Quantitative relationship between physical activity and antihypertensives in elderly women / Relación cuantitativa entre actividad física y antihipertensivos en ancianas / Relação quantitativa entre atividade física e anti-hipertensivos em idosas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical activity is an important tool to manage systemic arterial hypertension. However, less is known about the relationship of physical activity with the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older female adults (aged ≥ 60 years) with a low level of physical activity with the number used by those with a high level of physical activity, and to verify how many participants used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active older women with systemic arterial hypertension who participated in a physical activity program for community-dwelling older female adults were divided into two groups: participants who presented lower habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 1 and participants that presented higher habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 2, according to the Baecke questionnaire. In addition, the number of antihypertensive drugs used by participants was collected. Results: The number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs was 2.0 (median) for both groups investigated. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the number of antihypertensive tablets prescribed (p>0.05). Although there was no statistical difference, a higher proportion of participants from the lower physical activity group used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion: The level of habitual physical activity did not affect the number of antihypertensive tablets used by hypertensive elderly women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: La actividad física es una herramienta importante para el manejo de la hipertensión arterial sistémica. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la relación de la actividad física con la cantidad de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue hacer una comparación entre el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por mujeres adultas mayores (≥ 60 años) y bajo nivel de actividad física con el número utilizado por aquellas con alto nivel de actividad física, y verificar cuántas de las participantes usaron más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Métodos: Veintiocho ancianas físicamente activas con hipertensión arterial sistémica que participaron en un programa de actividad física para mujeres adultas mayores residentes en la comunidad fueran divididas en dos grupos: las participantes que presentaron niveles más bajos de actividad física habitual se ubicaron en el grupo 1 y las participantes que presentaron los mayores niveles de actividad física se ubicaron en el grupo 2, según el cuestionario de Baecke. Además, se recogió el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las participantes. Resultados: El número de comprimidos antihipertensivos prescritos fue de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos grupos investigados. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en cuanto al número de medicamentos antihipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Aunque no hubo diferencia estadística, una mayor proporción de participantes del grupo de menor actividad física usó más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Conclusión: El nivel de actividad física habitual no afectó el número de comprimidos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas hipertensas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: A atividade física é uma importante ferramenta no manejo da hipertensão arterial sistêmica. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a relação entre a atividade física e a quantidade de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma comparação entre o número de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosas (≥ 60 anos) com baixo nível de atividade física com o número usado por aquelas com alto nível de atividade física, verificando quantas participantes usaram mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Métodos: Vinte e oito idosas fisicamente ativas com hipertensão arterial sistêmica que participavam de um programa de atividade física para idosas da comunidade foram divididas em dois grupos: as participantes que apresentaram níveis mais baixos de atividade física habitual foram colocadas no grupo 1 e as participantes que apresentaram maiores níveis de atividade física foram colocados no grupo 2, de acordo com o questionário de Baecke. Ademais, coletou-se o número de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas participantes. Resultados: O número de fármacos anti-hipertensivos prescritos foi de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos os grupos investigados. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto ao número de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Embora não tenha havido diferença estatística, uma maior proporção de participantes entre o grupo de menor atividade física utilizava mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Conclusão: O nível de atividade física habitual não afetou a quantidade de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas idosas hipertensas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Knowledge of healthcare professionals about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a clinical condition that can affect poliomyelitis survivors. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate knowledge of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a Brazilian public higher education institution located in the state of Goiás. METHODS: The participants (n = 578) were Brazilian physicians, physical therapists, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists. A self-administered questionnaire (30 questions) was designed to probe knowledge about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. From the questionnaire, we created a structured test to objectively evaluate the knowledge of these professionals. The test was composed of 20 questions and was scored over a range from 0 (totally ill-informed) to 20 (totally well-informed). RESULTS: In general, the physicians, physical therapists and nurses demonstrated better understanding of poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome. The healthcare professionals who had received previous information about poliomyelitis and postpoliomyelitis syndrome had significantly higher scores than those who had never received information (P < 0.001). On average, this difference was approximately 28.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present study indicate that there is a critical need for improvement of knowledge about postpoliomyelitis syndrome among Brazilian healthcare professionals. The services provided by these professionals may therefore become compromised. Furthermore, public healthcare initiatives should be implemented to improve knowledge among healthcare professionals.

