Avaliação do controle postural em praticantes de dança de salão / Evaluation of postural control in practitioners of ballroom dancing

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar o efeito imediato da prática de dança de salão sobre o controle postural estático de seus praticantes, juntamente aos fatores que possam influenciá-lo. Optou-se por um estudo transversal de caráter observacional quantitativo em uma amostra por conveniência, constituída por 19 homens e 19 mulheres praticantes de dança de salão, que participaram de uma prática de dança de 120 minutos. Foram coletados os dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e sintomas osteomusculares. Para a avaliação do centro de pressão (COP), foi utilizado uma plataforma de força antes e depois da prática. O único fator que demonstrou diferença significativa no controle postural antes da prática de dança foi o sexo, sendo os homens que apresentam maiores deslocamentos no COP. Comparando o efeito da prática de 120 minutos de dança, em todos os participantes, houve uma diminuição do deslocamento do COP na posição bipodal no COPap (p= 0.028) e COPvel (p= 0.003), na posição unipodal COPvel (p= 0.006) e na posição semi-tandem COPml (p= 0.026). O efeito imediato de uma prática de dança de salão contribui para o controle postural em ambos os sexos. (AU)

This study aimed to analyze the immediate effect of the practice ballroom dancing on the static postural control of its practitioners, along with factors that can influence it. We opted for a cross-sectional study of quantitative observational in a sample of convenience of 19 men and 19 women practitioner's ballroom dancing, who participated in a dance practice about 120 minutes. We collected sociodemographic data, anthropometric and musculoskeletal symptoms. For the evaluation of center of pressure (COP), was used a force platform before and after practice. The only factor that demonstrated a significant association with postural control prior to dance practice was the genre, men show greater displacements at the COP. Comparing the effect of the practice of 120 minutes of dance, in all participants, a decrease in COP displacement in the bipedal position in COPap (p = 0.028) and COPvel (p = 0.003), in the single-leg position COPvel (p = 0.006) and in the semi-tandem position COPml (p = 0.026). The immediate effect of a ballroom practice contributes to postural control in both sexes. (AU)

Lavender essential oil for spinal pain in obese women: a clinical trial / Óleo essencial de lavanda para dor na coluna vertebral em mulheres obesas: um ensaio clínico / Aceite esencial de lavanda para el dolor espinal en mujeres obesas: un ensayo clínico

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the effect of lavender essential oil associated with massage on spinal pain levels in obese women. Methods The sample included 49 obese women, between 20 and 60 years of age, randomly assigned to three groups: control (n=15), intervention (n=19) and placebo (n=15). The intervention and placebo groups were submitted to eight 35-minute sessions, twice a week for one month, but the essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia was used only in the intervention group. A placebo was used for the placebo group and the control group received no intervention. Pain levels were measured before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale. Results There was a significant decrease in total spinal pain (p=0.004), in the cervical region (p=0.003) and in the lumbar region (p=0.008) in the intervention group. Conclusion Lavender essential oil had a positive impact on the reduction of pain in the spine of obese women, as well as in the specific areas of the cervical and lumbar regions compared to the control and placebo groups. Level of evidence I; Randomized clinical trial.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o efeito do óleo essencial de lavanda associado à massagem nos níveis de dor na coluna em mulheres obesas. Métodos A amostra incluiu 49 mulheres obesas com idades entre 20 e 60 anos, randomizadas em três grupos: controle (n = 15), intervenção (n = 19) e placebo (n = 15). Os grupos intervenção e placebo foram submetidos a oito sessões com duração de 35 minutos, duas vezes por semana durante um mês, sendo que o óleo essencial de Lavandula angustifolia foi usado apenas no grupo intervenção. Um placebo foi usado para o grupo placebo e o grupo controle não recebeu intervenção. Os níveis de dor foram medidos antes e depois da intervenção pela Escala Visual Analógica. Resultados Houve diminuição significativa da dor total na coluna (p = 0,004), na região cervical (p = 0,003) e na região lombar (p = 0,008) no grupo intervenção. Conclusão O óleo essencial de lavanda teve impacto positivo na redução da dor na coluna de mulheres obesas, bem como em áreas específicas das regiões cervical e lombar em comparação com os grupos controle e placebo. Nível de evidência I; Ensaio clínico randomizado.

