Use of Virtual Reality-Based Games to Improve Balance and Gait of Children and Adolescents with Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often experience motor skill disturbances, particularly in balance and gait, due to potential vestibular dysfunctions resulting from inner ear damage. Consequently, several studies have proposed the use of virtual reality-based games as a technological resource for therapeutic purposes, aiming to improve the balance and gait of this population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of evidence derived from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that employed virtual reality-based games to enhance the balance and/or gait of children and adolescents with SNHL. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, encompassing articles published in any language until 1 July 2023. The following inclusion criteria were applied: randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials involving volunteers from both groups with a clinical diagnosis of bilateral SNHL, aged 6-19 years, devoid of physical, cognitive, or neurological deficits other than vestibular dysfunction, and utilizing virtual reality-based games as an intervention to improve balance and/or gait outcomes. RESULTS: Initially, a total of 5984 articles were identified through the searches. Following the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, eight studies remained for full reading, out of which three trials met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The included trials exhibited a very low quality of evidence concerning the balance outcome, and none of the trials evaluated gait. The meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in balance improvement between the use of traditional balance exercises and virtual reality-based games for adolescents with SNHL (effect size: -0.48; [CI: -1.54 to 0.57]; p = 0.37; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Virtual reality-based games show promise as a potential technology to be included among the therapeutic options for rehabilitating the balance of children and adolescents with SNHL. However, given the methodological limitations of the trials and the overall low quality of evidence currently available on this topic, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results of the trials analyzed in this systematic review.

Acessibilidade geográfica aos serviços de reabilitação de crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika / Geographical accessibility to rehabilitation services of children with congenital zika syndrome

Resumo Introdução Alterações neurológicas em crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika (SCZ) repercutem em atrasos no desenvolvimento e deformidades, levando à necessidade da assistência aos serviços de reabilitação. Objetivo Analisar a acessibilidade geográfica de crianças com SCZ na Região Metropolitana do Recife (RMR) e compará-la com a otimizada (distância mais próxima entre a residência da criança e o serviço). Método Estudo descritivo, incluindo 51 crianças com SCZ que residiam na RMR. Utilizaram-se questionários semiestruturados com dados sociodemográficos, econômicos e informações dos serviços de reabilitação utilizados pela criança. Elaboraram-se mapas de distribuição espacial e fluxos pelo Sistema de Informação Geográfica QGis e análises descritivas do perfil da amostra, usando SPSS 20.0. Resultados A maioria era de crianças que viviam em locais de vulnerabilidade, considerando a renda como indicador. Quanto à acessibilidade, os serviços de reabilitação estavam concentrados na cidade do Recife, levando 37,3% das crianças a percorrer acima de 15 km até os serviços. Verificou-se que numa acessibilidade otimizada, 52,9% percorreriam entre 1 e 5 km. Conclusão Uma reorganização dos serviços para garantir maior facilidade de acessibilidade a essas crianças é necessária e imprescindível para garantia de melhor acompanhamento e assistência dessas famílias em longo prazo.

Abstract Background Neurological changes in children with congenital zika virus syndrome (CZS) have delays in development and deformities, leading to the need care for rehabilitation services Objective This study aims to analyze the geographical accessibility of children with CZS in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (RMR), and to compare such with the optimized (closest distance between the child's residence and the service). Method It is a descriptive study, including 51 CZS who resided in the RMR. The instruments used were semi structured questionnaire with sociodemographic data, economic and information from the centers attended by the child. Spatial distribution maps and flows were prepared by the Geographic Information System-QGis and descriptive analyzes of the sample profile, using SPSS 20.0. Results The majority were children who lived in locales of socioeconomic vulnerability. As for the accessibility, it was noted that the rehabilitation services which received these children were concentrated in the city of Recife, leading 37.3% of children to travel over 15 km to services. However, the optimal accessibility, 52,9% would be between 1 and 5 km. Conclusion A reorganization of these services to facilitate accessibility to these children, as well as a follow-up towards better tending to these families in the long term.

