Evaluation of functioning and associated factors in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta / Avaliação da funcionalidade e fatores associados de crianças e adolescentes com osteogênese imperfeita

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functioning and associated factors in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 30 children and adolescents with OI. Medical records, use of bisphosphonates, socioeconomic status, handgrip strength, balance, joint hypermobility, ambulatory level, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory—Computer Adaptative Test (PEDI-CAT) scores were assessed. Data is presented as mean and standard deviation and Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical data is presented as frequency and analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Within-group analyses were conducted using ANCOVA or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Correlations used Kendall's Tau-b test. Results: The participants involved in this study were 6-18 years old. The sample was separated into two groups according to disease severity. The moderate/severe OI group (n=10) presented a lower height and muscular strength than the mild group (n=20). Muscle weakness was observed in all participants with OI when compared with the normal population. No differences were observed between the groups in the PEDI-CAT scores except for the mobility domain. There were correlations between the PEDI-CAT mobility domain and the number of fractures, OI type, weight, and balance; there was also a correlation between the PEDI-CAT daily activities, mobility, responsibility, and social/cognitive domains. Conclusions: The findings suggest that children with moderate/severe forms of OI can achieve the same function levels as children with mild OI. Fractures can have a major influence on the functional level, and treatment should focus on the prevention and rehabilitation of these events when they occur.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a funcionalidade e fatores associados em crianças e adolescentes com osteogênese imperfeita (OI). Métodos: Estudo transversal com 30 crianças e adolescentes com OI. Foram avaliados prontuários médicos, uso de bisfosfonatos, características socioeconômicas, dinamometria de preensão palmar, equilíbrio, hipermobilidade articular, nível de deambulação e escores do Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptative Test (PEDI-CAT). Os dados foram apresentados em média e desvio padrão e comparados por teste t por Mann-Whitney, enquanto os categóricos foram apresentados em frequência e comparados pelo teste exato de Fisher. Análises intragrupos foram realizadas por análise de covariância (ANCOVA) ou Teste de Wilcoxon para postos sinalizados. O teste Tau-b de Kendall foi usado para correlações. Resultados: A idade variou de 6 a 18 anos. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos de acordo com a gravidade da doença. Casos moderados/graves (n=10) apresentaram menor estatura e força muscular comparadas às dos leves (n=20). Fraqueza muscular foi observada em todos os casos de OI quando comparados à população normal. Não houve diferença nos domínios do PEDI-CAT com exceção do domínio mobilidade. Houve correlação entre o número de fraturas, tipo de OI, peso e equilíbrio e o domínio mobilidade; e entre os domínios Atividades Diárias e Mobilidade e Responsabilidade e Social/cognitivo do PEDI-CAT. Conclusões: Nossos achados sugerem que crianças com OI moderada/severa podem atingir o mesmo nível de funcionalidade que crianças com a forma leve. Fraturas podem ter grande influência no nível de funcionalidade e o tratamento deve enfocar a prevenção e a reabilitação desses eventos.

The influence of positivity and self-efficacy beliefs on family functioning among young adults in Italy and Colombia.

Background: Research suggests that positivity and self-efficacy beliefs may impact adaptive behavior and developmental outcomes, such as social adjustment and subjective wellbeing. The present study explored the effect of positive dimensions (positivity and self-efficacy beliefs) and individual characteristics (gender, type of country, age, and sexual orientation) on family cohesion and flexibility in a group of Colombian and Italian young adults. Method: An online survey was administered to 949 Colombian and 2,073 Italian people aged between 18 and 40 years (M age = 24.3; SDage = 4.5; 67% women). A mediational model was performed to test the influence of positivity on family functioning via the mediational role of self-efficacy beliefs, analyzing the moderated effects of gender, type of country, sexual orientation, and age. Results: Filial self-efficacy mediated the effect of positivity on family functioning, showing stronger paths in men and Colombian participants than in women and Italian counterparts. Regulatory self-efficacy mediated the associations between positivity and family functioning for both genders and types of countries. Conclusion: The results suggest that positivity and self-efficacy beliefs may allow families to engage in more adaptive family functioning across countries and genders. Further research should focus on implications from a cross-national perspective to examine other culture-specific factors that may impact family adjustment.

