From Microscale to Macropractice: Microbiome, Health Literacy, Clinical Practice, and Safety

Abstract

It is with great pleasure that we present this issue of TER ISAVE, dedicated to the theme “From Microscale to Macropractice: microbiome, health literacy, clinical practice, and safety.” The works gathered here reflect the breadth and coherence of an integrated vision of health: from the invisible biology that inhabits us, to the informed behaviours that shape it, through therapeutic interventions grounded in the best evidence, and patient safety as a guiding principle.

We open with two physiotherapy studies that exemplify methodological rigor applied to seemingly simple yet clinically relevant questions. Lumini et al. explore the effects of Dynamic Tape on the gastrocnemius during the squat jump in a quasi-experimental pilot trial. Beyond the immediate outcome, this study reminds us of the importance of testing widely adopted sports-practice hypotheses with valid instruments and rigorous protocols. In the same vein, Ribeiro et al. present a pilot study on Wii™ and fall prevention, discussing the role of exergames in improving balance among older adults. In an aging population, considering motivation, adherence, and functional impact of accessible interventions is not just timely—it is necessary.

Health literacy emerges as a transversal axis. Macedo et al. examine knowledge of urinary incontinence among women practicing clinical Pilates, showing how accurate information—and its translation into behaviour—can transform outcomes and reduce stigma. The same “micro-to-macro” logic runs through two articles by Gonçalves et al. on the female genital microbiome. By bringing microbial ecology closer to health literacy, these papers underscore that sound clinical practice requires an understanding of biological ecosystems and empowering people to make informed decisions.

Patient safety, an ethical and organizational cornerstone, is addressed by two contributions at the interface of clinical care and service management. Domingues et al. investigate preventive care in older adults with diabetes in residential settings, reminding us that quality in health depends on sustained, interdisciplinary, and culturally sensitive processes. In entry no. 14, the same authors explore communication failures during nursing handovers, a topic as invisible as it is decisive. If the microbiome teaches that micro-interactions generate macro-responses, clinical safety shows that small failures create big risks—and that robust communication routines save lives.

Under review, Pereira de Abreu presents a scoping review on assessment tools and physiotherapy intervention strategies for children with Ataxia-Telangiectasia—a valuable contribution in a field where evidence is naturally scarce and synthesis is critical for decision-making.

Editorially, this issue also reflects the journal’s ongoing evolution.

We thank the authors for their trust and rigor; the reviewers for their critical demands and constructive contributions; and the technical teams for the attention to detail that ensures science reaches those who need it—clearly and usefully.

We reiterate our invitation to the community: submit original studies, reviews, implementation research, and practice reports. We value robust methods, clinically meaningful questions, and the courage to publish “negative” results—just as essential as positive ones for the maturity of any field.

From the microscale of the microbiome to the macropractice of patient safety, through health literacy and evidence-based clinical intervention, this issue reaffirms the mission of TER ISAVE: to be a meeting ground for science, practice, and society. May this reading inspire new questions, better answers, and, above all, better care.