Comparing fly-in fly-out and telehealth models for delivering advanced-practice physiotherapy services in regional Queensland: An audit of outcomes and costs.

INTRODUCTION: Recruitment of advanced-practice physiotherapists to regional and rural healthcare facilities in Queensland, Australia remains a challenge. To overcome this barrier, two different service delivery models (Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO), Telehealth) were trialled by one regional facility. This study aims to describe the economic- and service-related outcomes of these two methods of service delivery. METHODS: A retrospective audit was conducted where two nine-week time periods were selected for each service delivery model. Outcomes of interests include patient demographics and case-mix, service utilisation, clinical actions, adverse events and costs. Net financial position for both models was calculated based upon costs incurred and revenue generated by service activity. RESULTS: A total of 33 appointment slots were recorded for each service delivery model. Patient case-mix was variable, where the Telehealth model predominately involved patients with musculoskeletal spinal conditions managed from a neurosurgical waiting list. Appointment slot utilisation and pattern of referral for further investigations were similar between models. No safety incidents occurred in either service delivery model. An estimated cost-savings of 13% for the Telehealth model could be achieved when compared to the FIFO model. DISCUSSION: Telehealth is a safe, efficient and viable option when compared to a traditional in-person outreach service, while providing cost-savings. Telehealth should be seen as a service delivery medium in which sustainable recruitment of advanced-practice physiotherapists to regional and rural healthcare facilities can be achieved.

Attitudes and beliefs on low back pain in physical therapy education: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Prescription behavior in low back pain (LBP) differs between physical therapists with a biomedical versus a biopsychosocial belief, despite the presence of clinical guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To examine (1) the beliefs of physical therapy students and their adherence to clinical LBP guidelines in Belgium and the Netherlands; (2) whether the beliefs and attitudes of physical therapy students change during education; (3) whether beliefs are related to guideline adherence; (4) whether beliefs and attitudes differ with or without a personal history of LBP. METHODS: A cross-sectional design included students in the 2nd and 4th year of physical therapy education in 6 Belgian and 2 Dutch institutions. To quantify beliefs, the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale, the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale, and a clinical case vignette were used. RESULTS: In total, 1624 students participated. (1) Only 47% of physical therapy students provide clinical guidelines' consistent recommendations for activity and 16% for work. (2) 2nd year students score higher on the biomedical subscales and lower on the psychosocial subscale. 4th year students make more guideline consistent recommendations about work and activity. (3) Students with a more biopsychosocial belief give more guideline adherent recommendations. (4) Personal experience with LBP is not associated with different beliefs or attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: A positive shift occurs from a merely biomedical model towards a more biopsychosocial model from the 2nd to the 4th year of physical therapy education. However, guideline adherence concerning activity and work recommendations remains low.

Validity and reliability of the Australian Therapy Outcome Measures - Physiotherapy, for podiatry (AusTOMs-PT for use in podiatry).

BACKGROUND: Valid and reliable outcome measure enable measurement of health care service impact. There are limited valid and reliable outcome measures for use in podiatry practice to measure the impact of treatment. This research aimed to test the face validity of the AusTOMs for Physiotherapy (AusTOMs-PT), it's adaptability to podiatry clinical practice and the reliability of its use with podiatrists. METHODS: Stage 1 used a nominal group technique with podiatrists who worked in public and/or private settings. All podiatrists underwent self-directed training in the AusTOMs framework and measures prior to interviews or focus group discussion. Discussion was centred about transferability of the core scales of the AusTOMs-PT and an adjunct measure, AusTOMs for Occupational Therapy (AusTOMs-OT) to podiatry practice. Stage 2 used 10 case studies representative of people who had foot or ankle concerns. Podiatrists were recruited and trained in the use of the relevant AusTOMs-PT scales. Podiatrists individually scored the cases at two timepoints (1 month apart) using the six scales from the AusTOMs-PT deemed by stage 1 as relevant to podiatry. Intra and inter-rater reliability of scales were determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Thirteen podiatrists participated in individual or focus group interviews in Stage 1. Consensus was gained on six of the nine core scales adopted from the AusTOMs-PT. These were 1. Balance and Postural Control, 3. Musculoskeletal Movement Related Functions, 4. Neurological Movement Related Functions, 5. Pain, 7. Sensory Functions, 8. Skin Functions. Each core scale rated the functional domains of Impairment, Activity Limitation, Participation Restriction and Wellbeing/Distress relating to that presentation of goals of the person in the case study. There were 22 podiatrists complete training and scored two rounds of case studies using the six scales in Stage 2. There were 91%(n = 20) participants with an intra-rater ICC > 0.5 (moderate or greater). Each domain had an inter-rater reliability of > 0.9 (excellent) during the first round. CONCLUSIONS: The AusTOMs-PT for use in podiatry may be implemented to record change in impairment, function, participation and wellbeing of people receiving podiatry treatment. Podiatry specific training and mentoring, together with repeated use could be expected to improve intra-reliability.

