Intercessory Prayer on Spiritual Distress, Spiritual Coping, Anxiety, Depression and Salivary Amylase in Breast Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy: Randomized Clinical Trial.

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of intercessory prayer in the psychological, spiritual and biological scores of breast cancer patients who are undergoing radiotherapy. Double-blind RCT comprising a sample of 31 participants (15 in the Control Group and 16 in the Intervention Group). Data collection was performed in three time points (T0, T1 and T2). Significant changes have been identified in the intra-group analysis, concerning the decrease in spiritual distress score; negative religious/spiritual coping prevailed, while the total religious/spiritual coping increased between the posttest T2 to T0. Intercessory prayer was effective in religious and spiritual scores.

Contribution of Chinese and French ear acupuncture for the management of chronic back pain: A randomised controlled trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of Chinese and French ear acupuncture in people with chronic back pain. BACKGROUND: Chronic back pain is a common public health problem worldwide. An intervention for this condition is ear acupuncture. Several approaches are used for ear acupuncture, particularly the Chinese and French guidelines. METHODS: An open, randomised and controlled clinical trial, followed the recommendations of the CONSORT Checklist. One hundred and eleven people were selected and randomised into three groups: Chinese ear acupuncture, French ear acupuncture and Control. Evaluations were performed before the first intervention session (initial), 1 week after the fifth session (final) and after a fifteen-day follow-up period (follow-up), using the Brief Pain Inventory, Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and a thermal imaging camera. For data analysis, the Generalized Estimating Equation Model was applied, with significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Pain severity was significantly decreased by Chinese ear acupuncture throughout intervention period. Both types of ear acupuncture affected pain interference with daily activities. However, in the comparison between initial and final evaluations, only Chinese ear acupuncture produced statistically significant results. A reduction in physical disability was observed in both ear acupuncture-treated groups during the intervention period and, although Chinese ear acupuncture failed to induce significant changes in tissular temperature at individual time points, a significant increase in cutaneous temperature was detected after the follow-up period in the dorsal region of individuals treated with Chinese ear acupuncture. Importantly, at this time point, the mean difference between Chinese and French ear acupuncture revealed a more benefic effect of Chinese procedure on this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The individualised treatment based on the Chinese precepts showed, in an overall evaluation, better results for management of chronic back pain in the present study. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Ear acupuncture can be implemented in the nurse's clinical practice to assist the treatment of people with chronic back pain.

Effects of auricular acupuncture on chronic pain in people with back musculoskeletal disorders: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of auricular acupuncture on pain intensity, its impact on daily activities, the relief provided by the intervention, and the pain threshold in people with back musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial carried out with people randomly allocated into three groups: treatment, placebo, and control. Evaluations were performed using the Brief Pain Inventory and a digital algometer before (initial) and after (final) the treatment and after a 15-day follow-up period. RESULTS: The sample was 110 people. There was a decrease in pain intensity in the treatment and placebo groups as revealed by the comparison between the initial and final evaluations (p<0.05), and in the treatment group in the comparison between the initial and follow-up evaluations (p<0.05). A decreased impact of pain on daily activities in the treatment and placebo groups over time was found (p<0.05). At the final evaluation, the impact of pain was lower in the treatment group (p<0.05). Auricular acupuncture did not increase the pain threshold. CONCLUSION: Auricular acupuncture presented positive effects by reducing the chronic pain intensity and its impact on daily activities in people with back musculoskeletal disorders. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-5X69X2.

Effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of cancer pain: randomized clinical trial. / Efetividade da acupuntura auricular no tratamento da dor oncológica: ensaio clínico randomizado.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in the pain of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to verify if there were alterations in the use of analgesics after the application of this intervention. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial with cancer patients with complaints of pain greater than or equal to four in the Numerical Pain Scale. Two parallel groups were created, an Experimental group, which received auricular acupuncture at energy balance points and at points indicated for the treatment of pain, and a Placebo group, in which fixed placebo points were used. Both groups received the application of semipermanent needles in eight sessions. RESULTS: 31 cancer patients participated in the study. After the eight auricular acupuncture sessions, there was a significant difference between the groups regarding the reduction of pain intensity (p < 0.001) and of the use of medications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Auricular acupuncture was effective in reducing the pain of patients receiving chemotherapy. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-6k3rqh.

