Occupational health and safety management systems: a systemic approach / Sistemas de gerenciamento em saúde e segurança do trabalho: uma abordagem sistêmica

Abstract Risks are intrinsic to any human activity. Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMSs) are mechanisms designed to mitigate risks, protect workers, and ensure productivity. This study aimed to support researchers' reflective analysis by examining scientific literature related to OHSMSs and identifying possibilities for future research with practical significance. Employing a qualitative approach, this systematic review was conducted using bibliographic procedures and action research. The intervention instrument ProKnow-C guided by a structured process from a constructivist perspective, was applied. A total of 3,130 studies were analyzed to select the bibliographic portfolio. The systemic analysis revealed that most articles neither demonstrate legitimacy nor consider companies' particularities. The paper advances theoretical knowledge of OHSMSs by assessing relevant studies in the field, identifying evolution patterns, and highlighting gaps. A research agenda is proposed to guide the development of future models. We conclude that the challenges of designing ad hoc OHSMSs and incorporating the decision-makers' knowledge throughout the process when addressed, have the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of this field of knowledge.

Resumo Os riscos são intrínsecos a todas as atividades humanas. Os sistemas de avaliação de desempenho de saúde e segurança no trabalho (SADSSTs) são mecanismos projetados para lidar com riscos, proteger os trabalhadores e garantir produtividade. Este estudo objetivou apoiar a análise reflexiva dos pesquisadores com base na literatura científica relacionada aos SADSSTs, identificando possibilidades de pesquisas futuras de importância prática. Com abordagem qualitativa, esta revisão sistemática foi desenvolvida com a adoção de procedimentos bibliográficos e pesquisa-ação. Foi utilizado o instrumento de intervenção ProKnow-C, um processo estruturado orientado pela perspectiva construtivista. Um total de 3.130 estudos foi analisado para a seleção do portfólio bibliográfico. A análise sistêmica revelou que a maioria dos artigos não apresenta legitimidade, nem considera as particularidades das empresas. O artigo avança no conhecimento teórico dos SADSSTs avaliando os estudos relevantes na área e identificando padrões de evolução e lacunas. Propõe-se uma agenda de pesquisa para orientar o desenvolvimento de modelos futuros. Conclui-se que o desenvolvimento de um SADSST ad hoc, não genérico e concebido com o conhecimento do decisor em todo o processo, permanece sendo um desafio e tem potencial para contribuir para o avanço deste campo do conhecimento.

Quadriceps Muscle Morphology Is an Important Determinant of Maximal Isometric and Crank Torques of Cyclists.

The aim of this study was to determine if quadriceps morphology [muscle volume (MV); cross-sectional area (CSA)], vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, and muscle quality [echo intensity (ECHO)] can explain differences in knee extensor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), crank torque (CT) and time-to-exhaustion (TTE) in trained cyclists. Twenty male competitive cyclists performed a maximal incremental ramp to determine their maximal power output (POMAX). Muscle morphology (MV; CSA), muscle architecture of VL and muscle quality (ECHO) of both quadriceps muscles were assessed. Subsequently, cyclists performed three MVICs of both knee extensor muscles and finally performed a TTE test at POMAX with CT measurement during TTE. Stepwise multiple regression results revealed right quadriceps MV determined right MVIC (31%) and CT (33%). Left MV determined CT (24%); and left VL fascicle length (VL-FL) determined MVIC (64%). However, quadriceps morphological variables do not explain differences in TTE. No significant differences were observed between left and right quadriceps muscle morphology (p > 0.05). The findings emphasize that quadriceps MV is an important determinant of knee extensor MVIC and CT but does not explain differences in TTE at POMAX. Furthermore, quadriceps morphological variables were similar between the left and right quadriceps in competitive cyclists.

Effect of elastic resistance training on functional capacity in older adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of Elastic Resistance Training (ERT) on functional capacity (FC) in older adults. METHODS: The databases used were Embase, Virtual Health Library, PubMed, SciElo, Scopus, SPORTS Discus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria: aged ≥ 60 years; both sexes; intervention of at least 8 weeks; structured ERT; comparator group that performed other types of training or without any intervention; at least one functional test measurement. Functional tests were grouped according to their specificity for the sub-group meta-analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were considered eligible for qualitative synthesis, of which 16 were used for quantitative analysis. Favorable effects (p < .001) of ERT compared to the control group without intervention were observed in the 30-second sit to stand test, Timed Up and Go test, arm curl test, handgrip strength test, 6-minute walk test, lower and upper limb flexibility, and Short Physical Performance Battery (p = .007). Comparisons between ERT and other types of training were not performed because of the high heterogeneity of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ERT is able to improve the FC of older adults when compared to older adults not involved in any type of training.

