Flávio Boechat de Oliveira

Evaluation of strength, agility and aerobic capacity in Brazilian football players

Summary Study aim: To evaluate the levels of strength, agility and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) between the offensive and defensive teams of football players. Material and methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 20 male Brazilian football players were divided into an offensive group (OG, n = 10, age: 25.50 ± 6.15 years) and a defensive group (DG, n = 10, age: 22.50 ± 5.48 years). We used the dynamometer for back and legs, the shuttle run test, and the Cooper test to evaluate strength, agility and VO2max, respectively. Results: The independent Student t-test showed that the OG was significantly more agile than the DG (p < 0.05). The other variables did not show any statistically significant differences. In the OG there was a strong correlation between agility and VO2max (r = - 0.834, p = 0.003, r2 = 0.70). However, in the DG there was a moderate correlation between the same variables (r = - 0.677, p = 0.031, r2 = 0.46). This shows that the greater the agility is, the higher is the VO2max. There was no correlation between the variables muscle strength and body fat percentage. Conclusions: The study showed that the OG has a better physical condition than the DG.

Prevalence of low back pain and interference with quality of life of pregnant women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy is characterized by a period when women’s body suffers different changes. Between 50 and 80% of pregnant women refer low back pain, which may directly interfere with their quality of life. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of low back pain and its interference with quality of life of pregnant women assisted in the Family Health Strategy of the City of Cabo Frio. METHODS: Field cross-sectional study with pregnant women between the 13th and 36th week of gestation, with low back pain, assisted in a low risk pre-natal program. A demographic questionnaire, Roland Morris and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires were applied to evaluate low back pain and quality of life, respectively. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation tests were used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Participated in the study 139 pregnant women assisted by the pre-natal assistance program. Mean age of 24.4±7.65 years. There has been significant correlation between quality of life domains questionnaire (physical domain p<0.000, psychological domain p<0.004, environmental domain p<0.022; social relations domain p<0.0025 and overall quality of life p<0.000 and Roland Morris questionnaire. There has been correlation between weeks of gestation and Roland Morris questionnaire (p<0.005). As to weeks of gestation and quality of life questionnaire there has only been correlation in the social relation domain (p<0.025). CONCLUSION: Low back pain interferes with quality of life of studied pregnant women.

Original investigation effects of hydrogymnastics on igf-1 and functional autonomy in elderly women

Aging is a multidimensional phenomenon associated with the decline of organic form and function. The gradual and progressive physiological changes inherent to the aging process increase the prevalence of acute and chronic diseases.1,2 Among the alterations, there are deficits of balance, mobility, flexibility and muscular strength3 postural control instabilities that can lead to changes in walking and posture4 endocrine abnormalities such as the reduction of serum levels of anabolic hormones, as the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1)5,6 and changes in body composition, including decreases in muscle and bone masses.7