Background Previous studies have explored the correlates of behavioural and autonomic regulation of response to sensory stimuli in children; however, a comprehensive review of such relationship is lacking. This systematic review was performed to critically appraise the current evidence on such relationship and describe the methods used in these studies. Methods Online databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed, full-text articles in the English language between 1999 and 2016, initially screened by title and abstract, and appraised and synthesized by two independent review authors. Results Fourteen Level III-3 cross-sectional studies were included for systematic review, among which six studies explored the relationship between behaviour and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli. Three studies reported significant positive weak correlations among ASD children; however, no correlations were found in typically developing children. Methodological differences related to individual differences among participants, measures used, and varied laboratory experimental setting were noted. Conclusion This review suggests inconclusive evidence supporting the relationship between behavioural and physiological regulation of responses to sensory stimuli among children. Methodological differences may likely have confounded the results of the current evidence. We present methodological recommendations to address this matter for future researches. This trial is registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42016043887.

Background: Increased falls rate in older adults may be due to a declining level of physical activity. However, there is currently no local assessment tool to assess the physical activity of older adults in the Philippines. Purpose: The objectives of the study were to: (1) translate the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in Filipino (PASE-F); (2) establish the validity and equivalency of PASE-F version; and (3) determine the association between physical activity level and fall history in older adults living in the community. Methods: Standard translation procedure was followed. Qualitative analysis and appropriate revisions were done based on the comments of three health professionals in geriatric care. Equivalency was analyzed using two-sample t-test with equal variances, and Spearman Rho. The association of physical activity with fall history was established using simple logistic regression. Results: 310 (62.3% females) community-dwelling older adults, with mean age 68 ±6.5, from Manila, Philippines participated. The validated PASE-F and the original PASE were equivalent with a p-value of 0.84, and Spearman's Rho of >0.05. No significant association was found between PASE-F scores and fall history, p-value = 0.16, 95% CI [1, 1.004]. Fallers show non-significantly higher PASE-F scores compared to non-fallers. Conclusion: PASE-F is a valid and equivalent translation of the original PASE. However, obtained PASE-F scores did not show association with a history of falls. Prospective studies may be done to determine the predictive value of PASE-F scores in the incidence of falls.

Introduction: The purpose of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to protect workers from risks and hazards detrimental to their health and safety. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is currently one of the most significant occupational health outcomes to physical therapists (PTs). However, minimal studies have been conducted on the experiences and OSH practices of PTs during the pandemic. This study, therefore, aims to understand the experiences of clinical PTs in Metro Manila, Philippines during the pandemic and to explore their OSH practices and responses to presenting occupational hazards. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, maximum variation purposeful sampling was used in recruiting 12 participants. Data was gathered through one-to-one semi-structured online interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and recorded with audio and video. Coding was done in Google Sheets during data analysis. Emerging themes were identified using thematic inductive analysis. Results: After identifying 98 codes through transcripts of the interviews, 3 themes emerged: Period of Uncertainty, Period of Adjustment, and Period of Hopeful Prospect. Discussion: The Period of Uncertainty describes the time of surges of COVID-19 cases and series of lockdowns with minimal established protocols resulting in the challenges in the delivery of services and to the overall well-being of physical therapists. The Period of Adjustment was initiated by nationwide vaccination programs resulting in strengthening of OSH protocols. The Period of Hopeful Prospect describes the implications of the situation to both the PTs and the profession. The OSH practices of PTs varied with each period as changes occurred to their overall perceptions towards the pandemic and their personal health and safety. Findings can be considered in future formulation of OSH guidelines for potential outbreaks of infectious diseases within the practice of physical therapy.

Background: The Friedrich Short Form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (QRS-F) is a tool that measures stress levels of parents of children with disabilities. Objectives: The objectives of this study are 1) To translate and culturally adapt the QRS-F for use by Filipino parents and other caregivers of children with disability in the Philippines, and 2) To establish its psychometric properties. Methods: The tool underwent the process of translation & cross-cultural adaptation with the following steps: 1) face & content validation, 2) translation and equivalence and 3) pilot study of the pre-final QRS-F. Convenience sampling was performed to select sixty Filipino parents and other caregivers of children with disability enrolled in special education schools and thirty Filipino parents and other caregivers of typically developing children enrolled in regular schools, all located in Metro Manila. Results: A translated, and culturally adapted QRS-F was developed and was found to have good reliability and construct (known group) validity. Conclusion: The QRS-F is a culturally valid tool that can be used to measure the stress levels of Filipino parents and other caregivers of children with disability.

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