Caroline Pieta Dias

Relação entre os níveis de atividade física e qualidade de vida de idosos sedentários e fisicamente ativos

INTRODUCAO: O nivel de atividade fisica pode interferir na capacidade funcional, influenciando na saude e qualidade de vida dos idosos. OBJETIVO: Comparar os niveis de atividade fisica e qualidade de vida entre idosos que praticam exercicios fisicos regulares e idosos sedentarios, e verificar a associacao entre o nivel de atividade fisica e a qualidade de vida nos grupos. METODOS: Foram avaliados 50 idosos do sexo feminino (n= 34) e masculino (n= 16), com idade de 70,24±8,8 anos, divididos em dois grupos - sedentarios (G1, n=25) e praticantes de exercicios fisicos regulares (G2, n=25). Realizou-se entrevista individual, aplicando-se Anamnese; Questionario Internacional de Atividade Fisica (IPAQ) e Perfil de Saude de Nottingham (PSN). A normalidade dos dados foi testada por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, utilizando-se ainda os testes U de Mann-Whitney (qualidade de vida) e Qui-Quadrado (nivel de atividade fisica). A associacao entre o nivel de atividade fisica e a qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do teste ETA2 (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Em relacao ao PSN, o G1 apresentou reduzida qualidade de vida, comparado ao G2. Ja para o IPAQ, somente o G1 apresentou diferenca significativa (p=0,00) em relacao ao G2. Alem disso, para o G1, 50% do nivel de atividade fisica foram associados a qualidade de vida, enquanto o G2 apresentou 64%. CONCLUSOES: De acordo com os resultados encontrados no presente estudo, idosos praticantes de exercicios fisicos e idosos sedentarios apresentam bom nivel de atividade fisica. Entretanto, idosos praticantes de exercicios regulares possuem maior nivel de atividade fisica, explicando a melhor qualidade de vida neste grupo.

Muscle architecture and torque production in stroke survivors: an observational study

Objective: Spasticity poststroke leads to muscle weakness and soft tissue contracture, however, it is not clear how muscle properties change due this motor neural disorder. The purpose was to compare medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture and mechanical properties of the plantarflexor muscles between stroke survivors with spasticity and healthy subjects. Methods: The study included 15 stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and 15 healthy subjects. An isokinetic dynamometer was used for the evaluation of maximal isometric plantarflexor torque and images of the medial gastrocnemius muscle were obtained using ultrasonography. Images were collected at rest and during a maximum voluntary contraction. Results: The affected limb showed reduced fascicle excursion (0.9 ± 0.7 cm), shorter fascicle length, and reduced muscle thickness (0.095 ± 0.010% of leg length and 1.18 ± 0.20 cm, at rest) compared to contralateral (1.6 ± 0.4 cm, 0.106 ± 0.015% of leg length and 1.29 ± 0.24 cm, respectively) and to healthy participants (1.8 ± 0.7 cm, 0.121 ± 0.019% of leg length and 1.43 ± 0.22 cm, respectively). The contralateral limb showed lower force (between 32 and 40%) and similar architecture parameters compared to healthy participants. Conclusion: The affected limb had a different muscle architecture that appears to result in lower force production. The contralateral limb showed a decrease in force compared to healthy participants due to the other neural impairments than muscle morphology. Spasticity likely leds to adaptations of muscle architecture in the affected limb and in force reductions in both limbs of stroke survivors.

Prevalência de câncer colorretal associado ao papilomavírus humano: uma revisão sistemática com metanálise

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of tumors worldwide. Deaths caused by these malignant tumors remain high and have stayed practically at the same level for the last few decades. Among the established risk factors for the development of cancer are infections due to pathogens or viruses. Among the viruses, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent, with over 180 strains, 40 of which are directly related to anogenital infections. Objective: Systematically assess the main studies which link HPV to colorectal cancer with meta-analysis. Methods: The search strategy adopted was the logic based on specific descriptors (English language), in combination with the Boolean operators (AND/OR). The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), between April and May 2015. Results: 1,549 samples were assessed, with 956 (61.7%) being males. Six hundred thirty out of 1,358 cases of colorectal cancer due to HPV were diagnosed (51.9%). From these, 408 of 767 (51.9%) were male and 404 of 598 (67.5%) were linked to HPV 16 and 18, with tumor prevalence in the area of the cervix (253 of 411; 61.3%). From the total of 598 samples for the prevalence estimate of HPV 16 and 18, the number of cases with similar numbers was 204 (31.7%) and 200 (35.8%), respectively. Relatively significant numbers were found in the area of the cervix, 253 (61.3%), and the area of the rectum, 158 (38.7%). Conclusion: After conducting the present study, the link between HPV and colorectal cancer was made evident, without a distinction between the sexes, with similar values between HPV 16 and HPV 18.Introduction: Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent types of tumors worldwide. Deaths caused by these malignant tumors remain high and have stayed practically at the same level for the last few decades. Among the established risk factors for the development of cancer are infections due to pathogens or viruses. Among the viruses, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent, with over 180 strains, 40 of which are directly related to anogenital infections. Objective: Systematically assess the main studies which link HPV to colorectal cancer with meta-analysis. Methods: The search strategy adopted was the logic based on specific descriptors (English language), in combination with the Boolean operators (AND/OR). The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), between April and May 2015. Results: 1,549 samples were assessed, with 956 (61.7%) being males. Six hundred thirty out of 1,358 cases of colorectal cancer due to HPV were diagnosed (51.9%). From these, 408 of 767 (51.9%) were male and 404 of 598 (67.5%) were linked to HPV 16 and 18, with tumor prevalence in the area of the cervix (253 of 411; 61.3%). From the total of 598 samples for the prevalence estimate of HPV 16 and 18, the number of cases with similar numbers was 204 (31.7%) and 200 (35.8%), respectively. Relatively significant numbers were found in the area of the cervix, 253 (61.3%), and the area of the rectum, 158 (38.7%). Conclusion: After conducting the present study, the link between HPV and colorectal cancer was made evident, without a distinction between the sexes, with similar values between HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Valor do emprego do questionário WHOQOL-BREF na avaliação da qualidade de vida de pais de crianças com asma

