Perspectives on medical assistance in dying amongst persons with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative study.

Study Design: Qualitative.

Objective: To explore the perspectives of persons living with chronic (>5 y) traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) concerning medical assistance in dying (MAID).

Setting: Saskatchewan, Canada.

Physiotherapist and participant perspectives from a randomized-controlled trial of physiotherapist-supported online paper-based exercise programs for people with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis.

Purpose: There is a gap in research on how best to support exercise in moderate to severe MS. The objective of this study is to share perspectives of people living with MS and physiotherapists on their experiences in a randomized clinical trial of online physiotherapy an active comparator.

Methods: Semi-structured exit interviews were conducted with volunteer participants from the online and comparator arms of the trial, and focus groups were held with study physiotherapists.

Adherence to Physiotherapy-Guided Web-Based Exercise for Persons with Moderate-to-Severe Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

Background: Options to support adherence to physical activity in moderate-to-severe multiple sclerosis (MS) are needed. The primary aim was to evaluate adherence to a Web-based, individualized exercise program in moderate-to-severe MS. Secondary aims explored changes in 29-item Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), grip strength, Timed 25-Foot Walk test, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) results.

Perspectives on walking from people with multiple sclerosis and reactions to video self-observation.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) rank walking among the most challenging aspects of their condition. A greater understanding of people's perspectives concerning their walking may help to prioritize walking outcomes and strategies for optimizing walking. The purpose was to explore perceptions of walking in people with MS and to describe their reactions after observing themselves walk on video.

Prevalence of Extracranial Venous Narrowing on Magnetic Resonance Venography Is Similar in People With Multiple Sclerosis, Their Siblings, and Unrelated Healthy Controls: A Blinded, Case-Control Study.

Purpose: The study sought to assess and compare the prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins in subjects with multiple sclerosis and controls, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for describing extracranial venous narrowing as it applies to the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory, using catheter venography (CV) as the gold standard.

Methods: The jugular and azygos veins were assessed with time-of-flight MRV in this assessor-blinded, case-control study of subjects with multiple sclerosis, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated controls. The veins were evaluated by diameter and area, and compared with CV.

Shifting the balance: conceptualising empowerment in individuals with spinal cord injury.

Empowerment is believed to be an essential element in self-management of disease and the promotion of self-efficacy, and can be defined as the ability of individuals to increase control over aspects of their lives. In contrast, powerlessness in individuals with chronic illness can occur when they perceive that they lack the capacity, authority or resources to affect an outcome. Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are at risk for powerlessness and have the potential to become empowered, but these concepts have not been explored within their context.

Total knee arthroplasty in multiple sclerosis.

We present a case report of total knee arthroplasty complicated by spasticity and contractures in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS). Four previous case reports in the literature describe adverse outcomes after total knee arthroplasty in persons with MS secondary to severe spasticity. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations for persons with MS, which may help to improve functional outcomes, are discussed.

Predictors of institutionalization for people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive disease of the central nervous system with a high prevalence in Canada. While the disease course is highly variable, a significant portion of people with MS may spend more than 10 years living with severe disability, and many of those will eventually require full time institutional care. Despite the high personal and economic cost of this care, little is known about predictors of institutionalization.

Effectiveness of home visiting programs on child outcomes: a systematic review.

Background: The effectiveness of paraprofessional home-visitations on improving the circumstances of disadvantaged families is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the effectiveness of paraprofessional home-visiting programs on developmental and health outcomes of young children from disadvantaged families.

Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (e.

Step-length variability in minimally disabled women with multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome.

Gait is one of the most frequently impaired bodily functions in multiple sclerosis (MS). Determining abnormal parameters of gait in early MS could influence MS treatment and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increased step-length variability could be detected in minimally disabled patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) using a sensored walkway gait analysis system.

Self-regulatory efficacy as a mediator between attributions and intention for health-related physical activity.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether self-regulatory efficacy would mediate the relationship between individual attributional dimensions for typical exercise levels and intentions to maintain these levels during final exams among university students. Using a prospective design, participants completed measures of attributions for typical activity levels, self-regulatory efficacy and intention to be active during a forthcoming exam period. Results revealed that self-regulatory efficacy partially mediated the relationship between attributional dimensions and intentions for both moderate and mild exercise levels.

Attributions and self-regulatory efficacy for health-related physical activity.

Two studies were conducted to examine associations among past activity behaviour, attributions and self-regulatory efficacy for maintaining physical activity sufficient for health benefits. The studies differed in that success for being sufficiently active for health benefits was externally referenced in the first study, but not in the second. In both studies, results revealed that attributional dimensions improved the prediction of self-regulatory efficacy beyond that of past physical behaviour.

Examining physician counselling to promote the adoption of physical activity.

Background: While the benefits of physical activity are generally recognized, over half of adult Canadians are not active enough to receive those benefits. Physicians may influence patient activity through counselling; however, research is inconsistent regarding their effectiveness in doing so. Increasing patients' use of self-regulatory skills in managing their activity and additional telephone support are suggested as two means of improving physician counselling.