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BACKGROUND: Body posture may be disordered by vestibular dysfunction, neurological disorders, problems with the distribution of muscle tone, brain injuries, and other dysfunctions. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can lead to many disorders, particularly of the musculoskeletal system. During treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH), an increase in muscle mass and an improvement in bone structure can be observed in children suffering from hypopituitarism from GHD. METHODS: The study involved 33 children suffering from hypopituitarism with GHD (9 girls and 24 boys), aged 10-14 years old. Measurements of the magnitude of their anterior-posterior spinal curvatures were made using an inclinometer. The children were examined at the medianus of the sacrum bone, the Th12-L1 intervertebral area, and the C7-Th1 intervertebral area. In order to characterize the anterior-posterior curvature of the spine, the results were compared with the general norms reported by Saunders. Statistical calculations were carried out using the statistical package Statistica 10 PL. RESULTS: Lumbar lordosis angles were higher in the patients currently receiving growth hormone (GH) treatment than in those who had yet to receive it. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the length of growth hormone treatment and the alpha angle. There are also statistically significant correlations between age at the beginning of growth hormone therapy and the angle of lordosis. Statistically significant correlations were also seen between age at the beginning of growth hormone therapy and the alpha angle. CONCLUSIONS: Although there may be changes in posture at the beginning of rhGH treatment, the sooner growth hormone therapy begins, the better the body posture. The longer the growth hormone treatment, the better the posture, as expressed by the alpha angle in the sagittal plane.
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Hormônio do Crescimento Humano/deficiência , Hormônio do Crescimento Humano/uso terapêutico , Hipopituitarismo/complicações , Curvaturas da Coluna Vertebral/fisiopatologia , Adolescente , Fatores Etários , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Hipopituitarismo/fisiopatologia , Lordose/etiologia , Lordose/fisiopatologia , Vértebras Lombares/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Postura , Curvaturas da Coluna Vertebral/etiologia , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
BACKGROUND The person with dementia should be treated as an unique person regarding symptoms directly associated with dementia, such as problems with memory, hallucinations, and delusions, as well as other physical, mental, or neurological deficits. The symptoms not directly typical of dementia, such as musculoskeletal disorders or depression, should be also be considered in order to improve the quality of life of a person with dementia. That is why professional caregivers have to broaden their current knowledge not only of medical symptoms but also of the patient's psychosocial condition and increase their inquisitiveness about the individual condition of the patient. The aim of the study was to get to know the opinion of professional caregivers about the UnderstAID platform and its usefulness for informal caregivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Participants in the study group consisted of professional caregivers: nurses, sociologists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, all of whom specialized in geriatrics and had experience in working with people with dementia. All professional caregivers answered 24 questions that refer to positive and negative aspects of the UnderstAID platform. RESULTS The study group of professional caregivers highly appreciated that the application could give support to caregivers (mean score of 4.78; 5 points means that they totally agreed, and 1 point means that they totally disagreed) and that a wide range of multimedia materials helped the informal caregivers to gain a better understanding of the contents (mean score of 4.78). There was a statistically significant correlation between the age of the professional caregivers and the frequency of positive opinions that the UnderstAID application gave support to caregivers of relatives with dementia (p=0.028) and the opinion that videos, photos, and pictures may help the informal caregivers to gain a better understanding of the contents (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS A group of professional caregivers positively assessed the UnderstAID platform. Caregivers, especially older caregivers, highly appreciated the usefulness of videos, photos, and pictures for gaining a better understanding of the contents.
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Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Cuidadores/psicologia , Adulto , Demência , Depressão/psicologia , Educação Médica/métodos , Tecnologia Educacional/métodos , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Memória , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Estresse PsicológicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Children with Down syndrome (DS) present with delays in motor development. The reduced size of the cerebrum, brain maturation disorders, and pathophysiological processes lead to motor development delay. The aim of this study was to examine the gross motor function and estimate what motor abilities are significantly delayed in children with Down syndrome even if they attend physical therapy sessions. Another purpose of the study was to assess the functional balance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 79 children with DS (42 boys, 37 girls), average age 6 years and 3 months ± 4 years and 6 months. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to (i) age: <3 years old, 3-6 years old, and >6 years old; and (ii) motor impairment scale: mild (SNR 1), moderate (SNR 2), and severe (SNR 3). Children were assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). RESULTS: None of the assessed children developed all the functions included in GMFM-88. The standing position was achieved at the specified age by 10% of children in the first age group (<3 years old) and 95% of children aged 3-6 years. Similarly, the walking ability was performed by 10% of children under 3 years old and by 95% of children aged 3-6 years. The median score of PBS was 50 points (min. 34 p. - max. 56 p.). There was a statistically significant correlation between PBS scores and GMFM-88 scores, r=0.7; p<0.0001, and between balance scores and GMFM - 88 E (walking, running, jumping) (r=0.64; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Motor development, especially standing position and walking ability, is delayed in children with Down syndrome. Balance and motor functions are correlated with each other, so both aspects of development should be consider together in physical therapy of children with Down syndrome.
