Evaluación funcional de niños, niñas y adolescentes con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro autista en Argentina: estudio multicéntrico TEA-CIFunciona / Functional assessment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Argentina: ICF-ASD multicenter study

Introducción. El trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) se caracteriza por dificultades de comunicación social y comportamientos repetitivos y estereotipados. Además de la categoría diagnóstica, las actividades que los niños, niñas y adolescentes (NNyA) pueden realizar y la participación social son los aspectos principales por considerar desde el marco de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, la Discapacidad y la Salud (CIF), propuesta por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, para describir los estados de salud. En una investigación previa, elaboramos la primera versión de una herramienta pediátrica basada en la CIF llamada TEA-CIFunciona para evaluación funcional de NNyA con diagnóstico de TEA, que permitió captar características funcionales adaptadas a nuestro contexto cultural. Se propuso como objetivo posterior aplicar TEA-CIFunciona en formato multicéntrico para evaluar NNyA de diferentes regiones, revisar y actualizar la herramienta, e identificar barreras y facilitadores. Población y métodos. Se administró TEA-CIFunciona versión 1.0 a NNyA con diagnóstico confirmado de TEA (según criterios del DSM-5), menores de 16 años, en seguimiento en cinco centros de atención pediátrica del país. Resultados. Se obtuvo la versión 2.0 de TEA-CIFunciona con 34 categorías (10 funciones corporales, 15 actividades y participación, y 9 factores ambientales). Se elaboró el perfil funcional de la muestra completa (n = 308). Conclusiones. La versión actualizada de TEA-CIFunciona contribuye a estandarizar y a sistematizar la obtención de información necesaria para adecuar el seguimiento de los NNyA con TEA a nivel nacional. Además, permite identificar barreras por superar y facilitadores para generalizar

Introduction. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. In addition to the diagnostic category, the activities performed by children and adolescents and their social involvement are the main aspects to be considered according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) proposed by the World Health Organization to describe health status. In a previous study, we developed the first version of a pediatric tool based on the ICF called ICF-ASD for the functional assessment of children and adolescents with ASD to capture functional characteristics adapted to our cultural setting. Our subsequent objective was to apply the ICF-ASD in a multicenter format to assess children and adolescents from different regions, review, and update it, and identify barriers and facilitators. Population and methods. The ICF-ASD version 1.0 was administered to children and adolescents younger than 16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD (as per DSM-5 criteria), who were receiving follow-up at 5 children's health centers across Argentina. Results. Version 2.0 of the ICF-ASD was obtained, which included 34 categories (10 under body function, 15 under activities and participation, and 9 under environmental factors). A functional profile was developed for the whole sample (n = 308). Conclusions. The updated version of the ICF-ASD helps to standardize and systematize the collection of necessary data for an adequate follow-up of children and adolescents with ASD at a national level. It also allows to identify barriers to overcome and facilitators to be generalized

Impact of disabilities in activities of daily living on opioid use for chronic pain in older adults: an exploratory secondary analysis from ELSI-Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Problematic use of opioids by older adults is associated with adverse effects and has become a public health crisis worldwide. Ageing-related disabilities in activities of daily living (ADL) could promote unnecessary use of opioids in this population. This study evaluates the association between ADL disability and opioid consumption in Brazilian older adults. STUDY DESIGN: Study design- cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the second wave of the Brazil Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil). METHODS: Data from the second wave of the Brazil Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil) were used. Older adults with chronic pain were included. ADL disability was measured using the Katz Index. The primary outcome was opioid consumption for chronic pain. The primary association was explored using logistic regression models adjusting for predetermined confounders. Sensitivity analyses evaluating model performance were done by calibrating and validating the model using randomly split equal sets. RESULTS: In those who reported presence of chronic pain (n = 2865), the prevalence of opioid use was 29% (95% CI:23.1%-35.6%). In adjusted models, participants with moderate and severe ADL disability had 1.6 (95% CI:1.13-2.32; P = 0.009) and 3.8 (95% CI: 1.80-7.90; P < 0.001) times higher odds of opioid consumption compared to no disability, respectively. Being female, alcohol consumption, higher pain intensity, history of dementia, fractures, and presence of ≥2 comorbidities were significantly associated with increased opioid use (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of the Brazilian elderly population experiencing chronic pain reported using opioids. The functional decline during the process of ageing appears to be a risk factor for pain intolerance and opioid use. Multidisciplinary approaches to detect early ADL disabilities and improve mobility and access to assistive technologies need to be established to prevent opioid overuse and addiction in elderly populations.

