Posturography Comparison and Discriminant Analysis Between Individuals With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the center of pressure (CoP) in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP) compared with matched controls and perform discriminant analysis to detect which CoP variables differentiate the groups. METHODS: Thirty-two participants with LBP and 33 matched controls were evaluated on a force plate in a bipedal static position for 30 seconds in 2 conditions: eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Two discriminant analyzes were performed to detect which CoP variables could discriminate between groups. RESULTS: Those with LBP had higher values (ie, poorer balance) for most variables compared with the control group. With EO, total displacement of sway (TDS) was as follows: LBP group (median [25%-75%]) 31.77 (26.39-41.79) cm, control group 27.21 (22.29-31.78) cm, P = .008 and area: LBP group 3.31 (2.33-4.68) cm2, control group 1.77 (1.3-2.71) cm2. With EC, TDS was as follows: LBP group 49.6 (39.65-68.15) cm, control group 38.77 (30.36; 45.65) cm, P = .003 and area: LBP group 4.68 (2.6-7.28) cm2, control group 2.4 (2.1-3.34) cm2. The discriminating variables in the EO condition were the TDS for the LBP group and the anteroposterior mean velocity for the control group, while in the EC condition they were mediolateral dispersion and area for the LBP group. CONCLUSION: Individuals with chronic LBP had worse postural control performance than matched controls, and it is possible to characterize those with and without LBP with CoP variables.

Determination of the motor unit behavior of lumbar erector spinae muscles through surface EMG decomposition technology in healthy female subjects.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to determine the motor unit behavior of the erector spinae muscles and to assess whether differences exist between the dominant/nondominant sides of the back muscles. METHODS: Nine healthy women, aged 21.7 years (SD = 0.7), performed a back extension test. Surface electromyographic decomposition data were collected from both sides of the erector spinae and decomposed into individual motor unit action potential trains. The mean firing rate for each motor unit was calculated, and a regression analysis was performed against the corresponding recruitment thresholds. RESULTS: The mean firing rate ranged from 15.9 to 23.9 pps and 15.8 to 20.6 pps on the dominant and nondominant sides, respectively. However, the early motor unit potentials of the nondominant lumbar erector spinae muscles were recruited at a lower firing rate. CONCLUSIONS: This technique may further our understanding of individuals with back pain and other underlying neuromuscular diseases. Muscle Nerve 55: 28-34, 2017.

Kinematic gait analysis using inertial sensors with subjects after stroke in two different arteries.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was described the kinematic characteristics of gait in stroke patients with two different arteries involved. [Subjects and Methods] Two patients who had suffered a basilar (A) or middle (B) cerebral artery ischemic stroke were compared with a control (C). Seventeen inertial sensors were used with acquisition rate of 120 Hz. The participants walked 3 times on a 10 meter walkway. From the raw data, the three gait cycles from the middle of each trial were chosen and analyzed. [Results] During the stance phase, patients A and B had a lower hip angle at initial contact and maximum flexion angle during load response than the control. Patient A and the control subject had similar knee angle values at initial contact, and patient B presented a flexed position in the initial phase of the gait cycle. The maximum flexion angles during loading response were also higher for patient B. The sagittal plane excursion for the ankle joint was lower for patient B in comparison with the other subjects. [Conclusion] Differences during walking between patients who had stroke in different arteries may be related to an alternative compensatory strategy. Patient A and the control subject had similar gait cycle curves at all joints, while patient B showed a rigid synergic pattern.

The effectiveness of aquatic physical therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of aquatic physical therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. DATA SOURCES: The search strategy was undertaken using the following databases, from 1950 to December 2012: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCIELO, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Disease Group Trials Register, PEDro and DARE. REVIEW METHODS: The studies were separated into groups: Group I - aquatic physical therapy × no treatment, Group II - aquatic physical therapy × land-based exercises and Group III - aquatic physical therapy × other treatments. RESULTS: Seventy-two abstracts were found, 27 of which met the inclusion criteria. For the functional ability (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), three studies were considered with a treatment time of more than 20 weeks and a mean difference (MD) of -1.35 [-2.04; -0.67], P = 0.0001 was found in favour of the aquatic physical therapy group versus no treatment. The same results were identified for stiffness and the 6-minute walk test where two studies were pooled with an MD of -1.58 [-2.58; -0.58], P = 0.002 and 43.5 (metres) [3.8; 83.2], P = 0.03, respectively. CONCLUSION: Three meta-analyses showed statistically significant results in favour of the aquatic physical therapy (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, stiffness and the 6-minute walk test) during a period of longer than 20 weeks. Due to the low methodological rigor, the results were insufficient to demonstrate statistical and clinical differences in most of the outcomes.

Evaluation of quality of life in individuals with chronic stroke who underwent aquatic exercises: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercises are among the treatments available to improve the quality of life after stroke. OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in the quality of life after 8-week of aquatic exercises in post-stroke individuals. METHODS: A case series study was designed, including four male participants. Exclusive aquatic exercise was performed for 8-week, 50 minutes per session, 2×/week. Their quality of life was evaluated before and after the intervention using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). RESULTS: Participant 1 improved in the mobility domain, achieving a Clinically Important Difference (CID). Participant 2 improved in the strength and mobility domain, achieving CID; his stroke recovery was 6%, and it reached 50% post-intervention. Participant 3 improved in the mobility domain, achieving a CID and a Minimal Detectable Change (MDC); his stroke recovery increased from 45 to 60% post-intervention. Participant 4 improved the strength, mobility, and activities of daily living domains, achieving a CID and a MDC, but his stroke recovery remained unchanged at 80%. CONCLUSIONS: All participants achieved a CID in the mobility domain; thus, the aquatic exercise intervention was considered meaningful. Moreover, the SIS is able to evaluate aspects of the recovery process regarding health-related quality of life after stroke, as demonstrated by the results of the overall recovery after aquatic exercises.

Assessment of measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the low back activity confidence scale (LoBACS) in patients with chronic low back pain.

The Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS) assesses the self-efficacy to perform activities in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). As self-efficacy appears to directly influence the patient's functional capacity and prognosis, it is important to develop a scale that evaluates this attribute to guide treatment strategy and monitor the clinical course of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the Brazilian version of the LoBACS. The scale was applied to 112 male and female patients (age, 18-65 years) with specific and nonspecific CLBP. For evaluating the interobserver reliability, the scale was applied twice on the first evaluation day by two trained evaluators (A and B). Within 48-72 h of the first evaluation, assessor A reapplied the scale to evaluate intraobserver reliability (test-retest), which was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The first LoBACS applied in the baseline evaluation was also used to assess the construct validity of the scale by factor analysis. For responsiveness, the scale was applied 5 times at 2-week intervals and the change in scores was analyzed by the repeated measures ANOVA. Although factor analysis indicated three subscales, they did not present acceptable values of convergent and divergent validity. Reliability ranged from good to excellent, with ICC values of .90 (95% CI, .84; .93) and .85 (95% CI, .77; .91) for inter- and intraobserver variability for total score. Moreover, the total score was responsive in all comparisons, with no floor or ceiling effects. Thus, only the total score of the Brazilian version of LoBACS proved to be reliable, valid, and responsive.

A review on muscle activation behaviour during gait in shallow water and deep-water running and surface electromyography procedures.

BACKGROUND: Surface electromyography (sEMG) can provide information on muscle activation patterns during gait. OBJECTIVES: To characterize electromyographic activity during gait in shallow water and during deep-water running compare to on land and to review and analyse underwater surface-electromyographic (sEMG) procedures. SEARCH METHODS: Eight databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE, SPORT Discus, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SCIELO, and LILACS) were searched from their inception to the December of 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: The selected studies had to be related to electromyographic analysis of gait in an aquatic environment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed by two independent reviewers and divided into four groups. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Lower muscle activation was found with treadmill water walking compared to treadmill land walking. With deep-water running, the leg muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius lateralis) have lower muscle activation when compared to on land running, but the trunk and thigh muscles have higher activation. CONCLUSION: If gait is performed on an aquatic treadmill, the muscles assessed had lower muscle activation when compared to land. During deep-water running activities, lower activation of the distal leg muscles and a higher activation thigh muscles were found when compared to on land. Studies did not follow standard processes in sEMG procedures.

