Psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral Scale in people with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: To verify the psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral (FaB-Brazil) Scale in Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants (n = 96) were assessed by disease-specific, self-report and functional mobility measures. Internal consistency of the FaB-Brazil scale was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and inter-rater and test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). The standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), ceiling and floor effects, and convergent and discriminative validity were evaluated. RESULTS: Internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.77). Excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.90; p < 0.001) and test-retest (ICC = 0.91; p < 0.001) reliability were found. The SEM was 0.20 and MDC was 0.38. Ceiling and floor effects were not found. Convergent validity was established by the positive correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale and age, modified Hoehn and Yahr, PD duration, Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Motor Aspects of Experiences of Daily Living, Timed Up & Go and 8-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, and negative correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale and community mobility, Schwab & England, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. Females showed greater protective behaviors than males; recurrent fallers showed greater protective behaviors than non-recurrent fallers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The FaB-Brazil scale is reliable and valid for assessing people with PD.

Fall-related behaviors should be part of the fall risk assessment of community-dwelling people with Parkinson's disease.The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Fall Behavioral (FaB-Brazil) Scale is reliable and valid for assessing everyday behaviors and actions related to falling in community-dwelling people with Parkinson's disease.The FaB-Brazil scale may be used to tailor individualized fall prevention programs.

Predictors of Falls with Injuries in People with Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Falls are frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is lack of information about predictors of injurious falls. Objectives: To determine predictors of falls with injuries in people with PD; to compare circumstances and consequences of falls in single and recurrent fallers. Methods: Participants (n = 225) were assessed by disease-specific, self-report, and balance measures, and followed-up for 12 months with a diary to record falls, their circumstances, and injuries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Circumstances and consequences of falls presented by single and recurrent fallers were compared. Results: A total of 805 falls were analyzed, 107 (13%) were falls with injuries. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that greater PD duration and higher balance confidence were protective factors; better balance during gait, outdoor falls, and falls related to extrinsic factors were risk factors for falls with injuries, when compared to falls with no injuries. Multivariate multinomial regression model revealed that, when compared to zero fall, past falls and daily levodopa equivalent dose were predictors of falls with injuries; these predictors together with disability were predictors of falls with no injuries. Single falls (n = 27; 3%) were more common outdoors because of extrinsic factors, whereas recurrent falls (n = 778; 97%) were more common indoors because of intrinsic factors. Single falls led to more injuries than recurrent falls (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Different predictors of falls with injuries were obtained when different outcomes were compared. It should be noted that falls with injuries might be influenced by fall-related activities and environmental factors. Single and recurrent falls differed on circumstances and consequences.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral (FaB-Brazil) Scale.

PURPOSE: To develop and cross-culturally adapt a Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral Scale (FaB-Brazil) and to verify its psychometric properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process of the scale followed standard guidelines. The FaB-Brazil scale was applied to 93 community-dwelling older people. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to evaluate internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to evaluate interrater and test-retest reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), ceiling and floor effects, convergent and discriminative validity were evaluated. A significance level of .05 was set for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.73). An excellent inter-rater (ICC = 0.93; p < 0.001) and a good test-retest (ICC = 0.79; p < 0.001) reliability were found. The SEM was 0.27 and MDC was 0.53. Neither ceiling nor floor effects were found. Convergent validity was established by the positive correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale, age, and functional mobility, and by the negative correlations between the FaB-Brazil scale and balance confidence, community mobility and EuroQol-5D (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between males and females and between non-fallers and fallers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results offer evidence for the reliability and validity of the FaB-Brazil scale for community-dwelling older people.Implications for RehabilitationFall-related behaviors should be part of the fall risk assessment of community-dwelling older people.The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Falls Behavioral Scale (FaB-Brazil) is reliable and valid for assessing fall-related behaviors in community-dwelling older people.The FaB-Brazil scale may be used to raise awareness about potential fall hazards and to guide fall prevention programs.

