Reliability and Validity of the Six Spot Step Test in People with Intellectual Disability

[EN] Clinical tests for the evaluation of balance in people with intellectual disability that have been most commonly used depend on the subjective evaluation of the evaluator, easily reach the ceiling effect and are poorly sensitive to small changes; but new tests have been developed, such as the Six Spot Step Test. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and within-day and day-to-day test–retest reliability of the Six Spot Step Test in people with intellectual disability. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 18 people with intellectual disability. The participants conducted the Six Spot Step Test three times and a set of five clinical tests for the balance assessment. The relative reliability was excellent (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) = 0.86 − 0.97), and the absolute reliability ranged between 4.7% and 7.3% for coefficient variation and between 0.6 and 1.2 for the standard error of measurement. Linear regression models showed that that test can explain the results of the Timed Up & Go, Four Square Step Test and the Berg Balance Scale. The Six Spot Step Test proved to be as valid and reliable for the evaluation of dynamic balance in people with intellectual disability as the most frequently used tests for the clinical evaluation of postural control.SIThis research received funding from the VII Research Grant of the Professional College of Physiotherapist of Castilla y León (Spain)

Comparison of the Agonist/Antagonist Tensional Balance of the Knee between Two Isokinetic Positions: A Pilot Study on a Sample of High-Level Competitive Soccer Players

[EN] Isokinetic knee dynamometry evolves towards more precise techniques, such as the cal-culation of the functional ratio. This study evaluated the influence of an intermediate hip position called the unified reclined position (URP) compared to the classic sitting position, (CSP) on hamstring eccentric PT values (Hexc30) and conventional (Hcon60/Qcon60) and functional (Hexc30/Qcon60) ratios.Twenty Spanish high-level competitive soccer players (20.4 ± 4.44 years) were evaluated in CSP and in URP. The hip angle in URP (44◦) was determined with a passive extensibility test (quadriceps and hamstrings), looking for an agonist/antagonist tension balance. The following were performed: three repetitions (60◦/s) and five repetitions (240◦/s) in concentric quadriceps and hamstrings mode; and three repetitions (30◦/s) in concentric and eccentric for the hamstrings. At 30◦/s, the CSP presents higher values of maximal eccentric hamstring strength than URP, (Dom + N-Dom leg (Nm): CSP = 148.3 ± 19.5 vs. URP 143.5 ± 23.2); p = 0.086 (n.s.). The conventional relationship did not show data justifying the preference for URP over CSP (p = 0.86 (n.s.)). However, although the functional index did not show significant values (p = 0.97 (n.s.), it did show a greater number of subjects with imbalances measured in URP (five in URP vs. two in CSP). An assessment angle of the hip closer to sports reality seems to favor the use of the URP as a complementary method to the CSP. These data stimulate new studies using URP together with the classic protocol.SIColegio Profesional de Fisioterapeutas from Castilla y León (Spain)This research was partially funded by the Colegio Profesional de Fisioterapeutas from Castilla y León (Spain) through the II Call for Scholarships for Research (INV2015-3)

Physical activity, resilience, sense of coherence and coping in people with multiple sclerosis in the situation derived from COVID-19

The confinement forced by COVID-19 can have repercussions on the health of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between physical activity, a sense of coherence, resilience and coping among people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis during the health emergency situation. To achieve this goal, this transversal descriptive study included 84 patients that belonged to multiple sclerosis associations during the period of confinement. Participants filled out the Physical Activity (IPAQ-SF), Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), Resilience Scale (ER-14) and coping (COPE-28) questionnaires. The results showed that the average age was 46.9 and that 67.9% had Relapsing Remittent Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed on average 13.9 years ago. They had a high degree (33.3%) and moderate degree (34.5%) of physical activity, high levels of resilience, while the level of a sense of coherence was average and the most commonly used strategies for coping were active confrontation and religion. Physical activity was not related to the rest of the studied variables, but there were correlations between the other variables. The people with multiple sclerosis who belong to patient associations have remained physically active during the obligatory confinement period and have elevated degrees of resilience and an average sense of coherence, as well as using suitable coping strategies, which is why the social-health resource of belonging to a patient association could be boosting these variables that are beneficial to their health.(undefined

