{"title":"Effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy on pain intensity and functional disability in chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Renata Anddresa Stachelski, Márcia Rosângela Buzanello, Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini, Alberito Rodrigo de Carvalho","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2744806","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2744806","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on pain intensity and functional disability in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched. The PICOS framework included individuals with CLBP receiving ESWT, compared with placebo, usual care, exercise, or physiotherapy. Randomized controlled trials reporting pain intensity and/or functional disability were included. Data on participant characteristics, interventions, comparators, and ESWT dosimetry were extracted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 430 records identified, nine randomized controlled trials were included. Radial ESWT (rESWT) significantly reduced pain (SMD = -0.72; 95% CI -1.30 to -0.14; I<sup>2</sup> = 76%), whereas focused ESWT (fESWT) showed benefit in one trial. Functional disability significantly improved overall (MD = -6.12; 95% CI -10.02 to -2.22; I<sup>2</sup> = 75%), but the effect did not reach the minimal clinically important difference. Most studies evaluated outcomes only immediately post-intervention. Sensitivity analyses indicated influence of methodological quality and heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ESWT, particularly rESWT, may reduce pain in CLBP, but functional improvements are not clinically meaningful. Short follow-up and substantial heterogeneity limit the strength of recommendations. rESWT and fESWT should not be considered interchangeable.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration number: </strong>International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the registration number CRD420251085206.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149228908","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}
Tanner Murphy, Alexa Lauinger, Joseph Peters, Ethan Truong, Libak Abou
{"title":"Physical activity guidelines' impact on cognition in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.","authors":"Tanner Murphy, Alexa Lauinger, Joseph Peters, Ethan Truong, Libak Abou","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2749683","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2749683","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effects of meeting physical activity guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (PAG-MS) on cognition in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Meeting PAG-MS has shown to elicit numerous health benefits in people with MS; minimal work has examined the influence of PAG-MS on cognition.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscuss, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Two independent reviewers assessed included studies for eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including physical activity that met PAG-MS and assessed cognition were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with 462 total participants. Eleven studies showed improvement in at least one aspect of cognition. Meta-analyses indicated meeting PAG-MS significantly improved processing speed (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI 0.08-0.51; <i>p</i> = 0.008), visuospatial memory (SMD = 0.47; 95% CI 0.14-0.80; <i>p</i> = 0.005), and verbal memory (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI 0.27-1.23; <i>p</i> = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Meta-analyses indicated meeting PAG-MS significantly improved processing speed and memory. The findings were based on a limited number of studies with a high risk of bias and more RCTs that meet PAG-MS and examine cognition are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229117","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}
Emeline Walczak, Benjamin Dervaux, Maxence Dumortier, Jennifer Bassement
{"title":"Psychological needs in individuals with lower limb amputation: a narrative review of evidence for clinical practice across the rehabilitation continuum.","authors":"Emeline Walczak, Benjamin Dervaux, Maxence Dumortier, Jennifer Bassement","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2749678","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2749678","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To synthesize the psychological needs of individuals undergoing lower-limb amputation (LLA) and their association with overall adjustment across the rehabilitation continuum, in order to propose clinical recommendations spanning the entire continuum of care.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A narrative review was conducted in accordance with the SANRA criteria, using MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and PsycArticles. We identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and July 2025 that met the following criteria: original research; focused on individuals with LLA; examined psychological, emotional, or psychosocial dimensions throughout the rehabilitation continuum care journey; studies that explored how psychological factors influence overall adjustment; written in English.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 28 quantitative and 12 qualitative studies were included. Individuals undergoing LLA report significant psychological distress from limb threat to long-term rehabilitation care, including anxiety, depression, body image disturbance, impairment in social life and sexuality, low balance confidence, and cognitive impairment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Psychological distress is associated with poorer overall adjustment, confirming that mental health plays a key role in adaptation. The integration of structured psychological screening and personalized interventions targeting psychological and psychosocial needs may be beneficial throughout the rehabilitation continuum. Further studies are needed to assess the applicability for healthcare providers, and patient benefits of these recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229174","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}
Rebecca Smith, Caroline Mills, Catharine A K Fleming, Elise Baker