Access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil (AReA study): multicenter study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Most of the Brazilian population relies on public healthcare and stroke is a major cause of disability in this country of continental dimensions. There is limited information about access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To provide comprehensive information about Access to Rehabilitation After discharge from public hospitals in Brazil (AReA study), up to 6 months after stroke. METHODS: The present study intends to collect information from 17 public health centers in 16 Brazilian cities in the 5 macroregions of the country. Each center will include 36 participants (n = 612). The inclusion criteria are: age ≥ 18 years old; ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, from 6 months to 1 year prior to the interview; admission to a public hospital in the acute phase after stroke; any neurological impairment poststroke; patient or caregiver able to provide informed consent and answer the survey. Patients can only be recruited in public neurology or internal medicine outpatient clinics. Outcomes will be assessed by a standard questionnaire about rehabilitation referrals, the rehabilitation program (current status, duration in months, number of sessions per week) and instructions received. In addition, patients will be asked about preferences for locations of rehabilitation (hospitals, clinics, or at home). TRIAL STATUS: The study is ongoing. Recruitment started on January 31st, 2020 and is planned to continue until June 2022. CONCLUSION: The AReA study will fill a gap in knowledge about access to stroke rehabilitation in the public health system in different Brazilian regions.

ANTECEDENTES: Grande parte da população brasileira depende de saúde pública e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de incapacidade neste país de dimensões continentais. As informações sobre o acesso à reabilitação após AVC em instalações públicas no Brasil são limitadas. OBJETIVO: Fornecer informações abrangentes sobre o Acesso à Reabilitação pós-AVC (estudo AReA) nos primeiros 6 meses após a alta hospitalar da rede pública. MéTODOS: Serão coletadas informações de 17 centros de saúde públicos em 16 cidades brasileiras das cinco macrorregiões do país. Cada centro incluirá 36 participantes (n = 612). Os critérios de inclusão são: idade ≥ 18 anos; AVC isquêmico ou hemorrágico, com tempo de lesão entre 6 meses e 1 ano; admissão em hospital público na fase aguda; qualquer comprometimento neurológico pós-AVC; paciente ou cuidador capaz de fornecer consentimento informado e responder à pesquisa. Os pacientes só podem ser recrutados em ambulatórios públicos de neurologia ou medicina interna. Os resultados serão avaliados por um questionário padrão sobre encaminhamentos de reabilitação, o programa de reabilitação (estado atual, duração em meses, número de sessões por semana) e instruções recebidas. Além disso, os pacientes serão questionados sobre as preferências de locais de reabilitação (hospitais, clínicas ou casa). STATUS DO ESTUDO: O estudo está em andamento. O recrutamento começou em 31 de janeiro de 2020 e está previsto para continuar até junho de 2022. CONCLUSãO: O estudo AReA preencherá uma lacuna no conhecimento sobre o acesso à reabilitação para AVC no sistema público de saúde em diferentes regiões brasileiras.

Predictors of functional communication in people with aphasia after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Aphasia, the most common language disorder secondary to stroke, has been associated with increased mortality, longer hospitalization and rehabilitation times, worse performance in daily activities, increased financial burden, and short- and long-term complications. Aphasia can negatively impact functional communication skills, including social networks, social activities, relationships with other people and social support. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients with poststroke aphasia in their respective residences to investigate potential predictors of functional communication. METHODS: The prospective cohort included patients with poststroke aphasia aged 18 years or older who resided in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil. Following discharge from the Stroke Unit (SU), the individuals themselves, or their guardians, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. At baseline, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, in addition to the scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) was applied at the patients' homes. Multivariate linear regression was employed using the total score on the ASHA FACS as the outcome of interest. RESULTS: A multivariate analysis of the associated factors identified using the linear regression revealed that only functional capacity (as assessed by the mBI) upon discharge from the SU remained as an independent predictor of functional communication performance (ß = 0.042; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.013-0.071; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The functional capacity to perform daily activities, evaluated upon discharge from a stroke unit, was identified as a potential predictor of functional communication performance, regardless of the time elapsed after the stroke.

