Knee osteoarthritis and aging: evaluation of the different muscles of thigh / Artrosis de rodilla y envejecimiento: investigación de los diferentes músculos del muslo / Osteoartrite de joelho e envelhecimento: investigação de diferentes músculos da coxa

ABSTRACT Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory degenerative disease, characterized by progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage, affecting mostly the knee joint. The elderly population is the most affected, intensifying the aging process. The concentration of intramuscular adipose tissue in the thigh muscles and knee OA at different ages remains under investigation. Objective: Investigate the cross-sectional area of thigh muscles at different ages with the relationship of the presence of intramuscular fat and knee OA. Methods: 80 participants were paired into 4 groups: Young Osteoarthritis Group and Old Osteoarthritis Group, both sedentary with knee OA diagnosis II or III; Healthy Young Group and Healthy Old Group, both healthy and sedentary. The groups were paired according to gender and body mass index, submitted to physiotherapeutic evaluation, WOMAC questionnaire, knee X-ray and thigh CT scans. Morphometric analysis was performed manually with ITK-SNAP software (version 3.6), by a single evaluator. Statistical analysis used the one-way ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post-hoc for dependent variables (p≤0.05). Results: Comparison of the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, semitendinosus, sartorius and gracilis muscles between the groups indicated no significant differences (p>0.05). The study of attenuation for muscle adipose tissue indicated no significant difference in the values of between the OA-Young and Aged-S groups for all the muscles evaluated. Conclusion: Young individuals with knee OA present muscle morphological characteristics similar to those found during the aging process, characterizing early aging of the thigh muscles. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective cross-sectional and observational study.

RESUMEN Introducción: La artrosis (OA) es una enfermedad inflamatoria degenerativa crónica, caracterizada por la degeneración progresiva del cartílago articular, que afecta principalmente a la articulación de la rodilla. La población anciana es la más afectada, intensificándose el proceso de envejecimiento. La concentración de tejido adiposo intramuscular en los músculos del muslo y la OA de rodilla a diferentes edades sigue siendo objeto de investigación. Objetivo: Investigar el área transversal de los músculos del muslo a diferentes edades con la relación de la presencia de grasa intramuscular y la OA de rodilla. Métodos: Se emparejó a 80 participantes en 4 grupos: Grupo de jóvenes con osteoartritis y Grupo de mayores con osteoartritis, ambos sedentarios y con diagnóstico de OA de rodilla II o III; Grupo de jóvenes sanos y Grupo de mayores sanos, ambos sanos y sedentarios. Los grupos fueron emparejados según sexo e índice de masa corporal, sometidos a evaluación fisioterapéutica, cuestionario WOMAC, exámenes radiográficos de las rodillas y tomografía computarizada del muslo. El análisis morfométrico se realizó manualmente con el software ITK-SNAP (versión 3.6), por un único evaluador. En el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba ANOVA unidireccional seguida del post-hoc de Bonferroni para las variables dependientes (p≤0,05). Resultados: La comparación del área transversal de los músculos recto femoral, vasto lateral, semitendinoso, sartorio y gracilis entre los grupos no indicó diferencias significativas (p>0,05). El estudio de la atenuación para el tejido adiposo muscular no indicó diferencias significativas en los valores de entre los grupos OA-Young y Aged-S para todos los músculos evaluados. Conclusión: Individuos jóvenes con OA de rodilla presentan características morfológicas musculares similares a las encontradas durante el proceso de envejecimiento, caracterizando el envejecimiento precoz de los músculos del muslo. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio transversal y observacional retrospectivo.

RESUMO Introdução: A osteoartrite (OA) é uma doença inflamatória crônico-degenerativa, caracterizada pela degeneração progressiva da cartilagem articular, acometendo em maior parte a articulação do joelho. A população idosa é a mais atingida, intensificando o processo de envelhecimento. A concentração de tecido adiposo intramuscular nos músculos da coxa e a OA de joelho em diferentes idades permanece em investigação. Objetivo: Investigar a área de secção transversa dos músculos da coxa em diferentes idades com a relação da presença de gordura intramuscular e OA de joelho. Métodos: 80 participantes foram pareados em 4 grupos: Grupo Osteoartrite Jovem e Grupo Osteoartrite Idoso, ambos sedentários com diagnóstico de OA de joelho II ou III; Grupo Jovem Saudável e Grupo Idoso Saudável, ambos saudáveis e sedentários. Os grupos foram pareados de acordo com sexo e índice de massa corporal, submetidos à avaliação fisioterapêutica, questionário WOMAC, exames de raio-x dos joelhos e tomografia computadorizada da coxa. A análise morfométrica foi realizada manualmente com software ITK-SNAP (versão 3.6), por um único avaliador. Análise estatística utilizou o teste ANOVA one-way seguido pelo post-hoc de Bonferroni, para variáveis dependentes (p≤0,05). Resultados: A comparação da área de secção transversa dos músculos reto femoral, vasto lateral, semitendinoso, sartório e grácil, entre os grupos, não indicou diferenças significativas (p>0,05). O estudo da atenuação para o tecido adiposo muscular não indicou diferença significativa nos valores de entre os grupos OA-Jovem e Idoso-S para todos os músculos avaliados. Conclusão: Indivíduos jovens com OA de joelho apresentam características morfológicas musculares semelhantes às encontradas durante o processo de envelhecimento, caracterizando um envelhecimento precoce dos músculos da coxa.Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo transversal e observacional.

Ischemic compression associated with joint mobilization does not promote additional clinical effects in individuals with rotator cuff related shoulder pain: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify which are the additional effects of the ischemic compression (IC) technique associated with joint mobilization techniques on pain, morphological aspects of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), function, and psychological aspects in individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). METHODS: Sixty individuals with RCRSP were randomly allocated intervention sessions the Mobilization Group (MG, n = 20), only joint mobilizations of the shoulder complex; intervention sessions Compression Group (CG, n = 20), with the same mobilizations associated with the IC over MTrPs; and Placebo Group (PG, n = 20), with the same mobilizations associated with placebo of IC. All interventions performed 2 per week, for 6-weeks. Pain was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale and function by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. The kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, perception of improvement, mobility, pain threshold and area the MTrPs were also evaluated at baseline (week-0), after 6-weeks and after 10-weeks. RESULTS: There were no between-group difference in pain: CG-MG 0.8 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.2), CG-PG 0.5 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.9), MG-PG -0.3 (95% CI -0.8 to 0.1) after 6-weeks and CG-MG 0.1 (95% CI -0.2 to 0.5), CG-PG -0.7 (95% CI -0.9 to -0,4), MG-PG -0,8 (95% CI -1.07 to 0.5) at 10-weeks. Similar effects were observed on function, characteristics of MTrPs and psychological aspects. CONCLUSION: The IC technique on the MTrPs of the upper trapezius muscle associated with joint mobilization techniques has no additional effect on pain in individuals with RCRSP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-44v8y7.

Aerobic and Resistance Training Attenuate Differently Knee Joint Damage Caused by a High-Fat-High-Sucrose Diet in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity and associated low-level local systemic inflammation have been linked to an increased rate of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Aerobic exercise has been shown to protect the knee from obesity-induced joint damage. The aims of this study were to determine (1) if resistance training provides beneficial metabolic effects similar to those previously observed with aerobic training in rats consuming a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet and (2) if these metabolic effects mitigate knee OA in a diet-induced obesity model in rats. DESIGN: Twelve-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 4 groups: (1) a group fed an HFS diet subjected to aerobic exercise (HFS+Aer), (2) a group fed an HFS diet subjected to resistance exercise (HFS+Res), (3) a group fed an HFS diet with no exercise (HFS+Sed), and (4) a chow-fed sedentary control group (Chow+Sed). HFS+Sed animals were heavier and had greater body fat, higher levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, and more joint damage than Chow+Sed animals. RESULTS: The HFS+Res group had higher body mass and body fat than Chow+Sed animals and higher OA scores than animals from the HFS+Aer group. Severe bone lesions were observed in the HFS+Sed and Chow+Sed animals at age 24 weeks, but not in the HFS+Res and HFS+Aer group animals. CONCLOSION: In summary, aerobic training provided better protection against knee joint OA than resistance training in this rat model of HFS-diet-induced obesity. Exposing rats to exercise, either aerobic or resistance training, had a protective effect against the severe bone lesions observed in the nonexercised rats.

