Jamilson Simões Brasileiro

Kinesio Taping(®) does not alter neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps or lower limb function in healthy subjects: randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of applying Kinesio Taping(®) (KT) on the neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps, postural balance and lower limb function in healthy subjects. This is a randomized, blind, controlled, clinical trial, where sixty female volunteers (age: 23.3 ± 2.5 years; BMI: 22.2 ± 2.1 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 subjects each: control (10 min at rest); nonelastic adhesive tape (application over the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles); and KT (KT application over the same muscles). All individuals were assessed for single and triple hops, postural balance (by baropodometry), peak concentric and eccentric torque and electromyographic activity of vastus lateralis, before and after interventions. No significant differences in electromyographic activity of the VL or concentric and eccentric knee peak torque were recorded, between groups and initial and final assessment in any of the three groups. We also observed no significant alteration in single and triple-hop distance and one-footed static balance between the three groups. Application of KT to RF, VL and VM muscles did not significantly change lower limb function, postural balance, knee extensor peak torque or electromyographic activity of VL muscle in healthy women.

Electrical stimulation and isokinetic training: effects on strength and neuromuscular properties of healthy young adults

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos da estimulacao eletrica neuromuscular (EENM) associada a um programa de treinamento isocinetico em homens e mulheres jovens e sadios. METODOS: Vinte individuos (dez homens, dez mulheres, 21±1,5 anos) submeteram-se a um programa de treinamento isocinetico de ambos os seus extensores de joelho (tres series de dez repeticoes concentricas a 30°/s) duas vezes por semana por quatro semanas. Um membro foi submetido apenas ao treinamento de forca isocinetico (Ex) enquanto o outro foi submetido ao mesmo treinamento, mas com EENM associada a cada contracao (Ex+EENM). A corrente utilizada para a EENM foi a corrente russa (frequencia de 2.500Hz, 50 bursts/s, duracao de pulso de 200µs). O protocolo de avaliacao incluiu o torque extensor isometrico e isocinetico concentrico a 30°/s. RESULTADOS: Os grupos aumentaram seu pico de torque em ambas as modalidades testadas, sem diferenca entre Ex e Ex+EENM. O ângulo do pico de torque aumentou para o membro Ex, mostrando uma alteracao da relacao comprimento-tensao do grupo muscular testado, o que nao aconteceu com o membro Ex+EENM. Houve tambem uma diminuicao no tempo de aceleracao de ambos os membros, sem efeito da EENM sobre este parâmetro. CONCLUSOES: Estes resultados mostraram que a associacao entre a EENM e o treinamento voluntario isocinetico concentrico nao melhorou os ganhos de forca e de propriedades neuromusculares do proprio treinamento de forca voluntario para sujeitos jovens e sadios de ambos os generos.

Influência do resfriamento e do aquecimento local na flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais

Influence of local cooling and warming on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the acute and chronic effects of cooling and warming on hamstring muscle flexibility. Method: Forty volunteers were randomly included in one of four groups (n=10): 1) control group; 2) stretching group, using a sustain-and-relax technique on the hamstring muscles, for two consecutive weeks; 3) stretching group preceded by applying cryotherapy (25 minutes) to the posterior thigh region; 4) stretching group preceded by warming using shortwave diathermy (25 minutes). Muscle flexibility was assessed using a board coupled to a goniometric system specially prepared for evaluating the extensor angle of the knee. Results: The three experimental groups significantly increased their range of motion in relation to the control group. The mean daily gains (considered to be acute effects) showed significant differences in favor of the group subjected to cooling, in comparison with the other two (increases of 2.6 ± 0.9°, 4.3 ± 1.5° and 2.4 ± 0.7° for groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively, p= 0.008). With regard to chronic effects, there were no significant differences between the three experimental groups, but they all differed from the control group (increases of 1.5 ± 0.5°, 11.1 ± 6.1°, 14.4 ± 5.4° and 14.4 ± 6.2°, for groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Conclusion: Stretching sessions applied daily significantly increased hamstring muscle flexibility. The acute effects were greatest in the group subjected to cooling, in comparison with the groups with stretching alone and stretching plus warming. The chronic effects were not influenced by warming or by cooling.

Functional and morphological changes in the quadriceps muscle induced by eccentric training after ACL reconstruction

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of functional and morphological factors in the recovery of the quadriceps muscle after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS Nine subjects (31.3±5.8 years) underwent eccentric exercise sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Quadriceps muscle function was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (isometric and eccentric peak torque) and electromyography (RMS). Morphological changes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS The initial evaluation showed a significant deficit in knee extensor torque in the involved limb and significant muscle atrophy along the length of the quadriceps. EMG activity was lower in all tested situations. Eccentric training significantly increased isokinetic torque (from 199±51 to 240±63, p<0.05, respectively) and quadriceps area, with the greatest hypertrophy in the proximal thigh region (from 169±27 to 189±25.8 cm², p<0.01). The EMG activity of vastus medialis increased after the first six weeks of eccentric training. The increased extensor torque was correlated with quadriceps cross-sectional area (r=0.81, p<0.01) and EMG activity (r=0.69, p<0.05). After twelve weeks of training, there was a correlation only between torque and cross-sectional area (r=0.78, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS 1) eccentric training proved to be a potent resource for the quadriceps recovery, both morphologically and functionally, 2) the contributions of functional and morphological factors varied according to the length of training.

Atividade eletromiográfica do vasto medial oblíquo e vasto lateral durante atividades funcionais em sujeitos com síndrome da dor patelofemural

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amplitude and onset of electrical activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) during functional activities in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). METHODS: Twenty women participated in the study: ten in a control group and ten in the group with PFPS. The electromyographic signal of the quadriceps muscle was detected using simple active differential surface electrodes and a four-channel electromyography system, during open kinetic chain activities (using an isokinetic dynamometer) and closed kinetic chain activities (step and squat maneuvers). For the statistical analysis, Students t test and ANOVA with Tukeys post-hoc method were used, with a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: The results suggested that the electrical activation of the VMO was less intense than in the VLO (p=0.04) and that there was greater delay in VMO onset (p=0.0023) in the group with PFPS, with regard to all of the functional activities evaluated. There was a significant difference between the VMO and VLO in relation to the activities of isokinetic extension at 30o/s (p=0.042) and step down with knee flexion at 75o (p=0.038) in the group with SDPF, and in the activities of rising from a bench (p=0.041), single-leg hop (p=0.046) and heel raising (p=0.004) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Under the experimental conditions used, this study suggests that there is an imbalance in the electric activity and abnormal recruitment patterns among the VMO, VLL and VLO muscles in individuals with PFPS, with greater delay and lower amplitude of activation of the VMO in this group.

Immediate effects of Kinesio Taping® on neuromuscular performance of quadriceps and balance in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES Investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping(®) on neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps and balance in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DESIGN This is a randomized clinical trial. METHODS Forty-seven male participants, between 12 and 17 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, underwent initial assessment consisting of postural balance analysis using baropodometry, followed by eccentric and concentric isokinetic assessment at 60°/s of knee extensors, concomitant to electromyographic signals captured from the vastus lateralis muscle. They were then randomly allocated to one of the following groups: control, placebo and Kinesio Taping(®). Kinesio Taping(®) group participants were submitted to Kinesio Taping(®) on the femoral quadriceps of the affected limb, while placebo group subjects used the same procedure without the tension proposed by the method. The control group remained at rest for 10min. All participants were reassessed following the same procedure as the initial evaluation. The following variables were analyzed: peak torque/body weight and muscle potential using dynamometry; amplitude of antero-posterior and latero-lateral displacement from the center of pressure using baropodometry; and amplitude of muscle activation (root mean square) applying surface electromyography. RESULTS None of the variables analyzed showed significant intergroup or intragroup differences. CONCLUSIONS Kinesio Taping(®) does not alter the neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps or balance of subjects submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, for any of the variables analyzed.

Immediate effects of TENS and cryotherapy in the reflex excitability and voluntary activity in hemiparetic subjects: a randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND The disorder of reflex and motor function in patients affected by stroke causes negative impact on the performance of movement patterns and affects the functional activities. OBJECTIVES To investigate the immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy interventions on the spinal reflex excitability and in the voluntary electromyography (EMG) activity in people with chronic stroke. METHOD Randomized crossover trial. The maximum H-reflex (Hmax), the H-reflex latency and the maximum motor response (Mmax) of the soleus muscle and also the EMG of the tibialis muscle where evaluated before and after the application of TENS, cryotherapy and control conditions. RESULTS The Hmax/Mmax ratio was statistically significant higher (p=0.0245) and the H-reflex latency was statistically significant lower (p=0.0375) in the soleus muscle of the affected limb. The EMG amplitude of the tibialis anterior was reduced in the compromised limb (p<0.0001). After the use of the TENS, a reduction in the Hmax/Mmax ratio (p=0.0006) was observed leading to lower reflex excitability. However, after the cryotherapy intervention an increase of the Hmax/Mmax ratio was observed, which was accompanied by an increase in the H-reflex latency (p=0.0001). The EMG amplitude has not changed by any of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that TENS may be a choice for immediate reduction of reflex excitability, whereas cryotherapy intervention may increase reflex excitability in hemiparetic subjects. However, none of the changes mediated by either intervention were able to modify the electrical activity in the antagonist muscle of the spastic muscle.

Efeito imediato da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular seletiva na atividade eletromiográfica do músculo vasto medial oblíquo

The Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is described as an anterior or retropatellar knee pain in the absence of other associated diseases, and has often been associated with dysfunction of the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO). However, several studies have demonstrated the impossibility of selectively activating this muscle with exercises. The aim of the present study was to analyze the immediate effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of VMO muscle by means of monitoring the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles. Eighteen healthy women with a mean age of 23.2 years and mean BMI of 20 Kg/m2 were evaluated. The study protocol included electromyographic analysis of VMO and VL muscles, before and immediately after neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the VMO muscle. During the electromyographic analysis, the volunteers performed maximal voluntary isometric contraction in a 60° knee extension on an isokinetic dynamometer. “Russian current” apparatus was used for electrical stimulation. Results: The data analysis demonstrated a signifi cant increase in VMO activation intensity immediately after it had been electrically stimulated (p=0.0125), whereas VL activation intensity exhibited no signifi cant increase (p=0.924). Moreover, a signifi cant increase in the VMO/VL ratio was also detected (p=0.048). In this study it was observed that electrical stimulation modifi ed the VMO/VL ratio, which suggests electrical stimulation has a benefi cial effect on VMO muscle strength.

Low-level laser therapy reduces the fatigue index in the ankle plantar flexors of healthy subjects

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested as a resource capable of increasing resistance to fatigue and enhancing muscle performance through its metabolic and photochemical effects. This study evaluated the immediate effects of the application of LLLT on neuromuscular performance of the plantar ankle flexors in healthy subjects through a fatigue-induced protocol. This is a randomized controlled clinical trial, attended by 60 young and physically active volunteers of both genders. The subjects were randomly assigned into three groups, control, placebo, and laser, and underwent a preliminary evaluation of the isokinetic performance of plantar flexors and electromyographic activity of the soleus muscle to ensure homogeneity between groups. After the application of the respective intervention protocols, participants were induced to fatigue by performing 100 isokinetic concentric contractions of ankle plantar flexors at a speed of 90°/s. The dynamometric fatigue index (DFI) and median frequency were recorded during the fatigue protocol for comparison between groups. The group receiving the laser application showed significantly lower dynamometric fatigue index (p = 0.036) when compared to control and placebo groups. In relation to the median frequency during the fatigue test, there was a decrease in all groups, however with no differences between them. We suggest that LLLT being applied prior to exercise can reduce the fatigue index in the ankle plantar flexors of healthy subjects.

Delayed effect of Kinesio Taping on neuromuscular performance, balance, and lower limb function in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background Kinesio Taping (KT) is an elastic bandage that aims to improve neuromuscular performance, although there is no consensus as to its benefits. Objective To analyze the immediate and delayed effects of KT on the neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps, on balance, and lower limb function in healthy subjects. Method This is a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-six women with a mean age of 22.2±3.6 years and BMI of 22.5±2.3 Kg/m2 were divided into three groups: control, with ten minutes of rest (control, n=12), application of Kinesio Taping without tension (placebo, n=12) and with tension (KT, n=12) on the quadriceps. The primary outcome was isokinetic performance, while secondary outcomes were the single-hop test, one-footed static balance, and electromyographic activity. The evaluations were carried out in five stages: 1) before application of KT, 2) immediately after the application of KT, 3) after 24h, 4) after 48h, and 5) after 72h. Mixed ANOVA was used to determine differences between groups. Results There was no change in one-footed static balance, electromyographic activity of the VL in the lower limb function, nor in isokinetic performance between groups. Conclusion KT promotes neither immediate nor delayed changes in neuromuscular performance of the femoral quadriceps in healthy women.