Femoral neck osteosynthesis using interfragmentary compression or position screw in synthetic bones. What are the mechanical differences?

PURPOSE: We aim to compare interfragmentary compression with the position osteosynthesis in the fixation of different femoral neck fractures (FN) in synthetic bones subjected to vertical load. METHODS: Forty-two synthetic femurs were subjected to neck fractures and separated into 3 groups according to the Pauwels classification: Pauwels I had 6 units (PI); Pauwels II, 24 units, with and without comminution (PII); and Pauwels III, 12 units, with and without comminution (PIII). After, they were fixed with 2 different ways: three 7, 0 mm cannulated lag screws (CSs) versus three 6, 5 mm solid fully threaded screws (SSs). Screws positioning was oriented by the Pauwels classification: inverted triangle or crossed screws. All specimens were submitted to vertical loading until failure. RESULTS: The average force was 79.4 ± 22.6 Kgf. The greatest one was recorded in model 1 (135.6 Kgf), and the lowest in model 41 (39.6 Kgf). CSs and SSs had similar resistance until failure (p = 0.2). PI showed heightened resistance and PIII showed a worse response (p < 0,01). CSs had better performance in PIII (p = 0.048). Comminution and screws orientation caused no difference on peak force (p = 0.918 and p = 0.340, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In synthetic bones, the resistance of a femoral neck fracture osteosynthesis using a 7, 0 mm cannulated lag screw or 6, 5 mm solid fully threaded screw are similar. There was no loss of efficiency with comminution in the femoral neck. Osteosynthesis resistance decreased with the verticalization of the fracture line and, in the more vertical ones, interfragmentary compression with CSs was more resistant than positional osteosynthesis with SSs.

Life satisfaction and time-use among full-time and part-time working mothers in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Working part-time or full-time is a persistent dilemma for women, especially mothers, as they strive to manage their time across various roles. However, the existing literature remains unclear on whether part-time work contributes more to life satisfaction than full-time work. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe and compare time-use patterns in different occupational roles and levels of life satisfaction among 795 mothers in Brazil who are employed either part-time or full-time. METHODS: Data was collected through an online survey and the snowball technique. Regression and correlation analyses were performed on the data obtained from the following instruments: the Role Checklist for assessing time-use within occupational roles, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and demographic information. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed no significant differences in life satisfaction between mothers working full-time and those working part-time (t (793)=1.160, p = 0.24). However, life satisfaction scores were positively correlated with the number of occupational roles performed (r = 0.222, p < 0.01), higher family income (P < 0.001), and engagement in social roles such as Friend (r = 0.106, p = 0.003), Hobbyist/Amateur (r = 0.08, p = 0.018), and Caregiver (r = 0.07, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: While our society places significant emphasis on time spent at work, our findings highlight that life satisfaction extends far beyond the dichotomy of working part-time or full-time. There are deeper dimensions to consider, including the number of occupational roles, family income, and engagement in social roles, which have a more substantial impact on overall life satisfaction.

As internações em pronto atendimento e o índice de internação por condições sensíveis à atenção primária ­uma revisão integrativa / Hospitalizations in emergency care and their relationship with the hospitalization index due to Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions ­an integrative review

A Política Nacional de Atenção às Urgências (PNAU) estimula, desde 2003, a expansão de serviços de atendimento pré-hospitalar de urgência (APH), unidades capazes de prestar, por períodos superiores a 24 horas, assistência semelhante à das internações hospitalares, o que pode interferir no índice de Internação por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária (ICSAP). Este trabalho objetiva analisar, por meio de revisão integrativa, a produção científica acerca da relação entre estes "internamentos" e o índice ICSAP, buscando nas bases de dados eletrônicas (Scopus, Scielo e PubMed), produções relacionadas ao tema, utilizando-se dos descritores (condições sensíveis) AND (atenção primária OR atenção básica) AND (hospitalização OR internamento OR atendimento) AND (pronto atendimento). A busca resultou em 2.153 artigos, dos quais 92 (4,27%) foram selecionados para a coleta de dados após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e de exclusão. A análise das publicações resultou em quatro (4) estudos que problematizaram a relação dos atendimentos por CSAP nas emergências e o índice de ICSAP, dos quais apenas um (1) sob a ótica do serviço pré-hospitalar, com nenhum deles, porém, tendo avaliado essa hipótese. Conclui-se que as publicações sobre as ICSAP ainda são escassas e poucodiversificadas, não avançando sobre questões mais profundas pertinentes ao tema

The Brazilian National Policy on Emergency Care has encouraged the expansion of pre-hospital emergency care services in the past few years. These units can provide health care for periods longer than 24 hours, such as a hospital stay, which may interfere with the rate of hospitalization due to Primary Care Sensitive Conditions (PCSC). This paper aims to analyze, through an integrative review, the scientific production about the interference of "hospitalization-like" stays in non-hospital emergency rooms by PCSC. This review was conducted by searching electronic databases (Scopus, Scielo, and PubMed) for relevant productions, using as descriptors sensitive conditions AND (primary care OR basic care OR ambulatory care) AND (hospitalization OR internship OR care) AND emergency care, yielding 2153 articles, of which 92 (4.27%) were chosen for data collection after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The collected data analysis has left four studies that problematized the relationship between ACSC care in emergencies and the PCSC index, of which only one from the perspective of the pre-hospital service, although none of them evaluated this hypothesis. It has been concluded that publications on PCSC are still scarce and little diversified, not advancing on the deeper issues related to the theme.

Propriedades de medida do Activity Card Sort - Brasil: a avaliação da participação de idosos em atividades / Activity Card Sort measurement properties - Brazil: the evaluation of elderly participation in activities

Resumo Introdução O Activity Card Sort é um instrumento padronizado de avaliação, adaptado para a cultura brasileira, que busca mensurar o engajamento e a participação de pessoas idosas em atividades instrumentais, sociais e de lazer. Objetivo Avaliar as propriedades de medida do Activity Card Sort-Brasil (ACS-Brasil), versão aplicada aos que vivem na comunidade (forma C). Método Foram avaliadas a consistência interna, a validade concorrente, a convergente e a discriminativa. Para determinar a consistência interna, foi utilizado o coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach. Por sua vez, a validade concorrente foi determinada pela comparação dos escores do ACS-Brasil com o instrumento LIFE-H 3.1 e a validade convergente foi comparada com os instrumentos de avaliação SF-36 e MMSE-2, por meio da Correlação de Spearman. Já a validade discriminativa do ACS-Brasil foi avaliada pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney, comparando diferentes grupos etários e anos de estudo. Resultados As avaliações para análise das propriedades de medida foram aplicadas em 65 pessoas idosas, residentes na comunidade. A medida apresentou excelente consistência interna (α=0,91); correlação forte e positiva entre os escores totais do ACS-Brasil e do LIFE-H 3.1 (r= 0,442, p <0,01), e moderada a forte do ACS-Brasil com o SF-36, no domínio dos aspectos físicos (r = 0,509, p<0,01) e vitalidade (r= 0,518, p<0,01) e dor (r=0,409, p=0,01), exceto para estado geral de saúde e aspectos emocionais. Os resultados ainda apontam que o ACS-Brasil é válido para discriminar entre grupos etários e escolaridade. Conclusão O ACS-Brasil, versão vivendo na comunidade (forma C), apresentou propriedades psicométricas satisfatórias, com valores consistentes à versão original e de outros países. Isso indica sua utilidade clínica na aplicação em pessoas idosas para mensurar a participação e engajamento em atividades do cotidiano.

