Upper Limb Energy Demand During Unilateral Arm Crank Submaximal Exercise Testing in Individuals With Chronic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate upper limb (UL) energy demand during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing in individuals with stroke compared with healthy controls and the relationship between UL energy demand and UL activity in individuals with stroke. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with chronic stroke (n=14) and controls (n=12), matched for age, sex, and body mass index (N=26). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: UL energy demand was measured as peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2)/peak load during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing. UL activity was measured using the Box and Block Test (BBT) and Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT). RESULTS: The energy demand of the paretic side compared with the nonparetic side of the stroke group was 0.43 mL/kg/min/W (95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.83, P=.005) greater than the dominant compared with the nondominant side of the control group. The median difference between sides in peak V̇o2/peak load was 52% for the group with stroke compared with 11% for the control group. Positive correlations between the median percentage difference between the paretic and the nonparetic side of peak V̇o2/peak load and BBT were 0.72 (P=.004) and of V̇o2/peak load and GPT was 0.77 (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: The higher energy demand of the paretic UL during unilateral arm crank submaximal exercise testing than the nonparetic and both UL of the controls together with the strong relationship between energy demand and UL activity suggest that the energy demand of the paretic UL has the potential to affect real-life UL activity after stroke.

Cross-cultural validity of the ABILOCO questionnaire for individuals with stroke, based on Rasch analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Brazilian version of the ABILOCO questionnaire for stroke subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation of the original English version of the ABILOCO to the Brazilian-Portuguese language followed standardized procedures. The adapted version was administered to 136 stroke subjects and its measurement properties were assessed using Rash analysis. Cross-cultural validity was based on cultural invariance analyses. RESULTS: Goodness-of-fit analysis revealed one misfitting item. The principal component analysis of the residuals showed that the first dimension explained 45% of the variance in locomotion ability; however, the eigenvalue was 1.92. The ABILOCO-Brazil divided the sample into two levels of ability and the items into about seven levels of difficulty. The item-person map showed some ceiling effect. Cultural invariance analyses revealed that although there were differences in the item calibrations between the ABILOCO-original and ABILOCO-Brazil, they did not impact the measures of locomotion ability. CONCLUSIONS: The ABILOCO-Brazil demonstrated satisfactory measurement properties to be used within both clinical and research contexts in Brazil, as well cross-cultural validity to be used in international/multicentric studies. However, the presence of ceiling effect suggests that it may not be appropriate for the assessment of individuals with high levels of locomotion ability. Implications for rehabilitation Self-report measures of locomotion ability are clinically important, since they describe the abilities of the individuals within real life contexts. The ABILOCO questionnaire, specific for stroke survivors, demonstrated satisfactory measurement properties, but may not be most appropriate to assess individuals with high levels of locomotion ability The results of the cross-cultural validity showed that the ABILOCO-Original and the ABILOCO-Brazil calibrations may be used interchangeable.

Recruitment rate and retention of stroke subjects in cross-sectional studies.

This article aimed to determine the recruitment rate of chronic stroke survivors to cross-sectional studies and to determine their retention at the two days of assessments. Participants after six months of a unilateral stroke were screened for eligibility and invited to participate in two cross-sectional studies, by telephone. The number of people who were screened, eligible, and successfully recruited was recorded. Retention at the two days of assessments was also recorded. From a list of 654 individuals, 87 were ineligible. Of the 567 left, 216 had wrong contact numbers, 144 refused to participate, and 12 had died. A total of 165 subjects participated in both studies. Out of the 56 who agreed to attend to the second day of assessment, eight did not return. The results showed that individuals with chronic stroke had low rates of recruitment and retention.

Recruitment rate and retention of stroke subjects in cross-sectional studies / Taxa de recrutamento e retenção de indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico em estudos transversais

Abstract This article aimed to determine the recruitment rate of chronic stroke survivors to cross-sectional studies and to determine their retention at the two days of assessments. Participants after six months of a unilateral stroke were screened for eligibility and invited to participate in two cross-sectional studies, by telephone. The number of people who were screened, eligible, and successfully recruited was recorded. Retention at the two days of assessments was also recorded. From a list of 654 individuals, 87 were ineligible. Of the 567 left, 216 had wrong contact numbers, 144 refused to participate, and 12 had died. A total of 165 subjects participated in both studies. Out of the 56 who agreed to attend to the second day of assessment, eight did not return. The results showed that individuals with chronic stroke had low rates of recruitment and retention.

