COVID-19-Evidence of the Impact of Literacy and Salutogenic Behaviours in Positive Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Positive mental health is defined as the ability to perceive and interpret the context of a situation and to adapt to it whenever necessary. Considering the pandemic situation, identifying the factors that may have the greatest impact on quality of life and consequently, on positive mental health is paramount. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of health literacy on the adoption of behaviours that promote positive mental health during COVID-19. A descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted on a sample of 770 patients using a questionnaire for sociodemographic characterization, the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire. Concerning health-promoting behaviours, those who sleep enough hours, exercise regularly, eat healthy and are more aware of mental health promotion activities, or have greater mental health literacy, have higher positive mental health scores. Thus, having more knowledge of mental health and adopting health-promoting behaviours improve positive mental health.

Interventions for Caregivers of Heart Disease Patients in Rehabilitation: Scoping Review.

Map the interventions/components directed to the caregivers of heart disease patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs that promote their role and health. METHODS: The Joanna Briggs Institute method was used to guide this scoping review. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for relevance and extracted and synthesized data. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese since 1950. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Complete (Via EBSCO), Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, PEDro, and Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP). RESULTS: From 351 articles retrieved, 10 were included in the review. The interventions identified directed to the caregiver were: educational interventions and lifestyle changes; physical exercise; psychological interventions/stress management; and a category "Other" with training interventions in basic life support, elaboration of guidelines/recommendations, and training for the role of caregiver. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that most of the related cardiac rehabilitation interventions are aimed at the dyad heart failure patient and their caregivers/family. Including specific interventions targeting caregivers improves the caregiver's health and empowers them. Patient care planning should include interventions specifically aimed at them that result in health gains for caregivers and patients, striving to improve the quality of care. This study was not registered.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in a Transplanted Person with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy. / Reabilitação Cardíaca na Pessoa Transplantada com Distrofia Muscular de Emery-Dreifuss.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disease. Its manifestations begin primarily in childhood. The most frequent manifestations are progressive muscle weakness, atrophy that usually begins in the scapula-vertebral region, extending later to the pelvic girdle, and spinal stiffness. Patients can also manifest cardiac involvement as palpitations, syncope, exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, and variable heart rhythm disturbances. 1 - 3 The presence and severity of these manifestations can vary according to the individual and the disease's subtypes. 2 Cardiac involvement is the most worrisome feature of this disease, and there are some reports of the need for heart transplantation in this dystrophy. 4.

A distrofia muscular de Emery-Dreifuss é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. Suas manifestações começam principalmente na infância. As manifestações mais frequentes são fraqueza muscular progressiva, atrofia que geralmente se inicia na região escápulo-vertebral, estendendo-se posteriormente para a cintura pélvica e rigidez da coluna vertebral. Os pacientes também podem manifestar envolvimento cardíaco como palpitações, síncope, intolerância ao exercício, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e distúrbios variáveis do ritmo cardíaco. 1 - 3 A presença e a gravidade dessas manifestações podem variar de acordo com o indivíduo e os subtipos da doença. 2 O envolvimento cardíaco é a característica mais preocupante desta doença, havendo alguns relatos da necessidade de transplante cardíaco nesta distrofia. 4.

El proceso de transición y capacitación de la persona trasplantada al corazón y familia: ensayo teórico / The process of transition and training of the person transplanted to the heart and family: theoretical essay

