Effect of capacitive radiofrequency on the dermis of the abdominal region.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency (RF) on sagging skin. This is a case series study with five volunteers who received a single application of capacitive RF (BTL-6000 TR-Therapy Pro®) in the right infraumbilical abdominal region, with epidermal temperature above 40°C, for 10 min (2 min per applicator area), and the skin of the contralateral region was used as control. After 30 days, on average, the skin of the abdominal region was collected for histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Picro-sirus, and Verhoff. The percentage of collagen and elastic fibers found was marked by the Image J®. The statistical analysis was performed in the SPSS program (version 20), with a significance level of 95%. This was registered with the ethics and research comitee of UFTM n 3.461.688 on Jul 12, 2019 and clinical trial registration n. NCT04182542, retrospectively registered. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a remodeling of collagen and elastic fibers on the side treated with RF; however, the morphometry for collagen showed no significant difference, with an average percentage of 60.94 ± 0.32 for the control side and 61.97 ± 2.80 for the treated with p=0.32. Similarly, elastic fibers also showed no significant difference between groups, with a mean percentage of 5.67 ± 2.70 for control and 6.21 ± 2.01 for treated with p=0.19. The RF with the parameters used in this study was able to cause morphological changes in collagen and elastic fibers of the abdominal region skin; however, it showed no change in the percentage of these fibers.

Thermographic Characterization of Cutaneous Ulcers of Different Etiologies.

The characterization of the temperature of skin ulcers may provide preliminary diagnostic evidence. The aim of this study was to characterize cutaneous ulcers of different etiologies by infrared thermography. 122 cutaneous ulcers of 87 patients (age 60.1 ± 15.7 years) were evaluated, allocated into five groups: venous ulcers (VU) n = 26, arterial ulcers (AU) n = 20, mixed ulcers (MU) n = 25, pressure ulcers (PU) n = 29, and neuropathic ulcers (NU) n = 22. The cutaneous temperature was recorded by infrared thermography (FLIR-450™); we also evaluated the ulcer area, the ankle brachial index (ABI), the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, and pain. For the different variables, the statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal Wallis test, ANOVA, the chi-squared test, and the Spearman test (SPSS™ software version 20, p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between the temperatures of PU and NU. The ABI was significantly lower in the MU and AU groups, and pain was also higher in these groups. The ROM was decreased in all groups, and the MU and VU groups had the lowest ROM. There was no correlation between temperature and the clinical findings (ABI, ROM, and pain). There was a moderate correlation in the analysis between the temperature and the area of the ulcer in the PU group, as larger ulcers had lower temperatures. It is possible to characterize cutaneous ulcers by infrared thermography, and there are temperature differences among ulcers with different etiologies.

Comparison of the effects of carboxytherapy and radiofrequency on skin rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Carboxytherapy (CA) refers to the cutaneous and subcutaneous administration of CO(2) for therapeutic purposes. Radiofrequency (RF) is a method that uses electric current for heating layers of the skin. Both techniques are indicated for the treatment of skin laxity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of CA and RF on human skin. METHODS: After eight patients underwent abdominoplasty, each of them received a single treatment of CA and a single treatment of RF on the right and left infra-umbilical regions, respectively. In the infra-umbilical region, CA was performed on the right and RF was performed on the left side. Untreated skin was used as a control. The sample collection period lasted 120 days. CA was administered at a velocity of 40 mL/min, and the total quantity of CO(2) infused was approximately 20 mL. RF was carried out at a temperature higher than 40°C on the epidermis for 5 min. RESULTS: CA and RF led to collagen remodeling; however, this result was more evident and lasted longer with RF. With CA an increase in elastic fibers was observed, whereas with RF no alteration was observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that RF is more efficient than CA in stimulating collagen synthesis.