Joint angle and movement velocity effects on muscle activity of elderly with knee osteoarthritis - Categorized and probabilistic analysis.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of joint angle position and angular velocity on concentric and eccentric knee muscles activity of elderly with osteoarthritis (OA) in a deterministic and probabilistic approach compared to matched controls. Concentric and eccentric muscle activation of vastus medialis (VM) and semitendinous (ST) muscles were recorded of eleven elderly women with knee OA (median (Md (25-75%)) age of 62 years (60-72) and Md of body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg/m2 (24.5-27.2)) and ten controls (Md 65 years (62-69) and Md of BMI 24.5 kg/m2 (23.6-28.9), during twenty-five knee extension-flexion movements. Activation type, angular velocities (90° s-1 and 240° s-1) and joint angle intervals were categorized into groups. The cumulative frequency distributions of the normalized sEMG envelope were computed and the probability to be out of specific norm-reference limits (controls) was calculated. No statistical differences between groups were found. Higher probabilities were found for VM and ST (concentric) and ST (eccentric) activation to be out of norm (55%, 53% and 84%, respectively) at 240 s-1 in different joint angles. During dynamic contractions, concentric and eccentric activity of medial knee muscles of elderly with OA were affected in a different way by joint angles and angular velocity compared to matched controls. The probabilistic analysis provided an additional understanding of the muscle activation between elderly with knee OA and healthy older people.

Postural Sway, Balance Confidence, and Fear of Falling in Women With Knee Osteoarthritis in Comparison to Matched Controls.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease that commonly affects the knee joints. Individuals older than 65 years of age with knee OA have a greater risk of falls. However, there has been limited examination of the parameters of postural sway (increased time, speed, and postural sway area [center of pressure{CoP}]), and OA of the knee. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the CoP variables discriminate between patients with knee OA and matched healthy volunteers, and to correlate the CoP variables with the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and Falls Self-Efficacy Scale (FES). The secondary objective was to compare the CoP of older women with OA with a control group in bipedal support condition with eyes opened and closed. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University Biomechanics Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 participants were divided into the following 2 groups of 11 participants each: an OA group (mean = 68 years, standard deviation = 7.4 years) and a control group (mean = 66 years, standard deviation = 4.4 years). METHODS: Static postural balance was measured by a portable force platform. Data were collected in both visual conditions (eyes open and closed), in random order. Three attempts of 30 seconds were allowed for each participant on the force platform, with a 1-minute interval between attempts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Variables were the CoP total displacement of sway (TDS, in centimeters), anteroposterior amplitude displacement (APAD, in centimeters), medial-lateral amplitude displacement (MLAD, in centimeters), total mean velocity (TMV, in centimeters per second), and dispersion of the center of pressure (AREA, in centimeters squared). RESULTS: The postural sway analysis found statistically significant differences in the eyes open condition for the TDS (P = .020), APAD (P = .042), TMV (P = .010), and AREA (P = .045). In the discriminant analysis, none of the CoP variables were able to classify the groups (P = .15). The correlation analysis showed that only the AREA with eyes closed was associated with the ABC Scale (rho = -0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Women with knee OA had greater postural sway when compared with a control group for the eyes open condition. CoP variables could not discriminate between the groups. The AREA was negatively correlated with the ABC Scale, when the eyes were closed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reliability of ground reaction forces in the aquatic environment.

The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of the kinetic parameters of gait using an underwater force platform. A total of 49 healthy participants with a median age of 21years were included. The kinetic gait data were collected using a 0.6×0.6×0.1m aquatic force plate (Bertec®), set in a pool (15×13×1.30m) with a water depth of 1.20m and water temperature of 32.5°C. Participants walked 10m before reaching the platform, which was fixed to the ground. Participants were instructed to step onto the platform with their preferred limb and data from three valid attempts were used to calculate the average values. A 48-h interval between tests was used for the test-retest reliability. Data were analyzed using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and results demonstrated that reliability ranged from poor to excellent, with ICC scores of between 0.24 and 0.87 and mean differences between (d¯)=-0.01 and 0.002. The highest reliability values were found for the vertical (Fz) and the lowest for the mediolateral components (Fy). In conclusion, the force platform is reliable for assessing the vertical and anteroposterior components of power production rates in water, however, caution should be applied when using this instrument to evaluate the mediolateral component in this environment.

