R3-Walk and R6-Walk, Simple Clinical Equations to Accurately Predict Independent Walking at 3 and 6 Months After Stroke: A Prospective, Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if independent walking at 3 and 6 months poststroke can be accurately predicted within the first 72 hours, based on simple clinical bedside tests. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study with 3-time measurements: immediately after stroke, and 3 and 6 months poststroke. SETTING: Public hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with first-ever stroke evaluated at 3 (N=263) and 6 (N=212) months poststroke. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome of interest was independent walking at 3 and 6 months after stroke. Predictors were age, walking ability, lower limb strength, motor recovery, spatial neglect, continence, and independence in activities of daily living. RESULTS: The equation for predicting walking 3 months poststroke was 3.040 + (0.283 × FAC baseline) + (0.021 × Modified Barthel Index), and for predicting walking 6 months poststroke was 3.644 + (-0.014 × age) + (0.014 × Modified Barthel Index). For walking ability 3 months after stroke, sensitivity was classified as high (91%; 95% CI: 81-96), specificity was moderate (57%; 95% CI: 45-69), positive predictive value was high (76%; 95% CI: 64-86), and negative predictive value was high (80%; 95% CI: 60-93). For walking ability 6 months after stroke, sensitivity was classified as moderate (54%; 95% CI: 47-61), specificity was high (81%; 95% CI: 61-92), positive predictive value was high (87%; 95% CI: 70-96), and negative predictive value was low (42%; 95% CI: 50-73). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided 2 simple equations that predict walking ability 3 and 6 months after stroke. This represents an important step to accurately identify individuals, who are at high risk of walking dependence early after stroke.

Massage, laser and shockwave therapy improve pain and scar pruritus after burns: a systematic review.

QUESTIONS: In adults with a burn injury, do non-invasive therapies improve pain and burn scar pruritus, elasticity and vascularisation? Are any effects maintained beyond the intervention period? DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analyses. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with burn scars. INTERVENTION: The experimental intervention was a non-invasive (ie, non-surgical or non-pharmacological) therapy applied to the burn scar. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity, pruritus intensity, elasticity and vascularisation. RESULTS: Fifteen trials involving 780 participants were included. The results indicated a beneficial effect on pain intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -1.5, 95% CI -1.8 to -1.1), shockwave therapy (MD -0.8, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.4) and laser (MD -4.0, 95% CI -6.0 to -2.0). The results indicated a beneficial effect on pruritus intensity on a 0-to-10 scale after massage (MD -0.4, 95% CI -0.7 to -0.2), shockwave therapy (MD -1.3, 95% CI -2.3 to -0.3) and laser (MD -4.8, 95% CI -6.1 to -3.5). Massage, shockwave therapy and silicone produced negligible or unclear benefits on scar elasticity and vascularisation. The quality of evidence varied from low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Among all commonly used non-invasive therapies for the treatment of burn scars, low-to-moderate quality evidence indicated that massage, laser and shockwave therapy reduce pain and the intensity of scar pruritus. Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggested that massage, shockwave therapy and silicone have negligible or unclear effects for improving scar elasticity and vascularisation. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42021258336).

Predictors of Mortality and Functional recovery after severe traumatic brain injury: protocol for a prospective cohort study

Introduction: traumatic brain injury is a global public health problem due to its severity and high rates of morbimortality worldwide. Identifying predictors associated with increased mortality and unfavorable functional outcomes after the traumatic brain injury event is crucial for minimizing morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, this study aims to establish a protocol to investigate the predictors of mortality and functional recovery after severe traumatic brain injury in Brazil.Methods: The study will include all patients admitted for severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8) at the State Hospital of Urgency and Emergency, which is the referral trauma hospital of Espirito Santo. The outcomes of interest are hospital mortality and functional recovery 24 months after hospital discharge. Subjects will be followed up at seventy-two hours, three months, six months, twelve months, and twenty-four months after the trauma. Morbidity will be determined by assessing: 1) the level of motor and cognitive disability, 2) functional impairment and quality of life, and 3) aspects of rehabilitation treatment. Additionally, the traumatic brain injury load, estimated by the years of life lost, will be calculated. Discussion: the results of this study will help identify variables that can predict morbidity and mortality, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, the findings will have practical implications for: 1) the development of public policies, 2) investments in hospital infrastructure 3) understanding the socioeconomic impact of functional loss in the individuals.Study registration: the study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Espirito Santo under protocol number 4.222.002 on August 18, 2020.

