Introduction: A wide range of products are available to assist mobility, and it is, therefore, of great importance to obtain empirical information regarding the expected impact of the use of these products based on outcome measures. People affected by neurological disorders often use products to assist mobility such as wheelchairs (both manual self-propelled wheelchairs and externally propelled chairs such as electric wheelchairs), walkers, walking sticks, etc. It is important to conduct an assessment of the psychosocial impact of these products on the lives of affected people. Methods: We performed this assessment using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results: The results showed greater psychosocial benefits relating to the use of electric wheelchairs in comparison with walking sticks or manual, non-self-propelled chairs. Moreover, significant differences are present in the three subscales of the PIADS in relation to variables such as age, training in the use of assistive technology (AT) and funding. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that the use of AT should be promoted among this group as a way to improve their adaptability, competency and self-esteem, and to reduce limits on participation deriving from the physical and contextual barriers faced by this collective.

Background: Considering the challenges of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), especially in rural areas with limited access to resources, it is essential to explore innovative strategies to address these barriers. Recent research highlights the use of mHealth to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of interventions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of mHealth interventions within the family-centered model on child development and familial quality of life, compared to the child-centered model. Methods: This study employs a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measures across two control groups (control group 1: child-centered model and control group 2: family-centered model) and one experimental group (family-centered model with mHealth). The sample consisted of 55 children (11 girls and 44 boys) aged 0 to 6 years old with neurodevelopmental disorders that resided in rural areas from June to September 2023. For the assessment of the family unit, an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family Quality of Life Scale, the Family Confidence Scale, and the Family Outcomes Scale were used. Children were evaluated using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test. Results: Results revealed significant differences between the experimental group (EG) and the control groups. The EG, which received mHealth-based interventions within the family-centered model, demonstrated the greatest improvements in variables related to family quality of life and the child’s social functioning. Conclusions: mHealth appears to be a promising solution for improving access to early childhood intervention in rural areas, enhancing childhood development and a family’s quality of life. Strong therapeutic relationships, supported by interdisciplinary and individualized approaches, are key to maximizing its impact.

Más de un 50% de los pacientes diagnosticados con esclerosis múltiple (EM) comunican problemas con la función manipulativa e impedimentos en su vida diaria a causa de esta alteración. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la afectación que la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa y la destreza manipulativa ejercen sobre la calidad de vida y la autonomía personal de las personas diagnosticadas de EM, y estudiar si existe diferencia de estos aspectos entre los distintos tipos de esta enfermedad. Se contó con una muestra total de 126 participantes, de los cuales 57 fueron controles, y 69, casos. A todos ellos se les evaluó con el Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, el Nine-Hole Peg Test, la dinamometría de pinza y de presa para la medición de la fuerza, y el índice de Barthel para la evaluación de las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Las personas con EM presentaron peores fuerza de pinza, fuerza de presa, destreza manipulativa, desempeño en actividades básicas de la vida diaria y calidad de vida (p < 0,001). La fuerza de presa es un factor condicionante en el desempeño de actividades básicas y calidad de vida en personas con EM. En cuanto al tipo de EM, el tipo remitente-recurrente presentó mejores valores (p < 0,001). Los hallazgos de este estudio apuntan a que los pacientes diagnosticados con EM presentan una disminución en la fuerza de pinza, la fuerza de presa, la destreza manipulativa, la calidad de vida y la autonomía en las actividades de la vida diaria en comparación con la población sana.

Background. One of the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) is depression, which causes disruption to daily participation. MS as a degenerative disease causes caregiver strain. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of depression on the occupational performance of people with MS and to study whether these aspects influence caregiver strain. Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross‐sectional observational study was carried out. A total of 124 people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis were assessed and administered the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Results. MS type influences performance, involvement, and caregiver burden. High levels of depression are associated with low levels of participation and performance. The types of MS with the highest caregiver burden are relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive. Conclusions. The type of MS negatively influences occupational performance. Depression and occupational performance are related to caregiver strain. The greater the depressive symptoms, the worse the performance, and the more caregiver strain.

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio es analizar la eficacia desde terapia ocupacional en los métodos de rehabilitación de la fatiga en personas con diagnóstico de esclerosis múltiple. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Dialnet, Cochrane, OT-Skeer, PEDro, así como una segunda búsqueda a través de referencias de los artículos encontrados en estas fuentes. Se incluyeron 13 ensayos clínicos aleatorizados publicados en los últimos 10 años. Resultados: Los 13 artículos incluidos llevaban a cabo intervenciones basadas en el ejercicio físico, terapia cognitivo-conductual, terapia acuática, imaginería motora y neurofeedback para reducir el síntoma de la fatiga en personas con esclerosis múltiple. Conclusión: La rehabilitación de la fatiga tiene efectos positivos en personas con esclerosis múltiple, mejorando la autoeficacia y percepción de esta, mejorando así la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, son necesarias más investigaciones en especial desde el ámbito de terapia ocupacional.