Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist proprioception in healthy subjects: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the use of KT has increased considerably in the clinical practice in the last years, there is limited evidence about the effects of its application in proprioception. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of KT on joint position sense and force sense on the wrist of healthy subjects. METHODS: Fifty-four subjects were analyzed in a randomized, crossover, single-blind study design. To determine the force sense, the subjects had to reach 50% of their maximum grip force. Wrist joint position sense was assessed during active repositioning tests at the target angles of 30° flexion and extension of wrist. A digital dynamometer was used to determine the sense of force and a digital goniometer was used to determine the joint position sense. Subjects were evaluated with KT (I- strip on ventral aspect of forearms from origin to insertion) and placebo (an inelastic tape was applied following the same procedure as KT). RESULTS: No significant differences have been found in the force sense, neither in the comparisons between control and interventions (p=0.286), nor between pre and post-intervention (p=0.111). For wrist joint position sense, a statistically significant effect (p< 0.05) was found at 30º of extension between the control and experimental group in favor of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The application of KT did not produce changes in FS and only caused a significant improvement in JPS in extension (30º). The results appear to indicate that the application of KT to improve proprioception in healthy subjects should be reconsidered.

Assessment of over-the-head resuscitation method in an inflatable rescue boat sailing at full speed. A non-inferiority pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Drowning is a public health problem. Interrupting the drowning process as soon as possible and starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve survival rates. Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) are widely used worldwide to rescue drowning victims. Performing CPR in special circumstances requires adjusting the position based on the environment and space available. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of over-the-head resuscitation performed by rescuers aboard an IRB in comparison to standard CPR. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Ten professional rescuers performed 1 min of simulated CPR on a QCPR Resuscy Anne manikin (Laerdal, Norway) sailing at 20 knots using two different techniques: 1) standard CPR (S-CPR) and 2) over-the-head CPR (OTH-CPR). Data were recorded through the APP QCPR Training (Laerdal, Norway). RESULTS: The quality of CPR was similar between S-CPR (61%) and OTH-CPR (66%), with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.585). Both the percentage of compressions and the percentage of correct ventilations did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) between the techniques. CONCLUSION: The rescuers can perform CPR maneuvers with acceptable quality in the IRB. The OTH-CPR technique did not show inferiority compared to S-CPR, making it a viable alternative when boat space or rescue conditions do not allow the conventional technique to be performed.

Does a short intervention with vibration foam roller recover lifeguards better after a water rescue? A pilot study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a recovery program based on foam roller with and without vibration on blood lactate clearance and perceived fatigue after a water rescue. METHODS: A quasi-experimental crossover design was carried out to compare passive (PR) recovery and a short protocol of foam roller (FR) and vibration foam roller (VFR) recovery after a 100 m water rescue in 7 volunteer lifeguards. Blood lactate and perceived exertion were measured before and after the rescue, and also after the 5-min recovery intervention. RESULTS: Blood lactate levels decrease significantly with foam roller (p = 0.013; effect size = 0.97) and vibration foam roller recovery (p < 0.001; effect size = 1.62). Passive recovery did not show significant differences clearing out blood lactate. Fatigue perceived decrease significantly with all the recovery methods, but foam roller has higher effects on the global fatigue and VFR on the legs. CONCLUSION: FR and VFR clear out more blood lactate and decrease fatigue more than PR, with the subsequently increase of the physical conditioning to perform another effort.

Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Blood Flow Measured by Ultrasonography in Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Alonso-Calvete, A, Padrón-Cabo, A, Lorenzo-Martínez, M, and Rey, E. Acute Effects of Foam Rolling on Blood Flow Measured by Ultrasonography in Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3256-3259, 2021-In recent years, foam rolling (FR) has become a popular device for recovery to increase range of motion and decrease pain after sport practice and competition. However, there is little evidence about the underlying physiological effects of FR, specifically in blood flow parameters. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze acute effects of FR on blood flow parameters (maximal velocity and maximal volume) measured by Doppler ultrasonography in soccer players. Twelve soccer players were assessed in 3 different situations: pre-FR intervention, immediately after FR intervention, and 30 minutes after FR intervention. The femoral artery was measured in the dominant leg with subjects in horizontal lying position. Before the intervention, subjects completed one familiarization session with FR. The FR intervention consisted of 2 sets, each with 45 seconds of FR and 15 seconds of rest between sets with a high-density foam roller in quadriceps, hamstrings, and iliotibial band. Results showed a significant increase in both maximal velocity (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.81) and maximal volume (p = 0.001; ES = 1.73) after intervention in comparison with pretest, but after 30 minutes, there were no significant differences. Therefore, this increase of the blood flow could promote important advantages for postexercise recovery, suggesting an acute effect that may contribute to the understanding of local physiological mechanism of FR.

