Protium spruceanum Extract Enhances Mupirocin Activity When Combined with Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogel: A Multi-Target Strategy for Treating Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.

The treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) can be challenging due to bacterial resistance, particularly from strains like MRSA and biofilm formation. However, combining conventional antibiotics with natural products shows promise in treating SSTIs. The objective of this study is to develop a nanoemulsion-based hydrogel containing Protium spruceanum extract and mupirocin and evaluate its potential for the treatment of SSTIs. The nanoemulsion was obtained by phase inversion and subsequently characterized. The antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro against S. aureus MRSA, including the synergism of the combination, changes in membrane permeability using flow cytometry, and the anti-biofilm effect. In addition, the irritative potential was evaluated by the HET-CAM assay. The combination exhibited synergistic antibacterial activity against S. aureus and MRSA due to the extract enhancing membrane permeability. The hydrogel demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties, inhibited biofilm formation, and exhibited low irritation. The formulation was nanometric (176.0 ± 1.656 nm) and monodisperse (polydispersity index 0.286 ± 0.011). It exhibited a controlled release profile at 48 h and high encapsulation efficacy (94.29 ± 4.54% for quercitrin and 94.20 ± 5.44% for mupirocin). Therefore, these findings suggest that the hydrogel developed could be a safe and effective option for treating SSTIs.

Benznidazole-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Oral Chemotherapeutic Treatment of Chagas Disease.

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem. Benznidazole (BZ) is the drug used to treat it. However, in its commercial formulation, it has significant side effects and is less effective in the chronic phase of the infection. The development of particulate systems containing BZ is therefore being promoted. The objective of this investigation was to develop polymeric nanoparticles loaded with BZ and examine their trypanocidal impact in vitro. Two formulas (BNP1 and BNP2) were produced through double emulsification and freeze drying. Subsequent to physicochemical and morphological assessment, both formulations exhibited adequate yield, average particle diameter, and zeta potential for oral administration. Cell viability was assessed in H9C2 and RAW 264.7 cells in vitro, revealing no cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes or detrimental effects in macrophages at specific concentrations. BNP1 and BNP2 enhanced the effect of BZ within 48 h using a treatment of 3.90 µg/mL. The formulations notably improved NO reduction, particularly BNP2. The findings imply that the compositions are suitable for preclinical research, underscoring their potential as substitutes for treating CD. This study aids the quest for new BZ formulations, which are essential in light of the disregard for the treatment of CD and the unfavorable effects associated with its commercial product.

Nanoemulsified Essential Oil of Melaleuca leucadendron Leaves for Topical Application: In Vitro Photoprotective, Antioxidant and Anti-Melanoma Activities.

Melanoma, primarily caused by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can be prevented by the use of sunscreens. However, the use of synthetic sunscreens raises environmental concerns. Natural compounds with antioxidant photoprotective properties and cytotoxic effects against cancer cells can be promising for the prevention and treatment of melanoma with less environmental effect. This study focuses on Melaleuca leucadendron essential oil (EO) for photoprotection and antitumor applications. EO was hydrodistilled from M. leucadendron leaves with a 0.59% yield. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Nanoemulsions were prepared with (NE-EO) and without EO (NE-B) using the phase inversion method, showing good stability, spherical or oval morphology, and a pseudoplastic profile. Photoprotective activity assessed spectrophotometrically showed that the NE-EO was more effective than NE-B and free EO. Antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods indicated that pure and nanoemulsified EO mainly inhibited the ABTS radical, showing IC50 40.72 and 5.30 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity tests on L-929 mouse fibroblasts, NGM human melanocyte, B16-F10 melanoma, and MeWo human melanoma revealed that EO and NE-EO were more cytotoxic to melanoma cells than to non-tumor cells. The stable NE-EO demonstrates potential for melanoma prevention and treatment. Further research is required to gain a better understanding of these activities.

Novel Fe3O4 Nanoparticles with Bioactive Glass-Naproxen Coating: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Bioactivity.

