Sustainable practices in hand therapy: a global perspective.

Given its significant environmental footprint, healthcare sustainability is paramount. This study delves into the contributory role of hand therapy, assessing hand therapists' comprehension, implementation and barriers to sustainable practices, focusing on orthotic fabrication. A global survey distributed via social media and professional networks collected data on sustainability awareness, practices and educational needs from 113 respondents, primarily from North America (34%) and Europe (32%). Although 91% recognized climate change, only 34% practised sustainability. Despite 57% attempting eco-friendly actions in orthotic fabrication, such as reusing components (65%), knowledge of reusable materials was low (17%) and recycling thermoplastics was inadequate (74.3%). The main barriers were lack of awareness (59%), material scarcity (56.6%) and time constraints (54%). The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced education, better resource availability and policy reforms to close the gap between awareness and action, promoting sustainability in hand therapy.

Latent Profile Analysis of Canadian Military Veterans with Chronic Pain Identifies 5 Meaningful Classes through Self-Report Measures.

The purpose of this study was to identify meaningful response patterns in self-report survey data collected from Canadian military veterans with chronic pain and to create an algorithm intended to facilitate triage and prioritization of veterans to the most appropriate interventions. An online survey was presented to former members of the Canadian military who self-identified as having chronic pain. Variables collected were related to pain, physical and mental interference, prior traumatic experiences, and indicators from each of seven potential drivers of the pain experience. Maximum Likelihood-based Latent Profile Analysis (MLE-LPA) was used to identify clinically and statistically meaningful profiles using the seven-axis variables, and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was then conducted to identify the most parsimonious set of indicators that could be used to accurately classify respondents into the most relevant profile group. Data from N=322 veterans were available for analysis. The results of MLE-LPA indicated a 5-profile structure was optimal for explaining the patterns of responses within the data. These were: Mood-Dominant (13%), Localized Physical (24%), Neurosensory-Dominant (33%), Central-Dominant with complex mood and neurosensory symptoms (16%), and Trauma- and mood-dominant (14%). From CRT analysis an algorithm requiring only 3 self-report tools (central symptoms, mood screening, bodily coherence) achieved 83% classification accuracy across the 5 profiles. The new classification algorithm requiring 16 total items may be helpful for clinicians and veterans in pain to identify the most dominant drivers of their pain experience that may be useful for prioritizing intervention strategies, targets, and relevant healthcare disciplines. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the results of latent profile (cluster) analysis of responses to standardized self-report questionnaires by Canadian military veterans with chronic pain. It identified 5 clusters that appear to represent different drivers of the pain experience. The results could be useful for triaging veterans to the most appropriate pain care providers.

Exploring the Occupational Lifestyle Experiences of the Families of Public Safety Personnel.

PURPOSE: Public safety personnel, including first responders, are regularly exposed to physical, social, and psychological risks and occupational requirements. These risks and requirements extend beyond the employee and may also impact the families (for example, work-family conflict, compassion fatigue). Despite recent attention directed at the population's wellness, considerably less attention is directed towards the family. This review investigates how the risks and requirements associated with these occupations affect families' lives and experiences, and correspondingly, how families respond and adapt to these risks. METHODS: In the current qualitative review, we sought to identify and describe the lifestyle experiences of public safety families as they navigate the occupational risks and requirements of public safety work. The inclusion criteria resulted in an analysis of 18 articles, representing only police (n = 11), paramedics (n = 7), and firefighting (n = 10) sectors. RESULTS: We identified and described the experiences of public safety families both by occupation and familial role. Shared familial themes across occupational groups included 'Worry', 'Communication', 'Where do I turn', 'Are they okay', 'Serving alongside', and '(Over)Protective'. However, distinct themes also emerged between different occupational groups and family configurations. Themes prevalent amongst primarily children of police included: 'Worry', 'Let's Laugh Instead', '(Over)Protective', and 'I'm not the Police, my Parent is!'. Experiences differed if the family contained on serving public safety personnel or multiple. CONCLUSION: We identified the shared and unique occupational experiences of public safety families. This review normalizes these experiences and emphasizes the need to develop initiatives to improve the well-being of families and safety employees.

Exploring differences between gender expressions in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in individuals with stroke.

Gender expression may be associated with exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in the general population. Exercising for challenge and enjoyment are associated with the instrumental traits typically held by individuals with masculine gender expressions. Conversely, exercising for weight loss to receive validation from others are in line with the expressive traits most commonly held by individuals with feminine gender expressions. Moreover, possessing neither dominant nor expressive traits (undifferentiated gender expressions) have been linked to poorer psychological outcomes. Exercise is important after stroke, but gender differences in psychosocial factors for exercise in this population were unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore whether gender expression differences exist in exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise post-stroke. Gender expression (masculine, feminine, androgynous, undifferentiated) was assessed using the Bem Sex-Role Inventory-12 (BSRI-12) in 67 individuals with stroke. Self-efficacy and outcomes expectations for exercise were assessed using the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale and Short Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale, respectively. One-way analysis of covariance models were conducted, adjusting for biological sex, age, and time post-stroke. There were differences in exercise self-efficacy across the four gender expression groups (F(3,60) = 4.28, p<0.01), where individuals with masculine gender expressions had higher self-efficacy than those with undifferentiated gender expressions (adjusted mean: 3.56 [SE: 0.17] vs. 2.72 [SE:0.18], p<0.01). There were no differences in outcome expectations for exercise (F(3,57) = 1.08, p = 0.36) between gender expressions. In our pairwise comparisons, we found that individuals with masculine gender expressions had higher exercise self-efficacy than individuals possessing undifferentiated gender expressions. Strategies to enhance exercise self-efficacy after stroke are needed, particularly for individuals with undifferentiated gender expression. There were no associations between gender expression and outcome expectations for exercise after stroke. Clinicians may continue reinforcing the positive expectations towards exercise across all gender expressions.

Which Remote Rehabilitation Interventions Work Best for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Depression? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation interventions for people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. DESIGN: A systematic review with network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized control trials. LITERATURE SEARCH: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, PSYNDEX and PsycINFO until May 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of remote rehabilitation interventions in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression. DATA SYNTHESIS: We used Bayesian random-effects models for the NMA. Effect estimates were comparisons between rehabilitation interventions and waitlist. We performed a sensitivity analysis based on bias in the randomisation process, large trials (>100 patient per arm) and musculoskeletal condition. RESULTS: Fifty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 10,278 participants (median sample size: 137 (IQR: 77 to 236) were included. Interactive-voice-response cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (SMD -0.66, 95%CrI -1.17 to -0.16), CBT in person (SMD -0.50, 95%CrI -0.97 to -0.04) and mobile-app CBT plus exercise (SMD -0.37, 95% CrI -0.69 to -0.02) were superior to waitlist at 12-weeks follow-up for reducing pain (> 98% probability of superiority). For depression outcomes, Internet-delivered CBT & tele-care was superior to waitlist at 12-weeks follow-up (SMD -0.51, 95% CrI -0.87 to -0.13) (> 99% probability of superiority). For pain outcomes, the certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. For depression outcomes, the certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. The proportion of dropouts attributed to adverse events was unclear. No intervention was associated with higher odds of dropout. CONCLUSION: Interactive-voice-response CBT, and mobile-app CBT plus exercise showed similar treatment effects with in-person CBT on pain reduction among people living with chronic musculoskeletal pain and had over 98% probability of superiority than waitlist control at 12-weeks follow-up. Internet-delivered CBT & tele-care had over 99% probability of superiority than waitlist control for improving depression outcomes at 12-weeks follow-up.

Framing Physical Literacy for Adults Through a Rehabilitation Lens: An Expert Consensus Study.

Research indicates a positive relationship between physical literacy and healthy aging; however, there is no consensus on the components required to become a physically literate adult. The objective of this study was to understand how physical literacy for adults with chronic conditions is characterized from the perspective of healthcare professionals. Physiotherapy leaders and physical literacy researchers within North America were invited to an online consensus panel and presented with questions related to physical literacy and rehabilitation. A nominal group technique was used for idea generation, clarification, and ranking. Confidence and safety with movements, motivation and commitment to physical activity, the ability to self-monitor changes in function, and understanding the benefits of physical activity were key components when defining physical literacy. There is a need to reconceptualize physical literacy to include the rehabilitation needs of adults living with chronic conditions, and to design programs that promote physical literacy to enhance function and mobility.

Exploring the experiences of an exercise-based telerehabilitation program among Canadian community-dwelling adults with stroke.

