Clinical-Functional Vulnerability, Functional Capacity, and Falls in Octogenarians with Different Physical Activity Levels-A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIM: To compare differences between frailty, functional capacity, and fall prevalence among community-dwelling oldest-old adults regarding their physical activity levels. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-nine octogenarians (80+ years) were allocated according to their physical activity as insufficiently active (<150 min week-1; n = 98; 84.4 ± 3.7 years), active (150 to 300 min week-1, n = 81, 83.9 ± 3.1 years), and very active (>300 min week-1, n = 60; 83.8 ± 3.4 years). Frailty (CFVI-20 questionnaire), functional capacity (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed Up and Go, Balance, and handgrip strength), fall history, and physical activity were assessed. RESULTS: The insufficiently active group was the frailest and presented the worst functional performance compared to the other groups. The fall prevalence was higher in the insufficiently active (60.9%) compared to the active (26.4%) and very active (12.7%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The group of insufficiently active octogenarians showed the greatest frailty, worst functional capacity, and higher fall prevalence than the active and very active groups. The engagement in physical activity of at least 300 min week-1 is essential to reverse or minimize the deleterious effects of aging on frailty, functional capacity, and falls in octogenarians.

Kinematic Variables of Disabled Swimmers and Their Correlation With the International Paralympic Committee Classification.

This study described the kinematic variables of disabled swimmers' performance and correlated them with their functional classification. Twenty-one impaired swimmers (S5-S10) performed 50-m maximum front-crawl swimming while being recorded by four underwater cameras. Swimming velocity, stroke rate, stroke length, intracycle velocity variation, stroke dimensions, hand velocity, and coordination index were analyzed. Kendall rank was used to correlate stroke parameters and functional classification with p < .05. Swimming velocity, stroke length, and submerged phase were positively correlated with the para swimmers functional classification (.61, .50, and .41; p < .05, respectively), while stroke rate, velocity hand for each phase, coordination index, and intracyclic velocity variation were not (τ between -.11 and .45; p > .05). Thus, some objective kinematic variables of the impaired swimmers help to support current classification. Improving hand velocity seems to be a crucial point to be improved among disabled swimmers.

Can Age Influence Functional Tests Differently to Predict Falls in Nursing Home and Community-Dwelling Older Adults?

Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine which functional tests are able to predict falls in nursing home residents (NHR) and community-dwelling (CDW) older adults grouped by age. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-two older adults were assessed in the following tests, Mini-Mental State Examination, anthropometric characteristics, fall history and functional tests. The participants were assigned to one of the following groups: Young Older Adults (YOA; 60-69 years, n = 102; 27.5% NHR), Old Older Adults (OOA; 70-79 years; n = 100; 23.5% NHR) and Very Older Adults (VOA, ≥80 years; n = 50; 52% NHR). Results: The five times sit-to-stand showed 1.41 odds to experience a fall in the NHR of the VOA. In the CDW, the handgrip strength score decreased the odds to fall occurrence (0.92 odds) in the YOA, while the low score in timed up and go test of the OOA showed 1.21 odds to experience a fall. Conclusions: Therefore, the five times sit-to-stand test can predict falls in NHR of VOA groups, while handgrip strength and timed up and go tests can predict falls in CDW of YOA and OOA groups, respectively.

Does Home-Based Exercise Improve the Physical Function of Prefrail Older Women?

Physical exercise is a potential intervention to revert or attenuate frailty syndrome, which may be accomplished by traditional center-based and home-based programs. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a home-based and center-based exercise program on frailty status, physical and muscle function of frail older women. Thirty-one frail older women were allocated in two different groups: home-based group (n = 17, 71.5 ± 6.5 years) or center-based group (n = 14, 68.4 ± 6.4 years). The exercise program lasted 12 weeks (3 days/week), 60 minutes/session, including strengthening, balance, and gait exercises. Frailty status, knee, and hip strength, and physical function were assessed before and after the intervention. After the exercise program, frailty was reversed in 76% of the participants independently of the exercise group. Muscle strength and physical function improved in both groups, where the home-based program presented a high adherence rate, and the center-based program was more suitable to reverse the frailty status. In conclusion, a home-based exercise program is as effective as center based to improve strength, physical function, and to reverse frailty status.

