The impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with spina bifida

Author(s)

Estevam, Ester da Silva ; Franco, Camila Scarpino Barboza ; Martins, Emanuela Juvenal ; Petian-Alonso, Danila Cristina ; Cruz, Karoliny Lisandra Teixeira ; Mattiello-Sverzut, Ana Claudia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SPINAL CORD SERIES AND CASES; v. 10, n. 1, p. 5-pg., 2024-08-19.

Abstract

Study designRetrospective and cross-sectional study.ObjectivesThe study aimed to carry out telemonitoring to identify the impact of the pandemic on physical and functional disabilities in children and adolescents with SB, as reported by their caregivers, and to investigate adherence to a teleservice.SettingHospital das Cl & iacute;nicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeir & atilde;o Preto da Universidade de S & atilde;o Paulo (HCFMRP-USP).MethodsRetrospective and cross-sectional study. Fifty-three patients with SB (mean age 12.0 (4.0) years; 23 males) participated in the telemonitoring. A questionnaire - 'Health management, health conditions, rehabilitation, interest in teleservice, and the well-being of the main caregiver' - investigated the clinical impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Only three caregivers participated in the teleservice (video call).ResultsAccording to telemonitoring, 62% of the patients discontinued physiotherapy sessions, and 69% reported needing adjustments in locomotion devices. The main complaints were muscle weakness and pain.ConclusionWe monitored general health and identified demands related to physical rehabilitation using telemonitoring in 42.4% of children and adolescents with SB monitored at the HCFMRP-USP. Telemonitoring and teleservice may be methods used for monitoring health conditions in patients with SB. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/17596-4 - Aerobic capacity, muscle strength and power of children and adolescents with chronic disease: characterization and treatment
• Grantee: Ana Cláudia Mattiello-Sverzut
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants