ABSTRACT Muscle strength is an essential part of the functional assessment of health professionals to select and analyze the effects of clinical interventions. This study aimed to determine the influence of gender and age on isometric strength of hip and knee muscle groups. A total of 127 subjects (50.4% men), aged from 20 to 49 years (stratified into three groups: 20-29 years; 30-39 years; and 40-49 years) participated in this study. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure isometric normalized torque of the hip abductors, hip external rotators, knee extensors, and knee flexors muscles. Regressions and a two-way analysis of variance were used to identify the influence of age and gender on torque of each muscle group. Age and gender were included in the regression model for all groups. Generally, men aged 20-29 and 30-39 were stronger than age-paired women. For participants aged 40-49, torque was similar for men and women for all muscle groups. There was no difference among age groups for women. Generally, young men were stronger than older men. The association between age and gender in hip and knee strength was proved and liable of subgroup stratification after measurements with a hand-held isometric dynamometer.

RESUMEN La fuerza muscular es un componente básico de la evaluación funcional de los profesionales de la salud para seleccionar y analizar los efectos de las intervenciones clínicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la influencia del sexo y de la edad en las mediciones de fuerza isométrica de los grupos musculares de la cadera y la rodilla. En el estudio participaron 127 sujetos (50,4% hombres), de entre 20 y 49 años de edad (estratificados en grupos: 20 a 29 años; 30 a 39 años; y 40 a 49 años). El torque isométrico normalizado de los abductores y rotadores externos de la cadera y de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla se midió con un dinamómetro manual. Se utilizaron regresiones y el análisis de varianza (Anova) para identificar la influencia de la edad y el sexo en el torque. Tanto la edad como el sexo se incluyeron en el modelo para todos los grupos musculares. En general, los hombres de entre 20 y 29 años y los de 30 a 39 mostraron tener más fuerza que las mujeres del mismo grupo de edad. Para los participantes de 40 a 49 años, el torque fue similar entre hombres y mujeres para todos los grupos musculares. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos de edad en el grupo de mujeres. En general, los hombres más jóvenes demostraron ser más fuertes que los hombres de mediana edad. La relación entre la edad y el sexo en la fuerza muscular de la cadera y la rodilla se probó y demostró ser susceptible a la estratificación después de las mediciones realizadas con el dinamómetro manual.

RESUMO A força muscular é um componente essencial da avaliação funcional de profissionais da saúde para selecionar e analisar efeitos de intervenções clínicas. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a influência do sexo e da idade sobre medidas de força isométrica de grupos musculares do quadril e do joelho. Participaram da pesquisa 127 sujeitos (50,4% homens), com idade de 20 a 49 anos (estratificados em grupos: 20 a 29 anos; 30 a 39 anos; e 40 a 49 anos). O torque isométrico normalizado de abdutores e rotadores externos de quadril e extensores e flexores de joelho foi medido com dinamômetro manual. Regressões e uma análise de variância (Anova) foram usados para identificar a influência da idade e do sexo sobre o torque. Tanto idade quanto sexo foram incluídos no modelo para todos os grupos musculares. Em geral, homens de 20 a 29 anos e de 30 a 39 anos demonstraram mais força do que mulheres da mesma faixa etária. Para participantes de 40 a 49 anos, o torque foi similar entre homens e mulheres para todos os grupos musculares. Não houve diferença entre as faixas etárias no grupo de mulheres. Em geral, homens mais jovens se mostraram mais fortes do que homens mais velhos. A relação entre idade e sexo na força muscular do quadril e do joelho foi provada e se mostrou passível de estratificação após as medições feitas com o dinamômetro manual.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) is a reliable and valid tool for determining the levels of sports activities among patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the HSAS to the Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HSAS was developed following a process that comprised six steps: translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by committee, pretesting and submission of documentation to the developers. The translation phase involved three independent bilingual translators whose mother language was Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation phase involved three independent translators whose mother language was English. In order to verify comprehension of the questionnaire, 30 undergraduate students in physical education (65% men), with mean age 23.2 years (standard deviation = 6.8), participated in the pre-testing phase. RESULTS: During the translation step, some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence to the original HSAS. In the pre-testing phase, each item of the scale showed a comprehension level of 100%. CONCLUSION: The HSAS was translated from English to the Brazilian Portuguese language and adapted to Brazilian culture. The HSAS validation is ongoing.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a associação entre a força muscular do quadril e os escores de questionários subjetivos de avaliação funcional e psicológica em pacientes com dor crônica no quadril. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e cinco pacientes com lesões dolorosas no quadril (30 homens) realizaram testes isométricos do pico de força de abdutores, extensores e rotadores internos e externos do quadril com um dinamômetro portátil. O grau de funcionalidade foi medido pelo Hip Outcome Score (HOS) e Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), a dor foi avaliada pela escala analógica visual (EAV) e a cinesiofobia foi calculada pelo questionário de Tampa. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado (alfa=5%) para testar as associações entre a força muscular e os escores dos questionários. RESULTADOS: Houve correlações significativas entre a força de todos os quatro músculos do quadril e o HOS (r>0,29). Apenas os rotadores externos do quadril apresentaram correlação significativa com a intensidade da dor (r=-0,30). Nenhuma correlação significativa foi encontrada para LEFS (r<0,24) e questionário de Tampa (r¬0,15). CONCLUSÃO: A redução no pico de força dos extensores, abdutores e rotadores externos do quadril foi associada à redução no nível de funcionalidade do quadril, mas não se correlacionou com o nível de funcionalidade geral dos membros inferiores ou com o grau de cinesiofobia. Além disso, uma redução da força dos rotadores externos do quadril foi relacionada a aumento na intensidade da dor.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the association between hip muscle strength and the scores from subjective functional and psychological evaluation questionnaires in patients with chronic hip pain. METHODS: Fifty-fivepatients with painful hip injuries (30 males) performed isometric peak strength tests of the abductors, extensors, and internal and external rotators of the hips with a hand-held dynamometer. The degree of functionality was measured by the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), pain was estimated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and kinesiophobia was calculated using the Tampa questionnaire. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used (alfa=5%) to test the associations between the muscle strength and the scores from the questionnaires. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between the strength of all four hip muscles and the HOS (r>0.29). Only the hip external rotators showed a significant correlation with pain (r=-0.30). No significant correlations were found for LEFS (r<0.24) and Tampa questionnaires (r¬0.15). CONCLUSION: The reduction in peak strength of the hip extensors, abductors and external rotators was associated with a reduction in the level of hip functionality but did not correlate with neither the level of overall functionality of the lower limbs nor the degree of kinesiophobia. Also, a reduction of hip external rotators strength was related to an increase in the intensity of pain.

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to predict 3D ground reaction force signals based on accelerometer data during gait, using a feed-forward neural network (MLP). Methods Seventeen healthy subjects were instructed to walk at a self-selected speed with a 3D accelerometer attached to the distal and anterior part of the shank. A force plate was embedded into the middle of the walkway. MLP neural networks with one hidden layer and three output layers were selected to simulate the anteroposterior (AP), vertical (Vert) and mediolateral (ML) ground reaction forces (GRF). The input layer was composed of fourteen inputs obtained from accelerometer signals, selected based on previous studies. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare the simulated and collected curves. The Pearson correlation coefficient and the mean absolute deviation (MAD) between signals were calculated. Results PCA identified small, but significant differences between collected and simulated signals in the loading response phases of AP and ML GRF, while Vert did not show differences. The correlation between the simulated and collected signals was high (AP: 0.97; Vert: 0.98; ML: 0.80). MAD was 1.8%BW for AP, 4.5%BW for Vert and 1.4%BW for ML. Conclusion This study confirmed that multilayer perceptron neural network can predict the highly non-linear relationship of shank acceleration parameters and ground reaction forces, as well as other studies have done using plantar pressure devices. The greater advantages of this device are the low cost and the possibility of use outside the laboratory environment.

