مجله پژوهش در علوم توانبخشی
سال ششم شماره 2 (پاییز و زمستان 1389)

Upper limb amputees have a lot of problems in undertaking daily activities. In order to increase the performance of the upper limb amputees various kinds of prostheses have been developed which can be divided into mechanical and cosmesis ones depends upon their motion mechanism employed. The abilities of the clients to use their prostheses are not as good as expected. So the main aim of this research project was to find the amounts of ability of the subjects to use their prosthesis during undertaking daily activities. Moreover, it was planned to find the influence of type of prosthesis, side of amputation and level of amputation on the ability of the subjects to use their prostheses. 76 patients with upper limb amputations were recruited in this research project. Some parameters such as the ability of the subjects to use the prostheses, age of participants, side and level of amputation were selected for final analysis. the results of this research project showed that although most of the patients received mechanical prostheses, they use their artificial limbs only as a supportive lever. However their abilities to use their prostheses while driving or doing personal hygiene was more than that of other activities. There was no difference between the performance of the subjects with mechanical and cosmesis prostheses in this research project. amongst various parameters which influence the performance of the upper limb prostheses, the influence of training is more important. It is recommended to manufacture the upper limb prostheses from new materials and by use of the new methods.

The aim of this study was to evaluate distal upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among industrial workers. A sample of 210 male subjects including 50 controls working at administrative settings and 160 subjects working as smashers, welders and drillers in Saypa Industrial Factory were selected for the present study. An integrated approach consisting of multiple observations and interviews, completing Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and implementing SI model was accepted for evaluation of all subjects participated in this study. Independent and Paired t tests, One Way ANOVA and TOKEY POSTHOC tests were used for statistical analysis of raw data using SPSS software version 17 (α≤ 0.05). Study results revealed that the most prevalent MSDs in upper limbs were found in welding, smashing and drilling respectively. There are significant differences between the mean scores of calculated Strain Indices obtained from administrative (1.7), welding (5.6), smashing (7.2) and drilling (8.1) jobs. These scores were respectively labeled as "safe risk level" (risk level 1), "uncertain risk level" (risk level 2) and as "hazardous jobs" (risk level 4). Based on study results, we concluded that workers dealing with works that involves drilling stresses were more susceptible for musculoskeletal disorders.

Since balance maintenance is one of the indices of determining independence in older people, identifying factors that have some effects on it appears to be an interesting research issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aquatic training; mental training and concurrent training (both aquatic and mental training) on balance in normal elderly males. One-hundred-and-twenty healthy older men (mean age 65.07 ± 14.14, mean weight 71.86 ± 3.31 Kg, mean height 173.2 ± 3.57 Cm) were selected and then randomly assigned to one of following 4 groups: 1) balance aquatic training (n=30), 2) mental training (n=30), 3) concurrent (both aquatic and mental training) (n=30) and a control group (n=30). To estimate subject's balance, Y-Test was performed in three directions. Subjects in group 1 completed a six-week aquatic balance training program which was held three times per week and lasted one hour for each session. Subjects in mental-training-time group had the same training program as did those in group 1 with one difference regarding to the duration of each training session which was 15 minutes per session. In group 3 (concurrent training), subjects enrolled in a training program that combined the trainings provided for groups 1 and 2. For statistical analysis of raw data, Descriptive Statistics, Paired-sample t test, ANOVA and Toki Post-Hoc test (p≤0/05) were applied. Reaching distance was significantly different among experimental groups at the end of training programs. Moreover, Based on comparing the above-mentioned experimental groups according to the reaching distance, which represents the effects of training on balance more exactly, it was revealed that concurrent group was the only one in which the greatest distances on all three direction of Y-test had been obtained after training. The results of this study were in agreement with previous findings indicating a significant effect of exercise programs on improving the balance. Possible reasons for increasing balance due to training may include: increase in strength of subject's lower limbs after participating in exercise programs, more facility in neuromuscular conduction, increase in muscles synergy, pressure on neuromuscular systems and removal of disinheriting process. According to the results of this study, it is concluded that much more attention have to be given to aquatic and mental training in designing fitness programs for elderly people.

