Smartphone-based follow-up of upper airway symptoms in head and neck cancer survivors one year after radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in treatment of head-and-neck cancer (HNC) have resulted in improved long-term survival rates so there is a growing interest in long-term consequences. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to perform a smartphone-based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction-related symptoms in HNC 1 year after radiotherapy (RT) during social distancing due to COVID-19. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Smartphone-based assessment on upper airway function 1 year after RT was performed. Upper airway functions include perceived impact of voice on quality of life (Voice Handicap Index, VHI-30), swallowing (Functional Oral Intake, FOIS; and Swallowing Quality of Life questionnaire, SWAL-QOL) and sleep-disordered breathing (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) assessments. Additionally, quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The HNC group presented worse results in the VHI-30 scale, in the three subscales (p < 0.001). Swallowing function also presented worse results in the HNC group, with a lower score in the FOIS questionnaire (p < 0.001) and a poorer score in the SWAL-QOL (p < 0.001). Regarding to the sleep-disordered breathing, the HNC group presented poorer scores in all subscales (p < 0.05). The HNC group also presented worse scores in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that HNC survivors presented a poorer upper airway function and a worse quality of life. This population needs to be systematically screened for those function impairments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Head-and-neck cancer radiotherapy treatment is anatomically related to the upper airway, involved in several functions such as breathing, swallowing and speech that could be affected by the treatment. Public health restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult, and in many cases impossible, to see patients in person and complete assessments that are often crucial to improve their approach. Telephone interviews appear to be largely equivalent to face-to-face interviews, which could solve these problems. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The aim of this study was to perform a smartphone-based assessment to analyse the upper airway dysfunction-related symptoms in head-and-neck cancer survivors 1 year after radiotherapy treatment. Our findings showed that head-and-neck cancer survivors who have been treated with radiotherapy presented a poorer upper airway function, with subjective speech and voice problems, swallowing and sleep-disordered breathing compared to a control group matched for age and sex 1 year after the treatment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The results of this study will allow a better approach to treatment of head-and-neck cancer survivors.

Pain Experiences of People Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of Case-Control Studies.

IMPORTANCE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by compromised social interactions, reduced verbal communication, stereotyped repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory abnormalities. Yet absent from the knowledge base is information about sensory abnormalities related to pain experiences. Exploring the pain experiences of people with ASD may provide occupational therapy practitioners with a baseline to determine areas of need and effective interventions. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature to summarize current evidence from case-control studies comparing sensory abnormalities with regard to pain experiences of people diagnosed and not diagnosed with ASD. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of the CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE (PubMed), OTseeker, and Web of Science databases, using MeSH terms and broad keywords. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION: A search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias of the included studies. FINDINGS: A total of 27 case-control studies involving 865 people with ASD and 864 control participants were included. Several methods were used to explore pain experiences, such as threshold detection or pain threshold. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The results indicate that people with ASD may have an abnormal sensory experience with regard to pain sensitivity. Occupational therapy practitioners should develop an intervention to focus on pain. What This Article Adds: This study adds to the body of literature indicating that people with ASD have sensory abnormalities with regard to pain experiences. Results highlight the need for occupational therapy interventions to focus on pain experiences.

High-intensity interval training effects in cardiorespiratory fitness of lung cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the exercise intervention focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in lung cancer survivors. DESIGN: We performed a literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct (last search March 2021). Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 305 patients of 8 studies were assessed, with their mean age ranging from 61 ± 6.3 to 66 ± 10 years in the exercise group and from 58.5 ± 8.2 to 68 ± 9 years in the control group. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and pilot randomized controlled trials was performed. We included controlled trials testing the effect of HIIT in lung cancer survivors versus the usual care provided to these patients. The data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed for cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak). RESULTS: We selected 8 studies, which included 305 patients with lung cancer: 6 studies were performed around surgical moment, one study during radiotherapy's treatment, and other during target therapy. After pooling the data, exercise capacity was included in the analysis. Results showed significant differences in favour to HIIT when compared to usual care in cardiorespiratory fitness (standard mean difference = 2.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.55, 3.68; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings indicated a beneficial effect of HIIT for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in lung cancer patients in early stages around oncological treatment moment. Nevertheless, this review has several limitations, the total number of studies was low, and the stage and subtype of lung cancer patients were heterogeneous that means that the conclusions of this review should be taken with caution. Review registration: PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42021231229.

