Musculoskeletal Pain, Mood, and Sports Injury in Wheelchair Power Soccer Players.

CONTEXT: Wheelchair Power Soccer (WPS) is the only team sport that allows the participation of people with severe physical disabilities who require the daily use of motorized wheelchairs. These individuals may live with chronic pain due to the characteristics of the disabilities and treatments, interfering with their health and limiting their participation in sports. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its relationship with mood in WPS players and to analyze the incidence of traumatic injuries during a championship. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study was carried out on 30 WPS athletes (93.33% male) with a mean (SD) (range) age of 22.37 (9.79) (47) years. Data collection was performed during a South American WPS Championship lasting 3 days, with: investigation of the presence of musculoskeletal pain and mood through a questionnaire; investigation of the occurrence of traumatic injuries through match observation; and confirmation of the occurrence of traumatic injuries through access to medical department records. RESULTS: About 30% (n = 9/30) of the sample presented some pain on the day of evaluation, with an intensity of 5.67 (3.35) (10) points on the visual analog scale. The most common regions of pain were the lower back (13.3%, n = 4/30), thoracic (10%; n = 3/30), and cervical (10%; n = 3/30) areas of the spine. A total of 46.7% (n = 14/30) reported pain in the month before data collection but of less intensity (2.56 [4] [10] points), the most common regions being the lower limbs (20%; n = 6/30) and cervical spine (20%; n = 6/30). Among the between-group comparisons (ie, participants with pain vs without pain), no relationship was observed between mood state and pain. No traumatic injuries were identified during the competition. CONCLUSION: The presence of musculoskeletal pain was common in WPS players, but it was not related to mood. As no traumatic injuries were observed during the championship, this modality seems to be safe for people with physical disabilities in general.

The Perception of Nursing Professionals Working in a Central Sterile Supplies Department regarding Health Conditions, Workload, Ergonomic Risks, and Functional Readaptation.

Background: The central sterile supply department (CSSD) is wrongly seen as a place in the hospital environment that does not require skills and physical effort, being commonly a hospital sector for the relocation of functionally-readapted professionals. However, CSSD is a work environment that demands professional experience and presents itself as a sector that does not have a healthy work environment. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of comorbidities and functionally-readapted people among nursing professionals allocated to a CSSD and, also, to seek the perception of these professionals about the ergonomic risks and the degree of difficulty to perform activities within a CSSD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed the opinions of nursing professionals who work in the CSSD of public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants aged ≥18 years were included. Results: Seventy-two nursing professionals were consecutively evaluated. It was observed that 43 of them (59.7%) had never worked in a CSSD. The most prevalent comorbidity in the present study was chronic rhinosinusitis, observed in more than half of the sample, although it is interesting to note the high frequency of participants with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and repetitive strain injuries (RSI). There is a relationship between previous work in a CSSD and the ability to identify surgical tweezers by visual recognition (p=0.031). There is a relationship between the time the participant had previously worked in the hospital and the skill regarding the information contained in the conference folders for preparing the tray surgical procedures (τb = -0.34, p=0.001). Conclusion: Almost a third of nursing professionals working in a CSSD are rehabilitated, with a high prevalence of WMSD and RSI. The commitment of managers to an internal health policy aimed at workers is necessary for health promotion.

Postural control in football players with vision impairment: Effect of sports adaptation or visual input restriction?

Abstract Aim: To assess the postural control performance of football 5-a-side (FFS) players, comparing them with sighted players. Methods: Eight FFS players and 7 sighted futsal players were included. Postural control tests included feet together stance (FTS) and single-leg stance (SLS) tasks, performed on rigid and foam surfaces. Sighted players performed the tests with open (EO) and closed (EC) eyes. Area of displacement (Area) and average velocity (Vavg) were calculated from the center of pressure time-series coordinates. Results: On both surfaces conditions, a significant difference between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EO players was observed during FTS (higher Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.04) and SLS (higher Area and Vavg for visually impaired football 5-a-side players; p < 0.01). No differences between visually impaired football 5-a-side players and sighted EC players were found. Differences between sighted EO vs. sighted EC were observed during FTS on the foam surface, and in SLS on both surface conditions (p < 0.03). Conclusion: FFS players' postural control performance is similar to sighted players with EC but worse than sighted players with EO, suggesting their postural control performance can be simply explained in terms of visual restriction.

