Prevalence, Onset, Evolution, and Prediction of Spasticity Poststroke: A Longitudinal Study / Prevalencia, inicio, evolución y predicción de la espasticidad posterior a un ACV: un estudio longitudinal / Prevalência, início, evolução e previsão de espasticidade após AVC: um estudo longitudinal

Introduction: Because of the the complex physiopathology of spasticity, it is distinguished as one of the most significant positive clinical signs of upper motor neuron syndrome, constituting a clinical feature that has great impact in the neurorehabilitation setting. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence, onset, evolution, and prediction of spasticity after a stroke. Materials and Methods: A correlational, longitudinal design was used. A total of 136 patients were evaluated at the following times: 10 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 12 months (T3) poststroke. The initial evaluation included sociodemographic and clinical data (T1). Muscle tone was measured (T1, T2, and T3) using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Results: The prevalence of poststroke spasticity in the elbow was 37.5 % at T1 and 57.4 % at T2 and T3. Among patients with motor damage, the onset of spasticity occurred at T1 in 44.7 %, between T1 and T2 in 23.7 %, and between T2 and T3 in 0.9 %. Significant predictors of the alteration in muscular tone for at least two of the evaluation times were ethnic self-classification, type, area, extent of stroke, and number of sessions. Conclusions: Spasticity onset occurs during the first 10 days after a stroke. More clinical than sociodemographic variables predicted spasticity.

Introducción: la espasticidad se destaca como uno de los signos clínicos positivos más significativos del síndrome de motoneurona superior, por su compleja fisiopatología, y constituye una característica clí- nica de gran impacto en el ámbito de la neurorrehabilitación. Por lo tanto, el objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia, el inicio, la evolución y la predicción de la espasticidad después de un accidente cerebro- vascular. Materiales y métodos: se utilizó un diseño longitudinal correlacional. Se evaluaron 136 pacientes: 10 días (T1), 3 meses (T2) y 12 meses (T3) pos-ACV. La evaluación incluyó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos (T1) y se midió el tono muscular (T1, T2 y T3) mediante la Escala de Ashworth Modificada. Resultados: la prevalencia en el codo fue del 37.5 % en T1, y del 57.4 % en T2 y T3. Entre los pacientes con daño motor, el inicio de la espasticidad ocurrió en T1 para el 44.7 % de ellos, entre T1 y T2 para el 23.7 % y entre T2 y T3 para el 0.9 %. La autoclasificación étnica, el tipo, el área, la extensión del ictus y el número de sesiones predijeron significativamente la alteración del tono muscular en al menos dos ocasiones. Conclusiones: el inicio de la espasticidad ocurre durante los 10 primeros días después de un ACV. Más variables clínicas que sociodemográficas predijeron espasticidad.

Introdução: a espasticidade destaca-se como um dos sinais clínicos positivos mais significativos da síndrome do neurônio motor superior, devido à sua fisiopatologia complexa, e constitui uma característica clínica de grande impacto no campo da neurorreabilitação. Portanto, nosso objetivo foi determinar a prevalência, início, evolução e predição da espasticidade após o acidente vascular cerebral. Materiais e métodos: foi utilizado um desenho correlacional longitudinal. Foram avaliados 136 pacientes: 10 dias (T1), 3 meses (T2) e 12 meses (T3) pós-AVC. A avaliação incluiu dados sociodemográficos e clínicos (T1) e o tônus muscular (T1, T2 e T3) foi medido por meio da Escala Modificada de Ashworth. Resultados: a prevalência no cotovelo foi de 37,5 % em T1 e 57,4 % em T2 e T3. Entre os pacientes com prejuízo motor, o início da espasticidade ocorreu em T1 em 44,7 % deles, entre T1 e T2 em 23,7 % e entre T2 e T3 em 0,9 % dos pacientes. A autoclassificação étnica, o tipo, a área, a extensão do AVC e o número de sessões predisseram significativamente as anormalidades do tônus muscular em pelo menos duas ocasiões. Conclusões: o início da espasticidade ocorre durante os primeiros 10 dias após o acidente vascular cerebral. Mais variáveis clínicas do que sociodemográficas previram a espasticidade

The use of transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation as an effective countermeasure for Simulator Adaptation Syndrome.