Muscle function, physical function, and gait in older women with and without knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Aim: To compare muscle function of knee extensors, gait parameters, and physical function in older women with and without knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to associate these parameters to the KOA incidence in this population. Methods: Sixteen older women with KOA (66.9 ± 5.5 years; 74.9 ± 10.0 kg; 157.9 ± 0.9 cm; 30.2 ± 5.0 kg/m2) and fourteen healthy counterparts (control group: CG; 68.8 ± 5.8 years; 68.9 ± 10.5 kg; 158 ± 0.06 cm; 27.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) participated in this study. Muscle function, physical function, and gait parameters were evaluated in both groups. The Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was answered only by the KOA group. A correlation was performed to verify if KOA incidence was associated with muscle function, physical function, and gait parameters. Results: KOA group showed lower peak torque at 60°/s (30%; p = 0.003) and 180°/s (37%; p < 0.001), greater acceleration time at 60°/s (382%; p < 0.001), lower cadence (12.2%; p = 0.002), slower gait speed (19.5%; p < 0.001) and greater stride time (12.5%; p = 0.001) than CG group. However, there was no difference between groups in physical function (p < 0.0045). The KOA incidence presented a negative correlation with peak torque (rho = −0.602; p < 0.001), cadence (rho = −0.533; p = 0.002), gait speed (rho = −0.633; p < 0.001), stride length (rho = −0.517; p = 0.003) and a positive correlation with stride time (rho = 0.533; p = 0.002) and acceleration time (rho = 0.655; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that knee osteoarthritis may impair the function of the knee extensors muscles and gait parameters. An association between the ability to produce force rapidly and gait speed with the KOA incidence in older women was also observed.

A high-intensity interval training program in aquatic environment (hiitaq) for obese adolescents / Programa de treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade no ambiente aquático (hiitaq) em adolescentes obesos

ABSTRACT The increased prevalence of obesity has endangered the health of Brazilian adolescents. Regular physical activity and lifestyle changes are recommended as prevention and treatment. However, there is no consensus on the dose-response of training programs. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a high-intensity interval training program in aquatic environment (HIITAQ) on physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese teenagers. The sample consisted of 18 adolescents of both sexes, aged 12 to 17 years, diagnosed with obesity. Anthropometric variables, physical fitness, blood glucose, and lipid profile were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of training. The program consisted of two sets of 4-8 repetitions for 30 seconds (85%-95% of maximal heart rate) and 60 seconds of active rest interval. After applying the program, a reduction in body mass index was seen, that is, BMI z-score (p <0.01), as well as a reduction of Total Cholesterol, TC (p <0.01), and LDL (p <0.01). There was an increase in basal metabolic rate (p <0.01) and peak VO2 (p <0.01). No differences were seen after the training with regard to fat percentage, body mass index (BMI) waist/height ratio (WHtR), fasting blood glucose, insulin, and HDL-c (p>0.05). The high-intensity training program in aquatic environment was effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors.

RESUMO A saúde de adolescentes brasileiros tem sido comprometida pelo aumento da prevalência da obesidade. A prática de exercício físico regular e modificações no estilo de vida são ações recomendadas como prevenção e tratamento. No entanto, não há consenso quanto à dose resposta dos programas de exercícios. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a efetividade de um programa de treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade no ambiente aquático (HIITAQ) na aptidão física e fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em adolescentes obesos. A amostra foi composta por 18 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 12 e 17 anos, com diagnóstico de obesidade. Foram avaliadas, variáveis antropométricas, aptidão física, glicemia e perfil lipídico, antes e após 12 semanas de treinamento. O programa foi composto por duas séries de 4 a 8 repetições com 30 segundos de duração (80-95% da frequência cardíaca máxima) por 60 segundos de recuperação ativa. Após o programa de exercícios verificou-se redução do índice de massa corporal escore z IMCz (p< 0,01), do Colesterol Total (p< 0,01) e LDL-c (p< 0,01). Houve aumento da taxa metabólica basal (p< 0,01) e do VO2 pico (p< 0,01). Não foram observadas diferenças após o treinamento no percentual de gordura, índice de massa corporal, IMC, relação cintura/estatura RCEst, glicemia em jejum, insulina e HDL-c (p>0,05). O programa de treinamento de alta intensidade no meio aquático foi efetivo na redução de fatores de risco cardiometabólicos.

Frailty prevalence and related factors in older adults from southern Brazil: A cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of frailty and the association of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity with the frailty status of community-dwelling older adults from Curitiba, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 1,716 participants aged ≥60 years. Frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype indicators of weakness, exhaustion, low activity, slowness, and weight loss. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity and functionality were evaluated and compared between the sexes and the different frailty statuses (non-frail, prefrail, and frail). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify associations (p<0.05). RESULTS: A high prevalence of frailty (15.8%) and prefrailty (65.3%) were observed, and both were higher in female than in male individuals. The most predominant frailty criterion was weakness, followed by exhaustion. Compared with the non-frail elderly, the prefrail and frail elderly were older in age and presented more health problems, greater dependency for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and reduced lower extremity strength performance and functional mobility. The highest proportion of illiterate individuals, individuals with 1-4 years of education, widowed individuals, polypharmacy, and possible cognition problems and diseases were seen in the frail elderly group. Moreover, the risk of being prefrail and frail was higher in those who were older and had more health problems, higher body mass index, and reduced lower extremity strength performance. Greater calf circumference and independence in activities of daily living were protective factors for prefrailty and frailty. Furthermore, lower functional mobility increased the chances of being frail. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty was more pronounced in female than in male individuals, mainly because of a decline in force. Prefrailty was 4 times more prevalent than frailty, and the presence of health problems and reduced functional capacity increased the chances of being prefrail and frail.

Kinematic Parameters After Repeated Swimming Efforts in Higher and Lower Proficiency Swimmers and Para-Swimmers.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine changes in swimming parameters, stroke coordination, and symmetry after repeated high-intensity swimming efforts in swimmers of different performance levels and para-swimmers. Method: Forty swimmers (20 able-bodied, allocated to higher and lower performance groups-G1 and G2, respectively-and 20 impaired swimmers-S5 to S10) were recorded by four underwater cameras while performing repeated 50 m maximum front-crawl swimming with a ten-second interval for each time endured by the swimmer. A cycle stroke was digitized using SIMI Reality Motion Systems in the first and last trials to analyze the kinematic parameters. The comparison among groups and conditions was performed by Mixed ANOVA Models with p < .05. Results: For all groups, swimming velocity, stroke rate, and stroke index showed reduction over time, while stroke length and intracyclic velocity variation did not show significant changes. Conclusions: Training to maintain stroke rate is necessary to support performance since it is the main cause of velocity decrease. Stroke dimensions and individual underwater phases were not sufficient to distinguish groups or conditions. Hand velocity decreased probably due to a decline in energy capacity, propulsive force and passive drag caused by the fatigue process.

Effect of combined interval training on the cardiorespiratory fitness in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The combination of interval training and resistance training has showed interesting results in chronic heart failure patients, corroborating the benefits of physiological adaptations of both protocols. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the combination of interval training and resistance training program when compared to interval training alone and/or without intervention group on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with chronic heart failure. METHODS: We search MEDLINE via PubMed, ScienceDirect, Sportdiscus, BIREME and Scielo, from their inception to December 2018. Were included both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of combined training, interval training alone and/or WI group on VO2peak (expressed in ml/kg/min), in people with chronic heart failure patients. The meta-analysis was conducted via Review Manager v 5.3 software, using random effect model. RESULTS: Ten articles were selected (nine randomized controlled trial), involving 401 participants. Six studies compared combined training with interval training and six studies compared combined training with the without intervention group. Eighty percent of the trials presented moderate risk of bias and twenty percent low risk of bias. Data showed significant difference and major increase in VO2peak in favor to combined training group compared to interval training group (SMD=0.25; CI=0.04-0.46) and without intervention group (SMD=0.46; CI=0.29-0.64), respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of interval training and resistance training showed more effective in increasing cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with heart failure than interval training alone and non-exercise therapy. However, further studies should be conducted to increase the understanding of this combined training method.

