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Disability and Rehabilitation.... Jul 2017The purpose of this study is to examine the extent and type of robots used for the rehabilitation and education of children and young people with CP and ASD and the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to examine the extent and type of robots used for the rehabilitation and education of children and young people with CP and ASD and the associated outcomes.
METHODS
The scholarly literature was systematically searched and analyzed. Articles were included if they reported the results of robots used or intended to be used for the rehabilitation and education of children and young people with CP and ASD during play and educative and social interaction activities.
RESULTS
We found 15 robotic systems reported in 34 studies that provided a low level of evidence. The outcomes were mainly for children with ASD interaction and who had a reduction in autistic behaviour, and for CP cognitive development, learning, and play.
CONCLUSION
More research is needed in this area using designs that provide higher validity. A centred design approach is needed for developing new low-cost robots for this population. Implications for rehabilitation In spite of the potential of robots to promote development in children with ASD and CP, the limited available evidence requires researchers to conduct studies with higher validity. The low level of evidence plus the need for specialized technical support should be considered critical factors before making the decision to purchase robots for use in treatment for children with CP and ASD. A user-entered design approach would increase the chances of success for robots to improve functional, learning, and educative outcomes in children with ASD and CP. We recommend that developers use this approach. The participation of interdisciplinary teams in the design, development, and implementation of new robotic systems is of extra value. We recommend the design and development of low-cost robotic systems to make robots more affordable.
Topics: Adolescent; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cerebral Palsy; Child; Disabled Children; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Robotics
PubMed: 28440095
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1318308 -
Public Health Sep 2020Smoking has negative consequences on occupational health. The current meta-analysis was conducted with the aim to pool the studies about smoking and increased disability... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Smoking has negative consequences on occupational health. The current meta-analysis was conducted with the aim to pool the studies about smoking and increased disability pension.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Articles were found in the scientific literature using keywords, and searching was limited to prospective cohort studies that had been published before August 2018. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 prospective cohort studies were selected. The analyses were carried out on the basis of the random-effects method. Subgroup analysis was also carried out. Finally, the bias of publication was examined using Begg's test, the Egger test, the trim-and-fill method, and the funnel plot.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included. The results showed a positive association between smoking and disability pension, with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.41 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.30-1.53 (P < 0.001). In men, the RR was equal to 1.48 and 95% CI was equal to 1.30-1.68 (P < 0.001). In women, the RR was equal to 1.23 and 95% CI was equal to 1.09-1.37 (P = 0.001). In current smokers, the RR was equal to 1.41 and 95% CI was equal to 1.26-1.57 (P < 0.001). In former smokers, the RR was equal to 1.16 and 95% CI was equal to 1.05-1.29 (P = 0.003). Qualitative evaluation showed that the studies had a low level of selection bias, data collection bias, and withdrawal and dropout bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking is a risk factor for increasing disability pension, and men are at higher risk of disability pension. In addition, both current and former smokers are in high risk of disability pension. Overall, it can be concluded that smoking is a risk factor for occupational health.
Topics: Disabled Persons; Humans; Pensions; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 32882482
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2020.04.013 -
Disability and Health Journal Oct 2021Opioid use experiences among people with disability (PWD) as a group has not been clearly articulated in the current literature, despite links between pain and measures... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Opioid use experiences among people with disability (PWD) as a group has not been clearly articulated in the current literature, despite links between pain and measures of disability.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic search and scoping study examining the characteristics of current literature focused on opioid use among PWD.
METHODS
Four databases were queried (i.e., Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL) for peer-reviewed, empirical, English-language, journal articles focused on long-term opioid use among PWD. Collected data points included: disability details (specific condition, onset of disability), opioid details (category of opioid use, and specified substance), study details, and design.
RESULTS
A total of 196 articles were included, with 83.7% published since 2000 largely from the US. The majority of articles (70.4%) focused on the use of opioids as medical treatment, with fewer articles focusing on recreational opioid use or substance use disorders. The majority of included sources (73%) focused on opioid use in acquired conditions; neuropathic pain (21.9%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (20.4%) were the most commonly studied. Differences were observed in the distribution of disability conditions across category of opioid use and study design classification; 73.5% were considered observational in design.
