ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate whether the 10-RM test can be applied to both trained and untrained people in elbow flexor strengthening exercises. The sample consisted of 23 men aged between 18 and 30 years old, of which 11 were untrained (NT - control group), and 12 were resistance-trained (TR - trained group). The experiment started with a specific warm-up session followed by collections of myoelectric signals from the brachial biceps muscle, bilaterally, in Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contractions (MVIC), the 10-RM test for elbow flexion and the new MVIC, followed by deceleration. By analyzing each contraction separately contraction, a significant increase in RMS (Root Mean Square) was found by a normalized MVIC with regard to 1st contraction, starting from the 3rd repetition for the TR group. When comparing each contraction of the 10-RM test with the previous one, a significant reduction of MF (Median Frequency) between the 5th and the 6th repetition of the TR group was observed. It was concluded that the Test of 10 Maximum Repetitions should be reconsidered when performed for purposes of comparison between sides of the body. Also, when considering the probable fatigue caused by the successive movements, a better application of tests with 6 to 8 repetitions was suggested.

Abstract Background: In Brazil, 38,000 new cases of leprosy are discovered each year, making it a public health problem. Objective: To identify whether or not there is an association between activity limitations and the restriction of social participation with some demographic data (age range, gender, and education) of the patients in a Basic Health Unit (BHU), diagnosed with leprosy. Methods: The SALSA scale was used to assess activity limitations, whereas the Participation scale was used to assess the restriction of social participation. Results: The assessments were conducted with 31 BHU patients diagnosed with leprosy. Males were the most affected by leprosy, the multibacillary was the most prevalent, and education proved to be an important factor when related to the disease injuries among the evaluated individuals. Regarding activity limitations and the restriction of social participation, the percentage of individuals without limitations and without restrictions was greater in both scales. Study limitations: The main limitation is the small study sample. Conclusion: It can be concluded that, for the studied sample, no association was observed between the activity limitations, evaluated by the Salsa scale, nor the restriction of social participation, evaluated by the Participation Scale, with the analyzed demographic data.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate postoperative pain in patients submitted to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy with four ports versus single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy with only one port. Methods: Twenty-one patients were included in the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and 19 other patients in the single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. A VAS was used for the assessment of postoperative pain at three time points. Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results: Intergroup analysis showed no significant difference in VAS scores between the conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy groups at any of the time points studied. Conclusion: This study found no significant difference in postoperative pain between the two groups.

Resumo Introdução: Compreende a Síndrome do Túnel do Carpo (STC) uma neuropatia compressiva frequente em mulheres. No tratamento conservador, a ênfase é dada ao controle da sintomatologia e ao trajeto nervoso devido à hipótese de dupla compressão. Objetivo: Avaliar se um protocolo com ênfase nas técnicas de controle motor, constituído por estabilização segmentar cervical e mobilização neural, apresentam melhores resultados na reorganização mecânica e redução dos sintomas quando comparado com técnicas de cinesioterapia clássica. Métodos: Estudo piloto de um ensaio clínico randomizado duplo cego, em 11 mulheres, alocadas em Grupo Cinesioterapia clássica (GC), e Grupo Experimental (GE). A intervenção foi de 12 semanas, com avaliações no pré e pós, por meio da estesiometria, dinamometria de preensão palmar e aplicação dos questionários BCTQ, DASH e PRWE. Resultados: Ambos aumentaram a força de pinça com alívio da sintomatologia e melhora da funcionalidade. Houve diminuição da sensibilidade no GC e aumento significativo da força de preensão palmar no GE. Conclusão: O grupo do protocolo proposto apresentou melhores resultados na reorganização mecânica, com reflexo no aumento da força, da sensibilidade e melhora da funcionalidade, quando confrontado ao grupo com cinesioterapia convencional, porém sem o mesmo impacto para a redução dos sintomas.

