| | | Abu-Dahab,
S., Malkawi, S., Nader, M., Al Momani, F., & Holm, M.B. (2013). The
validity and reliability of the Arabic Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile. Physical
and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 34(3), 300-12
In this study, we report the translation process, validity, and reliability of the Arabic Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile (IT_SP). A multistep approach was implemented to ensure the accuracy and equivalency of the Arabic and original English IT_SP. Factor analysis indicated that item loadings for over 50% of the items on the Arabic version were identical to the English version; all but three items had logical loadings. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) between scores on the Arabic and English versions reported by parents who were bilingual were >.90 supporting bilingual validity. Alpha coefficients for each section varied from .40 to .74, which was within the range of the English version (.17 to .86), and were thus similar. ICCs between scores for repeated assessments varied from .81 to .99 supporting test-retest reliability. The results support the validity and reliability of the Arabic IT_SP.
| Occupational Therapy | Occupational Therapy | 3/2/2017 | Occupational Therapy | | | | A systematic procedure to optimise dose and image quality for the measurement of inter-vertebral angles from lateral spinal projections using Cobb and superimposition methods.
BACKGROUND:
Patients with vertebral column deformations are exposed to high risks associated with ionising radiation exposure. Risks are further increased due to the serial X-ray images that are needed to measure and asses their spinal deformation using Cobb or superimposition methods. Therefore, optimising such X-ray practice, via reducing dose whilst maintaining image quality, is a necessity.
OBJECTIVES:
With a specific focus on lateral thoraco-lumbar images for Cobb and superimposition measurements, this paper outlines a systematic procedure to the optimisation of X-ray practice.
METHODS:
Optimisation was conducted based on suitable image quality from minimal dose. Image quality was appraised using a visual-analogue-rating-scale, and Monte-Carlo modelling was used for dose estimation. The optimised X-ray practice was identified by imaging healthy normal-weight male adult living human volunteers.
RESULTS:
The optimised practice consisted of: anode towards the head, broad focus, no OID or grid, 80 kVp, 32 mAs and 130 cm SID.
CONCLUSION:
Images of suitable quality for laterally assessing spinal conditions using Cobb or superimposition measurements were produced from an effective dose of 0.05 mSv, which is 83% less than the average effective dose used in the UK for lateral thoracic/lumbar exposures. This optimisation procedure can be adopted and use for optimisation of other radiographic techniques. | Orthotics and Prosthetics | Orthotics and Prosthetics | 3/2/2017 | Orthotics and Prosthetics | | | | Alkhamra, R. (2015). Cochlear implants in children
implanted in Jordan: A parental overview. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.
2015, 79(7):1049-1054
OBJECTIVE:
Exploring the perspective of parents on the cochlear implant process in Jordan.
METHODS:
Sixty parents of deaf children were surveyed on the information gathering process prior to cochlear implant surgery, and their implant outcome expectations post-surgery. Whether child or parent characteristics may impact parents' post-surgical expectations was explored.
RESULTS:
Although parents used a variety of information sources when considering a cochlear implant, the ear, nose and throat doctor comprised their major source of information (60%). Parents received a range of information prior to cochlear implant but agreed (93.3%) on the need for a multidisciplinary team approach. Post-surgically, parents' expected major developments in the areas of spoken language (97%), and auditory skills (100%). Receiving education in mainstream schools (92%) was expected too. Parentsperceived the cochlear implant decision as the best decision they can make for their child (98.3%). A significant correlation was found between parents contentment with the cochlear implant decision and expecting developments in the area of reading and writing (r=0.7). Child's age at implantation and age at hearing loss diagnosis significantly affected parents' post-implant outcome expectations (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Despite the general satisfaction from the information quantity and quality prior to cochlear implant, parents agree on the need for a comprehensive multidisciplinary team approach during the different stages of the cochlear implant process. Parents' education about cochlear implants prior to the surgery can affect their post-surgical outcome expectations. The parental perspective presented in this study can help professionals develop better understanding of parents' needs and expectations and henceforth improve their services and support during the different stages of the cochlear implant process.
