Persons With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and High Levels of Activation Improved Their Physical Activity Skills After an Educational Session.

Background: Daily physical activity is part of the self-management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and didactic information sessions may be insufficient for the provision of these skills. Prior activation can determine sensitivity to these sessions. We evaluated whether the activation in patients with COPD, as measured by the Patient Activation Measure (PAM)-13 questionnaire, determined their responses to an educational group session on physical activity (PA), which were measured with actigraphy by the number of steps/day. Methods: We conducted an uncontrolled clinical trial in an outpatient clinic with 75 patients with nonexacerbating COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second 30%-80%) who were selected consecutively. Patients were provided with an actigraph that they used for 15 days and completed the PAM-13 questionnaire. On the eighth day, they attended a group educational session where they were given PA information. We compared the changes in activity after the session by pooled PAM levels and the correlation between the change in the number of steps/day and the PAM-13 questionnaire. Results: A total of 26 patients had activation levels of 1-2, while 49 patients had levels of 3-4. After the session, patients in Levels 1-2 decreased their number of steps (-596±42), while those in Levels 3-4 increased them (680±253, p<0.01). The level of activation was positively correlated with change in the number of steps/day (p<0.05). Conclusion: COPD patients with greater activation showed greater improvements in daily PA after a group educational session.

Endurance running prevents the age-related decline of calcaneal bone stiffness.

This investigation presents a comparison of calcaneus bone stiffness of endurance runners of different ages and age-matched controls. We found that there was an age-associated decline in calcaneus bone stiffness in the control group while endurance runners prevented this decline, with a higher effect as the participants increased their age. PURPOSE: Previous investigations have found that endurance runners have higher bone mineral density and other bone quality variables in mechanically loaded bones. However, it is unknown if endurance running might counteract the decline in bone stiffness that occurs with age. The purpose of this study was to compare calcaneus bone stiffness of endurance runners of different ages to age-matched controls. METHODS: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 182 endurance-trained male runners and 116 healthy untrained male controls underwent an ultrasonographic assessment of the calcaneus bone in the right and left heels. Calcaneal bone stiffness was calculated from assessments of the broadband ultrasound attenuation and the speed of sound. RESULTS: The line of best fit for the association between age and calcaneus stiffness was different between marathoners and controls (Z = - 2.1, P = 0.02). A two-way ANCOVA (condition × age) with body mass, and body mass index as covariates, revealed that there were main effects of condition (F = 26.8, P < 0.01) and age (F = 4.2, P < 0.01) for calcaneus stiffness, with a significant interaction between these two factors (F = 2.8, P = 0.03). The post hoc analysis revealed that calcaneus stiffness was significantly higher in marathoners of 40-44 years (121.5 ± 18.2 vs 101.1 ± 21.3 arbitrary units [A.U.], P = 0.01), 45-49 years (121.5 ± 19.7 vs 104.3 ± 13.4 A.U., P = 0.04), and > 50 years (111.2 ± 17.9 vs 92.4 ± 16.0 A.U., P < 0.01) than their untrained counterparts of the same age with no statistically significant differences in the remaining age groups. CONCLUSION: Endurance runners of > 40 years had higher values of calcaneus stiffness than controls, providing evidence to support the potential effect of endurance running to reduce the age-related decline on calcaneus bone stiffness.

Strength Improvements of Different 10-Week Multicomponent Exercise Programs in Elderly Women.

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of various muscle strength sessions performed during 10 weeks physical conditioning programs and 4 weeks of detraining on the physical conditioning, body composition and hematology of elderly women. 48 women were randomly distributed in four groups: a physical conditioning group (PCG; n = 12) with two sessions per week; a PCG with an extra-session focus on hypertrophy (PCGH; n = 12), a PCG with an extra-session in a shallow pool (PCGP; n = 12); and a control group (CG; n = 12). PCGH achieved a significant increase in Abalakov. Significant differences between the CG and the other groups were found in Countermovement Jump. There were significant improvements in the chair-stand test in the PCG and PCGH. The training programs suspected improvements in HDL, LDL, baseline glucose and glycated hemoglobin. In conclusion, a training program with an extra-session focus on hypertrophy achieved a greater improvement in strength in elderly women.

