Adding neuromuscular training to a strengthening program did not produce additional improvement in clinical or kinematic outcomes in women with patellofemoral pain: A blinded randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a knee pain condition with multifactorial aetiology, twice common in women. The recommended conservative treatment is based on strengthening of the core, hip, and knee musculatures. Addition of neuromuscular training to a strengthening protocol might provide further benefits on pain, function, and kinematics in PFP individuals. However, evidence for the effectiveness of this protocol is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether adding neuromuscular training to strengthening program could provide any additional improvements of pain, function, and kinematics in PFP women. METHODS: 71 PFP women were randomly into two groups and submitted to different interventions for 12 weeks. The strengthening group (SG) performed strengthening exercises for the trunk, hip, and knee muscles, while the neuromuscular training group (NMTG) performed the same exercises as SG, plus neuromuscular training from the 4th week onwards. The primary outcomes were pain intensity, function, and 2-D kinematics of the trunk and lower limb. The secondary outcomes were isometric muscle strength and patient satisfaction level. All outcomes were evaluated at 12 weeks, immediately post-treatment. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, there was no evidence of between-group differences for any outcome, but both interventions provided clinically significant improvements for pain intensity (SG: mean difference -3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] -5.0, -2.9; NMTG: mean difference -3.1, 95% CI -4.1, -2.0) and function (SG: mean difference 15.3, 95% CI 11.5, 19.2; NMTG: mean difference 16.9, 95% CI 13.2, 20.7). CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular training did not produce any additional benefits for pain, function, or kinematics at 12 weeks of treatment.

Immediate effect of manual therapy techniques on the limitation of ankle dorsiflexion: a randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: The range of motion (RoM) of dorsiflexion (DF) plays an important role in human mobility, such as absorption of body weight during gait deceleration, jump landings, balance, and eccentric movements. This limitation can generate potentially damaging movements. This way, evaluating techniques for DF RoM increase could help improve immediate performance in such functional activities. This being the case, the objective of this study will be to verify the sum effect of different joint mobilization techniques for DF gain in persons practicing physical activities and its relationship with functional performance and balance. METHODOLOGY: This is a randomized, controlled, and blind clinical trial. Fifty-four (54) volunteers will be recruited, aged between 18 and 40 years, who have DF limitations. After checking eligibility criteria, the participants will be submitted to a physiotherapeutic evaluation. A researcher, blind to evaluation and treatment, will perform the randomization of patients in groups: (A) Joint Mobilization - Mulligan Concept and (B) Joint Mobilization - Maitland Method. All volunteers will be submitted by two blind evaluators for randomization and treatment groups. They will realize the initial evaluation (A0), immediately after techniques (A1) and after 3-4 days of the technique application (A2). A different researcher, blind for evaluation, will perform the treatment, according to the randomization group. DISCUSSION: It is already known that DF RoM limitation can lead to compensatory and potentially damaging lower limb movements and that joint mobilizations are effective to treatment. However, there is no consensus whether the application of these techniques would also improve aspects of dynamic postural balance and performance in individuals practicing physical activity, and whether the sum of two joint mobilization techniques could enhance this effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) RBR-93xv9t . Registered on 09 April 2020.

Electromiographic activity during single leg jump in adolescent athletes with chronic ankle instability: A pilot study.

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a common condition in athletes, which can alter the muscular activity of lower limb during jump. The objective of the study was to verify the magnitude of activation, onset timing and order of recruitment of the proximal and local muscles to the ankle of young athletes with CAI during a single leg vertical jump. Thirty-seven athletes were selected and divided into: 1) CAI group and 2) control group. An electromyographic evaluation was performed during the jump on force plate. The muscles evaluated were the proximal muscles - gluteus medius (GMed), rectus femoris (RF) and local ankle muscles - tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG). In propulsion, the CAI group showed early activation of all evaluated muscles, when compared to control group (p = 0.05). No diferences were found between groups concerning magnitude of electromyographic signal and order of muscle recruitment. During landing, an increase in magnitude of the electromyographic signal of TA in the CAI group was observed and no diferences were found between groups for onset activation and order of muscle recruitment. The results can be applied to athletes' rehabilitation through specific neuromuscular control exercises, such as reaction time and local and proximal joint stabilization to optimize muscle performance and injury incidence. Therefore, in the single leg vertical jump athletes with CAI presented higher activation of the TA in the landing and an early activation of the GMed, RF, TA, PL and LG in propulsion in relation to control group.

Additional effect of pain neuroscience education to craniocervical manual therapy and exercises for pain intensity and disability in temporomandibular disorders: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

The objective of this study will be to investigate the additional effect of pain neuroscience education program compared to a craniocervical manual therapy and exercises program for pain intensity and disability in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). This study will be a randomized controlled trial comprising a sample of 148 participants. Subjects between 18 and 55 years, both genders, will undergo a screening process to confirm painful TMD by the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD), and then the volunteers will be randomized into two groups (G1: pain neuroscience education + craniocervical manual therapy and exercises vs. G2: craniocervical manual therapy and exercises). The volunteers will be recruited at the dentistry clinic. The intervention will be administered twice a week for 6 weeks by a single therapist lasting 1 h per session. The primary outcome will be pain intensity and disability and the secondary outcomes will be pain self-efficacy, kinesiophobia, and global perceived effect of improvement. The participants will be assessed immediately after the last session and at one- and three-month follow-ups. All statistical analyses will be conducted following intention-to-treat principles, and the treatment effects will be calculated using linear mixed models. The results of this study may contribute to understand the additional effect of pain neuroscience education intervention on TMD patients submitted to manual therapy and exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03926767 . Registered on April 29, 2019.