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Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/fisiopatologia , Síndrome de Down/fisiopatologia , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
(1) Background: Identification of typical behavioral manifestations in patients with DEAD-Box Helicase 3 X-linked gene (DDX3X) variants plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing and managing the syndrome. The objective of this paper was to carry out a review of medical and public databases and assess the behavioral features of the DDX3X syndrome (DDX3X), with a particular focus on psycho-pathological symptoms. (2) Methods: An extensive computerized search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Medline Complete, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. Specific keywords and Medical Subject Headings were used to ensure the inclusion of relevant studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied to assess the methodological quality of the manuscripts. (3) Results: Only nine papers out of the 272 assessed met the inclusion criteria. These articles revealed various psycho-pathological manifestations in patients with the DDX3X syndrome. Intellectual disability (ID) or developmental disability (DD), speech delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), self-injurious behaviors (SIBs), sensory symptoms and sleep disturbance were demonstrated to be the most common psycho-pathological behavior manifestations. (4) Conclusions: Patients with the DDX3X syndrome manifest a wide spectrum of psycho-pathological symptoms. A comprehensive investigation of these symptoms in patients is essential for early diagnosis and effective therapy.
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AIMS: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. It is characterized by profound and severe motor disability. Patients with RTT grind their teeth, causing damage to their permanent teeth. This article aims to describe the case of an 8-year-old child with RTT and the methods of botulinum toxin-based treatment for teeth grinding. METHODS AND RESULTS: Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to monitor the effects of treatment. The masseter and temporal muscles, responsible for the elevation of the mandible, were injected with botulinum toxin. The results of the sEMG examination performed 1 week, 1 month and 4 months after toxin administration were compared to the sEMG conducted before treatment. The research demonstrates a significant reduction in both grinding frequency and tension of the masseter and temporal muscles. CONCLUSION: Possible adverse effects after chronic use of botulinum toxin were discussed. The article also emphasizes the need for masticatory muscle rehabilitation during botulinum toxin therapy. However, it is necessary to repeat this procedure on a larger group of children with RTT to establish our efforts' efficacy.
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(1) Background: Muscle tension around the head and neck influences orofacial functions. The data exist concerning head posture during increased salivation; however, little is known about muscle tightness during this process. This study aims to investigate whether or not any muscles are related to problems with eating, such as drooling in individuals with cerebral palsy; (2) Methods: Nineteen patients between the ages of 1 and 14 were examined prior to the physiotherapy intervention. This intervention lasted three months and consisted of: relaxing muscles via the strain-counterstrain technique, functional exercises based on the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment-Bobath method, and functional exercises for eating; (3) Results: the tone of rectus capitis posterior minor muscle on the left side (p = 0.027) and temporalis muscle on the right side (p = 0.048) before the therapy, and scalene muscle on the right side after the therapy (p = 0.024) were correlated with drooling behavior and were considered statistically significant. Gross motor function was not considered statistically significant with the occurrence of drooling behavior (p ≤ 0.05). Following the therapeutic intervention, the frequency of drooling during feeding decreased from 63.16% to 38.89% of the total sample of examined patients; (4) Conclusions: The tightness of the muscles in the head area can cause drooling during feeding.
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Background. Heterozygous pathogenic variants in the DDX3X gene account for 1−3% of females with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The clinical presentation is variable, including a wide range of neurological and behavioral deficits and structural defects of the brain. Approximately 52% of affected females remain nonverbal after five years of age. Case presentation: We report a 7 year old nonverbal female with a likely novel de novo pathogenic heterozygous variant in the DDX3X gene affecting the non-canonical splice-site in the intron 1 (NM_001356:c.45+12G>A). The patient presents with features typical for the DDX3X phenotype, such as: movement disorders, behavioral problems, a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and some other features uncommon for DDX3X such as: muscle hypertonia and spinal asymmetry evaluated through the scoliometer. Conclusions. Due to its rare occurrence, the clinical picture of DDX3X syndrome is yet to be fully determined. So far, behavioral disorders, including those from ASD, and neurological abnormalities seem to be the dominant features of this disorder.
