Videoconference assessment of functional and cognitive measures in Brazilian older adults: a reliability and feasibility study / Uso de videoconferência para a avaliação de medidas funcionais e cognitivas de idosos brasileiros: um estudo de confiabilidade e viabilidade

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the feasibility and reliability of videoconference assessment of functional and cognitive status among older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Thirty community-dwelling older adults (86.70% women) with a mean age of 69.77 (SD = 6.60) years who were physically independent and had no signs of cognitive impairment were included in the sample. An independent and experienced researcher assessed functional (chair rise test, chair stand test, sitting and rising test) and cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, parts A and B of the Trail Making Test, the Stroop test, the verbal fluency test) performance in real-time on the Google Meet platform on 2 non-consecutive days. The reliability of the measures was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), a paired t-test, or Wilcoxon and Bland-Altman analysis. The feasibility of the assessment was investigated using a standardized 14-item questionnaire. RESULTS: All functional performance measures showed excellent intra-rater reliability, with ICCs from 0.90 (95%CI 0.78 ­ 0.95) for the sitting and rising test to 0.98 (95%CI 0.96 ­ 0.99) for the chair rise test. Our analysis also showed mixed levels of reliability across measures, including good ICC (ranging from 0.79 ­ 0.91) for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, part B of the Trail Making Test, and the congruent and neutral trials in the Stroop test, but poor-to-moderate ICC (ranging from 0.42 ­ 0.58) for the other cognitive assessments. In general, the participants reported good feasibility for the assessment format. CONCLUSION: In healthy and highly educated older adults, videoconferencing is a feasible method of determining functional and cognitive performance. Functional measures showed excellent reliability indexes, whereas cognitive data should be interpreted carefully, since the reliability varied from poor to moderate. (AU)

OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi determinar a viabilidade e confiabilidade de medidas funcionais e cognitivas por meio de uma videoconferência baseada na web entre idosos no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. METODOLOGIA: Trinta idosos [idade = 69,77 (desvio padrão ­ DP = 6,60) anos; 86,70% mulheres], que vivem de forma independente na comunidade (independente fisicamente e sem sinais de comprometimento cognitivo) participaram do estudo. Um avaliador independente e experiente entregou, em tempo real, avaliações funcionais (Chair Rise Test ­ CRT, Chair Stand Test, Sitting and Rising Test ­ SRT) e cognitivas (MoCA, Teste de Trilhas A e B, Stroop Test e Fluência Verbal) por meio da Plataforma Google Meet em dois dias não consecutivos. A confiabilidade das medidas foi analisada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI), teste t pareado ou análise de Wilcoxon e Bland-Altman. A viabilidade da avaliação foi examinada com o uso de um questionário padronizado de 14 itens. RESULTADOS: Todas as medidas de desempenho funcional demonstraram excelente confiabilidade intra-avaliador [CCI variando de 0,90 (intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 0,78 ­ 0,95) para SRT e 0,98 (IC95% 0,96 ­ 0,99) para CRT]. Além disso, nossa análise mostrou níveis mistos de confiabilidade entre as medidas, enquanto o MoCA, Teste de Trilhas B e as fases Interferência e Leitura do Stroop Test tiveram excelente CCI (variando de 0,79 a 0,91) e as outras avaliações cognitivas com CCI ruim a moderado (variando de 0,42 a 0,58). Em geral, os participantes demonstraram boa viabilidade com o formato das avaliações. CONCLUSÃO: Em idosos saudáveis e com alta escolaridade, a videoconferência baseada na web é uma alternativa viável para determinar o desempenho funcional e medidas cognitivas. As medidas funcionais apresentaram excelentes índices de confiabilidade, enquanto os dados cognitivos devem ser interpretados com cautela, visto que atingiram índices de confiabilidade de ruim a moderado. (AU)

Changes in Physical Functioning and Fall-Related Factors in Older Adults Due to COVID-19 Social Isolation.