Frailty prevalence and related factors in older adults from southern Brazil: a cross-sectional observational study

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of frailty and the association of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity with the frailty status of community-dwelling older adults from Curitiba, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 1,716 participants aged ≥60 years. Frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype indicators of weakness, exhaustion, low activity, slowness, and weight loss. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical aspects, and functional capacity and functionality were evaluated and compared between the sexes and the different frailty statuses (non-frail, prefrail, and frail). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify associations (p<0.05). RESULTS: A high prevalence of frailty (15.8%) and prefrailty (65.3%) were observed, and both were higher in female than in male individuals. The most predominant frailty criterion was weakness, followed by exhaustion. Compared with the non-frail elderly, the prefrail and frail elderly were older in age and presented more health problems, greater dependency for basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and reduced lower extremity strength performance and functional mobility. The highest proportion of illiterate individuals, individuals with 1-4 years of education, widowed individuals, polypharmacy, and possible cognition problems and diseases were seen in the frail elderly group. Moreover, the risk of being prefrail and frail was higher in those who were older and had more health problems, higher body mass index, and reduced lower extremity strength performance. Greater calf circumference and independence in activities of daily living were protective factors for prefrailty and frailty. Furthermore, lower functional mobility increased the chances of being frail. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty was more pronounced in female than in male individuals, mainly because of a decline in force. Prefrailty was 4 times more prevalent than frailty, and the presence of health problems and reduced functional capacity increased the chances of being prefrail and frail.

The effect of Pilates practice on balance in elderly: a systematic review / Efeito da prática do Pilates sobre o equilíbrio de idosos: uma revisão sistemática

The aging is accompanied by a gradual decline in balance and increases risk of falls. Pilates has been used for balance training. The purpose of this research was to systematize studies regarding the ef-fects of Pilates exercise interventions on static and dynamic balance of elderly people. A survey was conducted in three indexed databases: Medline/Pubmed, Scopus and Science Direct, using the de-scriptors "balance" or "equilibrium" with the term "Pilates". Fifteen articles were selected and used in this systematic review. Based on the results, we observed that the practice of Pilates with a minimum frequency of two sessions per week for an hour lasting for a period of at least five weeks or three times per week for 12 sessions or more showed improvement on static and dynamic balance of elderly

O envelhecimento é acompanhado por um declínio gradual no equilíbrio e aumento do risco de quedas. Pi-lates tem sido utilizado para o treinamento do equilíbrio. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi sistematizar estudos que evidenciem os efeitos da intervenção com exercícios de Pilates sobre o equilíbrio estático e dinâmico de idosos. Uma pesquisa foi realizada em três bases de dados indexadas: Medline/Pubmed; Scopus e Science Direct, a partir da associação dos descritores "balance" ou "equilibrium" com o termo "Pilates". Quinze artigos selecionados e analisados foram utilizados para compor esta revisão sistemática. A partir dos resultados foi possível verificar que a prática de Pilates realizada com frequência mínima de duas sessões semanais, por uma hora por dia, em período igual ou superior a cinco semanas resultou em melhorias no equilíbrio estático e dinâmico de idosos

Does functional capacity, fall risk awareness and physical activity level predict falls in older adults in different age groups?

The aims of this study were to examine whether: i) functional capacity and physical activity level differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for fall risk awareness; ii) functional capacity, fall risk awareness and physical activity differ between fallers and non-fallers older adults, by controlling for age; iii) variables and which may predict falls in different age groups. 1826 older adults performed a series of functional tests and reported their fall episodes, fall risk awareness and physical activity level. The overall incidence of falls was high (40.2%), and falls risk awareness scores reduced with age. The older adults with greater falls risk awareness and non-fallers presented better scores in all functional tests and physical activity level (P < .05). Functional tests and falls risk awareness differed among age groups and differed between fallers and non-fallers, irrespective of age group (P < .05). Falls risk awareness predicted falls in all age groups (odds ranging: 1.05-1.09). Handgrip strength and balance scores predicted falls until 79 years (OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.01-1.06). The physical activity level predicted falls up to 70 years (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.06-1.12). Functional mobility was able to predict falls up to 80 years (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01-1.08). Therefore, according to age, functional capacity, physical activity level and falls risk awareness can be a predictor of falls in older adults.