| Hearing and Speech Sciences | Hearing and Speech Sciences | 3/2/2017 | Hearing and Speech Sciences | | | | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00536
Emad Al-Yahya, Wala’ Mahmoud, Daan Meester, Patrick Esser and Helen Dawes
Current gait control models suggest that independent locomotion depends on central and peripheral mechanisms. However, less information is available on the integration of these mechanisms for adaptive walking. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated gait control mechanisms in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and healthy older (HO) adults: at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and at fast walking speed (FWS). We measured effect of additional cognitive task (DT) and increased speed on prefrontal (PFC) and motor cortex (M1) activation, and Soleus H-reflex gain. Under DT-conditions we observed increased activation in PFC and M1. Whilst H-reflex gain decreased with additional cognitive load for both groups and speeds, H-reflex gain was lower in PD compared to HO while walking under ST condition at SSWS. Attentional load in PFC excites M1, which in turn increases inhibition on H-reflex activity during walking and reduces activity and sensitivity of peripheral reflex during the stance phase of gait. Importantly this effect on sensitivity was greater in HO. We have previously observed that the PFC copes with increased attentional load in young adults with no impact on peripheral reflexes and we suggest that gait instability in PD may in part be due to altered sensorimotor functioning reducing the sensitivity of peripheral reflexes. | Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy | 1/9/2019 | Physiotherapy | | | |
- International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications 8(12):221-232
The computational phonology is fairly a new science that deals with studying phonological rules under the computation point of view. Computational phonology is based on the phonological rules, which are the processes that are applied to phonemes to produce another phoneme under specific phonetic environment. A type of these phonological processes is the assimilation process, which its rules reform the involved phonemes regarding the place of articulation, the manner of articulation, and/or voicing. Thus, assimilation is considered as a consequence of phonological coarticulation. Arabic, like other natural languages, has systematic phonemes’ changing rules.This paper aims to automate the assimilation rules of the Arabic language. Among several computational approaches that are used for automating phonological rules, this paper uses Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach, and thus, contributes the using of ANN as a computational approach for automating the assimilation rules in the Arabic language. The designed ANN based system of this paper has been defined and implemented by using MATLAB software, in which the results show the success of this approach and deliver an experience for later similar work. | Hearing and Speech Sciences | Hearing and Speech Sciences | 1/1/2018 | Hearing and Speech Sciences | | | | Annino G, Alashram AR, Alghwiri AA, et al. Effect of segmental muscle vibration on upper extremity functional ability poststroke: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(7):e14444.
Background:
Upper
extremity functional impairments are common consequences of stroke.
Therefore, continuous investigation of effective interventions for upper
extremity functions after stroke is a necessity. Segmental muscle
vibration (SMV) is one of the interventions that incorporate sensory
stimulation to improve motor cortical excitability. The aim of this
study was to investigate the influence of 5-minute SMV application along
with supervised physical therapy (SPT) on improving activities of daily
living and motor recovery on the hemiparetic upper extremity in
patients with stroke. Methods:
A
sample of 37 patients poststroke (29 males) was randomly allocated to
either SPT control group (n = 18) or SPT and SMV (SPT-SMV) experimental
group (n = 19). All patients received 3 sessions per week of SPT for 8
weeks. The SPT-SMV experimental group received SMV at the end of each
SPT session. Outcome measures used were Barthel index (BI), modified
Ashworth scale, manual muscle testing, and goniometry for range of
motion (ROM) assessment. Results:
Thirty-four
patients completed the study. Patients in both groups improved
significantly after treatment in BI, elbow ROM, and elbow muscles
strength. However, muscle tone in elbow joint of the hemiplegic upper
extremity improved significantly after SMV only in the experimental
group (SPT-SMV). Conclusion:
The
SPT intervention can improve functional outcomes of upper extremity in
people after stroke. However, using SMV may have superior effect on
improving muscle tone after stroke. | Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy | 2/15/2019 | Physiotherapy | | | | Almasri, N.A., Dunst, C.J., Saleh, M.,Okasheh,R. Determinants of Utilization of Health Services Provided for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Jordan. J Dev Phys Disabil (2019) 31: 205
Abstract
Enhancing services utilization for children with cerebral palsy is a
national priority particularly in middle and low income countries. Based
on Andersen’s (1995) Behavioral Model of Health Services Use
and previous research findings, a conceptual model was developed to
identify child, family, and service determinants of utilization of
services by children with cerebral palsy in Jordan. 1 hundred and 16
families of children with cerebral palsy agreed to participate in the
study. Children were 4.6 ± 4.3 years of age. The most common types of
cerebral palsy were spastic quadriplegia followed by spastic diplegia.
