Perfis de envolvimento parental no futebol juvenil: Um estudo com jovens atletas / Perfiles de participación de los padres en el fútbol juvenil: Un estudio con atletas jóvenes / Parental involvement profiles in football: A study with young players

Este estudo analisou as diferenças na perceção dos atletas acerca dos comportamentos parentais, considerando também a importância do escalão desportivo dos atletas. Além disso, foi analisado se diferentes perfis de envolvimento parental, segundo a avaliação dos atletas aos seus pais, correspondiam a diferenças na orientação motivacional e na perceção de rendimento dos jovens atletas. Participaram no estudo 292 atletas do sexo masculino com idades compreendidas entre os 12 e 19 anos (M = 15.0; DP = 1.5), praticantes de futebol no campeonato nacional. Foram aplicados três instrumentos, (1) Questionário de Comportamentos Parentais no Desporto; (2) Escala de Objetivos de Realização no Desporto Juvenil; (3) Questionário de Perceção de Rendimento Desportivo. Os resultados indicaram (a) diferenças na perceção de comportamentos do pai e da mãe separadamente, sendo que, a perceção dos atletas variou em função do seu escalão desportivo; e (b) a orientação motivacional e a perceção de rendimento variaram em função do perfil de envolvimento parental percebido. Em suma, os resultados demonstram a importância do envolvimento parental no desporto juvenil, devendo este fator ser considerado pelos profissionais que intervêmjunto dos jovens atletas.(AU)

Este estudio analizó las diferencias en la percepción de los atletas sobre los comportamientos de sus padres, considerando también la importancia del nivel deportivo de los atletas. Además, se analizó si los diferentes perfiles de participación de los padres, según la evaluación de los deportistas sobre sus padres, se correspondían con diferencias en la orientación motivacional y en la percepción del rendimiento de los jóvenes deportistas. Participaron del estudio 292 atletas masculinos con edades entre 12 y 19 años (M = 15,0; SD = 1,5), futbolistas del campeonato nacional. Se aplicaron tres instrumentos, (1) Cuestionario de Conductas Parentales en el Deporte; (2) Escala de Metas de Logro en Deportes Juveniles; (3) Cuestionario de Percepción del Rendimiento Deportivo. Los resultados indicaron: (a)diferencias en la percepción de los comportamientos del padre y de la madre por separado, y la percepción de los deportistas varió según su nivel deportivo; e (b)la orientación motivacional y la percepción de rendimiento varió según el perfil de participación parental percibida. En resumen, los resultados demuestran la importancia de la participación de los padres en el deporte juvenil, y este factor debe ser considerado por los profesionales que trabajan con jóvenes deportistas.(AU)

This study analysed the differences in athletes’ perception of parental behaviours, considering the importance of athletes’ age category. It was also verified if different parental involvement profiles, according to athletes’ evaluation of their parents’ behaviours, corresponded to differences in motivational orientation and in performance perception of the young athletes. The study included 292 male athletes, aged between 12 and 19 years old (M = 15.0; DP = 1.5), playing football in the national championship. Three instruments were used: (1) Parental Behaviours in Sports Questionnaire; (2) Achievement goal scale for youth sport; (3) Sport Performance Perception Questionnaire. The results indicated: (a)differences in the perception of father’s and mother’s behaviours, separately, and these differences changed according to athletes’ age category; and (b)motivational orientation and performance perception varied according to the perceived parental involvement profile. In sum, the results demonstrate the importance of parental behaviours in youth sports and this aspect should be considered by professionals who work with young athletes.(AU)

Occurrence and predictors of delirium in critically ill older patients: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the occurrence of delirium in critically ill older patients and to identify predictors of delirium. Methods: This prospective study included critically ill older patients admitted into level II units of Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital. Patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤11, traumatic brain injury, terminal disease, history of psychosis, blindness/deafness, or inability to understanding/speaking Portuguese were excluded. The Confusion Assessment Method-Short Form (CAM-4) was used to assess the presence of delirium. Results: The final sample (n = 105) had a median age of 80 years, most being female (56.2%), widowed (49.5%), and with complete primary education (53%). Through CAM-4, 36.2% of the patients had delirium. The delirium group was more likely to have previous cognitive decline (48.6% vs 19.6%, P = .04) and severe dependency in instrumental activities of daily living (34.3% vs 14.8%, P = .032), comparing with patients without delirium. The final multiple logistic regression model explained that patients with previous cognitive decline presented a higher risk for delirium (odds ratio: 4.663, 95% confidence Interval: 1.055-20.599, P = .042). Conclusions: These findings corroborate previous studies, showing that cognitive decline is an independent predictor for delirium in older patients. This study is an important contribution for the knowledge regarding the predictors of delirium. The recognition of these factors will help to identify patients who are at high risk for this syndrome and implement early screening and prevention strategies. However, further studies with larger samples, recruited from other clinical settings as well as analyzing other potential factors for delirium, will be needed.

Development of a perioperative thermal insulation system: Testing comfort properties for different textile sets.

The poorly physical and psychological conditions of the patients make the body thermal protection crucial in the perioperative context, due to the risk of hypothermia. The lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of textile coverings in protecting patients in the operating room, underscores the recommendation of the forced warming system using non-woven fabric for ensuring the best thermal protection in the perioperative context. This study is part of a development process of a three-layered thermal insulation system, a blanket for use in the perioperative context. After previous selection of two fabrics for the mid and outer layers, in this study three fabric samples for the inner layer with same soft tactile sensation and different textile compositions were tested to find its effect on increasing the thermal insulation of the whole set, using a thermal manikin. The serial method was used to calculate the thermal insulation properties of the sets. The best thermal insulation and thermal comfort performance was obtained by the set using an inner layer composed of polypropylene, polyamide, and elastane whose results were the highest thermal conductivity and thickness and the lowest maximum stationary heat flow density. The results indicated that this fabric influenced positively the values of the whole set once increased its thermal protection effectiveness when compared to the other tested sets. This set is more suitable for future testing in patients during their stay in the perioperative setting.

Delirium related distress experienced by nurses / Distress nos enfermeiros relacionado com o Delirium / Distrés de los enfermeros relacionada con el Delirium

Abstract Background: Delirium is described as a distressful experience by patients and their families. Also, among healthcare staff, nurses caring for patients with delirium are the most at risk of high distress related to this syndrome. Aims: To assess nurses' distress related to delirium and its specific symptoms and severity. To identify factors nurses' sociodemographic and psychological characteristics and professional experience, that may be associated to this distress. Methods: A prospective study was carried out with nurses caring older adults with delirium in Intensive Care Medicine Service. Distress related to delirium, global psychological distress and burnout in nurses were measured with Delirium Experience Questionnaire, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, respectively. Results: Eighteen nurses were included (mean age=32 years; 89% women). About 46% of the nurses classified the experience of caring for patients in delirium as moderately distressing. Disorientation and psychomotor agitation were the most distressing symptoms. High distress related to delirium was associated with greater personal (p=0.040) and work-related burnout (p=0.020), and more global psychological distress (p=0.007). Conclusion: Caring for patients with delirium is distressing for nurses, particularly if the disorientation and psychomotor agitation are present and if nurses presented high burnout or psychological distress. This study highlights the need for development of education and support strategies for all professionals dealing with these patients.

