INTRODUÇÃO: O tempo adequado de reação muscular é essencial para proteger as articulações contra lesões durante atividades esportivas. Este fenômeno de tempo de aceleração tem sido investigado por meio de metodologias como experimentos com trampolim e eletromiografia. No entanto, a análise isocinética é um método de avaliação que é mais dinâmico e mostra comportamento mais próximo da funcionalidade do esporte. Corrida de longa distância e triatlo têm altas taxas de lesão de membros inferiores, particularmente em relação à articulação do tornozelo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar os tempos de aceleração e desaceleração isocinética do dorsiflexor e da musculatura flexora plantar do tornozelo em corredores de longa distância, triatletas e indivíduos não atléticos. MÉTODO: A amostra incluiu 75 indivíduos (homens com idade entre 18-42 anos), divididos em três grupos: triatletas, corredores de longa distância e grupo controle. Os indivíduos foram testados bilateralmente em um dinamômetro isocinético. Os modos de avaliação utilizados foram: 1. concêntricos/excêntricos para flexão plantar e dorsiflexão; 2. excêntricos/concêntricos para flexão plantar e dorsiflexão. A análise estatística utilizou análise de variância e teste post hoc de Tukey; Testes post hoc de Kruskal-Wallis e Müller-Dunn e testes Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: O tempo de aceleração durante a contração excêntrica foi estatisticamente diferente apenas entre o grupo controle e o grupo corredor de longa distância: os controles apresentaram aceleração mais rápida. CONCLUSÃO: Este resultado pode indicar uma deficiência no controle sensorial do seu motor durante a atividade concêntrica dos dorsiflexores.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate muscle reaction time is essential for protecting the joints against injuries during sports activities. This phenomenon of time of acceleration has been investigated through methodologies such as trapdoor experiments and electromyography. However, isokinetic analysis is an assessment method that is more dynamic and shows behavior closer to the functionality of the sport. Sports that involve running, such as long distance running and triathlon, have high lower-limb injury rates, particularly in relation to the ankle joint. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare isokinetic acceleration and deceleration times of the dorsiflexor and plantar flexor musculature of the ankle in long-distance runners, triathletes and non-athletic individuals. METHOD: The sample comprised 75 individuals (men aged 18-42 years), divided into three groups: triathlete group, long-distance runner group and control group. The individuals were tested bilaterally on an isokinetic dynamometer. The evaluation modes used were (i) concentric/eccentric for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, and (ii) eccentric/concentric for plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. We used (a) analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test; (b) Kruskal-Wallis and Müller-Dunn post hoc tsts; (c) Chi-square tests. RESULTS: The acceleration time during concentric contraction was statistically different only between the control group and the long-distance runner group, such that the controls presented faster acceleraton. CONCLUSION: This may signify a deficiency in their motor sensory control during concentric activity of the dorsiflexors.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of motor learning on knee extension-flexion isokinetic performance in knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six middle-aged and older sedentary individuals (111 women, 64.3±9.9 years) with knee osteoarthritis (130 patients with bilateral) and who had never performed isokinetic testing underwent two bilateral knee extension-flexion (concentric-concentric) isokinetic evaluations (5 repetitions) at 60°/sec. The tests were first performed on the dominant leg with 2 min of recovery between test, and following a standardized warm-up that included 3 submaximal isokinetic repetitions. The same procedure was repeated on the non-dominant leg. The peak torque, peak torque adjusted for the body weight, total work, coefficient of variation and agonist/antagonist ratio were compared between tests. RESULTS: Patients showed significant improvements in test 2 compared to test 1, including higher levels of peak torque, peak torque adjusted for body weight and total work, as well as lower coefficients of variation. The agonist/antagonist relationship did not significantly change between tests. No significant differences were found between the right and left legs for all variables. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that performing two tests with a short recovery (2 min) between them could be used to reduce motor learning effects on clinical isokinetic testing of the knee joint in knee osteoarthritis patients.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as associações entre depressão e aptidão e função físicas em homens vivendo com HIV/AIDS, e o papel da satisfação sexual nessas associações. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido com 40 homens vivendo com HIV/AIDS (40,75 ± 8,68 anos [25-66 anos de idade]) divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o nadir de CD4+ (nadir baixo < 200 células/mm3; nadir alto ≥ 200 células/mm3). A depressão foi estimada pelo inventário de depressão de Beck. Os participantes auto-classificaram sua satisfação sexual. A aptidão física foi avaliada por meio da flexibilidade, força muscular e consumo de oxigênio de pico (VO2pico). A função física foi mensurada pelo tempo para levantar-se de uma posição sentada (TLPS), tempo para amarrar o tênis, e tempo para caminhar 3,33 m. RESULTADOS: A depressão foi inversamente associada com satisfação sexual (para nadir baixo e alto) e flexibilidade (para nadir baixo), e positivamente associada com tempo de caminhada (para nadir baixo e amostra total), e tempo para calçar e amarrar o tênis (amostra total). A satisfação sexual foi positivamente associada com força muscular (para nadir alto e amostra total), mas inversamente com TLPS (para nadir baixo e amostra total), tempo de caminhada (para nadir baixo e amostra total), e tempo para calçar e amarrar o tênis (para nadir alto e amostra total). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que existe associação negativa entre depressão e função física independente do quadro clinico retrospectivo de homens vivendo com HIV/AIDS, e que parece existir, potencialmente, um papel para a satisfação sexual como explicação para essa associação.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations between depression and physical fitness and function in men living with HIV/AIDS and the role of sexual satisfaction in these associations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study conducted with 40 males living with HIV/AIDS (40.75 ± 8.68 years [25-66 yrs. old]) divided in two groups based on CD4+ nadir (low nadir < 200 cells/mm3; high nadir ≥ 200 cells/mm3). METHODS: Depression was determined by the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants were asked to evaluate their satisfaction with sexual life and their physical fitness was assessed by flexibility, muscle strength and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Physical function was measured by time taken to move from seated to standing position (TSSP), time to tie sneakers, and time to walk 3.33 m. RESULTS: Depression was inversely associated with sexual satisfaction (for low and high CD4+ nadir) and flexibility (for low CD4+ nadir), and positively associated with walking time (for low CD4+ nadir and total sample), and time to tie sneakers (for the total sample). Sexual satisfaction was positively associated with muscle strength (for low CD4+ nadir and total sample), but inversely with TSSP (for low CD4+ nadir and total sample), walking time (for low CD4+ nadir and total sample), and time to tie sneakers (for high CD4+ nadir and total sample). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest a negative association between depression and physical function regardless of retrospective clinical status of men living with HIV/AIDS and a potential role for sexual satisfaction in explaining this association.

Abstract Trunk muscle strength affects trunk controlling playing an important role in performance and to define the classes of wheelchair basketball players. Trunk control capacity differs among players and quantitative assessments of trunk muscle strength have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to identify and correlate quantitative measures of trunk muscle strength with the wheelchair basketball players' classification. Forty-two male wheelchair basketball players with spinal cord injury, amputation, post-poliomyelitis sequelae, and cerebral palsy had their trunk extension and flexion strength evaluated with isokinetic dynamometer. The classes 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 were considered for statistical analysis. Comparison of trunk muscle strength differed significantly between classes: 1.0 and 3.0; 1.0 and 4.0; 2.0 and 3.0; and 2.0 and 4.0. High correlation was found between the trunk muscle strength and players' classes. The findings of the present study showed a strong correlation of trunk muscle strength and wheelchair basketball classes being able to distinguish players in their classes. However, this quantitative method of evaluation of the trunk muscle strength cannot be solely used to make a decision on the full trunk control.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Neste estudo, comparamos a força muscular dos músculos rotadores internos e dos adutores do ombro entre nadadores especializados em estilos assimétricos (costas e nado livre) e simétricos (nado peito e borboleta). MÉTODO: Foram avaliados: ombros de (a) nadadores assimétricos (com idade 21,8 ± 3,8 anos), (b) nadadores simétricas (com idade de 20,3 ± 4,5 anos), (c) nadadores recreativos (com idade de 24,5 ± 4,5 anos), e (d) indivíduos do grupo controle (idade 25,8 ± 3,5 anos). As avaliações foram realizadas em um dinamômetro isocinético Biodex® nas velocidades de 60° e 300° / segundo. Foram avaliados adução e movimentos de rotação interna. As variáveis estudadas foram o pico de torque corrigido para peso corporal (PTQ/BW), trabalho total (TT) e a relação agonista/antagonista. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças na força adutora entre os nadadores simétricos e assimétricos em relação PTQ/BW (simétricos: 114,4 newton-metro vs. assimétricos: 109,4 newton-metro) e TW (simétrica: 642,9 Joules; assimétrica: 641,5 Joules). Não houve diferença na relação abdução/adução entre nadadores simétricos (67,4%) e assimétricos (68,3%). Não houve diferença na musculatura rotadora interna entre o nadadores simétricos vs. assimétricos em relação às variáveis PTQ/BW (simétricos = 66,4 Newton-metro e assimétricos = 63,4 Newton-metro) e TW (simétricos = 517,4 J e assimétricos 526,7 J). Não houve diferença na relação de rotação externo para interno do ombro entre nadadores simétricos (65,7%) e assimétricos (61,5%). CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferenças na força muscular dos músculos adutores e rotadores internos do ombro entre estilos de natação simétricos e assimétricos.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compare muscular strength of the internal rotators and adductors of the shoulder between asymmetrical (backstroke and freestyle) and symmetrical (breaststroke and butterfly) swimming strokes. METHOD: We evaluated: shoulders of (a) asymmetrical swimmers (aged 21.8 ± 3.8 years), (b) symmetrical swimmers (aged 20.3 ± 4.5 years), (c) recreational swimmers (aged 24.5 ± 4.5 years), and (d) control individuals (aged 25.8 ± 3.5 years). All evaluations were performed on a Biodex® isokinetic dynamometer at velocities of 60° and 300°/second. Adduction and internal rotation movements were evaluated. The variables studied were peak torque corrected for body weight (PTQ/BW), total work (TW) and the agonist/antagonist relationship. RESULTS: There were no differences in adductor strength between the symmetrical and asymmetrical swimmers regarding PTQ/BW (symmetrical: 114.4 Newto-meter vs. asymmetrical: 109.4 Newton-meter) and TW (symmetrical: 642.9 Joules; asymmetrical: 641.5 Joules). There was no difference in the abduction/adduction relationship between the symmetrical (67.4%) and asymmetrical (68.3%) swimmers. There was no difference in the internal rotator musculature between the symmetrical and asymmetrical swimmers regarding the variables PTQ/BW (symmetrical = 66.4 Newton-meter and asymmetrical = 63.4 Newton-meterm) and TW (symmetrical = 517.4 J and asymmetrical 526.7 J). There was no difference in the ratio of external to internal rotation of the shoulder between the symmetrical (65.7%) and asymmetrical (61.5%) swimmers. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in muscular strength in the adductor and internal rotator muscles of the shoulder between symmetrical and asymmetrical swimming strokes.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to analyze the effects of resistance training on functional performance, lower-limb loading distribution and balance in older women with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and osteoarthritis (OA) in the contralateral knee. In addition, this older knee OA and TKA group (OKG) was compared to older (OG) and young women (YG) without musculoskeletal diseases who underwent the same resistance training program. METHODS: Twenty-three women divided into OKG (N = 7), OG (N = 8) and YG (N = 8) had their functional performance, lower-limb loading distribution and balance compared before and after 13 weeks of a twice-weekly progressive resistance training program. RESULTS: At baseline, the OKG showed lower functional performance and unilateral balance, and impaired lower-limb loading distribution compared to the OG and the YG (p<0.05). After resistance training, the OKG showed improvements in functional performance (∼13% in sit-to-stand and rising from the floor, ∼16% in stair-climbing and ∼23% in 6-minute walking (6 MW)), unilateral balance (∼72% and ∼78% in TKA and OA leg, respectively) and lower-limb loading distribution, which were greater than those observed in the OG and the YG. The OKG showed post-training 6 MW performance similar to that of the OG at baseline. Sit-to-stand performance and unilateral stand balance were further restored to post-training levels of the OG and to baseline levels of the YG. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training partially restored functional, balance and lower-limb loading deficits in older women with TKA and OA in the contralateral knee. These results suggest that resistance training may be an important tool to counteract mobility impairments commonly found in this population.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre os diferentes métodos de avaliação do equilíbrio postural e para fornecer um quadro teórico para um estudo mais aprofundado deste assunto. Bases de dados MEDLINE, PubMed e LILACS foram usados para encontrar métodos atualmente empregados que mostram boa reprodutibilidade e confiabilidade. Exames clínicos, aplicativos de escala ou plataformas de força, cada um com suas próprias vantagens e limitações, podem ser usados para avaliar o equilíbrio postural. Não há nenhum padrão comum. O avaliador deve estar familiarizado com todos os métodos disponíveis para ser capaz de selecionar o mais adequado para suas necessidades específicas.

