Vance Zemon | Clarkson University (original) (raw)
Papers by Vance Zemon
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oct 1, 2016
Interventions: Not Applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rehabilitation and Functional outcomes. R... more Interventions: Not Applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rehabilitation and Functional outcomes. Results: We identified 24 patients (one female and 23 male) which fulfill the inclusion criteria, The mean age of the 24 patient was 72.3 years SDAE6.3 (Range 66-90). The most common cause of injury was Cervical Myelopathy: 8 patients (33%). The second most common cause of injury was lumbar canal stenosis 7 (29%) patients and the motor vehicle accident constitute only 4 (16%) of the patients. The Hypertension in 18 (75.0%) patients and Diabetes Mellitus in14 (58.3%) patients was most common pre morbid conditions. The urinary tract infection in 8 (33.4%) patients was most common complication encounter during inpatient rehabilitation. The second most common complication encounter during inpatient rehabilitation was surgical site infection in 2 (8.4%)pts. The median hospital stay was 66.0 days'AE 13.9(14-360). All patients were discharged home. Patients without complication during inpatient rehabilitation have short length of stay (P<0.021) Higher score for FIM at admission (P<0.021) and FIM at discharge (P<0.035). Patients without complication during inpatient rehabilitation also achieve their FIM score which was set as their goal (P<0.055) Conclusions: In geriatric population cervical myelopathy and lumbar canal stenosis are the major cause of spinal cord injury leading to disability. Urinary tract infections and surgical site infections are the most common complication during inpatient rehabilitation. Preventing these complications by appropriate measure, higher functional independence can be achieved with shorter length of stay.
NeuroRehabilitation, 2019
BACKGROUND: While there is evidence of differences in the disease characteristics of multiple scl... more BACKGROUND: While there is evidence of differences in the disease characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) across ethnic and racial groups, there has been limited research on cognitive functioning. OBJECTIVE: To explore potential differences among Caucasian (CA), African-American (AA), and Hispanic (HA) adults from a clinical sample on the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS). METHODS: A total of 245 age-and disease duration-matched individuals (194 CA, 23 AA, and 28 HA) were included in the analyses. Their rates of impairment, using the criterion of two standard deviations (SD) below the normative mean, on the MACFIMS were compared using chi-square analyses with post-hoc pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni adjusted). RESULTS: Compared to CA, AA had higher rates of impairment on measures of complex attention (p < 0.001) and executive functions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise questions of whether the observed differences reflect the more aggressive disease course noted among AA or are due to discrepancies in performance on neuropsychological assessment that is associated with race/ethnicity in the general population. Future directions and implications are discussed.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2008
International Journal of MS Care, 2017
Background: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with MS and adversely affect function... more Background: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with MS and adversely affect functioning. Early detection of cognitive impairment, therefore, would enable earlier, and possibly more effective, treatment. We sought to compare self-reports with a short neuropsychological test as possible screening tools for cognitive impairment. Methods: One hundred patients with MS were tested with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis; z scores were used to derive the Cognitive Index (CI). Receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed, with criteria for impairment set at −1.5 and −2.0 SD below the mean. Scores from two self-reports (the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire–Patient Version and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version [BRIEF-A]) and a neuropsychological test (the Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT]) were entered as test variables. Exploratory regression analyses were conducted w...