Effects of microdermabrasion on skin rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Microdermabrasion is a surface treatment, noninvasive, which uses a negative pressure and drives programmable inert microcrystals on the skin, causing an exfoliation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of application of microdermabrasion in human skin rejuvenation. METHODS: Eleven women who were undergoing abdominoplasty were considered. An area of 25 cm² in the umbilicus to the right was conditioned with microcrystals of Al2O3 in maximum flow, negative pressure of 200 mmHg and total of 8 past, the left side being used as control. The number of sessions ranged from one to five, with weekly intervals, and timing of sample collection ranged from 0 to 132 days. Samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde in phosphate buffer and were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: A mild to marked hyperpigmentation was observed and remained for a variable period. Histological findings suggest an improvement in the epidermal layer with increased thickness and reestablishing their interdigitations in the dermis initially observed an increase in collagen synthesis. The analysis showed a late stay of epidermal changes, which did not occur in the dermis. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions and parameters used in this work, the microdermabrasion had a positive skin structure, showing that a viable resource in promoting skin rejuvenation.

Effects of carboxytherapy on skin laxity.

BACKGROUND: Carboxytherapy is capable of inducing tissue repair which results in an increase in elastic and collagen fibers. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of carboxytherapy upon human skin collagen and elastic fiber synthesis. METHODS: Case study of nine volunteers who received a single application of carboxytherapy in the left infraumbilical region, with infusion rate of 100 mL/min and 0.6 mL/kg weight over an area of 25 cm2 . After 60 days on average, the skin was collected for histological analysis and stained with picrosirius red for collagen and Verhoeff for elastic fibers. The percentage of fibers found was marked by the Image J® program and recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 20), with a significance level of 95%. RESULTS: An increase in the collagen and elastic fibers sample was observed in the treated group. Morphometrically, a significant increase in the percentage of collagen in the Carboxytherapy group (41.44 ± 4.50%) was observed compared with the control group (37.44 ± 3.87%) with P = .04; for elastic fibers, the percentage showed no significant difference between the control group (10.55 ± 4.33%) and the carboxytherapy group (10.44 ± 3.71%). CONCLUSIONS: Carboxytherapy with the parameters used in this study was able to stimulate collagen and elastic fiber synthesis, with significant differences in the morphometry for collagen fibers.

Effect of radiofrequency on patellar ligament repair of Wistar rats.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency (RF) on patellar ligament repair through the analysis of type I and III collagens and immunostaining for TGF-ß3. To evaluate the effect of RF on patellar ligament repair of Wistar rats, cross-sectional incision (60% of the width - grade I) was performed in patellar ligaments of the groups: lesion (L, n = 7), treated with RF on the 5-day (5RF, n = 7) and 7-day (7RF, n = 7) post injury were compared to control group (C, n = 7). Histological evaluation, immunohistochemistry, morphometry and statistical analysis were performed. At 10 days post injury, ligament rupture were observed only in L. Active fibroblasts, type 3 collagen and TGF-ß3 in L, 5RF and 7RF was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than control (C). Type 1 collagen was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in C than L, 5RF and 7RF. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed: TGF-ß3 vs active fibroblasts and TGF-ß3 vs type 3 collagen; otherwise, negative correlation (p < 0.05): type I collagen vs TGF-ß3. These results suggest that RF seemed to accelerate the wound healing process of the patellar ligament and may be used as a non-invasive treatment of partial ligament injuries.

Effects of radiofrequency on adipose tissue: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Equipment that acts in the reduction in adipose tissue are becoming widely investigated. One of the resources that begin to gain recognition is radiofrequency. PURPOSE: To verify the existence of scientific evidence and the methodological quality of the articles on the effects of radiofrequency in the reduction in adipose tissue. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review with meta-analysis on the effects of radiofrequency on adipose tissue. The research was carried out using several databases and including experimental studies only in humans. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the articles was done based on the PEDro Scale. RESULTS: Twelve articles related with adipose tissue and cellulitis were included. There was a great variability of protocols, and the methodological quality was generally low and the methods most used for the evaluation of results were anthropometry, photography, and histopathology. Clinical results suggest a positive effect of radiofrequency on the reduction in adipose tissue, proving an increase in adipocyte lipolysis. After statistical analysis, it was verified that the anthropometry presented questionable results. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of the studies point to the positive effects of radiofrequency on the reduction in adipose tissue; however, the low methodological make this topic still debatable, requiring more controlled studies.

