231 research outputs found
PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENTS REGARDING FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP SCHOOLSā¢ MODEL
This study provides an overview of the literature of Floridaās only Community Partnership Schoolsā¢ model, as a strategy to enhance family and community engagement in low performing high poverty elementary schools. More specifically, the focus of this study was to determine to what degree parents perceived the effectiveness of family and community engagement strategies within the school. The positive correlation between family and community engagement on student achievement has been well documented. Such partnerships provide additional resources to help students who live in areas where cultural and economic factors erect barriers that adversely impact learning. Although several studies have been published on this topic, school administrators continue to seek effective family and community engagement model that led to school improvement and individual student success (Mapp & Kuttner, 2014)
Does the score on the mrc strength scale reflect instrumented measures of maximal torque and muscle activity in postāstroke survivors?
It remains unknown whether variation of scores on the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for muscle strength is associated with operatorāindependent techniques: dynamometry and surface electromyography (sEMG). This study aimed to evaluate whether the scores of the MRC strength scale are associated with instrumented measures of torque and muscle activity in post-stroke survivors with severe hemiparesis both before and after an intervention. Patients affected by a first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within 6 months before enrollment and with complete paresis were included in the study. The preā and postātreatment assessments included the MRC strength scale, sEMG, and dynamometry assessment of the triceps brachii (TB) and biceps brachii (BB) as measures of maximal elbow extension and flexion torque, respectively. Proprioceptiveābased training was used as a treatment model, which consisted of multidirectional exercises with verbal feedback. Each treatment session lasted 1 h/day, 5 days a week for a total 15 sessions. Nineteen individuals with stroke participated in the study. A significant correlation between outcome measures for the BB (MRC and sEMG p = 0.0177, Ļ± = 0.601; MRC and torque p = 0.0001, Ļ± = 0.867) and TB (MRC and sEMG p = 0.0026, Ļ± = 0.717; MRC and torque p = 0.0001, Ļ± = 0.873) were observed post intervention. Regression models revealed a relationship between the MRC score and sEMG and torque measures for both the TB and BB. The results confirmed that variation on the MRC strength scale is associated with variation in sEMG and torque measures, especially post intervention. The regression model showed a causal relationship between MRC scale scores, sEMG, and torque assessments
Vision After Early-Onset Lesions of the Occipital Cortex: I. Neuropsychological and Psychophysical Studies
We analyzed the visual functions of two
patients (MS, FJ) with bilateral lesion of the
primary visual cortex, which occurred at gestational
age 33 wk in MS and at postnatal month 7
in FJ. In both patients basic visual functionsā
visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color, form,
motion perceptionāare similarly preserved or
modestly impaired. Functions requiring higher
visual processing, particularly figure-ground
segregation based on textural cues, are severely
impaired. In MS, studied longitudinally, the
deficits attenuated between the ages of 4.5 and 8
y, suggesting that the developing visual system
can display a considerable degree of adaptive
plasticity several years after the occurrence of a
lesion. In FJ (age 18:9 to 20:6 y), who is more
impaired, the recovery, if any, was less
Vision After Early-Onset Lesions of the Occipital Cortex: II. Physiological Studies
In one of two patients (MS and FJ) with
bilateral, early-onset lesion of the primary
visual cortex, Kiper et al. (2002) observed
a considerable degree of functional recovery. To
clarify the physiological mechanisms involved
in the recovery, we used fMRI and quantitative
EEG to study both patients. The fMRI
investigations indicated that in both patients,
isolated islands of the primary visual cortex are
functioning, in the right hemisphere in MS and
in the left in FJ. The functional recovery
observed in MS roughly correlated with the
functional maturation of interhemispheric
connections and might reflect the role of corticocortical connectivity in visual perception. The
functionality of interhemispheric connections
was assessed by analyzing the changes in
occipital inter-hemispheric coherence of EEG
signals (ICoh) evoked by moving gratings. In
the patient MS, this ICoh response was present
at 7:11 y and was more mature at 9:2 y. In the
more visually mpaired patient, FJ, a consistent
increase in ICoh to visual stimuli could not be
obtained, possibly because of the later occurrence
of the lesion
Virtual reality rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial
Purpose: This study compared the effects of inpatient-based rehabilitation program of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using non-immersive virtual reality (VR) training with a traditional pulmonary rehabilitation program. The aims of this study were to determine 1) whether rehabilitation featuring both VR as well as exercise training provides benefits over exercise training (ET) alone and 2) whether rehabilitation featuring VR training instead of exercise training provides equivalent benefits. Patients and Methods: The study recruited 106 patients with COPD to a 2-week high-intensity, five times a week intervention. Randomized into three groups, 34 patients participated in a traditional pulmonary rehabilitation program including endurance exercise training (ET), 38 patients participated in traditional pulmonary rehabilitation, including both endurance exercise training and virtual reality training (ET+VR) and 34 patients participated in pulmonary rehabilitation program including virtual reality training but no endurance exercise training (VR). The traditional pulmonary rehabilitation program consisted of fitness exercises, resistance respiratory muscle and relaxation training. Xbox 360Ā® and KinectĀ® Adventures software were used for the VR training of lower and upper body strength, endurance, trunk control and dynamic balance. Comparison of the changes in the Senior Fitness Test was the primary outcome. Analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects models. Results: The comparison between ET and ET+VR groups showed that ET+VR group was superior to ET group in Arm Curl (p<0.003), Chair stand (p<0.008), Back scratch (p<0.002), Chair sit and reach (p<0.001), Up and go (p<0.000), 6-min walk test (p<0.011). Whereas, the comparison between ET and VR groups showed that VR group was superior to ET group in Arm Curl (p<0.000), Chair stand (p<0.001), 6-min walk test (p<0.031). Conclusion: Results suggest that pulmonary rehabilitation program supplemented with VR training is beneficial intervention to improve physical fitness in patients with COPD
Nutritional status in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients
Digitalitzat per Artypla
Virtual reality rehabilitation system for neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes both lower limb motor dysfunction and associated neuropathic pain. Although these two conditions share related cortical mechanisms, different interventions are currently used to treat each condition. With intensive training using entertaining virtual reality (VR) scenarios, it may be possible to reshape cortical networks thereby reducing neuropathic pain and improving motor function. We have created the first VR training system combining action observation and execution addressing lower limb function in incomplete SCI (iSCI) patients. A particular feature of the system is the use of size-adjustable shoes with integrated motion sensors. A pilot single-case clinical study is currently being conducted on six iSCI patients. Two patients tested to date were highly motivated to perform and reported improved physical well-being. They improved in playing skill and in controlling the virtual lower limbs. There were post-intervention indications of neuropathic pain decrease, muscle strength increase, faster walking speed and improved performance on items relevant for ambulation. In addition functional MRI before and after treatment revealed a decreased activation pattern. We interpret this result as an improvement of neuronal synergies for this task. These results suggest that our VR system may be beneficial for both reducing neuropathic pain and improving motor function in iSCI patients
Inservice Education of High School Computer Science Teachers
The United States urgently needs strong high school computer science programs. Our economy and the technological level of our society depend upon a continuing supply of high quality
scientists, mathematicians, engineers, business people, computer scientists, and technicians, all equipped with a solid foundation in computer science. This supply depends upon a strong computer science program that begins in high school..
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