Abstract Introduction: Burnout is as a multidimensional syndrome of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from prolonged exposure to stressful and demanding work environments, and it has been linked to a wide range of psychological and physical health problems. Objective: To explore the prevalence of burnout among Saudi physicaltherapists working in private and governmental healthcare facilities and to examine its association with various professional and environmental variables. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted among 375 Saudi physical therapists practicing in Saudi Arabia using validated English version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Descriptive statistics, ttests, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: The findings revealed a higher prevalence of burnout among female compared to male physical therapists. Specifically, 41.6% of the participants reported high emotional exhaustion, 84.8% reported depersonalization, and 86.9% reported reduced personal accomplishment. A significant positive correlation was also found between daily working hours and burnout dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment). Conclusion: This study identified a high prevalence of burnout among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. Female gender, longer daily working hours, and regional differences were significantly associated with higher burnout dimensions. Due to the crosssectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred. These findings may assist policymakers and healthcare administrators in developing strategies to support therapists' mental health and well-being.
Abstract Introduction: Nomophobia has become a widespread concern in young adults. Excessive reliance on these devices may be associated with reduced attention and concentration, as well as maladaptive decisionmaking under stress. University students are particularly vulnerable due to academic demands and continuous digital engagagement. Objective: To investigate the relationship between nomophobia, attention, and decisionmaking styles in university students. Methods: One hundred and fifty students aged 20–25 years (62% female, 38% male) participated through convenient sampling. Nomophobia was assessed using the Nomophobia Questionnaire, attention using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and decisionmaking styles using the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire. Data were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation. Results: Nomophobia showed a significant positive correlation with maladaptive decisionmaking patterns (ρ = 0.42, p < 0.001), particularly hypervigilance, procrastination, and buckpassing. A strong negative correlation was found between nomophobia and attentional control (ρ = −0.65, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher levels of nomophobia are associated with lower mindfulness and maladaptive decisionmaking patterns. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness of smartphone use and its association with attention and decisionmaking among university students.
Abstract Introduction: Sensory motor stimulation (SMS) comprises procedures used in neonatal units to promote physiological regulation, neurodevelopment, and modulation of stimuli in preterm infants. Objective: To identify SMS procedures used by physiotherapists working in neonatal units, as well as their frequency of use and the criteria adopted for their application. Methods: This crosssectional, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted from September to December 2020 using an electronic questionnaire developed based on the Delphi method. Active recruitment was carried out through online platforms and e-mail invitations sent to members of the Brazilian Association of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: Seventy-two physiotherapists participated in the study, most of whom were affiliated with public hospitals (63.9%) located in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil. Among tactile stimulation procedures, skin-to-skin contact (97.2%) and gentle touch (95.8%) were the most frequently reported. In the vestibular stimulation group, gentle rocking was the most cited procedure (70.8%); in olfactory and gustatory stimulation, glucose solution (55.5%); and in visual stimulation, face-to-face interaction (61.1%). Newborn clinical stability was identified as the main criterion for procedure application. Participants reported a lack of standardized criteria and attributed their knowledge mainly to complementary training. Conclusion: SMS procedures, especially tactile stimulation procedures, were frequently reported by physiotherapists working in neonatal units, although application criteria still vary. These findings may support future actions aimed at standardization and professional training.
Abstract Introduction: Early stimulation program given for preterm infants aims to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes by enabling them to achieve typical developmental mile stones. The mother serves as the cornerstone of the early stimulation program, dedicating significant time and effort to her child's development, which often leads to physical and mental stress. Objective: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of mothers who provide an early stimulation program to preterm infants. Methods: This crosssectional study included 30 mothers of preterm infants and 33 mothers of full-term infants. Educational levels, working status, parity and socioeconomic class were obtained from mothers. RAND-36 questionnaire was administered to mothers after sufficient instructions and responses were scored by principal investigator. Results: Unpaired t-test was used to determine differences between the RAND-36 domain scores of mothers of preterm and fullterm infants. Mothers of preterm infants demonstrated significantly lower scores than mothers of fullterm infants in physical functioning (68.83 ± 21.32 vs 80.6 ± 15.7), role limitation due to physical health (42.63 ± 38.78 vs 65.15 ± 33.03), energy/fatigue (50.66 ± 21.88 v s 61.81 ± 14.02), and emotional well-being (56.53 ± 19.19 vs 66.78 ± 15.18) at p < 0.05 and Cohen's d ≈ 0.60–0.63. Conclusion: QoL of mothers of premature infants was lower in selected domains of physical and mental health, compared to mothers of infants born at term. These findings suggest the importance of monitoring maternal well-being and developing support strategies for this population.
