Effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of Pilates exercises on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, SportDiscus, Scielo, and PEDro. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that intervened with Pilates and had HRQoL as an outcome were eligible. The methodological quality of each RCT was assessed using the PEDro scale and the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE system. Meta-analyses were conducted by standardized mean difference (SMD). RESULTS: Initially, 760 records were located. After screening, 11 RCTs were included in the systematic review. Five studies presented low risk of bias (PEDro score ≥ 6). Evidence of very low to moderate certainty demonstrated significant effects in favor of Pilates exercises vs control groups for five of the nine HRQoL domains analyzed: bodily pain (SMD = 0.96), physical functioning (SMD = 0.85), social functioning (SMD = 0.45), role physical (SMD = 0.79), and role emotional (SMD = 0.61). Subgroup analyzes demonstrated that Pilates had a positive impact on more domains whens administered for ≥ 48 sessions (eight domains) vs < 48 sessions (three domains); and when administered on equipment (seven domains) vs mat (three domains). CONCLUSION: Pilates exercises, in general, allowed significant effects to improve HRQoL in postmenopausal women, especially when performed on equipment and when administered for at least 48 sessions. However, no analysis showed high certainty of evidence, and more RCTs of high methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

Application of mobility training methods in sporting populations: A systematic review of performance adaptations.

This systematic review investigates influences of mobility training in sporting populations on performance outcomes. The search strategy involved Embase, MEDLINE Complete, Sports Discus and manual search from inception to March 2022. Mobility training studies with a minimum three-week, or 10-session duration in healthy sporting populations of any age were included. Twenty-two studies comprising predominantly young adult or junior athletes were analysed from 319 retrieved articles. Performance outcomes were strength, speed, change of direction, jumping, balance, and sport-specific skills. Fifteen studies randomized participants with only four indicating systematic allocation concealment and blinding of outcomes assessors in only one study. In 20 of 22 studies mobility training was of some benefit or helped to maintain sports performance to a larger degree than control conditions. Control conditions, which were generally no activity conditions, were primarily non-significant. The majority of evidence suggests that a range of mobility training methods may improve key sports performance variables or are unlikely to impair performance over time. Therefore, coaches can consider the potential benefits of including comprehensive mobility programmes with minimal risk of impairing performance. Higher-quality studies in homogenous populations are necessary to confirm performance changes.

Effects of stretching in a pilates program on musculoskeletal fitness: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The scientific literature questions the impact of stretching exercises performed immediately before muscle strengthening exercises on different components of musculoskeletal physical fitness. Pilates is a physical exercise modality that typically uses stretching exercises preceding muscle-strengthening exercises. However, no studies have investigated the effects of stretching in a Pilates program on components of musculoskeletal fitness. The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of stretching in a Pilates exercise program on flexibility, strength, vertical jump height and muscular endurance. METHODS: Thirty-two sedentary young women were randomized into two groups: traditional Pilates (TP), who performed flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises (n = 16), and nontraditional Pilates (NTP), who only performed muscle-strengthening exercises (n = 16). Sessions took place 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The following tests were performed pre- and postintervention: 10-RM knee extensors, vertical jump, handgrip, 1-min sit-ups, Sorensen and sit-and-reach. The occurrence of adverse events was recorded throughout the intervention and compared between groups using odds ratio (OR). To compare the results of motor tests between groups, ANCOVA or Mann‒Whitney U test was used for parametric and nonparametric data, respectively. The data were analyzed by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: After intervention, the TP was superior to NTP for the sit-and-reach test, with a large effect size (d = 0.87; p = 0.035), with no differences between groups for the other tests. Intragroup comparisons showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for TP and NTP for improvement in 10-RM knee extensors and vertical jump measurements, while only TP showed significant intragroup improvement (p < 0.05) for the sit-and-reach test. A greater chance of experiencing pain or other discomfort as a result of exercise was shown by NTP (OR = 4.20, CI95% 0.69 to 25.26). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that stretching exercises performed at the beginning of sessions in a Pilates program did not impair or enhance the development of strength, vertical jump height and muscular endurance in young women. However, only the Pilates program with stretching improved flexibility and reduced the chances of adverse events such as musculoskeletal pain and other discomfort resulting from the exercise protocol. CLINICALTRIALS: GOV: NCT05538520, prospectively registered on September 16, 2022.

Landing wise program: feasibility study protocol for Parkinson's disease.

