Full-text articles available at http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/11/489/contents489.html
Articles featured in this issue include—
Effect of prosthetic ankle units on roll-over shape characteristics during walking in persons with bilateral transtibial amputations, pg. 1037
This study investigates the effect of prosthetic ankle use on the gait characteristics of individuals with bilateral transtibial amputations. Researchers measured and compared ankle-foot roll-over shape radii and effective foot-length ratios of subjects walking at freely selected speeds with and without prosthetic ankle units. The roll-over shape radii produced with the prosthetic ankles closely approximated those of nondisabled individuals. The effective foot-length ratios were not significantly affected by an individual’s prosthetic ankle use. Variations in roll-over shape radii can result in slower walking speeds, shorter limb step lengths, and excessive vertical body motion, reducing the quality and comfort of an individual’s gait.
Effects of type and mode of propulsion on hand-cycling biomechanics in nondisabled subjects, pg. 1049
Researchers investigate the most effective hand cycle configuration and mode of propulsion by comparing measures of upper limb and trunk range of motion and generated torque. Synchronous (parallel cranks) and asynchronous (cranks offset by 180 degrees) hand configurations and arm-power and arm-trunk-power propulsion methods are evaluated. The findings fail to establish a most effective type or mode of propulsion.
IntellWheels: Modular development platform for intelligent wheelchairs, pg. 1061
IntellWheels is a software platform and add-on device for converting traditional wheelchairs into intelligent wheelchairs. This article describes development and experimental testing of the system. Primarily a research tool, the system is not intended to deliver a prototype for individuals with a specific type or severity of injury. Rather, the IntellWheels platform is intended to facilitate the development and testing of new methodologies and techniques for expanding the capabilities of wheelchairs, such as intelligent planning and autonomous and semiautonomous navigation.
Analyzing wheelchair mobility patterns of community-dwelling older adults, pg. 1077
This study compared the wheelchair mobility patterns of older adults during the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games with the mobility patterns in their homes and communities. A total of 39 participants completed the study: 26 manual wheelchair users and 13 power wheelchair users. Researchers collected mobility data for 1 month using custom data-logging devices affixed to the wheelchair spokes for manual chairs or integrated with a replacement caster for power chairs. Participants’ mobility was significantly greater during the games than within their homes and community. Both manual and power wheelchair users traveled greater distances, and manual wheelchair users used greater propulsion velocities.
Self-management in neurological disorders: Systematic review of the literature and potential interventions in multiple sclerosis care, pg. 1087
This literature review reveals a need for more research on the efficacy of self-management interventions for individuals with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. In a review of 527 related abstracts, only 39 articles met the inclusion criteria for the study and only 3 articles met the high standard of class I evidence. The research findings suggest that self-management strategies are applicable to chronic neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis but that more rigorous studies are needed in this area.
Effect of depression on actual and perceived effects of reading rehabilitation for people with central vision loss, pg. 1101
Prior research has suggested a significant relationship between depression and a decline in visual function. This study explores the influence of depression on changes in reading performance and adaptation to vision loss in 18 individuals with age-related macular degeneration. Before and after rehabilitation training, researchers administered reading performance and psychological assessments to each participant and compared the results. The results indicate that participants who reported lower levels of depression experienced greater improvement in reading outcome measures, while participants with the greatest levels of depression achieved the greatest levels of adaptation after rehabilitation.
Effect of position feedback during task-oriented upper-limb training after stroke: Five-case pilot study, pg. 1109
In this pilot study, five subjects participated in reach training for 30 minutes three times a week for 6 weeks. During training, subjects performed reaching movements over a predefined path. When deviation from this path occurred, shoulder and elbow joints received position feedback using restraining forces. The findings show that movement performance during training increased in all subjects and suggest that an emphasis on errors at the moment they occur may stimulate motor learning when patients perform movement tasks.
Complementary and alternative medicine use among veterans with chronic noncancer pain, pg. 1119
Researchers investigate veterans' prior use of and willingness to try complementary and alternative medicine such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture for chronic pain. Demographic and clinical characteristics of prior complementary medicine users are compared with nonusers to determine the most appealing treatment options and satisfaction levels. A majority of participants reported prior use of at least one complementary medicine option, and nearly all were willing to try complimentary medicine for pain symptoms. Complimentary medicine users were less likely to have a service-connected disability and reported spending a larger proportion of their lives in pain.
Increasing physical activity in multiple sclerosis: Replicating Internet intervention effects using objective and self-report outcomes, pg. 1129
This follow-up study extends previous research on increasing physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Researchers examined the efficacy of an Internet-based tool encouraging participants to become more physically active. The tool includes a multimedia presentation, supporting research articles, and regular online chat sessions. Changes in activity levels were measured objectively with an accelerometer and self-reported on the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The findings of this study support the use of an Internet-based tool to increase physical activity in this population.
Reliability and validity of trunk accelerometry-derived performance measurements in a standardizedheel-rise test in elderly subjects, pg. 1137
The heel-rise movement at the end of the stance phase during normal walking has been repeatedly shown to have a major effect on energy expenditure. Recently, the use of a trunk accelerometer was proposed as a cost-effective method for measuring human movement. This study evaluates the reliability and concurrent validity of a trunk accelerometer for quantification of the heel-rise test in the elderly population.
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