Julio Fernandes de Jesus

Single Session to Infrared Low Level Diode Laser on TNF-alpha. and IL-6 Cytokines Release by Mononuclear Spleen Cells in Mice: A Pilot Study

The results of low‐level infrared laser (LLL) systemic action on inflammatory modulation process, specifically diminishing pro‐inflammatory and producing anti‐inflammatory cytokines are extremely controversial in the literature. More studies are necessary to clarify the biomodulation process. The main objective was to investigate the effect of a single session of an AsGaAl laser on spleen cells interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor ‐ alpha (TNF‐α) release, in vivo, in mice.

Efeito imediato da utilização da joelheira elástica em indivíduos com osteoartrite

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the major reasons for seeking medical and physical therapy services, because it usually causes difficulties in performing daily life activities. There are several types of treatment, with varied results. The use of knee sleeve as an adjuvant resource has been controversial in the literature. OBJECTIVE To assess the immediate efficacy of elastic knee sleeve on pain and functional capacity of individuals with KOA. METHODS Seventy-four patients (132 knees) with symptomatic KOA were assessed by use of the Stair Climb Power Test (SCPT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 8-Meter Walk (8MW) tests, in addition to the VAS for pain. The tests were performed with and without knee sleeves, with a cover on the knees to hide knee sleeve. The order and the presence of the knee sleeve were randomized, and the investigator was blind. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was found between the two compared circumstances (with and without knee sleeve) when using the VAS (P < 0.001), which showed a reduction in pain with the knee sleeve use. Analyses of the three functional tests under both circumstances were performed, resulting in statistically significant differences in 8MW and TUG tests (P < 0.05), but not in SCPT (P > 0.1339). CONCLUSION The elastic knee sleeve proved to be effective to immediately improve the functional capacity and pain of individuals with KOA, because it enhanced performance during the tests proposed. Thus, the knee sleeve is an adjuvant resource for treating KOA, because it is practical, useful, and of easy clinical use, and can aid in the practice of therapeutic exercises.

Aferição dos equipamentos de laser de baixa intensidade

Background: Despite the increase in the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), there is still a lack of consensus in the literature regarding how often the equipment must be calibrated. Objective: To evaluate the real average power of LLLT devices in the Greater Sao Paulo area. Methods: For the evaluation, a LaserCheck power meter designed to calibrate continuous equipment was used. The power meter was programmed with data related to the lasers wavelength to gauge the real average power being emitted. The LLLT devices were evaluated in two ways: first with the device cooled down and then with the device warmed up for 10 minutes. For each condition, three tests were performed. The laser probe was aligned with the power meter, which provided the real average power being emitted by the LLLT device. All of the data and information related to the laser application were collected with the use of a questionnaire filled in by the supervising therapists. Results: The 60 devices evaluated showed deficit in real average power in the cooled-down and warmed- up condition. The statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the real average power measured in relation to the manufacturers average power. On average, the most common dose in the clinics was 4 J/cm², and the most desired effects were healing and anti-inflammatory effects. According to the World Association for Laser Therapy (WALT), 1 to 4 J of final energy are necessary to achieve these effects, however only one device was able to reach the recommended therapeutic window. Conclusion: The LLLT devices showed a deficit in real average power that emphasized a lack of order in the application of this tool. The present study also showed the need for periodical calibration of LLLT equipment and a better technical knowledge of the therapists involved.

Kinesio taping effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals: A blinded, controlled, randomized, clinical trial

OBJECTIVES To analyze kinesio taping (KT) effect on quadriceps strength and lower limb function over a 7-day period. DESIGN Blind randomized clinical trial. SETTING Hospitals Physical Therapy Department. PARTICIPANTS Sixty healthy individuals (30 men and 30 women) were randomly distributed into three groups: Control--without KT application; Placebo--placebo KT application and Experimental--A KT application designed to stimulate quadriceps femoris activity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The quadriceps strength was measured using a manual dynamometer whereas lower limb function was assessed using the Single Hop Test for Distance. Evaluations occurred at five time-points: baseline; immediately, 3 and 5 days after KT application; and 72 h post KT withdrawal. RESULTS There was no significant interaction between time-points and groups for muscle strength: dominant (P = 0.13) and non-dominant (P = 0.41) and lower limb function: dominant (P = 0.09) and non-dominant (P = 0.53); but lower limb function within-group comparisons showed improvements in all groups at the evolution of all time-points analyzed for both limbs (P = 0.001). This is possibly due to a learning effect as the participants became more familiar with executing the assessment tests. CONCLUSION KT did not improve quadriceps strength and lower limb function of healthy individuals and its application with these objectives should be reconsidered.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (780 nm) on VEGF Modulation at Partially Injured Achilles Tendon.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to analyze the modulatory effects of near infrared (780 nm) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the presence of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the partially injured Achilles tendons of rats. BACKGROUND LLLT stimulates the healing process for Achilles tendon injuries, although the extent of the modulatory effect of LLLT on the VEGF levels found in the injured tendons remains unclear. METHODS Sixty-five male Wistar rats were distributed in the following seven groups: LASER 1, 3, and 7 (10 partially injured Achilles tendons in each group, which were treated with LLLT for 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively); Sham 1, 3, and 7 (same injury, with simulated LLLT); Control group containing the five remaining animals and in which no procedures were performed. LLLT was applied once a day for 10 sec, with a mean power of 70 mW and fluency of 17.5 J/cm(2). After euthanasia, all of the Achilles tendons were surgically removed and the VEGF levels were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The VEGF levels remained close to normal (p > 0.05) when comparing the experimental groups (LASER and Sham: 1, 3, and 7) with the Control group. CONCLUSION LLLT did not stimulate the expression of VEGF in the treated Achilles tendons.