Chinese guidelines for the rehabilitation treatment of knee osteoarthritis: An CSPMR evidence-based practice guideline

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common degenerative joint disease in China, causing a huge economic burden on patients, families, and society. Standardized KOA rehabilitation treatment is an important means to prevent and treat the disease and promote the development of high-quality medical services. This guideline is updated on the basis of the 2016 and 2019 editions.

METHODS

Clinical questions regarding rehabilitation assessment and treatment were selected through clinical questions screening and deconstruction, and multiple rounds of Delphi questionnaire consultation. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was used as the theoretical framework, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method was used to grade the quality of evidence and recommendations.

RESULTS

The reporting of this guideline followed the standard of Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT). Taking into account patients' preferences and values and the needs of Chinese clinical practice, a total of 11 clinical questions and 28 recommendations were established. The clinical questions were grouped into two categories: KOA assessment (body function, body structure, activity and participation, quality of life, and environmental factors and clinical outcomes assessment, resulting in 9 recommendations) and KOA treatment (health education, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities, occupational therapy, assistive devices, and regenerative rehabilitation approaches, resulting in 19 recommendations).

CONCLUSION

This is the first evidence-based guideline for KOA rehabilitation in China utilizing the ICF framework. This guideline provides key guidance for developing systematic, standardized, and precise rehabilitation protocols for KOA across various healthcare settings.

Clinical Characteristics and Novel ZEB2 Gene Mutation Analysis of Three Chinese Patients with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome

Purpose

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a pathogenic variant of the ZEB2 gene. The main clinical manifestations include special facial features, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), global developmental delay and other congenital malformations. Here, we summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic mutation analysis of three Chinese patients with MWS.

Patients and Methods

The clinical characteristics of the patients were monitored and the treatment effect was followed up. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by sequencing. Whole exome sequencing was then performed.

Results

Three novel ZEB2 gene mutations were identified in 3 patients (c.1147_1150dupGAAC, p.Q384Rfs*7, c.1137_1146del TAGTATGTCT, p.S380Nfs *13 and c.2718delT, p.A907Lfs*23). They all had special facial features, intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities and other symptoms. After long-term regular rehabilitation treatment, the development quotient of each functional area of the patient was slightly improved.

Conclusion

Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of ZEB2 and enriched our understanding of the clinical features of MWS. It also shows that long-term standardized treatment is of great significance for the prognosis of patients.

Lissencephaly: presentation of a clinical case of LIS 1 with a diagnosis confirmed by MLPA method and indications for rehabilitation treatment in childhood

Lissencephaly is a very rare clinical condition that affects the formation of the brain and causes severe psychomotor retardation, convulsions and muscular spasticity or hypotonia, often also associated with respiratory problems, facial dysmorphisms, abnormalities of the fingers and toes and difficulty swallowing resulting in reduced life expectancy. The clinical case described in the following article demonstrates the diagnostic process and rehabilitation treatment of a patient through a narrative review of the scientific literature and the presentation of this condition in order to provide indications to guide rehabilitation treatment in childhood.

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in traumatic brain injury patients

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and related factors in patients with traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

A total of 60 participants, 30 patients with traumatic brain injury and 30 healthy volunteers of similar age, have been included in this study, which was designed as a hospital-based cross sectional study. Fonseca questionnaire was used to evaluate and classify the temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Temporomandibular joint range of motion was evaluated with a digital calliper, and masticatory muscles pressure pain threshold was evaluated with an algometer. Labial commissure angle measurement was used to evaluate the severity of facial paralysis. Complications related to traumatic brain injury were recorded in patients with traumatic brain injury.

RESULTS

According to Fonseca questionnaire score, 80% of traumatic brain injury patients and 16.7% of the control group had temporomandibular dysfunction (p < .001). In the intergroup comparison, a significant decrease was found in all temporomandibular range of motion and masticatory muscles pressure pain threshold parameters in favour of the traumatic brain injury group (p < .001). Labial commissure angle and Fonseca questionnaire scores were higher in the traumatic brain injury group (p < .001). The frequency of temporomandibular dysfunction was more common in traumatic brain injury patients with headache than in those without headache, as shown by the results of the Fonseca questionnaire (p = .044).