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar el efecto del aceite esencial de lavanda asociado al masaje sobre los niveles de dolor espinal en mujeres obesas. Métodos La muestra incluyó a 49 mujeres obesas con edades de 20 a 60 años, distribuidas aleatoriamente en tres grupos: control (n = 15), intervención (n = 19) y placebo (n = 15). Los grupos intervención y placebo se sometieron a ocho sesiones con 35 minutos de duración, dos veces por semana durante un mes, utilizándose el aceite esencial de Lavandula angustifolia solo en el grupo intervención. Para el grupo placebo se utilizó un placebo y el grupo control no recibió ninguna intervención. Los niveles de dolor se midieron antes y después de la intervención, utilizando la Escala Visual Analógica. Resultados Hubo una disminución significativa del dolor total en la columna (p = 0,004), en la región cervical (p = 0,003) y en la región lumbar (p = 0,008) en el grupo intervención. Conclusión El aceite esencial de lavanda tuvo un impacto positivo en la reducción del dolor de columna vertebral en mujeres obesas, así como en las áreas específicas de las regiones cervical y lumbar en comparación con los grupos control y placebo. Nivel de evidencia I; Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

Effects of depression and excess body weight on cognition and functioning in young adults: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess the independent effects of depression and excess body weight (EBW) on cognition and functioning in a community sample of young adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional of 943 young adults. The diagnosis of a current depressive episode was performed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Cognition and functioning were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST), respectively. The EBW was defined as BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. The independent main effects of depression and EBW, as well as the analysis interaction were performed using two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: The total sample comprised 943 adults, with 75 (8.0%) individuals diagnosed with a current depressive episode and 493 (52,6%) with EBW. Of the 75 subjects with depression, 40 were identified with EBW comorbidity. Subjects with depression and EBW comorbidity reported greater cognitive and functional impairment, as compared to individuals with depression without EBW. There was a significant interaction between depression and EBW on MoCA total (p<0.001) as well as FAST total (p=0.010), work (p=0.002), cognition (p=0.023), finances (p=0.032) and relationships domains (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The adverse effects of depression and EBW are independent and cumulative with respect to cognition and functioning of individuals. The understanding of the complex interactions between cognition, functioning, EBW and depression are important for development of preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Perfil epidemiológico dos casos de toxoplasmose gestacional e congênita decorrentes do surto populacional / Epidemiological profile of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis cases arising out of the population outbreak

Objetivo: traçar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de toxoplasmose gestacional e congênita notificados na cidade de Santa Maria ­ RS, decorrentes do surto ocorrido no ano de 2018 e investigar a associação entre as variáveis maternas e o diagnóstico do bebê. Método: foram avaliados retrospectivamente os casos notificados entre o período de março de 2018 a março de 2019. O diagnóstico do bebê e variáveis maternas foram analisados através de estatística descritiva e teste qui-quadrado. Resultados: Durante o período do estudo, foram notificados 206 casos de toxoplasmose gestacional, dos quais 74 foram confirmados como infecção recente. A transmissão vertical foi confirmada em 27% dos casos. Houve maior freqüência de transmissão em gestantes que tiveram o diagnóstico no terceiro trimestre de gestação (p=0,001) e que não realizaram tratamento durante a gestação (p<0,001). Conclusão: A ocorrência da toxoplasmose congênita está associada ao diagnóstico tardio, no último trimestre da gestação, e consequente falta do tratamento adequado. Ainda, houve uma alta prevalência de crianças infectadas por transmissão vertical decorrentes do surto, o que reforça a importância de um acompanhamento pré-natal e a atenção à necessidade da realização do tratamento e cuidado adequados no decorrer do desenvolvimento das crianças infectadas.

