Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies

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In Collaboration with Semnan University of Medical Sciences

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Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies (MEJRH) publishes Original Articles, Review Articles, Case Reports, and Letters to the Editor in the fields of Rehabilitation, Health, and Medicine. The primary criterion for publication is that the articles present new insights that are of broad interest to professionals with a presentation style appropriate for a wide audience of rehabilitation and health sciences. Subject areas suitable for publication in this interdisciplinary journal include:

Physical, Mental and Vocational Rehabilitation,
Speech, Language, and Hearing Rehabilitation,
Health Education and Health Promotion, and
All fields of Medical Sciences from Basic Research to the Clinical and Experimental Studies.

Students, academicians, and clinicians are encouraged to be a part of this initiative by contributing, reviewing and, promoting scientific works published in the Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 437

The Effect of a Self-Efficacy-Based Dietary Intervention on Weight Gain Control in Obese and Overweight Pregnant Women: A Quasi-Experimental Pretest-Posttest Design Study
(Brieflands, 2024-10-31) Forugh Emamipour; Mojgan Rajati; Hossien Ashtarian; Fatemeh Rajati
Background: The increasing incidence of obesity among women of childbearing age has raised concerns regarding the associated maternal and neonatal complications. Excessive gestational weight gain in overweight and obese pregnant women is related to various perinatal complications, including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, and cesarean deliveries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of self-efficacy-based psychological training on controlling excessive weight gain in overweight and obese pregnant women. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed, involving 141 pregnant women with a gestational age range of 16 - 24 weeks, who were attending healthcare centers in Dezful city, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 69) or control group (n = 71), with the intervention group receiving one month of psychological training in self-efficacy as an educational intervention. The intervention incorporated self-efficacy strategies, including step-by-step progression, learning from vicarious experience, using verbal persuasion, physiological arousal, and mindfulness training to improve self-efficacy regarding eating behaviors. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in weight gain control within the recommended range compared to the control group. Self-efficacy scores increased from 54.43 ± 11.28 to 62.54 ± 7.49 in the intervention group. Additionally, the study found that the intervention group exhibited improved self-efficacy in eating behaviors, particularly in the sub-scales of availability, social pressure, negative emotion, positive emotion, and physical discomfort. Conclusions: This study highlights the effectiveness of using self-efficacy strategies in managing weight gain during pregnancy among overweight and obese women. The findings suggest the potential benefits of mindfulness-based eating awareness training for pregnant women. The study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to empower pregnant women in managing gestational weight gain, particularly those with pre-pregnancy obesity.
The Effects of Sleep Inertia on the Acoustic and Perceptual Voice Changes in Adult University Students
(Brieflands, 2024-10-31) Mohammad-Amin Nazari; Kowsar Baghban; Mohammad-Sadegh Seifpanahi; Leili Tapak
Background: Sleep inertia, characterized by reduced alertness and cognitive functioning upon waking, has been well-researched in its effects on cognitive and motor abilities. However, its impact on voice quality remains less clear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep inertia following nocturnal sleep and changes in acoustic and perceptual voice parameters in adults. Methods: Ninety healthy participants (45 females, 45 males, ages: 18 - 30 years) took part in a pre-post study using convenience sampling. Their voices were recorded before and after nocturnal sleep across multiple tasks, including vowel /a/ phonation, spontaneous speech, text reading, and maximum phonation time (MPT). Recordings were made in a quiet room using a Zoom H6 recorder at a 44.1 kHz rate. The acoustic analysis included measures of fundamental frequency (F0), standard deviation of F0 (SD F0), vocal intensity, harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), cepstral peak prominence smoothed (CPPS), jitter, shimmer, and formant frequencies. Auditory-perceptual evaluation was conducted using the GRBAS Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-19. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed normality, and a paired t-test compared variables, separately for males and females at a 0.05 significance level. Results: Acoustic analysis revealed that both females and males experienced a decrease in mean F0, mean intensity, HNR, and CPPS, and an increase in jitter, shimmer, and SD F0 across most voice samples after sleeping. These changes were particularly significant for females in all voice samples (P < 0.001). Perceptual analysis also showed a significant increase in grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain for both genders after sleep (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that sleep inertia negatively impacts vocal performance, resulting in a decline in voice quality for both genders after sleep compared to before. Notably, this decline in voice quality was more pronounced in women than in men.