Face-to-face and telerehabilitation delivery of circuit training have similar benefits and acceptability in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised trial.

QUESTION: Is periodised circuit training delivered via a telerehabilitation model of care as effective as the same training applied face-to-face for improving pain intensity, physical function, muscle strength, pain catastrophising, body composition, intermuscular adipose tissue and muscle architecture in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA)? DESIGN: Randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial with concealed allocation, blinded assessors and intention-to-treat analysis. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred adults aged ≥ 40 years with knee OA and pain for ≥ 3 months, with current pain ≥ 40 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). INTERVENTION: The experimental group received 14 weeks of circuit training delivered via telerehabilitation using video recordings, followed by periodic phone calls in order to motivate and instruct participants. The control group received the same circuit training program in a face-to-face format. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were pain VAS and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function subscale, measured at 14 weeks. Secondary outcomes included objective physical function, strength, pain catastrophising and morphological measures (muscle architecture and thigh and body composition). Outcomes were measured at 14 and 26 weeks. RESULTS: Periodised circuit training delivered via telerehabilitation had equivalent effects to face-to-face delivery for pain intensity, physical function, muscle strength, pain catastrophising, thigh composition, intermuscular adipose tissue and muscle architecture. Whole body composition did not change appreciably in either group. Adherence to the training was excellent and participants in each group reported good perceptions of their randomised intervention. CONCLUSION: A periodised circuit training protocol can be delivered to people with knee OA in their own homes, using available technology while maintaining high levels of acceptability. More importantly, telerehabilitation appears to cause non-inferior physical and functional outcomes to face-to-face rehabilitation programs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-662hn2.

Older Adults With Alzheimer's Disease Have Lower Bone Mineral Density Compared to Older Adults Without Dementia: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The literature has associated bone mineral density (BMD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the present systematic review was to investigate BMD in older adults with AD compared with older adults with no dementia. METHODS: Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 2022. Observational studies that compared BMD in the populations of interest were included. Methodical quality (risk of bias) was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for meta-analyses. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Five studies were included, involving a total of 1772 older adults (373 with AD and 1399 with no dementia). A first meta-analysis compared 207 older adults with AD and 1243 with no dementia for BMD in the femoral neck. The results showed lower BMD in the AD groups (SMD =-1.52; 95% CI, -2.61 to -0.42; P = .007, low quality of evidence). A second meta-analysis considering different sites of the body (whole body, trunk, femur, and lumbar spine) also showed lower BMD in older adults with AD compared with the group with no dementia (SMD =-0.98; 95% CI, -1.91 to -0.05; P = .04, low quality of evidence). Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores ranged from 7 to 9, indicating low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Bone mineral density is lower in older adults with AD than in older adults with no dementia, especially in the femoral neck. These results suggest that older adults with AD may be at greater risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Current clinical practice guidelines should be amended for screening frequency and methodology for this particular cohort. Further studies are needed to confirm whether older people with AD have lower BMD in other sites of the body.

Effects of telehealth on functional capacity, mental health and quality of life among older people with dementia: LAPESI telehealth protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth can be an alternative action at a distance that can help as a form of motor intervention, alleviating the deleterious effects arising from social distancing on functional capacity, mental health and quality of life among older people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic. PURPOSE: We aim to analyze the effects of a telehealth program on functional capacity, mental health and quality of life among older people with dementia and their caregivers. METHODS: seventy-eight individuals with mild and moderate dementia and their caregivers will answer an anamnesis and be evaluated through Clinical Dementia Assessment Score. They will also be evaluated by blinded examiners in terms of functional capacity (Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0), mental health (Mini-Mental State Examination, Clock Drawing Test, Verbal Fluency test and the Neuropsychiatric Inventor) and quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease scale). Afterward, the volunteers will be randomized into the telehealth training group and the control group. The TR will perform systematic physical and cognitive exercises in 50-min sessions three times a week with professional monitoring, while the CG will receive non-systematized guidance, both for 12 weeks. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, immediately after the three-month interventions and with a 12-week follow- up. DISCUSSION: Technological approaches such as telehealth can be a viable alternative in home care service during times of pandemic. We expect that older people with dementia and their caregivers have high adherence to the telehealth program and improve their functional capacity, mental health and quality of life of older people with dementia. Telehealth is an alternative that can contribute to public policies and the development of effective intervention strategies that neutralize adverse outcomes. It can also be presented as an alternative to home care services, which could reduce demands for health resources.

Serratus anterior sEMG - sensor placement and test position for normalization purposes during maximal and submaximal exertions.

There is great variability regarding serratus anterior sEMG sensor placement and test positions during normalization procedures. We investigated between-trials reliability of serratus anterior sEMG, acquired at two sensor placements and four test positions, during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions. Twenty young healthy women participated. sEMG was captured at the 7th intercostal space and at the xiphoid process level, in the mid-axillary line, during maximal and submaximal isometric contractions, in four test positions. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC2,1), coefficient of variation and standard error of measurement were calculated. Interactions between sensor placements and test positions were investigated using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. All test conditions presented ICC2,1 > 0.8. There was no interaction between sensor placement and test position. Signal obtained from the sensor at 7th intercostal space was more stable between-trials and showed higher amplitude, during maximal and submaximal contractions, at seated positions with shoulder protracted at both 90° or 125° of flexion. We suggest to acquire serratus anterior sEMG at the 7th intercostal space and perform maximal or submaximal isometric contractions for signal normalization with shoulder protracted and flexed, at seated position.

Serum activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 is increased in chronic post-stroke individuals: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: High concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) are associated with inflammation early after stroke. In chronic stages, the elevation of some cytokines is related to the presence of co-morbid conditions in these individuals. In addition to this, some characteristics such as sensorimotor impairment, atrophy, and sedentary lifestyle predispose the system to an inflammatory response. OBJECTIVE: To quantify MMP-2 and -9 serum activity in chronic post-stroke individuals and correlate it with variables of physical activity level, body composition, functional and walking capacity, and with inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, gelatinase activity was characterized according to motor impairment. METHODS: Fourteen patients with stroke onset >6 months and seven healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The clinical assessment included: body composition, measure by bioelectrical impedance analyzer; Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale; six-minute and ten-meter walk tests, and physical activity level assessed by the StepWatch® Activity Monitor. Blood samples were collected from antecubital vein and serum MMP-2 and -9 activity was analyzed using gelatin Zymography, and the TNFα, IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10 biomarkers using ELISA kits. RESULTS: Chronic post-stroke individuals presented an increased activity of MMP-2 and -9 compared to healthy individuals. Positive correlations with time and steps in low cadence and negative ones with medium cadence and peak activity index were observed. According to the motor impairment, the MMP-2 activity was increased in the mild-moderate group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Increased gelatinases in chronic post-stroke individuals could describe an inflammation process related to the limited capacity of walking in high intensities.

Effects of a periodized circuit training protocol delivered by telerehabilitation compared to face-to-face method for knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is an effective method for reducing pain and disability in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), as well as improving body composition. Thus, a combination of both resistance and aerobic training (circuit training) has shown to be promising for this population. However, access to physical therapy is limited by physical distance, social isolation, and/or treatment costs. Remote rehabilitation seems to be an effective way to minimize these barriers, but the benefits are dependent on the participants' adherence to the interventions provided at a distance. The objectives of this protocol are to compare the effects of a periodized circuit training applied via telerehabilitation with the same protocol applied in the face-to-face model for individuals with knee OA. METHODS: This study presents a single-blinded protocol for a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. One hundred participants diagnosed with knee OA (grades II and III Kellgren and Lawrence system), aged 40 years or more, and BMI < 30 kg/m2 will be randomly divided into two groups: telerehabilitation (TR) and face-to-face (FtF) circuit training. The FtF group will perform a 14-week periodized circuit training protocol supervised by a physical therapist, 3 times a week. The TR group will perform the same exercise protocol at home, at least 3 times a week. In addition, the TR group will be able to follow the execution and orientations of the exercises by DVD, a website, and online file sharing tools, and they will receive periodic phone calls in order to motivate, clarify, and inform some aspects of knee OA. The primary outcomes are changes in self-reported pain intensity (visual analog scale (VAS)) and physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)), with a primary end-point of 14 weeks and a secondary end-point of 26 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in other clinical outcomes, in morphological characteristics, adherence, acceptability, and treatment perspective. DISCUSSION: A circuit training through telerehabilitation may contribute to developing early intervention in the causative and potentiating factors of the knee OA, verifying the effects of a low-cost, non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) ID: RBR-662hn2. Registered on 31 March 2019. Link: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br ; Universal Trial Number (UTN) of World Health Organization: U1111-1230-9517.

Dietary Intervention, When Not Associated With Exercise, Upregulates Irisin/FNDC5 While Reducing Visceral Adiposity Markers in Obese Rats.

Obesity is an epidemic disease and the expansion of adipose tissue, especially visceral fat, promotes the secretion of factors that lead to comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, diet and exercise have been proposed as an intervention to reverse these complications. An adipocytokine, known as irisin, mediates the beneficial effects of exercise. It has been proposed as a therapeutic potential in controlling obesity. In view of the above, this paper attempts to determine the modulation of irisin, visceral adiposity and biochemical markers in response to dietary intervention and aerobic exercise. To do this, 52 diet-induced obese male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: high-fat diet and exercise (HFD-Ex); HFD-Sedentary (HFD-Sed); chow-diet and exercise (CD-Exercise); and CD-Sed. The exercise-trained group performed a treadmill protocol for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Body mass (BM), body fat (BF), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were analyzed. Mesenteric (MES), epididymal (EPI), and retroperitoneal (RET) adipose tissue was collected and histological analysis was performed. Biochemical irisin, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and inflammatory markers were determined and, FNDC5 protein expression was analyzed. In this study, the diet was the most important factor in reducing visceral adiposity in the short and long term. Exercise was an important factor in preserving muscle mass and reducing visceral depots after a long term. Moreover, the combination of diet and exercise can enhance these effects. Diet and exercise exclusively were the factors capable of increasing the values of irisin/FNDC5, however it did not bring cumulative effects of both interventions. Prescriptions to enhance the obesity treatments should involve reducing visceral adiposity by reducing the fat content in the diet associated with aerobic exercise.

Adiponectin Concentration and Chronic Stroke Individuals, Associations with Body Composition, Physical Activity Levels and Lipid Profile: A Cross-Sectional Explorative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Higher adiponectin concentration has been associated with the presence of sarcopenia in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Post-stroke individuals presented higher adiponectin concentrations than non-stroke ones. However, no previous study has investigated the association between the adiponectin concentration and skeletal muscle mass in post-stroke individuals. On the other hand, higher adiponectin concentration has been associated with a more favorable lipid profile and the physical activity level might regulate adiponectin concentration. These associations have not been studied in this population. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine whether the adiponectin concentration is associated with: (1) body composition; (2) lipid profile; and (3) physical activity level in chronic post-stroke individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a correlational, cross-sectional exploratory study. Data on body composition and lipid profile were collected using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody® 720) and an automated method analyzer (CELL-DYN Ruby), respectively. The physical activity level was measured by the StepWatch® Activity Monitor and the serum adiponectin concentration was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Correlation analyses were made using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs). RESULTS: Twenty-one post-stroke participants took part in the study. The adiponectin concentration was associated with the following: skeletal muscle mass (rs = -0.78), skeletal muscle mass index (rs = -0.75) and high-density lipoprotein (rs = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: A greater adiponectin concentration is associated with a lower skeletal muscle mass and a higher high-density lipoprotein level in chronic post-stroke individuals, but not with physical activity levels.

The relationship between urinary C-Telopeptide fragments of type II collagen, knee joint load, pain, and physical function in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Considering the osteoarthritis (OA) model that integrates the biological, mechanical, and structural components of the disease, the present study aimed to investigate the association between urinary C-Telopeptide fragments of type II collagen (uCTX-II), knee joint moments, pain, and physical function in individuals with medial knee OA. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects radiographically diagnosed with knee OA were recruited. Participants were evaluated through three-dimensional gait analysis, uCTX-II level, the WOMAC pain and physical function scores, and the 40m walk test. The association between these variables was investigated using Pearson's product-moment correlation, followed by a hierarchical linear regression, controlled by OA severity and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: No relationship was found between uCTX-II level and knee moments. A significant correlation between uCTX-II level and pain, physical function, and the 40m walk test was found. The hierarchical linear regression controlling for OA severity and BMI showed that uCTX-II level explained 9% of the WOMAC pain score, 27% of the WOMAC physical function score, and 7% of the 40m walk test. CONCLUSION: Greater uCTX-II level is associated with higher pain and reduced physical function and 40m walk test performance in individuals with medial knee OA.

Reductions of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors after a 14-week periodized training model in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a periodized circuit training (CT) compared with a conventional strength training (ST) and an educational protocol (EP) on body composition, metabolic parameters, muscle strength, pain, and physical performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHOD: This study followed a randomized controlled trial design. A sample of sixty-one patients with KOA, 40-65 years old and BMI < 30 kg/m2, were randomly divided into three 14-week protocols: CT, ST, or EP. The CT performed whole body exercises organized in circuit, 3 times a week. The ST performed conventional resistance exercises also 3 times a week, and the EP joined in educational meetings twice a month. Body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)); metabolic parameters (abdominal obesity, triglyceride, HDL, blood pressure and fasting glucose), knee maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) extension and flexion, performance-based tests (40-m walk test, 30-s chair test, and stair climb test), self-reported pain, stiffness, and physical function (WOMAC) and pain catastrophism were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare differences between groups (CTxSTxEP) at the different times of assessment (baseline × follow-up). When group-time interaction was found, a one-way ANOVA, followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test, was used to compare groups in each time point; while a paired t test was used to verify the time effect in each group. Additionally, the training effect was analyzed in terms of the percent change (Δ%). Effect size was calculated for post intervention (week 14) between groups. For all analyses a significance level of 5% was adopted (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The CT was the only protocol that presented significant lower body mass (p = 0.018; Δ% = - 1.4), fat mass (p = 0.017; Δ% = - 10.3), %fat mass (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 13.9), adipose indices (%fat trunk/%fat legs p = 0.031; Δ% = 7.8; fat mass/height2 p = 0.011; Δ% = - 15.1; trunk/limb fat mass p = 0.012; Δ% = - 8.2; visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume (cm3) p = 0.039; Δ% = - 11.6; VAT area (cm2) p = 0.044; Δ% = - 12.2), blood pressure levels (SBP p = 0.042; Δ% = - 3.4 and DBP p = 0.001; Δ% = - 4.9), higher lean mass and HDL (p < 0.001; Δ% = 5.9) compared to baseline. CT and ST presented lower WOMAC pain, stiffness and physical function (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 64.0 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 0.001; Δ% = - 46.4 for ST in WOMAC total score, pain catastrophizing (p < 0.001; Δ% = - 66.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 61.5 for ST) a higher functional performance (30 s chair test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 45.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.9 for ST; 40 m walk test: p < 0.001; Δ% = 26.7 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 12.5 for ST; stair climb test: p = 0.002; Δ% = - 33.9 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = - 18.8 for ST) and knee extension MIVC (p < 0.001; Δ% = 21.92 for CT and p < 0.001; Δ% = 30.25 for ST). CONCLUSION: A periodized CT model reduces visceral adipose tissue, SBP and DBP, and improves HDL, important cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, in patients with KOA. Both trained groups (CT and ST) improve self-reported clinical symptoms, muscle strength, and physical performance in this sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02761590 (registered on May 4, 2016). KEY POINTS: • A 14-week periodized circuit training reduces visceral adipose tissue, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and improves HDL blood levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis. • Both periodized circuit training and conventional strength training improve clinical symptoms, functional performance and muscle strength in this sample.

Resistance training decreases matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in quadriceps tendon in a rat model of osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that induces peri-articular tissue degradation. OA induces an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix components in favor of catabolic events, promoting pathological remodeling and involving degradative enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-weeks resistance training (RT) on MMP-2 activity in the quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon in an OA model. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, Exercise, Sham, Sham with Exercise, OA, and OA with Exercise (OAE). The OA model was performed by anterior cruciate ligament transection surgery on the left knee. The 8-week RT consisted of climbing a 1.1-m vertical ladder three times per week with progressive weights secured to the animals' tails. MMP-2 activity was analyzed by zymography. RESULTS: The OAE group displayed lower pro, intermediate, and active MMP-2 activity in the quadriceps tendon compared with the OA group (p<0.05). For the patellar tendon, there was no significant difference between the OAE group compared with the other groups (p>0.05) for pro, intermediate, and active MMP-2 activity. Moreover, MMP-2 activity differed between tissues, the OA and OAE groups presented lower pro, intermediate, and active MMP-2 activity in the quadriceps tendon compared to the patellar tendon. CONCLUSION: RT induced down-regulated MMP-2 activity in the quadriceps tendon. RT is a potential therapeutic approach to minimize the deleterious effects of extracellular matrix degeneration.

Lower education is an associated factor with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis?

OBJECTIVES: To analyze if socioeconomic characteristics as lower education and lower family income are associated factors with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 140 participants aged 40 years or older with KOA grades II and III. Based on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), four groups were identified: non-catastrophic/non-kinesiophobic (NC/NK), non-catastrophic/non-kinesiophobic (NC/K), catastrophic/non-kinesiophobic (C/NK), and catastrophic/kinesiophobic (C/K). Pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). The 30-s chair stand test was performed to access physical function. Sociodemographic characteristics included age, sex, years of formal education (0 to 11 and > 11), and family income (up to 2 minimum wages and > 2). Multinomial regression analysis adjusted for age, radiographic severity, physical function, and pain intensity was used to determine the association between lower education and lower family income with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia. RESULTS: Only lower education was independently associated with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia (OR = 3.96 CI 95% 1.01-15.51). CONCLUSIONS: Lower education but not lower family income was an important associated factor with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Thus, physician and physical therapist must pay attention on this important socioeconomic characteristic while conducting the treatment, since specific strategies of approach could be necessary for those patients. Key points • Lower education is an important associated factor with the combination of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. • Physician and physical therapist must pay attention on patients schooling while conducting the treatment.

Interrater and Intrarater Reliability and Minimum Detectable Change of Ultrasound for Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Upper Trapezius Muscle in Individuals With Shoulder Pain.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the interrater and intrarater reliability of ultrasound and the minimum detectable change (MDC) for the trigger points (TrPs) active in the upper trapezius (UT) muscle in individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS: Forty individuals with shoulder pain were investigated for the presence of active TrPs in the UT muscle by means of ultrasound for the parameters of gray scale, muscle thickness of UT muscle at rest, and contraction and area of TrPs. The intrarater reliability was performed on 2 days, and interrater reliability on the same day. For the gray scale, the reliability was evaluated using the kappa coefficient (κ), while the other parameters were measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and MDC. RESULTS: For the gray scale, the intrarater agreement was almost perfect (κ = 1.00) and the interrater agreement was substantial (κ = 0.75). The intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent for most of the parameters, except for the area of TrPs (intrarater: ICC = 0.71, substantial; interrater: ICC = 0.52, substantial). The MDC for intrarater reliability varied between 0.04 and 0.05 (SEM% between 2.4% and 38.87%), and that for interrater reliability ranged from 0.05 to 0.07 (SEM% between 3.18% and 55.10%), with a higher value for area. CONCLUSION: Parameters such as gray scale, resting muscle thickness, and muscle contraction of the UT muscle, obtained through ultrasound, showed excellent intrarater and interrater reliability with low SEM%. The intrarater and interrater reliability for the area deserves a caveat regarding their use.

