Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological cognitive interventions on working memory (WM) in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Given WM's critical role in cognitive functioning and its predictive value for daily activities, this meta-analysis focuses on assessing the effectiveness of various interventions to enhance WM in MCI patients.Method: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SID until March 2024.Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials assessing non-pharmacological cognitive interventions on working memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment.Effect sizes were calculated using the Standardized Mean Difference (Hedges' g), and heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistic with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA2).Results: From 1,509 identified studies, 27 met the inclusion criteria, and 7 were eligible for meta-analysis.Cognitive interventions, particularly digital-based programs, showed significant improvements in working memory.The effect size was moderate (0.456, p < 0.05) with low to moderate heterogeneity (I = 35%).Risk of bias was generally low, supporting the reliability of findings.Cognitive interventions show significant potential in enhancing WM among individuals with MCI.Our meta-analysis reveals a moderate effect size, supporting the efficacy of nonpharmacological approaches.Cognitive interventions may serve as a valuable tool for delaying cognitive decline.Future research should investigate optimal intervention strategies and long-term effects to maximize cognitive benefits.

Introduction: Urological physiotherapy is an effective treatment for lower urinary tract disorders incurred by radical prostatectomy (RP), which significantly impair quality of life.The present study evaluates pelvic floor muscle function in patients who have undergone RP using ultrasound; it also analyses the factors impacting the effectiveness of urological physiotherapy.Material and methods: The medical records of 42 patients who underwent physiotherapy before RP were subjected to retrospective analysis.All received a standard examination of pelvic floor function utilizing ultrasound imaging and physiotherapy.Results: Thirty-six (86%) patients demonstrated an incorrect muscle reaction before physiotherapy, but fewer than 10% after physiotherapy.The median time between first consultation and radical prostatectomy was 9.3 months; this length of this period had a significant influence on the effects of physiotherapy (p < 0.01), but not on the functional state of the pelvic floor muscles (p = 0.47).Early commencement of exercises appears to increase the effectiveness of the physiotherapy.Conclusions: Ultrasound imaging is a useful tool for assessing pelvic floor muscle activity and for monitoring the correctness of the performed exercises.Ultrasound imaging should be used during physiotherapy to provide a functional diagnosis of the pelvic floor muscles.

A noticeable trend in rehabilitation is the growing use of virtual rehabilitation(VR) in musculoskeletal-related areas.Yet, despite growing interest, the levels of evidence available are insufficient to warrant its clinical use in orthopedic rehabilitation.This study intends to explore the impact of these applications in the context of orthopedic treatment.The research covers the period from 2010 to 2023, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, and Cochrane.The study design adheres to the PRISMA protocol, and the quality and risk of bias were assessed by the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-bias Tool for Randomized Trials and PEDro scale from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database.This study encompasses 12 studies, with the selected articles categorized based on balance, muscle strength, and pain.All of the selected studies achieved high methodological quality on the PEDro scale.The findings indicate that both VR-based exercise therapy and conventional therapy show promising results in determined outcomes, but VR applications typically yielded superior or comparable results to conventional treatments for balance and muscle strength.Also, VR applications were found to have roughly equivalent effects on pain as conventional treatments.The use of VR applications might be seen as an alternative to conventional approaches, depending on the primary objectives of the treatment and the specific needs and expectations of the patient.

The most common type of arthritis that alters a joint's mechanical and structural properties is osteoarthritis (OA).A new and promising non-pharmacological strategy for treating OA that has received recent attention is a combination of resistance training with blood flow restriction training (BFRT).This paper aims to identify the outcomes and outcome measures used for studying BFRT in knee OA, and to evaluate the cuff parameters and BFRT intervention used.The scoping review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement.The review was based on material from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database and PubMed.Eight studies were included.The range of outcomes used in the study were knee pain, function, strength, quadriceps cross-sectional area, quality of life, disease severity, growth hormone level, and range of motion.The included studies used interventions ranging from four to five sets of 10 to 15 repetitions at 20% to 30% of 1 repetition maximum load; progressive blood restriction ranged from 30%-80% of arterial occlusion pressure when the cuff was placed at the most proximal part of the thigh.When used with appropriate parameters, low-intensity exercise training combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) is a viable alternative to traditional strategies for improving pain, strength, muscle mass, hormone levels, functionality, range of motion, and overall quality of life among patients with knee OA.

