Leadership and contagion by COVID-19 among residence hall students: A social network analysis approach.

University students have changed their behaviour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we describe the characteristics of PCR+ and PCR- nodes, analyse the structure, and relate the structure of student leaders to pandemic contagion as determined by PCR+ in 93 residential university students. Leadership comes from the male students of social science degrees who have PCR +, with an eigenvector centrality structure, ß-centrality, and who are part of the bow-tie structure. There was a significant difference in ß-centrality between leaders and non-leaders and in ß-centrality between PCR+ and non-leaders. Leading nodes were part of the bow-tie structure. MR-QAP results show how residence and scientific branch were the most important factors in network formation. Therefore, university leaders should consider influential leaders, as they are vectors for disseminating both positive and negative outcomes.

Parents of children with disabilities' perceptions regarding the quality of interaction with Health professionals working in early intervention: A qualitative descriptive study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of parents of children with physical disabilities concerning the quality of their interaction with health professionals in early intervention programs. BACKGROUND: Despite the consensus on the need for Patient and Family-Centered Care, there are still difficulties when executing such care. The quality of interaction among patients, families, and professionals is essential to facilitate the implementation of the programs. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study with thematic analysis using a Modified Grounded Theory approach. METHODS: Data were collected through seven focus groups with 28 parents of children with physical disabilities who were undergoing early intervention programs in three centres. The study followed the COREQ guidelines and checklist. RESULTS: Two themes emerged from the experiences: 'exchange of information and education', which included all the activities, procedures, exercises and skills taught by the professionals to help parents care for their child; and 'interpersonal skills', which focused on the way the professional relates with the child and the parents. Several subthemes emerged within each theme. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified which elements of the professional-parent interaction are considered by parents when evaluating the quality of their interaction with the health care provider of their children. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results of this study bring to light certain behaviours and interactions that health professionals should consider in order to improve the perceptions of parents of children with disabilities regarding the quality of interaction in the context of early childhood intervention. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Parents contributed to the data collected. Early intervention professionals were involved in participant checking to ensure the rigour of the study.

Transcultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the spanish version of the therapeutic relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse.

BACKGROUND: The nurse-patient therapeutic relationship is considered a pillar of mental health nursing, contributing to improved person-centered care and shared decision making with the patient. Given the importance of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship, appropriate evaluation instruments are required to assess its quality. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse. METHODS: A translation and back-translation of the scale was carried out. To analyze the psychometric properties, the scale was administered to 213 nurses working in the field of mental health care. Temporal stability or test-retest was examined by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in a sample of 100 nurses. RESULTS: Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed a four-factor structure identical to the original version, with some poor model fit indices. The ordinal alpha values for the total scale and the four factors were 0.939, 0.654, 0.798, 0.801, and 0.866, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.928 (95% CI: 0.893-0.952). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the Spanish version of the Therapeutic Relationship Assessment Scale-Nurse is reliable for determining the quality of the therapeutic relationship that mental health nurses can establish with their patients. However, more studies are needed to analyse the model fit of the instrument's factor structure in the Spanish population.

The Effects of a Participatory Intervention in Mental Health Units on Nurses' Perceptions of the Practice Environment: A Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: The practice environment influences the quality of care and the nursing outcomes achieved in their workplaces. OBJECTIVE: To examine the perception of the clinical practice environment among nurses working in mental health units in the context of their participation in an action research study aimed at improving the nurse-patient relationship. METHOD: An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was designed. The data were collected in three phases in 18 mental health units (n = 95 nurses). Quantitative data were collected through the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, and qualitative data were collected through reflective diaries and focus groups in the context of participatory action research. RESULTS: The nurses' assessment of their practice environment shifted from positive to negative. Nurse manager leadership was the aspect that worsened the most. In addition, the perception of their participation in the affairs of the center and nursing foundations for quality of care decreased. The nurses considered it essential to be able to influence decision-making bodies and that the institution should promote a model of care that upholds the therapeutic relationship in actual clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses perceived that they should be involved in organizational decisions and required more presence and understanding from managers. Furthermore, nurses stated that institutions should promote nursing foundations for quality of care. This study contributes to understanding how nurses in mental health units perceive their work environment and how it affects the improvement of the nurse-patient relationship in clinical practice.

