Background and Objectives: There are various tools to identify problems caused by swallowing disorders in people with total laryngectomy. In this study, the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the “swallowing outcomes after laryngectomy (SOAL) questionnaire” in laryngectomy patients were determined. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients referred to hospitals of Tehran and Iran Universities of Medical Sciences. Sampling was done using a simple non-probability method and the sample size was 70 individuals. Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed an initial commonality of 1 for all items and an extracted commonality of more than 0.4 for all items, indicating the variables’ explanatory power by the items. In total, 5 factors exhibited high eigenvalues. The first factor (5.035) and the fifth factor (1.165) accounted for more than 73% of the total variance. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s α values were 0.819, indicating a favorable internal reliability. Also, the test re-test reliability measurement using Cronbach’s α showed a significant value of 0.823. The results of the total item correlation indicated that all items, except for items 15, 16, and 17, had a correlation above 0.3 with the total score. Conclusion: Considering the findings related to validity and reliability, the time required to complete the questionnaire, the small number of questions, the clarity and simplicity of the questions, and the ease of scoring, which are considered to be the most important aspects of the practicality of the questionnaire, the SOAL Questionnaire is deemed a suitable tool for clinical settings.
Background and Objectives: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequent among female athletes and may be linked to altered breathing patterns and intra-abdominal pressure. This study compared spirometric indices between semi-professional female athletes with SUI and healthy peers. Methods: In a cross-sectional comparative study, 40 athletes (20 cases with SUI and 20 controls) were assessed. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test, between-group comparisons was performed using an independent t-test, and sport-type distribution was examined using the chi-square test. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 18 at α=0.05. Outcomes included expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), tidal volume (TV), vital capacity (VC), inspiratory vital capacity (IVC), inspiratory capacity (IC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and time indices, including inspiratory time (TI) and expiratory time (TE). Results: Groups were comparable in age, height, and weight; BMI was lower in the SUI group (P=0.0305) and sport distribution did not differ (χ²=2.54; P=0.469). The SUI group showed significantly lower FEV1 (2.31±0.23 vs 3.08±0.22 L; P<0.001), FVC (3.52±0.26 vs 4.15±0.23 L; P<0.001), FEV1/FVC (66.16±7.93% vs 74.05±5.4%; P=0.0008), and PEF (5.09±0.44 vs 7.17±0.51 L/s; P<0.001). VC/IVC, IC, IRV, and ERV were also reduced, and TE was shorter in the SUI group (P≤0.005), whereas TV and TI did not differ. Qualitative inspection of flow–volume and time–volume curves revealed a lower peak flow and initial slope in the SUI group. Conclusion: Female athletes with SUI present reduced vital/inspiratory capacities and expiratory flow limitation, suggesting impaired diaphragm–abdominal–pelvic floor synergy. Routine use of simple spirometric markers (notably FEV1, FVC, PEF, and FEV1/FVC) may assist in screening and monitoring response to integrated respiratory–PFM interventions in this population.
Background and Objectives: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability globally. Successful recovery depends on reintegration to normal living (RNL); a synthesis of the drivers of RNL across global contexts remains incomplete. This study aimed to systematically map and synthesise evidence on the determinants, interventions, and outcome measures associated with adult stroke survivors’ RNL. Methods: Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Health Source, Web of Science, and Scopus) was conducted for studies published between January 1995 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed primary research involving adult stroke survivors (≥18 years) exploring RNL determinants or interventions. Results: Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria (44 quantitative, 10 qualitative, and 1 mixed-method). Quantitative synthesis revealed that motor function and mobility were the most frequently identified significant predictors in 36% of quantitative studies. Psychosocial factors, including depression (14%) and social support (18%), were consistently linked to RNL outcomes. The RNL Index (RNLI) was the predominant measure, utilized by 57% of the included studies. Qualitative synthesis highlighted environmental barriers and the fear of falling as primary inhibitors of social participation. Effective interventions included occupational coaching, family-centred programs, and Telehealth-based self-management. Conclusion: Return to normal living is governed by a complex interplay of physical and environmental factors. While mobility is a primary driver, emotional health and social support are equally critical. Clinical implications: Rehabilitation should shift from impairment-based models to environment-specific strategies. Providers must prioritize gait threshold attainment, address post-stroke depression, and facilitate caregiver involvement to ensure sustainable community reintegration.