Rehabilitation Psychology, 2019
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the development and validation of a personal ... more OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the development and validation of a personal growth scale in caregiving partners of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD Two studies were conducted: one to identify possible constructs and items, and another to and examine the instrument's psychometric properties. Study 1 consisted of focus groups of 39 partners of patients with MS, expert reviews, and qualitative methodology for identifying themes. In Study 2, the items generated were administered to a new sample (N = 315), and the instrument's psychometric properties were assessed. RESULTS Study 2 sample was suitable for principal component analysis (PCA), and PCA was performed with oblique rotation. A 6-component solution was deemed most parsimonious and interpretable. Subscales were formed and labeled as follows: Positivity, Appreciation, Acceptance, Insight, Independence, and Spirituality. Reliability analysis of the subscales showed acceptable to high internal consistency. A secondary PCA was performed on mean subscale scores. Five of the six subscales clustered together along one dimension, and the sixth, Spirituality, was found to be distinct as represented in a loading plot. This subscale was retained as an independent measure; the remaining subscale scores were summed to create a total score. Measures of convergent and discriminant validity evaluated against existing instruments yielded findings in the expected directions. CONCLUSIONS The dimensionality and structure of personal growth in caregiving partners of persons with MS were delineated in a novel instrument. Future studies should confirm its structure, establish classification criteria, and standardize it as an assessment tool. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2006
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2007
Journal of Psychiatry and Brain Science, 2020
Brain Injury, 2019
ABSTRACT Primary objective: To examine the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF... more ABSTRACT Primary objective: To examine the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) to treat emotional dysregulation in persons with acquired brain injury. Design: A secondary analysis of a quasi-experimental study which enrolled 13 individuals with severe chronic acquired brain injury participating in a community-based programme. Response-to-treatment was measured with two HRV resonance indices (low frequency activity [LF] and low frequency/high frequency ratio [LF/HF]). Main outcome: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-informant report (emotional control subscale [EC]). Results: Results show significant correlation between LF and EC with higher LF activity associated with greater emotional control; the association between LF/HF pre-post-change score and EC is not statistically significant. A moderation model, however, demonstrates a significant influence of attention on the relation between LF/HF change and EC when attention level is high, with an increase in LF/HF activity associated with greater emotional control. Conclusions: HRV-BF is associated with large increases in HRV, and it appears to be useful for the treatment of emotional dysregulation in individuals with severe acquired brain injury. Attention training may enhance an individual’s emotional control.
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 1994
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2016
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014
results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug ... more results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.016). The proportion of participants using drug pre-injury was greater in moderate-severe than in mild TBI, but there was no difference in postinjury use. Conclusions: Substance use declined in the early months following TBI but increased before the end of the first year. This was especially true for alcohol use in participants with mild injury. Given that substance use may alter recovery, prevention strategies need to be reinforced, even more so for individuals not getting inpatient rehabilitation.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014
results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use... more results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.016). The proportion of participants using drug pre-injury was greater in moderate-severe than in mild TBI, but there was no difference in postinjury use. Conclusions: Substance use declined in the early months following TBI but increased before the end of the first year. This was especially true for alcohol use in participants with mild injury. Given that substance use may alter recovery, prevention strategies need to be reinforced, even more so for individuals not getting inpatient rehabilitation.
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2013
Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that may affect ... more Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that may affect patients’ health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Objective: The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of sexual dysfunction on HrQoL in a large national sample using The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). Methods: Participants were recruited from a large MS registry, the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry. Participants self-reported demographic information and completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), MSISQ-19, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12). Results: The study population included 6183 persons (mean age: 50.6, SD = 9.6; 74.7% female, 42.3% currently employed). Using multivariate hierarchical regression analyses, all variables excluding gender predicted both the physical component summary (PCS-12) and the mental component summary (MCS-12) of the SF-12. Scores on the MSISQ-19 uniquely accoun...
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2001
Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with little publishe... more Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with little published research on effective treatments. This pilot study tested the efficacy of a counseling intervention in nine couples utilizing a quasi-experimental research design. The intervention consisted of 12 counseling sessions, communication with the MS medical treatment team, education, and tailoring symptomatic treatments so they interfere less with sexual function. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvements in affective and problem-solving communication, marital satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction during the treatment vs. the waiting list phase of the study (F=1.7, P5.001). MS patients and their spouses reported similar levels of improvement.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2014
The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) was designed to assess ... more The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) was designed to assess the perceived influence of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction. This study aimed to translate and validate the MSISQ-19 in women with MS in Iran. The translation of the original questionnaire was carried out in accordance with a standard forward-backward procedure. Then, a sample of 226 married women with MS completed the questionnaire. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s alpha coefficient. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparison with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing exploratory factor analyses. All patients underwent a full neurologic examination. MSISQ-19 score was the main outcome measure. The mean age of participants was 35.77 years (SD = 8.07), with mean disease duration of 1.84 years (SD = 0.79). Cronbach&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s alpha coefficient was 0.90 for total MSISQ-19 score, with values of 0.85, 0.90, and 0.78 for the subscales assessing primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual dysfunction, respectively. The principal component analysis indicated a three-factor solution, similar to that found in the original validation study, that explained 63.0% of the total variance for women with MS. Scores on the MSISQ-19 and its subscales correlated with scores on the FSFI, EDSS, and BDI-II (all P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). In general, the findings suggest that the MSISQ-19 is a reliable and valid measure of sexual function among Iranian women with MS. However, further studies are needed to establish psychometric properties for male MS patients in Iran.
