Comparação do desempenho funcional e parâmetros cinemáticos da marcha em idosos com fragilidade e saudáveis / Comparison of functional performance and kinematic gait parameters in frail and healthy elderly people

Objetivo: Comparar o desempenho funcional e as alterações cinemáticas da marcha em idosos saudáveis e em idosos com manifestações da síndrome da fragilidade, viventes na comunidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal do tipo caso-controle. Participaram do estudo 15 idosos, viventes na comunidade, separados em dois grupos, de acordo com a presença de manifestações de fragilidade: (n = 10) e controle (n = 5). Foram coletados dados sobre desempenho funcional, capacidade aeróbia, presença da síndrome da fragilidade e avaliação cinemática da marcha. Foram utilizados testes como: TC400m, dinamometria e SPPB. Para a análise de dados, foi utilizado o pacote estastístico PASW 18.0 (SPSS inc). Resultados: O tempo no teste de caminhada de 400m foi 11 segundos maior no grupo com sinais de fragilidade (p = 0,03), e a força de preensão palmar foi 25,8% maior no grupo sem fragilidade (p = 0,01). Conclusão: Concluimos que idosos frágeis possuem declínio no desempenho funcional em testes que avaliam a resistência aeróbia e a força muscular.

Objective: To compare functional performance and kinematic gait abnormalities in healthy elderly people and in elderly people with manifestations of the frailty syndrome, living in the community. Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study. Fifteen elderly people, living in the community, participated in the study. They were separated into two groups, according to the presence of manifestations of frailty (n = 10) and control (n = 5). Data on functional performance, aerobic capacity, presence of frailty syndrome, and kinematic gait assessment were collected. Tests, such as: TC400m, dynamometry, and SPPB were used. For data analysis, the statistical package PASW 18.0 (SPSS inc) was used. Results: The time in the 400m walk test was 11 seconds higher in the group with signs of frailty (p = 0.03), and handgrip strength was 25.8% higher in the group without frailty (p = 0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that frail elderly people have a decline in functional performance in tests that assess aerobic resistance and muscle strength.

Activation, strength, and resistance: Which variables predict the kinematics of women with and without patellofemoral pain?

INTRODUCTION: Investigating the possible relationship between neuromuscular changes and movement alterations could help to describe the mechanisms underlying patellofemoral pain (PFP). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether activation and muscle strength of the trunk and lower limb and muscle resistance of the trunk predict the knee frontal and trunk sagittal kinematics in women with and without PFP. METHOD: Sixty women (PFP, n = 30; asymptomatic, n = 30) underwent the single-leg squat test to collect electromyographic and kinematic data. Activation of transversus abdominis/internal oblique, gluteus medius (GMed), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO); knee frontal and trunk sagittal angles were analyzed. Participants also underwent maximal isometric tests to determine lateral trunk, hip abductor, and knee extensor torques and performed a lateral trunk resistance test. Multiple regression was used to determine predictive models. RESULTS: In the PFP group, knee frontal angle (R2 = 0.39, p = 0.001) was predicted by GMed activation (ß = 0.23, p = 0.000) and hip abductor torque (ß = 0.08, p = 0.022). No variable was able to predict trunk sagittal kinematics in this group. In the asymptomatics, knee frontal angle (R2 = 0.16, p = 0.029) was predicted by hip abductor torque (ß = 0.07, p = 0.029), while trunk sagittal angle (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.024) was predicted by VMO activation (ß = 0.12, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Kinematics is predicted by the muscles acting in the respective planes, such that hip abductors capacities are related to the knee frontal alignment in both groups, and that of the VMO is related to the trunk sagittal alignment only in asymptomatic women.

Neuromuscular efficiency of the quadriceps in women with and without patellofemoral pain / Eficiencia neuromuscular del cuádriceps en mujeres con y sin dolor patelofemoral / Eficiência neuromuscular do quadríceps em mulheres com e sem dor patelofemoral

ABSTRACT Patellofemoral pain (PFP) may contribute to less activation of the quadriceps muscle, favoring joint overload and pain. Neuromuscular efficiency (NME) is a variable that evaluates the relationship between the amount of neural stimuli and the ability to generate force of in a given muscle, with the most efficient being the one that produces greater muscle force, with less activation of muscle fibers. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the strength and NME of knee extensors in women with and without patellofemoral pain. A total of 24 adult women, recruited via a questionnaire, aged from 18 to 30 years, with and without patellofemoral pain, participated in this study. Anamnesis, anterior knee pain scale, and numerical visual scale were applied. Subsequently, the knee extensor strength, with a hand-held dynamometer, and the NME of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) were assessed. For statistical analysis, appropriate tests were adopted to compare variables between groups and correlate them. In all statistical tests, a α<0.05 was adopted. Results showed that women with PFP had 61% lower NME in the VM and 52% in the VL, compared to the group without pain. No significant difference was found for knee extensor strength between groups. We conclude that pain negatively influences VM and VL recruitment but does not change quadriceps ability to generate strength.

RESUMEN El dolor patelofemoral (DPF) puede producir una menor activación del músculo cuádriceps, lo que lleva a una mayor sobrecarga y dolor en esta articulación. La eficiencia neuromuscular (ENM) es una variable que evalúa la relación entre la cantidad de estímulos neurales y la capacidad de determinado músculo de generar fuerza, con más eficiencia para el que produce mayor fuerza muscular, con menor activación de las fibras musculares. Así el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la fuerza y la ENM de los extensores de rodilla en mujeres con y sin dolor patelofemoral. En este estudio participaron 24 mujeres, con edades entre 18 y 30 años, con y sin dolor patelofemoral, que han sido reclutadas por medio de un cuestionario. Se aplicaron la anamnesis, la escala de dolor anterior de rodilla y la escala visual numérica. Posteriormente, se realizaron evaluaciones de la fuerza extensora de la rodilla con dinamómetro manual y de la ENM del vasto medial (VM), vasto lateral (VL) y recto femoral (RF). Para el análisis estadístico, se adoptaron pruebas apropiadas para comparar variables entre grupos y correlacionarlas. En todas las pruebas estadísticas, el nivel de significación fue de α<0,05. Los resultados mostraron que las mujeres con DPF tenían el 61% menor ENM en el VM y el 52% en el VL en comparación con el grupo sin dolor. No hubo diferencias significativas para la fuerza extensora de la rodilla entre los grupos. Se concluye que el dolor influye negativamente en el reclutamiento de VM y VL, pero no cambia la capacidad de generar fuerza del cuádriceps.

RESUMO A dor patelofemoral (DPF) pode contribuir para menor ativação do músculo quadríceps, favorecendo maior sobrecarga e dor nesta articulação. A eficiência neuromuscular (ENM) é uma variável que avalia a relação entre a quantidade de estímulos neurais e a capacidade de geração de força de um determinado músculo, sendo mais eficiente aquele que produz maior força muscular, com menor ativação das fibras musculares. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a força e a ENM dos extensores de joelho em mulheres com e sem dor patelofemoral. Participaram deste estudo 24 mulheres, recrutadas por meio de um questionário, com idades entre 18 e 30 anos, com e sem dor patelofemoral. Foram realizadas a anamnese, a escala de dor anterior no joelho e a escala visual numérica e, posteriormente, a avaliação da força extensora de joelho, com dinamômetro manual, e a avaliação da ENM de vasto medial (VM), vasto lateral (VL) e reto femoral (RF). Para análise estatística, foram adotados os testes apropriados para comparação das variáveis entre os grupos e para correlação entre elas. Em todos os testes estatísticos foi adotado o nível de significância de α<0,05. Os resultados mostraram que mulheres com DPF apresentaram 61% menor ENM do VM e 52% do VL, em comparação ao grupo sem dor. Não se encontrou diferença significativa para força extensora de joelho entre os grupos. Concluímos que a dor influencia negativamente o recrutamento de VM e VL, mas não altera a capacidade do quadríceps de gerar força.

Postural alteration, low back pain, and trunk muscle resistance in university students / Alteração postural, dor lombar e a resistência dos músculos do tronco em jovens universitárias

Abstract Introduction: Low back pain, the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, is common in individuals with postural changes and has a high incidence in university students. Trunk muscle instability and weakness can contribute to the presence of low back pain. However, no research has investigated the relationship between low back pain in conjunction with postural changes and the resistance of the trunk stabilizing muscles. Objective: To analyze the correlation between postural alterations and muscular resistance of the trunk of women with and without low back pain. Methods: Forty university women were recruited and divided into a group with low back pain (n = 20; 20.85 ± 1.69 years) and a group without low back pain (n = 20; 20.05 ± 2.54 years). On the first day, the postural assessment was carried out by photogrammetry with Kinovea software. On the second day, the resistance tests of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles, lateral and ventral plank, bridge, and lumbar traction were performed through the traction dynamometer. Pearson's correlation test was applied to verify the relationship between the analyzed variables, Student's T test was used for comparison between groups, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Results: There was no correlation between the variables related to postural changes and muscle resistance tests (p > 0.05). There was a difference between the groups only for the bridge exercise test (p = 0.04) and vertical alignment of the head, left lateral view (p = 0.041), and right lateral view (p = 0.034). Conclusion: This study did not show a direct and significant relationship between postural changes in young university students with and without complaints of low back pain and resistance of the trunk-stabilizing muscles.

Resumo Introdução: A lombalgia, transtorno músculoesquelético mais prevalente, é comum em indivíduos com alterações posturais, que são de alta incidência em universitários. Instabilidade e fraqueza dos músculos do tronco podem contribuir para a presença da dor lombar. Não encontrou-se, contudo, pesquisas que tenham investigado a relação da dor lombar em conjunto com as alterações posturais e a resistência dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco. Objetivo: Analisar a correlação entre alterações posturais e resistência muscular do tronco de mulheres com e sem dor lombar. Métodos: Foram recrutadas 40 mulheres universitárias divididas em grupo com dor lombar (n = 20; 20,85 ± 1,69 anos) e grupo sem dor lombar (n = 20; 20,05 ± 2,54 anos). No primeiro dia, realizou-se a avaliação postural por fotogrametria com software Kinovea; no segundo dia, os testes de resistência dos músculos flexores e extensores de tronco, prancha lateral e ventral, ponte e tração lombar através do dinamômetro de tração. Aplicou-se o teste de correlação de Pearson para verificar a relação entre as variáveis analisadas, teste t de Student para comparação entre os grupos e adotou-se nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Não houve correlação entre as variáveis referentes às alterações posturais e testes de resistências musculares (p > 0,05); houve diferença entre os grupos apenas para o teste de exercício ponte (p = 0,04) e para o alinhamento vertical da cabeça vista lateral esquerda (p = 0,041) e vista lateral direita (p = 0,034). Conclusão: Este estudo não evidenciou relação direta e significativa entre as alterações posturais em jovens universitárias com e sem queixa de dor lombar com a resistência dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco.

Relationship of scapular dyskinesis with the pattern of activation of periescapular muscles during exercise / Relação da discinese scapular com o padrão de ativação dos músculos periescapulares durante exercicios

abstract The aim of the present study was to analyze the activation pattern of the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), and lower trapezius (LT) muscles during periscapular exercises in individuals with and without ED, and to identify which proposed exercise presents greater activation of the periscapular muscles. Fourteen women, aged between 18 and 30 years, participated in this study, divided into a control group (n = 8) and a dyskinesis group (n = 8). The determination of the presence of ED was performed according to the analysis of scapular movement during arm elevation, using the yes/no classification. To evaluate muscle activation, electromyography signals of the SA, UT, and LT muscles were collected during exercise. The exercise protocol was composed of three repetitions of the exercises: punch up, wall slide, and scaption. The results showed that the ED group showed less activation of the AS and TT than the control group. During the scaption and wall slide exercises, the DE group showed less activation of the AS in relation to those without DE. There was no difference in muscle activation between the exercises. That individuals with dyskinesis have less activation of the muscles that control scapular mechanics and that the type of exercise did not influence the activation of the periscapular muscles.

resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o padrão de ativação dos músculos serrátil anterior (SA), trapézio superior (TS) e trapézio inferior (TI) durante exercícios periescapulares em indivíduos com e sem DE, e identificar qual exercício propostos apresenta maior ativação da musculatura periescapular. Participaram deste estudo 14 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos, divididas em grupo controle (n = 8) e grupo discinese (n=8). A determinação da presença de DE foi realizada de acordo com a análise do movimento da escápula durante elevação do braço, usando a classificação sim/não. Para avaliação da ativação muscular, sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos SA, TS e TI foram coletados durante o exercício. O protocolo de exercício foi composto por três repetições dos exercícios: punch up, wall slide e scaption. Os resultados mostraram que o grupo DE apresentou menor ativação do SA e TI em relação ao grupo controle. Durante os exercícios scaption e wall slide, o grupo DE apresentou menor ativação do SA em relação àqueles sem DE. Não houve diferença na ativação muscular entre os exercícios. Concluímos que indivíduos com discinese apresentam menor ativação dos músculos que controlam a mecânica da escápula e que o tipo de exercício não influenciou na ativação da musculatura periescapular.

Effect of different residential settings on gait kinematic parameters in older adults with cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters of gait kinematics of older adults with cognitive impairment who live in community dwellings or those living or spending most of the time in non-family environment settings. METHODS: The sample was composed of 33 older adults of both sexes with cognitive impairment. Participants were separated into three groups: a community-dwelling older adult group comprised of 11 subjects; a semi-institutionalized older adult group comprised of 10 older adults attended in a geriatric daycare institution; and an institutionalized older adult group comprised of 12 older adults living in long-term institutions. Gait kinematics were recorded by pressure sensors (footswitches). Fifty gait cycles at self-selected pace were analyzed to obtain: gait speed, stride length, stance, swing, and stride time. The variability of these parameters was also analyzed. RESULTS: MANCOVA identified the main effect of groups (p < 0.001). Gait speed of older adults living in long-term institutions and older adults attended in geriatric daycare institutions was slower than community-living older adults (p < 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). Swing and stride time variability was higher in older adults living in long-term institutions (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001) and in older adults attended in geriatric daycare institutions (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001) than in community-dwelling older adults. CONCLUSION: The most important finding was that older adults with cognitive impairment who need non-family residential setting care had higher gait kinematics abnormalities, which may increase the risk of falls, compared to those who live in the community.

Muscle recruitment and co-contraction when walking in young women with chronic lumbar pain / Recrutamento e cocontração muscular durante a marcha em mulheres jovens com dor lombar crônica / Reclutamiento y co-contracción muscular durante la marcha en mujeres jóvenes con dolor lombar crónica

Abstract Introduction: The lumbar pain is the main musculoskeletal complaint reported by the active population, and it prevents daily activities such as walking. Objective: To assess muscle recruitment and the co-contraction of the trunk muscles during different walking speed in individuals with and without chronic lumbar pain. Method: Thirty-four sedentary young women attended the study, in which 18 belonged to the lumbar pain team (LPT) and 16 to the team without lumbar pain (WLP). We assessed the electromyography activity of the internal oblique (IO) local muscle and lumbar multifidus (MUL), and global external oblique (EO), abdominal rectus (AR) and lumbar iliocostalis (LIC), during walking. The electromyography analysis was performed from the average of the linear envelope value, normalized by the peak of muscle activation. The muscle co-contraction (IO/MUL, EO/LIC, AR/LIC, IO/EO, and the abdominal/paravertebral muscle groups) was calculated with the Falconer and Winter formula. The Shapiro-Wilk test, Multivariate Analysis, mixed Variance Analyses with Bonferroni post-hoc, and Pearson (p < 0.05) correlation coefficient were made by the statistical analysis. Results: In the WLP we could notice that the higher the speed, the higher the MUL activation. The co-contraction data demonstrated that IO/MUL muscles activate 20% more in the LPT, during the preferred speed; however, in the WLP, the results showed that the higher the walking speed, the higher the EO/LIC (21.8%) and IO/MUL (17.8%) muscles activation. Conclusion: The recruitment of local muscles doesn't differ among the evaluated groups and conditions; however, in WLP, the higher the MUL muscle action, the higher the walking speed.

Resumo Introdução: A dor lombar (DL) é a principal queixa musculoesquelética relatada na população ativa e incapacita atividades do cotidiano, como a marcha. Objetivo: Avaliar o recrutamento e co-contração dos músculos do tronco durante diferentes velocidades de marcha em indivíduos com e sem DL crônica. Método: Participaram 34 mulheres jovens, sedentárias, 18 compuseram o grupo DL (GDL) e 16 o grupo sem DL (GC). Foi avaliada a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos locais oblíquo interno (OI) e multífido lombar (MUL), e globais oblíquo externo (OE), reto abdominal (RA) e iliocostal lombar (ICL), durante a marcha. A análise eletromiográfica foi realizada a partir da média do valor de envelope linear, normalizada pelo pico de ativação muscular. A co-contração muscular (OI/MUL, OE/ICL, RA/ICL, OI/OE e os grupos musculares abdominais/ paravertebrais) foi calculada com a fórmula de Falconer e Winter. A análise estatística foi feita por meio do teste Shapiro-Wilk, Análise Multivariada, Análise de Variância mista com pos-hoc bonferroni e coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (p < 0,05). Resultados: No GC podemos perceber que, quanto maior a velocidade, maior a ativação do MUL. Os dados de co-contração demonstraram que os músculos OI/MUL ativam 20% a mais no GDL, durante a velocidade de preferência, no GC, os resultados mostram que quanto maior a velocidade de marcha, maior a ativação dos músculos OE/ICL (21,8%) e OI/MUL (17,8%). Conclusão: O recrutamento dos músculos não difere entre os grupos e condições, contudo foi observado no GC que quanto maior a ação do músculo MUL maior é a velocidade de marcha.

