Oxidative stress and immune system analysis after cycle ergometer use in critical patients

OBJECTIVE: The passive cycle ergometer aims to prevent hypotrophy and improve muscle strength, with a consequent reduction in hospitalization time in the intensive care unit and functional improvement. However, its effects on oxidative stress and immune system parameters remain unknown. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a passive cycle ergometer on the immune system and oxidative stress in critical patients. METHODS: This paper describes a randomized controlled trial in a sample of 19 patients of both genders who were on mechanical ventilation and hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Hospital Agamenom Magalhães. The patients were divided into two groups: one group underwent cycle ergometer passive exercise for 30 cycles/min on the lower limbs for 20 minutes; the other group did not undergo any therapeutic intervention during the study and served as the control group. A total of 20 ml of blood was analysed, in which nitric oxide levels and some specific inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukins 6 (IL-6) and 10 (IL-10)) were evaluated before and after the study protocol. RESULTS: Regarding the demographic and clinical variables, the groups were homogeneous in the early phases of the study. The nitric oxide analysis revealed a reduction in nitric oxide variation in stimulated cells (p=0.0021) and those stimulated (p=0.0076) after passive cycle ergometer use compared to the control group. No differences in the evaluated inflammatory cytokines were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We can conclude that the passive cycle ergometer promoted reduced levels of nitric oxide, showing beneficial effects on oxidative stress reduction. As assessed by inflammatory cytokines, the treatment was not associated with changes in the immune system. However, further research in a larger population is necessary for more conclusive results.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents and association with computer and videogame use / Prevalência de dor musculoesquelética em adolescentes e associação com uso de computador e jogos eletrônicos

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in high school adolescents from public schools and its association with electronic device use. Methods: The sample consisted of 961 boys and girls aged 14–19 years who answered a questionnaire regarding the use of computers and electronic games, and questions about pain symptoms and physical activity. Furthermore, anthropometric assessments of all volunteers were performed. The chi-squared test and a multiple logistic regression model were used for the inferential analysis. Results: The presence of musculoskeletal pain symptoms was reported by 65.1% of the adolescents, being more prevalent in the thoracolumbar spine (46.9%), followed by pain in the upper limbs, representing 20% of complaints. The mean time of use for computers and electronic games was 1.720 and 583 minutes per week, respectively. The excessive use of electronic devices was demonstrated to be a risk factor for cervical and lumbar pain. Female gender was associated with the presence of pain in different body parts. Presence of a paid job was associated with cervical pain. Conclusion: A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents, as well as an increased amount of time using digital devices was observed. However, it was only possible to observe an association between the increased use of these devices and the presence of cervical and low back pain.

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar a presença de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em adolescentes estudantes do ensino médio em escolas públicas e sua associação com o uso de dispositivos eletrônicos. Método: A amostra foi composta por 961 meninos e meninas entre 14 e 19 anos que responderam questionário sobre o uso de computadores, jogos eletrônicos e questões relacionadas a sintomas dolorosos e atividade física. Além disso, todos os voluntários foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica. Para análise inferencial foram usados os testes de qui-quadrado e modelo múltiplo de regressão logística. Resultados: A presença de sintomas de dor musculoesquelética foi reportada por 65,1% dos adolescentes, mais prevalente na coluna toracolombar (46,9%), seguida por dor nos membros superiores (20%). O tempo médio de uso de computador e jogos eletrônicos foi de 1.720 e 583 minutos por semana, respectivamente. O uso excessivo dos dispositivos eletrônicos mostrou-se como fator de risco para dor cervical e lombar. O sexo feminino apresentou associação com a presença de dor em diferentes partes do corpo. A atividade profissional esteve associada com a dor cervical. Conclusão: Observou-se alta prevalência de dor musculoesquelética nos adolescentes e elevado tempo de uso dos dispositivos eletrônicos. Entretanto, foi possível observar somente a associação do uso excessivo desses dispositivos e a presença de dor cervical e lombar.