Background and Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health problems in healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists. Due to their frequent exposure to biomechanical stresses during manual therapy and patient handling, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of 12-month MSDs among physiotherapists in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 physiotherapists in Mazandaran Province, of whom 101 met the inclusion criteria and completed valid questionnaires. Data were collected using the standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and analyzed via SPSS software, version 24 using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and independent t-tests. Results: Of the 101 participants, 64(63.4%) were female and 37(36.6%) were male. The mean age was 31.1±8.3 years for females and 36.9±11.1 years for males. The highest prevalence of MSDs was observed in the neck (60.4%), followed by the low back (53.5%), upper back (41.6%), and shoulder (39.6%), while the lowest prevalence occurred in the ankle/foot (4%). There were no significant associations between the prevalence of MSDs and gender, education level, or hand dominance. Wrist pain was the only region showing a significant increase with age (P=0.014). Conclusion: The prevalence of MSDs is high among physiotherapists in Mazandaran, particularly in the spinal and upper-limb regions. These findings highlight the need for ergonomic interventions, preventive education, and occupational health strategies to reduce work-related MSDs in physiotherapists.
Background and Objectives: Policy interventions, particularly for health promotion and sickness prevention, is a crucial part of the public health strategy. Physical activity (PA) can be influenced by policies in a variety of ways. Parents’ knowledge and awareness of PA, sedentary behaviour (SB), and physical fitness (PF) are critical in promoting PA for school-aged children. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess stakeholders’ knowledge and awareness of PA, SB, and PF, as well as the implementation of and adherence to PA policies among primary school children in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed. The school PA policy assessment (SPAPA) was distributed to 80 headteachers and physical and health education teachers in Lagos, Nigeria. Focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents (n=27) and in-depth interviews with six key informants were conducted. Results: A total of 61 teachers completed the questionnaires. The sample had almost equal gender distribution. Parents reported limited awareness and knowledge about PA, SB, and PF. Similarly, most stakeholders (except academic researchers) demonstrated poor knowledge of PA policy implementation and adherence. Conclusion: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends such policies, no specific PA policy currently exists for school children in Lagos.
Background and Objectives: Limited valid scales have been developed in English to measure the self-efficacy and involvement of parents of hearing-impaired children in early interventions, like parental involvement and self-efficacy (SPISE) and early intervention parenting self-efficacy scale (EIPSES), and none exist in Persian. This study aimed to translate the SPISE-revised (SPISE-R) into Persian and evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated version for use by Persian-speaking parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Methods: This test-development study was conducted in two phases: 1) Translation of the SPISE-R by six native Persian translators fluent in English (two of them were psychologists and the remaining were audiologists) using standard steps (e.g. forward translation, reconciliation, and back-translation), and 2) evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Persian version with input from 10 audiologists and psychologists. Answers from 59 parents of hearing-impaired children were used to assess the psychometric characteristics. The children were younger than 4 years old. Results: The content validity ratio (CVR) demonstrated satisfactory cultural adaptation for all items. Item-level face validity indices for appropriateness and fluency ranged from 0.72 to 1.0. For the confidence subscale, the correlation coefficient was 0.55, the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.65, and the agreement rate was 0.76. In the action subscale, these values were 0.31, 0.47, and 0.82, respectively. Test re-test Pearson correlation coefficients confirmed consistency across all subscales over time. Conclusion: The Persian version of the SPISE-R is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the beliefs, self-efficacy, and participation of parents of Persian-speaking hard-of-hearing children in early intervention. This questionnaire can facilitate tailored support and guidance for families in this population.
