The decline in postural balance has a negative impact on the performance of functional tasks in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Introduction: An accurate assessment of balance problems is critical for decreasing the risk of falling in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Reliable diagnostic tools such as Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) are not feasible for the clinical setting. Therefore, the present study's aim was to assess the correlation between the clinical Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and CDP.

Changes in postural balance associated with a woman's aging process.

Context: Aging causes a progressive worsening in postural balance, affecting functional independence and increasing the risk of falls.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the static balance in women from 50-years to 89-years of age.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study, with 400 irregularly active women were evaluated and grouped by age: Group 6 decade (age 50 to 59) ‒ 58 participants; Group 7 decade (age 60 to 69) ‒ 214 participants; Group 8 decade (age 70 to 79) ‒ 92 participants; Group 9 decade (age 80 to 89) ‒ 36 participants.

Which factors can influence the number of forced expiratory manoeuvres on spirometry in schoolchildren?

Introduction: Spirometry is of great value for understanding respiratory function and management of lung diseases. Adaptations in the exam were made to meet paediatric population since the forced expiratory manoeuvres (FEM) present in the exam require effort and cooperation; therefore, its use should be reconsidered.

Objective: To analyse factors that may influence the number of FEM required for successful spirometry in schoolchildren.

Reference Equations for the ADL-Glittre Test in Pediatric Subjects.

Background: The ADL-Glittre test (TGlittre) was initially proposed to evaluate the activities of daily life (ADL) of adults with COPD that involve activities with the upper limbs in addition to walking. Recently, the test has been adapted for children (TGlittre-P), but no reference values have been proposed for its use in this population. The main objective of this study was to develop reference equations for the pediatric adaptation of the TGlittre.

The validity and reliability of the ADL-Glittre test for children.

: The ADL-Glittre was created to assess more comprehensively the essential activities of daily living in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The aim of this study was to validate the ADL-Glittre test adapted for children (TGlittre-P) and verify its reliability. : This is a cross-sectional study with 87 healthy children aged 6 to 14 years (mean 10.

Interlimb coordination and academic performance in elementary school children.

Background: The specific mechanisms linking motor ability and cognitive performance, especially academic achievement, are still unclear. Whereas the literature provides an abundance of information on fine and visual-motor skill and cognitive attributes, much less has been reported on gross motor ability. This study examined interlimb coordination and its relationship to academic performance in children aged 8-11 years.

Reference Equations for Impulse Oscillometry System Parameters in Healthy Brazilian Children and Adolescents.

Background: The impulse oscillometry system is a noninvasive method of evaluating respiratory mechanics that is being increasingly used in the pediatric population. To date, no reference equations have been developed for healthy Brazilian children and adolescents. The purpose of the study was to determine the reference equations for impulse oscillometry system parameters in healthy children and adolescents.

Childhood and adolescent obesity: how many extra calories are responsible for excess of weight?

Objective: To review the main articles on energy imbalance and obesity in order to quantify the daily energy surplus associated with weight gain in children and adolescents.

Data Sources: Articles published in the last ten years, indexed in electronic databases Medline (Pubmed) and SciELO-Br. In the Medline database, the descriptor "energy gap" was used and describes the energy values ​​associated with changes in body weight in individuals or populations.

Static and dynamic postural control in low-vision and normal-vision adults.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of reduced visual information on postural control by comparing low-vision and normal-vision adults in static and dynamic conditions.

Methods: Twenty-five low-vision subjects and twenty-five normal sighted adults were evaluated for static and dynamic balance using four protocols: 1) the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened and closed; 2) Unilateral Stance with eyes opened and closed; 3) Tandem Walk; and 4) Step Up/Over.

Results: The results showed that the low-vision group presented greater body sway compared with the normal vision during balance on a foam surface (p≤0.

Limitations of the Neurological Evolutional Exam (ENE) as a motor assessment for first graders.

Background: many clinicians and researchers in Brazil consider the Neurological Developmental Exam (NDE), a valid and reliable assessment for Brazilian school-aged children. However, since its inception, several tests have emerged that, according to some researchers, provide more in-depth evaluation of motor ability and go beyond the detection of general motor status (soft neurological signs).

Objectives: to highlight the limitations of the NDE as a motor skill assessment for first graders.

Interlimb coordination differentiates Brazilian children from two socioeconomic settings.

Background: The aim of the present study was to test the notion that Brazilian children entering private school have a motor function advantage over those entering their first year in public school.

Methods: Four hundred and two children from the two cultural settings were examined for motor function in the first and 10th month of school (first grade). Participants were assessed based on age-level standards and by total score for all items for children 3 to 7 years of age.

Factors associated with inadequate fine motor skills in Brazilian students of different socioeconomic status.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the motor coordination of Brazilian schoolchildren of different socioeconomic status in their first year of primary education. Factors associated with inadequate fine motor skills were identified. A total of 238 schoolchildren, 118 from a public school and 120 from a private school, were evaluated on fine motor skills using the Evolutional Neurological Examination.