Effects of the use of a cocoon on the autonomic, motor, and regulatory systems in preterm newborns: Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The wrapping of the newborn in an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, can allow the infant to regain the feeling of security and stability experienced in the uterus given that the movement of one of the parts of the body exerts tactile and pressure variation in others. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the influence of an orthopedic tubular mesh, simulating a cocoon, in therapeutic positioning, on the variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems of preterm newborns. METHODS: A controlled and randomized clinical trial was conducted with preterm newborns positioned in dorsal decubitus and divided into two groups: (a) cocoon - newborns covered with an orthopedic tubular mesh, and (b) control - newborns positioned according to the sector's routine and without the use of an orthopedic mesh. During the follow-up, each newborn was placed in the position for 30 min and was recorded for a total of 2 min, once at the beginning and again at the end of the observation period. Variables related to the autonomous system (heart rate, respiratory rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation), motor system (general movements), and regulatory system (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale) were evaluated before and after the intervention. The videos were evaluated by a researcher blind to the purpose of the study, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 40 preterm newborns evaluated (32.5 ± 1.83 weeks), 21 were female, and 20 were allocated to the cocoon group. The variables related to the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems remained unchanged following the positioning in the cocoon, as compared to the typical positioning employed in the neonatal unit. CONCLUSION: The simulation of a cocoon, utilizing an orthopedic tubular mesh, when applied to preterm newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit can contribute to maintaining low levels of stress, without altering variables of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems.

Real-time changes in rib cage expansion and use of abdominal mechanical stimulation in newborns: a quasi-experimental study / Mudanças na expansibilidade torácica com o uso de estímulo mecânico na região abdominal em recém-nascidos: um estudo quase-experimental

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns using an abdominal stabilization band. Methods: The study included 32 newborns of both genders, with gestational age between 35 and 41 weeks. The abdominal stabilization band was used for 15 minutes between the xiphoid process and the anterosuperior iliac crest, with an abdominal contention 0.5cm smaller than the abdominal circumference. The rib cage expansion was evaluated by a breathing transducer (Pneumotrace II™) three minutes before using the band, during the use (15 minutes), and ten minutes after removing the band. The Shapiro-Wilk test verified data normality, and the Wilcoxon test compared the variables considering rib cage expansion and respiratory rate. Significance was set to p<0.05. Results: There was an increase in respiratory rate when comparing before and ten minutes after removing (p=0.008) the abdominal stabilization band, as well as when comparing during its use and ten minutes after its removal (p=0.001). There was also an increase in rib cage expansion when comparing before and during the use of the abdominal stabilization band (p=0.005). Conclusions: The use of the abdominal stabilization band promoted an increase in the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in the assessed newborns and may be a viable option to improve the respiratory kinematics of this population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a expansibilidade torácica e a frequência respiratória em recém-nascidos que fizeram uso de uma faixa de estabilização abdominal. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 32 recém-nascidos de ambos os sexos, com idade gestacional entre 35 e 41 semanas. A faixa de estabilização abdominal foi mantida por 15 minutos entre o processo xifoide e a espinha ilíaca anterossuperior, com contenção abdominal 0,5 cm menor do que a circunferência abdominal. A expansibilidade torácica foi avaliada por um transdutor piezoelétrico (Pneumotrace II™) 3 minutos antes do uso da faixa, durante 15 minutos, e 10 minutos após sua retirada. A normalidade das variáveis foi testada pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk e a análise comparativa da expansibilidade torácica e da frequência respiratória foi realizada por meio do teste t pareado, considerando-se p<0,05. Resultados: Houve aumento da frequência respiratória quando comparados os tempos antes do uso da faixa e 10 minutos após a retirada (p=0,008), bem como quando comparados os tempos durante o uso e 10 minutos após a retirada da faixa (p=0,001). Houve aumento da expansibilidade torácica quando comparados os tempos antes e durante o uso da faixa (p=0,005). Conclusões: O uso da faixa de estabilização abdominal conferiu aumento da expansibilidade torácica e da frequência respiratória nos recém-nascidos estudados, podendo ser uma opção viável para a melhora da cinemática respiratória dessa população.