Balón intragástrico ingerible Elipse(R). Viabilidad, resultados y requerimientos endoscópicos. Experiencia inicial / Feasibility, results and endoscopic requirements of the Elipse(R) swallowable intragastric balloon: initial experience

Antecedentes: el balón intragástrico Elipse(R) consiste en una cápsula ingerible que se rellena bajo control radiológico. Pasadas 16 semanas, su válvula se degrada, el balón se vacía y se elimina por vía natural, sin endoscopia. El objetivo del estudio es valorar su viabilidad, eficacia, duración, seguridad y requerimientos endoscópicos. Métodos: estudio prospectivo y descriptivo, no aleatorizado, de los primeros pacientes remitidos para Elipse(R). Tras colocación, se realizaba sistemáticamente una radiografía para confirmar su correcto rellenado. Se determinaba la duración del balón en función de su visualización excretado o por radiografía/ecografía. Se recogieron datos de eficacia, tolerancia, efectos adversos y su resolución (requerimientos endoscópicos), así como el grado final de satisfacción a las 16 semanas. Resultados: participaron en el estudio 30 pacientes con peso e índice de masa corporal (IMC) medios basales de 83,3 +/- 10,7 kg y 30,6 +/- 2,7 kg/m². Todos pudieron ingerir la cápsula con correcto control radiológico. A los cuatro meses presentaban una pérdida media de 11,2 +/- 5,5 kg (12,1 +/- 5,8% de pérdida total de peso [PTP], 64,7 +/- 25% de pérdida del exceso de peso [PEP]), con pérdida de peso > 10% en el 80% de pacientes (p < 0,05). Obtuvimos una eliminación precoz del balón con duración insuficiente (< 12 semanas) en 2/24 pacientes (8,3%). La tolerancia fue aceptable en el 80%. Efectos adversos: un vómito del balón, una intolerancia (extracción por gastroscopia) y una oclusión ileal (extracción por ileoscopia). El grado final de satisfacción fue bueno en el 60%. Conclusiones: la implantación del balón Elipse(R) mediante radiología parece viable y segura. A pesar de que algunos balones presentan una duración inferior a la estimable (< 16 semanas en el 29%, incluyendo < 12 semanas en el 8,3%), se obtuvo una aceptable pérdida de peso a los cuatro meses. Existen efectos adversos que requieren endoscopia, por lo que aconsejamos que sea supervisado por un endoscopista bariátrico

Background: the Elipse(R) intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a swallowable capsule that is filled under x-ray control. After 16 weeks, its self-releasing valve is degraded and the balloon is deflated and excreted naturally, without endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of EIGB and its efficacy, duration, safety and endoscopic requirements. Methods: this is a prospective, descriptive, non-randomized study of the first patients enrolled for EIGB. An x-ray was systematically performed after placement to ensure the correct filling of the balloon. The balloon duration was determined according to its excreted visualization or by x-ray/ultrasound. The efficacy, tolerance, adverse events and their resolution outcome (endoscopic requirements), as well as the final satisfaction degree at 16 weeks, were analyzed. Results: the study included 30 patients with a basal mean weight and body mass index (BMI) of 83.3 +/- 10.7 kg and 30.6 +/- 2.7 kg/m². All subjects swallowed the capsule with correct x-ray control. The mean weight loss was 11.2 +/- 5.5 kg (12.1 +/- 5.8% of total weight loss [TWL], 64.7 +/- 25% of excess weight loss [EWL]), with a weight loss > 10% in 80% of patients (p < 0.05) after four months. Early elimination of the balloon with an insufficient duration (< 12 weeks) was observed in 2/24 patients (8.3%). There was an acceptable tolerance in 80%. With regard to adverse effects, one balloon was vomited up, there was one intolerance and the balloon was removed by gastroscopy and one small bowel ileal obstruction, which was removed by ileoscopy. The final satisfaction degree was good in 60% of cases. Conclusions: EIGB placement by x-ray seems feasible and safe. Although some devices have a shorter duration than expected, such as < 16 weeks in 29% patients and < 12 weeks in 8.3% of patients, an acceptable weight loss at four months was obtained. There were some adverse effects that required endoscopy, thus we advise that the procedure be supervised by a bariatric endoscopist

Feasibility, results and endoscopic requirements of the Elipse® swallowable intragastric balloon: initial experience.

