José Augusto Fernandes Lopes

Functional mobility and balance in community-dwelling elderly submitted to multisensory versus strength exercises

It is well documented that aging impairs balance and functional mobility. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of multisensory versus strength exercises on these parameters. We performed a simple blinded randomized controlled trial with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength ([GST], N = 23, 70.2-years-old ± 4.8 years) or multisensory ([GMS], N = 23, 68.8-years-old ± 5.9 years) exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. Subjects were evaluated by blinded raters using the timed ‘up and go’ test (TUG), the Guralnik test battery, and a force platform. By the end of the treatment, the GMS group showed a significant improvement in TUG (9.1 ± 1.9 seconds (s) to 8.0 ± 1.0 s, P = 0.002); Guralnik test battery (10.6 ± 1.2 to 11.3 ± 0.8 P = 0.009); lateromedial (6.1 ± 11.7 cm to 3.1 ± 1.6 cm, P = 0.02) and anteroposterior displacement (4.7 ± 4.2 cm to 3.4 ± 1.0 cm, P = 0.03), which were not observed in the GST group. These results reproduce previous findings in the literature and mean that the stimulus to sensibility results in better achievements for the control of balance and dynamic activities. Multisensory exercises were shown to be more efficacious than strength exercises to improve functional mobility.

Avaliação computadorizada por fotografia digital, como recurso de avaliação na Reeducação Postural Global

The work is described by means of digital photography with the use of reflexive spherical markers attached to pre-defined anatomical points, enabling analysis through a computer program, denominated Fisiologic. The processing of digital photos, provides de coordinates x and y of the corporal markers in pixel, being that these coordinates serve to create values of corporal segments utilizing the analytical geometrical form. I report here the case of a patient with compromised posture, submitted to Global Postural Reeducation . A physiotherapeutic evaluation was performed initially and later the patient was photographed and data was analysed before and after 21st session. The computerized evaluation by digital photography showed satisfactory results as did the radiologic exams. Thus we conclude that this is an useful evaluation method of Global Postural Reeducation.

Comparison of multisensory and strength training for postural control in the elderly

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the efficacy of multisensory versus muscle strengthening to improve postural control in healthy community-dwelling elderly. Participants We performed a single-blinded study with 46 community-dwelling elderly allocated to strength (GS, n = 23; 70.18 ± 4.8 years 22 women and 1 man) and multisensory exercises groups (GM, n = 23; 68.8 ± 5.9 years; 22 women and 1 man) for 12 weeks. Methods We performed isokinetic evaluations of muscle groups in the ankle and foot including dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, inversion, and eversion. The oscillation of the center of pressure was assessed with a force platform. Results The GM group presented a reduction in the oscillation (66.8 ± 273.4 cm2 to 11.1 ± 11.6 cm2; P = 0.02), which was not observed in the GS group. The GM group showed better results for the peak torque and work than the GS group, but without statistical significance. Conclusion Although the GM group presented better results, it is not possible to state that one exercise regimen proved more efficacious than the other in improving balance control.

Ground reaction force in basketball cutting maneuvers with and without ankle bracing and taping

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE In basketball, the most common injuries are ankle sprains. For this reason, players frequently use external ankle devices or taping as prophylactic and rehabilitation measures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ground reaction force (GRF) responses in basketball players while performing typical cutting maneuvers with and without ankle bracing and ankle taping. DESIGN AND SETTING Comparative study with experimental design of single-group repeated measurements, at Medical Rehabilitation Division, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo. METHODS Vertical (Fy) and medial-lateral (Fz) GRF measurements were made under three conditions (taping, Aircast-type orthosis and basketball shoes alone), with analysis of peak forces at foot contact (Fymax1, Fzmax1, Fymax2 and Fzmax2), growth gradient (peak/time) (GG Fymax1, GG Fzmax1, GG Fymax2 and GG Fzmax2) and impulse after foot contact. RESULTS Bracing significantly reduced Fymax2 and GG Fymax2. GG Fzmax1 was significantly higher for the sport shoe condition than for the taping condition. Taping increased Fy in relation to the sport shoe at foot contact, but over a longer time interval, without increasing excessive ankle loading. Fz reached a peak in less time, which might generate greater inversion/eversion loading on a players foot. The Aircast exerted better shock-absorbing effect than did the other two conditions, since it generated less vertical force over longer time intervals and smaller medial-lateral forces in relation to taping. CONCLUSIONS Ankle bracing and ankle taping action mechanisms are still unclear and therefore should be carefully prescribed. More studies are needed to clarify taping and bracing effects on sporting activities.

Most frequent gait patterns in diplegic spastic cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVE: To identify gait patterns in a large group of children with diplegic cerebral palsy and to characterize each group according to age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and previous surgical procedures. METHODS: One thousand eight hundred and five patients were divided in seven groups regarding observed gait patterns: jump knee, crouch knee, recurvatum knee, stiff knee, asymmetric, mixed and non-classified. RESULTS: The asymmetric group was the most prevalent (48.8%). The jump knee (9.6 years old) and recurvatum (9.4 years old) groups had mean age lower than the other groups. The lowest GDI (43.58) was found in the crouch group. There were more children classified within GMFCS level III in the crouch and mixed groups. Previous surgical procedures on the triceps surae were more frequent in stiff knee and mixed groups. The jump knee group received less and the stiff-knee group more surgical procedures at hamstrings than others. CONCLUSIONS: The asymmetrical cases were the most frequent within a group of diplegic patients. Individuals with crouch gait pattern were characterized by the lowest GDI and the highest prevalence of GMFCS III, while patients with stiff knee exhibited a higher percentage of previous hamstring lengthening in comparison to the other groups. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Relationships of Balance, Gait Performance, and Functional Outcome in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Comparison of Left and Right Lesions

Introduction. This study compared the balance by center of pressure (COP) and its relationship with gait parameters and functional independence in left (LH) and right (RH) chronic stroke patients. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, twenty-one hemiparetic stroke patients were assessed for Functional Independence Measure (FIM), balance with a force platform, and gait in the Motion Analysis Laboratory. Results. The amplitudes of the COP in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were similar in both groups. The anteroposterior direction was greater than the mediolateral direction. Only the temporal parameters showed any statistically significant differences. The LH showed a significant correlation between stride length, step length, and gait velocity with COP velocity sway for the healthy and paretic lower limbs. In both groups, the area of COP was significantly correlated with stride length. Motor FIM was significantly correlated with the COP in the LH group. Conclusion. There was no difference in the performance of balance, gait, and functional independence between groups. The correlation of the COP sway area with stride length in both groups can serve as a guideline in the rehabilitation of these patients where training the static balance may reflect the improvement of the stride length.

Postural Control of Healthy Elderly Individuals Compared to Elderly Individuals with Stroke Sequelae.

A stroke and aging process can modify the postural control. We aimed to compare the postural control of health elderly individuals to that of individuals with stroke sequelae. This cross-sectional transversal study was made with individuals capable of walking without any assistance and that were considered clinically stable. The study had 18 individuals in the group with stroke sequelae (SG) and 34 in the healthy elderly control group (CG). The participants were evaluated for the timed up and go test (TUG) and force platform. The SG showed the worst results in relation to the time of execution of the TUG and the force platform evaluation. The displacement of center of pressure was worse for both groups in the eyes-closed situation, especially in the anteroposterior direction for the CG. The GS showed worse results in the static and dynamic postural control. The healthy elderly showed more dependence on sight to maintain their static balance and there was no difference in the balance tests in relation to the side affected by the stroke.

Influence of ankle devices in the jump and landing biomechanical responses in basketball

FUNDAMENTOS E OBJETIVO: O segmento mais frequentemente lesado no basquetebol e o tornozelo, sendo a entorse por inversao a lesao mais comum. Para evita-la, e comum o uso de implementos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a forca reacao do solo (FRS) em jogadores de basquete durante execucao do salto em tres situacoes: uso de tenis, bandagem e tenis, e tenis e ortese tipo Aircast. METODOS: Oito atletas foram analisados durante o salto, atraves de uma plataforma de forca, nas tres situacoes citadas, para analise das componentes vertical e horizontal medio-lateral da FRS. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSAO: Nao houve diferenca estatistica significativa entre as tres situacoes na componente vertical da FRS durante o salto, embora o uso de bandagem tenda a apresentar, na impulsao, maiores valores do pico de forca vertical (3,10 ± 0,46PC; 3,01 ± 0,39PC; 3,03 ± 0,41PC) e do gradiente de crescimento (GC) (12,33 ± 12,21PC; 8,16 ± 3,89PC; 8,46 ± 3,85PC), e durante a aterrissagem, menores valores de pico de forca vertical (5,18 ± 1,35PC; 5,56 ± 1,31PC; 5,49 ± 1,44PC) e do GC (88,83 ± 33,85PC; 95,63 ± 42,64PC; 94,53 ± 31,69PC). Durante a impulsao, a forca medial do salto com Aircast foi significativamente menor que com tenis (p = 0,0249) e apresentou valor semelhante ao do uso da bandagem, enquanto a forca lateral foi significativamente maior com a bandagem do que com tenis (p = 0,0485) e tendeu a ser maior do que o Aircast. Na aterrissagem o componente medio-lateral da FRS ficou inalterado nas tres situacoes. Concluiu-se que a bandagem potencializou a forca direcionada ao salto vertical durante a impulsao, porem nao estabilizou tanto quanto o Aircast os movimentos de inversao e eversao do pe. Durante a aterrissagem, os implementos nao foram efetivos para reduzir a forca medio-lateral, mas com a bandagem, houve um tempo maior para absorcao do impacto.Bases and objective: The segment most frequently injured in basketball is the ankle, being the inversion sprain the most common lesion. In order to avoid it, ankle devices are frequently used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ground reaction force (GRF) in basketball players during jump performance in three situations: use of basketball sport shoes, sport shoes with bracing and sport shoes with Aircast-type orthosis. Methods: Eight athletes were analyzed during jump through a force platform in the three situations mentioned for the analysis of the medial-lateral vertical and horizontal components of the ground reaction force. Results and conclusion: No significant statistical differences between the three situations were verified in the vertical ground reaction force during jump, although the use of bracing trends to present, during impulsion, higher peak values of the vertical force (3.10 ± 0.46PC; 3.01 ± 0.39PC; 3.03 ± 0.41PC) and the growth gradient (GC) (12.33 ± 12.21PC; 8.16 ± 3.89PC; 8.46 ± 3.85PC), and during landing, lower peak values of the vertical force (5.18 ± 1.35PC; 5.56 ± 1.31PC; 5.49 ± 1.44PC) and the GC (88.83 ± 33.85PC; 95.63 ± 42.64PC; 94.53 ± 31.69PC). During impulsion, the jump medial force with Aircast was significantly lower than with sport shoes (p = 0.0249) and presented values similar to values obtained with the use of bracing, while the lateral force was significantly higher with bracing than with the use of the sport shoes (p = 0.0485) and trended to be higher than with the use of the Aircast. In the landing, the medial-lateral component of the ground reaction force remained unchanged in the three situations. One concludes that the use of bracing has potentialized the force towards the vertical jump during impulsion, however, it did not stabilize the foot inversion and eversion movements as much as the Aircast. During landing, the devices were not effective to reduce the medial-lateral force, however, with the use of the bracing, a longer time for the impact absorption was verified.

Influência de implementos para o tornozelo nas respostas biomecânicas do salto e aterrissagem no basquete

