Diastasis recti abdominis and pelvic floor dysfunction in peri- and postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) and pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) occurs commonly with aging; however, little is known about what leads to these changes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate and compare the presence or absence of DRA and PFD in peri- and postmenopausal women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 150 participants who answered questions on their sociodemographic and clinical profiles related to urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Diastasis recti abdominis was diagnosed with a digital caliper. RESULTS: Supra-umbilical diastasis occurred in 37.3% of cases, and 78.6% of participants with DRA had PFD. No significant differences existed between participants with and without DRA in terms of background and clinical variables. However, participants with DRA were 2.6 times more likely to have PFD than participants without DRA. Furthermore, the presence of DRA was significantly shown to be a risk factor for PFD on binary logistic regression analyses (p = .01, OR = 3.2). CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study suggests that DRA is a predictive factor of PFD in women aged over 50 years.

Concurrent validity and reliability of an activity monitoring for rehabilitation (AMoR) platform for step counting and sitting/lying time in post-stroke individuals.

BACKGROUND: Objective and reliable measurements to investigate daily behavior patterns in people with stroke could help therapeutic interventions after a stroke. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the Activity Monitoring for Rehabilitation (AMoR) platform has adequate concurrent validity and reliability for step counting and time spent sitting/lying in people post-stroke and to investigate its percentage accuracy for step counting at different walking speeds. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study. Fifty chronic post-stroke subjects used the AMoR platform and SAM simultaneously while a Video camera recorded the same activities during clinical trials. Spearman's correlation coefficient, the mean absolute percentage error, the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plot analyses were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the AMoR platform and StepWatchTM Activity Monitor (SAM). The accuracy percentage was calculated for each device and plotted as a function of the walking speed during the 10-meter walk test (10MWT). RESULTS: There was a very high correlation for step counting in all tests and a high correlation for time spent sitting/lying. The mean absolute percentage error values remained below 4% for step counting and time sitting/lying. The AMoR platform also showed excellent reliability for step counting and sitting/lying time, with values within the limit of agreement in the Bland-Altman plots. A high percentage of accuracy for step counting in the AMoR platform was observed during the 10MWT. CONCLUSION: The AMoR platform is valid and reliable for step counting and time spent sitting/lying, with a high percentage of accuracy at different walking speeds in the post-stroke population.

Effects of a workplace exercise program on physical capacity and lower back symptoms in hospital nursing assistants: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Considering the relevance of muscle strength for sustaining good musculoskeletal health among workers who perform physically demanding work, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapeutic exercise program on muscle strength and low back symptoms among hospital nursing assistants. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine nursing assistants filled out a questionnaire on personal, occupational information and health status, which allowed the identification of workers able to exercise. Ninety participants were randomly allocated to an intervention and a reference group. The therapeutic exercise program (TEP) lasted 12 weeks and included warm-up, strengthening and stretching exercises. Muscle strength of trunk flexors and trunk extensors, hamstring flexibility, and low back symptoms were evaluated before and after the intervention period by two blinded assessors. The comparison between groups was carried out using Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The average participation in the exercise program was 17.5 sessions. Results showed increased trunk flexors muscle strength (p = 0.002; effect size: 0.77), improved pressure pain threshold for dorsal longissimus (p = 0.001; effect size > 0.8), and reduced low back symptoms (p = 0.002; OR = 6.25). No differences between groups were identified for back extensor muscle strength or flexibility. CONCLUSION: The exercise program applied is a feasible intervention which resulted clinically relevant results for nursing assistants' musculoskeletal health expressed through trunk flexors muscle strength improvement and low back symptoms control among nursing assistants. This RCT brings contribution to the Occupational Health field as the exercise program applied resulted in clinically relevant results for nursing assistants' musculoskeletal health. This study brings contribution especially for low-income and middle-income countries where low back pain and disability can be considered more severe as adequate resources to address the problem are scarce. Thus, we must highlight the importance of low-cost preventive strategies, like exercise programs carried out in hospital settings to avoid the progress of disability among active nursing personnel.

Shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a mobile app in subjects with and without shoulder pain - between-days reliability.

