Luiz Henrique Palucci Vieira

An outbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae infection after LASIK

OBJECTIVE To describe an outbreak of mycobacterial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), including the microbiologic investigation, clinical findings, treatment response, and outcome. DESIGN Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS Patients (n = 10) who underwent LASIK surgery between August 22 and September 4, 2000, and developed mycobacterial infection. METHODS Patients were prospectively followed in relation to microbiologic investigation, clinical findings, treatment response, and outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Most patients underwent bilateral simultaneous LASIK. Postoperative infection was signaled by the appearance of corneal infiltrates in the third postoperative week. The microbiologic workup was performed on cultures obtained either by direct scraping of the cornea or by lifting the flap. Medical therapy was instituted based on drug susceptibility testing. Surgical interventions such as corneal debridement and flap removal were performed during recurrences or when there was no satisfactory clinical response. RESULTS Cultures revealed Mycobacterium subspecies chelonae. Patients were treated with topical clarithromycin (1%), tobramycin (1.4%), and ofloxacin (0.3%). Oral clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day) was prescribed for those patients who did not respond clinically to topical treatment. Four eyes healed on this regimen. Flap removal was necessary in seven eyes. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights mycobacteria as an etiologic infectious agent after LASIK. Diagnosis can be difficult and is often delayed. The treatment mainstay is prolonged antibiotic therapy. Surgical debridement and flap removal may shorten the disease course.

Corneal graft survival after therapeutic keratoplasty for Acanthamoeba keratitis

Purpose:  To describe corneal graft survival and visual outcome after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) that is unresponsive to clinical treatment.

Influence of Match Location, Quality of Opponents, and Match Status on Movement Patterns in Brazilian Professional Football Players

Abstract Aquino, R, Munhoz Martins, GH, Palucci Vieira, LH, and Menezes, RP. Influence of match location, quality of opponents and match status on movement patterns in brazilian professional football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2155–2161, 2017—The aim of this study was to examine the independent and interactive effects of match location, quality of opponents, and match status on the movement patterns in a professional Brazilian football team. Sixteen matches of the fourth division Brazilian Championship of 2015 were analyzed during the competitive stages (classifier, 8 matches; octave-finals, 2 matches; quarterfinals, 2 matches; semifinals, 2 matches; and finals, 2 matches). A 5-Hz Global Positioning System Sports QSTARZ was used to record the total distance (TD), maximum speed (VMAX), average speed (VAVERAGE), and frequency of high-intensity activities (HIA). The Students t-test for independent samples showed significantly higher values (p ⩽ 0.05) of VMAX, VAVERAGE, and HIA in home matches when compared with away matches. Comparing the quality of opponents, statistically higher values of TD, VMAX, and HIA were found when the team played against strong opponents. Regarding match status, 1-way analysis of variance demonstrated that when the team won presented significantly higher values of TD, VMAX, VAVERAGE, and HIA compared with matches when the team lost. There were no substantial interactive effects of match situational variables on movement patterns. Finally, multiple linear regression showed that the variable quality of opponents has a higher relative contribution to the variance in HIA (19%) than match status (16%) and match location (4%). In particular, the results indicate that physical performance in professional football is influenced by match situational variables, resulting in a change in the teams style of play.

Periodization Training Focused on Technical-Tactical Ability in Young Soccer Players Positively Affects Biochemical Markers and Game Performance.

