Analysis of ankle muscle activity: A study on static balance with eyes closed and high-heeled shoes.

BACKGROUND: Changes in sensory afferent interfere with the control of postural stability by the central nervous system. Wearing high-heeled shoes is an example of an external disturbance that changes sensory inputs and results in several postural adjustments to control stability. Thus, our purpose is to investigate the influence of high-heeled shoes and visual absence on maintenance of static balance and on ankle muscle activity among young women. Our hypothesis is that the combination of high-heeled shoes with visual absence lead to an increase of postural sway and of levels of activation of the stabilizing ankle muscles. METHODS: Nine volunteers remained in an unrestrained erect posture on a force platform for collecting of stabilometric and electromyographic parameters in four bipodal conditions: barefoot with open eyes, barefoot with closed eyes, with high heels and open eyes and with high heels and closed eyes. RESULTS: When comparing the experimental condition open and closed eyes with high heels, there were significant differences for all stabilometric variables, except for the confidence ellipse area. Statistical differences were found for the medial gastrocnemius muscle in all comparison pairs with high heels. CONCLUSION: The wearing high-heeled shoes showed to be the most influencing disturbance on static balance. Our findings suggest ankle muscle activity is adapted according to changes of the center of pressure sway and the wearing of high heels changes the muscle activation and postural sway.

Functional Dependence Prior to ICU Admission is Associated with Worse Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Individuals with COVID-19: A Prospective Observational Study.

Objectives: To determine whether low functional capacity (FC) prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might be associated with worse clinical outcomes. To monitor FC until discharge from the ICU. To identify associations between physical outcomes and decreased FC at discharge from the ICU. Design: Prospective observational study conducted from March to August 2021. Setting: ICU for adult patients with COVID-19. Participants: Adults (≥18 years) with COVID-19. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: Clinical and demographic data were obtained from medical records. At ICU admission, evaluation was made of FC using the Barthel index (BI), and of the level of mobility using the ICU mobility scale. At ICU discharge, FC and mobility level were reassessed, and muscle strength was measured using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale and the handgrip test. Results: The study was performed with 108 individuals. At the initial assessment, 73.1% of the patients were functionally independent. Length of hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; 95%confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.10) and death (OR = 5.27; 95%CI = 1.37-20.28) were related to functional status prior to ICU admission. Between ICU admission and discharge, the BI evaluation indicated a functional decline of 22.5 points. Low mobility level (P = .003) and low muscle strength assessed by the MRC scale (P < .001), measured at ICU discharge, were associated with a greater decrease of FC during the ICU stay. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 who were functionally dependent prior to ICU admission presented worse clinical outcomes, with low functional status being associated with longer hospitalization and higher mortality. However, irrespective of the initial functionality status, the surviving individuals suffered from functional decline at ICU discharge. Greater functional decline during the ICU stay was associated with lower muscle strength and lower mobility level at ICU discharge.

Can gluteal muscle activation discriminate functional performance in moderately trained women? - A cross-sectional study.

This study verified whether the level of gluteal activation during a controlled maximum voluntary contraction may discriminate functional performance in women. Forty-five moderately trained women were assigned to two groups based on the level of gluteal muscle activation on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) tests in the dominant limb: higher gluteal activation (HG-n = 22) and lower gluteal activation (LG-n = 22), considering different situations: a) level of activation of the gluteus medius muscle (GMed), b) level of activation of the gluteus maximus muscle (GMax), and c) level of combined activation of the GMed and GMax muscles. The cut-off values for the allocation of participants to groups in each situation were established as a function of the median values of each data set. Functional performance was assessed using the shuttle run, triple hop test, and six-metre timed hop test (STHT). The level of significance was set at 5%. Cohen's d index was included to estimate the magnitude of existing differences. The HG showed significantly shorter times than the LG on STHT performance (p-values ranging from 0.03-0.04), with a moderate effect (Cohen's d = 0.60-0.68) in all situations. The level of gluteal activation could discriminate STHT performance in women.

Ergonomic interventions for work in a sitting position: an integrative review.