CONCLUSIONS
The varied representation of disability conditions, and differences across opioid use category and study design classification point to a complicated relationship between opioid use and disability. The present research portfolio would benefit from research matching informational needs of a specific disability area or opioid use category to provide the evidence necessary to advance current knowledge and promote inclusion in national agendas.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Disabled Persons; Humans; Opioid-Related Disorders; Pain; Research Design
PubMed: 33888430
DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101106 -
Pediatric Blood & Cancer Sep 2015Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult survivors of bone sarcomas are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult survivors of bone sarcomas are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the literature describing QOL in this population and differences in QOL based on local control procedures.
PROCEDURE
Included studies described ≥5 patients <25 years old who had completed local control treatment for bone sarcoma, defined QOL as a main outcome, and measured it with a validated instrument. Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted with standardized tools. Meta-analyses compared QOL based on surgical procedure (limb-sparing vs. amputation) and were stratified by assessment type (objective physical function, clinician-assessed disability, patient-reported disability, and patient-reported QOL). Effect sizes were reported as the standard mean difference when multiple instruments were used within a comparison and weighted mean difference otherwise. All were weighted by inverse variance and modeled with random effects.
RESULTS
Twenty-two of 452 unique manuscripts were included in qualitative syntheses, eight of which were included in meta-analyses. Manuscripts were heterogeneous with respect to included patient populations (age, tumor type, time since treatment) and QOL instruments. Prospective studies suggested that QOL improves over time, and that female sex and older age at diagnosis are associated with poor QOL. Meta-analyses showed no differences in outcomes between patients who underwent limb-sparing versus amputation for local control.
CONCLUSION
QOL studies among children and AYAs with bone sarcoma are remarkably diverse, making it difficult to detect trends in patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardized QOL instruments and interpretations.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Amputation, Surgical; Bone Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Female; Humans; Limb Salvage; Male; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function; Sarcoma; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survivors; Young Adult
PubMed: 25820683
DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25514 -
Social Science & Medicine (1982) Jul 2022In many settler-colonial countries, Indigenous people do not access disability services at rates commensurate with disability prevalence. Existing research suggests that... (Review)
Review
In many settler-colonial countries, Indigenous people do not access disability services at rates commensurate with disability prevalence. Existing research suggests that services often do not reflect Indigenous values and social practices, impacting on accessibility. Furthermore, disability services have historically been implicated in processes of colonisation. There is an urgent need to decolonise disability services. Understanding Indigenous knowledge and experience of disability is a necessary step towards achieving this. We systematically reviewed the disability conceptualisations, practices and experiences of First Nations peoples of Australia. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. There was a consensus among these studies that Western constructs of disability do not resonate with many First Nations people across Australia. The studies reported that many First Nations people conceptualise most disabilities as unremarkable conditions that reflect the normal range of human diversity, although some conditions may be associated with social stigma. Inclusive attitudes and practices of caregiving in First Nations families facilitate the participation of First Nations people with disabilities in family and community life. However, ableism and racism in broader society combine to exclude many First Nations peoples with disabilities from public spaces and from labour markets. Disability services regularly fail to reflect First Nations values and social practices, and can lead to further disempowerment and marginalisation due to diagnostic processes; displacement from country and communities; gendered discrimination; and poor relationships with service providers. We argue that intersectional experiences of colonialism, racism, ableism and sexism, particularly in disability services, can lead to the marginalisation of First Nations participants and families. The decolonisation of disability services requires services to embrace diverse First Nations values and practices associated with human capability, social participation and caregiving. Decolonising disability services also necessitates First Nations control of the governance of disability services and reform across service, organisational, systemic and conceptual levels.