The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on different methods of postural balance assessment and to provide a theoretical framework for further study of this subject. Medline, PubMed and LILACS databases were used to find currently employed methods which show good reproducibility and reliability. Clinical examination and scale application or force platform testing, each one with their own advantages and limitations, can be used to assess postural balance. There is no common standard. The evaluator should be familiar with all available methods in order to be able to select the most appropriate for his specific requirements.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic function [anaerobic threshold (%VO2-AT), respiratory compensation point (%VO2-RCP) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)] between physically active patients with HIV/AIDS and matched controls and to examine associations between disease status, poor muscle strength, depression (as estimated by the profile of mood states questionnaire) and the aerobic performance of patients. METHODS: Progressive treadmill test data for %VO2-AT (V-slope method), RCP and (VO2peak) were compared between 39 male patients with HIV/AIDS (age 40.6±1.4 years) and 28 male controls (age 44.4±2.1 years) drawn from the same community and matched for habitual physical activity. Within-patient data were also examined in relation to CD4+ counts (nadir and current data) and peak isokinetic knee torque. RESULTS: AT, RCP and (VO2peak) values were generally similar for patients and controls.Within the patient sample, binary classification suggested that AT, RCP and (VO2peak) values were not associated with either the nadir or current CD4+ count, but treadmill test variables were positively associated with peak isokinetic knee torque. CONCLUSION: The aerobic performance of physically active patients with HIV/AIDS is generally well conserved. Nevertheless, poor muscle strength is observed in some HIV/AIDS patients, which is associated with lower anaerobic power and (VO2peak), suggesting the possibility of enhancing the aerobic performance of patients with weak muscles through appropriate muscle-strengthening activities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the heart rate response to exercise and the exercise-induced improvements in muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate response between normal-weight and overweight/obese postmenopausal women. METHODS: Sedentary women (n = 155) were divided into normal-weight (n = 79; BMI <25 kg/m²; 58.3 + 8.6 years) and overweight/obese (n = 76; BMI >25 kg/m²; 58.3 + 8.6 years) groups, and have their 1-repetition maximum strength (adjusted for body mass), cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate response to a graded exercise test compared before and after 12 months of a three times-per-week exercise-training program. RESULTS: Overweight/obese women displayed decreased upper and lower extremity muscle strengths, decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, and lower peak and reserve heart rates compared to normal-weight women. After follow-up, both groups improved their upper (32.9% and 41.5% in normal-weight and overweight/obese women, respectively) and lower extremity(49.5% and 47.8% in normal-weight and overweight/obese women, respectively) muscle strength. However, only normal-weight women improved their cardiorespiratory fitness (6.6%) and recovery heart rate (5 bpm). Resting, reserve and peak heart rates did not change in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight/obese women displayed impaired heart rate response to exercise. Both groups improved muscle strength, but only normal-weight women improved cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate response to exercise. These results suggest that exercise-induced improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and heart rate response to exercise may be impaired in overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the dislocation of the center of gravity and postural balance in sedentary and recreational soccer players with and withoutanterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the Biodex Balance System (BBS). METHOD: Sixty-four subjects were divided into three groups: a) soccer players who were post- anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; b) soccer players with no anterior cruciate ligament injuries; and c) sedentary subjects. The subjects were submitted to functional stability tests using the Biodex Balance System. The instability protocols used were level eight (more stable) and level two (less stable). Three stability indexes were calculated: the anteroposterior stability index, the mediolateral stability index, and the general stability index. RESULTS: Postural balance (dislocation) on the reconstructed side of the athletes was worse than on the side