Repercussions of the Degrees of Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction on the Static Balance of Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the static balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) according to the degrees of SNHL and the function of the vestibular system. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools located in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL as documented by air and bone conduction audiometry) of both sexes between 7 and 11 years old. Static balance was assessed by a stabilometric analysis using a force platform consisting of the circular area of center-of-pressure displacement of the children evaluated in 3 positions: bipedal support with feet together and parallel (PF), tandem feet (TF), and 1 foot (OF), carried out under 2 sensory conditions each, with eyes open and eyes closed. After balance assessments, the children with SNHL received examinations of auditory and vestibular functions-through audiometry and computerized vectoelectronystagmography, respectively-to compose the groups according to degrees of SNHL and vestibular function. RESULTS: The children with severe and profound SNHL demonstrated more static balance instabilities than the children with normal hearing in 5 positions assessed with eyes open (PF, TF, and OF) and eyes closed (PF and TF). The same phenomenon occurred in children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction in all of the positions assessed with eyes open and eyes closed (PF, TF, and OF). CONCLUSION: The larger the degree of SNHL, the greater the balance instability of the children. The children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction showed the highest balance instabilities in this study. IMPACT: Children with larger degrees of SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction might require prolonged periods to rehabilitate their balance.

Does the practice of sports or recreational activities improve the balance and gait of children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Balance and gait disorders have been observed in children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), justified by vestibular dysfunctions that these children may present, due to the injury to the inner ear. Therefore, some investigations have suggested that the practice of sports or recreational activities can improve the balance and gait of this population. OBJECTIVE: Assess the evidence quality from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that used sports or recreational activities as an intervention to improve the balance and /or gait of children and/or adolescents with SNHL. METHODS: Systematic review that surveyed articles in nine databases, published up to January 10, 2019, in any language, using the following inclusion criteria: (1) Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials. (2) Participants from both groups with the clinical diagnosis of SNHL, aged 6-19 years old, without physical problems, cognitive or neurological deficits, except the vestibular dysfunction. (3) Using the practice of sports or recreational activities as an intervention, to improve the balance and/or gait outcomes. RESULTS: 4732 articles were identified in the searches, after the removal of the duplicates articles and the reading of the titles and their abstracts, remained 16 articles for reading in full, being 5 trials eligible for this systematic review. Of the five eligible trials, three used sports activities and two recreational activities as intervention and presented very low-quality evidence for balance and gait outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: Sports and recreational practices seem to represent promising modalities to improve the balance and gait of children and adolescents with SNHL. However, due to the methodological limitations of the trials and the low quality of the current evidence on the topic, the results of the trials should be interpreted with caution. Due to the low quality of evidence observed, we suggest that new trials be proposed on this topic, with greater methodological rigor, to provide high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of sports and recreational practices to improve the balance and gait of children and adolescents with SNHL.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs to improve the postural control, balance and gait of children with sensorineural hearing loss: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) exhibit postural instabilities, as well as balance and gait disorders, due to the vestibular dysfunction that they are prone to display as a consequence of inner ear injury. Thus, some experiments have proposed vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs as a treatment to improve these motor skills in children with SNHL. OBJECTIVE: Assess the evidence quality of the trials that used vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs to improve the postural control, balance and gait of children with SNHL. METHODS: This is a systematic review that surveyed articles in nine databases, published up to July 4, 2019, in any language, using the following inclusion criteria: (1) Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials. (2) Participants of both groups with clinical diagnosis of SNHL, aged up to 12 years old, with no physical problems, cognitive or neurological impairments, except the vestibular dysfunction. (3) Using vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs to improve the following outcomes: postural control, balance and/or gait. RESULTS: Six experiments, including 153 children, met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. Two randomized controlled trials (45 children) on the postural control exhibited low evidence quality and four others; three randomized and controlled trials (90 children) on the balance and one quasi-randomized (18 children) on the gait demonstrated very low evidence quality, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is promising evidence that vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs improve the postural control, balance and gait of children with SNHL. However, due to the methodological limitations of the trials and low quality of current evidence on this topic, the trials results analyzed by this systematic review should be interpreted with caution. Due to the low quality of evidence observed in this review, we suggest that new trials be proposed on this topic, with better methodological quality, to prove the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation exercises programs to improve the postural control, balance and gait of children with SNHL.