Resumen Introducción: El dolor lumbar (DL) es la principal queja musculoesquelética relatada e incapacita actividades de lo cotidiano, como la marcha. Objetivo: Evaluar el reclutamiento y la co-contracción músculos del tronco durante diferentes velocidades de marcha en individuos con y sin DL. Método: Participaron 34 mujeres jóvenes, sedentarias, 18 compusieron grupo DL (GDL) y 16 grupo sin DL (GC). Se evaluó la actividad electromiográfica de los músculos oblicuo interno (OI) y externos (OE), multífido lumbar (MUL), recto abdominal (RA) e iliocostal lumbar (ICL) durante la marcha. El análisis electromiográfico fue realizado a partir del promedio del valor de sobre lineal, normalizado por el pico de activación muscular. La cocontracción muscular (OI/MUL, OE/ICL, RA/ICL, OI/OE y grupos de músculos abdominales/paravertebrales) se calculó utilizando la fórmula Falconer y Winter. El análisis estadístico fue realizado por Shapiro-Wilk, Análisis Multivariado, Análisis de Variedad mixta con pos-hoc bonferroni y coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (p < 0,05). Resultados: En el GC podemos percibir que, cuanto mayor es la velocidad, mayor es la activación del MUL. Los datos de co-contracción demostraron que los músculos OI/MUL activan un 20% más en el GDL, durante la velocidad de preferencia, sin embargo, en el GC, los resultados muestran que cuanto mayor la velocidad de marcha, mayor la activación de los músculos OE / ICL (21,8%) y OI/MUL (17,8%). Conclusión: El reclutamiento de los músculos no difiere entre los grupos y condiciones, contenido observado en el GC que cuanto mayor es la acción del músculo MUL mayor es la velocidad de marcha.

Acute effect of partial body weight suspension on the level of cocontraction and gait biomechanics in women with knee osteoarthritis / Efeito agudo da suspensão parcial de peso corporal no nível de cocontração e biomecânica da marcha em mulheres com osteoartrite de joelho / Efecto agudo de la suspensión parcial de peso corporal en el nivel de co-contracción y biomecánica de la marcha en mujeres con osteoartritis de rodilla

Abstract Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OAK) is one of the most prevalent rheumatic diseases in the population, characterized by functional limitation and gait difficulties with profound clinical relevance, as walking is the most frequently performed daily activity. These functional limitations may be more pronounced when the disease is associated with obesity. Objective: To investigate the effect of different body weight suspension percentages on gait biomechanical variables and co-contraction percentages in women with OAK. Method: Fourteen women aged 50-75 years, with a body mass index between 26 and 35 and radiological diagnosis of OAK participated in the study. On the first day, anamnesis and familiarization with gait on the treadmill was performed. On the second day, treadmill gait assessment was performed using partial body weight support (SPPC) in three conditions-15%, 30%, and 45% suspension. During the evaluation, electromyographic and kinematic data were collected. The variables analyzed were percentage of hip (gluteus maximus/rectus femoris), knee (femoral biceps/vastus lateralis), and ankle (anterior tibial/lateral gastrocnemius), and length and step widths. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the length and step width and the level of co-contraction between the running conditions analyzed. Conclusion: Body weight suspension using SPPC during treadmill running did not alter the biomechanical variables of the gait of women with OAK.

Resumo Introdução: A osteoartrite de joelho (OAJ) é a uma das doenças reumáticas mais prevalentes na população, caracterizada por causar limitação funcional, sendo as dificuldades de marcha de grande relevância clínica por ser a atividade diária mais realizada. Essas limitações funcionais podem ser mais acentuadas quando a doença está associada a obesidade. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito de diferentes porcentagens de suspensão do peso corporal no percentual de cocontração e nas variáveis biomecânicas da marcha em mulheres com OAJ. Método: Estudo transversal no qual participaram do estudo 14 mulheres com idade entre 50-75 anos, IMC entre 26-35, com diagnóstico radiológico de OAJ. No primeiro dia foi realizado anamnese e familiarização da marcha na esteira. No segundo dia, foi realizado avaliação da marcha em esteira utilizando suporte parcial de peso corporal (SPPC) em três condições: 15%, 30% e 45% de suspensão. Durante a avaliação foram coletados dados eletromiográficos e cinemáticos. As variáveis analisadas foram: percentual de cocontração do quadril (glúteo máximo/reto femoral), joelho (bíceps femoral/vasto lateral) e tornozelo (tibial anterior/gastrocnêmio lateral); comprimento e largura do passo. Para análise estatística foi aplicado o teste Anova One Way, com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa para o comprimento e largura de passo, assim como para o nível de cocontração entre as condições de marcha analisadas (p>0.05). Conclusão: A suspensão do peso corporal usando SPPC durante a marcha em esteira não altera o percentual de cocontração e as variáveis biomecânicas da marcha de mulheres com OAJ.

Resumen Introducción: Una de las enfermedades reumáticas más prevalentes en la población, la osteoartritis de rodilla (OAJ) se caracteriza por causar limitación funcional, siendo las dificultades de marcha de gran relevancia clínica por ser la actividad diaria más realizada. Estas limitaciones funcionales pueden ser más intensas en asociación con la obesidad. Objetivo: Investigar el efecto de diferentes porcentajes de suspensión de peso corporal sobre las variables biomecánicas de la marcha y el porcentaje de cocontracción en mujeres con OAJ. Método: Participaron en el estudio 14 mujeres con edad entre 50-75 años, IMC entre 26-35, con diagnóstico radiológico de OAJ. En el primer día se realizó anamnesis y familiarización de la marcha en la cinta de correr. En el segundo día, se realizó una evaluación de la marcha en la cinta utilizando soporte parcial de peso corporal (SPPC) en tres condiciones: 15%, 30% y 45% de suspensión. Durante la evaluación se recogieron datos electromiográficos y cinemáticos. Las variables analizadas fueron: porcentaje de cocontración de la cadera (glúteo máximo/recto femoral), rodilla (bíceps femoral/vasto lateral) y tobillo (tibial anterior/gastrocnémio lateral); longitud y anchura del paso. Para el análisis estadístico se aplicó la prueba Anova One Way, con un nivel de significación de p <0,05. Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa para la longitud y anchura del paso, así como para el nivel de cocontración entre las condiciones de marcha analizadas. Conclusión: La suspensión del peso corporal con SPPC durante la marcha en cinta no alteró las variables biomecánicas de la marcha de mujeres con OAJ.

The ability of gait kinematic parameters to predict falls in older adults with cognitive impairments living in long term institutions.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairments reduce adaptive responses and may increase the risk of falls. OBJECTIVES: To compare gait kinematics in older adults with cognitive impairments living in long term institutions and to identify the ability of gait kinematics to predict falls in older adults with cognitive impairments living in long term institutions. METHODS: Data of 23 older adults with cognitive impairments living in long term institutions were considered for this study. Fifty gait cycles were recorded during walking at a self-selected pace using footswitches sensors. The variables considered for the analysis were: speed; stride length; stance, swing and stride time; and the variability of these parameters. Fall status was recorded for a 6 month-period. FINDINGS: MANOVA found group effect (p = 0.025) for gait kinematics comparisons. Variability of stance (p = 0.01) and swing (p = 0.012) and stride time (p < 0.001) were higher in older fallers. Speed of older fallers was 31.8% slower than those of the non-fallers (p < 0.001). The kinematic variables that were able to predict falls were: stride time variability (p < 0.001), threshold of 0.4 s, sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 100%; and gait speed (p < 0.001), threshold of 0.65 m·s-1, sensibility and specificity of 50%. INTERPRETATION: Older adults living in an assisted living facility with a history of falls demonstrate increased kinematic variability while walking. However, the ability of gait kinematic parameters to predict falls was found to be weak. The results suggested that gait kinematic parameters are weak predictors of falls in older adults with cognitive impairments living in long term institutions.

Análise discriminante da resistência e força muscular em jovens sedentárias com dor lombar crônica / Discriminant analysis endurance and muscle strength in young sedentary women with chronic low back pain

Introdução: A dor lombar crônica (DLC) apresenta disfunções neuromusculares, por exemplo, está diminuição da força e resistência muscular, que são essenciais na realização das tarefas e manutenção postural. Objetivo: Caracterizar o comportamento de força e resistência muscular e discriminar qual variável tem maior influência na população com DLC. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 35 mulheres sedentárias entre 18 e 27 anos, divididas em: grupo com DLC (n=18), grupo sem DLC (n=17). A avaliação foi composta pela avaliação do nível de dor (Escala Visual Analógica), força isométrica dos músculos extensores de tronco (Dinamômetro Lombar) e resistência estática dos extensores e tronco (Teste Biering-Sorensen). Foi realizada Análise de Variância Multivariada e Análise Discriminante, adotando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: O grupo com DLC tem menor força (21%; p=0,01) e resistência (71%, p<0,001) muscular. A análise discriminante mostrou acurácia diagnóstica de 97,1% para resistência e 68,7% para a força muscular. Conclusão: O grupo com DLC apresentou menor força e resistência.

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents neuromuscular dysfunctions, per example, the reduction of muscle strength and endurance. They are essential in performing tasks and postural maintenance. Objective: This study was to characterize the muscle strength and endurance. It checked the discriminant variables to CLBP population. Methods: 35 sedentary young females aged 18 to 27 years old. They were assessed and divided in with CLBP (n=18) and a without LBP (n=17). The assessment included the measurement of pain level (Visual Analogue Scale), isometric strength of trunk extensor muscles (Lumbar Dynamometer) and static endurance of trunk extensors muscles (Biering-Sorensen Test). A Multivariate Analysis of Variance and a Discriminant Analysis were performed adopting a 5% level of relevance. Results: The group with CLBP presented decrease muscle strength (21%; p=0.01) and endurance (71%, p<0,001). The discriminant analysis should diagnostic accuracy to endurance 97.1% and strength 68.7%. Conclusion: Strength and endurance of extensors of trunk extensor muscles discriminant LBPC.

Is it possible to predict falls in older adults using gait kinematics?

BACKGROUND: Gait kinematic parameters have been reported as an important clinical tool to assess the risk of falls in older adults. However, the ability of these parameters to predict falls in the older population is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify the ability that gait kinematic parameters present to predict fall in older adults. METHODS: Data from 102 older adults, who live in a community setting, were considered for this study. For data collection, older subjects had to walk on a 14 meter-walkway in their preferred gait speed. The incidence of falls was recorded at baseline together with gait kinematics and then every three months during the period of the study. The ability of gait kinematic parameters to predict falls was tested using the ROC curve. RESULTS: Stance time variability, swing time, and stride length presented a sensitivity to predict falls in older adults higher than 70%. CONCLUSION: Gait kinematic parameters, such as stance variability, swing time, and stride length may predict future falls in older adults.

Efeito imediato de uma sessão de treinamento do método Pilates sobre o padrão de cocontração dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar crônica inespecífica / Efecto inmediato de una sesión de entrenamiento del método Pilates sobre el estándar de cocontracción de los músculos estabilizadores del tronco en individuos con y sin dolor lumbar crónico inespecífico / Immediate effect of a Pilates method exercise session on the co-contraction pattern of the trunk stabilizing muscles in individuals with and without nonspecific chronic low back pain

RESUMO Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar o efeito imediato de uma sessão de exercícios do método Pilates sobre o padrão de cocontração (agonista/antagonista) dos músculos superficiais (iliocostal lombar e reto abdominal) e profundos (oblíquo interno e multífido) do tronco em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar durante teste de resistência muscular localizada. Participaram do estudo sujeitos adultos, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 19 e 59 anos, separados em dois grupos: grupo com dor lombar (n=9) e grupo sem dor lombar (n=9). Foram coletados os sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos: oblíquo interno (OI), multífido lombar (MU), iliocostal lombar (IL) e reto abdominal (RA), durante as contrações isométricas voluntárias máximas e o teste de Biering-Sorensen antes e após a realização do protocolo de exercícios do método Pilates. Foi calculada a cocontração entre OI/MU direito e esquerdo (OI/MUd, OI/MUe) e RA/IL direito e esquerdo (RA/ILd e RA/ILe). A cocontração entre OI/MUd, OI/MUe, RA/ILd e RA/ILe foi, respectivamente, 41,4, 32,4, 56 e 31,2% maior no grupo com dor lombar (p<0,001 e p=0,003, p=0,004 e p=0,01). A condição inicial apresentou cocontração antagonista 26,3 e 43,4% maior entre OI/MUd (p=0,023, p=0,03). Uma sessão de treinamento com exercícios do método Pilates foi capaz de reduzir a cocontração entre os músculos do tronco (em indivíduos com e sem dor lombar inespecífica).

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar el efecto inmediato de una sesión de ejercicios del método Pilates sobre el estándar de cocontracción (agonista/antagonista) de los músculos superficiales (iliocostal lumbar y recto abdominal) y profundos (oblicuo interno y multífido) del tronco en individuos con y sin dolor lumbar durante la prueba de resistencia muscular localizada. Participaron del estudio sujetos adultos, de ambos sexos, con edad entre 19 y 59 años, divididos en dos grupos: el grupo con dolor lumbar (n=9) y el grupo sin dolor lumbar (n=9). Fueron recogidas las señales electromiográficas de los músculos: oblicuo interno (OI), multífido lumbar (MU), iliocostal lumbar (IL) y recto abdominal (RA), durante las contracciones isométricas voluntarias máximas y la prueba de Biering-Sorensen antes y después de la realización del protocolo de ejercicios del método Pilates. Fue calculada la cocontracción entre OI/MU derecho e izquierdo (OI/MUd, OI/MUi) y RA/IL derecho e izquierdo (RA/ILd y RA/ILi). La cocontracción entre OI/MUd, OI/MUi, RA/ILd y RA/ILi fue, respectivamente, el 41,4, el 32,4, el 56 y el 31,2% más grande en el grupo con dolor lumbar (p<0,001 y p=0,003, p=0,004 y p=0,01). La condición inicial presentó cocontracción antagonista el 26,3 y el 43,4% más grande entre OI/MUd (p=0,023, p=0,03). Una sesión de entrenamiento con ejercicios del método Pilates fue capaz de reducir la cocontracción entre los músculos del tronco (en individuos con y sin dolor lumbar inespecífico.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the immediate effect of a Pilates method exercise session on the co-contraction pattern (agonist/antagonist) of the superficial (iliocostalis lumborum and rectus abdominis) and deep (internal oblique and multifidus) muscles of the trunk in individuals with and without low back pain during local muscle endurance test. Participated in the study adult subjects of both gender, aged between 19 and 59 years, separated into two groups: the group with low back pain (n=9) and the group without low back pain (n=9). Electromyographic signals of the following muscles were collected: internal oblique (IO), multifidus lumborum (MU), iliocostalis lumborum (IL) and rectus abdominis (RA), during maximal voluntary isometric contractions and Biering-Sorensen test, before and after the exercise protocol performance of the Pilates method. The co-contractions between IO/MU right and left (IO/MUr, IO/MUl) and RA/IL right and left (RA/ILr and RA/ILl) were calculated. The co-contraction between IO/MUr, IO/MUl, RA/ILr and RA/ILl was respectively 41.4, 32.4, 56 and 31.2% higher in the group with low back pain (p<0.001 and p=0.003, p=0.004 and p=0.01). The initial condition presented antagonist co-contraction 26.3 and 43.4% higher between IO/MUr (p=0.023, p=0.03). A training session with Pilates method exercises was able to reduce co-contraction between the trunk muscles (in individuals with and without nonspecific low back pain).

Análise bilateral da resposta muscular antecipatória do tronco na dor lombar recorrente / Bilateral analysis of the anticipatory trunk muscle response in recurrent low back pain

Introdução: a literatura aponta controvérsias sobre a estabilização proporcionada pela ativação antecipatória dos músculos profundos do tronco e as evidências baseadas na análise bilateral do tempo de reação (onset) muscular de sujeitos com dor lombar são escassas. Objetivos: comparar o onset muscular do tronco entre sujeitos saudáveis e com dor lombar recorrente, bem como, comparar o onset muscular entre os lados do tronco nestas populações. Métodos: 19 sujeitos com dor lombar e 19 sujeitos saudáveis executaram o teste de elevação do membro superior dominante, no qual foram coletados os sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos do tronco. Resultados: na comparação entre os grupos, sujeitos com dor lombar apresentaram respostas mais rápidas do oblíquo interno contralateral ao membro elevado (p= 0,016). Na comparação entre os lados, sujeitos saudáveis apresentaram diferença significativa entre o onset dos oblíquos internos (p= 0,043). Conclusão: a dor lombar recorrente provoca alteração das respostas motoras geradas pela perturbação postural.

Introduction: The literature showed controversies about the stabilization provided by the anticipatory activation of the deep trunk muscles and the evidence based on the bilateral analysis of the muscle reaction time (onset) of subjects with low back pain is poor. Objectives: to compare the trunk muscle onset between healthy subjects and people with recurrent low back pain, as well as to compare the onset between the trunk sides in these populations. Methods: 19 subjects with low back pain and 19 healthy subjects performed the arm elevation test of the dominant upper limb, in which the electromyographic signals of the trunk muscles were collected. Results: in the groups comparison, subjects with low back pain had faster responses of the contralateral internal oblique to the raised limb (p = 0,016). In the comparison between the sides, healthy subjects presented significant difference between the onset of the internal oblique (p = 0,043). Conclusion: recurrent low back pain causes alteration of the motor responses generated by the postural destabilization.

Discriminatory Ability of Lower-Extremity Peak Torque and Rate of Torque Development in the Identification of Older Women With Slow Gait Speed.

The aim was to compare torque and rate of torque development of lower limb muscles between older women with functional and slow gait speeds to determine which muscle group is the best predictor of functional gait speed, and to establish strength thresholds needed for functional walking speed. Torque and rate of torque development of hip, knee, and ankle muscles were measured in older women who were divided in 2 groups according to gait speed: slow gait speed (<1.22 m·s-1) and functional gait speed (≥1.22 m·s-1). For each muscle group, 3 maximal isometric contractions were performed, and peak torque and rate of torque development were recorded. Older women with slow gait speed had lower peak torque than older women with functional gait speed for hip extension (28%), knee flexion (15%), knee extension (14%), and plantar flexion (16%) (all Ps < .05). Older women with slow gait speed had lower peak rate of torque development for hip flexion (29%), hip extension (37%), knee flexion (34%), knee extension (33%), and plantar flexion (19%) (all Ps < .05). Knee extension peak rate of torque development and hip extension peak torque were the better predictors of functional gait speed with thresholds of 2.96 N·m·s-1·kg-1 and 1.26 N·m·kg-1, respectively.