Data were collected in 2 sessions. Physiotherapists’ research assistants
administered the Gross Motor Classification System, the Gross Motor
Function Measure-66-Item Set Version, Child Information Questionnaire,
the Family Support Scale, the Family Resources Scale, Family Information
Questionnaire, Services Questionnaire, and the Measure of Processes of
Care-20 Item Version. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis by
blocks was used to determine the predictors of the utilization of
services. The model explained 57.5% of the variance in access to
services. Satisfaction with services was the most influential
determinant of utilization of services followed by family resources,
child needs for services, associated health problems, father employment,
and processes of care. Professionals and policy makers are encouraged
to attend to parents’ satisfaction with services, processes of care, and
family resources as key indicators of improving access and utilization
of services by families of children with cerebral palsy. | Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy | 9/1/2018 | Physiotherapy | | | | Sibylle B Thies, Laurence PJ Kenney, Mohammad Sobuh, Adam Galpin, Peter Kyberd, Rebecca Stine, Matthew J Major. (2017)
Skill assessment in upper limb myoelectric prosthesis users: Validation of a clinically feasible method for characterising upper limb temporal and amplitude variability during the performance of functional tasks, Medical Engineering & Physics,47,137-143
Abstract
Upper limb myoelectric prostheses
remain challenging to use and are often abandoned. A proficient user
must be able to plan/execute arm movements while activating the residual
muscle(s), accounting for delays and unpredictability in prosthesis
response. There is no validated, low cost measure of skill in performing
such actions. Trial-trial variability of joint angle trajectories
measured during functional task performance, linearly normalised by
time, shows promise. However, linear normalisation of time introduces
errors, and expensive camera systems are required for joint angle
measurements.
This study investigated whether
trial-trial variability, assessed using dynamic time warping (DTW) of
limb segment acceleration measured during functional task performance,
is a valid measure of user skill. Temporal and amplitude variability of
forearm accelerations were determined in (1) seven myoelectric
prosthesis users and six anatomically-intact controls and (2) seven
anatomically-intact subjects learning to use a prosthesis simulator over
repeated sessions.
(1): temporal variability showed clear group differences (p<0.05).
(2): temporal variability considerably increased on first use of a
prosthesis simulator, then declined with training (both p<0.05).
Amplitude variability showed less obvious differences. Analysing
forearm accelerations using DTW appears to be a valid low-cost method
for quantifying movement quality of upper limb prosthesis use during
goal-oriented task performance.
| Orthotics and Prosthetics | Orthotics and Prosthetics | 9/1/2017 | Orthotics and Prosthetics | | | | Mahafzah MT, Mahafza T, Omari H, Al Hawari HH (2018) Investigating the Possible Audiological Effects of Hypothyroidism. J phonetAudiol 4: 137
Abstract
Objective:
We investigated audiological function in patients diagnosed with
primary hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Methods:
Forty-one patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism secondary to
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 20 control subjects participated in this
study. Otoscopic examination, immittance testing, pure tone audiometry,
and otoacoustic emission testing were completed on all participants. In
addition, all participants were screened for the presence of tinnitus.
Results:
All participants’ demonstrated normal otoscopic examination and
0.226-kHz tympanometry test findings. Pure tone audiometric (PTA)
testing revealed mild sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 16 patients
diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism (39%) compared to only one
participant in the control group. Eight patients with primary
hypothyroidism reported bothersome tinnitus (19.5%), and transient
evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) were absent in 8 left ears (19.5%)
and 4 right ears (9.75%).
