Examinando por Autor "Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet"

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A database with frailty, functional and inertial gait metrics for the research of fall causes in older adults
(Nature, 2023-08-25) García-de-Villa, Sara; García-Villamil Neira, Guillermo; Neira Álvarez, Marta; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Ruiz Ruiz, Luisa; J. del-Ama, Antonio; Rodríguez Sánchez, María Cristina; Jiménez, Antonio R.
The GSTRIDE database contains information of the health status assessment of 163 elderly adults. We provide socio-demographic data, functional and frailty variables, and the outcomes from tests commonly performed for the evaluation of elder people. The database contains gait parameters estimated from the measurements of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) placed on the foot of volunteers. These parameters include the total walking distance, the number of strides and multiple spatio-temporal gait parameters, such as stride length, stride time, speed, foot angles and clearance, among others. The main processed database is stored, apart from MS Excel, in CSV format to ensure their usability. The database is complemented with the raw IMU recordings in TXT format, in order to let researchers test other algorithms of gait analysis. We include the Python programming codes as a base to reproduce or modify them. The database stores data to study the frailty-related parameters that distinguish faller and non-faller populations, and analyze the gait-related parameters in the frail subjects, which are essential topics for the elderly.
Alterations in dexterity and manual function in patients with focal hand dystonia.
(Neurología (English Edition) ELSEVIER, 2022-09) Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa Mª; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Serrada Tejeda, Sergio; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Sánchez Camarero, Carlos; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Martínez Castrillo, Juan Carlos
Introduction: Focal hand dystonia is a movement disorder whose symptoms cause alterations in the performance of tasks requiring a high level of dexterity. Currently, there is no model for interpreting the disease and few studies have identified the difficulties of patients with dystonia in carrying out activities of daily living (ADL). This study aims to describe manipulative dexterity and its influence on ADLs in patients with focal hand dystonia. Materials and methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study including 24 participants (12 patients with focal hand dystonia and 12 controls). The patients were referred by the neurology department of Hospital Ramón y Cajal. We gathered sociodemographic data, as well as retrospective clinical data for patients. We subsequently administered evaluation tests, in the following order: Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), and Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF). Results: The study sample included a total of 24 participants, 7 women and 17 men, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 50.79 (14.40) years. In the patient group, neuromuscular involvement or psycho-emotional problems were not detected in half of cases; smaller numbers of patients presented difficulties associated with the right shoulder (25%) and anxious state (33.3%). Conclusions: Our results indicate that focal hand dystonia affects manipulative dexterity in these patients, who showed poorer performance and required more time to complete the tasks.
Assessing falls in the elderly population using G-STRIDE foot-mounted inertial sensor
(NATURE PORTFOLIO, 2023-06-06) Neira‐Álvarez, Marta; Jimenez-Ruiz, Antonio R; Neira-Garcia, Guillermo; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Espinoza-Cerda, M Teresa; Pérez-Delgado, Laura; Reina-Robles, Elena; Del Ama, Antonio; Ruiz-Ruiz, Luisa; Garcia de Villa, Sara; Rodriguez-Sánchez, Cristina
Falls are one of the main concerns in the elderly population due to their high prevalence and associated consequences. Guidelines for the management of the elder with falls are comprised of multidimensional assessments, especially gait and balance. Daily clinical practice needs for timely, effortless, and precise tools to assess gait. This work presents the clinical validation of the G-STRIDE system, a 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) with onboard processing algorithms, that allows the calculation of walking-related metrics correlated with clinical markers of fall risk. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted with 163 participants (falls and non-falls groups). All volunteers were assessed with clinical scales and conducted a 15-min walking test at a self-selected pace while wearing the G-STRIDE. G-STRIDE is a low-cost solution to facilitate the transfer to society and clinical evaluations. It is open hardware and flexible and, thus, has the advantage of providing runtime data processing. Walking descriptors were derived from the device, and a correlation analysis was conducted between walking and clinical variables. G-STRIDE allowed measuring walking parameters in non-restricted walking conditions (e.g. hallway). Walking parameters statistically discriminate between falls and non-falls groups. We found good/excellent estimation accuracy (ICC = 0.885; [Formula: see text]) for walking speed, showing good/excellent correlation between gait speed and several clinical variables. G-STRIDE can calculate walking-related metrics that allow for discrimination between falls and non-falls groups, which correlates with clinical indicators of fall risk. A preliminary fall-risk assessment based on the walking parameters was found to improve the Timed Up and Go test in the identification of fallers.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Jefferson empathy scale health professions students’ version in Spanish Occupational therapy students
