Avaliação do nível de atividade física de estudantes de graduação das áreas saúde/biológica

Impact of an Intervention with Wii Video Games on the Autonomy of Activities of Daily Living and Psychological-Cognitive Components in the Institutionalized Elderly

As people age, the risk of disease increases and deterioration becomes more noticeable. These changes can increase the risk of cognitive impairment, with negative consequences for the quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) in older people, which translate into greater dependence and loss of wellness. This study aimed to determine the impact and effectiveness of the use of the Wii^® game console (Nintendo Company Limited, Kyoto, Japan) on improving performance of basic and instrumental ADLs, as well as its relationship with cognitive impairment levels and mood in institutionalized older people. A longitudinal study was designed, whose study population consisted of people over 75 years of age who lived in a nursing-home or attended a day care center (n = 80; 45 women). Cognitive status was assessed using Lobo’s Mini-Cognitive Examination (MCE) and Global Deterioration Scale (FAST-GDS), while the psychological assessment used the Dementia Apathy Interview and Rating (DAIR), Yesavage scale for Geriatric Depression (EGD-15), and Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (EADG). Differences from T1 to T2 in the control group (control; n = 40; 23 women; 83.25 ± 8.78 years; 76.35 ± 13.54 kg) and in the experimental group (Wii; n = 40; 22 women; 85.05 ± 8.63 years; 74.60 ± 13.01 kg) were evaluated using a paired Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon’s signed rank test, and a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Differences in Δ (%) and other tests at T1 and T2 were compared using the independent t-test or Mann–Whitney U test, with the treatment category as a fixed factor. The results showed that the Wii^® video console had a positive influence for older people, increasing cognitive status and levels of ADLs, and psychological status. In addition, a positive correlation between performance of ADLs and cognitive status was observed, as well as a negative correlation with the psychological status. Through a rehabilitation program with a Wii^® game console in the elderly, depression, anxiety and apathy levels were reduced, accompanied by an increase in memory and attention, as well as in performance of basic and instrumental ADLs.

Comparison between 4 weeks passive static stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation programmes on neuromuscular properties of hamstring muscles: a randomised clinical trial

Background/aims

Studies have shown the efficacy of stretching to increase the hip flexion range of motion but studies regarding its effects are not unanimous about the most efficient technique. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two stretching techniques on the neuromuscular properties of the hamstring muscles.

Methods

A total of 18 women (aged 24 ± 2.52 years old) participated, and were divided into three groups: a control group, a passive static stretching group and a propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group. Evaluations of variables of the hamstring muscles were performed before and after the training period. The intervention was carried out for 30 seconds, three times a week for a total of 4 weeks.

Results

A significant difference was found in the range of motion in the passive static stretching group (pre=80.8° [±11.0] and post=94.5° [±10.2]; t(5)=−3.755; P=0.013) and in concentric torque (passive static stretching group – pre=66.3 Nm [±12.9] and post=70.0 Nm [±8.1]; t(5)=−1.267; P=0.023; propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching group – pre=79.1 Nm [±12.7] and post=83.5 Nm [±11.6]; t(5)=−1.917; P=0.014; control group – pre=71.1 Nm [±10.1] and post=74.1 Nm [±14.6]; t(5)=−1.275; P=0.003).

Conclusions

Passive static stretching was superior to propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation when comparing the increase range of motion in hip flexion, even without neural and structural changes in hamstring muscles after a 4-week period.

Effects of neuromuscular training and strengthening of trunk and lower limbs muscles in women with Patellofemoral Pain: A protocol of randomized controlled clinical trial, blinded

Background

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) often affects young women, and the etiology is multifactorial and poorly understood. Conservative intervention has been focused on risk factors or aggravating factors and is composed of hip- and knee-strengthening exercises, as this population often has muscle weakness and poor motor control during daily and sports activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the additional effects of neuromuscular training in a conservative treatment of trunk-, hip-, and knee-muscle strengthening on pain, function, and kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb in women with PFP.

Methods

This is a randomised clinical trial, controlled, blinded. Ninety women who are active and engage in physical activity up to twice a week will be recruited. All participants will undergo an individual physiotherapy assessment and then will be allocated randomly into two groups. Thereafter, both groups will undergo a 12-week intervention protocol: group 1 will perform strengthening exercises for the trunk, hip, and knee muscles, while group 2 will receive the same treatment, with the inclusion of neuromuscular training exercises on the fourth week. At the end of the intervention, the volunteers will be evaluated. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity (using a Visual Analog Scale: over the last month, squat 90°, and step of 26 cm during 1 min), functional capacity (Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Activities of Daily Living Scale), and 2D kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, and lower limb during the single-leg squat. The secondary outcomes correspond to the isometric muscular strength of the lower limb and the level of satisfaction from the intervention.