Regardless of the benefits of fall prevention programs, people with Parkinson's disease (PD) will still fall. Therefore, it is crucial to explore novel therapeutic approaches that are well-accepted and effective for addressing fall risk and the fear of falls among this population. The present study aims to assess the feasibility of the Landing Wise program as a therapeutic intervention for reducing the fear of falling in people with PD. A mixed-methods study will be conducted using convenience sampling to recruit 20 people with PD with a moderate concern of falling from a Parkinson's Patients Association. In addition to usual care, participants will attend 2 days per week, 90 min group sessions for 8 weeks. The intervention combines group cognitive behavioral intervention with the training of safe landing strategies. Feasibility will be assessed by six key domains (recruitment strategy and rates, enrollment, retention, acceptability, reasons for decline/withdrawal, and adverse events). Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize the sample, followed by inferential statistics to evaluate differences in the Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International Scale, Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Timed Up Go, 6-Minutes Walking Distance, and fall frequency and severity scores between baseline and final assessment. Qualitative data will be analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis process. There is a growing interest in developing new effective therapeutic approaches for people with PD. If proven program feasibility, this study precedes a randomized controlled trial to establish the effectiveness of the Landing Wise program.

Functional Neuromyofascial Activity: Interprofessional Assessment to Inform Person-Centered Participative Care-An Osteopathic Perspective.

Introduction: Health professionals and bodyworkers may be pivotal in promoting prevention programs, providing tailored advice and guidance to patients' adherence to self-care strategies, such as physical activity. Contemporary evidence encourages manual therapists to involve patients in decision-making and treatment procedures integrating passive and active approaches in treatment planning. This manuscript provides a definition and applications of neuromyofascial movement patterns, discusses the significance of functional assessment, and gives an example of clinical applications in the osteopathic field to highlight how this assessment can promote interdisciplinarity. Methods: The reporting framework used in the current manuscript followed guidelines for writing a commentary. Results: The manuscript highlights the crucial role that the neuromyofascial system plays in human movement and overall well-being and the importance of a functional neuromyofascial activity assessment in the context of person-centered participative care. Conclusions: Understanding individual neuromyofascial patterns could help healthcare practitioners, movement specialists, and bodyworkers in tailoring treatment plans, meeting patients' unique needs, and promoting a more effective personalized approach to care. The current perspective could spark debates within the professional community and provide a research roadmap for developing an evidence-informed interprofessional framework.

Sincronismo muscular en patrones de movimiento de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat: latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica / Muscle timing in upper limb movement patterns described by Kabat: Latency at the beginning of the peak of maximum electromyographic activation

Introducción El método Kabat sostiene que el sincronismo normal se produce de distal a proximal, lo cual requiere evidencia electromiográfica. Objetivo Describir el sincronismo muscular de patrones motores de miembros superiores descritos por Kabat, en posiciones sedente y supina, a partir de la medición de la latencia al inicio del pico de la máxima activación electromiográfica (IPMA-EMG) de músculos seleccionados. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio analítico comparativo. Se evaluó a 20 hombres y 20 mujeres entre 19 y 26 años. Cada participante realizó 3repeticiones activas sin resistencia externa de cada uno de los patrones de movimiento (flexor y extensor) de las 2diagonales. Se registró la latencia del IPMA-EMG para cada uno de los 8músculos evaluados en los 4patrones de movimiento, tanto en supino como en sedente. Estos se promediaron y se ordenaron de menor a mayor para obtener la secuencia de contracciones musculares en cada patrón de movimiento. Se compararon las secuencias obtenidas para cada patrón en sedente y supino y se valoró la existencia de correlaciones entre ellas. Resultados Se observó correlación significativa en las secuencias del IPMA-EMG entre posiciones supina y sedente, en todos los patrones de movimiento (p<0,05), excepto en el patrón extensor de la primera diagonal (p=0,139). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre posiciones en ninguno de los patrones (p>0,05). Conclusiones Aunque con variaciones en la IPMA-EMG, se halló, en general, un sincronismo muscular de proximal a distal, más evidenciado en la posición sedente y en los patrones flexores (AU)

Introduction The Kabat method argues that normal synchronism occurs from distal to proximal, which requires electromyographic evidence. Objective To describe the muscular timing of motor patterns of the upper limbs described by Kabat, in seated and supine positions, from the measurement of the latency at the beginning of the peak of the maximum electromyographic activation (BPM-EMG-A) of selected muscles. Material and methods A comparative analytical study was carried out. Twenty men and 20 women between 19 and 26 years old were evaluated. Each participant performed 3active repetitions without external resistance of each of the movement patterns (flexor and extensor) of the 2diagonals. BPM-EMG-A latency was recorded for each of the 8muscles tested in the 4movement patterns, both supine and seated. These were averaged and ordered from lowest to highest to obtain the sequence of muscle contractions in each movement pattern. The sequences obtained for each pattern in seated and supine were compared and the existence of correlations between them was assessed. Results Significant correlation was observed in the BPM-EMG-A sequences between supine and seated positions, in all movement patterns (P<0.05), except in the extensor pattern of the first diagonal (P=0.139). There were no statistically significant differences between positions in any of the patterns (P>0.05). Conclusion Although with variations in BPM-EMG-A, muscle timing was generally found from proximal to distal, more evident in the sitting position and in flexor patterns (AU)

