Association of physical performance and sarcopenia with use of health services in elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Access is considered one of the necessary conditions for achieving effectiveness and quality in health services. However, it represents a complex construct, with several interpretations, and can be understood as the ease or degree of difficulty with which people obtain effective and timely care. Barriers to access can be related to individual characteristics and those of health systems and services. Regarding elderly people living in rural riverine localities, these limitations are exacerbated due to the territorial dispersion of households and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary care near their homes. The aim of this study was to describe and test the association of sarcopenia and physical performance with primary healthcare attributes and the use of health services by elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in households with individuals aged 60 years or older living in nine communities located on the left bank of the Negro River, in the rural riverside area of the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The study evaluated socioeconomic and demographic conditions, health services utilization and the primary care attributes related to the use of and access to services, assessed by components of the Primary Care Assessment Tool instrument (PCATool-Brazil), a reduced version validated for Brazilian adult users. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery scale, and handgrip strength was also assessed, according to a dynamometer. The Sarcopenia Formulary (SARC-F) and calf circumference (CC) were used to assess sarcopenia (SARC-CalF). The association of sarcopenia and physical performance with the study outcomes was evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression for health services utilization (having had a medical consultation in the last year), and hierarchical linear regression for the continuous outcomes of the PCATool-Brazil (total score and each of the domains). The sociodemographic variables were inserted in model 1 and the clinical variables in model 2. Variables with p<0.20 were kept in the models. RESULTS: A total of 98 elderly people (55.1% men; mean age 70±7.4 years) were included in the study. Low physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia were observed in 52.5% and 28.9% of the study participants, respectively. Elderly with better physical performance reported more health services utilization (odds ratio (OR)=1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-1.81) and higher scores in the affiliation (β=1.67; 95%CI=0.37-2.98), utilization (β=1.19; 95%CI=0.06-2.33) and longitudinality (β=0.99; 95%CI=0.09-1.90) domains of the PCATool-Brazil. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed high prevalence of impairment in physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia in elderly people living in the studied rural riverside localities. Better physical performance was associated with use of health services in the previous year and with better evaluation of some primary care attributes.

Usability and effects on gait of an optimized schoolchildren backpack.

BACKGROUND: Backpacks used by children is a global concern, because may cause musculoskeletal discomforts and pain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the usability and effects on gait kinematics wearing the Trunkpack versus a traditional backpack and no backpack. METHODS: Twenty-four children (9 to 11 years old) from a public school participated in this study. The usability was evaluated after a five-week testing period using a questionnaire. Gait kinematics was evaluated (Vicon) when the children were wearing a standard backpack, an optimized backpack (Trunkpack), and no backpack. Both backpacks were loaded with 10% of body weight. RESULTS: Was observed more trunk, hip and knee flexion when the children carried a standard backpack in comparison using the Trunkpack and not carrying a backpack (p < 0.01). The Trunkpack and no backpack were similar. The Trunkpack was well accepted by the schoolchildren (81% positive responses), 79% liked the head opening, 88% liked the waist straps, and 83% liked the facility to put and take objects in and out of the Trunkpack. CONCLUSION: Trunkpack requires less postural adjustments during gait than a standard backpack. Gait kinematics with the Trunkpack was comparable to the gait without carrying a backpack.

Sarcopenia e fatores associados em pessoas idosas residentes em localidades rurais ribeirinhas na Amazônia / Sarcopenia and associated factors in older people living in rural riverside areas of the Amazon

