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Background and aim: The lateral scapular slide test (LSST) is used to determine scapular position and scapular asymmetry with the arm abducted 0, 45, and 90 degrees in the coronal plane. This test was introduced by Kibler. Assessment of scapular position is based on the derived difference measurement of bilateral scapular distances and the distance of inferior angle of scapula to spinous process of T7 vertebra. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of measurements (intra rater, inter rater, sensitivity and specificity) of LSST in assessment of scapular asymmetry and scapular dysfunction in patients with shoulder impairments.

Materials and Methods: Subjects:  Fifty-seven subjects participated in this cross sectional study.

Twenty seven subjects in shoulder impairment group (X=47.66, SD=11.64) and thirty subjects in normal group(X=33.53, SD=11.72). Three examiners measured the distance of inferior angle of scapula to spinous process of T7 vertebra at two sides in three different positions by a caliper verneer (accuracy: 0.01 mm). Position 1 involves of the shoulder in glenohumeral joint neutral. In position 2, the humerus is placed in a position of medial rotation with 45 degrees of shoulder abduction. In position 3, the upper extremity is placed in a position of maximal medial rotation with 90 degrees of shoulder abduction. The data were analyzed with SPSS (version: 11.5). ICCs and SEMs were calculated.

Results: The ICCs for intra-rater reliability were 0.87 to 0.97 for subjects without and with shoulder impairments and 0.63 to 0.79 for inter-rater reliability in subjects with shoulder pathology (involved side). The SEMs ranged from 0.57 to 0.86 cm for intra-rater reliability and from 0.79 to 1.20 cm for inter-rater reliability. Sensitivity of the test was high(80% to 100%) but specificity  was low (4% to 26%).

Conclusion : The lateral scapular slide test has high sensitivity and good to high level of intra rater reliability at three different test positions. The test showed low specificity and poor to fair inter rater reliability at three different test positions particularly at position 3.

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Background and aim: Stroke is one of the main reasons that would cause disability in adult population. The patient prefers to use his non-involved limb for self-care activities that called disuse learning of involved upper extremity.Constraint-induced therapy is one of the rehabilitative intervention that seems to improve motor ability and functional use of involved upper extremity in some of patients with hemiparesis after stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the time effects of constraint-induced therapy on functions, coordination and movements of upper extremity of adult patients with hemiplegia.

Materials and methods: In present study, 15 patients with stroke participated in structured therapy sessions (CIT) emphasizing more affected upper extremity in different activities five times a week for 12 weeks and 2 hours a day and non-involved upper extremity were also restrained five times a week for 12 weeks and 5 hours a day

Results: The data was analyzed with paired t-test. The scores  of different  subtests of Fugl-Meyer test  such as shoulder and forearm, wrist and hand movements, coordination and speed of involved upper extremities showed significant differences between pre and post interventions in different time periods (p>0.05). Test scores increased up to 8 weeks but no significant increase was seen after 8^th week .Dexterity measurements by Minnesota Manual Dexterity test  showed significant differences between pre and post intervention in different time periods ( p  < 0.05) with maximum increase up to 10 weeks

Conclusion: The present data showed that constraint-induced therapy could be an effective approach to improve function and overcome disuse learning. The results of this study revealed that scores of Fugl-Meyer and Minnesota Manual Dexterity test  would reflect functional skills improvement.

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Background and Aim: Muscle weakness can be a major problem for many young people with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Strength affects on gross motor function. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of loaded forward and lateral step up resistance exercises on Gross Motor Function in children with cerebral palsy of spastic diplegia.

Materials and Methods: Twenty CP persons between 5 to 12 years old (11 boys and 9 girls) with mean age of 8.15 years old were participated in this study. Loaded forward and lateral step up resistance exercises protocols were done 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Isometric strength of hip abductor, hip extensor, knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor were evaluated by MMT NICHOLAS apparatus. Gross Motor Function were evaluated by GMFM.

Result: The strength of Hip abductor, hip extensor, knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor increased (p < 0.05). The scores of GMFM dimensions D and E improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Loaded forward and lateral step up resistance exercises increased muscle strength of lower extremity and improved scores in GMFM. 

