Effects of Classic Progressive Resistance Training Versus Eccentric-Enhanced Resistance Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of classic progressive resistance training (PRT) versus eccentric strength-enhanced training (EST) on the performance of functional tests and different strength manifestations in the lower limb of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DESIGN: Experimental trial. SETTING: Strength training program. PARTICIPANTS: PwMS (N=52; 19 men, 33 women) belonging to MS associations from the Castilla y León, Spain. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a control group that performed PRT or an experimental group that performed EST. In both groups, the knee extensor muscles were trained for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after 12 weeks of training, maximal voluntary isometric contraction and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of the knee extensors were evaluated, as were the Chair Stand Test (CST) and Timed 8-Foot Up and Go (TUG) functional tests. RESULTS: No differences were found between the groups in the initial values for different tests. Intragroup comparisons found significant differences in CST (F=69.4; P<.001), TUG (F=40.0; P<.001), and 1RM (F=57.8; P<.001). For intergroup comparisons, EST presented better results than PRT in the CST (EST, 4.7%±2.8%; PRT, 1.9%±2.8%; F=13.1; P=.001) and TUG (EST, -2.9±4.7; PRT, -.41±5.6; F=5.6; P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: In PwMS, EST leads to improvements in 1RM, TUG, and CST that are similar to those of PRT. However, for patients who participated in this study, the EST seems to promote a better transfer of strength adaptations to the functional tests, which are closer to daily-living activities.

A Randomized Trial Investigating the Influence of Strength Training on Quality of Life in Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Strength training post stroke is widely acknowledged as an important part of a rehabilitation program. Muscle strength has been shown to be a significant contributor to physical disability after stroke, which in turn has an immense impact on the reintegration of patients into society, affecting their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This was a randomized intervention trial to determine the effect of a resistance training program on the quality of life in patients with stroke. METHODS: An experimental group (EG), consisting of 11 subjects aged 51.7 ± 8.0 years, and a control group (CG), consisting of 13 subjects aged 52.5 ± 7.7 years, were studied before and after 12 weeks. EG underwent 12 weeks of strength training three times a week. The CG did not undergo strength training during the 12-week study period. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in quality of life from pre-test to post-test (Δ% = 21.47%; p = 0.021) in EG. There were significant differences in all indicators of quality of life between groups at 12 weeks. There were greater gains in strength in EG than in CG (p ≤ 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the strength gains as determined with the 1RM test and the quality of life, especially in lower limb exercises. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that there was an improvement in the measures of strength in EG, and that there was a correlation between improvements in strength and quality of life in these patients who had previously suffered a stroke at least one year prior to study.

Strength training as a non-pharmacological alternative to improve body composition, and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) have physiological, emotional, and economic consequences in the lives of affected people. Resistance training (RT) is efficient in improving several physiological factors, quality of life, and body composition. Due to the scarce literature on the analysis of isolated RT, the objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of RT without the association of other techniques, in aspects related to the quality of life and body composition of people with SCI. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The research was carried out in databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science using the terms ("Spinal cord injury") AND (("Resistance Training") OR ("Strength training")). Given the lack of evidence on the subject, no deadline was set for the study to be eligible for analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search for the articles was carried out in November of 2023 and returned 470 results, of which 315 remained after the elimination of duplicates, with 281 being excluded after title analysis. A total of 34 abstracts were analyzed and 29 studies were excluded, leaving 5 complete articles for thorough analysis. CONCLUSIONS: After analyzing the main results, we concluded that RT promotes significant improvements in body composition, pain, stress and depression symptoms, increased functionality, physical awareness, and quality of life.

Physical exercise and major depressive disorder in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to assess the benefits and potential risks associated with different physical exercise modalities for managing symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who were not receiving second-generation antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted. The search included multiple databases: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Clinical Trials repository, gray literature, and manual search. No language restrictions were applied. Eligible studies involved RCTs of adults with major depressive disorder who were not on antidepressants or receiving psychological therapy, comparing various exercise modalities with second-generation antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy, body-mind exercise, or no exercise interventions. Nine RCTs involving 678 adults were analyzed. The pooled results indicated a small clinical effect favoring exercise in reducing depressive symptoms, although the difference was not statistically significant (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI [- 0.58, 0.04], P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses suggested that intervention duration, frequency, intensity, supervision, age, overweight/obesity status, and diagnosis of depression could influence treatment outcomes. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for studies with controls without exercise interventions and a low risk of bias in the domains related to the randomization process and deviations from the intended interventions. The results showed that there are no statistically significant differences when interventions are compared with medication and body-mind exercise (p = 0.12, I2 = 78%). Furthermore, the analysis showed a moderate effect size favoring exercise, but no statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.05), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 85%). The evidence quality was generally low to very low, and methodological limitations compromised the certainty of the findings. Adverse events associated with exercise were manageable. The study emphasizes the need for well-designed RCTs to provide clearer insights into the potential benefits of exercise in managing major depressive disorder symptoms. Caution is warranted in interpreting these results due to the limitations of the included studies.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022356741.