Análise do desempenho funcional de lactentes com síndrome congênita do zika: estudo longitudinal / Análisis del desempeño funcional de los lactantes con síndrome congénito del zika: estudio longitudinal / Analysis of the functional performance of infants with congenital zika syndrome: a longitudinal study

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar longitudinalmente o desempenho funcional de lactentes acometidos pela síndrome congênita do zika (SCZ). Realizou-se um estudo com lactentes provenientes do Laboratório de Estudos em Pediatria da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco e da Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras, com idade entre 6 e 24 meses, de ambos os sexos. O Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade (PEDI) foi aplicado para análise do desempenho funcional em duas avaliações, com no mínimo seis meses de intervalo. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Na amostra de 16 lactentes, observou-se que entre as avaliações houve mudança na classificação de normal para atraso nos domínios de autocuidado e função social, com diminuição significativa dos escores normativos (p=0,001 e p<0,001, respectivamente); na mobilidade, os lactentes inicialmente classificados com atraso também apresentaram redução dos escores normativos (p=0,001), mantendo-se na classificação. Apesar do aumento significativo nos escores brutos do autocuidado (p=0,024) e mobilidade (p=0,001), os lactentes continuaram classificados em atraso. Na assistência do cuidador, 100% dos lactentes se encontraram em atraso nos três domínios do PEDI, recebendo assistência máxima ou total. As principais modificações ambientais encontradas foram as centradas na criança. Em suma, os lactentes com SCZ deste estudo apresentaram atrasos significativos no desempenho funcional, com uma evolução lenta no intervalo de tempo avaliado.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar longitudinalmente el desempeño funcional de lactantes con síndrome congénito del zika (SCZ). Se realizó un estudio con lactantes de entre 6 y 24 meses, de ambos los sexos, identificados por el Laboratorio de Estudios en Pediatría de la Universidad Federal de Pernambuco y por la Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras (Alianza de Madres y Familias Raras). Se aplicó el Inventario de Evaluación Pediátrica de Discapacidad (PEDI) para análisis del desempeño funcional en dos evaluaciones, con al menos seis meses de intervalo. El análisis de los datos fue realizado por la prueba de Wilcoxon. En la muestra de 16 lactantes se observó cambio en los campos de autocuidado y función social, de "normal" para "retraso", con disminución significativa de los puntajes normativos (p=0,001 y p<0,001, respectivamente). En la movilidad, los lactantes inicialmente clasificados con retraso también presentaron reducción de los puntajes normativos (p=0,001), manteniéndose en la clasificación. A pesar del aumento significativo en los puntajes netos del autocuidado (p=0,024) y movilidad (p=0,001), los lactantes continuaron clasificados en retraso. En la asistencia del cuidador, un 100% de los lactantes se encontraban en retraso en los tres dominios del PEDI, recibiendo asistencia máxima o total. Las principales modificaciones ambientales encontradas fueron las centradas en el niño. En resumen, los lactantes con SCZ presentaron retrasos significativos en el desempeño funcional, con una evolución lenta en el intervalo de tiempo evaluado.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to longitudinally evaluate the functional performance of infants affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). A study was carried out with infants from the Laboratório de Estudos em Pediatria of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco and the Aliança de Mães e Famílias Raras, aged between 6 and 24 months, of both genders. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was applied to analyze functional performance in two evaluations, with a minimum of six months interval between them. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. In the sample of 16 infants, we observed a change in the classification from normal to delay in the domains of self-care and social function, with a significant decrease in normative scores (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively); in the mobility, individuals initially classified with delay also presented reduction of normative scores (p=0.001), remaining in the same classification. Despite the significant increase in gross self-care scores (p=0.024) and mobility (p=0.001), infants remained classified as delayed. Caregiver care was analyzed in these evaluation, in which 100% of infants were delayed in all three domains of the PEDI, receiving maximum or full care. The main environmental modifications were those focused on the child. We concluded that infants with CZS presented significant delays in functional performance, with a slow evolution in the evaluated range.