Introdução: traumatismo cranioencefálico é um problema global de saúde pública devido à sua gravidade e altas taxas de morbimortalidade em todo o mundo. Identificar preditores associados ao aumento da mortalidade e desfechos funcionais desfavoráveis após o evento do traumatismo craniencefálico é primordial para minimizar as taxas de morbidade e mortalidade. Portanto, este estudo tem como objetivo estabelecer um protocolo para investigar os preditores de mortalidade e recuperação funcional após traumatismo cranioencefálico grave no Brasil. Métodos: este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os preditores de mortalidade e recuperação funcional em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico, além de fornecer uma visão geral do traumatismo cranioencefálico no estado do Espírito Santo. O estudo abrangerá todos os pacientes internados por traumatismo cranioencefálico grave (Escala de Coma de Glasgow ≤ 8) no Hospital Estadual de Urgência e Emergência, o hospital de referência para traumas no Espírito Santo. Os desfechos de interesse incluem mortalidade hospitalar e recuperação funcional após 24 meses da alta hospitalar. Os participantes serão acompanhados em setenta e duas horas, três meses, seis meses, doze meses e vinte e quatro meses após o trauma. A morbidade será determinada pela avaliação de: 1) nível de incapacidade motora e cognitiva, 2) comprometimento funcional e qualidade de vida, e 3) aspectos do tratamento e reabilitação. Além disso, a carga de traumatismo cranioencefálico, estimada em anos de vida perdidos, será calculada. Discussão: os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a identificar variáveis que podem predizer a morbidade e a mortalidade após traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. Além disso, as descobertas terão implicações práticas para: 1) o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas, 2) investimentos em infraestrutura hospitalar e 3) compreensão do impacto socioeconômico da perda funcional nesses indivíduos. Registro do estudo: o estudo recebeu aprovação do Comitê de Ética da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo sob o número de protocolo 4.222.002 em 18 de agosto de 2020

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addition to walking training on walking, mobility, and reduction of falls in Parkinson's disease: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to modulate cortical excitability and enhance the effects of walking training in people with Parkinson's disease. This study will examine the efficacy of the addition of tDCS to a task-specific walking training to improve walking and mobility and to reduce falls in people with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This is a two-arm, prospectively registered, randomized trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors, participants and therapists, and intention-to-treat analysis. Twenty-four individuals with Parkinson's disease, categorized as slow or intermediate walkers (walking speeds ≤ 1.0 m/s), will be recruited. The experimental group will undertake a 30-min walking training associated with tDCS, for 4 weeks. The control group will undertake the same walking training, but with sham-tDCS. The primary outcome will be comfortable walking speed. Secondary outcomes will include walking step length, walking cadence, walking confidence, mobility, freezing of gait, fear of falling, and falls. Outcomes will be collected by a researcher blinded to group allocation at baseline (week 0), after intervention (week 4), and 1 month beyond intervention (week 8). DISCUSSION: tDCS associated with walking training may help improve walking of slow and intermediate walkers with Parkinson's disease. If walking is enhanced, the benefits may be accompanied by better mobility and reduced fear of falling, and individuals may experience greater free-living physical activity at home and in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) RBR-6bvnx6 . Registered on September 23, 2019.

Home-Based Interventions may Increase Recruitment, Adherence, and Measurement of outcomes in Clinical Trials of Stroke Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the completion rates of a home-based randomized trial, which examined home-based high-intensity respiratory muscle training after stroke compared with sham intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Completion was examined in terms of recruitment (enrolment and retention), intervention (adherence and delivery of home-visits) and measurement (collection of outcomes). RESULTS: Enrolment was 32% and retention was 97% at post-intervention and 84% at follow-up. Adherence to the intervention was high at 87%. Furthermore, 83% of planned home-visits were conducted and 100% of outcomes were collected from those attending measurement sessions. CONCLUSION: This home-based randomized trial demonstrated high rates of enrolment, retention, adherence, delivery of home-visits, and collection of outcomes. Home-based interventions may help to improve completion rates of randomized trials.

