Article
Rehabilitation
Nilar Aung, Vimonwan Hiengkaew, Jarugool Tretriluxana, Mon S. Bryant, Sunee Bovonsunthonchai
Summary: This study compared the effects of motor imagery combined with structured progressive circuit class therapy to health education combined with structured progressive circuit class therapy on dynamic balance, endurance, and functional mobility in post-stroke individuals. The results showed that motor imagery combined with structured progressive circuit class therapy was more effective in improving step test, 6-Minute Walk Test, and Timed Up and Go test compared to training with structured progressive circuit class therapy alone.
JOURNAL OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Esmee M. Reijnierse, Sven J. G. Geelen, Marike van der Schaaf, Bart Visser, Rob C. I. Wüst, Mirjam Pijnappels, Carel G. M. Meskers
Summary: This study aimed to clarify the definition, conceptual framework, and underlying constructs of mobility in healthy aging in order to facilitate data comparison and sharing. A variety of definitions, conceptual frameworks, and constructs of mobility were found in the literature and among experts. While there was some agreement on the definition and key constructs of mobility, further clarification and categorization of constructs is needed.
Article
Rehabilitation
Bruno Freire, Marja Bochehin do Valle, Fabio Juner Lanferdini, Clarissa Volpato Sombrio Foschi, Libak Abou, Caroline Pietta-Dias
Summary: This study determined the optimal cut-off score for the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in predicting unfavorable outcomes for mobility and walking ability in stroke patients. Moderate level of plantar flexor muscle spasticity was found to have the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting poor gait speed and good mobility performance.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Antti Lopponen, Laura Karavirta, Erja Portegijs, Kaisa Koivunen, Taina Rantanen, Taija Finni, Christophe Delecluse, Evelien Van Roie, Timo Rantalainen
Summary: The study evaluated the day-to-day variability and year-to-year reproducibility of an accelerometer-based algorithm for sit-to-stand transitions in a free-living environment among community-dwelling older adults. The results showed that the volume and intensity of STS transitions monitored by a thigh-worn accelerometer were consistent and reproducible from day to day and year to year. This suggests that accelerometers can be reliably used to study STS transitions in free-living environments and help identify individuals at risk for functional disability.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Krzysztof Smarz, Maciej Tysarowski, Beata Zaborska, Ewa Pilichowska-Paszkiet, Malgorzata Sikora-Frac, Andrzej Budaj, Tomasz Jaxa-Chamiec
Summary: This study found that in patients taking beta-blockers, a high prevalence of chronotropic incompetence was associated with lower exercise capacity. Chronotropic incompetence accounted for more than one-third of the variance in exercise capacity explained by the model.
Article
Physiology
Stefano Gobbo, Francesco Favro, Valentina Bullo, Lucia Cugusi, Andrea Di Blasio, Alessandro Bortoletto, Danilo Sales Bocalini, Andrea Gasperetti, Andrea Ermolao, Marco Bergamin
Summary: LVAD recipients show significantly reduced functional capacity and exercise tolerance, with low overall strength levels. Lower limb strength variables appear to be independent from peak VO2.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Arthur Gavotto, Manon Ladeveze, Martina Avesani, Helena Huguet, Sophie Guillaumont, Marie-Christine Picot, Anne Requirand, Stefan Matecki, Pascal Amedro
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the change in aerobic fitness (VO2max) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) compared to healthy controls and identify predictors of this change. A longitudinal retrospective multicentre cohort study was conducted over a 10-year period, revealing that the VO2max decrease was more significant in CHD patients. Male gender, high initial VO2max, high BMI, and multiple cardiac surgical procedures were identified as predictors of VO2max decline. The study highlights the importance of serial CPET assessment in children with CHD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Roland Roessler, Nikki Rommers, Eun-Kyeong Kim, Laura Iendra, Alexander Sofios, Eleftheria Giannouli, Erja Portegijs, Taina Rantanen, Denis Infanger, Stephanie Bridenbaugh, Stefan T. Engelter, Arno Schmidt-Trucksaess, Robert Weibel, Nils Peters, Timo Hinrichs
Summary: This study analyzed the life space and clinical characteristics of stroke patients. The results showed a positive relationship between life space and distance and area parameters. The conclusion is that the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, conducted at the bedside, is a useful indicator for assessing patients' life space 3 months poststroke and can be used to document the motor rehabilitative process.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Paul Mackie, Janice J. Eng
Summary: Seated exercises can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional weight-bearing exercises in stroke patients, improving balance and mobility outcomes. However, the effects on cardiometabolic health are still unclear.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Karin Vonbank, Antje Lehmann, Dominik Bernitzky, Maximilian Robert Gysan, Stefan Simon, Andrea Schrott, Martin Burtscher, Marco Idzko, Daniela Gompelmann
Summary: Patients recovering from severe COVID-19 experience negative impacts on maximal and submaximal exercise performance for 3-6 months post-diagnosis, with impaired pulmonary, cardiac, and skeletal muscle function contributing to limitations in VO2 peak. Higher NT-proBNP levels and lower creatinine kinase (CK) levels were observed in severe cases.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Rehabilitation
Stefania Spina, Salvatore Facciorusso, Milena C. D'ascanio, Giovanni Morone, Alessio Baricich, Pietro Fiore, Andrea Santamato
Summary: This study found that the turning speed metrics obtained by a single inertial sensor can differentiate between stroke patients with varying levels of mobility and disability, providing evidence that they are accurate measures of mobility and capable of discriminating stroke patients with impaired mobility from those with normal mobility.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
So-Young Ahn, Nam-Gi Lee, Tae-Heon Lee
Summary: In this study, it was found that exercise capacity has the most significant relationship with the TUG parameter in stroke patients. Additionally, significant relationships between the 6MWT and other comprehensive physical functions measurements are closely related to walking ability in individuals with stroke.
NEUROREHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Melih Zeren, Rengin Demir, Esma Yildiz, Zerrin Yigit, Sema Nur Atmaca, Ersan Atahan
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the validity of the six-minute stepper test (6MST) for measuring functional exercise capacity in patients with sarcoidosis. The results demonstrated that 6MST had acceptable discriminative ability and could explain a significant portion of the variance in the six-minute walk test (6MWT). It was found that 6MST is a valid and reliable alternative test for assessing functional exercise capacity in sarcoidosis patients.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sue Peters, Tara Klassen, Amy Schneeberg, Sean Dukelow, Mark Bayley, Michael Hill, Sepideh Pooyania, Jennifer Yao, Janice Eng
Summary: Higher intensity exercise therapy after stroke can lead to improved long-term walking outcomes. By modeling data from a successful multi-site RCT, targets for exercise prescription and progression were developed for patients with varying levels of walking impairment. These models, based on step number and aerobic minute progression, can help guide future studies and facilitate routine measurement of therapeutic intensity.
NEUROREHABILITATION AND NEURAL REPAIR
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Laurence Strubbe, Margot Pennewaerde, Janis E. Baeten, Eveline I. P. Volcke
Summary: The use of aerobic granular sludge in continuous wastewater treatment plants can increase treatment capacity, but the potential diffusion limitation may counteract the positive effects of improved settling. Optimization measures, such as increasing reactor volume fraction and adjusting oxygen set-points, can enhance the treatment efficiency and reduce energy consumption in continuous systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Horesh Dor-Haim, Michal Horowitz, Eldad Yaakobi, Sara Katzburg, Sharon Barak
Summary: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of moderate-intensity continuous-aerobic training (CAT) versus SCT on cardiac electrical measures in patients post-MI with reduced left ventricular function, as well as their effect on anthropometric measures.
Article
Pediatrics
Tal Krasovsky, Sharon Barak, Miriam Dishon-Berkovits, Yaara Sadeh, Jana Landa, Amichai Brezner, Tamar Silberg
Summary: The study aimed to characterize multidisciplinary healthcare resource utilization in Israel following discharge from prolonged pediatric rehabilitation. The results showed that mHRU remained high and stable 12 months post-discharge, with predisposing and need factors, but not enabling factors, being associated with specific disciplines of mHRU.
PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Orit Shapiro, Rachel Nissanholtz Gannot, Gizell Green, Avi Zigdon, Moti Zwilling, Ariela Giladi, Lilach Ben-Meir, Marques Adilson, Sharon Barak, Yossi Harel-Fisch, Riki Tesler
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of risk behaviors among Israeli adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that family support is a key factor in preventing risky behaviors in adolescents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Barak Sharon, Elad Dina, Gutman Dafna, Silberg Tamar
Summary: This study expands on the existing research on the general impact of raising a child with a disability using a biopsychosocial approach. The results show that the social impact of a child's physical disability is higher compared to other burdens within the family. Parental characteristics, such as emotional distress and educational level, are associated with the overall impact. Providing social and emotional support tailored to the unique needs of families can mitigate burden and distress and increase the sense of competency.
CHILD CARE HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Priscila Marconcin, Sharon Barak, Gerson Ferrari, Elvio R. Gouveia, Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Renata Willig, Margarida Varela, Adilson Marques
Summary: This study reveals an association between frailty and depressive symptoms, indicating that frail older adults are more likely to experience depressive symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sharon Barak, Tzlil Rabinovitz, Achinoam Ben Akiva-Maliniak, Rony Schenker, Lian Meiry, Riki Tesler
Summary: This study developed an individually tailored online/telephone program to increase healthy lifestyle behaviors among community-dwelling elderly people. Significant associations were found between health promotion activities and health status and physical functional level. Most participants engaged in the recommendations, but barriers affected compliance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Elad Jacoby, Omer Bar-Yosef, Noah Gruber, Einat Lahav, Nira Varda-Bloom, Yoav Bolkier, Diana Bar, Moriya Ben-Yakir Blumkin, Sharon Barak, Etzyona Eisenstein, Jaana Ahonniska-Assa, Tamar Silberg, Tal Krasovsky, Orly Bar, Neta Erez, Bella Bielorai, Hana Golan, Benjamin Dekel, Michal J. Besser, Gat Pozner, Hanan Khoury, Alan Jacobs, John Campbell, Eli Herskovitz, Noa Sher, Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, Yair Anikster, Amos Toren
Summary: This study developed a method to treat patients with mtDNA disorders by enriching hematopoietic cells with exogenous mitochondria. The treatment showed promising results in improving the patients' condition, including reducing heteroplasmy and increasing mtDNA content. This lays the foundation for future clinical trials of mitochondrial augmentation therapy (MAT).
