Search Results
Background: There are various factors affecting the use of prostheses. This study was aimed to examine satisfaction, psychological state, quality of life, and the factors affecting these in individuals who use prostheses because of lower-extremity amputation.
Methods: Sixty-three patients were included in this study. Demographic data and features related amputation and prosthesis were recorded. Quality of life was evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), anxiety and depression levels were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), body image was evaluated by the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), prosthesis satisfaction was evaluated with the Prosthesis Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and the relationship between them was examined.
Results: There was a positive correlation between all HADS scores, NHP-emotional reactions, NHP-sleep, NHP-social isolation, NHP-total, and ABIS (P < .05). A negative correlation was found between HADS-anxiety and PSQ results (r = –0.394, P = .003). A positive correlation was found between HADS-depression scores and NHP-pain, NHP-emotional reactions, NHP-social isolation, NHP-total, and ABIS (P < .05); and a negative correlation was found with PSQ questionnaire scores (r = –0.427, P = .001). There was a positive correlation between HADS-total scores and all parameters except NHP-energy level and ABIS (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between ABIS and all parameters except NHP-energy level (P < .05). A negative correlation was found between PSQ and NHP-social isolation, NHP-physical activity, and NHP-total scores (r = –0.312, P = 0.019; r = –0.312, P = .019; and r = –0.277, P = .039, respectively). The presence of residual extremity pain was found to be an effective factor on the psychological state (β = 0.429, P = .001). The presence of residual limb pain and phantom pain were found to be effective factors on the prosthesis satisfaction (β = –0.41, P = .001; and β = –0.406, P = .001, respectively). The presence of residual extremity pain and anxiety level were found independent risk factors on the NHP (β = –0.401, P = .006; and β = –0.445, P = .006, respectively).
Conclusions: Individuals using prostheses because of lower-extremity amputation should be examined in detail from various perspectives.
Effect of Excessive Body Weight on Foot Arch Changes in Preschoolers
A 2-Year Follow-up Study
Background
A stable standing posture, and effective and aesthetic gait, depend heavily on correct anatomical construction of the feet, thanks to which they can play their important role. The shape and height of the foot arches are already formed in the preschool and early school years; therefore, abnormalities and disorders in children's feet, and correlations between foot formation and somatic build, are still crucial and interesting issues for orthopedists, pediatricians, physiotherapists, and podiatrists. This study deals with changes in the height of the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot in 4- to 6-year-old children.
Methods
A total of 102 boys and 105 girls took part in a 24-month study in which their body weight, height, body mass index, and Clarke's and gamma angles were measured. The analysis also focused on correlations among sex, nutritional status, and changes in foot arch height.
Results
It was discovered that sex did not considerably affect Clarke's and gamma angle values. However, it was found that between ages 4 and 6 years, the proportion of overweight and obese boys and girls increased, and the medial longitudinal arch of the foot had a tendency to collapse in those with excessive body weight. The effect of nutritional status on the transverse arch of the foot is rather dubious.
Conclusions
In light of these findings, therapeutic programs for preventing foot deformities in children should also focus on body weight control.
Assessment Plan for Student Academic Achievement
One College’s Perspective
The general public has become increasingly concerned about the accomplishments of education. Accrediting bodies are holding institutions of higher education accountable for educational services and are demanding a variety of assessment activities. This article presents the plan for assessment of student achievement at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 102(6): 529–534, 2012)
