Feasibility of Telerehabilitation-Monitored Functional Electrical Stimulation on Walking and Quality of Life in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Foot drop in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly leads to decreased mobility and quality of life (QOL). Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the peroneal nerve can improve the gait of people with foot drop, yet various barriers restrict widespread use. The purpose of this case series was to examine the feasibility of a telerehabilitation-monitored FES device and report changes in functional mobility and QOL in people with moderate MS-related disability. METHODS: FES use was progressed over 8 weeks via 3 telerehabilitation sessions. Feasibility of telerehabilitation was assessed by percentage of telerehabilitation visits completed and participant-reported satisfaction. At baseline and study completion, functional mobility with and without FES were assessed by the Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12). Fatigue was assessed via the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Eleven participants (mean age = 50.4 years [SD 10.8]; 2 males) completed the study. All (33/33) telerehabilitation visits were completed and participants attained high levels of satisfaction with no adverse events. At 8 weeks, compared to baseline, there were clinically meaningful improvements on the T25FW, 2MWT, and TUG for 45%, 55%, and 82% of participants, respectively. Clinically meaningful improvements on the MSIS-29 and MSWS-12 were also recorded for 64% and 36% of participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation was safe and feasible for FES intervention, and improvements in functional mobility and QOL were observed. Telerehabilitation to monitor FES may improve access and reduce patient burden; therefore, studying its efficacy is warranted.

Trans-spinal magnetic stimulation combined with kinesiotherapy as a new method for enhancing functional recovery in patients with spinal cord injury due to neuromyelitis optica: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (TsMS) decreases demyelination and enables recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the usefulness of TsMS in humans with SCI remains unclear. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy on SCI symptoms. We describe a protocol treatment with TsMS and kinesiotherapy in a patient with SCI due to neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-associated transverse myelitis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old white male with NMO spectrum disorders started symptoms in 2014 and included lumbar pain evolving into a mild loss of strength and sensitivity in both lower limbs. Five months later, the symptoms improved spontaneously, and there were no sensorimotor deficits. Two years later, in 2016, the symptoms recurred with a total loss of strength and sensitivity in both lower limbs. Initially, physiotherapy was provided in 15 sessions with goals of motor-sensory recovery and improving balance and functional mobility. Subsequently, TsMS (10 Hz, 600 pulses, 20-seconds inter-trains interval, at 90% of resting motor threshold of the paravertebral muscle) was applied at the 10th thoracic vertebral spinous process before physiotherapy in 12 sessions. Outcomes were assessed at three time points: prior to physiotherapy alone (T-1), before the first session of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy (T0), and after 12 sessions of TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy (T1). The patient showed a 25% improvement in walking independence, a 125% improvement in balance, and an 18.8% improvement in functional mobility. The Patient Global Impression of Change Scale assessed the patient's global impression of change as 'much improved'. CONCLUSION: TsMS combined with kinesiotherapy may safely and effectively improve balance, walking independence, and functional mobility of patients with SCI due to NMO-associated transverse myelitis.

A Falls Prevention Program for People After Stroke in Guyana: An International Collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the social, environmental, and cultural adaptations to an existing falls program and assess acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the program in reducing fear, reducing falls, and improving function among individuals poststroke in Guyana. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pilot study with a pretest/ posttest in-group design was developed through a collaboration of researchers in Guyana and the US. Participants took part in the falls prevention program for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included a 10-meter walk test, Five Times Sit to Stand, and subjective questionnaires for falls incidence and balance confidence at the beginning and end. RESULTS: Twenty participants completed the study. One participant experienced medical complications and their data were excluded from analysis. Fifteen participants (78.9%) demonstrated improvements in comfortable and fast walking speed. Twelve participants completed the Five Times Sit to Stand Test. Eleven (91.67%) improved their time at posttest, with 9 (81.8%) demonstrating a clinically important improvement. Nineteen participants had sustained at least 1 fall prior to the study. Only 1 participant reported a fall during the program. Initially, the majority of participants (11/19) were very concerned about falling. At the end, only 1 was very concerned about falling, and the majority (15/19) were not concerned at all. Post-test surveys of participants indicated acceptability of the program. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot program helped reduce fall risk and improve confidence, gait speed and community mobility of the study participants. Future research at other rehabilitation departments in Guyana would help increase generalizability of the program. IMPACT STATEMENT: The program can be used clinically by physical therapists in Guyana both in departments and as a home program. Shared knowledge and experience of researchers considering research evidence and the environmental, social, and economic conditions of people living in Guyana were important in developing an effective program.