How Do the Abdominal Muscles Change during Hypopressive Exercise?

Background and objective: Prior studies have reported an activation of abdominal muscles during hypopressive exercises in women with pelvic floor disfunction. However, no previous research analyzed the effects of hypopressive exercise on abdominal muscles in healthy populations to understand the normal biomechanics of this area. The aim of this study was to examine the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise in supine and standing positions with ultrasound imaging in healthy adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 99 healthy university students. The thickness of the abdominal muscles at rest and during hypopressive exercise was assessed with ultrasound imaging in supine and standing positions. Results: During hypopressive exercise, there was a significant increase in the muscle thickness of transversus abdominis (p < 0.001) and internal oblique (p < 0.001) in supine and standing positions. External oblique only increased its thickness significantly in the standing position (p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis did not change during the hypopressive exercise in any position (p > 0.05). In conclusion, hypopressive exercises seem to increase the thickness of the deepest and most stabilized muscles such as transversus abdominis and internal oblique. Conclusions: These findings should be considered for future interventions with hypopressive exercises in healthy subjects.

Plastic blanket drowning kit: A protection barrier to immediate resuscitation at the beach in the Covid-19 era. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Introducing a new, simple and inexpensive portable equipment for lifeguards, consisting of a pre-assembled full-size plastic blanket with a mask and HEPA filter, which could offer significant time-saving advantages to reduce COVID-19 risk transmission in the first few minutes of CPR after water rescue, avoiding the negative impact of delayed ventilation. METHOD: A pilot study was carried out to determine the feasibility of the pre-assembled kit of face-mask and HEPA filter adapted on a pre-set plastic-blanket. The first step consisted of washing hands, putting on safety glasses and gloves as the first personal protection equipment (PPE) and then covering the victim with an assembled plastic blanket. The second step consisted of 10 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with PPE and plastic blanket, following the technical recommendations for ventilation during COVID-19. RESULTS: Ten rescuers took part in the pilot study. The average time to wear PPE and place the pre-assembly kit on the victim was 82 s [IC 58-105]. After 10 min the quality of the resuscitation (QCPR) was 91% [87-94]. Quality chest compressions (CC) were 22% better than ventilations (V). Most of the rescuers (60%) thought that placing the plastic blanket on the victim on the beach was somewhat simple or very simple. CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation techniques in COVID-19 era at the beach have added complexities for the correct use of PPE. Plastic blanket plus basic ventilations equipment resource could be a new alternative to be considered for lifeguards to keep ventilation on use while reducing risk transmission.

Effects of Muscle Strength Training in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in males. Treatment options cause a series of side effects that can lead to a deterioration in the physical and quality of life of patients, such as musculoskeletal changes, atrophy or muscle weakness, due to the testosterone suppression. Scientific evidence has shown that exercise mitigates the side effects induced by cancer treatment. This study aimed to analyse the effects of muscular strength work on the organism of patients with prostate cancer in the treatment phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science and PEDro databases were searched in January 2022. The Medical Subject Headings "resistance training", "prostatic neoplasms", "strength training" and "prostate cancer" were used. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles were analysed. In all of them, statistically significant changes were found in strength, physical performance, muscle mass and cardiovascular and respiratory health after the implementation of a strength exercise program. Other variables did not achieve the expected changes. CONCLUSIONS: A strength exercise program improves strength, physical performance, muscle mass and cardiovascular health in patients with prostate cancer. However, whether it improves other parameters, such as body fat, power, bone density and quality of life, is unclear.

Menstrual Cycle and Sport Injuries: A Systematic Review.

The presence of female athletes has only increased in recent years, as has the incidence of injuries in female sports activities. These injuries are conditioned by multiple factors, including hormonal agents. It is estimated that the menstrual cycle may be related to the predisposition to suffer an injury. However, a causal relationship has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the menstrual cycle and injuries in female sports practice. A systematic search of the scientific literature available in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Sport Discus was carried out in January 2022. With 138 articles, only eight studies were found that met the selection criteria for this study. Peak estradiol is associated with increased laxity, strength, and poor use of neuromuscular control. Thus, the ovulatory phase is associated with an increased risk of injury. In conclusion, it seems that hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle alter values such as laxity, strength, body temperature, and neuromuscular control, among others. This fact causes women to constantly adapt to hormonal variations, which exposes them to a higher risk of injury.

Effects of taping in patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PPS) is defined as a condition in the patellofemoral joint that can present with pain, functional deficit, crepitus, and instability. Its etiology appears to lie in excessive loading of the patellofemoral joint due to mispositioning of the patella. The application of taping has recently increased, to manage PPS. However, the level of scientific evidence in this sense is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of different types of taping in subjects with PPS. METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out in January and February 2021 in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and CINAHL. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included for qualitative analysis. The mean score on the PEDro scale was 5.30 points. Most of the articles reflect a decrease in pain after the taping intervention, while variables such as functionality, muscle activity and biomechanical modification do not show positive effects. CONCLUSION: Taping appears to have positive effects on pain in subjects with PPS. However, the evidence is contradictory with the rest of the variables studied.

Surfers as aquatics rescuers in Portugal and Spain: Characteristics of rescues and resuscitation knowledge.

The aim of this study was to analyze the rescues carried out by surfers from Portugal and Spain, their knowledge of rescue and resuscitation and their perception and risk behavior while surfing. An online survey was conducted in 2048 surfers from Portugal and Spain, with questions regarding the demographic characteristics, experience, perception and risk behavior of the surfers; rescues attended by the surfers and surfer's knowledge and experience in rescue and resuscitation. Concerning the number of rescues carried out by surfers, 78.5% of the participants had to carry out at least one rescue in their lifetime. A significant association was found between the years of surfing experience, the surfing level and the number of rescues carried out (p < 0.05). Thirty-five-point eight percent of the surfers never attended a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course and 76.2% had no work experience as a lifeguard. Correspondingly, the vast majority of the surfers analyzed did not have the essential knowledge about rescue and resuscitation. This study provides evidence of the important role that surfers play in saving lives on Portuguese and Spanish beaches. The results suggest that the number of rescues conducted by surfers each year in Portugal and Spain is relevant to reducing the number of fatalities that occur along coasts.

[Physiotherapy in the sequelae of cesarean childbirth. A systematic review.] / Fisioterapia en las secuelas del parto por cesárea. Una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: Caesarean section is a surgical intervention that consists of the extraction of the fetus by abdominal route through the incision in the uterus. Like any surgical intervention, caesarean section is not exempt from complications and these can be classified as short-term (acute pain) and long-term (adhesions in the scar, lumbar and pelvic pain, intestinal obstruction and ectopic pregnancies). Physiotherapy has different tools to address these complications. The aim of this study was to review the scientific bibliography to know the effects of physiotherapy on patients who have given birth by cesarean section. METHODS: A search for articles was carried out during the month of December 2021 in the databases: PubMed, Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, PEDro and WOS using the search terms Cesarean Section, Physical Therapy Modalities and Physical therapy. As an inclusion criterion, it was established that the type of study was a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT). RESULTS: A total of 280 articles were obtained, of which 9 were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. In them, the most used physiotherapy intervention was electrotherapy, followed by massage therapy and therapeutic exercise. Studies show effects of these forms of physiotherapy, with a determined duration and frequency, with improvements in pain, activities of daily living, comfort level, joint ranges and reduction in the consumption of analgesics. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapy has various modalities with which to attend complications after cesarean section, both in an immediate and a late phase, especially highlighting the reduction of pain.

OBJETIVO: La cesárea es una intervención quirúrgica que consiste en la extracción del feto por vía abdominal. Como cualquier intervención quirúrgica, la cesárea no está exenta de complicaciones y éstas se pueden clasificar en a corto plazo (dolor agudo) y a largo plazo (adherencias en la cicatriz, dolores lumbares y pélvicos, obstrucción intestinal y embarazos ectópicos). La fisioterapia cuenta con diferentes herramientas para abordar estas complicaciones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue revisar la bibliografía científica para conocer los efectos de la fisioterapia en las consecuencias del parto por cesárea. METODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos durante el mes de diciembre de 2021 en las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, PEDro y WOS empleando los términos de búsqueda Cesarean Section, Physical Therapy Modalities y Physical Therapy. Como criterio de inclusión se estableció que el tipo de estudio fuese Estudio Clínico Aleatorizado (ECA). RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron un total de 280 artículos, de los cuales 9 fueron seleccionados tras aplicar los criterios de elegibilidad. En ellos, la intervención más utilizada de fisioterapia fue electroterapia, seguida de masoterapia y ejercicio terapéutico. Los estudios arrojan efectos de estas formas de fisioterapia, con una duración y frecuencia determinada, con mejoras en el dolor, las actividades de la vida diaria, el nivel de comodidad, los rangos articulares y la reducción del consumo de analgésicos. CONCLUSIONES: La fisioterapia cuenta con diversas modalidades con las que atender tanto en una fase inmediata como en una tardía las complicaciones tras una cesárea, destacando especialmente la reducción del dolor.

Update on Physiotherapy in Postpartum Urinary Incontinence. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence in the postpartum period is related to biomechanical and hormonal changes that occur during the obstetric period and also related to perineal trauma during childbirth. Physiotherapy is currently presented as one of the conservative options for the treatment of urinary incontinence at this stage, so this review aims to go over scientific literature to assess the effect of physiotherapy on postpartum urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In February 2022, a bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Medline, PeDRO and Sport Discuss databases. Studies published within the last 10 years and randomized clinical trials that used physiotherapy techniques for the treatment of postpartum urinary incontinence were identified, but those articles that differ from the objective of the work and those that were duplicated in the databases were excluded. RESULTS: Out of the 51 articles identified, 8 were finally included that fit the criteria and the subject of the study. Regarding the intervention, we have found that all the articles refer to pelvic floor muscle training. In addition to urinary incontinence, these studies evaluated other variables such as strength, resistance, quality of life and sexual function, obtaining significant results in 6 out of all the studies consulted. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscle training is beneficial for the treatment of urinary incontinence in the postpartum period, then supervised and controlled exercise combined with a home training routine is recommended. It is not clear whether the benefits are maintained over time.

Are smart glasses feasible for dispatch prehospital assistance during on-boat cardiac arrest? A pilot simulation study with fishermen.

The aim of the study was to explore feasibility of basic life support (BLS) guided through smart glasses (SGs) when assisting fishermen bystanders. Twelve participants assisted a simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on a fishing boat assisted by the dispatcher through the SGs. The SGs were connected to make video calls. Feasibility was assessed whether or not they needed help from the dispatcher. BLS-AED steps, time to first shock/compression, and CPR's quality (hands-only) during 2 consecutive minutes (1st minute without dispatcher feedback, 2nd with dispatcher feedback) were analyzed. Reliability was analyzed by comparing the assessment of variables performed by the dispatcher through SGs with those registered by an on-scene instructor. Assistance through SGs was needed in 72% of the BLS steps, which enabled all participants to perform the ABC approach and use AED correctly. Feasibility was proven that dispatcher's feedback through SGs helped to improve bystanders' performance, as after dispatcher gave feedback via SGs, only 3% of skills were incorrect. Comparison of on-scene instructor vs. SGs assessment by dispatcher differ in 8% of the analyzed skills: greatest difference in the "incorrect hand position during CPR" (on-scene: 33% vs. dispatcher: 0%). When comparing the 1st minute with 2nd minute, there were only significant differences in the percentage of compressions with correct depth (1st:48 ± 42%, 2nd:70 ± 31, p = 0.02). Using SGs in aquatic settings is feasible and improves BLS. CPR quality markers were similar with and without SG. These devices have great potential for communication between dispatchers and laypersons but need more development to be used in real emergencies.

Effects of therapeutic exercises in patients with lung cancer. A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Smoking is one of the main risk factors associated with this cancer. Treatment will depend on the form of cancer and its stage, existing many therapeutic possibilities. In this regard, therapeutic exercise plays an important role in lung cancer care, as well as the pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory physical therapy. PURPOSE: To review the current scientific literature about the effects of therapeutic exercise in lung cancer. METHOD: A search was carried out in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science using de terms "Exercise Therapy" and "Lung Neoplasms". 141 studies were obtained, but only 19 were selected by adjusting to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 10 of them were randomized controlled trials with a Jadad score between 2 and 3. RESULTS: These works performed a large variety of interventions based on therapeutic exercise, classified in preoperative, postoperative, during treatment, post treatment and combination. Most focused on aerobic exercise, muscle strength and respiratory exercises. CONCLUSION: therapeutic exercise seems to be positive and obtain significant improvements in patients with lung cancer, regardless the moment of intervention and the type of exercise performed.

Ultrasonographic Changes of Abdominal Muscles in Subjects with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent disfunction in the spine, affecting both women and men. The implication of the abdominal muscles in this disfunction has been studied, including wrong breathing patterns or inactivity of this area. However, there is a lack of studies examining changes in thickness of abdominal with ultrasonography. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the differences in the thickness of abdominal muscles at rest and during breathing between subjects with and without CLBP. A total of 72 subjects were divided in two groups: participants with CLBP (n = 36) and participants without CLBP (n = 36). In both groups, the thickness of the four abdominal muscles was measured and compared at rest and during breathing with ultrasonography. In TrA and IO there were no significant differences between groups, but those subjects with CLBP increased the muscle thickness more than participants without pain during breathing. In EO there were no differences in muscle thickness between groups and between rest and breathing. In RA, subjects with CLBP showed less muscle thickness than subjects without pain during breathing, but no changes were found at rest. In conclusion, the deepest abdominal muscles, TrA and IO, appear to increase their thickness and RA appear to decrease more in subjects with CLBP, in comparison with healthy participants.

[Efficacy of the different therapeutic exercise modalities in cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction. A review of the literature].

We aimed to assess the efficacy of different therapeutic exercise modalities in cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction. A search of randomized controlled studies published between 2016 and 2021 in Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was carried out using the MeSH terms "exercise therapy" and "myocardial infarction". Ten articles met the inclusion criteria; in these studies, the used exercises were combined or traditional programs that included relaxation training, and were performed either at home or at the hospital. We examined exercise tolerance, cardiovascular parameters, anthropometric measurements, and quality of life. Significant improvements in the assessed variables were observed in most studies. We conclude that all studied therapeutic exercise modalities are useful in cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction, although the best outcomes are seen for combined therapeutic exercise programs.

Therapeutic Exercise Combined or not with Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: The most used physiotherapy treatment is the pelvic floor muscle training. Other factors are involved in the control of urination, such as the management of abdominal pressure and the activity of the muscles and fascia of the lumbopelvic region and this could be trained through generalized therapeutic exercise, which is defined as an intervention aimed at restoring musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and neurological function. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise, combined or not with analytical training of the pelvic floor muscles, on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years of age, by reviewing the scientific literature. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of therapy exercise other than or combined with pelvic floor muscle training on urinary incontinence in women over 18 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An article research was done between 11th January and 7th February, 2021 on the following databases: Pubmed, Medline, Cinahl, Web Of Science, Sport Discus and PEDro using the search terms "Urinary Incontinence" and "Exercise Therapy". RESULTS: An average of 245 results were obtained, of which 10 were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. The interventions of the analyzed articles are divided into two groups. First, a group where muscles of the abdominal-pelvic-perineal region are worked (hypopressives, yoga and strength of the abdominal muscles, resisted hip rotation...). Secondly, another group where muscles in general are worked (weight training, flexibility, balance and toning and cardiovascular training). CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence treated with therapy exercise other than the pelvic floor muscles training, or combined with it, suggest improvements in symptoms.

Does Vibration Foam Roller Influence Performance and Recovery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Foam rolling has been extensively investigated, showing benefits in performance and recovery. Recently, vibration has been added to foam rollers, with hypothesized advantages over conventional foam rollers. However, there is no systematic evidence in this regard. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis about the effects of vibration foam roller (VFR) on performance and recovery. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and SportDiscus according to the PRISMA guidelines. The outcomes included performance (jump, agility and strength) and recovery variables (blood flow, pain and fatigue) measured after an intervention with VFR. The methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. A random-effects model was used to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Initially, 556 studies were found and after the eligibility criteria 10 studies were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. There was no significant effects on jump performance (SMD = 0.14 [95% CI - 0.022 to 0.307]; p = 0.101; I2 = 1.08%) and no significant beneficial effects were reported on isokinetic strength (SMD = 0.16 [95% CI - 0.041 to 0.367]; p = 0.117; I2 = 9.7%). Recovery appears to be enhanced after VFR interventions, but agility does not seem to increase after VFR interventions. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that VFR could have great potential for increasing jump performance, agility, strength and enhancing recovery. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of VFR on performance and recovery. Trial Registration This investigation was registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42021238104.

Why Percussive Massage Therapy Does Not Improve Recovery after a Water Rescue? A Preliminary Study with Lifeguards.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of percussive massage therapy (PMT) on lifeguards' recovery after a water rescue, in comparison with passive recovery. Methods: A quasi-experimental crossover design was conducted to compare passive recovery (PR) and a PMT protocol. A total of 14 volunteer lifeguards performed a simulated 100 m water rescue and perceived fatigue and blood lactate were measured as recovery variables after the rescue and after the 8-min recovery process. Results: There were no differences between PMT and PR in lactate clearance (p > 0.05), finding in both modalities a small but not significant decrease in blood lactate. In perceived fatigue, both methods decreased this variable significantly (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between them (p > 0.05). Conclusions: PMT does not enhance recovery after a water rescue, in comparison with staying passive. Despite PMT appearing to be adequate for recovery in other efforts, it is not recommended for lifeguards' recovery after a water rescue.

A Comparison between Three Different Techniques Considering Quality Skills, Fatigue and Hand Pain during a Prolonged Infant Resuscitation: A Cross-Over Study with Lifeguards.

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of CPR (Q-CPR), as well as the perceived fatigue and hand pain in a prolonged infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by lifeguards using three different techniques. A randomized crossover simulation study was used to compare three infant CPR techniques: the two-finger technique (TF); the two-thumb encircling technique (TTE) and the two-thumb-fist technique (TTF). 58 professional lifeguards performed three tests in pairs during a 20-min period of CPR. The rescuers performed compressions and ventilations in 15:2 cycles and changed their roles every 2 min. The variables of analysis were CPR quality components, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and hand pain with numeric rating scale (NRS). All three techniques showed high Q-CPR results (TF: 86 ± 9%/TTE: 88 ± 9%/TTF: 86 ± 16%), and the TTE showed higher values than the TF (p = 0.03). In the RPE analysis, fatigue was not excessive with any of the three techniques (values 20 min between 3.2 for TF, 2.4 in TTE and 2.5 in TTF on a 10-point scale). TF reached a higher value in RPE than TTF in all the intervals analyzed (p < 0.05). In relation to NRS, TF showed significantly higher values than TTE and TTF (NRS minute 20 = TF 4.7 vs. TTE 2.5 & TTF 2.2; p < 0.001). In conclusion, all techniques have been shown to be effective in high-quality infant CPR in a prolonged resuscitation carried out by lifeguards. However, the two-finger technique is less efficient in relation to fatigue and hand pain compared with two-thumb technique (TF vs. TTF, p = 0.01).