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Background and aim: The most prominent problems that is produced after stroke are spasticity or increase in muscle tone, decrease in range of motion and function of upper extremity. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Volar-Dorsal Wrist/Hand Immobilization Splint on function of upper extremity, range of motion of  the elbow, wrist and metacarpophalengeal joints and spasticity of the elbow and wrist joints.

Material and methods: Fourteen patients were participated in these experiments. The patients were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and they had been given the splint after primary evaluation and were reevaluated after one month. Spasticity were evaluated with Modified Ashworth Scale.Range of motion were measured by goniometer. Fugl-meyer test were used to assess function of upper extremity. The splints were used 2 hours daily and whole night (6-8 hours) in one month.

Results: Comparison of data before and aft er the experiment showed significant mprovement in upper extremity function (P=0.04). Range of motion and spasticity were not significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Volar-Dorsal Wrist/Hand Immobilization Splint can improve the function of upper extremity. Although spasticity and range of motion showed a little changes in short-term use (1month) but the differences were not significant that will need more studies.

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Background and aim: Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disorder in childhood that affects on motor performance and functional activity. Impaired hand function is the secondary problem in children with spastic diplegia.

Individuals with hand dysfunction encounter with difficulties in self care, educational and recreational activities. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of task oriented training on upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegia (8-12 years old).

Material and methods: Fifteen spastic diplegic children were participated in task oriented training three days weekly up to 8 weeks. The outcomes were measured with Jebsen-Ttaylor hand function test for upper extremity function, Purdue peg board test for hand dexterity, goniometer for range of motion and Ashworth scale for spasticity.

 Results: The data showed significant improvement in upper extremity function (P≤0.0001) , hand dexterity (P≤0.001) , wrist and elbow range of motion (P≤0.0001) and wrist and elbow spasticity (P≤0.05) after interventions.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that task oriented training can improve upper extremity function in children with spastic diplegia.

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Background and Aim: Cerebral palsy is a non progressive disorder and the most common movement problem in children. Many children with cerebral palsy are of hemiplegic type. One of the important problems of this children is unilateral upper limb dysfunction, that not using the affected side causes forgetfulness and more problems on this side. In this study, effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Therapy(CIT) and the maintainance of this technique on spasticity and performance of upper extremity in hemiplegic cerebral palsy children 6 to 12 years old have been investigated. 

Materials & Methods: In this pretest - posttest quasi experimental study, 20 cerebral palsy hemiplegic children 6 to 12 years old (15 boys and 5 girls) with  8.7   years mean age were selected. Interventions were performed about 8 weeks and patients were followed for 4 weeks. Spasticity on the affected side in wrist and elbow were tested by Modified Ashworth Scale and upper extremity function by the Box & Block test. The data were analyzed with the Wilcoxon and paired t- tests.

Results: Constraint-Induced Therapy in the affected limb decreases significantly the spasticity of wrist (p = 0.00) and elbow (p = 0.005) and significantly increases performance score (p = 0.00), and the recovery significantly maintained one month after the interventions.

 conclusion: Constraint-Induced Therapy of affected upper extremity could possibly decrease limb spasticity and increase function with two mechanisms: Fierstly, The reduction of not using the plegic side and secondly, neuroplasticity in CNS. This improvement may remain viable in the affected limb. 

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Background and Aim: The role of function of upper extremity in activity of daily living is critical and any impairment of function could cause major problems for diplegic spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patients. So, the application of rehabilitation protocols that could regain the hand function is very important.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception on function of upper extremity in children with diplegic spastic CP, 3-7 years old.

Materials and Methods: Thirteen CP patients (3-7 years mean: 4.92 years 4 boys and 9 girls) were participated in this study. Simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception were done 3 times a week (for 8 weeks). Function of upper extremity was evaluated by Quest Test and the degree of spasticity in wrist was evaluated by Modified Ashworth Scale.

 Results: The results of this study showed that after simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception, function of upper extremity was significantly improved (P<0.001). In addition, degree of spasticity in wrist muscles was significantly decreased (P<0.022).