Marcha de orientación, una vía para mejorar las funciones cognitivas en el adulto mayor

La utilidad de la recreación física con carácter lúdico resulta un medio fundamental para mejorar la salud, las funciones cognitivas y la calidad de vida. A partir de un diagnóstico aplicado a una muestra de 19 adultos mayores, estos presentaron insuficiencias en los procesos de la memoria; en tal sentido, se comprobó que las propuestas de actividades físico-recreativas dirigidas a este grupo etario fueron muy generales, no atendieron las características morfofuncionales y estuvieron limitadas en la variedad de ofertas recreativas. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo mejorar las funciones cognitivas, que se relacionan con la memorización, en los adultos mayores de la comunidad Matahambre, del municipio Songo la Maya, a través de la marcha de orientación. Se emplearon como métodos teóricos el analítico-sintético e inductivo-deductivo; y empíricos, el análisis documental, la observación, la encuesta y la entrevista que permitieron obtener los datos e informaciones necesarias para la correcta realización de la marcha de orientación al tomar en cuenta las características de este grupo poblacional. La propuesta demostró la marcha de orientación como una importante herramienta que estimuló las capacidades memorísticas y los recuerdos, al tomar en cuenta los gustos, preferencias, necesidades e intereses del adulto mayor, resultarles atractiva y permitirles recordar aspectos o emociones vitales de su vida personal.

A utilidade da recreação física de caráter recreativo é um meio fundamental para melhorar a saúde, as funções cognitivas e a qualidade de vida. A partir de diagnóstico aplicado a uma amostra de 19 idosos, estes apresentavam insuficiências nos processos de memória; Neste sentido, constatou-se que as propostas de atividades físico-recreativas dirigidas a esta faixa etária eram muito generalistas, não tinham em conta as características morfofuncionais e limitavam-se na variedade de ofertas recreativas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi melhorar as funções cognitivas relacionadas à memorização em idosos da comunidade Matahambre, no município de Songo la Maya, por meio da caminhada de orientação. Os métodos analítico-sintético e indutivo-dedutivo foram utilizados como métodos teóricos; e empírica, análise documental, observação, inquérito e entrevista que permitiram obter os dados e informações necessários à correta implementação da marcha de orientação tendo em conta as características deste grupo populacional. A proposta demonstrou a caminhada de orientação como uma importante ferramenta que estimulou habilidades de memória e lembranças, ao levar em conta os gostos, preferências, necessidades e interesses do idoso, tornando-a atrativa para ele e permitindo-lhe relembrar aspectos vitais ou emoções de sua vida. vida pessoal.

The usefulness of physical recreation with a playful character for this group of people is a fundamental means to improve their health, their cognitive functions and their quality of life. From a diagnosis applied to a sample of 19 older adults, it was possible to know the insufficiencies in memoristic events that these subjects had. In this sense, it was also found that the proposal of physical-recreational activities aimed at this age group in the community are very general and do not take into account their morpho-functional characteristics. They are limited in terms of the variety of recreational offers for this population group. The objective of this research is to improve cognitive functions, which are related to memorization, in older adults of the "Matahambre" community of the Songo la Maya municipality through orientation walking. For the solution of the objective, theoretical methods such as: analytical-synthetic and inductive-deductive were used. Among the empirical methods, documentary analysis, observation, survey and interview were used to obtain the necessary data and information for the correct implementation of the orientation walk, taking into account the characteristics of this population group. The proposal showed that the orientation walk is an important tool that stimulates the memory and memory capacities of these people, by taking into account their tastes, preferences, needs and preferences.

The sublethal impacts of five insecticidal formulations on Oryzaephilus surinamensis behavioral traits.

BACKGROUND: Mortality caused by various pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids has been studied for stored-product insects in the past, yet limited information exists on the sublethal effects they can induce to Oryzaephilus surinamensis. In the current study, the sublethal effects of deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, α-cypermethrin, etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide on the mobility of O. surinamensis in the presence or the absence of a food source was investigated. RESULTS: Lethal concentrations (LCs) were lower for deltamethrin, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin (LC10 = 0.000233, 0.000211, and 0.000271 mg active ingredient (a.i.) cm-2, LC30 = 0.000413, 0.000398, and 0.000447 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively), followed by etofenprox, and the mixture of acetamiprid with d-tetramethrin and piperonyl butoxide (LC10 = 0.00228 and 0.003267 mg a.i. cm-2, LC30 = 0.00437 and 0.01188 mg a.i. cm-2, respectively). Deltamethrin and λ-cyhalothrin negatively impacted adult walking behavior, increasing stop durations compared to controls. Adults exposed to LC10 and LC30 of λ-cyhalothrin, and LC30 of deltamethrin exhibited prolonged periods on their backs compared to the remaining treatments and the controls. The α-cypermethrin LC30-exposed adults exhibited significantly shorter walking and stopping durations than controls but demonstrated prolonged climbing on the arena walls compared to adults exposed to the remaining a.i. and the control. A similar trend was observed for etofenprox. CONCLUSIONS: Under sublethal concentrations, λ-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin increased stop intervals and reduced the duration of climbing attempts of O. surinamensis versus α-cypermethrin. These findings advance comprehension of the underexplored sublethal impacts of the tested a.i. on O. surinamensis adults, holding potential for leveraging insecticide-induced behavioral effects to enhance warehouse pest management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Biomimetic Shoes on Healthy Young Children's Gait.

