Differences in sleep patterns, sleepiness, and physical activity levels between young adults with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in sleep, sleepiness, and physical activity (PA) between young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing controls (TDC). METHOD: Actigraphic data and questionnaires on sleep, sleepiness, and PA were compared between fifteen adults with ASD (ADOS range 7-19; ages 22.8 ± 4.5 years) and TDC. RESULTS: In comparison to the TDC group, the ASD group slept longer on average per night but took longer to fall asleep. In relationship to PA levels, the objective PA levels were lower in the ASD group than the TDC group. Fewer wake minutes during the sleep period in the ASD sample were associated with more PA the following day. CONCLUSION: The findings support previous research that demonstrates differences in sleep parameters and PA between ASD and TDC. Interventions aimed at increasing PA in an ASD population may be beneficial for improved sleep.

The use of magnetic resonance imaging in acute knee injuries can be reduced by non-physician expert clinics.

INTRODUCTION: The routine use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of acute knee injuries is controversial. The goal of this study is to present an audit of patients seen in a dedicated Acute Knee Injury Clinic (AKIC) to determine the frequency and appropriateness of MRI utilization. METHODS: A retrospective review identified all patients who had an MRI and a randomly selected control group without MRI. The MRI was classified based on whether it was ordered by the AKIC team or by an external clinician. The consensus-based 'Indications for Urgent MRI in Acute Soft Tissue Knee Problems' were applied to both groups. An MRI was considered appropriate if any of the indications were met. RESULTS: The overall MRI utilization rate was 23% (142/611). Of the MRIs performed, 32% (46/142) met the indications. About 94% (33/35) of the MRIs ordered by the AKIC experts met the indications, compared to only 12% (13/107) of those ordered externally. No patients in the control group met the indications. Diagnoses were similar between groups. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that application of guidelines by experts in knee evaluation can significantly reduce expensive MRI utilization in patients with acute knee injuries without negatively impacting the appropriate diagnosis and disposition.