Factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos asociados con caídas en adultos mayores: estudio de casos y controles en México / Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with falls in older adults: a case-control study in Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: Las caídas tienen un origen multifactorial. Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo de caídas y su asociación con algunos factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos en adultos mayores. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles que incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos con edades ≥ 60 años. Los casos fueron pacientes que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias de un hospital de segundo nivel, con diagnóstico de lesión o fractura secundaria a una caída; los controles fueron pacientes que acudieron a unidades de medicina familiar. El análisis estadístico que se realizó fue descriptivo, bivariante y multivariante. Se utilizó el programa SPSS versión 22.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 342 pacientes (171 casos y 171 controles). La edad promedio fue 76.1 ± 8.8 años, el 66 % fueron mujeres y por autorreporte el 97.1 % tenían enfermedades crónicas. Se observaron diferencias en el índice de masa corporal, en la proporción de casos con deterioro cognitivo, uso de dispositivos para caminar y dependencia para realizar actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria. El análisis multivariante ajustado reveló asociación entre el evento caída con deterioro cognitivo y dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: El deterioro cognitivo y la dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria se asociaron al riesgo de caer.

Abstract Background: Falls have a multifactorial origin. Objective: To estimate the risk of falls and their association with some intrinsic and extrinsic factors in elderly. Methods: Case-control study that included individuals of both genders aged ≥ 60 years. Cases were patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a secondary care hospital diagnosed with injury or fracture secondary to a fall; the controls were patients who attended family medicine units. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. The SPSS program, version 22.0, was used. Results: Three-hundred and forty-two patients were included (171 cases and 171 controls). Mean age was 76.1 ± 8.8 years, 66 % were women and 97.1 % had self-reported chronic diseases. Differences were observed in body mass index, in the proportion of cases with cognitive impairment, use of walking devices and dependence to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed an association between the fall event and cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living were associated with the risk of falling.

Alterações cardiorrespiratórias em indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos pós-acidente vascular cerebral / Cardiorespiratory changes in chronic post-stroke hemiparetic patients

Objetivo: Analisar a função cardiorrespiratória em pacientes he- miparéticos crônicos pós-acidente vascular cerebral. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, por meio da análise de dados de prontuários de pacientes submetidos ao teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e manovacuometria em uma clínica de fisioterapia de um centro universitário. Foram analisados os dados de sete prontuários. Re- sultados: A média de metros percorridos pelos participantes no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos foi de 199,5. Os valores percentuais da manovacuometria foram de -41,34 na pressão inspiratória máxima e de 57,85 na pressão expiratória máxima. Conclusão: Os dados desta pesquisa sugerem que indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos apresentam fadiga respiratória e muscular, diminuição da capacidade funcional durante a marcha e fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios.

Objective: To analyze the cardiorespiratory function in chronic post-stroke hemiparetic patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study, through data analysis of medical records from patients who underwent the 6-minute walk test and manovacuometry, in a physical therapy clinic of a university center. Results: The mean number of meters walked by participants in the 6-minut walk test was 199.5 meters. The percentage values of manovacuometry were -41,34 in the maximun inspiratory pressure and 57.85 in the maximun expiratory pressure. Conclusion: The data from this survey suggest that chronic hemiparetic individuals have respiratory and muscle fatigue, decreased functional capacity during gait, and respiratory muscle weakness.

Paciente con amputación transfemoral derecha, clavo gamma y síndrome hemimotor derecho: valoración y manejo del proceso de protetización / Patient with a right transfemoral amputation, gamma nail, and right Hemi-motor syndrome: assessment and management of the prosthetic fitting

Introducción: la decisión de protetizar a un paciente amputado depende de: la etiología, nivel de amputación, uni o bilateralidad, comorbilidades, soporte sociofamiliar, capacidad funcional y motivación del paciente. Observación clínica: varón, 83 años, diabético, cardiopatía isquémica, accidente cerebrovascular con paresia braquial derecha residual en año 2000. Clavo gamma por fractura pertro-cantérea derecha en 2012 y amputación transfemoral derecha en 2018 de causa vascular. Se protetiza mediante encaje de contención isquiática CAT-CAM, sistema de suspensión tipo Kiss, rodilla de bloqueo a la extensión con adaptación del sistema de desbloqueo en porción antero-interna del encaje y pie Sach. Tras tratamiento fisioterápico, consigue deambulación autónoma con ayuda de un bastón y tercera persona por dificultad para agarre de MSD. Conclusión: los médicos rehabilitadores debemos apostar por dotar a nuestros pacientes de autonomía y funcionalidad, siempre que sea viable.