Conclusion: Based on results of current study, it might be suggested that simultaneous activation of exteroception and proprioception could improve the function of upper extremity and decrease of spasticity. This in respect could reduce the disabilities of patients. So, the application of current protocols for the patients is suggested. 

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Background and Aim: Upper limb dysfunction is a common and disabling consequence of cerebral palsy. Any functional disorder in the hand can cause a person's independence to be disrupted and therefore his or her social independence is threatened. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint on hand function, spasticity and wrist and elbow range of motion of 8 to 12 years old spastic children.
Materials and methods: The design of this study was clinical trial and before_ after. Fourteen 8 to 12 spastic cerebral palsy children that have the inclusion criteria of study were selected from rehabilitation clinics of Tehran. The patient used a volar static splint (10 degree of wrist extension, full extension of fingers and abduction and opposition of thumb) for 2 mounts (2 hours during day and 4 to 6 hours at night). In this study Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test was used to evaluate hand function. Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. A Goniometer was used to measure range of motion.
Results: The results of this study showed significant improvement in hand function  ,significant reduction in wrist spasticity  and elbow spasticity  and significant increase in wrist range of motion The data did not show any significance in elbow range of motion .
Conclusion: Our findings suggested that 2 months using of volar static splint in children with spastic cerebral palsy can improve hand function, wrist and elbow spasticity and wrist range of motion.

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Background and aim:  For the rehabilitation program of the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients (ACLR) strength and functional assessment and comparing with the uninvolved side is in great importance. Strength plays an important role in performing vertical jump moreover. It is performed in closed kinetic chain. Despite this importance, no information exists regarding the relationship on peak force of linear isokinetic and vertical jump score. The purposes of this study were1- To determine correlation between isokinetic squat and vertical jump in healthy and ACLR patients. 2- Comparing the peak force and vertical jump between the involved and uninvolved side of the ACLR patients.   
Materials and Methods: Twenty two ACLR patients with 6 months post-surgery and 16 healthy men participated in this study. Their isokinetic squat strength at the testing velocity of 25.4 cm/sec and vertical jump was measured.
Results: ACLR patients' peak force and vertical jump were significantly different between the involved and uninvolved side P≤0.05. The findings showed low relationship )r=0.425)  at the involved side between the vertical jump and peak force of squat, however, there was no relationship in the uninvolved side and the control group.
Conclusion: Findings of  this study indicate no relationship between vertical jump and peak force of squat. Both testing methods should be used since strength not always correlate strongly with physical performance.   Closed kinetic chain isokinetic testing should be used for testing lower extremity strength, while vertical jump should be used to determine performance levels.

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Background and aim: Sensory deficits after stroke are common with prevalence rates variously reported to be 11% to 85%. In spite of the fact that Sensory deficits can decrease  the quality of upper limb's movements and result in impairments in fine motor manipulation of objects, grasp and manipulative skills and finally  decrease the patient's quality of life but commonly overlooked in stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sensory retraining on upper limb recovery. 
Materials and methods: In this study we studied 5 chronic stroke patients were participated using a single-system (A-B) design. During the baseline phase patient's function and motor impairment of upper limb were measured by Fugl-Meyer and Motoricity Index and their hand dexterity were measured by Box and Block test on three days intervals. When Patients reached to a stable pattern of changes, their treatment program began. In this phase they received sensory retraining intervention for 6 weeks. Based on sensory retraining principles and according to each patient's abilities, intervention began with detection and localization of constant and moving touch and followed by higher discriminatory tasks, suchas graphestesia. Then results of evaluations of two phases were analyzed.Results: Four patients showed significant improvements in upper limb function. The data showed significant improvements in motor impairments and hand dexterity in all of them. 
Conclusion: Regarding of significant recovery of upper limb function, motor impairment and hand dexterity of patients, sensory retraining can be considered as a practical method in rehabilitation of stroke patients. However further research with larger sample size is needed.