Multisensory exercise programme improves cognition and functionality in institutionalized older adults: A randomized control trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a multisensory exercise programme on the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults. METHODS: Forty-five volunteers were randomly allocated to 2 groups, the multisensory exercise programme (n = 24) and the control group that received no treatment (n = 21). The programme consisted of 3 50-min sessions of progressive exercises per week for 16 weeks that challenged their strength, balance, coordination, multisensory stimulation, and flexibility in different tasks. Cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), balance (Berg Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go), and functional performance (Physical Performance Test) were measured preintervention and postintervention. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test and 2-way ANOVA. RESULTS: The multisensory exercise programme showed statistically significant improvements (p < .05) on cognition (effect size [ES]: 0.92), balance (ES: 0.77), mobility (ES: 0.51), and functional performance (ES: 0.86) as compared with the control group, which showed no statistical significant differences at the postintervention time point. CONCLUSIONS: The multisensory exercise programme improved the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults. The introduction of a motor and multisensory-based approach in care routines may improve residents' health and engagement to the environment.

Analysis of master swimmers' sport performance for different freestyle distances / Análise do resultado esportivo de atletas máster de natação em diferentes distâncias de nado livre

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the decline rate of master swimmers' world records compared to absolute world records, and sport performance decrease for both genders and different age groups (25 to 99 years old) in 50, 400 and 1500 meters freestyle swimming. The best performance for each distance and age group was collected from the official International Swimming Federation (FINA) website (www.fina.org). Group comparisons were made using One-Way ANOVAs followed by Dunett's post hoc test, with significance level set at p≤0.05. The decline rate of world records was greater in the 1500m distance in relation to the other distances analyzed for almost all age groups and both male and female swimmers. In addition, women showed a higher world record decline rate than men did for all race distances and almost all age groups. Both decline rate and sport performance decrease in the 1500 meters freestyle swimming seem to be more influenced by physiological changes derived from aging compared to the other race distances analyzed.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais de nadadores máster em relação aos recordes mundiais absolutos e a redução do resultado esportivo em ambos os sexos em diferentes grupos etários (25 a 99 anos), nas distâncias de 50, 400 e 400 estilo livre. A coleta dos dados sobre os resultados esportivos dos nadadores foi realizada no site da Federação Internacional de Natação - FINA (www.fina.org). Para a análise estatística foi realizada a ANOVA - ONE WAY seguido de post hoc de Dunett com nível de significância de p≤0.05. A taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais foi maior na prova de 1500m se comparado com as demais distâncias em praticamente todas as faixas etárias e em ambos os sexos. A taxa de declínio e a redução do desempenho esportivo é mais acentuada nas mulheres do que nos homens em todas as distâncias e em quase todas as faixas etárias. A taxa de declínio dos recordes mundiais e a redução do resultado esportivo na prova de 1500 metros nado livre parecem sofrer maior influência das alterações fisiológicas decorrentes do envelhecimento se comparadas às demais distâncias analisadas.

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

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

Effects of aquatic exercise on muscle strength and functional performance of individuals with osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

Water-based exercises are recommended for people with osteoarthritis (OA), due to the beneficial effects on physical function, quality of life and symptom reduction. However, the effects on muscle strength are still controversial. The aim of this review was to assess and compare the effects of aquatic exercise programs on muscle strength and physical function in people with OA. A systematic search was performed at Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Clinical trials with interventions involving aquatic exercises for individuals with OA were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. 296 studies were found and twelve were selected: six studies comparing water-based exercises with land-based exercise, and six comparing water-based exercise groups with the control group. Exercise programs included muscle strengthening, aerobic, balance, flexibility and stretching exercises. Duration of the program, weekly frequency, intensity and progression varied between studies. Beneficial effects of aquatic exercise were found on physical function. However, only two of five studies that assessed muscle strength observed positive effect of aquatic exercise. Although it is difficult to compare studies and establish guidelines for the standardized protocol formulation, it was observed that water-based exercises can be effective on improving physical function and increasing muscle strength, since they are well-structured, with exercise intensity and overload controlled.