PURPOSE: Telerehabilitation is emerging as a means for delivering stroke rehabilitation to address unmet lower extremity rehabilitation needs. However, there is currently limited and low-quality evidence supporting the use telerehabilitation interventions for lower extremity recovery after stroke. Thus, we developed an exercise-based telerehabilitation program (TRAIL) for safe and effective promotion of lower extremity function after stroke. This study reports on the qualitative findings from the feasibility study of the TRAIL program. METHODS: An interpretive description methodology and inductive thematic analysis approach were undertaken. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted on a subset of participants who completed the TRAIL feasibility study. Participants were recruited via email and enrolled into the study based on pre-determined purposeful sampling strategies. RESULTS: Ten participants (6 men, 4 women) completed a semi-structured interview. Two main themes emerged: (i) TRAIL ingredients for success and (ii) telerehabilitation is a viable option for stroke rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based telerehabilitation appears to be well-received by men and women post-stroke when social support, professional guidance, and program resources are offered. TRAIL may also prolong the continuum of care that individuals receive once they are discharged back into the community, and contribute to improvements in mobility, lower extremity strength and balance.

Exercise-based telerehabilitation for individuals with stroke can be delivered safely when clinicians are trained, and social support and program resources are available.Exercise-based telerehabilitation may be viable and accessible for men and women with stroke to extend the opportunity for rehabilitation services within the first year post-event.Synchronously delivered telerehabilitation programs using user-friendly videoconference software is recommended for optimal participant satisfaction.

Patients' and therapists' perspective of integrating home and family work roles into rehabilitation following distal radius fracture.

PURPOSE: To explore distal radius fracture (DRF) patients' and hand therapist/occupational therapist/physiotherapists' perceptions of integrating home and family work roles (HFWR) into rehabilitation. METHODS: Eighteen patients and eleven therapists completed a semi-structured telephone interview three months after DRF. Reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews and triangulation of patients' and therapists' themes was performed. RESULTS: The patient interview yielded five themes: the experience of rehabilitation; predetermined expectations of rehabilitation; incorporating HFWR into therapy sessions; varying patient needs for addressing HFWR; and determination to return to valued activities drives behavioral choices. The therapists' interview yielded five themes: The challenges in integrating HFWR into rehabilitation; HFWR addressed when brought up by a patient; working context and referral sources influence the rehabilitation plan; rehabilitation is not explicitly tailored according to sex and gender; and utilizing HFWR as a rehabilitation strategy is perceived beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: Patients have predetermined rehabilitation expectations primarily focused on mobility and strengthening exercises. Therapists and patients agree that adapting home and family work roles is beneficial but was not a major focus for either therapists' or patients' expectations during therapy. An unfavourable environment, patient budget constraints, and limited time were identified as challenges to integrating family roles.

Therapists should proactively discuss and address home and family work roles with patients with distal radius fractures when appropriate.Therapists should tailor rehabilitation plans according to the individual needs and expectations of the patients.Hospitals and clinics should create an environment conducive to addressing home and family work roles, and resources should be allocated for comprehensive rehabilitation programmes.

Do current upper limb orthotic classification systems help clinicians choose and design effective orthoses? A scoping review with expert interviews.

BACKGROUND: Orthosis (orthotic) fabrication is an essential part of the treatment plan for many upper extremity conditions. PURPOSE: We aim to comprehensively identify the current body of evidence about the purpose, structure, scope, and application of available orthotic classification systems. Our secondary aim was to know if the current classification systems can be used as a decision guide for clinicians. STUDY DESIGN: A scoping review. METHODS: A scoping review of research studies identified through data-based and gray literature was conducted to determine studies that addressed classification systems of the orthosis (orthotic) in the hand and upper limb. Two investigators screened study titles and abstracts and did the data extraction. To do a comprehensive review, all the hand therapy associations were contacted and asked to share their specific orthosis classification system. To answer our second aim, we discussed our findings with the experts in a panel. RESULTS: Twelve different classification systems were identified, which were developed with different aims. Five classification systems classified orthosis based on their function (n = 5, 50%); one based on therapeutic goals and proposed a decision algorithm. Two of the proposed systems were aimed at helping in decision-making or offering an algorithm for therapists to help them choose the proper orthosis. The expert panel process identified that the current classification systems could not help clinicians select proper orthosis for their patients. CONCLUSIONS: There are different classification systems which were developed with various aims. However, none of those can help clinicians make informed decisions about appropriate orthosis choices for their patients.