OBJECTIVES: To determine between-days reliability and the minimal detectable change for shoulder and elbow joint position sense assessment using a validated mobile app, in subjects with and without shoulder pain. DESIGN: Reliability study. SETTING: Clinical measurement. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with (n = 25) and without shoulder pain (n = 29). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were assessed by the same examiner in two sessions, with one-week interval. Active joint repositioning tests of shoulder flexion and scaption and elbow flexion were assessed at the target-angles of 50°, 70°, 90° and 110°. Intra-class correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated for constant, absolute, total and variable errors. RESULTS: Good to excellent reliability was found for constant, absolute and total errors at the target-angle of 50° of scaption for healthy subjects; at 110° of shoulder flexion and all target-angles for elbow for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The mobile app is a reliable tool and may be useful for assessing shoulder joint position sense mainly at 110° of flexion and for elbow between 50° and 110° of flexion in subjects with and without shoulder pain. Minimal detectable changes were demonstrated and may help clinicians to follow-up rehabilitation and researchers to interpret findings of studies.

Dual-Task Performance: Influence of Frailty, Level of Physical Activity, and Cognition.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cognition and level of physical activity have been associated with frailty syndrome. The development of tools that assess deficits related to physical and cognitive frailties simultaneously are of common interest. However, little is known about how much these aspects influence the performance of dual-task tests. Our aims were (a) to verify the influence of frailty syndrome and objectively measured physical activity and cognition on the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Timed Up and Go associated with dual-task (TUG-DT) performances; and (b) to compare TUG and TUG-DT performances between older adults who develop frailty syndrome. METHODS: Sixty-four community-dwelling older adults were divided into frail, prefrail, and nonfrail groups, according to frailty phenotype. Assessments included anamnesis, screening of frailty syndrome, cognitive assessment (Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination), placement of a triaxial accelerometer to assess level of physical activity, and TUG and TUG-DT (TUG associated with a motor-cognitive task of calling a phone number) performances. After 7 days, the accelerometer was removed. A multiple linear regression was applied to identify which independent variables could explain performances in the TUG and TUG-DT. Subsequently, the analysis of covariance test, adjusted for age, cognition, and level of physical activity covariates, was used to compare test performances. RESULTS: There were no differences in cognition between groups. Significant differences in the level of physical activity were found in the frail group. Compared with the frail group, the nonfrail group required less time and fewer steps to complete the TUG. Regarding the TUG-DT, cognition and age influenced the time spent and number of steps, respectively; however, no differences were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Frail older adults presented worse performance in the TUG when compared with nonfrail older adults. The dual-task test does not differentiate older adults with frailty syndrome, regardless of cognitive performance.

Effects of a muscular stretching and strengthening school-based exercise program on posture, trunk mobility, and musculoskeletal pain among elementary schoolchildren - a randomized controlled trial / Efeitos de um programa escolar de exercícios de alongamento e fortalecimento muscular sobre a postura, mobilidade do tronco e dor musculoesquelética em escolares do ensino fundamental - ensaio clínico randomizado controlado / Efectos de un programa escolar de ejercicios de estiramiento y fortalecimiento muscular sobre la postura, movilidad del tronco y dolor musculoesquelético en escolares de la enseñanza fundamental - ensayo clínico randomizado controlado

Abstract Introduction: The exercise benefits for the most prevalent postural changes require proper investigation, with large samples, control group, and concealed allocation. Objective: To assess the effects of a muscular stretching and strengthening school-based exercise program on posture, trunk mobility, and musculoskeletal pain among elementary schoolchildren. Method: Three hundred students from three schools in Brazil were evaluated. Stretching and strengthening exercises, twice a week, for eight weeks in group sessions were provided by one physiotherapist. The control group did not undergo any intervention. Head, back and shoulder posture were qualitatively evaluated. Head and trunk alignment were evaluated using the Posture Assessment Software. Cervical, thoracic, low back and upper limb pain were assessed for the last seven days. The trunk mobility was recorded through the flexibility of the posterior chain. Posture, pain and trunk mobility were recorded at baseline and after the intervention. Groups were compared using χ2 test, two-way MANOVA, and two-way ANOVA, with α set at 5%. Results: Shoulder posture showed significant results (P = 0.04), the intervention group showed the lower worsening rate. In the quantitative evaluation, a statistically significant difference was observed between assessments (P < 0.01 for head and trunk; ES = 0.53) but not between groups. The intervention group had a higher percentage of improvement in the overall musculoskeletal pain (P = 0.04; ES = 0.54). Mobility decreased an average of 1.8° in the control group and increased 5.0° in the intervention group, without statistical significance. Conclusion: The program was effective in reducing pain level and shoulder misalignment at the intervention group.