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.

Muscle Architecture and Maximal Strength between Male Practitioners of Functional Fitness Training and Strength Training.

Functional Fitness Training (FFT) is a very popular training method in recent years. However, the combination of aerobic and strength components of this training method raised the hypothesis of impaired strength and muscle structure when compared to Strength Training (ST). Thus, the study aimed to compare muscle architecture and strength between FFT and ST, and the relationship between muscle architecture and maximum strength performance. Males (28.46 ± 6.03 years), nonathletes, and practitioners for two years in FFT (n = 8) and ST (n = 8), in addition to males classified as physically active (n = 8) were recruited. Muscle architecture of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) of the thigh were evaluated with the aid of B-mode ultrasound and maximum strength in the back squat through the one-repetition maximum test. For muscle architecture, the fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PAn), and muscle thickness (MT) were evaluated, in addition to the cross-sectional area (CSA). The FL, PAn, MT, and CSA of the RF and VL did not differ between the FFT and ST groups. Similarly, maximum strength did not differ between the FFT (152 ± 23.68 kg) and ST (151.88 ± 14.77 kg) groups. A significant relationship was observed between the PAn of the RF and the maximum strength (r =0.862; p =0.006) of FFT practitioners. The muscle architecture, CSA, and muscle strength do not differ between FFT and ST male practitioners, and PAn of the RF correlates with the maximum force for FFT practitioners.

p-star models, mean-field random networks, and the heat hierarchy.

We consider the mean-field analog of the p-star model for homogeneous random networks, and we compare its behavior with that of the p-star model and its classical mean-field approximation in the thermodynamic regime. We show that the partition function of the mean-field model satisfies a sequence of partial differential equations known as the heat hierarchy, and the models connectance is obtained as a solution of a hierarchy of nonlinear viscous PDEs. In the thermodynamic limit, the leading-order solution develops singularities in the space of parameters that evolve as classical shocks regularized by a viscous term. Shocks are associated with phase transitions and stable states are automatically selected consistently with the Maxwell construction. The case p=3 is studied in detail. Monte Carlo simulations show an excellent agreement between the p-star model and its mean-field analog at the macroscopic level, although significant discrepancies arise when local features are compared.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Search for New Information Through Routine Laboratory Tests: Systematic Review.

Background: In recent decades, the use of artificial intelligence has been widely explored in health care. Similarly, the amount of data generated in the most varied medical processes has practically doubled every year, requiring new methods of analysis and treatment of these data. Mainly aimed at aiding in the diagnosis and prevention of diseases, this precision medicine has shown great potential in different medical disciplines. Laboratory tests, for example, almost always present their results separately as individual values. However, physicians need to analyze a set of results to propose a supposed diagnosis, which leads us to think that sets of laboratory tests may contain more information than those presented separately for each result. In this way, the processes of medical laboratories can be strongly affected by these techniques. Objective: In this sense, we sought to identify scientific research that used laboratory tests and machine learning techniques to predict hidden information and diagnose diseases. Methods: The methodology adopted used the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes principle, searching the main engineering and health sciences databases. The search terms were defined based on the list of terms used in the Medical Subject Heading database. Data from this study were presented descriptively and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; 2020) statement flow diagram and the National Institutes of Health tool for quality assessment of articles. During the analysis, the inclusion and exclusion criteria were independently applied by 2 authors, with a third author being consulted in cases of disagreement. Results: Following the defined requirements, 40 studies presenting good quality in the analysis process were selected and evaluated. We found that, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of works that have used this methodology, mainly because of COVID-19. In general, the studies used machine learning classification models to predict new information, and the most used parameters were data from routine laboratory tests such as the complete blood count. Conclusions: Finally, we conclude that laboratory tests, together with machine learning techniques, can predict new tests, thus helping the search for new diagnoses. This process has proved to be advantageous and innovative for medical laboratories. It is making it possible to discover hidden information and propose additional tests, reducing the number of false negatives and helping in the early discovery of unknown diseases.

Muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris in the production of knee extensor torque in physically inactive women

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to verify the data reliability of muscle architecture (MA) variables, and the relationship between MA and the isometric peak torque (PT) of the monoarticular and biarticular knee extensor (KE) muscle in physically inactive women. Methods: Ten physically inactive women (24.0 ± 1.64 years; 162.9 ± 5.34 cm; 63.5 ± 11.90 kg) participated in the study. An ultrasound device assessed the MA variables (muscle thickness, fascicle length, and pennation angle) of the Vastus Lateralis (VL) and Rectus Femoris (RF), and an isokinetic dynamometer assessed the PT. Pearson correlation evaluated the relationship between PT and MA variables, with a significance level of 5%. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient, coefficient of variation, and standard error of measurement. Results: Excellent reliability between images was observed, and no significant relationships were observed between the PT and MA variables of the VL and RF. Conclusion: Isolated variables of the MA of a monoarticular or a biarticular muscle do not influence the production of the isometric PT of the KE.

The effect of different work-rest schedules on ergonomic risk in poultry slaughterhouse workers.

BACKGROUND: Rest breaks are an organizational measure to reduce the high risk of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSDs) to which slaughterhouse workers are subject. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of different work-rest schedules on ergonomic risk in poultry slaughterhouse workers. METHODS: A total of 36 repetitive tasks was selected in a Brazilian slaughterhouse. Using the Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) Checklist, the level of exposure of workers to risk factors of UL-WMSDs in two work-rest schedules was evaluated. In the real condition, 6 rest breaks of 10 minutes were performed, and in the simulated condition, 3 rest breaks of 20 minutes. RESULTS: The right side of the body presented a higher score on the OCRA Checklist (72%of the tasks) than the left side (p = 0.037) in the real condition. Additionally, the OCRA score (18.3±2.5) was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than the simulated condition (21.9±3.0). It was verified that the risk level in simulated condition remained the same in 13 (36%) tasks, while in 23 (64%) tasks there was an increase in the risk level. CONCLUSIONS: Work-rest schedule of 6 breaks of 10 minutes was better than 3 breaks of 20 minutes to reduce the risk of UL-WMSDs in poultry slaughterhouse workers.

Influence of Trunk Position during Three Lunge Exercises on Muscular Activation in Trained Women.

The present study aimed to compare the activation of the lower lumbar erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and rectus femoris in two trunk positions (straight, and inclined) during three lunge exercises (static, step-forwarding, and walking) in trained young women in a randomized crossover design. Twelve women (24 ± 3 years) were selected and performed the lunge exercise with an overload of 30% of body weight in six conditions to analyze muscle activation via surface electromyography signals. Higher activation in the erector spinae (%MVIC) were observed (p < 0.05) when trunk position was inclined (straight = 20 ± 15, inclined = 40 ± 29) and during the walking lunge condition (static = 24 ± 16, forward = 26 ± 22, walking = 40 ± 33). Higher activation in the gluteus maximus was observed during step-forward and walking lunges conditions (static = 31 ± 12, forward = 54 ± 20, walking = 58 ± 30). All conditions displayed similar activations in the biceps femoris and rectus femoris (p > 0.05). Results indicate that positioning the trunk in a forward-inclined position induces greater lower lumbar erector spinae activation and dynamic lunge variations elicit greater muscular activation in the gluteus maximus than static lunges. Additionally, it seems that trunk and exercise variations do not influence the activation of tight muscles.

Cutting force measurement: Hand tool instrumentation used in slaughterhouses - a systematic review.

Workers' intensive use of hand tool cutting in the meat packing industry is a risk factor for occupational health, mainly by mechanical compression of tissues in the upper limbs, which can cause Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). This systematic review aimed to identify the characteristics and measured variables of instrumented knives and determine how they should be designed. The review process and article extractions occurred through an analysis of the (article) titles, keywords and abstracts, followed by reading the full texts by two reviewers independently. Searches were conducted in Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco and Engineering Village for articles published in peer-reviewed journals from January 2000 to March 2019, in the English language. The result of (the) search included 1289 potentially eligible studies, with 894 duplicated/triplicated/quadruplicated articles that were excluded, resulting in 404 remaining articles of which 33 were considered eligible, with 36 additional articles, totaling 69 evaluated full texts. After the review, none of the 14 analyzed studies, were rated as having good methodological quality. In addition, four types of instrumented knives were used. Data acquisition was performed in both laboratory and meat processing plants. It is noteworthy that only one knife was submitted to a validation process and that the articles did not provide complete technical information about the knives. The result demonstrated that the cutting force varies within and between subjects, tasks, plants and blade finishings. All knives used some type of electrical connection via cable or wires. Of the articles found, none considered the influences that the workers are subject to when they do not use the same tool daily for data acquisition. Therefore, the development of different types of instrumented knives, with wireless data transmission and more rigorous studies are necessary to expand the knowledge of the cutting force and development of WMSD in slaughterhouse workers who perform meat cutting.