Reliability of 2D kinematics during landing of volleyball athletes after exhaustion.

INTRODUCTION: It is possible to quantify changes in movement patterns through kinematic analysis of landing, especially to quantify changes in pre and post exhaustion situations, however the reliability of this post exhaustion analysis is not known. OBJECTIVE: To verify the inter and intra-examiner reliability of two-dimensional kinematic analysis during the landing of a vertical jump of volleyball athletes, pre and post exhaustion protocol. EXPERIMENTAL: Thirty volleyball athletes were recruited, and kinematic analysis was performed during landing, pre and post exhaustion protocol. The angular measurements analyzed were: 1) frontal plane: knee valgus and 2) sagittal plane: anterior trunk inclination, knee flexion and tibiotarsal angle, performed by two examiners. The reliability calculation used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), in addition to the error of measurement (SEM), the coefficient of variation (CV) and the minimum detectable difference (MDD). RESULTS: Regarding reliability: ICC = 0.95-0.98 (pre) and ICC = 0.83-0.98 (post exhaustion). The CV presented heterogeneous values for the knee valgus and the inclination of the trunk, both pre and post protocol. The SEM from all angles presented values that varied from 0.74°-2.33° and the MDD ranged from 2.55°-5.54° pre protocol and 2.05°-6.45° post protocol. CONCLUSION: 2D kinematic evaluation can be used during landing, before and after the application of an exhaustion protocol, but professionals should pay attention to the angles of the knee valgus and the inclination of the trunk, as they have a large CV.

Relationship between upper limb physical performance tests and muscle strength of scapular, shoulder and spine stabilizers: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Performance tests of the upper limb have been frequently used in the evaluation of individuals to identify risk of injury and to determine improvement in physical performance. Understanding the variables related to the performance of the tests is important for better applicability and interpretation of test results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investige the correlation between isometric strength of scapular, shoulder and spine muscles with physical performance test of upper limb in men and women. EXPERIMENTAL: Forty-nine healthy and physically conditioned individuals, men (n = 24) (22,7 ± 3,2 years; 74,6 ± 8,1 Kg; 176,7 ± 7,1 cm) women (n = 25) (23 ± 2,7 years; 61,5 ± 9,1 Kg; 163,2 ± 5,6 cm), were evaluated for shoulder abductor isometric strength (S-ABD); Middle (MT) and lower (LT) trapezium; lateral shoulder rotators (S-LR); flexors (T-FLEX), lateral incliners (T-INCL), and trunk extenders (T-EXT). Evaluation of upper limb physical performance was carried out by Upper Quarter Y Balance test (YBT-UQ) and Chain upper extremity stability test (CKC-UEST). Pearson's test (r values) p ≤ 0.05 was used to analyze the correlation. RESULTS: The results reveal strong correlations between S-ABD and CKC-UEST in male group; and strong correlations in female group between S-ABD strength with CKC-UEST; and S-LR with all YBT-UQ directions and score and between T-EXT strength with CKC-UEST. CONCLUSION: Therefore, strength of shoulder and spine stabilizers influences performance in upper limb tests, but with different correlations as to sex. To improve test performance, it may be important to increase the strength of the shoulder and spine muscles.

Análise dos instrumentos utilizados para avaliar a dor, função e cinemática do tronco e membro inferior em pacientes com dor femoropatelar: uma revisão da literatura / Analysis of the instruments used to evaluate the pain, function and kinematics of the trunk and lower limb in patients with Parellofemoral Pain: A Literature Review

A avaliação fisioterapêutica é fundamental para o diagnóstico cinético funcional da Dor Femoropatelar (DFP), bem como para mensuração da dor, limitações funcionais e déficits musculoesqueléticos destes pacientes. A avaliação também permite avaliar prognóstico, assim como evolução do tratamento fisioterapêutico conservador. Entretanto, devido à falta de padronização e validação dos instrumentos de medida, torna-se dificultosa a escolha da ferramenta mais apropriada para avaliar o processo de reabilitação dos pacientes com DFP. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os instrumentos mais adequados para a avaliação da dor, função e cinemática do tronco e membro inferior em pacientes com DFP. Para tal, foi realizado uma consulta à base de dados PubMed, utilizando as palavras-chave: "patellofemoral pain syndrome", "physical therapy" "physiotherapy", "evaluation", "measurement", "kinematics", "functional test", "functional activity". Sendo considerado, artigos em idioma inglês publicados entre 2000 a 2019. Os critérios de inclusão foram: 1) estudos que abordassem instrumentos de avaliação, sendo eles, escalas de dor, questionários que mensuram limitação funcional, e testes funcionais usados para analisar a cinemática do tronco e membro inferior; 2) estudos que analisassem as propriedades clinimétricas destes instrumentos; 3) população com DFP. Foram encontrados 1.399 artigos, sendo que após a retiradas de duplicatas, leitura de títulos e resumos, foram incluídos 13 estudos nesta revisão. Tais estudos foram classificados de acordo com Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. De acordo com a análise crítica dos artigos, pode-se afirmar que a Escala Visual Analógica e a Escala Numérica são ferramentas adequadas para mensurar a intensidade da dor nestes pacientes. O Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Activities of Daily Living Scale, Pain Severity Scale e Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Patellofemoral Subscale são eficazes para avaliar dor e função em pacientes com DFP, sendo os dois primeiros, os mais indicados. A escolha dos testes funcionais deverá ser realizada de acordo com o nível de capacidade física do paciente, sendo o Step Down Test indicado para a população sedentária, o Single Leg Squat e Single Leg Landing para população ativa, e o Single Leg Triple Hop Test para pacientes atletas.(AU)

