Effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Aim: To analyze the effects of two training programs on health variables in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Thirty-eight adults were randomly divided into three groups: resistance training (RG); resistance training with core training (RCG) and control (CG). Results: There were reductions in body mass index (BMI) in RG and RCG, waist circumference in RG and RCG, pain in RG, RCG and CG, CK in RCG, stress in RG and RCG, functional deficiency in RG and RCG and increases in trunk flexor and extensor strength in the RG and RCG. Conclusion: Resistance training, with or without core training exercises, reduced the levels of LBP, functional disability, stress and CK, and increased the strength of trunk flexors and extensors. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: ReBEC (RBR-5khzxz).

Resistance and core exercises can be an alternative treatment for adults with low back pain (LBP) that does not require any medicines. This study was designed to test the effectiveness of different exercise regimens on the health of people with low back pain. We divided adults with LBP into three groups: resistance training, resistance training with core training and a control group. We assessed the health of the participants by measuring certain chemicals in their blood samples, pain intensity, functional disability, perceived stress level and muscle strength. After 4 weeks, there were reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, pain, creatine kinase (CK ­ a natural chemical found in the bloodstream that may be higher when muscles are stressed or damaged), stress, functional impairment and increases in the strength of muscles involved in flexing the trunk (torso) in both intervention groups. Therefore, resistance training, with or without basic training exercises, is an effective form of treatment to reduce LBP.

Correlation between pain, anthropometric measurements, stress and biochemical markers in women with low back pain.

Aim: To analyze the associations between pain duration, pain levels, anthropometric measures, perceived stress and biochemical markers in women with low back pain. Materials & methods: Forty-two participants were submitted to body mass, height, abdominal circumference, cortisol and creatine kinase (CK) collections. Pain duration, pain levels and stress were analyzed through specific questionnaires. Results: There were positive correlations between abdominal circumference and body mass, duration of pain and age, abdominal circumference, CK and age, CK and BMI, CK and abdominal circumference, and CK and duration of pain (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The higher the level of tissue damage over the years, the greater the tendency for higher levels of low back pain perception. Central fat was related to greater load on the spine.

Lay abstract Low back pain (LBP) is one of the factors that hinders the routine and productivity of women. LBP can cause functional disability and negatively interfere with work activities. The increase in pain can be caused by mechanical postural factors (such as behavioral habits), traumatic (such as accidents), and psychosocial factors (such as physical inactivity). Chronic LBP can influence behavioral aspects due to adaptations of pain feedback, such as postures to avoid pain and sedentary lifestyle. In this study, we observed that duration of LBP was related to higher levels of creatine kinase, which is an enzyme of our body that can be related to tissue damage. Moreover, the abdominal circumference, due to the accumulation of fat in this region, presented correlation with higher levels of tissue damage by creatine kinase and longer exposure time with LBP.

Myoelectric activity of the gastrocnemius during plantar flexion in a standing versus seated position and with a neutral or dorsiflexed ankle: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the medial (GM) and lateral (GL) heads of the gastrocnemius muscle during plantar flexion performed in standing or seated positions, and with a neutral or dorsiflexed ankle. INTRODUCTION: The tríceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus) is an essential muscle group that promotes propulsion during walking, running and tasks of daily living. METHODS: Ten male volunteers (24.5 ± 3.6 years, weight: 75.8 ± 10 kg; height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m) performed ten repetitions of plantar flexion under four different conditions: a) standing position (SP); b) standing position with passive stretch of the gastrocnemius muscle (SPS); c) seated with the knee flexed (KF); d) seated with the knee flexed and a passive stretch of the gastrocnemius (KFS). RESULTS: The muscle activity expressed as the root mean square (RMS) was significantly higher for the GL in the SPS versus the SP condition, while there was no difference for the GM between conditions. However, for the KF condition, GM activity was significantly higher versus the KFS condition, which was not verified for the GL. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the standing position with passive stretching of the triceps surae may be more efficient in increasing the myoelectric activity of the GL. However, the sitting position without passive stretching promoted greater GM muscle recruitment. The length/tension relationship of gastrocnemius could be used as a prescription variable during rehabilitation or conditioning programs.

