Acupoint Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Hospitalized COPD Patients with Severe Dyspnoea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (acuTENS) on the reduction of dyspnoea during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS: A multicentric randomized control trial with masked patients and evaluators was carried out. During hospitalization, AECOPD patients received 45 min of acuTENS (experimental group) or sham acuTENS (controls) daily on 5 consecutive days. The trial was conducted at the Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Manresa (both in Spain). Dyspnoea and peak expiratory flow were measured daily from the first to fifth days. Length of stay, readmissions at 3 months and adverse events were also analysed. RESULTS: Finally, 19 patients with moderately to severely exacerbated COPD were included. Although some tendencies in dyspnoea during day 1 and length of hospital stay were found favouring acupuncture, no significant differences were shown between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The acuTENS intervention was feasible#well tolerated in AECOPD patients and no important side effects were reported.

The association between social capital indicators and psychological distress in Catalan adolescents.

According to the WHO, globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, being in a detrimental situation toward educational achievement, social cohesion, future health and life chances. Calls to identify risk and resilience factors to develop effective preventive actions have been made. Following a systemic approach, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relationship between social capital and psychological distress in a sample of Catalan adolescents in Barcelona, taking into account a range of other relevant aspects at different levels influencing mental health, including gender, age, migrant status, family background, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and self-rated health. Data were collected through validated questionnaires in December 2016 from 646 of 14- to 18-year-old adolescents from three public and private high schools in Barcelona (Spain). Data analysis included descriptive analysis, a correlational study and logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio for social capital indicators to be associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that reporting higher levels of family support and higher levels of teacher-student trust reduce the likelihood of suffering psychological distress. Higher levels of neighborhood informal control were associated with mental health, but a possible detrimental effect cannot be ruled out. Being a girl, reporting low self-rated health or higher media use was also associated with higher likelihood of psychological distress. Current results may encourage interventions that focus on social capital as a means to reduce psychological distress and foster well-being in youth.

The Measurement of Food Insecurity in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.

The measurement of food insecurity is essential to monitor the prevalence, risk factors, consequences and effects of food insecurity and the interventions and policies implemented to tackle it. Yet, how best to apply it remains an unsettled issue due to the multifaceted and context-dependent nature of food insecurity. We report a scoping review of measures of food insecurity at the individual and household level in high-income countries with the final purpose of facilitating a catalogue of instruments to be used by both researchers and practitioners. The scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We included all types of documents published between 2000-2020 using instruments that estimate food insecurity at both individual and household level in high-income countries, and with respondents including adolescents, adults, and elderly. We identified a total of 23 measurement strategies being used in 33 peer-reviewed publications and 114 documents from the grey literature. Our results show that most measures focus on the access dimension of food insecurity and that further research is required to develop measures that incorporate aspects of quality of dietary intake and relevant individual, household and social conditions related to food insecurity.

Interventions across the Retirement Transition for Improving Well-Being: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: The work-to-retirement transition involves a process of psychologically and behaviorally distancing oneself from the workforce that is often accompanied by other social changes, which can influence health and well-being. However, research on interventions targeting the work-to-retirement transition to improve health status is limited. Our objective was to summarize and describe interventions aiming to improve well-being across the retirement transition; (2) Methods: We conducted a scoping review following the methodological framework described by Arksey and O'Malley; the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines as well as the PRISMA-ScR statements; we systematically searched articles and gray literature to identify interventions and policies that aimed to improve well-being across the retirement transition. (3) Results: 15 publications were included, which comprised both experimental designs (n = 10) and systematic reviews (n = 5). (4) Conclusions: More research on how to promote overall well-being during the work-to-retirement transition is needed. The results of this scoping review show that most reported interventions address one single lifestyle behavior, and that relevant social determinants of health have been barely considered in their design. Future investigations need to consider vulnerable groups and country-specific structural conditions. Adopting a patient and public involvement approach will contribute to developing interventions that address the significant needs of those in the transition to retirement.

