Cássia Surama Oliveira da Silva

Potential ergogenic activity of grape juice in runners

Recent studies have indicated that certain food products have ergogenic potential similar to that of sports supplements. The present study aimed to investigate the potential ergogenic effect of integral purple grape juice on the performance of recreational runners. Twenty-eight volunteers of both sexes (age, 39.8 ± 8.5 years; peak oxygen consumption, 43.2 ± 8.5 mL/(kg·min)) were randomized into either a group that received grape juice (grape juice group (GJG), n = 15; 10 mL/(kg·min) for 28 days) or a group that received an isocaloric, isoglycemic, and isovolumetric control beverage (control group (CG), n = 13). A time-to-exhaustion exercise test, anaerobic threshold test, and aerobic capacity test were performed, together with assessments of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, immune response, and muscle injury, performed at baseline and 48 h after the supplementation protocol. The GJG showed a significant increase (15.3%) in running time-to-exhaustion (p = 0.002) without significant improvements in either anaerobic threshold (3.6%; p = 0.511) or aerobic capacity (2.2%; p = 0.605). In addition, GJG exhibited significant increases in total antioxidant capacity (38.7%; p = 0.009), vitamin A (11.8%; p = 0.016), and uric acid (28.2%; p = 0.005), whereas α-1-acid glycoprotein significantly decreased (20.2%; p = 0.006) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. In contrast, no significant changes occurred in any of these variables in the CG. In conclusion, supplementation with purple grape juice shows an ergogenic effect in recreational runners by promoting increased time-to-exhaustion, accompanied by increased antioxidant activity and a possible reduction in inflammatory markers.

Occurrence Of Osteomuscular Symptoms In Teachers Of A Higher Education Institution

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in teachers of a Higher Education Institution (HEI) located in Joao Pessoa – PB. This is a descriptive research with a quantitative approach, held at the Faculties of Nursing and Medicine (FACENE/FAMENE), in the city of Joao Pessoa-PB. The instrument for data collection consisted of a form with objective questions and divided into two parts, the first with data characterizing the sample and the second with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire. The data were analyzed quantitatively in percentage numbers and distributed in graphs. The results indicated that 30 teachers accepted to participate in the study with female predominance (67%). The regions most affected in the last 12 months were: dorsal (60%), lumbar (53%), neck, shoulders, wrists and hands (47%). Of the teachers interviewed, 20% reported having had difficulties in routine activities due to discomfort in the cervical region and 27% reported having sought medical or physiotherapeutic care due to neck pain, while 20% due to pain in the shoulders, dorsal, wrist/hands and hip/thighs. As for the occurrence of symptoms in the last week, the regions with the highest frequency of pain were shoulders (40%), neck and dorsal (27%). The significant percentage in the regions cited certifies that they are the regions most burdened in the professors and, therefore, deserve special attention in possible projects of occupational preventive action. This research evidences the necessity of new approaches and deepening on the subject, including the formulation of intervention strategies in the process of sickness of teachers. Descriptors: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders. University Teachers. Workers Health.

Perfil demográfico de idosos não institucionalizados e sua percepção sobre alimentos funcionais

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o perfil demografico de idosos e sua percepcao sobre alimentos funcionais. A pesquisa foi descritiva, com delineamento transversal, e abordagem quantitativa, envolvendo 200 idosos, em Joao Pessoa – PB, em 2011. Na analise, utilizou-se o software SPSS, versao 19, teste de quiquadrado com nivel de significância de p<0,05. Sao resultados: maioria do sexo feminino, faixa etaria entre 60 e 69 anos, com um salario minimo; e maioria viuvos. Quanto aos habitos alimentares, 90,5% consumiam diariamente frutas e hortalicas, 35,5% referiram nao comer frituras e gorduras; 45% bebiam mais de cinco xicaras de liquido e 51,5% atestaram estado de saude regular. Como conclusao, tem-se que a maioria dos idosos tem um bom conhecimento sobre os alimentos funcionais e os utiliza frequentemente. A percepcao dos idosos sobre os alimentos funcionais e seus habitos alimentares foi de extrema importância para o planejamento de futuras acoes, indispensaveis para a promocao da saude dessa populacao. ABSTRACT The study analyzed demographic profile and perceptions of functional foods among 200 elderly in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil, in 2011. The design was cross-sectional and the approach, quantitative. The analysis used SPSS software, version 19, chi-square test with a p<0.05 significance level. The results were: mostly female, from 60 and 69 to old, earning one minimum wage; and mostly widowers. Eating habits featured 90.5% consumed fruits and vegetables daily; 35,5% reported not eating fried foods and fats; 45% drank more than five cups of liquid; and 51.5% self-rated their state of health as fair. In conclusion, most of the elderly had good knowledge of functional foods and used them often. Their perceptions of functional foods and their eating habits were extremely important to planning future actions, which are essential to health promotion for this population. RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el perfil demografico de los ancianos y su percepcion de los alimentos funcionales. La investigacion fue descriptiva con diseno transversal y un abordaje cuantitativo, involucrando a 200 ancianos, en Joao Pessoa –Paraiba, Brasil, en 2011. En el analisis, se ha utilizado el software SPSS, version 19, prueba de chi cuadrado con un nivel de significacion de p<0,05. Los resultados son: en su mayoria mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 60 y 69 anos, recibiendo un salario minimo; y en su mayoria viudas. En cuanto a las costumbres alimentarias, el 90,5% consumia frutas y verduras; el 35,5% informo que no comia alimentos fritos y grasas; un 45% bebia mas de cinco tazas de liquido y el 51,5% afirmo que tenia estado de salud regular. En conclusion, la mayoria de los ancianos tiene un buen conocimiento de los alimentos funcionales y los ingieren con frecuencia. La percepcion de los ancianos sobre los alimentos funcionales y sus habitos de alimentacion fue sumamente importante para la planificacion de acciones futuras, esenciales para la promocion de la salud de esta poblacion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2015.17717