Abstract Background: The Hip Outcome Score (HOS) was developed to evaluate physically active patients with hip disease but without severe degenerative change. A translation and cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese was previously conducted. The aim of this study was to validate the Brazilian version of the HOS (HOS-Brazil) among a group of physically active patients with a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Methods: The following questionnaires were applied: the HOS-Brazil; the validated Brazilian versions of the Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). The psychometric properties analyzed with regard to the validation process were reliability and validity. Internal consistency and intra-rater test- retest reliabilities were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) statistical tests based on test-retest agreement. Construct and content validities were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Content validity was also analyzed based on evidence of floor, ceiling, or both types of effects from the questionnaires. Results: A total of 70 male and female patients were selected, aged between 19 and 70 years old. The internal consistency and intra-rater test-retest reliability values were high (Cronbach's a > 0.9; ICC > 0.9). The questionnaire showed acceptable convergent (r > 0.7) and divergent (r < 0.4) validities. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusion: The HOS-Brazil was validated. Additional studies are underway to evaluate its responsiveness.

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to establish thermographic profiles of lower limbs and to correlate them with creatine kinase level in professional players. Method Thirty healthy male professional soccer players (25.4 ± 4.7 years; 179.5 ± 6.7 cm; 78.3kg ± 7.5 kg; body fat 10.2 ± 4.2 %) from a club of Brazilian first division soccer league volunteered. Thermal images sequences of lower limbs (thighs and legs) were acquired in an anteroposterior manner (i.e., frontal and dorsal views) by a digital infrared thermo-camera. Blood creatine kinase (CK) concentration was assessed by reflectance photometry. All thermographic images and CK were performed between 8:00 and 9:00 am. Results No significant difference (p>0.05) was found between left and right sides from both anterior and posterior measurements of thighs and legs for mean or maximal skin temperature. Low values of correlation (range r=0.14 to r=0.38) was found between skin temperature and CK levels while contralateral thermal symmetry in the lower limbs (regions of interest < 0.2°C) was found. Conclusion It was observed contralateral thermal symmetry in the lower limbs and low correlation between CK and temperature values in elite soccer players.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the activation of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during gait, as well VL/BF muscular co-contraction (MCC) between healthy (CG) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACL-R) subjects. Methods: Nineteen subjects, ten controls and nine ACL-R patients had a VL and BF electromyogram (EMG) captured to calculate the MCC ratio. A Principal Component (PC) Analysis was applied to reduce the dimensionality effect of each of the MCC, VL and BF curves for both healthy and ACL reconstructed groups. The PC scores were used to calculate the standard distance (SD). SD values were employed in order to compare each dependent variable (MCC, VL and BF) between the two groups using unpaired t-test. Results: ACL-R group presented a lower VL activation at the beginning and at the end of the gait cycle, as compared to the control group. However, no difference was found for BF or VL/BF MCC. Conclusion: The gait analysis of ACL reconstructed patients demonstrated a persistent deficit in VL activation when compared to the control group, even one year after surgery. Level of Evidence III. Case Control Study

Objective : To compare gait spatiotemporal parameters of healthy and ACL reconstructed subjects in order to classify the status of gait normality. Methods : Fourteen healthy subjects and eight patients submitted to ACL reconstruction walked along a walkway while the lower limbs movement was captured by an infrared camera system. The frames where the initial contact and toe-off took place were determined and the following dependent variables, which were compared between groups through the Mann-Whitney test (a=0.05) were calculated: percentage of time in initial double stance, percentage of time in single stance, percentage of time in terminal double stance, stride length and gait velocity. Initially, all variables were compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney test. A logistic regression was applied, including all dependent variables, to create a model that could differentiate healthy and ACL reconstructed subjects. Results : ACL reconstructed group showed no differences in any spatiotemporal parameter of gait (p > 0.05) in relation to the control group, although the angular kinematic differences of the knee remained altered, as evidenced in a study with a similar sample. Conclusion : The regression classified all subjects as healthy, including the ACL reconstructed group, suggesting the spatiotemporal variables should not be used as the sole criterion of return to sports activities at the same level as prior to injury. Level of Evidence III, Case Control Study.

