Patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia present reduced functional performance

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of fatigue and dyspnea, treatment with oral corticosteroids, high circulating levels of cytokines, and oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) could affect the patients' exercise tolerance and peripheral muscle strength (PMS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional capacity (FC) of patients hospitalized for CAP and to correlate the FC with length of hospital stay. METHOD: We prospectively evaluated 45 patients (49±16 years; CAP group) and 20 healthy subjects (53±17 years; control group). They were randomized to perform, on separate days, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), a test of PMS, and the Glittre test (GT). Additionally, the SF-36 questionnaire and the MRC scale were completed and evaluated. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups (CAP and controls) for the 6MWT (381.3±108 vs. 587.1±86.8 m) and GT (272.8±104.3 vs. 174±39 sec). The CAP group also presented worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, reduced strength (quadriceps and biceps), and higher scores of dyspnea. The time required to perform the GT correlated with the length of hospital stay (r=0.35, P=0.02) and dyspnea (r=0.36, P=0.02). Significant correlations were observed between GT and 6MWT (r=-0.66, P=0.0001) and between GT with the physical functioning domain of SF-36 (r=-0.51, P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients hospitalized for CAP presented with reduced FC, PMS, and HRQoL during hospitalization. In addition, GT performance was related to the length of hospital stay. .

Quality of life and associated factors for caregivers of functionally impaired elderly people / Quality of life and associated factors of caregivers for the elderly with impaired functional capacity

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes, factors inherent to the caregiver's family and social environment, and physical and mental aspects determine a caregiver's quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the QOL and associated factors for caregivers of functionally impaired elderly people. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from a home-based care survey. The study sites were the homes of elderly people enrolled in Family Health Centers (Unidades de Saúde da Família) in Jequié, Bahia, Brazil. The sample consisted of 40 caregivers of functionally impaired elderly people. The instrument consisted of demographic data, health status, the Perceived Family Support Inventory, the Social Support Satisfaction Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). The data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis and the chi-squared test at a 5% significance level, performed in SPSS version 15.0. RESULTS: An association was found between the WHOQOL-BREF physical domain and the presence of sequelae (p=0.006), affective-cognitive inconsistency (p=0.009), and being the primary caregiver (p=0.002). The psychological domain showed an association with the presence of sequelae (p=0.006), the environment domain with the presence of diseases (p<0.001) and being the primary caregiver (p=0.033), and the social relations domain with the presence of diseases (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The presence of sequelae or diseases, affective-cognitive inconsistency, and being the primary caregiver were related to decreases in their QOL. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O rearranjo no modo de viver, acompanhado de fatores inerentes ao ambiente familiar e social do cuidador, além de aspectos físicos e mentais, irão se associar e serão fundamentais para a boa qualidade de vida (QV) da pessoa que cuida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a QV e os fatores associados em cuidadores de idosos com comprometimento da capacidade funcional. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo seccional que analisou dados de uma pesquisa de intervenção de base domiciliar. O local de estudo foram as residências dos idosos cadastrados em Unidades de Saúde da Família, no município de Jequié, BA, Brasil. A amostra foi constituída por 40 cuidadores de idosos com comprometimento da capacidade funcional. O instrumento foi constituído de informações sociodemográficas, condições de saúde, Inventário de Percepção do Suporte Familiar, Escala de Satisfação do Suporte Social e o WHOQOL-BREF. Os dados foram analisados no Programa Estatístico SPSS, versão 15.0, sendo realizada análise descritiva e aplicação do qui-quadrado de Pearson, com um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se associação entre o Domínio Físico do WHOQOL-BREF e as variáveis do estudo: presença de sequelas (p-valor=0,006), afetividade-consistência (p-valor=0,009) e ser cuidador principal (p-valor=0,002). O Domínio Psicológico apresentou associação com a presença de sequelas (p-valor=0,006) e o Domínio Meio Ambiente, com presença de doenças (p-valor<0,001) e ser o cuidador principal (p-valor=0,033) e o Domínio Relações Sociais com presença de doença (p-valor<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se ...

Scoliometer measurements of patients with idiopathic scoliosis

BACKGROUND: Patients with idiopathic scoliosis are exposed to approximately 25 radiographic examinations of their spine throughout the clinical follow-up using the Cobb angle. Several non-invasive and radiation-free methods have been proposed to measure scoliotic deformities, including the scoliometer. OBJECTIVES: To measure the intra- and interrater reliability of the scoliometer measurements, to assess the correlation of the values obtained by the scoliometer measurements with the Cobb angles obtained by radiography, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the scoliometer measurements for the different diagnostic criteria for the referral of idiopathic scoliosis. METHOD: Sixty-four patients were selected for the study: half with idiopathic scoliosis and half without. The 17 levels of the spine of each volunteer were measured with a scoliometer in the forward bending position. The measurements were performed three times on 42 volunteers by two different raters to obtain data for calculating the reliability values. Anteroposterior radiographs were taken to determine the Cobb angles, which were then compared with the highest trunk rotation value. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using radiograph criteria for referral: a Cobb angle of 10º and axial trunk rotation values between 5º and 10º. RESULTS: Excellent intrarater reliability values and very good interrater reliability values were obtained. The correlation between the scoliometer measurements and radiograph analyses was considered good (r=0.7, p<0.05). The highest sensitivity value was for a trunk rotation of 5º at 87%. CONCLUSIONS: The scoliometer measurements showed a good correlation with the radiographic measurements. .