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

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

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

Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction training on the negative emotions and social functioning of patients with laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on the negative emotions and social functioning of patients with laryngeal cancer post-operation. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with laryngeal cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were selected and divided into an observation group of 33 cases and a control group of 32 cases according to the patient's wishes. The control group received routine intervention, while the observation group received mindfulness decompression training in addition to the control group. Both groups were evaluated after 8 weeks of intervention. The research tools included the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30), all of the scores of them were used to verify the foregoing scale. The effects of MBSR were evaluated by the differences between the post- and pre-intervention scores in each scale. T-test was used for mean comparison and Pearson test was used for rate comparison χ2 inspection. LITERATURE REVIEW: Patients will have negative emotions during the surgical treatment of laryngeal malignancies (Literature 1), which will affect their mental health (literature 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Mindfulness decompression training (literature 10, 11) can reduce the depression and anxiety of patients with malignant tumors (literature 14, 15). According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria (literature 16 and 17), two groups of patients were selected in this study, and the scores were obtained using research tools including SAS (literature 19), SDS (literature 20), PSQI (literature 21), SDSS (literature 22) and QLQ-C30 (literature 24 and 25). The effect of MBSR was evaluated by the difference before and after the intervention scores in each scale. RESULTS: After the intervention, the scores of the SAS and SDS in the two groups were lower than before (P < 0.05), the PSQI score of the two groups was lower than before (P < 0.05), the SDSS score of the two groups was lower than before (P < 0.05), and the scores of the QLQ-C30 in the two groups were higher than before intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based stress reduction training can reduce the negative emotions of patients with laryngeal cancer and improve their quality of sleep, social functioning, and quality of life. It is worthy of clinical application.

Articulated ankle-foot orthoses associated with home-based task-specific training improve functional mobility in patients with stroke: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: We compared fixed and articulated ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) in home-based mobility tasks to assess short-term mobility, dynamic balance, quality of life, anxiety/depression, disability level, stroke severity, autonomy, human functioning, and patient satisfaction. METHODS: This was a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and a complete case analysis involving patients with chronic stroke. The participants were randomized into two groups: fixed (n = 24) and articulated (n = 23) AFOs. The AFOs were custom-fabricated, and both groups performed four-week home-based mobility tasks five days weekly. Primary outcome measures included changes in balance and mobility assessed using the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, anxiety/depression, disability, stroke severity, autonomy, human functioning, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: In a between-group comparison, after adjusting for age, sex, stroke severity, and thrombolysis, the articulated AFO group showed better performance in the TUG test (p = 0.020; d = 0.93), POMA-Gait (p = 0.001; d = 0.53), POMA-Total (p = 0.048; d = 0.98), and FAC (p = 0.003; d = 1.03) than the fixed AFO group. Moreover, significant difference was noted in human functioning (moving around using equipment)between the groups (p = 0.047; d = 92). CONCLUSION: A program involving home-based mobility tasks and articulated AFOs improved functional mobility after stroke.

Validation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) for individuals with asthma.

PURPOSE: There are no disease-specific tools for assessing the functioning of patients with asthma. This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) in individuals with asthma. METHODS: 101 individuals with asthma responded to the 36-item version of the WHODAS 2.0, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and Asthma Control Test (ACT). The following psychometric properties were tested: internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent and discriminative validity. RESULTS: Homogeneity was found between WHODAS 2.0 items and domains, except "Getting along" (Cronbach's α = 0.57). When item "D4.5 Sexual activities" was deleted, the Cronbach's increased to 0.70. Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors (explained variance 56%). There was a strong correlation between the WHODAS 2.0 and AQLQ (r=-0.72) and between the WHODAS 2.0 and ACT (r= -0.59). There was no evidence of the influence of obstruction level (FEV1) on functioning. CONCLUSION: WHODAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing functioning in individuals with asthma. Exclusion of item D.4.5 Sexual activity increased the homogeneity between the items of the "Getting along" domain. When applied to asthmatics, the WHODAS total functioning score is preferable to the domain-specific scores.

WHODAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the functioning of patients with asthma.Exploratory factor analysis identified four factors that differ from the original six-domain structure of the WHODAS 2.0 36-item version.WHODAS 2.0 is recommended for professionals who rehabilitate patients with asthma.

Validation of tele-assessment of disability and health after stroke using WHODAS 2.0 through video call in a middle-income country.

BACKGROUND: The validity, reliability, and accuracy of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) for face-to-face assessment in the stroke population are well established. However, the validity and reliability of WHODAS 2.0 through tele-assessment remain uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability, agreement, internal consistency, criterion and discriminant validity of WHODAS 2.0 when administered through video calls. METHODS: A longitudinal methodological study included fifty individuals with chronic stroke. Both in-person and video call assessments were conducted, and their sequence was randomized. The reliability was determined using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1). Measurement errors were assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. Criterion validity was determined by conducting Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis between in-person and video call assessments. Discriminant validity was examined using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to distinguish disability levels, with the Modified Rankin Scale as the reference standard. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 56.10 ± 10.8 years, with an equal distribution of genders. Adequate reliability was observed between the two methods (ICC2,1 = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.79-0.93; p < 0.001), and internal consistency was also adequate (Cronbach's α = 0.88). The criterion validity revealed a strong correlation (r = 0.78; p < 0.001). Discriminant validity demonstrated satisfactory accuracy in distinguishing disability levels via video call (AUC = 0.67; p = 0.04). DISCUSSION: This study offers evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the WHODAS 2.0 assessment through video call. Teleassessment using WHODAS 2.0 proves suitable for individuals who have had a stroke, enabling remote evaluation and care.

Measurement invariance and differential item functioning of the functionality appreciation scale (FAS) in Colombia and Spain.

The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) is increasingly used in diverse national and linguistic contexts. However, limited work has assessed the extent to which the instrument demonstrates measurement invariance and differential item functioning (DIF) across nations and respondent characteristics. Here, we examined measurement invariance and DIF of the FAS using archival data from adults in Colombia (Mebarak et al., 2023) and Spain (Zamora et al., 2024). Participants included 1420 (women n = 804, men n = 616) respondents from Colombia and 838 (women n = 415, men n = 423) respondents from Spain who completed translations of the FAS. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional structure of the FAS in both national groups. Additionally, the FAS achieved full measurement invariance (up to latent mean invariance) across both groups. We also found that the FAS lacked DIF as a function of age, body mass index (BMI), and gender identity across both national groups. Older participants (relative to younger participants), men (relative to women), and participants with lower BMIs (relative to those with higher BMIs) had higher FAS scores. These results support the notion that the FAS is measuring a common underlying construct across these national groups and respondent characteristics.

Assessing Participation in Stroke Survivors: Psychometric Properties of the Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) Brazil.

Initial evidence supports the reliability of the Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) in Brazil, but further exploration of its psychometric properties is needed for Brazilian stroke survivors. The aim of the study is to analyze the reliability, convergent validity, internal consistency, and accuracy of the PM-Scale Brazil. A methodological study involved three assessments over intervals of 7-14 days. Reliability was evaluated through the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Convergent validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient to evaluate the alignment of the PM-Scale Brazil with the SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's α. Accuracy was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The study involved 110 stroke survivors, revealing adequate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. A significant weak correlation was observed between the PM-Scale and SATIS-Stroke. Internal consistency and accuracy were adequate. The PM-Scale Brazil demonstrates good reliability, internal consistency, and sensitivity. However, its weak correlation with SATIS-Stroke suggests limited convergent validity.

Assessing Participation in Stroke Survivors: Reliability and Validity of the PM-Scale BrazilIn our study, we looked at how well the PM-Scale Brazil works for measuring participation after stroke. We found that it gives consistent and reliable results, meaning it can be trusted. Although it is sensitive to identifying participation issues, it did not strongly agree with another measure called SATIS-Stroke. This might be because the two tools measure different things: SATIS-Stroke looks at activities and participation broadly, while the PM-Scale focuses specifically on participation.

Introducing a New Severity Specifier for Schizophrenia: Conceptual Framework and Clinical Implications.