Background and Objectives: Rehabilitation is a vital component of health systems and a fundamental human right, essential for enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities. Despite its importance, many discontinue rehabilitation, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased social and economic burdens. This study aimed to explore factors contributing to rehabilitation dropout from the perspectives of individuals with disabilities and rehabilitation providers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Tehran using conventional content analysis with an inductive approach, with credibility and trustworthiness maintained through recognized qualitative criteria. Semi-structured interviews were held with 28 individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities (or their caregivers) and 10 rehabilitation service providers, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Results: Analysis generated 43 codes, grouped into eight subthemes: Expectations and attitudes toward rehabilitation, accessibility challenges, financial barriers, therapist and center related issues, lack of cooperation and support, psychological factors, time management difficulties, and comorbid medical conditions. These coalesced into the overarching theme of “causal factors.” Key reasons for discontinuation included unrealistic expectations, economic hardship, transportation difficulties, limited insurance coverage, lack of family support, psychological distress, and work schedule conflict. Conclusion: This qualitative study indicate that rehabilitation dropout among people with disabilities is a complex phenomenon shaped by the interaction of individual perceptions, economic constraints, accessibility barriers, service-related factors, psychological challenges, and social circumstances. Participants’ experiences showed that discontinuation does not result from a single dominant factor, but rather from the cumulative and overlapping effects of these conditions over time.
Background and Objectives: Hearing loss is the third most common condition in older adults, becoming one of the most significant determinants of quality of life (QoL). Despite several studies, limited research has focused on older people with hearing loss living in nursing homes, especially in Iran. This study aimed to assess the QoL of older people with hearing loss living in nursing homes. Methods: This study was conducted among the residents of nursing homes in Isfahan City, Iran. Accordingly, 30 subjects with mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss were selected as the case group, and 30 subjects with normal hearing were selected as the control group. The QoL was measured using the standardized Iranian version of the WHO QoL questionnaire-short form (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Results: Participants with hearing loss gained significantly lower scores in all questionnaire domains, except for the environmental (physical: P<0.001, psychological: P<0.001, social: P=0.012, environment: P=0.582) aspects. The mean score of the QoL was higher in the control group than in the case group (P<0.001). In the hearing-impaired group, the mean scores of the QoL were higher in subjects who used hearing aids (P<0.001), and women had significantly higher scores than men (P=0.002). No significant relationship was found between the QoL and the marital status or length of stay in the nursing home (P>0.05). Age was significantly associated with the physical domain (P=0.031) and the overall score (P=0.04). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between hearing loss and reduced QoL among elderly residents in nursing homes. This relationship was evident in the mean score and three domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Gender and the use of hearing aids were also identified as determinants of the QoL in older people with hearing loss.
Background and Objectives: Moderate congenital or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) necessitates maintaining the femoral head completely contained within the acetabulum as a crucial step, in conjunction with corrective surgery. In fact, the conservative treatment within the orthotic parameters necessitates a good understanding of containment mechanics and mechanism, and it should be properly evaluated from an x-ray anteroposterior view or a computed tomography scan. This study aimed to improve the way the femoral head is held in place within the hip socket through a mechanical device or orthosis. Case Presentation: A 2-year-old female patient presented with DDH, diagnosed since birth. Her parents reported concerns regarding her gait and asymmetrical posture, specifically observing a limp while walking and a limited range of motion in the right hip. However, they mentioned no other congenital anomalies and indicated that their child had received no previous treatments until this evaluation. An improvement in joint alignment and enhanced stabilization of the hip joint were observed, contributing to reduced laxity in the ligament and capsule. These effects promoted healthy cartilage development and facilitated the formation of the capitular sulcus. Additionally, the intervention played a preventive role against various complications, including kyphosis, leg length discrepancy, and osteoarthritis. Overall, the results confirmed improved functional performance and quality of life for the individual involved. Conclusion: The amount of displacement in an avulsion fracture can be measured by x-ray checks or a computed tomography scan. The x-ray results revealed that the amount of displacement was approximately reduced to normal, resulting in normal encapsulation. This modified, newly designed articulated orthosis not only corrects the deformity but also permits normal flexion function.
Background and Objectives: Agrammatism, a disorder characterized by difficulties in producing complex syntax, reduced verb use, and the omission of grammatical morphemes, significantly impacts speech production and comprehension. Given the prevalence and impact of grammatical deficits, assessing agrammatism is essential for diagnosing and treating affected individuals. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and develop the northwestern anagram test (NAT) in Persian to assess agrammatism in Persian-speaking populations. Methods: The syntactic structures of Persian were analyzed to design test items, including 33 sentences and related images. In addition, content validity was evaluated by 11 experts, comprising seven speech-language pathologists and four linguists, using the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Sentences and images that scored below threshold values were revised or replaced, and the mean CVR and CVI scores were calculated for the remaining items to confirm validity. Results: The Persian version of NAT (P-NAT) demonstrated satisfactory content validity, with a mean CVR of 0.85 and a CVI exceeding 0.79 for all items. Expert feedback was incorporated to refine test items and illustrations, ensuring cultural and linguistic appropriateness. Conclusion: P-NAT is a promising tool for assessing agrammatism. Future research should evaluate its psychometric properties, including construct validity and reliability, to establish its clinical applicability.
