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BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL), sense of coherence (SOC) and occupational balance (OB) have been found to increase after rehabilitation among people living with depression and anxiety. However, these aspects have not been investigated over time in participants with different paid work situations, such as being on sick leave or not. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the self-rated QOL, SOC and OB after participation in occupational therapy in three groups of people with depression and anxiety disorders based on their work situation during the study period: continuous sick leave, return to work and continuous work. METHODS: Forty-seven women and seven men, 19–60 years old with depression and anxiety were followed over time. They completed questionnaires on QOL, SOC and OB on four occasions. Data were analyzed with non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the groups were identified. All groups improved in at least one of the studied areas over time: the sick leave group in OB; the return-to-work group in QOL and OB; and the Work group in QOL and SOC. CONCLUSION: The results indicate variations in QOL, SOC and OB between people with different work situations over time after occupational therapy. Studies with larger samples are, however, warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to evaluate the psychometric properties of physical activity measures in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Adults with multiple sclerosis were recruited, n = 30 (validation) and n = 57 (test–retest). Steps measured with PiezoRX, Yamax SW200 and ActiGraph GT9X Link (AGlink) and time in different positions measured with AGlink were validated against data from video analysis. Psychometric properties of the Physical Activity and Disability Survey – Revised Swedish version (PADS-R(Sw)) was evaluated. The most valid measures were AGlink using the low-frequency extension filter, and PiezoRX with median absolute percentage errors (MeAPEs) of 0.9–3.1% and 1.3–3.3%. The MeAPEs were higher for Yamax SW200 (2.9–21.0%), AGlink display (3.6–44.8%) and AGlink normal filter (8.9–48.9%), indicating low validity. AGlink was not valid in measurements of sitting (MeAPE 12.0–12.5%) or lying (MeAPE 31.0–41.7%). The correlation between PADS-R(Sw) and AGlink steps was r = 0.492 (p =.009). The relative reliability of PADS-R(Sw) was ICC2,1 0.85 (CI 0.76–0.91), and absolute reliability was SEM 0.54. AGlink and PiezoRX were valid measures of steps in PwMS. The questionnaire PADS-R(Sw) was valid, with high relative reliability, but its absolute reliability was unsatisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two of the main features of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) are disturbed gait and cognition. These features are typically investigated separately, but here we combined walking with a cognitive task to investigate if older adults with iNPH were more susceptible to dual-task interference on walking than those without iNPH. In total, 95 individuals from the general population participated in our study. Of these, 20 were classified as Possible iNPH (median [interquartile range, IQR] 80 years [75–82.5]) and 75 as Unlikely iNPH (74 years [72–78]). Conversation, 10-m walking, semantic and phonemic verbal fluency were performed either combined or independently. "Stopping walking while talking" was noted. Pairwise comparisons and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. We found that the Possible iNPH group was older, stopped walking more frequently during the conversation, and had a slower single-task pace. The dual-task pace was slower for both groups. Only single-task walking pace could predict Possible iNPH when adjusted for age. We could establish a dual-task cost on gait performance in this sample of older adults from the general population, but the cost was not exclusive for individuals with Possible iNPH. To further assess the value of dual-task testing in iNPH, including observations of stopping walking while talking, a study of a clinical iNPH material with more severe symptoms would be valuable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the recovery and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the follow-up period after minor trauma. Results include the impact of the mechanism of injury on recovery, the psychological consequences of the early discharge from the hospital without a follow-up plan, and the predictors of trauma patients' return to work in the first year of discharge including the optimistic view of life. The study's limitations and clinical implications are also mentioned.

Background: Tinnitus sufferers commonly report concentration difficulties. Despite several previous studies investigating this, the underlying cause and the role of hearing status remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate whether there are any differences between normal hearing individuals with and without tinnitus in terms of working memory capacity, and whether working memory capacity correlates with high-frequency hearing thresholds. Research Design: Participants had their hearing thresholds measured (0.125-16 kHz) and performed a visual n-back test. All participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, in addition tinnitus participants filled out the Tinnitus Questionnaire. Study Sample: Sixty-two individuals participated, 31 had tinnitus (tinnitus group) and 31 did not have tinnitus (control group). Groups were age- and sex matched, and all participants had normal hearing thresholds (20 dB HL or better at 0.125-8 kHz). Data Analysis: Friedman test of differences among repeated measures was conducted on the collected data of n-back performance, and Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare groups. Age-corrected correlations were calculated for high-frequency hearing and each n-back condition. Results: We found no significant differences between the groups in terms of n-back task performances, except for the 2-back condition where the tinnitus group performed significantly better than the controls (p = 0.007). Furthermore, we found high-frequency hearing thresholds of the best ear (10-16 kHz) to correlate with performances at more demanding n-back conditions (p = 0.029 for 1-back and p = 0.015 for 2-back). Conclusion: This suggests that presence of tinnitus might not imply poorer working memory capacity and that deteriorated high-frequency hearing thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare different levels of self-rated pain and determine if they predict anticipated early physical recovery in patients undergoing general and orthopaedic surgery. Background Previous research has indicated that average self-rated pain reflects patients' ability to recover the same day. However, there is a knowledge gap about the feasibility of using average pain ratings to predict patients' physical recovery for the next day. Design Descriptive, quantitative repeated measures. Methods General and orthopaedic inpatients ( n = 