Tatiana Barcelos Pontes

Terapia ocupacional na artrite reumatoide: o que o reumatologista precisa saber?

Interventions focusing on education and self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the patient improves adherence and effectiveness of early treatment. The combination of pharmacologic and rehabilitation treatment aims to maximize the possibilities of intervention, delaying the appearance of new symptoms, reducing disability and minimizing sequelae, decreasing the impact of symptoms on patients functionality. Occupational therapy is a health profession that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by the patient, providing means for the prevention of functional limitations, adaptation to lifestyle changes and maintenance or improvement of psychosocial health. Due to the systemic nature of RA, multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary for the proper management of the impact of the disease on various aspects of life. As a member of the health team, occupational therapists objective to improve and maintaining functional capacity of the patient, preventing the progression of deformities, assisting the process of understanding and coping with the disease and providing means for carrying out the activities required for the engagement of the individual in meaningful occupations, favoring autonomy and independence in self-care activities, employment, educational, social and leisure. The objective of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the tools used for assessment and intervention in occupational therapy, focusing on the application of these principles to the treatment of patients with RA.

Differences and similarities in the occupational repertoires of children from Brazil and Canada

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many models of human occupation are predicated on the notion that environments or contexts influence occupational performance and engagement. By extension, it can be considered that contexts shape the occupations in which children engage, impacting the development of their occupational repertoires. Purpose: This paper reports the secondary analysis of data from two parallel studies that examined the influence of context on the activity patterns and occupational repertoires of children ages 5 to 12 years living in two distinct countries, Brazil and Canada. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Data were gathered using a sociodemographic questionnaire, and the occupational repertoire and activity patterns were assessed using the Pediatric Activity Card Sort (PACS). Ninety-eight children with typical development were recruited from schools and a university hospital. Descriptive statistics were used to describe children’s demographics, engagement in the specific occupations that formed their occupational repertoires, and their activity patterns. Differences on the PACS total and category scores between countries were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test. Findings: Brazilian and Canadian children presented similar activity patterns; however, Brazilian children reported doing significantly more personal care occupations while Canadian children reported doing more hobbies and sports, resulting in differences in occupational repertoires. No difference was found between countries in the productivity category. Conclusion: At a broad level, contextual influences on the occupational development of children are obscured when examining activity patterns; however, examining the specific occupations that compose children’s occupational repertoires highlights the differences across context.

Occupational therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: what rheumatologists need to know?

Abstract Interventions focusing on education and self-management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by the patient improves adherence and effectiveness of early treatment. The combination of pharmacologic and rehabilitation treatment aims to maximize the possibilities of intervention, delaying the appearance of new symptoms, reducing disability and minimizing sequelae, decreasing the impact of symptoms on patients functionality. Occupational therapy is a health profession that aims to improve the performance of daily activities by the patient, providing means for the prevention of functional limitations, adaptation to lifestyle changes and maintenance or improvement of psychosocial health. Due to the systemic nature of RA, multidisciplinary follow-up is necessary for the proper management of the impact of the disease on various aspects of life. As a member of the health team, occupational therapists objective to improve and maintaining functional capacity of the patient, preventing the progression of deformities, assisting the process of understanding and coping with the disease and providing means for carrying out the activities required for the engagement of the individual in meaningful occupations, favoring autonomy and independence in self-care activities, employment, educational, social and leisure. The objective of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the tools used for assessment and intervention in occupational therapy, focusing on the application of these principles to the treatment of patients with RA.

Differences in orthotic design for thumb osteoarthritis and its impact on functional outcomes: A scoping review.

Background: Orthoses are a well-known intervention for the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis; however, there is a multitude of orthotic designs and not enough evidence to support the efficacy of specific models. Objective: To examine the influence of different orthoses on pain, hand strength, and hand function of patients with thumb osteoarthritis. Study design: Literature review. Methods: A scoping literature review of 14 publications reporting orthotic interventions for patients with thumb osteoarthritis was conducted. Functional outcomes and measures were extracted and analyzed. Results: In total, 12 studies reported improvements in pain and hand strength after the use of thumb orthoses. Comparisons between different orthotic designs were inconclusive. Conclusion: The use of orthoses can decrease pain and improve hand function of patients with thumb osteoarthritis; however, the effectiveness of different orthoses still needs support through adequate evidence. Clinical relevance Multiple orthoses for thumb osteoarthritis are available. Although current studies support their use to improve pain and hand function, there is no evidence to support the efficacy of specific orthotic designs. Improved functional outcomes can be achieved through the use of short orthoses, providing thumb stabilization without immobilizing adjacent joints.