Predicting functional movement capacity in adults: the effect of range of motion and isometric strength.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of isometric strength and range of motion in predicting Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of adults. A total of 120 participants (age = 34.62 ± 11.82 years; height = 170.56 ± 9.63 cm; weight = 73.62 ± 15.39 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed, including height, body weight, muscle mass, and body fat. Following this, the ranges of motion of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured sequentially. Isometric strength and FMS tests were then performed. Hip extension isometric strength explained 23% of the variation in FMStotal. The common effect of knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion explained 34% of the change in FMStotal (F (3-116) = 20.375, p < 0.001). A significant relationship (R = 0.658, R2 = 0.413) was found between hip extension isometric strength, knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion range of motion and FMStotal (F (4-115) = 21.952, p < 0.001). The common effect of all these variables explains 43% of the change in FMStotal. The results indicate that the FMS test scores, which are utilized to evaluate the risk of injury in sedentary adults, can be significantly predicted by the effect of hip extension isometric strength and parameters related to knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion. At this time, it is advised that range of motion and isometric strength be taken into account when determining a person's functional movement capacity.

Health beliefs of unmarried adult Saudi individuals toward safe marriage and the role of premarital screening in avoiding consanguinity: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Premarital screening (PMS) is an essential global measure that seeks to reduce the occurrence of specific genetic disorders and sexually transmitted diseases common in consanguineous marriages. Due to the lack of a nationwide study, this research was designed to comprehend how unmarried individuals perceive the risks and benefits of PMS. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through different social media platforms, responses from the native adult population (18-49 years) Saudi Arabia was only included in the study. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to assessing seven different constructs including susceptibility, seriousness, benefits-, barriers-, & cues- to action, self-efficacy, and social acceptance. Data frequency was represented by mean and standard deviation; chi-square and t-tests were conducted for the comparison of independent and dependent variables. A multinomial logistic regression was used to predict factors influencing decisions related to PMS. Results: 1,522 participants completed the survey, mostly 18-25 years old and most of them were women. The majority were single with 85 men and 1,370 women. Most participants (59.6%) believed their parents were related, while 40.5% did not. 122 respondents reported they had to marry within their tribe. Findings revealed significant correlations among all HBM themes, with varying strengths. Notably, a moderate positive relationship was found between the perception of benefits and cues to action, suggesting that enhancing the perceived benefits of PMS could facilitate safe marriage practices. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that demographic factors and health beliefs significantly influence individuals' intentions and behaviors toward PMS and safe marriage. Conclusion: The study concludes that by identifying and addressing barriers, and promoting positive social acceptance, PMS can significantly contribute to preventing genetic diseases and promoting safe marriage practices, although the cross-sectional design limits the establishment of causal relationships and further research is needed.

Facilitators and barriers to learning faced by female students with disability in higher education.

This study was aimed to investigate the learning experiences' facilitators and barriers that is encountered by the physically disabled female students during their higher education. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with female students with physical disabilities aged between 19 and 33 years. Interviews were transcribed, confirmed, and analyzed after being recorded. The average age of the sample was 22.15 ± 3.48 years and one-fourth of the participants' disability was due to cerebral palsy and 35% participants used wheelchairs. All the factors promoted inclusive education and equal opportunities for both disabled and nondisabled students. This study reveals that in order to improve the learning experiences of students with disabilities (SwD) and to give them more opportunities for success, it is important to consider all the barriers discussed in this study. It can be concluded that high effort is required to transform the higher educational institutions to be more accommodating for students with disabilities.

The impact of enriched environments on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents: a systematic review of environmental variability effects.

Introduction: The present review aimed to systematically summarize the impacts of environmental enrichment (EE) on cerebral oxidative balance in rodents exposed to normal and unfavorable environmental conditions. Methods: In this systematic review, four databases were used: PubMed (830 articles), Scopus (126 articles), Embase (127 articles), and Science Direct (794 articles). Eligibility criteria were applied based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study (PICOS) strategy to reduce the risk of bias. The searches were carried out by two independent researchers; in case of disagreement, a third participant was requested. After the selection and inclusion of articles, data related to sample characteristics and the EE protocol (time of exposure to EE, number of animals, and size of the environment) were extracted, as well as data related to brain tissues and biomarkers of oxidative balance, including carbonyls, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine, oxygen-reactive species, and glutathione (reduced/oxidized). Results: A total of 1,877 articles were found in the four databases, of which 16 studies were included in this systematic review. The results showed that different EE protocols were able to produce a global increase in antioxidant capacity, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, which are the main factors for the neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system (CNS) subjected to unfavorable conditions. Furthermore, it was possible to notice a slowdown in neural dysfunction associated with oxidative damage, especially in the prefrontal structure in mice. Discussion: In conclusion, EE protocols were determined to be valid tools for improving oxidative balance in the CNS. The global decrease in oxidative stress biomarkers indicates refinement in reactive oxygen species detoxification, triggering an improvement in the antioxidant network.