Fat mass is negatively associated with the physiological ability of tissue to consume oxygen

To describe the relationship between variables related to body composition and peak oxygen uptake ( V˙O2 peak) and to verify whether fat mass can affect these relationships. Methods: Eighty participants underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to measure V˙O2 peak and a body composition assessment to measure fat mass, fat free mass (FFM), and total body mass (BM). Results: There were significant relationships between V˙O2 peak relative to FFM (fat free mass) (mL/kgFFM/min) and absolute fat mass (kg) (r=-0.50, p<0.001) and relative fat mass (%) (r=-0.56, p<0.001). Absolute V˙O2 peak (L/min) had a high positive relationship with FFM (r=0.83, p<0.0001); the relationship between V˙O2 peak (L/min) and FFM remained high and positive even when accounting for absolute fat mass (kg) (r=0.83, p<0.001). V˙O2 peak relative to total body mass (mL/kgBM/min) showed a high negative relationship with relative fat mass (%) (r=-0.89, p<0.001) and a positive relationship with fat free mass (kg) (r=0.57, p<0.001), which did not change when accounting for fat mass (kg) (r=0.56, p<0.001). Conclusion: These data indicate that the physiological ability of tissue to consume oxygen ( V˙O2 peak in mL/kgFFM/min) is negatively associated with fat mass. Moreover, the individual's cardiorespiratory capacity to transport oxygen for working muscles ( V˙O2 peak in L/min) is strongly related to absolute FFM, and this association is not affected by fat mass. Finally, a better body mass composition (high FFM and low fat mass) is important for aerobic physical fitness ( V˙O2 peak in mL/kgBM/min) and improved physiological ability of tissue to consume oxygen ( V˙O2 peak in mL/kgFFM/min).(AU)

Pilates and aerobic training improve levels of depression, anxiety and quality of life in overweight and obese individuals / O treinamento de Pilates e aeróbio melhoram os níveis de depressão, ansiedade e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effects of Pilates and walking on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels. Methods: Sixty-three overweight/obese participants were randomly divided into: control (n = 20), walking (n = 21), and Pilates (n = 22) groups. Pilates and walking groups attended eight weeks of 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week. Quality of life, depression, and state- and trait-anxiety levels were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training. Results: Scores of quality of life, depression, and trait-anxiety improved in the Pilates and walking groups. State-anxiety levels improved only in the walking group. Conclusion: Pilates and walking positively impact quality of life, depression and anxiety. The Pilates method could be used as an alternative to improve mood disorders in overweight/obese individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento com Pilates e caminhada sobre os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. Métodos: Sessenta e três participantes com sobrepeso/obesidade foram divididos aleatoriamente em grupos: Controle (n = 20), Caminhada (n = 21) e Pilates (n = 22). Os grupos Pilates e caminhada realizaram oito semanas de sessões de exercício de 60 minutos 3 vezes/semana. Os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade traço e estado foram avaliados antes e após oito semanas de treinamento. Resultados: Os escores de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade-traço melhoraram nos grupos Pilates e caminhada. Os níveis de ansiedade-estado melhoraram apenas no grupo caminhada. Conclusão: O Pilates e a caminhada impactam positivamente os níveis de qualidade de vida, depressão e ansiedade. O método Pilates pode ser usado como um método alternativo para distúrbios do humor em indivíduos com sobrepeso e obesidade.

Benefícios da prática da espiritualidade e religiosidade para pessoas com epilepsia / Benefits of spiritual and religious practices for people with epilepsy

A epilepsia é considerada uma doença neurológica enigmática pela forma de manifestação de seus sinais e sintomas. É importante notar que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade pode impactar positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenças neurológicas, em particular a epilepsia, sendo considerada uma forma de enfrentamento e tratamento complementar da doença. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar informações referentes aos possíveis benefícios da prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade como forma de tratamento alternativo de pacientes com essa condição. Esta pesquisa consistiu de ampla revisão de literatura realizada na base de dados PubMed. Para a seleção dos artigos, dentro da temática de interesse (27 no total), foram utilizados os descritores "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life" e "religion" bem como seus cruzamentos. Além disso, foram utilizados outros artigos que apontavam as definições, a classificação, os aspectos históricos e epidemiológicos e as diretrizes do manejo da epilepsia. Foi possível concluir que a prática da espiritualidade/religiosidade somada ao tratamento convencional pode ser uma alternativa a ser recomendada pelos profissionais da saúde, pois impacta positivamente na qualidade de vida de pacientes com epilepsia.

Epilepsy is an enigmatic neurological disease, due to the manner its signs and symptoms are manifested. The practice of spirituality/religiosity can positively impact the quality of life of patients with neurological diseases, particularly epilepsy, and it is considered a form of coping and complementary treatment of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to present information regarding the possible benefits of the spirituality/ religiosity practices as alternative treatments for patients with epilepsy. This article consisted of a broad literature review carried out in the database PubMed. For the selection of articles within the theme of interest (27 in total), the descriptors used were "epilepsy", "spirituality", "religiosity", "quality of life", and "religion" as well as their intersections. In addition, other articles that pointed definitions, classifications, historical and epidemiological aspects, and the guidelines of epilepsy management were used. It was possible to conclude that the spirituality/religiosity practice in addition to conventional treatment may be an alternative to be recommended by health professionals, since it positively impacts epilepsy patients' quality of life.

Evaluation of body posture in nursing students / Evaluación de la postura corporal en estudiantes de enfermería / Avaliação da postura corporal em estudantes de enfermagem

Abstract 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.

Resumen OBJETIVO Investigar la postura de los estudiantes de enfermería antes y después de la práctica clínica. MÉTODO El estudio fue desarrollado en dos etapas, inicialmente los estudiantes (2º, 4°, 6° y 8º períodos) tuvieron su postura corporal evaluada por medio de la fotogrametría. Todas las imágenes fueron analizadas, de manera aleatoria y enmascarada, mediante el software CorporisPro® 3.1.3. Se llevaron a cabo tres evaluaciones para cada ángulo y se calculó el promedio. Tras dos años, cuando los estudiantes del 4º período desarrollaron las prácticas clínicas, fueron nuevamente evaluados en cuanto a la postura corporal. RESULTADOS La muestra total estuvo compuesta de 112 estudiantes. Comparándose los estudiantes con el estándar de normalidad, todos los ángulos presentaron diferencia significativa (p<; 0,00), excepto por el ángulo triángulo de Tales. Reevaluando los mismos estudiantes, hubo diferencia significativa en los ángulos de la articulación acromioclavicular (p=0,03), de la flexión de rodillas (p<; 0,00) y ángulo tibiotársico (p<; 0,00). CONCLUSIÓN Todos los estudiantes presentaron alteraciones, comparadas con los valores de normalidad. Los segmentos con diferencia significativa, comparándose antes y después de la práctica, fueron el ángulo acromioclavicular, flexo de rodilla y ángulo tibiotársico, siendo los dos últimos en la posición de rodamiento.

Resumo 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.

Cohort study on the factors associated with survival post-cardiac arrest / Estudo de coorte dos fatores associados à sobrevivência pós-parada cardiorrespiratória

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cardiac arrest is a common occurrence, and even with efficient emergency treatment, it is associated with a poor prognosis. Identification of predictors of survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation may provide important information for the healthcare team and family. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the survival of patients treated for cardiac arrest, after a one-year follow-up period. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study conducted in the emergency department of a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: The inclusion criterion was that the patients presented cardiac arrest that was treated in the emergency department (n = 285). Data were collected using the In-hospital Utstein Style template. Cox regression was used to determine which variables were associated with the survival rate (with 95% significance level). RESULTS: After one year, the survival rate was low. Among the patients treated, 39.6% experienced a return of spontaneous circulation; 18.6% survived for 24 hours and of these, 5.6% were discharged and 4.5% were alive after one year of follow-up. Patients with pulseless electrical activity were half as likely to survive as patients with ventricular fibrillation. For patients with asystole, the survival rate was 3.5 times lower than that of patients with pulseless electrical activity. CONCLUSIONS: The initial cardiac rhythm was the best predictor of patient survival. Compared with ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity was associated with shorter survival times. In turn, compared with pulseless electrical activity, asystole was associated with an even lower survival rate.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A parada cardiorrespiratória é comum e, mesmo com tratamentos de emergência eficientes, associa-se a prognósticos ruins. A identificação de fatores preditores de sobrevivência após ressuscitação cardiopulmonar pode fornecer informações importantes para equipe de saúde e familiares. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores associados à sobrevivência, após um ano de seguimento, de pacientes atendidos em parada cardiorrespiratória. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no serviço de emergência de um hospital universitário. MÉTODOS: O critério de inclusão foi o atendimento de paciente em parada cardiorrespiratória no serviço de emergência (n = 285). Os dados foram coletados por meio do modelo In-hospital Utstein Style. Para verificar quais variáveis associaram-se à sobrevida, utilizou-se regressão de Cox (nível de significância 95%). RESULTADOS: Após um ano, a sobrevida foi baixa. Dos pacientes atendidos, 39,6% tiveram retorno da circulação espontânea, 18,6% sobreviveram até as primeiras 24 horas, sendo que, destes, 5,6% obtiveram alta hospitalar e 4,5% permaneceram vivos após um ano de seguimento. Pacientes com atividade elétrica sem pulso apresentaram duas vezes menos chances de sobreviver que aqueles com fibrilação ventricular. Nos pacientes com assistolia, as taxas de sobrevida foram 3,5 menores quando comparados aos com atividade elétrica sem pulso. CONCLUSÕES: O ritmo cardíaco inicial foi o fator preditor que melhor explicou a sobrevida. O ritmo de atividade elétrica sem pulso associou-se a menor sobrevida quando comparado a fibrilação ventricular, enquanto o ritmo de assistolia relacionou-se a ainda menor sobrevivência em relação à atividade elétrica sem pulso.

Low levels of maximal aerobic power impair the profile of mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy / Os baixos níveis de potência aeróbia máxima prejudicam o perfil do estado de humor em indivíduos com epilepsia do lobo temporal

Objective To investigate the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and mood state in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Method Individuals with TLE (n = 20) and healthy control subjects (C, n = 20) were evaluated. Self-rating questionnaires were used to assess mood (POMS) and habitual physical activity (BAECKE). Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by a maximal incremental test. Results People with TLE presented lower cardiorespiratory fitness; higher levels of mood disorders; and lower levels of vigor when compared to control health subjects. A significant negative correlation was observed between the levels of tension-anxiety and maximal aerobic power. Conclusion Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may modify the health status of individuals with TLE and it may be considered a risk factor for the development of mood disorders. .

Objetivo Investigar a correlação entre aptidão cardiorrespiratória e variáveis de estado de humor em indivíduos com epilepsia do lobo temporal (ELT). Método Indivíduos com ELT (n = 20) e controles saudáveis (C, n = 20) foram avaliados. Administraram-se questionários para avaliar o estado de humor (POMS) e nível de atividade física habitual (BAECKE). Avaliou-se a aptidão cardiorrespiratória por teste incremental máximo. Resultados Pessoas com ELT apresentaram menor aptidão cardiorrespiratória; elevados níveis de transtornos do humor; e menor nível de vigor, quando comparadas ao grupo C. Observou-se correlação negativa significativa entre os níveis de tensão-ansiedade e a potência aeróbica máxima. Conclusão O baixo nível de aptidão cardiorrespiratória pode modificar o estado de saúde de indivíduos com ELT e pode ser considerado fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de transtornos de humor. .

Knowledge, perceptions and use of generic drugs: a cross sectional study / Conhecimento, percepções e utilização de medicamentos genéricos: um estudo transversal

Objective To assess the level of knowledge, perceptions and usage profile for generic drugs among laypersons. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 278 volunteers (180 women and 98 men, aged 37.1±15.8 years). A questionnaire was drawn up with questions on their use, perceptions and knowledge of generic drugs. Results Most respondents (99.6%) knew that generic drugs exist, but only 48.6% were able to define them correctly, while 78.8% of the respondents had some information about generics. This information was obtained mainly through television (49.3%). In terms of generic drug characteristics, 79.1% stated that they were confident about their efficacy, 74.8% believed that generic drugs have the same effect as branded medications, 88.8% said that generics were priced lower than branded medications, and 80.2% stated that they bought generic drugs because of price. With regard to drugs prescribed by medical practitioners, 17.6% of the participants said that their doctors never prescribed generics and only 7.5% confirmed that their doctors always prescribed generics. Conclusion For the lay public, the sample in this study has sufficient knowledge of generic drugs in terms of definition, efficacy and cost. Consequently, the volunteers interviewed are very likely to use generics. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate that programs should be implemented in order to boost generic drug prescriptions by medical practitioners. .

Objetivo Avaliar nível de conhecimento, percepções e perfil de utilização dos medicamentos genéricos entre leigos. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo transversal com 278 voluntários (180 mulheres e 98 homens, com idade de 37,1±15,8 anos). Criou-se um questionário com perguntas em relação à utilização, à percepção e ao conhecimento sobre genéricos. Resultados A maioria dos entrevistados (99,6%) conhecia a existência dos genéricos, e apenas 48,6% souberam definir corretamente o que os mesmos são. Do total de entrevistados, 78,8% tiveram algum tipo de informação com relação aos genéricos. Essas informações foram obtidas, principalmente, por meio da televisão (49,3%). Com relação às características dos medicamentos genéricos, 79,1% afirmaram ter confiança em sua eficácia, 74,8% acreditavam que o medicamento genérico possuía um efeito igual ao do medicamento de marca, 88,8% informaram que o genérico possuía um preço menor que o medicamento de marca, e 80,2% afirmaram comprar o medicamento genérico por conta do preço. Quanto à prescrição de medicamentos por parte dos profissionais médicos, 17,6% dos participantes afirmaram que seu médico nunca prescreveu medicamentos genéricos e apenas 7,5% disseram que seus médicos sempre prescreviam genéricos. Conclusão Para um público leigo, a amostra estudada apresentou suficiente conhecimento com relação aos genéricos, no que concerne à definição, eficácia e custo. Dessa forma, os voluntários entrevistados apresentaram elevada propensão à utilização de genéricos. Adicionalmente, os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que se faz necessário implantar programas para ...

Differences in muscle strength after ACL reconstruction do not influence cardiorespiratory responses to isometabolic exercise

Objectives: To investigate whether the muscle strength decrease that follows anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction would lead to different cardiorespiratory adjustments during dynamic exercise. Method: Eighteen active male subjects were submitted to isokinetic evaluation of knee flexor and extensor muscles four months after ACL surgery. Thigh circumference was also measured and an incremental unilateral cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed separately for both involved and uninvolved lower limbs in order to compare heart rate, oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, and ventilatory pattern (breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, expiratory time, tidal volume/inspiratory time) at three different workloads (moderate, anaerobic threshold, and maximal). Results: There was a significant difference between isokinetic extensor peak torque measured in the involved (116.5±29.1 Nm) and uninvolved (220.8±40.4 Nm) limbs, p=0.000. Isokinetic flexor peak torque was also lower in the involved limb than in the uninvolved limb (107.8±15.4 and 132.5±26.3 Nm, p=0.004, respectively). Lower values were also found in involved thigh circumference as compared with uninvolved limb (46.9±4.3 and 48.5±3.9 cm, p=0.005, respectively). No differences were found between the lower limbs in any of the variables of the incremental cardiopulmonary tests at all exercise intensities. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that, four months after ACL surgery, there is a significant deficit in isokinetic strength in the involved limb, but these differences in muscle strength requirement do not produce differences in the cardiorespiratory adjustments to exercise. Based on the hypotheses from the literature which explain the differences in the physiological responses to exercise for different muscle masses, we can deduce that, after 4 months of a rehabilitation program after an ACL reconstruction, individuals probably ...

Shoulder isokinetic profile of male handball players of the Brazilian National Team

BACKGROUND: Data obtained on an isokinetic dynamometer are useful to characterize muscle status and have been reported in muscle imbalance studies in different types of sport. However, few studies have assessed elite handball players to establish reference values. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare, for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) side, the isokinetic profile of shoulder rotator muscle strength between male handball players (H) and asymptomatic non-athletes (NA). METHOD: Isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength tests for D upper limbs were performed by the H group (n=20) and the NA group (n=12). Internal and external rotator muscle peak torque in concentric action was assessed at 60°/s and 300°/s and in eccentric action at 300°/s. We also calculated conventional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action) and functional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque in eccentric action to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action). RESULTS: In the H group, dominant limbs were stronger in concentric action for external rotation at 60 and 300°/s. The conventional balance ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 60 and 300°/s for H compared to NA. The functional ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 300º/s for H compared to NA. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to asymptomatic non-athletes, handball players presented significant muscular imbalance resulting from daily sports practice, a known risk factor for shoulder injuries. .

As técnicas de suporte básico de vida e as diretrizes da American Heart Association podem auxiliar na prevenção da morte súbita relacionada à atividade física? / Can Basic Life Support techniques and American Heart Association Guidelines auxiliary in the sudden death prevention related to physical activity?

A morte súbita em atletas é um dos acontecimentos mais devastadores. Embora a prática regular de atividade física promova a saúde e o bem­-estar, o exercício intenso aumenta o risco de morte súbita em pessoas com afecções cardiovasculares. O aumento crescente da taxa de parada cardiorrespiratória relacionada à atividade física faz desta um problema de saúde pública, tornando­-se necessária a implanta­ção de estratégias de prevenção. A associação de medidas de prevenção primária,como a avaliação sistemática pré-­participação esportiva e secundária, como a educação para o reconhecimento da parada cardiorrespiratória, a realização imediata de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar e o acesso precoce ao desfibrilador externo automático,aumentam as chances de sobrevida e melhoram o prognóstico dos indiví­duos...

Sudden death in athletes is one of the most devastating events. Although the regular physical activity practice promotes health and wellness, intense exercise increases the sudden death risk in people with cardiovascular affections. The increasing of cardiac arrest rate related to physical activity making this a public health issue being necessary to implement prevent strategies. The association of primary preventionmeasures, such as the systematic sports pre­participation strategies and secondary, such as education programs for the cardiac arrest recognition, theimmediate realization of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early access to automatic external defibrillator, increase the chances of survival and improve prognosisof the subjects...

La muerte súbita en deportistas es uno de los eventos más devastadores. Aunque la práctica de actividad física regular promueve la salud y el bienestar, el ejercicio intenso aumenta el riesgo de muerte súbita en personas con enfermedades cardiovasculares.La creciente tasa de paro cardíaco relacionado con la actividad física haceque sea un problema de salud pública, por lo que es necesario implementar estrategias de prevención. La asociación de las medidas de prevención primaria, como la evaluación antes de la participación en deportes y secundaria como la educación para el reconocimiento de un paro cardíaco, la realización inmediata de la RCP y elpronto acceso a un desfibrilador, hacerlo mejor las posibilidades de supervivenciay lo pronóstico de las personas...

Lung function in post-poliomyelitis syndrome: a cross-sectional study / Funcao pulmonar em pessoas com sindrome pos-poliomielite: um estudo transversal

OBJECTIVE: To compare lung function between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and those with sequelae of paralytic poliomyelitis (without any signs or symptoms of post-poliomyelitis syndrome), as well as between patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-nine male participants were assigned to one of three groups: control; poliomyelitis (comprising patients who had had paralytic poliomyelitis but had not developed post-poliomyelitis syndrome); and post-poliomyelitis syndrome. Volunteers underwent lung function measurements (spirometry and respiratory muscle strength assessment). RESULTS: The results of the spirometric assessment revealed no significant differences among the groups except for an approximately 27% lower mean maximal voluntary ventilation in the post-poliomyelitis syndrome group when compared with the control group (p = 0.0127). Nevertheless, the maximal voluntary ventilation values for the post-poliomyelitis group were compared with those for the Brazilian population and were found to be normal. No significant differences were observed in respiratory muscle strength among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of lower maximal voluntary ventilation, there was no significant lung function impairment in outpatients diagnosed with post-poliomyelitis syndrome when compared with healthy subjects and with patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis without post-poliomyelitis syndrome. This is an important clinical finding because it shows that patients with post-poliomyelitis syndrome can have preserved lung function. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar a função pulmonar de pacientes com síndrome pós-poliomielite à de pacientes com sequelas de poliomielite paralítica (sem quaisquer sinais ou sintomas de síndrome pós-poliomielite) e à de sujeitos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Vinte e nove sujeitos do sexo masculino foram divididos em três grupos: controle, poliomielite (pacientes que sofreram de poliomielite paralítica, mas que não apresentaram síndrome pós-poliomielite) e síndrome pós-poliomielite. Os voluntários foram submetidos a avaliações da função pulmonar (espirometria e avaliação da força muscular respiratória). RESULTADOS: Os resultados da espirometria não revelaram diferenças significantes entre os grupos, à exceção da ventilação voluntária máxima, cuja média no grupo síndrome pós-poliomielite foi aproximadamente 27% mais baixa que no grupo controle (p = 0,0127). No entanto, os valores de ventilação voluntária máxima observados no grupo pós-poliomielite foram comparados aos da população brasileira e se apresentaram dentro da faixa normal. Não foram observadas diferenças significantes entre os grupos no tocante à força muscular respiratória. CONCLUSÕES: À exceção da ventilação voluntária máxima mais baixa, não houve comprometimento significante da função pulmonar em pacientes ambulatoriais com diagnóstico de síndrome pós-poliomielite quando comparados a pacientes com sequelas de poliomielite, mas sem a síndrome pós-poliomielite e a sujeitos ...

Isokinetic muscle assessment after treatment of pectoralis major muscle rupture using surgical or non-surgical procedures

INTRODUCTION: Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle appears to be increasing in athletes. However, the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been established. OBJECTIVES: To compare the isokinetic shoulder performance after surgical treatment to that after non-surgical treatment for pectoralis major muscle rupture. METHODS: We assessed 33 pectoralis major muscle ruptures (18 treated non-surgically and 15 treated surgically). Horizontal abduction and adduction as well as external and internal rotation at 60 and 120 degrees/s were tested in both upper limbs. Peak torque, total work, contralateral deficiency, and the peak torque agonist-to-antagonist ratio were measured. RESULTS: Contralateral muscular deficiency did not differ between the surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities. However, the surgical group presented twice the number of athletes with clinically acceptable contralateral deficiency (<20 percent) for internal rotators compared to the non-surgical group. The peak torque ratio between the external and internal rotator muscles revealed a similar deficit of the external rotation in both groups and on both sides (surgical, 61.60 percent and 57.80 percent and non-surgical, 62.06 percent and 54.06 percent, for the dominant and non-dominant sides, respectively). The peak torque ratio revealed that the horizontal adduction muscles on the injured side showed similar weakness in both groups (surgical, 86.27 percent; non-surgical, 98.61 percent). CONCLUSIONS: This study included the largest single series of athletes reported to date for this type of injury. A comparative analysis of muscular strength and balance showed no differences between the treatment modalities for pectoralis major muscle rupture. However, the number of significant clinical deficiencies was lower in the surgical group than in the non-surgical group, and both treatment modalities require greater attention to the rehabilitation process, especially for the recovery of muscle strength and balance.

Sedentarismo em população específica de funcionários de uma empresa pública / Sedentarism in the population of employees of a public company

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Nas sociedades contemporâneas surge uma doença que representa elevado risco para doenças cardiovasculares e morte, um novo problema de saúde pública que afeta todas as idades, denominado sedentarismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir as nuances da definição de indivíduo ativo e sedentário, através de diferentes métodos descritos na literatura médica, analisando-se a incidência de sedentarismo e o perfil da população de empregados de uma empresa pública. MÉTODO: Os funcionários do sistema do Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Social (BNDES) foram solicitados a responder ao Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ), durante a realização do exame periódico de 2008 para quantificação da atividade física por eles realizada. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se incidência de 25% de sedentarismo, sem correlação definitiva com idade, sexo ou índice de massa corporal (IMC). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados afirmam a necessidade de estimular-se a prática de atividade física nas empresas como forma de redução dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the contemporary society, arises a new disease that carries high risk to cardiovascular diseases and death, a new public health problem that affects all ages, sedentarism. The object of this paper was to define what it means to be an active and sedentary individual, through the methods available in the literature and to investigate the incidence of sedentarism in a public company. METHOD: The application of the international physic activity questionnaire (IPAQ) to the employees of the Brazilian Development Bank, intending to quantify the intensity of the physical activity realized in their daily activities.RESULTS: It was found an incidence of 25% of sedentarism in the studied population, without definitive correlation with age, sex or body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: The results show the necessity to fight sedentarism and to stimulate the practice of physical activities as a way to reduce the incidence on cardiovascular risk factors.

Acute strength exercise and the involvement of small or large muscle mass on plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels

OBJECTIVE: Blood neurotrophins, such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, are considered to be of great importance in mediating the benefits of physical exercise. In this study, the effect of acute strength exercise and the involvement of small versus large muscle mass on the levels of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor were evaluated in healthy individuals. METHODS: The concentric strengths of knee (large) and elbow (small) flexor and extensor muscles were measured on two separate days. Venous blood samples were obtained from 16 healthy subjects before and after exercise. RESULTS: The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the plasma did not significantly increase after both arm and leg exercise. There was no significant difference in the plasma levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the arms and legs. CONCLUSION: The present results demonstrate that acute strength exercise does not induce significant alterations in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor plasma concentrations in healthy individuals. Considering that its levels may be affected by various factors, such as exercise, these findings suggest that the type of exercise program may be a decisive factor in altering peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

O uso da narrativa como instrumento de estimulação em duas crianças surdas protetizadas e oralizadas / Use of narrative as a tool for stimulation of two oralized deaf children

Na criança surda, notamos claramente sua dificuldade para compreender textos complexos, abstratos e narrativos. O presente estudo verificou a eficácia do uso de narrativas na estimulação das habilidades metacognitivas e do processamento auditivo em um grupo de crianças protetizadas. Duas crianças surdas protetizadas e oralizadas foram individualmente avaliadas em relação à narrativa, ao vocabulário e ao processamento auditivo. Em dupla, essas crianças foram submetidas a 10 sessões de estimulação de linguagem e, ao final, foram re-avaliadas. A narrativa mostrou-se mais elaborada após a estimulação, houve melhora no vocabulário de ambas as crianças, e o processamento auditivo também melhorou. O uso da narrativa pode auxiliar a criança em sua organização, enfocando inclusive as habilidades metacognitivas. Mais do que estruturar os conteúdos da aprendizagem, é possível treinar a criança a entender e controlar o seu próprio processo de aprendizagem.

Deaf children hardly undersatand complex, abstract and narrative texts. The effectiveness of the use of narratives in the stimulation of metacognitive abilities and auditory processing was observed in two oralized children with hearing prothesis. They were first individually evaluated as to narrative, vocabulary and auditory processing. Both of them together were submitted to 10 sessions for stimulating language, and then were re-evaluated. Narrative, vocabulary and auditory processing improved after stimulation. The use of narrative can help the child in her organization, focusing on the metacognitive abilities as well. More than structuring the content of learning, it is possible to train the children to understand and control their own learning process.

Efeitos benéficos do exercício físico nas epilepsias: o judô faz parte deste contexto?: [revisão] / Positive effects of physical exercise in epilepsy: does judo part of this context?: [review]

INTRODUÇÃO: Pessoas com epilepsia tem sido constantemente desaconselhadas a participarem de atividades físicas ou esportivas por receio do exercício provocar crises epilépticas. Apesar da atitude médica atual recomendando a participação em atividades esportivas, o estigma ainda persiste e as pessoas com epilepsia continuam menos ativas que a população em geral. OBJETIVOS: Neste sentido, vários estudos clínicos e experimentais têm demonstrado um efeito benéfico do exercício físico na epilepsia. O judô é um esporte tradicional e popular e pessoas com epilepsia freqüentemente perguntam aos médicos se podem participar deste tipo de esporte. CONCLUSÃO: Baseado nestas questões, este artigo de revisão propõe avaliar os riscos e benefícios da atividade física em pessoas com epilepsia e discutir o papel do judô neste contexto.

INTRODUCTION: Persons with epilepsy have previously been discouraged from participation in physical activity and sports for fear of inducing seizures or increasing seizure frequency. Despite a shift in medical recommendations toward encouraging rather than restricting participation, the stigma remains and persons with epilepsy continue to be less active than the general population. OBJECTIVES: In these lines, several clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated a positive effect of physical exercise on epilepsy. Judo is a traditional and popular sport and people with epilepsy often ask physicians whether they may engage in this sport. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this, our review article is designed to show the risks and benefits of physical activity in patients with epilepsy and discusses the role of judo in this context.