(BMC, 2021-09-06) Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Rodríguez-Pérez, Mª Pilar; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; Trugeda-Pedrajo, Nuria; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta
Background: In occupational therapy, empathy is a fundamental concept and has a positive impact on health and quality of care outcomes for patients. It is a basic and essential concept that should prevail in the training of occupational therapy students. The aim of this study is to validate and cross-culturally adapt the Jefferson Medical Empathy Scale, version for health professionals (JSE-HPS) in a sample of Spanish university students of occupational therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between 2019 and 2020. A convenience sample was selected, consisting of 221 students from the four courses of the Occupational Therapy degree at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos during the 2019–20 academic year. Each of the participants voluntarily and anonymously completed a sociodemographic data sheet (including age and sex), in addition to the following assessment scales: JSE-HPS and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Results: A culturally adapted version of the JSE-HPS that guarantees conceptual and grammatical equivalence specific to the study population was obtained. The psychometric analysis of the translated version showed a Cronbach coefficient α of 0.786. The test-retest reliability analysis showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90 (95% CI = 0.86–0.93; p < 0.0001). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed positive results (χ2 = 269.095, df = 167, p < 0.001, Confirmatory Fit Index [CFI] = 0.90, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.04). Conclusion: The cultural adaptation and psychometric results suggest that the Spanish version of the JSE-HPS is a valid and reliable way to evaluate the empathic ability of occupational therapy students.
Descripción de la afectación de la destreza y función manual en pacientes con distonía focal de la mano
(Elsevier España S.L.U, 2023-01) Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Sánchez-Camarero, Carlos; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Martínez-Castrillo, Juan Carlos
We performed an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study including 24 participants (12 patients with focal hand dystonia and 12 controls). The patients were referred by the neurology department of Hospital Ramón y Cajal. We gathered sociodemographic data, as well as retrospective clinical data for patients. We subsequently administered evaluation tests, in the following order: Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), and Jebsen-Taylor Test of Hand Function (JTTHF).The study sample included a total of 24 participants, 7 women and 17 men, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 50.79 (14.40) years. In the patient group, neuromuscular involvement or psycho-emotional problems were not detected in half of cases; smaller numbers of patients presented difficulties associated with the right shoulder (25%) and anxious state (33.3%).
Effects of COVID-19 home confinement on sleep in children: A systematic review
(Elsevier, 2022) Camacho-Montaño, Lucia Rocío; Iranzo, Alex; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa María; Camacho-Montaño, Laura María; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; García-Bravo, Cristina; Heredia-Torres, Marta Pérez de
Our main aim was to examine the evidence of the effects of coronavirus disease confinement on the sleep of children aged 12 years and younger. A systematic review was conducted following the recommendations for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica Database, Psychological Information Database, and Web Of Science were systematically searched between the period of January 2020 and March 2021. The quality assessment was analysed with the NewcastleeOttawa quality assessment scale and the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies was applied to cross-sectional studies and each longitudinal study was assessed with the critical appraisal skills programme. Data analysis was carried out through a narrative review. Eight studies were included in the review. Seven studies reported changes in sleep routines and five studies focused on sleep disturbances during confinement. The most important findings were a longer duration of sleep time, an increase in sleep latency, and daytime sleepiness. Whether or not the adverse changes to sleep patterns and bedtime routines seen during the home confinement period have any long-term consequences for children's sleep and daytime functioning remains unknown.
Empathy in occupational therapy students: a cross- sectional study at a Spanish university
(BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2022-04-26) Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Trugeda-Pedrajo, Nuria; Rodríguez-Pérez, Mª Pilar; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta
Introduction Empathy is an important interpersonal skill and a fundamental component in the professional–patient relationship, being the basis for implementing person-centred practice. In several studies, a decrease in empathy levels throughout training in medicine, nursing or dentistry, among others, has been shown. There are few studies on the occupational therapy branch of healthcare. The aim was to determine the degree of empathy perceived by students of occupational therapy at a Spanish university, as well as to analyse the differences between empathy levels according to the different degree courses and gender. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed with a sample of 221 occupational therapy students from a Spanish university. The Davis Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Student’s Spanish version (JSPE-HPS-S) were used as outcome measures. Results According to the results found, high level of empathy was found on all dimension of the IRI (69.84 (9.80)) and the JSPE-HPS-S (122 (94–140)). Although high levels of empathy among occupational therapy students are observed in all degree courses, no significant differences were found between them. Statistically significant differences and a moderate effect size (r) were found between the variables according to the gender of the participants, with females showing greater empathy in the overall scores of the IRI as well as in the JSPE-HPS-S (p=0.002, r=0.212; p=0.001, r=0.327, respectively). Conclusions Empathy is an essential competence for the development of quality occupational therapy practice. According to the results and although occupational therapy students showed high levels of empathy, it is important to pay attention to the evolution of empathy and to provide students with learning experiences that prevent its possible decline.
Experiences surrounding the diagnostic process and care among parents of children diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome: A qualitative study.
(Wiley, 2022-07) García-Bravo, Cristina; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; García-Bravo, Sara; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Pérez-De-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Palacios-Ceña, Domingo
Aim: To explore the experience of parents of children diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) with regard to the diagnostic process, treatment, and medical care. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using non-probabilistic purposeful sampling. In total, 32 parents with children with PMS were included. In-depth interviews and researcher field notes were used. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: Five themes were identified: (1) the 'diagnostic process' describes the diagnostic process and how it is communicated to the parents; (2) 'treatment and expectations' describes the expectations and hopes placed on future treatment; (3) 'family planning' describes how parents deal with genetic counselling when planning to have more children after a diagnosis of PMS; (4) 'the world of disability' describes the entry of parents into an environment of dependency and disability after the diagnosis; (5) 'family's financial situation' highlights the financial difficulties due to the high cost of therapies and daily care products. Interpretation: Our results provide insight on how a diagnosis of PMS and its consequences are experienced by parents of children with PMS. These results can be used by health professionals to help and support parents.
Food Intake Changes and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Spanish Citizens with and without COVID-19 during Lockdown
(MDPI, 2022-07-28) García-de-Miguel, María; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Pérez-Corrales, Jorge; Rodríguez-Rivas, Cristina; García-Bravo, Cristina; García-Bravo, Sara; Camacho-Montaño, Lucía Rocío
The pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is just beginning to be analyzed. To date, only a handful of these studies have investigated the relationship between an individual’s quality of life (QoL) and their changes in food intake due to the virus (from the associated symptomatology of diagnosis to the universal impact of lockdown on individual lives, regardless of a person’s health status). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify changes in food intake resulting from the pandemic and the corresponding impact on QoL in the Spanish population. This study focuses its investigation on the 3-month time period within which lockdown was its most restrictive, March–May 2020. Survey questions ask participants to compare their eating habits, general health status, and QoL during these 3 months to times prior to the pandemic. We conducted an online survey amongst the Spanish population over 18 years old. Three surveys were administered: (1) the adult eating behavior questionnaire (EABQ), (2) EuroQoL-5D-5L, and (3) The determinants lifestyle changes during lockdown period (March to May 2020). A total of 86 participants were included, with a mean age of 34 years. In the analysis of QoL, significant differences were found according to age, sex, and the presence of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Likewise, in the analysis of food intake, significant differences were found by age (greater changes in the 18–29-years-old population) (p< 0.01) and by sex (women p < 0.03), as well as greater changes in those with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Furthermore, both food intake and COVID-19 diagnosis were variables that predicted QoL outcomes. In sum, forced home lockdown can cause changes in food intake, which can predict a lower QoL. It follows that the lockdown situation caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has affected the food intake and overall QoL of the Spanish population.
Influence of Clinical and Sociodemographic Variables on Health-Related Quality of Life in the Adult Population with Long Covid
(MDPI, 2023-06-22) Rodríguez-Pérez, Mª Pilar; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Rodríguez-Ledo, Pilar; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Fernández-Gómez, Gemma; Montes-Montes, Rebeca; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta
Worldwide, about 10 percent of patients affected by long COVID require appropriate followup and intervention. The main objective of this study was to analyze the long-term impact of mild long COVID in the adult population, and to determine the effect of clinical and sociodemographic variables on health-related quality of life in those affected. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of Spanish adult patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms at least three months after diagnosis. Data collection took place between April and July 2021. The health-related quality of life of the sample was low, with worse results in the physical component summary (PCS) 24.66 (SD = 4.45) compared to the mental component summary (MCS) 45.95 (SD = 8.65). The multiregression analysis showed significant differences by sex in the dimensions of physical functioning (p = 0.040); bodily pain (p = 0.036); and health transition (p = 0.018). Additionally, a longer time since infection had a significant effect on physical functioning (p = 0.039); general health (p = 0.037); vitality (p = 0.034); and general health transition (p = 0.002). The effect of occupational imbalance was significant for all dimensions. Conclusions: people with long COVID have a reduced quality of life. Sex, time since infection, and occupational imbalance are predictors of a worse quality of life.
Mental Practice and Manipulative Skills Training Among People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
(American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2022-03-01) Sánchez-Herrea-Baeza, Patricia; García-Bravo, Cristina; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Florencio, Lidiane-Lima; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa María; Pérez-Corrales, Jorge; Sánchez-Camarero, Carlos; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta
Importance: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that produces both motor and cognitive dysfunctions. Impairments in limb function as a result of MS cause a decline in the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Objective: To determine whether the use of mental practice (MP) or MP combined with training in motor manipulation skills (skills training) would improve gross and fine motor skills and treatment satisfaction among people with MS. Design: Pilot study with a duration of 3 mo plus 3-mo follow-up. Setting: Two MS associations. Participants: Thirty-five patients diagnosed with MS of the relapsing–remitting and progressive secondary subtypes, ages 25 to 60 yr. Intervention: The participants were allocated to one of three groups according to their order of inclusion in the study: (1) MP, (2) MP 1 skills training, or (3) control group. The treatment protocol had a 6-wk duration and a total of 12 sessions. Outcomes and Measures: Blinded evaluators performed three assessments for each patient (pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3-mo follow-up) using the Nine-Hole Peg Test, Box and Block Test, ABILHAND, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Results: We found no evidence of benefits in self-perceived performance of ADLs with respect to gross and fine motor skills; however, there was an improvement in perceived satisfaction and in the performance of activities, independent of the treatment received. Conclusions and Relevance: Perceived ADL performance and satisfaction with performance increases among people with MS when they receive MP, MP 1 skills training, and conventional rehabilitation treatment. What This Article Adds: Mental practice combined with conventional treatment could contribute to patients perceiving improved performance of ADLs. Self-reported outcome measures, such as the COPM, could provide highly valuable information about occupation performance that may not match the objective evidence.
Predictors of fall risk in older adults using the G-STRIDE inertial sensor: an observational multicenter case-control study.