Real-time changes in rib cage expansion and use of abdominal mechanical stimulation in newborns: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in newborns using an abdominal stabilization band. METHODS: The study included 32 newborns of both genders, with gestational age between 35 and 41 weeks. The abdominal stabilization band was used for 15 minutes between the xiphoid process and the anterosuperior iliac crest, with an abdominal contention 0.5cm smaller than the abdominal circumference. The rib cage expansion was evaluated by a breathing transducer (Pneumotrace II™) three minutes before using the band, during the use (15 minutes), and ten minutes after removing the band. The Shapiro-Wilk test verified data normality, and the Wilcoxon test compared the variables considering rib cage expansion and respiratory rate. Significance was set to p<0.05. RESULTS: There was an increase in respiratory rate when comparing before and ten minutes after removing (p=0.008) the abdominal stabilization band, as well as when comparing during its use and ten minutes after its removal (p=0.001). There was also an increase in rib cage expansion when comparing before and during the use of the abdominal stabilization band (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the abdominal stabilization band promoted an increase in the rib cage expansion and respiratory rate in the assessed newborns and may be a viable option to improve the respiratory kinematics of this population.

Trajectory of Systemic Blood Pressure in Early Life: A Cohort Study.

Objective. To track the BP (blood pressure) trajectory of healthy infants during the first year of life of healthy infants born in Northeast Brazil. Methods. In this cohort study, BP was assessed by oscillometry at the first 24 hours of life and 12 months of age. Results. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased with age (P < .001) and were not influenced by gender (SBP: P = .178 and DBP: P = .623) or type of delivery (SBP: P = .827 and DBP: P = .106), when compared between the first 24 hours of life and 12 months of age. Conclusion. The data from the present study increased knowledge about the trajectory of BP during the first year of life. The increase in BP between the first month and the first year of life was not influenced by gender or type of delivery.

Self-efficacy and breastfeeding outcomes in mothers of premature and term infants: a longitudinal study. / Autoeficácia e desfechos da amamentação em mães de bebês prematuros e a termo: um estudo longitudinal.

PURPOSE: To analyze the breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers of premature and full-term newborns, in the period of 180 days, and to know the social and obstetric factors that influence the practice of maintaining the exclusive breastfeeding in the period of exclusive recommendation. METHODS: Cohort with 44 mothers admitted to a public maternity hospital between January and October 2018. The mothers were divided into two groups: Premature and Full-term Groups. The Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale was applied in the immediate postpartum period, in addition to a questionnaire elaborated by the authors to collect sociodemographic and obstetric variables. The follow-up was done on the 30th, 120th and 180th days of the newborn's life, by telephone. For the statistical analysis between the groups, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. RESULTS: There was no difference in the self-efficacy score, nor in the obstetric and socioeconomic characteristics between the groups, except for family income (lower in the Premature Group - p = 0.031). The diet type was different on the 30th day after delivery (p = 0.023), with greater adherence to the exclusive breastfeeding in the Premature Group. No association was found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding practice in the 180-day period. CONCLUSION: In this sample, the breastfeeding self-efficacy was not related to the exclusive breastfeeding practice in the period of 180 days, in both groups. The premature group showed lower family income and greater adherence to exclusive breastfeeding on the 30th day postpartum.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a autoeficácia da amamentação, no período de 180 dias, em mães de recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo, e conhecer os fatores que influenciam na prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de recomendação exclusiva. MÉTODO: Coorte realizado com 44 puérperas de uma maternidade pública, entre janeiro e outubro de 2018. As puérperas foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Prematuro e Grupo Termo. A Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale foi aplicada no pós-parto imediato, além de um questionário elaborado pelos autores para coleta de variáveis sociodemográficas e obstétricas. O monitoramento da continuidade do aleitamento materno foi feito no 30º, 120º e 180º dia de vida do neonato, via telefone. Para a análise estatística entre os grupos foi utilizado o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na pontuação da autoeficácia, nas características obstétricas e socioeconômicas entre os grupos, exceto para a variável renda familiar, (menor no Grupo Prematuro - p=0,031). O tipo de dieta foi diferente no 30º dia pós parto (p=0,023), com maior adesão ao aleitamento materno exclusivo no Grupo Prematuro. Não foi encontrada associação entre a autoeficácia da amamentação e a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de 180 dias. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra, a autoeficácia da amamentação não teve relação com a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de 180 dias em ambos os grupos. O grupo de prematuros apresentou menor renda familiar e maior adesão ao aleitamento materno exclusivo no 30º dia pós parto.

