Journal of Research in Rehabilitation Sciences
Year:2012 | Volume:7 | Issue:2|Papers Count:18

Introduction: One of the important evaluative indexes of language development is word finding ability. The application of formal assessment tools, such as TWF-2, is the most common way of assessing this ability in western countries. There is not any formal assessment tool for assessment of this ability in Iran. Therefore this study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of Persian version of this test in 6-to-8-year-old children of Isfahan-Iran.Materials and Methods: Having translated in and modified for Farsi language, the test of word finding-2 was randomly administered on 140 Farsi-speaking students. The obtained raw data were analyzed using the Item-response theory.Results: The mean scores for word finding, difficulty index and discrimination power of test items were determined and the results were discussed. Reliability of both forms of test was 0.84.Conclusion: The Farsi-speaking student's mean of word finding scores is lower than their English counterparts and this can be an explanation for higher difficulty index of test items for these students.

Introduction: In past decades, psychologists have emphasized the effects that family, cultural and social factors (specially, cognitive-behavioral approach and life skills) may have on mental health and on the treatment of mental disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of confrontation cognitive-behavioral skills through Group training on reducing anxiety and enhancing adjustment in children with stuttering living in Neyshabur- Iran.Materials and Methods: In a semi-experimental study (pre test- post test and follow up with control group), 30 stuttering children aged 8 to 12 years were randomly recruited from speech-therapy clinics of Neyshabur and then assigned to two experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Spence Anxiety Scales and Adjustment and Attitude Scale were respectively applied for measuring subjects' anxiety and adjustment level. Subjects in experimental group underwent eight ninety-minute sessions in which confrontation cognitive-behavioral skills were thought. Control group received no training sessions.Thereafter, both groups were re-evaluated by the above-mentioned tests at the end of training period and two month later. All data were statistically analyzed via dependent and independent group t- test methods using SPSS software.Results: Study results indicated that confrontation cognitive-behavioral skills was efficient in reducing anxiety and enhancing social adjustment in children with stuttering (P<0.05).Conclusion: The efficacy of confrontation cognitive behavioral skills through group training results from its educational underpinnings since both cognitive and behavioral aspects are emphasized in this method.However, more time is needed to implement the training more efficiently. Also controlling influential factors can affect the efficacy of these trainings.

Introduction: Postural control is regarded to as a critical element in physical activities and as an important factor in performing athletic skills. Previous studies have reported controversial results about the effects of different training programs and also of detraining on the postural control. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two-, four-, and six-week detraining after a period of plyometric training on postural control in male students.Materials and methods: Twenty students (mean age 23.2±3.35 yr, mean height 171.5±5.44 cm, and mean weight 74.48±7.75 kg) with no history of injury in past two years participated in this study. To estimate dynamic balance of the subjects, the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) was applied. Once they undertook pre-test assessments and were explained on how to do exercises, the subjects executed plyometric training three days per week for six weeks. At the end of training period, first post-test SEBT was conducted. For the following six weeks there was no regular training and the other three post-test SEBTs were conducted at two-week intervals. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Tokay test (p≤0.05) were used for the statistical analysis of data.Results: Study results showed that plyometric training period had a significant effect on dynamic postural control (p≤0.001). Detraining effects on reducing reaching distance in SEBT were significant only in the fourth post-test (after six weeks of detraining) (p≤0.01).Conclusion: Increased postural control after the training period can be associated with an increase in speed of nerve conduction, muscle strength and increased coordination between the agonist and antagonist muscles. Similarly, decreased postural control after the detraining period might be due to a decrease in muscle strength and muscle coordination.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is the most common progressive neurologic disorder among young adults. This disease leads to lesions regarded to as demyelinating plaques which are scattered in the white matter of CNS hence create various neurological problems.Materials and Methods: This was a single-blinded prospective quasi-experimental study with the aim of evaluating the effects of neuromuscular exercise on balance, gait and depression level of patients with MS.It was carried out in Isfahan during the year 2008.24 patients with M.S (mean age: 33.33 yr, mean height: 169.66 cm, mean weight: 66.87 kg, mean duration of disease: 6.64 years) underwent 10 sessions of neuromuscular exercise on an every-two-day basis. Data was obtained before initiating treatment program, after termination of the treatment and at 2 months follow up. Berg Balance scale, Dynamic Gait Index and Beck Depression Questionnaire were respectively used for evaluating balance, gait, and depression. To compare patients' condition at these stages, obtained data were analyzed through Paired t-test using SPSS software.Results: Pre-and Post treatment evaluation of balance, gait and depression showed significant differences (p=0.00). Also, there was a meaningful difference between pre-treatment and follow up ratings with regard to balance (p=0.00) and gait (p=0.03). Moreover, comparison of balance (p=0.00) and gait measurements (P=0.01) at pre-treatment and at two months follow up revealed a significant difference.But there was no meaningful difference in depression status either comparing post-treatment and two month follow up ratings (p=0.14) or pre-treatment and two-month follow up evaluations (p=0.06).Conclusion: The study results show that continuous neuromuscular exercise may result in improved balance and Gait and in reduced depression in patients with MS. With regard to the course of disorder, initial condition may return if the exercises are discontiued.