BACKGROUND: the Elipse® intragastric balloon (EIGB) is a swallowable capsule that is filled under x-ray control. After 16 weeks, its self-releasing valve is degraded and the balloon is deflated and excreted naturally, without endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of EIGB and its efficacy, duration, safety and endoscopic requirements. METHODS: this is a prospective, descriptive, non-randomized study of the first patients enrolled for EIGB. An x-ray was systematically performed after placement to ensure the correct filling of the balloon. The balloon duration was determined according to its excreted visualization or by x-ray/ultrasound. The efficacy, tolerance, adverse events and their resolution outcome (endoscopic requirements), as well as the final satisfaction degree at 16 weeks, were analyzed. RESULTS: the study included 30 patients with a basal mean weight and body mass index (BMI) of 83.3 ± 10.7 kg and 30.6 ± 2.7 kg/m². All subjects swallowed the capsule with correct x-ray control. The mean weight loss was 11.2 ± 5.5 kg (12.1 ± 5.8% of total weight loss [TWL], 64.7 ± 25% of excess weight loss [EWL]), with a weight loss > 10% in 80% of patients (p < 0.05) after four months. Early elimination of the balloon with an insufficient duration (< 12 weeks) was observed in 2/24 patients (8.3%). There was an acceptable tolerance in 80%. With regard to adverse effects, one balloon was vomited up, there was one intolerance and the balloon was removed by gastroscopy and one small bowel ileal obstruction, which was removed by ileoscopy. The final satisfaction degree was good in 60% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: EIGB placement by x-ray seems feasible and safe. Although some devices have a shorter duration than expected, such as < 16 weeks in 29% patients and < 12 weeks in 8.3% of patients, an acceptable weight loss at four months was obtained. There were some adverse effects that required endoscopy, thus we advise that the procedure be supervised by a bariatric endoscopist.

Rendimiento académico y su relación con niveles de actividad física y de condición física en adolescentes / Academic Performance Relation with Physical Fitness in Adolescents

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si existe una relación entre los hábitos de actividad física (HAF) y el nivel de condición física sobre el rendimiento académico en alumnos de Segundo Ciclo de Educación Secundaria de Leganés. La muestra estaba compuesta por 1348 adolescentes de ambos sexos con un rango de edad comprendido entre los 14 y los 18 años= 15.65±.97), alumnos de 13 institutos de la población de Leganés en Madrid. La evaluación de los hábitos de actividad física se realizó mediante la versión modificada del cuestionario Assessment of Physical Activity Level Questionnaire (APALQ). La valoración de la condición física se realizó mediante la administración de la batería de test FITNESSGRAM. El rendimiento académico se evaluó en cuestionario, mediante el número de asignaturas suspensas en la última evaluación. Encontramos diferencias significativas entre los alumnos que suspendieron una o más de una asignatura, respecto los que no suspendieron ninguna, en capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (p=0.016). No encontramos diferencias significativas en fuerza prensil, flexibilidad o hábitos de actividad física. En conclusión, los alumnos con mejor rendimiento académico tienen mejores niveles de capacidad cardiovascular

The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the physical activity level and fitness condition over the academic performance of secondary school students in Leganes. The sample consisted of 1348 adolescents of both sexes aged between 14 and 18 years (M =15.65±.97), all of them students from 13 schools of the town of Leganes, Madrid. To measure the physical activity level, a modified version of the Assessment of Physical Activity Level Questionnaire (APALQ) was utilized. The assessment of their fitness condition was performed via the administration of the FITNESSGRAM test battery. The academic performance was measured by the number of failed subjects during the last term. Regarding their level of cardio respiratory fitness, we found significant differences between students who failed one or more subjects and those who did not fail any subjects (p=0.016). There were no significant differences in grip strength, flexibility or physical activity level. In conclusion, students who perform better academically have higher levels of cardiovascular fitness

Catéteres y stents urinarios biodegradables. ¿Para cuándo? / Biodegradable catheters and urinary stents. When?

