Validity and reliability of SEIS-3: An instrument for subjective measuring of strength in older adults.

The use of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) has grown substantially, providing a valuable alternative for exercise intensity monitoring, especially for older adults. However, some challenges, such as cross-cultural validity, age-related differences, and reliability issues, necessitate the development of a concise and user-friendly RPE instrument, particularly for strength training in this population. This study aimed to validate the Subjective Effort Induction Scale (SEIS-3), a simplified tool for measuring effort during strength training. SEIS-3 is a graded instrument with three exertion levels: 1) Light effort, 2) Moderate effort, and 3) Strong effort. Twenty seniors, aged 71±7 years, of both genders participated in the study (CEP/Unimontes 2,741,071/2018). We collected maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) data using a digital dynamometer. Subsequently, participants underwent the initial test, following the three SEIS-3 categories in a randomly assigned order of induced subjective effort. SEIS-3 instrument was evaluated by the approaches:•Linear regression analysis: employed to assess the validity of the instrument.•Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC): employed to assess the reliability of the instrument.SEIS-3 effort categories correlated with MIVC in both hands (R2=0.80, F = 25.596, df=3, p < 0.01 for right hand; R2=0.56, F = 9.132, p < 0.01 for left hand). Test-retest reliability for grip strength across effort categories was excellent (ICC > 0.9). SEIS-3 is a valid and reliable user-friendly tool for accurately assessing and regulating exercise intensity in older adults during strength tasks, benefiting their health, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. This low-cost instrument can help health professionals in their activities.

Physical activity on anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review / Atividade física nos sintomas de ansiedade durante a pandemia de COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity on anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three databases (PubMed; Scopus and Web of Science) were searched in the period from 2020 to 2022 the following base terms were used: "Physical Activity", Exercise, Anxiety and COVID-19. Peer-reviewed, primary studies published in English, Portuguese and Spanish using valid and reliable measures were included. Eighteen studies met the eligibility criteria, of which 17 were cross-sectional, 2 were cohort studies. The number of participants ranged from 43 to 2,301, aged between 18 and 65 years or older. A decrease in PA practice or an increase in sitting time were associated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Additionally, participants who did not meet PA recommendations were more likely to experience moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. The results showed that physical activity is associated with the alleviation of anxiety symptoms during confinement in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Esta revisão sistemática teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da atividade física nos sintomas de ansiedade durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Foram pesquisadas três bases de dados (PubMed; Scopus e Web of Science) no período de 2020 a 2022 foram utilizados os seguintes termos base: "Physical Activity", Exercise, Anxiety e COVID-19. Foram incluídos estudos primários, revisados ​​por pares, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol usando medidas válidas e confiáveis. Dezoito estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade, sendo 17 transversais, 2 estudos de coorte. O número de participantes variou de 43 a 2.301, com idade entre 18 e 65 anos ou mais. Uma diminuição na prática de AF ou um aumento no tempo sentado foram associados a níveis mais elevados de sintomas de ansiedade. Além disso, os participantes que não atendiam às recomendações de AF eram mais propensos a apresentar sintomas de ansiedade moderados a graves. Os resultados mostraram que a atividade física está associada ao alívio dos sintomas de ansiedade durante o confinamento na pandemia de COVID-19.

Cognitive abilities of institutionalized older persons with depressive symptoms / Habilidades cognitivas de idosos institucionalizados com sintomas depressivos

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the level of association between depressive symptoms and cognitive abilities of institutionalized older adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled 69 older adults, living in a long-term care facility. Investigation of depressive symptoms in all individuals was performed using the geriatric depression scale. Cognitive verbal fluency, digit span forward (DSF) and backward (DSB) tests, and two-minute stationary gait, sit-to-stand test, and six-minute walk test were performed to assess their association with depressive symptoms. Results Depressive symptoms were identified in 35 individuals. Worse cognition and physical performances were associated with the presence of depressive symptoms - Mini-Mental State Examination [t (61) = 2.36; p < 0.05] and Stationary gait test of two minutes [t (53) = 3.12; p < 0.05]. Short-term memory and working memory tests presented worse results in individuals with depressive symptoms (DSF: U = 402.00; p < 0.05 e DSB: U = 341,00; p < 0.05). Older adults with scores below normal in DSF were 5 times more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Conclusion The importance of physical, cognitive and social intervention strategies in long-term care facilities for the older adults is highlighted, in order to privilege autonomy. Notably, there is an association between deficits in short-term memory and the presence of depressive symptoms in older adults. Therefore, prospective studies are suggested to investigate the cause-effect relationship of this association with the institutionalization of older adults.

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar o nível de associação entre sintomas depressivos e habilidades cognitivas de idosos institucionalizados. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal que envolveu 69 idosos residentes em uma instituição de longa permanência. A investigação dos sintomas depressivos em todos os indivíduos foi realizada por meio da escala de depressão geriátrica. Os testes cognitivos de fluência verbal, digit span forward (DSF) e backward (DSB)e os testes físicos de marcha estacionária de dois minutos, de sentar e levantar e o teste de caminhada de seis minutos foram realizados para avaliar sua associação com sintomas depressivos. Resultados Sintomas depressivos foram identificados em 35 indivíduos. Baixos desempenhos cognitivo e físico foram associados à presença de sintomas depressivos - Miniexame do Estado Mental [t (61) = 2,36; p < 0,05] e Teste de marcha estacionária de dois minutos [t (53) = 3,12; p < 0,05]. A memória de curto prazo e os testes de memória operacional mostraram piores resultados em indivíduos com sintomas depressivos (DSF: U = 402,00; p < 0,05 e DSB: U = 341,00; p < 0,05). Idosos com escores abaixo do normal no DSF tiveram 5 vezes mais chance de apresentar sintomas depressivos. Conclusão Destaca-se a importância de estratégias de intervenção físicas, cognitivas e sociais em instituições de longa permanência para idosos, a fim de privilegiar a autonomia. Notavelmente, apresenta-se uma associação entre déficit na capacidade de memória de curto prazo e a presença de sintomas depressivos em adultos mais velhos. Sugerem-se, então, estudos prospectivos que investiguem a relação de causa-efeito dessa associação com a institucionalização de idosos.

An overview of the molecular and physiological antidepressant mechanisms of physical exercise in animal models of depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a global disease that affects the physical and mental health of people of all ages. Non-pharmacological and unconventional methods of treatment, such as regular physical exercise, have been recommended to treat depression. METHODS: Here, we briefly review the literature about the physiological and molecular mechanisms of exercise antidepressants in depressive-like behavior in animal models of depression. RESULTS: The main hysiological and molecular mechanisms of physical exercise in depression include blood flow changes in several areas of the brain, increase in brain serotonin synthesis, increase in antioxidant enzymes, increase in serum and brain brain-derived neuro factor (BDNF) levels, decrease in cortisol levels and reduced inflammation in peripheral and brain tissues. Physical exercise also leads to increased activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), PGC-1α/FNDC5/Irisin pathway, BDNF concentrations (serum and cerebral), extracellular signal-regulated kinase and cAMP-response element binding protein (mainly in neurons of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex), which together contribute to fight or inhibit the development of depression symptoms. These molecular and physiological mechanisms work in synchrony, further enhancing their effects. CONCLUSION: Physical exercise can be used as a safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment in depression.

Efeitos do exercício resistido sobre o tecido adiposo marrom em camundongos C57BL/6 / Effects of resisted exercise on brown adipous tissue in C57BL/6 mice

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos do treinamento de escada e atividade física na histomorfometria do tecido adiposo marrom em camundongos C57BL/6. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostra composta por 16 camundongos, divididos aleatoriamente: controle (n=4), exercício de escada com estímulo elétrico (n=4), exercício de escada (n=4) e atividade física em ambiente enriquecido (n=4). Grupo de atividade física em ambiente enriquecido foi realizada em caixa com brinquedos. Grupo exercício de escada e escada com estímulo elétrico foram realizadas com escada vertical. Com a utilização da escada os animais realizaram 6 séries, 8 repetições com intervalos de 90 segundos entre séries, sendo 10 sessões. No exercício de escada com estimulo elétrico, o animal foi estimulado a subir usando uma placa de aço na base da escada, com uma corrente elétrica de 20V de intensidade e 45 hz de frequência. A coleta de tecido adiposo marrom foi feita na região escapular e manchado em Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE). O nível de significância das análises era 95% (p < 0.05). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa no comparativo do tamanho da célula de TAM em comparação com o tecido recolhido dos camundongos dos quatro grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A atividade física e o exercício resistido não promoveram diferenças morfometricas no TAM dos camundongos C57BL/6.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of stair training and physical activity on brown adipose tissue histomorphometry in C57BL / 6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample composed of 16 mice, randomly divided: control (n = 4), stair exercise with electrical stimulus (n = 4), stair exercise (n = 4) and physical activity in an enriched environment (n = 4). A Group of physical activity in an enriched environment was performed in a box with toys. Ladder exercise group and ladder with electrical stimulus were performed with vertical ladder. With the ladder's use, the animals performed six sets, eight repetitions with 90-second intervals between sets, with ten sessions. In the stairway exercise with electrical stimulation, the animal was encouraged to climb using a steel plate at the base of the stairs, with an electric current of 20V intensity and 45Hz frequency. Brown adipose tissue collection was performed in the scapular region and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE). The level of significance of the analyzes was 95% (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference when comparing the TAM cell size compared to the tissue collected from the mice in the four groups. CONCLUSION: Physical activity and resistance exercise did not promote morphometric differences in the TAM of C57BL/6 mice.

Women amateur street runners have a higher level of chronotype self- perception than men

Abstract Aim: The aims of the present study were to verify the self-perception level of the chronotype of amateur street runners and to test the association between the chronotype, gender, age, and preferred training time. Methods: A total of 166 amateur street runners were included (♀ = 89, age 38.9 ± 11.2 years; ♂ = 77, age 38.0 ± 9.7 years). The Brazilian version of the Horne & östberg questionnaire was used to assess chronotypes and the preferred training time was determined through a multiple choice question. Based on chronotype definitions that suggest that when free to choose, morning-types (MT) would prefer training in the morning, evening-types (ET) in the evening and neither-types (NT) would not have a predilection for any specific time. The corroboration of this hypothesis was assumed as self-perception level of the chronotypes. Results: Women showed higher self-perception levels of their chronotype compared to men (58.4% vs. 41.6%; χ2 = 4.699; p = 0.030). By chronotypes, MT, NT, and ET self-perception levels were 73.9%, 15.9%, 88.9%, respectively (χ2 = 57.489; p < 0.001). The most observed women circadian typology was MT, while in men it was NT (χ2 = 8.951; p = 0.011). However, there was no significant association between gender and preferred training time (χ2 = 2.654; p = 0.265). Age, female gender and preference to exercise during the day are associated with MT. Conclusion: Women runners showed a greater perception of their circadian traits than men, despite there was no association between gender and preferred training time.

Acute effects of 2D exergame on cognitive functions and frontal cortical activity / Efeitos agudos do exergame 2D nas funções cognitivas e na atividade do córtex frontal / Efectos agudos del exergame 2D sobre las funciones cognitivas y la actividad cortical frontal

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the effect of an exercise with a 2D virtual reality session on the cognition and cortical activity of young males. This is a randomized controlled trial with ten men aged 18 to 23 years. They were randomly assigned under two conditions: 1) exercise session with 2D virtual reality games and 2) control, which consisted of watching a two-episode video of a comic TV show. Cognition and frontal cortical activity were assessed immediately before and after the intervention, using the Mindset, performing the Digit Span Test, semantic verbal fluency, and executive function. Executive function improved with the exergame session (p=0.025). Exergames partially promote an immediate increase in the executive function of young people.

RESUMO Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito de um exercício com sessão de realidade virtual 2D na cognição e atividade cortical de jovens do sexo masculino. Trata-se de um ensaio controlado randomizado com dez homens de 18 a 23 anos. Os participantes foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em duas condições: 1) sessão de exercícios com jogos de realidade virtual 2D e 2) controle, que consistia em assistir a um vídeo de dois episódios de um programa de TV. A cognição e a atividade cortical frontal foram avaliadas imediatamente antes e após a intervenção, por meio do Mindset, realização do Digit Span Test, fluência verbal e função executiva. A função executiva melhorou com a sessão de exergame (p=0,025). Exergames promove parcialmente um aumento imediato na função executiva dos jovens.

RESUMEN Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el efecto de un ejercicio con sesión de realidad virtual 2D sobre la cognición y la actividad cortical de varones jóvenes. Este es un ensayo controlado aleatorio con diez hombres de 18 a 23 años. Fueron asignados aleatoriamente bajo dos condiciones: 1) sesión de ejercicios con juegos de realidad virtual 2D y 2) control, que consistía en ver dos episodios de un programa de televisión. Se evaluó la cognición y la actividad cortical frontal inmediatamente antes y después de la intervención, utilizando el Mindset, realizando el Digit Span Test, la fluidez verbal y la función ejecutiva. La función ejecutiva mejoró con la sesión de exergame (p=0.025). Exergames promueven parcialmente un aumento de la función ejecutiva de los jóvenes.

Efeitos da atividade física na histomorfometria muscular esquelética de modelo tumoral murino de caquexia / Effects of physical activity on skeletal muscle histomorphometry of murine cachexia tumor model

A caquexia associada ao câncer (CAC) é uma síndrome paraneoplásica que ocorre com indivíduos com câncer que é caracterizada pela diminuição gradual de tecidos muscular esquelética e de tecido adiposo, promovendo um quadro de consumação física do indivíduo. A ocorrência de CAC determina de forma significativa a uma pior qualidade de vida e de sobrevida de indivíduos com câncer. A CAC não pode ser revertida pelo amparo nutricional convencional. Tratamentos não-farmacológicos empregados para a CAC tem reportado a realização de atividade física para possibilitar adaptações neurais e de hipertrofia muscular em indivíduos com a síndrome. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da atividade física em ambiente enriquecido na histomorfometria da musculatura esquelética de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos ao modelo tumoral murino de caquexia associada ao câncer (CAC). MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 38 camundongos C57BL/6 fêmeas, distribuídos aleatoriamente nos grupos de estudo. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao modelo tumoral murino singênico de Melanoma Cutâneo (MTMSMC) com a inoculação subcutânea de células B16F10. Os grupos de estudo são animais do experimento diagnostico CRC (n = 12), animais sedentários (n = 11) e animais submetidos à prática de atividade física em ambiente enriquecido (n = 15). O seguimento do estudo ocorreu por um período de dez dias. Após esse momento, todos os animais foram sacrificados e amostras de tecido muscular esquelético do gastrocnêmio foram submetidas às análises histomorfométricas. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise inferencial do peso absoluto e relativo muscular esquelético não diferiram entre os grupos do estudo. Todas as comparações das variáveis apresentaram tamanho do efeito pequeno. A análise histomorfométrica muscular revelou que a área da fibra muscular não diferiu entre os grupos do estudo. Contudo, essa área muscular, apresentou tamanho do efeito pequeno. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apresentados mostraram que a realização de atividade física no ambiente enriquecido não influenciou na área da fibra do músculo do gastrocnêmio de camundongos C57BL/6 submetidos ao MTMSMC, associada à CAC.

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a paraneoplastic syndrome that occurs in individuals with cancer, which is characterized by the gradual decrease in skeletal muscle and fat tissue, promoting an individual's physical consumption. The occurrence of CAC significantly determines a worse quality of life and survival for individuals with cancer. CAC cannot be reversed by conventional nutritional support. Non-pharmacological treatments used for CAC have reported physical activity to enable neural adaptations and muscle hypertrophy in individuals with the syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of physical activity in an enriched environment on the histomorphometry of skeletal musculature of C57BL/6 mice submitted to the murine tumor model of cancer-associated cachexia (CAC). METHODS: 38 female C57BL/6 mice were used, randomly distributed in groups of study. All animals were subjected to the cutaneous murine tumor model of Cutaneous Melanoma (MTMSMC) with subcutaneous inoculation of B16F10 cells. The study groups are CRC diagnostic experiment animals (n = 12), sedentary animals (n = 11) and animals submitted to physical activity in an enriched environment (n = 15). The study was followed up for a period of ten days. After that moment, all animals were sacrificed and samples of skeletal muscle tissue from the gastrocnemius were submitted to histomorphometric analyzes. RESULTS: The results of inferential analysis of absolute and relative skeletal muscle weight did not differ between the study groups. All comparisons of the variables showed a small effect size. Muscle histomorphometric analysis revealed that the muscle fiber area did differ between the study groups. However, this muscular area had a small effect size. CONCLUSION: The results presented showed that physical activity in the enriched environment did not influence the fiber area of the gastrocnemius muscle of C57BL/6 mice submitted to MTMSMC, associated with CAC.

A escolha do periódico científico sob a perspectiva financeira: análise do estrato A1 na área 21

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi classificar as revistas A1, área 21, de acordo com as taxas envolvidas no processo de publicação. Os periódicos foram selecionados a partir da área Educação Física, quadriênio 2013-2016. A busca foi realizada em Abril de 2019. As informações referentes ao custeio incluíram taxas de submissão, processamento e/ou tramitação, publicação e cobranças adicionais. As despesas com o acesso aberto também foram atribuídas aos autores. Os periódicos foram classificados dos mais baratos para os mais caros. Em caso de igualdade nos valores cobrados, utilizou-se o fator de impacto como critério de desempate, seguindo a ordem decrescente para esse índice. Dos 235 periódicos, somente 8 apresentaram gratuidade no processo. Considerando o cenário de financiamentos limitados para pesquisa tais achados poderiam impactar na produtividade científica nacional.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to classify the A1 journals of area 21 according to the rates involved in the publication process. The journals were selected from the Physical Education evaluation area, quadrennium 2013-2016. The search was conducted in April 2019. Costing information included submission, processing, publication and additional fees. Open access expenditure has also been allocated. The journals have been ranked from the cheapest to the most expensive. Only 8 of 235 journals presented gratuity in the process. Considering the scenario of limited research funding, such findings could impact on national scientific productivity.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue clasificar las revistas A1, área 21, de acuerdo con las tasas involucradas en el proceso de publicación. Las revistas fueron seleccionadas del área de Educación Física, cuatrienio 2013-2016. La búsqueda se realizó en abril de 2019. La información de costos incluyó el envío, el procesamiento y / o las tarifas de procesamiento, la publicación y los cargos adicionales. Los gastos con acceso abierto también se atribuyeron al autor. Las revistas se clasificaron del más barato al más caro. En caso de igualdad en las cantidades cobradas, el factor de impacto se consideró el desempate, siguiendo el orden descendente de este índice. De las 235 revistas, solo 8 se presentaron de forma gratuita en el proceso. Considerando el escenario de financiamiento limitado para la investigación, tales hallazgos podrían afectar la productividad científica nacional.

Time-of-Day Effects on Metabolic and Clock-Related Adjustments to Cold.

BACKGROUND: Daily cyclic changes in environmental conditions are key signals for anticipatory and adaptive adjustments of most living species, including mammals. Lower ambient temperature stimulates the thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and skeletal muscle. Given that the molecular components of the endogenous biological clock interact with thermal and metabolic mechanisms directly involved in the defense of body temperature, the present study evaluated the differential homeostatic responses to a cold stimulus at distinct time-windows of the light/dark-cycle. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a single episode of 3 h cold ambient temperature (4°C) at one of 6 time-points starting at Zeitgeber Times 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, and 23. Metabolic rate, core body temperature, locomotor activity (LA), feeding, and drinking behaviors were recorded during control and cold conditions at each time-point. Immediately after the stimulus, rats were euthanized and both the soleus and BAT were collected for real-time PCR. RESULTS: During the light phase (i.e., inactive phase), cold exposure resulted in a slight hyperthermia (p < 0.001). Light phase cold exposure also increased metabolic rate and LA (p < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of fat oxidative metabolism was attenuated during the inactive phase (p < 0.001). These metabolic changes were accompanied by time-of-day and tissue-specific changes in core clock gene expression, such as DBP (p < 0.0001) and REV-ERBα (p < 0.01) in the BAT and CLOCK (p < 0.05), PER2 (p < 0.05), CRY1 (p < 0.05), CRY2 (p < 0.01), and REV-ERBα (p < 0.05) in the soleus skeletal muscle. Moreover, genes involved in substrate oxidation and thermogenesis were affected in a time-of-day and tissue-specific manner by cold exposure. CONCLUSION: The time-of-day modulation of substrate mobilization and oxidation during cold exposure provides a clear example of the circadian modulation of physiological and metabolic responses. Interestingly, after cold exposure, time-of-day mostly affected circadian clock gene expression in the soleus muscle, despite comparable changes in LA over the light-dark-cycle. The current findings add further evidence for tissue-specific actions of the internal clock in different peripheral organs such as skeletal muscle and BAT.

Avaliação dos relatórios de referência recebidos em um serviço público universitário de Endocrinologia de Belo Horizonte / Evaluation of reference reports received in a universitypublic service in Endocrinology in Belo Horizonte

Introdução: o sistema de referência e contrarreferência (RCR) define um fluxo hierarquizado de atenção aos pacientes e/ou de comunicação entre profissionais. A referência é um documento que demanda uma consultoria e/ou encaminha pacientes a outros médicos (consultores), que elaboram um documento-resposta, a contrarreferência. No Brasil, o RCR não funciona bem e não há estudos que o avaliem sistematicamente. Objetivos: avaliar relatórios de referência provenientes de serviços de saúde da Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte (PBH), de municípios da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (RMBH) e do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG (HC), elaborados por clínicos gerais (CLN) ou especialistas (ESP), recebidos no Serviço de Endocrinologia do HC, e definir informações necessárias em referência que permitam ao consultor decidir por interconsulta presencial. Foram considerados CLNs os médicos que atuam no Programa Saúdeda Família (PSF) ou clínicos da atenção secundária e terciária. Métodos: trata-se de estudo seccional e observacional. Resultados: dois pesquisadores (k=0,652) avaliaram 282 relatórios, sendo constatado que 62% poderiam ser abordados na atenção primária. A frequência de relatórios com informações suficientes para a tomada de decisãofoi maior naqueles oriundos do HC e elaborados por especialistas. Maior número de relatórios foi aceito quando apresentaram doenças próprias da Endocrinologia, dados do exame físico e dos exames complementares. Conclusões: a maioria dos pacientes referidos apresentava transtornos abordáveis na AP e um relatório de referência deve conter diagnóstico, dados dos exames complementares e do exame físico.

Introduction: the reference and counter-reference system (RCR) defines a hierarchical flow of assistance to patients and/or communication among professionals. The reference is a document that requires consulting and/or forwards patients to other doctors (consultants) who draw up a reply document, the counter-reference. In Brazil, the RCR system does not work well, and no study has systematically evaluated it. Objectives: to evaluate reference reports from health services from Belo Horizonte (PBH), municipalities in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte (RMBH), and the General Hospital from UFMG (HC) elaborated by general practitioners (GP) or specialists (ESP) and received in the Endocrinology Service from the GH, and define the necessary information in reference to enable the consultant to decide for a face-to-face consultation. The doctors who work in the Family Health Program (FHP) or secondary and tertiary care doctors were considered GPs. Methods: this was an observational and sectional study. Results: two researchers (k = 0.652) evaluated 282 reports and identified that 62% could have been assisted in the primary care. The frequency of reports with enough information for decision-making was greater in those from the GH and elaborated by specialists. A greater number of reports were accepted when presenting endocrinology diseases and physical and complementary examination data. Conclusions: most of the referred patients presented disorders that could have received care in the primary.care; a reference report must contain a diagnosis and datafrom additional tests and physical examination

The time of day differently influences fatigue and locomotor activity: is body temperature a key factor?

The aim of this study was to verify the possible interactions between exercise capacity and spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) during the oscillation of core body temperature (Tb) that occurs during the light/dark cycle. Wistar rats (n=11) were kept at an animal facility under a light/dark cycle of 14/10h at an ambient temperature of 23°C and water and food ad libitum. Initially, in order to characterize the daily oscillation in SLA and Tb of the rats, these parameters were continuously recorded for 24h using an implantable telemetric sensor (G2 E-Mitter). The animals were randomly assigned to two progressive exercise test protocols until fatigue during the beginning of light and dark-phases. Fatigue was defined as the moment rats could not keep pace with the treadmill. We assessed the time to fatigue, workload and Tb changes induced by exercise. Each test was separated by 3days. Our results showed that exercise capacity and heat storage were higher during the light-phase (p<0.05). In contrast, we observed that both SLA and Tb were higher during the dark-phase (p<0.01). Notably, the correlation analysis between the amount of SLA and the running capacity observed at each phase of the daily cycle revealed that, regardless of the time of the day, both types of locomotor physical activity have an important inherent component (r=0.864 and r=0.784, respectively, p<0.01) without a direct relationship between them. This finding provides further support for the existence of specific control mechanisms for each type of physical activity. In conclusion, our data indicate that the relationship between the body temperature and different types of physical activity might be affected by the light/dark cycle. These results mean that, although exercise performance and spontaneous locomotor activity are not directly associated, both are strongly influenced by daily cycles of light and dark.