Resumo Introdução: Os benefícios do exercício para alterações posturais requerem investigação adequada, com amostras grandes, grupo controle e alocação aleatorizada. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios de alongamento e fortalecimento muscular em ambiente escolar na postura, mobilidade de tronco e dor musculoesquelética em escolares do ensino fundamental. Método: Foram avaliados trezentos estudantes de três escolas públicas no Brasil. Exercícios de alongamento e fortalecimento em grupo, duas vezes por semana, durante oito semanas foram oferecidos por um fisioterapeuta. O grupo controle não realizou intervenção. As posturas da cabeça, coluna e ombros foram avaliadas de forma qualitativa. Os alinhamentos da cabeça e tronco foram avaliados pelo Software de Avaliação Postural. Dores cervical, torácica, lombar e nos membros superiores foram avaliadas nos últimos sete dias. A mobilidade do tronco foi avaliada pela flexibilidade da cadeia posterior. As medidas foram registradas na linha de base e após a intervenção. Os grupos foram comparados usando o teste χ2, MANOVA e ANOVA two-way, com α de 5%. Resultados: A postura do ombro mostrou resultados significativos (P = 0,04), o grupo intervenção apresentou menor taxa de piora. Na avaliação quantitativa, houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre avaliações (P < 0,01 para cabeça e tronco, ES = 0,53), mas não entre grupos. O grupo intervenção teve maior percentual de melhora na dor (P = 0,04; ES = 0,54). A mobilidade do tronco diminuiu 1,8° no grupo controle e aumentou 5,0° no grupo intervenção, sem significância estatística. Conclusão: O programa foi eficaz em reduzir o nível de dor e desalinhamento do ombro no grupo intervenção.

Resumen Introducción: Los beneficios del ejercicio para las alteraciones posturales requieren investigación adecuada, con muestras grandes, grupo control y asignación aleatorizada. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de un programa de ejercicios de estiramiento y fortalecimiento muscular en ambiente escolar en la postura, movilidad de tronco y dolor musculoesquelético en escolares de la enseñanza fundamental. Método: Se evaluaron trescientos estudiantes de tres escuelas públicas en Brasil. Los ejercicios de estiramiento y fortalecimiento fueron ofrecidos por un fisioterapeuta,en grupos, dos veces por semana por ocho semanas. El grupo control no realizó intervención. Las posturas de la cabeza, columna y hombros fueron evaluadas de forma cualitativa. Los alineamientos de la cabeza y el tronco fueron evaluados por el software de evaluación postural. Los dolores cervical, torácico, lumbar y los miembros superiores se han evaluado en los últimos siete días. La movilidad del tronco fue evaluada por la flexibilidad de la cadena posterior. Las medidas se registraron en la línea de base y después de la intervención. Los grupos fueron comparados usando la prueba χ2, MANOVA y ANOVA de dos vías, con α del 5%. Resultados: La postura del hombro mostró resultados significativos (P = 0,04), el grupo intervención presentó menor tasa de empeoramiento. En la evaluación cuantitativa, hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre evaluaciones (P < 0,01 para cabeza y tronco, ES = 0,53), pero no entre grupos. El grupo de intervención tuvo un mayor porcentaje de mejora en el dolor (P = 0,04; ES = 0,54). La movilidad del tronco disminuyó 1,8° en el grupo control y aumentó 5,0° en el grupo intervención, sin significancia estadística. Conclusión: El programa fue eficaz en reducir el nivel de dolor y desalineación del hombro en el grupo de intervención.

Causes of drop out from a physical exercise supervised program specific to older adults / Motivos de abandono de um programa de exercício físico específico para idosos / Motivos de abandono de un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado para las personas mayores

Abstract Introduction: Physical exercise when performed regularly brings several health benefits, especially for older adults. However, there are barriers that induce these individuals to withdraw from exercise. Objective: This study investigated the causes of drop out from a supervised physical exercise program specific to older adults. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied by telephone contact, containing questions about their reasons for leaving the program. Demographic data were analyzed by relative and absolute frequencies, and the Chi-square test was used to verify the associations between the variables collected. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: Fifty-nine older adults were interviewed and the main reasons for drop out were lack of time (33.9%), emergence or worsening of disease (28.8%), and the need to care for family members with health problems (18.7%). A high percentage of older adults (62.7%) showed a worsening in health status after leaving the program, with changes in muscle strength (80.0%), balance (76.7%), and motor coordination (40.0%). Conclusion: A professional intervention is suggested to enable organizational control of factors related to lack of time, as well as a logistical monitoring service for older adults and/or family members who fall ill, promoting the return to practice as soon as possible.

Resumo Introdução: O exercício físico praticado regularmente traz inúmeros benefícios à saúde, especialmente aos idosos. Porém, algumas barreiras fazem com que uma parcela destes idosos abandone esta prática. Objetivo: Este estudo investigou os motivos do abandono de um programa de exercício físico supervisionado e específico para a população idosa. Métodos: Foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado, via contato telefônico, com questões a respeito dos motivos de abandono ao programa. O contato foi realizado por um pesquisador sem vínculo com os idosos. Os dados demográficos foram analisados por frequências relativas e absolutas, usou-se o teste Qui-quadrado para verificar as associações entre as variáveis coletadas. Considerou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 59 idosos e os principais motivos de abandono relatados pelos idosos foram: falta de tempo (33,9%), surgimento ou agravo de doenças (28,8%) e necessidade de cuidar de familiares com problemas de saúde (18,7%). Grande parcela dos idosos (62,7%) apontou piora do estado de saúde após o abandono do programa, com alteração da força muscular (80,0%), equilíbrio (76,7%) e coordenação motora (40,0%). Conclusão: Sugere-se uma intervenção profissional para viabilizar o controle de fatores relacionados à falta de tempo, assim como uma logística de acompanhamento dos idosos e/ou familiares que adoecem, promovendo o retorno à prática da forma mais breve possível.

Resumen Introducción: El ejercicio físico practicado en forma regular trae innumerables beneficios para la salud, especialmente para los ancianos. No obstante, algunas barreras hacen que parte de los ancianos abandonen esta práctica. Objetivo: Este estudio investigó los motivos de abandono de un programa de ejercicio físico específico para la población envejecida. Métodos: Fue aplicado un cuestionario semiestructurado, vía contacto telefónico, con preguntas respecto de los motivos por el cual abandonaron el programa. Los datos demográficos fueron analizados por frecuencias relativas y absolutas, y la prueba Chi-cuadrado para verificar las asociaciones entre las variables recolectadas. Se consideró un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Fueron entrevistados 59 ancianos, siendo los principales hallazgos: falta de tiempo (33,9%), surgimiento o agudización de enfermedades (28,8%) y la necesidad de cuidar algún familiar con problemas de salud (18,7%). La mayor parte de los ancianos (62,7%) apuntó empeoramiento del estado de salud después del abandono del programa, con alteración de la fuerza muscular (80,0%), equilibrio (76,7%) y coordinación motora (40,0%). Conclusión: Se sugiere una intervención profesional para viabilizar el control de los factores relacionados a la falta de tiempo, así como una logística de acompañamiento de los ancianos y/o familiares que lo necesitan, promoviendo el retorno a la práctica de la forma más rápida posible.

Perception of barriers to physical exercise in women population over 60

Abstract Aims This study evaluated the possible barriers to the permanence of physical exercise (PE) of old women. Methods The study population comprised 61 old women participants for at least one year of a supervised PE program, who underwent anamnesis, and applied the Barriers Questionnaire to Physical Activity Practice in the Elderly (QBPAFI). Exploratory factorial analysis was used to evaluate QBPAFI data. The analysis of principal component was applied to the 22 questions through orthogonal rotation to analyze the correlation between the questions. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was applied to evaluate the suitability of the sample size, and the Bartlett's test to assess whether the original matrix correlation is an identity matrix. Eigenvalues greater than 1 were considered for analysis. Results The motivational factor was the major determinant of perceived barriers (43.3%), followed by psychosocial (12.29%), facilities and appearance (8.75%), and exercise conditions (8.10%) factors. Conclusion Knowing the benefits of physical activity, and the main barriers that prevent the permanence of active old people to physical exercise programs, new strategies must be taken to increase the rate of adherence of this group.(AU)

Nível de informação e qualidade de vida em mulheres após o câncer de mama / Level information and quality of life in women after breast cancer

O câncer de mama é considerado um problema de saúde pública, sendo a principal causa de morbidade e mortalidade na mulher, influenciando diretamente a qualidade de vida (QV). O conhecimento sobre os fatores de risco pode facilitar a detecção precoce e contribuir no rastreamento. Objetivo: investigar o nível de informação sobre o câncer de mama e a QV de mulheres submetidas à cirurgia. Metodologia: estudo descritivo-exploratório, realizado na Clínica de Fisioterapia da Universidade do Sagrado Coração (USC), com 26 mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de câncer de mama, que responderam dois questionários referentes às informações sobre o câncer de mama e qualidade de vida. Resultados: as mulheres apresentaram média de idade (62,2± 12,1 anos), menarca (13,8 ± 1,7 anos), menopausa (42,7 ± 16,5 anos) e paridade (2 ± 1,1 partos). A maioria das mulheres (65,4 por cento) apresentou cirurgia com lateralidade esquerda, 80,8 por cento possuíam patologias associadas, sendo predominante a dislipidemia (65,3 por cento). O nível de informação permaneceu satisfatório quanto à periodicidade da mamografia e 92,3 por cento tinham consciência do motivo da indicação. Observou-se nível de informação regular para os fatores de risco, sendo que 50 por cento não tinha conhecimento. Para os fatores de proteção, 69,2 por cento referiram não ter este conhecimento, caracterizando-se como nível de informação regular. A QV destas mulheres, de modo geral, sofreu impacto negativo em relação à limitação física, sintomatologia, aspectos emocionais e físicos, e sexualidade. Conclusão: torna-se evidente a importância de se fazer educação em saúde, tornando eficaz a detecção precoce e melhorando a QV das mulheres com câncer de mama...