Topics: Colonialism; Concept Formation; Disabled Persons; Humans; Indigenous Peoples; Population Groups
PubMed: 35617764
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115047 -
Neuroscience Letters Sep 2021People with disabilities face many travel barriers. Autonomous vehicles and services may be one solution. The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review...
People with disabilities face many travel barriers. Autonomous vehicles and services may be one solution. The purpose of this project was to conduct a systematic review of the grey and scientific literature on autonomous vehicles for people with disabilities. Scientific evidence (n = 35) was limited to four observational studies with a very low level of evidence, qualitative studies, reviews, design and model reports, and policy proposals. Literature on older adults was most prevalent. Grey literature (n = 37) spanned a variety of media and sources and focuses on a variety of disability and impairment types. Results highlight opportunities and barriers to accessible and usable AVs and services, outline research gaps to set a future research agenda, and identify implications for policy and knowledge translation. People with disabilities are a diverse group, and accessible and usable design solutions will therefore need to be tailored to each group's needs, circumstances, and preferences. Future research in diverse disability groups should include more participatory action design and engineering studies and higher quality, prospective experimental studies to evaluate outcomes of accessible and usable AV technology. Studies will need to address not only all vehicle features but also the entire travel journey.
Topics: Automobiles; Autonomous Vehicles; Disabled Persons; Humans; Travel
PubMed: 34237416
DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136103 -
Disability and Rehabilitation.... May 2018The aim of this review is to analyze haptic sensory substitution technologies for deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The aim of this review is to analyze haptic sensory substitution technologies for deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals.
METHOD
The literature search has been performed in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases using selected keywords, analyzing studies from 1960s to present. Search on databases for scientific publications has been accompanied by web search for commercial devices. Results have been classified by sensory disability and functionality, and analyzed by assistive technology. Complementary analyses have also been carried out on websites of public international agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and of associations representing sensory disabled persons.
RESULTS
The reviewed literature provides evidences that sensory substitution aids are able to mitigate in part the deficits in language learning, communication and navigation for deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals, and that the tactile sense can be a means of communication to provide some kind of information to sensory disabled individuals.
CONCLUSIONS
A lack of acceptance emerged from the discussion of capabilities and limitations of haptic assistive technologies. Future researches shall go towards miniaturized, custom-designed and low-cost haptic interfaces and integration with personal devices such as smartphones for a major diffusion of sensory aids among disabled. Implications for rehabilitation Systematic review of state of the art of haptic assistive technologies for vision and audition sensory disabilities. Sensory substitution systems for visual and hearing disabilities have a central role in the transmission of information for patients with sensory impairments, enabling users to interact with the not disabled community in daily activities. Visual and auditory inputs are converted in haptic feedback via different actuation technologies. The information is presented in the form of static or dynamic stimulation of the skin. Their effectiveness and ease of use make haptic sensory substitution systems suitable for patients with different levels of disabilities. They constitute a cheaper and less invasive alternative to implantable partial sensory restitution systems. Future researches are oriented towards the optimization of the stimulation parameters together with the development of miniaturized, custom-designed and low-cost aids operating in synergy in networks, aiming to increase patients' acceptability of these technologies.
Topics: Communication; Humans; Language; Persons With Hearing Impairments; Self-Help Devices; Sensory Aids; Visually Impaired Persons
PubMed: 29017361
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2017.1385100 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Nov 2017This systematic review examines research and practical applications of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) as a basis for... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review examines research and practical applications of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) as a basis for establishing specific criteria for evaluating relevant international scientific literature. The aims were to establish the extent of international dissemination and use of WHODAS 2.0 and analyze psychometric research on its various translations and adaptations. In particular, we wanted to highlight which psychometric features have been investigated, focusing on the factor structure, reliability, and validity of this instrument.
METHOD
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, we conducted a search for publications focused on "whodas" using the ProQuest, PubMed, and Google Scholar electronic databases.
RESULTS
We identified 810 studies from 94 countries published between 1999 and 2015. WHODAS 2.0 has been translated into 47 languages and dialects and used in 27 areas of research (40% in psychiatry).