: Physical therapy evaluation is fundamental for the functional diagnosis of Patellofemoral Pain (PFP), as well as for measuring pain, functional limitations and musculoskeletal deficits of these patients. The evaluation also allows the evaluation of prognosis, as well as evolution of conservative physiotherapeutic treatment. However, due to the lack of standardization and validation of measurement instruments, it is difficult to choose the most appropriate instrument to evaluate the rehabilitation process of patients with PFP. The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate instruments for the evaluation of pain, function and kinematics of the trunk and lower limb in patients with PFP. For this purpose, a search was performed to the PubMed database, using the keywords: "patellofemoral pain syndrome", "physical therapy" "physiotherapy", "evaluation", "measurement", "kinematics", "functional test", "functional activity". Being considered, articles in English published between 2000 and 2019. The inclusion criteria were: 1) studies addressing assessment instruments, such as pain scales, questionnaires that measure functional limitation, and functional tests used to analyze the kinematics of the trunk and lower limb; 2) studies analyzing the clinimetric properties of these instruments; 3) population with PFP. A total of 1,399 articles were found, and after the removal of duplicates, reading of titles and abstracts, 13 studies were included in this review. Such studies were classified according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. According to the critical analysis of the articles, it can be affirmed that the Visual Analog Scale and the Numerical Scale are adequate tools to measure pain intensity in these patients. The Previous Knee Pain Scale, Activities of Daily Living Scale, Pain Severity Scale and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Patellofemoral Subscale are effective for assessing pain and function in patients with PFP, the first two being the most indicated. The choice of functional tests should be performed according to the level of physical capacity of the patient, being the Step Down Test indicated for the sedentary population, Single Leg Squat and Single Leg Landing to active population, and Single Leg Triple Hop Test to athletes patients.(AU)

Effects of neuromuscular training and strengthening of trunk and lower limbs muscles in women with Patellofemoral Pain: A protocol of randomized controlled clinical trial, blinded.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) often affects young women, and the etiology is multifactorial and poorly understood. Conservative intervention has been focused on risk factors or aggravating factors and is composed of hip- and knee-strengthening exercises, as this population often has muscle weakness and poor motor control during daily and sports activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the additional effects of neuromuscular training in a conservative treatment of trunk-, hip-, and knee-muscle strengthening on pain, function, and kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb in women with PFP. METHODS: This is a randomised clinical trial, controlled, blinded. Ninety women who are active and engage in physical activity up to twice a week will be recruited. All participants will undergo an individual physiotherapy assessment and then will be allocated randomly into two groups. Thereafter, both groups will undergo a 12-week intervention protocol: group 1 will perform strengthening exercises for the trunk, hip, and knee muscles, while group 2 will receive the same treatment, with the inclusion of neuromuscular training exercises on the fourth week. At the end of the intervention, the volunteers will be evaluated. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity (using a Visual Analog Scale: over the last month, squat 90°, and step of 26 cm during 1 min), functional capacity (Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Activities of Daily Living Scale), and 2D kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb during the single-leg squat. The secondary outcomes correspond to the isometric muscular strength of the lower limb and the level of satisfaction from the intervention. DISCUSSION: The present study was initiated on 28 January 2018 and is currently in progress, scheduled for completion in July 2019. The results of this study should contribute to the physiotherapeutic treatment of women with PFP by aggregating information on the benefits of adding neuromuscular training to strengthening of the trunk and lower-limb muscles. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, ID: RBR-8c7267 . Registered on 2 August 2017.

Electromyographic activity of the quadriceps and gluteus medius muscles during/different straight leg raise and squat exercises in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) is characterized by anterior knee pain and affects young female adults. Physiotherapy is the most indicated treatment. The objective of the study was to analyze electromyographic activity of the quadriceps and gluteus medius muscles during different open and closed kinetic chain exercises in women with PPS. Twenty-two clinically healthy women and 24 women with symptomatic PPS were assessed through surface electromyography of the quadriceps and gluteus medius during the following exercises: straight leg raise with and without lateral hip rotation; squats; squats with adduction and hip abduction; and squats combined with lateral hip rotation. When comparing the groups, only the quadriceps muscle showed higher activity in the PPS group. In the comparisons between the exercises, in relation to gluteus medius and quadriceps muscle activity, the straight leg raise and straight leg raise with lateral hip rotation exercises showed more activity than squats in both groups. Among the squats, squats with adduction generated more gluteus medius activity in both groups, and no difference was noted among the squats for the quadriceps muscle. Therefore, rehabilitation programs that include exercises such as straight leg raises, straight leg raises with lateral hip rotation, and squats with adduction may be used for PPS patients.

Efetividade do tratamento fisioterapêutico na disfunção femoropatelar: uma revisão sistemática / Effectiveness of physical therapy in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review

A disfunção femoropatelar é descrita como uma condição de dor anterior no joelho, agravada por movimentos que aumentam as forças compressivas na articulação femoropatelar. Acomete principalmente mulheres jovens fisicamente ativas e sabe-se que sua etiologia é multifatorial, e fatores extrínsecos e intrínsecos ao corpo estão envolvidos. Em virtude da complexidade e inúmeras intervenções fisioterapêuticas, o objetivo dessa revisão sistemática foi discutir as evidências de maior relevância clínica na prática fisioterapêutica para intervenção baseada em exercícios nos pacientes com disfunção femoropatelar. O procedimento de busca e avaliação seguiu o método recomendado pelo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols e dessa forma, realizou-se uma consulta a base eletrônica de dados PubMed, no idioma inglês, entre os anos de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2017, com as palavras-chave: "patellofemoral pain syndrome", "physiotherapy", "exercise" e "treatment". Para os critérios de inclusão adotaram-se apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados, caracterizados por tratamento fisioterapêutico e intervenção baseada em exercícios e classificação maior ou igual a 7/10 na escala Physiotherapy Evidence Datebase. Foram encontrados na busca 269 ensaios clínicos randomizados, com 177 artigos selecionados por títulos relacionados ao tema. Após o processo de seleção e avaliação dos artigos, 11 estudos foram selecionados para discussão. Desses, 7 ensaios clínicos randomizados abrangeram exercícios de estabilização de quadril e joelho, sendo que 2 desses estudos acrescentaram exercícios de estabilização de tronco a intervenção. Portanto, o tratamento conservador é uma estratégia eficaz e uma intervenção baseada em exercícios envolvendo fatores proximais e locais ao joelho promovem alívio da dor e melhora da função em indivíduos com disfunção femoropatelar....(AU)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is described as an anterior pain condition in the knee, aggravated by movements that increase the compressive forces at the patellofemoral joint. It mainly affects young physically active women and it is known that its etiology is multifactorial, and extrinsic and intrinsic factors to the body are involved. Due to the complexity and numerous physiotherapeutic interventions, the objective of this systematic review was to discuss evidence of greater clinical relevance in the physiotherapeutic practice for exercise-based intervention in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The search and evaluation procedure followed the method recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols and, in this way, an electronic database of PubMed data was performed in the English language between January 2005 to December 2017, with the keywords: "patellofemoral pain syndrome", "physiotherapy", "exercise" and "treatment". For the inclusion criteria, only randomized clinical trials, characterized by physical therapy and exercisebased intervention, with a score greater than or equal to 7/10 on the Physiotherapy Evidence Datebase scale were adopted. 269 randomized clinical trials were found in the search, with 177 articles selected by titles related to the topic. After the selection process and evaluation of the articles, 11 studies were selected for discussion. Of these, 7 randomized clinical trials included hip and knee stabilization exercises, and 2 of these studies added trunk stabilization exercises to intervention. Therefore, conservative treatment is an effective strategy and an exercise-based intervention involving proximal and local factors to the knee promotes pain relief and improvement of function in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome....(AU)

Postural control in athletes with different degrees of visual impairment / Controle postural de atletas com diferentes graus de deficiência visual

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe postural control in athletes with different degrees of visual impairment in erect semi-static position and verify whether it differs with sport modalities. Twenty-two athletes with total loss of vision (functional classification B1) and 17 with partial loss of vision (functional classification B2 and B3) were included in this cross-sectional study. Their sport modalities were judo (n = 17), goalball (n = 12) and five-a-side football (n=10). Postural control was investigated on a force platform with athletes in bipedal stance with eyes closed and blindfolded. The elliptical area of 95% confidence interval (mm2) and the mean displacement velocity (mm/s) were calculated. Athletes with total loss of vision presented smaller oscillation area values (p = 0.02) when compared to athletes with partial loss of vision. Considering sport modality, five-a-side athletes were found to present the best postural control. Moreover, goalball athletes oscillated less and presented a lower mean displacement velocity in relation to judoists. The differences found in postural control in visually impaired athletes seem to be associated with the degree of loss of vision and specificities of each sport modality.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o controle postural na posição ereta semiestática de atletas com diferentes graus de deficiência visual e verificar se existem diferenças de acordo com a modalidade esportiva praticada. Participaram deste estudo seccional 22 atletas com perda total da visão (classificação funcional B1) e 17 com baixa visão (classificação funcional B2 e B3) das modalidades judô (n=17), goalball (n=12) e futebol de cinco (n=10). O controle postural foi investigado utilizando uma plataforma de força, sendo calculadas a área da elipse de 95% de intervalo de confiança (mm2) e a velocidade média de deslocamento (mm/s). A tarefa postural foi realizada com os pés unidos e olhos fechados e vendados. Atletas com perda total da visão apresentaram menores valores para área de oscilação (p=0,02) em relação aos atletas com baixa visão. Na comparação quanto à modalidade esportiva, foi possível observar que os atletas de goalball oscilaram menos e apresentaram menor velocidade de deslocamento que os atletas de judô. Em paralelo, os jogadores de futebol de cinco foram aqueles que apresentaram melhor controle postural. As diferenças encontradas no controle postural de atletas com deficiência visual parecem estar associadas ao grau de perda visual e às especificidades das modalidades esportivas.