Objective: To trace the epidemiological profile of cases of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis reported in the city of Santa Maria - RS, resulting from the outbreak that occurred in 2018 and to investigate the association between maternal variables and the baby's diagnosis. Method: Cases reported between March 2018 and March 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The baby's diagnosis and maternal variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: During the study period, 206 cases of gestational toxoplasmosis were reported, of which 74 were confirmed as a recent infection. Vertical transmission was confirmed in 27% of cases. There was a higher frequency of transmission in pregnant women who were diagnosed in the third trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.001) and who did not undergo treatment during pregnancy (p <0.001). Conclusion: The occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is associated with late diagnosis, in the last trimester of pregnancy, and consequent lack of adequate treatment. In addition, there was a high prevalence of children infected by vertical transmission due to the outbreak, which reinforces the importance of prenatal care and attention to the need for adequate treatment and care during the development of infected children.

Resilience as a mediator factor in the relationship between childhood trauma and mood disorder: A community sample of young adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the field of mood disorders has mainly focusing on the risk factors associated to develop the illness or the clinical factors associated with the clinical progression. Less attention was given to factors such as resilience that may be associated with better outcomes in the course of mood disorders. In this study, we assessed the mediation effect of resilience on the relationship between childhood trauma and mood disorders, as well as the severity of depressive symptoms in a population-based sample. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a community sample of young adults with bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and community controls without any mood disorder. The trauma experiences during childhood were assessed by Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and to assess the resilience was used the Resilience Scale (RS-25). RESULTS: All subtypes of trauma were associated with both MDD and BD, however, only physical and emotional abuse differentiated BD from MDD subjects. Bootstrapping-enhanced mediation analyses indicated that resilience partly mediated the association of childhood trauma to both mood disorder and severity of depression. LIMITATION: The employed mediation analyses are cross-sectional in nature, which limits any firm conclusions regarding causality. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the clinical assumption that resilient subjects may be partly protected against the detrimental long-term effects of childhood trauma. This study provides important information regarding the relationships among childhood trauma, resilience, and mood disorder.

The latent structure and reliability of the emotional trait section of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS)

Abstract Background The Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament (AFECT) model describes originally six traits of volition, anger, inhibition (fear and caution subordinate factors), control, sensitivity, and coping. However, fear and caution have shown opposite relatioships with criteria-variables, indicating factor independence. Objective The current investigation aimed to advance in the evaluation of the psychometric properties of the emotional trait section of the Emotional and Affective Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) by examining the suitability of a 7-factor structure and the reliability of each scale using data from a population-based sample. Methods AFECTS was administered via face-to-face assessments in a single-session, population-based cross-sectional survey. Samples was composed of teenagers and adults (14 to 35 years). The latent structure and reliability were analyzed via structural equation modeling: confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the a priori correlated 7-factor model (with fear and caution designed as single-factors) and trait-scores reliability was assessed by the estimation of information curves. Results Findings attested the suitability of the 7-factor model presumed to underline the item set of the traits section of AFECTS and information curve interpretation showed adequate levels of reliability for all trait-scores. Discussion The 7-factor model showed robust indicators of construct validity for the AFECTS.

Prevalência de ansiedade e fatores associados em adultos / Prevalence of anxiety and associated factors in adults

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de transtornos de ansiedade em uma amostra de base populacional e fatores associados. Métodos Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado com indivíduos entre 18 e 35 anos. As variáveis sociodemográficas, índice de massa corporal, presença de doença crônica, abuso de álcool e tabagismo foram analisadas. Os transtornos de ansiedade foram verificados pela Mini Internacional Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0. Foi utilizado o teste Qui-quadrado, considerando o intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados A amostra foi constituída por 1.953 pessoas. A prevalência de transtornos de ansiedade foi de 27,4%. Agorafobia (17,9%) e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (14,3%) foram os quadros mais prevalentes. Mulheres apresentaram maior prevalência de ansiedade, com 32,5%, quando comparadas aos homens (21,3%) (p < 0,001). As variáveis sexo, anos de estudo, renda, doença crônica, tabagismo e álcool foram associadas a mais de três transtornos de ansiedade investigados (p < 0,001). Conclusão Os dados demonstram que os transtornos de ansiedade são muito frequentes em adultos, sendo mais prevalentes entre as mulheres. Estão associadas aos transtornos ansiosos, principalmente, as condições socioeconômicas e substâncias licitas. Conhecer as prevalências dos transtornos de ansiedade e fatores associados pode auxiliar profissionais de saúde a elaborarem melhores diagnósticos e tratamentos.

