Effects of strength exercises combined with other training on physical performance in frail older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Strength training is one of the most important protocols for frailty prevention in the older population. However, effects of adding other types of exercise to strength training in frail older adults remain unknown. Therefore, this review and meta-analysis determined the effects of strength exercise combined with other types of training on physical performance in frail older adults.

Exploring Managers' Opinions on Planning and Designing Adult Day Care Centers.

Objective: To explore managers' opinions on planning and design of location, building type, spatial layout, and interior design of adult day care centers (ADCCs).

Background: The planning and design of new ADCCs affect subsequent service users and workflows. Studies explore the factors affecting such planning and design using qualitative methods and from the perspective of users.

Comparison of segmental spinal movement control in adolescents with and without idiopathic scoliosis using modified pressure biofeedback unit.

Background: Postural rehabilitation emphasizing on motor control training of segmental spinal movements has been proposed to effectively reduce the scoliotic spinal deformities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, information regarding the impairments of segmental spinal movement control involving segmental spinal stabilizers in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains limited. Examination of segmental spinal movement control may provide a window for investigating the features of impaired movement control specific to spinal segments that may assist in the development of physiotherapeutic management of AIS.

Effect of assistive reading software on high school students with learning disabilities: a pilot study.

Objective: This research project was designed to test the immediate effect of using assistive reading software - Kurzweil 3000 (K-3000) for high school students with learning disabilities (LD) to improve their English reading and other school performances.

Participants: 29 Taiwanese high school students with LD were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) use of the K-3000 or (2) control group (using a pen and paper).

Methods: Both groups were asked to complete the standardized measurements using pen and paper a pre-test.

Examining changes in self-perceived quality of life in children and adolescents with physical disability using a longitudinal design.

Purpose:  The study aimed to investigate the changes in self-perceived quality of life (QOL) of children and adolescents with physical disability (PD).

Method:  Two hundred students aged 10-18 with PD were recruited from primary and high schools in Taiwan to participate in this longitudinal study. The Student Version of the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale (COMQOL-S) was used to measure self-perceived QOL, which was recorded at baseline, and 6, 12 and 18 months post-baseline.

A 3D mathematical model to predict spinal joint forces for a child with spina bifida.

Children with spina bifida (SB) can exhibit excessive arm swing, trunk sway, and pelvic tilt during walking. To understand the relationship between abnormal low back forces (LBF) and gait disorders in SB, we derived a mathematical model for evaluating LBF in this population. One unimpaired child and a child with SB were tested.

Establishment of resource portal of assistive technology in Taiwan.

Purpose: To establish an Assistive Technology (AT) resource portal for users, professionals and policy-makers in Taiwan to provide a new and versatile information network for AT popularization.

Method: The Centre for AT Resources and Popularization (CATR@P), integrated the resources primarily from five AT Resource Centres of the Ministry of Interior in Taiwan. CATR@P invited representatives of organizations for people with disabilities, AT specialists and policy-makers to join the task force.

Do physical disabilities affect self-perceived quality of life in adolescents?

Purpose: We examined to what extent physical disabilities (PD) affect self-perceived quality of life (QOL) among adolescents.

Method: A survey was conducted on 157 adolescents (aged 15.6 +/- 1.

Associations between the metabolic syndrome and its components, watching television and physical activity.

Objective: To examine the associations between watching television and physical activity with the metabolic syndrome and its components.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was conducted among 358 subjects recruited from the Department of Health Management of Chang Gung Medical Centre in Linkou.

Self-perceived quality of life for adolescents with physical disabilities - a preliminary study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of physical disabilities (PD) on the quality of life (QoL) of adolescents aged from 10 to 18 years. Sixty-three adolescents with PD (aged 14.9 +/- 2.

The effectiveness of an aerobic exercise intervention on worksite health-related physical fitness--a case in a high-tech company.

Background: The major objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise intervention with goals of improving health-related physical fitness in one high-tech company in Taiwan.

Methods: This study was conducted as a quasi-experimental design. Among the 54 subjects enrolled in the study, 26 subjects of the volunteers agreed to participate in an aerobic exercise program.

Presence of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 gene mutation in a patient with apparently sporadic Parkinson's disease: clinical implications.

Among 242 patients with apparently sporadic Parkinson's disease, a 70-year-old man with a CAG repeat number of 37 in the SCA2 gene was identified. He has remained responsive to levodopa 14 years after onset and has had no overt signs suggesting cerebellar dysfunction. Although it is not possible to confirm if this patient has a de novo mutation of the SCA2 gene, this genetic defect seems to be contributing to his parkinsonian features and further supports the concept that apparently sporadic, late-onset, levodopa-responsive Parkinson's disease may have multiple causes.