Desempenho no teste FMS® em mulheres e homens praticantes de exercício resistido / FMS® performance of women and men practicing resistance training

Introdução: Os exercícios resistidos (ER) compõem o programa de condicionamento físico de um grande número de indivíduos. Nesses programas são realizadas avaliações periódicas para planejamento e acompanhamento dos efeitos do treinamento. Recentemente, além das avaliações físicas tradicionais tem sido recomendada a inclusão de testes funcionais para avaliação do padrão de movimento dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho funcional de mulheres e homens praticantes de ER. Métodos: Cinquenta e sete participantes (27 mulheres, 26,2 ± 5,1 anos; e 30 homens, 26,3 ± 5,8 anos) fisicamente ativos e experientes na prática de ER foram avaliados através da bateria de testes Functional Movement Screen (FMS®). O escore total foi comparado entre os sexos através do teste U de Mann-Whitney; já a distribuição dos escores parciais (escores de cada teste) e a proporção de escores assimétricos entre os grupos foram realizadas através do teste do Qui-Quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados: O escore total das mulheres foi 14,6 ± 1,5 pontos, e o dos homens, 15,3 ± 1,4 pontos, de modo que não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos. Considerando os escores parciais, os homens apresentaram melhor desempenho no teste de estabilidade de tronco (p = 0,001) e de agachamento (p = 0,024), enquanto as mulheres apresentaram melhor desempenho no teste de mobilidade de ombros (p = 0,001). Neste último, além de apresentarem piores resultados, os homens foram significativamente mais assimétricos (p = 0,002). Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem a necessidade de uma observação mais detalhada dos escores parciais para o planejamento de programas de treinamento personalizados, que atendam às necessidades de cada indivíduo.

Introduction: Resistance training (RT) is part of the physical fitness program of a large number of people. In these programs, periodic evaluations are carried out to plan and monitor the effects of training. Recently, in addition to the traditional physical evaluations, it has been recommended the inclusion of functional tests to evaluate the movement pattern of individuals. Objective: To assess the functional performance of women and men participating of RT. Methods: Fifty-seven participants (27 women, 26.2 ± 5.1 years old; and 30 men, 26.3 ± 5.8 years old), who are physically active and experienced in RT, were assessed through the use of Functional Movement Screen (FMS®). The total score was compared between the genders using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the distribution of the partial scores (scores of individual tests) and the proportion of asymmetric scores between groups was performed through the Chi-Square test (p < 0.05). Results: Women and men presented, respectively, a total score of 14.6 ± 1.5 and 15.3 ± 1.4 points, and there was no significant difference between genders. Considering the partial scores, men performed better in the trunk stability (p = 0.001) and deep squat (p = 0.024) tests, while women presented higher scores in the shoulder mobility test (p = 0.001). In the latter, besides presenting worse results, men were significantly more asymmetrical (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the necessity of a more detailed observation of the partial scores in order to plan personalized training programs that consider the participants' individual needs.

Clasificación de los medios y métodos empleados en el entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad: una reflexión crítica

El entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad representa un nuevo paradigma del fitness, además es un tipo de ejercicio que crece a nivel mundial en cuanto a practicantes y centros de acondicionamiento físico que lo ofertan; no obstante, la documentación respecto a la forma de realizar este tipo de entrenamientos es escasa, por lo que se puede presentar diferentes problemáticas en este ámbito de la actividad física, el deporte y la salud por desconocimiento de cómo efectuar este tipo de ejercicio físico de alta intensidad. El objetivo estudio de este artículo es hacer una reflexión crítica sobre los medios y métodos aplicados en el entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad. Posterior a la consulta de literatura se propone la siguiente clasificación para los medios (calisténicos/gimnásticos, cardiometabólico y levantamiento), mientras que los métodos obtuvieron dos clasificaciones, una basada en la modalidad (medios) y otra en la organización (estructura de la sesión). En conclusión, esta nueva propuesta se ajusta más a la realidad del entrenamiento funcional de alta intensidad desde las bases del entrenamiento deportivo.

