ABSTRACT Background Muscle strength is usually measured in individuals with stroke with Portable dynamometers (gold standard). However, no studies have investigated the reliability, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable difference (MDD95%) of the dynamometry for the measurement of hand grip, pinch grip and trunk strength in subjects with subacute stroke. Objective 1) To investigate the intra and inter-rater reliability, the SEM and the MDD95% of the portable dynamometers for the measurement of grip, pinch and trunk strength in subjects with subacute stroke, and 2) to verify whether the use of different number of trials (first trial and the average of the first two and three trials) affected the results. Method 32 subjects with subacute stroke (time since stroke onset: 3.6 months, SD=0.66 months) were evaluated. Hand grip, 3 pinch grips (i.e. pulp-to-pulp/palmar/lateral) and 4 trunk muscles (i.e. flexors, extensors, lateral flexors and rotators) strength were bilaterally assessed (except trunk flexors/extensors) with portable dynamometry by two independent examiners over two sessions (1-2 weeks apart). One-way ANOVAs and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,k) were used for analysis (α=0.05). SEM and MDD95% were also calculated. Results For all muscular groups and sources of outcome values, including one trial, after familiarization, similar results were found (0.01≤F≤0.08; 0.92≤p≤0.99) with significant and adequate values of intra-rater (0.64≤ICC≤0.99; 0.23≤95%CI≤0.99) and inter-rater (0.66≤ICC≤0.99; 0.25≤95%CI≤0.99) reliability. SEM and MDD95% were considered low (0.39≤EPM≤2.21 Kg; 0.96≤MMD95%≤6.12 Kg) for all outcome scores. Conclusion Only one trial, following familiarization, demonstrated adequate intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the portable dynamometers for the measurement of hand grip, pinch grip and trunk strength in subjects with subacute stroke.

Background While there are several instruments in Brazil that measure motor function in patients after stroke, it is unknown whether the measurement properties of these instruments are appropriate. Objective To identify the motor function instruments available in Brazil for patients after stroke. To assess the methodological quality of the studies and the results related to the measurement properties of these instruments. Method Two independent reviewers conducted searches on PubMed, LILACS, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies that aimed to cross-culturally adapt an existing instrument or create a Brazilian instrument and test at least one measurement property related to motor function in patients after stroke were included. The methodological quality of these studies was checked by the COSMIN checklist with 4-point rating scale and the results of the measurement properties were analyzed by the criteria developed by Terwee et al. Results A total of 11 instruments were considered eligible, none of which were created in Brazil. The process of cross-cultural adaptation was inadequate in 10 out of 11 instruments due to the lack of back-translation or due to inappropriate target population. All of the instruments presented flaws in the measurement properties, especially reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. Conclusion The flaws observed in both cross-cultural adaptation process and testing measurement properties make the results inconclusive on the validity of the available instruments. Adequate procedures of cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of these instruments are strongly needed.

ABSTRACT Background: Grip strength, commonly evaluated with the handgrip dynamometer, is a good indicator of upper limb (UL) function in stroke subjects and may reflect the global strength deficits of the whole paretic UL. The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) also provides objective and adequate measures at low-cost. Objective: To assess whether grip strength values obtained by using the MST and those obtained by using a handgrip dynamometer would present similar correlations with the global strength and motor function of the paretic UL in subjects with stroke, both in the subacute and chronic phases. Method: Measures of grip strength (MST and handgrip dynamometer), UL global strength (MST and hand-held dynamometer), and UL motor function (Fugl-Meyer motor assessment scale) were obtained with 33 subacute and 44 chronic stroke subjects. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated and Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate predictor variables of grip strength (α=0.05). Results: Significant correlations of similar magnitude were found between measures of global strength of the paretic UL and grip strength assessed with both the MST (0.66≤r≤0.78) and handgrip dynamometer (0.66≤r≤0.78) and between UL motor function and grip strength assessed with both the MST (0.50≤rs≤0.51) and hand-held dynamometer (0.50≤rs≤0.63) in subacute and chronic stroke subjects. Only global strength remained as a significant predictor variable of grip strength for the MST (0.43≤R2≤0.61) and for the handgrip dynamometer (0.44≤R2≤0.61) for both stroke subgroups. Conclusion: Grip strength assessed with the MST could be used to report paretic UL global strength.

