Efectividad de la terapia ecuestre en niños con retraso psicomotor / Effectiveness of equine therapy in children with psychomotor impairment

Introducción: Las terapias ecuestres constituyen un método de intervención para usuarios susceptibles de presentar limitaciones en el ámbito psicomotor que se lleva practicando varias décadas en todo el mundo. Objetivos: Realizar un estudio de pacientes beneficiarios de esta terapia en los logros obtenidos en la función motora gruesa en relación con el resto de las habilidades psicomotrices y cómo esta mejora influye en el estado general y en su calidad de vida. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a 11 niños (8,82 ± 3,89; 6 niños, 5 niñas) con retraso psicomotor. Las variables principales de estudio fueron la función motora gruesa (GMFM-88) y la percepción de calidad de vida (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; PedsQL). Se realizaron 3 mediciones, antes y después de un periodo de inactividad, y 2 meses después de la segunda valoración, tras un periodo continuado de tratamiento. Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa entre los resultados globales de la GMFM-88 entre las pruebas inicial-final e intermedia-final. Respecto a la escala de calidad de vida PedsQL, no se han observado resultados estadísticamente significativos. Conclusiones: A lo largo de la intervención, se han observado cambios evidentes en el control motor, por lo que parece que la terapia ecuestre puede ser una terapia adecuada para la intervención del retraso psicomotor

Introduction: Equine therapy, an intervention method that has been practiced for decades around the world, is used to treat patients susceptible to psychomotor delays. Objectives: We examine development of gross motor function compared to other psychomotor skills in patients undergoing this therapy, and analyse how this improvement affects general health status and quality of life. Material and methods: The study includes 11 children with delayed psychomotor development (aged 8.82 ± 3.89; 6 boys, 5 girls). The main study variables were gross motor function (GMFM-88) and perceived quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL). Three measurements were performed: before and after a period of inactivity, and once again 2 months after the second measurement, following completion of a sustained period of therapy. Results: We observed significant differences in overall results on the GMFM-88 between the initial and final tests and between the intermediate and final tests. Regarding the PedsQL quality of life scale, no statistically significant results were recorded. Conclusions: Noticeable changes in motor control were recorded throughout the course of the intervention, which suggests that equine therapy may be appropriate treatment in cases of delayed psychomotor development

Intervenciones asistidas por animales en neurorrehabilitación: una revisión de la literatura más reciente / Animal assisted interventions in neurorehabilitation: A review of the most recent literature

Introducción: Aunque siempre se ha afirmado el valor de los animales en la promoción del bienestar y la salud del ser humano, solo recientemente su papel terapéutico en medicina se ha convertido en el foco de investigación especializada. Las intervenciones asistidas poranimales pueden dividirse en actividades asistidas por animales, terapia asistida por animales y programas de animales de servicio. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar las publicaciones realizadas entre 2001 y 2012 en las revistas médicas más importantes, relacionadas con el campo de la rehabilitación de las enfermedades neurológicas, y discutir estos hallazgos a la luz de lo que pueda ser de interés para la neurología. Discusión: Se seleccionaron un total de 23 artículos de intervenciones en el campo de la parálisis cerebral infantil, trastornos generalizados del desarrollo, esclerosis múltiple, lesión medular, accidente cerebrovascular y trastornos mentales. Los principales resultados terapéuticos fueron: mejoría en la Gross Motor Function y en el manejo del miembro superior (parálisis cerebral infantil); aumento de la socialización y el contacto con el medio ambiente, reducción del estrés y la ansiedad y sentimientos de soledad (trastornos generalizados del desarrollo y trastornos mentales); disminución de la espasticidad y mejoría del equilibrio (esclerosis múltiple, lesión medular, accidente cerebrovascular). Conclusiones: Estas intervenciones asistidas con un tipo de animales muy limitado utilizadas en grupos clínicos neurológicos muy específicos muestran cada vez más pruebas científicas, como método complementario a otras terapias ya existentes. En estas enfermedades, se necesitan más estudios de alta calidad metodológica que permitan definir los programas más apropiados para la aplicación terapéutica

Introduction: While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human health and well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become a topic for dedicated research. Animal assisted interventions (AAI) can be classified as animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted therapy, and service animal programs. Objective: The aim of this review is to analyse original papers addressing AAI and neurological diseases and published in the most influential medical journals between 2001 and 2012, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest in the field of neurology.Discussion: We selected a total of 23 articles on neurorehabilitation in cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorders, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and mental disorders. The main therapeutic results were improvement on the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and in upper limb dexterity (cerebral palsy); improvement in social functioning and interaction; reductions in stress, anxiety, and loneliness (pervasive developmental disorders andmental disorders); and decreased spasticity with improved balance (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke). Conclusion: These interventions, performed with highly specialised animals in very specific neurological populations, deliver an increasing body of scientific evidence suggesting that theyare an effective complement to other existing therapies. In these diseases, further high-quality studies are warranted in order to define the most appropriate programmes for therapy

Effectiveness of equine therapy in children with psychomotor impairment.

INTRODUCTION: Equine therapy, an intervention method that has been practiced for decades around the world, is used to treat patients susceptible to psychomotor delays. OBJECTIVES: We examine development of gross motor function compared to other psychomotor skills in patients undergoing this therapy, and analyse how this improvement affects general health status and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 11 children with delayed psychomotor development (aged 8.82 ± 3.89; 6 boys, 5 girls). The main study variables were gross motor function (GMFM-88) and perceived quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, PedsQL). Three measurements were performed: before and after a period of inactivity, and once again 2 months after the second measurement, following completion of a sustained period of therapy. RESULTS: We observed significant differences in overall results on the GMFM-88 between the initial and final tests and between the intermediate and final tests. Regarding the PedsQL quality of life scale, no statistically significant results were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Noticeable changes in motor control were recorded throughout the course of the intervention, which suggests that equine therapy may be appropriate treatment in cases of delayed psychomotor development.