Resistance Training and Muscle Strength in people with Spinal cord injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) have physiological, emotional, and economic consequences in the lives of affected people. Resistance training (RT) is efficient in improving several physiological factors, quality of life, and body composition. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Due to the scarce literature on RT analyzed separately, the objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of RT with no association to other techniques, in aspects related to the quality of life and body composition of people The research for the articles was carried out in the Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases using the terms "Spinal cord injuries" AND "Resistance Training" OR "Strength training". Given the scarcity of evidence on the subject, no deadline was set for the study to be eligible for analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The research for the articles was carried out in November of 2020 and returned 349 results, of which 220 remained after the elimination of duplicates, with 145 being excluded after title analysis. Seventy-five abstracts were analyzed and 70 studies were excluded, leaving 5 complete articles for a thorough analysis with SCI. Despite the I2 being 87%, the meta-analysis revealed an overall effect of Z = 4.79 (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: After analyzing the main results, we concluded that RT is feasible, secure, and promotes significant improvements in maximum strength, local muscular endurance, power, and muscular isometric voluntary contraction in people with spinal cord injury.

Two Weekly Sessions of High-Intensity Interval Training Improve Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Exercise training provides physiological benefits for maintaining good health. A common exercise strategy is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT may alleviate metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of 2 weekly HIIT sessions on MetS markers and HTGW-related factors in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 older men and women were randomized into two groups, the experimental group (EG), and the control group (CG). The EG performed 2 weekly sessions of HIIT during 12 weeks. HIIT sessions consisted of 40 min treadmill running/walking: a 10 min warm-up at 50%-60% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), followed by 10 sets of 1 min bouts at 85%-90% of HRmax interspersed with 1 min walking at self-selected pace (totaling 20 min), and 10 min cool-down walking at self-selected pace. The CG did not perform any type of intense exercise during the intervention period. Results: Participants in the EG of both sexes decreased MetS, HTGW, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycemia (P < 0.05). After training, the number of hypertensive men decreased by 100% and women by 70%. There was a 75% reduction in women with diabetes, a 100% reduction in MetS indicators and over 80% reduction in HTGW in participants of both sexes. Conclusion: Two weekly sessions of HIIT proved to be feasible and effective to induce clinically relevant improvements in MetS and HTGW indicators.

Evaluation of Training with Elastic Bands on Strength and Fatigue Indicators in Paralympic Powerlifting.

BACKGROUND: Variable resistance training has recently become a component of strength and conditioning programs. OBJECTIVE: This randomized counterbalanced cross-over study aimed to investigate the use of elastic bands (EB) and the traditional method (TRAD) and force indicators in a training session. METHODS: 12 Paralympic athletes (age: 28.60 ± 7.60 years) participated in this three-week study. In the first week, the participants were familiarized with EB and TRAD and were tested for maximal repetition (1-RM). The research occurred in weeks 2 and 3, which included the pre-post training, during which the following measures were extracted: maximum isometric force (MIF), the peak torque (PT), rate of force development (RFD), fatigue index (FI), and time to MIF (Time). The athletes performed two tests, EB and TRAD, separated by a one-week interval. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the pre- and post-test for 1RM (p = 0.018, η2p = 0.412), MIF (p = 0.011, η2p = 0.415), PT (p = 0.012, η2p = 0.413), and RFD (p = 0.0002, η2p = 0.761). With the use of EB, there was a difference in RFD between TRAD before and EB after (p = 0.016, η2p = 0.761). There were significant differences in the before and after for FI between TRAD and EB (p < 0.001) and for Time (p < 0.001), indicating that training with the use of elastic bands promotes overload, characterized by increased fatigue and decreased strength. CONCLUSIONS: Training with EB did not decrease 1RM, PT, MIF or RFD, however, there was an increase in fatigue and time to reach MIF when compared to the method with fixed resistance.

Static and Dynamic Strength Indicators in Paralympic Power-Lifters with and without Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: In Paralympic powerlifting (PP), athletes with and without spinal cord injury (SCI) compete in the same category. Athletes with SCI may be at a disadvantage in relation to the production of muscle strength and the execution of motor techniques. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the indicators force, dynamic and static, at different intensities, on performance in athletes with and without SCI. METHODS: The sample was composed of two groups of PP athletes: SCI (30.57 ± 4.20 years) and other deficiencies (OD; 25.67 ± 4.52 years). Athletes performed a test of maximum isometric force (MIF), time to MIF (Time), rate of force development (RFD), impulse, variability and fatigue index (FI), dynamic tests Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV), Maximum Velocity (Vmax) and Power. RESULTS: There were differences in the SCI in relation to OD, 50% 1RM (p < 0.05), in relation to MPV and Vmax. There were no differences in the static force indicators. Regarding EMG, there were differences between the SCI triceps in relation to the previous deltoid (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the static and dynamic strength indicators are similar in Paralympic powerlifting athletes with spinal cord injury and other disabilities.

