Mini-ICF-APP Inter-Rater Reliability and Development of Capacity Disorders Over the Course of a Vocational Training Program—A Longitudinal Study

The Mini-ICF-APP is an established instrument in social medicine, especially in the context of work ability assessment. In this study, the 13 capacity dimensions of Mini-ICF-APP were tested for its inter-rater reliability in the context of a vocational training program for persons with chronic and mental health problems in Switzerland. Also, the development of capacity impairments was investigated over the course of the long-term vocational training programs.61 training reports on chronically ill persons with mental health impairments were collected within a vocational training program in 2018–2019. Capacity impairment of the trainees were assessed at the beginning of the intervention (t0), after three months (t1) and after 6 to 9 months (t2) by a job attendant and a consultant at each of the three time points. Inter-rater reliabilities for each time point have been calculated. Development of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training were investigated by variance analysis with repeated measurements.The inter-rater reliability increased in all 13 Mini-ICF-APP capacity dimensions over the course from t0 to t2. Spearman correlation in each capacity dimension reached sufficient values (r = 0.55*–0.97**). There was no statistically significant change of capacity impairment over the course of the vocational training. Ten capacity dimensions showed a decreasing tendency, three showed a tendency to improve capacity levels.Through repeated application and training programs the capacity raters seem to be able to improve reliability of their assessments. The phenomenon of slight increase of capacity impairments over the time may be due to the fact that context and rater’s knowledge on participants and context demands changed over the time.

Work Ability Assessment and Its Relationship with Cardiovascular Autonomic Profile in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) negatively impacts quality of life. The excessive increase in cardiac sympathetic modulation during standing, which characterizes POTS patients, leads to many symptoms and signs of orthostatic intolerance. Little is known about the consequences of the disease on work performance and its relationship with individual autonomic profiles. Twenty-two POTS patients regularly engaged in working activity (20 females, age 36 ± 12 years) and 18 gender- and age-matched controls underwent a clinical evaluation and filled out the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. POTS patients completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS31) questionnaire, underwent continuous electrocardiogram, blood pressure and respiratory activity recordings while supine and during a 75° head-up tilt (HUT). A power spectrum analysis provided the index of cardiac sympatho-vagal balance (LF/HF). WAI scores were significantly reduced in POTS patients (29.84 ± 1.40) compared to controls (45.63 ± 0.53, p < 0.01). A significant inverse correlation was found between individual WAI and COMPASS31 scores (r = −0.46; p = 0.03), HUT increase in heart rate (r = −0.57; p = 0.01) and LF/HF (r = −0.55; p = 0.01). In POTS patients, the WAI scores were inversely correlated to the intensity of autonomic symptoms and to the excessive cardiac sympathetic activation induced by the gravitational stimulus.

The Study of the Ageing Impact on Workability and Hardness of the Samples Made of Alloy VV751P (Ni-15Co-10Cr) after Selective Laser Sintering

Work is focused on study of workability changing of heat resistant nickel-based Ni-15Co-10Cr alloy produced by selective laser sintering from metal powder. Experimental research of HRC hardness changing was provided on plate samples 2х10х30 mm after sintering and typical heat treatment for this alloy. Heat treatment was: annealing at temperature of 1,000oС during 1.5 hours, and then at the temperature of 1,180oC for 2.5 h – 3 h. After that samples were treated in a furnace for 50 – 60 minutes at the temperature of 1,050oС. Then they were cooled-off to the temperature of 1,000oС during 50 – 60 minutes. After that they were further quenched at ambient temperature. After quenching the samples were subjected to ageing at the temperature of 850oC during 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours. The bending and measurement of triangle height was proposed for work ability assessment of samples. Increased hardness was found with duration of ageing. Work ability grew up with duration of ageing but where was a gap of workability for 9 hours ageing. Calibration of sintered parts and samples are recommended to perform after quenching and ageing at 850oC no longer 6 hours.