Examining the association between evidence-based practice and the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship in mental health units: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To examine the relationship between the dimensions of evidence-based practice and the therapeutic relationship and to predict the quality of the therapeutic relationship from these dimensions among nurses working in mental health units. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. METHODS: Data were collected between February-April 2018 via an online form completed by nurses working at 18 mental health units. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between the dimensions of evidence-based practice and therapeutic relationship. Questionnaires were completed by 198 nurses. RESULTS: Higher levels of evidence-based practice were a significant predictor of a higher-quality therapeutic relationship (ß: 2.276; 95% CI: 1.30-3.25). The evidence-based practice factor which most influenced an improved therapeutic relationship was the nurses' attitude (ß: 2.047; 95% CI: 0.88-3.21). The therapeutic relationship dimension which was most conditioned by evidence-based practice dimensions was agreement on tasks, which was most favourable with a better attitude (ß: 0.625; 95% CI: 0.09-1.16) and greater knowledge and skills for evidence-based practice (ß: 0.500; 95% CI: 0.08-0.93). CONCLUSION: In mental health settings, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is positively enhanced by evidenced-based practice and the nurse's level of experience, with a great influence on shared decision-making. IMPACT: This research sought to examine the relationship between the evidence-based practice and the therapeutic relationship in mental health nursing. This study demonstrates that an improved attitude and knowledge of evidence-based practices of mental health nurses increases shared decision-making with patients, which is a basic requirement for person-centred care. Because the therapeutic relationship is considered the backbone of nursing practice in mental health units, this research will have an impact on both mental health nurses and mental health unit managers.

The impact of a participatory intervention on the therapeutic relationship in mental health nurses: A multicentre study.

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of an intervention aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship, using the participatory-action research method, in terms of improving the quality of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. DESIGN: A single-group pre-post research design. METHODS: Quantitative data were collected between January 2018 and June 2019 using an online form completed by nurses from 18 mental health units (N = 95). Data were collected before and after the intervention, which consisted of the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies to improve the therapeutic relationship through participatory-action research involving nurses. The Working Alliance Inventory-Short, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used together with the Spearman's correlation coefficient. Two multiple linear regressions models were constructed. RESULTS: Overall, the intervention improved the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. In addition, the results revealed that, above all, the improvement in evidence-based practice along with a decrease in nurses' personal distress were the factors associated with the improvement of the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. CONCLUSION: In mental health units, the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship can be improved through participatory interventions that include the implementation of evidence-based practices. IMPACT: This research examined the effects of an intervention aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship among nurses working at mental health units using participatory action research. The results show that the therapeutic relationship can be improved through participatory methods where evidence-based practice is implemented and enhanced among nurses, since a better therapeutic relationship along with reduced staff discomfort are determining factors that influence the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Institutional managers should promote participatory group interventions to enable nurses to develop evidence-based aspects of the therapeutic relationship together with expanding personal aspects and self-knowledge.

Adaptation of the person centered therapeutic relationship patient version (PCTR-PT) to a version for physiotherapists (PCTR-PHYS) and evaluation of its psychometric properties.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The therapeutic relationship is a central component for developing person-centered care within physiotherapy services. However, it is necessary to understand how this relationship is perceived by both parties involved. The Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship-Patient scale (PCTR-PT) was constructed to identify patients' perceptions. No instruments are currently available to correlate patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. This study sought to adapt the PCTR-PT to develop a version for physiotherapists, the Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship Scale for Physiotherapists (PCTR-PHYS) and to determine its psychometric properties. METHODS: A three-stage study was performed: (1) item generation, (2) pretesting of the questionnaire, (3) analysis of psychometric properties. Factor validity and psychometric properties were analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Convergent validity was calculated. Internal consistency was verified using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine temporal stability. RESULTS: Thirty-three physiotherapists participated in two rounds of cognitive interviews and 343 participated in the analysis of psychometric properties. The CFA confirmed the four-structure model. Reliability of the tool was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.863) for all four dimensions, as all were above 0.70, ranging from 0.704 (relational bond) and 0.898 (therapeutic communication). Test-retest was performed with 2-week intervals, indicating an appropriate stability for the scale (ICC = 0.908). DISCUSSION: The Person Centered Therapeutic Relationship Scale for Physiotherapists is a useful, valid and applicable instrument to evaluate the person-centered therapeutic relationship during physiotherapy interventions. It will enable the comparison of patients' and physiotherapists' perceptions. To provide person-centered care in physiotherapy services, there is a clear need to incorporate specific resources into clinical practice to evaluate the quality of the therapeutic relationship from the perspective of both the persons being treated and the professionals providing care.

