Using rubric as an evaluation strategy in the massive open online courses for physiotherapy students

An Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a valuable tool that makes it easier to train future healthcare professionals. This xMOOC entitled: “Postural and technological adaptations in Pediatrics” is hosted on the MiriadaX platform (Martín-Valero, 2018). The purpose of this Educational Innovation Project (PIE19-148) of the University of Malaga was to analyze the assessment of Physiotherapy students after participating in the xMOOC. Methods: an electronic Rubric (e-Rubric) was prepared through the platform known as "Lime-survey" which has helped to know the evaluation of the students after completing the xMOOC. Physiotherapy students made an assessment depending on their level of conformity and satisfaction with the organization, knowledge, encourage on critical thinking and Discussion Forums when they finish this xMOOC. Students carried out an assessment regarding the e-Rubric, which has been completed taking into account the following: a score of 3 means “excellent”, 2 points means “good”, 1 point means “Basic” and 0 point means “need improvement”. Results: the sample was 65 physiotherapy students. 80% of the students considered the organization of the course "Good", and the remaining 20% considered it "Excellent". Regarding the encouragement of critical thinking in the MOOC, 70% of the students gave a “Good” score, compared to 30% of the students who considered it to be “Excellent”. 60% of the students showed that the participation in the Discussion Forums was "Good", and 40% of the students considered it "Excellent." It was concluded that the students agreed on positively valued the organization, the promotion of critical thinking and the participation in the Discussion Forums in this MOOC.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Efectividad de un programa de promoción de actividad física en personas inactivas en el ámbito comunitario

La inactividad física y los problemas de salud asociados son una amenaza real y creciente para la salud pública. En esta tesis se ha realizado un ensayo experimental clínico aleatorio controlado, a la vez que se ha realizado un estudio fenomenológico eidético o descriptivo con el objetivo de complementar la investigación. La combinación de metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa, se conoce como triangulación. Cien personas inactivas con factores de riesgos cardiovasculares procedentes de los Centros de Atención Primaria de Málaga, de las cuales cincuenta participaron en un Programa de Promoción de Actividad Física, frente a un grupo control que recibió la práctica médica habitual y educación sanitaria. Este Programa fue efectivo para la calidad de vida medida con EQ-5D (p = 0,05) en las personas inactivas. También se observaron efectos clínicamente relevantes en los parámetros bioquímicos, en los hematíes de las mujeres (p=0,05) y en la Creatina Kinasa de los hombres (p=0,02). Sin embargo, no se observaron cambios en las variables bioquímicas del perfil lipídico. A nivel antropométrico se han encontrado cambios en el índice de masa corporal, acompañados a cambios en los pliegues sub-escapular y abdominal. A nivel cardiopulmonar, se han encontrado cambios en la FVC y FEV1/FVC en los hombres (p=0,01) y cambios en la frecuencia cardíaca en reposo en las mujeres. Se concluye que esta intervención produjo cambios en la calidad de vida y a nivel pulmonar en lo hombres inactivos. La complementación de metodologías cuantitativa y cualitativa nos ha permitido obtener de forma más precisa un conocimiento multidimensional de la inactividad de esta población

Effectiveness of physical therapy in axillary web syndrome after breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a surgical breast cancer sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of cancer treatments. This implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the user. Objective: To investigate the different physiotherapy treatments for the AWS and how effective they are. Methods: A systematic review based on PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021281354) was conducted. The research was performed using PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro, and Web of Science databases during January 2022 and March 2022. All randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included in this review. Results: A total of 188 articles were identified, with 9 studies selected for the systematic review. These studies basically propose treatments based on exercises and stretching, manual therapy, and the combination of manual therapy and exercises. Conclusions: Exercise and stretching are the most effective therapies within the field of physiotherapy for the rehabilitation of axillary web syndrome. They restore range of motion faster, reduce pain, improve quality of life, and reduce disabilities. Manual therapy, scar massage, and myofascial release could help improve outcomes but with worse results. The meta-analysis conclusion is that pain is the only outcome with a significant reduction after the application of physiotherapy treatments − 0.82 [− 1.67; 0.03]. This conclusion is drawn from the only three studies with small sample sizesFunding for open access publishing: Universidad de Cádiz/CBUA This study was funded by the University of Málaga through a predoctoral grant support to JBGR, a PhD student at the university

Randomised clinical trial of a manual therapy programme to reduce the evolution time of axillary web syndrome in women affected by breast cancer: study protocol