CONCLUSION

Compared to healthy controls, patients with traumatic brain injury experienced issues with the temporomandibular joint more frequently. Additionally, TBI patients with headaches had a greater frequency of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Therefore, it is advised to check for temporomandibular joint dysfunction in traumatic brain injury patients during follow-up. In addition, the presence of headache in traumatic brain injury patients may be a stimulant for temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Evidence of Improvement of Lower Limb Functioning Using Hydrotherapy on Spinal Cord Injury Patients

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating problem for modern society, whether it affects young people in the most productive period of their lives or the elderly. The spinal cord injury is currently without curative treatment and the therapeutic intervention aims to minimize secondary complications and maximize residual function through rehabilitation medicine. The main objective of this scientific paper is to determine whether there is evidence in the literature regarding the importance and/or use of hydrotherapy, as part of the therapeutic management of the SCI patient, in order to decrease the degree of spasticity, of pain symptoms, increase or maintain range of motion, improve respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic status, as well as improve function and psychological benefits.

METHODS

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedures, the following databases were analyzed between 2000 and 2021: Pub Med, Pub Med Central, Science Direct, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Initial keywords: rehabilitation treatment, spinal cord injury. Additional keywords: hydrotherapy, aqua therapy, spasticity, human. For the scientific quality of the included articles, risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black Appraisal Modified Scale.

RESULTS

Our research used only four publications as per PRISMA protocol, assessed with Downs and Black Scale. The study models used in the individual studies included in the research are the following: two systematic reviews, one experimental non-randomized control, and one individual semi-structured interview. Due to the low number of studies, despite two of them being reviews, there is the necessity for a more standardized methodology to prove the benefits hydrotherapy for SCI patients for the improvement of lower limb functioning.

CONCLUSION

Hydrotherapy is an important component of the treatment of an SCI patient, despite the limited number of scientific studies that support this aspect. Clinical trials in the future are required.

The preliminary efficacy of virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment (Echo app v2.0) in patients with alcohol use disorders: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common substance use disorders. People with AUD are in great need of highly accessible and comprehensive management, involving medicine, exercise, and psychotherapy. However, due to limited resources, providing comprehensive treatment for every patient is challenging. Virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment can improve the accessibility of comprehensive management.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial aims to test whether the virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment (Echo-app-v2.0) plus treatment as usual (TAU) has greater efficacy than only TAU in AUD.

Methods

One hundred participants with AUD will be recruited and randomly assigned to either TAU or virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment plus TAU based on the 1:1 ratio. The virtual agent-assisted intelligent rehabilitation treatment is delivered by the Echo app v2.0 developed by our research team. Participants will be assessed at baseline, week 4 of treatment, one month, and three months after the end of treatment. The primary outcome is the participants' craving for alcohol, measured by Visual Analogue Scale. Other outcomes include the use of alcohol, motivation for treatment, coping style, depression, anxiety, impulsivity, stress, and sleep quality.

Discussion

The virtual agent, with vivid human image, high privacy, and the ability to interact with users, has the potential to play an important role in the delivery of digital psychotherapy. The development of Echo app v2.0 has the possibility to raise the availability of comprehensive treatment for people with AUD.

