Photobiomodulation effect in tumoral necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) on the viability of random skin flap in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of red laser (660 nm) photobiomodulation (PBM) with different energies on tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) expression for random skin flap viability in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham group (SG), PBM laser group with an energy dose of 0.29 J (0.29G), and PBM laser group with an energy dose of 7.30 J (7.30G). A cranially based dorsal skin flap measuring 10 × 4 cm was raised and a plastic barrier was placed between the flap and its bed. PBM was applied in 3 timepoints: in the immediate postoperative period, in the 1st and in the 2nd postoperative days; the animals were euthanized on the 7th postoperative day. The assessments included: TNF-α expression of 3 different flap areas (proximal, medial and distal), by immunohistochemistry; percentage of skin flap necrosis area, by the paper template method. The statistical analysis was performed through the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, the level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). TNF-α expression was significantly lower for 7.30G in the proximal area, reduced for SG in the medial point, and larger for 7.30G in the distal area. The percentage of flap necrosis area was significantly reduced for 7.30G. Higher energy doses are more efficacious than lower energy doses for modulating TNF-α expression. PBM with an energy dose of 7.30 J was effective in reducing the expression of TNF-α and increase skin flap viability.

Correlation between chronic low back pain and female sexual function / Correlação entre a lombalgia crônica e a função sexual feminina / Correlación entre la lumbalgia crónica y la función sexual femenina

ABSTRACT Objective To correlate chronic low back pain with female sexual function. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Thirty-two women aged between 18 and 44 years old, with body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 kg/m2 and 29.9 kg/m2, with a medical diagnosis of chronic low back pain and sexually active in the last six months were selected. The patients underwent a physical therapy evaluation and responded to two questionnaires: the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the Female Sexual Quotient (QS-F). Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the impact of chronic low back pain on sexual activity. Results The mean age was 30.31 years old (±.7.10) and the mean BMI was 24.54 Kg/m2 (±3.06). The mean Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score was 5.2 ( ± 3.28), indicating that the patients did not have significant disability. The mean QS-F score was 60.37 (±14.48), classified as "unfavorable to normal". The correlation test showed a low correlation between chronic low back pain and female sexual function (r = 0.027). Conclusion There was a low correlation between chronic low back pain and female sexual function in the study population, but the moderate correlation between the "comfort" domain and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score was significant. Level of evidence II ; Cross-sectional clinical study.

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar a lombalgia crônica com a função sexual feminina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Foram selecionadas 32 mulheres com faixa etária entre 18 e 44 anos, com Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) entre 18,5 kg/m2 e 29,9 kg/m2, diagnóstico médico de lombalgia crônica e sexualmente ativas nos últimos seis meses. As pacientes foram submetidas a uma única avaliação fisioterapêutica e responderam a dois instrumentos: Questionário de Incapacidade Roland-Morris e Quociente Sexual - versão feminina (QS-F). Para a avaliação do impacto da lombalgia crônica na função sexual foi utilizada a correlação de Pearson. Resultados A média de idade foi de 30,31 anos (± 7,10) e a do IMC foi de 24,54 Kg/m2 (± 3,06). A média da pontuação do Questionário de Incapacidade Roland-Morris foi de 5,2 (± 3,28), representando que as pacientes não tinham incapacidade significante. A pontuação do QS-F foi de 60,37 (± 14,48), classificada como "desfavorável a regular" quanto à função sexual feminina. O teste de correlação demonstrou que houve baixa correlação entre a lombalgia crônica e a função sexual feminina (r = 0,027). Conclusões Houve baixa correlação entre a lombalgia crônica e a função sexual feminina na população estudada, porém a correlação moderada entre o domínio "conforto" e o escore do Questionário de Incapacidade Roland-Morris foi significativa. Nível de evidência II ; Estudo clínico descritivo transversal.

