Behavioral Risk Profiles of Stroke Survivors Among US Adults: Geographic Differences Between Stroke Belt and Non-Stroke Belt States.

Introduction: Stroke, a leading cause of illness, death, and long-term disability in the US, presents with significant disparities across the country, most notably in southeastern states comprising the "Stroke Belt." This study intended to identify differences between Stroke Belt states (SBS) and non-Stroke Belt states (NSBS) in terms of prevalence of stroke, sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We analyzed data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to compare demographic characteristics, risk factors, physical activity adherence, functional independence, and HRQOL among stroke survivors in SBS and NSBS.

Essential Competencies in Entry-Level Neurologic Physical Therapist Education.

Background And Purpose: The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy's (ANPT) 2021 Strategic Plan identified development of core competencies for neurologic physical therapy as a priority. The Curricular Competencies Task Force was appointed to establish competencies for entry-level neurologic physical therapist (PT) education to facilitate the delivery of current and consistent content across educational programs.

Summary Of Key Points: A sequential exploratory process was used.

Developing a Predictive Tool for Hospital Discharge Disposition of Patients Poststroke with 30-Day Readmission Validation.

After short-term, acute-care hospitalization for stroke, patients may be discharged home or other facilities for continued medical or rehabilitative management. The site of postacute care affects overall mortality and functional outcomes. Determining discharge disposition is a complex decision by the healthcare team.

Dynamic viscoelastic characterisation of human osteochondral tissue: understanding the effect of the cartilage-bone interface.

Background: Despite it being known that subchondral bone affects the viscoelasticity of cartilage, there has been little research into the mechanical properties of osteochondral tissue as a whole system. This study aims to unearth new knowledge concerning the dynamic behaviour of human subchondral bone and how energy is transferred through the cartilage-bone interface.

Methods: Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to determine the frequency-dependent (1-90 Hz) viscoelastic properties of the osteochondral unit (cartilage-bone system) as well as isolated cartilage and bone specimens extracted from human femoral heads obtained from patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery, with a mean age of 78 years (N = 5, n = 22).