فهرست مطالب

Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies
Volume:8 Issue: 4, Oct 2021

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1400/08/17
  • تعداد عناوین: 10
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  • Tahereh Kamalikhah, Masoumeh Bajalan *, Leila Sabzmakan, Ali Mehri Page 1
    Background

    The widespread use of social media (SM) is an emerging phenomenon in today’s world, especially among adolescents.

    Objectives

    The present study was designed to examine the impacts of excessive use of SM on adolescents’ health.

    Methods

    This was a qualitative study conducted in 2018 on 27 high school students (14 boys and 13 girls) in Tehran, Iran. To explain the experience of using SM, six open-ended questions along with some follow-up questions were asked through in-depth interviews by two interviewers. The content analysis with an inductive approach was used to analyze the data.

    Results

    The mean age of the students was 16.5 ± 1.34 years. The mean duration of having a smartphone was 3.11 ± 0.97years. Moreover, the duration of using smartphone in a day was 4 ± 1.5 hours. In this study, the themes emerged from 1,273 phrases, sentences, or semantic units separated from the interviews. After refining the semantic units, 861 refined units were created; these phrases of sentences or paragraphs appeared in the form of 7 themes, 18 main categories, and 38 sub-categories. The themes included the reasons for using SM (educational and non-educational, avoidance of negative emotions), emotional (changes in moods, academic failure), social (problems with family and society, relationships with relatives, cultural changes), physical (sensorineural hearing loss, changes in the sleep cycle, musculoskeletal pain), sexual (sexual fantasies, high-risk sexual behaviors), mental health (changes in mental powers and processing, loss of concentration), and the process of using SM (beliefs in the use and pattern of using SM).

    Conclusions

    Most of the complaints and impacts were related to emotional health, mostly with the experience of mood changes and academic failure and social health, respectively. The results indicated the need for planning educational and social interventions to increase media literacy in adolescents.

    Keywords: Adolescents, Health Dimensions, Social Media
  • Shahrzad Aghaamoo, Maryam Lotfi, Majid Mirmohammadkhani, Mohammad Nasir Hemmatian * Page 2
    Background

    Congenital heart diseases, as the most common congenital anomaly, are a major cause of serious morbidity and mortality.

    Objectives

    This study aimed to evaluate the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the second trimester of pregnancy and its association with congenital heart defects.

    Methods

    Following a cross-sectional design, singleton pregnant women in the second-trimester were enrolled for the α-fetoprotein (AFP) screening test. Those with normal screening results at the first and second tests were assigned to the control group. Mothers with nuchal translucency (NT) screening equal or greater than 3% of the 99th percentile, without chromosomal anomalies, confirmed with amniocentesis, were referred for a fetal echocardiogram and in presence of congenital heart defects symptoms, assigned to the intervention group. The study groups were compared concerning the serum AFP level and maternal and neonatal outcomes in the second trimester of pregnancy. Statistical significance was considered when P-value < 0.05.

    Results

    A total of 270 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean AFP level of 1.868 ± 0.87 and 1.374 ± 0.39 in the case and control groups, respectively. The mean level of AFP was significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the second trimester, an AFP level lower than 1 was associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of developing congenital heart anomalies in the fetus.

    Conclusions

    This study demonstrated that the value of maternal AFP level in the second trimester can be considered as an appropriate screening test to predict the incidence of congenital heart defects in neonates.

    Keywords: Alpha-Fetoprotein, Prenatal Screening, Congenital Heart Defect
  • Mohsen Abedi, Farshad Okhovatian, Maryam Heydarpour Meymeh, Aliyeh Daryabor, Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban * Page 3
    Background

    The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) is considered a valid and reliable tool to assess the fear-avoidance behavior in patients. There is a valid and reliable Persian version of the TSK-17.

    Objectives

    The present study aimed to assess the internal consistency as a measurement for the test reliability and factor (domain) validity of the Persian version of the TSK-17 to determine whether a modified form can be proposed.

    Methods

    This study analyzed the data of 295 individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency (reliability). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to evaluate factor validity which is an aspect of the construct validity. The Chi-square divided by the degrees of freedom, the goodness of fit index (GFI), the confirmatory fit index (CFI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) indices were utilized as the goodness-of-fit criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18), AMOS software (version 20), and EQS software (version 6.2).

    Results

    Two factors were extracted for the TSK-17 questionnaire using EFA, and then the structure was confirmed with CFA. Cronbach’s alpha as an internal consistency index was 0.949 for the entire questionnaire, 0.931 for the 11-item fear-of-movement factor, and 0.971 for the 6-item belief factor. The evaluation of the inappropriate items demonstrated that no items were selected for the deletion; therefore, a modified version of the TSK was not presented. The goodness-of-fit indices were reported as GFI = 0.882, RMSEA=0.066 (90% CI: 0.055-0.076), CFI = 0.983, and minimum discrepancy per degree of freedom = 2.27.

    Conclusions

    The Persian version of the TSK-17 can be considered a valid and reliable tool to assess the fear of movement and avoidance behavior in individuals with NSLBP.