Introduction:Severe burn injuries to the lower limbs result in reduced muscle strength, postural imbalance, limited walking ability, and diminished functional activities.This research aimed to study the impact of Pilates exercises on muscle strength, balance, and function in patients with healed lower limb burns, and determine the most effective treatment program for rehabilitation.Material and methods: Seventy-six patients with second-degree thermal burn injuries affecting the lower limbs were distributed into two equal groups.Each group underwent treatment over eight weeks (three sessions per week).Group A underwent Pilates exercises combined with a traditional physiotherapy program comprising stretching, range of motion, and strengthening exercises, while Group B underwent only the traditional physiotherapy program.Muscle strength, balance, and function were evaluated before and after the intervention using a Lafayette hand-held dynamometer (HHD), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), respectively.Results: Both groups A and B exhibited significant improvements in knee flexor and extensor strength, BBS scores, and LEFS scores (p < 0.001).However, Group A achieved greater improvements in all measurements compared to Group B (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Pilates exercises effectively enhance lower limb muscle strength, balance, and functional status during rehabilitation for patients with lower limb burns.

Introduction:The transition to higher education and the long duration of university studies have implications for students' health behaviours.They are faced with greater autonomy of choice but also with greater academic obligations that condition their behaviour.The purpose of this study is to determine which health behaviours differentiate higher education students with moderate to severe depressive symptoms from those with mild to low symptoms.Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 166 Portuguese higher education students (58.4% males).The health behaviours assessed were physical activity and sitting time through the International PA Questionnaire -Short Form (IPAQ-SF), active choices through the Active Choice Index Questionnaire, and sports practice and sleeping time through the National Dietary and Physical Activity Survey.Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.The Mann-Whitney test was used to assess gender differences in depressive symptoms.An Odds-Ratio was calculated to establish the probability of being classified with moderate to severe depressive symptoms.Results: 24.1% of students showed moderate to severe depressive symptoms.In an analysis by gender, it was found that girls spend less time sitting on average than boys (p < 0.001).Students with moderate to severe depressive symptoms show on average more sitting time (p = 0.018) and less sleep time during weekdays (p = 0.005).Conclusions: Sitting time and sleep time are health behaviours that are associated with higher depressive symptoms in higher education students.Higher education institutions are considered to play a key role in promoting health behaviours that can interfere with students' mental health.

AMA Rosa M, Graça MC, Duarte M, et al. Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Advances in Rehabilitation. 2023;37(4):41-50. doi:10.5114/areh.2023.133963. APA Rosa, M., Graça, M. C., Duarte, M., Martins, N., Sanches, L., & Silva, E. et al. (2023). Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Advances in Rehabilitation, 37(4), 41-50. https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2023.133963 Chicago Rosa, Marlene, Maria C Graça, Marta Duarte, Natália Martins, Lavínia Sanches, Elsa Silva, and Luís E Ferreira et al. 2023. "Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment". Advances in Rehabilitation 37 (4): 41-50. doi:10.5114/areh.2023.133963. Harvard Rosa, M., Graça, M., Duarte, M., Martins, N., Sanches, L., Silva, E., Ferreira, L., and Seixas, A. (2023). Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Advances in Rehabilitation, 37(4), pp.41-50. https://doi.org/10.5114/areh.2023.133963 MLA Rosa, Marlene et al. "Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment." Advances in Rehabilitation, vol. 37, no. 4, 2023, pp. 41-50. doi:10.5114/areh.2023.133963. Vancouver Rosa M, Graça M, Duarte M, Martins N, Sanches L, Silva E et al. Barriers, facilitators and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physiotherapy intervention for people with dementia or cognitive impairment. Advances in Rehabilitation. 2023;37(4):41-50. doi:10.5114/areh.2023.133963.

Introduction: Non-specific neck pain is a diagnosis that usually describes neck pain of postural and mechanical origin. This study aims to reveal the immediate effects of the application of cervical region manual therapy in patients with non-specific neck pain and to compare the effectiveness of different applications of manual therapy. Material and methods: 115 patients with non-specific neck pain were randomly divided into a manipulation/mobilization treatment group (n = 58) and a myofascial release treatment group (n = 57). A blinded assessor evaluated patients after a single application session. Before and immediately after the treatment session, the pain level was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), spinal alignment with a scoliometer, finger grip strength with a pinchmeter, and grip strength with a Jamar hand dynamometer. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the VAS (p = 0.00) right (p = 0.001) and left (p = 0.002) pinchmeter and scoliometer (p = 0.009) measurements of the individuals in the manipulation/mobilization group. A statistically significant difference was also found in the VAS (p = 0.00), Jamar right hand (p = 0.00) and scoliometer measurements (p = 0.00) of those in the myofascial treatment group. When both groups were compared, an improvement in the pinchmeter measurements was observed only in the manipulation/mobilization therapy group. Conclusions: A single session of myofascial release and manipulation/mobilization therapy has an immediate positive effects on pain, finger grip strength, spine alignment and grip strength. Manual therapy practices can be used for rapid symptom relief in patients with non-specific neck pain.