Silvia Regina Valderramas

Effects of Video Game Training on the Musculoskeletal Function of Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of video game exercise training (VGET) on the musculoskeletal function of older adults. The review was carried out in the PubMed, LILACS, WEB OF SCIENCE, WEB OF KNOWLEDGE, PEDro, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Sixteen controlled clinical trials were included, and the risks of bias were measured using the JADAD scale. There was no evidence that VGET might be effective on functional mobility (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.13 to 0.59) or on balanced self-efficacy (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.29 to 0.60). Future randomized controlled trials with greater methodological rigor, focusing on the parameters used to prescribe the exercises, are necessary.

Effects of inhaled cigarette smoke on the myo-articular system of female rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imposes substantial costs on society, due to both the costs of treatment and the increase in work-related deficiencies; it also accelerates mortality.1 Studies have shown that cigarettes are a factor in the development of RA and also in the worsening of an already present condition, potentially modifying the gravity of RA.2,3 However, the importance of tobacco on the overall effects of RA remains unknown.2 It was shown that the prevalence of RA in Caucasian women with a genetic predisposition and who smoked was greater than in those with a genetic predisposition but did not smoke.4 In addition, RA, either isolated from or associated with smoking, leads to a compromised musculoskeletal system. If this condition is not controlled and is combined with a sedentary lifestyle, a compromised musculoskeletal system can cause a series of complications that culminate in a decrease in functionality and quality of life that is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality relative to the healthy population.5 Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of cigarette smoke on the myo-articular system of rats with induced arthritis.

Stretching—An Important Strategy to Prevent Musculoskeletal Aging A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This study aimed to review systematically the available evidence on the effects of stretching exercise on musculoskeletal function of the elderly individuals. The search was performed in 4 databases. Twenty-four controlled clinical trials were included and the methodological qualities were measured using the JADAD scale. Stretching exercise improved gait speed (P = .04), range of motion of hip uniarticular flexors (P = .02), and ankle dorsiflexion (P = .003) as compared with control groups. Stretching exercise can be considered as an intervention for elderly individuals in counteracting age-related decline in mobility. However, it is suggested new randomized clinical trials, focusing on the parameters to prescribe stretching exercise.

Physical Inactivity, Functional Status and Exercise Capacity in COPD Patients Receiving Home-Based Oxygen Therapy

ABSTRACT Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has systemic consequences that lead to reduced physical activity in daily life (PADL). Little is known about PADL and its associations in individuals with COPD on home-based long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). The objective of the study was to determine whether there is an association between severe physical inactivity and pulmonary function, fatigue, dyspnea, functional status and exercise capacity in individuals with COPD on home-based LTOT using electric oxygen concentrators and to investigate which of these variables could influence inactivity in these individuals. The population sample included 39 individuals with COPD who were on LTOT (69 ± 8 years, FEV1: 32 ± 14% predicted). They were assessed in terms of PADL (number of steps/day), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale – FSS), dyspnea (Medical Research Council – MRC scale), functional status (London Chest ADL scale [LCADL] and Timed Up and Go [TUG] test) and functional exercise capacity (Six-Minute Step test [6MST] and Sit-to-Stand test [STST]). PADL was markedly low (1444 ± 1203 steps/day) and associated with daily duration of LTOT (r = –0.50), fatigue (r = –0.36), LCADL (r = –0.41), 6MST (r = 0.48), and STST (r = 0.53) (p < .05 for all). Multiple linear regression revealed that daily duration of LTOT and STST explained 39% of the variability of PADL. Longer daily duration of LTOT, fatigue, worse functional status and exercise capacity were all associated with physical inactivity in individuals with COPD on LTOT, whereas daily duration of LTOT and the STST were determinants of reduced physical activity.

Effects of Dance and of Tai Chi on Functional Mobility, Balance, and Agility in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Parkinson disease has symptoms that can be reduced by integrative therapy. Objective: To verify the integrative therapy effects with motion mobility, balance, and agility in people with Parkinson disease. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed for randomized, nonrandomized, and semirandomized controlled trials. Results: A total of 122 studies were found, with 9 being selected, for people with Parkinson disease. The intervention varied from 2 weeks to 12 months, with dance and Tai Chi. Conclusion: The dance and Tai Chi brought no significant differences in balance and agility. Tai Chi improved mobility compared with other therapies.

Análise de métodos para detectar sarcopenia em idosas independentes da comunidade

Introduction: Aging imposes changes in the body composition of individuals. One of the most striking changes during this period is the progressive loss of mass, strength and muscle function, known as sarcopenia. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of sarcopenia in healthy elderly women living in the community through a combination of different methods to assess muscle mass (MM) and physical performance, as well as analyzing whether there is correlation between the different methods of defining sarcopenia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of 37 older adults of the Universidade Aberta da Maturidade (Open University for Mature Persons). The parameters used to assess MM were calf circumference (CC) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) through bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) Handgrip strength (HS) using a manual dynamometer, gait speed (GS) over 10m and the timed up and go (TUG) test for functional mobility were used to measure physical performance. To compare the sarcopenia diagnostic methods four different combinations were employed: C1= SMI+HS+GS; C2= SMI+HS+TUG; C3= CC+HS+GS and C4= CC+HS+TUG, according to European consensus proposals. To verify the differences between the methods the Kruskal-Wallis test and Multiple Comparisons for Unpaired Data were applied, and the weighted Kappa coefficient was used to assess the degree of agreement. Results: The C1 and C2 combinations identified pre-sarcopenia, sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia. A close correlation between C1 and C2 was found (0.92), while C3 and C4 did not identify the presence of sarcopenia in the elderly women. Conclusion: CC used to evaluate MM was not precise in the detection of sarcopenia in overweight elderly women. However, there was a strong agreement between the two combinations using SMI and GS or TUG, suggesting that both can be effectively applied in clinical practice.

Associação entre desempenho funcional e quedas em idosas classificadas segundo a faixa etária

Objective: To evaluate the functional performance and the history of falls in older women. Method: Observational cross-sectional study, 57 community-dwelling elderly women were divided into 3 groups, based on their age: G160 to 69 years-old; G270 to 79 years-old, and G380 to 89 years-old. The following were assessed: Functional mobility (Timed “Up & Go Test”); muscle power (Five Times Sit To Stand Test); handgrip strength (JAMAR® hand dynamometer), and the prior history and prevalence of falls. The analyses of differences among groups were done by the one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test. The correlations were performed using Spearman’s test. Results: The women in the G3 group, when compared to G1 and G2, showed less handgrip strength (18.08 ± 3.29 Kgf vs. 28.10 ± 4.26 Kgf; 18.08 ± 3.29Kgf vs. 22.92 ± 4.01, p = 0.001); muscle power (14.44 ± 2.85s vs. 12.27 ± 2.34s; 14.44 ± 2.85s vs. 13.16 ± 2.27s, p = 0.04) and functional mobility (11.56 ± 3.10s vs. 8.57 ± 2.25s; 11.56 ± 3.10s vs. 10.30 ± 2.58s, p = 0.004). In the previous 6 months, the highest incidence of falls was in the G2 (5.6%): 26% fell once, 5% fell twice; and 10% fell 3 and 4 times. The women of G1 and G3 had fallen only once. The frequency of falls showed correlation with functional mobility (r = -0.52, p = 0.018). The age groups displayed correlation with the handgrip strength (r = -0.67, p = 0.0001); muscle power (r = 0.31, p = 0.02) and the functional mobility (r = 0.49, p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The prevalence of falls was more pronounced in the women aged between 70-79 years-old and, the older the women, the worse their muscular and functional performance.