that had not undergone reconstruction. The postural balance of the sedentary group was dislocated less on both sides than the reconstructed knees of the athletes without anterior cruciate ligament injuries. There were no differences in postural balance with relation to left/right dominance for the uninjured athletes and the sedentary individuals. CONCLUSION: The dislocation of the center of gravity and change in postural balance in sedentary individuals and on the operated limb of Surgery Group are less marked than in the soccer players from the Non Surgery Group and on the non-operated limbs. The dislocation of the center of gravity and the change in postural balance from the operated limb of the soccer players is less marked than in their non-operated limbs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radial shockwave treatment and conventional physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with plantar fasciitis were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was composed of 16 patients who underwent 10 physiotherapy sessions each, consisting of ultrasound, kinesiotherapy and instruction for stretching exercises at home. Group 2 was composed of 16 patients who underwent three applications of radial shockwaves (once a week) and received instruction for stretching exercises at home. Pain and ability to function were evaluated before treatment, immediately afterwards, and three months later. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 ± 10.3 years (range 25-68); 81% were female, 87% were overweight, 56% had bilateral impairment, and 75% used analgesics regularly. RESULTS: Both treatments were effective for pain reduction and for improving the functional abilities of patients with plantar fasciitis. The effect of the shockwaves was apparent sooner than physiotherapy after the onset of treatment. CONCLUSION: Shockwave treatment was no more effective than conventional physiotherapy treatment when evaluated three months after the end of treatment.

OBJETIVO: Determinar o grau de reprodutibilidade do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) em jogadores de futebol utilizando o protocolo de Heck modificado. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados por duas vezes, com intervalo de 15 dias entre os testes, 11 futebolistas masculinos. Todos eram de alto nível, treinavam em média 10 horas por semana subdivididos em treinamentos físicos, técnicos, táticos e jogos competitivos, totalizando cinco vezes por semana e na fase em que foram avaliados se encontravam em pleno período competitivo realizando um jogo por semana. Os futebolistas foram avaliados em esteira ergométrica (1,2 km.h-1) a cada dois minutos e inclinação fixa durante o teste em 3%. O VO2max foi medido diretamente utilizando analisador metabólico de análise de gases expirados respiração-a-respiração. RESULTADOS: A velocidade máxima de corrida e o VO2max atingido nos dois testes foram respectivamente: (15,6 ± 1,1 vs. 15,7 ± 1,2 km.h-1; [p = 0,78]) e (54,5 ± 3,9 vs. 55,2 ± 4,4 ml.kg-1.min-1; [P = 0,88]). Houve correlação significante e alta do VO2max entre os dois testes após 15 dias de intervalo [r = 0,97; P< 0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: O protocolo de Heck modificado foi reprodutível e o intervalo de quinze dias entre os testes ergoespirométricos não foi suficiente para modificar significativamente o VO2max dos jogadores de futebol.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of reproducibility of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) among soccer players, using a modified Heck protocol. METHODS: 2 evaluations with an interval of 15 days between them were performed on 11 male soccer players. All the players were at a high performance level; they were training for an average of 10 hours per week, totaling 5 times a week. When they were evaluated, they were in the middle of the competitive season, playing 1 match per week. The soccer players were evaluated on an ergometric treadmill with velocity increments of 1.2 km.h-1 every 2 minutes and a fixed inclination of 3% during the test. VO2max was measured directly using a breath-by-breath metabolic gas analyzer. RESULTS: The maximum running speed and VO2max attained in the 2 tests were, respectively: (15.6 ± 1.1 vs. 15.7 ± 1.2 km.h-1; [P = .78]) and (54.5 ± 3.9 vs. 55.2 ± 4.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; [P = .88]). There was high and significant correlation of VO2max between the 2 tests with a 15-day interval between them [r = 0.97; P < .001]. CONCLUSION: The modified Heck protocol was reproducible, and the 15-day interval between the ergospirometric testing was insufficient to significantly modify the soccer players' VO2max values.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a prevalência dos antígenos leucocitários humanos (HLA) de classe I e II nos pacientes com lesão medular traumática e sua relação com a ossificação heterotópica (OH). Foram estudados 54 pacientes (47 homens e 7 mulheres), idade de 33,5 ± 12,5 anos (18 a 59 anos), com lesão medular traumática. Quarenta e quatro pacientes (81,5%) apresentavam lesão medular completa e 10 pacientes tinham lesão incompleta; 23 pacientes (42,6%) eram tetraplégicos e 31 (57,4%) eram paraplégicos, sendo 28 com lesão torácica e 3 com lesão lombar. Para o diagnóstico de OH, os pacientes realizaram exames de imagem: cintilografia óssea, radiografias simples dos quadris e joelhos nos paraplégicos e também dos ombros nos tetraplégicos e tomografia computadorizada, quando os outros exames foram inconclusivos. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: 28 pacientes com OH (52%) e 26 sem OH (48%). Foi feita a tipificação dos antígenos HLA das classes I e II de todos os o pacientes. Os resultados da distribuição da freqüência dos antígenos HLA nos dois grupos foram avaliados e não mostraram diferença com significância estatística. Concluiu-se que não existe associação entre os antígenos HLA classes I e II e o desenvolvimento da ossificação heterotópica.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II on the spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and its relation with heterotopic ossification (HO). Fifty-four patients were studied (47 men and 7 women) with an average age of 33,5 ± 12,5 years (range 18 to 59 years) with SCI. Forty-four patients (81,5%) had complete and 10 had incomplete lesions. Twenty-three patients (42,6%) were tetraplegics, 31(57,4%) were paraplegics, 28 had thoracic injury and 3 had lumbar lesion. The tests used in the diagnosis of HO were bone scintigraphy, anteroposterior radiography of hip and knee in the paraplegics and also the shoulders in the tetraplegics. Computerized tomography was used when the others tests were unconcluded. The patients were divided in two groups: 28 patients with HO (52%) and 26 without HO (48%). The typing of HLA antigens class I and II was done in all patients. The results of the distribution of frequency of HLA antigens were assessed on both groups and it was not shown any difference with statistic significance. It was conclude that there was no association between HLA antigens class I and II with the OH development.

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a eficácia da podometria na prevenção do mal perfurante plantar em pacientes hansenianos. Foram avaliados 13 pacientes hansenianos com comprometimento da sensibilidade táctil e dolorosa da planta do pé e 17 pacientes normais. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação estática através do podômetro. O sistema utilizado foi o podômetro comercial Midcapteur, constituído de uma plataforma para aquisição dos dados analógicos, capaz de registrar as pressões segmentares aplicadas nos pés. Estes dados são lidos num computador IBM/PC 386 compatível, que registra o mapeamento gráfico das pressões desenvolvidas assim como calcula a distribuição desta mesma pressão nos 4 quadrantes do pé. Estes dados obtidos através da podometria estática foram comparados com a avaliação clínica da sensibilidade táctil e dolorosa dos pés, nos pacientes hansenianos. Os resultados mostraram que o podômetro é um bom método para se avaliar os pés com deficiência de sensibilidade em hanseníase e também como um método de avaliação que ajuda na prevenção do desenvolvimento do mal perfurante plantar: foi sensível na identificação dos pontos de hiperpressão nas áreas anestésicas e em regiões anômalas, das assimetrias e na correlação entre a presença de úlceras e hiperpressão.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of podometry to measure the pressure developed over the feet and the value of these findings to help in the prevention of the plantar neuropathic ulcer in patients bearing Hansen's disease. We evaluated 13 patients with impaired plantar pain and touch sensations and 17 normal patients. All the patients were submitted to static evaluation using the podometer. The system employed was the "Midcapteur" commercial podometer composed of a platform for acquisition of analogic data capable of registering the segmental pressures applied to the feet. These data are read by a 386 IBM/PC compatible computer that registers the graphic patterns obtained from the pressures developed and also calculates the modes of pressure distribution in the four quadrants of the foot. These data obtained by means of static podometry were compared to the clinical evaluation of pain and touch sensation of the feet in hansenian patients. The results demonstrate that podometery is an efficient method for evaluating the pressure in impaired feet in Hansen's disease and is a progression of neuropathic ulcer; it is sensitive in the identification of the spots of increased pressure in anesthetic and anomalous areas, asymmetries and in correlating the presence of ulcers with increased pressure.