Equine-assisted therapy in quality of life and functioning of people with active epilepsy: A feasibility study.

People with active epilepsy, which is often associated with specific neurological conditions, endure significant impairments in quality of life (QoL) and functioning, particularly those in middle-income countries. Physical intervention plays an essential role in addressing these challenges. This study investigated the impact of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) on QoL, functional independence, sleep quality, antiseizure medications, and frequency of seizures among people with epilepsy (PWE), with or without additional neurological conditions. Fourteen participants aged 4-34 years old diagnosed with focal epilepsy participated in a structured EAT program. The EAT program consisted of 36 sessions, each lasting 30 min and conducted weekly. Data were collected at four different times: baseline (T1), after 12 sessions (T2), after 24 sessions (T3), and after 36 sessions (T4). The assessments included the Quality of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Liverpool Adverse Event Profile (LAEP) scores. Seizure frequency was monitored continuously. Horse welfare was evaluated using the Horse Welfare Assessment Protocol (HWAP). After the EAT intervention, significant improvements were observed in the QoL scores (from 62.18 [57.88 - 70.25] to 80.18 [65.30 - 86.78]) and in FIM values (from 70.00 [36.50 - 97.75] to 70.00 [51.75 - 116.75]), particularly in the self-care and social cognition domains. Additionally, there was also a decrease in seizure frequency, adverse effects of antiseizure medications, and sleep quality. The HWAP indicated satisfactory welfare conditions for the horses. These findings indicate that EAT holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for improving the QoL and functioning of PWE. Tailored interventions are essential to address the diverse challenges faced by PWE, emphasizing the need for further research on effective therapeutic approaches.

Acute clinical outcomes predict both generic and specific health-related quality of life six and 12 months after stroke: A one-year prospective study developed in a middle-income country.

OBJECTIVE: To identify acute predictors of generic and specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) six and 12 months after stroke in individuals from a middle-income country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study. The dependent outcomes assessed during six and 12 months after stroke included both generic and specific HRQoL (Short Form Health Survey-36 [SF-36] and stroke-specific quality of life [SSQOL]). The predictors were age, sex, education level, length of hospital stay, current living arrangement, stroke severity, functional independence, and motor impairment. RESULTS: 122 (59.9±14 years) and 103 (59.8±14.71 years) individuals were evaluated six and 12 months after stroke, respectively. Functional independence and sex were significant acute predictors of both generic and specific HRQoL. Functional independence was the strongest predictor (0.149≤R2≤0.262; 20.01≤F≤43.96, p<0.001), except for generic HRQoL at 12 months, where sex was the strongest predictor (R2=0.14; F=17.97, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Generic and specific HRQoL in chronic individuals six and 12 months after stroke, from a middle-income country, can be predicted based on functional independence, the strongest predictor, assessed in the acute phase, except for generic HRQoL at 12 months. Functional independence can be modified by rehabilitation strategies and thus should be considered for HRQoL prognoses at chronic phase.

A Multidimensional, Person-Centered Framework for Functional Assessment in Dementia: Insights from the 'What', 'How', 'To Whom', and 'How Much' Questions.

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with progressive functional decline (FD). FD is a core diagnostic criterion for dementia, setting the threshold between its prodromal stages and the full-blown disease. The operationalization of FD continues to generate a great deal of controversy. For instance, the threshold of FD for the diagnosis of dementia varies across diagnostic criteria, supporting the need for standardization of this construct. Moreover, there is a need to reconsider how we are measuring FD to set boundaries between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. In this paper, we propose a multidimensional framework that addresses outstanding issues in the assessment of FD: i) What activities of daily living (ADLs) are necessary to sustain an independent living in aging? ii) How to assess FD in individuals with suspected neurocognitive disorders? iii) To whom is the assessment directed? and iv) How much does FD differentiate healthy aging from mild and major neurocognitive disorders? Importantly, the To Whom Question introduces a person-centered approach that regards patients and caregivers as active agents in the assessment process of FD. Thus, once impaired ADLs have been identified, patients can indicate how significant such impairments are for them in daily life. We envisage that this new framework will guide future strategies to enhance functional assessment and treatment of patients with dementia and their caregivers.

Different resistance training volumes on strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Aging causes several changes in the body, reducing strength and muscle mass, which leads to a decline in function. Resistance training (RT) is used to counteract these changes. However, there is still ongoing debate about the optimal volume of RT in the context of aging. We systematically reviewed articles that assessed the impact of different volumes of RT on muscular strength, functional fitness, and body composition of older people. We conducted a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, PEDro, and Google Scholar databases, using keywords related to the older population and various RT volumes. We performed meta-analyses for each outcome separately using intervention time in weeks for subgroup analyses. We employed random effects models for all meta-analyses and expressed the results as standardized mean differences (Hedges' g). We included 31 studies, encompassing a total of 1.744 participants. The sample size ranged from 18 to 376, with an average size of 56 participants. Participants' ages ranged from 60 to 83 years. On average, HV-RT (High-Volume Resistance Training) induced significant adaptations in muscle strength of the upper limbs (g = 0.36; 95 % CI = 0.11-0.61) and lower limbs (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59), with superiority more pronounced after 12 weeks of training. Regarding functional fitness, there was a tendency favoring HV-RT (g = 0.41; 95 % CI = 0.23-0.59). Thus, HV-RT outperforms LV-RT (Low-Volume Resistance Training) in enhancing muscle strength, particularly in longer interventions with independent older adults.

A retrospective study of Cerebrolysin in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: Cognitive and functional outcomes.

In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the neurotrophic compound Cerebrolysin on executive, cognitive, and functional performance in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a highly severe disability level. A total of 44 patients were included in the study, with 33 patients in the control group and 11 patients in the interventional group who received intravenous infusions of 30 mL Cerebrolysin. Both groups received standard rehabilitation therapy following the rehabilitation protocol for patients with TBI at Hospital Clínico Mutual de Seguridad. Functional and cognitive scales were evaluated at baseline, at four months, and at the endpoint of the intervention therapy at seven months (on average). The results revealed a significant improvement in the Cerebrolysin-treated group compared to the control group. Specifically, patients who received Cerebrolysin showed a moderate residual disability and a significant reduction in the need for care. Concerning the promising results and considering the limitations of the retrospective study design, we suggest that randomized controlled studies be initiated to corroborate the positive findings for Cerebrolysin in patients with moderate to severe brain trauma.

Functional independence measured in the acute phase of stroke predicts both generic and specific health-related quality of life: a 3-month prospective study in a middle-income country.

PURPOSE: To identify acute predictors of both generic and specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 3 months after stroke in individuals from a middle-income country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-month prospective study with individuals who had suffered their first stroke, without previous disability, discharged from a stroke unit. The dependent outcomes, assessed 3 months after stroke, were generic and specific HRQoL (SF-36 and SSQOL total scores, respectively). The predictors assessed in the stroke unit were age, sex, education level, duration of hospital stay, current living arrangement, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale-NIHSS), functional independence (Modified Barthel Index-MBI), motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), and lower- and upper-limb residual muscle strength deficits. Linear multiple regression analyses were employed to identify predictors of both generic (model-1) and specific (model-2) HRQoL (α = 5%). RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six individuals were assessed at 3-month post-stroke (61.3 ± 13.6 years). Regression analysis showed that functional independence was the best predictor of both generic (R2 = 21%; F = 34.82; p < 0.001) and specific (R2 = 29%; F = 51.71; p < 0.001) HRQoL at 3-month post-stroke. CONCLUSION: Both generic and specific HRQoL at 3-month post-stroke can be predicted by functional independence assessed in the acute phase with the MBI.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a patient-centered outcome, is essential for healthcare, mainly in stroke, a chronic disease with a broad spectrum of disabilities.Functional independence is a key outcome and should always be a part of characterizing patients before the rehabilitation process.Functional independence assessed with the Modified Barthel Index in the acute phase of stroke predicts both generic and specific HRQoL at 3-month post-stroke.Patients post-stroke with lower functional independence at hospital discharge may be at risk of having lower HRQoL at 3-month post-stroke.

Evaluación de profilaxis con factor VIII de origen plasmático en pacientes con hemofilia A severa / Evaluation of factor VIII prophylaxis of plasmatic origin in patients with severe hemophilia A / Avaliação da profilaxia do fator VIII de origem plasmática em pacientes com hemofilia A grave

Introducción: la hemofilia A severa (HAS) es una enfermedad hemorrágica hereditaria causada por un déficit de factor VIII (FVIII) menor al 1%. Se presenta principalmente con sangrados articulares, los cuales provocan una artropatía hemofílica que afecta su independencia funcional. El uso de la profilaxis terciaria con FVIII ofrece beneficios en adultos disminuyendo la tasa anual de sangrado (TAS) y mejorando la independencia funcional. Objetivo: determinar el porcentaje de pacientes que logran mantener un nivel de FVIII mayor al 1%, conocer si existe una mejora en la independencia funcional, así como una disminución en la TAS con el régimen profiláctico empleado. Métodos: estudio observacional, analítico. Se incluyó a los pacientes con HAS que se controlaron en el Hospital de Clínicas "Dr. Manuel Quintela" durante 2020 en profilaxis con FVIII durante 12 meses. Se obtuvieron tres muestras separadas en el tiempo para dosificación de FVIII y se evaluó la TAS y la independencia funcional en cada paciente. Resultados: se analizaron ocho pacientes, todos presentaron valores de FVIII superiores al 1% a la hora y 24 horas posterior a la administración de FVIII. Los episodios de sangrado se redujeron 4,76 veces con el uso de la profilaxis (p = 0,019). La independencia funcional mostró que 5/8 pacientes mejoraron al menos 1 punto del score. Conclusiones: la profilaxis terciaria en estos pacientes fue beneficioso en reducir la TAS y mejorar su capacidad funcional.

Summary: Introduction: severe hemophilia A (SAH) is an hereditary hemorrhagic disease, caused by a factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency of less than 1%. It presents with joint bleeding mainly, which causes a hemophilic arthropathy, which affects its functional independence. The use of tertiary prophylaxis with FVIII offers benefits in adults by decreasing the annual bleeding rate (ABR) and improving functional independence. Objective: to determine the percentage of patients who manage to maintain an FVIII level greater than 1%, to know if there is an improvement in functional independence, as well as a decrease in the ABR with the prophylactic regimen used. Methods: observational, analytical study. Patients with SAH who were controlled at the Hospital de Clínicas "Dr. Manuel Quintela", during the year 2020, in prophylaxis with FVIII for 12 months were included. Three samples separated in time for FVIII dosing were obtained and the ABR and functional independence were evaluated in each patient. Results: 8 patients were analyzed, all presented FVIII higher than 1% at one hour and 24 hours after the administration of FVIII. The bleeding episodes were reduced 4.76 times with the use of Prophylaxis (p = 0.019). Functional independence showed that 5/8 patients improved at least 1 point in the Score. Conclusions: tertiary prophylaxis in these patients was beneficial in reducing SAD and improving their functional capacity.

Introdução: a hemofilia A grave (HAS) é uma doença hemorrágica hereditária, causada pela deficiência do fator VIII (FVIII) inferior a 1%. Apresenta-se principalmente com sangramento articular, que causa artropatia hemofílica, que afeta sua independência funcional. O uso de profilaxia terciária com FVIII oferece benefícios em adultos, reduzindo a taxa de sangramento anual (TAS) e melhorando a independência funcional. Objetivos: determinar a porcentagem de pacientes que conseguem manter um nível de FVIII maior que 1%, identificar uma possível melhora da independência funcional, bem como uma diminuição da TAS com o esquema profilático utilizado. Métodos: estudo observacional, analítico de pacientes com HAS controlados no Hospital das Clínicas "Dr. Manuel Quintela", durante o ano de 2020, em profilaxia com FVIII durante 12 meses. Foram obtidas três amostras separadas no tempo para dosagem de FVIII e avaliação da TAS e da independência funcional de cada paciente. Resultados: foram analisados 8 pacientes, todos apresentaram FVIII maior que 1% em uma hora e 24 horas após a administração do FVIII. Os episódios de sangramento foram reduzidos 4,76 vezes com o uso da profilaxia (p = 0,019). A independência funcional mostrou que 5/8 pacientes melhoraram pelo menos 1 ponto do escore FISH. Conclusões: a profilaxia terciária nesses pacientes foi benéfica na redução da TAS e na melhora da capacidade funcional.

Resistance Circuit Training or Walking Training: Which Program Improves Muscle Strength and Functional Autonomy More in Older Women?

To evaluate the effects of two programs (resistance and walking training) on the functional autonomy and muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) of older women, 67 subjects were divided randomly into three groups: resistance training (RTG; Mean = 64.70 ± 6.74 years), walking (WG, Mean = 65.56 ± 7.82 years), and control (CG; Mean = 64.81 ± 4.34). The experimental groups underwent a 16-week intervention. Muscle strength (isometric and dynamic) and functional autonomy were assessed. The subjects participating in the RTG showed improvements in the comparison pre to post-test in the maximal forces of upper limb (MULS) (Δ% = 49.48%; p = 0.001) and lower limb (MLLS) (Δ% = 56.70%; p = 0.001), isometric biceps forces (BIS) (Δ% = 30.13%; p = 0.001) and quadriceps forces (QIS) (Δ% = 65.92%; p = 0.001), and in the general index (GI) of functional autonomy (Δ% = −18.32%; p = 0.002). The WG improved in all functional autonomy tests, except for the standing up from prone position test (SVDP). In strength tests, the WG obtained improvements only in the QIS (Δ% = 41.80%; p = 0.001) and MLLS (Δ% = 49.13%; p = 0.001) tests. The RTG obtained better results (p < 0.05) when compared to the WG and CG. The results allow us to infer that resistance exercise programs are more effective in increasing strength and functional autonomy, a fact that may mitigate the deleterious effects on health of aging.

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.

This study investigated dance practice in psychosocial and functional aspects, and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Children with DS and ASD, between 3 and 12 years old, attended a dance program during 16 sessions/lessons, lasting 60 min, twice a week, in suitable place. Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Childhood Autism Rating Scale SF-36 quality of life survey, and Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Inquiry (KAP Inquiry) were applied before and after dance classes. Eleven participants concluded the study. Functional independence changes were observed in relation to self-care, sphincter control, locomotion, and communication domains. Children' "quality of life" reported by parents showed changes in functional capacity, vitality, mental health, physical and social aspects, and general state of health domains. These findings suggest that regular dance practice can underlie psychosocial adjustments in children with DS and ASD.

Functional independence analysis in persons with spinal cord injury / Análise da independência funcional em indivíduos com lesão da medula espinal

Abstract Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) radically changes a person's life because of alterations in body dynamics, leading to disabilities and reduced functionality. Objective To analyze the functional independence of individuals with spinal cord injury and compare the groups. Methods Individuals with SCI were interviewed about their functional independence using the Brazilian version of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self-Reported Version (brSCIM-SR) and later their respective domains and subdomains were compared between diagnostic groups, time since injury and sex. Results The sample consisted of fifty individuals aged 40.92 ± 13.93 years, predominantly men and diagnosed with paraplegia. In most brSCIM-SR domains, all respondents achieved good independence in self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and in the total brSCIM-SR, except for mobility. In paraplegia, chronic SCIs and both sexes achieved excellent independence in most subdomains and in the total. Significantly low values were found for tetraplegia and recent SCI in the self-care subdomain. In most subdomains, tetraplegia reached significantly lower values. In the subdomains of respiration and sphincter management, the participants were independent in the breathing function, but in tetraplegia, they showed significant dependence on transfer to the toilet. In terms of mobility, there was great dependence on the items going up and down stairs and transfer from the floor to the wheelchair. Conclusion The brSCIM-SR measures the degree of functionality, allowing health professionals and the patient to quantify and locate the items that indicate their deficits or gains during the rehabilitation process. Here, individuals with SCI showed good functional independence, with worse performance in the tetraplegia and recent injury groups: however, mobility showed partial dependence in the participants.

Resumo Introdução A lesão da medula espinal (LME) muda radicalmente a vida da pessoa devido às alterações na dinâmica corporal, levando à incapacidades e redução da funcionalidade. Objetivo Analisar a independência funcional de indivíduos com LME e comparar os grupos. Métodos Indivíduos com LME foram entrevistados sobre sua independência funcional por meio da versão brasileira do Spinal Cord Independence Measure - Self-Reported Version (brSCIM-SR) e posteriormente seus respectivos domínios e subdomínios foram comparados entre os grupos diagnósticos, tempo de lesão e gênero. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 50 indivíduos com idade de 40,92 ± 13,93 anos, prevalecendo homens e diagnóstico de paraplegia. Na maioria dos domínios do brSCIM-SR todos os entrevistados atingiram boa independência no autocuidado, na respiração e controle esfincteriano e no total do brSCIM-SR, exceto na mobilidade. Na paraplegia, as LMEs crônicas e ambos os sexos alcançaram excelente independência na maioria dos subdomínios e no total do instrumento. Valores significantemente baixos foram encontrados na tetraplegia e nas LMEs recentes no subdomínio autocuidado. Na maioria dos subdomínios, a tetraplegia atingiu valores significativamente inferiores. Nos subdomínios da respiração e controle esfincteriano, os participantes eram independentes na função respiração, mas nas tetraplegias apresentaram significativa depen-dência nas transferências para o vaso sanitário. Na mobilidade houve grande dependência nos itens subir e descer escadas e transferir-se do chão para a cadeira de rodas. Conclusão Os indivíduos com LME demonstra-ram boa independência funcional, com pior desempenho na tetraplegia e lesões recentes, mas a mobilidade apresentou parcial dependência nos participantes.

Nerve transfer rehabilitation in tetraplegia: Comprehensive assessment and treatment program to improve upper extremity function before and after nerve transfer surgery, a case report.

CONTEXT: A 28-year-old male, sustained a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in January 2015, and was classified as AIS A, neurological level of injury (NLI) C4. As an inpatient at the SCI rehabilitation unit, he underwent multidisciplinary assessment involving SCI specialists, peripheral nerve surgeons, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists. Team consensus determined he was a candidate for nerve transfer surgery to improve upper extremity function. The patient undertook a pre-surgical neurorehabilitation program of 3 months duration. Surgery was performed bilaterally at 11 and 13 months after SCI (right and left arm respectively). FINDINGS: Upon completion of surgical procedures, the patient underwent an intensive post-surgical rehabilitation program based on established goals, with follow-up every 3 months, up to 24 months after the surgery. Notable improvements were wheelchair propulsion, the ability to relieve pressure, grasp, pinch, and release an object. Standardized measures for SCI individuals (SCIM-III, CUE-Q, LiSAT-9 and UEMS) showed significant improvements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nerve transfers in tetraplegia are an underused technique. The benefits of surgery along with an intensive neurorehabilitation program, can improve independence and function in daily living activities for a properly selected group of individuals.

Predictive factors of functional independence in basic activities of daily living during hospitalization and after discharge of stroke patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the predictive factors of functional independence in the basic activities of daily living during hospitalization, on the 10th and 28th day after stroke.Methods: A total of 433 patients (204 men and 229 women) took part. Functional independence data were collected using the Step 1 from an instrument called Stepwise. Analysis was conducted by logistic regression.Results: Due to the OR values below 1.0 we can verify that the age of 59 years or less and the presence of physiotherapy in the hospital were protective factors of functional independence. Other predictive factors were the number of stroke risk factors (bathing: OR = 0.4; p = .005, transfer: OR = 0.487; p = .025), the amount of medication used before stroke (bathing: OR = 1.7; p = .013), sex (grooming: OR = 1.6; p = .026); type of stroke (continence: OR = 2.2; p = .003-10th day; OR = 1.9; p = .013-28th day), previous strokes (eating: OR = 0.5; p = .036).Conclusions: According to the results, the risk of impaired functional independence decreased in bathing and eating and increased for dressing, grooming and transfer during clinical recovery suggesting the need for greater therapeutic intervention in different basic activities of daily living.

Virtual reality on pulmonary function and functional independence after coronary artery bypass grafting: clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery bypass grafing (CABG) is responsible for the decrease in pulmonary function and functionality. In this case the virtual reality is an alternative to reduce the impact of the surgical procedure. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pulmonary function and functional independence in patients undergoing CABG. METHODOLOGY: This is a clinical trial. In the preoperative period, pulmonary function was assessed using maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), vital capacity (VC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and functionality through the measurement of functional independence (FIM) and time up and go (TUG). On the first postoperative day, patients were randomized into two groups: the control group (CG), submitted to conventional physiotherapy, and the virtual rehabilitation group (VRG), increased through virtual reality. On the day of hospital discharge, patients were reassessed. RESULTS: 56 patients were analyzed, 25 in the CG, with a mean age of 51 ± 10 years, male prevalence 17 (68%), 31 in the VRG aged 54 ± 8 years, 21 (68%) men. All variables showed an intragroup reduction. At the end, the MIP of the CG was 74 ± 15 vs 92 ± 12 cmH2O of the VRG (P < 0.001), the MEP of the GC was 54 ± 14 vs 75 ± 16 cmH2O of the VRG (P < 0.001), the VC was 1.9 ± 0.6 ml/Kg in GC vs 2.4 ± 0.7 ml/Kg in VRG (P = 0.22), PEF in GC was 231 ± 28 vs 311 ± 26 L/min in VRG (P < 0.001), TUG of CG 22 ± 9.1 seconds vs 10 ± 1.6 seconds in the VRG (P < 0.001), the CG's FIM was 112 ± 5 vs 120 ± 3 in the GRV (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results obtained, it was found that the intervention with virtual reality was effective in reducing the loss of pulmonary function and functional independence after CABG.

Assessment of ventilatory function in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 / Avaliação da função ventilatória em pacientes com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 2

Abstract Subclinical ventilatory dysfunction is observed in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). No studies have correlated ventilatory dysfunction to clinical and functional decline in SCA2. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the values of peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), and presence of respiratory complaints with age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, balance scores, independence in basic (ADL) and instrumental (IADL) Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and severity of ataxia (SARA) in individuals with SCA2. Methods: Cross-sectional study evaluating age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, scores in the Berg Balance Scale and in the SARA, Functional Independence Measure and Lawton's scale, values of PEF and MIP, and the presence of respiratory complaints. Results: The study included 36 individuals with SCA2, with a mean age of 42.5±2.4 years, disease duration of 7.6±8.2 years, age 33.7±11.5 years at onset of symptoms, and 9.9±10.3 points in the SARA scale. The lowest PEF values correlated with the longer disease duration (p=0.021). The lowest values of PEF and MIP correlated with greater balance impairment (p=0.019 and p=0.045, respectively), increased degree of dependence in the ADL (p=0.006 and p=0.050, respectively) and IADL (p=0.003 and p=0.001, respectively) scales, and highest severity of ataxia (p=0.00 and p=0.017, respectively). Respiratory complaints were observed in 12 (33.3%) individuals and were not related to age, disease duration, age at onset of symptoms, balance, independence, ataxia severity, or PEF and MIP values. Conclusion: Ventilatory dysfunction, even when asymptomatic, is related to balance impairment, independence, and ataxia severity in individuals with SCA2.

Resumo Disfunção ventilatória subclínica tem sido observada em indivíduos com ataxias espinocerebelares (SCA). Não existem estudos relacionando disfunção ventilatória ao declínio clínico e funcional na SCA2. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação dos valores de Pico de Fluxo Expiratório (PFE), Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (PIMAX) e presença de queixas respiratórias com idade, tempo de doença, idade de início dos sintomas, escore de equilíbrio, independência para atividades básicas (AVD) e instrumentais (AIVD) de vida diária e gravidade da ataxia (SARA) em indivíduos com SCA2. Métodos: Estudo transversal, considerando: idade, tempo de doença, idade de início dos sintomas, escores nas Escalas SARA, Equilíbrio de Berg, Medida da Independência Funcional e de Lawton, valores de PFE, PIMAX e queixas respiratórias. Resultados: Foram avaliados 36 indivíduos com SCA2 com média de 42,5±2,4) anos de idade, 7,6±8,2 anos de tempo de doença, 33,7±11,5 anos de idade de início dos sintomas e 9,9±10,3 pontos na escala SARA. Os menores valores de PFE estiveram relacionados ao maior tempo de doença (p=0,021). Os menores valores de PFE e PIMAX estiveram relacionados ao maior comprometimento do equilíbrio (p=0,019; p=0,045, respectivamente), maior dependência para ADV (p=0,006; p=0,050, respectivamente) e AIVD (p=0,003; p=0,001, respectivamente) e maior gravidade da ataxia (p=0,006; p=0,017, respectivamente). Foram observadas queixas respiratórias em 12 (33,3%) indivíduos que não estiveram relacionadas à idade, idade de início dos sintomas, tempo de doença, equilíbrio, independência, gravidade da ataxia, ou valores de PFE e PIMAX. Conclusão: A disfunção ventilatória, mesmo quando assintomática, está relacionada ao comprometimento do equilíbrio, à independência e à gravidade da ataxia em indivíduos com SCA2.

Avaliação cognitiva e da independência funcional de idosos em instituição de longa permanência em Araraquara, SP, Brasil / Cognitive assessment and functional independence of the elderly in a long-term institution in Araraquara, SP, Brazil / Evaluación cognitiva e independencia funcional de los ancianos en una institución a largo plazo en Araraquara, SP, Brasil

O objetivo foi avaliar a função cognitiva e a independência funcional de indivíduos residentes em uma instituição de longa permanência (ILP) na cidade de Araraquara, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foi realizada a avaliação clínica composta por Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (p= 0,7413), Teste do Relógio (p= 0,7407) e Medida de Independência Funcional (p= 0,8834). Não foi encontrada diferença da função cognitiva e da independência funcional em indivíduos residentes em ILP.

The objective was to evaluate cognitive function and functional independence of individuals living in a Homes for the Aged in the city of Araraquara, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The clinical evaluation was performed by Mini Mental State Examination (p = 0.7413), Clock Test (p = 0.7407) and Functional Independence Measure (p = 0.8834). There was no difference in cognitive function and functional independence in individuals living in Homes for the Aged.

El objetivo fue evaluar la función cognitiva y la independencia funcional de las personas que residen en una institución a largo plazo (ILP) en la ciudad de Araraquara, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. La evaluación clínica estuvo compuesta por el Mini-Mental State Examination (p = 0.7413), Clock Test (p = 0.7407) y Functional Independence Measure (p = 0.8834). No hubo diferencias en la función cognitiva y la independencia funcional en las personas que viven en ILP.

Unilateral spatial neglect in the acute phase of ischemic stroke can predict long-term disability and functional capacity

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of unilateral spatial neglect during the acute phase of stroke and long-term functional independence. METHODS: This was a prospective study of right ischemic stroke patients in which the independent variable was the degree of spatial neglect and the outcome that was measured was functional independence. The potential confounding factors included sex, age, stroke severity, topography of the lesion, risk factors, glycemia and the treatment received. Unilateral spatial neglect was measured using the line cancellation test, the star cancellation test and the line bisection test within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Functional independence was measured using the modified Rankin and Barthel scales at 90 days after discharge. The relationship between unilateral spatial neglect and functional independence was analyzed using multiple logistic regression that was corrected for confounding factors. RESULTS: We studied 60 patients with a median age of 68 (34-89) years, 52% of whom were male and 74% of whom were Caucasian. The risk for moderate to severe disability increased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=1.14 [1.03-1.26], p=0.01) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically positive association with disability (OR=1.63 [1.13-2.65], p=0.01). The best chance of functional independence decreased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=0.86 [0.78-0.96], p=0.006) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically negative association with independence (OR=0.66 [0.48-0.92], p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The severity of unilateral spatial neglect in acute stroke worsens the degree of long-term disability and functional independence.

Functional Independence of Children With Myelomeningocele: Is It Associated With the Informal Caregivers' Burden?

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the association between the functional independence of children after postnatal spinal dysraphism correction and informal caregivers' burden. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a child neurosurgery clinic at a University hospital. We included informal caregivers of children between six months and seven-and-a-half years old who were operated on for spinal dysraphism correction due to myelomeningocele. Functional independence was assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Caregivers' burden was assessed through the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). RESULTS: Twenty-six caregivers were assessed, all mothers, aged 18-42years. Five provided child care and engaged in paid work. Regarding functional independence, 23.1% of the children were classified as needing supervision, 23.1% moderate assistance, 42.3% maximal assistance, and 11.5% total assistance. Median value for the overall CBS was 27.0 (22.0-53.0). The mean global CBS score was 1.42 and the mean PEDI score was 1.95. Correlations between PEDI and CBS scores were very close to zero. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between the functional independence of children with myelomeningocele from 0 to 7years old and the burden of informal caregivers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The effect of functional independence of children with myelomeningocele may be balanced by the caregivers' resilience so that caregivers' burden is not dependent upon the child's independence.