High-intensity functional training represents a new fitness paradigm, it is also a type of exercise that is growing worldwide in terms of practitioners and fitness centers that offer it, despite the documentation regarding how to perform this type of exercise is scarce, so different problems can arise in this area of physical activity, sports and health due to a lack of knowledge of how to carry out this type of high-intensity physical exercise. The study objective of this article is to make a critical reflection on the means and methods applied in high intensity functional training. After consulting the literature, the following classification is proposed for the means (calisthenics/gymnastics, cardiometabolic and lifting), while the methods obtained two classifications, one based on the modality (means) and the other on the organizational (structure of the session). In conclusion, this new proposal is more in line with the reality of high-intensity functional training from the bases of sports training.

Three Ways to Improve Arm Function in the Chronic Phase After Stroke by Robotic Priming Combined With Mirror Therapy, Arm Training, and Movement-Oriented Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of bilateral robotic priming combined with mirror therapy (R-mirr) vs bilateral robotic priming combined with bilateral arm training (R-bilat), relative to the control approach of bilateral robotic priming combined with movement-oriented training (R-mov) in patients with stroke. DESIGN: A single-blind, preliminary, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Four outpatient rehabilitation settings. PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients with stroke and mild to moderate motor impairment (N=63). INTERVENTIONS: Patients received 6 weeks of clinic-based R-mirr, R-bilat, or R-mov for 90 min/d, 3 d/wk, plus a transfer package at home for 5 d/wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity subscale (FMA-UE), ABILHAND, and Stroke Impact Scale v3.0 scores before, immediately after, and 3 months after treatment as well as lateral pinch strength and accelerometry before and immediately after treatment. RESULTS: The posttest results favored R-mirr over R-bilat and R-mov on the FMA-UE score (P<.05). Follow-up analysis revealed that significant improvement in FMA-UE score was retained at the 3-month follow-up in the R-mirr over R-bilat or R-mov (P<.05). Significant improvements were not observed in the R-mirr over R-bilat and R-mov on other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Between-group differences were only detected for the primary outcome, FMA-UE. R-mirr was more effective at enhancing upper limb motor improvement, and the effect has the potential to be maintained at 3 months of follow-up.

Effects of chair-based resistance band exercise on physical functioning, sleep quality, and depression of older adults in long-term care facilities: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Chair-based resistance band exercise (CRBE) is a simple and safe physical activity for persons with limited mobility. This study aimed to review and analyze CRBE effects on physical functioning, sleep quality, and depression among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Method: A systematic search guided by the PRISMA 2020 approach was performed on specific databases: AgeLine, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. The randomized controlled trial studies that trialed CRBE for older adults in LTCF, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language from inception to March 2022 were retrieved. Methodological quality was established using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The random and fixed effects model were used to generate the pooled effect size. Results: Nine studies met the eligibility criteria and were synthesized. The results revealed that CRBE significantly promoted the activity of daily living (six studies; SMD = 0.30, P = 0.001), lung capacity (three studies; MD = 40.35, P < 0.001), handgrip strength (five studies; MD = 2.17, P < 0.001), upper limb muscle endurance (five studies; MD = 2.23, P = 0.012), lower limb muscle endurance (four studies; MD = 1.32, P < 0.001), upper body flexibility (four studies; MD = 3.06, P = 0.022), lower body flexibility (four studies; MD = 5.34, P < 0.001), dynamic balance (three studies; MD = -0.35, P = 0.011), sleep quality (two studies; MD = -1.71, P < 0.001), and reduced depression (two studies; SMD = -0.33, P = 0.035). Conclusion: The evidence suggests that CRBE improved physical functioning parameters, and sleep quality, and lowers depression among older adults in LTCF. This study could be used to persuade long-term care facilities to allow people with limited mobility to engage in physical activity.

A resistência do fluxo inspiratório modifica a intensidade de uma sessão de pilates? / Does inspiratory flow resistance modify the intensity of a pilates session?