Effects of a multifaceted intervention in psychogeriatric patients: one-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aetiology of behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) could be related to inadequate treatment in patients with dementia. The aim of this study was to determine how a multifaceted intervention based on a medication review and multidisciplinary follow-up could improve treatment and minimise risk in these patients. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was undertaken between July 2015 and July 2016 of patients with dementia admitted to control BPSD. Patients with previous psychiatric illness or palliative care were excluded. Prescription information was obtained from Aegerus and the Catalonia clinical record HC3. The intervention was conducted by a multidisciplinary team. The Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) was used to assess the intervention. RESULTS: 65 patients (60% women, mean age 84.9±6.7 years) with mild-moderate cognitive impairment (mean 4.5±1.8), moderate-severe functional dependence (mean 43.8±23.9) and a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes and comorbidity were included in the study. 87.7% of the patients were taking ≥5 drugs (mean 9.0±3.1) and 38.5% were taking ≥10. Patients presented with BPSD values of 1.9±0.8 at admission. Common symptoms prompting admission were agitation (47.7%) and irritability (43.1%). A total of 175 drug-related problems (DRPs) were detected (2.97 per patient). Significant differences (p<0.001) were found between the MAI score at admission (4±4.6) and post-intervention (0.5±2.6). Most prevalent MAI criteria were related to interactions (40%), dosage (38.5%) and duplication (26.2%). 55 patients (84.6%) were taking anticholinergic drugs at admission (2.6±1.2 anticholinergic drugs per patient), and the post-intervention reduction was significant (p<0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The balance between effective treatment and safety is complex in these patients. Medication review in interdisciplinary teams is an essential component to optimise interventions and assessment of safety.

Relación entre precisión diagnóstica y actitud frente a los diagnósticos de enfermería en estudiantes de grado / Relationship between diagnostic accuracy and attitudes towards diagnoses in undergraduate nursing students

PROPÓSITO: Evaluar la precisión diagnóstica de los estudiantes de tercer curso del Grado en Enfermería y analizar su posible relación con la actitud hacia el diagnóstico de enfermería. MÉTODOS: Mediante la resolución de un caso escenario se evaluó la precisión diagnóstica de los diagnósticos NANDA-I con la escala de precisión de Lunney, y la actitud hacia el diagnóstico con la versión española de la Escala de Posicionamiento ante el Diagnóstico Enfermero. RESULTADOS: El promedio de las actitudes hacia el diagnóstico de enfermería fue de 103,5 (DE 18,47) y el promedio de la precisión diagnóstica fue de 3,94 (DE 0,66). No hubo correlación significativa entre ambos (r = 0,162 y p = 0,113). Conclusión e implicaciones: No existe correlación entre la precisión diagnóstica y la actitud frente al diagnóstico de enfermería. El análisis de casos resueltos con un instrumento de medida de la precisión diagnóstica permite evaluar la competencia de los estudiantes en formulación diagnóstica y reorientar su formación para mejorar las habilidades de razonamiento clínico y el uso adecuado de los diagnósticos de enfermería

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of third-year Nursing students and to analyse its possible relationship with attitudes towards nursing diagnosis. METHODS: The Scale for Degrees of Accuracy-Number Criteria by Lunney, and the Spanish version of the Positions on Nursing Diagnosis scale were used in order to measure the diagnostic precision of a case scenario. Findings: The mean score for the attitudes towards nursing diagnosis was 103.5 (SD 18.47), and the mean score for diagnostic accuracy was 3.94 (SD 0.66). There was no significant correlation between them (r = 0.162 and P = .113). Conclusion and implications: Diagnostic reasoning was not influenced by the attitude towards nursing diagnosis. The measuring of the diagnostic accuracy in case resolution improves clinical reasoning skills and diagnostic accuracy

Adverse Drug Events in Patients with Dementia and Neuropsychiatric/Behavioral, and Psychological Symptoms, a One-Year Prospective Study.