Transcranial direct current stimulation provides no clinically important benefits over walking training for improving walking in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

QUESTIONS: Does walking training combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improve walking (ie, speed, cadence and step length) and reduce falls and freezing, compared with no/sham intervention, in people with Parkinson's disease? Is walking training combined with tDCS superior to walking training alone? Are any benefits carried over to social participation and/or maintained beyond the intervention period? DESIGN: A systematic review with meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory adults with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. INTERVENTION: tDCS combined with walking training. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were walking speed, cadence and step length. Secondary outcomes were number of falls, fear of falling, freezing of gait and social participation. RESULTS: Five trials involving 117 participants were included. The mean PEDro score of the included trials was 8 out of 10. Participants undertook training for 30 to 60 minutes, two to three times per week, on average for 4 weeks. Moderate-quality evidence indicated that the addition of tDCS to walking training produced negligible additional benefit over the effect of walking training alone on walking speed (MD -0.01 m/s, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.04), step length (MD 1.2 cm, 95% CI -1.2 to 3.5) or cadence (MD -3 steps/minute, 95% CI -6 to 1). No evidence was identified with which to estimate the effect of the addition of tDCS to walking training on freezing of gait, falls and social participation. CONCLUSION: The addition of tDCS to walking training provided no clinically important benefits on walking in ambulatory people with Parkinson's disease. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020162908.

Using a cane for one month does not improve walking or social participation in chronic stroke: An attention-controlled randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the provision of a cane, delivered to ambulatory people with chronic stroke, for improving walking and social participation. DESIGN: Two-arm, randomized trial. SETTING: Community-based. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental intervention was the provision of a single-point cane during one month. The control group received a placebo intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking speed, step length, cadence, walking capacity, and walking confidence were measured without the cane to examine its rehabilitative effect. Walking speed was also measured with the cane for inclusiveness, and social participation was measured for examining carry over effects. Outcomes were measured at baseline, and after one and two months. RESULTS: Fifty individuals were included. In the experimental group, mean age was 69 years (SD 14), and walking speed was 0.58 m/s (SD 0.17). In the control group, mean age was 68 years (SD 13), and walking speed was 0.63 m/s (SD 0.15). When walking without the cane, after one and after two months, there were no between-group differences in any measures. When walking with the cane, after one month, the experimental group walked 0.14 m/s (95% CI 0.05-0.23) faster than the control group and after two months, they were still walking 0.18 m/s (95% CI 0.06-0.30) faster. CONCLUSION: Use of a cane improved walking speed, only when participants walked with the cane. Use of cane for one month did not improve walking outcomes, when walking without the cane. People with stroke would need to continue to use the cane to maintain any benefits in walking speed.

Fatores associados ao uso clínico da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde por fisioterapeutas: estudo survey exploratório / Factors associated with the clinical use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by physical therapists: an exploratory survey

Objetivo: Identificar os fatores contextuais (i.e., fatores pessoais e fatores relacionados ao trabalho) associados ao uso clínico da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) por fisioterapeutas. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo exploratório do tipo survey. O questionário Barreiras pessoais e ambientais para implementação da CIF por fisioterapeutas" foi enviado aos fisioterapeutas do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Análise de regressão logística foi usada para explorar associações entre características pessoais e organizacionais com educação, atitudes, crenças, interesses, percepção de suporte e disponibilidade de recursos no ambiente de trabalho para uso da CIF na prática clínica. Resultados: A taxa de resposta para a maioria das análises foi 46% (n= 59). Seis características explicaram 35% da variação associada a interesses, atitudes e crenças para o uso da CIF (X²= 16.6, p= 0.01). Três características explicaram 24% da variação associada à educação para o uso da CIF (X²= 8.9, p= 0.03). Três características explicaram 61% da variação associada à percepção de suporte e disponibilidade de recursos para o uso da CIF (X²= 30.5, p<0.01). A barreira mais citada foi dificuldade ao aplicar a CIF para avaliar pacientes (62%). Conclusão: Os fisioterapeutas possuem atitudes positivas em relação ao uso da CIF, mas a grande maioria não recebeu formação acadêmica adequada e reporta auto-eficácia insuficiente para seu uso na prática clínica. É necessária a adoção de uma infraestrutura organizacional que endosse o uso clínico da CIF alinhada à modificação nos currículos de formação e capacitação continuada.

Objective: To identify the contextual factors (i.e., personal, and work-related factors) associated with the clinical use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by physical therapists. Method: A cross-sectional exploratory survey was carried out. The questionnaire Personal and environmental barriers for the implementation of the ICF by physical therapists was mailed to physical therapists living in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between personal and work-related characteristics with education, attitudes, beliefs, interest, and perception related to work resources for applying the ICF. Results: The response rate for most analyses was 46% (n= 59). Six characteristics explained 35% of the variance associated with interests, attitudes, and beliefs for the use of the ICF (X²= 16.6, p= 0.01). Three characteristics explained 24% of the variance associated with education for the use of ICF (X²= 8.9, p= 0.03). Three characteristics explained 61% of the variance associated with the perception of support and availability of resources for the use of the ICF (X²= 30.5, p<0.01). The most cited barrier was difficulty in applying the ICF for assessments of patients (62%). Conclusions: Physical therapists have positive attitudes towards the use of ICF, but most respondents did not receive satisfactory academic training and reported insufficient self-efficacy for using ICF in clinical practice. The adoption of an organizational infrastructure that endorses the clinical use of the ICF in association with an updated and continued education is required.

Ankle-foot orthoses and continuous functional electrical stimulation improve walking speed after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Foot-drop is a common impairment after stroke, which reduces walking ability. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing foot-drop, i.e., ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation, on walking speed and balance after stroke. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and PEDro databases. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The review included only parallel, randomized trials. Participants were ambulatory adults after stroke. The experimental interventions were the use of an ankle-foot orthosis or functional electrical stimulation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Outcome data related to walking speed and balance were extracted from the eligible trials and combined in random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of trials was assessed by the PEDro scores and the quality of evidence was determined according the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Eleven trials involving 1135 participants were included. The mean PEDro score of the trials was 5.8 (ranging from 4 to 7). Ankle-foot orthoses (MD 0.24m/s; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.41) and functional electrical stimulation (MD 0.09m/s; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.14) significantly increased walking speed, compared with no intervention/placebo. Results regarding balance were inconclusive. Ankle-foot orthoses were not superior to functional electrical stimulation for improving walking speed (MD 0.00m/s; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.05) or balance (MD 0.27 points on the Berg Balance Scale; 95% CI -0.85 to 1.39) after stroke. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provided moderate-quality evidence that both ankle-foot orthoses and functional electrical stimulation improve walking speed after stroke, but the effects on balance remain unclear. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019130988.

Adherence and barriers to general and respiratory exercises in cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the adherence and the self-reported barriers to general and respiratory exercises reported by individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). STUDY DESIGN: An exploratory, experimental study. METHODS: Community-dwelling individuals aged 16 years and over, diagnosed with CF, who were accompanied in referral centers were included. Information regarding adherence to exercises was obtained by a questionnaire and reported as a ratio between prescribed exercises and self-reported adherence. The weekly frequency was used to verify adherence to exercise initiation, and the amount of session duration concluded was used to verify adherence to exercise duration. Values above 0.70 were considered as high adherence. Eight demographic and clinical factors were examined to explore their relationships with adherence, and the barriers to exercises were also collected by questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, adherence to exercise initiation was 0.40 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.3) for general exercises and 0.63 (SD = 0.4) for respiratory exercises. Adherence to exercise duration was 0.76 (SD = 0.4) for general exercises and 0.73 (SD = 0.4) for respiratory exercises. Forced vital capacity (r = 0.39; P = .02) was associated with adherence to the duration of general exercises, and body mass index (r = -0.33; P = .05) was associated with adherence to the duration of respiratory exercises. The main reported barriers were lack of interest, motivation and time, tiredness, noncommitment, and do not recognize the benefits of exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with CF minded completing the sessions of prescribed exercises once they have initiated it, but most of the days they did not practice general or respiratory exercises.

Does neuromodulation transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) associated with peripheral stimulation through exercise to walk have an impact on falls in people with Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in the world, with a high degree of disability. Among the various therapeutic possibilities, brain stimulation appears in a promising approach, with deep brain stimulation (DBS) being the best described and successful, yet it has the limitation of being invasive. In this context we present transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive treatment that brings a new perspective when thinking about treatment of neurological diseases. It is easy to handle, low cost, few side effects and good adherence to patients. TDCS presents good evidence for clinical practice, but when it comes to PD the results obtained are inconclusive and some protocols have not yet been tested. In this hypothesis we propose that the use of tDCS applied in the supplemental motor areas, together with a gait training, can facilitate the motor learning and modulate the neurons for better potentiation of the exercises together with patients with walking difficulties due to PD.

