Coativação e pico de torque dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho em indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos nas posições sentada e supina / Coactivación y pico de torque de los músculos extensores y flexores de rodilla en sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos en las posiciones sentada y supina / Coactivation and peak torque of extensors and flexors knee muscle in chronic hemiparetics in sitting and supine positions

RESUMO Distúrbios na coativação e diminuição de força muscular são frequentemente descritos em indivíduos hemiparéticos. Alterações do comprimento muscular decorrentes da mudança postural podem resultar em diferentes respostas de coativação e força desses indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência das posições sentada e supina no Índice de Coativação (ICa) e no pico de torque (PT) de indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVE. Participaram do estudo vinte indivíduos com média de 54±12,14 anos; Índice de Massa Corpórea médio de 26,93±3,34 kg/m²; tempo médio de AVE 55,85±49,4 meses; escore do miniexame do estado mental entre 27-30 e Fugl-Meyer do membro inferior entre 15-30. O registro eletromiográfico foi obtido enquanto os voluntários executavam cinco contrações isocinéticas (60º/s) de extensão e flexão do joelho, nas posições sentada e supina. O músculo semitendíneo do membro parético exibiu ICa menor na posição supina em comparação à sentada: 0,36±0,33; 0,44±0,33 (p=0,048). Não houve diferença no ICa do reto femoral entre as posições sentada (0,28±0,25) e supina (0,23±0,21). O PT dos músculos extensores e flexores do membro parético não variou entre as posições (PT extensor: sentado = 56,48±37,62Nm, supino = 52,29±32,37 Nm; PT flexor: sentado = 12±11,1Nm; supino = 10,95±6,4Nm). A posição supina mostrou menor ICa no músculo semitendíneo do membro parético. A mudança de posição não influenciou o ICa do músculo reto femoral nem o PT de ambos os grupos musculares do membro parético. Assim, a posição supina parece ser indicada durante mobilizações e treinamento de força desses músculos em pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVE.

RESUMEN Los trastornos en la coactivación y disminución de la fuerza muscular están frecuentemente descriptos en sujetos hemiparéticos. Las alteraciones del tamaño muscular debido al cambio postural a los sujetos les pueden resultar diferentes respuestas de coactivación y de fuerza. En este estudio se pretende evaluar la influencia de las posiciones sentada y supina en el Índice de Coactivación (ICa) y en el pico de torque (PT) de sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos pos-ACV. Veinte personas han participado del estudio con promedio de 54±12,14 años; Índice de Masa Corporal promedio de 26,93±3,34kg/m²; promedio de tiempo del ACV de 55,85±49,4 meses; puntuación del Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo entre 27-30 y Fugl-Meyer del miembro inferior entre 15-30. Se obtuvo el registro electomiográfico mientras los participantes ejercían cinco contracciones isocinéticas (60º/s) de extensión y de flexión de la rodilla, en las posiciones sentada y supina. El músculo semitendinoso del miembro parético presentó ICa menor en la posición supina que en la sentada: 0,36±0,33; 0,44±0,33 (p=0,048). No hubo diferencias en el ICa del recto femoral entre las posiciones sentada (0,28±0,25) y supina (0,23±0,21). El PT de los músculos extensores y flexores del miembro parético no presentó variación entre las posiciones (PT extensor: sentada = 56,48±37,62Nm, supina = 52,29±32,37Nm; PT flexor: sentada = 12±11,1Nm; supina = 10,95±6,4Nm). La posición supina mostró menor ICa en el músculo semitendinoso del miembro parético. El cambio de posición no influyó el ICa del músculo recto femoral tampoco el PT de ambos grupos musculares del miembro parético. De esta manera, la posición supina parece ser la indicada durante movilizaciones y entrenamientos de fuerza de dichos músculos de sujetos hemiparéticos crónicos pos-ACV.

ABSTRACT Disorders in co-activation and decreased muscle strength are often described in hemiparetic subjects. Changes in muscle length resulting from postural change may result in different responses of co-activation and strength of these individuals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of sitting and supine positions in Co-activation Index (CI) and peak torque (PT) of chronic hemiparetic subjects after stroke. The participants were twenty individuals with mean age of 54±12.14 years; mean body mass index of 26.93±3.34 kg/m²; average stroke time of 55.85±49.4 months; Mini-Mental State Examination score between 27-30; and Fugl-Meyer of lower limb between 15-30. The electromyographic record was obtained while the volunteers performed five isokinetic contractions (60º/s) of knee extension and flexion in the sitting and supine positions. The semitendinosus muscle of paretic limb exhibited lower CI in the supine position compared to sitting: 0.36±0.33; 0.44±0.33 (p=0.048). There was no difference in CI of the rectus femoris between positions: 0.28±0.25 sitting and 0.23±0.21 supine. The PT of extensor and flexor muscles of the paretic limb did not vary between positions (PT extensor: sitting = 56.48±37.62 Nm, supine = 52.29±32.37 Nm; PT flexor: sitting = 12±11.1 Nm, supine = 10.95±6.4 Nm). The supine position showed lower CI in the semitendinosus muscle of paretic limb. The change of position did not influence the CI of rectus femoris muscle neither the PT of both muscle groups of the paretic limb. Thus, the supine position appears to be indicated during movement and strength training of these muscles in chronic hemiparetic patients after stroke.