{"title":"Walking the tightrope of dysphagia: insights from allied health professions working with children and young people in Australia.","authors":"Rebecca Smith, Caroline Mills, Catharine A K Fleming, Elise Baker","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2746483","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2746483","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Dysphagia can negatively influence a child or young person's quality of life. There is currently limited in-depth qualitative data examining the impacts of dysphagia on children and young people from the perspectives the allied health professionals who provide supports that can shape their quality of life. This study examined the perspectives of allied health professionals on (a) the impact of dysphagia on quality of life and (b) barriers and facilitators to quality of life for children and young people (2-24 years) with dysphagia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this ethically approved research, 16 allied health professionals engaged in focus group discussions. Video recorded discussions were transcribed verbatim then analyzed using Thematic Networks Analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One global theme, three organizing themes, and 12 basic themes were identified. Managing dysphagia was like walking a tightrope. Participants described balancing various factors including the child's medical diagnoses versus their autonomy, the family, and creating positive mealtimes while minimizing harm. Participants described cascading impacts of dysphagia impacting on the child or young person and their family around them.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Health professionals need to collaborate with families, provide individualized education and advocate for balance of the physical and psychosocial needs of the child or young person.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225211","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":"Significant others' perspectives on formal supports at 3- and 12-months post-discharge from specialist rehabilitation units following acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.","authors":"Emily Bray, Rachel Brough, Letitia Burridge, Mandy Nielsen, Kerrin Watter, Melissa Kendall, Delena Amsters, Christy Hogan, Timothy Geraghty, Tamara Ownsworth","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2749685","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2749685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To explore from significant others' perspective the experiences of and barriers to accessing formal supports in the first year post-discharge after acquired brain injury (ABI) and spinal cord injury (SCI).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with significant others (family members/friends) of individuals with newly acquired ABI and SCI at 3- (<i>n</i> = 24) and 12-months post-discharge (<i>n</i> = 19) from inpatient rehabilitation in Queensland, Australia. Data were thematically analysed using the Framework method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged. Theme 1 (<i>Journeying along new and complex pathways</i>) describes participants' experience forging a path through an unknown landscape. Theme 2 (<i>Being on the same page through open and active communication</i>) highlights the impact of communication on the experience of formal supports. Theme 3 (<i>Getting the support right: prioritising the who and how</i>) stresses the importance of formal supports understanding the person with the injury, their interests and needs. Theme 4 (<i>Becoming the safety net</i>) describes the impact on significant others who had to fill the gaps in formal support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore the need to proactively involve significant others as well as people with an injury in the rehabilitation and decision-making process to support the needs and well-being of both parties.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-23"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229253","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}
Boas J Wijker, Joske Nauta, Sonja de Groot, Johanna M van Dongen, Femke van Nassau, Gioia N Muru, Ellen M Maas, Ilse J W van Nes, Thomas W J Janssen
{"title":"Process evaluation of daily electrical stimulation to prevent recurring pressure ulcers in individuals with spinal cord injury: the SCI PREVOLT trial.","authors":"Boas J Wijker, Joske Nauta, Sonja de Groot, Johanna M van Dongen, Femke van Nassau, Gioia N Muru, Ellen M Maas, Ilse J W van Nes, Thomas W J Janssen","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2742543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2742543","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This process evaluation assessed the implementation of electrical stimulation (ES) for pressure ulcers (PUs) prevention in individuals with spinal cord injury alongside a randomized controlled trial and identified facilitators and barriers for the implementation in home environment and rehabilitation care.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A mixed-methods evaluation was structured according to the RE-AIM framework. Semi-structured interviews were thematically analyzed using the Fleuren framework; questionnaire and fieldnote data were supplementary sources.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 70 SCI PREVOLT participants, 13 and 13 healthcare professionals were interviewed. Recruitment <i>via</i> rehabilitation centers was most effective; PUs prevention was the main motivation for participation. Participants reported both positive and negative effects of ES, although most perceived the intervention as beneficial overall. Adoption depended on prior experience, staff involvement, and motivation. Adherence was hindered by limited time, need for assistance, and user-friendliness. Barriers included limited evidence, unclear responsibilities, and lack of reimbursement. Successful maintenance requires flexibility, clear guidance, support, and additional training for professionals.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ES is a promising but demanding intervention for PUs prevention. Limited evidence, usability issues, and organizational barriers hinder implementation. Improved usability, clear roles, and strong support are essential for future use.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149229235","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}
Sarah Irons, Dorothy Kessler, Setareh Ghahari, Afolasade Fakolade
{"title":"Navigating medication management in dementia care: caregiver experiences and resource needs.","authors":"Sarah Irons, Dorothy Kessler, Setareh Ghahari, Afolasade Fakolade","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2747161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2747161","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Medication management is a critical and complex responsibility for family caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD), yet existing supports often fall short of their needs. We explored caregivers' experiences managing medications for PLWD and the needs and preferences for resources that support medication management.