Background: Social isolation has been one of the main measures for the prevention of COVID-19. It's possible that, in addition to the natural aging-related deficits, social isolation has accelerated the decline of the different components of physical and mental capacity in older adults. This study aimed to compare the functional capacity and concern about falling in older adults before and during COVID-19 social isolation. Method: This observational longitudinal study was carried out with 45 community dwelling older adults (mean age 65.6 ± 4.6 years, 88.8% women). Functional capacity and concerns about falling assessments were carried out before the COVID-19 pandemic, and between the 16th and 18th week of social isolation. All testes were face-to-face, except the second FES-I assessment, which took place via telephone call in order to minimize a prolonged person-to-person contact. Muscle strength, muscle power, functional mobility, functional muscle fitness, upper and lower body flexibility, dynamic balance, and Efficacy Scale were assessments. Results: Regarding functional capacity, there was 14% decline in muscle strength (p<.001), 7% in power (p=.001), 11% in functional mobility (p=.001), 20% in functional muscle fitness (p=.001), and 60% in upper body flexibility (p=.001) and 33% lower body flexibility (p=.003). The dynamic balance and the concern about falling showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that there was a decline in older adults' functional capacity during COVID-19 social isolation.

Activation of upper limb muscles in subjects with scapular dyskinesis during bench-press and dumbbell fly on stable and unstable surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Scapular dyskinesis has been associated with shoulder dysfunctions, and changes in electromyographic (EMG) activity have been reported during the execution of some exercises. OBJECTIVE: To compare upper limb muscles EMG of asymptomatic subjects with and without scapular dyskinesis during bench-press and dumbbell fly exercise performed on different surface stability conditions. METHODS: Twenty-eight physically active men were allocated into two groups: Control group (n= 14) and Dyskinesis group (n= 14). The participants performed six repetitions lasting three seconds of the bench press and dumbbell fly exercises with 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) on a bench and a Swiss ball. The EMG activity of the pectoralis major, serratus anterior, upper and lower trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps and triceps muscles were recorded. RESULTS: No differences were found between groups, regardless of exercise or surface type. Inserting the unstable surface in the supine exercise promoted a slight increase in upper trapezius EMG activity for the control [4.32 (95% CI: 1.04 to 7.60)] and dyskinesis [3.30 (95% CI: 0.34 to 6.27)] groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in upper limb muscle EMG activity between subjects with and without scapular dyskinesis. In addition, inserting unstable surfaces did not modify EMG activity.

Additional Functional Performance Gains After 24-Week Unstable Strength Training With Cognitive Training in Community-Dwelling Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.

The authors investigated the effects of unstable strength training (UST) without or with cognitive training (C+UST) on functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 50 participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either 24 weeks of thrice-weekly UST (n = 25) or C+UST (n = 25). All participants performed moderate-intensity strength exercises using unstable surfaces, and C+UST participants simultaneously received cognitive training in addition to UST. Primary outcomes included measures of functional performance: single- and dual-task timed up and go tests. Secondary outcomes included dynamic balance, mobility, handgrip strength, flexibility, quality of life, and concern about falling. The authors observed similar improvements on functional performance through the interventions. The C+UST group experienced additional gains at completion (single-task timed up and go: -0.90 s, 95% confidence interval [-2.38, -0.03]; dual-task timed up and go: -4.80 s, 95% confidence interval [-8.65, -0.95]) compared with the UST group. Moreover, significant differences were observed in mobility (sitting-rising test: -1.34, 95% confidence interval [-2.00, -0.20]) at 24 weeks. Both exercise modes improved single-task functional performance, while adding cognitive-training-optimized dual-task functional performance gains.

Static Stretching Intensity Does Not Influence Acute Range of Motion, Passive Torque, and Muscle Architecture.

CONTEXT: Although stretching exercises are commonly used in clinical and athletic practice, there is a lack of evidence regarding the methodological variables that guide the prescription of stretching programs, such as intensity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of different stretching intensities on the range of motion (ROM), passive torque, and muscle architecture. DESIGN: Two-group pretest-posttest design. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were evaluated for initial (ROMinitial) and maximum (ROMmax) discomfort angle, stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, muscle fascicle length, and pennation angle. RESULTS: The ROM assessments showed significant changes, in both groups, in the preintervention and postintervention measures both for the ROMinitial (P < .01) and ROMmax angle (P = .02). There were no significant differences for stiffness and viscoelastic stress relaxation variables. The pennation angle and muscle fascicle length were different between the groups, but there was no significant interaction. CONCLUSION: Performing stretching exercises at high or low intensity acutely promotes similar gains in flexibility, that is, there are short-term/immediate gains in ROM but does not modify passive torque and muscle architecture.