[Fear of falling and the relationship with the measure of functional independence and quality of life in post-Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke) victims]. / Medo de cair e sua relação com a medida da independência funcional e a qualidade de vida em indivíduos após Acidente Vascular Encefálico.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the fear of falling of 52 chronic post-stroke individuals and to assess its relationship with measures of functional independence and quality of life (QOL). Fear of falling was assessed by the Brazilian version of Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I-BRAZIL) and functional independence by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and QOL by the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL) scale. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to verify the associations between FES-I-BRAZIL and the other instruments, and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare groups with low and high fall concerns. There was a predominance of individuals with high concerns regarding falling, higher QOL, and independence. FES-I-BRAZIL was statistically associated with FIM and SSQOL. Significant relationships were also found between FES-I-Brazil with FIM transfer and locomotion sub-scales, as well as with the following SSQOL energy, family role, language, mobility, mood, self-care, and upper extremity function domains. Thus, fear of falling may contribute to reduced functional independence and QOL in post-stroke individuals and should be included in the evaluation process of these patients to ensure greater benefits during rehabilitation.

Medo de cair e sua relação com a medida da independência funcional e a qualidade de vida em indivíduos após Acidente Vascular Encefálico / Fear of falling and the relationship with the measure of functional independence and quality of life in post-Cerebral Vascular Accident (Stroke) victims

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi avaliar o medo de cair em 52 indivíduos na fase crônica após Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) e verificar sua relação com medidas de independência funcional e de qualidade de vida (QV). O medo de cair foi verificado através da versão brasileira da Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I-BRASIL), independência funcional através da Medida da Independência Funcional (MIF) e QV através da Escala de QV Específica para AVE (EQVE-AVE). Coeficientes de correlação de Spearman foram calculados para verificar associações entre a FES-I-BRASIL e os demais instrumentos, e o teste U de Mann-Whitney para comparar grupos com baixa e alta preocupação em cair. Houve predomínio de indivíduos com alta preocupação em cair, maior QV e independentes. A FES-I-BRASIL foi estatisticamente associada à MIF e à EQVE-AVE, sendo o mesmo observado nas subescalas transferências e locomoção da MIF e nos domínios energia, papéis familiares, linguagem, mobilidade, humor, autocuidado e função do membro superior da EQVE-AVE. Assim, o medo de cair pode contribuir para a redução da independência funcional e da QV de indivíduos pós-AVE, devendo ser inserido na avaliação desses pacientes, para que maiores benefícios possam ser garantidos na reabilitação.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the fear of falling of 52 chronic post-stroke individuals and to assess its relationship with measures of functional independence and quality of life (QOL). Fear of falling was assessed by the Brazilian version of Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I-BRAZIL) and functional independence by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and QOL by the Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL) scale. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to verify the associations between FES-I-BRAZIL and the other instruments, and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare groups with low and high fall concerns. There was a predominance of individuals with high concerns regarding falling, higher QOL, and independents. FES-I-BRAZIL was statistically associated with FIM and SSQOL. Significant relationships were also found between FES-I-Brazil with FIM transfer and locomotion sub-scales, as well as with the following SSQOL energy, family role, language, mobility, mood, self-care, and upper extremity function domains. Thus, fear of falling may contribute to reduced functional independence and QOL in post-stroke individuals and should be included in the evaluation process of these patients to ensure greater benefits during rehabilitation.

Analise da exposição de trabalhadores rurais a agrotoxicos / Analysis of rural workers’ exposure to pesticides / Analisis de la exposición de trabajadores rurales a agrotoxico

Analisar o uso e manuseio de agrotóxicos por trabalhadores rurais de dez comunidades do município de Vitória de Santo Antão-PE. Métodos:Estudo observacional seccional descritivo realizado no período de janeiro a julho de 2010 por meio da aplicação de questionário estruturado a uma amostra de conveniência cujo tamanho foi estimado com umnível de significância (α) de 5%, a fim de levantar variáveis relativas a dados pessoais, uso e manuseio de agrotóxicos. Resultados: Dos 230trabalhadores rurais da região estudada, a maioria eram mulheres (n=157; 69,2%) que cursaram até o ensino fundamental incompleto(n=130; 57%). Foi observado que 141 (61,3%) trabalhadores entrevistados utilizavam agrotóxicos e apenas 3 (0,9%) aplicavam o produto com orientação de técnicos especialistas.Dos entrevistados, 97 (28,3%) desconhecem o período de carência, 67 (19,5%) a lei de reciclagem, 95 (27,7%) não usam equipamentos de proteção individual, 80 (23,3%) utilizam-se dos rios para lavagem dos equipamentos e 108 (31,5%) reutilizam as sobras das caldas.Conclusões: Ficam evidentes as exposições nocivas dos trabalhadores rurais que utilizam o produto e a permanente contaminação ambiental. Tais dados refletem um modelo agrícolaque busca a produtividade e rendimento financeiro, sem a atenção adequada à promoção à saúde e à qualidade ambiental...