Balance performance of children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss: Repercussions of hearing loss degrees and etiological factors.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies have demonstrated a parallelism between the extent of hearing loss and the frequency of vestibular dysfunction in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Despite this, little is known about the repercussion of degrees of hearing loss and etiological factors on the balance performance in this children. OBJECTIVE: Compare the balance performance between normal hearing (NH) children and those with SNHL, considering the sex and age range of the sample, and analyze balance performance according to the degrees of hearing loss and etiological factors in the latter group. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that assessed 96 children (48 NH and 48 with SNHL), aged between 7 and 18 years old. The balance performance was assessed by the Brazilian version of the Pediatric Balance Scale, validated for Brazilian child population and the Mann-Whitney test used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The group with SNHL showed lower average balance performance compared to NH (p = 0.000). This was also observed when the children were grouped by sex: female and male (p = 0.001). The same difference occurred when the children were stratified by age group: 7-14 years old (p = 0.000). There were no differences between the balance performance of the groups according to the degrees of hearing loss (p = 0.236) and the children with prematurity or post-natal meningitis as an etiological factor demonstrated the worst balance performance. CONCLUSION: The children with SNHL showed worse balance performance compared to NH of the same sex and age range between seven to fourteen years. There were no differences between balance performance and hearing loss degrees, and those children with prematurity or post-natal meningitis as an etiological factor demonstrated the worst balance performances.

Postural control assessment in students with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss / Avaliação do controle postural em escolares ouvintes e com perda auditiva sensorioneural

INTRODUCTION: Children with sensorineural hearing loss can present with instabilities in postural control, possibly as a consequence of hypoactivity of their vestibular system due to internal ear injury.OBJECTIVE: To assess postural control stability in students with normal hearing (i.e., listeners) and with sensorineural hearing loss, and to compare data between groups, considering gender and age.METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated the postural control of 96 students, 48 listeners and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 7 and 18 years, of both genders, through the Balance Error Scoring Systems scale. This tool assesses postural control in two sensory conditions: stable surface and unstable surface. For statistical data analysis between groups, the Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used.RESULTS: Students with hearing loss showed more instability in postural control than those with normal hearing, with significant differences between groups (stable surface, unstable surface) (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Students with sensorineural hearing loss showed greater instability in the postural control compared to normal hearing students of the same gender and age.

INTRODUÇÃO: Crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural podem apresentar instabilidades posturais, possivelmente provocadas pelo acometimento do sistema vestibular em virtude da lesão na orelha interna.OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a estabilidade do controle postural em escolares ouvintes e com perda auditiva sensorioneural e comparar os dados entre os grupos, considerando os gêneros e as faixas etárias.MÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal, que avaliou 96 escolares de ambos os gêneros na faixa etária entre 7-18 anos, sendo 48 ouvintes e 48 com perda auditiva sensorioneural. A avaliação do controle postural foi realizada por meio da Escala de BESS (Balance Error Scoring System) que avalia o controle postural em duas condições sensoriais: superfície estável (SE) e superfície instável (SI). Para a análise estatística dos dados entre os grupos, foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon de comparação de médias para amostras pareadas.RESULTADOS: Os escolares com perda auditiva demonstraram maior instabilidade no controle postural que os ouvintes, apontando diferenças significativas entre os grupos na SE e SI (P < 0,001).CONCLUSÃO: Os escolares com perda auditiva sensorioneural demonstraram maior instabilidade no controle postural, em comparação com os escolares ouvintes do mesmo gênero e faixa etária.

