Rodrigo Franco de Oliveira

Prevalência de depressão em idosos que freqüentam centros de convivência

The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence rate of depression among the elderly population (those 60 and older) who frequent community centers. From February to July of 2001, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with elderly people from community centers in Taguatinga, Brasilia, FD (Federal District). The sample included 118 elderly people, distributed in five-year age brackets, who responded to a simplified version of the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale with 15 questions. Anova and the Tukey test were performed to analyze differences between the age groups with 95% confidence intervals. The sample was predominantly female (90%) with the majority reporting being in the age bracket of 60 to 64 years old (31%). Depression was reported by 36 respondents (31%) and severe depression was reported by 4% of those interviewed, all of whom were in the age bracket of 60 to 64 (representing 14% of this group). National programs should be developed in community centers focused on decreasing depression among the elderly population.

Evaluation of low-level laser therapy of osteoblastic cells.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of biomodulation on osteoblastic cells using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser. BACKGROUND DATA Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-pharmacological therapeutic resource to which biological tissues respond well, producing such effects as the acceleration of bone formation and bone repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS Osteoblastic cell cultures (OFCOL II) were irradiated with a gallium-aluminium-arsenide diode laser (GaAlAs lambda = 830 nm; 50 mW; 3 J/cm(2); 600-microm-diameter optical fiber) and divided into two groups: group 1--irradiated cells, and group 2--non-irradiated cells. Irradiation occurred at 24-h intervals for a total of 3 d. After each interval, the cells were marked with Mito Tracker Orange dye to assess the biostimulatory effect on mitochondrial activity and cell proliferation using an MTT assay. RESULTS Intense grouping of mitochondria in the perinuclear region was observed at 24 h and 48 h following irradiation. Changes from a filamentous to a granular appearance in mitochondrial morphology and mitochondria distributed throughout the cytoplasm were observed 72 h following proliferation. Such changes led to an in vitro proliferation process, as confirmed by the MTT assay. CONCLUSION LLLT has shown itself capable of altering mitochondrial activity and the population of OFCOL II cells.

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.

Laser Biomodulation on L 929 Cell Culture

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of photobiomodulation using a 904-nm diode laser at two energy densities (6 J/cm(2) and 50 mJ/cm(2)) on L929 fibroblast cells. BACKGROUND Low-power laser irradiation (LPLI) is a non-pharmacological resource that induces important in vitro photobiomodulation on cell cultures and tissues. METHODS Irradiation was performed for three days at 24-h intervals. After each interval, the cells were stained with MitoTracker Orange and DioC6 dyes to assess the photobiomodulatory effects of irradiation on mitochondrial activity and changes in the endoplasmic reticulum. The MTT assay [3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide] was used to evaluate cell proliferation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The fluorescence microscopy assessment of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in cells irradiated with 6 J/cm(2) and 50 mJ/cm(2) demonstrated intense mitochondrial activity, which was confirmed by DioC6 staining. Reticular activity was observed stemming from increased protein synthesis. Photobiomodulation with 50 mJ/cm(2) was slightly higher than with 6 J/cm(2), as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy results. Photobiomodulation was also time-dependent, with better results 72-h after irradiation.

Effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on l929 fibroblasts.

Introduction Ultrasound has proven to be an important therapeutic resource regarding musculoskeletal disease and is routinely used in physical therapy and medicine both therapeutically and diagnostically. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effects with different ultrasound intensities in order to establish the ideal radiation level in cell cultures. Material and methods Fibroblast cell cultures were divided into five groups: group I – control (did not receive irradiation); group II – 0.2 W/cm2 in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle); group III – 0.6 W/cm2 in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle); group IV – 0.2 W/cm2 in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle); and group V – 0.6 W/cm2 in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle). Each group was irradiated with 24-h intervals, observing the following post-irradiation incubation times: 24, 48, 72 and 96 h; after 24 h of each irradiation, cultures were analysed using the MTT method. Results Analysis of the results following ultrasound irradiation demonstrated that the effect of ultrasound with 0.6 W/cm2 in pulsed mode at 10% (1 : 9 duty cycle) was statistically significant in relation to ultrasonic irradiation in pulsed mode at 20% (2 : 8 duty cycle) (p < 0.05). Conclusions According to parameters used in the irradiation of cultivated fibroblasts, the pulse mode regime and the control of intensity are of fundamental importance for the optimal use of therapeutic ultrasound. Furthermore, low and medium intensities decreased cell damage, which establishes that acoustic pulsed energy induces the proliferation of fibroblast cells.

Assessment of fibroblast cells submitted to ultrasonic irradiation.

