Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de um equipamento de biofeedback para utilização por fisioterapeutas no tratamento de pacientes portadores de pé equino. Normalmente o pé equino está relacionado a uma das sequelas de um acidente vascular cerebral e é caracterizado pela dificuldade no controle motor do membro afetado, muitas vezes apresentando limitações relacionadas à sensibilidade e dificuldade em manter o calcanhar em contato com o solo durante a marcha. O equipamento foi construído com base no conceito de biofeedback, apresentando ao paciente, em tempo real, informações relacionadas à intensidade de força aplicada nos membros inferiores. O equipamento é composto de sensores de força flexíveis alojados em um par de sandálias, ligados a um circuito eletrônico microcontrolado. Todo o processamento é realizado por um MSP430, e a comunicação é feita por sinais de rádio através de um módulo CC1101. Os dados são apresentados em uma interface de software em um computador portátil a uma taxa de atualização de 20 Hz. O software possui diversas funcionalidades para atender tanto as necessidades dos fisioterapeutas quanto dos pacientes. Do ponto de vista do paciente, a interface apresenta um visual simples e objetivo, facilitando o entendimento das variações de força, apresentadas na forma de barras verticais. Foram utilizados também recursos visuais e sonoros para enfatizar aos pacientes quando os objetivos estipulados para seu tratamento foram atingidos. Outras funcionalidades foram desenvolvidas para que os fisioterapeutas tenham a opção de customizar a interface de biofeedback de acordo com a necessidade de cada paciente, além de possibilitar o armazenamento de todos os dados dos sensores para análises posteriores. O protótipo foi testado em 20 voluntários durante 10 sessões de fisioterapia, sendo 10 portadores da disfunção pé equino e outros 10 normais para compor um grupo de controle. O objetivo principal do protocolo fisioterapêutico foi melhorar a manutenção do contato como o solo no calcanhar afetado. Os valores de pressão no calcanhar afetado de todas as das sessões foram adquiridos a uma taxa de 20 Hz, armazenados e analisados segundo as seguintes métricas: média, máximos e somas acumuladas. Também foi realizada a avaliação de Berg para todos os voluntários. Os resultados demonstraram que, para as métricas analisadas e também para a avaliação de Berg, houve uma evolução em todos os pacientes. / This work describes the development of a biofeedback device to be used by physiotherapists during treatment of patients with equinus foot. Normally the equinus foot is related to one of the sequelae of a stroke and is characterized by difficulty in motor control of the affected limb, often resulting in limitations on sensitivity. The equipment was built on the concept of biofeedback, presenting to the patient, in real time, information related to the intensity of the forces applied to the lower limbs. The equipment consists of flexible force sensors accommodated in a pair of sandals, connected to a microcontrolled electronic circuit. The whole processing is performed by an MSP430, and the communication is done by radio signals through a CC1101 module. The data is presented in a software interface on a laptop computer at a refresh rate of 20 Hz. The software has many features to meet both the needs of physiotherapists as patients. From the point of view of patients, the interface was designed to be simple and objective, facilitating the understanding of force variations that change dynamically at the exact moment when the sensors are pressed. Visual signs and sound were also used to emphasize to patients when the goals established for their treatment has been reached. Other features were developed specifically for physicaltherapists, giving them the option to customize the biofeedback interface according to the needs of each patient, and also allowing the storage of all data transferred by the sensors for further analysis. A prototype was developed and tested on 20 volunteers over 10 sessions of physical therapy, 10 patients with equinus foot dysfunction, and 10 normal people to compose a control group. At the end of the treatment period, the data were analyzed by session, according to the average forces, the maximum values reached, the accumulated sums and Berg assessments. The results revealed an evolution in all patients, some of them in a greater degree and others in lower degree of progress.

L’insuffisance cardiaque chronique est une maladie systémique où des dysfonctions périphériques viennent s’ajouter à l’incapacité du cœur à assurer un débit cardiaque adéquat aux tissus métabolisants. Parmi des dysfonctions périphériques, l’atrophie ainsi que la perte de force et d’endurance musculaire jouent un rôle primordial et contribuent largement à la genèse des symptômes majeurs de l’insuffisance cardiaque chronique, c’est à dire la fatigue, la dyspnée et l’intolérance à l’effort.<p>Ce n’est que depuis le début des années 1990 que des études ont montré que le réentraînement à l’effort pouvait être bénéfique pour le patient insuffisant cardiaque chronique; auparavant, il était considéré comme contre-indiqué.<p>La méthodologie d’entraînement proposée à cette époque aux patients était un entraînement de l’endurance cardio-vasculaire, le renforcement musculaire n’y avait pas sa place car on craignait que l’impact hémodynamique de ce type d’entraînement risquerait de détériorer la fonction cardiaque encore plus. Des études menées sur des contractions musculaires de type isométrique montraient en effet une diminution de la fonction cardiaque pendant l’entraînement. Cependant, les contraintes imposées pendant les exercices de renforcement musculaire dynamique (encore appelés « résistifs ») ne correspondent nullement à celles du renforcement isométrique. Des études sur des personnes saines ont montré que le renforcement musculaire est plus adapté à induire des améliorations du volume et de la force musculaire que l’entraînement de l’endurance cardio-vasculaire.<p>Le but de nos travaux a donc été de vérifier si l’introduction du renforcement musculaire, en complément de l’entraînement cardio-vasculaire ou bien comme entraînement à part entière, pouvait apporter un bénéfice supplémentaire chez l’insuffisant cardiaque chronique par son aptitude, du moins théorique, à mieux corriger certains aspects des dysfonctions musculaires.<p><p><p>Il s’agissait, dans les différentes études que nous avons menées, de vérifier qu’un entraînement composé de renforcement musculaire (au moins partiellement) chez le patient insuffisant cardiaque chronique:<p>-\ / Doctorat en Sciences de la motricité / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

\ / Doctorat en Sciences de la motricité / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Doctorat en sciences sociales, politiques et économiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

M.A. / "Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in all races in South Africa" (Fritz & Penn, 1992, p 1). It has devastating effects, and may impact on every aspect of the person's functioning. Research shows that depression is common after stroke, becoming more of a problem with time, and having a greater effect on quality of life than the actual disability (Lezak, 1995). Despite such evidence psychologists have played a very limited role in the rehabilitation of this group. Those with communication problems especially have been excluded from research and therapy, which usually require competence with language to be successful. This study attempts to find an alternative method of research and therapy in order to include this group. Following the model of learned helplessness (Seligman, in, Bleiberg, 1986), it was proposed that the unavoidable, inescapable effects of stroke lead to feelings of helplessness, which are also impossible to escape, and the person soon looses the motivation to attempt to control the situation. This then leads to depression. A method of therapy which breaks this cycle, and allows for the person to experience how their actions do have an effect on their lives is needed. In addition to this, an alternative means of self expression for those with communication difficulties needs to be provided. Art therapy was found to address the problems presented by this group (Dailey, 1984). It has proved useful with other populations that have not been able to benefit from traditional psychotherapy. It becomes an alternative means of self expression for those whose communication ability is compromised. It is accessible to most people, as it only requires the ability to make marks on paper. A theme centred, art therapy approach was therefore chosen for the study. The aims of the study were; to create a therapeutic milieu which allowed for self expression, specifically the expression of emotions, which included all the participants; to investigate the effects of introducing an opportunity for self expression on self concept and group process; and to look at the themes which emerge from the art. The participants were members of a pre-existing support group for stroke survivors. A quasiexperimental design was used. The Draw a Person Test, was administered pre and post intervention. Additional information was gathered using the Beck's Depression Inventory and a demographic questionnaire. This study uses a qualitative method, which includes information regarding the researcher's experience, and is interpreted from the researcher's perspective. It was found that art therapy had a positive effect on self concept. It influenced group process, as participants who were previously marginalised became more central. Numerous themes emerged, some which were specific to individuals, but others that were of relevance to the group as a whole. It proved rewarding for the researcher, both as a therapist and in terms of her relationship with her father who is a stroke survivor with aphasia. Art therapy therefore seems to be a useful tool to be used with this group that has traditionally been excluded from therapy and research. It is suggested that further research would be useful, and suggestions regarding future research are discussed.

Expanding interests may be a behavioral cusp, resulting in widespread changes across skills, and therefore is particularly relevant in intervention programs for children with autism. Little research has addressed directly increasing the diversity of activities and interests for this population. This study describes a program developed to increase activities and interests in a girl dually-diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS) and Downs syndrome (DS). A multiple-baseline design across stimuli was employed to evaluate the program. The results show that the program increased number of total and different toy interactions. No effects were observed for overall duration of toy interactions. Results are discussed in relation to play skill instruction and preference assessment literature, the cusp, and autism intervention programs.

The purpose of this study was to document the effects that a regular yoga therapy practice has on the quality of life for a paraplegic individual. Due to the unique nature of spinal cord injury (SCI), this was a case study with one participant. For 5 weeks the subject practiced a standardized yoga routine three times a week with a yoga teacher, receiving private instruction. Interview questions were asked before and after the intervention to document the participant's quality of life. Each week, the subject completed a modified SF-36 questionnaire as well as Cohen's Perceived Stress Survey. Perceived pain and perceived stress were the two primary variables monitored in the study. The results of this study demonstrated a slight reduction in perceived stress, a reduction in perceived pain, and an improvement in overall quality of life. Additionally, the subject increased her strength significantly from the beginning to the end of the study. Based on the findings in this study, it appears that a regular adapted yoga routine is beneficial for paraplegic individuals.

No description available.

This qualitative study sought to explore the Hong Kong Chinese patient's perceptions of an Intensive Care experience and their views on the introduction of feng shui principles focussing on sleep orientations, dietary management and exercise regimes. The study explored the background of feng shui as an authentic traditional Chinese belief. It also explores if incorporating these feng shui principles into the health care setting would provide a positive effect for open-heart patients in an Intensive Care Unit at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital in Hong Kong. The major inference drawn from this study is that Chinese patients seek culturally related experiences from the health care setting. The Chinese informants showed strong belief patterns in traditional practices of feng shui, however, practiced these within the confines of their homes as these experiences were denied to them in the hospital setting. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Text in Afrikaans / In this study an instrument is suggested for implementation by the Educational Psychologist to design a support programme, aimed at handling family members' stress where a child has sustained a brain injury. Attention was paid to the phenomenon "brain injured child" to ascertain demands and needs (physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional). Specific note was taken of the toll on each family member in their observance, experience, assistance and giving· meaning to the child. Reference was made to existing support programmes for such family members from the acute care phase to the final acceptance and readjustment of the family. With this study the need for a continuous support programme and the contents of such a programme was addressed. Using these guidelines the Educational Psychologist will be able to prepare the family for the stress possibilities in dealing with the brain injured child. / Met hierdie studie is 'n instrument daargestel vir die ontwerp van 'n hulpverleningsprogram vir gebruik deur die Opvoedkundige Sielkundige. Hierdie hulpprogram het as doel, die hantering van stres, deur die gesin van 'n kind, wat 'n breinbesering opgedoen het. In die studie is aandag gegee aan die tipiese gedrag wat oor die algemeen van 'n breinbeseerde kind verwag kan word. Daar is ook gepoog om te bepaal hoe elke lid van die gesin die breinbeseerde kind beleef, aan hom betekenis gee, en hom probeer help ten opsigte van die eise (fisiek en emosioneel) wat hy stel. Verder is daar gekyk na bestaande hulpverlening (gerig op die hantering van stres) aan die gesinslede van 'n breinbeseerde kind vanaf die akute versorgingsfase tot en met die aanpassing en herorganisering van die gesin. Met hierdie studie is 'n behoefte aan 'n kontinue hulpverleningsprogram en die inhoud van so 'n program by gesinslede aangespreek. Aan die hand van die riglyne sal die Opvoedkundige Sielkundige 'n gesin kan voorberei op die stres wat hulle ten opsigte van die hantering van 'n breinbeseerde kind te wagte kan wees. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Voorligting)