Estele Caroline Welter Meereis

Análise do equilíbrio dinâmico de idosas institucionalizadas após hidrocinesioterapia

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic balance in old women before and after hydrotherapy intervention. METHOD: To assess the balance, two tests were used: the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA).The water activities were conducted in shallow water once a week, totaling 15 sessions. The t Student test was applied to compare the previous and after evaluations. RESULTS: A better body balance after the hydrotherapy intervention was observed being statistically significant in both proposed tests (BBS p < 0.01 e POMA p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hydrotherapy program showed to be effective to the dynamic balance and reducing the risk of falls in older women. Therefore, it is a physiotherapy resource which can be recommended to prevent falls of these people.

Influência da hidrocinesioterapia no equilíbrio postural de idosas institucionalizadas

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence that a hydrokinetic therapy program in shallow water has on postural balance of institutionalized elderly women. In this study 8 institutionalized elderly, with a mean age of 62.95 ± 2.87 years participated. The postural balance was evaluated through the force platform. 3 attempts in each sensory organization test (SOT) previously and subsequently the intervention of hydrokinetic therapy in shallow water were made. The variables analyzed were: displacement amplitude of the pressure center (COP) in the anteroposterior, mediolateral direction and displacement speed of the COP. An improvement in postural control after the intervention was observed, where a decrease on the displacement of the pressure center happened, especially in the anteroposterior direction. For the group of institutionalized elderly participants in this study, hydrokinetic therapy performed in shallow water was able to improve postural balance.

AVALIAÇÃO DA FORÇA MUSCULAR DE DIFERENTES POPULAÇÕES: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Introduction: Muscle strength (MS) is the systems ability to produce skeletal muscle tension and torque. This is essential for daily living tasks and sporting activities. MS values are used to identify individuals at risk for musculoskeletal injuries and can also serve to evaluate physical fitness for sports practice, which makes it an important measure. Objective: To investigate the methods used for quantitative assessment of MS. Material and Methods: we performed bibliographic searches in the electronic database Scielo of articles published between 2007 and 2011. The descriptors “Muscle strength” and “forca muscular” were used in the searches of originals articles in Portuguese and English investigating quantitative MS of lower and upper limbs. A total of 37 articles were analyzed. Results: Among the studies analyzed, there was a heterogeneity regarding the MS procedure. The most commonly used MS assessment method was the dynamometer, followed by the test of 1 maximum repetition (MR) and 10 MR tests. Conclusion: The mostly used methods for MS quantitative assessment was the dynamometer and 1 MR test. However, it was not possible to establish a standard method to assess MS. DESCRIPTORS Muscle Strength, Biomechanics, Physical Therapy Specialty, Muscle Strength Dynamometer.

Força muscular de membros inferiores: uma revisão sistemática sobre métodos de avaliação utilizados na fisioterapia

Introduction:The analysis of human movement allows determining the relationships between functional limitations and capabilities. Assessment methods enable carrying out studies aimed to improve rehabilitation strategies, and allow for a greater discretion in the choice of treatment technique. Objective: This study sought to survey the current lower limbs assessment methods used by physiotherapists. Material and Methods: We performed literature searches in the databases: Google Scholar and SciELO using the key-words: strength, strength assessment, physical therapy, muscle strength, physiotherapy. Results: A total of nine methods have been found, namely: isokinetic dynamometer, 1RM testing, manual muscle test, modified isometric dynamometer, Dynamometer Manual Adapted for lower limbs, leg horizontal jump, thigh cirtometry, tiptoe test. Among the methods used, the most frequent was isokinetic dynamometer (55%), followed by 1RM testing and manual muscle testing (9% each). Conclusion: Based on this study, it was found that different methods are used for the assessment of lower limb strength, among which the isokinetic dynamometer was used more often. DESCRIPTORS Muscle Strength. Physical Therapy Specialty. Biomechanics. Orthopedics.