Can Individuals Poststroke Improve Their Performance in Reaction and Movement Times in a Nonimmersive Serious Game with Practice? A Cross-Sectional Study.

To verify if individuals' poststroke and healthy controls would improve their performance in reaction and movement times practicing a serious game task using the upper limb movements. We evaluated 30 individuals poststroke and 30 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. We used the "Association Game for Rehabilitation" (AGaR) where participants played by matching a pair of images whose meanings were similar.

Influence of Different Types of Corticosteroids on Heart Rate Variability of Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-A Pilot Cross Sectional Study.

Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have an impairment of cardiac autonomic function categorized by parasympathetic reduction and sympathetic predominance. The objective of this study was to assess the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with DMD undergoing therapy with Prednisone/Prednisolone and Deflazacort and compare with individuals with DMD without the use of these medications and a typically developed control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed, wherein 40 boys were evaluated.

ANALYSIS OF FINE MOTOR CONTROL IN INSTITUTIONALIZED SHELTERED CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS THROUGH PERFORMANCE IN COMPUTER SOFTWARE.

Objective: To analyze the psychomotor development and the fine motor control of institutionalized and non-institutionalized sheltered children and adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study in which 54 subjects participated and were divided into two groups: 27 institutionalized sheltered children and adolescents (SG) and 27 non-institutionalized sheltered children and adolescents (CG). The psychomotor battery and the Learning and Motor Control software were used to evaluate development and motor control.

The use of a task through virtual reality in cerebral palsy using two different interaction devices (concrete and abstract) - a cross-sectional randomized study.

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterised by variable difficulties in muscular action, resulting in inability of the individual to perform functional movement. An option to provide functionality to the individual with CP is the use of computer innovation. The aim of this paper was to verify if there was any performance improvement in a task performed in a virtual environment and if there was transfer to the task performed in the real environment and vice versa in this population.

Use of Augmented Reality with a Motion-Controlled Game Utilizing Alphabet Letters and Numbers to Improve Performance and Reaction Time Skills for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Augmented reality (AR) uses the real-world setting but enables a person to interact with virtual objects. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of alphabet letter and number in an AR task and its influence in reaction time in a population with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) compared with the performance of typical developing (TD) controls. We evaluated reaction time before and after AR tasks that consisted of identifying correct numbers and alphabet letters in 48 people with ASD and 48 with TD controls.

Systematic Review of the Main Motor Scales for Clinical Assessment of Individuals with down Syndrome.

: The aim of the present review was to identify the motor scales currently used to assess individuals with Down Syndrome (DS).: PubMed, WOS and BVS databases were systematically searched to identify the most relevant published studies that used motor scales in the evaluation of individuals with DS.: Of the 99 studies that met the eligibility criteria in this process, 20 experimental and observational studies were found to fully meet the eligibility criteria.

Motor learning and transfer between real and virtual environments in young people with autism spectrum disorder: A prospective randomized cross over controlled trial.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, including impaired multisensory integration, which might negatively impact cognitive and motor skill performance, and hence negatively affect learning of tasks. Considering that tasks in virtual environment may provide an engaging tool as adjuncts to conventional therapies, we set out to compare motor performance between young people with ASD and a typically developing (TD) control group that underwent coincident timing tasks based on Kinect (no physical contact) and on Keyboard (with physical contact) environments. Using a randomized repeated cross-over controlled trial design, 50 young people with ASD and 50 with TD, matched by age and sex were divided into subgroups of 25 people that performed the two first phases of the study (acquisition and retention) on the same device-real or virtual-and then switched to the other device to repeat acquisition and retention phases and finally switched on to a touch screen (transfer phase).

Analysis of motor performance in individuals with cerebral palsy using a non-immersive virtual reality task - a pilot study.

Purpose: To evaluate the performance improvement of individuals with hemiparesis cerebral palsy (CP) using a virtual task.

Participants And Methods: Twenty individuals were selected and distributed into two groups. The experimental group (CP group) comprised ten individuals with a medical diagnosis of CP, and ten individuals with typical development (sex- and age-matched) composed the control group (TD group).

Analysis of Different Device Interactions in a Virtual Reality Task in Individuals With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

There is a need to support individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to achieve optimal functionality in everyday life and with meaningful tasks and activities, throughout stages of the disease progression. Thus, technological developments have created an exciting opportunity for the use of affordable virtual reality (VR) systems with different kinds of interaction devices, providing an efficient and fun tool for enabling improvement in motor performance. To compare performance on a virtual task using interfaces with and without physical contact in order to identify functionality by using different devices in individuals with DMD.

Efficacy of different interaction devices using non-immersive virtual tasks in individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a cross-sectional randomized trial.

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons, brain stem and spinal cord which leads to deterioration of motor abilities. Devices that promote interaction with tasks on computers can enhance performance and lead to greater independence and utilization of technology.

Objective: To evaluate performance on a computer task in individuals with ALS using three different commonly used non-immersive devices.

Instruments for augmentative and alternative communication for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review.

New technologies designed to improve the communication of autistic children can also help to promote interaction processes and cognitive and social development. The aim of this study was to analyze the instruments used to improve the communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorder. We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the descriptors "autism", "Asperger", "education", "children" and "assistive technology" and selected articles that met the following inclusion criteria: (i) original research; (ii) written in English; (iii) based on participants with a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder; and (iv) tested an instrument designed to promote communication in children with autism spectrum disorder.