Abstract Introduction: Population aging is a global phenomenon that brings with it significant challenges for public health, among which dynapenia, defined as the reduction of muscle strength associated with age. Objective: To analyze the association between the combination of physical activity level and sedentary behavior in older adults with and without partial and total dynapenia. Methods: This is a crosssectional study, carried out with individuals aged ≥ 60 years of both sexes. The diagnosis of dynapenia was made through handgrip strength (partial dynapenia HGS) and the sit-to-stand test (partial dynapenia STS). Physical activity level and sedentary behavior were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: A total of 249 older adults participated in the study, of which 19.7% had prevalence of partial dynapenia HGS, 16.9% had partial dynapenia STS and 8% had total dynapenia. It was observed that 23.7% were insufficiently active and 20.8% presented high sedentary behavior. Total dynapenia was associated with the combination of low physical activity level with high sedentary behavior (OR = 5.92; 95% CI: 1.30-26.94; p = 0.022), indicating that older adults with this combination were approximately six times more likely to present total dynapenia. Regarding partial dynapenia, no significant associations were found between low physical activity level and high sedentary behavior (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of low physical activity level with high sedentary behavior was associated with total dynapenia, evidencing the importance of the interaction between these two behaviors for the simultaneous reduction of muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs.
Abstract Introduction: The assessment of functionality during the climacteric period is relevant, as physiological changes associated with clinical and psychosocial factors may compromise mobility and anticipate functional limitations before old age. Objective: To investigate the association between functional performance and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors in climacteric women assisted in Primary Health Care (PHC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 760 climacteric women registered in Family Health Strategy units in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Functional performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, with a cutoff of ≥12 seconds indicating impaired performance. Explanatory variables included sociodemographic, gynecological, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. Poisson regression with robust variance was applied. Results: The prevalence of impaired functional performance was 28.4%. Significant associations included overweight/obesity (PR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.08 – 1.89), history of falls (PR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.71), and negative selfrated health (fair: PR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.00 – 2.54; poor/very poor: PR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.09 – 2.85). Women with severe menopausal symptoms showed a lower prevalence of impaired performance (PR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.44 – 0.82). Conclusion: Functional impairment was frequent among climacteric women and was more prevalent in those with excess weight, history of falls, and negative health perception. The inverse association between severe menopausal symptoms and impaired functional performance highlights the need to investigate the role of health interventions in this context. The findings reinforce the importance of early monitoring of functionality in PHC as a preventive strategy.
Abstract Introduction: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, reduced cervical mobility, and decreased muscle strength, often leading to functional limitations. Chiropractic manipulation is widely used as a conservative treatment, yet the comparative effects of different techniques remain unclear. Objective: To compare the effects of the diversified and drop table chiropractic techniques on pain, cervical range of motion, and muscle strength in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 45 participants with non-specific neck pain, randomly assigned to three groups: diversified (DG; n = 15), drop table (DTG; n = 15), and control (CG; n = 15). Interventions were applied twice weekly for four weeks. The primary outcome measure was pain level assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were cervical joint range of motion assessed with a goniometer and isometric neck muscle strength assessed using a microFET2 dynamometer. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Both DG and DTG demonstrated significant increases in cervical range of motion compared with the CG. Pain levels significantly decreased in both intervention groups. DG showed significant improvements across all isometric muscle strength measures, while DTG demonstrated selective improvements in flexion and right lateral flexion. CG showed no significant changes, except a decrease in extensor strength. Conclusion: Chiropractic interventions effectively reduce pain and enhance cervical function in individuals with non-specific neck pain. The diversified technique provided broader muscle strength improvements, while the drop table technique showed more selective effects, emphasizing the need for individualized technique selection in clinical practice.