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Background and aim: Virtual Reality is a computer technology with virtual environment and objects, which people manipulate virtual environment through active participation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of practice in virtual environment on upper limb function of children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Materials and Methods: In this single blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 16 children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy were evaluated in a simple random sampling of Ahvaz city in 2 groups (virtual reality and control). Treatment protocol consisted of one and half hours sessions of practice in virtual environment for 4-week, every other day. Measures were conducted pre, post and 3-month after the treatment period by Pediatrics Motor Activity Log and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor proficiency. Sample randomization and data analysis by analysis of variance with repeated measures were conducted by SPSS-16 software in alpha level set at 0.05.
Results: Subjects in virtual reality group showed significant improvement (p<0.01) in post-test measures (bruininks-oseretsky test of motor proficiency, speed and dexterity: mean change from 0.25±0.06 to 1.22±0.23). Results were retained for both groups in follow up session.
Conclusion: Virtual reality technology through intensive and repetitive practice in an interactive and motivational environment is a promising method to improve upper limb function of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

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Background and aim: Schizophrenia is a disabling condition which affects independent functioning in instrumental activities of daily living (IALDs). Due to their importance in mental health and rehabilitation planning, this study was designed to compare functional capacity and daily life performance in IADLs in patients with schizophrenia with healthy matched individuals. The relations between capacity and performance are also considered.
Materials and methods:  Thirty community dwelling patients with chronic schizophrenia and thirty healthy matched individuals were selected. After obtaining a written consent, IADLs were assessed using the Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills (PASS) and the Lawton's index of instrumental activities of daily living. Data analysis was done by SPSS, version 14.0.
Results: Comparing two groups, patients with schizophrenia scored significantly lower in independency, process, and quality in PASS, and in total score of Lawton's index (P<0.001 for all variables). No significant correlations were found between two measures.
Conclusion: It seems that functional capacity and performance in IADLs are limited in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Functional capacity was not related to daily life performance. However, further studies are needed to investigate factors affects functional outcome.

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Background and aim:   nowadays, comprehensive  developmental assessment of infants is highly considered. But, some assessments, especially those which use more manipulations on high risk infants, can cause more stress  on them. So sometimes it is necessary  to use one group of developmental assessments to predict another developmental aspect.  The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between scores of behavioral scale and  motor performance.
Materials and methods:   In this  cross-sectional study that was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric clinic of Shahid  Akbarabadi hospital, Tehran, 50 under 2 months low birth weight infants after met inclusion criteria were selected via convinence sampling method.  The Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) was used  for assessing motor performance and behavioral performance respectively. The TIMP consist of elicited and observational parts. NBAS was consisted  of habituation, social interaction, motor system, state organization, state regulation, autonomic system,  smile, supplementary items, and reflex items.
Results:  There was not any significant relationship between habituation part  of NBAS  and TIMP and also between autonomus system part  of  NBAS  and observational part of  TIMP (P<0.05).  Association between other variables was statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Some items of behavioral assessment  can be used to predict  the motor performance in low birth weight infants. 

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Background and aim: Knee joint has a major role in various lower extremity activities. Among different elements of knee joint complex more interest was seen to anterior cruciate ligament because of its alignment, structural complications, more nerve receptors and susceptibility to injury. After injury of this ligament, knee extensor torque decreases but it is believed that this decrease compensated for by muscles of hip and ankle joints. This suggestion has not investigated by isokinetic studies. Therefore, the aim of this research was that if quadriceps muscle torque decreases in spite of rehabilitation process and if this decrease compensated for by hip extensors and ankle plantar flexors?

Materials and methods: 10 healthy men (age: 22-35 years old) and 10 patients with ACL deficiency (age: 23-42 years old) participated in this study. Plantar flexor muscle strength, quadriceps muscle strength and hip extensor muscle strength were tested by Isokinetic Biodex System 3 at 60 and 180 degrees of angular velocities. Also functional vertical jump test was done for each lower extremity.
Results: Will coxson test and Spearman correlation coefficient were used. Results showed that there was no significant difference between mean strength of gastrosoleus, hip extensors and sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensors of patient's injured and sound limbs (P>0.05). Results showed that there was significant difference between mean strength of quadriceps of injured and sound limbs (P> 0.01). There was no relationship between gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor summation and vertical jump functional test in the patients and normal subjects (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results show that compensation occurs in the ankle plantar flexors and hip extensors of injured lower extremity. Thus in spite of significant decrease in quadriceps strength in the injured limb, sum of mean strength of gastrosoleus, quadriceps and hip extensor muscles between injured and sound limbs was not statistically significant. Also there was no relationship between functional test and isokinetic parameters. Thus functional vertical jump test can not be used instead of isokinetic test.