Abstract Introduction The Activity Card Sort (ACS) is a standardized assessment tool, adapted to Brazilian culture, which evaluates the participation of older adults in instrumental, social, and leisure activities. Objective To evaluate the measurement properties of the Activity Card Sort-Brazil (ACS-Brazil) community-living version (form C). Method Internal consistency and concurrent, convergent and discriminative validity were evaluated. To determine internal consistency, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used. Concurrent validity was determined by comparing the ACS-Brazil scores with the LIFE-H 3.1 instrument. Convergent validity was compared with the SF-36 and MMSE-2 assessment instruments, using Spearman's Correlation. The discriminative validity of the ACS-Brazil was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test, comparing different age groups and years of study. Results Evaluations for analysis of measurement properties were applied to 65 elderly people living in the community. The measure showed excellent internal consistency (α=0.91); strong and positive correlation between the total scores of ACS-Brazil and LIFE-H 3.1 (r=0.442, p < 0.01), and moderate to strong correlation between ACS-Brazil and SF-36, in the domain of physical aspects (r=0.509, p<0.01) and vitality (r=0.518, p<0.01) and pain (r=0.409, p=0.01), except for general health and emotional aspects. The results also show that the ACS-Brazil is valid for discriminating between age groups and education. Conclusion The ACS-Brazil, community-living version (form C), presented satisfactory psychometric properties, with values ​​consistent with the original version and those from other countries. This indicates its clinical usefulness in application in elderly people to measure participation and engagement in daily activities.

Activity card sort e o repertório ocupacional de idosos: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Activity card sort and the occupational repertoire of older adults: an integrative literature review

Resumo Introdução O Activity Card Sort (ACS) é uma ferramenta desenvolvida para avaliar a participação de idosos em atividades instrumentais de vida diária, sociais e de lazer de baixa e alta demanda. É considerado um instrumento de avaliação útil para o processo terapêutico ocupacional utilizando uma abordagem baseada nas ocupações e centrada no cliente. Objetivo Analisar as principais características da produção científica sobre a utilização do ACS na população de idosos. Método Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Para a seleção dos registros bibliográficos, foram selecionadas seis fontes de informação, sem recorte temporal. Na organização e análise dos dados, foi criada uma coleção dos registros bibliográficos para realizar a análise descritiva e, na construção e visualização de redes bibliométricas, foi aplicado o VOSviewer. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 67 artigos. Os objetivos das pesquisas eram direcionados a examinar as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento, utilizar o ACS para comprovar o impacto das deficiências na participação e engajamento em atividades ou usar o ACS como medida de desfecho em diferentes intervenções. Conclusão O instrumento se apresentou como uma opção que enriquece o processo avaliativo na terapia ocupacional, uma vez que apresentou boas propriedades psicométricas, foi capaz de capturar o nível de participação em diferentes populações, assim como pôde ser usado como medida de desfecho para intervenções que se preocupam com o engajamento em ocupações.

Abstract Introduction The Activity Card Sort (ACS) is a tool developed to evaluate the participation of older adults in instrumental, social, and leisure activities of low and high demand. It is a useful assessment tool for the occupational therapeutic process that adopts the occupational-based and client-centered approach. Objective The study analyzed the main characteristics of scientific production in applying the Activity Card Sort in the elderly population. Method It was carried out an integrative literature review. We used six sources of information to select the literature without a time frame. A bibliographic collection record was created to perform a descriptive analysis. The VOSviewer was applied to construct the bibliometric network. Results The sample consisted of 67 articles. The studies examined the instrument's psychometric properties, the use of the ACS to assess the impact of the health conditions in participation and engagement in activities, and the use of the ACS as an outcome measure in different interventions. Conclusion The instrument was an option that enriches the evaluation process in Occupational Therapy. It has good psychometric properties, and it was able to capture the level of participation in different populations and their related factors, as well as it can be used as an outcome measure for interventions that are concerned with engaging in occupations.

High-resolution topography for Digital Terrain Model (DTM) in Keller Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica.

High resolution topography (HRT) surveys is an important tool to model landscapes, especially in zones subjected to strong environmental changes, such as Antarctica, where landform is highly influenced by cryoclasty and permafrost melting. The aim of this work was to obtain a high accurate DTM for Keller Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica. The survey study was assessed in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 during the austral summer, by using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). In order to cover 8 km² of the Peninsula, the TLS equipment was installed in 81 different points. Results of the DTM generated by TLS (hereafter, HRT-DTM), and the terrain variables Aspect, Slope and Hillshade obtained were compared with previous models generated by aerophotographic survey (hereafter, APG-DTM). RMSE for the HRT and APG-DTM were 0.726 and 2.397 m, respectively. Spatial resolution of the DTMs was 0.20 m. Morphometric variables obtained from the two methods presented visual differences on the thematic maps, especially related to the Aspect. Generalization was the main process, whereas interpolation occurred for the HRT survey, being the process of choice for the APG method. A large number of points are obtained by the TLS, providing a dense cloud of points, spatially well-distributed, enabling the generalization process to obtain surface models with high performance.

Electromyographic Activity of the Upper Limb in Three Hand Function Tests.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists usually assess hand function through standardised tests, however, there is no consensus on how the scores assigned to hand dexterity can accurately measure hand function required for daily activities and few studies evaluate the movement patterns of the upper limbs during hand function tests. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in muscle activation patterns during the performance of three hand dexterity tests. METHODS: Twenty university students underwent a surface electromyographic (sEMG) assessment of eight upper limb muscles during the performance of the box and blocks test (BEST), nine-hole peg test (9HPT), and functional dexterity test (FDT). The description and comparison of each muscle activity during the test performance, gender differences, and the correlation between individual muscles' sEMG activity were analysed through appropriate statistics. RESULTS: Increased activity of proximal muscles was found during the performance of BEST (p < .001). While a higher activation of the distal muscles occurred during the FDT and 9HPT performance, no differences were found between them. Comparisons of the sEMG activity revealed a significant increase in the muscle activation among women (p = .05). Strong and positive correlations (r > .5; p < .05) were observed between proximal and distal sEMG activities, suggesting a coordinate pattern of muscle activation during hand function tests. CONCLUSION: The results suggested the existence of differences in the muscle activation pattern during the performance of hand function evaluations. Occupational therapists should be aware of unique muscle requirements and its impact on the results of dexterity tests during hand function evaluation.

Differences in orthotic design for thumb osteoarthritis and its impact on functional outcomes: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Orthoses are a well-known intervention for the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis; however, there is a multitude of orthotic designs and not enough evidence to support the efficacy of specific models. OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of different orthoses on pain, hand strength, and hand function of patients with thumb osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. METHODS: A scoping literature review of 14 publications reporting orthotic interventions for patients with thumb osteoarthritis was conducted. Functional outcomes and measures were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 12 studies reported improvements in pain and hand strength after the use of thumb orthoses. Comparisons between different orthotic designs were inconclusive. CONCLUSION: The use of orthoses can decrease pain and improve hand function of patients with thumb osteoarthritis; however, the effectiveness of different orthoses still needs support through adequate evidence. Clinical relevance Multiple orthoses for thumb osteoarthritis are available. Although current studies support their use to improve pain and hand function, there is no evidence to support the efficacy of specific orthotic designs. Improved functional outcomes can be achieved through the use of short orthoses, providing thumb stabilization without immobilizing adjacent joints.

Measuring children activity repertoire: is the paediatric activity card sort a good tool for Brazilian therapists? / Medindo o repertório de atividades de crianças: paediatric activity card sort é uma boa ferramenta para terapeutas ocupacionais brasileiros?

Introduction: The primary Brazilian occupational therapists goal is to enable their clients to participate in the activities of everyday life. Thus, it is important that therapists have tools that capture their clients' activities repertoires. The Paediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS) is a client-centred tool designed to capture the activity repertoire of children. However, the PACS is based on the activities of Canadian children, leading to questions regarding its use in other countries. Objective: To determine the acceptability and applicability of the PACS with Brazilian children. Method: Sixty children between 5 and 14 years participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information. Behavioural observations were used to judge the acceptability of the PACS. Item responses and their relation to sociodemographic variables were used to examine applicability. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographics and item responses. Differences in the PACS scores between gender, race, presence of siblings, parents' educational levels and marital status were assessed using non-parametric statistics. Results: Reported participation in PACS activities ranged from 95.7% (personal care) to 15.1% (sports). Eleven PACS activities had a participation rate of less than 10% and a number of new activities, not included in the PACS, were identified. Differences were found among gender and presence of siblings. Conclusion: With adjustments for the Brazilian context the PACS can be a useful tool to capture children activity suggesting the potential usefulness of a Brazilian PACS.

Como o reumatologista pode orientar o paciente com artrite reumatoide sobre função sexual / How the rheumatologist can guide the patient with rheumatoid arthritis on sexual function

RESUMOA sexualidade, parte integrante da vida humana e da qualidade de vida, é uma das responsáveis pelo bem-estar individual. A disfunção sexual pode ser definida como alteração em algum componente da atividade sexual e pode acarretar frustração, dor e diminuição dos intercursos sexuais. Embora se saiba que doenças crônicas, como a artrite reumatoide (AR), influenciam a qualidade da vida sexual, a disfunção sexual ainda é pouco diagnosticada, o que se deve a dois motivos: tanto os pacientes deixam de relatar a queixa por vergonha ou frustração quanto os médicos pouco questionam seus pacientes a esse respeito. Os reumatologistas estão cada vez mais dispostos a discutir domínios que não estão diretamente relacionados com o tratamento medicamentoso das doenças articulares, como qualidade de vida, fadiga e educação dos pacientes. A sexualidade, no entanto, é muito pouco abordada. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar alguns conceitos úteis ao reumatologista para orientação do paciente com AR quanto à função/disfunção sexual, considerações relativas ao papel desse profissional no sentido de instruir o paciente, noções gerais sobre função sexual, incluindo conceitos práticos sobre posições sexuais mais adequadas para portadores de AR, e abordagem multidisciplinar da disfunção sexual.

ABSTRACTSexuality, an integral part of human life and quality of life, is one of those factors responsible for individual welfare. Sexual dysfunction can be defined as a change in any component of sexual activity, which may cause frustration, pain and decreased sexual intercourse. Although it is known that chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), influence the quality of sexual life, sexual dysfunction is still underdiagnosed, due to two reasons: (i) patients fail to report the complaint because of shame or frustration and (ii) this subject is rarely called into question by doctors. Rheumatologists are increasingly willing to discuss areas which are not directly related to drug treatment of joint diseases, such as quality of life, fatigue, and education of patients; however, sexuality is rarely addressed. The aim of this review is to present some useful concepts to Rheumatologists for orientation of their patients with RA with respect to sexual function/dysfunction, some considerations concerning the role of these professionals in order to instruct the patient, general notions about sexual function, including practical concepts about the more appropriate sexual positions for patients with RA, and a multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction.

Prevalência de sintomas osteomusculares e suas relações com o desempenho ocupacional entre professores do ensino médio público

Objetivos: Investigar a frequência de sintomas osteomusculares e identificar suas relações com a capacidade funcional para atividades de vida diária e de trabalho entre professores do Ensino Médio público de Ceilândia-DF. Procedimentos metodológicos: estudo transversal realizado com 61 professores de quatro diferentes escolas. Para investigação, utilizou-se um questionário inicial (características sociodemográficas, clínicas e ocupacionais), o Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares (QNSO) (sintomas osteomusculares) e o Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) (disfunções em membros superiores). Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e comparativa. Resultados: As regiões corporais mais acometidas pelos sintomas osteomusculares, nos últimos 12 meses, foram: superior das costas (42,6%), inferior das costas (41,7%) e pescoço (39,3%). Observou-se maior comprometimento na realização das atividades cotidianas entre os professores que apresentaram algum sintoma osteomuscular em pescoço (p=0,0001), ombros (p=0,001), costas (p=0,002), cotovelos (p=0,002) ou punho e mão (p=0,018). Adicionalmente, observou-se maior interferência nas atividades de trabalho entre professores que apresentaram algum sintoma osteomuscular em ombros (p=0,023) ou cotovelos (p=0,003). Conclusão: Esse cenário salienta a importância de inserir programas periódicos de promoção de saúde e prevenção de disfunções nas escolas de Ensino Médio, para correta orientação e manutenção da capacidade funcional desses profissionais.

