Factors associated with postpartum fatigue: an exploration of the moderating role of resilience.

Background: Postpartum fatigue (PPF) can impair the physical and mental well-being of women. The aims of this study were to assess the associations between fatigue and maternal health-related variables, specifically, sleep quality, depression symptoms, and resilience, and to explore the moderating role of resilience in the relationships between sleep quality, depression symptoms, and fatigue. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data collected from mothers during the postpartum period via an online platform. PPF was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale, whereas sleep quality and depression symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively. The Brief Resilience Scale was used to assess resilience. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association of each independent variable with PPF and to determine the most significant predictors of PFF. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and structural equation modeling was performed using AMOS 23. A moderation analysis was performed to explore the moderating role of resilience using the Hayes PROCESS macro. Results: A total of 1,443 postpartum mothers were included in the analysis. The simple binary logistic regression analysis showed that having chronic disease (odds: 1.52; p = 0.02), mother's age (odds: 0.97; p = 0.03), mother's body mass index (BMI; odds: 1.03; p = 0.01), depression symptoms (odds: 1.09; p ≤ 0.0001), sleep quality (odds: 1.17; p ≤ 0.0001), and resilience (odds: 0.42; p ≤ 0.0001) all contributed to fatigue during postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the mother's BMI, sleep quality, depression symptoms, and resilience were significant predictors of PPF. Moderation analyses showed that resilience was not a significant moderator between the main effects of sleep quality and fatigue (interaction effect: ß = 0.01, p = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.04) or between the main effects of depression symptoms and fatigue during postpartum (interaction effect: ß = 0.01, p = 0.82, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.02). Conclusion: Given the deleterious effects of PPF on maternal health outcomes, factors associated with PPF should be assessed regularly. In addition to mothers' BMI, sleep quality, and depression symptoms, resilience could also be a crucial factor in predicting fatigue severity during this critical time for mothers even though it was not a significant moderator among this sample.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement properties of the Arabic version of the fear avoidance components scale.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate, validate, and cross-culturally adapt the original FACS into the Arabic language. METHODS: The English version of the FACS was translated and culturally adapted into Arabic following international guidelines. The psychometric properties of the final version of the FACS-Arabic (FACS-A) were tested among 119 patients with different musculoskeletal (MSK) pain disorders. RESULTS: The Cronbach's α for the FACS-A was 0.86. The test-retest reliability, measured with intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.80. The FACS-A showed positive significant correlations with other psychological patient-reported measures, including the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) (r = 0.545); p ≤ 0.01), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)-pain score (r = 0.546; p ≤ 0.01), BPI-pain interference score (r = 0.511; p ≤ 0.01), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (r = 0.451, 0.336, respectively; p ≤ 0.01). Confirmatory factor analysis of the FACS-A confirmed the two-factor structure found in the original English version. CONCLUSION: This study determined the FACS-A to be a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of the fear-avoidance beliefs in Arabic-speaking individuals with MSK pain disorders.

The Arabic version of the fear avoidance component scale is a reliable and valid tool to assess pain fear-avoidance beliefs in individuals with musculoskeletal pain.This tool can be used to assess fear-avoidance beliefs in clinical practice for Arabic-speaking individuals.

Trunk control and acute-phase multifactorial predictors of community mobility after stroke: a longitudinal observational study.

Introduction: Stroke is a detrimental condition associated with long-term functional impairments that restrict community reintegration, which is an indicator of successful post-stroke functional recovery and rehabilitation. Additionally, trunk control is an understudied factor that may contribute to community mobility and participation after stroke. This study aimed to identify predictors of community mobility among stroke survivors in the acute phase, with a primary focus on trunk control, in addition to exploring the mediating and moderating role of predictive factors. Methods: A longitudinal observational study included 61 participants with acute stroke. Trunk control test (TCT) during sitting, stroke severity, quality of life, fear of falls, depression, and age was assessed during the acute phase as potential predictors. The community mobility outcome measure was assessed 3 months after baseline using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI). Statistical analyses included correlation, linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses. Results: Trunk control test was the strongest predictor of RNLI among all factors (ß = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.004-0.007; p ≤ 0.0001). Stroke severity, quality of life, fear of falls, and age significantly predicted RNLI (p < 0.01). Higher age was a significant moderator of the relationship between TCT and RNLI (ß = 0.002; p < 0.001; 95% CI = 0.0001-0.0003). Discussion: The findings highlight sitting trunk control impairment during the acute stage as a crucial predictor of reduced community mobility after stroke, where age over 60 years can moderate this relationship. The study emphasizes that addressing trunk control during early stroke rehabilitation may enhance community reintegration prospects.

Effect of Mirror Therapy on Upper Limb Function in Children and Adolescents with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This review aimed to explore the effect of mirror therapy (MT) on upper limb function in children and adolescents with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). METHODS: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science were systematically searched. PEDro scale  was used for the quality assessment of included trials. Risk of Bias assessment was done using Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool version 2. Meta-analysis was performed on four of the seven studies included. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The majority of the trials included in this review found MT efficacious in improving motor function in HCP. Quantitative analysis of the included trials using QUEST scores for evaluation of quality of upper extremity function revealed positive but non-significant difference between the groups (MD = -0.12; 95% CI = -2.57,2.33; Z = 0.09, p = .92). Pooled analysis of the included trials using BBT, however, favored control (MD = 4.98; 95% CI = 2.32,7.63; Z = 3.67, p = .0002).

Physical Therapists' Attitudes, Beliefs, and Barriers Regarding Fall Screening and Prevention among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Falls are commonly associated with knee osteoarthritis and represent a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Therefore, the discovery of physical therapists' attitudes and practices regarding fall screening and prevention among patients with osteoarthritis should be investigated. Moreover, this study aimed to identify barriers that might limit its implementation among this population. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect the data. The electronic survey targeted licensed physical therapy professionals who currently work in clinical or academic settings in Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using chi-square. Two hundred and six licensed physical therapists completed the survey, 119 females (57.8%) and 87 males (42.2%). The results of the structural equation modelling analysis showed that intention to use fall screening and management strategies was positively associated with the history of falls, identifying risk factors of falls, and documentation of risk factors of falls (p ≤ 0.0001). The most reported barriers to implement fall screening and prevention were lack of knowledge (n = 92, 45%), lack of training/skills (n = 84, 41%), and time constraints (n = 57, 45%), followed by patient compliance with 38% of the responses. The findings highlighted the importance of identifying the key opportunities for knowledge translation in clinical practices to enhance the sufficient implementation of fall screening and management in osteoarthritis care.

The measurement of fatigability severity in individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that substantially diminishes one's ability to undertake daily living activities. Fatigue has been reported by at least 80 % of persons with MS (PwMS). Yet, little is known concerning the quantification of fatigability using prolonged walking tests. OBJECTIVES: To compare fatigability severity measures using the 10-minute walk test for PwMS against age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: Participants included 53 ambulatory PwMS and 49 HCs. Perceived fatigability was measured by dividing a participant's change in self-reported tiredness by the number of meters walked. Performance fatigability was calculated by dividing the change in walking speed (at 2.5 and 10 min) by the total distance walked in meters. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in perceived fatigability between PwMS and HCs (mean difference: 2.73 ± 0.83; p = 0.001) and in performance fatigability (mean difference: 0.24 ± 0.11; p = 0.01). Moreover, there were significant differences in speed and distance at all time points (p ≤ 0.05) between PwMS and HCs. CONCLUSIONS: PwMS have significant walking deficits as reflected by greater fatigability in both perceived and performance measures. These methods can enhance therapeutic strategies that improve the walking performances of PwMS.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement properties of the Arabic version of the pain sensitivity questionnaire.

Background: The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) is a reliable and valid self-reported tool for the assessment of pain sensitivity in clinical practice. The PSQ has been translated, validated, and cross-culturally adapted into multiple languages. However, a validated Arabic version of the PSQ is not available. Thus, this study aims to translate, validate, and cross-culturally adapt the English version of the PSQ into the Arabic language. Methods and materials: The English version of the PSQ was translated and culturally adapted into Arabic following international guidelines. The psychometric properties of the final version of the PSQ-Arabic (PSQ-A) were tested among 119 patients with different persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. Findings: The Cronbach's α for the PSQ-A-total, PSQ-A-moderate, and PSQ-C-minor were 0.81, 0.79, and 0.76, respectively. The means for the PSQ-A-total, PSQ-A-moderate, and PSQ-C-minor scores were 5.07 (±1.28), 5.64 (±2.07), and 4.50 (±0.50). The test-retest reliability measured with the interclass correlation coefficient for 68 subjects was 0.80 for the PSQ-A-total, 0.74 for the PSQ-A-moderate, and 0.77 for the PSQ-A-minor. The PSQ-A-total and the PSQ-A-minor showed positive significant correlations with pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) (r = 0.15, 0.17); P ≤ 0.05), respectively. The PSQ-A-total, PSQ-A-moderate, and PSQ-A-minor showed positive significant correlations with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)-pain scores (r = 0.47, 0.43, 0.45; P ≤ 0.01), respectively and with the BPI-pain interference scores (r = 0.37, 0.33, 0.34; P ≤ 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that the PSQ-A is a reliable and valid tool to assess individuals with pain sensitivity in Arabic populations. Further studies are recommended to examine the concurrent validity of the PSQ-A against experimental pain sensitivity measures.

Reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the modified falls efficacy scale.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to adapt Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) into Arabic and determine the reliability and validity of the instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases: (i) translation and adaptation by the systematic approach of the 'forward-back' translation method and (ii) psychometric testing of the Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale among 207 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 60 years). RESULTS: The Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.98) and test-retest reliability scores (ICC = 0.96, 95% CI; 0.95-0.97). And also showed strong correlations with both the Falls Efficacy International (r = -0.82) and the activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (r = 0.87). Sampling adequacy for factor analysis was proven by a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.962. Goodness-of-fit (GFI) statistics for the model were in the acceptable range (Chi-Square/Degree of Freedom (CMIN/DF) = 2.59, Goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.9, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.97, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.79). CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale has demonstrated excellent psychometric qualities to measure the level of fear of falling.

Modified falls efficacy scale (MFES) is a commonly used scale for assessment of fear of fall in elderlyThe translated and adapted Arabic version of (A-MFES) will enhance the assessment of fear of fall in Arabic older adults, though it is a patient response scaleThis scale can assess the fear of falling in indoor and outdoor activities which makes this scale comprehensive in nature.

Assessing the impacts of climate change on streamflow dynamics: A machine learning perspective.

This study investigates changes in river flow patterns, in the Hunza Basin, Pakistan, attributed to climate change. Given the anticipated rise in extreme weather events, accurate streamflow predictions are increasingly vital. We assess three machine learning (ML) models - artificial neural network (ANN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and adaptive fuzzy neural inference system (ANFIS) - for streamflow prediction under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), specifically SSP245 and SSP585. Four key performance indicators, mean square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2), guide the evaluation. These models employ monthly precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures as inputs, and discharge as the output, spanning 1985-2014. The ANN model with a 3-10-1 architecture outperforms RNN and ANFIS, displaying lower MSE, RMSE, MAE, and higher R2 values for both training (MSE = 20417, RMSE = 142, MAE = 71, R2 = 0.94) and testing (MSE = 9348, RMSE = 96, MAE = 108, R2 = 0.92) datasets. Subsequently, the superior ANN model predicts streamflow up to 2100 using SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios. These results underscore the potential of ANN models for robust futuristic streamflow estimation, offering valuable insights for water resource management and planning.

Therapeutic potential of natural products and antibiotics against bovine mastitis pathogen of cows and buffaloes.

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus associated with bovine mastitis to selected antibiotics and plant extracts. In the current study, 140 milk samples were collected from cows and buffaloes. Among the 140 samples, 93 samples were positive for sub-clinical mastitis based on the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Out of the total positive samples, 45 were confirmed for S. aureus on a Mannitol salt agar media. The antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that 44.82% of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin (oxacillin) confirming methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with a higher percentage (51.61%) in the buffalo than in the cow samples. Furthermore, the PCR assay confirmed the presence of the mecA gene in all the MRSA isolates. Among the seven tested antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed high efficacy (71.1%) against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates (MSSA). Oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim showed 20% efficacy against MRSA followed by enrofloxacin (10%). On the other hand, the tested samples from Pistacia chinensis revealed that the ethyl acetate extract of bark showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 21.3 mm against MSSA and MRSA isolates at 3 000 µg/disc. Moreover, the methanol extract of Cotoneaster microphyllus formed a 12.3 mm and 9.1 mm zone of inhibition against the MSSA and MRSA isolates, respectively.

Intercomparison of SWAT and ANN techniques in simulating streamflows in the Astore Basin of the Upper Indus.