Resumo Este artigo teve por objetivo determinar a taxa de recrutamento de indivíduos pós-Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) em estudos transversais e determinar sua retenção nos dois dias de avaliação, tendo como referencial teórico a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde. Participantes após 6 meses a um AVE unilateral foram selecionados de acordo com a sua elegibilidade e convidados a participar em dois estudos transversais, por telefone. Foi obtido o número de pessoas contatadas, elegíveis e recrutadas com sucesso. A retenção nos dois dias de avaliação foi igualmente obtida. De uma lista de 654 indivíduos, 87 não eram elegíveis. Dos 567 restantes, 216 possuíam números telefônicos errados, 144 se recusaram a participar e 12 haviam ido a óbito. Um total de 165 indivíduos participaram dos dois estudos. Dos 56 indivíduos que concordaram em participar do segundo dia de avaliação, oito não retornaram. Os resultados demonstraram que indivíduos pós-AVE crônicos apresentam baixas taxas de recrutamento e retenção.

Adaptação transcultural do ABILOCO: uma medida de habilidade de locomoção, específica para indivíduos pós acidente vascular encefálico / Cross-cultural adaptation of the ABILOCO: a measure of locomotion ability for individuals with stroke

O ABILOCO, específico para adultos pós Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE), é um questionário para avaliação de habilidade de locomoção. Para sua aplicação na população brasileira, é necessário que seja realizada a sua adaptação transcultural. Objetivo: Realizar a adaptação transcultural do ABILOCO para uso no Brasil. Métodos: O processo de adaptação transcultural seguiu diretrizes padronizadas, sendo realizado em cinco etapas: tradução, retrotradução, síntese das traduções, avaliação pelo comitê de especialistas e teste da versão pré-final. A versão pré-final foi aplicada em 10 indivíduos pós- AVE, que responderam ao questionário e foram indagados sobre como interpretaram cada item. Resultados: O processo de adaptação transcultural seguiu todas as recomendações propostas, sendo necessários apenas acréscimos em dois itens, para possibilitar melhor compreensão. Resultados satisfatórios foram obtidos no teste da versão pré-final, uma vez que não houve nenhum problema quanto à redação e clareza dos itens ou ao objetivo do questionário. Conclusão: A versão final do ABILOCO, denominada ABILOCO-Brasil, demonstrou satisfatório grau de equivalência semântica, conceitual e cultural para uso em contextos clínicos e de pesquisa no Brasil. Estudos futuros devem ser conduzidos para dar continuidade ao processo de validação do questionário.

The ABILOCO, specific for adults with stroke, is a questionnaire for the assessment of locomotion ability. For the application with the Brazilian population, its cross-cultural adaptation is required. Objective: To translate the ABILOCO into the Brazilian-Portuguese language and adapt the questionnaire to the Brazilian culture. Methods: The process of cross-cultural adaptation followed standardized procedures and was conducted in five stages: translation, back-translation, synthesis of the translations, expert committee consultation, and testing of the pre-final version. The prefinal version was administered to 10 individuals with stroke, who were asked to interpret all of the items. Results: The cross-cultural adaptation process followed al of the recommended guidelines and minor modifications in two items were necessary to facilitate understanding. Satisfactory results were obtained during the test of the pre-final version, since there was not found any problem regarding the wording and clarity of the items or the objective of the questionnaire. Conclusions: The ABILOCO-Brazil showed satisfactory semantic, linguistic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence to be used within clinical and research contexts. Future studies should continue the process of validation of the questionnaire.

[Cross-cultural adaptation of LIFE-H 3.1: an instrument for assessing social participation]. / Adaptação transcultural do LIFE-H 3.1: um instrumento de avaliação da participação social.

Restrictions in participation cause serious problems for individuals with chronic disabling conditions. The use of questionnaires to assess participation allows studying the impact of such chronic conditions on functionality, besides potentially improving intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to translate the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1) into Brazilian Portuguese language and adapt the questionnaire to the Brazilian culture. The cross-cultural adaptation followed standard guidelines and was conducted in five stages: translation, back-translation, summary of the translations, expert committee consultation, and testing the pre-final version. The final version of the LIFE-H 3.1 for use in Brazil showed satisfactory semantic, linguistic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. Future studies should continue the process of validating the questionnaire.

Handgrip strength deficits best explain limitations in performing bimanual activities after stroke.

[Purpose] To evaluate the relationships between residual strength deficits (RSD) of the upper limb muscles and the performance in bimanual activities and to determine which muscular group would best explain the performance in bimanual activities of chronic stroke individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Strength measures of handgrip, wrist extensor, elbow flexor/extensor, and shoulder flexor muscles of 107 subjects were obtained and expressed as RSD. The performance in bimanual activities was assessed by the ABILHAND questionnaire. [Results] The correlations between the RSD of handgrip and wrist extensor muscles with the ABILHAND scores were negative and moderate, whereas those with the elbow flexor/extensor and shoulder flexor muscles were negative and low. Regression analysis showed that the RSD of handgrip and wrist extensor muscles explained 38% of the variance in the ABILHAND scores. Handgrip RSD alone explained 33% of the variance. [Conclusion] The RSD of the upper limb muscles were negatively associated with the performance in bimanual activities and the RSD of handgrip muscles were the most relevant variable. It is possible that stroke subjects would benefit from interventions aiming at improving handgrip strength, when the goal is to increase the performance in bimanual activities.

Cross-cultural validity of the Brazilian version of the ABILHAND questionnaire for chronic stroke individuals, based on Rasch analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cross-cultural validity of the Brazilian version of the ABILHAND for stroke individuals. SUBJECTS: A total of 107 community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors; mean age 58 years. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation of the ABILHAND followed standardized procedures. Measurement properties of the adapted version were analysed using Rasch analysis. Cross-cultural validity was based on cultural invariance analyses. RESULTS: The ABILHAND-Brazil demonstrated satisfactory performance as a rating scale. Only one item exhibited misfit to the Rasch model expectations. Principal component analysis of the residuals showed that the manual ability of the individuals encompassed different contents related to the degree of the paretic upper limb involvement in performing manual activities. Some minor local dependency was identified in 2 pairs of items (residual correlations > 0.3). Furthermore, the adapted version exhibited high levels of reliability, no floor effects, and minimal ceiling effect. Analyses of cultural invariance showed that the ABILHAND-Original and ABILHAND-Brazil calibrations can be used interchangeably. CONCLUSION: The ABILHAND specific for stroke individuals demonstrated satisfactory measurement properties for use within both clinical and research contexts in Brazil, and cross-cultural validity for use in international/multicentric studies between Brazil, Belgium, and Italy.

Adaptação transcultural do LIFE-H 3. 1: um instrumento de avaliação da participação social / Cross-cultural adaptation of LIFE-H 3. 1: an instrument for assessing social participation / Adaptación transcultural del LIFE-H 3. 1: un instrumento de evaluación de la participación social

Resumo: A restrição na participação gera graves problemas para indivíduos com condições crônicas incapacitantes. A utilização de questionários de avaliação da participação permite a investigação do impacto dessas condições crônicas na funcionalidade, bem como o aprimoramento de estratégias de intervenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e realizar a adaptação para a cultura brasileira do Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1). O processo de adaptação transcultural seguiu diretrizes padronizadas, sendo realizado em cinco etapas: tradução, retrotradução, síntese das traduções, comitê de especialistas e teste da versão pré-final. A versão final do LIFE-H 3.1 para uso no Brasil apresentou satisfatório grau de equivalência semântica, idiomática, cultural e conceitual. Estudos futuros devem ser conduzidos para a continuidade do processo de validação do questionário.

Abstract: Restrictions in participation cause serious problems for individuals with chronic disabling conditions. The use of questionnaires to assess participation allows studying the impact of such chronic conditions on functionality, besides potentially improving intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to translate the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1) into Brazilian Portuguese language and adapt the questionnaire to the Brazilian culture. The cross-cultural adaptation followed standard guidelines and was conducted in five stages: translation, back-translation, summary of the translations, expert committee consultation, and testing the pre-final version. The final version of the LIFE-H 3.1 for use in Brazil showed satisfactory semantic, linguistic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. Future studies should continue the process of validating the questionnaire.

Resumen: La restricción en la participación genera graves problemas para individuos con condiciones crónicas incapacitantes. La utilización de cuestionarios de evaluación de la participación permite la investigación del impacto de esas condiciones crónicas en la funcionalidad, así como el perfeccionamiento de estrategias de intervención. El objetivo de este estudio fue traducir y realizar la adaptación para la cultura brasileña del Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H 3.1). El proceso de adaptación transcultural siguió directrices estandarizadas, siendo realizado en cinco etapas: traducción, retrotraducción, síntesis de las traducciones, comité de especialistas y test de la versión pre-final. La versión final del LIFE-H 3.1 para su uso en Brasil presentó un satisfactorio grado de equivalencia semántica, idiomática, cultural y conceptual. Los estudios futuros se deben dirigir a la continuidad del proceso de validación del cuestionario.

Does the heel-rise test explain functional capacity in venous insufficiency? / O teste da ponta do pé prediz capacidade funcional na insuficiência venosa?

Introduction Individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) have muscle pump dysfunction and reduced functionality. However, studies are inconsistent in proving whether a particular test can assess muscle functional capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the heel-rise test (HRT) is able to explain functional capacity in patients with CVI. Materials and methods Subjects with CVI aged between 20 and 59 years old were selected for this study. All participants were classified by means of the Clinical Anatomy Etiology Pathophysiology Classification of Chronic Venous Disease (CEAP). The HRT and the shuttle walk test (SWT) were performed. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, linear models and regression variance analysis (one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Significance was set at alpha ≤ 5%. Results 79 subjects were included in the study (38.79 ± 1.34 years). The HRT was able to explain functional capacity only in individuals aged between 50-59 years (R2 = 0.60, p = 0.0001). The heel-rise test was not sensitive to detect differences between the CEAP classes analyzed (p > 0.05). Conclusion The HRT was able to explain functional capacity in individuals aged between 50-59 years, and it can be applied in clinical practice for the functional evaluation of patients with CVI with mild severity in this age range. .

Introdução Indivíduos com insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC) podem apresentar disfunção da bomba muscular e redução de sua funcionalidade. Porém, estudos são inconsistentes em afirmar se um teste específico muscular pode avaliar a capacidade funcional. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar se o teste da ponta do pé (TPP) é capaz de predizer a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com IVC. Materiais e métodos Foram selecionados para o estudo indivíduos com IVC com idade entre 20 e 59 anos. Os participantes foram classificados por meio da CEAP (Clinical Etiology Anatomy Pathophysiology Classification of Chronic Venous Desease). Foram realizados o TPP e o teste do deslocamento bidirecional progressivo (TDBP). Estatísticas descritivas, correlação de Spearman, modelos de regressão linear e análise de variância (ANOVA one-way) foram utilizados para a análise dos dados. Para significância estatística, foi usado alfa de 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 79 indivíduos (38,79 ± 1,34 anos) no estudo. O TPP foi capaz de predizer a capacidade funcional somente em indivíduos de 50 a 59 anos (R2 = 0,60; p = 0,0001). O TPP não foi sensível em detectar diferenças entre as classes CEAP analisadas (p > 0,05). Conclusão O TPP foi capaz de explicar a capacidade funcional em indivíduos de 50 a 59 anos, podendo ser aplicado na prática clínica de forma válida para a avaliação funcional de pacientes com IVC de gravidade leve nessa faixa etária. .