La persona trasplantada de corazón y la familia experimentan diferentes tipos de transición, y un acompañante facilitador de su formación para una transición saludable es fundamental.La Enfermería de Rehabilitación (ER), debido a sus habilidades, puede ayudar a las personas a recuperar la estabilidad y el bienestar, sin embargo, existe poca difusión de su fundamento en lasteorías de enfermería. Objetivo: Analizar el aporte de la Teoría de las Transiciones en la práctica dela enfermería rehabilitadora orientada al empoderamiento de la persona trasplantada al corazón ya la familia. Metodología: Estudio crítico-reflexivo guiado por la Teoría de las Transiciones de AfafMeleis y por la legislación reguladora para la práctica del enfermero rehabilitador. Resultado: Sepercibe que la teoría de las Transiciones sustenta la intervención de Enfermería de Rehabilitaciónen las áreas de conocimiento y aprendizaje de habilidades de la persona trasplantada cardíaca y sufamilia, conduciendo a su empoderamiento, toma de decisiones y acción, haciendo que la personase sienta empoderada para superar los retos diarios derivados de su proceso de transición. Conclusión: Es fundamental demostrar la conceptualización en la práctica de enfermería, siendo la transición un foco significativo para la Enfermería de Rehabilitación.(AU)

Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy in improving the quality of life of people with compulsive gambling, a systematic review.

FUNDAMENTALS: Cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce gambling behavior and other symptoms of pathological gambling. AIM: To synthesize and analyze the evidence on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral interventions to improve the quality of life of people with pathological gambling. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review with a narrative synthesis of clinical trials published in English and Spanish in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library Plus, PsycoInfo, and ProQuest of articles until January 2020 that will analyze this phenomenon. The PRISMA Declaration was followed and the quality of the articles was analyzed with the Jadad scale. RESULTS: 1233 articles were found, including nine in the review. Two studies confirmed the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions for improving the quality of life in people with pathological gambling. In addition, these interventions improved depression, anxiety, the amount of money played, and reduced alcohol consumption and the gambling diagnosis score, which had an impact on improving the quality of life. Cognitive behavioral interventions were more effective when it was supported by a manual or when were combined with Mindfulness or Player Anonymous sessions. Having better long-term results in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive behavioral-based interventions can improve the quality of life of people with pathological gambling and other psychological variables without being its immediate effect. Future research should analyze whether they are more efficacy online or in person, individually, or in groups, and the number of sessions required for their effects to last over time.

COVID-19 infection: Positive mental health, psychological vulnerability and sex: Cross-sectional study.

Since mid-March 2020, a state of emergency was decreed in Portugal due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, consequently, measures were implemented to protect public health, such as social isolation, which will certainly have a notable impact on the mental health of the population, especially in the most vulnerable groups. Positive Mental Health (PMH) is essential to deal with adversity, in this case with the pandemic, and to live better and with greater satisfaction. We consider it relevant to investigate how PMH was used as a resource to deal with the pandemic, depending on the level of vulnerability and sex. A, cross-sectional study was carried out whose the aim was to evaluate the levels of PMH and psychological vulnerability in people with COVOD-19 infection and analyze the association between PMH and psychological vulnerability among men and women. METHODS: The instruments used were a sociodemographic characterization questionnaire, the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire, and the Psychological Vulnerability Scale (PVS), that were sent and filled out online. A quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was carried out. RESULTS: After analyzing the results, it was found that approximately 50.4% of the respondents (n = 387) had global PMH values that place them in quartile 50. There was also a statistically significant difference between female and male PMH, with women showing greater psychological vulnerability and lower overall PMH. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the women present a greater psychological vulnerability and a lower level of PMH when compared to men. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Considering the study's statistically significant results, when we talk about mental health, we should always consider the sex variable as a vulnerability factor, in a pandemic or non-pandemic phase.

Validity of a technological rehabilitation nursing program for people undergoing knee arthroplasty / Validación del programa de enfermería tecnológica en rehabilitación de personas realizadas en artroplastia de rodilla / Validação do programa de enfermagem de reabilitação tecnológico para pessoas submetidas a artroplastia do joelho

