Impact of exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors with post-treatment primary breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side effect of neurotoxic chemotherapy. Exercise activates neuromuscular function and may improve CIPN. We examined the association between exercise and CIPN symptoms in breast cancer survivors. METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, we included patients completing a survey assessing exercise exposure and neuropathy symptoms in a tertiary cancer center survivorship clinic. We evaluated exercise duration and intensity using a standardized questionnaire quantified in metabolic equivalent tasks (MET-h/wk). We defined exercisers as patients meeting the National Physical Activity Guidelines' criteria. We used multivariable logistic regressions to examine the relationship between exercise and CIPN and if this differed as a function of chemotherapy regimen adjusting for age, gender, and race. RESULTS: We identified 5444 breast cancer survivors post-chemotherapy (median age 62 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 55, 71); median 4.7 years post-chemotherapy (IQR: 3.3, 7.6)) from 2017 to 2022. CIPN overall prevalence was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33%, 36%), 33% for non-taxane, and 37% for taxane-based chemotherapy. CIPN prevalence was 28% (95% CI: 26%, 30%) among exercisers and 38% (95% CI: 37%, 40%) among non-exercisers (difference 11%; 95% CI: 8%, 13%; p < 0.001). Compared to patients with low (<6 MET-h/wk) levels of exercise (42%), 11% fewer patients with moderate (6-20.24 MET-h/wk) to high (>20.25 MET-h/wk) levels of exercise reported CIPN. Exercise was associated with reduced prevalence of all CIPN symptoms regardless of chemotherapy type. CONCLUSION: CIPN may persist several years following chemotherapy among patients with breast cancer but is significantly reduced by exercise in a dose-dependent manner.

Wellness Aging Model Related to Inactivity, Illness, and Injury (WAMI-3): A Tool to Encourage Prevention in Practice.

It is a steep challenge to fully implement the wide range of evidence that supports rehabilitation interventions for the prevention of chronic disease. Proactive physical activity (PA) promotion can lead to increased PA levels to improve and maintain physical function. Higher levels of PA throughout the lifespan lead to better overall population health, wellness, aging, disease prevention, and chronic condition management. This article introduces the Wellness Aging Model related to Inactivity, Illness, and Injury (WAMI-3) as a simple visual tool to educate patients on the importance of PA and exercise for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. As a clinical construct, the WAMI-3 can be applied to all body systems affected by aging, inactivity, illness, and/or injury and exemplifies the concept of Exercise is Medicine®. The WAMI-3 framework is intended for easy integration into clinical practice; a clinician-friendly resource, based on health promotion, is provided to serve as a catalyst for enhancing the patient interview and education on the importance of PA and exercise. Video Abstract available: For more insight from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1 (available at: http://links.lww.com/JGPT/A115).

Effect of Moderate Intensity Exercise on Infection Rates in Individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: A Preliminary Pilot Randomized Investigation.

PURPOSE: Individuals with a diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with healthy individuals. Regular moderate exercise enhances immune function and wellbeing. Whether exercise at recommended levels for the general population is tolerated by individuals diagnosed with PID, without adverse effects, is unknown and warrants investigation. METHODS: A prospective randomized preliminary pilot investigation with individuals diagnosed with PID was undertaken; participants were assigned to either an exercise (n = 18) or control group (n = 16). The exercise group completed an eight-week, semi-customized, home-based, moderate intensity exercise program, while the control group engaged in routine activities. Participants completed recall surveys assessing infection rates and non-routine medical care over 8 weeks prior to the eight-week intervention. RESULTS: Given recruitment issues, the study was underpowered. Thus, as expected, no difference between groups was observed. CONCLUSION: This preliminary pilot investigation provides the foundation for a large scale, appropriately powered, randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of moderate exercise on infection rates and non-routine medical care for individuals with PID. Recommendations are made to strengthen the methodology of future investigations on the effects of exercise on the immune function and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with PID.