Immune response to biomaterials, which is intimately related to their surface properties, can produce chronic inflammation and fibrosis, leading to implant failure. This study investigated the development of magnetic nanoparticles coated with silica and incorporating the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, aimed at multifunctional biomedical applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques that confirmed the presence of magnetite and the formation of a silica-rich bioactive glass (BG) layer. In vitro studies demonstrated that the nanoparticles exhibited bioactive properties, forming an apatite surface layer when immersed in simulated body fluid, and biocompatibility with bone cells, with good viability and alkaline phosphatase activity. Naproxen, either free or encapsulated, reduced nitric oxide production, an inflammatory marker, while the BG coating alone did not show anti-inflammatory effects in this study. Overall, the magnetic nanoparticles coated with BG and naproxen showed promise for biomedical applications, especially anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages and in the bone field, due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and osteogenic potential.

Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Potential of Vestitol Isolated from Lyophilized Red Propolis.

Chagas disease (CD) is a worldwide public health problem, and the drugs available for its treatment have severe limitations. Red propolis is a natural extract known for its high content of phenolic compounds and for having activity against T. cruzi. The aim of this study was to investigate the trypanocidal potential of red propolis to isolate, identify, and indicate the mode of action of the bioactive compounds. The results revealed that the total phenolic content was 15.4 mg GAE/g, and flavonoids were 7.2 mg QE/g. The extract was fractionated through liquid-liquid partitioning, and the trypanocidal potential of the samples was evaluated using the epimastigote forms of the Y strain of T. cruzi. In this process, one compound was characterized by MS, 1H, and 13C NMR and identified as vestitol. Cytotoxicity was evaluated employing MRC-5 fibroblasts and H9C2 cardiomyocytes, showing cytotoxic concentrations above 15.62 µg/mL and 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. In silico analyses were applied, and the data suggested that the substance had a membrane-permeation-enhancing effect, which was confirmed through an in vitro assay. Finally, a molecular docking analysis revealed a higher affinity of vestitol with farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS). The identified isoflavan appears to be a promising lead compound for further development to treat Chagas disease.

Multicomponent and mat Pilates training increased gait speed in individuals with Parkinson's disease when walking and carrying a load: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gait disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease (IwPD) are among the most disabling symptoms. Physical exercise has been proposed for the treatment of IwPD because it shows positive effects on gait variables. Given the importance of physical activity in the rehabilitation process of IwPD, the assessment of interventions to identify those most promising for improving or maintaining gait performance is of great relevance. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of Mat Pilates Training (MPT) and Multicomponent Training (MCT) on the spatiotemporal variables of gait in situations of daily dual-task performance in IwPD. Gait analysis in a daily dual-task context allows the simulation of real-life conditions where individuals have a higher risk of falling than in single-task walking. METHODS: We conducted a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with 34 mild-to-moderate IwPD (Hoehn-Yahr stage 1-2). They were randomized to one of two interventions: MPT or MCT. All participants performed the training for 60 min, three times per week, for 20 weeks. Spatiotemporal gait variables were evaluated in a daily life situation to increase the ecological validity of the measurements, which included gait speed, stride time, double support time, swing time, and cadence. The individuals walked on a platform holding two bags with a load corresponding to 10% of their body mass. RESULTS: After the intervention, there was a significant improvement in gait speed in both groups: MPT (p = 0.047) and MCT (p = 0.015). The MPT group reduced the cadence (p = 0.005) and the MCT group increased the stride length (p = 0.026) after the intervention. DISCUSSION: Both groups had positive effects on gait speed with load transport resulting from the two proposed interventions. However, the MPT group showed a spatiotemporal adjustment of speed and cadence that can increase gait stability, which was not found in the MCT group.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Photoprotective Investigation of Red Propolis Extract as Sunscreen Formulation in Polawax Cream.

Many activities have been described for propolis, including, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antioxidant and wound healing properties. Recently, propolis has been highlighted due to its potential application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, motivating a better understanding of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Propolis and its main polyphenolic compounds presented high antioxidant activity, and effectiveness as broad spectrum UVB and UVA photoprotection sunscreens. Through a qualitative phytochemical screening, the ethanolic red propolis extracts (EEPV) (70% at room temperature and 70% at a hot temperature) presented a positive result for flavonoids and terpenoids. It presented an antioxidant activity for reducing 50% of DPPH of 17 and 12 µg/mL for extraction at room temperature and at a hot temperature, respectively. The UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis allowed the annotation of 40 substances for EEPV-Heated and 42 substances for EEPV-Room Temperature. The IC50 results of the ABTS scavenging activity was 4.7 µg/mL for both extractions, at room temperature and at a hot temperature. Additionally, we also evaluated the cytotoxic profile of propolis extracts against macrophage (RAW 264.7 cells) and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), which showed non-cytotoxic doses in cell viability assays even after a long period of exposure. In addition, propolis extracts showed antibacterial activity for Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), demonstrating potential biological activity for the creation of formulations aimed at disease control and prevention.

Evaluation of Anti-Candida albicans Activity and Release of Ketoconazole in PMMA-G-PEG 4000 Films.

Modified release systems depend on the selection of an appropriate agent capable of controlling the release of the drug, sustaining the therapeutic action over time, and/or releasing the drug at the level of a particular tissue or target organ. Polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) is commonly employed in drug release formulations while polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is non-toxic and has a good solubility in organic solvents. This study aimed at the incorporation of ketoconazole in PMMA-g-PEG 4000 and its derivatives, thus evaluating its release profile and anti-Candida albicans and cytotoxic activities. Ketoconazole was characterized and incorporated into the copolymers. The ketoconazole incorporated in the copolymer and its derivatives showed an immediate release profile. All copolymers with ketoconazole showed activity against Candida albicans and were non-toxic to human cells in the entire concentration tested.

Benznidazole, itraconazole, and their combination for the treatment of chronic experimental Chagas disease in dogs.

Treatment for Chagas disease has limited efficacy in the chronic phase. We evaluated benznidazole (BZ) and itraconazole (ITZ) individually and in association in dogs 16 months after infection with a BZ-resistant Trypanosoma cruzi strain. Four study groups (20 animals) were evaluated and treated for 60 days with BZ, ITZ, or BZ + ITZ, and maintained in parallel to control group infected and not treated (INT). All dogs were evaluated in the first, sixth, 12th, 18th and 24th months of study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative in 2 of 3 animals in the BZ + ITZ group, 2 of 5 in the BZ group, and 4 of 5 in the ITZ group. Hemoculture performed in the 24th month was negative in all groups. Enzyme-linked immunoassay remained reactive in all treated animals. Echocardiography differentiated treated animals from control animals. Quantitative PCR analysis of cardiac tissue was negative in the BZ + ITZ and BZ groups, positive in 2 of 5 dogs in the ITZ group and in 2 of 3 dogs in the control group, but negative in colon tissue in all groups. Inflammation was significantly reduced in the right atrium and left ventricle of dogs treated with BZ + ITZ and BZ compared with those receiving ITZ alone. Fibrosis was absent in most dogs treated with BZ + ITZ, mild in those treated with BZ or ITZ alone, and intense in the control group. Parasitological and histopathological evaluations showed that BZ + ITZ treatment improved or stabilized the clinical condition of the dogs.