Objective To compare the spatial-temporal parameters and walking kinematics of toddlers wearing biomimetic shoes, regular shoes (daily use owned shoes), and barefoot. Methods Spatial-temporal parameters (speed, step length, and stride width), the mean vertical displacement of the center of mass (COM), knee flexion peak, and maximal foot height were analyzed. Results Children were not different in biomimetic shoes and barefoot conditions on speed, step length, and COM vertical displacement. There was no difference among conditions on stride width and foot height. The knee flexion peak was greater in shod conditions than barefoot. The regular shoes showed greater COM vertical displacement than biomimetic shoes and barefoot. Conclusion The findings showed that shoes affected the walking pattern in young children, but a shoe with a biomimetic design had a lesser effect on the walking pattern.

Fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: Is there a relationship with walking speed and mobility?

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis and it can lead to activity limitations. Thus, it is important to analyze the relationship between fatigue and activity outcomes, such as walking speed and mobility. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Adults with multiple sclerosis, without cognitive impairments and who were able to walk were recruited. Fatigue was assessed with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Walking speed, usual and fast, was assessed with the 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT), and mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Pearson correlation analysis was performed. A significance level of 5 % was used. RESULTS: Thirty participants were included, most of the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 24, 80 %). A mean age of 41 (11) years and the median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.65 (2.18) points. Mean MFIS score was 41.87 ± 19.42 points, mean usual walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.28 m/s, mean fast walking speed was 1.55 ± 0.48 m/s, and the mean total time in the TUG was 10.07 ± 3.05 s. A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and usual walking speed (r=₋0.51, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and fast walking speed (r=₋0.54, p < 0.05). A significant, positive correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and mobility (r = 0.54, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. These results highlight the need to assess fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, since the presence of fatigue is associated with reduced walking speed and mobility.

Effects of Biomimetic Shoes on Healthy Young Children's Gait / Efeitos do uso de calçado biomimético na marcha de crianças típicas

Abstract Objective To compare the spatial-temporal parameters and walking kinematics of toddlers wearing biomimetic shoes, regular shoes (daily use owned shoes), and barefoot. Methods Spatial-temporal parameters (speed, step length, and stride width), the mean vertical displacement of the center of mass (COM), knee flexion peak, and maximal foot height were analyzed. Results Children were not different in biomimetic shoes and barefoot conditions on speed, step length, and COM vertical displacement. There was no difference among conditions on stride width and foot height. The knee flexion peak was greater in shod conditions than barefoot. The regular shoes showed greater COM vertical displacement than biomimetic shoes and barefoot. Conclusion The findings showed that shoes affected the walking pattern in young children, but a shoe with a biomimetic design had a lesser effect on the walking pattern.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os parâmetros espaço temporais e cinemáticos da marcha de crianças típicas em três condições: descalças, usando calçados biomiméticos e, calçados de uso diário (não biomiméticos - próprios das crianças). Métodos Foram analisadas variáveis espaço temporais (velocidade, comprimento e largura da passada), deslocamento vertical do centro de massa (CM), pico de flexão do joelho e altura máxima do pé, coletados via avaliação tridimensional do movimento. Resultados Comparado com a condição descalça, o uso do calçado biomimético não foi estatisticamente diferente em relação a velocidade da marcha, comprimento da passada e altura do pé. A largura da passada e a altura do pé não foi diferente estatisticamente entre as condições estudadas. O pico de flexão do joelho foi maior nas condições com calçados comparado a condição descalça. Os calçados de uso diário apresentaram maior deslocamento vertical do COM do que nas condições com o calçado biomimético e descalço. Conclusão Os achados deste trabalho reafirmam que o uso do calçado influencia a marcha de crianças, especificamente na fase de desenvolvimento da marcha mas, que calçados com um design biomimético tem menores impactos no padrão de marcha das crianças.

Association between Gait Speed and Balance Disorders in Older Adults from 12 High Andean Peruvian Communities, 2013-2019.

BACKGROUND: Gait speed is associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders in older adults residing at high altitudes. This study investigated this association in older adults from 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities. METHODS: We performed a secondary data analysis from an analytical cross-sectional study of adults >60 years of age, residing in 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities, enrolled between 2013 and 2019. The exposure and outcome variables were gait speed (categorized in tertiles), and balance disorders (defined as a functional reach value of ≤20.32 cm), respectively. We built generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function and robust variances, and estimated crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We analyzed 418 older adults; 38.8% (n=162) were male, and the mean age was 73.2±6.9 years. The mean gait speed and functional reach were 0.66±0.24 m/s and 19.9±6.48 cm, respectively. In the adjusted regression model, the intermediate (aPR=1.88; 95% CI, 1.39-2.55; p<0.001) and low (aPR=2.04; 95% CI, 1.51-2.76; p<0.001) tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders. CONCLUSION: The intermediate and low tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders among older adult residents of 12 high-altitude Andean communities. We recommend further research on the behavior of this association to propose interventions for these vulnerable groups and reduce the impact of geriatric conditions.

