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• The optimal functioning of the shoulder joint is highly dependent on the positioning and movement of the scapula.
• Scapular dyskinesis reduces the stability of the shoulder joint.
• Scapula-based exercises effectively improve shoulder pain and function.
• Scapula-based exercise did not demonstrate a significant impact on scapula positioning.

Appropriate functioning of the shoulder joint is dependent on the positioning and movement of the scapula, such as facilitating shoulder repeated motions. The scapular as a multi-task component and a base for muscle attachments implements numerous functions donating to the mobility and stability of the shoulder girdle. Scapular static and dynamic alignment assurance the function of muscles related to the scapula complex and prevent some disorders and shoulder pains. It is suggested that the glenohumeral joint’s function becomes efficient if the stabilizing role of the scapula is normal, and the function of the neuromuscular system is improved. 

• Transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) and robotic therapy (RT) had no additional effects on motor function improvement in stroke patients.
• The metaplasticity, Hebbian plasticity, and ceiling effects must be taken into account when combining tDCS and RT as a neurorehabilitation approach.
• When applying two treatment strategies concurrently, hemostatic metaplasticity can reduce the effect of the latter strategy to maintain the neural network activity within a physiologic range.

Stroke is one of the major health problems in the world and one of the most debilitating neurological diseases in adults. Stroke survivors suffer from persistent motor, cognitive, and somatosensory complications. Long-term physical dysfunction and limitations in activities of daily living direct rehabilitation systems to improve patients’ motor performance. Transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS) and robotic therapy (RT) are two neurorehabilitation methods for improving the function of the upper limbs in stroke patients. Research results have shown that robotic therapy and direct transcranial stimulation each alone have beneficial effects on improving patients’ performance. In recent years, to make rehabilitation treatment more effective, many studies have investigated the effects of the simultaneous use of these two methods. Summarizing the results of the studies showed that the simultaneous use of these two methods does not result in a greater effect.

• In children with spastic cerebral palsy, self-care activity has increased with the improvement of the cognitive level.
• Self-care activity has increased with increasing levels of manual ability classification system (MACS) in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

This study showed that in children with spastic cerebral palsy, self-care activity has a relationship with cognitive level and manual ability classification system (MACS) level. Occupational therapists should pay more attention to manual ability to improve self-care in these children.

• Currently, many scientists in the world consider the COVID-19 pandemic to be the greatest public health, economic, and national policy challenge of the century for many countries.
• Following the literature, Iran, like other countries, is affected by the negative consequences of COVID-19. Thus, some measures should be taken to mitigate these consequences.
• Self-care should be taken as a crucial strategy in epidemiological studies on COVID-19 to cope with the disease and the factors affecting it to develop a model to identify and understand the COVID-19 mechanism.
• However, various factors seem to affect people’s ability to care for themselves.
• Research shows that although anxiety reduces an individual’s ability to take care of themselves, having a certain degree of stress makes the person take more care of themselves and thus be less at risk of developing the disease. 
• To engage in adequate self-care, people are expected to have a high level of health literacy.
• Research also shows that patients with higher levels of self-reliance and independence are more likely to have less cooperation with healthcare providers, which in turn negatively affects patient self-care.

During the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran, self-care has gained special importance in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Although improving self-care behaviors is one of the most effective ways to control disease and its complications, only a low number of adults practice effective self-care measures. Various factors appear to influence people’s ability to care for themselves. The present study was conducted to determine whether health literacy, perceived stress, and anxiety sensitivity are correlated with self-care for COVID-19 with a focus on the mediating role of Health locus of control (HLC) in Ardabil City in 2020 using a descriptive-correlational design and path analysis. The research population included people living in Ardabil City. The participants included 300 persons who were selected via the convenience sampling method. The health literacy instrument for Iranian adults (HELIA), perceived stress scale (PSS), anxiety sensitivity scale (ASS), self-care questionnaire, and locus of control scale (LCS) were used to collect data. The results showed that health literacy and anxiety sensitivity are associated with self-care for COVID-19, mediated by health locus of control (HLOC) (both internal and individual). Thus, planning effective interventions to strengthen HLOC can improve self-care behaviors in people during the COVID-19 pandemic.en that the new coronavirus is spreading rapidly worldwide and many countries are struggling with this virus, evaluating factors affecting self-care behaviors can be a vital step in managing the disease and reducing its complications.