Brain Injury, 2013
Primary objective: To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variabilit... more Primary objective: To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variability (HRV) through biofeedback and, if so, enhance its pattern to improve emotional regulation and problem-solving ability. Design: A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Thirteen individuals aged 23-63 years with severe brain injury (13-40 years post-onset) participating in a community-based programme were enrolled. Main outcomes: Response-to-treatment was measured with HRV indices, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A-Informant) and attention/problem-solving tests. Results: At post-treatment, HRV indices (Low Frequency/High Frequency [LF/HF] and coherence ratio) increased significantly. Increased LF/HF values during the second-half of a 10-minute session were associated with higher attention scores. Participants who scored better (by scoring lower) in informant ratings at pre-treatment had highest HRV scores at post-treatment. Accordingly, at post-treatment, families' ratings of participants' emotional control correlated with HRV indices; staffs' ratings of participants' working memory correlated with participants' HRV indices. Self-ratings of the BRIEF-A Task Monitoring scale at post-treatment correlated with family ratings at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Conclusions: Results demonstrate an association between regulation of emotions/cognition and HRV training. Individuals with severe, chronic brain injury can modify HRV through biofeedback. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of this approach for modifying behavioural problems.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2012
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oct 1, 2016
Interventions: Not Applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rehabilitation and Functional outcomes. R... more Interventions: Not Applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rehabilitation and Functional outcomes. Results: We identified 24 patients (one female and 23 male) which fulfill the inclusion criteria, The mean age of the 24 patient was 72.3 years SDAE6.3 (Range 66-90). The most common cause of injury was Cervical Myelopathy: 8 patients (33%). The second most common cause of injury was lumbar canal stenosis 7 (29%) patients and the motor vehicle accident constitute only 4 (16%) of the patients. The Hypertension in 18 (75.0%) patients and Diabetes Mellitus in14 (58.3%) patients was most common pre morbid conditions. The urinary tract infection in 8 (33.4%) patients was most common complication encounter during inpatient rehabilitation. The second most common complication encounter during inpatient rehabilitation was surgical site infection in 2 (8.4%)pts. The median hospital stay was 66.0 days'AE 13.9(14-360). All patients were discharged home. Patients without complication during inpatient rehabilitation have short length of stay (P<0.021) Higher score for FIM at admission (P<0.021) and FIM at discharge (P<0.035). Patients without complication during inpatient rehabilitation also achieve their FIM score which was set as their goal (P<0.055) Conclusions: In geriatric population cervical myelopathy and lumbar canal stenosis are the major cause of spinal cord injury leading to disability. Urinary tract infections and surgical site infections are the most common complication during inpatient rehabilitation. Preventing these complications by appropriate measure, higher functional independence can be achieved with shorter length of stay.