Epilepsy: knowledge and attitudes of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists play a key role in the treatment of children with epilepsy. We performed a survey of therapists' knowledge of and attitudes towards epilepsy in two regions of Germany, the city of Leipzig and the rural district of Zwickau. Therapists of 29/68 (43%) outpatient practices and 4/9 (44%) hospitals took part. In total, 195 therapists participated: 63 (32%) physiotherapists, 74 (38%) occupational therapists, and 58 (30%) speech therapist. In 65%, epilepsy was subject of vocational training. Of all therapists, 8% claimed they had not treated epilepsy patients so far. During professional life, 43% had witnessed a seizure. Of all therapists, 44% correctly assumed a seizure could result in death. During a seizure, 42% would perform the obsolete measure of placing something solid in the patient's mouth, and 41% would administer a prescribed rescue medication. More information on epilepsy was requested by 92%.Conclusion: Most therapists treat patients with epilepsy, and almost half have already witnessed a seizure. Often, however, epilepsy is not subject of vocational training. The risk of a fatal outcome of a seizure is underestimated, and many therapists would perform obsolete measures. Knowledge of seizure management should be transmitted to therapists especially during vocational training.

Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Parameters in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review

Negative changes in cardiovascular and autonomic variables in stroke survivors have encouraged the global scientific community to focus on investigating therapeutic strategies to mitigate stroke damage. The objective of the present study was to describe the effects of exercise training on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in stroke survivors. We used the PICO (population, intervention, control/comparison, and outcome variables) model for the search of articles in PubMed and Physiotherapy Evidence Databases from 2009 to December 2018. The following data were also recorded: type of study, author, year of publication, participants (time after stroke, sample size, and age) and benefits of exercise training. A total of 544 articles were initially selected, of which nine peer-reviewed articles met the search criteria. These nine studies enrolled 611 participants (middle-aged or elderly), and pointed to positive effects of training on maximal oxygen uptake, peak aerobic capacity, 6-minute walk test and resting heart rate. However, more well-controlled studies are needed to confirm the benefits of exercise training on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in this population

Tratamento de ferida em Coendou prehensilis (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) com laserterapia e ozonioterapia: relato de caso / Wound treatment of Coendou prehensilis (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with laser and ozone therapy: case report

O emprego conjunto da laserterapia e da ozonioterapia em feridas apresenta alto potencial benéfico para os pacientes, uma vez que contribui para o manejo da dor, tem ação anti-inflamatória e acelera o processo de cicatrização. Este relato de caso tem como objetivo apresentar o uso de terapias alternativas na cicatrização de ferida em exemplar de Coendou prehensilis. Um ouriço-cacheiro, fêmea, adulto, com peso de 4kg foi encaminhado para atendimento médico veterinário com histórico de ter sido atacado por um cão. Inicialmente o ouriço passou pelo procedimento de higienização e desbridamento da ferida, para a retirada das bordas necróticas. Adicionalmente, foram administrados clindamicina (10mg/kg), por via intramuscular (IM), uma vez por dia (SID), tramadol (4mg/kg, IM, SID), flunixin (0,3mg/kg, SID), por via subcutânea (SC), e ferrodextrano (25mg/kg, IM, SID). Apesar da terapia instituída, observou-se reincidência de crescimento necrótico tecidual, o que levou à eleição do tratamento da ferida com as técnicas de laserterapia e ozonioterapia. O emprego das terapias alternativas como adjuvante promoveu uma cicatrização satisfatória da ferida, com ausência de sinais de sensibilidade local e de infecção, bem como ausência de crescimento de bordas necróticas. O tratamento adjuvante foi eficaz e pode ser empregado em outras situações para cicatrização de ferida em mamíferos silvestres.(AU)