The sitting position is one of the most common positions in the workplace and one that can contribute to overloading the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomics can play a significant role in ensuring an appropriate relationship between people and their work and in achieving better conditions for workers' health. The objective of this study was to consult the available evidence on the results of different ergonomic interventions for the musculoskeletal systems of workers who perform their jobs in a sitting position. This was an integrative review, searching the LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and CINAHL electronic databases for articles published from 2010 to 2019. The following keywords were used: Trabalhadores OR Workers OR Trabajadores AND Dor OR Pain OR Dolor AND Postura Sentada OR Sitting Position OR Sedestación AND Ergonomia OR Ergonomics OR Ergonomía. A total of 183 articles were identified, 14 of which were selected for the review. For qualitative analysis, the articles were organized by author, year, sample/population, objective, analytical instrument, intervention and type of intervention: combinations of physical exercise programs and postural and ergonomic guidance; different types of guidance and facilitating instruments; or configuration of furniture and use of supporting devices. A quantitative analysis of study quality was conducted using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database, based on the Delphi list. The interventions contributed to improve physical conditions and the tasks being carried out, making them more appropriate for the workers.

A postura sentada é uma das mais adotadas nos ambientes de trabalho e pode contribuir na sobrecarga do sistema musculoesquelético. A ergonomia pode apresentar um papel significativo para manter a relação adequada do homem com o trabalho e para abordar melhores condições à saúde dos trabalhadores. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as evidências disponíveis sobre os resultados de diferentes intervenções ergonômicas no sistema musculoesquelético de trabalhadores que exercem atividades na postura sentada. Tratou-se de uma revisão integrativa, utilizando as bases de dados eletrônicas LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO e CINAHL, com busca de artigos publicados no período de 2010 a 2019. Utilizaram-se os seguintes descritores: Trabalhadores OR Workers OR Trabajadores AND Dor OR Pain OR Dolor AND Postura Sentada OR Sitting Position OR Sedestación AND Ergonomia OR Ergonomics OR Ergonomía. Foram encontrados 183 artigos, sendo 14 selecionados. A análise qualitativa organizou os artigos de acordo com autor, ano, amostra/população, objetivo, instrumento de análise, intervenção e tipo de intervenção: associação de programas de exercícios físicos e orientações posturais e ergonômicas; diferentes formas de orientação e instrumentos facilitadores; e configuração do mobiliário e utilização de dispositivos auxiliares. A análise quantitativa da qualidade dos estudos considerou a escala Physiotherapy Evidence Database, baseado na lista Delphi. As intervenções contribuíram para melhorar as condições físicas e as tarefas executadas, tornando-as mais apropriadas para os trabalhadores.

Eficácia da estimulação hissiana e septal profunda comparada à estimulação cardíaca convencional: revisão de literatura / Efficacy of hissian and deep septal stimulation compared to conventional cardiac stimulation: literature review

Introdução: Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e doenças do sistema de condução necessitam de dispositivos para monitoramento dos batimentos cardíacos, como marcapassos permanentes, dispositivos de ressincronização cardíaca ou cardiodesfibriladores implantáveis. A estimulação ventricular direita (EVD) é tradicionalmente o tratamento de escolha. No entanto, estudos demonstraram evidências de dissincronia ventricular, redução da função cardíaca, recorrência de fibrilação atrial e aumento da mortalidade associadas a esta abordagem. O conhecimento dos efeitos adversos das técnicas convencionais justifica a realização de pesquisas para determinar se a estimulação hissiana (EH) é uma técnica que produz maior ativação fisiológica e ventricular mais sincronizada. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da estimulação hissiana comparada à EVD em relação aos parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, ecocardiográficos e clínicos.Material e Métodos: Os critérios de elegibilidade seguiram a estratégia PICOS: P ­ pacientes com indicação de dispositivos cardíacos eletrônicos implantáveis; I ­ estimulação hissiana; C ­ estimulação ventricular direita; O ­ duração do complexo QRS, fração de ejeção, diâmetro ventricular ou classe funcional da New York Heart Association (NYHA); S ­ ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados (ECR) e não randomizados. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases Medline via PubMed, Embase, LILACS e Cochrane Library, realizadas em março de 2023 por três revisores independentes. Resultados: Foram incluídos sete ensaios clínicos comparando as técnicas EH versus EVD quanto aos desfechos investigados. Para a duração do complexo QRS, três estudos encontraram resultado significativamente melhor no grupo intervenção. Para fração de ejeção e classe funcional da NYHA, dois estudos apresentaram resultados significativamente melhores no grupo EH. Quanto ao risco de viés, apenas dois apresentaram risco baixo e médio, quatro apresentaram risco alto em um, dois ou três dos itens avaliados. Conclusões: A técnica EH demonstrou superioridade à técnica convencional, entretanto são necessários ECR de maior qualidade metodológica e meta-análises para verificar a eficácia clínica da técnica, envolvendo maior número de pacientes e tempo de seguimento.

