'he perceives himself as a caterpillar […]' constructions of the disabled subject in the critical response to Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window'

This chapter focuses on critical responses to Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, especially their construction of disability. The suggestion is that such criticism takes the disabled body to be both necessary and superfluous to the meaning of the film, a difficulty that, I argue, can be read more widely within film theory. Ever since Christian Metz’s ‘the Imaginary Signifier’, the condition of being ‘bound to a wheelchair’ is understood to have a resonance for theories of film spectatorship, but only ever in a sense that does away with the wheelchair as a mark of difference.

Transcriptional regulation differs in affected facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy patients compared to asymptomatic related carriers

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a progressive muscle disorder that has been associated with a contraction of 3.3-kb repeats on chromosome 4q35. FSHD is characterized by a wide clinical inter- and intrafamilial variability, ranging from wheelchair-bound patients to asymptomatic carriers. Our study is unique in comparing the gene expression profiles from related affected, asymptomatic carrier, and control individuals. Our results suggest that the expression of genes on chromosome 4q is altered in affected and asymptomatic individuals. Remarkably, the changes seen in asymptomatic samples are largely in products of genes encoding several chemokines, whereas the changes seen in affected samples are largely in genes governing the synthesis of GPI-linked proteins and histone acetylation. Besides this, the affected patient and related asymptomatic carrier share the 4qA161 haplotype. Thus, these polymorphisms by themselves do not explain the pathogenicity of the contracted allele. Interestingly, our results also suggest that the miRNAs might mediate the regulatory network in FSHD. Together, our results support the previous evidence that FSHD may be caused by transcriptional dysregulation of multiple genes, in cis and in trans, and suggest some factors potentially important for FSHD pathogenesis. The study of the gene expression profiles from asymptomatic carriers and related affected patients is a unique approach to try to enhance our understanding of the missing link between the contraction in D4Z4 repeats and muscle disease, while minimizing the effects of differences resulting from genetic background.

Pensionärsjävlar : revolt mot eller ett upprepande av negativa ålderskoder?

Old bastard – rebellion against or a repetition of negative age codes? In contemporary media and scientific contexts, it has become increasingly popular to launch today’s elderly as different from previous generations of older people, especially emphasized is that today’s elderly will have more attitude and set higher demands on society. The TV-series Pensionärsjävlar is based on this idea of today’s and tomorrow’s elderly as different and more rebellious than previous generations. The purpose of this article is to analyze and discuss how age and age codes are used as a prerequisite for, but also are challenged in the series. The result shows that chronological age is almost absent in the series, instead age coding is performed by physical attributes and verbal acts. Most common attributes are those connected to decreased functionality, such as walker, wheelchair, walking stick etcetera. The most common taboo joked about is sexuality, and other common themes are decreased functionality,child/youth- like behavior and traffic. In the article I discuss how these themes and attributes are negotiated in relation to age.  

Acessibilidade no ambiente escolar: reflexões com base no estudo de duas escolas municipais de Natal-RN

This work was originated through the results of the analysis of the services for the needs of people with disabilities that were permitted by the physical space of two schools of the municipality of Natal/RN. The general objective/goal was to subsidize the elaboration of alternatives for the planning of environments that could be used by any person. The study used the empirical research through the adoption of a multimethod approach including: (i) technical visits oriented by the NBR 9050, (ii) contact with users that have reduced mobility (visually impaired and wheelchair or crutch users) through escorted travels and interviews, and (iii) interview with school managers. The evidence from the research, even though with significant development of laws that guarantee people with disabilities their right to citizenship, the physical environment of our schools still present with many obstacles that prevent the mobility of people with disabilities which proves their lack of readiness to accommodate them. Therefore, the actions taken to address the accessibility has been the adoption of temporary solutions that makes the adaptation more difficult, adds obstacles and reinforces the undesirable segregation, however still very present in our society. Finally, there is the indication that in order to achieve the spatial configuration that promotes social contact and integration in between the persons with different physical status, it is necessary to completely comprehend the activities developed in each space, from the conception of the equipment to the individual learning needs, having in mind creating environments that stimulates the execution of the tasks in an independent manner without the assistance of others. The inclusion regarding attention to accessibility in the decision making process, directed to the arquitectural and urban project, would decrease the constant need to redevelop and adapt spaces, and should be definitely incorporated as an important component in the production of space

Efeito da natação e do basquetebol em cadeira de rodas sobre o colesterol HDL: uma investigação em indivíduos com lesão medular

Despite the observation of an increase in life expectancy in individuals with Spinal cord injury (SCI), it is lower than that of the general population. Studies have shown that affected individuals have a sedentary lifestyle that reflects negatively on health and quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, a high-density lipoprotein and important predictor of cardiovascular disease, are lower in this population exposing these people to a greater incidence of heart disease from atherosclerotic process In the general population, exercise increases HDL-C serum levels, but this phenomenon is not very clear in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The present study examined the effect of both swimming and wheelchair basketball in the lipid profile of eleven men and seven women with SCI. The subjects included in regular exercise programs showed increases in HDL-C levels and decreases in CT/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios. We found better results mainly in men with lower levels of SCI and in those that sustained exercise intensities above 60% of the heart rate reserve. The duration of training sessions can be an essential factor in these results. The results suggest that both the exercise prescription and the personal characteristics of people with SCI influence changes in the lipid profile mediated through exercise. The elaboration of this work is an attempt to clarify uncertainties about health and the longevity of people with SCI generated in discussion of all members of the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, especially the physiotherapists, nutritionists, nurses and physicians that contributed considerably in all phases of the research

Simetria na dança: vestígios matemáticos na prática da dança esportiva em cadeira de rodas

To investigate in practice of the Wheelchair Dancesport (WDS), the mathematics of the characteristic isometric movements of the dance of ChaChaCha was the generating subject of this study. The subjects and the locus of the research were the athletes dancers of the Associação Baiana de Dança em Cadeira de Rodas (ABDCR). Referred him study aimed at to describe reflections concerning the athletes' practicing dancers of the technical acting Wheelchair Dancesport, using the inherent mathematical knowledge to the isometric movements executed in the ChaChaCha. For that, I stimulated in the athlete dancer the need to be investigating of his/her own practice, motivating him/it to be searching of information that they collaborate with his/her technical refinement, proposing like this roads to make possible his/her growth, while dancer and, also, promoting of their own movements. To reach my objectives I dialogued with some specialists to understand, to the light of their theories as, Espaçonumerática, Sociology of the mathematics, Etnomathematical, Dance and Symmetry, as those spaces they interact with the atmosphere of the Wheelchair Dancesport and that contributions could supply to the study. However, two authors of the Dancesport for walking , Ried e Laird, they brought contributions that aided in the creation of a prototype for the study of isometric movements in practice of the modality promoting the interface between the theory and the practice. The study showed to be possible to navigate still with the Mathematical Education in an universe little known as the one of the Wheelchair Dancesport. And it is in this adapts that propose a more attentive glance to the illustrations executed by the athlete dancer wheelchair and walking , in the dance of the ChaChaCha, verifying and proposing an analysis with focus investigate, looking for mathematical tracks concerning the symmetry that you/they characterize some of their illustrations

Uma contribuição crítica para o redesenho de cadeiras de rodas adaptadas para crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral

This work was aimed at making a critical analysis of the product wheelchair, both for using four different models, which were objects of study of the dissertation of Cláudia Regina Cabral Galvão, entitled Critical Analysis of the Mobility Products Seated a wheelchair - Used by Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy in Natal / RN and other municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte . This product is considered an instrument in the social rehabilitation of great importance for people with physical disabilities. This study aims to position the issue and develop comments on technical up grading of certain models according to the needs of the user. Describes features of four models in search searched through catalogs in order to know its advantages and disadvantages of use. Were presented the definitions of ergonomics and ergonomic aspects to be considered on a design, the study of anthropometry and its recommendations. Discussions the methodology of project design in two parts: the first, on the structuring of design problem (formulation, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.) And the second on the project (design and development, implementation and evaluation and solution). With that review will include the possibilities for a new redesign of the wheelchair, based on forms of adaptation in order to achieve the target that was compressed by the average population studied. Seeks to that this project makes an improvement in quality of life of people in wheelchairs by including these people in society but also the improvement of rehabilitation

