A systematic review of hormone levels, biomarkers of cellular injury and oxidative stress in multi-stressor military field training exercises

ABSTRACT The fundamental objective of military field training exercises (FTX) is to prepare military personnel for real-life operations through simulated scenarios. These training sessions often require extreme physical efforts with prolonged, high-intensity exercises that can be combined with food restrictions and partial, or total, sleep deprivation. Such conditions can compromise an individual's physical performance and cause tissue damage, thus affecting their health. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the literature to identify studies that measured the changes in hormone levels and biomarkers of cellular injury and oxidative stress resulting from FTX with high levels of energy expenditure combined with food and sleep restrictions. PubMed and the Scopus database were searched for articles that combined physical effort/food restriction/sleep deprivation with military training. The initial database search identified 158 articles that were reduced to 18 after confirmation. Significant reductions were reported in thyroid hormones, T3, T4, and anabolic hormones such as testosterone, insulin and androstenedione. An exception for GH was found, which increased throughout FTX. Less distinct responses to FTX were observed with cortisol, TSH and LH. The presence of biomarkers for cellular damage (myoglobin, TNF, and CRP) and increased immune response activities were also described. The scarcity of information on oxidative stress, analyses of cellular injury and biomarkers of inflammatory responses warrants the future study of these topics, which could be helpful in facilitating the safe and effective physical preparations of the members of the armed forces.

Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. Subjects and methods: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. Results: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

Postural control in athletes with different degrees of visual impairment / Controle postural de atletas com diferentes graus de deficiência visual

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe postural control in athletes with different degrees of visual impairment in erect semi-static position and verify whether it differs with sport modalities. Twenty-two athletes with total loss of vision (functional classification B1) and 17 with partial loss of vision (functional classification B2 and B3) were included in this cross-sectional study. Their sport modalities were judo (n = 17), goalball (n = 12) and five-a-side football (n=10). Postural control was investigated on a force platform with athletes in bipedal stance with eyes closed and blindfolded. The elliptical area of 95% confidence interval (mm2) and the mean displacement velocity (mm/s) were calculated. Athletes with total loss of vision presented smaller oscillation area values (p = 0.02) when compared to athletes with partial loss of vision. Considering sport modality, five-a-side athletes were found to present the best postural control. Moreover, goalball athletes oscillated less and presented a lower mean displacement velocity in relation to judoists. The differences found in postural control in visually impaired athletes seem to be associated with the degree of loss of vision and specificities of each sport modality.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o controle postural na posição ereta semiestática de atletas com diferentes graus de deficiência visual e verificar se existem diferenças de acordo com a modalidade esportiva praticada. Participaram deste estudo seccional 22 atletas com perda total da visão (classificação funcional B1) e 17 com baixa visão (classificação funcional B2 e B3) das modalidades judô (n=17), goalball (n=12) e futebol de cinco (n=10). O controle postural foi investigado utilizando uma plataforma de força, sendo calculadas a área da elipse de 95% de intervalo de confiança (mm2) e a velocidade média de deslocamento (mm/s). A tarefa postural foi realizada com os pés unidos e olhos fechados e vendados. Atletas com perda total da visão apresentaram menores valores para área de oscilação (p=0,02) em relação aos atletas com baixa visão. Na comparação quanto à modalidade esportiva, foi possível observar que os atletas de goalball oscilaram menos e apresentaram menor velocidade de deslocamento que os atletas de judô. Em paralelo, os jogadores de futebol de cinco foram aqueles que apresentaram melhor controle postural. As diferenças encontradas no controle postural de atletas com deficiência visual parecem estar associadas ao grau de perda visual e às especificidades das modalidades esportivas.

