Efficacy of educational instructions on pelvic floor muscle training in the treatment of urinary incontinence: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of educational interventions on pelvic floor (PF) muscle training in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: This is a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis, performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). To do so, randomized clinical trials that performed educational interventions of PF, UI, and developed the training of PF muscles (TPFM) for incontinent women, performing group or individual comparisons, with control and experimental groups or with two or more experimental groups were selected. The search for papers was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO, no specific publication date was chosen. The risk of bias was performed using the PEDro scale and the quality of the evidence was performed using GRADE. RESULTS: The review included six studies with 1003 participants. Most studies presented 5-8 points regarding risk of bias. Most of the studies were performed in the last 5 years, with women of various ages, high educational level and prevalence of UI of effort. The present study showed that offering educational instructions and guiding women on TPFM was capable of reducing urinary symptoms. When compared to control, significant between-group differences were found in the studies, in which the control group did not receive any kind of instructions or treatment (p < 0.05). The use of technologies through mobile apps was efficient in the treatment of incontinent women (p < 0.05). Performing TPFM individually or in groups did not present differences in the results, with both improving urinary symptoms. The meta-analysis presented a mean effect and a clinically important difference in three studies. CONCLUSION: The interventions involving instructions to TPFM associated to health education brought improvements to urinary symptoms.

Effects of an eight-week physical exercise program on low back pain and function in fruit workers: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is prevalent in workers' health and functional performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a physical exercise program on low back pain and disability in fruit workers. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial assigned 44 workers (37 ± 9 years) to two groups. The experimental group consisted of 10 men and 12 women with an average age of 38 (± 9) years, and the control group consisted of 8 men and 14 women with an average age of 36 (± 10) years. The experimental group (EG) performed a program of strength and flexibility exercises for eight weeks, twice a week. The control group (CG) received minimal care, with a booklet with guidelines for performing exercises. The primary outcomes included changes in perceived disability and the intensity of pain evaluated by the Rolland-Morris questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Scale, respectively. All outcomes were measured at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the within-group analysis, with a mean reduction in pain intensity in the EG and CG of -4.55 (95%CI -7.01 to -2.09) and -3.81 (95%CI 1.72-5.90), respectively. For disability, a reduction of -4.45 (95% CI -8.89 to -0.02) was observed in the EG and of -4.43 (-7.38 to -1.48) in the CG. There were no significant differences in the between-groups analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The exercise program was not superior to using the educational booklet. However, both interventions showed substantial decreases in pain and disability levels.

Trends in consuming alcoholic beverages among adolescents and young adults of school age: sexes differences

Abstract Objective: To analyze the tendency of alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents and young adults at school age according to their sexes. Methods: This is a trend research study in public schools of the municipality of Petrolina, between 2014 and 2016, with 3146 students aged between 12 and 24 years old. The instrument was constituted by socio-economic inquiry and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Trends were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended approach. The analyses were conducted using logistic regression, with a statistical significance of 0.05. Results: Close to 56% of the adolescents had already tried some alcoholic beverage, most of which had contact after 13 years of age. The prevalence of binge drinking ranged between 17% and 25%. The percentage of girls who tried alcohol before 13 years old remained similar over the three years (p = 0.943). The prevalence of this behavior was stabilized at around 20%. There was a trend to decrease in the prevalence of boys who reported having tried alcohol before 13 years old (p = 0.014). The percentage of boys who reported involvement in binge drinking in the past 30 days remained stable at around 20% over the years (p = 0.951 ). The girls' data revealed a significant decrease in binge drinking (p = 0.019). Conclusions: The general analysis suggests a trend towards stabilization of consumption among boys, and an increase among girls.

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.