Directly applied low intensity direct electric current enhances peripheral nerve regeneration in rats.

The influence of direct electric stimulation on nerve regeneration was studied in a model of crush injury of the sciatic nerve of rats. Forty-three rats were used and distributed in four groups according to the procedure: (1) intact nerve, inactive circuit; (2) crush injury, inactive circuit; (3) intact nerve, active circuit; (4) crush injury, active circuit. The low intensity continuous current circuit (1 microA) was implanted in the lumbar region, the anode being fixed to the muscles proximally and the cathode below the nerve distally to the lesion site. The Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) was evaluated at weekly intervals for 3 weeks, the sciatic nerve being resected on the 21st day for histologic and morphometric studies. The SFI progressively improved and the average fiber nerve density recovered to a nearly normal value in Group 2 and increased in Group 4 compared with the control groups (1 and 3), but this was accompanied by a decreased average fiber nerve diameter. Both number and diameter of inter and intra-fascicular blood vessels increased in the stimulated nerves. We conclude that low intensity direct electric stimulation enhances nerve regeneration following a controlled nerve crush injury and increases blood supply by increasing number and diameter of vasa nervorum.

Impacto da utilização de recursos fisioterapêuticos no tratamento de úlceras cutâneas de diferentes etiologias / Physical therapy resources and its impact treating skin ulcers with different etiologies

Introdução: Úlceras cutâneas são lesões graves que atingem a epiderme e a derme, podendo se estender aos tecidos subjacentes. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da utilização dos recursos fisioterapêuticos sobre a cicatrização e a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com úlcera cutânea de diferentes etiologias. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, com 20 indivíduos divididos em grupo tratado (GT) e controle (GC), todos receberam cuidados de enfermagem e o GT realizou 20 sessões de fisioterapia duas vezes por semana por dez semanas. Aplicado questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL-BREF e mensuração das úlceras no início e término do tratamento. Resultados: O GT apresentou uma taxa de cicatrização de 52,21 ± 43,58% e o GC 37,96 ± 38,83%, sem diferença estatística. Na QV apenas o GT obteve diferença estatística pré e pós tratamento. Conclusão: Os recursos fisioterapêuticos apresentaram impacto positivo no tratamento de úlceras cutâneas, com melhora na QV. (AU)

Introduction: Skin ulcers are major injuries that affect the epidermis, dermis and may extend to the underlying tissues. Objective: Evaluate the impact of the physical therapy resources on healing and quality of life (QoL) on individuals with cutaneous ulcers of different etiologies. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with 20 individuals, divided into groups: treated (TG) and control (CG). Both received nursing care and the TG received 20 physiotherapy sessions twice a week for ten weeks. Applied the Quality of Life questionnaire WHOQOL-BREF and measurement of ulcers at the beginning and end of the treatment. Results: TG showed a healing rate of 52.21± 43,58% and CG 37.96 ± 38,83%, without statistically significant difference. In the QoL, just TG obtained statistical difference pre and post treatment. Conclusion: Physical therapy resources had a positive impact on the treatment of skin ulcers, with improvement in QoL. (AU)

Correlação entre alinhamento pélvico e fibroedema geloide / Correlación entre la alienación de la pelvis y la dermopaniculosis vasculopática / Correlation between pelvic alignment and cellulitis

RESUMO O fibroedema geloide (FEG) é uma desordem dos tecidos dérmico e subcutâneo. Acomete 90% das mulheres após a puberdade. Vários fatores predisponentes interferem na sua ocorrência, entre os quais as alterações posturais. Para avaliação da postura e do FEG, a fotogrametria tem se mostrado um recurso confiável, de fácil aplicação, reprodução e de baixo custo. Avaliou-se se há correlação entre alinhamento pélvico e FEG na região glútea por meio da fotogrametria. Estudo do tipo transversal observacional, com 46 mulheres de 18-29 anos (média 23 anos±4,2 anos). Foi realizada avaliação postural pelo software de avaliação postural (SAPO) e calculado o ângulo entre as espinhas ilíacas anteros superiores direita e esquerda. O FEG foi classificado de acordo com a escala fotonumérica de Hexsel. As análises foram realizadas por dois avaliadores independentes e cegos, e foi utilizado o teste de correlação de Pearson. Obteve-se como resultado o valor médio do ângulo de desalinhamento pélvico de 1,70 (±1,46), o valor médio do FEG no glúteo direito de 6,30 (±4,01) e no esquerdo de 6,76 (±3,61). Não foi observada correlação entre o alinhamento pélvico e o grau de FEG na região glútea (p=0,38).

RESUMEN La dermopaniculosis vasculopática (DV) es un trastorno inflamatorio de los tejidos adiposo y subcutáneo. Un 90% de la población femenina presenta este trastorno tras la pubertad. Hay diversos factores que pueden desencadenar su aparición, entre ellos se destacan las alteraciones posturales. Un recurso fiable, de fácil aplicación, reproducción y bajo costo para evaluar la postura y la DV es la fotogrametría. En este estudio se pretende evaluar la presencia de correlación entre la alienación de la pelvis y la DV en la región glútea a través de la fotogrametría. Se trata de estudio de tipo transversal observacional, del cual participaron 46 mujeres de 18 a 29 años (promedio de 23 años ± 4,2 años). Se realizó la evaluación de la postura por intermedio del software de evaluación postural (Sapo) y se calculó el ángulo entre las espinas ilíacas anterosuperiores derecha e izquierda. La DV se clasificó según la escala fotonumérica Hexsel. Los análisis fueron realizados por dos evaluadores independientes y aleatorios, en los cuales se utilizó de la prueba de correlación de Pearson. Como resultado el promedio del valor del ángulo de desalienación de la pelvis fue de 1,70 (±1,46), el promedio del valor de la DV en el glúteo derecho fue de 6,30 (±4,01) y en el izquierdo 6,76 (±3,61). No se observó correlación entre la alienación de la pelvis y el grado de la DV en la región glútea (p=0,38).

ABSTRACT The cellulitis is a disorder of dermal and subcutaneous tissues. It affects 90% of women after puberty. Several predisposing factors interfere with its occurrence such as postural impairments. Photogrammetry has been considered reliable, easy to use, reproducible and with low cost to assess posture and cellulitis. It was evaluated if there is correlation between pelvic alignment and cellulitis in the gluteal region by photogrammetry. This is an observational cross-sectional study with 46 women (18-29 years old, mean age 23 years ± 4.2). Posture was evaluated by the software SAPO and the angle between the right and left anterior superior iliac spineswas calculated. Cellulitis was classified according to Hexsel's photonumeric scale. Analyses were performed by two independent and blinded evaluators and Pearson correlation tests investigated possible relationships between posture and cellulitis. The average value of the pelvic disalignment angle was 1.70 (+1.46), the mean value of the right gluteus cellulitis was 6.30 (+4.01) and left 6.76 (+3.61). There was no correlation between pelvic alignment and the level of cellulitis in the gluteal region (p = 0.38).

Influência da reeducação postural global na postura, satisfação corporal e qualidade de vida após abdominoplastia: relato de caso / Influence of global postural reeducation in the posture, corporal satisfaction and quality of life after abdominoplasty: case report

Introdução: Após abdominoplastia podem ocorrer alterações posturais e a Reeducação Postural Global (RPG) pode ser uma opção de tratamento. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da RPG sobre postura, satisfação corporal e qualidade de vida pós-abdominoplastia. Método: Realizou-se avaliação fisioterapêutica pré e pós-intervenção, com registro fotográfico para análise da postura pelo Software de Avaliação Postural (SAPO), coleta do questionário de satisfação corporal (Body Shape Questionaire- BSQ) e do questionário de qualidade de vida utilizando o WHOQOL-BREF. Dez sessões de RPG foram realizadas uma vez por semana, com duração aproximada de 60 minutos cada sessão. Resultados: Houve melhora da protusão do ombro e da inclinação lateral da cabeça, discreta diminuição na anteriorização e elevação da caixa torácica, aumento da cifose torácica e da anteversão pélvica, sem alteração de satisfação corporal e qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A intervenção com RPG exerceu discreta influência sobre a postura e não interferiu na satisfação corporal e na qualidade de vida.