Abstract Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a compressive neuropathy, frequently seen in women. Conservative treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome focuses on control of symptoms and the nervous path, due to the possibility of double compression. Objective: To assess whether a protocol with emphasis on motor control techniques, including segmental cervical stabilization and neural mobilization, has better results in mechanical reorganization and reduction of symptoms when compared with classic therapeutic exercise techniques in the conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: This pilot study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, involving 11 women with an average age of 54 (± 6) years, allocated to either a classical kinesiotherapy group (CG) or experimental group (EG). The intervention spanned 12 weeks, with assessments prior to and following therapy, using the monofilament test, handgrip dynamometer, and BCTQ, DASH, and PRWE questionnaires. All normally distributed data was analysed with Student's T-tests. Results: Both groups exhibited an increase in grip strength and relief of symptoms with improved functionality. There was a significant reduction in sensitivity noted in the CG group, and a significant increase in grip strength observed in the EG group. Conclusion: The experimental protocol group exhibited better results in mechanical reorganization, reflected in increased strength, sensitivity, and improved functionality, when compared to the group with conventional therapeutic exercise, but without the same symptomatic reduction.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Leprosy is millenary disease and still persists in several countries. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of leprosy in the Brazilian states and for the country in the year 2010; to describe the cases reported according to the studied variables; to verify the correlation between the overall incidence and the studied variables. METHODS: Ecological descriptive study, with population data from the 27 states, 2010. Information about reported cases were collected: gender, race, percentage of patients younger than 15 years old and living conditions. The analysis was performed using percentages, means, incidence rates and the Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: The states of Mato Grosso and Tocantins recorded the highest incidence rates; Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, the lowest; there was a higher incidence of leprosy among men; the incidence of leprosy increases proportionally with the nonwhites among the inhabitants; patients younger than 15 years; the average number of residents per household; and a decrease in coverage of water supply and presence of bathrooms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of leprosy is related to factors as gender, race and house conditions (p<0,05 for all).

Objetivou-se identificar parâmetros da dinamometria eletrônica de preensão palmar úteis para monitorar diferenças entre indivíduos treinados (TR) e não treinados (UT) e entre membros dominantes (DO) e não dominantes (ND) após indução de fadiga pelo teste de 10RM para bíceps braquial. Tratou-se de estudo experimental, transversal, envolvendo 18 homens adultos jovens, 9 não treinados e 9 experientes em treinamento resistido. Avaliou-se a força isométrica de preensão palmar (por 30 segundos) antes e após o teste de 10 RM por dinamômetro de preensão com célula de carga de precisão modelo G200 (Biometrics(r)). Houve diferença significativa entre valores iniciais e finais somente para treinados: Pico de força para TR-DO (67,1 vs 55,5 kgf, p = 0,0277); média bruta para TR-DO (46,96 vs 42,22 kgf, p = 0,0464) e para TR-ND (40,34 vs 36,13 kgf, p = 0,0277). A dinamometria eletrônica mostrou-se eficaz em identificar a fadiga de membros superiores nos participantes treinados, sendo a média bruta o melhor parâmetro.

This study aimed to identify useful electronic grip dynamometry parameters to track differences between trained (TR) and untrained (UT) participants, and between dominant (DO) and non-dominant (ND) limbs as a consequence of upper limbs muscle fatigue following 10 RM tests of the brachial biceps. This experimental study with transversal design involved 18 young adult males, of whom 9 were untrained and 9 were experienced in resistance training.Isometric grip force was evaluated (30 seconds long) previous and after 10RM tests by means of a G200 Model grip dynamometer with precision load cell (Biometrics(r)). Significant differences between initial and final measurements were found only for trained participants: Peak force for TR-DO (67.1 vs 55.5 kgf, p = .0277); Raw average for TR-DO (46.96 vs 42.22 kgf, p = .0464), and for TR-ND (40.34 vs 36.13 kgf, p = .0277). Electronic grip dynamometry efficiently identified upper limbs fatigue in trained participants, being raw average measurements the best parameter.

El objetivo fue identificar los parámetros en la dinamometría electrónica de presión palmar para comprobar las diferencias en individuos entrenados (TR) y no entrenados (UT) y en miembros dominantes (DO) y no dominantes (ND) después de la fatiga inducida por la prueba de 10RM para bíceps braquial. Fue estudio experimental, transversal que incluyó 18 hombres adultos jóvenes, 9 no entrenados y 9 con experiencia en entrenamiento resistido. La fuerza isométrica de presión palmar (durante 30 segundos) después de la prueba de 10RM fue evaluada por dinamómetro de presión con célula de carga de precisión modelo G200 (Biometrics(r)). Fue encontrada significativa entre los valores iniciales y finales sólo para el grupo entrenados: fuerza máxima para TR-DO (67,1 vs 55,5 kgf, p = 0,0277); promedio bruto para TR-DO (46,96 vs 42,22 kgf, p = 0,0464) y para TR-ND (40,34 vs 36,13 kgf, p = 0,0277). El dinamómetro electrónico fue eficaz en la identificación de la fatiga de los miembros superiores en los participantes entrenados, con el mejor parámetro promedio bruto.