Validity of the Polar V800 heart rate monitor for assessing cardiac autonomic control in individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract Aim: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with changes in cardiac autonomic control, that can be evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV), for which the electrocardiogram (ECG) is the gold standard. However, the use of ECG is limited to laboratory environments, and new tools are needed for this purpose and that can be applied in the routine monitoring of individuals with SCI. The present study aimed to investigate the validity of the Polar V800 heart rate monitor in assessing the cardiac autonomic control of individuals with SCI. Methods: Nineteen adult men with SCI (paraplegia n = 10; 44.5 ± 8.5 years and tetraplegia n = 9; 34.4 ± 7.5 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants remained in the sitting position at rest for 10 min for the acquisition of the ECG and Polar V800 signals. The last 5-min window was used to count the beat-by-beat R-R interval series and then calculate the HRV indices (linear methods in the time and frequency domains). The study subgroups were compared, and the validity of the measurements generated with a heart rate monitor was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1) and Bland-Altman graphs. Results: Agreement analyses for the R-R intervals, SDNN, rMSSD, PNN50, SD1, LF, HF, and LF: HF ratio tended to show reliability ranging from acceptable to excellent (ICC = 0.579-0.990; P = 0.043-0.001) and acceptably narrow limits of agreement within both the group with tetraplegia and the group with paraplegia. Conclusion: The Polar V800 heart rate monitor is a valid instrument for assessing HRV in individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia.

Effect of pre-fatiguing the triceps brachii on subsequent strength performance and myoelectric activity in the barbell, dumbbell and Smith machine bench press / Efecto de la prefatiga del tríceps braquial en el desempeño subsiguiente de la fuerza y actividad mioeléctrica en el supino recto en la barra, mancuernas y Smith Machine / Efeito da pré-fadiga do tríceps braquial no desempenho subsequente da força e atividade mioelétrica no supino reto na barra, halteres e Smith Machine

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pre-fatiguing the triceps brachii on subsequent strength performance and myoelectric activity in the barbell, dumbbell, and Smith machine bench press. METHOD: Nineteen trained men participated of this study (27.9 ± 4.5 years; 1.72 ± 0.1 m; 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Ten-repetition maximum loads were determined for the triceps extension as well as the barbell barbell, dumbbell and Smith machine bench press. Three experimental protocols were performed in a randomized design. All experimental protocols began with four sets of the triceps extension (performed with a high pulley) to repetition failure followed by four sets to repetition failure for one of three bench press modalities. Two minute-rest intervals were adopted between sets and exercises. Total repetitions (work), training volume and myoelectric activity of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii were recorded during each bench press modality. RESULTS: Significantly greater activity of the biceps brachii was observed during performance of the dumbbell bench press versus barbell and Smith machine bench press. No other significant differences were observed between protocols. CONCLUSION: Therefore, considering the training volume and myoelectric activity of the synergistic muscles, similar performance across bench press modalities can be expected when preceded by performance of a triceps extension

OBJETIVO: Examinar el efecto de la prefatiga del tríceps braquial en el desempeño subsiguiente de la fuerza y actividad mioeléctrica en el supino recto utilizando barra (SRB), mancuernas (SRM) y Smith machine (SMSR). MÉTODO: En el estudio participaron 19 hombres entrenados (27.9 ± 4.5 años, 1.72 ± 0.1 m, 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Se realizó una prueba de diez repeticiones máximas para la extensión del tríceps, así como para el supino resto utilizando barra, mancuernas y Smith Machine. Se realizaron tres protocolos experimentales en orden aleatorizado. Los protocolos consistieron de cuatro series de repeticiones de extensión del tríceps (realizado con polea alta) hasta la fatiga, seguida de cuatro series de repeticiones hasta la fatiga de una de las tres modalidades de supino. Dos intervalos de descanso de un minuto se realizaron entre series y ejercicios. Las repeticiones totales (trabajo), volumen de entrenamiento y actividad mioeléctrica de pectoral mayor, deltoides anteriores, bíceps braquial y tríceps braquial fueron registradas durante cada modalidad de supino. RESULTADOS: Se observó una actividad significativamente mayor del bíceps braquial durante la realización del supino recto con mancuerna versus barra y Smith Machine. No se observó ninguna diferencia significativa entre los protocolos. CONCLUSIONES: Por lo tanto, considerando el volumen de entrenamiento y la actividad mioeléctrica de los músculos sinérgicos, se puede esperar un rendimiento similar en las diversas modalidades de supino, cuando es precedido por la realización de una extensión de tríceps