Introduction: Patients with heart failure and cardiac conditions require devices for monitoring the heartbeat, such as permanent pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization devices, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Right ventricular stimulation (RVP) has traditionally been the treatment of choice. However, studies have shown evidence of ventricular dyssynchrony, reduced cardiac function, recurrence of atrial fibrillation, and increased mortality associated with this approach. Recognizing the adverse effects of conventional techniques justifies conducting research to determine whether Hissian or His bundle pacing (HPB) stimulation can provide more physiologically synchronized ventricular activation. Objective: The aim is to assess the efficacy of Hissian stimulation compared to right ventricular pacing (RVP) in relation to electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and clinical parameters. Material and Methods: The eligibility criteria will follow the PICOS strategy: P ­ Patients with indication for implantable electronic cardiac devices; I ­ Hissan Stimulation; C ­ Right Ventricular Stimulation; O ­ QRS complex duration, ejection fraction, ventricular diameter and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class; S ­ Controlled Trials. Searches were conducted on the Medline via PubMed, Embase, Latin America and Caribbean Health Science Literature Database (LILACS) and Cochrane Library platforms. The searches were performed in March 2023 by three independent reviewers. Results: Seven clinical trials were included, comparing HPB versus RVP techniques regarding the investigated outcomes. For the QRS complex duration, three studies found a significantly better result in the intervention group. For ejection fraction and NYHA functional class, two studies had significantly better results in the HPB group too. Concerning the risk of bias, out of the seven studies included, only two presented low and medium risk, four presented high risk in one, two or three of the items evaluated. Conclusions: The HPB technique has demonstrated superiority to the conventional technique, however, RCT of higher methodological quality and meta-analysis are needed to verify the clinical effectiveness of the technique, involving more patients and longer follow-up time.

Traumas mamilares em nutrizes: revisão de escopo / Nipple trauma in nursing mothers: scope review

OBJETIVO: investigar, na literatura, a definição de trauma mamilar relacionado à amamentação, os tipos de trauma e seus tratamentos. MÉTODO: revisão de escopo. Foram consultados: PubMed; Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS); Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); SCOPUS; Web of Science; Base de dados de enfermagem (BDENF), EMBASE e Biblioteca Cochrane. Incluídos estudos publicados de 2015 a 2020. RESULTADOS: a amostra final foi composta por 23 artigos, sendo que 14 deles abordaram a definição de trauma mamilar. Esse evento inclui dor, sendo um dos problemas mais comuns durante a amamentação e relevante fator para desmame precoce. A melhor forma de preveni-lo e tratá-lo é por meio de posicionamento e pega adequados. CONCLUSÃO: não há padronização quanto à definição de trauma mamilar e os diferentes tipos. Há necessidade de refinamento da nomenclatura, a fim de auxiliar no diagnóstico e tratamento adequados.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the definition of nipple trauma related to breastfeeding, the types of trauma and their treatments in the literature. METHOD: scope review. The following were consulted: PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); SCOPUS; Web of Science; Nursing database (BDENF), EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Studies published from 2015 to 2020 were included. RESULTS: the final sample consisted of 23 articles, 14 of which addressed the definition of nipple trauma. This event includes pain, one of the most common problems during breastfeeding and a relevant factor for early weaning. Proper positioning and latch-on is the best way to prevent and treat it. CONCLUSION: there is no standardization regarding the definition of nipple trauma and the different types. There is a need for refinement of the nomenclature, in order to assist in the diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Brazilian University Drummers and Percussionists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the number of university drummers and percussionists in Brazil has been increasing. Extensive instrumental practice and repetitive rehearsals are related to the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms among many of these percussion instrumentalists (e.g., repique, tambourine, agogô, rattle, surdo, and snare drums). Musculoskeletal injuries increase the costs of medical exams and treatment in percussionists. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in Brazilian university drummers and percussionists. METHOD: An electronic survey addressing demographic features and musculoskeletal signs and symptoms was distributed via social media to university drummers and percussionists in Brazil from July to November 2021. The target sample included university drummers and percussionists over age 18 years, with no gender restrictions, more than 6 months of instrumental practice, and either enrolled in undergraduate studies for more than 1 year or completed undergraduate studies less than 1 year ago. The prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal signs and symptoms were analyzed by body region using the adapted Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 103 responses were collected from 2,640 emails sent (3.9% response rate with a 99% completion rate). Sixty participants were female (58.25%). A high frequency of pain and discomfort was reported among the students when participating in battery activities (85.58%). In the last 6 months, wrist/hand was the most involved region (50%), followed by the lower back (45.19%) and shoulders (39.42%). In the last 7 days, the three areas most affected areas when participants were active on the drums were the wrists/hands (75%), shoulders (51.92%), and upper back (33.65%). CONCLUSION: Most Brazilian university drummers and percussionists had experienced musculoskeletal pain. This pain may be related to repetitive movements, inadequate postures, or use of excessive force during performance and practice.