Physiotherapists consider ultrasound an indispensable tool, which is commonly employed in clinical practice as a treatment aid for musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The aim of our study has been to analyze fibroblast cell structures following low‐intensity pulsed ultrasonic irradiation. Fibroblast cell cultures irradiated with ultrasound were analyzed through electron microscopy to determine an ideal irradiation beam that preserved cell morphology and integrity. Analysis by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was used to follow morphological changes of the nucleus and cytoskeleton following different ultrasound irradiation intensities. According to the parameters used in the pulsed irradiation of fibroblast cultures, control over the intensity employed is fundamental to the optimal use of therapeutic ultrasound. Cell cultures submitted to low‐intensity pulsed ultrasonic irradiation (0.2–0.6 W/cm2) at 10% (1:9 duty cycle) and 20% (2:8 duty cycle) maintained shape and cellular integrity, with little damage. In the group irradiated with an intensity of 0.8 W/cm2, a loss of adhesion was observed along with an alteration in the morphology of some cells at an intensity of 1.0 W/cm2, which resulted in the presence of cellular fragments and a decrease of adhering cells. In cells irradiated at 2.0 W/cm2, there was a complete loss of adhesion and aggregation of cellular fragments. The present study confirms that biophysical properties of pulsed ultrasound may accelerate proliferation processes in different biological tissues.

Assessment of cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum of fibroblast cells subjected to low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum of L929 cells. Thermal and non-thermal physical mechanisms such as LLLT and LIPUS induce clinically significant responses in cells, tissues, and organs. MATERIALS AND METHODS L929 fibroblast cell cultures were irradiated with LLLT and subjected to LIPUS. Cultures irradiated with the laser (904 nm) were divided into three groups: group I, control (no irradiation); group II, irradiated at 6 J/cm(2); and group III, irradiated at 50 mJ/cm(2). Cultures subjected to ultrasound were divided into five groups: group I, control (no LIPUS); group II, LIPUS at 0.2 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 10% (1:9 duty cycle); group III, LIPUS at 0.6 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 10% (1:9 duty cycle); group IV, LIPUS at 0.2 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 20% (2:8 duty cycle); and group V, LIPUS at 0.6 W/cm(2) in pulsed mode at 20% (2:8 duty cycle). Each group was irradiated at 24-h intervals, with the following post-treatment incubation times: 24, 48, and 72 h. The effects of LLLT and LIPUS on the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum was evaluated by the use of fluorescent probes and with fluorescence microscopy analysis. RESULTS The results following LLLT and LIPUS demonstrate that ultrasound was more effective than laser on fibroblast cell cultures when the endoplasmic reticulum was assessed, whereas there was a better distribution of the filaments of the cytoskeleton in the cells subjected to laser irradiation. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that both LLLT and LIPUS promote changes on the cellular level. However, LIPUS was more effective than LLLT at the doses used here, as assessed by fluorescence microscopy, which revealed increased reticulum activity and increased protein synthesis. However, when the organization of actin filaments was assessed, LLLT achieved a better result.

Efeitos do método pilates no torque isocinético dos extensores e flexores do joelho: estudo piloto

