Spasticity distribution and severity in individuals with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.

In individuals with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), spasticity is one of the main symptoms. The neurological signs of the disease are well defined, but details of how spasticity appears in these individuals have not been well explored. To describe spasticity location and severity of HAM/TSP individuals. Cross-sectional study with individuals older than 18 years, diagnosed with HAM/TSP and with lower limb spasticity. Pregnant women, individuals with other associated neurological diseases, and those using antispastic drugs were not included. Spasticity was assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), applied to the abductor, adductor, flexor, and extensor muscles of the hips, flexors, and extensors of the knees, dorsiflexors, plantiflexors, evertors, and inverters of the foot. Thirty participants were included. The plantiflexor muscles (90%), knee extensors (80%), knee flexors (63,3%), and adductors (50%) were most frequently affected by spasticity. Twenty-three (76.7%) individuals had mixed spasticity, 5 (16.7%) with distal spasticity and 2 (6.7%) with proximal spasticity. MAS was similar between the lower limbs in at least 6 of the 10 muscle groups of each individual. Spasticity was mostly mixed in the lower limbs, with more frequently mild severity. The individuals were partially symmetrical between the lower limbs. The most affected muscle groups were the plantiflexors, knee extensors and flexors and the hip adductors, consecutively, being predominantly symmetrical.

Virtual Rehabilitation through Nintendo Wii in Poststroke Patients: Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in the follow-up the sensory-motor recovery and quality of life patients 2 months after completion of the Nintendo Wii console intervention and determine whether learning retention was obtained through the technique. METHODS: Five hemiplegics patients participated in the study, of whom 3 were male with an average age of 54.8 years (SD = 4.6). Everyone practiced Nintendo Wii therapy for 2 months (50 minutes/day, 2 times/week, during 16 sessions). Each session lasting 60 minutes, under a protocol in which only the games played were changed, plus 10 minutes of stretching. In the first session, tennis and hula hoop games were used; in the second session, football (soccer) and boxing were used. For the evaluation, the Fulg-Meyer and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) scales were utilized. The patients were immediately evaluated upon the conclusion of the intervention and 2 months after the second evaluation (follow-up). RESULTS: Values for the upper limb motor function sub-items and total score in the Fugl-Meyer scale evaluation and functional capacity in the SF-36 questionnaire were sustained, indicating a possible maintenance of the therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that after Nintendo Wii therapy, patients had motor learning retention, achieving a sustained benefit through the technique.

Videofluoroscopic Predictors of Penetration-Aspiration in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients show a high prevalence of swallowing disorders and tracheal aspiration of food. The videofluoroscopic study of swallowing (VFSS) allows clinicians to visualize the visuoperceptual and temporal parameters associated with swallowing disorders in an attempt to predict aspiration risk. However, this subject remains understudied in PD populations. Our aim was to identify the predictors of penetration-aspiration in PD patients using the VFSS. Consecutive patients were evaluated using VFSS with different consistencies and volumes of food. A speech-language pathologist measured the type of intra-oral bolus organization, loss of bolus control, bolus location at the initiation of the pharyngeal swallow, the presence of multiple swallows, piecemeal deglutition, bolus residue in the pharyngeal recesses and temporal measures. Scores ≥3 on the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) indicated the occurrence of penetration-aspiration. Using logistic marginal regression, we found that residue in the vallecula, residue in the upper esophageal sphincter and piecemeal deglutition were associated with penetration-aspiration (odds ratio (OR) = 4.09, 2.87 and 3.83; P = 0.0040, 0.0071 and 0.0009, respectively). Penetration/aspiration occurred only with fluids (both of thin and thick consistency), and no significant differences were observed between fluid types or food volumes. The mechanisms underlying dysphagia and penetration/aspiration in PD patients and indications for further studies are discussed.

Swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease: impact of lingual pumping.

BACKGROUND: Lingual pumping (LP) is a repetitive, involuntary, anteroposterior movement of the tongue on the soft palate that is executed prior to transferring the food bolus to the pharynx, but we also observed LP when multiple swallows were taken. LP may be associated with rigidity and bradykinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This phenomenon tends to be more prevalent in dysphagic PD patients, and its impact on swallowing dynamics remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how LP interferes with the oral and pharyngeal phases of the swallowing of foods of different consistencies and volumes. METHODS: We used videofluoroscopy to study the swallowing of 69 PD patients performing 10 swallows of barium mixed with foods of different consistencies and volumes. RESULTS: LP was associated with the unstable intra-oral organization of the bolus, the loss of bolus control, the pharyngeal retention of food and food entering the airway. This abnormal movement was also associated with a shorter oral transit time and was found to be more prevalent with food of thicker consistencies. CONCLUSIONS: LP is associated with swallowing incoordination and with food entering the airway. Preventive measures to minimise the pulmonary or nutritional consequences of this behaviour are necessary.

Wet voice as a sign of penetration/aspiration in Parkinson's disease: does testing material matter?

Wet voice is a perceptual vocal quality that is commonly used as an indicator of penetration and/or aspiration in clinical swallowing assessments and bedside screening tests. Our aim was to describe the clinimetric characteristics of this clinical sign using various fluid materials and one solid food in the Parkinson's disease (PD) population. Consecutive PD individuals were submitted for simultaneous fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and voice recording. Speech therapists rated the presence or absence of wetness and other voice abnormalities. Two binary endpoints of FEES were selected for comparison with an index test: low penetration (LP) and low penetration and/or aspiration (LP/ASP). The accuracy of wet voice changed according to the testing material in PD patients. Overall, the specificity of this indicator was better than its sensitivity, and the wafer cookie and yogurt drink yielded the best indices. Our data show that wet voice is clearly indicative of LP or LP/ASP in PD patients in case of positive test. However, in the case of a negative result, the wet voice test should be repeated or combined with other clinical tests to include or exclude the risk of LP or LP/ASP.

Cervicogenic-Like Headache as the First Symptom of Acromegaly.

Headache is a frequent symptom in patients with acromegaly; however, it has never been described as a cervicogenic-like headache. This paper reports on an 18-year-old Brazilian man with a four-year history of unilateral headaches characterized as a sensation of tightness or pressure in the right nuchal region spreading across the forehead. An MRI of the brain revealed a pituitary tumor and a transsphenoidal surgical resection of the macroadenoma was performed. During follow-up, he reported a complete relief of headaches after one week of surgery, persisting for six months. This paper shows a cervicogenic-like headache as the first symptom of acromegaly and the improvement of symptoms after surgery.

Communication disorders in the correctional system: a systematic review.

OBTECTIVES: Good communication is essential for resolving social conflicts, especially in closed communities such as prisons. When communication is interrupted by factors such as hearing loss or difficulties in coordination, voice, language, fluency, or disruption of any of the biological systems required to communicate, Human Communication Disorders can appear. This review aimed to identify the most prevalent communication disorders amongst prison inmates. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Systematic review through databases of studies that analyze individual inmates with communication disorders over the last 38 years. After reading the titles and abstracts and applying the eligibility criteria, 25 articles were selected and included in the final review. RESULTS: A sample of 2,188 individuals was evaluated, two studies were conducted with a female population only, while twelve studied exclusively males, and 11 articles had a mixed population. All the studies included evaluated language and communication disorders in general, with language impairment being more prevalent There are no English language studies evaluating language and communication disorders in incarcerated individuals from African countries, Latin America or Asia. DISCUSSION: Inmates have a high prevalence of language and communication disorders, and thus end up being more vulnerable within the prison system. Speech therapists are important members of the legal workforce and improve the health, well-being and participation of people in contact with or at risk of contact with the judicial system through the prevention, early detection, assessment and treatment of communication disorders.

Body structure/function impairments and activity limitations of post-stroke that predict social participation: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in Brazil, and its prognostic indicators of social reintegration are not well established yet. OBJECTIVE: To identify body structure/function impairments and activity limitations in post-stroke that predict social participation restrictions in the community. METHODS: cohort studies were selected, involving adult post-stroke participants, which investigated body structure and function impairments or activity limitations of post-stroke individuals as predictors of social participation in the community. Studies that included individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage, other neurological disorders and participants in long-term care facilities were excluded. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was applied to assess the methodological quality. The results were synthesized according to the found exposures, considering the used statistical models. RESULTS: Eleven articles were included, with a total of 2,412 individuals, 58.4% men, 83.7% ischemic stroke. Seven exposures were assessed across studies, in which 10 studies assessed body structure and function exposures (stroke severity, cognitive, executive, emotional and motor function), and 8 studies assessed activity exposures (daily living activity and walking ability). CONCLUSION: There is some evidence that stroke severity, mental and motor deficits, limitations in activities of daily living and the ability to walk after a stroke can predict social participation in the community. PROSPERO registration CRD42020177591.

Discharge outcomes as predictors of social participation in the community after a stroke: a cohort study.

The mapping of possible predictors of restrictions in the social participation of people after stroke in the community can be an essential tool to support the development of rehabilitation strategies even in the hospital environment. This study aimed to identify whether mobility, functional balance and dependence on functionality at hospital discharge can predict restrictions on social participation 1 year after stroke in the community. This is a hospital-based cohort study, with individuals over 18 years old admitted with a diagnosis of acute stroke included. People with dementia, previous functional limitations and cancer patients were omitted. Mobility, balance and functional independence were the predictor variables at hospital discharge, and the outcome of interest was social participation assessed 1 year after a stroke in the community. Forty-eight patients were included after a 1-year follow-up. The degree of functional independence at hospital discharge ( ß = 0.813; P < 0.01) was the independent predictor of social participation, specifically the locomotion ( ß = 0.452; P < 0.001) and social cognition ( ß = 0.462; P < 0.001) related to functional independence. Mobility ( ß = 0.040; P = 0.777) and functional balance ( ß = 0.060; P = 0.652) did not show an independent association. Cognitive functional independence was a predictor of daily activities ( ß = 0.786; P < 0.001), social roles ( ß = 0.390; P = 0.014) and satisfaction ( ß = 0.564; P < 0.001) of social participation. The degree of functional independence of people after a stroke at hospital discharge was able to predict the level of social involvement in the community one year after the stroke.

Right hemisphere and metaphor comprehension: A connectionist perspective.

Metaphor comprehension is a cognitively complex task, with evidence pointing to the engagement of multiple cerebral areas. In addition, the involvement of the right hemisphere appears to vary with cognitive effort. Therefore, the interconnecting pathways of such distributed cortical centers should be taken into account when studying this topic. Despite this, the potential contribution of white matter fasciculi has received very little attention in the literature to date and is not mentioned in most metaphor comprehension studies. To highlight the probable implications of the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, right superior longitudinal system, and callosal radiations, we bring together findings from different research fields. The aim is to describe important insights enabled by the cross-fertilization of functional neuroimaging, clinical findings, and structural connectivity.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the Brazilian population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the Brazilian population, with studies that used the RDC/TMD or DC/TMD as diagnostic tools. A total of 6365 people from 11 studies were included. Sample mean age ranged from 12 to 69.5 years. The pooled prevalence of TMD was 33.6% (95% CI 31.5-35.8; I2 = 37.2). Prevalence of TMD was higher in females (37.0%) than in males (29.3%). Our results indicate that TMD is a prevalent condition across Brazil's territories. The results from this meta-analysis can help calculate more accurate sample sizes for future studies.

Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil. METHODS: Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were 'to own pets' or 'those who had them during the period of quarantine' in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself. RESULTS: The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants' reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.

Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Spasticity of Cerebral Palsy Related to Congenital Zika Syndrome: An Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Investigate the effect of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) on spasticity and motor performance in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) related to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). METHODS: Prospective longitudinal observational study of 34 children with CP referred for BoNT-A treatment. Outcomes were evaluated with a muscle tone assessment scale (Modified Ashworth Scale - MAS) and the Patients' Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. RESULTS: Mean age was 32.06 ± 3.07 months and 85% were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) V. Primitive reflexes were present in 56% of the sample. The majority of the parents (97.9%) reported improvement in range of motion or reduction in spasticity after treatment with botulinum toxin. No side effects were recorded. When compared to the baseline, median reduction in the MAS was 0.5 (IQR = 0). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that BoNT-A may effectively promote functional improvements and reduce muscle tone, improving the child's and family's quality of life.

Silent saliva aspiration in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Silent laryngeal penetration and silent aspiration (SLP/SA) are common manifestations in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and are frequently associated with dysphagia. However, little is known about saliva aspiration in this population. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the frequency and characteristics of saliva SLP/SA in PD patients with daily drooling (Group A) and in individuals without PD or daily drooling (Group B). METHOD: Both groups were evaluated by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) after dyeing the oral cavity with blue dye. The oropharynx was assessed for the presence of the stasis of saliva, and sensitivity was tested by direct tactile stimuli. RESULTS: PD patients (n = 28) and controls (n = 18) were evaluated. We observed silent aspiration of saliva in 10.7% and silent laryngeal penetration of saliva near the vocal folds in 28.6% of Group A; however, none of these events was observed in Group B. Sensitivity in the epiglottis and posterior wall of the hypopharynx was decreased in 89.2% of Group A and in 33.3% of Group B, whereas in the aryepiglottic folds and interarytenoid area, a decrease in sensitivity was observed in 92.8% and in 44.4% of Groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSION: Silent aspiration and laryngeal penetration of saliva are common features in PD patients with daily drooling. The presence of hypoesthesia of the laryngeal structures and the lack of protective reflexes in such patients may play a major role in the mechanisms of SLP/SA.

Hemisphere stroke: impact on the semantic lexical aspects of language.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if right hemisphere stroke is associated with decreased lexical-semantic ability. METHODS: We compared subjects with right hemisphere brain damage after stroke with healthy controls using the validated version of the Montreal Evaluation of Communication to assess lexical-semantic domains of language. RESULTS: Sixteen patients and thirty-two controls were included. The post-stroke group with right hemispheric brain lesions showed considerable limitations in metaphor interpretation, fluency, and semantic judgment. CONCLUSION: Individuals with right hemisphere damage after stroke may present with language changes in the lexical-semantic aspects.

Efficacy of the Nintendo Wii combination with Conventional Exercises in the rehabilitation of individuals with Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that the combination of Nintendo Wii (NW) with Conventional Exercises (CE) was effective in the rehabilitation of patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD), but there are no studies comparing the effects of this combination on both techniques isolated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the effects of the combination of NW to CE are superior to isolated techniques in the rehabilitation of balance, gait, functional mobility and improvement of the quality of life of individuals with PD. METHODS: 45 patients with PD were divided into three groups, NW alone, CE alone and NW plus EC. The sessions occurred for 50 minutes, twice a week and evaluations administered before and after the 2-month intervention. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the pre and post intervention analyzes of all the outcomes in the three groups, but there was no difference between the groups. The effect size was evaluated, in which the NW plus CE group had a greater magnitude of the therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: The NW plus CE was statistically as effective as each intervention alone in the rehabilitation of patients with PD, however, the use of this combination provided a magnitude of the therapeutic effect superior to the other groups.

Effect of levodopa on cochlear mechanics and efferent auditory system of Parkinson's disease individuals. / Efeito da levodopa na mecânica coclear e no sistema auditivo eferente de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of levodopa on cochlear dynamics and on the medial olivocochlear efferent pathway of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) individuals. METHODS: Individuals with and without PD, followed at a University Hospital, were submitted to Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) and DPOAE Inhibitory Effect (OAEIE) in the presence of contralateral noise. Correlation measures between DPOAE and OAEIE results with Hoehn&Yahr (H&Y) stage, daily dose of levodopa and PD diagnosis period were established. Furthermore, electroacoustic measures were compared between individuals without and those with PD, stratified by dose of levodopa daily administered. RESULTS: Weak negative correlation between DPOAE amplitude and daily dose of levodopa was found, as well positive correlations between EIEOA with daily dose of levodopa and time of PD diagnosis, respectively. Higher DPOAE amplitude was found in individuals with PD using daily doses of levodopa ≤ 600 milligrams when compared to individuals without PD and those with PD using higher doses. EIEOA was lower in individuals using doses ≤ 600 milligrams, when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Daily doses of levodopa up to 600 mg / day increase the cochlear mechanical-transducer responses in 2 and 3 kHz frequencies, while the action of olivocochlear efferent systems is reduced in this region.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da levodopa na dinâmica coclear, bem como na via eferente olivococlear medial de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson idiopática (DP). MÉTODO: Indivíduos com e sem DP, acompanhados em um hospital universitário, realizaram a pesquisa das emissões otoacústicas por produto de distorção (EOAPD) e do efeito inibitório das EOAPD (EIEOA) na presença de ruído contralateral. Foram estabelecidas as medidas de correlação entre os resultados das EOAPD e do EIEOA com estágio Hoehn&Yahr (H&Y), dose diária de levodopa e tempo de diagnóstico da DP. Além disso, as medidas eletroacústicas foram comparadas entre os indivíduos sem DP e com DP, estratificados de acordo com a dose de levodopa administrada diariamente. RESULTADOS: Foi identificada correlação fraca e negativa entre a amplitude das EOAPD com a dose diária de levodopa e correlações positivas, de força moderada e fraca, entre o EIEOA com a dose diária de levodopa e o tempo de diagnóstico da DP, respectivamente. A amplitude das EOAPD foi maior nos indivíduos com DP em uso de levodopa ≤ 600 miligramas quando comparada à de indivíduos sem DP e com DP, em uso de dose superior. Já o EIEOA foi menor nos indivíduos em uso de doses ≤ 600 miligramas, quando comparado aos demais grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Doses diárias de levodopa iguais ou inferiores a 600 mg/dia aumentam as respostas mecanotransdutoras cocleares nas frequências de 2 e 3 kHz, enquanto que a ação dos sistemas eferentes olivococleares é reduzida nesta região.

Effects of the Nintendo Wii training on balance rehabilitation and quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) used the Nintendo Wii (NW) in the treatment of Parkinson Disease, however, no meta-analysis was developed to determine the effects in these patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze RCTs that investigated the effects of NW versus traditional physiotherapy on balance rehabilitation and quality of life of patients with PD. METHODS: Electronic research was conducted between December 2018 and January 2019 in the MEDLINE, PEDro, CENTRAL, LILACS and SciELO databases. The methodological quality was evaluated by the PEDro scale and the completeness of the description of the interventions by the TIDieR checklist. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Five studies were included and presented an average of 5.4 (1.5) on the PEDro scale and 6.7 (1.4) on the TIDieR. Compared to traditional physiotherapy, combined NW and traditional physiotherapy resulted in improvement in balance WMD 1.24 (95% CI: CI: 0.2 to 2.3 N = 72) and quality of life WMD- 8.9 (95% CI: -15.2 to -2.6 N = 56). CONCLUSION: combined NW and traditional physiotherapy was more effective on balance rehabilitation and quality of life of patients with PD, but the values demonstrated a poor methodological quality and a low level of completeness of the intervention descriptions.