Schizophrenia patients represent a heterogeneous group in clinical presentation and severity. Although severity has been operationalized in different ways, mostly on a gradient between symptom severity and functional impairment, such approaches are limited in capturing real-world functioning. We suggest adopting the severity model proposed by DSM-5 for autism spectrum disorders. The model defines three levels of severity, based on the support required, directly addressing two barriers from previous models: real-world functioning and ease of implementation. Our adapted model includes three new features: First, this severity specifier is global, rather than for each symptom domain. Second, the centrality of occupational functioning is emphasized to define the level of support. Third, we propose a one-month timeframe for severity appraisal, standardizing the assessment process. Considering practical utility, we indicate how severity assessment can guide clinical practice towards rehabilitation. Additionally, we outlined operational definitions for severity and functioning in schizophrenia, aligned with the premises of our model. Finally, we acknowledge potential limitations, the most relevant being the need for empirical validation. The model is presented to foster discussion. Additional studies will follow to investigate inter-rater reliability and convergent validation with standard measures of symptom and functioning severity.

Identifying the content of the Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

PURPOSE: To identify the content and the constructs measured in the Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log (LE-MAL) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework and to determine whether the instrument items fit within the ICF mobility domain. METHODS: Concepts and constructs measured within each scale were linked to the best-matched ICF categories and classified using established linking rules. Two independent researchers determined the initial linkages. A final consensus was reached with the other researchers. The agreement was analysed through the agreement percentage and the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The subscales assess performance through information about need or dependency, personal and environmental factors, and appraisal of the items. Thirteen concepts were identified in LE-MAL: two concepts for the Assistance Scale are covered in the environmental factors component; 10 concepts for the Functional Performance Scale where all items are covered in the mobility domain; one concept for the confidence scale is covered in the body functions component. CONCLUSIONS: The general construct of LE-MAL assessed is performance in the ICF mobility domain and provides additional information about the mental function, environmental factors, independence, appraisal, and personal factors. The study highlighted the conceptual connection between the LE-MAL and the ICF framework.

The use of the lower extremities influences the quality and independence of gait in neurological populations.No studies have analysed the Lower Extremity Motor Activity Log (LE-MAL) content with a theoretical framework.Theoretical framework linkage complements the content validity of the LE-MAL.Linking with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) aids clinics in report writing and treatment planning.

Avaliação psicológica em cirurgia plástica pósbariátrica: Uma revisão de escopo / Psychological assessment in post-bariatric plastic surgery: A scoping review

Introdução: A obesidade pode acarretar consequências físicas, psicológicas e sociais. A cirurgia bariátrica tem o potencial de melhorar a condição biopsicossocial do paciente. No entanto, o excesso de pele após uma perda de peso rápida e significativa pode causar sofrimento psicológico. A cirurgia plástica, como o único procedimento capaz de remover o excesso de pele, tem o potencial de aperfeiçoar a autoimagem. Além disso, ela pode incentivar o controle do peso. Este estudo investigou, por meio de uma revisão de escopo, se a avaliação psicológica básica, realizada durante a triagem pelo cirurgião plástico, é capaz de identificar o sofrimento psicológico em pacientes que desejam se submeter a cirurgia plástica após a bariátrica. Método: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico, abrangendo artigos publicados entre 2013 e 2023, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, nas Bases de dados MEDLINE, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e Embase. Resultados: Na estratégia de busca, 48 artigos atenderam os critérios de inclusão e 18 artigos foram mencionados neste estudo. Conclusão: A avaliação psicológica realizada na triagem do cirurgião plástico permite identificar o sofrimento decorrente do excesso de pele pós-cirurgia bariátrica e o sofrimento psicológico prévio. Isso facilita a decisão médica sobre encaminhar ou não o paciente para avaliação psicológica especializada. Essa abordagem amplia a compreensão do paciente sobre a relação entre corpo e mente.