Electromyographic ratio of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in children with and without temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated differences in surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in children with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD). PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four children aged 8-12 years were recruited, comprising 17 children with TMD and 17 without TMD (control group [CG]). The children were quasi-matched for sex, age, weight, and height. sEMG data were obtained using Myosystem® Br-1 equipment with 12 channels to evaluate the bilateral masseter, anterior temporalis, and suprahyoid muscles. For sEMG analysis, raw and normalized root mean square (RMS) values were obtained at rest and during maximum clenching. The sEMG ratios of the raw RMS data of the bilateral masseter in relation to the anterior temporalis muscles (sEMG-M/AT ratio) were also assessed. Mann-Whitney tests (p ≤ 0.05) were used to compare sEMG ratio between TMD group and CG. RESULTS: Significant prevalences of pain during chewing (53% vs. 0%, X2 = 5.87, p = 0.01), TMJ pain (58% vs. 0%, X2 = 6.67, p = 0.01), neck pain (58% vs. 18%, X2 = 3.77, p = 0.05) and pain in the temples (47% vs. 6%, X2 = 5.44, p = 0.02) were identified in the TMD group compared to CG. Our results revealed lower sEMG-M/AT ratios during maximum clenching (p = 0.01) in children with TMD compared to those in the asymptomatic CG. CONCLUSION: The results showed that children with TMD preferentially used their temporalis muscles during maximum voluntary clenching, probably as a consequence of nociceptive inputs in order to obtain pain relief.

Augmented movement strategies for postural control in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: a case-control study / Estratégias aumentadas de movimento para controle postural em pacientes com ataxia espinocerebellar tipo 3: caso-controle

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the movement strategies for postural control in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 5 patients with SCA3 (aged 41 to 51 years) and 5 healthy participants group-matched by age, body mass and body height.Participants performed 3 trials lasting 30 s each of postural tasks characterized by: feet apart or together; eyes open or closed. Center of pressure (CoP) data was quantified using three-dimensional (3D: number of high-density and high-speed regions, average and maximal distances among regions), two-dimensional (2D: elliptical area, average velocity) and one-dimensional (1D: standard deviation, velocity) parameters. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed significant interaction effect between group*task for 1D (F12,238=3.496, p<0.001), 2D (F6,184=11.472, p<0.001), and 3D parameters (F12,238=2.543, p=0.004). Significant univariate effects for postural task were observed for all parameters, with higher body sway values under visual and biomechanical constraints, either separated or combined. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SCA3 presented augmented movement strategiescompared with healthy subjects, characterized by increasing body sway under more demanding biomechanical and/ or visual constraints. Three-dimensional kinematic mapping revealed either random movement strategies or a unique movement strategy characterized by a stochastic CoP distribution, with high CoP speed to correct for large body sway deviations.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo investigou as estratégias de movimento para controle postural em pacientes com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 3 (SCA3). MÉTODOS: Este estudo de caso-controle incluiu cinco pacientes com SCA3 (idade 41 a 51 anos) e cinco participantes saudáveis, agrupados por idade, massa corporal e altura corporal. Os participantes realizaram três ensaios 30 s cada uma das tarefas posturais caracterizadas por: pés separados ou juntos; olhos abertos ou fechados. Os dados do centro de pressão (CoP) foram quantificados usando tridimensional (3D: número de alta densidade e alta velocidade regiões, distâncias médias e máximas entre regiões), bidimensional (2D: área elíptica, velocidade média) e unidimensional (1D: Desvio padrão, velocidade). RESULTADOS: Análise de variância Revelou um efeito de interação significativo entre a tarefa * grupo 1D (F12.238 = 3.496, p <0.001), 2D (F6.184 = 11.472, p <0.001) e os parâmetros 3D (F12,238 = 2,543, p = 0,004). Efeitos univariados significativos foram observados para todos os parâmetros, com maiores valores de balanço corporal sob restrições visuais e biomecânicas, separadas ou combinados. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com SCA3 apresentaram estratégias de movimento comparadas com indivíduos saudáveis, aumentando o balanço do corpo sob condições biomecânicas e / ou restrições visuais. O mapeamento cinemático tridimensional revelou estratégias de movimento aleatório ou uma estratégia de movimento caracterizada por uma distribuição estocástica de CoP, com alta velocidade de correção para os grandes desvios.

