Objective: Stroke is a common reason for motor disability and is often associated with spasticity and poor motor function of the upper limbs involved. Spasticity management is important to accelerate motor recovery. The objective of this... more
Objective: Stroke is a common reason for motor disability and is often associated with spasticity and poor motor function of the upper limbs involved. Spasticity management is important to accelerate motor recovery. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of training with robot-mediated virtual reality gaming on upper limb spasticity and motor functions in individuals with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Saudi individuals with chronic stroke were involved in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group received conventional physiotherapy and training with robot-mediated virtual reality gaming, and the control group received only conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes were measured by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), WMFT-Time, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Active Range of Motion (AROM) of multiple joints of the upper limb, and Handgrip Strength (HGS). The scores of all the outcome measures were recorded at baseline and after the completion of the treatment. Results: Individuals with stroke in the experimental group had a better improvement in most measured variables (AROM of shoulder abduction, elbow supination and wrist extension, WMFT-Time, HGS, ARAT, WMFT, and MAS) compared with the control group after the completion of the treatment. Both groups showed significant improvement in all the measured variables after completion of the treatment, except in MAS for wrist flexors in the control group. Conclusion: Training with robot-mediated virtual reality gaming was effective in modulating spasticity and improving the motor functions of the affected upper limbs in individuals with chronic stroke. This study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT05069480).
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Background: Stroke is a common cause of motor disability. The recovery of upper limb after stroke is poor, with few stroke survivors regaining some functional use of the affected upper limb. This is further complicated by the fact that... more
Background: Stroke is a common cause of motor disability. The recovery of upper limb after stroke is poor, with few stroke survivors regaining some functional use of the affected upper limb. This is further complicated by the fact that the prolonged rehabilitation is accompanied by multiple challenges in using and identifying meaningful and motivated treatment tasks that may be adapted and graded to facilitate the rehabilitation program. Virtual reality-based therapy is one of the most innovative approaches in rehabilitation technology and virtual reality systems can provide enhanced feedback to promote motor learning in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal diseases.Purpose: This study investigated the effect of virtual reality-based therapy on improving upper limb functions in individuals with chronic stroke.Methods: Forty Saudi individuals with chronic stroke (6–24 months following stroke incidence) and degree of spasticity ranged between 1, 1 + and 2 according to Modi...
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The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. Patients and Methods. – We performed an... more
The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. Patients and Methods. – We performed an observational study of obese patients with no other risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. For each patient, we evaluated BMI, WC, duration of obesity and knee pain. Two groups were identified: “asymptomatic patients” (AG), without knee pain, and “symptomatic patients” (SG). For the SG, we measured pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and functional repercussions (using the Lequesne and WOMAC indexes). Patients with knee pain underwent standard radiographic procedures to search for signs of osteoarthritis, and the SG was divided into two subgroups: with radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-1) and without radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-2). The AG and SG groups and SG-1 and SG-2 groups were compared for age, sex, and duration of ...
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Objective. – To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. Background. – No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab... more
Objective. – To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. Background. – No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab population is available. * Auteur correspondant. Adresse e-mail : guermazi_med@yahoo.fr (M. Guermazi). Annales de réadaptation et de médecine physique 48 (2005) 1–10 http://france.elsevier.com/direct/ANNRMP/ 0168-6054/$ see front matter © 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits réservés. doi:10.1016/j.annrmp.2004.06.055 Design. – Arabic translation of the Oswestry index was obtained by the “forward translation/backward translation” method. Adaptations were made after a pilot study involving ten patients aged 18 to 65 years old. Impairment outcome measures (pain as measured on a visual analog scale [VAS], Schöber-McRae, index, duration of morning stiffness and number of night awakenings), disability (Quebec index, Waddell index), handicap (as measured on a VAS)...