The use of therapy with laser beam and ozone in wounds has a high beneficial potential for patients, since it contributes to the management of pain, has an anti-inflammatory action and accelerates the cicatricial process. Due to this casuistry importance, the case report aims to present alternative therapy use for wound healing on a Coendou prehensilis. Thus, a female of C. prehensilis weighing 4kg, was sent to veterinary care. At first there was a hygiene process and debridement for necrotic edge removal. Furthermore, injected clindamycin (10mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly (IM), once a day (SID), tramadol (4mg/kg, IM, SID), flunixin (0.3mg/kg, SID), administered subcutaneously (SC) and iron dextran (25mg/kg, IM, SID). In spite of the established therapy, tissue necrotic growth was observed, which lead the wound treatment as healing by second intention, initiating an alternative therapy with laser beam and ozone. As a result, the healing was satisfactory due to the elected techniques, without signs of pain and infection. The adjuvant treatment with physiotherapy had advantageous effect and could be applied to wound healing in wild mammal animals.(AU)

Educating undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy students in motivational interviewing: the student perspective.

BACKGROUND: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidenced based talking therapy designed to affect client Health Behaviour Change. Previous research indicates that Allied Health Professionals (AHP) can effectively use the approach and training at pre-registration level has been piloted. However, student experiences of training is underexplored. AIM: To explore Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy students' experiences of training in and implementation of Motivational Interviewing. METHODS: Four focus groups including 24 undergraduates (14 OT and 10 PT) were conducted at the completion of the training and a subsequent clinical placement. Transcribed texts were analysed thematically. Data were triangulated with student written post-it notes and open questions in a post training questionnaire. RESULTS: Two overarching themes were developed from the data. Learning different ways to interact and the challenge of transformation illuminates specific aspects of the training which enabled learning as well as areas of contention. Using the spirit of MI, but not every contact counts highlights the facilitators and challenges of implementation on placements. CONCLUSIONS: Motivational interviewing is a useful addition to training neophyte health students. Key skills were adopted and in some cases transferred into practice. The process of learning indicates areas of potential improvement to enhance relevance of practice scenarios. The transfer to practice is more complex illustrating a need to negotiate professional and institutional expectations which should be considered in training.

Implementation of Questionnaire-Based Risk Profiling for Clients in a Workers' Compensation Environment: An Example in Australian Physiotherapy Practice.

Purpose This study investigated the implementation of a risk profiling process for physiotherapy clients with a compensable musculoskeletal problem. Implementation targeted personal (clinician) and external (organisational) factors to facilitate behavioural change with regard to the use of formal, questionnaire-based risk profiling. Methods A theoretical construct was developed for formal questionnaire-based screening to be implemented across 12 private, metropolitan physiotherapy clinics. To target personal (clinician) factors, a multimodal educational procedure was developed focused on use of the ten-item Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (OMPSQ-10). To target external (organisational) factors, an administrative process was enacted to ensure routine completion of the OMPSQ-10 by compensable clients. Global practice behaviour with regard to the use of formal risk profiling was complete pre- and post-implementation. Results Pre-implementation physiotherapists understood the potential usefulness of formal risk profiling, but the large majority did not routinely have clients complete these types of questionnaires. Post-implementation there was a significant positive shift in behaviour to more frequent use the OMPSQ-10 for new compensable clients. Conclusions The results provide initial support for the use of a framework to develop an implementation strategy to increase physiotherapist adherence to the use of guideline recommended risk profiling questionnaires in clinical practice.

