Validation of the Duke Activity Status Index questionnaire by telephone In individuals after stroke.

Background: Due to social restrictions caused by the pandemic, there was a need to validate outcome measures that could be administered by telephone call. Administration by telephone allows to remotely follow up stroke survivors since most of them have mobility restrictions. This study aims to investigate the validity of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire administration to chronic stroke survivors through telephone call. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, developed according to COSMIN and GRRAS recommendations. It was recruited chronic stroke survivors, who answered the DASI questionnaire in two different time-points, in person and after a period of 5-7 days through a telephone call. Results: Out of 260 subjects, 50 individuals (52% women) with a mean age of 56 ± 17 years were included. No statistically significant differences were observed (MD = -0.88; SD:4.14; 95% CI, -2.06 to 0.28; p = 0.13) on the total score of DASI administered in person and by telephone call. There was a very high agreement between the administration modes (ICC - 0.99; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98; p < 0.05). The Kappa coefficient ranged from 0.390 to 1.000, with the first item showing the best agreement (k = 1.000) and the fourth showing the worst agreement (k = 0.390). Conclusions: The DASI questionnaire is valid to assess functional capacity and can be administered through telephone in chronic stroke survivors. Thus, clinicians and researchers may decide to avoid patient transportations administering DASI through telephone call, as a reliable measure for stroke survivors.

Computer vision coaching microsurgical laboratory training: PRIME (Proficiency Index in Microsurgical Education) proof of concept.

Computer vision (CV) feedback could be aimed as a constant tutor to guide ones proficiency during microsurgical practice in controlled environments. Five neurosurgeons with different levels of microsurgical expertise performed simulated vessel dissection and micro-suture in an ex vivo model for posterior computer analysis of recorded videos. A computer program called PRIME (Proficiency Index of Microsurgical Education) used in this research recognized color-labeled surgical instruments, from downloading videos into a platform, with a range of motion greater than 3 mm, for objective evaluation of number of right and left hand movements. A proficiency index of 0 to 1 was pre-established in order to evaluate continuous training improvement. PRIME computer program captured all hand movements executed by participants, except for small tremors or inconsistencies that have a range of motion inferior to 3 mm. Number of left and right hand movements were graphically expressed in order to guide more objective and efficacious training for each trainee, without requiring body sensors and cameras around the operating table. Participants with previous microsurgical experience showed improvement from 0.2 to 0.6 (p < 0.05), while novices had no improvement. Proficiency index set by CV was suggested, in a self-challenge and self-coaching manner. PRIME would offer the capability of constant laboratory microsurgical practice feedback under CV guidance, opening a new window for oriented training without a tutor or specific apparatus regarding all levels of microsurgical proficiency. Prospective, large data study is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Validity of the modified sphygmomanometer test for the assessment of tip pinch strength in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: The tip pinch is one of the most delicate and precise movement of the hand, and it is used to manipulate small objects, commonly observed in the activities of daily living of any individuals. Individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) with impaired manual dexterity, manipulative skills, and hand weakness have an important barrier for activities of daily life. However, the dynamometer usually used for measuring the tip pinch have a high cost, so, validate a sphygmomanometer can make this assessment more accessible. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity of the modified sphygmomanometer test in the evaluation of tip pinch strength when compared to the gold standard. METHODS: 50 individuals with idiopathic PD took part in the study. The muscle strength of tip pinch on the dominant and non-dominant side was measured by the modified sphygmomanometer test and the gold standard, the dynamometer. Concurrent validity was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: 50 individuals diagnosed with idiopathic PD, mean age of 67 ± 8.0 years, 68% male, mean time of diagnosis in months of 84 ± 66 and Hoehn and Yahr mean of 2.5 ± 0.6. There was a significant correlation of moderate magnitude between the modified sphygmomanometer test and the dynamometer in dominant side (r = 0.44; p < 0.01) and non-dominant side (r = 0.48; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The modified sphygmomanometer test showed adequate validity for assessing the muscle strength of the tip pinch in individuals with PD.

Association between walking and strength of lower limbs after chronic stroke / Associação entre velocidade de marcha e força de membros inferiores após acidente vascular encefálico crônico

Certain muscle groups strength directly influence walking speed (WS), and the lower strength of the paretic side is significantly associated with lower WS of individuals after stroke. Studies that have investigated the association between the average of lower limb strength and the WS in individuals are scarce. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the strength could explain walking performance due to some muscle weakness could be compensated by the strength of others, mainly because all muscles act in group, not isolated. Objective: To investigate the association between WS and lower limbs muscle strength, and to identify whether an individual muscle group or the average strength of lower limb would best predict WS and walking speed reserve (WSR) in individuals with stroke. Methods: Sixty-four community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke have their maximum isometric strength (hip flexors/extensors/abductors, knee flexors/extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors/plantarflexors) and self-selected and fast WS (10m walk test) measured. WSR was considered as the difference between the fast and self-selected speed. Results: Average strength of the paretic limb accounted for 19% and 20% of the variance in self-selected and fast WS, respectively. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side explained alone 27% of the WSR scores and plantarflexor strength of the paretic side alone explained 15%.Conclusion: Average muscle strength of the paretic side contributed to self-selected and fast WS. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic side, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side contributed with the WSR of chronic stroke individuals

Estudos que investigam a associação entre a força média de membro inferior e a velocidade de marcha em indivíduos pós AVE são escassos. Logo, é importante determinar se a força muscular média pode explicar o desempenho na marcha, visto que os músculos agem em grupo. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre velocidade de marcha e força muscular de membros inferiores, e identificar se um grupo muscular individual ou a força média de membros inferiores poderia predizer a velocidade de marcha e a velocidade de reserva (VR) em indivíduos pós AVE crônico. Métodos: 64 indivíduos deambuladores comunitários pós AVE crônico passaram por avaliação de força isométrica máxima (flexor/extensor/abdutor de quadril, flexor/extensor de joelho e flexor plantar/dorsoflexor de tornozelo) e velocidade de marcha habitual e máxima (Teste de Caminhada de 10 metros). A VR foi considerada a diferença entre velocidade de marcha máxima e habitual. Resultados: A força média do lado parético foi responsável por 19% e 20% da variância na velocidade de marcha habitual e máxima respectivamente. A força de flexor plantar do lado parético e flexor de quadril e joelho do lado não parético explicaram 27% da VR e força de flexor plantar do lado parético explicou 15%. Conclusão: A força média do lado parético contribuiu para a velocidade de marcha habitual e máxima. a força de flexor plantar do lado parético, flexor de quadril e joelho do lado não parético contribuíram para a VR de indivíduos pós AVE crônico

An investigation into the validity and reliability of mHealth devices for counting steps in chronic stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity and test-retest reliability of mHealth devices (Google Fit, Health, STEPZ, Pacer, and Fitbit Ultra) to estimate the number of steps in individuals after chronic stroke and to compare whether the measurement of the number of steps is affected by their location on the body (paretic and non-paretic side). DESIGN: Observational study with repeated measures. SETTING: University laboratory. SUBJECTS: Fifty-five community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN MEASURES: The number of steps was measured using mHealth devices (Google Fit, Health, STEPZ, Pacer, and Fitbit Ultra), and compared against criterion-standard measure during the Two-Minute Walk Test using habitual speed. RESULTS: Our sample was 54.5% men, mean age of 62.5 years (SD 14.9) with a chronicity after stroke of 66.8 months (SD 55.9). There was a statistically significant association between the actual number of steps and those estimated by the Google Fit, STEPZ Iphone and Android applications, Pacer iphone and Android, and Fitbit Ultra (0.30 ⩽ r ⩾ 0.80). The Pacer iphone application demonstrated the highest reliability coefficient (ICC(2,1) = 0.80; P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in device measurements that depended on body location. CONCLUSIONS: mHealth devices (Pacer-iphone, Fitbit Ultra, Google Fit, and Pacer-Android) are valid and reliable for step counting in chronic stroke survivors. Body location (paretic or non-paretic side) does not affect validity or reliability of the step count metric.

Impacto de um treinamento para o uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde / Impact of training on the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

O treinamento voltado para profissionais poderia ser uma abordagem simples e eficaz para aumentar o uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) como uma ferramenta para a prática dos profissionais. Nesse caso, o treinamento pode ser crucial para seu uso correto como uma classificação, além de mostrar sua utilidade na prática clínica diária, principalmente em equipes multidisciplinares. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o impacto de um curso de formação em CIF no conhecimento de fisioterapeutas e terapeutas ocupacionais. Métodos: Estudo experimental que utilizou questionário estruturado para avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre a CIF antes e depois de participar de um curso de treinamento. Os dados dos dois momentos foram comparados com o percentual de acertos e o teste do qui-quadrado (α = 0,05). Resultados: foram investigados 434 profissionais, com tempo de graduação de 9,3 ± 7,2 anos. Observou-se que o curso foi eficaz, pois houve maior percentual de respostas corretas no pós-curso; além disso, a análise estatística mostrou uma diferença significativa entre os dois momentos do curso na maioria das perguntas (18,91