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Research Interests: Art and Osteoarthritis
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Résumé Introduction Les os surnuméraires, ou os accessoires, des tarses sont issus de la non-fusion entre un noyau d’ossification secondaire avec l’os voisin. Il s’agit d’une entité relativement rare et souvent asymptomatique. Néanmoins,... more
Résumé Introduction Les os surnuméraires, ou os accessoires, des tarses sont issus de la non-fusion entre un noyau d’ossification secondaire avec l’os voisin. Il s’agit d’une entité relativement rare et souvent asymptomatique. Néanmoins, ces os peuvent devenir symptomatiques après traumatisme, notamment au cours du sport. Résultats Nous rapportons quatre illustrations démonstratives d’os surnuméraires du tarse simulant une entorse de la cheville. Il
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The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. We performed an observational study of obese... more
The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. We performed an observational study of obese patients with no other risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. For each patient, we evaluated BMI, WC, duration of obesity and knee pain. Two groups were identified: "asymptomatic patients" (AG), without knee pain, and "symptomatic patients" (SG). For the SG, we measured pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and functional repercussions (using the Lequesne and WOMAC indexes). Patients with knee pain underwent standard radiographic procedures to search for signs of osteoarthritis, and the SG was divided into two subgroups: with radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-1) and without radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-2). The AG and SG groups and SG-1 and SG-2 groups were compared for age, sex, and duration of obes...
Research Interests: Obesity, Medicine, Humans, Female, Male, and 4 moreMiddle Aged, Adult, Knee Osteoarthritis, and Abdomen
To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab population is available.... more
To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab population is available. Arabic translation of the Oswestry index was obtained by the "forward translation/backward translation" method. Adaptations were made after a pilot study involving ten patients aged 18 to 65 years old. Impairment outcome measures (pain as measured on a visual analog scale [VAS], Schober-McRae, index, duration of morning stiffness and number of night awakenings), disability (Quebec index, Waddell index), handicap (as measured on a VAS) and Beck depression scale scores were recorded. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by use of the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland and Altman method. Construct validity was investigated with use of the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (convergent and divergent validity), and factor an...
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The objective of our study is to evaluate the functional and professional becoming of lower limb amputated population with prosthesis. Our study is retro-prospective. It interested lower limbs amputated patients who have beneficed during... more
The objective of our study is to evaluate the functional and professional becoming of lower limb amputated population with prosthesis. Our study is retro-prospective. It interested lower limbs amputated patients who have beneficed during the period between 1982-1998 with prosthesis and have consulted in 1999. Data of our study were gathered by an hetero questionnaire. In order to evaluate the functional results of our patients, we have adopted the score established by the National association of doctors specialized in apparatus in France (ANMA). However, this score was little modified (in fact, we have eliminated the item "use of personalized vehicle for handicapped [VHP]", because no one of our patients possess it). The results were judged favourable: score 6-7; unfavourable: mean score between 3-5 and bad between 0-2. During the year of our survey, we have questioned 85 lower limb amputated patients with prosthesis: 67 were male and 18 were female. The mean age of our pa...
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To study shoulder impairment and disability caused by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, their evolution under physical and surgical treatments, and the place of complementary explorations in persistent sequels. From 1991 to 2000, 129... more
To study shoulder impairment and disability caused by obstetrical brachial plexus palsy, their evolution under physical and surgical treatments, and the place of complementary explorations in persistent sequels. From 1991 to 2000, 129 patients (66 M, 63 F) were included in a retrospective study. Impairment was assessed by muscle recovery (deltoid, biceps, external rotators) and shoulder passive motion. Disability was assessed by Mallet functional test. Full spontaneous recovery was noted in 20% of patients before the age of 3 months. Repair of the nerve lesion was undertaken in four children between the 18th and 24th months. Full recovery of deltoid and biceps was noted in three-fourth of whole cases before the 12th month, and of the external rotation in only 45% at this same age. Seventy-seven percent of patients showed stage >or= III of Mallet test (VI: 20%, IV: 32%; III: 25%) at a middle age of 3.5 years. A long-term follow-up showed an external rotation limited less than 20 d...