OBJETIVO: Revisar estudos sobre a eficácia do treino direcionado à marcha associado à realidade virtual em pacientes pós-acidente vascular encefálico (AVE). As perguntas clínicas foram: o treino direcionado à marcha associado à realidade virtual é eficaz para promover aumento em velocidade de marcha de indivíduos com hemiparesia? Essa modalidade de intervenção promove maior aumento em velocidade de marcha comparada a outras intervenções sem uso de realidade virtual? MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com metanálise de ensaios clínicos aleatorizados. Os participantes eram adultos pós-AVE, e a intervenção experimental considerada foi o treino direcionado à marcha associado ao uso de realidade virtual com o objetivo de melhorar a velocidade de marcha. Os dados referentes à velocidade de marcha foram extraídos para combinação por metanálise. RESULTADOS: Sete estudos representando oito comparações foram incluídos nesta revisão sistemática. O treino de marcha associado à realidade virtual aumentou a velocidade de marcha dos participantes, em média, 0,17 m/s (IC 95% 0,08 a 0,26) comparado à intervenção placebo, não intervenção ou intervenção não específica para os membros inferiores. Adicionalmente, o treino associado à realidade virtual aumentou a velocidade de marcha dos participantes, em média, 0,15 m/s (IC 95% 0,05 a 0,24) comparado a diferentes intervenções destinadas aos membros inferiores sem uso de realidade virtual associada. CONCLUSÕES: Esta revisão sistemática apresentou evidência clínica de que a adição da realidade virtual ao treino de marcha demonstrou ser eficaz para aumentar a velocidade de marcha de indivíduos com hemiparesia e apresentou melhores resultados, quando se compara a outras intervenções sem uso de realidade virtual.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available evidence on the efficacy of walking training associated with virtual reality-based training in patients with stroke. The specific questions were: Is walking training associated with virtual reality-based training effective in increasing walking speed after stroke? Is this type of intervention more effective in increasing walking speed, than non-virtual reality-based walking interventions? METHOD: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was conducted. Participants were adults with chronic stroke and the experimental intervention was walking training associated with virtual reality-based training to increase walking speed. The outcome data regarding walking speed were extracted from the eligible trials and were combined using a meta-analysis approach. RESULTS: Seven trials representing eight comparisons were included in this systematic review. Overall, the virtual reality-based training increased walking speed by 0.17 m/s (IC 95% 0.08 to 0.26), compared with placebo/nothing or non-walking interventions. In addition, the virtual reality-based training increased walking speed by 0.15 m/s (IC 95% 0.05 to 0.24), compared with non-virtual reality walking interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This review provided evidence that walking training associated with virtual reality-based training was effective in increasing walking speed after stroke, and resulted in better results than non-virtual reality interventions.

Objective: To investigate the influence of hand dominance on the maintenance of gains after home-based modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). Method: Aprevious randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the addition of trunk restraint to the mCIMT. Twenty-two chronic stroke survivors with mild to moderate motor impairments received individual home-based mCIMT with or without trunk restraints, five times per week, three hours daily over two weeks. In this study, the participants were separated into dominant group, which had their paretic upper limb as dominant before the stroke (n=8), and non-dominant group (n=14) for analyses. The ability to perform unimanual tasks was measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the Motor Activity Log (MAL), whereas the capacity to perform bimanual tasks was measured using the Bilateral Activity Assessment Scale (BAAS). Results: Analysis revealed significant positive effects on the MAL amount of use and quality of the movement scales, as well as on the BAAS scores after intervention, with no differences between groups. Both groups maintained the bimanual improvements during follow-ups (BAAS-seconds 0.1, 95% CI -10.0 to 10.0), however only the dominant group maintained the unilateral improvements (MAL-amount of use: 1.5, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.3; MAL-quality: 1.3, 95% CI 0.5 to 2.1). Conclusions: Upper limb dominance did not interfere with the acquisition of upper limb skills after mCIMT. However, the participants whose paretic upper limb was dominant demonstrated better abilities to maintain the unilateral gains. The bilateral improvements were maintained, regardless of upper limb dominance.