Análise crítica dos produtos de mobilidade sentada - cadeiras de rodas - utilizados por crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral em Natal/RN e outros municípios do Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this work is to critically analyze the seated mobility adaptive equipment, wheelchair, used by non-ambulatory children/adolescents diagnosed with cerebral palsy of the quadriplegy type with ages in between 0-18 years old in the municipal city of Natal/RN and of other ones in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This study is characterized as descriptive as it took into consideration the individualized conditions of each child/adolescent and of their home environment, and also evaluates the condition of the used seated mobility devices such as wheelchairs or strollers. Thirty three (33) subjects which had a wheelchair prescribed by a healthcare professional specialist in adaptive equipment within the past 3 years were selected. A questionnaire was applied through a phone with the patient s primary care giver or parents. The results obtained showed that all the equipment being used had an anatomical seat and back and the tilt system mechanism and even though most of the patients required small individual adjustments upon receiving the wheelchair in order to accommodate to the patients characteristics. From the point of view of the caregiver/parents interviewed, 97% described satisfied with the equipment and report assistance with mobility (97%), comfort (82%) and good posture (82%) as the main positive aspects from the equipment. The results also describe the aspects related to the maintenance, time used and activities developed that were reported by the patients. The conclusion therefore is that in order to select the equipment to meet the needs of the consumer it is necessary that: an appropriate wheelchair prescription takes place, the up-to-date knowledge of equipment available in the market, the appropriate use of the resources from the concession programs of the government that purchase equipment and the establishment of link in between the manufacturers, patients and the caregivers

Desenvolvimento de uma cadeira de rodas robótica para transporte de portador de necessidades especiais

The objective of the dissertation was the realization of kinematic modeling of a robotic wheelchair using virtual chains, allowing the wheelchair modeling as a set of robotic manipulator arms forming a cooperative parallel kinematic chain. This document presents the development of a robotic wheelchair to transport people with special needs who overcomes obstacles like a street curb and barriers to accessibility in streets and avenues, including the study of assistive technology, parallel architecture, kinematics modeling, construction and assembly of the prototype robot with the completion of a checklist of problems and barriers to accessibility in several pathways, based on rules, ordinances and existing laws. As a result, simulations were performed on the chair in various states of operation to accomplish the task of going up and down stair with different measures, making the proportional control based on kinematics. To verify the simulated results we developed a prototype robotic wheelchair. This project was developed to provide a better quality of life for people with disabilities

Fatores de risco para síndrome metabólica em cadeirantes: jogadores de basquetebol e não praticantes