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Orit Shapiro, Riki Tesler, Sharon Barak, Lilach Ben-Meir, Ariela Giladi, Rachel Nissanholtz-Gannot, Gizell Green, Moti Zwilling, Avi Zigdon, Yossi Harel-Fisch
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between biopsychosocial characteristics and alcohol consumption among adolescents during a crisis event, finding that teacher support and mental health are crucial in preventing risky alcohol consumption behavior.
Article
Pediatrics
Michal Glaser, Gizell Green, Avi Zigdon, Sharon Barak, Gili Joseph, Adilson Marques, Kwok Ng, Itamar Erez-Shidlov, Lani Ofri, Riki Tesler
Summary: This study examined the effectiveness of an online mentoring health intervention (OMHI) in enhancing characteristics that can prevent risky behaviors among at-risk youth. The results showed that participation in the OMHI was associated with increased resilience and social support, as well as decreased psychological distress. This suggests that the online intervention program could be an effective health promotion strategy for at-risk youth, especially during times of crisis.
Article
Rehabilitation
Javier Perez-Tejero, Mauro Grassi-Roig, Javier Coteron, Yeshayahu Hutzler
Summary: In Spain, wheelchair basketball is well developed and structured, but reverse integration is not allowed. This study collected data from Spanish wheelchair stakeholders to explore their perceptions on reverse integration. The findings suggest that reverse integration seems suitable for implementation within the Spanish wheelchair basketball framework at all levels.
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Yeshayahu Hutzler, Riki Tesler, Avinoam Gilad, Kwok Ng, Sharon Barak
Summary: The 2022 Israeli Para Report Card reveals that the levels of physical activity participation among children and adolescents with disabilities in Israel are low, particularly for females, Arabic speakers, and those with physiological disabilities. The lack of environmental infrastructure is one of the reasons for the low participation levels. Government policies and interventions are needed to increase overall physical activity and participation in sports among children and adolescents with disabilities.
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Yeshayahu Hutzler, Sharon Barak, Salome Aubert, Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Riki Tesler, Cindy Sit, Diego Augusto Santos Silva, Piritta Asunta, Jurate Pozeriene, Jose Francisco Lopez-Gil, Kwok Ng
Summary: This article summarizes information from the interpretation and conclusion sections of global reports on physical activity for children and adolescents with disabilities. The synthesis was based on a framework of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The study identified the need for more attention to fitness assessments and adapted methods for this population, and highlighted strengths in program availability, equipment, facilities, and professional training that require further development to overcome weaknesses.
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Kwok Ng, Cindy Sit, Kelly Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Salome Aubert, Heidi Stanish, Yeshayahu Hutzler, Diego Augusto Santos Silva, Mary-Grace Kang, Jose Francisco Lopez-Gil, Eun-Young Lee, Piritta Asunta, Jurate Pozeriene, Piotr Kazimierz Urbanski, Nicolas Aguilar-Farias, John J. Reilly
Summary: This study provides an overview of the physical activity of children and adolescents with disabilities in 14 countries or jurisdictions. The study revealed incomplete data in areas such as active play, physical fitness, and family & peers. Overall physical activity was graded the lowest, highlighting the need for more data to promote physical activity among disabled children and adolescents.
ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Ronit Ben Amotz, Gizell Green, Gili Joseph, Sharon Levi, Niva Manor, Kwok Ng, Sharon Barak, Yeshayahu Hutzler, Riki Tesler
Summary: This study investigated the impact of various factors on the professional efficacy and subjective health perception of PE teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding remote policies and receiving support from administration were found to be important for professional efficacy, while educational programs had an impact on subjective health perception.
EDUCATION SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Riki Tesler, Sharon Barak, Orna Reges, Concepcion Moreno-Maldonado, Rotem Maor, Tania Gaspar, Oya Ercan, Yael Sela, Gizell Green, Avi Zigdon, Adilson Marques, Kwok Ng, Yossi Harel-Fisch
Summary: This study analyzed the profiles of adolescents from seven Mediterranean countries based on their modifiable lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The results identified four different risk groups, with older adolescents more likely to be in the high-risk group. Identifying moderate- and high-risk profiles is crucial for CVD prevention interventions during adolescence.