Highlighting the Benefits of Rehabilitation Treatments in Hip Osteoarthritis

Background and objectives: Due to its frequency and possible complications, hip arthrosis or hip osteoarthritis (hip OA) has a high social impact, its advanced stages eventually leading to irreversible lesions involving major complications or surgery. In the early stages, conservative treatment plays a key role in the prophylaxis of complications and in slowing down the degenerative process. The association between an appropriate drug therapy (DT) and a rehabilitation treatment (RT)—including individualized physical therapy (PT) and adapted occupational therapy (OT)—provides good results. Our objective was to highlight the benefits of associating RT with DT in patients with hip OA. Materials and Methods: An observational follow-up study was conducted between 2018−2021, which included 100 patients with hip OA divided into two groups: the study group—group A (50 subjects who complied with RT) and the control group—group B (who did not comply with RT). To evaluate them, the evolution of the Lequesne hip index (LHI), Tinetti test (TT) and the hip joint mobility: flexion (FH) and abduction (AH) were monitored before the beginning of the study (T0) and after one-year (T1) for each patient. The mean values of the parameters, the standard deviations, the frequency intervals, as well as the tests of statistical significance were calculated using the Student method (t-test) and χ2, ANOVA (Bonferroni) being used to compare the means. Results: Compared to the evolution of group B, improvements were observed in group A, as follows: in LHI group A (p = 0.023) vs. group B (p = 0.650); in TT group A (p = 0.011) vs. group B (p < 0.001); in FH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p = 0.025); in AH group A (p = 0.001) vs. group B (p < 0.001). BMI changes were non-significant in both groups A (p = 0.223) and B (p = 0.513). Evaluating group A, the most significant improvements of the studied parameters were observed in the age group 41−50 years. Conclusions: The study reveals the benefits of combining RT with DT in patients with especially early-stage hip OA, aged up to 50 years old.

Qingjin Yiqi granules for post-COVID-19 condition: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Qingjin Yiqi granules (QJYQ) on post-COVID-19 condition (PCC).

METHOD

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups, the QJYQ group received QJYQ combined with standard rehabilitation treatments (SRTs) and the control group only received SRTs. The treatment course was 14 days. The primary outcomes were modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale and Borg scale, while the secondary outcomes included symptoms score and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD). The safety outcome was the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 388 patients with PCC were enrolled and randomly assigned to the QJYQ group (n = 194) and the control group (n = 194). Compared to the controls, the mMRC scale was improved in the QJYQ group, which was better than that of the control group [β (95%CI): -0.626 (-1.101, -0.151), p = 0.010]. A significant improvement in Borg scale was also observed in the QJYQ group compared to the control group [β (95%CI): -0.395(-0.744, -0.046), p = 0.026]. There was no statistically significant difference in symptoms score and 6MWD between the two groups (p = 0.293, p = 0.724). No treatment-related adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

QJYQ can bring benefits to patients with PCC, mainly in the improvement of breathlessness and fatigue.

[Dynamics of recovery of cognitive deficit in patients in the early recovery period of ischemic stroke]

OBJECTIVE

Study of the effectiveness of the use of the drug Ampasse in the process of complex rehabilitation in patients in the early recovery period of ischemic stroke at the second (stationary) stage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 60 patients, 28 women and 32 men, aged 43 to 76 years (mean - 58.4±9.1 years), in the recovery period after suffering a stroke in the period from 1 to 12 months (on average - 4.7±3.5 months). All patients received complex rehabilitation, patients of the 1st group received additional intravenous injections of the drug Ampasse 25 mg (5.0 ml), 15 injections. Patients of the 2nd group (n 0) did not receive Ampasse. To assess cognitive functions, the following tests were used: the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Stroop's test, subtest 9 of the Wechsler test, Koos cubes (CC), the severity of anxiety and depression was assessed, and motor recovery was assessed by the hand motor activity test (ARAT). The assessment was carried out before the start of treatment and on the 21st day.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant increase in the score on the MoCA scale, in patients of the 1st group by an average of 2 points, in the 2nd group there was no significant dynamics, a statistically significant difference was found in the proportion of patients who had an increase in the MoCA index after the course of treatment in the 1st group. compared with the 2nd (χ² - 22.528, p<0.001). Decreased the level of rigidity according to the Stroop test in patients of the 1st group compared with the 2nd (χ² - 8.297, p=0.004). The number of patients who showed positive dynamics in the Koos cubes test in the 1st group was statistically significantly higher (χ²- 4.344, p=0.038). A statistically significant decrease in the level of depression was revealed in patients of the 1st group. The number of patients with improved motor function of the hand was greater in the 1st group of MG (χ² - 4.286, p<0.039).

CONCLUSION

In patients in complex therapy receiving intravenous administration of the drug Ampasse at a dose of 25 mg (5.0 ml) 15 administrations, a statistically significant improvement in cognitive functions was revealed according to MoCA tests, Stroop test, Koos Cubes, when compared with the comparison group. The use of Ampasse increased the effectiveness of cognitive and motor rehabilitation in patients with post-stroke disorders.

Analysis of influencing factors of rehabilitation treatment effect in patients with first-episode stroke

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influencing factors of rehabilitation treatment effect in patients with first-episode stroke and provide a theoretical basis for clinical practice.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients with first-episode stroke who received rehabilitation treatment in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Frenchay Activity Scale (FAS) were used to evaluate the rehabilitation treatment effect. Spearman rank correlation analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship between the data characteristics and rehabilitation treatment effect, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent factors influencing the rehabilitation treatment effect in the first-episode stroke group.

RESULTS

In this study, 786 cases of 873 patients with first-episode stroke were included, with an effective inclusion rate of 90.0%. Univariate analysis showed that MBI and FAS scores were statistically different among patients with different ages, history of hypertension, the number of residual symptoms, depression status, attitude towards rehabilitation, starting time of rehabilitation, rehabilitation treatment duration, and family environment scores (all P<0.05). According to the Spearman rank correlation analysis, age, residual symptoms, depressive status, and starting time of rehabilitation were all negatively correlated with MBI score (r = -0.584, -0.683, -0.573, -0.783) and FAS score (r = -0.438, -0.771, -0.552, -0.599), while the scores of MBI (r = 0.683, 0.572, 0.662) and FAS (r = 0.735, 0.603, 0.724) were positively correlated with the scores of rehabilitation treatment attitude, rehabilitation treatment duration and family environment (all P<0.05). Moreover, according to multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, the number of remaining symptoms, depression status, attitude towards rehabilitation treatment, starting time of rehabilitation treatment, rehabilitation treatment duration, and family environment score could independently affect MBI and FAS scores of patients with stroke (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Age, the number of residual symptoms, depression status, attitude towards rehabilitation treatment, starting time of rehabilitation treatment, rehabilitation treatment duration, and family environment score are independent factors for rehabilitation treatment effect in patients with first-episode stroke.

[Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on promoting wake-up of vegetative state after brain injury]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on promoting wake-up of vegetative state after brain injury on the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation training.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with vegetative state after brain injury were randomly divided into an observation group (50 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (50 cases). Both groups were treated with routine clinical treatment. The patients in the control group were treated with rehabilitation and hyperbaric oxygen; on the basis of the control group treatment, the patients in the observation group were treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Chize (LU 5), Weizhong (BL 40), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3). The acupuncture was given once a day, 5 days per week, for continuous 30 days. The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) scores were observed before treatment and 10, 20 and 30 days into treatment. The wake-up rate of the two groups was compared after treatment.

RESULTS

On 10, 20 and 30 days into treatment, the GCS and CRS-R scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the wake-up rate was 16.7% (8/48) in the observation group, which was higher than 12.0% (6/50) in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation and wake-up promotion therapy, the Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture could promote the recovery of consciousness level in patients with vegetative state after brain injury.

Intensive intervention for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: comparison of three rehabilitation treatments

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions, characterised by difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours and interests. There are several rehabilitative interventions for individuals with ASD but the evidence of their effectiveness is low or moderate overall. The transition phase of ASD individuals from adolescence to adulthood represents an important challenge. Adults with ASD struggle to access employment or independent living.

METHODS

In our study, we evaluated the effect of three different high-intensity interventions, namely Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and Behavioural Educational Intervention (BEI), in 93 ASD (levels 2 and 3) adolescents (age range 12-18 years).

RESULTS

Our results showed that all adolescents with ASD reported an improvement of core symptoms, regardless of the type of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A high intensity intervention ameliorates the core symptoms of ASD, enriching evidence of effectiveness regarding adolescents with ASD.KEY POINTSIndividuals with ASD need lifespan support and they struggle to access employment, independent living and community inclusion.There are several rehabilitative interventions for individuals with ASD but the evidence of their effectiveness in adolescents is insufficient.The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible enhancement produced by three intensive interventions (ABA, TEACCH, BEI) of symptom severity and adaptive functions.Results show that independently of the treatment, individuals with ASD decrease in ASD severity.Individuals who were treated with the BEI and TEACCH programmes reported improvements in the adaptive domains.