Thoracoabdominal rebalancing is not superior to manual hyperinflation to increase the amount of pulmonary secretion removed in preterm newborns: A randomized crossover trial.

Background and Aims: Respiratory physical therapy is recommended to prevent complications of accumulated secretion in mechanical ventilated infants, but no consensus about the best technique is available. Aims: To evaluate the effects of manual hyperinflation maneuver (MHM) and thoracoabdominal rebalancing method (TRM) in preterm newborns (PTNB) for bronchial hygiene. Methods: Single-blind randomized crossover trial with intention-to-treat analysis was carried out with 24 PTNB (<37 weeks of gestation) under invasive ventilatory support via orotracheal cannula received both interventions (MHM and TRM) with an interval of 4 h, followed by tracheal suctioning. The primary outcome was the amount of pulmonary secretion, while secondary outcomes were the response of the autonomous (heart rate, respiratory rate [RR], tidal volume [TV], and oxygen saturation [SpO2]), motor (classification of general movements), and regulatory (pain and respiratory discomfort) systems pre and postintervention. Results: Although the amount of secretion was not different after the MHM and TRM interventions (0.10 and 0.09 g, respectively, p = 0.47), a difference was observed in the increase of SpO2 (p ≤ 0.001), and in the decrease of RR (p ≤ 0.001) for TRM. The poor repertoire pattern was predominant (23 PTNB), and it did not alter after interventions. Pain was not observed during interventions, the respiratory discomfort decreased after both interventions (p = 0.50). Conclusion: The amount of secretion removed was similar after MHM and TRM and both maneuvers did not negatively alter the response of the autonomous, motor, and regulatory systems.

"I Am Afraid of Positioning my Baby in Prone": Beliefs and Knowledge about Tummy Time Practice.

Objective: To identify beliefs and knowledge about tummy time (TT) practice and its repercussions on motor development. Methods: Longitudinal study carried out with parents/caregivers of infants older than 30 days of life. Two assessments were performed. A structured interview was conducted, while the babies were between one and six months old to identify beliefs, knowledge about TT, and the motor milestone achievement expected for the age. At six to 12 months, the risk of motor development delay was tracked using the survey of well-being of young infant questionnaire (SWYC). Results: 41 families responded to the SWYC questionnaire (21 were allocated to the TT group). 31.70% reported that it was not important to put the infants in a prone position while awake, and 70.70% said they are afraid their babies would become breathless when positioned in a prone position. 85.70% of infants from the TT group showed typical development, while 55% of the control group showed atypical development for their age (p = 0.01). Only three infants from the control group were at risk of delayed motor development (p = 0.10). Conclusions: Most of the families feel insecure about proning their babies and fear breathlessness when positioned. Acquisition of motor milestones prevailed in the TT group, suggesting an association between TT practice and motor milestone achievement.

Gender-Specific Associations between Late-Life Disability and Socioeconomic Status: Findings from the International Mobility and Aging Study (IMIAS).

Disability is a dynamic process and can be influenced by a sociocultural environment. This study aimed to determine whether the associations between socioeconomic status and late-life disability differ by gender in a multi-sociocultural sample from different countries. A cross-sectional study was developed with 1362 older adults from The International Mobility in Aging Study. Late-life disability was measured through the disability component of the Late-Life Function Disability Instrument. Level of education, income sufficiency and lifelong occupation were used as indicators of SES. The results indicated that a low education level ß = -3.11 [95% CI -4.70; -1.53] and manual occupation ß = -1.79 [95% -3.40; -0.18] were associated with frequency decrease for men, while insufficient income ß = -3.55 [95% CI -5.57; -1.52] and manual occupation ß = -2.25 [95% CI -3.89; -0.61] played a negative role in frequency for women. For both men ß = -2.39 [95% -4.68; -0.10] and women ß = -3.39 [95% -5.77; -1.02], insufficient income was the only factor associated with greater perceived limitation during life tasks. This study suggested that men and women had different late-life disability experiences. For men, occupation and education were associated with a decrease in the frequency of participation, while for women this was associated with income and occupation. Income was associated with perceived limitation during daily life tasks for both genders.

Relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce evidence on changes at the functional level associated with the respiratory area in women. This study aims to analyse the relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, the sample consisted of groups according to the results obtained in the balance test. Inspiratory muscle weakness was defined as maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) ≤ 80% of the predictive value. MIP was carried out using through a mouthpiece, with an electronic manometer. Logistic regression model was used to examine if MIP predicts balance. RESULTS: 159 women participated in the study. Approximately 20% of them achieved balance ≤ 2 seconds and 18% presented MIP≤80%. MIP was associated with the time achieved in the one-leg support test. Subjects with MIP ≤ 80% of the predictive value show 3 times more risk of having a lower performance in the balance test (OR = 3.26). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle weakness is associated with deficient balance in this sample. It shows the need for multidimensional assessment and rehabilitation strategies for patients identified as having MIP weakness and/or balance disorders.

Impact of guidance and telemonitoring on foot flexibility due to postural congenital clubfoot in the first month of life: a longitudinal descriptive study / Impacto da orientação e do telemonitoramento na flexibilidade dos pés devido ao pé torto congênito postural no primeiro mês de vida: um estudo descritivo longitudinal

INTRODUCTION: Early intervention is essential for proper foot growth in postural congenital clubfoot (PCC), but little is known about its contribution to this deformity when subjects are evaluated through telemonitoring. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to monitor the foot's flexibility of newborns diagnosed with PCC by telemonitoring them during the first months of life. METHODS: A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out with a full-term newborns group diagnosed with PCC in at least one limb, presenting a grade ≥ 0,5 on the Pirani score. Newborns with other malformations were excluded. They were assessed twice: before and 30 days after hospital discharge, and the foot flexibility classification by the Pirani score was provided. The telemonitoring occurred weekly between the assessments, and the parents were encouraged to mobilize their feet and maintain foot position using orthosis or taping. RESULTS: Thirteen newborns (eighteen feet) presenting PCC were included in this study; seven neonates discontinued the study due to absences from pre-scheduled evaluations, and six were telemonitored for 30 days. They were born at 39 weeks (± 1.18) and 3346.54 g (± 306.51). The majority of the newborns were female (69%), one was born vaginally, and eight (61%) had a family history of PCC. Pirani's score ranged from 1 to 3 in the initial assessment. After one month of telemonitoring, three feet progressed to 0, and four feet scored between 0.5 and 1. CONCLUSION: This study shows an important improvement in the foot's flexibility of newborns diagnosed with PCC evaluated through telemonitoring. Telemonitoring may be an additional resource for assisting newborns with PCC.

INTRODUÇÃO: A intervenção precoce é essencial para o correto crescimento do pé torto congênito postural (PTC), mas pouco se sabe sobre sua contribuição para essa deformidade quando os pacientes são avaliados por meio de telemonitoramento. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo acompanhar, por telemonitoramento, a flexibilidade do pé de recém-nascidos com diagnóstico de PTC durante os primeiros meses de vida. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo longitudinal com recém-nascidos a termo, diagnosticados com PTC em pelo menos um pé, apresentando escore de Pirani ≥ 0,5. Foram excluídos recém-nascidos com outras malformações. Os recém-nascidos foram avaliados nas primeiras horas de vida e 30 dias após a alta hospitalar. Durante este período os pais foram incentivados a mobilizar os pés diariamente e manter a posição por meio de órtese ou bandagem. O telemonitoramento ocorreu semanalmente, e a flexibilidade dos pés foi classificada pelo escore de Pirani. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo treze recém-nascidos (dezoito pés), sete descontinuaram o estudo por faltas nas tentativas de contato e seis foram telemonitorados por 30 dias. A maioria dos RN era do sexo feminino (69%), nasceram com 39 semanas (± 1,18) e 3.346,54g (± 306,51). Um nasceu de parto normal e oito (61%) tinham histórico familiar de PTC. Inicialmente, a pontuação de Pirani variou de 1 a 3. Após 30 dias de telemonitoramento, três pés evoluíram para 0 e quatro pontuaram entre 0,5 e 1. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo mostra uma melhora importante na flexibilidade do pé de recém-nascidos com diagnóstico de PTC, avaliados por telemonitoramento. O telemonitoramento pode ser um recurso adicional para assistência ao recém-nascido com PTC.