ANTECEDENTES: A afasia, distúrbio de linguagem mais comum secundário ao acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), está associada ao aumento da mortalidade, a um maior tempo de internação e reabilitação, ao pior desempenho nas atividades diárias, ao aumento da carga financeira, e às complicações de curto e longo prazos. Pode impactar negativamente as habilidades de comunicação funcional, incluindo atividades sociais, relacionamento com outras pessoas, e o apoio social. OBJETIVO: Avaliar pacientes com afasia pós-AVC em suas respectivas residências para investigar potenciais preditores de comunicação funcional. MéTODOS: A coorte prospectiva incluiu pacientes com afasia pós-AVC com 18 anos de idade ou mais, residentes em Salvador, Brasil. Após a alta da Unidade de AVC (UAVC), os próprios indivíduos, ou seus responsáveis, foram contatados por telefone para agendamento de visita domiciliar no mínimo três meses após a alta. Inicialmente, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, além das pontuações na National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e no Índice de Barthel modificado (IBM). O American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) foi aplicado no domicílio dos pacientes. A regressão linear multivariada foi empregada usando a pontuação total no ASHA FACS como o desfecho de interesse. RESULTADOS: A análise multivariada por meio de regressão linear revelou que apenas a capacidade funcional avaliada na alta da UAVC permaneceu como preditor independente do desempenho da comunicação funcional (ß = 0,042; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 0,013­0,071; p = 0,002). CONCLUSãO: A capacidade funcional para realizar as atividades diárias, avaliada na alta hospitalar, foi identificada como potencial preditor do desempenho da comunicação funcional, independente do tempo desde o AVC.

Access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil (AReA study): multicenter study protocol / Acesso à reabilitação após o AVC no Brasil (estudo AReA): protocolo de estudo multicêntrico

Abstract Background Most of the Brazilian population relies on public healthcare and stroke is a major cause of disability in this country of continental dimensions. There is limited information about access to rehabilitation after stroke in Brazil. Objective To provide comprehensive information about Access to Rehabilitation After discharge from public hospitals in Brazil (AReA study), up to 6 months after stroke. Methods The present study intends to collect information from 17 public health centers in 16 Brazilian cities in the 5 macroregions of the country. Each center will include 36 participants (n = 612). The inclusion criteria are: age ≥ 18 years old; ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, from 6 months to 1 year prior to the interview; admission to a public hospital in the acute phase after stroke; any neurological impairment poststroke; patient or caregiver able to provide informed consent and answer the survey. Patients can only be recruited in public neurology or internal medicine outpatient clinics. Outcomes will be assessed by a standard questionnaire about rehabilitation referrals, the rehabilitation program (current status, duration in months, number of sessions per week) and instructions received. In addition, patients will be asked about preferences for locations of rehabilitation (hospitals, clinics, or at home). Trial Status The study is ongoing. Recruitment started on January 31st, 2020 and is planned to continue until June 2022. Conclusion The AReA study will fill a gap in knowledge about access to stroke rehabilitation in the public health system in different Brazilian regions.

Resumo Antecedentes Grande parte da população brasileira depende de saúde pública e o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de incapacidade neste país de dimensões continentais. As informações sobre o acesso à reabilitação após AVC em instalações públicas no Brasil são limitadas. Objetivo Fornecer informações abrangentes sobre o Acesso à Reabilitação pós-AVC (estudo AReA) nos primeiros 6 meses após a alta hospitalar da rede pública. Métodos Serão coletadas informações de 17 centros de saúde públicos em 16 cidades brasileiras das cinco macrorregiões do país. Cada centro incluirá 36 participantes (n = 612). Os critérios de inclusão são: idade ≥ 18 anos; AVC isquêmico ou hemorrágico, com tempo de lesão entre 6 meses e 1 ano; admissão em hospital público na fase aguda; qualquer comprometimento neurológico pós-AVC; paciente ou cuidador capaz de fornecer consentimento informado e responder à pesquisa. Os pacientes só podem ser recrutados em ambulatórios públicos de neurologia ou medicina interna. Os resultados serão avaliados por um questionário padrão sobre encaminhamentos de reabilitação, o programa de reabilitação (estado atual, duração em meses, número de sessões por semana) e instruções recebidas. Além disso, os pacientes serão questionados sobre as preferências de locais de reabilitação (hospitais, clínicas ou casa). Status do estudo O estudo está em andamento. O recrutamento começou em 31 de janeiro de 2020 e está previsto para continuar até junho de 2022. Conclusão O estudo AReA preencherá uma lacuna no conhecimento sobre o acesso à reabilitação para AVC no sistema público de saúde em diferentes regiões brasileiras.