[Aging foot syndrome: patients screening and routing.]

The article proves that when providing medical and social care to patients of older age groups, it is advisable to pay attention not only to the patients' somatic and geriatric status, but also to perform screening of local geriatric syndromes that affect the patients' functional status, such as, in particular, aging foot syndrome. Implementation of rehabilitation treatment measures that we propose allows to maintain the patients' mobility level and consequently their general functional capability level and quality of life.

Rehabilitation Treatment of Motor Dysfunction Patients Based on Deep Learning Brain-Computer Interface Technology

In recent years, brain-computer interface (BCI) is expected to solve the physiological and psychological needs of patients with motor dysfunction with great individual differences. However, the classification method based on feature extraction requires a lot of prior knowledge when extracting data features and lacks a good measurement standard, which makes the development of BCI. In particular, the development of a multi-classification brain-computer interface is facing a bottleneck. To avoid the blindness and complexity of electroencephalogram (EEG) feature extraction, the deep learning method is applied to the automatic feature extraction of EEG signals. It is necessary to design a classification model with strong robustness and high accuracy for EEG signals. Based on the research and implementation of a BCI system based on a convolutional neural network, this article aims to design a brain-computer interface system that can automatically extract features of EEG signals and classify EEG signals accurately. It can avoid the blindness and time-consuming problems caused by the machine learning method based on feature extraction of EEG data due to the lack of a large amount of prior knowledge.

Application of vocal organ correction combined with language training in the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy and language disorder

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect of vocal organ correction combined with language training on the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and language disorder.

METHODS

A total of 98 children with CP and language disorder were divided into two groups (49 cases in each group) using a random number table: the control group and the test group. The control group was given language training alone, while the test group received vocal organ correction combined with language training. The changes in language function classification, efficacy, and family satisfaction before and after the treatments were compared.

RESULTS

A significant difference was identified in language function classification between the two groups before and after treatment (P<0.05). The language function classification of the two groups was also significantly different after treatment (P<0.05), as was the distribution of clinical efficacy between the two groups (P<0.05). The total effective rate for the test group was 91.84%, which was higher than the 73.47% for the control group (P<0.05). Family satisfaction between the two groups differed significantly (P<0.05), and the total satisfaction rate of families in the test group was 87.76%, which was higher than the 69.39% in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Vocal organ correction combined with language training can improve the language function of children with CP and language disorder, has ideal efficacy, and can also enhance family satisfaction during rehabilitation.

Communicative and swallowing disorders in anoxic patients: A retrospective study on clinical outcomes and performance measures

BACKGROUND

Anoxic brain injury (ABI) is a neurological condition associated to a severe deterioration of brain functioning, whose symptomatology and clinical outcomes may be heterogeneous: cognitive deficits, language disorders like dysarthria and swallowing impairments. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of information on the rehabilitation outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the occurrence of communication and swallowing deficits in 37 ABI patients and to examine whether intensive rehabilitation may contribute to any improvements and its relation to ABI severity and functional autonomy.

METHODS

37 patients, hospitalized at IRCCS San Camillo Hospital from 2011 to 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients completed a functional evaluation and a language and swallowing assessment, within one week from hospital admission (T0). The assessment was repeated after an intensive rehabilitation treatment (T1).

RESULTS

Results show that dysphagia is a frequent and severe outcome in anoxic patients, whereas communication disorders (aphasia and dysarthria) are less severe. Moreover, ABI patients seem to be positively sensitive to an intensive rehabilitation program.

CONCLUSIONS

An early multidisciplinary management of communicative-linguistic and swallowing functions is crucial in order to prevent adverse events and to plan a tailored rehabilitation pathway.

