Efectos del entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio sobre la función respiratoria y el equilibrio en supervivientes de ictus: un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado / Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory function and balance in stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCCIÓN: Tras un ictus, los pacientes con hemiparesia y/o hemiplejía van a presentar una asimetría notable del tronco y la pelvis, y una disminución de la estabilidad postural y el equilibrio, lo que afecta, como consecuencia, a la función respiratoria. OBJETIVO: Analizar los efectos del entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio (EMI) sobre la función pulmonar, la fuerza muscular inspiratoria, el control postural y del tronco y el equilibrio en supervivientes de ictus. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Dieciséis pacientes supervivientes de ictus en fase subaguda participaron en un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado (experimental = 8; placebo = 8). El grupo experimental recibió un programa de EMI, cinco días a la semana, una vez al día, durante ocho semanas, con una intensidad progresiva del 15 al 60% de la PImáx. El grupo placebo realizó el mismo programa, pero con una carga fija de 7 cmH2O. Se evaluaron la fuerza muscular inspiratoria presión inspiratoria máxima (PImáx), la función pulmonar (capacidad vital forzada, volumen espirado en el primer segundo, flujo espiratorio máximo y ventilación voluntaria máxima), el control del tronco (test de control del tronco), y el control postural y el equilibrio Postural Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) y escala de Berg. RESULTADOS: Los grupos experimental y placebo presentaron incrementos significativos en la PImáx, con diferencia entre grupos. Existió una correlación negativa y moderada entre el valor de la PImáx inicial y el porcentaje de cambio (PImáx) (r = 0,572; p = 0,021). Se observaron incrementos significativos en la ventilación voluntaria máxima (L/m) en el grupo experimental, e incrementos en la PASS en ambos grupos, pero sin diferencias significativas entre grupos. CONCLUSIONES: El entrenamiento muscular inspiratorio, aunque de baja intensidad, es efectivo para mejorar la fuerza muscular inspiratoria en pacientes supervivientes de ictus. Sin embargo, los efectos sobre el control postural y el equilibrio permanecen inciertos

INTRODUCTION: After a stroke, patients with hemiparesis and / or hemiplegia will present a notable asymmetry of the trunk and pelvis, and decreased postural stability and balance, affecting, consequently, respiratory function. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on lung function, inspiratory muscle strength, postural and trunk control and balance in stroke survivors in the subacute phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 survivors of stroke in the subacute phase participated in RCT (experimental = 8; placebo = 8). The experimental group received IMT program, 5 days a week, once a day, for 8 weeks, with a progressive intensity from 15% to 60% of the PImax. The placebo group performed the same program, but with a fixed load of 7cmH20. Inspiratory muscle strength (PImax), lung function (FVC, FEV1, PEF, VMV), trunk control (TCT), and postural control and balance (PASS and Berg Scale) were evaluated. RESULTS: Experimental and placebo groups showed significant increases in PImax, with a difference between groups. There was a moderate and negative correlation between the initial PImax value and the percentage change (PImax) (r = 0.572; p = 0.021). Significant increases in VMV (l/m) were observed in the experimental group, and increases in PASS in both groups, but without significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle training, although low intensity, is effective in improving inspiratory muscle strength in stroke survivors. However, the effects on postural control and balance remain uncertain

2011 GOLD Stages of COPD: Transitions, Predictor Factors and Comparison with 2017 GOLD Stages.

Background: Despite wide use of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) 2011, little is known about between-stage transitions and what factors predict worsening transitions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To investigate the transition frequency between GOLD 2011 stages among patients with stable COPD over a 2-year follow-up, to identify potential non-pulmonary predictor factors for worsening transitions, and to compare transition frequencies between GOLD 2011 stages and the new GOLD 2017 stages. Patients and Methods: We prospectively included 137 patients with stable COPD (mean age, 66.9 ± 8.3 years). GOLD 2011 and GOLD 2017 stages were measured at baseline, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up. To evaluate non-pulmonary variables as potential predictors of worsening transitions, we used regression models adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, and pulmonary variables using generalized estimating equations. Results: The study period included 246 opportunities for transition, and 39 worsening transitions occurred within GOLD 2011 stages. Predictors of worsening transitions included BODE index (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.00-1.44), quadriceps strength (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99), and limited mobility activities (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05). The frequency of worsening transitions for stages B and C differed between GOLD 2011 and GOLD 2017. Stages A and D were the most stable in both classifications. Conclusion: Non-pulmonary factors predicted worsening transitions among the GOLD 2011 stages of COPD severity. The choice of GOLD 2011 versus GOLD 2017 may influence transition identification, especially for stages B and C.