Abstract Aquino, RLQT, Cruz Gonçalves, LG, Palucci Vieira, LH, Oliveira, LP, Alves, GF, Pereira Santiago, PR, and Puggina, EF. Periodization training focused on technical-tactical ability in young soccer players positively affects biochemical markers and game performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2723–2732, 2016—The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 22 weeks of periodized training, with an emphasis on technical-tactical ability, on indirect markers of muscle damage, and the on-field performance of young soccer players. Fifteen players (age 15.4 ± 0.2 years, height 172.8 ± 3.6 cm; body mass 61.9 ± 2.9 kg; % fat 11.7 ± 1.6; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 48.67 ± 3.24 ml·kg−1·min−1) underwent 4 stages of evaluation: prepreparatory stage—T0; postpreparatory stage—T1; postcompetitive stage I—T2 and; postcompetitive stage II—T3. The plasmatic activity of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated, as well as the on-field performance (movement patterns, tactical variables). Regarding the plasmatic activity of CK and LDH, there was a significant reduction (p ⩽ 0.05) throughout the periodization training (T0: 350 U·L−1; T3: 150 U·L−1). Significant increases were observed (p ⩽ 0.05) in the intensity of the game, high-intensity activities (HIA) (T0: 22%; T3: 27%), maximum speed (T0: 30 km·h−1; T3: 34 km·h−1) and tactical performance, team surface area (T0: 515 m2; T3: 683 m2), and spread (T0: 130 m; T3: 148 m). In addition, we found significant inverse correlations between the percentage variation of T0 to T3 in CK and LDH activities with percentage variation in high-intensity running (r = −0.85; p ⩽ 0.05 and r = −0.84; p < 0.01, respectively) and HIA (r = −0.71 and r = −0.70; p ⩽ 0.05, respectively) during the matches. We concluded that there was reduced activity in biochemical markers related to muscle damage, as well as increases in-game high-intensity performance and the tactical performance of the study participants. Furthermore, players who showed greater reduction in plasma activity of CK and LDH also obtained greater increases in-game high-intensity performance along the periodization. These results may contribute to the expansion and future consolidation of the knowledge of coaches and sport scientists to develop effective methodologies for training in soccer.

Futsal Match-Related Fatigue Affects Running Performance and Neuromuscular Parameters but Not Finishing Kick Speed or Accuracy

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of futsal match-related fatigue on running performance, neuromuscular variables, and finishing kick speed and accuracy. Methods: Ten professional futsal players participated in the study (age: 22.2 ± 2.5 years) and initially performed an incremental protocol to determine maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max: 50.6 ± 4.9 mL.kg−1.min−1). Next, simulated games were performed, in four periods of 10 min during which heart rate and blood lactate concentration were monitored. The entire games were video recorded for subsequent automatic tracking. Before and immediately after the simulated game, neuromuscular function was measured by maximal isometric force of knee extension, voluntary activation using twitch interpolation technique, and electromyographic activity. Before, at half time, and immediately after the simulated game, the athletes also performed a set of finishing kicks for ball speed and accuracy measurements. Results: Total distance covered (1st half: 1986.6 ± 74.4 m; 2nd half: 1856.0 ± 129.7 m, P = 0.00) and distance covered per minute (1st half: 103.2 ± 4.4 m.min−1; 2nd half: 96.4 ± 7.5 m.min−1, P = 0.00) demonstrated significant declines during the simulated game, as well as maximal isometric force of knee extension (Before: 840.2 ± 66.2 N; After: 751.6 ± 114.3 N, P = 0.04) and voluntary activation (Before: 85.9 ± 7.5%; After: 74.1 ± 12.3%, P = 0.04), however ball speed and accuracy during the finishing kicks were not significantly affected. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that despite the decline in running performance and neuromuscular variables presenting an important manifestation of central fatigue, this condition apparently does not affect the speed and accuracy of finishing kicks.

Preliminary results on organization on the court, physical and technical performance of Brazilian professional futsal players: comparison between friendly pre-season and official match

The main aim of this study was to verify possible differences between a friendly pre-season match (FM) and an official in-season match (OM) regarding physical, technical, and organizational performances of a professional Brazilian futsal team. Ten professional futsal athletes participated in this study. The matches were monitored with video cameras (30 Hz) and athlete trajectories obtained with automatic tracking. The values obtained for distance covered per minute, percentage of distance covered at moderate intensity, team coverage area, spread, passes, possessions, ball touches and successful passes per minute were greater for the OM than FM. On the contrary, percentage of distance covered, standing and walking was greater for the FM than OM. We concluded that physical, technical, and tactical performances are different between a FM and an OM in futsal and also these parameters mutually influenced each other distinctly. Future studies should verify whether pre-season tournaments reproduce similar demands to a regular season official match.