Autoeficácia e desfechos da amamentação em mães de bebês prematuros e a termo: um estudo longitudinal / Self-efficacy and breastfeeding outcomes in mothers of premature and term infants: a longitudinal study

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a autoeficácia da amamentação, no período de 180 dias, em mães de recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo, e conhecer os fatores que influenciam na prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de recomendação exclusiva. Método Coorte realizado com 44 puérperas de uma maternidade pública, entre janeiro e outubro de 2018. As puérperas foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Prematuro e Grupo Termo. A Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale foi aplicada no pós-parto imediato, além de um questionário elaborado pelos autores para coleta de variáveis sociodemográficas e obstétricas. O monitoramento da continuidade do aleitamento materno foi feito no 30º, 120º e 180º dia de vida do neonato, via telefone. Para a análise estatística entre os grupos foi utilizado o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Resultados Não houve diferença na pontuação da autoeficácia, nas características obstétricas e socioeconômicas entre os grupos, exceto para a variável renda familiar, (menor no Grupo Prematuro - p=0,031). O tipo de dieta foi diferente no 30º dia pós parto (p=0,023), com maior adesão ao aleitamento materno exclusivo no Grupo Prematuro. Não foi encontrada associação entre a autoeficácia da amamentação e a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de 180 dias. Conclusão Nesta amostra, a autoeficácia da amamentação não teve relação com a prática do aleitamento materno exclusivo no período de 180 dias em ambos os grupos. O grupo de prematuros apresentou menor renda familiar e maior adesão ao aleitamento materno exclusivo no 30º dia pós parto.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze the breastfeeding self-efficacy in mothers of premature and full-term newborns, in the period of 180 days, and to know the social and obstetric factors that influence the practice of maintaining the exclusive breastfeeding in the period of exclusive recommendation. Methods Cohort with 44 mothers admitted to a public maternity hospital between January and October 2018. The mothers were divided into two groups: Premature and Full-term Groups. The Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale was applied in the immediate postpartum period, in addition to a questionnaire elaborated by the authors to collect sociodemographic and obstetric variables. The follow-up was done on the 30th, 120th and 180th days of the newborn's life, by telephone. For the statistical analysis between the groups, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. Results There was no difference in the self-efficacy score, nor in the obstetric and socioeconomic characteristics between the groups, except for family income (lower in the Premature Group - p = 0.031). The diet type was different on the 30th day after delivery (p = 0.023), with greater adherence to the exclusive breastfeeding in the Premature Group. No association was found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding practice in the 180-day period. Conclusion In this sample, the breastfeeding self-efficacy was not related to the exclusive breastfeeding practice in the period of 180 days, in both groups. The premature group showed lower family income and greater adherence to exclusive breastfeeding on the 30th day postpartum.

Exploring the relationships between anthropometric indices of adiposity and physical performance in middle-aged and older Brazilian women: a canonical correlation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the influence of anthropometric indices of adiposity on the physical performance of middle-aged and older women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women from 50 years to 80 years old. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were analyzed, and physical performance was evaluated. The statistical analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion for descriptive data, Pearson correlations to demonstrate the initial associations between the variables, and canonical correlation (CC) to evaluate the relationship between the set of anthropometric adiposity indices and performance-related variables. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 58.57±8.21 years, a visceral adiposity index of 7.09±4.23, a body mass index of 29.20±4.94 kg/m2, and a conicity index of 1.33±0.07. The average handgrip strength was 25.06±4.89 kgf, gait speed was 1.07±0.23 m/s, and the mean Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score was 10.83±1.36. The first canonical function presented the highest shared variance, CC, and redundancy index (cumulative percentage of variance, 82.52; Wilks' lambda, 0.66; CC, 0.532; p<0.001). From the analysis of this canonical function, the conicity index (-0.59) displayed inverse correlations with handgrip strength (0.84) and the SPPB (0.68), as well as a direct correlation with gait speed (-0.43). CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged and older women, there was an inverse relationship between the conicity index and muscle strength and power, while a direct relationship was found between the same index and gait speed.

Reliability of a computational model for evaluating thoracoabdominal mobility in newborns: a cross-sectional study.