Mental health and coping strategies of caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Studies on the COVID-19 pandemic highlight detrimental effects of social distancing on mental health. These effects were also observed among caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who undergo particular challenges in this context. This study aimed to identify the coping strategies adopted by caregivers of people with IDD in the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relationship to signs of mental illness. Forty-eight caregivers of people with IDD who were users of a non-governmental organization for the assistance of people with IDD and their families in southeastern Brazil undertook an on-line survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and the word cloud technique. Results indicate that most caregivers employed healthy coping strategies and used negative words to describe their feelings towards the pandemic. Confrontation, withdrawal, self-control, social support, acceptance, and escape correlated with psychological symptoms (stress, depression, or loneliness). Those symptoms were more prevalent among participants using escape as a coping strategy. These findings indicate that caregivers of people with National Deworming Day (NDD) used mostly positive coping strategies to face the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to the low prevalence of psychological burden in this population.

Metodología para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del futsal adaptado para estudiantes con discapacidad visual

El estudio está dirigido a la comprensión para atender las necesidades de inclusión de estudiantes con discapacidad visual durante la práctica del futsal en las clases de Educación Física, poder disminuir su miedo hacia el deporte, mejorar su autoestima y sensibilizar a la familia y al personal docente en su radio de acción y que sean aceptados en cada uno de sus entrenamientos. El objetivo se centra en elaborar una metodología para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del futsal adaptado, para estudiantes con discapacidad visual que desde una educación inclusiva garantice una mejor calidad de vida; de esta forma se mejora su rendimiento y se promueve su bienestar físico y mental. Durante la investigación se utilizaron como métodos empíricos la revisión documental, la observación científica y la entrevista que permitieron conocer a profundidad los antecedentes, el estado actual y prospectivo del problema, así como diseñar la posible solución. Los resultados obtenidos están orientados hacia una transformación desde los ajustes curriculares de las necesidades psicológicas, sociales, comunicativas y físicas de los estudiantes; así, la metodología deja claro cómo trabajar desde los diferentes contextos, las recomendaciones metodológicas y los requisitos a tener en cuenta, a partir de la discapacidad visual presentada y la manera de evaluar. Tal empeño favorece la igualdad de oportunidades y cooperación como seres sociales en el contorno educacional donde se desenvuelven.

O estudo tem como objetivo compreender como atender as necessidades de inclusão dos alunos com deficiência visual durante a prática do futsal nas aulas de Educação Física, diminuir o medo da prática esportiva, melhorar sua autoestima e conscientizar a família e o corpo docente. raio de atuação e que sejam aceitos em cada uma de suas sessões de treinamento. O objetivo centra-se no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de ensino-aprendizagem do futsal adaptado, para alunos com deficiência visual que, através da educação inclusiva, garanta uma melhor qualidade de vida; Desta forma, o seu desempenho melhora e o seu bem-estar físico e mental é promovido. Durante a investigação foram utilizados como métodos empíricos a revisão documental, a observação científica e as entrevistas, que nos permitiram conhecer a fundo o contexto, o estado atual e prospectivo do problema, bem como desenhar a possível solução. Os resultados obtidos orientam-se para uma transformação a partir dos ajustes curriculares das necessidades psicológicas, sociais, comunicativas e físicas dos alunos; Assim, a metodologia deixa claro como trabalhar a partir dos diferentes contextos, as recomendações metodológicas e os requisitos a ter em conta, com base na deficiência visual apresentada e na forma de avaliar. Tais esforços favorecem a igualdade de oportunidades e a cooperação como seres sociais no ambiente educacional onde atuam.