NeuroRehabilitation, 2019
BACKGROUND: While there is evidence of differences in the disease characteristics of multiple scl... more BACKGROUND: While there is evidence of differences in the disease characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) across ethnic and racial groups, there has been limited research on cognitive functioning. OBJECTIVE: To explore potential differences among Caucasian (CA), African-American (AA), and Hispanic (HA) adults from a clinical sample on the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS). METHODS: A total of 245 age-and disease duration-matched individuals (194 CA, 23 AA, and 28 HA) were included in the analyses. Their rates of impairment, using the criterion of two standard deviations (SD) below the normative mean, on the MACFIMS were compared using chi-square analyses with post-hoc pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni adjusted). RESULTS: Compared to CA, AA had higher rates of impairment on measures of complex attention (p < 0.001) and executive functions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise questions of whether the observed differences reflect the more aggressive disease course noted among AA or are due to discrepancies in performance on neuropsychological assessment that is associated with race/ethnicity in the general population. Future directions and implications are discussed.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2008
International Journal of MS Care, 2017
Background: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with MS and adversely affect function... more Background: Cognitive impairments are common in individuals with MS and adversely affect functioning. Early detection of cognitive impairment, therefore, would enable earlier, and possibly more effective, treatment. We sought to compare self-reports with a short neuropsychological test as possible screening tools for cognitive impairment. Methods: One hundred patients with MS were tested with the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis; z scores were used to derive the Cognitive Index (CI). Receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed, with criteria for impairment set at −1.5 and −2.0 SD below the mean. Scores from two self-reports (the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire–Patient Version and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version [BRIEF-A]) and a neuropsychological test (the Symbol Digit Modalities Test [SDMT]) were entered as test variables. Exploratory regression analyses were conducted w...
Rehabilitation Psychology, 2019
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the development and validation of a personal ... more OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe the development and validation of a personal growth scale in caregiving partners of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD Two studies were conducted: one to identify possible constructs and items, and another to and examine the instrument's psychometric properties. Study 1 consisted of focus groups of 39 partners of patients with MS, expert reviews, and qualitative methodology for identifying themes. In Study 2, the items generated were administered to a new sample (N = 315), and the instrument's psychometric properties were assessed. RESULTS Study 2 sample was suitable for principal component analysis (PCA), and PCA was performed with oblique rotation. A 6-component solution was deemed most parsimonious and interpretable. Subscales were formed and labeled as follows: Positivity, Appreciation, Acceptance, Insight, Independence, and Spirituality. Reliability analysis of the subscales showed acceptable to high internal consistency. A secondary PCA was performed on mean subscale scores. Five of the six subscales clustered together along one dimension, and the sixth, Spirituality, was found to be distinct as represented in a loading plot. This subscale was retained as an independent measure; the remaining subscale scores were summed to create a total score. Measures of convergent and discriminant validity evaluated against existing instruments yielded findings in the expected directions. CONCLUSIONS The dimensionality and structure of personal growth in caregiving partners of persons with MS were delineated in a novel instrument. Future studies should confirm its structure, establish classification criteria, and standardize it as an assessment tool. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2006
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2007
Journal of Psychiatry and Brain Science, 2020
Brain Injury, 2019
ABSTRACT Primary objective: To examine the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF... more ABSTRACT Primary objective: To examine the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) to treat emotional dysregulation in persons with acquired brain injury. Design: A secondary analysis of a quasi-experimental study which enrolled 13 individuals with severe chronic acquired brain injury participating in a community-based programme. Response-to-treatment was measured with two HRV resonance indices (low frequency activity [LF] and low frequency/high frequency ratio [LF/HF]). Main outcome: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-informant report (emotional control subscale [EC]). Results: Results show significant correlation between LF and EC with higher LF activity associated with greater emotional control; the association between LF/HF pre-post-change score and EC is not statistically significant. A moderation model, however, demonstrates a significant influence of attention on the relation between LF/HF change and EC when attention level is high, with an increase in LF/HF activity associated with greater emotional control. Conclusions: HRV-BF is associated with large increases in HRV, and it appears to be useful for the treatment of emotional dysregulation in individuals with severe acquired brain injury. Attention training may enhance an individual’s emotional control.
