Is ankle taping effective to limit the ankle dorsiflexion in a single-training session? An observational study in semi-professional basketball players

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Ankle taping (AT) is effective in preventing ankle sprain injuries in most common sports and is employed in rehabilitation and prevention sports. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of AT to restricting excessive frontal plane ankle movements in semi-professional basketball players throughout the training session. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was performed at the Universidad Europea de Madrid. METHODS: Forty male and female semi-professional basketball players were divided into two groups. The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and interlimb asymmetries in a weight-bearing lunge position were evaluated at four time points: 1) with no tape, 2) before practice, at 30 min of practice, and 3) immediately after practice. RESULTS: In male basketball players, no differences were observed in the right and left ankles between the baseline and 30 min and between baseline and 90 min of assessment. In female athletes, significant differences were reported between baseline and pre-training assessments for the right ankle and also significant differences between baseline and 90 min in both ankles. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle taping effectively decreased the ankle dorsiflexion ROM in male and female basketball players immediately after application. However, ROM restriction was very low after 30 and 90 min, as assessed in a single basketball practice. Therefore, the classic taping method should be revised to develop new prophylactic approaches, such as the implementation of semi-rigid bracing techniques or the addition of active stripes during training or game pauses.

A 120-second stretch improves postural control and plantar pressure: quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are no studies on long-term bilateral calf stretching in relation to balance and plantar pressure. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate that there is better control of posture and pressures after continuous stretching of the posterior calf muscles. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pre and post-intervention study conducted in a private clinic. METHODS: We measured static footprints and stabilometry before and after continuous passive plantar flexor stretching of duration 120 seconds, among 24 healthy subjects. RESULTS: We found differences in Y displacement with eyes closed (P = 0.010), but not among other variables with eyes closed: X displacement (P = 0.263); surface (P = 0.940); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.279); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.914). There were also no differences in eyes-open variables: X displacement (P = 0.341); Y displacement (P = 0.491); surface (P = 0.167); laterolateral speed displacement (P = 0.852); and anteroposterior speed displacement (P = 0.079). The plantar pressures in the heel (maximum pressure, P = 0.048; mean pressure, P = 0.001) and in the midfoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.004; mean pressure, P = 0.004) were reduced, but not in the forefoot (maximum pressure, P = 0.391; mean pressure, P = 0.225). The surface became larger in the forefoot (P = 0.000) and midfoot (P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Continuous static stretching of plantar flexors for 120 seconds improved stance balance and reduced plantar pressures (maximum and mean) in the rearfoot and midfoot. It also increased the surface in the midfoot and forefoot. TRIAL REGISTRATION: at clinicaltrials.gov, under the number NTC03743168.

Self-reported depression and anxiety among COPD patients. A case-control study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide. However, the exact mechanisms linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with depression and anxiety have not been identified. OBJECTIVES: To compare self-reported depression and anxiety among patients diagnosed with COPD in relation to healthy controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: Case control study at a public hospital institution in Spain. METHODS: We designed a case-control study. Patients were recruited using a consecutive sampling method from a single institution. Two groups were created: COPD and healthy controls. Data on medical history and demographic background were collected from the medical records. Self-reported depression levels were assessed using Beck's depression inventory (BDI). Self-reported anxiety was measured using the State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with COPD and fifty healthy patients were included in this study. BDI scores were higher for COPD patients (10.23 ± 6.26) than in the control group (5.2 ± 6.56). STAI-state scores were higher for COPD patients (41.85 ± 12.55) than for controls (34.88 ± 9.25). STAI-trait scores were higher for COPD patients (41.42 ± 10.01) than for controls (34.62 ± 9.19). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there were higher levels of depression and anxiety among COPD patients than among healthy controls.

