Feasibility of a 10-week community-based mobile health rehabilitation program using the WalkWithMe application in late sub-acute and chronic stroke survivors in a low resource setting: A pilot study.

 Physical functioning can be increased in people with stroke by using a mobile health application. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a 10-week community-based program using the WalkWithMe (WWM) application in people with late sub-acute and chronic stroke in Benin. An interventional pilot study with mixed methods research design was used examining the application of an unsupervised individualized mobile Health (mHealth) instructed training program.

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.

High-intensity interval training is feasible, credible and clinically effective in the early subacute stroke stage in the low-income country of Benin.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to benefit stroke patients when implemented three months post-stroke. This study examined HIIT's feasibility and clinical effectiveness in the early post-stroke stage in Benin. This was a prospective interventional study comprising an HIIT programme executed on a recumbent bike, three times/week, 20-30 min/session for 6 weeks, added to a conventional physiotherapy.

Estimating the Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in a Semi-Urban City in Benin: A Door-to-Door Community-Based Study.

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of pediatric motor disability. While epidemiological data are widespread in high-income countries, corresponding data in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are still rare. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CP in Northern Benin, a French-speaking low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Bilateral versus unilateral upper limb training in (sub)acute stroke: A systematic and meta-analysis.

Background: Integrating high dosage bilateral movements to improve upper limb (UL) recovery after stroke is a rehabilitation strategy that could potentially improve bimanual activities.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of bilateral with unilateral UL training on upper limb impairments and functional independence in (sub)acute stroke.

Method: Five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Science) were systematically searched from inception to June 2023.

Mobile technologies for rehabilitation in non-specific spinal disorders: a systematic review of the efficacy and potential for implementation in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was primarily to identify the types of mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders, second to evaluate their efficacy, and finally to determine their applicability in LMICs.

Methods: Three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for randomized controlled trials and clinical trials from January 2012 until December 2022. Studies were found eligible when using mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders.

Physiotherapy practices in acute and sub-acute stroke in a low resource country: A prospective observational study in Benin.

Background And Objective: Physiotherapy is highly recommended for early recovery from stroke. This study aimed to document physiotherapy practices for people with acute and early sub-acute stroke in Benin.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, physiotherapists working with acute stroke people documented the content of their treatment from six hospitals in Benin during the first session, at 2-week, and 1-month post-stroke with a standardized physiotherapy documentation form.

Exploring Communication Practices in Italian Physiotherapy: Knowledge and Use of Effective Communication Strategies-A National Descriptive Study.

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and use of effective communication strategies among Italian physiotherapists. We utilized a questionnaire consisting of 19 questions to collect data on the knowledge and use of effective communication strategies among Italian physiotherapists. The results revealed that only 35.

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.

Exercise dosage to facilitate the recovery of balance, walking, and quality of life after stroke.

Background: Although aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) are recommended after stroke, the optimal dosage of these interventions and their effectiveness on balance, walking capacity, and quality of life (QoL) remain conflicting.

Objectives: Our study aimed to quantify the effects of different modes, dosages and settings of exercise therapy on balance, walking capacity, and QoL in stroke survivors.

Method: PubMed, CINHAL, and Hinari databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of AT and RT on balance, walking, and QoL in stroke survivors.

Physical Activity Level, Barriers, and Facilitators for Exercise Engagement for Chronic Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors in Low-Income Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study in Benin.

After a stroke incident, physical inactivity is common. People with stroke may perceive several barriers to performing physical activity (PA). This study aimed to document the PA level and understand the barriers and facilitators to engaging in PA for community-dwelling stroke survivors in Benin, a lower middle-income country.

Biopsychosocial factors associated with chronic low back pain-related activity limitations in Burundi.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an increasing burden worldwide. The biopsychosocial factors associated with CLBP-related activity limitations have not yet been investigated in Burundi.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the biopsychosocial factors that influence the CLBP-related activity limitations in a Burundian sample population.

Factors associated with balance impairments amongst stroke survivors in northern Benin: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Balance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. A fear of falling after stroke can contribute to sedentary lifestyles, increased disability and risk of recurrence, leading to poor quality of life.

Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with balance impairments amongst stroke survivors at the University Hospital of Parakou.

Effectiveness of walking versus mind-body therapies in chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of recent randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: Walking and mind-body therapies (MBTs) are commonly recommended to relieve pain and improve function in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of walking and MBTs in CLBP.

Methods: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing walking or MBTs to any other intervention or control in adults with CLBP.

Epidemic, Endemic, or Stewart-Bluefarb? When Several Forms of Kaposi Seem to Dispute Paternity.

The role of human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) is demonstrated in the occurrence of Kaposi's disease, but the role of cofactors is still hardly known. We report a case of Kaposi's disease which occurred 10 years after a local trauma in an HIV-positive patient from Central Africa. A 38-year-old female, from and living in Central Africa, consulted for angiomatous papulo-nodules associated with purple-colored macules and painful lymphoedema of the right leg and foot that had been developing for 6 months.

Applicability of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-based participation measures in stroke survivors in Africa: a systematic review.

To appraise available International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based tools for the measurement of participation after stroke and to examine their applicability in the African sociocultural context. Pubmed/Medline, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Hinari databases were systematically searched. The literature search was limited to studies published in the English or French language from January 2001 up to May 2019.

Determinants of Social Participation at 1, 3, and 6 Months Poststroke in Benin.

Objective: To build a model of prediction of social participation of community-dwelling stroke survivors in Benin at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.

Design: An observational study with evaluations at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months poststroke. Correlational analyses and multivariate linear regressions were performed.

Comparison of motorcycle taxi driver's respiratory health using an air quality standard for carbon monoxide in ambient air: a pilot survey in Benin.

Introduction: Ambient air quality standards are not designed to protect people occupationally exposed to outdoor air pollution on a routine basis. This study aimed to assess the effect of exceeding the US ambient air quality standard for carbon monoxide (CO) on motorcycle taxi drivers respiratory health.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 85 current motorcycle taxi drivers with at least 5 years of job tenure in Cotonou (Benin) was conducted.

Tracking Changes in Participation With Participation Measurement Scale in Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors in Africa.

Objective: To investigate responsiveness of the Participation Measurement Scale (PM-Scale) for the measurement of participation of stroke survivors.

Design: A 6-month observational study with 3 evaluation time points. Responsiveness of the PM-Scale was investigated over a period of 6 months.