Evaluation of Strength and Muscle Activation Indicators in Sticking Point Region of National-Level Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes.

BACKGROUND: The sticking region is considered an intervening factor in the performance of the bench press with high loads. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the strength indicators in the sticking point region in Powerlifting Paralympic athletes. METHODS: Twelve Brazilian Powerlifting Paralympic athletes performed maximum isometric force (MIF), rate of force development (RFD), time at MIF, velocity, dynamic time in sticking, and surface electromyography in several distances from the bar to the chest. RESULTS: For velocity, there was a difference between the pre-sticking and sticking region (1.98 ± 0.32 and 1.30 ± 0.43, p = 0.039) and dynamic time between the pre-sticking and the sticking region (0.40 ± 0.16 and 0.97 ± 0.37, p = 00.021). In static test for the MIF, differences were found between 5.0 cm and 15.0 cm (CI 95% 784; 1088; p = 0.010) and between 10.0 cm and 5.0 cm (CI 95% 527; 768; p < 0.001). Regarding the RFD, differences were found (CI 95% 938; 1240; p = 0.004) between 5.0 cm and 25.0 cm and between 10.0 cm and 25.0 cm (CI 95% 513; 732; p < 0.001). In relation to time, there were differences between 5.0 cm and 15.0 cm (CI 95% 0.330; 0.515; p < 0.001), 5.0 cm, and 25.0 cm (CI 95% 0.928; 1.345; p = 0.001), 10.0 cm and 15.0 cm (p < 0.05) and 15.0 cm and 25.0 cm (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the muscles in electromyography, although the triceps showed the highest muscle activation values. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum isometric force, rate of force development, time, velocity, and dynamic time had lower values, especially in the initial and intermediate phases in the sticking region.

Evaluation of the Post-Training Hypotensor Effect in Paralympic and Conventional Powerlifting.

High blood pressure (HBP) has been associated with several complications and causes of death. The objective of the study was to analyze the hemodynamic responses in Paralympic bench press powerlifting (PP) and conventional powerlifting (CP) before and after training and up to 60 minutes (min) after training. Ten PP and 10 CP athletes performed five sets of five repetition maximal bench press exercises, and we evaluated systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, and MBP, respectively), heart rate (HR), heart pressure product (HPP), and myocardial oxygen volume (MVO2). The SBP increased after training (p < 0.001), and there were differences in the post training and 30, 40, and 60 min later (p = 0.021), between 10 and 40 min after training (p = 0.031, η2p = 0.570), and between CP and PP (p =0.028, η2p = 0.570). In the MBP, there were differences between before and after (p = 0.016) and 40 min later (p = 0.040, η2p = 0.309). In the HR, there was a difference between before and after, and 5 and 10 min later (p = 0.002), and between after and 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min later (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.767). In HPP and MVO2, there were differences between before and after (p = 0.006), and between after and 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min later (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.816). In CP and PP, there is no risk of hemodynamic overload to athletes, considering the results of the HPP, and training promotes a moderate hypotensive effect, with blood pressure adaptation after and 60 min after exercise.

Can Creatine Supplementation Interfere with Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Brazilian National Level Paralympic Powerlifting?

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on peak torque (PT) and fatigue rate in Paralympic weightlifting athletes. Eight Paralympic powerlifting athletes participated in the study, with 25.40 ± 3.30 years and 70.30 ± 12.15 kg. The measurements of muscle strength, fatigue index (FI), peak torque (PT), force (kgf), force (N), rate of force development (RFD), and time to maximum isometric force (time) were determined by a Musclelab load cell. The study was performed in a single-blind manner, with subjects conducting the experiments first with placebo supplementation and then, following a 7-day washout period, beginning the same protocol with creatine supplementation for 7 days. This sequence was chosen because of the lengthy washout of creatine. Regarding the comparison between conditions, Cr supplementation did not show effects on the variables of muscle force, peak torque, RFD, and time to maximum isometric force (p > 0.05). However, when comparing the results of the moments with the use of Cr and placebo, a difference was observed for the FI after seven days (U3: 1.12; 95% CI: (0.03, 2.27); p = 0.02); therefore, the FI was higher for placebo. Creatine supplementation has a positive effect on the performance of Paralympic powerlifting athletes, reducing fatigue index, and keeping the force levels as well as PT.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) reliability and intraobserver reproducibility for segmental body composition measuring.