The study is aimed at understanding to meet the inclusion needs of students with visual disability during the practice of futsal in Physical Education classes, to reduce their fear of sport, improve their self-esteem and raise awareness among the family and teaching staff in their radius of action and that they are accepted in each of their training sessions. The objective focuses on developing a methodology for teaching-learning of adapted futsal, for students with visual disability who, from an education inclusive guarantees a better quality of life; in this way, their performance is improved and their physical and mental well-being is promoted. During the research, documentary review, scientific observation and interviews were used as empirical methods, which allowed to gain in-depth knowledge of the background, current and prospective state of the problem, as well as to design the possible solution. The results obtained are oriented towards a transformation from the curricular adjustments of the psychological, social, communicative and physical needs of the students; thus, the methodology makes it clear how to work from the different contexts, the methodological recommendations and the requirements to take into account, based on the visual disability presented and the way of evaluating. Such efforts favor equality of opportunities and cooperation as social beings in the educational environment where he/she is developed.

Danza contemporánea y expresión corporal en la Educación Física inclusiva: una estrategia para estudiantes con múltiples discapacidades

La necesidad de buscar alternativas que permitan la inclusión de los estudiantes con diferentes discapacidades en la práctica de la Educación Física induce a que se utilice la danza contemporánea como expresión corporal, pues impacta en el desarrollo y mejora la calidad de vida, en lo físico y psicológico, al expresarse emociones y sentimientos a través del movimiento. El trabajo que se presenta tiene como finalidad diseñar una estrategia de inclusión para estudiantes con discapacidades múltiples donde la Educación Física utilice la danza contemporánea como expresión corporal en las aulas especializadas, en la unidad educativa "Dolores Cacuango" de la parroquia Pascuales, Guayas-Guayaquil. Para el estudio se aplicaron métodos científicos como la revisión documental, la entrevista, la encuesta y la observación para recopilar información acerca de los estudiantes con diferentes discapacidades, y de los docentes involucrados en las clases de Educación Física y su combinación con la danza contemporánea. Como resultados, se diseña una estrategia de inclusión para estudiantes con discapacidades múltiples donde la Educación Física utiliza la danza contemporánea como expresión corporal. Se concluyó que las dinámicas de las actividades danzarías propuestas en la estrategia, se fundamentaron sobre bases científicas, y en correspondencia con la relación entre actividad física, condición física y salud, para fortalecer los músculos, mejorar el equilibrio, la coordinación del movimiento, la inclusión a la sociedad, y el compartir un mismo proyecto humano.

A necessidade de buscar alternativas que permitam a inclusão de alunos com diferentes deficiências na prática da Educação Física leva à utilização da dança contemporânea como expressão corporal, uma vez que impacta o desenvolvimento e melhora a qualidade de vida, física e psicológica, quando as emoções e os sentimentos são expressos através do movimento. O objetivo do trabalho apresentado é desenhar uma estratégia de inclusão de alunos com deficiência múltipla onde a Educação Física utiliza a dança contemporânea como expressão corporal em salas de aula especializadas, na unidade educacional "Dolores Cacuango" da freguesia de Pascuales, Guayas-Guayaquil. Para o estudo foram aplicados métodos científicos como revisão documental, entrevista, levantamento e observação para coletar informações sobre alunos com diferentes deficiências e professores envolvidos nas aulas de Educação Física e sua combinação com a dança contemporânea. Como resultado, desenha-se uma estratégia de inclusão para alunos com deficiência múltipla onde a Educação Física utiliza a dança contemporânea como expressão corporal. Concluiu-se que a dinâmica das atividades de dança propostas na estratégia foram baseadas em bases científicas, e em correspondência com a relação entre atividade física, condição física e saúde, para fortalecer os músculos, melhorar o equilíbrio, a coordenação do movimento, a inclusão na sociedade, e compartilhando o mesmo projeto humano.

The need to look for alternatives that allow the inclusion of students with different disabilities in the practice of Physical Education leads to the use of contemporary dance as body expression, since it impacts development and improves the quality of life, physically and psychologically, when emotions and feelings are expressed through movement. The purpose of the work presented is to design an inclusion strategy for students with multiple disabilities where Physical Education uses contemporary dance as body expression in specialized classrooms, in the "Dolores Cacuango " educational unit of the Pascuales parish, Guayas-Guayaquil. For the study, scientific methods such as documentary review, interviews, surveys and observations were applied to collect information about students with different disabilities, and teachers involved in Physical Education classes and their combination with contemporary dance. As results, an inclusion strategy is designed for students with multiple disabilities where Physical Education uses contemporary dance as body expression. It was concluded that the dynamics of the dance activities proposed in the strategy were based on scientific bases, and in correspondence with the relationship between physical activity, physical condition and health, to strengthen muscles, improve balance, coordination of movement, inclusion in society, and sharing the same human project.