Estrategias de problematización e intervención de Kinesiología / Fisioterapia para un paciente con una afección ventilatoria crónica reagudizada / Problematizing strategies and intervention of Kinesiology / Physiotherapy for a patient with aggravated chronic ventilatory condition

La Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud (CIF), permite organizar la información mediante un lenguaje trans-disciplinario. Al respecto, es fundamental complementarlo con una epistemología propia para generar prácticas clínicas eficientes. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), se ha convertido en una condicionante negativa de función, movimiento y salud en la población. Proponemos un modelo de razonamiento en kinesiología/fisioterapia para disfunciones del movimiento humano aplicado a una fase crónica ventilatoria irreversible. Paciente de 74 años con EPOC. Plantea como necesidad, la "mínima asistencia para realizar su aseo personal", lo que se estableció como contexto funcional crítico (CFC). Se entrenó progresivamente, según velocidad, por 36 sesiones, de 30 minutos. La espirometría no presentó cambios. Mejoró la capacidad de trabajo físico, calidad de vida y el CFC se hizo independiente. La intervención derivada del diagnóstico mediante estrategias de problematización permitió una mejora clínica eficiente de los indicadores evaluados.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (CIF), make it possible to organize information through a trans-disciplinary language. In this regard, it is essential to complement it with an own epistemology to generate efficient clinical practices. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a negative condition of function, movement and health in the population. We propose a model of reasoning in kinesiology/ physiotherapy for dysfunctions of human movement applied to an irreversible chronic ventilatory phase. Patient of 74 years old patient with COPD. As a necessity, it poses the "minimum assistance to perform personal hygiene", which was established as a critical functional context (CFC). He trained progressively, according to speed, for 36 sessions of 30 min. The spirometry did not change. The capacity for physical work, quality of life improved, and the CFC became independent. The intervention derived from the diagnosis by problematizing strategies allowed an efficient clinical improvement of the evaluated indicators.

Motivational interviewing training for physiotherapy and occupational therapy students: Effect on confidence, knowledge and skills.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of a three-day training programme on knowledge, confidence and fidelity to Motivational Interviewing (MI) delivery in an undergraduate occupational therapy and physiotherapy cohort (n = 25). METHODS: Training outcomes were assessed pre-training, post-training and following a subsequent clinical placement. The Motivational Interviewing Knowledge and Attitudes Test (MIKAT) and an 8-item survey assessed knowledge, attitudes and confidence respectively. MI fidelity was evaluated by a simulated patient interview rated with the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scale (MITI). Analysis was by one-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Self-report measurements indicated increased confidence but no effect on knowledge or attitude. MITI analysis showed superior performance in all four global criteria and an increased frequency of MI adherent behaviours post-training. Positive changes were maintained following clinical placement. MITI summary scores indicated an improvement in question to reflection ratio in line with beginner competency. CONCLUSION(S): Participation in a three-day MI training programme significantly improved student confidence and MI skilfulness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Where feasible, MI training should be embedded within the curriculum. Further research is needed elucidate the best practices to incorporate teaching this skill set within the curriculum in order to best prepare students to counsel clients in behaviour change in their applied settings.

Evidence-Based Practice: a survey of Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline.

BACKGROUND: Dermatology is a relatively new subdiscipline of physical therapy with growth potential. Therefore, it is important to identify whether professionals from this area have the knowledge and skills required to offer the best available service based on evidence-based practice. OBJECTIVES: To describe the self-reported behavior, knowledge, skills, opinion, and barriers related to the evidence-based practice of Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline. METHODS: An adapted electronic questionnaire was sent by the Brazilian Association of Dermatology Physical Therapy via email to all registered members. The data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: The response rate was 40.4% (101/250). Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline reported that they update themselves equally through scientific papers and courses, and access preferentially databases that offer scientific papers in the Portuguese language. Respondents believe they have sufficient knowledge to use evidence-based practice, inform patients about treatment options and consider their choices in the decision-making process. However, there were inconsistencies in responses regarding the experience with evidence-based practice during undergraduate or postgraduate degree, as well as having discussions about evidence-based practice in the workplace. The barriers most frequently reported were difficulty to obtain full-text papers, lack of quality of the scientific papers, applicability of the findings into clinical practice, lack of evidence-based practice training and difficulty to understand the statistics. CONCLUSION: Brazilian physical therapists from the dermatology subdiscipline have positive perceived behavior, believe that they have sufficient knowledge and skills, and have favorable opinion related to evidence-based practice. However, there are inconsistencies related to some aspects of knowledge and skills set.

Funcionalidade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior: um estudo transversal / Functionality and quality of life of patients with unilateral lymphedema of a lower limb: a cross-sectional study

O linfedema de membros inferiores é uma doença crônica decorrente de dano no sistema linfático que influencia a mobilidade, a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Questionários e o teste físico são métodos bastante práticos, de fácil aplicação e baixo custo, que fornecem dados importantes para a avaliação desses pacientes. Objetivos Avaliar a influência do linfedema unilateral de membro inferior na funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida, correlacionando três ferramentas de avaliação. Métodos Estudo descritivo com 25 indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior, de ambos os sexos. Foi avaliada a perimetria e foram aplicados The Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) para avaliação da qualidade de vida, Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) para estudo das habilidades físicas, mentais e sociais relacionadas ao linfedema e o Timed Up and Go (TUG) para avaliação da funcionalidade. Resultados Houve a presença de linfedema em todo o membro inferior dos participantes. Os domínios mais prejudicados pelo linfedema foram os aspectos físicos (25,0 ± 31,4) e emocionais (36,0 ± 42,9) no SF-36 e o domínio mobilidade (6,0 ± 2,6) no Lymph-ICF-LL. O TUG foi realizado em 9,88 ± 1,98 s. Houve correlação entre o TUG e os questionários e entre os dois questionários utilizados. Conclusões Indivíduos com linfedema unilateral em membro inferior apresentam um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida e na funcionalidade avaliadas através de questionários, que correlacionam entre si. Não foi encontrada alteração no TUG, mas houve correlação entre ele e os questionários utilizados

Lymphedema of the lower limbs is a chronic disease caused by damage to the lymphatic system that influences people's mobility, functionality, and quality of life. Questionnaires and physical test are very practical, easy to apply, and low cost methods that provide important data for evaluation of these patients. Objectives To evaluate the influence of unilateral lower limb lymphedema on functionality and quality of life, correlating 3 assessment tools. Methods This was a descriptive study investigating 25 patients of both sexes with unilateral lymphedema in a lower limb. Limb volume was assessed using circumferential tape measurements, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life, the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) was used to assess physical, mental, and social skills related to lymphedema, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used for functional assessment. Results Lymphedema was present throughout the affected lower limb of participants. The domains most affected by lymphedema were physical aspects (25.0 ± 31.4) and emotional aspects (36.0 ± 42.9) from the SF-36 and the mobility domain (6.0 ± 2.6) from the Lymph -ICF-LL. Patients performed the TUG in 9.88 ± 1.98 seconds. The TUG was correlated with the questionnaires and the questionnaires were correlated with each other. Conclusions People with unilateral lower limb lymphedema exhibited negative impacts on quality of life and functionality, as evaluated by questionnaires, which were correlated with each other. TUG performance was within normal limits, but results correlated with the questionnaires used

Physical therapists' perspectives on using contextual factors in clinical practice: Findings from an Italian national survey.

BACKGROUND: Contextual factors (CFs) represent a potential therapeutic tool to boost physiotherapy outcomes, triggering placebo effects. Nevertheless, no evidence about the use of CFs among physical therapists is currently available. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of CFs and the opinion of Italian physical therapists specialized in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMTs) on their therapeutic benefits. DESIGN: An exploratory cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: A 17-item questionnaire and 2 clinical vignettes assessed the perspective of OMTs on the adoption of CFs in daily clinical practice. The target population was composed of 906 OMTs. An online survey was performed in 2016 using SurveyMonkey Software. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: A total of 558 volunteers (61.6% of the target OMT population) participated in the study. Half of the participants (52.0%) claimed to use CFs frequently in their practice. More of 50% of OMTs valued the therapeutic significance of CFs for different health problems as determined by a combined psychological and physiological effect. OMTs considered the use of CFs ethically acceptable when they exert beneficial therapeutic effects and their effectiveness has emerged in previous clinical experiences (30.6%). They disagreed on the adoption of CFs when they are deceptive (14.1%). Moreover, OMTs did not communicate the adoption of CFs to patients (38.2%), and CFs were usually used in addition to other interventions to optimize clinical responses (19.9%). Psychological mechanisms, patient's expectation and conditioning were believed to be the main components behind CFs (7.9%). LIMITATIONS: Considering that the data collected were self-reported and retrospective, recall and response biases may limit the internal and external validity of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: OMTs used CFs in their clinical practice and believed in their therapeutic effect. The knowledge of CFs, placebo and nocebo mechanisms and their clinical effects should be included in physical therapists' university studies.

