ABSTRACT
Introduction: Institutionalized young people may exhibit impaired development due to lack of support, correct guidance regarding their physiological changes, and knowledge about postural changes. Methods: This is a longitudinal observational case series study. Adolescents residing in shelters who could understand the entire protocol were invited to participate in the study. Ten meetings were held, once a week, with 8 theoretical-practical interventions and 2 pre and post-PEP evaluations. The evaluations were: static posture, dynamic balance, handgrip strength, self-esteem, quality of life, and a theoretical questionnaire on general knowledge. Results: From 18 adolescents, 11 (7 boys and 4 girls), with an average age of 14.8 (±1.3) years concluded the study. After the PEP intervention, a significant improvement was found in the knee angles (3.56º vs. 2.28º) and hip (-12.03º vs. -4.18º) in its plane lateral. The scores of the theoretical questionnaire were 4.75 vs. 11.63 and the handgrip strength was 22.91 vs. 28.54 kgf and 21.55 vs. 26.82 kgf for the right and left limbs. In the quality of life and self-esteem questionnaires, no statistically significant differences were obtained. Conclusion: PEP imparts benefits to socially vulnerable adolescents for postural angles, handgrip strength and theoretical knowledge. Self-esteem and quality of life did not change, probably due to their high vulnerability.
Introdução: Jovens institucionalizados podem apresentar comprometimento do desenvolvimento por falta de apoio, orientação correta quanto às suas alterações fisiológicas e conhecimento sobre alterações posturais. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional longitudinal de série de casos. Foram convidados a participar do estudo adolescentes residentes em abrigos que conseguissem compreender todo o protocolo. Foram realizados dez encontros, uma vez por semana, com 8 intervenções teórico-práticas e 2 avaliações pré e pós-PEP. (programa de educação postural). As avaliações foram: postura estática, equilíbrio dinâmico, força de preensão manual, autoestima, qualidade de vida e questionário teórico de conhecimentos gerais. Resultados: Dos 18 adolescentes, 11 (7 meninos e 4 meninas), com idade média de 14,8 (±1,3) anos, concluíram o estudo. Após a intervenção PEP, foi encontrada melhora significativa nos ângulos do joelho (3,56º vs. 2,28º) e quadril (-12,03º vs. -4,18º) no seu plano lateral. As pontuações do questionário teórico foram 4,75 vs. 11,63 e a força de preensão manual foi 22,91 vs. 28,54 kgf e 21,55 vs. 26,82 kgf para os membros direito e esquerdo. Nos questionários de qualidade de vida e autoestima não foram obtidas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Conclusão: A PEP traz benefícios aos adolescentes em situação de vulnerabilidade social quanto aos ângulos posturais, força de preensão manual e conhecimento teórico. A autoestima e a qualidade de vida não se alteraram, provavelmente devido à sua elevada vulnerabilidade.
ABSTRACT
Whole-body vibration (WBV), which is widely used as a type of exercise, involves the use of vibratory stimuli and it is used for rehabilitation and sports performance programmes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of WBV treatment in a chronic pain model after 10 WBV sessions. An animal model (chronic pain) was applied in 60 male Wistar rats (±180 g, 12 weeks old) and the animals were treated with low intensity exercise (treadmill), WBV (vibrating platform), and a combined treatment involving both. The controls on the platform were set to a frequency of 42 Hz with 2 mm peak-to-peak displacement, g ≈ 7, in a spiral mode. Before and after the vibration exposure, sensitivity was determined. Aß-fibers-mediated mechanical sensitivity thresholds (touch-pressure) were measured using a pressure meter. C-fibers-mediated thermal perception thresholds (hot pain) were measured with a hot plate. After each session, WBV influenced the discharge of skin touch-pressure receptors, reducing mechanical sensitivity in the WBV groups (P < 0.05). Comparing the conditions "before vs. after", thermal perception thresholds (hot pain) started to decrease significantly after the third WBV session (P < 0.05). WBV decreases mechanical hyperalgesia after all sessions and thermal sensitivity after the third session with the use of WBV.