Trends in consuming alcoholic beverages among adolescents and young adults of school age: sexes differences.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the tendency of alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents and young adults at school age according to their sexes. METHODS: This is a trend research study in public schools of the municipality of Petrolina, between 2014 and 2016, with 3146 students aged between 12 and 24 years old. The instrument was constituted by socio-economic inquiry and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Trends were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended approach. The analyses were conducted using logistic regression, with a statistical significance of 0.05. RESULTS: Close to 56% of the adolescents had already tried some alcoholic beverage, most of which had contact after 13 years of age. The prevalence of binge drinking ranged between 17% and 25%. The percentage of girls who tried alcohol before 13 years old remained similar over the three years (p = 0.943). The prevalence of this behavior was stabilized at around 20%. There was a trend to decrease in the prevalence of boys who reported having tried alcohol before 13 years old (p = 0.014). The percentage of boys who reported involvement in binge drinking in the past 30 days remained stable at around 20% over the years (p = 0.951). The girls' data revealed a significant decrease in binge drinking (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The general analysis suggests a trend towards stabilization of consumption among boys, and an increase among girls.

Perfil de mulheres incontinentes e conhecimento sobre incontinência urinária / Profile of incontinent women and knowledge about urinary incontinence / Perfil de la mujer incontinente y conocimiento sobre la incontinencia urinaria

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil de mulheres incontinentes e o conhecimento acerca da Incontinência Urinária. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com mulheres com queixa de perda urinária em uma cidade do interior de Pernambuco, Brasil. Setenta e cinco mulheres incontinentes participaram do estudo, por meio de plataforma online foi aplicado questionário sociodemográfico e instrumento validado para investigar o conhecimento sobre a Incontinência Urinária, o Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Quiz (PIKQ). Resultados: A maioria das voluntárias era jovem, com média de idade de 43 anos, casadas, com nível educacional e socioeconômico elevados. Todas as voluntárias apresentaram de alto conhecimento sobre a incontinência urinária, com relação à incidência, fatores de risco, diagnóstico e tratamento, havendo lacunas apenas no conhecimento quanto ao uso de fármacos como preditor para o problema. Conclusão: Nosso estudo mostrou que a incontinência ocorre em mulheres jovens e o conhecimento foi elevado, podendo ter relação com o nível socioeconômico das voluntárias.

Objective: To evaluate the profile and knowledge of incontinent women regarding urinary incontinence. Method: Cross-sectional study performed with women with complaints of urinary loss from a city in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Seventy-five incontinent women participated in the study. A sociodemographic and a validated questionnaire regarding the knowledge about urinary incontinence (Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Quiz ­ PIKQ) were answered using an online platform. Results: Most participants were young, with a mean age of 43 years, married, and with high educational and socioeconomic levels. All volunteers presented high knowledge regarding the incidence, risk factors, diagnostics and treatment of urinary incontinence, with a gap concerning knowledge regarding the use of drugs as a predictor for the condition. Conclusion: The present study showed that urinary incontinence occurs in young women and that knowledge regarding the issue was high, possibly due to the high socioeconomic status of the participants.

Objetivo: Evaluar el perfil de las mujeres incontinentes y su conocimiento sobre la Incontinencia Urinaria. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado con mujeres que se quejaban de pérdidas urinarias en una ciudad del interior de Pernambuco, Brasil. Setenta y cinco mujeres incontinentes participaron del estudio, a través de una plataforma en línea se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y un instrumento validado para indagar el conocimiento sobre la incontinencia urinaria, el Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Quiz (PIKQ). Resultados: La mayoría de los voluntarios eran jóvenes, con una edad media de 43 años, casados, con nivel educativo y socioeconómico alto. Todos los voluntarios tenían un alto nivel de conocimiento sobre la incontinencia urinaria, en cuanto a incidencia, factores de riesgo, diagnóstico y tratamiento, con lagunas sólo en el conocimiento sobre el uso de medicamentos como predictor del problema. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio mostró que la incontinencia ocurre en mujeres jóvenes y el conocimiento fue alto, lo que puede estar relacionado con el nivel socioeconómico de las voluntarias