A low-cost and efficient participatory ergonomic intervention to reduce the burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in an industrially developing country: an experience report.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the first cause of occupational illness in Brazil and the number of cases in the industrial sector has increased progressively in the last 6 years. In order to prevent WMSDs, workplace ergonomics interventions are frequently implemented worldwide. This article describes the implementation strategy of a participatory ergonomic intervention conducted in the quality control department of a medium-sized Brazilian garment company. The intervention was carried out based on the nine steps presented by Vink, Imada and Zinck, and workers' exposure to risk factors was investigated using the rapid upper limb assessment method. A low-tech and low-cost solution that successfully reduced workers' exposure to WMSD risk factors was proposed, prototyped, tested and, finally, introduced. Participatory ergonomic interventions can be a feasible and effective approach to reduce the exposure to work-related risk factors for WMSDs in industrially developing countries.

Acute effect of bodyweight-based strength training on blood pressure of hypertensive older adults: A randomized crossover clinical trial.

Background: Strength Training (ST) reduces the cardiovascular risk of hypertensive elderly people; however, there is a need for efficient and low-cost ST programs that aim to reduce blood pressure (BP) in elderly people with adherence and affectivity in this population. Objective: Evaluate the acute effect on BP and satisfaction with the practice of bodyweight-based strength training (BWST) in hypertensive older adults. Methods: Participants performed a BWST session and a control session (CS). The BWST consisted of six exercises, with three sets of 30 seconds. In the CS, no activity was performed. BP was measured before and at 0, 10, 20, and 30 minutes post-session. Participants' satisfaction was assessed. Results: Eleven older adults (65.8 ± 4.6 years; 7 men) participated in the study. There was an increase (p = .028) in systolic BP immediately after BWST, returning to baseline values in the intervals 10, 20, and 30 post-section. In the CS there was an increase (p = .009) 30 minutes post-session compared to 20 minutes. Between sessions, a lower systolic BP was found in BWST (-6.54 ± 3.31; p = .048) 30 minutes post-sessions. For satisfaction, 82% of participants were "totally satisfied" with BWST. Conclusion: The SBP is lower 30 minutes after BWST session than control session, and BWST promoted a pleasant affective response in hypertensive older adults.

Exertion Perception When Performing Cutting Tasks in Poultry Slaughterhouses: Risk Assessment of Developing Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Brazil is the leader in poultry meat exports, in which most products are in the form of cuts. This study analyzed the exertion perception of poultry slaughterhouses workers when performing cutting tasks, as well as the influence of knife sharpness on the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders by Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method. Participants (n = 101) from three slaughterhouses were asked to rate their perceived exertion on the Borg scale during the cutting task when the knife was well and poorly sharpened. The OCRA results showed that the score for cutting with a dull knife was greater (43.57 ± 13.51) than with a sharp knife (23.79 ± 3.10) (p < 0.001). Consequently, there was a significant increase in the risk level of acquiring upper-limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSD) by using a "poorly sharpened" knife (29%; p < 0.001; Borg scale 2-8). Thus, maintaining well-sharpened knives for optimal performance of the cutting task (fewer technical actions) is suggested, as well as including knife sharpening in the standard operating procedure to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Estudo da assimetria corporal em praticantes de artes marciais através da baropodometria eletrônica / Estudio de la asimetría corporal en practicantes de artes marciales por medio de la baropodometria electrónica / Study of body asymmetries in martial arts practitioners through electronic baropodometry

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar e comparar os resultados das assimetrias, entre atletas de Jiu-jitsu e Muay-thai por médio da baropodometria. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 15 atletas de Muay-thai, idade 29.4±6.3 anos, experiência no esporte 8.5±4.0 anos, massa corporal 77.8±12.5 Kg, altura 178.2±8.6 cm e percentual de gordura corporal 11.2±4.9 e 16 atletas de Jiu-jitsu, idade 32.2±4.5 anos, experiência no esporte 6.3±3.4 anos, massa corporal 80±9.6 kg, altura 176±5.2 cm e percentual de gordura corporal 10.5±2.1. A presente investigação realizou medidas da pressão dos pés numa plataforma Tekscan® versão 5.1, com os indivíduos na posição ortostática. Foram analisados o percentual de força, pico de força e força de pressão plantar. Para análise estatística foi aplicado o T Students para mostras independentes e para medir o nível de significância foi utilizado o Effect Size. RESULTADOS: Os atletas de ambas modalidades apresentaram valores médios semelhantes na avaliação por baropodometria apresentando diferenças significativas entre lado direito e lado esquerdo, com valores maiores no percentual de força, sendo o maior Effect Size no Muay-thai. CONCLUSÃO: A assimetria bilateral ocorreu entre os dois tipos de lutas, entretanto, com mais ênfase no grupo referente ao grupo Muay-thai, devido possivelmente ao uso constante de golpes com os pés tanto com o pé esquerdo, quanto o direito

OBJETIVO: investigar las diferencias de los resultados entre practicantes de Jiu-jitsu y Muay-thai utilizando la baropodometria como herramienta de evaluación. MÉTODO: participaron de este estudio 15 practicantes de Muay-thai, edad de 29.4±6.3años, experiencia en el deporte 8.5±4.0 años, peso corporal de 77.8±12,5, estatura de 178.2±8.6 cm y porcentaje de grasa de 11.2±4.9 y 16 atletas de Jiu-jitsu, edad 32.2±4.5 años, experiencia en el deporte 6.3±3.4 años, Peso corporal 80±9.6 kg, estatura 176±5.2 cm y porcentaje de grasa 10.5±2.1. Para el análisis de la presión plantar fue utilizado una plataforma de baropodometria Tekscan® versión 5.1, donde los participantes se posicionaban encima del equipo en una posición bípeda para los correspondientes análisis. Fueron analizados % fuerza, pico de fuerza, fuerza de presión. Para el análisis estadístico fue utilizado el test T de Students para muestras independientes y para medir elnivel de significancia fue utilizado Effect Size (ES). RESULTADOS: Los atletas de ambas modalidades presentaron valores parecidos en la evaluación por baropodometria, presentando diferencias significativas entre lado derecho y el lado izquierdo, con valores mayores en el % de fuerza, siendo el mayor Effect Size en el Muay-thai. CONCLUSIÓN: La asimetría bilateral sucedió entre los dos tipos de deportes, por lo tanto, con más énfasis en el grupo Muay-thai, debido posiblemente al uso constante de los pies para patear tanto con el pie izquierdo como el derecho

OBJECTIVE: the objective of this research was to analyze and compare the results of the asymmetries, by baropodometry between practitioners of Jiu-jitsu and Muay-thai. METHOD: 15 practitioners of Muay-thai age 29.4 ± 6.3years, sport experience 8.5±4.0 years, body weight of 77.8 ± 12.5kg, height 178.2 ± 8.6 cm and fat percentage of 11.2 participated in this study. ± 4.9 and 16 Jiu-Jitsu athletes, age 32.2 ± 4.5years, sport experience 6.3±3.4 years. body weight 80 ± 9.6 kg, height 176 ± 5.2cm and fat percentage 10.5 ± 2.1. The present investigation carried out measurements of the pressure of the feet in a platform of baropodometry Tekscan® versão 5.1, with the participants in an orthostatic position. They were analyzed% force, force peak, pressure force. For the statistical analyzes the T Students was used for independent samples and to measure or level of significance the Effect Size was used. RESULTS: The athletes of both modalities presented similar average values in the evaluation by baropodometry, presenting significant differences between right side and left side, with higher values in% strength, being the highest Effect Size in the Muay-thai. CONCLUSION: The bilateral asymmetry happened between the two types of sports, therefore, with more emphasis on the Muay-thai group, possibly due to the constant use of the feet when kicking with both the left foot and the right foot

Thermodynamic limit and dispersive regularization in matrix models.

We show that Hermitian matrix models support the occurrence of a phase transition characterized by dispersive regularization of the order parameter near the critical point. Using the identification of the partition function with a solution of the reduction of the Toda hierarchy known as the Volterra system, we argue that the singularity is resolved by the onset of a multidimensional dispersive shock of the order parameter in the space of coupling constants. This analysis explains the origin and mechanism leading to the emergence of chaotic behaviors observed in M^{6} matrix models and extends its validity to even nonlinearity of arbitrary order.

Human factors related to the use of a personal computer: A case study.

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the ergonomic requirements in the use of desktop computers and laptops. For comparison, postures in the sagittal and transversal planes involved while performing a typing and editing task on a desktop and laptop computers were verified. Thus, a case study was conducted with a Brazilian male of medium height, who works around 20 hours per week in a computer. Nine spherical markers of 2.5 cm in diameter were joined up with duct tape on the right side of the participant and the positions adopted by the subject were analyzed in the use of a desktop and a laptop computer, through direct observation and filming, using the videography technique. It is concluded that the use of desktop computers has lesser biomechanical demands since it showed angles closer to a neutral position and consequently having a lower risk of musculoskeletal complaints.

Effects of Concurrent Training with Elastic Tubes in Hypertensive Patients: A Blind Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent training (CT) has been recommended to minimize the deleterious effects of aging. However, few studies have investigated whether this type of training reduces blood pressure in the elderly. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effects of CT on the hemodynamic, cardiorespiratory, and muscle strength responses in medicated hypertensive patients. METHODS: Twenty-three hypertensives (62.65 ± 6.4 years) of both sexes were allocated to the concurrent training group (CTG) or control group (CG). The CTG performed aerobic training (70-85% of reserve heart rate) combined with resistance training with elastic tubes (2sets × 15 repetitions) for 8 weeks. Resting blood pressure (BP), peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and right knee and elbow flexion strength were evaluated. RESULTS: A reduction of 6.37% was observed in BP and increases of 16.68% in VO2peak and 16% in muscle strength for right elbow flexion in the CTG compared to CG (p < .05). Intragroup comparisons showed reduction of 5% for BP, and increases of 6.79% for VO2peak, 24.79% for elbow flexion, and 16.47% for knee flexion in the CTG (p < .05), without significant improvement in the CG. CONCLUSION: CT promoted a reduction in BP, and increased cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength of the upper limbs in the hypertensive older adults.

Unraveling the Reaction Mechanisms Leading to Partial Fusion of Weakly Bound Nuclei.

Collisions between complex nuclei may give rise to their total or partial fusion. The latter case is found experimentally to gain importance when one of the colliding nuclei is weakly bound. It has been commonly assumed that the partial fusion mechanism is a two-step process, whose first step is the dissociation of the weakly bound nucleus, followed by the capture of one of the fragments. To assess this interpretation, we present the first implementation of the three-body model of inclusive breakup proposed in the 1980s by Austern et al. [Phys. Rep. 154, 125 (1987)PRPLCM0370-157310.1016/0370-1573(87)90094-9] that accounts for both the direct, one-step, partial fusion and the two-step mechanism proceeding via the projectile continuum states. Contrary to the widely assumed picture, we find that, at least for the investigated cases, the partial fusion is largely dominated by the direct capture from the projectile ground state.

Development of a Mobile Phone App for Measuring Striking Response Time in Combat Sports: Cross-Sectional Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: TReaction is a mobile app developed to determine strike response time at low cost and with easy application in combat sports. However, the validity and accuracy of the response time obtained by the TReaction app has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the TReaction app in measuring motor response time in combat sports. METHODS: A total of two athletes performed 59 strikes to assess the response time upon visual stimulus using the TReaction app simultaneously with a high-speed camera. Accuracy of the measure was verified using a computer simulator programmed to discharge visual stimuli and obtain the response time. Pearson correlation, Student t test for dependent samples, and the Bland-Altman analysis were performed. Accuracy was verified using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Effect size (g) and the typical error of measurement (TEM) were calculated. The significance level was set at P<.05. RESULTS: No significant difference (P=.56) was found between both systems. The methods presented a very strong correlation (r=0.993). The magnitude of differences was trivial (g<0.25), and TEM was 1.4%. These findings indicate a high accuracy between the computer screen and the mobile app measures to determine the beginning of the task and the response time. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the TReaction app is a valid tool to evaluate the response time in combat sports athletes.