Atletas de pentatlo militar feminino com melhor composição corporal apresentam melhor desempenho na modalidade / Female military pentathlon athletes with better bodycomposition presents better modality performance

RESUMO: Com a recente ampliação do público feminino nas forças armadas, cresce a necessidade de estudos sobre a seleção e o treinamento das atletas militares brasileiras. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar as características antropométricas das atletas de Pentatlo Militar da equipe do Exército, e identificar quais variáveis estão presentes nas atletas de melhor desempenho na modalidade. Foram coletados os dados antropométricos e de desempenho atlético (seletiva para os 6º Jogos Mundiais Militares 2015) de cinco atletas de Pentatlo Militar do Exército e foram realizadas análises de grupamentos (Cluster). Foi observada a existência de dois grupos quanto à composição corporal: o formado pelas atletas com os maiores valores de massa livre de gordura e circunferência muscular do braço, bem como menores valores de soma de dobras cutâneas e percentual de gordura, pertenciam ao grupo de melhores atletas quanto a rendimento nas provas. Esse comportamento não foi observado para dimensões corporais.

ABSTRACT The recent increase of the women working for the military forces augments the need for studies that aim to optimize the selection and training of Brazilian athletes. The aim of the present study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics of female Military Pentathlon Army team, and identify which variables present the best values within the best performance athletes group. We collected anthropometric and performance data (selective for the 6th Military World Games) from five athletes of female Military Pentathlon Army team and data were analized by cluster analysis. It has been detected two groups in terms of body composition: one composed by the athletes with the highest fat free mass values and arm muscle circumference, as well as smaller sum of skinfold values and fat percentage which also composed the group of top athletic performance athletes. This fact was not observed for body size variables.

The impact of pilates exercises on the postural alignment of healthy adults / Efeito dos exercícios do método pilates no alinhamento postural de adultos saudáveis / Efecto de los ejercicios del método pilates en la alineación postural de adultos sanos

ABSTRACT Introduction: Exercises of Pilates method have been widely used to improve postural alignment. There is strong evidence favoring their use in improving flexibility and balance, as well as some evidence of improvement in muscle strength. However, the benefits related to posture are not well established. Objective: To investigate in healthy adults, the impact of the Pilates method in the postural alignment through some angles in the sagittal plane and the occurrence of pain before and after an exercise session, and after the completion of a 16-session program. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study of pre and post-intervention type. Healthy adults (n = 37) interested in starting Pilates were evaluated for acute effects on posture after a Pilates session (n = 37) and after a 16-session program, for a period of 10 weeks (n = 13). Using the postural assessment software (SAPO), six angles were analyzed: head horizontal alignment (HHA), pelvis horizontal alignment (PHA), hip angle (HA), vertical alignment of the body (VAB), thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL). The occurrence of pain was investigated to control adverse effects. Results: Statistically significant (p<0.05) differences found after one session include increased HHA (left view), decreased VAB (left view) and TK (both side views). After 16 sessions, we observed an increase of HHA, and a decrease of TK, LL (both side views) and HA (right view). All the differences point to an improvement of postural alignment. A significant reduction of prevalence of pain was verified after the first session (40.5% vs. 13.5%; p=0.004) and after the full program (30.8% vs. 15.3%; p=0.02). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Pilates method has a positive impact on postural alignment in healthy adults, besides being a safe exercise.

