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Introduction: The objectives of our dissemination project were (1) to disseminate the evidence supporting exercise training in solid organ transplantation to exercise professionals, health-care professionals, physicians, and directors of transplant programs in order to enhance their ability to apply evidence to practice and (2) to build a community of exercise professionals and researchers across Canada. Methods: We used the 5-step Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute model for knowledge translation to guide our project: (1) evidence assessment, (2) audience and partner identification, (3) dissemination, (4) implementation, and (5) evaluation. After meeting with experts in the field, conducting a literature review, and identifying an appropriate audience, we took our presentations on the road across Canada. Results: We visited 10 transplant centers and held interactive knowledge translation sessions in each center. To provide sustainability and to facilitate the adoption of the research evidence, we founded the Canadian Network for Rehabilitation and Exercise for Solid Organ Transplant Optimal Recovery network and created its website. Conclusions: Our project raised awareness of the importance of exercise among many health professionals in Canada and built a community of exercise professionals and researchers in the field of transplantation through the rehabilitation network. It also led to the creation of online resources that will facilitate the implementation of rehabilitation programs in transplant centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of disease on strength in two functionally important lower limb muscles for a period of 2 yrs in children with Duchene muscular dystrophy. Design Seventy-seven Duchene muscular dystrophy children participated in this study. Plantar flexors, knee extensors, strength, and performance on timed tests (6-min walk, 4-stairs, 10-m walk, supine-up) were assessed yearly for 2 yrs. Multivariate normal regression was used to assess changes in strength over time in the Duchene muscular dystrophy group. Spearman correlations were computed to examine relationship between strength and function. Results Normalized plantar flexor and knee extensor strength showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) over 2 yrs, with larger declines in knee extensor. At baseline, knee extensor strongly correlated with performance on timed tests. However, plantar flexor strength was found to be a stronger predictor of loss in ambulatory function. Modest correlations (r = 0.19--0.34) were found between the decline in strength and functional performance over 2 yrs. Conclusions This study describes the loss of lower limb strength in a large cohort of Duchene muscular dystrophy children for 2 yrs. The findings support that lower limb strength alone cannot account for the decline in performance on functional tests, and the role of other contributing factors, such as compensatory strategies, should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]