Jonas Lírio Gurgel

Prefrontal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation associated with aerobic exercise change aspects of appetite sensation in overweight adults

This study investigated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) isolated or combined with aerobic exercise influenced the desire to eat, hunger, and satiety in overweight subjects. Nine volunteers underwent anodal or sham tDCS (2 mA; 20 min) over DLPFC and isocaloric exercise bouts (70%VO(2)R; ~200 kcal). The appetite sensations were evaluated by visual analogue scales at four moments: I - Baseline; II - After tDCS; III - Post-Exercise and IV - 30-min Post-Exercise. The tDCS on left DLPFC decreased the desire to eat at baseline (tDCS -26% vs. -14% Sham). The tDCS associated with exercise had greater suppressing effect in desire to eat compared to either tDCS or exercise alone (tDCS -39% vs. -27% Sham). Moreover, the tDCS associated with exercise decreased hunger (tDCS -48% vs. 36% Sham) and increased satiety (tDCS 28% vs. 7% Sham) immediately after exercise. The post-exercise 30-min recovery elicited an overall increase in appetite. However the increase in desire to eat and hunger after recovery was lower after tDCS (29% and 13%, respectively) compared to sham stimulation (77% and 113%, respectively). These findings in overweight subjects indicate that the combination of tDCS over DLPFC and aerobic exercise induced greater decrease in appetite sensations compared to anodal tDCS or exercise alone.

Transcranial direct current stimulation influences the cardiac autonomic nervous control

To investigate whether the manipulation of brain excitability by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates the heart rate variability (HRV), the effect of tDCS applied at rest on the left temporal lobe in athletes (AG) and non-athletes (NAG) was evaluated. The HRV parameters (natural logarithms of LF, HF, and LF/HF) was assessed in 20 healthy men before, and immediately after tDCS and sham stimulation. After anodal tDCS in AG the parasympathetic activity (HF(log)) increased (P<0.01) and the sympathetic activity (LF(log)) and sympatho-vagal balance (LF/HF(log)) decreased (P<0.01), whereas no significant effects were detected in NAG (P>0.05). No significant changes in HRV indexes were provoked by sham stimulation in both AG and NAG (P>0.05). In conclusion, tDCS applied on the left temporal lobe significantly increased the overall HRV in AG, enhancing the parasympathetic and decreasing the sympathetic modulation of heart rate. Consequently the sympatho-vagal balance decreased at rest in AG but not in NAG. Releasing a weak electric current to stimulate selected brain areas may induce favorable effects on the autonomic control to the heart in highly fit subjects.

Moiré topography: characteristics and clinical application.

Since 1970, the Moiré phenomenon has been employed as a method of clinical diagnosis in topographical analyses of the human body. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the main characteristics of the Moiré phenomenon and its use as a topographical method for clinical applications, particularly those related to postural deviations. A systematic search for papers written in English between 1966 and 2010 was performed according to pre-established selection criteria and the selected studies underwent a content analysis. The results showed an evolution in the method of Moiré topography (MT), which reflect an increasing effort to improve the accuracy and precision of the method, as well as to facilitate the interpretation of topograms using specific software. The Shadow and Projection Moiré techniques have more frequently been used in comparison with other techniques. On the other hand, the methodological procedures of MT are apparently not well defined in the literature. Although MT was shown to be useful in the detection of spinal deformities, there is still a lack of research in clinical settings, especially in the elderly. For the most part, the studies involve the tracking of scoliosis in school age children. Japan appears to be the most advanced country in terms of the application of MT.

Correlation Between Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Response to Orthostatic Stress and Indicators of Quality of Life, Physical Capacity, and Physical Activity in Healthy Individuals

Abstract Gonçalves, TR, Farinatti, PTV, Gurgel, JL, and da Silva Soares, PP. Correlation between cardiac autonomic modulation in response to orthostatic stress and indicators of quality of life, physical capacity, and physical activity in healthy individuals. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1415–1421, 2015—Increased heart rate variability (HRV) at rest is frequently associated to maximal oxygen uptake ( ), physical activity, and markers of quality of life (QoL). However, the HRV has not been observed during physical exercise or orthostatic (ORT) challenge. This study investigated the associations of HRV changes (&Dgr;HRV) from rest at supine (SUP) to ORT positions with , physical activity level, and QoL in young adults. Cardiac autonomic modulation was assessed by spectral analysis of R-R time series measured from SUP to ORT positions in 15 healthy volunteers (26 ± 7 years). Questionnaires were applied for evaluation of QoL (SF-36 score), to estimate , and to quantify physical activity (Baecke Sport Score). All HRV indices at SUP, but not ORT, strongly correlated to QoL, estimated , and physical activity. The &Dgr;HRV from SUP to ORT showed significant correlations with all questionnaire scores (r = 0.52–0.61 for low frequency and r = −0.61 to −0.65 for high frequency, p ⩽ 0.05). Higher vagal activity at rest and greater changes in adrenergic and parasympathetic modulation from SUP to ORT were detected in the volunteers exhibiting higher scores of QoL, estimated , and physical activity. Taken together, the level of neural adaptations from resting SUP position to active standing, and physical activity and QoL questionnaires seem to be a simple approach to understand the physiological and lifestyle adaptations to exercise that may be applied to a large sample of subjects in almost any sports facilities at a low cost.