RESUMO Introdução: Os exercícios do método Pilates têm sido amplamente utilizados com a finalidade de melhorar o alinhamento postural. Existem evidências científicas fortes que favorecem seu uso na melhora da flexibilidade e do equilíbrio, bem como alguma evidência de melhora da força muscular. Entretanto, os benefícios relacionados à postura não estão bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: Investigar, em adultos saudáveis, o impacto do método Pilates no alinhamento postural, por meio de alguns ângulos no plano sagital e da ocorrência de dor antes e após uma sessão de exercícios, e também após o término de um programa de 16 sessões. Métodos: Este é um estudo quase-experimental do tipo pré e pós-intervenção. Adultos saudáveis (n = 37) interessados em iniciar Pilates foram avaliados quanto aos efeitos agudos sobre a postura após uma sessão de Pilates (n = 37) e após um programa de 16 sessões, por um período de 10 semanas (n = 13). Usando o software para análise postural (SAPO), seis ângulos foram analisados: alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (AHC); alinhamento horizontal da pelve (AHP), ângulo do quadril (AQ), alinhamento vertical do corpo (AVC), cifose torácica (CT) e lordose lombar (LL). A ocorrência de dor foi investigada para controlar efeitos adversos. Resultados: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) encontradas após uma sessão incluem aumento do AHC (perfil esquerdo), redução do AVC (perfil esquerdo) e da CT (ambos os perfis). Depois de 16 sessões, foi observado aumento do AHC e redução da CT, LL (ambos os perfis) e AQ (perfil direito). Todas as diferenças encontradas apontam para a melhora do alinhamento postural. Uma redução significativa de prevalência de dor foi verificada após a primeira sessão (40,5% vs. 13,5%; p = 0,004) e após o programa completo (30,8% vs. 15,3%; p = 0,02). Conclusões: Nossos resultados sugerem que o método Pilates tem impacto positivo sobre o alinhamento postural de adultos saudáveis, além de ser um exercício físico seguro.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los ejercicios del método Pilates se han utilizado ampliamente con el fin de mejorar la alineación postural. Hay una fuerte evidencia científica que favorece su uso para la mejora de la flexibilidad y el equilibrio, así como algunos indicios de mejora de la fuerza muscular. Sin embargo, los beneficios relacionados con la postura no están tan bien establecidos. Objetivo: Investigar en adultos sanos, el impacto del método de Pilates en la alineación postural a través de algunos ángulos en el plan sagital y en la aparición de dolor antes y después de una sesión de ejercicios, y también después de un programa de 16 sesiones. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio cuasi-experimental del tipo antes y después de la intervención. Se evaluaron adultos sanos (n = 37) interesados en iniciar Pilates para efectos agudos sobre la postura después de una sesión de Pilates (n = 37) y después de un programa de 16 sesiones durante 10 semanas (n = 13). Usando el software para el análisis postural (SAPO), se analizaron seis ángulos: alineación horizontal de la cabeza (AHC); alineación horizontal de la pelvis (AHP), el ángulo de cadera (AC), la alineación vertical del cuerpo (AVC), cifosis torácica (CT) y la lordosis lumbar (LL). La aparición de dolor se investigó para controlar los efectos adversos. Resultados: Las diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05) encontradas después de una sesión incluyen aumento de AHC (perfil izquierdo), reducción de la AVC (perfil izquierdo) y aumento de la CT (ambos perfiles). Después de 16 sesiones, se observó un aumento de la AHC y reducción de la CT, LL (ambos perfiles) y AC (perfil derecho). Todas las diferencias apuntan a la mejora de la alineación postural. Se observó una reducción significativa en la prevalencia del dolor después de la primera sesión (40,5% vs. 13,5% p = 0,004) y después del programa completo (30,8% vs. 15,3%, p = 0,02). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que el método Pilates tiene un impacto positivo sobre la alineación postural en adultos sanos, además de ser un ejercicio seguro.

Does low serum TSH within the normal range have negative impact on physical exercise capacity and quality of life of healthy elderly people?

Objective Investigate the differences in cardiopulmonary (CP) capacity and Quality of Life (QOL) between healthy elderly (≥ 65 years) with different TSH levels (< 1.0 and ≥ 1.0 μIU/mL) both within the normal range. Also, evaluate the effects of TSH elevation on CP test and QOL, by administering methimazole to subjects with initial lower-normal TSH, in order to elevate it to superior-normal limit. Materials and methods Initially, a cross-sectional study was performed to compare CP capacity at peak exercise and QOL (using WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire) between healthy seniors (age ≥ 65 years) with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL vs. TSH ≥1.0 μIU/mL. In the second phase, participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL were included in a non-controlled-prospective-interventional study to investigate the effect of TSH elevation, using methimazole, on QOL and CP capacity at peak exercise. Results From 89 elderly evaluated, 75 had TSH ≥ 1 μIU/mL and 14 TSH < 1 μIU/mL. The two groups had similar basal clinical characteristics. No difference in WHOQOL-OLD scores was observed between groups and they did not differ in terms of CP function at peak exercise. QOL and CP variables were not correlated with TSH levels. Twelve of 14 participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL entered in the prospective study. After one year, no significant differences in clinical caracteristics, QOL, and CP variables were detected in paired analysis before and after methimazole intervention. Conclusions We found no differences in CP capacity and QOL between health elderly with different TSH levels within normal range and no impact after one year of methimazole treatment. More prospective-controlled-randomized studies are necessary to confirm or not the possible harm effect in normal low TSH.