    Keywords: Low Back Pain, Persian Version of the TSK, Internal Consistency, Reliability, Construct Validity
  • Fatemeh Ehsani, Sara Reshadat, Noushin Masoudian, Rasool Bagheri * Page 4
    Background

    Different degrees of disorders are reported in the respiratory, physical, and psychological functions of patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the experience of improved and discharged COVID-19 patients, physical activity and sports are considered as one of the factors in controlling chronic mental and physical illnesses.

    Objectives

    This study was aimed at investigating the impact of the level of physical activity on some important clinical parameters and convalescence.

    Methods

    Overall, 71 patients with COVID-19 under the age of 65 years admitted to the hospital with positive PCR were included in the study. Based on Beck’s questionnaire, patients were divided into two groups of (1) low and (2) moderate to high physical activity. The duration of hospitalization and some important clinical tests were examined at the time of hospitalization and discharge. The patients were then monitored until discharge.

    Results

    Statistical analyses showed that people with moderate to high physical activity were discharged earlier than the group with low physical activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, patients with moderate to high physical activity had lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the group with low physical activity at discharge (P = 0.01).

    Conclusions

    Moderate to high physical activity can significantly reduce the length of hospitalization by improving the immune system to fight COVID-19. However, the factors that can be examined in expressing the reason for this finding need further studies.

    Keywords: Physical Activity, Convalescence, COVID-19
  • Abolfazl Fattah, Abbas Ebadi, Narmin Borumand, Abdolhadi Saeedi, Mahdieh Darbani, Sona Setayesh, Gholamreza Mohammadi, Masoudeh Babakhanian Page 5
    Background

    During the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, anxiety has always been with patients.

    Objectives

    It is necessary to obtain a valid instrument for the evaluation and screening of patients with anxiety. The current study attempted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity and provide the clinical cut-off scores for the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD-7) Scale in hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Iran.

    Methods

    This diagnostic accuracy study was carried out for 4 months on 150 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 to evaluate generalized anxiety disorder and death anxiety. Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate reliability. For the determination of the presence of anxiety disorders, the Structured Clinical Interview with hospitalized subjects was conducted by a psychiatrist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition diagnostic criteria.

    Results

    The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the GAD-7 Scale and DAS questionnaires were observed to be 0.88 and 0.74, respectively, confirming their reliability. Based on cut-off scores with the best balance, the sensitivity and specificity of the GAD-7 Scale questionnaire were 61.9% and 86.9%, respectively. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity values related to the DAS questionnaire were 47.8% and 73.8%, respectively. The values for the area under the curve were 0.75 and 0.63 for the GAD-7 Scale and DAS, respectively. With this scoring method, those who scored higher than 8 and 7 in the GAD-7 Scale and DAS questionnaires were considered patients, respectively. Moreover, in these two tests, higher levels of generalized anxiety and death anxiety were reported in female patients.

    Conclusions

    The GAD-7 Scale and DAS both showed adequate psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy; therefore, they are applicable for anxiety screening in patients with COVID-19. It will likely take a few years to bring the virus under control worldwide. Iran’s Ministry of Health should implement exact psychological interventions during hospitalization and after discharge to prevent the adverse mental health consequences of COVID-19.

    Keywords: Iran, Reliability, Area Under the Curve, COVID-19, Death, Anxiety
  • HamidReza Sameni, AbbasAli Vafaei, Sam Zarbakhsh, Afsaneh Talebian, MohammadReza Aldaghi * Page 6
    Background

    Memory loss is the main disorder accompanied by Alzheimer's disease (AD).

    Objectives

    We aimed to investigate the protective effects of aminoguanidine (Amg) on cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and memory impairment in male rats received scopolamine (Scop).

    Methods

    Thirty male Wistar rats (200 - 250 g) were randomly divided into the three groups of saline-saline group, Scop + saline, and Scop + Amg groups. The rats received intraperitoneal injection of Scop (3 mg/kg) for seven days, and subsequently, 100 mg/kg of Amg or normal saline were intraperitoneally administrated for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was used to study memory deficits. Finally, the animals were anesthetized, hippocampi were quickly removed, histological study was performed, and hippocampal cell apoptosis was evaluated by the cresyl violet staining and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling test, respectively.

    Results

    Scop injection resulted in reduced pyramidal cells and increased cell apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 area, and impaired spatial learning and memory. The administration of Amg significantly improved memory and improved the density of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 area of the rats (P < 0.01). Also, the number of apoptotic cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the Scop + Amg group decreased compared to the Scop + saline group (P < 0.05).

    Conclusions

    These data demonstrate that the intraperitoneal injection of Amg declined the number of apoptotic cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and improved memory impairment in the Scop-induced rat model of AD. It is suggested that Amg may have protective effects against AD.

    Keywords: Scopolamine, Alzheimer, Rat, Aminoguanidine, Memory Impairment, Apoptosis, Hippocampus
  • MohammadReza Asadi *, Hossein Saremi, Hojat Radinmehr, Solmaz Rahbar, Ailin Talimkhani, Gholamreza Hajvalie, Lobat Majidi Page 7
    Background

    Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent compression neuropathy in the upper extremity.