Resumo Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia, bem como seus fatores associados, em pessoas idosas residentes em comunidades rurais ribeirinhas de Manaus. Método Estudo transversal de base domiciliar conduzido de abril a junho de 2021 com o universo de pessoas idosas (≥60 anos) que residiam em nove comunidades rurais ribeirinhas do rio Negro, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Os sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia foram identificados por meio do Sarcopenia Formulary combinado à circunferência da panturrilha. Os aspectos sociodemográficos, o desempenho físico (equilíbrio estático em pé, velocidade de marcha em passo habitual e força muscular dos membros inferiores), a força de preensão palmar e as condições de saúde autorreferidas (hipertensão, diabetes, acidente vascular encefálico, dor lombar crônica e multimorbidade) representaram as variáveis explicativas. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para avaliação dos fatores associados aos sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia. Resultados Foram analisados os dados de 98 pessoas idosas (55,1% do sexo masculino), com idade média de 69,6±7,4 anos. Identificou-se que 50,5% apresentavam diminuição de força de preensão palmar, 52,6% incapacidade/baixo desempenho físico e 43,0% apresentaram multimorbidade. A ocorrência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia foi observada em 28,9% das pessoas idosas e associou-se à idade mais elevada (RP=1,1; IC95%=1,1-1,1) e ao maior número de moradores no domicílio (RP=1,2; IC95%=1,0-1,3). Conclusão Os achados do estudo evidenciaram elevada prevalência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia (28,9%) na população de pessoas idosas de localidades rurais ribeirinhas da Amazônia, sendo que maiores médias de idade e maior número de moradores no domicílio aumentaram a probabilidade de ocorrência dessa condição clínica.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of signs suggestive of sarcopenia and its associated factors in an older rural riverside population of the Amazon. Method A cross-sectional household-based study was carried out from April to June 2021 involving the universe of older people (age ≥60 years) living in nine rural communities on the banks of the Rio Negro, Manaus city, Amazonas state, Brazil. Signs suggestive of sarcopenia were identified using the Sarcopenia Formulary combined with calf circumference. Sociodemographic aspects, physical performance (static standing balance, gait speed at usual pace, and chair sit and stand), handgrip strength and self-reported health conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, chronic low-back pain and multimorbidity) represented the explanatory variables. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess factors associated with signs suggestive of sarcopenia. Results Data from 98 older individuals (55.1% male) with a mean age of 69.6±7.4 years were analyzed. Results revealed that 50.5% had low handgrip strength, 52.6% disability/low physical performance and 43.0% multimorbidity. Sarcopenia was identified in 28.9% of participants and associated with higher age (PR=1.1; 95%CI=1.1-1.1) and greater number of residents in the household (PR=1.2; 95%CI=1.0-1.3). Conclusion The findings of the study showed a high prevalence of signs suggestive of sarcopenia (28.9%) among the population of older people in rural riverside areas of the Amazon, where higher mean age and greater number of residents in the household increased the probability of occurrence of this clinical condition.

Self-reported chronic back pain in the elderly living in rural riverine areas in the Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported chronic low back pain and to identify the associated factors in elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional home-based survey performed in 38 riverside rural locations along the left bank of the Negro River, in the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, were analyzed. The selected elderly people answered a questionnaire comprising items related to the living conditions, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, health status and utilization of health services. The outcome was self-reported chronic back pain or problem. The association between the outcome and the independent variables was assessed using logistic regression, estimating the odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: One hundred and six residents aged 60 years or older out of a total of 277 were included in the study. The prevalence of chronic back pain among the elderly residents was 57.5% (63.3% among men and 50.0% among women). Most of them did not have any treatment related to their chronic condition (77.0%). Occupation in activities other than agricultural activities was protective for the outcome (odds ratio (OR)=0.1, 95%CI=0.0-0.9). The chronic low back pain was also associated with worse self-perceived health (OR=10.3, 95%CI=1.6-67.5). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of chronic low back pain in elderly people living in rural riverside areas, along with limited access to treatment and the different impacts on the performance of daily activities and the quality of life, reveals the relevance of this condition as a public health problem.

Using Augmented Reality with Older Adults in the Community to Select Design Features for an Age-Friendly Park: A Pilot Study.

Sedentary behavior is prevalent in older adults. Older adults often underutilize public parks for exercising because the parks do not support their needs and preferences. Engaging older adults on the redesign of parks may help promote active lifestyles. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate (1) the effects of wearing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) glasses on balance; (2) the effects of different virtual walls separating the walking trail from the roadway on older adults' gait, and (3) the preferences of the participants regarding wall design and other features. The participants were ten older adults (68 ± 5 years) who lived within two miles from the park. Balance and gait were assessed using a force plate and an instrumented mat. It was feasible to use AR with older adults in the park to evaluate features for redesign. Motion sickness was not an issue when using AR glasses, but balance was affected when wearing VR goggles. The area of postural sway increased approximately 25% when wearing AR glasses, and it increased by close to 70% when wearing VR goggles compared to no glasses. This difference is clinically relevant; however, we did not have enough power to identify the differences as statistically significant because of the small sample size and large variability. Different walls did not significantly affect the participants' gait either because they did not alter the way they walked or because the holograms were insufficiently realistic to cause changes. The participants preferred a transparent wall rather than tall or short solid walls to separate the park from the roadway.