Proposal for a physiotherapy assessment form for the evaluation of women patients with uro-gynecological disorders: A Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: The correct selection of treatment techniques and methods in physiotherapy depends directly on a well-structured anamnesis, examination and assessment. Within urogynecological and obstetric physiotherapy there is no standardized and protocolized assessment that allows to follow established steps. For all this, the main objective of this study was to identify the assessment items that should be included in the a physiotherapeutic uro-gynecological assessment. METHODS: Delphi study through a group of experts. Prior to this, a systematic search was carried out, accompanied by a review of grey literature, to obtain the possible items to be included in the forms. Subsequently, a Delphi study with two consecutive rounds of questionnaires was developed. A total of 6 expert physiotherapists participated in the study. RESULTS: The initial questionnaire had 97 items and after two rounds one item was eliminated to obtain a total of 96 items in the final questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The experts agreed on most of the choices and finally obtained a standardized and protocolized assessment in uro-gynecological physiotherapy. Furthermore, this proposal should be considered by other professionals involved in the process of evaluation and treatment of pelvi-perineal alterations.

The influence of the environment on the patient-centered therapeutic relationship in physical therapy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, in the scientific literature there is a great interest on the study of strategies to implement patient-centered care. One of the main tools for this is the therapeutic relationship. Some studies suggest that the perception of the environment in which the treatment takes place can influence the perception of its quality, but this is not explored in physical therapy. For all these reasons, the aim of this study was to understand the influence of the environment in which physical therapy treatment takes place on the patients' perception of the quality of the patient-centered therapeutic relationship in public health centers in Spain. METHODS: A qualitative study analysed thematically using a modified grounded theory approach. Data collection used semistructured interviewing during focus groups. RESULTS: We conducted four focus groups. The size of the focus groups ranged from six to nine participants. In total, 31 patients participated in these focus groups. Participants described a series of specific experiences and perceptions relating to the environment, which they felt were influential in the establishment of therapeutic patient-centered relationships, including six physical factors (Architectural barriers, Furniture, Use of the computer, Physical space, Ambiet conditions, and Privacy) and six organizational factors (Patient-physical therapist ratio, Treatment interruptions, Social factors, Continuity with the professional, Lack of professional autonomy, and Coordination or communication among team members). CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight environmental factors that affect the quality of the therapeutic patient-centered relationship in physical therapy from the patient's point of view, and emphasize the need for physical therapists and administrators to underline the need to review these factors and take them into account in their service delivery.

The Influence of the Locus of Control Construct on the Efficacy of Physiotherapy Treatments in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.

The biopsychosocial paradigm contemplates the patient's personality traits in physiotherapy treatments for chronic pain. Among these traits, the locus of control has a direct relationship with the person's coping strategies in the face of their health problems. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the influence of locus of control on the efficacy of physiotherapy treatments in patients with chronic pain. A systematic review of the publications of the last ten years in Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science databases was conducting with the terms physical therapy modalities, chronic pain, internal-external control, self-management, physical therapy and physiotherapy. The inclusion criteria were participants with chronic pain lasting at least three months who have received at least one session of physical therapy; the studies should have collected the patient's locus of control as a prognostic factor at the beginning of physiotherapy treatment; the variables studied should include the pain intensity or clinical variables related to pain. A total of 13 articles were found, of which three were experimental studies and ten were observational studies. The included samples had chronic knee pain, nonspecific back pain, low back pain or neck pain; were people over 65 years of age or patients who had undergone hand surgery. In patients with chronic pain for more than three months, the locus of control construct participates as a predictor of the results of physiotherapy treatment. The presence of an internal locus of control favors better results. The personality traits of the subjects represent an important factor to take into account when planning physiotherapy treatments.

