Auditory middle latency response and phonological awareness in students with learning disabilities

Introduction Behavioral tests of auditory processing have been applied in schools and highlight the association between phonological awareness abilities and auditory processing, confirming that low performance on phonological awareness tests may be due to low performance on auditory processing tests. Objective To characterize the auditory middle latency response and the phonological awareness tests and to investigate correlations between responses in a group of children with learning disorders. Methods The study included 25 students with learning disabilities. Phonological awareness and auditory middle latency response were tested with electrodes placed on the left and right hemispheres. The correlation between the measurements was performed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results There is some correlation between the tests, especially between the Pa component and syllabic awareness, where moderate negative correlation is observed. Conclusion In this study, when phonological awareness subtests were performed, specifically phonemic awareness, the students showed a low score for the age group, although for the objective examination, prolonged Pa latency in the contralateral via was observed. Negative weak to moderate correlation for Pa wave latency was observed, as was positive weak correlation for Na-Pa amplitude.

Intervenções com a atividade física em crianças e adolescentes com deficiência intelectual: uma meta-análise

Abstract Intellectual disability is development atypical conditions that involve issues on a number of factors, such as intellectual skills, adaptive behavior, interactions and social roles. Furthermore, they report higher rates of physical inactivity than the general population, as well as participating less and less of regular physical activity, as they grow and age. The participation of people with intellectual disabilities in physical activity programs promotes, benefits of prevention of diseases, particularly cardiovascular, improvement of intellectual and cognitive ability in addition, regular physical activity promotes reduction of body fat. Therefore the aim of this study was to identify through a systematic review, physical activity programs for adults with intellectual disabilities and their extension of the benefits, limitations and recommendations, moreover, the following objectives: to analyze the types of physical activity programs and determine which is the most suitable for adults with intellectual disabilities, and to determine the benefits that physical exercises programs entail for adults with intellectual disabilities. The initial electronic search resulted in 2808 manuscripts. The predetermined exclusion criteria were: review process of the studies involved reading titles, abstracts and full texts checking. After all these phases, eight manuscripts met the inclusion criteria of the review. Articles presented participants aged between 18 and 67 years with mild to moderate intellectual disability. The intervention period was from 2.5 months studies ranged up to 9 months and the weekly frequency was from one to three times a week. The intervention types differ between the articles analyzed, including leisure and recreation activities, combined exercises of strength and muscular endurance, aerobic activities of hiking, with races and exercise bikes, widespread activities and sports specialization, athletics and...

Catequese especial: uma experiência inclusiva

The aim of this paper is to present an experience of inclusion of individuals with mental disabilities in a religious community in the city of Londrina, north Paraná state. Called here Special Catechesis this was an evangelizing held inside a Catholic Church with the mental disabilities people The project, which five years and five classes per year, allowed the development of a pedagogical action with goals of evangelization and catechesis, where all people were successful. It was also an action to raise the consciousness among parents of these children in order to allow their children could participate in the project. Special Catechesis was evaluated for us as significant experience because it allowed a relative and positive inclusion of the classes in religious and social activities of the local community.

Religious/spiritual coping in people with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

The objective of the present study is to investigate the use of religious/spiritual coping mechanisms in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, by means of interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the religious/spiritual coping scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. A total of 123 individuals were interviewed, 79.6% of whom presented a high score for religious/spiritual coping and none of whom presented low or irrelevant scores. The variables that affected the religious/spiritual coping behavior were: gender, age group, treatment time, family income, and religious practice. In conclusion, the participants used religious/spiritual coping mechanisms as a strategy to cope with the disease, particularly women with a higher family income who attend church every week.

Family health team knowledge concerning the health needs of people with tuberculosis

The purposes of the study were to get to know conceptions on tuberculosis and health needs and to describe the care provided to people with tuberculosis, according to health professionals' perspective. Qualitative study developed at family health units in Capao Redondo, Sao Paulo. The data were collected through open interviews in January 2010 and submitted to discourse analysis, resulting in three categories: meanings attributed to tuberculosis and health needs and care characteristics. The conceptions regarding the disease are supported by the multi-causal theory of the health-disease process. The care is characterized by interventions that go beyond the biological dimension. The precarious living conditions define the needs of most people with tuberculosis, and can be more important to the ill than the very diagnosis of the disease, influencing treatment adherence, and should gain relevance in care.

Muscle Atrophy and Functional Deficits of Knee Extensors and Flexors in People With Chronic Stroke

