JRRD Releases Volume 48, Issue 7

Factors related to rapidity of housing placement in Housing and Urban Development-Departmentof Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program of 1990s, pg. 755

This study examines the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the length of time that chronically homeless veterans with disabilities were screened, admitted, and placed into independent housing under the Housing and Urban Development and Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program between 1992 and 2003. The results show that clients mental health, substance abuse, work/income, and criminal history did not determine process times. Process times varied between sites because of differences in how long the sites operated the program.

Assessment technique for computer-aided manufactured sockets, pg. 763

Researchers report results validating an assessment technique for evaluating computer-aided manufactured prosthetics. Using three transtibial amputation sockets, researchers quantitatively evaluate the carving and forming process by comparing test model and socket shapes with the original computer images. Fabrication facilities may find this technique helpful in assessing their product quality and identifying fabrication challenges and potential solutions.

Dynamic stability training improves standing balance control in neuropathic patients with type 2 diabetes, pg. 775

This article discusses balance training in patients with diabetic neuropathy using the Biodex stability system. The results show that balance in patients with diabetic neuropathy improved with training focused on disordered balance subclinical constraints and the somatosensory system at the hip and ankle levels.

Using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis to assess sacral skin blood flow oscillations in people with spinal cord injury, pg. 787

Researchers study differences in skin blood flow oscillations in nondisabled and disabled individuals with spinal cord injury. The study of skin blood flow oscillations has shown promise for assessing the risk of pressure ulcers. Study results demonstrate the feasibility of using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis to characterize the nonlinear complexity of blood flow oscillations.

Usability testing of multimodal feedback interface and simulated collision-avoidance power wheelchair for long-term–care home residents with cognitive impairments, pg. 801

This article describes usability testing of a power wheelchair with a simulated collision-avoidance system by five long-term–care home residents with mild or moderate cognitive impairments. The collision-avoidance system uses auditory, visual, and haptic feedback simultaneously to help wheelchair users navigate. The results suggest the device is effective, efficient, and satisfying for users in this setting.

User evaluation of three wheelchair securement systems in large accessible transit vehicles, pg. 823

This study compares two prototypes of wheelchair securement systems with the traditional 4-point tie-down system. Study participants evaluate the systems for ease of use, comfort, security, and independent use. Seventy percent of participants liked the autodocking system best for its comfort, stability, and forward-facing orientation. Participants liked the rear-facing wheelchair passenger system for its stability, ease of use, and security but rated it the least comfortable.

Stance control knee mechanism for lower-limb support in hybrid neuroprosthesis, pg. 839

Researchers describe the design and testing of a hydraulic stance-control knee mechanism for individuals with paraplegia using functional electrical stimulation for gait assistance. Using a miniature hydraulic system, the mechanism supports the knee during standing without collapse and allows free movement during walking. The results demonstrate that the mechanism can support a body and maintain knee extension during stance without stimulating the knee muscles and adversely affecting gait.

Development of surgical protocol for implantation of tracheal prostheses in sheep, pg. 851

This study describes titanium tracheal prostheses implanted in five groups of sheep using various surgical protocols. By comparing results from each group, researchers identify an optimal surgical technique for tracheal replacement in large animals. The tracheal prosthesis is a hollow cylindrical tube composed of titanium microbeads.

Determinants of Department of Veterans Affairs hearing aid brand dispensing by individual audiologists, pg. 865

Researchers evaluate the influence of brand perception on hearing aids dispensed within Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers. Study results indicate that few audiologists dispense hearing aids based on contract pricing. Rather, the majority of audiologists dispense hearing aids based on individual brand perception. The more highly audiologist regard a brand, the more likely they are to dispense it.

Elliptical exercise improves fatigue ratings and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis, pg. 881

This study evaluates the benefits of elliptical exercise in patients with multiple sclerosis. Researchers assess changes in fatigue and quality of life with the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey before and after completion of 15 elliptical exercise training sessions. The results indicate both the physical and quality of life perceptions in participants tested improved significantly.

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JRRD is a well-established and respected peer-reviewed journal sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The journal publishes original research, clinical studies, and reviews covering 28 rehabilitation disciplines. JRRD is widely distributed to both national and international audiences in print and electronic format. For more information about JRRD and its publishing policies, please visit www.rehab.research.va.gov/jrrd.