The Effectiveness of Ischemic Compression Technique on Pain and Function in Individuals With Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review current literature to determine the effectiveness of the ischemic compression (IC) technique on pain and function in individuals with shoulder pain. METHODS: This review was conducted according to recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Collaboration for Systematic Reviews; a search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SPORTDiscus, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Web of Science. Randomized clinical trials and quasi-randomized clinical trials were included, and the methodological quality was evaluated through the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: The search found 572 studies; of these, 71 were selected by title and, subsequently, 29 were selected through abstract analyses. After critical analyses, 5 studies were included. The methodological quality ranged from 4 (reasonable) to 9 (excellent) points. Pain was assessed by all studies using the visual analog scale, Global Perceived Effect scale, Numerical Rating Scale, pressure pain threshold, or Perceived Amelioration Numerical Scale. Function was evaluated by 3 studies through the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; Neck Disability Index; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment; and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. The studies showed that the IC technique produces immediate and short-term positive effects for pain, and positive short-term effects for shoulder function in individuals with shoulder pain. CONCLUSION: The IC technique seems to be beneficial for pain and shoulder function. However, caution is needed when considering this evidence owing to the limited quality of some studies, the few articles found, and the lack of standardization of the application parameters of the technique to facilitate its reproducibility.

Telerehabilitation for Knee Osteoarthritis in Brazil: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of telerehabilitation for a patient with knee osteoarthritis may depend upon the person's adherence to intervention. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether people with knee osteoarthritis would adhere to exercise-therapy facilitated via multiple media in Brazil, a newly industrialized country. METHOD: This is a feasibility study, pre-post intervention. Middle aged (40-50 years) and elderly (≥70 years) people with knee osteoarthritis received in-person exercise-therapy instructions on the first day, along with a booklet and DVD (videos) to take home. Participants also received six motivational phone calls throughout the 12-week treatment. Satisfaction and adherence were assessed one week after intervention with the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), sections B and C. Preference on the method used to adhere to exercises was recorded. CONCLUSION: Telerehabilitation was well accepted by middle-aged and elderly Brazilians with knee osteoarthritis. The preferred media to enhance adherence, was a booklet with descriptions of the exercises, especially for the elderly cohort.

The use of the gait profile score and gait variable score in individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Therapeutic gait interventions for individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) should be based on understanding how movement of the individual is affected and whether different clusters of individuals, determined by clinical severity, differ. Gait indexes have been developed to synthesize the data provided by the three-dimensional (3D) gait analysis such as the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and the Gait Profile Score (GPS) where the gait variable score (GVS) can be calculated. The objective this study was to evaluate the potential use of the GDI and GPS and MAP using data from 3D gait analysis of DMD patients. The dimension 1 score of the Motor Function Measurement defined the groups that composed the cluster analysis. Twenty patients with DMD composed 2 groups according to the cluster analysis (Cluster 1, n = 10; Cluster 2, n = 10). Three-dimensional gait analysis was conducted where GDI, GPS and GVS (pelvic tilt/obliquity; hip flexion-extension/adduction-abduction/rotation; knee flexion-extension; ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion, foot progression angle) were calculated. Cluster 1 group presented lower hip flexion-extension and lower pelvic obliquity when compared with Cluster 2 group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups for GDI, GPS total and maximum isometric muscle strength of the lower limbs (p > 0.05). This study showed that GVS could detect alterations on the parameters obtained using three-dimensional gait analysis for those DMD patients separated according to motor function regarding pelvic and hip kinematic patterns. The rehabilitation of patients with DMD is recommended from the early stages of the disease (as Cluster 1, with >MFM) with the hip joint being the therapeutic target.