Effect of traditional resistance training on blood pressure in normotensive elderly persons: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses / Efeito do treinamento resistido tradicional sobre a pressão arterial em idosos normotensos: revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos aleatórios e metanálises

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the regular practice of traditional resistance training (RT) on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in normotensive elderly persons. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses was performed. Searches were performed without language restrictions in different databases. Randomized clinical trials published from 1966 to 2010 that assessed the effects of traditional RT on resting blood pressure (BP) and/or for the treatment of high BP were included. Only studies that assessed the effects of traditional RT on elderly adults, regardless of the number of exercises, with the presence of a control group and comparisons between groups, were included. Twenty-nine studies were found, but only six met the inclusion criteria. The mean difference was used for meta-analysis, using a 95% confidence interval and a random effect model. Traditional RT induced a significant decrease in SBP (-6.63 mmHg; p=0.02) but not in DBP (-3.34 mmHg; p=0.11). These results suggest that traditional RT may be a non-pharmacological strategy for the control of BP in the elderly. AU

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a efetividade da prática regular do treinamento resistido (TR) tradicional sobre a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) em idosos normotensos. Uma revisão sistemática de Ensaios Clínicos Aleatórios (ECAs) com metanálises foi adotada. A busca dos estudos foi realizada sem restrição por idioma em diferentes bases de dados. ECA sobre os efeitos do TR tradicional sobre o controle da PAS e PAD de repouso ou no tratamento e/ou manutenção da pressão arterial elevada publicados de 1966 a 2016 foram selecionados. Somente estudos com idosos que realizaram o sistema de TR tradicional, independente do número de exercícios, com a presença de grupo controle e com comparações entre grupos foram incluídos. Dos 29 estudos encontrados na literatura somente seis atenderam os critérios estabelecidos. Para a metanálise empregou-se a diferença da média, com intervalo de confiança de 95% e modelo de efeito aleatório. A prática do TR tradicional acarretou redução significante na PAS (-6,63 mmHg; p=0,02) mas não na PAD (-3,34 mmHg; p=0,11). Os resultados sugerem que o TR tradicional pode ser uma estratégia não farmacológica bastante interessante para o controle da pressão arterial em idosos. AU

Determination of the motor unit behavior of lumbar erector spinae muscles through surface EMG decomposition technology in healthy female subjects.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to determine the motor unit behavior of the erector spinae muscles and to assess whether differences exist between the dominant/nondominant sides of the back muscles. METHODS: Nine healthy women, aged 21.7 years (SD = 0.7), performed a back extension test. Surface electromyographic decomposition data were collected from both sides of the erector spinae and decomposed into individual motor unit action potential trains. The mean firing rate for each motor unit was calculated, and a regression analysis was performed against the corresponding recruitment thresholds. RESULTS: The mean firing rate ranged from 15.9 to 23.9 pps and 15.8 to 20.6 pps on the dominant and nondominant sides, respectively. However, the early motor unit potentials of the nondominant lumbar erector spinae muscles were recruited at a lower firing rate. CONCLUSIONS: This technique may further our understanding of individuals with back pain and other underlying neuromuscular diseases. Muscle Nerve 55: 28-34, 2017.

Pilates versus general exercise effectiveness on pain and functionality in non-specific chronic low back pain subjects.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of disability, and the Pilates method has been associated with improvements in symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the Pilates method, when compared to general exercises, on pain and functionality after eight weeks (16 sessions, 2×/week) and a follow-up of three months, in subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). A randomised controlled trial composed of 22 subjects was proposed. Subjects were allocated into two groups: the Pilates group (PG) (n = 11) and the general exercise group (GEG) (n = 11). The PG protocol was based on the Pilates method and the GEG performed exercises to manage NSCLBP. There were no differences between the groups. When analysed over time, the GEG demonstrated improvements in functionality between baseline and the end of treatment (P = .02; Cohen'sd¯ = 0.34) and baseline and follow-up (P = .04; Cohen'sd¯ = 0.31). There were no differences between the Pilates and general exercises with regard to pain and functionality in NSCLBP subjects but general exercises were better than Pilates for increasing functionality and flexibility.

Isokinetic evaluation of knee muscles in soccer players: discriminant analysis / Avaliação isocinética dos músculos do joelho em jogadores de futebol: análise discriminante / Evaluación isocinética de los músculos de la rodilla en jugadores de fútbol: análisis discriminante

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Muscle activity in soccer players can be measured by isokinetic dynamometer, which is a reliable tool for assessing human performance.Objectives:To perform isokinetic analyses and to determine which variables differentiate the under-17 (U17) soccer category from the professional (PRO).Methods:Thirty four players were assessed (n=17 for each category). The isokinetic variables used for the knee extension-flexion analysis were: peak torque (Nm), total work (J), average power (W), angle of peak torque (deg.), agonist/ antagonist ratio (%), measured for three velocities (60°/s, 120°/s and 300°/s), with each series containing five repetitions. Three Wilks' Lambda discriminant analyses were performed, to identify which variables were more significant for the definition of each of the categories.Results:The discriminative variables at 60°/s in the PRO category were: extension peak torque, flexion total work, extension average power and agonist/antagonist ratio; and for the U17s were: extension total work, flexion peak torque and flexion average power. At 120°/s for the PRO category the discriminant variables were: flexion peak torque and extension average power; for the U17s they were: extension total work and flexion average power. Finally at 300°/s, the variables found in the PRO and U17 categories respectively were: extension average power and extension total work.Conclusion:Isokinetic variables for flexion and extension knee muscles were able to significantly discriminate between PRO and U17 soccer players.

RESUMOIntrodução:A atividade muscular em jogadores de futebol pode ser medida por meio do dinamômetro isocinético, que é um instrumento confiável para avaliação do desempenho humano.Objetivos:Conduzir análises isocinéticas e discriminar quais variáveis diferenciam a categoria sub-17 (S17) da profissional (PRO).Métodos:Trinta e quatro jogadores de futebol (n=17 para cada categoria) foram avaliados. As variáveis isocinéticas utilizadas para a análise de extensão-flexão do joelho foram: pico de torque (Nm), trabalho total (J), potência média (W), ângulo de pico de torque (graus), razão agonista/antagonista (%), testadas em três velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s e 300°/s), com cada série contendo cinco repetições. Três análises discriminantes foram feitas usando o método Wilk's Lambda para identificar quais variáveis fariam uma discriminação significativa entre as duas categorias.Resultados:As variáveis discriminantes a 60°/s na categoria PRO foram: pico de torque extensores, trabalho total flexores, potência média de extensores e razão agonista/antagonista; e para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores e potência média de flexores. A 120°/s para a categoria PRO as variáveis discriminantes foram: pico de torque de flexores e potência média de extensores; para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores e potência média de flexores. A 300°/s, as variáveis encontradas para as categorias PRO e S17 foram, respectivamente: potência média de extensores e trabalho total de extensores.Conclusão:As variáveis isocinéticas para os músculos do joelho flexores e extensores foram capazes de fazer uma discriminação significativa entre jogadores de futebol PRO e S17.

RESUMENIntroducción:La actividad muscular en jugadores de fútbol puede ser medida por medio del dinamómetro isocinético, que es un instrumento confiable para evaluación del desempeño humano.Objetivos:Conducir análisis isocinéticos y discriminar qué variables diferencian la categoría sub-17 (S17) de la profesional (PRO).Métodos:Fueron evaluados treinta y cuatro jugadores de fútbol (n=17 para cada categoría). Las variables isocinéticas utilizadas para el análisis de extensión-flexión de la rodilla fueron: pico de torque (Nm), trabajo total (J), potencia media (W), ángulo de pico de torque (grados), razón agonista/antagonista (%), probadas en tres velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s y 300°/s), con cada serie conteniendo cinco repeticiones. Fueron realizados tres análisis discriminantes usando el método Wilk's Lambda para identificar qué variables harían una discriminación significativa entre las dos categorías.Resultados:Las variables discriminantes a 60°/s en la categoría PRO fueron: pico de torque extensores, trabajo total flexores, potencia media de extensores y razón agonista/antagonista; y para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de flexores. A 120°/s para la categoría PRO las variables discriminantes fueron: pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de extensores; para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores y potencia media de flexores. A 300°/s, las variables encontradas para las categorías PRO y S17 fueron, respectivamente: potencia media de extensores y trabajo total de extensores.Conclusión:Las variables isocinéticas para los músculos de la rodilla flexores y extensores fueron capaces de hacer una discriminación significativa entre jugadores de fútbol PRO y S17.

Kinematic gait analysis using inertial sensors with subjects after stroke in two different arteries.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was described the kinematic characteristics of gait in stroke patients with two different arteries involved. [Subjects and Methods] Two patients who had suffered a basilar (A) or middle (B) cerebral artery ischemic stroke were compared with a control (C). Seventeen inertial sensors were used with acquisition rate of 120 Hz. The participants walked 3 times on a 10 meter walkway. From the raw data, the three gait cycles from the middle of each trial were chosen and analyzed. [Results] During the stance phase, patients A and B had a lower hip angle at initial contact and maximum flexion angle during load response than the control. Patient A and the control subject had similar knee angle values at initial contact, and patient B presented a flexed position in the initial phase of the gait cycle. The maximum flexion angles during loading response were also higher for patient B. The sagittal plane excursion for the ankle joint was lower for patient B in comparison with the other subjects. [Conclusion] Differences during walking between patients who had stroke in different arteries may be related to an alternative compensatory strategy. Patient A and the control subject had similar gait cycle curves at all joints, while patient B showed a rigid synergic pattern.

The effect of physical training on heart rate variability in healthy children: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The positive effects of physical training on heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy adults are widely recognized; however, the responsiveness to training in healthy children has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of physical training on HRV in prepubertal healthy children. Systematic computerized searches were performed from 1950 to 2012 in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, Scielo, SportDiscus, ProQuest; Web of Science; PEDro; Academic Search Premier and the Cochrane Library. The key words used were: heart rate variability, autonomic nervous system, exercise training, physical activity, continuous exercise, intermittent exercise, children, prepubescent, adolescents, and healthy. Although the database search initially identified 6,164 studies, after removing duplicates and excluding by title the number was 148, however, only 2 studies were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis compared the experimental group (n = 29) with the control group (n = 28) for the HRV parameters: RR intervals, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, LF (log), HF (log), LF/HF and Total Power (log). The meta-analysis demonstrated similar HRV indices between both the experimental and control groups. In conclusion, the available results from randomized controlled trials do not support the hypothesis that physical training improves HRV in healthy children[AUQ2].

Effect of an exercise program on risk factors of falls in elderly women / Efeito de um programa de exercícios físicos nos fatores de risco de quedas em idosas

The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of an exercise program on functional capacity and balance in elderly community. A longitudinal study was conducted with 11 female subjects with mean age 77 (SD = 13) years. All individuals were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study by 'Berg' Balance Scale and 'Timed Up and Go' Test. Initially, the participants answered a questionnaire about the socio-demographics aspects, health conditions, falls and physical activity practice. Then, the subjects were submitted to a program of exercises for balance, strengthening and stretching muscles. The results of the 'Berg' Scale ranged from 46 to 56 points before the intervention, and from 50 to 56, after the intervention (p = 0.01). Individuals older than 75 years old had a better improvement (p = 0.04). In the 'Timed Up and Go' Test the percentage of improvement was 8.2% ( = 13.1; SD= 11.7). The exercise program showed a positive effect in improving risk factors of falls in the elderly community.

Objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os benefícios de um programa de exercícios físicos na capacidade funcional e equilíbrio de idosos. Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal com a participação de 11 indivíduos do gênero feminino, com idade média de 77 anos (DP = 13). Todos foram avaliados no início e final do estudo pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg e pelo teste Timed Up and Go . Inicialmente, as participantes responderam um questionário por meio de entrevista, que abordava aspectos sociodemográficos, condições de saúde, quedas e prática de atividade física. Na sequência, as idosas foram submetidas a um programa de exercícios de treino de equilíbrio, fortalecimento e alongamentos musculares. Os resultados da escala de Berg variaram de 46 a 56 pontos, antes da intervenção e de 50 a 56 após a intervenção (p = 0,01). Os sujeitos com mais de 75 anos tiveram melhora superior (p = 0,04). No teste Timed Up and Go o percentual de melhora foi de 8,2% ( = 13,1; DP = 11,7). O programa de exercícios desenvolvido apresentou efeito positivo na melhora dos fatores de risco de quedas em idosos.

Avaliação da confiabilidade e usabilidade de três diferentes programas computacionais para a análise fotogramétrica do ângulo de flexão de quadril / Reliability and usability assessment of three different softwares for photogrammetric analysis of hip flexion angle

A análise fotogramétrica pode ser feita por meio de diferentes programas computacionais. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a confiabilidade e usabilidade de três diferentes programas em uma análise fotogramétrica durante a flexão do quadril e discutir aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos de cada um deles. Participaram do estudo 26 voluntários do gênero masculino, com idade entre 19 e 30 anos (x=25,4 anos, DP=2,5) que realizaram o teste do sentar e alcançar por meio do banco de Wells adaptado. Marcadores cutâneos foram posicionados nos processos ósseos: trocânter maior do fêmur e espinha ilíaca anterossuperior. A aquisição da imagem foi realizada no limite máximo da execução do teste. Todos os programas apresentaram uma alta confiabilidade entre as medidas, além disso, foram apresentadas vantagens e desvantagens específicas na adoção de cada um deles. O programa SAPO foi considerado com maiores vantagens para utilização na prática profissional, no entanto, para realização de análises em pesquisas científicas todos os programas apresentam pontos que devem ser considerados antes da sua adoção.

The photogrammetric analysis can be done by using different softwares. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and the usability of three different softwares during the hip flexion photogrammetric analysis and to discuss the qualitative and quantitative aspects of each one. Twenty-six volunteers participated in this study with age between 19 and 30 years old (x=25.4 years, SD=2.5) who underwent the sit-to-reach test through adapted Wells´ bench. Reflective skin markers were positioned in the anterior superior iliac spine and greater trochanter. The image acquisition was collected in the maximum limit of test execution. All softwares showed a high reliability between measures, besides it was presented specifics advantages and disadvantages during adoption one of them. SAPO´s software was considered with major points for professional practice, although taking the analysis for scientific research all softwares demonstrated characteristics that must be taken into consideration before adopting them.

Electromyographic activity of selected trunk muscles in subjects with and without hemiparesis during therapeutic exercise.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trunk muscles activity of hemiparetic and control subjects during selected therapeutic exercises with surface electromyography (sEMG). The sEMG evaluation included 12 subjects presenting hemiparesis after having suffered a unilateral stroke and 12 apparently healthy subjects. A 16-channel sEMG system was used; data were band pass filtered from 20 to 450Hz. The signal was normalized through reference voluntary contraction (RVC) and presented in percentage. The exercises used in the evaluations were trunk flexion and trunk extension. Rectus abdominis presented greater activation on the paretic side of the experimental group than on the corresponding side of the control group (P=0.035) (Cohen's d¯=0.94). During leg elevation, the non-paretic obliquus externus abdominis showed greater activation than in other exercises (P=0.019) (Cohen's d¯=0.75). No inter-group differences were found for either erectus spinae activity or contraction onset. Experimental group subjects showed muscle activity alterations, principally in the rectus abdominis, indicating the occurrence of compensatory strategies.