Response of oxygen saturation in preterm infants receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions: a randomized clinical trial / Resposta da saturação de oxigênio no recém-nascido pré-termo com estabilização do gradil costal por meio da faixa elástica em duas posições corporais: ensaio clínico randomizado

BACKGROUND: Preterm newborns have higher thoracic compliance, providing less stability to the different forces of distortion imposed on the rib cage, leading to instability of the chest. Adequate body position may reduce this instability and facilitate respiratory work. OBJECTIVE: To assess the oxygen saturation response of preterm newborns receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions. METHOD: A clinical, prospective, randomized crossover study was conducted, including sixteen newborns with a gestational age of 31 to 35 weeks (mean 32.8 weeks) at a tertiary care facility, who did not receive supplemental oxygen. The infants were placed in a sequence of prone and supine positions with and without chest stabilization with an elastic band. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at 10-minute intervals, corresponding to 7 samplings of 60 minutes. Data collection was interrupted when oxygen saturation was less than 90%. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of the infants was 32.8±1.5 weeks and the mean birth weight was 1,789±255g. Better values for the variables studied were observed in the supine position with an elastic chest band compared to the supine position without the band. The positions using an elastic band resulted in lower mean respiratory rate and heart rate and higher oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: The use of an elastic chest band improves respiratory indicators such as oxygen saturation. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Os recém-nascidos pré-termos possuem maior complacência torácica, oferecendo menor estabilidade às diferentes forças de distorção impostas à parede torácica, o que leva à instabilidade da caixa torácica. A posição corporal adequada pode diminuir essa instabilidade, facilitando o trabalho respiratório. OBJETIVO: Verificar a resposta da saturação de oxigênio em recém-nascido pré-termo com estabilização do gradil costal com faixa elástica em dois posicionamentos corporais. MÉTODO: Estudo com delineamento de ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado e tipo crossover. Foram avaliados 16 recém-nascidos com idade gestacional de 31 a 35 semanas (média 32,8 semanas) e sem oxigênio suplementar, em instituição de nível terciário. O grupo foi submetido à sequência de decúbitos posturais ventral e dorsal, alterando-os com e sem estabilização do tórax por meio da faixa elástica. Os indicadores biológicos colhidos foram frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio. Os dados foram coletados de 10 em 10 minutos, totalizando 60 minutos com sete coletas. O critério de interrupção da coleta se deu pela saturação menor que 90%. RESULTADOS: O grupo estudado apresentou média de idade gestacional de 32,8±1,5 semanas e peso ao nascimento de 1.789±255g. Encontramos melhores valores das variáveis na supinação com faixa quando comparada com supinação sem faixa. Os valores médios menores da frequência respiratória e da frequência cardíaca foram alcançados no decúbito com faixa, já a saturação ...

High reliability of measure of diaphragmatic mobility by radiographic method in healthy individuals / High reliability of measure of diaphragmatic mobility by radiographic method in healthy individuals

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic evaluation is crucial in clinical practice, and no studies have reported the intra- and interobserver reproducibilities of the radiographic method to evaluate diaphragmatic mobility. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the reliability of radiographic measurement as a method for assessing the mobility of the left and right hemidiaphragms. METHOD: Forty-two patients, who were waiting for cholecystectomy surgery, were evaluated relative to the following parameters: physical examination, pulmonary function and radiographic evaluation. The measure of mobility of each hemidiaphragm was randomly determined by two physical therapists at two different times. The intra- and interobserver reproducibilities of the measurements were determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,1]) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). The Bland-Altman plot was also used. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: In the analysis of intra-observer reproducibility in radiographic evaluations of the left and right hemidiaphragms, ICC[2,1] indicated a "very high correlation" for both observer A (ICC[2,1] = 0.99, p <0.001 and ICC[2,1] = 0.97, p <0.001, respectively) and observer B (ICC[2,1] = 0.99, p <0.001 and ICC[2,1] = 0.99 p <0.001, respectively). In the analysis of interobserver reproducibility, the ICC[2,1] indicated a "very high correlation" for the 1st and 2nd radiographic evaluations of the right hemidiaphragm (ICC[2,1] = 0.98 and ICC[2,1] = 0,99, respectively, p <0.001) and left hemidiaphragm (ICC[2,1] = 0.98 and ICC[2,1] = 0.99, respectively, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The intra and interobserver tests of the radiographic measure of mobility of the left and right hemidiaphragms showed high reliability. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A avaliação diafragmática é fundamental na prática clínica, e não existem estudos que verificam a reprodutibilidade intra e interobservadores do método radiográfico com objetivo de avaliar a mobilidade diafragmática. OBJETIVO: Analisar a confiabilidade da medida radiográfica como método de avaliação da mobilidade dos hemidiafragmas direito e esquerdo. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 42 pacientes no pré-operatório de colecistectomia. Os parâmetros utilizados foram: exame físico, prova de função pulmonar e avaliação radiográfica. A medida da mobilidade de cada hemidiafragma foi determinada, aleatoriamente, por dois fisioterapeutas em dois momentos. A reprodutibilidade intra e interobservadores das medidas foi determinada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC[2,1]) e pelo intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. A disposição gráfica de Bland & Altman também foi utilizada. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Na análise da reprodutibilidade intraobservador, o ICC[2,1] indicou "correlação muito alta" para o observador A na avaliação radiográfica dos hemidiafragmas direito e esquerdo (ICC[2,1] = 0,99, p<0,001 e ICC[2,1] = 0,97 p<0,001, respectivamente) e também para o observador B (ICC[2,1] = 0,99, p<0,001 e ICC[2,1] = 0,99 p<0,001, respectivamente). Na análise da reprodutibilidade interobservadores, o ICC[2,1] indicou "correlação muito alta" para a 1ª e 2ª avaliações radiográficas dos hemidiafragmas direito (ICC[2,1] = 0,98 e ICC[2,1] = 0,99, respectivamente, p<0,001) e esquerdo (ICC[2,1] = 0,98 e ICC[2,1] = 0,99, respectivamente, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: ...

Electrical stimulation and electromagnetic field use in patients with diabetic neuropathy: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, and pharmacological therapies are ineffective in many patients. Therefore, other treatment modalities should be considered, including electrical stimulation and electromagnetic fields. OBJECTIVES: The research objective was to evaluate the effect of treatment with electrical stimulation and electromagnetic fields on pain and sensitivity in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy compared with placebo or another intervention. METHOD: We searched the following electronic databases (from inception to April 2012): MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed), LILACS, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL. We included randomized trials that compared electrical stimulation or electromagnetic fields with control groups in which the objective was to assess pain and sensitivity in patients with PDN. Two reviewers independently extracted the data. A random-effects model was used for the main analysis. RESULTS: The search retrieved 1336 articles, of which 12 studies were included. Reductions in the mean pain score were significantly greater in the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) group than in the placebo group [-0.44 (95% CI: -0.79 to -0.09; I2: 0%)]. There was no improvement in pain relief when electromagnetic fields were compared with the control group [-0.69 (95% CI: -1.86 to 0.48; I2: 63%)]. CONCLUSIONS: We found that TENS improved pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy, while no such improvement was observed with the use of electromagnetic field treatment. Due to the methodological differences between the studies, a meta-analysis for the outcome of sensitivity could not be performed. .

Late morbidity in upper limb function and quality of life in women after breast cancer surgery / Morbidade tardia na funcao do membro superior e na qualidade de vida de mulheres pos-cirurgia do cancer de mama

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Brazilian women. In recent years, there has been great progress in and an increasing number of breast-conserving surgical techniques; however, immediate or late morbidity after surgery, in the form of functional impairment and pain, remains a significant clinical problem. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between late upper limb functional impairment and the quality of life in women subjected to breast cancer surgery. METHOD: A total of 81 women participated in the study, with the length of time since surgery ranging from one to five years. A survey of upper limb complaints reported by patients was conducted, and the questionnaires Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQC-30 and BR23) were applied. RESULTS: The correlation between the DASH score and the length of time since surgery determined that the longer the time since surgery, the greater the difficulties in functionality of the upper limb (r=0.459; p<0.0001). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the DASH score and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Late functional impairment had a significant impact on upper limb function in everyday life and health-related quality of life for women who underwent breast cancer surgery. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O câncer de mama é a neoplasia maligna mais frequente na população feminina brasileira. Nos últimos anos, houve grande evolução das técnicas cirúrgicas e aumento do número de cirurgias conservadoras da mama, entretanto a morbidade imediata ou tardia após a cirurgia, sob a forma de comprometimento funcional e dor, ainda é um significativo problema clínico. OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre o comprometimento funcional tardio do membro superior e a qualidade de vida de mulheres submetidas à cirurgia do câncer de mama. MÉTODO: Participaram da pesquisa 81 mulheres com tempo decorrido de cirurgia variando entre um a cinco anos. Realizou-se levantamento das queixas referidas pelas pacientes em relação ao membro superior e foram aplicados os questionários Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) e European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQC-30 e BR23). RESULTADOS: A correlação entre o escore DASH e o tempo decorrido de cirurgia demonstrou que, quanto maior este último, maiores são as dificuldades de funcionalidade dos membros superiores das pacientes entrevistadas (r=0,459; p<0,0001). Houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o escore DASH e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde. CONCLUSÃO: O comprometimento funcional tardio apresentou impacto significativo na função do membro superior, na vida cotidiana e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde das mulheres que foram submetidas à cirurgia do câncer de mama. .

Reproducibility of step tests in patients with bronchiectasis / Reprodutibilidade de testes do degrau em pacientes bronquiectasicos

BACKGROUND: The step test has been used to assess exercise capacity in patients with chronic respiratory disease; however, its use has not been described with regard to patients with bronchiectasis (BCT). OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the reliability of the Chester step test (CST) and the modified incremental step test (MIST) and also correlated these tests with pulmonary function, heart rate (HR), and distance walked during the 6-min walk test (6-MWT). METHOD: On separate days, 17 patients randomly underwent two CSTs, two MISTs, and two 6-MWTs. Number of steps (NOSs), HR, and perceived exertion were recorded immediately before and after these tests. RESULTS: NOSs were similar across CSTs (124±65 and 125±67) and MISTs (158±83 and 156±76). Differences were not found across the CSTs and MISTs with regard to HR (138±25 bpm and 136±27 bpm), SpO2 (91±5% and 91±3%), perceived exertion (dyspnea=4 [3-5] and 4 [2-4.5]) and fatigue (4 [2-6] and 4 [3-5]). The CST was significantly briefer than the MIST (6.0±2.2 min and 8.6±3.0 min) and had fewer associated NOS (125±67 and 158±83). NOSs were correlated with FEV1, the 6-MWD, and HR for both tests. CONCLUSIONS: The CST and MIST are reliable in patients with BCT. Patients tolerated the MIST more than the CST. Better lung function and 6-MWT scores predicted the greater NOSs and greater peak HR. .

Influence of specific training on spatio-temporal parameters at the onset of goal-directed reaching in infants: a controlled trial

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that long-term experience can promote functional changes in infants. However, much remains unknown about how a short-term experience affects performance of a task. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the influence of a single training session at the onset of goal-directed reaching on the spatio-temporal parameters of reaching and whether there are differences in the effects of training across different reaching positions. METHOD: Thirty-three infants were divided into three groups: 1) a control group; 2) a group that was reach trained in a reclined position; and 3) a group trained in the supine position. The infants were submitted to two assessments (pre- and post-training) in two testing positions (supine and reclined at 45°). RESULTS: The short-duration training sessions were effective in promoting shorter reaches in the specific position in which the training was conducted. Training in the reclined position was associated with shorter and faster reaches upon assessment in the reclined position. CONCLUSIONS: A few minutes of reach training are effective in facilitating reaching behavior in infants at the onset of reaching. The improvements in reaching were specific to the position in which the infants were trained. .

The development and psychometric evaluation of a self-efficacy scale for practicing pelvic floor exercises / Construcao e avaliacao psicometrica da escala de autoeficacia para pratica de exercicios do assoalho pelvico

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy has been shown to be a predictor of many health-related behaviors, including the practice of pelvic floor exercises with a focus on prevention or cure. OBJECTIVES: To describe the process of construction and the psychometric properties of the scale of self-efficacy for the practice of pelvic floor exercises (EAPEAP). METHOD: A cross-sectional study of validation was carried out with 81 from community and 96 postpartum women, 54.8% of them complained of urinary leakage. An exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis was performed. To check predictive capacity, we analyzed the adherence at 3 months post - intervention and compared the scores of self-efficacy between adherent and non-adherent women. Reliability was analyzed by split half procedure. RESULTS: The instrument showed α=0.923, and revealed three factors: performance expectation considering the action, performance expectation considering the preparation for action and outcome expectations. These factors accounted for 65.32% of the total variance. The instrument was able to differentiate between women who adhere and have not adhered to the exercises (U=352, p=0.013) and there was strong correlation between the two halves of the instrument (rho=0.889, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The scale is a valid and reliable tool to measure self-efficacy to practice pelvic floor exercises. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A autoeficácia tem se mostrado preditora de muitos comportamentos relacionados à saúde, dentre eles, a prática de exercícios do assoalho pélvico (AP) com foco na prevenção ou cura. OBJETIVO: Descrever o processo de construção e as propriedades psicométricas da Escala de Autoeficácia para Prática de Exercícios do Assoalho Pélvico (EAPEAP). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de validação com 81 mulheres da comunidade e 96 puérperas, sendo que 54,8% queixavam-se de perdas urinárias. Procedeu-se com análise fatorial exploratória e análise de consistência interna. Para verificar capacidade preditiva, analisou-se a aderência em três meses pós- intervenção e comparou-se o escore de autoeficácia entre mulheres aderentes e não aderentes. A fidedignidade foi avaliada pela técnica das metades partidas. RESULTADOS: O instrumento obteve α=0,923 e revelou três fatores: expectativa de performance considerando a ação, expectativa de performance considerando a preparação para a ação e expectativa de resultado. Tais fatores foram responsáveis por 65,32% da variância total. O instrumento foi capaz de diferenciar as mulheres que aderiram daquelas que não aderiram aos exercícios (U=352, p=0,013), e houve correlação forte entre as duas metades do instrumento (rho=0,889, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A escala é válida e confiável para mensurar autoeficácia para prática de exercícios do assoalho pélvico. .

Analysis of the user satisfaction level in a public physical therapy service

BACKGROUND: The concepts of quality management have increasingly been introduced into the health sector. Methods to measure satisfaction and quality are examples of this trend. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the level of customer satisfaction in a physical therapy department involved in the public area and to analyze the key variables that impact the usersâ€(tm) perceived quality. METHOD: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, and 95 patients from the physical therapy department of the Hospital Universitário Gaffrée e Guinle - Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (HUGG/UNIRIO) - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were evaluated by the SERVQUAL questionnaire. A brief questionnaire to identify the sociocultural profile of the patients was also performed. RESULTS: Patients from this health service presented a satisfied status with the treatment, and the population final average value in the questionnaire was 0.057 (a positive value indicates satisfaction). There was an influence of the educational level on the satisfaction status (χ‡Â²=17,149; p=0.002). A correlation was found between satisfaction and the dimensions of tangibility (rho=0.56, p=0.05) and empathy (rho=0.46, p=0.01) for the Unsatisfied group. Among the Satisfied group, the dimension that was correlated with the final value of the SERVQUAL was responsiveness (rho=0.44, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The final values of the GGUH physical therapy department showed that patients can be satisfied even in a public health service. Satisfaction measures must have a multidimensional approach, and we found that people with more years of study showed lower values of satisfaction. .

