Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies
Volume:11 Issue: 2, Apr 2024

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families need to use rehabilitation services to improve their functions in social interactions and communication skills.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of DIR/floor time play therapy in the social skills and emotion regulation of children with ASD.

The present study was a quasi-experimental with a pretest/posttest design. The statistical population included all the autistic children visiting Golhay-e Behesht Autism Center in Qom, Qom Province, Iran. The convenience sampling method was employed to select 30 participants, who were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received the DIR/floor time play therapy intervention for 23 twenty-minute sessions. The research instrument included Bellini’s Social Skills Profile Questionnaire and Emotion Regulation Checklist. Descriptive statistics and the repeated measures ANOVA were adopted for data analysis in SPSS 22.

According to the results, the DIR/floor time play therapy method improved emotion regulation components (i.e., instability/negativity and emotion regulation) and the indices of social skills (i.e., social interaction, social participation, and detrimental behavior). The results lasted until the follow-up step (P < 0.001).

The DIR/floor time play therapy method caused positive changes to emotion regulation and social skills in autistic children. Therefore, it can be an effective intervention in children with ASD.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of glucose-containing crystalloid infusion before anesthesia induction on hemodynamics and postanesthesia complications.

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 parturient cases scheduled for elective Cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia who were referred to the teaching hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (Iran). The parturients were randomized into two groups. Both groups received 5 - 7 mL/kg of intravenous bolus serum before spinal anesthesia. The parturients in the glucose-containing normal saline (GcNS) group received 1% glucose solution in normal saline. The normal saline (NS) group received only normal saline. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), blood glucose concentrations, neonatal Apgar scores, postanesthesia complications, and ephedrine and atropine consumption were evaluated.

Sixty patients were recruited (30 in each group), with a mean age of 29.14 ± 6.01 and 29.76 ± 6.15 years in the GcNS and NS groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in SBP, DBP, or HR after baseline adjustment. The incidence of hypotension was higher in the NS (70.0%) compared to the GcNS group (46.6%), but the difference was not significant. There was no significant difference in Apgar scores. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, pallor, and shivering was higher in the NS group. However, only nausea and vomiting 10 minutes after anesthesia induction were significant. Ephedrine and atropine consumption was higher in the NS group, but not significantly.

The present study did not show any clear benefit for adding 1% glucose to normal saline solution preload for hypotension in parturients undergoing Cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia.

 Handwriting is one of the most common reasons for referral to occupational therapy among children with specific learning disorders (SLDs). The Persian handwriting assessment tool (PHAT) is a valid assessment instrument. It is important to clarify the reliability of this assessment tool for the accuracy of results and certain clinical uses in Iranian children with SLDs.

 The present study aimed to investigate the internal consistency, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability of the PHAT in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years in the Iranian context.

 Thirty children (mean ± SD 132.33 ± 53.8 months) with SLDs, studying in grades 4 to 6, were recruited from special education schools and rehabilitation clinics from January to May 2022. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were computed to establish absolute reliability.

 Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.98 to 0.99), as was inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95 to 1.00). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (0.86 to 1.00). The SEM and MDC values for test-retest reliability were 0 to 0.47 and 0 to 1.29, respectively. Finally, the SEM (0 - 0.21) and MDC (0 - 0.57) values were acceptable for inter-rater reliability.

 The PHAT is a reliable assessment tool for Iranian children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years. Further, clinicians can utilize this tool to identify handwriting difficulties in children with SLDs aged 10 to 12 years, which leads to more targeted interventions.

Long COVID is a major manifestation of long-lasting symptoms experienced by the survivors of the coronavirus infection that may influence patients’ physical and mental health.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of the physical symptoms of COVID-19 (fatigue, breathlessness, and pain) and the level of physical activity with the physical and mental health of survivors in the post-COVID-19 period.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 152 hospitalized and non-hospitalized adults infected with COVID-19 aged between 18 and 65 years at the post-infection period with follow-up times greater than 6 months. Standardized instruments, such as the SF12, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and visual analog scale (VAS), were used for measuring pre-and post-COVID-19 painful symptoms, fatigue, and breathlessness. The severity of the coronavirus infection was judged based on hospitalization or ICU admission. Data were analyzed with linear regression analysis.

