Experiences of patients with Parkinson's disease belonging to an association. A qualitative approach.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) affects the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains of people who suffer it. A good strategy for patients is to belong to an Association, using the services they offer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients with PD in a Parkinson's Association. METHODS: A sample of participants with PD who met the inclusion criteria was selected through purpose and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect the data, which was analyzed by thematic phenomenological analysis. Different strategies such as triangulation between researchers were used to ensure methodological rigor. RESULTS: The data analyzed from 10 participants led to two themes: the context of the Association, where the importance of interdisciplinary treatments and the relationship with other patients is collected; and how they see their future, which describes the future perspectives that patients with PD have. DISCUSSION: Patients agree on the importance of belonging to the Association, feeling part of a group, while benefiting from receiving therapies from the interdisciplinary team. The Association plays a relevant role in the evolution of the disease, as it influences how patients imagine their future. Developing strategies based on a good therapeutic alliance with professionals at the service of patients promotes the empowerment, adherence and continuity of treatments at home, which results in improving the quality of life of patients with PD.

Effects of transcutaneous radiofrequency diathermy versus ultrasound on latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius: A randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the use of radiofrequency diathermy for the treatment of neck pain is booming. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Digital Capacitive Diathermy (DCD®) on stiffness, pain, cervical range of motion, and cervical disability and to compare it with ultrasound (US) in patients with latent myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the upper trapezius. METHODS: Nineteen participants with latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius were included in the assessor-masked, randomized, clinical crossover trial. Subjects were exposed to both interventions: US and DCD® and treatment effectiveness was measured by myotonometric variables, pressure pain threshold (PPT), visual analog scale (VAS), cervical side-bending flexion ranges, and the neck disability index scale (NDI). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between US and DCD® interventions regarding changes in outcome measures. The US group achieved a statistically significant difference of 2.16 to 1.13 points (p= 0.005; r= 0.646) for the VAS. The DCD® intervention showed a statistically significant improvement of 1.11 points for the NDI at 1-week following intervention (95% CI 0.14-2.07; p= 0.27; d= 0.217). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DCD® and US can both be considered effective modalities for the treatment of latent MTrPs, having a longer duration of action with DCD® therapy.

Hemophilia Patient Experience in a Physical Therapy-Guided Health Education Intervention: A Mixed-Method Design.

People with hemophilia usually have negative joint consequences due to their illness. Evidence suggests that exercise and therapeutic education bring some benefits. An important factor that affects health interventions was the experience and degree of satisfaction. Thus, it is relevant to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to obtain a complete view of the patient's experience. As a result, a concurrent nested mixed method with quantitative predominance study design was carried out. Nine people with hemophilia of Hemoaralar with a homogeneous environment participated in this study. The items evaluated were the level of satisfaction through the GCPC-UN-ESU survey and the experience with healthcare interventions through a focus group. A high level of satisfaction was obtained, but some divergences between quantitative and qualitative data were found. Further research about physical therapy and this type of intervention in people with hemophilia should be considered to better address the impact of living with the disease.