Effects of short-term isokinetic training with reciprocal knee extensors agonist and antagonist muscle actions: A controlled and randomized trial / Effects of short-term isokinetic training with reciprocal knee extensors agonist and antagonist muscle actions: A controlled and randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that preloading an antagonist muscle may increase the acute agonist neuromuscular performance. In addition, studies have suggested that very short-term resistance exercise (RE) programs may also be useful to increase strength and muscular performance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of three days of RE using a reciprocal action method on the muscular performance of healthy men and to compare these effects with those of a traditional RE group. METHOD: Thirty-three men (21.1 ± 2.3 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) reciprocal (REC; knee flexion immediately followed by a knee extension exercise); 2) traditional (TRA; non-preload; a concentric knee extension exercise); and 3) control (CON; no exercise). The REC and TRA subjects performed four sets of 10 repetitions at 60º/s with one minute of rest. The pre- and post-RE tests included two sets of four maximal concentric repetitions at 60º/s and 180º/s. A 3x2 ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc was used to analyze the differences in peak torque (PT), rating of acceleration development (RAD) and time to peak torque (TIMEtorque). RESULTS: A significant PT increase was found for REC and TRA (p<0.05) at 60º/s and for REC at 180º/s (p<0.05). There was a decrease in the RAD for REC and TRA (p<0.05), and TIMEtorque showed a significant decrease for REC. The inter-group analysis revealed that REC is more effective than TRA for PT gains at both velocities (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that REC offers benefits for the clinical practice of professionals involved in neuromuscular rehabilitation. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Estudos demonstraram que a pré-ativação de músculos antagonistas pode aumentar o desempenho neuromuscular agonista. Além disso, estudos sugerem que programas de exercício resistido (ER) de curta duração podem ser úteis para aumentar a força muscular e o desempenho. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos de três sessões de ER por meio do método de ações recíprocas no desempenho muscular de homens sadios e comparar com um grupo de ER tradicional. MÉTODO: Trinta e três homens (21,1 ± 2,3 anos) foram randomicamente alocados em três grupos: Recíproco (REC: uma repetição de flexão do joelho imediatamente seguida por uma de extensão do joelho); Tradicional (TRA: exercício concêntrico de extensão do joelho) e Controle (CON: não realizaram exercício). O REC e o TRA realizaram quatro séries de dez repetições a 60º.s-1 com um minuto entre séries. As avaliações pré e pós-ER foram caracterizadas por duas séries de quatro repetições máximas a 60º.s-1 e 180º.s-1. Utilizou-se ANOVA 3x2, com post-hoc de Tukey para verificar diferenças no pico de torque (PT), taxa de desenvolvimento de aceleração (TDA) e tempo para atingir o PT (TEMPtorque). RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento do PT para o REC e o TRA (p<0.05) a 60º.s-1 e apenas para o REC a 180º.s-1 (p<0,05). Houve diminuição da TDA para o REC e o TRA (p<0,05) e, apenas no REC, o TEMPtorque apresentou quedas significantes. A análise intergrupos mostrou que o REC foi mais efetivo que o TRA para os ganhos de PT em ambas as velocidades (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se que a modalidade recíproca seja vantajosa para ...

Reliability of isokinetic evaluation in passive mode for knee flexors and extensors in healthy children

BACKGROUND: The isokinetic dynamometer has been considered the gold-standard measurement of muscle performance. However, the reliability for the passive mode in children has not been reported to date. OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to evaluate the reliability of the isokinetic dynamometer in passive mode in children. METHOD: Twenty-one healthy children (ten girls, eleven boys), aged 5 to 12 years (age: 8.5±2.2 years), were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Each participant was tested twice with a one-week interval and performed five consecutive cycles of knee extension and flexion. The test was performed at 60º/s in the concentric passive mode and the children performed maximal contractions. The measured variables were peak torque, average peak torque, total work, and average power, time to peak torque and angle of peak torque for dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. Reliabilities were determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1), standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%), and coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: We found good reliability in both lower limbs for peak torque, average peak torque, total work and average power of knee flexors and extensors, with ICC3,1 values greater than 0.80; SEM ranging from 6.7 to 79.2; SEM% ranging from 10.4% to 16.8%; CV lower than 15%. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the bias was low than 10% and limits of agreement (LOAs) ranging from 33.9% to 59.2%, and -28.8% and -52.8%, showing that measures tended to disagree. However, time to peak torque (ICC3,1<0.68; SEM > 0.34; SEM%>37.4%; CV>41.7%; bias >24.0%; LOA>101.0%) and angle of peak torque (ICC3,1<0.76; SEM>9.3; SEM%>27.6%; CV>15.3%; bias>11.0%; LOA>61.0%) were not reliable. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that isokinetic evaluation in passive mode for knee extensors ...

Posterior shoulder tightness and rotator cuff strength assessments in painful shoulders of amateur tennis players

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown a relationship between shoulder posterior capsule tightness and shoulder pain in overhead athletes. However, this relationship has not been studied in tennis players. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength and posterior capsule tightness of skilled amateur tennis players who had complaints of dominant shoulder pain in comparison with tennis players without pain. METHOD: Forty-nine skilled amateur tennis players were distributed in 2 groups: Control Group (n=22) and Painful Group (n=27). The first group was composed of asymptomatic subjects, and the second was composed of subjects with shoulder pain on the dominant side. These groups were evaluated to determine the dominant and non-dominant shoulder ROM (internal and external rotation), isometric shoulder strength (internal and external rotation) and posterior shoulder tightness by blind evaluators. RESULTS: The ANOVA results indicated significant differences between the groups in the dominant shoulder ROM, posterior capsule tightness, external rotation strength and strength ratio (p<0.05). The intragroup analysis (dominant versus non-dominant) in the Painful Group displayed a significant difference for ROM, posterior capsule tightness and external rotation strength (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tennis players with pain in the dominant shoulder presented greater posterior capsule tightness, internal rotation deficit (ROM), external rotation gain (ROM) and deficits in external rotation strength than the tennis players without pain. .

Brazilian-Portuguese translation and cross cultural adaptation of the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale

BACKGROUND: The Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale was developed to quantify the self-perceived level of confidence in performing specific activities without losing balance or becoming unsteady. The ABC scale has been adopted in clinical practice and in research, although cross-cultural differences may impose difficulties in its use. OBJECTIVE: To translate, cross-culturally adapt and verify the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the ABC scale and describe the self-perceived balance confidence of elderly Brazilian people. METHOD: The ABC scale was translated and culturally adapted. To verify the intra- and inter-rater reliability, 40 elderly individuals with ages ranging from 60 to 88 years were interviewed. The scale was administered by two raters on the same day and readministered after seven days by rater 1. To test the reliability, we used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Six items from the ABC scale were considered culturally, semantically or regionally inappropriate and were modified. The intra-rater reproducibility was excellent (ICC=0.94), and the inter-rater reproducibility was very good (ICC=0.80). The self-perception of balance in specific activities of the elderly was considered very good, with an average of 81.7 and scores ranging from 61.2 to 96.7. CONCLUSION: The ABC scale was translated and culturally adapted for the Brazilian population and presents good intra- and inter-rater reliability. The self-perceived balance confidence in elderly Brazilian people evaluated with the ABC scale is moderate. .

Impact of leg length and body mass on the stride length and gait speed of infants with normal motor development: A longitudinal study / Impact of leg length and body mass on the stride length and gait speed of infants with normal motor development: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Gait acquisition is supported by changes in the neuromusculoskeletal system of the child. Changes in the dimensions of the body structures resulting from the growth of the child partly explain gait improvement in the first year of life. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether changes in body mass and leg length modulate the effect of independent gait practice (experience) on gait speed and stride length. METHOD: Thirty-two infants with normal development were monitored monthly from the acquisition of independent gait until six months post-acquisition. Longitudinal evaluations included measurements of the body mass and leg length of each child. Temporospatial variables of gait (speed and stride length) were documented using the Qualisys Pro-reflex(r) system. The data were analyzed using multilevel regression models, with a significance level of α=0.05. RESULTS: An effect of the practice time on speed (p<0.0001) and stride length (p<0.0001) was observed. The change in leg length had a marginal effect on the rate of gait speed change: children whose leg growth was faster showed a higher rate of speed change (p=0.07). No other effects of anthropometric parameters were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the practice time promotes the improvement of the gait pattern of infants in the first year of life. However, the effects of the leg length and body weight of infants on the benefit of practice time remain undefined. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A aquisição da marcha é suportada por mudanças no sistema neuromusculoesquelético da criança. a literatura aponta que modificações nas dimensões das estruturas corporais resultantes do crescimento da criança explicam, em parte, o aprimoramento da marcha no primeiro ano de vida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se mudanças na massa corporal e comprimento da perna modulam o efeito da prática da marcha independente nos seguintes parâmetros da marcha: velocidade e comprimento da passada. MÉTODO: Trinta e dois lactentes com desenvolvimento normal foram acompanhados mensalmente a partir da aquisição da marcha independente até seis meses pós-aquisição. Avaliações longitudinais incluíram mensurações da massa corporal e do comprimento da perna de cada criança. As variáveis temporoespaciais da marcha (velocidade e comprimento da passada) foram documentadas utilizando-se o sistema Qualisys Pro-Reflex (r) . Os dados foram analisados por modelos de regressão multinível, com nível de significância α=0,05. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se um efeito do tempo de prática nas medidas de velocidade (p<0,0001) e comprimento da passada (p<0,0001). a mudança no comprimento da perna teve um efeito marginal na taxa de mudança da velocidade de marcha: crianças cujo crescimento da perna foi mais acelerado apresentaram uma taxa de mudança de velocidade maior (p=0,07). Nenhum outro efeito dos parâmetros antropométricos foi observado. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o tempo de prática promove o aprimoramento do padrão de marcha de lactentes no primeiro ano de vida. Por sua vez, os efeitos do comprimento da perna e da massa corporal ...