Older people usually present with adverse drug events (ADEs) with nonspecific symptoms such as cognitive decline, recurrent falls, reduced mobility, and/or major deterioration. The aims of this study were to assess the ADEs of patients with dementia and presenting neuropsychiatric/behavioral, and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD) and to categorize and identify the principal factors that allow to prevent ADEs, and separately ADEs that result in falls. To that end, a one-year prospective study in a psychogeriatric ward (July 2015 to July 2016) was performed. All patients admitted to this ward were eligible for enrolment. Patients who met any of the following criteria were excluded from the study: Patients without cognitive impairment, a length of stay under 7 days, and palliative or previous psychiatric pathology. We included 65 patients (60% women, 84.9 years ± 6.7) with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, moderate to severe functional dependence, and a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes and comorbidity. A total of 87.7% were taking five or more drugs (mean 9.0 ± 3.1). ADEs were identified during the interdisciplinary meeting and the follow up by clinical record. Sixty-eight ADEs (81.5% patients) were identified, of which 73.5% were not related to falls. From these, 80% were related to drugs of the nervous system. The Naranjo algorithm determined that 90% of ADEs were probable. The severity of the ADEs was Category E in 34 patients (68%). The number of preventable ADE according to the Schumork⁻Thornton test was 58%. The main ADE was drowsiness/somnolence (27.7%). ADEs related to falls represented a 26.5%. The balance between effective treatment and safety is complex in these patients. A medication review in interdisciplinary teams is an essential component to optimize safety prevention.

Análisis electromiográfico de los músculos del tobillo en adultos jóvenes con síndrome de Down antes y después de la implementación de un programa de actividad física basado en la danza / Electromyographic analysis of ankle muscles in young adults with Down syndrome before and after the implementation of a physical activity programme based on dance

Introducción: Las personas con síndrome de Down tienen dificultades de control postural, y muestran diferencias en cuanto a desplazamiento de su centro de presión y a su actividad muscular, en comparación con la población general. La investigación previa ha reflejado que el centro de la presión de desplazamiento es menos dependiente de las condiciones visuales en las personas con síndrome de Down, aunque se ha observado una mejora del equilibrio tras la realización de actividades físicas basadas en la danza. El objetivo del proyecto fue valorar el efecto de un programa de actividad física basado en la danza sobre la actividad muscular en adultos jóvenes con síndrome de Down. Material y métodos: Once participantes con síndrome de Down y 11 participantes sin síndrome de Down, como grupo control, siguieron un programa de danza de 18 semanas de duración. Se utilizó electromiografía de superficie para valorar la actividad del músculo del tobillo antes y después de la finalización del programa, con los ojos abiertos y cerrados. Resultados: Observamos un nivel superior de activación muscular en el grupo de síndrome de Down, que reflejó unas diferencias menores entre las diferentes condiciones visuales que el grupo control. No se observaron diferencias significativas previas y posteriores al entrenamiento en el grupo síndrome de Down. Sin embargo se observaron menores diferencias entre ambos grupos tras el entrenamiento, en relación a la situación previa al mismo. Conclusiones: Aunque no se observaron diferencias significativas en el grupo síndrome de Down tras el entrenamiento, sí se observó un descenso de las diferencias entre los grupos. Estas podrían guardar relación con ciertas adaptaciones posturales. En el futuro, sería interesante incrementar la muestra, y analizar también la posición del centro de presión en relación a los pies

Introduction: People with Down syndrome have difficulties in postural control and exhibit differences in the displacement of their centre of pressure and in muscle activity compared with the general population. Previous research has shown that centre of pressure displacement is less depending on visual conditions in people with Down syndrome, although improved balance has been observed following specific physical activities based on dance. The aim of the project was to assess the effect of a dance-based physical activity programme on muscle activity in young adults with Down syndrome. Material and methods: Eleven participants with Down syndrome and eleven participants without Down syndrome as the control group followed an 18-week dance programme. Surface electromyography was used to assess ankle muscle activity before and after completion of the programme in open and closed eyes conditions. Results: We observed a higher level of muscle activation in Down syndrome group. They showed minor differences between different visual conditions than control group. No significant differences were seen in pre- and post-training in Down syndrome group. Nevertheless, less differences were observed between both groups after training than before. Conclusions: Although no significant differences were observed in Down syndrome group after training, differences between groups were decreased. These could be related to some postural adaptations. In the future, it will be interesting to increase the sample and also analyze the position of centre of pressure in relation to feet

