ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Social distancing has led to lifestyle changes among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence risk of sarcopenia (RS) and investigate its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in older Brazilian adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational analysis of baseline data as part of the Remobilize Study. METHODS: Participants in the study were older adults (≥ 60 years), excluding those who were bedridden or institutionalized. The data collected consisted of answers about the RS (SARC-F), functional status, walking, sedentary behavior (SB), pain, comorbidity, and life space mobility. RESULTS: A total of 1,482 older adults (70 ± 8.14 years, 74% women) participated in the study, and an RS prevalence of 17.1% was found. (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.25–19.15%). The adjusted multivariate model showed a significant association between RS and functional limitation (odds ratio [OR]: 19.05; CI 13.00–28.32), comorbidity (OR: 5.11; CI 3.44–7.81), pain (OR: 4.56; CI 3.33–6.28), total walking (OR: 0.99; CI 0.99–1.00), SB of 8–10 hours (OR: 1.85; CI 1.15–2.93), and SB of > 10 hours (OR: 3.93; CI 2.48–6.22). RS was associated with mobility during the pandemic (OR: 0.97; CI 0.96–0.98). P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the prevalence of RS in older Brazilians was estimated at 17.1%. Moderate to severe functional limitation, comorbidities, presence of pain, walking, longer SB period, and reduced life space mobility significantly contributed to RS in older adults during the pandemic.

Abstract Oxazolidine derivatives (OxD) have been described as third-line antibiotics and antitumoral agents. The inclusion complexes based on cyclodextrin could improve the solubility and bioavailability of these compounds. A novel synthetic OxD was used, and its inclusion complexes were based on 2-hydroxy-beta-cyclodextrin (2-HPβCD). We conducted an in silico study to evaluate the interaction capacity between OxD and 2-HPβCD. Characterization studies were performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analyses. A kinetic study of the OxD was performed, including a cytotoxicity assay using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The maximum increment of solubility was obtained at 70 mM OxD using 400 mM 2-HPβCD. SEM analyses and FTIR spectra indicated the formation of inclusion complexes. 1H-NMR presented chemical shifts that indicated 1:1 stoichiometry. Different thermal behaviors were obtained. The pharmacokinetic profile showed a short release time. Pure OxD and its inclusion complex did not exhibit cytotoxicity in PBMCs. In silico studies provided a foremost insight into the interactions between OxD and 2-HPβCD, including a higher solubility in water and an average releasing profile without toxicity in normal cells.

Abstract Studies have shown that Caesalpinia pulcherrima extracts promote antioxidant, healing, immunomodulating and antiparasitic activities and its polysaccharides can be used as functional food. In this sense, this work had as objective the isolation and characterization of a polysaccharide-like pectin, extracted from the C. pulcherrima leaves and its possible applications as an antioxidant and immunomodulator agent. The molecule was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Its antioxidant potential was evaluated through the methods of phosphomolybdenum, ABTS radical scavenging [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid], DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and nitric oxide radical. The immunostimulating effects of pectin were tested in splenocytes to evaluate its toxic, proliferative and cell activator and immunomodulatory potential. The polysaccharide obtained has structural characteristics similar to pectins. Pectin showed high in vitro antioxidant activity for ABTS radical scavenging, moderate activity for phosphomolybdenum and low activity for DPPH and nitric oxide. In vitro immunomodulation assays showed that pectin obtained did not promote a cytotoxic effect (viability > 90%). The increase in cytosolic ROS levels indicates a possible mechanism of cell activation without causing damage. Immunophenotyping showed that pectin increased a subpopulation of CD8+ T lymphocytes and monocytes. In addition, it promoted a mostly pro-inflammatory response confirmed by the production of cytokines IL-2, -4, -6, IFN-γ and TNF-α. These results reinforce the ethnopharmacological use of C. pulcherrima leaves and expand the use of this plant for future applications as herbal medicines.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar o perfil de mobilidade nos espaços de vida em idosos que vivem na comunidade e estabelecer a precisão dos pontos de corte desse instrumento para discriminar entre níveis de fragilidade, fragilidade em marcha e de risco de sarcopenia. Método Estudo observacional e metodológico com 391 participantes com 72 anos e mais (80,4±4,6), que responderam ao Life Space Assessment (LSA) e a medidas de rastreio de fragilidade e risco de sarcopenia usando respectivamente o fenótipo de fragilidade e o SARC-F. Os pontos de corte para fragilidade e risco de sarcopenia foram determinados por meio da Curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados A média da pontuação no LSA foi 53,6±21,8. Os pontos de corte de melhor acurácia diagnóstica foram ≤54 pontos para fragilidade em marcha (AUC= 0,645 95%; p<0,001) e ≤60 pontos para risco de sarcopenia (AUC= 0,651 95%; p<0,001). Conclusão A capacidade de idosos de se deslocar nos vários níveis de espaços de vida, avaliado pelo LSA demonstrou ser uma ferramenta viável que pode contribuir no rastreio de fragilidade em marcha e de risco de sarcopenia e, com isso, prevenir desfechos negativos.

Abstract Objective To identify the profile of a sample of older people recruited at home based on a measure of life-space mobility and to establish the accuracy of the cut-off points of this instrument for discriminating between levels of frailty, frailty in walking speed and risk of sarcopenia. Method An observational methodological study of 391 participants aged ≥72 (80.4±4.6) years, who answered the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) and underwent frailty and risk of sarcopenia screening using the frailty phenotype and SARC-F measures, respectively, was performed. The cut-off points for frailty and risk of sarcopenia were determined using ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results Mean total LSA score was 53.6±21.8. The cut-off points with the best diagnostic accuracy for total LSA were ≤54 points for frailty in walking speed (AUC=0.645 95%; p<0.001) and ≤60 points for risk of sarcopenia (AUC=0.651 95%; p<0.001). Conclusion The ability of older people to move around life-space levels, as assessed by the LSA, proved a promising tool to screen for frailty in walking speed and risk of sarcopenia, thus contributing to the prevention of adverse outcomes.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Social distancing has led to lifestyle changes among older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence risk of sarcopenia (RS) and investigate its associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in older Brazilian adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional observational analysis of baseline data as part of the Remobilize Study. METHODS: Participants in the study were older adults (≥ 60 years), excluding those who were bedridden or institutionalized. The data collected consisted of answers about the RS (SARC-F), functional status, walking, sedentary behavior (SB), pain, comorbidity, and life space mobility. RESULTS: A total of 1,482 older adults (70 ± 8.14 years, 74% women) participated in the study, and an RS prevalence of 17.1% was found. (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.25–19.15%). The adjusted multivariate model showed a significant association between RS and functional limitation (odds ratio [OR]: 19.05; CI 13.00–28.32), comorbidity (OR: 5.11; CI 3.44–7.81), pain (OR: 4.56; CI 3.33–6.28), total walking (OR: 0.99; CI 0.99–1.00), SB of 8–10 hours (OR: 1.85; CI 1.15–2.93), and SB of > 10 hours (OR: 3.93; CI 2.48–6.22). RS was associated with mobility during the pandemic (OR: 0.97; CI 0.96–0.98). P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, the prevalence of RS in older Brazilians was estimated at 17.1%. Moderate to severe functional limitation, comorbidities, presence of pain, walking, longer SB period, and reduced life space mobility significantly contributed to RS in older adults during the pandemic.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a adiposidade visceral fetal e fatores associados na gestação. Métodos: Análise secundária de dados de coorte prospectiva com 172 pares (gestantes/fetos) atendidas em unidades públicas de saúde. Foram avaliadas nas gestantes na 16a, 28a e 36a semana gestacional: medidas antropométricas, metabólicas (glicose, hemoglobina glicada, insulina, resistência à insulina, colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos), biometria fetal e adiposidade visceral e subcutânea no binômio (gestantes/feto) por ultrassonografia. Utilizamos o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e regressão linear múltipla, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Na 16ª semana a média de idade das gestantes foi de 26,6 ± 5,8 anos e peso 62,7 ± 11,5 quilogramas, 47,0% eram eutróficas, 28,3% sobrepeso, 13,3% baixo peso e 11,2% obesas. Na 36a semana, 44,1% tiveram ganho ponderal gestacional insuficiente, 32,5% adequado e 23,3% excessivo. A adiposidade visceral fetal na 36a semana apresentou correlação positiva com variáveis maternas: peso (r = 0,15) e índice de massa corpórea (r = 0,21) na 16a; com peso (r = 0,19), índice de massa corpórea (r = 0,24) e ganho ponderal gestacional (r = 0,21) na 28a; com peso (r = 0,22), índice de massa corpórea (r = 0,26) e ganho ponderal gestacional (r = 0,21) na 36a semana. Após regressão linear múltipla a adiposidade na 28a semana permaneceu associada com variáveis fetais: circunferência abdominal (p < 0,0001), circunferência cefálica (p = 0,01), área (p < 0,0001) e circunferência da coxa (p < 0,001). Na 36a semana com circunferência abdominal da 28a (p = 0,02) e 36a semana (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A adiposidade foi positivamente correlacionada com medidas da gestante, após análise multivariada a persistência da associação deu-se com a circunferência abdominal, medida de adiposidade central, de maior risco metabólico.