Motor cortex tDCS does not improve strength performance in healthy subjects

La influencia de estimulacion transcraneal de corriente directa (tDCS) en ejercicios de fuerza muscular de rendimiento que reclutan grandes masas musculares no se ha establecido en la poblacion sana. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si la ETCC anodica podria mejorar el rendimiento durante el ejercicio maximo de la fuerza (EMF) en sujetos sanos. Catorce voluntarios (26 ± 4 anos de edad) realizaron dos EMF con la aplicacion previa de ETCC anodica y placebo (2 mA, 20 i) la participacion de los flexores y extensores de la rodilla dominante en accion concentrica (3 series de 10 repeticiones). La actividad electrica muscular (sEMG) en cuatro musculos reclutados se registro durante el EMF. La ETCC anodica no fue capaz de mejorar la potencia de salida (trabajo total y pico de torque), la resistencia a la fatiga o la actividad electromiografica durante el EMF, cuando comparada con la condicion placebo. Por lo tanto, la ETCC anodica aplicada a la corteza motora contralateral no fue capaz de aumentar el rendimiento de la fuerza de flexores y extensores de la rodilla en jovenes sanos.

Topografia de moiré como método de avaliação postural: revisão do estado da arte

Since 1970, the moire phenomenon has been employed as a method of clinical diagnosis in topographical analyses of the human body. As a postural evaluation method, the moire topography (MT) assists in the examination of postural deviations on frontal, sagittal and transversal planes, through the analysis of a single image (topogram) of the subjects backside. This study aimed to carry out a literature review whose approach included the main characteristics of the moire phenomenon and its use as a topographical method for clinical analyses, particularly those related to postural deviations. A literature survey of the main sources of international and national academic research was made and all the material collected from this survey then underwent a pre-established selection criteria and analysis. The results showed an evolution in the method of moire topography, that is, an increasing concern to improve the accuracy and precision of the method, as well as to facilitate the interpretations of the topograms by means of the use of softwares. It was mainly observed that the shadow and projection moire techniques were more used than the other techniques of moire. In addition to this, it was apparent that the methodological procedures of moire topography are not well defined in literature. Although MT has shown to be very useful in the detection of vertebral column deformities, it was verified that there exists a great lack of studies that have applied this technique to clinically evaluate adults and the elderly. The majority of studies involve the tracking of scoliosis in school age children, because it is a public health issue.

Proposal of a New Specific Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test for Taekwondo Athletes.

Abstract Araujo, MP, Nóbrega, ACL, Espinosa, G, Hausen, MR, Castro, RRT, Soares, PP, and Gurgel, JL. Proposal of a new specific cardiopulmonary exercise test for taekwondo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1525–1535, 2017—The objective of this study is to evaluate the cardiorespiratory variables of Taekwondo athletes while performing incremental exercise test on an ergometer using a ramp protocol and to propose a specific protocol for assessing these physiological variables during Taekwondo practice. Fourteen athletes participated in 2 incremental exercise tests: a treadmill exercise test (TREADtest) and a Taekwondo-specific exercise test (TKDtest). The TKDtest consists in 1-minute stages of kicks with an incremental load between then. The subjects perform kicks each time a sound signal was heard. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), and their reserve correspondents (V[Combining Dot Above]O2R and reserve heart rate [HRR]) were divided into quartiles to verify their kinetics along the tests. Significant difference between 2 tests was found only for V[Combining Dot Above]O2R (p = 0.03). Regarding the quartiles, significant differences were found for HR in the first (p = 0.030) and second (p = 0.003). Analyzing the regression curves, significant differences were found for HR for intercept (p = 0.01) and slope (p = 0.05) and HRR for slope (p = 0.02). Analysis showed that significant reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was found for the V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ICC = 0.855, p = 0.003), V[Combining Dot Above]O2 in ventilatory thresholds 1 (ICC = 0.709, p = 0.03) and 2 (ICC = 0.848, p = 0.003). Bland-Altman analyses reported a mean difference ± the 95% limits of agreement of 2.2 ± 8.4 ml·kg−1·min−1 to V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak. The TKDtest is reliable for measurement of cardiorespiratory variables, and the behavior of these variables differs mainly from TREADtest, probably because of the motor task performed.The objective of this study is to evaluate the cardiorespiratory variables of Taekwondo athletes while performing incremental exercise test on an ergometer using a ramp protocol and to propose a specific protocol for assessing these physiological variables during Taekwondo practice. Fourteen athletes participated in 2 incremental exercise tests: a treadmill exercise test (TREADtest) and a Taekwondo-specific exercise test (TKDtest). The TKDtest consists in 1-minute stages of kicks with an incremental load between then. The subjects perform kicks each time a sound signal was heard. Heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), and their reserve correspondents (V[Combining Dot Above]O2R and reserve heart rate [HRR]) were divided into quartiles to verify their kinetics along the tests. Significant difference between 2 tests was found only for V[Combining Dot Above]O2R (p = 0.03). Regarding the quartiles, significant differences were found for HR in the first (p = 0.030) and second (p = 0.003). Analyzing the regression curves, significant differences were found for HR for intercept (p = 0.01) and slope (p = 0.05) and HRR for slope (p = 0.02). Analysis showed that significant reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), was found for the V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak (ICC = 0.855, p = 0.003), V[Combining Dot Above]O2 in ventilatory thresholds 1 (ICC = 0.709, p = 0.03) and 2 (ICC = 0.848, p = 0.003). Bland-Altman analyses reported a mean difference ± the 95% limits of agreement of 2.2 ± 8.4 ml·kg·min to V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak. The TKDtest is reliable for measurement of cardiorespiratory variables, and the behavior of these variables differs mainly from TREADtest, probably because of the motor task performed.