Background. Further clarification is needed with regard to the degree of atrophy in individual muscle groups and its possible relationship to joint torque deficit poststroke. Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate quadriceps and hamstring muscle volume and strength deficits of the knee extensors and flexors in people with chronic hemiparesis compared with a control group. Design. This was a cross-sectional study. Methods. Thirteen individuals with hemiparesis due to chronic stroke (hemiparetic group) and 13 individuals who were healthy (control group) participated in this study. Motor function, quadriceps and hamstring muscle volume, and maximal concentric and eccentric contractions of the knee extensors and flexors were assessed. Results. Only the quadriceps muscle of the paretic limb showed reduced muscle volume (24%) compared with the contralateral (nonparetic) limb. There were no differences in muscle volume between the hemiparetic and control groups. The peak torque of the paretic-limb knee extensors and flexors was reduced in both contraction modes and velocities compared with the nonparetic limb (36%-67%) and with the control group (49%-75%). The nonparetic limb also showed decreased extensor and flexor peak torque compared with the control group (17%-23%). Power showed similar deficits in strength (12%-78%). There were significant correlations between motor function and strength deficits (.54-.67). Limitations. Magnetic resonance imaging coil length did not allow measurement of the proximal region of the thigh. Conclusions. There were different responses between quadriceps and hamstring muscle volumes in the paretic limb that had quadriceps muscle atrophy only. However, both paretic and nonparetic limbs showed knee extensor and flexor torque and power reduction.

Short-Term Effects of the Use of Non-Rigid Tools for Postural Control by Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We tested the short-term effects of a nonrigid tool, identified as an "anchor system" (e.g., ropes attached to varying weights resting on the floor), on the postural stabilization of blindfolded adults with and without intellectual disabilities (ID). Participants held a pair of anchors one in each hand, under three weight conditions (250 g, 500 g and 1,000 g), while they performed a restricted balance task (standing for 30 s on a balance beam placed on top of a force platform). These conditions were called anchor practice trials. Before and after the practice trials, a condition without anchors was tested. Control practice groups, who practiced blocks of trials without anchors, included individuals with and without ID. The anchor system improved subjects' balance during the standing task, for both groups. For the control groups, the performance of successive trials in the condition without the anchor system showed no improvement in postural stability. The individuals with intellectual disability, as well as their peers without ID, used the haptic cues of nonrigid tools (i.e., the anchor system) to stabilize their posture, and the short-term stabilizing effects appeared to result from their previous use of the anchor system.

Autopercepção do estresse em cuidadores de pessoa em sofrimento mental

O estudo objetivou avaliar a autopercepção do estresse entre familiares cuidadores de pessoa em sofrimento mental. Participaram 54 familiares cuidadores de usuário em tratamento em serviço de saúde mental há pelo menos um ano que residiam juntos. Aplicou-se um roteiro elaborado para esta pesquisa com vista a identificar os dados sociodemográficos e da autopercepção do estresse dos participantes, identificando-se a percepção do cuidador quanto ao estresse e aos fatores desencadeantes. Os resultados foram tratados por meio de estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo segundo frequência de respostas. Dos participantes, 81,5% se perceberam com algum grau de estresse e entre estes, alguns aspectos da convivência com a pessoa em sofrimento mental foram avaliados como os que mais frequentemente contribuíam para esta percepção. Conclui-se que a experiência de cuidador de usuário de serviço de saúde mental é significada como estressante, necessitando apoio, orientação e auxílio em relação ao convívio no ambiente doméstico.

Sensor-based evaluation of Circadian motor behavior in people with Dementia. Development and validation of analysis strategies

[ITA]La demenza consiste nel deterioramento, spesso progressivo, dello stato cognitivo di un individuo. Chi è affetto da demenza, presenta alterazioni a livello cognitivo, comportamentale e motorio, ad esempio compiendo gesti ossessivi, ripetitivi, senza uno scopo preciso. La condizione dei pazienti affetti da demenza è valutata clinicamente tramite apposite scale e le informazioni relative al comportamento vengono raccolte intervistando chi se ne occupa, come familiari, il personale infermieristico o il medico curante. Spesso queste valutazioni si rivelano inaccurate, possono essere fortemente influenzate da considerazioni soggettive, e sono dispendiose in termini di tempo. Si ha quindi l'esigenza di disporre di metodiche oggettive per valutare il comportamento motorio dei pazienti e le sue alterazioni patologiche; i sensori inerziali indossabili potrebbero costituire una valida soluzione, per questo scopo. L'obiettivo principale della presente attività di tesi è stato definire e implementare un software per una valutazione oggettiva, basata su sensori, del pattern motorio circadiano, in pazienti affetti da demenza ricoverati in un'unità di terapia a lungo termine, che potrebbe evidenziare differenze nei sintomi della malattia che interessano il comportamento motorio, come descritto in ambito clinico. Lo scopo secondario è stato quello di verificare i cambiamenti motori pre- e post-intervento in un sottogruppo di pazienti, a seguito della somministrazione di un programma sperimentale di intervento basato su esercizi fisici. --------------- [ENG]Dementia involves deterioration, often progressive, of a person's cognitive status. Those who suffer from dementia, present alterations in cognitive and motor behavior, for example performing obsessive and repetitive gestures, without a purpose. The condition of patients suffering from dementia is clinically assessed by means of specific scales and information relating to the behavior are collected by interviewing caregivers, such as the family, nurses, or the doctor. Often it turns out that these are inaccurate assessments that may be heavily influenced by subjective evaluations and are costly in terms of time. Therefore, there is the need for objective methods to assess the patients' motor behavior and the pathological changes; wearable inertial sensors may represent a viable option, so this aim. The main objective of this thesis project was to define and implement a software for a sensor-based assessment of the circadian motor pattern in patients suffering from dementia, hospitalized in a long-term care unit, which could highlight differences in the disease symptoms affecting the motor behavior, as described in the clinical setting. The secondary objective was to verify pre- and post-intervention changes in the motor patterns of a subgroup of patients, following the administration of an experimental program of intervention based on physical exercises.