Objective:: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with asthma and to analyze the internal consistency of the generic QOL tool World Health Organization Quality of Life, abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). Methods:: We evaluated the QOL of parents of asthmatic and healthy children aged between 8 and 16, using the generic WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. We also evaluated the internal consistency using Cronbachs alpha (αC), in order to determine whether the tool had good validity for the target audience. Results:: The study included 162 individuals with a mean age of 43.8±13.6 years, of which 104 were female (64.2%) and 128 were married (79.0%). When assessing the QOL, the group of parents of healthy children had higher scores than the group of parents of asthmatic children in the four areas evaluated by the questionnaire (Physical, Psychological Health, Social Relationships and Environment), indicating a better quality of life. Regarding the internal consistency of the WHOQOL-BREF, values of ˛C were 0.86 points for the group of parents of asthmatic children, and 0.88 for the group of parents of healthy children. Conclusions:: Parents of children with asthma have impaired quality of life due to their childrens disease. Furthermore, the WHOQOL-BREF, even as a generic tool, showed to be practical and efficient to evaluate the quality of life of parents of asthmatic children.

Achilles tendon morphology, plantar flexors torque and passive ankle stiffness in spastic hemiparetic stroke survivors

Background: The present study compared the Achilles tendon morphological characteristics, plantar flexor toque and passive ankle stiffness between hemiparetic spastic stroke survivors and healthy subjects. Methods: The Achilles tendon length was measured at the affected and contralateral limbs of twelve hemiparetic stroke survivors with ankle spasticity and twelve healthy subjects. The ankle was held at three different angles (20° plantar flexion, 0° and maximum dorsiflexion) while an ultrasound system was used to capture images from the Achilles tendon. Active and passive plantar flexor torque production was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Findings: There was no significant difference in tendon length and Achilles tendon complacency between stroke survivors [affected limb: 20.8 (1.59) cm at 0° and 0.11 (0.09) cm/N; contralateral limb: 20.8 (1.7) cm at 0° and 0.12 (0.08) cm/N] and healthy subjects [20 (2.78) cm at 0° and 0.15 (0.1) cm/N]. The contralateral limb was stronger than the affected limb, while healthy participants presented larger active torque in relation to stroke survivors. There was no significant difference in passive ankle stiffness between the affected [0.43 (0.08) N/°] and the contralateral limb [0.40 (0.11) N/°], but affected limb was significantly stiffer than the healthy subjects [0.32 (0.07) N/°]. Interpretation: The larger passive torque and ankle joint stiffness from stroke survivors with similar Achilles tendon length compared to healthy subjects seem to be unrelated to tendon extensibility. HighlightsSpastic stroke survivors had similar Achilles tendon length compared to healthy individuals.Spastic stroke survivors had higher passive torque compared to healthy subjects.Affected and unaffected limbs had similar passive torque.Ankle joint stiffness from stroke survivors seem to be unrelated to tendon extensibility.

Comparação da força e capacidade funcional entre idosos praticantes de musculação, hidroginástica e não praticantes de exercícios físicos

INTRODUCTION: Changes in strength and functional capacity due to aging can be improved through physical exercises practice such as strength training and hydrogymnastics. OBJECTIVE: To compare the strength and functional capacity among elderly individuals who practice strength training, hydrogymnastics and non-practitioners of physical exercises. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study with voluntary non-probability sampling. The study included 36 elderly (63.6±4.1 years): 12 strength training practitioners, 12 hydrogymnastics practitioners and 12 non-practitioners of physical exercises. The level of physical activity was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The maximum force was performed by the one maximum repetition test (1RM) in upper and lower limbs. Functional capacity was evaluated by tests of rising from a chair in 30 seconds and usual maximum walking speed. One Way ANOVA test with post hoc Bonferroni was used to compare the dependent variables between the groups with α= 0.05. RESULTS: All groups were classified as active. The strength training group had the highest values of maximum strength when compared to hydrogymnastics group and non-practitioners of physical exercises (p≤0.01). In addition, hydrogymnastics practitioners and non-practitioners of physical exercises groups showed no differences in maximum strength (p=1.0). As for the chair lifting test, no differences were observed between groups (p=0.07) and the same was observed in habitual (p=0,06) and maximum (p=0,22) walking speed test. CONCLUSION: The strength training was more effective for increasing strength, but active lifestyle is sufficient to maintain functional capacity.