Influence of the length of institutionalization on older adults' postural balance and risk of falls: a transversal study

OBJETIVO: verificar a influencia do tempo de institucionalizacao no equilibrio e no risco de quedas de idosos. METODO: para a avaliacao do risco de quedas utilizaram-se o Berg Balance Scale e o Get Up and Go e, para a medida do equilibrio postural, foi utilizada a estabilometria estatica com aquisicao da area eliptica de 95% e velocidades medias nos eixos x e y do deslocamento do centro de pressao. Foram empregadas medidas de associacao e comparacao parametricas e nao parametricas (α<0,05). RESULTADOS: nao houve correlacao significativa entre o tempo de institucionalizacao e os testes de avaliacao do risco de quedas, como tambem nao houve diferenca intergrupos e intrassubgrupos, estratificados por tempo de institucionalizacao e idade. Nas medidas estabilometricas, houve correlacao negativa entre os parâmetros analisados e o tempo de institucionalizacao, e diferenca intergrupos e intrassubgrupos. CONCLUSAO: os resultados desta pesquisa apontam a dificuldade de execucao das tarefas de controle postural, mostrando um nivelamento abaixo dos escores de referencia dos testes clinicos. No comportamento estabilometrico, adverte-se reducao dos parâmetros conforme aumenta o tempo de institucionalizacao, contrariando as suposicoes. Os resultados deste estudo poderao oferecer subsidios para a elaboracao de um modelo multiprofissional de intervencao sobre o controle postural e o equilibrio dos idosos residentes em instituicoes de longa permanencia para idosos.

Physical fitness and quality of life of the elderly: a transversal study

Aim: To evaluate the association between the quality of life and performance in physical fitness tests. Method: This is a study adopting a quantitative and transversal approach, with a group of elderly residents living in the Souza Soares and Beltrao slum communities. Results: The results demonstrate a general profile of elderly individuals who do not show any motor fragility, and a classification near to regular in terms of their quality of life index. To find this score, a WOOQOL-Bref questionnaire was used, together with the following tests: functional range; reaching the feet while seated, standing up and walking; standing up from a chair in 30 seconds. To analyze the data obtained, this research used the Saphiro-Wilk normality test, and the Spearman correlation test. For all the tests, the level of significance was established as α ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: There is no correlation between quality of life and physical fitness with regard to the studied population.

Cannulation of arteriovenous fistulas by the buttonhole technique: a case study

Aim: To describe the case of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing cannulation of arteriovenous fistulas by the buttonhole technique for hemodialysis treatment, and comparing it to cases submitted to the conventional technique. Method: A case study of an adult male patient carrying CKD, held in the Dialysis Center of Sao Goncalo / RJ between March and May 2014, whose analysis was based on the literature. Results: We observed no complications three months after cannulation by buttonhole; the patient reported reduction in pain during the procedure; the limb with the fistula remained aesthetically intact. Discussion: Results of comparative studies of the two techniques are shown to be different, although they point to major benefits of the buttonhole technique: decreased pain, extended life of the AVF, reduction of bleeding and bruising. Conclusion: The buttonhole technique can be useful for new vascular access and hypersensitive patients.