Investigation of sports participation motivation in people with disabilities: a cross-sectional study of individuals with physical and hearing impairments.

While reading the literature, it is seen that there are not enough studies on the motivation of disabled individuals to participate in sports. This study aims to examine the sports participation motivations of hearing impaired and physically disabled athletes. This study was a cross-sectional study. The research group of the study consists of physically and hearing-impaired individuals between the ages of 18-47. The participants of this research group consisted of 253 volunteer disabled individuals, 150 of whom were men and 103 of whom were women. Sports participation motivation scale was used for disabled individuals. The scale consists of 3 dimensions and is a 5-point Likert type. The results of the study showed that hearing-impaired people have a higher high school rate and physically person with disability have a higher bachelor's degree rate, but the primary education rate did not change between hearing and physically person with disability. Physical activity participation differed between hearing and physically person with disability, and it was observed that hearing-impaired people participated in more physical activities. The level of well-being of the physically disabled was significantly better than the hearing impaired. As conclusion, it is observed that the people with the lowest motivation to participate in sports are primary school graduates and those with high welfare have a high motivation to participate in sports.

Spiral strapping for improving upper extremity motor functions in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation process for the upper extremities of individuals with stroke requires therapists to use splints for supportive and corrective purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of spiral strapping in inhibiting spasticity and improving the upper extremity motor functions of individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: Forty Saudi individuals aged 50-60 years with chronic stroke participated in this study. Their degrees of spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale ranged across grades 1, 1+, and 2. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Participants in both groups received 1 h of conventional physical therapy for 3 d/wk to improve the motor functions of their upper extremities. In addition, participants in the experimental group wore an upper-limb spiral strapping with a hand splint 10 h/d for 6 d/wk. The treatment program for both groups was delivered for 4 weeks. Changes in the scores of Action Research Arm Test for elbow joint spasticity, active range of motion of the shoulder, elbow, and forearm joints, and hand grip strength were evaluated before and after treatment in both groups. RESULTS: Significant improvements in all measured variables after treatment were reported in both groups, except for elbow joint spasticity in the control group. The experimental group showed significant post-treatment improvement in the scores for all measured variables compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Spiral strapping was beneficial in inhibiting mild degrees of spasticity and improving the motor functions of the upper extremities of stroke patients.

Clinical and Endocrinological Responses to Different Exercise Training Methods in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The knowledge about the effective implementation of different exercise training methods on clinical and endocrinological responses in soccer players with chronic low back pain (LBP) is lacking. Hence the study is proposed to find the effects of different exercise training methods on clinical and endocrinological responses in soccer players with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Through the three-block randomization method, 60 chronic LBP participants were randomly divided into the isokinetic exercise group (IKE; n = 20), (CSE; n = 20), and conventional exercise group (n = 20). They received respective training for four weeks. Clinical (pain intensity & kinesiophobia) and endocrinological (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol) values were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, and at 3 months follow up. RESULTS: The baseline data between the groups showed no statistical difference (p ≥ 0.05). Four weeks following training IKE group showed significant changes in pain intensity and kinesiophobia than CSE and conventional training groups (p < 0.05). After 4 weeks of training, all the serum hormone variables show significant changes between the groups (glucose; p = 0.049, insulin; p = 0.005, HOMA-IR; p = 0.021, growth hormone; p = 0.006, prolactin; p = 0.001, ACTH; p = 0.001 and cortisol; p = 0.001). At 3 months follow up, the values for Glucose and Insulin (p > 0.05) variables did not show any statistical changes, but the rest of the variables (p = 0.001) showed significant differences. However, the maximum improvement was seen in the IKE group as calculated by the post hoc Tukey-Kramer's test. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that strength training through isokinetic exercises improved pain, kinesiophobia status, and temporary changes in serum stress hormone levels than other training methods in soccer players with chronic low back pain.

Perception of Healthcare Providers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method Survey in an Integrated Healthcare Delivery System in Saudi Arabia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine was broadly adopted for patient care. Considering this experience, it is crucial to understand the perceptions of teleclinic healthcare professionals. In Saudi Arabia, telemedicine literature was restricted to physicians working in government and private hospitals. This study examined perceptions in relation to telemedicine among physicians and other healthcare professionals practicing in Saudi Arabian military hospitals in the Taif region. During COVID-19, telemedicine was implemented in military hospitals; consequently, this study assists in evaluating introduced practices and the perceptions of health professionals regarding these new practices. A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was undertaken on healthcare professionals (N = 153). Twenty (20) items based on standardized measures were used to collect data using an online questionnaire. The measures contained three subscales: perceived usefulness, perceived ease, and behavioral intention. It was hypothesized that the perception of teleclinic usefulness and ease score by healthcare providers would be significantly correlated with behavioral intention. Descriptive statistics for mean, frequency, and standard deviation, as well as a Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis, were conducted to assess the relationship and predictive association between variables. In addition, a focus group discussion was organized to collect information directly from healthcare professionals. Most of the participants were approximately 40 years of age, Saudi Nationals (63%), medical specialists (62%), and were involved in teleclinic practices before the COVID-19 pandemic (60%). The reliability of all three scales was determined to be acceptable (α = 0.75-0.91). Perceived usefulness and perceived ease were shown to be significantly correlated with behavioral intention (r = 0.877, p = 0.05). In addition, the regression analysis indicated that perceived usefulness and perceived ease are predictors of the behavioral intention (R2 = 0.777, F (2,152) = 261.76, p = 0.001) of teleclinic practices among healthcare professionals. The positive perception of telemedicine integration in healthcare systems revealed by this study is a major catalyst for continuous adoption. On the other hand, certified telemedicine platforms, on-the-job training, Internet of things, and a flexible approach are required to find opportunities and enhancements in telemedicine interactions.

Effect of compressive therapy on sensorimotor function of the more affected upper extremity in chronic stroke patients: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Common upper extremity (UE) physical impairments after stroke include paresis, abnormal muscle tone, and somatosensory affection. This study evaluated the effect of passive somatosensory stimulation using compressive therapy on sensorimotor function of the more affected UE in chronic stroke patients. METHODS: Forty chronic stroke patients were enrolled in this study. They were randomized into 2 groups: Gr1 and Gr2. Three patients dropped out leaving us with a total of 37 patients completing the study. Gr1 received UE motor program for the more affected UE along with sham electrical stimulation while Gr2 had the same UE motor program along with passive somatosensory stimulation. The session duration in both groups was 85 min. Gr1 and Gr2 received a total of 36 sessions for 6 successive weeks. UE function in Gr1 and Gr2 was examined, before and after treatment using Box and Block test (BBT) and Perdue Pegboard test (PPBT) as measures of motor of both the more affected and less affected UE while the Nottingham sensory assessment (NSA) scale was used as a measure of sensory function of the more affected UE. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in motor and sensory function of the more affected UE compared to the less affected UE in both groups, measured by the BBT, PPBT, and NSA scales post-treatment (P < .05). However, the comparison between both groups regarding improvement revealed no significant change (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Upper extremity motor and passive somatosensory stimulation techniques are effective in improving sensorimotor function of the more affected UE, but none of them had the advantage over the other, in terms of improving motor and sensory function in chronic stroke patients.

Factors Affecting Mothers' Adherence to Home Exercise Programs Designed for Their Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a common motor disorder that results in long-term impairment. The purpose of this study was to find out what factors influence Saudi mothers' compliance with their Children with Cerebral Palsy (C-CP) Home Exercise Program (HEP). A self-administered online questionnaire was used to perform this qualitative research study on a group of 113 mothers who had children with CP. The study included mothers with children from birth to 12 years old who had received a HEP prescription from a physiotherapist. The measuring instrument tool was a questionnaire with two sections: demographic characteristics and a questionnaire about the parents' adherence to the HEP. The questionnaire utilized in this study was subjected to a reliability analysis, and the derived Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.814 for the questionnaire (which had 17 phrases). These results imply that the questionnaire is reliable. A total of 113 responses were received, with 4 incomplete responses being eliminated. The majority of mothers (66.1%) did not follow the HEP, according to the findings of this survey. The demographics of the mothers revealed that 20-25-year-old mothers were more adherent than the other age groups. The findings of this study demonstrated that the physical therapist's treatment of the mother influenced exercise compliance.

Assessment of the Correlation between the Levels of Physical Activity and Technology Usage among Children with Down Syndrome in the Riyadh Region.

Background: Children with Down Syndrome (C-DS) have language, cognitive and communication difficulties, in addition to consistent physical inactivity that contributes to poor health and higher-disability-adjusted life years. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the use of electronic technology and levels of physical activity in C-DS in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 49 mothers, where each had a child (6-12 years of age) with Down Syndrome (DS), and who were recruited using purposive sampling from three DS centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire and Research Questionnaire on the Impact of Technology on Children were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics. Pearson's correlation, Student's t-test and the Chi-square test were used to assess the association between technology use, physical activity levels and socio-demographic variables. Results: There was no significant correlation between physical activity and the use of technology by C-DS. However, there was a negative correlation between a high level of physical activity and technology use (R = -0.037). Although, no significant correlation between the mother's characteristics and technology use was found; there was a significantly positive correlation (p = 0.05) between the education level of mothers and the technology use by C-DS. Nonetheless, there was no association between the physical activity level and the gender of the child with DS. Conclusions: This study found that no significant relationship exists between the use of electronic gadgets and the level of physical activity in C-DS.

Clinical (BMI and MRI) and Biochemical (Adiponectin, Leptin, TNF-α, and IL-6) Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Training with High-Protein Diet in Children with Obesity Following COVID-19 Infection.

Objective: To find the clinical and biochemical effects of high-intensity aerobic training with a high-protein diet in children with obesity following COVID-19 infection. Methods: By using the block randomization method, the eligible participants were randomized into two groups. The first group received high-intensity aerobic training with a high-protein diet (Group A; n = 38) and the second group were allowed to do regular physical activities and eat a regular diet (Group B; n = 38) for 8 weeks. Clinical (basal metabolic index (BMI) and muscle-mass-cross-sectional area (CSA)) and biochemical (Adiponectin, leptin, TNF-α, and IL-6) measures were measured at baseline, on the 8th week, and at 6-months follow-up. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical attributes show homogenous presentation among the study groups (p > 0.05). After eight weeks of intervention, and at the end of 6-months follow-up, the basal metabolic index (BMI) (6.3) (CI 95% 4.71 to 7.88), mid-arm CSA (17) (CI 95% 14.70 to 19.29), mid-thigh CSA (13.10) (CI 95% 10.60 to 15.59), mid-calf CSA (11.3) (CI 95% 9.30 to 13.29), adiponectin (−1.9) (CI 95% −2.13 to −1.66), leptin (5.64) (CI 95% 5.50 to 5.77), TNF-α (0.5) (CI 95% 0.42 to 0.57), and IL-6 (0.21) (CI 95% 0.18 to 0.23) showed more improvement (p < 0.001) in Group A than Group B (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, this trial found that high-intensity aerobic training with a high-protein diet decreased the BMI percentile and muscle mass (arm, thigh, and calf), and positively altered the biochemical variables in children with obesity.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Acupoints on Motor and Neural Recovery of the Affected Upper Extremity in Chronic Stroke: A Sham-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

Inability to use the affected upper extremity (UE) in daily activities is a common complaint in stroke patients. The somatosensory system (central and peripheral) is essential for brain reorganization and plasticity. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is considered an effective modality for improving UE function in stroke patients. The aim of the current study was to determine the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) acupoints on cortical activity and the motor function of the affected UE in chronic stroke patients. Forty male and female patients diagnosed with stroke agreed to join the study. They were randomly assigned to group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2). G1 received task-specific training (TST) and sham electrical stimulation while G2 received TST in addition to TENS acupoints. Session duration was 80 min. Both groups received 18 sessions for 6 successive weeks, 3 sessions per week. Evaluation was carried out before and after completion of the treatment program. Outcome measures used were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) and the box and block test (BBT) as measures of the motor function of the affected UE. Brain activity of the motor area (C3) in the ipsilesional hemisphere was measured using a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). The measured parameter was peak frequency. It was noted that the motor function of the affected UE improved significantly post-treatment in both groups, while no significant change was reported in the FMA-UE and BBT scores post-treatment in either G1 or G2. On the other hand, the activity of the motor area C3 improved significantly in G2 only, post-treatment, while G1 showed no significant improvement. There was also significant improvement in the activity of the motor area (C3) in G2 compared to G1 post-treatment. The results of the current study indicate that TST only or combined with TENS acupoints can be considered an effective method for improving motor function of the affected UE in chronic stroke patients, both being equally effective. However, TST combined with TENS acupoints proved better in improving brain plasticity in chronic stroke patients.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip and associated risk factors in Saudi children: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the association between developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and risk factors in Saudi Arabia are rare. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the association between DDH and several risk factors among Saudi children. METHODS: The medical records of 82 children born in or admitted to King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with clinical suspicion of hip dislocation (HD) were included. The association between DDH and the following risk factors was investigated: age < 3 y, female-gender, twinning, first-born child, C-section, breech presentation, prematurity, positive family history and presence of associated abnormalities. RESULTS: HD was confirmed in 73 (89%) children (Positive HD) and excluded in 9 (11%) children (Negative HD). Eleven (13.4%) children were excluded from the positive cases as it was confirmed that they have paralytic hip dislocation not DDH. DDH was confirmed in 62 children (75.6%). The Chi square test (χ2) and odds ratios (OR) revealed that the positive family history, female-gender, age < 3 years, and presence of associated abnormalities had significant associations with the presence of DDH with P values and OR equal 0.00 (16.4), 0.002 (3.1), 0.005 (2.6), and 0.04 (1.9) respectively. Breech presentation, twinning, first-born children, prematurity, and C-section were not associated with DDH with P values and OR equal 0.93 (1.1), 0.46 (0.4), 0.11 (0.4), 0.08 (0.3), and 0.002 (0.3) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Positive family history, female-gender, age < 3 years, and presence of associated abnormalities had approximately 16, 3, 2.5, and 2 times increased risk for DDH.

Impact of Somatosensory Training on Neural and Functional Recovery of Lower Extremity in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Single Blind Controlled Randomized Trial.

Recovery of lower extremity (LE) function in chronic stroke patients is considered a barrier to community reintegration. An adequate training program is required to improve neural and functional performance of the affected LE in chronic stroke patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of somatosensory rehabilitation on neural and functional recovery of LE in stroke patients. Thirty male and female patients were recruited and randomized to equal groups: control group (GI) and intervention group (GII). All patients were matched for age, duration of stroke, and degree of motor impairment of the affected LE. Both groups received standard program of physical therapy in addition to somatosensory rehabilitation for GII. The duration of treatment for both groups was eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures used were Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG), obtained pre- and post-treatment. A significant improvement was found in the FIM scores of the intervention group (GII), as compared to the control group (GI) (p < 0.001). Additionally, QEEG scores improved within the intervention group post-treatment. QEEG scores did not improve within the control group post-treatment, except for "Cz-AR", compared to pretreatment, with no significant difference between groups. Adding somatosensory training to standard physical therapy program results in better improvement of neuromuscular control of LE function in chronic stroke patients.

The Relationship between Technology Use and Physical Activity among Typically-Developing Children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between technology use and physical activity level and to measure the association between sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, technology use, and physical activity level among Saudi children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 458 parents of typically-developing Saudi children (6-12 years). A translated validated questionnaire used for data collection consisted of three parts: Children's Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ), Questionnaire on the Impact of Technology on Children (used to investigate the impact of technology on children's physical activity) and sociodemographic questions (e.g, children's age and sex, age, educational level, marital status of parents and monthly income). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and Mann-Whitney U test to assess the relationship between technology use and physical activity level. A chi-squared test was used to assess the relationship between technology use and sociodemographic variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of the sampled children was (8.44 ± 2.07). Data analysis revealed that high use of technology was significantly associated with low level of activity. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between a high level of activity and technology use (r = -0.138, p = 0.047). Ownership of a device was significantly associated with higher technology time consumption. Regression analysis revealed that age of the child, educational level of the parents, screen time use, and owning electrical devices significantly predicted the level of practicing physical activity among children of sampled parents (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: practicing inadequate physical activity among children could be influenced by educational level of parents, screen time use, and owning electrical devices. Therefore, parental involvement is required to reduce time of exposure to technology screens among children.

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Task Specific Training on Right Versus Left Chronic Stroke Patients.