Una de los principales anhelos en el campo de los catéteres y stents urinarios es dotarlos de características biodegradables. Ya que se entiende como un fracaso de estos dispositivos la necesidad de retirada, el síndrome de catéter olvidado, así como los efectos adversos que provocan los dispositivos permanentes tras cumplir su finalidad. Los esfuerzos centrados en nuevos diseños, recubrimientos, así como biomateriales buscan incrementar la biocompatibilidad de estos dispositivos internos. En los últimos tiempos los principales retos con respecto a los dispositivos biodegradables ureterales han avanzado en la correcta dirección. Así, la tasa de degradación se ha conseguido modular gracias a los nuevos biomateriales y al empleo de copolímeros que permiten elegir el tiempo de permanencia al igual que se programa con los catéteres doble jota convencionales. La biocompatibilidad ha mejorado de la mano de nuevos polímeros que se adaptan mejor al medio urinario. Por último uno de los principales problemas, la eliminación de fragmentos degradados, demuestra a nivel experimental que con nuevos diseños que provocan la degradación controlada, de distal a proximal, empleando el trenzado y combinando copolímeros, la degradación se puede provocar por dilución, reduciendo la fragmentación a los últimos estadios de vida de la prótesis. Además se demuestra que potencialmente los catéteres biodegradables pueden provocar menor infección urinaria, menor incrustación y previsiblemente disminuirán la morbilidad de los catéteres, ya que su proceso de degradación reduce los efectos adversos. Con respecto al desarrollo de stents uretrales biodegradables se necesita encontrar biomateriales que permitan mantener sus propiedades biomecánicas a largo plazo, manteniendo la luz uretral abierta tanto en pacientes con HBP como en los casos de estenosis uretral. Se ha conseguido modular el tiempo de degradación de las prótesis, pero todavía la aparición de hiperplasia urotelial polipoidea es una constante en las fases iniciales post-implantación. El desarrollo de stents liberadores de fármaco, antiinflamatorio o antiproliferativos, al igual que stents biodegradables biorrecubiertos es un campo del que se espera venga la solución a estos efectos adversos. Son por tanto muchos aspectos que deben ser mejorados para obtener los ansiados stents biodegradables, pero en los últimos años se han ido cumpliendo hitos, gracias a los avances en Bioingeniería, que permiten vislumbrar en un futuro próximo soluciones seguras y eficaces

One of the main wishes in the field of urinary catheters and stents is to arm them with biodegradable characteristics because we consider a failure of these devices the need for retrieval, the forgotten catheter syndrome as well as the adverse effects permanent devices cause after fulfilling their aim. The efforts focused in new designs, coatings and biomaterials aim to increase the biocompatibility of theses internal devices. Lately, there have been correct advances to answer the main challenges regarding biodegradable ureteral devices. Thus, modulation of the rate of degradation has been achieved thanks to new biomaterials and the use of copolymers that enable to choose the time of permanence as it is programmed with conventional double J catheters. Biocompatibility has improved with the use of new polymers that adapt better to the urine. Finally, one of the main problems is elimination of degraded fragments and experimentally it has be demonstrated that new designs elicit controlled degradation, from distal to proximal; using stranding and combination of copolymers degradation may be caused by dilution, reducing fragmentation to the last stages of life of the prosthesis. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that biodegradable catheters potentially may cause less urinary tract infection, less encrustation and predictably they will diminish catheter morbidity, since their degradation process reduces adverse effects. Regarding the development of biodegradable urethral stents, it is necessary to find biomaterials that enable maintaining their biomechanical properties in the long term, keeping open the urethral lumen both in patients with BPH and urethral stenosis. Modulation of the time of degradation of the prosthesis has been achieved, but the appearance of urothelial hyperplasia is still a constant in the initial phases after implantation. The development of drug eluting stents, anti-proliferative or anti-inflammatory, as well as biodegradable stents biocoated is a field from which it is expected the arrival of the solution of theses adverse effects. Therefore, many features need to be improved to obtain biodegradable stents, but over the last years some turning points have been accomplished thanks to the advances in Bioengineering, allowing to foresee safe and effective solutions in the nearest future

Body fat percentage is more associated with low physical fitness than with sedentarism and diet in male and female adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a multifactorial disease and our understanding of this disease is still incomplete. PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to examine the associations between body fat percentage and physical fitness, diet and active/sedentary behaviors in female and male adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1389 Spanish adolescents (706 boys and 683 girls) aged between 14 and 17years. Individual body fat percentage was measured by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis and participants' physical fitness was determined by measuring cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run test), muscular strength (handgrip dynamometry), muscular endurance (curl-up and 90° push up repetition tests) and muscular flexibility (sit-and-reach test). Daily physical activity, sedentary time and diet were estimated using validated and self-reported questionnaires. The participants were divided into quartiles based on their body fat percentage. RESULTS: Boys and girls included in Q3 and Q4 presented lower values for cardiorespiratory fitness than Q1 (P<0.05). Boys and girls included in Q4 also presented lower values for muscular endurance than Q1 (P<0.05). Only boys in Q4 presented lower levels of physical activity than Q1 (P<0.05). Physical activity, physical fitness and diet can explain 30% of the variance for body fat percentage in boys and 17% in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Female and male adolescents with a higher body fat percentage presented lower cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance fitness than leaner counterparts.

Obesity and physical activity patterns in children and adolescents.

AIM: The aim of this study is to measure objectively and accurately the physical activity (PA) patterns in Spanish children and adolescents according to their obesity status, gender and age groups. METHODS: A sample of 487 children and 274 adolescents from the European Youth Heart Study participated in the study. The variables measured were anthropometric characteristics (height, weight and body mass index), and PA was measured during 6 consecutive days using the GT1M accelerometer. RESULTS: Three-way analysis of variance (age × gender × obesity status) showed significant differences in the interaction effect in age, gender and obesity status (normal-weight and overweight/obesity) for mean of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (P = 0.02) and vigorous PA (VPA) (P = 0.014) within the sample. Nine-year-old normal-weight children achieved significantly (P < 0.05) more MVPA on weekdays than 9-year-old overweight/obesity children. During weekend days, all sample achieved significant more MVPA (P < 0.01) and significant more VPA (P < 0.05) than during weekdays. Few children (37.5% of 9-year-old normal-weight and 34.0% of 9-year-old overweight/obese) and adolescents (16.4% and 27.3% normal-weight and overweight/obese, respectively) met the current health-related recommendations of 60 min of MVPA daily. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that activity levels are insufficient for all children, in particular overweight/obese children and adolescents, although the precise nature of the relationship appears to differ between boys and girls.

Comparación de la capacidad de fuerza funcional entre tres grupos de ejercicio: participantes regulares de clases dirigidas de fitness, de método Pilates y sedentarios / Regular Pilates and fitness class participants vs non exercisers. A comparison of functional strength capacity

Introducción y objetivos: El método Pilates es un sistema de ejercicio mente-cuerpo con cadavez más popularidad y reconocimiento en al ámbito de la actividad física encaminada a lamejora de la salud, pero las evidencias científicas, por el momento, son escasas. El objetivo deeste estudio fue valorar y comparar la capacidad de fuerza funcional en tres grupos diferentes:practicantes habituales de método Pilates, practicantes habituales de clases colectivas de fitness,y sedentarios (practicantes habituales = 2 días por semana durante los últimos tres mesesconsecutivos).Métodos: La muestra completa comprendía 54 sujetos, 14,5% hombres (n = 8) y 85,5% mujeres(n = 47), con una media de edad de 41,11±7,75 años. Todos los participantes completaron labatería de test Functional Strength Capacity Battery (Yeoman & Liebeson, 1996).Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el test de sentadillas (F[2,51]=4,67;p<0,05) y en el test de fuerza de la espalda (F[2,52]=4,54; p < 0,05) entre los tres grupos. Losanálisis post-hoc indicaron que el grupo que practicó Pilates tuvo un nivel significativamente másalto que el grupo sedentario en dos pruebas: sentadillas (Pilates [M = 41,67; SD = 9,52] vs sedentario[M = 30,65; SD = 14,24]) y fuerza-resistencia de espalda (Pilates [M = 158,52; SD = 56,92] vssedentario [M = 115,04; SD = 34,58]).Conclusiones: La práctica regular de método Pilates se asoció con mejores resultados en laspruebas de fuerza funcional(AU)

Introduction: Pilates is a mind-body exercise program gaining in popularity and acceptanceby health and physical activity professionals, but there is a scarcity of scientific research.The aim of this study was to evaluate functional strength capacity between three groups:regular exercisers of Pilates Method, regular fitness class participants, and a non-exercisersgroup (regular exercise = at least 2 days per week for three consecutive months).Method: The total sample comprised 54 subjects, 14,5% men (n = 8) and 85,5% women (n = 47).The mean age of the sample was 41,11 (SD = 7.75) years. All volunteers completed the StrengthFunctional Capacity battery.Results: There were significant differences in squat test (F[2,51]=4.67, P < .05) and back endurancetest (F[2,52]=4.54, P < .05) among the three groups. Post-hoc analyses showed thatPilates Method participants scored higher vs non-exercisers in Squat test (Pilates [M = 41.67;SD = 9.52] vs non-exercisers [M = 30.65; SD = 14.24]) and back endurance test (Pilates [M = 158.52;SD = 56.92] vs non-exercisers [M = 115.04; SD = 34.58]).Conclusions: Pilates Method is associated with good scores in the functional strength capacitybattery(AU)