Abstract Objective: To assess fetal visceral adiposity and associated factors during pregnancy. Methods: Secondary analysis of prospective cohort data with 172 pairs (pregnant woman/fetus) treated at public health units. Anthropometric data, metabolic (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, insulin resistance, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides) measures, fetal biometry, and visceral and subcutaneous adiposity in the binomial (pregnant woman/fetus) were evaluated at the 16th, 28th and 36th gestational weeks by ultrasonography. Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were used, with a significance level of 5%. Results: At the 16th week, the mean age of the pregnant women was 26.6 ± 5.8 years and mean weight was 62.7 ± 11.5 kg; 47.0% had normal weight, 28.3% were overweight, 13.3% were underweight, and 11.2% were obese. At 36 weeks, 44.1% had inadequate gestational weight gain, 32.5% had adequate gestational weight gain, and 23.3% had excessive gestational weight gain. Fetal visceral adiposity at week 36 showed a positive correlation with maternal variables: weight (r = 0.15) and body mass index (r = 0.21) at the 16th; with weight (r = 0.19), body mass index (r = 0.24), and gestational weight gain (r = 0.21) at the 28th; and with weight (r = 0.22), body mass index (r = 0.26), and gestational weight gain (r = 0.21) at the 36th week. After multiple linear regression, adiposity at the 28th week remained associated with fetal variables: abdominal circumference (p < 0.0001), head circumference (p = 0.01), area (p < 0.0001), and thigh circumference (p < 0.001). At the 36th week, adiposity remained associated with the abdominal circumference of the 28th (p = 0.02) and 36th weeks (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Adiposity was positively correlated with the measurements of the pregnant woman. After the multivariate analysis, the persistence of the association occurred with the abdominal circumference, a central adiposity measurement with a higher metabolic risk.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a prevalência da SM e os principais fatores maternos associados em mulheres sem doenças pré-gestacionais, no início da gravidez e no pós-parto imediato. MÉTODOS Foram avaliadas 200 mulheres na 16a semana de gravidez, sendo 187 reavaliadas no pós-parto. A SM foi diagnosticada de acordo com os critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Além dos critérios diagnósticos da síndrome, foram coletadas medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial, perfil metabólico e espessura de gordura visceral e subcutânea (através de ultrassonografia) da gestante. O teste t de Student foi usado para comparar a prevalência de SM e dos seus componentes nos dois momentos. Os modelos de regressão logística múltipla, para investigar os principais fatores associados à síndrome na 16a semana de gestação e no pós-parto. RESULTADOS A prevalência da SM foi de 3,0% no início da gravidez e 9,7% no pós-parto (p=0,01). O índice de massa corporal (IMC) pré-gravídico (p=0,04) e o colesterol lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL-c) (p=0,02) permaneceram associados à SM na 16a semana. Após o parto, os níveis de triglicerídeos permaneceram associados à SM no pós-parto (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO A prevalência da SM foi alta no pós-parto imediato e os fatores associados à síndrome foram IMC pré-gravídico e HDL-c na 16a semana, e níveis triglicerídeos no pós-parto.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and the main associated maternal factors in women without pre-gestational conditions, in early pregnancy and in the immediate postpartum. METHODS Two hundred pregnant women were evaluated at the 16th week of pregnancy, and 187 were reassessed postpartum. MS was diagnosed according to the criteria by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. In addition to the diagnostic criteria, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, metabolic profile, and visceral and subcutaneous fat thickness (by ultrasonography) were collected from the pregnant woman. The student’s t-test was used to compare the prevalence of MS and its components in the 16th week and in the postpartum. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the principal factors associated with the syndrome. RESULTS The prevalence of the MS was 3.0% in early pregnancy and 9.7% postpartum (p=0.01). Following multiple logistic regression, the prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) (p=0.04) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (p=0.02) remained associated with MS at 16 weeks, and triglyceride levels evaluated in postpartum (p<0.001) with MS in postpartum. CONCLUSION The frequency of the MS was high in the immediate postpartum. The factors associated were prepregnancy BMI and HDL-c at the 16th week, as well as triglyceride levels postpartum.

