Unlocking the Potential: Increasing Muscle Strength in Lower Limbs of Youth Soccer Players over Five Weeks through Mat Pilates Training-A Pilot Study

The interest in soccer generally starts during childhood, with children and young people often looking for opportunities in sports. New exercise techniques can be effective in improving training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on the strength and physical posture of a group practicing Pilates with another not practicing Pilates, both undergoing continuous football training. In this controlled randomized clinical trial, the participants were 15 soccer club members, who had a training frequency of least three times weekly. The sample was divided into a control group (n = 7) of players who did not undergo any therapeutic intervention (only the usual training) and a Pilates group (n = 8) of players who participated in the mat Pilates program. The intervention consisted of fifteen sessions. Postural evaluations were performed using biophotogrammetry and force analysis. Significant improvements were obtained in terms of increased muscle strength (p = 0.001) for the Pilates group, but there were no significant postural alterations when comparing the two groups. Five weeks of mat Pilates was sufficient to increase lower limb muscle strength in young football players. This pilot study indicates that Mat Pilates as a method that could be planned to be included in training.

Pilates diminui exaustão e modifica ativação muscular de jogadores juvenis de futebol

O objetivo foi verificar se o Pilates promove mudanças na ativação muscular do membro inferior e melhorias em relação à exaustão e ao desempenho funcional dos jogadores. Participaram 15 jogadores, divididos em Grupo Pilates (GP, n=7) e Grupo Controle (GC, n=8). O GP realizou 15 sessões por cinco semanas. Avaliaram-se a exaustão e a ativação muscular [Reto Femoral (RF), Bíceps Femoral (BF), Glúteo Máximo (GM) e Reto do Abdome (RA)] durante o side hop test antes e após a intervenção. O GP sobre a exaustão mostrou diferença significativa entre pré e pós-intervenção (comparado ao próprio GP) com a eletromiografia (EMG) (p=0,01) e sem a EMG (p=0,01); em relação à ativação muscular, houve diminuição para todos os músculos, exceto para o GC. O Pilates é capaz de diminuir a exaustão e modificar a ativação muscular para possível aprendizagem motora; e quanto ao desempenho funcional não houve melhora significativa.

Two women with cerebral venous thrombosis: oral contraceptives?

Two cases of cerebral venous thrombosis are reported. Patients were apparently healthy 39 and 28-year old females with non-specific presenting features. Image findings were characteristic of cerebral sinus thrombosis. The younger patient received progesterone to treat placental abruption eight years previously; she had cerebral venous thrombosis while using oral contraception. Both patients had used contraceptive pills for a long time. Oral hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of vascular events, even in people without personal or family history of venous thrombosis. Modern imaging methods have contributed to early diagnosis, but the possibility of under diagnosis still persists. This report aims to increase the awareness of health-workers about cerebral venous thrombosis in women, an entity often misdiagnosed, under diagnosed and under-reported.