Nordic walking and arm swing asymmetry in people with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) face disruptions in arm swing (AS) motion during walking, including a reduction in amplitude and an increase in asymmetry. Both conditions are detrimental to gait performance. Nordic walking (NW) is a walking modality that uses poles and can positively affect the parameters of AS. This study aims to compare an NW with a free walking (FW) protocol and investigate its effects on AS asymmetry, AS amplitude and gait parameters in people with PD. Twenty-eight people with PD, stages 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, will be randomly assigned to the NW training group (n=14) or the FW training group (n=14). The primary outcomes are amplitude asymmetry of AS (%) and AS amplitude (deg). We will also analyse temporospatial measurements during walking, functional mobility and quality of life. Blinded researchers will conduct evaluations at baseline (T0), postintervention (T1) and at 1 month follow-up (T2). Participants will complete 24 supervised NW or FW training sessions for 12 weeks. This is the first study to address the effects of NW on the asymmetry of AS, AS amplitude and its influence on gait parameters. We hypothesise that an NW programme in PD will reduce the asymmetry and increase the AS amplitude during gait to a greater extent than FW. The results of this study may provide new evidence to understand the effects of NW on gait in people with PD. The study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT06342271).

Ankle movement alterations during gait in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with suspected peripheral mononeuropathy. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy due to chemotherapeutic drugs causes alterations in ankle movement during gait. This study aimed to describe the spatiotemporal parameters and ankle kinematics during gait in schoolchildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with clinically suspected peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: In children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the maintenance phase, we calculated spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters of the ankle during gait using Kinovea® software. Furthermore, we identified alterations in the parameters obtained considering the values of the normality data from a stereophotogrammetry system as the reference values. Finally, we represented the kinematic parameters of the ankles calculated with Kinovea® compared to the normality values of the stereophotogrammetry. FINDINGS: We evaluated 25 schoolchildren; 13 were male (52.0%) with a median age of 88.0months and a median of 60.0 weeks in the maintenance phase, and 54.8% were classified as standard risk. Spatiotemporal parameters: cadence (steps/min), bilateral step length (m), and average gait speed (m/s) in ALL children were significantly lower than reference values (p < 0.001). Except for right mid-stance and bilateral foot strike, initial swing showed that both ankles maintained plantar flexion values during gait, significantly lower in ALL patients (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: We identified spatiotemporal and kinematics alterations in schoolchildren with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during all phases of the gait suggestive of alteration in ankle muscles during movement, probably due to peripheral neuropathy; nevertheless, our results should be taken with caution until the accuracy and reliability of Kinovea® software as a diagnostic test compared to the stereophotogrammetric system in children with ALL and healthy peers is proven.

Relationship between appendicular muscular mass index and physical function in older people.

This study aimed to establish the relationship between the appendicular muscle mass index (AMMI), assessed from anthropometric variables, and the physical function of older people. Seventy-six older people participated in this study (72.03 ± 7.03 years). The participants underwent evaluations to determine their AMMI using anthropometry (weight, calf circumference, hip circumference, and knee height) and manual grip strength. Additionally, their physical function was evaluated using the 5-chair stand test, the 3-meter walk test, and the timed up and go test (TUG) to determine the strength of the lower limbs, the gait speed, and the dynamic balance, respectively. The results show that the AMMI did not present a significant relationship with the 5-chair stand test in both women (r = -0.135; p = 0.204) and men (r = -0.067; p = 0.349). The AMMI was moderately correlated with the gait speed in both women (r = 0.542; p < 0.001) and men (r = 0.556; p < 0.001). Finally, a statistical significance was observed in the relationship between the AMMI and the TUG test in women (r = -0.273; p = 0.047) and older men evaluated in this study (r = -0.284; p = 0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between the AMMI and both the dynamic balance and the gait speed. Therefore, the AMMI emerges as a potential public health assessment by enabling the clinical quantification of muscle mass and an estimation of physical function in the elderly population.