OBJETIVO: examinar o efeito da pré-fatiga do tríceps braquial no desempenho subsequente da força e atividade mioelétrica no supino reto utilizando barra, halter e Smith machine. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 19 homens treinados (27.9 ± 4.5 anos; 1.72 ± 0.1 m; 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Foi realizado um teste de dez repetições máximas para a extensão do tríceps, assim como para o SRB, SRH e SMSR. Três protocolos experimentais foram realizados em ordem randomizada. Os protocolos consistiram de quatro séries de repetições do a extensão do tríceps (realizado com polia alta) até a falha seguida de quatro séries de repetições até a falha de uma das três modalidades de supino. Dois intervalos de descanso de um minuto foram adotados entre séries e exercícios. As repetições totais (trabalho), volume de treinamento e atividade mioelétrica de peitoral maior, deltóide anterior, bíceps braquial e tríceps braquial foram registradas durante cada modalidade de supino. RESULTADOS: Observou-se uma atividade significativamente maior do bíceps braquial durante a realização do supino reto halter versus barra e Smith Machine. Nenhuma outra diferença significativa foi observada entre os protocolos. CONCLUSÕES: Portanto, considerando o volume de treinamento e a atividade mioelétrica dos músculos sinérgicos, pode-se esperar um desempenho semelhante em modalidades de supino quando precedido pela realização de uma extensão de tríceps

Acute Hormone Responses Subsequent to Agonist-Antagonist Paired Set vs. Traditional Straight Set Resistance Training.

Miranda, H, de Souza, JAAA, Scudese, E, Paz, GA, Salerno, VP, Vigário, PdS, and Willardson, JM. Acute hormone responses subsequent to agonist-antagonist paired set vs. traditional straight set resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1591-1599, 2020-The purpose of this study was to compare acute hormone responses and rating of perceived exertion (OMNI-Res) subsequent to the agonist-antagonist paired set (PS) vs. the traditional straight set (TS) resistance training method. Twelve recreationally trained men (25.7 ± 4.7 years, 173 ± 6.3 cm and 71.5 ± 6.6 kg) participated in the current study. After 10 repetition maximum (RM) load determination, each subject performed the following 2 experimental sessions in random order: TS session-3 sets of 10 repetitions at 85% of 10RM for the machine seated row and barbell bench press with 2-minute rest intervals between sets; and PS-3 sets of 10 repetitions with 85% of 10RM alternating machine seated row and barbell bench press for the total of 6 PSs with 2-minute rest intervals between sets. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), cortisol, TT/cortisol ratio, growth hormone (GH), and blood lactate concentrations were measured before workout and immediately after workout and 15 and 30 minutes after workout. The OMNI-RES was recorded at the end of each set for both exercises within each session. Under the TS session, TT significantly increased immediately post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. For the PS session, TT significantly decreased at 30-minute post-workout vs. the immediate post-workout time point, whereas, FT significantly increased immediately post-workout and 15-minute post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. For the TS session, GH significantly increased immediately post-workout, and at the 15- and 30-minute post-workout time points vs. the pre-workout time point, respectively. For the PS session, GH was significantly increased immediately post-workout vs. the pre-workout time point. Blood lactate significantly increased at all post-workout time points vs. the pre-workout time point under both sessions. The cortisol and TT/cortisol ratio showed no differences between sessions. In conclusion, from an acute standpoint, the TS approach showed a tendency to cause greater disruption in hormone levels, despite the lack of significant differences vs. the PS approach at all time points. However, both strategies may promote similar acute hormone responses.

Effects of A Short-term Cardio Tai Chi Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hemodynamic Parameters in Sedentary Adults: A Pilot Study.

