Text neck is not associated with neck and upper limb disability in young adults who use smartphones.

PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to correlate neck and upper-limb disabilities with neck flexion in university students who are smartphone users. While handling smartphones, a posture with sustained neck flexion known as "Text Neck" is usually adopted, and some authors related to musculoskeletal symptoms on the neck and the upper limb. However, recent studies state that such an association is questionable. METHODS: This is an observational study when evaluating 192 university students through questionnaires such as the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), besides the maximal neck flexion, grip and lateral pinch strength of the participants. RESULTS: The sociodemographic questionnaire demonstrated that most participants had used the device for 5 to 10 years, for five or more hours per day. The DASH questionnaire scores presented an average of 7.2 points, while the data regarding grip and lateral pinch strength showed averages of 29.5 kgf and 8.8 kgf, respectively. The NDI questionnaire scores presented an average of 10.5. The average range of motion of the maximum neck flexion was 27°. CONCLUSION: There was no association between neck flexion with the DASH and NDI or the grip and lateral pinch strength after the correlation and binary logistic regression analyses. The results show that the scores of DASH, NDI, hand grip and lateral pinch strength, have no association with the maximum neck flexion.

In vivo attenuation profile of 660 nm and 830 nm wavelengths on human elbow skin and calcaneus tendon of different phototypes.

Physical factors and tissue characteristics determine the transmission of light through tissues. One of the significant clinical limitations of photobiomodulation is the quantification of fluence delivered at application sites and optical penetration depth in vivo. There is also the difficulty of determining the distances of the application points to cover a uniformly irradiated area. Thus, the aim was to evaluate in vivo the influence of melanin on light transmission of the 660 nm and 830 nm laser wavelengths on skin and tendon. Thirty young individuals of both sexes were recruited, divided into two groups based on melanin index, and submitted to photobiomodulation protocols in the posterior region of the elbow (skin-skin) and the calcaneus tendon (skin-tendon-skin). The irradiation area was evaluated using a homemade linear array of five sensors. We found significant transmission power values for different melanin indexes and wavelengths (p<0.0001). Also, different equipment can generate significant differences in the transmitted power at an 830-nm wavelength. Average scattering values are 14 mm and 21 mm for 660 nm, in higher and lower melanin index, respectively. For 830 nm, values of 20 mm and 26 mm are indicated. Laser light transmission in vivo tissues is related to wavelength, beam diameter, tissue thickness, and composition, as well as melanin index. The 830-nm laser presents higher light transmission on the skin than 660 nm. The distances between the application points can be different, with higher values for 830 nm than 660 nm.

Effectiveness of electrophysical agents for treating pressure injuries: a systematic review.

Tissue injuries that affect the skin and/or adjacent tissues and are usually over a bony prominence are called pressure injuries. The prevalence of these dysfunctions remains high, and despite technological advances, there is no consensus on the most appropriate treatment. The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM), ultrasound, and high-frequency electrophysical agents in the healing of pressure injuries in adults and the elderly. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PEDro databases; in clinical trial records, a list of references of the selected articles, as well as through manual search (Google), of the last 5 years in humans in English and Portuguese. Nine thousand and sixty-seven studies were identified, 13 pre-selected, and 6 were included in this systematic review. PBM showed similar efficacy to other technologies indicated in other studies in healing pressure injuries. PBM with red wavelength (660 nm) in stages 2 and 3 pressure injuries effectively promoted healing compared to standard care. It was observed that the use of PBM accelerates tissue repair in pressure injuries; therapeutic ultrasound showed similar efficacy to other electrophysical agents but was effective in reducing the area of pressure injuries when comparing pre- and post-intervention. No clinical studies using the high-frequency electrophysical agent have been described in the last 5 years.

Viability of transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap treated with photobiomodulation and therapeutic ultrasound: an experimental model.

Report the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) on the viability of TRAM in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five mice Swiss were subjected to treatment for 5 days. Group 1, treatment was performed with the agents switched off. Groups 2 to 5 were treated with different wavelengths 660 and 830 nanometers (nm) and groups 6 to 11 with TUS of 1 and 3 MHz frequency. Macrometric analyses were performed using a specific camera and analyzed by the ImageJ® software. Thermographic analyses were performed with the Flir C2 and analyzed using the FLIR Tools software. RESULTS: Group 9 obtained 95% of viable area on the 3rd day and 85% on the 5th day, showing the effectiveness of the TUS in the flap viability. Regarding skin temperature, there was a difference only in the immediate postoperative period in group 1, which had a lower temperature than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: TUS demonstrated greater efficiency in maintaining the viability of TRAM. PBM 830 nm also demonstrated good results in the viability of TRAM.

Photobiomodulation promotes neural regeneration when compared to simvastatin treatment in a sciatic nerve crush model.

To determine whether the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) were associated with the use of Simvastatin in the functional recovery from sciatic nerve in mice submitted to crush injury. Fifty Swiss mice (approximately 3 months old; average weight 40 g) were randomly divided into six groups: naive, sham, control, PBM (660 nm, 10 J/cm2; 30 mW; 0.6 J per day for 28 days; 0.06 cm2; 16.8 J total and 20 s), Simvastatin (20 mg/kg), and PBM/Simv (association of the two protocols). The sciatic functional index (SFI), thermal heat hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermographic evaluation were used as analyses. The evaluations were performed preoperatively and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the initial injury analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for mixed models followed by the Bonferroni post-test. All groups except sham and naive presented an SFI compatible with severe peripheral nerve injury on the 7th day of evaluation. The PBM group presented better results in the SFI analysis (p < 0.001) on the 21st postoperative day compared to the control group. This benefit was maintained when compared to the Simvastatin (p < 0.001) and PBM/Simv groups (p < 0.01). The results of the thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and thermography analyses were not significant (p > 0.05). The obtained results showed that PBM alone was more effective compared to Simvastatin alone or PBM combined with Simvastatin for sciatic nerve injury in mice.

Comparison of photobiomodulation in the treatment of skin injury with an open wound in mice.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 660 and 830 nm at different numbers of application points in the healing of open wounds in mice. In total, 120 mice were divided into 10 groups. The animals were submitted to cutaneous lesion of the open wound type (1.5 × 1.5 cm). Photobiomodulation at a wavelength of 660 and 830 nm and total energy of 3.6 J were used, applied at 1, 4, 5, and 9 points, for 14 days. The animals were subjected to analysis of the lesion area, skin temperature, and histological analysis. Macroscopic analysis results showed a difference (p < 0.05) between the irradiated groups and the sham group at 14 days PO. There was no statistical difference in skin temperature. Histological analysis findings showed better results for the epidermis thickness. Regarding the number of blood vessels, a difference was found between the 1- and 5-point 830-nm photobiomodulation groups and between the 4-point 660-nm group and the naive group. A significant difference in the number of fibroblasts was observed between the 830- and 660-nm photobiomodulation groups and the naive and sham groups. When comparing photobiomodulation wavelength, the 830-nm groups were more effective, and we emphasize the groups irradiated at 5 points, which showed an improvement in macroscopic analysis and epidermis thickness, an increase in the number of vessels, and a lower number of fibroblasts on the 14th day after skin injury.

Dry Needling and Photobiomodulation Decreases Myofascial Pain in Trapezius of Women: Randomized Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether dry needling (DN) added to photobiomodulation (PBM) has effects on the treatment of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius. METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial, with 43 participants divided into 3 groups: DN and PBM (DNP), DN, and DN outside of the trigger point (DNout). Each group received 1 session of DN followed by PBM therapy with the machine turned on or off. Pain, disability, pain pressure threshold, and muscle activity were assessed before the intervention and afterward at intervals of 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 week, and 1 month. RESULTS: Pain decreased after intervention in the DNP and DNout groups, with mean differences, respectively, of 1.33 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.019-2.647) and 2.78 cm (95% CI, 1.170-2.973). Scores for the disability questionnaire decreased in all groups after intervention (F = 36.53, P < .0001) after the intervention, with mean differences of 3.8 points in the DNP group (95% CI, 1.082-5.518), 3.57 in the DN group (95% CI, 0.994-6.149), and 5.43 in the DNout group (95% CI, 3.101-7.756). There were no significant differences between or within groups in pain pressure threshold (F = 2.14, P = .139), with mean differences after 30 minutes of 0.139 kgf for the DNP group (95% CI, -0.343 to 0.622), 0.273 for the DN group (95% CI, -0.661 to 1.209), and -0.07 for the DNout group (95% CI, -0.465 to 0.324). Muscle activation for the DN group increased 8.49% after the intervention, where for the DNP group it decreased 11.5%, with a significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: DN added to PBM presented similar results compared to DNout and DN. In this sample, the effects of the application of DN outside of the trigger point had better effects on pain and disability scores than DN applied directly on the trigger point.

Photobiomodulation by light emitting diode applied sequentially does not alter performance in cycling athletes.

Analyze the effects of sequential application of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) at different wavelengths on the performance of cycling athletes. Cyclists (48 male, mean age 33.77 years) underwent a performance evaluation through an incremental test, VO2max, blood lactate analysis, perception of effort, infrared thermography, and isokinetic evaluations. Photobiomodulation (180 J) with infrared (IR 940 ± 10 nm), red (RED 620 ± 10 nm), mixed Red, and IR (RED/IR 620 + 940 nm) or Sham (disabled device) intervention occurred on three consecutive days and was applied to the quadriceps femoris bilaterally. Reevaluations were performed 24 h after the last application, with 1 week of follow-up. A significance level of 5% was adopted, and the effect size (ES) was calculated by Cohen's d. Results: There were no significant differences in the analyzed variables under any experimental condition (p > 0.005), but a moderate effect size was observed for torque peak at 60°/s on left lower limb (LLL) (ES = 0.67), average power at 60°/s of the right lower limb (RLL) (0.73), and LLL (ES = 0.65) and a considerable effect size in torque peak at 60°/s of the RLL (ES = 0.98) in the IR/RED group compared with sham 24 h after the last application. Moreover, a large effect size was observed for total time to exhaustion (ES = 1.98) and for VO2max (ES = 6.96), and a moderate effect size was seen for anaerobic threshold (ES = 0.62) in the IR/RED group compared with sham. Photobiomodulation, when not associated with training, was not able to produce a cumulative effect on the performance of cycling athletes. However, the association of two wavelengths seems to be better for increased performance. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03225976.

Thermographic Characterization of Cutaneous Ulcers of Different Etiologies.

The characterization of the temperature of skin ulcers may provide preliminary diagnostic evidence. The aim of this study was to characterize cutaneous ulcers of different etiologies by infrared thermography. 122 cutaneous ulcers of 87 patients (age 60.1 ± 15.7 years) were evaluated, allocated into five groups: venous ulcers (VU) n = 26, arterial ulcers (AU) n = 20, mixed ulcers (MU) n = 25, pressure ulcers (PU) n = 29, and neuropathic ulcers (NU) n = 22. The cutaneous temperature was recorded by infrared thermography (FLIR-450™); we also evaluated the ulcer area, the ankle brachial index (ABI), the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, and pain. For the different variables, the statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis test, ANOVA, the chi-squared test, and the Spearman test (SPSS™ software version 20, p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between the temperatures of PU and NU. The ABI was significantly lower in the MU and AU groups, and pain was also higher in these groups. The ROM was decreased in all groups, and the MU and VU groups had the lowest ROM. There was no correlation between temperature and the clinical findings (ABI, ROM, and pain). There was a moderate correlation in the analysis between the temperature and the area of the ulcer in the PU group, as larger ulcers had lower temperatures. It is possible to characterize cutaneous ulcers by infrared thermography, and there are temperature differences among ulcers with different etiologies.

Effect of High Voltage Pulsed Current on the integration of total skin grafts in rats submitted to nicotine action.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of High Voltage Pulsed Current (HVPC) on the integration of total skin grafts in rats submitted to nicotine action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this purpose, 60 adult Wistar rats randomly distributed in 6 groups of 10 animals were analyzed. The electrical stimulation (anodic and cathodic stimulation, motor level, 30 min at 10 Hz; minimum voltage 20 µs and 100 µs pulse interval) was applied for seven days, starting on the third day after surgery and after the dressing was removed from the graft. RESULTS: Anodic HVPC promoted greater graft integration, demonstrating a lower percentage of tissue contraction, a lower number of inflammatory infiltrates and a greater amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as a higher number of newly formed blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: HVPC can positively influence the integration of skin grafts in nicotine-treated rats. anodic HVPC is shown to promote greater integration in relation to a lower percentage of tissue contraction, a lower number of inflammatory infiltrates and a greater amount of vascular endothelial growth factor and newformed blood vessels. Whereas, the cathodic polarity has presented smaller amount of tissue gap.

Comparative effect of photobiomodulation associated with dexamethasone after sciatic nerve injury model.

To analyze the effect of photobiomodulation and dexamethasone on nerve regeneration after a sciatic nerve crushing model. Twenty-six Swiss mice were divided into the following groups: naive; sham; injured, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (660 nm, 10 J/cm2, 0.6 J, 16.8 J total energy emitted during the 28 days of radiation, 20 s, for 28 days); dexamethasone (Dex) (local injection of 2 mg/kg for 10 consecutive days); and LLLT group associated with Dex (LLLT/Dex), with the same parameters of the other groups. For nerve injury, a portable adjustable pinch was used. The animals were evaluated using the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) and Sciatic Static Index (SSI). The results obtained were evaluated with Image J™ and Kinovea™. Data and images were obtained at baseline and after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. The evaluation of hyperalgesia, using Hargreaves, and behavior through the open field was also performed. In functional and static analysis, all groups presented significant differences when compared to the injured group. In the analysis of the SSI results, the group treated with both LLLT and dexamethasone was more effective in improving the values of this parameter, and in the SFI, the laser-treated group obtained better results. In the evaluation through the open field and the Hargreaves, there was no difference. The application of LLLT and dexamethasone was effective in nerve regeneration according to the results and was more effective when LLLT was associated with dexamethasone than in LLLT alone for the SSI.

Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: design of a randomized single-blinded controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common neuropathy in the upper extremity, resulting from the compression of the median nerve at wrist level. Clinical studies are essentials to present evidence on therapeutic resources use at early restoration on peripheral nerve functionality. Low-level laser therapy has been widely investigated in researches related to nerve regeneration. Therefore, it is suggested that the effect of low-level laser therapy associated with other conservative rehabilitation techniques may positively affect symptoms and overall hand function in compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in addition to orthoses therapy and home orientations in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS/DESIGN: Patients older than 18 years old will be included, with clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, excluding comorbidies. A physiotherapist will conduct intervention, with a blinding evaluator. Randomization will be applied to allocate the patients in each group: with association or not to low-level laser therapy. All of them will be submitted to orthoses therapy and home orientations. Outcome will be assessed through: pain visual analogic scale, Semmes Weinstein monofilaments™ threshold sensibility test, Pinch Gauge™, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and two point discrimination test. DISCUSSION: This paper describes the design of a randomized controlled trial, which aim to assess the effectiveness of conservative treatment added to low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) - 75ddtf / Universal Trial Number: U1111-1121-5184.

Physiotherapeutic approach in seamstresses with neck pain: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate and compare the effects of therapeutic exercise, therapeutic ultrasound and photobiomodulation on pain, functionality and recruitment pattern of motor units, after a rehabilitation protocol for seamstresses with neck pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 36 female, randomly divided into three groups; i)exercise control group, ii)exercise and photobiomodulation group, iii)exercise and ultrasound group. The groups were composed of sewing machine operators with complaints neck pain. Clinical evaluations: Visual analog pain scale, questionnaires Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and electromyographic evaluations of the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles. All variables were compared before and after the protocol. For statistical analysis, the values of mean, standard deviation and standard error of the mean were used. The values obtained were compared using the One-Way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey, and Cohen's-d, with a significance coefficient of p < 0.05. RESULTS: In the Ultrasound and laser groups there was a greater tendency to improve pain (p < 0.0001) and size of the effect on pain reduction (ultrasound = d:1.99; photobiomodulation = d:1.81). Between groups, there was a significant difference in post-treatment for the onset of right trapezius (p = 0.024) in the exercise and photobiomodulation groups (p = 0.0347). The photobiomodulation group showed pre and post-intervention differences in the left trapezius maximum onset (p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Interventions with photobiomodulation, ultrasound, and exercise assist to pain, function, and muscular activation in seamstresses with neck pain.

Effects of photobiomodulation on different application points and different phases of complex regional pain syndrome type I in the experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) consists of disorders caused by spontaneous pain or induced by some stimulus. The objective was to verify the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) using 830 nm wavelength light at the affected paw and involved spinal cord segments during the warm or acute phase. METHODS: Fifty-six mice were randomized into seven groups. Group (G) 1 was the placebo group; G2 and G3 were treated with PBM on the paw in the warm and acute phase, respectively; G4 and G5 treated with PBM on involved spinal cord segments in the warm and acute phase, respectively; G6 and G7 treated with PBM on paw and involved spinal cord segments in the warm and acute phase, respectively. Edema degree, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, skin temperature, and functional quality of gait (Sciatic Static Index [SSI] and Sciatic Functional Index [SFI]) were evaluated. RESULTS: Edema was lower in G3 and G7, and these were the only groups to return to baseline values at the end of treatment. For thermal hyperalgesia only G3 and G5 returned to baseline values. Regarding mechanical hyperalgesia, the groups did not show significant differences. Thermography showed increased temperature in all groups on the seventh day. In SSI and SFI assessment, G3 and G7 showed lower values when compared to G1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PBM irradiation in the acute phase and in the affected paw showed better results in reducing edema, thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, and in improving gait quality, demonstrating efficacy in treatment of CRPS-I symptoms.

Comparative effects of wavelengths of low-power laser in regeneration of sciatic nerve in rats following crushing lesion.

Peripheral nerves are structures that, when damaged, can result in significant motor and sensory disabilities. Several studies have used therapeutic resources with the aim of promoting early nerve regeneration, such as the use of low-power laser. However, this laser therapy does not represent a consensus regarding the methodology, thus yielding controversial conclusions. The objective of our study was to investigate, by functional evaluation, the comparative effects of low-power laser (660 nm and 830 nm) on sciatic nerve regeneration following crushing injuries. Twenty-seven Wistar rats subjected to sciatic nerve injury were divided into three groups: group sham, consisting of rats undergoing simulated irradiation; a group consisting of rats subjected to gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser at 660 nm (10 J/cm(2), 30 mW and 0.06 cm(2) beam), and another one consisting of rats subjected to GaAlAs laser at 830 nm (10 J/cm(2), 30 mW and 0.116 cm(2)). Laser was applied to the lesion for 21 days. A sciatic functional index (SFI) was used for functional evaluation prior to surgery and on days 7, 14, and 21 after surgery. Differences in SFI were found between group 660 nm and the other ones at the 14th day. One can observe that laser application at 660 nm with the parameters and methods utilised was effective in promoting early functional recovery, as indicated by the SFI, over the period evaluated.

Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy and Restriction of Wrist Extensor Blood Flow on Grip: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of two different photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) protocols (red 660 nm vs. infrared 830 nm) combined with a blood flow restriction (BFR) training protocol in wrist extensor muscles on handgrip, wrist extension force, and electromyographic behavior [root mean square (RMS)]. Background: PBMT has been widely used to increase muscle performance and recovery in recent clinical trials. However, there is no evidence whether PBMT (red and/or infrared) can promote better results when combined with BFR, a known method to induce better strength gains. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial including 58 volunteers allocated into four groups: (1) control (conventional strengthening), (2) BFR (strengthening with BFR), (3) 660 nm (BFR strengthening with 660 nm PBMT-35 mW; 0.05 cm2; 2.10 J, total energy 18.9 J), and (4) 830 nm (BFR strengthening with 830 nm PBMT-32 mW; 0.101 cm2; 1.92 J, total energy 17.2 J). Data were analyzed by using a mixed-effects model, with a 5% significance index. Results: A statistically significant increase was obtained for handgrip strength for the 660 nm group [27.36 ± 2.61 kilogram force (kgF)] compared with the 830 nm group (23.04 ± 3.06 kgF) (p = 0.010) and for wrist extensor strength in the 660 nm (7.77 ± 0.58 kgF) and BFR (7.54 ± 0.92 kgF) groups compared with the control group (5.33 ± 0.61 kgF) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The RMS value for the 660 nm group was significantly higher than control (p < 0.0001), BFR (p < 0.0001), and the 830 nm group (p = 0.0009). Conclusions: The association of PBMT (660 nm) and BFR was effective for increasing handgrip strength of the wrist extensors, associated with an increase in RMS.

Photobiomodulation in Sciatic Nerve Crush Injuries in Rodents: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Perspectives for Clinical Treatment.

Objective : The aim of the study was to perform a literature review to analyze the effect of photobiomodulation in experimental studies on peripheral nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve crush injury in rodents. Methods: A bibliographic search was performed in the electronic databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, and SciELO, from 2008 to 2018. Results: A total of 1912 articles were identified in the search, and only 19 fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. Along with the parameters most found in the manuscripts, the most used wavelengths were 660 nm and 830 nm, power of 30 and 40 mW, and energy density of 4 and 10 J/cm2 . For total energy throughout the intervention period, the lowest energy found with positive effects was 0.70 J, and the highest 1.141 J. Seventeen studies reported positive effects on nerve regeneration. The variables selected to analyze the effect were: Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), Static Sciatic Index (SSI), morphometric, morphological, histological, zymographic, electrophysiological, resistance mechanics and range of motion (ROM). The variety of parameters used in the studies demonstrated that there is yet no pre-determined protocol for treating peripheral nerve regeneration. Only two studies by different authors used the same power, energy density, beam area, and power density. Conclusion: It was concluded that the therapeutic window of the photobiomodulation presents a high variability of parameters with the wavelength (632.8 to 940 nm), power (5 to 170 mW) and energy density (3 to 280 J /cm2 ), promoting nerve regeneration through the expression of cytokines and growth factors that aid in modulating the inflammatory process, improving morphological aspects, restoring the functionality to the animals in a brief period.

Analysis of low-level laser transmission at wavelengths 660, 830 and 904 nm in biological tissue samples.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has occupied a prominent position and has been studied in various fields of knowledge, and your effects have been widely observed in studies about numerous tissues, such as tendons, peripheral nerves, cutaneous tissue, bone, and muscle, in different fields of knowledge. PURPOSE: To analyze the power transmitted by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to different tissue samples by using distinct wavelengths. METHODS: Skin samples of rat (n = 7, 1.17-1.63 mm) and pig (n = 10; 1.20-2.30 mm); pig fat (n = 10; 2.71-14.01 mm) and pig muscle (n = 10; 1.91-8.91 mm) were analyzed and interposed between the emitter and the power analyzer sensor. All the samples were irradiated sequentially three times, at five equidistant points and average power levels of 35.34(±1.03), 32.40(±0.70), and 42.32(±0.82) mW, for the wavelengths 660, 830, and 904 nm, respectively. Transmitted radiation was measured with a power analyzer connected to a laser emitter. Statistical analysis was performed with a Shapiro-Wilk test followed by ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The transmitted power of LLLT on skin, fat, and muscle of tissues decreases with the increase of thicknesses, presenting minor attenuation on rat skin, pig fat, and pig muscle for 904 nm. The pig skin has the slight attenuation for 830 nm. CONCLUSION: The LLLT should be applied after considering the transmission loss taking place in different anatomical structures, following the Beer-Lambert law and attenuation coefficient presented for more practical application in many fields.

Effects of a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain compared with healthy individuals: Clinical and electromyographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Electromyography may be useful for assessing and understanding trunk muscle activation, and Pilates is commonly used as a treatment for low back pain. The objective of this study was to verify electromyography of trunk muscles after a Pilates protocol in individuals with non-specific low back pain and in healthy individuals. METHODS: Volunteers were divided into two groups: non-specific low back pain (n = 19) and clinically healthy (n = 16) groups. Clinical assessments, classification of patients into subgroups, electromyography evaluations of the right lumbar extensor and right transverse abdominal/internal oblique muscle of the abdomen were performed before and after an 8-week Pilates protocol. FINDINGS: Comparisons were made before and after the protocol and with the control group. There was significant improvement in pain, flexibility, resistance and strength of trunk muscles. In addition, after the Pilates, there was a decrease in the time elapsed between the onset and peak of lumbar muscle activation during the evaluation of trunk extension in the low back pain group, coming closer to the time of the abdominal muscle, as it also occurred in the control group. INTERPRETATION: Pilates caused clinical improvement and balanced trunk muscle activation in the low back group, becoming similar to that of the control group. Furthermore, the effects of the proposed protocol were the same between the groups. Thus, Pilates may be indicated for management of non-specific low back pain.