Effectiveness of individual resource-oriented joint protection education in people with rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized controlled trial

the modern joint protection (JP) concept for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an active coping strategy to improve daily tasks and role performance by changing working methods and using assistive devices. Effective group JP education includes psycho-educational interventions. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) is an interactive hands-on-tool, assessing (a) the individual's perceived burden of illness and (b) relevant individual resources. Both issues are important for intrinsic motivation to take action and change behaviour. This study compared individual conventional JP education (C-JP) with PRISM-based JP education (PRISM-JP).

Sudden death among young people with first-episode psychosis: An 8-10 year follow-up study

Individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) experience high rates of premature mortality, in particular due to suicide. The study aims were to: a) Estimate the rate of sudden death among young people with FEP during an 8-10 year period following commencement of treatment; b) Examine and describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with sudden death; and c) Examine the timing of death in relation to psychiatric treatment.This was a cohort study. The sample comprised 661 patients accepted into treatment at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre between 1/1/1998 and 31/12/2000. Demographic and clinical data were collected by examination of the medical files. Mortality data were collected via a search of the National Coroners Information System; the Victorian State Coroner's office and clinical files. Nineteen patients died and just over two thirds of deaths were classified as intentional self-harm or suicide. Death was associated with male gender, previous suicide attempt and greater symptom severity at last contact. People with FEP are at increased risk of premature death, in particular suicide. A previous suicide attempt was very common amongst those who died, suggesting that future research could focus upon the development of interventions for young people with FEP who engage in suicidal behaviour.

Identification of problems in functioning of people with sleep disorders in a clinical setting using the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) Checklist

We conducted an explorative, cross-sectional, multi-centre study in order to identify the most common problems of people with any kind of (primary) sleep disorder in a clinical setting using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a frame of reference. Data were collected from patients using a structured face-to-face interview of 45-60 min duration. A case record form for health professionals containing the extended ICF Checklist, sociodemographic variables and disease-specific variables was used. The study centres collected data of 99 individuals with sleep disorders. The identified categories include 48 (32%) for body functions, 13 (9%) body structures, 55 (37%) activities and participation and 32 (22%) for environmental factors. 'Sleep functions' (100%) and 'energy and drive functions', respectively, (85%) were the most severely impaired second-level categories of body functions followed by 'attention functions' (78%) and 'temperament and personality functions' (77%). With regard to the component activities and participation, patients felt most restricted in the categories of 'watching' (e.g. TV) (82%), 'recreation and leisure' (75%) and 'carrying out daily routine' (74%). Within the component environmental factors the categories 'support of immediate family', 'health services, systems and policies' and 'products or substances for personal consumption [medication]' were the most important facilitators; 'time-related changes', 'light' and 'climate' were the most important barriers. The study identified a large variety of functional problems reflecting the complexity of sleep disorders. The ICF has the potential to provide a comprehensive framework for the description of functional health in individuals with sleep disorders in a clinical setting.

Development of a novel fMRI compatible visual perception prototype battery to test older people with and without dementia

Background: Visuoperceptual deficits in dementia are common and can reduce quality of life. Testing of visuoperceptual function is often confounded by impairments in other cognitive domains and motor dysfunction. We aimed to develop, pilot, and test a novel visuocognitive prototype test battery which addressed these issues, suitable for both clinical and functional imaging use. Methods: We recruited 23 participants (14 with dementia, 6 of whom had extrapyramidal motor features, and 9 age-matched controls). The novel Newcastle visual perception prototype battery (NEVIP-B-Prototype) included angle, color, face, motion and form perception tasks, and an adapted response system. It allows for individualized task difficulties. Participants were tested outside and inside the 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data were analyzed using SPM8. Results: All participants successfully completed the task inside and outside the scanner. Functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis showed activation regions corresponding well to the regional specializations of the visual association cortex. In both groups, there was significant activity in the ventral occipital-temporal region in the face and color tasks, whereas the motion task activated the V5 region. In the control group, the angle task activated the occipitoparietal cortex. Patients and controls showed similar levels of activation, except on the angle task for which occipitoparietal activation was lower in patients than controls. Conclusion: Distinct visuoperceptual functions can be tested in patients with dementia and extrapyramidal motor features when tests use individualized thresholds, adapted tasks, and specialized response systems.

Determination of hemispheric dominance with mental rotation using functional transcranial Doppler sonography and FMRI

the aim of this study was to investigate specific activation patterns and potential gender differences during mental rotation and to investigate whether functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) lateralize hemispheric dominance concordantly.

Six and 12 months' effects of individual joint protection education in people with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Joint protection (JP) education for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is effective when applying psycho-educational teaching strategies. The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) was used to identify relevant JP education goals and life aspects, both supporting motivation and behaviour change. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of individual JP education, PRISM-based (PRISM-JP) vs. conventional (C-JP), in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).