Introduction: prosthesis, an amputee patient, depends on etiology, level, uni or bilaterality, comorbidities, socio-family support, functional capacity, and motivation of the patient. Clinical observation: male, 83 years old, diabetic, ischemic heart disease, stroke with residual upper right limb (URL) paresis in 2000. Gamma nail due to the right trochanteric fracture in 2012, and right transfemoral amputation in 2018 of vascular cause. Prosthetic fitting CAD-CAM socket/interface, Kiss type suspension system, extension locking knee with an adaptation of the unlocking system in the antero-internal portion of the socket, and Sach foot. After physiotherapeutic treatment, he achieves independent walking with the help of 1 cane and third-person due to difficulty in the URL grip. Conclusion: rehabilitation doctors must bet on providing our patients with independency, and better function, whenever it is viable.

Uso de bastones contralaterales en artrosis de rodilla / Contralateral canes for knee osteoarthritis

INTRODUCCIÓN La artrosis de rodilla es un problema de salud relevante dada su alta prevalencia y discapacidad asociada. Dentro de las alternativas de manejo no farmacológico se ha planteado el uso de bastones, sin embargo no existe consenso en la literatura respecto a su indicación. MÉTODOS Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis, preparamos tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES Identificamos tres revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron cuatro estudios primarios, de los cuales, uno es ensayo aleatorizado. Concluimos que el uso de bastón contralateral en pacientes con artrosis de rodilla probablemente disminuye el dolor. Además, podría aumentar levemente la funcionalidad, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

INTRODUCTION Knee osteoarthritis is a relevant health problem given its high prevalence and associated disability. Within the non-pharmacological management alternatives, the use of canes has been proposed, however, there is no consensus in the literature regarding its indication. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified three systematic reviews including four studies overall, of which one was randomized trials. We conclude that the use of a contralateral cane in patients with knee osteoarthritis probably reduces pain. In addition, it could slightly increase function, but the certainty of the evidence is low.

Recomendações para prescrição de dispositivos auxiliares da marcha em idosos / Recommendations for prescribing walking aids in older adults

O uso de um dispositivo auxiliar da marcha (DAM), como bengala ou andador, pode auxiliar os idosos na realização de suas atividades diárias, mantendo-os funcionalmente independentes e relativamente ativos. Porém, a utilização inadequada, o mau estado e as dimensões incorretas do dispositivo, assim como erros na prescrição do tipo de dispositivo podem aumentar o risco de quedas nos idosos usuários de DAM. Diante da falta de recomendações quanto à sua prescrição, o objetivo desse artigo é discorrer sobre os pré-requisitos para a prescrição de cada dispositivo (bengala e andador), de acordo com a nossa experiência adquirida na Área de Fisioterapia em Gerontologia, no Centro de Reabilitação (CER) do Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, considerando as evidências científicas disponíveis até o momento. Assim, com a difusão das informações contidas nesse artigo para os profissionais da saúde que prestam assistência a idosos, espera-se aprimorar a prática de prescrição do DAM e de educação do idoso, de seus familiares e cuidadores, a fim de que sejam alcançados os benefícios do uso de um DAM e prevenidos os possíveis eventos adversos, como as quedas.

The use of a walking aid device (WAD), such as a cane or walker, can assist older adults in performing their daily activities, keeping them functionally independent and relatively active. However, improper use, poor condition and incorrect dimensions of the device, as well as errors in prescribing the type of device may increase the risk of falls in older people who use a WAD. Given the lack of recommendations on its prescription, the purpose of this article is to discuss the requirements for the prescription of each device (cane and walker), according to our experience obtained in the area of ​​Gerontology Physiotherapy in the Rehabilitation Center (CER) of the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto, considering the scientific evidence available at the moment. Thus, by disseminating the information contained in this article to health professionals who provide care to older people, it is expected to improve the practice of prescribing WAD and educating the older adults, their families and caregivers, in order to achieve the benefits of use a WAD and prevent possible adverse events such as falls.