Effects of physical exercise on low back pain and cortisol levels: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: To verify the effects of physical exercise on low back pain (LBP) and serum cortisol levels in individuals with chronic LBP. Materials & methods: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of exercise on LBP perception and cortisol levels in adults with nonspecific chronic LBP were included. Results: Four randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 85 participants in the exercise group and 84 in the control group. The interventions reduced -1.61 (95% CI: -2.36 to -0.85) with inconsistency I2 = 72% (p = 0.031) the LBP level and increased 1.05 (95% CI: 0.22-2.32) with inconsistency I2 = 86% (p < 0.0001) the cortisol levels. Conclusion: The practice of physical exercise for 6 weeks or more reduced LBP levels, whereas the rate of progression of an exercise-training program in people with chronic LBP is greater than 4 weeks, but increased the cortisol serum levels in individuals with LBP.

Kinesiophobia and functionality perception in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain / Cinesiofobia e percepção de funcionalidade em mulheres na pós-menopausa portadoras de lombalgia crônica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain is the main cause of global disability and is prevalent in women, tending to increase after menopause. The present study aimed to analyze the correlation between body mass index, muscle strength, kinesiophobia, estradiol, functional disability, and low back pain perception in postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain. METHODS: Twenty-two postmenopausal women with chronic low back pain were evaluated. Abdominal and lower back strength were assessed using isometric tests. Basal serum estradiol levels were analyzed using the chemiluminescence method. Kinesiophobia, low back pain perception, and low back functional disability were determined using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the visual analog scale, and the Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: The Spearman correlation test showed correlations between the levels of kinesiophobia and the value of body mass (rho= -0.513; p=0.015) and the levels of kinesiophobia and the values of body mass index (rho= -0.576; p=0.005). There was correlation between the levels of kinesiophobia and perception of lumbar functional disability (rho= 0.434; p=0.043). No significant correlations were found between the variables of muscle strength, estradiol, and low back pain perception. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with low back pain who have higher body mass and body mass index values tend to present lower levels of kinesiophobia. There is a direct relationship between the fear of moving or maintaining a specific position and the perception of the functionality and safety of the lumbar spine.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor lombar é a principal causa de incapacidade global e possui prevalência em mulheres, tendendo a aumentar após a menopausa. O presente estudo objetivou analisar as associações entre índice de massa corporal, força muscular, cinesiofobia, estradiol, incapacidade funcional e percepção de dor lombar em mulheres na pós-menopausa com dor lombar crônica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 22 mulheres na pós-menopausa diagnosticadas com dor lombar crônica. A força abdominal e dos extensores da coluna foi avaliada por meio de testes isométricos. Os níveis séricos basais de estradiol foram analisados pelo método de quimiluminescência. A cinesiofobia, a percepção de dor e a incapacidade funcional lombar foram determinadas pela Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, escala analógica visual e Roland Morris Questionnaire, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: O teste de correlação de Spearman mostrou associações entre os níveis de cinesiofobia e os valores de massa corporal total (rho=-0,513; p=0,015) e os níveis de cinesiofobia e os valores de índice de massa corporal (rho=-0,576; p=0,005). Foi encontrada correlação entre os níveis de cinesiofobia e de percepção de incapacidade funcional lombar (rho=0,434; p=0,043). Não houve correlações significativas entre as variáveis força muscular, estradiol e percepção de dor. CONCLUSÃO: Mulheres na pós-menopausa com dor lombar crônica que apresentam maiores valores de massa corporal total e índice de massa corporal tendem a apresentar menores níveis de cinesiofobia. Existe relação direta entre o medo de se movimentar ou permanecer em uma posição específica e a percepção de funcionalidade e segurança da coluna lombar.