Association among body composition, muscle performance and functional autonomy in older adults / Associação entre composição corporal, desempenho muscular e autonomia funcional na terceira idade

Introduction Decrease in muscle mass and increase in body fat are important changes that occur with aging. Strength decline and worse resistance to fatigue can lead to a decreased functional autonomy of the elderly. Objective The present study aimed to verify the existence of a relationship between body composition, muscle strength, lower limbs fatigue and functional autonomy in active elderly women. Materials and methods The sample consisted of 29 elderly women with a mean age of 68.2 (± 7.3) years. Body composition was analyzed by total and segmental bioelectrical impedance. Muscle fatigue was assessed using electromyography, through the analysis of median frequency and root mean square during a 60-second sustained isometric knee extension contraction, at 50% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Functional autonomy was assessed by using the Latin American Development Group for Maturity (GDLAM) protocol. Results There were significant correlations between height and strength (r = 0.49), age and lean body mass (r = -0.42), body fat percentage (BF%) and GDLAM tests (r = 0.39-0.41). The lean body mass was positively correlated with strength (r = 0.55), but not with resistance to fatigue. Conclusion The lean body mass of the analyzed sample was found to be associated with the performance on the maximum strength test, but not with the performance on the resistance to fatigue test. This shows that these two parameters (strength and fatigue) are independent of one another. Elderly women with higher BF% showed worse performance on the GDLAM tests. This evidences that individuals with high adiposity levels tend to have a more limited functional autonomy. .

Introdução A diminuição da massa muscular e o aumento da gordura corporal são alterações marcantes do envelhecimento. O declínio de força e de resistência à fadiga pode levar o idoso à diminuição da autonomia funcional. Objetivo O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a existência de relação entre composição corporal, força muscular, fadiga de membros inferiores e autonomia funcional em idosas ativas. Materiais e métodos A amostra foi constituída de 29 idosas com idade média de 68,2 (± 7,3) anos. Foram analisadas a composição corporal pela bioimpedância total e segmentar e a fadiga muscular por meio da eletromiografia, pelos valores de frequência mediana e da raiz quadrática média, em um teste de um minuto a 50% da contração voluntária máxima. A autonomia funcional foi avaliada pelo protocolo do Grupo de Desenvolvimento Latino-Americano para a Maturidade (GDLAM). Resultados Foram observadas correlações significativas entre estatura e força (r = 0,49), idade e massa magra (r = -0,42), percentual de gordura (%G) e testes do GDLAM (r de 0,39 a 0,41). A massa magra se correlacionou positivamente com a força (r = 0,55), mas não com o resultado do teste de resistência à fadiga. Conclusão A massa magra das idosas avaliadas está associada ao desempenho no teste de força máxima, mas não no de resistência à fadiga, mostrando que esses dois parâmetros (força e fadiga) se comportam de maneira independente. As idosas com maior %G tiveram um pior desempenho no GDLAM, mostrando que indivíduos idosos com maiores níveis de adiposidade corporal apresentam mais limitações relacionadas à autonomia funcional. .

