Volume 15, Issue 1

Spectral analysis (SA) has been extensively applied to the assessment of heart rate variability. Traditional methods require the transformation of the original non-uniformly spaced electrocardiogram RR interval series into regularly spaced ones using interpolation or other approaches. The Lomb-Scargle (L-S) method uses the raw original RR series, avoiding different artifacts introduced by traditional SA methods, but it has been scarcely used in clinical settings. An RR series was recorded from 120 healthy participants (17–25 years) of both genders during a resting condition using four SA methods, including the Classic modified periodogram, the Welch procedure, the autoregressive Burg method and the L-S method. The efficient implementation of the L-S algorithm with the added possibility of the application of a set of options for the RR series pre-processing developed by Eleuteri et al., and also the results obtained in this study, show that the L-S method can be a good choice for future clinical studies. The L-S method seems particularly useful when the heart rates of studied participants will be below 60 or over 120 beats per minute. Nevertheless, it is important to the development of a smoothing procedure for the L-S spectra to avoid the picky behavior of the L-S power spectrum. The implementation of the L-S algorithm used in this study has been recently published by other authors included in our references, and brings some particular filtering features. The results obtained, comparing the four spectral methods, show that this implementation seems particularly useful when the heart rates of studied participants will be below 60 or over 120 beats per minute. Nevertheless, it is important to recommend for all existing L-S software implementations, the development of a smoothing procedure to avoid the picky behavior of the L-S power spectrum.

Background: The behavior analytic method of functional analysis (FA) is a process for identifying behavior-environment functional relations. Some research indicates the use of FA procedures to determine the environmental factors that maintain odd or inappropriate verbal behavior. The current study demonstrates the use of an FA to identify environmental influences on repetitive verbal behavior for an adult with acquired brain injury (ABI). Methods: A brief FA of repetitive verbal behavior was conducted in an outpatient program for individuals with ABI. Four conditions were alternated in a multielement single-case experimental design. Data were collected across conditions to determine if specific contextual variables differentially influenced the occurrence of repetitive verbal behavior. Results: Data revealed increased occurrences of repetitive verbal behavior in a test condition that included contingent attention. Conclusions: Specific environmental factors were identified as sources of control for repetitive verbal behavior. The results of this case report support the use of FA for repetitive verbal behavior exhibited by individuals with ABI.

The study aimed to analyze the impact of school participation on quality of life of Brazilian children with cerebral palsy. Participants of the study were primary caregivers of children with CP: 39 caregivers of children not attending regular or special school and 74 caregivers of children attending regular or special school. Children with CP, including males and females, were between 4 and 12 years old. Data collection was carried out through individual interviews and application of the questionnaire Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life Questionnaire for Children CP QOL-Child (4–12 years). There was a significant difference in quality of life between the group of children attending school and the group not attending school for the Functioning Domains (p=0.0014), participation and physical health (p=0.0277) and emotional well-being (p=0.05). The worst score was obtained for the pain and impact of disability domain and impact of disability for both groups. We also found significant difference in the distribution of quality of life between genders. The results indicated that the opportunity to experience school has a positive impact on the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy in relation to functioning, participation and physical health and emotional well-being, regardless of gender and age.

Background: According to a new report by the World Bank and the World Health Organization, persons with disabilities currently constitute 15% of the world’s population, and most of these persons live in rural areas in developing countries. Many of these persons lack equal access to health care, education, job opportunities and other necessary services. One of the challenges to independence and use of public spaces is a lack of attention to physical activity and mobility needs. Methods: To evaluate the association between physical activity and chronic disease and function outcome, 82 subjects with physical disabilities were given the Physical Activity questionnaire for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD). The PASIPD consists of 13 items: six leisure time activities, six household activities and one Work-related activity. Leisure activities include walking and wheeling outside the home other than specifically for exercise as well as light, moderate and strenuous sport and recreation exercise to increase muscle strength and endurance. Household activities include light and heavy housework, home repair, lawn work, outdoor garden, caregiving for another person and occupational activity other than office work. Results: In general, PASIPD scores differed significantly and in the expected direction between groups differing by age and levels of self-rated health and self-rated physical activity. Differences also existed in PASIPD total or subcategory scores by gender, type of disability and presence or absence of attendant care. Conclusions: A sufficiently physically active lifestyle would be beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities, who are on average more sedentary than the general population. There is a need for a reliable and valid measure of physical activity for research in this specific population, and this scale is useful for evaluating associations between physical activity and chronic disease and functional outcomes.

Background: Approximately two-thirds of stroke survivors have sequel of neurological impairments. Although all sequels have direct impact on the performance of activities of daily living, motor deficits of the lower limbs have the most important impact on an individual’s functioning. The objective was to study the effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique on lower limb performance in subjects with subacute stroke. Methods: Thirteen participants with subacute strokes were recruited. Participants were treated with PNF rhythmic stabilization technique. All participants received 10 days of intervention. Treatment sessions consisted of PNF rhythmic stabilization exercises for knee that utilizes alternating isometric contractions of agonist and antagonist against resistance. Lower limb performances were measured with Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile, Five Time Sit To Stand Test and Postural Assessment Scale For Stroke. Results: Lower limb performances were improved after 10 days of intervention as compared to baseline assessment in all the outcome measures. Conclusions: This study suggests that the rhythmic stabilization technique is an effective method to improve lower limb function that can be used as an adjunct with other therapies.

The present study is an extension of past research profiling 34 Korean early childhood educators’ observed behavior support strategies in natural settings. Data regarding their self-reported strategy profiles were additionally collected and compared to their observed strategy profiles. Discrepancies were found between teachers’ reported and observed strategies. Teachers reported that they implemented precorrection and behavioral-specific praise more often than redirection or reprimand/punishment. However, they were observed implementing redirection more often than precorrection and behavioral-specific praise was least frequently implemented. Furthermore, no correlations were found between teachers’ observed and reported strategies. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Aim : This study aimed to translate the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) II Survey Form into Hindi and then adapt and use it in evaluating 3–9 year-old Indian children. Methods: The VABS II was translated to Hindi and its reliability and validity were checked. Then, it was used in a sample of 3–9 year-old children. Adaptive behavior composite (ABC) Scores, domain standard scores (DSS) and maladaptive-v scores (MBI) were compared. Results : Out of 433 items, 44 (10.16%) needed adaptation but no satisfactory adaptation could be made for 16 (3.6%). The adapted instrument was proven reliable and valid. Significant differences were found in all domains (except MBI) with higher scores for urban vs. rural children, school-goer vs. non-school-goer, working vs. housewife mothers and higher socioeconomic status (SES), but not between children of joint and nuclear families. Motor development significantly correlated with weight-for-age percentage, which in turn, correlated to the variables studied. Conclusions: The VABS was satisfactorily translated and adapted for Indian children. In addition, it was found that socioeconomic status significantly affected the social development.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a connection between the weather and the capacity of people with severe disabilities to undertake physical activity, their mental disposition and the occurrence of the epileptic seizures. Methods: The observation was carried out on a group of ten male subjects with severe intellectual disabilities. The observation of the persons was carried out by three pedagogues. The method of direct observation was used in the research. Results: In the course of the conducted studies, a dependence between physical activity and temperature, atmospheric pressure and atmospheric humidity was discovered. Conclusion: The mental disposition and physical activity of the people with severe intellectual disabilities showed a dependence on the temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Background: Apert syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome that is usually associated with intellectual disability. There is still limited knowledge about the syndrome’s cognitive-linguistic characteristics. Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the language and nonverbal abilities of two children (twins) with Apert syndrome aged 8.6 years, and to examine whether their scores on the language and nonverbal measurements fall within the average range. The Λ-α-Τ-ω, a psychometric instrument that measures language competence, the Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability and the Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices were used for assessment purposes. Results: According to the results, both children failed to give correct responses on the subtests measuring the phonological aspect of language. Moreover, the performances of both children on the nonverbal abilities measures tended to be below average. Conclusions: The need for additional studies to identify the cognitive-linguistic strengths and weaknesses related to the specific syndrome is underlined. Research-based knowledge on the behavioral phenotype and the phenotypic, in general, characteristics of this syndrome could lead to better intervention planning.

Background: Depression can be a major comorbidity in young people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although there is an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and cortisol concentrations in non-ASD children, relatively little is known about that relationship in children with an ASD, or whether there are development effects on the relationship. It is also unclear whether self-reports or parents’ reports of depression in these children are more closely associated with cortisol. Methods: Salivary cortisol from morning and afternoon, plus Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory responses for MDD, were collected from a sample of 139 boys with an ASD. Parents of these boys also provided ratings of their sons on the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory for MDD. Results: Afternoon cortisol was significantly correlated with total depression scores for younger boys but not for older boys. There were also significant differences between the parents’ and the boys’ ratings for five of the 10 MDD symptoms. Parents’ ratings of their sons’ MDD symptoms of irritability, feeling sad or depressed, and sleeping problems were significantly correlated with the boys’ cortisol concentrations. Both boys’ and their parents’ ratings for thoughts of death, feeling worthless, and concentration problems were significantly associated with the boys’ cortisol concentrations. Conclusion: A reliable assessment of MDD in young people with an ASD requires careful consideration of the relative validity of parents’ and children’s reports of the latter’s individual MDD symptomatology.