Resumo Contexto: O delirium é descrito como uma experiência angustiante pelos pacientes e famílias. Também entre os profissionais de saúde, os enfermeiros que cuidam destes doentes são os que correm maior risco de grande distress relacionado com esta síndrome. Objetivos: Avaliar o distress dos enfermeiros relacionado com o delirium, os seus sintomas específicos e gravidade. Identificar fatores sociodemográficos e psicológicos e experiência profissional dos enfermeiros, que podem estar associados a este distress. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo prospetivo com enfermeiros que cuidam de idosos com delirium no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva. O distress relacionado com o delirium, distress psicológico global e burnout em enfermeiros foram medidos com Questionário Experiência de Delirium, Escala Distress Psicológico de Kessler e Inventário Burnout de Copenhaga, respetivamente. Resultados: Foram incluídos dezoito enfermeiros (média=32 anos; 89% mulheres). Cerca de 46% dos enfermeiros classificaram a experiência de cuidar de pacientes em delirium como moderadamente distressing. A desorientação e a agitação psicomotora, foram os sintomas mais distressing. O elevado distress relacionado com o delirium foi associado a um maior burnout pessoal (p=0,040) e relacionado com o trabalho (p=0,020), e mais distress psicológico global (p=0,007). Conclusões: Cuidar de doentes com delirium é distressing para os enfermeiros, particularmente se desorientação e agitação psicomotora estiverem presentes e se os enfermeiros apresentarem um elevado burnout ou distress psicológico. Este estudo salienta a necessidade do desenvolvimento de estratégias de formação e apoio para todos os profissionais que lidem com estes pacientes.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los pacientes y sus familias describen el delirium como una experiencia angustiosa. También entre los profesionales de la salud, los enfermeros que atienden a estos pacientes son las que corren más riesgo de sufrir un gran distrés relacionado con este síndrome. Objetivos: Evaluar el distrés de los enfermeros relacionada con el delirium, sus síntomas específicos y gravedad. Identificar los factores sociodemográficos y psicológicos de los enfermeros y experiencia profesional que pueden estar asociados a este distrés. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo con los enfermeros que atendían a los pacientes ancianos con delirium en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Distrés relacionado con el delirium, distrés psicológico global y burnout en los enfermeros se midieron con Cuestionario Experiencia de Delirio, Escala Distrés Psicológico de Kessler y Inventario Burnout de Copenhague, respectivamente. Resultados: Se incluyeron dieciocho enfermeros (media=32 años;89% mujeres). Aproximadamente el 46% de los enfermeros calificaron la experiencia de atender a pacientes con delirium como moderadamente angustiosa. Desorientación y agitación psicomotriz fueron los síntomas con más distrés. Distrés relacionado con delirium se asoció con un mayor burnout personal (p=0,040) y laboral (p=0,020), y con más distrés psicológico global (p=0,007). Conclusión: El cuidado de los pacientes con delirium es angustioso para los enfermeros, en particular si hay desorientación y agitación psicomotriz y si los enfermeros tienen un alto grado de burnout o distrés psicológico. Este estudio pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias de formación y apoyo para todos los profesionales que tratan con estos pacientes.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Severe COVID-19 Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide, leading to increased concerns about long-term patients' neuropsychiatric consequences. This study aims to describe the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in severe COVID-19 survivors and to identify associated baseline, in-hospital and post-discharge factors. This study is part of the MAPA longitudinal project conducted with severe COVID-19 patients admitted in Intensive Care Medicine Department (ICMD) of a University Hospital (CHUSJ) in Porto, Portugal. Patients with ICMD length of stay ≤ 24 h, terminal illness, major auditory loss or inability to communicate at follow-up assessment were excluded. All participants were assessed by telephone post-discharge (median = 101 days), with a comprehensive protocol assessing depressive and anxiety symptoms, cognition, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) memories recall and health-related quality of life. Out of a sample of 56 survivors (median age = 65; 68% males), 29% and 23% had depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were significantly more prevalent among younger survivors and were associated with cognitive complaints, emotional and delusions ICU memories and fear of having COVID-19 sequelae, sleep problems and pain after discharge (all p < 0.05). An important proportion of these survivors suffers from depression and anxiety symptoms post-discharge, namely younger ones and those who reported more cognitive complaints, ICU memories, fear of having COVID-19 sequelae, sleep problems and pain. These findings highlight the importance of psychological consequences assessment and planning of appropriate and multidisciplinary follow-up care after hospitalization due to COVID-19.

The impact of severe COVID-19 on health-related quality of life and disability: an early follow-up perspective. / Impacto da COVID-19 grave na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde e a incapacidade: uma perspectiva de follow-up a curto-prazo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess early postdischarge health-related quality of life and disability of all survivors of critical COVID-19 admitted for more than 24 hours to na intensive care unit.. METHODS: Study carried out at the Intensive Care Medicine Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João from 8th October 2020 to 16th February 2021. Approximately 1 month after hospital discharge, an intensive care-trained nurse performed a telephone consultation with 99 survivors already at home applying the EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level questionnaire and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. RESULTS: The mean age of the population studied was 63 ± 12 years, and 32.5% were submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. Their mean Simplified Acute Physiologic Score was 35 ± 14, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 ± 2. Intensive care medicine and hospital lengths of stay were 13 ± 22 and 22 ± 25 days, respectively. The mean EuroQol Visual Analog Scale was 65% (± 21), and only 35.3% had no or slight problems performing their usual activities, most having some degree of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 showed marked impairments in terms of reassuring usual work or community activities and mobility. The use of both tools suggested that their health status was worse than their perception of it. CONCLUSION: This early identification of sequelae may help define flows and priorities for rehabilitation and reinsertion after critical COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde e a incapacidade no primeiro mês após a alta para domicílio de todos os sobreviventes de COVID-19 grave internados por mais de 24 horas no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva. METÓDOS: Estudo realizado no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva do Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, entre 8 de outubro de 2020 e 16 de fevereiro de 2021. Aproximadamente 1 mês após a alta para domicílio, uma enfermeira com experiência em medicina intensiva realizou uma consulta telefônica a 99 sobreviventes, aplicando os questionários EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level e World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 - 12 itens. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 63 ± 12 anos, e 32,5% foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica invasiva. O Simplified Acute Physiology Score médio foi de 35 ± 14, e o Índice de Comorbilidades de Charlson foi de 3 ± 2. O tempo de internamento em medicina intensiva e no hospital foi de 13 ± 22 e 22 ± 25 dias, respectivamente. A média da Escala Visual Analógica da EuroQol foi de 65% (± 21), sendo que apenas 35,3% dos sobreviventes não apresentaram ou tiveram problemas ligeiros para realizar suas atividades habituais, a maioria com algum grau de dor/desconforto e ansiedade/depressão. O World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 - 12 itens, mostrou incapacidade marcada em retomar o trabalho habitual ou atividades comunitárias e na mobilidade. O uso de ambas as ferramentas sugeriu que o estado de saúde dos sobreviventes seria pior do que a sua percepção. CONCLUSÃO: A identificação precoce de sequelas pode ajudar a definir fluxos e prioridades para a reabilitação e reinserção após a COVID-19 grave.

Impacto da COVID-19 grave na qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde e a incapacidade: uma perspectiva de follow-up a curto-prazo / The impact of severe COVID-19 on health-related quality of life and disability: an early follow-up perspective

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde e a incapacidade no primeiro mês após a alta para domicílio de todos os sobreviventes de COVID-19 grave internados por mais de 24 horas no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva. Metódos: Estudo realizado no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva do Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, entre 8 de outubro de 2020 e 16 de fevereiro de 2021. Aproximadamente 1 mês após a alta para domicílio, uma enfermeira com experiência em medicina intensiva realizou uma consulta telefônica a 99 sobreviventes, aplicando os questionários EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level e World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 - 12 itens. Resultados: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 63 ± 12 anos, e 32,5% foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica invasiva. O Simplified Acute Physiology Score médio foi de 35 ± 14, e o Índice de Comorbilidades de Charlson foi de 3 ± 2. O tempo de internamento em medicina intensiva e no hospital foi de 13 ± 22 e 22 ± 25 dias, respectivamente. A média da Escala Visual Analógica da EuroQol foi de 65% (± 21), sendo que apenas 35,3% dos sobreviventes não apresentaram ou tiveram problemas ligeiros para realizar suas atividades habituais, a maioria com algum grau de dor/desconforto e ansiedade/depressão. O World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 - 12 itens, mostrou incapacidade marcada em retomar o trabalho habitual ou atividades comunitárias e na mobilidade. O uso de ambas as ferramentas sugeriu que o estado de saúde dos sobreviventes seria pior do que a sua percepção. Conclusão: A identificação precoce de sequelas pode ajudar a definir fluxos e prioridades para a reabilitação e reinserção após a COVID-19 grave.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess early postdischarge health-related quality of life and disability of all survivors of critical COVID-19 admitted for more than 24 hours to na intensive care unit.. Methods: Study carried out at the Intensive Care Medicine Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João from 8th October 2020 to 16th February 2021. Approximately 1 month after hospital discharge, an intensive care-trained nurse performed a telephone consultation with 99 survivors already at home applying the EuroQol Five-Dimensional Five-Level questionnaire and the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Results: The mean age of the population studied was 63 ± 12 years, and 32.5% were submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation. Their mean Simplified Acute Physiologic Score was 35 ± 14, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 3 ± 2. Intensive care medicine and hospital lengths of stay were 13 ± 22 and 22 ± 25 days, respectively. The mean EuroQol Visual Analog Scale was 65% (± 21), and only 35.3% had no or slight problems performing their usual activities, most having some degree of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 showed marked impairments in terms of reassuring usual work or community activities and mobility. The use of both tools suggested that their health status was worse than their perception of it. Conclusion: This early identification of sequelae may help define flows and priorities for rehabilitation and reinsertion after critical COVID-19.

Recall of delirium and related distress in elderly hospitalized patients: A prospective study.

Background: Delirium is a very common neuropsychiatric disorder in the elderly, with a significant physical and psychological burden. Much is still unknown about its psychological effects. This study aims to identify the proportion of patients who recall delirium and to analyze the distress caused by it. In addition, this study aims to analyze the association between delirium recall and related distress and global psychological distress regarding hospitalization. Methods: This is a prospective study with elderly hospitalized patients in level-2 units of intensive care medicine department of a university hospital. Exclusion criteria were a Glasgow Coma Scale total ≤11, brain injury, blindness, deafness, or inability to communicate. Delirium was daily assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method. Delirium recall and related distress in patients were measured using the Delirium Experience Questionnaire. Global psychological distress was assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results: From 105 patients, 38 (36.2%) developed delirium. Most patients did not remember the delirium episode (64.7%). Among those who remembered (35.3%), most described delirium as a distressing experience (75%). Delirium recall was associated with high global psychological distress (P = .029). Conclusions: Distress related to delirium is high, namely in patients who recall the episode. Global psychological distress during hospitalization is associated with delirium recall. This study highlights the need to assess the experience of delirium in these patients, as well as the importance of providing support and psychological interventions to minimize the associated distress.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Survivors of Severe COVID-19 of a University Hospital in Northern Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term health impairments are often experienced among survivors of critical illness, which may have a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to characterize COVID-19 survivors of critical illness and to evaluate health-related quality of life and disability following hospital discharge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective case-series study that included COVID-19 survivors admitted to the Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital. Follow-up evaluation was performed between the 30th and the 90th day after discharge. Quality of life was explored using the five-level version of the EQ-5D instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and functionality using the 12-question World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). RESULTS: Forty-five survivors were enrolled, 28 (62.2%) men, median age 63.0 years. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire showed moderate to extreme problems in some dimension in 29 patients (64.4%): mobility in six (13.3%), self-care in seven (13.3%), usual activities in 23 (51.1%), pain/discomfort in 14 (31.1%) and anxiety/depression in 17 (37.8%). When using the 12-question WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire, moderate to extreme disability was reported in some question in 37 patients (82.2%): 19 (42.2%) in standing for long periods, 18 (40.0%) in long-distance walking; 14 (31.1%) on taking care of household responsibilities and 17 (37.8%) in their day-to-day work; 23 (51.1%) felt emotionally affected by their health problems. DISCUSSION: Based on COVID-19 survivors-reported outcomes after critical illness, mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression were the main problems that persisted one to three months after hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: An organized follow-up structure is crucial to improve health-related quality of life in critical COVID-19 survivors.

Introdução: Os sobreviventes de doença crítica apresentam frequentemente sequelas a longo prazo. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os sobreviventes da COVID-19 grave e avaliar a qualidade de vida após a alta hospitalar. Material e Métodos: Série de casos que inclui sobreviventes COVID-19 admitidos no Serviço de Medicina Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário. A consulta de seguimento foi realizada entre o 30º e o 90º dia após alta hospitalar. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada através do questionário EQ-5D com cinco níveis (EQ-5D-5L) e a funcionalidade através do instrumento World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) de 12 questões. Resultados: Foram incluídos 45 sobreviventes, 28 homens (62,2%), idade mediana de 63,0 anos. No questionário EQ-5D-5L 29 sobreviventes (64,4%) mostraram problemas moderados a extremos em alguma dimensão: seis (13,3%) na mobilidade, sete (13,3%) nos cuidados pessoais, 23 (51,1%) nas atividades habituais, 14 (31,1%) na dor/desconforto e 17 (37,8%) na ansiedade/depressão. No WHODAS 2.0 37 sobreviventes (82,2%) revelaram alterações funcionais moderadas a extremas em alguma questão: 19 (42,2%) em permanecer de pé por longos períodos, 18 (40,0%) em percorrer longas distâncias, 14 (31,1%) em cuidar das responsabilidades domésticas e 17 (37,8%) no dia-a-dia no trabalho; 23 (51,1%) mostraram-se emocionalmente afetados pelos seus problemas de saúde. Discussão: A avaliação dos sobreviventes COVID-19 após a doença crítica demonstra que a mobilidade, a dor/desconforto e a ansiedade/depressão são os principais problemas que persistem um a três meses após a alta hospitalar. Conclusão: O acompanhamento estruturado após alta poderá ter impacto significativo na qualidade de vida destes doentes.

Quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the mediator role of psychological morbidity and disease activity.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience chronic symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life (QoL). This study analyzed the variables that contributed to QoL in patients with SLE, including the mediating role of psychological morbidity and disease activity. This study used a transversal design and included 104 women with SLE. Participants answered several instruments assessing fatigue, psychological morbidity (depression and anxiety), body image, disease activity, and quality of life. The results showed that disease activity, fatigue severity, psychological morbidity and body image were associated with all domains of QoL. Additionally, psychological morbidity and disease activity mediated the relationship between body image and psychological morbidity. Also, disease activity mediated the relationship between body image and fatigue severity. According to the results, intervention in patients with SLE should focus on patients' psychological morbidity, particularly in the active phase of the disease. Body image, fatigue severity and psychological morbidity should be monitored in patients with SLE in order to promote QoL.

The effect of instruction to synchronize over step frequency while walking with auditory cues on a treadmill.

Walking to a pacing stimulus has proven useful in motor rehabilitation, and it has been suggested that spontaneous synchronization could be preferable to intentional synchronization. But it is still unclear if the paced walking effect can occur spontaneously, or if intentionality plays a role. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect of sound pacing on gait with and without instruction to synchronize, and with different rhythmic auditory cues, while walking on a treadmill. Firstly, the baseline step frequency while walking on a treadmill was determined for all participants, followed by experimental sessions with both music and footstep sound cues. Participants were split into two groups, with one being instructed to synchronize their gait to the auditory stimuli, and the other being simply told to walk. Individual auditory cues were generated for each participant: for each trial, cues were provided at the participant's baseline walking frequency, at 5% and 10% above baseline, and at 5% and 10% below baseline. This study's major finding was the role of intention on synchronization, given that only the instructed group synchronized their gait with the auditory cues. No differences were found between the effects of step or music stimuli on step frequency. In conclusion, without intention or cues that direct the individual's attention, spontaneous gait synchronization does not occur during treadmill walking.