Introduction Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in women, with more than 2 million new cases annually worldwide. One of the most frequent and well-known surgical and post-actinic sequelae is post-mastectomy lymphoedema. The axillary web syndrome is another sequela that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol time of administering cancer treatments; and in many cases, this sequela is misdiagnosed. This surgical sequela usually disappears spontaneously after the third month of appearance, but this implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the patient, at the same time, it may delay the application of radiotherapy within the indicated protocol deadline (due to a need for body posture). Methods and analysis With the present quasi-experimental study, we intend to show the application of physiotherapy and stretching from the beginning of the appearance of the axillary cord, in a controlled and scheduled way by the physiotherapist. It is possible to reduce the time in which the lymphatic thrombus is present and, therefore, recover functionality and mobility, reduce pain and be able to apply treatments within the established deadline. We intend to apply this therapy into the intervention group and compare thrombus evolution time with the control group. Ethics and dissemination This trial has the approval of the Andalucia Ethics Committee (PEIBA code 1909-N1-21, reg. number 171.21)

Efficacy of Magnetic Therapy in Pain Reduction in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), is a common and painful condition. However, its treatment is still a challenge. The findings about the beneficial effects of electromagnetic therapy provide a new, potentially valid, therapeutic alternative for the management of patients with CPP. Objectives: to analyze the efficacy of magnetic field therapy in pain reduction in patients with CPP and for other variables, such as urinary symptoms and quality of life, as well as to review the evidence, in order to establish an action protocol. A qualitative systematic review was carried out, based on the PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022285428). A search was performed in the PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, PEDro, BVS, and WOS databases, including those articles in which the patients suffered from CPP; the study variable was pain, and the intervention was based on the application of magnetic fields. Results: Among the 81 articles found, five clinical trials were considered (with an average score of 7.2 in the PEDro scale), with a total of 278 participants, most of whom presented improvements in perceived pain (p ≤ 0.05), as well as in quality of life (p < 0.05) and urinary symptoms (p = 0.05), evaluated through the NIH-CPSI and VAS scales. The therapy was conducted as a monotherapy or in combination with a pharmacological treatment. There was no common protocol among the different articles. Conclusions: Intervention programs through electromagnetic therapy, on their own or with other therapies, can be effective in patients with CPPThis research received no external funding. Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

Effects of the Combination of Music Therapy and Physiotherapy in the Improvement of Motor Function in Cerebral Palsy: A Challenge for Research

Background: There are different therapeutic strategies such as physiotherapy and music therapy for the treatment of cerebral palsy. Intervention protocols using both therapies to unify the measurement of motor function have not been investigated. Aims and scope: To summarize the effects of the treatment of cerebral palsy through the use of both for the improvement of motor function, analyse the challenges encountered, and submit proposals for improving them. Methods: The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020162493). Clinical trials that described the results obtained in terms of motor function through physiotherapy and music therapy were included. Results: Eight clinical trials with 234 participants were considered with a significant improvement in motor function. Results of meta-analysis suggested improvements in gait velocity in favour of the control group for cerebral palsy (mean differences = 0.03; 95% confidence interval = 0.01, 0.04, p = 0.001; I-2 = 97%). However, high heterogeneity was identified in the meta-analysis due to the small number of studies included. Conclusions: The combination can be effective in subjects with cerebral palsy to improve motor function, although due to the diversity of studies analysed, it is complex to extrapolate results.This research was funded by the Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy (University of Cadiz)

Consumo de alimentos y calidad de la dieta en estudiantes universitarios: Proyecto uniHcos

Antecedentes/Objetivos: La etapa universitaria se caracteriza por cambios en estilos de vida y, la alimentación es uno de los de mayor variación, especialmente en los primeros cursos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos y la calidad de la dieta de los universitarios españoles. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, multicéntrico de estudiantes universitarios de primer año participantes en el proyecto uniHcos. Población de 1363 estudiantes, 72,6% mujeres y 27,4% hombres de 6 universidades españolas. Los participantes respondieron un cuestionario online de frecuencia de consumo de alimentos: A diario; 3-4 veces/semana pero no diario; 1-2 veces/semana; < 1 vez/semana; Nunca/casi-nunca. Para interpretar los resultados los alimentos se categorizaron según guías-dietéticas SENC-2004 en consumo: diario (pasta, pan-cereales, fruta, verduras, lácteos); semanal (carnes, huevos, pescado, legumbres) y ocasional (embutidos, dulces, refrescos con azúcar. A partir de estos datos se calculó el Índice de Alimentación Saludable (IASE) para determinar la calidad de la dieta. Se clasificó en saludable, necesita cambios y poco saludable. Se realizaron estadísticos descriptivos mediante el software estadístico SPSS 20.0. Resultados: El 38,1% de los universitarios consumen frutas a diario, 21,4% verduras, 74,5% lácteos, 60% pan-cereales y 15% pasta. Semanalmente, el 55,3% consumen carne 3-4 veces/semana, 20,7% huevos, 22,2% pescado y 25,5% legumbres. Además, el 13,3%, 22,2% y 10,2% de los universitarios declaran consumir a diario embutido, dulces y refrescos con azúcar respectivamente. Estos resultados van en concomitancia con los del IASE estadísticamente significativos (p-valor < 0,001), donde se muestra que 6,5% de los universitarios se alimentan saludablemente (mujer: 6,9%; hombre: 5,3%), frente a 78% que necesitan cambios (mujer: 76,7%; hombre: 81,3%) y 15,6% que presentan una alimentación poco saludable, siendo mayor en mujeres (16,4%) que en hombres (13,4%). Conclusiones: La alimentación de los universitarios españoles sigue siendo poco saludable y necesitando cambios, como muestran otros estudios en población universitaria. Los patrones alimentarios de consumo semanal de embutidos, dulces, como el de frutas, verduras y pasta, muestra una inversión de la alimentación saludable y, por tanto un problema de salud pública que requiere de atención por ser población que inicia su camino universitario.Plan Nacional Sobre Drogas (2010I145)

Virtual reality to improve low-back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: a pilot RCT for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

A significant proportion of women experience low back and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy, which can negatively impact their daily lives. Various factors are attributed to these complaints, and many affected women do not receive adequate healthcare. However, there is evidence to support the use of different physiotherapeutic interventions to alleviate these conditions. Virtual reality is a promising complementary treatment to physiotherapy, particularly in improving pain perception and avoidance. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a four-week program combining VR and physiotherapy compared to standard physiotherapy in pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain, in terms of improving pain avoidance, intensity, disability, and functional level. The study also aims to investigate patient satisfaction with the VR intervention. This research will be conducted through a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial involving pregnant patients residing in the provinces of Seville and Malaga with a diagnosis of low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The alternative hypothesis is that the implementation of a Virtual Reality program in combination with standard physiotherapy will result in better clinical outcomes compared to the current standard intervention, which could lead to the development of new policies and interventions for these pathologies and their consequence

The Usefulness of a Massive Open Online Course about Postural and Technological Adaptations to Enhance Academic Performance and Empathy in Health Sciences Undergraduates

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) provide accessible and engaging information for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students. The objective of this research was to determine the usefulness in improving academic performance and empathy in health sciences undergraduates, and to test a hypothetical model through structural equation analysis. This research was carried out using a descriptive and quasi-experimental design. It was conducted in a sample of 381 participants: 176 used a MOOC and 205 did not. The results of the Student’s t-test showed statistically significant differences in academic performance between the groups in favor of those students who had realized the MOOC. Participants carried out an evaluation rubric after taking MOOC. Statistically significant differences in empathy were also obtained between the pre (X = 62.06; SD = 4.41) and post (X = 73.77; SD = 9.93) tests. The hypothetical model tested via structural equation modeling was supported by the results. Motivation for the MOOC explained 50% of the variance. The MOOC (participation and realization) explained 58% of academic performance, 35% of cognitive empathy and 48% of affective empathy. The results suggest an association between higher realization and participation in a MOOC and higher levels of academic performance, and cognitive and affective empathy.University of Malaga (UMA) for the Call for Educational Innovation Projects (PIE19-148), to the Call 2019-2021Initiation Grant for Research from the UMA's Own Plan, in Modality A (Grade

Effectiveness of vestibular training for balance and dizziness rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Postural instability and dizziness are commonly observed in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence for the use of vestibular rehabilitation, in comparison with other exercise interventions or no intervention, to treat balance impairments and dizziness in PwMS. An electronic search was conducted by two independent reviewers in the following databases: MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science (WOS), Lilacs, CINHAL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). A quality assessment was performed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. When possible, the data were pooled in a meta-analysis (95%CI). This systematic review followed the PRISMA guideline statement and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019134230). Seven studies were included, with a total of 321 participants analysed. Compared with no intervention, vestibular rehabilitation was more effective for balance development (SMD = 2.12; 95% CI = 0.49, 3.75; p = 0.01; I2 = 89%) and dizziness symptoms improvement (SMD = −17.43; 95% CI = −29.99, −4.87; p= 0.007; I2= 66%). Compared with other exercise interventions, improvements in favour of the experimental group were observed, but statistical significance for the differences between groups was not reached