Teaching is one of the most stressful professions worldwide. This study aimed to explore how teachers cope with teaching – in regular classes – special education children who get some assistance through special integration programs in their schools but no additional assistance in their regular classes. More specifically, I examined coping strategies in two cultural groups of teachers – Jews and Arabs. Furthermore, I investigated how the different coping strategies explain stress reactions of state anxiety and state anger in the two cultures in the background of this special situation. Six hundred and thirty-four Jewish and Arab teachers (80% Jews) completed self-report questionnaires, including Cope, state anxiety and state anger in their free time during the period of November 2010 to January 2011. Significant differences were revealed among Jewish and Arab teachers in usage of coping strategies. Although both Jews and Arabs used mostly “problem solving” strategies, Jewish teachers used these strategies more compared to their Jewish counter-parts, while Arab teachers used more “emotional coping” and “disengagement” strategies. The relationships between the different coping strategies and stress reactions were mostly in the same direction for both groups. However, the strengths of the relationships were significantly different. The obtained variance of anxiety and anger by coping strategies was greater among Jewish teachers than among their Arabs counterparts. The results are discussed in relationship to the Stress and Coping Theory of Lazarus and Folkman. Emphasis is placed on the uniqueness of each culture and how each culture translates interaction with stressful situations into coping strategies.

Background: The present study investigated the association between the taxonomic, thematic and combined (taxonomic-thematic) conditions during the lexical decision task in Kannada-English speaking bilingual children. Further, the study explored the nature of categorization skills in typically developing Kannada-English speaking bilingual children with respect to the taxonomy and thematic aspects across gender. Methods: Considered for the study were 20 preschool children including ten boys and ten girls in the age range of 4–5 years. A total of 50 pictures, including ten target, ten taxonomically related, ten thematically related and 20 distracters were taken from an internet source. Three tasks were introduced to examine the association of the pictures based on taxonomic, thematic and combined conditions. For the first and second task (considered as Experiment I), the children were expected to relate pictures based on taxonomic relationship followed by thematic relationship in the second task. For the final task (Experiment II), both relationships (taxonomic and thematic) were given for each target picture, and the children were expected to relate it with either one of them. Responses were scored and statistically analyzed. Results: There was a significant difference in the performances between male and female children for the taxonomic condition but not for the other two tasks (i.e. thematic and combined conditions). The comparison across three conditions revealed that the performance of those children varied between the conditions. Further, on pair-wise comparison, there was a significant difference for both combined-thematic and combined-taxonomic conditions but not for taxonomic and thematic conditions. Conclusions: The study supports the phenomenon of “thematic to taxonomic shift”, which is found to be emerging in pre-school children. This occurs differently among male and female children. The preferences of thematic relation as opposed to taxonomic relation is highlighted in the present study.

The purpose of this study was to contribute to the literature on the promise of the Wilson Reading System (WRS) for students with disabilities. School professionals monitored the growth of students over time using curriculum-based measurements. Participants included 51 students (53% male, 47% female) from six schools (five elementary, one middle school); the vast majority (80%) qualified for free or reduced lunches. All students were receiving special education and related services, and most had either a learning disability or a language impairment (62%). Certified teachers implemented the WRS. Results demonstrated students had significant growth in their reading over time. Directions for future research and practical implications are discussed.

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a general education subject entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders” using the Student Feedback Questionnaire (SFQ) and student final grades in the subject in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A total of 1406 and 1283 students in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 academic years, respectively, completed the online SFQ. Results revealed that despite a slight decrease in student ratings in the second year, students generally expressed positive perceptions of the subject over 2 years regarding subject attributes, teacher attributes, and subject benefits. Results also showed consistent faculty differences in students’ satisfaction across 2 years. Students in the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles and the Faculty of Engineering had more positive evaluations for the subject compared with students from the Faculty of Construction and Environment. Significant relationships amongst the three dimensions of course evaluation as well as between course evaluation and students’ final grade in the subject were also observed. Students’ perception of teacher attributes was a significant predictor for their final grade. The present study demonstrates the favorable effects of the subject on students’ positive development over time.

Background: Persons with multiple (intellectual and sensory-motor) disabilities can have serious difficulties managing their independent engagement in leisure activities and communication, particularly with partners not present in their immediate environment. Methods: This study assessed two versions of a technology-aided program (involving a computer system to present leisure and communication options and a microswitch to choose among them) with four participants with multiple disabilities. Two participants used the first version of the program, which allowed them to choose among leisure (music) options. The other two participants used the second version of the program, which allowed them to choose among leisure (music and videos) and communication (telephone calls) options. Each program version was implemented according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants. Results: Data showed that both program versions were successful in helping the participants achieve the objectives pursued, that is, choose and access leisure or leisure and communication options independently. Conclusion: Technology-aided programs can enable persons with multiple disabilities to manage positive occupational engagement and communication.

Simultaneous, bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare pathology, commonly predisposed by trauma or systemic disorders. Diagnosis based on history, physical examination and plain films can be delayed in acute injury. We report a case of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture that was diagnosed with sonographic evaluation 6 weeks after the initial injury.

Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behavioral syndrome characterized by (a) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and (b) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. However, the etiology of autism in most cases remains unknown. Ketamine, an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) blocker, has been purported by some as a possible treatment for autism. This conclusion is premature. Here, we present a single case study in which a patient with a severe intellectual disability was said to have demonstrated a dramatic, albeit short-lived, remission of the core symptoms of autism following adventitious treatment with ketamine. Although this anecdote is encouraging, we argue that further analysis of ketamine as a treatment for autism is needed.