Physical Activity in Cerebral Palsy: A Current State Study.

This document analyzes a survey conducted in three geographical areas in Spain, focusing on centers for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). The study aims to determine the adherence rate to recommended physical activity guidelines, assess if there is a decline in interest in physical activity over time, identify the stage at which this decline occurs, and explore potential mechanisms, tools, or strategies to sustain long-term engagement in regular physical activity for this population. The 36-item questionnaire comprises multiple-choice, open-ended, and Likert scale-type questions. Data were collected on physical activity frequency and duration, daily living activities, and demographics. Statistical analysis identified patterns and relationships between variables. Findings reveal that only a 17.6% meets the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations regarding regular physical activity (RPA), decreasing in frequency or number of days a week, (3.7 d/w to 2.9 d/w; p < 0.01) and duration (50.5 min/d to 45.2 min/d; p < 0.001) with age, especially for those with higher Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) mobility levels. Obesity slightly correlates with session duration (ρ = -0.207; p < 0.05), not mobility limitations. Gender has no significant impact on mobility, communication, or physical activity, while age affects variables such as body mass index (BMI) and engagement (p < 0.01). A substantial proportion follows regular physical activities based on health professionals' advice, with interest decreasing with age. To improve adherence, focusing on sports-oriented goals, group sessions, and games is recommended. These findings emphasize the importance of personalized programs, particularly for older individuals and those with greater mobility limitations.

Learning About Assistive Technology from High School.

This communication will present an educative and research project that has linked the creation of 3D Assistive Technology (AT) for people with disabilities with the training of students of secondary education. STEMBach educational program aims to provide quality scientific education to secondary school students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through research projects. Specifically, the text focuses on one project proposed by the TALIONIS research group, which uses 3D printers to design and create assistive technology (AT) for people with disabilities. The project involves students from eight different high schools and ten individuals with disabilities from four non-governmental organizations. The students design and print the AT using software such as Tinkercad and Cura Software. After testing the AT, outcome measurement instruments are used to validate their effectiveness. The project is based on a Learning-by-doing methodology with a structure of service-learning, and the involvement of the students is voluntary. The objectives of the project are to involve the students in research and innovation, to generate resources and AT for people with disabilities, and to determine the effects of AT on the lives of its users. Finally, the project leads to identifying new needs of people with disabilities that could be addressed through further research work.

Cross-Cultural Validation of Quebec User Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 for Spanish Population (QUEST-2.0 ES).

BACKGROUND: Assistive technologies (ATs) are resources to promote the independence and participation of people with a disability. The use of standardized tools, based on outcome measures, is essential for guaranteeing high-quality rates. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with AT-2.0 (QUEST) is a scale to assess the satisfaction of people using any AT. OBJECTIVES: To translate and culturally validate the QUEST-2.0 for the Spanish population (QUEST 2.0-ES). METHODS: A validation cross-design and descriptive study. The test-retest reliability, validity, and internal consistency of QUEST 2.0-ES were studied. It was divided into two phases: Sample 1 was formed by 26 persons; in sample 2, 30 persons participated. The conditions included neurological conditions, amputations, rare diseases, and deafness. RESULTS: Thirty-five men and 21 women participated in total. The majority of AT used were those for mobility. QUEST 2.0-ES analysis showed internal consistency values between the test (α = 0.87) and retest versions (α = 0.89). The internal consistency was high for AT (test, α = 0.83; retest, α = 0.87) and Service (test, α = 0.80; retest, α = 0.80). The temporal reliability (1-2 weeks) for test-retest was 0.88. CONCLUSION: QUEST 2.0-ES showed good psychometric properties in terms of validity and test-retest reliability, and it is a good tool to assess the user's satisfaction with ATs and services.

Assessment and counseling to get the best efficiency and effectiveness of the assistive technology (MATCH): Study protocol.

AIMS: To determine the psychosocial impact of assistive technology(AT) based on robotics and artificial intelligence in the life of people with disabilities. BACKGROUND: The best match between any person with disabilities and its AT only can be gotten through a complete assessment and monitoring of his/her needs, abilities, priorities, difficulties and limitations. Without this analysis, it's possible that the device won't meet the individual's expectations. Therefore, it is important that any project focused on the development of innovating AT for people with disabilities includes the perspective of outcome measures as an important phase of the research. In this sense, the integration of the assessment, implementation process and outcome measures is crucial to guarantee the transferability for the project findings and to get the perspective from the final user. METHODS: Pilot study, with prospective, longitudinal and analytical cohort. The study lasts from July 2020 until April 2023. The sample is formed by people with disabilities, ages from 2-21, that will participate from the first stage of the process (initial assessment of their abilities and needs) to the final application of outcome measures instruments (with a complete implication during the test of technology). DISCUSSION: Only with the active participation of the person is possible to carry out a user-centered approach. This fact will allow us to define and generate technological solutions that really adjust to the expectations, needs and priorities of the people with disabilities, avoiding the AT from being abandoned, with the consequent health and social spending. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials ID: NCT04723784; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

A Study on Physical Exercise and General Mobility in People with Cerebral Palsy: Health through Costless Routines.

