OBJECTIVETo identify the association between the use of web simulation electrocardiography and the learning approaches, strategies and styles of nursing degree students.METHODA descriptive and correlational design with a one-group pretest-posttest measurement was used. The study sample included 246 students in a Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support nursing class of nursing degree.RESULTSNo significant differences between genders were found in any dimension of learning styles and approaches to learning. After the introduction of web simulation electrocardiography, significant differences were found in some item scores of learning styles: theorist (p < 0.040), pragmatic (p < 0.010) and approaches to learning.CONCLUSIONThe use of a web electrocardiogram (ECG) simulation is associated with the development of active and reflexive learning styles, improving motivation and a deep approach in nursing students.

Heart failure is often characterised by low exercise capacity and a great impairment of performance in the activities of daily living. The correct management of the disease can prevent the worsening of symptoms and promote a better quality of life. The aims of this study are to understand the relationship of gender and pathophysiological characteristics with self-care behaviour and to evaluate the self-care behaviour in a sample of Portuguese heart failure inpatients, using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI). A cross-sectional multicentre study enrolling 225 heart failure inpatients from eight hospitals from Portugal was performed. At admission, each patient’s functional capacity was evaluated as well as their self-care behaviour, using the SCHFI Portuguese v6.2. A comparison between self-care behaviour with gender was performed. The patients’ mean age was 68.4 ± 10.7 years old, 68% were male and 82.3% had reduced ejection fraction. A mean value of 47.9, 35.6 and 38.8 points was found in the SCHFI score of the sections self-care maintenance, self-care management and self-care confidence, respectively. Heart failure inpatients present inadequate levels of self-care behaviour. The results do not suggest a relationship between gender and pathophysiological characteristics with self-care behaviour.

Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized, among other signs, by involuntary weight loss and decreased muscle strength. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between frailty, body composition and nutritional status in non-institutionalised elderly people in the municipality of Alfândega (Braganza-Portugal). Observational, prevalence and association study involving 220 elderly (mean 75.8±6.8 years of age; 68.8% women). Frailty was assessedt according to Fried criteria, body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis and nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. The prevalence of frailty was 23.6%. Frail participants had, on average, lower total muscle mass and lower segmental muscle mass (arms and legs) than pre-frail and non-frail (p <.001). From the elderly at risk of malnutrition or undernourished (n=24), the majority (n=13) had frailty syndrome. It was observed that 41.2% of the elderly with low weight were frail. This syndrome prevailed only in 17.1% of the eutrophic persons, increasing again to 22.4% in the overweight group (p <.001). The phenotypic profile of frail elderly was characterised by lower muscle mass. The results of our study suggest that both underweight and overweight may be associated with frailty. There is the need to prevent and manage frailty, not only taking into account possible treatable medical causes, but also by intervening in important pillars, such as physical activity, dietary and nutritional problems.

Background: Functional fitness is essential for the autonomous performance of activities of daily living. The functional fitness of the elderly includes several components: strength, aerobic training, flexibility, balance, and body composition. Objectives: To assess changes in the functional fitness of institutionalized elderly based on a Rehabilitation Nursing Program using moderate-intensity physical activity. Methodology: Pre-test/post-test design with control group. The intervention program included three 30-minute sessions per week, for a period of 6 months. Functional fitness was assessed using the Functional Fitness Test (FFT) battery for older adults. Fifteen participants were assigned to the intervention group (IG), and ten participants to the control group (CG). Results: A significant increase (p<0.05) of grip strength, arm curl strength, mobility, agility/dynamic balance, and one-leg balance was observed in the IG (85.9 ± 6.1 years). The CG (85.8 ± 4.6 years) showed no significant changes in any of the functional fitness components. Conclusion: The results suggest an improvement of the functional fitness of the elderly in the IG