Abstract Introduction: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is an acute respiratory infection with high transmissibility and multiple complications, particularly pulmonary. Patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) are at increased risk of long-term respiratory sequelae. Objective: To investigate the presence of respiratory deficits in post-COVID-19 individuals, 36 months after hospital discharge, who underwent IMV. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between December 2023 and May 2024 with patients discharged from the intensive care unit between November 2020 and August 2021. Sociodemographic data, Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), and dyspnea using the Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, with paired Student's t-tests and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). Results: Of the 149 eligible patients, 31 comprised the final sample. The mean age was 54.27 ± 14.59 years, and the mean body mass index was 32.52 ± 4.88 kg/m2. A significant reduction in MIP was observed in the age groups 20–29 years (53% of predicted), 30–39 years (86%), and 50–59 years (72%). MEP was higher among older adults aged 70–79 years (119% of predicted). There was an association between inspiratory muscle weakness and the duration of neuromuscular blocker (NMB) use (p = 0.047), as well as a correlation between dyspnea and comorbidities (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The study identified a reduction in MIP among younger individuals, with an association between inspiratory muscle weakness and NMB duration, as well as between dyspnea and comorbidities. These findings highlight the importance of continuous respiratory rehabilitation and personalized clinical care.
Abstract Introduction: Stroke survivors commonly present with mobility limitations, reduced social participation, and impaired quality of life. Objective: To investigate whether the physical functioning (PF) and role physical (RP) domains of quality of life predict social participation in the chronic post-stroke phase. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 23 individuals in the chronic phase after stroke. Social participation was assessed using the Participation domain of the Stroke Impact Scale, and quality of life was measured with the Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The PF and RP domains were considered indirect indicators of mobility. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation and simple and multiple linear regression analyses (p < 0.05). Results Both domains were positively correlated with social participation (PF: rho = 0.652; RP: rho = 0.796; p < 0.001). In simple linear regression models, PF and RP explained 34% and 49% of the variance, respectively. In the multiple regression model, the combined variables explained 57% of the variance, with RP emerging as the strongest predictor. Conclusion The PF and RP domains of the SF-36 are significant predictors of social participation in the chronic post-stroke phase. Greater perceived physical functioning and lower impact of physical limitations on daily roles (higher RP score) are associated with higher levels of social participation.
Abstract Introduction: The increasing use of smartphones has raised concerns among health professionals, particularly regarding its effects on mental health and sedentary behavior. Objective: To investigate the association between cervical posture, average daily smartphone use, and weekly physical activity in young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13 participants (five men and eight women) with a mean age of 33.9 ± 2.6 years. Cervical posture was assessed by photogrammetry using the Brazilian-developed Postural Assessment Software to analyze horizontal (HHA) and vertical head alignment (VHA). Daily smartphone use time was obtained from device-generated reports, and weekly physical activity was self-reported. Associations between variables were examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant associations were found between smartphone use and HHA (rs = −0.058; p = 0.851) or VHA (rs = −0.215; p = 0.480). Weekly physical activity showed a moderate positive correlation with HHA (rs = 0.452; p = 0.121) and a negative correlation with VHA (rs = −0.338; p = 0.258), neither reaching statistical significance. Conclusion: Smartphone use and physical activity were not significantly associated with cervical posture alignment in this sample.