ABSTRACT Objective Identify the prevalence of anxiety disorders in a population sample and associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study of population base conducted with individuals between 18 and 35 years old. Sociodemographic variables, body mass index (BMI), presence of diseases, and use of alcohol and smoke were analyzed. The anxiety disorders were verified by the clinical interview Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0. For the analysis, was used the Chi-square test, considering a confidence interval of 95%. Results The prevalence of general anxiety was 27.4%. Agoraphobia (17.9%) and generalized anxiety disorder (14.3%) were the most prevalent. Women presented a higher prevalence of general anxiety with 32.5% when compared with man (21,3%) (p < 0.001). The variables gender, years of study, income, health problems, smoking, and alcohol were associated to more than three anxiety disorders investigated (p < 0,001). Conclusions The findings demonstrate that anxiety disorders are frequent in adults, being more prevalent among women. It was associated mainly with socioeconomic conditions and legal substances. Knowing the prevalence of anxiety disorders and associated factors can help health professionals to develop better diagnoses and treatments.

Mood disorder, anxiety, and suicide risk among subjects with alcohol abuse and/or dependence: a population-based study

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a population-based sample of young adults and assess the prevalence of comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1,953 young adults aged 18-35 years. The CAGE questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol abuse and/or dependence, with CAGE scores ≥ 2 considered positive. Psychiatric disorders were investigated through the structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Results: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence was identified in 187 (9.60%) individuals (5.10% among women and 15.20% among men). Alcohol abuse and/or dependence were more prevalent among men than women, as well as among those who used tobacco, illicit drugs or presented with anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and suicide risk. Conclusion: These findings suggest that alcohol abuse and/or dependence are consistently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, could be considered important predictors of other psychiatric disorders, and deserve greater public heath attention, pointing to the need for alcohol abuse prevention programs.

Mood disorder, anxiety, and suicide risk among subjects with alcohol abuse and/or dependence: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and/or dependence in a population-based sample of young adults and assess the prevalence of comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and suicide risk in this population. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1,953 young adults aged 18-35 years. The CAGE questionnaire was used to screen for alcohol abuse and/or dependence, with CAGE scores ≥ 2 considered positive. Psychiatric disorders were investigated through the structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). RESULTS: Alcohol abuse and/or dependence was identified in 187 (9.60%) individuals (5.10% among women and 15.20% among men). Alcohol abuse and/or dependence were more prevalent among men than women, as well as among those who used tobacco, illicit drugs or presented with anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and suicide risk. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that alcohol abuse and/or dependence are consistently associated with a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, could be considered important predictors of other psychiatric disorders, and deserve greater public heath attention, pointing to the need for alcohol abuse prevention programs.

Association between obesity and suicide in woman, but not in man: a population-based study of young adults.

The relationship between obesity and suicide risk is still unclear with controversial research results. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between obesity and suicide risk for men and women in a population-based study of young adults. This is a cross-sectional population-based study that identified young adults between 18 and 35 years of age. Suicide risk was investigated through the structured clinical interview Mini. Weight and height were assessed, and participants were classified as normal-weight body mass index (BMI < 30) or obese (BMI > 30). The prevalence of obesity was of 19.9% of the total sample (n = 1953). Obesity was more prevalent among women and participants between 27 and 35 years of age. Suicide risk was present in 13.0% of the sample and more prevalent among women. In our study we found an association between obesity and suicide risk for women, but not for men. Obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of suicide risk in women. Given the strength of the relationship between BMI and suicide, identifying the mechanisms associated with obesity, especially for women, can lead to new insights into the prevention of suicide risk.

[Leisure-time physical activity and licit substance use in a population sample of young adults]. / Atividade física de lazer e uso de substâncias lícitas em uma amostra populacional de adultos jovens.

The scope of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with leisure-time physical activity, as well as to verify its association with licit substance use in a population sample of young adults. It is a cross-sectional population-based study with young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old, living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. Sample selection was performed by clusters, being composed of 1953 individuals, among the 82 selected census tracts. The practice of physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The chi-square and Poisson regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of young adults active in leisure-time physical activity was 25.3%; most were single males between 18 and 23 years, belonging to the people in the highest economic bracket and not smoking on a daily basis. Specific strategies should be developed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, focusing on incentives for older, lower income class women who smoke.