Animal assisted interventions in neurorehabilitation: a review of the most recent literature.

INTRODUCTION: While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human health and well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become a topic for dedicated research. Animal assisted interventions (AAI) can be classified as animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted therapy, and service animal programs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to analyse original papers addressing AAI and neurological diseases and published in the most influential medical journals between 2001 and 2012, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest in the field of neurology. DISCUSSION: We selected a total of 23 articles on neurorehabilitation in cerebral palsy, pervasive developmental disorders, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and mental disorders. The main therapeutic results were improvement on the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale and in upper limb dexterity (cerebral palsy); improvement in social functioning and interaction; reductions in stress, anxiety, and loneliness (pervasive developmental disorders and mental disorders); and decreased spasticity with improved balance (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke). CONCLUSION: These interventions, performed with highly specialised animals in very specific neurological populations, deliver an increasing body of scientific evidence suggesting that they are an effective complement to other existing therapies. In these diseases, further high-quality studies are warranted in order to define the most appropriate programmes for therapy.

Role of the physical and rehabilitation medicine specialist regarding of children and adolescents with acquired brain injury.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one of the most common causes of mortality and severe disability in children and adolescents. Those with ABI may suffer any of a wide range of disorders that may limit their activity, their participation in family and school life, and their involvement in society in general. This paper describes the different stages of recovery - hospitalisation, preparing for discharge, and long term follow-up, in which PRM specialists are involved. Although the involvement of the PRM specialist is important in all three stages, it is during the latter two stages when his or her expertise is particularly important. An interdisciplinary care team - which the PRM specialist is well placed to lead ­ is required if the best results are to be achieved.

Choosing a scholarly journal during manuscript submission: the way how it rings true for physiatrists.

BACKGROUND: Research and publications are increasing in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). Hence, there appears to be a multifaceted and challenging turnover in our scientific niche involving authors, editors, publishers and readers in a complex interplay. AIM: To explore the manuscript submission process from the side of the authors, and to better understand their perceptions and preferences. DESIGN: A survey study. SETTING: E-mail and personal contact. POPULATION: European researchers working in the field of PRM. METHODS: A questionnaire was specifically prepared for this study. The first part included questions regarding personal and scientific background; in the second part the attendants rated 20 items (with respect to several journal characteristics) on a 4-point semantic differential scale; and the third part contained two open ended questions regarding additional factors that the authors considered during submission. RESULTS: Area of interest (mission and contents) of the journal within the "Rehabilitation" category, absolute impact factor of the journal, match between perceived "quality" of their study and journal impact factor were considered to be the three most important factors by the authors. CONCLUSION: In a scientific environment where the numbers of research and publication outlets alike are growing, it is important to understand how authors choose where to publish their papers. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: We believe that editors, and publishers as well, would take into account our findings to best meet the needs of all actors in the competitive marketplace of scholarly publishing in PRM.

Bibliometric indicators: a snapshot of the scientific productivity of leading European PRM researchers.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to explore the validity and practical usefulness of a set of bibliometric indicators with a focus on the scientific production of influential European researchers in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM). METHODS: We randomly selected 24 European PRM specialists from the list of invited lecturers or chairpersons at the 17th ESPRM Congress in 2010. Using the time window 1996-2010, we recorded the number of papers published, total number of citations, and h-index from Web of Science (WoS) and Publish or Perish (PoP) databases. We also noted the journals in which the papers were published. Ranking the 24 authors into two groups according to higher vs. lower research productivity, we compared the frequency of Editorial Board membership of at least one of the 5 most influential journals in PRM. RESULTS: Median values (WoS, PoP) for papers, citations, and h-index were respectively: (31, 46); (171, 317); and (6.5, 8.5). High correlations were found among different indicators, and also between the same indicators calculated in the two different databases. However, the Bland-Altman plot indicated that the two databases could not be considered interchangeable. Twelve PRM specialists were Editorial Board members: 11 of them were in the first 10 ranking positions for at least one of the 6 indicators analysed. CONCLUSION: There is need to better understand the characteristics of bibliometric indicators and we retain that the information they provide is insufficiently valid to justify their use as the sole objective criterion for career assessment.

Animal-assisted interventions in internal and rehabilitation medicine: a review of the recent literature.

While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become the focus of dedicated research. Therapeutic modalities that use animals as a tool for improving the physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning of humans are called animal-assisted interventions (AAI), and are classified into: animal-assisted activities (AAA); animal-assisted therapy (AAT); and service animal programs (SAP). The aim of this review is to analyze the papers published between 2001 and 2010 in the most influential medical journals dealing with AAI, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest for internal medicine and rehabilitation. A total of 35 articles met the strict inclusion criteria for this review: 18 papers dealing with AAA, 8 with AAT, and 9 with SAP. The therapeutic outcomes associated with AAA are: enhancement of socialization; reduction of stress, anxiety and loneliness; improvement in mood and general well-being; and development of leisure/recreation skills. Regarding AAT, horses are often used as a complementary strategy to facilitate the normalization of muscle tone and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and persons with lower limb spasticity. Finally, most SAP utilize dogs, that assist people with various disabilities in performing everyday activities, thus reducing their dependence on other persons. Further studies are needed to better define the fields and programs for the therapeutic use of animals and to increase their utilization in medicine, as a promising, complementary and natural means to improve both functional autonomy and quality of life.