Use of Augmented Reality with a Motion-Controlled Game Utilizing Alphabet Letters and Numbers to Improve Performance and Reaction Time Skills for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Augmented reality (AR) uses the real-world setting but enables a person to interact with virtual objects. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of alphabet letter and number in an AR task and its influence in reaction time in a population with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared with the performance of typical developing (TD) controls. We evaluated reaction time before and after AR tasks that consisted of identifying correct numbers and alphabet letters in 48 people with ASD and 48 with TD controls. Results indicate that total points for TD group were higher (M = 86.4 and M = 79.0) when compared with the ASD group (M = 54.5 and M = 51.5) for alphabet letters and numbers, respectively. Moreover, in analysis of reaction time results, only the ASD group showed an improvement in performance after the practice of an AR task. The control group was faster before (M = 553.7) and after (M = 560.5) when compared with the ASD group (M = 2616.0 and M = 2374.6, respectively). Despite the need for further studies, our results support that there is potential for clinical use of an AR task-based intervention for people with ASD.

Effect of air pollution on the autonomic modulation of heart rate in overweight adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of air pollution on heart rate variability in overweight individuals. METHODS: A total of 46 adult individuals, both sexes, aged between 18 and 49 years and with body mass index >25kg/m2 were analyzed. All volunteers were students from public schools of two cities in the state of São Paulo. The clinical, demographic and anthropometric data of each individual, as well as heart rate variability through time domain, geometric and frequency indices were collected. For the air quality analysis, the following variables were investigated: concentration of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, temperature and relative humidity. The analysis was carried out with descriptive and analytical statistics, adopting a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: There was a reduction in overall heart rate variability in overweight individuals by the following indices: mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals, ratio of short-and long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals. In addition, the indices responsible for parasympathetic control showed a downward trend in their values, as well as the low frequency index, which represented sympathetic action, although not significant. CONCLUSION: Overweight individuals exposed to air pollution had lower heart rate variability than the Control Group.

Test-Retest Reliability and Clinical Feasibility of a Motion-Controlled Game to Enhance the Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Young Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

Games using motion capture from web cameras have become increasingly popular. However, there are no games specifically designed to teach literacy to individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of introducing young individuals with ID to a new augmented reality game, the MoviLetrando, and establish its test-retest reliability to determine its usefulness in teaching the alphabet and motor control skills. The performance of a sample of 88 ID participants (52 males, 36 females, mean ± standard deviation age, 11.2 ± 2.6 years) was measured on two different testing sessions. Five dependent variables (total points, number of correct vowels/numbers, number of mistakes, number of omissions, and average time to reach symbols) were used for data analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), Cronbach's alpha, and Bland-Altman plots were used to estimate the test-retest reliability and measurement precision. Feasibility was assessed by examining recruitment, adherence, and acceptability in both phases of the game. The dependent variables identified in the MoviLetrando demonstrated an ICC of 0.44 to 0.82, suggesting acceptable/good test-retest reliability, respectively. The internal consistency was satisfactory. The small SEM, as well as the narrow width of the 95 percent limits of agreement in the Bland-Altman plots, implied that measurements of these dependent variables were precise and accurate on both the occasions. Excellent test-retest reliability for performance measurement was demonstrated in the ID participants, indicating that the MoviLetrando could be used as an outcome measure for this population.

Computer classes and games in virtual reality environment to reduce loneliness among students of an elderly reference center: Study protocol for a randomised cross-over design.

INTRODUCTION: Physical and mental changes associated with aging commonly lead to a decrease in communication capacity, reducing social interactions and increasing loneliness. Computer classes for older adults make significant contributions to social and cognitive aspects of aging. Games in a virtual reality (VR) environment stimulate the practice of communicative and cognitive skills and might also bring benefits to older adults. Furthermore, it might help to initiate their contact to the modern technology. The purpose of this study protocol is to evaluate the effects of practicing VR games during computer classes on the level of loneliness of students of an elderly reference center. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be a prospective longitudinal study with a randomised cross-over design, with subjects aged 50 years and older, of both genders, spontaneously enrolled in computer classes for beginners. Data collection will be done in 3 moments: moment 0 (T0) - at baseline; moment 1 (T1) - after 8 typical computer classes; and moment 2 (T2) - after 8 computer classes which include 15 minutes for practicing games in VR environment. A characterization questionnaire, the short version of the Short Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) and 3 games with VR (Random, MoviLetrando, and Reaction Time) will be used. For the intervention phase 4 other games will be used: Coincident Timing, Motor Skill Analyser, Labyrinth, and Fitts. The statistical analysis will compare the evolution in loneliness perception, performance, and reaction time during the practice of the games between the 3 moments of data collection. Performance and reaction time during the practice of the games will also be correlated to the loneliness perception. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol is approved by the host institution's ethics committee under the number 52305215.3.0000.0082. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences. This clinical trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02798081.

Effect of air pollution on the autonomic modulation of heart rate in overweight adults / Efeito da poluição atmosférica na modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca em indivíduos com excesso de peso

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effect of air pollution on heart rate variability in overweight individuals. Methods: A total of 46 adult individuals, both sexes, aged between 18 and 49 years and with body mass index >25kg/m2 were analyzed. All volunteers were students from public schools of two cities in the state of São Paulo. The clinical, demographic and anthropometric data of each individual, as well as heart rate variability through time domain, geometric and frequency indices were collected. For the air quality analysis, the following variables were investigated: concentration of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, temperature and relative humidity. The analysis was carried out with descriptive and analytical statistics, adopting a level of significance of 5%. Results: There was a reduction in overall heart rate variability in overweight individuals by the following indices: mean standard deviation of all normal RR intervals, long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals, ratio of short-and long-term standard deviation of continuous RR intervals. In addition, the indices responsible for parasympathetic control showed a downward trend in their values, as well as the low frequency index, which represented sympathetic action, although not significant. Conclusion: Overweight individuals exposed to air pollution had lower heart rate variability than the Control Group.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da poluição atmosférica na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em indivíduos com excesso de peso. Métodos: Foram analisados 46 indivíduos adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 18 e 49 anos e índice de massa corporal >25kg/m2. Todos os voluntários eram estudantes da Educação de Jovens e Adultos em duas cidades do estado de São Paulo. Foram coletadas informações clínicas, demográficas e antropométricas de cada indivíduo, bem como a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, por meio dos índices do domínio do tempo, geométricos e de frequência. Para a análise da qualidade do ar, foram investigadas as variáveis concentração de dióxido de carbono, material particulado, temperatura e umidade do ar. A análise se deu por estatística descritiva e analítica, adotando-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Ocorreu redução na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca geral nos indivíduos com excesso de peso por meio dos índices geométricos (desvio padrão a longo prazo dos intervalos RR contínuos, e a razão entre as variações curta e longa dos intervalos RR) e o domínio do tempo (desvio padrão da média de todos os intervalos RR normais). Índices responsáveis pelo controle parassimpático mostraram-se com tendência de queda em seus valores, bem como o índice de baixa frequência que representava a ação do simpático, embora com valores não significativos. Conclusão: Indivíduos com excesso de peso expostos à poluição atmosférica apresentaram menor variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em comparação ao Grupo Controle.

Processos participativos de promoção da saúde na escola / Participatory process of health promotion at school

It is known that adolescence is a period of constant biopsychosocial changes. Based on this premise, it is understood that this population should be included as a priority in health systems, seeking their effective participation through strategies associated with health promotion OBJECTIVE: To analyse the participatory process of adolescents in health promotion activities from the perspective of the Bambu Method METHODS: this is a qualitative exploratory study, carried out in two schools located in Crato, Ceará, Brazil. Pupils are from 10 to 19 years old. The study was based on the Bambu Method, which is a means to boost the prospects of the group. It was done by observation of the participant, the environment, the verbal and non-verbal expressions of adolescents and a diary where relevant information was recorded. The organization of data occurred through the content analysis technique proposed by Bardin RESULTS: it was observed that the opportunity to express themselves with the host led young people to feel more at ease among others and induced the formation of a bond. The participatory process for adolescents was perceived as a process of facing reality and associated with learning, the stimulus for personal development, through the initiative of action, attitude and self-esteem CONCLUSION: the Bambu Method proved to be a relevant framework to guide health education activities with groups of adolescents, allowing the development of activities suitable to the needs of the participants...

Sabe-se que a adolescência é um período de constantes alterações biopsicossociais, partindo dessa premissa, entende-se que esse público deve ser incluso como prioridade no sistemas de saúde, buscando a sua participação efetiva através de estratégias associadas a promoção da saúde OBJETIVO: analisar o processo participativo em atividades de promoção da saúde do adolescente sob a perspectiva do Método Bambu MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo exploratório qualitativo, realizado em duas escolas da cidade de Crato, CE, Brasil, Participaram alunos com idade entre 10 e 19 anos, O estudo foi baseado no método Bambu que é um meio para impulsionar as potencialidades do grupo, Foram utilizados a observação participante, do ambiente ou das expressões verbais e não-verbais dos adolescentes, e um diário de campo onde foram registradas informações pertinentes, A organização dos dados deu-se mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo, proposta por Bardin RESULTADOS: evidenciou-se que a abertura para se expressar junto ao acolhimento levou os jovens a se sentir mais à vontade em meio aos demais, além de induzir a formação do vínculo e configurar o processo participativo, que para os adolescentes foi percebida como um processo voltado para realidade e associada ao aprendizado, ao estímulo para o desenvolvimento pessoal, por meio da iniciativa, da ação, da atitude e da autoestima CONCLUSÃO: o Método Bambu mostrou-se como relevante referencial para guiar ações de educação em saúde com grupos de adolescentes, permitindo a elaboração de atividades adequadas às necessidades dos participantes...

Social representation of the hospital ludic: look of the child

INTRODUCTION: Play has become an object of study in various sectors of society, as it is viewed as an innate, spontaneous activity that is critical for a child's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development, which facilitates communication, socialisation and adaptation to environments and people. During hospitalisation, children feel vulnerable as they have to cope with strange carers, invasive and painful procedures. Barriers to their regular activities tend to make the situation worse. OBJECTIVES: To describe the child's view of his/her playfulness in the hospital environment and investigate the social representation of a hospital playroom for children exposed to the story-drawing technique. METHODS: This qualitative exploratory research used story-drawing as a tool for data collection with a sample of 12 children aged 6 to 11 years, while they were hospitalised. Data analysis was supported by a literature review and direct observation, which allowed the researchers to draw relationships between theory, the research hypotheses and the data collected. FINDINGS: The children's construction and representation of playfulness while in hospital was directly related to the playroom, since most of them reported not conceiving of the possibility to play in bed or elsewhere in the hospital. Soon the playroom was further viewed as a place for socialising and recovering from illness as they approximated this environment to their reality in an attempt to make it a closest-as-possible representation of their homes. It was observed that play changed the children's preconceived ideas of the hospital, as they began to view the playroom as an environment in which they felt able to play and consequently well. Their story-drawings contextualised symbolically their current hospitalisation situation and became a scaffolding tool for their emotional well-being...

INTRODUÇÃO: o brincar tem se tornado objeto de estudo nos diversos setores da sociedade, sendo considerado como uma atividade espontânea inata ao ser humano e necessário ao desenvolvimento infantil físico, social, emocional e cognitivo, facilita comunicação, ajuda na socialização e adaptação a ambientes e pessoas. Quando hospitalizadas, as criança se sentem vulneráveis, com pessoas desconhecidas, procedimentos invasivos e dolorosos, e a limitação das atividades exercidas por ela, tendem a tornar a situação pior. OBJETIVOS: descrever a percepção da criança, acerca do lúdico no ambiente hospitalar e verificar a representação social da brinquedoteca para as crianças internadas a partir da técnica de Desenho-Estória com tema. MÉTODO: tratou-se de um estudo qualitativo e exploratório que utilizou como instrumento de coleta de dados a técnica do Desenho - Estória com tema, tendo como sujeitos 12 crianças com idade entre 06 e 11 anos. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir da discussão com subsídios teóricos estudados, além da observação dos pesquisadores, que possibilitou encontrar respostas ao problema pesquisado, estabelecendo as relações necessárias entre os dados obtidos e as hipóteses formuladas...

O fazer de profissionais no contexto da educação em saúde: uma revisão sistemática / Professional activity in the context of health education: a systematic review

Descrever as práticas educativas realizadas por profissionais de saúde tomando como referência o modelo da promoção da saúde. Trata-se de revisão sistemática realizada a partir da busca de artigos nas bases de dados: Medline, Lilacs e Scielo, considerando o período de 2003 a 2013. A busca foi realizada por meio do método integrado, utilizando-se os termos: promoção da saúde, educação em saúde e vivências. Diante os resultados foi possível evidenciar a importância da realização de vivências de educação em saúde em diferentes contextos: atenção primária, hospitalar e escolar, com diversos temas e metodologias adotadas. No entanto, embora essas vivências tenham sido implementadas, em sua maioria, com vista à promoção da saúde, destacando elementos como autonomia, empoderamento e tomada de decisão, perceberam-se ainda ações de educação em saúde normativas, o que fragilizam o processo de empoderamento dos indivíduos.

Describe educational practices performed by health professionals with reference to the paradigm of health promotion. It is systematic review the search for articles in databases: Medline, Lilacs and SciELO, published during the period from 2003 to 2013. The search was performed using the integrated method, using the terms: health promotion, health education and experiences. Given the results, was possible to demonstrate the importance of conducting health education experiences in different contexts: primary care, hospitals and schools with various themes and methodologies adopted. However, although these experiences implemented primarily with a view to promoting health, highlighting elements such as autonomy, empowerment and decision-making, it was found that even if educational actions on normative health are carried out they weaken the process of the empowerment of the individuals involved.