This study evaluates the effects of a short-term Cardio Tai Chi program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and hemodynamic parameters in sedentary adults. Thirty-one sedentary participants (age: 58 ± 9 years, body mass: 63 ± 12 kg) were subjected to an exercise program during 10 sessions over a 10-day period within 2 weeks. The Cardio Tai Chi program consisted in a series of three to five intervals lasting 90 s each at ∼70% maximal heart rate separated by 2-min of low-intensity recovery. Primary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, V˙O2peak) assessed by the Rockport walking test and resting hemodynamic parameters (systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures). We observed a significant difference of means on post-pre V˙O2peak [4.5 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1 to 5.8, p = 0.004], systolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg, 95% CI:-7.3 to -3.8, p = 0.010) and pulse pressure (-3.7 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.2 to -2.3, p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed for diastolic pressure (-1.8 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.6 to -1.0, p = 0.226), mean blood pressure (2.5 mmHg, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6, p = 0.302), or resting heart rate (-0.9 beat/min, 95% CI: -2.0 to 0.1, p = 0.631). Our findings suggest that engaging in a short-term Cardio Tai Chi program can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and hemodynamic parameters in sedentary adults.

Respiratory muscle training in non-athletes and athletes with spinal cord injury: A systematic review of the effects on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and cardiorespiratory fitness based on the FITT principle of exercise prescription.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory muscle training (RMT) has been recommended to mitigate impacts of spinal cord injuries (SCI), but the optimal dosage in terms of the frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT principle) to promote health in SCI individuals remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To discuss research related to the effects of RMT on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in athletes and non-athletes with SCI, presenting the FITT principle. METHODS: We performed a systematic review. PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, SciELO and Cochrane databases were searched between 1989 and August 2018. Participants were athletes and non-athletes with SCI. RESULTS: 4,354 studies were found, of which only 17 met the eligibility criteria. Results indicated that RMT is associated with beneficial changes in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength and endurance among athletes and non-athletes, whereas no effect was reported for maximal oxygen uptake. It was not possible to establish an optimal RMT dose from the FITT principle, but combined inspiratory/expiratory muscle training seems to promote greater respiratory changes than isolated IMT or EMT. CONCLUSION: The use of RMT elicits benefits in ventilatory variables of athletes and non-athletes with SCI. However, it remains unclear which RMT type and protocol should be used to maximize benefits.

Electromyographic activity of the quadriceps and gluteus medius muscles during/different straight leg raise and squat exercises in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) is characterized by anterior knee pain and affects young female adults. Physiotherapy is the most indicated treatment. The objective of the study was to analyze electromyographic activity of the quadriceps and gluteus medius muscles during different open and closed kinetic chain exercises in women with PPS. Twenty-two clinically healthy women and 24 women with symptomatic PPS were assessed through surface electromyography of the quadriceps and gluteus medius during the following exercises: straight leg raise with and without lateral hip rotation; squats; squats with adduction and hip abduction; and squats combined with lateral hip rotation. When comparing the groups, only the quadriceps muscle showed higher activity in the PPS group. In the comparisons between the exercises, in relation to gluteus medius and quadriceps muscle activity, the straight leg raise and straight leg raise with lateral hip rotation exercises showed more activity than squats in both groups. Among the squats, squats with adduction generated more gluteus medius activity in both groups, and no difference was noted among the squats for the quadriceps muscle. Therefore, rehabilitation programs that include exercises such as straight leg raises, straight leg raises with lateral hip rotation, and squats with adduction may be used for PPS patients.

Dissimilaridade entre o estado de humor, humor deprimido e qualidade de vida em atletas com deficiência visual / Disimilitud entre el estado de ánimo, el humor deprimido y la calidad de vida en atletas con discapacidad visual / Dissimilarity among mood stat e, depressed humor and quality of life in athletes with visual impairment

O objetivo foi avaliar o estado de humor, o humor deprimido e a qualidade de vida de atletas de rendimento com deficiência visual, assim como a dissimilaridade entre estes constructos e a prática esportiva. Foi realizado um estudo seccional com 44 atletas com baixa visão ou cegueira total (26,8 ± 6,0 anos de idade; 72,7% homens), sendo 11 atletas de futebol de cinco, 14 de goalball, 2 de atletismo e 17 de judo. Os seguintes instrumentos na sua versão em portugues foram utilizados: (I) Profile of Mood States (POMS); (II) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) e (III) Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Os participantes apresentaram o perfil de iceberg desejável para a POMS, 81,8% apresentou "nenhum risco" de transtorno depressivo e todos os escores dos domínios do SF-36 estavam acima da média. Foi encontrada correlação positiva entre a duração da sessão de treino e o fator "vigor" da POMS, dentre outras. Os participantes do estudo apresentaram perfil positivo nos estados de humor, baixo risco de ocorrência de transtorno depressivo e uma percepção positiva de qualidade de vida. Parece haver proximidade de elementos da prática esportiva com os estados de humor e domínios da qualidade de vida, e portanto devem ser acompanhados