Indução da lactação em mulheres nuligestas: relato de experiência / Inducción de la lactancia en mujeres nuligestas: informe de experiencia / Lactation induction in women who never got pregnant: experience report

Resumo Objetivo relatar a experiência de indução da lactação em nuligestas realizada por enfermeira consultora em aleitamento. Método relato de experiência. O processo de indução láctea foi realizado com três mulheres por motivo de gestação em útero de substituição e relacionamento homoafetivo. Resultados todas perceberam o aumento de tamanho e a sensibilidade nas mamas, bem como apresentaram secreção láctea. No entanto, a continuidade da amamentação foi diferenciada entre elas. A primeira não recebeu apoio de profissionais de saúde no contexto de pós-parto hospitalar, nem em casa, e não deu continuidade à amamentação. A segunda recebeu apoio da equipe do hospital e da parceira, amamentando por três meses. A terceira, com o apoio da parceira, amamentou por dois meses, mas interrompeu por sentir-se inibida por familiares. Conclusão e implicações para a prática a técnica de indução é capaz de desencadear a produção láctea. Já o processo de amamentação só se estabeleceu mediante a associação com a rede de apoio, o acolhimento, o incentivo da equipe de saúde e o olhar integral à mulher e sua família. Dessa forma, o cuidado de Enfermagem na indução láctea não deve focar apenas no manejo da indução, mas transcender o aspecto técnico, o que se mostra como fundamental para a proteção, o estabelecimento e a continuidade da amamentação.

Resumen Objetivo reportar la experiencia de inducir la lactancia en nuligestas realizada por una consultora de enfermería en lactancia materna. Método relato de experiencia. El proceso de inducción de la leche se realizó con tres mujeres por embarazo en útero de reemplazo y relación homoafectiva. Resultados todas notaron el aumento de tamaño y la sensibilidad en las mamas, además de presentar secreción de leche. Sin embargo, la continuidad de la lactancia materna se diferencia entre ellos. La primera no recibió apoyo de los profesionales de la salud en el contexto posparto hospitalario, ni en el domicilio, y no continuó con la lactancia. La segunda recibió apoyo del personal del hospital y su pareja, amamantando durante tres meses. La tercera, con el apoyo de su pareja, amamantó durante dos meses, pero la interrumpió porque se sentía inhibida por familiares. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica la técnica de inducción es capaz de desencadenar la producción de leche. El proceso de lactancia materna, en cambio, solo se estableció a través de la asociación con la red de apoyo, la acogida, el estímulo del equipo de salud y la mirada integral a la mujer y su familia. Así, el cuidado de Enfermería en la inducción de la leche no debe enfocarse solo en el manejo de la inducción, sino trascender el aspecto técnico, que se muestra fundamental para la protección, el establecimiento y la continuidad de la lactancia materna.