Breast cancer is considered a public health problem, being the main cause of morbidity and mortality in women, directly influencing the quality of life (QOL). Knowledge about risk factors can improve early detection and help in screening. Objective: this study aims to investigate the level of information about breast cancer and QOL of women undergoing surgery. Methodology: an exploratory descriptive study in Physical Therapy Clinic at Universidade do Sagrado Coração (USC), with 26 women undergoing surgery for breast cancer, who responded two questionnaires related to information about breast cancer and quality of life. Results: women had a mean age (62.2 ± 12.1 years), menarche (13.8 ± 1.7 years), menopause (42.7 ± 16.5 years) and parity (2 ± 1.1 births). Most women (65.4 percent) had surgery with left laterality, 80.8 percent had associated pathologies, being dyslipidemia more prevalent (65.3 percent). The information level remained satisfactory regarding the frequency of mammography and 92.3 percent were aware of the reason for the nomination. It was observed regular level of information to the risk factors, and 50 percent had no knowledge. For protective factors, 69.2 percent reported not have this knowledge, characterized as regular level of information. The QOL of these women, in general, suffered negative impact on the physical limitation, symptoms, emotional aspects, physical appearance, and sexuality. Conclusion: it is evident the importance of making health education, making effective early detection and improving the QOL of women with breast câncer...

Posture and musculoskeletal pain in eutrophic, overweighed, and obese students. A cross-sectional study / Postura e dor musculoesquelética em estudantes eutróficos, com sobrepeso e obesos. Um estudo transversal / La postura y dolor musculoesquelético en estudiantes de peso normal, con sobrepeso, y con obesidad

Childhood obesity increases susceptibility to musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to identify differences in posture and musculoskeletal pain among eutrophic, overweight, and obese students. Participants were 420 students, 252 (60%) were females and 168 males (40%), with a mean age of 11.1 (±2.3) years. The posture of all participants was qualitatively assessed; the quantitative postural evaluation was performed using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPo) for a population subsample of 99 participants. An adapted version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used for pain assessment. Data were analyzed descriptively and via statistical tests (significance level of p<0.05). The target population exhibited 22.1% of overweight individuals and 14.1% of obese. Compared to the eutrophic students, the postural evaluation showed a higher knee valgus angle, higher incidence of thoracic kyphosis, and greater prevalence of lumbar hyperlordosis in overweight and obese students (p≤0.05). No association between overweight and pain complaints was detected (p=0.994)...

A obesidade infantil aumenta a susceptibilidade a lesões musculoesqueléticas. Os objetivos deste estudo foram descrever a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade e identificar as diferenças na postura e dores musculoesqueléticas entre os estudantes eutróficos, com sobrepeso e obesos. Dos 420 alunos avaliados, 252 (60%) eram do sexo feminino e 168 (40%) do sexo masculino, com idade média de 11,1 (±2,3) anos. A postura de todos os indivíduos foi avaliada qualitativamente. Para uma subamostra (n=99), a avaliação postural quantitativa foi realizada pelo Software de Avaliação Postural (PAS/ SAPo). Uma versão adaptada do Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares foi usada para avaliação da dor. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e por testes estatísticos com nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados mostraram que a prevalência de sobrepeso foi de 22,1 % e de obesidade foi de 14,1%. Avaliação postural indicou maiores ângulos de valgo de joelho, maior incidência de cifose torácica e hiperlordose lombar em estudantes com sobrepeso e obesidade em relação aos eutróficos (p≤0,05). Não houve associação entre excesso de peso e dor (p=0,994)...