Comparative Analysis of Serum and Saliva Iron, Ferritin, and TIBC in Women with Iron Deficiency Anemia: Highlighting Saliva's Screening Potential
(Brieflands, 2024-10-31) Taraneh Farrokhnia; Reyhaneh Shoorgashti; Mohammadreza Sadeghian; Shahab Hasanzade; Simin Lesan; Mahdi Hedayati
Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent form of anemia, particularly among women. Diagnosing and tracking this condition typically requires various measurements of serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) through blood testing. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the utility of saliva as a predictive marker for monitoring iron levels in iron deficiency anemia by comparing and correlating iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels in the serum and saliva of anemic and healthy women. Methods: In this comparative analysis, 40 women aged 20 - 40 with a similar periodontal status (anemic subjects = 20 and healthy subjects = 20) were examined. After a complete hematological and oral examination, salivary samples were collected using the spitting method, and iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels were measured and compared to the serum levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24. Results: The study results showed that the differences in saliva iron and ferritin levels were insignificant between the two groups (P-value = 0.07 and 0.26, respectively), but they were statistically significant in the serum (P-value = 0.0001 and 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, a significant difference was found in the saliva TIBC level (P-value = 0.001), which was negligible in the serum (P-value = 0.118). Conclusions: The results underscore the efficacy of integrating both serum and saliva analyses for comprehending iron-related parameters. While saliva analysis cannot entirely substitute for serum analysis, it represents a convenient approach that may serve as an initial step or be employed in large-scale anemia screenings.
Empowering Recovery: Knowledge, Attitude, and Experience among the Physiotherapy Fraternity for Long COVID Rehabilitation: A Cross-sectional Study
(Brieflands, 2024-10-31) Amal Saeed Alshaali; Ramprasad Muthukrishnan; Watson Arulsingh D.R; Nada Alnuaimi
Background: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of long COVID. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the physiotherapy community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the management of long-term COVID-19. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional study utilizing convenient sampling through an online survey, it involved physiotherapists and physiotherapy students throughout the United Arab Emirates, achieving a response rate of 434 (93.13%). Results: Fatigue (76%) and shortness of breath (56.2%) were the most commonly reported symptoms, with the Generic PROMIS (51.6%) and Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (41.7%) being the most utilized outcome tools. Sixty-eight percent of participants felt confident in differentiating between COVID-19 complications and long COVID symptoms, whereas 18.7% were unsure, and 13% admitted difficulty in differentiation. The approaches reported for managing long COVID included graded exercise, symptom-titrated physical activity, and pacing exercise principles (63.21%, 37.79%, and 31.8%, respectively), alongside exercise capacity tests like the 1-minute sit-to-stand and 10MWT (71.9%) for screening and recommending physical activity. A significant majority (87.3%) expressed a desire for more information on long COVID rehabilitation, and 87.8% showed interest in specialized training. However, gaps were identified in screening and prescribing exercise or physical activity for long-term COVID-19 rehabilitation. Conclusions: There is a need for regular updates on long-term COVID science and education, emphasizing the spectrum of long-term COVID symptoms versus emerging complications, and skill training in advanced respiratory physiotherapy care or exercise training specifically for long-term COVID. This will aid in integrating recent clinical practice guidelines more effectively.
Challenges Experienced by Iranian Patients with Temporary Transvenous Cardiac Pacemakers: A Phenomenological Study
(Brieflands, 2024-03-02) Naser Masoudi; Rahim Baghaie; Leyla Alilu; Farshad Mohammadi
Background: One of the main causes of mortality in patients with heart disease is arrhythmia. A temporary pacemaker is inserted to control arrhythmias, particularly when an intervention is urgently needed. Since this procedure is not benign, patients might experience many challenges. As the first step in the development of nursing interventions, identifying these experiences can help reinforce evidence in this field and enhance the quality of nursing care. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by patients with temporary transvenous cardiac pacemakers (TTCPs). Methods: This qualitative, interpretive phenomenological study was conducted on 18 patients with pacemakers who were selected by purposive sampling. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. All the interviews were recorded and simultaneously analyzed via van Manen’s analytical method. Results: The results of data analysis resulted in three major themes: "disregard for patient’s dignity”, “dependent life”, and "physical and psychological problems”. Conclusions: This study showed the challenges of patients with TTCPs. This group of patients is facing challenges related to the care and hospitalization matter and facing an uncertain future. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to patients' needs during hospitalization, such as informing patients about the procedure, respecting patients’ dignity and rights, and controlling physical and psychological problems.