BACKGROUND: the measurement precision of body composition can interfere on the diagnosis and prescription of diseases' treatment. Furthermore, with regard to dual energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA), there may be important differences between the measures of regions of interest (ROI) automatically performed by DXA or manually by an evaluator, which can cause measurement error and influence the evaluation or diagnosis. AIM: thus, this study aimed to evaluate the measurement reliability of body composition by DXA and intraobserver reproducibility for the ROI measurement. METHODS: a total of 15 young adults were subjected to two full-body scans by DXA, under the same conditions. The first scan of all volunteers was chosen and the extent of the ROI was performed, in two stages, separated by a period of 2 weeks, by a single trained evaluator. The coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: high-precision measurements of DXA for whole body mass (ICC = 0.999; CV = 2.3%), fat mass (ICC = 0.998; CV = 1.6%), lean mass (ICC = 0.995; CV = 0.3%) and bone mineral content (ICC = 0.996; CV < 0.1%) were obtained. Further, it was observed high intraobserver reproducibility for ROI measurement, with ICC values ranging between 0.952 and 0.999. CONCLUSION: body composition measurement by DXA presents high reproducibility for whole body mass, fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content and also high intraobserver reproducibility for the ROI measurement.

Atividade física, comportamento sedentário e absenteísmo de professores da educação básica / Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and basic education teacher absenteeism / Actividad física, sedentarismo y ausentismo de profesores de enseñanza básica

O absenteísmo é caracterizado pelo distanciamento do funcionário ao trabalho, se tratando de um fenômeno complexo e multifatorial. Devido ao número de afastamentos atribuídos em 2018, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre nível de atividade física (NAF), comportamento sedentário (CS) e absenteísmo de professores da educação básica do município de Divinópolis-MG. A amostra foi composta por 84 docentes de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 45,12±8,88 anos. Realizou-se a identificação do absenteísmo através de questionário sociodemográfico e para NAF e CS utilizou-se o International Physical Activity Questionnarie (IPAQ) - versão curta. O valor de alfa foi estabelecido em 5%. A análise de relação, dada pelo Qui- Quadrado, demonstrou que o não absenteísmo no ano de 2019 está relacionado com exercer cargo efetivo (p=0,030), lecionar no Ensino Fundamental I (p=0,041) e ser fisicamente ativo (p=0,003). Pode-se observar pela correlação de Spearman que o absenteísmo está correlacionado ao NAF (rho=-0,321; p=0,003) e ao cargo exercido (rho= 0,237; p=0,030). A Regressão de Poisson indicou que docentes com cargo temporário apresentaram 74% menos chances de ocorrência de absenteísmo quando comparados àqueles que exerciam cargo efetivo (p<0,001; Exp. ß= 0,744; IC=0,655- 0,844) e que professores irregularmente ativos demonstraram 123% mais chances de ocorrência de afastamento comparados aos fisicamente ativos (p=0,004; Exp. ß= 1,234; IC=1,070-1,423). Conclui-se que docentes fisicamente ativos, que atuavam em cargos temporários no Ensino Fundamental I, comparados com professores do Ensino Infantil, possuíam menor probabilidade de absenteísmo, sugerindo que o NAF pode ser preditor do afastamento de professores da rede municipal.

Absenteeism is characterized by the distancing of the employee from work, being a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Due to the number of absences attributed in 2018, the objective of this study was to verify the association between physical activity level (PAL), sedentary behavior (CS) and absenteeism of basic education teachers in the city of Divinópolis-MG. The sample consisted of 84 teachers of both genders, with a mean age of 45.12±8.88 years old. The identification of absenteeism was carried out through a sociodemographic questionnaire and for PAL and CS the International Physical Activity Questionnarie (IPAQ) - short version was used. The alpha value was set at 5%. The relationship analysis, given by the Chi-Square, showed that non- absenteeism in 2019 is related to holding an effective position (p=0.030), teaching in Elementary School I (p=0.041) and being physically active (p=0.003). It can be seen from Spearman's correlation that absenteeism is correlated with PAL (rho=-0.321; p=0.003) and position held (rho= 0.237; p=0.030). Poisson Regression indicated that professors with a temporary position were 74% less likely to have absenteeism when compared to those who held a permanent position (p<0.001; Exp. ß= 0.744; CI=0.655-0.844) and that irregularly active professors demonstrated 123% more chances of sick leave compared to physically active (p=0.004; Exp. ß= 1.234; CI=1.070-1.423). It is concluded that physically active teachers, who worked in temporary positions in Elementary School I, compared to teachers in Kindergarten, had a lower probability of absenteeism, suggesting that the PAL can be a predictor of the removal of teachers from the municipal network.

El ausentismo se caracteriza por el alejamiento del empleado del trabajo, siendo un fenómeno complejo y multifactorial. Debido al número de ausencias atribuidas en 2018, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la asociación entre el nivel de actividad física (NAC), el comportamiento sedentario (CS) y el ausentismo de los profesores de educación básica en la ciudad de Divinópolis-MG. La muestra fue constituida por 84 profesores de ambos sexos, con edad media de 45,12±8,88 años. La identificación del absentismo se realizó a través de un cuestionario sociodemográfico y para PAL y CS se utilizó el International Physical Activity Questionnarie (IPAQ) - versión corta. El valor alfa se fijó en el 5%. El análisis de relación, dado por el Chi-Cuadrado, mostró que el no ausentismo en 2019 está relacionado con ocupar un cargo efectivo (p=0,030), enseñar en la Escuela Primaria I (p=0,041) y ser físicamente activo (p=0,003). De la correlación de Spearman se desprende que el absentismo está correlacionado con el PAL (rho=-0,321; p=0,003) y el cargo desempeñado (rho= 0,237; p=0,030). La regresión de Poisson indicó que los profesores con un puesto temporal tenían un 74% menos de probabilidades de absentismo en comparación con los que ocupaban un puesto permanente (p<0,001; Exp. ß= 0,744; CI=0,655-0,844) y que los profesores irregularmente activos mostraban un 123% más de probabilidades de baja por enfermedad en comparación con los físicamente activos (p=0,004; Exp. ß= 1,234; CI=1,070-1,423). Se concluye que los profesores físicamente activos, que trabajaban en puestos temporales en la Escuela Primaria I, en comparación con los profesores del Jardín de Infancia, tenían una menor probabilidad de absentismo, lo que sugiere que el PAL puede ser un predictor de la baja de los profesores de la red municipal.

A utilização dos jogos no processo de ensino/aprendizagem da fisiologia humana: uma revisão das aplicações, vantagens e desvantagens / The use of games in the teaching/learning process of human physiology: a review of applications, advantages and disadvantages

O professor deve utilizar diferentes alternativas para que se tenha o estímulo e o desenvolvimento do aprendizado efetivo, abrangendo a singularidade de cada estudante. Nesse contexto, os métodos práticos podem configurar-se como importante alternativa de ensino da Fisiologia Humana por proporcionar práticas educacionais atrativas, em que o estudante tem a chance de aprender de forma mais ativa, dinâmica e motivadora. Diante disso, o presente estudo objetivou revisar a literatura e analisar a utilização dos jogos no processo de ensino/aprendizagem da Fisiologia Humana, em todos os níveis de ensino, e discutir suas principais aplicações, vantagens e desvantagens. Realizou-se a revisão de estudos publicados em revistas indexadas nas bases: Scielo, Lillacs e Google Acadêmico. Para busca destes estudos utilizou-se os termos: "métodos alternativos", "Fisiologia Humana", "Fisiologia Humana AND ensino", "jogos AND Fisiologia Humana", "métodos práticos AND Fisiologia Humana", e "jogos AND ensino AND Fisiologia Humana". A partir dos artigos analisados, foi possível encontrar três diferentes tipos de jogos (jogos representacionais, jogos didáticos e jogos teatrais). Os jogos representacionais e os jogos didáticos apresentaram vantagens em relação aos jogos teatrais, sendo indicadas suas aplicações para o ensino da Fisiologia Humana, pois podem auxiliar os estudantes na consolidação dos conteúdos, de modo motivante e divertido. Além disso, a utilização desses jogos pode atuar como uma estratégia facilitadora do processo de ensino/aprendizagem da Fisiologia Humana. (AU)

The teacher must use different alternatives in order to have the stimulus and the development of effective learning, covering the uniqueness of each student. In this context, practical methods can be configured as an important teaching alternative for Human Physiology because it provides attractive educational practices, in which the student has the chance to learn in a more active, dynamic and motivating way. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the literature and analyze the use of games in the teaching/learning process of Human Physiology, at all levels of education, and to discuss their main applications, advantages and disadvantages. Were analyzed studies published in journals indexed in the databases: Scielo, Lillacs and Google Scholar. To search for these studies, were used the terms "alternative methods", "Human Physiology", "Human Physiology AND teaching", "games AND Human Physiology", "practical methods AND Human Physiology", and "games AND teaching AND Human Physiology". From the analyzed articles, it was possible to find three different types of games (representational games, educational games and theatrical games). Representational games and didactic games presented advantages over theatrical games, indicating their applications for teaching Human Physiology, as they can assist students in consolidating content in a motivating and fun way. In addition, the use of these games can act as a strategy to facilitate the teaching/learning process of Human Physiology. (AU)

Effect of strength training on physical and mental health and quality of life of people with spinal cord injury: a literature review / Efecto del entrenamiento de fuerza en la salud física y mental y la calidad de vida de personas con lesión medular espinal: una revisión de la literatura

Life expectancy of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) has increased over the years; although not proportional or equal to that of the general population, there is a slight approximation in life expectancy between the groups. However, the mortality rate in individuals with SCI remains high. SCI is a serious medical condition that causes functional, psychological and socioeconomic disorders. Therefore, people with SCI experience significant disabilities in various aspects of their lives. Strength training has been used as an instrument to improve functional, cardiorespiratory, psychological and quality of life (QoL) parameters. However, studies that discuss the effect of strength training on health-related aspects of people with SCI are still rare. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the effects of strength training on physical and mental health and QOL of people with SCI. A bibliographic research was conducted with subjects related to the SCI, strength training, functionality, health and mental state and QOL. SCI is a complex disability that causes many changes, which can be physical, psychological and social. It is accompanied by comorbidities, which directly affect the health status and, consequently, the QOL of the affected individual. In general, exercise has been postulated as an alternative for health promotion and QOL in people with SCI. In particular, strength training is used to promote physical and mental health and QOL as it produces positive results for different aspects of health and QOL, especially muscle strength and functional capacity, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing indicators. of QOL in people with SCI

La esperanza de vida de las personas con lesión de la médula espinal (LME) ha aumentado con los años; aunque no es proporcional o igual al de la población general, existe una ligera aproximación en la esperanza de vida entre los grupos. Sin embargo, la tasa de mortalidad en individuos con LME sigue siendo alta. ML es una condición médica grave que causa trastornos funcionales, psicológicos y socioeconómicos. Por lo tanto, las personas con LME experimentan discapacidades significativas en varios aspectos de sus vidas. El entrenamiento de fuerza se ha utilizado como un instrumento para mejorar los parámetros funcionales, cardiorrespiratorios, psicológicos y de calidad de vida (CV ). El objetivo de este estudio es revisar la literatura sobre los efectos del entrenamiento de fuerza sobre la salud física y mental y la CV de las personas con LME. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica con temas relacionados con ML, entrenamiento de fuerza, funcionalidad, salud y estado mental y CV. La LME es una discapacidad compleja que causa muchos cambios, que pueden ser físicos, psicológicos y sociales. Se acompaña de comorbilidades, que afectan directamente el estado de salud y, en consecuencia, la CV del individuo afectado. En general, el ejercicio se ha postulado como una alternativa para la promoción de la salud y la CV en personas con LME. En particular, el entrenamiento de fuerza se utiliza para promover la salud física y mental y la calidad de vida, ya que produce resultados positivos para diferentes aspectos de la salud y la CV, especialmente la fuerza muscular y la capacidad funcional, reduciendo los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión y aumentando los indicadores. de CV en personas con LME

Association between body adiposity index and cardiovascular risk factors in teachers / Associação entre índice de adiposidade corporal e fatores de risco cardiovasculares em professores

Abstract Body adiposity index (BAI) is a relatively recent evaluation method for the diagnosis of overweight and obesity, which takes into account simple measures. The aim of this study was to verify the association between BAI and cardiovascular risk factors in teachers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 495 teachers from the city of Viçosa-MG. BAI, body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), waist-to-hip ratio (WtHR), body fat percentage (%BF), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were evaluated. Associations between BAI (independent variable) and other variables (dependent variable) were evaluated through simple linear regression. Of the total participants, 32.12% presented high BAI and higher anthropometric, blood pressure and biochemical values (p<0.05). Higher percentage of high BAI was observed among men and with advancing age. Linear regression analysis showed positive association between BAI and other anthropometric measurements (p<0.001), with glucose (R²=0.024; p=0.001) and total cholesterol (R²=0.028; p<0.001). BAI was positively associated with the other anthropometric measures (BMI, %BF, AC and WtHR), and with the glucose and total cholesterol of evaluated teachers. Higher BAI was observed among men and with advancing age.

Resumo O índice de adiposidade corporal (IAC) é um método relativamente recente de avaliação para o diagnóstico do sobrepeso e obesidade, que leva em consideração medidas simples. Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre IAC e fatores de risco cardiovasculares em professores. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em 495 professores da cidade de Viçosa-MG. Avaliou-se o IAC, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal (CA), relação cintura-quadril (RCQ), percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, glicemia de jejum, colesterol total e triglicerídeos. Avaliaram-se as associações entre o IAC (variável independente) e demais variáveis (variável dependente) através da regressão linear simples. Do total de avaliados, 32,12% apresentaram o IAC elevado, com estes apresentando maiores valores antropométricos, pressóricos e bioquímicos (p<0,05). Pode-se observar maior porcentagem de IAC elevada entre os homens e com o avançar da idade. A análise de regressão linear mostrou associação positiva entre o IAC e as demais medidas antropométricas (p<0,001), com a glicose (R²=0,024; p=0,001) e colesterol total (R²=0,028; p <0,001). O IAC apresentou associação positiva com as demais medidas antropométricas (IMC, %GC, CA e RCQ), e com a glicose e colesterol total dos professores avaliados. Pode-se observar maior IAC entre os homens e com o avançar da idade.