Investigar o estado da arte acerca da coordenação motora durante a marcha em pacientes com lesão no ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Foram realizadas pesquisas, delimitadas entre 1980 e 2010, em diversas bases de artigos com palavras-chave relacionadas à coordenação motora, marcha e lesão no LCA. A partir da análise de títulos e aplicação dos critérios de inclusão/exclusão, 24 estudos foram selecionados inicialmente e, após a leitura do resumo, oito permaneceram na análise final. Os resultados indicam que pacientes com deficiência no LCA tendem a apresentar uma marcha menos variável, enquanto pacientes com reconstrução do LCA têm uma marcha mais variável, em relação a sujeitos hígidos. Os resultados sugerem a existência de diferenças na coordenação motora entre os segmentos entre sujeitos com e sem lesão no LCA, independentemente da reconstrução ligamentar. Pacientes com lesão no LCA apresentam aspectos relacionados ao comprometimento de adaptar seus padrões de marcha a diferentes condições externas, o que pode levar à degeneração precoce. No entanto, as técnicas usadas pelos estudos para o processamento dos dados biomecânicos foram limitadas no que diz respeito à obtenção de informações que possibilitem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de intervenção voltadas para a reabilitação da lesão. Isso se deve ao fato de as técnicas atuais de estudo da coordenação motora, apesar de possibilitar a identificação de alterações no padrão de marcha saudável, não serem capazes de identificar as principais articulações e fases do ciclo da marcha alteradas.

To investigate the state of art about motor coordination during gait in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Searches were carried out, limited from 1980 to 2010, in various databases with keywords related to motor coordination, gait and ACL injury. From the analysis of titles and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria 24 studies were initially selected and, after reading the abstract, eight studies remained in the final analysis. ACL deficient patients tend to have a more rigid and less variable gait, while injured patients with ACL reconstruction have less rigid and more variable gait with respect to healthy individuals. The overall results suggest the existence of differences in motor coordination between the segments with intact and those with injured knee, regardless of ligament reconstruction. ACL injured patients present aspects related to the impairment of the capability to adapt the gait pattern to different environmental conditions, possibly leading to premature knee degeneration. However, the techniques used for biomechanical gait data processing are limited with respect to obtaining information that leads to the development of intervention strategies aimed at the rehabilitation of that injury, since it is not possible to identify the location within the gait cycle where the differences could be explained.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO O Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) é um questionário de avaliação clínica que foi desenvolvido na língua inglesa para avaliar a função do quadril em pacientes jovens e fisicamente ativos. O objetivo desse estudo foi traduzir o questionário NAHS para a língua portuguesa do Brasil, adaptá-lo à cultura brasileira e validá-lo. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo de coorte, realizado entre 2008 e 2010, na Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). MÉTODOS Questões sobre atividades físicas e tarefas domésticas foram modificadas para melhor adaptação à cultura brasileira. Reprodutibilidade, consistência interna e validade (correlação entre o Algofunctional Lequesne Index e o Western Ontario McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC]) foram testadas. Os questionários NAHS-Brasil, Lequesne e WOMAC foram aplicados em 64 pacientes jovens e fisicamente ativos (média de idade, 40,9 anos; 31 mulheres). RESULTADOS O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse que avalia reprodutibilidade mostrou valores de 0,837 (P < 0,001). O gráfico de Bland-Altman revelou um erro médio da diferença das duas medidas de 0,42. A consistência interna foi avaliada pelo alfa de Cronbach com valores de 0,944. A validade entre os questionários NAHS-Brasil/Lequesne e NAHS-Brasil/WOMAC mostraram alta correlação, r = 0,7340 e r = 0,9073; respectivamente. O NAHS-Brasil mostrou boa validade sem efeitos de chão ou de teto. CONCLUSÃO O NAHS foi traduzido para a língua portuguesa do Brasil e adaptado para a cultura brasileira, mostrando ser uma ferramenta útil na prática clínica para avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes jovens e fisicamente ativos com dor no quadril.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) is a clinical evaluation questionnaire that was developed in the English language to evaluate hip function in young and physically active patients. The aims of this study were to translate this questionnaire into the Brazilian Portuguese language, to adapt it to Brazilian culture and to validate it. DESIGN AND SETTING Cohort study conducted between 2008 and 2010, at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). METHODS Questions about physical activities and household chores were modified to better fit Brazilian culture. Reproducibility, internal consistency and validity (correlations with the Algofunctional Lequesne Index and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC]) were tested. The NAHS-Brazil, Lequesne and WOMAC questionnaires were applied to 64 young and physically active patients (mean age, 40.9 years; 31 women). RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficient (which measures reproducibility) was 0.837 (P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots revealed a mean error in the difference between the two measurements of 0.42. The internal consistency was confirmed through a Cronbach alpha of 0.944. The validity between NAHS-Brazil and Lequesne and between NAHS-Brazil and WOMAC showed high correlations, r = 0.7340 and r = 0.9073, respectively. NAHS-Brazil showed good validity with no floor or ceiling effects. CONCLUSION The NAHS was translated into the Brazilian Portuguese language and was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian culture. It was shown to be a useful tool in clinical practice for assessing the quality of life of young and physically active patients with hip pain.