GLA:D® Back group-based patient education integrated with exercises to support self-management of back pain - development, theories and scientific evidence.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines recommend that people with back pain be given information and education about their back pain, advice to remain active and at work, and exercises to improve mobility and physical activity. Guidelines, however, rarely describe how this is best delivered. The aim of this paper is to present the development, theories, and underlying evidence for 'GLA:D Back' - a group education and exercise program that translates guideline recommendations into a clinician-delivered program for the promotion of self-management in people with persistent/recurrent back pain. METHODS: GLA:D Back, which included a rationale and objectives for the program, theory and evidence for the interventions, and program materials, was developed using an iterative process. The content of patient education and exercise programs tested in randomised trials was extracted and a multidisciplinary team of expert researchers and clinicians prioritised common elements hypothesised to improve back pain beliefs and management skills. The program was tested on eight people with persistent back pain in a university clinic and 152 patients from nine primary care physiotherapy and chiropractic clinics. Following feedback from the clinicians and patients involved, the working version of the program was created. RESULTS: Educational components included pain mechanisms, pain modulation, active coping strategies, imaging, physical activity, and exercise that emphasised a balance between the sum of demands and the individual's capacity. These were operationalised in PowerPoint presentations with supporting text to aid clinicians in delivering two one-hour patient education lectures. The exercise program included 16 supervised one-hour sessions over 8 weeks, each comprising a warm-up section and eight types of exercises for general flexibility and strengthening of six different muscle groups at four levels of difficulty. The aims of the exercises were to improve overall back fitness and, at the same time, encourage patients to explore variations in movement by incorporating education content into the exercise sessions. CONCLUSION: From current best evidence about prognostic factors in back pain and effective treatments for back pain, research and clinical experts developed a ready-to-use structured program - GLA:D® Back - to support self-management for people with persistent/recurrent back pain.

Conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de pessoas com doença de parkinson sobre um programa terapêutico domiciliar com orientação em grupo / Knowledge, attitudes and practices of people with parkinson's disease about a home-based therapeutic program with group guidance

Introdução: Exercícios domiciliares são uma opção terapêutica acessível para pacientes com doença de Parkinson que apresentam dificuldade de locomoção. Serviços de fisioterapia utilizam palestras e manuais como forma de orientar a prática destes exercícios, mas carecem de avaliar o que está de fato sendo compreendido pelo paciente. Objetivo: Investigar conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas de pessoas com doença de Parkinson sobre um programa de exercícios terapêuticos domiciliares autossupervisionados com orientação em grupo. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com pessoas com doença de Parkinson idiopática leve e moderada, em um Programa de referência em um hospital universitário do nordeste do Brasil. Palestras e manual são disponibilizados pelo Programa desde 2012. Foram coletados: dados sociodemográficos, da doença, assistência e hábitos (ficha geral); conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas sobre exercícios fisioterapêuticos do manual (Inquérito Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Práticas) e barreiras associadas à prática (questionário estruturado). Utilizou-se o software BioEstat 5.0 para estatística descritiva e testes de associação, p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 28 pacientes (63 ± 7,4 anos) com tempo de diagnóstico médio de 4,5 (± 2,1) anos e maior prevalência do estágio HY 2 (71,4%). A maioria frequentava o Programa há pelo menos 1 ano (85,7%), era sedentária (60,7%) e relatava como principais entraves para a realização de sessões de fisioterapia a dificuldade financeira (92,8%) e de locomoção (53,6%). A adesão às palestras de fisioterapia foi de 60,7%. A maioria apresentou conhecimentos (60,7%) e atitudes (96,4%) adequados, entretanto, práticas inadequadas (53,6%) acerca dos exercícios terapêuticos domiciliares autossupervisionados orientados em grupo. Conclusão: Programa autossupervisionado requer maior disciplina dos pacientes e apenas orientar em grupo e distribuir manual podem não ser suficientes. Estratégias de acompanhamento semanal para motivação e suporte às dúvidas podem ser necessárias. (AU)