The current research work was carried out to simulate monthly streamflow historical record using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) at the Astore Basin, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The performance of SWAT and ANN models was assessed during calibration (1985-2005) and validation (2006-2010) periods via statistical indicators such as coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and root-mean-square error (RMSE). R2, NSE, PBIAS, and RMSE values for SWAT (ANN with Architecture (2,27,1)) models during calibration are 0.80 (0.88), 0.73 (0.82), 15.7 (0.008), and 79.81 (70.34), respectively, while during validation, the corresponding values are 0.71 (0.86), 0.66 (0.95), 17.3 (0.10), and 106.26 (75.92). The results implied that the ANN model is superior to the SWAT model based on the statistical performance indicators. The SWAT results demonstrated an underestimation of the high flow and overestimation of the low flow. Comparatively, the ANN model performed very well in estimating the general and extreme flow conditions. The findings of this research highlighted its potential as a valuable tool for accurate streamflow forecasting and decision-making. The current study recommends that additional machine learning models may be compared with the SWAT model output to improve monthly streamflow predictions in the Astore Basin.

Translation and population-based validation of the Arabic version of the brief resilience scale.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to translate the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) into the Arabic language and to assess the reliability and validity of the translated version of the scale among a sample of the Saudi population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the translated BRS were analyzed. Factor analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure of the scale. Convergent validity was measured by correlating BRS scores with those from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5). RESULTS: A total of 1072 participants were included in the analysis. The score of the Arabic version showed excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.98) and good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.82-0.92, p ≤ 0.0001). The results of factor analyses showed that the two-factor model is a good model fit with [CMIN/DF = 9.105; GFI = 0.97; CFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.09]. The BRS scores were negatively correlated with levels of anxiety (r = -0.61), depression (r = -0.6), and stress (r = -0.53) and positively correlated with levels of satisfaction with life (r = 0.44) and mental well-being (r = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings firmly support the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the BRS to be used in research and clinical settings with the Saudi population.

Resilience, defined as the ability to bounce back from stressors, is a psychological factor that may buffer the harmful effects of health-related stress.The Arabic version of the BRS demonstrates strong reliability and validity for assessing resilience among the Arabic-speaking Saudi population.The scale will provide the rehabilitation field in the Arabic-speaking population and other health communities with a tool for research and clinical practice. The scale will also guide the development of strategic plans and psychological protective and rehabilitative intervention protocols for those in health-related stressful circumstances.

Factors contributing to falls in people with multiple sclerosis: The exploration of the moderation and mediation effects.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) has significantly increased in recent decades. People with MS have a high risk of falling; these falls may lead to serious injuries, affecting their quality of life PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the factors affecting falls in people with MS and map out the most significant ones. This study also aims to determine whether fatigue has a moderation effect and balance has a mediation effect on falls in people with MS METHODS: In total, 103 people with MS with a mean age of 32.09 ± 7.17 were enrolled. All subjects were assessed for multiple variables including balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), speed of gait using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), level of fatigue using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and lower limb muscle strength using a handheld digital dynamometer RESULTS: Simple binary logistic regression analysis showed significant results for BBS (OR: 10.88; 95% CI: 4.24-27.96; p < 0.0001), TUG (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.09-1.28; p < 0.0001), FES-I (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.10; p = 0.001), and MFIS (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.07; p < 0.0001) as factors affecting falls. According to multivariate analysis, balance (OR: 3.924; 95% CI: 1.307-11.780, p = 0.015), speed of gait (OR: 1.122; 95% CI: 1.023-1.231; p = 0.015), and fatigue (OR: 1.029; 95% CI: 1.002-1.058; p = 0.038) were the strongest predicting factors of falls. Hayes's PROCESS analysis showed that fatigue had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between gait speed and falls (MFIS; ß; 0.10; p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 0.07-0.14) and balance had a mediation effect on the relationship between gait speed and falls (BBS; indirect effect; 0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.13) CONCLUSIONS: People with MS with impaired balance, slower gait speeds, higher levels of fatigue, and a fear of falling were at a high risk of falling. The relationship between gait speed and falls can be mediated by impaired balance and moderated by the level of fatigue. Our data suggest that targeting balance and fatigue while developing rehabilitation interventions could decrease the incidence of falls among people with MS.