Postural control assessment in students with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION: Children with sensorineural hearing loss can present with instabilities in postural control, possibly as a consequence of hypoactivity of their vestibular system due to internal ear injury. OBJECTIVE: To assess postural control stability in students with normal hearing (i.e., listeners) and with sensorineural hearing loss, and to compare data between groups, considering gender and age. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated the postural control of 96 students, 48 listeners and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 7 and 18 years, of both genders, through the Balance Error Scoring Systems scale. This tool assesses postural control in two sensory conditions: stable surface and unstable surface. For statistical data analysis between groups, the Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used. RESULTS: Students with hearing loss showed more instability in postural control than those with normal hearing, with significant differences between groups (stable surface, unstable surface) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Students with sensorineural hearing loss showed greater instability in the postural control compared to normal hearing students of the same gender and age.

Desempenho do equilíbrio dinâmico de escolares ouvintes e com perda auditiva sensorioneural / Dynamic balance performance of students with normal-hearing and with sensorineural hearing loss / Desempeño del equilibrio dinámico de escolares oyentes y con pérdida auditiva sensorineural

Introdução: O equilíbrio corporal humano é regulado pela atuação sensorial do sistema vestibular, situado na orelha interna. Crianças com perda auditiva sensorioneural podem apresentar alterações no sistema vestibular e, consequentemente, no equilíbrio corporal, em decorrência da lesão na orelha interna. Objetivos: Avaliar o equilíbrio dinâmico em escolares ouvintes e com perda auditiva sensorioneural e comparar os dados entre os grupos considerando os sexos e as faixas etárias. Métodos: Estudo de corte transversal, que avaliou 96 escolares, sendo 48 ouvintes e 48 com perda auditiva sensorioneural, de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária entre sete e 18 anos. A avaliação do equilíbrio dinâmico foi realizada por meio do teste de Babinski-Weil e do teste de Fukuda. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson, tendo em vista a distribuição de normalidade dos dados. Resultados: Os escolares com perda auditiva apresentaram maior ocorrência de alterações no equilíbrio dinâmico comparado aos ouvintes: teste de Babinski-Weil e teste de Fukuda: (p<0,001). A mesma diferença foi observada quando os voluntários foram agrupados pelos sexos: feminino e masculino: teste de Babinski-Weil e teste de Fukuda: (p<0,001). Estratificando-se pelas faixas etárias, os resultados apontaram diferenças, entre todos os grupos etários avaliados: teste de Babinski-Weil: sete a 14 anos: (p<0,001) e 15-18 anos: (p= 0,004), teste de Fukuda: sete a 18 anos: (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os escolares com perda auditiva apresentaram maior ocorrência de alterações no equilíbrio dinâmico que os ouvintes do mesmo sexo e faixa etária. .

Introduction: The human body balance is regulated by sensory activity of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Children with sensorineural hearing loss may show changes in the vestibular system and, consequently, body balance disorders, probably due to damage in the inner ear. Objectives: To evaluate the dynamic balance in students who hear and those who have sensorineural hearing loss and to compare data between groups considering the sex and age groups. Methods: Cross-sectional study, which evaluated 96 school children. 48 listeners and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, of both sexes aged between seven to 18 years. The dynamic balance evaluation was performed using the Babinski-Weil test and Fukuda test. For data analysis the Pearson chi-square test with a view to distribution data normality was used. Results: The students with hearing loss had more changes in dynamic balance compared to listeners: Babinski-Weil test and Fukuda test: (p<0.001). The same difference was found when subjects were grouped by the gender: male and female: Babinski-Weil test and Fukuda test: (p<0.001). Stratifying by the age groups, the results showed differences among all age groups evaluated: Babinski-Weil test: seven to 14 years: (p<0.001) and 15-18 years: (p= 0.004). Fukuda test: seven to 18 years: (p<0.001). Conclusion: Students with hearing loss had higher dynamic balance changes than listeners of the same sex and age. .