Background and Objectives: Prolonged noise exposure is musicians’ biggest risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Tinnitus is an early symptom of NIHL associated with sleep disturbance. Musicians are less concerned about this problem. This study aims to investigate the relationship between tinnitus due to music exposure in the workplace and sleep quality, as well as the factors associated with tinnitus occurrence and sleep quality in musicians. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in several indoor live music cafes in Jakarta. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression analyses. The respondents were regular professional musicians who fulfilled the criteria. Tinnitus was measured using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) questionnaire, and sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), both in the Indonesian version. The noise measurements were performed using a sound level meter. The factors analyzed were the number of weekly practice hours, daily working hours, and average noise experienced. Results: A total of 63 musicians were recruited. Most musicians had very mild and mild degrees of tinnitus. No significant relationship was observed between the degree of tinnitus and musicians’ sleep quality (P=1.00); however, a significant relationship was observed between the number of working hours per day (P=0.02) andadjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.38 (0.16-0.86) and musicians’ sleep quality. Conclusion: No significant relationship was observed between the degree of tinnitus and sleep quality in musicians. The number of hours of practice per week and working hours per day affected musicians’ sleep quality.
Background and Objectives: Occupational therapy (OT) students encounter various challenges during their university training, including academic pressures, demanding clinical environments, and patient interactions. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the mental health of OT students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 96 OT students from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Participants completed the 28-item Goldberg general health questionnaire. The study data were analyzed using multiple linear regression (P=0.05). Results: Among the participants, 58.3% were women (n=56), and the remaining 41.7% (n=40) were men. The results indicated that 56.25% of the sample were suspected of having general health disorders. Significant associations were found between gender and overall general health scores (P=0.021, B=-6.304), physical symptoms (P=0.033, B=-1.529), and symptoms of anxiety and sleep disorders (P=0.027, B=-1.907). Additionally, there was a significant association between residence location and overall general health scores (P=0.030, B=-6.841) and depression scores (P=0.020, B=-2.815). Eventually, employment status was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (P=0.026, B=-2.485), similar to the experience of completing internships (P=0.018, B=2.485). Conclusion: Overall, more than half of the OT students were suspected of experiencing health issues in multiple domains, with these symptoms being particularly associated with students’ gender and place of residence. This finding underscores the need for further investigation and the development of more supportive and targeted environments to foster their academic and professional growth.
Background and Objectives: Individuals with disabilities’ careers should align with their job preferences, knowledge, technical skills, and physical abilities. Although data on the physical, mental, social, and environmental status of individuals with disability are available, little is known about their job interests, capabilities, and skills. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the current employment status, job preferences, and capabilities of individuals with sensory-motor disabilities. Methods: A rapid assessment survey questionnaire was designed, and interviews were conducted with 163 individuals with sensory and motor disabilities registered in the Welfare Organization of Namin in 2022. Results: Overall, 96% of individuals were interested in job engagement. Approximately 75% and 63% of them (mostly women) preferred working from home and having part-time jobs, respectively (P<0.001). The employment rate was 37%. This rate was higher among individuals with higher education (52.4%) than among individuals with lower education, and among the 26–45 years old group than among both younger and older age groups. Moreover, most participants did not know how to use the Internet to find and apply for jobs. Eventually, there were significant relationships between ‘type of disability’ and ‘gender’ regarding willingness to work in different fields of available jobs in Namin City, Iran. Conclusion: A rapid job assessment focusing on individuals with sensory-motor disabilities’ abilities and preferences, while considering the local job market, can help create a job database to facilitate their job inclusion.