Conclusion:
Hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be a cause of
mild SNHL, particularly at high frequencies, in addition to bothersome
tinnitus. Absent otoacoustic emissions suggest cochlear outer hair cells
as the possible lesion site in patients with hypothyroidism. | | | | | | | | Mahafzah MT, Mahafza T, Omari H, Al Hawari HH (2018) Investigating the Possible Audiological Effects of Hypothyroidism. J phonetAudiol 4: 137
Objective: We investigated audiological function in
patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis.
Methods: Forty-one patients
diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis and 20 control subjects participated in this study.
Otoscopic examination, immittance testing, pure tone audiometry, and
otoacoustic emission testing were completed on all participants. In
addition, all participants were screened for the presence of tinnitus.
Results:
All participants’ demonstrated normal otoscopic examination and
0.226-kHz tympanometry test findings. Pure tone audiometric (PTA)
testing revealed mild sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in 16 patients
diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism (39%) compared to only one
participant in the control group. Eight patients with primary
hypothyroidism reported bothersome tinnitus (19.5%), and transient
evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) were absent in 8 left ears (19.5%)
and 4 right ears (9.75%).
Conclusion:
Hypothyroidism secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be a cause of
mild SNHL, particularly at high frequencies, in addition to bothersome
tinnitus. Absent otoacoustic emissions suggest cochlear outer hair cells
as the possible lesion site in patients with hypothyroidism
| Hearing and Speech Sciences | Hearing and Speech Sciences | 10/1/2018 | Hearing and Speech Sciences | | | | Yaser S. Natour, Wesam B. Darawsheh, Sara Bashiti, Majd Wari, Juhayna Taha, Thair Odeh,2018, A study of VHI scores and acoustic features in street vendors as occupational voice users,
Journal of Communication Disorders, 71, 11-21
Abstract
Purpose
to investigate acoustic features of phonation and perception of voice handicap in street vendors. Methods
Eighty-eight participants (44 street vendors, 44 controls) were recruited. The mean age of the group was 38.9 ± 16.0
years (range: 20–78 years). Scores of the Arabic version of the Voice
Handicap Index (VHI-Arab) were used for analysis. Acoustic measures of
fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were also analyzed. Results
Analysis showed a significant difference between street vendors and controls in the total score of the VHI-Arab (p < 0.001) as well as scores of all three VHI-Arab subsections: functional (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001), and emotional (p = 0.025). Weak correlations were found among all of the VHI scores and acoustic measures (−0.219 ≤ r ≤ 0.355), except for SNR where a moderate negative correlations were found (r = −0.555; −0.4) between the VHI (physical and total) scores and SNR values. Significant differences also were found in F0, jitter, and SNR among specific subgroups of street vendors when stratified by weekly hours worked (p < 0.05), and in jitter (p = 0.39) when stratified by educational level. Conclusions
Perception
of voice handicap and a possible effect on vocal quality in street
vendors were noted. The effect of factors, namely work hours and
educational level, on voice quality should be further studied.