O tempo de balanço como variável preditiva da doença de Parkinson / El tiempo de equilibrio como variable predictora de la enfermedad de Parkinson / Swing time as a predictive variable for Parkinson's disease

RESUMO Atualmente, a doença de Parkinson (DP) tem seu diagnóstico baseado apenas na observação clínica de uma combinação de sintomas, o que pode levar ao diagnóstico tardio. Alguns indivíduos podem, em decorrência disso, ter a doença por 5 a 10 anos antes de serem diagnosticados. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as variáveis cinemáticas temporais da marcha, pois estas são capazes de discriminar idosos com e sem DP. Como método, 40 indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo de idosos sem DP (n=21) e com DP (n=19). Foram obtidos dez ciclos de marcha consecutivos durante a marcha em velocidade de preferência, sendo utilizados para a análise dos dados. Realizou-se uma análise discriminativa para determinar um modelo preditor de alterações na marcha característico da DP. O modelo foi calculado com base na especificidade e sensibilidade de cada variável analisada, utilizando-se variáveis cinemáticas temporais. A variável com valor discriminativo de sensibilidade e especificidade foi o tempo de balanço, o que pode classificá-lo como a variável que possui grande potencial preditivo da presença ou não da DP, e o ponto de corte encontrado para essa variável foi de 0,48 segundos. A pesquisa concluiu que a análise cinemática da marcha permite discriminar um grupo de indivíduos com a doença de Parkinson de um grupo de indivíduos saudáveis, com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, por meio do tempo de balanço, visto que ele é menor no grupo acometido pela doença.

RESUMEN Actualmente, el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se obtiene desde la observación clínica de una combinación de síntomas, lo que puede llevar a un diagnóstico tardío. Como resultado, algunas personas pueden haber adquirido la enfermedad entre 5 y 10 años antes de que fuesen diagnosticadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las variables cinemáticas temporales de la marcha, ya que son capaces de diferenciar a los ancianos con EP y a los ancianos sin EP. Se dividieron los 40 participantes en dos grupos: ancianos sin EP (n=21) y ancianos con EP (n=19). Se obtuvieron diez ciclos de marcha consecutivos durante la marcha a la velocidad preferida para el análisis de datos. Se realizó un análisis discriminante para determinar un modelo predictivo de cambios en la marcha característicos de la EP. El modelo se calculó con base en la especificidad y sensibilidad de cada variable analizada, utilizando variables cinemáticas temporales. La variable con valor discriminante de sensibilidad y especificidad fue el tiempo de equilibrio, que puede clasificarse como la variable con mayor potencial para predecir la presencia o no de EP; y el punto de cohorte encontrado para esta variable fue de 0,48 segundos. Se concluye que el análisis cinemático de la marcha puede discriminar a un grupo de individuos con enfermedad de Parkinson de un grupo de individuos sanos, con alta sensibilidad y especificidad, por medio del tiempo de equilibrio, que fue menor en el grupo afectado por la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Currently, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is diagnosed based only on the clinical observation of a combination of symptoms, which can lead to late diagnosis, since some individuals may have the disease for 5 to 10 years before being diagnosed. The aim was to identify temporal kinematic variables of walking, capable of discriminating elderly people with and without PD. 40 individuals were divided into two groups: elderly group without PD (n=21) and with PD (n=19). Ten consecutive gait cycles were obtained during walking at a preferred speed and used for data analysis. A discriminative analysis was performed to determine a predictor model of gait changes, characteristic of PD and calculated based on the specificity and sensitivity of each variable analyzed, using temporal kinematic variables. The variable with discriminative value of sensitivity and specificity was the time of balance, which can be classified as the variable with most predictive potential of the presence or not of PD, and the cut of found for this variable was 0,48 seconds. The kinematic gait analysis allows to discriminate a group of individuals with PD from a group of healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity, through the time of balance that is lower in the group affected by the disease (cut of 0,48 seconds).

O tempo de balanço como variável preditiva da doença de Parkinson / Tiempo de equilibrio como variable predictora de la enfermedad de Parkinson / Swing time as a predictive variable for Parkinson's disease