Psychological distress prior to surgery is related to symptom burden and health status in lung cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Patients with lung cancer experience a variety of distressing symptoms which could adversely affect quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine whether psychological distress prior to surgery is associated to health status and symptom burden in lung cancer survivors. METHODS: A longitudinal observational study with 1-year follow-up was carried out. Health status was measured by the WHO Disability Assessment Scale (WHO-DAS 2.0), the Euroqol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Symptoms severity included dyspnoea (Multidimensional Profile of Dyspnoea); pain (Brief Pain Inventory); fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale); and cough (Leicester Cough Questionnaire). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-four lung cancer patients were included. Patients in the group with psychological distress presented a worse self-perceived health status, functionality and sleep quality. The group with psychological distress also presented higher dyspnoea, fatigue and pain. CONCLUSION: Patients with psychological distress prior surgery present with a greater symptom burden and a poorer self-perceived health status, lower functionality and sleep quality, than patients without distress 1 year after the lung resection.

Ventilatory Impairments Associated with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The peripheral and central repercussions of Parkinson's disease (PD) affect the neuromuscular system producing a loss of muscle strength that can influence the respiratory system. Although several studies have examined various respiratory aspects of PD, to the best of our knowledge no study to date has systematically reviewed the existing data. OBJECTIVES: To examine the available literature related to the respiratory impairment in PD patients. METHODS: We used PRISMA guidelines when reporting this review. We searched Pubmed, Cinhal, SciELO, and Cochrane Library, from inception until August 2018. Main variables assessed were forced vital capacity percent predicted (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s percent predicted (FEV1%) for PD patients. RESULTS: Six studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The obtained results concluded that PD patients present poorer pulmonary function when compared to healthy controls. When PD patients were compared between ON and OFF states, the results reviewed are in favour of the ON state. In the meta-analysis performed for FVC% and FEV1%, the results fail to find significant differences between PD patients and controls (p = 0.336 and p = 0.281, respectively), and between PD ON and OFF states (p = 0.109 and p = 0.059, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that PD patients have impaired respiratory capacities that are related to the PD severity, time since diagnosis, and OFF state. Adequate follow-up of the respiratory function and studies focused on PD phenotypes have to be considered in future studies.

Speech and language therapy treatment on hypokinetic dysarthria in Parkinson disease: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of speech and language therapy (SLT) on Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) in Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: We performed a literature search of randomized controlled trials using PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane database (last search October 2020). Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool. The data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed for sound pressure levels, perceptual intelligibility and inflection of voice fundamental frequency. RESULTS: We selected 15 high to moderate quality studies, which included 619 patients with Parkinson's disease. After pooling the data, 7 studies, which compared different speech language therapies to no treatment, control groups and 3 of their variables, (sound pressure level, semitone standard deviation and perceptual intelligibility) were included in the analysis.Results showed significant differences in favor of SLT for sound pressure level sustained phonation tasks (standard mean difference = 1.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.86, 2.72; p ⩽ 0.0001). Significant results were also observed for sound pressure level and semitone standard deviation in reading tasks (standard mean difference = 1.32; 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.61; p ⩽ 0.0001). Additionally, sound pressure levels in monologue tasks showed similar results when SLT was compared to other treatments (standard mean difference = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 1.28; p ⩽ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of SLT for reducing Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson's disease, improving perceptual intelligibility, sound pressure level and semitone standard deviation.

The Caregiver Burden Inventory as a Sleep Disturbance Screening Tool for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to explore the degree to which caregiver burden is associated with sleep quality in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, and to determine a statistically valid cutoff score for the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) in order to identify parents of risk of poor sleep quality. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis. We assessed caregiver burden with the CBI, sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, emotional status with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and impact on family with the Impact on Family Scale. Caregiver burden was evaluated with a logistic regression analysis. The best fit model was used in a receiver operating characteristic analysis. Likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 116 parents were included in this study. Higher caregiver burden was associated with a reduction in sleep quality in the logistic regression analysis (p < 0.001). The area under the curve for the univariate burden test model (best fit) was 76.70 (p < 0.001). The cutoff score for poor sleep quality was caregiver burden ≥26.50. The post-test probability of poor sleep quality increased to 82.02% from a pre-test probability of 76.72%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that caregiver burden is associated with sleep quality among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. The findings suggest that a CBI cutoff score of 26.50 may help to detect risk of poor sleep quality in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Effects of an Individualized Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program on Impaired Postural Control in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an individualized comprehensive rehabilitation program (ICPR) on impaired postural control, pain, self-perceived health status, and functionality in women with chronic pelvic pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Women with chronic pelvic pain were recruited from the Gynecology Department of the University Hospital San Cecilio in Granada, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=38) who were randomly divided into 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group received an 8-week ICRP, and the control group received a leaflet with ergonomic information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes included were postural control (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems [Mini BESTest] and timed Up and Go [TUG]), pain (Brief Pain Inventory), self-perceived health status (EuroQol 5 dimensions [EQ-5D]), and functionality (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]). RESULTS: Significant differences were found between groups in the Mini BESTest and TUG scores with large effect sizes. The Brief Pain Inventory, EQ-5D, and ODI also presented significant differences in the between-groups analysis, with better scores in the intervention group after treatment. In the follow-up analysis, significant differences were found between groups in the Mini BESTest (P<.001), the cognitive TUG subscale (P=.032), interference of pain (P<.001), anxiety and depression (P=.001), and visual analog scale EQ-5D (P=.026) subscales, as well as the ODI (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show significant improvements on postural control, pain, self-perceived health status, and functionality in women with chronic pelvic pain who received an 8-week ICRP.

Psychological distress at hospital admission is related to symptoms severity and health status in malignant pleural effusion patients.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence and associated healthcare costs of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) are expected to rise, but there is limited evidence about which factors affect patients' prognosis. So, the aim of this study was to determine whether psychological distress at hospital admission is associated with symptom severity and health status in patients with MPE. METHODS: A longitudinal observational prospective cohort study was carried out in the Pulmonology Service of the Granada University Hospital Complex in Granada, Spain. Patients diagnosed with MPE were included and evaluated at hospital admission, at discharge and at one month after discharge. Outcome measures included symptom severity (i.e. dyspnoea, pain and cough) and health status (functionality and self-perceived health status). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in symptoms and the health status, with worse results in the group with psychological distress at discharge. One month after discharge, MPE patients with psychological distress exhibited greater symptoms, including more cough and dyspnoea (p < .05). Moreover, these patients showed worse functionality (p < .05) and self-perceived health status (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Psychological distress is an important factor to take into account in patients with MPE. The presence of psychological distress appears to increase the symptoms and is associated with worse health status after hospitalisation.

Effects of a core stabilization training program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of an eight-week core stability program on balance ability in persons with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A local Parkinson's association. SUBJECTS: A total of 44 participants with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 22) or control group (n = 22). INTERVENTION: The experimental group received 24 sessions of core training, while the control group received an intervention including active joint mobilization, muscle stretching, and motor coordination exercises. MAIN MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was dynamic balance evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test. Secondary outcomes included the balance confidence assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and standing balance assessed by the maximal excursion of center of pressure during the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance and the Limits of Stability test. RESULTS: After treatment, a significant between-group improvement in dynamic balance was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (change, 2.75 ± 1.80 vs 0.38 ± 2.15, P = 0.002). The experimental group also showed a significant improvement in confidence (change, 16.48 ± 16.21 vs 3.05 ± 13.53, P = 0.047) and maximal excursion of center of pressure in forward (change, 0.86 ± 1.89 cm vs 0.17 ± 0.26 cm, P = 0.048), left (change, 0.88 ± 2.63 cm vs 0.07 ± 0.48 cm, P = 0.010), and right (change, 1.63 ± 2.82 cm vs 0.05 ± 0.17 cm, P = 0.046) directions of limits of stability compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A program based on core stability in comparison with non-specific exercise benefits dynamic balance and confidence and increases center of mass excursion in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Sarcopenia in patients with malignant pleural effusion: impact on symptoms, health status, and response to hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) refers to the presence of neoplastic cells in the pleural fluid and was previously associated with lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphoma. Patients with MPE effusion have significant symptoms, diminishing their overall quality of life but little is known about the influence sarcopenia may have on their clinical presentation. PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with MPE and its relationship with symptoms, health status, and the response to hospitalization. METHODS: Seventy-four patients with MPE underwent measurements of symptoms, health-related quality of life, and functional status upon admission, discharge, and 3 months after hospital discharge. RESULTS: Patients with MPE and sarcopenia were symptomatic during hospitalization and at discharge. Additionally, health-related quality of life and functional status were worse in patients with MPE and sarcopenia. All measures of patients with MPE and sarcopenia were significantly poorer 3 months after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is a clinical characteristic with substantial negative effects in patients with MPE. Specific interventions may need to be provided, designed, and offered in the clinical setting.

Musculoskeletal Signs Associated with Shoulder Pain in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and lung resection still represents the main curative treatment modality. Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative, its relationship with shoulder musculoskeletal signs remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To characterize shoulder dysfunction in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and to analyze its influence on quality of life. DESIGN AND SETTING: A longitudinal observational prospective cohort study has been carried out in the Thoracic Surgery Service of the Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (Granada). SUBJECTS: Fifty-nine patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were included. METHODS: Patients were assessed before surgery, at discharge, and one month after discharge. Musculoskeletal disturbances, pain severity, and health status were assessed. Musculoskeletal outcomes measured were range of movement and trigger points, both bilaterally. Additionally, pain severity and health status were measured with Brief Pain Inventory and Euroqol-5 dimensions. RESULTS: Significant differences were found at discharge in trigger points of ipsilateral and contralateral upper limbs. One month after surgery, no muscle returned to baseline measures, and ipsilateral and contralateral shoulders presented a decreased range of motion, as well as poor quality of life and high severity and interference of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assissted thoracoscopic surgery was associated with musculoskeletal shoulder dysfunction, which remained one month after the intervention. This musculoskeletal dysfunction included significant dysfunction in both shoulders with a decreased range of movement, an increase in trigger points, poor quality of life, and high severity and interference of pain.

Effects of a Patient-Centered Graded Exposure Intervention Added to Manual Therapy for Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of a 6-week patient-centered graded exposure intervention added to manual therapy in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and fear of movement/(re)injury. DESIGN: Prospective 3-armed randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Faculty of Health Sciences. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 49 women with CPP and substantial fear of movement were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: (1) patient-centered graded exposure intervention added to manual therapy; (2) manual therapy; (3) control group. INTERVENTIONS: The 6-week intervention consisted of 12 sessions in the group receiving manual therapy and 6 additional sessions of graded exposure therapy in the group receiving both interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were fear-avoidance behavior assessed using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and pain interference and severity evaluated with the Brief Pain Inventory. The secondary outcome was disability evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index. All the variables were assessed in a blinded manner at baseline, after the treatment, and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Our results show interaction effects (P<.05) for all the outcomes. Graded exposure added to manual therapy is distinctly superior to manual therapy alone in maintaining improvements for long-term fear-avoidance behavior and physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Graded exposure added to manual therapy is a promising approach with long-term effects for women with CPP and fear of movement/(re)injury.

Musculoskeletal neck disorders in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common type of cancer in the endocrine system, and thyroidectomy is the preferred treatment. Complications associated are still common and 80% of patients complain of posterior neck pain. The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term musculoskeletal disorders in TC patients who had undergone thyroidectomy. An observational case-control study was carried out. Twenty-eight patients who had undergone thyroidectomy and 28 healthy control patients were included. Outcomes were collected 6 months after surgery and included: musculoskeletal neck disorders (neck range of movement, trigger points) and functional variables (pain intensity and disability). Significant differences were found between groups in flexion (p = 0.002) and extension (p = 0.005), with lower values in the thyroidectomy group. The number of trigger points was higher in the thyroidectomy group in both scalenes (p < 0.001), both sternocleidomastoids (p < 0.001), both upper trapezius (p = 0.005 and p = 0.008), right levator scapulae (p = 0.002) and both suboccipitalis (p = 0.002). Pain intensity (p < 0.001) and the Neck Outcome Scale subscales (p < 0.05) also presented significant differences. Thyroidectomy patients, 6 months after surgery, show a significant decrease in neck range of movement and an increase in the number of trigger points. They also show greater pain intensity and more disability.

A randomized controlled study of whether setting specific goals improves the effectiveness of therapy in people with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the effects of an intervention based on a specific set of goals on goal attainment, manual dexterity, hand grip strength and finger prehension force compared to a standardized approach in patients with Parkinson's disease. DESIGN:: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING:: Home-based. PARTICIPANTS:: Fifty patients with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease acknowledging impaired manual ability were randomized into two groups. INTERVENTIONS:: Patients in the experimental group ( n = 25) were included in an intervention focused on task components that involved goals proposed by participants. Patients in the control group ( n = 25) received a standard intervention focused on impairments in range of motion, grasp and manipulation. Home condition and duration (four weeks, twice a week) were similar in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: The primary outcome measure was goal achievement assessed with the Goal Attainment Scaling. Secondary outcomes were manual dexterity evaluated with the Purdue Pegboard Test and hand grip strength and finger prehension force assessed using a dynamometer. RESULTS:: After four weeks, significant between-group improvement in goal attainment was observed in the experimental group (change 17.36 ± 7.48 vs. 4.03 ± 6.43, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the experimental group also showed a significant improvement ( P < 0.05) in manual dexterity (postintervention values in the most affected arm 10.55 ± 1.95 vs. 7.33 ± 3.63 pins, P < 0.001) and finger prehension force (postintervention values in the most affected arm 8.03 ± 1.93 vs. 6.31 ± 1.85 kg, P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS:: Targeting therapy toward specific goals leads to greater changes in arm function than a standardized approach in people with Parkinson's disease.

Does adding an integrated physical therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy to standard rehabilitation improve functional outcome in elderly patients with pneumonia? A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of an integrated programme of physical and electrical therapy to standard rehabilitation to improve physical and functional performance in elderly patients with pneumonia. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. The study was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov website (identifier: NCT02515565). SETTING: University Hospital. SUBJECTS: In total, 185 elderly patients with pneumonia were eligible for the study, of which 95 were finally randomized. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to a control group which received the standard treatment or to an intervention group which received additionally an integrated programme of physical and electrical therapy. MAIN MEASURES: Demographic and clinical information was acquired. Pulmonary function, length of hospital stay, handgrip strength, independence levels and comorbidities were assessed as descriptive outcomes. The main outcome measure was functional and physical performance, evaluated with the short physical performance battery. Secondary outcome measures were respiratory symptoms including dyspnoea, fatigue and cough. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 74.92 (11.03) years in the intervention group and 72.53 (9.24) years in the control group. Significant between groups differences (P < 0.05) were found in short physical performance battery chair stand test (2.17 (0.97) vs. 0.58 (0.61)) and total score (5.91 (3.61) vs. 4.15 (3.15)). The intervention group showed better performance than the control group in both cases. Fatigue (32.04 (18.58) vs. 46.22 (8.90)) and cough (18.84 (2.47) vs. 17.40 (3.67)) showed higher improvement in the intervention group, and significant differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: An integrated programme of physical and electrical therapy during hospitalization improves physical and functional performance in patients with pneumonia.

