Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez

Prof. Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez

University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 June 2020 in Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
Luz Adriana Varela VásquezLuz Adriana Varela Vásquez
Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez
EMEduard Minobes-Molina
Eduard Minobes-Molina
JJJavier Jerez-Roig
Javier Jerez-Roig
Considerable attention has recently focused on the role of dual-task exercises (DT) in the older adult. The aim was to conduct a review to describe the dual-task exercises that have been shown to be effective in improving balance and other physical characteristics such as decreased falling and walking speed in older adults. Review of intervention studies, in the Pubmed, PEDro, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. The search produced 498 references, 11 of which were identified with the description of the dual-task exercises, finding a wide variety of exercises, as well as great variability of outcome measures, discovering that the dual task is predominantly used for balance and walking speed training. All studies presented at least one group performing a double cognitive-motor task, some studies used the fixed priority modality in one group and variable in another, finding greater improvements in variable prioritisation. It can be said that dual-task training in older adults can improve balance and walking speed, which in turn reduces the risk of falling only if the planned dual-task training meets certain characteristics, such as training in specific concepts crucial in motor learning and dual-task training modalities.

SRSandra Rierola-Fochs
Sandra Rierola-Fochs
Luz Adriana Varela VásquezLuz Adriana Varela Vásquez
Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez
JMJose Antonio Merchán-Baeza
Jose Antonio Merchán-Baeza
EMEduard Minobes-Molina
Eduard Minobes-Molina
Background: Phantom limb pain can be defined as discomfort or pain in a missing part of the limb. The aims of this study were to develop and validate, through a Delphi methodology, a graded motor imagery protocol in order to reduce phantom limb pain. Method: Physiotherapists and/or occupational therapists with experience in research and a minimum clinical experience of five years in the field of neurorehabilitation and/or pain were recruited by part of a group of experts to assess the intervention. The study was conducted through an online questionnaire, where experts assessed each aspect of the intervention through a Likert scale. As many rounds as necessary were carried out until consensus was reached among experts. Results: A total of two rounds were required to fully validate the intervention. During the second round, the relative interquartile range of all aspects to be assessed was less than 15%, thus showing a consensus among experts and with good concordance (Kappa index of 0.76). Conclusion: Experts validated a graded motor imagery intervention of phantom limb pain in patients with amputations (GraMi protocol). This intervention can help to homogenize the use of graded motor imagery in future studies and in clinical practice.

Guadalupe Molina TorresGuadalupe Molina Torres
Guadalupe Molina Torres
MOMirari Ochandorena-Acha
Mirari Ochandorena-Acha
YEYune Echazarreta-Aparicio
Yune Echazarreta-Aparicio
NSNuria Sanchez-Labraca
Nuria Sanchez-Labraca
MGManuel Gonzalez-Sanchez
Manuel Gonzalez-Sanchez
EMEduard Minobes-Molina
Eduard Minobes-Molina
Background: There is a lack of consensus with regards to the consequences of cycling practice on urogenital and sexual problems in men. The aim of the study was to analyse the relationship between intensity of cycling practice and urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Methods: Observational hypothesis-generating design. Cyclists, men, between 25 and 70 years who had been cycling for more than one year were included. During the statistical analysis, a multiple linear regression model, partial correlation and Spearman’s correlation were carried out. Results: Fifty-eight men participated in the study. Results showed that there is a correlation between years of cycling and prostate symptoms (p = 0.041), and between age and erectile dysfunction (p = 0.001). The multiple linear regression model and the partial correlation analysis showed a correlation between the years of cycling and prostate symptoms (p = 0.007 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: The results have shown that there is a slight correlation between the years of cycling and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, independently of the man’s age. Therefore, the results display that high-intensity cycling practice might impact negatively in some men’s pelvic floor functions. Further research is needed to analyse the impact of cycling on urogenital problems in this population group.

3 September 2024 in Physiotherapy Research International
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ABAna M. Barrios‐Franquesa
Ana M. Barrios‐Franquesa
Caritat Bagur-CalafatCaritat Bagur-Calafat
Caritat Bagur-Calafat
MGMontserrat Girabent-Farrés
Montserrat Girabent-Farrés
Luz Adriana Varela VásquezLuz Adriana Varela Vásquez
Luz Adriana Varela Vásquez
AMAlmudena Medina‐Rincón
Almudena Medina‐Rincón
Background: The patient with pusher syndrome (PS) is characterized by showing postural control alterations due to a lack of perception of his own body in the space. It appears when the patient actively pushes with his unaffected limbs towards the injured side, reacting with resistance to passive straightening towards the midline. Between 10% and 50% of strokes present PS. Nowadays, there is no clearly defined treatment for PS.Objective: To design and validate an exercise program using visual feedback and specific core stability exercises (FeViCoS) for the treatment of patients with PS.Methods: Validation was conducted by expert consensus using the Delphi method. Thirteen neurorehabilitation experts participated in the process. An online questionnaire with 18 Likert‐type questions was used to evaluate the designed program. Consensus was considered reached if there was convergence between the quartile 1 and 3 values (RIQ = Q1‐Q3) or if the relative interquartile range (RIR) was less than 20%. The degree of agreement between experts was measured by calculating the Fleiss' kappa coefficient.Results: A total of 2 rounds were required to achieve 97.44% consensus with 100% participation. The RIR was less than or equal to 20% for all questions. The Fleiss' kappa index (0.831) showed that the degree of agreement between experts was excellent.Conclusion: Neurorehabilitation experts considered FeViCoS valid for the therapeutic approach to patients with PS. Expert consensus suggests a novel strategy in physical therapy clinical practice to improve balance and postural orientation in patients with subacute stroke and PS.