| Hearing and Speech Sciences | Hearing and Speech Sciences | 12/5/2017 | Hearing and Speech Sciences | | | | Wesam Darawsheh, “Awareness and Knowledge about Occupational Therapy in Jordan,” Occupational Therapy International, vol. 2018, Article ID 2493584, 9 pages, 2018
Knowledge and awareness about occupational therapy (OT) are essential for the delivery of quality care to all clients and for occupational therapists’ (OTRs) job satisfaction. OT has been a poorly understood profession in Jordan. The current study reports on the assessment of Jordanians’ awareness and knowledge of occupational therapy. Convenience sampling was used. There were 829 participants (474 males, 355 females), with mean age of 32 ± 11.6 yrs. They were recruited from the three main geographical areas of Jordan (northern, central, and southern) and from all educational levels. The sample included 222 (26.8%) healthcare personnel, 146 (17.6%) clients, and 461 (55.6%) lay persons. Participants completed questionnaires, and the results revealed that 48% of the sample had poor or no knowledge about OT, while 28.3% were unaware of it. Also, OT was commonly (50%) perceived to be exclusively targeting people with disabilities (PWDs) and neurological and physical conditions (58% and 53%, resp.) in addition to exclusively providing services for the rehabilitation of the upper extremity (48%). Common misconceptions associated with OT were that OTRs prescribe medication (43%) and OTRs are physiotherapists (44%). These preliminary findings suggest that efforts need to be directed by OTRs, the Jordanian Society of Occupational Therapy (JSOT), and the Ministry of Health to preserve the OT identity and value and promote knowledge about OT in the public and among members of interdisciplinary teams. More interprofessional learning needs to be incorporated within the curricula and placements of all healthcare personnels.
| Occupational Therapy | Occupational Therapy | 11/1/2017 | Occupational Therapy | | | |
Purpose:
To perform cross cultural adaptation of Boston Carpal Tunnel
Questionnaire in standard Arabic language and assess the reliability and
construct validity of the new tool.
Materials and methods:
Cross cultural adaptation was performed according to guidelines. One
hundred and one Arabic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome agreed to
participate in the study and filled the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha
was calculated to assess internal consistency. Test–retest reliability
was assessed after two weeks by calculating Intraclass correlation
coefficient. To assess construct validity; Spearman correlation
coefficient with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
Questionnaire was calculated.
Results:
Arabic Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire version had excellent
internal consistency, Cronbach's Alpha was 0.877 for Symptoms Severity
Scale and 0.895 for Functional Status Scale. Test–retest reliability was
excellent (Interclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.899 for Symptoms
Severity Scale and 0.944 for Functional Status Scale). Correlation with
the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire was high
which reflects excellent construct validity. All results were similar to
the results of previous studies.
Conclusions:
Arabic Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was produced. The tool
demonstrated excellent internal consistency, test–retest reliability and
construct validity. The questionnaire is suitable for use with carpal
tunnel syndrome patients in the Middle East and North Africa region.
- Implications for rehabilitation
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy worldwide with many affected in Arabic speaking countries. Specific
outcome measures like Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire are important
in evaluating the impact of different interventions on patients’
wellbeing. The Arabic Boston carpal tunnel
questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to use with Arabic speaking
people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
| Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy | 6/22/2019 | Physiotherapy | | | |
Abstract
Purpose:
To perform cross cultural adaptation of Boston Carpal Tunnel
Questionnaire in standard Arabic language and assess the reliability and
construct validity of the new tool.
Materials and methods:
Cross cultural adaptation was performed according to guidelines. One
hundred and one Arabic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome agreed to
participate in the study and filled the questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha
was calculated to assess internal consistency. Test–retest reliability
was assessed after two weeks by calculating Intraclass correlation
coefficient. To assess construct validity; Spearman correlation
coefficient with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
Questionnaire was calculated.
Results:
Arabic Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire version had excellent
internal consistency, Cronbach's Alpha was 0.877 for Symptoms Severity
Scale and 0.895 for Functional Status Scale. Test–retest reliability was
excellent (Interclass Correlation Coefficient was 0.899 for Symptoms
Severity Scale and 0.944 for Functional Status Scale). Correlation with
the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire was high
which reflects excellent construct validity. All results were similar to
the results of previous studies.
Conclusions:
Arabic Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was produced. The tool
demonstrated excellent internal consistency, test–retest reliability and
construct validity. The questionnaire is suitable for use with carpal
tunnel syndrome patients in the Middle East and North Africa region.
- Implications for rehabilitation
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy worldwide with many affected in Arabic speaking countries. Specific
outcome measures like Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire are important
in evaluating the impact of different interventions on patients’
wellbeing. The Arabic Boston carpal tunnel
questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to use with Arabic speaking
people with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
| Occupational Therapy | Occupational Therapy | 6/22/2019 | Occupational Therapy |
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