Discussion

The present study was initiated on 28 January 2018 and is currently in progress, scheduled for completion in July 2019. The results of this study should contribute to the physiotherapeutic treatment of women with PFP by aggregating information on the benefits of adding neuromuscular training to strengthening of the trunk and lower-limb muscles.

Trial registration

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos, ID: RBR-8c7267. Registered on 2 August 2017.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3650-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fractal correlations and linear analyses of heart rate variability in healthy young people with different levels of physical activity

Changes in cardiac autonomic regulation, expressed by increased sympathetic activity and decreased heart rate variability, have an important relationship with the onset of lethal cardiac phenomena. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the cardiac autonomic behaviour in young people according to their level of physical activity. Through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 55 healthy young non-smokers with no history of previous diseases and whose parents did not suffer from metabolic syndrome were assessed and divided into groups: sedentary (n=12), insufficiently active (n=16), active (n=14), and very active (n=13). We collected respiratory rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure at rest, and body mass index. Subjects remained supine at rest, and without mental stress for 15 minutes in a controlled environment. Using a cardiofrequency meter (Polar® RS800CX), data were analysed in the time domain, frequency domain, and detrended fluctuation analysis. For the sedentary group, the mean RR and rMSSD were significantly lower, and the insufficiently active group showed higher means, but significantly only for rMSSD. The insufficiently active group showed in the detrended fluctuation analysis that α2 was significantly lower compared with the sedentary, active, and very active groups. We conclude that young, healthy, sedentary individuals present an increased heart rate and that insufficiently active individuals present a decreased fractal correlation and increased parasympathetic activity.

Effects of exergame training on the health promotion of young adults

Abstract Introduction: Training with exergames has been prescribed for health problems prevention, however, little is known about its influence on the self-perception of the physical condition and on the physical and motor skills (PMS). Objective: To investigate the effects of exergames (EXG) on the self-perception of the physical condition, level of physical activity and PMS in healthy young adults. Methods: Forty young adults, of both genders, were allocated by convenience into Control Group (CG, n = 20, 21.85 ± 0.62 years old), the individuals did not perform the physical training with exergames, and Intervention Group (IG, n = 20, 23.10 ± 0.61 years old), the subjects practiced exergames training (XBOX360 Kinect ®), in pairs, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements; self-perceived physical condition (International Fitness Scale-IFIS); International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and PMS (flexibility; abdominal endurance; upper limb strength and endurance, agility and velocity) were evaluated. Results: The IG presented better self-perception of the physical condition; increased physical activity level in the leisure domain and enhanced PMS after 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the CG. Conclusion: The EXG was efficient to improve skeletal muscle function, to contribute to physical exercise adherence and to promote physical health in active young adults.

Functional capacity assessment of upper limbs in healthy young adult subjects

Abstract Introduction Assessing the functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is essential to direct treatments in clinical practice but there is a lack of research on specific methods for this end. Objective To verify the relationship of physical activity, grip strength (GS) and body mass index (BMI) with performance on 6-minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) in healthy subjects. Methods Cross-sectional, exploratory and quantitative study. Apparently healthy adults were evaluated, both sexes, according to sociodemographic and anthropometric aspects, health conditions, physical activity level (IPAQ - short version), GS and functional capacity of the upper limbs (6PBRT). The data were analyzed descriptively using means, standard deviations, absolute figures and percentages. Correlations were found between variables using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 17.0 was used for analysis purposes. Results In total, 50 individuals were evaluated, the majority classified as active (54%). The mean GS was 30.70 ± 9,47kgf and the average number of loops moved during the 6PBRT was 277.6 ± 34.48. There was no correlation between the number of rings moved in 6PBRT and the level of physical activity (r = 0.076; p = 0.602), GS (r = -0.008; p = 0.956) or BMI (r = 0.031; p = 0.829). Conclusion The level of physical activity, GS and BMI did not influence the performance on 6PBRT, demonstrated by the lack of correlation between these variables.

Lung function and functional capacity among foundry workers using effective risk control measures

BACKGROUND

Inhaled dust in the environment can trigger specific reactions in the airways and cause various respiratory diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the lung function and functional capacity of foundry workers who are exposed to metals and use effective control measures.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was realized with 108 workers at a bronze foundry and machining plant and in maintenance at a private university, both in Brazil. The workers were divided into two groups: the study group exposed to metals but using risk control measues and a control group not exposed to metal work. The Medical Research Council Questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered, and lung function and functional capacity were evaluated. Comparative statistics were used to identify differences in the outcome measures between the two groups.

