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M L Cuadrado-Pérez

Publications and source records attributed to M L Cuadrado-Pérez.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Occupational therapy in neurology].

AIMS: To review the fundamentals of occupational therapy (OT) and to present its possible contributions in the field of neurological rehabilitation. DEVELOPMENT: As its name suggests, OT is a form of treatment that makes use of occupations. Furthermore, occupation is a purpose itself, since OT seeks to adapt the individual to the occupation and the occupation to the individual. The postulates on which OT rests are: 1. The occupational nature of human beings, 2. Human dignity, and 3. A dual therapeutic approach both focal and global. OT acts not only on the individual but also on the environment surrounding him or her. Neurology is one of the most important fields of application for OT, as patients suffering from neurological illnesses are often limited in their ability to perform activities of daily living. OT attempts to diminish or compensate for cognitive, perceptive or motor deficiencies so that the neurological patient may reach the highest degree of functioning and independence. Although up to now the efficiency of OT has not been evaluated in a systematic way, there are some studies that support its clinical usefulness in certain neurological disorders, such as cerebrovascular diseases, dementias and multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION: OT can increase the independence and quality of life of neurological patients. New studies are needed to prove the efficacy of OT in different disorders and to analyse its financial implications.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Posture and gait disorders and the incidence of falling in patients with Parkinson].

INTRODUCTION: Although falls are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with Parkinson's disease, studies about its incidence and predicting factors are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study involved 25 patients with PD (15 males and 10 females; age: 75.8 +/- 6.5 years). A closed survey was used to determine a retrospective record of falls during the last year. An analysis was performed to examine whether there was a relationship with Hoehn and Yahr staging, the score on the Up and Go scale or the Barthel index and with possible risk factors for falls. RESULTS: All the patients had suffered falls at some time over the last year (mean number of falls: 6.5 +/- 3.8). 56% of the falls happened during the phases of the day when patient mobility was at its highest. A significant correlation was found between the number of falls and the Hoehn and Yahr and the Up and Go scores. The number of falls was significantly higher in patients with loss of postural reflexes, the need for help in order to walk, and blockage and festination phenomena. No association was found with fear of falling, visual alterations or postural lateralisation. Association with the Barthel index and dependence for activities of daily living reached almost significant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Postural instability and disorders affecting gait appear to be the factors that give patients with PD a greater propensity to fall. Patients who present such alterations should be submitted to rehabilitation therapy aimed at preventing them from falling.

Accidental Falls↗