Contação de histórias durante a hospitalização de crianças: percepções das mães à luz do Interacionismo Simbólico / Storytelling during children's hospitalization: mothers' perceptions in the light of Symbolic Interactionism / Narración de cuentos durante la hospitalización infantil: las percepciones de las madres a la luz del Interaccionismo Simbólico

Objetivo: descrever as percepções de acompanhantes sobre o impacto da contação de histórias durante a hospitalização de crianças. Métodos: trata-se de estudo qualitativo, apoiado no Interacionismo Simbólico, desenvolvido na unidade de internação pediátrica de um Hospital Universitário. Foram entrevistadas, entre junho e julho de 2023, nove mulheres, acompanhantes de crianças hospitalizadas, que participaram da atividade semanal de contação de histórias. A análise dos dados foi direcionada pela Análise Temática de Conteúdo. Resultados: a contação de histórias foi significada enquanto um contraponto ao cotidiano entediante e imerso em preocupações que marcam a hospitalização infantil. Emergiram duas categorias temáticas da percepção das mães sobre contação de histórias no contexto da hospitalização de crianças, "Estreitamento das relações entre crianças, acompanhantes e contadores de histórias", que contribuiu para o fortalecimento do vínculo entre acompanhante, criança e equipe multiprofissional e "Momento de acolhimento para as crianças e acompanhantes", que revela o efeito de proporcionar um momento de distração, alegria e conforto para as mães. Conclusão: a contação de histórias promove ambiência propícia para o enfrentamento da doença, proporciona bem-estar, alegria e conforto para as mães acompanhantes. Impacta positivamente no comportamento das crianças e acompanhantes durante a internação e estimula sua continuidade no ambiente domiciliar.

Objective: to describe companions' perceptions of the impact of storytelling during children's hospitalization. Methods: this is a qualitative study, supported by Symbolic Interactionism, developed in the pediatric inpatient unit of a university hospital. Between June and July 2023, nine women, companions of hospitalized children, who participated in the weekly storytelling activity, were interviewed. Data analysis was directed by thematic content analysis. Results: storytelling was meant as a counterpoint to the boring daily life and immersed in concerns that characterize children's hospitalization. Two thematic categories emerged from mothers' perception of storytelling in the context of children's hospitalization, "Strengthening relationships between children, companions and storytellers", which contributed to strengthening the bond between companion, child and multidisciplinary team, and "Moment of welcoming for children and companions", which reveals the effect of providing a moment of distraction, joy and comfort for mothers. Conclusion:storytelling promotes an environment conducive to coping with the disease, providing well-being, joy and comfort for accompanying mothers. It positively impacts the behavior of children and companions during hospitalization and encourages their continuity in home environments.

Objetivo: describir las percepciones de los acompañantes sobre el impacto de la narración de cuentos durante la hospitalización de los niños. Métodos: se trata de un estudio cualitativo, sustentado en el Interaccionismo Simbólico, desarrollado en la unidad de internación pediátrica de un hospital universitario. Entre junio y julio de 2023, fueron entrevistadas nueve mujeres, acompañantes de niños hospitalizados, que participaron de la actividad semanal de cuentacuentos. El análisis de los datos fue guiado por el análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: la narración de cuentos pretendía ser un contrapunto a la vida cotidiana aburrida y sumergida en las inquietudes que caracterizan la hospitalización de los niños. Dos categorías temáticas surgieron de la percepción de las madres sobre la narración de cuentos en el contexto de la hospitalización infantil, "Fortalecimiento de las relaciones entre niños, acompañantes y narradores", que contribuyó a fortalecer el vínculo entre acompañante, niño y equipo multidisciplinario, y "Momento de acogida para niños y acompañantes", que revela el efecto de brindar un momento de distracción, alegría y consuelo a las madres. Conclusión: la narración de cuentos promueve un ambiente propicio para el afrontamiento de la enfermedad, brindando bienestar, alegría y consuelo a las madres acompañantes. Impacta positivamente en el comportamiento de los niños y acompañantes durante la hospitalización y fomenta su continuidad en el ambiente hogareño.

Alcances formativos de atividade extensionista de contação de histórias seguida de intervenção lúdica dirigida / Logros formativos de una actividad narrativa de extensión seguida de una intervención lúdica dirigida / Formative achievements of an extended activity of storytelling followed by a directed play intervention

RESUMO Objetivo elucidar os alcances formativos aos integrantes de atividade de extensão desenvolvida em unidade pediátrica hospitalar estruturada na contação de histórias e intervenções lúdicas. Método estudo qualitativo, apoiado nos referenciais do Interacionismo Simbólico e da Análise Temática Reflexiva. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas únicas junto a nove graduandos, membros de atividade extensionista, desenvolvidas entre junho e julho de 2023, com duração média de 22 minutos. Resultados os participantes, estudantes dos cursos de graduação em enfermagem, medicina e pedagogia, apontaram contribuições formativas relacionadas à concepção de criança, hospitalização infantil e do lúdico enquanto tecnologia de cuidado integral. Os seguintes temas surgiram a partir da análise dos dados: "Ampliação da consideração pela criança hospitalizada e seu acompanhante", "Formação profissional na perspectiva de um atendimento integral"; e "Valorização da incorporação do lúdico como recurso terapêutico". Conclusões e implicações para a prática a atividade extensionista reverberou com reconhecimento e motivação para a adoção da contação de histórias e do lúdico na interação com a criança hospitalizada. Provocou ainda reflexões acerca do perfil profissional projetado na direção de compromisso e garantia ao cuidado humano e integral no âmbito da hospitalização infantil.

RESUMEN Objetivo dilucidar los alcances formativos de los integrantes de una actividad de extensión desarrollada en una unidad hospitalaria pediátrica estructurada en torno a narraciones e intervenciones lúdicas. Método estudio cualitativo basado en el Interaccionismo Simbólico y en el Análisis Temático Reflexivo. Se realizaron entrevistas únicas semiestructuradas a nueve estudiantes de pregrado, integrantes de actividades de extensión, realizadas entre junio y julio de 2023, con una duración promedio de 22 minutos. Resultados los participantes, estudiantes de las carreras de enfermería, medicina y pedagogía, señalaron aportes educativos relacionados con la concepción, la hospitalización infantil y el juego como tecnología de atención integral. Del análisis de los datos surgieron los siguientes temas: "Mayor consideración hacia los niños hospitalizados y sus acompañantes", "La formación profesional desde la perspectiva de la atención integral"; y "Valorar la incorporación del juego como recurso terapéutico". Conclusiones e implicaciones para la práctica la actividad de extensión reverberó con reconocimiento y motivación para la adopción de la narración y el juego en la interacción con niños hospitalizados. También provocó reflexiones sobre el perfil profesional diseñado hacia el compromiso y garantía de una atención humana e integral en el contexto de la hospitalización infantil.

ABSTRACT Objective to clarify the educational scope for members of an extension activity developed in a pediatric hospital unit structured around storytelling and playful interventions. Method this was a qualitative study based on Symbolic Interactionism and Reflective Thematic Analysis. Single semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine undergraduate students, members of extension activities, developed between June and July 2023, with an average duration of 22 minutes. Results the participants, students of undergraduate courses in nursing, medicine and pedagogy, pointed out formative contributions related to the conception of children, child hospitalization and play as a technology of comprehensive care. The following themes emerged from data analysis: "Expanding consideration for hospitalized children and their companions", "Professional training from the perspective of comprehensive care"; and "Valuing the incorporation of play as a therapeutic resource". Conclusions and implications for practice the extension activity reverberated with recognition and motivation for the adoption of storytelling and play in the interaction with hospitalized children. It also provoked reflections on the professional profile designed towards commitment and guarantee of humane and comprehensive care in the context of child hospitalization.

Silage quality and bacterial diversity of silages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Introducción: Los ensilajes del pasto king grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) y cáscaras de piña (Ananas comosus) son alternativas de alimento para ganado en condiciones de escasez alimentaria. Objetivo: Describir las dinámicas de la microbiota presente en los ensilajes de king grass y piña durante el proceso de fermentación usando secuenciación de próxima generación (NGS) y evaluar el efecto de protección de Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 como inoculante de ensilaje ante Listeria monocytogenes. Métodos: Usamos un diseño aleatorio no restringido para caracterizar la microbiota presente en ensilajes de king Grass cosechados 70 días después de rebrote y de cáscaras de piña. Inoculamos mezclas de pasto y cáscara con L. paracasei_6714 o L. monocytogenes, o ambos, con un tratamiento control sin inocular. El perfil nutricional y de fermentación fue evaluado luego de 30 días. Después de 15 y 30 días de fermentación, usamos un análisis de para determinar la dinámicas y diversidad de la microbiota en los ensilajes inoculados y control. Resultados: Los contenidos de materia seca y digestibilidad, no difirieron significativamente; sin embargo, hubo diferencias en proteína cruda, pH y ácidos orgánicos. Obtuvimos 4 432 secuencias variantes de amplicon de Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes y de Patescibacteria. La abundancia relativa de cada filo vario dependiendo del material y periodo de fermentación. Similitudes de filo fueron mayores al 70 % (pero no mayor que 50 % con Bray-Curtis a nivel de especie). Conclusión: Estas comunidades bacterianas parecen cumplir un papel importante durante la fermentación del ensilaje. Un manejo apropiado del proceso de ensilaje puede reducir o eliminar baterías patogénicas.

High-sugar diet leads to obesity and metabolic diseases in ad libitum -fed rats irrespective of caloric intake

ABSTRACT Objective Provide a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the sugar consumption, under conditions of energy equivalence; through the analysis of behavioral aspects of intake, and of biochemical, metabolic and physiological parameters, as well as the effect of this nutrient on the plasticity of adipose tissue. Materials and methods Newly weaned male Wistar rats were classified in two groups and subjected to the following normocaloric diets: standard chow diet or to high-sugar diet (HSD) ad libitum for 18 weeks. Results The animals submitted to the HSD were associated with a lower caloric intake during the 18 weeks of experimentation. However, the HSD induced a significant increase in body weight, white adipose tissue weight, adiposity index, Lee index, and the levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein in the serum. In addition, it induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and compensatory increase of insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. Also increased heart rate and induced hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of retroperitoneal visceral adipose tissue. In the liver, the HSD was associated with increased hepatic lipid content (i.e., triglycerides and cholesterol) and hepatomegaly. Conclusion The post-weaning consumption of HSD induces an adaptive response in metabolism; however, such an event is not enough to reverse the homeostatic imbalance triggered by the chronic consumption of this macronutrient, leading to the development of metabolic syndrome, irrespective of caloric intake. These findings corroborate recent evidence indicating that sugar is a direct contributor to metabolic diseases independent of a positive energy balance. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):71-81

Does physiotherapy plus cognitive training improve balance in Parkinsons disease? Randomized clinical trial

Abstract Aims: Postural instability is intrinsically related to cognitive dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease (PD), which supports the importance of multimodal treatments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of adding cognitive training to motor physiotherapy in comparison with motor physiotherapy in the balance of individuals with PD. Methods: randomized clinical trial, where the individuals were randomized to two treatments: Physiotherapy Group (PG; n=29; M=12; HY= 2.5 [2-3]) executed balance training; Physiotherapy plus Cognitive Training Group (PCG; n=29; 10M; HY= 2.5 [1.5-3]), balance training plus a cognitive training at the end of the therapy. Evaluation instruments: Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest); Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Results: The intragroup analysis revealed that both groups presented improved balance and UPDRS total score after execution of the protocols, but without statistically significant intergroup differences. The effect sizes were small for all the comparisons. Conclusion: There was no difference between the proposed treatments (PCG and PG). However, both interventions benefitted the individuals' balance and signs and symptoms of PD, when considered the time effect.

Achievements in the epidemiology of begomoviruses and their vector Bemisia tabaci in Costa Rica

Since the early 1990s, and almost simultaneously, unknown diseases started to be observed in many crops, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases were predominantly caused by begomoviruses, which were poorly known at that time. Their vector, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), often reached unprecedented huge populations in agricultural areas. This elicited a serious production crisis worldwide, that caused losses of millions of dollars for farmers in many countries, including the Mesoamerican region. Fortunately, in Costa Rica, some local research centers, with the collaboration of foreign specialists, have been able to study the causes of this phenomenon, in the search for solutions based on solid epidemiological information. In addition to the previously reported native Bemisia tabaci species, New World (NW), two exotic species, -Mediterranean (MED) and Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1)- were found. Moreover, native and exotic bipartite begomoviruses have been detected, especially in common bean, cucurbits, tomato and sweet pepper, as well as the worldwide spread monopartite begomovirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Based upon biological and ecological knowledge accumulated to date, this review offers a comprehensive overview of the very dynamic ways in which the interactions of the different whiteflies and begomovirus species have expressed in Costa Rica, with emphasis on vegetable pathosystems. Hopefully, the information provided in this paper may allow farmers, extension agents, and researchers involved in vegetable production to develop sound practical responses to current and unforeseen problems regarding whiteflies and their associated viruses.

Desde inicios del decenio de 1990 y de manera casi simultánea, se empezaron a observar afecciones desconocidas en numerosos cultivos, sobre todo en regiones tropicales y subtropicales. Dichas enfermedades eran causadas por begomovirus hasta entonces poco estudiados. Su vector es la mosca blanca Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), de la que no se habían registrado poblaciones tan desmedidas en áreas agrícolas. Ello originó una seria crisis de producción a nivel mundial, con pérdidas millonarias para los agricultores de numerosos países, incluyendo la región de Mesoamérica. Por fortuna, en Costa Rica, algunos centros de investigación, con la colaboración de especialistas extranjeros, han podido profundizar en las causas de este fenómeno, para buscar soluciones fundamentadas en información de carácter epidemiológico. Además de la especie de B. tabaci New World (NW), nativa y previamente conocida, en años recientes han ingresado sendas especies del Mediterráneo (MED) y el Medio Oriente-Asia Menor 1 (MEAM1). Asimismo, se ha detectado la presencia de begomovirus bipartitas, nativos y exóticos, especialmente en frijol común, cucurbitáceas, tomate y chile; además, se detectó el begomovirus monopartito conocido a nivel mundial Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) en tomate. Con base en el conocimiento biológico y ecológico acumulado hasta ahora, en la presente revisión se aporta una panorámica del dinamismo con que se han expresado en Costa Rica las interacciones entre las diferentes especies vectoras y los distintos begomovirus, con énfasis en patosistemas de hortalizas. Se espera que la información aquí presentada permita mejorar el tipo de respuestas prácticas y eficaces de parte de agricultores, extensionistas agrícolas e investigadores involucrados en la producción de hortalizas, frente a problemas actuales o imprevistos.

Do Burnout à Estratégia de Grupo na Perspectiva Balint: Experiência com Residentes de Pediatria de um Hospital Terciário / From Burnout to the "Balint Group" Strategy: Experience with Pediatric Residents of a Tertiary Care Hospital

