ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3991-0699
Current Organisation
University of Technology Sydney
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-08-2023
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2020
Abstract: Unilateral neglect is a debilitating condition that can occur after stroke and can affect a variety of domains and modalities, including proprioception. Proprioception is a sensorimotor process essential to motor function and is thus important to consider in unilateral neglect. To date, there has not been a comprehensive review of studies examining the various aspects of proprioceptive impairment in unilateral neglect after stroke. This review aimed to determine if people with unilateral neglect have more severe proprioceptive impairments than those without unilateral neglect after stroke. The MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to September 2019 using an a priori search strategy. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts, and extracted data from the included full texts. A third reviewer resolved disagreements at each step. Risk of bias was assessed using the AXIS Quality Assessment tool. A total of 191 abstracts were identified, with 56 eligible for full-text screening. A total of 18 studies were included in the review and provided evidence that people with unilateral neglect have more severe proprioceptive impairment than people without unilateral neglect. This impairment is present in multiple subtypes of unilateral neglect and aspects of proprioception. Most studies had a moderate risk of bias. People with unilateral neglect after stroke are more likely to have impaired processing of multiple types of proprioceptive information than those without unilateral neglect. However, the available evidence is limited by the large heterogeneity of assessment tools used to identify unilateral neglect and proprioception. Unilateral neglect and proprioception were rarely assessed comprehensively. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42018086070.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 05-2017
Abstract: The aim of this study was to review the literature about the effects of activity-based therapy (ABT) interventions on mobility, functional independence, and quality of life for people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials was performed, including adults with a non-progressive SCI at any level. The intervention of interest was ABT, defined as any intervention that sought to improve muscle activation or sensory function below the level of injury in the spinal cord and does not rely on compensatory mechanisms for improving function. The comparison was either no intervention or conventional physical interventions targeted to regions above the level of injury. The outcome measures were quality-of-life questionnaires, mobility assessments, and functional independence scales. Nineteen trials were included in this systematic review. Three compared ABT to no intervention and 16 to conventional physical rehabilitation. The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the PEDro scale as moderate. Six studies investigated the effects of ABT interventions for the upper limbs, 11 investigated gait-related interventions, and two applied multi-modal interventions. Compared with no intervention, the meta-analysis found that ABT was not more effective for improving independence or lower limb mobility, but conferred a large positive effect on upper limb function. Compared with conventional physical interventions, there was no significant effect of ABT on lower limb mobility, independence, or quality of life however, it had positive effects on upper limbs. In conclusion, there is evidence that ABT can improve independence and functional ability when applied to the upper limbs in people with SCI. However, it is not superior to conventional physical interventions when applied to the lower limbs.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2021-054875
Abstract: Meta-research. To compare the prevalence of reporting p values, effect estimates and clinical relevance in physiotherapy randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in the years 2000 and 2018. We performed a meta-research study of physiotherapy RCTs obtained from six major physiotherapy peer-reviewed journals that were published in the years 2000 and 2018. We searched the databases Embase, Medline and PubMed in May 2019, and extracted data on the study characteristics and whether articles reported on statistical significance, effect estimates and confidence intervals for baseline, between-group, and within-group differences, and clinical relevance. Data were presented using descriptive statistics and inferences were made based on proportions. A 20% difference between 2000 and 2018 was regarded as a meaningful difference. We found 140 RCTs: 39 were published in 2000 and 101 in 2018. Overall, there was a high prevalence ( %) of reporting p values for the main (between-group) analysis, with no difference between years. Statistical significance testing was frequently used for evaluating baseline differences, increasing from 28% in 2000 to 61.4% in 2018. The prevalence of reporting effect estimates, CIs and the mention of clinical relevance increased from 2000 to 2018 by 26.6%, 34% and 32.8% respectively. Despite an increase in use in 2018, over 40% of RCTs failed to report effect estimates, CIs and clinical relevance of results. The prevalence of using p values remains high in physiotherapy research. Although the proportion of reporting effect estimates, CIs and clinical relevance is higher in 2018 compared to 2000, many publications still fail to report and interpret study findings in this way.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2019
Abstract: Activity-based therapy (ABT) aims to activate the neuromuscular system below the level of the spinal cord lesion and promote recovery of motor tasks through spinal reorganisation, motor learning and changes to muscles and sensory system. We investigated the effects of a multimodal ABT program on mobility, independence and sitting balance in in iduals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Retrospective clinical data from 91 adults who independently enrolled in four community-based ABT centres in Australia were analysed. The multimodal ABT program was delivered for 3 to 12 months, one to four times per week. Assessments were undertaken every 3 months and included the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and seated reach distance (SRD). A linear mixed model analysis was used to determine time-based and other predictors of change. There was a significant improvement after 12 months for all outcome measures, with a mean change score of 4 points in the SCIM (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-5.3, d = 0.19), 2 points in the MRMI (95% CI: 1-2.3, d = 0.19) and 0.2 in the SRD (95% CI: 0.1-2.2, d = 0.52). Greater improvements occurred in the first 3 months of intervention. There were no interaction effects between time and the neurological level of injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification, or duration post-injury for most outcomes. A community-based ABT exercise program for people with SCI can lead to small improvements in mobility, independence and balance in sitting, with greater improvements occurring early during intervention.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPHYS.2014.11.015
Abstract: After stroke, is walking training with cueing of cadence superior to walking training alone in improving walking speed, stride length, cadence and symmetry? Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised or controlled trials. Adults who have had a stroke. Walking training with cueing of cadence. Four walking outcomes were of interest: walking speed, stride length, cadence and symmetry. This review included seven trials involving 211 participants. Because one trial caused substantial statistical heterogeneity, meta-analyses were conducted with and without this trial. Walking training with cueing of cadence improved walking speed by 0.23 m/s (95% CI 0.18 to 0.27, I(2)=0%), stride length by 0.21 m (95% CI 0.14 to 0.28, I(2)=18%), cadence by 19 steps/minute (95% CI 14 to 23, I(2)=40%), and symmetry by 15% (95% CI 3 to 26, random effects) more than walking training alone. This review provides evidence that walking training with cueing of cadence improves walking speed and stride length more than walking training alone. It may also produce benefits in terms of cadence and symmetry of walking. The evidence appears strong enough to recommend the addition of 30 minutes of cueing of cadence to walking training, four times a week for 4 weeks, in order to improve walking in moderately disabled in iduals with stroke. PROSPERO (CRD42013005873).
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41393-021-00722-5
Abstract: Cross-sectional study. To compare cardiac autonomic modulation of in iduals with spinal cord injury (SCI) that practice different amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and able-bodied controls at rest and during a non-immersive Virtual Reality task. Athletes with SCI of wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair handball, WCMX (wheelchair motocross), and para-swimming were assessed at the Faca na Cadeira Institute, ICEL and Clube Espéria in São Paulo, Brazil non-athletes with SCI and able-bodied controls were assessed at the Acreditando Centro de Recuperação Neuromotora, São Paulo, Brazil. One-hundred forty-five in iduals were assessed: 36 athletes with traumatic SCI (41.1 ± 16.8 years old), 52 non-athletes with traumatic SCI (40.2 ± 14.1 years old), and 57 able-bodied in iduals (39.4 ± 12.5 years old). Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) measured in the sitting position at rest and during a VR game activity. We found significantly more favourable HRV for athletes with SCI when compared to non-athletes with SCI, but no differences between athletes with SCI and able-bodied controls. In addition, athletes and able-bodied controls showed adequate autonomic nervous system (ANS) adaptation (rest versus physical activity in VR), i.e., they experienced parasympathetic withdrawal during VR physical activity, which was not found in non-athletes with SCI. The practice of moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with healthier cardiac autonomic modulation in adults with SCI, which may lead to more favourable health outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04618003, retrospectively registered.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 12-12-2022
DOI: 10.3389/IJPH.2022.1605235
Abstract: Objectives: This study described leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for people in Australia with spinal cord injury (SCI) and whether certain sociodemographic and psychosocial variables might be associated with LTPA uptake and guidelines adherence. Methods: The Physical Activity Scale for In iduals with a Physical Disability was used to measure the intensity and volume of LTPA of 1,579 in iduals with SCI. Summary statistics were calculated for LTPA guidelines adherence. Analyses included regression modelling. Results: Of the 1,579 participants, 58% performed LTPA and 13% adhered to recommended guidelines for weekly LTPA. There was an association with being an “exerciser” based on the time since injury (OR = 1.02 [95% 1.01–1.03]), a traumatic injury (OR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.13–2.08]) and a higher self-rating of health (OR = 1.10 [95% CI 0.95–1.27]). Where LTPA guidelines were met, adherence was most related to a traumatic injury (OR = 1.75 [95% CI 1.02–3.02]) and being unemployed (OR = 1.53 [95% CI 1.03–2.25]). Conclusion: Of those who performed LTPA with SCI, one in four met population-specific LTPA guidelines. Sociodemographic variables were moderately associated with being an “exerciser” or LTPA “guideline-adherent.”
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-10-2023
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-09-2023
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 11-2019
Abstract: The number of systematic reviews on the effects of exercise on aerobic fitness and muscle strength in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) has recently increased. However, the results of some of these reviews are inconclusive or inconsistent. To strengthen recommendations, this overview was undertaken to assimilate evidence about the effectiveness of different types of physical activities, exercises, and therapeutic interventions for improving aerobic fitness and muscle strength in people with SCI. Cochrane Overview of reviews methods were adopted to undertake this overview. An online search was conducted in August 2018 on eight databases based on predefined search criteria. Potential systematic reviews were screened, selected, and assessed on methodological quality by two independent authors, and discussed and resolved with a third author, when necessary. Only systematic reviews published in the English language were included. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO. Overall, 16 systematic reviews were included (aerobic fitness,
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-03-2015
DOI: 10.1038/SC.2015.48
Abstract: A systematic review. The aim of this systematic review was to establish whether combined aerobic training and muscle strength training is effective in improving aerobic fitness, muscle strength, function and/or quality of life (QoL) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Faculty of Health Sciences. University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials, uncontrolled clinical trials, case series and cross-over studies involving exercise interventions that included a combination of aerobic and strength components, either in circuit-mode or in sequence for people with SCI. Methodological quality was independently rated using the PEDro scale and key findings were extracted from trials by two reviewers. The search identified 7981 abstracts, from which nine trials met the inclusion criteria. From the nine selected trials, seven reported aerobic outcomes, two of which showed a statistically significant within-group difference in aerobic fitness. Five studies reported muscle strength outcomes, four of them showed a statistically significant within-group mean difference on at least one outcome measure. Two studies looked at QoL, one of them found a statistically significant between-group difference on one outcome measure. Our systematic review showed that literature on SCI population is scarce, of low quality and findings of existing studies are inconsistent. Thus, further RCTs with larger number of participants are needed to make a definite conclusion about the influence of combined aerobic and muscle strength training on aerobic fitness, muscle strength and QoL in people with SCI.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-04-2022
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1913246
Abstract: This research sought to translate and culturally adapt the content of the original Physical Activity Recall Assessment for People with Spinal Cord Injury (PARA-SCI) into the Thai language and to assess its inter- and intra-rater reliability. This study was ided into two parts (i) translation and cross-cultural adaptation, using a six-step guideline-based translation-validation process and (ii) reliability assessment of the translated survey tool using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plots and one-way ANOVA analyses. The Thai-PARA-SCI was successfully developed. The results revealed an excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI range from 0.959-0.999) and the Bland-Altman plots showed little difference in times spent engaged physical activity. Intra-rater reliability results were affected inadvertently by testing across an unusual period, demonstrating poor to moderate scores (ICC ranged from 0.05-0.69, 95% CI ranged from -0.067-0.830) with the Bland-Altman plots showing very different ranges of time spent on physical activity. This study achieved its aims of culturally and systematically translating the English PARA-SCI interview script into the Thai version with excellent scores for inter-rater reliability and was proven to be understandable by prospective users (Thai-PT) and participants (Thai-SCI).Implications for RehabilitationA robust cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the Physical Activity Recall Assessment for people with Spinal Cord Injury (PARA-SCI) into the Thai context has been undertaken, providing an effective exemplar for converting patient reported health outcome measures between languages of different root origins.When using the PARA-SCI as a pre- and post-intervention outcomes survey, clinicians should ensure that the timing of interview administration does not coincide with any unintended alterations in work-life balance, to ensure that the data are representative of the habitual physical activity levels performed by participants in their daily lives.Due to the possibility that physical activity levels could vary day-by-day or week-to-week, using the same day measurement findings may be a more reliable way to deploy the PARA-SCI than repeated assessments week(s) apart.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2023
Publisher: AME Publishing Company
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.21037/JSS-21-109
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-09-2022
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1979665
Abstract: This study sought to (i) investigate the proportion of Thai in iduals with spinal cord injury (Thai-SCI) who met SCI-specific physical activity (PA) guidelines, (ii) describe PA and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Thai-SCI across different sociodemographic strata, and, (iii) measure the variance in HRQOL associated with the intensity and volume of leisure-time physical activities (LTPA). Two surveys, measuring PA and HRQOL, were used in this study. Descriptive analysis, parametric and non-parametric tests for comparing two or more groups were used to analyse the data. The relationship between PA levels and HRQOL scores was investigated using Spearman's correlation coefficients. All statistical significance level in this study were set to alpha < 0.05. From the 200 participants, 14.5% met aerobic, 20.5% met strength training and 13.5% met both aerobic and strength training SCI-specific PA guidelines. Sedentary Thai-SCI accounted for 49% of the study s le. Thai-SCI spent 132.0 ± 254.3 (mean ± SD) minutes per week on moderate-to-heavy intensity LTPA. Average Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS scores) of Thai-SCI were 42.3 ± 7.6 and 49.3 ± 8.4 (mean ± SD), respectively. Increases in average LTPA of moderate-to-heavy intensities were weakly correlated with increases in PCS scores and its sub-domains ( The average time spent on moderate-to-heavy intensity ADLs and LTPA were below SCI-specific PA guidelines and the WHO global recommendations for PA. The proportion of Thai-SCI who were sedentary was high, suggesting immediate action and implementation of strategies to promote PA for Thai-SCI.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe proportion of Thai people with spinal cord injury with a sedentary lifestyle was high.Healthcare providers in Thailand must engage to a greater degree in health-related physical activity promotion to effectively deliver physical activity and exercise knowledge to their clients with spinal cord injury.Likely, structured programs of physical activity and exercise deployed by healthcare professionals with the appropriate knowledge and skills might reverse the current trend to sedentary lifestyle in this population.Interventions to improve participation in physical activity and health-related quality of life should be tailored to the in idual needs of Thai in iduals with a spinal cord injury and might be better delivered seperately.
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 22-07-2019
DOI: 10.1101/710921
Abstract: Proprioceptive impairment is a potential contributing factor to the clinical presentation of Unilateral Neglect (UN), a common and debilitating condition that can occur after stroke. To date there has not been a comprehensive review of studies examining the various aspects of proprioception in UN after stroke. To determine if the presence of UN is associated with more severe proprioceptive deficit in stroke affected populations. The MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 2019 using an a priori search strategy. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Two reviewers then independently extracted data from each full text. A third reviewer resolved disagreements at each step. Risk of bias was assessed using the AXIS Quality Assessment tool. For full protocol see PROSPERO, registration number CRD42018086070. One-hundred and sixty-seven abstracts were identified, of which fifty-four were eligible for full text screening. A total of 18 papers were included in the review. More severe proprioceptive deficit is associated with the presence of UN after stroke. However, the available evidence is limited by the large heterogeneity of assessment of both UN and proprioception, and level of study quality. UN and proprioception are seldom completely assessed in research, and it is likely this is true in everyday clinical practice.
No related grants have been discovered for Camila Quel de Oliveira.