Ayudas técnicas para personas mayores de 65 años y más: problema de salud AUGE N°36 / Technical aids for seniors 65 years of age and older: health problems AUGE N°36

OBJETIVO Generar recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible acerca de la entrega de ayudas técnicas a personas de 65 años y más con limitación en la movilidad. TIPO DE PACIENTES Y ESCENARIO CLÍNICO Está guía aborda aspectos relacionados entrega e indicación de ayudas técnicas a personas de 65 años y más con limitación en la movilidad. USUARIOS DE LA GUÍA Profesionales involucrados en los procesos de indicación, prescripción, entrenamiento en uso y seguimiento de ayudas técnicas para personas de 65 años y más con limitación en la movilidad: Médico, terapeuta ocupacional, kinesiólogo/a, y enfermero/a. METODOLOGÍA Las recomendaciones de esta Guía fueron elaboradas de acuerdo con el sistema "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation" (GRADE). Luego de priorizadas las preguntas a responder, se realizó la búsqueda y la síntesis de evidencia, para finalmente generar las recomendaciones a través del juicio del Panel de Expertos. La búsqueda y selección de la evidencia de esta Guía se basó en un método sistemático, transparente y reproducible. Una vez seleccionada la evidencia, se resumió en un formato claro y conciso que permitiera al Grupo Elaborador realizar los juicios respecto a la calidad de dicha evidencia, el balance entre los riesgos y beneficios asociados a la intervención o calidad de una prueba, un tratamiento, los valores y preferencias de los pacientes, y los costos derivados de su implementación.

Uso de bastón y caídas en adultos mayores chilenos de la comunidad / Cane use and falls in chilean community-dwelling older adults

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las características sobre el uso del bastón y la prevalencia de caídas en adultos mayores de la comunidad que han recibido ayuda técnica en un Centro de Salud Familiar. Material y método: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal. La muestra correspondió a 64 adultos mayores de entre 60 y 94 años. Para recolectar los datos se utilizó un cuestionario que evaluó variables sociodemográficas, de salud, uso de bastón y caídas. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el paquete SPSS. Se utilizó consentimiento informado, considerando los lineamientos sobre investigación y confidencialidad de la información dispuestos en Chile. Resultados: El 95,3% refirió saber el motivo de uso del bastón; el 7,8% utiliza el bastón cuando se moviliza dentro de la casa, el 45,3% cuando se moviliza fuera de la casa, el 46,9% cuando se moviliza por todas partes; y el 48,4% expresó que no le agrada utilizar el bastón. La prevalencia de caídas en los últimos seis meses fue de 73%; de quienes presentaron caídas el 61% no estaba usando el bastón al momento de caer, y el 94% expresó tener miedo de sufrir una caída. Conclusión: Los resultados muestran que un alto porcentaje de adultos mayores no está cumpliendo con el uso del bastón, por lo tanto el objetivo de su entrega no se está logrando. Se debe incluir la evaluación y educación del uso del bastón como una actividad que forme parte del control de salud del adulto mayor.

ABSTRACT Aim: To describe the characteristics of cane use and prevalence of falls in community-dwelling older adults who have received technical assistance in a Family Health Center. Method: Quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. Sample consisted of 64 older adults between 60 and 94 years of age. A questionnaire addressing socio-demographics, health, cane use and fall-related information was used to collect the data. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS. An informed consent form was delivered and designed in compliance with Chile's guidelines on research and confidentiality of information. Results: 95.3% of participants reported knowing the motives for cane use; 7.8% use a cane while walking within home; 45.3% use a cane while walking outdoors; 46.9% use a cane to walk anywhere; and 48.4% said that they do not like to use the cane. The prevalence of falls in the last six months was 73%; 61% of those who have fallen were not using a cane when they fell, and 94% expressed fear of falling. Conclusion: The findings show that a high percentage of older adults is not using a cane, and therefore the ultimate goal of delivering mobility devices is not being achieved. Cane use evaluation and education should be considered as an older adults' health control measure.

Guía metodológica para elaborar el diagnóstico fisioterapéutico según la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento (CIF), de la discapacidad y de la salud / Methodological guide for preparing the physiotherapy diagnosis according to the International Classification of Functioning (CIF), disability and health

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo plantear una guía metodológica que permita a los estudiantes de la Carrera de Fisioterapia y Kinesiología unificar criterios para desarrollar los procesos diagnósticos desde el enfoque biopsicosocial, a partir de las evidencias obtenidas en la evaluación inicial y tomando como base la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud (CIF). La idea surge a raíz de las dificultades que se tiene en la formulación del diagnóstico fisioterapéutico, más allá del referente “enfermedad”, asumiendo una identidad propia desde su objeto de estudio como es la función - disfunción del movimiento humano. Se propone el uso de la CIF porque incorpora en su estructura categorías desde la perspectiva corporal, individual y social, los cuales tienen relación estrecha con la naturaleza y niveles de estudio de la Fisioterapia y Kinesiología. Solo así se provee un marco inicial que dinamiza la organización de datos y opiniones clínicas facilitando un sistema de clasificación de acuerdo con las funciones y estructuras corporales, las actividades corporales y la participación en las actividades de la vida diaria, así como la identificación de barreras o facilitadores en el entorno ambiental y las características individuales que forman parte del estado de salud de las personas.