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ckground and aim: Motor impairments, such as hemiparesis, incoordination and spasticity, are the most common deficits after stroke. Most patients show recovery in some of their lost motor function over time. Motor rehabilitation  are included mixed of combined movement therapy techniques in many occupational clinics. cerebral waves such as Theta wave can influence on patients function. There fore, the purpose of this study is to understand the influence of combined of occupational therapy and neurofeedback on motor recovery of stroke patients. 

Materials and methods :This study used a single-system (A-B) design. During the baseline phase patient's function of  upper and lowe limb were measured by Fugl-Meyer and Berg Test on three day intervals during 4 week and have occupational therapy every day. After this time, their treatment program began. In this phase they received combined of neurofeedback and occupational therapy for 4 week. Then results of evaluations of two phases were analysed. 

 Results: Both cases show significant recovery at upper limbs( case1 81.1% , case2 68.1%) and lower limbs( case1 73.1% , case2 75.4% ) in Fugel-Mayer test and Berg test( case1 51.6% , case2 68.1%).

Conclusion:Regarding the significant recovery of upper and lower limb function of patients, adding neurofeedback to routine occupational therapy  can be considered as a practical method in rehabilitation of stroke patients. However further research is needed.                                                         

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Background and Aim:Set-shifting that is one of the most important executive functions in learning tasks and intelligence Quality (IQ) reactions was studied in high functioning children with autism. Mental ability can play an important role in learning tasks and activities of daily living. Assessment of this component is important in rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to compare set-shifting in high functoning children with autism and normal subjects between 6 to 12 years old. 

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 children between 6 to 12 years old were participated and divided in two groups randomly. The mean age of autism and normal groups was 7.86(1.38) and 8(1.68) respectively. Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery and wechsler for children were used. Data were analyzed by t-test.

Results: High functioning children with autism showed significant differences in set-shifting in comparison with normal subjects particulary in extradimensional stages (stages 8 and 9).

Conclusion: High functioning children with autism have poor capability in set-shifting in comparison with normal subjects. 

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 Background and Aim: The common mechanism for lateral ankle sprain is inversion, plantar flexion, or the combination of both, if untreated successfully can lead to chronic ankle instability. It seems that the foot position, while touching the ground, has an effective role to cause ankle sprain. Thus it is possible to prevent ankle sprain through limiting foot position. Therefore the aim of this research is to study the effect of plantar flexion and eversion on mediolateral ground reaction force while landing in individuals who suffering from functional ankle instability.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control research study 32 subjects (17 subjects with unilateral functional ankle instability (FAI) and 15 control subjects), aged from 18 to 35 years, were tested. All subjects in instability group were selected by the orthopedic physician, then the anterior drawer and talar tilt tests were  performed for diagnosis of functional ankle instability and other physical examinations. Control group were matched with instability group by age, weight, height, gender and body mass index. The subjects standing with single leg on a 40 cm high platform in 25 cm front of a force-plate while the test leg relaxed and non-weight bearing. The subject landed on the test leg on the center of the force-plate. The subjects landed according to four types of position: A: neutral position of ankle and lateral foot wedge, B: neutral position of ankle, C: positive heel and lateral foot wedge and D: positive heel. 

Results: Among control group, medial ground reaction force increased in the "C" position relative to "B" position (p=0.007) and "C" position relative to "D" position (p=0.018). In FAI group, lateral ground reaction force increased in "C" position relative to "B" position (p=0.001) and "C" position relative to "A" position (p=0.002). Also in FAI group medial ground reaction force decreased in "D" position relative to "A" position (p=0.014). 

Conclusion: According to the findings, applying lateral foot wedge, while the ankle is in plantar flexion, increases the mediolateral ground reaction forces. Based on the results, position of plantar flexion is more possibly effective than inversion in ankle sprain. According to the study, the lateral foot wedge in ankle plantar flexion position may be more effective than in neutral one to change mediolateral ground reaction forces. 