ABSTRACT Objective: to validate a Technological Rehabilitation Nursing Program for people undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Methods: this is a qualitative study, carried out through a focus group, with 12 nurses, considered experts in the area of rehabilitation. The program was developed using digital technology, such as an application for a mobile device. Experts assessed the program structure, the content made available to people undergoing total knee arthroplasty pre-operatively and post-operatively and the follow-up and communication strategies with nurses. Results: after content validity by experts, the final version of the program integrated three thematic areas and their respective categories: Rehabilitation program (Program phases, Program operationalization, Exercise plans included in the program); Useful information (Preparation for surgery, Care to be taken during surgery recovery); and Communication channel with nurses (Talk to a rehabilitation nurse, Self-assessment of health condition and Help with decision-making). Conclusion: experts' contributions made it possible to achieve the content validity of the program and, consequently, improve patient literacy about the procedure, complication prevention and self-care; training patients to carry out exercise plans in the pre- and post-operative periods; and communication with nurses through application.

RESUMEN Objetivo: validar un Programa Tecnológico de Enfermería de Rehabilitación para personas sometidas a artroplastia total de rodilla. Métodos: estudio cualitativo, realizado a través de un focus group, con 12 enfermeros, considerados expertos en el área de rehabilitación. El programa fue desarrollado utilizando tecnología digital, como una aplicación para un dispositivo móvil. Los expertos evaluaron la estructura del programa, los contenidos puestos a disposición de las personas sometidas a artroplastia total de rodilla en el preoperatorio y postoperatorio, y las estrategias de seguimiento y comunicación con la enfermera. Resultados: luego de la validación de contenido por parte de expertos, la versión final del Programa integró tres áreas temáticas y sus respectivas categorías: Programa de rehabilitación (Fases del programa, Operacionalización del programa, Planes de ejercicio incluidos en el programa); Información útil (Preparación para la cirugía, Cuidados a tener durante la recuperación quirúrgica); y Canal de Comunicación con la Enfermera (Hablar con una enfermera de rehabilitación, Autoevaluación del estado de salud y Ayuda en la toma de decisiones). Conclusión: los aportes de los expertos permitieron lograr la validez de contenido del programa y, en consecuencia, mejorar la alfabetización de los pacientes sobre el procedimiento, la prevención de complicaciones y el autocuidado; entrenar al paciente para que lleve a cabo planes de ejercicios en los períodos pre y postoperatorios; y comunicación con la enfermera a través de la aplicación.

RESUMO Objetivo: validar um Programa de Enfermagem de Reabilitação Tecnológico para pessoas submetidas à artroplastia total do joelho. Métodos: estudo qualitativo, realizado por meio de focus group, com 12 enfermeiros, considerados peritos na área de reabilitação. O Programa foi desenvolvido com recurso de uma tecnologia digital, do tipo aplicativo para dispositivo móvel. Os peritos avaliaram a estrutura do Programa, os conteúdos disponibilizados às pessoas submetidas a artroplastia total do joelho no pré-operatório e pós-operatório e as estratégias de acompanhamento e comunicação com o enfermeiro. Resultados: após a validação de conteúdo pelos peritos, a versão final do Programa integrou três áreas temáticas e suas respectivas categorias: Programa de Reabilitação (Fases do Programa, Operacionalização do Programa, Planos de exercícios incluídos no Programa); Informação Útil (Preparação para a cirurgia, Cuidados a ter durante a recuperação cirúrgica); e Canal Comunicacional com o Enfermeiro (Fale com enfermeiro de reabilitação, Autoavaliação da condição de saúde e Ajuda na tomada de decisão). Conclusão: os contributos dos peritos permitiram alcançar a validade de conteúdo do Programa e, consequentemente, melhorar a literacia do paciente sobre o procedimento, prevenção de complicações e autocuidado; instrumentalização do paciente para a realização dos planos de exercícios nos períodos pré e pós-operatório; e a comunicação com o enfermeiro pelo aplicativo.