RESULTS

The groups had similar personal and anthropometric characteristics and time on the job. Spirometry and peak expiratory flow presented no significant differences between the groups. And there was also no statistically significant difference between groups in functional capacity as assessed by performance on the six-minute walk test.

CONCLUSION

Foundry industry workers in Brazil who were exposed to metal but used risk control measures had similar lung function and functional capacity when compared to the control group who were not exposed to metal. This is a positive results and maybe related to age, time exposure and control of occupational hazards. However, these workers need to continue being monitored in longitudinal studies.

Nível de atividade física e acúmulo de tempo sentado em estudantes de medicina

OBJETIVO: Verificar, no período de dez anos, o comportamento do nível de atividade física e do acúmulo de tempo sentado em estudantes de Medicina.MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 186 estudantes do terceiro ano em 2000-2001 (grupo I) e em 2011 (grupo II) com média de idade de 21,23 ± 1,38 anos. Os dados do nível de atividade física e do tempo sentado foram coletados através do questionário IPAQ (versões curta e longa). Os questionários foram aplicados individualmente e foram autopreenchidos.ANÁLISE ESTATÍSTICA: Os resultados foram descritos através de frequência e porcentagem do nível de atividade física e média e desvio padrão para o acúmulo de tempo sentado. A comparação foi feita através do teste do qui-quadrado e do teste t para amostras independentes, sendo o nível de significância adotado de p < 0,05.RESULTADOS: No período de dez anos foi encontrada uma diminuição acentuada e significante de 27,4% entre os indivíduos que atingiram as recomendações no grupo I (75,2%) em relação aos que atingiram no grupo II (47,8%). O acúmulo de tempo sentado não apresentou diferenças significantes, sendo as médias encontradas de =8,92 e =8,72 horas para dias de semana e de =7,27 e =7,70 horas para dias do fim de semana.CONCLUSÃO: Após dez anos, os estudantes de medicina apresentaram menor nível de atividade física sendo que não houve mudança no acúmulo de tempo sentado.

Health status and health behaviors in Venezuelan pharmacy students

OBJECTIVES

The goals of this study were to assess the self-reported health status of Venezuelan pharmacy students, and to examine the association between self-reported health status and health behaviors in these individuals.

METHODS

A random sample 171 of pharmacy students, ranging in age from 18 to 35 years were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Health status was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Health Survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36). The sample consisted of 127 women and 44 men. The sample had a mean age of 22.3 ± 2.71 years. The associations between health status and health behaviors were examined using both bivariate and multivariate models. The bivariate association was examined by t tests. Multiple regression analysis was used to model each SF-36 score separately using as independent variables sex, lack of regular exercise, regular smoking, and alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The regression model explained between 6% and 12% of the variance in perceived health status. Controlling for other variables in the model, male students had significantly higher scores in bodily pain, general health, vitality, and social functioning than female students. Controlling for other variables in the model, lack of regular exercise was associated with significantly lower scores in physical functioning, bodily pain, and vitality; and regular smoking with significantly lower scores in physical functioning and general health. Controlling for other variables in the model, students who reported consuming alcohol had significantly higher scores in role-physical, bodily pain, and social functioning than students who did not report to consuming alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

This exploratory study demonstrates sex differences in health behaviors and perceived health status in pharmacy students. Health status is associated with several health behaviors in this sample of pharmacy students.

Associação entre estágios de mudança de comportamento relacionados à atividade física e estado nutricional em universitários

Este estudo objetivou verificar a associação entre os estágios de mudança de comportamento e o estado nutricional junto a 862 universitários. Para a classificação do estado nutricional, utilizaram-se pontos de corte para o índice de massa corporal, segundo padronização internacional. Os estágios de mudança de comportamento foram analisados individualmente e agrupados em ativos (ação, manutenção) e inativos (pré-contemplação, contemplação, preparação). Proporção mais elevada de universitários foi encontrada nos estágios contemplação (32%) e preparação (29,5%). Observou-se que 68,4% dos universitários eram inativos. As prevalências de baixo peso, sobrepeso e obesidade foram, respectivamente, de 9,5%, 12,4% e 1,7%. Os universitários do estágio Pré-contemplação apresentaram, respectivamente, 5,99 (IC95%: 2,29-15,68) e 7,98 (IC95%: 1,41-45,32) vezes mais chance de terem baixo peso e sobrepeso. Os resultados encontrados no presente estudo sugerem que a universidade tem papel fundamental na adoção de planos e ações voltados para o meio acadêmico, promovendo modificação no estilo de vida mediante programas de atividade física.