O objetivo do estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa sobre o conhecimento acerca da hanseníase em usuários das Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Uberaba-MG. Trata-se de pesquisa de intervenção de natureza descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa. Aplicou-se questionário antes e após a intervenção educativa, que abordou sinais e sintomas, meios de transmissão, complicações e tratamento da hanseníase. Participaram 88 mulheres e oito homens com idade média de 57,06±1,79 anos. Observou-se que ainda é grande a desinformação da população. No entanto, a importância da estratégia de educação em saúde pôde ser confirmada pelo satisfatório acréscimo de conhecimento, favorecendo a prevenção e diagnóstico precoce.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the knowledge about Leprosy on users of the Basic Health Units of the city of Uberaba-MG, Brazil. This was an intervention research of descriptive nature and quantitative approach. A questionnaire was applied before and after the educational intervention addressing signs and symptoms, means of transmission, complications and treatment of leprosy. The sample contained 88 women and eight men with an average age of 57.06±1.79 years. It was observed that the population unawareness about the disease is still large. However, the importance of the health education action could be confirmed by the satisfactory knowledge increase, easing the prevention and early diagnosis.

O objetivo do estudo foi o de avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa sobre o conhecimento acerca da hanseníase em usuários das Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Uberaba-MG. Trata-se de pesquisa de intervenção de natureza descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa. Aplicou-se questionário antes e após a intervenção educativa, que abordou sinais e sintomas, meios de transmissão, complicações e tratamento da hanseníase. Participaram 88 mulheres e oito homens com idade média de 57,06±1,79 anos. Observou-se que ainda é grande a desinformação da população. No entanto, a importância da estratégia de educação em saúde pôde ser confirmada pelo satisfatório acréscimo de conhecimento, favorecendo a prevenção e diagnóstico precoce.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the knowledge about Leprosy on users of the Basic Health Units of the city of Uberaba-MG, Brazil. This was an intervention research of descriptive nature and quantitative approach. A questionnaire was applied before and after the educational intervention addressing signs and symptoms, means of transmission, complications and treatment of leprosy. The sample contained 88 women and eight men with an average age of 57.06±1.79 years. It was observed that the population unawareness about the disease is still large. However, the importance of the health education action could be confirmed by the satisfactory knowledge increase, easing the prevention and early diagnosis.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar provável correlação entre arco plantar, curvatura lombar e dores lombares. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 18 mulheres com queixa de dor lombar, submetidas a uma avaliação que constava de dados pessoais e de um exame físico com medidas antropométricas, avaliação do arco plantar por meio fotopodoscopia, avaliação da postura do paciente por meio do biofotogrametria, ambos utilizando o programa SAPO, além de avaliação da dor lombar pela escala visual analógica (EVA). A idade média dos participantes era de 30,45 (±6,25) anos. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação dos pés foram observadas oito pessoas com pés planos, seis com pés cavos e quatro com pés normais. Todas relataram quadro álgico em coluna lombar, com valores mais elevados na EVA nas voluntárias com pés cavos. Verificou-se correlação do arco plantar com a angulação da coluna lombar: (r = -0,71, p = 0,004). CONCLUSÃO: O pé cavo pode estar correlacionado com quadro álgico mais intenso, havendo correlação positiva moderada entre pé plano e aumento na curvatura lombar e pé cavo com retificação da lombar. Nível de evidência iv. série de casos.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the probable relationship among plantar arch, lumbar curvature, and low back pain. METHODS: Fifteen healthy women were assessed taking in account personal data and anthropometric measurements, photopodoscopic evaluation of the plantar arch, and biophotogrammetric postural analysis of the patient (both using the SAPO software), as well as evaluation of lumbar pain using an Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The average age of the participants was 30.45 (±6.25) years. RESULTS: Of the feet evaluated, there were six individuals with flat feet, five with high arch, and four with normal feet. All reported algic syndrome in the lumbar spine, with the highest VAS values for the volunteers with high arch. Correlation was observed between the plantar arch and the angle of the lumbar spine (r = -0.71, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: High arch was correlated with more intense algic syndrome, while there was moderate positive correlation between flat foot and increased lumbar curvature, and between high arch and lumbar correction. Level of evidence iv. case series.

