Experiences of patients with Parkinson's disease belonging to an association. A qualitative approach.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains of people who suffer it. A good strategy for patients is to belong to an Association, using the services they offer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients with PD in a Parkinson's Association. METHODS: A sample of participants with PD who met the inclusion criteria was selected through purpose and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect the data, which was analyzed by thematic phenomenological analysis. Different strategies such as triangulation between researchers were used to ensure methodological rigor. RESULTS: The data analyzed from 10 participants led to two themes: the context of the Association, where the importance of interdisciplinary treatments and the relationship with other patients is collected; and how they see their future, which describes the future perspectives that patients with PD have. DISCUSSION: Patients agree on the importance of belonging to the Association, feeling part of a group, while benefiting from receiving therapies from the interdisciplinary team. The Association plays a relevant role in the evolution of the disease, as it influences how patients imagine their future. Developing strategies based on a good therapeutic alliance with professionals at the service of patients promotes the empowerment, adherence and continuity of treatments at home, which results in improving the quality of life of patients with PD.

Effects of transcutaneous radiofrequency diathermy versus ultrasound on latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius: A randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the use of radiofrequency diathermy for the treatment of neck pain is booming. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Digital Capacitive Diathermy (DCD®) on stiffness, pain, cervical range of motion, and cervical disability and to compare it with ultrasound (US) in patients with latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the upper trapezius. METHODS: Nineteen participants with latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius were included in the assessor-masked, randomized, clinical crossover trial. Subjects were exposed to both interventions: US and DCD® and treatment effectiveness was measured by myotonometric variables, pressure pain threshold (PPT), visual analog scale (VAS), cervical side-bending flexion ranges, and the neck disability index scale (NDI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between US and DCD® interventions regarding changes in outcome measures. The US group achieved a statistically significant difference of 2.16 to 1.13 points (p= 0.005; r= 0.646) for the VAS. The DCD® intervention showed a statistically significant improvement of 1.11 points for the NDI at 1-week following intervention (95% CI 0.14-2.07; p= 0.27; d= 0.217). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DCD® and US can both be considered effective modalities for the treatment of latent MTrPs, having a longer duration of action with DCD® therapy.

Efficacy of an asynchronous telerehabilitation program in post-COVID-19 patients: A protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: About 40% of patients who have had COVID-19 still have symptoms three months later whereas a 10% may experience physical and/or psychological consequences two years later. Therefore, it is necessary to perform preventive interventions when patients are discharged from the hospital to decrease the aforementioned sequelae. The purpose of this pilot-controlled trial will be to determine the efficacy of a rehabilitation program on functional status and psychosocial factors for post-COVID-19 patients when it is delivered through a tele-care platform versus a booklet-based rehabilitation. METHODS: The estimated sample size will be of 50 participants who have been discharged after COVID-19 and have a level of fatigue equal or greater than 4 on the Fatigue Severity Scale. The primary outcome will be the severity of fatigue. Participants will be randomly allocated to an "asynchronous telerehabilitation group" or to a "booklet-based rehabilitation group". Treatment in both groups will be the same and will consist of a combination of therapeutic exercise and an educative program. Treatment outcomes will be evaluated the last day of the intervention and at three- and six-months follow-up. DISCUSSION: The telerehabilitation intervention appears to be a viable and efficacy option in decreasing severe fatigue and other fitness variables such as strength and aerobic capacity, similar to other traditional rehabilitation formats such as through an explanatory booklet. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been prospectively registered at clinialtrials.gov identifier: NCT04794036.

Cost-Effectiveness of Upper Extremity Dry Needling in Chronic Stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Dry needling is a non-pharmacological approach that has proven to be effective in different neurological conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a single dry needling session in patients with chronic stroke. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed based on a randomized controlled clinical trial. The results obtained from the values of the EuroQol-5D questionnaire and the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale were processed in order to obtain the percentage of treatment responders and the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each alternative. The cost analysis was that of the hospital, clinic, or health center, including the equipment and physiotherapist. The cost per respondent and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of each alternative were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with stroke were selected. The cost of DN treatment was EUR 14.96, and the data analysis showed a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio of both EUR/QALY and EUR/responder for IG, although the sensitivity analysis using limit values did not confirm the dominance (higher effectiveness with less cost) of the dry needling over the sham dry needling. CONCLUSIONS: Dry needling is an affordable alternative with good results in the cost-effectiveness analysis-both immediately, and after two weeks of treatment-compared to sham dry needling in persons with chronic stroke.

Effects of dry needling on gait and muscle tone in Parkinson's disease: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in gait and muscular rigidity are common and disabling in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a single dry needling (DN) session can promote changes in gait and muscle tone in the lower extremities as well as in the evolution of the disease in persons with PD. METHODS: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was designed. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) that received a session of DN over the semitendinosus, medial gastrocnemius, soleus and rectus femoris muscles, or to a control group (CG) that received a session of sham DN in the same muscles. The effects of DN were assessed using the timed up and go test (TUG), 10 meter walk test (10MWT), 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and myotonometry before, immediately after, and 7 days after the intervention. RESULTS: Thirty-three participants were analyzed aged 69.9 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD; 39% female). There were no significant differences between the IG and CG for any outcomes. Significant differences were observed when comparing the Pre and Follow-up values in the IG for functional mobility of gait in the TUG (p = 0.049), gait speed in the 10MWT (p = 0.041) and muscle tone in the lower extremities by myotonometry (frequency (p = 0.027) and stiffness (p = 0.013)). By comparison, there were no significant within-group differences in the CG. CONCLUSION: A single session of DN had no measurable benefit compared to a single session of sham DN. Within-group changes in the IG suggested improvements in functional mobility of gait and gait speed, as well as changes in the muscle tone in the lower extremities of PD patients, which could be worthy of further exploration by future research.

Effectiveness of Personalized Cognitive Stimulation in Older Adults with Mild Possible Cognitive Impairment: A 12-month Follow-up Cognitive Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the long-term effects of a personalized cognitive stimulation (PCS) program on the global cognition, cognitive aspects, activities of daily living (ADLs), anxiety, and depression in older adults with possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: A 12-month follow-up analysis was carried out in a single-blind, randomized clinical trial to research the long-term effects of a 10-week PCS program evaluating the cognitive level, depression, and anxiety of older adults with possible MCI. RESULTS: Fifty older adults were assessed 12 months after the CS program, 23 in the intervention group and 27 in the control group. There were significant differences between the groups at 12 months in the global cognition (p = .002), in global orientation (p < .001), and in spatial orientation (p = .004) in favor of the intervention group, measured with the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MEC-35). CONCLUSIONS: A PCS program could be effective in improving global cognition and global and spatial orientation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A PCS program based on cognitive levels in older adults with possible MCI achieves improvements in global cognition and global and spatial orientation. PCS programs can be applied successfully by trained occupational therapists.

Effects of dry needling on function, hypertonia and quality of life in chronic stroke: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Persons with stroke commonly have impairments associated with a reduction in functionality. Motor impairments are the most prevalent, causing an impact on activities of daily life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a session of dry needling (DN) applied to the upper extremity muscles on the sensorimotor function, hypertonia, and quality of life of persons with chronic stroke. METHODS: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were randomly assigned into an intervention group that received a single session DN in the biceps brachii, brachialis, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus, extensor digitorum, adductor pollicis and triceps brachii muscles, or into a control group that received the same treatment but with a sham DN intervention. Treatment outcomes included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for the upper extremity, the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, and the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Measurements were carried out before, immediately after, and 14 days after intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-three persons participated in the study. Significant differences between groups were observed after the intervention in the total wrist-hand motor score (p = 0.023) and sensorimotor score (p = 0.022), for hypertonia in the elbow extensors both after treatment (p = 0.002) and at follow-up (p = 0.018), and in quality of life at follow-up (p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: A single session of DN improved total wrist-hand motor function and total sensorimotor function in persons with chronic stroke immediately after treatment, as well as quality of life 2 weeks after treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03546517 (ClinicalTrials.gov).