Benefits of Home-Based Respiratory Muscle Training from the Perspectives of Individuals Who Had a Stroke: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the significance of respiratory muscle training has been established in the literature, there is a need to understand the participants' perceptions of the benefits of this intervention. OBJECTIVE: To understand how individuals who had a stroke perceive changes in their body functions and structures, activities, and participation after a high-intensity respiratory muscle training intervention and to understand their perceptions of the benefits and limitations of a home-based intervention. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Community-dwelling patients. PATIENTS: Fifteen individuals who had a stroke. METHODS: For this qualitative study, interviews were conducted using a semistructured questionnaire about topics related to participation in a home-based respiratory muscle training intervention. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen participants were interviewed. Most of the participants reported positive perceptions of body functions and structures, grouped into two thematic categories (breathing and speech); activity, also grouped into two thematic categories (walking and domestic activities); and participation, grouped into one thematic category (community-leisure activities). Answers about the benefits of a home-based intervention were grouped into three thematic categories (no need to leave home, commitment to training, and comfort). All participants reported that they would recommend the intervention to other stroke patients and that they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the intervention. Most (80%) participants did not consider the intervention difficult to perform. CONCLUSION: Individuals who had experienced a stroke perceived the benefits of high-intensity home-based respiratory muscle training in all components of function.

Deficits in motor coordination of the paretic lower limb limit the ability to immediately increase walking speed in individuals with chronic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationships between clinical measures and the ability to increase walking speed in ambulatory people with chronic stroke and to identify which measures would best predict walking speed reserve. METHODS: An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 individuals with chronic stroke. The outcome of interest was walking speed reserve, defined as the difference between individuals' comfortable and maximal walking speeds. Predictors were characteristics of the participants (age, sex, time since stroke, relative lower-limb dominance) and motor impairments (tonus, strength, and motor coordination). RESULTS: The characteristics of the participants did not significantly correlate with walking speed reserve. All measures of motor impairments, i.e., tonus, strength, and motor coordination, were significantly correlated with walking speed reserve (p < 0.01), but only motor coordination was kept in the regression model. Motor coordination alone explained 35% (F = 61.5; p < 0.001) of the variance in walking speed reserve. CONCLUSIONS: The level of motor coordination of the paretic lower limb is associated with the walking speed reserve of individuals with stroke. Interventions aimed at improving motor coordination may have the potential to improve everyday situations that require immediate increases in walking speed.

Personal and organizational characteristics associated with evidence-based practice reported by Brazilian physical therapists providing service to people with stroke: a cross-sectional mail survey.

BACKGROUND: Although evidence-based practice has been widely used by physical therapists, data variation suggests that its implementation may be influenced by a number of factors. Population-specific information is required to help enhance the use of research in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To identify the personal and organizational characteristics associated with the use of evidence-based practice by physical therapists providing services to people with stroke in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted. The Brazilian versions of the questionnaires "Practitioner and Organizational Barriers to Evidence-based Stroke Rehabilitation" and "Evidence-based practice self-efficacy scale" were mailed to physical therapists. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore associations between personal and organizational characteristics with education, attitudes, beliefs, interest, and perceived role, perceived support, and organizational resources for evidence-based practice. RESULTS: The response rate was 36% (n=94). Ten characteristics explained 57% of the variance associated with attitudes and beliefs, and interest and perceived role for evidence-based practice. Nine characteristics explained 50% of the variance associated with perceived support and organizational resources for evidence-based practice. The most frequently cited barrier was lack of time (62%). CONCLUSIONS: Although participants had positive attitudes regarding evidence-based practice, there is a need to develop a supportive organizational infrastructure, in addition to enhancing skills of the evidence-based practitioner, to increase research integration in physical therapy practice for assessing and treating people with stroke. Potential strategies should include use of evidence-based practice during undergraduate programs, partnership with professional practice-oriented organizations, and investments to enable research-related activities.

