Neuropilates is an intervention approach that was developed as a modified version of the Pilates Method to be used for neurological rehabilitation. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of regular physiotherapy and occupational therapy rehabilitation in comparison to a combination of traditional rehabilitation with Neuropilates in adults with post-stroke motor disabilities. This was a rater- and analyst-blinded randomized clinical trial with a three-month intervention and a one-month follow up. Participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EG, receiving a combination of conventional therapy and Neuropilates; n = 15) or the control group (CG, receiving solely conventional therapy; n = 15). Once adjusted for baseline FIM scores, the results showed significant differences favoring the EG in daily functioning (FIM), static balance (FRT), right-hand manual dexterity (NHPT) and right-upper limb coordination (BBT). Satisfaction with the received treatment as measured with the CSQ-8 was significantly higher for the EG. In conclusion, the incorporation of Neuropilates, facilitated by a single experienced therapist, can be a valuable complement to conventional physical and occupational therapy. However, Neuropilates-based interventions should be supervised and tailored to each individual by a professional specifically trained in the method.

It has been suggested that focal hand dystonia (FHD) should be viewed as a neuropsychiatric disorder rather than as a pure movement disorder. We aimed to compare the personality factors that are common to people with FHD and evaluate how personality factors could affect the functionality of the upper limbs and community participation. We conducted a cross-sectional case–control study in which 12 people with FHD were matched with 12 age and gender matched healthy control participants. The Big Five Questionnaire; the Quick Disabilities, Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; and the Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function were used as assessment measures. Control of emotions was the only variable for which a significant difference was found, with participants with FHD displaying lesser control. Correlations were not observed between different personality profiles, the functionality of the upper limbs and the perceived participation of people with FHD in activities of daily living. People with FHD may present with low emotional stability, but this does not have a negative impact on the functionality of the upper limbs and activities of daily living. These findings have clinical implications to be considered for interventions, as they suggest that personality aspects, such as extraversion, may not predict for better functionality and perceived participation in activities of daily living.

Background: Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS) is caused by the loss (deletion) of a small portion of chromosome 22 in a region designated q13.3 (22q13.3 deletion). PMS is one of the most common genetic forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in which sensory reactivity difficulties have been described on limited occasions. Methods: The objective of this study is to identify whether changes in sensory reactivity skills occur after one year of follow-up in a group of 44 participants diagnosed with PMS. All participants completed the Short Sensory Profile (SSP). Two-factor ANOVA tests were performed with repeated measures for the study of the evolution of the scores. Results: Participants with PMS showed significant changes after one year of follow-up in sensory reactivity skills associated with tactile hyperreactivity (p = 0.003). The rest of the study variables did not show significant differences compared to the baseline assessment, showing definite differences associated with patterns of hypo-responsiveness and sensory seeking, low/weak energy, and difficulties in auditory filtering. Conclusions: Understanding the evolution of sensory reactivity skills can facilitate the adjustment to behavioral changes in people with PMS and design-targeted interventions to address sensory reactivity challenges.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the well-being of the general population. However, more information is needed regarding the relationship between participation-related outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on occupational balance (OB) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after social restrictions and to explore their relationship with COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods: We conducted a study among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, assigning a healthy control group with the same sociodemographic characteristics using the EQ-5D-5L and the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). Results: The final sample size consisted of 61 participants in the COVID-19 diagnosis group (50.8% male; mean age 34.6 ± 14.17 years) and 57 healthy participants (50.8% male; mean age 33.7 ± 13.77 years). There were no differences in the sociodemographic variables between the groups. Significant differences were found between groups both before the pandemic and 1 year after confinement measures in HRQoL and OBQ (p < 0.005). The regression model indicated significant associations (p < 0.001) between HRQoL and both current OB and COVID-19 diagnosis. However, the OBQ scores from before the pandemic did not show a significant association with HRQoL (p = 0.336). Conclusions: In conclusion, social restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted HRQoL in our sample even 1 year after confinement, with COVID-19 diagnosis and occupational imbalance predicting worse outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions not only for the current situation but also for possible future public health crises.