Terapia ocupacional na artrite reumatoide: o que o reumatologista precisa saber? / Occupational therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: what rheumatologists need to know?

Intervenções voltadas para a educação e o autogerenciamento da artrite reumatoide (AR) pelo paciente aumentam a adesão e a eficácia da abordagem precoce. A combinação de tratamento medicamentoso e tratamento de reabilitação visa a potencializar as possibilidades de intervenção, retardar o aparecimento de novos sintomas, reduzir incapacidades, minimizar sequelas e reduzir o impacto dos sintomas sobre a funcionalidade do paciente. A terapia ocupacional é uma profissão da área da saúde que objetiva a melhoria do desempenho de atividades pelo paciente e fornece meios para a prevenção de limitações funcionais, adaptação a modificações no cotidiano e manutenção ou melhoria de seu estado emocional e participação social. Devido ao caráter sistêmico da AR o acompanhamento multidisciplinar é necessário para o adequado manejo do impacto da doença sobre os mais diversos aspetos da vida do paciente. Como membro da equipe de saúde, o terapeuta ocupacional objetiva a melhoria e manutenção da capacidade funcional do paciente, prevenir o agravamento de deformidades, auxiliar o processo de compreensão e enfrentamento da doença, fornecer meios para as atividades necessárias para o engajamento do indivíduo em ocupações significativas, favorecer sua autonomia e independência em atividades de autocuidado, laborais, educacionais, sociais e de lazer. O objetivo desta revisão é familiarizar o reumatologista com as ferramentas de avaliação e intervenção usadas na terapia ocupacional, com enfoque na aplicação desses princípios para o tratamento de pacientes com diagnóstico de AR.

Interventions focusing on education and self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the patient improves adherence and effectiveness of early treatment. The combination of pharmacologic and rehabilitation treatment aims to maximize the possibilities of intervention, delaying the appearance of new symptoms, reducing disability and minimizing sequelae, decreasing the impact of symptoms on patient's functionality. Occupational therapy is a health profession that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by the patient, providing means for the prevention of functional limitations, adaptation to lifestyle changes and maintenance or improvement of psychosocial health. Due to the systemic nature of RA, multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary for the proper management of the impact of the disease on various aspects of life. As a member of the health team, occupational therapists objective to improve and maintaining functional capacity of the patient, preventing the progression of deformities, assisting the process of understanding and coping with the disease and providing means for carrying out the activities required for the engagement of the individual in meaningful occupations, favoring autonomy and independence in self-care activities, employment, educational, social and leisure. The objective of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the tools used for assessment and intervention in occupational therapy, focusing on the application of these principles to the treatment of patients with RA.

How the rheumatologist can guide the patient with rheumatoid arthritis on sexual function.

Sexuality, an integral part of human life and quality of life, is one of those responsible for our individual welfare. Sexual dysfunction can be defined as a change in any component of sexual activity, which may cause frustration, pain and decreased sexual intercourse. Although it is known that chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), influence the quality of sexual life, sexual dysfunction is still underdiagnosed, due to two reasons: both patients fail to report the complaint because of shame or frustration, and this subject is rarely called into question by doctors. Rheumatologists are increasingly willing to discuss areas which are not directly related to drug treatment of joint diseases, such as quality of life, fatigue, and education of patients; however, sexuality is rarely addressed. The aim of this review is to present some useful concepts to Rheumatologists for orientation of their patients with RA with respect to sexual function/dysfunction, some considerations concerning the role of these professionals in order to instruct the patient, general notions about sexual function, including practical concepts about the more appropriate sexual positions for patients with RA, and a multidisciplinary approach to sexual dysfunction.