RESUMEN Objetivo Correlacionar la lumbalgia crónica con la función sexual femenina. Métodos Se trata de un estudio transversal. Se seleccionaron 32 mujeres con edades entre 18 y 44 años, con Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) entre 18,5 kg/m2 y 29,9 kg/m2, diagnóstico médico de lumbalgia crónica y sexualmente activas en los últimos seis meses. Las pacientes fueron sometidas a una única evaluación fisioterapéutica y respondieron a dos instrumentos: Cuestionario de Discapacidad Roland-Morris y por el Cociente Sexual - versión femenina (QS-F). Para la evaluación del impacto de la lumbalgia crónica en la función sexual se utilizó la correlación de Pearson. Resultados El promedio de edad fue de 30,31 años (± 7,10) y la del IMC fue de 24,54 kg/m2 (± 3,06). El promedio de la puntuación del Cuestionario de Discapacidad Roland-Morris fue de 5,2 (± 3,28), representando que las pacientes no tenían incapacidad significativa. La puntuación del QS-F fue de 60,37 (± 14,48), clasificada como "desfavorable a regular" en cuanto a la función sexual femenina. El test de correlación demostró que hubo baja correlación entre la lumbalgia crónica y la función sexual femenina (r = 0,027). Conclusiones Hubo baja correlación entre la lumbalgia crónica y la función sexual femenina en la población estudiada, sin embargo la correlación moderada entre el dominio "comodidad" y el score del Cuestionario de Discapacidad Roland-Morris fue significativa. Nivel de evidencia II ; Estudio clínico transversal.

Medidas da região mamária: antropometria direta ou indireta? / Breast region measurements: direct or indirect anthropometry?

Introdução: As medidas precisas dos seios femininos são difíceis de obter devido à topografia, volume e projeções presentes. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo comparar medidas da região mamária obtidas por antropometria direta (fita métrica) e indireta (fotogrametria computadorizada). Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal. Foram avaliadas 40 mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 60 anos, índice de massa corporal <29,2 kg / m², que tinham 12 marcas anatômicas na região das mamas e braços. A união desses pontos formou 7 segmentos lineares e 1 ângulo para cada hemicorpo, e 1 segmento comum a ambos os hemicorpos. As fotografias obtidas de forma padronizada foram mensuradas por fotogrametria computadorizada com o software Image Tool®. Os mesmos segmentos também foram medidos por antropometria direta, com fita métrica. O teste de Shapiro-Wilk foi usado para avaliar se cada variável tinha uma distribuição normal. O teste de correlação de Pearson foi aplicado para avaliar a correlação entre os diferentes métodos: antropometria direta (medição com fita) e indireta (fotogrametria por Image Tool®). O nível de significância adotado para os testes estatísticos foi de 5% (p <0,05). Resultados: Diferenças significativas foram encontradas nas comparações entre a fita métrica e a fotogrametria computadorizada para todos os segmentos analisados (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Existe correlação entre as medidas dos seios da face obtidas pela antropometria direta (medição com fita métrica) e indireta (fotogrametria pelo software Image Tool®), principalmente nas medidas da papila.

Introduction: Accurate female breast measurements are difficult due to the topography, volume, and projections present there. Therefore, this study aimed to compare breast region measurements obtained by direct (tape measurement) and indirect (computer-based photogrammetry) anthropometry. Methods: This is a transversal study. Forty women were evaluated, aged 18-60 years, body mass index of <29.2kg/m² that had 12 anatomical marks on the breast region and arms. These points' union formed 7 linear segments and 1 angle for each hemibody, and 1 segment common to both hemibodies. The photographs obtained in a standardized way were measured using computer-based photogrammetry with Image ToolTM software. The same segments were also measured by direct anthropometry, using a tape measure. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess whether each variable was normally distributed. The Pearson correlation test was applied to evaluate the correlation between different methods: the direct (tape measurement) and indirect (photogrammetry by Image ToolTM) anthropometry. The significance level adopted for statistical tests was 5% (p<0,05). Results: Significant differences were found in the comparisons between the tape measurement and computer-based photogrammetry for all segments analyzed (p>0.05). Conclusion: There is a correlation between the breast measurements obtained by direct (tape measurement) and indirect (photogrammetry by Image ToolTM software) anthropometry, especially the papilla measures.

