Novel KCNQ1 Q234K variant, identified in patients with long QT syndrome and epileptiform activity, induces both gain- and loss-of-function of slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium currents.

Introduction: KCNQ1 and KCNE1 form slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium currents (IKs). Loss-of-function of IKs by KCNQ1 variants causes type-1 long QT syndrome (LQTS). Also, some KCNQ1 variants are reported to cause epilepsy. Segment 4 (S4) of voltage-gated potassium channels has several positively-charged amino acids that are periodically aligned, and acts as a voltage-sensor. Intriguingly, KCNQ1 has a neutral-charge glutamine at the third position (Q3) in the S4 (Q234 position in KCNQ1), which suggests that the Q3 (Q234) may play an important role in the gating properties of IKs. We identified a novel KCNQ1 Q234K (substituted for a positively-charged lysine) variant in patients (a girl and her mother) with LQTS and epileptiform activity on electroencephalogram. The mother had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Therefore, we sought to elucidate the effects of the KCNQ1 Q234K on gating properties of IKs. Methods: Wild-type (WT)-KCNQ1 and/or Q234K-KCNQ1 were transiently expressed in tsA201-cells with KCNE1 (E1) (WT + E1-channels, Q234K + E1-channels, and WT + Q234K + E1-channels), and membrane currents were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Results: At 8-s depolarization, current density (CD) of the Q234K + E1-channels or WT + Q234K + E1-channels was significantly larger than the WT + E1-channels (WT + E1: 701 ± 59 pA/pF; Q234K + E1: 912 ± 50 pA/pF, p < 0.01; WT + Q234K + E1: 867 ± 48 pA/pF, p < 0.05). Voltage dependence of activation (VDA) of the Q234K + E1-channels or WT + Q234K + E1-channels was slightly but significantly shifted to depolarizing potentials in comparison to the WT + E1-channels ([V1/2] WT + E1: 25.6 ± 2.6 mV; Q234K + E1: 31.8 ± 1.7 mV, p < 0.05; WT + Q234K + E1: 32.3 ± 1.9 mV, p < 0.05). Activation rate of the Q234K + E1-channels or WT + Q234K + E1-channels was significantly delayed in comparison to the WT + E1-channels ([half activation time] WT + E1: 664 ± 37 ms; Q234K + E1: 1,417 ± 60 ms, p < 0.01; WT + Q234K + E1: 1,177 ± 71 ms, p < 0.01). At 400-ms depolarization, CD of the Q234K + E1-channels or WT + Q234K + E1-channels was significantly decreased in comparison to the WT + E1-channels (WT + E1: 392 ± 42 pA/pF; Q234K + E1: 143 ± 12 pA/pF, p < 0.01; WT + Q234K + E1: 209 ± 24 pA/pF, p < 0.01) due to delayed activation rate and depolarizing shift of VDA. Conclusion: The KCNQ1 Q234K induced IKs gain-of-function during long (8-s)-depolarization, while loss of-function during short (400-ms)-depolarization, which indicates that the variant causes LQTS, and raises a possibility that the variant may also cause epilepsy. Our data provide novel insights into the functional consequences of charge addition on the Q3 in the S4 of KCNQ1.

Development and validation of a clinical prediction rule for walking independence in hospitalized older adults with a vertebral compression fracture.

OBJECTIVE: No reports on factors or Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) associated with walking independence among patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are available. Evidence regarding epidemiological walking independence rates is also sparse. Here, we sought to (i) obtain epidemiological data on the probability of inpatients with VCFs achieving walking independence, and (ii) develop and validate a CPR to determine walking independence in hospitalized patients with VCFs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional observational study of patients aged ≥60 years who were hospitalized for VCF at four hospitals in Japan in 2019-2022. The outcome was walking independence at discharge. We performed a binomial logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of walking independence. Five independent variables were entered: age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, cognitive function, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 10-m walking test. Among the independent variables that were significant, we converted the continuous variables to binary data by calculating cut-off values and then created the CPR. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated as the measure of the CPR's diagnostic accuracy, and internal validation was conducted by bootstrapping. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients, 188 (78.3%) achieved walking independence. Cognitive function and the BBS score (with a cut-off of 45 points) were identified as significant predictors. We created a CPR using these two items (0-2 points). The CPR's AUC was 0.92 (0.874-0.967), and internal validation by bootstrapping yielded a mean AUC of 0.919 with a slope of 0.965. CONCLUSION: The walking independence rate of patients with a VCF during hospitalization was 78.3%, with cognitive function and BBS being predictors. The developed CPR performed well enough to retrospectively predict walking independence in VCF patients. The BBS cut-off value and the CPR may serve as useful indicators for clinicians to predict VCF patients' walking independence.

