Context: The active-knee-extension test (AKE) and the straight-leg-raise test (SLR) are widely used for flexibility assessment. A number of investigations have tested the reliability of these measures, especially the AKE. However, in most studies, the sample involved subjects with normal flexibility. In addition, few studies have determined the standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable difference (MDD), which can provide complementary and more clinically relevant information than the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) alone. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the AKE and LSR intrarater (test-retest) reliability in subjects with flexibility deficits, as well as the correlation between the 2 tests. Design: Reliability study. Setting: Academic laboratory. Subjects: 102 recreationally active participants (48 male, 54 female) with no injury to the lower limbs and with flexibility deficits in the hamstrings muscle group. Main Outcomes: Intrarater reliability was determined using the ICC, complemented by the SEM and MDD. Measures: All participants performed, in each lower limb, 2 trials of the AKE and the SLR. Results: The ICC values found for AKE and SLR tests were, respectively, .87-.94 and .93-.97. The values for SEM were low for both tests (2.6-2.9° for AKE, 2.2-2.6° for SLR), as well as the calculated MDD (7-8° for AKE, 6-7° for SLR). A moderate to strong, and significant, correlation between AKE and SLR was determined for the dominant limb (r = .71) and the nondominant limb (r = .67). Conclusions: These findings suggest that both AKE and SLR have excellent intrarater reliability. The SEMs and MDDs recorded are also very encouraging for the use of these tests in subjects with flexibility deficits.

This integrative literature review has been carried out with the aim of analyzing the scientific literature aimed at identifying and describing existing rehabilitation treatments/therapies for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). NBPP is a frequent consequence of difficult birthing, and it impairs the function of the brachial plexus in newborns. This is why knowledge on rehabilitation strategies deserves special attention. The data collection was carried out in January 2019, in the EBSCOhost and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) platforms, in the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, LILACS and PubMed databases. Thirteen articles were included in this integrative literature review, based on a literature search spanning title, abstract and full text, and considering the inclusion criteria. Two main treatments/therapies for NBPP rehabilitation were identified: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment includes teamwork done by physiatrists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. These professionals use rehabilitation techniques and resources in a complementary way, such as electrostimulation, botulinum toxin injection, immobilizing splints, and constraint induced movement therapy of the non-injured limb. Professionals and family members work jointly. Surgical treatment includes primary surgeries, indicated for children who do not present any type of spontaneous rehabilitation in the first three months of life; and secondary surgeries, recommended in children who after primary surgery have some limitation of injured limb function, or in children who have had some spontaneous recovery, yet still have significant functional deficits. Treatment options for NBPP are defined by clinical evaluation/type of injury, but regardless of the type of injury, it is unanimous that conservative treatment is always started as early as possible. It should be noted that there was no evidence in the literature of other types of rehabilitation and techniques used in clinical practice, such as preventive positioning of contractures and deformities, hydrotherapy/aquatic therapy, among others, so we consider there is a need for further studies at this level in this area.

Confinement of the population has been one of the measures implemented by different governments to address the COVID-19 health crisis, and it has led to social isolation together with a disruption of daily activities. The aim of the study is to analyze psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. During the quarantine, a cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 2120 subjects over 18 years of age, resident and born in Portugal. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire that considered socio-demographic variables, physical symptoms, health conditions, and history of contact with COVID-19, as well as psychological alterations. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was also included. Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. Predictive capacity was studied using logistic regression models. The results showed a higher percentage of individuals presenting psychological distress (57.2.0%), with a higher percentage identified among women (79.0%), and in people with a higher educational level (bachelor’s + master’s and doctorate) (75.8%). The predictor variables with the greatest weight were sex, educational level (graduation, master’s, and doctorate), living with children or under 16 years of age, presence of symptoms, and quarantine in the last 14 days for having symptoms. Good self-assessment of health and working at home appear to be protective against psychological distress. These results highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological distress and provide an opportunity to consider the need to implement specific multidisciplinary public health and mental health interventions in this pandemic situation.

Classification systems constitute an important contribution to nursing practice, as they provide standardized frameworks for communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a unified and standardized language, as well as a working structure, for the description of health and health-related states. This paper aims to describe some of the available classifications used in nursing practice and to identify the potential value provided by the application of the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by all healthcare professionals. With this purpose, a concept analysis was conducted. The relevant nursing classifications were analyzed and related evidence on the use of ICF classification was reviewed to provide a discussion on the application of ICF in nursing practice. The use of ICF could be beneficial in different areas of nursing practice, as it provides a more comprehensive framework to classify nursing outcomes and interventions, improving areas such as interprofessional communication and optimization of care. Although there is published evidence on the use of ICF core sets, further research is needed on this area.

This paper presents a case report of a child with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy on the right arm, with C5, C6, and C7 nerve injuries. The symptoms presented at birth and at the time of diagnosis were absence of movement in the right arm but with mobility of the fingers; internal rotation of the injured limb with elbow extension; active flexion of the wrist and fingers; and ulnar deviation of the hand. The rehabilitation plan followed the conservative approach and included different intervention strategies (passive and active mobilisation, kinesio tape, use of splints, bimanual stimulation, etc.) carried out by the occupational therapist and the physical therapist. The rehabilitation allowed the child to have a functional limb for daily activities, with bimanual motor integration and coordination; passive and active range of motion in the different joints except for pronation, sensibility, and maintained strength. In conclusion, it can be said that this case report describes a set of rehabilitation strategies that were used in the conservative treatment of a child with NBPP and the functional gains they allowed. Early intervention, parental involvement in the rehabilitation process, and continuous follow-up of the child favoured the prognosis and allowed the prevention of functional sequelae of the limb.