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Background: Physical therapy has positive results in people with tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). However, mobility and distance from rehabilitation centers limit the participation in outpatient programs. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a home exercise program on the posture and functional mobility of people with TSP. Methods: A randomized controlled trial comparing three groups of people who performed guided exercises from a guidebook for six months: supervised (SG), unsupervised (WG), and control (CG). Primary outcomes: postural angles (SAPO®) and functional mobility (TUG). Secondary outcomes: gait parameters (CVMob®). Results: The protocol described in the guidebook improved postural angles and functional mobility. There were also positive gait parameter effects (p<0.05). SG presented better responses than WG did, but both were preferable to CG. Conclusion: Home exercises oriented by a guidebook may benefit posture, functional mobility and gait parameters in people with TSP, and physiotherapist supervision can ensure better results.

HTLV-1 creates a chronic health condition that involves moderate to severe pain with a negative impact on quality of life (QoL). There is no consensus on which attitudes to pain are more related to the worsening of QoL in HTLV-1 infected patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between QoL and multidimensional aspects of pain in patients with HTLV-1. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study included individuals diagnosed with HTLV-1. The Short Form 36 Questionnaire was used to analyze QoL, and the Brief Pain Inventory was used to assess multidimensional aspects of pain. The mean pain intensity was 4.88±3.06 on the visual pain scale, and the average impact on QoL corresponded to a loss of approximately 40%. Moderate to high correlations between pain intensity and all domains of QoL were observed and compared reaction attitudes for general activity, mood, ability to walk, ability to work, relationships, sleep, and ability to enjoy life (r>0.40; p<0.05). Moderate correlations were found between all domains of QoL, pain intensity, and reactive attitudes to pain. The greatest pain intensity impacts involved difficulty to walk and to work, and interpersonal relationships in the emotional aspect of QoL.

Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) causes, among other abnormalities, chronic pain that may impair quality of life (QOL). Home protocols can help those who have difficulty attending rehabilitation centers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a home-based exercise protocol on pain and QOL in people with HAM/TSP. Methods: A randomized clinical trial of people with HAM/TSP (World Health Organization criteria) classified as probable or definite. The supervised group (SG) underwent training for 12 weeks and continued the protocol at home for another 12 weeks; the unsupervised group (UG) performed the same protocol at home without physical therapist supervision for 24 weeks; and the control group (CG) maintained the usual care. QOL was assessed by the Short Form-36 health survey and the pain condition by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The Chi-square, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman tests (5% alpha) were used for the analyses. The intention-to-treat method was adopted in case of follow-up losses. Record number RBR-849jyv/ UTN: U1111-1176-2858. Results: Of 56 participants, 49 completed the protocol. Mean pain was moderately reduced (>30%) in the UG and CG and mildly reduced (20%) in the SG. Loss in the vitality score of QOL in the CG was noted. Conclusions: The protocol generated mild and moderate pain relief and reduced losses in the functional QOL in the treatment groups.

Objectives:The aim of this survey was to delineate the profile of patients with HTLV-1 associated with HAM/TSP. Methods:This was cross-sectionalconducted at the HTLV Center of "EscolaBahiana de Medicina e SaúdePública,Bahia",Brazil,30 volunteerswith HAM / TSP werepairedwith 30 healthysubjects, whounderwent a postural evaluationbymeansof a Postural Assessment Software (SAPO®).Results:A trend characterized by postural projection of the trunk forward or backward, forward displacement of the body, bending the knees and ankle angle reduction was noted.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that there is a posture typical of the HAM/TSP patient which manifests itself with changes in the sagittal plane.