Clinical remission of myopathy with MYH2 deficiency after precision medicine-developed rehabilitation: a case report

Here, we describe the case of a motor developmental disorder associated with intellectual disability accompanied by MYH2 mutations (c.2266G>A and c.4258C>T) in a female child in China. Her initial detailed functional rehabilitation evaluation gauged motor skills, balance, verbal language, and daily living skills. A general therapy plan was then established to enhance balance, muscle strength in the lower extremities, walking, gross and fine motor function, and family education. Clinicians and therapists later modified her rehabilitation regimen after her MYH2 mutations were identified by adding specific mobility and endurance exercise to the original plan. The clinical remission of myopathy with MYH2 missense mutations was observed in the patient after this targeted rehabilitation, indicating that precision therapy is very effective for developing a suitable rehabilitation program for patients with unexplained myopathies.

Joint versus separate inpatient rehabilitation treatment for patients with alcohol use disorder or drug use disorder: an observational study

Background

In many national treatment systems, patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and those with drug use disorders (DUD) are treated separately, while other systems provide joint treatment for both kinds of substance use disorders (SUDs). Regarding long-term rehabilitation treatment of DUD and AUD patients, there is however a lack of empirical studies on the comparison between a separate versus joint treatment modality.

Methods

Data were gathered from 2 rehabilitation units located in small towns from the same German region. One unit provided treatment to a mixed group of AUD and DUD patients, while the other unit treated the 2 groups separately. Staffing, funding, and treatment programs were otherwise similar between facilities. Data were gathered from standardized routine documentation and standardized interviews. In order to understand correlates of premature treatment termination, a logistic regression analysis was performed, with treatment modality and type of SUD as main predictors, and a range of patient characteristics as covariates.

Results

Patients (N=319) were diagnosed with AUD (48%), DUD (34%), or AUD plus DUD (18%). Patients in joint treatment showed a higher prevalence of lapses during treatment than those in separate treatment (26% versus 12%; p=0.009), but there was no significant difference in the prevalence of premature terminations (38% versus 44%, p=0.26). Treatment modality and interaction between modality and type of SUD was not significantly associated with premature termination. Joint treatment completers showed higher satisfaction with treatment than separate treatment completers (p<0.001).

Conclusion

We found no evidence here for a difference between treatment modalities in terms of premature termination rate. Satisfaction level was higher in those who completed joint treatment compared to separate treatment.

[Therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy between the combined treatment with acupuncture and rehabilitation training and the combined treatment with low-frequency electrical therapy and rehabilitation training and to explore its more effective therapy, using the ultrasonographic examination.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients of dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The rehabilitation treatment was provided in the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group, acupuncture was used at the three-tongue points [Shanglianquan (Extra), located in the depression between the lingual bone and the border of lower jaw, 1 cun inferior to the midline of the jaw; and the other two points, located at 0.8 cun bilateral to Shanglianquan (Extra)], bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and Fengfu (GV 16). After arrival of qi, the last two tongue-points were stimulated with electricity, with disperse-dense wave, periodically at 2 Hz, 10 Hz and 100 Hz, at the interval of 3 s, lasting for 30 min. Bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) was stimulated with electricity, with disperse-dense wave and the same frequency as above, lasting for 30 min. In the control group, the low-frequency electrical stimulation was adopted. The electrodes were placed on the bilateral sides of the midline of the throat, 30 min each time. The treatment was for 1 month in the two groups, once a day. The scores of the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and the videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) were observed and the reducing rate of the hyoid-thyroid cartilage distance was determined with ultrasound quantitative measure.

RESULTS

After treatment, SSA scores of the two groups were all lower than those before treatment and VFSS scores were higher than those before treatment (all P<0.05). The above scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both P<0.05). The reducing rates of the hyoid-thyroid cartilage distance were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.05). The result in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The treatments with acupuncture and rehabilitation training or with the low-frequency electrical therapy and rehabilitation obtain the effects on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy in the patients. The effects of the combined treatment with acupuncture and rehabilitation training are better. The ultrasonographic technology effectively and quantitatively analyzes the changes in the glossopharyngeal complex in the patients of dysphagia.

