Effects of a deep-water running program on muscle function and functionality in elderly women community dwelling

AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of deep-water running on muscle function and functionality in community dwelling old women. METHODS: Older women (n=19) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: deep-water running (DWR: n=09, 64.33±4.24 years, 75.15±12.53 kg, 160.45±7.52 cm; or control group CG: n=10, 64.40±4.22 years, 74.46±12.39 kg, 158.88±5.48 cm). The DWR group carried out 18 weeks of deep-water running, twice/week 50 min sessions. Dynamic isokinetic strength for the lower limb and functionality was assessed before and after intervention. RESULTS: DWR group increased peak torque, total work and average power of the knee and hip flexors and extensors. Additionally showed better performance on gait speed, timed up and go test, five-times-sit-to-stand-test repetitions from a chair as well as the six-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: The deep-water running program was effective to improve muscle function and functionality.(AU)

Evaluation of chronic head and neck myofascial pain control with Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture in eight weeks follow-up period / Avaliação do controle da dor miofascial crônica em cabeça e pescoço utilizando a técnica Nova Crânio Acupuntura de Yamamoto em acompanhamento durante 8 semanas

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain is a common complaint in health assistance settings, so this study aimed at evaluating the analgesic efficacy of an acupuncture technique to relieve pain in patients with chronic head and neck myofascial pain. METHODS: Participated in the study 20 volunteers (aged between 23 and 46 years) with head and neck pain for more than 3 months who presented tense myofascial bands diagnosed by the evaluator. Pain intensity at the beginning of the study was recorded by the verbal numeric scale, as well as mean pain during each week among 8 applications. Acupuncture needle 0.25x30 mm was used on cranial points to the right or left side of the face, determined by Yamamoto’s ScalpAcupuncture technique and was maintained for 20 minutes. RESULTS: Mean pain at beginning of treatment was 7.9 and after 8 weeks it had decreased to 0.8, which is a significant result with p<0.05. Pain improvement evaluation at consultation moment was also relevant because 100% of participants have reported pain improvement immediately after needle application. CONCLUSION: Our results show the effectiveness of one of different possibilities provided by acupuncture for pain relief, especially when the aim is immediate pain decrease. Although promising, results of Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture still need further studies to evaluate this acupuncture modality to expand its application and reliability of the technique. .

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor crônica tem sido queixa constante nos atendimentos clínicos na área da saúde, dessa forma este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia analgésica de uma técnica de acupuntura no alivio de sintomas dolorosos de pacientes com dor crônica miofascial em cabeça e pescoço. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 20 voluntários (idade entre 23 e 46 anos) com queixa de dor em cabeça e pescoço há mais de 3 meses que apresentavam bandas tensas miofasciais diagnosticadas pelo avaliador. A intensidade de dor no início da pesquisa foi registrada pela escala numérica verbal, bem como a média de dor durante cada semana entre as 8 consultas de aplicação. Foi utilizada agulha de acupuntura 0,25x30mm nos pontos cranianos do lado direito ou esquerdo da face, determinados pela técnica de cranioacupuntura de Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture mantida por 20 minutos. RESULTADOS: A média atribuída à dor no inicio do tratamento foi 7,9 e após 8 semanas reduziu-se para 0,8, resultado significativo sendo p<0,05. A avaliação de diminuição da dor no momento da consulta também foi relevante, pois 100% dos participantes relataram melhora da dor após a aplicação imediata da agulha. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo apontam para a eficácia de uma das diversas possibilidades que a acupuntura apresenta para o alívio de sintomas álgicos principalmente quando se busca diminuição imediata da dor. Embora os resultados com a técnica Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture sejam promissores, estudos ainda são necessários para avaliar essa modalidade de acupuntura para ampliar sua aplicação e confiança na técnica. .