Dyslexia can be defined as a reading and writing disorder without any intellectual, educational or emotional problems. Despite of its detrimental effects on various aspects of dyslexics’ individual and social living, no well-defined etiology or biologic diagnosis has been found to date. The purpose of this study was to compare amplitudes and latencies of p100 component of VEP results between dyslexics and non-dyslexic through various visual stimuli to evaluate its diagnostic value.Materials and MethodsIt was a cross-sectional analytic study. 20 dyslexics and 20 non-dyslexic school-aged children were randomly recruited. All of them were first tested by VEP and then the amplitudes and latencies of p100 component obtained through low and high contrast visual stimulation were recorded and analyzed.ResultsReduction of stimulation contrast resulted in a significant increasing of p100 latency in both groups. Although reduced stimulation contrast resulted in decreased and increased amplitudes in non-dyslexics and dyslexics respectively, none of these changes were significant when two groups were compared.ConclusionResulted changes in p100 amplitude and latency by reduced stimulation contras through VEP recording is not a suitable indicator for dyslexia diagnosis. This research did not support mangocellular deficit hypothesis in dyslexia.

Multiple sclerosis is the most common progressive neurologic disorder in young adults. This disorder results in destruction of neural axons and causes various problems including urinary dysfunction. Urinary dysfunctions have a profound effect on different aspects of patient's daily life including negative effects on their quality of life. It was a Single-blind, prospective, non-randomized and quisy-experimental study. This study was conducted in Esfahan's rehabilitation college-affiliated clinics during 2008 and 2009. 42 MS patients with urinary incontinence randomly assigned to one of two groups. Subjects in one group were taught to perform swissball exercises for 10 sessions and for the patients of the other group, EMG biofeedback was used for 10 sessions. Evaluation of therapeutic effects was performed in 3 points of time: Before and after treatment and 1 month later (for follow up). ICIQUISF and SF-36 questionnaires were used for determining the amount of urinary incontinence and evaluating quality of life respectively. P.I.I.Q questionnaire was used for studying the effects of urinary incontinence on patient's Activities of Daily Living. Statistical analysis of data was preformed via SPSS13 software. In both groups, Meaningful differences in the amount of urinary incontinence as well as in quality of life (physically and mentally) were observed before and after the treatment (p<0/05). The obtained results showed that swissball exercises and EMG biofeedback are able to decrease amount of urinary incontinence, and to improve patients’ quality of life and decrease effects of incontinence on patient's ADL. swissball exercises, however, have more long-term effects on decreasing amount of urinary incontinence and improving physical quality of life, while biofeedback was more effective in improving patient's ADL.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is the most prevalent cause of the skeletal muscle illnesses with Trigger point’s resource in one or more than one muscle or connective tissue. Its prevalence varies from 30% to 70% in different studies. Based on results obtained from several studies and according to the majority of experts in this field, the old methods are temporary, imperfect and unreliable in alleviating symptoms of MPS. However the application of interferential treatments as complimentary or even as augmentative approaches can lead in some favorable results. Most of the investigators found that the positive or negative therapeutic effects are related to the applied method and to the intensity of the radiated energy. So the necessity of more studies about different parameters and methods of laser therapy (i.e. Intensity, Wave length, frequency and duration) in for MPS patients is clearly felt. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low level laser therapy (Ga- Al- As 830 nm) on the acupuncture points of neck in the patients with myofascial pain syndrome. It was an experimental clinical trial study with a single blind design. Participants in this study were 60 women who suffered from MPS. They were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 patients each. There were on and off lasers used on the acupuncture points in a touching method. Both groups did the stretching exercise for the upper trapezoid muscle every session. Subjects completed a 10-sessions physiotherapy program (3 sessions per week). Data related to the dependant variables (Measuring the tendency of pain, the active Range of motion (ROM) of the neck in such directions as Ext, Flex, L/R lat flex. and R/L lat Rot, Sensitivity to the pressure on the trigger points) were collected in four points of time: before starting the treatment, on the 5th session, on the 10th session and 1 month after completing the treatment phase. It was performed by an observer physiotherapist filling out some questioners. With regard to increase of the motion extent, R/L flex and sensitivity to the pressure, there was no superiority for treatment with low level laser therapy on the acupuncture points during resting and activity over control group, although subjects in treatment group showed at least some improvements at the end of study. Low level laser therapy was however effective in increasing the motion of Ext, Flex, R&L Rot. Although both treatment and control groups showed some improvements in pain reduction, increase of ROM and sensitivity to the pressure, the results were better in the treatment group compared to the control group. The reason for this improvement in two groups may be the effect of stretching exercise and laser touching method in stimulating the acupuncture points.