• The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in sound limbs following amputation is 26.2%.
• The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in sound limbs is higher in men (65.5%), those aged 51-80(75.6%), married (75.6%), and transtibial amputees (66.4%).
• Sustained knee bending is the most prevalent risk factor (96.9%, 31.07), followed by a history of a painful knee injury (89.3%, 12.00), sitting on the floor for home activities (80.9%, 8.00) and occupation with knee use (98.5%, 7.25).

Lower limb amputees also face long-term issues, including an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip on the healthy side. The current study was conducted with a knowledge gap to determine the prevalence of knee OA and risk factors of knee OA for the intact limb in amputated individuals. This cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 500 lower limb amputees using prostheses for at least 1 year, with either gender, aged 20-80 years using a demographic sheet, risk factor questionnaire, and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines to collect data. Statistical analysis using SPSS software version 21 revealed a prevalence of 26.2% of OA in the sound limb, being more common in married men aged 51-80 years with trans-tibial amputation on the contralateral side. Common risk factors include sustained knee bending, a history of a painful knee injury, sitting on the floor for home activities, and occupations with knee use.

• The practice of novice physical therapy compromises patient health. 
• The effect of novice physical therapy on senior physical therapist practice. 
• Novice physical therapy compromises the quality of life of patients. 

Reflective practice is a thinking method about experiences, learning from mistakes, identifying skills and strengths, and developing options and actions for change and future success. On the other hand, self-assessment helps you examine the ways of reflection to use in your personal and professional life. To make you skillful in knowing the extent of reflective activities you use in your learning and self-development, this study aims to compare the reflective practice and self-assessment methods of novice practitioners who graduated from the governmental and private sectors. This study was a comparative cross-sectional study. Data were collected from the physiotherapy department of the governmental and private clinical setups in Lahore City, Pakistan. The non-probability convenience sampling method was used to collect data. A total of 138 participants were included in this study. A pre-established and structured reflective practice self-assessment instrument was employed to collect data. This is a valid and reliable tool to determine the individuals’ self-perception regarding the use of reflective practice in personal and professional life. The data was analyzed using a spreadsheet of SPSS software, version 20. Frequency tables or histogram were used for demographic variables.

• KHANA seems to be a valid and reliable test to assess reading skills (rate, accuracy, and reading comprehension) in Persian-speaking students from second to seventh grade.
• KHANA can discriminate students with reading impairments (SRI) from typically developing students.

Some students have difficulty in reading. This difficulty can be in the rate, accuracy, or comprehension of reading. By identifying students with reading impairments (SRI) early, they can receive appropriate treatment that prevents problems later in life. Therefore, we developed the KHANA test to assess reading skills in Persian-speaking students from second to seventh grade. We implemented this test on students with and without reading impairments, and according to the results, KHANA is a suitable tool to assess reading skills among students.

• Bullying behaviors can have a major impact on the self-esteem of primary school students. Repeated incidents of bullying can cause a child to feel ashamed, isolated, and insecure.
• Students who experience bullying behavior are at higher risk of developing mental health and emotional problems, including depression and anxiety.
• Schools can play a key role in bolstering self-esteem and preventing bullying behaviors. By creating a safe and supportive environment, teachers and administrators can help students feel more confident and empowered.
• Parents can also play a role in helping their children develop a positive sense of self-worth. Encouraging kids to try new things, praising their efforts and achievements, and offering consistent emotional support can all contribute to stronger self-esteem.
• Intervention programs can also be implemented to address bullying and related issues in schools. For example, peer mentoring programs can help to empower students and provide support for those who are struggling.

Bullying is a harmful behavior, particularly for primary school students. It negatively affects their self-esteem and makes them feel less confident. Bullying is frequently characterized by repeated, unsolicited aggressive behavior, such as taunting, name-calling, harming others, and discrimination. Bullying may make youngsters feel depressed, frightened and lonely, leading them to miss school, suffer medical problems, or even consider self-harm. It is vital to protect children from bullying for their mental well-being. Parents, teachers, and other adult figures must collaborate in identifying and addressing bullying, as well as creating a supportive atmosphere for pupils to grow. Furthermore, assisting pupils in developing self-esteem via acceptance and encouragement protects them against bullying.

• Lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) increases interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations while reducing pain, disability, and catastrophizing in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
• Graded activity exercise increases IL-6 concentrations while reducing pain and disability in patients with NSCLBP.
• Patients with NSCLBP had less catastrophizing with treatments of LSE than graded activity exercise

This study sought to determine how lumbar stabilization and graded activity exercises (GAE), known to reduce pain and disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP), affect concentrations of interleukin (IL) 1A (IL1A), interleukin18 receptor 1 (IL18R1), interleukin18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP), IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, diverting attention, cognitive coping, and pain reinterpretation in patients with NSCLBP. The study showed that concentrations of IL1A, IL18R1, IL18RAP, and COX2 did not respond to lumbar stabilization and GAE, while IL-6 concentrations responded to lumbar stabilization and GAE. Also, the study showed that lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) increases IL-6 concentrations in patients with NSCLBP while reducing pain, disability, and catastrophizing, while graded activity exercise increases IL-6 concentrations while reducing pain and disability. Both LSE and GAE have the same effect on IL-6 concentrations, pain, and disability. Patients’ catastrophizing was reduced after LSE compared to graded activity exercise.

• While the muscle energy technique (MET) of quadratus lumborum (QL) significantly improves QL function, its impact on breathing dysfunction is unknown. The effect of MET of QL on pulmonary parameters was evaluated in the present research. Each metric comprising pain, surface electromyography (EMG) of the diaphragm, Pimax, and chest expansion shows a significant improvement. The carryover effect of MET on QL as well as other accessory muscles of breathing is recommended for further research 

Studies have proven that in low back pain, the breathing pattern is abnormal. To keep our body balanced, several muscles work in harmony. However, in low back pain, this coordination is lost and leads to imbalance, which, in turn, leads again to complications that are more obvious than breathing abnormality, and if left untreated, may worsen the back pain and breathing. Therefore, to overcome this problem, we divided patients with low back pain, with or without breathing abnormality based on the score of one questionnaire used for breathing. Both groups were treated with a manual therapy session used in physiotherapy practices. The muscle chosen was quadratus lumborum (QL), which is a core stabilizer, as well as the accessory muscle for breathing. Pre and post-evaluation of parameters, such as the capacity of lungs to expand, the strength of primary muscle of breathing in terms of pressure exerted while inhalation, and the physiological changes during inhalation. We found positive results after one session of manual therapy. It proves that if we focus on the correction of breathing in any musculoskeletal condition, it will be beneficial to the better prognosis of the complaint and also help to prevent future consequences. 

• The prevalence of falls and the resulting damage in elderly patients hospitalized are significantly high.
• There were correlations between the fall risk and age, sex, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Falls among elderly inpatients in hospitals are of great concern in any healthcare system.

Preventive programs and care should be taken to reduce the rate of falls and the adverse effects such as hospitalization, stress on elderly patients and their families, higher costs imposed on families and society, poor quality of life, and medical costs.

• Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA) Z-score neurofeedback is effective in aphasia recovery.
• LORETA Z-score neurofeedback can increase fast brain waves (high beta, beta, alpha) and decrease slow brain waves (theta, delta) at specific brain regions to improve aphasia symptoms.
• LORETA Z-score neurofeedback can improve language, working memory, and attention performances.

In this original study, we estimated the effectiveness of Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA) Z-score neurofeedback on aphasia patients. According to literature, in aphasia brain waves alter to decreased fast brain waves and increased slow brain waves. Moreover, neuromodulation represented by Neurofeedback has been reported in past studies to be useful in normalizing brain waves. Therefore, we hypothesized that Loreta Z score neurofeedback (LZNFB) can improve aphasia symptoms by normalizing brain waves. Our findings of LORETA analysis showed increased fast brain waves and decreased slow brain waves over the 15 sessions of LZNFB. Moreover, language, working memory, and attention improved after treatment. We concluded that this method is effective in aphasia rehabilitation and can be used in the treatment of aphasia. 

• One of the concepts investigated in positive psychology is psychological capital. The results of this study showed that narrative therapy has a significant effect on the psychological capital of mothers of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
• Also, the result of this research demonstrated that narrative therapy has a significant effect on psychological capital subscales such as hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy.

