Modified Chinese disabilities of arm, shoulder and hand tool: Validity and reliability for upper extremity injuries.

DESIGN: Clinimetric evaluation study. INTRODUCTION: The Chinese Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire has necessitated the development of a revised version to the specific needs of individuals with upper extremity injuries with the progress of times and lifestyle changes. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of Modified Chinese Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (MC-DASH) questionnaire in individuals with upper extremity injuries. METHODS: One hundred and one individuals with upper extremity injuries (UEI) were recruited. The function of upper extremity was measured using the electronic version of MC-DASH, and compared against the Chinese Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand. The MC-DASH was reassessed within three days in all individuals. We investigated the internal consistency, test-retest reliability, content validity, criterion validity, and construct validity of MC-DASH. RESULTS: The internal consistency was deemed sufficient, as indicated by a Cronbach's alpha of 0.986 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.957. Moreover, the mean total scores of MC-DASH on the first-test and retest were 37.86 and 38.19, respectively (ICC: 0.957, 95 %CI: 0.937-0.971, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the MC-DASH version exhibited satisfactory content validity evidenced by its strong correlation (R= 0.903, p < 0.001) with the Chinese DASH. Three major influencing factors were identified from 37 items. The cumulative variance contribution rate of the MC-DASH questionnaire was 75.76 %, confirming its construct validity. CONCLUSION: The Modified Chinese Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire has been shown to be a valid, reliable, and practical tool for use in patients with upper extremity injuries.

Effect of traumatic upper-limb injury on cognitive functions: A cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVES: There is growing evidence of cognitive impairment after traumatic peripheral lesions. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between cognitive function and traumatic upper-limb injury. We assessed difference in cognitive function between participants with and without upper-limb injury, and explored the association between cognitive function and certain variables in injured individuals: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, and occupation. We sought to identify the factors associated with cognitive function in injured subjects: time since injury, injury side, nerve injury, hand function, pain, and finger sensation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, with 2 groups: observational group (with traumatic upper-limb injury) and control group (uninjured). The 2 groups were matched for age, gender, BMI, educational level and occupation. Short-term memory and executive functions were assessed using the Rey Auditory and Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), respectively. RESULTS: 104 participants with traumatic upper-limb injury and 104 uninjured control subjects were included. There was a significant inter-group difference only in RAVLT (p < 0.01; Cohen d, of 0.38). Regression analysis demonstrated an association of pain on VAS (beta = -0.16, p < 0.01) and touch-test (beta = 1.09, p < 0.05) with total RAVLT score (short-term memory) in injured subjects (R2 = 0.19, F (2, 82) = 9.54, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Traumatic upper-limb injury can impact short-term memory, which should be kept in mind during rehabilitation.

Professional Identity among New Rehabilitation Graduates in China: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Background: The rehabilitation industry suffered in a terrible economic climate caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Healthcare resources and the labor force were directed towards epidemic prevention of post-pandemic, which exacerbated the issue. This study evaluated the professional identity (PI) of new graduates majoring in rehabilitation therapy during the final harsh phase of COVID-19 and explored the factors influencing PI. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation with a questionnaire was used in this study. A convenience sample of new graduates who majored in rehabilitation were recruited from hospitals and universities nationwide. The data collected demographic information and scores of professional identities for students in the final phase of the strict COVID-19 control policy in 2022. Results: This study indicated that the average PI was quite a distance from the degree of 'agree' (3.84 on average), particularly for the fitness dimension (3.64 on average). The results identified two influencing variables: employment (Beta= -0.09, P< 0.05) and educational patterns (Beta= 0.12, P< 0.01). Conclusions: Higher education in rehabilitation should respond to the present shift in the structure of the rehabilitation industry post-COVID-19. Meanwhile, the occupational environment of rehabilitation therapists and the medical value of rehabilitation therapy deserves more attention. This study provides evidence for managers to improve organizational justice and adjust policies on the distribution of medical resources.