Role of Tele-Physical Therapy Training on Glycemic Control, Pulmonary Function, Physical Fitness, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Following COVID-19 Infection-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The use of tele-rehabilitation (TR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following COVID-19 infection remains unexplored. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the clinical effects of tele-physical therapy (TPT) on T2DM following COVID-19 infection. The eligible participants were randomized into two groups, a tele-physical therapy group (TPG; n = 68) and a control group (CG; n = 68). The TPG received tele-physical therapy for four sessions a week for eight weeks, and the CG received patient education for 10 min. The outcome measures were HbA1c levels, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and peak exploratory flow (PEF)), physical fitness, and quality of life (QOL). The difference between the groups in HbA1c levels at 8 weeks was 0.26 (CI 95% 0.02 to 0.49), which shows greater improvement in the tele-physical therapy group than the control group. Similar changes were noted between the two groups after 6 months and at 12 months resulting in 1.02 (CI 95% 0.86 to 1.17). The same effects were found in pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and PEF), physical fitness, and QOL (p = 0.001). The reports of this study show that tele-physical therapy programs may result in improved glycemic control and improve the pulmonary function, physical fitness, and quality of life of T2DM patients following COVID-19 infection.

Plantar pressure distribution in the evaluation and differentiation of flatfeet.

BACKGROUND: Although foot diseases are common, only a few studies have detailed the biomechanical and anatomical components of each disorder. The most reliable diagnostic tool for flatfoot is X-ray radiography. Achieving a similar accurate and objective diagnosis using another assessment tool, such as plantar pressure measurements, can be more convenient in clinical practice. RESEARCH QUESTION: To identify foot plantar pressure characteristics that primarily detect flatfoot based on X-ray, which addresses the use of such assessments for flatfoot diagnosis. In addition, to compare between the normal foot, flatfoot with positive Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI), and flatfoot with positive FPI and radiographic measures. METHODS: Sixty-two feet were examined from healthy female subjects aged 20.38 ± 1.10 years. According to the results of FPI and X-ray, each sample was assigned to one of the three groups (normal: negative FPI; FPI+: FPI ≥ +6; X-ray and FPI+: Arch Angle ≥ 165°, CP ≤ 12.3° and FPI ≥ +6) and compared using plantar pressure variables. RESULTS: As per normal group compared to X-ray and FPI+ group, there was a significant difference in the surface area (P-value: 0.01, 95 % CI: -26.58 to -3.62), force (P-value: 0.04, 95 % CI: -10.37 to -0.09), and pressure (P-value: 0.01, 95 % CI: -56.78 to -6.35) in the medial foot. Similarly, the arch index among the normal group and the X-ray and FPI+ group showed significant differences (Static AI; P-value: 0.003, 95 % CI: -0.21 to -0.04). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in plantar pressure between the normal feet and flatfeet with positive FPI and X-ray in the medial foot area. SIGNIFICANCE: To attain a consensus among diagnostic approaches to identify flatfoot, the combined comparison of observational, foot pressure, and radiographic methods that have shown considerable reliability can be useful for clinical practice.

Barriers and facilitators affecting physical activity among adults in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 quarantine.

The quarantine period in Saudi Arabia from May to June 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic prevented many people from engaging in physical activity (PA), which may have had negative effects on their health. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors, barriers, and facilitators affecting PA of people during quarantine. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey that was distributed to adults between 18 and 69 years old. The survey included demographic-related questions and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The survey was completed by 1859 participants ranging in age from 18 to 69 years old (42.5% male, 57.5% female). The major factors influencing exercise were being male (odds ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.53), being single (OR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.12-1.67), completing higher education at a Master/Doctorate level (OR = 1.83; 95% CI 1.23-2.72), and being resilient (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.03-1.08). The facilitators for doing regular exercise were having enough space at home (OR = 1.62), free time (OR = 1.77), good motivation (OR = 1.56), and being free from work (OR = 1.43) and family responsibilities (OR = 1.40). Sex, marital status, level of education and resilience were important factors affecting the type and level of PA during the quarantine period resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudi Arabia, like many countries, implemented social distancing, quarantining, travel restrictions and closing recreation facilities to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As a result, many people were prevented from engaging in physical activity (PA), which may have had negative effects on their health. This study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators affecting PA of people during quarantine due to COVID-19. We distributed an electronic survey to adults aged between 18 and 69 years old. The survey included demographic-related questions and the 'International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form' to measure their PA levels. There were 1859 survey respondents, of which 42.5% were male and 57.5% were female. The results showed that being a male, being single, completing higher education at a Master/Doctorate level and being resilient were the major factors influencing exercise. In addition, having enough space at home, free time, good motivation and being free from work and family responsibilities were the facilitators for doing exercise regularly.