Introducción: El equilibrio corporal humano es regulado por la actuación sensorial del sistema vestibular, situado en el oído interno. Los niños con pérdida auditiva sensorineural pueden presentar alteraciones en el sistema vestibular y, consiguientemente, en el equilibrio corporal, como consecuencia de la lesión en el oído interno. Objetivos: Evaluar el equilibrio dinámico en escolares oyentes y con pérdida auditiva sensorineural y comparar los datos entre los grupos considerando los sexos y los grupos de edad. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, que evaluó a 96 escolares, siendo 48 oyentes y 48 con pérdida auditiva sensorineural, de ambos sexos, en el grupo de edad de entre siete y 18 años. La evaluación del equilibrio dinámico fue realizada por medio del test de Babinski-Weil y del test de Fukuda. Para el análisis de los datos fue utilizado el test del chi-cuadrado de Pearson, teniendo en vista la distribución de normalidad de los datos. Resultados: Los escolares con pérdida auditiva presentaron mayor ocurrencia de alteraciones en el equilibrio dinámico comparado a los oyentes: test de Babinski-Weil y test de Fukuda: (p<0,001). La misma diferencia fue observada cuando los voluntarios fueron agrupados por sexos: femenino y masculino: test de Babinski-Weil y test de Fukuda: (p<0,001). Estratificándose por los grupos de edad, los resultados apuntaron diferencias, entre todos los grupos de edad evaluados: test de Babinski-Weil: siete a 14 años: (p<0,001) y 15-18 años: (p= 0,004), test de Fukuda: siete a 18 años: (p<0,001). Conclusión: Los escolares con pérdida auditiva presentaron mayor ocurrencia de alteraciones en el equilibrio dinámico que los oyentes del mismo sexo y grupo de edad. .

Effects of a westernized diet on the reflexes and physical maturation of male rat offspring during the perinatal period.

This study evaluates the effects of a westernized diet during the perinatal period on the maternal performance and growth and development of rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with either a control (C) diet, with casein as the protein source or a westernized (W) diet, during pregnancy and lactation. The pups were divided, eight per group, into the same diet groups as their dams. During lactation, the body weight (day 1, W = 6.85 ± 0.62 g, C = 5.81 ± 0.49, p < 0.05; day 21, W = 55.42 ± 3.78, C = 47.75 ± 3.45, p < 0.001) and somatic growth (body length day 1, W = 53.24 ± 2.16, C = 50.641 ± 1.79, p < 0.05; day 21, W = 124.8, C = 119.903 ± 3.71, p < 0.001) in the male offspring showed significant differences among the groups. The physical appearance and reflex maturation showed differences between day 1 and day 3. With the westernized diet, during the perinatal period, no alterations in maternal weight gain, gestation or performance were observed; however, changes in the coefficients of feed efficiency and energy during lactation were noted. Besides, blood glucose was found to be elevated at the end of lactation (C = 3.67 ± 0.35 mmol/l, W = 5.2 0 ± 0.49 mmol/l). At 21 days, the male pups from the dams on the westernized diet were 15 % heavier, and the maturation of the neural reflexes and physical characteristics were found to occur earlier. Therefore, the consumption of a westernized diet during the perinatal period was independent of maternal energy intake, and influenced the growth and development of offspring.

Use of virtual reality in gait recovery among post stroke patients--a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic literature review focusing on the use of virtual reality (VR) for the improvement of gait in post-stroke patients. METHODS: We performed a search of Randomized-controlled trials published from 1966 to 2011 in the databases: Medline, Lilacs, CINAHL, Cochrane and SciELO. Keywords used in the selection were: Virtual reality in combination with (AND) "Nervous System Diseases", (OR) "Motor Skill Disorders" (OR) "neurologic impairments" (OR) "motor function" (OR) function* (OR) locomotion (OR) ambulation (OR) gait (OR) "motor activity" (OR) Stroke. Selected articles were evaluated using the individual's components of methodological quality assessment and analysis of outcomes of each study was based on the domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). RESULTS: A total of 6520 references were found, however, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria only four studies were considered and analyzed. These articles demonstrated that the use of VR promotes changes in gait parameters, despite the diversity of protocols, participants' characteristics, as well as the number of participants included in each study. CONCLUSIONS: The research studies analyses suggest that VR is a promising method to improve the gait of patients with stroke. Nevertheless, some questions still need to be answered. Some aspects should be investigated to confirm the true benefits and application of VR in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Stroke is the second cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. The loss or impairment of ambulation is one of the most devasting sequelae of stroke. Restoration of gait can be considered the main goal of rehabilitation after stroke. Conventional interventions tend to be tedious, providing few opportunities to increase the difficulty level of the proposed tasks and do not encourage adaptive postural reactions. There is evidence to support the use of virtual reality for the promotion of walking in people with sequelae of stroke. Virtual reality is a feature that has been used in clinical practice, however, the details on how to use this instrument must be set according to the therapeutic goals.

