Rehabilitation Improves Persistent Symptoms of COVID-19: A Nonrandomized, Controlled, Open Study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-wk face-to-face rehabilitation program on subjects with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 compared with a remote monitoring group. DESIGN: This is clinical, nonrandomized, controlled, and open study. The face-to-face supervised rehabilitation lasted eight consecutive weeks, twice a week. The remote monitoring group received health guidance. The allocation was carried out by preference because of the emergency period without vaccination during the pandemic. Fatigue, dyspnea (Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire), and exercise capacity (Incremental Shuttle Walk Test) were the primary outcome measures. Lung function, functional status (Post-COVID-19 Functional Status), symptoms of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), attention (d2-R), memory (Rey's Auditory-Verbal Learning Test), handgrip strength, and knee extensor strength were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects (24.3% hospitalized) completed the baseline and final assessment, rehabilitation ( n = 22, 40.8 [SD, 10.0] yrs, 54.5% female), or remote guidance ( n = 15, 45.4 [SD, 10.5] yrs, 40% female). Both groups showed improved fatigue and exercise capacity. Exercise rehabilitation improved dyspnea, anxiety, attention, and short-term memory. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation is essential for dyspnea in subjects with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 while fatigue naturally reverses.

Light technologies in the pandemic times: Health education as a device to fight the Coronavirus / Tecnologias leves e educação em saúde no enfrentamento à pandemia da COVID-19

This reflective essay aims to discuss the importance of light technologies and health education in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. The text addresses the epidemiological context and methods of preventing Coronavirus, especially quarantine and social isolation. In addition, the proposal addresses a set of micropolitical strategies that contribute to tackling the pandemic, especially light technologies and health education. We defend that, in times of pandemic, the humanization of care, dialogue and relationships of trust between professionals and users become essential. The reflections raised constitute praxis transversal to the work in health. In addition, they are characterized as ethical, aesthetic and political commitments in tackling the pandemic. These are necessary for the production of meaning and awareness of the actions imposed by health authorities.

Este ensaio de cunho reflexivo tem o objetivo de discutir a importância das tecnologias leves e da educação em saúde no enfrentamento à pandemia da COVID-19. O texto aborda o contexto epidemiológico e as medidas de prevenção ao Coronavírus, especialmente a quarentena e o isolamento social. Além do mais, propõe um conjunto de estratégias micropolíticas que contribuem para o enfrentamento à pandemia, especialmente as tecnologias leves e a educação em saúde. Defendemos que, em tempos de pandemia, é fundamental a humanização do cuidado, o diálogo e as relações de confiança entre profissionais e usuários. As reflexões suscitadas constituem-se como práxis transversais ao trabalho e caracterizam-se como compromissos éticos, estéticos e políticos no enfrentamento à pandemia, necessárias para a produção de sentido e sensibilização das ações impostas por autoridades sanitárias.

Safety from crime and physical activity among older adults: a population-based study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between safety from crime and physical activity among older adults. METHODS: A population-based survey including 1,656 older adults (60+ years) took place in Florianopolis, Brazil, in 2009-2010. Commuting and leisure time physical activity were assessed through the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Perception of safety from crime was assessed using the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale. RESULTS: Perceiving the neighbourhood as safe during the day was related to a 25% increased likelihood of being active in leisure time (95% CI 1.02-1.53); general perception of safety was also associated with a 25% increase in the likelihood of being active in leisure time (95% CI 1.01-1.54). Street lighting was related to higher levels of commuting physical activity (prevalence ratio: 1.89; 95% CI 1.28-2.80). CONCLUSIONS: Safety investments are essential for promoting physical activity among older adults in Brazil.