Evaluation isometric and isokinetic of trunk flexor and extensor muscles with isokinetic dynamometer: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature analyzing the reliability and characteristics of the protocols of isokinetic and isometric evaluation of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles with isokinetic dynamometer. METHODS: This is a systematic review using PubMed, CENTRAL, LILACS, PEDro and SCOPUS databases, searching the oldest records up to December 2019. The risk of bias, the methodological quality and the level of evidence were evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. RESULTS: Fourteen articles have met the criteria and have been included in this study. All the articles performed an isometric or isokinetic evaluation of the trunk muscles with the isokinetic dynamometer and presented an analysis of the protocol's reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Five articles had excellent reliability (0.93-0.98). Most of the studies presented doubtful and inconsistent psychometric values for reliability, because they used a short period between tests. The level of evidence to the fourteen selected articles for reliability was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Although the studies present limitations in methodological quality, it was possible to identify highly reliable patterns in the parameters employed and to present recommendations for the assessment of trunk flexor and extensor muscles in the isokinetic dynamometer, both for assessment in the sitting position and orthostatic.

Accuracy of the Applied Kinesiology Muscle Strength Test for Sacroiliac Dysfunction.

Objective To investigate the accuracy of the applied kinesiology muscle strength test for sacroiliac dysfunction and compared it with four validated orthopedic tests. Methods This is a cross-sectional accuracy survey developed at a private practice in the city of Manaus, Brazil, during February 2017. The sample consisted of 20 individuals, with a median age of 33.5 years. Four tests were applied: distraction, thigh thrust, compression and sacral thrust, and the diagnosis was confirmed when three of these tests were positive. Soon after, the applied kinesiology test was applied to the piriformis muscle. Results The prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction was of 45%; the thigh thrust test had the highest specificity, and the sacral thrust test had the highest sensitivity. The applied kinesiology test presented good results (sensitivity: 0.89; specificity: 0.82; positive predictive value: 0.80; negative predictive value: 0.82; accuracy: 0.85; and area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve: 0.85). Conclusion The applied kinesiology muscle strength test, which has great clinical feasibility, showed good accuracy in diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction and greater discriminatory power for the existing dysfunction in comparison to other tests.

Accuracy of the Applied Kinesiology Muscle Strength Test for Sacroiliac Dysfunction / Acurácia do teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada para disfunção sacroilíaca

Abstract Objective To investigate the accuracy of the applied kinesiology muscle strength test for sacroiliac dysfunction and compared it with four validated orthopedic tests. Methods This is a cross-sectional accuracy survey developed at a private practice in the city of Manaus, Brazil, during February 2017. The sample consisted of 20 individuals, with a median age of 33.5 years. Four tests were applied: distraction, thigh thrust, compression and sacral thrust, and the diagnosis was confirmed when three of these tests were positive. Soon after, the applied kinesiology test was applied to the piriformis muscle. Results The prevalence of sacroiliac joint dysfunction was of 45%; the thigh thrust test had the highest specificity, and the sacral thrust test had the highest sensitivity. The applied kinesiology test presented good results (sensitivity: 0.89; specificity: 0.82; positive predictive value: 0.80; negative predictive value: 0.82; accuracy: 0.85; and area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve: 0.85). Conclusion The applied kinesiology muscle strength test, which has great clinical feasibility, showed good accuracy in diagnosing sacroiliac joint dysfunction and greater discriminatory power for the existing dysfunction in comparison to other tests.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a acurácia do teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada para disfunção sacroilíaca, comparando-o com quatro testes ortopédicos validados. Métodos Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal de acurácia desenvolvida em uma clínica particular da cidade de Manaus no mês de fevereiro de 2017. A amostra teve 20 indivíduos, com mediana de idade 33,5 anos. Foram aplicados quatro testes: distração, thigh thrust, compressão e thrust sacral, e o diagnóstico foi confirmado quando três destes testes deram positivo. Logo após, foi aplicado o teste da cinesiologia aplicada para o músculo piriforme. Resultados A prevalência de disfunção da articulação sacroilíaca observada foi de 45%, tendo o teste thigh thrust alta especificidade, e o teste thrust sacral, alta sensibilidade. O teste da cinesiologia aplicada obteve bons resultados (sensibilidade: 0,89; especificidade: 0,82; valor preditivo positivo: 0,80; valor preditivo negativo: 0,82; acurácia: 0,85; área abaixo da curva de característica de operação do receptor [COR]: 0,85). Conclusão O teste de força muscular da cinesiologia aplicada, de grande viabilidade clínica, mostrou ter boa acurácia no diagnóstico da disfunção da articulação sacroilíaca, e maior poder discriminatório da disfunção existente, em comparação aos demais testes.