Influence of foot pain on frailty symptoms in an elderly population: a case-control study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Frailty is a condition that can increase the risk of falls. In addition, foot disorders can negatively influence elderly people, thus affecting their condition of frailty. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether foot pain can influence a greater degree of frailty. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. METHODS: A sample older than 60 years (n = 52), including 26 healthy subjects and 26 foot pain patients, was recruited. Frailty disability was measured using the 5-Frailty scale and the Edmonton Frailty scale (EFS). RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the total EFS score and in most of its subscales, according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05). In addition, foot pain patients presented worse scores (higher 5-Frailty scores) than did healthy patients, regarding matched-paired subjects (lower EFS scores). With regard to the rest of the measurements, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The highest scores (P < 0.001) were for fatigue on the 5-Frailty scale and the EFS, and for the subscale of independence function in EFS. CONCLUSIONS: These elderly patients presented impairment relating to ambulation and total 5-Frailty score, which seemed to be linked to the presence of frailty syndrome and foot disorders.

Influence of unstable shoes on women with lumbopelvic postpartum pain: randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Back pain is a normal symptom during pregnancy and is expected to become worse beyond the first three months after childbirth. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of wearing unstable shoes instead of conventional shoes, regarding pain intensity, low back mobility and stability, among women with lumbopelvic pain (LPP) during the postpartum period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted at a podiatry and physiotherapy clinical center. METHODS: A nine-week program of wearing either unstable shoes (A) or conventional shoes (B) was implemented. The following outcomes were measured in three assessments: pain intensity, using a visual analogue scale (VAS); low-back mobility, using a modified Schober test; and stability, using a pressure platform. RESULTS: The lateral stability speed, anterior stability speed and anterior center of pressure (COP) showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the unstable shoes group after nine weeks, in relation to the conventional group. Intra-group measurements showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in VAS between the second and third assessments and between the first and third assessments in both groups. Intra-group evaluations also showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the lateral stability speed and anterior stability speed. CONCLUSIONS: Unstable shoes were effective in decreasing the pain intensity at five and nine weeks in women with postpartum LPP. In addition, their use produced decreases in lateral stability speed, anterior stability speed and anterior COP at nine weeks.

Intra and intersession repeatability and reliability of dynamic parameters in pressure platform assessments on subjects with simulated leg length discrepancy. A cross-sectional research

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) may play a key role in exercise biomechanics. Although the Podoprint platform has been used in dynamic pressure studies, there are no data regarding the reliability and repeatability of dynamic measurements under simulated LLD conditions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the intra and intersession repeatability and reliability of dynamic parameters of the Podoprint pressure platform under simulated LLD conditions. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational cross-sectional study at a public university. METHODS: Thirty-seven healthy volunteers participated in this study. LLD was simulated using ethyl vinyl acetate plantar lifts with heights of 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm located under the right shoe of each volunteer. The procedure was performed to capture the dynamic parameters of each participant under five different simulated LLD conditions. Stance time, mean pressure and peak pressure measurements were registered in three trials for each foot and each LLD level. Data were collected during two separate testing sessions, in order to establish intrasession and intersession reliability. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intrasession reliability ranged from 0.775 to 0.983 in the first session and from 0.860 to 0.985 in the second session. The ICCs for intersession reliability ranged from 0.909 to 0.990. Bland-Altman plots showed absence of systematic measurement errors. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that the Podoprint platform is a reliable system for assessing dynamic parameters under simulated LLD conditions. Future studies should evaluate plantar pressures under LLD conditions, in association with exercise, biomechanics and musculoskeletal disorders.

