Hina Garg

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease that may manifest differently among racial/ethnic groups, influencing response to disease-modifying therapy (DMT). Data on natalizumab (NTZ) effectiveness in people with MS (PwMS) based on race/ethnicity are limited. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of NTZ on relapse onset and rate, and to assess MS-related healthcare encounters and costs in Black, Hispanic, Asian, and White PwMS. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the Komodo Health Claims Database, including adult patients in the US with one or more MS claim at index date (January 1, 2016–August 31, 2022). Patients were followed from first NTZ exposure through end of study, end of insurance eligibility, gap in index DMT > 45 days, or DMT switch. Annualized relapse rate (ARR), time to first relapse, and MS-related healthcare encounters and costs were compared in the 12 months pre/post NTZ initiation and while on treatment across racial strata. Results The study included 3244 PwMS (Black, n = 632; Hispanic, n = 382; Asian, n = 49; White, n = 2181). Mean post-index NTZ exposure was 15.5–19.2 months. Post-index ARRs were significantly reduced across racial/ethnic groups (p < 0.001). The adjusted Kaplan-Meier estimated proportion of relapse-free patients at 2 years for all racial/ethnic groups was not significantly different from the White group. Significant differences were observed in annualized MS-related healthcare cost rates but not in annualized MS-related encounter rates before and after NTZ initiation across the racial/ethnic groups. Conclusion NTZ was effective across racial/ethnic groups although not significantly different between groups.

The purpose of the study was to examine concealed knife attacks from eight feet away of three different knife motions and how age and sex effected attack time. Seventy-four subjects completed three different knife attacks on a target using a rubber training knife. Mean attack times were: thrust (1.43 ± 0.26 s), horizontal (1.55 ± 0.33 s), and overhead (1.60 ± 0.32 s), with the fastest attack time of 1.04 s, a thrust, by a young male. Age groups did not differ in attack time, whereas males were significantly faster in each knife motion. Practicing defensive maneuvers and tactics in these timeframes may serve to determine optimal responses.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate the Student Perceptions of Real Patient Use in Physical Therapy Education (SPRP-PTE) survey to assess physical therapy student (SPT) perceptions regarding real patient use in didactic education.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study developed a 48-item survey and tested the survey on 130 SPTs. Face and content validity were determined by an expert review and content validity index (CVI). Construct validity and internal consistency reliability were determined via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach’s α.Results: Three main constructs were identified (value, satisfaction, and confidence), each having 4 subconstruct components (overall, cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning). Expert review demonstrated adequate face and content validity (CVI=96%). The initial EFA of the 48-item survey revealed items with inconsistent loadings and low correlations, leading to the removal of 18 items. An EFA of the 30-item survey demonstrated 1-factor loadings of all survey constructs except satisfaction and the entire survey. All constructs had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α >0.85).Conclusion: The SPRP-PTE survey provides a reliable and valid way to assess student perceptions of real patient use. Future studies are encouraged to validate the SPRP-PTE survey further.

Background and Purpose: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and implementation of telehealth has expanded, with implementation moving ahead of best practice recommendations due to necessity. Telehealth has improved access and care coordination for patients with various neurologic conditions; however, information regarding therapeutic intensity, safety, and appropriateness is lacking. In 2021, the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy formed a Telehealth Taskforce to provide clinical and educational resources for its members and the neurologic physical therapy (PT) community. The purpose of this special interest article is to provide consensus-driven best practice resources developed by the Taskforce and describe the process of creating these resources to assist with telehealth implementation in neurologic PT practice, advocate for continued utilization, and shine light on opportunities for future research. Summary of Key Points: In this special interest article, we describe the process, challenges, and opportunities of developing and disseminating resources to educate, train, and support telehealth implementation in neurologic clinical practice. Four key strategies to facilitate telehealth implementation emerged: (1) increase knowledge of resources related to telehealth and mobile applications; (2) develop and disseminate evidence-based and consensus-based best practice recommendations for telehealth in neurologic PT; (3) provide future recommendations for integrating telehealth in PT, education, research, and clinical practice; and (4) encourage advocacy for inclusion of telehealth within the PT community. We explain the need to continue research and provide recommendations to expand telehealth research in neurologic clinical practice. Recommendations for Clinical Practice: This article highlights the potential and future of telehealth in neurologic PT practice. Our recommendations provide current clinical tools and resources for telehealth implementation following a knowledge-to-action framework and suggest areas for future research. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, the Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A447).