INTRODUÇÃO: As evidências sobre a melhora da capacidade funcional utilizando o Método Pilates não são contundentes. Uma possibilidade de melhorar o efeito de uma sessão de Pilates sobre a capacidade cardiorrespiratória de seus praticantes é utilizar a resistência de fluxo inspiratório (RFI) de forma concomitante. Esse efeito pode ser visualizado através da determinação do limiar glicêmico (LG), técnica utilizada como marcador de intensidade do exercício. OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de que a utilização de RFI em uma sessão de pilates antecipa o LG. MÉTODOS: Estudo crossover de corte transversal. Foram avaliados 26 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, sendo 10 do sexo masculino, sadios e com idade entre 20 e 40 anos. Os voluntários foram randomizados para dois protocolos: Protocolo RFI ­ 11 movimentos do Método Pilates com RFI utilizando 20% da pressão inspiratória máxima; e Protocolo sem RFI (SRFI) ­ 11 movimentos do Método Pilates sem RFI. Os dois protocolos foram realizados no mesmo dia, sendo um pela manhã e outro à tarde, conforme randomização feita por sorteio aleatório simples. No repouso e ao final de cada movimento coletas de sangue capilar foram realizadas para dosagem da glicemia e construção da curva glicêmica. O LG foi determinado no menor ponto da curva. RESULTADOS: O LG foi antecipado no protocolo que utilizou RFI, ou seja, no protocolo com RFI o LG foi visualizado no sexto exercício, enquanto no protocolo SRFI o LG foi visualizado no nono exercício (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A RFI antecipou o LG, o que sugere que a RFI aumenta a intensidade de uma sessão de pilates. Isso aventa a hipótese de que a RFI pode proporcionar a médio e longo prazo benefícios adicionais aos praticantes do Método Pilates.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence on the improvement of functional capacity using the Pilates Method is not conclusive. One possibility to improve the effect of a Pilates session on the cardiorespiratory capacity of its practitioners is to use the inspiratory flow resistance (IFR) concomitantly. This effect can be visualized by determining the glycemic threshold (GT), a technique used as an exercise intensity marker. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the use of IFR in a Pilates session anticipates GT. METHODS: Cross-sectional crossover study. A total of 26 individuals of both genders were evaluated, 10 of whom were male, healthy, and aged between 20 and 40 years. The volunteers were randomized to two protocols: Protocol IFR - Eleven movements of the Pilates method with IFR using 20% of the maximum inspiratory pressure, and Protocol no IFR (NIFR) - Eleven movements of the Pilates method without IFR. The two protocols were performed on the same day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, according to randomization by simple random draw. At rest and at the end of each movement, capillary blood collections were performed to measure blood glucose and construct the glycemic curve. GT was determined at the smallest point on the curve. RESULTS: The GT was anticipated in the protocol that used IFR; that is, in the protocol with IFR, the GT was visualized in the sixth exercise, while in the NIFR protocol, the GT was visualized in the ninth exercise (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: IFR anticipated GT, which suggests that IFR increases the intensity of a Pilates session. This suggests the hypothesis that IFR can provide additional medium and long-term benefits to Pilates method practitioners.

Education to keep the abdomen relaxed versus contracted during pilates in patients with chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a very common symptom frequently characterized as a biopsychosocial problem. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of education to keep the abdomen relaxed versus contracted during Pilates exercises in patients with primary chronic low back pain. METHODS: Two-group randomised controlled trial with allocation of parallel groups and intention-to-treat-analysis. This study will be conducted in Lavras, MG, Brazil. A total of 152 participants will be randomised into two groups that will be treated with Pilates exercises for 12 weeks (twice a week for 60 minutes). Recruitment began in May 2022. The control group will receive guidance on the specific activation of the center of strength (the powerhouse), while the experimental group will receive guidance to perform the exercises in a relaxed and smooth way. Primary outcomes will be pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and disability (Rolland-Morris Questionnaire) 12 weeks post randomisation. Secondary outcomes will be global improvement (Perception of Global Effect Scale) and specific functionality (Patient-specific Functional Scale). The outcomes will be analyzed using repeated-measure linear mixed models. The assessors were not considered blinded because the participants were not blinded, and outcomes were self-reported. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study will help in clinical decision-making concerning the need to demand abdominal contraction during the exercises, understanding if it's a fundamental component for the effectiveness of the Pilates method for this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials (NCT05336500) in April 2022.

Can mat Pilates and belly dance be effective in improving body image, self-esteem, and sexual function in patients undergoing hormonal treatment for breast cancer? A randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on body image, self-esteem and sexual function in breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy. Seventy-four breast cancer survivors were randomly allocated into mat Pilates, belly dance, or control group. The physical activity groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered 3 days a week, and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions. Data collection occurred at baseline, post-intervention, 6 and 12 months of follow-up with a questionnaire including body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index) measures. The belly dance group significantly improved body image on limitations scale in the short term and long term, the mat Pilates significantly improved body image on limitations only in the long term, and the control group significantly decreased body image on limitations in the long term. The belly dance group experienced reduced discomfort and pain during sexual relations in the short and long term. All groups showed a significant improvement in self-esteem, but orgasm sub-scale scores declined over time. No adverse events were found for any of the exercise intervention groups. Belly dance seem to be more effective than mat Pilates and control group in improving limitations of body image and sexual discomfort in the short term for breast cancer survivors. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997) - "Pilates and Dance to Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment".

Refining the design of a smartphone application for people with chronic low back pain using mixed quantitative and qualitative approaches.

