Rodrigo Antonio Carvalho Andraus

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of low-level laser therapy on the postoperative healing process

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of intraoral application of low-level laser therapy (660 nm) to control pain, swelling and interincisal opening following the extraction of mandibular third molars. [Subjects and Methods] Ten patients underwent removal of lower third molars using the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. In the postoperative period, all patients received four consecutive daily sessions of low-level laser therapy, beginning 24 hours after the surgery. Intraoral applications using the diode laser with 660 nm wavelength in the continuous scan mode were performed covering the entire surgical area, which was divided into four quadrants, each of 1 cm2 area at a distance of 1 cm. The energy applied at each point was 5 J/cm2 during 8 seconds. [Results] The swelling and interincisal opening returned to normal 24 hours after the first low-level laser therapy application (Friedman test). Moreover, the pain intensity was reduced on the third postoperative day, according to the Friedman test. [Conclusion] Low-level laser therapy (660 nm), at the dosimetry used in this study, was effective in reducing postoperative pain and swelling following oral surgery.

Angiotensin-II blockage, muscle strength, and exercise capacity in physically independent older adults.

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess the exercise capacity and muscle strength in elderly people using drugs for angiotensin-II blockage. [Subjects and Methods] Four hundred and seven older adults were recruited for this study. Data about comorbidities and medication use were recorded and the individuals were divided into three groups: control group- elderly people with normal exercise capacity (n=235); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group − individuals using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (n=140); and angiotensin-II receptor blocker group- patients using angiotensin-II receptor blockers (n= 32). Exercise capacity was evaluated by a 6-minute walking test and muscle strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. [Results] Patients from the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group (mean: 99 ± 12%) and the angiotensin-II receptor blocker group (mean: 101 ± 14%) showed higher predicted values in the 6-minute walking test than the control group patients (mean: 96 ± 10%). Patients from the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor group (mean: 105 ± 19%) and the angiotensin-II receptor blocker group (mean: 105.1 ± 18.73%) showed higher predicted values of muscle strength than control group patients (mean: 98.15 ± 18.77%). [Conclusion] Older adults using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers have better functional exercise capacity and muscle strength.

People with chronic low back pain have poorer balance than controls in challenging tasks

Abstract Purpose: To compare the balance of individuals with and without chronic low back pain during five tasks. Method: The participants were 20 volunteers, 10 with and 10 without nonspecific chronic low back pain, mean age 34 years, 50% females. The participants completed the following balance tasks on a force platform in random order: (1) two-legged stance with eyes open, (2) two-legged stance with eyes closed, (3) semi-tandem with eyes open, (4) semi-tandem with eyes closed and (5) one-legged stance with eyes open. The participants completed three 60-s trials of tasks 1–4, and three 30-s trials of task 5 with 30-s rests between trials. The center of pressure area, velocity and frequency in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions were computed during each task, and compared between groups and tasks. Results: Participants with chronic low back pain presented significantly larger center of pressure area and higher velocity than the healthy controls (p < 0.001). There were significant differences among tasks for all center of pressure variables (p < 0.001). Semi-tandem (tasks 3 and 4) and one-leg stance (task 5) were more sensitive to identify balance impairments in the chronic low back pain group than two-legged stance tasks 1 and 2 (effect size >1.37 vs. effect size <0.64). There were no significant interactions between groups and tasks. Conclusions: Individuals with chronic low back pain presented poorer postural control using center of pressure measurements than the healthy controls, mainly during more challenging balance tasks such as semi-tandem and one-legged stance conditions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with chronic low back had poorer balance than those without it. Balance tasks need to be sensitive to capture impairments. Balance assessments during semi-tandem and one-legged stance were the most sensitive tasks to determine postural control deficit in people with chronic low back. Balance assessment should be included during rehabilitation programs for individuals with chronic low back pain for better clinical decision making related to balance re-training as necessary.

Uso do questionário Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS‐Brasil) em comparação com o Índice Algofuncional de Lequesne para definição de gravidade na osteoartrite de joelho e quadril

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease with a high prevalence in the elderly.1 OA affects more often the hip and knee, compromising important aspects in activities of daily living such as walking, transposition of obstacles, home care and work activities.2 Several questionnaires have emerged to evaluate the functional capacity of patients with OA, which stand out by their simplicity and the ability to evaluate the perception of the

Characterization of lumbar angle, pelvic sagittal balance and flexibility in preschoolers

Introduction: The alignment between the anterior superior and posterior inferior iliac spines is closely related to lumbar curvature in sagittal plane. Objetive: To characterize the flexibility and angulations of lumbar spine and to relation the pelvis in sagittal plane in preschool children in municipal schools in Londrina/PR/BR. Methods: Participated in the study 138 children aged between five and six years of municipal school in Londrina. The assessment was performed by photogrammetry method, sagittal pelvic balance test, extended limb elevation test by flexi meter and Thomas’ Test. The evaluations were done in the schools. Results: There was not difference in angles of lumbar between sexes, weight and ages. In the sagittal pelvic balance the most children presented retroversion (56.6%). Children with pelvis in anteversion (4.3%) presented the lower lumbar angles, indicated hyperlordosis. The children with pelvic balance presented a great flexibility of hamstrings muscle than retroversion and anteversion. Conclusion: Flexibility is greater in girls and in children with five years old. The lumbar angle was 24.07o. The pelvis in retroversion in most children, differing from the expected for the age group. The lower angle of the back was corresponding to a pelvis in anteversion and balanced.