Effects of aquatic exercise on muscle strength and functional performance of individuals with osteoarthritis: a systematic review / Efeitos do exercício aquático na força muscular e no desempenho funcional de indivíduos com osteoartrite: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Water-based exercises are recommended for people with osteoarthritis (OA), due to the beneficial effects on physical function, quality of life and symptom reduction. However, the effects on muscle strength are still controversial. The aim of this review was to assess and compare the effects of aquatic exercise programs on muscle strength and physical function in people with OA. A systematic search was performed at Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Clinical trials with interventions involving aquatic exercises for individuals with OA were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. 296 studies were found and twelve were selected: six studies comparing water-based exercises with land-based exercise, and six comparing water-based exercise groups with the control group. Exercise programs included muscle strengthening, aerobic, balance, flexibility and stretching exercises. Duration of the program, weekly frequency, intensity and progression varied between studies. Beneficial effects of aquatic exercise were found on physical function. However, only two of five studies that assessed muscle strength observed positive effect of aquatic exercise. Although it is difficult to compare studies and establish guidelines for the standardized protocol formulation, it was observed that water-based exercises can be effective on improving physical function and increasing muscle strength, since they are well-structured, with exercise intensity and overload controlled.

RESUMO Exercícios aquáticos são recomendados para pessoas com osteoartrite (OA), pois melhoram a funcionalidade e a qualidade de vida e reduzem os sintomas da doença. Entretanto, os efeitos na força muscular ainda são controversos. O objetivo desta revisão foi avaliar e comparar o efeito de programas de exercícios aquáticos na força muscular e na funcionalidade de pessoas com OA. Foi feita uma busca bibliográfica nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scopus e Web of Science. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos feitos com intervenções que envolveram exercícios aquáticos para indivíduos com OA. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da escala PEDro. Foram encontrados 296 estudos. Desses, 12 foram selecionados, seis que compararam exercícios aquáticos com exercícios feitos em solo e seis que compararam um grupo de exercícios aquáticos com grupo controle. Os programas contemplaram exercícios de fortalecimento muscular, aeróbios, de equilíbrio, de flexibilidade e alongamento. A duração do programa, a frequência semanal, a intensidade e a progressão variaram entre os estudos. Foram encontrados efeitos benéficos do exercício aquático na funcionalidade, porém, dos cinco estudos que avaliaram a força muscular, apenas dois verificaram efeito positivo dos exercícios aquáticos. Embora haja dificuldades para comparar os estudos e estabelecer diretrizes para a formulação de protocolos padronizados, observou-se que exercícios aquáticos podem ser eficientes na melhoria da funcionalidade e no aumento da força muscular, desde que os programas sejam bem estruturados com intensidade e sobrecarga controlada e progressiva.

COMPARAÇÃO DA FUNCIONALIDADE, AGILIDADE E EQUILÍBRIO DINÂMICO DE IDOSAS COM E SEM OSTEOARTRITE DE JOELHOS / COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL FUNCTION, AGILITY AND DYNAMIC BALANCE OF OLDER WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

RESUMO Objetivamos comparar a função muscular e a funcionalidade entre idosas com OA de joelho (GOA=15) e idosas assintomáticas (GAS=18). Foram mensurados dados antropométricos, funcionalidade e qualidade de vida por meio de um questionário específico para OA, Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Osteoarthritis Index e um conjunto de testes funcionais:Short Physical Performance Battery,TimedUpand Go Teste Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos. A normalidade dos dados foi verificada pelo teste deKolmogrov-Smirnov. Para as variáveis com distribuição normal foi aplicado o teste "T" de Student para amostras independentes e o teste não paramétrico "U" Mann-Whitney para os dados que não apresentaram normalidade (p<0,05).Os resultados indicam que não há diferenças entre os grupos nas variáveis antropométricas, na idade e no desempenho físico e funcional. Podemos concluir que idosas com osteoartrite de joelho em grau leve e moderado apresentam desempenho físico e funcional semelhante a idosas assintomáticas.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare muscle function and functionality of a group of elderly women with knee OA (GOA=15) with the asymptomatic group(GAS=18). Anthropometric characteristics, physical function and quality of life were evaluated by a specific OA questionnaire Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and a battery of functional tests: Short Physical Performance Battery, Timed Up and Go Test, and the 6 minutes walking test. Kolmogrov-Smirnov test was applied to confirm data normality. To variable that showed normal distribution the student "T" test for independent samples was used and the"U" Mann-Whitney was applied to variables without normal distribution (p<0.05). The results showed that there are no differences in anthropometric variables, age, physical and functional performance between groups. It can be concluded that elderly women with mild to moderate knee OA have physical and functional performance similar to asymptomatic elderly.