To analyze the use and handling of pesticides by workers from ten rural communities in the city of Vitória de Santo Antão-PE. Methods:Observational cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted from January to July 2010, through the application of a structured questionnaire to a sample of convenience. Sample size was estimated with a level of significance (α) of 5% in order to access variables on personal data, use and handling of pesticides. Results:Of 230 farm workers in the studied region, most were women (n=157; 69.2%) with incomplete elementary school level (n=130; 57%). It was observed that 141 (61.3%) respondent workers reported to use pesticides and only 3 (0.9%) applied the product under technical guidance of experts. Of the interviewees, 97 (28.3%) were unaware of the grace period, 67 (19.5%) unaware of recycling law, 95 (27.7%) did not use personalprotective equipment, 80 (23.3%) used the rivers for washing the equipment and 108 (31.5%) reused the remains of liquid preparations. Conclusions:The harmful exposure of ruralworkers who used pesticides and the permanent environment contamination are evidenced. Such data reflects an agricultural model that seeks productivity and financial profits withoutproper compliance to health promotion and quality of the environment...

Analizar el uso y manoseo de agrotoxicos en trabajadores rurales de diez comunidades del municipio de Vitoria del Santo, Antão-PE. Métodos:Estudio observacional seccional descriptivo realizado en el periodo de enero a julio de 2010 a través de laaplicación de un cuestionario estructurado a una muestra de conveniencia cuyo tamaño fue estimado con un nivel de significancia (α) del 5%, para levantar variables relativasa los datos personales, el uso y manoseo de agrotoxicos. Resultados:La mayoría de los 230 trabajadores rurales de la región investigada eran mujeres (n=157; 69,2%) que estudiaron hasta la educación primariaincompleta (n=130; 57%). Fue observado que 141 (61,3%) trabajadores entrevistados utilizaban agrotoxicos y apenas 3 (0,9%) aplicaban el producto bajo la orientación de técnicos especialistas. De los entrevistados, 97 (28,3%) no conocen el periodo de carencia, 67 (19,5%) la ley de reciclaje, 95 (27,7%) no usan los equipos de protección individual, 80 (23,3%) utilizan los ríos para lavar los equipos y 108 (31,5%) reutilizan los restos delas caldas. Conclusión:Son evidentes las exposiciones nocivas de los trabajadores rurales que utilizan el producto y la permanentecontaminación ambiental. Esos datos reflejan un modelo agrícola que busca la productividad y el rendimiento financiero sin la atención adecuada a la promoción de la salud y la calidad ambiental...

Qualidade de vida de trabalhadores rurais e agrotóxicos: um estudo com o whoqol-bref / Quality of life of rural workers and pesticides: a study with the whoqol-bref

Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade de vida de trabalhadores ruraisde dez comunidades assistidas pelo Instituto Agronômico dePernambuco (IPA) no município de Vitória de Santo Antão.Material e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal, pormeio de aplicação do questionário whoqol-bref a uma amostrade conveniência estimada com nível de confiança de 95% eerro máximo igual a 5%, totalizando 343 indivíduos.Resultados: A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos; um detrabalhadores que referiu não aplicar agrotóxicos (G1) e ooutro referiu aplicar (G2). Os maiores escores foram obtidosnos domínios psicológico e social pelo grupo G1 (70,9; 74,7)assim como pelo grupo G2 (67,0; 70,7). Houve diferençassignificativas entre os dois grupos nos domínios físico,psicológico e social, com p-valores menores do que 0,05. Osmaiores escores em todos os domínios foram obtidos pelogrupo que referiu não utilizar agrotóxicos (G1). Conclusões:O uso e manuseio de agrotóxicos interferiram nas variáveisanalisadas no que diz respeito à saúde física, psicológica eas relações sociais da amostra estudada. As condiçõesambientais nas quais está inserida a amostra se refletem da mesma forma para os dois grupos.

Objective: To analyze the quality of life of rural workersfrom ten communities assisted by the Agronomic Institute ofPernambuco (IPA) in Vitória de Santo Antão. Material andMethods: This was a cross-sectional study applying theWHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to a convenience sampleestimated with a confidence level of 95% and a maximumerror equal to 5%, totaling 343 individuals. Results: The samplewas divided into two groups, one of workers who reportednot using pesticides (G1) and another group of those whoreported using it (G2). The highest scores were obtained inthe psychological and social domains by G1 (70.9, 74.7) aswell as by G2 (67.0, 70.7). There were significant differencesbetween both groups regarding the physical, psychologicaland social domains, with p-values lower than 0.05. Thehighest scores in all areas were obtained by the group thatreported not using pesticides (G1). Conclusions: The useand handling of pesticides affected the variables with respectto physical, psychological and social aspects of the sample.The environmental conditions in which the sample wasinserted were found to be the same for both groups.

