Johanna Prehn, Lea Remus, Marei Grope, Matthias Bethge
{"title":"Process evaluation of a case management intervention for people at high risk of permanent work disability to improve rehabilitation coverage and work participation.","authors":"Johanna Prehn, Lea Remus, Marei Grope, Matthias Bethge","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000685","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>German social law provides a broad range of services aimed at maintaining work ability, facilitating return-to-work, and preventing permanent work disability; however, individuals with health impairments often lack information about available options and access, leading to underutilization of these services. This study (trial registration: DRKS00024648) evaluates the implementation of a multicomponent strategy designed to improve access to rehabilitation services and promote sustained work participation among individuals at elevated risk of permanent work disability. The intervention consisted of screening, postal contact, telephone counseling, initial interview, and case management. High-risk individuals were identified through a risk score based on administrative data (≥60 points indicating an increased 5-year probability of disability pension) and were invited by postal mail to call their regional case manager if support was required. Within the process evaluation, we assessed reach, dose delivered, fidelity, dose received, and participant satisfaction using case manager documentation and participant surveys at baseline and follow-up. Of 5300 individuals contacted, 277 engaged in case management. At baseline, participants reported an average of 20 weeks of sickness absence, multiple health conditions, and 63.7% rated their work ability as poor. Implementation fidelity exceeded 80%, and satisfaction with the intervention was high. Following case management, knowledge of rehabilitation services increased significantly (P < 0.001), and 55.6% applied for rehabilitation. The findings demonstrate that the intervention successfully reached its target population with high fidelity and participant satisfaction. Observed improvements in knowledge and increased utilization of rehabilitation services suggest the intervention's potential to enhance access for those in need.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145337001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ingrid Vitoria Silva Fonseca, Victoria Clara da Costa Moreira, Patrick Roberto Avelino, Paula Pinto Coelho, Joice Vicencia da Silveira Araújo, Kênia Kiefer Parreiras de Menezes
{"title":"Agreement between face-to-face and telephone application of the fatigue severity scale in the elderly.","authors":"Ingrid Vitoria Silva Fonseca, Victoria Clara da Costa Moreira, Patrick Roberto Avelino, Paula Pinto Coelho, Joice Vicencia da Silveira Araújo, Kênia Kiefer Parreiras de Menezes","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000681","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000681","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective was to investigate the agreement between face-to-face and telephone application of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in the elderly. The participants were assessed using the FSS by telephone and face-to-face. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC-3,1) investigated the agreement between the FSS scores, for both scoring methods (sum and average), and quadratic weighted Kappa statistics to investigate the agreement between the individual items. The 55 individuals showed a total score ranging from 9 to 57 for the sum scoring method, from 1 to 6.3 for the average scoring method, and from 1 to 7 for the individual items. The level of agreement for the total scores was high ICC for the sum (0.84) and average (0.86) scoring method, while for each item, eight were considered moderate (0.21 ≤ κ ≤ 0.52), and one was low (κ = 0.19). This study showed that the FSS is a reliable scale, for both scoring methods, to be applied by telephone in elderly individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145244516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A multidimensional validation study of the Turkish version of the Comprehensive Lower-limb Amputee Socket Survey in veterans.","authors":"Ceren Kuzu, Yasin Demir, Sevilay Karahan, Semra Topuz","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000683","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000683","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Technological and social advances have improved prosthetic devices; however, discomfort during prosthesis use remains a persistent problem. Therefore, ongoing assessment of socket fit is essential. This process is key to ensuring long-term functionality and comfort for prosthetic users. This study aimed to adapt the Comprehensive Lower-limb Amputee Socket Survey (CLASS) into Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability in individuals with combat-related unilateral lower-limb amputation at K3 and K4 mobility levels. We performed cross-cultural adaptation and validation using multiple outcome measures reflecting various aspects of socket fit. A cross-sectional test-retest design was used with 80 prosthesis-using participants recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency via Cronbach's α. The Turkish CLASS demonstrated strong test-retest reliability across its domains (ICC = 0.80-0.90) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α ranging from 0.73 to 0.87 across subscales). No significant floor effects were observed. Validity was examined through correlations with the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experiences Scale (TAPES), Satisfaction with Prosthesis Questionnaire (SAT-PRO), and Socket Comfort Score (SCS). The comfort domain of Turkish CLASS showed strong correlations with SAT-PRO (r = 0.62) and SCS (r = 0.74), while other domains had moderate correlations with TAPES subscales (r = 0.43-0.55), supporting concurrent validity. The minimum detectable change scores across the domains ranged from 9.3 (comfort) to 16.1 (appearance). These findings indicate that the Turkish CLASS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing socket fit in unilateral lower-limb amputees and is suitable for routine clinical use.