INTRODUCTION: A mobile application has the potential to involve people with chronic NSLBP in their rehabilitation. To refine the design of a smartphone application for people with chronic NSLBP using mixed quantitative and qualitative approaches. METHODS: We used a user-centred design approach involving people with chronic NSLBP and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We used a three-step methodology: developing consensus on the features, content, and design of the app; developing a user interface; and usability testing of the app and assessing users' experience. Transcripts of interviews of users were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 18 people (aged 45 [23-53] years old) with chronic NSLBP, and 7 HCPs (aged 29.5 [25-55] years old) involved in NSLBP management were interviewed. The overall experience of using the smartphone eLombactif app was initially assessed. Then, with close-ended questions we evaluated users' judgements on the content, its presentation and navigation. Finally, we asked for suggestions: "application content and functionality" and "content presentation" from participants regarding the use and development of the app analyzed by a qualitative methodology. CONCLUSIONS: This study described how we refined the design of our application for people with chronic NSLBP using a qualitative and quantitative approaches. This methodology allows for deepening the knowledge of the needs and expectations of potential users by measuring their user experience.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONNon-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a major global public health issue leading to considerable economic cost and is primarily responsible for pain and disability.Mobile application has the potential to involve people with chronic NSLBP in their rehabilitation.This study described how we refined the design of our application for people with chronic NSLBP using a qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Mind-Body Exercise Performed by Physical Therapists for Reducing Pain and Disability in Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of mind-body (MB) exercise interventions provided by physical therapists for reducing pain and disability in people with low back pain (LBP). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published in English between December 2010 and June 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of Pilates, yoga, and tai chi interventions performed by physical therapists on pain or disability outcomes in adults with musculoskeletal LBP were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Quality of evidence and risk of bias were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework and Cochrane risk of bias tools, respectively. DATA SYNTHESIS: 21,230 exercise trials were identified; 161 progressed to full-text review. Eight trials, 7 reporting on Pilates and 1 reporting on yoga, were included. Short-term outcomes for pain (SMD: -0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.65 to -0.021) and disability (SMD: -0.74 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.012) indicated MB exercise was more effective than control intervention. Tests for subgroup differences between studies with exercise vs non-exercise control groups revealed a moderating effect on short-term outcomes where larger effects were observed in studies with non-exercise comparators. Long-term outcomes for pain (SMD: -0.60; 95% CI:-1.43 to 0.23) and disability (SMD: -1.05; 95% CI:-3.51 to 1.41) suggested that MB exercise is not more effective than control interventions for pain or disability. Quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapist-delivered MB exercise interventions, which overwhelmingly consisted of Pilates, were more effective than control in the short and long-term for pain and in the short-term for disability, with differences in the short-term effects lessened when compared with an active intervention. Pilates interventions delivered by physical therapists represent a viable tool for the clinical management of chronic LBP.

Social ecological model based analysis of sport exercise behaviors and associated factors among children and adolescents in Ningxia / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the influencing factors underlying physical exercise behavior among children and adolescents aged 9-18 years in Ningxia, China, in 2019, and to provide suggestions for physical exercise among children and adolescents by adopting a social ecological model.@*Methods@#Based on data related to 12 018 children and adolescents in Ningxia aged 9-18 years old which were obtained from the National Survey on Students Constitution and Health in 2019, the survey questions scored based on the four levels of the social ecological model.@*Results@#The proportion of children and adolescents who engaged in physical exercise for less than 1 hour a day accounted for 55.97% of the total number of people in Ningxia. Regardless of whether they were able to engage in enough physical activity, individual factors played a dominant role in influencing the behavior of the children and adolescents, and an interaction was found between influencing factors at different levels( r=-0.01, 0.01, -0.08, 0.04, P <0.01). The results of the stepwise regression analysis showed that the personal factors e.g. sports makes me healthy, I don t have enough time, muscle strength exercise, I have no movement of any relationship partner, sports make me know partner, policy in the number of physical education, number of sports meeting in a school year, the average daily lesson hold number all affect children s sports activities in time( B =-0.05-0.16, P <0.01).@*Conclusions@#The lack of physical exercise among children and adolescents in Ningxia is the result of multiple factors. Comprehensive and diversified intervention should be administered from a socio ecological framework to promote the formation of physical exercise habits among children and adolescents.