Contextualização: Dentre os instrumentos existentes que avaliam a subida e descida de escadas, não foi encontrado nenhum específico sobre a qualidade de movimento e as estratégias biomecânicas adotadas por indivíduos com hemiparesia devido ao Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE). Objetivo: Avaliar a validade de conteúdo do instrumento de avaliação das características cinemáticas qualitativas e das estratégias adotadas na subida e descida de escadas por indivíduos com hemiparesia devido ao AVE. Metódo: A primeira versão do instrumento foi desenvolvida com um total de 80 itens e foi submetida a um comitê constituído por oito especialistas nacionais e internacionais para validação de conteúdo. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo (IVC) e do Coeficiente Kappa Modificado, sendo considerados válidos os itens que apresentaram IVC≥0,80 e Kappa≥0,75. Resultados: Foram realizadas três etapas de validação de conteúdo, e a versão final do instrumento apresenta 38 itens divididos em Itens Descritivos (oito itens), Domínio de Características Gerais da Subida e Descida de Escadas (16 itens) e Domínio de Estratégias Adotadas para Subida e Descida de Escadas (14 itens). O escore total para a subida de escada pode variar entre 0 e 70 pontos e, para a descida, entre 0 e 74 pontos. A pontuação mínima corresponde ao melhor desempenho, e a máxima, ao pior desempenho no teste. Conclusão: Apesar dos resultados satisfatórios obtidos no processo de validação de conteúdo, as demais propriedades psicométricas devem e serão mensuradas futuramente.

Background: Among the current instruments used to assess stair ambulation, none were observed that specifically evaluated the quality of movement or biomechanical strategies adopted by stroke patients. Objective: To evaluate the content validity of a clinical instrument designed to identify the qualitative and kinematic characteristics and strategies adopted by stroke patients during stair ascent and descent. Method: The first developed version, which comprised 80 items, had its content evaluated by an expert panel, which was composed of 9 well-known national and international professionals who are involved in stroke rehabilitation. The content validity index (CVI) and modified Kappa coefficients were employed for the statistical analyses. The items that demonstrated a CVI≥0.80 and Kappa≥0.75 were considered valid. Results: The content validation was performed in three stages. The final version of the instrument consisted of 38 items, which were divided into descriptive (8 items), a General Characteristics Domain (16 items) and adopted strategies (14 items) during stair ascent and descent. The total scores ranged from zero to 70 and zero to 74 for ascent and descent, respectively. Lower scores corresponded with better performance. Conclusion: Despite the satisfactory results obtained during the process of content validation, other psychometric properties of the instrument are necessary and must be evaluated.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the strength deficits of the shoulder complex after stroke and to characterize the pattern of weakness according to type of movement and type of isokinetic parameter. METHOD: Twelve chronic stroke survivors and 12 age-matched healthy controls had their shoulder strength measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Concentric measures of peak torque and work during shoulder movements were obtained in random order at speeds of 60°/s for both groups and sides. Type of movement was defined as scapulothoracic (protraction and retraction), glenohumeral (shoulder internal and external rotation) or combined (shoulder flexion and extension). Type of isokinetic parameter was defined as maximum (peak torque) or sustained (work). Strength deficits were calculated using the control group as reference. RESULTS: The average strength deficit for the paretic upper limb was 52% for peak torque and 56% for work. Decreases observed in the non-paretic shoulder were 21% and 22%, respectively. Strength deficit of the scapulothoracic muscles was similar to the glenohumeral muscles, with a mean difference of 6% (95% CI -5 to 17). Ability to sustain torque throughout a given range of motion was decreased as much as the peak torque, with a mean difference of 4% (95% CI -2 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that people after stroke might benefit from strengthening exercises directed at the paretic scapulothoracic muscles in addition to exercises of arm elevation. Clinicians should also prescribe different exercises to improve the ability to generate force and the ability to sustain the torque during a specific range of motion.