Efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular associada ou não a exercícios de contração muscular voluntária máxima / Effects of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated or not with exercises of maximum voluntary muscular contraction

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) sobre o tecido muscular e panículo adiposo, suprajacente ao músculo reto do abdome, comparando os resultados entre 18 e 36 sessões. A pesquisa envolveu 16 voluntários do sexo feminino, com idade variando entre 18 e 23 anos, divididos, aleatoriamente, em dois grupos distintos, classificados segundo aplicação da EENM e da EENM associada ao exercício de contração voluntária máxima (CVM). Os participantes foram estimulados durante 12 semanas, 3 vezes por semana, totalizando 36 sessões, utilizando um eletroestimulador, de média freqüência, de 2500 Hz, com pulsos de 50 Hz, modulado em salvas de 200 ms e repouso de 10 ms, amplitude acima de 100 mA, suficiente para produzir contração muscular visível. Não houve controle alimentar durante a pesquisa e, também, nenhuma alteração da rotina alimentar dos indivíduos. Para variável de controle, todos os indivíduos foram submetidos à mensuração da espessura do tecido muscular e do panículo adiposo, antes e após o programa proposto por meio de ultra-sonografia. Para avaliar os efeitos da eletroestimulação foi utilizado o teste de t student para amostras dependentes. Após análise do exame ultrasonográfico e tratamento dos dados, constatou-se aumento significativo na espessura ântero-posterior do tecido muscular dos dois grupos (p < 0,05), tanto em 18, como em 36 sessões. Não houve resultados satisfatórios no panículo adiposo. Portanto, a EENM mostrou-se eficaz com os parâmetros descritos apenas para o tecido muscular.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EENM) in the muscular tissue and in the upper adiposus panniculus of the abdominal rectum muscle. The survey include 16 female individuals between 18 and 23 years, randomized in two groups, to the application of EENM and EENM associated with exercises of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The groups were stimulated during 12 weeks. Each individual was stimulated 3 times a week, totaling 36 sections. A medium frequency electrical stimulators of 2500 Hz with 50 Hz pulse modulated in 200 ms bursts and 10 ms interpulse interval with an amplitude over 100 mA was used to produce visible muscular contraction. There was no food control during the period and no changes in the food intake. As a variant of control the diameter of the muscular and adiposus tissue was measured in all individuals before and after the program. In order to evaluate the effects of the electrical stimulation, the Test-t was used. After analyzing the ultrasonographic exam and processing the data, a significant increase was noticed in diameter of the muscular tissue in both groups (p < 0,05). There were no satisfactory results in the adiposus panniculus. Therefore the EENM was efficient only in the muscular tissue with the parameters just described.

Evaluation of the use of low level laser and photosensitizer drugs in healing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the last decade, many different kinds of therapies have emerged as a consequence of advances in the field of applied technology. It is known that low level laser therapy contributes to tissue healing; however, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in healing and the scar formation processes has not been fully explored. The present study analyses the effect of low level laser InGaAIP (685 nm), radiation, either alone or combined with a phthalocyanine-derived photosensitizer (PS) in a gel base delivery (GB) system, on the healing process of cutaneous wounds in rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided into six groups: control (untreated) (CG), gel base (GB), photosensitizer (PS), laser (LG), laser+photosensitizer (LPS), and laser+photosensitizer in a GB (LPSG). Standardized circular wounds were made on the dorsum of each rat with a skin punch biopsy instrument. After wounding, treatment was performed once daily and the animals were killed at day 8. Tissue specimens containing the whole wound area were removed and processed for histological analysis using conventional techniques. Serial cross-sections were analyzed to evaluate the organization of the dermis and epidermis as well as collagen deposition. RESULTS: The animals of groups LG, PS, LPS, and LPSG presented higher collagen content and enhanced re-epithelialization as compared to CG (control) and GB rats. Connective tissue remodeling was more evident in groups LPS and LPSG. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicated a synergetic effect of light+photosensitizer+delivery drug on tissue healing. PDT did not cause any healing inhibition or tissue damage during the healing process.