Intellectual and developmental disability is one of the categories of people with special needs. This disability has a lot of impact on parents and siblings. Different treatment methods are used to reduce the psychological problems of parents of children with intellectual disabilities. One of these treatment methods is narrative therapy. The findings of this research show that narrative therapy has a significant effect on the psychological capital of mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• The cognitive-behavioral therapy affects the quality of life in the older people.
• The older people are more vulnerable than others during the coronavirus pandemic and have a lot of anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces anxiety in older people.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, by using the techniques of cognitive-behavioral perspectives, helps older people to change their distorted patterns of dysfunctional behavior including behavioral and cognitive aspects of treatments.

The emergence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed people’s living conditions. This disease has caused destructive psychological effects such as anxiety and reduced quality of life. Therefore, interventions by psychologists and counselors seem necessary. Numerous studies have been conducted so far. The results of this research showed that cognitive-behavioral therapy led to the reduction of physical and mental symptoms of corona anxiety in older people, and cognitive-behavioral therapy increased the quality of life in older people and this effect was stable three months after the intervention.

• There was a positive, strong, and significant correlation between spasticity and body mass index (BMI), and between functional independence and selective voluntary motor control (SVMC),
• There was a negative, strong, and significant correlation between spasticity and functional independence, between spasticity and SVMC, and between functional independence and BMI. 
• There was a positive, moderate, and significant correlation between BMI and the level of gross motor function, and also between gross motor function level and spasticity.
• There was a negative, moderate, and significant correlation between the level of gross motor function and functional independence and also between BMI and SVMC.

The findings of the current study have shown relationships between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC), and functional ability in children with diplegic CP. According to these results, BMI and SVMC could be included in the evaluation of children with diplegic CP. Therapeutic intervention to improve SVMC should be added when planning a program to promote the functional independence of children with spastic diplegia. 

• We assessed the correlation between physical activity (frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise), psychological distress (anxiety and depression), and socioeconomic status and explored the factors influencing psychological distress among striking workers in Nigeria.
• We also look at the prevalence of psychological distress and suggestions on ways to prevent strikes in Nigerian universities.
• A tenuous inverse significant relationship was established between anxiety, age, contemplating changing my job, number of children, academic rank, and frequency/duration of exercise.
• The significant negative predictors of psychological distress were marital status, contemplating changing my job, and number of children while the positive predictors were seeing anything positive about the strike, alternate source of income, and time spent watching television.
• A third of the total subjects showed signs of developing major depression and anxiety. 
• Probing to explore the factors influencing psychological distress among striking workers may offer stepwise intervention to lessen it.
• We recommend that the government should honor the existing agreement with the workers to prevent strike reoccurrence.

The non-payment of academic staff salaries due to strike actions led to psychological distress such as anxiety and depression. Lecturers with higher academic rank and with more children reported less anxiety and depression. Additionally, those who spent more time participating in physical activity and exercise reported less anxiety and depression. Regular participation in physical activity and exercise is therefore recommended for all people especially those with anxiety and depression such as experienced among the striking scholars. As an essential medicine regular exercise is a powerful stimulant in preventing and modulating lifestyle associated diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and mental health challenges. We also recommend that the Government should look into the issues that caused the workers to embark on these strike such failure to honor the existing agreement previously reached with the lecturers as this may help in preventing strike re-occurrence in the future.

• Mortality from cardiovascular causes, including pulmonary embolism (PE), is the second most common cause of mortality in psychiatric patients.
• Many common treatment modalities for psychiatric disorders increase the risk of coagulopathies.
• PE is a preventable cause of death for psychiatric patients. We present this case to emphasize the importance of venous thromboembolism (VTE) complications in asymptomatic psychiatric patients.

Signs and symptoms that are specific to pulmonary embolism (PE) include tachycardia and dyspnea. A 56-year-old woman was hospitalized a week before admission due to aggression, restlessness, and disturbance. After two weeks, with no progress in relieving symptoms, tachycardia was detected. Therefore, consultation with an internal medicine specialist and more evaluation was requested. With a high level of D-dimer, and low saturation, we considered thromboembolism, the patient was sent to a general hospital