This article aims to raise a methodological guide that allows students of the School of Physiotherapy and Kinesiology unify criteria to develop diagnostic processes from the biopsychosocial approach, based on the evidence obtained in the initial evaluation and based on the ranking International of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The idea stems from the difficulties you have in the formulation of physiotherapy diagnosis, beyond the reference “disease”, assuming an identity from its subject as it is the function - dysfunction of human movement. The use of ICF is proposed that incorporates in its structure categories from body, individual and societal perspective, which are closely related to the nature and levels of study of physiotherapy and kinesiology. Only then an initial framework that streamlines the organization of data and clinical opinion facilitating a classification system according to body functions and structures, bodily activities and participation in activities of daily living, as well as identifying barriers is provided or facilitators in the ambient environment and the individual characteristics that are part of the health status of people.

Percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares na marcha / Perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares (DA) na marcha. MÉTODOS: A partir de um banco de dados de 360 hemiplégicos, foram recrutados 23 indivíduos que utilizavam DA e preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. A média de idade foi de 58,4 anos, tempo pós-acidente vascular encefálico de 80,8 meses e tempo de uso do DA de 67,6 meses. Para avaliar a percepção dos participantes, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado, composto por cinco questões: impacto do DA na habilidade para descarregar peso no membro parético; impacto na habilidade para movimentar o membro parético; impacto na confiança; impacto na segurança; e impacto no jeito de caminhar. As respostas possíveis eram "melhorou", "não alterou" ou "piorou". RESULTADOS: Quatorze indivíduos utilizavam bengalas e nove utilizavam muletas canadenses; 21 (91,3 por cento) utilizavam DA somente em vias públicas e dois (8,7 por cento) utilizavam DA também em ambiente domiciliar. A percepção em relação ao uso do DA foi positiva nas quatro primeiras questões (6,87 < χ2< 29,83; 0,0001 < P < 0,03), com relatos de melhora na descarga de peso (82,6 por cento), na habilidade de movimentar o membro parético (39,1 por cento), na confiança para caminhar (82,6 por cento) e na segurança (86,9 por cento). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para o item jeito de caminhar (χ2= 1,09; P = 0,30). CONCLUSÕES: A percepção dos indivíduos hemiplégicos crônicos foi positiva em relação ao uso de DA para deambulação, sugerindo que esses dispositivos podem melhorar a mobilidade e a independência durante as atividades de vida diária.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices (AWD). METHODS: Twenty-three individuals who met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360 stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58.4 years, mean time since stroke was 80.8 months, and mean time using AWD was 67.6 months. To assess the participants' perception, was used a standardized questionnaire covering the impact of AWDs on five aspects: weight-bearing on the paretic limb; ability to move the paretic limb; confidence; safety; and walking style. Possible answers were "improved," "unchanged," or "decreased." RESULTS: Fourteen individuals used canes and nine used elbow crutches; 21 (91.3 percent) used AWDs on public roads and only two (8.7 percent) used AWDs at home. The perception regarding the use of AWDs were positive in the first four questions (6.87 < χ2 < 29.83; 0.0001 < P < 0.03), with reports of improvement in weight-bearing (82.6 percent), ability to move the paretic limb (39.1 percent), confidence (82.6 percent), and safety (86.9 percent). No significant differences were found in terms of walking style (χ2 = 1.09; P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of chronic hemiplegic subjects regarding the use of AWD were positive, suggesting that these devices can improve mobility and independence in activities of daily living.

Simbolismo de la serpiente em las ciencias de la salud / Symbolism of the serpent in health sciences

La Humanidad llega a nuestros días después de haber pasado por diferentes etapas. Separadas por grandes distancias, tiempos, mitos y costumbres, en casi todas lasculturas del mundo antiguo, primaron las divinidades queacompañadas por ofidios, tenían relación con la vida, la salud,la fecundidad o la longevidad.Desde el punto de vista del historiador de la Medicina, nos introducimos en un tema de antropología cultural, enun intento resumido de explicar la presencia de la serpienteen los caduceos de las Ciencias de la Salud. Los asiáticos reverenciaron a la cobra; los africanos alpitón; los aborígenes australianos, a la serpiente arco iris y los americanos, a la cascabel. Templos en honor de la diosa serpiente fueron erigidos por druidas y navajos; por chinos; brahmanes y apaches. La serpiente se convirtió en símbolo de la sabiduría; riqueza;prudencia; fortaleza; salud; convalecencia; longevidad; rejuvenecimiento e inmortalidad.