Recovering functional independence after a stroke through Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Population ageing and changes in the epidemiological profile of neurological pathologies has resulted in an increase in patients with disabilities. Rehabilitation strategies such as Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMTm) play a key role in treating patients with neurologic deficiencies and motor impairments. This intervention is intended to mitigate disability, promote maximum functional independence, and optimize social and economic participation of patients with upper extremity weakness. Our goal was to assess the recovery of functional independence in patients after a stroke using to CIMTm. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Thirty-six subjects who had suffered stroke took part in a randomised clinical trial. The treatment was applied through either collective or individual modalities for three hours per day for a period of ten days. Participant's functional independence was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale at the before and after of the intervention. RESULTS: An analysis of covariance carried out on the pre-test assessments indicates that the dependent variable presents significant differences (F1.31 = 42.78, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.72) in favour of the collective intervention modality. CONCLUSION: Both modalities of CIMTm intervention promote functional independence. However, the greatest improvements were observed in participants in the collective modality. Improvements in functional independence pursue a reduction in learned non-use behaviours through greater use of the paretic upper extremity in everyday activities.

Treinamento muscular inspiratório e atividades de vida diária em idosas com doença de Parkinson / Inspiratory muscle training and activities of daily living of elderly with Parkinson disease

Introdução: Parkinson é uma condição degenerativa caracterizada por sintomas como bradicinesia, tremor, rigidez, diminuição da força muscular e alterações cognitivas. Objetivo: Avaliar a força muscular inspiratória máxima, o efeito do treinamento muscular inspiratório pré e pós-treinamento muscular, a presença de dispneia, o padrão ventilatório e a independência funcional em idosas institucionalizadas com síndrome parkinsoniana. Material e métodos: Uma série de casos, com oito idosas, em que se avaliou presença de dispneia, padrão ventilatório, índice de Katz no pré-treinamento e manovacuometria antes e depois do fortalecimento da musculatura inspiratória. Utilizou-se Threshold® IMT, 3x na semana por 30 minutos em dois meses. A carga inspiratória iniciou com 30% da PImáx com incremento de 10% a cada nove dias chegando a 50 %. Os dados foram analisados com estatística descritiva e apresentados em média e desvio padrão e o Teste t para avaliar a diferença estatisticamente significativa. Resultados: Obteve-se melhora da PImáx com diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,004), porém não alcançaram o predito para a idade das mesmas, no Índice de Katz 50% das idosas eram parcialmente independentes, 37,5% independentes e 12,5% totalmente dependente. Conclusão: As voluntárias apresentaram algum grau de dependência em suas atividades de vida diária, e apresentaram ganho na PImáx após o treinamento. (AU)

Introduction: Parkinson's is a degenerative condition characterized by symptoms as bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, decrease of muscular force and cognitive alterations. Objective: To evaluate the maximum inspiratory muscle strength, the effect of inspiratory muscle training, before and after training muscle, the presence of dyspnea, the ventilatory standard and the functional independence in institutionalized elderly woman with parkinsonian syndrome. Methods: A series of cases, with eight elderly women, which the presence of dyspnea, respiratory pattern, Katz index, pre training and manovacuometry were evaluated before and after strengthening inspiratory muscles. It was used Threshold ® IMT, 3x a week for 30 minutes in two months. The inspiratory load started with 30% of PImáx with an increment of 10% every nine days reaching 50%. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and presented as mean and standard deviation and t test to assess the difference statistically significant. Results: We observed that Pimáx improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.004), but did not reach the predicted for the age of the same, Katz Index of 50% of the elderly women are partly independent, 37.5% independent and 12.5% totally dependent. Conclusion: The volunteers showed some degree of dependence in activities of daily living, and gain in PImáx after training.(AU)