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the elderly balance: a semi-experimental study

Aging impairs the functional capacity, possibly compromising the balance over the years. However, Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art that can provide balance improvements in elderly people. This study aimed to evaluate balance in elderly after three and six months of Tai Chi Chuan practicing. Participants were 27 individuals (62±4.4 years) who underwent Tai Chi Chuan training (one hour each) twice a week, for six months. Balance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Romberg test, all evaluated before and after three and six months of practicing. MANOVA for repeated measures was used to compare times in TUG and BBS tests. The Cochrane Q test was used to compare moments and frequencies in the Romberg test (α=0.05). Results showed significant improvement in TUG performance (p≤0.01), BBS score (p≤0.01) and in the Romberg test (p≤0.01) after three and six months, compared with pre-training. These results suggest that Tai Chi Chuan practice can improve the balance in elderly people.

PERFIL DA APTIDÃO FÍSICA, DO ESTADO NUTRICIONAL E DO NÍVEL DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA DE CRIANÇAS DE ESCOLAS MUNICIPAIS DA CIDADE DE VENÂNCIO AIRES-RS

O estudo tem como objetivo identificar o perfil da aptidao fisica, do estado nutricional e do nivel de atividade fisica de criancas de escolas municipais da cidade de Venâncio Aires-RS. Participaram do estudo 89 escolares da rede municipal da cidade de Venâncio Aires, tendo a faixa etaria de 8 a 13 anos. Foram realizados os testes de aptidao fisica relacionados a saude e o do estado nutricional, utilizando a bateria de teste do PROESP-Br e aplicado o questionario de atividade fisica. Os resultados encontrados nos indicam que 70,8% dos escolares estao classificados na zona saudavel na variavel referente ao indice de massa corporal, 46,1% na flexibilidade, 40,4% na resistencia abdominal, 56,2% na resistencia aerobica e 44,2% classificados como ativos. Baseado nos resultados de nosso estudo podemos concluir que a maioria dos escolares nao apresentam niveis adequados de aptidao fisica relacionados a saude e de atividade fisica.

Skin test in allergic diseases: a systematic review

Objetivos: Identificar os principais alergenos aplicados em testes cutâneos para sensibilizacao atopica em pacientes com diagnostico de asma e rinite alergica. Metodos: Uma revisao sistematica foi realizada para identificar estudos clinicos nos ultimos 10 anos, tendo como desfecho a utilizacao do teste cutâneo ( prick test ) no diagnostico de asma e rinite alergica. Foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed , Scielo e ScienceDirect.Foram incluidos artigos que abordam a utilizacao direta do teste cutâneo no diagnostico das doencas alergicas. Alem disso, os estudos obrigatoriamente deveriam descrever o protocolo de utilizacao, bem como os alergenos aplicados no teste. Para selecao dos artigos, tres pesquisadores analisaram de forma independente os criterios de inclusao, sendo os mesmos analisados por mais dois revisores. Resultados: Treze instrumentos foram incluidos na sistematica, tendo uma variacao expressiva na quantidade de reagentes (de 3 a 36 tipos). Dos 36 , cinco possuiram a maior frequencia de positividade a sensibilizacao ( Artemisia vulgaris, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, epitelios de cao e de gato). Como parte do protocolo de aplicacao, a regiao do antebraco e o periodo de 15 a 20 minutos sao os mais frequentes. Conclusoes: Alergenos mais comuns em alergia respiratoria foram descritos, sendo importante levar em consideracao a regiao e populacao investigadas.

Efeitos de oito semanas de treinamento com estimulação elétrica neuromuscular nas razões de ativação muscular / torque de idosas com osteoartrite

Introduction: Aging affects the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to osteoarthritis, causing degeneration of the articular cartilage and consequently resulting in functional impairment among elderly patients. However, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training can be used as a mode of muscle strengthening.Objective: To investigate the effects of eight weeks of NMES training of the knee extensors on the RMS/torque ratio of elderly persons with osteoarthritis.Methods: Twenty-four elderly women were assigned into two groups: a healthy group (HE; n=12) and an osteoarthritis group (OA; n=12). The OA group was submitted to eight weeks of NMES training.Results: In the OA group, the RMS values increased from the pre-training to the post-training periods (p 0.05). Quadriceps torque was higher in the OA group in the post-training period at 90o of knee flexion (p 0.05).Conclusion: Eight weeks of NMES training resulted in a significant increase in the RMS and torque values of the quadriceps, but these neural adaptations were not sufficient to improve the osteoarthritis group to levels similar to the healthy group.