Effects of a Mat Pilates Exercise Program Associated with Photobiomodulation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of combining a Pilates program with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP). METHODS: Thirty-eight adults with CNLBP were randomly assigned to two groups: Pilates exercise + active PBMT (PIL + PBMT) or Pilates exercise + sham PBMT (PIL + SHAM). Both groups performed an 8-week mat Pilates program and received PBMT on their lumbar muscles 10 min before and after each session. The following variables were assessed before and after intervention: peak pain intensity, postural balance (i.e., center of the pressure [A-COP], velocity anteroposterior [Vel AP], and velocity mediolateral [Vel ML]), perceived disability (i.e., Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), and pain-related fear of movement (i.e., Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK], Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire [FABQ], and Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS]). RESULTS: Postural balance variables showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) across time or between groups. The groups showed similar (p < 0.05) reductions in peak pain intensity, ODI, RMDQ, and PCS scores, but no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in TSK and FABQ scores. CONCLUSION: The mat Pilates program reduced peak pain intensity, perceived disability, and pain catastrophizing in adults with CNLBP, but PBMT had no additional effect on these variables. Mat Pilates alone or combined with PBMT was not able to improve postural balance.

Interpersonal violence against people with intellectual disabilities in São Paulo, Brazil: characteristics of victims, perpetrators and referrals.

INTRODUCTION: Interpersonal violence is a phenomenon that can occur with different people and conditions. However, people with intellectual disabilities have increased vulnerability to this problem, with potential risks to their health and well-being. The aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of people with disabilities who have been victims of interpersonal violence, the profile of the perpetrators and the measures taken after the victims have been cared for. METHODS: This is an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study using the Interpersonal Violence Notification Forms entered into the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Notifiable Diseases Information System. The city of São Paulo was chosen as the setting because it is the largest city in Latin America and has a faster data processing system than other cities. The period covered notifications made between 2016 and 2022. The information was collected between October and November 2023 and a univariate statistical analysis was carried out. Fisher's exact test was used, with a significance level of 5% (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were 4,603 notifications against people with intellectual disabilities in the period. The forms of physical violence, neglect/abandonment and psychological/moral violence were more frequent in the 15-19 age group, while sexual violence was more frequent in the 10-14 age group (p < 0.001). The sex most often attacked was female in all the forms investigated (p < 0.001) and the skin colors of the most victimized people were black and/or brown, except in cases of neglect/abandonment (p = 0.058). Most of the victims had little schooling (p = 0.012). The aggressions were committed by one person (p < 0.001), known or related to the victim, such as mother or father, except in cases of sexual violence, where strangers were the main perpetrators (p < 0.001). The sex of the perpetrator was male, except in cases of neglect and/or abandonment (p < 0.001), and the age was between 25 and 29 (p = 0.004). In cases of sexual violence, rape was the most frequent and the procedures carried out were blood collection followed by prophylaxis for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) were the main procedures carried out by health professionals (p = 0.004). The majority of referrals made after receiving care were to the health and social assistance network, with few referrals to bodies such as the human rights reference center, guardianship council and police stations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: People with intellectual disabilities are highly vulnerable to the forms of violence studied, especially children and adolescents, black or brown, with low levels of education. The perpetrators are usually close people, male and older than the victims. The referrals made by health professionals did not prioritize the victim's safety and the guarantee of human rights. Lines of care for the health of victims of violence should be implemented, taking into account special aspects, such as people with intellectual disabilities, whose search for help can be difficult.

Primary Motor Area Activity in Phantom Limb Imagery of Traumatic Unilateral Lower Limb Amputees With Phantom Limb Pain.