Factors Associated with Parents' Adherence to Different Types of Exercises in Home Programs for Children with Disabilities.

There is a lack of knowledge with regard to the adherence to different types of exercises prescribed for children with disabilities. The aim was to examine parents' adherence to prescriptions of different types of home exercises; to identify associated factors related to the parents, the children and the environment, and to assess the relative influence of the behaviour of health professionals. Parents (393) were recruited from 18 early intervention centres. A cross-sectional survey using a self-reported questionnaire was used to examine whether three types of exercises ("flexibility exercises", "neuromotor development training" and "body mechanics and postural stabilisation") were prescribed in their home programs; if the child had received exercises according to a prescription; and items related to the parents, child, environment, and health professionals. The adherence rates were different among the types of exercises. Parents with low perception of barriers and high self-efficacy had a higher adherence to neuromotor development training and postural stabilization, whereas parents with a high level of knowledge increased their odds of adherence to flexibility exercises. Health professionals' behaviour had a distinct influence on the adherence to different exercises. This study suggests the need to specifically consider the types of exercises prescribed in the management of adherence to home programs.

Continuity of care in hospital rehabilitation services: a qualitative insight from inpatients' experience.

BACKGROUND: Few empirical studies have been conducted on the continuity of rehabilitation services, despite the fact that it may affect clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, the perception of quality, and safety. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore experiences and perceptions of inpatients receiving physical rehabilitation in an acute care hospital and how these experiences may have led to perceived gaps in the continuity of rehabilitation care. METHOD: Using qualitative research methods, fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who received physical rehabilitation during hospital stay in an acute care hospital in Murcia, Spain. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, analyzed, and grouped into predetermined and emergent codes. RESULTS: Patients described three main themes in continuity of care: informational, management, and relational continuity. Several factors were described as influencing the perceived gaps in these three types of continuity. Informational continuity was influenced by the transfer of information among care providers. Relational continuity was influenced by patient-therapist relations and consistency on the part of the provider. Management continuity was influenced by consistency of care between providers and the involvement of patients in their own care. CONCLUSION: The participants in this study identified several gaps in three types of continuity of care (informational, management, and relational). Inpatients often perceive their experiences of rehabilitation as being disconnected or incoherent over time.

Parents of children with physical disabilities perceive that characteristics of home exercise programs and physiotherapists' teaching styles influence adherence: a qualitative study.

QUESTION: What are the perceptions of parents of children with physical disabilities about the home exercise programs that physiotherapists prescribe? How do these perceptions affect adherence to home exercise programs? DESIGN: Qualitative study using focus groups and a modified grounded theory approach. PARTICIPANTS: Parents of children with physical disabilities who have been prescribed a home exercise program by physiotherapists. RESULTS: Twenty-eight parents participated in the focus groups. Two key themes that related to adherence to home exercise programs in young children with physical disabilities were identified: the characteristics of the home exercise program; and the characteristics of the physiotherapist's teaching style. In the first theme, the participants described their experiences regarding their preference for exercises, which was related to the perceived effects of the exercises, their complexity, and the number of exercises undertaken. These factors determined the amount of time spent performing the exercises, the effect of the exercises on the family's relationships, and any sense of related burden. In the second theme, participants revealed that they adhered better to prescribed exercises when their physiotherapist made an effort to build their confidence in the exercises, helped the parents to incorporate the home exercise program into their daily routine, provided incentives and increased motivation. CONCLUSION: Parents perceive that their children's adherence to home-based exercises, which are supervised by the parents, is more successful when the physiotherapist's style and the content of the exercise program are positively experienced. These findings reveal which issues should be considered when prescribing home exercise programs to children with physical disabilities. [Lillo-Navarro C, Medina-Mirapeix F, Escolar-Reina P, Montilla-Herrador J, Gomez-Arnaldos F, Oliveira-Sousa SL (2015) Parents of children with physical disabilities perceive that characteristics of home exercise programs and physiotherapists' teaching styles influence adherence: a qualitative study.Journal of Physiotherapy61: 81-86].