The association between empathy and the physiotherapy-patient therapeutic alliance: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The central component of person-centred care is in having a therapeutic realtionship. Furthermore, the empathy of the physiotherapist is one of the most important attributes in achieving a successful therapeutic alliance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research was to determine the association between the constructs of empathy and therapeutic alliance in Spanish physical therapists and the possible influence of socio-professional variables on them. DESIGN: Cross-sectional research. METHODS: An electronic survey including the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and sociodemographic data with 473 Spanish physiotherapists. A descriptive, bivariate and simple lineal regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Work experience has a positive influence on bonding and the agreement on objectives and tasks (0.04 < B > 0.06; p < 0.01). The perspective taking dimensions and empathic concern positively influence the agreement on achievement (0.14 < B > 0.19; p < 0.001). Personal distress inversely influences bonding and the agreement on achievements and tasks (-0.13 < B > -0.09; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions of perspective taking and empathic concern seem to facilitate successful shared decision making in terms of treating objectives. Furthermore, the physiotherapist's personal distress acts as an obstacle to the development of the three subcomponents of the therapeutic alliance analysed.

Relationship between competency for evidence-based practice and level of burnout of physical therapists with the establishment of the therapeutic relationship.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions and effective therapeutic alliance (TA) are associated with greater treatment success. Furthermore, burnout syndrome could be detrimental to the development of such TA. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between EBP competencies and burnout level with the quality of TA among Spanish physiotherapists. METHODS: Cross-sectional research with an electronic survey including the EBP Questionnaire-19, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Working Alliance Inventory-Short (WAI-S) and administered to 471 physiotherapists. RESULTS: Regarding the EBP Questionnaire-19, physiotherapists scored highest on attitude and lowest on knowledge. For WAIS which achieved appropriate results of internal consistency and validity in the sample analyzed, bond scored the highest and goals the lowest. Years of experience was significantly associated with the task (r = 0.5; p = .003) and bond (r = 0.7; p = .002) and the WAIS total score (r = 0.8; p < .001), and all burnout subscales (-0.7 < r > 0.7; p < .001 for all). CONCLUSION: Lower levels of burnout and improved EBP competencies are associated with a TA of greater quality. The association between attitudes toward EBP, a higher level of self-confidence and a lower perception of depersonalization appear to be determinant factors for improving TA.

The association between empathy and the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship in mental health units: a cross-sectional study.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Empathy is one of the main attributes for establishing the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. Davis (1983) identified four components on an empathic response: perspective taking, fantasy, empathetic concern and personal distress. It is essential to deepen our knowledge on the influence of the dimensions of empathy for the construction and development of the therapeutic alliance during the different phases of the therapeutic relationship. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: A significant association exists between the dimensions of empathy and the construction and development of the therapeutic alliance during the different phases of the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients in mental health units. This study shows that the nurses' perspective on the patient's situation improves the bond, and therefore, this skill is especially useful in the first phase or orientation phase of the therapeutic relationship. However, for the second phase or working phase of the therapeutic relationship, a greater empathic concern among nurses, together with less personal distress, improves collaborative goal setting with patients. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: It is important for mental health nurses to be aware of the importance of personal self-awareness and the emotional management of empathy for the construction and development of therapeutic relationships of quality with patients. Knowledge of the relationship between each of the dimensions of empathy in the different stages of the therapeutic relationship is useful for the design of educational programmes, by including training on empathic strategies. ABSTRACT: Introduction Empathy and its dimensions (perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress and fantasy) are essential for establishing the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. It is important to know how this influences the construction and development of the therapeutic alliance during the different phases of the therapeutic relationship. Aim To examine whether the dimensions of empathy influence the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship within mental health units. Method A cross-sectional design was used to collect data to measure the therapeutic alliance and the different dimensions of empathy via an online form completed by nurses working at 18 mental health units. Linear regressions were used in the analysis. Results A total of 198 participants completed the questionnaires. Nurses established a greater therapeutic alliance with patients when they were able to adopt their patient's perspective and experience concern. Discussion Nurses' perspective taking is an influential factor impacting the nurse-patient bond in the orientation phase, whereas experiencing greater concern and decreased emotional distress were associated with improved therapeutic alliance in the working phase. Implications for practice These findings may help gain awareness among nurses of the importance of empathy in the nurse-patient relationships, as well as inform educational programmes, by including training in empathic strategies and emotional management.