RESUMO Atualmente, a doença de Parkinson (DP) tem seu diagnóstico baseado apenas na observação clínica de uma combinação de sintomas, o que pode levar ao diagnóstico tardio, uma vez que alguns indivíduos podem ter a doença por 5 a 10 anos antes de serem diagnosticados. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar variáveis cinemáticas temporais da marcha capazes de discriminar idosos com e sem DP. 40 indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo de idosos sem DP (n=21) e com DP (n=19). Dez ciclos de marcha consecutivos foram obtidos durante a marcha em velocidade de preferência, e utilizados para a análise dos dados. Realizou-se uma análise discriminativa para determinar um modelo preditor de alterações na marcha característico da DP e calculado com base na especificidade e sensibilidade de cada variável analisada, utilizando-se variáveis cinemáticas temporais. A variável com valor discriminativo de sensibilidade e especificidade foi o tempo de balanço, o que pode classificá-la como a variável com grande potencial preditivo da presença ou não da DP; o ponto de corte encontrado para essa variável foi de 0,48segundos. A análise cinemática da marcha permite discriminar um grupo de indivíduos com DP de um grupo de indivíduos saudáveis com alta sensibilidade e especificidade, por meio do tempo de balanço, menor no grupo acometido pela doença (corte de 0,48 segundos).

RESUMEN Actualmente, el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se obtiene desde la observación clínica de una combinación de síntomas, lo que puede llevar a un diagnóstico tardío, ya que algunas personas pueden haber adquirido la enfermedad entre 5 y 10 años antes de la realización del diagnóstico. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar variables cinemáticas temporales de la marcha capaces de diferenciar a ancianos con EP y ancianos sin EP. Se dividieron los 40 participantes en dos grupos: ancianos sin EP (n=21) y ancianos con EP (n=19). Para el análisis de datos, se obtuvieron diez ciclos de marcha consecutivos durante la marcha a la velocidad preferida. Se realizó un análisis discriminante para determinar un modelo predictivo de cambios en la marcha característicos de EP que se calcula en base a la especificidad y sensibilidad de cada variable analizada utilizando variables cinemáticas temporales. La variable con valor discriminante de sensibilidad y especificidad fue el tiempo de equilibrio, que se puede clasificar como la variable con mayor potencial para predecir la presencia o no de EP; el punto de cohorte encontrado para esta variable fue de 0,48 segundos. El análisis cinemático de la marcha tiene una alta sensibilidad y especificidad en la identificación de individuos con EP comparados a individuos sanos por medio del tiempo de equilibrio, que es menor en el grupo afectado por la enfermedad (cohorte de 0,48 segundos).

ABSTRACT Currently, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is diagnosed based only on the clinical observation of a symptom combination, which can lead to late diagnosis, since some individuals have the disease for 5 to 10 years before diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify temporal kinematic variables of gait, capable of discriminating older adults with or without PD. Forty individuals were divided into two groups: older adults without PD (n=21) and with PD (n=19). Ten consecutive gait cycles were obtained during gait at a preferred speed and then used in data analysis. Discriminative analysis was performed to determine a predictor model of gait changes, characteristic of PD, estimated based on the specificity and sensitivity of each analyzed variable, with temporal kinematic variables. The variable with discriminative value of sensitivity and specificity was swing time, which can be classified as the variable with most predictive potential of PD, and the cut-off point found for this variable was 0.48 seconds. Kinematic gait analysis allows discriminating a group of individuals with PD from a group of healthy individuals, with high sensitivity and specificity, through the swing time, which is lower in the group affected by the disease (cut-off=0.48 seconds).

Contributions of physical exercise to motor symptoms and the balance of people with Parkinson's Disease: a systematic review / Contribuciones del ejercicio físico para los síntomas motores y el equilibrio de las personas con Enfermedad de Parkinson: una revisión sistemática / Contribuições do exercício físico nos sintomas motores e no equílibrio de pessoas com Doença de Parkinson: uma revisão sistemática

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review evaluating the effects of physical exercise on balance and motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. METHOD: The search was carried out on the PubMed, Scielo and PEDro databases. The articles were evaluated by two independent researchers, following the criteria: presenting a control group, having more than eight weeks of intervention, assessing motor symptoms (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire -39) and balance (Timed Up and Go and Berg Scale). RESULTS: The search resulted in 1377 articles, of which 11 were included in the study. The total number of participants was 925, in which 545 were allocated in the intervention groups and 380 in the control groups. The strength training and balance, performed alone or in combination, are highlighted in improvements related to balance. Exercise, regardless of type, improves motor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, physical exercise has a positive effect on both balance and motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, strength and balance modalities stand out