O objetivo do estudo foi correlacionar a força de preensão palmar em diferentes posições de abertura, com variáveis antropométricas da mão. Participaram 73 voluntários de ambos os sexos (40 homens e 33 mulheres), com idade média de 23±4,61 anos. As medidas antropométricas largura da palma, comprimento do dedo indicador, espessura da palma, largura da mão, circunferência da palma e da mão foram realizadas bilateralmente. Para as medidas lineares, utilizou-se um paquímetro digital e, para as medidas de circunferência, a fita métrica. As medidas de força de preensão foram realizadas por meio de um dinamômetro hidráulico (UFTM) Jamar®. Os valores antropométricos foram correlacionados com as medidas de força nas cinco posições de abertura. Os homens e as mulheres tiveram maior força na mão direita e, entre as posições, a maior força dos homens foi na de número 3 (45,5±15,53 kgf) e das mulheres, na de posição 2 (25,5±6,28 kgf). Verificaram-se correlações significativas entre a força e os valores antropométricos nas medidas da largura da mão e circunferência da palma - que representam a maior medida transversal e o maior trofismo da mão, respectivamente, no grupo dos homens e a medida de comprimento do dedo, que representa a maior medida longitudinal no grupo das mulheres. Com isso, pode-se concluir que, para os homens, a maior força está relacionada à maior medida transversal e ao maior trofismo da mão e, para as mulheres, ao maior comprimento longitudinal da mão.

The aim of this study was to correlate the grip strength of hand, in different opening positions, with hand anthropometric measures. The study included 73 volunteers (40 male and 33 female) with mean age of 23±4.61 years old. Anthropometric measures, such as palm width, forefinger length, palm thickness, hand width, palm and hand circumferences, were performed bilaterally. For linear measures, a digital caliper rule was used as well as a tape measure for circumference measures. Grip strength measures were performed by means of a Jamar® hydraulic dynamometer. Anthropometric values were correlated with strength measures in the five positions of the opening. Both men and women had greater strength in the right hand. Regarding the positions, the bigger strength of men was in the number 3 (45.5±15.53 kgf) and that of women in position 2 (25.5±6.28 kgf). Significant correlations were verified among strength and anthropometric values in the hand width measure and palm circumference - that represent the greater transversal measure and the greater throphism of left hand, respectively, in men's group -, and the finger length measure, that represents the greater longitudinal measure in women's group. Thus, it may be concluded that for men the greater strength is related to the greater transversal measure and to the greater throphism of hand, while for women, it is related to the greater longitudinal length of hand.

INTRODUÇÃO: O movimento de alcance é muito estudado na literatura, no entanto, poucos estudos realizam análise cinemática e eletromiográfica desse movimento em sujeitos hemiparéticos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o alcance de indivíduos hemiparéticos pós-acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) em seus aspectos cinemáticos e eletromiográficos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados quatro indivíduos, idade média de 54,5 ± 10,7 anos, com diagnóstico de AVE associado à hemiparesia. Realizou-se a avaliação cinemática e eletromiográfica concomitantemente do movimento de alcance na postura sentada, tanto do lado parético quanto do não parético. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa entre os sujeitos com relação ao deslocamento (F(3,63) = 3.081, p = 0.03), porém, não ocorreu diferença significativa entre os lados (F(1,63) = 1.441, p = 0.23). Com relação às articulações (ombro, cotovelo e punho), houve diferença significativa entre os deslocamentos de cada uma (F(2,63) = 27.496, p = 0.00), assim como entre as coordenadas x, y e z (F(2,63) = 36.702, p = 0.00). Na análise dos dados eletromiográficos, não houve diferença significativa entre os sujeitos (F(3,31) = 2.437, p = 0.08), entre os lados (F(1,31) = 3.384, p = 0.07) e entre os músculos (F(4,31) = 0.942, p = 0.45). Existiu diferença no tempo de execução dos movimentos quando comparado o lado não acometido com o acometido. CONCLUSÃO: As análises cinemática e eletromiográfica, de um modo geral, mostraram resultados semelhantes aos encontrados na literatura. No entanto, este estudo acrescenta uma visão mais sistematizada do movimento de alcance, considerando seus aspectos funcionais, diferindo de outros estudos por apresentar, concomitantemente, análises cinemática e eletromiográfica e por investigar ambos os membros superiores.

OBJECTIVE: The reaching movement has been extensively studied in the literature. However, few studies have performed kinematic and electromyography analysis of this movement in hemiparetic subjects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reaching in hemiparetic subjects post-stroke in their kinematic and electromyographic aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four individuals were selected, with mean age of 54.5 ± 10.7 years old, diagnosed with stroke associated with hemiparesis. We conducted an assessment of kinematic and electromyography concurrently during the reaching movement in a sitting posture. Both paretic and non-paretic sides were tested. RESULTS: Statistical differences were found between subjects with respect to displacement (F(3,63) = 3.081, p = 0.03) but no significant difference between the sides investigated (F(1,63) = 1.441, p = 0.23). With respect to joints (shoulder, elbow and wrist), there was a significant difference in the displacement of each one (F(2,63) = 27.496, p = 0.00) as well as between coordinates x, y and z (F(2,63) = 36.702, p = 0.00). In the electromyographic analysis, no significant difference were found between subjects (F(3,31) = 2.437, p = 0.08), between sides (F(1,31) = 3.384, p = 0.07) and between muscles (F(4,31) = 0.942, p = 0.45). There was a difference in the time of movement execution when comparing the paretic with non-paretic side. CONCLUSION: The kinematic and electromyographic analysis, in general, showed results similar to those found in the literature. However, this study adds a systematic vision of the reaching movement, considering functional aspects, differing from other studies to present, simultaneously, kinematic and electromyographic analysis and investigate both upper limbs.

O treinamento da marcha com carga parcial é comum na prática do fisioterapeuta, entretanto, na área hospitalar, o tempo para esse treinamento é limitado, durando somente o tempo da internação. Dessa forma, este estudo tem como objetivo verificar o efeito do treinamento prévio de carga parcial de peso, em voluntárias sem lesões ortopédicas buscando direcionar esse treinamento para pacientes submetidos a cirurgias ortopédicas nos membros inferiores. Participaram deste estudo 32 voluntárias sem alterações posturais ou história de traumas nos membros inferiores. O treinamento de carga parcial foi realizado distribuindo-se 20% da massa corporal total no membro inferior direito em uma balança digital antropométrica. As voluntárias foram divididas em dois grupos, sendo que o grupo I repetiu o treinamento 6 vezes e o grupo II, 12 vezes. Os dados da distribuição estática da carga foram coletados em uma plataforma de pressão Matscan-Tekscan® e comparados no pré e pós-treinamento. Foi verificado que houve diferença significativa no treinamento repetido 12 vezes (p< 0,015). O treinamento prévio de carga parcial mostrou-se eficaz para ser realizado no paciente durante a fase hospitalar, pois com apenas a realização do treinamento uma única vez, repetido 12 vezes, foi observado o aprendizado da carga parcial.

Gait training with partial load is common in a physical therapist practice; however, in the hospital environment, the time for this training is limited, lasting only for the time of hospitalization. Therefore, this study was aimed to check on the effects of previous partial weight load training in volunteers without orthopaedic injuries seeking to indicate it to patients submitted to orthopaedic surgeries on lower limbs. 32 volunteers showing no postural changes or history of trauma on lower limbs were included in this study. The partial load training was carried out by distributing 20% of the total body mass on the right lower limb in an anthropometric digital scale. The volunteers were divided into two groups, with group I repeating the drill 6 times, and group II 12 times. Data about the static load distribution were collected by a pressure platform Matscan-Tekscan® and compared on the pre- and post-training periods. A significant difference was found for 12-repetitions drills (p<0.015). Pre-training with partial weight load was shown to be effective to be applied on patients during hospitalization period, because with only a single drill repeated 12 times, partial load learning was noticed.