Kicking Performance in Young U9 to U20 Soccer Players: Assessment of Velocity and Accuracy Simultaneously

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the kicking performance of young soccer players in the U9 to U20 age groups. Method: Three hundred and sixty-six Brazilian players were evaluated on an official pitch using three-dimensional kinematics to measure (300 Hz) ball velocity (Vball), foot velocity (Vfoot), Vball/Vfoot ratio, last stride length, and distance between the support foot and the ball. Simultaneously, a two-dimensional procedure was also conducted to compute (60 Hz) the mean radial error, bivariate variable error, and accuracy. Possible age-related differences were assessed through one-way analysis of variance and magnitude-based inferences. Results: Ball velocity increased by 103% (p < .001, η2 = .39) from the U11 age group (48.54 ± 8.31 km/hr) to the U20 age group (98.74 ± 16.35 km/hr). Foot velocity presented a 59% increase (p < .001, η2 = .32) from the U11 age group (49.08 ± 5.16 km/hr) to U20 (78.24 ± 9.49 km/hr). This finding was due to improvement in the quality of foot–ball impact (Vball/Vfoot ratio) from U11 (0.99 ± 0.13 a.u.) to U20 (1.26 ± 0.11 a.u.; p < .001, η2 = .25). Parameters such as mean radial error and accuracy appeared to be impaired during the growth spurt (U13–U15). Last stride length was correlated, low to moderately high, with Vball in all age groups (r = .36–.79). Conclusions: In summary, we concluded that simple biomechanical parameters of kicking performance presented distinct development. These results suggest that different training strategies specific for each age group could be applied. We provide predictive equations to aid coaches in the long-term monitoring process to develop the kick in soccer or search for talented young players.

Training Level Does Not Affect Auditory Perception of The Magnitude of Ball Spin in Table Tennis

Abstract Identifying the trajectory and spin of the ball with speed and accuracy is critical for good performance in table tennis. The aim of this study was to analyze the ability of table tennis players presenting different levels of training/experience to identify the magnitude of the ball spin from the sound produced when the racket hit the ball. Four types of “forehand” contact sounds were collected in the laboratory, defined as: Fast Spin (spinning ball forward at 140 r/s); Medium Spin (105 r/s); Slow Spin (84 r/s); and Flat Hit (less than 60 r/s). Thirty-four table tennis players of both sexes (24 men and 10 women) aged 18-40 years listened to the sounds and tried to identify the magnitude of the ball spin. The results revealed that in 50.9% of the cases the table tennis players were able to identify the ball spin and the observed number of correct answers (10.2) was significantly higher (χ2 = 270.4, p <0.05) than the number of correct answers that could occur by chance. On the other hand, the results did not show any relationship between the level of training/experience and auditory perception of the ball spin. This indicates that auditory information contributes to identification of the magnitude of the ball spin, however, it also reveals that, in table tennis, the level of training does not interfere with the auditory perception of the ball spin.

Effects of competitive standard, team formation and playing position on match running performance of Brazilian professional soccer players