Pilates versus general exercise effectiveness on pain and functionality in non-specific chronic low back pain subjects.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of disability, and the Pilates method has been associated with improvements in symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Pilates method, when compared to general exercises, on pain and functionality after eight weeks (16 sessions, 2×/week) and a follow-up of three months, in subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). A randomised controlled trial composed of 22 subjects was proposed. Subjects were allocated into two groups: the Pilates group (PG) (n = 11) and the general exercise group (GEG) (n = 11). The PG protocol was based on the Pilates method and the GEG performed exercises to manage NSCLBP. There were no differences between the groups. When analysed over time, the GEG demonstrated improvements in functionality between baseline and the end of treatment (P = .02; Cohen'sd¯ = 0.34) and baseline and follow-up (P = .04; Cohen'sd¯ = 0.31). There were no differences between the Pilates and general exercises with regard to pain and functionality in NSCLBP subjects but general exercises were better than Pilates for increasing functionality and flexibility.

Comparison of the electromyographic activity of the anterior trunk during the execution of two Pilates exercises - teaser and longspine - for healthy people.

This study compared abdominal electromyographic (EMG) activity during the performance of Pilates' exercises. 16 females participated in the study. EMG signals of the rectus abdominis (RA) and external oblique (EO) were recorded during Longspine performed on the mat, Cadillac, and Reformer and the Teaser performed on the mat, Cadillac, and Combo-chair. Values were normalized by the EMG peak of a dynamic task and divided in concentric and eccentric phases. Longspine performed on the mat increased EO activity in the concentric phase more than on the Reformer and the Cadillac (Mean Difference (MD)=12.2%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [3.36; 21.04]; p=.04). Differences in the eccentric phase of the RA favored the mat compared to the Reformer (MD=5.20%; 95% CI [-0.55; 10.95]; p=.02). Significant differences in eccentric contraction of the RA were found for teaser exercise performed on the mat versus Cadillac (MD=1.1%; 95% CI [-4.13; 6.33]; p=.04) and the mat versus the Combo-chair (MD=6.3%; 95% CI [1.31; 11.29]; p=.005). Higher concentric activation values for the EO were found when the teaser exercise was performed on the Cadillac. Exercises performed on the mat required greater rectus abdominis activation.

The effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy treatment in patients who have undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy treatment for patients who have undergone arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on which treatment is best for patients post meniscectomy. METHODS: A search for articles published from 1950 to March 2013 was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, SciELO, IBECS, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, Academic Search Premier, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The key words were physiotherapy, physical therapy modalities, exercise therapy, rehabilitation, knee, placebo, groups, tibial meniscus, meniscus, arthroscopy, meniscectomy, partial meniscectomy, randomized controlled trial, controlled clinical trial, randomized, systematic review, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen randomized controlled trials were included in the review, 6 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Outpatient physical therapy plus a home exercise program, compared to a home program alone, improved function compared to a home program alone (mean difference, 10.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 19.3; P = .02) and knee flexion range of motion (mean difference, 9.1; 95% confidence interval: 3.7, 14.5; P = .0009). Inpatient physical therapy alone compared to inpatient plus outpatient physical therapy reduced the likelihood of effusion (odds ratio = 0.25; 95% confidence interval: 0.10, 0.61; P = .003). CONCLUSION: Physical therapy associated with home exercises seems to be effective in improving patient-reported knee function and range of motion in patients post-arthroscopic meniscectomy, although the included randomized controlled trials were classified from moderate to high risk of bias and should be interpreted with caution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 1a-.

Isokinetic evaluation of knee muscles in soccer players: discriminant analysis / Avaliação isocinética dos músculos do joelho em jogadores de futebol: análise discriminante / Evaluación isocinética de los músculos de la rodilla en jugadores de fútbol: análisis discriminante

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Muscle activity in soccer players can be measured by isokinetic dynamometer, which is a reliable tool for assessing human performance.Objectives:To perform isokinetic analyses and to determine which variables differentiate the under-17 (U17) soccer category from the professional (PRO).Methods:Thirty four players were assessed (n=17 for each category). The isokinetic variables used for the knee extension-flexion analysis were: peak torque (Nm), total work (J), average power (W), angle of peak torque (deg.), agonist/ antagonist ratio (%), measured for three velocities (60°/s, 120°/s and 300°/s), with each series containing five repetitions. Three Wilks' Lambda discriminant analyses were performed, to identify which variables were more significant for the definition of each of the categories.Results:The discriminative variables at 60°/s in the PRO category were: extension peak torque, flexion total work, extension average power and agonist/antagonist ratio; and for the U17s were: extension total work, flexion peak torque and flexion average power. At 120°/s for the PRO category the discriminant variables were: flexion peak torque and extension average power; for the U17s they were: extension total work and flexion average power. Finally at 300°/s, the variables found in the PRO and U17 categories respectively were: extension average power and extension total work.Conclusion:Isokinetic variables for flexion and extension knee muscles were able to significantly discriminate between PRO and U17 soccer players.

RESUMOIntrodução:A atividade muscular em jogadores de futebol pode ser medida por meio do dinamômetro isocinético, que é um instrumento confiável para avaliação do desempenho humano.Objetivos:Conduzir análises isocinéticas e discriminar quais variáveis diferenciam a categoria sub-17 (S17) da profissional (PRO).Métodos:Trinta e quatro jogadores de futebol (n=17 para cada categoria) foram avaliados. As variáveis isocinéticas utilizadas para a análise de extensão-flexão do joelho foram: pico de torque (Nm), trabalho total (J), potência média (W), ângulo de pico de torque (graus), razão agonista/antagonista (%), testadas em três velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s e 300°/s), com cada série contendo cinco repetições. Três análises discriminantes foram feitas usando o método Wilk's Lambda para identificar quais variáveis fariam uma discriminação significativa entre as duas categorias.Resultados:As variáveis discriminantes a 60°/s na categoria PRO foram: pico de torque extensores, trabalho total flexores, potência média de extensores e razão agonista/antagonista; e para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores e potência média de flexores. A 120°/s para a categoria PRO as variáveis discriminantes foram: pico de torque de flexores e potência média de extensores; para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores e potência média de flexores. A 300°/s, as variáveis encontradas para as categorias PRO e S17 foram, respectivamente: potência média de extensores e trabalho total de extensores.Conclusão:As variáveis isocinéticas para os músculos do joelho flexores e extensores foram capazes de fazer uma discriminação significativa entre jogadores de futebol PRO e S17.

RESUMENIntroducción:La actividad muscular en jugadores de fútbol puede ser medida por medio del dinamómetro isocinético, que es un instrumento confiable para evaluación del desempeño humano.Objetivos:Conducir análisis isocinéticos y discriminar qué variables diferencian la categoría sub-17 (S17) de la profesional (PRO).Métodos:Fueron evaluados treinta y cuatro jugadores de fútbol (n=17 para cada categoría). Las variables isocinéticas utilizadas para el análisis de extensión-flexión de la rodilla fueron: pico de torque (Nm), trabajo total (J), potencia media (W), ángulo de pico de torque (grados), razón agonista/antagonista (%), probadas en tres velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s y 300°/s), con cada serie conteniendo cinco repeticiones. Fueron realizados tres análisis discriminantes usando el método Wilk's Lambda para identificar qué variables harían una discriminación significativa entre las dos categorías.Resultados:Las variables discriminantes a 60°/s en la categoría PRO fueron: pico de torque extensores, trabajo total flexores, potencia media de extensores y razón agonista/antagonista; y para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de flexores. A 120°/s para la categoría PRO las variables discriminantes fueron: pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de extensores; para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores y potencia media de flexores. A 300°/s, las variables encontradas para las categorías PRO y S17 fueron, respectivamente: potencia media de extensores y trabajo total de extensores.Conclusión:Las variables isocinéticas para los músculos de la rodilla flexores y extensores fueron capaces de hacer una discriminación significativa entre jugadores de fútbol PRO y S17.

Análise comparativa da atividade elétrica do músculo multífido durante exercícios do Pilates, série de Williams e Spine Stabilization / Analysis of the multifidus muscle during Pilates, Williams' flexion and Spine Stabilization

INTRODUÇÃO: A fraqueza da musculatura paraespinhal está relacionada à etiologia da dor lombar. Atualmente existem vários métodos que apresentam exercícios para o fortalecimento dessa musculatura. OBJETIVOS: Comparar e analisar o sinal eletromiográfico do músculo multífido bilateralmente durante exercícios do método Pilates, série de Williams e Spine Stabilization. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo dez mulheres voluntárias e saudáveis que realizaram os exercícios leg pull front support modificado do Pilates, o quarto exercício da série adicional de Williams e o quadruped exercise do Spine Stabilization. O sinal foi normalizado pelo pico eletromiográfico da atividade dinâmica e foram ajustados para 2000 amostras por segundo e o filtro em uma frequência de passagem de 20 a 450 Hz. A ANOVA foi utilizada para verificar diferenças entre os exercícios, o teste t para amostras dependentes foi usado para comparar a ativação entre os lados direito e esquerdo do multífido para cada exercício. RESULTADOS E CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Na comparação entre os exercícios, observaram-se diferenças significativas para o músculo multífido a favor do exercício do método Pilates tanto na fase concêntrica quanto na excêntrica, o que demonstra ser o exercício de melhor ativação elétrica para o músculo analisado.

INTRODUCTION: The back muscle weakness is related with the etiology of low back pain. Nowadays, there are several methods the focus is on back muscle strengthening. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the multifidus muscle bilaterally during exercises of the Pilates method, Spine Stabilization and Williams' flexion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy female volunteers participated in the study. They performed the leg pull front support exercise from the Pilates method, the quadruped exercise from the Spine Stabilization and the fourth exercise from the additional Williams' flexion. The signal was normalized by the electromyographic peak of the dynamic activity and was adjusted to 2000 samples/s and filter with a frequency band from 20 to 450 Hz. ANOVA was used to verify differences between the exercises, the paired-sample t test was used to compare activation between the right and left multifidus for each exercise. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: When the exercises where compared, statistically significant differences were observed in the concentric and eccentric phases for the Pilates exercise, showing that this exercise is the one who activates the musculature the most between the exercises evaluated.

Effect of an exercise program on risk factors of falls in elderly women / Efeito de um programa de exercícios físicos nos fatores de risco de quedas em idosas

The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of an exercise program on functional capacity and balance in elderly community. A longitudinal study was conducted with 11 female subjects with mean age 77 (SD = 13) years. All individuals were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study by 'Berg' Balance Scale and 'Timed Up and Go' Test. Initially, the participants answered a questionnaire about the socio-demographics aspects, health conditions, falls and physical activity practice. Then, the subjects were submitted to a program of exercises for balance, strengthening and stretching muscles. The results of the 'Berg' Scale ranged from 46 to 56 points before the intervention, and from 50 to 56, after the intervention (p = 0.01). Individuals older than 75 years old had a better improvement (p = 0.04). In the 'Timed Up and Go' Test the percentage of improvement was 8.2% ( = 13.1; SD= 11.7). The exercise program showed a positive effect in improving risk factors of falls in the elderly community.

Objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os benefícios de um programa de exercícios físicos na capacidade funcional e equilíbrio de idosos. Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal com a participação de 11 indivíduos do gênero feminino, com idade média de 77 anos (DP = 13). Todos foram avaliados no início e final do estudo pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg e pelo teste Timed Up and Go . Inicialmente, as participantes responderam um questionário por meio de entrevista, que abordava aspectos sociodemográficos, condições de saúde, quedas e prática de atividade física. Na sequência, as idosas foram submetidas a um programa de exercícios de treino de equilíbrio, fortalecimento e alongamentos musculares. Os resultados da escala de Berg variaram de 46 a 56 pontos, antes da intervenção e de 50 a 56 após a intervenção (p = 0,01). Os sujeitos com mais de 75 anos tiveram melhora superior (p = 0,04). No teste Timed Up and Go o percentual de melhora foi de 8,2% ( = 13,1; DP = 11,7). O programa de exercícios desenvolvido apresentou efeito positivo na melhora dos fatores de risco de quedas em idosos.

Intervening factors in the walking of children presenting myelomeningocele / Fatores intervenientes na marcha de crianças com mielomeningocele

Introduction: All children presenting myelomeningocele are capable of walking. Certain interventions can influence the walking prognosis of these children: physical therapy, medication, and nutritional orientation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the association between ability to walk in children with myelomeningocele and clinical, socioeconomic and therapeutic factors. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital. The participants were children aged two years-old or more, diagnosed with myelomeningocele. Data collection was conducted by physical therapy assessment and medical records. The dependent variable was walking and the independent variables were clinical,socioeconomic and therapeutic factors. Results: Forty-one children were evaluated, with a median age of5 years-old (2-9). The clinical factors that revealed an association with walking were neurological area (p < 0,0001) and fractures (p = 0,022). Socioeconomic factors showed not to be significant in relation to ability towalk. Surgery (p = 0,017) and the use of assistive devices (p = 0,023) were also associated with the ability towalk. Conclusion: The determinant clinical factor for walking prognosis was the neurological area. The useof assistive devices and surgical intervention were shown to be necessary for promoting walking activity.