Rodrigo Antunes de Vasconcelos

Combined Therapy (Ultrasound and Interferential Current) in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Once or Twice in a Week?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Combined Therapy (CT) composed of ultrasound and Interferential Therapy has been reported as a cost-effective, local analgesic intervention on tender points in Fibromyalgia (FM). This study aims to investigate the difference between CT applied once a week and twice a week in patients with FM. METHOD Fifty patients with the diagnosis of FM were randomized into two groups (G1 = once a week treatment and G2 = twice a week treatment) with each group containing 25 patients. All eighteen tender points were assessed and treated with CT during each session, over a three-month time period. Interferential Therapy was modulated at 4,000 Hz of current carrier, 100 Hz of amplitude modulated frequency and at a bearable sensorial threshold of intensity. Pulsed ultrasound of 1 MHz at 20% of 2.5 W/cm² was used. For evaluation, the Visual Analogue Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Post Sleep Inventory and the tender point count were utilized, and the examiner was blinded to the group assignments. RESULTS G1 and G2 showed a significant improvement in Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0005, respectively), Tender Points (p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Post Sleep Inventory (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in all performed analyses. CONCLUSION There is no advantage in increasing the number of sessions of combined therapy in terms of reducing generalized pain, quality of life and sleep quality for patients with FM.

Comparison of peak torque, intensity and discomfort generated by neuromuscular electrical stimulation of low and medium frequency

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an important tool in clinical practice to improve the recruitment of motor units. Optimal forms of NMES, as well as the optimal frequency to achieve the highest torque with the least possible discomfort are not well established. This study was designed to compare maximum electrically-induced torque (MEIT) in the quadriceps, the maximum intensity tolerated by the subject, and the level of discomfort generated by three types of stimulation. METHODS: Thirty subjects (mean age of 25.0 ± 3.0 years) participated in the study. Each subject was submitted to three currents: medium frequency (2500 Hz) modulated in low frequency (Russian Current), and two currents of low frequency (50 Hz), i.e. without an intrapulse interval (FES), and another with an intrapulse interval of 100 µs (VMS). The maximum voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) of the quadriceps was measured. The MEIT, the level of discomfort, and the maximum intensity reached were also measured while applying the three types of NMES. The order of the tests was randomized and the torque was normalized in relation to MVIT. RESULTS: The results showed no significant difference between the three types of NMES in relation to the generated torque. However, the subjects were able to tolerate a significantly higher intensity with the medium frequency current, and suffered less discomfort when compared to subjects exposed to low frequency currents. CONCLUSION: Russian Current, FES, and VMS can be used clinically in order to increase the torque of the quadriceps muscle. However, we suggest using the Russian Current in the early stages of a rehabilitation protocol because it showed better tolerance by the participants with less discomfort.

Confiabilidade e validade de um dinamômetro isométrico modificado na avaliação do desempenho muscular em indivíduos com reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

aBSTRaCT Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliabil-ity and validity of a modified isometric dynamometer (MID) in performance deficits of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in normal individuals and in those with ACL reconstructions. Methods: Sixty male subjects were invited to participate of the study, being divided into three groups with 20 subjects each: control group (GC), group of individuals with ACL reconstruc-tion with patellar tendon graft (GTP, and group of individu-als with ACL reconstruction with hamstrings graft (GTF). All individuals performed isometric tests in the MID, muscular strength deficits collected were subsequently compared to the tests performed on the Biodex System 3 operating in the iso-metric and isokinetic mode at speeds of 60o/s and 180o/s. Intra-class ICC correlation calculations were done in order to assess MID reliability, specificity, sensitivity and Kappa’s consistency coefficient calculations, respectively, for assessing the MID’s validity in detecting muscular deficits and intra- and intergroup comparisons when performing the four strength tests using the ANOVA method. Results: The modified isometric dynamometer (MID) showed excellent reliability and good validity in the as-

Análise da freqüência mediana do sinal eletromiográfico de indivíduos com lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior em exercícios isométricos de cadeia cinética aberta e fechada

ABSTRACTAnalysis of the medium frequency of the electromyographicsignal of individuals with lesion of the anterior cruciate ligamentin isometric exercises of open and closed kinetic chain Subjects with injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) haveshown relevant functional alterations in the knee muscles. There-fore, it is extremely important to characterize these alterations, aswell as to emphasize an efficient rehabilitation protocol for thesesubjects and consequently return them to physical activities. Thepurpose of this study was to investigate the medium frequency(Fmed) of the electromyographic signal in ACL subjects with le-sions during isometric exercises in open (OKC) and closed kineticchain (CKC). Forty subjects (with and without lesion) performedknee extension during maximal voluntary isometric contraction onLeg Extension and Leg Press at 30o, 60o and 90o of knee flexion.The results showed smaller Fmed values for ACL deficient sub- Analise da frequencia mediana do sinal eletromiograficode individuos com lesao do ligamento cruzado anterior emexercicios isometricos de cadeia cinetica aberta e fechada

Força do manguito rotador em indivíduos com síndrome do impacto comparado ao lado assintomático

Objective: To evaluate the strength of internal rotation, external rotation and elevation of the shoulders of symptomatic compared with asymptomatic patients, associating muscle strength with joint function. Methods: Forty-eight individuals diagnosed with unilateral SIS were evaluated in relation to isomeric muscle strength of symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders (using a hand-held isometric dynamometer), in addition to evaluating function using the Constant-Murley scale. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 = 35 to 49 years, group 2 = 50 to 65 years. Results: A reduction in strength of internal rotation, external rotation and elevation of the symptomatic shoulder were found, compared with the asymptomatic side (p <0.0001), but there was no reduction in the strength of medial rotation in the subjects of group 1. It was observed that muscle strength is directly proportional to shoulder function, with individuals with little strength of the rotator cuff having less function. Conclusion: SIS causes decreased muscle strength of internal rotation, external rotation and elevation compared with the asymptomatic side. It also causes decreased shoulder function. The reduced function is proportional to the decrease in muscle strength of the rotator cuff. Level of evidence: level III, analytical study.