The Clinical Utility of Virtual Reality in Neurorehabilitation: A Systematic Review.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) experiences (through games and virtual environments) are increasingly being used in physical, cognitive, and psychological interventions. However, the impact of VR as an approach to rehabilitation is not fully understood, and its advantages over traditional rehabilitation techniques are yet to be established.

Method: We present a systematic review which was conducted according to (PRISMA).

Test-Retest Reliability and Clinical Feasibility of a Motion-Controlled Game to Enhance the Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Young Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

Games using motion capture from web cameras have become increasingly popular. However, there are no games specifically designed to teach literacy to individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of introducing young individuals with ID to a new augmented reality game, the MoviLetrando, and establish its test-retest reliability to determine its usefulness in teaching the alphabet and motor control skills.

A didactic approach to presenting verbal and visual information to children participating in research protocols: the comic book informed assent.

Objective: When children participate in research protocols, consent (by a parent or legal guardian) and assent (by the children) must be given. Understanding research protocols can be challenging for an adult and even more difficult for a child. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a comic book created to facilitate children's understanding of informed assent with clear and simple language.

Heart rate variability in individuals with Down syndrome - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) results in many changes, including dysfunction in cardiac autonomic modulation. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis evaluates the autonomic function and it is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events.

Objective: To present results of a systematic review and a meta-analysis about heart rate variability in individuals with DS.

Augmentative and alternative communication in children with Down's syndrome: a systematic review.

Background: The use of technology to assist in the communication, socialization, language, and motor skills of children with Down's syndrome (DS) is required. The aim of this study was to analyse research findings regarding the different instruments of 'augmentative and alternative communication' used in children with Down's syndrome.

Methods: This is a systematic review of published articles available on PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and BVS using the following descriptors: assistive technology AND syndrome, assistive technology AND down syndrome, down syndrome AND augmentative and alternative communication.

Heart Rate Variability and Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Systematic Review.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic recessive disorder with progressive muscle weakness. Despite the general muscle wasting, degeneration and necrosis of cardiomyocytes have been the main causes of morbidity and death in individuals with DMD. Cardiac failure is generally preceded by disturbances in heart rate variability (HRV), and non-invasive measurement of the autonomic nervous system has been an important tool to predict adverse cardiovascular events.

Achievement of Virtual and Real Objects Using a Short-Term Motor Learning Protocol in People with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) practicing a task in a virtual environment could improve performance given a similar task in a real environment, as well as distinguishing whether there is transference between performing the practice in virtual environment and then a real environment and vice versa.

Methods: Twenty-two people with DMD were evaluated and divided into two groups. The goal was to reach out and touch a red cube.

Assistive technology for communication of older adults: a systematic review.

Objective: Describe the use of assistive technology to enhance communication opportunities for older adults.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in two databases, PubMed and Web of Science, by using two different searches in each. The search was limited to original articles, in English language, including people aged 60 years and older that used any type of assistive technology for communication.

Functional performance comparison between real and virtual tasks in older adults: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Ageing is usually accompanied by deterioration of physical abilities, such as muscular strength, sensory sensitivity, and functional capacity, making chronic diseases, and the well-being of older adults new challenges to global public health.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a task practiced in a virtual environment could promote better performance and enable transfer to the same task in a real environment.

Method: The study evaluated 65 older adults of both genders, aged 60 to 82 years (M = 69.

Motor learning characterization in people with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

Unlabelled: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication and implicit skill learning.

Objective: To analyse the results of research on "motor learning" and the means used for measuring "autistic disorder".

Methods: A systematic literature search was done using Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, BVS (virtual health library), and PsycINFO.

Police Officers Who Are Physically Active and Have Low Levels of Body Fat Show Better Reaction Time.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between reaction time (RT), level of physical activity (PA), and anthropometric indicators in police officers in Special Operation Units.

Methods: Twenty-two police officers (34.5 ± 9.

Breast disease in men in metropolitan São Paulo - Brazil.

Although rare, breast cancer in males represents 1% of all cancer in men, and has shown increasing incidence in 25 years. To analyze age, gender, type of procedure performed and diagnosis of all cases of breast diseases in a public hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with special focus on men. Cross-sectional study of breast surgery in 2010-2014 at Hospital Municipal Universitario de Sao Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.

Computer classes and games in virtual reality environment to reduce loneliness among students of an elderly reference center: Study protocol for a randomised cross-over design.

Introduction: Physical and mental changes associated with aging commonly lead to a decrease in communication capacity, reducing social interactions and increasing loneliness. Computer classes for older adults make significant contributions to social and cognitive aspects of aging. Games in a virtual reality (VR) environment stimulate the practice of communicative and cognitive skills and might also bring benefits to older adults.

Application and outcomes of therapy combining transcranial direct current stimulation and virtual reality: a systematic review.

Purpose: To evaluate the methods and major outcomes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with virtual reality (VR) therapy in randomized controlled trials.

Method: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science and CAPES periodic databases, with no time restriction. The studies were screened for the following inclusion criteria: human subjects, combination of VR and tDCS methods, and randomized controlled study design.