Muscle strength analysis of hip and knee stabilizers in individuals with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome / Análisis de la fuerza muscular de los estabilizadores del cuadril y de la rodilla en sujetos con Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral / Análise da força muscular dos estabilizadores do quadril e joelho em indivíduos com Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar

The Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the knee, characterized by pain in the frontal part of the knee, which is worsened by activities that increase compressive forces on the joint. Alterations in the muscle strength of the quadriceps and hip stabilizer muscles can change patellar biomechanics, increasing joint stress and exacerbating pain symptoms. The aim of the study was to compare the strength of the hip and knee stabilizing muscles of women without and with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. The study included 45 women, 20 volunteers without the syndrome and 25 with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Using an isometric dynamometer, the strength of the knee flexors and extensors, hip abductors and adductors, hip external rotators, medial rotators, hip flexors and hip extensors was evaluated. Women with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome had 22% less strength of the internal rotators and 23% less strength of the knee extensors compared to healthy ones. As for the other muscle groups assessed, no differences were found. Therefore, the present study emphasizes that the quadriceps muscles are still the most affected muscle in individuals with the Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

El Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral es uno de los trastornos más frecuentes de la rodilla, caracterizado por dolor anterior en la rodilla, que se agrava con actividades que aumentan las fuerzas compresivas en la articulación. Alteraciones en el estándar de fuerza muscular del cuádriceps o de la musculatura estabilizadora del cuadril podrían cambiar la biomecánica de la articulación patelofemoral y así aumentar el estrés articular y exacerbar los síntomas de dolor. El objetivo de eso estudio fue relacionar la fuerza de la musculatura del cuadril y de la rodilla en mujeres con y sin el síndrome. Eso estudio incluyó 45 voluntarias, 20 sin y 25 con el Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral. La fuerza isométrica de los músculos flexores y extensores de la rodilla, abductores, aductores, flexores, extensores, rotadores laterales y mediales del cuadril fue evaluada por una célula de carga ajustada. Mujeres con el Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral presentaron reducción del 22% de la fuerza de los rotadores mediales de cuadril y un 23% de los extensores de la rodilla, cuando comparadas con las sin el Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral. No fueron observadas diferencias en la fuerza isométrica entre los otros grupos musculares. Por lo tanto, los datos de eso trabajo resaltan que la musculatura quadricipital y los rotadores mediales del cuadril son los más comprometidos en sujetos con el Síndrome de Dolor Patelofemoral.

A Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar é uma das desordens mais frequentes do joelho, caracterizada por dor anterior no joelho, que se agrava com atividades que aumentam as forças compressivas na articulação. Alterações no padrão de força muscular do quadríceps ou da musculatura estabilizadora do quadril poderiam alterar a biomecânica da articulação femoropatelar e, assim, aumentar o estresse articular e exacerbar sintomas de dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a força da musculatura de quadril e joelho em mulheres com e sem tal síndrome. Participaram deste estudo 45 voluntárias, sendo 20 sem e 25 com a Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar. A força isométrica dos músculos flexores e extensores de joelho, abdutores, adutores, flexores, extensores, rotadores laterais e mediais do quadril foi avaliada por uma célula de carga adaptada. Mulheres com Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar apresentaram redução de 22% da força dos rotadores mediais de quadril e 23% dos extensores de joelho, em comparação àquelas sem a Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar. Não foram observadas diferenças na força isométrica entre os outros grupos musculares. Portanto, os dados deste trabalho reforçam que a musculatura quadricipital e os rotadores mediais do quadril são os mais comprometidos em indivíduos com Síndrome da Dor Femoropatelar.

Braking and propulsive impulses in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome when walking up and down stairs / Análise dos impulsos de frenagem e de propulsão em indivíduos com síndrome da dor femoropatelar durante subida e descida de degraus / Análisis de los impulsos de frenado y propulsión en la personas con síndrome de dolor patelofemoral durante la actividad de subir y bajar un escalón

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a prevalent clinical condition and it affects gait behavior. Braking and propulsive impulses are important biomechanical parameters obtained from ground reaction forces (GRF), which combine the amount of force applied over a period of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate these impulses while walking up and down stairs in healthy controls and PFPS individuals. The results did not reveal significant differences in braking and propulsive impulses between groups during these activities. Thus, the painful condition on a simple functional activity was insufficient to change the motor strategy to walking up or down the stairs...

"Análise dos impulsos de frenagem e de propulsão em indivíduos com síndrome da dor femoropatelar durante subida e descida de degraus." A síndrome da dor femoropatelar (SDFP) é uma condição clínica prevalente e que afeta o comportamento da marcha. Impulsos de frenagem e propulsão são importantes parâmetros biomecânicos obtidos a partir da força de reação do solo que combinam a quantidade de força aplicada sobre um período de tempo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar esses impulsos durante a subida e descida de degraus em indivíduos controle saudáveis e com SDFP. Os resultados não revelaram diferenças significativas nos impulsos de frenagem e propulsão entre os grupos durante essas atividades. Assim, a condição dolorosa em uma atividade funcional simples foi insuficiente para modificar a estratégia motora de descer ou subir degraus...

"Análisis de los impulsos de frenado y propulsión en la personas con síndrome de dolor patelofemoral durante la actividad de subir y bajar un escalón." El Síndrome de dolor patelofemoral (SDPF) es una condición médica prevalente que afecta al comportamiento de la marcha. Impulso de propulsión y de frenado son parámetros biomecánicos importantes obtenidos a partir de la fuerza de reacción del suelo que combinan la cantidad de fuerza aplicada durante un período de tiempo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar estos impulsos durante las actividades de subir y bajar un escalón en sujetos sanos y con SDP. Los resultados no mostraron diferencias significativas en los impulsos de frenado y propulsion entre los grupos durante las actividades. Por lo tanto, Por lo tanto, la condición dolorosa en una actividad funcional simple, no fue suficiente para cambiar la estratégia de subir y bajar un escalón...