[Identification of ICF participation categories in quality-of-life instruments utilized in cerebrovascular accident victims]. / Identificação das categorias de participação da CIF em instrumentos de qualidade de vida utilizados em indivíduos acometidos pelo acidente vascular encefálico.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the categories of the participation component of the International Classification of Functionality, Incapacity, and Health (ICF) which are currently related to Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) instruments commonly used in cerebrovascular accident (CVA) victims-Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL)-and suggest the utilization of these instruments to assess and/or characterize that component in that population. METHODS: Through searches in the Medline, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, a compilation of studies which associated the concepts measured by the NHP, SF-36, and SS-QOL items with the ICF components and categories, was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 24 identified studies, four met the established criteria: two assessed the three HRQOL instruments, one assessed the NHP and SF-36, and the other just the SS-QOL. For each instrument, three studies were found which associated their concepts up to, at least, the second hierarchical level of the ICF categories. Considering the results that were in agreement between the three studies that assessed the same instrument, nine participation categories were associated with the NHP, seven with the SF-36, and 15 with the SS-QOL, although just one was specific to the NHP, one to the SF-36, and seven to the SS-QOL. CONCLUSIONS: To assess the participation of CVA victims based upon the ICF framework, the SS-QOL appeared to be the most suitable instrument in that, in addition to assessing the greatest number of categories, it also assesses the greatest number of distinct categories, when compared to the other two HRQOL instruments, which added just one category to those measured by SS-QOL.

Independência funcional de indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos e sua relação com a fisioterapia / Functional independence of individuals with chronic hemiparesis and its relation to physiotherapy

Introdução: O Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) constitui uma das principais causas de internações e mortalidade, causando, em cerca de 90% dos sobreviventes, algum tipo de deficiência, seja ela parcial ou total. Os comprometimentos funcionais variam de um indivíduo para o outro e o desempenho das habilidades de atividades de vida diária (AVD) são fortemente prejudicados. Objetivos: Avaliar a independência funcional de indivíduos na fase crônica após AVE e verificar a sua relação com a realização de tratamento fisioterapêutico. Materiais e métodos: A amostra constou de 69 hemiparéticos crônicos com média de idade de 64-65 anos. Para avaliar a funcionalidade, utilizou-se a Medida de Independência Funcional(MIF) e foram determinados os efeitos “chão” e “teto”. A análise estatística incluiu o teste de normalidadede Kolmogorov-Smirnov, média e desvio-padrão, e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Segundo o domínio motor da MIF, o item “controle de esfíncteres (fezes)” apresentou o maior número de indivíduos realizando de forma totalmente independente (88,4%) e o item “subir e descer escadas” foi o que obteve menor escore. Todos os itens do domínio cognitivo obtiveram médias superiores a 6,4 pontos. Foi encontrado elevado efeito teto para ambos os domínios, motor e cognitivo. Apenas a dimensão transferências diferiu significativamente entre os que faziam e os que não faziam fisioterapia (p = 0,01). Conclusão: De modo geral, não houve relação entre a independência funcional e a realização da fisioterapia. Entretanto,o elevado efeito teto pode ter interferido nos resultados, sugerindo limitação da MIF em discriminar osindivíduos avaliados

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality, causing some type of disability in approximately 90% of survivors, whether partial or total. The functional impairment varies from one individual to the other and the performance skills of activities of daily living (ADLs) are strongly affected. OBJECTIVES: To assess the functional independence of individuals in the chronic phase after stroke and to determine its relation with the treatment by physiotherapy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 69 chronic hemiparetic individuals with a mean age of 64-65 years old. In order to evaluate the functionality, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was used and the floor and ceiling effects were determined. Statistical analysis included the normality test of Kolmogorov-Smirnov, mean and standard deviation and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: According to the FIM motor domain, the item "sphincter control (feces)" had the highest number of individuals performing totally independently (88.4%) and the item "going up and down the stairs" showed the lowest scores. All items in the cognitive domain had means higher than 6.4 points. Ceiling effect for both motor and cognitive areas was found. Only the transfer dimension differed significantly between those who did and those who did not do physical therapy (p = 0.01).CONCLUSION: Overall, there was no relation between functional independence and physical therapy. However, the ceiling effect may have influenced the results, suggesting MIF restriction in discriminating the evaluated individuals.

[Reliability of the Nottingham Health Profile after suffering a stroke]. / Confiabilidade do Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham após acidente vascular encefálico.