Sedentary behavior (SB) is a common problem that may produce health issues in people with cerebral palsy (CP). When added to a progressive reduction in motor functions over time, SB can lead to higher percentages of body fat, muscle stiffness and associated health issues in this population. Regular physical activity (RPA) may prevent the loss of motor skills and reduce health risks. In this work, we analyzed data collected from 40 people (20 children and teenagers, and 20 adults) who attend two specialist centers in Seville to obtain an up-to-date picture regarding the practice of RPA in people with CP. Roughly 60% of the participants showed mostly mid/severe mobility difficulties, while 38% also had communicative issues. Most of the participants performed light-intensity physical activity (PA) at least once or twice a week and, in the majority of cases, had a neutral or positive attitude to exercising. In the Asociación Sevillana de Parálisis Cerebral (ASPACE) sample test, the higher the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the higher the percentage of negative responses to doing exercise. Conversely, in the Centro Específico de Educación Especial Mercedes Sanromá (CEEEMS), people likes PA but slightly higher ratios of positive responses were found at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels V and II, agreeing with the higher personal engagement of people at those levels. We have also performed a literature review regarding RPA in CP and the use of low-cost equipment. As a conclusion, we found that RPA produces enormous benefits for health and motor functions, whatever its intensity and duration. Costless activities such as walking, running or playing sports; exercises requiring low-cost equipment such as elastic bands, certain smartwatches or video-games; or therapies with animals, among many others, have all demonstrated their suitability for such a purpose.

A Framework for a New Approach to Empower Users Through Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself Assistive Technology.

BACKGROUND: Assistive Technology (AT) refers to "assistive products and related systems and services developed for people to maintain or improve functioning and thereby to promote well-being". Improving the process of design and creation of assistive products is an important step towards strengthening AT provision. PURPOSE: (1) to present a framework for designing and creating Low-Cost AT; (2) to display the preliminary results and evidence derived from applying the framework. METHODOLOGY: First, an evidence-based process was applied to develop and conceptualize the framework. Then, a pilot project to validate the framework was carried out. The sample was formed by 11 people with disabilities. The measure instruments were specific questionnaire, several forms of the Matching Person-Technology model, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale, and a tool to assess the usability and universal design of AT. RESULTS: The framework integrates three phases: Identification (Design), Creation (Making the prototype), and Implementation (Outcome Measures), based on the principles of Design Thinking, and with a user-centered perspective. The preliminary results showed the coherence of the entire process and its applicability. The matching between person and device was high, representing the importance of involving the user in the design and selection of AT. CONCLUSIONS: The framework is a guide for professionals and users to apply a Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself perspective to the provision of AT. It highlights the importance of monitoring the entire procedure and measuring the effects, by applying the outcome measures.

Assistive technology based on client-centered for occupational performance in neuromuscular conditions.

Knowledge of the patient's own perception of functioning and dependence, and of environmental factors, is of significant value. The main goals of this study are (1) to obtain a general profile of the occupational performance of persons with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and their needs related to that performance and (2) to determine the support resources (assistive technologies [AT], adjustment, and/or caregiver) required to improve or maintain their level of independence.This cross-sectional study involved 24 persons with NMD. The functional independence measure (FIM), the checklist of a home's accessibility level, and a specific questionnaire were administered.The sample included 14 women (58.3%) and 10 men (41.7%). A mean of 61.7 (standard deviation = 17.2) was obtained for FIM motor, over 91, indicating a moderate level of dependence. The AT most frequently used was a wheelchair (70.8%). Architectural barriers were detected in the majority of users' homes (87.5%).Concise assessment of the independence needs of people with NMD, according to their occupational performance, and prescription of resources to meet those needs are required. This procedure should be implemented in healthcare programs, including care to a caregiver.

Estudio fenomenológico sobre la relación entre el envejecimiento activo y la terapia ocupacional en centros de día y residencias de la ciudad de A Coruña / Phenomenological study on the relationship between active aging and occupational therapy in careday centers and residences of the city of A Coruña

Objetivos: el Envejecimiento Activo se centra en la participación de las personas mayores en los asuntos sociales, económicos, culturales, espirituales y cívicos, y no únicamente en la capacidad de estar activos física y mentalmente. La Terapia Ocupacional, con sus conocimientos y herramientas, puede tener un papel fundamental en la promoción del Envejecimiento Activo. El objetivo es estudiar la relación entre laTerapia Ocupacional y la promoción del Envejecimiento Activo, a partir de las percepciones de terapeutas ocupacionales que trabajan en recursos de atención a personas mayores de la ciudad de A Coruña. Metodología: El estudio se enmarca en la investigación cualitativa, dentro del paradigma fenomenológico, utilizando como técnicas de recogida de datos la entrevista semi estructurada y el cuaderno de campo. La muestra del estudio está conformada por 10 profesionales de terapia ocupacional que ejercen su trabajo en centros de día y residencias de A Coruña. Resultados: A pesar de la importancia de la Terapia Ocupacional en los programas de Envejecimiento Activo, se observa en los participantes un desconocimiento importante sobre el fenómeno, que queda patente en la dificultad para justificar su práctica profesional, así como los beneficiosque aporta la disciplina a las personas mayores. Conclusiones: Se considera muy importante incluir información y educación en los planes de estudio y programas de formación de trabajadores sanitarios, dando a conocer los principios básicos del Envejecimiento Activo. También es muy importante continuar desarrollando trabajos que profundicen en la relación entre el Envejecimiento Activo y laTerapia Ocupacional.