Predictors of functional communication in people with aphasia after stroke / Preditores de comunicação funcional em pessoas com afasia após acidente vascular cerebral

Abstract Background Aphasia, the most common language disorder secondary to stroke, has been associated with increased mortality, longer hospitalization and rehabilitation times, worse performance in daily activities, increased financial burden, and short- and long-term complications. Aphasia can negatively impact functional communication skills, including social networks, social activities, relationships with other people and social support. Objective To evaluate patients with poststroke aphasia in their respective residences to investigate potential predictors of functional communication. Methods The prospective cohort included patients with poststroke aphasia aged 18 years or older who resided in the city of Salvador, Northeastern Brazil. Following discharge from the Stroke Unit (SU), the individuals themselves, or their guardians, were contacted by telephone to schedule a home visit no less than three months after discharge. At baseline, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, in addition to the scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Barthel Index (mBI). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) was applied at the patients' homes. Multivariate linear regression was employed using the total score on the ASHA FACS as the outcome of interest. Results A multivariate analysis of the associated factors identified using the linear regression revealed that only functional capacity (as assessed by the mBI) upon discharge from the SU remained as an independent predictor of functional communication performance (β = 0.042; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.013-0.071; p = 0.002). Conclusion The functional capacity to perform daily activities, evaluated upon discharge from a stroke unit, was identified as a potential predictor of functional communication performance, regardless of the time elapsed after the stroke.

Resumo Antecedentes A afasia, distúrbio de linguagem mais comum secundário ao acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), está associada ao aumento da mortalidade, a um maior tempo de internação e reabilitação, ao pior desempenho nas atividades diárias, ao aumento da carga financeira, e às complicações de curto e longo prazos. Pode impactar negativamente as habilidades de comunicação funcional, incluindo atividades sociais, relacionamento com outras pessoas, e o apoio social. Objetivo Avaliar pacientes com afasia pós-AVC em suas respectivas residências para investigar potenciais preditores de comunicação funcional. Métodos A coorte prospectiva incluiu pacientes com afasia pós-AVC com 18 anos de idade ou mais, residentes em Salvador, Brasil. Após a alta da Unidade de AVC (UAVC), os próprios indivíduos, ou seus responsáveis, foram contatados por telefone para agendamento de visita domiciliar no mínimo três meses após a alta. Inicialmente, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos, além das pontuações na National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e no Índice de Barthel modificado (IBM). O American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS) foi aplicado no domicílio dos pacientes. A regressão linear multivariada foi empregada usando a pontuação total no ASHA FACS como o desfecho de interesse. Resultados A análise multivariada por meio de regressão linear revelou que apenas a capacidade funcional avaliada na alta da UAVC permaneceu como preditor independente do desempenho da comunicação funcional (β = 0,042; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] = 0,013-0,071; p = 0,002). Conclusão A capacidade funcional para realizar as atividades diárias, avaliada na alta hospitalar, foi identificada como potencial preditor do desempenho da comunicação funcional, independente do tempo desde o AVC.

Organization and offer of physical therapy care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. / Organização e oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta à pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil.

The recovery of people affected by COVID-19 is a process that continues beyond the acute condition of infection by Sars-CoV-2. The impairment of several body systems can cause functional impacts and demand continuous physical therapy assistance both in outpatient care and in Primary Health Care (PHC). In this essay, we seek to discuss the challenges of organizing and offering Physical Therapy assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The analysis was summarized in three dimensions: offering physical therapy assistance in PHC, outpatient care, via telehealth. It is concluded that functional rehabilitation depends on the PHC's response capacity; there is a shortage of rehabilitation services that precedes the pandemic, and may not respond satisfactorily to the demands of the current epidemiological context; it is necessary to articulate the outpatient physiotherapy and PHC teams; although telehealth is a resource and an opportunity to increase the population's access to functional rehabilitation, its use requires caution; the physiotherapist plays a crucial role in the entire COVID-19 care continuum.

A recuperação das pessoas acometidas pela COVID-19 é um processo que continua para além do quadro agudo da infecção pelo Sars-CoV-2. O comprometimento de diversos sistemas corporais pode acarretar impactos funcionais e demandar assistência fisioterapêutica contínua tanto na atenção ambulatorial quanto na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Neste ensaio, busca-se discutir os desafios da organização e da oferta de assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta à pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise foi sumarizada em três dimensões: oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica na APS e na atenção ambulatorial, e oferta de atenção fisioterapêutica por telessaúde. Conclui-se que: a reabilitação funcional depende da capacidade de resposta da APS; existe um déficit de serviços de reabilitação que antecede a pandemia, e pode comprometer respostas satisfatórias às demandas do atual contexto epidemiológico; faz-se necessária a articulação entre as equipes de fisioterapia ambulatorial e da APS; embora a telessaúde seja um recurso e uma oportunidade para ampliar o acesso da população à reabilitação funcional, sua utilização exige cautela; o fisioterapeuta possui papel crucial em todo o continuum de cuidados da COVID-19.