Limitações do uso de órteses tornozelo-pé na doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth: estudo de caso / Limitations of ankle-foot-orthosis use in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a case study

A paresia distal crural, muito marcante nos pacientes com doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), provoca inúmeras alterações nos padrõesda marcha. Vários recursos de reabilitação têm sido propostos para gerenciar os problemas de deambulação, entre eles a utilização de órteses tornozelo-pé (OTP). O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar efeitos imediatos do uso de OTP na cinemática da marcha e nos parâmetros estabilométricos em paciente com CMT. Buscou-se avaliar: o equilíbrio e a marcha, por meio da Escala de Avaliação da Mobilidade Orientada pelo Desempenho (POMA); a cinemática da marcha, com o sistema Qualisys Track Manager (QTM); e a estabilometria, utilizando a plataforma de força. As avaliações foram realizadas antes e durante o uso de OTP. Observou-se declínio na escala POMA durante o uso da OTP de 11%. Na cinemática da marcha, verificou-se decréscimo na velocidade e comprimento da passada, assim comoaumento na duração dela. Na estabilometria, observou-se aumento na velocidade médio-lateral e na velocidade média na condição sem restrição visual, e aumento em todos os parâmetros de velocidade e deslocamento na condição com restrição visual durante o uso da OTP. O paciente avaliado não apresentou melhoras imediatas com aplicação de OTP, fato justificado pela presença de contraturas e tempo de evolução da doença. A prescrição de órteses na CMT deve respeitar as particularidades do paciente e a forma de apresentação da patologia.

The distal crural weakness, very striking in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), causes gait impairment. Several rehabilitationapproaches have been proposed to manage the ambulation problems, among them, the use of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The objective of this study is to analyze the immediate effects of using AFO in the gait kinematic and stabilometric parameters in a patient with CMT. We evaluated the balance and the gait using Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) Scale, gait kinematics using the Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) system and stabilometry, using a force platform. The evaluations were performed before and during the use of AFO. A decreasing of POMA scores was observed when the patient used AFO (11%). In the gait kinematic a decrease was verified in the speed gait and step length, as an increase in the time. In the stabilometry was observed an increase in the mediolateral velocity and average velocity in the condition without visual restrictionand an increase in all parameters of velocity and displacement in thecondition with visual restriction during the use of the AFO. The assessedpatient didn?t present immediate improvement with the AFO due to contractures presented and the time of the disease course. Prescription of orthosis in the CMT should respect the patient?s particularities and the clinical manifestations, and the way the pathology is presented.

Lesões em tenistas amadores no Rio de Janeiro / Injuries in amateur tennis players in Rio de Janeiro / Lesiones en tenistas amateurs en Rio de Janeiro

INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento desportivo em diversas modalidades está associado à presença de lesões, principalmente quando apresenta grande volume e intensidade. Poucos estudos nacionais investigaram a prevalência de lesão em tenistas, porém, as informações sobre a localização, o tipo e o mecanismo das lesões que acometem esse grupo de atletas são importantes para a prevenção e o tratamento de tais lesões. OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência de lesão relatada por tenistas amadores no município do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: A avaliação foi realizada por meio de um questionário estruturado, com informações sobre a região corporal acometida, tipo e mecanismo de lesão, além de dados sobre a característica do treinamento. Os grupos formados, lesão e não lesão, foram comparados pelo teste t de Student ou Mann-Whitney e pelo teste Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher, no programa SPSS (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Dos 159 jogadores de tênis (89,3% homens; 45,3 ± 11,4 anos de idade; 8,5 ± 6,6 anos de prática esportiva) que responderam o questionário, 38,4% relataram já ter sido acometidos por alguma lesão decorrente do tênis. As regiões mais acometidas foram: cotovelo (24,5%), joelho (11,3%) e tornozelo (6,9%). Considerando todas as lesões, a tendinite foi o tipo mais relatado (24,5%), seguido por entorse (12,6%) e lesão meniscal (4,4%). Com relação ao mecanismo de lesão, os mais prevalentes foram por repetição (25,2%) e mudança de direção (15,1%). O grupo lesão apresentou maiores valores para idade (48,8 ± 10,1 vs. 43,6 ± 11,8 anos), tempo de prática da modalidade (10,5 ± 8,5 vs. 7,2 ± 4,8 anos) e massa corporal total (86,8 ± 9,8 vs. 81,0 ± 11,0 ...