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Translational research moves promising primary research results from the laboratory to practical application. The transition from basic science to clinical research and from clinical research to routine healthcare applications presents many challenges, including ethical. This paper addresses issues in the ethics of translational audiology and discusses the ethical principles that should guide research involving people with hearing loss. Four major ethical principles are defined and explained, which are as follows: beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. In addition, the authors discuss issues of discrimination and equal access to medical services among people with hearing loss. Despite audiology's broad field of interest, which includes evaluation and treatment of auditory disorders (e.g., deafness, tinnitus, misophonia, or hyperacusis) and balance disorders, this study focuses primarily on deafness and its therapies.
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The diagnosis of neurobehavioral problems in very preterm neonates helps with planning and applying proper and direct therapeutic interventions. (1) Background: The aim of this study was to determine the direct impact of neurobehavior on the sucking reflex and eating abilities of neonates. (2) Methods: We assessed 18 preterm neonates twice hospitalized at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinical Hospital through the use of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). (3) Results: We found that that a neonate's sucking ability positively correlated with the activity level item from the motor system cluster of the NBAS. (4) Conclusions: Neurobehavior should be closely assessed in very preterm neonates. Firstly, because assessments can detect fundamental problems and help a practitioner plan for early intervention. Secondly, the education of parents regarding the neurobehavior of their child can help in the facilitation of feeding skills and the planning of early rehabilitation.
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BACKGROUND: It is reported that 40% of preterm infants have problems with eating. Neonatal feeding disorders may be one of the factors increasing neonatal mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the muscles involved in suckling and swallowing in premature newborns using surface electromyography (sEMG). We would like to objectively describe the tension of muscles engaged in feeding in order to properly plan the therapy. Another aim was to compare sEMG measurements to gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH to show which parameters put children at risk of feeding problems. METHODS: Sixteen preterm neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g, and oral feeding difficulties were analyzed for muscle response and electrical activity of nerves using sEMG (surface electromyography). RESULTS: We found a negative correlation indicating that preterm infants with a younger gestational age had higher suprahyoid muscle tension, and a positive correlation was found between pH value and suprahyoid muscles. The lower the pH value, the lower the tension in the suprahyoid muscles. CONCLUSIONS: sEMG may be a helpful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the masticatory system of premature infants. Due to the abnormal tone of the muscles responsible for swallowing, it is advisable to rehabilitate as early as possible.
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BACKGROUND: Clinicians and parents should closely monitor the neurodevelopment of very preterm infants. The aim of our study was to compare whether neurodevelopmental assessments completed by parents and those done by specialists yielded similar outcomes. We wanted to check whether the assessments completed by specialists and parents were comparable in outcomes to emphasize the important roles of early assessment of a child and of the parents in their child's treatment and medical care. Another aim was to check whether or not the pull to sit maneuver from the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) is still a parable item in well-known scales of neurodevelopment. METHODS: We assessed 18 preterm neonates in the fourth month of corrected age with scales such as the General Movement Assessment (GMA), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), and the pull to sit maneuver from the NBAS. Finally, we asked parents to complete the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). RESULTS: We found that the respective assessments completed by specialists and parents are comparable in outcomes. We also found that the pull to sit item from the NBAS was still a valid test since it showed similar findings to those from the AIMS, the GMA, and the ASQ-3. CONCLUSIONS: The pull to sit item from the NBAS is an important item for assessment of very preterm infants. Specialists should also take into consideration the input and concerns of parents when planning for treatment and intervention.
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BACKGROUND: The neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) was primarily developed to aid in the assessment of full-term neonates. The aim of this study was to detect if the NBAS was also valuable in the assessment of preterm neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed 112 infants at a neonatal unit using the NBAS, 4th edition. The inclusion criteria included an oxygen saturation level between 88-95% and a heartrate of 100-205 beats per minute. Infant neurobehavior was assessed using the NBAS. RESULTS: For full-term and preterm neonates, we observed that the NBAS enabled us to assess both groups of infants and gave relevant information pertaining to them. We found a significant correlation between the average week of gestation and response to touch, sensory input, peak of excitement, cost of attention, hand-to-mouth, and quality of alertness. CONCLUSIONS: The NBAS is a valuable scale for evaluating the neurobehavior of preterm neonates. The week of gestation at birth affects certain aspects of neurobehavior, such as response to sensory input, putting hand to mouth, peak of excitement, and cost of attention. The NBAS as an individually structured assessment may help in planning for early rehabilitation and intervention for this vulnerable population.