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO:Testes comumente utilizados para a avaliação clínica da força muscular apresentam importantes desvantagens. O Teste do Esfigmomanômetro Modificado (TEM) é promissor para esse fim, por ser barato e fornecer medidas objetivas.OBJETIVOS:Investigar o método e a forma de operacionalização mais adequados para avaliação da força muscular com o TEM.MÉTODO:Estudo metodológico, com 40 adultos saudáveis (22,98±2,26 anos), não praticantes de atividade física regular. A força dos músculos flexores/extensores de cotovelo e joelho e preensores palmares do lado dominante e flexores anteriores de tronco foi avaliada com os dinamômetros portáteis e diferentes métodos do TEM (adaptações da bolsa, da braçadeira e não adaptado) por um único examinador, em ordem aleatória, com leitura e registro dos valores por outro examinador. As operacionalizações investigadas foram: primeira repetição e médias de duas e três repetições. One-way ANOVA e Coeficientes de Correlação de Pearson foram utilizados para análises (α=0,05).RESULTADOS:Para todo os métodos do TEM, utilizados para avaliar os grupos musculares, foram encontrados valores similares para todas as formas de operacionalização(0,01<F<0,26;0,77<p<1,00) e correlações significativas e positivas com as medidas dos dinamômetros(0,51<r<0,94; p<0,003).CONCLUSÕES:Estatisticamente, os diferentes métodos do TEM se mostraram igualmente adequados para avaliação da força muscular de adultos saudáveis, e apenas uma repetição, após familiarização, foi suficiente para obtenção de resultados adequados. Nenhuma demanda de tempo para realizar a adaptação e a capacidade de mensuração de valores maiores de força muscular favorece o esfigmomanômetro não adaptado. Facilidade de treinamento para uso e estabilização favorecem o método da bolsa.

BACKGROUND: Tests that are usually employed for the clinical assessment of muscular strength have notable disadvantages. The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) is a promising method because it is low-cost and provides objective measures.OBJECTIVES: To investigate the most adequate method and sources of outcome values for the assessment of strength with the MST.METHOD: Methodological study with 40 healthy adults (22.98±2.26 years), who did not practice physical activity regularly. The strength of the flexors and extensors of the elbow and knee, the handgrip of the dominant side and anterior trunk flexors were randomly assessed with portable dynamometers and the MST (bag and cuff adaptations, and sphygmomanometer without adaptation) by a single examiner. An independent examiner read and recorded the values. The sources of the investigated outcome values were the first trial and the means of two and three trials. One-way ANOVAs and Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used for the analyses (α=0.05).RESULTS: For the MST methods applied to assess all muscular groups, similar values were found for all sources of outcome values (0.01<F<0.26; 0.77<p<1.00) with significant and positive correlations between the measures obtained with the dynamometers (0.51<r<0.94; p<0.003).CONCLUSIONS: All MST methods showed adequate results for the assessment of strength in healthy individuals, and after familiarization, only one trial was sufficient to provide reliable measures. The sphygmomanometer without adaptation is not time consuming, compared to the other adaptations, and showed the capability of measuring higher values of strength. The bag method was easily trained to be used and stabilized.

BACKGROUND: Mental practice (MP) is a cognitive strategy which may improve the acquisition of motor skills and functional performance of athletes and individuals with neurological injuries. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether an individualized, specific functional task-oriented MP, when added to conventional physical therapy (PT), promoted better learning of motor skills in daily functions in individuals with chronic stroke (13±6.5 months post-stroke). METHOD: Nine individuals with stable mild and moderate upper limb impairments participated, by employing an A1-B-A2 single-case design. Phases A1 and A2 included one month of conventional PT, and phase B the addition of MP training to PT. The motor activity log (MAL-Brazil) was used to assess the amount of use (AOU) and quality of movement (QOM) of the paretic upper limb; the revised motor imagery questionnaire (MIQ-RS) to assess the abilities in kinesthetic and visual motor imagery; the Minnesota manual dexterity test to assess manual dexterity; and gait speed to assess mobility. RESULTS: After phase A1, no significant changes were observed for any of the outcome measures. However, after phase B, significant improvements were observed for the MAL, AOU and QOM scores (p<0.0001), and MIQ-RS kinesthetic and visual scores (p=0.003; p=0.007, respectively). The significant gains in manual dexterity (p=0.002) and gait speed (p=0.019) were maintained after phase A2. CONCLUSIONS: Specific functional task-oriented MP, when added to conventional PT, led to improvements in motor imagery abilities combined with increases in the AOU and QOM in daily functions, manual dexterity, and gait speed.