[An essential negative effect of a family history of substance use on readiness for drug dependence rehabilitation treatment in inpatients with addictions]

AIM

To reveal objective factors predicting the readiness of inpatient drug treatment patients to undergo a rehabilitation program.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a retrospective comparative study, drug-dependent individuals (n=199, 16.6% females, 83.4% men, 91.5% opioid-dependent) were studied. After conducting motivational activities based on cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, the premorbid, anamnestic, clinical, socio-demographic characteristics of patients were studied as possible predictors of readiness for rehabilitation using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Family history of substance use reduced the probability of readiness for rehabilitation by >4,5 times (p<0.0001, Exp (B) = 4.577, CI 95% [2.0556, 10.190]). The influence of other factors was weaker and manifested itself only with their combinations (female sex + use of several psychoactive drugs; intravenous drug injection + polydrug addiction; non-remission course of disease + family history of substance use) which increased the likelihood of readiness for rehabilitation. There was no effect of social/demographic variables.

CONCLUSION

Family history of substance use significantly reduces the likelihood of readiness for rehabilitation. The clinical severity of the disease, on the other hand, increases the chances of readiness. Patients with a family history of substance use represent a specific group of patients requiring maximum efforts in the process of motivation for rehabilitation.

A Qualitative Exploration of Social Support during Treatment for Severe Alcohol Use Disorder and Recovery

Introduction

Severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects multiple aspects of an individual's life as well as their loved ones' lives. Perceived social support has the potential to help or hinder recovery efforts.

Methods

In this analysis we seek to understand the changes of social networks among individuals with severe AUD (n = 33) throughout their recovery process and the potential relationship between the quality and nature of those networks and sustained sobriety as they transition from an inpatient research facility providing rehabilitation treatment back to the community. Interviews were conducted in 2014 and 2015. We conducted in-depth thematic analysis of themes related to social support using an exploratory approach.

Results

The most common types of social support mentioned in both inpatient and outpatient settings were instrumental and emotional. Participants most frequently mentioned Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), an abstinence-based support system, as a source of support and often used the inpatient program as an exemplar when describing their ideal social networks.

Conclusion

These data provide insight into the complexity of the issues and barriers that individuals in recovery may be facing across “transition periods.” From an intervention standpoint, it may be beneficial to focus on helping people choose environments and their accompanying social contexts and networks that are most conducive to recovery. Further elucidating the concept of social support and its role in recovery could provide information on unique needs of individuals and guide clinicians in engaging patients to develop new or sustain healthy existing social networks that result in continued sobriety.

•

Individuals with AUD cited varying types/sources of social support in recovery.

•

Participants outlined social network-related barriers to sustained sobriety.

•

Understanding social support/networks provides insight into the recovery process.

Risk profiles of treatment noncompletion for inpatients and outpatients undergoing alcohol disorder rehabilitation treatment

Background

Rehabilitation treatment noncompletion is considered a risk factor for long term relapse in alcohol-dependent individuals. The aim of this analysis of in- and outpatients in alcohol dependence rehabilitation in Germany is to identify social, mental, and somatic risk profiles for treatment noncompletion.

Methods

A total of 92 individuals from an outpatient program and 303 individuals from two inpatient rehabilitation treatment units in three different locations in Germany were recruited and assessed with a structured interview and several measures of psychopathology (personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity) at treatment admission, with termination at 12 months follow-up. Participants were subdivided into treatment completers and noncom-pleters for any reason.

Results

A total of 10.2% of inpatients and 16.1% of outpatients did not complete treatment. Compared with treatment completers, noncompleters had a significantly lower rate of continuous abstinence at 1-year follow-up, more recent alcohol consumption before admission, and a higher rate of borderline personality disorders. Among inpatients, an elevated rate of lifetime mental disorders, depression, and suicide attempts was found among treatment noncompleters; among outpatients, treatment noncompleters were more often than completers to be married but live separated.

Conclusion

Rates of treatment noncompletion in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs correspond to results from previous research. Noncompletion is a significant correlate of relapse 1 year after treatment, and noncompleters show an elevated level of psychopathology. These findings may help rehabilitation treatment facilities to tailor specific therapies for these individuals to reduce risk for treatment noncompletion.