How should we treat painful sensitivity in the hand? An international e-Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence synthesis suggests allodynia resulting from neuropathic pain has few interventions with clear effectiveness. As research continues to build this needed evidence base, expert consensus recommendations can address the conflicting approaches within current hand therapy practice. PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop consensus recommendations for the clinical management of allodynia from an international panel of hand therapists. STUDY DESIGN: This was an international e-Delphi survey study. METHODS: We recruited international hand rehabilitation experts to participate in an e-Delphi survey. Consensus was defined as 75% or more of participants agreeing with a recommendation, and at least 3 rounds of consensus building were anticipated. Experts were identified from 21 countries, and clinical vignettes describing a spectrum of patients with painful sensitivity in the hand were provided to elicit treatment recommendations. Initial recommendations were summarized, and consensus sought for clinical practice recommendations. RESULTS: Sixty-eight participants were invited, with 44 more added through peer nominations. Fifty-four participants from 19 countries completed the initial survey and were invited to participate in all subsequent rounds. Over 900 treatment suggestions were provided from the initial vignettes across domains, including sensory, physical, and functional interventions, education, and cortical representation techniques: 46 ultimately reached consensus. However, important discrepancies in justification (eg, why allodynia should be covered) and implementation of techniques (eg, desensitization, sensory reeducation) were identified as the consensus exercise progressed. CONCLUSIONS: Experts recommend individually tailored programs to treat allodynia using a variety of physical/movement, sensory-based, and "top-down" approaches; this is highly aligned with contemporary theories, such as the Neuromatrix Model of Pain. However, consensus was not reached on the justification and implementation of some of these approaches, reflecting the lack of a taxonomy and supporting evidence for tactile stimulation approaches in the current literature. Trials directly comparing the effectiveness of these approaches are needed.

Fear of Movement in People With CRPS: A Psychometric Evaluation of the Tampa Scale-11 for Kinesiophobia.

BACKGROUND: People with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) commonly report a fear of movement that can worsen symptoms and increase disability. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) is used to evaluate fear of movement and (re)injury, but findings have been inconsistent in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of TSK-11 in individuals with upper limb CRPS. Specifically, to determine whether the factor structure aligns with the original 2-factor model, consisting of "activity avoidance" and "somatic focus." MATERIALS AND METHODS: People with CRPS (n=142, mean age=42, 54% female) completed the TSK. The psychometric testing included internal consistency, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), and convergent construct validity. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed to evaluate the structural validity. RESULTS: The TSK-11 showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.93) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93, 95% CI: 0.92-0.94). The Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change were 4.3 and 11.7, respectively. The results also demonstrated excellent criterion validity ( r =0.81). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the original 2-factor model did not fit. Exploratory factor analysis derived a 2-factor solution with different items. The factor structure accounted for 64.91% of the variance, and the internal consistency of the factors was acceptable (>0.90). Expert consensus suggested naming these 2 factors as fear avoidance and magnification and helplessness. DISCUSSION: The TSK-11 demonstrates excellent retest reliability in people with CRPS. The original 2-factor structure was not confirmed, and a new 2-factor structure of the TSK-11 was proposed consisting of subscales for Fear Avoidance Beliefs and Magnification/Helplessness. Given the overlap between these constructs and the construct of pain catastrophizing, further study is needed to clarify both measures' content validity and relative uniqueness.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Patients with Upper Extremity Arthritis: Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Background: Arthritis leads to disabilities impacting patients' physical and mental health. Objective: To synthesize the evidence on measurement properties of the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for people with upper extremity arthritis. Design: Overview of systematic reviews (SRs). Methods: We performed an electronic search of 6 databases to retrieve SRs looking at any measurement property related to PROMs for people with upper extremity arthritis. Two authors rated the risk of bias (ROB) of the included SRs using AMSTAR. We extracted data on measurement properties from each SR. Results: From 6 included SRs, 6 PROMs (Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale [AIMS], AIMS-2, AIMS-Short Form, Cedars-Sinai Health-Related Quality of Life for Rheumatoid Arthritis (CSHQ-RA), Revised CSHQ-RA, and Influence of Rheumatic Disease on General Health and Lifestyle) were evaluated in 2 or more SRs. The ROB of the included SRs ranged from moderate to high. Low- to moderate-quality evidence was found of good construct and criterion validity, acceptable content validity, and good responsiveness of the AIMS. We found low- to moderate-quality evidence of good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the CSHQ-RA. Conclusion: We found a moderate to high ROB in the included SRs on the upper extremity PROMs for patients with arthritis. More evidence was specific to upper extremity arthritis in measures not in common use versus well-validated measures used in upper extremity conditions and recommended in current core sets. These factors suggest an urgent need for additional research to improve the scope and quality of evidence before recommendations can be made specific to patients with arthritis. Registration Number: on PROSPERO CRD 42019137491.

Tailoring and evaluating treatment with the Patient-Specific Needs Evaluation: A Patient-Centered Approach.