Estudo de seguimento da função motora de indivíduos pós-acidente vascular encefálico / Follow-up analysis of the motor function of post-stroke individuals / Estudio de seguimiento de la función motora de individuos post accidente cerebro vascular

Objetivou-se caracterizar e analisar mudanças nas variáveis relacionadas à função motora de hemiparéticos crônicos após um período médio de sete anos. Coletaram-se via telefone dados demográficos e clínicos de hemiparéticos avaliados em 2003. Todos foram convidados a participar da reavaliação, em que se coletaram medidas de força da musculatura respiratória, desempenho funcional, capacidade física e nível de atividade física. Estatísticas descritivas, testes t pareado ou Wilcoxon foram utilizados para análise dos dados. Dos 101 hemiparéticos avaliados presencialmente em 2003, contataram-se por telefone 65 deles ou seus familiares, sendo que 35 (64,6±10,6 anos) responderam às questões por telefone, 22 (56,8±13,3 anos) foram avaliados presencialmente e 8 faleceram. Após uma média de sete anos de seguimento, em relação às medidas realizadas presencialmente, nenhuma variável apresentou diferença significativa entre as avaliações (0,08

The aim of this study was to characterize and analyze changes in the variables related to the motor function of chronic hemiparetic patients after a period of seven years. The demographic and clinical data of the participants, who were initially assessed in 2003, were collected by telephone. All individuals were invited to participate in the reassessments, which included data related to respiratory strength, functional performance, physical ability, and physical activity levels. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon or paired t-tests were used for analyses. Out of the 101 hemiparetic partcipants, who were initially assessed in 2003, 65 subjects or their relatives were contacted by telephone; 35 (64.5±10.6 years) answered the questions by telephone, 8 passed away, and 22 (56.8±13.3 years) were physically assessed. After a mean follow up of seven years, none of the physically assessed variables showed significant differences between the two assessments (0.08

Se buscó caracterizar y analizar cambios en las variables relacionadas a la función motora de hemiparéticos crónicos después de un período medio de siete años. Se colectaron por teléfono datos demográficos y clínicos de hemiparéticos evaluados en 2003. Todos fueron invitados a participar de reevaluación, donde se colectaron medidas de fuerza de la musculatura respiratoria, desempeño funcional, capacidad física y nivel de actividad física. Estadísticas descriptivas, tests t pareados o Wilcoxon fueron utilizados para análisis de los datos. De los 101 hemiparéticos evaluados presencialmente en 2003, se contactaron por teléfono 65 de ellos o sus familiares, siendo que 35 (64,6±10,6 años) respondieron las preguntas por teléfono, 22 (56,8±13,3 años) fueron evaluados presencialmente y 8 fallecieron. Después de una media de siete años de seguimiento, en relación a las medidas realizadas presencialmente, ninguna variable presentó diferencia significativa entre las evaluaciones (0,08

Heel-rise test in the assessment of individuals with peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

INTRODUCTION: The heel-rise test (HRT) is a clinical instrument relevant to vascular rehabilitation that has been proposed to assess the function of the triceps surae muscle. To use HRT in the assessment of individuals with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), its ability to detect differences in the functional performance of patients with PAOD must be verified. AIM: To verify whether the test is sensitive in differentiating between individuals with PAOD with distinct functional capacities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal study in which individuals with PAOD were assessed using the HRT, the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ), and the Shuttle Walk Test. The following variables were analyzed: number of plantar flexions performed in the HRT (time in seconds) and velocity (plantar flexions per second) when performing plantar flexions up to the point of volunteer fatigue, maximum distance walked in the Shuttle Walk Test, and scores obtained in each WIQ domain. RESULTS: Twenty-five individuals (14 male) were included in the study, with a mean age of 63.36 ± 9.83 years. The variables number of plantar flexions and time to perform the HRT were sensitive enough to differentiate between distinct functional capacities in individuals with PAOD (P = 0.003 and P = 0.009, respectively). However, this result was not found for the variable of velocity in the HRT. The number of plantar flexions in the HRT was sensitive enough to differentiate individuals of extreme classes on the WIQ domain, stairs (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The HRT can be applied in clinical practice as a valid assessment of the distinct function capacities of individuals with PAOD.