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Objectives: To translate and culturally adapt the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) into Brazilian-Portuguese and to assess its reliability. Methods: The first step was the translation, synthesis, back-translation, revision by the committee, pre-testing and evaluation of documents by the committee and the author of the SPADI. The revised version by the committee was applied to 90 subjects with shoulder dysfunction, aged over 18 years from different education and sociocultural levels. The items misunderstood by 20% or more of patients were reformulated and reapplied until they reach values lower than 20%. The second stage consisted of two applications of SPADI to 32 patients with shoulder dysfunction in a interval ranging from 2 to 7 days. The data from the translation were analyzed descriptively, the test-retest reliability by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency by Cronbach's Alpha. Results: Some expressions have been adapted to the Brazilian population and the items in the pain and disability subscales were changed for an easier reading in Portuguese Language. The pre-test revealed a need to change only one item of the pain domain and to administer the questionnaire by interview, since it was repeated three times and in the first two applications with self-reported questionnaire the patients had not been reporting their symptoms with regards to the past week and also they have not been properly used the item "Not Applicable". The test-retest reliability ranged from 0.90 to 0.94 and the internal consistency ranged from 0.87 to 0.89. Conclusion: After the translation and cultural adaptation, it was obtained a reliable version of SPADI-Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Instruments of functional evaluation for patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), available from the literature, are limited and scarce, making clinical decision on Physiotherapy difficulty. Objectives: To describe the process of creating a functional assessment scale In patients with DMD while going up and down the stairs, as well as to analyse the intra and inter-rater reliability of this scale. Methods: The scale development consisted of five stages: 1 ) to elaborate a script for directed observation based upon literature. 2) to describe a sequence of movements assessing 120 video recordings from 30 children (from 5 to 11 years) with DMD while going up and down stairs, 3) to elaborate a scale considering the degree of difficulty to execute the movements, 4) to create handbook, and 5) to submit both the scale and the handbook to be assess by 10 examiners, and review to create the final version. Both repeatability (researcher) and reproducibility (two Independent examiners) were tested by using the IntraClass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Weighted Kappa respectively. Results: The scale encloses five phases for going up and four phases for going downstairs. Our results showed both excellent intra and intertester reliability, with values of Weighted Kappa ≥0.78 in all phases and ICCs≥O.89, with p<0.05 for all scores. Conclusion: The proposed scale showed excellent repeatability and reproducibility, requiring continuing the studies to assess Its accuracy, validity and to create digital tools to improve data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare and to analyze whether the values of rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) determined by a ventilator display and a digital ventilometer were correlated. Methods: Twenty-two adult patients (17 males and 5 females) in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and in mechanical ventilation were studied. Prior to the data collection, each patient was evaluated, received physical therapy, in order to promote bronchial hygiene and pulmonary reexpansion, and was positioned in elevated dorsal recumbent at 45°. After these procedures, minute ventilation (MV) and respiratory rate (RR) obtained from mechanical ventilator display and digital ventilometer were recorded. The RSBI was calculated by the ratio of RR and tidal volume (VT). Paired t-test was used to compare related variables. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to measure the reproducibility of the scores. Results: A significant difference was found between the RSBI obtained from the ventilator and by the digital ventilometer (p=0.011). A high agreement for the RSBI (ICC=0.86), for the RR (ICC=0.80) for the VT (ICC=0.79) and a moderate agreement for the MV (ICC=0.74) were observed. The p-value was <0.05 for all variables. Conclusions: There were a significant agreement between the RSBI obtained from the ventilator display and the digital ventilometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite of the widespread use of Pilates in Physical Therapy, there are few studies that have assessed the muscle electrical activation during Pilates exercises. Objective: Verify the influence of different spring adjustments and individual positions on the electrical activation of multifidus (MU) and oblique external (OE) muscles during hip flexion-extension (HFE) exercise on the Cadillac. Methods: Eight women practicing Pilates exercises for at least six months performed 10 repetitions of HFE in the following situations: Lower Spring, spring fixed at 30 cm in relation to level which the individuals were positioned. Higher Spring, spring fixed at 90 cm in relation to level which the individuals were positioned. Near Position, distance of 10 cm from the fixed spring. Distant Position, distance of 30 cm from the fixed spring. Kinematic and eletromyographic data (EMG) were collected simultaneously and the MU and OE muscles were monitored. Each movement of HFE was splitted in two phases (extension and flexion). The EMG signal was calculated and normalized using the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The Wilcoxon test was used to investigate differences between the situations (psO.05). Results: MU muscle presented muscle activation values ranging from 10 to 20 % MVC, and the highest muscle activation in the lower spring and in the near position. OE muscles presented muscle activation values ranging from 20 to 45% MVC, and the highest values in the higher spring and in the distant position. Conclusion: MU and OE muscles presented a distinct electrical activation during different available spring adjustments and individual positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To verify the relationship between the angle of thoracic kyphosis, bone mineral density, and postural control in elderly women. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, 95 elderly participants were subdivided into four groups according to the thoracic kyphosis angle (obtained by the flexicurve method) and to bone densitometry results. On the force platform and through the dynamic test, stabilometric data were obtained. For statistical analysis, we assessed the performance of each group on the force platform by non-parametric tests: between group comparison (Mann-Whitney) and within group comparison according to the condition of the eyes - open or closed (Signed Rank). Results: On the force platform, the only statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 (loss of bone mass and increased thoracic kyphosis) and 3 (no loss of bone mass or increase in thoracic kyphosis) in the anteroposterior direction (p=0.0124). All groups presented different performances with the eyes open and closed in the mediolateral direction, except for group 3 (p=0.4263), whereas in the anteroposterior direction, we did not observe differences. Conclusion: The results suggest an influence of the angle of thoracic kyphosis and bone mineral density on the postural control of our sample in the anteroposterior direction and in the standing position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elderly diabetics tend to show cognitive deficits related to more complex processes such as the executive function, which can lead to a greater risk of falls Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the functional mobility, the risk of falls and the executive function among elderly with and without type 2 diabetes, and to check the correlation between these variables. Methods: Forty community elderly participated in the study and were divided into two groups: G1 elderly with type 2 diabetes and G2 elderly without diabetes, being the variables age, body mass index and gender similar between the groups. The functional mobility and the risk of falls were assessed by the "Timed Up and Go" test (TUG and cognitive TUG) and the executive function was assessed by the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT) (animal category). Results: Elderly with diabetes showed worse performance in the verbal fluency test (G1:14.9±4.5; G2:17.7±5.6; p=0.031). A statistically between-group difference was observed regarding the functional mobility; being the G1 presenting worse performance in TUG (G1:10.5±1.8sec; G2:8.9±1.9sec; p=0.01) and cognitive TUG (G1:13.9±3.2sec; G2:10.9±2.3sec; p=0.004) tests. A significant correlation was observed between the cognitive TUG and VFT only in G1 (G1: Spearman's rho = -0.535; p=0.015; G2: Spearman's rho =-0.250; p=0.288). Conclusions: Diabetics presented worse performance in the functional mobility and in the verbal fluency test than non-diabetics elderly that suggests a greater risk of falls for the elderly with diabetes. The inclusion of these evaluation parameters for diabetics on the physical therapy clinical practice is crucial in order to maintain the functionality and to prevent falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory muscle strength is influenced by aging. Objectives: To assess, in a healthy elderly population, the influence ol physical activity and functional performance on the pulmonary function parameters, on respiratory muscle strength and on coughing Methods: Observation study that sixty one elderly with age equal or more than 60 years (72.3±7.2 years), with normal spirometry were included. Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Peak Cough Flow (PCF) and Human Activity Profile (HAP) were evaluated. The elderly were separated in two groups (active and moderately active) according to HAP. Student's test was used for univariate analysis and regression analysis models was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Elderly participants who were classified as active presented on average 13.5 cmH20 higher MEP (88±21.4 cmH20), and 16.2 cmH20 higher MIP (76±17.7 cmH2O). Maximal respiratory pressure decreases 1 cmH20 per year. The PEF and PCF were higher for male (p<0.001) and active elderly (p=0.046 e p=0.004 respectively). A positive correlation was observed between HAP and the following variables MEP MIP and PCF (r=0.527, p<0.001; r=0.498, p<0.001 and r=0.365, p=0.004, respectively). Conclusions: The active life style can positively affect the respiratory muscle strength and PCF values. Aging is associated to respiratory muscle strength reduction (both inspiratory and expiratory). Women showed lower PEmax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain is considered a multidimensional experience and is very common in the elderly. The pain locus of control has become essential to understand how the perceptions, expectations and beliefs are related to individual behavior, attitudes, coping and adherence of the elderly with regards to the health conditions and with the proposed treatment. Studies focused on adaptation and reliability of instruments are necessary for health professionals. Objectives: The present study performed the cross-cultural adaptation of the Pain Locus of Control Scale (C form of Multidimensional Health Locus of Control) for Brazil and assessed its intra and inter-examiner reliability among a sample of 68 elderly individuals with non-oncological pain living in the community. Methods: The cross-cultural adaptation of the scale was performed using the methodology standardized by Beaton et al. (2000)*. Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for the statistical analysis (p.0.05). Results: Average age of the subjects was 69.6 ± 5.5 years; most were women, with low levels of income and education. The average pain duration was 10.2 years and the main clinical diagnosis was osteoarthritis. The reliability of the scale was adequate, with a regular to very strong correlations (PCC = 0.60 to 0.93) and a moderate to nearly perfect ICC (0.60 to 0.93), in mainly the chance locus of control and medical and healthcare professionals locus of control subscales. Conclusion: An adequate reliability and applicability was observed in our sample after adjustments and adaptations of the scale for use in elderly [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion of healthy individuals, taking age and sex into consideration. Methods: The study included 104 individuals aged 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and 60 to 80 years (41 males and 63 females), with normal body mass index and spirometric values. Participants were evaluated at rest in the supine position, by means of respiratory inductive plethysmography. The following variables were measured: tidal volume (Vt), respiratory frequency (f), minute ventilation (VE), inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/Ttot), mean inspiratory flow (Vt/Ti), rib cage motion (%RC), inspiratory phase relation (PhRIB), expiratory phase relation (PhREB), and phase angle (PhaseAng). Comparisons between the age groups were performed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal- Wallis H, while comparisons between the sexes were performed using Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, depending on the data distribution; p<0.05 was taken to be significant. Results: Comparison between the sexes showed that, in the age groups 20 to 39 and 60 to 80 years, women presented significantly lower values for Vt, VE, and Ti/Ttot than men, and there was no significant difference in the age group 40 to 59 years. Comparisons between the age groups showed that participants aged 60 to 80 presented significantly greater PhRIB and PhaseAng than participants aged 20 to 39 years, without significant differences in the breathing pattern. Conclusion: The data suggest that breathing pattern is influenced by sex whereas thoracoabdominal motion is influenced by age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The scoliometer was developed to analyze the axial rotation of the trunk in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. However, there is controversy regarding the reliability of the measures obtained with this device. Objective: To test the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the scoliometer in patients with scoliosis. Methods: 24 volunteers of both sex with idiopathic scoliosis diagnostic (18±4 years-old) and curvatures with mean and standard deviation of 24.8±12.7° Cobb. The measurement procedure was accomplished in one day by two trained examiners. The palpation and determination of each spinal level was accomplished by just one examiner. Each examiner obtained one measure with the device for each vertebra from the thoracic and lumbar levels in each evaluation. For statistical analysis the measurements were divided by spinal levels into upper thorax, medium thorax, lower thorax and lumbar segments. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient type 1,1 (ICC1,1) was used to determine the intra-rater reliability while the ICC3,1 was used to determine the inter-rater reliability. Results: The observed intra-rater reliability values for the medium and lower thorax and lumbar segments of the subjects ranged from very good to excellent. The inter-rater reliability of the measures of axial trunk rotations was considered good to the upper thorax and excellent for the medium and lower thorax and lumbar spine. Conclusion: The scoliometer is a device that has intra-rater reliability estimates ranging from very good to excellent. The interrater reliability for the upper and low thorax and for the lumbar spine is relatively lower than the intra-rater values for the same spinal segments, even when the errors from palpation and positioning of the instrument were eliminated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of elderly people with total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to investigate the relationships and influences of the sociodemographic, clinical and functional variables of these subjects. Methods: The HRQOL was evaluated by means of the Brazilian versions of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), a general instrument, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), a specific instrument. Eighty-eight elderly people of both genders with primary unilateral THA were recruited. The data were subjected to descriptive analysis, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to investigate the influences of the variables studied in the dimensions of the SF-36 and WOMAC; and the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare instrument scores between the variables. Results: There was a predominance of women in the study sample, and their mean age was 68.8 (± 7.4) years. Hip function, as assessed by the Harris Hip Score, had a significant influence on HRQOL from the perspective of both the general and the specific instruments. The use of accessories for locomotion, hip functions and satisfaction with the surgery were the main variables that demonstrated significant differences in the dimensions of the SF-36 and the WOMAC. Conclusions: Investments in functional and rehabilitation programs aimed towards the peculiarities of elderly people with THA can benefit this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To culturally adapt the Falls Efficacy