Development and internal validation of a clinical prediction model to predict independence in daily living at discharge for patients with heart failure: analysis using a Japanese national inpatient database real-world dataset.

PURPOSE: To develop a clinical prediction model (CPM) to predict independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with heart failure. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We collected the data of the individuals who were admitted and rehabilitated for heart failure from January 2017 to June 2022 from Japan's Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We assessed the subjects' ADLs at discharge using the Barthel Index and classified them into independence, partial-independence, and total-dependence groups based on their ADLs at discharge. Two CPMs (an independence model and a partial-independence model) were developed by a binomial logistic regression analysis. The predictors included subject characteristics, treatment, and post-hospitalization disease onset. The CPMs' accuracy was validated by the area under the curve (AUC). Internal validation was performed using the bootstrap method. The final CPM is presented in a nomogram. RESULTS: We included 96,753 patients whose ADLs could be traced at discharge. The independence model had a 0.73 mean AUC and a 1.0 slope at bootstrapping. We thus developed a simplified model using nomograms, which also showed adequate predictive accuracy in the independence model. The partial-independence model had a 0.65 AUC and inadequate predictive accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The independence model of ADLs in patients with heart failure is a useful CPM.

Recurrent episodes of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: Sites of ablation success, ablation endpoint, and primary culprits for recurrence.

Background: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) sometimes recurs even after anatomical slow pathway (SP) ablation targeting the rightward inferior extension (RIE). This multicenter study aimed to determine the reasons for AVNRT recurrence. Methods and Results: Forty-six patients were treated successfully for recurrent AVNRT. Initial treatment was for 38 slow-fast AVNRTs, 3 fast-slow AVNRTs, 2 slow-slow AVNRTs, 2 slow-fast and fast-slow AVNRTs, and 1 noninducible AVNRT. All initial treatments were of RF application to the RIE; SP elimination was achieved in 11, dual AVN physiology was seen in 29, and AVNRT remained inducible in 5. The recurrent AVNRTs included 34 slow-fast AVNRTs, 6 fast-slow AVNRTs, 3 slow-slow AVNRTs, 2 slow-fast and fast-slow AVNRTs, and 1 slow-fast and slow-slow AVNRTs. Successful ablation site was within the RIE in 39 and left inferior extension in 7. In 30 of 39, the successful RIE site was in the same area or higher than that of the initial procedure. Conclusion: For a high majority (around 85%) of patients in whom AVNRT recurs after initial ablation success, the site of a second successful procedure will be within the RIE even though the RIE was originally targeted. Furthermore, a high majority (around 86%) of sites of successful ablation will be higher than those originally targeted.

Diverse Phenotypic Manifestations in a Family with a Novel RYR2 E4107A Variant.

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) gain-of-function mutations cause catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Conversely, RyR2 loss-of-function mutations cause a new disease entity, termed calcium release deficiency syndrome (CRDS), which may include RYR2-related long QT syndrome (LQTS). Importantly, unlike CPVT, patients with CRDS do not always exhibit exercise- or epinephrine-induced ventricular arrhythmias, which precludes a diagnosis of CRDS. Here we report a boy and his father, who both experienced exercise-induced cardiac events and harbor the same RYR2 E4107A variant. In the boy, an exercise stress test (EST) and epinephrine provocation test (EPT) did not induce any ventricular arrhythmias. QTc was slightly prolonged (QTc: 474 ms), and an EPT induced QTc prolongation (QTc-baseline: 466 ms, peak: 532 ms, steady-state: 527 ms). In contrast, in his father, QTc was not prolonged (QTc: 417 ms), and neither an EST nor EPT induced QTc prolongation. However, an EST induced multifocal premature ventricular contraction (PVC) bigeminy and bidirectional PVC couplets. Thus, they exhibited distinct clinical phenotypes: the boy exhibited LQTS (or CRDS) phenotype, whereas his father exhibited CPVT phenotype. These findings suggest that, in addition to the altered RyR2 function, other unidentified factors, such as other genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, and aging, may be involved in the diverse phenotypic manifestations. Considering that a single RYR2 variant can cause both CPVT and LQTS (or CRDS) phenotypes, in cascade screening of patients with CPVT and CRDS, an EST and EPT are not sufficient and genetic analysis is required to identify individuals who are at increased risk for life-threatening arrhythmias.

Pooled Minimal Clinically Important Differences of the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in Patients With Early Subacute Stroke: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Balance problems are common in patients with stroke, and the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) is a reliable and valid assessment tool for measuring balance function. Determining the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is crucial for assessing treatment effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the MCID of the Mini-BESTest in patients with early subacute stroke. METHODS: In this prospective multicenter study, 53 patients with early subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation in inpatient units were included. The mean age of the patients was 72.6 (SD = 12.2) years. The Mini-BESTest, which consists of 14 items assessing various aspects of balance function, including anticipatory postural adjustments, postural responses, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait, was used as the assessment tool. The global rating of change (GRC) scales completed by the participants and physical therapists were used as external anchors to calculate the MCID. The GRC scale measured subjective improvement in balance function, ranging from -3 (very significantly worse) to +3 (very significantly better), with a GRC score of ≥+2 considered as meaningful improvement. Four methods were used to calculate the MCID: mean of participants with GRC of 2, receiver operating characteristic-based method, predictive modeling method, and adjustment of the predictive modeling method based on the rate of improvement. From the MCID values obtained using these methods, a single pooled MCID value was calculated. RESULTS: The MCID values for the Mini-BESTest obtained through the 4 methods ranged from 3.2 to 4.5 points when using the physical therapist's GRC score as the anchor but could not be calculated using the participant's GRC score. The pooled MCID value for the Mini-BESTest was 3.8 (95% CI = 2.9-5.0). CONCLUSIONS: The Mini-BESTest MCID obtained in this study is valuable for identifying improvements in balance function among patients with early subacute stroke. IMPACT: Determination of the MCID is valuable for evaluating treatment effectiveness. The study findings provide clinicians with practical values that can assist in interpreting Mini-BESTest results and assessing treatment effectiveness.

Rasch analysis of the Short Physical Performance Battery in older inpatients with heart failure.

PURPOSE: The physical function of older patients with heart failure (HF) is likely to decline, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is widely used for its evaluation. No study has analyzed the SPPB by using Rasch model in these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the structural validity and item response of the SPPB in older inpatients with HF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we investigated 106 older inpatients with HF. We evaluated the SPPB's rating scale structure, unidimensionality, and measurement accuracy (0 = poor performance to 4 = normal performance). RESULTS: The SPPB rating scale fulfilled the category functioning criteria. All items fit the underlying scale construct. The SPPB demonstrated adequate reliability (person reliability = 0.81) and separated persons into four strata: those with very low, low, moderate, and high physical performance. Item-difficulty measures were -0.59 to 0.96 logits, and regarding the person ability-item difficulty matching for the SPPB, the item was somewhat easy (the mean of person ability = 0.89 logits; mean of item difficulty = 0.00). CONCLUSION: The SPPB has strong measurement properties and is an appropriate scale for quantitatively evaluating physical function in older patients with HF.

For older adults with heart failure (HF), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is often used to measure physical performance.Rasch analysis revealed that SPPB had strong measurement properties in older adults with HF.This result may help rehabilitation professionals use the SPPB as a physical performance scale in clinical practice to aid decision-making in intervention planning.

Clinical prediction rules for multi surfaces walking independence using the Berg Balance Scale or Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test in persons with stroke.

BACKGROUND: A Clinical prediction rule (CPR) for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To develop a CPR for determining multi surfaces walking independence in persons with stroke. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of 419 persons with stroke. We developed a Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-model CPR combining the BBS, comfortable walking speed (CWS) and cognitive impairment, and a Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest)-model CPR combining the Mini-BESTest, CWS, and cognitive impairment. A logistic regression analysis was conducted with multi surfaces walking independence as the dependent variable and each factor as an independent variable. The identified factors were scored (0, 1) based on reported cutoff values. The CPR's accuracy was verified by the area under the curve (AUC). We used a bootstrap method internal validation and calculated the CPR's posttest probability. RESULTS: The logistic regression analysis showed that the BBS, CWS, and cognitive impairment were factors in the BBS model, and the Mini-BESTest was a factor in the Mini-BESTest model. The CPRs were 0-3 points for the BBS model and 0-1 points for the Mini-BESTest model. The AUCs (bootstrap mean AUC) of the CPR score were 0.89 (0.90) for the BBS model and 0.72 (0.72) for the Mini-BESTest model. The negative predictive value (negative likelihood ratio) was 97% (0.054) for CPR scores < 2 for the BBS model and 94% (0.060) for CPR scores < 1 for the Mini-BESTest model. CONCLUSIONS: The CPR developed herein is useful for determining multi surfaces walking independence.