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue conducir una revisión sistemática evaluando los efectos del ejercicio físico en el equilibrio y los síntomas motores de la Enfermedad de Parkinson. MÉTODO: Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos científicos en las siguientes bases: PubMed, Scielo y PEDro. Los artículos fueron evaluados por dos investigadores, siguiendo los criterios: presentar grupo control, contar con al menos ocho semanas de intervención, evaluar síntomas motores (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale y el Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39) y equilibrio (Timed Up and Go y Escala de Berg). RESULTADOS: Se revisaron un total de 1377 artículos, de estos, 11 fueron incluidos. El número total de participantes fue de 925, 545 en el grupo experimental y 380 en el grupo de control. Los entrenamientos de fuerza y de equilibrio, realizados juntos o separados, indujeron mejoras del equilibrio. El ejercicio, de cualquier tipo, mejora los síntomas motores. CONCLUSIONES: Así, el ejercicio físico tiene efecto positivo, tanto en el equilibrio como en los síntomas motores de la Enfermedad de Parkinson, destacándose el entrenamiento de fuerza y equilibrio

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi conduzir uma revisão sistemática avaliando os efeitos do exercício físico no equilíbrio e nos sintomas motores da Doença de Parkinson. MÉTODO: Realizou-se a busca nas bases PubMed, Scielo e PEDro. Os artigos foram avaliados por dois investigadores independentes, seguindo os critérios: apresentar grupo controle, possuir mais de oito semanas de intervenção, avaliar sintomas motores (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale e Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39) e equilíbrio (Timed Up and Go e Escala de Berg). RESULTADOS: A busca resultou em 1377 artigos, destes, 11 foram incluídos no estudo. O total de participantes foi de 925, em que 545 alocados no grupo intervenção e 380 no grupo controle. Os exercícios de força e de equilíbrio, realizados de forma isolada ou combinada, se destacaram nas melhoras relacionadas ao equilíbrio. O exercício, independente da modalidade, melhora os sintomas motores. CONCLUSÕES: Assim, o exercício físico tem efeito positivo tanto no equilíbrio quanto nos sintomas motores da Doença de Parkinson, destaca-se as modalidades de força e equilíbrio

Game terapia na Doença de Parkinson: influência da adição de carga e diferentes níveis de dificuldade sobre a amplitude de movimento de abdução de ombro / Video games in Parkinson's Disease: influence of load addition and different difficulty levels on the range of motion in shoulder abduction

A Doença de Parkinson (DP) manifesta sinais e sintomas que interferem na coordenação motora global e fina, força muscular, propriocepção, amplitude e velocidade do movimento, o que pode interferir nas atividades funcionais e, consequentemente, na qualidade de vida. Diante destas alterações funcionais, os jogos virtuais podem contribuir na recuperação das habilidades motoras. Sendo assim, o estudo teve como objetivo identificar a influência da adição de carga em diferentes níveis de dificuldades de jogos virtuais sobre a amplitude de movimento de abdução de ombro de indivíduos com DP. Participaram do estudo 10 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, faixa etária de 55 a 80 anos, com diagnóstico de doença de Parkinson idiopática, classificados nos estágios de I a III da escala de Hoehn Yahr. Os voluntários jogaram no Console X-Box com Kinect em diferentes níveis de jogo, com ou sem adição de carga em punho. Para análise dos dados, foram selecionados os momentos de maior amplitude de movimento de abdução de ombro em cada uma das condições de jogos propostas aos voluntários. Não houve diferença significativa na amplitude de abdução de ombro em relação ao uso de carga durante os jogos, aos níveis de jogo, bem como entre os membros superiores direito e esquerdo. A adição de carga e os diferentes níveis de dificuldade dos jogos virtuais não promovem mudanças significativas na amplitude de movimento de abdução de ombro de indivíduos com DP. Sugerimos que novos estudos sejam realizados, envolvendo a análise de um maior número de ferramentas biomecânicas, bem como outras articulações e movimentos de grande impacto sobre a funcionalidade de membros superiores...(AU)