Effects of a 12-Week Chronic Stretch Training Program at Different Intensities on Joint and Muscle Mechanical Responses: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

CONTEXT: Stretching intensity is an important variable that can be manipulated with flexibility training. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding this variable and its prescription in stretching programs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 12 weeks of knee flexor static stretching at different intensities on joint and muscle mechanical properties. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 14 untrained men were allocated into the low- or high-intensity group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments were performed before, at 6 week, and after intervention (12 wk) for biceps femoris long head architecture (resting fascicle length and angle), knee maximal range of motion (ROM) at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle, knee maximal tolerated passive torque, joint passive stiffness, viscoelastic stress relaxation, knee passive torque at a given angle, and affective responses to training. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between groups for any variable. ROM at the beginning and maximal discomfort angle increased at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. ROM significantly increased with the initial angle of discomfort (P < .001, effect size = 1.38) over the pretest measures by 13.4% and 14.6% at the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively, and significantly improved with the maximal discomfort angle (P < .001, effect size = 1.25) by 15.6% and 18.8% from the pretest to the 6- and 12-week assessments, respectively. No significant effects were seen for muscle architecture and affective responses. Initial viscoelastic relaxation for the low-intensity group was lower than ending viscoelastic relaxation. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that stretching with either low or high discomfort intensities are effective in increasing joint maximal ROM, and that does not impact on ROM, stiffness, fascicle angle and length, or affective response differences.

Does the stretching intensity matter when targeting a range of motion gains? a randomized trial

Abstract Aims: To verify the effects of flexibility training conducted at different intensities in young adults. Methods: Twenty-one (21) young adults of both genders with no history of surgery, fracture, and/or rheumatic diseases in the lower limbs and hip, were randomly assigned to low intensity (LI) or high intensity (HI) stretching groups. Two researchers were assigned to evaluate the active knee extension range of motion (ROM) of the volunteers and two other researchers were responsible for the training program. The training consisted of a single exercise for the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus). Each session consisted of three repetitions of passive static stretching, maintained for the 60s each, with 30s interval between them, and performed three times a week for four weeks. The stretching intensity was based on the Numerical Verbal Scale, the LI group maintained the intensity between 1 and 2, while the HI group between 9 and 10. Three ROM evaluations were performed pre-intervention, after the 6th session and at the end of the 12th session. Results: No difference was observed between the groups that underwent either high- or low-intensity programs. Both groups achieved gains in flexibility after four weeks of training. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that both high- and low-intensity stretching exercises are effective for ROM and there were no differences between them. Therefore, the intensity can be defined by the preference of the therapist or patient.

Effect of 24-week strength training on unstable surfaces on mobility, balance, and concern about falling in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of strength training on stable (ST) and unstable surfaces (UST) on the functional mobility, balance, and concern about falling in healthy older adults, younger than 70. DESIGN: A single-center randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four older adults (58 females and 6 males; 68 years) were randomized into control, ST, or UST groups. INTERVENTIONS: Both ST and UST intervention groups received a core muscle, upper, and lower limb moderate-intensity strength exercises using stable and unstable surfaces. The classes were performed three times per week over a 24-week period. The control group did not receive any type of active intervention. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measures were the dynamic balance (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)) and functional mobility (timed up and go (TUG) test). The secondary outcomes included the sitting and rising test (SRT) and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FESI) scores. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in balance performance (BBS = +4 points) after 24 weeks of both ST (+1.22; 95% CI, -0.19 to 2.63) and UST (+2.26; 95% CI, 0.83-3.70) compared with the control group. Additionally, compared with the control, only UST experienced functional mobility gains (TUG = -2.44; 95% CI, -4.41 to -0.48; SRT = +1.12; 95% CI, 0.08-2.17) and decreased concern about falling (FESI = -4.41; 95% CI, -9.30 to -0.27). CONCLUSION: Long-term ST with and without unstable devices was effective to improve dynamic balance in older adults. Furthermore, the effects of UST were extended to functional mobility gains and reduced concern about falling.

Activity of periscapular muscles and its correlation with external oblique during push-up: Does scapular dyskinesis change the electromyographic response?

Scapular dyskinesis is the term used to describe changes in the positioning or movement of the scapula. Such dysfunction is associated with changes in the activation of the scapular muscles. However, the influence of the axial muscles on the scapular muscles activity of subjects with scapular dyskinesis is unknown. This study aimed to compare the electromyography (EMG) activity of periscapular muscles and its correlation with the external oblique muscle during the execution of push-up performed in different surfaces, in volunteers with and without scapular dyskinesis. Thirty-six men, divided in two groups (control and dyskinesis), performed push-up on stable and unstable surface. The EMG activity of serratus anterior (SA_5th and SA_7th fibers), upper (UT) and lower (LT) trapezius, external oblique (EO) was recorded during execution of each task condition. Statistical analyzes were performed using two way ANOVA repeated measures and Pearson correlation. It was observed effect of interaction between factors, being evidenced increased activity of UT, SA_7th and OE for the control group and decreased activity of SA_5th, SA_7th and EO for dyskinesis group during execution of push-up on unstable surface. In both groups positive correlations (r > 0.47) were observed between EMG activity of SA and EO. In the exercises tested, there seems to be an anatomical and functional relationship between the SA and EO muscles. The use of the unstable surface promotes increased neuromuscular demand, but the neuromuscular strategies appear to differ between groups.

Diferentes ordens dos exercícios durante o método circuito não alteram as respostas hemodinâmicas / Different orders of exercises during the circuit method does not alter the hemodynamic responses

Introdução: O efeito da ordem dos exercícios no Treinamento Circuito (TC) sobre variáveis hemodinâmicas é inconclusivo. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de diferentes ordens de execução nas respostas hemodinâmicas agudas no TC. Métodos: Onze homens foram recrutados. As sessões de treinamento foram compostas pela seguinte sequência: Sequência A: multiarticulares/monoarticulares; Sequência B: monoarticulares/multiarticulares, realizados a 60% de 1-RM com intervalo de um minuto. Ambos circuitos foram compostos por três passagens com oito estações. Os desfechos foram: pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), frequência cardíaca (FC) e duplo produto (DP). Para comparações utilizou-se ANOVA two-way medidas repetidas considerando p<0.05. Resultados: Os valores da FC foram significativamente mais altos durante e após o exercício em comparação ao momento pré (p<0,001), aumento do DP (p< 0,001) e diminuição da PAS (p<0,001) após os treinos, independente da ordem dos exercícios. Conclusão: O método de TC é eficiente em promover o efeito hipotensor pós-exercício independente da ordem de execução.

Introduction: The effect of Circuit Training (CT) order's on hemodynamics variables is inconclusive. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different orders of execution in acute hemodynamic responses in the CT. Methods: Eleven men were recruited. Training sessions were composed by the following sequence: sequence A: multi-joint/single-joint; Sequence B: single-joint/multi-joint, performed at 60% of 1-MR with one minute interval. Both circuits were composed of three passes with eight stations. The outcomes were: systolic blood pressure (BPS), diastolic (DPS), heart rate (HR) and double product (DP). For comparisons was used twoway ANOVA repeated measures considering p<0.05. Results: HR values were significantly higher during and after exercise compared to baseline, increase of DP (p< 0,001) and decrease of BPS (p<0,001) after practice, regardless of the order of exercise execution. Conclusion: The CT method is efficient in promoting the hypotensive effect post-exercise regardless of the order of execution.

Shoulder Muscle Activation Levels During Exercises With Axial and Rotational Load on Stable and Unstable Surfaces.