Lesões em tenistas amadores no Rio de Janeiro / Injuries in amateur tennis players in Rio de Janeiro / Lesiones en tenistas amateurs en Rio de Janeiro

INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento desportivo em diversas modalidades está associado à presença de lesões, principalmente quando apresenta grande volume e intensidade. Poucos estudos nacionais investigaram a prevalência de lesão em tenistas, porém, as informações sobre a localização, o tipo e o mecanismo das lesões que acometem esse grupo de atletas são importantes para a prevenção e o tratamento de tais lesões. OBJETIVO: Verificar a frequência de lesão relatada por tenistas amadores no município do Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: A avaliação foi realizada por meio de um questionário estruturado, com informações sobre a região corporal acometida, tipo e mecanismo de lesão, além de dados sobre a característica do treinamento. Os grupos formados, lesão e não lesão, foram comparados pelo teste t de Student ou Mann-Whitney e pelo teste Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher, no programa SPSS (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Dos 159 jogadores de tênis (89,3% homens; 45,3 ± 11,4 anos de idade; 8,5 ± 6,6 anos de prática esportiva) que responderam o questionário, 38,4% relataram já ter sido acometidos por alguma lesão decorrente do tênis. As regiões mais acometidas foram: cotovelo (24,5%), joelho (11,3%) e tornozelo (6,9%). Considerando todas as lesões, a tendinite foi o tipo mais relatado (24,5%), seguido por entorse (12,6%) e lesão meniscal (4,4%). Com relação ao mecanismo de lesão, os mais prevalentes foram por repetição (25,2%) e mudança de direção (15,1%). O grupo lesão apresentou maiores valores para idade (48,8 ± 10,1 vs. 43,6 ± 11,8 anos), tempo de prática da modalidade (10,5 ± 8,5 vs. 7,2 ± 4,8 anos) e massa corporal total (86,8 ± 9,8 vs. 81,0 ± 11,0 ...

INTRODUCTION: Sports training in various modalities is associated with injuries, especially when presenting large volume and intensity. Few Brazilian studies have investigated the prevalence of injury in tennis players, however, information about the location, type and mechanisms injuries which affect this group of athletes are important for prevention and treatment of such injuries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of lesions reported by amateur tennis players in the city of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The evaluation was conducted through a structured questionnaire with information about the affected body region, type and mechanism of injury, as well as data on the characteristics of the training. The groups formed, injury and non injury, were compared by Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test, and the chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, using SPSS software (p<0.05). RESULTS: Of 159 tennis players (89.3% men, 45.3±11.4 years old; 8.5±6.6 years of tennis practice) which completed the questionnaire, 38.4% reported having been affected by an injury arising from tennis. The most affected regions were: elbow (24.5%), knee (11.3%), and ankle (6.9%). Considering all injuries, tendinitis was the most frequently reported (24.5%), followed by sprain (12.6%) and meniscal injuries (4.4%). Regarding the mechanism of injury, the most prevalent were repetition (25.2%) and changes of direction (15.1%). The injury group presented higher age (48.8±10.1 vs. 43.6±11.8 years), years of tennis practice (10.5±8.5 vs. 7.2± 4.8), and total body mass (86.8±9.8 vs. 81.0±11.0kg). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of injuries in amateur tennis players in Rio de Janeiro was 38.4%, being lateral epicondylitis of the elbow the most frequent, due to the repetition of the characteristic motor actions of this sport. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: El entrenamiento deportivo en diversas modalidades está asociado a la presencia de lesiones, principalmente cuando presenta gran volumen e intensidad. Pocos estudios nacionales investigaron la prevalencia de lesión en tenistas, no obstante, las informaciones sobre la localización, el tipo y el mecanismo de las lesiones que acometen a ese grupo de atletas son importantes para la prevención y el tratamiento de tales lesiones. OBJETIVO: Verificar la frecuencia de lesión relatada por tenistas amateurs en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro. MÉTODOS: La evaluación fue realizada por medio de un cuestionario estructurado, con informaciones sobre la región corporal acometida, tipo y mecanismo de lesión, además de datos sobre la característica del entrenamiento. Los grupos formados, lesión y no lesión, fueron comparados por el test t de Student o Mann-Whitney y por el test del Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher, en el programa SPSS (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: De los 159 practicantes de tenis (89,3% hombres; 45,3 ± 11,4 años de edad; 8,5 ± 6,6 años de práctica deportiva) que respondieron el cuestionario, 38,4% relataron ya haber sido acometidos por alguna lesión proveniente del tenis. Las regiones más acometidas fueron: codo (24,5%), rodilla (11,3%) y tobillo (6,9%). Considerando todas las lesiones, la tendinitis fue el tipo más relatado (24,5%), seguido por entorsis (12,6%) y lesión meniscal (4,4%). Con relación al mecanismo de lesión, los más prevalentes fueron por repetición (25,2%) y cambio de dirección (15,1%). El grupo lesión presentó mayores valores para edad (48,8 ± 10,1 vs. 43,6 ± 11,8 años), tiempo de práctica de la modalidad (10,5 ± 8,5 vs. 7,2 ± 4,8 años) y masa corporal total (86,8 ± 9,8 vs. 81,0 ± 11,0 kg). CONCLUSIÓN: ...

Lower limb joint alignment and postural control in elderly women / Alinhamento articular de membros inferiores e controle postural em idosas

The aim of this study was to test whether quiet stance body sway is associated with ankle and knee joint angles in elderly women. Joint angles were measured using a manual goniometer and body sway was assessed using a force platform and four postural tasks with a combination of feet positions and eye condition. The sample (N = 58) showed the following angle values: 102 (100-104) for the tibiotarsal joint, 176 (174-180) for the subtalar joint, 184 (181-187) for knee flexion-extension, and 13 (10-15) for the Q-angle. Q-angle was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with center of foot pressure (CP) displacement area (r = 0.36), anteroposterior (SDy, r = 0.34) and lateral (SDx, r = 0.31) CP standard deviation, and anteroposterior CP range (r = 0.38) during the closed base, eyes opened trial (CBEO). The valgus group showed statistically higher values than the normal and varus groups for SDy (0.56 vs. 0.52 and 0.46 mm; p = 0.02), SDx (0.55 vs. 0.49 and 0.36 mm; p = 0.02) and anteroposterior range (3.32 vs. 2.78 and 2.38 mm; p = 0.01), CBEO. The displacement velocity of the CP was significantly higher for the asymmetric than the symmetric Q-angle group (8.0 vs. 5.3 mm/s - closed base, eyes closed trial). Knee alignment was correlated with measures of body sway in elderly women, but ankle alignment showed no correlation. Knee morphology should be considered an associated factor for quiet stance postural control.

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar se a oscilação corporal na postura quieta está associada aos ângulos articulares de tornozelo e joelho em idosas. Os ângulos foram medidos por um goniômetro manual e a oscilação corporal foi obtida por uma plataforma de força em quatro situações (combinando posição dos pés e condição visual). A amostra (N = 58) apresentou os seguintes valores angulares: 102 (100-104) para o tibiotársico, 176 (174-180) para o subtalar, 184 (181-187) para flexão-extensão de joelho e 13 (10-15) para ângulo Q. O ângulo Q se correlacionou significativamente (p < 0,05) com a área do deslocamento do centro de pressão dos pés (CP) (r = 0,36); com o desvio padrão anteroposterior (SDy, r = 0,34) e lateral (SDx, r = 0,31) do CP; e com a amplitude anteroposterior do CP (r = 0,38), durante a condição de base fechada, olhos abertos (BFOA). O grupo valgo, quando comparado aos grupos normal e varo, apresentou valores estatisticamente maiores de SDy (0,56 vs. 0,52 and 0,46 mm; p = 0,02), SDx (0,55 vs. 0,49 and 0,36 mm; p = 0,02) e amplitude anteroposterior (3,32 vs. 2,78 and 2,38 mm; p = 0,01), BFOA. A velocidade de deslocamento do CP foi significativamente maior para o grupo com ângulo Q assimétrico, comparando com o simétrico (8,0 vs. 5,3 mm/s - condição de base fechada, olhos fechados). O alinhamento do joelho se correlacionou com medidas de oscilação corporal em idosas, mas o tornozelo não mostrou nenhuma correlação. A morfologia do joelho deve ser considerada um fator influenciador no controle postural estático.

