Browsing by Author "Radosavljevic, Natasa (55245822900)"

Pediatric stroke (PS) is an injury caused by the occlusion or rupture of a blood vessel in the central nervous system (CNS) of children, before or after birth. Hemiparesis is the most common motoric deficit associated with PS in children. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that PS is a significant challenge for rehabilitation, especially since the consequences may also appear during the child’s growth and development, reducing functional capacity. The plasticity of the child’s CNS is an important predecessor of recovery, but disruption of the neural network, specific to an immature brain, can have harmful and potentially devastating consequences. In this review, we summarize the complexity of the consequences associated with PS and the possibilities and role of modern rehabilitation. An analysis of the current literature reveals that Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, forced-use therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation and robot-assisted therapy have demonstrated at least partial improvements in motor domains related to hemiparesis or hemiplegia caused by PS, but they are supported with different levels of evidence. Due to the lack of randomized controlled studies, the optimal rehabilitation treatment is still debatable, and therefore, most recommendations are primarily based on expert consensuses, opinions and an insufficient level of evidence. © 2024 by the authors.

Pediatric stroke (PS) is an injury caused by the occlusion or rupture of a blood vessel in the central nervous system (CNS) of children, before or after birth. Hemiparesis is the most common motoric deficit associated with PS in children. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that PS is a significant challenge for rehabilitation, especially since the consequences may also appear during the child’s growth and development, reducing functional capacity. The plasticity of the child’s CNS is an important predecessor of recovery, but disruption of the neural network, specific to an immature brain, can have harmful and potentially devastating consequences. In this review, we summarize the complexity of the consequences associated with PS and the possibilities and role of modern rehabilitation. An analysis of the current literature reveals that Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, forced-use therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation and robot-assisted therapy have demonstrated at least partial improvements in motor domains related to hemiparesis or hemiplegia caused by PS, but they are supported with different levels of evidence. Due to the lack of randomized controlled studies, the optimal rehabilitation treatment is still debatable, and therefore, most recommendations are primarily based on expert consensuses, opinions and an insufficient level of evidence. © 2024 by the authors.

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in the degree of the anxiety and comorbidity levels in patients with different chronic pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive bronchitis (COPD) without emphysema phenotype, pulmonary emphysema, bronchial asthma and lung cancer. Materials and Methods: The prospective clinical study included 272 patients that were diagnosed and treated of pulmonary pathology. COPD (without emphysema phenotype) (Group-1), pulmonary emphysema (Group-2), bronchial asthma (Group-3) and lung cancer (Group-4) were assessed. For the evaluation of the anxiety degree, we used Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Results: The degree of cardiovascular symptoms was significantly higher in Group-1 versus Group-2 (p < 0.001), Group-3 (p = 0.001) and Group-4 (p = 0.013), and significantly higher in Group-4 versus Group-2 (p = 0.046). The degree of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in Group-1 versus Group-2 (p < 0.001), Group-3 (p <0.001) and Group-4 (p = 0.002), and significantly higher in Group-4 versus Group-2 (p = 0.013) and versus Group-3 (p = 0.023). For gastrointestinal symptoms, the degree of one was significantly higher in Group-1 versus Group-2 (p < 0.001), Group-3 (p < 0.001) and Group-4 (p = 0.017). Somatic subscale values were significantly higher in Group-1 versus Group-2 (p < 0.001), Group-3 (p <0.001) and Group-4 (p = 0.015), and significantly higher in Group-4 versus Group-2 (p = 0.024). Total HAM-A score was significantly higher in Group-1 versus Group-2 (p = 0.002) and Group-3 (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Patients with COPD (without emphysema phenotype) followed by the lung cancer are at elevated risk of being more mentally challenged in terms of increased anxiety. Furthermore, patients with exacerbation of evaluated pulmonary pathologies have various levels of comorbidities degrees. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Objective: To analyze the impact of rehabilitation treatment on social functioning in elderly patients after hip fracture during a rehabilitation program. Methods: This study included 203 patients with hip fracture. Four groups were analyzed on rehabilitation: Group 1, at admission, Group 2, at discharge, Group 3, three months after discharge and Group 4, six months after discharge. The analyzed parameters included: Musculoskeletal, neurological and cognitive impairments. Impairment severity was graded by cumulative index rating scale for geriatrics (CIRS-G). Evaluation of social functioning was completed by social functioning component (SFC) from quality of life (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: There was a significant improvement in SF-36 SFC values for observed impairments from admission to six months after discharge for each severity degree (p < 0.01), except for CIRS-G severity degree 4 for cognitive impairment, where significance was p < 0.05. For the group of patients with musculoskeletal impairment, there was a significant difference between the values of SF-36 SFC concerning different severity degrees of CIRS-G only at six months after discharge (p < 0.05). Patients with neurological or cognitive impairments have shown significant differences between the values of SF-36 SFC in regard to severity degrees of CIRS-G in all observational groups. Conclusion: Different degrees of observed impairments influence the degree of social functioning recovery in the elderly after hip fracture.