Abstract Objective to report the experience of lactation induction in women who never got pregnant by a lactation consultant nurse. Method experience report. The process of lactation induction was performed with three women due to surrogate pregnancy and homosexual relationships. Results all noticed an increase in the size and sensitivity of the breasts, as well as milk secretion. However, the continuity of breastfeeding was different between them. The first did not receive support from health professionals in the postpartum hospital setting, nor at home, and did not continue breastfeeding. The second received support from the hospital staff and her partner, breastfeeding for three months. The third, with the support of her partner, breastfed for two months, but stopped because she felt inhibited by family members. Conclusion and implications for practice the induction technique is capable of triggering milk production. However, the breastfeeding process was only established through the association with the support network, the reception, the encouragement of the health team, and the comprehensive view of the woman and her family. Thus, nursing care in lactation induction should not focus only on the management of induction, but transcend the technical aspect, which is essential for the protection, establishment, and continuity of breastfeeding.

Changes in electromyographic activity of deltoid muscles in women with shoulder pain during a functional task.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints of patients with musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulder and is usually caused by the Subacromial Impact Syndrome. Muscle imbalances can contribute to this syndrome leading to disorders that cause changes in muscle activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether pain causes changes in the electromyographic activity of the shoulder girdle muscles during an isometric task of arm elevation in the scapular plane. METHOD: This is a comparative observational study using a simple convenience sampling method, composed of 22 women aged (44 ± 10) who were divided into two groups: 11 women with shoulder pain and 11 women without shoulder pain. The muscle activity evaluation was performed using surface electromyography of the muscles: anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, upper trapezius and middle trapezius, during an isometric task of arm elevation in the scapular plane. Independent Samples t-Test was used to analyze and compare the normalized electromyography data. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant increase in the activity of the anterior and middle deltoid muscles in women with shoulder pain compared to women without shoulder pain in the isometric task of arm elevation. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the shoulder pain of the women evaluated caused changes in the activity of the anterior and middle deltoid muscles.

Choice reaction time can be influenced by intervention protocols after stroke: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke individuals usually present a delay in choice reaction time (CRT), and it would be important to verify the efficacy in the reduction of CRT after intervention protocols. OBJECTIVE: The main question of this review is 'What are the characteristics of the CRT test and the interventions that decrease the CRT?' STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: The search was performed in March 2019 using the electronic databases, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Cinahal, Cochrane, Ovid, Scielo, PEDro, and Embase. There was no restriction regarding publication dates, and studies written in English that were conducted on poststroke patients and presented CRT results were included. RESULTS: Six studies were included in this systematic review, and the majority showed varied objectives, methodologies, and groups, regarding the number and characteristics of the sample, varying from complex to simple tasks for the CRT evaluation. CONCLUSION: This review suggests the investigation of the CRT in stroke patients with functional tasks using auditory and/or visual stimulus. About the CRT training in stroke patients, this review also suggests bilateral training, including functional tasks, and the use of structural practice blocks, but more studies are needed to better demonstrate the effects of interventions on the CRT. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (protocol no. CRD42017073995).

Representações sociais de profissionais de saúde da área hospitalar sobre o parto domiciliar planejado / Social representations of health professionals in the hospital area about planned home birth / Representaciones sociales de los profesionales de la salud en el área hospitalaria acerca del parto planificado en el hogar

Objetivo: apreender as representações sociais de profissionais de saúde da área hospitalar sobre o parto domiciliar planejado. Método: estudo qualitativo, fundamentado na Teoria das Representações Sociais e realizado com 15 profissionais de saúde de um hospital de ensino. Os dados foram coletados no segundo semestre de 2019, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Utilizou-se a Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Resultados: os relatos originaram dois temas: 1) Parto domiciliar: uma possibilidade, com critérios de elegibilidade e 2) Parto domiciliar: uma miscelânea de conceitos, opiniões e interpretações. O grupo social investigado entende o parto domiciliar planejado como uma opção de assistência, com critérios de elegibilidade. No entanto, prevalece no senso coletivo uma associação desta modalidade de parto com situações de urgência/emergência, com potencial risco para mulheres e recém-nascidos. Conclusão: as representações compartilhadas revelam a generalização de informações sem respaldo científico sobre o parto domiciliar planejado.