This research focused on investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) as compared to Galvanic Cutaneous Stimulation (GCS) at mitigating Simulator Adaptation Syndrome (SAS). Fifty drivers (mean age = 23.04 ± 17.71 years old, twenty-two men) participated in a driving simulation experiment. The total scores of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, head movements (body balance index), and driving performance variables were measured under five stimulation conditions: i) baseline (no stimulation delivered), ii) sham GCS, iii) sham tVNS, iv) active GCS, and v) active tNVS. The results showed that tVNS alleviated SAS and improved driving performance variables more effectively than GCS. We conclude that GCS and tVNS have similar neurological mechanisms to reduce SAS, providing possible explanations for the greater effectiveness of tVNS. We encourage the use of tVNS to decrease SAS.

Remote constraint induced therapy of the upper extremity (ReCITE): A feasibility study protocol.

Background: Difficulty using the upper extremity in everyday activities is common after stroke. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be effective in both sub-acute and chronic phases of stroke recovery and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for stroke internationally. Despite reports of equivalence of outcome when stroke rehabilitation interventions are delivered using telehealth, there has been limited evaluation of CIMT when using this mode of delivery. ReCITE will (a) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of CIMT when delivered via telehealth to stroke survivors (TeleCIMT) and (b) explore therapists' experiences and use of an online support package inclusive of training, mentoring and resources to support TeleCIMT delivery in clinical practice. Methods: A prospective single-group, single blinded, study design with embedded process evaluation will be conducted. The study will be conducted at three outpatient services in Sydney, Australia. A multi-faceted therapist support package, informed by the Capabilities, Opportunity, Motivation- Behaviour model (COM-B), will be used to support occupational therapists to implement TeleCIMT as part of routine care to stroke survivors. Each service will recruit 10 stroke survivor participants (n = 30) with mild to moderate upper extremity impairment. Upper extremity and quality of life outcomes of stroke survivor participants will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and at a 4 week follow-up appointment. Feasibility of TeleCIMT will be evaluated by assessing the number of stroke participants who complete 80% of intensive arm practice prescribed during their 3 week program (i.e., at least 24 h of intensive arm practice). Acceptability will be investigated through qualitative interviews and surveys with stroke survivors, supporter surveys and therapist focus groups. Qualitative interviews with therapists will provide additional data to explore their experiences and use of the online support package. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transition to delivering telehealth. The proposed study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a complex intervention via telehealth to stroke survivors at home, and the support that therapists and patients require for delivery. The findings of the study will be used to inform whether a larger, randomized controlled trial is feasible.

Distribución de patrones espásticos en extremidad superior posterior a un daño de motoneurona superior / Distribution of spastic patterns in upper extremity after an upper motor neuron syndrome

ANTECEDENTES: la evidencia sobre personas que presentan daño de motoneurona superior y desarrollan un patrón de espasticidad en extremidad superior (EES) es limitada. Este signo positivo de disfunción o secundario al daño de la motoneurona superior se asocia con pérdida de función y disminución de la independencia, provocando discapacidad y alterando la calidad de vida. OBJETIVO: determinar la distribución de frecuencias de los patrones de EES, muñeca, dedos y pulgar posterior a un daño de motoneurona superior. MÉTODO: diseño descriptivo de corte transversal prospectivo. Se realizó una medición a 206 sujetos pertenecientes a 17 centros de salud, quienes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y firmaron el consentimiento. La evaluación incluyó datos clínicos y la evaluación del patrón de EES (Clasificación de Hefter), muñeca, dedos (Zancolli adaptado) y pulgar (Clasificación de House). RESULTADOS: El análisis consideró cada una de las taxonomías de los patrones de EES evaluados (Hefter I a V). La distribución de frecuencias fue investigada mediante la prueba χ2 de bondad de ajuste, seguida de la inspección post hoc de los residuos estandarizados (z) en cada celda. Se identificaron frecuencias significativamente mayores en: el patrón III de extremidad superior, el patrón cubitalizado neutro de muñeca, el patrón del flexor profundo y mixto de Zancolli adaptado, y en los patrones 3, 4 del pulgar. Ninguna taxonomía se asoció al tiempo de evolución y tipo de ACV. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio aporta evidencia relevante sobre la distribución frecuencia de patrones espásticos, posterior a un daño de motoneurona superior. La información proporcionada busca apoyar el proceso de decisión terapéutica potenciando la recuperación funcional de la extremidad superior.

BACKGROUND: The evidence regarding people who present superior motor neuron damage and develop a pattern of spasticity in the upper limb (SUL) is limited. This positive sign of the superior motor neuron is associated with both the loss of function and the decreased independence, causing disability and altering life quality. OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency distribution of SUL, wrist, finger and thumb patterns after superior motor neuron damage. METHOD: prospective cross-sectional descriptive design, the sample consisted of 206 patients belonging to 17 health centers, who met the inclusion criteria and signed the informed consent, approved by the committee of ethics. The study considered a measurement, including clinical data and evaluation of the pattern of SUL (Hefter´s classification), wrist, fingers (adapted Zancolli) and thumb (House Classification). RESULTS: The analysis considered each of the taxonomies of evaluated patterns (Hefter´s I-V). Frequency distribution was investigated by χ2 goodness of fit tests, followed by post hoc inspection of standardized residues (z) in each cell. Significantly higher frequencies were identified in the upper limb pattern III, the neutral cubitalized wrist pattern, the adapted Zancolli deep flexor pattern and in the thumb patterns 3, 4. No taxonomy was associated with the evolution time and type of stroke. CONCLUSION: The study provides with relevant scientific evidence regarding the frequency distribution of spasticity patterns after superior motor neuron damage. The information provided can support the therapeutic decision process by enhancing the functional recovery of upper limb.

Association between thyroid function and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review.

Alterations in metabolic parameters have been associated with an increased risk of dementia, among which thyroid function has gained great importance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether thyroid dysfunctions could influence and contribute to the beginning and/or progression of AD or if it results from AD. This systematic review was conducted to examine the association between thyroid hormone (TH) levels and AD. Medline, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Scopus, Scielo, and LILACS were searched, from January 2010 to March 2020. A total of 17 articles were selected. The studies reported alterations in TH and circadian rhythm in AD patients. Behavior, cognition, cerebral blood flow, and glucose consumption were correlated with TH deficits in AD patients. Whether thyroid dysfunctions and AD have a cause-effect relationship was inconclusive, however, the literature was able to provide enough data to corroborate a relationship between TH and AD. Although further studies are needed in this field, the current systematic review provides information that could help future investigations.

Association between postural patterns of spastic upper extremity and functional independence after TBI and stroke.

BACKGROUND: Spastic hypertonia of the upper limb after stroke or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is a prevalent clinical sign causing abnormal postures and movement patterns due to hyperexcitability of the upper motor neurons and rheological alterations in the affected muscles. These alterations limit the use of the upper limb, restricting its functional activities and affecting the individual's quality of life and social participation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between spastic patterns of the upper limb, wrist, fingers and thumb, and independence in everyday activities after a stroke or TBI. METHODS: The design is a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study. The sample consisted of 206 individuals who complied with the eligibility criteria and signed an informed consent. Clinical evaluation was carried out, including determination of the postural pattern of the upper extremity according to Hefter's taxonomy and postural pattern classification of the wrist, fingers and thumb. Functional independence was evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: Univariate between-subject ANOVAs were used to examine associations of the four pattern classifications with the two independence measures, FIM and BI. Results indicate that Pattern I of Hefter's upper limb taxonomy is associated with lesser functional independence according to FIM and BI mean scores. CONCLUSIONS: The postural pattern of the upper limb after TBI or stroke is related to the patient's functional independence. Specifically, Pattern I tends to co-occur with low independence.

Espasticidad como signo positivo de daño de motoneurona superior y su importancia en rehabilitación / Spasticity as a positive sign of superior motor neuron damage and its importance in rehabilitation

Resumen Introducción: La espasticidad, como signo clínico de daño de motoneurona superior, cobra gran importancia al momento de definir su impacto en el proceso rehabilitador. Los objetivos de esta revisión bibliográfica son: analizar la evolución de la espasticidad como concepto, describir los hallazgos actuales en relación con su fisiopatología y analizar su importancia en el proceso rehabilitador. Métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica durante el segundo semestre del 2017 en bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Cochrane y Google Académico, utilizando los términos MeSH: muscle spasticity, physiopathology y stroke. Los límites de búsqueda fueron: textos completos en idioma inglés y español, en humanos y publicados durante los últimos cinco años. Resultados: La fisiopatología de la espasticidad no es causada por un solo mecanismo, sino más bien una intrincada cadena de alteraciones en diferentes redes nerviosas interdependientes. Existiendo dos mecanismos principales: la alteración del control espinal y suprasegmentario y los cambios en las propiedades del sistema músculo-esquelético. Conclusión: La evidencia científica es amplia y aborda el concepto de espasticidad, sus implicancias fisiopatológicas y clínicas. Sin embargo, futuras investigaciones deberían orientar y apoyar las decisiones del equipo rehabilitador, en relación con el manejo clínico.

Abstract Background: Spasticity as a clinical sign of upper motor neuron damage becomes highly important when defining its impact on the rehabilitation process. The aim of this bibliographical review is to examine the evolution of spasticity as a concept, describe the current findings in relation to its pathophysiology and to analyze its importance on the rehabilitation process. Material and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out during 2018 using Pubmed, Scielo, Cochrane and Google Academic databases, using the terms MeSH: 'muscle spasticity', 'physiopathology' and 'stroke'. The searches were limited to full texts in English and Spanish language, published during the last 5 years and for human patients. Results: The physiopathology of spasticity is not caused by a single mechanism, but rather an intricate chain of alterations in different interdependent nerve networks. Analyzed articles describe two main mechanisms, alteration of the control spinal and suprasegmental and changes in the properties of the musculoskeletal system. Conclusion: The scientific evidence is broad and addresses the concept of spasticity, its pathophysiological and clinical implications. However, future research should guide and support the decisions of the rehabilitation team, in relation to their clinical management.

Effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in the recovery of upper extremity function affected by a stroke: a single-blind randomized parallel trial-comparing group versus individual intervention.

An extensive corpus of literature supports the positive impact of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on neuroplasticity and the recovery of function. However, its clinical applicability is limited by the time of intervention and individual modality. We propose to assess the efficacy of modified CIMT protocols through a group therapy intervention. To determine the effectiveness of a group therapy, compared with individual modified CIMT, in increasing the use and functionality of movement of a paretic upper limb. The study was a single-blind, randomized parallel trial. Thirty-six patients who had had a stroke more than 6 months previously were divided randomly into two intervention groups. The independent variable was the implementation of group or individual modalities for 3 h for 10 consecutive days and the dependent variables were evaluated by the Motor Activity Log and Action Research Arm Test, at baseline (preintervention evaluation), end (postintervention evaluation), and 6 months after intervention (follow-up). By controlling the preintervention evaluations, analyses of covariance indicated that both dependent variables presented significant differences in favor of the group therapy at both the postintervention evaluation and the follow-up evaluations. Both types of intervention generated increases in the function and use of the upper extremity, with these increases being higher in the group therapy. The effects of the group therapy modality were maintained 6 months after the intervention ended.

Impacto de la rehabilitación neurológica a través de la terapia de restricción inducida modificada en la mejora del apoyo social en usuarios con ataque cerebro vascular / Impact of neurological rehabilitation through modified constraint induced therapy in improving social support patients with stroke

Introduction: Access to rehabilitation in stroke patients is critical, considering the physical and psychological disabilities and generates social impact involved. Purpose: Evaluate the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation in collective mode, compared to the individual mode, in improving social support among patients with stroke, after application of the constraint induced of movement therapy. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 36 patients who had a stroke were divided into two intervention groups. The independent variable was the implementation of collective or individual therapy for 3 hours for 10 consecutive days and the dependent variable was social perception evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) at baseline (pre-test) and end (post-test). Results: After controlling the pre-test scores, analysis of covariance revealed significant differences in favor of the collective mode in all post-test social support dimensions. Conclusions: Compared with the individual mode, the collective mode significantly improves several aspects of the patient’s perceived social support, thus providing evidence of its clinical and practical effectiveness.

Introducción: El acceso a rehabilitación en usuarios con ataque cerebro vascular es fundamental, considerando las discapacidades físicas y psicológicas que genera y el impacto social que conlleva. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la neurorehabilitación en modalidad colectiva, comparada con la modalidad individual, en la mejora del apoyo social en usuarios con ACV, después de la aplicación de la terapia de restricción inducida de movimiento. Método: Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado con 36 usuarios con ACV divididos en dos grupos de intervención. La variable independiente fue la implementación de la terapia en modalidad colectiva o individual por 3 horas diarias durante 10 días consecutivos y la variable dependiente fue el apoyo social percibido evaluado mediante la Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) antes (pretest) y después (post-test) de la intervención. Resultados: Controlando los puntajes pre-test, análisis de covarianza revelaron diferencias significativas a favor de la modalidad colectiva en todas las dimensiones post-test del apoyo social. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación en modalidad colectiva, en comparación con la modalidad individual, mejora significativamente diversos aspectos del apoyo social percibido del usuario, apoyando así su efectividad clínica y práctica.

[Hospital discharges due to stroke in the period 2001-2010 in a southern Chilean region]. / Egresos hospitalarios por enfermedad cerebrovascular en el período 2001-2010 en el Servicio de Salud Araucanía Sur.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the most common specific cause of death in Chile since 2008, representing roughly 10% of total deaths in the country. AIM: To analyze hospital discharges with a diagnosis of stroke in the period 2001-2010 in a regional Chilean health service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of hospital discharge databases of the department of statistics and health information (DEIS) of the Chilean Ministry of Health for the years 2001-2010. All subjects aged over 15 years and discharged with a diagnosis of stroke during the period 2001-2010 in a southern Chilean region, were included in the study. RESULTS: In the period, 6,548 hospital discharges due to stroke were registered. The most common diagnoses were ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, followed by intracranial hemorrhage. Hospital stay fluctuated between one and ten days in 77% of patients. The incidence rate of stroke as a discharge diagnosis was 961.3 per 100,000 population per year (95% Confidence intervals 950.7- 972.4). CONCLUSIONS: The information collected allows updating the information regarding hospital discharges due to stroke in the region studied.

Egresos hospitalarios por enfermedad cerebrovascular en el período 2001-2010 en el Servicio de Salud Araucanía Sur / Hospital discharges due to stroke in the period 2001-2010 in a southern Chilean region

Background: Stroke is the most common specific cause of death in Chile since 2008, representing roughly 10% of total deaths in the country. Aim: To analyze hospital discharges with a diagnosis of stroke in the period 2001-2010 in a regional Chilean health service. Material and Methods: Analysis of hospital discharge databases of the department of statistics and health information (DEIS) of the Chilean Ministry of Health for the years 2001-2010. All subjects aged over 15 years and discharged with a diagnosis of stroke during the period 2001-2010 in a southern Chilean region, were included in the study. Results: In the period, 6,548 hospital discharges due to stroke were registered. The most common diagnoses were ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, followed by intracranial hemorrhage. Hospital stay fluctuated between one and ten days in 77% of patients. The incidence rate of stroke as a discharge diagnosis was 961.3 per 100,000 population per year (95% Confidence intervals 950.7- 972.4). Conclusions: The information collected allows updating the information regarding hospital discharges due to stroke in the region studied.

[Validation of the chronic respiratory questionnaire in Chilean patients with chronic airflow limitation]. / Validación del Cuestionario de la enfermedad respiratoria crónica en pacientes chilenos con limitación crónica del flujo aéreo.

BACKGROUND: Chronic respiratory diseases are an important problem in Chile, causing disability and worsening the quality of life. AIM: To validate the Spanish version of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) to be used in Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CRQ was applied to 38 patients with chronic respiratory diseases. At the same time the functional and physiologic status of patients (the 6 Minute Walking Test and spirometry) was assessed in an independent and blinded fashion. RESULTS: CRQ scores were associated with 6 Minute Walking Test and forced expiratory volume results (p < 0.01 adjusted by age, sex and smoking). The Internal Consistency analysis showed a Cronbach alpha between 0.60 and 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the construct validation as an on-going process, the present results give additional evidence supporting the use of the CRQ in Chilean population to evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

Evaluación de módulos de aprendizaje en anatomía humana / Evaluation of self-learning modules in human anatomy

Los académicos de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, trabajaron en reformular los perfiles de las carreras de la salud de acuerdo a las necesidades actuales del país. Para esto los nuevos curricula centraron su atención en el alumno y para fortalecer esta enseñanza se confeccionaron módulos de autoaprendizaje. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el recurso "módulo de autoaprendizaje" en Anatomía Humana a través de la opinión de los alumnos. La muestra se escogió en forma aleatoria simple, e incluyó 100 alumnos de las carreras de Enfermería, Tecnología Médica y Kinesiología. Los alumnos contestaron una encuesta de opinión en forma voluntaria y anónima. Las respuestas fueron categorizadas mediante una Escala de Likert de cinco posibilidades (muy bajo, bajo, regular, alto, muy alto), y su validez fue determinada a través del valor alfa de Cronbach. Las características categorizadas como "alto" en este estudio fueron: organización, contenidos, motivación, utilidad, calidad de la información y cantidad de material empleado. El tiempo utilizado fue categorizado como "regular", y la dificultad de comprensión como "bajo". La consistencia interna de cada pregunta fue mayor o igual a 67 por ciento. Los módulos de autoaprendizaje en Anatomía Humana aplicados a alumnos que cursan esta asignatura, piedra angular en la formación de los profesionales de la salud, tuvieron un papel relevante en cuanto a la motivación e integración de los conocimientos de esta disciplina.