Breathing Motion Pattern in Cyclists: Role of Inferior against Superior Thorax Compartment.

The thoracoabdominal breathing motion pattern is being considered in sports training because of its contribution, along with other physiological adaptations, to overall performance. We examined whether and how experience with cycling training modifies the thoracoabdominal motion patterns. We utilized optoelectronic plethysmography to monitor ten trained male cyclists and compared them to ten physically active male participants performing breathing maneuvers. Cyclists then participated in a self-paced time trial to explore the similarity between that observed during resting breathing. From the 3D coordinates of 32 markers positioned on each participant's trunk, we calculated the percentage of contribution of the superior thorax, inferior thorax, and abdomen and the correlation coefficient among these compartments. During the rest maneuvers, the cyclists showed a thoracoabdominal motion pattern characterized by an increased role of the inferior thorax relative to the superior thorax (26.69±5.88%, 34.93±5.03%; p=0.002, respectively), in contrast to the control group (26.69±5.88%; 25.71±6.04%, p=0.4, respectively). In addition, the inferior thorax showed higher coordination in phase with the abdomen. Furthermore, the results of the time trial test underscored the same pattern found in cyclists breathing at rest, suggesting that the development of a permanent modification in respiratory mechanics may be associated with cycling practice.

Relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery.

AbstractArchery is a sport that requires fine movement control, and postural stability is considered an important variable to achieve high performance. In order to better understand the coupling between archer and bow during the aiming phase, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between bow stability and postural control in recurve archery according to shooting performance. A total of 8 archers shot 6 arrows at a 13-m distant target. The three-dimensional position of one marker attached to the bow and the center of pressure (COP) position of the archer (the point of application of the resultant ground reaction force on a force plate) were measured during the aiming phase, representing bow and archer displacement, respectively. COP displacement in the direction across the target (COPY), length of the COP trajectory (DCOP) and length of the bow trajectory (Dbow) were higher in the lowest scoring shot compared to the highest one. A strong and significant correlation was found between COP and bow displacement in the direction towards/away from the target (COPX and DX) and between COPX and vertical displacement of the bow (DZ) during the highest scoring shot. This result indicates that synchronization between body and bow sway may influence the accuracy of the shot, suggesting that combined balance and bow stability training exercises would be beneficial to improve archery performance.

Analysis of required coefficient of friction in running and walking.

The popularity of running has increased over the past few years. However, just a few studies in running have focused on the friction between surface and shoe/foot. Changes in friction can affect aspects of human motion, such as safety, motion pattern and efficiency among others. The aim was to investigate the effects of cadence (walk, self-selected running and imposed-running), stance sub-phases (absorption and propulsion) and footwear (barefoot and shod) on the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) of regular runners. Twenty healthy runners (12 males, 8 females, 29.4 ± 4.9 years, 70.4 ± 9.6 kg) participated in this study. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction forces (GRF) in order to calculate the RCOF for each condition and the stance phase was divided in sub-phases. In walk, the RCOF was smaller in the absorption than in propulsion phase (p < 0.001). Results evidenced effects of the cadence (p < 0.001), stance sub-phases (p < 0.001) and footwear (p < 0.001) on the RCOF. There was interaction effect in cadence with stance sub-phases (p < 0.001) and footwear with stance sub-phases (p < 0.001). Our results show RCOF is influenced by cadence and footwear condition in the absorption phase.

Effects of kettlebell training and detraining on mood status and sleep and life quality of healthy women.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Kettlebell exercise have become popular because of its ability to simultaneously train aerobic/anaerobic systems, low cost and easy access, and the great potential for physical fitness programs with a focus on public health. However, little is known about its effects on mood status, sleep, and quality of life (QOL) parameters. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of kettlebell training/detraining on the prevention of depressive and anxiety symptoms and QOL and sleep quality. METHODS: The sample was composed of 17 healthy women (age: 26.0 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 60.9 ± 12.5 kg; height: 164.6 ± 5.5 cm). The study was organized into four consecutive phases: pre-intervention (PRE), intervention (kettlebell training, 12 weeks, three times/week), post-intervention (POST) and detraining (D, four weeks). The questionnaires SF-36 (QOL), Beck (depressive symptoms), State-Anxiety Inventory (acute anxiety symptoms), POMS (mood state) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (sleep quality) were administered at PRE/POST/D phases. RESULTS: QOL, anxiety, sleep quality, and mood state exhibited no differences between PRE/POST/D. Levels of depressive symptoms significantly decreased (22.0%, p = 0.003) between PRE and POST phases, and remained low and similar to POST levels after D. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of kettlebell training was able to reduce and prevent depressive/anxiety symptoms in healthy women and these results were maintained after short-term detraining. Thus, kettlebell training might be considered an alternative method on the promotion of mental health and prevention of mood disorders and consequently can improve QOL even in health people.

Association between lung function, thoracoabdominal mobility and posture in cystic fibrosis: pilot study / Associação entre função pulmonar, mobilidade toracoabdominal e postura na fibrose cística: estudo piloto / Asociación entre función pulmonar, movilidad toracoabdominal y postura en la fibrosis quística: estudio piloto

Abstract Introduction: Deterioration of lung function is the main cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), so it is essential to study different related factors. Objective: To assess the association of pulmonary function with thoracoabdominal mobility and postural alignment in individuals with CF. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed in individuals with CF (8-17 years). Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. Thoracoabdominal mobility and postural alignment were evaluated by photogrammetry using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS/Sapo). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was performed, and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The following spirometric variables showed a decrease compared to predicted values: FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEF25-75%. Postural assessment showed alterations in head horizontal alignment (HHA; 2.71 ± 2.23o), acromion horizontal alignment (AHA; 1.33 ± 1.35o), anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) horizontal alignment (ASISHA; 1.11 ± 0.89o), angle between acromia and ASIS (AAASIS; 0.89 ± 0.39o), scapula horizontal asymmetry - T3 (SHAT3; 16.95 ± 12.03%), and asymmetry of the projection of the center of gravity within the base of support in the frontal (11.45 ± 8.10%) and sagittal (48.98 ± 18.55%) planes. A strong positive correlation was found between pulmonary function and thoracoabdominal mobility in the variables anteroposterior mobility of the upper chest (APMUC) and FVC (r = 0.818, p = 0.024), APMUC and FEV1 (r = 0.874, p = 0.010), and APMUC and FEF25-75% (r = 0.797, p = 0.032). A strong negative correlation was detected between FEV1/FVC and AHA (r = -0.761, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Our study showed in CF a reduction in pulmonary function, strong positive correlation between APMUC and pulmonary function, high prevalence of kyphoscoliosis and strong negative correlation between AHA and pulmonary function.

Resumo Introdução: A deterioração da função pulmonar é a principal causa de mortalidade na fibrose cística (FC), portanto é fundamental estudar diferentes fatores que se relacionam com esta variável. Objetivo: Verificar em indivíduos FC, a associação da função pulmonar com a mobilidade toracoabdominal e a postura. Método: Estudo piloto transversal realizado em indivíduos com FC (08-17 anos). A função pulmonar foi avaliada pela espirometria. A mobilidade toracoabdominal e a postura foram avaliadas por fotogrametria, usando o Software de Avaliação Postural (Sapo). Foi utilizado o Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson, considerando-se significante p < 0,05. Resultados: As seguintes variáveis espirométricas apresentaram-se reduzidas em relação ao previsto: VEF 1, VEF 1 /FVC, PFE e FEF 25-75%. Na avaliação postural, foram observadas alterações no alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (AHC, 2,71 ± 2,23); alinhamento horizontal acrômios (AHA, 1,33 ± 1,35); alinhamento horizontal espinhas ilíacas ântero-superiores (AHEIAS, 1,11 ± 0,89); ângulo entre dois acrômios e duas espinhas ilíacas ântero-superiores (AEDAEDEIAS, 0,89º± 0,39); assimetria horizontal de escápula em relação a T3 (AHERT3, 16,95% ± 12,03); assimetria da projeção do centro de gravidade na base de sustentação no plano frontal (11,45 ± 8,10%) e sagital (48,98±18,55%). Foi encontrada correlação positiva forte entre função pulmonar e mobilidade toracoabdominal nas variáveis: distâncias anteroposterior do tórax superior (DAPTS) e FVC (r = 0,818; p = 0,024); DAPTS e VEF 1 (r = 0,874; p = 0,010); DAPTS e FEF 25-75% (r = 0,797; p = 0,032). Na correlação entre função pulmonar e postura houve correlação negativa forte entre VEF 1 /FVC e AHC (r = -0,761; p = 0.047). Conclusão: O estudo mostrou forte correlação positiva entre expansibilidade anteroposterior do tórax superior e função pulmonar, alta prevalência de cifoescoliose e forte correlação negativa entre AHC e função pulmonar.