A 12-Week Ballroom Dance Training Improves Physical Fitness Performance More Than Walking Training in Older Women, Regardless of Vitamin B12 or D Adequacy.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the effects of Ballroom Dancing (BD) versus Walking Training (WT) on the physical fitness performance in physically independent older women with adequate or inadequate levels of vitamins B12 and D. METHODS: Forty-three sedentary women aged 68.5 ± 6.5 years, were allocated to the BD (n = 23) or WT (n = 20) groups. They took part in a 12-week intervention, performed 3 times a week, for about 50 minutes with moderate effort intensity. Data were collected through Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6 minutes Walk Test (6MWT), Hand Grip Test (HGT), Isokinetic tests for lower limbs and blood tests to detect serum levels of vitamins B12 and D. RESULTS: The BD group performed better after the intervention in relation to the WT in the Sit and Stand Test (SST) (BD pre = 3.1 score vs post = 3.8 score; WT pre = 2.8 score vs post = 3.4 score; P = .02) and in the Peak Torque 180° extension (PKTOQ 180° extension) (BD pre = 56.7 Nm vs post = 61.2 Nm, WT pre = 56.7 Nm vs post = 56.1; P < .01). CONCLUSION: A time effect was observed in all other variables, with the exception of HGT. Both interventions improved physical fitness performance, regardless of the adequacy of vitamins B12 and D, but the older women from BD obtained significant improvements in more variables than the WT.

Could poor glycaemic control be a predictor of walking speed decline in older adults? Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

AIM: Although diabetes is a risk factor for walking speed decline in older adults, it remains unclear how glycaemic control [assessed by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)] might affect the long-term trajectories of walking speed. We investigated whether the glycaemic control status accelerates the walking speed decline and whether this decline differs depending on previous mobility conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 3202 individuals aged ≥60 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) were classified at baseline and after 4 and 8 years of follow-up according to glycaemic control status as 'without diabetes' (no self-reported diabetes and HbA1c <6.5%), 'good glycaemic control' (self-reported diabetes and HbA1c ≥6.5% and <7.0%) and 'poor glycaemic control' (PGC) (self-reported diabetes and HbA1c ≥7.0%). The generalized linear mixed models verified the walking speed trajectories in m/s. A second analysis was performed, including only participants without slowness at baseline (>0.8 m/s). RESULTS: Compared with the status 'without diabetes', the annual walking speed decline was -0.015 m/s for PGC and -0.011 m/s for good glycaemic control, totalling -0.160 and -0.130 m/s, respectively, over 8 years. Among those without slowness at baseline, only PGC had a significant walking speed decline, corresponding to -0.014 m/s per year and -0.222 m/s over 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Poor glycaemic control is a discriminator of walking speed decline in older adults, regardless of previous mobility conditions. It may serve as an early screening tool for those at risk of decreased functional performance later in life.

Does non-invasive brain stimulation improve spatiotemporal gait parameters in people with multiple sclerosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes progressive functional impairment, mainly in walking tasks. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) could influence the motor function and improving gait ability of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze the effects of NIBS (transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS] or transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] on functional locomotion in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). METHODS: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials published up to November 2023 comparing the application of NIBS versus a sham or control group. The primary outcome were spatiotemporal gait parameters and functional mobility. Two review authors independently assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology to rate the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the appropriate data using RevMan Web. RESULTS: A total of four clinical trials were included for metanalysis. We observed that there is no statistically significant difference in overall effect in gait speed (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.08-0.24; p = 0.32), and cadence (MD = 0.22; 95% CI: -11.54-11.98; p = 0.97%) between groups. But there was a statistically significant difference in overall effect in stride length between groups (MD:0.19; 95% CI: 0.07-0.31; p = 0.002), mainly when the intervention performed by multiple sessions and associated with motor rehabilitation (MD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.44; p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: tDCS applied by multiple session and combined with motor rehabilitation (i.e., aerobic and/or resistance training) can improve stride length in PwMS.

Variação da velocidade de marcha e fatores clínicos associados em pessoas idosas da atenção primária à saúde: estudo longitudinal / Variation in gait speed and associated clinical factors in elderly people in primary health care: longitudinal study