Percepção das pacientes sobre a atuação profissional e os procedimentos realizados no pré, no intra e no pós-operatório de abdominoplastia / Perception of patients about professional performance and procedures performed in the pre, intra, and postoperative period of abdominoplasty

Introdução: A abdominoplastia é a terceira cirurgia estética mais realizada no Brasil, sendo que o planejamento cirúrgico envolve os momentos pré, intra e pós-operatórios com a atuação de diversos profissionais especializados. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a percepção das pacientes sobre a atuação profissional e os procedimentos realizados no pré, no intra e no pós-operatório de abdominoplastia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal e observacional. A coleta de dados foi feita através de um questionário online, disponibilizado por meios digitais para mulheres com idade entre 18 e 60 anos, que realizaram a abdominoplastia nos últimos 12 meses. Resultados: Um total de 376 pacientes respondeu ao questionário; porém, 22 foram excluídos, totalizando 354 questionários respondidos. Observouse que 63.5% relataram que realizou a abdominoplastia por flacidez de pele, 53.3% realizaram a abdominoplastia associada à lipoaspiração, 61% relataram que não realizaram procedimentos pré-operatórios, 59.9% relataram não saber se havia fisioterapeuta no centro cirúrgico durante o intraoperatório, 70.6% das pacientes realizaram procedimentos pós-operatórios, sendo 37.4% com fisioterapeuta, a complicação mais comum foi edema representando 84.2%. Conclusão: A principal indicação para a abdominoplastia foi por flacidez de pele, sendo mais frequentemente associada à lipoaspiração. A maior parte das pacientes não realizou procedimentos pré-operatórios e realizou pós-operatório iniciado após 1 a 3 dias, com fisioterapeuta, por indicação de um conhecido, com frequência de três vezes na semana, pela queixa de edema, sendo que os procedimentos mais realizados foram a drenagem linfática manual e o ultrassom terapêutico.

Introduction: abdominoplasty is the third most performed cosmetic surgery in Brazil. Its surgical planning involves the pre, intra, and postoperative moments with the performance of several specialized professionals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the patients' perception of their professional performance and the procedures performed before, during, and after the abdominoplasty. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and observational study. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire made available digitally to women aged between 18 and 60 years, who underwent abdominoplasty in the last 12 months. Results: A total of 376 patients answered the questionnaire; however, 22 were excluded, totaling 354 questionnaires answered. It was observed that 63.5% reported having undergone abdominoplasty due to skin flaccidity, 53.3% had undergone abdominoplasty associated with liposuction, 61% reported that they had not undergone preoperative procedures, 59.9% reported not knowing whether there was a physiotherapist in the operating room during the intraoperative period. , 70.6% of the patients underwent postoperative procedures, 37.4% of whom were physiotherapists, the most common complication being edema representing 84.2%. Conclusion: The main indication for abdominoplasty was sagging skin, which is most often associated with liposuction. Most of the patients did not undergo preoperative procedures. They were performed after 1 to 3 days after the operation, with a physiotherapist, on the advice of an acquaintance, often three times a week, due to the complaint of edema. The most performed procedures were manual lymphatic drainage and therapeutic ultrasound.

Effects of thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of thermotherapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD). DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. SETTING: Physiotherapy Department of the Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo (Brazil). INTERVENTIONS: Eighty-eight dysmenorrheic women were randomly allocated into four groups: Thermotherapy + TENS(n = 22), Thermotherapy(n = 22), TENS(n = 22) and Placebo(n = 22). Thermotherapy was applied by microwave diathermy (20 min), and TENS (200 µs, 100 Hz, 30 min), into the lower abdomen both. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain intensity was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Br-MPQ). PPT and CPM were recorded from women's abdominal and lumbar. The evaluation was done in 5 times: baseline, after 20, 50, 110 min and 24 h from intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the NRS for Thermotherapy + TENS vs. TENS, for Thermotherapy vs. TENS and for Placebo, after 20 min; for Thermotherapy vs. TENS and for Placebo, after 110 min and 24 h. Abdome PPT increased in the Thermotherapy + TENS vs. TENS and Placebo, after 50 min; for Thermotherapy + TENS vs. Placebo and for Thermotherapy vs. Placebo, after 110 min. No changes in lumbar PPT and CPM were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of thermotherapy reduced NRS compared to the TENS and Placebo after 20, 110 min and 24 h. Thermotherapy demonstrated an increase in the PPT in the abdomen after 50 and 110 min and decreased the Br-MPQ scores after 110 min in patients with PD.

High-Frequency Generator in Wound Healing of Marjolin's Ulcer After Carcinoma Resection.

Marjolin's ulcers (MU) are skin malignancies that form over burn injuries. These very aggressive ulcers can result in functional and wound healing impairment, and require a well thought out treatment plan. Physiotherapy offers resources to help promote recovery of these patients, as described in this case report, in which the patient with a history of burn in the lower limbs evolved to malignancy 32 years later. This patient underwent tumor resection of the left foot, with recurrence and lymphadenectomy. Physical therapy included the application of high-frequency generator (HFG) for wound healing and exercises for functional recovery. The treatment lasted for many months and resulted in the improvement of the surgical wound areas, pain, swelling, sensitivity, strength muscle, and gait. It was observed that the use of HFG can be a tool in the tissue repair of surgical wound after the resection of MU; however, further studies need to be carried out to suit parameters and ensure safety of cancer patients.

Collagen Fibers in the Healing Process of Rat Achilles Tendon Rupture Using Different Times of Ultrasound Therapy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the organization of collagen fibers in the healing process of rat Achilles tendon rupture using different times of ultrasound therapy (TUS). Approach: Forty Wistar rats were selected. Among these, 32 were submitted to total tenotomy of the calcaneous tendon and divided into 5 groups: control group (CG, n = 8), without tenotomy or any treatment; tenotomy group (n = 8), with tenotomy and without treatment; TUS groups-TUS3 (n = 8), TUS4 (n = 8), and TUS5 (n = 8)-submitted to tenotomy and treated with TUS for 3, 4, and 5 min per effective radiating area (ERA), respectively. The animals were sacrificed on the 12th postoperative day. The tendons were surgically removed for analysis of the collagen fiber organization using the birefringence technique (OR, optical retardation). Results: The collagen fibers exhibited better aggregation and organization in the UST3, TUS4, and TUS5 groups compared with CG (p < 0.05). The TUS5 group had better response rates in intergroup comparison. Innovation: The dose response of therapeutic TUS is influenced by many variables. The scientific evidence to support the dosimetry is insufficient. The application time is an important variable to be considered in TUS. In this study, the longer the application time, the better for organization and aggregation of collagen fibers in the rat tendon. Conclusion: TUS applied for 5 min per ERA presented higher dose response to the organization of collagen fibers in the healing process of rat Achilles tendon rupture.

Effect of high- and low- frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on angiogenesis and wound contraction in acute excisional wounds in rat skin / Efeito da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) de alta e de baixa frequências na angiogênese e na contração da ferida excisional aguda em pele de ratos

Abstract Introduction: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can alter the local temperature, increase skin blood flow and induce the release of vasodilator neuropeptides and growth factors. These changes may be related to the effects of TENS on the tissue repair process. Objective: To assess the effect of high- and low-frequency TENS on angiogenesis and the contraction of acute excisional wounds in rat skin. Methods: Fifty-four young adult male EPM1-Wistar rats were used in the study. An excisional wound was performed on the back of each animal using an 8mm punch. The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: the High-frequency Group (HG: 80 Hz), Low-frequency Group (LG: 5 Hz), and Sham Group (SG: TENS turned off). TENS was delivered on three days consecutives. Pulse duration and current intensity were 200 µs and 15 mA. The length of each TENS session was 60 minutes. Microscopic and macroscopic assessments were performed on 3, 7 and 14 postoperative (PO) days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was utilized to quantify the neoformed blood vessels. Photographs were taken to determine the percentage of wound contraction. After assessment, the animals were painlessly sacrificed. Results: There were increases in angiogenesis in the HG on the 3 PO day, and in the LG on the 14 PO day. No significant differences in wound contraction were found between the groups on the different PO days. Conclusion: High frequency TENS improved angiogenesis, and neither frequency of TENS had any influence on the contraction of acute excisional wounds in rat skin.

Resumo Introdução: A TENS pode promover alteração da temperatura local, aumento do fluxo sanguíneo cutâneo, liberação de neuropeptídeos vasodilatadores e de fatores de crescimento. Tais eventos podem estar relacionados aos efeitos da TENS no processo de reparo tecidual. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da TENS de alta e de baixa frequências na angiogênese e na contração da ferida excisional aguda em pele de ratos. Materiais e Métodos: Foram utilizados 54 ratos (Wistar-EPM1), machos e adultos jovens. Realizou-se uma ferida excisional na região dorsal do animal com um punch medindo 8 milímetros. Os animais foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo Alta frequência (HG:80 Hz), Grupo Baixa frequência (LG:5 Hz) e Grupo Simulado (SG, TENS desligada). A TENS foi aplicada por 3 dias consecutivos. A duração do pulso e intensidade da corrente foram 200 µs e 15 mA. O tempo de cada aplicação foi de 60 minutos. As análises microscópicas e macroscópicas foram feitas nos POI, 3, 7 e 14 dias de pós-operatório (PO). Utilizou-se a hematoxilina-eosina para quantificação dos vasos neoformados. Foram feitas imagens fotográficas para determinação da porcentagem de contração da ferida. Após as avaliações, os animais foram sacrificados. Resultados: Observou-se aumento na quantidade de vasos sanguíneos no HG, aos 3 dias de PO; e no LG, aos 14 dias de PO. Não houve alterações na contração da ferida entre os grupos. Conclusão: A TENS de alta frequência estimulou a angiogênese e ambas as frequências não influenciaram na contração da ferida excisional aguda em pele de ratos.

Retrospective study of the physical therapy modalities applied in head and neck l ymphedema treatment.

BACKGROUND: Secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment is a serious complication and its management can be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to verify which physical therapy modalities were applied in the treatment of head and neck lymphedema through a retrospective analysis. METHODS: A retrospective study was developed, based on the analysis of medical records of 32 patients treated in the physiotherapy outpatient department of the Brazilian Institute of Cancer Control (IBCC). RESULTS: The physiotherapy included manual lymphatic drainage, massage, exercises, patient education, and compression therapy with an average of 23.9 ± 14.8 sessions. Measurement results showed a significant reduction of face and neck lymphedema (p < .05) and pain (from 7.8 ± 2.2 to 3.6 ± 1.6; p < .001). CONCLUSION: The physical therapy modalities based on strategic manual lymphatic drainage, shoulder girdle massage, facial, tongue and neck exercises, compressive therapy at home, and patient education showed reduction of the lymphedema and pain, both of them secondary to head and neck cancer treatment.

Photographs for anthropometric measurements of the breast region. Are there limitations?

PURPOSE: To determine the limitations of the photographs used to obtain the anthropometric measurements of the breast region. METHODS: Five women, between the ages of 18 to 60 years, were evaluated. Photographs of the frontal and left and right profile views of their breasts were taken. Based on the current literature, the most commonly used anthropometric and anatomic landmarks for breast measurement were marked in their different positions. The different points were used to evaluate if the direct anthropometry was possible in a standardized way and determine how the points and the positions can to be used in any breast measurements. RESULTS: There were some limitations to the use of defining points of the breast fold, as well as of its lower portion and lateral extension positions in both profiles. CONCLUSION: The defining points of the breast fold and the profile photographs have some limitations and we suggested how the points and positions can be used for breasts measurements.

