Virtual reality using games for improving physical functioning in older adults: a systematic review.

The use of virtual reality through exergames or active video game, i.e. a new form of interactive gaming, as a complementary tool in rehabilitation has been a frequent focus in research and clinical practice in the last few years. However, evidence of their effectiveness is scarce in the older population. This review aim to provide a summary of the effects of exergames in improving physical functioning in older adults. A search for randomized controlled trials was performed in the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsyInfo, Cochrane data base, PEDro and ISI Web of Knowledge. Results from the included studies were analyzed through a critical review and methodological quality by the PEDro scale. Thirteen studies were included in the review. The most common apparatus for exergames intervention was the Nintendo Wii gaming console (8 studies), followed by computers games, Dance video game with pad (two studies each) and only one study with the Balance Rehabilitation Unit. The Timed Up and Go was the most frequently used instrument to assess physical functioning (7 studies). According to the PEDro scale, most of the studies presented methodological problems, with a high proportion of scores below 5 points (8 studies). The exergames protocols and their duration varied widely, and the benefits for physical function in older people remain inconclusive. However, a consensus between studies is the positive motivational aspect that the use of exergames provides. Further studies are needed in order to achieve better methodological quality, external validity and provide stronger scientific evidence.

Microbial Indicator Profiling of Fresh Produce and Environmental Samples from Farms and Packing Facilities in Northern Mexico.

To compare microbiological indicator and pathogen contamination among different types of fresh produce and environmental samples along the production chain, 636 samples of produce (rinsates from cantaloupe melons, jalapeño peppers, and tomatoes) and environmental samples (rinsates from hands of workers, soil, and water) were collected at four successive steps in the production process (from the field before harvest through the packing facility) on 11 farms in northern Mexico during 2011 and 2012. Samples were assayed for enteric pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, other Shiga toxigenic E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes) and microbial indicators (coliforms, other E. coli strains, and Enterococcus spp.). Salmonella was the only pathogen detected; it was found in one preharvest jalapeño sample (detection limits: 0.0033 CFU/ml in produce and hand samples, 0.0013 CFU/ml in water, and 0.04 CFU/g in soil). Microbial indicator profiles for produce, worker hands, and soil from jalapeño and tomato farms were similar, but cantaloupe farm samples had higher indicator levels (P < 0.05 for all comparisons) on fruit (6.5, 2.8, and 7.2 log CFU per fruit) and hands (6.6, 3.1, and 7.1 log CFU per hand) for coliforms, E. coli, and Enterococcus, respectively, and lower E. coli levels in soil (<1 CFU/g). In water from tomato farms, E. coli indicators were significantly more prevalent (70 to 89% of samples were positive; P = 0.01 to 0.02), and geometric mean levels were higher (0.3 to 0.6 log CFU/100 ml) than those in cantaloupe farm water (32 to 38% of samples were positive, geometric mean <1 CFU/100 ml). Microbial indicators were present during all production steps, but prevalence and levels were generally highest at the final on-farm production step (the packing facility) (P < 0.03 for significant comparisons). The finding that microbial contamination on produce farms is influenced by produce type and production step can inform the design of effective approaches to mitigate microbial contamination.

Calidad de Vida en Pacientes Hemodializados de la Comuna de Chillán Viejo / Quality of Life in Hemodialyzed Patients From the Commune of Chillán Viejo

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad renal crónica afecta a los riñones de forma irreversible, generando un gran impacto emocional en el paciente y su entorno familiar y social; determina cambios en los hábitos alimentarios, físicos y sociales perturbando, de esta manera, su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Valorar la calidad de vida de pacientes que se encuentran en tratamiento hemodialítico de la comuna de Chillán Viejo. Material y métodos: Diseño descriptivo, de corte transversal, no experimental. Fue implementado en una población de 62 pacientes en tratamiento de hemodiálisis en Chile. Se utilizó el cuestionario Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (KDQOL), que presenta puntajes de satisfacción entre 0 a 100, para evaluar calidad de vida en hemodializados. Resultados: Según sus medias de logros, las dimensiones más afectadas son: salud general (30,65 ±21,81), rol físico (23,15 ±31,4), carga de la enfermedad renal (25,46±20,49), situación laboral (23,15±35,97), función cognitiva (22,59±20,70) y calidad de las relaciones sociales (22,22±23,13).Conclusiones: Es importante poner en práctica actividades educativas y de prevención destinadas a pacientes que realizan diálisis, para evitar posibles complicaciones asociadas a la enfermedad renal y sus comórbidas, disminuir el deterioro de su calidad de vida y promover el apoyo al paciente y su familia.

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease affects the kidneys irreversibly, creating a great emotional impact on the patient and their family and social environment, and making changes in eating, physical and social habits, which disturb, in this way, their quality of life. Objective: To assess the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the commune of Chillán Viejo. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, non-experimental study was conducted. It was implemented in a population of 62 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in Chile. The Kidney Disease and Quality of Life (KDQOL) survey, which presents satisfaction scores between 0 and 100, was used to assess quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Results: According to their average of achievement, the most affected dimensions are: general health (30.65 ± 21.81), physical role (23.15 ± 31.4), burden of kidney disease (25.46 ± 20,49), employment status (23.15 ± 35.97), cognitive function (22.59 ± 20.70) and quality of social relations (22.22 ± 23.13). Conclusions: It is important to implement educational and prevention activities aimed at patients who are on dialysis, so as to avoid possible complications associated with kidney disease and its comorbid diseases, reduce the deterioration of their quality of life and promote support for the patient and their family.

Evaluation of microbial contamination of tomatoes and peppers at retail markets in Monterrey, Mexico.

The source of a large outbreak of foodborne disease related to Salmonella-contaminated jalapeño peppers has been traced to Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality of tomatoes and jalapeño peppers from markets and supermarkets from the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. One hundred sixty samples (40 bola tomatoes, 40 saladette [Roma] tomatoes, 40 serrano peppers, and 40 jalapeño peppers) were purchased. Stems from peppers were removed and analyzed separately. Samples were analyzed for indicator organisms and Salmonella, following the Mexican Official Methods. The results showed that the presence of indicator organisms varied among samples and origins, and levels were relatively high in peppers (average 4.4 to 4.7 log CFU/g for total mesophilic, 3.25 to 3.73 log CFU/g for total coliforms, and 1.69 log CFU/g for fecal coliforms). Saladette tomatoes and serrano peppers showed the greatest microorganism levels (∼1 log CFU/g higher) in comparison with the other varieties. Pepper stems typically had indicator microbial levels ∼1 to 2 log CFU/g higher than levels in smooth flesh. Only one tomato and one jalapeño sample were positive for Salmonella. However, in the case of the pepper, the contamination was found in the stem. Although the microbiological quality of tomatoes and peppers sampled was similar to that found in markets from developed countries, the presence of pathogens causes a risk of infection for consumers.

Velocidade de marcha e autoeficácia em quedas em indivíduos com hemiparesia após Acidente Vascular Encefálico / Velocidad de marcha y autoeficacia para las caídas en los sujetos con hemiparesia tras Accidente Cerebrovascular / Gait speed and falls self-efficacy in individuals with hemiparesis after stroke

Indivíduos após Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) apresentam com frequência alterações no padrão da marcha, instabilidade e maior suscetibilidade para quedas. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre a velocidade de marcha e autoeficácia para quedas em indivíduos hemiparéticos. A amostra foi composta por 23 indivíduos com hemiparesia pós-AVE com idade média de 60,6±11,26 anos e tempo de evolução do AVE de 53,2±35,4 meses. Os participantes foram avaliados quanto ao senso de autoeficácia para quedas pelo questionário Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I). A velocidade de marcha normal e rápida foi calculada pelo tempo despendido para percorrer 10 metros. Para verificar a relação entre a FES-I e a velocidade de marcha, foram aplicados testes de associação e correlação. Entre os participantes da pesquisa, 39,1% utilizavam dispositivo de auxílio para a marcha e 30,4% reportaram quedas no último ano. A média da FES-I foi de 30,3±8,4 pontos, e a da velocidade normal de marcha foi de 0,72±0,28m/s e rápida de 1,00±0,40m/s. Os participantes conseguiram modificar significantemente a velocidade da marcha (diferença da velocidade: 0,27±0,16m/s; Teste T pareado: p<0,001). Não foi verificada correlação ou associação entre a FES-I e a velocidade de marcha. Houve correlação entre a FES-I e a idade (r=0,541; p=0,008); e associação entre uso de dispositivo de auxílio para a marcha e maior lentidão na velocidade, tanto normal (p=0,048), quanto rápida (p=0,037). Apesar da maioria dos indivíduos com hemiparesia deste estudo apresentar baixa autoeficácia para quedas, estes ainda são capazes de alterar o padrão de marcha por meio da velocidade.

Tras sufrir un Accidente Cerebrovascular (ACV) los sujetos tienen a menudo alteraciones en el patrón de la marcha, inestabilidad y aumento en la susceptibilidad para las caídas. En este estudio se buscó verificar la relación entre la velocidad de marcha y la autoeficacia para las caídas en los sujetos con hemiparesia. Participaron de la muestra 23 sujetos con hemiparesia pos-ACV teniendo promedio de edad de 60,6±11,26 años y un tiempo de evolución del ACV de 53,2±35,4 meses. Se evaluaron los participantes en relación al sentido de autoeficacia para las caídas utilizándose el cuestionario Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I). Se calculó la velocidad de la marcha normal y rápida a través de la cantidad de tiempo empleado para recorrer 10 metros. Para verificar la relación entre la FES-I y la velocidad de la marcha se aplicó las pruebas de asociación y de correlación. Del total de participantes, un 39,1% hicieron uso del dispositivo de ayuda para la marcha y un 30,4% informaron que sufrieron caídas en el último año. El promedio de la FES-I fue de 30,3±8,4 puntos, y la velocidad normal de la marcha fue de 0,72±0,28m/s y la rápida 1,00±0,40m/s. Los participantes lograron cambiar significativamente la velocidad de marcha (la diferencia de la velocidad: 0,27±0,16m/s; Test T pareado: p<0,001). No se encontraron correlaciones entre la FES-I y la velocidad de marcha, pero hubo una correlación entre la FES-I y la edad (r=0,541; p=0,008) y una asociación entre el uso del dispositivo de ayuda para la marcha y la mayor lentitud en la velocidad tanto normal (p=0,048) como rápida (p=0,037). Aunque la mayoría de los sujetos con hemiparesia presentan baja autoeficacia para las caídas, todavía son capaces de modificar el patrón de marcha a través de la velocidad.

It is common that individuals after stroke show changes in the gait pattern, imbalance and more susceptibility to falls. This study aimed to assess the relationship between gait speed and self-efficacy for falls in hemiparetic subjects. The sample was composed of 23 individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke with a mean age of 60.6±11.26 years and 53.2±35.4 months of stroke evolution time. Participants were assessed for falls self-efficacy by the questionnaire Falls Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I). The normal and fast gait speed was calculated using the time spent to walk 10 meters. To verify the relationship between the FES-I and the gait speed were applied association and correlation tests. Among the participants, 39.1% used walking device and 30.4% reported falls in the previous year. The FES-I average was 30.3±8.4 points, the normal gait speed was 0.72±0.28m/s and fast gait speed was 1.00±0.40m/s. Participants were able to significantly modify the gait velocity (speed difference: 0.27±0.16m/s; paired t test: p<0.001). There was no correlation or association between the FES-I and the gait speed. A correlation was found between the FES-I and age (r=0.541; p=0.008); and association between use of walking device, both normal (p=0.048) and fast (p=0.037) gait speed. Although most individuals with hemiparesis from this study presented low self-efficacy for falls, yet they are able to modify the gait speed.