479) completed a questionnaire (October 2012-January 2015) about pain and recovery. Average pain intensity at rest and during activity was based on the Numeric Rating Scale and divided into three levels (0-3, 4-6, 7-10). Three out of five dimensions from the tool 'Postoperative Recovery Profile' were used. Because few suffered severe pain, general and orthopaedic patients were analysed together. Results Binary logistic regression analysis showed that average pain intensity postoperative day 1 significantly predicted the impact on recovery day 2, except nausea, gastrointestinal function and bladder function when pain at rest and also nausea, appetite changes, and bladder function when pain during activity. High pain ratings ( NRS 7-10) demonstrated to be a better predictor for recovery compared with moderate ratings ( NRS 4-6), day 2, as it significantly predicted more items in recovery. Conclusion Pain intensity reflected general and orthopaedic patients' physical recovery postoperative day 1 and predicted recovery for day 2. By monitoring patients' pain and impact on recovery, patients' need for support becomes visible which is valuable during hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate cytokine levels in the masseter muscle, their response to experimental tooth-clenching and their relation to pain, fatigue and psychological distress in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) myalgia. Methods: Forty women, 20 with TMD myalgia (Diagnostic Criteria for TMD) and 20 age-matched healthy controls participated. Intramuscular microdialysis was performed to sample masseter muscle cytokines. After 140 min (baseline), a 20-minute tooth-clenching task was performed (50% of maximal voluntary contraction force). Pain (Numeric rating scale 0-10) and fatigue (Borg's Ratings of Perceived Exertion 6-20) were assessed throughout microdialysis, while pressure-pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed before and after microdialysis. Perceived stress (PSS-10) and Trait Anxiety (STAI) were assessed before microdialysis. Results: The levels of IL-6, IL-7, IL-8 and IL-13 were higher in patients than controls (Mann Whitney U-test; P's < 0.05) during the entire microdialysis. IL-6, IL-8 and IL-13 changed during microdialysis in both groups (Friedman; P's < 0.05), while IL-1β, IL-7 and GM-CSF changed only in patients ( P's < 0.01). IL-6 and IL-8 increased in response to tooth-clenching in both groups (Wilcoxon test; P's < 0.05), while IL-7, IL-13 and TNF increased only in patients ( P's < 0.05). Patients had higher pain and fatigue than controls before and after tooth-clenching ( P < 0.001), and lower PPTs before and after microdialysis ( P < 0.05). There were no correlations between cytokine levels, pain or fatigue. Also, there were no differences in stress or anxiety levels between groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, the masseter levels of IL-6, IL-7, IL-8 and IL-13 were elevated in patients with TMD myalgia and increased in response to tooth-clenching. Tooth-clenching increased jaw muscle pain and fatigue, but without correlations to cytokine levels. This implies that subclinical muscle inflammation may be involved in TMD myalgia pathophysiology, but that there is no direct cause-relation between inflammation and pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are overrepresented among the group people suffering from long-term illness. In addition to their illness, suffering long-term sick leave leads to economical restraints as well social distress. There are gaps in our understanding of the challenges these women face. There is also lack of knowledge about how these challenges can be effectively addressed in rehabilitation. This deficiency is problematic from an ethical, justice and a caring perspective. In this study, changes in health-related quality of life ( HRQoL) among women on long-term sick leave were investigated during and after participating in a rehabilitation programme combining two validated methods, Garden Therapy and Supported Employment ( SE). The study also discusses difficulties in realising research related to vulnerable under-privileged people. From a population of 329 women who had reported their interest to participate, 245 were randomised to the programme. Of these 144 accepted participation in the research project and of these 123 women accepted to answer the SF-36 questionnaire. The participants were between 21 and 62 years with poor physical and mental health. They had received public financial support from <1 year to >10 years. The SF-36 measurement was carried out at baseline, after completion of Garden Therapy and after completion of SE. The results are based on data of respondents who participated at all the three occasions (n = 52). When comparing HRQoL baseline with the following occasions, the participants' General Health ( GH), Vitality ( VT), Social Functioning ( SF) and mental health had improved significantly. The Four Leaf Clover ( FLC) programme could be an appropriate method for reducing socially induced suffering. However, to conduct intervention studies where vulnerable persons are involved, it is off vital importance to consider whether the participants have the strength to complete the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To describe and compare general health and state anxiety before surgery and up to 6 months after surgery in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing elective rectal resection, abdominoperineal resection or colonic resection in an enhanced recovery context. Background Little is known about patient-reported health and anxiety after colorectal cancer surgery in an enhanced recovery context. Design A prospective cohort study. Methods Data were collected from October 2011-February 2013. The questionnaires - EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - were answered before surgery, at discharge and 1 and 6 months after surgery. Data were analysed using inferential statistics to describe differences between groups of patients (Kruskal-Wallis test) and between assessments within groups (Friedman's anova). Results Patients ( N = 105), divided into three groups based on surgical procedure, showed a high health index and a low state anxiety in all assessments without differences between the groups. Patients considered for abdominoperineal resection rated their pre-operative health as significantly higher than patients after rectal and colonic resections did. Within groups, patients recovering from abdominoperineal resection and rectal resection deteriorated significantly in health index 1 month after surgery. However, after 6 months they had improved again. After colonic resection, patients improved significantly in self-rated health and anxiety 1 month after surgery with no further discernible improvement after 6 months. Conclusion The study showed that patients generally had a high level of health and a low level of anxiety throughout the study period. Only a few differences occurred between assessments within groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]