Aerobic exercise effects in renal function and quality of life of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: To date, the therapeutic effects of exercise have not yet been evaluated regarding renal function parameters and quality of life specifically in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Thus, the study aim was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise in renal function and quality of life in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. METHODS: A quasi-experimental prospective study [NCT03301987] was carried out. Nine patients with advanced chronic kidney disease were recruited from a hospital nephrology unit. Kidney function parameters such as creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea clearance, glomerular filtration rate, and creatinine/weight proportion, as well as the Kidney Disease Quality of Life SF-36 (KDQoL-SF36) were measured at baseline and after 1 month of aerobic exercise. RESULTS: Significant increases (P <.05) were observed for creatinine/weight proportion as well as symptoms, effects, charge, and physical domains of the KDQoL-SF36 after 1 month of therapeutic exercise. The other parameters did not show any statistically significant difference (P >.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise may cause improvements in renal function and quality of life of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Further studies about therapeutic exercise protocols specifically in patients with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease should be carried out in order to study their effectiveness and safety.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Até o momento, os efeitos do exercício terapêutico ainda não tinham sido avaliados quanto aos parâmetros de função renal e qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença renal crônica avançada, especificamente. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do exercício aeróbico na função renal e na qualidade de vida em pacientes com doença renal crônica avançada. MÉTODOS: Um estudo prospectivo quase experimental [NCT03301987] foi realizado. Nove pacientes com doença renal crônica avançada foram recrutados de uma unidade de nefrologia hospitalar. Parâmetros de função renal como creatinina, depuração de creatinina, liberação de ureia, taxa de filtração glomerular e creatinina/peso, bem como a qualidade de vida da doença renal SF-36 (KDQoL-SF36) foram medidos no início e após um mês de atividade aeróbica. RESULTADOS: Aumentos significativos (P<0,05) foram mostrados para a proporção de creatinina/peso, bem como sintomas, efeitos, carga e domínios físicos do KDQoL-SF36 após um mês de exercício terapêutico. Os demais parâmetros não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significante (P>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: O exercício aeróbico pode produzir melhorias na função renal e na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença renal crônica avançada. Especificamente, novos estudos sobre protocolos de exercícios terapêuticos em pacientes com estágios avançados de doença renal crônica devem ser realizados a fim de estudar sua eficácia e segurança.

Analgesic effects of a capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency in patients with myofascial chronic neck pain: a pilot randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: To date, there is a lack of prior studies on the use of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF) to treat neck pain. The objective of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (RF=448 kHz), in comparison with a placebo, on (1) reducing neck pain intensity at myofascial trigger points (MTrP), (2) decreasing neck disability and (3) improving cervical range of motion (CROM). METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02353195) was carried out. Patients with myofascial chronic neck pain (N=24) with active MTrP in one upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two groups: a radio-frequency group, which received eight sessions of a monopolar capacitive resistive radio-frequency application over the upper trapezius muscle, and a placebo group (PG), which received eight sessions of placebo radio-frequency over the same muscle. Visual analog scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were evaluated after the first session and after the eight sessions. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon test for VAS showed statistically significant differences between baseline, immediately after the first session and after eight sessions (p<.001). No significant differences for PG were found. No differences were observed between groups. NDI improved in both groups after eight sessions, but no differences were found between groups (p<.05). ANOVA for time factor showed statistically significant changes in the right cervical rotation in both groups (F=4.112; p=.026) after eight sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Even though there were no differences between both groups, the monopolar capacitive, resistive RF could have a potential effect on pain intensity.

RESUMO ANTECEDENTES: Até a data, há uma falta de estudos prévios para tratar a dor no pescoço por radiofrequência (RF) monopolar capacitiva resistiva. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito imediato da radiofrequência monopolar capacitiva resistiva (RF = 448 kHz) versus placebo em (1) redução da intensidade da dor no pescoço em pontos de gatilho miofascial (MTrP), (2) diminuição da incapacidade do pescoço e (3) melhorando a amplitude de movimento cervical (Crom). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo (NCT02353195). Os pacientes com dor no pescoço crônica miofascial (N = 24) com MTrP ativo em um músculo trapézio superior foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: um grupo de radiofrequência, que recebeu oito sessões com uma aplicação de radiofrequência resistiva capacitiva monopolar sobre o músculo trapézio superior, e um grupo de placebo (PG), que recebeu oito sessões de radiofrequência de placebo no mesmo músculo. A escala analógica visual (VAS), Crom e Índice de incapacidade do pescoço (NDI) foram avaliadas após a primeira sessão e após as oito sessões. RESULTADOS: O teste de Wilcoxon para VAS mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre a linha de base e imediatamente após a primeira sessão e após oito sessões (p < 0,001). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para PG. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos. O NDI melhorou em ambos os grupos após oito sessões, mas não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos (p < 0,05). A Anova para o fator de tempo mostrou mudanças estatisticamente significativas na rotação direita cervical em ambos os grupos (F = 4,12; p = 0,26) após oito sessões. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de não haver diferenças entre os dois grupos, o RF resistivo capacitivo monopolar pode ter um efeito potencial sobre a intensidade da dor.

