Acute outcomes of acupuncture and dry needling over peripheral acute fatigue in untrained healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Peripheral acute fatigue (PAF) is defined as when the skeletal muscle is incapable of generating power. We aimed to investigate the acute effects of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) and dry needling (DN) over PAF induced on the biceps brachii of untrained healthy volunteers. We conducted a randomized, single-blind controlled clinical trial. All volunteers (n = 45) underwent fatigue induction protocols repeated before and after treatment with TCA (TCA group; TCAg; n = 15), DN (DN group; DNg; n = 15), and rest (control group; Cg; n = 15). Assessments of PAF, skin temperature, and exercise time occur before and after each event: 1st fatigue induction (FI), treatment, and 2nd FI. We used repeated measures ANOVA adjusted with Bonferroni post hoc test to determine any change in tested variables (PAF-VAS, PAF-EMG, and skin temperature) at different time points compared to the baseline. Paired Samples t-test was used for the variable exercise times. All statistical tests considered' the significance level at p ≤ 0,05. There was no difference between groups in acute fatigue recovery (p = 0.19). All intragroup analyses were significant (p ≤ 0.05) and all volunteers show a reduction in fatigue perception after treatment (p ≤ 0,05), however, exercise time did not ameliorate after TCA or DN (p > 0.77). A single session of TCA and, DN can equally reduce fatigue, temperature, and exercise time over PAF induced on biceps brachii of untrained healthy volunteers.

Surface electromyography signal processing and evaluation on respiratory muscles of critically ill patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) has been used to monitor respiratory muscle function and contractility in several clinical situations, however there is the lack of standardization for the analysis and processing of the signals. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the respiratory muscles most assessed by sEMG in the critical care setting and the assessment procedure details employed on those muscles regarding electrode placement, signal acquisition, and data analysis. METHODS: A systematic review of observational studies was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42022354469). The databases included PubMed; SCOPUS; CINAHL, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Two independent reviewers ran the quality assessment of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Downs & Black checklists. RESULTS: A total of 311 participants were involved across the 16 studies, from which 62.5% (10) assessed the diaphragm muscle and 50% (8) assessed the parasternal muscle with similar electrode placement in both of them. We did not identify common patterns for the location of the electrodes in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles. 12/16 reported sample rate, 10/16 reported band-pass and 9/16 reported one method of cardiac-interference filtering technique. 15/16 reported Root Mean Square (RMS) or derivatives as sEMG-obtained variables. The main applicabilities were the description of muscle activation in different settings (6/16), testing of reliability and correlation to other respiratory muscles assessment techniques (7/16), and assessment of therapy response (3/16). They found sEMG feasible and useful for prognosis purposes (2/16), treatment guidance (6/16), reliable monitoring under stable conditions (3/16), and as a surrogate measure (5/16) in mechanically ventilated patients in elective or emergency invasive procedures (5/16) or in acute health conditions (11/16). CONCLUSIONS: The diaphragm and parasternal muscles were the main muscles studied in the critical care setting, and with similar electrodes placement. However, several different methods were observed for other muscles electrodes placement, sEMG signals acquisition and data analysis.

Effects of mat Pilates on older adult women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder in the world and its incidence is rising, and one of the most frequent causes of pain, loss of function and disability in adults. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Mat Pilates on health status, pain, stiffness, and functionality of older adult women with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A randomized-controlled trial to preliminarily test an intervention protocol of Mat Pilates in older women with KOA on health status, pain, stiffness, and functionality. This study included 41 volunteers with age over 40 years, which mean was 52.1 ± 8.9 years, and were allocated into Mat Pilates and control groups. The protocol was developed to be performed in 60 min, twice a week; the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Medical Outcomes Study 36 (SF-36) were used to assess pain, to evaluate functionality and stiffness. RESULTS: The Mat Pilates group significantly improved the functional capacity assessed by SF-36 (33.12 ± 22.03 to 69.37 ± 22.43, p < 0.05), and by WOMAC (29.75 ± 6.92 to 9.75 ± 9.35, p < 0.05). The pain domain also improved in Mat Pilates group assessed by SF-36 (39.50 ± 12.89 to 71.75 ± 18.66, p < 0.05) and by WOMAC (8.00 ± 2.56 to 2.75 ± 3.01, p < 0.05). The total score of WOMAC (41.75 ± 10.39 to 14.25 ± 13.88, p < 0.05), and the general health status assessed by SF-36 (59.44 ± 18.07 to 82.75 ± 12.03, p < 0.05) only improved for Mat Pilates group. No differences were observed in outcomes for the control group in both questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Our results show that Mat Pilates protocol can improve the health status, pain, and functionality of older women with KOA.