Resumo Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a associação do comportamento sedentário atual na prática de atividade física de idosos da cidade de Maringá-PR. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 970 idosos. Foi utilizado o International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Resultados: a modelagem de equações estruturais revelou que o comportamento sedentário tem um efeito significativo (p < 0,05) sobre as atividades moderadas e atividades vigorosas, explicando 3% e 4% da variabilidade destas variáveis. Especificamente, verificou-se que o aumento do comportamento sedentário tem efeito positivo sobre as atividades moderadas (β = 0,13) e negativos sobre as atividades vigorosas (β = -0,21). Conclusão: o estado de comportamento sedentário atual tem efeito significativo sobre as atividades moderadas e atividades vigorosas.

Abstract Objective: the present study aimed to analyze the association between current sedentary behavior and the practice of physical activity among elderly persons in the city of Maringá in the state of Paraná. Method: a cross-sectional study of 970 elderly subjects was carried out, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: the modeling of structural equations revealed that the sedentary behavior has a significant effect (p <0.05) on the activities moderate and vigorous activities, explaining 3% and 4% of the variability of these variables. Specifically, it has been found that increased sedentary behavior has a (β = 0.13) and negative on vigorous activities (β = -0.21). Conclusion: the current state of sedentary behavior has a significant effect on moderate and vigorous activities.

Allergic asthma is a chronic, complex inflammatory disease of the airway. Despite extensive studies on the immunomodulation of T helper (Th) cell pathways (i.e., Th1 and Th2) in asthma, little is known about the effects of Th17 pathway modulation, particularly that involving peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). In response, two new thiazolidinedione derivatives-namely, LPSF-GQ-147 and LPSF-CR-35 were synthesized and evaluated for their immunomodulatory effects on Th17-related cytokines, including interferon γ (IFNγ), interleukin IL-6, IL-17, and IL-22 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of asthmatic children. Both compounds were nontoxic even at high concentrations (i.e., 100 µM). The LPSF-CR-35 compound significantly reduced the levels of IL-17A (p = .039) and IFNγ (p = .032) at 10 µM. For IL-22 and IL-6, significant reduction occurred at 100 µM (p = .039 and p = .02, respectively). Conversely, LPSF-GQ-147 did not significantly inhibit the production of the tested cytokines, the levels of all of which were more efficiently reduced by LPSF-CR-35 than methylprednisolone, the standard compound. Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay confirmed that LPSF-GQ-147 has significant PPARγ modulatory activity. Such data indicate that both LPSF-CR-35 and LPSF-GQ-147 are promising candidates as drugs for treating inflammation and asthma.