El objetivo fue evaluar el estado de ánimo, el estado de ánimo deprimido y lacalidad de vida de los atletas com discapacidad visual, así como la disparidad entre estos constructos y la práctica deportiva. Se realiz o um estudio transversal con 44 atletas con baja visión o ceguera total (26.8 ± 6.0 años de edad, 72.7% hombres): 11 jugadores de fútbol de 5, 14 jugadores de goalball, 2 atletas de atletismo y 17 atletas de judo. Se utilizaron las versions brasileñas de l os siguientes instrumentos: (I) Profile of Mood States (POMS); (II) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) y (III) Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey (SF - 36). Los participantes presentaron el deseable perfil de iceberg para POMS, el 81.8% presen tó "sin riesgo" de transtorno depresivo y todos los puntajes de los dominios SF - 36 estuvieron por encima del promedio. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre la duración de la sesión de entrenamiento y el factor "vigor" del POMS, entre otros. Los parti cipantes del estúdio presentaron un perfil positivo en los estados de ánimo, un bajo riesgo de transtorno depresivo y una percepción positiva de la calidad de vida. Parece haber una cercanía entre los elementos de la práctica deportiva con los estados de h umor y los dominios de la calidad de vida, y por lo tanto deben acompañarse

The aim was to evaluate mood, depressed mood and quality of life of athletes wit h visual impairment, as well as the dissimilarity between these constructs and sports practice. A cross - sectional study was carried out with 44 athletes with low vision or total blindness (26.8 ± 6.0 years of age, 72.7% men): 11 five - a - side football player s, 14 goalball players, 2 athletics and 17 judo athletes. The Portuguese Brazilian versions of the following instruments were used: (I) Profile of Mood States (POMS); (II) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and (III) Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short Form Health Survey (SF - 36). Participants presented the desirable iceberg profile for POMS, 81.8% presented "no risk" of depressive disorder and all scores of SF - 36 domains were above average. Positive correlation was found between the duration of the training s ession and the "vigor" factor of the POMS, among others. The study participants presented a positive profile in mood states, a low risk of depressive disorder and a positive perception of quality of life. There seems to be closeness of elements of sports p ractice with states of humor and domains of quality of life, and therefore must be accompanied

Computerized photogrammetric assessment of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide a computerized photogrammetric description of the postural alignment of visually impaired athletes. METHODS: Twenty-six athletes were evaluated. Athletes were asked to stand at easy with styrofoam balls placed on selected anatomical landmarks, and photographic images were acquired in four viewpoints. Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO) was applied for image analysis. Body's angles and distances were calculated and transformed in absolute (nonnegative) values for analysis. Factor analysis was applied for data reduction. RESULTS: Absolute values of PAS/SAPO variables resulted in lower coefficient of variation (CV) than raw values (average of 57% versus 500%, respectively), which potentially enhances the comparative use of these measures. Head's forward positioning and rightward inclination were among the most prevalent postural deviation, being observed in more than 70% of the athletes. With respect to the magnitude of the deviation, large variability was observed in data derived from anterior/posterior compared with lateral viewpoint. For instance, head's rightward inclination (head horizontal alignment in the anterior view) achieved 2.9 ±â€¯2.5° (mean ±â€¯SD), with a CV of 86%, while head's forward positioning (C7 horizontal alignment in left viewpoint) reaches 42.7 ±â€¯6.6°, with a CV of only 16%. Factor analysis did not result in significant data reduction, although anterior body's angles and distances were identified as important sources of data variability. CONCLUSIONS: The PAS/SAPO values described here can be adopted as reference for future investigations of postural alignment in visually impaired athletes.

Relationship Between Percentages of Heart Rate Reserve and Oxygen Uptake Reserve During Cycling and Running: A Validation Study.

Guimarães, GC, Farinatti, PTV, Midgley, AW, Vasconcellos, F, Vigário, P, and Cunha, FA. Relationship between percentages of heart rate reserve and oxygen uptake reserve during cycling and running: a validation study. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1954-1962, 2019-This study investigated the relationship between percentages of heart rate reserve (%HRR) and oxygen uptake reserve (%VO2R) during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and discrete bouts of isocaloric cycling and treadmill running. Thirty men visited the laboratory 3 times for anthropometrical and resting VO2 assessments, and perform cycling and running CPETs. Ten men visited the laboratory twice more to investigate the validity of the %HRR-%VO2R relationships during isocaloric bouts of cycling and running at 75% VO2R with energy expenditures of 400 kcals. The %HRR was significantly higher than the %VO2R during both CPETs at all exercise intensities (p < 0.001). During isocaloric exercise bouts, mean %HRR-%VO2R differences of 6.5% and 7.0% were observed for cycling and running, respectively (p = 0.007-p < 0.001). The %HRR and %VO2R increased over time (p < 0.001), the rate of which was influenced by exercise modality (p < 0.001). On average, heart rate was 5 (p = 0.007) and 8 (p < 0.001) b·min higher than predicted from the second energy expenditure quartile for cycling and running, respectively; however, observed VO2 was lower than predicted during all quartiles for cycling, and the first quartile for running. Consequently, time to achieve the target energy expenditure was greater than predicted (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the %HRR-%VO2R relationship observed during CPET data did not accurately transpose to prolonged isocaloric bouts of cycling and running. In addition, power outputs and speeds defined by the American College of Sports Medicine equations for cycling and running, respectively, overestimated VO2 and energy expenditure.

Oxidative stress biomarkers after a single maximal test in blind and non-blind soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant capacity, muscle damage and hormone response between vision impaired and non-vision impaired athletes after a single maximal exercise test. METHODS: Eight vision impaired and fifteen non-vision impaired athletes performed a maximal aerobic test with blood collected before and after. RESULTS: Non-vision impaired athletes displayed greater aerobic capacity than blind individuals (P<0.05). Lactate increased by four-fold, while creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase as well as the oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidants were unchanged. Cortisol increased, but testosterone and their ratio were not altered. Differences were observed for alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, which were increased only in non-blind athletes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that blind soccer players, in comparison to those with vision, experienced less cellular damage.

Heart rate response to graded exercise test of elderly subjects in different ranges of TSH levels

ABSTRACT Objective: Life expectancy is increasing worldwide and studies have been demonstrating that elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in elderly is associated with some better health outcomes. This elevation is somewhat physiological as aging. The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate (HR) response during a graded exercise test and its recovery in healthy elderly, comparing subjects within serum TSH in the lower limit of reference range to those within the TSH in the upper limit. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 healthy elderly aged 71.5 ± 5.1 years, with serum TSH between 0.4 - 4.0 mUl/mL. The participants were divided into two groups according to TSH level: < 1.0 mUl/mL (n = 13) and ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL (n = 73). All participants performed an ergometric test on a treadmill. The HR was recorded and analyzed at rest, during exercise and during the three minutes immediately after exercise. Results: No differences were observed in relation to HR at peak of exercise (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 133.9 ± 22.5 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 132.4 ± 21.3 bpm; p = 0.70) and during the first minute of recovery phase (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 122.3 ± 23.1 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 115.7 ± 18.4 bpm p = 0.33). The groups also presented similar chronotropic index (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 78.1 ± 30.6 vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 79.5 ± 26.4; p = 0.74). Conclusion: In this sample studied, there were no difference between lower and upper TSH level concerning HR response during rest, peak of exercise and exercise recovery.

Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. RESULTS: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

Evaluation of redox profiles in exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism at two different levels of TSH suppression.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism and oxidative stress through the analysis of the redox profile of patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism exogenous (SCH) grade I (TSH = 0.1 to 0.4 IU/mL) and grade II (TSH < 0.1 IU/mL). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 46 patients with SCH due to the use of TSH suppressive therapy with LT4 after total thyroidectomy along with 6 control euthyroid individuals (3M and 3W). Patients were divided into two groups, G1 with TSH ≥ 0.1-0.4 IU/mL (n = 25; and 7M 14W) and G2 with TSH < 0.1 IU/mL (n = 25; and 4M 21W). Venous blood samples were collected to measure the levels of markers for oxidative damage (TBARS, FOX and protein carbonylation), muscle and liver damage (CK, AST, ALT, GGT) and antioxidants (GSH, GSSG and catalase). RESULTS: Individuals in G2 showed a GSH/GSSG ratio ~ 30% greater than those in G1 (p = 0.004) and a catalase activity that was 4 times higher (p = 0.005). For lipid peroxidation, the levels measured in G2 were higher than both control and G1 (p = 0.05). No differences were observed for both protein carbonyl markers. G1 and G2 presented with greater indications of cell injury markers than the control group. CONCLUSION: TSH suppression therapy with LT4 that results in subclinical hyperthyroidism can cause a redox imbalance. The greater antioxidant capacity observed in the more suppressed group was not sufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation and cellular damage.