Objective: To analyze the impact of rehabilitation treatment on social functioning in elderly patients after hip fracture during a rehabilitation program. Methods: This study included 203 patients with hip fracture. Four groups were analyzed on rehabilitation: Group 1, at admission, Group 2, at discharge, Group 3, three months after discharge and Group 4, six months after discharge. The analyzed parameters included: Musculoskeletal, neurological and cognitive impairments. Impairment severity was graded by cumulative index rating scale for geriatrics (CIRS-G). Evaluation of social functioning was completed by social functioning component (SFC) from quality of life (SF-36) questionnaire. Results: There was a significant improvement in SF-36 SFC values for observed impairments from admission to six months after discharge for each severity degree (p < 0.01), except for CIRS-G severity degree 4 for cognitive impairment, where significance was p < 0.05. For the group of patients with musculoskeletal impairment, there was a significant difference between the values of SF-36 SFC concerning different severity degrees of CIRS-G only at six months after discharge (p < 0.05). Patients with neurological or cognitive impairments have shown significant differences between the values of SF-36 SFC in regard to severity degrees of CIRS-G in all observational groups. Conclusion: Different degrees of observed impairments influence the degree of social functioning recovery in the elderly after hip fracture.

Aim: To evaluate the functional status measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in elderly aged more than 65years after hip fractures, and to evaluate the influence of sex, age and comorbidity on balance function improvement. Methods: The study included 203 patients with hip fractures. Functional status was evaluated by BBS: at admission (Group 1), at discharge (Group 2) and 3months after discharge (Group 3). We analyzed three age groups: Group65-74, Group75-84 and Group85-up; female and male sex separately; and for severity index value (SI; total cumulative illness rating scale for geriatrics score divided by number of endorsed categories): group between 0-1.99 (SI1) and group ≥2 (SI2). Results: BBS values significantly declined in all male groups and female Group 2 and Group 3 in SI2 (P<0.01). Group65-74 and Group85-up had a significant BBS values decline in Group 2 and Group 3, whereas Group75-84 had a significant decline in all groups in the SI2 group (P<0.01). Females and males had a significant BBS values increase in the SI1 groups (P<0.01), and non-significant BBS values increase between Group 2/Group 3 for SI2. Group85-up had a significant BBS values increase in SI1 (Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3; P<0.01); a non-significant increase between Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3, and a non-significant decline between Group 2/Group 3 in SI2. Conclusions: Male sex, increased comorbidity and age more than 85years could be considered with lower functional recovery capacity potential after hip fracture, and thus should be individually assessed and continuously monitored. Functional status estimation by BBS could be taken as a sensitive predictive value for the evaluation of functional improvement in these patients. © 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Aim: To evaluate the functional status measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in elderly aged more than 65years after hip fractures, and to evaluate the influence of sex, age and comorbidity on balance function improvement. Methods: The study included 203 patients with hip fractures. Functional status was evaluated by BBS: at admission (Group 1), at discharge (Group 2) and 3months after discharge (Group 3). We analyzed three age groups: Group65-74, Group75-84 and Group85-up; female and male sex separately; and for severity index value (SI; total cumulative illness rating scale for geriatrics score divided by number of endorsed categories): group between 0-1.99 (SI1) and group ≥2 (SI2). Results: BBS values significantly declined in all male groups and female Group 2 and Group 3 in SI2 (P<0.01). Group65-74 and Group85-up had a significant BBS values decline in Group 2 and Group 3, whereas Group75-84 had a significant decline in all groups in the SI2 group (P<0.01). Females and males had a significant BBS values increase in the SI1 groups (P<0.01), and non-significant BBS values increase between Group 2/Group 3 for SI2. Group85-up had a significant BBS values increase in SI1 (Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3; P<0.01); a non-significant increase between Group 1/Group 2 and Group 1/Group 3, and a non-significant decline between Group 2/Group 3 in SI2. Conclusions: Male sex, increased comorbidity and age more than 85years could be considered with lower functional recovery capacity potential after hip fracture, and thus should be individually assessed and continuously monitored. Functional status estimation by BBS could be taken as a sensitive predictive value for the evaluation of functional improvement in these patients. © 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.

The study aim was to evaluate the effects of presence and level of musculoskeletal impairment along with gender on physical functioning outcome after the rehabilitation program in aged adults with a hip fracture. We analyzed 203 elderly people with hip fractures above 65 years of age that were treated after the hip surgery. According to the time of examination, patients were tested three times: at admission, discharge, and at three months post-discharge. Musculoskeletal impairments were analyzed, and for the estimation of severity of degree impairment, we used a cumulative index rating scale for geriatrics (CIRS-G). Regarding the gender, we separately analyzed males and females. To evaluate physical functioning of aged adults after a hip fracture, we used the physical functioning component (PFC) from the quality of life (SF-36) questionnaire. For males, on all three occasions we found non-significant differences were found in SF-36 PFC values between different degrees of CIRS-G musculoskeletal impairment. A significant difference was noticed in females three months post-discharge. Effects size of different examination periods for every CIRS-G severity degree of musculoskeletal impairment were high, where males had higher values for severity degrees 1 and 2, and females had higher values for severity degrees 0 and 3. Our findings might suggest that there is a certain degree of different rehabilitation treatment effects for males versus females. Moreover, it might be assumed that other factors could influence different degrees of functional improvement and outcome of individuals after a hip fracture with musculoskeletal impairment. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

The study aim was to evaluate the effects of presence and level of musculoskeletal impairment along with gender on physical functioning outcome after the rehabilitation program in aged adults with a hip fracture. We analyzed 203 elderly people with hip fractures above 65 years of age that were treated after the hip surgery. According to the time of examination, patients were tested three times: at admission, discharge, and at three months post-discharge. Musculoskeletal impairments were analyzed, and for the estimation of severity of degree impairment, we used a cumulative index rating scale for geriatrics (CIRS-G). Regarding the gender, we separately analyzed males and females. To evaluate physical functioning of aged adults after a hip fracture, we used the physical functioning component (PFC) from the quality of life (SF-36) questionnaire. For males, on all three occasions we found non-significant differences were found in SF-36 PFC values between different degrees of CIRS-G musculoskeletal impairment. A significant difference was noticed in females three months post-discharge. Effects size of different examination periods for every CIRS-G severity degree of musculoskeletal impairment were high, where males had higher values for severity degrees 1 and 2, and females had higher values for severity degrees 0 and 3. Our findings might suggest that there is a certain degree of different rehabilitation treatment effects for males versus females. Moreover, it might be assumed that other factors could influence different degrees of functional improvement and outcome of individuals after a hip fracture with musculoskeletal impairment. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Background and aim: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive neurological disorder characterized by permanent developmental disorders of movement and posture. One of the most common goals of rehabilitation is the treatment of gait disorders. Ataxic gait disorder tends to worsen in the adolescent period. Research indicates a positive therapeutic effect of the combined application of conventional rehabilitation, robotic neurorehabilitation (RNR) and virtual reality, but there is no consensus on the length of treatment and frequency of application. The aim of this case report was to contribute to the definition of the RNR protocol for the treatment of ataxic gait disorder in adolescents with CP. Case report: In a female child with an ataxic form of CP who was on regular conventional kinesitherapy in the age period between 13 to 15 years, robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) was applied for the treatment of gait disorders. The rehabilitation protocol lasted 10 weeks, 5 times a week, and included individual, conventional kinesitherapy for 30 min and RAGT for 30 min. Combined RNR treatment was conducted once a year in the period between July and September. The results of the therapeutic evaluation revealed that the functional motor level remained unchanged, while the improved functional motor status for the category of standing and gait was maintained during treatment between the patient’s 13 and 15 years age. In their 15th year, independent gait over a shorter distance (14 m) was achieved, as well as a normal gait frequency (83 steps/minute), with a desirable duration of the left leg support phase of 65% and 70% for the right leg support phase. Conclusions: The results of our research indicate that the application of conventional kinesitherapy and RAGT, over the period of 10 weeks a year, can have a positive effect on improving the postural and locomotor functions of ataxic gait in adolescents with CP. © 2025 by the authors.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and association of school-age children’s participation in bullying, focusing on their health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities. We performed a secondary analysis of the original data of the 2017 HBSC study to examine participation in bullying once and multiple times among school-age children in Serbia. For this purpose, a nationally representative sample of 3267 children from 64 primary and high schools in the Republic of Serbia was evaluated. The outcome variable of interest in our study was participation in bullying. Further groups of individual variables such as health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that children who felt everyday stomach pain, irritability or bad mood, and nervousness were more likely to participate in bullying at least once compared with those who rarely or never had such symptoms by 1.46, 1.58, and 1.58 times, respectively. School-age children who reported being drunk two to three times, and four or more times in life were more likely to participate in bullying than those who reported never being drunk by 1.53 and 1.74 times, respectively. Children who reported to watch TV or other media for five or more hours per day were 2.34 times more likely to be involved in bullying at least once. Multiple regression analysis showed that students with daily stomach pain, back pain, nervousness, and dizziness were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 1.16, 1.62, 1.82, and 1.70 times, respectively. Students who had nightly meetings or reported being drunk four or more times in the last 30 days were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 2.54 and 3.47, respectively. Students who reported playing games five or more times per day were 2.70 times more likely to be involved in this multiple bullying. This study highlights the importance of professional and family education programmes for early identification of specific health symptoms in the pediatric population, as well as integration with interventions aimed at reducing alcohol abuse among school-age children. © 2022 by the authors.

