Diego Fernández Cárdenas

Mr. Diego Fernández Cárdenas

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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25 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JCJoaquin Alejandro Perez Carcamo
Joaquin Alejandro Perez Carcamo
JHJordan Hernandez-Martínez
Jordan Hernandez-Martínez
EVEdgar Maximiliano Vásquez
Edgar Maximiliano Vásquez
DCDiego Fernández Cárdenas
Diego Fernández Cárdenas
BBBraulio Henrique Magnani Branco
Braulio Henrique Magnani Branco
Pablo Valdés-BadillaPablo Valdés-Badilla
Pablo Valdés-Badilla
Background/Objectives: This systematic review with meta-analysis synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of non-immersive virtual reality (VR) interventions in enhancing gross motor function, balance, and functional independence in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A systematic search was performed across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to July 2025. Primary outcomes included gross motor function (GMFM-D/E), balance (Pediatric Balance Scale, PBS), and functional independence (WeeFIM). Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. Results: From 1233 retrieved records, 13 RCTs involving 624 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated significant improvements with non-immersive VR in gross motor function (GMFM-D: ES = 2.04, p = 0.02; GMFM-E: ES = 2.02, p < 0.001), balance (PBS: ES = 1.34, p = 0.02), and functional independence (WeeFIM: ES = 0.99, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Non-immersive VR interventions were associated with meaningful gains in gross motor function, balance, and independence in children with CP. Significant differences were consistently observed in GMFM-D, GMFM-E, PBS, and WeeFIM outcomes when compared with control groups.

27 October 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DCDiego Fernández Cárdenas
Diego Fernández Cárdenas
CGCelia Sánchez Gómez
Celia Sánchez Gómez
EVEdgar Maximiliano Vásquez
Edgar Maximiliano Vásquez
JHJordan Hernandez-Martínez
Jordan Hernandez-Martínez
JCJoaquin Alejandro Perez Carcamo
Joaquin Alejandro Perez Carcamo
EREduardo José Fernández Rodríguez
Eduardo José Fernández Rodríguez
Background/Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) commonly present impairments in gross motor function and limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), which negatively impact independence and quality of life. Identifying effective rehabilitation strategies is essential to promote functional development. To evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy (OT) interventions on gross motor function and independence in ADLs among children with CP. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched through August 2025. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025634706) and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scale, the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool, and GRADEpro. Randomized controlled trials reporting OT interventions targeting gross motor and ADL outcomes were included. Results: Of 594 identified records, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis indicated that OT interventions significantly improved gross motor function (GMFM-66; ES = 0.32 [0.01–0.63], p = 0.04), mobility (PEDI-Mobility; ES = 0.46 [0.05–0.87], p = 0.02), and occupational performance (COPM-Performance; ES = 2.63 [1.14–4.11], p = 0.001) and satisfaction (COPM-Satisfaction; ES = 2.17 [0.82–3.51], p = 0.002). No significant changes were observed in self-care (PEDI-Self-Care; ES = 0.19 [−0.14–0.53], p = 0.26). Conclusions: Evidence suggests that OT interventions effectively enhance gross motor function, mobility, and occupational performance in children with CP. These results support the integration of OT within pediatric rehabilitation programs to optimize functional outcomes.

SBSebastián Burgos-Carrasco
Sebastián Burgos-Carrasco
YBYislem Barrientos-Cabrera
Yislem Barrientos-Cabrera
VRValentina Rivera-Mora
Valentina Rivera-Mora
LMLaura Michelle Martínez-González
Laura Michelle Martínez-González
Bryan ArpeBryan Arpe
Bryan Arpe
RLRoberto López-Andaur
Roberto López-Andaur
Aging is a progressive and heterogeneous biological process influenced by multiple factors that may compromise physical and cognitive capacities and increase the risk of frailty, functional decline, and falls in older adults. Falls represent a major public health concern due to their impact on independence and long-term care demand. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) delivered through active video games (exergames) has emerged as a preventive strategy that integrates sensory, motor, and cognitive stimulation within controlled and engaging environments, particularly where traditional programs face challenges related to adherence and individual adaptation. This study aims to determine the feasibility and implementation of an IVR-based program for falls prevention in older adults at risk of frailty in primary health care (PHC). A quasi-experimental pre–post design will be conducted with an intervention group (IVR/exergames) and a conventional control group, including a total sample of 40 participants (20 per group). The protocol comprises three phases: baseline assessment and IVR familiarization; a 12-week intervention delivered twice weekly; and post-intervention assessment. The primary outcome will be fall risk assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Secondary outcomes include physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB, and handgrip dynamometry) and psychological aspects related to falls (Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, ABC). Feasibility indicators will include recruitment, adherence, retention, and cybersickness. A reduction in TUG time is expected, providing preliminary evidence on the feasibility of integrating IVR-based programs for falls prevention within PHC systems.

1 November 2026 in Sportis. Scientific Journal of School Sport, Physical Education and Psychomotricity
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
SBSebastián Burgos-Carrasco
Sebastián Burgos-Carrasco
IAIvo Alarcón-Parra
Ivo Alarcón-Parra
FVFelipe Cárdenas Villarroel
Felipe Cárdenas Villarroel
RLRoberto Lopez-Andaur
Roberto Lopez-Andaur
DCDiego Fernández Cárdenas
Diego Fernández Cárdenas
CSCristóbal Sepúlveda-Carrasco
Cristóbal Sepúlveda-Carrasco
Adapted sport represents a relevant context for promoting participation, social inclusion, and the exercise of rights among people with disabilities, as well as a potential learning environment for future professionals. This study aimed to understand the meanings and perceptions that Occupational Therapy students attribute to their volunteer experiences in adapted sport and their perceived contribution to professional training. A qualitative descriptive-interpretive study was conducted with nine Occupational Therapy student volunteers from a Chilean university through four focus group sessions. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach. Four main categories were identified: understanding of adapted sport; the role of the occupational therapist; adapted sport as a facilitator of participation and social inclusion; and academic training and professional competencies. The findings revealed an understanding of adapted sport that extends beyond modifications to rules, equipment, or environments, linking it to participation, autonomy, inclusion, and the exercise of rights. Students also recognized occupational therapists as facilitators of participation, educators, and guides in the adaptation process, and attributed to volunteering opportunities to connect disciplinary knowledge with real-life participation experiences. They also identified gaps in their academic preparation for working in these contexts. These findings support considering supervised and reflective practical experiences related to adapted sport within the training of Occupational Therapy students.