INTRODUCCION: a pesar de la popularizacion del metodo Pilates, como una forma de ejercicio fisico, los estudios con la tecnica aun no han explorado sus efectos sobre el torque isocinetico de los musculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla.OBJETIVOS: verificar los efectos del metodo Pilates, el torque isocinetico de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jovenes.METODOS: diez voluntarias fueron sometidas a evaluacion isocinetica (60°/s y 300o/s) de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla, del miembro inferior dominante, antes y despues de la intervencion con el metodo Pilates, considerandose el pico de torque (PT) y trabajo total (TT). Ocho intervenciones fueron realizadas durante cuatro semanas, siendo 28 ejercicios de alongamiento y fortalecimiento para los principales grupos musculares. Fue aplicado analisis estadistico utilizando los tests t de Student o de Wilcoxon para muestras dependientes (p <0,05).RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron mejora significativa para la mayoria de las variables observadas, tanto en extension de la rodilla (TT 60°/s - 8,98%, p = 0,0166, PT 300°/s - 11,80%, p = 0,0077, TT 300°/s - 19,68%, p = 0,0051) como en la flexion (PT 60°/s - 11,44%, p = 0,0171; TT 60°/s - 11,55%, p = 0,0395; TT 300°/s - 12,86%, p = 0,0145), como excepcion a dos variables: una referente al movimiento de extension de la rodilla (PT 60°/s - 3,04 %, p = 0,4413) y otra al movimiento de flexion (PT 300°/s - 2,30%, p = 0,3873).CONCLUSION: fue posible verificar que ocho sesiones de Pilates, realizadas a lo largo de cuatro semanas, proporciono mejora significativa en el torque isocinetico, de los musculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jovenes, en relacion al PT y TT (60°/s y 300o/s), para la mayoria de las variables analizadas.INTRODUCTION: despite the popularity of Pilates as a form of exercise, studies with the technique still have not explored their effects on isokinetic torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee.OBJECTIVES: check the effects of the Pilates method on isokinetic torque of the knee extensors and flexors in young women.METHODS: 10 volunteers underwent isokinetic evaluation (60°/s and 300°/s) of the knee extensors and flexors of the dominant leg, pre-and post-intervention with the Pilates method, considering the peak torque (PT) and total work (TW). Eight interventions were conducted over four weeks, 28 consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the major muscle groups. Statistical analysis using the Student t or Wilcoxon for dependent samples was used (p<0.05).RESULTS: the results showed significant improvement for most of the observed variables in both knee extension (TW 60°/s - 8.98%, p = 0.0166, PT 300°/s - 11.80%, p = 0.0077, TW 300°/s - 19.68%, p = 0.0051) and in flexion (PT 60°/s - 11.44%, p = 0.0171; TW 60°/s - 11.55%, p = 0.0395; TW 300°/s - 12.86%, p = 0.0145), as an exception to two variables: one related to the movement of knee extension (PT 60°/s - 3.04 %, p = 0.4413) and the other to flexion (PT 300°/s - 2.30%, p = 0.3873).CONCLUSION: we found that eight sessions of Pilates, conducted over four weeks, provided significant improvement in isokinetic torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee in young women, in relation to the PT and TT (60°/s and 300°/s) for most variables.

Accuracy of motor tests related to musculoskeletal fitness as predictors of low back pain in adolescents: a pilot study

Background: The prevalence of low back pain in adolescents is close to that found in the adult population. In view of the relationship between low back pain and the resistance of the spine stabilizing muscles, studies have sought to identify the ability of specific motor tests to predict this condition. Objectives: Our objective was to verify the predictive ability of three motor tests related to musculoskeletal fitness to identify adolescents with low back pain. Methods: The sample consisted of 150 adolescents, of both sexes, aged between 15 and 19 years. The Nordic questionnaire validated for Brazilian adolescents was applied to identify those with low back pain. Subsequently, three motor tests (one-minute sit-up test, Sorensen test and lateral plank test) were applied. Statistical analysis involved the ROC curve, to identify the Area Under the Curve (AUC), assuming a 95% confidence interval. Results: It was observed in males that all the tests had a low AUC (between 0.56 and 0.57), without statistical significance (p > 0.05). For females, AUC ranged from 0.62 to 0.66, with statistical significance (p < 0.05) for the cut-off points identified in the one-minute sit-up test (≤ 24 repetitions) and Sorensen test (≤ 28 seconds), however, without significance (p > 0.05) for the lateral plank test. Conclusion: Motor tests of abdominal and paravertebral muscle resistance were not predictors of low back pain in male adolescents. Despite the low accuracy, the cut-off points identified in the one-minute sit-up test and Sorensen test, can be used with some caution to predict low back pain in female adolescents.

Translation, transcultural adaptation and validation of the Nordic questionnaire for the evaluation of low back pain in Brazilian adolescents

Background: Low back pain has been configured as a public health problem capable of compromising functional capacity, even in adolescents, however, there are no validated instruments for Brazilian adolescents. Objective: Validate the psychometric properties of the Nordic questionnaire for the evaluation of low back pain in Brazilian adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 150 adolescents (84 female), aged between 15 and 19 years. The Nordic questionnaire for the evaluation of low back pain in adolescents, was translated and culturally adapted into Portuguese (Brazil). A committee of experts followed the entire validation process. The questionnaire was administered in two moments, with a 14-day interval. Statistical analysis involved Kappa index. Results: After the slight modifications in the translation process, the expert committee considered that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire presented semantic, idiomatic, cultural and conceptual equivalence. The results showed that, among the 15 items considered in the eight questions of the questionnaire, 66.6% presented substantial agreement (kappa between 0.61-0.80). The other items presented almost perfect agreement (kappa > 0.80). Conclusion: The Nordic questionnaire for the evaluation of low back pain in adolescents, after being translated and culturally adapted into the Portuguese (Brazil) language, showed adequate psychometric properties, with high reproducibility in all items, demonstrating that it can be used safely to evaluate the low back pain in Brazilian adolescents.