CONCLUSIONS
The growing number of studies indicates increasing interest in the WHODAS 2.0 for assessing individual functioning and disability in different settings and individual health conditions. The WHODAS 2.0 shows strong correlations with several other measures of activity limitations; probably due to the fact that it shares the same disability latent variable with them. Implications for Rehabilitation WHODAS 2.0 seems to be a valid, reliable self-report instrument for the assessment of disability. The increasing interest in use of the WHODAS 2.0 extends to rehabilitation and life sciences rather than being limited to psychiatry. WHODAS 2.0 is suitable for assessing health status and disability in a variety of settings and populations. A critical issue for rehabilitation is that a single "minimal clinically important .difference" score for the WHODAS 2.0 has not yet been established.
Topics: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Disability Evaluation; Disabled Persons; Humans; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results; World Health Organization
PubMed: 27820966
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1223177 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Oct 2022The aim of this systematic review was to identify models of community disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle service delivery in non-metropolitan areas of Australia,...
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review was to identify models of community disability, rehabilitation and lifestyle service delivery in non-metropolitan areas of Australia, and to describe these models through an Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS) lens.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and June 2021 that met the following criteria: described or evaluated a community service delivery model, intervention or program in regional, rural or remote Australia; provided for people with a disability or a potentially disabling health condition. A scoring rubric was developed covering the five IPCHS strategies.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included in the review. We identified a range of service delivery models providing support to people with a range of disabilities or conditions. We report evidence of the use of the IPCHS strategies in ways relevant to the local context.
DISCUSSION
Several strengths emerged, with many services tailored to individual need, and significant community engagement. Innovative rural service delivery approaches were also identified. Key areas requiring action included improved coordination or integration within and across professions and sectors. There was limited evidence of co-production of solutions or participatory governance. While people-centred approaches show promise to improve community-based services, large-scale fundamental change is required.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONCommunity-based disability and rehabilitation services in rural and remote Australia performed well at delivering tailored care and engaging in community consultation.These services must urgently implement strategies to enhance community ownership of solutions and participatory governance.Services must place a greater focus on explicit strategies to integrate and coordinate across services and professions, and to create an enabling environment, to deliver people-centred care.The World Health Organisation Integrated People-Centred Health Services framework provides an important roadmap to improving service delivery in rural and remote Australian communities.
Topics: Australia; Delivery of Health Care; Disabled Persons; Humans; Life Style; Rural Health Services; Rural Population
PubMed: 34433373
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1962992 -
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2023Low-back pain (LBP) may be directly or indirectly related to impairments from the hip joint. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Low-back pain (LBP) may be directly or indirectly related to impairments from the hip joint.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of hip interventions on pain and disability in patients with LBP in the short-, medium-, and long-term.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched in November 2022. Randomized controlled trials involving hip-targeted interventions compared to specific low back interventions in patients with LBP were selected. The outcomes were pain intensity and disability. The quality of the studies was assessed with the risk of bias tool. GRADE was used to rate the certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 2581 studies were screened. Eight were included in the meta-analysis involving 508 patients with LBP. The results provided very low certainty that both hip strengthening and hip stretching improved pain (MD = -0.66; 95% CI -0.86, -0.48; I:0%) (MD = -0.55; 95% CI -1.02, -0.08) and disability (SMD = -0.81; 95% CI -1.53, -0.10; I: 80%) (SMD = -1.03; 95% CI -1.82, -0.25) in the short-term, respectively. No benefits were found in the medium- or long-term. The risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision of the results downgraded the level of evidence.
CONCLUSIONS
Very low certainty evidence suggest a positive effect of hip strengthening in isolation or combined with specific low back exercise and hip stretching combined with specific low back exercise for decreasing pain intensity and disability in the short-term, in patients with LBP.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO CRD42022303173.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Low Back Pain; Exercise Therapy; Pain Measurement; Disabled Persons
PubMed: 37037144
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100502