Effects of an Educational Package on Quality of Life and Acute Complications in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Clinical Trial
(Brieflands, 2023-10-14) Pegah Matourypour; Nasrin Daliri; Shahrzad Ghiyasvandian; Masoumeh Zakerimoghadam
Background: Patients with chronic renal failure face many challenges in self-care after a kidney transplant. This treatment method affects their quality of life and leads to multiple complications. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational package on the quality of life (QoL) and complications of renal transplant recipients. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 72 patients (control and intervention groups) who had undergone kidney transplantation for the first time. The intervention involved an educational package comprised of five sessions. Besides, an educational booklet, weekly telephone calls, and follow-up (8 weeks after the intervention) were protablevided. The data were collected by the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ-25) completed before and after the intervention by the two groups, and the Renal Transplantation Complications Checklist completed after 8 weeks. Data analysis was performed in each group before and after the intervention and between the two groups after the intervention via chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test, and independent t-test. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the physical dimension (P = 0.002). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the remaining dimensions and the overall QoL. A significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of infection (P = 0.04), but no difference was observed between the two groups in terms of re-admission and transplant rejection (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The educational package affected all dimensions of QoL, especially the physical dimension and infection (as an acute complication of renal transplant); it improved QoL and reduced infection in the intervention group. Therefore, this package can be considered in the management plans of renal transplant recipients. Administration of this package can help understand the patients’ needs and requests and improve their health-related behaviors.
Delayed Union of Scaphoid Fracture and Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
(Brieflands, 2018-01-31) Olga Susana Perez-Moro; Maria Jesus Albaladejo-Florin; Ruben Algarra-Lopez; Laura Cabrera-Rodriguez; Marcos Edgar Fernandez-Cuadros; Carmen Ramos-Gonzalez
: Fractures of the scaphoid are the most common fractures of the carpal bones. Because of the distal perfusion of the bone, there is a great chance to present complications such as avascular necrosis, delayed union of the fracture and subsequently, early osteoarthritis (up to 32%). For those reasons, the treatment of scaphoid fractures remains a challenge. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been used for decades as an alternative option in delayed bone healing fractures with good results. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are scarce reports, if any, on scaphoid fractures. The objective of this case report was to show delayed union fracture as a common complication of scaphoid fracture and to postulate PEMF as an effective treatment option for such a condition, reflected by our clinical and radiological evaluations and supported by a thorough review of the literature. The patient received 20 sessions of PEMF, using the QS Magneto therapy device®, with a dose of 20Hz-50Gauss-20 minutes, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. PEMF could recover delayed nonunion of scaphoid fracture and decreased pain as evaluated clinically and radiologically in our case report.
The Effectiveness of Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: Prospective Cohort Study
(Brieflands, 2023-04-30) Sattam Almutairi
Background: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) emerges for rehabilitation practice tool for athletic and orthopedic conditions. However, LBPP may provide an opportunity therapeutic intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of LBPP gait training on ambulation ability, gait speed, walking endurance, dynamic and static balance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Participants performed LBPP gait training three days a week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were functional ambulation categories (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and short-form (SF-36) health survey. Results: Nine chronic stroke (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years with stroke since 4.8 ± 3.9 years participated in LBPP gait training. participants showed significant improvement in FAC (pre, 4 ± 2; post, 5 ± 1; P = 0.034); 10-MWT (pre, 16.35 ± 9.34 s; post, 13.25 ± 7.57 s; P = 0.021) and 6 MWT (pre, 166.22 ± 94.15; post, 206.66 ± 103.64; P = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes. Conclusions: Six weeks of LBPP gait training may potentially improve ambulation ability, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with chronic stroke.