Electromyography of the masticatory muscles during chewing in different head and neck postures - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this pilot study were to analyze the electromyography (EMG) activity of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during chewing in 2 different posture conditions: natural head posture (NHP) and maximum yet comfortable forward head posture (FHP) in healthy individuals; and to compare EMG activity between subjects based on their NHP during chewing. METHODS: Fifteen subjects participated. Sagittal head posture in sitting position was clinically assessed using a plumb line. Participants were classified as having FHP or upright head posture (UP). Surface EMG was used to evaluate superficial masseter and anterior temporalis bilaterally during chewing in NHP and FHP. Three trials with five chewing cycles were recorded. EMG data were normalized using a maximum voluntary contraction. An independent t-test was used to calculate differences between sides. If no differences were found, both sides were analyzed together. To analyze differences between the 2 conditions, a paired t-test was used. Independent t-test was used to calculate difference between subjects with UP and FHP. RESULTS: A significant increase in muscle activity was found for masseter muscle in the FHP condition. No differences were found in muscle activity in natural head position by posture classification. A trend of increased activity was observed for masseter and temporalis muscles during chewing in FHP. CONCLUSION: Head and neck posture was found to influence masticatory muscle activity during the function of chewing. The results of this study may help clinicians to better understand the association between head and neck posture alterations with masticatory muscles related disorders.

Influence of anthropometry on meat-packing plant workers: an approach to the shoulder joint.

This study was conducted with 90 poultry slaughterhouse workers, which perform the function of removing chicken parts from the conveyor belt, and sample was composed of 66 women (33.5 ± 6.5 years) and 24 men (35.7 ± 7.2 years), aiming to analyze the influence of anthropometry in the shoulder joint of these workers. Body discomfort was evaluated by a human body diagram, being applied at the end of the work shift. The anthropometric measurement of shoulder was performed by measuring the height of the acromion process, being compared with the height of the conveyor belt. Analysis of the results was performed by descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, percentage and percentiles 5%, 50% and 95%. It was found that the height of the conveyor belt was 1.74 meters, while the average shoulder height of workers was 1.38 meters for percentile 5%, 1.41 meters for percentile 50% and 1.65 meters for percentile 95%. The discomfort regions were shoulder 45%, neck 29%, column 26%, arms 23%, and wrists and hand 20%. The upper limb assessment was performed with percentile 5% through the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method, resulting in a final score > 7, indicating the need for adjustments of the work organization. It was concluded that the workplace does not meet the workers' anthropometric characteristics, mainly affecting the shoulder joint, and correction ergonomics becomes necessary so that the workers involved in this study can perform their functions with health, comfort and safety.

Análise cinemática do andar de crianças transportando mochilas / Kinematics variables during children`s gaint with knapsack

The obiective of this study was to describe the behavior of kinematics variables during children's gait with and without knapsack. The sample was canstituted af four female and two male school children aged between eight and nine. Two cameras with frequency af 60 Hz were used for data callection and Peak Motus system was used in data analysis. No differences in the spatial and temporal variableswere observed when subjects walked with and withaut backpack. These values were in accordance with the literature. Significant differences in velocity, cadence, trunk inclination and hip angle were found between gait with and without backpack. The behavior of hip angle was in accordance with the literature, hawever with greater values in gait using knapsack. This can be consequence of a compensatory posture af the trunk. Otherwise, the pelvis and knee angles did not present significant difference between gait with and without backpack