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of strength and its relationships with functional capacity could contribute to more specific and effective disability management of stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: To compare and investigate associations between measures of strength and functional capacity of 98 chronic stroke survivors, stratified into three groups, according to their physical activity levels. METHOD: The physical activity levels were classified as impaired, moderately active, and active, based on their Human Activity Profile (HAP) scores. Strength was assessed by the maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures and by the residual deficits (RDs) of work of the lower limb and trunk muscles, whereas functional capacity was evaluated by the distance covered during the six-minute walking test (6MWT). RESULTS: One-way analyses of variance revealed significant differences between the groups, except between the active and moderately active groups regarding the RDS of the hip and knee flexors/extensors and ankle dorsiflexors (2.91<F<8.62; 0.001<p<0.01). Differences between the groups were found for the 6MWT (F=10.75; p<0.001), but no differences were found for the MIP and MEP measures (0.92<F<2.13; 0.13<p<0.40). Significant, negative, and fair correlations were observed between the RDS of the hip and knee muscles and the 6MWT (0.30<r<-0.43; p<0.01) and the HAP (-0.28<r<-0.41; p<0.01). Moderate to good correlations were found between the 6MWT and the HAP (r=0.50; p<0.0001). There were no significant correlations between measures of respiratory strength and any of the investigated variables (-0.11<r<0.12; 0.26<p<0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Lower strength deficits and higher functional capacity were associated with higher physical activity levels. However, the moderately active and active groups demonstrated similar strength deficits.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Instrumentos adequados para avaliar os vários domínios da qualidade de vida (QV) relacionada à saúde (QVRS) constituem uma importante abordagem para o planejamento terapêutico e, assim, melhor assistir os indivíduos acometidos pelo acidente vascular encefálico (AVE). Na literatura brasileira, os instrumentos genéricos Formulário Abreviado de Avaliação de Saúde 36 (SF-36) e Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham (PSN) têm sido bastante empregados, entretanto, ainda existem lacunas relativas às suas propriedades psicométricas quando aplicados em indivíduos pós-AVE. OBJETIVOS: Comparar as versões brasileiras dos instrumentos SF-36 e PSN e verificar qual deles apresenta melhores propriedades psicométricas para avaliar a QVRS de 120 indivíduos na fase crônica pós-AVE. MÉTODO: A comparação entre os domínios comuns e escores totais do SF-36 e PSN foi realizada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman, Coeficiente Alpha de Cronbach, para avaliar a consistência interna; Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse, para mensurar a confiabilidade, e o teste de plotagem Bland-Altman para a concordância, com nível de significância de 5% em todos os cálculos. RESULTADOS: Todas as correlações entre o SF-36 e o PSN, escores totais e domínios comuns, foram positivas e estatisticamente significativas. Observou-se maior frequência de efeito teto no PSN. Os escores totais de ambos atingiram níveis adequados de confiabilidade, e os níveis de concordância estavam dentro dos limites normais em 95% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: SF-36 e PSN mensuraram constructos semelhantes e demonstraram ser úteis para avaliar QV de indivíduos pós-AVE crônico. No entanto, o SF-36 proporcionou melhores resultados e pareceu ser mais apropriado.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate instruments for the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) domains are useful for planning therapeutic interventions for individuals with stroke. The generic quality of life (QOL) instruments, Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), have been frequently employed in the Brazilian literature. However, the literature is still scarce regarding their psychometric properties when applied to stroke individuals. OBJECTIVES: To compare the Brazilian versions of the SF-36 and the NHP to verify which had better psychometric properties for the assessment of HRQOL in 120 individuals with chronic stroke. METHOD: Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the comparable domains and total scores of the SF-36 and the NPH; Cronbach's alpha coefficients, to evaluate internal consistency; intra-class correlation coefficients, to assess reliability; and Bland-Altman plots, to assess the levels of agreement, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Significant positive associations were observed between the common domains and the total scores of the SF-36 and the NPH. Ceiling effects were more frequent for the NPH. The total scores of both instruments achieved adequate reliability levels, and the agreement levels were within the normal limits in 95% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The SF-36 and the NPH were shown to measure similar constructs and proved to be useful measures for the assessment of QOL of chronic stroke subjects. However, the SF-36 yielded better results and appeared to be more appropriate.