Reliability and validity of a modified isometric dynamometer in the assessment of muscular performance in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a modified isometric dynamometer (MID) in performance deficits of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in normal individuals and in those with ACL reconstructions. Methods: Sixty male subjects were invited to participate of the study, being divided into three groups with 20 subjects each: control group (GC), group of individuals with ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon graft (GTP, and group of individuals with ACL reconstruction with hamstrings graft (GTF). All individuals performed isometric tests in the MID, muscular strength deficits collected were subsequently compared to the tests performed on the Biodex System 3 operating in the isometric and isokinetic mode at speeds of 60°/s and 180o/s. Intraclass ICC correlation calculations were done in order to assess MID reliability, specificity, sensitivity and Kappas consistency coefficient calculations, respectively, for assessing the MIDs validity in detecting muscular deficits and intra- and intergroup comparisons when performing the four strength tests using the ANOVA method. Results: The modified isometric dynamometer (MID) showed excellent reliability and good validity in the assessment of the performance of the knee extensor and flexor muscles groups. In the comparison between groups, the GTP showed significantly greater deficits as compared to the GTF and GC groups. Conclusion: Isometric dynamometers connected to mechanotherapy equipments could be an alternative option to collect data concerning performance deficits of the extensor and flexor muscles groups of the knee in subjects with ACL reconstruction.

The effect of hip abduction on the EMG activity of vastus medialis obliquus, vastus lateralis longus and vastus lateralis obliquus in healthy subjects

Study designControlled laboratory study.ObjectivesThe purposes of this paper were to investigate (d) whether vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) EMG activity can be influenced by hip abduction performed by healthy subjects.BackgroundSome clinicians contraindicate hip abduction for patellofemoral patients (with) based on the premise that hip abduction could facilitate the VLL muscle activation leading to a VLL and VMO imbalanceMethods and measuresTwenty-one clinically healthy subjects were involved in the study, 10 women and 11 men (aged X = 23.3 ± 2.9). The EMG signals were collected using a computerized EMG VIKING II, with 8 channels and three pairs of surface electrodes. EMG activity was obtained from MVIC knee extension at 90° of flexion in a seated position and MVIC hip abduction at 0° and 30° with patients in side-lying position with the knee in full extension. The data were normalized in the MVIC knee extension at 50° of flexion in a seated position, and were submitted to ANOVA test with subsequent application of the Bonferroni multiple comparisons analysis test. The level of significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe VLO muscle demonstrated a similar pattern to the VMO muscle showing higher EMG activity in MVIC knee extension at 90° of flexion compared with MVIC hip abduction at 0° and 30° of abduction for male (p < 0.0007) and MVIC hip abduction at 0° of abduction for female subjects (p < 0.02196). There were no statistically significant differences in the VLL EMG activity among the three sets of exercises tested.ConclusionThe results showed that no selective EMG activation was observed when comparison was made between the VMO, VLL and VLO muscles while performing MVIC hip abduction at 0° and 30° of abduction and MVIC knee extension at 90° of flexion in both male and female subjects. Our findings demonstrate that hip abduction do not facilitated VLL and VLO activity in relation to the VMO, however, this study included only healthy subjects performing maximum voluntary isometric contraction contractions, therefore much remains to be discovered by future research

Analysis of the Figure-of-Eight method and volumetry reliability for ankle edema measurement

Edema’s measurements on ankle injuries are necessary as part of the evaluation and diagnostic check. The present study was designed to analyze the Figure-of-Eight method and volumetry measurements and check their intratest and intertest reliability. Twenty asymptomatic healthy male volunteers from 15 to 30 years of age, were randomly examined by three clinical examiners. Each examiner performed three measurements following each method. It was used standardized positioning and measurement techniques. The results showed reliability in both methods (ICC = 0.99). The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed reproduction between examiners, where values of r = 0.91, r = 0.95 and r = 0.96, respectively were found. These findings suggest the Figure-of-Eight method and volumetry are reliable measurements.

Análise da confiabilidade do método Figura Oito e da volumetria para mensuração do edema de tornozelo

Edema’s measurements on ankle injuries are necessary as part of the evaluation and diagnostic check. The present study was designed to analyze the Figure-of-Eight method and volumetry measurements and check their intratest and intertest reliability. Twenty asymptomatic healthy male volunteers from 15 to 30 years of age, were randomly examined by three clinical examiners. Each examiner performed three measurements following each method. It was used standardized positioning and measurement techniques. The results showed reliability in both methods (ICC = 0.99). The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed reproduction between examiners, where values of r = 0.91, r = 0.95 and r = 0.96, respectively were found. These findings suggest the Figure-of-Eight method and volumetry are reliable measurements.

Tradução e adaptação cultural do Rowe score para a língua portuguesa

OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Rowe score for use in Brazil. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process initially involved the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation and revision by the Translation Group. The pre-final version of the questionnaire was then created. The Stability and Function fields were applied to 20 patients with anterior shoulder luxation, and the Mobility field was applied to 20 health professionals. RESULTS: It was found that some of the patients had difficulty understanding some of the expressions of the questionnaire, so these were replaced with terms that were easier to understand. All health professionals understood the translation of the Mobility field. The altered questionnaire was then reapplied to another 20 patients, and this time it was understood by all the assessed subjects. CONCLUSION: After a careful process of translation and cultural adaptation, a definitive version of the Rowe questionnaire was obtained in Brazilian Portuguese. Level of Evidence II, Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients.