Stefano Vercelli - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Stefano Vercelli
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2010
Franchignoni F, Giordano A, Sartorio F, Vercelli S, Pascariello B, Ferriero G. Suggestions for re... more Franchignoni F, Giordano A, Sartorio F, Vercelli S, Pascariello B, Ferriero G. Suggestions for refinement of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH): a factor analysis and Rasch validation study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010;91:1370-7.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2016
The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) has been identified as the most comprehen... more The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) has been identified as the most comprehensive balance measure for community-dwelling adults and elderly individuals. It can be used to assess balance impairments in several other conditions, mainly Parkinson's disease and stroke. Despite increasing use of the Mini-BESTest since it was first published 5 years ago, no systematic review synthesizing its psychometric properties is available. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest when administered to patients with balance deficits because of different diseases. A literature search was performed on articles published before July 2015 in journals indexed by MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The search produced 98 papers, 24 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Most papers (n=19) focused on patients affected by neurological diseases, mainly Parkinson's disease. In 21 papers, the psychometric characteristics were analyzed using Classical Test Theory methods and in only three papers was Rasch analysis carried out. This review shows the interest of researchers in the Mini-BESTest despite the short time frame since its first publication. The Mini-BESTest is used widely in both clinical practice and research. The results support the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of this instrument and it can be considered a standard balance measure. However, it would be valuable to learn more about how this scale performs in different diseases causing balance deficits and to better define the minimal clinically important difference for each disease.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Outcome measures are the scientific basis for assessment and comparison of the effects of rehabil... more Outcome measures are the scientific basis for assessment and comparison of the effects of rehabilitative interventions. Among the instruments proposed for the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb, the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) was recently validated and translated into several languages, but it does not yet exist an Italian version yet. To obtain an Italian validated version of ULFI, called ULFI-I. The translation process was conducted following the international guidelines of the forwardlbackward translation. The ULFI-I was subsequently validated by calculating: (1) internal consistency (Cronbach's a and item-to-total correlation), (2) criterion validity (correlation r with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, DASH), and (3) test-retest reliability (ICC(2,1)) and measurement error (Standard Error of measurement, SEM and Minimal Detectable Change, MDC90. For the first two points we used a sample of 57 patients with upper lim...
Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado... more Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado possibile di attività, compatibilmente con il suo stato di salute. L'attività che un soggetto disabile è in grado di compiere deve essere misurata ed allenata con criteri scientifici a scopo terapeutico, in quanto essa esercita la funzione lesa entro i limiti di capacità individuali.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado... more Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado possibile di attività, compatibilmente con il suo stato di salute. L'attività che un soggetto disabile è in grado di compiere deve essere misurata ed allenata con criteri scientifici a scopo terapeutico, in quanto essa esercita la funzione lesa entro i limiti di capacità individuali.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2015
The aim of this study was to review and critically assess the most used and clinimetrically sound... more The aim of this study was to review and critically assess the most used and clinimetrically sound outcome measures currently available for postsurgical scar assessment in rehabilitation. We performed a systematic review of the Medline and Embase databases to June 2015. All published peer-reviewed studies referring to the development, validation, or clinical use of scales or questionnaires in patients with linear scars were screened. Of 922 articles initially identified in the literature search, 48 full-text articles were retrieved for assessment. Of these, 16 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for data collection. Data were collected pertaining to instrument item domains, validity, reliability, and Rasch analysis. The eight outcome measures identified were as follows: Vancouver Scar Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Manchester Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Bock Quality of Life (Bock QoL) questionnaire, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, Patient-Reported Impact of Scars Measure, and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire. Scales were examined for their clinimetric properties, and recommendations for their clinical or research use and selection were made. There is currently no absolute gold standard to be used in rehabilitation for the assessment of postsurgical scars, although the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and the Patient-Reported Impact of Scars Measure emerged as the most robust scales.
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2015
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2015
Manual therapies are frequently recommended to improve post-surgical scar pliability, e.g., its e... more Manual therapies are frequently recommended to improve post-surgical scar pliability, e.g., its elasticity and glide capacity with respect to the underlying tissue. A significant percentage of scars are pathological, causing pain, functional/psychological disorders, or cosmetic damage. Hence, early identification of a pathological post-surgical scar is crucial for prompt treatment so as to optimize and evaluate outcome. Scar assessment tools provide data on objective parameters as the basis for planning treatment. While the published literature contains many reviews on validated tools for post-surgical scar assessment, none specifically analyzes tools for use in the rehabilitative setting. The aim of this focused review was thus to illustrate the tools-instruments, scales and questionnaires-validated to assess post-surgical scar pliability in rehabilitation. A literature search was conducted on articles published in journals indexed by PubMed before October 15, 2014. The literature search produced 72 papers, 6 of which met our inclusion criteria. These 6 articles deal with the validation of 5 different tools to assess post-surgical scar. Three are devices aimed to assess different pliability characteristics: Adheremeter (degree of scar adherence), Cutometer (elasticity), and Tissue Ultrasound Palpation System (scar thickness). The other two are rating scales developed for general scar assessment (Vancouver Scar Scale, and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale). As the efficacy of manual therapy on post-surgical scar is still debated, it is desirable that in the future increasing use be made of validated tools as outcome measures of the rehabilitation treatment.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Foot and ankle ability measure: cross-cultural translation and validation of the Italian version of the ADL module (FAAM-I/ADL)]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/43198927/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](La Medicina del lavoro
Valid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating and comparing the effects of r... more Valid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating and comparing the effects of rehabilitation. Among the different tools used for the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) has been shown to have good psychometric properties. However, it has not yet been translated into Italian. The module regarding the performance of daily living activities (FAAM/ADL), in particular, can be applied also in an occupational setting. To obtain an Italian version of the FAAM, and to validate the FAAM-I/ADL. The cultural adaptation was performed according to international guidelines for forward/backward translation. The activities of daily living (ADL) module of the FAAM-I (FAAM-I/ADL) was validated with classical test theory methods in a convenience sample of 57 patients. Different parameters were calculated: internal consistency (Cronbach's α and item-to-total correlation); criterion validity, through Pearson's corr...
European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The aim of this study was to find a reliable method to evaluate the sincerity of the muscular max... more The aim of this study was to find a reliable method to evaluate the sincerity of the muscular maximal effort performed in a dynamometric isokinetic test of knee flexion-extension. The coefficient of variation of the peak torque (CV) and 3 new indices were analysed: (1) the average coefficient of variation calculated on the complete peak torque curve (CVM); (2) the slope of the regression line in an endurance test (PRR); (3) the correlation coefficient of the peak torques in the same endurance test (CCR). Twenty healthy subjects underwent assessment in two different trials, maximal (MX) and 50% submaximal (SMX), with 20 minutes of rest between trials. Each trial consisted of 4 tests, each of 3 repetitions, at angular speed of 30, 180, 30, and 180 degrees/s, respectively, and 1 test of 15 repetitions at 240 degrees/s. Our findings confirmed the ability of CV to detect a high percentage of sincere efforts: at 30 degrees/s Sensibility (Sns)=100% and Specificity (Spc)=70%; at 180 degrees...
![Research paper thumbnail of [Treadmills in rehabilitation medicine: technical characteristics and selection criteria]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42765313/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The treadmill is a commonly used means of testing and training patients with cardiopulmonary dise... more The treadmill is a commonly used means of testing and training patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. There is growing interest in the use of the treadmill also for rehabilitation of patients with orthopaedic and neurological diseases. Commercially available treadmills show wide differences in terms of structure and function that have a direct impact on the specific rehabilitation protocols. The aims of this paper are: a) to briefly review the physiology and biomechanics of treadmill exercise as compared to overground walking; b) to point out the technical specifications of treadmills suitable for rehabilitation settings; c) to provide guidelines for treadmill selection in the different categories of rehabilitation patients. First, the different physiological and biomechanical characteristics of walking on a treadmill and overground are discussed. Uphill and downhill walking as well as backward walking are also presented together with the spin-offs for rehabilitation practice. Then...
![Research paper thumbnail of [Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry professionals. 2. Prevention, ergonomic strategies and therapeutic programs]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42647922/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
In dental professionals the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) can ... more In dental professionals the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) can be minimized through a combination of prevention, ergonomic strategies, and specific therapeutic programs. Prevention includes early identification of symptoms, analysis of working posture and activity, and the evaluation of equipment (such as dental instruments, position of the dental unit, patient and operator chairs, and lighting). The ergonomic strategies are based on identifying the best daily timetable (including periodic pauses) and most efficient team organization, as well as establishing the correct position that should be held at the patient chair. Finally specific therapeutic programs are very important in preventing or treating WMSD. In fact, fitness exercises such as mobilization, stretching or muscular and cardiovascular training are recognized as fundamental for dental professionals, and when WMSD occurs physiatric care and physical therapy are recommended.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal... more The past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). All occupations are involved; in dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries) this problem occurs in 54-93% of subjects, with higher risk in elderly subjects and women. Spine, shoulder, elbow and hand are mostly involved. Prevention of WMSD is becoming crucial and requires the identification and modification of risk factors. Individual characteristics of the worker--such as gender, age, stature, physical condition, strength, etc.--may contribute to the occurrence of these musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, the specific occupation and work organisation may be the source of ergonomic hazards. Awkward postures, prolonged repetitive movements, intense work schedules or fast work pace represent important risk factors for WMSD. Sometimes the dentist's workstation is not suited to the specific professional characteristics and an ergonomic im...
International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014
Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2015
L'idoneo posizionamento degli operatori e del paziente nell'attività odontoiatrica sono fattori d... more L'idoneo posizionamento degli operatori e del paziente nell'attività odontoiatrica sono fattori di fondamentale importanza, non solo per eseguire in modo corretto il trattamento specialistico ma anche per evitare inutili affaticamenti posturali sia ai differenti operatori sanitari dentali (OSD) (odontoiatra, igienista dentale e assistente alla poltrona) sia al paziente stesso.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2010
Franchignoni F, Giordano A, Sartorio F, Vercelli S, Pascariello B, Ferriero G. Suggestions for re... more Franchignoni F, Giordano A, Sartorio F, Vercelli S, Pascariello B, Ferriero G. Suggestions for refinement of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH): a factor analysis and Rasch validation study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010;91:1370-7.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2016
The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) has been identified as the most comprehen... more The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) has been identified as the most comprehensive balance measure for community-dwelling adults and elderly individuals. It can be used to assess balance impairments in several other conditions, mainly Parkinson's disease and stroke. Despite increasing use of the Mini-BESTest since it was first published 5 years ago, no systematic review synthesizing its psychometric properties is available. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest when administered to patients with balance deficits because of different diseases. A literature search was performed on articles published before July 2015 in journals indexed by MEDLINE and Scopus databases. The search produced 98 papers, 24 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. Most papers (n=19) focused on patients affected by neurological diseases, mainly Parkinson's disease. In 21 papers, the psychometric characteristics were analyzed using Classical Test Theory methods and in only three papers was Rasch analysis carried out. This review shows the interest of researchers in the Mini-BESTest despite the short time frame since its first publication. The Mini-BESTest is used widely in both clinical practice and research. The results support the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of this instrument and it can be considered a standard balance measure. However, it would be valuable to learn more about how this scale performs in different diseases causing balance deficits and to better define the minimal clinically important difference for each disease.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Outcome measures are the scientific basis for assessment and comparison of the effects of rehabil... more Outcome measures are the scientific basis for assessment and comparison of the effects of rehabilitative interventions. Among the instruments proposed for the evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb, the Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) was recently validated and translated into several languages, but it does not yet exist an Italian version yet. To obtain an Italian validated version of ULFI, called ULFI-I. The translation process was conducted following the international guidelines of the forwardlbackward translation. The ULFI-I was subsequently validated by calculating: (1) internal consistency (Cronbach's a and item-to-total correlation), (2) criterion validity (correlation r with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, DASH), and (3) test-retest reliability (ICC(2,1)) and measurement error (Standard Error of measurement, SEM and Minimal Detectable Change, MDC90. For the first two points we used a sample of 57 patients with upper lim...
Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado... more Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado possibile di attività, compatibilmente con il suo stato di salute. L'attività che un soggetto disabile è in grado di compiere deve essere misurata ed allenata con criteri scientifici a scopo terapeutico, in quanto essa esercita la funzione lesa entro i limiti di capacità individuali.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado... more Uno dei principali scopi della Riabilitazione è aiutare l'individuo a riprendere il maggior grado possibile di attività, compatibilmente con il suo stato di salute. L'attività che un soggetto disabile è in grado di compiere deve essere misurata ed allenata con criteri scientifici a scopo terapeutico, in quanto essa esercita la funzione lesa entro i limiti di capacità individuali.
International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2015
The aim of this study was to review and critically assess the most used and clinimetrically sound... more The aim of this study was to review and critically assess the most used and clinimetrically sound outcome measures currently available for postsurgical scar assessment in rehabilitation. We performed a systematic review of the Medline and Embase databases to June 2015. All published peer-reviewed studies referring to the development, validation, or clinical use of scales or questionnaires in patients with linear scars were screened. Of 922 articles initially identified in the literature search, 48 full-text articles were retrieved for assessment. Of these, 16 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for data collection. Data were collected pertaining to instrument item domains, validity, reliability, and Rasch analysis. The eight outcome measures identified were as follows: Vancouver Scar Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Manchester Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, Bock Quality of Life (Bock QoL) questionnaire, Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, Patient-Reported Impact of Scars Measure, and Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire. Scales were examined for their clinimetric properties, and recommendations for their clinical or research use and selection were made. There is currently no absolute gold standard to be used in rehabilitation for the assessment of postsurgical scars, although the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and the Patient-Reported Impact of Scars Measure emerged as the most robust scales.
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2015
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2015
Manual therapies are frequently recommended to improve post-surgical scar pliability, e.g., its e... more Manual therapies are frequently recommended to improve post-surgical scar pliability, e.g., its elasticity and glide capacity with respect to the underlying tissue. A significant percentage of scars are pathological, causing pain, functional/psychological disorders, or cosmetic damage. Hence, early identification of a pathological post-surgical scar is crucial for prompt treatment so as to optimize and evaluate outcome. Scar assessment tools provide data on objective parameters as the basis for planning treatment. While the published literature contains many reviews on validated tools for post-surgical scar assessment, none specifically analyzes tools for use in the rehabilitative setting. The aim of this focused review was thus to illustrate the tools-instruments, scales and questionnaires-validated to assess post-surgical scar pliability in rehabilitation. A literature search was conducted on articles published in journals indexed by PubMed before October 15, 2014. The literature search produced 72 papers, 6 of which met our inclusion criteria. These 6 articles deal with the validation of 5 different tools to assess post-surgical scar. Three are devices aimed to assess different pliability characteristics: Adheremeter (degree of scar adherence), Cutometer (elasticity), and Tissue Ultrasound Palpation System (scar thickness). The other two are rating scales developed for general scar assessment (Vancouver Scar Scale, and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale). As the efficacy of manual therapy on post-surgical scar is still debated, it is desirable that in the future increasing use be made of validated tools as outcome measures of the rehabilitation treatment.
La Medicina del lavoro
Valid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating and comparing the effects of r... more Valid and reliable outcome measures are fundamental for evaluating and comparing the effects of rehabilitation. Among the different tools used for the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders of the lower limb, the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) has been shown to have good psychometric properties. However, it has not yet been translated into Italian. The module regarding the performance of daily living activities (FAAM/ADL), in particular, can be applied also in an occupational setting. To obtain an Italian version of the FAAM, and to validate the FAAM-I/ADL. The cultural adaptation was performed according to international guidelines for forward/backward translation. The activities of daily living (ADL) module of the FAAM-I (FAAM-I/ADL) was validated with classical test theory methods in a convenience sample of 57 patients. Different parameters were calculated: internal consistency (Cronbach's α and item-to-total correlation); criterion validity, through Pearson's corr...
European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The aim of this study was to find a reliable method to evaluate the sincerity of the muscular max... more The aim of this study was to find a reliable method to evaluate the sincerity of the muscular maximal effort performed in a dynamometric isokinetic test of knee flexion-extension. The coefficient of variation of the peak torque (CV) and 3 new indices were analysed: (1) the average coefficient of variation calculated on the complete peak torque curve (CVM); (2) the slope of the regression line in an endurance test (PRR); (3) the correlation coefficient of the peak torques in the same endurance test (CCR). Twenty healthy subjects underwent assessment in two different trials, maximal (MX) and 50% submaximal (SMX), with 20 minutes of rest between trials. Each trial consisted of 4 tests, each of 3 repetitions, at angular speed of 30, 180, 30, and 180 degrees/s, respectively, and 1 test of 15 repetitions at 240 degrees/s. Our findings confirmed the ability of CV to detect a high percentage of sincere efforts: at 30 degrees/s Sensibility (Sns)=100% and Specificity (Spc)=70%; at 180 degrees...
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The treadmill is a commonly used means of testing and training patients with cardiopulmonary dise... more The treadmill is a commonly used means of testing and training patients with cardiopulmonary diseases. There is growing interest in the use of the treadmill also for rehabilitation of patients with orthopaedic and neurological diseases. Commercially available treadmills show wide differences in terms of structure and function that have a direct impact on the specific rehabilitation protocols. The aims of this paper are: a) to briefly review the physiology and biomechanics of treadmill exercise as compared to overground walking; b) to point out the technical specifications of treadmills suitable for rehabilitation settings; c) to provide guidelines for treadmill selection in the different categories of rehabilitation patients. First, the different physiological and biomechanical characteristics of walking on a treadmill and overground are discussed. Uphill and downhill walking as well as backward walking are also presented together with the spin-offs for rehabilitation practice. Then...
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
In dental professionals the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) can ... more In dental professionals the risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) can be minimized through a combination of prevention, ergonomic strategies, and specific therapeutic programs. Prevention includes early identification of symptoms, analysis of working posture and activity, and the evaluation of equipment (such as dental instruments, position of the dental unit, patient and operator chairs, and lighting). The ergonomic strategies are based on identifying the best daily timetable (including periodic pauses) and most efficient team organization, as well as establishing the correct position that should be held at the patient chair. Finally specific therapeutic programs are very important in preventing or treating WMSD. In fact, fitness exercises such as mobilization, stretching or muscular and cardiovascular training are recognized as fundamental for dental professionals, and when WMSD occurs physiatric care and physical therapy are recommended.
Giornale italiano di medicina del lavoro ed ergonomia
The past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal... more The past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). All occupations are involved; in dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists and dental auxiliaries) this problem occurs in 54-93% of subjects, with higher risk in elderly subjects and women. Spine, shoulder, elbow and hand are mostly involved. Prevention of WMSD is becoming crucial and requires the identification and modification of risk factors. Individual characteristics of the worker--such as gender, age, stature, physical condition, strength, etc.--may contribute to the occurrence of these musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, the specific occupation and work organisation may be the source of ergonomic hazards. Awkward postures, prolonged repetitive movements, intense work schedules or fast work pace represent important risk factors for WMSD. Sometimes the dentist's workstation is not suited to the specific professional characteristics and an ergonomic im...
International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2014
Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2015
L'idoneo posizionamento degli operatori e del paziente nell'attività odontoiatrica sono fattori d... more L'idoneo posizionamento degli operatori e del paziente nell'attività odontoiatrica sono fattori di fondamentale importanza, non solo per eseguire in modo corretto il trattamento specialistico ma anche per evitare inutili affaticamenti posturali sia ai differenti operatori sanitari dentali (OSD) (odontoiatra, igienista dentale e assistente alla poltrona) sia al paziente stesso.