Relationship between Healthy Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Factors in Adolescents in Catalonia: Application of VISA-TEEN Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: There is a clear relationship between the way of life and the health of individuals, and therefore, we can speak of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. There are different surveys and questionnaires that evaluate the lifestyles of adolescents, but none of them offers a final score that can quantify the healthfulness of an adolescent's lifestyle. It was with this goal that the VISA-TEEN questionnaire is developed and validated. The objective of this study is to apply the questionnaire to a sample of adolescents who attend school in Catalonia to evaluate the healthfulness of their lifestyles and to relate the scores obtained to different sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A total of 2,832 students from 25 schools in Catalonia responded to the questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed, calculating the mean (Standard deviation), median (p25, p75), and confidence interval. The results were calculated for the total population, factoring according to gender, age, urban/rural population, origin (native/immigrant), and family wealth, which was based on the Family Affluence Scale (FAS II). The significance of the difference was calculated for each factor with the appropriate statistical test. RESULTS: For the total score of healthy lifestyle, the youngest students and those with the highest family wealth obtained higher scores. With respect to eating habits, girls scored higher than boys, and higher scores were observed in natives and those with high family wealth. For physical activity, boys scored higher, as well as younger individuals, natives, and those from rural areas. With respect to substance abuse, the worst scores were found in older individuals, students from rural areas, and natives. The rational use of leisure technology was only associated with age (worsening scores with older age). Lastly, hygiene was better with girls, decreased with age, and was worse with natives than immigrants.

Comparison of Static Balance on a Platform in Young Adults With Down Syndrome Before and After a Dance Program.

The purpose of the study was to compare postural control in static standing in young adults with and without Down syndrome (DS), with eyes closed and eyes open, before and after an 18-wk dance-based training program. The study included 11 young people with DS age 20.5 (1.3) yr and 11 without DS age 20.2 (2.0) yr. All parameters were recorded before and after the training program. Parameters related to center of pressure (COP; closed and open eyes) were recorded from a platform with the participant in bipedal standing position during 30 s. The results suggest that young people with DS have worse COP control in both visual conditions (closed and open eyes) and are affected by visual information in a different way than their peers without DS. In the group of young adults with DS, the dance-based training program improved some parameters related to the use of visual input in controlling COP.

Reliability and Validity of the Footprint Assessment Method Using Photoshop CS5 Software in Young People with Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: People with Down syndrome present skeletal abnormalities in their feet that can be analyzed by commonly used gold standard indices (the Hernández-Corvo index, the Chippaux-Smirak index, the Staheli arch index, and the Clarke angle) based on footprint measurements. The use of Photoshop CS5 software (Adobe Systems Software Ireland Ltd, Dublin, Ireland) to measure footprints has been validated in the general population. The present study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of this footprint assessment technique in the population with Down syndrome. METHODS: Using optical podography and photography, 44 footprints from 22 patients with Down syndrome (11 men [mean ± SD age, 23.82 ± 3.12 years] and 11 women [mean ± SD age, 24.82 ± 6.81 years]) were recorded in a static bipedal standing position. A blinded observer performed the measurements using a validated manual method three times during the 4-month study, with 2 months between measurements. Test-retest was used to check the reliability of the Photoshop CS5 software measurements. Validity and reliability were obtained by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The reliability test for all of the indices showed very good values for the Photoshop CS5 method (ICC, 0.982-0.995). Validity testing also found no differences between the techniques (ICC, 0.988-0.999). CONCLUSIONS: The Photoshop CS5 software method is reliable and valid for the study of footprints in young people with Down syndrome.

Development and psychometric validation of a scoring questionnaire to assess healthy lifestyles among adolescents in Catalonia.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle is intimately related to health. A questionnaire that specifically scores the healthiness of lifestyle of Catalan adolescents is needed. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a scoring questionnaire called VISA-TEEN to assess the healthy lifestyle of young Catalans that can be answered quickly and user-friendly. METHODS: A lifestyle questionnaire was developed based on the analysis of contributions from two focus groups, one with adolescents and the other with people who work with them (teachers and doctors). A panel of experts validated the content of items that were ultimately selected for the VISA-TEEN questionnaire. Three hundred ninety-six adolescents (215 boys and 181 girls, age = 13-19 years) completed the VISA-TEEN. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α) reliability coefficient. Test-retest reliability, using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was calculated based on scores attained two weeks apart. Construct validity was assessed by the extraction of components with an exploratory factor analysis. The relationship between the scores was measured using the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) KIDSCREEN-10 Index (the relationship was assessed by calculating Pearson's r correlation coefficient). The association of scores in the VISA-TEEN for self-rated health (SRH) was also examined by executing an analysis of variance (ANOVA) between the different categories of this variable. We also calculated the index of fit for factor scales (IFFS) for each component, as well as the discriminatory power of the instrument using Ferguson's δ (delta) coefficient. RESULTS: The VISA-TEEN questionnaire showed acceptable reliability (α = 0.66, αest = 0.77) and a very good test-retest agreement (ICC = 0.860). It could be broken down into the following five components, all with an acceptable or very good IFFS (0.7-0.96): diet, substance abuse, physical activity, Rational Use of Technological Leisure (RUTL), and hygiene. Scores on the VISA-TEEN showed significant correlation with the KIDSCREEN index (r = 0.21, p < 0.001) and were associated with SRH (p < 0.001). The discriminatory power was found to be δ = 0.97. CONCLUSIONS: The VISA-TEEN questionnaire developed to study the lifestyle of Catalan adolescents is a valid instrument to apply in this population as it is shown in the present psychometric tests to understand the role of lifestyle in the health of teenagers or to test the efficacy of health campaigns intended to improve teenagers' lifestyle.

Reliability and Validity of the Footprint Assessment Method Using Photoshop CS5 Software.

BACKGROUND: Several sophisticated methods of footprint analysis currently exist. However, it is sometimes useful to apply standard measurement methods of recognized evidence with an easy and quick application. We sought to assess the reliability and validity of a new method of footprint assessment in a healthy population using Photoshop CS5 software (Adobe Systems Inc, San Jose, California). METHODS: Forty-two footprints, corresponding to 21 healthy individuals (11 men with a mean ± SD age of 20.45 ± 2.16 years and 10 women with a mean ± SD age of 20.00 ± 1.70 years) were analyzed. Footprints were recorded in static bipedal standing position using optical podography and digital photography. Three trials for each participant were performed. The Hernández-Corvo, Chippaux-Smirak, and Staheli indices and the Clarke angle were calculated by manual method and by computerized method using Photoshop CS5 software. Test-retest was used to determine reliability. Validity was obtained by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The reliability test for all of the indices showed high values (ICC, 0.98-0.99). Moreover, the validity test clearly showed no difference between techniques (ICC, 0.99-1). CONCLUSIONS: The reliability and validity of a method to measure, assess, and record the podometric indices using Photoshop CS5 software has been demonstrated. This provides a quick and accurate tool useful for the digital recording of morphostatic foot study parameters and their control.

Influencia de la formación en competencia cultural sobre la actitud frente a la inmigración de los estudiantes de tercero de enfermería / The influence of education in cultural competence on third level nursing students' attitudes towards immigration

Introducción. La formación de las futuras enfermeras plantea la necesidad de preparar profesionales competentes para poder afrontar las incertidumbres y la complejidad que genera la diversidad cultural, entendiendo que cuidar debe contemplar el respeto y la reflexión crítica sobre las ideas y los valores implicados en el dialogo que se genera en la relación terapéutica. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la modificación de la actitud hacia la inmigración en los estudiantes de tercero de enfermería que han cursado la asignatura 'Enfermería y multiculturalidad'. Sujetos y métodos. Para evaluar la actitud de los estudiantes se ha utilizado la escala de actitud ante la inmigración para enfermería (EAIE) en una muestra apareada formada por los 33 estudiantes de tercer curso de enfermería matriculados en la asignatura optativa 'Enfermería y multiculturalidad', mediante la comparación entre las puntuaciones obtenidas en la escala antes y después de cursarla. Para estimar la significación de las diferencias entre las puntuaciones pre y postintervención se ha utilizado la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para muestras apareadas, tanto para la puntuación global como para cada uno de los ítems de la EAIE. Resultados. Con el análisis individualizado de los ítems se observa que, del total de 39 ítems, siete han presentado diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) en las mediciones iniciales y finales. Conclusión. La 'enculturización' enfermera que reciben los estudiantes en su proceso formativo influye favorablemente en la toma de conciencia de sus propias actitudes (AU)

Introduction. The training of future nurses will have to produce professionals who are competent to face the uncertainties and complexities generated by cultural diversity. Nursing care includes respect and critical reflection on the ideas and values arising from the dialogue generated throughout the therapeutic relationship. The objective of this study was to assess the change of the module 'Nursing and Multiculturalism' in modifying third level nursing students' attitudes towards immigration in the students that were enrolled. Subjects and methods. To evaluate the attitude of the students we used the Attitude Scale towards immigration for nursing (EAIE). A paired sample was employed, drawn from the 33 third year nursing students enrolled in the optional module 'nursing and multiculturalism' by comparing scores achieved in the scale towards immigration before and after attending the module. In order to estimate the significance of the different rates pre- and post-test, a non-parametric test for paired samples (Wilcoxon signed rank test) was used, both for global rating and for each of the item in the EAIE questionnaire. Results. The individual analysis of the items shows that the total 39 items, seven presented significant differences (p < 0.05) in the initial and final measurements. Conclusion. Nursing enculturation experienced during basic education, positively influences students in making conscious their attitudes towards immigration (AU)

Diferencias en la estabilidad postural estática y dinámica según sexo y pierna dominante / No disponible

Introducción y objetivos: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue comparar los datos estabilométricos del equilibrio unipodal entre el sexo del individuo y la pierna dominante/no dominante de forma estática y dinámica. Participantes: La muestra de estudio fueron 20 sujetos (10 mujeres y 10 varones) físicamente activos de 22,56 ± 5,7 años.Métodos: Se midió la amplitud de la desviación del centro de presiones (CP) mediante una plataforma optométrica utilizando tres tests unipodales de dificultad progresiva: ojos abiertos (OA), ojos cerrados (OC) y salto (S). Resultados: En el equilibrio OA no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la desviación del CP en ninguna de las variables. En la prueba OC se mostraron diferencias significativas entre varones y mujeres en el eje lateral y anteroposterior de la pierna no dominante (p < 0,029 y p < 0,035, respectivamente). Por último, en el caso del salto se encontraron diferencias significativas en la pierna dominante y no dominante sólo en el eje lateral (p < 0,011 y < 0,002, respectivamente). No hubo diferencias significativas entre pierna dominante y no dominante, aunque al analizar por separado ambos sexos se encontraron diferencias en los dos ejes del salto de las mujeres y el eje anteroposterior de los varones en el test unipodal de ojos abiertos. Conclusiones: Las mujeres tendieron a mostrar un mayor equilibrio (menor desviación del CP) en los tests más dinámicos (OC y S) en comparación con los varones. A pesar de no encontrar diferencias entre pierna dominante/no dominante en el total del grupo, sí encontramos que las mujeres mostraban mayor desviación del CP en la pierna no dominante en la recepción del salto(AU)

Introduction and objectives: The main objective of this study was to compare the single leg static and dynamic equilibrium data between gender of subjects and dominant and non-dominant limbs. Participants: A total of 20 physically active subjects, 10 men and 10 women (ages: 22.56 ± 5.7 years).Methods: We measured the mean amplitude of lateral and anteroposterior deviation of the pressure centre (PC) by means of an optometric platform using three single leg tests with progressive difficulty: open eyes (OE), closed eyes (CE) and one leg hop (H). Results: There were no significant differences between men and women in the OE test. The CE test showed significant differences in the anteroposterior and lateral plane in the non-dominant leg (p < 0.029 and p < 0.035, respectively). As regards the H test, the results showed significant differences in dominant and no-dominant leg only in the frontal plane (p < 0.011 and p < 0.002, respectively). There were no significant differences between legs; but when the groups were analysed separately by gender differences were found in both planes of the H test in women and anteroposterior axe of OE test in men. Conclusion: Women tend to show lower PC sway in the more dynamic tests (CE and H) compared to men. Although there were no differences between legs in the total group, it was found that women showed a greater PC sway in the non-dominant leg when landing in the one leg hop test compared with men(AU)

Efectos de un entrenamiento propioceptivo sobre la extremidad inferior en jóvenes deportistas jugadores de voleibol / Effects of a neuromuscular training program on the lower limb in young volleyball players

Introducción y objetivos: Estudio de intervención de diseño longitudinal con una duración de 6 meses, de grupo único con evaluación antes-después, que pretende evaluar la eficacia de un programa propioceptivo como método de prevención de lesiones de extremidad inferior en jóvenes deportistas. Métodos: La muestra de estudio fueron 28 jugadores de voleibol de ambos sexos (15-18 años). Se tomaron datos durante el primer trimestre sin intervención y durante el siguiente trimestre con entrenamiento. El entrenamiento propioceptivo utilizado siguió las bases de la terapia reequilibradora del aparato locomotor (TRAL). Se midió semanalmente el dolor mediante la escala analógica del dolor y la incidencia de lesiones en la extremidad inferior de la temporada de estudio y en las mismas fechas de la temporada anterior. Resultados: Durante el período de entrenamiento propioceptivo se produjo una reducción significativa del dolor de tobillo en ambos sexos ­en el caso del dolor de rodilla sólo en chicas­ y una tendencia a la disminución de la incidencia de lesiones deportivas de la extremidad inferior en ambos sexos, especialmente de tobillo. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento propioceptivo disminuye la presencia y la intensidad de dolor de rodilla en el caso de las chicas, tiende a la mejora en los chicos; mejora la presencia y la intensidad de dolor de tobillo en ambos sexos; y en el caso de la incidencia de lesiones deportivas existe una clara tendencia a la disminución de lesiones de tobillo

Introduction: We performed a 6-month longitudinal study, using a test-retest method, in a single group to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprioceptive program to prevent lower limb injuries in young athletes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 28 high-level volleyball players of both sexes aged between 15 and 18 years old. Data were gathered during the first trimester (without intervention) and in the following trimester (with training). The proprioceptive training program was based on locomotive system rebalance therapy. Pain was measured weekly with a visual analog scale and the occurrence of lower limb injury was measured during the study period and in the same time period in the previous year. Results: During the training period, there was a significant reduction each week in ankle pain in both sexes, as well as a significant reduction in knee pain in girls but not in boys. There was also a tendency to a reduction in lower limb injuries, especially ankle injuries, in both sexes. Conclusion: The training method decreased the occurrence and intensity of knee pain in girls, and showed a tendency to improve knee pain in boys. The method reduced the occurrence and intensity of ankle pain in both sexes and showed a tendency to reduce lower limb injuries, especially those of the ankle (AU)