El proceso enfermero en la administración de vacunas / The nursing process in the administration of vaccines

Objetivo: identificar los elementos del proceso enfermero (diagnósticos de Enfermería, criterios de resultado NOC, intervenciones de Enfermería NIC) relacionados con la administración de vacunas con el propósito de elaborar una guía clínica que además facilite el uso de registros informatizados. Método: búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos en castellano, con las palabras clave: proceso & atención & enfermera & vacuna; atención &enfermería & vacuna; vacunación & NIC & NOC, o NIC & NOC &plan de cuidados & vacunación o plan de cuidados & vacunación. Elaboración de un listado de posibles diagnósticos enfermeros usando la clasificación NANDA, elección de los criterios de resultados (NOC) e intervenciones de Enfermería (NIC) asociados. Elaboración de parrilla aunando diagnósticos NANDA con criterios de resultados (NOC) e intervenciones de Enfermería (NIC).Resultados: cuando la actitud del usuario es positiva hacia el acto vacunal, los planes de cuidados para este proceso pueden agruparse en el diagnóstico Disposición para mejorar el estado de inmunización (00186). A partir de los diagnósticos, y para cada uno de ellos, se desarrollan los criterios de resultados (NOC) y las intervenciones de Enfermería (NIC) pertinentes. Conclusiones: la utilización de planes de cuidados estandarizados, al contemplar los diagnósticos, resultados e intervenciones enfermeras, facilitan que el profesional tenga una visión general de los cuidados a prestara cada usuario, facilitando a focalización y potenciando la individualización al tener en cuenta la idiosincrasia de cada persona (AU)

Objective: identify the elements of nursing process (nurse diagnoses, NOC nursing outcomes, NIC nursing interventions) related to vaccine administration in order to develop a clinical guideline which also facilitates the use of computerized records. Method: bibliographic search in databases in Spanish, with key words: process & attention & nurse & vaccine; attention & nursing & vaccine; vaccination & NIC & NOC, or NIC & NOC & care plan & vaccination or care plan & vaccination. Elaboration of a list of possible nursing diagnoses using the NANDA classification, selection of outcome criteria (NOC) and associated nursing interventions (NIC). Elaboration of a table template grouping NANDA diagnoses with outcome criteria (NOC) and nursing interventions (NIC).Results: when the attitude of the user is positive towards the act of vaccination, care plans for this process may be grouped under “Disposition/Readiness” to improve the state of immunization (00186). Using the diagnoses as the start point, and for each of these diagnoses, outcome criteria (NOC) and the pertinent nursing interventions (NIC) will be developed. Conclusions: the utilisation of standardised care plans when assessing diagnoses, outcomes and nursing interventions make it possible for the professional to have a general vision of the care to be given to each user, facilitating focalisation and enhancing individualisation by taking into account the idiosyncrasy of each individual (AU)

Práctica del método Pilates: cambios en composición corporal y flexibilidad en adultos sanos / Pilates Method: changes in body composition and spinal flexibility in healthy adults

Introducción: El método Pilates (MP) es un tipo de ejercicio que combina aspectos de técnicasorientales y occidentales y es conocido como una técnica que ayuda a mejorar los niveles defuerza, flexibilidad y en general el desarrollo de las actividades de la vida diaria. El objetivode este trabajo fue valorar si existían cambios en flexibilidad de columna y en composicióncorporal en sujetos sanos tras una práctica de 20 semanas (2 días por semana) del MP vs ungrupo control.Método: El diseño de este estudio fue experimental controlado en el que se valoraron a 41sujetos (83,3% mujeres, 16,7% hombres) con una edad entre 28 y 58 años (x = 42,37±7,86años) divididos en dos grupos: intervención y grupo control. La composición corporal se valorómediante la medición de peso, talla y 6 pliegues cutáneos, y la flexibilidad de columna medianteel test de Schober Modificado. La intervención del MP fue de dos sesiones semanales con unaduración de 20 semanas.Resultados: Encontramos diferencias significativas pre y post en el grupo intervención respectoal grupo control en: sumatorio de 6 pliegues (p = 0,028), porcentaje de grasa (p = 0,016), movilidadde la columna lumbar en extensión (p = 0,000) y movilidad de columna dorsal en flexión(p = 0,013).Conclusiones: La práctica de MP durante 20 semanas consecutivas, 2 días por semana, influyede forma positiva en la composición corporal y la movilidad de la columna en un grupo de 41adultos de Boadilla del Monte, Madrid(AU)