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and association of school-age children’s participation in bullying, focusing on their health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities. We performed a secondary analysis of the original data of the 2017 HBSC study to examine participation in bullying once and multiple times among school-age children in Serbia. For this purpose, a nationally representative sample of 3267 children from 64 primary and high schools in the Republic of Serbia was evaluated. The outcome variable of interest in our study was participation in bullying. Further groups of individual variables such as health characteristics, risk factors, and leisure activities were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that children who felt everyday stomach pain, irritability or bad mood, and nervousness were more likely to participate in bullying at least once compared with those who rarely or never had such symptoms by 1.46, 1.58, and 1.58 times, respectively. School-age children who reported being drunk two to three times, and four or more times in life were more likely to participate in bullying than those who reported never being drunk by 1.53 and 1.74 times, respectively. Children who reported to watch TV or other media for five or more hours per day were 2.34 times more likely to be involved in bullying at least once. Multiple regression analysis showed that students with daily stomach pain, back pain, nervousness, and dizziness were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 1.16, 1.62, 1.82, and 1.70 times, respectively. Students who had nightly meetings or reported being drunk four or more times in the last 30 days were more likely to be involved in multiple bullying by 2.54 and 3.47, respectively. Students who reported playing games five or more times per day were 2.70 times more likely to be involved in this multiple bullying. This study highlights the importance of professional and family education programmes for early identification of specific health symptoms in the pediatric population, as well as integration with interventions aimed at reducing alcohol abuse among school-age children. © 2022 by the authors.

The importance of early inclusion in rehabilitation program and exercise of older people after the hip fracture could be explained by the fact that physical activity influences the muscle strength, balance and eventually degree of hip pain [11]. Such determinants are very important particularly for individuals quality of life and could prevent further risks of comorbidities and falls later in life. It has been often hypothesized that the success of recovery is extremely dependent on the timeliness and adequacy of the treatment. While it is desirable to provide the best possible care as soon as possible the actual limitations that may exist in health-care systems due to a limited number of medical staff as well as limited capacity in rehabilitation programs may create need for appropriate planning and/or scheduling. © 2013 IEEE.

The importance of early inclusion in rehabilitation program and exercise of older people after the hip fracture could be explained by the fact that physical activity influences the muscle strength, balance and eventually degree of hip pain [11]. Such determinants are very important particularly for individuals quality of life and could prevent further risks of comorbidities and falls later in life. It has been often hypothesized that the success of recovery is extremely dependent on the timeliness and adequacy of the treatment. While it is desirable to provide the best possible care as soon as possible the actual limitations that may exist in health-care systems due to a limited number of medical staff as well as limited capacity in rehabilitation programs may create need for appropriate planning and/or scheduling. © 2013 IEEE.

Nowadays, children are able to enrich their reality via the Internet. Unfortunately, this may increase their risk of becoming victims of cyberbullying. We analyzed the health characteristics and risk behavior of two cohorts of children in Serbia; those who reported being exposed to cyberbullying and those who did not. The statistical differences and logistic regression models were applied to the data on 3267 students collected from 64 schools participating in the 2017 Serbian Study on health behavior in school-age children (HBSC). Children exposed to cyberbullying reported having the following health problems on a daily basis: headache (18.5%), back pain (19.5%), depression (21.6%), irritability or bad mood (17.7%), nervousness (16.0%), sleep problems (16.1%), and dizziness (21.2%). As for the different types of risk behavior, cigarette smoking ranging from six to nine days ever was the most prevalent (26.9%). It was followed closely by getting drunk more than 10 times ever (24.1%). Compared to non-victims, victims were found to be at a higher risk of perceived back pain (OR = 2.27), depression (OR = 1.43), irritability or bad mood (OR = 2.07), nervousness (OR = 2.23), and dizziness (OR = 2.43) as well as being injured once or twice (OR = 1.98) or three or more times (OR = 4.09). Victims were associated with further risk factors: having smoked more than five cigarettes ever in life (OR = 1.73) and having gotten drunk two to three times (OR = 1.71) or four or more times (OR = 1.65). As the number of school-age children using social media continues to rise, we must prioritize educating them about self-help and community resources for addressing related health issues with greater speed and intensity. The findings from Serbia suggest that while children may be aware of their health issues, they may be unaware of their link to cyberbullying, which could hinder their ability to address these issues promptly. The respondents’ attention to the health implications of cyberbullying could be increased by reformulating the survey questions used in the HBSC study. © 2024 by the authors.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate the Serbian version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and to evaluate temporal stability for the purpose of its implementation in the evaluation of Serbian patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and Methods: For the validation of the Serbian version of the BCTQ (BCTQSR), we tested 69 individuals with diagnosed CTS that were referred for a conservative treatment at the Institute for Rehabilitation. Neurophysiological tests were used for the electrophysiological grading (EG) of CTS severity in the study sample. The final version of the BCTQSR was given to the tested participants from the study on two occasions: test and retest, with a five-day period between the two measurements. Results: The mean value for the symptom severity subscale (SSS) of the BCTQSR was 3.01 ± 0.94; for the functional status subscale (FSS) of the BCTQSR it was 2.85 ± 1.00. Cronbach’s α for the SSS was 0.91 and 0.93 for the FSS. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) concerning the test–retest were significant (p < 0.001) and were 0.949 for the SSS and 0.959 for the FSS. Those with a higher EG grade had higher values of the SSS and FSS but without a statistical significance (p = 0.103 and p = 0.053, respectively). The intercorrelation of the BCTQSR subscales (SSS and FSS) on the test was significant (p < 0.001) with a correlation coefficient equal to 0.777. Conclusion: The Serbian version of the BCTQ (BCTQSR) was successfully culturally adopted. The BCTQSR was a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of symptom severity and functional status in adults with CTS. Therefore, it can be used in clinical practice for patients with CTS. © 2022 by the authors.

Objectives: This study aims to present the results of three consecutive regional studies concerning the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on medical documentation in two regions of Serbia. Patients and methods: Two representative regions of Serbia were chosen for the survey. The first region selected was the Zlatibor region located in the mountainous part of Western Serbia with a predominantly rural population. This study included patients registered in 1997. Two studies were also carried in the region of Belgrade, the capital. One of these studies was conducted in 2001 in the northern part of the city in Dobanovci, an urban suburb. The other took place in 2007 in Mladenovac, a southern suburb of Belgrade with a combined rural and urban population. The medical documentation for all patients diagnosed with chronic polyarthritis was reviewed to verify the diagnosis of RA according to the American Rheumatology College (ARC) 1987 revised criteria. The prevalence of RA was estimated based on the entire population over the age of 18 for Zlatibor region and over the age of 20 in the two studies in the Belgrade area. Results: The prevalence of RA in region Zlatibor was 0.253% (95% CI=0.217-0.288). In Dobanovci, the prevalence was 0.224% (95% CI=0.214-0.234), and it was 0.220% (95% CI=0.18-0.27) in Mladenovac. The estimated total number of patients with RA in Serbia was 14,445 out of an estimated 5,778,102 adult inhabitants in Serbia in 2009. Conclusion: The previous prevalence of RA obtained in a population study of Belgrade in the 1990s along with the data from these three studies demonstrates low values. These results are consistent with the values obtained in surrounding countries in the Mediterranean region. © 2012 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved.