Interferência do estado de humor na melhora dos componentes da capacidade funcional em idosos / Interference of mood states in the improvement of components of functional capacity in the elderly

Estados de humor são sentimentos autorreguladores que, quando positivos, podem contribuir para um envelhecimento saudável, manter ou melhorar os níveis funcionais. Tal melhora pode ser notada em indivíduos que praticam atividade física sistematizada, como a dança, por exemplo. Para verificar se há influência dos estados de humor nos componentes funcionais e a interferência do exercício físico nesses aspectos, o presente estudo foi realizado com 30 idosos, distribuídos igualmente em dois grupos (Grupo de Treinamento e Grupo Controle). O Grupo de Treinamento participou de um protocolo de dança com duração de 1 hora três vezes por semana ao longo de 12 semanas, e o Grupo Controle não frequentou qualquer programa de atividade física. Todos os participantes foram avaliados pela Lista de Estados de Ânimo Reduzida e Ilustrada e pela bateria de testes da AAHPERD. Para análise dos estados de humor, foi utilizado o teste binomial com nível de significância de 5% e uma análise comparativa pré e pós. Para os componentes da capacidade funcional, foi utilizada a análise de variância para medidas repetidas ANOVA twoway, adotando-se mesmo nível de significância. Não foram detectadas mudanças estatisticamente significativas para os estados de humor, embora os componentes funcionais tenham apresentado melhoras na coordenação, agilidade e força com a prática de dança. Os idosos que apresentaram melhores níveis funcionais tiveram os estados de humor positivos intensificados e os negativos mantidos ou reduzidos. Idosos adeptos ao exercício físico com estados de humor mais positivos apresentaram os melhores níveis funcionais.

Mood states are auto-regulating feelings that, being positive, may contribute to a healthy aging to maintain or improve functional levels. Such benefits can be noticed in individuals who practice physical activity, systematically, such as dancing, for example. In order to investigate whether the mood states can influence functional components and the interference of physical exercise on these aspects, this study was carried out with 30 individuals, equally assigned into two groups (training group and control group). The Training Group participated in a dance protocol (one-hour session, three times a week for 12 weeks) and the Control Group did not attend any physical activity program. All participants were evaluated by means of the Illustrated and Reduced Mood States List and the battery tests of AAHPERD. For mood states analysis, it was used the binomial test with 5% significance level and a pre-to-post comparison. Regarding the components of functional capacity, a two-way ANOVA was used for repeated measures, adopting the same level of signifi cance. No statistically significant changes on mood states changes were showed, although the functional components of coordination, agility and strength were improved after dance training. Older people who presented better functional levels also presented more intense positive mood states and maintained or reduced the negative ones. Those ones who were adherents to exercise along with more positive mood states showed better functional levels.

Interferência do estado de humor na melhora dos componentes da capacidade funcional em idosos / Interference of mood states in the improvement of components of functional capacity in the elderly

Estados de humor são sentimentos autorreguladores que, quando positivos, podem contribuir para um envelhecimento saudável, manter ou melhorar os níveis funcionais. Tal melhora pode ser notada em indivíduos que praticam atividade física sistematizada, como a dança, por exemplo. Para verificar se há influência dos estados de humor nos componentes funcionais e a interferência do exercício físico nesses aspectos, o presente estudo foi realizado com 30 idosos, distribuídos igualmente em dois grupos (Grupo de Treinamento e Grupo Controle). O Grupo de Treinamento participou de um protocolo de dança com duração de 1 hora três vezes por semana ao longo de 12 semanas, e o Grupo Controle não frequentou qualquer programa de atividade física. Todos os participantes foram avaliados pela Lista de Estados de Ânimo Reduzida e Ilustrada e pela bateria de testes da AAHPERD. Para análise dos estados de humor, foi utilizado o teste binomial com nível de significância de 5% e uma análise comparativa pré e pós. Para os componentes da capacidade funcional, foi utilizada a análise de variância para medidas repetidas ANOVA twoway, adotando-se mesmo nível de significância. Não foram detectadas mudanças estatisticamente significativas para os estados de humor, embora os componentes funcionais tenham apresentado melhoras na coordenação, agilidade e força com a prática de dança. Os idosos que apresentaram melhores níveis funcionais tiveram os estados de humor positivos intensificados e os negativos mantidos ou reduzidos. Idosos adeptos ao exercício físico com estados de humor mais positivos apresentaram os melhores níveis funcionais. (AU)

Mood states are auto-regulating feelings that, being positive, may contribute to a healthy aging to maintain or improve functional levels. Such benefits can be noticed in individuals who practice physical activity, systematically, such as dancing, for example. In order to investigate whether the mood states can influence functional components and the interference of physical exercise on these aspects, this study was carried out with 30 individuals, equally assigned into two groups (training group and control group). The Training Group participated in a dance protocol (one-hour session, three times a week for 12 weeks) and the Control Group did not attend any physical activity program. All participants were evaluated by means of the Illustrated and Reduced Mood States List and the battery tests of AAHPERD. For mood states analysis, it was used the binomial test with 5% significance level and a pre-to-post comparison. Regarding the components of functional capacity, a two-way ANOVA was used for repeated measures, adopting the same level of signifi cance. No statistically significant changes on mood states changes were showed, although the functional components of coordination, agility and strength were improved after dance training. Older people who presented better functional levels also presented more intense positive mood states and maintained or reduced the negative ones. Those ones who were adherents to exercise along with more positive mood states showed better functional levels. (AU)

Physical exercise improves peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive functions in mild cognitive impairment elderly with different bdnf Val66Met genotypes.

The benefits of physical exercise on improvements in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive functioning have been reported in the literature. However, the variability of individual responses may be linked to genetic differences. BDNF is considered one of the most plausible factors involved in the cognitive benefits associated with physical activity practice. A single nucleotide polymorphism localized in the gene that codes BDNF results in a missense mutation that promotes an amino acid substitution (Val66Met) in the protein. This process has been associated with decreased levels of BDNF secretion, with corresponding impairments in specific cognitive functions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of a multimodal physical exercise program on peripheral BDNF levels and cognitive functions in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The participants were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) prior to and after the intervention. Forty-five participants were assigned to the control and trained groups. The trained group participated in a multimodal physical training for a 16-week period. The results showed a significant between-subjects interaction (p < 0.05), which indicates the beneficial contribution of training on cognitive functions independent of the BDNF genotype. However, only participants with BDNF-Met genotypes exhibited significant improvements in peripheral BDNF levels. The BDNF genotype appears to modulate the effects of physical exercise on BDNF secretion, but it does not influence cognition. This is the first study that evaluated the influence of a BDNF polymorphism on physical activity and cognition performance in elderly MCI individuals.

Physical exercise in MCI elderly promotes reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improvements on cognition and BDNF peripheral levels.

The benefits of physical exercise to reduce low-grade inflammation and improve Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels and cognitive function became a growing field of interest. Low-grade inflammation is common during aging and seems to be linked to neurodegenerative process. Regular physical exercises can help to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and to improve BDNF peripheral concentrations. The main goal of this research was to analyze the effects of a 16-week multimodal physical exercise program on peripheral BDNF levels and on Tumor Necrosis-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin- 6 (IL-6) as pro-inflammatory markers in cognitive healthy elderly individuals and in elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive functions were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) prior to and after the intervention. Thirty cognitively healthy participants and thirty-seven MCI participants were assigned to the control (CG) and trained (TG) groups. The TG participated in a multimodal physical training program for a 16-week period. The results showed a significant between-subjects interaction, which indicates the beneficial contribution of training on the reduction of TNF-α (p=0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.001) and on the improvement of BDNF (p<0.001) peripheral concentrations. Cognitive functions also presented significant improvements for MCI trained group (p=0.03). In conclusion, physical exercise was effective to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and to improve BDNF peripheral levels, with positive reflexes on cognition. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluated longitudinally the effects of a multimodal physical exercises protocol on peripheral concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cognition performance in elderly MCI individuals.

Los predictores psiconeuroinmunológicos de la sobrecarga de cuidado en ancianos cuidadores de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer / Psychoneuroimmunological predictors for burden in older caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease

Introducción. La responsabilidad de cuidar de un paciente con enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) puede generar alteraciones en la salud del anciano cuidador. Es importante investigar los factores que influyen en la presencia de sobrecarga para crear estrategias de enfrentamiento. En este contexto, los objetivos del presente estudio fueron investigar las relaciones entre parámetros psiconeuroinmunológicos y determinar los predictores de la sobrecarga de cuidado en ancianos cuidadores de pacientes con EA. Material y métodos. Un total de 30 cuidadores de pacientes con EA, participantes del Programa de Cinesioterapia Funcional e Cognitiva em Idosos com Doença de Alzheimer (PRO-CDA), de Rio Claro (SP, Brasil) fueron evaluados para estimar los parámetros psiconeuroinmunológicos. Se utilizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo, correlación de Pearson y regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados. Los cuidadores presentaron un promedio de edad de 71,3 (± 9,3) años, y la gran mayoría eran parientes de primer grado. La sobrecarga de cuidado se relacionó con los síntomas depresivos (r = 0,60; p < 0,001), desgaste del cuidador (r = 0,68; p < 0,001) y perturbaciones neuropsiquiátricas del paciente con EA (r = 0,53; p < 0,001). El análisis de regresión apuntó los síntomas depresivos y perturbaciones neuropsiquiátricas como predictores de la sobrecarga de cuidado. Conclusión. La sobrecarga de cuidado es asociada e influida por parámetros relacionados con el sufrimiento psíquico del cuidador y características inherentes a la EA. Así, es importante buscar estrategias e implementar programas de carácter no farmacológico para ofrecer soporte a los ancianos cuidadores, para que puedan auxiliar en el tratamiento del paciente con EA, buscando mejorar la salud holística de esta población (AU)

Introduction. The responsibility of giving care to patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may result in health changes in the older caregiver. It is important to explore the factors which influence the presence of care burden and to create strategies to face this condition. In this context, the aims of present study were to investigate the relationships between psychoneuroimmunological parameters and determine the predictors to burden in older caregivers of patients with AD. Material and methods. A total of 30 AD older caregivers participating in the «Cognitive and Functional Kinesiotherapy Program in Elderly with Alzheimer's disease«(PRO-CDA)», de Rio Claro, SP-Brazil, were submitted to an assessment protocol to evaluate the psychoneuroimmunological parameters. A descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions were performed. Results. The mean age of caregivers was 71.3 (± 9.3), and predominantly are first-grade relatives. The caregiver burden was associated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.60, P<.001), caregiver distress (r = 0.68, P<.001), and neuropsychiatric disorders of AD patients (r = 0.53, P<.001). The multiple regression analysis confirmed depressive symptoms and neuropsychiatric disturbances as predictors of caregiver burden. Conclusion. Caregiver burden is associated with, and influenced by parameters related to the caregiver psychological suffering and to characteristics inherent to AD. Thus, it is important to find strategies and implement non-pharmacological programs to provide support to older caregivers, and to assist in the treatment of patients with AD, in order to improve the integral health of this population (AU)

[Psychoneuroimmunological predictors for burden in older caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease]. / Los predictores psiconeuroinmunológicos de la sobrecarga de cuidado en ancianos cuidadores de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer.

INTRODUCTION: The responsibility of giving care to patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may result in health changes in the older caregiver. It is important to explore the factors which influence the presence of care burden and to create strategies to face this condition. In this context, the aims of present study were to investigate the relationships between psychoneuroimmunological parameters and determine the predictors to burden in older caregivers of patients with AD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 AD older caregivers participating in the «Cognitive and Functional Kinesiotherapy Program in Elderly with Alzheimer's disease«(PRO-CDA)¼, de Rio Claro, SP-Brazil, were submitted to an assessment protocol to evaluate the psychoneuroimmunological parameters. A descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regressions were performed. RESULTS: The mean age of caregivers was 71.3 (±9.3), and predominantly are first-grade relatives. The caregiver burden was associated with depressive symptoms (r=0.60, P<.001), caregiver distress (r=0.68, P<.001), and neuropsychiatric disorders of AD patients (r=0.53, P<.001). The multiple regression analysis confirmed depressive symptoms and neuropsychiatric disturbances as predictors of caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Caregiver burden is associated with, and influenced by parameters related to the caregiver psychological suffering and to characteristics inherent to AD. Thus, it is important to find strategies and implement non-pharmacological programs to provide support to older caregivers, and to assist in the treatment of patients with AD, in order to improve the integral health of this population.

Exercícios físicos generalizados capacidade funcional e sintomas depressivos em idosos brasileiros / Physical exercises, functional capacity and depressive symptoms in Brazilian elderly

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os efeitos de 16 semanas de exercícios físicos generalizados sobre componentes da capacidade funcional, aptidão funcional geral e sintomas depressivos em idosos. Cinquenta e cinco idosos (67,3±5,8 anos) participaram do estudo. Os grupos foram distribuídos de acordo com a participação no protocolo proposto: a) grupo treinado (GT), composto de 27 participantes que atenderam pelo menos 75% do total de sessões de exercícios físicos generalizados por 16 semanas e; b) grupo controle (GC), participantes que não estiveram participando de nenhum tipo de programa regular de atividades físicas. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada por meio da bateria de testes para idosos da AAHPERD que é composta por cinco testes: coordenação, flexibilidade, resistência de força, agilidade e equilíbrio dinâmico e resistência aeróbia geral. Os sintomas depressivos foram medidos por meio da Escala de Depressão e Geriatria- versão curta (GDS-15). Os resultados demonstraram que os idosos do GT apresentaram melhor desempenho nos testes motores. Os sintomas depressivos não sofreram alterações em ambos os grupos. Desta maneira, nossos resultados indicam que 16 semanas são suficientes para promover benefícios na aptidão funcional geral de idosos, enquanto que idosos que permanecem sedentários tendem a apresentar decréscimo em sua aptidão física geral. O programa proposto não foi capaz de provocar alterações significativas em idosos com baixos valores relatados de sintomas depressivos para esta variável. As evidências do presente estudo possibilitam predizer que um programa generalizado pode auxiliar na prevenção de doenças crônicas, evitar declínios funcionais e produzir efeitos positivos na qualidade de vida.

The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of 16 weeks of multimodal exercise on functional capacity components, general functional fitness and depressive symptoms in the elderly. Fifty-five elderly (67.3 ± 5.8 years) participated in the study. The groups were distributed according to the participation on the proposed protocol: a) trained group (TG) composed of 27 participants who attended at least 75% of the total generalized physical exercise sessions for 16 weeks; and b) control group (CG), participants who did not attend any regular physical activity program. Functional capacity was assessed using the AAHPERD battery of motor tests for elderly, which consists of five tests: coordination, flexibility, muscular resistance, agility/dynamic balance, and overall aerobic endurance. Depressive symptoms were measured using the short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The results showed that elderly on TG had better performance on motor tests. Depressive symptoms did not change for both groups. Thus, our results indicate that 16 weeks is sufficient to improve general functional fitness in elderly, while those who remain sedentary tend to decrease their overall physical fitness. The proposed program could not induce significant changes in the elderly with low levels of depressive symptoms reported for this variable. The evidence of this study allows the prediction that a generalized program can help prevent chronic diseases, reduce functional decline and produce positive effects on quality of life.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the apathy inventory.

BACKGROUND: Apathy is a frequent neuropsychiatric condition in neurodegenerative disorders, depression, and often in mild cognitive impairment. The Apathy Inventory (AI) is a reliable instrument for improving the accuracy of the apathy diagnosis. The aim was to establish the validity of the Apathy Inventory for the Brazilian community. METHODS: We established the concurrent validity, internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and the sensitivity and specificity of AI for the Brazilian community in a cohort of 175 individuals with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. The three dimensions of the AI (emotional blunting, lack of initiative, and lack of interest) were compared with the Apathy domain of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Clinician rating scale (NPI-C) in an independent scheme. RESULTS: The analyses demonstrated high correlation coefficients in AI's individual dimensions and in AI-total score (F = 0.965). Concerning the NPI-C/Apathy domain, intra-class correlation coefficients were also high (F = 0.977). Concurrent validity was high according to both raters on AI dimensions × NPI-C/Apathy domain and regarding total score (rater 1: rho = 0.956 vs. rater 2: rho = 0.970). The internal consistency of the AI was also high concerning the AI's individual dimensions and total score (rater 1: 0.945 vs. rater 2: 0.958). CONCLUSION: We observed high internal consistency, high concurrent validity, and inter-rater reliability of the Apathy Inventory. In addition, we found that its sensitivity and specificity were high. We suggest that the Brazilian version of the Apathy Inventory would be an appropriate instrument to identify the apathy syndrome in Brazilian patients.

Effects of resistance training on the performance of activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training in activities of daily living performance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. METHODS: An exploratory and longitudinal study, lasting for 16 weeks, with the participation of 34 patients divided equally in: the training group (TG), who participated in a resistance training protocol (three sets of 20 repetitions in five exercises); and the social gathering group (SGG), who participated in a social interaction protocol (i.e. group dynamics, writing and reading activities). RESULTS: We observed significant differences between the groups in moving around the house, climbing stairs, standing up from the floor and putting on socks tests. CONCLUSION: This study showed that resistance training improves agility, lower limb strength, balance and flexibility in AD patients, while SGG protocol is important to improve the agility.

Apathy, cognitive function and motor function in Alzheimers disease / Apatia, funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora em idosos com doença de alzheimer

The aims of this study were to characterize the presence of apathy in patients with AD, determine the relationshipbetween apathy, motor function and cognitive function, and to verify differences among patients stratified by level of apathy inrelation to cognitive and motor abilities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 37 patients with AD. The followingtests were used: MoCA, the Frontal Assessment Battery, Verbal Fluency, Clock Drawing Test, Andreotti & Okuma BatteryTests, Sit and Reach, Resistance of Upper Limbs - AAHPERD Battery Test, Sit and Lift Chair and the Apathy domain of theNeuropsychiatric Inventory. After verifying the normality of the data distribution, comparisons were made using Students t-testand the U Mann Whitney test; relationships were also assessed using Pearsons and Spearmans correlation coefficients. Allanalyses were considered to be statistically significant at a p-value of 0.05. Results: 46% of participants in this study showedmild symptoms of apathy. Significant and weak associations were found (p=0.04) between apathy and the attention domainon the MoCA and between apathy and the Walk Test. Analysis of differences in cognitive and motor functions according toparticipants level of apathy revealed no significant differences for any of the variables. Conclusion: Apathy was reflectedin attention and the Walk Test, suggesting these variables may be related to cognitive and functional decline in AD patients.

Os objetivos deste estudo compreendem: caracterizar a presença de apatia em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer(DA); verificar se há relação entre apatia, funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora dos mesmos e analisar se há diferençasentre os pacientes, separados por nível de apatia, em relação às suas funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora. Métodos:Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento transversal. Ao todo 37 pacientes com DA compuseram a amostra. Foramutilizados os seguintes testes: Mini-Exame de Estado Mental, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Bateria de AvaliaçãoFrontal, Teste de Fluência Verbal Semântica, Teste do Desenho do Relógio, Bateria de Testes de Andreotti & Okuma, Teste deSentar e Alcançar, Resistência de Membros Superiores da AAHPERD, Teste Sentar-se e Levantar-se da Cadeira e o domínioApatia do Inventário Neuropsiquiátrico. Após verificar a distribuição dos dados as comparações seguiram através dos testest student e U Mann Whitney e as relações, através das correlações de Pearson e Spearman. Todas as análises admitiramnível de significância de 5%. Resultados: 46% dos participantes deste estudo apresentam sintomatologia para apatia emnível leve. Foram verificadas relações significativas e fracas (p=0,04) entre apatia e o domínio atenção do MoCA e entreapatia e o Teste de Caminhar. Ao verificar a diferença nas funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora segundo o nível deapatia dos participantes não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. Conclusão:Apatia relaciona-se com a atenção e o Teste de Caminhar sugerindo que estas variáveis podem estar relacionadas com odeclínio cognitivo e funcional dos pacientes com esta patologia.

Effects of weight training on cognitive functions in elderly with Alzheimers disease / Efeitos do treinamento com pesos nas funções cognitivas de idosos com doença de alzheimer

Deterioration in cognitive functions is characteristic in Alzheimers disease (AD) and may be associated with decline in daily living activities with consequent reduced quality of life. Objective: To analyze weight training effects oncognitive functions in elderly with AD. Subjects: 34 elderly with AD were allocated into two groups: Training Group (TG)and Social Gathering Group (SGG). Methods: Global cognitive status was determined using the Mini-Mental State Exam.Specific cognitive functions were measured using the Brief Cognitive Battery, Clock Drawing Test and Verbal Fluency Test.The protocols were performed three times a week, one hour per session. The weight training protocol consisted of threesets of 20 repetitions, with two minutes of rest between sets and exercises. The activities proposed for the SGG were not systematized and aimed at promoting social interaction among patients. The statistical analyses were performed with the UMann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests for group comparisons. All analyses were considered statistically significant at a p-value of0.05. Results: There were no significant differences associated to the effects of the practice of weight training on cognitionin AD patients. Conclusion: In this study, no improvement in cognitive functions was evident in elderly with AD who followeda low intensity resistance exercise protocol. Thus, future studies could evaluate the effect of more intense exercise programs.

A deterioração das funções cognitivas é característica na doença de Alzheimer (DA) e se relaciona com uma piorrealização das atividades de vida diária levando a uma pior qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos de um programade treinamento com pesos nas funções cognitivas de idosos com DA. Sujeitos: 34 idosos com DA foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo Treinamento (GT) e Grupo de Convívio Social (GCS). Métodos: Para caracterização do perfil cognitivo global utilizou-se o Mini-Exame de Estado Mental. Para a mensuração das funções cognitivas foram utilizadas: Bateria Cognitiva Breve, Teste do Desenho do Relógio e teste de Fluência Verbal. Os protocolos oferecidos foram realizados três vezes na semana, durante uma hora. O protocolo de treinamento do GT consistiu em realizar três séries de 20 repetições para cada exercício, com dois minutos de intervalo entre séries e entre exercícios. As atividades propostas para o GCS não foram sistematizadas e tiveram por objetivo promover uma socialização dos pacientes. A análise estatística consistiu na utilização dos testes U Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon para comparação intra e entre grupos. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5% para todas as análises. Resultados: Não foram evidenciadas diferenças significativas relacionadas aos efeitos da prática do treinamento com pesos na cognição de idosos com DA. Conclusão: Neste estudo não houve melhora nas funções cognitivas em idosos com DA que realizaram um protocolo de exercícios resistidos de intensidade leve. Assim, estudos futuros poderiam verificar o efeito de exercícios mais intensos.

Projeto de extensão de Yoga: auxiliando na formação profissional e acadêmica do estudante de graduação em Educação Física / Yoga Project: Contributing to academic and professional formation of student of Physical Education

O programa de extensão de Yoga realizado na UNESP ? Rio Claro teve início em 2006 e é constituído por três grupos. As aulas são de 60 minutos de duração duas vezes por semana, focadas em trabalhar o corpo físico, com base nas posturas psicofísicas do Yoga, aliadas a exercícios respiratórios e de relaxamento. Procura através deste método proporcionar bem estar físico e mental favorecendo a manutenção e melhora de aspectos psicológicos dos alunos, que são predominantemente pessoas da universidade e da comunidade de Rio Claro. Resultados positivos foram obtidos nos estudos sobre motivação e estados de ânimo feitos com esses grupos. O programa possibilita ainda uma vivência pedagógica dos alunos do curso de Educação Física interessados nessa área e o desenvolvimento de projetos de pesquisa auxiliando na formação profissional e acadêmica do estudante de graduação.

The extension program of Yoga at UNESP ? Rio Claro began in 2006 and constitutes of 3 classes that are 60 minutes long twice a week, focus in a physical work out, through Yoga psychophysical postures, along with breathing exercises and relaxation and seeks through this method to provide physical and mental well-being, favoring the maintenance and improvement of students? psychological aspects, which are predominantly people from the university and the community of Rio Claro. Positive results were obtained in studies on motivation and moods made with these groups. The program also allows an experience teaching students of Physical Education who are interesting in this area of study. It also allows the educational experience for students of physical education and the development of a lot research projects.

Nível de atividade física, sono e qualidade de vida de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer / Level of physical activity, sleep and quality of life of patients with Alzheimer?s disease

A atividade física (AF) tem sido considerada um importante recurso não farmacológico, que pode proporcionar benefícios ao sono e à qualidade de vida de pacientes com Doença de Alzheimer (DA). O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar a relação entre nível de atividade física, distúrbios do sono e qualidade de vida em pacientes com DA. Participaram deste estudo 30 pacientes com DA. Para mensurar nível de AF, sono e qualidade de vida foram utilizados, respectivamente: Questionário Baecke Modificado para Idosos, Mini Questionário do Sono e Escala de avaliação da qualidade de vida na Doença de Alzheimer ? respondida pelo paciente e cuidador. Para comparação do sono e da qualidade de vida, em função do nível da prática de AF, a amostra foi dividida em dois grupos (maior e menor nível de AF). Para verificar relações entre as variáveis e comparar os grupos foram empregados, respectivamente, os seguintes testes: correlação de Spearman e o teste de U de Mann Whitney. Foi admitido o nível de significância de 5% para as análises. Os pacientes apresentaram um baixo nível de AF e foi encontrada relação positiva, moderada e significativa (rho = 0,4; p = 0,01) entre nível de AF e qualidade de vida do cuidador. Concluímos, assim, que cuidadores de pacientes mais ativos possuem uma melhor qualidade de vida e não existe relação entre sono e qualidade de vida e nível de AF de pacientes com DA.

Physical activity (PA) has been considered an important non pharmacological feature that provides benefits on sleeping and quality of life of patients with Alzheimer?s disease (AD). The aim of this research was to analyze the relation of the level of PA; sleep disturbances and quality of life in pacients with AD. The study included 30 patients with PA. To measure PA level, sleeping and quality of life, it was used, respectively: Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Elderly, Mini Sleep Questionnaire and Quality of life assessment scale on Alzheimer?s disease ? answered by the patients and their caregivers. For comparçliing of sleeping and quality of life, the sample was divided into two groups (higher and lower PA levels). In order to verify relations between the variables, and for the comparison both groups, it was used, respectively: Spearman correlation and U-Mann Whitney tests. It was admitted the level of significance at 5% for all analyzes. Patients had a low level of PA and it was only found relationship positive, moderated and significant (rho = 0,4; p = 0,01) between the level of PA and the caregiver?s quality of life. Thus, the caregivers of more active patients have a better quality of life and, there were no differences in sleep and quality of life when comparing the lowest and the highest level of PA groups of patients with AD.

Depressive symptoms and level of physical activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of depressive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease, to assess whether there was an association between physical activity level and depressive symptoms in this population, and to assess whether more active patients had lower rates of depressive symptoms when compared with less active patients. METHODS: The study included 37 patients with Alzheimer's disease and used the following instruments: the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Baecke Questionnaire Modified for the Elderly. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether the data were normally distributed. The Spearman correlation test and the Mann-Whitney U-test was used. P-values less than 5% were considered statistically significant. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. The Spearman correlation test verified the relationship between level of physical activity and depressive symptoms (rho = -0,4), and between the sports activities domain and depressive symptoms (rho = -0,4). Patients who were more active had lower depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the sample was 35.13%. Patients who were more active had lower rates of depressive symptoms.

Apathy, cognitive function and motor function in Alzheimer's disease.

The aims of this study were to characterize the presence of apathy in patients with AD, determine the relationship between apathy, motor function and cognitive function, and to verify differences among patients stratified by level of apathy in relation to cognitive and motor abilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 37 patients with AD. The following tests were used: MoCA, the Frontal Assessment Battery, Verbal Fluency, Clock Drawing Test, Andreotti & Okuma Battery Tests, Sit and Reach, Resistance of Upper Limbs - AAHPERD Battery Test, Sit and Lift Chair and the Apathy domain of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. After verifying the normality of the data distribution, comparisons were made using Student's t-test and the U Mann Whitney test; relationships were also assessed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients. All analyses were considered to be statistically significant at a p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: 46% of participants in this study showed mild symptoms of apathy. Significant and weak associations were found (p=0.04) between apathy and the attention domain on the MoCA and between apathy and the Walk Test. Analysis of differences in cognitive and motor functions according to participants' level of apathy revealed no significant differences for any of the variables. CONCLUSION: Apathy was reflected in attention and the Walk Test, suggesting these variables may be related to cognitive and functional decline in AD patients.

Os objetivos deste estudo compreendem: caracterizar a presença de apatia em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer (DA); verificar se há relação entre apatia, funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora dos mesmos e analisar se há diferenças entre os pacientes, separados por nível de apatia, em relação às suas funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo com delineamento transversal. Ao todo 37 pacientes com DA compuseram a amostra. Foram utilizados os seguintes testes: Mini-Exame de Estado Mental, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Bateria de Avaliação Frontal, Teste de Fluência Verbal Semântica, Teste do Desenho do Relógio, Bateria de Testes de Andreotti & Okuma, Teste de Sentar e Alcançar, Resistência de Membros Superiores da AAHPERD, Teste Sentar-se e Levantar-se da Cadeira e o domínio Apatia do Inventário Neuropsiquiátrico. Após verificar a distribuição dos dados as comparações seguiram através dos testes t student e U Mann Whitney e as relações, através das correlações de Pearson e Spearman. Todas as análises admitiram nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: 46% dos participantes deste estudo apresentam sintomatologia para apatia em nível leve. Foram verificadas relações significativas e fracas (p=0,04) entre apatia e o domínio atenção do MoCA e entre apatia e o Teste de Caminhar. Ao verificar a diferença nas funções cognitivas e funcionalidade motora segundo o nível de apatia dos participantes não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: Apatia relaciona-se com a atenção e o Teste de Caminhar sugerindo que estas variáveis podem estar relacionadas com o declínio cognitivo e funcional dos pacientes com esta patologia.

Effects of weight training on cognitive functions in elderly with Alzheimer's disease.

Deterioration in cognitive functions is characteristic in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may be associated with decline in daily living activities with consequent reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To analyze weight training effects on cognitive functions in elderly with AD. SUBJECTS: 34 elderly with AD were allocated into two groups: Training Group (TG) and Social Gathering Group (SGG). METHODS: Global cognitive status was determined using the Mini-Mental State Exam. Specific cognitive functions were measured using the Brief Cognitive Battery, Clock Drawing Test and Verbal Fluency Test. The protocols were performed three times a week, one hour per session. The weight training protocol consisted of three sets of 20 repetitions, with two minutes of rest between sets and exercises. The activities proposed for the SGG were not systematized and aimed at promoting social interaction among patients. The statistical analyses were performed with the U Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests for group comparisons. All analyses were considered statistically significant at a p-value of 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences associated to the effects of the practice of weight training on cognition in AD patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, no improvement in cognitive functions was evident in elderly with AD who followed a low intensity resistance exercise protocol. Thus, future studies could evaluate the effect of more intense exercise programs.

A deterioração das funções cognitivas é característica na doença de Alzheimer (DA) e se relaciona com uma pior realização das atividades de vida diária levando a uma pior qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos de um programa de treinamento com pesos nas funções cognitivas de idosos com DA. SUJEITOS: 34 idosos com DA foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo Treinamento (GT) e Grupo de Convívio Social (GCS). MÉTODOS: Para caracterização do perfil cognitivo global utilizou-se o Mini-Exame de Estado Mental. Para a mensuração das funções cognitivas foram utilizadas: Bateria Cognitiva Breve, Teste do Desenho do Relógio e teste de Fluência Verbal. Os protocolos oferecidos foram realizados três vezes na semana, durante uma hora. O protocolo de treinamento do GT consistiu em realizar três séries de 20 repetições para cada exercício, com dois minutos de intervalo entre séries e entre exercícios. As atividades propostas para o GCS não foram sistematizadas e tiveram por objetivo promover uma socialização dos pacientes. A análise estatística consistiu na utilização dos testes U Mann Whitney e Wilcoxon para comparação intra e entre grupos. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5% para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Não foram evidenciadas diferenças significativas relacionadas aos efeitos da prática do treinamento com pesos na cognição de idosos com DA. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo não houve melhora nas funções cognitivas em idosos com DA que realizaram um protocolo de exercícios resistidos de intensidade leve. Assim, estudos futuros poderiam verificar o efeito de exercícios mais intensos.

Atividade física para promoção da saúde de idosos com doença de Alzheimer e seus cuidadores / Physical activity for health promotion in elderly with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers

Devido ao aumento da expectativa de vida mundial é cada vez maior o número de idosos com Demências, sendo a mais frequente a Demência de Alzheimer, uma doença neurodegenerativa e progressiva. O "Programa de Cinesioterapia Funcional e Cognitiva em Idosos com Doença de Alzheimer" (PRO-CDA) procura, através da prática de Atividade Física, interferir nos sintomas progressivos da doença, proporcionando, sobretudo a promoção de saúde para idosos e seus cuidadores. Por meio do trabalho de uma equipe multiprofissional, com profissionais de saúde e estagiários de cursos de graduação, o projeto desenvolve atividades para benefício dos participantes, eventos para conscientização da população a respeito da doença e aprimoramento de profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde. Assim, o PRO-CDA espera contribuir com melhora da qualidade de vida, tanto do paciente como do cuidador, além de contribuir com a formação profissional de estudantes e graduados nas mais diversas áreas da saúde.

Due to increased life expectancy worldwide is increasing the number of elderly with dementia, the most frequent being Alzheimer's dementia, a progressive and neurodegenerative disease. "The Cinesioterapy Cognitive and Functional Program in elderly with Alzheimer's Disease" (PRO-CDA) looking for, through the practice of physical activity, to intervene in symptoms of progressive disease, providing over all promotion of health for elderly and their caregivers. Through the work of multidisciplinary team, with health professionals and trainees from undergraduate courses, the project develops activities to benefit the participants, events for public awareness about the disease and improvement of professional and student health. So, the PRO-CDA hopes to contribute for improved quality of life, both of patients as the caregivers, as well contributing to the training of students and graduates in various areas of health.