Functional classification systems in Brazilian children with cerebral palsy: Reliability and associations between functional levels.

Children with Cerebral palsy (CP) present movement and posture disorders. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS), and Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) enhance the understanding of their performance. We verified inter-rater reliability and associations between the classification levels. Physical therapists classified 100 Brazilian children with CP (3-17 years) according to GMFCS, MACS, CFCS, EDACS, and VFCS. To evaluate inter-rater reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-ICC) two independent examiners concurrently assessed a subset of 60 participants. According to Spearman's correlation coefficients, there were associations between GMFCS/MACS (r = 0.81), GMFCS/CFCS (r = 0.70), MACS/CFCS (r = 0.73), GMFCS/VFCS (r = 0.61), MACS/VFCS (r = 0.61), CFCS/EDACS (r = 0.58), CFCS/VFCS (r = 0.50), and EDACS/VFCS (r = 0.45) (p < .05). The inter-rater reliability ranged from excellent (ICC = 0.93-0.99) to good (ICC = 0.89), p < .05. The classification systems are reliable, and the levels associated with each other in Brazilian children, especially the GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS.

What are the costs of managing neck and low back pain in Brazil? Investigation of a ten-year period from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the prospects of increased prevalence and disability due to neck and low back pain, it is relevant to investigate the care processes adopted, to assist future public policies and decision-making for a better allocation of resources. Objective: the aim of this study was to estimate the costs arising from inpatient and outpatient care of individuals with Neck Pain (NP) and Low Back Pain (LBP) in Brazil, between 2010 and 2019. METHODS: This is a cost-of-illness study from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system, based on health conditions with high prevalence (neck and low back pain). Data were presented descriptively using absolute and relative values. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2019, the health system spent more than $600 million (R$ 2.3 billion) to treat NP and LBP in adults, and LBP accounted for most of the expenses. Female had higher absolute expenses in inpatient care and in the outpatient system. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the costs with NP and LBP in Brazil were considerable. Female patients had higher outpatient costs and male patients had higher hospitalization costs. Healthcare expenses were concentrated for individuals between 34 and 63 years of age.

This study focused on understanding how much it cost to treat neck pain (NP) and low back pain (LBP) in Brazil between 2010 and 2019, from the point of view of the public health system (i.e. Unified Health System ­ SUS). The idea was to find out how much money was spent and where. It turned out that the SUS spent, in total, more than US$600 million (R$2.3 billion) with LBP responsible for most of these expenses. Furthermore, we noted that women had higher outpatient care costs, while men had higher hospitalization costs. Those costs were more concentrated in people aged between 34 and 63 years.

Characterization of environmental factors in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Minas Gerais: Participa Minas.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the environmental factors of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 164 caregivers of children/adolescents with CP, aged 1-14 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to classify the participants' functioning, and environmental factors were evaluated by an on-line questionnaire that examined products and technologies, physical environment, services, and systems. A descriptive analysis was performed using percentage and frequency. RESULTS: Most participants had bilateral CP (66.9%) and 45% of them were spastic. Levels II and V of the GMFCS and MACS were the most frequent. About half (49.4%) used anticonvulsants, 27.4% underwent botulinum toxin application, and 29% went through orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs. Among the participants, 71.3% used orthoses in the lower limbs, and 51.8% used the public health care system. Most had access to physiotherapy (91.5%), but found difficulties to access interventions with other professionals, such as psychologists (28%) and nutritionists (37.8%). The school was the most frequently adapted environment (78%), and had the highest level of structural adaptation (42.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the barriers to access health services and barriers to the physical environment may impact participation and social inclusion.

Characterization of environmental factors in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in Minas Gerais: Participa Minas / Caracterização de fatores ambientais de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral de Minas Gerais: Participa Minas

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the environmental factors of children and adolescents with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 164 caregivers of children/adolescents with CP, aged 1-14 years. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to classify the participants' functioning, and environmental factors were evaluated by an on-line questionnaire that examined products and technologies, physical environment, services, and systems. A descriptive analysis was performed using percentage and frequency. Results: Most participants had bilateral CP (66.9%) and 45% of them were spastic. Levels II and V of the GMFCS and MACS were the most frequent. About half (49.4%) used anticonvulsants, 27.4% underwent botulinum toxin application, and 29% went through orthopedic surgery in the lower limbs. Among the participants, 71.3% used orthoses in the lower limbs, and 51.8% used the public health care system. Most had access to physiotherapy (91.5%), but found difficulties to access interventions with other professionals, such as psychologists (28%) and nutritionists (37.8%). The school was the most frequently adapted environment (78%), and had the highest level of structural adaptation (42.7%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the barriers to access health services and barriers to the physical environment may impact participation and social inclusion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os fatores ambientais de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC) no estado de Minas Gerais (MG), Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal envolvendo 164 cuidadores de crianças/adolescentes com PC, na faixa etária de um a 14 anos. O Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa (GMFCS) e o Sistema de Classificação da Habilidade Manual (MACS) foram utilizados para classificar a funcionalidade dos participantes e os fatores ambientais foram avaliados por um questionário on-line que abordou produtos e tecnologias, ambiente físico, serviços e sistemas. Análises descritivas foram realizadas por meio de porcentagem e frequência. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes tinha PC bilateral (66,9%) e 45% deles eram espásticos. Os níveis II e V do GMFCS e MACS foram os mais frequentes. Cerca de metade (49,4%) fazia uso de anticonvulsivantes, 27,4% realizaram aplicação de toxina botulínica e 29% cirurgia ortopédica em membros inferiores. Utilizavam órteses em membros inferiores 71,3% e eram usuários do sistema público de saúde 51,8%. A maioria tinha acesso à fisioterapia (91,5%), mas dificuldade de acesso a intervenções com outros profissionais, como psicólogos (28%) e nutricionistas (37,8%). A escola foi o ambiente mais frequentado (78%) e também mais adaptado estruturalmente (42,7%). Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que barreiras de acesso aos serviços de saúde e barreiras no ambiente físico podem impactar a participação e inclusão social.

The care pathway of individuals with spinal disorders in a Health Care Network in the Federal District, Brazil: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the care pathway is essential to identify how to effectively treat spinal disorders. However, there is no specific data on the pathway of these individuals in the Health Care Networks (HCN) in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathway of individuals with non-specific spinal disorders (NSD) in the HCN in the Federal District, Brazil, and verify the interventions adopted, and to test whether sociodemographic and clinical variables predict the number of imaging tests, prescribed medication, and the first HCN access. METHODS: Retrospective study that analysed electronic records of 327 individuals with NSD between 2012 and 2018. Generalized linear models estimated the association between sociodemographic and clinical data and number of drugs prescribed and imaging tests requested. Multinomial logistic regression estimated the association between clinical and demographic variables and setting of first access. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years, and 75.5% were women. Emergency Department (ED) was the most accessed setting (43.7%), and back pain was the most prevalent condition (84.5%). Most individuals underwent imaging tests (60%) and drug prescriptions (86%). Physical exercises were prescribed to 13%, and 55% were referred to physical therapy. Women were more likely to first access the ED. CONCLUSION: The ED was the most used setting by people with NSD. Few participants received exercise prescriptions and half were referred to physical therapists. Individuals who used outpatient clinics and primary care received less drug prescriptions, and women were more likely to first access the ED. Increasing age was associated with greater chance of first accessing Outpatient Clinics.

Affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay and to identify factors associated with their frequency. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 97 families who responded to the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) for 3-18 months (n=63), or AHEMD - Self-Report (AHEMD-SR) for 18-42 months (n=34). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to identify the differences between the frequencies of affordances between the groups. Multiple linear regression was used to verify the association between the child's sex, mother's marital status, education, socioeconomic level, child and mother's ages, house residents' number, per capita income, and AHEMD scores (α=0.05). RESULTS: The home affordances' frequency in the AHEMD-IS ranged from less than adequate to excellent, while in the AHEMD-SR, the highest predominance was medium. The offer of stimuli in the AHEMD-IS was significantly higher. Higher socioeconomic level and house residents' number were associated with greater affordances. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the socioeconomic level and house residents' number, the greater the affordances in the homes of children at risk of delay. It is necessary to provide families with some alternatives to make their home environments richer in affordances that favor child development.

Affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay / Oportunidades de ação no ambiente domiciliar de lactentes e crianças com risco de atraso do desenvolvimento

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to verify the adequacy of affordances in the home environment of children at risk of developmental delay and to identify factors associated with their frequency. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 97 families who responded to the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development — Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) for 3-18 months (n=63), or AHEMD - Self-Report (AHEMD-SR) for 18-42 months (n=34). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to identify the differences between the frequencies of affordances between the groups. Multiple linear regression was used to verify the association between the child's sex, mother's marital status, education, socioeconomic level, child and mother's ages, house residents' number, per capita income, and AHEMD scores (α=0.05). Results: The home affordances' frequency in the AHEMD-IS ranged from less than adequate to excellent, while in the AHEMD-SR, the highest predominance was medium. The offer of stimuli in the AHEMD-IS was significantly higher. Higher socioeconomic level and house residents' number were associated with greater affordances. Conclusions: The higher the socioeconomic level and house residents' number, the greater the affordances in the homes of children at risk of delay. It is necessary to provide families with some alternatives to make their home environments richer in affordances that favor child development.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a adequação das oportunidades de ação no ambiente doméstico de crianças em risco de atraso no desenvolvimento e identificar fatores associados à sua frequência. Métodos Este estudo transversal incluiu 97 famílias que responderam ao Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) para 3-18 meses (n=63) ou o Self Report (AHEMD-SR) para 18-42 meses (n=34). O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para identificar as diferenças entre as frequências de oportunidades de ação entre os grupos. A regressão linear múltipla foi utilizada para verificar a associação entre o sexo da criança, o estado civil, a escolaridade e nível socioeconômico da mãe, as idades da criança e da mãe, o número de residentes da casa, a renda per capita e os escores do AHEMD (α=0,05). Resultados A frequência das oportunidades de ação dos domicílios no AHEMD-IS variou de menos do que adequado a excelente; enquanto, no AHEMD-SR, a maior predominância foi de média frequência. A oferta de estímulos no AHEMD-IS foi significativamente maior. O maior nível socioeconômico e o número de moradores da casa foram associados a maiores oportunidades de ação. Conclusões Quanto maior o nível socioeconômico e o número de moradores, maiores são as oportunidades de ação nos domicílios das crianças em risco de atraso. É necessário oferecer às famílias algumas alternativas para tornar os seus ambientes domésticos mais ricos em oportunidades de ação que favoreçam o desenvolvimento infantil.

Characterization of the procedures and professional practices of primary care physiotherapists in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy interventions are well known and established in secondary and tertiary care. However, within the Brazilian primary health care (PHC), the role of physiotherapists is still under development, and there is a lack of representative data showing how and what is being implemented by these professionals. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to characterize the professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil. METHODS: This is an exploratory study that adopted a descriptive analysis based on the records of physiotherapists, considering assistance and sociodemographic aspects, in the period from 2016 to 2017. The following variables were extracted: region, federative unit and municipality, age group and sex of the attended user, condition/problem, procedure and place of attendance. RESULTS: A total of 318,780 procedures were recorded, concentrated in the South and southeast regions, with a predominance of clinical-assistance procedures and a higher frequency of attendance in Basic Health Units. Among the assisted users, the female gender prevailed in the age group of 20 to 59 years. Low back pain was the most frequently treated condition. CONCLUSION: The professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil were characterized by healthcare, clinical-assistance, preventive and health promotion activities, with emphasis on clinical-assistance practices focused on musculoskeletal conditions, especially low back pain.

Direct costs of prematurity and factors associated with birth and maternal conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the direct costs due to hospital care for extremely, moderate, and late preterm newborns, from the perspective of a public hospital in 2018. The second objective was to investigate whether factors associated with birth and maternal conditions explain the costs and length of hospital stay. METHODS: This is a cost-of-illness study, with data extracted from hospital admission authorization forms and medical records of a large public hospital in the Federal District, Brazil. The association of characteristics of preterm newborns and mothers with costs was estimated by linear regression with gamma distribution. In the analysis, the calculation of the parameters of the estimates (B), with a confidence interval of 95% (95%CI), was adopted. The uncertainty parameters were estimated by the 95% confidence interval and standard error using the Bootstrapping method, with 1,000 samples. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed, considering lower and upper limits of 95%CI in the variation of each cost component. RESULTS: A total of 147 preterm newborns were included. We verified an average cost of BRL 1,120 for late preterm infants, BRL 6,688 for moderate preterm infants, and BRL 17,395 for extremely preterm infants. We also observed that factors associated with the cost were gestational age (B = -123.00; 95%CI: -241.60 to -4.50); hospitalization in neonatal ICU (B = 6,932.70; 95%CI: 5,309.40-8,556.00), and number of prenatal consultations (B = -227.70; 95%CI: -403.30 to -52.00). CONCLUSIONS: We found a considerable direct cost resulting from the care of preterm newborns. Extreme prematurity showed a cost 15.5 times higher than late prematurity. We also verified that a greater number of prenatal consultations and gestational age were associated with a reduction in the costs of prematurity.

Is kinesiophobia associated with disturbances in dynamic balance in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain? / A cinesiofobia está associada a distúrbios de equilíbrio dinâmico em indivíduos com dor lombar crônica não-específica?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a disabling condition that has a high worldwide prevalence. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between deficits in dynamic balance, age and body mass index (BMI), and kinesiophobia, as well as to establish a comparison between men and women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 145 individuals between 18 and 50 years of age with non-specific chronic low back pain. Sociodemographic data were collected, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Y-Balance Test. The Tampa Scale was used to assess kinesiophobia. A linear regression was applied to investigate the association between kinesiophobia and a set of predictor variables (balance, gender, BMI). Men and women were compared using the Student's t-test (kinesiophobia and dynamic balance). RESULTS: The overall mean kinesiophobia score was 41.3. The Y-Balance Test mean for the right and left lower limb, respectively, was 59.4 and 59.5. An association was found between kinesiophobia and two predictors: balance and BMI (R2:6.8%). No significant differences were found between gender for kinesiophobia (42.1 for women and 40.3 for men). However, women had worse dynamic balance compared to men (mean reach of 56.1 versus 63.5, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Kinesiophobia was found to be associated with disturbances in dynamic balance and BMI of individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. However, the model explained a small variation in kinesiophobia. Women showed worse dynamic balance compared to with men.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar crônica não-específica é uma condição incapacitante que possui alta prevalência mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a associação entre déficits do equilíbrio dinâmico, idade e índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a cinesiofobia, além de realizar uma comparação entre homens e mulheres. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal incluiu 145 indivíduos com idade entre 18 e 50 anos com dor lombar crônica não-específica. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos. O equilíbrio dinâmico foi avaliado por meio do Y-Balance Test. A escala Tampa foi usada para avaliar a cinesiofobia. Aplicou-se uma regressão linear para investigar a associação entre cinesiofobia e um conjunto de variáveis preditoras (equilíbrio, sexo, IMC). Homens e mulheres foram comparados por meio do teste T de Student (cinesiofobia e equilíbrio dinâmico). RESULTADOS: O escore médio geral de cinesiofobia foi de 41,3. A média do Y-Balance Test para o membro inferior direito e esquerdo, respectivamente, foi de 59,4 e 59,5. Verificou-se uma associação entre cinesiofobia e dois preditores, a saber, equilíbrio e IMC (R2:6,8%). Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre sexo para cinesiofobia (42,1 para mulheres e 40,3 para homens). Entretanto, as mulheres apresentaram pior equilíbrio em comparação aos homens (média de 56,1 de alcance versus 63,5, respectivamente; p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se que a cinesiofobia apresentou associação com distúrbios no equilíbrio dinâmico e IMC de indivíduos com dor lombar crônica não-específica. Entretanto, o modelo explicou uma pequena variação na cinesiofobia. As mulheres apresentaram um pior equilíbrio dinâmico em comparação aos homens.

Direct costs of prematurity and factors associated with birth and maternal conditions / Custos diretos da prematuridade e fatores associados ao nascimento e condições maternas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the direct costs due to hospital care for extremely, moderate, and late preterm newborns, from the perspective of a public hospital in 2018. The second objective was to investigate whether factors associated with birth and maternal conditions explain the costs and length of hospital stay. METHODS This is a cost-of-illness study, with data extracted from hospital admission authorization forms and medical records of a large public hospital in the Federal District, Brazil. The association of characteristics of preterm newborns and mothers with costs was estimated by linear regression with gamma distribution. In the analysis, the calculation of the parameters of the estimates (B), with a confidence interval of 95% (95%CI), was adopted. The uncertainty parameters were estimated by the 95% confidence interval and standard error using the Bootstrapping method, with 1,000 samples. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed, considering lower and upper limits of 95%CI in the variation of each cost component. RESULTS A total of 147 preterm newborns were included. We verified an average cost of BRL 1,120 for late preterm infants, BRL 6,688 for moderate preterm infants, and BRL 17,395 for extremely preterm infants. We also observed that factors associated with the cost were gestational age (B = -123.00; 95%CI: -241.60 to -4.50); hospitalization in neonatal ICU (B = 6,932.70; 95%CI: 5,309.40-8,556.00), and number of prenatal consultations (B = -227.70; 95%CI: -403.30 to -52.00). CONCLUSIONS We found a considerable direct cost resulting from the care of preterm newborns. Extreme prematurity showed a cost 15.5 times higher than late prematurity. We also verified that a greater number of prenatal consultations and gestational age were associated with a reduction in the costs of prematurity.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Estimar os custos diretos advindos com a assistência hospitalar a recém-nascidos prematuros extremos, moderados e tardios, sob a perspectiva de um hospital público em 2018. O segundo objetivo foi investigar se fatores associados ao nascimento e às condições maternas explicam os custos e o tempo de permanência hospitalar. MÉTODOS Estudo de custo da doença, com extração de dados a partir das autorizações de internação hospitalares e prontuários de um hospital público de grande porte do Distrito Federal. Estimou-se a associação de características dos recém-nascidos prematuros e das genitoras nos custos por meio de regressão linear com distribuição gamma. Na análise, adotou-se o cálculo dos parâmetros das estimativas (B), com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Os parâmetros de incerteza foram estimados pelo intervalo de confiança de 95% e erro padrão por meio do método de Bootstrapping, com 1.000 amostragens. Realizou-se análise de sensibilidade determinística, considerando limites inferiores e superiores do IC95% na variação de cada componente de custo. RESULTADOS Foram incluídos 147 recém-nascidos prematuros. Verificamos um custo médio de R$ 1.120 para prematuros tardios, R$ 6.688 para prematuros moderados e R$ 17.395 para prematuros extremos. Verificamos também que os fatores associados ao custo foram idade gestacional (B = -123,00; IC95% -241,60 a -4,50); internação em UTI neonatal (B = 6.932,70; IC95% 5.309,40-8.556,00) e número de consultas pré-natal (B = -227,70; IC95% -403,30 a -52,00). CONCLUSÕES Verificamos um custo direto considerável advindo da assistência a recém-nascidos prematuros. A prematuridade extrema demonstrou um custo 15,5 vezes maior comparado à tardia. Verificamos ainda que uma maior quantidade de consultas pré-natal e a idade gestacional foram associadas a uma redução dos custos da prematuridade.

How Has Electromyography Been Used to Assess Reaching in Infants? A Systematic Review.

The aims of this systematic review were: to investigate the use of surface electromyography in the assessment of reaching in infants; to assess the usefulness of this tool to the assessment of reaching, and its parameters and limitations; to assess the methodological quality of the studies available in the literature. The search in the databases MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS, Embase, PEDro, Cochrane, and EBSCO resulted in 5 selected studies. The studies aimed to elucidate how muscle behavior occurs in the development of reaching. The lack of standardized recommendations for the use of EMG in infants limit the reproducibility and comparison between studies. There are challenges and limitations regarding the use of electromyography in infants, which are caused by peculiarities inherent to the development of the neuromotor and musculoskeletal systems.

The Torque Referenced to a Perceived Exertion Level Is Affected by the Type of Movement in Men With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a standardized submaximal intensity (based on the rate of perceived exertion [RPE]) with the percentage of the average and peak torque during a familiarization session in individuals with different spinal cord injury (SCI) levels in gravity-resisted and gravity-assisted movements. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study at a rehabilitation hospital. Thirty-six individuals stratified in tetraplegia (TP), high paraplegia (HP), and low paraplegia (LP) groups and 12 matched control participants (CG) were enrolled in the study. Participants performed a maximum strength test using isokinetic dynamometry. The familiarization consisted of 10 submaximal repetitions with a level 2 (i.e., 20% of the maximum score) in the Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). Fisher's exact test compared the percentages of the average torque (%ATFam) and peak torque (%PTFam) of the familiarization (based on the peak torque during the maximum strength tests) to the %ATFam and %PTFam attained with 20% of RPE. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated to assess the torque dispersion during each familiarization set. RESULTS: The %ATFam was lower for gravity-assisted compared to gravity-resisted movements for HP, LP, and CG (p ≤ .05). The CV was significantly lower in gravity-resisted movements during familiarization for TP, LP, and CG. CONCLUSION: Different RPE levels should be adopted for gravity-resisted or gravity-assisted upper limb exercises to maintain the same relative intensity during a familiarization session.

Profissionais da saúde que atuam em ambiente hospitalar têm alta prevalência de fadiga e dorsalgia: estudo transversal / Los profesionales de la salud que actúan en ambiente hospitalario tienen alta prevalencia de fatiga y dorsalgia: un estudio transversal / Health professionals working in a hospital environment have a high prevalence of fatigue and back pain: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO O objetivo foi caracterizar o ambiente de trabalho por meio da Norma Regulamentadora 17 do Ministério do Trabalho (NR-17); avaliar a fadiga residual e estimar o risco da sua exposição e a presença de desconforto musculoesquelético de profissionais da saúde que atuam em um hospital público. Trata-se de estudo transversal composto por duas etapas: (1) observação do ambiente de trabalho por meio da NR-17, adaptada em checklist; e (2) avaliação do desconforto e fadiga por meio de questionários. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. A associação entre fadiga e desconforto foi verificada pelo qui-quadrado e o teste de Mann-Whitney comparou a idade, tempo de instituição e carga horária (horas/semana) entre os grupos estratificados (com fadiga/sem fadiga e com desconforto/sem desconforto). Foram avaliados 20 setores, dos quais a Farmácia teve a maior frequência de inadequação (83%) e a UTI Adulto mostrou-se o mais adequado (24% de itens inadequados). Verificou-se uma alta prevalência de desconforto, principalmente na coluna. A fadiga estava presente em mais de 70% dos profissionais. Indivíduos com maior idade apresentaram mais queixas de desconforto. O presente estudo demonstrou uma alta frequência de inadequações ergonômicas em ambiente de trabalho hospitalar, principalmente no setor da Farmácia e Ambulatório. A alta prevalência de desconforto na coluna e a fadiga demonstram a relevância de ações preventivas no ambiente hospitalar.

RESUMEN El objetivo fue caracterizar el ambiente laboral por medio de la Norma Reguladora n.º 17 del Ministerio de Trabajo (NR-17); evaluar la fatiga residual y también estimar el riesgo de exposición y la presencia de incomodidad musculoesquelética de profesionales de la salud que actúan en un hospital público. Este estudio transversal consta de dos fases: (1) la observación del entorno de trabajo por la NR-17, lista de control adaptada; y (2) la evaluación de la incomodidad y la fatiga por medio de cuestionarios. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva. La asociación entre fatiga y molestia se verificó mediante el test chi-cuadrado, y la prueba de Mann-Whitney se utilizó para comparar la edad, el tiempo de institución y la carga horaria (horas/semana) entre los grupos estratificados (con fatiga/sin fatiga y con incomodidad/sin molestias). Se evaluaron 20 sectores, de los cuales la Farmacia tuvo la mayor frecuencia de inadecuación (83%) y la UCI Adulto se mostró la más adecuada (un 24% de ítems inadecuados). Se observó una alta prevalencia de incomodidad, principalmente en la columna. La fatiga estaba presente en más del 70% de los profesionales. Los individuos de mayor edad presentaron más quejas de malestar. El presente estudio demostró una alta frecuencia de inadecuaciones ergonómicas en el ambiente laboral hospitalario, principalmente en el sector de la Farmacia y del Ambulatorio. La alta prevalencia de incomodidad en la columna y la fatiga demuestran la relevancia de acciones preventivas en el ambiente hospitalario.

ABSTRACT This study's objective was to employ Regulation-17 (NR-17) of Brazil's Ministry of Labor to describe the work environment of health professionals of a public hospital, while also evaluating fatigue and estimating their risk of exposure to it, as well as the presence of musculoskeletal discomfort. This was a cross-sectional study consisting of two phases: 1) Observation of the work environment by means of the NR-17, adapted as a checklist; 2) Evaluation of discomfort and fatigue by means of questionnaires. Data were analyzed descriptively. The association between fatigue and discomfort was assessed using the chi-square test, while the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare age, service time at the institution and weekly working hours across the stratified groups (with fatigue/without fatigue, with discomfort/without discomfort). Twenty sectors were evaluated. The sector with the highest frequency of inadequacy was Pharmacy (83% inadequate items), while the Adult ICU was the most adequate (only 24% inadequate items). There was a high prevalence of discomfort, especially in the spine. Fatigue was present in more than 70% of professionals. Older individuals presented more complaints of discomfort. This study demonstrates a high frequency of ergonomic inadequacies in the hospital's work environment, mainly in the Pharmacy and Ambulatory sectors. The high prevalence of spine discomfort and fatigue emphasizes the relevance of preventive actions in the hospital environment.

Brief reaching training with "sticky mittens" in preterm infants: Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a brief reaching training with sticky mittens was effective to improve reaching behavior in newly reaching preterm infants. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, twenty four 5-month-old (±16-week-old corrected age) preterm infants were randomly allocated into experimental or control groups. Infants were assessed three times in a single session: pretraining (immediately before training), posttraining (immediately after training), and retention (4 min after the posttraining). During training, infants in the experimental group wore open fingers Velcro covered mittens. Training consisted of one 4-minute session of stimulated reaching using Velcro covered toys. Controls did not receive the training. During assessments, infants were placed in a baby chair and toys without Velcro were offered at their midline for 2 min. Number of total reaches, proximal adjustments and distal adjustments of reaching were primary outcomes. Grasping was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Groups were similar in the pretraining. In the posttraining, trained infants performed greater amount of total reaches and bimanual reaches than untrained infants. Greater amount of bimanual reaches in trained infants was maintained in the retention test. Distal adjustments and grasping outcome were not influenced by the training. CONCLUSIONS: A brief-term training with open fingers sticky mittens benefited reaching behavior and favored retention of increased bimanual reaches in newly reaching late preterm infants. However, it was not sufficient to influence hand openness and early grasping.

Influência do peso adicional no alcance manual de lactentes a termo e pré-termo: análise de variáveis categóricas do movimento / Influence of additional weight in the reaching behavior of full-term and preterm infants: analysis of categorical variables of movement

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do peso adicional nos ajustes proximais e distais do alcance em lactentes a termo (AT) e pré-termo tardios (PTT). Método: Foram avaliados 10 lactentes AT e 9 PTT dos 5 aos 7 meses de idade. As variáveis analisadas foram: a) ajustes proximais: unimanuais ou bimanuais; b) ajustes distais: abertura das mãos (aberta, fechada ou semiaberta) e orientação das mãos (horizontalizada, verticalizada ou oblíqua). Os procedimentos analisados foram: P1 (linha de base) e P2 (acréscimo de 20% da massa do membro superior de peso adicional). Para verificar a associação entre os procedimentos e as variáveis dependentes utilizou-se o Teste Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Resultados: O peso adicional proporcionou a diminuição de alcances bimanuais aos 5 e 7 meses no grupo PTT, o aumento da frequência de mão verticalizada e a diminuição da frequência de mão aberta no início do movimento, aos 6 meses. No grupo AT, o peso implicou no aumento da mão verticalizada no início e no fim do movimento, aos 5 meses, e ao final do movimento, aos 7 meses, e diminuiu a frequência de mão aberta no início e final do alcance, aos 6 meses. Conclusão: O peso adicional favoreceu um movimento mais maduro na maioria das variáveis analisadas e, de forma mais expressiva, no grupo prematuro. Assim, pode tornar-se um instrumento para o treino inicial do alcance, quando o objetivo for a estimulação de alcances unimanuais com a mão verticalizada.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of additional weight in the proximal and distal adjustments of the reaching behavior of full-term and preterm infants. Method: We evaluated 10 full-term and 9 low risk preterm infants from 5 to 7 months age. The following variables were analyzed: a) proximal adjustments: unimanual or bimanual; b) distal adjustments: hand opening (open, closed, semi-open) and hand orientation (horizontal, vertical, oblique). Variables were analyzed in two procedures: P1 (baseline) and P2 (addition of 20% of the total mass of the infant's upper limb). To verify the association between procedures and dependent variables was applied Chi-Square Test (p<0,05). Results: Additional weight decreased of bimanual frequency for the preterm group at 5 and 7 months old, increased vertical hand frequency and decreased open hand frequency at 6 months. In the full-term group, additional weight increased the vertical hand frequency at the initiation and at the end of the movement at 5 months and at the end of the movement at 7 months. It also decreased open hand frequency at the initiation and at the end of the reaching at 6 months. Conclusion: Additional weight favored a more mature movement in the majority of variables analyzed, more expressively in the preterm group. Therefore, it can become an instrument of training this skill in the beginning of the reaching, when looking for verticalized hand unimanual reaching stimulation.

Musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability and fatigue in nursing professionals working in a hospital environment. / Desconforto musculoesquelético, capacidade de trabalho e fadiga em profissionais da enfermagem que atuam em ambiente hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability and residual fatigue in nursing professionals working in the hospital setting. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with professionals from a medium-sized public hospital. The Nordic symptom questionnaire, the work ability index, and the need for recovery scale (fatigue) were used. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferential tests were applied in order to verify the association of fatigue and work ability, and compare the fatigue among sectors analyzed. RESULTS: Participation of 110 professionals in the study. A total of 86.24% of workers reported musculoskeletal discomfort, with a higher prevalence in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Approximately 43% of professionals presented residual fatigue. There was a significant association between fatigue and reduction of work ability (p<0.003), as well as association between younger age and greater fatigue (p<0.03). CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the previous year and a considerable number of professionals with residual fatigue. There was a substantial portion of workers with moderate work ability and requiring attention in the medium term.

Desconforto musculoesquelético, capacidade de trabalho e fadiga em profissionais da enfermagem que atuam em ambiente hospitalar / Musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability and fatigue in nursing professionals working in a hospital environment / Incomodidad musculoesquelética, capacidad laboral y fatiga en profesionales de la enfermería que actúan en ambiente hospitalario

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o desconforto musculoesquelético, a capacidade para o trabalho e a fadiga residual em profissionais de enfermagem que atuam em Hospital. Método Estudo transversal com profissionais de um hospital público de médio porte. Foram utilizados o questionário nórdico de sintomas, o índice de capacidade para o trabalho e a escala de necessidade de descanso (fadiga). Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e aplicaram-se testes inferenciais com o intuito de verificar a associação da fadiga e a capacidade para o trabalho e comparar a fadiga entre os setores analisados. Resultados Participaram da pesquisa 110 profissionais. Um total de 86,24% dos trabalhadores relatou desconforto osteomuscular, com maior prevalência na coluna cervical, torácica e lombar. Aproximadamente 43% dos profissionais apresentaram fadiga residual. Verificou-se associação significante entre fadiga e redução da capacidade para o trabalho (p<0,003), assim como associação entre menor idade e maior fadiga (p<0,03). Conclusão Os resultados mostraram uma alta prevalência de desconforto osteomuscular no último ano e uma quantidade considerável de profissionais que apresentaram fadiga residual instalada. Destaca-se também uma importante parcela dos trabalhadores com moderada capacidade de trabalho, que requer atenção em médio prazo.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the musculoskeletal discomfort, work ability and residual fatigue in nursing professionals working in the hospital setting. Method Cross-sectional study with professionals from a medium-sized public hospital. The Nordic symptom questionnaire, the work ability index, and the need for recovery scale (fatigue) were used. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferential tests were applied in order to verify the association of fatigue and work ability, and compare the fatigue among sectors analyzed. Results Participation of 110 professionals in the study. A total of 86.24% of workers reported musculoskeletal discomfort, with a higher prevalence in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. Approximately 43% of professionals presented residual fatigue. There was a significant association between fatigue and reduction of work ability (p<0.003), as well as association between younger age and greater fatigue (p<0.03). Conclusion Results demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in the previous year and a considerable number of professionals with residual fatigue. There was a substantial portion of workers with moderate work ability and requiring attention in the medium term.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la incomodidad musculoesquelética, la capacidad laboral y la fatiga residual en profesionales de la enfermería que actúan en Hospital. Método Estudio transversal con profesionales de un hospital público de mediano porte. Fueron utilizados el cuestionario nórdico de síntomas, el índice de capacidad laboral y la escala de necesidad de descanso. Los datos fueron analizados descriptivamente y se aplicaron pruebas inferenciales con el fin de verificar la asociación de la fatiga y la capacidad laboral y comparar la fatiga entre los sectores analizados. Resultados Participaron en la investigación 110 profesionales. Un total del 86,24% de los trabajadores relató incomodidad osteomuscular, con mayor prevalencia en la columna cervical, torácica y lumbar. Un 43% de los profesionales presentaron fatiga residual. Se verificó asociación significativa entre fatiga y reducción de la capacidad laboral (p<0,003), así como asociación entre menor edad y mayor fatiga (p<0,03). Conclusión Los resultados mostraron una alta prevalencia de incomodidad osteomuscular en el último año y una cantidad considerable de profesionales que presentaron fatiga residual instalada. Se destaca también una importante parte de los trabajadores con moderada capacidad laboral, que requiere de atención a mediano plazo.

STATIC BALANCE MEASUREMENTS IN STABLE AND UNSTABLE CONDITIONS DO NOT DISCRIMINATE GROUPS OF YOUNG ADULTS ASSESSED BY THE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN™ (FMS™).

BACKGROUND: The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) has been the focus of recent research related to movement profiling and injury prediction. However, there is a paucity of studies examining the associations between physical performance tasks such as balance and the FMS™ screening system. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare measures of static balance in stable and unstable conditions between different groups divided by FMS™ scores. A secondary purpose was to discern if balance indices discriminate the groups divided by FMS™ scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Fifty-seven physically active subjects (25 men and 32 women; mean age of 22.9 ± 3.1 yrs) participated. The outcome was unilateral stance balance indices, composed by: Anteroposterior Index; Medial-lateral Index, and Overall Balance Index in stable and unstable conditions, as provided by the Biodex balance platform. Subjects were dichotomized into two groups, according to a FMS™ cut-off score of 14: FMS1 (score > 14) and FMS2 (score ≤ 14). The independent Students t-test was used to verify differences in balance indices between FMS1 and FMS2 groups. A discriminant analysis was applied in order to identify which of the balance indices would adequately discriminate the FMS™ groups. RESULTS: Comparisons between FMS1 and FMS2 groups in the stable and unstable conditions demonstrated a higher unstable Anteroposterior index for FMS2 (p=0.017). No significant differences were found for other comparisons (p>0.05). The indices did not discriminate the FMS™ groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The balance indices adopted in this study were not useful as a parameter for identification and discrimination of healthy subjects assessed by the FMS™. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c.

