Mirror and Vibration Therapies Effects on the Upper Limbs of Hemiparetic Patients after Stroke: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate, in this pilot study, the effects of the mirror (MT) and vibration therapies (VT) on the functionality of hemiparesis patients after stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one individuals after stroke with upper limb hemiparesis were randomized into control group (CG), Mirror Therapy Group (MTG), and Vibration Therapy Group (VTG). The functionality was evaluated before and after 12 sessions with three tests (i) Mobility Index Rivermead, (ii) Motor Function Wolf Test (time, functional ability), and (iii) Jebsen Taylor Test. RESULTS: Significant findings were observed for MTG or VTG when compared to the CG, obtaining improvements in the three functional tests: Mobility Index Rivermead, Motor Function Test Wolf (time) and Motor Function Test Wolf (functional ability), and Jebsen Test Taylor. CONCLUSIONS: MT or VT showed enhancements on the functionality of subjects with poststroke hemiparesis. In consequence, these interventions may be used in the rehabilitation of these individuals in order to promote improvements of the affected upper limb functionality. Probably, neuromuscular responses of the used therapies would be related to these desirable effects. However, it is necessary conducting further controlled studies with more subjects.

[Access, educational practice and empowerment of patients with chronic diseases]. / Acesso, prática educativa e empoderamento de pacientes com doenças crônicas.

Empowerment is a process whereby people achieve mastery over their lives, acquiring knowledge to make decisions about their health. Chronic diseases are increasingly common in the health service, requiring the attention of health professionals and empowering those affected by them. The scope of this study was to analyze the perceptions of users with chronic diseases and monitored by the Family Health Program with respect to empowerment. This was a qualitative study in which open interviews and systematic observations were conducted and NVIVO software was used for data analysis. Users indicate the existence of some geographical barriers in access to health, which caused fatigue, discouragement and low continuity of care. It was noted that adherence and practices of care were linked to differentiated service, based on trust and respect for the wishes of users. This includes healthcare guidance and education as key elements to encourage the practice of self-care. It is necessary to restructure the conduct of health professionals involved in the Family Health Strategy because its function is to promote health in a logical intersectoral and interdisciplinary manner.

Corneal infiltrates after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy and LASIK.

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of corneal infiltrates after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 8508 eyes treated with PRK or LASIK in a university-based clinic for the correction of refractive errors for 60 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Corneal infiltrates were observed in 35 (0.8%) of 4492 PRK-operated eyes and in 4 (0.1%) of 4016 LASIK-operated eyes. The mean time of diagnosis was 5.46 days. Among the 39 eyes with infiltrates, 10 (9 PRK, 1 LASIK) had culture-verified infectious keratitis. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequently isolated bacterium (50%), followed by S aureus (20%), Corynebacterium xerosis (10%), Streptococcus viridans (10%), and an unidentified gram-positive coccus (10%). Final visual acuity of > or = 20/30, without correction, was achieved in 79.5% of the 39 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal infiltrates occurred in 0.8% of PRK eyes and 0.1% of LASIK eyes. Bacterial smears were positive for several eyes. In all cases, prompt treatment was responsible for good visual outcome.