Early physical activity minimizes the adverse effects of a low-energy diet on growth and development parameters.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-energy diet on rat dams and physical activity in water during the perinatal period on body weight, somatic growth, and neuromotor development. METHODS: Rat dams were fed with control or low-energy diets from the third gestational week. At 8 days old the littermates were either involved or not in aquatic physical activity. The groups were initially divided into normocaloric (C) or low-energy (LE) diets. The study included 52 male pups from primiparous Wistar rats. Exercise in water was carried out with the pups from the age of 8 to 52 days. Four experimental groups were formed: inactive control (IC), active control (AC), inactive low-energy (ILE), and active low-energy (ALE). Somatic growth (tail length (TL), lateral-lateral axis of the skull (LLAS), anterior-posterior axis of the skull (APAS), and longitudinal axis (LA)), maturation of reflexes and neuromotor development of pup locomotion were analyzed along with a biochemical profile. RESULTS: During lactation the body weight range (%) was lower for ILE compared with IC (38%, P < 0.05), as ALE body weight gain was lower (29%, P < 0.05) compared with AC and bigger (17%, P < 0.05) compared with ILE. At 21st day reduced body weight was observed in LE diet groups (IC = 48.62 ± 1.36 g; AC = 48.30 ± 1.03 g; ILE = 30.49 ± 1.60 g; ALE = 39.38 ± 1.06 g, P < 0.05). Compared with control diet, the LE diet delayed somatic growth of pups from 2nd week to end lactation, but the early physical activity in LE group improved some parameters of somatic growth (TL: IC = 68.87 ± 1.00 mm, AC = 68.80 ± 1.10 mm, ILE = 60.21 ± 1.14 mm, ALE = 64.61 ± 0.55 mm; LA: IC = 113.21 ± 1.73 mm, AC = 113.33 ± 1.37 mm, ILE = 99.40 ± 1.67 mm, ALE = 106.76 ± 0.79 mm; APAS: IC = 37.10 ± 0.32 mm, AC: 37.18 ± 0.23 mm, ILE = 34.11 ± 0.33 mm, ALE = 35.84 ± 0.30 mm; LLAS: IC = 18.71 ± 0.24 mm, AC = 19.00 ± 0.16 mm, ILE = 17.10 ± 0.19 mm, ALE = 17.87 ± 0.11 mm, P < 0.05) and reflex ontogeny. Nevertheless, fewer changes were observed in locomotor activity (P > 0.05). At 60 days old, the food intake and measures of murinometrics did not differ among groups, but they had lower glucose levels ILE (IC = 4.14 ± 0.23 mmol/l, AC = 3.70 ± 0.22 mmol/l, ILE = 3.38 ± 0.20 mmol/l, ALE = 4.17 ± 0.09 mmol/l, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, we suggest that physical activity in water acts as a beneficial factor in LE diets of dams during the perinatal period. Further study is necessary to investigate the role of physical activity for adaptation against adverse nutritional stimuli.

