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Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two methods for non-invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – using a helmet interface with a flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve versus a traditional mechanical ventilator. Material and methods: We conducted a single-center randomized clinical trial involving 100 adult SARS-CoV-2 patients in a specialized private hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one using the helmet interface with a flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve and the other employing conventional mechanical ventilation. Our study included participant selection, blood gas analysis, assessment of respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, modified Borg scale scores, and a visual analog scale. Results: The study showed no significant difference in intubation rates between the mechanical ventilation (54.3%) and helmet interface with flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve (46.8%) groups (p = 0.37). Additionally, the helmet group had a shorter average duration of use (3.4 ±1.6 days) compared to the mechanical ventilation group (4.0 ±1.9 days). The helmet group also had a shorter average hospitalization duration (15.9 ±7.9 days) compared to the mechanical ventilation group (17.1 ±9.5 days). Conclusions: This single-center randomized clinical trial found no statistically significant differences between the two methods of non-invasive ventilation. Implications for clinical practice: using the helmet interface with the flow meter and positive end-expiratory pressure valve can simplify device installation, potentially reducing the need for intubation, making it a valuable tool for nurses and physiotherapists in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To classify functional capacity of people with difficult-to-treat asthma based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Fifty-seven patients underwent the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) to assess functional capacity, in order to categorize them functionally we used the ICF qualifiers. To qualify ISWT results the individual's impairment (i.e. percentage of distance walked in relation to the percentage of predicted) was analyzed. Additionally, body mass index (BMI); physical activity level (IPAQ); and pulmonary function were evaluated. In order to analyze the difference between functional capacity levels, two groups were compared (i.e. mild/moderate vs. severe impairment); therefore, the participants were matched according to age and BMI and the unpaired Student t test was used. Among the fifty-seven included individuals, only one (1.8%) presented mild functional capacity limitation, 12 (21.1%) moderate limitation and 44 (77.2%) severe limitation. There was a significant difference between the ISWT distance between groups (F = 0.217, p <.001). The other variables did not present differences between the mild/moderate and severe groups. The ICF qualifiers were able to categorize the ISWT and classified the functional capacity limitation as mild, moderate and severe. Therefore, it has proved to be a useful clinical tool for evaluation, follow-up and clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to analyse the association between the environment in two different Brazilian metropolises (São Paulo and Belo Horizonte) and disability after a stroke. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving individuals with chronic hemiparesis resulting from a stroke and residing in either São Paulo or Belo Horizonte. The environment (city of residence) was considered an independent variable and disability (modified Rankin scale) was the dependent variable. The following clinical and demographic covariates were considered: age, number of comorbidities, socio-economic class, motor impairment (Fugl- Meyer scale), emotional functioning (Geriatric Depression Scale) and walking ability (10-metre walk test). Results: A total of 114 individuals were analysed - 51 from São Paulo (SP) and 63 from Belo Horizonte (BH). No association was found between the environment in which the individual resides and the degree of disability (OR = 1.436; 95%CI: 0.547 - 3.770; p = 0.46). However, the following variables were predictors of post-stroke disability: motor impairment (OR = 0.216; 95% CI: 0.090 - 0.520; p <0.001) and walking ability (OR = 0.066; 95% CI: 0.005 - 0.912; p = 0.04). The overall correctness of the model was 77.9%. Conclusion: Living in different Brazilian cities had no impact on post-stroke disability. In contrast, motor impairment and walking ability were responsible for 77.9% of the disability found in the sample. The study findings identify possible causes of disabilities after stroke; these could facilitate the most appropriate actions to be taken during rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the biomechanical strategies of the trunk and lower extremity during the transition period between the first and second hop of a single-leg triple hop test in women with and without patellofemoral pain (PFP). Background Recent literature has shown that PFP is associated with biomechanical impairments of the lower extremities. A number of studies have analyzed the position of the trunk and lower extremities for functional activities such as walking, squatting, jumping, and the step-down test. However, studies on more challenging activities, such as the single-leg triple hop test, may be more representative of sports requiring jumping movements. Methods Women between 18 and 35 years of age (control group, n = 20; PFP group, n = 20) participated in the study. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected during the transition period between the first and second hops while participants performed the single-leg triple hop test. Results Compared to the control group, women with PFP exhibited greater (P<.05) anterior and ipsilateral trunk lean, contralateral pelvic drop, hip internal rotation and adduction, and ankle eversion, while exhibiting less hip and knee flexion. A significant difference (P<.05) in time to peak joint angle was also found between groups for all the variables analyzed, except anterior pelvic tilt and hip flexion. In addition, women with PFP exhibited greater (P<.05) hip and knee abductor internal moments. Conclusion Compared to the control group, women with PFP exhibited altered trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle kinematics and kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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