Reabilitação Cardíaca na Pessoa Transplantada com Distrofia Muscular de Emery-Dreifuss / Cardiac Rehabilitation in a Transplanted Person with Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy

Resumo A distrofia muscular de Emery-Dreifuss é uma doença neuromuscular hereditária rara. Suas manifestações começam principalmente na infância. As manifestações mais frequentes são fraqueza muscular progressiva, atrofia que geralmente se inicia na região escápulo-vertebral, estendendo-se posteriormente para a cintura pélvica e rigidez da coluna vertebral. Os pacientes também podem manifestar envolvimento cardíaco como palpitações, síncope, intolerância ao exercício, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e distúrbios variáveis do ritmo cardíaco. 1 - 3 A presença e a gravidade dessas manifestações podem variar de acordo com o indivíduo e os subtipos da doença. 2 O envolvimento cardíaco é a característica mais preocupante desta doença, havendo alguns relatos da necessidade de transplante cardíaco nesta distrofia. 4

Abstract Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare hereditary neuromuscular disease. Its manifestations begin primarily in childhood. The most frequent manifestations are progressive muscle weakness, atrophy that usually begins in the scapula-vertebral region, extending later to the pelvic girdle, and spinal stiffness. Patients can also manifest cardiac involvement as palpitations, syncope, exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, and variable heart rhythm disturbances.1 - 3 The presence and severity of these manifestations can vary according to the individual and the disease's subtypes. 2 Cardiac involvement is the most worrisome feature of this disease, and there are some reports of the need for heart transplantation in this dystrophy. 4

The psychological impact on frontline nurses in Spain of caring for people with COVID-19.

AIM: To understand the perceptions of National Health System nurses who have been working on the frontline of the psychological impact of caring for people with COVID-19 during the first and second waves. METHODS: A qualitative study, the design and analysis of which was based on phenomenology. For data collection, a semi-structured interview was administered to a sample of nurses who worked on the frontline in public hospitals in Extremadura and Madrid, Spain. The interviews, which followed a script including various topics, were conducted between May and November 2020 so as to include the experiences of the first and second waves of the pandemic. Sample collection continued until data saturation. The data were analysed following the phenomenological method of Giorgi with the help of the Atlas-Ti software. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the data analysis that explained the nurses' perceptions: (i) the main psychological repercussions of being frontline carers (anxiety, fear, stress, impotence, frustration, and an increase in obsessions and obsessive behaviours) and (ii) psychological coping strategies (collapse in the face of the situation, dissociative amnesia, leaning on colleagues and working as a team, resigning oneself, perceiving the situation as a war, and being aware of psychological repercussions). DISCUSSION: Caring as the first line causes great psychological repercussions for nurses. It is necessary to implement psychological and emotional support programmes to address the post-traumatic stress that nurses can suffer.

From Health Literacy to Self-Care: Contributions of the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing.

(1) Background: Initiatives aimed at assessing and intervening in health literacy have the potential to promote adherence to self-care behaviours, which is the main focus of intervention by rehabilitation nurses. Thus, the objectives were to analyse the level of health literacy of working-age citizens and identify priority areas for intervention by rehabilitation nurses. (2) Methods: Quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional study, conducted in a multinational company, with the participation of 161 workers. The data were collected between 14 April and 7 May 2021, using a self-completion questionnaire composed of sociodemographic and clinical characterization and the European Health Literacy Survey, following a favourable opinion from the Ethics Committee and the company's management. (3) Results: Overall, low to moderate literacy scores were predominant. Age and education were significantly associated with literacy scores. Workers with higher levels of health literacy had no diagnosed illnesses, took less medication, reported less sadness, fewer memory changes and less muscle and joint pain. (4) Conclusions: The fact that higher levels of health literacy trigger self-care behaviours and, consequently, fewer health problems reinforces the need for rehabilitation nurses to invest in this area.

The effects of early rehabilitation on functional exercise tolerance in decompensated heart failure patients: Results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (ERIC-HF study).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze (1) the effect of an aerobic training program on functional exercise tolerance in decompensated heart failure (DHF) patients; (2) to assess the effects of an aerobic training program on functional independence; and (3) dyspnea during activities of daily living. DESIGN: A randomized controlled clinical trial with follow-up at discharge. SETTINGS: Eight hospitals. Recruitment took place between 9/ 2017 and 3/2019. GROUP ASSIGNMENTS: Patients with DHF who were admitted to the hospital, were randomly assigned to usual rehabilitation care guideline recommended (control group) or aerobic training program (exercise group). MAIN OUTCOME: Functional exercise tolerance was measured with a 6-min walking test at discharge. RESULTS: In total 257 patients with DHF were included, with a mean age of 67 ± 11 years, 84% (n = 205) had a reduced ejection fraction and the hospital stay was 16 ± 10 days. At discharge, patients in the intervention group walked further compared to the control group (278 ± 117m vs 219 ± 115m, p < 0.01) and this difference stayed significant after correcting for confounders (p < 0.01). A significant difference was found favoring the exercise group in functional independence (96 ± 7 vs 93 ± 12, p = 0.02) and dyspnea associated to ADL (13 ± 5 vs 17 ± 7, p < 0.01) and these differences persisted after correcting for baseline values and confounders (functional independence p < 0.01; dyspnea associated with ADL p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The ERIC-HF program is safe, feasible, and effective in increasing functional exercise tolerance and functional independence in hospitalized patients admitted due to DHF.

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Professional Nursing Practice in the Context of Hospitals.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed challenges to health systems and institutions, which had to quickly create conditions to meet the growing health needs of the population. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on professional nursing practice environments and to identify the variables that affected their quality. Quantitative, observational study, conducted in 16 Portuguese hospitals, with 1575 nurses. Data were collected using a questionnaire and participants responded to two different moments in time: the pre-pandemic period and after the fourth critical period of COVID-19. The pandemic had a positive impact on the Structure and Outcome components, and a negative trend in the Process component. The variables associated with the qualification of the components and their dimensions were predominantly: work context, the exercise of functions in areas of assistance to COVID-19 patients, length of professional experience and length of experience in the service. The investment in professional practice environments impacted the improvement of organizational factors, supporting the development of nurses' work towards the quality of care. However, it is necessary to invest in nurses' participation, involvement and professional qualifications, which are aspects strongly dependent on the institutions' management strategies.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Front Line Nurses: A Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence.

Caring for people with COVID-19 on the front line has psychological impacts for healthcare professionals. Despite the important psychological impacts of the pandemic on nurses, the qualitative evidence on this topic has not been synthesized. Our objective: To analyze and synthesize qualitative studies that investigate the perceptions of nurses about the psychological impacts of treating hospitalized people with COVID-19 on the front line. A systematic review of qualitative studies published in English or Spanish up to March 2021 was carried out in the following databases: The Cochrane Library, Medline (Pubmed), PsycINFO, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and CINHAL. The PRISMA statement and the Cochrane recommendations for qualitative evidence synthesis were followed. Results: The main psychological impacts of caring for people with COVID-19 perceived by nurses working on the front line were fear, anxiety, stress, social isolation, depressive symptoms, uncertainty, and frustration. The fear of infecting family members or being infected was the main repercussion perceived by the nurses. Other negative impacts that this review added and that nurses suffer as the COVID-19 pandemic progress were anger, obsessive thoughts, compulsivity, introversion, apprehension, impotence, alteration of space-time perception, somatization, and feeling of betrayal. Resilience was a coping tool used by nurses. Conclusions: Front line care for people with COVID-19 causes fear, anxiety, stress, social isolation, depressive symptoms, uncertainty, frustration, anger, obsessive thoughts, compulsivity, introversion, apprehension, impotence, alteration of space-time perception, somatization, and feeling of betrayal in nurses. It is necessary to provide front line nurses with the necessary support to reduce the psychological impact derived from caring for people with COVID-19, improve training programs for future pandemics, and analyze the long-term impacts.