Resumo: analisar a variação da velocidade da marcha e os fatores clínicos associados em pessoas idosas da Atenção Primária à Saúde, no período mínimo de dois anos. Materiais e método: estudo longitudinal prospectivo, do tipo quantitativo, subprojeto do projeto de pesquisa matriz intitulado "As variações da fragilidade física e da funcionalidade de idosos da atenção primária à saúde", desenvolvido com 389 idosos da atenção primária à saúde. As coletas de dados foram realizadas nos anos de 2019 (1ª onda) e 2022 (2ª onda), com idosos assistidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Curitiba-PR. Aplicou-se questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, incluindo autorrelato de agravos em saúde e história pregressa; teste Timed Up and Go para verificar o risco de queda; e avaliação do fenótipo da fragilidade física, com destaque para a velocidade da marcha. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva, a partir da distribuição de frequência absoluta e relativa, média e desvio padrão; bem como análise inferencial por meio de testes não paramétricos qui-quadrado, Wilcoxon Signed Rank e Exato de McNemar, para amostras pareadas, a fim de comparação entre os dois momentos (1ª e 2ª avaliação); e regressão logística para propor modelo preditivo, o qual considerou a entrada de variáveis que apresentaram p-valor =0,20 (técnica enter hierárquico), permanecendo no modelo as variáveis que apresentaram valor de p=0,05 ou que ajustassem o modelo. Considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. O estudo recebeu parecer favorável do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a prevalência de VM reduzida na 1ª onda (n=389) foi de 20,8% (n=81). Com relação à 2ª onda (n= 128), 21 (16,4%) participantes apresentaram VM reduzida, dos quais 13 (61,9%) já dispunham dessa condição na baseline e 8 (6,25%) da amostra apresentaram redução da VM durante o seguimento (incidência). Ainda, 8 (7,5%) idosos com VM reduzida na 1ª onda apresentaram melhora desse parâmetro , indicando VM preservada na 2ª onda. Observou-se acréscimo na média de velocidade de marcha dos idosos de 0,04m/s durante o seguimento (de 1,03 m/s para 1,07m/s), no entanto, a variação não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=1,00). Os fatores clínicos, embora associados à VM reduzida na 1ª onda de avaliação, não apresentaram relação estatisticamente significativa à mudança na VM dos idosos durante o seguimento do estudo. O modelo preditivo de VM reduzida indicou que as variáveis comprometimento cognitivo sugestivo (OR:19,62; IC95%=1,93-209,92; p=0,014), força de preensão manual (OR:1,97; IC95%=1,04-3,71; p=0,036) risco de queda (OR:4,07; IC95%=2,27-7,28; p<0,001), histórico de quedas no último ano (OR:1,81; IC95%=0,99-3,26; p=0,050), problemas metabólicos (OR:1,97; IC95%=1,09-3,55; p=0,024), auditivo (OR:0,33; IC95%=0,14-0,80; p=0,013) e cardiovascular (OR:2,08; IC95%=1,02-4,26; p=0,044), aumentaram as chances de as pessoas idosas apresentarem VM reduzida. Conclusão: não houve variação significativa da VM no período investigado e os fatores clínicos se mostraram associados à VM reduzida apenas na 1ª onda de avaliação. É importante que a equipe de saúde da atenção primária desenvolva ações de acompanhamento, bem como de rastreio da velocidade da marcha e das condições clínicas relacionadas à saúde, com vistas a evitar a progressão da síndrome da fragilidade das pessoas idosas.

Abstract: to analyze the variation in gait speed and associated clinical factors in elderly people in Primary Health Care, over a minimum period of two years. Materials and method: prospective longitudinal study, quantitative, subproject of the main research project entitled "Variations in physical frailty and functionality of elderly people in primary health care", developed with 389 elderly people in primary health care. Data collection was carried out in 2019 (1st wave) and 2022 (2nd wave), with elderly people cared for in a Basic Health Unit in Curitiba-PR. A questionnaire was applied with sociodemographic and clinical variables, including self-report of health problems and past history; Timed Up and Go test to check the risk of falling; and assessment of the physical frailty phenotype, with emphasis on gait speed. The data were analyzed descriptively, based on absolute and relative frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation; as well as inferential analysis using non-parametric chi-square tests, Wilcoxon Signed Rank and McNemar's exact tests, for paired samples, in order to compare the two moments (1st and 2nd assessment); and logistic regression to propose a predictive model, which considered the entry of variables that presented a p-value =0.20 (hierarchical enter technique), with variables that presented a p-value =0.05 or that adjusted the model remaining in the model. A significance level of 5% was considered. The study received a favorable opinion from the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the prevalence of reduced MV in the 1st wave (n=389) was 20.8% (n=81). In relation to the 2nd wave (n= 128), 21 (16.4%) participants presented reduced MV, of which 13 (61.9%) already had this condition at baseline and 8 (6.25%) of the sample presented a reduction of MV during follow-up (incidence). Furthermore, 8 (7.5%) elderly people with reduced MV in the 1st wave showed improvement in this parameter, indicating preserved MV in the 2nd wave. An increase in the elderly's average walking speed of 0.04 m/s was observed during the follow-up (from 1.03 m/s to 1.07 m/s), however, the variation was not statistically significant (p=1 ,00). Clinical factors, although associated with reduced MV in the 1st wave of evaluation, did not present a statistically significant relationship to the change in the elderly's MV during the study follow-up. The predictive model of reduced MV indicated that the variables suggestive cognitive impairment (OR:19.62; CI95%=1.93-209.92; p=0.014), handgrip strength (OR:1.97; CI95%= 1.04-3.71; p=0.036) risk of falling (OR:4.07; 95%CI=2.27-7.28; p<0.001), history of falls in the last year (OR:1.81; CI95%=0.99-3.26; p=0.050), metabolic problems (OR:1.97; CI95%=1.09-3.55; p=0.024), auditory (OR:0.33; CI95 %=0.14-0.80; p=0.013) and cardiovascular (OR:2.08; 95%CI=1.02-4.26; p=0.044), increased the chances of elderly people having reduced MV. Conclusion: there was no significant variation in MV during the period investigated and clinical factors were associated with reduced MV only in the 1st wave of evaluation. It is important that the primary care health team develops follow-up actions, as well as tracking the speed of MV. gait and healthrelated clinical conditions, with a view to preventing the progression of frailty syndrome in elderly people.