Atividade física de lazer e uso de substâncias lícitas em uma amostra populacional de adultos jovens / Leisure-time physical activity and licit substance use in a population sample of young adults

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi mensurar a prevalência e os fatores associados à prática de atividade física de lazer, bem como verificar a associação desta com o uso de substâncias lícitas em uma amostra populacional de adultos jovens. Estudo transversal de base populacional com adultos jovens de 18 a 35 anos de idade, residentes da zona urbana da cidade de Pelotas-RS (Brasil). A seleção amostral foi realizada por conglomerados, sendo constituída por 1953 indivíduos, dentre 82 setores censitários sorteados. A prática de atividade física foi avaliada por meio do Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ). Para a análise estatística utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson. A prevalência de jovens ativos em atividade física de lazer foi de 25,3% e esteve associada a ser do sexo masculino, ter entre 18 e 23 anos de idade, pertencer ao maior tercil do indicador econômico nacional e não fazer uso diário de tabaco. Sabendo-se da importância da atividade física de lazer para a saúde, os incentivos para esta prática devem ser focados nos grupos de mulheres, de maior idade, de estratos econômicos inferiores e que fazem uso de tabaco.

Abstract The scope of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with leisure-time physical activity, as well as to verify its association with licit substance use in a population sample of young adults. It is a cross-sectional population-based study with young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old, living in the urban area of the city of Pelotas in the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. Sample selection was performed by clusters, being composed of 1953 individuals, among the 82 selected census tracts. The practice of physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The chi-square and Poisson regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of young adults active in leisure-time physical activity was 25.3%; most were single males between 18 and 23 years, belonging to the people in the highest economic bracket and not smoking on a daily basis. Specific strategies should be developed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle, focusing on incentives for older, lower income class women who smoke.

Fatherhood in adolescence: prevalence and associated factors in a community sample of youngsters.

This article aims to assess the prevalence of fatherhood in adolescence (FA) and associated factors in a community sample of 14 to 35 year-old men. Cross-sectional population-based study realized in the urban area of the city of Pelotas-RS, Brazil. The sample was selected by clusters, according to the city census. This sub-study only comprised sexually active men. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in the participants' homes. The sample was composed for 934 men. The prevalence of fatherhood in adolescence was 8% (n = 75). We verified higher prevalence of FA among those that reported paternal absence (p < 0.001), those that had lived with stepfather (p = 0.044), and among those that had sexual debut before the age of 14 (p = 0.011). Paternal absence, have lived with a stepfather, and early sexual experience are associated factors to fatherhood in adolescence.

Fatherhood in adolescence: prevalence and associated factors in a community sample of youngsters / Paternidade na adolescência: prevalência e fatores associados em uma amostra comunitária de jovens

This article aims to assess the prevalence of fatherhood in adolescence (FA) and associated factors in a community sample of 14 to 35 year-old men. Cross-sectional population-based study realized in the urban area of the city of Pelotas-RS, Brazil. The sample was selected by clusters, according to the city census. This sub-study only comprised sexually active men. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in the participants’ homes. The sample was composed for 934 men. The prevalence of fatherhood in adolescence was 8% (n = 75). We verified higher prevalence of FA among those that reported paternal absence (p < 0.001), those that had lived with stepfather (p = 0.044), and among those that had sexual debut before the age of 14 (p = 0.011). Paternal absence, have lived with a stepfather, and early sexual experience are associated factors to fatherhood in adolescence.

O artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a prevalência de paternidade na adolescência (PA) e fatores associados em uma amostra comunitária de homens de 14 a 35 anos. Estudo transversal de base populacional realizado na zona urbana de Pelotas/RS, Brasil. A seleção amostral foi realizada por múltiplos estágios, considerando a divisão censitária do município. Neste estudo foram incluídos indivíduos do sexo masculino e sexualmente ativos. Os dados foram coletados através de questionário autoaplicável nos domicílios dos participantes. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 934 homens. A prevalência de paternidade na adolescência foi de 8% (n = 75). Verificou-se maior prevalência de PA entre aqueles que relataram ausência paterna na infância (p < 0,001), aqueles que viveram com padrasto (p = 0,044) e entre aqueles que tiverem o início da vida sexual antes dos 14 anos. Conclusões: A ausência paterna e o convívio com padrasto na infância, bem como a iniciação sexual precoce são fatores associados à paternidade na adolescência.