This study evaluated the effects of instability on the EMG activity of scapular stabilizing and upper limb muscles during exercises with axial and rotational load. Twenty male volunteers (20.9 ± 1.8 years, 174.1 ± 0.04 cm, 73.17 ± 8.77 kg) experienced in strength training participated in a crossover design. Muscle activation of anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major (PM), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) were determined on both conditions. Participants performed a single series of 10 repetitions of bench press and fly exercises on stable (bench) and unstable (proprioceptive disc) conditions at 60% of 1-RM. The Friedman test and post hoc Dunn's indicated that the unstable condition showed greater EMG activity for AD (P = .001) and BB (P = .002) on the fly exercise, SA (P = .001) and LT (P = .048) on the bench press, and PM (P ≤ .002) on both exercises. These results show that using an unstable surface in exercises with rotational load provides superior EMG activity of the agonist muscles, while in exercise with axial load, the instability favors EMG activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles.

Prevalence of headache in adolescents and association with use of computer and videogames.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of headache in adolescents and its association with excessive use of electronic devices and games. The sample comprised 954 adolescents of both sexes (14 to 19 years) who answered a questionnaire about use of computers and electronic games, presence of headache and physical activity. The binary and multinomial logistic regression, with significance level of 5% was used for inferential analysis. The prevalence of headache was 80.6%. The excessive use of electronics devices proved to be a risk factor (OR = 1.21) for headache. Subjects aged between 14 and 16 years were less likely to report headache (OR = 0.64). Regarding classification, 17.9% of adolescents had tension-type headache, 19.3% had migraine and 43.4% other types of headache. The adolescents aged form 14 to 16 years had lower chance (OR ≤ 0.68) to report the tension-type headache and other types of headache. The excessive use of digital equipment, electronic games and attending the third year of high school proved to be risk factors for migraine-type development (OR ≥ 1.84). There was a high prevalence of headache in adolescents and high-time use of electronic devices. We observed an association between excessive use of electronic devices and the presence of headache, and this habit is considered a risk factor, especially for the development of migraine-type.

Prevalência de cefaleia em adolescentes e associação com uso de computador e jogos eletrônicos / Prevalence of headache in adolescents and association with use of computer and videogames

Este estudo objetivou verificar a prevalência de cefaleia em adolescentes e sua associação com o uso excessivo de computador e jogos eletrônicos. A amostra foi composta por 954 adolescentes (14 a 19 anos), de ambos os sexos, que responderam ao questionário sobre uso de computadores e jogos eletrônicos, presença de cefaleia e atividade física. Foi utilizada a regressão logística binária e multinomial, com nível de significância de 5%. Evidenciou-se alta prevalência de cefaleia (80,6%) e elevado tempo de uso de dispositivos eletrônicos. O uso excessivo dos dispositivos eletrônicos mostrou-se fator de risco para cefaleia. Os sujeitos com idade entre 14 e 16 anos apresentaram menor chance de relatar a cefaleia. Em relação ao tipo, 17,9% apresentaram cefaleia do tipo tensional, 19,3% migrânea e 43,4% outros tipos de cefaleia. Os adolescentes com idade entre 14 e 16 anos apresentam menor chance de relatar a cefaleia do tipo tensional e de outros. Estar cursando o terceiro ano e usar excessivamente equipamentos digitais mostraram-se fatores de risco para cefaleia migrânea. Os resultados permitem concluir que o uso excessivo de dispositivos eletrônicos está associado à presença de cefaleia, principalmente do tipo migrânea.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of headache in adolescents and its association with excessive use of electronic devices and games. The sample comprised 954 adolescents of both sexes (14 to 19 years) who answered a questionnaire about use of computers and electronic games, presence of headache and physical activity. The binary and multinomial logistic regression, with significance level of 5% was used for inferential analysis. The prevalence of headache was 80.6%. The excessive use of electronics devices proved to be a risk factor (OR = 1.21) for headache. Subjects aged between 14 and 16 years were less likely to report headache (OR = 0.64). Regarding classification, 17.9% of adolescents had tension-type headache, 19.3% had migraine and 43.4% other types of headache. The adolescents aged form 14 to 16 years had lower chance (OR ≤ 0.68) to report the tension-type headache and other types of headache. The excessive use of digital equipment, electronic games and attending the third year of high school proved to be risk factors for migraine-type development (OR ≥ 1.84). There was a high prevalence of headache in adolescents and high-time use of electronic devices. We observed an association between excessive use of electronic devices and the presence of headache, and this habit is considered a risk factor, especially for the development of migraine-type.

Avaliação da resistência isométrica dos músculos do tronco em adolescentes de diferentes idades e sexos / Assessment of isometric endurance of the trunk muscles in adolescents of different ages and sex

Introdução: A associação entre dor lombar e a baixa resistência dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco tem sido documentada entre adolescentes. Objetivo: Avaliar o tempo de resistência isométrica dos estabilizadores do tronco em adolescentes. Métodos: Adolescentes (n=520), entre 10 e 19 anos, foram submetidos a quatro testes de resistência do tronco com registro da manutenção em segundos. A classificação qualitativa do desempenho foi feita por meio de médias, mínimos, máximos e quartis. Para comparação entre idades e sexos e a interação desses fatores utilizou-se Anova two-way com pós-teste Bonferroni. Resultados: O sexo masculino apresentou melhor desempenho nos testes (p≤ 0,003) e este aumento foi proporcional à idade. A presença de interação entre os dois fatores para os testes em extensão e flexão demonstra que o desempenho difere entre sexos e idades. Conclusão: O sexo e a idade influenciam no desempenho dos testes de resistência muscular do tronco em adolescentes.

Introduction: The association between low back pain and low resistance of the stabilizers muscles trunk have been documented among adolescents. Objective: To evaluate the time of isometric endurance of trunk in adolescents. Methods: Adolescents (n = 520), between 10-19 years, underwent four trunk endurance tests with maintenance record in seconds. The qualitative performance classification was made using averages, minimum, maximum, and quartiles. For comparison between sex and age and the interaction of these factors, was used two-way Anova with Bonferroni post-test. Results: Males showed better performance on tests (p ≤ 0.003) and this increase is proportional to age. The presence of interaction between the two factors for the tests in extension and flexion shows that the performance differs between sexes and ages. Conclusion: The sex and age influence the performance of endurance tests of the trunk in adolescents.

Effect of exercise order on the resistance training performance during a circuit training session / Efeito da ordem dos exercícios sobre o desempenho durante uma sessão de treinamento resistido no método circuito

The aim of this study was to compare total work volume, number of repetitions and rate of perceived effort performed in two different sequences of circuit training sessions. Eleven recreationally trained men (24.0 ± 4.8 years, 76.1 ± 8.5 kg, 1.75 ± 0.06 m) performed two different sequences of circuit training sessions. All sessions consisted of eight stations (exercises) of three sets in circuit, performed to volitional fatigue, alternating upper and lower body exercises, with 1-minute rest interval between exercises. Sequence A began with multiple joint exercises and progressed to single joint exercises, whereas sequence B was performed with the opposite exercise order. Number of repetitions and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were compared by repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (repeated measures MANOVA). Total work volume (TWV) was compared by paired t-test. There were no differences between exercise order for TWV (p=0.47) and RPE of all exercises (p>0.05). For both sequences, number of repetitions was greater when exercise was performed first (p<0.05). These results indicate that during a circuit training session, exercises order influenced the number of repetition, but did not influence TWV and RPE. These findings may suggest that for those who aim overall muscular gains, similar results will be obtained with single and multiple joint, upper and lower body circuit training exercise orders. Similarly, exercise intensity will be similarly perceived regardless of exercise sequences. For those who aim specific muscle group gains, priority exercises must be performed first.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o Volume Total de Trabalho (VTT), o Número de Repetições (NR), e a Percepção Subjetiva de Esforço (PSE) de duas sequências de exercícios executadas no método circuito. Onze homens treinados recreacionalmente (24.0 ± 4.8 years, 76.1 ± 8.5 kg, 1.75 ± 0.06 m) realizaram duas sequências diferentes de exercícios contra a resistência no método circuito. As sessões foram compostas por três passagens em oito estações (exercícios), executadas até a fadiga, alternados membros superiores e inferiores, com 1 minuto de intervalo entre os exercícios. A sequência A foi iniciada por exercícios multiarticulares e progrediu para exercícios monoarticulares, enquanto a sequência B foi executada na ordem inversa. O NR e a PSE foram comparadas pela MANOVA com medidas repetidas. O VTT foi comparado por meio do teste t pareado. Não houve diferenças significativas entre as ordens de exercícios para o VTT (p=0.47) e PSE (p>0.05). Para ambas as sequências, o NR foi maior quando os exercícios foram realizados no início das sequências (p<0,05). Esses resultados indicaram que a ordem dos exercícios afetou o número de repetições, mas não afetou o VTT e a PSE. Esses achados sugerem que, para aqueles que objetivam ganhos musculares gerais, resultados similares podem ser obtidos com exercícios mono e multiarticulares, para membros superiores e inferiores em diferentes ordens no método circuito. Da mesma forma, a intensidade do exercício será percebida de forma similar independente da sequência. Para aqueles que objetivam ganhos musculares específicos, exercícios prioritários devem ser executados no início da sessão.

