This study aimed to assess the 3D kinematic pattern of the pelvis during running and establish differences between sexes using the IMU sensor for spatiotemporal outcomes, vertical acceleration symmetry index, and ranges of motion of the pelvis in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes of movement. The kinematic range in males was 5.92°–6.50°, according to tilt. The range of obliquity was between 7.84° and 9.27° and between 9.69° and 13.60°, according to pelvic rotation. In females, the results were 6.26°–7.36°, 7.81°–9.64°, and 13.2°–16.13°, respectively. Stride length increased proportionally to speed in males and females. The reliability of the inertial sensor according to tilt and gait symmetry showed good results, and the reliability levels were excellent for cadence parameters, stride length, stride time, obliquity, and pelvic rotation. The amplitude of pelvic tilt did not change at different speed levels between sexes. The range of pelvic obliquity increased in females at a medium speed level, and the pelvic rotation range increased during running, according to speed and sex. The inertial sensor has been proven to be a reliable tool for kinematic analysis during running.
Post-COVID-19 condition involves persistent symptoms after acute infection, often linked to dysautonomia, which affects heart rate variability, pain perception, fatigue, and sleep. Superficial neuromodulation has been proposed as a treatment. Objective: To assess the effects of superficial neuromodulation on symptoms, sleep quality, and autonomic function in post-COVID-19 condition patients. Methods: A pilot study was conducted based on a triple-blind randomized controlled trial methodology involving 16 female participants. The experimental group received neuromodulation, while the control group used a placebo device. The intervention spanned 15 sessions over two months. Primary outcomes included heart rate variability, pain threshold, cortisol levels, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life, analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Both groups improved over time. Heart rate variability (SDNN) increased in the experimental group (30.42 to 39.11 ms) but decreased in controls (31.88 to 28.73 ms) (p < 0.05). Pain threshold at C5–C6 improved in the experimental group (2.1 to 3.5 kg/cm2) but remained stable in controls (p = 0.032). Fatigue decreased significantly in both groups (p = 0.002). Sleep quality improved, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores decreasing similarly in both groups. Cortisol levels increased, with a non-significant trend favoring controls. Conclusions: While improvements were seen, both groups benefited, suggesting a possible placebo effect. Superficial neuromodulation appears safe, but further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm efficacy.
BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing rotator cuff repairs commonly experience postoperative pain and functional limitations. Various socioeconomic and pain-related factors have been recognized as influential in the prognosis of such patients. This study aims to investigate the associations between postoperative pain and functionality and preoperative pain-related outcomes and socioeconomic status in patients undergoing rotator cuff repairs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examines the relationship between the outcomes of rotator cuff repairs and participants’ socioeconomic status and pain-related measures. Socioeconomic status was assessed through indicators such as educational level, monthly household income, and occupation. Pain-related outcomes included measures of kinesiophobia and pain self-efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients (68 male, 37 female) were included in the analysis. The findings revealed no significant association between postoperative pain or functionality and the patients’ socioeconomic status (p > 0.05). However, postoperative pain levels demonstrated a significant association with preoperative kinesiophobia (p < 0.05) and pain self-efficacy (p < 0.013). In contrast, functionality did not exhibit a significant association with these measures (p < 0.072 and 0.217, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pain-related outcomes play a role in postoperative pain levels among patients undergoing rotator cuff repairs. However, they do not appear to be related to functionality. Additionally, socioeconomic status does not significantly impact either pain or functionality.
Background: Nursing education is crucial for developing the necessary skills and knowledge for professional practice. Nevertheless, in many countries, the education of university‐level nursing educators lacks systematic regulation. There is also no consensus on the specific competencies required for nursing educators, which poses a limitation on the quality of education provided to nursing students. Aim: This study aims to describe the profile of nursing educators and determine their self‐rated teaching competence. Methods: A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted using a self‐administered questionnaire distributed among nursing educators. The study targeted nursing educators working in public, private, and semipublic universities in Spain. A minimum sample of 298 subjects was determined for statistical significance, with 327 participants ultimately included. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic variables and teaching competencies, evaluated using a Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with reliability assessed via Cronbach’s alpha. A statistical significance level of 0.05 or lower was established. Results: The reliability of the instrument showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). The majority of respondents were women (68.2%), with an average age of 47.75 years. Most educators had 5–9 years of teaching experience and 74% were from the nursing discipline. The highest‐rated competencies were didactic competencies, followed by disciplinary, interpersonal, and systemic competencies. Female educators and those with less experience placed higher importance on interpersonal and teamwork competencies, respectively. Nurse educators rated all competencies higher than their non‐nurse counterparts. Conclusions: Nursing education in Spain is shaped by multidisciplinary teams, although the majority of educators are nurses. These professionals stand out for their emphasis on essential teaching competencies, with communication and teamwork emerging as key skills in the preparation of competent, practice‐ready nurses. These findings underscore the urgent need for structured pedagogical training to bridge the gap between academia and clinical practice, ensuring the highest standards in nursing education.
The dataset presented in this article belongs to a randomized controlled trial, conducted between November 2015 and May 2016, where therapeutic exercise interventions were implemented in patients with End-Stage Renal Diseases undergoing hemodialysis. The intervention was carried out at the Hospital de Manises, in Manises (Spain). Participants performed a 16-week exercise program either during dialysis (intradialytic) or at home, combining resistance and aerobic training. Tests were assessed prior to the dialysis session, and include several dimensions of the patient's functional status, such as functional capacity, physical performance, balance, lower limb strength and endurance, and handgrip strength. Data was collected prior to and after the implementation of an intervention. The dataset contains the raw data obtained in this data collection. The analysis consisted in the improvement of these outcomes when a therapeutic exercise intervention is implemented. Further analysis could potentially include the stratification of the sample in several subgroups according to demographic characteristics of the participants, according to levels of compliance to the intervention and according to even more specific changes within the tests performed. For instance, the improvement of the overall assessment of the Short Performance Physical Battery Test might differ from the improvement of any of the components that build this "battery" of tests, such as gait speed, balance, or the Sit-to stand-to sit 5 tests.