This article seeks to evaluate the reliability, internal consistency and accuracy of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), namely a quality of life (QL) instrument for individuals after suffering a stroke. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the communities of Recife in the State of Pernambuco. The sample was composed of 53 individuals at the chronic stroke phase. After checking the cognitive state, the NHP was applied. Descriptive statistics were employed for characterization of the sample; Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients were used for evaluation of internal consistency, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for investigation of reliability, as well as consistency of the Bland and Altman plotting tests with 5% level of significance. Their perceptions of their own health were 83.3% positive for the majority of NHP criteria (average scores > 50 points), except for the "physical ability" criterion where scores ranged between 41.5 and 50 points. The NHP had good internal consistency with α values between 0.81 to 0.87; excellent reliability indices for the "pain" and "physical ability" criteria (ICC > 0.90); and 95% consistency. Besides being simple and easily applied, NHP had adequate clinimetric properties for the assessment of individuals after a chronic stroke.

Qualidade de vida de trabalhadores rurais e agrotóxicos: uma revisão sistemática / Rural workers' quality of life of and agrotoxics: a systematic review

OBJETIVO: Analisar a produção científica sobre qualidade de vida de trabalhadores rurais pelo método da revisão sistemática. MÉTODOS: A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, SCIELO BRASIL, MEDLINE, OLD MEDLINE E PUBMED, nas quais foram selecionados documentos publicados durante o período de 1966 a 2011. RESULTADOS: Das 466 produções selecionadas, três cumpriram os critérios necessários para permanecer na revisão sistemática. Todos os estudos que compuseram a amostra utilizaram instrumentos específicos para avaliar qualidade de vida. Duas das três produções estavam inseridas na categoria Saúde do adulto, relacionando a qualidade de vida com distúrbios musculoesqueléticos e saúde mental em trabalhadores rurais. CONCLUSÃO: A produção científica referente a esta temática e indexada nas referidas bases de dados foi pouco expressiva uma vez que grande parte envolve apenas aspectos objetivos e passíveis de medição, não destacando, entretanto, questões de natureza subjetiva relacionadas com qualidade de vida. Sugere-se que estudos que avaliem saúde do trabalhador rural sejam analisados na sua totalidade para melhor compreensão desses dados e melhor direcionamento das ações de saúde para este grupo

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific literature on rural workers' quality of life by the method of systematic review. METHODS: A search was conducted in the databases LILACS, SCIELO BRAZIL, MEDLINE, OLD MEDLINE and PubMed, in which were selected documents published between 1966 and 2011. RESULTS: Of the 466 studies selected, three met the criteria required to be included in the systematic review. All studies composing the sample have used specific instruments to assess quality of life. Two out of the three articles were labeled in the category Adult health, quality of life related to musculoskeletal disorders and mental health in rural workers. CONCLUSION: The scientific literature on this topic, indexed in those databases, was not significant since a large part of studies only involved objective aspects, capable of being measured, not highlighting, however, subjective nature issues related to quality of life. It is suggested that studies assessing rural workers' health be entirely analyzed for better understanding of these data and better guiding of health actions for that group

Confiabilidade do Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham após acidente vascular encefálico / Reliability of the Nottingham Health Profile after suffering a stroke

This article seeks to evaluate the reliability, internal consistency and accuracy of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), namely a quality of life (QL) instrument for individuals after suffering a stroke. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the communities of Recife in the State of Pernambuco. The sample was composed of 53 individuals at the chronic stroke phase. After checking the cognitive state, the NHP was applied. Descriptive statistics were employed for characterization of the sample; Cronbach's alpha (α) coefficients were used for evaluation of internal consistency, and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for investigation of reliability, as well as consistency of the Bland and Altman plotting tests with 5% level of significance. Their perceptions of their own health were 83.3% positive for the majority of NHP criteria (average scores > 50 points), except for the "physical ability" criterion where scores ranged between 41.5 and 50 points. The NHP had good internal consistency with α values between 0.81 to 0.87; excellent reliability indices for the "pain" and "physical ability" criteria (ICC > 0.90); and 95% consistency. Besides being simple and easily applied, NHP had adequate clinimetric properties for the assessment of individuals after a chronic stroke.

O artigo tem o objetivo de avaliar a confiabilidade, a consistência interna e a concordância do instrumento de qualidade de vida (QV) Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham (PSN) em indivíduos após Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). Estudo do tipo transversal realizado em comunidades da Cidade do Recife-PE. A amostra foi composta por 53 indivíduos na fase crônica do AVE. Após verificação do estado cognitivo foi aplicado o PSN. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva para caracterizar a amostra; a consistência interna foi medida através do alfa (α) de Cronbach; a confiabilidade com o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e a concordância pelo teste de plotagem Bland and Altman, com nível de significância de 5%. A percepção dos indivíduos sobre suas saúdes teve uma tendência positiva em 83,3% dos domínios do PSN (média > 50 pontos), exceto para o domínio "habilidades físicas" que variou entre 41,5 e 50 pontos. O instrumento obteve boa consistência interna, com α entre 0,81 e 0,87; excelente confiabilidade nos domínios "dor" e "habilidades físicas", ICC >0,90 (p <0,01); e concordância em 95% das ocasiões. O PSN, além de ser um instrumento simples e de fácil aplicação, apresentou propriedades clinimétricas adequadas para avaliar a QV de indivíduos pós-AVE na fase crônica.