Effect of pilates method on inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength in the elderly / Efeito do método pilates na força dos músculos inspiratórios e expiratórios em idosos

Abstract With aging, the respiratory muscle strength decreases and the Pilates method is a technique that uses respiration as one of its principles. The present study has the aim of analyzing the influence of the Pilates method on respiratory muscle strength in older women. For the evaluation of respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory), manovacuometer was used. Thirty-oneolder women were divided into two groups: 14 participated in the Pilates group and 17 in the control group. Participantsof the Pilates group performed 16 sessions of Pilates method with an hour of training, twice week for eight weeks. The control group participated in four educational lectures for eight weeks. For statistical analysis, Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA for repeated measures (p <0.05) and Cohen's D index were performed. The results showed significant difference and the mean effect for the Cohen's D index expiratory muscle strength of the Pilates group when comparing before (69.71 ± 25.48) and after (85.23 ± 22.21) training (p<0.05) with an increase of 23%. The results of inspiratory muscle strength were not significant but presented an average effect for the Cohen's D index for the Pilates group before (69.71 ± 35.46) and after (88.00 ± 34.87) training, with an increase of 27%. The control group did not present significant differences for the variables evaluated. It could be concluded that the Pilates method is effective in improving expiratory muscle strength and provides positive effects on the increase in inspiratory muscle strength.

Resumo Com o envelhecimento, a força muscular respiratória diminui e o método Pilates é uma técnica que utiliza da respiração como um de seus princípios. Com isso, o presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do método Pilates na força muscular respiratória em idosas. Para a avaliação da força dos músculos respiratórios (inspiratórios e expiratórios) foi utilizado o manovacuomêtro. Participaram da pesquisa 31 idosas que foram divididas em dois grupos, 14 idosas participaram do grupo Pilates e 17 do grupo controle. As idosas participantes do grupo Pilates realizaram 16 sessões com uma hora de treinamento, duas vezes na semana, durante oito semanas. Quanto ao grupo controle, as idosas participaram de quatro palestras educativas durante oito semanas. Para a análise estatística foi realizado o teste de Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA para medidas repetidas e o D de Cohen. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa e efeito médio para o índice de D de Cohen da força dos músculos expiratórios do grupo Pilates, ao comparar antes (69,71 ± 25,48) e após (85,23 ± 22,21) o treinamento (p<0,05), com aumento de 23%. Os resultados da força muscular inspiratória não apresentaram diferença significativa, mas apresentou efeito médio para o índice de D de Cohen para o grupo Pilates comparando antes (69,71 ± 35,46) e após (88,00 ± 34,87) o treinamento, com um aumento de 27%. O grupo controle não apresentou diferença significativa para as variáveis avaliadas. Pode-se concluir que o método Pilates é eficaz na melhora da força muscular expiratória e apresenta efeito positivo sobre o aumento da força muscular inspiratória.

Quadriceps muscle weakness influences the gait pattern in women with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in the population and is characterized by limitation of main functional activities of daily living, as the gait. Muscle strength is a variable that may be related to performance in daily tasks.Therefore, we to analyze the gait pattern in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to determine associations of gait variables with the level of muscle strength of knee extensors. METHODS: Sixty-seven female volunteers divided into 2 groups, a KOA group (KOAG, n = 36, 66.69 ± 7.69 years) and control (n = 31, 63.68 ± 6.97 years), participated in the study. The volunteers walked on a 10-m platform at their usual gait speed, using 2 pressure sensors positioned at the base of the hallux and calcaneus. The mean step time, support and double support times, swing time and gait speed were calculated. The evaluation of the quadriceps isometric torque was performed in an extensor chair, with hip and knee flexion at 90°. The procedure consisted of three maximal contractions of knee extension. Peak torque was determined by the highest torque value obtained after the onset of muscle contraction. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation were used, with p <  0.05. RESULTS: The KOAG had a 54.76% longer support time, a 13% longer step time (p <  0.001), a 30% decrease in swing time (p <  0.001) and a 10.7% decrease in gait speed (p = 0.001) compared with controls. The quadriceps isometric torque was 34% (p = 0.001) lower in the KOAG. There was a correlation between kinematic variables and quadriceps torque. CONCLUSION: Weakness of the quadriceps muscle in women with KOA influences gait pattern, resulting in reduced speed associated with a shorter swing time and longer support time.

Rate of force development and muscle activation of trunk muscles in women with and without low back pain: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of force development (RFD) and the rate of electromyography rise (RER) of global and local trunk muscles in women with and without low back pain. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight women divided into low back pain (LBP, n = 14) and control groups (CG, n = 14) participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects performed isometric contractions of trunk using an isokinetic dynamometer, and simultaneously the electromyography (EMG) signals were collected for global (rectus abdominis and longissimus thoracic) and local (internal oblique and multifidus) muscles. All variables were calculated using Matlab software. RESULTS: Symptomatic subjects showed lower RFD during trunk extension and it was correlated to a reduced RER mainly in the trunk extensor musculature (p < 0.05). During trunk flexion, LBP exhibited a delayed time to reach peak RFD (p < 0.05) compared to CG. RER for global anterior muscle was higher than for local muscle (p < 0.05) and it was more persistent in asymptomatic women. CG also presented greater activation amplitude for both agonist and antagonist trunk muscles, mainly the global ones. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic women showed lower RFD and it was correlated to a reduced capacity of rapid muscle activation mainly in the trunk extensor musculature.