The present study aimed to verify the inter and intra-examiner reliability of an interactive custom-made MATLAB® App for bio-photogrammetric analysis of thoracoabdominal mobility in newborns and compare the respiratory rate (RR) results between the automatic MATLAB® App and its manual counterpart. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 27 healthy newborns of both sexes (gestational age between 37 and 41 weeks and up to 72 h of life) who did not cry during data acquisition. Chest and abdominal areas of the subjects in the supine position were analyzed through 60 s videos, totaling 30,714 photograms. All photograms were analyzed by three examiners on three different occasions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were applied, adopting a 95% confidence interval and significance level of α = 0.05. Reliability was excellent for intra (ICC 0.81-0.96) and inter-examiner correlations (ICC 0.84-0.99) between the chest and abdominal areas, in both inspiration and expiration, with no differences between them. Evaluation of newborns' thoracoabdominal mobility using the custom-made MATLAB® App for bio-photogrammetric analysis exhibited good to excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability and an excellent correlation between manual and automatic models for measuring RR. Thus, it proved to be an objective and practical tool for bedside thoracoabdominal mobility assessment in different clinical situations involving neonatal care.

Relationship between physical activity level and balance in middle-aged and older women / Relação entre o nível de atividade física e equilíbrio em mulheres na meia-idade e idosas

Abstract Introduction: Physical exercise may improve motor skills, such as static standing balance. However, the association between physical activity level based on activities of daily living and static balance is unknown. Objective: To assess the association between the physical activity level and static balance in middle-aged and older women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 589 community-dwelling women. Static balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test (SLST) with eyes open and closed. Physical activity level was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and classified as high, moderate, or low. Kruskal-Wallis test compared balance performance between participants with different physical activity levels. Multiple quantile regression analyses assessed the association between variables adjusted for age, family income, educational level, body mass index, comorbidities, and parity. Results: Participants with low physical activity level showed worse SLST performance with eyes open and closed than participants with high physical activity level in the bivariate analysis. However, physical activity level and SLST performance were not associated in the analysis adjusted for covariates. Conclusion: Our results suggested that only being active in daily living activities is not associated with better standing balance in middle-aged and older women. Specific physical exercise programs should be implemented to improve balance in this population.

Resumo Introdução: O exercício físico pode melhorar as habilidades motoras, como o equilíbrio estático na posição ortostática; no entanto, a associação do nível de atividade física durante as atividades de vida diária e o equilíbrio estático não é conhecida. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre o nível de atividade física e o equilíbrio estático em mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 589 mulheres residentes na comunidade. O equilíbrio estático foi avaliado usando o teste de equilíbrio unipodal com os olhos abertos e fechados. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado usando o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física - versão curta e classificado em alto, moderado e baixo. O teste de Kruskall Wallis comparou o desempenho no teste de equilíbrio unipodal de participantes com diferentes níveis de atividade física. Modelos de regressão quantílica avaliaram a associação entre as variáveis ajustada pelas covariáveis idade, renda familiar, escolaridade, índice de massa corporal, condições crônicas e paridade. Resultados: Na análise bivariada, as mulheres com baixo nível de atividade física mantiveram o equilíbrio em pé com os olhos abertos e fechados por um tempo menor do que aquelas classificadas como alto nível de atividade física. No entanto a associação entre nível de atividade física e performance no teste de equilíbrio estático não foi significativa na análise ajustada para as covariáveis. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que apenas ser ativa nas atividades de vida diária não está associado a um melhor equilíbrio em mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Programas específicos de exercício físico devem ser implementados visando um melhor desempenho do equilíbrio nesta população.