Patients' experience regarding therapeutic person-centered relationships in physiotherapy services: A qualitative study.

Introduction: Person-centered care has emerged as a key principle in the provision of health and rehabilitation services. To implement this approach, health professionals must strive to develop a person-centered therapeutic relationship. The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators for the establishment of a person-centered relationship, based on the experience of physiotherapy patients. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted based on four focus groups including 31 participants. The focus group discussions were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the method of constant comparisons. Results: Patients described specific traits, characteristics and behaviors relating to the health professional, the patient and the environment, that they felt may hinder or favor the establishment of therapeutic person-centered relationships. Some participants focused on aspects concerning the health professional, both regarding their characteristics as well as their relational skills, meaning that the physiotherapist may be responsible for using several strategies in order to put the person at the center of care. Conclusions: Person-centered care and the therapeutic relationship are important aspects in the field of rehabilitation, requiring further studies to improve our understanding of the same, and to inform both health professionals, and managers of health institutions.

Perceptions and Degree of Satisfaction with the Health Sciences University Educational Community Regarding the Measures Adopted for the Prevention of COVID-19 in the Academic Year 2020/2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the start of the academic year 2020/2021 to be conditioned by health and safety regulations. The present research was defined with the aim of analyzing the degree of satisfaction and perceptions on the establishment of bubble groups and pairs and on the use of audiovisual platforms for the development of theoretical and practical university teaching in three degrees of health sciences. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on a representative sample of students and teachers of health sciences in Ponferrada (n = 285). Specific questionnaires designed for this study were completed virtually during April and May 2021. The results indicate that that satisfaction was moderate-high. The perception of the influence of bubble pairs on the quality of teaching can be interpreted as very low. These results increase with the age and academic and professional experience of students and faculty members, respectively. However, the participants belonging to physiotherapy considered that the quality of teaching had worsened much more compared to their counterparts in nursing and podiatry.

Examining the Association between Evidence-Based Practice and Burnout among Spanish Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to quantify the level of burnout and competence for evidence-based practice among Spanish physical therapists and to determine if there is a relationship between these and other socio-professional factors. A cross-sectional study with 472 Spanish Physiotherapists. An electronic survey was conducted that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and sociodemographic data. The three subscales of the Burnout correlated with attitude and total Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire. Attitude and practice for evidence-based practice, educational level and experience were the variables that showed the greatest influence on burnout. Burnout and the degree of evidence-based practice were identified as being discretely related. Specifically, it seems that the evidence-based practice could improve the lack of personal accomplishment, meaning that through interventions perceived as more effective and advantageous, a sense of mastery and self-efficacy is experienced.

A qualitative study exploring the patients' perspective from the 'Reserved Therapeutic Space' nursing intervention in acute mental health units.

