Comparison of the effectiveness of the helmet interface using flow meters versus the mechanical ventilator for non-invasive ventilation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Controlled and randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two methods for non-invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - using a helmet interface with a flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve versus a traditional mechanical ventilator.

Material And Methods: We conducted a single-center randomized clinical trial involving 100 adult SARS-CoV-2 patients in a specialized private hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one using the helmet interface with a flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve and the other employing conventional mechanical ventilation.

The Impact of Stimulation Parameters on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Chronic Stroke Patients Following Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation-A Pilot Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Crossover Trial.

Background: Stroke survivors often experience autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. While Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to modulate the ANS when applied to the left hemisphere, its effects on the right hemisphere remain unexplored.

Objective: We aimed to compare the effects of tDCS applied to both the injured and the contralateral hemispheres on heart rate variability (HRV) and functional capacity in individuals post-stroke.

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.

Does Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation reduce central and peripheral muscle fatigue in recreational runners? A triple-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, crossover clinical study.

Background: Runners seek health benefits and performance improvement. However, fatigue might be considered a limiting factor. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been investigated to improve performance and reduce fatigue in athletes.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with pelvic muscle training in women: Randomized, controlled, double-blind, and clinical trial.

Background: Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely used for pelvic floor muscle (PFM) weakness in women; however, it has no prolonged effects.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) associated with PFMT on PFM contraction, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in healthy women.

Study Design: 32 nulliparous women, aged 22.

Predictors of the Social Participation of Adults with Down Syndrome: An Analysis Based on the Biopsychosocial Model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Objective: The aim of the study is to identify the predictors of social participation in Down syndrome adults from the biopsychosocial model of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Methods: An exploratory, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with Down syndrome adults. The social participation was assessed using the Life Habits Assessment.

Effect of osteopathic visceral manipulation for individuals with functional constipation and chronic nonspecific low back pain: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the effect of osteopathic visceral manipulation (OVM) on disability and pain intensity in individuals with functional constipation and chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Seventy-six volunteers with functional constipation and chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomized to two groups: OVM and sham OVM.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of the PM-Scale: A specific measure of participation after stroke.

Background: The PM-Scale was developed specifically to assess participation in individuals after stroke based on the concepts contained in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. However, this measure is only available in English and French.

Objective: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the PM-Scale to Brazilian Portuguese, followed by the validation and testing of reliability of the translated version.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation effects on inflammatory markers and clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: A randomized blinded pilot study was carried out with 21 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 who received 14 sessions of active (a-taVNS) or sham taVNS (s-taVNS). The level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), cortisol, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma and clinical evolution pre- and post-intervention were evaluated.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Inflammation but Does Not Interfere with Cardiac Modulation and Clinical Symptoms of Individuals with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Transcranial auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown effectiveness in reducing inflammation and depression. Thus, this study evaluated its effect on inflammation, cardiac autonomic modulation, and clinical symptoms in individuals affected by COVID-19. Methods: There were 52 randomized participants hospitalized with COVID-19 diagnosis who were to receive active (a-taVNS) or sham taVNS (s-taVNS) for 90 min twice a day for seven consecutive days.

The immediate effect of different loads does not alter muscle co-activation of the upper limb in young adults with dyskinetic cerebral palsy.

Background: There is insufficient information on muscle co-activation in the upper limbs to help healthcare providers develop treatment programs for patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (DCP).

Research Question: Is the degree of muscle co-activation greater in adults with DCP than in healthy individuals? Does the use of different arm weights modify co-contraction in individuals with PCD?

Methods: Fourteen healthy individuals (control group [CG]) and 14 individuals with DCP (dyskinetic group [DG]) participated in the study. The degree of muscle co-activation of the dominant limb during drinking from a mug was compared between the two groups.

Clinimetric properties of the SATIS-Stroke questionnaire in the Brazilian population: A satisfaction assessment measure addressing activities and participation after a stroke.

Background: SATIS-Stroke questionnaire has been translated and adapted for use in the Brazilian population, however, it is necessary to test the measurement properties in Brazilian population.

Objective: To test the reliability, agreement, concurrent validity, and diagnostic accuracy of the SATIS-Stroke.

Methods: Chronic stroke survivors were included.

Protocol for a controlled, randomized, blind, clinical trial to assess the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation dorsolateral prefrontal cortex associated with balance training using games in the postural balance of older people.

This study aims to evaluate the additional effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) applied on dorsolateral pré-frontal cortex on training postural balance with the use of video games in the aged. This is a blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial protocol, with older people of both genders. Participants will be randomized into three training groups: Group 1 (videogame balance training), group 2 (videogame balance training associated with anodal tDCS), group 3 (videogame balance training associated with sham tDCS).

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation and multicomponent training on functional capacity in older adults: protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Introduction: When physical activity contains training of at least three components such as balance, coordination and strength, among others, it is called multicomponent training. This type of training is recommended for improving the functional capacity in elderly individuals but has no lasting effects. The association of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with other types of therapy has been shown to facilitate the enhancement and prolongation of therapy outcomes.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Exercises Treadmill on Autonomic Modulation of Hemiparetic Patients Due To Stroke-Clinic Test, Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind.

After a Stroke, there is an autonomic nervous system (ANS) changes. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can promote the reorganization of the affected circuits. To evaluate the effects of tDCS applied before a session of physical activity on the treadmill, in the modulation of the autonomic nervous system of post-stroke patients.

Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of SATIS-Stroke for Use in Brazil: A Satisfaction Measure of Activities and Participation in Stroke Survivors.

Introduction: SATIS-Stroke was developed to measure satisfaction regarding activities and participation among stroke survivors based on the concepts contained in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. However, this measure is only available in English and French.

Objective: Perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of SATIS-Stroke to Brazilian Portuguese and test the preliminary reliability of this measure.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on the rehabilitation of painful shoulder following a stroke: protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial.

Background: Shoulder pain is reported to be one of the major challenges faced in the functional recovery of patients in rehabilitation following a stroke. In such cases, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used as an additional therapeutic tool for improvements in central and peripheral pain. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the effect of tDCS when combined with upper limb physical therapy on pain intensity and functional improvement in stroke survivors with shoulder pain in the hemiplegic limb.

Adult dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Upper limb movement and muscle function.

Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize upper limb motor function during a comparative analysis of electromyographic and upper limb movement analysis during drinking between healthy adults and individuals with DCP.

Method: Fifteen healthy individuals (CG) and fifteen individuals with DCP (DG) participated in the study. Upper limb function was analyzed during drinking and consisted of a task divided into three phases: the going, the adjustment, and the return.

Acute Effects Using Light-Emitting Diode Therapy (LEDT) for Muscle Function during Isometric Exercise in Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acute application of LEDT in improving peripheral muscle performance during isometric exercise in patients with asthma. Eleven patients, with a mean age 38 ± 10, underwent a single LEDT and sham application in the femoral quadriceps' dominant member (cluster with 50 LED = 850 nm, 50 mW, 15 s; 37.5 J), 48 h apart in a randomized crossover design.

Descending stairs: Good or bad task to discriminate women with patellofemoral pain?

Background: There is no consensus on kinematics alterations during descending stairs in females with patellofemoral pain (PFP). In addition, there are no studies that have evaluated the three dimensional kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle using a multi-segmental model of the foot simultaneously during this task in patients with PFP and evaluated the subphases of stair descent. The objectives of this study were to compare the three dimensional kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limbs during different subphases of stair descent and identify the discriminatory capacity of the kinematic variables among women with PFP and healthy women.

Female PFP patients present alterations in eccentric muscle activity but not the temporal order of activation of the vastus lateralis muscle during the single leg triple hop test.

This study aimed to compare the concentric and eccentric activity and the temporal order of peak activity of the hip and knee muscles between women with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and healthy women during the single leg triple hop test (SLTHT). Electromyographic (EMG) and Kinematic data were collected from 14 healthy women (CG) and 14 women diagnosed with PFP (PFG) during a single session of the single leg triple hop test. Integral surface electromyography (iEMG) data of the hip and knee muscles in eccentric and concentric phases and the length of time that each muscle needed to reach the maximal peak of muscle activity were calculated.

Immediate effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with functional electrical stimulation on activity of the tibialis anterior muscle and balance of individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) on activity of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) and static balance of individuals with hemiparesis stemming from stroke. [Subjects and Methods] A randomized, double-blind, crossover, clinical trial conducted with 30 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Median frequency of electrical activity of the TA were determined using electromyography in five contractions concentrics and Static balance (body sway velocity and frequency), both before and immediately after the intervention.

The effect of a six-week osteopathic visceral manipulation in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The aim of the proposed study is to analyze the effect of a six-week osteopathic visceral manipulation (OVM) program on the flexion-relaxation phenomenon in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP) and functional constipation.

Methods/design: An assessor-blinded, two-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted. The sample will comprise 76 individuals with non-specific chronic LBP who have functional intestinal constipation, aged 18-65 years.

Effects of myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation and low-level laser therapy on muscle repair.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of myoblast inoculation in combination with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on skeletal muscle tissue following injury.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control-animals not submitted to any procedure; Injury-cryoinjury of the tibialis anterior muscle; HBSS-animals submitted to cryoinjury and intramuscular Hank's Balanced Salt Solution; Injury + Cells-animals submitted to cryoinjury, followed by myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation; Injury + Cells + LLLT-animals submitted to cryoinjury, followed by myogenic precursor cells (C2C12) transplantation and PBMT (780 nm, 40 mW, 3.2 J in 8 points).

Social participation following a stroke: an assessment in accordance with the international classification of functioning, disability and health.

Objective: Evaluate, code and qualify the participation of Brazilian stroke survivors based on the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) and identify predictors of post-stroke participation.

Methods: An exploratory, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 78 individuals with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke. The stroke specific quality of life (SS-QOL) was used to evaluate the participation component of the ICF.