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of umbilical cord arterial pH, gestational age, and birth weight on neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm neonates. METHODS: We examined 112 neonates. Inclusion criteria were: Saturations greater than 88%, and heart rates between 100-205 beats per minute. MEASUREMENTS: We assessed several neurodevelopmental factors as part of the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), 4th edition, such as asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), motor maturity, response to sensory stimuli, habituation, and state regulation. Initial assessment parameters such as APGAR score and umbilical cord arterial pH were used to assess neonates. RESULTS: We found a strong correlation between the presence of the sucking reflex and umbilical cord arterial pH (r = 0.32; p = 0.018981). Umbilical cord arterial pH was also correlated with the presence of asymmetric tonic neck reflex (r = 0.27; p = 0.047124), cost of attention (r = 0.31; p = 0.025381) and general motor maturity (r = 0.34; p = 0.011741). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the sucking reflex may be affected in infants with low umbilical cord arterial pH values. Practitioners and parents can use the NBAS to help determine neurodevelopmental factors and outcomes in preterm infants, possibly leading to safer and more effective feeding practices and interventions.
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BACKGROUND: The cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine has been shown to alter regional cerebral tissue oxygenation (cStO2) in adult patients; however, there are no reports regarding the neonatal population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of compression of the 4th ventricle (CV4) osteopathic procedure on cStO2 in neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients born between 25 and 39 weeks of gestation were screened for inclusion in the neonatal unit. Twenty-two infants presenting with hyperstimulation of autonomous nervous system (ANS) according to the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale were enrolled in the study. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used for continuous cStO2 monitoring; pulse oximeter oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) measured with pulse oximetry were simultaneously monitored 10 min before CV4, during the therapy and 10 min after it was stopped. RESULTS: Patients' condition remained stable throughout the study. There were no significant differences in the mean cStO2 values recorded before (69 ±8%), during (69 ±8%) and after CV4 (70 ±8%; p > 0.05). Mean SpO2 was almost constant during the study (96 ±4% before, 95 ±3% during and 95 ±4% after the intervention). Heart rate was also stable pre-, during and post-therapy (153 ±21 min, 151 ±18 min and 151 ±20/min, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compression of the 4th ventricle osteopathic procedure does not influence the cStO2 in newborns. This method seems to be well-tolerated but its clinical efficacy needs to be further investigated in this group of patients.
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Quarto Ventrículo , Encéfalo , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Oximetria , Oxigênio , Crânio , Espectroscopia de Luz Próxima ao InfravermelhoRESUMO
It is obvious that smoking is harmful. It is especially dramatic that it may cause a lot of dysfunctions among newborns who without their free will are expose to toxic tobacco components. The consequences are as serious when mother smoke as when she is exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy is directly correlated to premature rupture of the membranes, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardatyion--IURG, low birth weight, smaller body length of newborn, reduced lung function--hypoxia, delayed development of respiratory and nervous system, sudden infant death syndrome--SIDS, obesity, allergy, arterial hypertension or even tumors. That is why the prophylactic of above illnesses is important since first days of life.
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Exposição Ambiental/prevenção & controle , Doenças do Recém-Nascido/epidemiologia , Doenças do Recém-Nascido/prevenção & controle , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/prevenção & controle , Adulto , Causalidade , Exposição Ambiental/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Retardo do Crescimento Fetal/epidemiologia , Ruptura Prematura de Membranas Fetais/epidemiologia , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/epidemiologia , Hipersensibilidade/prevenção & controle , Recém-Nascido de Baixo Peso , Recém-Nascido , Recém-Nascido Prematuro , Neoplasias/epidemiologia , Neoplasias/prevenção & controle , Obesidade/epidemiologia , Obesidade/prevenção & controle , Gravidez , Morte Súbita do Lactente/epidemiologia , Morte Súbita do Lactente/prevenção & controle , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/estatística & dados numéricos , Doenças Vasculares/epidemiologia , Doenças Vasculares/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory immune-dependent systemic connective tissue disease leading to joint destruction and organ complications. Recent years have seen a strong interest in manual therapy and its possible use in patients with pain and limited joint mobility. This prompted us to evaluate the effectiveness of joint mobilization in a patient with RA. The present paper assesses the effects of a joint mobilization technique on pain and functionality of the hand and wrist in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Artrite Reumatoide/terapia , Força da Mão/fisiologia , Manipulações Musculoesqueléticas/métodos , Dor/reabilitação , Articulação do Punho/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modalidades de Fisioterapia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) is a well-known osteopathic procedure, utilized by osteopaths, osteopathic physicians, craniosacral therapists, physical therapists, and manual therapists as part of their healthcare practice based on some evidence suggesting impact on nervous system functions. The main objective of the study was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the clinical benefits of CV4 and to show the evidence supporting clinical prescriptions, guides, and advice in treating. A computerized search of the PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases was performed. Two filters were used (article type: RCTs; species: humans). The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the Downs and Black quality checklist for healthcare intervention studies. Only six studies met the inclusion criteria, of which four were RCTs and two were observational studies. The Downs and Black score ranged from 17 to 24 points out of a maximum of 27 points. The present review revealed the paucity of CV4 research in patients with different clinical problems, as five out of six included studies investigated healthy adults. According to the results of the included studies, CV4 may be beneficial for patients with different functional problems.