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145244510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Validation of the Croatian Visual Function Classification System and subtype-specific differences in cerebral palsy.","authors":"Ana Katušić, Sonja Alimović, Andrea Paulik","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000680","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000680","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) provides a standardised framework for grading visual functioning in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study evaluated the reliability and construct validity of the Croatian VFCS, and its ability to distinguish visual functioning across CP subtypes and functional classifications. Ninety-five children with CP (mean age: 11.8 years, range: 4-18) were assessed using VFCS, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Reliability was tested using quadratic weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs); differences across CP types with the Kruskal-Wallis, and construct validity with Spearman correlations. The Croatian VFCS showed excellent interrater (κ = 0.87) and intrarater reliability (κ = 0.92), with ICCs greater than 0.90. VFCS levels differed significantly by CP subtype (χ² = 8.30, P = 0.016), with preliminary evidence suggesting that unilateral spastic CP may be associated with better visual function than bilateral spastic or dyskinetic CP. Moderate correlations with CFCS (ρ = 0.557), MACS (ρ = 0.392), and GMFCS (ρ = 0.308) revealed clinically relevant divergences between visual and motor abilities. The Croatian VFCS is a reliable, valid, and clinically sensitive tool. This study provides preliminary evidence of its discriminative utility across CP subtypes and supports integrating VFCS into multidisciplinary assessment and individualised rehabilitation planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145029644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anshini Gupta, Osama Neyaz, Raj Kumar Yadav, Paras Yadav, Hrishikesh Das
{"title":"Community reintegration of persons with traumatic spinal cord injury in Northern India: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Anshini Gupta, Osama Neyaz, Raj Kumar Yadav, Paras Yadav, Hrishikesh Das","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000679","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/MRR.0000000000000679","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since early interventions have improved survival in traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), there is a shift toward addressing long-term outcomes like community reintegration and social participation. Despite its importance, community reintegration remains under-researched, particularly in Northern India. This study aims to explore societal reintegration in people with TSCI in Northern India using the Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique-Short Form (CHART-SF). The CHART-SF examines the impact of age, gender, injury level, terrain, and the ASIA impairment scale (AIS) on physical independence, cognitive independence, mobility, occupation, social integration, and economic self-sufficiency. This cross-sectional observational study included 91 individuals with TSCI who had an injury duration greater than 1 year and received inpatient and outpatient services from our department in a tertiary health care centre between October 2022 and April 2024. Community reintegration scores were low in all areas measured by the CHART-SF, such as physical independence (38.5), cognitive independence (64.5), mobility (38.9), social integration (70.9), and economic self-sufficiency, with occupation (13.6) being the most affected domain. The mean CHART-SF score was 226.4 (56.8) out of a maximum of 600, indicating poor reintegration. Being motor complete (AIS A-B) was moderately-to-strongly associated with worse physical independence (rpb = 0.91, P < 0.001), mobility (0.87, P < 0.001), occupation status (0.56, P < 0.001), and overall community reintegration (0.84, P < 0.001). The cognitive independence (64.5) and social integration scores (70.93) were not correlated with any demographic and injury variables assessed and were among the highest-scoring domains. The results suggest significant challenges in societal reintegration among individuals with TSCI in Northern India, particularly in mobility, physical independence, and occupation. While cognitive and social integration were relatively better, overall reintegration remained low. The injury severity, terrain, and other demographic factors influenced outcomes, especially in physical domains.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145015313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seung Heun An, Eun Joo Kim, Sung Phil Yang, Su Ji Choi, Jun Min Lee
{"title":"Comparative reliability, concurrent and convergent validity, and predictive value of the 6-min walk test over 15 and 30 m in patients with subacute stroke.","authors":"Seung Heun An, Eun Joo Kim, Sung Phil Yang, Su Ji Choi, Jun Min Lee","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000674","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000674","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is used to assess gait capacity in patients with stroke; however, the standard 30-m version (6MWT-30 m) is often impractical in clinical settings because of space limitations. We investigated the validity and reliability of a 15-m version (6MWT-15 m) in 29 individuals with subacute stroke. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Validity was evaluated through correlations with the 10-m walk test (10mWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Lower Extremities (FMA-LE). The 6MWT-15 m demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.997) and acceptable measurement error (MDC = 19.5 m), with strong correlations with the 10mWT, BBS, FMA-LE, and 6MWT-30 m, supporting its validity. Regression analysis identified the 6MWT-15 m as the sole significant predictor of 6MWT-30 m ( R2 = 0.98) walking distance. These findings support the 6MWT-15 m as a reliable, valid, and practical alternative for assessing walking capacity in patients suffering from subacute stroke, particularly in space-limited clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":"187-193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ankle plantar-dorsal flexion exercises mitigate orthostatic hypotension in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.","authors":"Takashi Akiba, Keiichiro Terayama, Akihiro Ogawa, Hiroshi Teramoto, Arata Nakajima","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000671","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000671","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Orthostatic hypotension is frequently observed in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of ankle plantar-dorsal flexion (APDF) exercises on hemodynamics and autonomic nerve function in patients with orthostatic hypotension. Thirteen consecutively admitted patients diagnosed with MSA or PD and orthostatic hypotension were included in this study. This crossover study included two consecutive, randomly assigned intervention sessions: one exercise session and one control session. In both sessions, patients sat relaxed in a chair for 6 min before standing up for 5 min. During the exercise session, they performed APDF exercises at 60 cycles/min during the final minute of sitting. Blood pressure and autonomic nerve function were monitored continuously. Correlations between patient characteristics and changes in SBP after standing (ΔSBP) were also analyzed. After 1 min of standing, SBP was reduced by a median value of 17.5 mmHg during the control session, while it lowered to only 1.0 mmHg during the exercise session. There were no significant changes in heart rate frequencies during both sessions. These results suggest that APDF exercises mitigate the drop in SBP through improved venous return, without affecting autonomic nerve function. We conclude that a short bout of ankle exercises may be an effective and safe intervention to prevent orthostatic hypotension in patients with neurodegenerative diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":"157-165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool.","authors":"Yoshiki Koizume, Daisuke Ito, Yuki Suda, Kunitsugu Kondo, Michiyuki Kawakami","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000672","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000672","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to translate the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (G.A.I.T.) into Japanese and evaluate its reliability and validity. Translation and adaptation followed established cross-cultural guidelines. To assess reliability and validity of Japanese versions of the G.A.I.T, a cohort design was implemented. Sixty-three stroke patients participated in interrater reliability and validity assessments, and 50 patients in the test-retest evaluation. Reliability and validity were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Pearson's correlation coefficients, respectively. The Japanese G.A.I.T. demonstrated excellent reliability in interrater (ICC = 0.975) and retest (ICC = 0.988). Significant correlations were observed between the G.A.I.T. scores and Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity ( r = -0.774), Functional Ambulation Category ( r = -0.720), Functional Independence Measure motor scores ( r = -0.647), functional independence measure mobility ( r = -0.688), and comfortable walking speed ( r = -0.839). These findings suggest that the Japanese version of the G.A.I.T. is a reliable and valid assessment tool for evaluating gait coordination in Japanese stroke survivors.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":"194-198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144093695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effects of repetitive practice on motor learning and adaptability in foot position control for cerebellar ataxia.","authors":"Jung-Eun Yun, Chang-Ha Im, Jin-Hoon Park","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000670","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000670","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebellar ataxia impairs motor coordination, leading to gait instability, irregular foot movements, and frequent falls. While studies have examined kinematic deficits in cerebellar patients, the potential for motor learning and transfer specific to foot position control is underexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of lower-limb distance control practice on motor learning and generalization in patients with cerebellar disorders. Twelve individuals with cerebellar ataxia and 12 matched controls performed a foot-reaching task under controlled conditions. Participants practiced reaching three target distances without visual feedback. Kinematic data were collected using a motion tracking system, and performance was assessed during the practice, retention, and transfer phases. Statistical analyses evaluated learning effects and group differences. Both groups improved foot position control with practice, though cerebellar patients showed higher initial error rates. Retention tests confirmed learning, with reduced errors immediately and 24 h postpractice [ F(2,44) = 25.20, P < 0.01]. Transfer tests revealed significant improvements in novel distance tasks for cerebellar patients, but limited generalization to vertical distance conditions [ F(2,44) = 7.43, P < 0.01]. Repetitive foot position control practice promotes motor learning and partial generalization in cerebellar patients, indicating preserved neuroplasticity. These findings emphasize the importance of task-specific and variable training in rehabilitation programs to reduce fall risks and enhance functional mobility in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":"149-156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ijaz N Pillai, Nandyal C Chandini, Smitha Joseph, Badarinath Athani, Deepak J Prasad
{"title":"Decannulation patterns and predictors in acquired brain injury: a retrospective study.","authors":"Ijaz N Pillai, Nandyal C Chandini, Smitha Joseph, Badarinath Athani, Deepak J Prasad","doi":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000675","DOIUrl":"10.1097/MRR.0000000000000675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tracheostomy is frequently performed in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) requiring prolonged ventilatory support. However, prolonged tracheostomy use can impact communication, swallowing, and psychological well-being, making timely decannulation a crucial rehabilitation goal. This study examined the time to decannulation and associated factors in patients with ABI by conducting a retrospective review using medical records of patients with ABI admitted to the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2016-2024). Patients aged ≥18 years, with a tracheostomy tube at admission and who underwent decannulation, were included. The primary outcome was the time to attain decannulation (TAD), with secondary outcomes assessing clinical and functional predictors that may affect TAD. Seventy-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 77 subjects were included for the analysis, consisting of 19 patients with stroke, 52 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and 6 patients of encephalopathy. The median TAD was 52 days in the overall sample. In simple linear regression, TAD was significantly longer in the stroke than in the TBI subsample (76 vs. 49.5 days, P = 0.019), in younger patients ( P = 0.01), and in those admitted earlier to inpatient rehabilitation ( P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression, younger age, higher Glasgow Coma Scale scores at admission, and earlier inpatient admission were associated with shorter TAD ( P = 0.028, 0.044, <0.001; adjusted R2 = 0.597). The findings of this study may aid in tracheostomy decannulation-related goal setting, patient stratification, managing patient's expectations, and planning appropriate timelines related to tracheostomy decannulation in patients with ABI.</p>","PeriodicalId":14301,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Rehabilitation Research","volume":" ","pages":"143-148"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}