Background and Purpose: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report low physical activity and psychosocial support due to concerns with transportation, time, finances, access to services, and lack of caregiver support. These barriers can be addressed by online group interventions; however, utility of such programs in individuals with MS has not been examined yet. The purpose of this retrospective study was, therefore, to (a) investigate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of a virtual group exercise program in individuals with MS, and (b) explore the participant perceptions after the program. Methods: Retrospective data from the medical records of 17 individuals with MS (mean [SD] age = 53.5 [12.3] years, body mass index = 28.2 [7.2]) who completed the virtual 13-week group exercise program, pre- and posttraining functional status questionnaires, and the end-of-program feedback were extracted. The exercise program included aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training components recommended for people with MS. Feasibility, safety, outcomes, and participant perceptions were determined by adherence to the prescribed daily exercise dosage, number of adverse events, within-group differences in self-reported functional status, and thematic analysis of the participant feedback, respectively. Results: Participants were adherent (79%), reported minimal adverse effects, and demonstrated significant changes (P < 0.05) in functional status posttraining. Several themes on the perceived barriers, facilitators, and suggestions for improvement were identified. Discussion and Conclusions: A virtual 13-week group exercise program can be feasible, safe, effective, and well received by individuals with MS. Future research should investigate the dose-response effectiveness of telehealth and compare various telehealth models of exercise training using large randomized controlled trials. Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A434, which demonstrates an overview of the study).

Background: Approximately 40% of women report incontinence during pregnancy and postpartum (known as the perinatal period). Due to the lack of an established measurement standard, this scoping review aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of tools, which assess incontinence-related symptoms and quality of life (QOL) during this period. Materials and Methods: Articles in English, which assessed psychometric properties of tools for perinatal incontinence-related symptoms or QOL, were included and evaluated by a 16-item checklist. Nine databases were searched from 2000 to 2020. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, and five assessment tools were identified and included in this review. The modified Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (mPFQ), Leakage Index (LI), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.60, >0.70, and mean inter-item correlations >0.39, respectively). The mPFQ demonstrated moderate test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.60). Construct validity of the ICIQ-UI SF was established by significant ( p < 0.05) differences across age and obesity, whereas the mPFQ demonstrated significant ( p < 0.001) discriminant validity in symptoms prepartum and postpartum. Convergent validity of telephone-administered Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) was established with the written version ( p > 0.05, correlation coefficient >0.90). Responsiveness to change was described for the ICIQ-UI SF and mPFQ. Conclusions: The mPFQ and ICIQ-UI SF demonstrated acceptable reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change, therefore suggesting good clinical utility. Since most studies included primiparous women, future research in heterogeneous samples of women with perinatal incontinence may be needed.

Background: Psychometric properties of tests that assess the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (aVOR) and vestibulospinal reflex function are currently unknown. This study investigated the test-retest reliability and response stability of gaze stabilization, postural sway, and dynamic balance measures in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and controls. Methods: Nineteen adults with MS and 14 controls performed passive horizontal head impulses, quiet standing, and dynamic balance tests on two separate occasions. Gaze stabilization measures included aVOR gain, number of compensatory saccades (CSs) per head rotation, CS latency, and gaze position error. Postural sway included sway amplitude and total sway path. Dynamic balance measure included the Functional Gait Assessment. Intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement (SEM, SEM%), and minimal detectable difference at 95% confidence level were calculated. Results: Test-retest reliability for aVOR gain, CSs per head rotation, and gaze position error was moderate and for each postural sway and dynamic balance measure was good. Low error (SEM, SEM%) for aVOR gain, CS latency, postural sway, and dynamic balance variables and low minimal detectable difference values for aVOR gain and Functional Gait Assessment scores were seen, suggestive of acceptable response stability. Conclusions: These results support the utility of some of the gaze and postural measures for examination and treatment efficacy purposes in people with MS.

Despite the common complaints of dizziness and demyelination of afferent or efferent pathways to and from the vestibular nuclei which may adversely affect the angular vestibulo‐ocular reflex (aVOR) and vestibulo‐spinal function in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), few studies have examined gaze and dynamic balance function in PwMS. (1) Determine the differences in gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation measures between PwMS and controls, (2) Examine the relationships between gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation. Nineteen ambulatory PwMS at fall‐risk and 14 age‐matched controls were recruited. Outcomes included (1) gaze stability (angular aVOR gain [ratio of eye to head velocity]; number of compensatory saccades [CS] per head rotation; CS latency; gaze position error; coefficient of variation [CV] of aVOR gain), (2) dynamic balance (functional gait assessment, FGA; four square step test), and (c) participation (dizziness handicap inventory; activities‐specific balance confidence scale). Separate independent t‐tests and Pearson's correlations were calculated. PwMS were age = 53 ± 11.7 years and had 4.2 ± 3.3 falls/year. PwMS demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) impairments in gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation measures compared to controls. CV of aVOR gain and CS latency were significantly correlated with FGA. Deficits and correlations across a spectrum of disability measures highlight the relevance of gaze and dynamic balance assessment in PwMS. Anat Rec, 301:1852–1860, 2018.