Reproducibility of the pressure biofeedback unit in measuring transversus abdominis muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

The Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) is often used by clinicians and researchers to indirectly evaluate transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter and intra-examiner reproducibility of the PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in fifty patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. This study was performed using a test-retest design with a seven day interval. An Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC(2,1)) of 0.74 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.85) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.86) was observed for the intra and inter-examiner reproducibility, respectively. The intra-examiner agreement (Limits of Agreement - LOA = 2.1 to -1.8 mmHg) and the inter-examiner agreement (LOA = 2.0 to -1.9 mmHg) were within the limits of agreement on 95% of occasions. The reproducibility of PBU in measuring TrA muscle activity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain ranged from satisfactory to excellent.

Identificação das categorias de participação da CIF em instrumentos de qualidade de vida utilizados em indivíduos acometidos pelo acidente vascular encefálico: [revisão] / Identification of ICF participation categories in quality-of-life instruments utilized in cerebrovascular accident victims: [review]

Objective. To identify the categories of the participation component of the International Classification of Functionality, Incapacity, and Health (ICF) which are currently related to Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) instruments commonly used incerebrovascular accident (CVA) victims—Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL)—and suggest the utilization of these instruments to assess and/or characterize that component in thatpopulation. Methods. Through searches in the Medline, SciELO, and Lilacs databases, a compilation of studies which associated the concepts measured by the NHP, SF-36, andSS-QOL items with the ICF components and categories, was carried out.Results. Of the 24 identified studies, four met the established criteria: two assessed the three HRQOL instruments, one assessed the NHP and SF-36, and the other just the SS-QOL. For each instrument, three studies were found which associated their concepts up to, at least, the second hierarchical level of the ICF categories. Considering the results that were in agreement between the three studies that assessed the sameinstrument, nine participation categories were associated with the NHP, seven with the SF-36, and 15 with the SS-QOL, although just one was specific to the NHP, one to the SF-36, and seven to the SS-QOL. Conclusions. To assess the participation of CVA victims based upon the ICF framework, the SS-QOL appeared to be the most suitable instrument in that, in addition to assessing the greatest number of categories, it also assesses the greatest number of distinct categories, when compared to the other two HRQOL instruments, which added just one category to those measured by SS-QOL.

Objetivo. Identificar categorias do componente de participação da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) que já foram sistematicamente relacionadas aos instrumentos de Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde (QVRS) comumente utilizados em indivíduos acometidos pelo acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) — Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) e Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) — e sugerir a utilização dos mesmos para avaliar e/ou caracterizar tal componentenessa população. Métodos. Por meio de busca nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO e Lilacs, foi realizadolevantamento dos estudos que associavam os conceitos mensurados pelos itens do NHP, SF-36 e SS-QOL com os componentes e categorias da CIF. Resultados. Dos 24 estudos identificados, quatro atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos: dois avaliaram os três instrumentos de QVRS, um avaliou o NHP e SF-36, e outro apenas oSS-QOL. Para cada instrumento, foram encontrados três estudos que associaram seus conceitos até, no mínimo, o segundo nível de hierarquia das categorias da CIF. Considerandoos resultados concordantes entre os três estudos que avaliaram o mesmo instrumento, nove categorias de participação foram associadas ao NHP, sete ao SF-36 e 15 ao SS-QOL, sendo que apenas uma foi específica para o NHP, uma para o SF-36, e sete para o SS-QOL. Conclusões. Para a avaliação da participação de indivíduos acometidos pelo AVE segundo a estrutura da CIF, o SS-QOL pareceu ser o instrumento mais adequado, pois, além de avaliar o maior número de categorias, também avalia o maior número de categorias distintas quandocomparado aos outros dois instrumentos de QVRS, que acrescentam apenas uma categoria àquelas mensuradas pelo SS-QOL.

[Perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices]. / Percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares na marcha.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices (AWD). METHODS: Twenty-three individuals who met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360 stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58.4 years, mean time since stroke was 80.8 months, and mean time using AWD was 67.6 months. To assess the participants' perception, was used a standardized questionnaire covering the impact of AWDs on five aspects: weight-bearing on the paretic limb; ability to move the paretic limb; confidence; safety; and walking style. Possible answers were "improved," "unchanged," or "decreased." RESULTS: Fourteen individuals used canes and nine used elbow crutches; 21 (91.3%) used AWDs on public roads and only two (8.7%) used AWDs at home. The perception regarding the use of AWDs were positive in the first four questions (6.87 < χ2 < 29.83; 0.0001 < P < 0.03), with reports of improvement in weight-bearing (82.6%), ability to move the paretic limb (39.1%), confidence (82.6%), and safety (86.9%). No significant differences were found in terms of walking style (χ2 = 1.09; P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of chronic hemiplegic subjects regarding the use of AWD were positive, suggesting that these devices can improve mobility and independence in activities of daily living.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Motor Activity Log]. / Adaptação transcultural e análise das propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do instrumento Motor Activity Log.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the Motor Activity Log (MAL), an instrument specifically designed to assess function of the more severely affected upper limb in hemiplegics. METHODS: The MAL was translated and adapted according to standardized procedures and submitted to test-retest reliability assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Other psychometric properties were investigated using Rasch analysis in 77 chronic hemiplegics (41 men, mean age = 57.5 ± 12.4 years). RESULTS: An excellent ICC (0.98) was obtained for the total scores of both the quantity and quality MAL scales. When assessing degree of difficulty, "using a key to unlock the door" was the most difficult item on the quantity scale, whereas "washing hands" was the easiest one. On the quality scale, the most difficult item was "using the TV remote control," and the easiest one was "drying hands." The analyses showed that the set of items as a whole fit into the model; however, the individual analyses indicated that four items did not meet the expectations of the model in both the quantity (items 21, 16, 14, and 13) and quality (items 9, 21, 23, and 22) scales. Irregular response patterns were observed, and five subjects obtained the minimum score. There was disagreement between item difficulty and sample ability, suggesting that the abilities of individuals were below the degree of difficulty of the assessed items. A significant correlation was observed between grip strength of the more severely affected upper limb and motor skill measurement among individuals on the quantity (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) and quality scales (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001), and also between the two scales when measuring the individuals' motor skills (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MAL-Brazil is potentially useful to evaluate the more severely affected upper limb in Brazilian patients with chronic hemiplegia. However, the instrument has limitations for use with individuals with severe limb impairments. Also, construct validity was affected by the presence of irregular score patterns. MAL-Brazil should be applied to additional samples to further investigate its validity.

Percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares na marcha / Perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares (DA) na marcha. MÉTODOS: A partir de um banco de dados de 360 hemiplégicos, foram recrutados 23 indivíduos que utilizavam DA e preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. A média de idade foi de 58,4 anos, tempo pós-acidente vascular encefálico de 80,8 meses e tempo de uso do DA de 67,6 meses. Para avaliar a percepção dos participantes, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado, composto por cinco questões: impacto do DA na habilidade para descarregar peso no membro parético; impacto na habilidade para movimentar o membro parético; impacto na confiança; impacto na segurança; e impacto no jeito de caminhar. As respostas possíveis eram "melhorou", "não alterou" ou "piorou". RESULTADOS: Quatorze indivíduos utilizavam bengalas e nove utilizavam muletas canadenses; 21 (91,3 por cento) utilizavam DA somente em vias públicas e dois (8,7 por cento) utilizavam DA também em ambiente domiciliar. A percepção em relação ao uso do DA foi positiva nas quatro primeiras questões (6,87 < χ2< 29,83; 0,0001 < P < 0,03), com relatos de melhora na descarga de peso (82,6 por cento), na habilidade de movimentar o membro parético (39,1 por cento), na confiança para caminhar (82,6 por cento) e na segurança (86,9 por cento). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para o item jeito de caminhar (χ2= 1,09; P = 0,30). CONCLUSÕES: A percepção dos indivíduos hemiplégicos crônicos foi positiva em relação ao uso de DA para deambulação, sugerindo que esses dispositivos podem melhorar a mobilidade e a independência durante as atividades de vida diária.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices (AWD). METHODS: Twenty-three individuals who met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360 stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58.4 years, mean time since stroke was 80.8 months, and mean time using AWD was 67.6 months. To assess the participants' perception, was used a standardized questionnaire covering the impact of AWDs on five aspects: weight-bearing on the paretic limb; ability to move the paretic limb; confidence; safety; and walking style. Possible answers were "improved," "unchanged," or "decreased." RESULTS: Fourteen individuals used canes and nine used elbow crutches; 21 (91.3 percent) used AWDs on public roads and only two (8.7 percent) used AWDs at home. The perception regarding the use of AWDs were positive in the first four questions (6.87 < χ2 < 29.83; 0.0001 < P < 0.03), with reports of improvement in weight-bearing (82.6 percent), ability to move the paretic limb (39.1 percent), confidence (82.6 percent), and safety (86.9 percent). No significant differences were found in terms of walking style (χ2 = 1.09; P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of chronic hemiplegic subjects regarding the use of AWD were positive, suggesting that these devices can improve mobility and independence in activities of daily living.