The effects of water walking on the anthropometrics and metabolic aspects in young obese / Efeitos da caminhada aquática sobre aspectos antropométricos e metabólicos em jovens obesos

Abstract Water-based exercise has been recommended for obese individuals due to reduced joint load. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of twelve weeks of water walking (WW) with or without nutritional guidance on anthropometric and metabolic variables in young obese individuals. Seventy-three young obese individuals of both genders (10 - 16 years) were randomly assigned in one of the three groups: Water walking and nutritional guidance group (WWN; n=23), Water walking group (WW; n=22) and Control group (CG; n=28). Body mass, height and waist circumference were assessed. Body Mass Index z score (BMI-z) was calculated, also analyzing total blood cholesterol levels (TC) and its fractions, high density cholesterol (HDL-C), low density cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and fasting glucose before and after the training program. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to compare groups and post hoc Tukey`s test was used for multiple-comparison in case of significant differences. Analysis of covariance was applied when differences were detected in the pretest. The significant level was set at p<0.05. The distance per exercise session increased from 377 to 829 meters from beginning to the end of the training period. The lipid profile and fasting glucose did not change after training (p>0.05). Reduction in total cholesterol in the walking group with nutritional guidance was observed (p<0.05). Water walking training can be considered as alternative to improve the physical fitness, being particularly effective for cholesterol reduction when combined with nutritional guidance.

Resumo Exercícios aquáticos são recomendados para pessoas obesas devido a redução do impacto articular. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito de um programa de doze semanas de caminhada/corrida aquática em suspensão (CAS), com ou sem orientação nutricional (ON), nas variáveis antropométricas e metabólicas em crianças e adolescentes obesos. Participaram 73 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, faixa etária de 10 a 16 anos, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: Grupo CAS e ON (WWN; n=23), Grupo CAS (WW; n=22) e Grupo controle (Controle; n=28). Mensuraram-se massa corporal, estatura e CircunferênciaAbdominal (CA). Calculou-se o Índice de Massa Corporal escore z (IMC-z) e analisaram-se as concentrações sanguíneas de Colesterol total (CT) e suas frações HDL- colesterol (HDL-C), LDL (LDL-C), triglicerídeos (TG) e a glicemia em jejum antes e após o treinamento. Os grupos foram comparados por uma série de análises de variância (ANOVA) e o teste post hoc de Tukey foi utilizado para localizar as diferenças encontradas. Utilizou-se análise de covariância quando dados iniciais diferiram. Considerou-se nível de significância de p<0.05. Os resultados mostraram que a distância percorrida por sessão variou de 377 metros iniciais para 829 metros ao final do treinamento. As variáveis do perfil lipídico e glicemia em jejum não se alteraram (p>0,05). Observou-se redução no colesterol total (CT) no WWN (p<0,05), após o treinamento. Concluiu-se, neste estudo, que o treinamento de caminhada/ corrida aquática pode ser considerado alternativa para a melhora da aptidão física e aliado a orientação nutricional, mostrou-se eficaz para redução do colesterol.

Effects of Water-Based Training on Static and Dynamic Balance of Older Women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a water-based exercise program on static and dynamic balance. METHOD: Thirty-six older women were randomly assigned to a water-based training (3 days/week for 12 weeks) or control group. Water level was kept at the level of the xiphoid process and temperature at ∼28-30°C. Each session included aerobic activities and lower limb strength exercises. The medial-lateral, the anterior-posterior amplitude, and displacement of the center of pressure (CP-D) were measured in a quiet standing position (60 sec eyes opened and closed). The dynamic balance and 8-Foot Up-and-Go tests were also applied. Group comparisons were made using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures. RESULTS: No differences were found in the center of pressure variables; however, the WBT group showed better performance in the 8 Foot Up-and-Go Test after training (5.61±0.76 vs. 5.18±0.42; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The water-based training was effective in improving dynamic balance, but not static balance.