Evaluation of Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate different aspects of validity and reliability of the Persian-version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-P) among people with Multiple Sclerosis. Materials & Methods: A sample of 50 people with Multiple Sclerosis and 30 healthy adults were included in this study. The participants were recruited from Sina clinic in Tehran between 2001 to 2007. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) includes nine items developed to measure disabling fatigue and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure overall fatigue. All participants were asked to complete FSS and Short-form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. Test-retest reliability and Internal Consistency were assessed, using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Dimensionality was assessed, using item-scale correlation after correction for overlap and convergent validity, using a priori hypothesized correlations with the SF-36. Results: All the participants found the FSS-P to be clear and unambiguous in pilot testing. The ICC was reported 0.93 for the total score and 0.88 for VAS, The Cronbach's alpha was reported 0.96. The total score and the VAS were significantly correlated with the SF-36 vitality subscale (r=-0.69 and r=-0.73 respectively). Correlations with other SF-36 subscales were at moderate level (r=-0.43 to r=-0.65, all P<0.001). Conclusion: Since this is the first study to translate and scale equivalent to "fatigue severity scale" in Farsi in Iran, the main features of the scale and reliability of Persian version of "fatigue severity scale" was determined and assess the validity of the study in terms of facilities and access to the sample and a preliminary report in order to design more and more research was in order next. The results of the study revealed that the FSS-P is an appropriate psychometric instrument to assess the people with Multiple Sclerosis

Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS): Evaluation of Reliability of the Persian Version among Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: The aims of this study were to develop a culturally adapted version of the Fatigue Severity Scale in Persian (FSS–P) and to evaluate the reliability of the FSS–P in a sample of Iranians with Multiple Sclerosis. Materials & Methods: In this non experimental and descriptive study which was done methodologically by validity testing method, “fatigue severity scale–Persian version” was developed following a forward – backward translation procedure and cultural adaptation based on guidelines. A sample of 20 patients with Multiple Sclerosis were selected conveniently. The participants were recruited from Sina rehabilitation clinic in Tehran between 2001 to 2007. The participants were asked to answer FSS item and VAS. The FSS and VAS were readministered 3 weeks after the first visit. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed, using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Results: All the participants found the FSS–P item to be clear and unambiguous in a pilot testing. The ICC was reported 0.93 for the total score that showed high repeatability of (FSS) and the Cronbach’s alpha was reported 0.96. Conclusion: The Persian version of Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a culturally adapted and reliable instrument to assess fatigue in Iranian persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of Mental Practice on Balance in the Elderly

Objective: Mental practice refers to "The symbolic rehearsal of a physical activity in the absence of any gross muscular movements." It has been shown in a remarkable number of studies that the use of mental practice like physical practice can produces significant improvements in motor skills. Thus this therapeutic technique can be used in elderly rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of mental practice on balance in the elderly. Materials & Methods: Thirty healthy old subject over the age of 60 years took part in this study. Subjects solicited from two senior-citizen centers in Tehran and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Balance of subjects was assessed in four stage include baseline, pre-treatment, post-treatment and follow-up. Subjects in experimental group performed mental practice of a motor and balance skill for 3 weeks and control group did not perform any practice in that period. Results: The results of this study indicate significant improvement in the motor skill that mentally performed and also in balance of subjects. Conclusion: Mental Practice that performed on the mental skill not only was mentaly effective but also meaningly cause the improvement of balance in elderly

Integrating nurses' experiences with supporting behaviour change for cardiovascular prevention into a self-management internet platform in Finland and the Netherlands: a qualitative study

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Integrating nurses' experiences with supporting behaviour change for cardiovascular prevention into a self-management internet platform in Finland and the Netherlands: A qualitative study

Objectives Global ageing is linked to an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and dementia, which calls for better prevention strategies. Self-management and eHealth applications are regarded as promising strategies to support prevention. The aim of this study was to explore nurses' best practices concerning behaviour change guidance for cardiovascular (CV) prevention in order to learn how to optimally integrate them into a coach-supported internet platform for CV self-management. Design Qualitative focus group study in Finland and the Netherlands. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed following principles of grounded theory. Setting Dutch and Finnish primary care settings. Participants Six Finnish and seven Dutch primary care nurses with experience in CV prevention. Results Similar best practices were found in both countries and comprised of (1) establishing a relationship of trust, (2) managing awareness and expectations and (3) appropriate timing and monitoring of the process of behaviour change. However, the Finnish and Dutch nurses used different approaches for accomplishment of these practices, which was reflected in their recommendations for online support. Both groups emphasised that online support should be combined with human support and integrated into regular care. Finnish nurses had more confidence in patient self-management and remote communication than Dutch nurses, who emphasised the importance of face-to-face contact and preferred to keep control of medical aspects of prevention. Conclusions Differences in Dutch and Finnish's nurses' practices for supporting CV prevention appear to reflect their local healthcare practices, which should be taken into account when designing internet platforms for health self-management. Including cognitive health as a goal of CV prevention might stimulate motivation for health behaviour change. Trial registration number ISRCTN48151589; Pre-results

Attitudes of at-risk older adults about prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia using eHealth : a qualitative study in a European context

Objectives Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia is a key health priority among older adults. Understanding individuals' attitudes to, the prevention of these conditions, particularly when delivered through novel eHealth tools, could help in designing effective prevention programmes. The aim of the study was to explore the attitudes of older adults at increased risk of CVD and dementia regarding engagement in eHealth self-management prevention programmes, and to describe the facilitators and barriers. Design A qualitative research approach was used. Data were collected through eight focus groups in Finland, France and the Netherlands. Data were analysed following the principles of grounded theory. Setting and participants Forty-four community-dwellers aged 65+ at risk of CVD were recruited from a previous trial cohort in Finland, and through general practices in France and the Netherlands. Results The study identified three categories: access to reliable information, trust in the healthcare providers and burden and stigma of dementia. A core category was also identified: the interactive process of the three categories influencing engagement in self-management prevention programme. The categories were interconnected through an interactive process and influenced by the local healthcare culture and context which shaped them differently, becoming either facilitators or barriers to engage in eHealth self-management prevention programmes. Conclusions The study emphasises the importance of considering the interactions between the identified categories in this study, grounded in the local healthcare culture and context in further developments of eHealth self-management interventions that aim to prevent CVD and dementia