Analysis of Postural Control in Sitting by Pressure Mapping in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury and Friedreich’s Ataxia: A Case Series Study

[EN], The postural control assessments in patients with neurological diseases lack reliability and sensitivity to small changes in patient functionality. The appearance of pressure mapping has allowed quantitative evaluation of postural control in sitting. This study was carried out to determine the evaluations in pressure mapping and verifying whether they are different between the three sample groups (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and Friedreich’s ataxia), and to determine whether the variables extracted from the pressure mapping analysis are more sensitive than functional tests to evaluate the postural trunk control. A case series study was carried out in a sample of 10 adult patients with multiple sclerosis (n = 2), spinal cord injury (n = 4) and Friedreich’s ataxia (n = 4). The tests applied were: pressure mapping, seated Lateral Reach Test, seated Functional Reach Test, Berg Balance Scale, Posture and Postural Ability Scale, Function in Sitting Test, and Trunk Control Test. The participants with Friedreich’s ataxia showed a tendency to present a higher mean pressure on the seat of subject’s wheelchair compared to other groups. In parallel, users with spinal cord injury showed a tendency to present the highest values of maximum pressure and area of contact. People with different neurological pathologies and similar results in functional tests have very different results in the pressure mapping. Although it is not possible to establish a strong statistical correlation, the relationships between the pressure mapping variables and the functional tests seem to be numerous, especially in the multiple sclerosis group.S

Physical Activity, Resilience, Sense of Coherence and Coping in People with Multiple Sclerosis in the Situation Derived from COVID-19

The confinement forced by COVID-19 can have repercussions on the health of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between physical activity, a sense of coherence, resilience and coping among people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis during the health emergency situation. To achieve this goal, this transversal descriptive study included 84 patients that belonged to multiple sclerosis associations during the period of confinement. Participants filled out the Physical Activity (IPAQ-SF), Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), Resilience Scale (ER-14) and coping (COPE-28) questionnaires. The results showed that the average age was 46.9 and that 67.9% had Relapsing Remittent Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed on average 13.9 years ago. They had a high degree (33.3%) and moderate degree (34.5%) of physical activity, high levels of resilience, while the level of a sense of coherence was average and the most commonly used strategies for coping were active confrontation and religion. Physical activity was not related to the rest of the studied variables, but there were correlations between the other variables. The people with multiple sclerosis who belong to patient associations have remained physically active during the obligatory confinement period and have elevated degrees of resilience and an average sense of coherence, as well as using suitable coping strategies, which is why the social-health resource of belonging to a patient association could be boosting these variables that are beneficial to their health.S

Explanatory Capacity of Postural Control and Physical Fitness in Cognitive Impairment and Support Needs among Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities—A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

[EN] Postural control is a skill associated with most motor activities and is essential for the performance of activities of daily living. People with intellectual disabilities (ID) present postural control deficits that can be attributed to several causes. The aim of this study was to determine whether postural control and physical fitness could explain the cognitive impairment and support needs in this population. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 18 people with ID. Data collection was based on assessments for postural control (Mini BESTest and Berg Balance Scale) and physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test). The data were analyzed using linear regression models. Anticipatory postural adjustments were associated with support needs, explaining up to 45% of these. Consecutive postural adjustments and upper limb strength were less significantly associated with support needs. However, none of the variables used explained cognitive impairment in ID. Knowledge of the relationships and behavior of the different measurement tools is essential for the development of appropriate interventions in this population.S

Social Network Analysis and Resilience in University Students: An Approach from Cohesiveness