[METHODS OF EVALUATION OF MUSCLE MASS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS]. / MÉTODOS DE EVALUACIÓN DE LA MASA MUSCULAR: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE ENSAYOS CONTROLADOS ALEATORIOS.

INTRODUCTION: in recent years, research about muscle mass has gained popularity for their relationship to health. Thus precise measurement of muscle mass may have clinical application once may interfere with the diagnosis and prescription drug or drug treatment. OBJECTIVE: to conduct a systematic review of the methods most used for evaluation of muscle mass in randomized controlled trials, with its advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: we conducted a search of the data bases Pub- Med, Web of Science and Scopus, with words "muscle mass", "measurement", "assessment" and "evaluation", combined in this way: "muscle mass" AND (assessment OR measurement OR evaluation). RESULTS: 23 studies were recovered and analyzed, all in English. 69.56% only used a method for quantification of muscle mass; 69.57% used dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); in 45.46% the type of measure used was the body lean mass; and 51.61% chose the whole body as a site of measurement. CONCLUSIONS: in the randomized controlled trials analyzed the majority used just one method of assessment, with the DXA being the method most used, the body lean mass the measurement type most used and total body the most common site of measure.

Introducción: en los últimos años las investigaciones sobre la masa muscular han cobrado popularidad por su relación con la salud. Así, la medición precisa de la masa muscular puede tener aplicación clínica, ya que puede interferir en el diagnóstico y prescripción del tratamiento medicamentoso o no medicamentoso. Objetivo: realizar una revisión sistemática de los métodos más utilizados para la evaluación de la masa muscular en ensayos controlados aleatorios, con sus ventajas y desventajas. Método: se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos Pubmed, Web of Science y Scopus, con las palabras muscle mass, measurement, assessment y evaluation, combinadas de esta manera: "muscle mass" AND (measurement OR assessment OR evaluation). Resultados: 23 estudios fueron recuperados y analizados, todos ellos en inglés. El 69,56% utilizaron solamente un método para la cuantificación de la masa muscular; el 69,57% utilizaron la doble absorciometría de rayos X (DXA); en el 45,46% el tipo de medida utilizado fue la masa corporal total libre de grasa; y el 51,61% eligieron el cuerpo total como sitio de medida. Conclusiones: en los ensayos controlados aleatorios analizados la mayor parte utilizó apenas un método de evaluación, siendo la DXA el método más empleado, la masa corporal total libre de grasa el tipo de medida más utilizado y el cuerpo total el sitio de medida más común.

Metabolic syndrome prevalence in elderly of urban and rural communities participants in the HIPERDIA in the city of Coimbra/MG, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), and the influence of gender and place of residence for elders served by the Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Coimbra (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). METHODOLOGY: The sample consisted of 435 individuals of both sexes, with mean of age 72 ± 8 years. RESULTS: Women had higher prevalence rates of MS (urban= 40%, rural= 37%) with differences (p<0.05, = 0.168 and 0.284) for men (urban= 13%, rural= 22%). Odds Ratio for SM was significant in age groups over 65 years in urban areas, with women having higher chances compared with men (OR=3.07 times), becoming 5.8 times aged 75 to 79 years. Women are more exposed to obesity (urban= 80.4 %, rural= 78.6%) than men, regardless of place of residence (p<0.05, =0.46 and 0.47 respectively), and the urban women are still exposed to hypertension (65%, p= 0.022, = 0.12). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS and exposure to risk factors such as obesity and hypertension was higher in women, mainly in urban areas. Health professionals, like nurses, should note that the elderly population in urban areas have greater exposure to risk factors for MS, which should strengthen educational programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

Effects of short-term strength training on body composition, muscle strength and functional capacity of elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Efeitos do treinamento de força de curta duração sobre a composição corporal, a força muscular e a capacidade funcional de idosos: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

To examine the effects of short-term strength training (STST) on different manifestations of muscle strength in the lower limbs, functional capacity and body composition of people 65 years old or older. We searched the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane) to identify all publications using STST (up to 12 weeks) in people aged 65 or older, published in the last five years, prior to May 2018. Results were analyzed as continuous data using random effects to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI). 28 studies with 921 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. These works were grouped into three categories for analysis: Muscular Strength, Functional Capacity and Body Composition. In Muscular Strength category, the overall pooled effect estimate was 0.95 (95%CI: 0.63; 1.26), with a significant STST effect (Z= 5.93; p<0.001), over the different strength manifestations analyzed. In Functional Capacity category, the STST decreased the Time Up-and-Go test run time (SMD: -1.01; 95%CI: -1.56; -0.47) and increased the repetitions' number performed in 30-s chair-stand test (SMD: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.79, 1.34). In Body Composition category, the overall pooled effect estimate was 0.13 (95%CI: -0.16; 0.42), without finding a significant effect of STST (Z= 0.87; p= 0.38). STST has a moderate to large effect in improving the different manifestations of muscle strength and functional capacity. However, this type of intervention has no effect on body composition.