Relationship between phase angle and physical performance measures in community-dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: The phase angle (PhA) is a measure of great clinical relevance provided through the Bioelectric Impedance Analysis (BIA). PhA is related to health status. Physical performance measures are also similarly associated to the health status of older individuals, however, studies which asses the relationship between these two measures are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship between PhA and physical performance measures in community-dwelling older adults in a Brazilian sample. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study in which 200 community-dwelling older adults up to 65 years of age of both genders were recruited. Physical performance was evaluated by walking speed and handgrip strength, and the PhA was derived from BIA. Linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between PhA and physical performance measures. Two models were built: the first model was adjusted by handgrip and walking speed; and the second model additionally included the number of chronic diseases, gender, age and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: A total of 200 subjects were evaluated through BIA. Men showed a mean age of 72.13 ± 3.42 years and women 71.94 ± 3.35 years. Mean PhA among men was 5.99 ± 0.67, while the mean obtained for women was 5.43 ± 0.70. Linear regression showed that handgrip strength (ß: 0.036; p-value < 0.001; ß: 0.024; p-value: 0.005) and walking speed (ß: 0.495; p-value: 0.044; ß: 0.619, p-value: 0.009) were correlated with the PhA in both models. CONCLUSION: The results of our study revealed that PhA is a good marker of physical performance for the Brazilian community-dwelling older adults studied.

The role of multiparity and maternal age at first pregnancy in the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older women.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether maternal age at first pregnancy and parity are mediators of the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome in a sample of middle-aged and older women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 428 women (40 to 80 y), who had experienced a pregnancy in their lifetime, was performed between 2014 and 2016. Age at first pregnancy, parity, and early menarche were self-reported. Metabolic syndrome was assessed using the criteria described by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. The association between metabolic syndrome and early menarche was assessed by logistic regression analysis. The mediating role of age at first pregnancy and multiparity in the relationship between early menarche and metabolic syndrome was assessed through mediation analysis, adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: According to adjusted logistic regression models, early menarche was associated with higher odds of prevalent metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.15-4.46). Mediation analysis showed a significant direct effect of early menarche on metabolic syndrome (ß: 0.808; 95% CI: 0.107-1.508). Of the two mediators tested, age at first pregnancy was significant (ß: 0.065; 95% CI: 0.004-0.221), ie, participants with and without early menarche differ, on average, by 0.879 SDs in the log odds of MetS (total effect), of which 0.065 SDs (8%), on average, would be attributable to the effect of early menarche on age at first pregnancy (indirect effect), which, in turn, affects MetS. CONCLUSIONS: Age at first pregnancy may partially contribute to the association between early menarche and metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and older women who had experienced a pregnancy over their lifetime.

Relationship between thoracoabdominal mobility and hours of life in infants: A cross-sectional study.

Assessing the relationship between thoracoabdominal mobility (TAM) in newborns (NBs) is relevant for a greater understanding of pulmonary kinematics. This study aimed to assess the association between TAM, hours of life and respiratory rate (RR) in term NBs. Healthy NBs were included in the sample. They were filmed for 2 min, with markers in the lateral region of the trunk, delimiting the thoracic and abdominal areas. TAM and RR were assessed using a MATLAB® routine. For kinematic analysis, an algorithm created graphs presenting thoracoabdominal mobility. A total of 26 NBs were evaluated. TAM was the only variable that exhibited a statistically significant intergroup difference, showing that the fewer the hours of life, the greater the mobility. Simple linear regression analysis showed that RR can explain 31% of the variation in abdominal mobility (p = 0.002). Thus, the fewer the hours of life, the greater the TAM of NBs, with a predominance of abdominal compartment mobility.

Relationship between symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and respiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Some respiratory muscles work in synergy with the pelvic floor (PF). Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is characterized by weak PF muscles and has been associated with worse pulmonary ventilation function in women. To date no studies have investigated the association between respiratory muscle strength and POP. This study aimed to determine whether symptomatic POP is associated with respiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women. In this observational cross-sectional study, 204 community-dwelling women (41-80 years old) from Santa Cruz (Northeastern Brazil) provided information on socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior, reproductive history and symptomatic POP via a structured questionnaire. A digital manometer was used to measure their maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, body mass index, and smoking), evaluated the association between POP and MIP/MEP. The results show that 14.7% of the sample reported symptomatic POP. These women exhibited lower mean MIP and MEP than those reporting no POP, but the intergroup difference was only significant for MEP (p = .01). The association between POP and MEP remained statistically significant, even after covariates (ß = 11.9, p = .04) were adjusted. Symptomatic POP is associated with expiratory muscle strength in middle-aged and older women. This innovative research provides important information regarding the need to evaluate the integrity of PF muscles when assessing respiratory muscle strength, which may help clinicians devise preventive and treatment strategies to improve women's health during the aging process.