The results showed that, at a mean duration of 6 months post-discharge, only fatigue was associated with lower physical (F = 2.84, explained variance = 15.3%) and mental health (F = 1.88, explained variance = 10.6%)

Considering the negative impact of fatigue on the physical and mental health of patients during the post-COVID period, it is suggested to monitor and manage fatigue for a longer period post-COVID-19.

Context: 

This study was carried out in order to provide a narrative review of the practice of patience and an opportunity for post traumatic growth in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 crisis). COVID-19 is a type of disease-causing acute respiratory syndromes. The mental health of people has been negatively affected by COVID-19 due to increased complications and mortality, special living conditions, and mandatory quarantine. Reactions to this crisis depend on the person's emotional processing style; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to cultural and social factors. Trauma is defined as an individual’s exposure to an event, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in serious injury or threat to the integrity of the self and others. Commonly, the person’s first response to a traumatic event involves fear and helplessness. A traumatic event cannot be merely viewed as a threat or loss, as it also creates opportunities for positive changes, known as post traumatic growth (PTG). In the present study, we aimed to discuss the concept of patience to facilitate PTG in the context of a viral disease.

Evidence Acquisition: 

The type of study is a narrative literature review. The content under study was the content and opinions with the keywords Post-traumatic growth and patience. The sources used were the Holy Quran books in the field of Islamic sources. Scopus and Google Scholar databases were also used to search for articles with the keywords patience and PTG. In this regard, the views of Islamic philosophers, sages, and scientists were considered.

 It was found that patience involves acceptance, positivity, responsibility and commitment, faith, hope, reliance, and trust. The development of patience involves emotional restraint (avoidance of complaining, expressing anger or inappropriate instinctual desires, and revenge), tolerance (having peace of mind, self-care, self-regulation, and openness), endurance (showing tenacity, perseverance, and firmness), and positive expectations (anticipating relief, hope of salvation, and reward or perfection).

 According to the findings of this study, it can be stated that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, people need to practice patience at a higher level than before. The development of this model and its training by counselors and therapists can help people who have severe anxiety disorders and depression caused by bereavement crises and other crises.

Reading comprehension is a complex skill rooted in language, and significant research has concentrated on identifying metalinguistic abilities that can predict children’s comprehension skills. Morphological awareness is one such skill. Within the theoretical framework of reading comprehension, Perfetti, Landi, and Oakhill (2005) proposed that morphology serves a dual function in the text. In the first capacity, morphology is regarded as an integral part of the vocabulary system, indirectly enhancing text comprehension by aiding in the reading of intricate words. In the second capacity, morphology is viewed as a component of the linguistic system, directly impacting reading comprehension by influencing general comprehension processes.

This study aimed to examine the interconnection among vocabulary proficiency, morphological awareness, and reading comprehension in elementary school students in the Persian language, utilizing the theoretical framework proposed by Perfetti and Landi in their reading comprehension model. Additionally, it sought to construct a structural model of reading comprehension tailored to third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students in Persian, drawing inspiration from the model introduced by Levesque et al. (2017).

This research adopted a quantitative approach and was carried out using a cross-sectional methodology in Tehran in 2023. The population consisted of 180 students aged between 9 and 11 years. Data collection encompassed a questionnaire that gathered personal information from the students, along with their scores on assessments related to vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness (comprising production and decomposition subtests), and reading comprehension tests.

Among the Persian-speaking students across all three grades, a significant positive correlation was identified between vocabulary knowledge and morphological awareness, vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension, and morphological awareness and reading comprehension (P < 0.01).