Head Position Comparison between Students with Normal Hearing and Students with Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Introduction Head sense position is coordinated by sensory activity of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Children with sensorineural hearing loss may show changes in the vestibular system as a result of injury to the inner ear, which can alter the sense of head position in this population. Aim Analyze the head alignment in students with normal hearing and students with sensorineural hearing loss and compare the data between groups. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study examined the head alignment of 96 students, 48 with normal hearing and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 7 and 18 years. The analysis of head alignment occurred through postural assessment performed according to the criteria proposed by Kendall et al. For data analysis we used the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results The students with hearing loss had a higher occurrence of changes in the alignment of the head than normally hearing students (p < 0.001). Forward head posture was the type of postural change observed most, occurring in greater proportion in children with hearing loss (p < 0.001), followed by the side slope head posture (p < 0.001). Conclusion Children with sensorineural hearing loss showed more changes in the head posture compared with children with normal hearing.

Head Position Comparison between Students with Normal Hearing and Students with Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Head sense position is coordinated by sensory activity of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Children with sensorineural hearing loss may show changes in the vestibular system as a result of injury to the inner ear, which can alter the sense of head position in this population. Aim: Analyze the head alignment in students with normal hearing and students with sensorineural hearing loss and compare the data between groups. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study examined the head alignment of 96 students, 48 with normal hearing and 48 with sensorineural hearing loss, aged between 7 and 18 years. The analysis of head alignment occurred through postural assessment performed according to the criteria proposed by Kendall et al. For data analysis we used the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: The students with hearing loss had a higher occurrence of changes in the alignment of the head than normally hearing students (p < 0.001). Forward head posture was the type of postural change observed most, occurring in greater proportion in children with hearing loss (p < 0.001), followed by the side slope head posture (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Children with sensorineural hearing loss showed more changes in the head posture compared with children with normal hearing...

Passive stiffness of rat skeletal muscle undernourished during fetal development.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fetal undernutrition on the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle of weaned and young adult rats. INTRODUCTION: A poor nutrition supply during fetal development affects physiological functions of the fetus. From a mechanical point of view, skeletal muscle can be also characterized by its resistance to passive stretch. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to their mother's diet during pregnancy: a control group (mothers fed a 17% protein diet) and an isocaloric low-protein group (mothers fed a 7.8% protein diet). At birth, all mothers received a standardized meal ad libitum. At the age of 25 and 90 days, the soleus muscle and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed in order to test the passive mechanical properties. A first mechanical test consisted of an incremental stepwise extension test using fast velocity stretching (500 mm/s) enabling us to measure, for each extension stepwise, the dynamic stress (σd) and the steady stress (σs). A second test consisted of a slow velocity stretch in order to calculate normalized stiffness and tangent modulus from the stress-strain relationship. RESULTS: The results for the mechanical properties showed an important increase in passive stiffness in both the soleus and EDL muscles in weaned rat. In contrast, no modification was observed in young adult rats. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in passive stiffness in skeletal muscle of weaned rat submitted to intrauterine undernutrition it is most likely due to changes in muscle passive stiffness.

Passive stiffness of rat skeletal muscle undernourished during fetal development

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of fetal undernutrition on the passive mechanical properties of skeletal muscle of weaned and young adult rats. INTRODUCTION: A poor nutrition supply during fetal development affects physiological functions of the fetus. From a mechanical point of view, skeletal muscle can be also characterized by its resistance to passive stretch. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to their mother's diet during pregnancy: a control group (mothers fed a 17 percent protein diet) and an isocaloric low-protein group (mothers fed a 7.8 percent protein diet). At birth, all mothers received a standardized meal ad libitum. At the age of 25 and 90 days, the soleus muscle and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed in order to test the passive mechanical properties. A first mechanical test consisted of an incremental stepwise extension test using fast velocity stretching (500 mm/s) enabling us to measure, for each extension stepwise, the dynamic stress (σd) and the steady stress (σs). A second test consisted of a slow velocity stretch in order to calculate normalized stiffness and tangent modulus from the stress-strain relationship. RESULTS: The results for the mechanical properties showed an important increase in passive stiffness in both the soleus and EDL muscles in weaned rat. In contrast, no modification was observed in young adult rats. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in passive stiffness in skeletal muscle of weaned rat submitted to intrauterine undernutrition it is most likely due to changes in muscle passive stiffness.