Moiré topography: an alternative to scoliosis evaluation in student's health

Moire's Topography (MT) is a method that detects scoliosis through shadows assymetry arised in the back. Few studies have discussed time of application, interpretation and operating cost. The aim of this study was to analyze operating aspescts of MT in students and to verify postural alterations by MT in the same group. 58 boys were analyzed in this study and through MT, the presence of shadow (fringes) in the back were evaluated where each assymetry corresponds to about 10º in Cobb's angle. MT marks were used to determine possible deviation. Data of interest received descriptive statistic analysis in variables such as total body mass, body mass index (BMI), weight, scoliosis, average time of analysis and diagnostic, and also the operation cost evaluation of equipment. Subjects (9,91 ± 0,79 years) showed total body mass of 37,83 ± 10,45kg, stature 1,42 ± 0,11m and BDI 18,53 ± 4,15 kg/m². The average time of analysis was 3,25 ± 0,29min. Among subjects 75% had deviation of one fringe in toracolumbar region that shows a scoliosis less than 10º. MT represented a fast method and of low operation cost that could be an important instrument in the screening of scoliosis. We concluded that MS confirmed to be practical and of easy handling where 94,6% subjects showed scoliosis. Our data suggests that the MSP insertion in the students' health care program of scoliosis identification is possible...

A Estereofotografia de Moiré (EFM) é um método que através da assimetria das sombras formadas no dorso detecta escoliose. Poucos os estudos tem discutido o tempo de análise, interpretação e custo operacional desta técnica. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram analisar os aspectos operacionais da (EFM) em escolares e; verificar desvios posturais pela EFM nesse mesmo grupo. Neste estudo foram analisadas 58 meninos e através da EFM, foram avaliadas a presença de sombras (franjas) no dorso, onde cada assimetria corresponde cerca de 10º no ângulo de Cobb. As marcações do EFM foram utilizadas para determinar os possíveis desvios. Os dados interesse receberam tratamento estatístico descritivo nas variáveis massa corporal total, índice de massa corporal (IMC), estatura, escoliose, tempo médio de análise e diagnóstico e, uma avaliação do custo operacional do equipamento. Os sujeitos (9,91 ± 0,79 anos) apresentaram uma massa corporal total de 37,83 ± 10,45kg, estatura 1,42 ± 0,11m e o IMC de 18,53 ± 4,15 kg/m². O tempo médio para análise foi de 3,25 ± 0,29min. Na amostra, 75% tiveram um desvio de até uma franja na região toracolombar o que indica uma escoliose menor que 10º. A EFM constituiu um método rápido e de baixo custo operacional podendo ser um instrumento importante no rastreamento de escoliose. Concluímos que a EFM de confirmou ser prático e de fácil manuseio que 94,6% dos sujeitos apresentaram escoliose. Os nossos dados sugerem que a é viável a inserção da EFM nos programas de saúde em escolares de detecção das escolioses...

Muscle performance, body fat, pain and function in the elderly with arthritis

Objective: To correlate muscule performance, body composition, pain and joint function in elderly people with gonarthrosis. Method: 21 elderly patients were submitted to bioelectrical impedance analysis, dynamometry associated with electromyographic (EMG) evaluation of isometric knee extension, in addition to pain assessment by the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale and function assessment, by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis (OA) questionnaire. Correlations were checked by the Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The sample characteristics were mean age 67.36 ± 4.21 years old, body fat percentage 40.57±6.15%, total WOMAC score 43.27 ± 16.32%, and maximum strength 19.95 ± 6.99 kgF. Pain during movement showed a statistical association with WOMAC physical activity domain (r = 0.47) and its general score (r = 0.51); pain intensity at night presented association with WOMAC stiffness domain (r = 0.55), in addition to the negative correlation with the slope values of the Medium Frequency of the EMG signal (r = - 0.57). Conclusion: pain intensity is correlated to functional incapacity in elderly people with knee OA and to a greater expression of fatigue in EMG signal. Levels of Evidence III, Study of non consecutive patients .