Evaluation of body posture in nursing students.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the body posture of nursing students before and after clinical practice. METHOD: The study was developed in two stages. Initially the body posture of students of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th periods were assessed through photogrammetry. All images were analyzed in a random and masked manner with CorporisPro® 3.1.3 software. Three evaluations were performed for each angle and then the mean value was calculated. Two years later, when the 4th period students had developed their clinical internships, their body posture was again evaluated. RESULTS: The total sample consisted of 112 students. Comparison of their posture with the normality pattern showed that all the angles presented significant differences (p< 0.00), except for the angle of the Thales triangle. Reassessment of these students evidenced significant differences in the angles of the acromioclavicular joint (p=0.03), knee flexion (p< 0.00) and in the tibiotarsal angle (p< 0.00). CONCLUSION: All the students presented alterations when compared to the normality values. The segments that presented significant differences between before and after practice were the acromioclavicular angle, knee flexion, and tibiotarsal angle; the latter two were in the rolling position. OBJETIVO: Investigar a postura dos estudantes de enfermagem antes e após a prática clínica. MÉTODO: O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas etapas, inicialmente com estudantes (2º, 4°, 6° e 8º períodos) tiveram sua postural corporal avaliada por meio da fotogrametria. Todas as imagens foram analisadas, de maneira aleatória e mascarada, por meio do software CorporisPro® 3.1.3. Foram realizadas três avaliações para cada ângulo e calculada a média. Dois anos depois, quando os estudantes do 4º período desenvolveram os estágios clínicos, foram novamente avaliados quanto à postura corporal. RESULTADOS: A amostra total foi composta por 112 estudantes. Comparando-se os estudantes com o padrão de normalidade, todos os ângulos apresentaram diferença significativa (p< 0,00), com exceção do ângulo triângulo de Tales. Reavaliando os mesmos estudantes, houve diferença significativa nos ângulos da articulação acromioclavicular (p=0,03), da flexão de joelhos (p< 0,00) e no ângulo tibiotársico (p< 0,00). CONCLUSÃO: Todos os estudantes apresentaram alterações, comparadas aos valores de normalidade. Os segmentos com diferença significativa, comparando-se antes e após a prática, foram o ângulo acromioclavicular, flexo de joelho e ângulo tibiotársico, sendo os dois últimos na posição de rolamento.

Cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To culturally adapt and test the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale. BACKGROUND: In Brazil, there is currently a lack of validated instruments that assess the spiritual dimension, which includes the spiritual distress phenomenon that can be experienced at different moments in a person's life. This can include times when a person is affected by a disease such as cancer, which occurs suddenly and causes significant life changes. DESIGN: Methodological and cross-sectional study. METHODS: Cultural adaptation of the Spiritual Distress Scale was performed using translation and back-translation stages, evaluation of cultural equivalence, committee review and pretesting. An interview using the Brazilian version of the scale was conducted with 170 patients in a cancer treatment unit of a charitable general hospital (not state funded). The following psychometric properties were evaluated: construct validity (divergence and factor analysis) and internal consistency/reliability (Cronbach's α and Kappa). RESULTS: Reliability analysis in the intra- and inter-rater phase showed that more than half of the items had Kappa values > 0·75. A correlation between the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Spiritual Distress Scale was found. Overall, the Spiritual Distress Scale showed a Cronbach's α of 0·87, with three of its four domains showing significant parameters. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale proved to be a reliable, valid and efficient instrument that is capable of assessing spiritual distress. The Brazilian Spiritual Distress Scale presented reliability and validity parameters that correspond to the original English version of the scale. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The existence of an internationally validated instrument that assesses spiritual distress will assist healthcare professionals and researchers in recognising this phenomenon in clinical practice.

[Effectiveness of prayer in reducing anxiety in cancer patients]. / A efetividade da prece na redução da ansiedade em pacientes com câncer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of prayer on anxiety in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-intervention. Twenty patients admitted to treatment of continuous intravenous chemotherapy were recruited. The volunteers were evaluated through interviews using a questionnaire of sociodemographic, clinical and spiritual characteristics, the Index of Religiosity Duke University and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Vital signs were measured and collected salivary cortisol. The intervention was applied prayer and data collection occurred in three phases: first collection (baseline), pre and post-intervention. RESULTS: The data found between the pre and post-intervention samples showed different statistically significant for state anxiety (p= <0.00), blood pressure (systolic, p=0.00, diastolic, p=<0.00) and respiratory rate (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Prayer, therefore, proved to be an effective strategy in reducing the anxiety of the patient undergoing chemotherapy.