Correlação Entre Índice de Massa Corporal, Potência Muscular e Consumo de Oxigênio de Estudantes de Educação Física / Correlation among Body Mass Index, Muscle Power, and Oxygen Consumption of Physical Education Students

A prática de exercícios é aceita como uma importante ferramenta no que tange seu impacto em relação à melhora do rendimento físicoesportivo, bem como na saúde da população. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar possíveis correlações entre o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx), potência muscular (ImpHoriz) e o índice de massa corporal (IMC) em estudantes de Educação Física. Dezesseis estudantes de Educação Física de uma faculdade particular localizada na zona oeste do Rio de Janeiro, de ambos os sexos, foram recrutados para o presente estudo. Os participantes realizaram três testes, durante três dias não consecutivos, com intervalo de 48 horas entre eles. Durante o primeiro dia de teste, medição da massa corporal total e altura foram realizadas para posterior cálculo do índice de massa corporal, o segundo dia de teste consistiu na avaliação da capacidade cardiorrespiratória e terceiro dia de teste consistiu na avaliação de força de membros inferiores. Como resultado, não foram encontradas boa correlação entre IMC e VO2máx (r = -0,168) e ImpHoriz (r = 0,242). Em contrapartida, foi observada boa correlação entre ImpHoriz e VO2máx (r = 0,801). Conclui-se que o IMC está diretamente relacionado com a potência muscular. Entretanto, em indivíduos fisicamente ativos esse fator parece não influenciar.(AU).

Physical exercise is accepted as an important tool related to the improvement in physical-sports performance, as well as the general population's health. The purpose of the present study was to verify possible correlations among maximal oxygen consumption (VO2máx), muscle power (ImpHoriz), and body mass index (BMI) in Physical Education students. Sixteen Physical Education students from a private university located in the Western zone of Rio de Janeiro, of both sexes, were recruited for the present study. Participants performed three tests, during three non-consecutive days, with 48 hours rest interval among them. During the first testing day, total body mass and height measurement were performed for mass index calculation. The second and third testing day consisted of the cardiorespiratory capacity and lower limb muscle power evaluation, respectively. As result, weak correlation was found between BMI and VO2máx (r = -0.168) and ImpHoriz (r = 0.242). However, strength correlation was observed between VO2máx and ImpHoriz (r = 0.801). It is concluded that BMI is directly related to muscle power. However, in physically active subjects this factor does not influence.(AU).

Pain perception and low back pain functional disability after a 10-week core and mobility training program: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 10-week core and mobility training program on pain perception and low back disability score in professors, students and employees of a university. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals of a university who previously reported pain and low back disability were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n= 8) that received 2 weekly sessions of 50 minutes of core and mobility training for 10 weeks; or to a control group (CG; n= 16). Both groups received a guideline to adopt ergonomic postures during work and activities of daily living. The visual analog pain scale (VAS) and the Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ) were applied pre- and post intervention. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the pain intensity perception (p= 0.014) and low back functional disability (p= 0.011) were noted in the EG pre- and post measures. However, no significant difference was observed in the CG. Thus, there was a significant difference between the EG and the CG in the post-intervention measures (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Core and mobility training and home-ergonomic instructions were effective to reduce the pain intensity perception and low back functional disability in the EG.

