Abstract: Primary objective: To assess the ecological validity of the Screening Module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB-SM) using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM).Method: Seventy in...

Abstract: Each year, over 1 million individuals in the US with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are treated and released from hospital emergency departments. Approximately two-thirds of those who die from a severe TBI and come to autopsy have been found to have structural abnormalities in the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. The incidence of hypopituitarism in survivors of a moderate to severe TBI is approximately 40%. The incidence of growth hormone deficiency in TBI survivors is approximately 20%. Metabolic complications include fatigue, increased abdominal fat, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Neuropsychological complications include: memory and concentration impairment, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Gonadal deficiencies, present in approximately 10%, may produce weakness, decreased libido, and fertility. Testosterone deficiencies have been associated with poorer rehabilitation outcomes. Progesterone may be useful as a neuroprotective agent. Thyroid deficiencies, seen in 5% of survivors, may produce weakness, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. Neuropsychological and psychiatric complications have been found in individuals with both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Adrenal deficiencies, seen in 5% of survivors, can produce weakness, fatigue, metabolic disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms. For example, diminished cortisol levels have been associated with fatigue, whereas elevated levels may lead to anxiety symptoms. It is recommended that TBI survivors be screened for hypopituitarism.

Abstract: Objective This pilot study describes the showering habits of people with brain injury (BI) compared with those of people without BI (WBI). Method The showering habits of 10 people with BI and 10 people WBI were measured and compared. A videotaped session recorded and documented the shower routine. Results The BI group spent longer time showering, used more steps, and used fewer products than the WBI group. A moderately significant relationship was found between time and age (r = .46, p = .041). Similarly, we found significant correlations between number of steps and number of products used (r = .64, p = .002) and between the number of products used and education (r = .47, p = .044). Conclusion Results suggest that people with BI have showering habits that differ from those WBI. Correlations, regardless of group, showed that older people showered longer, and people with more education used more showering products.

Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of upper extremity (UE) weight bearing on UE impairment functional performance of persons with acquired brain injury (BI). A quasi-experimental design was used to examine a convenience sample of 99 persons with acquired BI and 22 without BI (WBI) living in a community re-entry centre. A computerized force-sensing array pressure map system was used to determine the UE pressure during unilateral and bilateral conditions. Differences between groups were examined using t-tests. Correlations were computed between UE weight bearing and hand function, and functional performance as measured by the Fugl-Meyer scale and functional independence measure (FIM) scale. The group of people with BI exerted significantly lower UE weight bearing during unilateral conditions as compared with persons WBI [left: t (119) = 2.34, p = 0.021; right: t (119) = 4.79, p = 0.043). UE weight-bearing measures correlated strongly with FIM motor scores with bilateral UE conditions yielded the highest significant correlation (bilateral left r = 0.487, p < 0.001; bilateral right r = 0.469, p < 0.01). The results indicated that UE weight-bearing pressure differs in unilateral and bilateral conditions, between persons with and WBI and between persons with stroke and traumatic brain injury. These findings may have implications for occupational therapists that use unilateral versus bilateral motor training for rehabilitation. There is a need to replicate the study design with a randomized and stratified sample of persons with BI.