Introduction: After abdominoplasty postural changes can be found and the Global Posture Reeducation (GPR) may be a treatment option. Objective: To evaluate the influence of RPG on posture, body satisfaction and quality of life in post abdominoplasty. Methods: Physical therapy evaluation before and after intervention with photographic record to assess the posture was performed by software of posture evaluation (SAPO), questionnaire collection of body satisfaction (Body Shape Questionnaire ­ BSQ) and questionnaire of quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF. Ten GPR sessions were held once a week, lasting about 60 minutes each session. Results: There was improvement with the protrusion of the shoulder and lateral bending of the head, slight decrease in rib cage forward projection and elevation, and increased thoracic kyphosis and pelvic anteversion, without changes in corporal satisfaction and quality of life. Conclusion: The GPR intervention exerted a slight influence on posture and did not interfere in corporal satisfaction and quality of life.

Importance of domestic guidelines for women with urinary incontinence / Importância das orientações domiciliares para mulheres com incontinência urinária

Introduction The importance of domestic guidelines as a help in the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) is evident, but its influence on the quality of life (QoL) of incontinent women, when applied without supervision, is unknown. Objective To evaluate the influence of domestic guidelines for the treatment of UI on the QoL of incontinent women. Methods This is a quasi-experimental before and after study. Seventy one women with UI and a mean age of 53.47 (± 14.21) years were assessed, instructed with the aid of an illustrative and explanatory folder and reassessed after six months using the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ). KHQ data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples, with significance level of 5%. Results There was a statistically proven improvement in six of the eight domains and in six of the ten symptoms assessed (p < 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that the domestic guidelines for treatment of UI positively influenced the QoL of the women who participated in this study. .

Introdução A importância das orientações domiciliares como coadjuvantes no tratamento da incontinência urinária (IU) é evidente, mas não se sabe qual sua influência sobre a qualidade de vida (QV) de mulheres incontinentes quando aplicadas sem supervisão. Objetivos Avaliar a influência das orientações domiciliares para tratamento da IU sobre a QV de mulheres incontinentes. Métodos Estudo quase-experimental do tipo antes e depois. Foram incluídas 71 mulheres com IU, 53,47 (± 14,21) anos orientadas com auxílio de um folder ilustrativo e explicativo e reavaliadas após seis meses com auxílio do King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ). Os dados do KHQ foram analisados pelo teste de Wilcoxon para amostras pareadas, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Houve melhora estatisticamente comprovada em seis dos oito domínios e em seis dos dez sintomas avaliados (p < 0,05). Conclusão Concluímos que as orientações domiciliares para tratamento da IU influenciaram positivamente a QV das mulheres no grupo estudado. .

Abordagem fisioterapêutica no pré-parto: proposta de protocolo e avaliação da dor / Physiotherapeutic approach in the pre-partum: proposed protocol and evaluate pain

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da abordagem fisioterapêutica no pré-parto e propor um protocolo de intervenção baseado na escala visual analógica (EVA) de dor. Dez parturientes, na primeira fase do trabalho de parto, foram questionadas quanto à dor através da EVA e, com base nas respostas, foi proposto um protocolo, EVA 1–3: cinesioterapia, técnicas respiratórias, relaxamento e estímulo à deambulação; EVA 4–7: massoterapia, técnicas respiratórias, relaxamento e estímulo à deambulação; EVA 8–10: técnicas respiratórias, relaxamento e eletroestimulação nervosa transcutânea. Após as intervenções, as voluntárias foram questionadas novamente através da EVA. Os dados da EVA pré- e pós-intervenção foram submetidos ao teste t pareado, atingindo valor médio de 8,8 pré-intervenção e 8,2 pós-intervenção, sem diferença estatística. Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise quantitativa de dor demonstraram que não houve aumento da mesma até uma hora após a intervenção, fato considerado positivo, uma vez que em função da crescente dilatação é esperado um aumento da dor. O protocolo fisioterapêutico proposto mostrou ser de fácil aplicabilidade, podendo auxiliar o fisioterapeuta na escolha da conduta mais adequada à realidade da sala de pré-parto. A abordagem fisioterapêutica no pré-parto parece interferir positivamente sobre a dor e o desconforto materno no grupo estudado.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical therapy approach in the antepartum and to propose an intervention protocol based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain. Ten parturients in the first stage of labor were questioned about the pain by VAS. Based on the responses, we proposed a protocol VAS 1–3: kinesiotherapy, breathing techniques, relaxation and stimulation of walking; VAS 4–7: massage therapy, breathing techniques, relaxation and stimulation of walking; VAS 8–10: breathing techniques, relaxation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. After the intervention, the volunteers were questioned again by VAS. The VAS data pre-and post-intervention were submitted to the paired t test, reaching an average value of 8.8 pre-intervention and 8.2 post-intervention, no statistical difference. The results obtained through quantitative analysis of pain showed no increase of the same until one hour after the intervention, which was considered positive, since due to the increasing expansion is expected to increase the pain. The proposed physical therapy protocol proved easy to apply. It can assist the therapist in choosing the most adequate to the reality of pre-delivery room. The physical therapy approach in the pre-partum seems to positively affect pain and maternal discomfort in the study group.

Efeitos do ultra-som pulsado de baixa intensidade sobre a cicatrização por segunda intenção de lesões cutâneas totais em ratos / Effects of low-power pulsed ultrasound on second-intention healing of total skin injuries in rats

Avaliamos os efeitos do ultra-som pulsado de baixa intensidade sobre a cicatrização de lesão cutânea produzida na região dorsal de ratos. Utilizamos 60 ratos machos (Wistar, peso médio de 300g) divididos em dois grupos, sendo: 1) irradiação simulada; 2) irradiação efetiva (freqüência fundamental de 1,5MHz, freqüência de repetição de pulsos de 1KHz, largura de pulso de 200 æs, intensidade de 30mW/cm² -SATA, 10 minutos de aplicação em dias alternados). Estes foram subdivididos em subgrupos, de acordo com o tempo de avaliação da lesão, de 3, 7 e 14 dias, e a cicatrização foi avaliada através de análises planimétrica e histo-morfométrica. Aumento significante (p<0,05) da área cicatrizada foi observado no Grupo 2 (141,88±18,50 mm²) em relação ao Grupo 1 (117,38±15,14 mm²), no 14° dia. Houve diminuição significante do número de células inflamatórias (p<0,05), associada a um incremento da angiogênese, no Grupo 2 (2196,56 cel/mm²±234,93) em relação ao Grupo 1 (2611,68 cel/mm²±423,82), no 3° dia. Não observamos diferenças significantes na formação de colágeno, área de derme e epiderme entre os grupos. Concluiu-se que o ultra-som pulsado de baixa intensidade não apresenta efeitos deletérios e estimula moderadamente a cicatrização cutânea por segunda intenção em condições experimentais, com potencial para aplicação clínica em humanos.

We evaluated the effects of low-power pulsed ultrasound on skin injury healing at dorsal region of rats. Sixty male rats were used (Wistar, mean weight: 300 g) divided into two groups, namely: 1) simulated irradiation; 2) effective irradiation (basic rate of 1.5MHz, pulse cycle rate of 1KHz, pulse width of 200 æs, power of 30mW/cm2 -SATA, 10 minutes of application in alternate days). These were further divided into subgroups, according to the time of injury assessment, as 3, 7, and 14 days, and healing was assessed by planimetrical and histomorphometrical analysis. A significant increase (p<0.05) of the healing area was seen for Group 2 (141.88±18.50 mm²) compared to Group 1 (117.38±15.14 mm²), at the 14th day. There was a significant reduction of the number of inflammatory cells (p<0.05), associated to an increment of angiogenesis for Group 2 (2196.56 cel/mm²±234.93) in comparison to Group 1 (2611.68 cel/mm²±423.82), at the 3rd day. No significant differences were seen in collagen formation, or on dermis and epidermis area between groups. It was concluded that low-power pulsed ultrasound does not cause any deleterious effects and can moderately stimulate skin second-intention healing in experimental environments, showing a potential to clinical use in human beings.