Introduction: Swallowing is critical for nutrition and health while affected swallowing is the source of pain, nutritional insufficiency and loss of health. Swallowing disorders especially in elderly may lead to malnutrition or a disabling condition and may cause the inability of individual to self care from himself.So, the aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia among elderly residents, who were in Isfahan nursing home centers.Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 165 elderly persons randomly selected and screened with dysphagia screening test. Screening form was consist of some questions regarding the review of their medical history, history of feeding, swallowing and the place of dysphagia as well as three trial swallows with three different consistencies including liquid, semiliquid and solid. Then, the acquired data were analyzed with two tests of Chi-square and Cochran's Q.Results: The prevalence of dysphagia among elderly individuals was 41.2. Furthermore, the analysis of the relationship between dysphagia and three bolus consistencies revealed that the maximum dysphagia was occurred in liquids and this difference was significant. Moreover, the prevalence of dysphagia was greater in females than males (49 %, VS 31%) and this difference was also significant. In addition, the analysis of the relationship between the rates of dysphagia and age groups indicated that the percent of dysphagia rise with increasing in age and this difference was significant.Conclusion: The prevalence of dysphagia was significant among residential elderly populations in the Isfahan nursing home centers. They are at risk of malnutrition and pneumonia. Therefore, they need speech therapy services for their dysphagia problems.

Introduction: Chronic neck pain is one of the most common problems among computer users. It seems that pain in neck affects the angle of forward head in these people. The aim of this research was to compare the degree of forward head in official computer users of Isfahan University with and without chronic neck pain.Methods and Materials: The statistical population was 66 men including 33 with chronic neck pain and 33 healthy subjects. A questionnaire was used for data collection about the subjects, and goniometer and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for assessment of their forward head angle and severity of neck pain respectively. For statistical analysis of data, independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used (P<0.05).Results: Mean of forward head for subjects with chronic neck pain and healthy controls were 26.97±6.99 and 24.24±6.19 degrees respectively. There was a significant difference in mean forward head between persons with chronic neck pain and healthy persons (P<0.05). Mean severity of neck pain was 36.7±15.34 among persons with chronic neck pain. Forward head angle and severity of neck pain correlated significantly (P<0.05).Conclusions: It can be concluded that persons with neck pain had greater forward head angle compared with those without pain. This necessitates considering and taking corrective and preventive measures for persons that working with computers.

One of the most common diseases associated with musculo-skeletal ailment is low back pain which is epidemic among general public. If manual tasks are performed inappropriately by workers at workplaces, it may cause back pain in the lumbar spine. In recent years, a variety of assistive devices has been presented and used to utilize a passive force generator which has been effective in decreasing lumbar moments and the force requirements by Erector Spinae muscles. In forward flexion, trunk muscles balance the weight of upper body and external loads. Regarding to small moment arm of these muscle, they create great forces that may lead to high intradiscal pressure and cause disc injury. The aim of this paper is to present a new Wearable Assistive Device that decreases trunk muscle activity during static holding task.The performance of this device is simulated biomechanically with link-segment model. Using ANYBODY software, compressive and shearing forces and also muscle activity of Lumbar were determined. To validate the results, electromyography (EMG) of muscles of fifteen male participated in the study was analyzed.Results of link-segment model indicated that there was a reduction in the Lumbar moment by 15-23% using WAD. Moreover ANYBODY model demonstrated that compressive and shearing forces decreased by 24% and 29% respectively in average and muscle activities decreased by 18-25%, too. Statistical analysis demonstrated that normalized electromyography of right and left Lumbar, Thoracic Erector Spinae and Latissimus Dorsi muscles significantly decreased (P<0.05) by 21.9%, 20.4%, 23.6%, 20.4%, 23.7%, and 16.7% respectively and electromyography of right and left External Oblique, Internal Oblique and Rectus Abdominus muscles had significant change (P<0.05).