Effects of a Home-Based Upper Limb Training Program in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a home-based upper limb training program on arm function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, the effects of this program on manual dexterity, handgrip strength, and finger prehension force were analyzed. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind controlled trial. SETTING: Home based. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MS acknowledging impaired manual ability (N=37) were randomized into 2 groups. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the experimental group were included in a supervised home-based upper limb training program for 8 weeks twice a week. Patients in the control group received information in the form of a leaflet with a schedule of upper limb exercise training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was arm function (motor functioning assessed using the finger tapping test and a functional measure, the Action Research Arm Test). The secondary outcome measures were manual dexterity assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test and handgrip strength and finger prehension force evaluated with a handgrip and a pinch dynamometer, respectively. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, a significant between-group improvement (P<.05) was found on the Action Research Arm Test bilaterally and the finger tapping test in the most affected upper limb. The secondary outcomes also improved in the most affected limb in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week home-based intervention program focused on upper limbs twice a week improved arm function and physiologic variables with a primary focus on the more affected extremity in patients with MS compared with the control group.

Effects of Exercise-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Levels in Persons With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Symptom severity leads to devastating consequences such as falls, immobility, impaired quality of life, and reduced general activity. Adopting a sedentary lifestyle creates a vicious circle, as physical inactivity can negatively affect the clinical domains of PD. Despite the recognition of the disease-modifying potential of physical activity (PA), achieving adequate exercise levels can be challenging for individuals with PD. This study aimed to investigate the repercussions of exercise-based interventions to improve PA levels in persons with PD through a systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: A search was conducted from database inception to February 2021 across 3 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Randomized controlled trials were included if they involved persons with PD, outcome measures associated with PA levels, and an exercise-based intervention. Two reviewers performed independent data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies using the Downs and Black quality checklist. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies were included in the study (1251 persons with PD). Four intervention types were identified: balance, strength, aerobic, and multimodal exercise (combination of several types of exercise programs). The meta-analysis showed that exercise interventions have a positive effect on PA (standard mean difference = 0.50, 95% CI =-0.02, 1.00; P = .06). The risk of bias was generally low. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the use of exercise-based interventions (aerobic exercise, balance exercise, strength exercise, and/or multimodal exercise) to improve PA levels. However, the limited number of studies and the heterogeneity of the interventions do not allow us to draw a definitive conclusion.

The use of eHealth to promote physical activity in thoracic malignancies survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Survival rates for many forms of thoracic malignancies have improved over the past few decades, however, many survivors are coping with the side effects of cancer treatment for longer. Physical activity (PA) has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to combat the effects of treatment in cancer survivors and eHealth could be a good way to encourage patients to practice it. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of eHealth in the promotion of PA among thoracic malignancies. METHODS: Suitable articles were searched using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases using a combination of medical subject headings. RESULTS: In total, 4781 articles were identified, of which ten met eligibility criteria. Different eHealth interventions were described in these studies: mobile application (app) (n = 3), website (n = 2), email (n = 2), web and mobile application (n = 1), telephone counseling (n = 1) and online sheet (n = 1). All studies reported improvements in PA, with 8/10 studies reporting statistically significant changes. CONCLUSION: Our results show that eHealth programs are useful to promote PA in malignancy thoracic survivors, compared to no intervention, conventional treatment or a dietary approach. Moreover, the meta-analysis also revealed eHealth is a good way to improve the level of PA in thoracic malignancies survivors.

Exploring perceived occupational balance in women with fibromyalgia. A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: People with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia may experience occupational limitations and imbalances in their basic and instrumental occupations of daily living, leisure, work, and social participation. OBJECTIVE: To describe occupational balance in persons with fibromyalgia and to analyze whether it is associated with self-reported disability and self-efficacy to manage symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Individuals with fibromyalgia were invited to participate. Occupational balance was assessed with the Occupational Balance Questionnaire; self-reported disability was assessed with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS 2.0-12; and self-efficacy was evaluated with the 8-item version of the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with a forward stepwise procedure. RESULTS: One hundred women with fibromyalgia were included. Occupational balance was 26.96 ± 12.09; however, scores differed between the mild disability group and the moderate disability group (33.11 ± 9.99 vs. 20.29 ± 10.61, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that self-reported disability and self-reported pain management explained 58.1% of the variance in occupational balance. CONCLUSION: Women with fibromyalgia showed low occupational balance. Self-reported disability and self-reported pain management were associated with occupational balance. SIGNIFICANCE: Occupational therapy practitioners can design intervention programs focussing on occupational balance and self-efficacy to manage symptoms.