El salto vertical después del estiramiento pasivo de los músculos flexores de la rodilla / Vertical jump performance after passive static stretching of knee flexors muscles

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto agudo del estiramiento estático pasivo (ESP) aplicado en los músculos flexores de la rodilla en el rendimiento del salto vertical (SV). Material y métodos: El estudio consistió en 10 hombres y 10 mujeres voluntarios con experiencia previa en el entrenamiento de fuerza (EF). Los sujetos realizaron 2 protocolos: EF sin ESP (TRAD) y SV inmediatamente después del estiramiento (ESP). Resultados: Hubo una diferencia significativa en el rendimiento del salto vertical ESP (53,6 ± 8,5 cm) en comparación con el TRAD (47,9 ± 13,1 cm) en el grupo femenino. En comparación con los hombres también hubo diferencias significativas en el ESP (58,4 ± 12,3) y el TRAD (51,4 ± 12,3) (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Este estudio sugiere que el estiramiento estático pasivo aplicado solo en los flexores de la rodilla puede mejorar el rendimiento durante el SV para los hombres y mujeres entrenados

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of passive static stretching (PSS) applied on hamstring muscles on vertical jump height (VJ) performance. Materials and methods: Ten men and 10 women with previous experience in resistance training were volunteers, and performed two protocols on non-consecutive days: traditional protocol (TRAD) including VJ without previous PSS, and a PSS protocol, with VJ immediately after stretching. Results: Significant differences were observed in VJ performance with PSS (53.6 ± 8.5 cm) when compared to TRAD (47.9 ± 13.1 cm) for the women’s group (P = .021). Significant differences were also observed in the men’s group with PSS (58,4 ± 12.3) versus TRAD (51.4 ± 9.6) protocol (P = 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that PSS applied only on hamstring muscles may have an acute effect on increasing the VJ performance for both men and women with previous experience in resistance training

Perfil cardiorrespiratório entre atacantes e defensores de uma equipe profissional de rugby / Aerobic Profile Between Backs And Forwards Of Professional Rugby

O Rugby caracteriza-se como um desporto competitivo, normalmente praticado por 15 jogadores em cada equipe. É um esporte que exige ao extremo as aptidões físicas, contendo corridas em altas velocidades, colisões físicas entre os atletas e grande potência muscular (explosão muscular). O Yoyo test consiste na execução de exercícios intermitentes realizados, aumentando progressivamente a velocidade, intercaladas com 10 segundos de períodos de descanso ativo e executadas até que o sujeito esgotar-se, com intuito de avaliar a capacidade aeróbica dos mesmos.. O presente estudo teve como objetivo aferir através do protocolo de teste yo-yo o nível de VO2 máximo estimado de jogadores de rugby da região metropolitana da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram do estudo 25 jogadores do sexo masculino com idade de 24,16 ± 6,35 anos, massa corporal 80 ± 9,2 kg e, estatura de 1,79 ± 5,6 m. Todos os avaliados realizaram três sessões do Yo Yo teste nível 1 com intervalo de 72 horas entre as sessões obtendo uma média para o grupo de 45,25 ± 3,8 ml*kg*min-1 de VO2 máximo, sendo 47,7 ml*kg*min-1 para os Forwards (defensores) e 42,3 ml*kg*min-1 para os Backs (atacantes). Na análise descritiva foram calculadas as médias e desvio-padrão das variáveis. O teste de Shapiro-Wilk determinou que os dados são paramétricos O teste t pareado foi aplicado para comparar o distancia media e VO2 Maximo estimado no teste yo-yo entre defensores e atacantes. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS 20.0 e para todas as analises foi adotado o valor de p < 0,05. Em conclusão, pode verificar que o grupo de defensores, apesar de, possuírem maior massa corporal e maior estatura, apresentou melhor aptidão cardiorrespiratória quando comparado ao grupo de atacantes. Quando analisado a distância total percorrida após os testes o resultado também foi superior no grupo dos defensores.(AU)