Walking speed best explains perceived locomotion ability in ambulatory people with chronic stroke, assessed by the ABILOCO questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The identification of the predictors of locomotion ability could help professionals select variables to be considered during clinical evaluations and interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate which impairment measures would best predict locomotion ability in people with chronic stroke. METHODS: Individuals (n=115) with a chronic stroke were assessed. Predictors were characteristics of the participants (i.e. age, sex, and time since stroke), motor impairments (i.e. muscle tonus, strength, and motor coordination), and activity limitation (i.e. walking speed). The outcome of interest was the ABILOCO scores, a self-reported questionnaire for the assessment of locomotion ability, designed specifically for individuals who have suffered a stroke. RESULTS: Age, sex, and time since stroke did not significantly correlate with the ABILOCO scores (-0.07<ρ<0.05; 0.48

High-Intensity Respiratory Muscle Training Improves Strength and Dyspnea Poststroke: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether high-intensity home-based respiratory muscle training, that is, with higher loads, delivered more frequently and for longer duration, than previously applied, would increase the strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles, reduce dyspnea and respiratory complications, and improve walking capacity post-stroke. DESIGN: Randomized trial with concealed allocation, blinded participants and assessors, and intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Community-dwelling patients. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with stroke, who had respiratory muscle weakness (N=38). INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group received 40-minute high-intensity home-based respiratory muscle training, 7 days per week, for 8 weeks, progressed weekly. The control group received a sham intervention of similar dose. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was inspiratory muscle strength (via maximal inspiratory pressure), whereas secondary outcomes were expiratory muscle strength (maximal expiratory pressure), inspiratory muscle endurance, dyspnea (Medical Research Council score), respiratory complications (hospitalizations), and walking capacity (6-minute walk test). Outcomes were measured at baseline, after intervention, and 1 month beyond intervention. RESULTS: Compared to the control, the experimental group increased inspiratory (27cmH2O; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 15 to 40) and expiratory (42cmH2O; 95% CI, 25 to 59) strength, inspiratory endurance (33 breaths; 95% CI, 20 to 47), and reduced dyspnea (-1.3 out of 5.0; 95% CI, -2.1 to -0.6), and the benefits were maintained at 1 month beyond training. There was no significant between-group difference for walking capacity or respiratory complications. CONCLUSION: High-intensity home-based respiratory muscle training was effective in increasing strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles and reducing dyspnea for people with respiratory muscle weakness post-stroke, and the magnitude of the effect was higher, than that previously reported in studies, which applied standard protocols.

Effect of high-intensity home-based respiratory muscle training on strength of respiratory muscles following a stroke: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory muscle training has shown to increase strength of the respiratory muscles following a stroke. However, low duration and/or intensity of training may be responsible for the small effect size seen and/or absence of carry-over effects to an activity, e.g., walking. Therefore, an investigation of the effects of long-duration, high-intensity respiratory muscle training is warranted. OBJECTIVE: This proposed protocol for a randomized clinical trial will examine the efficacy of high-intensity respiratory muscle training to increase strength and improve activity following a stroke. METHODS: This study will be a two-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial, with blinded assessors. Thirty-eight individuals who have suffered a stroke will participate. The experimental group will undertake a 40-min of respiratory muscle training program, seven days/week, for eight weeks in their homes. Training loads will be increased weekly. The control group will undertake a sham respiratory muscle training program with equivalent duration and scheduling of training. The primary outcome will be the strength of the inspiratory muscles, measured as maximal inspiratory pressure. Secondary outcomes will include expiratory muscle strength, inspiratory muscle endurance, dyspnea, respiratory complications, and walking capacity. Outcomes will be collected by a researcher blinded to group allocation at baseline (Week 0), after intervention (Week 8), and one month beyond intervention (Week 12). CONCLUSION: High-intensity respiratory muscle training may have the potential to optimize the strength of the respiratory muscles following a stroke. If benefits are carried over to activity, the findings may have broader implications, since walking capacity has been shown to predict physical activity and community participation on this population.