Background and Objectives: Physiotherapists are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) because of the high physical demands of their profession. This scoping review aimed to map the evidence on the prevalence, effects, and methods for mitigating WRMSDs among physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods: The methodological framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute guided the scoping review. Four databases were searched: Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. An expert librarian assisted in the search strategy. Published research on WRMSDs among physiotherapists was searched from 2005 to November 2024. Keywords and related Medical Subject Headings terms were used to search for prevalence, patterns, effects, and methods of mitigating of WRMSDs among physiotherapists in SSA. Results: Seven studies were included in the review with sample sizes ranging from 45 to 126 participants. WRMSD prevalence was notably high, with the lower back being the most affected (77.1%), followed by the neck (41.9%), and the shoulder (30.5%). Physiotherapists adopted different coping strategies such as modifying body mechanics or treatment modalities, taking frequent breaks, and adjusting patient positioning to mitigate WRMSDs. However, ergonomic training and the use of mechanical lifting devices were limited in the region. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of WRMSDs among physiotherapists in SSA which negatively impacts clinical practice.
Background and Objectives: Balance and gait capacity are key aspects of mobility that are often impaired in individuals with intellectual disabilities. This study examined spatiotemporal parameters and step-to-step variability during running in children with intellectual disability (ID) compared to typically developing (TD) peers. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 16 girls with ID (aged: 7–13 years) and 17 age-matched TD peers. ID was diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and official school psychological records. Participants ran at a self-selected pace while crossing a 15-cm obstacle. Then, spatiotemporal parameters and their variability were recorded using a Vicon motion capture system synchronized with Kistler force plates. The obtained data were processed with standard filtering methods, and the coefficient of variation was used to quantify variability. Finally, group, task, and foot effects were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the P<0.05 significance level. Results: Running speed, with and without obstacle crossing, was significantly lower in the ID group compared to controls (P=0.008). Furthermore, foot clearance performance during running and obstacle crossing was significantly different between groups (P=0.038). Moreover, the variability of most spatiotemporal parameters, particularly during obstacle crossing tasks, was significantly higher in children with ID than in controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: Overall, running speed was most sensitive to cognitive impairments in children with ID. Increased variability, especially during obstacle crossing, may increase the risk of falls. In addition, the observed reduction in running speed among children with ID may represent an adaptive strategy to enhance safety when negotiating obstacles.
Background and Objectives: The effectiveness of programs for screening newborns’ hearing is associated with the parental perceptions of the quality of the screening process. This study aimed to assess maternal satisfaction with newborn hearing screening programs and explore the association between maternal satisfaction and demographic variables. Methods: Mothers whose babies underwent hearing screening at Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran, participated in this study. The demographic variables questionnaire and a Persian version of the Parent Satisfaction Questionnaire with Neonatal Hearing Screening Programs were employed to collect demographic variables (residence, housing, employment, education, age, income, number of pregnancies, nationality, and number of children). This questionnaire was divided into four subscales (information, personnel in charge of the hearing test, appointment activities, and overall satisfaction), comprising 22 closed-ended, Likert-type scale questions, ranging from “strongly disagree =1” to “strongly agree =5”. The questionnaire assessed parental satisfaction with various aspects of the newborn hearing screening program. Results: A total of 250 mothers participated in the study. The majority of participants reported overall satisfaction (87.8%), personnel in charge of the hearing test (83.05%), and appointment activities (78.34%). In the open-ended response items, 148 participants (59.2%) contributed to this section. The highest level of satisfaction among mothers was attributed to the friendly demeanor of the screening staff. In contrast, the lowest level of satisfaction was related to the short duration of the test. Conclusion: The findings revealed a high level of maternal satisfaction with the hearing screening program. However, interventions related to providing information before the screening process could further enhance satisfaction. Overall, the questionnaire was proven to be a user-friendly and effective tool for measuring satisfaction and identifying areas for improvement.
Background and Objectives: Bell’s palsy (BP) refers to a sudden paralysis of the facial nerve (CN VII) on one side of the face. It affects function and quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate a comprehensive treatment in a patient with BP, with a special focus on returning to work. Case Presentation: The case study patient was a 28-year-old female who was working as an engineer. After she was diagnosed with right-sided BP, she lost her job and developed symptoms of depression. The goals were to restore facial sensory-motor functions, facilitate the patient’s return to work (RTW), and alleviate depression. Comprehensive interventions, including sensory and motor programs, return-to-work programs, cognitive work hardening, and counseling, were performed in this regard. Conclusion: Following 36 sessions of training, as assessed by the House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system, the patient achieved normal facial function and returned to work.
