Disease severity affects obstacle crossing in people with Parkinson's disease

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Interactions of age and leg muscle fatigue on unobstructed walking and obstacle crossing

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Leucoencefalomalácia em equídeos da região Leste de Mato Grosso

Background: Fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides are among the most important medical mycotoxins known. The intake of concentrate based on corn and corn by-products contaminated with fumonisins can cause severe poisoning in horses. The injuries are observed mainly in the white matter of the brain, and the disease is known as Equine Leukoencephalomalacia (ELEM). This study aims to describe and discuss the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of an outbreak of ELEM occurred in three farms in the municipalities of Canarana and Agua Boa, in the eastern region of Mato Grosso, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: The outbreak occurred between May and August 2010. The disease affected six horses and four mules of different ages and sex. Clinical examination was only possible in animals with chronic evolution of the disease. All the affected animals showed neurological clinical signs such as ataxia and recumbency, which progressed to death or sudden death. Histopathological analysis showed foci of necrosis that predominantly affected the white matter, and the presence of gitter cells. Degenerative lesions were observed in the liver of the animals. Mortality rate ranged from 12.5 to 71%, and lethality reached 100%. The cases were preceded by sudden drops in the weather temperature. Fumonisins levels of 6.6 ppm were detected in the feed of the animals.Discussion: The presumptive diagnosis of leukoencephalomalacia was consistent and based on clinical and epidemiological studies. However, the definitive diagnosis was based upon the histological features of the brain including the presence of extensive areas of malacia. Moreover, the animals were being fed with corn or corn by-products contaminated with fumonisins levels considered to be toxic to equids. The mortality and lethality rates are in agreement with outbreaks described in previous studies. The animals showed neurological signs as the predominant clinical manifestation, with gait ataxia followed by recumbency, prostration and death between 24 h and 29 days. Similarly to other reports, the disease was more frequent in adult animals, which succumbed in 24-48 h. Conversely, the evolution of the disease in young animals was of 10 to 29 days. Sudden death was more prevalent in the mules. Previous studies have shown a predominance of cerebral and brainstem lesions in horses, whereas in mules the clinical signs are related to brainstem lesions. Corn and corn by-products are commonly used as energy supplementation to horses in the southern of Mato Grosso state, but outbreaks of the disease are uncommon. This may be influenced by the prevalence of hot climate conditions, which does not favor the production of toxin by the fungus. The atypical low weather temperatures (9-11 degrees C) observed prior to the outbreak could have contributed to the mycotoxin production by F. verticillioides, which requires temperatures between 8-12 degrees C to produce toxins. However, the disease in the region may be underestimated, considering that the practice of necropsies is not common among field technicians, mainly in the occurrence of sporadic deaths among horses intended for work. Preventive measures include avoiding the use of corn and corn by-products for horses after periods of sudden drops in temperature in the region. Furthermore, clinical and epidemiological surveys and post-mortem and histopathological analyses are undoubtedly important for appropriate differential diagnosis, especially in equids with neurological signs.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in ankles and feet: muscle strength and plantar pressure

This study aims to evaluate and correlate the vascular, sensory and motor components related to the plantar surface in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. 68 patients were categorized into two groups: 28 in the neuropathic group and 40 in the control group. In each patient, we assessed: circulation and peripheral perfusion of the lower limbs; somatosensory sensitivity; ankle muscle strength; and pressure on the plantar surface in static, dynamic and gait states. We used the Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance (ANOVA and MANOVA) for comparison between groups, and performed Pearson and Spearman linear correlations amongst the variables (P < 0.05). The somatosensory sensitivity, peripheral circulation and ankle muscle strength were reduced in the neuropathic group. In full peak plantar pressures, no differences were seen between groups, but differences did appear when the foot surface was divided into regions (forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot). In the static condition, the plantar surface area was greater in the neuropathic group. In the dynamic state, peak pressures in the neuropathic group, were higher in the forefoot and lower in the hindfoot, as well as lower in the hindfoot during gait. There were positive or negative correlations between the sensitivity deficit, dorsal ankle flexor strength, plantar surface area, and peak pressure by plantar region. The sensitivity deficit contributed to the increased plantar surface area.