A atividade física tem sido sistematicamente estudada como fator preventivo no acometimento de enfermidades crônico-degenerativas, especialmente a síndrome metabólica e doenças cardiovasculares. Sedentarismo está relacionado à diminuição ou ausência de parâmetros mínimos de exigência física diária além do estado de repouso, sendo este fortemente associado à redução na condição de saúde dos indivíduos portadores de deficiência física. As respostas metabólicas do organismo mediante a ausência de determinada musculatura, ou sua inatividade pela falta de estímulos, conduzem a diferenças significativas na estruturação da composição corporal. Esta pesquisa teve como objeto o exercício físico regular e a condição de saúde de indivíduos portadores de deficiência física, através da determinação do perfil antropométrico e bioquímico sangüíneo, e ainda pela determinação da prevalência de fatores de risco para síndrome metabólica. Foram estudados 27 homens com paraplegia (T2-L1), portadores de seqüelas de poliomielite ou amputados, divididos em jogadores de basquetebol cadeirantes (JBC) e não jogadores de basquetebol cadeirantes (NJBC). Os JBC apresentaram circunferência de cintura menor comparada aos NJBC, 76,40±8,44 e 89,25±9,73 cm respectivamente (p<0,05). A pressão arterial sistólica foi significativamente maior nos NJBC 123,33±13,70 e 114,00±9,85 mmHg para JBC (p<0,05), não sendo verificada diferença para PAD. Os NJBC apresentaram valores superiores aos JBC para a bioquímica sangüínea de glicemia, TG, CT e frações, exceto para HDL-C (p<0,05). Os indivíduos NJBC apresentaram alta prevalência para fatores de risco da SM, sendo hipertensão arterial prevalente em 58,33% dos indivíduos, dislipidemia de HDL-C presente em 50% e circunferência de cintura acima da normalidade em 41,66%. Os achados do presente estudo sugerem um papel importante do exercício físico na prevenção da síndrome metabólica, embora estudos adicionais devam ser realizados para a melhor compreensão dos mecanismos que promovem a saúde dos deficientes físicos ativos.

Locomoção, distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos e alterações do sono de pacientes com demência e seus cuidadores

INTRODUÇÃO: Os distúrbios neurodegenerativos representam condições clínicas graves, por provocar declínio neuropsíquico. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência dos distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos em pacientes com demência, em relação à sua locomoção (independentes vs. dependentes), e no que se refere ao desgaste emocional e à qualidade do sono dos cuidadores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 34 sujeitos, assim divididos: dez pacientes independentes para locomoção e sete dependentes (cadeirantes); dez cuidadores dos pacientes independentes e sete cuidadores de pacientes dependentes. Os sujeitos foram avaliados no Ambulatório de Neuropsiquiatria da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Para avaliar as funções cognitivas, utilizou-se o CAMCOOG; para quantificar frequência, intensidade e desgaste do cuidador, aplicou-se o Inventário Neuropsiquiátrico; e para mensurar as alterações do sono dos cuidadores, foi utilizado o Miniquestionário do Sono. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes U - Mann Whitney e índice de correlação de Spearman, ambos com 5% de significância. RESULTADOS: Com relação à prevalência dos distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos entre os pacientes, observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos, especificamente no que se refere à irritabilidade (p < 0,05) e ao escore total dos distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos (p < 0,01). Também foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos de cuidadores, com relação às alterações do sono (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Idosos independentes para locomoção apresentam menor prevalência dos distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos, quando comparados a idosos dependentes de cadeira de rodas. A locomoção parece não influenciar no desgaste físico e emocional do cuidador, mas constitui uma variável relevante na qualidade do sono dos cuidadores de idosos com diagnóstico de demência vascular e mista.

The influence of the flexibility of the chair seat on pressure peak and distribution of the contact area in individuals with cerebral palsy during the execution of a task

This study aimed to determine the influence of flexibility of the chair seat surface on the pressure peak and on the contact area during the execution of a task of handling an object on the seated position by individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. Ten individuals of both genders with diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy, who had some control to voluntarily move the body and the upper limbs, participated in this study. Quantification of data was carried out in two experimental situations: (1) execution of a task of fitting with upper limbs, and with the individual placed on an adapted canvas seat; (2) execution of a task of fitting with the participant positioned on an adapted wooden seat. Data obtained were submitted to a non-parametric and descriptive statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test. Results indicated that the use of canvas seat increased the contact area and decreased the pressure peak and the medio-lateral displacement of centre pressure on the seated posture. © 2011 Informa UK, Ltd.

O produto de moda para o portador de deficiência física: análise de desconforto

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Recomendações ergonômicas para o projeto de cadeira de rodas: considerando os aspectos fisiológicos e cognitivos dos idosos

Pós-graduação em Design - FAAC

Caracterização da acessibilidade em espaços públicos: a ergonomia e o desenho universal contribuindo para a mobilidade de pessoas portadoras de necessidades especiais : estudo de casos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)