Correlation between academic stress and extracurricular physical exercise among college students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#The study aimed to investigate the relationship between academic stress and extracurricular physical exercise among college students, with the goal of providing evidence and reference for effectively alleviating academic stress.@*Methods@#A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed, along with the Chinese College Student Psychological Health Screening Scale and a self designed questionnaire. In January 2023, an online survey was conducted among 1 108 college students from eight colleges and universities in Jiangsu Province. Statistical analyses included independent samples t test, one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the optimal scale regression model.@*Results@#It revealed that 50.8% of students worried about falling behind their peers in their studies, 51.7% expressed concerns about exams, 21.7% exerted significant effort but still struggled to keep up with the pace of learning, and 24.9% felt difficulties in their studies. The overall index of academic stress was higher among undergraduate institutions, first year students, female students, and urban residents ( t/F =3.66, 10.96, -5.46, 3.52, P <0.01). The average time of weekly extracurricular physical exercise for students was (2.35±2.18)h, and there were significant differences by gender, only child status, and grade groups( t/F =2.35, 4.66, 7.09, P <0.05). The optimal scale regression model analysis ( R 2=0.17, F=32.03, P <0.01) revealed that the regression coefficient and partial correlation coefficient between academic stress and extracurricular physical exercise time were both -0.33( P <0.01). The importance of extracurricular physical exercise in the model was 0.66, with a tolerance value of 0.97. The regression coefficients and partial correlation coefficients for academic stress and extracurricular physical exercise time were -0.35, -0.35 for undergraduate students, and -0.31, -0.32 for junior college students ( P < 0.01 ).@*Conclusion@#A significant number of college students experience varying degrees of academic stress, and their engagement in extracurricular physical exercise is insufficient. There is a negative association between academic stress and extracurricular physical activity time among college students. Universities should encourage students to increase extracurricular physical activity time to reduce academic stress and promote college students mental health.

Electromyographic Activation and Co-contraction of the Thigh Muscles During Pilates Exercises on the Wunda Chair.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Pilates exercises on the Wunda chair (Going Up Front and Mountain Climb) activate the muscles rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) in 2 situations (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat). Methods: Sixteen young female Pilates practitioners (18-35 years old) participated in this study. The muscles of their right leg were then submitted to electromyography analysis during the exercises. Results: Significant differences were found for the RF muscle (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]), which was assessed and compared between the 2 exercises (Going Up Front and Mountain Climb: F = 9.83; P = .03; np2 = 0.14); 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 40.02; P < .001; np2 = 0.90) and interactions (F = 14.49; P < .001; np2 = 0.20) and for BF muscle (%MVIC) in the comparisons between the 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 27.5; P < .001; np2 = 0.82) and interactions (F = 12.57; P < .001; np2 = 0.17). The percentage of cocontraction presented the significant difference in the comparisons between the 2 conditions (foot on the pedal and foot on the seat: F = 24.07; P < .001; np2 = 0.286). Conclusion: Both Pilates exercises activated the thigh core muscles in the moderate and high categories. The highest percentage of cocontraction levels were presented when the foot was resting on the pedal.