(BMC, 2023-11-13) Neira‐Álvarez, Marta; Rodríguez-Sánchez, Cristina; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; García-Villamil-Neira, Guillermo; Espinoza-Cerda, M Teresa; Pérez-Delgado, Laura; Reina-Robles, Elena; Bartolomé-Martín, Irene; Ruiz-Ruiz, Luisa; Jimenez-Ruiz, Antonio R
Background: There are a lot of tools to use for fall assessment, but there is not yet one that predicts the risk of falls in the elderly. This study aims to evaluate the use of the G-STRIDE prototype in the analysis of fall risk, defining the cut-off points to predict the risk of falling and developing a predictive model that allows discriminating between subjects with and without fall risks and those at risk of future falls. Methods: An observational, multicenter case-control study was conducted with older people coming from two different public hospitals and three different nursing homes. We gathered clinical variables ( Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Standardized Frailty Criteria, Speed 4 m walk, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Time-Up Go Test, and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS)) and measured gait kinematics using an inertial measure unit (IMU). We performed a logistic regression model using a training set of observations (70% of the participants) to predict the probability of falls. Results: A total of 163 participants were included, 86 people with gait and balance disorders or falls and 77 without falls; 67,8% were females, with a mean age of 82,63 ± 6,01 years. G-STRIDE made it possible to measure gait parameters under normal living conditions. There are 46 cut-off values of conventional clinical parameters and those estimated with the G-STRIDE solution. A logistic regression mixed model, with four conventional and 2 kinematic variables allows us to identify people at risk of falls showing good predictive value with AUC of 77,6% (sensitivity 0,773 y specificity 0,780). In addition, we could predict the fallers in the test group (30% observations not in the model) with similar performance to conventional methods. Conclusions: The G-STRIDE IMU device allows to predict the risk of falls using a mixed model with an accuracy of 0,776 with similar performance to conventional model. This approach allows better precision, low cost and less infrastructures for an early intervention and prevention of future falls.
Protocol for the Development of Automatic Multisensory Systems to Analyze Human Activity for Functional Evaluation: Application to the EYEFUL System
(MDPI, 2024-04-18) Obeso-Benítez, Paula; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Marron-Romera, Marta; Macias-Guarasa, Javier; Losada-Gutierrez, Cristina; Palazuelos-Cagigas, Sira E.; Martin-Sanchez, Jose L.; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa
The EYEFUL system represents a pioneering initiative designed to leverage multisensory systems for the automatic evaluation of functional ability and determination of dependency status in people performing activities of daily living. This interdisciplinary effort, bridging the gap between engineering and health sciences, aims to overcome the limitations of current evaluation tools, which often lack objectivity and fail to capture the full range of functional capacity. Until now, it has been derived from subjective reports and observational methods. By integrating wearable sensors and environmental technologies, EYEFUL offers an innovative approach to quantitatively assess an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living, providing a more accurate and unbiased evaluation of functionality and personal independence. This paper describes the protocol planned for the development of the EYEFUL system, from the initial design of the methodology to the deployment of multisensory systems and the subsequent clinical validation process. The implications of this research are far-reaching, offering the potential to improve clinical evaluations of functional ability and ultimately improve the quality of life of people with varying levels of dependency. With its emphasis on technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, the EYEFUL system sets a new standard for objective evaluation, highlighting the critical role of advanced screening technologies in addressing the challenges of modern healthcare. We expect that the publication of the protocol will help similar initiatives by providing a structured approach and rigorous validation process.
The Impact of Anxiety and Upper Limb Disability on Participation Levels in People with Dystonia an Observational Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study.