Scale -- International (FES-I) and assess its psychometric properties in a sample of community-dwelling elderly Brazilians. Methods: The instrument was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population (FES-I-Brazil) as recommended by the Prevention of Falls Network Europe. FES-I-Brazil was applied to 163 elderly people (73.44±5.51 years), and the demographic data and history of falls were also collected. From this group, 58 participants were randomly distributed to evaluate reliability. The reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α). The internal structure of FES-I-Brazil was evaluated by means of exploratory factor analysis. The logistic regression model was used to determine which tasks on the scale were more relevant for discriminating falls. To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of FES-I-Brazil, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used. Results: The internal consistency of FES-I-Brazil was α=0.93, and the intra- and inter-examiner reliability were ICC=0.84 and 0.91, respectively. Factor analysis suggested two factors: concern about falling during social activities and activities of daily living (basic and instrumental), and postural control tasks. FES-I-Brazil scores ≥23 suggested an association with a previous history of sporadic falls, whereas scores ≥31 suggested an association with recurrent falls. Conclusions: FES-I-Brazil was shown to be semantically, linguistically and psychometrically appropriate to evaluate the fear of falling in the community-dwelling Brazilian elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze the electrical activity of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) muscles of individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of lower leg extension with the knee at 30°; to assess pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS); and to assess patellar positioning using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Twelve women with PFPS and 12 clinically normal women were evaluated. They performed five MVICs of lower leg extension at 30° for electromyographic (EMG) analysis. Using MRI, the sulcus angle (SA), congruence angle (CA), patellar tilt angle (PTA) and patellar displacement (PD) were obtained. The following statistical tests were used: analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measurements to assess EMGs; Mann-Whitney U test to analyze MRIs; Pearson's (r) correlation test between EMGs and MRIs: and one-way ANOVA to evaluate pain (p≤0.05). Results: In the PFPS group, there was greater electrical activity in the VLL than in the VMO. In both groups, there was greater electrical activity in the VMO and VLL than in the VLO. In the PFPS group, the MRI showed higher SA and lower CA values, and there was a negative correlation between the VMO and the PTA. Conclusion: The data suggest that, in individuals with PFPS, greater electrical activity in the VLL combined with an increased SA and a decreased CA may contribute to patellar instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging compromises the ability of the central nervous system to maintain body balance and reduces the capacity for adaptive reactions. To prevent falls, the reception conditions for sensory information need to be improved. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a structured aquatic and a non-aquatic exercise program for lower-limb muscle endurance on the static and dynamic balance of elderly people. Methods: This was a prospective randomized clinical study in which the variables were assessed before and after the training program. Thirty-six elderly people were evaluated using four tests: the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, gait speed and tandem gait. The participants were randomized into three groups: aquatic exercise group, non-aquatic exercise group and control group. The exercise groups underwent a program for lower-limb muscle endurance that consisted of 40-minute sessions twice a week for six weeks. The participants were reevaluated after six weeks. The data were analyzed statistically using the univariate ANOVA test for comparisons between the groups before and after the intervention. Results: The program for lower-limb muscle endurance significantly increased balance (p<0.05) in the evaluation tests after the training program. Conclusion: The muscle endurance program provided a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance among community-dwelling elderly people. It was also possible to infer that this improvement occurred regardless of the environment, i.e. aquatic or non-aquatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a lack of data in the literature for determining the influences of the extensor portion of the gluteus maximus muscle on pelvic tilting and, thus, on lumbar stability. Objectives: To assess the influences of the extensor portion of the gluteus maximus muscle on pelvic tilt. Methods: Ten healthy young subjects were recruited, with a body mass index (BMI) below 24.9 kg/m2 and leg length discrepancy below 1 cm. The BMI, pelvic perimeter and lower-limb lengths were assessed and, subsequently, the degrees of hemi-pelvic tilt and asymmetry between them were analyzed using lateral view photographs of the subjects in a standing position, using SAPO (Software for Postural Assessment). Next, fatigue was induced in the extensor portion of the gluteus maximus muscle on the dominant side, and after that the hemi-pelvic tilt and the asymmetry between the hemi-pelvises were reassessed. The Pearson r and Student f tests were conducted at the significance level of α=0.05. Results: There were no significant correlations between the confounding variables and asymmetry of the hemi-pelvic angles. There were significant changes in the hemi-pelvic angle of the dominant side (f=3.760; p=0.004). Conclusions: Fatigue in the extensor portion of the gluteus maximus muscle can generate increases in the tilt angle of the ipsilateral pelvis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High plantar pressure is a proven risk factor for ulceration among individuals with diabetes mellitus. The Harris and Beath footprinting mat is one of the tools used in screening for foot ulceration risk among these subjects. There are no reports in the literature on the reliability of footprint analysis using print pattern criteria. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of the analysis of footprint patterns obtained using the Harris and Beath footprinting mat. Methods: Footprints were taken from 41 subjects using the footprinting mat. The images were subjected to analysis by three independent examiners. To investigate the intra-examiner reliability, the analysis was repeated by one of the examiners one week later. Results: The weighted kappa coefficient was excellent (Κw>0.80) for the inter- and intra-examiner analyses for most of the points studied on both feet. Conclusions: The criteria for analyzing footprint patterns obtained using the Harris and Beath footprinting mat presented good reliability and high to excellent inter- and intra-examiner agreement. This method is reliable for analyses involving one or more examiners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elastic bands are frequently used for resistance training, however the selection of the bands to progress through the levels of elastic resistance is done in a subjective manner. This is due to the lack of quantitative data on the value of the material's resistance as a function of its tension. Objectives: To investigate the elastic resistance generated by each of the eight color-coded resistance levels of elastic bands, using 100% elongation, and to quantify the resistance variation from one level to the next. Methods: Tensile testing was performed in compliance with ASTM Standard D412-06a. The sample consisted of 80 die-cut test specimens (Die C) taken from the eight color-coded resistance levels. The sample was submitted to tensile testing in the universal testing machine EMIC DL-3000. Each of the tension cycles was performed at a speed of 500mm/sec. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The sample showed a significant difference between all levels of resistance, except for the yellow (thin) and red (medium) elastic bands. The variation in resistance between the bands shows that the gold (max) band offers 5.13 times more resistance than the tan (extra thin) band, and that the greatest variation in progressive resistance is between the black and the silver bands. In addition, Young's modulus showed linear behavior between the different colors. Conclusions: The results showed that the elastic resistance and stiffness of the material exhibits a linear and progressive variation. In addition, the data suggested the possibility of progressing from the tan band to the red band, skipping the yellow band, when prescribing resistance exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the range of motion (ROM) in hands that underwent tendon repair in the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus muscles of the fingers, comparing the data between the fingers on the injured hand, and between the injured and uninjured hands. Method: Active goniometry was performed on 15 patients, making a total of 120 fingers (60 on injured hands and 60 on noninjured control hands). The patients were examined at the time of removing the plaster splint. Early mobilization was performed using the modified Duran method. Goniometric data were used for recording the TAM (total active motion) values of the fingers on the injured and uninjured (control) hands. To analyze the data, the functional index formula proposed by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) was utilized, and for statistical calculations the mixed-effect model was selected. Results: The ASSH formula for the injured fingers classified the movement as "good" in 1.8.33%, "fair" in 18.33% and "poor" in 63.34%. The means, in degrees, of the measurements for all the fingers were compared with each other within each group (control and injured) and between the groups. A significant difference was found between control and injured groups. There was no statistical difference between the TAM of each finger on the injured hand. Conclusion: Independent of how many fingers on one hand had suffered tendon injuries, the uninjured fingers also presented diminished active ROM during the period immediately after removal of the immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: By clinical definition, mouth breathers use the mouth as their main air pathway during breathing. This results in modifications to tongue and head positioning and may have an influence on craniofacial mechanics during development. Bringing the head forward is also common among mouth breathers and may lead to misalignments in adjacent segments of the human body. Objective: To evaluate neck (cervical) range of motion (ROM) among mouth-breathing children and compare this with a group of nose-breathing children. Method: Ten mouth-breathing children of both sexes aged 6.90 ± 1.37 years and ten nosebreathing children aged 7.70 ± 1.42 years participated in this study. The ROM for neck flexion, extension and protrusion of the head were evaluated. Student's t test for independent samples was used for the statistical analysis, considering p< 0.05 as the statistical significance level. Results: The mouth-breathing children had a significantly smaller ROM for neck extension (59.0° ± 10.79°), compared with the nose-breathing group (72.9° ± 8.82°) (p= 0.001). The ROM for flexion and protrusion was not statistically different between groups (59.07deg; ± 10.797deg;). Conclusion: The mouth-breathing children presented smaller neck extension ROM than the nose-breathing children did, but for protrusion and flexion ROM there was no difference between the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]