Beliefs and Self-Perceptions of Spanish Mental Health Professionals about Physical Therapy in Mental Health: An Observational Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to understand the image, perception, and beliefs regarding the role of the physiotherapist in the field of mental health physiotherapy, both among the professional community and other multidisciplinary teams. METHODS: An observational phenomenological qualitative study through the administration of an ad hoc survey comprising both categorical and open-ended as well as quantitative questions was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 368 responses were analysed. The participants comprised 78.4% women with a mean age of 37.5, an average professional experience of 14.33 years, and 88.3% practicing physical therapists. From the qualitative analysis conducted, three categories emerged in relation to the obtained responses: (a) functions with codes of "improving quality of life" and "intervening in physical pathologies"; (b) objectives with codes of "Improving quality of life", "Intervening in physical pathologies", "Functional rehabilitation", "Health promotion", and "Intervening in mental disorders"; and (c) image with codes "unfamiliarity", "holistic vision", "necessity", and "importance". Regarding the tools, the findings highlight a strong focus on physical exercise interventions due to their well-established benefits. Cognitive strategies like therapeutic relationships and cognitive-behavioural techniques were also prominent. Additionally, embodiment techniques involving movement, relaxation, breathing, and voice usage were notable. Lastly, manual therapy and physical agents formed another distinct category. CONCLUSIONS: The vision and role of this professional profile were unknown to the respondents. Despite being perceived as having a holistic view of the patient and being considered an essential need, the actual image remains vague. However, there is significant interest, indicating a promising future, although the lack of specialized training is noted. Therefore, the need for specialized education and awareness campaigns among professionals in the mental health field is highlighted.

Can Twitter posts serve as early indicators for potential safety signals? A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: As Twitter has gained significant popularity, tweets can serve as large pool of readily available data to estimate the adverse events (AEs) of medications. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether tweets were an early indicator for potential safety warnings. Additionally, the trend of AEs posted on Twitter was compared with AEs from the Yellow Card system in the United Kingdom. METHODS: English Tweets for 35 drug-event pairs for the period 2017-2019, two years prior to the date of EMA Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) meeting, were collected. Both signal and non-signal AEs were manually identified and encoded using the MedDRA dictionary. AEs from Yellow Card were also gathered for the same period. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted using Fisher's exact test to assess the distribution and proportion of AEs from the two data sources. RESULTS: Of the total 61,661 English tweets, 1,411 had negative or neutral sentiment and mention of at least one AE. Tweets for 15 out of the 35 drugs (42.9%) contained AEs associated with the signals. On pooling data from Twitter and Yellow Card, 24 out of 35 drug-event pairs (68.6%) were identified prior to the respective PRAC meetings. Both data sources showed similar distribution of AEs based on seriousness, however, the distribution based on labelling was divergent. CONCLUSION: Twitter cannot be used in isolation for signal detection in current pharmacovigilance (PV) systems. However, it can be used in combination with traditional PV systems for early signal detection, as it can provide a holistic drug safety profile.

Physical Therapy Interventions in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the effectiveness of physical therapy, including supervised physical exercise for body mass index (BMI) restoration; improving muscle strength and the psychological, behavioural, cognitive symptoms and quality of life in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: A Systematic Review (SR) was conducted in the following scientific databases: Medline, PubMed, PEDro, PsychInfo, Cochrane Library plus, Nursing and Allied Health database, Scopus and Web of Science databases, from inception until November 2021. An assessment of the risk of bias and the certainty of evidence across studies was conducted. Articles were eligible if they followed randomized and non-randomized control trial designs with treatments based on physical therapy or exercise or physical activity in AN patients. RESULTS: 496 records were screened, and after eligibility assessment, 6 studies from 8 articles were finally analysed. The studies, involving 176 AN patient (85.02% of patients), reported improvements in muscle strength, eating behaviour, eating attitude, mood and quality of life. Three studies included nutritional co-interventions and four studies included psychological therapy. None of the studies reported adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In two of the RCTs included in this SR, strength training and high intensity resistance improved the muscle strength of patients with AN. In addition, in two RCTs, improvements were observed in patients' attitudes towards their bodies after basic body awareness therapy or after full body massage and instruction to relax. In addition, quality of life improved in two studies, with stretching, isometrics, endurance cardiovascular and muscular exercising.

Basic Body Awareness Therapy in patients suffering from fibromyalgia: A randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess whether Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) improves musculoskeletal pain, movement quality, psychological function, and quality of life. Methods: The effects of BBAT in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) were studied in a randomized controlled trial. Forty-one patients were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 21) and an intervention group (n = 20). Both groups received TAU including pharmacological therapy. The intervention group took part in 10 BBAT sessions. Outcome variables were measured regarding pain, movement quality, psychological function, and quality of life. Outcome measures were assessed before intervention, in posttest, and in follow-ups at 12 and 24 weeks. Results: The BBAT group showed significant improvement in 'pain' at posttest (p = 0.037) and in 'movement quality' from baseline to 24 weeks (p = 0.000). Intragroup analysis showed significant improvements in the SF-36 body pain subscale at 12 and 24 weeks (p = 0.001, p = 0.014), Hospital Anxiety Depression scale in anxiety subscale at 12 weeks (p = 0.019), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety questionnaire at 12 and 24 weeks (p = 0.012, p = 0.002), and STAI state at 12 and 24 weeks (p = 0.042, p = 0.004). Conclusion: This study showed that BBAT might be an effective intervention in patients suffering from fibromyalgia in relation to pain, movement quality, and anxiety.

A systematic review of physical therapy interventions for patients with anorexia and bulemia nervosa.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to summarise the evidence from randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of physical therapy compared with care as usual or a wait-list condition on eating pathology and on physiological and psychological parameters in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. METHOD: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and The Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until February, 2013. Articles were eligible if they utilised a randomised controlled trial design, compared physical therapy with a placebo condition, control intervention, or standard care and included patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. The methodological quality was assessed with the Jadad scale. RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials involving 213 patients (age range: 16-36 years) met all selection criteria. Three of the 8 included studies were of strong methodological quality (Jadad score≥3). Major methodological weaknesses were attrition and selection bias. The main results demonstrate that aerobic and resistance training result in significantly increased muscle strength, body mass index and body fat percentage in anorexia patients. In addition, aerobic exercise, yoga, massage and basic body awareness therapy significantly lowered scores of eating pathology and depressive symptoms in both anorexia and bulimia nervosa patients. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The paucity and heterogeneity of available studies limits overall conclusions and highlights the need for further research. Implications for Rehabilitation Supervised physical therapy might increase weight in anorexia nervosa patients. Aerobic exercise, massage, basic body awareness therapy and yoga might reduce eating pathology in patients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Aerobic exercise, yoga and basic body awareness therapy might improve mental and physical quality of life in patients with an eating disorder.

A systematic review on physical therapy interventions for patients with binge eating disorder.

PURPOSE: Since a distorted body experience and a sedentary lifestyle are central in the course of binge eating disorder (BED), physical therapy might be an interesting add-on treatment. The aim of this study was to systematically review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating physical therapy on binge eating and physical and mental health in BED patients. METHOD: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until 15 August 2012 for relevant RCTs comparing physical therapy with a placebo condition, control intervention or standard care. RESULTS: Three RCTs involving 211 female community patients (age range: 25-63 years) met all selection criteria. Review data demonstrate that aerobic and yoga exercises reduce the number of binges and the body mass index (BMI) of BED patients. Aerobic exercise also reduces depressive symptoms. Only combining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with aerobic exercise and not CBT alone reduces BMI. Combining aerobic exercise with CBT is more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than CBT alone. CONCLUSIONS: The limited number of available studies and the heterogeneity of the interventions limit overall conclusions and highlight the need for further research. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Because of severe co-morbid psychiatric and physical conditions, binge eating disorder is one of the most difficult psychiatric conditions to treat. Both yoga and aerobic exercise have shown promise in reducing binge eating pathology and weight. Combining aerobic exercise with cognitive behavioural therapy seems more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than cognitive behavioural therapy alone.

Systematic review of the benefits of physical therapy within a multidisciplinary care approach for people with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Although schizophrenia is the fifth leading cause of disability-adjusted life years worldwide in people aged 15 to 44 years, the clinical evidence of physical therapy as a complementary treatment remains largely unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of physical therapy for people with schizophrenia. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until July 1, 2011, for relevant RCTs. In addition, manual search strategies were used. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility on the basis of inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Reviewers rated study quality and extracted information about study methods, design, intervention, and results. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten RCTs met all selection criteria; 6 of these studies addressed the use of aerobic and strength exercises. In 2 of these studies, yoga techniques also were investigated. Four studies addressed the use of progressive muscle relaxation. There is evidence that aerobic and strength exercises and yoga reduce psychiatric symptoms, state anxiety, and psychological distress and improve health-related quality of life, that aerobic exercise improves short-term memory, and that progressive muscle relaxation reduces state anxiety and psychological distress. LIMITATIONS: The heterogeneity of the interventions and the small sample sizes of the included studies limit overall conclusions and highlight the need for further research. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapy offers added value in the multidisciplinary care of people with schizophrenia.

Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria / Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care

ObjetivoDescribir la atención domiciliaria que ofrecen los equipos móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia (EMRF) como respuesta a las necesidades de la población dependiente, las características que tiene su aplicación y las consecuencias que produce sobre el paciente y su independencia funcional.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversal desde 2004 hasta junio de 2007.EmplazamientoMedio comunitario. Los EMRF de atención primaria en Almería.ParticipantesEn total 1.093 pacientes incluidos en el programa.Mediciones principalesSe recogió sistemáticamente el estado de salud de los pacientes (proceso discapacitante principal, motivos de inclusión en el tratamiento, valoración funcional inicial y final e índice de Barthel), los datos sobre la atención fisioterapéutica y el n.o de sesiones.ResultadosUn 64,2% de la muestra fueron mujeres; la edad media fue de 78 años. El tiempo medio de espera para su valoración fue de 4 días y hubo una gran diversidad de procesos discapacitantes principales que han quedado descritos. Existió un elevado porcentaje de síntomas de grave deterioro motor, dolor y debilidad muscular. El 88,6% de los pacientes realizó tratamiento fisioterapéutico; el 11,1% de los pacientes fisioterapia y tratamiento ocupacional y el 0,3% de los pacientes tratamiento ortésico. El número medio de sesiones fue de 12,85. Se describe la variación en el índice de Barthel final tras la intervención realizada (cinesiterapia [61,9%]; combinada con electroterapia [10,2%]; cinesiterapia y educación al cuidador [14,5%], etc.).ConclusionesSe aporta información valiosa respecto a las características de la población geriátrica y dependiente así como la ayuda fisioterapéutica que viene recibiendo y cómo se lleva a cabo el proceso(AU)

ObjectiveTo describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007.SettingCommunity setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria.ParticipantsA total of 1093 patients were included in the programme.Main measurementsData were collected on, the state of the patients’ health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions.ResultsOf the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education.ConclusionsValuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out(AU)

[Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care]. / Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007. SETTING: Community setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1093 patients were included in the programme. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected on, the state of the patients' health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions. RESULTS: Of the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education. CONCLUSIONS: Valuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out.