O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar a atividade mioelétrica (EMG) do glúteo máximo e bíceps femoral entre o agachamento com passada à frente e com pés paralelos. Sete indivíduos realizaram oito repetições do agachamento paralelo (AP) e com passada à frente (AF) deslocando sobrecarga relativa a 50% da massa corporal. O EMG do glúteo máximo e bíceps femoral foi capturado, filtrado por um filtro passa-banda Butterworth de 4ª ordem (20-400 Hz) e obtido valores RMS. Utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon para comparar o EMG normalizado entre os dois exercícios. Tanto o bíceps femoral (p = 0,041) quanto o glúteo máximo (p = 0,0059) apresentaram maior ativação no AF (30,9% para glúteo; 42,6% para bíceps) em comparação ao AP (21,2% para glúteo; 24,7% para bíceps). Apesar da ativação moderada durante a execução dos exercícios, girando em torno de 25% a 45%, a resposta foi maior, para os participantes do estudo, no AF.

The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris between the lunge and the parallel squat. Seven subjects, with experience in strength training, performed eight repetitions of the parallel squat (PS) and the lunge (LU) with an overload corresponding to 50% of body mass. The EMG of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris was captured, filtered by a forth order Butterworth filter (20-400 Hz) and calculated RMS values. The Wilcoxon Ranked test was used to compare the normalized EMG of each muscle between the two exercises. Both the biceps femoris (p = 0.041) and the gluteus maximus (p = 0.0059) showed increased activation in LU compared to the PS. Despite the moderate activation in both exercises, ranging from 25% to 45%, the myoelectric response of the analyzed muscles was higher, for the participants, in the lunge exercise.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la actividad mioeléctrica (EMG) del músculo glúteo mayor y el bíceps femoral entre la sentadilla con los pies uno frente al otro y los pies paralelos. Siete sujetos realizaron ocho repeticiones de la sentadilla paralela (AP) y con los pies uno frente al otro (FA) desplazando una masa igual a 50% del peso corporal. El EMG del músculo glúteo mayor y el bíceps femoral fueron capturados, filtrada por un filtro de banda de 4 º orden Butterworth (20-400 Hz) y los valores RMS obtenidos. Se utilizó el test de Wilcoxon para comparar la EMG normalizada entre los dos ejercicios. Tanto el bíceps femoral (p = 0,041) y el glúteo mayor (p = 0,0059) mostraron una mayor activación en la FA (30,9% para lo glúteo y 52% para lo bíceps) en comparación con el AP (21,2% para lo glúteo y 24,7% para lo bíceps). Aunque la activación moderada durante la ejecución de los ejercicios fue moderado, situándose en torno a un 25% a 45%, la respuesta fue mayor en el FA para los participantes del estudio.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a atividade muscular antes e após o contato com o solo entre as aterrissagens unilateral (AU) e bilateral (AB) em atletas do sexo masculino. PARTICIPANTES: Quinze atletas masculinos de voleibol sem sinais e sintomas de lesões nas extremidades inferiores (13 ± 1 ano, 1,70 ± 0,12m, 60 ± 12kg). MENSURAÇÕES:Os participantes realizaram dois saltos verticais, aterrissando unilateralmente e bilateralmente. A atividade mioelétrica do reto femoral (RF), bíceps femoral (BF), adutores de quadril (AQ) e a relação BF/RF foram comparados entre as duas aterrissagens e entre as fases caracterizadas por 100ms antes (PRE) e 100ms após (POS) o contato com o solo. RESULTADOS: Em ambas as aterrissagens, a ativação do RF foi maior na fase POS em relação à PRE. Na comparação entre as aterrissagens dentro da mesma fase não encontramos diferenças estatísticas. Apesar de o BF não ter apresentado diferenças entre as fases PRE e POS em cada aterrissagem, sua ativação foi maior na AU. Os AQ apresentaram maior ativação na fase POS durante a AU, no entanto não houve diferenças quando comparadas as duas aterrissagens. A relação BF/RF apresentou valores maiores em ambas as aterrissagens na fase PRE. No entanto, não encontramos diferenças entre as aterrissagens. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que cada músculo apresenta um papel diferente durante a fase de aterrissagem em homens. Enquanto que o RF possui como principal função a frenagem da articulação do joelho e do movimento descendente, caracterizada pelo aumento da ativação na fase pós-contato, o BF parece atenuar a tensão articular do joelho em atividades de maior impacto, mantendo-se mais ativo durante todo o ciclo da AU. Já a maior ativação dos AQ após o contato com solo na AU evidencia a importância da região lombo-pélvica na estabilização pélvica em situações de grande instabilidade. Estudos futuros são necessários para determinar os efeitos da ativação muscular apresentada na imposição de cargas mecânicas potencialmente lesivas no joelho em atletas do sexo masculino.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the myoelectric activity before and after ground contact between single leg (SL) and double leg (DL) landings in male athletes. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen male volleyball athletes without signs and symptoms of lesions in the lower extremities, with a minimum of three years experience in the sport (13 ± 1 years, 1.70 ± 0.12 m, 60 ± 12 kg). MEASUREMENTS: Participants performed two vertical jumps, landing unilaterally and bilaterally. The myoelectric activity of the rectus femoris (RF), biceps femoris (BF), hip adductors (HA) and the BF/RF ratio were compared between the two landings and between the phases characterized by 100ms before (PRE) and after 100 ms (POST) ground contact using ANOVA two-way test with post hoc test of Bonferroni (α = 5%). RESULTS: In both landings activation of RF was higher in the POST in relation to the PRE (p <0.0001). Comparing the landings in the same phase statistical differences (p = 0.2212) were not found. Although the BF did not present significant differences between the PRE and POST in each landing (p = 0.2321), its activation was higher in SL (p = 0.0051). The HA showed greater activation in the POST during the SL (p = 0.0013), however there were no differences when comparing the two landings (p = 0.9233). The BF/RF ratio was higher in both landings during PRE (p = 0.0012). Nevertheless, no differences between the landings (p = 0.7037) were found. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that each muscle has a different role during landing tasks in men. While RF has the main function to decelerate the knee and the downward movement, characterized by increased activation in the POST, BF seems to attenuate the loads on the knee in activities of higher impact, staying more active throughout the cycle in the SL. The increased activation of HA after ground contact in the SL highlights the importance of core region in stabilizing the pelvis in situations of great instability. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of muscle activation at the imposition of mechanical load on the knee that are potentially harmful to male athletes.