COPD patients' oxygen uptake and heart rate on-kinetics at cycle-ergometer: correlation with their predictors of severity / COPD patients' oxygen uptake and heart rate on-kinetics at cycle-ergometer: correlation with their predictors of severity

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether there is a correlation between oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) on-kinetics in the constant-load cycle-ergometer test (CLT) and the BODE index and its isolated variables in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHOD: Fourteen male patients between 55 and 78 years of age with moderate to severe COPD were evaluated. Each patient underwent spirometry, the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the cycle-ergometer incremental test (IT) and CLT on alternate days. The exhaled gases were collected, and the VO2 and HR on-kinetics were analyzed. The BODE index was calculated. RESULTS: It was noted that the VO2 tau (τ) and mean response time (MRT) were significantly higher than HR τ and MRT. Moderate and strong correlations between τ and MRT of the VO2 and HR and the BODE index was noted (r=0.75 and r=0.78; r=0.62 and r=0.63, respectively), and there were correlations between the VO2 τ and MRT and the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (r=-0.60; r=-0.53) and the distance traveled at 6MWT (DT-6MWT) (r=-0.61; r=-0.44) and DT-6MWT % predicted (r=-0.62; r=-0.46). The HR τ and MRT were correlated with DT-6MWT (r=-0.59; r=-0.58) and DT-6MWT % predicted (r=-0.62; r=-0.62). CONCLUSION: The slowing of cycle-ergometer VO2, and especially of HR on-kinetics, may be key markers of disease severity. Furthermore, airflow obstruction and reduced exercise capacity are associated with the slowing of patients' VO2 and HR on-kinetics. .

OBJETIVOS: Verificar se há correlação entre a cinética-on do consumo de oxigênio (VO2) e da frequência cardíaca (FC) no teste de carga constante em cicloergômetro (TCC) com o índice BODE e suas variáveis isoladas em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 14 homens com DPOC de obstrução moderada a muito grave, entre 55 e 78 anos, submetidos em dias alternados à espirometria, teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6), teste incremental em cicloergômetro (TI) e TCC. Foram coletados os gases expirados, e a cinética-on do VO2 e da FC foi analisada. O índice BODE foi calculado. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a tau (τ) e o tempo de resposta média (TRM) do VO2 foram significativamente maiores que a τ e o TRM da FC. Observou-se correlações moderadas e fortes entre a τ e o TRM do VO2 e da FC com o índice BODE (r=0,75 e r=0,78; r=0,62 e r=0,63, respectivamente) e correlações entre a τ e o TRM do VO2 com o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) (r=-0,60; r=-0,53), a distância percorrida no TC6 (DP-TC6) (r=-0,61; r=-0,44) e a DP-TC6 %prevista (r=-0,62; r=-0,46). A τ e o TRM da FC correlacionaram-se com a DP-TC6 (r=-0,59; r=-0,58) e a DP-TC6 %prevista (r=-0,62; r=-0,62). CONCLUSÃO: A lentificação da cinética-on do VO2 e principalmente da FC em cicloergômetro pode ser um marcador importante de gravidade da doença. Adicionalmente, a limitação ao fluxo aéreo e a reduzida capacidade ao exercício estão associadas à lentificação da cinética-on do VO2 e da FC nesses pacientes. .

Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test and MiniBESTest in the elderly and individuals with Parkinson's disease: application of the Rasch model / Adaptação transcultural e análise das propriedades psicométricas do Balance Evaluation Systems Test e do MiniBESTest em idosos e indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: aplicação do modelo Rasch

BACKGROUND: Older adults and individuals with neurological problems such as Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit balance deficits that might impair their mobility and independence. The assessment of balance must be useful in identifying the presence of instability and orient interventions. OBJECTIVE: To translate and perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and MiniBESTest to Brazilian Portuguese and analyze its psychometric properties. METHOD: The tests were translated and adapted to Portuguese according to a standard method and then subjected to a test-retest reliability assessment (10 older adults; 10 individuals with PD). The psychometric properties were assessed by the Rasch model (35 older adults; 35 individuals with PD). RESULTS: The reliability coefficient of the tests relative to the items and subjects varied from 0.91 and 0.98, which is indicative of the stability and reproducibility of the measures. In the BESTest, the person (4.19) and item (5.36) separation index established six balance ability levels and seven levels of difficulty, respectively. In the MiniBESTest, the person (3.16) and item (6.41) separation index established four balance ability levels and nine levels of difficulty, respectively. Two items in the BESTest did not fit with the model expectations, but the construct validity was not compromised. No item in the MiniBESTest was erratic. CONCLUSIONS: The results corroborate the diagnostic and screening functions of the BESTest and MiniBESTest, respectively, and indicate that the Brazilian versions exhibit adequate reliability, construct validity, response stability, and capacity to distinguish among various balance ability levels in older adults and individuals with PD. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Idosos e indivíduos com problemas neurológicos, como a doença de Parkinson (DP), apresentam déficits de equilíbrio que podem comprometer a mobilidade e independência. A avaliação do equilíbrio deve identificar a instabilidade e direcionar a intervenção. OBJETIVOS: Traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) e o MiniBESTest para o português-Brasil e analisar suas propriedades psicométricas. MÉTODO: Os testes foram traduzidos e adaptados para o português seguindo instruções padronizadas e foram submetidos à análise de confiabilidade teste-reteste (dez idosos; dez indivíduos com DP). As propriedades psicométricas foram avaliadas pela análise Rasch (35 idosos; 35 indivíduos com DP). RESULTADOS: Os coeficientes de confiabilidade dos testes para itens e indivíduos variaram de 0,91 a 0,98, indicando estabilidade e possibilidade de reprodução das medidas em aplicações subsequentes. No BESTest, os índices de separação dos indivíduos (4,19) e dos itens (5,36) determinaram, respectivamente, seis níveis de habilidade de equilíbrio e sete níveis de dificuldade. No MiniBESTest, os índices dividiram os indivíduos (3,16) em quatro níveis de habilidade e os itens (6,41) em nove níveis de dificuldade. Dois itens do BESTest não se adequaram às expectativas do modelo, o que não comprometeu sua validade de constructo. No MiniBESTest não houve item errático. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados dão suporte à função de diagnóstico e triagem para o BESTest e MiniBESTest, respectivamente, e sugerem que as versões brasileiras apresentam adequada confiabilidade, ...

Interferential electrical stimulation improves peripheral vasodilatation in healthy individuals

BACKGROUND: Interferential electrical stimulation (IES), which may be linked to greater penetration of deep tissue, may restore blood flow by sympathetic nervous modulation; however, studies have found no association between the frequency and duration of the application and blood flow. We hypothesized that 30 min of IES applied to the ganglion stellate region might improve blood flow redistribution. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of IES on metaboreflex activation in healthy individuals. METHOD: Interferential electrical stimulation or a placebo stimulus (same protocol without electrical output) was applied to the stellate ganglion region in eleven healthy subjects (age 25±1.3 years) prior to exercise. Mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), calf blood flow (CBF) and calf vascular resistance (CVR) were measured throughout exercise protocols (submaximal static handgrip exercise) and with recovery periods with or without postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO+ and PECO -, respectively). Muscle metaboreflex control of calf vascular resistance was estimated by subtracting the area under the curve when circulation was occluded from the area under the curve from the AUC without circulatory occlusion. RESULTS: At peak exercise, increases in mean blood pressure were attenuated by IES (p<0.05), and the effect persisted under both the PECO+ and PECO- treatments. IES promoted higher CBF and lower CVR during exercise and recovery. Likewise, IES induced a reduction in the estimated muscle metaboreflex control (placebo, 21±5 units vs. IES, 6±3, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acute application of IES prior to exercise attenuates the increase in blood pressure and vasoconstriction during exercise and metaboreflex activation in healthy subjects. .

Functional and cognitive changes in community-dwelling elderly: Longitudinal study / Mudancas funcionais e cognitivas em idosos da comunidade: estudo longitudinal

BACKGROUND: The relationship between aging and increased life expectancy in the overall population likely contributes to a higher frequency rate and incidence of illnesses and functional disabilities. Physical dependence and cognitive impairment might hinder the performance of activities and result in an overload of care duties for the patient's family and the healthcare system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and cognitive changes exhibited by the elderly over a 6-month period. METHOD: This longitudinal and observational study was conducted in a sample of 167 elderly people, who were selected from the database of the Network of Studies on Frailty in Brazilian Elderly, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG. The participants submitted to the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Katz Index, Lawton and Brody's scale and responded to items on Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADLs). We analyzed the data using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: The participants' functional capacity exhibited reduced performance of specific instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), p=0.002, and basic activities of daily living (BADLs), p=0.038. Living alone (odds ratio (OR), 2.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-5.87) and work status (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.18-5.41) were associated with changes in the IADLs. The scores in the AADL scale (p=0.163) and MMSE (p=0.059) did not exhibit any significant difference during the study period. The participants with better cognitive function were more independent in their performance of AADLs and IADLs. CONCLUSION: The results depict specific patterns of loss and stability of functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O processo de envelhecimento associado à ampliação da expectativa de vida da população pode acarretar um aumento da prevalência e incidência de doenças e de prejuízos à funcionalidade. A dependência física e o comprometimento cognitivo podem impedir o desempenho de atividades, gerando uma sobrecarga de cuidados para a família e para o sistema de saúde. OBJETIVO: Comparar as mudanças funcionais e cognitivas em idosos ocorridas num período de seis meses. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo observacional longitudinal, com uma amostra de 167 idosos, selecionados a partir do banco de dados da Rede de Estudos da Fragilidade em Idosos Brasileiros do polo da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Os participantes responderam ao Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM), ao Índice de Katz, a Escala de Lawton e Brody e a questões relativas à Atividade Avançada de Vida Diária (AAVD). Os dados foram analisados com modelos de regressão multivariada. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diminuição da capacidade funcional nas Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária (AIVD), p=0,002, e, nas Atividades Básicas de Vida Diária (ABVD), p=0,038, em algumas atividades específicas. Morar sozinho (OR=2,53; IC=1,09:5,87) e condição de trabalho (OR=2,52; IC=1,18:5,41) associaram-se a mudança nas AIVD. Não houve diferença significativa no período de tempo do acompanhamento, na pontuação da AAVD, p=0,163, e do MEEM, p=0,059. Observou-se que os indivíduos com melhor cognição eram mais independentes nas AAVD e nas AIVD. CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados revelam perfis específicos de perda e de estabilidade na funcionalidade de idosos comunitários. .