Mariana Chaves Aveiro

Comparison of thoracic kyphosis degree, trunk muscle strength and joint position sense among healthy and osteoporotic elderly women: A cross-sectional preliminary study

Increased thoracic kyphosis is one of the most disfiguring consequences of osteoporotic spine fractures in the elderly. However, mechanisms involved in the increasing of the kyphosis degree among osteoporotic women are not completely understood. Then, the aims of this cross-sectional preliminary study were comparing thoracic kyphosis degree, trunk muscle peak torque and joint position sense among healthy and osteoporotic elderly women and investigating possible factors affecting the kyphosis degree. Twenty women were selected for 2 groups: healthy (n=10) and osteoporotic (n=10) elderly women. Bone mineral density (BMD), thoracic kyphosis degree, trunk muscles peak torque and joint position sense were measured. Differences among groups were analyzed by Students Test T for unpaired data. Correlations between variables were performed by Pearsons coefficient correlation. The level of significance used for all comparisons was 5% (p≤0.05). We observed that the osteoporotic women demonstrated a significantly higher degree of kyphosis and lower trunk extensor muscle peak torque. Moreover, it was found that the BMD had a negative correlation with the thoracic kyphosis degree. Kyphosis degree showed a negative correlation between extensor muscle strength and joint position sense index. This study suggests that lower BMD may be associated to higher degree of kyphosis degree, lower trunk extensors muscle strength and an impaired joint position sense. It is also suggested that lower extensor muscle strength may be a factor that contributes to the increasing in kyphosis thoracic degree.

Perspectivas da participação do fisioterapeuta no Programa Saúde da Família na atenção à saúde do idoso

The premise of this paper was to introduce the concept of elderly physical therapy care in the Family Health Program. Inspired by the impact attributable to the socio-demographic changes, the increase of an elderly population and for the consolidation of a national health policy inspired by civil rights principles, the authors present an initiative for physical therapy practice aimed at the elderly. The successful integration of physical therapy in the Family Health Program conducted in the city of Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo State, has shown that the idea is likely to achieve great results and qualified participation.

Low-level laser therapy modulates musculoskeletal loss in a skin burn model in rats

PURPOSE To investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on gastrocnemius muscle morphology and Myod immunoexpression in a model of dorsal burn in rats. METHODS Sixteen male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups: control group (CG): rats submitted to scald burn injury without treatment and laser treated group (LG): rats submitted to scald burn injury and treated with laser therapy. Fourteen days post-surgery, gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated being the specimens stained with HE and morphometric data was evaluated. MyoD expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The results showed that laser treated animals presented more organized tissue morphology compared to the non-treated animals, with a higher number of nucleus in the fibers. Also, the cross sectional area of the fibers and the MyoD immunoexpression in the laser treated groups was higher. CONCLUSION Low-level laser therapy had positive effects on gastrocnemius muscle, improving tissue muscle morphology, increasing cross sectional area and MyoD immunoexpression.

Capacidade funcional de idosos com osteoartrite submetidos a fisioterapia aquática e terrestre

INTRODUCAO: A Osteoartrite (OA) e uma doenca articular cronico-degenerativa que, quando sintomatica, progride num padrao que inclui incapacidade para marcha e reducao da Capacidade Funcional (CF), sendo sua manutencao um requisito importante para um envelhecimento saudavel. Desse modo, varios recursos terapeuticos, entre eles a Fisioterapia Aquatica (FA) e a Fisioterapia Terrestre (FT) surgem como alternativas para o tratamento dessa enfermidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da FA e da FT na CF de idosos com diagnostico de OA de joelho. MATERIAIS E METODOS: Quinze voluntarios com diagnostico clinico e radiografico de OA de joelho com idade entre 60 a 80 anos foram distribuidos aleatoriamente entre os grupos: FA (n = 5), que realizou cinesioterapia em imersao; FT (n = 5), que realizou cinesioterapia em solo; e grupo controle (GC) (n = 5), que nao recebeu qualquer tipo de intervencao fisioterapeutica. A CF foi avaliada com base na velocidade da marcha usual, por meio de celulas fotoeletricas, nos movimentos de caminhar e subir e descer escadas. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que os participantes da FA apresentaram melhora significativa no tempo da marcha usual (p = 0,007), marcha rapida (p = 0,02), subir escadas (p = 0,02) e descer escadas (p = 0,01), houve resultado satisfatorio na FT apenas para descer escadas (p = 0,04). Nao foram encontradas diferencas significativas no GC. CONCLUSAO: Por meio dos resultados obtidos neste estudo, conclui-se que a FA seja a mais indicada para tratamento da OA, com resultados significativos na melhora da CF.

Non-ablative radiofrequency associated or not with Low Level Laser Therapy on the treatment of facial wrinkles in adult women: a randomized single–blind clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Non-ablative Radiofrequency (RF) associated or not with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on aspect of facial wrinkles among adult women. Methods: Forty-six participants were randomized into three groups: Control Group (CG, n = 15), RF Group (RG, n = 16), and RF and LLLT Group (RLG, n = 15). Every participant was evaluated on baseline (T0), after eight weeks (T8) and eight weeks after the completion of treatment (follow-up). They were photographed in order to classify nasolabial folds and periorbital wrinkles (Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale and Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System, respectively) and improvement on appearance (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale). Photograph analyses were performed by 3 blinded evaluators. Results: Classification of nasolabial and periorbital wrinkles did not show any significant difference between groups. Aesthetic appearance indicated a significant improvement for nasolabial folds on the right side of face immediately after treatment (p = 0.018) and follow-up (p = 0.029) comparison. RG presented better results than CG on T8 (p = 0.041, ES = −0.49) and on follow-up (p = 0.041, ES = −0.49) and better than RLG on T8 (p = 0.041, ES = −0.49). RLG presented better results than CG on follow-up (p = 0.007, ES = −0.37). Conclusion: Nasolabial folds and periorbital wrinkles did not change throughout the study; however, some aesthetic improvement was observed. LLLT did not potentiate RF treatment.