Virtual Reality Rehabilitation's Impact on Negative Symptoms and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder with symptoms that can severely affect patients' quality of life. While drug administration inhibits most of the positive symptoms, it fails to effectively treat the negative symptoms and in turn relies on rehabilitation therapies. With technological progress, virtual reality (VR) has been the target of recent studies in terms of mental health rehabilitation and has been shown to be a tool with ecological validity in order to introduce the individual to situations similar to their daily life. METHODS: From July to August 2021, we conducted a systematic review with the purpose of understanding the impact of virtual reality rehabilitation on negative symptoms and psychosocial rehabilitation in the schizophrenia spectrum. The searches were performed in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. RESULTS: In our search, we identified 201 results, where 108 duplicates were excluded, resulting in a final balance of 93. After reading and assessing the titles and abstracts, 66 studies were excluded. Of the remaining 27 reports, 23 were excluded for not meeting the previously defined eligibility criteria, resulting in the inclusion of four studies in this systematic review. CONCLUSIONS: The available data on the specific topic was limited and could have been more complete. However, in our review, we were able to identify statistically relevant results demonstrating the effectiveness of intervention. We could find medium to large effects, allowing VR to be an ally for rehabilitation of symptoms related to schizophrenia.

Self-Care in Heart Failure Inpatients: What Is the Role of Gender and Pathophysiological Characteristics? A Cross-Sectional Multicentre Study.

Heart failure is often characterised by low exercise capacity and a great impairment of performance in the activities of daily living. The correct management of the disease can prevent the worsening of symptoms and promote a better quality of life. The aims of this study are to understand the relationship of gender and pathophysiological characteristics with self-care behaviour and to evaluate the self-care behaviour in a sample of Portuguese heart failure inpatients, using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI). A cross-sectional multicentre study enrolling 225 heart failure inpatients from eight hospitals from Portugal was performed. At admission, each patient's functional capacity was evaluated as well as their self-care behaviour, using the SCHFI Portuguese v6.2. A comparison between self-care behaviour with gender was performed. The patients' mean age was 68.4 ± 10.7 years old, 68% were male and 82.3% had reduced ejection fraction. A mean value of 47.9, 35.6 and 38.8 points was found in the SCHFI score of the sections self-care maintenance, self-care management and self-care confidence, respectively. Heart failure inpatients present inadequate levels of self-care behaviour. The results do not suggest a relationship between gender and pathophysiological characteristics with self-care behaviour.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Women with Eating Disorders.

People with eating disorders show impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the relative role of physical and mental factors and stage of change as possible predictors of HRQoL in a group of Spanish women (n = 124) with eating disorders. For this purpose, initial and follow-up data were obtained after 6 months from patients attending an outpatient treatment unit for eating disorders. The determinants of the physical and mental domains of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire were investigated in the total sample and separately based on the eating disorder diagnosis by multiple linear regression. Lower scores in the physical component of the SF-36 questionnaire were associated with the presence of a higher body mass index (BMI) at follow-up as well as a higher score in the "action" component of the Attitudes towards Change in Eating Disorders Questionnaire (ACTA). Conversely, a higher index in the EuroQoL-5D overall quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the presence of obsessive compulsive disorder were associated with a higher score in the physical dimension. The instrument used demonstrated the ability to assess changes associated with the physical component of these patients over the period studied, and the analysis provided more information and specific data on different aspects of HRQoL, thus allowing a more detailed analysis of the information.