OBJETIVO: Mensurar a validade e a confiabilidade dos questionários WOMAC, IKDC, Lysholm em pacientes com osteoartrite no joelho e determinar a influência da idade no escore destes. MÉTODO: Cinquenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de OA primária de joelho completaram os questionários SF-36, WOMAC, Lysholm e IKDC. A validade foi testada mensurando a correlação (coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, "r") entre os questionários. A consistência interna foi mensurada através do α de Cronbach e a concordância através das representações gráficas de Altman-Bland e concordância- sobrevivência. Para determinar a influência da idade nos resultados correlacionamos esta com os escores dos três questionários de joelho através do coeficiente de determinação de Pearson (r²). RESULTADOS: O IKDC (0,62) e o WOMAC (0,642) apresentaram correlações moderadas para forte em relação ao resumo das capacidades físicas do SF-36, enquanto que o Lysholm apresentou correlações moderadas (0,555). O α de Cronbach apresentou valores de 0,811 para o IKDC, 0,959 para o WOMAC e 0,734 para o Lysholm. Apesar da forte correlação entre WOMAC e IKDC (0,843), WOMAC e Lysholm (0,759) e IKDC e Lysholm (0,858), as representações gráficas de Altman-Bland e concordância-sobrevivência demonstram que a concordância entre os três questionários é baixa. O IKDC, Lysholm e WOMAC apresentaram um coeficiente de determinação de Pearson (r²) de 0,004, 0,010 e 0,043 com a idade, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A idade não demonstrou ser fator limitante à utilização de nenhum dos questionários aplicados neste estudo. Os testes de concordância e das correlações com os componentes físicos do SF-36 sugerem que o WOMAC é mais adequado para avaliar as capacidades funcionais e limitações relacionadas aos aspectos físicos, enquanto que o IKDC parece ser mais adequado para avaliar as limitações funcionais relacionadas à dor.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the validity and reliability of the WOMAC, IKDC and Lysholm questionnaires among patients with knee osteoarthritis and determine the influence of age on their scores. METHOD: Fifty-seven patients diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis of the knee answered the SF-36, WOMAC, IKDC and Lysholm questionnaires. Validity was tested by measuring the correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient, "r") between the questionnaires. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α and concordance was measured through the Altman-Bland graphical representations and survival concordance. To determine the influence of age on the results, we correlated this variable with the scores from the three knee questionnaires using Pearson's coefficient of determination ("r2"). RESULTS: IKDC (0.62) and WOMAC (0642) showed moderate to strong correlations in relation to the summarized physical capacity score of the SF-36, while Lysholm showed moderate correlations (0.555). The Cronbach α values for IKDC, WOMAC and Lysholm were 0.811, 0.959 and 0.734, respectively. Despite the strong correlations between IKDC and WOMAC (0.843), Lysholm and WOMAC (0.759) and IKDC and Lysholm (0.858), the Bland-Altman graphical representations and survival concordance showed that the concordance between the three questionnaires was low. IKDC, Lysholm and WOMAC showed coefficients of determination (r2) with age of 0.004, 0.010 and 0.043, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age was not found to be a limiting factor for the use of any of the questionnaires applied in this study. The concordance tests and correlations with the physical components of SF-36 suggest that WOMAC is more appropriate for assessing physical capacities and limitations relating to physical traits, while IKDC seems more appropriate for assessing the functional limitations relating to pain.

As lesões no ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) são frequentes no âmbito esportivo. O estudo dos mecanismos de lesão demonstrou que a maioria das lesões é oriunda tanto de aterrissagens unilaterais quanto bilaterais. Apesar de estudos terem demonstrado diferenças no comportamento cinemático de membros inferiores entre homens e mulheres, não há evidências de como homens se comportam em diferentes condutas. O objetivo neste estudo foi comparar a cinemática angular e temporal dos membros inferiores, manifesta em aterrissagens de saltos com propulsão bilateral, realizadas sobre um e dois membros inferiores. Aterrissagens unilaterais e bilaterais no plano frontal e sagital de quinze atletas masculinos de voleibol foram registradas e processadas por meio de técnicas videogramétricas. Os resultados indicam que, na aterrissagem unilateral, os atletas apresentaram menor flexão do quadril e joelho, assim como maior valgismo do joelho, quando comparada com a aterrissagem bilateral. A diferença no tempo de aterrissagem entre as duas condutas não foi estatisticamente significante. Em conclusão, os resultados deste estudo apóiam a premissa de que a cinemática dos membros inferiores se altera em função da configuração da conduta motora realizada em homens. Estudos futuros são necessários para explorar o impacto das diferenças cinemáticas encontradas na tensão ligamentar e relacioná-las com os mecanismos de lesões no LCA em homens.