Effects of upper limbs' neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed to voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise, in muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with CKD: a randomized clinical trial protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of unilateral upper limbs' (ULM) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial will be carried out at a Brazilian University Hospital. The patients will be evaluated and randomly allocated to an intervention group (i.e., unilateral NMES on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min) or a control group (i.e., unilateral NMES-Sham on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min). The patients will be treated for 8 weeks, with three weekly treatment sessions totaling 24 sessions. MEASUREMENTS: ULM muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life and also the feasibility, safety and patient adherence to the exercise protocol. All physical measurements will be collected by trained researchers before treatment (week 0) and at the end of treatment (week 9), always in the second hemodialysis session of the week. It will be used in an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this clinical trial protocol may help to know the possible benefits of unilateral ULM' NMES superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of leg cycle ergometer for patients with CKD and to aid clinical decisions about future implementation or not of this technique (NMES) in intradialytic physical training programs.

Is prehospital physical performance a predictor of functional capacity decline at discharge in hospitalized Brazilian older adults?

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization contributes to functional decline in older adults. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between physical performance on admission and functional capacity and functional capacity decline at discharge, and to investigate tools capable of predicting this decline. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study with 75 older adults admitted to a public hospital between July 2021 and February 2022. The independent variable was physical performance evaluated on admission by handgrip strength (HGS) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The dependent variables were functional capacity for basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and their decline between admission and discharge. Statistical analyses were performed using linear and logistic regression and ROC curves. RESULTS: The median time between admission and participant assessment was 1 day (IQR=1-2 days). Median hospitalization time was 18 days (IQR= 7.5-30 days). Functional capacity for BADLs and IADLs declined in 39% and 79% of the participants, respectively. Performance in HGS and the SPPB at baseline, in adjusted models, explained 29.3 to 35.3% of functional capacity at discharge. One additional point in the SPPB decreased the risk of functional capacity decline for BADLs by 20.9% (OR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.91). The AUC values for the SPPB (AUC=0.67) and HGS (AUC=0.65) were significant in identifying functional decline for BADLs, but not IADLs. CONCLUSION: In Brazilian older adults, physical performance on admission was related to functional capacity and its decline at discharge. Physical performance on admission is predictive of functional decline at discharge.

Valores cardiorrespiratorios de árbitros de fútbol profesional de Pichincha

Introducción: La capacidad de resistencia física es uno de los indicadores del rendimiento profesional en el fútbol, no estando exceptos los profesionales del arbitraje, los cuales requieren entrenamientos especializados en función de sus aptitudes físicas; por lo cual, es útil conocer sus desempeños. Objetivo: determinar los parámetros reales de aptitud cardiorrespiratoria al esfuerzo máximo progresivo, de árbitros de fútbol de Pichincha. Métodos: se estudia a 25 árbitros hombres seleccionados intencionalmente, de la asociación de árbitros de fútbol profesional de Pichincha. Luego de un reconocimiento de salud previo, de realizó una prueba de esfuerzo progresivo sobre una banda sinfín, con un lector de consumo de oxígeno. Los árbitros tienen una experiencia media de 11 años, entrenan 3-4 días a la semana, y arbitran partidos oficiales 1-2 veces por semana. Resultados: el valor medio global de consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx.) relativo de los árbitros evaluados en el presente estudio es: (= 52.00 ml·kg-1·min-1, similar al obtenido en otros estudios internacionales sobre la valoración de la capacidad física en árbitros, que describen unos valores relativos de vo2máx de 46-51 ml·kg-1·min-1 para hombres. Conclusiones: las competencias profesionales del arbitraje ecuatoriano son similares en la capacidad de resistencia que sus homólogos extranjeros. Se sugiere una implementación de contenidos del entrenamiento basados en mejorar la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria en el arbitraje, así como su control sistemático.

Introduction: Physical endurance capacity is one of the indicators of professional performance in soccer, not excepting referee professionals, who require specialized training based on their physical capabilities; Therefore, it is useful to know their performances. Objective: Determine the real parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness at maximum progressive effort, of soccer referees from Pichincha. Methods: 25 male referees intentionally selected from the Pichincha professional soccer referee association are studied. After a previous health examination, a progressive stress test was performed on a treadmill, with an oxygen consumption reader. Referees have an average experience of 11 years, train 3-4 days a week, and referee official matches 1-2 times a week. Results: The overall average value of relative maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) of the referees evaluated in the present study is: (= 52.00 ml·kg-1·min-1, similar to that obtained in other international studies on the capacity physics assessment in referees, who describe relative vo2max values of 46-51 ml·kg-1·min-1 for men. Conclusions: the professional skills of Ecuadorian arbitration are similar in resistance capacity to their foreign counterparts. An implementation of training content based on improving cardiorespiratory fitness in refereeing, as well as its systematic control, is suggested.

Patients' Perceptions Regarding the Relevance of Items Contained in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Symptom Index-19.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal method of assessing health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This study explored the perceived relevance of items that make up the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Kidney Symptom Index-19 (FKSI-19), as judged by patients with mRCC. METHODS: This was a multinational cross-sectional survey. Eligible patients responded to a questionnaire composed of 18 items that assessed the perceived relevance of each item in the FKSI-19 questionnaire. Open-ended questions assessed additional issues deemed relevant by patients. Responses were grouped as relevant (scores 2-5) or nonrelevant (score 1). Descriptive statistics were collated, and open-ended questions were analyzed and categorized into descriptive categories. Spearman correlation statistics were used to test the association between relevance and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients were included (gender: 78.1 M, 21.9F; median age: 64; treatment: 38.4 immunotherapy, 29.8 targeted therapy, 13.9 immuno-TKI combination therapy) in the study. The most relevant questions evaluated fatigue (77.5), lack of energy (72.2), and worry that their condition will get worse (71.5). Most patients rated blood in urine (15.2), fevers (16.6), and lack of appetite (23.2) as least relevant. Qualitative analysis of open-ended questions revealed several themes, including emotional and physical symptoms, ability to live independently, effectiveness of treatment, family, spirituality, and financial toxicity. CONCLUSION: There is a need to refine widely used HR-QOL measures that are employed among patients diagnosed with mRCC treated with contemporary therapies. Guidance was provided for the inclusion of more relevant items to patients' cancer journey.

Shuttle walk test categorization according to the qualifiers of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: proposal for use in patients with difficult-to-treat asthma, a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To classify functional capacity of people with difficult-to-treat asthma based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Fifty-seven patients underwent the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) to assess functional capacity, in order to categorize them functionally we used the ICF qualifiers. To qualify ISWT results the individual's impairment (i.e. percentage of distance walked in relation to the percentage of predicted) was analyzed. Additionally, body mass index (BMI); physical activity level (IPAQ); and pulmonary function were evaluated. In order to analyze the difference between functional capacity levels, two groups were compared (i.e. mild/moderate vs. severe impairment); therefore, the participants were matched according to age and BMI and the unpaired Student t test was used. RESULTS: Among the fifty-seven included individuals, only one (1.8%) presented mild functional capacity limitation, 12 (21.1%) moderate limitation and 44 (77.2%) severe limitation. There was a significant difference between the ISWT distance between groups (F = 0.217, p < .001). The other variables did not present differences between the mild/moderate and severe groups. CONCLUSION: The ICF qualifiers were able to categorize the ISWT and classified the functional capacity limitation as mild, moderate and severe. Therefore, it has proved to be a useful clinical tool for evaluation, follow-up and clinical decision-making.

Diagnóstico nutricional y neurológico según antigüedad, nivel neurológico y tipo de lesión en paciente raquimedular

Introducción: La lesión medular (LM) es un problema médico contemporáneo caracterizado por datos insuficientes sobre prevalencia y debilidad de modelización en metodología. Objetivo: Establecer las interrelaciones del estado nutricional y la condición neurológica-funcional con signos clínicos: tiempo y tipo de lesión, nivel de lesión y severidad del trauma raquimedular dorso lumbar. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal de 102 pacientes con trauma raquimedular al ingreso, 85 hombres y 17 mujeres (febrero 2016 - enero de 2020, CIREN) La Habana, Cuba. Se realizó evaluación nutricional, neurológica (nivel, grado y severidad de lesión) mediante escalas ASIA, Independencia SCIM-III e índice de Barthel. Se obtienen medias, desviación estándar, error estándar y análisis de varianza para distribuciones normales. Se utilizó SPSS versión 26. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 29,7 ± 8,1 años. La antigüedad del trauma fue 3,1 ± 1,4 años. La lesión raquimedular ocurrió en 50,6 % del segmento T7- L3 en pacientes con lesión completa. Hubo deficiencia energética crónica (4,9 %), según Índice de Masa Corporal; el 50,6 % fueron ≥ 22 kg/m2, según criterio de riesgo de Nash. El 73,5 % clasificaban en escala A de ASIA. La correlación entre Catz y Barthel demostró asociación significativa (p< 0,01). La disminución de masa muscular, área muscular del brazo, reflectividad y sensibilidad es significativa según antigüedad, tipo, nivel y severidad de lesiones (p< 0,05). Se discute debilidad metodológica de estimaciones para masa muscular esquelética. Conclusiones: Se caracterizan antigüedad de lesión, tono muscular y nivel neurológico de lesión medular como condicionantes interactivos del diagnóstico.

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a contemporary medical problem characterized by insufficient data on prevalence and weak modelling methodology. Objective: To establish nutritional status and neurological-functional condition interrelationships with clinical signs: time and type of injury, level of injury and severity of dorsal lumbar spinal cord injury. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 102 patients with spinal cord trauma on admission (85 men and 17 women) was conducted from February 2016 to January 2020, in CIREN, Havana, Cuba. Nutritional and neurological assessment (level, degree and severity of injury) was performed using ASIA scales, SCIM-III Independence, and Barthel index. Means, standard deviation, standard error and analysis of variance for normal distributions were obtained. SPSS version 26 was used. Results: The mean age was 29.7 ± 8.1 years. The age of trauma was 3.1 ± 1.4 years. Spinal cord injury occurred in 50.6 % of the T7- L3 segment in patients with complete injury. There was chronic energy deficiency (4.9 %), according to Body Mass Index; 50.6 % were ≥22 kg/m2, according to Nash risk criteria. In addition, 73.5 % were classified on the ASIA A scale. The correlation between Catz and Barthel showed a significant association (p< 0.01). The decrease in muscle mass, arm muscle area, reflectivity and sensitivity were significant according to age, type, level and severity of injury (p< 0.05). Methodological weakness of estimates for skeletal muscle mass is discussed. Conclusions: Time of injury, muscle tone and neurological level of spinal cord injury are characterized as interactive determinants of the diagnosis.

Knee Kinetics and Kinematics of Young Asymptomatic Participants during Single-Leg Weight-Bearing Tasks: Task and Sex Comparison of a Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe and compare kinetic and kinematic variables of the knee joint during stair descent, single-leg step down, and single-leg squat tasks. It also aimed to investigate potential sex difference during the tasks. Thirty young asymptomatic individuals (15 males, 15 females) were assessed during the performance of single-leg weight-bearing tasks. The kinetic and kinematic data from the knee were evaluated at the peak knee moment and at peak knee flexion. Single-leg squat presented a higher peak knee moment (2.37 Nm/kg) and the greatest knee moment (1.91 Nm/kg) at knee peak angle in the frontal plane, but the lowest knee flexion (67°) than the other two tasks (p < 0.05). Additionally, the single-leg step down task presented a higher varus knee angle (5.70°) when compared to stair descent (3.71°) (p < 0.001). No substantial sex difference could be observed. In conclusion, in asymptomatic young individuals, single-leg squats presented the greatest demand in the frontal and sagittal planes. Single-leg step down demanded a greater angular displacement than stair descent in the frontal plane. We did not identify a significant difference among the sex and studied variables.

Proposal for the functional assessment of acute inflammatory neuropathy (FAAIN) in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) functional assessment is necessary in clinical practice, research and clinical trials. Existing instruments are not sensitive to change and are not applicable to the current GBS clinical spectrum. OBJECTIVE: To construct a functional assessment for acute inflammatory neuropathies (FAAIN-GBS), inclusive for current GBS spectrum that assesses extension and intensity separately. METHODS: FAAIN-GBS subscales were constructed. Its structure and interpretation were defined. It was validated using data from medical record of 167 GBS patients admitted to the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery. Cronbach α was used for items reduction and reliability analysis. Bartlett sphericity test was performed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the main components, with varimax rotation, was applied to evaluate dimensionality and content validity. Hughes scale was used as gold standard for criterion validity. Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC), were calculated. Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: FAAIN-GBS is made up of two subscales (extension and intensity). The final score is obtained by averaging both dimensions. Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach 0.745). EFA showed three dimensions: intensity, spinal extension and cranial extension. Spearman correlation between FAAIN-GBS and Hughes scale was 0.463. Sensitivity (0.714) and specificity (0.986) values showed the good behavior of the scale; AUROC was 0.93. CONCLUSION: FAAIN-GBS was constructed and a first step of validation was made, showing good internal consistency and validity. New prospective studies with large populations will be necessary to perfect this instrument that could be useful in neurological practice.

Functional exercise capacity in rheumatoid arthritis unrelated to lung injury: A comparison of women with and without rheumatoid disease.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mainly affects the joints of the upper and lower limbs, so evaluating functional exercise capacity in individuals with RA via dynamic tests of the locomotor system is essential. OBJECTIVES: To compare functional exercise capacity using the Glittre-activities of daily living (ADL) test (G-AT) in women with and without RA in the absence of RA pulmonary disease (RA-PD) and to correlate the findings with hand functioning, physical functioning, handgrip strength (HGS), and quadriceps strength (QS). METHODS: This cross-sectional pilot study evaluated 35 women with RA and 25 healthy controls by assessing hand functioning using the Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS), physical functioning with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), muscle functioning using HGS and QS, and G-AT results. RESULTS: Compared to the women in the control group, the women with RA presented higher scores for the CHFS (p< 0.0001) and HAQ-DI (p< 0.0001) and lower HGS (p< 0.0001) and QS (p= 0.013) values. The median G-AT time was higher in the RA patients than in the healthy controls [300 (295-420) vs. 180 (155-203) s], p< 0.0001), and the greatest difficulty reported by patients after the G-AT was squatting to perform the shelving tasks. G-AT time was positively correlated with the HAQ-DI (rs= 0.668, p< 0.0001) and CHFS (rs= 0.586, p= 0.0007) and negatively correlated with QS (rs=-0.429, p= 0.037). There was no significant correlation between the G-AT time and HGS. CONCLUSIONS: Women with RA take longer to perform G-AT tasks. Moreover, G-AT time was associated with hand functioning, physical functioning and QS, but not with HGS.

Functional Coronary Artery Assessment: a Systematic Literature Review.

Cardiovascular diseases represent the number one cause of death in the world, including the most common disorders in the heart's health, namely coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is mainly caused by fat accumulated in the arteries' internal walls, creating an atherosclerotic plaque that impacts the blood flow functional behavior. Anatomical plaque characteristics are essential but not sufficient for a complete functional assessment of CAD. In fact, plaque analysis and visual inspection alone have proven insufficient to determine the lesion severity and hemodynamic repercussion. Furthermore, the fractional flow reserve (FFR) exam, which is considered the gold standard for stenosis functional impair determination, is invasive and contains several limitations. Such a panorama evidences the need for new techniques applied to image exams to improve CAD functional assessment. In this article, we perform a systematic literature review on emerging methods determining CAD significance, thus delivering a unique base for comparing these methods, qualitatively and quantitatively. Our goal is to guide further studies with evidence from the most promising methods, highlighting the benefits from both areas. We summarize benchmarks, metrics for evaluation, and challenges already faced, thus shedding light on the requirements for a valid, meaningful, and accepted technique for functional assessment evaluation. We create a base of comparison based on quantitative and qualitative indicators and highlight the most relevant geometrical metrics that correlate with lesion significance. Finally, we point out future benchmarks based on recent literature.

Assessment of activities of daily living in patients post COVID-19: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease has provoked much discussion since its first appearance. Despite it being widely studied all over the world, little is known about the impact of the disease on functional ability related to performing activities of daily living (ADL) in patients post COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVES: To understand the impact of COVID-19 on ADL performance of adult patients and to describe the common scales used to assess performance of ADL on patients post-COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. We included studies that applied a physical capacity test in COVID-19 patients, post-infection. Two independent reviewers analyzed the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: A total of 1,228 studies were included, after removing duplicates, 1,005 abstracts were screened and of those 983 were excluded. A final number of nine studies which met the eligibility criteria were included. The findings revealed worsening of physical function and ADL performance in all patients post COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: All included studies found a reduction of ADL beyond the test or scale used, revealing a vital worsening of functional ability in ADL performance and consequently loss of independence in COVID-19 patients after the acute phase of infection. Functional ability status previous to COVID-19 is crucial for predicting the severity of the disease and mortality. Barthel Index and ADL score were the most used assessment tools across subjects with different intrinsic capacity and context levels.

Multidimensional Clinical Assessment in Frontotemporal Dementia and Its Spectrum in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Narrative Review and a Glance at Future Challenges.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is the third most common form of dementia across all age groups and is a leading cause of early-onset dementia. The Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) includes a spectrum of diseases that are classified according to their clinical presentation and patterns of neurodegeneration. There are two main types of FTD: behavioral FTD variant (bvFTD), characterized by a deterioration in social function, behavior, and personality; and primary progressive aphasias (PPA), characterized by a deficit in language skills. There are other types of FTD-related disorders that present motor impairment and/or parkinsonism, including FTD with motor neuron disease (FTD-MND), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). The FTD and its associated disorders present great clinical heterogeneity. The diagnosis of FTD is based on the identification through clinical assessments of a specific clinical phenotype of impairments in different domains, complemented by an evaluation through instruments, i.e., tests and questionnaires, validated for the population under study, thus, achieving timely detection and treatment. While the prevalence of dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is increasing rapidly, there is still a lack of standardized instruments and consensus for FTD diagnosis. In this context, it is important to review the published tests and questionnaires adapted and/or validated in LAC for the assessment of cognition, behavior, functionality, and gait in FTD and its spectrum. Therefore, our paper has three main goals. First, to present a narrative review of the main tests and questionnaires published in LAC for the assessment of FTD and its spectrum in six dimensions: (i) Cognitive screening; (ii) Neuropsychological assessment divided by cognitive domain; (iii) Gait assessment; (iv) Behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms; (v) Functional assessment; and (vi) Global Rating Scale. Second, to propose a multidimensional clinical assessment of FTD in LAC identifying the main gaps. Lastly, it is proposed to create a LAC consortium that will discuss strategies to address the current challenges in the field.

Direct and indirect assessment of functional abilities in patients with Parkinson's disease transitioning to dementia.

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and evaluation of functional abilities is crucial for diagnosis of dementia. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated differences between direct and indirect functional assessment methods to evaluate functional abilities in PD patients. METHODS: We evaluated 32 patients with PD and suspected mild dementia using direct and indirect assessment methods. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the scores of direct and indirect methods of assessment. Patients and close informants usually overestimated their abilities in many ADL. However, all functional assessment tools used in this study had a relatively good accuracy to predict abnormal performance in a global cognitive scale. Patients with normal cognition according to scores in a global cognitive scale may have some functional impairment in ADL. Direct Assessment of Functional Ability (DAFA) scores correlated linearly with scores in global cognitive scales, and especially with scores in the domains of memory and concentration. CONCLUSION: Patients and close informants usually overestimate their instrumental abilities in ADL. The direct assessment of daily functioning was more reliable than indirect tools to assess functional losses in patients with PD. Finally, some patients with PD but no dementia may present functional losses in ADL.

O comprometimento cognitivo é comum em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP), e a avaliação das habilidades funcionais é crucial para o diagnóstico de demência. OBJETIVO: Avaliamos diferenças entre os métodos de avaliação funcional direta e indireta para avaliar habilidades funcionais em pacientes com DP. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 32 pacientes com DP e suspeita de demência inicial usando métodos de avaliação direta e indireta. RESULTADOS: Houve uma diferença significativa entre os escores dos métodos diretos e indiretos de avaliação. Pacientes e informantes geralmente superestimaram suas habilidades em muitas atividades da vida diária (AVD). No entanto, todas as ferramentas de avaliação funcional utilizadas neste estudo tiveram uma precisão relativamente boa para prever desempenho anormal em uma escala cognitiva global. Pacientes com cognição normal, de acordo com os escores em uma escala cognitiva global, podem apresentar algum comprometimento funcional nas AVD. As pontuações do Direct Assessment of Functional Ability (DAFA) correlacionaram-se linearmente com as pontuações nas escalas cognitivas globais e, especialmente, com as pontuações nos domínios da memória e concentração. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes e informantes próximos geralmente superestimam suas habilidades instrumentais nas AVD. A avaliação direta do funcionamento diário foi mais confiável do que ferramentas indiretas para avaliar perdas funcionais em pacientes com DP. Finalmente, alguns pacientes com DP, mas sem demência, podem apresentar perdas funcionais nas AVD.

Relação entre a progressão do escore do functional movement screen e lesão em atletas futebol / Relationship between progression of functional movement screen test and injury in athletes of football

O futebol é uma modalidade de grande exigência física com movimentos de potência e velocidade com mudança de direção. Devido à alta intensidade, ocorre uma maior predisposição às lesões. O Functional Movement Screen (FMS) é um modelo de avaliação para identificar assimetrias e desequilíbrios musculoesqueléticos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os efeitos de do is m eses de pré-temporada na progressão do escore do teste FMS e sua relação com as lesões ao longo da competição. Participaram deste estudo 28 atletas profissionais de futebol, com idade média de 25,1 ± 6,5. Foi realizado o FMS antes e após a pré-temporada e durante o período competitivo foi verificada a ocorrência de lesões. Houve uma melhora (p<0,01) dos escores do FMS da avaliação pré (15,61 ± 1,39) para a avaliação pós pré-temporada (17,29 ± 1,24) entre todo o elenco, porém, quando considerado o tamanho do efeito, os atletas que não se lesionaram tiveram um efeito maior na progressão do escore (d=1,17) do que os que se lesionaram (d=0,35). Conclui-se que os atletas que não se lesionaram durante a competição, foram os que mais progrediram no FMS durante a pré-temporada, sendo, provavelmente, a progressão do escore do s atletas mais interessante do que o atendimento ao ponto de corte sugerido pela literatura...(AU)

Football is a modality that demands high physical fitness, with intense movements and rapid direction changing. Due to the high intensity demanded, athletes are more susceptible t o in juries. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test it is a method to evaluate asymmetries and muscle im balance. The objective was to compared the effects of two months of preseason, on the score of the FMS t est and their relationship with the injuries resulting from the competitive period. Participated o f th is study 28 professional football players (25.1 ± 6.5 years). FMS was performed before and after the p reseason and during the competitive period the occurrence of injuries was verified. There was a significant improvement of the FMS score after the preseason (p<0.01) for the all athletes. When considering the size effect, athletes who were not injured during the competitive period had a greater effect (d=1.17) than those who injured (d=0.35). The athletes who progressed the most during the evaluation were the athletes who were exempted from injury during the competitive period. Perhaps the progression of the athlete's score was more interesting than the attendance to the cut-off point suggested by the literature...(AU)

Direct and indirect assessment of functional abilities in patients with Parkinsons disease transitioning to dementia / Avaliação direta e indireta das habilidades funcionais em pacientes com doença de parkinson em transição para demência

ABSTRACT. Cognitive impairment is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and evaluation of functional abilities is crucial for diagnosis of dementia. Objective: We evaluated differences between direct and indirect functional assessment methods to evaluate functional abilities in PD patients. Methods: We evaluated 32 patients with PD and suspected mild dementia using direct and indirect assessment methods. Results: There was a significant difference between the scores of direct and indirect methods of assessment. Patients and close informants usually overestimated their abilities in many ADL. However, all functional assessment tools used in this study had a relatively good accuracy to predict abnormal performance in a global cognitive scale. Patients with normal cognition according to scores in a global cognitive scale may have some functional impairment in ADL. Direct Assessment of Functional Ability (DAFA) scores correlated linearly with scores in global cognitive scales, and especially with scores in the domains of memory and concentration. Conclusion: Patients and close informants usually overestimate their instrumental abilities in ADL. The direct assessment of daily functioning was more reliable than indirect tools to assess functional losses in patients with PD. Finally, some patients with PD but no dementia may present functional losses in ADL.

RESUMO. O comprometimento cognitivo é comum em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP), e a avaliação das habilidades funcionais é crucial para o diagnóstico de demência. Objetivo: Avaliamos diferenças entre os métodos de avaliação funcional direta e indireta para avaliar habilidades funcionais em pacientes com DP. Métodos: Foram avaliados 32 pacientes com DP e suspeita de demência inicial usando métodos de avaliação direta e indireta. Resultados: Houve uma diferença significativa entre os escores dos métodos diretos e indiretos de avaliação. Pacientes e informantes geralmente superestimaram suas habilidades em muitas atividades da vida diária (AVD). No entanto, todas as ferramentas de avaliação funcional utilizadas neste estudo tiveram uma precisão relativamente boa para prever desempenho anormal em uma escala cognitiva global. Pacientes com cognição normal, de acordo com os escores em uma escala cognitiva global, podem apresentar algum comprometimento funcional nas AVD. As pontuações do Direct Assessment of Functional Ability (DAFA) correlacionaram-se linearmente com as pontuações nas escalas cognitivas globais e, especialmente, com as pontuações nos domínios da memória e concentração. Conclusão: Pacientes e informantes próximos geralmente superestimam suas habilidades instrumentais nas AVD. A avaliação direta do funcionamento diário foi mais confiável do que ferramentas indiretas para avaliar perdas funcionais em pacientes com DP. Finalmente, alguns pacientes com DP, mas sem demência, podem apresentar perdas funcionais nas AVD

Identification of categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in functional assessment measures for stroke survivors: a systematic review.

Objective: Perform a systematic review to identify the categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health linked to the concepts measured by functional assessment tools validated for Brazilian Portuguese: Timed Up and Go test, Functional Independence Measure, Barthel Index, and Rivermead Mobility Index and Modified Rankin Scale.Methods: The Medline, Embase and CINAHL databases were consulted using a standardized search strategy. The studies were summarized using a pre-established set of specific criteria for the adequate linkage between the concepts identified in the assessment measures and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories. Two independent reviewers performed the selection of the studies, data extraction and evaluation of the results.Results: The search of the databanks led to the retrieval of 99 studies. However, only six articles were included in the present review. The linkage results of the studies included in the review were divergent, likely due to the taxonomic complexity of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the difficulty in clearly relating the concepts of the assessment measures to the classifications and the fact that not all linkage rules were followed. "Activities and participation" was the most evaluated component, with mobility the most frequently covered category in the measures, followed by self-care. Among the measures analyzed, the Functional Independence Measure addresses a greater number of categories and therefore has the most concepts related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, followed by the Barthel Index, Modified Rankin Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index and Timed Up and Go test. The Modified Rankin Scale was the assessment tool that most evaluated categories related to environmental factors.Conclusion: The Functional Independence Measure has more concepts related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, since it addresses a greater number of categories. These findings can help guide health professionals in the selection of assessment tools for the evaluation of post-stroke functioning, making viable the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories in clinical practice and public health services.Implications for rehabilitationThis study standardized identification of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories in the main outcome measures used to assess post-stroke functional capacity.Functional Independence Measure has more concepts related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health compared to other functional assessment instruments.Findings can enable physiotherapists and researchers choose the most appropriate measure that best corresponds to their field of interest.These results facilitate the implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in clinical practice.Use of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories can standardize information on functional health.

Criterios para la construcción de un instrumento de evaluación funcional en pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular / Criteria for Functional Evaluation Instrument Building in Stroke Patients / Critérios para a construção de um instrumento de avaliação funcional em pacientes com enfermedad cerebrovascular

Resumen Introducción: Ninguna escala simple, por diseño, es lo suficientemente abarcadora para evaluar de forma integral la función motora de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular (ECV); sin embargo, es posible la selección de una batería de ellas para controlar las distintas etapas del proceso de rehabilitación. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los criterios que sirven de referencia para la construcción de un instrumento de evaluación funcional en pacientes con ECV. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, Rehabilitation Measures Database, EBSCO y Medline, donde se incluyeron escalas de evaluación funcional dirigidas al control de la postura, marcha, equilibrio, tono muscular, miembros superiores e inferiores y actividades de la vida diaria. Resultados: Para la construcción de un instrumento de evaluación funcional se identificaron un total de trece criterios de referencia agrupados en: 1) criterios psicométricos y 2) criterios de diseño y aplicación. Utilizando estos criterios, se seleccionaron las escalas: Barthel Index, Action Research Arm Test, Ashworth Scale y 10 Meter Walk Test. Conclusión: Las escalas seleccionadas brindan información sobre cuatro aspectos relevantes para la evaluación funcional y la práctica terapéutica: autocuidado, función motora, tono muscular y rendimiento físico, estrechamente relacionados con las principales áreas de trabajo durante el proceso de rehabilitación en pacientes con ECV. Los recursos materiales necesarios para su aplicación son mínimos y el tiempo estimado, a partir de la integración de sus tiempos parciales, no sobrepasa los 30 minutos.

Abstract Introduction: No simple scale, by design, is comprehensive enough to comprehensively evaluate the motor function of with stroke patients; however, it is possible to select a battery of them to control the different stages of the rehabilitation process. The objective of this study was to identify the criteria that serve as a reference for the construction of a functional evaluation instrument in stroke patients. Materials and methods: A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed, Rehabilitation Measures Database, ebsco and Medline databases, which included functional assessment scales aimed at controlling posture, gait, balance, muscle tone, upper and lower limbs and activities daily life. Results: For construction of a functional evaluation instrument, a total of thirteen reference criteria were identified grouped into: 1) psychometric criteria and 2) design and application criteria. Using these criteria the scales were selected: Barthel Index, Action Research Arm Test, Ashworth Scale, and 10 Meter Walk Test. Conclusion: The selected scales provide information on four relevant aspects for functional evaluation and therapeutic practice: self-care, motor function, muscle tone and physical performance, closely related to main work area during the rehabilitation process in stroke patients. The material resources necessary for its application are minimal and the estimated time, from the integration of its partial times, does not exceed 30 minutes.

Resumo Introdução: Nenhuma escala simples, por concepção, é abrangente o suficiente para avaliar de forma abrangente a função motora de pacientes com doença cerebrovascular (DCV), no entanto, é possível selecionar uma bateria deles para controlar as diferentes etapas do processo de reabilitação. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os critérios que servem de referência para a construção de um instrumento de avaliação funcional em pacientes com DCV. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados PubMed, Rehabilitation Measures Database, EBSCO e Medline, que incluíram escalas de avaliação funcional para controle de postura, marcha, equilíbrio, tônus muscular, membros superiores e inferiores e atividades de vida diario. Resultados: Para a construção de um instrumento de avaliação funcional, foram identificados 13 critérios de referência, agrupados em: 1) critérios psicométricos e 2) critérios de projeto e aplicação. Utilizando esses critérios, as escalas foram selecionadas: Barthel Index, Action Research Arm Test, Ashworth Scale, and 10 Meter Walk Test. Conclusão: As escalas selecionadas fornecem informações sobre quatro aspectos relevantes para avaliação funcional e prática terapêutica: autocuidado, função motora, tônus muscular e desempenho físico, intimamente relacionados à principal área de trabalho durante o processo de reabilitação em pacientes com DCV. Os recursos materiais necessários para sua aplicação são mínimos e o tempo estimado, a partir da integração de seus tempos parciais, não excede 30 minutos.

Liver transplantation in Mexican older adults: A comparative single-center study. / Trasplante de hígado en adultos mayores mexicanos: un estudio comparativo en un solo centro.

INTRODUCTION: Liver disease is currently one of the leading causes of death in older adults and the only option deemed curative is liver transplantation. However, it is uncertain whether the successful results obtained in older adults that receive a liver transplant in developed countries can be replicated in developing countries. AIM: To determine if there are differences in the survival time between older (≥60years) and younger adults that underwent liver transplantation at a university-affiliated tertiary care center in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 2-year longitudinal study was conducted. It included 244 participants that were divided into 2groups according to age at the time of transplantation: older adults (≥60years) and younger adults (18-59years). Survival time was defined as the number of days that elapsed between transplantation and death. Survival was expressed as Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: Median age in the older adults (n=52) was 63.0 (IQR=60-69) and 23 participants were females (44.2%). In the younger adults (n=196) median age was 47.0 (IQR=16-59) and 104 were females (52%). The leading indication for transplant was hepatitisC virus. After the follow-up, fifteen participants died (12 younger adults and 3 older adults). No significant differences were observed between older and younger participants in postoperative complications, the number of re-admissions, or mean post-transplantation survival time. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in relation to survival times between older and younger adults that received a liver transplant. Older patients in developing countries should not be excluded from the selection process due only to age.

Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Limb in Three Hand Function Tests.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists usually assess hand function through standardised tests, however, there is no consensus on how the scores assigned to hand dexterity can accurately measure hand function required for daily activities and few studies evaluate the movement patterns of the upper limbs during hand function tests. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in muscle activation patterns during the performance of three hand dexterity tests. METHODS: Twenty university students underwent a surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessment of eight upper limb muscles during the performance of the box and blocks test (BEST), nine-hole peg test (9HPT), and functional dexterity test (FDT). The description and comparison of each muscle activity during the test performance, gender differences, and the correlation between individual muscles' sEMG activity were analysed through appropriate statistics. RESULTS: Increased activity of proximal muscles was found during the performance of BEST (p < .001). While a higher activation of the distal muscles occurred during the FDT and 9HPT performance, no differences were found between them. Comparisons of the sEMG activity revealed a significant increase in the muscle activation among women (p = .05). Strong and positive correlations (r > .5; p < .05) were observed between proximal and distal sEMG activities, suggesting a coordinate pattern of muscle activation during hand function tests. CONCLUSION: The results suggested the existence of differences in the muscle activation pattern during the performance of hand function evaluations. Occupational therapists should be aware of unique muscle requirements and its impact on the results of dexterity tests during hand function evaluation.

Correlation between center of pressure and functional balance in non-faller elderly practitioners of Tai Chi Chuan.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the correlation between center of pressure and functional balance in non-faller elderly practitioners of Tai Chi. [Subjects and Methods] For the study, nine non-faller elderly practitioners of Tai Chi who were able to maintain a standing posture and walk independently were recruited. Timed one-leg standing and timed up-and-go tests were used as functional balance tests and force platform to measure the center of pressure. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for the timed up-and-go/timed one-leg standing test scores and center of pressure parameter values. [Results] None of the correlations was statistically significant, but moderate correlations were observed between the pairs timed one-leg standing/sway area of center of pressure, timed one-leg standing/standard deviation of center of pressure in the mediolateral direction, timed one-leg standing/mean velocity of center of pressure in the anteroposterior direction, and timed up-and-go test sway area of center of pressure. [Conclusion] Timed one-leg standing is more appropriate than timed up-and-go test for the measurement of functional balance in non-faller elderly practitioners of Tai Chi.