    Objectives

    The present study aimed to compare ultrasound and laser therapies separately and together in relieving hand pain and improving performance in mild and moderate CTS patients.

    Methods

    In this single-blind trial, 45 patients (84 wrists) suffering from CTS were randomly divided into three treatment groups: the ultrasound and laser combination group (15 patients), the ultrasound therapy group (15 patients), and the laser therapy group (15 patients). Low-level laser therapy (total intensity of 9 J on 5 points) and ultrasound therapy (intensity of 1.25 W/cm and duty cycle of 20% for 5 minutes per session) were applied on the carpal tunnel for 10 sessions. For the ultrasound and laser combination group, the laser was first conducted in the same way for the laser therapy group, and ultrasound was performed immediately after, with the same parameters as those of the ultrasound therapy group. A visual analog scale (VAS), grip strength, pinch strength, and the Boston Questionnaire results were evaluated before and after the treatment.

    Results

    All three treatment groups (the ultrasound and laser combination group, the ultrasound therapy group, and the laser therapy group) demonstrated significantly improved VAS (P=0.000, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively), grip strength (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.01, respectively), pinch strength (P = 0.000, P = 0.004, and P = 0.002, respectively), and Boston questionnaire results (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). However, a comparison of treatment groups' mean changes indicated no significant difference among them (P > 0.05).

    Conclusions

    Both ultrasound and laser modalities effectively relieve pain and improve functional hand performance in patients with mild and moderate CTS in the short term. The compound use of these two modalities may have a greater impact in treating these patients.

    Keywords: Ultrasound Therapy, Laser Therapy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Zahra Ahmadizadeh *, Atefeh Aminianfar, Karim Ayoubi Page 8
    Background

    Kinesio-Tape (KT) is a common method used in rehabilitation, but the KT short-term therapeutic effects on children with cerebral palsy (CP) are unclear yet.

    Objectives

    This study aims to investigate the short-term and immediate effects of KT on postural sway in children with CP.

    Methods

    In this before- and after-study, 27 children aged between 4 and 11 years old with spastic CP were included. Immediate and short-term effects of KT on Quadriceps muscle (QcM) were then assessed using time-up and go test (TUG) and COP (center of pressure) displacement in five assessments.

    Results

    The results of Repeated Measure Analysis show that the short-term use of KT on QcM could reduce COP displacement in both the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions and improve the balance among children with CP (P < 0.05).

    Conclusions

    The immediate effects of KT on the QcM did not change the COP’s displacement and balance. It was demonstrated that the short-term use of KT in QcM could improve the balance of COP and reduce its displacement.

    Keywords: Postural Balance, Kinesio Tape, Cerebral Palsy
  • Mousa Ghonchepour *, Omid Azad Page 9
    Background

    Neurolinguists are increasingly inclined to study the language behavior of patients with aphasia (PWAs) to discover more about the relationship between the brain and language.

    Objectives

    This study investigated the production of synthetic and root compound nouns in the PWAs to discover how these lexemes were processed.

    Methods

    Using a confrontation naming task, four PWAs (two patients with Broca aphasia and two patients with transcortical motor aphasia) named 80 random black and white drawings of simple and compound nouns. They also repeated the nouns through an auditory repetition task. Compound nouns were of two root and synthetic types. Root nouns belonged to the noun-noun, and synthetic compounds belonged to the noun-verb category.

    Results

    There was a significant difference between the affected components in naming and repetition of compound nouns. Moreover, there was a significant difference between naming and repetition of simple and compound nouns. There was no significant difference between naming and repetition of root and synthetic nouns.

    Conclusions

    PWAs process compound nouns through the dual-route model. They cannot retrieve the phonological forms of compound nouns, but they retain their knowledge of word-formation, indicating the modularity of linguistic ability. Morphological structure plays a role in word processing.

    Keywords: Aphasia, Brain, Humans, Language, Word Processing
  • Seyed Abolfazl Tohidast, Leila Ghelichi*, Mohammad Kamali, Abbas Ebadi, Narges Shafaroodi, Younes Amiri Shavaki, Banafshe Mansuri, Hadi Azimi Page 10
    Background

    Identifying and removing the barriers faced by speech and language pathologists (SLPs) for implementing evidencebased practice (EBP) can facilitate its administration among Iranian SLPs.

    Objectives

    The present study was conducted to explore the barriers to implementing EBP among Iranian SLPs.

    Methods

    A total of 14 SLPs were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.

    Results

    Data analysis yielded three themes, including individual factors, organizational (workplace) factors, and extra organizational factors, and 13 subthemes.

    Conclusions

    This study demonstrated that Iranian SLPs are faced with several barriers to using EBP in clinical practice, which may be related to both the SLPs themselves and their surroundings. These barriers should be considered by policymakers, administrators, teachers, and rehabilitation team members to facilitate the implementation of EBP by SLPs.

    Keywords: Evidence-Based Practice, Speech, Language Pathology, Barriers, Qualitative Research