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To construct a handicap assessment questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis and to determine if the concept of "participation" can replace the one of "handicap". Selection of daily life domains and items was based on the... more
To construct a handicap assessment questionnaire for rheumatoid arthritis and to determine if the concept of "participation" can replace the one of "handicap". Selection of daily life domains and items was based on the International Classification of Impairment Disability and Handicap "ICIDH" and on some others handicap epidemiological studies. The questionnaire was tested among rheumatoid arthritis patients. The relation between handicap and participation was investigated. Statistics analysis was performed with Systat.9 program. Spearman's correlation coefficient between 2 quantitative variables was examined. Six among the 7 "ICIDH" domains were included in the questionnaire. Each of them was explored with many items. Forty-six items were included; each item was explored in 4 chapters:participation assessment with VAS (Visual Analogical Scale) before rheumatoid arthritis and during the study; difficulties: need of help, environment access...
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... À partir de deux observations de sportifs de haut niveau ayant présenté dans les suites d'un traumatisme de l'arrière pied un syndrome douloureux de la cheville, rebelle au traitement médical, mis à tort sur le compte... more
... À partir de deux observations de sportifs de haut niveau ayant présenté dans les suites d'un traumatisme de l'arrière pied un syndrome douloureux de la cheville, rebelle au traitement médical, mis à tort sur le compte d'une entorse de la cheville, et pour ... Disease of the foot. ; ...
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Research Interests: Medicine, Osteoarthritis, Factor analysis, Humans, Female, and 15 moreConstruct Validity, Male, Psychometric Properties, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Pilot study, Questionnaires, Arabs, Knee Osteoarthritis, Indexation, Physical Function, Pain Measurement, Rank Correlation, and Outcome measure
Résumé Introduction Les os surnuméraires, ou os accessoires, des tarses sont issus de la non-fusion entre un noyau d’ossification secondaire avec l’os voisin. Il s’agit d’une entité relativement rare et souvent asymptomatique. Néanmoins,... more
Résumé Introduction Les os surnuméraires, ou os accessoires, des tarses sont issus de la non-fusion entre un noyau d’ossification secondaire avec l’os voisin. Il s’agit d’une entité relativement rare et souvent asymptomatique. Néanmoins, ces os peuvent devenir symptomatiques après traumatisme, notamment au cours du sport. Résultats Nous rapportons quatre illustrations démonstratives d’os surnuméraires du tarse simulant une entorse de la cheville. Il
Objective. – To translate in Arabic and validate the Lequesne index for use in Tunisian.Background. – No instrument wording in Arabic language and validated in an Arab population to measure lower limb functional disability caused by... more
Objective. – To translate in Arabic and validate the Lequesne index for use in Tunisian.Background. – No instrument wording in Arabic language and validated in an Arab population to measure lower limb functional disability caused by OA.Design. – Arab translation was obtained using the “forward translation/backward translation” method. Adaptations were made after a pilot study. Patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
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To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab population is available.... more
To translate into Arabic and validate the Oswestry index for low back pain in an Arab population. No functional disability index to assess low back pain written in the Arabic language and validated in an Arab population is available. Arabic translation of the Oswestry index was obtained by the "forward translation/backward translation" method. Adaptations were made after a pilot study involving ten patients aged 18 to 65 years old. Impairment outcome measures (pain as measured on a visual analog scale [VAS], Schober-McRae, index, duration of morning stiffness and number of night awakenings), disability (Quebec index, Waddell index), handicap (as measured on a VAS) and Beck depression scale scores were recorded. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by use of the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland and Altman method. Construct validity was investigated with use of the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (convergent and divergent validity), and factor analysis was performed. Internal consistency was assessed by use of the Cronbach alpha coefficient. Eighty Tunisian patients with low back pain were included in the validation study. Two items were excluded. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.98). Expected divergent and convergent validity results suggested good construct validity. Two main factors were extracted by factor analysis and explained 58.19% of the cumulative variance: the first factor represented discomfort in dynamic activities, the second discomfort in static activities. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.76 for factor 1 and 0.70 for factor 2. We translated into and adapted the Oswestry index for the Arabic language in a population of Tunisian women? with low back pain. The 8-item version is reliable and valid. Although the scale was validated in a Tunisian population, we expect that it is suitable for other Arab populations, especially North Africans. Further study is needed to confirm such a hypothesis.
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... [Functional and quality of life outcome of non-operated rotator cuff tears]. [Article in French]. Ghroubi S, Chaari M, Elleuch H, Guermazi M, Baklouti S, Elleuch MH. ... RESULTS: The study population consisted of 38 women and 21 men... more
... [Functional and quality of life outcome of non-operated rotator cuff tears]. [Article in French]. Ghroubi S, Chaari M, Elleuch H, Guermazi M, Baklouti S, Elleuch MH. ... RESULTS: The study population consisted of 38 women and 21 men (mean age: 61 years; range 46-75). ...
The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. We performed an observational study of obese... more
The objective of our study was to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is a more reliable indicator than body mass index (BMI) of the presence of knee osteoarthritis in obese subjects. We performed an observational study of obese patients with no other risk factors for knee osteoarthritis. For each patient, we evaluated BMI, WC, duration of obesity and knee pain. Two groups were identified: "asymptomatic patients" (AG), without knee pain, and "symptomatic patients" (SG). For the SG, we measured pain intensity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0-100 mm) and functional repercussions (using the Lequesne and WOMAC indexes). Patients with knee pain underwent standard radiographic procedures to search for signs of osteoarthritis, and the SG was divided into two subgroups: with radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-1) and without radiological signs of osteoarthritis (SG-2). The AG and SG groups and SG-1 and SG-2 groups were compared for age, sex, and duration of obesity. Comparisons of BMI, WC, and function involved the Student's t-test. We recruited 56 patients for the study (82.5% females; mean obesity duration (13+/-6.5 years; mean age 43.21+/-9.58 years). The mean BMI was 39.6+/-7.23 kg/m(2) and mean WC was 113+/-14.3 cm. We found 33 patients (59%) with knee pain. Independent of age, sex, duration of obesity and BMI, the SG showed more significant WC (117.27+/-14.71 cm vs. 107+/-11.75 cm for the AG, P 0.01). In the same group and independent of the already mentioned factors, the patients with radiological signs of osteoarthritis showed significant WC [122+/-15.57 cm (SG-1) vs. 108+/-6.88 cm (SG-2) (P 0.01)]. Moreover, the VAS score of pain at rest and during effort and the WOMAC and Lequesne scores were 16+/-25.7 mm, 75+/-18.3 mm, 12.3+/-8.92 and 11.5+/-5.44 (SG-1) and 7+/-18.4 mm, 70+/-19.2 mm, 5.7+/-3.05, and 6.9+/-3.79 (SG-2), respectively. The difference between SG-1 and SG-2 was significant only for the WOMAC (P=0.015) and Lequesne (P=0.026) scores. Independent of BMI, WC appears to be a factor associated with the presence of knee pain and osteoarthritis in obese patients. Furthermore, a high WC is associated with significant functional repercussion.
Research Interests: Obesity, Medicine, Humans, Female, Male, and 4 moreMiddle Aged, Adult, Knee Osteoarthritis, and Abdomen
To study the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in a group of former top-level football players and to assess the condition's impact on joint function and structure, compared with a control group. A cross-sectional, descriptive... more
To study the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in a group of former top-level football players and to assess the condition's impact on joint function and structure, compared with a control group. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed on a group of male former top-level football players (group G1), aged over 45 and with no history of knee trauma, arthritis, arthropathy or surgery. A second group of otherwise matched nonsporting subjects (group G2) was compared with the first group. For each subject, we specified age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), dominant foot, the presence of knee axis deviation, the presence of pain and functional impairment. The pain level was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The functional assessment was performed using the Arabic version of the Lequesne index. Moreover, for each former player, we specified a number of sporting parameters, including those related to their playing career. The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis was made using standard radiological and clinical criteria. The radiological severity of knee osteoarthritis was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. We compared the two groups in terms of the frequency of knee osteoarthritis, the severity of pain and disability and the severity of structural impairment. Our study included two groups of patients: a group of 50 former football players (G1) with a mean age of 49.2. Overweight was noted in 40 subjects. The mean number of training hours a week was 14+/-3.5 during their professional career and 2.5 during their retirement. Half of the sportsmen had taken part in more than 200 matches. Knee axis deviation was observed in 29 former players (i.e. 58% of the cases) and 27 displayed genuvarum. A group of 50 nonsporting volunteers (G2) was matched to the G1 group in terms of age, BMI and frequency of axis deviation. Knee osteoarthritis was more common in the football players than in the nonsporting subjects (80% versus 68%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Whereas pain was noted in only six footballers (with an average VAS score of 25.4+/-6.3mm) and was observed in 50% of controls (with a mean VAS score of 39.2mm+/-7.3) (P=0.001). Disability was recorded in six sportsmen, with a mean Lequesne score of 0.38+/-1.27. Disability was more frequent (23 subjects) and more intense (with a mean Lequesne score of 1.71+/-3.2) in the nonsportsmen (P=0.001). The Kellgreen and Lawrence radiological classification revealed that 57.5% of the sportsmen had scores of III or IV, compared with just 29.4% in the control group. Knee osteoarthritis is common in male football players. However, our study shows that the condition is less painful and less likely to cause functional disability (but paradoxically more destructive) than in nonsportsmen.
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Research Interests: Medicine, Osteoarthritis, Factor analysis, Humans, Female, and 15 moreConstruct Validity, Male, Psychometric Properties, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Pilot study, Questionnaires, Arabs, Knee Osteoarthritis, Indexation, Physical Function, Pain Measurement, Rank Correlation, and Outcome measure
ABSTRACT Description Les troubles vésico-sphinctériens, dans la sclérose en plaque (SEP), sont largement étudiés dans la littérature. La relation entre l\'état fonctionnel et ces troubles méritent d\'être étudiée. Objectif... more
ABSTRACT Description Les troubles vésico-sphinctériens, dans la sclérose en plaque (SEP), sont largement étudiés dans la littérature. La relation entre l\'état fonctionnel et ces troubles méritent d\'être étudiée. Objectif Notre objectif dans ce travail était d\'étudier les relations entre les troubles vésico-sphinctériens (TVS), l\'état fonctionnel, la gravité de la maladie neurologique et la qualité de vie au cours de la SEP. Methodes 25 patients atteints SEP d\'âge moyen 39 +/-7,75 ans ont été prospectivement évalués.L\'évaluation de la sévérité des TVS a été réalisée par le MHU (Mesure du Handicap Urinaire). L\'évaluation de la qualité de vie a été effectuée par le questionnaire « Qualiveen ». Pour l\'évaluation du retentissement fonctionnel de la maladie nous avons utilisé l\'échelle de mesure de l\'indépendance fonctionnelle (MIF). Resultats L\'évaluation de la sévérité des TVS par le MHU (Mesure du Handicap Urinaire) a trouvé un score moyen de 7,18 +/- 4,55. L\'évaluation de la qualité de vie par le questionnaire « Qualiveen » a trouvé un score total de 0,98 +/- 0,87. L\'évaluation du retentissement fonctionnel de la maladie par l\'échelle de mesure de l\'indépendance fonctionnelle (MIF) a trouvé un score moyen de 116 +/- 18. Aucune corrélation n\'a été trouvée entre la typologie clinique des troubles vésico-sphictériens et « la MIF ». Par contre une corrélation entre l\'hyperactivité du détrusor (EUD) et l\'atteinte fonctionnelle a été retrouvée r=0,47 p=0,02.Une relation existe entre l\'atteinte fonctionnelle et le score de la gêne du « Qualiveen » r=0,49 r=0,01. Conclusion Dans cette étude, aucune relation n\'a été trouvée entre la typologie clinique, la sévérité des troubles vésico-sphinctériens et l\'état fonctionnel au cours de la sclérose en plaques. Par contre l\'hyperactivité du détrusor semble influencer le statut fonctionnel du patient. Tous ces éléments semblent avoir un impact sur la qualité de vie Description Urinary disorders are largely studied in the literature in Multiple sclerosis (MS). The relation between the functional statue and these disorders is interesting to be studied. Objective Our objective in this study is to examine the relations between the Urinary disorders (UD), the functional statue, the gravity of the neurological disease and the quality of life during the Multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients and methods 25 consecutive MS patients with mean age of 39 +-7,75 years were evaluated. The evaluation of the severity of the UD was estimated by the “MHU” (Measurement of the Urinary Handicap). The evaluation of the quality of life was calculated by the \"Qualiveen\" questionnaire. The functional repercussion of the disease was evaluated by the measurement of functional independence scale (MIF). Results The evaluation of the severity of the UD, by the “MHU” (Measurement of the Urinary Handicap) found a score of 7,18 +/- 4,55. The evaluation of the quality of life by the \"Qualiveen\" questionnaire found a total score of 0,98 +/- 0,87. The evaluation of the functional repercussion of the disease by the measurement of functional independence scale (MIF) found a score of 116 +/- 18. No correlation was found between urinary disorder symptoms and \"the MIF\". On the other hand a correlation between detrusor hyperreflexia (urodynamic exploration UE) and the functional statue was found r=0,47 p=0,02. A relation exists between function (MIF) and the \"Qualiveen\". The severity of UD (MHU) was correlated with the repercussion on the quality of life. Conclusion In this study, no relation was found between urinary symptoms, severity of the urinary disorders and the functional statue in Multiple sclerosis. On the other hand detrusor hyperreflexia seems to influence the functional statue of the patient. All these elements seem to have an impact on the quality of life of a MS patient.
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to estimate fibromyalgia (FM) prevalence in Tunisia. Data on a cross-section of 1000 individuals aged 15 years or older living in Sfax were collected by interviewers using the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire... more
to estimate fibromyalgia (FM) prevalence in Tunisia. Data on a cross-section of 1000 individuals aged 15 years or older living in Sfax were collected by interviewers using the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study Screening Questionnaire (LFES- SQ). The sampling was realized by empirical poll and respecting quota according to delegation, rural or urban environment, sex and age according to the demographic national data. The positive screened subjects were invited to be examined to confirm or exclude the FM by applying the 1999 ACR criteria. The questionnaire was administered to a second group of 252 volunteers, all were afterward examined. This allowed to study specificity and sensibility of the questionnaire and allowed to calculate the FM prevalence. 159 subjects were screened positive, only 141 were examined. The specialized exam allowed confirming the diagnosis of FM in 67 subjects. FM prevalence is different according to sex, age, study level and socio-economic level. Two hund...
Research Interests: Adolescent, Humans, Tunisia, Fibromyalgia, Female, and 7 moreMale, Young Adult, Aged, Prevalence, Middle Aged, Adult, and Cross Sectional Studies
To develop a rheumatoid hand disability scale in the Arabic language adapted for local sociocultural specificities and to test its psychometric properties. The choice of hand activities was based on several published indices. The selected... more
To develop a rheumatoid hand disability scale in the Arabic language adapted for local sociocultural specificities and to test its psychometric properties. The choice of hand activities was based on several published indices. The selected items were translated by the forward and backward translation procedures, several modifications were made, and after some questions were added, a provisional scale was obtained. In- and outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the ACR criteria were chosen to answer the provisional scale and to assess the final scale. Impairment outcome measures (pain as measured on a visual analogue scale, morning stiffness, hand swelling, tenderness), and assessment of disability (on Lee's and Revel's functional indices) were also recorded. The intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland and Altman methods were used to assess reliability. Construct (convergent and divergent) validity was investigated with use of Spearman's rank correlation, and a factor analysis was performed. The provisional scale had 21 questions. The adaptation process left 10 questions about hand activity, with four levels of answers. Eighty patients with RA were recruited for the validation of the final scale. The intra- and interrater reliabilities of the scale were 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. Analysis by the Bland and Altman method showed no systematic trend. The scale had good construct validity, with expected convergence with Lee's functional index (r(s)=0.79) and Revel's functional index (r(s)=0.81) and divergence with age (r(s)=0.05), morning stiffness (r(s)=0.40), pain (r(s)=0.32), and tenderness (r(s)= -0.48). The factorial structure of the scale was satisfying, with two factors explaining 73% of the variance. We developed an Arabic index that assesses hand disability due to RA and suits Tunisian people. Further studies are needed to confirm the validity of the scale in other Arabic countries.