Activation of upper limb muscles in subjects with scapular dyskinesis during bench-press and dumbbell fly on stable and unstable surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Scapular dyskinesis has been associated with shoulder dysfunctions, and changes in electromyographic (EMG) activity have been reported during the execution of some exercises. OBJECTIVE: To compare upper limb muscles EMG of asymptomatic subjects with and without scapular dyskinesis during bench-press and dumbbell fly exercise performed on different surface stability conditions. METHODS: Twenty-eight physically active men were allocated into two groups: Control group (n= 14) and Dyskinesis group (n= 14). The participants performed six repetitions lasting three seconds of the bench press and dumbbell fly exercises with 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) on a bench and a Swiss ball. The EMG activity of the pectoralis major, serratus anterior, upper and lower trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps and triceps muscles were recorded. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups, regardless of exercise or surface type. Inserting the unstable surface in the supine exercise promoted a slight increase in upper trapezius EMG activity for the control [4.32 (95% CI: 1.04 to 7.60)] and dyskinesis [3.30 (95% CI: 0.34 to 6.27)] groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in upper limb muscle EMG activity between subjects with and without scapular dyskinesis. In addition, inserting unstable surfaces did not modify EMG activity.

Factors associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental insertion of copper T380A intrauterine devices.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and demographic factors associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental insertion of copper T380A intrauterine devices (TCu380A IUD). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of an implementation study. We followed participants who had a postplacental TCu380A IUD insertion, at two postpartum visits: 45-90 days (visit 1) and 6-9 months (visit 2). We used multiple log-binomial regression models to evaluate the demographic and clinical variables associated with missing strings and with IUD expulsion. RESULTS: We included 705 participants who had a postplacental IUD insertion. We observed missing strings in 275 (47.9%) participants at visit 1, and in 127 (34.2%) participants at visit 2. We identified 61 expulsions (8.9%) by visit 2. In the multiple regression models, only the delivery type was associated with missing strings and expulsion. Compared with vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery increased the risk of missing strings (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 6.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.29-8.99) but reduced the risk of IUD expulsion (aRR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13-0.43). CONCLUSION: The delivery mode was the only factor associated with missing strings and expulsion after postplacental IUD insertion. Cesarean section was associated with an increased risk of missing strings but decreased risk of expulsion after postplacental TCu380A IUD insertion.

Reliability of shoulder rotation movement measured by the smartphone clinometer application / Confiabilidade da medida de movimento de rotação do ombro mensurada pelo aplicativo clinômetro para smartphone

Goniometry is widely used to measure range of motion (ROM), but requires skill and training. In this sense, smartphone apps appear as an alternative. The objective was to assess the reliability and validity of shoulder rotation measurements using a smartphone clinometer app. This study approved by Ethical and Research Committee of the University of Pernambuco. Thirty six (36) healthy and physically active adolescents and young adults participated in the study. In the measurement each volunteer performed external (ER) and internal (IR) rotation of the shoulder in the supine and side lying positions. The shoulder rotation ROM was measured by a goniometer and an application. ER and IR were measured in two days by two evaluators. Reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC). Validity was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Both devices had excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability levels in most evaluations. However, the goniometer showed moderate inter-examiner reliability in measuring the internal rotation performed in the lying position (ICC 0.61 to 0.67). The app showed inter-examiner reliability ranging from fair to moderate for the same measurements (ICC 0.35 to 0.61). Significant differences were observed between the values recorded by the two instruments for all measurements performed (p <0.001). A strong correlation was observed between measurements in the supine and side lying positions with the goniometer and a smartphone clinometer app (r> 0.85). The application presented excellent reliability levels as well as demonstrated a high correlation with the goniometer. However, the assessment of IR lying down position should be avoided. (AU)

A goniometria é muito usada para medir a amplitude de movimento (ADM), mas requer habilidade e treinamento. Nesse sentido, os aplicativos para smartphones aparecem como uma alternativa. O objetivo foi avaliar a confiabilidade e a validade das medidas de rotação do ombro usando um aplicativo clinômetro de smartphone. Este estudo foi provado pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade de Pernambuco. Participaram do estudo trinta e seis (36) adolescentes e adultos jovens, saudáveis e fisicamente ativos. Na intervenção, cada voluntário realizou rotação externa (RE) e interna (RI) do ombro nas posições em supino e decúbito lateral. A ADM de rotação do ombro foi medida por um goniômetro e um aplicativo. RE e RI foram medidas em dois dias por dois avaliadores. A confiabilidade foi determinada usando coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), erro padrão de medição (EPM) e mudança mínima detectável (MMD). A validade foi avaliada usando os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson. Ambos os dispositivos apresentaram excelentes níveis de confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores na maioria das avaliações. No entanto, o goniômetro apresentou confiabilidade interexaminadores moderada na medição da rotação interna realizada na posição deitada (ICC 0,61 a 0,67). O aplicativo mostrou confiabilidade interexaminadores variando de ruim a moderada para as mesmas medidas (ICC 0,35 a 0,61). Diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os valores registrados pelos dois instrumentos para todas as medidas realizadas (p <0,001). Uma forte correlação foi observada entre as medidas nas posições supina e deitada de lado com o goniômetro e o aplicativo clinômetro para smartphone (r> 0,85). O aplicativo apresentou excelentes níveis de confiabilidade, bem como demonstrou uma alta correlação com o goniômetro. No entanto, a avaliação da RI na posição deitada deve ser evitada. (AU)

Effects of Workplace-Based Intervention for Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The main objective of this study is to update the evidence related to the effectiveness of exercise and ergonomic interventions in the perception of shoulder pain intensity in workers considering the shoulder pain intensity and the minimum clinically important change in the analysis. The bibliographic search was conducted in seven databases (Cochrane, EMBASE, SciELO, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science and Scopus) from March to April 2019. The study selection included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving workers with shoulder pain who underwent physical exercises, ergonomics, and combined interventions. To analyze the RCTs, the intensity of pain was divided into two subgroups < 3 and ≥ 3 (0-10 points scale). A total of 27 RCTs were included in the qualitative synthesis considering the perception scales of shoulder pain intensity and the PEDro scale score of assessment of RCTs quality and risk of bias. Within these, seven RCTs were included in the quantitative synthesis. The overall effectiveness of interventions was calculated using a meta-analysis method, and the associated measurement used as a mean difference. The meta-analysis revealed that exercise interventions in workers with shoulder pain > 3 presented a minimally clincially important difference (MCID), but with no difference in workers with pain < 3. The interventions with exercise in workers with pain ≥ 3 at baseline reported a beneficial effect in reducing shoulder pain intensity, and a MCID. However, there was no significant difference for workers with pain < 3 and the effects of ergonomic interventions are still uncertain to reduce shoulder pain in workers.

Additional Functional Performance Gains After 24-Week Unstable Strength Training With Cognitive Training in Community-Dwelling Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.

The authors investigated the effects of unstable strength training (UST) without or with cognitive training (C+UST) on functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 50 participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either 24 weeks of thrice-weekly UST (n = 25) or C+UST (n = 25). All participants performed moderate-intensity strength exercises using unstable surfaces, and C+UST participants simultaneously received cognitive training in addition to UST. Primary outcomes included measures of functional performance: single- and dual-task timed up and go tests. Secondary outcomes included dynamic balance, mobility, handgrip strength, flexibility, quality of life, and concern about falling. The authors observed similar improvements on functional performance through the interventions. The C+UST group experienced additional gains at completion (single-task timed up and go: -0.90 s, 95% confidence interval [-2.38, -0.03]; dual-task timed up and go: -4.80 s, 95% confidence interval [-8.65, -0.95]) compared with the UST group. Moreover, significant differences were observed in mobility (sitting-rising test: -1.34, 95% confidence interval [-2.00, -0.20]) at 24 weeks. Both exercise modes improved single-task functional performance, while adding cognitive-training-optimized dual-task functional performance gains.

Effects of Resistance Exercise with Instability on Cognitive Function (REI Study): A Proof-Of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial in Older Adults with Cognitive Complaints.

BACKGROUND: Activities which simultaneously challenge both physical and cognitive function are promising strategies for promoting cognitive function. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of resistance exercise with instability and traditional resistance exercise compared with a health education control on cognitive function in older adults with cognitive complaints. METHODS: Sixty-seven participants were randomized to either 12 weeks of thrice-weekly resistance exercise (RE = 23), RE with instability (REI = 22), or a weekly health education control (CON = 22). At each training session, RE and REI participants performed seven exercises for three sets and 10-15 repetitions. REI participants performed each exercise using instability devices. The primary outcome was a composite score of global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes included composite scores for cognitive sub-domains and physical function. RESULTS: Most participants were women (REI: 77%; RE = 78%; CON = 77%; mean age of 71 years), and did not need transport to the intervention site. At completion, compared with CON, REI and RE did not significantly improve on global cognition or each cognitive sub-domain. Both exercise groups improved on the timed up and go (REI - CON: -1.6 s, 95% CI: [-2.6, -0.5]; RE - CON: -1.4 s, 95% CI: [-2.4, -0.5) and 1-RM (REI - CON: 24 kg, 95% CI: [11, 36]; RE - CON: 25 kg, 95% CI: [12, 37]). An exploratory contrast showed that compared with RE, REI promote greater gains on global cognition (2.20, 95% CI: [0.10, 4.31]) and memory (1.34; 95% CI: [0.15, 2.54]). CONCLUSION: REI did not substantially improve cognitive function but did promote physical function among older adults with cognitive complaints. However, compared with RE, REI improved global cognition and memory.

Factors associated with current tobacco use among adolescents and young students / Fatores associados ao uso atual de tabaco entre adolescentes e jovens escolares

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of current tobacco use and its association with sociodemographic factors and risk behaviors among adolescents and young students, according to gender. Methods: The sample consisted of students from the state public school network aged between 12 and 24 years, who answered the Brazilian version of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (v. 20.0), using Poisson regression to evaluate the prevalence ratio (PR) of the independent variables in relation to the outcome. p < 0.05 was established as the significance level. Results: The final analysis consisted of 1275 adolescents, of whom 716 (56.2%) were girls and 559 (43.8%) were boys. The prevalence of current tobacco use was 6.6% among girls and 9.7% among boys. In females, consuming alcohol in the last 30 days (3.91 [1.54-9.94]) and being 14 years old or younger (0.50 [0.26-0.96]) influenced current tobacco use. In the male gender, tobacco use in the last 30 days was influenced by current alcohol consumption (2.92 [1.21-7.08]) and involvement in physical fighting in the last 12 months (2.32 [1.32-4.09]). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of current tobacco use was low in both genders, the assessed population still presents a risk, since male involvement in physical fighting and current consumption of alcohol in both genders increased the probability of this population becoming regular tobacco users.

Resumo Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de uso atual do tabaco e sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentos de risco entre adolescentes e jovens escolares, segundo o sexo. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por estudantes da rede estadual entre 12 e 24 anos, que responderam a versão brasileira do questionário Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS (versão 20.0), por meio da Regressão de Poisson para avaliar a Razão de Prevalência (RP) das variáveis independentes em relação ao desfecho. Foi adotado p < 0,05. Resultados: A análise final foi composta por 1.275 adolescentes, dos quais 716 (56,2%) eram meninas e 559 (43,8%) meninos. A prevalência de consumo atual do tabaco foi de 6,6% entre as meninas e 9,7% entre os meninos. No sexo feminino, consumir álcool nos últimos 30 dias (3,91 [1,54-9,94]) e ter 14 anos ou menos (0,50 [0,26-0,96]) influenciaram o uso atual de tabaco. No sexo masculino, o uso de tabaco nos últimos 30 dias foi influenciado pelo consumo atual de álcool (2,92 [1,21-7,08]) e envolvimento em luta corporal nos últimos 12 meses (2,32 [1,32-4,09]). Conclusão: Embora a prevalência de consumo atual do tabaco tenha sido baixa em ambos os sexos, a população estudada ainda exibe risco, pois o envolvimento em luta corporal no sexo masculino e o consumo atual de álcool em ambos os sexos aumentaram a probabilidade da população se envolver com uso atual do tabaco.

Can the Use of Unstable Surfaces and Instruction for Conscious Abdominal Contraction Increase the EMG Activity of the Periscapular Muscles During the Dynamic Push-Up?

CONTEXT: It is believed that conscious abdominal contraction (CAC) during exercise encourages greater periscapular activation through existing myofascial connections. On the other hand, it is postulated that the use of unstable surfaces would promote greater neuromuscular demand. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of CAC on periscapular muscle activity during push-up plus exercise on stable and unstable surfaces and to evaluate the correlation between electromyographic (EMG) activity of the serratus anterior (SA) and abdominal oblique muscles. DESIGN: Repeated-measures design in a single group, pre-post CAC. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three male volunteers without a history of lesions in the upper limbs participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Five repetitions of push-ups on stable and unstable surfaces were performed with and without instruction for CAC. The normalized amplitude of the EMG activity was obtained from the muscles of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius, SA upper (SA_5th) and lower (SA_7th) portions, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique. RESULTS: CAC increased the activity of the EO, internal oblique, middle trapezius, and SA (P < .05) in both surfaces. The use of the unstable surface increased the EMG activity of the EO, SA_7th, and middle trapezius and decreased the EMG activity of the SA_5th. However, all changes observed in EMG signals were of low magnitude, with effect sizes lower than 0.45. There was a weak correlation between the EMG activity of the EO and SA_5th (r = .24) and a strong correlation between the EO and SA_7th (r = .70). CONCLUSION: The isolated use of CAC or unstable surface during push-up seems to present no practical relevance, but the combined use of these strategies may increase activation of the SA_7th and middle trapezius muscles.

Factors associated with current tobacco use among adolescents and young students.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of current tobacco use and its association with sociodemographic factors and risk behaviors among adolescents and young students, according to gender. METHODS: The sample consisted of students from the state public school network aged between 12 and 24 years, who answered the Brazilian version of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (v. 20.0), using Poisson regression to evaluate the prevalence ratio (PR) of the independent variables in relation to the outcome. p<0.05 was established as the significance level. RESULTS: The final analysis consisted of 1275 adolescents, of whom 716 (56.2%) were girls and 559 (43.8%) were boys. The prevalence of current tobacco use was 6.6% among girls and 9.7% among boys. In females, consuming alcohol in the last 30 days (3.91 [1.54-9.94]) and being 14 years old or younger (0.50 [0.26-0.96]) influenced current tobacco use. In the male gender, tobacco use in the last 30 days was influenced by current alcohol consumption (2.92 [1.21-7.08]) and involvement in physical fighting in the last 12 months (2.32 [1.32-4.09]). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of current tobacco use was low in both genders, the assessed population still presents a risk, since male involvement in physical fighting and current consumption of alcohol in both genders increased the probability of this population becoming regular tobacco users.

Effects of a 12-Week Chronic Stretch Training Program at Different Intensities on Joint and Muscle Mechanical Responses: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: Stretching intensity is an important variable that can be manipulated with flexibility training. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding this variable and its prescription in stretching programs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of knee flexor static stretching at different intensities on joint and muscle mechanical properties. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 14 untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments were performed before, at 6 week, and after intervention (12 wk) for biceps femoris long head architecture (resting fascicle length and angle), knee maximal range of motion (ROM) at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle, knee maximal tolerated passive torque, joint passive stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, knee passive torque at a given angle, and affective responses to training. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups for any variable. ROM at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle increased at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. ROM significantly increased with the initial angle of discomfort (P < .001, effect size = 1.38) over the pretest measures by 13.4% and 14.6% at the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively, and significantly improved with the maximal discomfort angle (P < .001, effect size = 1.25) by 15.6% and 18.8% from the pretest to the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively. No significant effects were seen for muscle architecture and affective responses. Initial viscoelastic relaxation for the low-intensity group was lower than ending viscoelastic relaxation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that stretching with either low or high discomfort intensities are effective in increasing joint maximal ROM, and that does not impact on ROM, stiffness, fascicle angle and length, or affective response differences.

Does the stretching intensity matter when targeting a range of motion gains? a randomized trial

Abstract Aims: To verify the effects of flexibility training conducted at different intensities in young adults. Methods: Twenty-one (21) young adults of both genders with no history of surgery, fracture, and/or rheumatic diseases in the lower limbs and hip, were randomly assigned to low intensity (LI) or high intensity (HI) stretching groups. Two researchers were assigned to evaluate the active knee extension range of motion (ROM) of the volunteers and two other researchers were responsible for the training program. The training consisted of a single exercise for the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus). Each session consisted of three repetitions of passive static stretching, maintained for the 60s each, with 30s interval between them, and performed three times a week for four weeks. The stretching intensity was based on the Numerical Verbal Scale, the LI group maintained the intensity between 1 and 2, while the HI group between 9 and 10. Three ROM evaluations were performed pre-intervention, after the 6th session and at the end of the 12th session. Results: No difference was observed between the groups that underwent either high- or low-intensity programs. Both groups achieved gains in flexibility after four weeks of training. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that both high- and low-intensity stretching exercises are effective for ROM and there were no differences between them. Therefore, the intensity can be defined by the preference of the therapist or patient.

Effect of 24-week strength training on unstable surfaces on mobility, balance, and concern about falling in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of strength training on stable (ST) and unstable surfaces (UST) on the functional mobility, balance, and concern about falling in healthy older adults, younger than 70. DESIGN: A single-center randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four older adults (58 females and 6 males; 68 years) were randomized into control, ST, or UST groups. INTERVENTIONS: Both ST and UST intervention groups received a core muscle, upper, and lower limb moderate-intensity strength exercises using stable and unstable surfaces. The classes were performed three times per week over a 24-week period. The control group did not receive any type of active intervention. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measures were the dynamic balance (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)) and functional mobility (timed up and go (TUG) test). The secondary outcomes included the sitting and rising test (SRT) and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FESI) scores. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in balance performance (BBS = +4 points) after 24 weeks of both ST (+1.22; 95% CI, -0.19 to 2.63) and UST (+2.26; 95% CI, 0.83-3.70) compared with the control group. Additionally, compared with the control, only UST experienced functional mobility gains (TUG = -2.44; 95% CI, -4.41 to -0.48; SRT = +1.12; 95% CI, 0.08-2.17) and decreased concern about falling (FESI = -4.41; 95% CI, -9.30 to -0.27). CONCLUSION: Long-term ST with and without unstable devices was effective to improve dynamic balance in older adults. Furthermore, the effects of UST were extended to functional mobility gains and reduced concern about falling.

Risky sexual behaviors and their association with overweight and obesity among adolescent students: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of risky sexual behavior and its association with overweight and obesity among adolescent students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in public schools with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. We used the questionnaire Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The body mass index percentiles were calculated by means of table from the Center for Control and Prevention of Diseases. Possible associations were assessed using the χ2 test and binary logistic regression model. The odds ratio and 95%CI were calculated. RESULTS: We evaluated 1,169 students, and 33.9% reported having had sexual intercourse. Of those, 33% did not use a condom during their last intercourse, and 32.7% had had four or more sexual partners thus far. Regarding nutritional status, 15.3% were overweight or obese. In relation to the non-use of condoms, we observed only an association with the number of lifetime sexual partners (OR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.28-0.88). The number of lifetime sexual partners was associated with males (OR: 9.17; 95%CI: 4.16-20.22), sexual debut age at 13 years or less (OR: 2.51; 95%CI: 1.23-5.13) and drinking alcohol or using drugs before the last intercourse (OR: 6.16; 95%CI: 2.14-17.73). CONCLUSION: Risky sexual behavior rates were high and no association was found between risky sexual behaviors and overweight and obesity.