Early rehabilitation in cardiology - heart failure: The ERIC-HF protocol, a novel intervention to decompensated heart failure patients rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Decompensated heart failure patients are characterised by functional dependence and low exercise tolerance. Aerobic exercise can improve symptoms, functional capacity and an increase in exercise tolerance. However, the benefits of early rehabilitation have not yet been validated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of an aerobic exercise training programme in functional capacity of decompensated heart failure patients. METHODOLOGY: A single centre, parallel, randomised controlled, open label trial, with 100 patients. The training group (TG, n=50) performed the training protocol and the control group (CG, n=50) performed the usual rehabilitation procedures. The London chest activity of daily living (LCADL) scale, the Barthel index (BI) and the 6 minute walking test (6MWT) at discharge were used to evaluate the efficacy of the protocol. Safety was measured by the existence of adverse events. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70 years, 20% were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV and 80% NYHA class III at admission. The major heart failure aetiology was ischaemic (35 patients) and valvular disease (25 patients). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline in terms of sociodemographic or pathophysiological characteristics. There was a statistically significant difference of 54.2 meters for the training group (P=0.026) in the 6MWT and at LCADL 12 versus 16 (P=0.003), but the BI did not: 96 versus 92 (P=0.072). No major adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The training protocol demonstrated safety and efficacy, promoting functional capacity. This study elucidated about the benefits of a systematised implementation of physical exercise during the patient's clinical stabilisation phase, which had not yet been demonstrated.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03838003, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03838003.

Eficácia da técnica de breath stacking na função respiratória em mulheres submetidas a cirurgia bariátrica / Effectiveness of the breath-stacking technique in the respiratory function of women undergoing bariatric surgery / Eficacia de la técnica de breath stacking sobre la función respiratoria en mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica

Enquadramento: A cirurgia abdominal alta está associada a alta incidência de complicações pulmonares. A técnica breath stacking (BS) perspetiva-se como recurso com potencial terapêutico para a enfermagem de reabilitação. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da técnica BS na melhoria da função respiratória. Metodologia: Estudo quasi-experimental com 36 mulheres submetidas a cirurgia bariátrica, distribuídas pelos grupos de controlo (GC) e intervenção (GI). Foram avaliadas no pré e pós-operatório as medidas capacidade vital forçada (CVF), volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), pressão inspiratória máxima (PIm), pressão expiratória máxima (PEm), saturação periférica de oxigénio (SpO2) e frequência respiratória (FR). Foi aplicada a técnica BS no GI no pré e pós-operatório. Recorreu-se à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: Observaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas pós-operatórias, entre o GC e o GI, na CVF ( -20,29 vs. -13,60), VEF1 (-23,05 vs. -13,38), PIm (-22,96 vs. -14,93), PEm (-14,10 vs -10,32) e FR (12,29 vs 6,45). Conclusão: A técnica de BS permitiu melhorar a função respiratória do GI e reverter as alterações previsíveis no pós-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica.

Background: Upper abdominal surgery is associated with a high incidence of pulmonary complications. The breath-stacking (BS) technique is considered a resource with therapeutic potential for rehabilitation nursing. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of the BS technique in improving the respiratory function. Methodology: Quasi-experimental study with 36 women undergoing bariatric surgery, distributed into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). The forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), the maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the respiratory rate (RR) were evaluated in the pre and postoperative periods. The BS technique was applied to the IG in the pre and postoperative periods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: Statistically significant postoperative differences were observed between the CG and the IG in FVC (-20.29 vs. -13.60), FEV1 (-23.05 vs. -13.38), MIP (-22.96 vs. -14.93), MEP (-14.10 vs. -10.32), and RF (12.29 vs. 6.45). Conclusion: The BS technique improved the respiratory function of the IG and reversed the predictable changes in the postoperative period of bariatric surgery.