The Effectiveness of Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: Prospective Cohort Study
(Brieflands, 2023-04-30) Sattam Almutairi
Background: Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) emerges for rehabilitation practice tool for athletic and orthopedic conditions. However, LBPP may provide an opportunity therapeutic intervention for gait training in neurological conditions. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of LBPP gait training on ambulation ability, gait speed, walking endurance, dynamic and static balance, and quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods: Participants performed LBPP gait training three days a week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were functional ambulation categories (FAC), 10-meter walk test (10-MWT), 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), and short-form (SF-36) health survey. Results: Nine chronic stroke (one female, eight males) aged 57 ± 15.4 years with stroke since 4.8 ± 3.9 years participated in LBPP gait training. participants showed significant improvement in FAC (pre, 4 ± 2; post, 5 ± 1; P = 0.034); 10-MWT (pre, 16.35 ± 9.34 s; post, 13.25 ± 7.57 s; P = 0.021) and 6 MWT (pre, 166.22 ± 94.15; post, 206.66 ± 103.64; P = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes. Conclusions: Six weeks of LBPP gait training may potentially improve ambulation ability, gait speed, and walking endurance in individuals with chronic stroke.
Endometrial adenofibroma; A Case Report
(Brieflands, 2019-04-16) Sanam Moradan; Babak Hosseinzadeh
Introduction: Adenofibroma is a type of mixed mesodermal tumor that both epithelial and stromal components are benign, and often originate from endometrium at postmenopausal age. Uterine adenofibroma is an extremely rare tumor and this lesion must be differentiated from some benign or malignant lesions of the uterus, particularly adenosarcoma. Because of the rarity and importance of such histopathology at post-menopausal age, this case is presented. Case Presentation: A 63-year-old woman, parity 9, who was at menopause period with a history of prolonged and severe no bloody vaginal discharge during the past 3 months was referred to our center. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a hyperechoic area with the dimensions 65 × 37 × 33 mm inside the endometrial cavity, that was suspicious to severe endometrial hyperplasia or malignancy. Tumor marker tests (BHCC, LDH, αFP, CA125, CA19-9, and CEA) were in normal limit. Endometrial biopsy by pipelle was unsatisfactory for diagnosis. Total abdominal hysterectomy was done, and the result of histopathology confirmed endometrial adenofibroma with the dimensions 70 × 47 × 40 mm. Conclusions: The presence of a hyperechoic area of the endometrium with complain of prolonged vaginal discharge in post menopause subjects could attribute to endometrial adenofibroma.
Description of a Cohort of Patients with the Moyamoya Syndrome in a Rehabilitation Hospital
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Vinicius Viana Abreu Montanaro; Thiago Falcao Hora
Background: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic steno-occlusive cerebrovascular condition initially described in 1957 in a Japanese patient. The classic angiographic findings include bilateral stenosis or occlusion at the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery, with an abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain. There are few epidemiological descriptions of non-Asian cases. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating a cohort of patients with the MMD admitted in a quaternary, open-access rehabilitation hospital in central Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study. Two neurologists reviewed data from electronic records of patients with MMD admitted to SARAH Hospital in Brasilia in the past sixteen years. Data on etiology, associated conditions and general characteristics were collected. The modified Rankim scale (mRS) was used to determine morbidity. Results: Twenty-one patients were identified and selected for this research. The average age at presentation was 20.5 years (range: 0 - 69 years), 62% were females, and 43% reported Asian ancestry. Ischemic stroke (IS) occurred in 95%, hemorrhagic stroke (HS) in 19%, and both IS and HS in 14%. Stroke recurred in 76% during follow-up; of these, 87% had IS. Because no other associated condition was found, 80% of the patients could be classified as MMD; 15% had the Moyamoya syndrome, with the presence of other conditions associated with the disease. Our hospital-based study showed a lower average age of onset than that in the literature, a much higher incidence of IS, and similar rates of HS. Patients with HS scored worse on an initial and final mRS, and surgical procedures did not significantly alter the prognosis. In comparison with those reported in international literature, we did not find significant differences in disability rates between younger and older patients. The average mRS score at admission was 3.4 (range: 2 - 4), with 2.9 (range: 1 - 4) at discharge. Conclusions: Rehabilitation was able to improve the quality of life, as shown by the mRS at admission and discharge. Patients with HS tended to have worse outcomes.