Introduction: Pilates Method (PM) can be described as an exercise based on Oriental and Westernphilosophies intended to improve general body flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing.The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in body composition and spinal flexibility inhealthy adults after 20 weeks of PM intervention (2 hours/week) versus a control group.Method: The study design was a controlled trial with a total sample of 41 subjects (83.3%women and 16.7% men); ages between 28 and 58 years old (X=42.37±7.86). The sample wasdivided into two groups: intervention (PMg) and control group (Cg). Body composition measureswere: body weight, height and body fat measured from 6 skin-fold thicknesses. To asses spinalflexibility we used the Modified Schober Test. PM intervention included 20 weeks PM Matworksessions (2 sessions of 60 minutes per week).Results: After completing the 20 weeks PM intervention significant changes (P < .05) were foundin the PMg: lower sum of skinfold thicknesses in 6 sites (P = .028), lower body fat % (P = .016)and greater lumbar extension mobility (p = .000) and thoracic flexion mobility (p = .013).Conclusions: A PM intervention of 20 consecutive weeks (2 days/week) positively affects bodycomposition and spinal flexibility in a sample of 41 adults from Boadilla del Monte, Madrid(AU)

Effects of vibration training and detraining on balance and muscle strength in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of 2 days/week versus 4 days/week of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) during eight weeks of WBV training on health-related quality of life (SF-36), balance and lower body strength, as well as short-term detraining (3 weeks) on balance and lower body strength among older adults. Thirty-four older adults were randomly assigned to a control group (Control; n = 11) or to one of the vibration training groups: WBV 2 days/week (WBV_2d; n = 11) or WBV 4 days/week (WBV_4d; n = 12). The WBV groups exercised for 8 weeks, following 3 weeks of detraining. Lower body strength increased significantly (p < 0.05) for both groups, WBV_2d and WBV_4d, after 8-week training. A significant reduction in strength was observed following 3 weeks of detraining only in WBV_2d group (p < 0.05). All variables of the SF-36 and the balance test did not change after intervention in any group. 2 days/week and 4 days/week of WBV during 8 weeks showed the same improvements on muscle strength. 3 weeks of detraining did not reverse the gains in strength made during 32 sessions of WBV. Key points2 days and 4 days per week of WBV training during 8 weeks showed the same improvements on muscle strength.3 weeks of detraining did not reverse the gains in strength made during 32 sessions of WBV exercise.3 weeks of detraining did reverse the gains in strength made during 16 sessions of WBV exercise.

Molecular staging of prostatic cancer with RT-PCR assay for prostate-specific antigen in peripheral blood and lymph nodes: comparison with standard histological staging and immunohistochemical assessment of occult regional lymph node metastases.

BACKGROUND: About 30-40% of men with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy will have cancer recurrence. It is estimated that one third recur locally and two thirds develop distant metastases with or without local recurrence. METHODS: In the present study we investigate the detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA in peripheral blood samples (n=200 patients) and pelvic lymph nodes (n=154 patients) by PSA reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and compare these results to standard histological and immunohistochemical staging. RESULTS: We have observed a statistically significant correlation of lymph node PSA RT-PCR with standard pathologic risk factors, such as Gleason score (p=0.011), the presence of Gleason patterns 4 or 5 (p=0.005), lymph node metastasis (p<0.001) and a nearly significant correlation with the pT category (p=0.087). 39.5% (57/145) of the pN0 patients had PSA mRNA detectable in their lymph nodes. Blood PSA RT-PCR showed no correlation with the aforementioned factors and was even inversely correlated with preoperative serum PSA and lymph node status. Immunohistochemistry did not detect unsuspected prostate micrometastases in any pN0 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Lymph node PSA RT-PCR correlates with the Gleason score and the presence of Gleason patterns 4 or 5. Further clinical follow-up and correlation of RT-PCR status with overall outcome is required to allow validation of lymph node RT-PCR as a predictor of distant disease recurrence.