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 Background and Aim: Cerebral palsy is characterized by non-progressive abnormalities in the developing brain that creates a cascade of motor deficits and finally affects functional activities. Limited hand function is a characteristic of the movement disorders in children with cerebral palsy which leads to disability in performing activities of daily living, work and play. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of wrist Kinesio Taping on hand function of children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

 Materials and Methods : In this randomized clinical trial and single-blind study, 26 children (3-6 years old) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were selected by convenient and simple sampling and randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. During the study for 12 days ,control group received only common occupational therapy treatment or Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). Intervention group received both NDT and wrist Kinesio Taping for 24 hours a day on both wrists. Assessment tool was QUEST for evaluating quality of upper extremity skills and Modified Ashworth Scale for assessing spasticity of wrist before and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum.

 Results : The results showed significance increase of total QUEST score (P=0.029) and significance difference in domains of dissociated movements (P=0.003) and grasp (P=0.008) in Kinesio Taping group. However, there were no significant differences in weight bearing (P=0.46) and protective extension (P=0.89) domains. The data showed that wrist Kinesio Taping was effective in reducing spasticity of right wrist(P=0.004) but no significant difference for left wrist(P=0.06).

 Conclusion: Wrist Kinesio Taping technique revealed to be effective in increasing quality of upper extremity skills of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy children in domains of dissociated movements and grasp. Moreover, it was concluded that this technique can be effective in reducing spasticity of right hand due to more active use of dominant hand.

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Background and Aim: Core stability is the ability of the lumbopelvic- hip complex to prevent buckling of the vertebral column and return it to equilibrium following perturbation. It has been demonstrated that trunk muscle activity occurs before the activity of the prime mover of the limb. Core stability is seen as being pivotal for efficient biomechanical function to maximize force generation and minimize joint loads in all types of activities ranging from running to throwing. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between core stability and lower extremity function in female athletes.

 Materials and Methods: Thirty volunteer female athletes with mean age (SD)=23(3.8) years old, participated in this study. They performed two series of tests: core stability tests (hip isometric abduction and lateral rotation, double leg lowering, trunk extension – flexion and left and right lateral flexion endurance, and double leg lowering), and lower extremity function tests (star excursion balance tests in three directions, vertical jump, single and triple hopping, stairs sprinting, 6 m hopping, and shuttle run).

Results: The results of this study showed that the strength of hip isometric abduction with stairs sprinting, 6 m hopping , and with star excursion balance test in three directions had r=-0.430, r=-0.367and r=0.515 respectively and all significant. Also , right lateral flexion endurance with shuttle run (r=0.367) , double leg lowering with vertical jump (r=0.42), trunk extension endurance with vertical jump (r=-0.404) ,were significantly correlated. In the other items there were no relationship between core stability and lower extremity function (p>0.05).

Conclusion: There is a relationship between core stability and lower extremity function but studies have not supported them. However, the data showed that core stability is moderately too weak related to lower extremity function, core stability could not be measured with these tests and they are not good indicators for lower extremity function. Evaluation of the core should be dynamic, and compromise assessment of the specific functions which specialize for athletic groups.

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Background and Aim: People with schizophrenia have deficits in interpersonal and social skills associated with social dysfunction. Facial processing ability is an effective component of social functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between facial identity discrimination and social functioning in 20-55 years old schizophrenic patients and comparison with normal matched group.

 Materials and Methods: The method of this study was analytical- descriptive and comparative. Twenty normal individuals and 20 schizophrenic patients matched in age, sex and educational level, were assessed about facial identity by researcher- made test, and interaction skills by "Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills"(ACIS) questionnaire. Available sampling was used for census patients (who inhabited Tolou rehabilitation center and supported houses in Tehran) and normal group.

 Results: There were significant difference in scores of "communication and interaction skills" (p<0.01) without any significant difference between facial identity discrimination testing variables (p>0.05) between two groups. The relationships between "facial identity discrimination" and "communication and interaction skills" in schizophrenia were compared with control group and did not show significant difference. (p>0.05).  

 Conclusion: The facial identity in schizophrenic patients and healthy adults were processed globally (configural). However, its relation with "Communication and Interaction Skills in schizophrenic patients requires further study.