13 p.The Social Network Analysis offers a view of social phenomena based on interactions. The aim of this study is to compare social reality through the cohesion variable and analyse its relationship with the resilience of university students. This information is useful to work with the students academically and to optimise the properties of the network that have an influence in academic performance. This is a descriptive transversal study with 90 students from the first and third year of the Nursing Degree. Cohesion variables from the support and friendship networks and the level of resilience were gathered. The UCINET programme was used for network analysis and the SPSS programme for statistical analysis. The students’ friendship and support networks show high intra-classroom cohesion although there are no differences between the support networks and friendship or minimal contact networks in both of the courses used for the study. The network cohesion indicators show less cohesion in the third year. No correlations were found between cohesion and resilience. Resilience does not appear to be an attribute related to cohesion or vice versa.S

Local and Contralateral Effects after the Application of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in Lower Limbs

[EN], Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) has been used mainly as a method to promote muscle strength, but its effects on improving blood flow are less well known. The aim of this study is to deepen the knowledge about the local and contralateral effects of the application of symmetric biphasic square currents on skin temperature (Tsk). An experimental pilot study was developed with a single study group consisting of 45 healthy subjects. Thermographic evaluations were recorded following the application of NMES to the anterior region of the thigh. The results showed an increase in the maximal Tsk of 0.67% in the anterior region of the thigh where the NMES was applied (p < 0.001) and an increase of 0.54% (p < 0.01) due to cross-education effects, which was higher when the NMES was applied on the dominant side (0.79%; p < 0.01). The duration of the effect was 20 min in the dominant leg and 10 min in the nondominant one. The application of a symmetrical biphasic current (8 Hz and 400 μs) creates an increase in the maximal Tsk at the local level. A temperature cross-education effect is produced, which is greater when the NMES is applied on the dominant side.This could be a useful noninvasive measurement tool in NMES treatments.S

Aprendizaje interdisciplinar mediante trabajos cooperativos en el ámbito de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones y las ciencias de la salud

Premio a la Innovación en la Enseñanza 2019[ES] Buenas prácticas en el diseño de nuevas experiencias, materiales de apoyo y métodos de enseñanza centrados en el alumnado y su aprendizaje, así como resultados obtenidos. Nuevas metodologías de evaluación y actividades formativas que fomenten la internacionalización. Impacto de su desarrollo y resultados con la mejora de la calidad de la educación superior en cuanto a su aplicación práctica, generalización a otros centros, disciplinas, coordinación entre docentes, coordinación entre titulaciones e implicación de la comunidad universitaria

La Salud en el Camino de Santiago. Aprendizaje-Servicio

[ES] Objetivos: Fomentar y potenciar el desarrollo personal, académico y profesional del estudiante. Mejorar la Capacidad de aplicar los conocimientos propios de su disciplina a la práctica en usuarios reales. Aprender a organizar y planificar el tratamiento según las características del peregrino el tipo de lesión. Fomentar el trabajo en equipos multidisciplinares en relación con el tratamiento de lesiones en el Camino de Santiago. Descripción de la Actividad: Bajo el formato de un curso de verano, los alumnos han diseñado y desarrollado sus prácticas extracurriculares, en el ámbito de la Salud, (Fisioterapia, Enfermería y Podología), en un medio real, como es un Albergue de Peregrinos, realizando atención sanitaria a los peregrinos en el Camino de Santiago. Previo a la atención sanitaria, el alumnado recibió una formación teórica previa, por parte de diferentes profesores de Ciencias de la Salud, y ayudaron a la realización de una labor de coordinación entre los Albergues de Peregrinos, para pautar un cronograma previo al inicio de la actividad. Además de la labor asistencial, se instruye al alumnado en que realicen una labor formativa y educativa, informando a los peregrinos de diferentes medidas preventivas, para evitar lesiones. Esta actividad se ha realizado conjuntamente entre la ULE y la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UME)Resultados: Además de la satisfacción de los usuarios, los alumnos manifiestan una mejora en el aprendizaje, en relación con las expectativas y presentan una elevada satisfacción en la interacción con el alumnado de otra universidad y titulación. Conclusiones: El aprendizaje-servicio es un método para unir el aprendizaje con el compromiso social. Es aprender haciendo un servicio a la comunidad. Esta experiencia es un buen ejemplo de esta modalidad, que se consolidad como una forma de aprendizaje en el que el alumno puede desarrollar sus habilidades prácticas en entornos reales