Resumen Introducción: El deterioro de la función pulmonar es la principal causa de mortalidad en la fibrosis quística (FQ) y es fundamental estudiar diferentes factores relacionados con esta variable. Objetivo: Verificar en individuos con FQ la asociación entre la función pulmonar, la movilidad toracoabdominal y la postura. Método: Estudio piloto transversal realizado en individuos con FQ (08-17 años). La función pulmonar fue evaluada por la espirometría. La movilidad toracoabdominal y la postura fueron evaluadas por fotogrametría, usando el Software de Evaluación Postural (Sapo). Se utilizó el Coeficiente de Correlación de Pearson, considerándose significante p < 0,05. Resultados: En la espirometría se encontraban menores que los valores previstos: VEF 1 , VEF 1 /CVF, PFE y FEF 25-75% . En la evaluación postural se observaron alteraciones en la alineación horizontal de la cabeza (AHC, 2,71 ± 2,23); alineación horizontal de los acromios (AHA, 1,33º± 1,35); alineación horizontal espinas ilíacas antero-superiores (AHEIAS, 1,11º± 0,89); ángulo entre dos acromios y dos espinas ilíacas antero-superiores (AEDAEDEIAS, 0,89 ± 0,39); asimetría horizontal de escápula con respecto a la T3 (AHERT3, 16,95% ± 12,03); asimetría de la proyección del centro de gravedad en la base de sustentación en el plano frontal (11,45±8,10%) y sagital (48,98±18,55%). Se encontró una correlación positiva fuerte entre la función pulmonar y la movilidad toracoabdominal en las variables: distancia anteroposterior del tórax superior (DAPTS) y CVF (r = 0,818; p = 0,024); DAPTS y VEF 1 (r = 0,874; p = 0,010); DAPTS y FEF 25-75% (r = 0,797; p = 0,032); y en la correlación entre la función pulmonar y la postura hubo una correlación negativa fuerte entre VEF 1 /CVF y AHC (r = -0,761; p = 0,047). Conclusión: El estudio mostró una fuerte correlación positiva entre la expansibilidad anteroposterior del tórax superior y la función pulmonar, alta prevalencia de cifoescoliosis y fuerte correlación negativa entre AHC y la función pulmonar.

Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety Symptoms and Mood State of Wheelchair Athletes and Non-athletes: A Preliminary Study.

The present study aims to compare quality of life, depression, anxiety symptoms, and profile of mood state of wheelchair athletes and non-athletes. Thirty-nine basketball and rugby wheelchair athletes (n = 23, nine women, age 36.0 ± 10.0 years; body mass 66.2 ± 13.8 kg; height 170.0 ± 8.5 cm) and non-athletes (n = 16, 4 women, 39.0 ± 14.2 years; body mass 79.6 ± 17.2 kg; height 170.0 ± 6.4 cm) were recruited. Quality of life, anxiety and depressive symptoms and mood disorders were evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Profile of Mood State questionnaire, respectively. Comparison between groups (non-athletes vs. athletes) was performed using Student's t-test for independent samples. No differences (p > 0.05) were found between non-athletes vs. athletes regards to quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms and profile of mood state. Overall, non-athletes and athletes presented medium anxiety symptoms and mild to moderate depressive symptoms. In conclusion, the wheelchair athletes and non-athletes presented similar quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and profile of mood state.

Frequency and associated factors of poor knee alignment in young Brazilian volleyball players.

Objectives: Poor knee alignment during the deceleration phase of closed kinetic chain movements, such as landings, is a relevant risk factor for injuries in sports. This study assessed the knee alignment and possible associated factors in young Brazilian volleyball athletes Methods: One hundred and seventeen athletes of both genders (9-19 years old) were assessed during a drop jump for the observation of knee alignment. Chi-square test was used to describe the association between poor knee alignment and: gender, age category (≤14 years and ≥15 years), sports experience, participation in competitions, the presence of knee pain during training, and history of lower limb injury Results: Seventy percent of athletes presented poor knee alignment, which was slightly associated with a sports experience lower than one year. Conclusion: Thus, considering the high number of volleyball practitioners and its strong presence in physical education classes, preventive measures should be adopted for young volleyball athletes of both genders, especially in the sports initiation phase.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Stroke Effectiveness Test in Table Tennis Based on the Temporal Game Structure.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a stroke effectiveness test in table tennis based on the temporal game structure to assess the ball speed and ball placement of the players, with a purpose to analyze its reproducibility and validity. Methods: Nineteen male table tennis players participated in this study. The test was performed twice during the first session and once during the second session to assess the intrasession and intersession reproducibility, respectively. Moreover, the test was examined on its ability to discriminate between regional (n = 10) and local performance-level (n = 9) players and on the relationship between the test results and the table tennis performance to assess the discriminant and concurrent validity, respectively. In general, the test consisted of 11 simulated rallies of 2-5 balls with the effort and rest ratio of 0.5, and focused on attack with offensive strokes at defensive balls delivered by a robot randomly between the left and right positions on the table. Results: Ball speed, ball placement, and ball speed-ball placement index showed satisfactory reliability (ICC range 0.78-0.96, P < 0.05) and agreement (CV range 2.7-16.2%) outcomes. Additionally, the Bland-Altman plots show the systematic error of the analyses closer to 0, and that most values were within the limits of agreements. Concerning validity analyses, regional players had higher scores of ball placement (+51.3%; P = 0.01, ES = 1.33) and ball speed-ball placement index (+56.1%; P = 0.0009, ES = 1.87) as well as made fewer errors (-25.4%; P = 0.017, ES = 1.20) than local players. Moreover, ball placement (r = -0.79, P = 0.04), ball speed-ball placement index (r = -0.78, P = 0.04), and percentage error (r = 0.88, P = 0.01) presented a strong and significant correlation with table tennis performance. However, ball speed was slightly different between the regional than local players (+1.7%; P = 0.78, ES = 0.13) and this variable was not related to table tennis performance (r = 0.32, P = 0.49). Conclusion: Our findings show evidences that the test is reproducible. Moreover, discriminant and concurrent validity are confirmed for ball placement and ball speed-ball placement index.

Thoracoabdominal breathing motion pattern and coordination of professional ballet dancers.

Ballet training includes exercises of high and moderate intensities, which require breathing control for a good performance. This study describes the thoracoabdominal motion of professional dancers and compares the breathing patterns between professional dancers and non-dancers. Participants of this study were four male and four female (30.33 ± 4.64 years) professional dancers and four male and four female (22.75 ± 1.49 years) non-dancers. The participants executed two breathing manoeuvres while sitting motionless: quiet breathing (QB) and vital capacity (VC). The 3D coordinates of 32 retro-reflective markers positioned on the trunk were used to calculate the volume of the superior thorax, inferior thorax and abdomen. Principal component analysis was applied in the volume variation of each trunk compartment to search for dominant independent variables in a breathing motion pattern. The correlation coefficient was calculated to verify the coordination between the compartments during the breathing manoeuvres. A predominance of the superior thorax or abdomen movement was found in both groups. The professional ballet dancers have an efficient breathing pattern and maintain the same breathing pattern in QB and VC manoeuvres. On the other hand, the non-dancers group showed relevant changes of the breathing pattern to respond to a greater breathing effort, like in VC.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. METHODS: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. RESULTS: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. CONCLUSION: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals / O treinamento de Pilates e aeróbio melhoram os níveis de depressão, ansiedade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. Methods: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. Results: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. Conclusion: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento com Pilates e caminhada sobre os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. Métodos: Sessenta e três participantes com sobrepeso/obesidade foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupos: Controle (n = 20), Caminhada (n = 21) e Pilates (n = 22). Os grupos Pilates e caminhada realizaram oito semanas de sessões de exercício de 60 minutos 3 vezes/semana. Os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade traço e estado foram avaliados antes e após oito semanas de treinamento. Resultados: Os escores de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade-traço melhoraram nos grupos Pilates e caminhada. Os níveis de ansiedade-estado melhoraram apenas no grupo caminhada. Conclusão: O Pilates e a caminhada impactam positivamente os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. O método Pilates pode ser usado como um método alternativo para distúrbios do humor em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Impacto de 12 semanas de prática de pilates solo na força de preensão manual, resistência abdominal e na flexibilidade avaliada por fotogrametria em mulheres saudáveis / Impact of 12 weeks of mat pilates practice on handgrip force, abdominal endurance and on the flexibility evaluated by pho-togrammetry in healthy women / Impacto de 12 semanas de pilates suelo en la fuerza de empuña-dura, resistencia abdominal y en la flexibilidad evaluada por fotogrametría en mujeres saludables

Este estudo avaliou o efeito do Pilates solo na força e na flexibilidade de mulheres saudáveis. O grupo controle (C; n=11) manteve a prática de atividade física habitual; o grupo Pilates (P; n=11) praticou Pilates solo (60 minutos, duas vezes semanais) por 12 semanas. Foram avalia-das: a flexibilidade por fotogrametria, a força de preensão manual pelo dinamômetro e a resis-tência abdominal pelo número de repetições do exercício abdominal realizado em um minuto. No grupo P, houve aumento significativo da resistência abdominal (12,5%) e na força de pre-ensão manual esquerda (33%) e direita (12%); no grupo C, houve aumento da força de preen-são manual direita (22%). Não foram observadas diferenças na flexibilidade. Doze semanas de Pilates solo foram suficientes para melhorar a aptidão física de mulheres saudáveis. Contu-do, esse tempo pode não ter sido suficiente para evidenciar diferenças em relação à prática de outras atividades físicas, visto que não houve diferença em relação ao grupo controle.

This study evaluated the effect of mat Pilates on the strength and flexibility of healthy wom-en. The control group (C, n = 11) maintained the habitual physical activity practice; Pilates group (P, n = 11) practiced mat Pilates (60 minutes, twice a week) for 12 weeks. Flexibility was evaluated by photogrammetry. The handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer and abdominal endurance by the number of repetitions of abdominal exercise in a minute. In group P there was a significant increase in abdominal endurance (12.5%) and left (33%) and right (12%) handgrip strength; in group C there was an increase in right grip strength (22%). There were no differences in the flexibility. Twelve weeks of training with mat Pilates were sufficient to improve muscle fitness of healthy women. Nevertheless, this period might not be sufficient to lead to differences in comparison with an active control group.

Este estudio evaluó el efecto de Pilates suelo en la fuerza y en la flexibilidad de mujeres salu-dables. El grupo control (C, n = 11) mantuvo la actividad física habitual; el grupo Pilates (P, n = 11) practicó Pilates suelo (60 minutos, dos veces por semana) durante 12 semanas. Se eva-luó la flexibilidad con fotogrametría, la fuerza de empuñadura con un dinamómetro y la resis-tencia abdominal con el número de repeticiones de ejercicios abdominales realizados en un minuto. En el grupo P hubo un aumento significativo de resistencia abdominal (12,5%) y en la empuñadura izquierda (33%) y derecha (12%); en grupo C aumentó la fuerza de prensión derecha (22%). No fueron observadas diferencias en la flexibilidad. Doce semanas de Pilates suelo fueron suficientes para mejorar la condición física de la mujeres saludables. Sin embar-go, ese período puede no haber sido suficiente para mostrar diferencias en relación a la prácti-ca de otras actividades físicas, pues no hubo diferencia en relación al grupo de control.

Proposition and evaluation of a novel method based on videogrammetry to measure three-dimensional rib motion during breathing.

A novel method based on kinematical analysis is proposed to describe the three-dimensional motion of the ribs during breathing. The three-dimensional coordinates of markers on the ribs and vertebrae were used to calculate the orientation of the ribs as a function of time. A test measured the relative motion between the markers and the ribs using magnetic resonance and the results revealed that the skin motion artifact found for the ribs (absolute mean value 3.9 mm) would induce maximum errors of 4 degrees on rib motion calculation. The method identified a signal coherent with the breathing cycle for the angles of the ribs around the mediolateral axis and was also able to show differences between healthy nonathletes and swimmers, which presented greater angular variation of the ribs (p < .05). In conclusion, this study has shown the reliability of using three-dimensional kinematic analysis to evaluate the movement of the ribs during breathing as well as its potential to identify differences in the behavior of the rib motion in trained swimmers and untrained healthy subjects.

O uso da dança como aspecto lúdico no tratamento fisioterapêutico para criança portadora de paralisia cerebral / Use of dance like a play activity in the physical therapy of a child with cerebral palsy

O presente artigo avaliou a efetividade da dança, em uma sessão de fisioterapia aplicada à Neurologia Infantil, no tratamento da paralisia cerebral. Foi selecionado um único paciente, portador de paralisia cerebral, do tipo diparético, com idade de quatro anos, sexo feminino. Realizou-se uma ficha de avaliação, a fim de avaliar posturas, transferências, tônus, reflexo, citometria. Aplicou-se uma ficha ao início do tratamento e outra, após seis meses, ao término da aplicação da proposta. Observou-se que, dentre as inúmeras formas de se trabalhar com crianças portadoras de paralisia cerebral, os procedimentos utilizados na dança destacam-se, evidenciando uma melhora do DNPM, ampliação das experiências e exploração do próprio corpo durante a terapia. Em avaliação neurológica final, observou-se melhora da força muscular, simetria, equilíbrio, coordenação motora, locomoção, normalização de tônus, além do prazer que a criança demonstrou em comparecer à terapia. Através do contexto lúdico, criado pela associação da dança ao programa de fisioterapia, observaram-se, tanto benefícios psíquicos como físicos, indicando a relevância do aspecto lúdico na vida e no desenvolvimento de crianças com paralisia cerebral sem comprometimento cognitivo.

The present article evaluated the effectiveness of the dance in a physical therapy session applied to Child Neurology in the Cerebral Palsy treatment. Only one patient “ female, 4 years old “ with a diparetic type of Cerebral Palsy was selected. An evaluation form was filled in, in order to assess positions, transferences, muscular tonus, reflex and cytometry. One was applied at the beginning of treatment and another one 6 months after the end of the first application. It was observed that amongst the many ways of working with children with Cerebral Palsy, the procedures used in the dance stood out, evidencing a PDI/MDI improvement, an extension of the experiences and the exploration of her own body during the therapy. In a final neurological evaluation, it was observed an improvement of the muscular power, symmetry, balance, motor coordination, locomotion and muscular tonus normalization, besides the pleasure the child demonstrated in coming to the therapy. Through the play context created by the association of the dance with the physical therapy program, both psychical and physical benefits were observed, indicating the relevance of the play element to the life and to the development of children with Cerebral Palsy without cognitive damage.

Estudo de alguns fatores que influenciam no desenvolvimento das aquisiçöes motoras de crianças portadoras de síndrome de Down em tratamento fisioterápico / Study of some factors that cause influences on the development of motor recuperation in children with Down Syndrome in phisical therapy

Este trabalho foi voltado ao estudo da Síndrome de Down, que é uma patologia genética de grande importância na populaçäo brasileira, apresentando um conjunto de alteraçöes físicas e mentais variável entre os portadores, associado à atraso de desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor Através de estudo retrospectivo realizado na APAE de Santo André-SP, busca associar alguns fatores que podem influenciar a evoluç