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in sports. Studies investigating injury mechanisms have demonstrated that most injuries arise from landing tasks. Despite the demonstration of differences between male and female kinematics, there are no studies showing how males behave during different landing tasks. The objective of this study was to compare the angular and temporal kinematics of the lower limbs between two different landing tasks. Double leg and single leg landings were recorded in the frontal and sagittal plane in 15 male volleyball athletes by videogrammetry. Reduced hip and knee flexion and increased knee valgus were observed in the single leg landing task compared to the double leg landing task. No significant difference in landing time was observed between the two tasks. In conclusion, the results support the premise that lower limb kinematics change according to the task performed. Further studies are necessary to explore the impact of these kinematic differences on knee loading and to relate them to ACL injury mechanisms in men.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo neste estudo foi comparar a atividade mioelétrica entre o agachamento unilateral declinado e o agachamento unilateral em superfície plana, no deslocamento vertical de duas diferentes quantidades de massa. PARTICIPANTES: Um grupo de oito sujeitos treinados recreacionalmente sem sinais e sintomas de lesões nas extremidades inferiores. PROCEDIMENTOS: Em dias separados, os sujeitos realizaram dois tipos distintos de agachamento unilateral na fase descendente, diferenciados em função da direção da base de sustentação, sendo uma horizontal e outra inclinada a 25°. Os dois tipos de agachamento foram realizados com dois valores de carga, com o peso do próprio corpo e com sobrecarga representativa de 15 repetições máximas (15RM). MENSURAÇÕES: As atividades mioelétricas do reto femoral, vasto lateral, posteriores de coxa mediais (semimembranoso e semitendinoso) e gastrocnêmio medial foram mensuradas nas quatro situações de teste. RESULTADOS: O grupamento muscular quadríceps mostrou-se sensível à magnitude do ângulo de inclinação da plataforma, manifestando maior atividade no agachamento declinado, e não apresentou aumentos na ativação muscular como resposta ao aumento da carga. Os músculos mediais posteriores da coxa e o gastrocnêmio medial não se mostraram sensíveis à angulação da plataforma nem ao aumento da sobrecarga. Apesar das taxas de co-contração não serem semelhantes entre as quatro situações testadas, as diferenças entre elas não se mostraram estatisticamente significativas. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados confirmaram a maior ativação do quadríceps gerada no agachamento declinado em comparação ao agachamento realizado em superfície plana, sugerindo que esse exercício pode constituir uma alternativa para programas de reabilitação da tendinopatia patelar. Apesar de não termos encontrado diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à co-contração muscular, os achados sugerem que esse exercício deve ser utilizado com cautela, já que o sinergismo muscular entre os músculos testados mostrou-se alterado em decorrência de modificações no status direcional da superfície de apoio, o que pode comprometer a especificidade da exercitação em relação a atividades específicas, como as esportivas, nomeadamente quanto ao aspecto coordenação.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the myoelectrical activity between the single-leg decline squat and the single-leg standard squat, with two different overloads. PARTICIPANTS: A group of eight recreationally trained subjects with no signs or symptoms of injury in the lower limb. PROCEDURES: On different days, the subjects performed two distinct kinds of unilateral eccentric squat, differentiated by the direction of the base of support, being one flat and the other declined at 25°. These two squats were carried out with two different overloads: with no extra overload and with an overload that represented 15 maximum repetitions (RM). OUTCOME MEASURES: The myoelectrical activities of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medial hamstrings and gastrocnemius medialis were measured in the four test conditions (Flat and Decline Squat with and without extra overload). RESULTS: The quadriceps muscles were sensitive to the platform angle, showing greater activity on the decline squat; however, they did not show increase in the activation when overload was added. The medial hamstrings and gastrocnemius medialis were not sensitive to the platform angle or to the overload increase. In spite of the alterations in the muscular co-contraction ratio in several situations, we did not find any statistically significant differences among the four conditions tested. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed the higher activation of quadriceps generated in the decline squat compared to the standard squat, suggesting that this exercise is an interesting choice for rehabilitation management of patellar tendinopathy. Despite the non-significant statistical differences regarding muscular co-contraction, this exercise should be used with caution, since muscle synergism is changed as a function of tested variables, altering the specificity of this exercise in relation to sports activities, mainly in the coordination aspect.