Un estudio transversal." La obesidad infantil aumenta la susceptibilidad de sufrir lesiones musculoesqueléticas. Los objetivos de este estudio es describir la prevalencia de sobrepeso y de obesidad e identificar las diferencias de postura y dolores musculoesqueléticas entre los estudiantes eutróficos, con sobrepeso y obesos. De los 420 estudiantes evaluados, 252 (60%) eran del sexo femenino y 168 (40%) del sexo masculino, con edad media de 11,1 (±2,3) años. La postura de todos los individuos fue evaluada cualitativamente. Para un submuestreo (n=99), una evaluación de la postura cuantitativa fue realizada por un Programa de Evaluación Postural (Software de Avaliação Postural PAS/SAPo). Una versión adaptada del Cuestionario Nórdico Estandarizado fue utilizada para la evaluación del dolor. Los datos han sido analizados de forma descriptiva y por testes estatísticos con nivel de significancia del 5%. Los resultados han demostrado que la prevalencia de sobrepeso fue de 22,1% y de obesidad fue de 14,1%. La evaluación de la postura ha indicado angulos más grandes de genu valgum (valgo de rodilla), mayor incidencia de cifosis torácica e hiperlordosis lumbar en estudiantes con sobrepeso y obesidad en relación a los alumnos eutróficos (p≤0,05). No hubo asociación entre el exceso de peso y el dolor (p=0,994)...

Neck/shoulders pain and its relation to the use of tv/computer/videogame and physical activity in school students from Bauru / Dor na região cervical/ombros e sua relação com a utilização de tv/computador/videogame e atividade física em escolares bauruenses

Objective The objective was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck/shoulders of school children and its relationship with the level of physical activity and sedentary activities (time spent on TV and computer and/or video game). Materials and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 524 5th to 8th grade students (278 boys and 246 girls), enrolled in all five urban elementary schools in the municipality of Bauru (SP), aged between 10 and 14 years old. Sociodemographic data, sedentary activities – time spent on TV and computer and/or videogame - and level of physical activity - was collected through a Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Results The results showed that the prevalence of localized pain in the neck/shoulders was of 30.1% for boys and girls. It was also found that there is a predominance of onset of pain reported in neck/shoulders in boys related to the frequency and amount of hours a day watching TV and hours on the computer, whereas in girls the association was with frequency and amount of hours they watch TV daily. Conclusions It can be concluded that the pain in the neck/shoulders are common in children and that understanding the relationship between variables enables valuable elements of measures aimed at maintaining, improving and promoting the welfare of students. .

Objetivo O objetivo foi verificar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética na região cervical/ombros em escolares e sua relação com o nível de atividade física e atividades sedentárias (tempo na TV e computador e/ou videogame). Materiais e métodos Realizou-se um estudo transversal com uma amostra de 524 escolares (278 meninos e 246 meninas) matriculados nas 5ª a 8ª séries de todas as cinco escolas municipais de ensino fundamental urbanas do município de Bauru (SP), na faixa etária entre 10 e 14 anos, de quem foram coletados dados sociodemograficos, atividades sedentárias – tempo na TV e computador e/ou videogame – e nível de atividade física, por meio do questionário de atividade física para crianças (PAQ-C). Resultados Os resultados mostraram que as prevalências de dor localizada na região cervical/ombros foi de 30,1% para meninos e meninas. Verificou-se também que há predomínio da manifestação dos sintomas referido na cervical/ombros, nos meninos, em relação à frequência e quantidade de horas que assistem TV ao dia e horas no computador; enquanto que nas meninas a associação foi com a frequência e quantidade de horas que assistem TV ao dia. Conclusões Pode-se concluir que a dor cervical/ombros é comum em escolares e que a compreensão das relações entre as variáveis possibilita elementos valiosos de medidas visando à manutenção, melhora e promoção do bem-estar dos estudantes. .

Conhecimentos e prática das mulheres sobre câncer de colo do útero de uma unidade básica de sáude / Knowledge and practice of women regarding cervical cancer in a primary health care unit

OBJECTIVES: evaluating the level of information about the examination of uterine cervical cancer and its association with sociodemographic variables in women of a health care unit in the city of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with 370 women aged 25 to 59, through structured interviews in their own homes; we used descriptive statistics and the χ² test. RESULTS: 40.5% of the women had not undergone the Papanicolaou test at the recommended frequency; 58.2% incorrectly defined the test, and 69.5% did not know about the risk factors for the development of cervical cancer; the knowledge about the test showed statistically significant association with schooling and family income of the studied population. CONCLUSIONS: women present deficiencies on the proper practice of the Papanicolaou test, on knowledge about the test, risk factors and prevention methods. Therefore, it is necessary to develop primary health actions for the most vulnerable population...