Living with primary immunodeficiency disease during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aim: The purpose of this survey study was to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on the lives of individuals living with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Subject and methods: An online survey was distributed through social media to individuals with a diagnosis of PID to investigate behaviors and concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Results: Five hundred and fifty seven responses were collected, of which 495 surveys were 100% complete; partial responses were analyzed. Respondents have been extremely cautious and have minimized their potential Covid-19 exposure risk. In this study, 56.6% (n = 289) participated in telehealth visits with the physician responsible for managing their PID during the Covid-19 pandemic. Respondents reported they would be somewhat comfortable with returning to normal activities if there was widespread herd immunity (40.9%, n = 209), an effective vaccine (46.0%. n = 235), or public health protections (44.0%, n = 225). The majority of respondents were extremely concerned (57.3%, n = 293) about additional waves of Covid-19 cases when their state or country reopens. Conclusion: The PID community is aware of the health risks posed by this public health crisis, and have done as much as possible to minimize their risk to community exposure. This pandemic has highlighted the importance of continuous medical care for a vulnerable population through the use of telemedicine. Healthcare providers should be aware of the emotional burden and increased psychiatric distress, often presenting as fear, anxiety, or depression, in patients with a chronic medical condition during a public health crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shoulder-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Use in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: An Assessment of Reliability, Construct Validity, and Overall Appropriateness of Test Score Interpretation Using Rasch Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity and overall appropriateness of test score interpretation of 4 shoulder-related patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for use in a population of patients with head and neck cancer using Rasch analysis. METHODS: One hundred eighty-two individuals who had received a neck dissection procedure within the past 2 weeks to 18 months were recruited for this cross-sectional psychometric study. Rasch methodologies were used to investigate scale dimensionality, scale hierarchy, response scale structure, and reliability of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII). RESULTS: DASH did not meet criteria for unidimensionality and was deemed inappropriate for use in this sample. The QuickDASH, SPADI, and NDII were all determined to be unidimensional. All scales had varying issues with person and item misfit, differential item functioning, coverage of ability levels, and optimal rating scale requirements. The NDII met most requirements. All measures were found to meet thresholds for person and item separation as well as reliability statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Rasch analysis indicates the NDII is the most appropriate measure studied for this population. The QuickDASH and SPADI are recommended with reservation, whereas the DASH is not recommended. IMPACT: This study demonstrates the use of objective methodologies, using Rasch analysis, to validate PRO recommendations provided by clinical experts in forums such as the Evaluation Database to Guide Effectiveness (EDGE) TaskForce, which are based upon a comprehensive literature review, consideration of published psychometric properties, and expert consensus. Use of Rasch methodologies demonstrates weaknesses in this model and provides opportunities to strengthen recommendations for clinicians.

Community-Based Yoga for Women Undergoing Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Women with substance use disorders (SUD) receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with behavioral interventions and counseling for recovery. Evidence supports the use of yoga for SUD; however few studies specifically feature women. OBJECTIVES: Community-based yoga may add to health promotion through preferable physical activity for women in recovery. The aims of this study are to explore demographics and quantitative measures relevant to recovery and capture and understand the subjective experience of one session of yoga. STUDY DESIGN: The study design involves Descriptive/Cross-sectional. METHODOLOGY: Women in an inpatient SUD center attending weekly optional off-site yoga for recovery were recruited to capture first-time attendance. Survey data included Medical Outcomes Survey 12-item short-form (SF-12), Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), demographics, and narrative reflections. Recruitment opportunities occurred weekly during ongoing hour-long classes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine women (average age 36.6) with primarily opiate-based addictions completed surveys. SF-12 was below the normative value of 50 for both subscales. BRS scores showed averages on the low end of normal resiliency. The frequency of responses to writing prompts confirmed physical and mental well-being through yoga intervention. Women shared potential relapse prevention specifically attributed to the mindfulness component of the intervention. CONCLUSION: The SF-12, BRS, and TMS are brief, valid, and reliable and can be easily incorporated in clinical practice or future research. Suboptimal SF-12 scores were found in women with SUD and, therefore important to note in the context of recovery to optimize treatment. Subjective reports from the participants find community-based yoga an enjoyable and beneficial type of physical activity. Yoga may be a viable option for comprehensive mind-body intervention for this population.

Yoga for Substance Use Disorder in Women: A Systematic Review.