Physical benefits and reduction of depressive symptoms among the elderly: results from the Portuguese "National Walking Program".

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in physical fitness and anthropometric parameters as well as depression symptoms among the elderly after participation in the "National Walking Program" (Portugal). The sample consisted of 26 elderly people over six months with a total of 72 exercise sessions. The exercise sessions consisted of aerobics (walking and running) and strength and flexibility exercises. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for physical fitness with the Rikli & Jones test. The anthropometric measurements were assessed with a bioimpedance scale and a stadiometer, and depression with Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Physical activity was only assessed with an accelerometer at the pre-intervention phase. For statistical analysis, the student t test for paired samples was performed using SPSS 21 software. Statistically significant improvements were found in depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001), and in all physical fitness tests (p ≤ 0.05) except for flexibility tests (p ≥ 0.05). Waist circumference reduction also showed the positive effects of the intervention (p = 0.031). The conclusion drawn is that participation in the "National Walking Program" for 6 months was effective in improving the physical and psychological health of the elderly.

Physical benefits and reduction of depressive symptoms among the elderly: Results from the Portuguese "National Walking Program" / Benefícios físicos e redução de sintomas depressivos em idosos: resultados do Programa Nacional de Caminhada Português

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in physical fitness and anthropometric parameters as well as depression symptoms among the elderly after participation in the "National Walking Program" (Portugal). The sample consisted of 26 elderly people over six months with a total of 72 exercise sessions. The exercise sessions consisted of aerobics (walking and running) and strength and flexibility exercises. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for physical fitness with the Rikli & Jones test. The anthropometric measurements were assessed with a bioimpedance scale and a stadiometer, and depression with Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Physical activity was only assessed with an accelerometer at the pre-intervention phase. For statistical analysis, the student t test for paired samples was performed using SPSS 21 software. Statistically significant improvements were found in depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001), and in all physical fitness tests (p ≤ 0.05) except for flexibility tests (p ≥ 0.05). Waist circumference reduction also showed the positive effects of the intervention (p = 0.031). The conclusion drawn is that participation in the "National Walking Program" for 6 months was effective in improving the physical and psychological health of the elderly.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar as alterações nos idosos após a participação no Programa Nacional de Marcha e Corrida de Portugal, em relação ao nível de aptidão física, medidas antropométricas, bem como os sintomas depressivos. Fizeram parte da amostra 26 idosos por um período de 6 meses com total de 72 aulas, que foram conduzidas com exercícios aeróbicos (marcha e corrida), de força e flexibilidade. Os dados de aptidão física foram mensurados pelo teste de Rikli & Jones, os dados antropométricos através de balança de bioimpedância/estadiômetro e a depressão pela Escala de Depressão Geriatria de Yesavage, estas informações foram coletadas pré e pós-intervenção. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado por acelerômetro apenas na pré-intervenção. Para as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o programa SPSS através do teste t-Student para amostras pareadas. Encontramos uma melhora significativa no pré para o pós-teste nos sintomas depressivos (p ≤ 0.001) e em todos os testes de aptidão física (p ≤ 0.05), com exceção dos de flexibilidade (p ≥ 0.05). A redução da circunferência da cintura também demonstrou os efeitos positivos da intervenção (p = 0.031). Podemos concluir que a participação no programa de Marcha e Corrida durante 6 meses foi eficaz na melhora da saúde física e psicológica do idoso.

Leptin in depressive episodes: is there a difference between unipolar and bipolar depression?

