Relação entre depressão e desequilíbrio postural em idosos que sofreram acidente vascular encefálico

Relationship between body functions and referral to rehabilitation post-stroke

Abstract Introduction: Stroke has a high prevalence in the world’s population and a significant impact on those affected. Objective: To determine the relationship between body functions evaluated according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) parameters and the referral of post-stroke subjects to rehabilitation services in the city of João Pessoa-PB. Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study involving patients diagnosed with stroke who were affected for less than 60 months and linked to the Family Health Strategy (Estratégia de Saúde da Família - ESF). The ICF stroke core sets that identify disabilities in the body function dimension were used to construct the research instrument. Access to rehabilitation was explored using a questionnaire developed from a literature review. The statistical method of logistic regression was used to identify the disabilities in body functions that were relevant to the referral of the post-stroke subject for rehabilitation. Results: The functions that were significant (p < 0.05) were functions relating to muscle tone (OR = 2.38), functions relating to voluntary movement control (OR = 2.60), emotional functions (OR = 2.22), and sexual functions (OR = 3.92). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the presence of disability in these functions is associated with the referral of chronic phase post-stroke subjects to rehabilitation. Therefore, rehabilitation services should be organized to meet the specific requirements of treatment of the sequelae caused by stroke.

Evaluation of risk factors that contribute to falls among the elderly

Abstract Objective: to determine the incidence of falls among the elderly population of the city of Barbacena in the state of Minas Gerais, together with causal factors, circumstances and major consequences. Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed through questionnaires applied to 206 patients over the age of 60, from November 2014 to February 2015 in the city of Barbacena, in the state of Minas Gerais. Risk factors related to falls were analyzed, as well as the incidence of falls and the consequences for the lives of elderly persons. The existence of a relationship between the reporting of falls and possible risk factors was determined by the Chi-squared and Fischer's exact tests as indicated. Results: an incidence of falls of 36.41% was observed among the elderly, 45.95% of which occurred outside the home. A total of 85.71% of respondents had previously suffered strokes and 39.78% were taking medication. Among elderly persons who have fallen and suffered fractures (18.67%), 50% had suffered strokes, 50% were suffering from chronic kidney disease, and 61.54% could not perform their activities of daily living after the fall. Conclusion: it was concluded that the incidence of falls among the elderly was 36.41%, while the most correlated factors were drug use, stroke victims and people with chronic kidney disease. Among those who suffered fractures, 61.54% failed to perform activities of daily living. Preventing falls is a public health concern, and simple changes can reduce its prevalence.