BURA Collection:

Ultrasound Use in Clinical Decision-Making for Spasticity and Contracture Management in Neurological Rehabilitation

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Ultrasound Use in Clinical Decision-Making for Spasticity and Contracture Management in Neurological Rehabilitation Authors: Theis, Nicola; Kilbride, Cherry; Ashford, Stephen A Abstract: Ultrasound is increasingly used in neurological rehabilitation, most visibly to improve the accuracy and safety of botulinum toxin (BoNT) and phenol administration for spasticity. However, its potential to contribute to wider clinical decision-making remains underdeveloped, particularly through characterisation of structural muscle–tendon unit (MTU) changes that may help clinicians interpret the relative neural and structural contributors to stiffness and contracture. This position paper argues that ultrasound should be conceptualised not only as a procedural adjunct but also as a clinical decision-support tool. We synthesise current evidence supporting muscle ultrasound for tissue characterisation and intervention guidance, outline barriers to implementation, and distinguish established procedural applications from the emerging use of ultrasound for tissue-informed clinical decision support. The modified Heckmatt scale is presented as one feasible method for tissue characterisation within this broader ultrasound toolkit, while recognising that validated thresholds linking ultrasound findings to specific treatment decisions have not yet been established. Further methodological standardisation, competency development and prospective evaluation are required before these emerging applications can be incorporated consistently into routine clinical pathways. Description: Data Availability Statement: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

The Association Between Motor Proficiency and Performing Recreational and Leisure Activities in School for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The Association Between Motor Proficiency and Performing Recreational and Leisure Activities in School for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Authors: Kheirollahzadeh, Mahsa; Alizadeh Zarei, Mehdi; Amini, Malek; Dehghan Tarzjani, Faezeh Abstract: Background and Objectives: Performing recreational and leisure activities are an important part of children’s school function, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between motor proficiency, performing recreational, and leisure activities in school for the children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 52 students with autism spectrum disorder aged 7-12 years old were selected by available sampling method and the students with co morbidity were excluded from the study. Data were collected using a school function assessment (SFA) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency- Second Edition (BOTMP-2). Results: The results of Pearson correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant positive linear relationship with moderate strength between performing recreational and leisure activities and components of motor proficiency, including gross motor skills (P = 0.001, r = 0.41), upper limb coordination (P=0.000, r=0.44), and fine motor skills (P = 0.00, r = 0.58). Also, the results of multiple linear regression model indicated that only the fine motor skills as one of the components of motor proficiency had the ability to predict performing recreational and leisure activities(β = 0.5, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there was a relationship between performing recreational, leisure activities, and motor proficiency and the highest correlation was observed with fine motor skills, upper limb coordination, and gross motor skills, respectively. Also, fine motor skills had a moderate predictive ability. Thus, in order to improve student’s function in their school, perceptual motor interventions would be an important part of their treatment program.

An Investigation of the Relationship Between Set-Shifting and School Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tehran, Iran (2017 - 2018)

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Title: An Investigation of the Relationship Between Set-Shifting and School Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tehran, Iran (2017 - 2018) Authors: Alizadeh Zarei, Mehdi; Kheirollahzadeh, Mahsa; Amini, Malek Abstract: Background: One of the executive functions affected by autism spectrum disorder is set-shifting. Set-shifting leads to adaptive behaviors in different life situations, including school function. Objectives: Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the relationship between set-shifting and school function in children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study, a total of 52 students aged between 7 and 12 years old with autism spectrum disorder were selected through convenient sampling technique in schools specifically for the autistic children in Tehran, Iran (2017 - 2018). The required data were collected using school function assessment (SFA) and behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF) and were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results: The results showed that the shifting subscale of BRIEF has a significant reverse relationship with school function (P < 0.5). It should be noted that in BRIEF, the higher score indicates further damage. Also, the results of regression analysis revealed a predictive role for set-shifting in the school function of children with autism spectrum disorder (β = -0.67, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Set-shifting is associated with the school function of children with autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, set-shifting can predict the school function and autistic children with problems in set-shifting are expected to have a weak school function.

International migration of social workers across the Atlantic Ocean: Moving between Canada and England

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: International migration of social workers across the Atlantic Ocean: Moving between Canada and England Authors: Hakak, Yohai; Alade, Glory; John, Jahmila Abstract: Transnational social workers continue to play a crucial role in resolving shortages within social services in England. This paper presents findings from a mixed-method study exploring the experiences of transnational social workers migrating between England and Canada and focusing on the impact of culture on their migration. The two studies reported in this article employed semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires. The findings highlight that the Canadian social workers in England and the English social workers in Canada experienced difficulties adjusting to local cultures, with some reporting culture shock. While there are many similarities between the two cultures, existing differences were often significantly greater than expected. These differences included tensions between direct and indirect communication, forms of politeness and humour, emotional expression, and the place of therapeutic culture in practice. Service users are not well served when transnational social workers are ill-prepared for the specific cultural and organizational contexts they encounter in new practice environments. Accordingly, this paper argues for culturally specific induction, critically informed professional preparation, and workplace support, while recognizing that such measures do not replace the need for structural change within social work systems.