Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-05-01"
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- Effects of combining shockwaves or radiofrequency with Aerobic Exercise on subcutaneous adipose tissue and lipid mobilizationPublication . Marques, Leila; Neves, Joana; Pereira, Ana; Santiago, Ana; Troia, Sara; Vilarinho, Rui; Amorim, Maria Manuela; Noites, Andreia; Noites, Andreia; Vilarinho, RuiReducing abdominal subcutaneous fat is a common concern among women, with evidence suggesting that combining aerobic exercise with external shock waves or radiofrequency may enhance fat reduction. This study aimed to assess the effects of six sessions of external shock wave therapy or radiofrequency combined with an aerobic exercise program on abdominal subcutaneous fat and lipid mobilization, compared to the effects of an aerobic exercise program alone. Thirty-one women (aged 18–60) were randomly assigned to three groups: EG1 (shockwave therapy + aerobic exercise), EG2 (radiofrequency + aerobic exercise), and CG (aerobic exercise only). Body composition measures, mean temperature, adipose tissue thickness, lipid profile, and glycerol and interleukin-6 levels were assessed before and after intervention. A significant decrease in the EG groups compared to the CG was observed in the subcutaneous abdominal thickness (p < 0.001, effect size of η 2p = 0.446) and waist–hip ratio (p ≤ 0.001, effect size of η 2p = 0.408). No significant changes were verified in the levels of lipolytic activity, lipid profile, and interleukine-6. Six sessions of shockwave or radiofrequency therapy combined with aerobic exercise reduced subcutaneous fat thickness and improved hip–waist ratio more effectively than aerobic exercise alone, without affecting lipid mobilization by changes in lipid profile, lipolytic activity, or interleukin-6 levels.
- Development of a pandemic resilience competence model for healthcare professionals—individual and organisational aspectsPublication . Lorenzoni, Nina; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Wimmer, Daniela; Simbrig, Ines; Simbrig, Ines; Moscon, Veronica; Carnelli, Fabio; Sulkowski, Nadine; Malaka, Elohor Pamela; Schober, Paul; Michel, Katharina; Sá, Vítor J.; Raich, Margit; Sá, Vítor J.; Simões de Almeida, RaquelThe COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of resilience and adaptability at both individual and organisational levels in navigating unprecedented challenges. This study introduces a novel Pandemic Resilience Competence Model, a framework that articulates eight key competences each for individuals and organisations to enhance preparedness and response in pandemic scenarios. Employing a qualitative approach, the research identifies the essential skills and organisational capacities required to mitigate the impacts of pandemics. Using 50 semi-structured interviews with professionals and managers working in healthcare services in Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal and the United Kingdom, the model provides actionable insights for implementing processes to improve preparedness and response in pandemic scenarios for stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and organisational leaders. Findings highlight the interdependence of individual and organisational competences, reinforcing the need for integrated strategies to build pandemic resilience. The conclusions advocate for embedding the competences within training and development initiatives, aiming to enhance collective readiness for future global health crises.
- Rural rehabilitation disparities and strengthening strategies: umbrella reviewPublication . Ayres, Stephanie Nicole; Monteiro, Pedro C.; Doyle, Nancy; Morrow, Corey; Jesus, Tiago S.; Costa Monteiro, Pedro"Rural residents with disabilities often experience healthcare disparities versus urban counterparts. To meta-synthesize the rural rehabilitation disparities, including access barriers, and the strategies for improving rehabilitation access for rural underserved populations. Methods: Umbrella review of the contemporary (2015-2024), English-language reviews focused on rural rehabilitation service-delivery gaps or strategies for adults or children with disabilities, with no country restrictions. Six scientific databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PDQ-Evidence, REHABdata) were searched, supplemented by snowballing. Two independent reviewers performed full-text assessments and quality appraisals of the systematic reviews on intervention effects, using the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2. Of the 530 records identified, 366 were unique references and 16 reviews were finally included, including 8 systematic reviews, two of them with meta-analyses. The 16 reviews included collectively synthesized information from 484 studies. Rural rehabilitation-access disparities were identified. For instance, those derived from supply shortages in low-density markets, workforce recruiting and retention issues, long travel requirements and costs, waiting times or low intervention intensity, and generalist versus specialist skills of the therapist workforce. Rural rehabilitation strengthening strategies were also identified. These include telehealth service options – benefits and challenges; outreach, home and community-centered approaches; navigator programs; and finally, task-sharing with (remote) specialist support. This umbrella review provides a meta-synthesis of the issues affecting equitable access to rehabilitation by rural populations and of the strengthening strategies to address those disparities. Alone or combined, these strategies might be tailored to and with local communities and interested parties for effective co-implementation."