Brugada phenocopy with altered ST-segment elevation in pericardial diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and effusive-constrictive pericarditis: a case report.

Background: Cardiac lymphoma is a rare disease. Effusive-constrictive pericarditis can be a characteristic of pericardial involvement in patients with this disease. Conversely, a phenotype with electrocardiogram changes similar to those of Brugada syndrome is called Brugada phenocopy, and these changes improve after treatment. Case summary: A 71-year-old man was transported to our hospital with chest pain, hypotension, and ST-segment elevation in V1 and V2 leads during maintenance dialysis for renal failure. After arrival at the hospital, his ST-segment elevation disappeared, and emergency coronary angiography scan revealed no significant coronary artery stenoses or obstructions. His computed tomography and echocardiography scans revealed pericardial effusion and an intrapericardial mass. Further, his blood pressure dropped and ST-segment elevation recurred during dialysis after 7 days. Thus, pericardiocentesis was performed, but haemodynamic improvement was insufficient, and right catheterization findings suggested effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Meanwhile, flow cytometry of the pericardial fluid suggested the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma; however, radical chemoradiotherapy was impossible because of cardiogenic shock. The patient died on Day 17. Further, autopsy revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with pericardial and myocardial infiltration. Discussion: Cardiac lymphoma is rare but can be associated with effusive-constrictive pericarditis, which may be difficult to manage even with pericardial drainage. In such cases, radical treatment, including chemotherapy, should be promptly considered, if possible. Our patient presented with Brugada-type electrocardiogram but no syncope or family history, suggesting Brugada phenocopy and not true Brugada syndrome due to cardiac lymphoma. Notably, temporary improvement in ST-segment elevation was observed despite the absence of treatment.

Minimal important change in the Berg Balance Scale in older women with vertebral compression fractures: A retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral compression fractures, which are commonly associated with older age and osteoporotic fractures, have an increased risk of re-fracture. Therefore, improving balance is important to prevent falls. The minimal important change (MIC) has been recommended for interpreting clinically meaningful changes in rating scales. The MIC of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for use in older women with vertebral compression fractures has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To identify the MIC of the BBS that can be used in older women with vertebral compression fractures using predictive modeling methods and the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC)-based method. DESIGN: A retrospective longitudinal multicenter study. PATIENTS: Sixty older women (mean age ± standard deviation: 84.1 ± 7.0 years) with vertebral compression fractures who were unable to ambulate independently on a level surface. METHODS: A change of one point in the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) was used as an anchor to calculate the MIC of the BBS based on the change between admission and discharge. We calculated the MIC for the women whose FAC score improved by ≥1 point. We used three anchor-based methods to examine the MIC: the ROC-based method (MICROC ), the predictive modeling method (MICpred ), and the MICpred -based method adjusted by the rate of improvement and reliability of transition (MICadj ). RESULTS: Thirty-nine women comprised the "important change" group based on their FAC score improvement. In this group, the MICROC (95% confidence interval [CI]) value of the BBS was 10.0 points (5.5-15.5), with an area under the curve of 0.71. The MICpred (95% CI) value was 9.7 (8.1-11.0), and the MICadj (95% CI) was 7.0 (5.5-8.5) points. CONCLUSION: For women with vertebral compression fractures who are unable to ambulate independently, a 7.0-point improvement in the BBS score may be a useful indicator for reducing the amount of assistance required for walking.

Clinical Prediction Models for Nonmortality Outcomes in Older Adults With Hip Fractures: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Several hip fracture clinical prediction models have been developed. We conducted this study to (i) map outcomes used in clinical prediction models for hip fracture, (ii) identify the domains and instruments of predictors, and (iii) assess the risk of bias. METHODS: We performed systematic searches of studies published from June 2002 to June 2023 in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CiNii, and Ichushi databases. After the relevant articles were identified, we performed the data extraction and bias risk assessment. We used the Prediction Study Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) to assess each study's risk of bias. Outcome mapping was performed for the core outcome set of hip fractures. Qualitative synthesis and the PROBAST evaluation were performed on other-than-mortality core outcomes, which are difficult to target in rehabilitation. RESULTS: We screened 3 206 studies for eligibility; 45 studies were included in the outcome mapping, and 10 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Outcomes included mortality (n = 35), mobility (n = 8), and activities of daily living (n = 2). No clinical prediction models had pain or health-related quality of life as an outcome. Predictors were reported in 8 domains and 38 measures. The PROBAST evaluation showed a high risk of bias in all 10 studies that were eligible for a qualitative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical prediction models had only mortality, mobility, and activities of daily living as outcomes. The development of clinical prediction models with pain and health-related quality of life as outcomes is necessary. Clinical prediction models overcoming the risk of bias identified in this study are also needed.

Minimal clinically important difference in 6-minute walk distance estimated by multiple methods in inpatients with subacute cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) contributes to the ability to determine the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions and make good clinical decisions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the MCID for 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) among inpatients with subacute cardiac disease using multiple anchor-based methods. METHODS: This study was a secondary data analysis using only data from a multicenter longitudinal observational study in which 6MWD was measured at two time points. Based on the changes in 6MWD between baseline measurement and follow-up approximately 1 week after baseline measurement, the global rating of change scales (GRCs) of patients and physiotherapists, anchor method receiver operator operating characteristic curves, predictive models, and adjusted models were used to calculate the MCID. RESULTS: Participants comprised 35 patients. Mean (standard deviation) 6MWD was 228.9 m (121.1 m) at baseline and 270.1 m (125.0 m) at follow-up. MCID for each GRC was 27.5-35.6 m for patients and 32.5-38.6 m for physiotherapists. CONCLUSION: The MCID in 6MWD in patients with subacute cardiovascular disease is 27.5-38.6 m. This value may be useful in determining the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions and for decision-making.

Minimal clinically important difference of the short physical performance battery and comfortable walking speed in old-old adults with acute cardiovascular disease: a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

PURPOSE: The physical function of older adults age ≥ 75 years hospitalized for cardiovascular disease (CVD) often decrease. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is the smallest clinically meaningful difference due to therapy. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Comfortable Walking Speed (CWS) are physical function evaluations commonly used in people with CVD. This study aims to clarify the MCIDs of the SPPB and CWS in old-old adult with CVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective study of 58 old-old adults with acute CVD and rehabilitation. The MCID was estimated using the participants' and physical therapists' (PT) Global Rating of Change (GRC) scales as anchors for changes in the SPPB and CWS. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure the discrimination accuracy. RESULTS: The MCID of SPPB was 3 points when the GRC from PT was used as an anchor (AUC = 0.70). The MCID of CWS was 0.10 m/s when the GRC from participants and PT were used as anchors (AUC = 0.70 and 0.73, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The MCID of 3 SPPB points and 0.10 m/s CWS in old-old adults with acute CVD may help determine the effectiveness of therapy and improve prognosis.Implications for rehabilitationFor people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and comfortable walking speed (CWS) are often used to measure physical function.The MCID of SPPB and CWS was estimated to be 3 points and 0.10 m/s, respectively, in older adults with CVD aged ≥75 years.This finding is useful for clinicians to evaluate the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation.

Efficacy of SubcutAneous implantable cardioVErter-defibrillators in ≤18 year-old CHILDREN: SAVE-CHILDREN registry.

BACKGROUND: In adult patients, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) have been reported to be non-inferior to transvenous ICDs with respect to the incidence of device-related complications and inappropriate shocks. Only a few reports have investigated the efficacy of S-ICDs in the pediatric field. This study aimed to investigate the utility and safety of S-ICDs in patients ≤18 years old. METHODS: This study was a multicenter, observational, retrospective study on S-ICD implantations. Patients <18 years old who underwent S-ICD implantations were enrolled. The detailed data on the device implantations and eligibility tests, incidence of appropriate- and inappropriate shocks, and follow-up data were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were enrolled from 30 centers. The patients ranged in age from 3 to 18 (median 14 years old [IQR 11.0-16.0 years]). During a median follow up of 27 months (13.3-35.8), a total of 16 patients (26.2%) received appropriate shocks and 13 (21.3%) received inappropriate shocks. The common causes of the inappropriate shocks were sinus tachycardia (n = 4, 30.8%) and T-wave oversensing (n = 4, 30.8%). In spite of the physical growth, the number of suitable sensing vectors did not change during the follow up. No one had any lead fractures or device infections in the chronic phase. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that S-ICDs can prevent sudden cardiac death in the pediatric population with a low incidence of lead complications or device infections. The number of suitable sensing vectors did not change during the patients' growth.

Cut-off values and sub-items of the Berg Balance Scale for walking-aid use in hospitalized older adults with a hip fracture: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) values that can be used to discriminate the use of a walking aid and the BBS sub-items that reveal the differences in the use of walking aids among hospitalized older adults with a hip fracture. METHODS: The cases of 77 older adults (age 80.8 ± 7.5 years) with a hip fracture who were able to walk independently in the hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used to identify BBS scores that optimized the identification of subjects with different levels of aids. The BBS sub-items identifying differing among the walking aids were identified by a classification and regression tree analysis. RESULTS: The BBS scores were highest for no aid, a cane, and a walker, in that order. The ability to walk without an aid and the ability to walk without a walker showed moderate AUCs (0.824 and 0.865) with cutoff values of 51.5 and 45.5 points, respectively. The sub-items identified were Turning 360° (4 vs. < 4 points) as the best discriminator for using/not using a cane and Stool Stepping (≥ 2 vs. < 2 points) for using a cane or walker. CONCLUSION: The BBS is useful for determining whether to discontinue the use of a walker in individuals with a hip fracture.

Berg Balance Scale is a Valid Measure for Plan Interventions and for Assessing Changes in Postural Balance in Patients with Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: After confirming the measurement properties of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in patients with stroke by conducting a Rasch analysis, this study sought: (i) to generate a keyform as a tool for goal-setting and intervention-planning; and (ii) to determine the appropriate strata for separating patients' postural balance ability. DESIGN: Methodological analyses of cross-sectional study data. PATIENTS: A pooled sample of 156 patients with stroke: mean (standard deviation) age 74.4 (12.9) years. METHODS: This study evaluated the BBS's rating scale structure, unidimensionality, and measurement accuracy (0: unable to perform or requiring help, to 4: normal performance) and then generated a keyform and strata. RESULTS: The BBS rating scale fulfilled the category functioning criteria. Principal component analysis of standardized residuals confirmed the unidimensionality of the test. All items fit the Rasch analysis. Person ability-item difficulty matching was good. Person reliability was 0.96, and the patients were divided into 9 strata. The keyform for the BBS will enable clinicians and investigators to estimate patients' postural balance ability and monitor their progress. CONCLUSION: The BBS has strong measurement properties. This study generated both a keyform that can contribute to clinicians' decision-making in goalsetting and intervention-planning and strata that can facilitate understanding of patients' abilities.

Relationship between the characteristics of lower extremity function and activities of daily living in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between lower extremity function and activities of daily living and characterize lower extremity function in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease. [Participants and Methods] The Short Physical Performance Battery, 6-minute walk distance, and functional independence measure tests were conducted in 79 inpatients with subacute cardiovascular disease (mean age, 76.7 ± 11.9 years; 34 females). Multiple regression analysis used the functional independence measure score as the dependent variable and the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance scores as independent variables. Cross-tabulations were performed for each age group, and patients who performed the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance tests were divided into two groups by their respective cutoff values. [Results] Only the Short Physical Performance Battery (ß=0.568) and 6-minute walk distance (ß=0.479) scores were adopted as significant independent variables in each multiple regression model. The age <75 years group had the most patients with both good lower extremity function and aerobic capacity, whereas the age ≥75 years group had the most patients with both functions impaired. [Conclusion] Although cardiovascular disease is generally associated with decreased aerobic capacity, many older patients with cardiovascular disease in this study had decreased lower extremity function, too.

Development of Cut-off Values on the Berg Balance Scale for Predicting Walking Independence in Older Adults with Hip Fracture.

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to identify a cut-off value for predicting walking independence at discharge in older adults with hip fracture based on their Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score at admission to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of 187 older adults with hip fractures (mean age 83.7, range 66-97 years). Data was collected on the patients' age, sex, treatment, and physical function evaluation. An ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors associated with the degree of independence in walking at discharge. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate cut-off values to predict independent and supervised walking at discharge based on the BBS score at admission. The accuracy of the classification was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). Results: The BBS score at admission was a significant factor predicting the degree of walking independence at discharge (odds ratio = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.06-1.11). The cut-off values of the BBS score at admission for predicting independent walking and supervised walking at discharge were 28 points (AUC = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.69-0.83) and 21 points (AUC = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.77-0.91), respectively. Conclusions: The BBS scores of older adults with hip fracture on admission to a rehabilitation ward are useful for predicting the degree of independence in walking at discharge and can help to structure therapy according to the predicted degree of independence.