Self-Efficacy, Achievement Motivation, and Academic Progress of Students with Learning Disabilities: A Comparison with Typical Students
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Sepideh Seyed; Masoomeh Salmani; Fatemeh Motahari Nezhad; Reyhaneh Noruzi
Introduction: Many factors including self-efficacy and achievement motivation can affect children’s academic progress. Studies have shown that socioeconomic status can affect people’s life, education, and vocation. However, not many studies looked at the relations between the intrinsic factors and socioeconomic status, and between these 2 categories and students’ academic progress in children with learning disabilities. Thus, the present study aimed at examining self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and academic progress of students with learning disabilities compared with typical students and looking for any possible relation between these variables and socioeconomic status (parental education and occupation). Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which included 34 students with learning disabilities and 32 typical students matched on age, gender, and school grade. The participants answered Sherer et al.’s self-efficacy scale (1982) and Herman’s achievement motivation questionnaire (2000). Students’ academic progress was evaluated based on the descriptive scores in the first semester. Findings: Scores of children with learning disabilities in self-efficacy, achievement motivation, and academic progress were significantly lower than those of matched controls (P Conclusions: Lower levels of self-efficacy and achievement motivation in students with learning disabilities indicate that relying on only Individualized Educational Program cannot solve problems of these children. The relations between academic progress and different factors (intrinsic and environmental) suggest a complex explanation for the children’s lower academic progress.
The Effects of Acute Mobile Phone Radiation on the Anxiety Level of Male Rats
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Mohammad H. Esmaili; Hamed Masoumi; Majid Jadidi; Hossein Miladi-Gorji; Hossein Nazari
Objectives: Despite two decades of using mobile phone, the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation remain controversial. The study was conducted to determine the effect of mobile phone waves on anxiety-like behaviors in male rats. Methods: A total number of 80 male naive rats were, randomly, divided into eight groups (Control, 900, 1 800, and 2 100 MHz exposure). The acute and chronic effects of mobile phone radiation on the anxiety profile was compared considering a 45-min session and seven sessions of radiation (45 min/day) using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) in rats. The number of rats entering the open and closed arms and their duration of stay in each of the arms were assessed. To estimate the oxidative stress, Superoxide Dismutase level in the blood serum was evaluated. Results: The results obtained in the EPM showed no significant differences among the groups after acute exposure to mobile phone radiation (P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of their serum superoxide dismutase level (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Short time mobile phone radiation had no effect on anxiety-like behaviors and serum enzyme activity; this may be due to low tissue irritation during acute exposure to mobile phone waves.
The Effect of Physical Activity Level and Body Adiposity on Fatty Infiltration of the Lumbar Multifidus in Apparently Healthy Individuals From an Urban African Setting
(Brieflands, 2021-01-31) Musbahu Mahmud Sani; Musa Yusuf Dambele; Sarafadeen Raheem; Mukadas O. Akindele
Background: Spine stability or core stability exercises are among the most recommended interventions in low back pain management. It is important to clarify whether physical activity and body adiposity affect lumbar muscle multifidus (LMM) among apparently healthy adults. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the effect of physical activity level (PAL) and body adiposity on fatty infiltration of LMM in apparently healthy individuals from an urban African setting. Methods: Fatty infiltration of LMM was visually graded as normal, slight, and severe using diagnostic ultrasound. Validated Hausa and English versions of IPAQ were employed to analyze PAL, and the bioelectrical impedance analysis machine was used to measure some of the body adiposity parameters and weight. Results: A slight fatty infiltration of LMM was observed in 40.3% of 196 participants. Slight fatty infiltration of LMM had a higher prevalence in female subjects (39.2%) than males (34.2%). Only two variables of age (P = 0.032; r = 0.153) and visceral fat (P = 0.0001; r = 0.308) had a relationship with fatty infiltration of LMM. Conclusions: Fatty infiltration of LMM was positively associated with visceral fat and weakly with age among the participants. However, fatty infiltration of LMM had no relationship with the PAL.