response time can be defined as the elapsed time between the appearance of the object on the screen and the first sound or movement observed from the participant as his/her answer. The aim of this study was to measure the amount of reaction time on a picture naming task among normal children with mean age of 4 years. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants were 61 children (32 boys & 29 girls) recruited from randomly- selected kindergartens of Isfahan-Iran. Response time was calculated via DMDX software. In general, the mean amount of response time was 1682/95 mes. The mean amount of response time in boys and in girls was 1656/5 (SD=369) and 1709/4(SD= 330/6) respectively. (P value= 0/56) the Mean amount of response time in boys and girls was not significantly different.

Dentistry is ranked among those occupations that make an individual very prone to variety of musculoskeletal disorders specially neck pain. There is not a certain conclusion about the effectiveness of educational intervention, compared to other interventions, on reduction of symptoms of neck pain among dentists. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises and general care provided through educational booklet on reduction of neck pain.It was an experimental, prospective study. 30 dentists with neck pain (23 men and 7 women) were recruited to this study. The main studied parameters were pain and disability of the neck evaluated by NPDS questionnaire. Research data were obtained at three points of time: before and after educational intervention and 6 weeks after completion of intervention. The analysis of data indicated that the education through booklet reduced the pain and disability 4 weeks after starting intervention (P<0/001). Neck pain and disability reduced by 6 weeks after completion of study (P<0/001). The results of study showed that a four-week education through educational booklet is effective on reduction of neck pain and disability.

On the importance of the formant frequency, it is enough to say that the first three formants of a vowel and their internal relationships are the major components in detection of vowel type by listener. Moreover, the quality of a vowel depends on its factorial frequencies. The main application of measuring factorial frequency is for description of vowel errors because recognizing abnormal vowels, based on the listener's perception, is not as exact and accurate as measuring their frequency by instrumental assessments. This study aimed at investigating first three formants of vowels in Farsi language among 7-to-9-year-old children with cleft lip and palate in IsfahanIt was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants were twenty-three children with cleft lip and palate with an age ranging from 7 to 9 years. The raw data was gathered directly by the interviewer, and then the subjects underwent the Persian Vowel Test. first formant (F1), second formant (F2), and third formant (F3) of all six vowels of Farsi Language was obtained via Real analysis and Dr. Speech software and the apparatus Speech Studio. the scores relevant to each sample was recorded in separate data sheet designed for this study. Statistical analysis was performed on all data of interest.The highest average amounts for of F1, F2, and F3 were respectively in /æ/ (685 Hz), /i/ (1542 Hz), and /i/ (3264 Hz). The lowest average amount of these formants was for /i/ (422 Hz), /u/ (953 Hz), and /æ/ (2565 Hz), respectively.Discussion and The results of present study showed that F1 increased in vowels /i/ and /e/ implicating decreased height of tongue. It is also observed that F2 decreased in vowels /i/ and /e/ showing a backward movement of tongue during production of these vowels.

This study aimed to present a descriptive analysis of the responses given by two-and-a-half year-old Farsi-speaking children to the “Persian Picture Naming Test” carried out on a statistically significant sample of subjects. 60 two-and-a-half-year-old children were chosen from 32 kindergartens through multiple cluster sampling method and then evaluated. The raw data obtained from the Persian Picture Naming test were analyzed on the basis of descriptive statistics (including: mean scores, standard deviation, maximum and minimum scores and percentage of correct answers). the study revealed that in the above age group the highest percentage of correct answers related to “body part” and “clothes” categories. Conversely, abstract items, items which have little practical value and items with which the subject had had little experience showed a low percentage of correct answers. The Persian Picture Naming test is a potent tool for documenting subject’s underlying knowledge of nouns in the above-mentioned age group; however this test is also lacking due to incompetencies such as the inadequate number of items in most pictorial categories and the unacceptable quality of pictures in some cases, issues which need be addressed. In addition, on basis of the statistical results of the study, the features of items suitable to be taught can be determined.

carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of wrist pain in middle-aged people with consequent problems in wrist movements. This syndrome is more prevalent in women than in men. The carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by blockage of median nerve in carpal tunnel. During moving hands, affected people may feel numbness and tingling which may eliminate by depression from the median nerve. Determine the effect of wrist support splint on grasp strength in patient with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. twenty-eight patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were first evaluated and then randomly assigned to intervention and control groups of 14 subjects each. Subjects in the first group (intervention) were given the wrist splint while those in the second group (control) did not receive any splint. The rate of the disease signs, syndrome intensity and grasp strength were measured and recorded three weeks before starting the study and re-evaluated three week after the completion of the program. The Visual Analogue Scale was applied for measuring pain levels and syndrome intensity was assessed through a questionnaire. Grasp strength was evaluated by a dynamometer. In intervention group, a significant decrease in the rate of disease signs and in the intensity of syndrome was observed along with a significant increase in grasp strength. According to the study’s results, using a wrist-support splint results in decrement of the diseases signs and syndrome intensity and also in improved grasp strength as well as the efficiency of wrist.

Stroke, a major cause of disability, often results in After Stroke Depression (ASD) in many affected cases and has substantial adverse effects on the stroke survivor’s Quality Of Life (QOL). These two factors may have mutual interaction with each other. The present study aimed to examine the association between ASD and QOL in people with stroke. The relationship between ASD and QOL was examined in a cross-sectional study on patients more than 6 months post-stroke. Participants were recruited from patients attending the outpatient wards of two rehabilitation centers in Tehran. QOL and mood was respectively assessed by Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short- Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). forty subjects (21 men and 19 women) with the mean age of 61.5 years (SD=±3.5 years) were interviewed 8.7±3.5 months post stroke. The prevalence of depression was 70.4%. Subjects with depression had significantly lower quality of life compared to those who had not any depression. There was a significant negative correlation between ASD and QOL (r= -0.81) (P< 0.001). A significant proportion of people with stroke attending the rehabilitation clinics had depression that can adversely affect their QOL.

Reading accuracy depends on such skills as normal hearing, auditory perception, auditory memory, normal visual perception and visual memory. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between two reading skills, namely accuracy and rate of reading, and visual memory of non-words among female first-grade students living in Isfahan-Iran In a descriptive – analytic cross-sectional study, one-hundred female first-grade students were randomly selected from the available population. There was no evident sign of articulation, fluency, visual, auditory and intellectual problems in any of participants. Each subject was first asked to read the test material while her reading performance was being recorded and then she underwent a visual memory test of non words. Finally through analyzing the recorded material, reading accuracy and rate scores were determined for all subjects. according to the study’s results, reading accuracy and visual memory were significantly correlated in first-graders (P=0/01). There was, however, no statistically significant relationship between rate of reading and visual memory in the studied population (P=0/614). A significant association was found between reading accuracy score and visual memory of non-words. Visual memory is considered as a basic factor in development of reading skills. The results of this study are in agreement with those of other studies in that visual memory and visual recognition are more related to reading skills than any other cognitive skills. Therefore, by regard to the importance of relationship between visual memory and reading skills, visual memory should be tested in first-grade students.