Inter-rater Accuracy and Reliability of a Palpation Protocol of the C7 Spinous Process Comprising a Combination of 3 Traditional Palpation Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and intrarater reliability of a palpatory protocol based on a combination of 3 palpatory methods to identify both the C7 spinous process (C7 SP) and the factors that affect the errors and inaccuracy of palpation. METHODS: Twenty-five women between the ages of 18 and 60 years were submitted to a palpation protocol of the C7 SP, and a radiopaque marker was fixed on the skin at the possible location of the vertebrae. A radiograph and a photograph of the cervical spine were obtained in the same posture by a first rater. A second rater performed the same palpation protocol and took a second photograph. The accuracy and measurement error of the palpation protocol of C7 SP were assessed through radiographic images. The inter-rater reliability was estimated by the interclass correlation coefficient and assessed using photographs of each rater. The Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), the Fisher exact test, and the χ2 test were used to identify the factors associated with the error and inaccuracy of palpation. RESULTS: Accuracy of the C7 palpation was 76% with excellent reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). There was a moderate correlation between weight and the measurement of palpation error (r = -0.6; P = .003). One hundred percent of inaccuracy palpation was related to the increased soft-tissue thickness (P = .005) in the cervical region. CONCLUSION: The palpation protocol described in this study was accurate and presented excellent reliability in identifying the C7 SP. Increased weight and dorsocervical fat pad were associated to error and palpation inaccuracy, respectively.

Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Multicomponent Training on the Risk of Falls and Quality of Life in Elderly Women with Osteoporosis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Osteoporosis and the risk of falls increase the risk of fractures and events of falls. Prescriptions and programs for different forms of exercise have different impacts on the risk of falls, and exercises from multiple categories of whole-body vibration can be effective. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of whole-body vibration (WBV) protocol combined with multicomponent training (MCT) in elderly women with osteoporosis and their history of falls. Our proposal is a protocol for a randomized clinical trial, divided into two stages: First, development of a protocol for WVB combined with MCT for elderly women with osteoporosis and a history of falls, under the Guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine, and following the recommendations of the Standard Protocol Items Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT), and second, a randomized controlled clinical trial following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). This trial will have implications for the effectiveness of a vibration protocol combined with multicomponent exercise on the risk of falls and quality of life for older women with osteoporosis. We expect that adding full-body vibration to an exercise protocol will decrease the risk of falls and improve participants' quality of life, as well as their strength, balance, and functional capacity.

O uso da câmera termográfica no diagnóstico auxiliar do aspecto celulítico / The use of a thermographic camera in aiding the diagnosis of cellulite appearance

A celulite estética é uma disfunção caracterizada pela pele com aspecto de "casca de laranja" e tem afetado negativamente à autoestima e o convívio social de mais de 80% das mulheres pós-púberes. O conteúdo em questão cobre a escassez de estudos avaliativos na área da estética e favorece a padronização da técnica para avaliação dessa disfunção. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de verificar o uso da termografia como método auxiliar no diagnóstico de possíveis alterações circulatórias na região glútea, como em casos do aspecto celulítico e investigar a possibilidade de prevenção do seu agravamento. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, realizado com dezoito mulheres voluntárias de 18 e 35 anos, portadoras de estrias albas na região glútea, sem tratamento medicamentoso com substâncias fotossensíveis, ou em uso da isotretinoína, ou ainda em tratamento tópico específico na região de nádegas. As participantes foram divididas em 2 grupos, sendo o grupo 1 (imagens termográficas não uniforme) e grupo 2 (imagem termográfica uniforme). As avaliações do aspecto celulítico foram feitas através de fotografias convencionais, termografia e por 3 especialistas na área da fisioterapia dermatofuncional. Os resultados permitiram demonstrar que a gravidade da celulite não pode ser classificada apenas através de uma avaliação visual ou de questionários, pois, as participantes que não possuem a característica física da celulite, demonstraram na termografia, um comprometimento circulatório, que sugere um possível risco para adquirir a celulite. Portanto, esse estudo concluiu que um diagnóstico prévio através da câmera termográfica pode ajudar na prevenção dessa disfunção.