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INTRODUCTION: Caregivers of demented relatives devote their time and attention in order to help the beloved members of the family. Those who are informal caregivers require support in order to avoid being overburdened. Many such caregivers may suffer from chronic health problems, for instance, depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the factors of depression in caregivers, and to discover the determinants of depression among informal family caregivers of demented individuals. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty-one caregivers in the research group were administered a questionnaire which included the caregivers' demographics. Caregiver's level of depression was measured by the scale of the Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression. The relationship between depression and demographic features was analyzed. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 8.1 (StatSoft). Analysis of the results was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used. RESULTS: Referring to The Centre for Epidemiology Scale for Depression, the average score in the study group was 18 ± 7.49. There was no statistically significant relationship between the level of depression and such factors as caregiver's age, time of care of demented relative, and type of kinship and pain. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no relationship between the level of depression and demographic features, the problem with quality of life, worries and grief which may appear, seemed to be sufficient reason for organizing the prevention of depression for all informal caregivers of persons with dementia.
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Cuidadores/psicologia , Demência/terapia , Depressão/epidemiologia , Assistência de Longa Duração/psicologia , Adulto , Idoso , Cuidadores/estatística & dados numéricos , Depressão/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Polônia/epidemiologia , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
International UnderstAID project shows the role of physiotherapist in patients with dementia as divided into two branches: helping to resolve the physical problems and solving the problems related to dementia. The role of physiotherapist in dementia treatment may be divided into two branches: helping to resolve the physical problems and solving the problems related to dementia. The physical problems consider such aspects as musculoskeletal disorders, mobility dysfunction and pain. Referring to musculoskeletal problems, the interventions of physical therapists should included whole-body progressive resistance exercise training, strengthening, "range-of-motion" and stretching exercises and transfer training. Mobility disorders are associated with physical symptoms such as: rigidity, balance problem, shuffling gait. Decreased mobility can be based on unrelieved pain. These are some crucial scales which are designed to detected the pain. For instance, The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, massage or exercises can be provide to reduce the pain in patients with dementia. Physiotherapy in dementia treatment influences not only physical functions but also the maintenance or progression of cognitive abilities of demented elderly subjects.
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Demência/complicações , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/etiologia , Doenças Musculoesqueléticas/terapia , Modalidades de Fisioterapia , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Humanos , Modalidades de Fisioterapia/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Motor and cognitive development of children with Down syndrome (DS) is delayed and inharmonic. Neuro-muscular abnormalities, such as hypotonia, retained primary reflexes, and slow performance of volitional reaction, result in difficulties with body balance. The aim of the presented study is to assess the global motor functions and body balance of children with DS in relation to age and mental development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 79 children with DS (42 boys, 37 girls), average age 6 years and 3 months ± 4 years and 6 months. Participants were divided according to age range into 3 groups: < 3 years old, 3-6 years old, > 6 years old. Children were assessed using Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) and Paediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Psychological diagnosis served to determine the degree of mental development using the Brunet-Lezine Scale for children younger than 3 years old, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) for those who are older than 3 years. Nine children in research group had not been diagnosed by psychologists, which is the reason why the analysis referring to mental development was performed in 70 children (34 girls, 36 boys), with an average age of 4 years and 6 months. RESULTS: GMFM-88 scores were significantly lower in children with moderate psychomotor delay than in children with mild psychomotor delay, or normally developed children, p=0.043. GMFM-88 scores in children with profound mental impairment were lower than in children with mild or moderate mental impairment. There was a statistical significant correlation between GMFM-88 scores and the PBS scores, r= 0.7, p<0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Motor development of children with Down syndrome from towns and villages in the Greater Poland region is associated with cognitive development, especially in the first three years of life, with the balance functions being closely related to motor skills.