Abstract Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), particularly the acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) variant, presents with rapidly progressive motor weakness and often requires prolonged rehabilitation. Orthopaedic complications in such cases are rare but can increase management complexity. Objective: To report the post-surgical rehabilitation of a patient with GBS/AMAN complicated by a distal tibial fracture and to highlight the effectiveness of a structured, interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach. Methods: A 31-year-old male with AMAN/GBS, complicated by respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support, sustained a right distal tibial fracture during rehabilitation. The fracture was surgically managed via closed reduction and intramedullary nailing. A 12-week structured rehabilitation program was implemented, beginning with early respiratory exercises, pain management, and passive joint mobilization, followed by progressive weight-bearing, muscle strengthening, proprioceptive training, and functional gait practice. The final phase incorporated resistance exercises, dynamic balance, and task-specific functional activities. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Results: The patient achieved substantial functional improvement. Barthel Index increased from 16 to 90/100, FIM from 59 to 106/128, and BBS from 4 to 15/56. He regained independent ambulation with minimal assistance, improved postural control, and could perform most activities of daily living safely. The outcomes demonstrate that early mobilization and progressive, individualized rehabilitation can overcome both neurological and orthopaedic limitations. Conclusion: This case highlights that structured, multidisciplinary rehabilitation program can achieve meaningful functional recovery in GBS complicated by orthopaedic trauma, emphasizing early mobilization, strength restoration, and balance training.
Abstract Introduction: Although essential in the context of the Unified Health System (SUS – Sistema Único de Saúde), physiotherapy services go through challenges that can be faced through the assessment of supply and demand as a way to guide public policies, contributing to the organization and more effective practices. Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profile of physiotherapy service patients at a Rehabilitation Center in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study based on the analysis of medical records. The statistical analysis used the following tests: central tendency measures, frequency analysis, chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test. Results: A total of 300 medical records were analyzed. It was observed a majority of women (68%) and black individuals (61%) among the patients. The most common injuries were trauma-orthopedic (54.7%), rheumatological (34.3%), and neurofunctional (9%). Young men were more frequently associated with cardiorespiratory diseases, and seniors to neurological injuries. Sessions lasted an average of 28 minutes, with electrotherapy being the most common resource. Rheumatological diseases received more treatment with combined therapies. Women received less kinesiotherapy and more manual therapy. Black individuals received more combined therapies, and white individuals received more single resources. Conclusion: There was an inequality in treatment regarding sex and race in the sample analyzed. Furthermore, the results indicate that the approach, methods, as well as service techniques and timeframes, all need to be reconsidered, in order to be in line with SUS's biopsychosocial model, scientific guidelines, and principles.
Abstract Introduction: In Brazil, there are no well-established pathways for the identification and follow-up of children at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, which hinders early diagnosis and timely intervention. Objective: To outline the profile of newborns (NBs) referred at hospital discharge in a public hospital located in the interior of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from medical records through a structured questionnaire. All NBs admitted to the study hospital between October 2023 and March 2024 were included, except those transferred to another unit or who died during hospitalization. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), normality tests, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the chi-square test were applied. Results: A total of 253 NBs were included, of whom 79 (31.2%) were referred at hospital discharge. Among these, 60 were born at term and 63 were classified as appropriate for gestational age. Regarding risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, eight (10.1%) required positive pressure ventilation in the first minutes of life, and had Apgar scores of 1 and 4 at the 1st and 5th minutes, respectively. Among the variables analyzed, only neonatal jaundice was significantly associated with referrals (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Children with risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders were identified but not referred to specialists or rehabilitation services, highlighting the lack of standardized care pathways.
Abstract Introduction: The decrease in quality of life (QoL) in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is still debated, with differing opinions on its root causes. Objective: To investigate the factors contributing to this decline by applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 242 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus from the community of Sukoharjo. This study was divided into two groups: those with DPN and those without DPN, which were identified through the physical test of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Another variable was observed, including QoL, age, body mass index, gender, blood pressure, hypertension status, hemoglobin, visual function, fear of falling, duration, neuropathy pain, falls history, lower extremity muscle strength, cognition, depression, cardiovascular endurance, and balance. The statistical analysis used the comparison test and multiple linear regression. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis showed cognitive function was most significantly associated with QoL in DPN group (B = 0.296, SE = 0.136, p = 0.032), followed by visual function (B = −0.150, SE = 0.051, p = 0.004) and static balance (B = 0.140, SE = 0.061, p = 0.024). While in the non-DPN group, the falls history was interpreted as the strongest factor influencing QoL (B = −4.691, SE = 1.454, p = 0.002) and also associated with duration of diabetes mellitus (B = −0.915, SE = 0.302, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Based on the ICF framework, sensory deficits, especially in vision, may worsen functional limits and lower QoL in DPN. Targeted treatment of visual and balance issues could help improve outcomes.