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos de diferentes instruções para avaliação da velocidade de marcha máxima de indivíduos hemiparéticos durante o teste de caminhada de 10 metros. MÉTODOS: Os indivíduos deambularam em quatro condições experimentais: (1) velocidade habitual, (2) velocidade máxima (comando verbal simples), (3) velocidade máxima (comando verbal modificado: pegar ônibus), (4) velocidade máxima (comando verbal + demonstração). Solicitou-se a cada participante que deambulasse três vezes em cada condição, e a média do tempo necessário para percorrer os 10 metros intermediários de um corredor de 14 metros foi utilizada para cálculo da velocidade (m/s). A ANOVA de medidas repetidas, com contrastes pré-planejados, foi utilizada para comparação dos dados (α=5%), sendo apresentados valores de média, desvio-padrão e intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. RESULTADOS: As médias de velocidade para as quatro condições foram: (1) 0,74m/s; (2) 0,85m/s; (3) 0,93m/s; (4) 0,92m/s, respectivamente, apresentando diferenças significativas entre as condições (F=40,9; p<0,001). A velocidade de marcha habitual diferiu das demais condições, indicando que os indivíduos foram capazes de aumentar a velocidade quando solicitados. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a segunda condição, a terceira (p=0,002; IC95%=-0,13 a -0,03) e a quarta (p=0,004; IC95%=-0,12 a -0,02), sendo que as duas últimas condições não diferiram entre si (p=1,00; IC95%=-0,04 a 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicaram que comandos verbais simples não foram suficientes para captar velocidade de marcha máxima em indivíduos com hemiparesia crônica. Assim, em situações em que seja necessária a avaliação de velocidade máxima, deve-se utilizar estratégia de comando verbal modificada ou associada à demonstração para garantir acurácia da informação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different instructions for the assessment of maximum walking speed during the ten-meter walking test with chronic stroke subjects. METHODS: Participants were instructed to walk under four experimental conditions: (1) comfortable speed, (2) maximum speed (simple verbal command), (3) maximum speed (modified verbal command-"catch a bus") and (4) maximum speed (verbal command + demonstration). Participants walked three times in each condition and the mean time to cover the intermediate 10 meters of a 14-meter corridor was registered to calculate the gait speed (m/s). Repeated-measures ANOVAs, followed by planned contrasts, were employed to investigate differences between the conditions (α=5%). Means, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The mean values for the four conditions were: (1) 0.74m/s; (2) 0.85 m/s; (3) 0.93 m/s; (4) 0.92 m/s, respectively, with significant differences between the conditions (F=40.9; p<0.001). Comfortable speed was significantly slower than the maximum speed, indicating that the participants were able to increase speeds when required. Significant differences were observed between the second condition with the third (p=0.002; 95%CI=-0.13 to -0.03) and the fourth conditions (p=0.004; 95%CI=-0.12 to -0.02) with no differences between the third and fourth conditions (p=1.00; 95%CI=-0.04 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that simple verbal commands were not sufficient to capture maximum gait speed with chronic stroke subjects. Thus, for clinical assessments and research purposes, where measurements of the maximum gait speed are necessary, modified verbal commands or demonstration strategies could be employed by physical therapists to ensure acurate information.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O sistema de saúde pública no Brasil apresenta uma alta demanda para a reabilitação de indivíduos após acidente vascular encefálico (AVE). Consequentemente, a condução de ensaios clínicos com essa população deveria ser simples. OBJETIVOS: Determinar a taxa de recrutamento de sobreviventes de AVE para ensaio controlado aleatorizado sobre os efeitos do fortalecimento muscular em adição ao treino específico de marcha; comparar a eficácia de várias estratégias de recrutamento e determinar a presença nas sessões de treinamento assim como a adesão ao protocolo de intervenção. MÉTODOS: Sobreviventes de AVE há menos de seis meses foram triados para elegibilidade e convidados a participar do estudo. Estratégias de recrutamento foram classificadas como propagandas ou encaminhamento. O número de pessoas triadas, elegíveis e recrutadas por cada estratégia assim como presença nas sessões e adesão ao protocolo de intervenção foram registrados. RESULTADOS: Durante 14 meses, 150 indivíduos foram triados e dez, recrutados. Trinta e cinco (23%) eram elegíveis; 25 deles (71%) eram incapazes de participar do estudo, sendo a falta de recursos para transporte a principal razão. Encaminhamento por meio de fisioterapeutas de hospitais representou a estratégia de recrutamento de maior sucesso (50%). A taxa de presença foi de 72%, e a taxa de adesão foi de 97%. A falta de transporte representou a principal razão para falta nas sessões de intervenção. CONCLUSÕES: A falta de recursos para o transporte representou a principal barreira à participação e presença. Portanto, o financiamento de transporte torna-se essencial para a condução de ensaios clínicos viáveis no Brasil. Registro de Ensaios Clínicos ACTRN12609000803291.