Introduction: Estimates of the worldwide increase in amputees raises the awareness to solve long-standing problems. Understanding the functional brain modifications after a lower limb amputation (LLA) is one of the first steps towards proposing new rehabilitation approaches. Functional modifications in the central nervous system due the amputation could be involved in prosthesis use failures and Phantom Limb Pain (PLP), increasing costs and overwhelming the health services. Objective: This study analyses orphan primary motor area (M1-Orphan) hemodynamic and metabolic behaviour, which previously controlled the limb that was amputated, in comparison with the M1-Preserved, responsible for the intact limb (IL) during phantom limb imagery moving during Mirror Therapy (MT), compared to Isolated Intact Limb Movement Task (I-ILMT). Methodology: A case-control study with unilateral traumatic LLA with moderate PLP who measured [oxy-Hb] and [deoxy-Hb] in the M1 area by Functional Near InfraredSpectroscopy (fNIRS) during the real (I-ILMT) and MT task. Results: Sixty-five patients, with 67.69% of men, young (40.32 ± 12.91), 65.63% amputated due motorcycle accidents, 4.71 ± 7.38 years ago, predominantly above the knee (57.14%). The M1 activation in the orphan cortex did not differ from the activation in the intact cortex during MT (P > .05). Conclusion: The perception of the Phantom limb moving or intact limb moving is metabolically equivalent in M1, even in the absence of a limb. In other words, the amputation does not alter the brain metabolism in control of phantom movement.

The 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome from A Biopsychosocial Perspective: A Series of Cases with an ICF-Based Approach.

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (DS) can have a significant impact on functionality. The purpose was to describe 22q11.2DS children with functioning from a biopsychosocial perspective, focusing on the impact of children's health condition from domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional case series study with seven 22q11.2DS children. A questionnaire with an ICF checklist for 22q11.2DS was completed using a structured interview. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) was used to determine the Intelligence Quotient (IQ). RESULTS: Seven participants from 7 to 12 years old, presented some level of IQ impairment. It was observed that 22q11.2DS children experience significant intellectual, cognitive, and speech impairments across ICF Body Function domains. Impairments related to nose and pharynx were found in only one patient. The most relevant categories considered limitations in the Activity and Participation components pertained to producing nonverbal messages, communication, handling stress, and social interaction. Family, health professionals, and acquaintances were perceived as facilitators in the component Environmental Factors. CONCLUSION: The sample has its functioning affected by aspects that go beyond impairments in body structure and function. The organization of information from the perspective of the ICF is a different approach that helps clinical reasoning.

Radiofrequency of suprascapular nerve as an analgesic strategy for chronic pain management. Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic shoulder pain is highly prevalent in the general population. Many different analgesic strategies have been described, including radiofrequency treatment to the suprascapular nerve (RFS); however, the effectiveness this approach remains unclear, and no strong recommendation can be made. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the latest clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of RFS techniques applied to the suprascapular nerve in terms of management of chronic shoulder pain, post-procedural functionality, and adverse effects. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of clinical trials retrieved from Medline, Embase and the CENTRAL databases. We included trials comparing RFS with other strategies, including placebo, that had as their primary outcome measures pain rated on a visual analogue scale, functionality rated on a shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), and the incidence of adverse events. Risk of bias was analysed using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Evidence was analysed using a random effects model and heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 test. RESULTS: We identified 3030 trials, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria (n = 408). Seven had a high risk of bias. Pain intensity at 1 and 3 months was lower in patients receiving RFS, with a standardised mean difference (SMD) of -0.9 (95% CI [-1.1, 0.33], p = 0.29; I2 88%, p < 0.001) and -1.17 (95% CI [-2.49, 0.14], p = 0.08; I2 97%, p < 0.001), respectively. Functional compromise at 1 and 3 months decreased in patients receiving RFS, with an SMD of -0.31 (95% CI [-0.91, 0.29], p = 0.31; I2 80%, p < 0.001) and -1.54 (95% CI [-3.26, 0.19], p = 0.08; I2 98%, p < 0.001), respectively. No RFS-related adverse events were described. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that RFS reduces pain and improves functionality. However, the certainty of the evidence is low.

Development of a brief core set for knee dysfunction based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: assessing construct validity and measurement potential.

BACKGROUND: The comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction was developed to classify the functioning of people with any knee dysfunction. To be used as a clinical instrument to measure the functioning of people with knee dysfunction, the construct validity of the core set still needs to be assessed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the construct validity of the comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction as an instrument to measure functioning. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 200 participants with knee dysfunction with or without clinical diagnosis of knee pathology, with or without complaint of pain, with or without instability, and/or with or without knee movement restriction of any type. Participants were assessed using the comprehensive core set for knee dysfunction with 25 categories, the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, and measures of self-perceived general health and functioning. The construct validity of the core set was assessed by Rasch analysis, and the external construct validity was assessed by correlation between the score of the brief core set for knee dysfunction with the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale, and scores of self-perception of health and functioning. RESULTS: Twelve categories were consistent with a unidimensional construct, with no difference in the response pattern for age, sex, educational level, and time of complaint. These categories were included in the brief core set for knee dysfunction. The mean score of the brief core set was 37 ± 21 points, a value classified as moderate impairment regarding functioning. Correlations with the subjective form from the International Knee Documentation Committee scale and scores of self-perception were adequate (p < 0.01; r > 0.5). CONCLUSION: The brief core set for knee dysfunction, a set with 12 categories, can be used as a clinical instrument to measure and score the functioning of people with knee dysfunction, aged between 18 and 89 years, with adequate construct validity.

Validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the Brazilian version of the instrument World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) for individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a disabling health condition, and there is no disease-specific patient-reported outcome instrument to assess individuals with OSA. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) in individuals with OSA. METHODS: One hundred individuals with OSA responded to the WHODAS 2.0 version of 36 items, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the 12-item health survey (SF-12). Internal consistency, convergent and discriminative validity, and responsiveness to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were the psychometric properties tested. RESULTS: Cronbach's α values indicate good internal consistency (0.91 - 0.73), except for the self-care domain (α = 0.52). Convergent validity indicated an excellent correlation (r = -0.80) between the domains of functioning and quality of life. Discriminative validity showed no association between OSA severity and functioning (p = 0.90). The responsiveness to CPAP treatment showed a large effect size (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: The WHODAS 2.0 instrument is valid, reliable, and responsive for assessing individuals with OSA.

Software and equations using segmental measures to estimate height in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy considering the level of gross motor function.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In children with Cerebral palsy (CP) bone deformities create a difficulty in the collection of height measures by direct methods. Body segments are an alternative to study for anthropometric evaluation in children with CP. Motor compromise affects growth in these children. To our knowledge, no equations have been developed to estimate height that consider the level of involvement of children with CP. The aim was to develop equations to estimate height using segmental measures for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of children and adolescents with CP of both sexes from 2 to 19 years old from five cities in Argentina. Children whose height and knee-heel height (KH) could be measured were included. Height, KH, and clinical covariables were collected. Linear regression models with height as the dependent variable and KH as predictors adjusted for significant covariates were developed and compared for R2, adjusted R2, and the root mean square of the error. RESULTS: 242 children and adolescents (mean age 9 ± 4 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of CP were included. The interaction between height and other variables such KH, sex, GMFCS, and age was analyzed. Two equations were developed to estimate height according to GMFCS level (GMFCS Level I-III: H = 1.5 × KH(cm) + 2.28 × age(years) + 51; GMFCS Level IV-V: H = 2.13 × KH (cm)+ 0.91 × age(years) + 37). The concordance correlation coefficient between estimated and observed height was 0.95 (95%CI [0.94; 0.96]). CONCLUSION: Height in children and adolescents with CP can be predicted using KH, GMFCS, and age. The equations and software can estimate height when this cannot be obtained directly.

Adherence to Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and Healthy Eating Indices are associated with lower risk of disability among Puerto Rican adults from the longitudinal Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that poor dietary quality is an important risk factor for disability. However, few studies have compared adherence to dietary patterns with disability and none among Puerto Rican adults. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine relationships between 3 dietary patterns-including Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean dietary score (MeDS), and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010-and ∼6-y incidence of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability and to assess potential mediation by handgrip strength. METHODS: Data are from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of Puerto Rican adults aged 45-75 y (N = 1502). Adherence to dietary pattern variables were derived from food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data averaged at baseline and ∼2 y. Handgrip strength was assessed at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess longitudinal associations between DASH, MeDS, and HEI-2010 and incident ∼6-y ADL (and subscales) and IADL disability. Mediation by handgrip strength was also tested. RESULTS: Participants with higher adherence DASH had lower risk of ADL, ADL mobility, and ADL manual dexterity disabilities (hazards ratio [HR]: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91, 0.98; HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99; and HR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98, respectively). Higher adherence to MeDS was associated with lower risk of ADL and ADL mobility disabilities (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.98; HR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82, 1.00), and higher adherence to HEI with lower risk of ADL manual dexterity (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99) in fully adjusted models. Only DASH tended to be associated with IADL (HR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.00). Baseline handgrip strength was a mediator between HEI and ADL manual dexterity (23.7% of the indirect effect was explained through handgrip strength). CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to a healthy diet pattern may decrease risk of disability and may be an important prevention strategy for ADL and IADL disability associated with aging.

Long-term disability after cerebral ischemic stroke following a Bothrops atrox snakebite in the Brazilian Amazon.

Bothrops atrox envenomations in the Brazilian Amazon are responsible for a number of local and systemic effects. Among these, stroke presents the worst prognosis for the patient since it may evolve into disabilities and/or premature death. This complication is caused by coagulation disorders and generates hemorrhagic and thrombotic conditions. This study presents a case report of a 54-year-old female patient who presented extensive cerebral ischemia after a B. atrox envenomation that occurred in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The patient was hospitalized for 102 days, which included a stay in the intensive care unit. Clinical and laboratory findings indicated a thrombogenic coagulopathy. On discharge, the patient had no verbal response, partial motor response, and right hemiplegia. The assessment carried out four years after discharge evidenced incapacitation, global aphasia and bilateral lower and upper limbs showed hypotrophy with a global decrease in strength. Ischemic stroke is a possible complication of B. atrox snakebites even after antivenom treatment, with the potential to cause debilitating long-term consequences.

The Bed Bridge Test: a new functional test for hospital inpatients - a feasibility and measurement study.

PURPOSE: To develop and assess the Bed Bridge Test's (BBT) feasibility, safety, and clinimetric properties and evaluate functional capacity in hospitalised patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This feasibility and measurement study examined four BBT versions, including the timed-limited at 30 and 60 s and repetition-limited at 5 and 10 times, in hospitalised patients in a university hospital in Brazil. Ninety-two functionally stable patients with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or post-surgical conditions participated. Participants completed the BBT versions in a random order. BBT concurrent criterion validity was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Sit-to-Stand (STS) test, and Functional Status Score (FSS). RESULTS: The participants were 51 ± 17 years old, 60% female, and 66% with clinical conditions. All participants completed the BBT versions without adverse events. Test-retest reliability was good-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.87) for all BBT versions, with acceptable agreement parameters and minimal detectable changes. The time-limited versions of the BBT might be affected by a ceiling effect. Floor effects were minimal for all BBT versions. BBT showed moderate associations with SPPB and STS and weak associations with FSS. CONCLUSIONS: The BBT is feasible and has promising measurement properties.

The Bed Bridge Test (BBT) offers a valuable solution for healthcare professionals by addressing the limitations of existing functional tests, providing a straightforward assessment of functional capacity for both the patient and the assessor.The BBT has demonstrated excellent feasibility and safety, as all eligible participants completed its various versions without adverse events, indicating its potential utility across diverse patient populations.The BBT exhibits good to excellent reliability, indicating its reproducibility in clinical settings.The BBT has validated its effectiveness by exhibiting robust correlations with established functional tests such as the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Sit-to-Stand (STS) test.

Role of projective psychological tests in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and relevance of projective techniques such as house-tree-person (HTP) and family in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), who have a limited ability to identify and verbalize emotions and express them often using behaviors. METHODS: We included individuals with genetic confirmation of PWS immersed in a regular transdisciplinary treatment in an institution dedicated to rare diseases. All individuals were evaluated using the HTP and family projective techniques. These instruments are commonly administered to the general population and, in this case, to people with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, including difficulties in their communication abilities. RESULTS: A total of 25 individuals with PWS between 10 and 41 years old (15 men and 10 women) were included. We identified the presence of graphic indicators corresponding to the behavioral phenotype of individuals with PWS, such as anxiety, stubbornness, emotional lability, difficulty in achieving adequate externalization and identification of emotions, impulsivity, aggressive traits, poor social skills, need for support and interaction, low self-concept, and compulsive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we demonstrated the usefulness of graphic techniques to elucidate aspects of behavior, emotions, and thoughts that individuals with PWS cannot formulate due to expression and communication difficulties.