Adaptação transcultural e análise das propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do instrumento Motor Activity Log / Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Motor Activity Log

OBJETIVO: Traduzir para o português brasileiro e adaptar transculturalmente o Motor Activity Log (MAL), instrumento específico que avalia a função do membro superior mais afetado (MSMA) em hemiplégicos. MÉTODOS: O MAL foi traduzido e adaptado seguindo instruções padronizadas e submetido a exame de confiabilidade teste-reteste (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, CCI). As demais propriedades psicométricas foram investigadas pela análise de Rasch em 77 hemiplégicos crônicos (41 homens, média de idade = 57,5 ± 12,4 anos). RESULTADOS: Tanto a escala de quantidade como a escala de qualidade do MAL obtiveram excelente CCI (0,98) para as pontuações totais. Quanto ao grau de dificuldade, "usar a chave para destrancar a porta" foi o item mais difícil na escala quantitativa, sendo "lavar as mãos" o item mais fácil. Na escala qualitativa, o mais difícil foi "utilizar o controle remoto da TV", e o mais fácil, "secar as mãos". A análise mostrou que o conjunto dos itens enquadrou-se no modelo; entretanto, quatro itens não se encaixaram nas expectativas do modelo nas escalas quantitativa (itens 21, 16, 14 e 13) e qualitativa (itens 9, 21, 23 e 22). Foram localizadas pessoas com padrão errático de respostas, e cinco indivíduos tiveram pontuação mínima. Constatou-se discrepância entre dificuldade dos itens e habilidade da amostra, indicando que as habilidades dos indivíduos estavam abaixo da dificuldade dos itens. Houve correlação significativa entre a força de preensão do MSMA e as medidas de habilidade dos indivíduos na escala quantitativa (r = 0,51; P & lt; 0,0001) e qualitativa (r = 0,57; P < 0,0001), e ainda entre as duas escalas nas medidas de habilidades dos indivíduos (r = 0,97; P < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: O MAL-Brasil apresenta potencial para avaliação do uso do MSMA de hemiplégicos crônicos brasileiros. Entretanto, apresenta limitação para uso em indivíduos com comprometimento severo do MSMA. Ainda, a validade de construto foi comprometida pela presença de itens erráticos. O MAL-Brasil deve ser aplicado em outras amostras para que sua validade seja mais amplamente investigada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the Motor Activity Log (MAL), an instrument specifically designed to assess function of the more severely affected upper limb in hemiplegics. METHODS: The MAL was translated and adapted according to standardized procedures and submitted to test-retest reliability assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Other psychometric properties were investigated using Rasch analysis in 77 chronic hemiplegics (41 men, mean age = 57.5 ± 12.4 years). RESULTS: An excellent ICC (0.98) was obtained for the total scores of both the quantity and quality MAL scales. When assessing degree of difficulty, "using a key to unlock the door" was the most difficult item on the quantity scale, whereas "washing hands" was the easiest one. On the quality scale, the most difficult item was "using the TV remote control," and the easiest one was "drying hands." The analyses showed that the set of items as a whole fit into the model; however, the individual analyses indicated that four items did not meet the expectations of the model in both the quantity (items 21, 16, 14, and 13) and quality (items 9, 21, 23, and 22) scales. Irregular response patterns were observed, and five subjects obtained the minimum score. There was disagreement between item difficulty and sample ability, suggesting that the abilities of individuals were below the degree of difficulty of the assessed items. A significant correlation was observed between grip strength of the more severely affected upper limb and motor skill measurement among individuals on the quantity (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) and quality scales (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001), and also between the two scales when measuring the individuals' motor skills (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MAL-Brazil is potentially useful to evaluate the more severely affected upper limb in Brazilian patients with chronic hemiplegia. However, the instrument has limitations for use with individuals with severe limb impairments. Also, construct validity was affected by the presence of irregular score patterns. MAL-Brazil should be applied to additional samples to further investigate its validity.

Measurement properties of the pressure biofeedback unit in the evaluation of transversus abdominis muscle activity: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Measurements from pressure biofeedback units (PBUs) can be used to evaluate the activity of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle indirectly. These measurements can classify patients or monitor the progress of treatment programmes for people with low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies on the measurement properties of PBUs for the assessment of TrA activity. DATA SOURCES: Eligible studies were identified through searches of PUBMED, CINAHL and BIREME (1990 to 2009). In addition, hand searches of journals and citation tracking were performed. STUDY SELECTION: Full-text studies involving any type of clinimetric tests of PBU measurement for the assessment of TrA activity were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. DATA SYNTHESIS: Due to the heterogeneity of study designs and statistical analysis, it was not possible to pool the data for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were typically of low quality and recruited healthy subjects rather than patients with low back pain. The studies found moderate to good reproducibility (intra-class correlation coefficients from 0.47 to 0.82) and acceptable construct validity (intra-class correlation coefficients from 0.48 to 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence about the measurement properties of PBUs for the assessment of TrA activity is mainly based on studies with suboptimal designs, and the findings from these studies are likely to be overly optimistic. The most important clinical questions about the measurement properties of PBUs for the assessment of TrA activity are yet to be answered.