Aprendizagem de uma habilidade motora seriada em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento / Learning of a motor serial skill in different stages of development

Este estudo investigou a aprendizagem de uma tarefa motora seriada em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. Quinze crianças, 14 adultos e 13 idosos praticaram a tarefa de rastrear uma sequência de seis estímulos luminosos durante 10 blocos de tentativas ou até descobrir a sequência, constituindo a fase de estabilização e mais dois blocos de tentativas, referentes as fases de adaptação I e II. O desempenho foi mensurado por meio das respostas funcionais e não-funcionais e das sequências funcionais. Os resultados indicaram que os adultos foram superiores aos demais participantes, e idosos apresentaram melhor desempenho que crianças apenas no início da prática, sugerindo que o estágio de desenvolvimento interage com o processo de aprendizagem motora.

This study investigated the learning of a serial tracking task in different developmental stages. Fifteen children, fourteen adults and thirteen elderly practiced the task of tracking a sequence of six light stimuli for ten blocks of trial or until discover the sequence, during the stabilization phase, and two blocks of trial at the adaptation tests I and II. Performance was measured by the functional and non-functional responses and functional sequences. The results showed that adults were superior to the other participants, and elderly participants performed better than children only in the early practice, suggesting that the development stage interacts with the process of motor learning.

Precisão do conhecimento de resultados no processo adaptativo em crianças / Precision of knowledge of results in the adaptative process in children

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos da precisão de Conhecimento de Resultados (CR) na aquisição de uma habilidade motora. Quarenta e oito crianças com idade entre oito e 10 anos (♂ = 9,33 ± 0,70 anos e ♀= 9,16 ± 0,81 anos) praticaram uma tarefa de acertar um alvo sobre uma mesa, mediante o lançamento de discos metálicos. Foram formados três grupos experimentais de acordo com o nível de precisão do CR: pouco preciso (GPP), preciso (GP) e muito preciso (GMP), além do grupo controle (GC), sem CR. A medida de desempenho foi o erro absoluto (EA). Os resultados indicaram diferença estatística a favor do GMP em comparação aos demais grupos, indicando que a maior precisão do CR favoreceu a estabilização da estrutura e a adaptabilidade do sistema, numa tarefa com meta de precisão espacial, em crianças.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of Knowledge of Results (KR) precision on acquisition of a motor ability. Forty eight children aged between eight and 10 years old (♂ = 9.33 ± 0.70 years old; ♀ = 9.16 ± 0.81 years old) practiced a manipulative task of reaching a target on a table, by the thrown of metallic discs. Three experimental groups were formed according to the KR precision level: less precise group (LPG), precise group (PG) and very precise group (VPG), and also the control group (CG), without KR. The performance measure was the absolute error. The results indicated statistic differences in favor of VPG when compared to the other groups, indicating that higher KR precision benefited the system's stabilization and adaptability for task with accuracy goal, for children.