Photographs for anthropometric measurements of the breast region. Are there limitations?

PURPOSE: To determine the limitations of the photographs used to obtain the anthropometric measurements of the breast region. METHODS: Five women, between the ages of 18 to 60 years, were evaluated. Photographs of the frontal and left and right profile views of their breasts were taken. Based on the current literature, the most commonly used anthropometric and anatomic landmarks for breast measurement were marked in their different positions. The different points were used to evaluate if the direct anthropometry was possible in a standardized way and determine how the points and the positions can to be used in any breast measurements. RESULTS: There were some limitations to the use of defining points of the breast fold, as well as of its lower portion and lateral extension positions in both profiles. CONCLUSION: The defining points of the breast fold and the profile photographs have some limitations and we suggested how the points and positions can be used for breasts measurements. .

Characterization of symptoms and edema distribution in premenstrual syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle, and edema is among these symptoms. Physiotherapy is often sought by many patients for the treatment of edema; however, for an adequate prescription of physiotherapeutic procedures, the distribution of edema throughout the body has yet to be characterized. OBJECTIVE: To determine the most frequent symptoms and body regions that present with edema in women during the premenstrual period. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty women with a mean age of 24.6±4.7 years were evaluated during their premenstrual (between days 21 and 28) and menstrual period (between days 1 and 3), and the collected data included body mass, height, biotype (body-fat distribution), face, breast, limb-circumference measurements, and limb-volume estimate, and an adapted version of the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool was used. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and the test for equality of two proportions (P≤0.05). RESULTS: Premenstrual syndrome was identified in 91.7% of the women, and the most frequent symptoms were irritability (73.33%) and physical symptoms, including swelling (65%), and anxiety (58.3%). Edema was detected in the following areas: facial, epigastric, mammary, umbilical, and pubic, the mid-third of the arms, distal forearm, in both thighs and in the mid-third of the legs determined by circumference measurements, and in both upper and lower limbs, according to the estimated volume. CONCLUSION: In this study population, the most frequent symptoms were irritability, physical symptoms, and anxiety, with distribution of edema in the face, breast, abdomen, pubic area, distal upper limb, and proximal lower limb.

Image analysis software versus direct anthropometry for breast measurements.

PURPOSE: To compare breast measurements performed using the software packages ImageTool(r), AutoCAD(r) and Adobe Photoshop(r) with direct anthropometric measurements. METHODS: Points were marked on the breasts and arms of 40 volunteer women aged between 18 and 60 years. When connecting the points, seven linear segments and one angular measurement on each half of the body, and one medial segment common to both body halves were defined. The volunteers were photographed in a standardized manner. Photogrammetric measurements were performed by three independent observers using the three software packages and compared to direct anthropometric measurements made with calipers and a protractor. RESULTS: Measurements obtained with AutoCAD(r) were the most reproducible and those made with ImageTool(r) were the most similar to direct anthropometry, while measurements with Adobe Photoshop(r) showed the largest differences. Except for angular measurements, significant differences were found between measurements of line segments made using the three software packages and those obtained by direct anthropometry. CONCLUSION: AutoCAD(r) provided the highest precision and intermediate accuracy; ImageTool(r) had the highest accuracy and lowest precision; and Adobe Photoshop(r) showed intermediate precision and the worst accuracy among the three software packages.

Image analysis software versus direct anthropometry for breast measurements

PURPOSE: To compare breast measurements performed using the software packages ImageTool(r), AutoCAD(r) and Adobe Photoshop(r) with direct anthropometric measurements. METHODS: Points were marked on the breasts and arms of 40 volunteer women aged between 18 and 60 years. When connecting the points, seven linear segments and one angular measurement on each half of the body, and one medial segment common to both body halves were defined. The volunteers were photographed in a standardized manner. Photogrammetric measurements were performed by three independent observers using the three software packages and compared to direct anthropometric measurements made with calipers and a protractor. RESULTS: Measurements obtained with AutoCAD(r) were the most reproducible and those made with ImageTool(r) were the most similar to direct anthropometry, while measurements with Adobe Photoshop(r) showed the largest differences. Except for angular measurements, significant differences were found between measurements of line segments made using the three software packages and those obtained by direct anthropometry. CONCLUSION: AutoCAD(r) provided the highest precision and intermediate accuracy; ImageTool(r) had the highest accuracy and lowest precision; and Adobe Photoshop(r) showed intermediate precision and the worst accuracy among the three software packages. .

Manual lymphatic drainage and therapeutic ultrasound in liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty post-operative period.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy in the plastic surgery post-operative (PO) is essential to provide means for an adequate and fast recovery as it restores function through the use of physiotherapeutic procedures. AIM: The aim of the following study is to verify the effects of the association between the manual lymphatic drainage and the therapeutic ultrasound on pain, oedema and the tissue fibrosis in liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty PO. DESIGN: This is a clinical trial prospective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen women aged between 18 and 60 years participated in this study, in the late PO period following lipoabdominoplasty or liposuction in the abdomen, flanks and lower trunk, which showed tissue fibrosis of the flanks and abdomen regions. They were divided into two groups: Liposuction group and lipoabdominoplasty group. A total of twelve sessions of therapeutic ultrasound followed by the manual lymphatic drainage were performed. The patients were assessed with regard to pain, oedema and tissue fibrosis in different moments: Initial assessment, during assessment and final assessment through the application of the protocol of evaluation of cysts fibrosis levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The test of equality for two proportions and the confidence interval test for mean to evaluate the distribution of variables. The significance level adopted for statistical tests was 5% (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction of pain, swelling and tissue fibrosis in both groups. CONCLUSION: the association between manual lymphatic drainage and the therapeutic ultrasound reduced the swelling and the tissue fibrosis and made pain disappear in liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty PO period.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Release Following Electrical Stimulation in Human Subjects.

Significance: Angiogenesis is an important phenomenon involved in the healing of chronic wounds, and it is mainly mediated by the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from endothelial cells. Electrical stimulation (ES) is a well-documented treatment used to assist the healing of chronic wounds. Due to the importance of VEGF in the healing process, and the need to know the mechanisms of action of ES involved in the process, this report aimed to determine by a literature review whether the VEGF release occurs following ES in human subjects. Recent Advances: The findings of this literature review suggest that ES releases VEGF, and this effect may be responsible for promoting angiogenesis after ES. Critical Issues: Despite the findings of this literature review on the release of VEGF by ES on wound healing are promising, a large number of studies are needed to confirm such effects. Future Directions: Further studies should be conducted to identify the best parameters and treatment schedule of ES to be used for the VEGF release.

Perfil dos pacientes atendidos em fisioterapia dermatofuncional / Profile of patients treated in integumentary physical therapy

Por ser uma das áreas mais recentes da fisioterapia,muitos serviços públicos ainda não dispõem da especialidadedermatofuncional, dificultando traçar o seu perfil populacional.Objetivo: Identificar o perfil dos pacientes atendidos em fisioterapiadermatofuncional, no âmbito hospitalar e ambulatorial, emSão Paulo – SP, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por análisede 421 prontuários dos pacientes atendidos no estágio do CentroUniversitário São Camilo. As variáveis foram analisadas pelo testede Igualdade de Duas Proporções ou Mann-Whitney. Resultados:O gênero feminino prevaleceu (73,1%), com idade de 51,1 ± 16anos, IMC de 27,5 ± 5,7 kg/m2 e escolaridade entre ensino médiocompleto e fundamental incompleto (p = 0,616). Neoplasiada mama (60,8%), tempo de evolução de 2 a 5 anos (20,2%) etratamento cirúrgico (80,1%) foram os mais encontrados. Assimcomo as queixas de dor (44%) e edema nos membros (39,1%)juntamente com diagnóstico fisioterapêutico de alteração vascular(75,1%). Conclusão: A população estudada foi caracterizada pelaprevalência de mulheres, por volta dos 50 anos, com sobrepeso,grau de escolaridade entre médio e fundamental, com diagnóstico decâncer de mama, tempo de evolução de 2 a 5 anos, com predomíniode tratamento cirúrgico, diagnóstico fisioterapêutico de alteraçõesvasculares e queixas de dor e edema...

As one of the newest areas of physical therapy,many public services do not yet have the integumentary specialty,making it difficult to trace their population profile. Objective: Toidentify the profile of patients treated in integumentary physicaltherapy at the Hospital and outpatient units, in Sao Paulo/SP.Methods: Retrospective study through the analysis of 421 medicalrecords of patients treated at São Camilo University Centre. Thevariables were analyzed using the Test for Equality of Two proportionsor Mann-Whitney. Results: Female gender was the mostprevalent (73.1%), mean age 51.1 ± 16 years, BMI 27.5 ± 5.7 kg/m2 and schooling level between complete high school and incompleteelementary school (p = 0.616). Breast cancer (60.8%), time ofdisease progression from 2-5 years (20.2%) and surgical treatment(80.1%) were the most prevalent information, as complaint ofpain (44%), swelling in the limbs (39.1%) and physiotherapeuticdiagnosis of vascular dysfunction (75.1%). Conclusion: The studypopulation was characterized by the prevalence of women aged ≥50, overweighted, with elementary and high school schooling levels,with a diagnosis of breast cancer, time of disease progression 2-5years, prevalence of surgical treatment, physiotherapeutic diagnosisassociated with vascular dysfunction and complaints of pain andswelling in the limbs...

Aplicação do ultrassom terapêutico no reparo tecidual do sistema musculoesquelético / Application of therapeutic ultrasound on tissue repair of the musculoskeletal system

Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre os parâmetros de aplicação do ultrassom terapêutico no reparo tecidual do sistema musculoesquelético. Foi realizado um levantamento de dados sobre essa temática nas seguintes bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO, em línguas portuguesa, inglesa e espanhola, sendo considerados apenas ensaios experimentais realizados em animais, publicados a partir de 2.000 e pesquisados até janeiro de 2.012. Foram encontrados 16 artigos sobre a utilização do ultrassom terapêutico no reparo tecidual, dos quais nove abordaram a lesão tendínea, quatro sobre reparo ósseo, dois verificaram o efeito na lesão muscular e um na lesão nervosa. Os achados desta revisão de literatura sobre as evidências científicas dos efeitos do ultrassom terapêutico no sistema musculoesquelético sugerem que não há padronização quanto à dosimetria adequada para o reparo tecidual deste, pois os artigos disponíveis são insuficientes para comprovar os seus reais efeitos e determinar os parâmetros indicados para este tipo de tratamento.

This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the parameters of therapeutic ultrasound application in tissue repair of the musculoskeletal system. It was carried out a survey of data on this subject in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS and SciELO, in Portuguese, Spanish and English, considering only experimental studies done with animals, published since 2000, surveyed by January 2012. It was found a total of 16 articles on the use of therapeutic ultrasound in tissue repair, nine of which addressed the tendinous lesion, four about bone repair, two verified the effect on muscle damage and in a nerve injury. The findings of this review about the scientific evidence on the effects oftherapeutic ultrasound in the musculoskeletal system suggest that there is no standardization regarding the most appropriate dosimetry for tissue repair of the musculoskeletal system, because the articles are insufficient to prove their real effects and determine the appropriate parameters in this type of treatment.