Low-level laser therapy (904 nm) can reduce inflammatory cell migration in mice with LPS-induced peritonitis in a dose-dependent manner.

Twenty-four ICF categories were coded and qualified with the use of the SS-QOL, enabling the participation component of the ICF biopsychosocial model to be easily evaluated in clinical practice. Overall, the sample in the present study demonstrated a moderate decline in participation following a stroke and only the "social roles" domain was severely affected. The FIM was the main predictor of participation and the depression was a moderate predictor. Therefore, health professionals involved in the rehabilitation of these patients should focus on the promotion of functional independence and improvements in emotional health to optimize social participation following a stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation The Brazilian stroke individuals analyzed exhibited a moderate level of participation. Functional independence was the main predictor of participation and the occurrence of depressive symptoms was a moderate predictor. Age, sex and affected side of the body were not predictors of participation. Our findings support that twenty-four International classification of functioning, disability and health categories were coded and qualified with the use of the stroke specific quality of life. Rehabilitation of social functioning post stroke patients should be focused on the promotion of functional independence and improvement in emotional health. This study offers a participation assessment model that can facilitate the incorporation of the ICF in the clinical practice.

This study aimed to identify the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories addressed by the assessment tools commonly used in post-stroke rehabilitation and characterize patients based on its evaluation model. [Subjects and Methods] An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 35 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Handgrip strength was assessed to evaluate body functions and structures. The 10-meter gait speed test and Timed Up and Go test were administered to evaluate activity. The Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale was used to evaluate participation. Moreover, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that have associated these assessment tools with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. [Results] The tools employed in this study for evaluating function addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories: 24 related to body functions and structures; 36 related to activity and participation; and 3 related to environmental factors. [Conclusion] The assessment tools employed in this study addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories and allowed a more complete evaluation of stroke survivors with hemiparesis. Use of this classification can therefore be more easily incorporated into clinical practice.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) on activity of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) and static balance of individuals with hemiparesis stemming from stroke. [Subjects and Methods] A randomized, double-blind, crossover, clinical trial conducted with 30 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Median frequency of electrical activity of the TA were determined using electromyography in five contractions concentrics and Static balance (body sway velocity and frequency), both before and immediately after the intervention. The participants were submitted to four 20-minute intervention protocols with 48-hour interval: anodal tDCS + sham FES; sham tDCS + active FES; anodal tDCS + active FES and sham tDCS + sham FES. Anodal tDCS was administered over C3 or C4, the cathode was positioned in the supraorbital region on the contralateral side and FES was administered to the affected TA. [Results] No significant differences among the protocols were found regarding electrical activity of the TA and static balance. [Conclusion] The results demonstrate that tDCS alone or in combination with FES had no immediate effect on electrical activity of the TA and static balance of the 30 individuals analyzed.

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