Marco contextual: La cirugía abdominal alta se asocia con una elevada incidencia de complicaciones pulmonares. La técnica de breath stacking (BS) se considera un recurso con potencial terapéutico para la enfermería de rehabilitación. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la técnica de BS para mejorar la función respiratoria. Metodología: Estudio cuasi-experimental con 36 mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica, distribuidas entre el grupo de control (GC) y el de intervención (GI). Las mediciones de la capacidad vital forzada (CVF), el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), la presión inspiratoria máxima (PIm), la presión espiratoria máxima (PEm), la saturación periférica de oxigeno (SpO2) y la frecuencia respiratoria (FR) se evaluaron GI que en el GC antes y después de la cirugía. La técnica BS se aplicó en el GI antes y después de la cirugía. Se utilizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias posoperatorias estadísticamente significativas entre el GC y el GI en la CVF (-20,29 frente a -13,60), VEF1 (-23,05 frente a -13,38), PIm (-22,96 frente a -14,93), PEm (-14,10 frente a -10,32) y FR (12,29 frente a 6,45). Conclusión: La técnica BS permitió mejorar la función respiratoria del GI y revertir los cambios predecibles en el posoperatorio de cirugía bariátrica.

Dietary program and physical activity impact on biochemical markers in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of independently or combined dietary and physical activity programs on the blood glucose values and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes, including participants aged 60 years and over. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCE: PubMed/Medline database, with language restrictions. Papers published between 2010 and 2016 were included. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 30 randomised controlled trials were included that focused on physical activity and dietary interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and include participants aged 60 years and over. RESULTS: The selected articles have shown that the implementation of physical activity programs (aerobic, resistance, flexibility and combined exercises), and programs based on a higher intake of vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as consumption of foods with low glycaemic index, calorie restriction, intake of probiotics, vitamin D supplementation and educational sessions about diabetes improves blood glucose levels, as well as the lipid profile, in patients with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity and dietary programs are fundamental in the treatment and metabolic control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Deterioro funcional, miedo a caerse y composición corporal en ancianos institucionalizados / Functional impairment, fear of falling and body composition in institutionalized elderly

OBJETIVOS: Analizar los cambios ocurridos a lo largo de 24 meses del proceso de envejecimiento sobre la condición física, el miedo a caer y la composición corporal en ancianos institucionalizados. MÉTODO: Estudio longitudinal, analítico y prospectivo realizado en 3 residencias para mayores. Se utilizó un cuestionario clínico y sociodemográfico, la batería de pruebas funcionales diseñada por Rikli y Jones, dinamometría para evaluar la fuerza de prensión manual e impedancia bioeléctrica para determinar la composición corporal. El miedo a caerse fue evaluado con la Escala de Eficacia en Caídas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 51 ancianos (82,5 ± 7,4 años). Tras los 24 meses del seguimiento, el deterioro funcional fue visible (p < 0,05) para las pruebas del Rikli y Jones: sentarse y levantarse de una silla en 30 s, flexiones de brazos con un peso, flexión del tronco en una silla y el Up and Go. Los ancianos han caído en promedio 1,7 veces. Se observó una disminución de la autoeficacia para evitar las caídas, y la prevalencia de las mismas fue del 42,1%. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados evidencian una disminución funcional sobre todo en las variables relacionadas con la fuerza y el control muscular de brazos y piernas, la agilidad/equilibrio dinámico y la flexibilidad inferior y superior. Los datos no traducen cambios significativos en la composición corporal, sin embargo, apuntan a una reducción de la masa ósea y la masa muscular total

OBJECTIVES: To analyze changes in the aging process of institutionalized elderly over a 24 months period, including physical condition, fear of falling, and body composition. Method: A longitudinal, analytic and prospective study was implemented in 3 residential care homes for seniors. Data were collected using a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire, the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test, handgrip dynamometry and bioelectric impedance. The Portuguese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale was used for measure fear of falling. RESULTS: Fifty-one institutionalized elderly (82.5 ± 7.4 years) were included. In the 24 months analysis period, functional decline was observed (P < .05) in tests: sit to stand, harm curl, sit and reach and Up and Go. In average falls occurred 1.7 times. Were observed a decrease of self-efficacy to prevent falling, and falls prevalence was 42.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a functional decrease, mainly in variables related with strength and muscular control of arms and legs, agility/dynamic balance and flexibility. Data don't highlight significant changes in body composition, however, tend to a muscle mass and bone mineral mass reduction