Reabilitação baseada em movimento para melhora de dor e atividade em indivíduos com espondilólise ou espondilolistese: revisão sistemática / Movement-based rehabilitation to reduce pain and improve activity in people with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis: a systematic review

Introdução: Alterações em estrutura e função decorrentes de espondilólise/espondilolistese podem incluir dor lombar e/ou irradiada para membros inferiores com limitações de atividade. Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia de programas de reabilitação baseados em movimento para redução da dor e melhora de atividade em indivíduos com diagnóstico de espondilólise/espondilolistese. Método: Revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos aleatorizados, cuja intervenção foi programa de reabilitação baseado em exercício. As medidas de desfecho foram dor e atividade. Resultados: Cinco estudos foram incluídos. Dois estudos investigaram a eficácia da intervenção experimental comparada a placebo/não-intervenção, encontrando resultados inconclusivos. Três estudos investigaram a eficácia da intervenção experimental em comparação ao tratamento cirúrgico, reportando superioridade do tratamento cirúrgico. Conclusão: Os resultados são inconclusivos em relação à eficácia da reabilitação baseada em movimento, e sugerem que é menos eficaz do que tratamentos cirúrgicos na redução da intensidade de dor e melhora de atividade de indivíduos com diagnóstico de espondilólise/espondilolistese.

Introduction: Body structure and function impairments due to spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis may include low back pain and/or radiating pain, leading to activity limitations. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of movement-based rehabilitation programs to reduce pain and improve activity in people with spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis. Method: Systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Experimental intervention was movement-based rehabilitation program and outcome measures were pain and activity. Result: Five trials were included. Two trials examined the efficacy of the experimental intervention compared with placebo/no-intervention, and found inconclusive results. Three trials examined the efficacy of the experimental intervention compared with a surgical treatment, and reported superiority in favour of the surgical treatments. Conclusion: The results are inconclusive regarding the efficacy of movement-based rehabilitation, and suggested that it is less effective than surgical treatments.

Desenvolvimento de um modelo de pé segmentado para avaliação de indivíduos calçados / Development of a segmented foot model for assessing individuals with shoes

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de calçados pode influenciar parâmetros cinemáticos dos segmentos do pé durante a marcha. OBJETIVO: Testar um modelo biomecânico para avaliar o deslocamento angular dos segmentos do pé durante a marcha de indivíduos calçados. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Dez indivíduos adultos jovens saudáveis participaram do estudo. Um par de tênis foi utilizado durante o estudo. O sistema Qualisys Pró-Reflex foi utilizado para a avaliação das variáveis de desfecho: deslocamento angular de retropé nos planos sagital, frontal e transverso e de antepé nos planos frontal e transverso. O Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse foi usado para verificar o grau de associação das seguintes variáveis entre as duas visitas: valores angulares máximos e mínimos e deslocamento angular total. RESULTADOS: As variáveis de desfecho apresentaram confiabilidade teste-reteste de moderada a excelente. DISCUSSÃO: O nível de confiabilidade encontrado foi considerado aceitável, fornecendo, assim, uma base sólida para a avaliação objetiva da cinemática dos segmentos do pé de indivíduos calçados em ambientes laboratoriais, para fins de pesquisas científicas e avaliações clínicas da cinemática da marcha humana. CONCLUSÃO: A qualidade do método desenvolvido e da análise de confiabilidade realizada detectou padrões de movimento dos segmentos do pé próximos aos descritos na literatura. Além disso, o protocolo de aquisição apresentado não é invasivo, não requer uma estrutura extra de referência, posicionamento da articulação subtalar em neutro nem é dependente da informação fornecida por raios-X.

INTRODUCTION: The use of shoes may influence the kinematics parameters of the foot segments during gait. OBJECTIVE: To test a biomechanical model developed to measure the angular displacement of the foot segments during gait of individuals using shoes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy young individuals participated in the study. A pair of shoes was used during the study. The Qualisys Pró-Reflex system was used to measure the following outcome variables: angular displacement of the rearfoot in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes of motion and forefoot in the frontal and transverse planes. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was calculated to verify the association between the following variables between visits: maximum and minimum joint angles and the total range of motion. RESULTS: The investigated outcomes demonstrated values of intra-rater reliability ranging from moderate to excellent. DISCUSSION: This study presented a feasible and reliable method to measure the angular displacement of the foot segments during gait using shoes. The methods can be applied during scientific researches and clinical assessments of the kinematics during human gait. CONCLUSION: The quality of the method developed and the reliability analysis realized demonstrated motion patterns of the segments of the foot similar to what is demonstrated in the literature. In addition, the protocol is noninvasive, does not require an additional reference device, subtalar neutral position and does not depend on information provided by X-ray images.