New generators are required to define wider distributions for modeling real data in survival analysis. To that end we introduce the four-parameter generalized beta-generated Lindley distribution. It has explicit expressions for the ordinary and incomplete moments, mean deviations, generating and quantile functions. We propose a maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the model parameters, which is assessed through a Monte Carlo simulation study. We also derive an additional estimation scheme by means of least square between percentiles. The usefulness of the proposed distribution to describe remission times of cancer patients is illustrated by means of an application to real data.

Abstract This communication reports the second known case of oral phaeohyphomycosis in a patient with squamocellular carcinoma of the lip. The patient, an 82-year-old black woman, a former smoker (for more than 30 years), suffering from an ulcerous vegetative lesion in the middle third of the lower lip for approximately 12 months. The result of the histopathological analysis indicated carcinoma, with well-differentiated keratinized squamous cells and the presence of septate mycelial filaments. In the direct mycological examination, thick and dematiaceous septate mycelial filaments were observed. After the resection surgery, the patient did not need to use an antifungal drug to treat the phaeohyphomycosis, and no follow-up radiotherapy was needed to treat the squamocellular carcinoma. We stress that the presence of the squamocellular lesion of the lip was a possible contributing factor to the infection.

Identifying impurities in drug substances has become one of the most important issues in pharmaceutical analysis since it can have a significant impact on the efficacy of new pharmaceutical products. Due to the purity requirements, in this paper a new synthetic α2-adrenoceptor agonist, called LPSF-PT-31, was purified and its impurities were characterized by liquid chromatography-multistage mass spectrometry (LC-MSn) and liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance (LC-SPE-NMR). The purification step was conducted using a semi-preparative liquid chromatography and stacked injections as a new approach to drug purification. As a result, a total yield of 75% of the pure LPSF-PT-31 and 2.9 L day-1 in solvent reduction was obtained. The combination of semi-preparative stacking injection, LC-MSn, and LC-SPE-NMR, demonstrated to be efficient to purify active drugs and unambiguously identify its impurities. In addition, isolation and identification of drug impurities in the early stages of development can improve the synthetic pathway, preventing the formation of impurities or minimizing this formation to minimum levels.

Abstract Objective to compare the functional capacity and quality of life of older women practicing and not practicing hydrogymnastics. Methods this is a simple natural experiment study, of a sample of 40 older women practicing hydrogymnastics and 40 not practicing hydrogymnastics. Latin American Development Group’s protocol was used to evaluate the functional capacity, and the WHOQOL-Bref and Old was used to evaluate the quality of life. Results there were no differences in functional capacity or quality of life between the groups. Conclusion it is concluded that there was not enough strong evidence to prove that older women practicing hydrogymnastics have a different functional capacity and quality of life compared to those not practicing physical exercise.