Rugby is characterized for a competitive sport usually played by 15 subjects on each team. It is a sport that requires the extreme physical skills, containing short running at high speeds, physical collisions between athletes and great muscle power (muscle power). The Yo-yo test consists on execute out intermittent exercise performed progressively increasing speed, active rest with 10 seconds and executed until the subject was exhausted, designed to evaluate aerobic profile. This study aimed to assess by testing protocol yoyo level one VO2 maximum rugby players in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro city. The study included 25 male players aged 24.16 ± 6.35 years, body mass 80 ± 9.2 kg, height 1.79 ± 5.6M. All reviews conducted three sessions of Yo Yo test level 1 with an interval of 72 hours between sessions getting an average for the group of 45.25 ± 3.8 ml*kg*min-1 to VO2 max kg.min, and 47. ml*kg*min-1 for forwards (defenders) and 42.3 ml*kg*min-1 to Backs (attackers). In the descriptive analysis the mean and standard deviation of the variables were calculated. The Shapiro-Wilk test determined that the data are parametric the paired t test was used to compare the average distance and VO2 Max estimated in the yo-yo test between defenders and attackers. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software and for all analyzes was adopted p value <0.05. Found that forwards group, although their bigger body mass and stature, had a better aerobic profile when compared to the backs groups. When analyzing the total distance traveled after the test was higher in the group of defenders.(AU)

Efeito da pré-ativação dos antagonistas sobre a determinação da carga no teste de 10 repetições máximas no exercício supino reto / Effects of antagonist pre-activation on 10 repetition maximum load determination in the bench press exercise

Introdução: Evidências indicam que a pré-ativação do antagonista melhora o desempenho agonista no exercício. Objetivo: Verificar o efeito da pré-ativação dos antagonistas (PAA) na determinação de carga no teste de 10 repetições máximas (RM) no supino reto no smith (SRS). Métodos: sessões 1 e 2, o teste e reteste de 10-RM foram aplicados no exercício remada aberta sentado (RAS). Sessões 3, 4, 5 e 6, o teste e reteste para o exercício SRS foram aplicados em duas condições distintas: tradicional, sem pré ativação dos antagonistas; PAA, uma série no RAS foi aplicada até a falha, e seguida pela tentativa no exercício SRS registrando-se o máximo de carga para de 10-RM. Resultado: no exercício SRS sem PAA obteve-se 99 ± 10,5 kg, quando se realizou a PAA através da RAS verificou-se 102,7 ± 12,7 kg. Conclusão: o estudo evidenciou que a pré-ativação dos antagonistas pode aumentar a força dos agonistas melhorando seu desempenho.

Introduction: studies indicate that preactivation of the antagonist can improve performance on agonist exercise. Objective: investigate the effect of antagonist preactivation (PAA) on the 10 maximum repetition performance of the agonists. Methods: on sessions 1 and 2, the volunteers performed a test and retest of 10 maximum repetitions (RM) in the wide grip seated row (WSR). Sessions 3, 4, 5 and 6, a test and retest in the bench press in smith machine (BPS) was made in two conditions: traditional, without preactivation; PAA, one set in the WSR to the fatigue point and immediately a trial in the BPS every attempt, registering the maximum 10-RM load. Results: the BPS test without PAA was obtained 99 ± 10.5 kg, however when PAA was carried out in SR test was obtained 102.7 ± 12.7 kg. Conclusion: The study showed that the proposal to activate the antagonist before agonist may increase the strength of the agonist.

Fatores motivacionais de idosos praticantes do método Pilates / Motivational factors of elderly practitioners of pilates method

Avaliar os fatores motivacionais de idosos praticantes do Método Pilates e suarelação com o sexo. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado no período de abrile maio de 2014, utilizando amostra por conveniência com 39 idosos, independentemente dosexo, praticantes do Método Pilates em um bairro da zona norte do Rio de Janeiro-RJ. Utilizouseo “Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividades Físicas (IMPRAF-54)”,que avalia as dimensões de motivação (“Controle de Estresse”, “Saúde”, “Sociabilidade”,“Competitividade”, “Estética” e “Prazer”). Aplicou-se a estatística descritiva para análise dasdimensões. Resultados: Os principais aspectos motivacionais descritos pelos idosos foram“Saúde” (escore bruto médio; mulheres: 34,3(±4,7); homens: 30,3(±5,2)), “Sociabilidade”(escore bruto médio; mulheres: 27,8(±10,2); homens: 28,8 (±9,7)) e “Prazer” (escore brutomédio; mulheres: 30,8(±7,5); homens: 29,3(±8,3)); somente entre os homens o domíniode “Sociabilidade” foi classificado como “motivação alta” (percentil 70), segundo tabelasnormativas do instrumento. Conclusão: Fatores relacionados à saúde, sociabilidade e prazerforam determinantes motivacionais entre os idosos avaliados praticantes do Método Pilates...

Efeito da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva e pré-ativação dinâmica dos antagonistas sobre a força isométrica máxima e sinal eletromiográfico / Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and antagonist dynamic pre-activation on maximal isometric force and electromyographic signal

Uma das principais adaptações neurais relacionadas ao treinamento de força é a redução progressiva na coativação dos músculos antagonistas e aumento da ativação dos agonistas. Recentemente, evidências sugerem que a pré-ativação dos antagonistas pode melhorar o desempenho dos agonistas, entretanto, não há evidências consistentes que suportem tal hipótese. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar as respostas eletromiográficas (EMG) do latíssimo do dorso (LD), porção espinal do deltoide (DE), porção clavicular do peitoral maior (PC), porção clavicular do deltoide (DC) e força isométrica máxima (Fmáx) durante o exercício de remada aberta (RA) em isometria após facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (FNPA) e pré-ativação dinâmica dos antagonistas no teste de flexão de braços (PADA). Participaram do estudo 10 homens (23,1 ± 3 anos de idade, 77,7 ± 6,5 kg de massa corporal, 167,5 ± 4,8 cm de estatura e 25,6 ± 2,3 kg/m2 de índice de massa corporal) recreacionalmente treinados. A amplitude do sinal EMG foi normalizada por ações isométricas voluntárias máximas (AIVMs). Na análise estatística, foi aplicada a ANOVA two-way e post hoc de Bonferroni para realizar as devidas comparações (p < 0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na Fmáx após os protocolos FNPA e PADA comparados ao exercício de RA sem estímulo prévio (RSEP). Em relação à amplitude EMG dos músculos LD, DE (agonistas), PC e DC (antagonistas), não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os protocolos RSEP, FNPA e PADA. Esses resultados sugerem que parece não haver benefícios adicionais na aplicação da técnica de FNP contract-relax e pré-ativação nos antagonistas sobre o sinal EMG e Fmáx dos agonistas baseado na hipótese de inibição neurológica dos antagonistas.

One of the main related neural adaptations to strength training is the progressive reduction in the antagonist coactivation and increased in agonist activation. Recently, evidence suggests that antagonist pre-activation can improve the agonist performance, however, there is no consistent evidence to support this hypothesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate electromyographic responses (EMG) of the latissimus dorsi (LD), spinal portion of deltoid (DE), clavicular portion of pectoralis major (PC), clavicular portion of deltoid (DC) and maximal isometric force (Fmax) during the isometric exercise of wide grip seated row (SR) after proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (FNPA) and antagonist dynamics pre-activation in the push up test (PADA). The study included 10 men (23.1 ± 3 years of age, 77.7 ± 6.5 kg body weight, 167.5 ± 4.8 cm in height and 25.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2 index body weight) recreationally trained. The EMG amplitude was normalized by maximum voluntary isometric actions (MVIAs). Statistical analysis was applied the two-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni to perform the comparisons (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in Fmax after the protocols FNPA and PADA compared the performance of SR without previous stimulus (RSEP). Regarding the EMG amplitude LD, DE (agonists), PC and DC (antagonists), there were no significant differences between the protocols RSEP, FNPA and PADA. These results suggest that there is no additional benefits in applying the technique of PNF contract-relax and pre-activation in the antagonists on the EMG signal and Fmax based on the hypothesis of neurological inhibition of antagonists.