Abstract Introduction: People with asthma may experience impairment in exercise capacity and activities of daily living (ADLs). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) assesses functional exercise capacity, and the Glittre Activities of Daily Living test (TGlittre-ADL) assesses performance in ADLs. Objective: To compare the physiological and symptomatic responses of the 6MWT and the TGlittre-ADL in adults with asthma. Methods: Adults with asthma were evaluated for pulmonary function, functional capacity, performance in ADLs, asthma control and severity, and quality of life. Symptomatic responses (Borg fatigue scale - BorgF and dyspnea scale - BorgD) and physiological responses were recorded at the beginning and end of the TGlittre-ADL and the 6MWT: systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), peak expiratory flow (PEF). Delta values (Δ = post–pre) were calculated and the Wilcoxon test was used for comparisons. Results: Fifty-eight adults were included (69% women, 44 ± 15 years, body mass index: 26 [22-30] kg/m2, forced expiratory volume in the first second: 80 ± 7% predicted, 6MWT: 559 ± 88 meters and TGlittre-ADL: 190 [174-232] seconds). There was a higher ΔSpO2 in the 6MWT (p = 0.013) and ΔHR in the TGlittre-ADL (p < 0.001), with no difference between the tests in ΔSBP, ΔDBP, ΔBorgD, ΔBorgF and ΔPEF. Conclusion: Although there were no differences in the sensation of dyspnea and fatigue, nor in the inotropic response, between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the TGlittre-ADL test showed a greater chronotropic response in the TGlittre-ADL test and greater variation in SpO2 in the 6MWT. Researchers and clinicians evaluating adults with asthma should consider that these two tests are not interchangeable.
Abstract Introduction: Preterm infants show greater susceptibility to positional cranial asymmetry, which was long considered an aesthetic issue but has recently been associated with delayed neurodevelopment. Objective: To assess the prevalence of positional cranial asymmetries and compare the neurological assessment of preterm infants with and without cranial asymmetry at discharge from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: This observational study evaluated neonates who were born from 28 to 36 weeks and six days of gestational age at their NICU discharge and at 40 weeks of corrected gestational age. Cranial symmetry was measured by a craniometer. The cranial and cranial vault asymmetry indices were used to classify deformities. Neurological assessment was performed by the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination. Results: Overall, 50 neonates were evaluated at hospital discharge, of whom 64% (n = 32) showed cranial asymmetry, with isolated dolichocephaly occurring the most prevalently (66%, n = 21). This study evaluated 21 neonates at term-equivalent age, 71% (n = 15) of whom showed cranial asymmetry, with only plagiocephaly and plagiocephaly with dolichocephaly occurring most often, (40%; n = 6). The groups with and without asymmetry failed to significantly differ in neurological assessment scores, 33 [IQR 31–34] vs. 33 [IQR 32–34] totals, respectively (p = 0.885). Conclusion: Preterm infants showed a high prevalence of positional cranial asymmetry at discharge. Neurological assessment found no significant differences in early neurodevelopment between infants with and without cranial asymmetry, suggesting that this deformity may fail to impact early neurological outcomes.
Abstract Introduction: Children with Trisomy 21 (T21) present motor challenges that influence object manipulation. Exploration of objects can promote advances in motor and sensory development. Objective: To identify, describe, and compare the frequency of manipulative actions of children with T21 and typically developing children aged 8 to 10 years, using cubes of different sizes (large and small) and sensory stimuli (illuminated, high contrast, and textured). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, quantitative, and comparative study of manipulative actions in 10 children with T21 (9.2 ± 0.91 years) and 10 typical children (9.2 ± 0.91 years). Results: Twenty-two manipulative actions were identified. Children with T21 most frequently manipulated the small, high-contrast cube, whereas typically developing children most frequently used the small, textured cube. Among children with T21, five actions were the most frequent: pushing the cube away (f = 127), shaking the cube (f = 307), shaking the cube back and forth (f = 211), rotating the cube (n = 322), and throwing the cube upward (f = 170). Typical children performed these actions more frequently (54.28%) and excelled in more complex manipulative behaviors. Conclusion: Children with T21 performed 20 types of manipulative actions and showed a preference for actions close to the body and with the small, high-contrast cube. Typical children performed 21 types of manipulative actions and showed greater frequency and complexity in actions involving small, textured cubes.