BACKGROUND: There is a high demand for stroke rehabilitation in the Brazilian public health system which should make undertaking clinical trials straightforward. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to 1) determine the rate of recruitment of community-dwelling stroke survivors into a randomized trial of the effects of strength training in addition to task-specific gait training, 2) compare the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies on accrual rates, and 3) determine the attendance at training sessions and adherence to the intervention protocol. METHODS: Participants within six months of a stroke were screened for eligibility and invited to participate. Recruitment strategies were classified as advertisement or referral. The number of people who were screened, eligible and recruited for each strategy was recorded. Attendance at training sessions and adherence to the intervention protocol were recorded. RESULTS: Over the first 14 months, 150 stroke survivors were screened, 10 were recruited, and 35 (23%) were eligible. Twenty-five of these patients (71%) were unable to participate with lack of transport given as the most common reason. The most successful strategy was referral via hospital-based physical therapists (50%). Overall attendance was 72% with lack of transport being the most common reason for non-attendance. Overall adherence to the protocol was 97% with feeling unwell being the most common reason for non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment of stroke survivors was inefficient. Lack of transport was the most common barrier to participate in and attend training sessions. Funding for transport is essential to make carrying out trials in Brazil feasible. Trial Registration ACTRN12609000803291.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O envelhecimento populacional, associado ao aumento das incapacidades, torna a avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) essencial nessa população. OBJETIVOS: Comparar a versão brasileira dos instrumentos de QVRS, Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham (PSN) e Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey/Short Form-36 (SF-36), quanto aos efeitos teto/chão, confiabilidade teste-reteste/interexaminadores, consistência interna e pontuação total nos domínios similares. MÉTODOS: Os instrumentos PSN e SF-36 foram aleatoriamente administrados sob a forma de entrevista em 40 idosos da comunidade (70,57±7,42 anos). A pontuação total e a obtida nos cinco domínios similares do PSN e SF-36 foram comparadas: nível de energia/vitalidade (NE/V), dor/dor, reações emocionais/saúde mental, interação social/aspectos sociais (IS/AS) e habilidades físicas/capacidade funcional. Estatística descritiva, teste de Correlação de Spearman, a-Crombach e Coeficientes de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI) foram usados para análise (a=0,05). RESULTADOS: Ambos os instrumentos apresentaram efeito teto em todos os domínios comparáveis, mas o PSN apresentou maior pontuação em cada domínio e no escore total, efeito teto na pontuação total e efeito chão no domínio de IS. Os valores de a-Crombach foram adequados para ambos (PSN=0,86; SF-36=0,80), assim como o CCI da confiabilidade interexaminadores (PSN=0,99; SF-36=0,96) e teste-reteste (PSN=0,94; SF-36=0,83). Todos os domínios similares e a pontuação total correlacionaram-se significativa e positivamente (p£0,01; 0,41£rs£0,70), excetuando os de NE/V (p=0,19; rs=0,21). CONCLUSÕES: O SF-36 mostrou-se mais adequado com relação aos efeitos teto/chão, enquanto o PSN apresentou níveis mais altos de consistência interna e confiabilidade. Esses achados devem ser considerados na escolha do instrumento de avaliação da QVRS de idosos da comunidade.

