The concurrent validity of the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B) in brazilian stroke survivors / Validade concorrente do Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B) em brasileiros acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral

The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B) is designed to assess the self-efficacy of functional performance after stroke. Objective: To evaluate the concurrent validity of the SSEQ-B in Brazilian stroke survivors in relation to gold-standard measures of instrumental and basic daily living activities as well as quality of life after stroke. Methods: The concurrent validity of the SSEQ-B was tested using the Frenchay Activity Index (FAI), Barthel Index (BI) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). Descriptive statistics, the Spearman's coefficient index, Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbach alpha and achieved post-hoc power (1-ß) analyses were conducted. Results: Seventy-five stroke survivors aged 66.64 ± 12.97 years were included in this study. Total scores from the SSEQ-B were strongly correlated with the FAI (ICC= 0.8 / r= 0.72 / 1-ß= 1.0) and BI (ICC= 0.68 / r= 0.68 / 1-ß= 0.99), but weakly correlated with SS-QOL (ICC= 0.46 / r= 0.65 / 1-ß= 0.94), which suggests stroke self-efficacy is more closely associated with instrumental and daily living activities than the quality of life. Conclusion: The SSEQ-B exhibits good concurrent validity with instrumental and daily living activities and could be useful when assessing stroke self-efficacy in Brazilians.

O Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B) foi desenvolvido para avaliar a autoeficácia no desempenho funcional depois do Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Objetivo: avaliar a validação concorrente do SSEQ-B em sobreviventes brasileiros de AVC em relação a avaliações padrão áureo de atividades de vida diárias e instrumentais assim como a qualidade de vida pós-AVC. Métodos: A validação concorrente do SSEQ-B foi avaliada utilizando o Índice de Atividade Frenchay (FAI), o Índice de Barthel (BI) e a Qualidade de Vida pós-AVC (SS-QOL). As análises de estatística descritiva, índice de coeficiente Spearman's, coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC), alpha de Cronbach e potência post-hoc alcançada foram conduzidas. Resultados: Setenta e cinco sobreviventes de AVC com idade de 66.64 ± 12.97 anos foram incluídos neste estudo. A pontuação total do SSEQ-B foi correlacionada significativamente com o FAI (ICC= 0.8 / r= 0.72 / 1-ß= 1.0), BI (ICC= 0.68 / r= 0.68 / 1-ß= 0.99) e SS-QOL (ICC= 0.46 / r= 0.65 / 1-ß= 0.94), o que sugere que a autoeficácia de sobreviventes de AVC está associada com as atividades de vida diárias e instrumentais. Porém, há fraca correlação com a qualidade de vida desta amostra. Conclusão: O SSEQ-B exibe uma boa validação concorrente com as atividades de vida diárias e instrumentais e parece ser útil na avalição da autoeficácia em sobreviventes de AVC residentes no Brasil.

Intersubjectivity and the meaning of Nordic Walking practice in the view of people with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study / Intersubjetividade e o significado da prática do Nordic Walking na visão de pessoas com doença de Parkinson: um estudo piloto

Aims: whilst Nordic Walking (NW) practice is spreading worldwide, few studies have addressed the issue of intersubjectivity and the perception of PD individuals practicing NW and its possible impact on their daily life across different countries and cultures. This pilot study sought to explore the possible relationship between the habit of practicing NW and the perception of functionality and quality of life in the participants' cultural context. Methods: the focus group (FG) technique was used, with 10 individuals participating in a NW program. Results: content analysis revealed five main discourse categories: a) "NW benefits for people with PD"; b) "incorporation of the NW poles in daily life"; c) "Belonging to a NW group as a treatment aid"; d) "how PD people feel about their condition"; and, finally, e) "the present and the future: expectations and issues". Conclusion: in general, NW was found to generates positive content regarding coping with PD, beyond the biomechanical and quantitative functional effects previously studied. We suggest NW might be an important adjuvant resource for improving perceived functionality among people with PD.

Objetivos: embora a prática de Caminhada Nórdica (CN) esteja se espalhando pelo mundo, poucos estudos abordaram a questão da intersubjetividade e a percepção dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson que praticam CN e seu possível impacto em sua vida diária em diferentes países e culturas. Este estudo piloto buscou explorar a possível relação entre o hábito de praticar CN e a percepção de funcionalidade e de qualidade de vida no contexto cultural dos participantes. Métodos: foi utilizada a técnica de grupo focal, com 10 indivíduos participantes de um programa de CN. Resultados: a análise de conteúdo revelou cinco categorias discursivas principais: a) "Benefícios da CN para pessoas com doença de Parkinson"; b) "incorporação dos bastões de CN na vida diária"; c) "pertencer a um grupo de CN como recurso auxiliar de tratamento"; d) "como as pessoas com doença de Parkinson se sentem sobre sua condição"; e, por fim, e) "o presente e o futuro: expectativas e questões". Conclusão: de maneira geral, a CN gerou conteúdo positivo sobre o enfrentamento da doença de Parkinson, além dos efeitos biomecânicos e funcionais quantitativos previamente estudados. Sugerimos que a CN possa ser um recurso adjuvante importante para melhorar a percepção de funcionalidade em pessoas com doença de Parkinson.

Neuroprotective effect of ACTH on collagenase-induced peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in newborn male rats.

Peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is a common and serious prematurity-related complication in neonates. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has neuroprotective actions and is a candidate to ameliorate brain damage following PIVH. Here, we tested the efficacy of ACTH1-24 on a collagenase-induced lesion of the germinal matrix (GM) in newborn male rats. Animals received microinjection of the vehicle (PBS, 2 µl) or collagenase type VII (0.3 IU) into the GM/periventricular tissue on postnatal day (PN) 2. Twelve hours later pups received microinjection of either the agonist ACTH1-24 (0.048 mg/kg), or the antagonist SHU9119 (antagonist of MCR3/MCR4 receptors, 0.01 mg/kg), or their combination. Morphological outcomes included striatal injury extension, neuronal and glial cells counting, and immunohistochemical expression of brain lesion biomarkers ipsilateral and contralateral to the hemorrhagic site. Data were evaluated on PN 8. Collagenase induced PIVH and severe ipsilateral striatal lesion. ACTH1-24 dampened the deleterious effects of collagenase-induced hemorrhage in significantly reducing the extension of the damaged area, the striatal neuronal and glial losses, and the immunoreactive expression of the GFAP, S100ß, and NG2-glia biomarkers in the affected periventricular area. SHU9119 blocked the glial density rescuing effect of ACTH1-24. ACTH1-24 could be further evaluated to determine its suitability for preclinical models of PVH in premature infants.

Dança como uma intervenção para melhorar a mobilidade e o equilíbrio em idosos: uma revisão de literatura / Dance as an intervention to improve mobility and balance in elderly: a literature review

Resumo O objetivo da presente revisão foi identificar se protocolos de dança podem beneficiar a mobilidade e o equilíbrio em idosos. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura na qual identificou-se 927 estudos potencialmente relevantes, publicados em português, inglês, francês, alemão, espanhol ou italiano. Não houve restrição de período de publicação. Após a leitura dos títulos, resumos e revisão dos critérios de exclusão, 15 ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados foram incluídos. A maioria dos estudos avaliaram pessoas do gênero feminino, com protocolos de intervenção heterogêneos e grupos controles pouco específicos. Além disso, o período de exposição à dança foi geralmente curto: aproximadamente 2,6 práticas semanais, de 59,1 minutos cada, realizadas ao longo de 12,1 semanas. A dança mostrou-se benéfica em 77,6% dos desfechos avaliados, exibindo um tamanho de efeito moderado para o equilíbrio estático e equilíbrio funcional; embora pequeno para mobilidade e força/resistência dos membros inferiores. Contudo, estudos futuros com o uso de grupos controles específicos e adoção de protocolos mais duradouros são necessários para avaliar o real tamanho de efeito que a dança possui sobre a manutenção da mobilidade e equilíbrio em idosos.

Abstract The aim of the present review was to identify whether dance protocols can benefit mobility and balance in elderly. A literature review was conducted in which 927 potentially relevant studies were identified (published in Portuguese, English, French, German, Spanish or Italian). There was no publication period restriction. After reading the titles, abstracts and review of the exclusion criteria, 15 randomized controlled trials were included. Most of the studies evaluated female subjects, using heterogeneous protocols of intervention and unspecific control groups. In addition, the period of exposure to dance was generally short: 2.6 weekly practices, of 59.1 minutes each, performed through 12.1 weeks. Dance was shown to be beneficial in 77.6% of the evaluated outcomes, exhibiting a moderate effect size for static balance and functional balance; and small effect size for mobility and strength/resistance of the lower limbs. However, future studies with the use of specific control groups and adoption of longer lasting protocols are necessary to evaluate the actual size effect that dance has on the maintenance of mobility and balance in elderly.

Uso da hiperinsuflação manual combinada com pressão expiratória positiva e compressão torácica é seguro durante o choque séptico estável: um estudo clínico randomizado / Acute bag-valve breathing maneuvers plus manual chest compression is safe during stable septic shock: a randomized clinical trial

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de manobras de hiperinsuflação manual combinadas com pressão expiratória positiva associadas com técnicas padrão de compressão manual do tórax, com relação à segurança, à hemodinâmica e à oxigenação em pacientes com choque séptico estável. Delineamento: Este foi um estudo com dois grupos paralelos, randomizado e com avaliador cego. Um pesquisador independente preparou uma lista de randomização gerada por computador para alocação dos tratamentos. Local: Unidade de terapia intensiva do Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Participantes: Foram avaliados 52 indivíduos quanto à elegibilidade e, destes, 32 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os indivíduos incluídos (n = 32) receberam a intervenção alocada (n = 19 para o Grupo Experimental e n = 13 para o Grupo Controle). Intervenção: Vinte minutos de manobras de hiperinsuflação manual combinadas com pressão expiratória positiva associadas com técnicas padrão de compressão manual do tórax (Grupo Experimental) ou compressão do tórax, conforme o uso rotineiro de nossa unidade de terapia intensiva (Grupo Controle). Foi realizado seguimento imediatamente após e 30 minutos após a intervenção. Principal métrica de desfecho: Pressão arterial média. Resultados: Todos os indivíduos inscritos concluíram o estudo (n = 32). Não identificamos efeitos relevantes na pressão arterial média (p = 0,17), frequência cardíaca (p = 0,50) ou pressão média da artéria pulmonar (p = 0,89) após ajuste quanto à idade e ao peso do participante. Após ajuste dos dados, ambos os grupos foram idênticos com relação ao consumo de oxigênio (p = 0,84). A saturação periférica de oxigênio tendeu a aumentar com o tempo em ambos os grupos (p = 0,05), e não ocorreu associação significante entre o débito cardíaco e a saturação venosa de oxigênio (p = 0,813). Não se observou deterioração clínica. Conclusão: Uma única sessão de manobras de hiperinsuflação manual combinadas com pressão expiratória positiva associadas com técnicas padrão de compressão manual do tórax é hemodinamicamente segura em curto prazo para pacientes com choque séptico estável.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of bag-valve breathing maneuvers combined with standard manual chest compression techniques on safety, hemodynamics and oxygenation in stable septic shock patients. Design: A parallel, assessor-blinded, randomized trial of two groups. A computer-generated list of random numbers was prepared by an independent researcher to allocate treatments. Setting: The Intensive Care Unit at Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul. Participants: Fifty-two subjects were assessed for eligibility, and 32 were included. All included subjects (n = 32) received the allocated intervention (n = 19 for the Experimental Group and n = 13 for the Control Group). Intervention: Twenty minutes of bag-valve breathing maneuvers combined with manual chest compression techniques (Experimental Group) or chest compression, as routinely used at our intensive care unit (Control Group). Follow-up was performed immediately after and at 30 minutes after the intervention. Main outcome measure: Mean artery pressure. Results: All included subjects completed the trial (N = 32). We found no relevant effects on mean artery pressure (p = 0.17), heart rate (p = 0.50) or mean pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.89) after adjusting for subject age and weight. Both groups were identical regarding oxygen consumption after the data adjustment (p = 0.84). Peripheral oxygen saturation tended to increase over time in both groups (p = 0.05), and there was no significant association between cardiac output and venous oxygen saturation (p = 0.813). No clinical deterioration was observed. Conclusion: A single session of bag-valve breathing maneuvers combined with manual chest compression is hemodynamically safe for stable septic-shocked subjects over the short-term.

Chordata method combined with electrotherapy in functional recovery after brachial plexus injury: report of three clinical cases / Método Chordata combinado com eletroterapia na recuperação funcional após lesão do plexo braquial: relato de três casos clínicos

AIMS: To report three clinical cases of complex brachial plexus injury treated with an innovative physical therapy program, the Chordata Method, combined with electrotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients suffered a complex brachial plexus injury. They were submitted to surgery and to long-term rehabilitation with the Chordata method (including suspension and tilting exercises) combined with electrotherapy. All patients exhibited significant signs of recovery in post-treatment electroneuromyography. Moreover, improvements in muscle strength and in the range of motion of the injured upper limb were also observed, leading to better posture and gains in activities of daily living (e.g., driving a modified car, holding objects, performing household chores, and doing leisure activities). CONSLUSIONS: There was great functional recovery after the physical therapy program with the Chordata Method combined with electrotherapy, with an impact on patients' daily lives as well as on electroneuromyography findings. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or refute this new non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever três casos clínicos em que os indivíduos tiveram lesão de plexo braquial complexa, tratada com um programa inovador de fisioterapia, o Método Chordata, associado à eletroterapia. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: Três pacientes sofreram lesões complexas do plexo braquial. Os três sujeitos foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica e a um longo período de reabilitação com o emprego do método Chordata (envolvendo exercícios de suspensão e pendulação corporal), combinada com a eletroterapia. Todos os pacientes apresentaram sinais significativos de recuperação na eletroneuromiografia pós-tratamento. Além disso, os três também apresentaram melhora na força muscular e nas amplitudes de movimento do membro superior acometido. Observou-se melhor postura e ganhos importantes nas atividades de vida diária (tais como dirigir um carro modificado, segurar objetos, realizar tarefas domésticas e atividades de lazer). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados revelaram uma importante recuperação funcional após o programa de fisioterapia com o Método Chordata associado à eletroterapia, com impacto na vida diária dos pacientes, bem como nos achados eletroneuromiográficos. Ensaios clínicos randomizados são necessários para confirmar ou refutar esta nova estratégia terapêutica não farmacológica nas lesões de plexo braquial.

Resveratrol prevents akinesia and restores neuronal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra pars compacta of diabetic rats.

This study evaluated the effects of resveratrol on locomotor behaviors, neuronal and glial densities, and tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra pars compacta of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Animals were divided into four groups: non-diabetic rats treated with saline (SAL), non-diabetic rats treated with resveratrol (RSV), diabetic rats treated with saline (DM) and diabetic rats treated with resveratrol (DM+RSV). The animals received oral gavage with resveratrol (20 mg/kg) for 35 days. The open field test and the bar test were performed to evaluate bradykinesia and akinesia, respectively. The Nissl-stained neuronal and glial densities and the dopaminergic neuronal density were estimated using planar morphometry. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity was evaluated using regional and cellular optical densitometry. In relation to the locomotor behaviors, it was observed that the DM group developed akinesia, which was attenuated by resveratrol in the DM+RSV group, while the DM and DM+RSV groups showed bradykinesia. Our main morpho-physiological results demonstrated: a decrease in the cellular tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the DM group, which was attenuated by resveratrol in the DM+RSV group; a higher neuronal density in the RSV group, when compared to the DM and DM+RSV groups; an increase in the glial density in the DM group, which was also reversed by resveratrol in the DM+RSV group. Resveratrol treatment prevents akinesia development and restores neuronal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and glial density in the substantia nigra pars compacta of diabetic rats, suggesting that this polyphenol could be a potential therapeutic option against diabetes-induced nigrostriatal dysfunctions.

Behavior outcome after ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, with similar brain damage, in rats.

Stroke causes disability and mortality worldwide and is divided into ischemic and hemorrhagic subtypes. Although clinical trials suggest distinct recovery profiles for ischemic and hemorrhagic events, this is not conclusive due to stroke heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to produce similar brain damage, using experimental models of ischemic (IS) and hemorrhagic (HS) stroke and evaluate the motor spontaneous recovery profile. We used 31 Wistar rats divided into the following groups: Sham (n=7), ischemic (IS) (n=12) or hemorrhagic (HS) (n=12). Brain ischemia or hemorrhage was induced by endotelin-1 (ET-1) and collagenase type IV-S (collagenase) microinjections, respectively. All groups were evaluated in the open field, cylinder and ladder walk behavioral tests at distinct time points as from baseline to 30 days post-surgery (30 PS). Histological and morphometric analyses were used to assess the volume of lost tissue and lesion length. Present results reveal that both forms of experimental stroke had a comparable long-term pattern of damage, since no differences were found in volume of tissue lost or lesion size 30 days after surgery. However, behavioral data showed that hemorrhagic rats were less impaired at skilled walking than ischemic ones at 15 and 30 days post-surgery. We suggest that experimentally comparable stroke design is useful because it reduces heterogeneity and facilitates the assessment of neurobiological differences related to stroke subtypes; and that spontaneous skilled walking recovery differs between experimental ischemic and hemorrhagic insults.