Abstract Introduction: To better understand the aspects that may influence the functional status and health of individuals with hip osteoarthritis (HO), a deeper understanding of the factors that may increase fear of movement and reduce function in these patients is necessary. Objective: To correlate physical function and kinesiophobia in patients with HO. Methods: This cross-sectional study included participants of both sexes, aged between 30 and 70 years, with a clinical diagnosis of HO. Patients performed the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) to assess physical function; the Numeric Pain Rating Scale to assess pain level; and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) to assess kinesiophobia. Results: Ninety-eight patients were included. When comparing sexes regarding physical function and kinesiophobia, no statistically significant differences were observed in the median values of the 6MWT and TUG; however, women presented poorer physical function outcomes and higher TSK scores. There was a correlation between TUG and TSK (r = 0.29, p = 0.02), but no significant correlation was found between 6MWT and TSK. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the level of kinesiophobia and the physical function of patients with HO. Women present higher pain levels and lower physical function compared to men. These findings suggest that fear of movement may reduce functional mobility in these individuals and should be assessed by clinicians, as it may represent a risk factor for functional decline.
Abstract Introduction Children with myelomeningocele (MMC) often experience limitations that affect their daily activities and family routines. Understanding parental priorities and applying effective interventions is essential to optimize functionality and promote the overall development of these children. Objective To characterize the functional goals of children with MMC, organize them according to the F-words framework, and evaluate the effects of the TREINI Program on the improvement in these functional goals. Methods A non-randomized pilot study was con-ducted involving 26 children (ages 2-14) with MMC. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to characterize functional goals and evaluate the benefits of the TREINI program. The protocol consisted of training functional goals in a naturalistic environment combined with the use of a flexible therapeutic suit, over three months, five times a week, for 3-4 hours per day. Descriptive statistics were used to provide the profile of priorities. Pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed using the paired t-test. Results A total of 130 goals were established by parents, among which activities of daily living (ADLs), such as functional mobility, dressing, and personal hygiene, were the most frequently set goals. More goals were associated with the terms “function” (45.8%) and “fitness” (37.5%). The TREINI program resulted in significant improvements in performance and satisfac-tion for most functional priorities (p < 0.05). Conclusion For parents of children with MMC, ADLs were identified as the main treatment priorities. The TREINI program re-sulted in significant improvements in the performance of functional goals and increased parental satisfaction.
Abstract Introduction Monitoring the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and its impact on different aspects is es-sential. Objective To assess functional capacity and as-sociated factors up to one year after hospital discharge in COVID-19 survivors. Methods This cross-sectional study included individuals aged 18 years or older, re-sidents of a medium city in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with a laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, who required hospitalization. Data collection was performed through home visits, face-to-face interviews, and physical tests, which assessed a set of sociodemographic, clinical, and health characteristics. The primary outcomes were func-tional status and muscle strength assessed by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale and the Medical Re-search Council Score. Analyses were performed using crude and adjusted logistic regression models. Results Of the 160 individuals, the majority were female (53.1%), white (71.9%), with a mean age of 64 years. Functional limitations were identified in 67.5% (95%CI 46.2 - 70.2) of the sample, with 50.9% (95%CI: 41.8 - 60.0) present-ing changes in muscle strength, 10% of which (95%CI 5.8 - 17.0) presented muscle weakness. An association was found between greater functional limitation and diagnosis of respiratory diseases (p = 0.002). Changes in muscle strength were associated with female gender (p = 0.009), diagnosis of sarcopenia (p = 0.036), smoking (p = 0.022) and need for orotracheal intubation (p = 0.009). Conclusion It was observed that, within one year after hospital discharge, individuals presented significant functional limitations, with more than half present-ing some type of muscle strength impairment and a portion showing signs of muscle weakness.