Functional impairment of the upper limb (UL) after stroke is a great problem. Finding methods that can improve UL function after stroke is a major concern to all medical service providers. This study was intended to compare the effect of upper limb task specific training (TST) on brain excitability of the affected hemisphere and motor function improvements in patients with left and right stroke. Forty male patients with mild impairment of UL functions were divided into two equal groups; G1 consisted of patients with left hemisphere affection (right side stroke) while G2 consisted of patients with right hemisphere affection (left side stroke). All patients received TST for the affected UL for one hour, three sessions per week for six consecutive weeks. Evaluation was performed twice, pre-, and post-treatment. Outcome measures used were Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Box and Block Test (BBT) as measures of UL motor function and Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) of motor and sensory areas of the affected hemisphere as a measure of brain reorganization post-stroke. Both groups showed improvement in motor function of the affected UL measured by WMFT and BBT with reported significant difference between them. G1 showed greater improvement in motor function of the affected UL post-treatment compared to G2. Additionally, there was a significant increase in peak frequency of motor and sensory areas with higher and significant excitability in G1 only. These findings imply that brain reorganization in the left hemisphere responded more to TST compared to the right hemisphere. Based on findings of the current study, we can recommend adding TST to the physical therapy program in stroke patients with left hemisphere lesions.

Effects of auditovisual feedback on eye-hand coordination in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy have deficits in eye-hand coordination. This limits manual actions performed with the affected hand, especially fine motor skills such as grasping and manipulation. Visual-motor integration, grasping skills, and visual perception are collectively involved in eye-hand coordination. AIMS: We investigated the effects of augmented biofeedback training on eye-hand coordination in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Forty-five spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy children (5-8 years old) were included. Children were assigned randomly into three equal groups. One group received traditional physical therapy to facilitate visual-motor integration and grasping skills for 3 months. The second group received augmented biofeedback training. The third group received a combination of augmented biofeedback training and traditional physical therapy. Children were evaluated with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale (2nd edition) (PDMS-2). Treatment sessions were conducted for 60 min, three times a week, for 3 consecutive months. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Children that received augmented biofeedback training alongside traditional physical therapy had significantly improved scores in the Visual-Motor Integration and grasping subtests compared to children that received only one intervention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Augmented biofeedback training alongside physical therapy improved eye-hand coordination in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Augmented Biofeedback Training with Physical Therapy Improves Visual-Motor Integration, Visual Perception, and Motor Coordination in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomised Control Trial.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of combining augmented biofeedback training and standard therapy for improving visual-motor integration (VMI), visual perception (VP), and motor coordination (MC) in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Participants were 45 children, 5-8 years of age, with spastic hemiplegic CP. They were randomized into three groups: group A followed a 3-month specially designed program physical therapy intervention to facilitate VMI and VP. Group B received augmented biofeedback training. Group C received augmented biofeedback training and the physical therapy program provided to group A. The treatment sessions lasted 60 min, three times a week for three months. The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of VMI and its supplemental tests were used to evaluate the children before and after the program.Results: After a 3-month treatment, standard scores and age equivalent scores for VMI, VP, and MC were significantly higher in group C compared with group A.Conclusion: The combination of augmented biofeedback and physical therapy could be used to improve VMI, VP, and MC in children with spastic hemiplegic CP.

Factors affecting participation in physical activities in Saudi children with Down syndrome: mothers' perspectives.

PURPOSE: Physical activity provides a wide range of benefits. Several studies conducted in various countries have examined factors influencing participation in physical activities in children with Down syndrome. This study aimed to explore factors affecting participation in physical activities in Saudi children with DS, from their mothers' perspectives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 mothers of children with Down syndrome to explore facilitators of and barriers to their children's participation in physical activities. All audio recordings were transcribed, validated, reviewed by the authors independently, and organized into themes. RESULTS: Transcript analysis resulted in four facilitators (mother's support and siblings' involvement, involvement of peers, type of physical activity experience, and child's physical ability, behavioral, and psychological status), and six barriers (conditions associated with Down syndrome, family responsibility, social barriers, environmental constraints, electronic devices, and mother's personal psychological barriers). CONCLUSIONS: The results regarding perceived barriers indicated a need to develop and implement programs involving family consultation. Environmental modifications should be made to accommodate the needs of children with Down syndrome. A well-organized partnership should be established and activated between private investors and the Ministries of Education, Social Affairs, and Health, to support the promotion of physical activity. Implications for rehabilitation The efficacy of home- and Internet-based programs for Saudi children with Down syndrome (DS) should be evaluated. Cultural and climactic conditions in Saudi Arabia suggest the need for environmental modifications to help children with DS engage in physical activity. Well-organized partnerships between private investors and the Ministries of Education, Social Affairs, and Health may be required to achieve higher participation of children with DS. Planning and designing of strategies, policies, facilities, and programs are required to increase engagement in physical activity and maximize the benefits of participation of children with DS.