BACKGROUND: No patient-reported instrument assesses patient-specific information needs, treatment goals, and Personal Meaningful Gain (PMG, a novel construct evaluating individualized, clinically relevant improvement). This study reports the development of the Patient-Specific Needs Evaluation (PSN) and examines its discriminative validity (i.e., its ability to distinguish satisfied from dissatisfied patients) and test-retest reliability in patients with hand or wrist conditions. METHODS: A mixed-methods approach was used to develop and validate the PSN, following COSMIN guidelines, including pilot testing, a survey (pilot: n=223, final PSN: n=275), cognitive debriefing (n=16), expert input, and validation. Discriminative validity was assessed by comparing the satisfaction level of patients who did or did not achieve their PMG (n=1,985) and test-retest reliability using absolute agreement, Cohen's kappa, and ICCs (n=102). We used a sample of 2,860 patients to describe responses to the final PSN. RESULTS: The PSN has only five questions (completion time ±3 minutes) and is freely accessible online. The items and response options were considered understandable by 90-92% and complete by 84-89% of the end-users. The PSN had excellent discriminative validity (Cramer's V: 0.48, p<0.001) and moderate to high test-retest reliability (Kappa: 0.46-0.68, ICCs: 0.53-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The PSN is a freely available patient-centered decision-support tool that helps clinicians tailor their consultations to the patient's individual needs and goals. It contains the PMG, a novel construct evaluating individualized, clinically relevant treatment outcomes. The PSN may function as a conversation starter, facilitate expectation management, and aid shared decision-making. The PSN is implementation-ready and can be readily adapted to other patient populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Posture Evaluation of Firefighters During Simulated Fire Suppression Tasks.

BACKGROUND: Posture mechanics during fire suppression tasks are associated with musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters. METHODS: This study uses the Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS) ergonomics tool to describe and evaluate the postures of 48 firefighters during 3 simulated tasks: (a) hose drag, (b) hose pull, and (c) high-rise pack lift. Ergonomics intervention prioritizations based on the OWAS action classification (AC) scores were identified using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Chi-square analyses identified associations between firefighter characteristics and OWAS AC scores. FINDINGS: The initial hose pick-up phase of each task was identified as a high priority for ergonomics intervention (OWAS AC = 4) in 45.8%, 54.2%, and 45.8% of cases for Tasks 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Lower BMI was associated with higher AC scores for the initial hose pick-up during Task 3 (likelihood ratio = 9.20, p value = .01). CONCLUSION: The results inform ergonomics priorities for firefighter training based on the tasks analyzed. Application to Practice: This study evaluates the posture mechanics of three commonly performed firefighting tasks. The results help inform an ergonomics training intervention focused on posture mechanics during occupational activities for firefighters.

Cluster analysis to identify the profiles of individuals with compromised bone health versus unfortunate wrist fractures within the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA) database.

We used cluster analysis to determine the profiles of individuals who sustained wrist fractures. We found two groups: (1) young and active and (2) older and less active. This information may be used to identify individuals who require further bone health interventions to optimize healthy aging. INTRODUCTION: Distal radial fractures (DRF) are the most common of all fractures, with 6% of males and 33% of females having one at some point in their lifetime. We hypothesize that DRF consists of two subpopulations: one with compromised bone health that is early in the osteoporosis (OP) trajectory and another which are active and healthy and suffer a misfortune fracture due to their high activity levels or risk-taking behaviors. The latter is likely to recover with a minimal disability, while the former may signal a negative health trajectory of disability and early mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the profiles of individuals who sustained wrist fractures using cluster analysis within the Comprehensive Cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) database considering factors that reflect bone health and activity levels. METHODS: We included all the individuals who had a wrist fracture within the CLSA comprehensive cohort of the database (n = 968). The baseline data was used for this analysis. A 2-step cluster analysis was used to identify profiles that were both statistically and clinically meaningful. Variables that were used in the cluster analysis include demographic variables, physical activity status indicators, general health indicators, mobility indicators, bone health indicators, comorbid conditions, and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: We were able to identify two distinct profiles that were statistically and clinically meaningful confirming our hypothesis. One cluster included a predominantly younger cohort, who are physically active, with less comorbid conditions, better bone health, and better general health, while the opposite was true of the first cohort. CONCLUSION: We were able to identify two clusters-a healthy profile and a bone health compromised profile. This information may be used to identify the subgroup of people who should be targeted in the future for more intensive preventive health services to optimize healthy aging.

A qualitative study of healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health among single mothers in Canada.

