[Speech and language disorders in children from public schools in Belo Horizonte].

Objective:: To investigate the prevalence of oral language, orofacial motor skill and auditory processing disorders in children aged 4-10 years and verify their association with age and gender.

Methods:: Cross-sectional study with stratified, random sample consisting of 539 students. The evaluation consisted of three protocols: orofacial motor skill protocol, adapted from the Myofunctional Evaluation Guidelines; the Child Language Test ABFW - Phonology; and a simplified auditory processing evaluation.

Speech disorders in students in Belo Horizonte.

Purpose: To describe speech disorders in students from 1st to 4th grades, and to investigate possible associations between these disorders and stomatognathic system and auditory processing disorders.

Methods: Cross-sectional study with stratified random sample composed of 288 students, calculated based on an universe of 1,189 children enrolled in public schools from the area covered by a health center in Belo Horizonte. The median age was 8.

Implementation of new working methods in the floor-laying trade: Long-term effects on knee load and knee complaints.

Background: This study compared floor laying using new working methods involving standing up, to the traditional methods involving working on one's knees.

Methods: The study group, 216 subjects, completed a training class in the use of the new floor-laying methods, and received free tools and advice in their use. The control group, 454 subjects, did not get any training, but were free to use the new methods if they wished.

Can we enhance the ability to return to work among workers with stress-related disorders?

Background: Stress-related disorders are widespread and responsible for high societal costs e.g. sick leave payment and reduced productivity.

Effects of training to implement new working methods to reduce knee strain in floor layers. A two-year follow-up.

Objectives: Follow-up study after two years to measure the effects of an implementation strategy consisting of information, education and training in the use of new tools and working-methods for the purpose of reducing knee strain and knee complaints in floor layers.

Methods: Training of floor layers (n = 292) in using new working methods was evaluated by questionnaires during the courses. Two years later, this follow-up included questionnaires for the course participants (n = 216) and a control group of floor layers (not trained on courses) (n = 454).

[Treatment of stress, sick leave and occupational stability].

Introduction: The aim was to describe a rehabilitation process of individuals with stress-related adjustment disorders and analysing the prognostic impact of certain individual factors with sick leave and work resumption as outcome.

Methods: A retrospective cohort from the period 1996-2004 was conducted by means of an audit of 220 files of patients who have visited an occupational health care unit.

Results: A still increasing number of patients, mainly working in public health and welfare institutions, were admitted during the nine year study period.

Effects of training to implement new tools and working methods to reduce knee load in floor layers.

The purpose was to measure the effect of a participatory ergonomics implementation strategy consisting of information, education, and facilitation on the use of new tools and working methods in the floor laying trade. Floor layers (n=292) were trained in using new working methods. The effects were evaluated by using questionnaires, interviews, and assessments of quality and productivity.