[Contributions of auriculotherapy in smoking cessation: a pilot study]. / Contribuições da auriculoterapia na cessação do tabagismo: estudo piloto.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contribution of auriculotherapy in smoking cessation. METHOD: Double-blind randomized controlled trial, conducted with 30 smokers allocated into two groups: Experimental Group (21 participants received 10 sessions of auriculotherapy at specific points for smoking) and Control Group (nine participants received auriculotherapy in points that have no effect on the focus of research). RESULTS: Auriculotherapy contributed in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked in 61.9% of participants (p=0.002), in reducing the difficult to abstain from smoking in places where it is forbidden by 38% (p=0.050) and in not smoking when ill 23.8% (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: Given the efficacy only in terms of reducing the number of cigarettes smoked and other parameters, we suggest that future studies consider the use of auriculotherapy combined with other treatment methods, in order to achieve better results in cessation/abstinence.

Laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping therapy in chronic spinal pain: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal spine disorders are common causes of chronic pain and impair functionality. Laser auriculotherapy and cupping has played a significant role in the treatment of chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping at systemic acupuncture points on chronic spinal pain. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Volunteers underwent three evaluations: an initial evaluation, a final evaluation immediately after the last intervention session, and a 15-day follow-up. The pain was identified using the numeric pain scale. The pain threshold was also evaluated against mechanical stimulation using a Digital Dynamometer at specific points in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Fifty individuals with chronic spinal pain, randomized into groups: experimental (n = 25), submitted to 10 sessions of auriculotherapy with laser and cupping therapy and control (n = 25). RESULTS: The experimental group achieved pain intensity reduction between pre and post and follow-up moments (p < 0.0001), of greatest pain in the last seven days among all moments (p < 0.0001), of least pain in the pre with post moment (p = 0.006) and follow-up (p = 0.002), and an increased pain threshold between pre and post (p = 0.023). The control group achieved a reduction in the nociceptive threshold between pre and post (p = 0.001) and follow-up (p < 0.0001). The experimental group showed reduced pain intensity (p = 0.027) and greater pain (p = 0.005) after intervention and in pain intensity (p = 0.018), greater (p < 0.0001) and less pain (p = 0.025) at follow-up, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy with laser associated with cupping therapy may effectively reduce pain intensity and increase the nociceptive threshold.

Analysis of the effectiveness of remote intervention of patients affected by chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of telemedicine in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in terms of its influence on physical conditioning, quality of life, and health conditions in adults/elderly people affected by chronic diseases. Design: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The search covered RCTs published from 2011 to 2021 and was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, PEDro, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library databases, on volunteers of both sexes, that were rehabilitated, and/or monitored, and/or evaluated, specifically, via remote care. The extraction, quality of studies, and risk of bias were assessed using the RoB2 (risk of bias) tool, for analysis of the strength of evidence, the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Developing, and Evaluation) method was used, and for the preparation of meta-analysis was used at RevMan 5.4 (Review Manager) was used. Results: The database search identified 3949 potential articles for screening, 13 of which were eligible for the present systematic review, involving 1469 participants with chronic diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and fibromyalgia). Through the meta-analysis, an advantage was identified for the remote intervention on physical conditioning (p = 0.001), with an estimated effect of 0.29 (0.11, 0.46) and on health conditions (p = 0.0004), -0.30 (-0.47, -0.14), while for quality of life, no significant difference was identified (p = 0.90), 0.01 (-0.13, 0.14). Conclusion: Telemedicine has clinical effectiveness for the outcome of physical conditioning and general health conditions in adults with chronic diseases when compared to usual care without face-to-face intervention.

Effect of kinesio-taping on the acute phase of the post-operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the Kinesio taping (KT) effects on reducing pain and edema on postoperative (PO) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. DESIGN: Controlled and randomized clinical study. SETTINGS: Individuals of both sexes, aged 18-45, underwent ACL reconstruction were randomized into intervention (IG; n = 19) and control (CG; n = 19) groups. METHODS: Intervention consisted of KT bandage applications at hospital discharge for seven days, and on the 7th PO day, which was removed on the 14th PO. CG received specific instructions from the physiotherapy service. All volunteers were evaluations before and immediately after surgery, on the 7th and 14th PO day. Pain threshold (KgF), evaluated by algometer; edema (cm), evaluated by the perimetry measurements and volume of the lower limbs and the truncated cone test (ml) were the evaluated variables. The Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to evaluate intergroup, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett's test to evaluate intragroup. RESULTS: Edema reduction and increased nociceptive threshold were significant in the 7th (p < 0.001; p = 0.003) and 14th (p < 0.001; p = 0.006) PO day in IG when compared to CG patients. IG perimetry levels, on the 7th and 14th PO were similar to preoperative period (p = 0.229; p = 1.000). IG nociceptive threshold value was similar on the 14th PO to before the surgery (p = 0.987). The same pattern did not occur in CG. CONCLUSION: KT treatment reduced edema and increased nociceptive threshold in the 7th and 14th PO ACL reconstruction.

Effect of Exergaming on Quality of Life, Fatigue, and Strength and Endurance Muscle in Cancer Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Objective: To analyze the influence of exergaming (EXE) quality of life, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), electromyography, and strength and endurance muscle in a randomized crossover trial. Methods: We conducted a single-blinded, randomized, and crossover trial, which included 38 cancer volunteers undergoing chemotherapy (Age = 60.07 ± 12.10 years; body mass index = 26.79 ± 5.33 kg/m2). All volunteers were randomized into two intervention moments: EXE and without intervention (WI) and after 1-month washout period of crossing of the evaluated moments. The intervention was performed on an EXE protocol using Xbox 360 Kinect®, with the game "Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012" two to three times per week for 20 sessions. All volunteers were assessed the CRF and quality-of-life levels through the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) questionnaire, the median frequency (MDF) by surface electromyography, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and the muscle endurance time at 80% MVIC of the dorsiflexors and plantar flexors using dynamometer. Results: In the comparison between EXE and WI moments, were observed increase in the scores for quality of life (P < 0.001), subscale fatigue (P < 0.001), in the MDF values of right lateral gastrocnemius muscles: P = 0.017, muscle endurance time (left dorsiflexion [LDF]: P < 0.001; right dorsiflexion [RDF]: P < 0.001; left plantar flexion [LPF]: P < 0.001; RPF: P = 0.039), and muscle strength (LDF: P < 0.001; RDF: P < 0.001; LPF: P = 0.002). Conclusion: The crossover study, the EXE protocol promoted improvement in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and quality of life, increased MVIC, endurance time, and MDF values of the dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscles of cancer volunteers undergoing chemotherapy.

Are assessment measures for components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health reproducible for use on pre-frail and frail older adults? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the internal consistency, reliability and measurement error of assessment measures for body structure and function (postural balance, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory function and physical fitness), activity (walking and mobility) and participation (quality of life and social reintegration) outcomes for use on pre-frail and frail older adults. METHODS: Searches were performed in six databases (Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Lilacs) and reproducibility studies were included. Cronbach's alpha and the classification proposed by Terwee et al. (2007) were used for the interpretation of internal consistency. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Munro classification were used for the determination of reliability. The standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC) as well as percentages of error (SEM%) and change (MDC%) were calculated. Methodological quality of the studies was appraised using Boxes 4, 6 and 7 of the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the present systematic review, with a total of 835 (82.4 years; 582 women and 253 men) pre-frail and frail older adults analyzed. Seven measures were identified for the assessment of body structure and function, activity and participation outcomes (Hierarchical Assessment of Balance and Mobility, Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness, Sarcopenia Quality of Life, Reintegration to Normal Living Index, Two-Minute Walking test, Six-Minute Walking test and Ten-Meter Walking test). The following measurement properties were identified: internal consistency = 0.84 (mean Cronbach's alpha); reliability = 0.87 (mean ICC); SEM range = 0.06 to 10.10; MDC range = 0.13 to 28.10; SEM% range = 5.2 % to 9.5 %; and MDC% range = 10.7 % to 28.5 %. CONCLUSION: The present systematic review found adequate internal consistency, high reliability and an acceptable measurement error for assessment measures of body structure and function, activity and participation outcomes for use on pre-frail and frail older adults.