Association between sex differences on foot health related to the quality of life in a sample of sedentary people

SUMMARY Sedentary (sitting) time may produce many anatomical and physiological consequences which are supposedly associated with a decreased quality of life (QoL) related to foot health. Accordingly, this study aimed to analyze the QoL impact on the overall health and the foot health among male and female sedentary people. A total of 312 participants with an age mean of 39.81 ± 15.40 years completed all phases of the study. In addition, self-reported data were registered. The participants' sedentary lifestyle was determined using the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) physical activity questionnaire. Furthermore, the scores obtained from the Portuguese version of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were registered. Sedentary people in the equivalent metabolic energy had 301.09 ± 72.22 (min/week). In the first section, values were higher for foot pain and foot function and lower for general foot health and footwear. In the second section, values were higher for general health and vigor and lower for physical activity and social capacity. The differences between the sex groups of the study were statistically significant for footwear (P = 0.008), physical activity (P= 0.002), social capacity (P = 0.001) and vigor (P = 0.001) showing a worst QoL related to foot health in favor of male subjects in comparison with females. The rest of the domains did not show any statistically significant difference (P ≥ .01). The sedentary population evidenced a negative impact on the QoL related to foot health. This problem may be associated with this lifestyle, especially for males.

RESUMO O tempo sedentário (sentado) pode produzir muitas consequências anatômicas e fisiológicas que supostamente estão associadas a uma redução de qualidade de vida (QoL) relacionada à saúde do pé. Por conseguinte, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o impacto da QV sobre a saúde geral e a saúde do pé entre pessoas sedentárias masculinas e femininas. Uma amostra de 312 participantes com idade média de 39,81 ± 15,40 anos completou todas as fases do processo de estudo. Além disso, os dados autorrelatados foram registrados. O comportamento sedentário dos informantes foi determinado usando o questionário de prospecção prospectiva de câncer e nutrição (Epic). Além disso, os resultados obtidos com a versão em português do Questionário de Status de Saúde do Pé (PFHSQ) foram registrados. As pessoas sedentárias no equivalente de energia metabólica apresentaram 301,09 ± 72,22 (min/semana). Na primeira seção, os valores foram maiores para a dor no pé e função do pé e diminuíram a saúde e o calçado do pé geral. Na segunda seção, os valores foram maiores para saúde geral e vigor e menores para atividade física e capacidade social. As diferenças entre os grupos sexuais do estudo foram estatisticamente significativas para o calçado (P = 0,008), atividade física (P = 0,002), capacidade social (P = 0,001) e vigor (P = 0,001), mostrando uma pior QV relacionada à saúde do pé a favor dos sujeitos do sexo masculino em relação aos participantes sedentários femininos. O restante dos domínios não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante (P ≥ 0,01). A população sedentária evidenciou um impacto negativo na QoL relacionada à saúde dos pés. Esse problema pode estar associado a este comportamento, especialmente no sexo masculino.

Effect of generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity related of quality of life in the foot: a case controlled study

SUMMARY Generalized ligamentous hyperlaxity (GLH) has been shown to predispose an individual to a number of orthopaedic conditions. Little is known about how GLH affects people' foot health-related quality of life. This study analyses a sample of people with GLH and people without GLH with normalised reference values of the scores collected with regard to using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FSHQ). A total of 100 respondents with mean age of 22.69 ± 3.78 years old, who attended a health centre were classified as GLH (n = 50) or non-GLH (n = 50). The GLH was determined of the patients with and without GLH using assessment with Beighton tool and the scores on the FHSQ were compared. The control group recorded higher scores in the First Section for foot pain, foot function and general foot health, and lower scores in footwear. In the Second Section, they obtained higher scores in social capacity and lower scores in physical activity, vigour and general health. Differences between the two groups were evaluated through a t-test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P<0.001). This study has detected measurable differences of association between GLH (Beighton score ≥4) with impaired quality of life related to foot health.

RESUMO A hiperlaxia ligamentosa generalizada (HLG) demonstrou predispor um indivíduo a várias condições ortopédicas. Pouco se sabe sobre como a HLG afeta a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde do pé das pessoas. Este estudo analisa uma amostra de pessoas com HLG e pessoas sem HLG com valores de referência normalizados das pontuações coletadas no que diz respeito ao Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FSHQ). Um total de 100 informantes com média de idade de 22,69 ± 3,78 anos que eram atendidos em um centro de saúde foi classificado como HLG (n = 50) ou não HLG (n = 50). A HLG foi determinada com os pacientes com e sem HLG usando a ferramenta Beighton e os escores na FHSQ foram comparados. O grupo de controle registrou pontuações mais altas na primeira seção para a dor no pé, função do pé e saúde geral do pé, e menores pontuações no calçado. Na segunda seção obtiveram maiores escores em capacidade social e menores escores em atividade física, vigor e saúde geral. As diferenças entre os dois grupos foram avaliadas por meio de um teste t para amostras independentes, mostrando significância estatística (P<0,001). Este estudo detectou diferenças mensuráveis de associação entre HLG (pontuação de Beighton≥4) com deterioração da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pés.

Clinical features of patients with chronic non-specific neck pain per disability level: A novel observational study

BACKGROUND To date, there are no cross-sectional studies considering the influence of disability level in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine kinesiophobia, active cervical range of movement (CROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) differences between different disability levels (mild, moderate, and severe) in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain and asymptomatic subjects. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited from a primary health care center and an outpatient department hospital. A total sample of 128 subjects, 96 of them with nonspecific chronic neck pain and 32 asymptomatic, were recruited. The NDI was used to divide the subjects with chronic neck pain into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe disability). The main outcome measurement was the Tampa Scale of kinesiophobia (TSK-11). The secondary outcome measurements were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), PPT (trapezius and tibialis anterior), CROM (flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral inclination) and pain duration. RESULTS The ANOVA results revealed, in the comparisons between groups, statistically significant differences for the VAS between the mild-severe (P < 0.01) and moderate-severe groups (P < 0.01), but not between the mild-moderate groups (P > 0.05); for the TSK, differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Kinesiophobia may not be influenced by disability level in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Nevertheless, pain intensity and chronicity of patients with severe neck disability are increased with respect to mild and moderate disability index.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Até a data, não há estudos transversais considerando a influência do nível de incapacidade em pacientes com dor de garganta crônica não específica. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi determinar a diferença entre os níveis de diminuição do colesterol cervical (Crom) e o limiar por dor de pressão (PPT) entre diferentes níveis de incapacidade (leve, moderada e grave) em indivíduos com dor crônica não específica no pescoço e sujeitos assintomáticos. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo transversal. Os indivíduos foram recrutados de um centro de saúde primário e de um hospital do departamento ambulatorial. Uma amostra total de 128 indivíduos, 96 indivíduos com dor no pescoço crônica não específica e 32 indivíduos assintomáticos, foi recrutada. O NDI foi usado para dividir os indivíduos com dor no pescoço crônica em três grupos (incapacidade leve, moderada e grave). A principal medida de resultados foi a Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). As medidas de resultado secundário foram a Escala Analógica Visual (VAS), PPT (trapézio e tibial anterior), Crom (flexão, extensão, rotação e inclinação lateral) e duração da dor. RESULTADOS Nos resultados da Anova revelados nas comparações entre os grupos, diferenças estatisticamente significativas para o VAS foram observadas entre os grupos leve-grave (P<0,01) e moderado-grave (P<0,01), mas não entre os grupos moderado-moderado (P>0,05). Para o TSK, as diferenças não foram estatisticamente significativas (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO A cinesiofobia pode não ser influenciada pelo nível de incapacidade em pacientes com dor no pescoço crônica não específica. No entanto, a intensidade da dor e a cronicidade de pacientes com deficiência grave do pescoço são aumentadas em relação ao índice de incapacidade leve e moderada.

Relationship of the skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness in the tensiomyography response: a novel ultrasound observational study

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to describe and correlate the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia thickness assessed by ultrasonography (US) with the lumbar erector spinae muscles contractile properties evaluated by tensiomyography (TMG). METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with 50 healthy participants was performed. The point of maximum lordosis in the lumbar region of the right erector spinae was evaluated by US and TMG. First, the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia thicknesses (cm) were assessed by US. Second, the five contractile TMG parameters were analyzed from the right erector spinae muscles belly displacement-time curves: maximal radial displacement (Dm), contraction time (Tc), sustain time (Ts), delay time (Td), and half-relaxation time (Tr). Finally, correlation analyses using Pearson (r for parametric data) and Spearman (rs for non-parametric data) coefficients were performed. RESULTS: A strong negative correlation was shown between Dm and subcutaneous tissue thickness (rs=-0.668; P<.001). Furthermore, moderate negative correlations were observed between Dm and skin thickness (r=-0.329; P=0.020) as well as Tr and subcutaneous tissue thickness (rs=-0.369; P=0.008). The rest of the parameters did not show statistically significant correlations (P >.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the lumbar erector spinae contractile properties during TMG assessments, especially Dm and Tr, may be widely correlated by the skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O estudo foi elaborado para descrever e correlacionar a pele, o tecido subcutâneo e a espessura da fascia superficial avaliados pelo ultrassom (EUA) com as propriedades contráteis do músculo eretor da coluna lombar avaliadas por tensiomiografia (TMG). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal com 50 participantes saudáveis. O ponto de lordose máxima na região lombar da coluna ereta direita foi avaliado pelos EUA e TMG. Primeiro, a pele, o tecido subcutâneo e as espessuras da fáscia superficial (cm) foram avaliadas pelos EUA. Em segundo lugar, os cinco parâmetros TMG contráteis foram analisados a partir das curvas de deslocamento-tempo da barriga do músculo eretor da espinha direita: deslocamento radial máximo (Dm), tempo de contração (Tc), tempo de sustentação (Ts), tempo de atraso (Td) e meio tempo de relaxamento (Tr). Finalmente, foram realizadas análises de correlação usando os coeficientes Pearson (r para dados paramétricos) e Spearman (rs para dados não paramétricos). RESULTADOS: Uma correlação forte negativa foi mostrada entre Dm e espessura subcutânea do tecido (rs = −0,668; P < 0,001). Além disso, foram observadas correlações moderadas negativas entre Dm e espessura da pele (r = −0,329; P = 0,020), bem como a espessura subcutânea do tecido (rs = −0,369; P = 0,008). O restante dos parâmetros não mostrou correlações estatisticamente significativas (P > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Portanto, as propriedades contráteis do eretor da espinha lombar durante as avaliações TMG, especialmente Dm e Tr, podem ser amplamente correlacionadas com a pele e a espessura subcutânea do tecido.

Functionality, comorbidity, complication & surgery of hip fracture in older adults by age distribution

SUMMARY BACKGROUND Hip fractures may be the greatest complication secondary to osteoporotic disorder. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of age distribution in the functionality, comorbidity, complications and surgical features of older adults with hip fractures. METHODS A prospective cohort study was carried out from 2013 to 2014. A sample of 557 adults over 75 years old with osteoporotic hip fractures was recruited from the Orthogeriatric Unit of the León University Hospital (Spain). Age distributions of 75-84, 85-90 and >90 years old were considered. Firstly, sociodemographic data, fracture type and hospital staying days were collected. Secondly, baseline functionality (Barthel index), ambulation, cognitive impairment and comorbidities were described. Thirdly, surgical intervention, urgency, type, American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, non-surgical cause, and baseline pharmacologic treatments were determined. Finally, complications and features at hospital discharge were observed. RESULTS The age ranges did not show any statistically-significant differences (P<.05; R2=.000-.005) for gender, fracture type, or number of hospital staying days. Statistically-significant differences (P<.05; R2=.011-.247) between age groups were observed for Barthel index, cognitive impairment, dementia, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, aortic stenosis, surgery type, ASA-score, non-surgical cause, benzodiazepines, antidementia, anti-osteoporosis, insulin, pharmacologic treatments, renal function alteration, heart failure, destination and ambulation features. All other measurements did not show statistically-significant differences (P>.05; R2=.000-.010). CONCLUSION Age distributions greater than 75 years old may determine the functionality, comorbidities, surgical features, baseline pharmacologic treatments, complications and features at hospital discharge for older adults who suffer a hip fracture.