Influence of the use of a walking diary on mobility in patients in cardiac rehabilitation phase 1: a randomized clinical trial / Influência do uso do diário de caminhada na mobilidade de pacientes em reabilitação cardíaca fase 1: ensaio clínico randomizado

INTRODUCTION: Inpatient rehabilitation is extremely important for patients recovering from cardiac surgery. Although a walking diary is routinely used in clinical practice, it has yet to be adequately tested and reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To establish whether the use of a walking diary affects the number of steps taken following cardiac surgery and whether this is related to the patient's level of cardiac anxiety. METHODS: An open, controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted with adult patients submitted to elective valve and/or coronary surgery, who had no motor impairment. All the participants used a pedometer to register the number of steps taken over five consecutive days in the hospital. Twenty-nine individuals were randomized to create an intervention group that used the walking diary as treatment strategy, while twenty-three were allocated to a control group. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the number of steps between the two groups, while Spearman's correlation coeficiente was performed to evaluate the relationship between the number of steps and the level of cardiac anxiety. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding their demographic, clinical and surgical characteristics. There was no difference between the groups regarding the total number of steps taken: control group=1,496 (477.5 - 2992.5) vs. Intervention group=1,468.5 (494.2 - 2,678) (p=0.902). CONCLUSION: The use of the walking diary had no effect on the number of steps taken and was unassociated with the level of cardiac anxiety in inpatients following cardiac surgery.

INTRODUÇÃO: A reabilitação hospitalar é extremamente importante para pacientes em recuperação de cirurgia cardíaca. Embora o diário de caminhada seja rotineiramente utilizado na prática clínica, ele ainda não foi adequadamente testado e relatado na literatura. OBJETIVOS: Estabelecer se o uso do diário de caminhada afeta o número de passos dados após cirurgia cardíaca e se isso está relacionado ao nível de ansiedade cardíaca do paciente. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico aberto, controlado e randomizado com pacientes adultos submetidos à cirurgia eletiva de valva e/ou coronária, sem comprometimento motor. Todos os participantes usaram um pedômetro para registrar o número de passos dados ao longo de cinco dias consecutivos de internação. Vinte e nove indivíduos foram randomizados para um grupo intervenção para usar o diário de caminhada como estratégia de tratamento, enquanto vinte e três foram alocados para um grupo controle. O teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para comparar o número de passos entre os dois grupos, enquanto o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi realizado para avaliar a relação entre o número de passos e o nível de ansiedade cardíaca. A significância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto às características demográficas, clínicas e cirúrgicas. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao número total de passos dados: grupo controle=1.496 (477,5 - 2.992,5) vs. grupo intervenção=1.468,5 (494,2 - 2.678) (p=0,902). CONCLUSÃO: O uso do diário de caminhada não teve efeito no número de passos dados e não foi associado ao nível de ansiedade cardíaca em pacientes internados após cirurgia cardíaca.

Improving walking via real-time visual feedback after stroke in treadmill training (RE-VISIT): a protocol for randomized controlled trial / Melhorando a caminhada por meio de feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral em treinamento em esteira (RE-VISIT): um protocolo para ensaio clínico randomizado

BACKGROUND: After a stroke, most patients often suffer reduced walking ability and balance. Restoring walking ability and improving balance are major goals of stroke rehabilitation. Treadmills are often used in clinical setups to achieve these goals. Adding dimensions to the visual feedback in addition to the mirror for real-time frontal view is proven to enhance the gait. It is, therefore, important to design additional real-time visual feedback in treadmill training, in particular for the sagittal view involved side. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test if the real-time sagittal visual feedback during treadmill training is superior to the conventional mirror feedback treadmill training program of equivalent intensity in improving walking speed and balance after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: The RE-VISIT trial (Real-time Visual feedback after Stroke in Treadmill training) is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2023/10/058299). In this two-arm randomized control trial, which will be a single-blinded study, 42 eligible stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation will be randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either real-time visual sagittal feedback along with front mirror (experimental) group or only front mirror treadmill training (control) group, all the participants will receive 15 sessions of treadmill training for up to 15 min at a safe self-selected speed over 5-6 weeks. The RE-VISIT (experimental) group will receive real-time, visual sagittal view feedback of the involved lower limb trajectory along with the routine front mirror view during treadmill training and will be asked to modify their gait pattern. The control group will receive treadmill walking training only with the routine front mirror view feedback. Clinical and gait assessments will be conducted at the baseline, immediately following the final session of training, and at the 9th week during follow-up. The outcome measures of interest are walking speed (primary) and balance (secondary), which will be measured prior to baseline, post 15 sessions of training, and at the 9th week following training. DISCUSSION: This REVISIT trial will provide insight and contribute to the existing innovation and modifications of incorporating realtime visual feedback during treadmill training in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The findings will help the better designing of a gait rehabilitation program with a treadmill for post-stroke subjects to improve walking speed, and balance for those who have greater difficulties in community ambulation. We anticipate that those in the REVISIT training will demonstrate improved walking ability.