Evaluation of redox profiles in exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism at two different levels of TSH suppression

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the relationship between exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism and oxidative stress through the analysis of the redox profile of patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism exogenous (SCH) grade I (TSH = 0.1 to 0.4 IU/mL) and grade II (TSH < 0.1 IU/mL). Subjects and methods: We analyzed 46 patients with SCH due to the use of TSH suppressive therapy with LT4 after total thyroidectomy along with 6 control euthyroid individuals (3M and 3W). Patients were divided into two groups, G1 with TSH ≥ 0.1-0.4 IU/mL (n = 25; and 7M 14W) and G2 with TSH < 0.1 IU/mL (n = 25; and 4M 21W). Venous blood samples were collected to measure the levels of markers for oxidative damage (TBARS, FOX and protein carbonylation), muscle and liver damage (CK, AST, ALT, GGT) and antioxidants (GSH, GSSG and catalase). Results: Individuals in G2 showed a GSH/GSSG ratio ~ 30% greater than those in G1 (p = 0.004) and a catalase activity that was 4 times higher (p = 0.005). For lipid peroxidation, the levels measured in G2 were higher than both control and G1 (p = 0.05). No differences were observed for both protein carbonyl markers. G1 and G2 presented with greater indications of cell injury markers than the control group. Conclusion: TSH suppression therapy with LT4 that results in subclinical hyperthyroidism can cause a redox imbalance. The greater antioxidant capacity observed in the more suppressed group was not sufficient to avoid lipid peroxidation and cellular damage.

Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. Subjects and methods: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. Results: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Amputee Body Image Scale: Cultural Adaptation and a Psychometric Analysis.

Body image adjustments after a limb loss are essential to rehabilitation. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS). We analyzed data from a nonprobability sample of 100 participants (71% men, mean age 48.26 ± 18.35 years) by using a confirmatory factor analysis with partial least square path modeling. We evaluated the structural model by using Pearson's coefficient of determination, path coefficients, indicator of Stone-Geisser, and Cohen's indicator. We evaluated item factor loadings and average variance extracted for model measurement. We tested the internal consistency with Cronbach's α test and composite reliability and evaluated the discriminant validity by adopting Fornell and Larcker (1981) criteria. We tested the original and a new three-factor model and performed correlational and variance analyses as additional tests. The new three-factor theoretical model had stronger structural support and better discriminant and convergent validities than the original three-factor model. The ABIS total score was inversely correlated with body appreciation. There were significant body image score differences between the groups of sedentary and physically active amputees and among those with differences in years since amputation, but there were no differences between those with different causes of amputation nor for those with different amputated limbs.

Heart rate response to graded exercise test of elderly subjects in different ranges of TSH levels.

OBJECTIVE: Life expectancy is increasing worldwide and studies have been demonstrating that elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in elderly is associated with some better health outcomes. This elevation is somewhat physiological as aging. The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate (HR) response during a graded exercise test and its recovery in healthy elderly, comparing subjects within serum TSH in the lower limit of reference range to those within the TSH in the upper limit. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 86 healthy elderly aged 71.5 ± 5.1 years, with serum TSH between 0.4 - 4.0 mUl/mL. The participants were divided into two groups according to TSH level: < 1.0 mUl/mL (n = 13) and ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL (n = 73). All participants performed an ergometric test on a treadmill. The HR was recorded and analyzed at rest, during exercise and during the three minutes immediately after exercise. RESULTS: No differences were observed in relation to HR at peak of exercise (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 133.9 ± 22.5 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 132.4 ± 21.3 bpm; p = 0.70) and during the first minute of recovery phase (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 122.3 ± 23.1 bpm vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 115.7 ± 18.4 bpm p = 0.33). The groups also presented similar chronotropic index (TSH < 1.0 µUI/mL: 78.1 ± 30.6 vs. TSH ≥ 1.0 µUI/mL: 79.5 ± 26.4; p = 0.74). CONCLUSION: In this sample studied, there were no difference between lower and upper TSH level concerning HR response during rest, peak of exercise and exercise recovery.