This study revealed that morphological awareness has varying effects on reading skills among Persian-speaking students. In the third grade, it notably influences fluent reading, while in the fourth and fifth grades, it plays a significant role in enhancing text comprehension. As a result, it is imperative to incorporate instruction on morphological awareness, encompassing both decomposition and production aspects, into Persian language textbooks, with particular emphasis on grades 3 through 6.

Religious adaptation and spiritual commitment are considered common strategies in order to deal with traumatic conditions. It has been argued that spiritual commitment has an impact on burnout levels, and both directly influence the quality of life.

The aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between spiritual commitment and religious adaptation, different dimensions of burnout, and quality of life in a sample of health professionals.

This study was a cross-sectional survey. A model, including pathways between spiritual commitment, religious adaptation dimensions, and quality of life with variables of burnout as mediators, has been developed. This data survey was conducted on 556 nurses and midwives from emergency, intensive care and resuscitation, and psychiatry units, in addition to maternity departments, in four different university hospitals and 12 regional hospital centers in Morocco. Measures regarding religious adaptation and spiritual commitment, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and quality of life variables were used to test the present study’s model employing structural equation modeling techniques. Data collection was performed from March 2018 to February 2019.

The goodness of fit statistics confirmed an improved model with burnout dimensions as mediators between spiritual commitment, religious adaptation, and quality of life dimensions.

The above-mentioned findings suggest that health professionals using strategies in order to reduce burnout might report better mental and physical health. Direct relationships were observed between dimensions of burnout with adaptation strategies and quality of life.

 An essential factor in the validity of motor evoked potential (MEP)s recorded by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over multiple times is their test-retest reliability which to a large extent depends on the accuracy and competence of the assessor (intra-rater reliability). However, intra-rater reliability is infrequently reported in TMS studies suggesting that this is rarely done.

 This study was conducted to determine the intra-rater within and between-session reliability of a newly trained TMS assessor prior to a main TMS study and report on the methodology used to encourage similar practice.

 Fourteen (10 males, 4 females; mean age: 32 ± 5.8 years) participants took part in the study. Motor evoked potentials were elicited from a relaxed, right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle three times (T1, T2 and T3) across two testing sessions at least 48 hours apart. During the first session, MEPs were recorded twice (T1 and T2) within an interval of 20 minutes to determine the within (intra) session reliability of the assessor. During the second session, a single measurement was carried out (T3) which was compared to T1 to determine the inter-session reliability.

 Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not reveal significant difference in the amplitude of the MEPs obtained across the three time periods (P = 0.196) demonstrating agreement in the MEPs and hence the reliability of the assessor. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between T1 and T2; and T1 and T3 were 0.952 (P < 0.001) and 0.833 (P = 0.001) respectively further indicating the within and between sessions reliability of the assessor.

 The agreement between the three measured MEPs amplitude and the significant ICC demonstrates the reliability of the assessor in this study to use TMS for research. We suggest that the intra-rater reliability of new TMS operators should be established using the methodology in this report prior to main TMS studies.

Context: 

The number of meta-analyses published about Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases that clinicians must comprehensively know about are scarce. This overview aims to give comprehensive knowledge on the fascinating topic of Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases.

 The search strategy was to systematically screen the articles evaluating the association between H. pylori infection and gynecological and reproductive health issues and cancers published on the authentic databases of Scopus, MEDLINE, and Web of Sciences from the inception until 2022

 Fifteen meta-analyses were included in the overview.
The H. pylori infections were significantly associated with general adverse pregnancy outcomes such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and hyperemesis gravidarum and adverse birth outcomes such as birth defect and fetal growth restriction. H. pylori infection was not associated with a deficiency of micronutrients (B2, folate, and ferritin) but was associated with an increased risk of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. In esophagus cancer, H. pylori infection was significantly reduced in adenocarcinoma but not in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. There was no significant association between H. pylori infection and the risk of asthma. The results also indicated a significant association between H. pylori infection and an elevated risk of colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma, and the risk of asthma and lung cancer. Results of metanalysis are not consistently reproducible regarding spontaneous abortion and pancreatic cancer.

 Our overview revealed a significant relationship between H. pylori infection and several cancers, namely colorectal, lung, and colorectal adenoma, as well as gynecological and reproductive health issues.

Context: 

Neuroticism is associated with a heightened experience of bodily sensations and pain. This suggests that psychosocial factors can affect biological mechanisms. However, it is unclear whether fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with neuroticism and how these factors may be related.

 This study attempted to incorporate recent studies on fibromyalgia and neuroticism to comprehensively explain it.

 In this systematic review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA guidelines (2020), PubMed, Psych INFO, Social Sciences, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched for quantitative studies published up to August 31, 2022.

 Nineteen cross-sectional studies met the meta-analytic inclusion criteria, totaling 7,881 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated high levels of neuroticism in fibromyalgia patients compared with control groups (Hedges’ g = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.54 − 1.02; P < 0.001). This meta-analysis provides evidence of the role of neuroticism as a contributing factor in the development and manifestation of fibromyalgia. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were also conducted to investigate the potential moderators that might have influenced the effect size. The results of the meta-regression and subgroup analyses revealed that the health condition of the control group and the sex of the participants were significant moderators affecting the effect size.

 The results suggest that neuroticism should be specifically assessed and targeted in fibromyalgia interventions, especially in women. Furthermore, there should be particular emphasis on the mechanisms through which neuroticism may contribute to an increased risk of persistent pain and somatic complaints. As a result, fibromyalgia patients with high neuroticism levels should receive multimodal interventions to address neuroticism.

 Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique for stimulating the brain that can alter brain excitability. Prior research has indicated that tDCS has the potential to enhance performance by increasing corticospinal excitability or improving muscle recruitment strategies.

 This study aimed to investigate whether tDCS could enhance kinetic parameters of the countermovement jump (CMJ) in non-elite jumping athletes, specifically focusing on the maximum force, time to maximum force, and rate of force development. Additionally, the study aimed to assess whether any potential improvements persisted after one week.

 This study involved the participation of 48 healthy individuals within a double-blinded, randomized controlled design. The participants were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: Anodal tDCS, sham tDCS, and control. Both the anodal and sham tDCS groups underwent a series of three intervention sessions, with each session occurring 48 hours apart. Kinetic assessment of the lower limb during the CMJ was conducted using a force plate before and after these intervention sessions. Additionally, a follow-up evaluation session was conducted one week after the last intervention session to assess the persistence of the stimulation effects. The control group underwent kinetic assessments of the lower limb during the CMJ within a similar time frame as the other groups.

 No statistically significant differences were observed for maximum force (P = 0.881), time to maximum force (P = 0.570), and rate of force development (P = 0.474) between the different conditions at any of the assessed time points.

 Our findings indicated that applying 20 minutes of anodal tDCS at 2 mA over the Cz region did not have an impact on the maximum force, time to maximum force, and rate of force development in the CMJ task among non-elite jumping athletes when compared to the Sham and Control conditions.

 Parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regularly seek the support of professionals when the child is diagnosed with ASD.

 This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of pivotal response treatment (PRT) training for mothers in improving the communication skills of ASD children.

 In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT), 52 mothers of children with ASD were selected and randomly allocated into two groups in 2017 - 2018. The mothers of the intervention group received PRT training, and the children of the intervention and control groups received the applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment. The children's speech/language/communication and socialization scores were measured by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before, 1 week after, and 1 month after the intervention.

 Before the intervention, the mean score of speech/language/communication and socialization did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, 1 week and 1 month after the intervention, the mean scores of speech/language/communication and socialization were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.5).

 The results showed that parental training in PRT can provide permanent and effective therapy for children with ASD in the home environment.