Parkinson's Disease (PD) has signs and symptoms involving the global and fine motor coordination, muscular strength, proprioception, range of motion and speed of movement, which may interfere with functional activities and hence quality of life. In view of these functional changes, virtual games can contribute to the recovery of motor skills. Therefore, the study aimed to identify the influence of load addition on different levels of virtual game difficulties on the shoulder abduction range of motion of patients with PD. The study included 10 individuals of both sexes, aged 55-80 years with a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease, classified in stages I to III of the Hoehn Yahr scale. Volunteers played the X-Box Kinect Console with different levels of play, with or without added charge at the wrist. For data analysis, the moments of greater range of shoulder abduction movement in each of the conditions of games offered to volunteers were selected. There was no difference in range of shoulder abduction in relation to load use during games, the game levels, and between the right and left upper extremities. The addition of load and the different difficulty levels of the virtual games do not promote significant changes in the abduction range of motion of shoulder in PD patients. We suggest that further studies are carried out, involving the analysis of a larger number of biomechanical tools as well as other joints and movements of great impact on the functionality of upper extremities....(AU)

Proprioceptive exercise with bosu maximizes electromyographic activity of the ankle muscles / Exercício proprioceptivo com bosu maximiza atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos do tornozelo

Ankle sprains are commonly related to sporty activities and often associated with decreases in sensorimotor control, including proprioception, muscle strength and balance. The use of unstable surfaces in the fields of rehabilitation and general fitness has been shown to be effective in increasing the sensory efficiency of soft tissues that stabilize the knee and ankle as well as improving the agonist-antagonist co-contraction. The aim of this study was to analyze the EMG activity of the ankle muscles ­ the tibialis anterior (TA), peroneus longus (PL) and medial head of the gastrocnemius (GM) during proprioceptive exercises using the BOSU compared to other devices traditionally used (balance platform, trampoline and proprioceptive disk). Eleven male volunteers were recruited and data collection was performed using single differential surface electrodes. The EMG signal was recorded and expressed as root mean square, which was normalized by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The data were subjected to parametric statistical analysis, using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. The results showed that the BOSU provided greater activity in the ankle muscles than the most proprioceptive devices, accordingly, the BOSU is a device that should be employed to diversify programs of prevention/rehabilitation for lower limb injuries, preferentially in advanced stages of these approaches.

As entorses de tornozelo são comumente relacionadas com atividades desportivas e muitas vezes estão associados com diminuição no controle sensório-motor, incluindo a propriocepção, força muscular e equilíbrio. A utilização de superfícies instáveis nas áreas de reabilitação e condicionamento físico geral têm sido eficaz no aumento da eficiência sensorial dos tecidos moles que estabilizam o joelho e tornozelo e na melhora da cocontração agonistaantagonista. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos tibial anterior (TA), fibular longo (FL) e cabeça medial do gastrocnêmio (GM) durante o exercício proprioceptivo com bosu e comparar com diferentes aparelhos tradicionalmente utilizados (balancinho, cama elástica e disco proprioceptivo). Onze voluntários do gênero masculino foram recrutados e a coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando-se eletrodos de superfície diferencial simples. O sinal eletromiográfico foi quantificado pela Raiz Quadrada da Média (root mean square -RMS) e normalizado pela Contração Isométrica Voluntária Máxima. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise estatística paramétrica, empregando-se teste de análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA). Os resultados demonstraram que o bosu proporcionou maior atividade nos músculos do tornozelo em relação a maioria dos aparelhos proprioceptivos , desta forma, o bosu é um dispositivo que deve ser utilizado para diversificar um programa de prevenção ou reabilitação de lesões de membro inferior, preferencialmente em estágios avançados destes programas.