Organização e oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta à pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil / Organization and offer of physical therapy care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

Resumo A recuperação das pessoas acometidas pela COVID-19 é um processo que continua para além do quadro agudo da infecção pelo Sars-CoV-2. O comprometimento de diversos sistemas corporais pode acarretar impactos funcionais e demandar assistência fisioterapêutica contínua tanto na atenção ambulatorial quanto na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Neste ensaio, busca-se discutir os desafios da organização e da oferta de assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta à pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise foi sumarizada em três dimensões: oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica na APS e na atenção ambulatorial, e oferta de atenção fisioterapêutica por telessaúde. Conclui-se que: a reabilitação funcional depende da capacidade de resposta da APS; existe um déficit de serviços de reabilitação que antecede a pandemia, e pode comprometer respostas satisfatórias às demandas do atual contexto epidemiológico; faz-se necessária a articulação entre as equipes de fisioterapia ambulatorial e da APS; embora a telessaúde seja um recurso e uma oportunidade para ampliar o acesso da população à reabilitação funcional, sua utilização exige cautela; o fisioterapeuta possui papel crucial em todo o continuum de cuidados da COVID-19.

Abstract The recovery of people affected by COVID-19 is a process that continues beyond the acute condition of infection by Sars-CoV-2. The impairment of several body systems can cause functional impacts and demand continuous physical therapy assistance both in outpatient care and in Primary Health Care (PHC). In this essay, we seek to discuss the challenges of organizing and offering Physical Therapy assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The analysis was summarized in three dimensions: offering physical therapy assistance in PHC, outpatient care, via telehealth. It is concluded that functional rehabilitation depends on the PHC's response capacity; there is a shortage of rehabilitation services that precedes the pandemic, and may not respond satisfactorily to the demands of the current epidemiological context; it is necessary to articulate the outpatient physiotherapy and PHC teams; although telehealth is a resource and an opportunity to increase the population's access to functional rehabilitation, its use requires caution; the physiotherapist plays a crucial role in the entire COVID-19 care continuum.

Preditores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em indivíduos após Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) residentes na comunidade: estudo longitudinal prospectivo / Predictors of health-related quality of life of communitydwelling stroke survivors: a prospective longitudinal study

INTRODUÇÃO: Conhecer fatores que contribuem para a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) e suas mudanças ao longo do tempo é essencial para compreender a extensão do impacto do Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Nosso objetivo foi identificar preditores de QVRS em indivíduos residentes na comunidade após AVC. MÉTODOS: Coorte de indivíduos com AVC acompanhados em ambulatório. Dados sociodemográficos e clínicos foram coletados na avaliação inicial e nas seguintes escalas: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Frenchay Activity Index (FAI). A QVRS foi avaliada por meio das dimensões do EuroQol-5 (EQ-5D). Após análise univariada, as variáveis foram incluídas em dois modelos de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Havia 100 indivíduos, na avaliação inicial 55% eram mulheres, média de idade de 54 ± 13,9 anos, 57% com vida conjugal, 91% com rede de apoio. Tempo médio de AVC foi 36 (16-48) meses, mediana NIHSS 3 (1-5,5), MBI mediana 49 pontos (48-50). Mediana do tempo de TUGT foi 13,8 (11, 3-19) segundos e o desempenho em atividades instrumentais (FAI) foi 20 (12-25). Após um ano de acompanhamento, 60% dos indivíduos avaliados apresentaram QVRS favorável e os preditores identificados foram o nível de funcionalidade nas atividades de vida diária (OR = 1,21 por 1 ponto de aumento no MBI; IC 95% = 1,03-1,42; P = 0,016), território vascular da lesão (OR = 4,98 para circulação posterior vs. anterior; IC 95% = 1,53-16,22; P = 0,008) e tempo desde o início do AVC (OR = 0,98 por mês desde o início do AVC; IC 95% = 0,96-0,99; P = 0,016). CONCLUSÃO: Um maior nível de funcionalidade nas atividades da vida diária, circulação posterior do território vascular e um menor tempo desde o início do AVC na avaliação inicial foram os preditores de uma QVRS favorável.

INTRODUCTION: Knowing the factors that contribute to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its changes over time is essential to understanding the extent of stroke impact. Our objective was to identify predictors of HRQoL in community-dwelling individuals after stroke. METHODS: Cohort of individuals with stroke followed up in an outpatient clinic. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected at baseline evaluation and the following scales: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Frenchay Activity Index (FAI). The HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D). After univariate analysis, the variables were included in two logistic regression models. RESULTS: There were 100 subjects, and at baseline evaluation 55% were female, mean age of 54 ± 13.9 years old, 57% with marital life, and 91% with a support network. The median time stroke was 36 (16-48) months, median of the NIHSS of 3 (1-5.5), MBI with a median of 49 points (48-50). The median of TUGT time was 13.8 (11, 3-19) seconds and the performance in instrumental activities (FAI) was 20 (12-25). After one year of follow-up, 60% of the assessed individuals had favorable HRQoL, and the identified predictors were the level of functionality in daily life activities (OR = 1.21 per 1point increase in MBI; 95% CI = 1.03-1.42; P = 0.016), the vascular territory of the lesion (OR = 4.98 for posterior vs anterior circulation; 95% CI = 1.53-16.22; P = 0.008), and time since stroke onset (OR = 0.98 per month since stroke onset; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99; P = 0.016. CONCLUSION: A higher level of functionality in activities of daily living, posterior circulation vascular territory, and a shorter time since stroke onset at baseline evaluation were the predictors of a favorable HRQoL.

Características clínicas e funcionais de mulheres após AVC, caidoras e não caidoras: um estudo longitudinal / Clinical and functional characteristics of women after stroke, fallers and non-fallers: a longitudinal study

INTRODUÇÃO: A ocorrência de quedas está entre as complicações mais frequentes apresentadas por idosos e portadores de doenças neurológicas. Sabe-se que em idosos há maior frequência de quedas em mulheres. Em indivíduos após AVC, essa relação não é estabelecida. OBJETIVO: Diferenciar as características clínicas e funcionais de mulheres caidoras e não caidoras após AVC e verificar a associação entre mobilidade funcional e capacidade funcional nessas mulheres. DESENHO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo longitudinal realizado em Salvador (BA). MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas mulheres com marcha independente atendidas em ambulatório de referência. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e clínicos e aplicados a Escala do National Institutes of Health Stroke, o Índice de Barthel modificado, o Timed Up and Go (TUG) e a qualidade de vida europeia. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram selecionadas 68 mulheres com média de idade de 56 (± 13,7) anos, 51% das mulheres caíram no seguimento, esta última tinha menos de 55 anos (± 13,4), com maior gravidade do AVC. O comprometimento do território vascular posterior foi mais evidente entre as mulheres que caíram (P = 0,009), mas todas, as que caíram e as que não caíram, apresentaram mobilidade funcional prejudicada (TUG = 15 segundos). No entanto, a amostra total foi classificada como totalmente independente ou com leve dependência das atividades de vida diária (AVDs) (MBI = 49). A correlação entre o tempo de TUG e MBI foi negativa e significativa (R = -0,702, P ≤ 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O envolvimento da circulação posterior é um importante preditor de quedas, sendo um importante indicador no acompanhamento de mulheres após AVC. Também enfatiza que a menor mobilidade funcional impactou a capacidade funcional da mulher.

BACKGROUND: Occurrence of falls is among the most frequent complications presented by the elderly and individuals with neurological diseases. It is known that in the elderly, there is a greater frequency of falls in women. However, in individuals after stroke, this relationship is not established. The purpose of this study was to differentiate the clinical and functional characteristics of fallers and non-fallers women after stroke and to verify the association between functional mobility and functional capacity in these women. DESIGN AND SETTING: This is a longitudinal prospective study conducted in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Women with independent gait assisted in a reference outpatient clinic were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and European quality of life were applied. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 68 women with a mean age of 56 (± 13.7) years were selected; 51% of the women fell in the follow-up, the latter was younger than 55 years (± 13.4), with greater severity of the stroke. Impairment in the posterior vascular territory was more evident among falling women (P = 0.009), but all falling and non-falling women presented impaired functional mobility (TUG = 15seconds). However, the total sample was classified as totally independent or with slight dependence on the activities of daily living (ADLs) (MBI = 49). The correlation between TUG time and MBI was negative and significant (R = -0.702, P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of posterior circulation is an important predictor of falls, an important indicator in the monitoring of women after stroke. It also emphasizes that the lower functional mobility impacted women's functional capacity.

Organization and offer of physiotherapeutic assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil / Organização e oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil

The recovery of people affected by COVID-19 is a process that continues beyond the acute condition of infection by Sars-CoV-2. The impairment of several body systems can cause functional impacts and demand continuous Physical Therapy assistance both in outpatient care and in Primary Health Care (PHC). In this essay, we seek to discuss the challenges of organizing and offering Physical Therapy assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. The analysis was summarized in four dimensions: distribution of physical therapists in the country; offering physical therapy assistance in PHC and outpatient care; and provision of physical therapy care via telehealth. It is concluded that there is inequity in the regional distribution of physical therapists in Brazil; functional rehabilitation depends on the PHC's response capacity, which is threatened by the ongoing disruption process; there is a shortage of rehabilitation services that precedes the pandemic, and may not respond satisfactorily to the demands of the current epidemiological context; it is necessary to articulate the outpatient physiotherapy and PHC teams; telehealth, although a resource and an opportunity to increase the population's access to functional rehabilitation, requires caution; the physiotherapist plays a crucial role in the entire COVID-19 care continuum.

A recuperação das pessoas acometidas pela COVID-19 é um processo que continua para além do quadro agudo da infecção pelo Sars-CoV-2. O comprometimento de diversos sistemas corporais pode acarretar impactos funcionais e demandar assistência fisioterapêutica contínua tanto na atenção ambulatorial quanto na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Neste ensaio, busca-se discutir os desafios da organização e da oferta de assistência fisioterapêutica em resposta a pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise foi sumarizada em quatro dimensões: distribuição de fisioterapeutas no país; oferta da assistência fisioterapêutica na APS e na atenção ambulatorial; e oferta de atenção fisioterapêutica por Telessaúde. Conclui-se haver iniquidade na distribuição regional de fisioterapeutas no Brasil; a reabilitação funcional depende da capacidade de resposta da APS, a qual se encontra ameaçada pelo processo de desestruturação em curso; existe um déficit de serviços de reabilitação que antecede a pandemia, e pode não responder satisfatoriamente às demandas do atual contexto epidemiológico; faz-se necessária a articulação entre as equipes de fisioterapia ambulatorial e da APS; a telessaúde embora seja um recurso e uma oportunidade para ampliar o acesso da população à reabilitação funcional exige cautela; o fisioterapeuta possui papel crucial em todo o continuum de cuidados da COVID-19.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on walking capacity of individuals after stroke: A double-blind randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on walking capacity, strength and inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living, and quality of life poststroke. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized trial. SETTING: The Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals. SUBJECTS: Adult poststroke inpatients with inspiratory muscle weakness. INTERVENTIONS: The Experimental Group (EG) (n = 23) underwent IMT for 30 minutes/day, five times/week over six weeks. The Control Group (CG) (n = 27) performed sham IMT. Both groups underwent standard rehabilitation. MAIN MEASURES: Primary outcome was post-intervention six-minute walking test (6MWT) distance. We also measured maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living (functional independence measure - FIM), and quality of life at baseline and post-intervention. Three months after intervention, we measured MIP, walking capacity and quality of life. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar, with mean age 53 ± 11 years and FIM 74 ± 10p. Both groups similarly increased the walking capacity at six weeks (63 vs 67 m, P = 0.803). Compared to the CG, the EG increased the inspiratory endurance (22 vs 7 cmH2O, P = 0.034) but there was no variation in MEP (14 vs 5 cmH2O, P = 0.102), MIP (27 vs 19 cmH2O, P = 0.164), FIM (6 vs 6, P = 0.966) or quality of life (0 vs 0.19, P = 0.493). Gains in both groups were sustained at three months. CONCLUSION: Adding IMT to a rehabilitation program improves inspiratory muscle endurance, but does not further improve MIP, 6-MWT distance, activities of daily living or quality of life of individuals after stroke beyond rehabilitation alone.Registered in Clinical Trials, NCT03171272.

Therapeutic effects of virtual reality video gaming on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with tropical spastic paraparesis: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The early therapy group individuals presented with higher BBS scores (p=0.415), less TUG times (p=0.290), and greater gait speed (p=0.296) than the late therapy group individuals. CONCLUSIONS: VR videogaming is a useful option for rehabilitative therapy in individuals with HAM/TSP; it positively affects balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.

