function in unilateral PFA. Changes in the strength of the involved side compared to the healthy side and the adductor muscles with more flexibility and strength but more inhibited by the abductor’s muscles in the control group could indicate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-168
Author(s):  
Shahab Asgari ◽  
◽  
Esmaeel Ebrahimi Takamjani ◽  
Reza Salehi ◽  
Soheil Mansour Sohani ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Postural control disorder is a common complication in patients with Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dual cognitive task on postural control behavior with regard to the Center of Pressure (CoP) signal regularity while standing on an unstable surface in athletes with CAI. Methods: In the present study, 58 men participated in two groups of healthy and patients with CAI. The CoP signal was examined in 4 different unstable states on the wobble board located at the center of the force plate. The regularity of the signals recorded from the force plate was investigated using sample entropy in two directions: anterior-posterior and medial-lateral. Results: In both groups, there was a significant difference in CoP’s sample entropy signal when performing a cognitive task with a postural task (P<0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in the cognitive task and the single task in the anteroposterior direction while standing on two legs. Conclusion: During dual tasks, the patients with CAI have a more dynamic regularity in the CoP signal than their normal counterparts. In the dual-task condition, more irregularities are observed in the CoP signal of healthy individuals. In unstable conditions, patients with CAI decrease the adaptability of postural control behavior with increasing CoP signal regularity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Lale Lajevardi ◽  
◽  
Ghorban Taghizade ◽  
Zahra Parnain ◽  
◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Cognitive and psychological impairments are among the disabling consequences of chronic stroke. Despite the high prevalence of these impairments in patients with chronic stroke and the significant impact of psychological factors on cognitive factors in other neurological diseases, no study was found to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and cognitive factors in chronic stroke patients with chronic fatigue. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and cognitive functions in chronic stroke patients with chronic fatigue Methods: A total of 85 chronic stroke patients with chronic fatigue visited the Rehabilitation Centers of Tehran, Iran, were selected through the simple non-probability sampling method and enrolled in this correlational study. The Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to measure the levels of the fatigue, depression, and anxiety of patients with strokes, respectively. Besides, the cognitive functions of the participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Pain Visual Analog Scale. Results: Based on the regression models, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment explained up to 24.2% and 39.6% of the variance of cognitive functions, respectively. In all step-by-step models, the variables of anxiety, education level, and depression were the strongest predictors of cognitive functions. Conclusion: According to the clinical findings, psychological impairments, such as anxiety can adversely affect cognitive factors in chronic stroke patients with chronic fatigue. Therefore, therapeutic interventions focused on psychological factors may considerably improve the cognitive skills of these patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-178
Author(s):  
Behshid Farahmand ◽  
◽  
Maryam Mohammadi ◽  
Babak Hassanbeygi ◽  
Morteza Mohammadi ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders and evaluate the body position in routine tasks among orthotists and prosthetists. Methods: Forty orthotists and prosthetists were included. The scores of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment were used to determine the prevalence rate of musculoskeletal disorders and analyze the work position of orthotists and prosthetists, respectively. An examiner evaluated 10 working postures that were dominantly used every day, in each orthotist and prosthetist. Results: Among the orthotists, 55.6% of men and 47% of women suffered from pain in the trunk, neck, and lower limbs. Nearly similar results were seen in the upper limbs (74.1% men and 45.5% women). Such high prevalence rates were not seen in prosthetists. The analysis of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment scores based on the working task and gender of the orthotist and prosthetist showed that more than 60% of the workers achieved a score of 4 to 7 approximately in half of the tasks. It shows the medium risk of musculoskeletal disorders, thus, corrective action is necessary. Conclusion: Based on the findings, musculoskeletal disorders are highly prevalent among orthotists and prosthetists, especially in the orthotist workers. To reduce these disorders, it is recommended to add ergonomic topics and training courses for working with devices to increase the knowledge of specialists and apply and select practical tools based on the principles of ergonomics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Zahra Sadat Ghoreishi ◽  
◽  
Mojtaba Azimian ◽  
Javad Alaghband Rad ◽  
Anahita Khorrami Banaraki ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: There are several tests to determine the type and severity of aphasia, but they take a long time to administer when assessing aphasic patients. In recent years, the analysis of spontaneous speech has gained great attention because it is important to diagnose and follow post-treatment improvement in aphasic patients. This study was done to assess some parameters of connected speech in aphasic patients. In addition, the correlation between connected speech parameters and the type and severity of aphasia was measured. Methods: We compared the connected speech parameters of 27 aphasics (10 fluent and 17 non-fluent), Persian speakers, compared with the control group. There were two groups matched by age, sex, and education. Nest’s bird story pictures were used to elicit a speech sample. In the next step, the connected speech was analyzed to define speech parameters, including speech rate, mean length of utterance, number of utterances, total words, content words, function words, nouns, and verbs. Moreover, the severity of aphasia was measured using a Persian Western Aphasia Battery (WAB). Results: The findings showed significant differences between groups in all parameters of the connected speech (P<0.01). The correlation coefficient between speech parameters and severity of aphasia demonstrated that all parameters were highly correlated (r >0.71) with the severity of aphasia (P<0.01) except for speech rate and the number of function words. There were some typical differences between linguistics grammatical and pragmatical characters of different types of aphasia. Conclusion: Connected speech is one of the most sensitive parts of language in all types of aphasic patients. There are some clinical signs for differential diagnosis of aphasia based on speech measures. According to the findings, the type and severity of aphasia and connected speech were highly correlated. Thus, the use of the connected speech analysis is necessary as an assessment tool for the diagnosis of aphasia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-212
Author(s):  
Mahnoosh Khanipuor ◽  
◽  
Laleh Lajevardi ◽  
Ghorban Taghizadeh ◽  
◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Burn injuries are one of the most common traumas after traffic accidents, falls, and interpersonal violence. This study was done to investigate the correlation between psychological factors, pain, and sleep quality, and disability and occupational performance in subjects with hand and upper extremity burns. Methods: A total of 80 patients with hand and upper extremity burn injuries (16 females and 64 males) with a Mean±SD age of 39.9±10.79 years, mean burn depth (Deep Partial Thickness/ Full Thickness) of 3.42±2.66, and Mean±SD burns extent 1.06±0.24 participated in this non-experimental cross-sectional study using a non-probability sampling method. Their psychological disorders were measured using the Beck Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. The pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), disability was assessed using the Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire, level of independence in daily living activity was measured by the Modified Barthel Index, and occupational performance was measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results: Psychological factors, pain, and sleep quality were significantly correlated with disability and occupational performance. The regression models explained up to 34.4% of the variance for disability outcome and 12.4% for occupational performance. By assessing the correlation between the psychological disorders, pain, and sleep quality, and disability and occupational performance in these patients, we found that sleep quality was the strongest contributing factor Followed by PSQI. Conclusion: Sleep quality is one of the important factors affecting the occupational performance of patients with hand and upper extremity burns injury that should be considered by therapists.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-194
Author(s):  
Faeze Jahangir Feizabadi ◽  
◽  
Haniye Mastour ◽  

N/A


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-140
Author(s):  
Zahra Hassani ◽  
◽  
Hamid Reza Mokhtarinia ◽  
Charles Philip Gabel ◽  
◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Gait and balance disturbances are challenging conditions in patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). The overall literary consensus is that rehabilitation interventions are effective in improving gait performance in this patient group. This review sought to highlight and assess the literature and provide a scoping review on the current knowledge gaps in the rehabilitation interventions for the gait problems of patients with DPN. Methods: An electronic databases search was done between 2001 and May 2020. Besides, a hand-search method was used for grey literature. Two experts reviewed the results and screened them based on the subject’s diagnosis with DPN and gait problems. Results: Of 87 studies obtained, nine met the inclusion criteria. The frequent components of the rehabilitation interventions included exercise therapy, dual-task intervention, and the use of assistive devices. The outcomes utilized most frequently included changes in balance and stability, muscle strength, proprioception, function, and gait parameters. Conclusion: Evidence was formed as a scoping review to guide rehabilitation for DPN patients with gait problems. Rigorous comparative studies with clearly defined interventions are needed.


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