Comportamento motor de lactentes prematuros de baixo peso e muito baixo peso ao nascer / Comportamiento motor de bebés prematuros de bajo peso y muy bajo peso al nacer / Motor behavior of low birth weight and very low birth weight premature infants

RESUMO Os objetivos deste estudo foram verificar a diferença do comportamento motor entre lactentes prematuros de baixo peso (BP) e muito baixo peso (MBP) nos primeiros 8 meses de vida e avaliar o comportamento motor em diferentes faixas etárias desses lactentes. Avaliou-se 41 lactentes nascidos com BP (2.499 a 1.500g) e 22 com MBP (1.499 a 1.000g). Dividiu-se os grupos nas faixas de RN-1 mês, 2-4 meses e 5-8 meses, e seu comportamento motor foi analisado pelo escore e percentil da Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Foi utilizado o teste Kruskall-Wallis para verificar a diferença do comportamento motor entre as faixas etárias (RN a 1 mês, 2-4 meses e 5-8 meses) em cada grupo independentemente. Para verificar a diferença entre os grupos (BP e MBP) em cada faixa etária utilizou-se o teste Mann-Whitney (p≤0,05). Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos BP e MBP, tanto no escore (p=0,011) quanto nos percentis (p=0,010), nas faixas etárias de 2-4 e 5-8 meses (p=0,017; p=0,013, respectivamente). Na comparação entre 0-1 mês e 2-4 meses foram observados maiores escores nos grupos BP (p=0,000) e MBP (p=0,001) e menores percentis (p=0,003) no grupo MBP aos 2-4 meses. Entre 0-1 mês e 5-8 meses, observamos maiores escores (p=0,000; p=0,000) e menores percentis (p=0,005; p=0,000) aos 5-8 meses, bem como, entre 2-4 e 5-8 meses apresentaram maior escore (p=0,000; p=0,000) e menor percentil (p=0,006; p=0,004) aos 5-8 meses. O peso ao nascer demonstrou ter repercussão importante no desenvolvimento motor de lactentes prematuros, sendo que atrasos podem ser mais nítidos em idades mais avançadas.

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene el propósito de comprobar la diferencia de comportamiento motor entre bebés prematuros de bajo peso (BP) y muy bajo peso (MBP) en sus primeros 8 meses de vida y de evaluar sus comportamientos motores en las distintas franjas etarias. Participaron del estudio 41 bebés BP (2499 a 1500g) y 22 bebés MBP (1499 a 1000g). Los grupos fueron divididos según las franjas etarias de RN-1 mes, 2-4 meses y 5-8 meses de edad, y su comportamiento motor fue evaluado según la puntuación y el percentil de Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Para comprobar la diferencia de comportamiento motor entre las franjas etarias (RN a 1 mes, 2-4 meses y 5-8 meses) en cada grupo independientemente se utilizó el test Kruskall-Wallis, y para comprobar la diferencia entre los grupos (BP y MBP) en cada franja etaria se utilizó el test Mann-Whitney (p≤0,05). Se mostró una diferencia significativa entre estos grupos tanto en la puntuación (p=0,011) cuanto en los percentiles (p=0,010), en las franjas etarias de 2-4 y de 5-8 meses (p=0,017; p=0,013, respectivamente). Al comparar los bebés de 0-1 mes y los de 2-4 meses se concluyó que las mayores puntuaciones entre los grupos BP (p=0,000) y MBP (p=0,001) y los menores percentiles (p=0,003) en el grupo MBP que tiene 2-4 meses. Ya entre los de 0-1 mes y de 5-8 meses obtuvieron las mayores puntuaciones (p=0,000; p=0,000) y con los de 5-8 meses los menores percentiles (p=0,005; p=0,000), así como entre los de 2-4 y de 5-8 meses obtuvieron mayor puntuación (p=0,000; p=0,000) y los de 5-8 meses menor percentil (p=0,006; p=0,004). Se concluyó que el peso al nacer muestra una importante resonancia para el desarrollo motor de bebés prematuros y que retrasos pueden ser más visibles en edades más avanzadas.

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to verify the difference between the motor behaviors of low birth weight (LBW) premature infants and very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants in the first 8 months of life and assess motor behavior of these infants in different age groups. We evaluated 41 LBW infants (2499g to 1500g) and 22 VLBW infants (1499g to 1000g). Groups were divided according to age into NB-1 month, 2-4 months, and 5-8 months, and their motor behavior was analyzed by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) score and percentile. Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized to verify the difference of motor behavior between age groups (NB to 1 month, 2-4 months, and 5-8 months) in each group independently. To detect differences between groups (LBW and VLBW) in each age group, we used the Mann-Whitney test (p≤0.05). A significant difference was observed between the LBW group and the VLBW group, both for score (p=0.011) and percentiles (p=0.010), in age groups 2-4 months and 5-8 months (p=0.017; p=0.013, respectively). In the comparison between age groups 0-1 month and 2-4 months, we observed higher scores for the LBW (p=0.000) and VLBW (p=0.001) groups and lower percentiles (p=0.003) for the VLBW group at 2-4 months. Between age groups 0-1 month and 5-8 months, we observed higher scores (p=0.000; p=0.000) and lower percentiles (p=0.005; p=0.000) at 5-8 months. Between age groups 2-4 months and 5-8 months, we observed higher score (p=0.000; p=0.000) and lower percentile (p=0.006; p=0.004) at 5-8 months. Birth weight had a significant impact on motor development of premature infants, and developmental delays can be more evident at older ages.