Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder in which dopaminergic loss occurs in the basal nuclei region. One major complaint associated with PD is upper extremity motor deficits (UE), frequently reported in difficulties to perform activities of daily living (ADL), which may negatively affect quality of life. In recent years new technologies have emerged to assist the UE rehabilitation process in PD, such as virtual reality. Therefore, this study sought to verify the effects of an intervention in the UE with semi-immersive virtual reality equipment on ADLs and quality of life of individuals with PD. Six individuals with PD were selected for intervention, and evaluated by the Mini Mental State Examination, the Hoehn & Yahr Scale, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and the test d’évaluation des membres supérieurs de personnes âgées (TEMPA). The interventions lasted 27 minutes per session, twice per week, for 5 weeks, using the Leap Motion Controller. Individuals showed improvement in muscle strength, muscle endurance, ADLs, and quality of life, all statistically significant. In conclusion, the protocol based on virtual reality applied to the upper limbs effectively improved the activities of daily living and quality of life in individuals with PD.

RESUMO A doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma desordem neurodegenerativa na qual ocorre a perda dopaminérgica na região dos núcleos da base. Uma das principais queixas associadas à DP são os déficits motores dos membros superiores (MMSS) frequentemente relatados em dificuldades para realizar as atividades de vida diária (AVDs), podendo interferir negativamente na qualidade de vida. Nos últimos anos novas tecnologias surgiram para auxiliar no processo de reabilitação dos MMSS na DP, sendo a realidade virtual uma delas. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos de uma intervenção nos MMSS com equipamento de realidade virtual semi-imersiva nas AVDs e na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com DP. Foram selecionados seis indivíduos com DP para intervenção, avaliados por meio do miniexame do estado mental, da escala de Hoehn e Yahr, da escala unificada de avaliação para a DP (UPDRS), do questionário sobre a doença de Parkinson (PDQ-39) e do test d’évaluation des membres supérieurs de personnes âgées (Tempa). Seis sujeitos foram submetidos à intervenção com duração de 27 minutos por sessão, duas vezes na semana, por cinco semanas, utilizando o Leap Motion Controller. Obteve-se melhora na força muscular, na resistência muscular, nas AVDs e na qualidade de vida, todos com significância estatística. Dessa forma, verificou-se que o protocolo baseado em realidade virtual aplicada nos MMSS foi eficaz para melhorar as AVDs e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com DP deste estudo.

Introduction Primary headaches are highly prevalent neurological disorders and represent a global public health issue, with a significant impact on functionality and quality of life. Despite this, studies indicate that a considerable portion of sufferers, especially those with migraine, remain without a formal diagnosis, which hinders adequate clinical management. In this context, understanding the epidemiological profile at regional levels is essential. Objective Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the profile of patients presenting with headache complaints at a specialized neurology center in Vale do Taquari (Lajeado/RS), to support healthcare strategies for this population. Methods Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study based on the review of medical records from a specialized clinical center in Vale do Taquari, Rio Grande do Sul. Patients aged 18 years or older, attended for primary headache complaints between August 2017 and February 2024 were included. Sociodemographic, clinical (ICHD-3 diagnosis), and treatment variables were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results The sample consisted of 111 patients, with a mean age of 48 years and a predominance of females (n=91, 82%). Most self-identified as white (n=96, 87%), and (n=18, 35%) had a low level of education (5 to 8 years). The most prevalent diagnosis was migraine without aura (n=54, 48.6%), followed by cervicogenic headache (n=22, 19.8%) and tension-type headache (n=17, 15.3%). Neurological examination abnormalities were detected in some patients, mainly in cranial nerves and sensory function. Magnetic resonance imaging was the most requested imaging exam (n=51, 45.9%). Acute treatment was predominantly monotherapy, with common analgesics being the most prescribed. Prophylaxis was instituted in 74 (66.4%) of cases, mainly with tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers. Conclusion This study allowed the characterization of the clinical and sociodemographic profiles of patients presenting with headache complaints at a specialized center in Vale do Taquari, highlighting a predominance of females, a mean age of 48 years, and a higher prevalence of migraine without aura. A high rate of imaging requests was observed, not always aligned with guidelines, as well as predominant use of common analgesics for acute treatment and tricyclic antidepressants and beta-blockers for prophylaxis.

ObjectiveThis article presents the protocol for the Brazilian Headache Registry (REBRACEF), the first national registry designed to systematically collect real-world data on patients with primary and secondary headaches at specialized centers in Brazil. The main objective is to describe the methods for patient selection, the registry infrastructure, data collection, and the standardized instruments used.MethodologyREBRACEF is a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study conducted in real-world settings.Expected resultsThis protocol aims to standardize and enable the structuring of the registry, allowing its implementation in other centers across Brazil. It also ensures external feasibility by establishing a robust framework that can be replicated in other national and international healthcare institutions.ConclusionThe registry protocol provides a standardized framework for the collection of real-world data on patients with primary and secondary headaches, facilitating the improvement of headache management and research in Brazil.

What are the main findings?Migraine care in Italy is characterized by a mismatch between healthcare resource utilization and clinical needs, with limited primary-care involvement, repeated specialist consultations, and healthcare nomadism.Healthcare resource utilization is substantial, including extensive diagnostic testing—predominantly brain imaging—as well as emergency department visits, detoxification cycles, and repeated access to headache centers.