Efeitos de um programa de fisioterapia sobre a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas da comunidade: estudo randomizado controlado

Introducao: Health promotion policies for encouraging elderly to remain active, independent and, effecti- vely have a positive effect on their quality of life. Objective: To verify the effects of a low-intensity group- -based physical therapy program on quality of life among community-dwelling elderly women. Materials and methods: It was carried out a randomized controlled trial. Seventeen women (67.8 ± 4.9 years old) that completed 12-week training program and 10 women (68.9 ± 5.7 years old) that were included in con- trol group answered the abbreviated version for World Health Organization Quality of life Questionnaire - WHOQOL-bref at baseline and after 12 weeks. Exercise group performed stretching, resistance and balance training. Intragroup and intergroup analysis was made using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests, respecti- vely. The level of significance used for all comparisons was 5%. Furthermore, it was determined the Reliable

Pelvic floor muscle training decreases hip adductors isometric peak torque in incontinent women: an exploratory study

INTRODUCTION: The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training is the most common treatment for urinary incontinence (UI), however many women performed the contraction of PFM with associated contraction of abdominal, gluteus and hip adductors muscles. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training on isometric and isokinetic hip adductors peak torque (PT) among women suffering from urinary incontinence (UI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a longitudinal and prospective exploratory study. This study included 15 physically active women aged 45 years old and over, who presented complaints of UI. The PFM function (digital evaluation and perineometry), isometric and isokinetic hip adductors PT and one hour pad test were performed before and after treatment. The PFM training was performed in group, one hour once a week for 12 sessions. RESULTS: Significant improvement of PFM function and pressure level (p = 0.003), and significant decrease of hip adductors isometric PT and one-hour pad test, were found post-treatment. Moderate negative correlations between PFM contraction pressure and hip adductors isokinetic PT for dominant side (DS) (r = -0.62; p = 0.03) and non-dominant side (NDS) (r = -0.64; p = 0.02); and between PFM fast fibers contraction and hip adductors isometric PT for DS (r = -0.60; p = 0.03) and NDS (r = -0.59; p = 0.04) were also found. CONCLUSIONS: The PFM training decreased hip adductors PT and improved PFM functions and UI.

Self-reported assessment of female sexual function among Brazilian undergraduate healthcare students: a cross-sectional study (survey)

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate female sexual function among young undergraduate women. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional survey conducted among Brazilian undergraduate students. METHODS This study used online questionnaires to assess sociodemographic and health-related data and used the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) among female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years who were regularly enrolled in undergraduate healthcare courses. The FSFI is composed of 19 items that measure female sexual function over the last four weeks, in six domains: desire and subjective stimulation, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain or discomfort. RESULTS Among the 149 female undergraduate students evaluated, 43 (28.8%) presented sexual dysfunction (score < 26.55). Health conditions were not associated with female sexual dysfunction. Among the women with sexual dysfunction, all domains of the sexual response cycle were affected (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Sexual dysfunction was identified in at least a quarter of these young undergraduate women and it was not associated with gynecological problems, menstrual cycles, dysmenorrhea, contraceptive use or physical activity.

A percepção do usuário sobre a abordagem de uma equipe de residentes multiprofissionais

Estudo qualitativo realizado com o objetivo de identificar e analisar as percepcoes dos usuarios acompanhados por uma equipe de residentes multiprofissional. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo posteriormente submetidos a analise tematica que permitiu a construcao de tres categorias: 1) E diferente, vem com a gente!; 2) Surpresa boa nao e aquela que nao se espera, e aquela que nao se esquece; 3) Criticas: o despertar de potencias. A conclusao mostra que aparentemente a abordagem multiprofissional, com tendencia interprofissional, vivenciada pelos sujeitos entrevistados envolveu fatores positivos, apesar das barreiras para a efetivacao desta pratica.

Degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of trunk flexors and extensors among healthy women

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles among women without a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis. Methods Thirty women were selected to make up three groups: young women (n = 10; 24.60 ± 2.27 years of age); adults (n = 10; 43.50 ± 2.88); and elderly women (n = 10; 62.40 ± 2.67). Bone mineral density (BMD), degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors were evaluated. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests. Pearsons correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. The significance level was taken to be 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results The elderly group presented a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.009) and lower peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors than the young group. The adult group presented lower peak torque of the trunk than the young group. A negative correlation was observed between age and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors (p ≤ 0.001), and a positive correlation between age and the degree of thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.58; p ≤ 0.001). The elderly group presented higher values for the eccentric/concentric ratio of the peak torque for flexors (p = 0.03) and extensors (p = 0.02). Conclusion This study suggests that physiological aging may be associated with a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and lower muscle strength of the trunk flexors and extensors. Moreover, the elderly women showed a relative capacity for preservation of eccentric strength.