BACKGROUND: The aging population and associated high disability rates make the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) a high priority for elderly people. OBJECTIVES: To compare the Brazilian versions of the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) regarding their measurement properties, such as, ceiling and floor effects, inter-rater/test-retest reliabilities, internal consistency, and the associations between the total scores and those of similar domains. METHODS: The NHP and the SF-36 were randomly administered through interviews to 40 community-dwelling elderly (mean age 70.57; SD=7.42 years). The scores of the five similar domains of the NHP and the SF-36, in percentages, were compared: Energy level/Vitality (EL/V), pain, emotional reactions/mental health (EM/MH), social isolation/social functioning (SI/SF), and physical mobility/physical functioning (PA/PF). Descriptive statistics, Spearman Correlation Coefficient, a-Cronbach, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) were used for analyses (a=0.05). RESULTS: Both instruments demonstrated ceiling and floor effects for all similar domains, however the NHP showed, on average, higher scores for individual domains and total scores, as well as, floor effects for the SI domain. The internal consistency (NHP=0.86; SF-36=0.80), the inter-rater reliability (NHP=0.99; SF-36=0.96) and the test-retest reliability (NHP=0.94; SF-36=0.83) were considered adequate. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between all similar domains (p≤0.01; 0.41≤rs≤0.70), except for those related to EL and vitality (rs=0.21;p=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The SF-36 demonstrated to be more adequate regarding the ceiling and floor effects, whereas the NHP presented a higher internal consistency and reliability levels. These findings should be considered for selecting instruments for the assessment of HRQOL of community-dwelling elderly.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) avalia o membro superior (MS) de adultos com hemiparesia combinando medidas de tempo e qualidade de movimento em movimentos isolados e em tarefas funcionais. OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar para a língua portuguesa o formulário, a escala de habilidade funcional (EHF) e o manual de aplicação do WMFT e avaliar a confiabilidade intra e inter-observadores. MÉTODOS: Participaram 15 indivíduos com média de idade de 57,9±11,1 anos e 68,5±53,5 meses pós acidente vascular encefálico (AVE). O WMFT foi aplicado por um fisioterapeuta utilizando as informações do manual e cotado por dois outros fisioterapeutas independentes pela observação dos vídeos. Foram acrescentadas informações mais detalhadas na EHF sobre a movimentação compensatória em relação à escala original. A confiabilidade intra e interobservadores do desempenho no tempo e da EHF dos itens individuais e do escore total foi avaliada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI) e pelo método Bland e Altman. Kappa ponderado (Kp) foi utilizado para avaliar a concordância intra e interobservadores da EHF. RESULTADOS: O CCI interobservador do desempenho no tempo foi >0,75 em 13 das 15 tarefas. A EHF apresentou CCI interobservador entre 0,87 e 0,99 em todas as tarefas e Kp entre 0,63 e 0,92. O CCI intraobservador do tempo variou entre 0,99 e 1 e na EHF, entre 0,96 e 1. O Kp intraobservador na EHF nas tarefas variou entre 0,79 e 0,96, sendo 0,93 para o escore total. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do WMFT demonstrou confiabilidade adequada para avaliar o MS parético pós-AVE.

BACKGROUND: The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) evaluates the upper limb (UL) performance of adults with hemiparesis by combining time and quality of movement measures in both isolated movements and functional tasks. OBJECTIVES: To translate and adapt the WMFT form, functional ability scale (FAS) and manual to Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate the intra and inter-rater reliabilities. METHODS: Fifteen individuals with a mean age of 57.9±11.1 years and a mean time since stroke onset of 68.5±53.5 months participated. The WMFT was administered by one physiotherapist based on information in the manual, and video observations were assessed by two other independent physical therapists. Information regarding compensatory movements was included in the FAS. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots were calculated to examine the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities for performance time and FAS, whereas weighted kappa (Kp) was used to examine the agreement strength for FAS. RESULTS: The inter-rater ICC values for performance time were above 0.75 in 13 of the 15 tasks. For the FAS, they ranged from 0.87-0.99 for all evaluated tasks, with Kp values ranging from 0.63-0.92. For intra-rater reliability, the ICC ranged from 0.99-1.0 and from 0.96-1.0 for time measurement and FAS, respectively. Kp values ranged from 0.79-0.96 for individual and 0.93 for total scores. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the WMFT showed adequate intra- and inter-rater reliabilities for evaluating the paretic UL of individuals with stroke.