OBJETIVOS: avaliar o nível de informação acerca do exame do câncer de colo de útero e sua associação com variáveis sócio-demográficas em mulheres de uma unidade de saúde do município de Bauru, São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODO: realizou-se um estudo descritivo e transversal com 370 mulheres com idade entre 25 e 59 anos, por meio de entrevista estruturada nas próprias residências dos sujeitos e, foram utilizados a estatística descritiva e o teste χ². RESULTADOS: notou-se 40,5% não fizeram o exame Papanicolaou com a frequência recomendada; quanto ao conhecimento sobre o exame, 58,2% o definiram incorretamente e 69,5% não souberam relatar quais são os fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento do câncer de colo uterino; o conhecimento sobre o exame mostrou associação estatisticamente significativa com a escolaridade e a renda familiar da população estudada. CONCLUSÕES: as mulheres apresentam deficiências na prática adequada do exame de Papanicolaou, nos conhecimentos sobre o exame, os fatores de riscos e as formas de prevenção da doença e, diante disso, é necessário desenvolver ações primárias em saúde para a população mais vulnerável...

A comparison between flexible electrogoniometers, inclinometers and three-dimensional video analysis system for recording neck movement.

This study compared neck range of movement recording using three different methods goniometers (EGM), inclinometers (INC) and a three-dimensional video analysis system (IMG) in simultaneous and synchronized data collection. Twelve females performed neck flexion-extension, lateral flexion, rotation and circumduction. The differences between EGM, INC, and IMG were calculated sample by sample. For flexion-extension movement, IMG underestimated the amplitude by 13%; moreover, EGM showed a crosstalk of about 20% for lateral flexion and rotation axes. In lateral flexion movement, all systems showed similar amplitude and the inter-system differences were moderate (4-7%). For rotation movement, EGM showed a high crosstalk (13%) for flexion-extension axis. During the circumduction movement, IMG underestimated the amplitude of flexion-extension movements by about 11%, and the inter-system differences were high (about 17%) except for INC-IMG regarding lateral flexion (7%) and EGM-INC regarding flexion-extension (10%). For application in workplace, INC presents good results compared to IMG and EGM though INC cannot record rotation. EGM should be improved in order to reduce its crosstalk errors and allow recording of the full neck range of movement. Due to non-optimal positioning of the cameras for recording flexion-extension, IMG underestimated the amplitude of these movements.

Occupational posture exposure among construction electricians.

The aim of this study is to record, objectively describe and compare working postures of Brazilian and Norwegian construction electricians. Postures of the upper arms, head, and neck during work and breaks were quantified by means of inclinometry for a representative sample of 12 Brazilian and 12 Norwegian electricians in the construction industry during a full work-shift. Despite that differences were found between specific work-related factors, Brazilian and Norwegian workers revealed a high and very similar level and pattern of postures for all evaluated body regions, suggesting that results could be extrapolated to other electricians. Upper arm elevation was high and similar for both groups and head flexion and extension was pronounced compared to other occupations. Thus, extreme postures were identified for construction electricians in both countries, with similar exposure pattern also for defined tasks (planning, support and wiredraw), suggesting that this job is risky regardless organizational differences.

Reflexão sobre o trabalho, ócio, lazer e o tempo livre de idosos na contemporaneidade / Reflection on work, leisure, recreation and leisure in contemporary elderly

O estudo refletiu sobre as questões do trabalho, ócio, lazer e o tempo livre no olhar dos idosos. Foi idealizado a partir dos dados de uma pesquisa feita pela Consultoria Idea Brasil, para o Instituto Trabalho e Vida, em 2010. Percebeu-se que o desejo de aposentar-se continua presente na vida dos trabalhadores brasileiros; porém, a longevidade evidente exige dos indivíduos, da sociedade e dos órgãos públicos um posicionamento quanto à valorização de diferentes formas de viver em atividade laboral.

The study reflected on the issues of work, laziness, leisure and free time from the point of view of the elderly. It was realized conceived from the data of a survey conducted by Consulting Idea Brazil, to Instituto Trabalho e Vida, in 2010. It was noticed that the desire to retire is still present in the life of Brazilian workers, but the apparent longevity, requires from the individuals, society and government agencies, positioning on the values of different ways of living in labor activity.

Are posture data from simulated tasks representative of field conditions? Case study for overhead electric utility workers.

Many ergonomics studies are conducted in laboratory-simulated work environments to assess risks for the development of musculoskeletal disorders under more controlled conditions. However, the simulated conditions could be of questionable validity with respect to reproduction of field conditions involving risk factors. The objective of this study was to verify whether the postures recorded for neck extension/flexion and upper arm elevation of overhead electric utility workers in a simulated environment were similar to those recorded in a field environment. Of the three frequently performed tasks analysed, two presented similar exposure in both conditions. However, differences were identified for a more complex task (relay replacement). These results suggest that simulated tasks may be more representative for more standardised tasks. This may indicate that researchers investigating risks should avoid simplifying complex tasks when reproducing field posture exposure in laboratories, since omitting extra subtasks may lead to an inaccurate reproduction of field exposure. Practitioner Summary: Studies comparing results from field and simulated environments are necessary to evaluate to what degree postural exposure reproduced in laboratory is representative of the exposure occurring in real work situations. This is particularly relevant for tasks involving training in simulated environment due to safety constraints.

Biomechanical analysis of loading/unloading a ladder on a truck.

Loading/unloading a ladder on vehicles are frequent tasks and involve overhead handling that may expose workers to risk factors of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of the present study was to evaluate posture, forces required and perceived exertion when loading and unloading the ladder on a utility truck. Thirteen male overhead line workers from an electric utility in Brazil participated in this study. Shoulder elevation angle was measured using inclinometers. The required force to load/unload the ladder was measured by dynamometer. Subjective assessment of the perceived exertion was recorded to compare the exertion reported during the test conditions to the field conditions. The task of loading/unloading the ladder presented risks of shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to workers because it requires high levels of force (approximately 60% of the maximal force) combined with overhead posture of the shoulders (more than 100° from the neutral posture). Age and height presented to interfere in biomechanical risks presented in load/unload task. There was no significant difference between the subjective exertion during the test conditions and handling the ladder in the field. Ergonomic intervention is recommended to reduce these risks for shoulder MSDs.

Postures and movements in the most common tasks of power line workers.

The repair and maintenance of electrical power lines involves awkward postures, which are known risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to quantify postures and movements of upper arm, head, upper back and neck in the main tasks performed by line workers. Posture of twelve right-handed line workers was recorded by inclinometry and presented as percentiles of angular and angular velocity distributions. All tasks involved considerable upper-arm elevation, ranging from 73° to 115° for the 90th percentile. Upper-arm elevation showed significant differences between tasks, but no consistent differences between right and left sides. Regarding velocity, the right arm presented higher levels than the left arm. All tasks required significant extension of head, upper back and neck, ranging from 7° to 67° for head (10th percentile). All tasks, except the one performed with a continuous extension, also involved pronounced flexion, ranging from 33° to 60° for the head (90th percentile). Work which required highly elevated arms also required significant head extension (r(2)=0.56). Awkward postures of upper arms, head, upper back and neck were identified by inclinometry, demonstrating the need for preventative interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among line workers.

A review of direct neck measurement in occupational settings.

No guidelines are available to orient researchers on the availability and applications of equipment and sensors for recording precise neck movements in occupational settings. In this study reports on direct measurements of neck movements in the workplace were reviewed. Using relevant keywords two independent reviewers searched for eligible studies in the following databases: Cinahal, Cochrane, Embase, Lilacs, PubMed, MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus and Web of Science. After applying the inclusion criteria, 13 articles on direct neck measurements in occupational settings were retrieved from among 33,666 initial titles. These studies were then methodologically evaluated according to their design characteristics, exposure and outcome assessment, and statistical analysis. The results showed that in most of the studies the three axes of neck movement (flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation) were not simultaneously recorded. Deficiencies in available equipment explain this flaw, demonstrating that sensors and systems need to be improved so that a true understanding of real occupational exposure can be achieved. Further studies are also needed to assess neck movement in those who perform heavy-duty work, such as nurses and electricians, since no report about such jobs was identified.

Reliability of intra- and inter-rater palpation discrepancy and estimation of its effects on joint angle measurements.

This study presents data on the intra- and inter-rater reliability of palpation on normal and overweight subjects and shows the influence of palpation discrepancy on angular variability for a collected data set, using computer simulation. Thirty healthy males were recruited. Two physiotherapists identified 12 anatomical landmarks that enabled measurement of eight joint angles. Palpation discrepancy was determined by photographic recordings under ultraviolet light. Angular discrepancies were determined from photos of the subject's orthostatic posture. A computer simulation was developed to predict expected angular variation according to observed palpation discrepancy. The results showed that the inter-rater reliability was lower than the intra-rater reliability for both palpation and angle measurements. Palpation of the greater trochanter (GT), anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and femoral epicondyle (FE) showed larger discrepancies. The overweight group presented a significant difference in palpation discrepancy for ASIS (P<0.03). Angular variations were associated with palpation discrepancies for trunk flexion (TF), hip flexion (HF) and pelvic inclination (PI). Therefore, measurements should be performed by a single rater, rather than by different raters, if reliable angular measurements are intended. Specific anatomical landmarks require careful identification. Simulation was useful for providing estimates of variations due to palpation discrepancy.