Muscle Strength Cutoff Points for Functional Independence and Wheelchair Ability in Men With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Determine trunk and shoulder muscle strength cutoff points for functional independence and wheelchair skills, and verify the predictive capacity of relative and absolute peak torque in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rehabilitation hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS: Men (N=54) with SCI were recruited and stratified into high and low paraplegia groups. INTERVENTIONS: All participants performed maximum strength tests for shoulder abduction or adduction (isokinetic) and trunk flexion or extension (isometric) to determine relative and absolute peak torque cutoff points for the Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM-III) and Adapted Manual Wheelchair Circuit (AMWC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were SCIM-III, AMWC-Brazil test, and strength variables (peak torques). Demographic characteristics obtained from participants' electronic medical records were the secondary outcomes used as predictor variables of functional independence. RESULTS: The best predictive model for SCIM-III (R=0.78, P≤.05) used the sum of trunk flexion and extension relative peak torque values to determine the cutoff points (1.42 N·m/kg for a score of 70). Relative shoulder abduction peak torque was used in the predictive models for AMWC outcomes: performance score (R=0.77, P≤.05, cutoff points of 0.97 N·m/kg for 300.0m) and 3-minute overground wheeling (R=0.72, P≤.05, cutoff points of 0.96 N·m/kg for 18.5s). CONCLUSIONS: Relative peak torque showed better predictive capacity compared to absolute peak torque. Cutoff points were established for relative muscle strength and could help health professionals set appropriate goals for individuals with SCI to achieve high functional independence and wheelchair ability.

Association between cognitive performance and manual dexterity in patients with Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition resulting from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Impaired manual dexterity and cognitive impairment are common symptoms and are often associated with recurrent adverse events in this population. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between cognitive performance and manual dexterity in people with PD. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study, with 29 participants, who underwent cognitive and manual dexterity assessments, and the following tools were used: Trail Making Test, box and block test (BBT), Learning Test of Rey and Nine Hole Peg Test. Descriptive statistics for clinical and demographic data were performed using mean and standard deviation, and data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Spearman's nonparametric test was used to determine the correlation between variables. RESULTS: Our findings revealed significant associations between cognitive performance and manual dexterity. The nine-hole peg test positively correlated with TMT-Part A and Part B, establishing a relationship between manual dexterity and cognitive functions such as attention and mental flexibility. On the other hand, BBT showed an inverse relationship with TMT-Part B, indicating that longer time on this task was associated with lower manual dexterity. CONCLUSION: Fine manual dexterity had a significant correlation with visual search skills and motor speed, while gross motor dexterity had a negative correlation with cognitive skills. No significant results were demonstrated regarding the interaction between manual dexterity and memory.

Are dose-response relationships of resistance training reliable to improve functional performance in frail and pre-frail older adults? A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review with meta-analyses investigates the impact of resistance training (RT), using meta-regressions, on functional performance in frail and pre-frail adults aged ≥ 65 years to determine the key variables of RT. Ten randomized controlled trials involving 1303 participants were analyzed. Five studies assessed habitual walking speed (HWS), three studies evaluated performance in the timed-up-and-go test (TUG), three studies evaluated performance in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and three studies assessed performance in the sit-to-stand test (STS). RT alone improved STS time and SPPB scores in frail and pre-frail older adults. RT improved STS performance (Effect Size (ES):- 0.536; 95% CI - 0.874 to - 0.199; p = .002) and led to a 2.261-point increase in SPPB performance (ES:1.682; 95% CI 0.579-2.786; p = .003). At least two weekly training sessions are required to increase SPPB scores, and three sessions seem to optimize the improvements. Higher training volume per exercise and volume per session reduce the gains in SPPB performance. We did not observe any association between different doses of RT and STS time improvements. RT alone positively influenced TUG performance only in community-dwelling older frail and pre-frail adults but not in institutionalized older individuals. RT alone did not improve the HWS compared to the non-active control group.

Exergaming in the treatment of gait, balance, and quality of life in Parkinson's disease: Overview of systematic reviews.

INTRODUCTION: Postural instability and gait impairments are common in people with PD, both of which have a negative effect on their quality of life. Systematic reviews have demonstrated benefits of using exergaming in enhancing these outcomes. However, there is no consensus over whether exergaming therapy is better than conventional physical therapy for enhancing gait, balance, and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this overview is to systematically synthesize and evaluate the available evidence found in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses, on the effects of exergaming therapy on balance, gait, and quality of life, compared to conventional physical therapy or no intervention. METHODS: This overview was reported in accordance with the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). A comprehensive search was carried out in nine databases. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardized forms and the search strategy included terms related to intervention, population, and study type. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews/meta-analysis (SRs/Mas) was evaluated using the "A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2" (AMSTAR-2). The "Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence. The risk of bias assessment was performed using the "Risk Of Bias In Systematic Reviews" (ROBIS). PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021238131. RESULTS: 112 SRs/MAs were found and nine of them were selected. Six reviews were rated as very low methodological quality and three reviews as low methodological quality. Five reviews were classified with low risk of bias and four reviews with high risk of bias. Most of the SR/MAs demonstrated significant effects on balance favoring exergaming therapy over conventional therapy, however those studies had been rated as very low quality of evidence. Inconclusive results were found for the quality of life and gait outcomes. CONCLUSION: Exergaming therapy shows promise for the rehabilitation of PD. However, this overview was unable to conclude with certainty that exergaming therapy is superior to conventional physical therapy in improving gait, balance, or quality of life in people with PD. The effectiveness of exergaming therapy in the treatment of people with PD still need to be verified by high-quality studies.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairments. Virtual Reality (VR) has been used as an innovative tool in neurological rehabilitation. There are promising new studies that have used commercial video games consoles for the rehabilitation of people with MS. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the effectiveness of using VR on functional mobility, fatigue, quality of life and balance in people with MS, compared with conventional exercises or no intervention. METHODS: Six databases (Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Cochrane library, Embase and PEDro) were searched using some of following terms: "Virtual reality" AND "Multiple sclerosis" AND " randomized controlled trial". Two reviewers performed the search, selection, and extraction of data from the studies. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro scale and the risk of bias was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool. Mean differences and confidence intervals were combined and calculated in meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine randomized clinical trials were included, with a total sample of 424 participants. In general, functional mobility presented similar improvement between groups, while for fatigue, quality of life and balance, VR promoted improvement equal to or greater than the conventional exercises. The meta-analysis confirmed that for functional mobility, VR does not promote significant improvement, while for fatigue, quality of life and balance, VR promotes superior improvement. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated a positive effect of using VR in people with MS in relation to fatigue, quality of life and balance, compared to the conventional exercises. For functional mobility, VR associated or not with conventional exercises does not seem to bring additional benefits. Larger and methodologically robust studies are need. OTHER: There was no funding for this systematic review. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42021226471.

Virtual functional mobility test: A potential novel tool for assessing mobility of individuals with Parkinson's disease in a multitask condition.

There are few instruments available for evaluating functional mobility during multitasking in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Virtual Reality is a potentially tool capable of aiding in the evaluation of functional mobility. The purpose of this study is to verify the potential of the Virtual Functional Mobility Test (VFMT) as a clinical tool to assess functional mobility of people with PD during multitasking condition. 25 people with PD and 25 people without PD, matched for age and sex, were recruited. Participants were evaluated through the Trail Making Test, Timed "UP and GO" test, Timed "UP and GO" test in dual task condition and through the VFMT, composed of 1) a simple task, and 2) a complex task. The VFMT and clinical tests were sensitive to differentiate the groups, except the trail making test part B (p = 0.332) and complex task (p = 0.052). Strong correlations were observed between parts A and B of the trail making test (r = 0.75) and complex task (r = 0.72); Moderate correlations between Timed Up and Go test and Timed Up and Go test in dual task condition with simple task (r = 0.47) and complex task (r = 0.55), respectively, were found. The complex task and simple task showed excellent and moderate reliability intra-rater, respectively. It was concluded that the novel VFMT is feasible, sensible, reliable and has potential as an instrument for the evaluation of functional mobility during multitasking in people with PD.

Cognitive and motor effects of Kinect-based games training in people with and without Parkinson disease: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of training with six commercial Xbox KinectTM games on cognitive and motor aspects in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to compare the effects with a group of paired healthy subjects. METHODS: This study was a quasi-experimental, controlled trial. Eight individuals with PD (mean age 68.9 ± 7.9) and eight older adults without PD, matched by age (mean age 67.6 ± 7.3) were enrolled in the study. Ten sessions of six Xbox 360 KinectTM commercial games were performed for 5 weeks. Subjects were evaluated before and 7 and 30 days after intervention. They were assessed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Timed Up and Go test, Ten Meters Walking test, and Balance Berg Scale. The Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, and the Parkinson's disease Questionnaire were also applied to PD group. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found for cognitive aspects measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment and FAB in both groups but without retention on FAB in PD group. No significant improvements were found for motor aspects in none group. CONCLUSION: Motor-cognitive training using Xbox KinectTM games is a feasible resource to improve executive functions in PD patients and in older healthy people.

Prevalência de quadros álgicos em praticantes de brazilian jiu-jitsu / Prevalence of algic conditions in brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners / Prevalencia de condiciones álgicas em practicantes brazilian de jiu-jitsu

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de queixas álgicas em praticantes de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as queixas que levaram ao afastamento dos treinamentos e as queixas de lesões prévias. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo que incluiu praticantes regulares de BJJ do sexo masculino, com idades entre 18 e 40 anos. Foi elaborado um questionário para identificar o perfil dos praticantes: idade, graduação, tempo de prática da arte marcial, frequência de treinos, prática de outras atividades física e frequência. Para a investigação das queixas álgicas, foi aplicado o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares ­ QNSO, versão em português adaptada. Os dados foram registrados no programa Microsoft Excel 365 e foi realizada estatística descritiva. Resultados: Os 52 participantes da pesquisa possuíam idade média de 32 anos e tempo médio de 9 anos de prática de Jiu-Jitsu, 50% deles possuía graduação de faixa azul. Os praticantes apresentaram 45 relatos de queixas na semana anterior a aplicação do QNSO, 76 relatos no ano anterior, 43 relatos que levaram os praticantes a se afastarem do treinamento e 20 relatos de lesões prévias no ano anterior. Conclusão: A maior prevalência de queixas nos 7 dias prévios a aplicação do QNSO, ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e quadril-coxas, e nos 12 meses prévios ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e ombros. A maior prevalência que levou os praticantes ao afastamento dos treinamentos nos 12 meses prévios ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e tornozelo-pés, e as queixas de lesões prévias ocorreram em joelhos, punhos e ombros.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of pain complaints in Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners, the complaints that led to withdrawal from training and the complaints of previous injuries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study that included regular male BJJ practitioners aged between 18 and 40 years. A basic questionnaire was created to collect variables: age, graduation, time practicing martial art, frequency of training, practice of other physical activities and frequency. For the investigation of pain complaints, the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms - NQSO, adapted Portuguese version, was applied. Data were recorded in the Microsoft Excel 365 program and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: The 52 research participants had average an age of 32 years old and average time of 9 years of BJJ practice, 50% of them were blue belt graduation. The practitioners presented 45 reports of complaints in the week before the application of NQSO, 76 reports in previous year, 43 reports that led to withdrawal training and 20 reports of previous injuries in the previous year. Conclusion: The highest prevalence of complaints in the previous 7 days of the application of NQSO occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and hip- thighs, and in the previous 12 months occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and shoulders. The major prevalence that led to withdrawal training in the previous 12 month occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and ankle-foots, and the complaints of previous injuries occurred in the knees, wrists and shoulders.

Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de quejas de dolor en practicantes de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), las quejas que llevaron a la retirada del entrenamiento y las quejas de lesiones anteriores. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo que incluyó practicantes regulares de BJJ del sexo masculino, con edades entre 18 y 40 años. Se elaboró un cuestionario para identificar el perfil de los practicantes: edad, grado, tiempo de práctica del arte marcial, frecuencia de entrenamiento, práctica de otras actividades físicas y frecuencia. Para la investigación de las quejas de dolor, se aplicó el Cuestionario Nórdico de Síntomas Musculoesqueléticos ­ CNSO, versión portuguesa adaptada. Los datos se registraron en el programa Microsoft Excel 365 y se realizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Los 52 participantes de la investigación tenían una edad promedio de 32 años y un tiempo promedio de práctica de BJJ de 9 años, el 50% de ellos tenían graduación de cinturón azul. Los practicantes presentaron 45 reportes de denuncias en la semana anterior a la aplicación de la CNSO, 76 reportes en el año anterior, 43 reportes que llevaron a los practicantes a retirarse del entrenamiento y 20 reportes de lesiones anteriores en el año anterior. Conclusión: La mayor prevalencia de quejas en los 7 días previos a la aplicación de la CNSO se presentó en rodillas, columna lumbar y cadera-muslos, y en los 12 meses anteriores se presentó en rodillas, columna lumbar y hombros. La prevalencia más alta que llevó a los practicantes a retirarse del entrenamiento en los 12 meses anteriores ocurrió en rodillas, columna lumbar y tobillo-pie, y las quejas de lesiones previas ocurrieron en rodillas, muñecas y hombros.

Atletas de Taekwondo apresentam desequilíbrio muscular entre os músculos flexores e extensores do joelho: achados preliminares / Taekwondo athletes have muscle imbalance between knee flexors and extensions: preliminary findings / Los atletas de Taekwondo presentan un desequilibrio muscular entre los flexores y los extensores de la rodilla: hallazgos preliminares

Durante a prática de taekwondo com movimentos repetitivos, sistematizados e com certa sobrecarga de treino, o indivíduo pode gerar possíveis adaptações orgânicas que resultam em problemas posturais com grandes chances de desencadear desequilíbrio muscular. Objetivo: Verificar a presença de desequilíbrio entre os grupos musculares agonistas e antagonistas da articulação do joelho e entre membros dominantes e não dominantes de praticantes de taekwondo por meio da dinamometria isocinética. Método: Estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo realizado com nove praticantes de taekwondo do sexo masculino. Utilizou-se um dinamômetro isocinético para investigar o pico de torque, pico de torque por peso corporal, trabalho total, potência média, relação agonista/antagonista e índice de fadiga. Os dados dos membros dominante e não dominante foram comparados por meio do teste t-student para amostras pareadas. Foram calculados o intervalo de confiança de 95% da diferença média, o tamanho de efeito e o poder das análises. Resultados: Os músculos extensores dos membros dominante e não dominante apresentaram diferença média significante de 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) para pico de torque e de 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) para pico de torque por peso corporal a 60°/s, representando tamanho de efeito médio. Conclusão: Os atletas de taekwondo apresentaram maior pico de torque e maior pico de torque por peso corporal dos músculos extensores do joelho a 60º/s no lado dominante. A relação agonista/ antagonista foi inferior a 60% e mais da metade dos atletas apresentaram uma diferença maior que 10% no pico de torque flexor no lado não dominante.

During taekwondo practice with the repetitive motions, systematized and with certain training overload, the person can generate possible organic adaptations that result in postural problems with a great chances of triggering muscle imbalance. Objective: To verify the presence of imbalance between agonist and antagonist muscle groups of knee joint and between dominant and non-dominant limbs through isokinetic dynamometry. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study realized with nine male taekwondo practitioners. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to investigate the peak torque, peak torque by body weight, total work, average power, agonist/antagonist ratio and fatigue index. Data from the dominant and non-dominant limbs were compared by t-student test for pared samples. The 95% confidence interval of the mean difference, the effect size and the power of analyses power were calculated. Results: The extensor muscles of the dominant and non-dominant limbs showed mean difference of 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) for peak torque and of 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) for peak torque by body weight at 60°/s, representing average effect size. Conclusion: The taekwondo athletes had higher peak torque and higher peak torque by body weight of the knee extensors muscles in the dominant side. The agonist/ antagonist ratio was less than 60% and more than half of the athletes showed a difference greater than 10% in the peak flexor torque on the non-dominant side.

Durante la práctica de taekwondo con los movimientos repetitivos, sistematizados y con cierta sobrecarga de entrenamiento, la persona puede generar posibles adaptaciones orgánicas que deriven en problemas posturales con grandes posibilidades de desencadenar desequilibrios musculares. Objetivo: Verificar la presencia de desequilibrio entre grupos musculares agonistas y antagonistas de la articulación de la rodilla y entre miembros dominantes y no dominantes mediante dinamometría isocinética. Métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo realizado con nueve practicantes masculinos de taekwondo. Se utilizó un dinamómetro isocinético para investigar el par máximo, el par máximo por peso corporal, el trabajo total, la potencia media, la relación agonista/antagonista y el índice de fatiga. Los datos de las extremidades dominantes y no dominantes se compararon mediante la prueba t- student para muestras de pared. Se calcularon el intervalo de confianza del 95% de la diferencia media, el tamaño del efecto y la potencia de los análisis. Resultados: Los músculos extensores de los miembros dominantes y no dominantes mostraron una diferencia media de 15,49 Nm (IC95% 7,27; 23,70; p=0,002) para el par máximo y de 22,64% (IC95% 11,83; 33,46; p=0,001) para el par máximo por peso corporal a 60°/s, lo que representa el tamaño medio del efecto. Conclusiones: Los atletas de taekwondo presentaron un mayor par máximo y un mayor par máximo por peso corporal de los músculos extensores de la rodilla en el lado dominante. La relación agonista/antagonista fue inferior al 60% y más de la mitad de los atletas mostraron una diferencia superior al 10% en el pico de par flexor en el lado no dominante.

Effectiveness of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding on balance in hemiparetic patients after stroke / Efetividade da hipoterapia e da equoterapia terapêutica no equilíbrio de pacientes hemiparéticos pós-acidente vascular cerebral

Abstract Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Individuals who suffered stroke present numerous functional limitations. Hippo-therapy (HPOT) is proposed as capable of promoting the recovery of postural balance in patients with neurological impairment. Objective: To analyze published articles, seeking the effects of HPOT on changes in postural balance, through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), in individuals with stroke. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published on the electronic databases PubMed, VHL, SCIELO, Cochrane, SCOPUS, WoS, and Cinahl. Keywords: "hippotherapy", "horseback riding" and "stroke" linked by the OR and AND boolean operators. The research was restricted to clinical trials in an adult population with a history of stroke. Results: Four articles were included in this meta-analysis, which used HPOT as an intervention to improve postural balance. Three studies used a mechanical device (horseback riding), and the horse. The age ranged from 61 to 71 years, being more predominant the male sex. Sessions ranged from 6 to 12 weeks of 20 to 30 minutes per session. Quality analysis using the PEDro scale demonstrated scores ranging from 6 to 8 points in the selected studies. Overall, treatment with mechanical and conventional therapy resulted in an improvement in the total BBS score. As compared with conventional therapy just studies with horseback riding was superior to conventional therapy to improve postural balance in hemiparetic stroke patients. Conclusion: There are few studies of high quality; then, it is not possible to evaluate the effectiveness of HPOT using a horse or a mechanic simulator in patients with stroke when compared with conventional therapy. Future studies could clarify if HPOT has potential benefits as a complementary therapeutic strategy to conventional physiotherapy to promote the improvement of postural balance after stroke.

Resumo Introdução: O acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) é uma das principais causas de incapacidade e morte em todo o mundo. Existem diferentes prospostas terapêuticas para melhorar o equilíbrio postural de hemiparéticos após AVE, mas a efetividade de técnicas como a hipoterapia ainda está por ser esclarecida. Objetivo: Avaliar através da Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) a efetividade da hipoterapia para melhorar o equilíbrio postural em pacientes hemiparéticos após acidente vascular encefálico em comparação à terapia convencional Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi conduzida com buscas nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, BVS, SCIELO, Cochrane, SCOPUS, WoS e Cinahl. Palavras-chave: "hippotherapy", "horseback riding" e "stroke" ligadas pelos operadores booleanos OR e AND. A pesquisa foi restrita a ensaios clínicos numa população adulta com histórico de AVE. Resultados: Após a análise dos estudos, foram incluídos nessa metanálise quatro artigos que utilizaram a hipoterapia como intervenção para melhora do controle postural e equilíbrio postural. Três artigos utilizaram hipoterapia com simulador mecânico e um estudo realizou com cavalos. O grupo de comparação foi a fisioterapia convencional. A idade variou de 61 a 71 anos, sendo mais predominante o sexo masculino. As sessões, com duração de 20 a 30 minutos, variaram entre 6 e 12 semanas. A análise de viés dos estudos com a escala PEDro revelou pontuações de 6 a 8 pontos. O resultado de três dos quatro ensaios clínicos sugere que o simulador mecânico e convencional resultou em melhora estatisticamente significativa do escore total da EEB. Conclusão: Uma vez que há poucos estudos de alta qualidade, não é possível estabelecer a efetividade da hipoterapia utilizando cavalos ou simulador mecânico para promover a melhoria no equilíbrio postural em pacientes sobreviventes após AVE quando comparada ao tratamento convencional. Estudos futuros podem esclarecer se a hipoterapia pode ser considerada um tratamento complementar para melhoria do equilíbrio postural após AVE.

Effects of partial isothermic immersion on the spirometry parameters of tetraplegic patients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to compare under controlled conditions the effect of immersion on spirometry parameters of patients with tetraplegia vs those of normal individuals. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Twenty-three otherwise well tetraplegic subjects were compared to a control group of 11 similar healthy subjects before and during 5 to 15 min of isothermal immersion in water to shoulder level. RESULTS: Measured at baseline, tetraplegic subjects exhibited significant pulmonary restriction, characterized by a mean FVC of 54.9 +/- 14.6% of the predicted value (range, 23.2 to 80.4%), whereas all controls subjects had > 80% of predicted values. Immersion increased the FVC of tetraplegic patients an average of 18.4 +/- 18.7% above basal measurements, while that of the control group worsened (DeltaFVC, - 8.8 +/- 4.4%). Among the tetraplegic patients, the lower the preimmersion vital capacity, the greater the percentage of improvement following immersion (r = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, - 0.91 to - 0.56; p < 0.0001). No relationship was found between the time elapsed since cervical cord injury or its level and the degree of improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Water activities play an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury. Immersion in isothermal water at shoulder level, under strictly controlled experimental conditions, reduces the vital capacity of normal individuals, while it improves in a group of patients with tetraplegia. The observed phenomenon seems to be mediated by an improvement in breathing mechanics, impaired by cervical cord injury.

Sintomas osteomioarticulares em bombeiros militares do Distrito Federal / Osteomioarticular symptoms in military fire fighters of the Federal District

Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência de sintomas osteomioarticulares em bombeiros militares do Distrito Federal. Metódo: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com bombeiros militares de idades entre 18 e 55 anos. Foi utilizado o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares e os participantes relataram a ocorrência dos sintomas nos 12 meses e nos sete dias precedentes à entrevista, bem como os afastamentos das atividades no último ano. Os dados foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel 2016 e foi feita a estatística descritiva. Resultados: Dos 178 bombeiros participantes, 89% eram do sexo masculino, com idade média de 39 anos e média do índice de massa corporal de 25,93. As regiões de maior prevalência foram a região lombar (20,90%), seguida dos joelhos (14,24%) e da região dorsal (12,26%) nos últimos 12 meses e a região lombar (20,35%), seguida dos joelhos (16,48%) e dos ombros (11,97%) nos últimos sete dias. Conclusão: Verificou-se maior prevalência de sintomas osteomioarticulares na região lombar, joelhos e região dorsal para alterações crônicas, e maior prevalência de sintomas na região lombar, joelhos e ombros para alterações agudas. Os bombeiros apontaram como causas a realização de força, fadiga e/ou cansaço, posturas mantidas por um longo período de tempo, movimentos bruscos e movimentos repetitivos.

Objective: Verify the prevalence of osteomioarticular symptoms in military firefighters in the Federal District. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with military firefighters aged between 18 and 55 years. The Nordic Osteomuscular Symptoms Questionnaire was used and the participants reported the occurrence of symptoms in the 12 months and seven days preceding the interview, as well as the withdrawal of the activities in the last year. The data were tabulated in the Microsoft Excel 2016 program and the descriptive statistics were made. Results: Of the 178 firefighters involved, 89% were males, with a mean age of 39 years and a mean body mass index of 25.93. The regions with the highest prevalence were the lumbar region (20.90%), followed by the knees (14.24%) and the dorsal region (12.26%) in the last 12 months and the lumbar region (20.35%), followed by knees (16.48%) and shoulders (11.97%) in the last seven days. Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of osteomioarticular symptoms in the lumbar region, knees and dorsal region for chronic changes, and a higher prevalence of symptoms in the lower back, knees and shoulders for acute changes. The firefighters pointed as causes of force, fatigue and /or tiredness, postures maintained for a long period of time, sudden movements and repetitive movements.

A postura fletida está associada à independência funcional, mobilidade e qualidade de vida em pessoas com doença de Parkinson? / The forward flexed posture is associated with functional independence, mobility and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease?

Objetivo: Avaliar se a postura fletida (FFP) está associada à independência funcional, mobilidade e qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos: Estudo transversal e comparativo em Brasília/DF. Para avaliar a FFP, foi utilizado o teste de distância occipito-parede (DOP) e este foi comparado com medidas de força muscular (preensão palmar, extensão dorsal e membros inferiores), mobilidade funcional e qualidade de vida para verificar se há associações entre eles. Também foi verificado se havia correlação entre o estágio da doença, medido pela escala de Hoehn e Yahr (HY) e o tempo de diagnóstico. Resultados: Foram observadas correlações fortes entre DOP e HY, tempo de diagnóstico e qualidade de vida, e correlações moderadas entre marcadores de força muscular e mobilidade em indivíduos com DP. Conclusão: O FFP medida pelo DOP está fortemente associada com estágios de gravidade, tempo de diagnóstico e qualidade de vida e moderado com força muscular e mobilidade reduzida em pacientes com doença de Parkinson e representa uma medida simples e de baixo custo para a prática clínica.