The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) is an outcome measure for disability based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The FIM was cross-culturally adapted and validated into Persian language. The Persian version of the FIM (PFIM) is reliable and valid for assessing functional status of patients with stroke. The PFIM can be used in Persian speaking countries to assess the limitations in activities of daily living of patients with stroke.

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease have significant effects on the quality of life in this group of patients. Among these symptoms, dizziness is associated with the changes in Orthostatic Hypotension (OH). About 30% of people over 65 years have dizziness; However, the exact mechanism of dizziness in these patients was not clear. Dizziness has symptoms such as fainting, light headache, vertigo and imbalance. The present study is based on the given fact that one of the reasons for dizziness in Parkinson patients is the disturbance of balance systems. In addition, the vestibular system is one of the main elements involved in normal balance. As, the role of vestibular system in Parkinson disease has been suggested in previous studies. The main aim of current study is to investigate the effects of vestibular exercises on the dizziness of Parkinson patients. Materials and Methods:Twenty-four patients participated in this study based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Persian (DHI-P) was used for dizziness measurement. In addition, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Reach (FR) and 2 Minutes Walking Test (2MWT) were used for measuring the postural control before and after interventions. The intervention group performed the vestibular exercises and the control group performed the conventional exercises (3 days a week for 60 minutes and a total of 24 sessions). Results:The total score of DHI-P showed a significant improvement in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Also, the BBS tests (P<0.001), FR (P<0.001), 2MWT (P=0.001) showed a significant improvement in the intervention group. Conclusion:Based on the results of this study, it could be suggested that vestibular exercises, as none sophisticated, feasible, and low cost rehabilitation-protocol has beneficial effects for patients with Parkinson disease. This protocol does not need any particular equipment and can be used in all environments while it can reduce dizziness and improve motor skills and postural control in this group of patients.

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BACKGROUND: The Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) is a clinical widely used test to quantify the sensibility in patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). No study has investigated the relationship between the SWMT and sensory nerve conduction studies (SNCS) in patients with CTS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the SWMT and SNCS findings in patients with CTS. METHODS: This cross-sectional clinical measurement study included 35 patients with CTS (55 hands) with a mean age of 45 ± 12 years. The outcome measures were the SWMT and SNCS measures of distal latency (DLs), amplitude (AMPs), and nerve conduction velocity (NCV). The median innervated fingers were tested using SWMT and electrodiagnostic tests. The primary outcome was the correlations between the SWMTs and NCS measures. RESULTS: All of the patients/hands had abnormal NCS findings. When looking at the three digits of interest (thumb, index and middle), the thumb SWMTs had the highest number of abnormal findings (58.2%), with the middle digit having the lowest (45.5%). All NCS findings were statistically different between abnormal and normal thumb SWMTs and abnormal and normal total summed SWMTs. There were significant moderate correlations between thumb SWMT scores and all NCS outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although only approximately 50% of the CTS diagnosed through NCS are corroborated through SWMT; the significant associations between SWMT and NCS measures suggest that SWMT is a valid test for assessing sensations in patients with CTS.

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