RESUMO CONTEXTO As fraturas do quadril podem ser a maior complicação secundária à doença osteoporótica. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a influência da distribuição etária na funcionalidade, comorbidade, complicações e características cirúrgicas de idosos com fratura de quadril. MÉTODOS Um estudo prospectivo de coorte foi realizado de 2013-2014. Uma amostra de 557 adultos mais velhos, com mais de 75 anos, com fratura de quadril osteoporótica foi recrutada na Unidade Ortogeriátrica do Hospital Universitário de León (Espanha). As distribuições de idade de 75-84, 85-90 e >90 anos foram consideradas. Em primeiro lugar, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, tipo de fratura e dias de permanência hospitalar. Em segundo lugar, foram descritas funcionalidades de base (índice Barthel), ambulação, comprometimento cognitivo e comorbidades. Em terceiro lugar, determinaram-se a intervenção cirúrgica, a urgência, o tipo, os resultados da Associação Americana de Anestesiologistas (ASA), a causa não cirúrgica e os tratamentos farmacológicos iniciais. Finalmente, foram observadas complicações e características na alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS As faixas etárias não mostraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P <,05; R2 = ,000-,005) para sexo, tipo de fratura ou dias de permanência hospitalar. Foram apresentadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas (P <,05; R2 = ,011-,247) para o índice de Barthel, comprometimento cognitivo, demência, osteoporose, doença de Parkinson, estenose aórtica, tipo de cirurgia, pontuação ASA, causa não cirúrgica, benzodiazepínicos, antidementia, antiosteoporose, insulina, tratamentos farmacológicos, alteração da função renal, insuficiência cardíaca, destino e características de ambulação entre grupos etários. O restante das medidas não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa (P> 0,05; R2 = ,000-,010). CONCLUSÃO As distribuições de idade após 75 anos podem determinar a funcionalidade, comorbidades, características cirúrgicas, tratamentos farmacológicos de base, complicações e características na alta hospitalar de adultos mais velhos que sofrem fratura de quadril.

The influence of heel height related on quality of life on the foot in a sample of women

SUMMARY Many women have worn high-heel shoes (HHS) at some point in their lives and many wear them on a daily basis, with higher prevalence between 39% and 78% observed in institutional and clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the scores obtained with regard to foot health and health in general in a sample of women that use HHS as opposed to a sample of women without HHS with normalized reference values. A sample of 120 participants with a mean age of 41.94 ± 13.912 came to a health center where self-reported data were registered. The subjects with and without HHS were determined and the scores obtained were compared in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). This questionnaire is made of 13 questions that assess 4 health domains of the feet, namely pain, function, general health and footwear. The women in the HHS group showed a worse quality of life related to health in general and to foot health specifically. Differences between the two groups were evaluated by means of a t-test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P<0.01). Women with HHS present a negative impact on the quality of life related to foot health.

RESUMO Muitas mulheres usaram sapatos de salto alto (SSA) em algum momento de suas vidas e muitas usam diariamente, com maior prevalência entre 39% e 78%, observadas em contextos institucionais e clínicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever e comparar os escores obtidos em relação à saúde dos pés e à saúde em geral em uma amostra de mulheres que utilizam SSA em oposição a uma amostra de mulheres sem SSA com valores de referência normalizados. Uma amostra de 120 participantes com idade média de 41,94 ± 13,912 chegou a um centro de saúde onde os dados autorrelatados foram registrados, os informantes com e sem SSA foram determinados e os escores obtidos foram comparados no Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ). Esse documento tem 13 questões que avaliam quatro domínios de saúde dos pés, nomeadamente dor, função, saúde geral e calçado. As mulheres do grupo SSA apresentaram pior qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em geral e à saúde dos pés, especificamente. As diferenças entre os dois grupos foram avaliadas por meio de um teste t para amostras independentes, mostrando significância estatística (P <0,01). As mulheres com SSA apresentam um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos pés.