Introduction: Home-based exercises are an accessible therapeutic option for patients with Parkinson's disease who have locomotion difficulty. Physiotherapy services use lectures and manuals as a way of guiding the practice of these exercises, but they lack to evaluate what is in fact being understood by the patient. Purpose: To investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices of people with Parkinson's disease about a self-supervised home exercise program with a guidance group. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with people with mild and moderate idiopathic Parkinson's disease, in a reference program at a university hospital in northeastern Brazil. Lectures and manuals have been made available by the Program since 2012. Sociodemographic, disease, assistance and habits data were collected (general file); knowledge, attitudes and practices about physical therapy exercises in the manual (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey) and barriers associated with practice (structured questionnaire). BioEstat 5.0 software was used for descriptive statistics and association tests, p ≤ 0.05. Results: We evaluated 28 patients (63 ± 7.4 years) with an average diagnosis time of 4.5 (± 2.1) years and a higher prevalence of the HY 2 stage (71.4%). Most of them attended the Program for at least one year (85.7%), were sedentary (60.7%) and reported financial (92.8%) and locomotion (53.6%) difficulties as the main obstacles to physical therapy sessions. Adherence to physiotherapy lectures was 60.7%. The majority presented adequate knowledge (60.7%) and attitudes (96.4%), however, inadequate practices (53.6%) about a home therapy program with a group guidance. Conclusion: Self-supervised program requires greater discipline of the patients and only guiding in a group and distributing a manual may not be enough. Weekly follow-up strategies for motivation and support for questions may be needed. (AU)

Efectos de la hipoterapia en niños con lesión del sistema nervioso central: estudio de casos / Effects of hippotherapy in children with central nervous system injury: study of cases

Introducción la hipoterapia está constituida como coadyuvante en los procesos de intervención fisioterapéutica, definida como un procedimiento alternativo de tratamiento utilizado por los especialistas dedicados a la atención al niño en condición de discapacidad. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la técnica de hipoterapia en los niños con lesión del sistema nervioso central. Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos de tipo descriptivo con cuatro niños con lesión del Sistema Nervioso Central. Se valoraron antes y después de la aplicación de la hipoterapia con el fin de establecer los efectos de la técnica. Resultados y conclusiones: se encontró una influencia positiva de la hipoterapia en la movilidad articular, flexibilidad, aptitud postural y reacciones de equilibrio de los participantes.

Introduction: Hippotherapy is constituted as an adjuvant in the processes of physiotherapeutic intervention, defined as an alternative treatment procedure used by specialists dedicated to the care of children with disabilities. Objective: To determine the effects of the hippotherapy technique in children with central nervous system injury. Patients and methods: A descriptive case study was conducted with four children with Central Nervous System injury. They were assessed before and after the application of hippotherapy in order to establish the effects of the technique. Results and conclusions: a positive influence of hippotherapy on joint mobility, flexibility, postural aptitude and equilibrium reactions was found.

Aspectos clínicos, radiográficos y rehabilitadores en pacientes con síndrome doloroso regional complejo / Clinical, radiographic and rehabilitative aspects in patients with complex painful regional syndrome

Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 17 pacientes con síndrome doloroso regional complejo, que recibieron rehabilitación en el Departamento de Fisioterapia del Hospital General Docente Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero 2016 hasta febrero 2017, con vistas a caracterizarles según aspectos clínicos y radiográficos. Entre los principales resultados predominaron el tipo 1 de la enfermedad (64,7 por ciento), la etapa precoz (25,0 por ciento), la localización en el miembro superior (82,4 por ciento) y el sexo femenino (58,8 por ciento), entre otros. La corrección postural y la cinesiterapia fueron necesarias independientemente del estadio clínico de la enfermedad. Se concluye que resulta importante efectuar un diagnóstico clínico y radiográfico oportuno, así como ejecutar medidas rehabilitadoras tempranas para evitar la discapacidad y lograr una recuperación funcional óptima