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2021-01-01) Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; García-Bravo, Cristina; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Martínez-Castrillo, Juan Carlos
Objective: This study sought to evaluate the level of anxiety in people with dystonia and to examine a possible relationship between the level of participation, anxiety, and functional limitations. Design: This is an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study with 12 cases of focal dystonia and 12 healthy controls aged between 18 and 75 yrs. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the QuickDASH scale, and the Measure of Participation and Activities were used. Differences in scores and effect size were analyzed through the Student t test and Cohen d test. A multiple regression model was performed to determine the relationship between variables. Results: People with dystonia obtained higher scores in the three subsections of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (total anxiety, psychiatric anxiety, and somatic anxiety; P < 0.05) and on the QuickDASH scale, together with lower scores in participation in activities of daily living of the Measure of Participation and Activities (P = 0.01). Greater upper limb disability was associated with a greater negative impact on participation in activities of daily living (P < 0.01); however, no significant relationship was found with anxiety (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that the ability of people with dystonia to participate in society is negatively affected by the level of disability of the upper limb, but even when anxiety-age-related differences were controlled for, no relationship was found between variables.
The impact of anxiety and upper limb disability on participation levels in people with dystonia: an observational cross-sectional case-control study
(Wolter Kluwer Health, 2021-01) Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa M; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Máximo-Bocanegra, Nuria; Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza, Patricia; García-Bravo, Cristina; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Martínez-Castrillo, Juan Carlos
Objective: This study sought to evaluate the level of anxiety in people with dystonia and to examine a possible relationship between the level of participation, anxiety, and functional limitations. Design: This is an observational, cross-sectional, case-control study with 12 cases of focal dystonia and 12 healthy controls aged between 18 and 75 yrs. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the QuickDASH scale, and the Measure of Participation and Activities were used. Dif- ferences in scores and effect size were analyzed through the Student t test and Cohen d test. A multiple regression model was performed to determine the relationship between variables. Results: People with dystonia obtained higher scores in the three sub- sections of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (total anxiety, psychiatric anxiety, and somatic anxiety; P < 0.05) and on the QuickDASH scale, together with lower scores in participation in activities of daily living of the Measure of Participation and Activities (P = 0.01). Greater upper limb disability was associated with a greater negative impact on participation in activities of daily living (P < 0.01); how- ever, no significant relationship was found with anxiety (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that the ability of people with dystonia to participate in society is negatively affected by the level of disability of the upper limb, but even when anxiety-age–related differences were controlled for, no relationship was found between variables.
The Meaning of Volunteering among People with Severe Mental Disorders: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study
(International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI), 2021-11-21) Pérez-Corrales, Jorge; Güeita-Rodríguez, Javier; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; García-Bravo, Cristina; Marconnot, Romain; Jiménez-Antona, Carmen; Velarde-García, Juan Francisco; Palacios-Ceña, Domingo
This study aimed to describe the perspectives of people with severe mental disorders who volunteer regarding the relationship between volunteering and work, from the framework of personal recovery. A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken. Purposive sampling was conducted on people with severe mental disorders who participated in volunteering. In-depth unstructured and semi-structured interviews were used, during which researchers took handwritten field notes. An inductive thematic analysis was applied. Twenty-three participants with severe mental disorders were included (16 men and 7 women) with a mean age of 47 years. Three themes emerged: (a) the relationship between volunteering and working; (b) thinking about a possible future job; and (c) disclosing a mental health condition. Volunteering is perceived as a substitute to working, although not all participants feel able to work, and they do not always disclose that they suffer from a mental health condition.
Validation of an IMU-based Gait Analysis Method for Assessment of Fall Risk Against Traditional Methods
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2024-07-29) García-de-Villa, Sara; Ruiz Ruiz, Luisa; García-Villamil Neira, Guillermo; Neira Álvarez, Marta; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; del-Ama, Antonio J.