Aesthetic cellulite is a disorder characterized by the skin with an "orange peel" appearance and has negatively affected the self-esteem and social life of more than 80% of post-pubertal women. The content in question covers the scarcity of evaluative studies in the area of aesthetics and favors the standardization of a technique for evaluating this dysfunction. The present study aimed to verify the use of thermography as an auxiliary method in the diagnosis of possible circulatory alterations in the gluteal region, as in cases of cellulite appearance, and to investigate the possibility of preventing its worsening. This is an observational study, carried out with eighteen female volunteers aged between 18 and 35 years old, with striae alba in the gluteal region, without drug treatment with photosensitive substances, or using isotretinoin, or still applying any specific topical treatment on the buttocks. The participants were divided into 2 groups, which were group 1 (non-uniform thermographic images) and group 2 (uniform thermographic images). Assessments of the cellulite's appearance were performed through conventional photographs, thermography, and by 3 specialists in the field of dermatofunctional physiotherapy. The results showed that the severity of cellulite cannot be classified only through a visual assessment or questionnaires, since the participants who do not have the physical characteristic of cellulite, demonstrated through the thermography, a circulatory compromise, which suggests a possible risk in developing cellulite. Therefore, this study concluded that a previous diagnosis through a thermographic camera can help in the prevention of this dysfunction.

Perfil de idosos atendidos na fisioterapia em universidade federal entre 2009-2019: estudo retrospectivo / Profile of elderly care in physiotherapy at a federal university between 2009-2019: retrospective study

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar perfil de idosos atendidos em laboratório de pesquisa em fisioterapia do Recife. Foi um estudo descritivo, longitudinal e retrospectivo que analisou prontuários de pacientes idosos ≥ 60 anos, datados entre 2009-2019. As variáveis coletadas foram sociodemográficas, clínicas e antropométricas, e a análise dos dados foi realizada no SPSS, versão 23.0, utilizando análise descritiva. As variáveis categóricas estão expressas em frequência absoluta e relativa, e as quantitativas em média e desvio padrão. Foram analisados dados de 187 idosos, com média de idade 68,88 ±6,47; 154 (82,4%) eram do sexo feminino; 80 (43%) eram casados e 122 (52%) residiam em Recife. Das cidades da região metropolitana, Jaboatão dos Guararapes apresentou grande concentração dessa população. Os desfechos apresentaram uma população que está acima do peso e cujo diagnóstico predominante foi osteoporose. Dentre as comorbidades frequentemente associadas estão a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, obesidade, artrose, dores articulares e diabetes. O perfil de idosos atendidos na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco foi importante para identificar as principais características dessa população, suas comorbidades e assim nortear abordagens clínicas de suporte ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

This study aimed to analyze the profile of elderly people seen in a physical therapy research laboratory in Recife. It was a descriptive, longitudinal, and retrospective study that analyzed medical records of elderly patients ≥ 60 years old, dated between 2009-2019. The variables collected were sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric and data analysis was performed in SPSS, version 23.0, using descriptive analysis. Categorical variables are expressed in absolute and relative frequency, and quantitative variables in mean and standard deviation. Data from 187 elderly people were analyzed, with a mean age of 68.88 ± 6.47; 154 (82.4%) were female; 80 (43%) were married and 122 (52%) lived in Recife. Of the cities in the metropolitan region, Jaboatão dos Guararapes showed a large concentration of this population. The outcomes presented a population that is overweight and whose predominant diagnosis was osteoporosis. Among the comorbidities frequently associated are systemic arterial hypertension, obesity, osteoarthritis, joint pain, and diabetes. The profile of elderly people attended at the Federal University of Pernambuco was important to identify the main characteristics of this population, their comorbidities and thus guide clinical approaches to support the Unified Health System (UHS).

Efeitos da auriculoterapia com sementes de mostarda na dor lombar crônica de profissionais de enfermagem / Efectos de la auriculoterapia con semillas de mostaza en el dolor lumbar crónico de los profesionales de enfermería / Effects of auriculotherapy with mustard seeds on chronic low back pain of nursing professionals

RESUMO Mais de 60% dos trabalhadores de enfermagem apresentam episódio de lombalgia durante um ano, provocando um impacto socioeconômico negativo, uma vez que é uma das maiores causas de faltas e afastamentos do trabalho. A auriculoterapia é uma técnica da acupuntura de baixo custo e não invasiva, que utiliza o pavilhão auricular como um microssistema do organismo humano mapeado por pontos que, estimulados, podem tratar diversas enfermidades. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a eficácia da auriculoterapia com sementes de mostarda (Brassica juncea) na melhora da dor, na funcionalidade e na mobilidade lombar de profissionais técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem do sexo feminino com dor lombar crônica. Foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado cego, dividido em dois grupos: um utilizou sementes de mostarda para acupressão nos pontos auriculares "Shen-Men", "Rim", "Simpático" e "Coluna Lombar" e o grupo placebo utilizou espuma de poliuretano de baixa densidade no lugar das sementes. Cada grupo realizou quatro sessões de auriculoterapia, uma vez por semana. Os grupos foram analisados por meio de termogramas infravermelhos e algometria por pressão para a dor, a medida dedo-chão para mobilidade e Questionário Roland-Morris para funcionalidade da coluna, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A auriculoterapia com sementes de mostarda reduziu a temperatura média nos termogramas analisados em 0,8°C, bem como, aumentou o limiar de dor à pressão na coluna lombar das voluntárias em 0,4 Kgf, o que demonstra uma melhora significativa da dor lombar. Portanto, a auriculoterapia com sementes de mostarda mostrou-se eficaz na melhora da dor lombar.

RESUMEN Más del 60% de los trabajadores de enfermería tienen un episodio de dolor lumbar durante un año, causando un impacto socioeconómico negativo, ya que es una de las mayores causas de ausencias y despidos del trabajo. La auriculoterapia es una técnica de acupuntura de bajo costo y no invasiva que utiliza el pabellón auricular como un microsistema del organismo humano mapeado por puntos que, estimulados, pueden tratar diversas enfermedades. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la eficacia de la auriculoterapia con semillas de mostaza (Brassica juncea) en la mejora del dolor, la funcionalidad y la movilidad lumbar de mujeres profesionales técnicas y auxiliares de enfermería con dolor lumbar crónico. Se realizó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado ciego, dividido en dos grupos: uno utilizó semillas de mostaza para acupresión en los puntos auriculares "Shen-Men", "Riñón", "Simpático" y "Columna Lumbar" y el grupo placebo utilizó espuma de poliuretano de baja densidad en lugar de las semillas. Cada grupo realizó cuatro sesiones de auriculoterapia una vez por semana. Los grupos se analizaron mediante termogramas infrarrojos y algometría de presión para el dolor, prueba de distancia dedos-suelo para la movilidad y Cuestionario Roland-Morris para la funcionalidad de la columna vertebral, con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. La auriculoterapia con semillas de mostaza redujo la temperatura promedio en los termogramas analizados en 0,8°C, así como aumentó el umbral de dolor a presión en la columna lumbar de las voluntarias en 0,4 Kgf, lo que demuestra una mejora significativa en el dolor lumbar. Por lo tanto, la auriculoterapia con semillas de mostaza ha demostrado ser eficaz para mejorar el dolor lumbar.

ABSTRACT More than 60% of nursing workers have an episode of low back pain for one year, causing a negative socioeconomic impact, as this is one of the major causes of absence from work. Auriculotherapy is a low-cost, non-invasive acupuncture technique that uses the auricular pavilion as a microsystem of the human organism mapped by points that when stimulated can treat several ailments. Thus, this study aims to verify the efficacy of mustard seed (Brassica juncea) auriculotherapy in alleviating pain, improving functionality and lumbar mobility of female technical professionals and nursing assistants with chronic low back pain. A blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with two groups: one group used mustard seeds for acupressure in the ear points "Shen-Men," "Kidney," "Sympathetic," and "Lumbar Spine"; the placebo group used low density polyurethane foam in place of seeds. Each group performed four auriculotherapy sessions, one per week. The groups were analyzed using infrared thermograms and pressure algometry for pain, finger-floor measurement for mobility and Roland-Morris Questionnaire for spine functionality, with a 95% confidence interval. Mustard seed auriculotherapy reduced the average temperature in the thermograms analyzed by 0.8 °C, as well as increased the pain threshold to lumbar spine pressure of the volunteers by 0.4 Kgf, which shows a significant improvement of low back pain. Therefore, mustard seed auriculotherapy was effective in alleviating low back pain.

Efetividade da drenagem linfática manual associada a bandagem funcional na melhora clínica do fibro edema gelóide em gestantes: ensaio clínico, controlado e randomizado / Effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage associated with functional banding in the clinical improvement of gynoid lipodystrophy in pregnant women: a clinical, controlled and randomized trial

No período gestacional, mulheres podem desencadear disfunções hormonais que induzem ao acúmulo de edema e nódulos fibróticos, favorecendo a formação de relevos cutâneos ocasionando sensação dolorosa. Sendo assim, este estudo visou comparar a efetividade da drenagem linfática manual com ou sem o uso da bandagem funcional no fibro edema gelóide (FEG) em gestantes no segundo e terceiro trimestre gestacional. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado, composta por três grupos: G1: Drenagem Linfática Manual (DLM); G2: DLM + Bandagem Funcional (BF); G3: Grupo Controle. Critério de inclusão: gestantes no segundo e terceiro trimestre, primípara e multípara e gestação de feto único. Realizou-se a DLM na região dos glúteos e membros inferiores e a BF aplicada da região inguinal em forma de teia direcionada a região medial dos glúteos, usando uma tensão superficial de 10%. Utilizou-se um protocolo de avaliação do fibro edema gelóide (PAPEG), anamnese, exame físico com inspeção, teste de preensão, teste de sensibilidade tátil (monofilamento de semmes ­ weinstein), avaliação da sensibilidade, grau, dor, recomendação e satisfação da paciente. Foram realizadas fotos da região do glúteo do antes e depois e avaliadas por 10 especialistas através da fotogrametria. Observou-se uma melhora clínica significativa no grupo drenagem e na associação com a bandagem quando comparado ao grupo controle pelos 10 especialistas. Houve uma melhora significativa nas notas dos especialistas nos grupos G1 e G2, quando comparado ao G3. Portanto, o presente estudo demonstrou uma melhora clínica no fibro edema gelóide das gestantes que receberam a DLM isolada, e na associação com a BF, quando comparado ao grupo controle.

During pregnancy, women can trigger hormonal dysfunctions that induce the accumulation of edema and fibrotic nodules, favoring the formation of rifted skin causing a painful sensation. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage with or without the use of functional bandages in gynoid lipodystrophy (GLD) in pregnant women in the second and third trimester. This was a randomized clinical trial, composed of three groups: G1: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD); G2: MLD + Functional Bandage (FB); G3: Control Group. Inclusion criteria: pregnant women in the second and third trimester, primiparous or multiparous and a single fetus pregnancy. MLD was performed in the gluteal region and lower limbs, and FB was applied from the inguinal region in the form of a web directed to the medial gluteal region, using a surface tension of 10%. An evaluation protocol for gynoid lipodystrophy (EPGLD) with anamnesis, a physical examination with an inspection, a grip test, tactile sensitivity test (Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test), assessing the patient's sensitivity, grade, pain, recommendation, and satisfaction was used. Photos were taken of the gluteus region before and after and were then evaluated by 10 specialists through photogrammetry. There was a significant clinical improvement in the drainage group and in the association with the bandage when compared to the control group by the 10 specialists. There was a significant improvement in the scores of specialists in groups G1 and G2, when compared to G3. Therefore, the present study demonstrated a clinical improvement in gynoid lipodystrophy of pregnant women who received MLD alone, and in association with FB, when compared to the control group.

Global Postural Re-education in non-specific neck and low back pain treatment: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal pain is an important public health issue that brings biopsychosocial problems. Global Postural Re-education (GPR) is one of its treatments. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of GPR on pain, flexibility, and posture of individuals with non-specific low back pain and/or neck pain for more than six weeks. METHODS: The study enrolled 18 individuals, which were randomized into two groups: GPR group (GPRG; n= 09), submitted to 10 sessions of GPR and control group (CG; n= 09), not submitted to any technique. The evaluations were done before and after the GPRG sessions, for pain perception (Visual Analogue Scale - VAS), flexibility (finger-floor test) and posture (SAPO). The re-evaluation was done in the GPRG after the end of 10 treatment sessions and, in the GC, after the time equivalent to 10 sessions. The level of significance was set at p< 0.05. RESULTS: This pilot study has no homogeneity between groups. GPRG presented improvement in pain and flexibility, but showed no changes in posture. In the CG, there was no difference in the variables evaluated in this study. CONCLUSION: GPR had positive effects on pain and flexibility, but did not present a significant effect on posture.

A single whole body vibration session influences quadriceps muscle strength, functional mobility and balance of elderly with osteopenia and/or osteoporosis? Pragmatic clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study verify the immediate effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on quadriceps muscle strength, functional mobility and balance in elderly patients with Osteopenia and/or Osteoporosis. METHODS: This was a randomized pragmatic clinical trial with 34 elderly (32 women) randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG; n = 17) who underwent low-frequency (16 Hz) WBV and the control group (CG; n = 17) who performed the walk. Outcome measures were: quadriceps muscle strength measured by a maximal repetition test (1RM); functional mobility assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and balance assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). RESULTS: In within-group interaction, a significant increase was observed in quadriceps muscle strength (EG:p = 0.047) and balance (EG: p = 0,012; CG: p = 0,007). In between-groups interaction, a significant difference was not observed. There was an increase in the muscular strength of the EG and in the balance in both groups. CONCLUSION: An WBV training session was able to alter the muscular strength of the LQ and the balance of the elderly with Osteopenia and/or Osteoporosis. It is suggested, however, that future studies involving larger sample number and/or populations should be developed to analyze the short-term effects of WBV.

Método Pilates: benefí­cios e aplicabilidade para melhorar a qualidade de vida / Pilates method: benefits and applicability to improve the quality of life

O método Pilates de condicionamento corporal foi criado por Joseph H. Pilates, que transmitiu os benefícios de um equilíbrio perfeito entre corpo e mente, e chamou de Contrologia, coordenação completa do corpo, da mente e do espírito. Utilizando princípios específicos para promover a integração entre eles, que são a concentração, centro de força (power house), fluidez, precisão, respiração e controle dos movimentos. Como o número de praticantes do método Pilates tem aumentado muito nas últimas décadas demonstra a necessidade de evidências científicas sobre os benefícios desse método. Sendo assim, este artigo teve como objetivo geral verificar através de um levantamento bibliográfico no qual foram realizadas buscas sistematizadas em três bases de dados eletrônicas (Lilacs, Scielo e Google Acadêmico). Os termos de busca utilizados nas bases foram Pilates, método Pilates, indicações do método Pilates e contraindicações do método Pilates. Dentre os resultados, verificou-se que o método Pilates é utilizado como recurso para condicionamento físico e mental em diversas áreas da saúde, e os estudos analisados evidenciaram a eficácia do método Pilates como ferramenta na prevenção, promoção, reabilitação e melhora da qualidade de vida das pessoas que o praticam. (AU)

The Pilates method of body conditioning was created by Joseph H. Pilates, who conveyed the benefits of a perfect balance between body and mind, and called Contrology, complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Using specific principles to promote integration between them, they are concentration, power house, fluidity, precision, breathing and movement control. Since the number of Pilates practitioners has increased greatly in the last decades, scientific evidence on the benefits of the Pilates method is needed. Therefore, this article had as general objective to verify through a bibliographic survey carried out in three electronic databases (Lilacs, Scielo and Academic Google). The search terms used in the bases were Pilates, Pilates method, Pilates method indications and contraindications of the Pilates method. Among the results it was verified that the Pilates method is used as a resource for physical and mental conditioning in several areas of health and the studies analyzed demonstrated the effectiveness of the Pilates method as a tool in prevention, promotion, rehabilitation and improvement of people's quality of life who practice it. (AU)

Effect of low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of TE5 (waiguan) and PC6 (neiguan) acupoints on cold-induced pain.

[Purpose] This study assesse the effect of low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of theTE5 (waiguan) and PC6 (neiguan) acupoints on cold-induced pain. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-eight subjects were divided by convenience into three groups: TENS with electrodes of 1 cm(2) area, TENS with electrodes of area 15 cm(2) and a placebo group. The study consisted of three phases: cold-induced pain without electroanalgesia, cold-induced pain with electroanalgesia or placebo, and cold-induced pain post-electroanalgesia or placebo. [Results] Acupuncture like TENS increased the pain threshold latency during treatment (45.7 ± 11.7s) compared to pre-treatment (30.9 ± 8.9s) in the TENS group with 1 cm(2) electrodes. In the TENS group with 15 cm(2) electrodes, the pain threshold latency increased at post-treatment (36.2 ± 12.9s) compared to pre-treatment (25.5 ± 7.4s). The placebo group showed no significant changes. The group with 1 cm(2) electrodes showed a significantly higher pain threshold latency (45.7 ± 11.7s) than the other two groups. At post-treatment, the pain threshold latencies of both the 1 cm(2) (39.4 ± 11.5s) and 15 cm(2) (36.2 ± 12.9s) TENS group were higher than that of the placebo group (22.4 ± 7.4s). [Conclusion] Acupuncture like TENS applied to PC6 and TE5 acupoints increased the pain threshold latency. The pain intensity was reduced by TENS with an electrode area of 1 cm(2).

Hippotherapy as a treatment for socialization after sexual abuse and emotional stress.

[Purpose] Hippotherapy is a therapeutic resource that uses the horse as a kinesiotherapy instrument to elicit motor and cognitive improvements in individuals with special needs. [Subjects and Methods] This research evaluated two women aged 18 and 21 years, who had suffered sexual violence when they were children between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. The subjects did not have mental dysfunction but they were regular students registered at a school of special education. The patients presented severe motor limitation, difficulty with coordination, significant muscular retractions, thoracic and cervical kyphosis, cervical protrusion wich was basically a function of the postures they had adopted when victims of the sexual violence suffered in childhood. The patients performed twenty sessions of 30 minutes of hippotherapy on a horse. The activities were structured to stimulate coordination, proprioception, the vestibular and motor-sensorial systems for the improvement of posture, muscle activity and cognition. [Results] The activities provided during the hippotherapy sessions elicited alterations in postural adjustment resulting in 30% improvement, 80% improvement in coordination in, 50% improvement in corporal balance and in sociability and self-esteem. [Conclusion] Hippotherapy proved to be an effective treatment method for coordination, balance and postural correction, and also improved the patients' self-esteem that had suffered serious emotional stress.

Relação entre o número de casos de hanseníase e o número de unidades básicas na cidade de Primavera do Leste-MT, Brasil / Relationship between the number of cases of leprosy and the number of basic units in Primavera do Leste-MT, Brasil

Objetivo - Estabelecer a relação do número das unidades de saúde e a taxa de prevalência da doença. Métodos - Foi realizado um estudo ecológico exploratório, da evolução temporal dos indicadores epidemiológicos da hanseníase e o número de unidades básicas no município de Primavera do Leste-MT. A relação entre o número de unidades de saúde e os coeficientes de incidência 0-14 anos, coeficiente de incidência e coeficiente de prevalência foi medida através do coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson e sua significância pelo teste t em nível de 5% de probabilidade de erro. Resultados - Mesmo com o aumento do número de unidades existe uma prevalência da doença com algumas variações de ano para ano. Em relação a isso nos gráficos apresentados existe uma predominância no ano de 2005 no aumento de notificações da doença. Conclusão - Não houve correlação significativa entre o número de unidades de saúde e os coeficientes de prevalência, incidência e incidência 0-14 anos.

Objective - To establish the relationship between the number of health facilities and prevalence of the disease. Methods - It was conducted an exploratory ecological study of the temporal evolution of the epidemiological indicators of leprosy and the number of basic units in the municipality of Primavera do Leste-MT. The relationship between the number of health units and the incidence rates 0-14 years, incidence rate and prevalence rate was measured by the linear correlation coefficient of Pearson and its significance by test at 5% probability error. Results - Even with the increased number of units there is a prevalence of disease with some variations from year to year. In relation to that presented in the graphs there is a predominance in the year 2005 in increased reports of illness. Conclusion - There was no significant correlation between the number of health units and the rates of prevalence, incidence and incidence 0-14 years.

A influência do ultrassom e do treinamento físico sobre os triglicérides séricos e intramusculares em ratos diabéticos experimentais / The influence of ultrasound and physical trainning on serum and muscle tryglicerides in experimental diabetic rats

O ultrassom terapêutico é visto hoje como um dos recursos mais utilizados na prática da medicina clínica e o exercício físico é consolidado como uma terapêutica eficaz e eficiente em diversos casos, porém ainda pouco investigados em conjunto; por isso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a influência do ultrassom e do exercício físico sobre as concentrações de triglicérides sérico e intramusculares (IMTG) em ratos diabéticos experimentais. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar adultos divididos em oitos grupos: Diabéticos Sedentários (DS), Diabéticos Treinados (DT), Diabéticos Sedentários e Ultrassom (DSUs), Diabéticos Treinados e Ultrassom (DTUs), Controle Sedentário (CS), Controle Treinado (CT), Controle Sedentário e Ultrassom (CSUs), Controle Treinado e Ultrassom (CTUs). O protocolo de treinamento constituía de natação cinco dias por semana, 30 minutos, por dia com uma carga máxima equivalente a 8 por cento da massa corporal, durante três semanas. A terapia ultrassônica foi realizada cinco dias por semana, durante duas semanas, com intensidade de 0,2W/cm² e frequência de 1,0MHz. Não houve diferenças significativas nos triglicerídeos séricos e nos músculo Tibial Anterior e Gastrocnêmio. Para o músculo Sóleo as concentrações dos grupos diabéticos foram menores comparados com as dos grupos controles e também entre os grupos DT e DTUs comparado com DS e DSUS, sendo que treinados apresentaram as menores concentrações. O ultrassom pulsado na intensidade proposta não influenciou as concentrações séricas de triglicerídeos nem de IMTG. Porém o exercício físico foi eficaz em reduzir IMTG no músculo Sóleo.

Therapeutic ultrasound is seen today as one of the most useful resources in the practice of clinical medicine and physical exercise is consolidated as an effective and efficient therapeutics in several cases; however, they are still little investigated when associated. Therefore, the present work has as the aim to analyze the influences of ultrasound and physical exercise on serum and muscle triglycerides concentrations in experimental diabetes rats. Adult Wistar rats were used and divided in eight groups: Sedentary Diabetics (SD), Trained Diabetics (TD), Sedentary Diabetic and Ultrasound (SDUs), Trained Diabetic and Ultrasound (TDUs), Sedentary Control (SC), Trained Control (TC), Sedentary and Ultrasound Controls (SUCs), Trained Control and Ultrasound (TCUs). The training protocol was composed of swimming exercise five days a week, 30 daily minutes and with maximum load of 8 percent of body mass during three weeks. The ultrasound therapy was performed five days a week, for two weeks, with intensity of 0.2W/cm² and frequency of 1.0MHz. No significant differences were observed in the serum triglycerides or in the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles. Concerning the soleus muscle, the diabetic groups showed lower concentrations compared to the control groups and TD, and TDUs groups showed lower concentrations compared to SD and SDSU, with the trained groups presenting the lowest concentrations. The pulsed ultrasound in the intensity investigated did not influence serum triglycerides or IMTG. However, exercise was effective in reducing soleus muscle triglycerides.

Influence of ultrasound and physical activity on bone healing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound treatment of experimental bone fractures and the effects of physical exercise on the speed of bone consolidation. Osteotomy was performed on the upper third of the right tibia of rats. Physical training consisted of swimming 1 h per d with a load of 5% body weight and therapy with medium-intensity ultrasound was applied for 5 min daily. Young adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) osteotomized sedentary animals with no ultrasound treatment (OSnUS); (2) trained with no ultrasound treatment (OTnUS); (3) sedentary with ultrasound treatment (OSwUS); and (4) trained with ultrasound treatment (OTwUS). The animals were sacrificed for the following analyses: muscle glycogen and serum alkaline phosphatase on the 5th, 10th, 20th and 30th days and histological slices of the bone on the 5th and 20th days. The results show that ultrasound is better in the initial phases of the process of bone tissue repair and physical exercise at the end of bone consolidation. These facts suggest that the treatments herein used prove favorable to the bone regenerative process, as the overall ossification process has been accelerated.

Efeitos do laser de HeNe na cicatrização de úlceras varicosas em pacientes diabéticos / Effects of HeNe laser on healing of varicose ulcers in diabetic patients

As úlceras são responsáveis por um alto índice de morbidade em pacientes diabéticos, gerando situações de difícil manejo, tanto para os indivíduos acometidos quanto para seus familiares, além dos altos custos econômicos decorrentes dos cuidados com curativos e internações. Portanto, é crescente o interesse em se desenvolver meios alternativos de tratamento para as úlceras crônicas. Associado ao tratamento padrão, a laserterapia de baixa intensidade vem sendo empregada como um recurso fisioterapêutico capaz de apresentar resposta efetiva na cicatrização tecidual. Com objetivo de analisar a eficácia do tratamento com laser de HeNe (632,8 nm), com dose de 6 J/cm2 em um tempo de 4 minutos, de forma pontual, utilizamos dois pacientes diabéticos com úlcera varicosa presente há mais de 6 meses. O tratamento com laser foi realizado em apenas 1 paciente. Os resultados foram avaliados através de registro fotográfico e mensuração da área da ferida através do AutoCad 2004, onde foi delimitada a área da ferida, bem como, os resultados em cm2. Ficou evidenciado o progresso do processo de reparação tecidual em aproximadamente 50% da área quando comparado ao paciente que não recebeu a terapia laser, mostrando a ação cicatrizante do tratamento laser no processo de cura da ferida.

The ulcers are responsible for a high morbidity rate in diabetic patients, causing difficult to patients and their relatives to handle some situations, and also to cover hospitalization and healing expenses. Therefore, it is increasing the interest in developing alternatives for the treatment of chronic ulcers. Associated with standard treatment, low laser therapy has been used as a physical therapy method that can provide effective response on the healing tissue. Aiming to analyze the effectiveness of laser treatment with HeNe (632.8 nm), at a dose of 6 J/cm2, during 4 minutes, punctual dose, two diabetic patients with varicose ulcer for more than 6 months were used. The laser treatment was performed only in one patient. The results were evaluated through photographic images and the wound area measurement using AutoCad 2004, wound area was defined, as well as, the results in cm2. The tissue healing process was evidenced in approximately 50% of the area when compared to the patient that did not receive laser therapy, showing that laser treatment accelerates the wound healing process.