Introduction: Obesity can have physical, psychological, and social consequences. Bariatric surgery has the potential to improve the patient's biopsychosocial condition. However, excess skin after rapid and significant weight loss can cause psychological distress. Plastic surgery, as the only procedure capable of removing excess skin, has the potential to improve self-image. Additionally, it can encourage weight control. This study investigated, through a scoping review, whether the basic psychological assessment, carried out during screening by the plastic surgeon, is capable of identifying psychological distress in patients who wish to undergo plastic surgery after bariatric surgery. Method: A bibliographic survey was carried out, covering articles published between 2013 and 2023, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, in the MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Embase databases. Results: In the search strategy, 48 articles met the inclusion criteria, and 18 articles were mentioned in this study. Conclusion: The psychological assessment carried out during plastic surgeon screening allows the identification of suffering resulting from excess skin after bariatric surgery and previous psychological suffering. This facilitates the medical decision about whether or not to refer the patient for specialized psychological evaluation. This approach broadens the patient's understanding of the relationship between body and mind.

Self-Reported ICD-11 Personality Disorder Severity in Peruvian Adolescents: Structure, Validity, and Tentative Cutoffs.

Personality disorder (PD) is particularly common in adolescents, which underscores the significance of early screening, diagnosis, and intervention. To date, the definition of PD in the new ICD-11 has not yet been investigated in adolescents. This study therefore aimed to investigate the unidimensionality and criterion validity of self-reported ICD-11 PD features in Peruvian adolescents using the Personality Disorder Severity ICD-11 (PDS-ICD-11) scale. A total of 1,073 students (63% female; age range 12-16 years) were administered the PDS-ICD-11 scale along with criterion measures of personality pathology and symptom distress. The PDS-ICD-11 score showed adequate unidimensionality and conceptually meaningful associations with external criterion variables. The findings indicate that ICD-11 PD features, as measured with the PDS-ICD-11 scale, are structurally and conceptually sound when employed with adolescents. Norm-based cutoffs derived from the present study may be used for clinical interpretation. The PDS-ICD-11 may be employed as an efficient screening tool for personality dysfunction in adolescents.

Traumatic childhood experiences and personality functioning: effect of body connection in a cross-sectional German and Chilean sample.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic childhood experiences are a major risk factor for developing mental disorders later in life. Over the past decade, researchers have begun to investigate the role of early trauma in impairments in personality functioning following the introduction of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders 5. Although first studies were able to empirically demonstrate a significant link between early trauma and impairments in personality functioning, only little is known about the underlying mechanisms. One possible mechanism is body connection due to its involvement in self-regulatory processes and its link to both early trauma and personality (dys)functioning. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, we investigated whether body connection, which encompasses the awareness, integration, and utilization of one's own bodily signals, mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and personality functioning. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: A total of 1,313 adult participants recruited in Germany and Chile anonymously provided self-report data in an online survey. METHODS: Self-report data included the short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Scale of Body Connection (SBC), and the brief form of the Levels of Personality Functioning Scale (LPFS-BF 2.0) as well as demographic data (age, sex, education, clinical diagnoses). RESULTS: Traumatic childhood experiences explained 27.2% of the variance in impairments in personality functioning. Interestingly, 60.5% of this effect was explained by body connection, particularly body dissociation. Additional exploratory analyses revealed that body dissociation and, to a much lesser extent, body awareness, accounted for 64.41% of the variance in self functioning and 55.75% of the variance in interpersonal functioning explained by childhood trauma. CONCLUSION: Body connection appears to be an important mediator in the association between early trauma and impaired personality functioning, underscoring the need for interventions specifically targeting the avoidance and ignorance of signals from one's own body in individuals with traumatic childhood trauma.

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

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

Malnutrition contribution to the functional status and health related quality of life after COVID-19, a correlational follow-up study.

To assess malnutrition contribution to the functional status and health related quality of life after hospitalization due to COVID-19 pneumonia, 66 selected adults referred for physical rehabilitation accepted to participate in the study; none of them required oxygen supply or had history of lung/musculoskeletal/neurological/immune/rheumatic disease or trauma, or contraindication for respiratory-function tests. At three evaluations, with 3 months in-between, assessments included: self-report of functional status, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, spirometry, the 6-min-walk-test, the MRC-scale, the 30-s sit-to-stand-test, the timed-up-and-go-test, nutritional status, and ultrasound imaging (vastus medialis and diaphragm). At referral, patients had nutritional deficits with protein deficiency, which gradually improved; while muscle thickness (of both vastus medialis and diaphragm) increased, along with muscle strength and mobility (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Contrarywise, the distance covered during the 6-min-walk-test decreased (ANOVA, p < 0.05), with a negative influence from excess body mass. During rehabilitation, health-related quality of life and functional status improved, with negative influence from a history of tobacco use and referral delay, respectively. After hospitalization due to COVID-19, early diagnosis of both protein deficiency and decrease of skeletal muscle thickness could be relevant for rehabilitation, while pondering the negative impact of excess body mass on submaximal exercise performance.