Humanity comes to our days after having gone through different stages. Separated by great distances, time, myths and customs, in almost every culture of the ancient world, deities were paramount and, accompanied by ophidians were related to life, health, fertility or longevity. From the point of view of the historian of Medicine, we introduce ourselves in a topic of cultural anthropology, in a summarized attempt to explain the existence of the serpent in the caduceus of Health Sciences. Asian people used to venerate the cobra, Africans the python; Australian aborigines enerated the rainbow snake and American aborigines, the rattlesnake. Druids, Navajos and Chinese people, as well as Brahmins and Apaches erected templesto honor the serpent goddess. The serpent became a symbol of wisdom, wealth, prudence, strength, health, convalescence, longevity, ejuvenation and immortality.

Características da marcha de um paciente com osteoartrose de quadril com e sem auxílio de bengala / Characteristics of cane-assisted and non-assisted gait in a patient with hip osteoarthrosis

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar características espaciais, temporais com osteoartrose de quadril com e sem o auxílio de dispositivo (bengala). O caso é o de um sujeito com osteoartrose de quadril esquerdo de 63 anos, 97,8 kg e 1,76 m. Um sistema de reconstrução tridimensional de movimento foi utilizado para análise da marcha. Foram registrados três ciclos completos da marcha com e sem a utilização da bengala, sendo analisadas variáveis espaciais, temporais e espaço-temporais. Foi feita análise estatística, com nível de significância de 5%. Os principais resultados indicam que o comprimento de passo direito (CPD) e esquerdo (CPE), bem como o comprimento total do ciclo, foram superiores com o uso da bengala durante a marcha; o CPE foi significativamente maior do que o CPD quando o sujeito utilizava a bengala; todas as variáveis temporais foram estatisticamente menores com o uso da bengala; a cadência da marcha e a velocidade foram estatisticamente superiores com a bengala. Pode-se concluir que o uso da bengala gerou diferenças significativas no comportamento das variáveis espaciais, temporais e espaço-temporais durante a marcha, melhorando de forma significativa a eficiência do movimento do paciente com osteoatrose de quadril...

The purpose of this study was to compare cane-assisted and non-assisted gait temporal, spatial and spatio temporal features in a patient with hip osteoarthrosis. The patient studied, with left hip osteoarthrosis, was 63 years old and had 97.8 kg and 1.76 m. A three-dimensional analysis system was used for the analysis of gait. Three complete gait cycles with and without cane assistance were recorded, where temporal, spatial and spatio temporal variables were analysed. Descriptive statistics was used with the level of significance set at 5%. Main results show that left step length (LSL), right step length (RSL) and stride length were greater during cane assisted gait; LSL was significantly longer than RSL when the patient used the cane; all temporal variables were statistically lesser in cane-assisted gait; and cadence and walking speed were statistically higher during cane-assisted gait. It may thus be said that use of the cane by the patient with hip osteoarthrosis caused significant differences in spatial, temporal and spatio temporal variables during gait and significantly improved efficiency of the movement...

Energy expenditure during cane-assisted gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the energy expenditure in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis while walking with canes of different lengths. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study (single-group) was carried out on thirty patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis. An adjustable aluminum cane was used, and three different cane lengths were determined for each subject: C1 - length from the floor to the greater trochanter; C2 - length from the floor to the distal wrist crease; and C3 - length obtained by the formula: height x 0.45 + 0.87 m. Resting and walking heart rates were measured with a Polar hear rate meter. Walking speed was calculated by the time required for the patient to walk 10 m. Gait energy cost was estimated using the physiological cost index, and results were compared. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 25 women and five men (average age of 68 years). Statistically significant differences in physiological cost index measurements were observed between unassisted walking and assisted walking with a cane of any length (p<0.001), as well as between walking with a C2-length cane and unassisted walking, and walking with a C1-length cane and walking with a C3-length cane (p=0.001; p = 0.037; p=0.001; respectively). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that small alterations in the length of canes used for weight-bearing ambulation in patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis increase the energy expenditure measured by the physiological cost index during walking. Further studies are needed for a more precise quantification of the increase in energy expenditure during cane-assisted gait and an assessment of the effectiveness of cane use in relieving pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Neuropatia focal bo punho em usuários de bengala de Lofstrand / Wrist focal neuropathy among lofstrand walking stick users

Avalia a ocorrência de neuropatia do ulnar e do mediano em usuários crônicos de bengala de lofstrand. Os estudos de conduçäo sensitiva foram realizados bilateralmente no punho, e os estudos de conduçäo motora foram realizados bilateralmente no punho e no cotovelo.