FUNDAMENTOS E OBJETIVO: O segmento mais frequentemente lesado no basquetebol e o tornozelo, sendo a entorse por inversao a lesao mais comum. Para evita-la, e comum o uso de implementos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a forca reacao do solo (FRS) em jogadores de basquete durante execucao do salto em tres situacoes: uso de tenis, bandagem e tenis, e tenis e ortese tipo Aircast. METODOS: Oito atletas foram analisados durante o salto, atraves de uma plataforma de forca, nas tres situacoes citadas, para analise das componentes vertical e horizontal medio-lateral da FRS. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSAO: Nao houve diferenca estatistica significativa entre as tres situacoes na componente vertical da FRS durante o salto, embora o uso de bandagem tenda a apresentar, na impulsao, maiores valores do pico de forca vertical (3,10 ± 0,46PC; 3,01 ± 0,39PC; 3,03 ± 0,41PC) e do gradiente de crescimento (GC) (12,33 ± 12,21PC; 8,16 ± 3,89PC; 8,46 ± 3,85PC), e durante a aterrissagem, menores valores de pico de forca vertical (5,18 ± 1,35PC; 5,56 ± 1,31PC; 5,49 ± 1,44PC) e do GC (88,83 ± 33,85PC; 95,63 ± 42,64PC; 94,53 ± 31,69PC). Durante a impulsao, a forca medial do salto com Aircast foi significativamente menor que com tenis (p = 0,0249) e apresentou valor semelhante ao do uso da bandagem, enquanto a forca lateral foi significativamente maior com a bandagem do que com tenis (p = 0,0485) e tendeu a ser maior do que o Aircast. Na aterrissagem o componente medio-lateral da FRS ficou inalterado nas tres situacoes. Concluiu-se que a bandagem potencializou a forca direcionada ao salto vertical durante a impulsao, porem nao estabilizou tanto quanto o Aircast os movimentos de inversao e eversao do pe. Durante a aterrissagem, os implementos nao foram efetivos para reduzir a forca medio-lateral, mas com a bandagem, houve um tempo maior para absorcao do impacto.Bases and objective: The segment most frequently injured in basketball is the ankle, being the inversion sprain the most common lesion. In order to avoid it, ankle devices are frequently used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ground reaction force (GRF) in basketball players during jump performance in three situations: use of basketball sport shoes, sport shoes with bracing and sport shoes with Aircast-type orthosis. Methods: Eight athletes were analyzed during jump through a force platform in the three situations mentioned for the analysis of the medial-lateral vertical and horizontal components of the ground reaction force. Results and conclusion: No significant statistical differences between the three situations were verified in the vertical ground reaction force during jump, although the use of bracing trends to present, during impulsion, higher peak values of the vertical force (3.10 ± 0.46PC; 3.01 ± 0.39PC; 3.03 ± 0.41PC) and the growth gradient (GC) (12.33 ± 12.21PC; 8.16 ± 3.89PC; 8.46 ± 3.85PC), and during landing, lower peak values of the vertical force (5.18 ± 1.35PC; 5.56 ± 1.31PC; 5.49 ± 1.44PC) and the GC (88.83 ± 33.85PC; 95.63 ± 42.64PC; 94.53 ± 31.69PC). During impulsion, the jump medial force with Aircast was significantly lower than with sport shoes (p = 0.0249) and presented values similar to values obtained with the use of bracing, while the lateral force was significantly higher with bracing than with the use of the sport shoes (p = 0.0485) and trended to be higher than with the use of the Aircast. In the landing, the medial-lateral component of the ground reaction force remained unchanged in the three situations. One concludes that the use of bracing has potentialized the force towards the vertical jump during impulsion, however, it did not stabilize the foot inversion and eversion movements as much as the Aircast. During landing, the devices were not effective to reduce the medial-lateral force, however, with the use of the bracing, a longer time for the impact absorption was verified.

The increase of anterior pelvic tilt after crouch gait treatment in patients with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND The increase of anterior pelvic tilt (APT) has been described after the treatment of crouch gait in cerebral palsy (CP). The ideal treatment option for flexed knee gait in CP should provide knee extension improvement in the stance phase without generating the increase of APT. RESEARCH QUESTION The purpose of this study was to compare three different approaches used for the treatment of crouch gait in CP [distal femur extension osteotomy (DFEO), patellar tendon shortening (PTS) and the combination of DFEO +PTS] regarding the increase of APT after the interventions. METHODS The inclusion criteria were: (1) diagnosis of spastic diplegic CP, (2) GMFCS levels I-III, (3) patients who underwent DFEO and/or PTS and (4) with complete documentation in the gait laboratory before and after the intervention. The included patients were divided into 3 groups, according to the procedures performed for crouch gait treatment: PTS (19 patients), DFEO (54 patients) and PTS + DFEO (22 patients). RESULTS During stance phase, knee flexion decreased from 41.60 to 13.60 in the PTS group (p < 0.001), from 46.00 to 30.70 in the DFEO group (p < 0.001) and from 52.30 to 29.50 in the PTS + DFEO group (p < 0.001). APT increased 140 (p < 0.001) in the PTS group, 7.1° (p < 0.001) in the DFEO group and 6.60 (p < 0.001) in the PTS + DFEO group after surgical intervention. The PTS group presented a more significant deterioration of pelvic tilt than the DFEO (p = 0.002) and PTS + DFEO (p = 0.001) groups. The increase of APT was higher when HSL was also performed in the PTS + DFEO group (p = 0.016). SIGNIFICANCE The increase of APT was observed in all studied groups, but it was more significant for those who underwent a PTS. The inclusion of HSL in the surgical plan was related a higher increase of APT in the PTS + DFEO group.