A importância da avaliação sensitiva no pós-operatório de reconstrução mamária / The importance of the sensitive evaluation in the postoperative period of mammary reconstruction

A reconstrução mamária pós-mastectomia vem crescendo e, com ela a necessidade de uma recuperação não apenas estética, mas também funcional do ponto de vista sensitivo. Sabemos que a sensibilidade de mama após reconstrução retorna parcialmente e em alguns casos não retorna. Este estudo objetivou enfatizar a importância da avaliação da sensibilidade da mama pós-reconstrução com tecido autólogo e promover uma discussão sobre necessidade da reeducação sensorial. Através de uma revisão bibliográfica foram apresentadas diferentes técnicas reconstrutoras, bem como diferente retorno sensitivo do retalho miocutâneo. Avaliações sensitivas encontraram retorno da sensibilidade do retalho entre um mês e três anos de pós-operatório. A reeducação sensorial tem sido proposta para melhorar a capacidade da paciente em interpretar o estímulo sensitivo. Apesar da variedade das formas de avaliação sensitiva encontradas neste levantamento, ficou claro que o retorno desta sensibilidade existe, mesmo em mamas que não foram reinervadas. Por isto, a importância de seu estudo bem como do planejamento futuro de técnicas de reeducação sensorial deve ser enfatizado pelos fisioterapeutas, pois refletem diretamente na aceitação subjetiva da neomama pela paciente, no retorno desta em seu prazer sexual e na prevenção de danos devido à insensibilidade.

The post-mastectomy mammals reconstruction has been increasing and with them comes the necessity not only aesthetic but also functional from the recovery sensitive point of view. It is known that the sensitivity of the post-reconstruction mama returns partially and in some cases it doens't return. This study aims to emphasize the importance of the evaluation of breast post-reconstruction sensibility with autologous tissue and to promote discussion about the necessity of sensorial reeducation. Through a bibliographic review, it was seen different reconstructions techniques, and also different sensory recovery in the myocutaneous flap. Sensibility evaluations found return of the sensibility in the flap between one month and three years post-operative. The sensorial reeducation has been proposal to improve the patient ability to interpret the sensory stimulus. Despite the variety of manners of sensory evaluation found in this poll, it became evident that the return of this sensibility exists even in breasts without nerve repair. Because of this, the importance of its study and also the future planning of sensory reeducation techniques, for reflecting straight on subjective acceptation of the new breast by the patient, by the return of it in his sexual pleasure an on injury prevention due to the insensibility.

Efeitos da galvanopuntura no tratamento das estrias atróficas / Galvanic-puncture effects in stretch marks treatment

A estria é definida como uma atrofia tegumentar adquirida, representada por adelgaçamento, pregueamento, secura, menor elasticidade da pele e rarefação dos pêlos. Sua etiologia básica ainda é desconhecida, mas sabe-se que dentre os possíveis fatores causais, o fator endocrinológico é o principal determinante. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos obtidos no tratamento da estria através da galvanopuntura, verificando possível reparação do tecido e melhora da aparência estética da área afetada. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de caso em um voluntário do sexo feminino, 25 anos, apresentando estrias atróficas, de coloração branca, na região externa do quadril e da coxa. Foi realizada biópsia da pele estriada, antes e após o tratamento, a fim de verificar possíveis alterações histológicas decorrentes do estímulo oferecido pela associação da corrente contínua filtrada e o estímulo físico da agulha. Os resultados obtidos através de microscopia ótica mostraram uma epiderme mais espessa, maior quantidade de fibroblastos, fibras colágenas e elásticas, e maior número de vasos. Conclui-se, portanto, que houve reparação da pele após o tratamento, com conseqüente melhora do aspecto cutâneo da região.

The stretch mark is defined as an acquired atrophy of the skin, characterized by thinning, wrinkling, dryness, flaccidness and loss of hair. Its basic etiology is still not completely known, but it is understood that, among the causes, the endocrinous activity is a determined factor. This study had the objective to evaluate the effects obtained by the galvanic-puncture, observing the possibility of tissue repairing and esthetic appearance improvement of the affected area. To observe this a case study was made on a feminine volunteer, 25 years old, presenting white stretch marks in the external area of hips and thighs. A biopsy of the stretched skin was made, before and after the treatment with the galvanic-puncture, verifying possible histological alterations resulting from the impulse of the direct current in association with the needle’s physical impulse. The obtained results, viewed by optical microscopy, showed a dense epidermis, higher quantity of fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers, and more blood vessels. Thence it follows that there is a repairing of the skin after treatment, with improvement of the aspect of the skin.

Estudo da viabilidade da iontoforese na infusão de medicamentos, utilizando eletrodos móveis / Study of the viability of iontophoresis for compounds infusion using mobile electrodes

A iontoforese utiliza corrente elétrica com a fi nalidade de aumentar a penetração de substâncias polares através da pele. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da iontoforese utilizando eletrodos fi xos e móveis. Foram utilizados 6 ratos Wistar machos (300 g), dos quais 1 animal serviu como controle e 5 animais receberam a ionização (Ibramed) de sulfato de estricnina (20 ml; 10 mg/ml), com intensidade de 30 mA por 10 minutos, separados conforme o tratamento: R1 (controle): o animal foi submetido apenas à injeção de sulfato de estricnina (10 mg/kg, i.p.), R2: ionização com eletrodo fi xo (+), R3: ionização com eletrodo fi xo (-), R4: (ionização simulada fi xo): ionização com eletrodos fi xos e o aparelho desligado, R5: ionização com eletrodos móveis, R6: ionização simulada móvel) ionização com eletrodo móvel e o aparelho desligado. Resultados: o animal R1 apresentou crises convulsivas imediatamente após a injeção da droga. O animal R2 apresentou convulsões dois minutos após o início da aplicação da corrente. Os animais R3, R4 e R6 não apresentaram crises. O animal R5 apresentou crise convulsiva 12 minutos após o início do tratamento. Concluímos que os eletrodos móveis possuem menor eficácia que os eletrodos fixos na aplicação transdermal de drogas com base nos parâmetros utilizados.

Iontophoresis is a method in which are used electrical currents to increase the penetration of polarized compounds through the skin. In this study we compared the eff ects of iontophoresis using mobile and fi xed electrodes. We used 6 male Wistar rats (300 g), trichotomized in the dorsal region of the body. One animal was injected with saline and used as control and 5 received the ionization through an iontophoresis device (Ibramed). Animals were gently immobilized, then received strychnine sulfate (20 ml; 10 mg/kg), using the current intensity of 30 mA during 10 minutes. Th e controlrat (R1) received an injection of strychnine sulfate (10 mg/kg; i.p.). Another animal (R2) was submitted to ionization with a fi xed electrode and the drug located at the positive pole. Th e rat 3 (R3) was also submitted to ionization with a fi xed electrode, but the drug was placed at the negative pole. Th e rat 4 (R4) was submitted tothe same protocol as R2, but the device was turned off . Finally the rat 5 (R5) received ionization with mobile electrodes. Results: The animal R1 presented convulsive seizures immediately after the drug injection. Th e animal R2 presented convulsions 2 minutes after the beginning of the current application. Th e animals R3, R4 and R6 did not present seizures. The animal R5 presented a convulsive seizure at 12 minutes. We concluded that using the parameters applied in this work, the mobile electrodes have fewer effi cacies than the fixed ones for the transdermal application of drugs.