RESUMO A síndrome de burnout (esgotamento) atinge mais de 70% dos médicos residentes em todo o mundo. Apesar dos dados alarmantes, ainda podemos caracterizá-la como uma doença negligenciada. Alguns trabalhos descrevem estratégias de enfrentamento do problema, porém poucos serviços as adotam na prática. Objetivo Determinar a prevalência da síndrome entre residentes de Pediatria de um hospital terciário brasileiro e descrever a estratégia de grupo psicodinâmico implementada localmente com base nos resultados. Metodologia Estudo de prevalência transversal com aplicação da escala Maslach Burnout Inventory aos residentes, seguida de planejamento e execução de um projeto piloto de intervenção, de grupo, na perspectiva Balint. Resultados De 23 residentes de primeiro e segundo ano de Pediatria em dezembro de 2016, 95% eram do sexo feminino, a média de idade era de 27 anos, e a média da carga horária trabalhada era de 75 horas semanais, sendo que apenas três residentes se dedicavam exclusivamente à residência médica. Encontramos uma prevalência de 87% de residentes que apresentavam critérios para síndrome de burnout, sendo 74% com exaustão, 57% com baixa realização profissional e 39% despersonalizados. O grupo de intervenção ocorreu entre maio e dezembro de 2017 com outros seis residentes de primeiro ano que atendiam no Ambulatório Geral de Pediatria às sextas-feiras. A periodicidade foi de uma hora a cada 15 dias. A participação foi voluntária, e os encontros aconteciam segundo o conceito de "espaço protegido". As discussões eram baseadas em casos clínicos e abordavam também a relação médico-família e as dinâmicas hospitalares. Conclusão A elevada prevalência da síndrome de burnout deste trabalho não foi uma novidade frente aos dados da literatura nacional e internacional. Estabelecemos, porém, uma discussão local que resultou numa estratégia que visa ao bem-estar dos residentes e proporciona oportunidade de aprendizado do reconhecimento das reações pessoais, dos pacientes e de toda a equipe de saúde. Entendemos que os benefícios se dão, finalmente, na qualidade da assistência oferecida aos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Burnout syndrome affects more than 70% of resident physicians worldwide. Despite his alarming statistic, it can still be characterized as a neglected disease. Some studies have described coping strategies, but few services adopt them in practice. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Burnout syndrome among pediatric residents of a Brazilian tertiary hospital, and to describe a psychodynamic group strategy that was implemented locally, based on the results. Methodology a cross-sectional prevalence study using the Maslach Burnout Inventory scale, followed by the planning and execution of a pilot intervention group, from the Balint perspective. Results of 23 first and second year pediatric residents in December 2016, 95% were female; the mean age was 27 years, and the average workload was 75 hours per week. Only 3 residents were exclusively dedicated to the medical residency. The prevalence of burnout syndrome was 87%, with exhaustion in 74%, low professional achievement in 57%, and depersonalization in 39%. The intervention group took place between May and December 2017, with six other first-year residents attending the General Pediatric Outpatient Clinic on Fridays. Meetings of the group took place every 15 days, lasted one hour, and adhered to the concept of "protected space". Participation in the meetings was voluntary. The discussions were based on clinical cases, also addressing the doctor-family relationship and the hospital dynamics. Conclusion The high prevalence of burnout syndrome found in this study was comparable to data from national and international literature. However, our study established a local discussion that resulted in a strategy aimed at the well-being of residents and provided an opportunity to learn to recognize personal reactions, as well as those of patients and the whole healthcare team. We also hope this study will bring benefits for the quality of care provided to patients.

Efficacy of neurofunctional versus resistance training in improving gait and quality of life among patients with Parkinson's disease: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract AIMS to compare the efficacy of neurofunctional training versus resistance training in improving gait and quality of life among patients with PD METHODS This randomized controlled trial included 40 participants randomly assigned to two groups through random number table generator: resistance training (RT) (n=19) and neurofunctional training (NT) (n=21). The RT group performed resistance exercises emphasizing the lower limbs and trunk, while the NT group sessions were focused on gait, functional independence and balance training. Trained physical therapists supervised both groups. The training sessions lasted 60 minutes in each group and were performed twice a week, totalizing 24 sessions. The outcomes, gait and quality of life, were measured using video gait analysis and footprint analysis; and PDQL and PDQ-39 questionnaires, respectively RESULTS intra-group comparison revealed all gait variables (stride length, step length, number of steps, time of distance walked, gait speed and cadence) improved after the NT intervention with large effect size, while only stride length improved in the RT group with moderate effect size. The between group analyses means (Δ) shows that all the variables presented statistically significant differences in the NT group. Additionally, both groups showed significant improvements in quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The application of specific neurofunctional training, directed and enriched with sensorial resources, resulted in superior gait performance among individuals with PD when compared to those in the resistance training group; both treatments were efficacious in improving quality of life.

Desempenho cognitivo-perceptual de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson submetidos à fisioterapia / Cognitive-perceptual performance of subjects with Parkinson's disease submitted to physiotherapy

Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade da fisioterapia no sistema cognitivo-perceptual de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos: Trata-se de série de casos prospectiva, composta por 16 indivíduos com DP, entre os estágios 1,5 a 3 na escala de Hoehn e Yahr modificada (HY), avaliados antes, ao final e três meses pós-intervenção (follow up) utilizando-se os seguintes instrumentos: Escala Unificada para Avaliação da DP, Escala de Estadiamento HY modificada, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS), Mini-exame do estado mental (MEEM), Índice de Katz e duas ilustrações visomotoras. Receberam intervenção fisioterapêutica totalizando 20 sessões visando a melhora do sistema cognitivo-perceptual. Resultados: Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os valores pré e pós (P=0,03) e entre o pós e o follow up (P=0,03) para a execução das duas ilustrações visomotoras. Quanto aos demais desfechos não foram encontradas diferenças significantes. Conclusão: A intervenção realizada foi efetiva para o sistema perceptual em indivíduos com DP. Entretanto, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os valores dos três momentos de avaliação nas escalas MEEM, GDS e Índice de Katz.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy in the cognitive-perceptual system of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods: This is a prospective case series, consisting of 16 individuals with PD between stages 1.5 to 3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale, assessed before, at the end, and later than three months after the intervention (follow up) using the following instruments: Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Degree of Disability Scale of Hoehn and Yahr, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental Test, the Katz Index, and two visuomotor graphics. A physiotherapy intervention, totaling 20 sessions targeting the improvement of cognitive-perceptual system, was received. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between pre and post (P=0.03) and between post and follow up (P=0.03) for the implementation of the two visuomotor graphics. As for the other outcomes, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: The intervention was made effective for the perceptual system in individuals with PD. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the values of the three evaluation moments in the MMSE scale, GDS and Katz Index.

Efetividade da fisioterapia associada à dança em idosos saudáveis: ensaio clínico aleatório / Effectiveness of physical therapy in association with dance in healthy elderly: a randomized clinical trial

Objetivo: verificar a efetividade da fisioterapia associada à dança em idosos saudáveis nos desfechos "equilíbrio", "flexibilidade" e "agilidade". Métodos: ensaio clínico aleatório, no qual a amostra foi composta por 22 indivíduos e posteriormente aleatorizada em dois grupos: controle (GC; 7M/4H; idade= 74,1±7,3; n=11) e intervenção (GI; 9M/2H; idade= 75,7±7,8; n=11). Os grupos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações realizadas no período pré e pós-intervenção: avaliação do equilíbrio pela Escala de Berg, agilidade pelo Timed Up and Go test e flexibilidade pelo Banco de Wells (janela aberta e fechada). Foi proposto um programa de intervenção fisioterápica associada à dançaterapia composto por 16 terapias com duração de 60 minutos e frequência de duas vezes semanais. A intervenção seguiu um protocolo de evolução baseado na complexidade dos exercícios e teve como principais objetivos estimular equilíbrio, independência funcional e alongamento muscular. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo programa SPSS 15.0. Foram utilizados os testes de Mann-Whitney para a comparação dos grupos e Wilcoxon para comparar os momentos pré e pós-intervenção, com significância estatística de 5%. Resultados: o grupo intervenção apresentou melhora do equilíbrio (p=0,04), flexibilidade (p=0,01) e agilidade (p=0,03) em relação ao grupo controle. O grupo controle apresentou melhora nos níveis de flexibilidade (p=0,01). Conclusão: o programa proposto se mostrou efetivo para melhora do equilíbrio, flexibilidade e agilidade nos indivíduos submetidos à intervenção. Espera-se, com o presente estudo, contribuir com futuras pesquisas e com o trabalho na prática ...

Objective: Verify the physical therapy associated with dance effectiveness in terms of balance, flexibility and agility in healthy seniors. Methods: Randomized controlled trial whose sample was divided into two groups: control (GC; 7W/4M; age= 74.1±7.3; n=11) and intervention (GI; 9W/2M; age= 75.7±7.8; n=11). Participants underwent the following types of evaluation in pre and post intervention phases: balance assessment by Berg balance scale, agility according to the Timed Up and Go test and flexibility according to the Wells Bank. A program consisting of 16 therapies with 60 minutes long twice a week followed a protocol of evolution based on the complexity of the exercises and with the aim of stimulating balance, functional independence and muscle stretching. The statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS 15.0 and were used the Mann-Whitney test to compare the groups and Wilcoxon tests to compare pre and post intervention, with significance level of 5%. Results: The intervention group showed improved balance (p=0.04), flexibility (p=0.01) and agility (p=0.03) when compared to the control group. The control group showed improvement in the flexibility levels (p=0.01). Conclusion: The proposed program was effective in terms of improving balance, flexibility and agility among participants. It is expected that this study can contribute to future research and clinical practice about the association of physical therapy and dance, as a preventive and rehabilitative treatment options. .