Composição corporal e expansão torácica em indivíduos que vivem e convivem com atrofia muscular espinhal tipo II e III / Body composition and chest expansion of type II and III Spinal muscular atrophy patients

Introdução: pacientes com atrofia muscular espinhal apresentam fraqueza muscular, problemas ortopédicos, complicações alimentares e declínio da função respiratória. Alterações na massa magra e na massa gorda também são esperadas. Objetivo: verificar a composição corporal e a expansão torácica de pacientes com atrofia muscular espinhal tipo II e III. Método: foram avaliados 14 indivíduos, sete no Grupo I (pacientes) com 9 (7 - 12)anos, 29,7 (23,5 - 60,0) kg; e sete no Grupo II (sem a doença) com 9 (9-12) anos, 31,0 (27,8 - 54,1) kg. A análise da composição corporal foi obtida pela bioimpedância elétrica monofrequencial. Os perímetros de tórax, quadril e abdômen foram medidos com uma fita métrica. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa SPSS (p < 0,05). Resultados: os pacientes apresentaram maior impedância: 1416,9 (850,5 - 1559,1) vs788,0 (68 3, 6 - 853,8), P < 0,05; e percentual de gordura: 31,2 (23,9 - 46,6) vs 19,1 (14,9 - 27,0) por cento, P<0,05. A diferença entre a perimetria de tórax em inspiração forçada e em expiração forçada foi menor para os pacientes em comparação com o Grupo II: 3,0 (0,8 - 4,4) vs. 5,0 (3,9 - 6,5) cm, P < 0,05. Conclusão: pacientes com amiotrofia muscular espinhal apresentaram maior adiposidade e menor expansão torácica.

INTRODUCTION: spinal muscular atrophy patients present muscle weakness, orthopedic problems, nutritional complications and respiratory impairment. Lean mass and fat mass modifications are also expected in this population. OBJECTIVE: to verify the body composition and chest expansion of type II and III spinal muscular atrophy patients. METHODS: fourteen individuals were evaluated: seven patients in Group I of 9 (7-12) years of age, weighing 29.7 (23.5-60.0) kg; and seven children without the disease in Group II of 9 (9-12) years, weighing 31.0 (27.8-54.1) kg. Patients' monofrequency bioelectrical impedance was used for analyze body composition. Chest, hip and abdominal girths were measured by a flexible steel tape. The SPSS program was used to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: patients presented higher impedance: 1416.9 (850.5-1559.1) vs 788.0 (683.6-853.8), P < 0.05; and fat percentage: 31.2 (23.9-46.6) vs 19.1 (14.9-27.0)%, P < 0.05. The difference between forced inspiration and forced expiration thorax girth was smaller for patients when comparing to Group II: 3.0 (0.8-4.4) vs. 5.0 (3.9-6.5) cm, P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: patients with spinal muscular atrophy presented higher adiposity and lower chest expansion.

Adiposity and postural balance control: correlations between bioelectrical impedance and stabilometric signals in elderly Brazilian women

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between body adiposity and postural control in elderly women. INTRODUCTION: Aging and obesity account for a significant portion of healthcare spending. Life expectancy is increasing worldwide, and Rio de Janeiro has the largest proportion of elderly residents of all Brazilian states. METHODS: A total of 45 women underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis, waist circumference measurements, weight and height measurements, and stabilometric tests in eight different stance conditions (opened and closed bases with both eyes opened and closed and right and left tandem and unilateral stances with eyes opened). During unilateral stances, the number of hand or foot contacts was counted. RESULTS: Weight, body mass index, waist circumference, fat percentage, and fat mass showed statistically significant (p,0.05) and positive correlations with the number of contacts made during unilateral stances. The subjects with greater fat mass showed significantly higher anterior-posterior standard deviation and range when their eyes were closed. The sway area was also greater for this group in opened base when their eyes were closed. DISCUSSION: The results relating body adiposity and postural control can be explained by the difficulty of maintaining a greater quantity of body fat mass within the limits of the individual support base, especially while assuming a unilateral stance. CONCLUSION: The subjects with a greater fat mass exhibited poor balance control, indicating that body adiposity level was associated with postural control in the elderly women examined in the present study.