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Using a mixed-methods approach, we examined the experiences of 13 caregivers in Ontario managing medications for PLWD. The Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS) provided quantitative assessment of medication management burden. A concurrent embedded design integrated quantitative and qualitative data, with qualitative follow-up questions embedded after each FCMAHS item to explore caregiver experiences in greater depth. We analyzed quantitative data descriptively with non-parametric tests, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caregivers reported the highest perceived hassle on the Information Sharing and Information Seeking FCMAHS subscale and the lowest in the Polypharmacy subscale. Three qualitative categories were identified: medication information and educational resources, practical aspects of medication management, and healthcare provider support and systemic barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Caregivers' experiences with medication management varied, reflecting individual circumstances, dementia progression, and available supports. The findings highlight the need for caregiver-informed supportive resources that evolve with the dementia trajectory and help translate clinical information into daily practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225230","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}
Owen Gustafson, Elizabeth King, Helen Dawes, Mark Williams
{"title":"Characterisation of musculoskeletal health problems encountered following critical illness and their relationship with physical function: a prospective observational study.","authors":"Owen Gustafson, Elizabeth King, Helen Dawes, Mark Williams","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2748408","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2748408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Poor musculoskeletal (MSK) health is common following critical illness, negatively impacting quality of life. Holistic MSK assessment of critical care survivors has not previously been undertaken. The aim was to characterise MSK problems following critical illness and explore disability in patients with poor MSK health.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A holistic MSK assessment was undertaken in participants six months after admission to intensive care. Participants with poor MSK health underwent an exploratory, functional assessment mirroring the domains of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health framework (ICF).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-one participants underwent MSK assessment and 11 the functional assessment. Multisite problems (<i>n</i> = 33, 54.1%) and high levels of fear-avoidance related to physical activity (<i>n</i> = 15, 24.6%) were common. MSK health correlated with pain (<i>p</i> = 0.008), strength (<i>p</i> = 0.002), and fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity and work (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Participants with upper limb problems had high levels of disability with mean QuickDASH scores of 48.14 (SD24.49). Participants were sedentary for a median (IQR) of 21.7 h (20.5-22.1) per day.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Participants had high pain levels and experienced problems across all ICF domains. These results highlight an urgent need for research into targeted rehabilitation interventions to improve MSK health following critical illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149221045","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 comprehensive ICF Core Set for burn injury rehabilitation from the perspective of occupational therapists and patients.","authors":"Dorsa Hamedi, Afsoon Hassani Mehraban, Mostafa Dahmardehei, Jamileh Abolghasemi, Laleh Lajevardi","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2745726","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2745726","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to validate the ICF-CS for burn injury rehabilitation from the perspective of occupational therapists (OTs) and patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A two-round Delphi study was held with experienced OTs specializing in burn rehabilitation who were also familiar with the ICF framework. These experts contributed through a hybrid panel. Codes were retained if they achieved a consensus threshold of ≥75%. Patient perspectives were collected through semi-structured individual interviews, and their suggestions were subsequently linked to ICF codes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen OTs and nineteen patients participated in this study. Of the 68 original codes, more than 80% reached consensus endorsement. Based on experts' input, 17 new codes were incorporated into the ICF-CS: one in the body functions, ten in the activities and participation (AP), and six in the environmental factors. Additionally, eight new codes were derived from patient input-four related to AP and four linked to environmental factors-which overlapped with experts' suggestions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The ICF-CS for burn injury rehabilitation received strong endorsement from OTs and patients. The greater emphasis on the AP domain reflects the central role of occupational therapy in healthcare. Furthermore, environmental factors-shaped by national policies and sociocultural contexts-require greater attention in localized adaptations.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149220989","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":"Fall prevention interventions among older adults in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs): an integrative review.","authors":"Joseph K Trinitas, Helen W Lach","doi":"10.1080/09638288.2026.2749688","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2026.2749688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Falls are a leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults. Although effective fall-prevention programs exist, evidence on their implementation and effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. This review synthesized studies of fall-prevention interventions for older adults in LMICs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ovid-Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies reporting falls, fall risk, or fear of falling as primary or secondary outcomes. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 792 articles identified, 14 studies from seven countries were included. Multifactorial interventions, exercise-based programs, and home safety modifications were associated with reductions in fall incidence, fall risk, and fear of falling. However, evidence remains limited on their contextual adaptation, scalability, and long-term sustainability in LMIC settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This integrative review finds that fall-prevention interventions may reduce falls, fall risk, and fear of falling among older adults in LMICs. However, due to the limited number of available studies and variation in interventions and outcomes measured, these findings should be interpreted with caution.</p>","PeriodicalId":50575,"journal":{"name":"Disability and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149221051","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}