The respiratory effects of a Pilates method protocol: Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the respiratory effects of a Pilates method (PM) protocol in adult women. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Healthy women were randomized into two groups using the Random.org online tool: a Pilates group (PG) (n = 33) and a control group (CG) (n = 29). PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-two healthy women, aged 18-44 years, sedentary or irregularly active B (as defined by the international physical activity questionnaire [IPAQ]). The intervention consisted of 16 sessions of PM. protocol twice a week for the PG. The CG without intervention. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The variables evaluated were maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow (PEF), tidal volume (TV), respiratory frequency (RF), minute volume (MV), and slow vital capacity (SVC). RESULTS: The results showed significant evidence of the beneficial respiratory effects of the PM protocol when the PG was compared with the CG: increased MIP (p = 0.001), and a significant increase in TV (p = 0,047). CONCLUSION: The PM protocol used in this study may be effective for respiratory muscle strength because it improved MIP and TV. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5b6wc3.

Effects of ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy on severity and threshold of chronic back pain and physical disability: A randomized clinical trial.

Background and aim: Chronic back pain causes physical, functional, and emotional disabilities. Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies have been shown as interventions to treat chronic back pain. The present study aimed to clinically evaluate the effects of ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy on people with chronic back pain. Experimental procedure: We conducted an open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial. Following the CONSORT statement recommendations, 198 participants were randomized into 'ear acupuncture' and 'ear acupuncture and cupping therapy' groups. Data were collected in three different points; before the first session (initial) with the patient, after the last session (final), and seven days after the end of the treatment (follow-up). The Brief Pain Inventory, a digital algometer, and the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire were used for data collection. Generalized Estimation Equation model was used to examine the association between the interventions and the primary outcome pain severity. Results: Pain severity, pressure pain threshold, and physical disability improved over time in both groups. However, for the patients being treated with both ear acupuncture and cupping therapy, significant changes were seen in pain severity, pain relief, and physical disabilities between the initial and final sessions. For the 'ear acupuncture and cupping therapy' group, significant changes were also seen for pain relief and physical disability in the follow-up session. Conclusion: Ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy was shown to be more effective in the treatment of chronic back pain when compared to treatment using only ear acupuncture.

Effect of Ear Acupuncture plus Dry Cupping on Activities and Quality of Life in the Adults with Chronic Back Pain: a Randomized Trial.

Background: Chronic pain is a complex phenomenon that brings physical and emotional impairments negatively impacting people's quality of life. The adoption of interventions such as ear acupuncture and dry cupping can represent a treatment option for people with chronic back pain. Objectives: To investigate the effects of ear acupuncture combined with dry cupping therapy on the interference of pain with the daily activities and quality of life of adults with chronic back pain. Methods: An open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial. One hundred and ninety-eight adults were randomized into control (CG - ear acupuncture) or experimental (EG - ear acupuncture combined with dry cupping) groups. Interventions were performed in five sessions, once a week, lasting five weeks. Evaluations were performed before the first session, after the last session, and seven days after the second evaluation, using the Brief Pain Inventory to assess the impact of pain on daily activities and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) to assess the quality of life. Results: Between the initial and final sessions, there were significant changes in daily activities , activity, work, mood, relationships, sleep, and in the physical, psychological and social relationships domains for both the control and experimental groups. Improved perception of quality of life and satisfaction with health were observed for the participants in the experimental group. Conclusion: Ear acupuncture combined with dry cupping showed better results in terms of perception of quality of life and satisfaction with health when compared to ear acupuncture by itself.

Analysis of the use of insoles in the dynamic stability of the lower limbs in recreational runners: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The use of insoles, which is increasingly widespread, can promote changes in biomechanics during running. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can the use of insoles with various patterns of infracapital support influence factors related to the dynamic stability of the lower limbs during running on a treadmill in recreational runners? METHODS: This is controlled single-blind repeated measures. Static baropodometric data were collected, as well as kinematic data for the lower limbs and electromyographic data for the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles, for twelve recreational runners on a treadmill using four models of insoles (neutral and with forefoot elements - infracapital bar). RESULTS: Neutral insoles were able to reduce laterolateral displacement, increase the displacement of the mass to the posterior, and increase the lateral rotation of the left knee and medial rotation of the right hip. Insoles with a 2 mm total infracapital bar were able to move the mass to the posterior, increase laterolateral displacement and activate the gluteus medius. Insoles with a 2 mm medial infracapital bar were able to increase the displacement of the mass to the posterior, increase the adduction of left hip and the medial rotation of right hip, and activate the gluteus medius. Insoles with a 4 mm medial infracapital element were able to move the body mass to the posterior and to the left, increase laterolateral displacement, increase the adduction of left hip, the medial rotation of right hip and the abduction of right knee. SIGNIFICANCE: The insoles evaluated in the present study were able to modify biomechanical variables of recreational runners related to dynamic stability during running on a treadmill and static baropodometric variables.

Effects of low-power laser auriculotherapy on chronic spinal pain: Randomized clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy on chronic spinal pain. It is a randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Volunteers with chronic spinal pain underwent three evaluations: an initial evaluation, a final evaluation immediately after the last intervention session, and a 15-day follow-up. Pain intensity, nociceptive threshold in relation to mechanical stimulus, and degree of pain (the greatest and least pain) in the last seven days were the assessed variables. The experimental group (EG, n = 24) underwent 10 sessions of laser auriculotherapy twice a week, while the control group (CG, n = 23) did not receive any intervention. RESULTS: The EG showed great clinical improvement in relation to the variable pain intensity between pre- and post-interventions (65.2%) and pre-intervention and follow-up (58.62%) compared to the CG. There was a significant increase in the nociceptive threshold for the EG. In contrast, the CG showed a significant reduction in the nociceptive threshold. The intergroup analysis indicated an improvement in pain intensity for the EG (0.006). This result remained at the follow-up (0.012). The nociceptive threshold increased over time for the EG (0.016). In contrast, the CG showed a reduction in this variable with a significant difference over time (<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical trial suggest that the proposed intervention may be effective in reducing pain intensity and increasing the nociceptive threshold. The effect of the intervention remained 15 days after the end of the treatment, when the volunteers were re-evaluated.

Aquatic Exercise on Brain Activity in Type 2 Diabetic: Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: A water-based physical exercise program is extremely important for the rehabilitation of type 2 diabetes. Little is known about its action on cerebral electrical activity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a water-based physical exercise protocol on electroencephalographic activity, blood glucose levels, and functional capacity, as well as their correlation, in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial. Forty volunteers were randomized into two groups: control (n = 20) and study (n = 20). A water-based physical exercise program comprising 50 min sessions was conducted three times a week for five weeks. Assessments were performed at the pre- and post-intervention and follow-up phases. The qualitative data were compared using the Mann-Whitney test and Chi-Square. Quantitative data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis, Independent t, and ANOVA mixed tests. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to correlate the data. RESULTS: The data were similar when comparing the groups. Six-minute walk test data increased in the comparison between times (p = 0.01-PrexPos). EEG data decreased in comparison between times (prexfollow-up-p < 0.05), except AF3. EEG data decreased in the timexgroup comparison (prexfollow-up and postxfollow-up-p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The water-based exercise protocol maintained electroencephalographic activity, glucose levels, and functional capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, and there was no relationship between brain electrical activity and capillary blood glucose.

Analysis of the Muscular Activity, Peak Torque in the Lower Limbs, and Static Balance after Virtual Rehabilitation in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: To analyze the effect of the exergaming on muscular activity at rest and on maximum voluntary isometric contraction by electromyography (EMG) at peak torque, widespread pressure hyperalgesia identified using a tender point count, and static balance in fibromyalgia. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five women were divided into two groups: Wii™ (virtual rehabilitation, n = 16) and control (stretching exercises, n = 19), through simple randomization. The volunteers were evaluated by means of EMG, dynamometry by load cell, baropodometry, and algometry before interventions and reevaluated after the 10th and 20th sessions. The subjects participated fully in three 1-hour treatment sessions per week of 20 sessions. Results: The Wii group showed significant benefits for the peak torque of dorsiflexion movement after 20 sessions and for movement plantarflexion after 10 sessions. The control group showed bilateral improvement in muscular activity in the tibialis anterior muscle after 20 sessions. Both groups showed a significant decrease in tender point count, suggesting improved hyperalgesia after 10 sessions and 20 sessions. No significant improvement was found in static baropodometry in the two evaluated groups. Conclusion: Exergaming have the potential to increase the peak torque for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movement in women with fibromyalgia. It also produces a decrease in tender point count equal to that with flexibility exercises and does not produce changes in the static balance.