Functional outcomes and associated factors of individuals with unilateral traumatic lower limb amputation in Sri Lanka: An observational study.

Background: Rehabilitation is important after an amputation surgery. This study was conducted to find the level of functional outcomes of individuals with unilateral traumatic lower limb amputation and the impact of sociodemographic, amputation, and rehabilitation characteristics on functional outcomes.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 48 participants (aged 20-60 years) who visited the Center for Handicapped from across the country.

Development of consensus International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core sets for lymphedema.

To understand the challenges of patients with lymphedema it is important to describe functioning and to measure the effectiveness of treatment in changing functioning. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers an international framework to classify functioning of persons in their personal environment. ICF Core Sets are lists of selected ICF categories concerning those important aspects of functioning that are most likely to be affected by a specific health problem or disease.

Identification of relevant ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) categories in lymphedema patients: A cross-sectional study.

Background: To describe functioning and health of lymphedema patients and to identify their most common problems using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as part of the preparatory studies for the development of ICF Core Sets for lymphedema.

Methods: Cross-sectional study in a population of lymphedema patients (n = 200), undergoing treatment in a Dutch lymphedema-specialized hospital. The second-level categories of the ICF were used to collect information on patients' problems in daily functioning.

The Coach2Move Approach: Development and Acceptability of an Individually Tailored Physical Therapy Strategy to Increase Activity Levels in Older Adults With Mobility Problems.

Background And Purpose: Despite the positive effects of physical activity on numerous aspects of health, many older adults remain sedentary even after participating in physical activity interventions. Standardized exercise programs do not necessarily bring about the behavioral change that is necessary. Therefore, a patient-centered approach is needed.

Coding of meaningful concepts in lymphedema-specific questionnaires with the ICF.

Purpose: To identify and quantify the meaningful concepts within questionnaires focusing on lymphedema using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Methods: Electronic searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENtral and Pedro (2005-2010) were conducted. The concepts in the questionnaires were retrieved from the included studies and linked to the ICF.

Effects of physical exercise therapy on mobility, physical functioning, physical activity and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults with impaired mobility, physical disability and/or multi-morbidity: a meta-analysis.

This is the first meta-analysis focusing on elderly patients with mobility problems, physical disability and/or multi-morbidity. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of physical exercise therapy on mobility, physical functioning, physical activity and quality of life. A broad systematic literature search was performed in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PEDro and The Cochrane Library.

Outcome instruments to measure frailty: a systematic review.

Frailty is one of the greatest challenges for healthcare professionals. The level of frailty depends on several interrelated factors and can change over time while different interventions seem to be able to influence the level of frailty. Therefore, an outcome instrument to measure frailty with sound clinimetric properties is needed.

The need for revision of the ICIDH: an example--problems in gait.

In this article a proposal is formulated for adjustment of the Classification of Impairments and the Classification of Disabilities of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH). This proposal is a product of a project from the Dutch National Institute of Research and Postgraduate Education in Physical Therapy. This project is conducted in close cooperation with the professional national organizations of five health professions.

Reflection on the definition of impairment and disability as defined by the World Health Organization.

The International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) is gaining wide acceptance inside and outside the field of rehabilitation medicine. Impairment and disability are concepts which are often used interchangeably or defined differently. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined impairment and disability in the ICIDH.

Impairments and disabilities--the difference: proposal for adjustment of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps.

In this article, a proposal for adjustment of the Classification of Impairments and the Classification of Disabilities of the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps is presented. This proposal is a result of a project conducted by the Dutch National Institute for Research and Postgraduate Education in Physical Therapy. The project was executed in collaboration with the professional national organizations of five health professions: occupational therapy, chiropody, Cesar therapy (exercise therapy), Mensendieck therapy (exercise therapy), and physical therapy.

Impairments and disabilities in hand therapy: the necessity of a uniform terminology for communication and research purposes.

Uniformity in the use of professional language is very important in the field of medicine. Impairments and disabilities are terms that are often used interchangeably. To health professionals analyzing a patient's health problem, formulating treatment goals, or writing questionnaires and protocols, the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps (ICIDH) offers a conceptual framework that has a great potential to remedy improper use of terms and that can enhance communication.

Vector diagrams in the evaluation of human gait.

From recordings of reaction forces on the feet in the vertical (z) and horizontal for-aft (x) direction during walking, x-z vector-diagrams (VDG) are constructed for the purpose of clinical use in the evaluation of gait. Such use presupposes the existence of reference values. The parameters of VDG, ie, the maximal coordinates of the vectors, are dependent on weight, speed of walking, age, step length, and physical condition.

Visual perception in hemiplegic patients.

Visual perceptual disturbances have been identified as a complication associated with hemiplegic syndrome that can interfere with rehabilitation progress. In this study a test battery was developed to identify visual perceptual disturbances in stroke patients. Forty-six patients (mean age 49.