This study aimed to explore the perspective of people who had experienced treatment as patients at acute mental health units, regarding an intervention model to improve therapeutic relationships in the units, which had been previously designed by the nurses. The study participants were people linked to collectives for social activism in mental health. Six focus groups were held. The results were classified into three themes: (a) the meaning of a space to enable the establishment of a therapeutic relationship, (b) the procedures to implement the space, and (c) the difficulties to overcome to establish the space. For the participants, the Reserved Therapeutic Space intervention was perceived as a space where they could share expectations and needs with the nurses, considering it as both valid and useful to improve the therapeutic relationship in acute units. For the participants, the intervention should be structured in three stages: orientation, follow-up, and discharge. The content of the intervention should be proposed by the patients based on their needs and concerns. The barriers identified for carrying out the intervention were the lack of relational competence, the violation of rights, and the lack of accessibility of nurses. The facilitating elements were the availability of nurses, active listening, and empathy. The resulting intervention model includes realities of both groups, providing insights for nurses to initiate a space with patients and improve their therapeutic relationship. This intervention model could be used by managers to test its effectiveness.

Significant socio-emotional learning and improvement of empathy in physiotherapy students through service learning methodology: A mixed methods research.

BACKGROUND: Research into service learning (SL) in education has increased since the 1990s. In higher education physiotherapy programmes, this technique is used to achieve real practical learning and to grasp how to recognize and manage emotions, to be concerned for others and to take decisions in clinical contexts. OBJECTIVES: To create a community experience through SL methodology for physiotherapy university students and to analyse their perceptions of the learning experience and changes in empathy. DESIGN: A mixed research method, a quasi-experimental quantitative approach with pre- and post-measurements of a single group and a qualitative approach through reflective diaries subjected to a contents analysis. PARTICIPANTS: 29 students of the Faculty of Health Sciences (Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy) designed and put into practice a workshop for promoting physical activity in 277 children from the first and the sixth year of compulsory primary education. METHODS: The project was divided into three phases: planning, performing and reflecting on the service. At the start, participants completed a questionnaire to determine their scale of empathy on the Interpersonal Reactive Index (IRI). One week after performing the service they handed over reflective diaries and completed a second IRI scale survey. An analysis was carried out of the contents of the reflective diaries. RESULTS: Twenty-nine students agreed to participate. These learners consolidated their skills in the subject, indicating their satisfaction with the significant learning they achieved. The IRI scale showed a significant improvement in the Personal Distress dimension (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Active learning in the context of processes of a participatory and reflective type implies greater understanding of the phenomenon studied. It allows an enhance awareness of the importance of inclusivity and involvement of users in the context of clinical practice. It also provides socio-emotional learning, improving interpersonal abilities and the capacity to face up to stressful situations.

Musculoskeletal Pain and Teleworking in Times of the COVID-19: Analysis of the Impact on the Workers at Two Spanish Universities.

The special situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the confinement imposed by the Government, has given rise to numerous changes in working habits. The workers at the universities have had to start a period of teleworking that could give rise to consequences for the musculoskeletal system. The objective of this article is to analyze the impact of the confinement on the musculoskeletal health of the staff of two Spanish universities. A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on the workers. Data was taken in April-May 2020 and included: The Standardized Kuorinka Modified Nordic Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and another one on sociodemographic data. This study comprised 472 people. The areas of pain noted during the confinement period concluded that it was less in all cases (p < 0.001). The frequency of physical activity carried out increased significantly during the period of confinement (p < 0.04), especially in women. The type of physical activity done was also seen to modify during this period (p < 0.001), with a preference for strength training and stretching exercises. In conclusion, the confinement gave rise to changes in the lifestyle and in the musculoskeletal pain of the workers at the universities. All of this must be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks at Spanish universities.

Musculoskeletal Pain and Non-Classroom Teaching in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Impact on Students from Two Spanish Universities.

The lockdown, due to the coronavirus, has led to a change in lifestyle and physical activity in Spanish university students. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and changes in physical activity and self-perceived stress in the student bodies of two Spanish Universities during the lockdown. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 1198 students (70.6% women). The main instruments used for measuring were the Standardized Kuorinka Modified Nordic Questionnaire and the Perceived stress scale (the questionnaire regarding the practice of physical activity). A reduction in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.001) was identified in the sample of men and women, an increase (12.5%) in the frequency of carrying out physical activity from moderate to frequent, and the preference for strength training (15.1%), especially among women, was identified. All of this may be taken into account by health institutions when implementing measures to encourage physical activity in both suitable amounts and types, which improves the quality of life of the students.