Characteristics of Congenital Heart of Premature Newborns / Características das Cardiopatias Congênitas de Recém-Nascidos Prematuros

Congenital heart disease is considered the most common malformation found in neonatology. The aim of this study was to characterize the congenital heart diseases of premature newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a high-risk maternity unit. This was an observational retrospective, descriptive character study carried out in a maternity school, reference in high-risk gestation in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study was carried out with premature infants admitted to NICU, who presented some cardiological findings when performing the echocardiogram examination. Data collection was performed through the records of infants hospitalized from December 2016 to December 2017. A total of 371 records were evaluated. Fifty-eight infants were diagnosed with congenital heart disease, and 38 of them had Persistence of the ductus arteriosus. The main diagnosed cardiopathies caused low pulmonary flow. About half of the pregnant women with cardiac infants presented some complications during pregnancy, and the most frequent was Urinary Tract Infection; 55 infants needed some ventilatory support, 14 had at least one extubation failure during the hospitalization period, and 8 presented atelectasis. Persistence of the ductus arteriosus was the most common cardiologic finding, and the most frequent congenital heart diseases were those that decreased pulmonary flow, diagnosed mostly in premature infants who needed some ventilation support, but who were discharged from hospital. (AU)

Cardiopatias congênitas (CC) são consideradas as malformações mais comuns encontradas na neonatologia. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as CC de recém-nascidos prematuros em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) de uma maternidade de alto risco. Tratase de um estudo observacional retrospectivo, de caráter descritivo, realizado em uma maternidade escola, referência em gestação de alto risco do estado do Rio Grande do Norte. O estudo foi realizado com os bebês prematuros admitidos na UTIN, que apresentaram algum achado cardiológico ao realizar o exame de ecocardiograma. A coleta de dados foi realizada através dos prontuários dos bebês internados no período de dezembro de 2016 a dezembro de 2017. Foram avaliados 371 prontuários, sendo elencados para o estudo 58 bebês, 38 apresentaram persistência do canal arterial (PCA) e foram alocados no grupo PCA e 20 apresentaram outro tipo de CC e foram alocados no grupo CC. 55 bebês necessitaram do uso de algum suporte ventilatório, 14 apresentaram pelo menos uma falha de extubação durante o período de internação e 8 apresentaram atelectasia. Cerca de metade das gestantes com bebês cardiopatas apresentaram alguma intercorrência durante a gestação. A mais frequente foi à infecção do trato urinário. A PCA foi o achado cardiológico mais comum da amostra (65%) e dentre os 20 RN com diferentes CC, as que causam o baixo fluxo pulmonar foram as mais frequentes (70%), sendo encontradas em sua maioria em prematuros que necessitaram de algum suporte ventilatório, mas que receberam alta hospitalar. (AU)

Relationship between maximal respiratory pressures and multiple childbearing in Brazilian middle-aged and older women: A cross-sectional community-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies show that multiparity and a number of chronic conditions are correlated among women. Also, low respiratory muscle strength has been associated to adverse health outcomes such as chronic lung disease and early mortality. This study aimed to investigate associations between the number of lifetime pregnancies and maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 204 women ages 41-80 years-old, from the rural community of Santa Cruz, Brazil, provided data regarding demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, health behaviors, and number of lifetime pregnancies (≤3, 4-6 or ≥7). Maximal respiratory pressures were measured with a digital manometer. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of multiple childbearing on maximal respiratory pressures. RESULTS: Of the participants, 44.1% had ≤3 pregnancies, 30.4% had 4-6 pregnancies and 25.5% had >7 pregnancies. In the unadjusted analyses, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures varied significantly according to multiple childbearing categories. After adjustment, the values remained statistically significant only for maximal expiratory pressure. Compared to women with ≤3 lifetime pregnancies, those who had ≥7 pregnancies had significantly lower maximal expiratory pressure values (ß = -18.07, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Multiple childbearing appears to be negatively associated with maximal respiratory pressures; women with a higher number of lifetime pregnancies had lower values of maximal respiratory pressures when compared to those with fewer pregnancies. This association may be due to biomechanical changes in the respiratory muscles promoted by multiple lifetime pregnancies. This finding indicates a need to motivate women, from the prenatal to postpartum period, to safely exercise their respiratory muscles, including abdominal muscle exercises as well as respiratory muscle training.