Italian translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS) for individuals post-stroke. | LitMetric
Purpose: This study aims to culturally adapt and validate the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS) and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) for use with post-stroke patients in Italy.
Methods: The original scales were translated and culturally adapted following the "Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Patient Reported Outcomes Measures - Principles of Good Practice" guidelines. We assessed internal consistency and test-retest reliability, while concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients with the Italian version of the Disability Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH).
Results: A total of 56 participants were recruited for the study. The Italian versions of the scales demonstrated excellent stability and reliability both within and between raters. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.904 for SULCS and 0.998 for ARAT, indicating strong internal consistency among items. The interclass correlation coefficients were 0.998 (95% C.I.: 0.993-0.990) for inter-rater reliability and 0.987 (95% C.I.: 0.984-0.995) for intra-rater reliability for SULCS, and 0.998 (95% C.I.: 0.999-0.996) for inter-rater reliability and 0.992 (95% C.I.: 0.998-0.987) for intra-rater reliability for ARAT.
Conclusions: Both scales exhibit robust validity and reliability, making them valuable tools for clinical assessment and functional evaluation of upper limb capacity in post-stroke patients. We recommend the integration of the ARAT and SULCS into initial patient assessments and ongoing monitoring to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) is a method for restoring sensation to people with paralysis as part of a bidirectional brain-computer interface (BCI) to restore upper limb function. Evoking tactile sensations of the hand through ICMS requires precise targeting of implanted electrodes. Here we describe the presurgical imaging procedures used to generate functional maps of the hand area of the somatosensory cortex and subsequent planning that guided the implantation of intracortical microelectrode arrays.
Upper limb disabilities, if not managed, controlled and treated, significantly affect the physical and mental condition, daily activities and quality of life. Registries can help control and manage and even treat these disabilities by collecting clinical-management data of upper limb disabilities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design, develop and evaluate a registry system for upper limb disabilities in terms of usability.
Objective: The objective of this study is to identify factors influencing progression of respiratory decline from the onset of neurological symptoms to respiratory failure in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Methods: In 100 patients with sporadic ALS, %vital capacity (%VC) was continuously measured from the first visit to the respiratory endpoint (REP). Cox proportional hazards model identified factors influencing the duration from onset of ALS to REP (Onset-REP).
A rare type of localized gigantism known as macrodystrophia lipomatosa is characterized by a disproportionate increase in fibroadipose tissues and a gradual overgrowth of all mesenchymal elements. The distribution in the lower extremities' plantar nerves and the upper extremity's median nerve is most commonly observed. This abnormality is congenital and typically manifests at birth or during the neonatal stage.
Injury Prevention and Mobility Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Falls are common in mountain biking (MTB), and often involve high speeds, large descent heights, and rough landing terrains. However, most falls in MTB do not cause serious injury. This may be due, in part, to protective movements used by MTB riders to avoid injury.