Background and Objectives: Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) experience diminished physical capacity and face lifelong challenges that influence their ability to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Occupational therapists (OTs) are responsible for helping individuals return to the community and successfully engage in meaningful occupations, which can be challenging. This study aimed to investigate OTs’ experiences in attempts at community (re)integration (CR) of individuals with SCIs. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews. A total of 14 OTs were recruited through purposive sampling. Two FGDs were conducted with six OTs, and two individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Then, verbatim transcription was used to transcribe the discussions, and QSR NVivo software, version 10 was employed to organize and analyze the data. Eventually, content analysis was utilized to identify key ideas and concepts. Results: The findings revealed three superordinate themes: (i) a typical day in SCI rehabilitation, (ii) challenges faced in working with individuals with SCIs, and (iii) enhancement of the CR of individuals with SCIs. Participants identified multiple barriers, including inadequate training, limited resources, poor insurance coverage, societal attitudes, and a lack of specialized facilities. Conclusion: This study provided strong indications that managing individuals with SCIs requires the collaborative efforts of training institutions, local and national governments, professional bodies, and individual OTs to enable holistic approaches to facilitate successful CR of this group.
Background and Objectives: Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of permanent disorders of posture and movement caused by non-progressive disturbances to the developing fetal or infant brain. The dominant clinical sign is the impairment of gross motor functions. Additionally, more than half of these children experience limitations in their hand function. Gross motor function and manual ability limitation are differently disturbed in the physiological and topographical classification of CP. This study aimed to determine the functional status of children with CP and its relationship with the physiological and topographical classification of CP. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 and involved children with CP aged between 4 and 18 years. The participants were conveniently recruited from various clinics, rehabilitation centers, and exceptional schools in Tehran and Arak cities, Iran. Results: A total of 305 CP children (174 males and 131 females) aged 4–18 years were evaluated in this study. The results indicated a significant relationship between the physiologic classification of CP and the level obtained from the manual abilities classification system (MACS) scale (P<0.01). According to the results, a significant correlation was observed between the levels of the gross motor function classification system and MACS in children (P<0.01). Children with spastic diplegia were predominantly distributed in levels I and II of the MACS. In contrast, children with spastic quadriplegia were mostly distributed in levels III, IV, and V of the MACS. Due to using the unaffected hand, hemiplegic children were mostly distributed in levels I and II of MACS. Conclusion: These results highlight the significance of understanding the relationship between the physiological classification of CP and its associated functional abilities. The significant correlations observed in this study suggest that targeted interventions can be developed to enhance motor function and the overall quality of life for children with CP, particularly focusing on the specific needs associated with their classification levels.
Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of optical correction of presbyopia on intraocular pressure (IOP) in newly diagnosed presbyopic individuals aged 40 to 50 years. While the physiological mechanisms underlying presbyopia and IOP regulation have been well documented independently, the interaction between accommodative correction and short-term pressure dynamics remains poorly understood. Methods: A total of 40 participants (18 males, 22 females) with newly diagnosed presbyopia and no history of ocular diseases were recruited for this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent comprehensive baseline eye exams, including IOP measurement via Goldmann applanation tonometry. Optical correction of presbyopia was prescribed, and IOP was reassessed after 7 days of consistent use. The cohort was stratified by age (40–44 and 45–50 years) and initial IOP to assess subgroup effects. Results: Paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean IOP following correction, with overall IOP decreasing from 15.72±3.17 to 15.35±2.83 mm Hg (mean difference: 0.37±0.89 mm Hg; P=0.01). The decrease was also significant in the 45–50 age group (mean difference: 0.45±0.80 mm Hg; P=0.01), whereas the 40–44 age group showed no significant change (P=0.26). The McNemar test indicated a significant decrease in the proportion of participants with IOP≥16 mm Hg after correction (P=0.03). Conclusion: The optical correction of presbyopia was associated with a small but statistically significant short-term reduction in IOP, particularly in older participants and those with elevated initial pressure. These findings suggest that accommodative demand and visual strain may transiently influence ocular pressure, meriting further research.
