Caregivers of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) often describe the quality of the daily movements of these persons in terms of flexibility or stiffness. Objective outcome measures for flexibility and stiffness are muscle tone or level of spasticity. Two instruments used …

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on training outcomes influencing physical fitness, activity of daily living performance, and quality-of-life in institutionalized older people. We reviewed 27 studies on older people (age, ≥70 yrs) in long-term care facilities and nursing …

Fire means beside direct (financial)damage often far more indirect costs caused by interruption of operations and loss in sales, market share, property and,in the worst case people can get injured or even get killed (on average around80 persons a year). Fire in buildings is clearly a disaster and for …

Bosnia and Herzegovina faced many problems in relation to multi ethnicities. The country was in a catastrophic situation after the Bosnian war 1992-1995. The war ended when the main parties signed the Dayton Peace Agreement. This agreement had to lead to peace, democracy and reconciliation after the …

Within the Netherlands gay emancipation is almost fully legalised. In April 2001, Article 1:30 of the Dutch Civil Code regarding the legalisation of same-sex marriages entered into force. Moreover, according to Article 1:227 of the Dutch Civil Code gay couples have the right to adopt children. In theory …

Positioning is hot. Not only in the realm of consumer goods manufacturers, but also for other companies, institutions, governments and even individual persons. An explosion of good quality products on the market and targeted media and advertising campaigns has led to an increasing interest from organizations …

If being physically fit is of the outmost importance, then what can be said about the fitness of persons with severe or profound intellectual, visual and motor disabilities? Exactly how could their level of physical fitness be measured? Formulated differently, if a person sees little to nothing and in …

Background: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1) is one of the most prevalent neuromuscular diseases, yet very little is known about how MD1 affects the lives of couples and how they themselves manage individually and together. To better match health care to their problems, concerns and needs, it is important …

Progressive disability develops with older age in association with underlying disease, comorbidity and frailty. Physical performance characteristics are important to improve the physical condition of older persons and therefore may be able to prevent or delay the onset of (progressive) disability. …

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and reliability of the modified Berg Balance Scale (mBBS) in persons with severe intellectual and visual disabilities (severe multiple disabilities, SMD) assigned Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) grades I and II. …