Single motherhood is associated with higher demands in home and family responsibilities that may exist in similar sized households with grandparents. These demands can compete with opportunities and resources for maintenance of healthy behaviours. This may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic since supports outside the home may have been restricted by public health measures. A qualitative narrative study was conducted to explore these issues with 12 single mothers in Canada. Semi-structured interviews provided an in-depth understanding of the challenges and facilitators to maintaining healthy eating habits, physical activity levels, and mental health. Theory-driven content and structural analysis were applied through a descriptive thematic approach. Challenges to maintaining healthy eating behaviours included stay-at-home orders, limited budget, unhealthy food/cravings, and lack of motivation. In contrast, living with grandparents who provide help or having an understanding of healthy food were factors that facilitated engagement in healthy eating. Challenges to maintaining physical activity levels included lack of willpower, lack of time, and low energy. Whereas time on one's own, weighing scales or outdoor gear, and weather conditions promoted physical activity. Spirituality and gratitude were the main coping mechanisms used to deal with loneliness, unemployment, and depressive symptoms. Further research into the utility of gratitude as a coping mechanism could inform public health interventions that aim to increase levels of well-being among single mothers.

Applications of wearable sensors in upper extremity MSK conditions: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: This scoping review uniquely aims to map the current state of the literature on the applications of wearable sensors in people with or at risk of developing upper extremity musculoskeletal (UE-MSK) conditions, considering that MSK conditions or disorders have the highest rate of prevalence among other types of conditions or disorders that contribute to the need for rehabilitation services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews guideline was followed in this scoping review. Two independent authors conducted a systematic search of four databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and IEEEXplore. We included studies that have applied wearable sensors on people with or at risk of developing UE-MSK condition published after 2010. We extracted study designs, aims, number of participants, sensor placement locations, sensor types, and number, and outcome(s) of interest from the included studies. The overall findings of our scoping review are presented in tables and diagrams to map an overview of the existing applications. RESULTS: The final review encompassed 80 studies categorized into clinical population (31 studies), workers' population (31 studies), and general wearable design/performance studies (18 studies). Most were observational, with 2 RCTs in workers' studies. Clinical studies focused on UE-MSK conditions like rotator cuff tear and arthritis. Workers' studies involved industrial workers, surgeons, farmers, and at-risk healthy individuals. Wearable sensors were utilized for objective motion assessment, home-based rehabilitation monitoring, daily activity recording, physical risk characterization, and ergonomic assessments. IMU sensors were prevalent in designs (84%), with a minority including sEMG sensors (16%). Assessment applications dominated (80%), while treatment-focused studies constituted 20%. Home-based applicability was noted in 21% of the studies. CONCLUSION: Wearable sensor technologies have been increasingly applied to the health care field. These applications include clinical assessments, home-based treatments of MSK disorders, and monitoring of workers' population in non-standardized areas such as work environments. Assessment-focused studies predominate over treatment studies. Additionally, wearable sensor designs predominantly use IMU sensors, with a subset of studies incorporating sEMG and other sensor types in wearable platforms to capture muscle activity and inertial data for the assessment or rehabilitation of MSK conditions.

Exploring Canadian Career Firefighters' Understanding of the Return-to-Work Process After Musculoskeletal Injuries.

PURPOSE: Firefighters perform dangerous and physically demanding work, increasing their risk of musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to work absences. Return-to-work procedures can help firefighters return-to-work sooner and safely. The purpose of this study was to explore what firefighters understand about return-to-work procedures in their workplaces, and what firefighters believe the facilitators and barriers to return-to-work are. METHODS: Thirty-eight Canadian career firefighters were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative descriptive methods were used to analyze the transcripts. Two researchers performed the inductive coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: 1. Variation in the return-to-work process knowledge among firefighters based on their experiences; 2. Accessible medical resources and treatments to support injury recovery; 3. Light duties must be meaningful and suitable; 4. Pressures to return-to-work too soon may lead to negative consequences; and 5. Heavy physical demands of firefighting may become a barrier for return-to-work. 'Factors affecting RTW depended on personal experiences and context' was the overarching theme identified, as many reported facilitators for return-to-work were also reported as barriers in different contexts. There was a variation in the experiences and understanding of return-to-work. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge of the return-to-work processes. Firefighters require access to clear return-to-work policies and procedures and treatments that are targeted to firefighting duties to support recovery from injuries and regain physical abilities after an injury. Firefighters must be able to perform all essential duties before returning to firefighting work, as returning to work too soon can lead to further injury.