Therapeutic effects of virtual reality video gaming on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with tropical spastic paraparesis: A randomized crossover clinical trial

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Individuals with human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) experience sensorimotor alterations, which can affect functional performance. Virtual reality (VR) videogaming is a therapeutic option, though there is scarce evidence for its use in this population. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a VR video game on functional mobility, balance, and gait speed in individuals with HAM/TSP. METHODS: We conducted a blinded, crossover clinical trial comprising 29 individuals with HAM/TSP and randomized them into two groups: (1) early therapy: rehabilitative protocol started immediately after the initial evaluation and (2) late therapy: rehabilitative protocol started 10 weeks later. We assessed all participants for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed using video camera and CvMob software. Differences were considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The early therapy group individuals presented with higher BBS scores (p=0.415), less TUG times (p=0.290), and greater gait speed (p=0.296) than the late therapy group individuals. CONCLUSIONS: VR videogaming is a useful option for rehabilitative therapy in individuals with HAM/TSP; it positively affects balance, functional mobility, and gait speed.

Stroke Severity and Maximum Inspiratory Pressure are Independently Associated with Functional Mobility in Individuals After Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Clinical changes after stroke can contribute to reduced mobility and negatively affect the survival of these individuals. The objective of this study was to verify factors associated with functional mobility in stroke individuals. METHODS: Crosssectional study carried out with stroke individuals in an outpatient clinic. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following measures were applied: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel Index, Trunk Impairment Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP).Variables with p < .05 in univariate logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model, using the backward stepwise method. RESULTS: 53 individuals were enrolled with a mean age of 55 years (±13.43). 51% were male and the median NIHSS score was 2.25 (0-13). The final multivariate model included NIHSS (OR = 1.872; 95% CI 1.167-3.006; p = 0.009), physical therapy treatment (OR = 15.467; 95% CI 1.838-130.178; p = 0.012) and MIP (OR = 1.078; 95% CI 1.024-1.135; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Stroke severity and inspiratory muscle strength were factros associated with functional mobility in individuals after stroke, regardless stroke time.

Effectiveness of virtual reality games for falls, postural oscillations, pain and quality of life of individual HAM/TSP: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

People with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) have sensorimotor losses and postural instability, resulting in frequent falls. These findings stimulate the use of exercise protocols associated with postural control. This study investigated the effectiveness of a balance training exercise protocol through a virtual game. This is a randomized crossover clinical trial performed in subjects with imbalance disorders (HAM/TSP). To evaluate postural oscillations by baropodometry (total area, anterior, posterior and lateral projection), the Footwork® system was used and by cinemetry (angle of the body, hip and ankle alignment in the lateral view), the CVMob system. In addition, the Brief Pain Inventory and the WHOQoL Bref were used to measure pain intensity and quality of life. Comparison tests of the averages (intra and inter groups) and correlations were applied considering an alpha of 5% and power of 80%. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Catholic University of Salvador and registered in the Clinical Trials database (NCT02877030). The final sample consisted of 26, predominantly female subjects. An increase in the postural oscillations of the control subjects (p < 0.05), a reduction in the occurrence of falls (p = 0.039) and an improvement in the quality of life of the control-test group (p < 0.05) were observed. Virtual game training did not improve the static balance, promoting an increase in postural oscillations. Immediately after the application of the protocol, there was a reduction in fall occurrence and improvement in the quality of life.

External validation of the recurrent falls risk scale in community-dwelling stroke individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the Recurrent Fall Risk Scale (ReFR) in community-dwelling stroke survivors. METHODS: Cohort of stroke survivors with independent gait ability recruited from a reference outpatient stroke clinic. Besides sociodemographic and clinical data, the following scales were used: Modified Barthel Index (mBI), ReFR scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Participants were followed up for 12 months to record the incidence of falls. Accuracy of the ReFR scale was measured by the area under the ROC curve. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen individuals were recruited between April 2016 and November 2016: mean age 54 years (± 14), 55% women, median time since the last stroke 24 months (range 12 -48 months), posterior vascular territory affected in 35% of the sample. Median NIHSS was 3 (range 1 to 6), median mBI 49 (range 46-50), median ReFR 3 (range 2 to 5). During the follow-up period, 32 (33%) subjects had at least one fall and 18 (19%) were recurrent fallers (two or more falls). The accuracy of ReFR scale was 0.67 (95% CI = 0.54-0.79), p = 0.026. CONCLUSION: This study externally validated the ReFR as a tool to predict recurrent falls in individuals after stroke.