Resumo Objetivo comparar a capacidade funcional e a qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas que praticam e que não praticam hidroginástica. Métodos trata-se de um experimento simples natural, de uma amostra de 40 mulheres idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e 40 não praticantes. O protocolo do Grupo de Desenvolvimento Latino-Americano foi utilizado para avaliar a capacidade funcional e o WHOQOL-Bref e o WHOQOL-Old para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Resultados não houve diferenças na capacidade funcional ou qualidade de vida entre os grupos. Conclusão conclui-se que não houve evidência suficiente para provar que mulheres idosas praticantes de hidroginástica têm capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida diferentes em comparação com aquelas que não praticam exercício físico.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Schistosomiasis is an infectious parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma, which threatens at least 258 million people worldwide and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Schistosoma mansoni activity in vitro of novel imidazolidine derivatives. Material and methods: We synthesized two novel imidazolidine derivatives: (LPSF/PTS10) (Z)-1-(2-chloro-6-fluorobenzyl)-4-(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-5-thioxoimidazolidin-2-one and (LPSF/PTS23) (Z)-1-(2-chloro-6-fluoro-benzyl)-5-thioxo-4-(2,4,6-trimethoxy-benzylidene)-imidazolidin-2-one. The structures of two compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods. During the biological assays, parameters such as motility, oviposition, mortality and analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy were performed. Results: LPSF/PTS10 and LPSF/PTS23 were considered to be active in the separation of coupled pairs, mortality and to decrease the motor activity. In addition, LPSF/PTS23 induced ultrastructural alterations in worms, after 24 h of contact, causing extensive erosion over the entire body of the worms. Conclusion: The imidazolidine derivatives containing the trimetoxy and benzylidene halogens showed promising in vitro schistosomicidal activity.

Objetivo: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo sistematizar evidências científicas sobre a utilização dos exercícios de alongamento muscular no tratamento da fibromialgia (FM). Metodologia: Foi realizado a partir de consulta retrospectiva, sem limite cronológico e linguístico, às bases de dados MedLine, LILACS, SciELO e PEDro, além da ferramenta de busca PubMed. A coleta foi realizada por dois revisores independentes, em outubro de 2012, sendo a estratégia de busca formulada por meio do cruzamento de descritores e termos relevantes para o tema nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECRs) compostos apenas por pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de FM e com exercícios de alongamento muscular como medida terapêutica em pelo menos um dos grupos de intervenção. Os estudos incluídos foram avaliados quanto à qualidade metodológica por meio da escala PEDro, e suas referências bibliográficas, analisadas, para se destacar fontes adicionais. A busca totalizou 6.794 artigos. Cinco artigos foram selecionados, sendo um deles excluído por apresentar baixa qualidade metodológica. A dor foi avaliada por unanimidade. O método e o tempo das intervenções variaram amplamente, houve falta de menção de parâmetros na utilização dos alongamentos e ausência de exames físicos específicos. Resultados: Houve melhora significativa em todos os estudos quanto à dor, além de aspectos relacionados a qualidade de vida e condição física. Conclusão: É evidente a importância do alongamento muscular no tratamento da FM, porém observa-se a necessidade de novos estudos para se estabelecer os reais benefícios da técnica, visto que a maioria dos trabalhos publicados apresenta baixa qualidade metodológica e ausência de padronização quanto ao uso desse recurso.

Objective: this study has the objective to systematize scientific evidences about the use of muscle stretching exercises in the treatment of FM. Methodology: it was performed from retrospective research without chronological and linguistic limits, at databases of MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO and PEDro, as well as at PubMed search tool. Data collection was performed by two independent reviewers in October 2012, with the search strategy formulated by crossing descriptors and relevant terms to the topic in English, Portuguese and Spanish languages. Randomized clinical trials, only with patients with a clinical diagnosis of fibromyalgia and muscle stretching exercises as a therapeutic measure at least in one of the intervention groups were included. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality using PEDro scale and their references analyzed to highlight additional sources. The search amounted to an average of 6,794 items. Only five articles were selected, one being excluded because of its low methodological quality. Pain was assessed unanimously. The method and timing of interventions varied widely, there was poor mention of the parameters used in the stretches and absence of specific physical examinations. Results: there was significant improvement in all studies regarding pain, besides as related to quality of life and physical condition. Conclusion: it is clear the importance of muscle stretching in the treatment of FM, however, there is a need for further studies to establish the real benefits of the technique, because the majority of published studies shows low methodological quality and there is a lack of standardization regarding the use of this resource.