Effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain affects millions of workers worldwide and is considered one of the leading causes of absenteeism and presenteeism. Therefore, using exercises in the work environment emerges as a strategy to prevent or reduce shoulder pain. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a workplace-based exercise program on shoulder pain and function in fruit workers. METHODS: This was an 8-week parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial. Forty-four fruit workers who reported chronic shoulder pain were randomized to an Experimental Group (EG) or Control Group (CG). The EG was submitted to a program of resistance and stretching exercises for eight weeks, twice a week. The CG received a booklet with muscle stretching and mobility exercises. The primary outcome was shoulder pain intensity; the secondary outcomes were Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and perceived global effect. RESULTS: Both groups showed reductions in pain intensity EG: 4.26 (95% CI 2.78-5.74) and CG: 3.74 (95% CI 1.98-5.50) points. The SPADI results showed an average reduction of 17.76 (CI 95% 3.10-32.43) for the EG and 18.39 (CI 95% 3.66-33.13) for the CG. The mean value of the perceived global effect for the CG was 3.45±2.01, and for the EG, the mean was 4.13±1.24. No differences were observed between groups in any outcome analyzed. CONCLUSION: Both groups showed significant changes in the analyzed outcomes. However, the workplace-based exercise program was not superior to the exercise booklet.

Association between the time of physical laboral activities and leisure over shoulder pain in fruitculture workers: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fruitculture workers are exposed to shoulder pain disorders due to long working times in overhead activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the association between the time of physical work and leisure activities over the perception of shoulder pain intensity in fruit growing workers. METHODS: This is a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 180 fruit-growing workers. Multivariable logistic regression was used, with an estimate of the Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. The dependent variable: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (0-10 points), was categorized as low and high, with cutoff points of NPRS > 3 and NPRS > 4, and was associated with the independent variables (level of physical activity, personal, labour and psychosocial). RESULTS: Workers which are insufficiently active in leisure time are more likely to report high-intensity shoulder pain, NPRS > 3 (OR: 2.39; p = 0.049) and NPRS > 4 (OR: 2.85; p = 0.036). In addition, working time in overhead activities is a risk factor for high-intensity pain for NPRS > 3 and NPRS > 4 (OR = 1.01; p < 0.001). Underweight and normal-weight workers were less likely to report shoulder pain in NPRS > 3 (OR = 0.35; p = 0.020) and in NPRS > 4 (OR = 0.20; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fruit-growing workers had a high prevalence of severe shoulder pain. In addition, workers who are insufficiently active at leisure, overweight and obese are more likely to report severe pain. It was observed that overhead tasks increase the chances of reporting high-intensity shoulder pain among workers.

Cardiovascular and Enjoyment Comparisons after Active Videogame and Running in Type 1 Diabetes Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: Active videogames (AVGs) have been primarily studied in healthy individuals. To use the technology in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, cardiovascular and enjoyment responses should be studied and compared with traditional exercises. Objective: To compare the effects of AVG and running exercises on cardiovascular and enjoyment responses in T1DM patients. Methods: Cardiovascular (heart rate, HR; blood pressure, BP; double product, DP; vessel diameter, VD; % endothelial function, %EF) and enjoyment levels were recorded during 3 weeks and twice per week. On the first day, patients completed baseline assessments, familiarization, and a 30-minute control session. On the second day and after 24 hours, the measurements were repeated. Patients repeated the same protocol in the second and third weeks and performed randomized active sessions. Results: T1DM patients had similar cardiovascular responses during active exercises without significant postexercise hypotension to HR, BP, and DP over time. However, VD and %EF values were higher in AVG, followed by running and rest, 30 minutes and after 24 hours (VD-AVG: 39.6 ± 9.5, 48.8 ± 12.3 and 56.6 ± 13.9 mm; VD-running: 41.5 ± 9.9, 47.4 ± 10.1 and 46.4 ± 12.4 mm; %EF-AVG: 9.6 ± 8.5, 29.6 ± 17.1 and 45.4 ± 25.9%; %EF-running: 7.3 ± 9.4, 14.8 ± 14.1 and 26.8 ± 18.9%, p < 0.05). Enjoyment was also higher in AVG compared with the running session (9.4 ± 0.7 vs. 7.7 ± 1.6; p < 0.05). Conclusions: AVG presented similar cardiovascular responses to running with higher endothelial and enjoyment levels.

Use of unstable exercises in periscapular muscle activity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of electromyographic studies.

BACKGROUND: The use of unstable surfaces has been proposed to increase the neuromuscular demand. This strategy has been adopted to generate an increase in the activity of periscapular muscles due to its role in the stabilization of the scapula. However, the influence of this instability on the EMG activity remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of using unstable surfaces on the EMG activity of the periscapular muscles. METHODS: A comprehensive search in the PubMed, EMBASE, SCIELO, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane and LILACS databases was undertaken from their year of inception up to December 2019. Studies which directly investigated the EMG activity of periscapular muscles in healthy individuals while performing exercises for the upper limbs in stable and unstable conditions. RESULTS: A total of 33 studies which evaluated a total of 678 healthy individuals were found according to the eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis identified that the EMG activity of the upper trapezius showed a trivial increase with the insertion of the unstable surface (P = 0.04; SMD = 0.14 [95%CI 0.00, 0.27]). No significant effects were observed on the middle trapezius (P = 0.10) and lower trapezius (P = 0.25). A decrease of the anterior serratus EMG activity with a small effect size was observed by implementing an unstable surface (P = 0.01; SMD = -0.21 [95%CI -0.36, -0.05]). CONCLUSION: The use of unstable surfaces generated a trivial increase in the upper trapezius activity, and a slight decrease in the anterior serratus activity. No effect was observed on the middle and lower trapezius.

Electromyographic analysis of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles during push-ups on stable and unstable bases in subjects with scapular dyskinesis.

The present study was performed to assess the electromyographic activity of the scapular muscles during push-ups on a stable and unstable surface, in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Muscle activation (upper trapezius [UT]; lower trapezius [LT]; upper serratus anterior [SA_5th]; lower serratus anterior [SA_7th]) and ratios (UT/LT; UT/SA_5th; UT/ SA_7th) levels were determined by surface EMG in 30 asymptomatic men with scapular dyskinesis, during push-up performed on a stable and unstable surface. Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analyses. The unstable surface caused a decrease in the EMG activity of the serratus anterior and an increase in EMG activity of the trapezius (p=0.001). UT/SA_5th and UT/ SA_7th ratios were higher during unstable push-ups (p=0.001). The results suggest that, in individuals with scapular dyskinesis, there is increased EMG activity of the trapezius and decreased EMG activity of the serratus anterior in response to an unstable surface. These results suggest that the performance of the push up exercise on an unstable surface may be more favorable to produce higher levels of trapezius activation and lower levels of serratus anterior activation. However, if the goal of the exercise program is the strengthening of the SA muscle, it is suggested to perform the push up on a stable surface.

Métodos indiretos para mensuração da gordura corporal em adolescentes escolares / Indirect methods for measuring body fat in adolescent students / Métodos indiretos de mensuración de grasa corporal en adolescentes escolares

Comparar dois diferentes métodos indiretos de estimativa do percentual de gordura corporal em adolescentes escolares. Métodos: Estudo analítico, de caráter transversal, realizado com 300 escolares entre 12 e 17 anos na cidade de Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil.Todos foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica, tendo os percentuais de gordura corporal estimados por dobras cutâneas e bioimpedância elétrica (BIA) bipolar. Os testes seguiram os procedimentos recomendados e os avaliados estavam vestidos segundo recomendações. Os distintos percentuais de gordura corporal foram comparados através do teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon e correlacionados pelo coeficiente de correlação linear de Spearman, com nível de significância de p?0,05. Resultados: A mediana (intervalo interquartil) de idade dos avaliados foi de 13,0 (13,0-15,0) anos, sendo 214 (71,3%) meninas. Os métodos comparados apresentaram forte correlação linear positiva (r=0,76; p<0,001). Porém, os 26,9% (26,5-28,2) de gordura obtidos por dobras cutâneas são estatisticamente diferentes (p<0,001) dos 22,3% (21,6-23,1) verificados por BIA. Em ambos os gêneros e em todas as idades, o percentual de gordura estimado por dobra cutânea foi maior que o estimado por BIA, entretanto, os métodos apresentam boa correlação (p<0,0001). Conclusão: Os percentuais de gorduracorporal mensurados pelo método antropométrico (dobras cutâneas) e pela bioimpedância bipolar apresentam uma correlação forte e significativa em adolescentes escolares. Nesse âmbito, BIA configura-se como opção interessante para monitorizar e avaliar as alterações no estado nutricional desta população...

To compare two different indirect methods for measuring body fat percentage in adolescent students. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted with 300 adolescent students from 12 to 17 years old in the city of Petrolina, state of Pernambuco. All patients underwent anthropometric assessment. The body fat percentage was estimated through skinfold thickness and bipolar bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The tests followed recommended procedures and subjects were properly dressed for the assessment. The different body fat percentages were compared using the Wilcoxon nonparametric test and correlated by Spearman?s rank correlation coefficient with a significance level of p?0.05. Results: The median (interquartile range) age of the subjects was 13.0 (13.0?15.0) years with a total number of 214 (71.3%) girls. The compared methods showed strong positive linear correlation (r=0.76, p<0.001). However, the 26.9% (26.5?28.2) rate of fat obtained through skinfold thickness is statistically different (p<0.001) from the 22.3% (21.6?23.1) rateobtained through BIA. In both genders and at all ages the percentage of fat estimated through skinfold thickness was higher than the one estimated through BIA. However, the methods presented a good correlation (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The body fat percentage measured through anthropometric assessment (skinfold thickness) and bipolar bioelectrical impedance analysis have a strong significant correlation in adolescent students. In this context, BIA appears as an interesting option to monitor and assess changes in the nutritional status of this population...

Comparar dos distintos métodos de estimación del porcentual de grasa corporal en adolescentes escolares. Métodos: Estudio analítico de carácter trasversal realizado com 300 estudiantes entre los 12 y 17 años en la ciudad de Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brasil. Todos fueron sometidos a la evaluación antropométrica con los porcentuales de grasa corporal estimados por pliegues cutáneos y bioimpedância eléctrica (BIA) bipolar. Las pruebas siguieron los procedimientos recomendados y losevaluados estaban vestidos según las recomendaciones. Los distintos porcentuales de grasa corporal fueron comparados a través de la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon y correlacionados por el coeficiente de correlación linear de Spearman con nível de significancia de p?0,05. Resultados: La mediana (intervalo intercuartil) de edad de los evaluados fue de 13,0 (13,0?15,0) años siendo 214 (71,3%) niñas. Los métodos comparados presentaron fuerte correlación linear positiva (r=0,76; p<0,001). Sin embargo, el 26,9% (26,5?28,2) de grasa obtenidos por los pliegues cutáneos son estadísticamente diferentes (p<0,001) de los 22,3% (21,6?23,1) verificados por la BIA. En ambos géneros y en todas las edades el porcentual de grasa estimado por el plieguecutáneo fue mayor que el estimado por la BIA, sin embargo, los métodos presentan buena correlación (p<0,0001). Conclusión: Los porcentuales de grasa corporal medidos por el método antropométrico (pliegues cutáneos) y por la bioimpedância bipolar presentan una correlación fuerte y significativa em adolescentes escolares. En ese ámbito, la BIA se configura como interesante opción para monitorear y evaluar las alteraciones em el estado nutricional de esa población...