Introduction: Although various treatment methods have been applied to low back pain, there is no general consensus on the most effective treatment. The aim of present research was to compare the effects of exercise therapy and self-treatment provided through The Back Book on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.Materials and methods: The statistical sample consisted of 29 patients with chronic low back pain of at least 3 months duration. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: exercise therapy (n=17) and self-treatment through The Back Book (n=12). Disability was evaluated using Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) and pain intensity was evaluated via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Treatment programs lasted 6 weeks for both groups. Independent and pair t-test were used for statistical analysis of data (p≤ 0.05).Results: Research findings showed that there were significant differences in the pain levels (p<0.001) and functional disability (p=0.001) of exercise therapy group but, there were not any significant changes in self-treatment group (p>0.05) with respect to these two variables. When two groups compared, levels of pain and functional disability were found to be statistically significant.Discussion: The findings of this study revealed that exercise therapy is more effective than self-treatment through "The Back Book" for the purpose of disability improvement and pain relief in patients. Finally this study indicated that exercise therapy can be an effective method in managing patients with chronic low back pain.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between Genu Varum abnormality and the performance and strength of lower extremity in teenage footballers.Materials and Methods: 60 young male football players with the mean age of 15.2±0.78 yr, mean weight of 58.9±3.39 kg and mean height of 166.6.21 cm participated in this study. Kendall’s method and plumb line were used to evaluate subjects' posture. Genu Varum was measured via a caliper. To assess the performance variables, One-leg Squat for Depth, One-leg Hop for Distance, Single-leg Triple Hop for Distance, Vertical Jump and T- test was tested for each athlete. Independent t-test was used for statistical analysis of data.Results: Results of independent t-test revealed that performance variables were significantly different between two groups [Vertical Jump (P=0.005), One-leg Squat for Depth (P=0.019), One-leg Hop for Distance (P=0.011), Single-leg Triple Hop for Distance (P=.008) and T- test (P=0.003)].Discussion and conclusion: Based on this study results, it can be concluded that posture can affect performance variables and Genu Garum abnormality may reduce performance.

Introduction: It has been shown through various studies that athletes who compete in such non–weight bearing sports as swimming typically show lower BMD in the lumbar spine and lower limb sites than those who are involved in weight-bearing sports. Gravitational forces produce a passive mechanical effect that plays a role in developing and maintaining of bone mass. This study was conducted with the aim of comparing the bone mineral density (BMD) of spinal L2-L4 in Iranian swimmers with that of their foreign counterparts.Materials and Methods: Twelve professional male swimmers (mean age 24±3.3 yr, mean weight 81±1.1 kg, and mean height 175±5.2 cm) were compared with fourteen professional males foreign swimmers (mean age 22±3.6 y, mean weight 72±10 kg, mean height 182±7.2 cm).These subjects, all in good health, were randomly selected from the available population of athletes who had been involved in continuous swimming activities for past five years. BMD were measured on L2-L4 lumbar spines via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).The data were analyzed through one–sample mean comparison and Pierson correlation.Results: The results showed that the amount of BMD in Iranian swimmers (1.02±0.04 g.cm²) was less than that of foreign swimmers (1.16 ±0.16 g.cm², (p=0.000)).Conclusion: Considering the importance of BMD in lumbar spine for swimmers and its significant loss among Iranian swimmers compared to foreign swimmers, which was evident from the results obtained, it is necessary that swimming must be accompanied by weight-bearing exercises and a diet rich in dairy.

Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common clinical entity used to describe a variety of pathologic conditions associated with the articulation between the patella and the femoral condyles. The aim of present study was to examine the effect of one period of exercise therapy program on Q and popliteal angle in athlethes with Pattellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).Materials and Methods: This semi- experimental study were done on 60 athlethes with PFPS from volleyball, karate and taekwondo majors with mean age 21.38±0.15 old, height 170.18±1.52 cm, weight 60.79±0.67Kg and with sport experience over than 3 years (control group=30 athletes and experimental group=30 athletes). In this study, Q and Popliteal angle measured with guniometer and knee pain severity accessed via Visual Analog Scal (VAS) prior and after 4 weeks exercise therapy program. Paire and Sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis in SPSS program version 17 (significant level of 0.05).Results: The results revealed that four weeks exercise therapy program have a significant effect on decreasing knee pain in athlethes with Pattellofemoral pain syndrome. Also, Hamstring muscles group flexibility and Quadriceps muscles strength increased after executing exercise therapy program.Conclusion: Based on this study results, the strenghthing and streetching program on the knee extensor and flexor muscles may be useful for treating patients PFPS. Further research is needed to proof this finding.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to consider the effects of strength and plyometric training on dynamic balance of male athlete students.Materials and Methods: 30 elderly males with average and standard deviation age of 23.18±4.95 yr, weight 72.17±3.09 kg and length 173.58±3.63 cm without any precedence of lower extremity, voluntarily participated in this study. They divided into two groups as follow: group 1: strengthplyometric (n=15) exercise 2: control group (n=15). One day before from executing of strength and plyometric exercises, dynamic balance assessed with using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).Within 6 week that exercises group executing exercise programs, Control group asked to continue their daily common activities. One day after from completing of exercises, dynamic balance of subjects assessed with using the SEBT test. Descriptive statistic was used to determine the mean of subjects' characteristics and reaching distance in eight directions of SEBT. Paired sample t-test was used to compare the mean differences for pre- and post-test data. Also t-test for independent groups was used to compare the data for two groups. P values<0.05 were considered significant.Results: Significant differences were seen between pre and post reaching distance using SEBT after the applying strength-plyometric training program for practice group in all directions of SEBT. The results not showed any difference between pre and post reaching distance in SEBT for control group. Also Significant differences were seen between practice and control groups after the applying strength plyometric training program in all directions of SEBT.Conclusion: Due to results, using concurrent exercises (strength-plyometric training) in training programs are recommended to decrease likelihood improve the athletes' dynamic balance.

Introduction: Children with pragmatic language impairment have problem in the use of language appropriate to age and situation. In this study, assessment and intervention plan of a child with pragmatic language impairment were discussed.Materials and Methods: Observational data collection method used in this study. Then communicative partner profile and child's pragmatic rating scale are completed. Regarding to two form's results, appropriate targets are selected to intervene child's pragmatic disorder.Results: After the treatment and consultation to parents to treat conversational skills and use of speech acts is determined that child's score in pragmatic rating scale increased significantly. Also the child's ability in conversational skills is increased in average 2-3 scores.Conclusion: Selected targets in this study were focused on pragmatic skills similar to Richardson and klecan-Aker. Pragmatic is assumed as a whole not as a part of treatment. As a result, appropriate diagnosis of the disorder is efficient in decision for making assessment and selection of proper treatment targets.

Introduction: Auditory processing skills are critical for listening, communicating and learning and when defective, they can cause academic problems in addition to other communication weaknesses in children.Awareness of CAPD symptoms and knowing how to assess and treat it appropriately are all in the scope of speech and language pathology and audiology and lack of such awareness and knowledge may lead to confusion in diagnosis and to inefficient treatment. The purpose of this study was to address some of the questions commonly raised by speech and language pathologists regarding to the nature, diagnosis and treatment of (C) APD and to prevent misuse of the term. Moreover the author tried to explain the responsibilities of speech and language pathologists in this area.Materials and Methods: A review of the latest literature on the subject of (central) auditory processing disorders was performed using PUBMED, EBSCO, SCIENCE DIRECT, ASHA, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, THIEME, PROQUEST data bases and library sources.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that auditory processing was a complex process and speech and language pathologists had an important role in screening, differential diagnosis and treatment of (C) APD. Speech and language pathologists should consider the possibility of (C) APD as they encounter school-age children experiencing learning disability.