Do cognitive tasks during gait increase the risk of accidents with pedestrians? A study based on electromyographic parameters / Tarefas cognitivas durante a marcha aumentam o risco de acidentes com pedestres? Um estudo baseado em parâmetros eletromiográficos

Abstract Introduction Accidents involving pedestrians are responsible for many cases of serious injuries and deaths. Crossing streets safely requires complex planning and cognitive demand because it is necessary to perform more than one task at a time. Objective The aim of this study was to identify electromyographic changes during gait in young subjects who performed the cognitive tasks concurrently. Methods The study included 17 younger women aged between 18 and 25 years. Data collection was performed on a treadmill. The volunteers were instructed to walk in four different conditions: normal gait (NG), gait with dual easy task (DET), gait with dual hard task (DHT) and gait with dual mixed task (DMT). Results Significant differences were found between the MN condition to the other conditions for all muscles and, during the NG, smaller values of muscle activation were found. Muscle co-contraction between muscles VM / BF showed a significant difference between the conditions of NG and DMT (p = 0.04) and, during the NG, smaller values of co-contraction were observed. Conclusion The data of this study permits to conclude that the competition between motor and cognitive resources significantly affects the levels of muscle activation and co-contraction during gait in young adult women. Thus, we conclude that the performance of dual cognitive tasks while driving can be considered a risk factor for safe driving.

Resumo Introdução Os acidentes de trânsito envolvendo pedestres são responsáveis por muitos casos de lesões graves e óbitos. Atravessar a rua com segurança requer complexo planejamento e demanda cognitiva, pois é necessário realizar mais de uma tarefa ao mesmo tempo. Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar alterações eletromiográficas durante a marcha de indivíduos jovens realizada concomitantemente com tarefas cognitivas. Métodos Participaram do estudo 17 jovens do sexo feminino com idade entre 18 e 25 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada em esteira ergométrica onde os voluntários realizaram o teste de marcha compostos por quatro condições distintas: marcha normal (MN), marcha com dupla tarefa fácil (DTF), marcha com dupla tarefa difícil (DTD) e marcha com dupla tarefa mista (DTM). Resultados Foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre a condição de MN para as demais condições para todos os músculos, sendo que durante a MN foram encontrados menores valores de ativação muscular. A co-contração muscular entre os músculos VM/BF mostrou diferença significativa entre as condições de MN e DTM (p = 0,04), sendo que durante a MN foram observados menores valores de co-contração. Conclusão Os dados do presente estudo, nos permitem concluir que a competição entre recursos motores e cognitivos afeta, significantemente, os níveis de ativação muscular e co-contração durante a marcha de mulheres adultas jovens. Assim, concluímos que a realização de duplas tarefas cognitivas durante a marcha pode ser considerada um fator de risco para o desempenho seguro da mesma, podendo ocasionar maior risco de acidentes aos pedestres.

Neuromuscular control strategies of the trunk antagonist muscles during the Biering-Sorensen test in individuals with recurrent low back pain and healthy subjects

Abstract OBJECTIVES To compare the activation pattern of the trunk antagonistic muscles and also the myoelectric manifestations of muscle fatigue between subjects with and without recurrent non-specific low back pain, during the fatigue provocation of the erector spinae. METHODS The study involved 19 subjects with recurrent low back pain with a non-specific cause (seven men, 12 women, 38.53 ± 8.12 years, 68.35 ± 18.12 kg, 1.66 ± 0.09 m), and 19 healthy subjects (seven men, 12 women, 40.42 ± 8.63 years, 69.57 ± 12.76 kg, 1.64 ± 0.07 m). The electromyographic signal of the internal oblique, lumbar multifidus, rectus abdominis and lumbar iliocostalis muscles, bilateral, were collected during Biering-Sorensen test execution. RESULTS The group with low back pain showed a lower co-contraction rate of the internal oblique/lumbar multifidus (p = 0.006) and lower activation amplitude of the internal oblique (p = 0.019), both on the right side when compared to the group without low back pain. No differences were observed between the groups for muscle fatigue indicators (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION When the erector spine muscle fatigue occurs - even when the groups were similar as to the ability of extensors muscles to resist fatigue - differences were found between subjects with and without low back pain regarding the recruitment pattern of the task antagonist muscle, because subjects with low back pain showed lesser activation and co-contraction in relation to the healthy group.

Effect of the Mat Pilates method on postural balance and thoracic hyperkyphosis among elderly women: a randomized controlled trial / Efeitos do método Pilates Solo no equilíbrio e na hipercifose torácica em idosas: ensaio clínico controlado randomizado

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the influence of the Mat Pilates method on thoracic hyperkyphosis and postural balance among elderly women. Method: A randomized longitudinal study was performed involving 31 elderly women who were divided into two groups: the Control Group (n=17) and the Pilates Group (n=14). The Pilates Group underwent training while the Control Group attended lectures. Evaluation consisted of specific balance (one-leg right and left) and thoracic kyphosis (computed biophotogrammetry) tests. The subjects were reassessed at the end of eight weeks. Data was analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, and the paired Student's t, the unpaired Student's t, the Wilcoxon, and the Mann-Whitney statistical tests, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The Pilates group maintained balance levels (p>0.05) and had a mean thoracic kyphosis reduction of 6 degrees (p<0.001). There was no significant difference (p>0.005) in any of the variables in the Control Group. Conclusion: The present study found that the Mat Pilates method contributed to a reduction in thoracic kyphosis and the maintenance of balance in the elderly women investigated. REBEC: RBR-6jd8nq.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do método Pilates Solo na hipercifose torácica e no equilíbrio em idosas. Método: Estudo randomizado, longitudinal. Participaram do estudo 31 idosas entre 60 e 75 anos, que foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Controle (n=17) e Grupo Pilates (n=14). O Grupo Pilates realizou treinamento, enquanto o Grupo Controle participou de palestras. A avaliação foi composta por testes específicos de equilíbrio (teste Unipodal direita e esquerda) e de hipercifose torácica (biofotogrametria computadorizada). Ao término das oito semanas ambos os grupos foram reavaliados. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio do teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk, teste t Student pareado, teste t Student não pareado, teste Wilcoxon e teste Mann-Whitney. Considerou-se nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: O Grupo Pilates apresentou manutenção no equilíbrio (p>0,05) e diminuição da hipercifose torácica em média de 6 graus (p<0,001), enquanto o Grupo Controle não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0,05) em nenhuma das variáveis. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que o método Pilates Solo contribuiu na diminuição da hipercifose torácica e manutenção do equilíbrio das idosas investigadas. REBEC: RBR-6jd8nq.