CONTEXTO: Após o acidente vascular cerebral, a maioria dos pacientes frequentemente sofre redução da capacidade de caminhar e do equilíbrio. Restaurar a capacidade de caminhar e melhorar o equilíbrio são os principais objetivos da reabilitação do AVC. As esteiras são frequentemente usadas em ambientes clínicos para atingir esses objetivos. Está comprovado que adicionar dimensões ao feedback visual, além do espelho para visão frontal em tempo real, melhora a marcha. É, portanto, importante projetar feedbacks visuais adicionais em tempo real no treinamento em esteira, em particular para o lado envolvido na visão sagital. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é testar se o feedback visual sagital em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira é superior ao programa de treinamento em esteira com feedback de espelho convencional de intensidade equivalente na melhoria da velocidade de caminhada e equilíbrio após acidente vascular cerebral. MÉTODOS/ DESENHO: O ensaio RE-VISIT (feedback visual em tempo real após acidente vascular cerebral no treinamento em esteira) está registrado no Registro de Ensaios Clínicos da Índia (CTRI/2023/10/058299). Neste ensaio de controle randomizado de dois braços, que será um estudo cego, 42 sobreviventes de AVC elegíveis em reabilitação serão alocados aleatoriamente (proporção de 1:1) para feedback sagital visual em tempo real junto com grupo de espelho frontal (experimental) ou apenas Grupo de treinamento em esteira com espelho frontal (controle), todos os participantes receberão 15 sessões de treinamento em esteira por até 15 minutos em uma velocidade segura e autosselecionada durante 5-6 semanas. O grupo RE-VISIT (experimental) receberá feedback visual em tempo real da visão sagital da trajetória dos membros inferiores envolvidos, juntamente com a visão rotineira do espelho frontal durante o treinamento em esteira e será solicitado a modificar seu padrão de marcha. O grupo de controle receberá treinamento de caminhada em esteira apenas com o feedback rotineiro da visão do espelho frontal. Avaliações clínicas e de marcha serão realizadas no início do estudo, imediatamente após a sessão final de treinamento e na 9ª semana durante o acompanhamento. As medidas de resultados de interesse são a velocidade de caminhada (primária) e o equilíbrio (secundário), que serão medidos antes da linha de base, após a 15ª sessão de treinamento e na 9ª semana após o treinamento. DISCUSSÃO: este ensaio REVISIT fornecerá insights e contribuirá para a inovação e modificações existentes na incorporação de feedbacks visuais em tempo real durante o treinamento em esteira na reabilitação da marcha pós-AVC. As descobertas ajudarão no melhor desenho de um programa de reabilitação da marcha com esteira para indivíduos pós-AVC para melhorar a velocidade de caminhada e o equilíbrio para aqueles que têm maiores dificuldades na deambulação comunitária. Prevemos que aqueles no treinamento REVISIT demonstrarão melhor capacidade de caminhada.

Influence of reduced passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion on lower limb kinetics and stiffness during gait.

BACKGROUND: The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADF-ROM) during single support phase allows elastic energy storage in the calcaneal tendon, contributing to advance the body forward. Reduced ADF-ROM may influence lower limb kinetics and stiffness. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the influence of reduced passive ADF-ROM on lower limb internal moments and stiffness during gait? METHODS: Thirty-two participants, classified into two groups according to passive ADF-ROM (smaller than 10° and greater than 15°), were submitted to gait assessment at self-selected speed with a force platform and a three-dimensional motion analysis system. Statistical parametrical mapping (SPM) analyses were used to compare the lower limbs' internal moments between groups. Independent t-tests analyzed the differences between groups on lower limb stiffness during gait. RESULTS: The lower ADF-ROM group had greater knee flexor moment (terminal stance and push-off), greater ankle abductor (i.e., shank internal rotator) moment in terminal stance and greater knee internal rotator moment in mid to terminal stance. The lower ADF-ROM group also had higher lower limb stiffness during gait. SIGNIFICANCE: Individuals with reduced passive ADF-ROM had greater lower limb stiffness and adopted a gait pattern with increased knee and ankle moments, suggesting increased loading at these joints.