Standardization use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health in the determination of health status in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

PURPOSE: To propose a standardized method for the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe the health status in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and investigate interrater agreement in the linking process in instruments and clinical exams using the ICF categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and interrater agreement study that followed the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. Two raters performed the linking coding process in instruments of quality of life, anxiety and depression, fatigue and pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The codes were qualified by standards defined to each instrument and exams. RESULTS: The instrument with the lowest Cohen's Kappa coefficient was anxiety and depression (k = 0.57). Forty ICF codes were linked to clinical instruments and exams. The fatigue instrument presented a higher degree of disability by the qualification process, from severe to complete, in the linked codes. CONCLUSION: The study presents a standardized method for the assessment of the health status of patients with PACS through ICF. Restriction in work performance, socialization and family relationships as well as disabilities in physical endurance, fatigue and exercise tolerance were found in the sample. The agreement between the raters was moderate to perfect, demonstrating that the method can be reproducible.

The body structures and functions, environmental factors, activities and participation in a person's environment are determinant aspects of his health.Ways to measure these aspects are key to assessing health not only as absence of disease, so the International Classification of Disability and Functional Health demonstrates the ability to fully describe health.This study proposes a standardization in the use of the tool to facilitate usability in clinical practice.

The SPORTS Participation Framework: illuminating the pathway for people with disability to enter into, participate in, and excel at sport.

BACKGROUND: Sports participation for people with disabilities exists at the intersection of health, sport, and education sectors. However, no common framework and language exist to describe the stages of sports participation. OBJECTIVE: To present the background to the SPORTS Participation Framework, and how it can be used to illuminate the path that people with disability may travel to enter into, participate in, and enjoy and excel at all levels of sport. METHOD: The SPORTS Participation Framework includes six stages drawn from mainstream sports pathways and models used to classify barriers to sports participation for people with disabilities: (S) Screening, goal setting and individual preparation, (P) Practitioner led, peer-group sports interventions, (O) Organised junior entry-point sports programs, (R) Recreational sport (non-competitive), (T) Team competition (school/club representation), and (S) State, National, and International competition. RESULTS: For each stage, this paper describes the content of sports activities, the context in which they are performed, key stakeholders, barriers to participation, available evidence, and case studies. CONCLUSIONS: The SPORTS Participation Framework presents a structure to navigate the stages of introducing and promoting lifelong sports participation for people with disabilities. It scaffolds clear communication, governance, and policy across health, sport, and education sectors, and supports clinicians and researchers to address barriers to participation at each stage to improve individual and population-wide participation in sport for people with disabilities.

Diagnóstico humanizado: El paciente en el centro - la comunicación que cura / Diagnóstico humanizado: O paciente no centro - comunicação que cura / Humanized Diagnosis: The pacient at the center - communication that Heals

Este texto plantea la importancia de confeccionar protocolos de diagnóstico humanizado que permitan a los profesionales de la salud brindar información sobre patologías y/o discapacidades de manera clara y veraz, humana y delicadamente, facilitando su recepción por parte del paciente y su familia. El diagnóstico humanizado no forma parte únicamente de un protocolo de "urbanidad" en el vínculo médico ­ paciente: es parte integrante y relevante del procedimiento o tratamiento. Este abordaje exige una mirada interdisciplinar. En esta temática hay elementos que se vinculan a lo médico ­ científico; lo jurídico ­ legislativo ­ jurisprudencial y lo político.

Ao longo deste texto, discute-se a importância da elaboração de protocolos diagnósticos humanizados que permitam aos profissionais de saúde fornecerem informações sobre patologias e/ou incapacidades de forma clara e verdadeira, ao mesmo tempo em que humanizada e delicada, facilitando seu acolhimento pelo paciente e sua família. O diagnóstico humanizado não é apenas parte de um protocolo de "civilidade" na relação médico-paciente, mas parte integrante e relevante do procedimento para realizar o tratamento de uma doença ou deficiência. Essa abordagem requer uma abordagem interdisciplinar. Nessa disciplina há elementos que se vinculam ao médico-científico; as esferas jurídica, legislativa e política.

Throughout this text, the importance of creating humanized diagnostic protocols is discussed. These should allow healthcare professionals to provide clear and truthful information about pathologies and/or disabilities in a humane and delicate manner, facilitating their understanding by the patient and their family. Humanized diagnosis is not just part of a "politeness" protocol in the doctor-patient relationship, but an integral and relevant part of the procedure for treating a disease or disability. This approach requires an interdisciplinary perspective, as there are elements that are linked to the strictly medical-scientific, legal-legislative-jurisprudential, and political aspects of this topic.