INTRODUCTION: Sports training in various modalities is associated with injuries, especially when presenting large volume and intensity. Few Brazilian studies have investigated the prevalence of injury in tennis players, however, information about the location, type and mechanisms injuries which affect this group of athletes are important for prevention and treatment of such injuries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of lesions reported by amateur tennis players in the city of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The evaluation was conducted through a structured questionnaire with information about the affected body region, type and mechanism of injury, as well as data on the characteristics of the training. The groups formed, injury and non injury, were compared by Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test, and the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, using SPSS software (p<0.05). RESULTS: Of 159 tennis players (89.3% men, 45.3±11.4 years old; 8.5±6.6 years of tennis practice) which completed the questionnaire, 38.4% reported having been affected by an injury arising from tennis. The most affected regions were: elbow (24.5%), knee (11.3%), and ankle (6.9%). Considering all injuries, tendinitis was the most frequently reported (24.5%), followed by sprain (12.6%) and meniscal injuries (4.4%). Regarding the mechanism of injury, the most prevalent were repetition (25.2%) and changes of direction (15.1%). The injury group presented higher age (48.8±10.1 vs. 43.6±11.8 years), years of tennis practice (10.5±8.5 vs. 7.2± 4.8), and total body mass (86.8±9.8 vs. 81.0±11.0kg). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of injuries in amateur tennis players in Rio de Janeiro was 38.4%, being lateral epicondylitis of the elbow the most frequent, due to the repetition of the characteristic motor actions of this sport. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El entrenamiento deportivo en diversas modalidades está asociado a la presencia de lesiones, principalmente cuando presenta gran volumen e intensidad. Pocos estudios nacionales investigaron la prevalencia de lesión en tenistas, no obstante, las informaciones sobre la localización, el tipo y el mecanismo de las lesiones que acometen a ese grupo de atletas son importantes para la prevención y el tratamiento de tales lesiones. OBJETIVO: Verificar la frecuencia de lesión relatada por tenistas amateurs en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: La evaluación fue realizada por medio de un cuestionario estructurado, con informaciones sobre la región corporal acometida, tipo y mecanismo de lesión, además de datos sobre la característica del entrenamiento. Los grupos formados, lesión y no lesión, fueron comparados por el test t de Student o Mann-Whitney y por el test del Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher, en el programa SPSS (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: De los 159 practicantes de tenis (89,3% hombres; 45,3 ± 11,4 años de edad; 8,5 ± 6,6 años de práctica deportiva) que respondieron el cuestionario, 38,4% relataron ya haber sido acometidos por alguna lesión proveniente del tenis. Las regiones más acometidas fueron: codo (24,5%), rodilla (11,3%) y tobillo (6,9%). Considerando todas las lesiones, la tendinitis fue el tipo más relatado (24,5%), seguido por entorsis (12,6%) y lesión meniscal (4,4%). Con relación al mecanismo de lesión, los más prevalentes fueron por repetición (25,2%) y cambio de dirección (15,1%). El grupo lesión presentó mayores valores para edad (48,8 ± 10,1 vs. 43,6 ± 11,8 años), tiempo de práctica de la modalidad (10,5 ± 8,5 vs. 7,2 ± 4,8 años) y masa corporal total (86,8 ± 9,8 vs. 81,0 ± 11,0 kg). CONCLUSIÓN: ...

Influence of exercises on patellar height in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the patellar height of volunteers with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in open kinetic chain (OKC) and closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises. METHODS: Twenty healthy women, and nineteen women with patellofemoral pain syndrome were evaluated and subjected to nuclear magnetic resonance imaging during rest and MVIC in OKC and CKC at 15°, 30°, and 45° knee flexion. The patellar height was assessed by the K-Pacs program,using the Insall-Salvati index. For each exercise and knee position, patellar height was measured three times and the procedure was repeated after seven days. RESULTS: These data did not confirm our hypothesis that OKC exercises promote increased patellar height. CONCLUSION: Patellar height is not associated with PPS and suggests that CKC exercises lead an increased patellar height during knee position at 15º and 45º flexion for the PPS group. Level of Evidence II, Comparative Prospective.

The effect of a patellar bandage on the postural control of individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

A patellar bandage is often used by individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) to reduce pain and the additional sensorial input improves proprioception of the knee joint. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of a patellar bandage on the postural control of individuals with and without PPS. [Subjects and Methods] An analysis was performed of variables of center of pressure (CoP) as recorded by a force plate. Information about the forces and moments in three directions was used to obtain the CoP. Thirty women participated in this study: 15 with PPS and 15 without PPS. All subjects performed 3 trials in a unipodal stance with and without a patellar bandage. The force plate data were used to calculate the following variables: CoP sway area, CoP displacement frequency, and CoP mean velocity for the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. A the linear mixed effects model was used for statistical analysis. [Results] Postural sway was significantly reduced in individuals with PPS when a patellar bandage was applied. [Conclusion] Additional sensory input from a patellar bandage increase proprioceptive feedback and this could be related to the improvement in postural control of PPS subjects.

Pain, Work-related Characteristics, and Psychosocial Factors among Computer Workers at a University Center.

[Purpose] Complaint of pain is common in computer workers, encouraging the investigation of pain-related workplace factors. This study investigated the relationship among work-related characteristics, psychosocial factors, and pain among computer workers from a university center. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen subjects (median age, 32.0 years; interquartile range, 26.8-34.5 years) were subjected to measurement of bioelectrical impedance; photogrammetry; workplace measurements; and pain complaint, quality of life, and motivation questionnaires. [Results] The low back was the most prevalent region of complaint (76.9%). The number of body regions for which subjects complained of pain was greater in the no rest breaks group, which also presented higher prevalences of neck (62.5%) and low back (100%) pain. There were also observed associations between neck complaint and quality of life; neck complaint and head protrusion; wrist complaint and shoulder angle; and use of a chair back and thoracic pain. [Conclusion] Complaint of pain was associated with no short rest breaks, no use of a chair back, poor quality of life, high head protrusion, and shoulder angle while using the mouse of a computer.