[Occupational therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: what rheumatologists need to know?]. / Terapia ocupacional na artrite reumatoide: o que o reumatologista precisa saber?

Interventions focusing on education and self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the patient improves adherence and effectiveness of early treatment. The combination of pharmacologic and rehabilitation treatment aims to maximize the possibilities of intervention, delaying the appearance of new symptoms, reducing disability and minimizing sequelae, decreasing the impact of symptoms on patient's functionality. Occupational therapy is a health profession that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by the patient, providing means for the prevention of functional limitations, adaptation to lifestyle changes and maintenance or improvement of psychosocial health. Due to the systemic nature of RA, multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary for the proper management of the impact of the disease on various aspects of life. As a member of the health team, occupational therapists objective to improve and maintaining functional capacity of the patient, preventing the progression of deformities, assisting the process of understanding and coping with the disease and providing means for carrying out the activities required for the engagement of the individual in meaningful occupations, favoring autonomy and independence in self-care activities, employment, educational, social and leisure. The objective of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the tools used for assessment and intervention in occupational therapy, focusing on the application of these principles to the treatment of patients with RA.

An electromyographic analysis of two handwriting grasp patterns.

BACKGROUND: Handwriting is a fundamental skill needed for the development of daily-life activities during lifetime and can be performed using different forms to hold the writing object. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of trapezius, biceps brachii, extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis during a handwriting task with two groups of subjects using different grasp patterns. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four university students (thirteen males and eleven females; mean age of 22.04±2.8years) were included in this study. We randomly invited 12 subjects that used the Dynamic Tripod grasp and 12 subjects that used the Static Tripod grasp. RESULTS: The static tripod group showed statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of trapezium and biceps brachii muscles during handwriting when compared to dynamic tripod group's subjects. No significant differences were found in extensor carpi radialis brevis and flexor digitorum superficialis activities among the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest an increased activity of proximal muscles among subjects using a transitional grasp, indicating potential higher energy expenditure and muscular harm with the maintenance of this motor pattern in handwriting tasks, especially during the progression in academic life.

Avaliação da escrita através da fotogrametria – estudo da preensão trípode dinâmica / Handwriting assessment through photogrammetry – dynamic tripod grasp evaluation

Introdução: Dentre as preensões utilizadas para a escrita a trípode dinâmica apresenta a maior prevalência entre a população. Apesar de considerada padrão para a escrita manual, são escassos estudos que envolvam a análise da amplitude articular das mãos durante esta atividade. Objetivo: Obter as variações das amplitudes de movimento das articulações distais do membro superior durante a atividade de escrita manual em adultos. Metodologia: 50 adultos jovens, destros e sem comprometimento no membro superior tiveram suas mãos fotografadas durante a escrita e posteriormente analisadas através do Software de Avaliação Postural (SAPO). Resultados: Foi observado um padrão comum de pronação de antebraço, abdução entre I e II metacarpianos e fl exão de metacarpofalangeana e interfalangeana proximal do II dedo,similar às descrições encontradas na literatura. Conclusão: Foi possível estabelecer um padrão postural por meio da análise fotogramétrica, demonstrando a aplicabilidade deste método para a análise da motora do membro superior durante a atividade de escrita manual.

Introduction: Different grasp patterns can be used for handwriting and the dynamic tripod is the most prevalent among adults. Although it is considered an ideal grasp pattern, there are few studies that analyses the range of motion of hand joints during this activity. Objective: To obtain the variations of range of motion in distal upper limb articulations during a handwriting task among healthy adults. Methods: 50 young adults, right-handed and without impairment in the upper limb had their hands photographed during a handwriting task and analyzed with Postural Assessment Software (SAPO). Results: A common pattern of forearm pronation, abduction of the first interdigital space, flexion of metecarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the index finger was observed among subjects, matching previous studies and descriptions for this grasp pattern. Conclusion: It was possible to establish a standard postural pattern for handwriting through photogrammetric analysis, demonstrating the applicability of this method for the upper limb.