Training aimed at professionals could be a simple and effective approach for increasing the use of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a tool for practice by professionals. In this case, training was crucial for its correct use as a classification as well as showing its usefulness in daily clinical practice, particularly in multidisciplinary teams. Objective: The aim of the present study was to verify the impact of a training course on ICF in the knowledge of physical therapists and occupational therapists. Methods: This was an experimental study that used a structured questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge of professionals about the ICF before and after participating in a training course. Data from both moments were compared using the percentage of correct answers and the chi-square test (α=0.05). Results: 434 professionals were investigated, with graduation time of 9.3±7.2 years. It was observed that the course was effective, since there was a higher percentage of correct answers in the post course; additionally, the statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the two course moments in most of the questions (18.91

Instrumentos de avaliação da sexualidade em homens e mulheres após a lesão medular: uma revisão sistemática / Assessment instruments of sexuality in men and women after spinal cord injury: a systematic review

A disponibilidade de instrumentos para avaliação da saúde sexual é muito importante para uma boa prática clínica, pois permite que os profissionais da área da saúde avaliem e intervenham de forma eficaz, atingindo os melhores padrões de avaliação e intervenção, e assim, melhorem a vida sexual dessa população. Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente os instrumentos de avaliação da sexualidade em homens e mulheres após a lesão medular disponíveis na literatura, em relação ao seu uso e propriedades de medida. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura das bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo e Cinahl, de todos os estudos até maio de 2019, em que a estratégia de busca consistiu na utilização das palavras-chave: sexuality, spinal cord injury, evaluation, assessment e questionnaires. Os artigos identificados pela estratégia de busca inicial foram avaliados conforme critérios de inclusão pré-estabelecidos. Os desfechos foram mecanismos sexuais (excitação, ejaculação, ereção e orgasmo), desejo, satisfação, frequência sexual, ajuste, educação sexual e relação com o parceiro. Os dados foram organizados em tabelas foram apresentados através de uma análise descritiva dos resultados dos estudos incluídos. Resultados: Dezoito estudos atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos. Foram encontrados sete instrumentos validados para avaliação da sexualidade em indivíduos com lesão medular, nove genéricos e doze instrumentos para avaliação de fatores possivelmente relacionados a sexualidade. Dois avaliaram as propriedades de medida, sendo que em ambos foram adequadas. Conclusão: Esta revisão identificou um total de 28 instrumentos que foram utilizados na avaliação da sexualidade em indivíduos com lesão medular, entretanto, apenas sete desses instrumentos foram validados.

The availability of tools for sexual health assessment is very important for good clinical practice as it enables health professionals to evaluate and intervene effectively, achieving the best standards of assessment and intervention, and thus improving sex life of this population. Objective: To systematically review the instruments for assessing sexuality in men and women after spinal cord injury available in the literature regarding their use and measurement properties. Methods: This is a systematic literature review of the Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and Cinahl databases from all studies up to May 2019, in which the search strategy consisted of using the keywords: sexuality, spinal cord injury, evaluation, assessment and questionnaires. The articles identified by the initial search strategy were evaluated according to the pre-established inclusion criteria. Outcomes were sexual mechanisms (arousal, ejaculation, erection and orgasm), desire, satisfaction, sexual frequency, adjustment, sex education and relationship with the partner. Data were organized into tables were presented through a descriptive analysis of the results of the included studies. Results: Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. We found seven validated instruments for assessing sexuality in individuals with spinal cord injury, nine generic and twelve instruments for assessing factors possibly related to sexuality. Two evaluated the measurement properties, and both were adequate. Conclusion: This review identified a total of 28 instruments that were used to assess sexuality in individuals with spinal cord injury, however, only seven of these instruments were validated.

Learning brain aneurysm microsurgical skills in a human placenta model: predictive validity.

OBJECTIVE Surgery for brain aneurysms is technically demanding. In recent years, the process to learn the technical skills necessary for these challenging procedures has been affected by a decrease in the number of surgical cases available and progressive restrictions on resident training hours. To overcome these limitations, surgical simulators such as cadaver heads and human placenta models have been developed. However, the effectiveness of these models in improving technical skills is unknown. This study assessed concurrent and predictive validity of brain aneurysm surgery simulation in a human placenta model compared with a "live" human brain cadaveric model. METHODS Two human cadaver heads and 30 human placentas were used. Twelve neurosurgeons participated in the concurrent validity part of this study, each operating on 1 human cadaver head aneurysm model and 1 human placenta model. Simulators were evaluated regarding their ability to simulate different surgical steps encountered during real surgery. The time to complete the entire aneurysm task in each simulator was analyzed. The predictive validity component of the study involved 9 neurosurgical residents divided into 3 groups to perform simulation exercises, each lasting 6 weeks. The training for the 3 groups consisted of educational video only (3 residents), human cadaver only (3 residents), and human placenta only (3 residents). All residents had equivalent microsurgical experience with superficial brain tumor surgery. After completing their practice training, residents in each of the 3 simulation groups performed surgery for an unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm, and their performance was assessed by an experienced vascular neurosurgeon who watched the operative videos. RESULTS All human cadaver heads and human placentas were suitable to simulate brain aneurysm surgery. In the concurrent validity portion of the experiment, the placenta model required a longer time (p < 0.001) than cadavers to complete the task. The placenta model was considered more effective than the cadaver model in simulating sylvian fissure splitting, bipolar coagulation of oozing microvessels, and aneurysm neck and dome dissection. Both models were equally effective in simulating neck aneurysm clipping, while the cadaver model was considered superior for simulation of intraoperative rupture and for reproduction of real anatomy during simulation. In the predictive validity portion of the experiment, residents were evaluated for 4 tasks: sylvian fissure dissection, microvessel bipolar coagulation, aneurysm dissection, and aneurysm clipping. Residents trained in the human placenta simulator consistently had the highest overall performance scores when compared with those who had trained in the cadaver model and those who had simply watched operative videos (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The human placenta biological simulator provides excellent simulation for some critical tasks of aneurysm surgery such as splitting of the sylvian fissure, dissection of the aneurysm neck and dome, and bipolar coagulation of surrounding microvessels. When performing surgery for an unruptured MCA aneurysm, residents who had trained in the human placenta model performed better than residents trained with other simulation scenarios/models. In this age of reduced exposure to aneurysm surgery and restrictions on resident working hours, the placenta model is a valid simulation for microneurosurgery with striking similarities with real surgery.

Efeito da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem para o tratamento de úlceras por pressão: um estudo experimental de caso único / Effect of high voltage electrical stimulation for the treatment of pressure ulcers: an experimental single case study

Introdução: O trauma raquimedular é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de úlcera por pressão, em decorrência das várias alterações sensitivas e motoras que o acompanham. A estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem é um meio de administrar estímulos elétricos para promover a cicatrização de feridas. O uso dessa terapia pode promover o aumento do fluxo sanguíneo, fagocitose, melhora da oxigenação, redução do edema, atração e estimulação de fibroblastos e células epiteliais. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem em um participante do gênero masculino, portador de úlcera por pressão sacral. Métodos: Foi aplicada sobre a úlcera a estimulação elétrica; um eletrodo de borracha siliconizada com gaze estéril embebida em soro fisiológico foi posicionado sobre a lesão. A corrente elétrica foi realizada por um tempo de 45 minutos/sessão, três vezes por semana, durante quatro semanas, totalizando doze sessões. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram uma porcentagem de 17% de redução na área, além de um melhor aspecto da ferida, sugerindo maior número de sessões para resultados mais satisfatórios. Conclusão: Os parâmetros utilizados no presente estudo mostraram-se eficazes em aprimorar a cicatrização da lesão do paciente, porém insuficientes para o fechamento completo da ferida. (AU)

Introduction: Spinal cord trauma is a risk factor for the development of pressure ulcer, due to the various sensory and motor changes that accompany it. High voltage electrical stimulation is a means of dministering electric stimuli to promote wound healing. The use of this therapy may promote increased blood flow, phagocytosis, improvement of oxygenation, reduction of edema, attraction and stimulation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of high voltage electric stimulation in a male participant with sacral pressure ulcer. Method: The electric stimulation was applied on the ulcer. A siliconized rubber electrode with sterile gauze soaked in saline was placed on the lesion. The electric stimulation was performed for a time of 45 minutes / session, three times a week, for four weeks, totaling twelve sessions. Results: The results showed a percentage of 17% reduction in the area, besides a better aspect of the wound, suggesting a larger number of sessions for more satisfactory results. Conclusion: The parameters used in the present study proved to be effective in improving healing of the patient's lesion, but insufficient for complete closure of the wound. (AU)