Falls are a severe problem in older adults, often resulting in severe consequences such as injuries or loss of consciousness. It is crucial to screen fall risk in order to prescribe appropriate therapies that can potentially prevent falls. Identifying individuals who have experienced falls in the past, commonly known as fallers, is used to evaluate fall risk, as a prior fall indicates a higher likelihood of future falls. The methods that have the most support from evidence are Gait Speed (GS) and Time Up and Go (TUG), which use specific cut-off values to evaluate the fall risk. There have been proposals for alternative methods that use wearable sensor technology to improve fall risk assessment. Although these technological alternatives are promising, further research is necessary to validate their use in clinical settings. In this study, we propose a method for identifying fallers based on a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The inputs for the classifier are the gait parameters obtained from a 30-minute walk recorded using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) placed at the foot of patients. We validated our proposed method using a sample of 157 patients aged over 70 years. Our findings indicate significant differences (p< 0.05) in stride speed, clearance, angular velocity, acceleration, and coefficient of variability among steps between fallers and non-fallers. The proposed method demonstrates the its potential to classify fallers with an accuracy of [79.6]% , slightly outperforming the GS method which provides an accuracy of [77.0]% , and also overcomes its dependency on the cut-off speed to determine fallers. This method could be valuable in detecting fallers during long-term monitoring that does not require periodic evaluations in a clinical setting
Volunteering as a Meaningful Occupation in the Process of Recovery From Serious Mental Illness: A Qualitative Study
(American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2022-03-01) Pérez-Corrales, Jorge; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; García-Bravo, Cristina; Güeita-Rodríguez, Javier; Palacios-Ceña, Domingo
Importance: Volunteering is an activity that facilitates social welfare, a sense of connection to others, and the construction of links with other people and the community. Objective: To describe the experience of a group of people with serious mental illness (SMI) who engaged in community volunteer work. Design: Qualitative, phenomenological study using purposeful sampling and an inductive thematic analysis. Setting: Several mental health community centers in Madrid and Catalonia, Spain. Participants: People with SMI engaged in community volunteer work. Outcomes and Measures: In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Results: Two themes, with four subthemes each, emerged from the data: (1) engaging in a meaningful occupation enhances the recovery process (subthemes: undergoing positive experiences, performing or resuming a meaningful occupation, living in the present moment, and relating with one's social and family environment) and (2) a process of mutual support (subthemes: in helping others, you help yourself; helping others on the basis of one's first-person experience; recover before you can help others; and role of professionals in volunteering). Conclusions and relevance: Volunteering is perceived as a meaningful occupation. Helping others generates a reciprocal benefit that favors the recovery process and contributes to the establishment of personal and social bonds. What This Article Adds: This study provides a basis for understanding the potential of volunteering to be a meaningful occupation in the recovery process of people with SMI. It can help occupational therapy practitioners develop volunteer-based intervention programs that support the recovery process.
"Your Life Turns Upside Down": A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Parents with Children Diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
(MDPI Children, 2022-12-30) García-Bravo, Cristina; Palacios-Ceña, Domingo; Huertas-Hoyas, Elisabet; Pérez-Corrales, Jorge; Serrada-Tejeda, Sergio; Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres, Marta; Gueita-Rodríguez, Javier; Martínez-Piédrola, Rosa Mª
(1) Background: Parents of children with rare diseases experience great uncertainty and employ different strategies to care for their children and cope with the disease. The purpose of the present study was to describe the perspective of parents with children with Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMS). (2) Methods: A non-probabilistic purposeful sampling was used to perform this qualitative descriptive study. Thirty-two parents with children with PMS were interviewed. In-depth interviews and research field notes were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. (3) Results: Four themes emerged from the data. "Understanding and accepting the disease" described how parents experienced their child's diagnosis and the lack of information. The second theme, called "Living day by day", highlighted the daily difficulties faced when caring for a child with PMS. The third theme, "Expectations versus reality", was based on the parents' expectations of parenthood and the reality they face. Expectations for the future are also included. Finally, "Pain and happiness" describes how parents alternate feelings of distress and suffering but also joy with what they learn from these experiences. (4) Conclusions: Health professionals can use these results to support parents.