IFAC Proceedings Volumes, 1994
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2016
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014
results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug ... more results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.016). The proportion of participants using drug pre-injury was greater in moderate-severe than in mild TBI, but there was no difference in postinjury use. Conclusions: Substance use declined in the early months following TBI but increased before the end of the first year. This was especially true for alcohol use in participants with mild injury. Given that substance use may alter recovery, prevention strategies need to be reinforced, even more so for individuals not getting inpatient rehabilitation.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014
results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use... more results were found for high-risk alcohol use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.022) and drug use (time, p<.001; severity X time, pZ.016). The proportion of participants using drug pre-injury was greater in moderate-severe than in mild TBI, but there was no difference in postinjury use. Conclusions: Substance use declined in the early months following TBI but increased before the end of the first year. This was especially true for alcohol use in participants with mild injury. Given that substance use may alter recovery, prevention strategies need to be reinforced, even more so for individuals not getting inpatient rehabilitation.
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2013
Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that may affect ... more Background: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that may affect patients’ health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Objective: The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of sexual dysfunction on HrQoL in a large national sample using The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19). Methods: Participants were recruited from a large MS registry, the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry. Participants self-reported demographic information and completed the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS), MSISQ-19, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12). Results: The study population included 6183 persons (mean age: 50.6, SD = 9.6; 74.7% female, 42.3% currently employed). Using multivariate hierarchical regression analyses, all variables excluding gender predicted both the physical component summary (PCS-12) and the mental component summary (MCS-12) of the SF-12. Scores on the MSISQ-19 uniquely accoun...
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2001
Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with little publishe... more Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with little published research on effective treatments. This pilot study tested the efficacy of a counseling intervention in nine couples utilizing a quasi-experimental research design. The intervention consisted of 12 counseling sessions, communication with the MS medical treatment team, education, and tailoring symptomatic treatments so they interfere less with sexual function. Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant improvements in affective and problem-solving communication, marital satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction during the treatment vs. the waiting list phase of the study (F=1.7, P5.001). MS patients and their spouses reported similar levels of improvement.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2014
The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) was designed to assess ... more The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) was designed to assess the perceived influence of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction. This study aimed to translate and validate the MSISQ-19 in women with MS in Iran. The translation of the original questionnaire was carried out in accordance with a standard forward-backward procedure. Then, a sample of 226 married women with MS completed the questionnaire. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s alpha coefficient. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparison with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). The factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing exploratory factor analyses. All patients underwent a full neurologic examination. MSISQ-19 score was the main outcome measure. The mean age of participants was 35.77 years (SD = 8.07), with mean disease duration of 1.84 years (SD = 0.79). Cronbach&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s alpha coefficient was 0.90 for total MSISQ-19 score, with values of 0.85, 0.90, and 0.78 for the subscales assessing primary, secondary, and tertiary sexual dysfunction, respectively. The principal component analysis indicated a three-factor solution, similar to that found in the original validation study, that explained 63.0% of the total variance for women with MS. Scores on the MSISQ-19 and its subscales correlated with scores on the FSFI, EDSS, and BDI-II (all P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01). In general, the findings suggest that the MSISQ-19 is a reliable and valid measure of sexual function among Iranian women with MS. However, further studies are needed to establish psychometric properties for male MS patients in Iran.
Brain Injury, 2013
Primary objective: To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variabilit... more Primary objective: To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variability (HRV) through biofeedback and, if so, enhance its pattern to improve emotional regulation and problem-solving ability. Design: A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Thirteen individuals aged 23-63 years with severe brain injury (13-40 years post-onset) participating in a community-based programme were enrolled. Main outcomes: Response-to-treatment was measured with HRV indices, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A-Informant) and attention/problem-solving tests. Results: At post-treatment, HRV indices (Low Frequency/High Frequency [LF/HF] and coherence ratio) increased significantly. Increased LF/HF values during the second-half of a 10-minute session were associated with higher attention scores. Participants who scored better (by scoring lower) in informant ratings at pre-treatment had highest HRV scores at post-treatment. Accordingly, at post-treatment, families' ratings of participants' emotional control correlated with HRV indices; staffs' ratings of participants' working memory correlated with participants' HRV indices. Self-ratings of the BRIEF-A Task Monitoring scale at post-treatment correlated with family ratings at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Conclusions: Results demonstrate an association between regulation of emotions/cognition and HRV training. Individuals with severe, chronic brain injury can modify HRV through biofeedback. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of this approach for modifying behavioural problems.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2012