Spanish adaptation and validation of sexual distress scale in Colombian population.

Background/Objective: The adaptation and validation of measures to assess Sexual Distress (SD) are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) in a Colombian sample and provide a percentile ranking score for a comprehensive understanding of sexual distress among the population. Method: Five hundred ninety-six people from Colombia (50.08 % women; 49.92 % men) aged 18-60 participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses and a convergent validity analysis were performed. Results: The SDS showed a high internal consistency (Ω = .95, α = .94) and a unidimensional model. Significative correlations were found between the SDS and related measures with sexual functioning, further supporting its convergent validity. Conclusions: The SDS is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate SD in Colombians, with implications for clinical practice and sexual health research. More investigations are needed to address the limitations, strengthen the validity and reliability of the scale, and develop specific interventions based on its results.

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

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

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

Effects of exergames on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis. A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of exergames on rehabilitation outcomes in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was reported according to the PRISMA statement. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in Pubmed, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, and PEDro (inception to November 2023). Studies that applied non-immersive exergames and assessed physical, functional, cognitive, pain, and psychosocial outcomes were included. Comparisons were other exercise modalities and non-intervention. Methodological quality was assessed with PEDro scale, and risk of bias (RoB) was assessed with Cochrane RoB-2 tool. RESULTS: Eight studies were included (total of participants = 401). The mean PEDro score was 6.1, and seven studies had high RoB. Seven studies involved knee OA and one cervical OA. The most frequent duration for interventions was four weeks. Exergames were more effective than controls in at least one outcome in all studies. The outcomes for which exergames were most effective were functional disability, postural balance, muscle strength, proprioception, gait, range of motion, pain, quality of life, depression, and kinesiophobia. CONCLUSION: Non-immersive exergames constitute an effective strategy for optimizing several relevant outcomes in rehabilitation. However, more RCTs with high methodological quality are required to deepen the knowledge about the multidimensional effects of exergames in OA patients.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability, involving high health costs and a public health problem.Physical exercise has recently been recognized as a first-line treatment in OA to reduce symptomatology and to improve or maintain physical functioning and quality of life.Non-immersive exergames are a safe therapeutic strategy to improve functional disability, postural balance, muscle strength, proprioception, gait performance, range of motion, and pain in OA patients.Similarly, non-immersive virtual reality strategies contribute to the improvement of depression, kinesiophobia, and quality of life in people with OA.

Mixed effects of climate and species richness on aboveground carbon stock in subtropical Atlantic forests.

Tropical forests are global biodiversity hotspots and are crucial in the global carbon (C) cycle. Understanding the drivers of aboveground carbon stock (AGC) in a heterogeneous and biodiverse system can shed light on the processes underlying the relationship between biodiversity and carbon accumulation. Here, we investigate how biodiversity, environment, and landscape structure affect AGC. We examined such associations in 349 plots comprising over 95,346 km2 the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil, encompassing three forest types: Dense Ombrophylous Forest (DF), Mixed Ombrophylous Forest (MF), and Seasonal Deciduous Forest (SF). Each plot was described by environmental variables, landscape metrics, and biodiversity (species richness and functional diversity). We used diversity, environmental, and landscape variables to build generalized linear mixed models and understand which can affect the forest AGC. We found that species richness is associated positively with AGC in all forest types, combined and separately. Seasonal temperature and isothermality affect AGC in all forest types; additionally, stocks are positively influenced by annual precipitation in SF and isothermality in MF. Among landscape metrics, total fragment edge negatively affects carbon stocks in MF. Our results show the importance of species diversity for carbon stocks in subtropical forests. The climate effect was also relevant, showing the importance of these factors, especially in a world where climate change tends to affect forest stock capacity negatively.