A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 17 patients with complex painful regional syndrome who received rehabilitation in the Physiotherapy Department of Dr Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to February, 2017, aimed at characterizing them according to clinical and radiographical aspects. Among the main results there was a prevalence of the type 1 of the disease (64.7 percent), early stage (25.0 percent), localization in the upper member (82.4 percent) and the female sex (58.8 percent), among others. The postural correction and kinesiotherapy were necessary independently of the clinical stage of the disease. It was concluded that it is important to make an appropriate clinical and radiographic diagnosis, as well as to implement early rehabilitative measures to avoid disability and achieve a good functional recovery

Developing a Web Platform to Support a Community of Practice: A Mixed Methods Study in Pediatric Physiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Web platforms are increasingly used to support virtual interactions between members of communities of practice (CoP). However, little is known about how to develop these platforms to support the implementation of best practices for health care professionals. The aim of this article is to explore pediatric physiotherapists' (PTs) perspectives regarding the utility and usability of the characteristic of a web platform developed to support virtual communities of practice (vCoP). METHODS: This study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A web platform supporting the interactions of vCoP members was developed for PTs working with children with developmental coordination disorder. Specific strategies and features were created to support the effectiveness of the platform across three domains: social, information-quality, and system-quality factors. Quantitative data were collected from a cross-sectional survey (n = 41) after 5 months of access to the web platform. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Qualitative data were also collected from semistructured interviews (n = 9), which were coded, interpreted, and analyzed by using Boucher's Web Ergonomics Conceptual Framework. RESULTS: The utility of web platform characteristics targeting the three key domain factors were generally perceived positively by PTs. However, web platform usability issues were noted by PTs, including problems with navigation and information retrieval. DISCUSSION: Web platform aiming to support vCoP should be carefully developed to target potential users' needs. Whenever possible, users should co-construct the web platform with vCoP developers. Moreover, each of the developed characteristics (eg, newsletter, search function) should be evaluated in terms of utility and usability for the users.

Patient journey following lumbar spinal fusion surgery (LSFS): protocol for a multicentre qualitative analysis of the patient rehabilitation experience (FuJourn).

INTRODUCTION: There has been a 65% increase in lumbar spinal fusion surgery (LSFS) worldwide over the last 13 years, with costs of £26 million to the UK National Health Service annually. Patient dissatisfaction with outcome and persistent pain and disability incurs further costs. Three trials provide low-quality evidence for the role of physiotherapy. Our UK surveys investigating physiotherapy/surgeon practice concluded rehabilitation should be tailored to the individual patient owing to considerable clinical heterogeneity. This study will explore the perceptions of patients who undergo LSFS to inform precision rehabilitation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A qualitative study, using interpretive phenomenological analysis, will recruit a purposive sample (n=40) to ensure patterns of similarity and difference in their journeys can be explored. In-depth semistructured interviews will be undertaken following discharge from hospital and at 12 months postsurgery. Patients' preoperative and postoperative experiences, underlying attitudes and beliefs towards the surgical intervention, facilitators and barriers to recovery, adherence to advice and physiotherapy, experiences of rehabilitation and return to normal function/activity/work will be explored. A 12-month patient diary will provide real time access to patient data, capturing a weekly record of life as lived, including symptoms, medication, experiences of stages of recovery, rehabilitation adherence, healthcare professional appointments, attitudes, their feelings and experiences throughout their journey. Data will be analysed in a number of stages in accordance with interpretive phenomenological analysis, supported using NVivo software. Analysis of the first interviews and patient diaries will afford a rich density of data to build an overall understanding of the patients' lived experiences, informing the 12-month interview. Strategies (eg, reflexivity) will ensure trustworthiness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has ethical approval (IRAS 223283). Findings will ensure that patient-driven data inform precision rehabilitation by understanding the patient journey. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.