Examinar os efeitos do treinamento de força de curta duração (TFCD) em diferentes manifestações de força muscular nos membros inferiores, capacidade funcional e composição corporal de pessoas maiores de 65 anos. Foram pesquisadas bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed, Web of Science e Cochrane) para identificar todas as publicações utilizando TFCD (até 12 semanas) em pessoas maiores de 65 anos, publicadas nos últimos cinco anos, antes de maio de 2018. Os resultados foram analisados como dados contínuos usando efeitos aleatórios para calcular a diferença padronizada da média (SMD) e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). 28 estudos com 921 sujeitos preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados. Esses trabalhos foram agrupados em três categorias para análise: Força Muscular, Capacidade Funcional e Composição Corporal. Na categoria Força Muscular, a estimativa geral do efeito combinado foi de 0,95 (95% CI: 0,63; 1,26), com um efeito significativo do TFCD (Z = 5,93; p <0,001), sobre as diferentes manifestações de força analisadas. Na categoria Capacidade Funcional, o TFCD diminuiu o tempo de execução do teste Timed Up-and-Go (SMD: -1.01; 95% CI: -1.56; -0.47) e aumentou o número de repetições realizadas no teste de levantar e sentar na cadeira de 30 segundos (SMD: 1,07, IC 95%: 0,79, 1,34). Na categoria de Composição Corporal, a estimativa geral do efeito combinado foi de 0,13 (IC 95%: -0,16; 0,42), sem encontrar efeito significativo do TFCD (Z = 0,87; p = 0,38). O TFCD apresenta efeito moderado a grande na melhora das diferentes manifestações de força muscular e capacidade funcional. No entanto, este tipo de intervenção não tem efeito sobre a composição corporal.

The influence of the menstrual cycle on the practice of physical exercise: narrative review / La influencia del ciclo menstrual en la práctica de ejercicio físico: una revisión narrativa

Introduction: The menstrual cycle (MC) is the second most important biological rhythm, regulated by the hypothalamicpituitary-ovarian axis and all the hormones involved in it. In addition to reproductive functions, it is speculated that changes in hormone production during different phases of the menstrual cycle may influence other physiological systems, which may have an impact on women’s physical performance. In this way, studying the influences of the menstrual cycle on physical exercises gains importance, since little is said about the organization of strategies and intervention for the performance of physical exercises that take into account the possible impacts and changes caused by the MC.Objective: To review the influence of MC in the practice of aerobic and resistance exercises. Material and method: The search for articles was carried out in the databases: PubMed and Google Scholar, from August to September 2021, without restriction on date and type of publication, and all articles in English and Portuguese were considered. The research was based on the phases of the menstrual cycle in eumenorrheic young women, who may or may not be athletes, but without known dysfunctions of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions: Hormonal fluctuations during MC may not significantly and directly affect the cardiorespiratory or musculoskeletal system during physical exercise, as there is the question of the biological individuality of each woman, as well as the relationship with the self-reported symptoms.(AU)

Introducción: El ciclo menstrual (CM) es el segundo ritmo biológico más importante, regulado por el eje hipotalámicopituitario-ovárico y todas las hormonas involucradas en él. Además de las funciones reproductivas, se especula que los cambios en la producción de hormonas durante las diferentes fases del ciclo menstrual pueden influir en otros sistemas fisiológicos, lo que puede tener un impacto en el rendimiento físico de la mujer. De esta forma, el estudio de las influencias del ciclo menstrual sobre los ejercicios físicos cobra importancia, ya que poco se habla de la organización de estrategias e intervención para la realización de ejercicios físicos que tengan en cuenta los posibles impactos y cambios provocados por el CM. Objetivo: revisar la influencia del CM en la práctica de ejercicios aeróbicos y de resistencia.Material y método: La búsqueda de artículos se realizó en las bases de datos: PubMed, Scielo y Google Scholar, de agosto a septiembre de 2021, sin restricción de fecha y tipo de publicación, y se consideraron todos los artículos en inglés y portugués. La investigación se basó en las fases del ciclo menstrual en mujeres jóvenes eumenorreicas, que pueden ser deportistas o no, pero sin disfunciones conocidas del ciclo menstrual. Conclusiones: Las fluctuaciones hormonales durante la CM pueden no afectar significativa y directamente el sistema cardiorrespiratorio o musculoesquelético durante el ejercicio físico, ya que está la cuestión de la individualidad biológica de cada mujer, así como la relación con los síntomas autoreferidos.(AU)