Manometric Biofeedback Effectiveness on Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life: A Non-Randomized Control Trial
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Marcos E Fernandez-Cuadros; Maria Fuencisla Diez-Ramos; Maria Jesus Albaladejo-Florin; Olga Susana Perez-Moro
Objectives: This study aimed at examining if a 6-session protocol of tonic-phasic exercises using manometric biofeedback (BFB) is capable of improving quality of life (QoL) and muscular strength in patients with urinary incontinence (UI). Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental before-after study was performed on 31 patients with Urinary Incontinence (UI) referred to the rehabilitation department of Santa Cristina’s University hospital, Madrid, Spain. The study was performed from January to December 2016. At initial evaluation, affiliation of data, predisposing factors, and type of UI were recorded. Patients were given lifestyle recommendations and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF)/ incontinence quality-of-life measure (I-QOL) questionnaires/scales to be fulfilled at the beginning/end of treatment. Manometric evaluation was recorded at initial/final evaluation by MYOMED ® 932. Manometric-BFB protocol consisted of a 30-minute session of tonic/phasic exercises (15 minutes each), 2 times a week for up to 6 sessions, supervised by a physiotherapist. Results: Mean age was 52 ± 12.1 years. Overall, 96.7% (n = 31) of the participants were females. Maximum and mean strength of pelvic floor contraction was 24 ± 17.72 and 4.9 ± 4.1 mmHg, and increased significantly after treatment to 35 ± 20.85 and 7.45 ± 4.92 mmHg (P < 0.01). The mean ICIQ-SF score was 9.13 ± 5.18 and decreased significantly to 6.13 ± 4.75 (P = 0.003). The mean I-QoL score increased significantly from 70.33 ± 22.12 to 81.25 ± 16.72 (P = 0.0017). The I-QoL Limiting Behaviour (LB)-subscale raised from 68.38 ± 23.33 to 80 ± 16.56 (P = 0.0015); I-QoL Psychosocial Impact (PI)-subscale increased from 77.43 ± 24.51 to 80 ± 17.47 (p = 0.0152); and I-QoL social embarrassment (SE)-subscale incremented from 60.72 ± 22.37 to 74.37 ± 20.86 (P = 0.0007). Conclusions: Manometric-BFB protocol is capable of decreasing UI and to improve QoL and manometric values. This reduced protocol could be applied to other public and private institutions and it could have an economical impact on the health system and on patients’ economy.
Running-induced Functional Mobility Improvement in the Elderly Males is Driven by Enhanced Plasma BDNF Levels and the Modulation of Global Histone H4 Acetylation Status
(Brieflands, 2017-07-31) Anelise Ineu Figueiredo; Joao Jose Cunha; Ivy Reichert Vital da Silva; Laura Luna Martins; Andreia Bard; Gustavo Reinaldo; Viviane Rostirola Elsner; Maristela Padilha de Souza
Background: Emerging evidence point out that exercise is an epigenetic modulator and is able to alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in different populations. However, little is known about the impact of exercise on these markers in well-trained aged individuals, making this research topic particularly relevant. Objectives: Therefore, the current study aimed at investigating the impact of the regular running practice on global histone H4 acetylation and brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as well as on the functional mobility in healthy elderly males. Methods: Fifteen male volunteers aged 60 years and older were recruited. They were allocated into 2 groups: runners (RUN, n = 8) and sedentary (SED, n = 7), taking into account the question that they were sedentary or amateur street runners. Whole blood samples (15 mL) were collected for the biochemical measurements and the functional mobility assessment was performed through the timed up and go (TUG) test. The biochemical analyses were determined using specific kits, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The RUN group showed a significant increase in plasma BDNF levels (P = 0.007) and H4 hypoacetylation status (P < 0.001) in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs), compared with the SED individuals. The RUN group also presented significantly lower values in TUG, an indicative of better motor performance (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Collectively, the current study data suggested that the modulation of histone H4 acetylation status might emerge as an important biomarker related to the elderly runners phenotype. The data also supported the idea that the running practice enhances peripheral BDNF levels, which could be linked to the functional mobility improvement in the elderly runners.