What elements of the informational, management, and relational continuity are associated with patient satisfaction with rehabilitation care and global rating change?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the quality of patients' continuity experiences in a population of outpatients receiving postacute rehabilitation care, and to check which elements and types of continuity most strongly determine their satisfaction with care and functional changes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional self-report survey. SETTING: Three postacute ambulatory centers in metropolitan areas. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients (N=218; mean age ± SD, 38.5±11.7y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire included experiences regarding aspects of informational (transference of information, accumulated knowledge), management (consistency and flexibility of care), and relational (established relation and consistency of provider) continuity, as well as questions concerning patients' sociodemographic characteristics, satisfaction with care, and global rating change. RESULTS: Respondents indicated more problems in terms of management and relational continuity than in informational continuity. For all patient groups, experiences regarding elements of management continuity (R(2)=15.3%-22.4%), followed by relational continuity (R(2)=14.3%-25.2%), explained most of the variance of satisfaction. Consistency and flexibility of care, together with an established relation, were the most determining elements of satisfaction. Experiences regarding elements of management continuity explained most of the variance of change (18.5%), and flexibility was the most decisive element. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction and functional changes are related with experiences in aspects of management continuity, where there is room for improvement. Measures of management continuity may be promising as indicators of continuity, and they should be prioritized.

How the rehabilitation environment influences patient perception of service quality: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify elements of the environment that patients consider when evaluating the quality of a care experience in outpatient rehabilitation settings. DESIGN: A qualitative study using a modified grounded theory approach. Data collection used semistructured interviewing during 9 focus groups. SETTING: Three postacute ambulatory centers in metropolitan areas. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (N=57; 33 men, 24 women) undergoing outpatient rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions/injuries. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: Participants perceived the quality of rehabilitation service on the basis of their experiences with environmental factors, including 3 physical factors (facility design, ambient conditions, and social factors) and 4 organizational factors (duration of attendance, interruptions during delivery of care, waiting times in the sequence of treatment, and patient safety). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the specific environmental attributes that patients consider important when evaluating the quality of outpatient rehabilitation settings and develops a patient-based framework for assessing the overall perception of service quality. Further research should work to develop self-report questionnaires about patient experiences with the environment in rehabilitation services to provide empirical and quantitative evidence.

How do care-provider and home exercise program characteristics affect patient adherence in chronic neck and back pain: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to explore perceptions of people with chronic neck or low back pain about how characteristics of home exercise programs and care-provider style during clinical encounters may affect adherence to exercises. METHODS: This is a qualitative study consisting of seven focus groups, with a total of 34 participants presenting chronic neck or low back pain. The subjects were included if they were receiving physiotherapy treatment and were prescribed home-based exercises. RESULTS: Two themes emerged: home-based exercise programme conditions and care provider's style. In the first theme, the participants described their positive and negative experiences regarding time consumption, complexity and effects of prescribed exercises. In the second theme, participants perceived more bonding to prescribed exercises when their care provider presented knowledge about the disease, promoted feedback and motivation during exercise instruction, gave them reminders to exercise, or monitored their results and adherence to exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiential findings indicate that patient's adherence to home-based exercise is more likely to happen when care providers' style and the content of exercise programme are positively experienced. These findings provide additional information to health care providers, by showing which issues should be considered when delivering health care to patients presenting chronic neck or back pain.

[Analysis of the patient safety culture in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System]. / Análisis de la cultura sobre seguridad del paciente en los hospitales del Sistema Nacional de Salud español.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A safety culture is essential to minimize errors and adverse events. Its measurement is needed to design activities in order to improve it. This paper describes the methods and main results of a study on safety climate in a nation-wide representative sample of public hospitals of the Spanish NHS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of health professionals in a representative sample of 24 hospitals, proportionally stratified by hospital size. Results are analyzed to provide a description of safety climate, its strengths and weaknesses. Differences by hospital size, type of health professional and service are analyzed using ANOVA. RESULTS: A total of 2503 responses are analyzed (response rate: 40%, (93% from professionals with direct patient contact). A total of 50% gave patient safety a score from 6 to 8 (on a 10-point scale); 95% reported < 2 events last year. Dimensions "Teamwork within hospital units" (71.8 [1.8]) and "Supervisor/Manager expectations and actions promoting safety" (61.8 [1.7]) have the highest percentage of positive answers. "Staffing", "Teamwork across hospital units", "Overall perceptions of safety" and "Hospital management support for patient safety" could be identified as weaknesses. Significant differences by hospital size, type of professional and service suggest a generally more positive attitude in small hospitals and Pharmacy services, and a more negative one in physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Strengths and weaknesses of the safety climate in the hospitals of the Spanish NHS have been identified and they are used to design appropriate strategies for improvement.