Reliability and validity of five balance assessments battery in individuals with schizophrenia.

This study examines the test-retest reliability, concurrent and discriminant validity of Star excursion balance test (SEBT), One-leg stance (OLS), Functional reach test (FRT), Timed up-and-go test (TUG), and Tandem walking test (TW) in individuals with schizophrenia. Thirteen participants with schizophrenia who had a history of falls and 13 age-matched controls with schizophrenia who had no history of falls received the five balance assessments battery to establish test-retest reliability. A force platform was administered to examine concurrent validity, while balance assessment performance between fallers and non-fallers was examined for discriminant validity.

Efficacy of Horticultural Therapy on Positive, Negative, and Affective Symptoms in Individuals with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotional disturbances are core features of schizophrenia. Although horticultural therapy (HT) has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment, evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of HT on total symptoms, positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and emotional disturbances in individuals with schizophrenia.

The correlates and reference values for the 6-minute walk distance in Taiwanese adults with schizophrenia.

Purpose: The study aimed to identify the factors associated with the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and to provide reference values for the 6MWD in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) in Taiwan.

Methods: A proportional stratified sampling method was utilized based on distribution of gender, age and body mass index (BMI) at the study hospital. The 6-minute walk test was conducted according to the American Thoracic Society protocol.

Effects of computerized cognitive training on cognitive function, activity, and participation in individuals with stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is an emerging alternative intervention for stroke survivors.

Objective: This study investigated the effects of CCT on the cognition, activity, and participation of stroke survivors and compared the findings with those of match-dosed conventional cognitive training.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 39 patients with stroke who were divided into the intervention group (n = 19; receiving CCT with Lumosity software) and the control group (n = 20; receiving conventional cognitive training).

Understanding factors relevant to poor sleep and coping methods in people with schizophrenia.

Background: Sleep disruption is pervasive in people with schizophrenia, but few studies have explored their sleep experiences. This study aims to identify factors relevant to sleep problems and explore coping methods used by community-dwelling people with schizophrenia.

Methods: Eighteen participants with schizophrenia were recruited from three mental health centers in Taiwan.

The facilitators and barriers to physical activity scale for people with mental illness in Taiwan: development and validation.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to develop a new measure, the Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity Scale for People with Mental Illness (FBPAS-MI) and to validate the psychometrics.

Methods: This study included two phases. In Phase I, a literature review and five focus groups were conducted to develop an item bank.

Recovery Programs for People With Mental Illness in Taiwan: A Feasibility Study.

Importance: Most recovery programs have been developed in Western countries. This study explores the cultural adaptation of a recovery program to a non-Western country.

Objective: To test the feasibility of a recovery group developed for people with mental illness in Taiwan.

The determinants of motorized mobility scooter driving ability after a stroke.

Purpose: To investigate the determinants related to the ability to drive a motorized mobility scooter after a stroke.

Method: The study was a cross-sectional study. The ability to drive a motorized mobility scooter was measured with the Power Mobility Clinical Driving Assessment.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Improving Symptoms of Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Single Blinded Randomized Control Study.

Antipsychotic treatment can improve the symptoms of schizophrenia; however, residual symptoms after antipsychotic treatment are frequent. The effects of exercise on the symptoms of schizophrenic patients under antipsychotic treatment are inconclusive. The aim of this randomized case-control study was to examine the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on the symptoms of schizophrenic patients receiving antipsychotic treatment.

The Reliability and Validity of a Modified Squat Test to Predict Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Healthy Older Men.

Background: Shortcomings are noted in currently available cardiopulmonary field tests for the older adult and thus relevant research is still ongoing.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a modified squat test and to establish a regression model for predicting aerobic fitness in the older adult.

Methods: Twenty-five healthy men aged 60 to 75 years completed this study.

Association Between Smartphone Use and Musculoskeletal Discomfort in Adolescent Students.

Despite the substantial increase in the number of adolescent smartphone users, few studies have investigated the behavioural effects of smartphone use on adolescent students as it relates to musculoskeletal discomfort. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between smartphone use and musculoskeletal discomfort in students at a Taiwanese junior college. We hypothesised that the duration of smartphone use would be associated with increased instances of musculoskeletal discomfort in these students.

The effects of aerobic exercise on cognition in schizophrenia: A 3-month follow-up study.

Aerobic exercise (AE) has been shown to improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia. However, it remains unclear whether these exercise-induced cognitive benefits persist beyond the training period. Accordingly, the present study sought to examine the immediate and maintenance effects of AE on a wide range of cognitive functions in 75 schizophrenia patients randomized to 12 weeks of either moderate-intensity treadmill exercise or stretching and toning exercise that served as a control.

Influences of Aerobic Dance on Cognitive Performance in Adults with Schizophrenia.

Cognitive impairment is one of the core features of schizophrenia. This study examined the influences of an aerobic dance programme on the cognitive functions of people with schizophrenia. A quasi-experimental matched-control design was applied.

Accuracy of Wristband Activity Monitors during Ambulation and Activities.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of wristband activity monitors on measuring step counts at prescribed speeds on a treadmill and under short bouts of common daily activities.

Methods: Thirty healthy young adults wore three wristband activity monitors on both wrists while walking or jogging on a treadmill at different speeds (54, 80, 107, and 134 m·min) and performing six different common daily activities for 5 min each. The monitors included the Fitbit Flex, the Garmin Vivofit, and the Jawbone UP.

Efficacy of Baduanjin Exercise and Feasibility of Mobile Text Reminders on Follow-up Participation in People With Severe Mental Illness: An Exploratory Study.

Background: People with severe mental illness (SMI) frequently have poor physical health, which can in part be related to a low level of physical activity. The goal of this exploratory study was to examine the efficacy of a group participating in Baduanjin (a type of traditional Chinese exercise) on the health of individuals with SMI and the feasibility/acceptability of using short message service (SMS) reminder strategies to prompt continued exercise during a follow-up period.

Method: Participants (N=11) participated in a Baduanjin group session for 8 weeks and then maintained home-based Baduanjin with SMS reminders for another 8 weeks.

Personnel attitudes toward people with mental illness at a psychiatric hospital in Taiwan.

Background: The attitudes of psychiatric hospital personnel are critically related to the quality of mental health care, but few studies have investigated this issue.

Aims: This study is aimed at an exploration of the attitudes of psychiatric hospital personnel toward people with mental illness and at an examination of the associated factors.

Method: A self-report questionnaire, the Mental Illness Attitude Scale (MIAS), was used to collect data from psychiatric hospital personnel in Taiwan (n = 290).

The effectiveness of racket-sport intervention on visual perception and executive functions in children with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of table tennis training (TTT) versus standard occupational therapy (SOT) on visual perception and executive functions in school-age children with mild intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning.

Subjects And Methods: Children (n=91) were randomly assigned to intervention with either SOT (n=46, 20 females, mean age =10.9±3.

Applying the transtheoretical model to promote functional fitness of community older adults participating in elastic band exercises.

Aims: The transtheoretical model was applied to promote behavioural change and test the effects of a group senior elastic band exercise programme on the functional fitness of community older adults in the contemplation and preparation stages of behavioural change.

Background: Forming regular exercise habits is challenging for older adults. The transtheoretical model emphasizes using different strategies in various stages to facilitate behavioural changes.

Sliding and lower limb mechanics during sit-stand-sit transitions with a standing wheelchair.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the shear displacement between the body and backrest/seat, range of motion (ROM), and force acting on the lower limb joints during sit-stand-sit transitions by operating an electric-powered standing wheelchair.

Methods And Materials: The amounts of sliding along the backrest and the seat plane, ROM of lower limb joints, and force acting on the knee/foot were measured in twenty-four people with paraplegia.

Results: Without an antishear mechanism, the shear displacement was approximately 9 cm between the user's body and the backrest/seat surfaces.

Rasch analysis of the Mental Health Recovery Measure.

Consumer-oriented recovery among people with mental illness has been discussed for more than two decades, but few reliable and valid recovery measurements are currently available. This study used Rasch methods to assess the Mental Health Recovery Measure (MHRM). Participants were 156 adults with mental illness who lived in the community.

Recovery of people with psychiatric disabilities living in the community and associated factors.

Objective: Consumer-oriented recovery has been discussed for more than two decades in the mental health field. Although there some qualitative recovery studies have shown important findings, few quantitative studies of this concept currently exist. This study examined the relationship between recovery and associated social-environmental and individual factors.

Unilateral versus bilateral robot-assisted rehabilitation on arm-trunk control and functions post stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Although the effects of robot-assisted arm training after stroke are promising, the relative effects of unilateral (URT) vs. bilateral (BRT) robot-assisted arm training remain uncertain. This study compared the effects of URT vs.

Effect of therapist-based versus robot-assisted bilateral arm training on motor control, functional performance, and quality of life after chronic stroke: a clinical trial.

Background: Although bilateral arm training (BAT) has been widely studied, the comparative effects of therapist-based BAT (TBAT) versus robot-assisted BAT (RBAT) remains unknown.

Objective: This study compared the efficacy of TBAT, RBAT, and a control treatment (CT) on motor control, functional performance, and quality of life after chronic stroke.

Design: A randomized, pretest-posttest, control group design was used.

Effects of disability-associated low energy expenditure deconditioning syndrome.

People with neuromuscular disabilities have high rates of sedentary behavior predisposing them to severe deconditioning and significant health risk. We describe this as disability-associated low energy expenditure deconditioning syndrome and propose new approaches for promoting light-to-moderate intensity physical activity in people with disabilities.

A conceptual model for identifying, preventing, and managing secondary conditions in people with disabilities.

Secondary conditions are considered a direct consequence of having a disability, and many are presumed to be preventable. Although a few researchers have noted that people with disabilities are exposed to several secondary conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression, and obesity, what is lacking in the literature is a conceptual framework for understanding the antecedents, risk factors, and consequences of secondary conditions. To move the rehabilitation and public health professions toward a more unified approach to understanding and managing secondary conditions as well as distinguishing them from chronic and associated conditions, this article proposes a set of criteria for defining secondary conditions and a conceptual model that considers the potential factors associated with their onset, impact, severity, and management.