Coordinated training and physiological indices in young tennis players / Treinamento coordenado e índices fisiológicos em jovens tenistas / Entrenamiento coordinado e índices fisiológicos en jóvenes tenistas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Motor coordination and physiological functions in young players are crucial for maximum performance in training. To release the potential of athletes for their competitive careers, it is necessary to open the way for their careers in the first years of performance. Objective: Analyze the effect of training coordination of young tennis players on prescribed physical conditioning and its physiological indicators. Methods: 12 young tennis players were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Technical, speed, endurance, and physiological exercise indicators were recorded. Results: After six weeks of the experiment, the experimental group had a particularly significant improvement in 30-meter speed quality, about 0.5 seconds; forehand and backhand swing scores before the experiment were 75.01, and after the experiment was 89.79, an increase of 14.78 points, revealing significant improvement. The experimental group also excelled in terms of physiological indicators of exercise. Conclusion: Coordination training can effectively improve the physical conditioning and exercise physiological indicators of young tennis players, with the effect of coordination training being most evident without altering the external characteristics. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A coordenação motora e as funções fisiológicas dos jovens jogadores são cruciais para o máximo desempenho no treinamento. Visando liberar o potencial dos atletas para sua carreira competitiva, é necessário abrir o caminho de sua carreira nos primeiros anos de atuação. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da coordenação de treinamento de jovens tenistas sobre o condicionamento físico prescrito e seus indicadores fisiológicos. Métodos: 12 jovens tenistas foram selecionados aleatoriamente e divididos em grupo experimental e grupo de controle. Foram registrados os indicadores técnicos, de velocidade, resistência e exercícios fisiológicos. Resultados: Após 6 semanas de experimento, o grupo experimental teve uma melhora particularmente significativa na qualidade de velocidade de 30 metros, cerca de 0,5 segundos; a pontuação de forehand e backhand swing antes do experimento foi de 75,01, e após o experimento foi de 89,79, um aumento de 14,78 pontos, revelando melhora significativa. O grupo experimental também se destacou em termos de indicadores fisiológicos de exercício. Conclusão: O treinamento de coordenação pode melhorar efetivamente o condicionamento físico e os indicadores fisiológicos do exercício de jovens tenistas, sendo o efeito do treinamento de coordenação mais evidenciado sem alteração das características exteriores. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La coordinación motora y las funciones fisiológicas de los jugadores jóvenes son cruciales para obtener el máximo rendimiento en los entrenamientos. Con el objetivo de liberar el potencial de los atletas para su carrera competitiva, es necesario abrir el camino para su carrera en los primeros años de rendimiento. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto del entrenamiento de la coordinación de los jóvenes tenistas sobre el acondicionamiento físico prescrito y sus indicadores fisiológicos. Métodos: Se seleccionaron al azar 12 jóvenes tenistas y se dividieron en grupo experimental y grupo de control. Se registraron los indicadores técnicos, de velocidad, de resistencia y fisiológicos del ejercicio. Resultados: Después de 6 semanas de experimento, el grupo experimental tuvo una mejora especialmente significativa en la calidad de la velocidad de 30 metros, alrededor de 0,5 segundos; las puntuaciones de forehand e backhand swing antes del experimento fueron de 75,01, y después del experimento fueron de 89,79, un aumento de 14,78 puntos, lo que revela una mejora significativa. El grupo experimental también se destacó en cuanto a los indicadores fisiológicos del ejercicio. Conclusión: El entrenamiento de la coordinación puede mejorar eficazmente la condición física y los indicadores fisiológicos del ejercicio de los jóvenes tenistas, siendo más evidente el efecto del entrenamiento de la coordinación sin alteración de las características externas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Analysis of hitting method and wrist strength of student tennis players / Análise sobre o método de tacada e a força do pulso de tenistas estudantes / Análisis del método de golpeo y de la fuerza de la muñeca de estudiantes de tenis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Wrist joint strength is important in tennis for angle control and racquet direction. Objective: Study the changes in muscle strength in the wrist region and the characteristics of joint movement under different tennis stroke styles. Methods: 50 students from a professional tennis club team at a university were selected as study subjects, and systematic professional wrist strength training was performed in the experimental group. In contrast, routine training was performed in the control class. The experimental training lasted for six weeks. During this period, the learning time of all groups remained the same, and no additional training or learning was added. Results: The experimental group's stability increased significantly, from 1.78 ± 0.67 to 2.25 ± 1.34 before training, and backstroke strength increased significantly, from 6.21 to 10.21; total stroke score also increased from 8.02 to 12.69. Conclusion: Improving wrist strength in tennis students may improve overall sports performance. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A força da articulação do pulso é de grande importância no esporte do tênis para controle de ângulo e a direção da raquete. Objetivo: Estudar as alterações da força muscular na região do pulso e as características de movimentação articular sob diferentes estilos de tacadas no tênis. Métodos: 50 alunos de uma equipe profissional de um clube de tênis de uma universidade foram selecionados como sujeitos de estudo e o treinamento profissional sistemático da força do pulso foi realizado no grupo experimental, enquanto o treinamento de rotina foi realizado na classe de controle. O treinamento experimental durou 6 semanas. Durante este período, o tempo de aprendizado de todos os grupos permaneceu o mesmo, e nenhum treinamento ou aprendizado adicional foi acrescentado. Resultados: A estabilidade do grupo experimental aumentou significativamente, de 1,78 ± 0,67 para 2,25 ± 1,34 antes do treinamento, e a força de tacada de costas aumentou significativamente, de 6,21 para 10,21; a pontuação total da tacada também aumentou de 8,02 para 12,69. Conclusão: A melhoria da força no pulso dos estudantes de tênis pode aprimorar o desempenho esportivo global. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La fuerza de la articulación de la muñeca es de gran importancia en el deporte del tenis para el control del ángulo y la dirección de la raqueta. Objetivo: Estudiar los cambios de la fuerza muscular en la región de la muñeca y las características del movimiento articular bajo diferentes estilos de golpe de tenis. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 50 estudiantes de un equipo profesional de un club de tenis universitario como sujetos de estudio y se realizó un entrenamiento profesional sistemático de la fuerza de la muñeca en el grupo experimental, mientras que en la clase de control se realizó un entrenamiento rutinario. El entrenamiento experimental duró 6 semanas. Durante este periodo, el tiempo de aprendizaje de todos los grupos siguió siendo el mismo y no se añadió ninguna formación o aprendizaje adicional. Resultados: La estabilidad del grupo experimental aumentó significativamente, de 1,78 ± 0,67 a 2,25 ± 1,34 antes del entrenamiento, y la fuerza en la brazada de espalda aumentó significativamente, de 6,21 a 10,21; la puntuación total de brazada también aumentó de 8,02 a 12,69. Conclusión: Mejorar la fuerza de la muñeca en los estudiantes de tenis puede mejorar el rendimiento deportivo en general. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.