Objective: apprehending the social representations of health professionals in the hospital area about the planned home birth. Method: a qualitative study based on the Theory of Social Representations and conducted with 15 health professionals of a teaching hospital. Data were collected in the second half of 2019 through semi-structured interviews. Thematic Content Analysis was used. Results: the reports originated two themes: 1) Home birth: one possibility, with eligibility criteria and 2) Home birth: a miscellany of concepts, opinions and interpretations. The social group investigated understands planned home birth as an option of care, with eligibility criteria. However, a association of this mode of birth with urgent/emergency situations prevails in the collective sense, with potential risk for women and newborns. Conclusion: the shared representations reveal the generalization of information without scientific support about planned home birth.

Objetivo: aprehender las representaciones sociales de profesionales de la salud en el área hospitalaria acerca del parto planificado en el hogar. Método: un estudio cualitativo basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales y realizado con 15 profesionales de la salud de un hospital escuela. Los datos fueron recolectados en el segundo semestre de 2019 a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: los informes originaron dos temas: 1) Nacimiento en el hogar: una posibilidad, con criterios de elegibilidad y 2) Nacimiento en el hogar: una miscelánea de conceptos, opiniones e interpretaciones. El grupo social investigado entiende el parto planificado en el hogar como una opción de atención, con criterios de elegibilidad. Sin embargo, una asociación de este modo de parto con situaciones de urgencia/emergencia prevalece en el sentido colectivo, con riesgo potencial para las mujeres y los recién nacidos. Conclusión: las representaciones compartidas revelan la generalización de la información sin apoyo científico sobre el parto planificado en el hogar.

Effects of serious games in strength and functionality of patients with ulnar nerve lesion: two single-case reports.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of serious games on hand muscle strength and functionality in a series of cases with ulnar nerve damage. Two patients were included in this 16-week intervention study using biofeedback. Electromyography electrodes and dynamometers were used in treatment. Functionality was assessed by Rosen and Lundborg score, Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Grip and pinch strength were assessed by dynamometers. Results revealed an increase in sensory domain of Rosen and Lundborg score of the two patients. Patients increased values from the DASH questionnaire; however, they got better results with ICF. Grip strength of the two patients increased; pinch strength varied between patients; key pinch had the best results. Serious games can be effective to enhance hand strength and improve functionality in patients with ulnar nerve damage.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is superior than placebo and control for postoperative pain relief.

Aim: To determine whether transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more efficient than placebo TENS and control groups for pain relief. Design: Randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Setting & participants: A total of 78 adults with postoperative pain, after cholecystectomy, at the University Hospital. They were randomized into active TENS, placebo TENS and control. Intervention: A total of 30-min interventions applied in the first 24 h after the surgery. Outcome: Pain intensity. Results: Pain significantly decreased for both TENS; however, the active TENS was better. A decrease of 2 points or more on the visual analog scale for 53.8% active TENS and 11.5% placebo. Conclusion: There was a greater reduction in pain of important clinical relevance in the active TENS group. Clinical Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trial (REBEC): RBR-6cgx2k.

Serious games therapy associated with conventional physical therapy intervention accelerated hand muscles strengthening and hand functioning after complex fracture of the wrist: A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. INTRODUCTION: A severe wrist fracture can cause permanent physical disabilities and deformities, leading to limit patients in their occupation and social environment. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We aim at presenting a treatment protocol and the functional outcome of a patient with severe clinical state after a rare wrist fracture. METHODS: We provided physical therapy intervention associated with serious games for muscle strengthening. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: There was an increase in strengthening and a decrease in Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation scores. The International Classification of Functioning scores have changed from severe to light or to absent in many of the domains. CONCLUSION: The use of serious games combined with a conventional physical therapy intervention played a fundamental role in recovery and return to work activities, and there was also an important recovery of general health condition.

Dificuldades da assistência ao parto domiciliar na ótica de enfermeiras obstetras / Dificultades en la atención domiciliaria desde la perspectiva de las enfermeras obstetras / Difficulties in home birth care from the perspective of obstetric nurses

Objetivo: investigar as dificuldades encontradas pelas enfermeiras obstetras que estão atuando na assistência ao parto domiciliar. Método: estudo descritivo e de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada com nove enfermeiras obstetras que atendiam partos domiciliares há mais de um ano. Os dados foram analisados segundo a Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: os depoimentos deram origem a três categorias que revelaram dificuldades relacionadas à: escassez de informações sobre o parto domiciliar; transferência do domicílio para o hospital; e lacunas do processo de trabalho. Conclusão: as enfermeiras obstetras enfrentavam dificuldades de ordem social e prática que fragilizavam e dificultavam a assistência ao parto domiciliar. Estas dificuldades parecem estar relacionadas à falta de regulamentação desse modelo de atenção ao parto nas políticas públicas de saúde do país.

Objetivo: investigar las dificultades encontradas por las enfermeras obstétricas que trabajan en la asistencia al parto domiciliario. Método: estudio descriptivo y de enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de una entrevista semiestructurada con nueve enfermeras obstétricas que realizaban partos domiciliarios durante más de un año. Los datos se analizaron de acuerdo con el Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: de las declaraciones, surgieron tres categorías que revelaron dificultades relacionadas con: escasez de información sobre el parto domiciliario; transferencia de casa al hospital y lagunas en el proceso de trabajo. Conclusión: las enfermeras obstétricas encontraron dificultades sociales y prácticas que debilitaron y obstaculizaron la atención al parto domiciliario. Estas dificultades parecen estar relacionadas con la falta de regulación de este modelo de atención de la prestación en las políticas de salud pública del país.

Objective: to investigate the difficulties encountered by obstetric nurses who are working in home birth care. Method: descriptive study, with qualitative approach. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured interview with nine obstetric nurses who had been attending home births for more than one year. The data were analyzed according to Content Analysis. Results: the statements gave rise to three categories that revealed difficulties related to: scarcity of information about home birth; transfer from home to hospital and gaps in the work process. Conclusion: obstetric nurses faced social and practical difficulties that weakened and hindered home birth care. These difficulties seem to be related to the lack of regulation of this model of delivery care in the country's public health policies.

Association between the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale in hand functional evaluation of patients with leprosy diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of results from the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the screening activity limitation and Safety Awareness scale for the assessment of hand in patients diagnosed with leprosy. METHOD: An association between the Rosén and Lundborg Score and the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale for hand was evaluated in a cross-section study with 25 people of a mean age of 51 years old (SD 14), undergoing drug treatment for leprosy. RESULTS: The mean quantitative score in the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale was 27.9 (SD 10.5). Rosén and Lundborg Score for the median nerve were 2.43 (SD 0.38) on the right hand and 2.41 (SD 0.54) on the left hand whilst for the ulnar nerve, the scores observed were 2.33 (SD 0.42) for the right hand and 2.31 (SD 0.61) for the left hand. Significant correlations between the two instruments in assessment of the median and ulnar nerves on both hands were found. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the association found between the scales, the Rosén and Lundborg Score may be used in assessment of the hand in patients diagnosed with leprosy, as a tool to assist the result evaluation after the drug treatment, surgical treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up in the hand dysfunction in leprosy. Implications for Rehabilitation The leprosy inflammatory neuropathy may cause limitations and disabilities related to hand functions of patients. Instruments with quantitative scores provide a reliable basis for therapeutic intervention prognosis. New evaluation methods promote a better monitoring of treatment and hand function evolution of people with leprosy.

Limitation of activity and restriction of social participation in relation to age range, gender, and education in people with leprosy.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, 38,000 new cases of leprosy are discovered each year, making it a public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether or not there is an association between activity limitations and the restriction of social participation with some demographic data (age range, gender, and education) of the patients in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), diagnosed with leprosy. METHODS: The SALSA scale was used to assess activity limitations, whereas the Participation scale was used to assess the restriction of social participation. RESULTS: The assessments were conducted with 31 BHU patients diagnosed with leprosy. Males were the most affected by leprosy, the multibacillary was the most prevalent, and education proved to be an important factor when related to the disease injuries among the evaluated individuals. Regarding activity limitations and the restriction of social participation, the percentage of individuals without limitations and without restrictions was greater in both scales. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitation is the small study sample. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that, for the studied sample, no association was observed between the activity limitations, evaluated by the Salsa scale, nor the restriction of social participation, evaluated by the Participation Scale, with the analyzed demographic data.

TOXIC EXPOSURES IN CHILDREN INVOLVING LEGALLY AND ILLEGALLY COMMERCIALIZED HOUSEHOLD SANITIZERS. / EXPOSIÇÕES TÓXICAS EM CRIANÇAS A SANEANTES DE USO DOMICILIAR DE VENDA LEGAL E CLANDESTINA.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze and to compare clinical repercussions of accidents involving legally and illegally commercialized household sanitizers in children under 7 years of age. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from electronic database of a regional Poison Control Center during one year. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive non-parametric statistics and association tests. Results: The sample had 737 reported cases. Most of the accidents occurred with children under 3 years of age (median: 1 year of age; interquartile interval: 1-3 years of age), at home (92.9%), by ingestion (97.2%). Products involved were cleaning products with low toxicity and no caustic effects (38.9%); caustics (24.1%); hydrocarbons (19.3%); pesticides/rodenticides (16.6%), and other products (1.1%). Seventy accidents were due to exposures to illegal products, mainly caustics (n=47) and rodenticides (n=15). Among the 337 children presenting post-exposure clinical manifestations, the most frequent were vomiting (n=125), oral burns (n=74), cough (n=35), drooling (n=26), and abdominal pain (n=25). Clinical manifestations were significantly more frequent after illegal products exposure (55/70 versus 282/667, p<0.01). Nineteen children had to be hospitalized (caustics, n=17; illegal products, n=12; median time of hospitalization: 2 days), 22 were submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (sodium hydroxide, n=14; illegal products, n=14); and 12 cases had endoscopic alterations (severe in 2). No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Toxic exposures owing to illegal household sanitizer products are associated with greater morbidity when compared with legal ones.

OBJETIVOS: Analisar e comparar as repercussões clínicas dos acidentes com saneantes de uso domiciliar de origem legal e ilegal (clandestina) em crianças menores de 7 anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com dados obtidos dos prontuários eletrônicos do Centro de Informações e Assistência Toxicológica de referência regional, no período de um ano completo. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas não paramétricas e de testes de associação. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 737 casos. A maioria das exposições ocorreu em crianças menores de 3 anos (mediana: 1 ano, intervalo interquartil: 1-3 anos) na residência habitual (92,9%) e por ingestão (97,2%). Os produtos envolvidos foram saneantes de baixa toxicidade sem efeito cáustico (38,9%), com efeito cáustico (24,1%), hidrocarbonetos (19,3%), inseticidas/raticidas (16,6%), e outros produtos (1,1%). Setenta casos decorreram de exposições a produtos clandestinos, principalmente cáusticos (n=47) e raticidas (n=15). Entre as 337 crianças que apresentaram manifestações clínicas pós-exposição, as ocorrências mais frequentes foram vômitos (n=125), queimaduras orais (n=74), tosse (n=35), salivação (n=26) e dor abdominal (n=25), significativamente mais comum com produtos clandestinos (55/70 versus 282/667; p<0,01). Dezenove crianças foram hospitalizadas (cáusticos, n=17; produtos clandestinos, n=12; mediana do tempo de internação: 2 dias), e 22 foram submetidas à endoscopia digestiva alta (hidróxido de sódio, n=14; produtos clandestinos, n=14), com alterações em 12 casos (grave=2). Não houve óbitos. CONCLUSÕES: Exposições tóxicas a saneantes de uso domiciliar de origem clandestina estão associadas com maior morbidade quando comparadas aos de venda autorizada.

Comparative study of pain in women submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate postoperative pain in patients submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy with four ports versus single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy with only one port. METHODS:: Twenty-one patients were included in the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and 19 other patients in the single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. A VAS was used for the assessment of postoperative pain at three time points. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS:: Intergroup analysis showed no significant difference in VAS scores between the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups at any of the time points studied. CONCLUSION:: This study found no significant difference in postoperative pain between the two groups.

Comparative study of pain in women submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate postoperative pain in patients submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy with four ports versus single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy with only one port. Methods: Twenty-one patients were included in the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and 19 other patients in the single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. A VAS was used for the assessment of postoperative pain at three time points. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: Intergroup analysis showed no significant difference in VAS scores between the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups at any of the time points studied. Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in postoperative pain between the two groups.