It has been suggested that yoga may be an effective adjunct intervention in the management of substance use disorders (SUD). Additionally, women with SUD require different treatment approaches than men. The objective of this study was to critically evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of yoga, specifically for women, as part of treatment for SUD. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated any type of yoga, including yoga as a component of mindfulness-based treatment, against any type of control in individuals with any type of addiction were eligible. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist and Statement, methodological quality was appraised using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PE Dro) criteria. Ten RC Ts (eight mixed-gender and two female-focused) met the eligibility criteria. Most of these RCTs were small to medium-sized, with various methodological and analytical flaws and deficits. The types of addictions included in these studies were alcohol, drug, and nicotine addiction. Most RCTs suggested that various types of yoga, primarily Hatha Yoga and its components, led to favorable or equivalent results for SUD as an adjunct to control or treatment-as-usual interventions. There are limited results on the impact of yoga for SUD specifically focused on women and their unique needs. Although the results of mixed-gender articles are encouraging, large RCTs with gender-specific subanalyses are required to better determine the benefits specific to women incorporating yoga for SUD.

Yoga for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Fall Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common, debilitating side effect that worsens quality of life and increases the risk of falls in cancer survivors. Evidence of yoga's safety and efficacy in treating CIPN is lacking. METHODS: In a randomized controlled study, we assigned breast and gynecological cancer survivors with persistent moderate-to-severe CIPN pain, numbness, or tingling with a score of 4 or greater (0-10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) for at least 3 months after chemotherapy to 8 weeks of usual care or yoga focused on breathwork and musculoskeletal conditioning. Primary endpoint was treatment arm differences for NRS, and secondary endpoints were Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group-Neurotoxicity subscale (FACT/GOG-Ntx), and Functional Reach Test after week 8. We tested treatment arm differences for each outcome measure using linear mixed models with treatment-by-time interactions. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: We randomly assigned 41 participants into yoga (n = 21) or usual care (n = 20). At week 8, mean NRS pain decreased by 1.95 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.20 to -0.70) in yoga vs 0.65 (95% CI = -1.81 to 0.51) in usual care (P = .14). FACT/GOG-Ntx improved by 4.25 (95% CI = 2.29 to 6.20) in yoga vs 1.36 (95% CI = -0.47 to 3.19) in usual care (P = .035). Functional reach, an objective functional measure predicting the risk of falls, improved by 7.14 cm (95% CI = 3.68 to 10.59) in yoga and decreased by 1.65 cm (95% CI = -5.00 to 1.72) in usual care (P = .001). Four grade 1 adverse events were observed in the yoga arm. CONCLUSION: Among breast and gynecological cancer survivors with moderate-to-severe CIPN, yoga was safe and showed promising efficacy in improving CIPN symptoms.

Self-Reported Disability in Persons With HIV-Related Neuropathy Is Mediated by Pain Interference and Depression.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare disability in people with HIV and peripheral neuropathy with those without neuropathy and explore how neuropathy and other relevant factors are associated with disability. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, participants completed the Brief pain inventory, Beck Depression Inventory II, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), and a health and demographic questionnaire. Additional data were extracted from the medical record. A raw score of ≥1 on the Subjective Peripheral Neuropathy Screen questions about lower extremity numbness or paresthesia was used to identify peripheral neuropathy. Predictors of disability (as determined by association with World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores) were evaluated bivariately and in a multivariable model. Path modeling was used to identify a parsimonious model to elucidate the mediated effects of peripheral neuropathy on disability. RESULTS: Participants with peripheral neuropathy had more depression symptoms, more pain (severity and interference), and higher disability scores compared with participants without neuropathy. The relationship between neuropathy and disability was mediated by pain interference and depression (standardized root mean residual = .056). CONCLUSION: In this sample of people with HIV, those with lower extremity peripheral neuropathy reported more severe disability, worse pain, and more depression symptoms than those without neuropathy. The relationship between peripheral neuropathy and disability may be mediated though pain interference and depression. IMPACT: Distal sensory polyneuropathy is a common comorbidity experienced by people living with HIV and frequently causes pain. This study can help providers direct care toward lessening disability experienced among people with HIV and peripheral neuropathy by targeting interventions for treatment of pain and depression. LAY SUMMARY: People living with HIV may experience disabling painful neuropathy. Treatment for pain and depression may help reduce the disability associated with painful neuropathy.

Self-reported cognitive impairment in individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease.

Individuals with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PID) have increased risk for infection, autoimmune conditions, and inflammatory disorders. Cognitive impairment, also referred to as brain fog, has been recognized in other medical conditions and as a side-effect of treatments; however, it has not been previously reported in individuals with PID. The phenomenon of brain fog is recognized in other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and has resulted from chemotherapy treatment for cancer. This research investigates the self-reported memory function of individuals with a diagnosis of PID. Respondents completed a survey which used reliable and valid questionnaires: Memory Functioning Questionnaire, Beck's Depression Inventory II, and Beck's Anxiety Inventory. Of the 292 completed surveys, 133 did not report any comorbid neurological diagnosis or incident of concussion (both of which could influence perceived memory function). When compared to normative scores, the respondents in this study were found to have significantly greater perceived memory impairment. The respondents had a significant higher score for anxiety and depression as compared to non-anxious and non-depressed normative values. This study finds that individuals with a diagnosis of PID have a greater degree of perceived memory impairment, or brain fog, in addition to greater levels of anxiety and depression. Individuals with a diagnosis of PID would benefit from prospective surveillance through a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment to track cognitive status and implement corrective measures, should any decline be identified.

Effectiveness of Somatic Yoga and Meditation: A Pilot Study in a Multicultural Cancer Survivor Population with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) causes significant pain and is an adverse effect of treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. We explored a somatic yoga and meditation intervention in a predominantly minority population. Goals included describing strategies for minority inclusion and testing feasibility and effectiveness. Eight individuals with CIPN enrolled in a single-arm feasibility trial. Somatic yoga and meditation were provided weekly for 8 weeks, with an additional home program component. The primary outcomes were Sit and Reach, Functional Reach, and Timed Up and Go. Secondary outcomes were Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire, FACT-GOG-Ntx (for addressing patient concerns associated with neurological symptoms), Brief Pain Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Sensitivity to vibration was measured via biothesiometer. Participants with a mean age of 65 (49-73) years self-reported as 63% African-American and 37% Caucasian. They attended 81% of the sessions, and no adverse events we re re p o rted. CIPN symptoms (FAC T- G O G - N t x ) improved significantly (from 88.88 to 106.88, standard deviation = 20.03; p = 0.039). Fear of falling improved, approaching significance (from 39.26 to 34.38, standard deviation = 6.081; p = 0.058). Other measures showed improvement trends, with a slight increase in Brief Pain Inventory pain severity (from 3.50 to 3.75, p = 0.041) possibly reflecting comorbidities. Four qualitative themes emerged: (1) CIPN symptom variability, with musculoskeletal comorbidities; (2) utility of learned skills; (3) improvement in self-confidence, balance, and stability; and (4) social support, with CIPN experience validation and increasing health literacy. Challenges of recruitment and retention require specific outreach, community trust, and health literacy. Preliminary data suggest that somatic yoga and meditation may affect fear of falling and quality of life in cancer survivors with CIPN. A randomized controlled trial using inclusive recruitment and retention methods is indicated to establish the intervention's efficacy.

Reliability and Validity of the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) with Adults Living with HIV in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To assess measurement properties of the HIV Disability Questionnaire (HDQ) among adults with HIV in the United States. METHODS: We administered the HDQ, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS 2.0), and a demographic questionnaire. For internal consistency reliability, we calculated Cronbach α and Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) statistics for disability and episodic scores, respectively (≥0.80 acceptable). For test-retest reliability, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.8 acceptable). For construct validity, we tested 15 a priori hypotheses assessing correlations between HDQ and WHODAS 2.0 scores. RESULTS: Of the 128 participants, the majority were males (68%), median age 51 years, taking antiretroviral therapy (96%). Cronbach α ranged from 0.88 (social inclusion) to 0.93 (uncertainty). The KR-20 ranged from 0.86 (cognitive) to 0.96 (uncertainty). Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.88 (physical, cognitive, social inclusion) to 0.92 (mental-emotional). Of the 15 hypotheses, 13 (87%) were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The HDQ demonstrates internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity when administered to a sample of adults with HIV in the United States.

Functional Limitations and Disability in Persons Living with HIV in South Africa and United States: Similarities and Differences.

Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) may experience disability. We compared disability among PLHIV in the United States and South Africa and investigated associations with health and demographic characteristics. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data using medical records and questionnaires including the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS) 2.0 12-item version (range: 0-36, with higher scores indicative of more severe disability). Between-country differences for the presence of disability were assessed with logistic regression and differences in severity using multiple regression. Eighty-six percent of US participants reported disability, compared to 51.3% in South Africa. The mean WHO-DAS score was higher in the United States (12.09 ± 6.96) compared to South Africa (8.3 ± 6.27). Participants with muscle pain, depression, or more years since HIV diagnosis were more likely to report disability. Being female or depressed was associated with more severity. Being adherent to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and employed were associated with less severity. Because muscle pain and depression were predictive factors for disability, treatment of those problems may help mitigate disability in PLHIV.

Impact of Somatic Yoga and Meditation on Fall Risk, Function, and Quality of Life for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Syndrome in Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVE: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) syndrome causes significant pain as an adverse effect of treatment, with few nonpharmacological interventions tested. A somatic yoga and meditation (SYM) intervention on functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) was investigated. DESIGN AND METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with CIPN were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm, mixed-methods feasibility trial. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: In an outpatient rehabilitation center, ten participants with median age 64.4 years (47-81) attended 61% of the sessions with no adverse events. INTERVENTION: SYM twice a week for 8 weeks for 1.5 hours, with home program and journaling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary functional outcomes included Sit and Reach (SR), Functional Reach (FR), and Timed Up and Go (TUG). Self-reported Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-NTX) were secondary CIPN outcomes. Biomarkers included salivary cortisol (stress) and bioesthesiometer (vibration). RESULTS: Quantitative findings. Significant improvements were found in flexibility (SR; P = .006); balance (FR; P = .001) and fall risk (TUG; P = .004). PNQ improved significantly ( P = .003) with other measures improving non-significantly. Qualitative findings. Five themes emerged: (1) vacillation of CIPN pain perception over time; (2) transferability of skills to daily activities; (3) improvement in physical function; (4) perceived relaxation as an effect of SYM; and (5) group engagement provided a social context for not feeling isolated with CIPN. CONCLUSION: Preliminary data suggest SYM may improve QOL, flexibility, and balance in cancer survivors with CIPN, with a fully powered randomized controlled trial indicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03786055.

Health coaching for healthcare employees with chronic disease: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Health coaching promotes healthy lifestyles and may be particularly helpful for employees with chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of a health coaching program that targeted health-system employees with at least one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. METHODS: Fifty-four employees volunteered for a health coaching program (6-session, 12-week program, at least one cycle). 40 (74%) completed (mean age [SD] = 53.3 [10.3] years, Female = 95%, Caucasian = 83%). A certified and integrative health coach/nutritionist provided coaching. Self-reported outcomes were collected using a pre-post design. RESULTS: Participants reported high rates of obesity (75%), hypertension (52.5%), diabetes/prediabetes (47.5%), and hyperlipidemia (40%). In addition, 20% reported chronic pain/rehabilitation needs, 17.5% seasonal depression, and 30% other significant co-morbidities. Following coaching, participants reported significant weight loss (mean [SD] 7.2 [6.6] pounds, p < 0.0001, d = 1.11), increased exercise (from 0.8 to 2.3 sessions/week, p < 0.001, d = .89), reduced perceived stress (p < 0.04, d = .42), and a trend for improved sleep (p = 0.06, d = .38). Reduced stress correlated with both increased exercise (r = -.39, p < 0.05) and decreased fatigue (r = .36, p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Health coaching for healthcare employees with obesity and other CVD risk factors is a promising approach to losing weight, reducing stress, making healthy lifestyle changes, and improving health and well-being.

Promoting assessment and management of function through navigation: opportunities to bridge oncology and rehabilitation systems of care.

Recent calls from oncology providers and cancer policy forums advocate for improved connections between rehabilitation services and cancer care delivery. Traditionally, this intersection has occurred when patients present with overt disability related to cancer treatment and is driven by reactive approaches to care. A growing body of evidence suggests that a proactive approach to functional screening and assessment encourages the identification and management of functional impairment and morbidity earlier in the cancer care continuum and contributes to better outcomes. A clinical pathway that prompts screening and referral to rehabilitation services in an expedited manner is needed. Cancer patient navigators provide care coordination through the duration of medical treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life. This article presents a framework for navigation workflows to support functional assessment and provide early triage pathways to the rehabilitation system of care. We provide a case example of novel approach to patient navigation from a Southeastern United States community cancer center that uses a patient navigator with a rehabilitation background to serve in this role. An overview of the position skills, functional assessment and referral pathways, and perspective on quality improvements related to this approach are described. The use of rehabilitation providers beyond traditional clinical roles should be further explored. Their expertise in functional assessment and interpretation could foster improvements in cancer care delivery and outcomes for survivors in both the short and long term.

Reliability and accuracy of the brachial plexus neurodynamic test.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. INTRODUCTION: The brachial plexus neurodynamic test (BPNT), based on previous neurodynamic tests, is considered a clinically meaningful tool to objectively assess brachial plexus extensibility. This novel test's psychometric properties have yet to be determined. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The primary study aim was to assess the inter- and intrarater reliability and accuracy of the BPNT, which biases the median nerve and brachial plexus, among clinicians of various professional experience levels and geographic US regions. The secondary study aim was to determine if professional experience or geographic region affects the accuracy levels of this test. METHODS: In phase 1, inter-rater reliability and accuracy was determined. About 307 participants attending neural mobilization conferences and courses were instructed in the BPNT and asked to score 7 different videos of 14 possible test levels. In phase 2, intrarater reliability was determined via scoring the same test videos twice. RESULTS: High inter-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (range, 0.98-0.99) and accuracy (range, 0.88-0.94) levels were determined for all clinical experience levels and geographic regions. Intrarater intraclass correlation coefficient values were high (range, 0.96-1.0) among all participants. One-way analysis of variance indicated no significant differences on test accuracy based on professional clinical experience (F = 0.104; P = .958) and geographic region (F = 0.416; P = .416) among all 307 participants. DISCUSSION: Excellent inter- and intrarater reliability and accuracy levels may allow clinicians to correctly identify BPNT positions regardless of their professional experience or geographic location. CONCLUSION: The BPNT can reliably and accurately quantify outcomes in neural mobility scoring.

Exercise Perception and Behaviors in Individuals Living with Primary Immunodeficiency Disease.

BACKGROUND: Routine exercise has been established as an effective way to improve overall health. The value of exercise has been established in many diseases, however, there are no studies investigating the impact of exercise for individuals with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise perceptions and behaviors in individuals diagnosed with PID. METHODS: An online survey was distributed over a four-week period. RESULTS: Of the 264 responses collected, most were females, 45-54 years old. Respondents reported a measurable loss of function impairing their daily activities due to loss of mobility/physical activity (41.32%), or loss of lung/pulmonary function (40.08%,). They felt exercise decreased stress level and improved their mental well-being (46.25%). Some indicated they participate in exercise (33.20%), while 36.84% had not participated in exercise for at least 1 year. Exercise was limited primarily due to fatigue (86.97%). CONCLUSION: Exercise is important for those with chronic medical conditions. Most individuals living with PID can participate in low/moderate physical activity, but struggle with vigorous physical activity, since fatigue is the greatest barrier. Respondents view exercise as beneficial, and would like to increase participation in an exercise program.

Evolution of an International Research Collaborative in HIV and Rehabilitation: Community Engaged Process, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasingly considered a chronic illness. Rehabilitation can address some of the health challenges of people living with HIV (PLWHIV); however, the field is emerging. OBJECTIVES: We describe our experience establishing an international collaborative in HIV and rehabilitation research using a community engaged approach. METHODS: The Canada-UK (now Canada-International) HIV and Rehabilitation Research Collaborative (CIHRRC) is a network of more than 85 PLWHIV, researchers, clinicians, and representatives from community-based organizations collectively working to advance knowledge on HIV and rehabilitation. RESULTS: Activities and outcomes include facilitating knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE), establishing and strengthening multistakeholder partnerships, and identifying new and emerging priorities in the field. Collaboration and support from community organizations fostered mechanisms to raise the profile of, and evidence for, rehabilitation in the context of HIV. Considerations of scope, partnership, and sustainability are important. We offer recommendations for developing an international community-academic-clinical research collaborative using a community-engaged approach. CONCLUSIONS: Research networks involving community-academic-clinical partnerships can help to promote KTE and establish a coordinated response for addressing priorities in an emerging field.