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated whether peripheral leptin levels are associated with current depressive episodes in a cross-sectional study nested within a population-based study. METHODS: The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) 5.0 was used to assess the presence of current depressive episodes. The sample was composed of 206 subjects (103 controls and 103 subjects with a current depressive episode) paired by gender, BMI and age. Medication use and lifestyle characteristics were self-reported. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels were lower in currently depressive subjects (10.9 ± 12.0 ng/ml) than in the control group (20.3 ± 24.0 ng/ml; p = 0.023). According to the clinical diagnosis, individuals with bipolar depression present lower leptin levels (8.4 ± 8.1 ng/ml) than those with unipolar depression (12.0 ± 13.4 ng/ml) and the control group (20.3 ± 24.0 ng/ml; p = 0.031). In addition, ANCOVA showed that leptin is an independent factor associated with current depressive episodes (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: A decreased leptin level might be a useful peripheral marker associated with depressive episodes in the context of bipolar disorder.

Practice of leisure-time physical activities and episodes of mood alteration amongst men and women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and episodes of mood alteration in a population-based sample of adults, and its relation with gender. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional population-based study with young adults aged between 18 and 35 years old. Sample selection was performed by clusters. The practice of physical activity was evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), whereas mood disorders were evaluated using a short structured diagnostic interview-the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for DSM-IV and ICD-10 psychiatric disorders. LIMITATION: Causal inferences are limited due the study׳s design. RESULTS: Sample consisted of 1953 young adults. The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and of depressive episodes in the total sample was 25.3% and 17.2%, respectively. The prevalence of activity amongst men was 1.18 (CI 95% 1.18-1.32) times higher than in the women׳s group, whereas depression was 1.87 (CI 95% 1.41-2.47) times more prevalent amongst women than men. The prevalence of physical activity was not different between women (p=0.287), nor between men (p=0.895) regarding the presence of mania/hypomania episode. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of physical activity and depression was different concerning gender. The prevalence of physical activity is lower amongst women, whereas the prevalence of depression is higher amongst women when compared to men.

Childhood trauma and suicide risk in a sample of young individuals aged 14-35 years in southern Brazil.

Suicide is among the main causes of death of people aged between 15 and 44 years old. Childhood trauma is an important risk factor for suicide. Hence, the objective of this study was to verify the relationship between childhood trauma and current suicide risk (suicidal behavior and ideation) in individuals aged 14-35 years, in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. Sample selection was performed by clusters. Suicide risk was evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Childhood trauma was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Moreover, the participants responded to a questionnaire concerning socioeconomic status, work, and substance use. The sample was composed of 1,380 individuals. The prevalence of suicide risk was 11.5%. The prevalence figures of childhood trauma were 15.2% (emotional neglect), 13.5% (physical neglect), 7.6% (sexual abuse), 10.1% (physical abuse), and 13.8% (emotional abuse). Suicide risk was associated (p<.001) with gender, work, alcohol abuse, tobacco use, and all types of childhood trauma. The odds of suicide risk were higher in women (OR=1.8), people who were not currently working (OR=2.3), individuals who presented alcohol abuse (OR=2.6), and among tobacco smokers (OR=3.4). Moreover, suicide risk was increased in all types of trauma: emotional neglect (OR=3.7), physical neglect (OR=2.8), sexual abuse (OR=3.4), physical abuse (OR=3.1), and emotional abuse (OR=6.6). Thus, preventing early trauma may reduce suicide risk in young individuals.

Burden and related factors in caregivers of young adults presenting bipolar and unipolar mood disorder.

BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden has been associated with caregivers' mental disorders and need for support and information. However, the lack of quantitative studies and formal interventions aiming to lower burden levels in this population reflect the current negligence regarding this important issue. AIM: To identify burden levels and associated factors in caregivers of young adults with bipolar and unipolar mood disorder. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study nested within a population-based cross-sectional study with young adults. Caregiver burden was assessed through the Burden Interview. Information about caregiver mental disorders (Axis I) and alcohol abuse were obtained through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Cut-Down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye-Opener (CAGE) questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Caregiver burden was associated to caregiver's mood and anxiety disorders, suicide risk and being the caregiver of young adults with depression disorder and bipolar disorder. Also, burden was higher among caregivers of bipolar individuals. When excluding the control group from the analysis, only mood and anxiety disorders remained associated to caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers are affected by the young adult's disorder even before a diagnosis has been given, with serious impairments in their lives. Thus, this is a subject in need of designing relevant strategies aiming to provide them with care.