The Prevalence, Risk Factors and Consequences of Neck Pain in Office Employees
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Fatemeh Ehsani; Zahra Mosallanezhad; Ghazaleh Vahedi
Background: Office workers, especially computer users are at risk of developing neck pain (NP), while limited studies have been conducted on this issue. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of NP in office employees, and its effect on their quality of life and work. Methods: This research was a cross sectional study conducted during years 2014 and 2015. Among all employees, 220 people were randomly selected from 10 welfare organization offices of Semnan city of Iran. Data regarding the individual characteristics, occurrence of NP and its intensity, health status, risk factors and consequences of NP including functional disability and quality of life and work, as well as work-related factors were collected. Results: Immediate, last month, last six months, last year, and lifetime prevalence of NP were 38.1%, 39.7%, 41.1%, 45.8% and, 62.1%, respectively. The point prevalence of NP was significantly related to age, gender, health status, job satisfaction, and length of employment (P < 0.05). Elongated working hours on the computer, taking a prolonged sitting position, and static postures were the most irritating factors, respectively (P < 0.001). Taking medications and physiotherapy were the most effective intervention strategies that participants chose for the treatment of NP (60.2%). Conclusions: The findings provide evidence that the prevalence of NP in office employees was high. The modifiable individual and work-related factors were as follows, improving health status, job satisfaction, reduction of working hours on the computer, avoiding prolonged sitting and static postures, having a rest time during working hours, and performing regular daily exercises.
The Formation of Addiction Psychotherapy Core Can be a Suit Supplement to the Methadone/Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy Centers: A Fresh Bid to Successfully Treat Drug Abuse
(Brieflands, 2017-07-31) Saeid Komasi; Mozhgan Saeidi; Ali Soroush
This article does not have an abstract.
Evaluation of the Correlation Between Myocardial Perfusion Scan Findings and Invasive Coronary Angiography Results
(Brieflands, 2017-04-30) Rahimeh Eskandarian; Mohammad Reza Razavi; Somayeh Safaei; Raheb Ghorbani; Mohammad Forozeshfard
Background: Non-invasive and cost effective treatments of coronary artery disease (CAD) are a health priority and a current necessity. Objectives: This study aimed at comparing the results of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with coronary angiography findings in the diagnosis of CAD. Methods: This cross sectional study included 155 patients with stable angina, who were referred to Kowsar hospital, Semnan, Iran, from May 2013 to April 2014. After confirmation of positive perfusion imaging, angiography was performed within 3 months. Myocardial perfusion imaging results were categorized as mild, moderate and severe, and also in coronary angiography, narrowing of more than 50% of the vessels was considered as significant stenosis. Results: Mean age was 58.3 ± 11.5 and 82 (52.9%) of the participants were male. According to MPI, the lateral wall of the myocardia (44.5%) was the most common affected area. Abnormal angiographic findings were reported in 47.7% (n = 74) of the patients. The number of affected vessels in the angiography had a positive correlation with the scan score (r = 0.501 and P = 0.001). The MPI had less than 50% sensitivity and more than 72% specificity. Conclusions: This study indicated that MPI and coronary angiography findings had a positive correlation. The sensitivity of MPI was less than optimal, and it may be better if supplemented by other diagnostic techniques for diagnosis CAD.
The Correlation Between Medical Staff Mental Health and Perceived Social Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran (2020)
(Brieflands, 2023-10-31) Behzad Rigi Kooteh; Nour-Mohammad Bakhshani; Alireza Ganjali; Azizollah Mojahed; Mohsen Hossein Bor; Zahra Ghiasi; Jafar Sarani Yaztappeh
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread across China and many countries worldwide, and healthcare workers at the front lines of disease control are under high physical and mental pressure. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the correlation between medical staff mental health and perceived social support during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran (2020). Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. Our targeted population was all the healthcare, administrative, and non-administrative staff, which were involved in the treatment of the coronavirus patients, of the cities of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. According to our investigational criteria, 320 samples were selected among our targeted population due to the purposive sampling method. General Health Questionnaire-28 Items (GHQ-28) and perceived social support questionnaire were information-collecting tools. The respondents completed and submitted the questionnaires online. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software version 22, using descriptive statistics (i.e., mean, standard deviation (SD), and frequency percentage), and inferential statistics (i.e., correlation analysis and regression analysis). Results: There was a significant relationship and negative correlation between perceived social support and mental health (R = -0.334, P ≤ 0.01). The least prevalent mental health problem was depression (mean ± SD = 31.10 ± 56.3), while the most prevalent mental health problem was social dysfunction (mean ± SD = 14.24 ± 06.3). The regression model significantly predicts mental health (F = 14.06, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Overall, the medical staff experienced moderate mental health problems, with social dysfunction causing the greatest psychological disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. More attention should be paid to the mental health and perceived social support of these workers, and their mental status should be regularly assessed. Therefore, perceived social support can significantly predict the mental health of healthcare workers, as it reduces the psychological problems of the medical staff.

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