Abstract This study examined the effects of competitive standard, team formation and playing position on match running performance in a Brazilian professional soccer team. Performance was investigated in 36 players in 48 matches at 3 competitive standards: 1st São Paulo State Championship; 3rd and 4th Brazilian leagues. Global Positioning System technology was used to determine total distance covered (TD), maximal running speed (MRS), mean speed (SMEAN) and frequency of high-intensity activities (HIA). Data were compared across competitive standards, team formations and playing positions. Magnitude-based inferences showed greater values for TD, SMEAN and HIA (likely to almost certain) in the lower national (3rd, 4th Brazilian) vs. the top state division (1st São Paulo). Higher values for all variables were reported for the 1–4–3–3 vs. the 1–4–4–2 formation (likely to almost certain). External defenders/midfielders and forwards reported greater values (likely to almost certain) vs. central defenders/midfielders, especially in HIA. Linear regression analyses showed that playing position demonstrated a higher relative contribution to the variance in MRS (24%) and HIA (29%) compared to team formation (16 and 25%, respectively). In a Brazilian professional soccer team, match running performance was dependent upon competitive standard, playing formation and playing position.

EFEITO DO TREINO NEUROMUSCULAR NA ROTAÇÃO DO JOELHO DURANTE A ATERRISSAGEM EM MULHERES

Introduction: The high rate of injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) without involving contact in women is a source of curiosity among scientists, because drop landing assessments may suggest a predisposition to the risk of this injury. In these sense, several training protocols have been used as an intervention and achieved mixed results in the change of this risk factor. Objective: The aim of this project was to evaluate the possible changes of rotation knee in single-leg drop landing after the intervention of a neuromuscular training program. Methods: The study included 18 women aged between 18 and 51 years, who were divided into two groups: neuromuscular training group (NTG) (n=11) and control group (CG) (n=7). In addition, they did not have musculoskeletal injury or pain in the lower limbs. Each participant completed five valid single-leg drop landings from a platform of 40 cm. The motion capture process was carried out with 12 infrared cameras of the OptiTrackTM system to obtain three-dimensional coordinates of markers fixed in the anatomical points of interest. The local coordinate systems of the thigh and leg were defined by means of the respective markers set in the anatomical points. Thus, the knee rotation angles in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were calculated through the sequence of Euler angles and the angular velocities were calculated using the formulations of quaternions. Results: The results showed an increase in the knee rotation speed after the neuromuscular training. Conclusion: We conclude that neuromuscular training resulted in faster rotation at the knee in the 40 milliseconds succeeding the single-leg landing.Introduccion: El gran numero de lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior sin que implique un contacto en las mujeres es motivo de curiosidad entre los cientificos porque las evaluaciones de aterrizaje pueden sugerir predisposicion al riesgo de esta lesion. En este sentido, varios protocolos de entrenamiento se han utilizado como intervencion y lograron resultados mixtos en el cambio de este factor de riesgo. Objetivo: El objetivo de este proyecto fue evaluar los posibles cambios de rotacion de la rodilla en el aterrizaje unipodal despues de la intervencion de un programa de entrenamiento neuromuscular. Metodos: El estudio incluyo a 18 mujeres de edades comprendidas entre 18 y 51 anos, que fueron divididas en dos grupos: grupo de entrenamiento neuromuscular de ocho semanas (GEN) (n = 11) y grupo control (GC) (n = 7). Ademas, no tenian lesion musculoesqueletica o dolor en las extremidades inferiores. Cada participante realizo cinco aterrizajes unipodales validos desde una plataforma de 40 cm. El proceso de captura de movimiento se llevo a cabo con 12 camaras infrarrojas del sistema OptiTrack(tm) para obtener las coordenadas tridimensionales de los marcadores fijados a los puntos anatomicos de interes. Los sistemas de coordenadas locales del muslo y la pierna se definieron por medio de los respectivos marcadores establecidos en los puntos anatomicos. De esa manera, fueron calculados los angulos de rotacion de la rodilla en los planos sagital, frontal y transversal utilizando las secuencias de los angulos de Euler, y las velocidades angulares utilizando las formulaciones de cuaterniones. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron un aumento en la velocidad de rotacion de la rodilla despues del entrenamiento neuromuscular. Conclusion: Se concluye que el entrenamiento neuromuscular resulto en mayor velocidad de rotacion en la rodilla en los 40 milisegundos posteriores al aterrizaje unipodal.