Objectives: the Active Aging focuses on the participation of older people in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not only in the ability to be physically and mentally active. Occupational Therapy with knowledge and tools can play a key role in promoting Active Aging. The aim was to study the relationship between Occupational Therapy and promoting Active Aging, from the perceptions of occupational therapists working in care resources at people over the city of A Coruna. Methodology: The study is part of qualitative research, within the phenomenological paradigm, using semistructured interview and field notebook as data collection techniques. The sample of the study is formed by 10 professionals of occupational therapy who work in care day centers and residences of A Coruña. Results: Despite the importance of Occupational Therapy in Active Aging programs, we can see in participants a significant lack of knowledge about the phenomenon, which is evident in the difficulty to justify their practice, as well as the benefits of the discipline for elderly. Conclusions: It is considered very important to include information and education in the curricula and training programs for health workers, revealing the basic principles of Active Aging. It is also very important to continue to work unwrapping delve in to the relationship between Active Aging and Occupational Therapy.

Vivencias ocupacionales de personas recientemente jubiladas en el entorno urbano de la provincia de A Coruña / Occupational experiences of recently retired people in the urban envinronment of the province of Coruña

Objetivos: en la actualidad, se ha podido observar un envejecimiento progresivo de la población, lo que ha aumentado el interés acerca de la jubilación, ya que la duración de esta será cada vez más prolongada y afectará a los sistemas laborales, sanitarios y educativos, así como a la propia organización de la sociedad. El objetivo de este estudio es explorar y conocer las vivencias ocupacionales de los participantes en su etapa de jubilación. Método: Se ha utilizado la investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa, empleándose como métodos de recogida de datos un cuestionario, una entrevista semiestructurada y un diario de campo. La muestra estuvo conformada por 13 personas jubiladas. Resultados: Existen inconsistencias entre los resultados obtenidos en el cuestionario y lo que los participantes refieren en la entrevista, ya que en el cuestionario otorgan a la jubilación un significado positivo mientras en sus discursos se refleja lo contrario. Además, presentan limitaciones para comprender el concepto oficial de jubilación e identificarse con él. Por último, ha destacado la influencia del clima en el desempeño ocupacional y la controversia existente en cómo se entiende el ocio según el entorno en el que viva la persona (urbano o rural). Conclusiones: Se concluye que la distribución del tiempo es uno de los cambios más significativos de la jubilación, existiendo contradicciones en cuanto al significado que se le otorga a este concepto. Los resultados obtenidos también reflejan la necesidad de la preparación previa a la jubilación, aunque inicialmente muchos participantes no identifiquen esta necesidad como propia.

Aims: nowadays has been observed a progressive aging of the population which has increased the interest about retirement, as the duration of this will be longer and will affect labour, health and education systems, as well as the proper organization of society. The objective of this study is to explore and learn about the occupational experiences of older recently retired in the urban environment of the province of A Coruña. Methods: It has been used for the study the quantitative and qualitative research, being used as methods of data collection a questionnaire, a semistructured interview and a field journal homemade. The sample consisted of 13 retired people. Results: Thereare inconsistencies between the results of the questionnaire and refer participants in the interview, because the retirement questionnaire give a positive meaning while in his speech is the opposite. Furthermore, they have limitations to understand the official concept of retirement and identify with him. Finally, it highlighted the influence of climate on occupational performance and the controversy about how leisure is understood as the environment in which the person lives (urban or rural). Conclusions: We conclude that the distribution of time is one of the most significant changes in retirement, existing contradictions about the meaning given to it. The results also reflect the need for pre - retirement preparation, although initially many participants do not identify this need as their own.

Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Wheelchair and Contextual Factors on Quality of Life of People with Neuromuscular Disorders.

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases that show differences in incidence, hereditary, etiology, prognosis, or functional impairments. Wheelchair use (manual or powered) is influenced by several factors, including personal and contextual factors, and comprehensive evaluation of their impact is required in order to optimize prescription and provision of wheelchairs. The authors therefore assessed the influence of wheelchair use on the quality of life (QoL) of 60 participants with NMD using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and a specially developed questionnaire were used to obtain information about contextual factors and participants' activity profile of activities of the participants. The results showed that using a wheelchair has psychosocial benefits, with the main determinants of benefit being type of wheelchair (powered), non-ambulation ability, and independence in mobility. Ensuring a good match between user and assistive technology (AT; e.g., wheelchair), as well as the effectiveness of the particular device, will increase the likelihood that the user will adopt it and use it effectively in daily life. Clinical prescription of AT would be improved by making appropriate use of outcome measures.