Exploring the Use of Educational Material About Shoulder Dysfunction: A Quality Improvement Project in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Adding A Structured Educational Session to the Rehabilitation Program of Soccer Players Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Feasibility Study

Background

While a lack of psychological preparedness and fear of movement may be linked with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) re-injury, these variables are rarely addressed throughout the therapy stages via educational sessions. Unfortunately, in terms of reducing fear, increasing function, and returning to play, no research has been done yet on the efficacy of adding organized educational sessions to the rehabilitation programs of soccer players post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Therefore, the study's aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of adding organized educational sessions to the rehabilitation programs post-ACLR.

Methods

A feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a specialized sports rehabilitation center. Participants post ACL reconstruction were randomized to either usual care with a structured educational session (intervention group) or usual care alone (control group). This feasibility study investigated three aspects: recruitment, intervention acceptability and randomization, and retention. The outcome measures included Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, ACL-Return to Sport after Injury, and International Knee Documentation Committee for knee function. Measurements were done at baseline and one week after the intervention.

Results

All of the 36 players who were undergoing rehabilitation post-ACLR at the center at the time of the study were invited to participate in the study. Thirty-five players (97.2%) agreed to participate in the study. The participants responded to some questions about the acceptability of the intervention and randomization and most of them thought they were appropriate. 30 (85.7%) participants completed the follow-up questionnaires one week after the randomization.

Conclusion

This feasibility research found that adding a structured educational session to the rehabilitation program for soccer players after ACLR is feasible and acceptable. Full-scale RCTs with longer follow-ups and multiple locations are recommended.

New Strategies to Improve the Quality of Life for Normal Aging versus Pathological Aging

In the context of the manifestation of the phenomenon of normal aging and functional decline at older adults with neurodegenerative pathology, the development of physical activities and healthy lifestyle has become a priority that involves many decisions and responsibilities. Therefore, the study of the quality of life of the elderly in terms of delaying early aging and improving the lifestyle of patients with neurodegenerative diseases is a scientific challenge representing research of great interest and relevance. By promoting physical activity based on telerehabilitation programs or performed according to coordinated training either in the community or at home for both study groups, significant improvements have been obtained. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the intervention suitable patterns, surveys delivered through variables online platforms and tools to reflect the stagnation of early aging and the evolution of patients with PD and dementia. Our study involved selected original studies, intensively processed, which demonstrated through intervention specific tools, such as quantitative, qualitative, socio-economics, physical, and cognitive indicators, that significant improvements can be achieved in the process of early aging, but also significant progress in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. By searching the last five years of papers, our review, presents the importance of intervention by telerehabilitation or by scheduled physical exercises quantified by specific indicators.

Exploring the use of educational materials for increasing participation in a stretching program: a quality improvement project in people with motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Decreased range of motion is a common secondary complication of motor neuron disease (MND) that can contribute to functional decline and decreased participation in daily activities.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the effectiveness of educational brochures and videos aimed at improving knowledge regarding the importance of a regular stretching program.

DESIGN

This was a quality improvement (QI) project.

SETTING

Participants were seen in an outpatient multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic.

POPULATION

Individuals with motor neuron disease were invited to participate in this QI study.

METHODS

Individuals were asked to complete surveys asking questions regarding current stretching program, pain levels, and knowledge of benefits of stretching before and after receiving the stretching brochures or videos.

RESULTS

A total of 53 participants completed the pre-intervention survey, 28 in the brochure group and 25 in the video group. Of those, 86% and 88% completed the post-intervention survey in the brochure and video groups, respectively. The video group increased stretching frequency significantly more than the brochure group (2.04 and 0.62 days/week respectively, P=0.004). Significantly more participants in the video group reported usage of stretches from the educational materials on a regular basis (54% for brochure group and 86% for video group, P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Educational brochures and videos are two different strategies to improve knowledge of benefits of stretching for individuals with MND. Both groups increased frequency of stretching. Videos may be better able to improve frequency of stretching when compared to brochures.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The brochures and videos developed for this study can be used by clinicians treating individuals with MND. By improving knowledge regarding the benefits of stretching, individuals with MND may choose to prioritize stretching as a part of their routine. This in turn may help to prevent or address potential joint or muscle length issues or assist patients to incorporate preventative measures into their treatment plans.

Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

In this review, we discuss different aspects of pain syndrome in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: etiology, incidence, pathophysiology and main clinical features. Also we review the modern approaches to the treatment of pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pain is actually not rare in this condition: it appears in 80% of patients, affecting their quality of life and functional activity, leading to the development of depressive and anxiety disorders. Pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is often overlooked by clinicians, since their attention may focus on the motor symptoms of the disease. Thus, a more careful approach is needed to diagnose and treat pain in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.