Facilitators and Barriers of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Method Approach.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in physical therapy diagnosis and management for various impairments. Physical therapists (PTs) need to be able to utilize the latest innovative treatment techniques to improve the quality of care. The study aimed to describe PTs' views on AI and investigate multiple factors as indicators of AI knowledge, attitude, and adoption among PTs. Moreover, the study aimed to identify the barriers to using AI in rehabilitation. Two hundred and thirty-six PTs participated voluntarily in the study. A concurrent mixed-method design was used to document PTs' opinions regarding AI deployment in rehabilitation. A self-administered survey consisting of several aspects, including demographic, knowledge, uses, advantages, impacts, and barriers limiting AI utilization in rehabilitation, was used. A total of 63.3% of PTs reported that they had not experienced any kind of AI applications at work. The major factors predicting a higher level of AI knowledge among PTs were being a non-academic worker (OR = 1.77 [95% CI; 1.01 to 3.12], p = 0.04), being a senior PT (OR = 2.44, [95%CI: 1.40 to 4.22], p = 0.002), and having a Master/Doctorate degree (OR = 1.97, [95%CI: 1.11 to 3.50], p = 0.02). However, the cost and resources of AI were the major reported barriers to adopting AI-based technologies. The study highlighted a remarkable dearth of AI knowledge among PTs. AI and advanced knowledge in technology need to be urgently transferred to PTs.

Prediction of Factors Affecting Mobility in Patients with Stroke and Finding the Mediation Effect of Balance on Mobility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Background: Regaining mobility after stroke is essential to facilitate patient independency in activities of daily living. Predicting post-stroke mobility is clinically important and plays a significant part in rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study is to find the factors affecting mobility in patients with stroke and to analyze the mediation effect of balance on mobility. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included forty-one patients with stroke averaging an age of 57.2 ± 88.6. The Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) was used for measuring the mobility, Timed Up and Go (TUG) to measure the walking speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess the balance and a handheld dynamometer (HHD) was used for measuring the isometric strength of the ankle and knee. (3) Results: In regression analysis balance (ß=0.58; p≤ 0.0001) and walking speed (ß=-0.27; p=0.04) were the significant factors predicting mobility. (4) Conclusions: Balance and gait speed were the factors that influenced mobility in stroke patients, indicating the utility of measuring these aspects in order to provide appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Review of Modeling Techniques for Analysis and Assessment of RC Beam-Column Joints Subjected to Seismic Loads.

Beam-column connections are the most critical components of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. They serve as a load transfer path and take a significant portion of the overall shear. Joints in RC structures constructed with no seismic provisions have an insufficient capacity and ductility under lateral loading and can cause the progressive failure of the entire structure. The joint may fail in the shear prior to the connecting beam and column elements. Therefore, several modeling techniques have been devised in the past to capture the non-linear response of such joints. Modeling techniques used to capture the non-linear response of reinforced-concrete-beam-column joints range from simplified lumped plasticity models to detailed fiber-based finite element (FE) models. The macro-modeling technique for joint modeling is highly efficient in terms of the computational effort, analysis time, and computer memory requirements, and is one of the most widely used modeling techniques. The non-linear shear response of the joint panel and interface bond-slip mechanism are concentrated in zero-length linear and rotational springs while the connecting elements are modeled through elastic elements. The shear response of joint panels has also been captured through rigid panel boundary elements with rotational springs. The computational efficiency of these models is significantly high compared to continuum models, as each joint act as a separate supe-element. This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review of macro-modeling techniques for the analysis and assessment of RC-beam-column connections subjected to lateral loads. A thorough understanding of existing models is necessary for developing new mechanically adequate and computationally efficient joint models for the analysis and assessment of deficient RC connections. This paper will provide a basis for further research on the topic and will assist in the modification and optimization of existing models. As each model is critically evaluated, and their respective capabilities and limitations are explored, it should help researchers to improve and build on modeling techniques both in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency.