Reproducibility (reliability and agreement) of ventilatory threshold and peak responses during cardiopulmonary exercise test in people with stroke.

BACKGROUND: A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is used to determine the ventilatory thresholds and to directly assess cardiorespiratory capacity. However, its reproducibility should be tested in people with stroke as sequelae imposed by the stroke may induce important variations among and within each subject, affecting the reproducibility of the physiological responses to CPET. PURPOSE: This cross-sectional repeated measures study design aims to determine the reproducibility of anaerobic threshold (AT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and maximal cardiorespiratory capacity assessed during a CPET in people with stroke. METHODS: Twenty-eight subjects with hemiparesis after stroke aging 60 ± 13 years were submitted to two treadmill CPETs with identical protocols. DATA ANALYSIS: The reproducibility of heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) obtained at AT, RCP, and peak effort was evaluated by systematic error (paired t-test); reliability (ICC and 95% confidence interval); and agreement (typical error and coefficient of variation). RESULTS: There were no systematic errors for HR and VO2assessed at AT, RCP, and peak effort (p > 0,05). Reliability was high for these variables during CPET (ICCs > 0.93). Agreement was good for all variables. Typical errors for HR and VO2 assessed at AT, RCP, and peak effort were, respectively, 7, 7, and 8 bpm, and 1.51, 1.44, and 1.57 ml.kg-1.min-1. Coefficients of variation assessed at AT, RCP, and peak effort were, respectively, 5.7, 5.1, and 6.0% for HR and 8.7, 7.3, and 7.5% for VO2. CONCLUSIONS: HR and VO2 measured at AT, RCP, and peak effort during a treadmill CPET present good reproducibility in people with stroke, showing high reliability and good agreement.

Associação entre velocidade de reserva e medo de quedas em indivíduos pós acidente vascular encefálico / Association between walking speed reserve and fear of falling in stroke survivors

Objective: Stroke survivors may have residual mobility impairments and an inability to improve walking speed in daily life and can result in falls, one of the most common complications after a stroke. The ability to improve walking speed is determined by the difference between the fast and self-selected walking speed, the walking speed reserve (WRS). So, the objective is to investigate the relationship between the WRS capacity and the fear of falling in stroke survivors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with fifty five stroke survivors. The WRS was determined by the 10 meter walk test (10MWT, in m/s), and the fear of falling was assessed by Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I in points). Pearson's correlation was used to investigate the association between the WRS and fear of falling. Results: 54.5% were male, with a mean age of 62.5 (SD 14.9) years and 41% were community walkers (≥0.8m/s). The WRS was 0.17±0.17m/s, and the mean FES-I score was 31.79±9.88. A negative and statistically significant association was found, with a reasonable magnitude between the WSR and the FES-I score (r= -0.38; p= 0.005). Conclusion: Stroke survivors who have greater WSR capacity, have a lower score on the FES-i scale, indicating less fear of falling.

Objetivo: Os indivíduos pós AVE podem ter déficits residuais de mobilidade e incapacidade de aumentar a velocidade de caminhada na vida diária e podem resultar em quedas, uma das complicações mais comuns após um AVE. A capacidade de aumentar a velocidade de caminhada é determinada pela diferença entre a velocidade de caminhada máxima e auto-selecionada, a velocidade de reserva (VR). Assim, o objetivo é investigar a relação entre a VR e o medo de cair em indivíduos pós AVE. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com cinquenta e cinco indivíduos pós AVE. A VR foi determinada pelo teste de caminhada de 10 metros (TC10m, em m/s), e o medo de cair foi avaliado pela Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I em pontos). A correlação de Pearson foi usada para investigar a associação entre a VR e o medo de cair. Resultados: 54,5% eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 62,5 (DP 14,9) anos e 41% eram deambuladores comunitários (≥0,8m/s). A VR foi de 0,17±0,17m/s, e o escore médio da FES-I foi de 31,79±9,88. Encontrou-se associação negativa e estatisticamente significativa, com magnitude razoável entre a VR e o escore da FES-I (r= -0,38; p= 0,005). Conclusão: Os indivíduos pós AVE que têm maior VR, apresentam uma pontuação mais baixa na escala FES-i, indicando menor medo de cair.

Validation of the Duke Activity Status Index questionnaire by telephone In individuals after stroke.

Background: Due to social restrictions caused by the pandemic, there was a need to validate outcome measures that could be administered by telephone call. Administration by telephone allows to remotely follow up stroke survivors since most of them have mobility restrictions. This study aims to investigate the validity of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire administration to chronic stroke survivors through telephone call. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, developed according to COSMIN and GRRAS recommendations. It was recruited chronic stroke survivors, who answered the DASI questionnaire in two different time-points, in person and after a period of 5-7 days through a telephone call. Results: Out of 260 subjects, 50 individuals (52% women) with a mean age of 56 ± 17 years were included. No statistically significant differences were observed (MD = -0.88; SD:4.14; 95% CI, -2.06 to 0.28; p = 0.13) on the total score of DASI administered in person and by telephone call. There was a very high agreement between the administration modes (ICC - 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98; p < 0.05). The Kappa coefficient ranged from 0.390 to 1.000, with the first item showing the best agreement (k = 1.000) and the fourth showing the worst agreement (k = 0.390). Conclusions: The DASI questionnaire is valid to assess functional capacity and can be administered through telephone in chronic stroke survivors. Thus, clinicians and researchers may decide to avoid patient transportations administering DASI through telephone call, as a reliable measure for stroke survivors.

Moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise performed before motor practice attenuates offline implicit motor learning in stroke survivors but not age-matched neurotypical adults.

The acute impact of cardiovascular exercise on implicit motor learning of stroke survivors is still unknown. We investigated the effects of cardiovascular exercise on implicit motor learning of mild-moderately impaired chronic stroke survivors and neurotypical adults. We addressed whether exercise priming effects are time-dependent (e.g., exercise before or after practice) in the encoding (acquisition) and recall (retention) phases. Forty-five stroke survivors and 45 age-matched neurotypical adults were randomized into three sub-groups: BEFORE (exercise, then motor practice), AFTER (motor practice, then exercise), and No-EX (motor practice alone). All sub-groups practiced a serial reaction time task (five repeated and two pseudorandom sequences per day) on three consecutive days, followed 7 days later by a retention test (one repeated sequence). Exercise was performed on a stationary bike, (one 20-min bout per day) at 50% to 70% heart rate reserve. Implicit motor learning was measured as a difference score (repeated-pseudorandom sequence response time) during practice (acquisition) and recall (delayed retention). Separate analyses were performed on the stroke and neurotypical groups using linear mixed-effects models (participant ID was a random effect). There was no exercise-induced benefit on implicit motor learning for any sub-group. However, exercise performed before practice impaired encoding in neurotypical adults and attenuated retention performance of stroke survivors. There is no benefit to implicit motor learning of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise for stroke survivors or age-matched neurotypical adults, regardless of timing. Practice under a high arousal state and exercise-induced fatigue may have attenuated offline learning in stroke survivors.

Does Cognitive Impairment Impact Motor Learning? A Scoping Review of Elderly Individuals With Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Individuals with cognitive impairment may have motor learning deficits due to the high engagement of cognitive mechanisms during motor skill acquisition. We conducted a scoping review to address the quality of current research on the relationship between cognitive impairments (i.e., deficits in attention, memory, planning and executive functions) and motor learning among older adults with Alzheimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment. After screening thousands of articles, we selected 15 studies describing cognitive assessment tools, experimental designs, and the severity of cognitive impairment. Although seven studies reported that cognitive impairment impaired motor learning, most studies included a high risk of bias. We identified multiple assessment tools across these studies that make comparisons among findings difficult. Future research in this area should focus on the influence of increased practice days during motor learning acquisition and incorporate both retention and transfer tests. Cognitive assessments should target the specific cognitive skills or deficits most closely related to the motor learning process.

The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B): a structural validity analysis.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy has been shown to play an important role in rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients. The Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Brazil (SSEQ-B) is designed to assess self-efficacy of functional performance after stroke. OBJECTIVE: This research sought to address the structural validity of the SSEQ-B using exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. We performed a reliability assessment and structural validation of the SSEQ-B in 115 Brazilian stroke survivors living in Rio Grande do Sul or São Paulo. Results: Sample mean age was 62.7 ± 14.2 years. Internal consistency presents a Cronbach's Alpha (αC) of 0.829. Exploratory factorial analysis using the scree plot method revealed a bifactorial structure, consisting of activity and self-management domains. While confirmatory factorial analysis suggested a trifactorial structure, the loading ranges between factors 1 and 3 were very similar, suggesting they could be collapsed - resulting in the same factors found in the scree plot analysis. Both structures with subscales showed good construct validity. CONCLUSION: SSEQ-B is a valid and reliable measure of stroke self-efficacy. The preferred structure of the SSEQ-B is bifactorial and includes the domains activity and self-management.

Does dual task merged in a mixed physical exercise protocol impact the mobility under dual task conditions in mild impaired stroke survivors? A feasibility, safety, randomized, and controlled pilot trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and effects of dual task (DT) in a mixed physical exercise protocol on mobility under DT in stroke survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six chronic mild-impaired stroke survivors (age 51.57 ± 12.55; men= 13, women= 13) were randomly assigned into Experimental Group participating in a 15-week mixed (aerobic and resistance exercises performing a cognitive DT condition simultaneously) physical exercise protocol (30 sessions, 2x/week, duration of 60-90 min), and Control Group engaged in the same protocol without DT. Feasibility and outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention and in a 5-week follow-up. RESULTS: DT physical exercise protocol was viable and safe. This protocol also improved mobility and gait when performed under DT, which was not found in the control group. DT does not influence aerobic resistance, strength, and balance responsiveness. It does not present any improvement in cognition, self-efficacy for falls, and quality of life. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that mixed physical exercise under DT is feasible and safe for mild-impaired stroke survivors. Stroke survivors demonstrate more significant improvement in the mobility performance under DT when submitted to a DT mixed physical exercise protocol than the standard physical exercise intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian clinical trials registry (RBR-4mvzz6); WHO trial record (U1111-1198-7173)IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDT training can be prescribed by using clear and precise parameters for stroke survivors.Physical Exercise without DT requirements did not improve mobility performing and cognitive tasks simultaneously in stroke survivors.Clinicians are encouraged to incorporate DT requirements into the exercise routines to enhance mobility under DT to mild-moderate stroke survivors.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities for Brazilian Individuals With Parkinson's Disease.

The Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) is not available to Portuguese-Brazil. This study translates, cross-culturally adapts, and validates the PASIPD for Brazilian individuals with Parkinson's disease. The translation process followed guidelines: initial translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee, and pretest. The validation and reliability processes were conducted with 40 individuals (15 men and 25 women) with Parkinson's disease. Concurrent validity was evaluated between PASIPD to Brazilian Portuguese, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Human Activity Profile. PASIPD to Brazilian Portuguese was found to be moderately correlated with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (r = .474, p < .05); however, there was no correlation with Human Activity Profile (r = .271, p < .05). We used the intrarater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient and test-retest. Intrarater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = .80). Internal consistency was considered adequate by Cronbach's alpha (α = .70). PASIPD to Brazilian Portuguese is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating physical activity levels in Brazilian individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Comparison of the Effects of an Exergame-Based Program with Conventional Physiotherapy Protocol Based on Core Areas of the European Guideline on Postural Control, Functional Mobility, and Quality of Life in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Impairment of postural control and functional mobility are debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition to limiting performance in activities of daily living, it is associated with a higher prevalence of falls in this population. Particularly, dysfunction in postural control does not respond to dopaminergic replacement therapy, but physiotherapy can improve this outcome in patients with PD. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of training based on Kinect Adventures games compared with a conventional physiotherapy protocol based on the core areas of the European physiotherapy guideline in patients with PD on postural control, functional mobility, self-perception of confidence in the balance, quality of life (QoL), lower limb muscle strength, transfer skill and motor function, as well as to observe adherence and safety interventions. Methods: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with idiopathic PD were randomized into two groups, and performed 14 training sessions, twice a week for 60 minutes. The primary outcome assessed postural control using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest). The following were evaluated as secondary outcomes: limit of stability; balance functional reserve and center of pressure area by computerized posturography; functional mobility by the Timed Up and Go test; self-confidence in balance through the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale; QoL through the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire; lower limb muscle strength by the Five Times Sit-To-Stand test; and motor function by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. Results: Patients completed training sessions with high rates of safety and adherence. After training, there was a significant improvement in postural control, motor function, and QoL. Conclusion: Both interventions proved to be safe, applicable, and effective to improve postural control, QoL, and motor function in patients with PD. However, there was no difference between the effects of Kinect Adventures games and conventional physiotherapeutic protocol in patients with PD. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-27kqv5).

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

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

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

Adherence rate, barriers to attend, safety and overall experience of a physical exercise program via telemonitoring during COVID-19 pandemic for individuals with Parkinson's disease: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Telemonitoring can maintain daily exercise routine during the COVID-19 pandemic of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there are barriers to adherence and attendance with remote physical rehabilitation. The main objective of this study was to evaluate adherence rate, barriers to attendance, and safety of a telemonitoring program for individuals with PD; and secondarily to evaluate the individual and their family members perceived overall experience when performing the telemonitoring physical exercise program. METHODS: This was a phase 1 of a clinical trial, engaging 19 individuals with idiopathic PD of an in-person community rehabilitation program. For 24 weeks an asynchronous telemonitoring physical exercise program delivered two sessions per week by video including warm-up, balance, aerobic and resistance exercises, and cool-down. During the remote program were verified: adherence rate at entrance, attendance rate, barriers to attend, safety, and overall experience of the program. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Only one participant did not perform any session and 18 participants completed between 2 and 34 sessions. Participants with a caregiver showed higher attendance rates. The most frequently cited barriers to attend the program were: pain; lack of motor skills; and reduced physical fitness. In relation to safety of the program, the most frequently reported was fear of falling. Although participants reported the telemonitoring program induced health benefits and they had positive experiences for themselves and for their families, most of participants prefer an in-person program. In this sense, the asynchronous telemonitoring physical exercise program was safe, showed moderate adherence, with attendance rate depending on the presence of a companion.

Effects of the brain-damaged side after stroke on the learning of a balance task in a non-immersive virtual reality environment.

Background: Post-stroke survivors with right hemisphere injury have more impairments in postural control and balance. However, the impact of the hemisphere injured on the process of balance reacquisition has not been fully explored. We hypothesized that stroke survivors could learn balance tasks (H1), but right hemisphere damaged patients would show poor motor learning if compared to left hemisphere damaged patients (H2)Objective: To investigate whether the brain-damaged side after stroke affects the learning of a balance task. Methods: Three groups were recruited: twenty stroke survivors (ten left and ten right hemisphere damage) and twenty healthy volunteers. The participants practiced a balance task for thirty minutes, four consecutive days. The task was the Table Tilt game (NintendoTM Company), which induces balance demands with a progression of complexity. Motor performance was assessed at baseline, post-practice and after one week (retention test). Accuracy, errors, and complexity of the task achieved during the trial were assessedResults: Participants in all groups improved their performance (p < .001) and maintained it at the retention test. The control group showed better performance if compared to the right and left hemisphere damaged stroke survivors (p < .05). There was no difference between individuals with right and left hemisphere damaged, but the right hemisphere damaged patients demonstrated more errors at higher levels of complexityConclusion: Stroke survivors can learn balance tasks (H1), and the right hemisphere damaged patients demonstrate more errors than those with left hemisphere injury in higher complexity conditions (H2).

Physical activity level is associated with gait performance and five times sit-to-stand in Parkinson's disease individuals.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) level is decreased in individuals with Parkinson´s disease (PD). To increase the PA level improves both motor and non-motor symptoms of this population. It is known that gait performance and five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) are associated with PA level; therefore, it is of great relevance for rehabilitation purposes to understand whether these variables may predict PA level of individuals with PD. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gait performance and FTSTS are predictors of PA level. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with individuals with idiopathic PD modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale between 1.0 and 3.0. The gait performance was measured by Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and PA level was measured by an accelerometer for one week, during day and night through their time spend in locomotion (locomotion time-LT). Multiple linear regression was conducted with gait performance and FTSTS as independent variables and PA level (LT) as dependent variable. RESULTS: Twenty-two participants were included, mean age 64.82 (8.39) and the mean storage of accelerometer time was 9.866 min (0.33). Both gait performance and FTSTS have moderate significant correlation with PA level (r = - 0.538 p < 0.01 and r = 0.625 p < 0.001, respectively). The linear regression model with FGA and FTSTS was significant (p < 0.05) and predicted 41% of LT. CONCLUSION: Gait performance and FTSTS have important interaction with PA level measured by LT in individuals with PD, and it provides insights on the importance of these variables in predicting the PA level of its population.

Functional capacity and walking speed reserve in individuals with chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with stroke experience residual walking disabilities, as the inability to increase walking speed (walking speed reserve - WSR), and frequently present decreasing in functional capacity. The relation between functional capacity and walking ability may contribute to more specific functional management of stroke. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between WSR and functional capacity in individuals with chronic stroke and compare functional capacity between individuals who can increase walking speed or not. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, where functional capacity was assessed with the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), in metabolic equivalent (METS). WSR was assessed through the difference between fast and self-selected speed (in m/s). The individuals were assigned into two groups: able (WSR ≥ 0.2 m/s) and unable (WSR<0.2 m/s) to increase speed. Pearson's correlation and t test were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-five individuals (functional capacity 23 ± 13 METS and WSR 0.3 ± 0.2 m/s) were included. The association between functional capacity and WSR was positive and statistically significant, with moderate magnitude (r = 0.56) (p < .001). Individuals who were unable to increase their walking speed have less functional capacity (17.5 versus 31.3) (p = .003). CONCLUSION: Functional capacity has a positive association with WSR in individuals with chronic stroke. The individuals who are unable to increase walking speed present lower functional capacity.

mHealth technologies used to capture walking and arm use behavior in adult stroke survivors: a scoping review beyond measurement properties.

PURPOSE: We aimed to provide a critical review of measurement properties of mHealth technologies used for stroke survivors to measure the amount and intensity of functional skills, and to identify facilitators and barriers toward adoption in research and clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework, two independent reviewers determined eligibility and performed data extraction. We conducted an online consultation survey exercise with 37 experts. RESULTS: Sixty-four out of 1380 studies were included. A majority reported on lower limb behavior (n = 32), primarily step count (n = 21). Seventeen studies reported on arm-hand behaviors. Twenty-two studies reported metrics of intensity, 10 reported on energy expenditure. Reliability and validity were the most frequently reported properties, both for commercial and non-commercial devices. Facilitators and barriers included: resource costs, technical aspects, perceived usability, and ecological legitimacy. Two additional categories emerged from the survey: safety and knowledge, attitude, and clinical skill. CONCLUSIONS: This provides an initial foundation for a field experiencing rapid growth, new opportunities and the promise that mHealth technologies affords for envisioning a better future for stroke survivors. We synthesized findings into a set of recommendations for clinicians and clinician-scientists about how best to choose mHealth technologies for one's individual objective.Implications for RehabilitationRehabilitation professionals are encouraged to consider the measurement properties of those technologies that are used to monitor functional locomotor and object-interaction skills in the stroke survivors they serve.Multi-modal knowledge translation strategies (research synthesis, educational courses or videos, mentorship from experts, etc.) are available to rehabilitation professionals to improve knowledge, attitude, and skills pertaining to mHealth technologies.Consider the selection of commercially available devices that are proven to be valid, reliable, accurate, and responsive to the targeted clinical population.Consider usability and privacy, confidentiality and safety when choosing a specific device or smartphone application.

Physiological responses during active video games in spinal cord injury: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the physiological responses to active video games (AVG) in individuals with spinal cord injury by comparing oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) during an AVG session and at the ventilatory thresholds (i.e., anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensation point); and by calculating the session energy expenditure (EE). METHOD: Eight paraplegic individuals with spinal cord injury underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests in an arm cycle ergometer to determine ventilatory thresholds. Then, they underwent three experimental sessions: two of AVG (4 sets of 3 min of Tennis and 4 min of Boxing) and one control (watching a movie). HR and VO2 were continuously measured, and the total energy expenditure was calculated from it. RESULTS: HR and VO2 were similar in both AVG sessions and higher than in the control session (p < .05). Mean HR and VO2 in Tennis and Boxing were, respectively, 100 ± 7 and 114 ± 9 bpm and 7.9 ± 1.2 and 10.3 ± 1.4 ml.kg-1.min-1.HR and VO2 during both games did not differ significantly from the anaerobic threshold (121 ± 2 bpm and 10.6 ± 1.0 ml.kg-1.min-1, p > .05). Mean energy expenditure during the AVG sessions was 2.4 METS, while the total was 136 kcal. CONCLUSION: The AVG generated an aerobic stimulus equivalent to the anaerobic threshold that increased basal metabolism 2.6 times, characterizing a low-intensity aerobic exercise.

Cardiovascular exercise and motor learning in non-disabled individuals: A systematic review with a behavioral emphasis

Abstract Aim: This systematic review aimed to investigate the acute effects of cardiovascular exercise on motor learning of non-disabled individuals. Methods: Forty studies were identified through database searching (PsycINFO, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Scielo, and PUBMED). The studies demonstrated heterogeneity and were classified into two categories to guide the analyses: (1) - studies that investigated the effects of exercise-induced fatigue during practice on the performance in the retention test; (2) - studies that verified the acute impact of the cardiovascular exercise in close temporal proximity to the task practice on motor learning. Results: The studies demonstrated that (1) - the practice under fatigue conditions did not impair motor learning and that (2) - the cardiovascular exercise bout performed in close temporal proximity to task practice enhances the motor learning processes. Conclusion: Cardiovascular exercise enhances motor learning processes; however, these priming effects are dependents on the timing between practice and exercise, type of exercise, and task characteristics.

Adherence Rate, Barriers to Attend, Safety, and Overall Experience of a Remote Physical Exercise Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Individuals After Stroke.

Introduction: The actions taken by the government to deal with the consequences of the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused different levels of restriction on the mobility of the population. The need to continue offering physical exercise to individuals after stroke became an emergency. However, these individuals may have barriers to adhere to the programs delivered remotely. There is a lack of evidence related to adherence, attendance, safety, and satisfaction of remote exercise programs for this population. Objective: The aim was to evaluate adherence and barriers to attend a remote physical exercise program for individuals after stroke. We aimed (a) to identify adherence and attendance rate of the remote physical exercise program (i.e., number of participants engaged, number of sessions attended, and exercise time in remote program); (b) to identify the safety of a remote physical exercise program (i.e., falls, pain, or dizziness when performing the exercises, fear, or insecurity); and (c) to identify the overall experience to participate in a remote program. Materials and methods: This is a longitudinal study, including 36 stroke survivors who already attended a face-to-face physical exercise program prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The remote physical exercise program included sessions for 2 days/week for a duration of 22 weeks, with a total of 44 sessions, which were delivered asynchrony via recorded video sessions. As outcome measures, we performed two questionnaires (via weekly telephone calls) to identify attendance, barriers, safety, and overall experience related to the program. Results: The adherence rate was 86 (9%). The attendance rate was 19, with a total of 8 sessions (108.3 min/week). The main barriers for lower attendance rate were as follows: lack of motor skills and physical fitness to workout in 80 reports (20.6%), followed by no exercise companion in 44 reports (11.3%). The remote physical program has been shown to be safe, and the overall experience was positive from the perspectives of the participants and the family members. Conclusion: Although the adherence rate was high, the attendance rate was low on the remote physical exercise program. The main barriers to attending the program remotely reflect the need of tailoring individually an asynchrony mode of delivering the sessions to individuals after stroke. Our results also indicate how the COVID-19 impacted the health conditions of stroke survivors. The program was safe, and the overall experience indicated a change in the mental, physical, and social health of individuals after stroke and their family members.

Immersive Virtual Tasks With Motor and Cognitive Components: A Feasibility Study With Young and Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of immersive virtual tasks. METHODS: The authors recruited 11 young adults and 10 older adults. The participants performed three virtual reaching tasks while walking on a virtual path. The descriptive analysis and comparison between participants were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test for nonparametric and nominal variables, respectively. The authors also used analysis of variance for a between-groups comparison for normal variables. RESULTS: Twenty percent of older adults and 81.8% of young adults completed all three tasks (chi-square test; p = .005). Both groups reported minor symptoms, with no significant differences. The older adults were more motivated to practice the tasks (Mann-Whitney U test; p = .015) and would be more likely to suggest them to others (chi-square test; p = .034). CONCLUSION: All three tasks were feasible for young adults. All participants, except for one, had cybersickness. The symptoms were mostly mild and subsided once the interaction was complete.