Determinação das alterações biomecânicas de idosos caidores e não caidores submetidos a protocolo incremental de fadiga

Pós-graduação em Fisioterapia - FCT

Degenerative joint disease in cattle and buffaloes in the Amazon region: a retrospective study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeito do treinamento com haste vibratória na biomecânica da marcha com dupla-tarefa em idosas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Correlação entre equilíbrio, assimetria de passos e descarga de peso em indivíduos hemiparéticos

Introduction: Hemiparesis is the most common sequels after Stroke. One of the side effects of the motor skills evident in hemiparesis is the tendency to remain in asymmetric posture, with lower distribution of weight on the side hemiparetic, which ends up leading to a deficit in balance. This set of changes can cause an asymmetrical type of gait, marked by difference between the lengths of the steps these individuals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the balance, the discharge of weight in the lower limbs and asymmetry of steps in hemiparetic individuals and sees if there is correlation between those variables. Method: A group of 12 hemiparetic individuals (55,33 ± 8,92 years), both sex, who suffered from strokes participated. All subjects performed the assessment of bilateral discharge of weight, the length of the steps and balance (Berg Balance Scale). The results for the difference in the discharge of weight of the lower limbs, asymmetry of the step and the performance on the test of balance were analyzed using the Sperman Correlation Coefficient with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results: We found a significant correlation between balance and asymmetry of the steps (R = -0.72 and p = 0007), however, found no significant correlation between discharge of weight on each leg and the symmetry of the steps (R =- 0.07 and p = 0, 81) and between discharge of weight and balance (R =- 0.08 and p = 0.79) in these hemiparetic individuals. Conclusion: Can be conclude that hemiparetic individuals of these study show deficits in balance, difference in weight between the discharge of the lower limbs and asymmetry of step and correlation between the asymmetry of the step and balance.

Comparação dos parâmetros espaçotemporais da marcha durante a execução do TUG associado à dupla tarefa em adultos jovens

Introduction: Biomechanical analysis of gait can be used effectively to identify changes in movement patterns and functional decline. Objective: To analyze the effect of dual task on gait spatio-temporal variables. Methods: The sample was made up of 32 subjects of both genders aged between 18 and 25 years. The test Timed Up and Go was performed under two conditions: original form and associated with a cognitive task (verbalize backwards the months of the year). We evaluated the total execution time, number of steps, cadence, time spent to lift, average speed and variability of the step time. Results: Significant changes were observed with the addition of the cognitive task in many gait spatio-temporal variables analyzed. Conclusion: The tests showed that the increase of cognitive tasks during walking may lead to changes in the performance of this task.

Análise da concordância entre instrumentos de avaliação de flexibilidade para os músculos isquiocrurais em idosos

Introduction : The aging is characterized by a reduction in the effectiveness of skills, among them the loss of the flexibility. The hamstring muscles may be affected by the decreased flexibility occurs when elderly can present limitation of gait, low back problems and osteomuscular. Among the techniques used to evaluate the flexibility of the hamstring muscles are the Sit and Reach Test and Computerized Photogrammetry evaluation of the popliteal angle . However, the scientific literature doesn’t provide consistent data on the correlation of these forms of evaluation. Objective: To analyze the correlation between the sit and reach test and Computerized Photogrammetry evaluation of the popliteal angle used to assess the flexibility of the hamstring muscles in elderly women. Method: This was a cross-sectional, observational study, consisting of 39 elderly, healthy. The evaluation was composed by forms with personal details and physical examination (body weight, height and body mass index), and the evaluation of tests to measure the flexibility of the hamstring muscles (Sit and reach test and Computerized Photogrammetry evaluation of the popliteal angle). The correlation of the data was done by using the Spearmam’s rank correlation coefficient, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The data showed a positive correlation between Sit and Reach Test Computerized Photogrammetry and the popliteal angle of the right leg (r=0.4690, p=0.0026) and the left leg (r=0.3604, p=0.0241). Conclusion: The data from this study allow conclude that the tests for assessing hamstring flexibility in elderly women, the Sit and Reach Test and Computerized Photogrammetry evaluation of the popliteal angle are complementary because it doesn’t correlate strongly.

Suplementação com vitamina d (25-ohd3) e sua influência na produtividade e qualidade óssea de frangos de corte

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Positive effects of auditory cue in locomotor pattern of people with Parkinson's disease (off and on medication)

Gait disorders are identified in people with Parkinson’s disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of auditory cues and medication on kinematic, kinetic and EMG parameters, during different gait phases of people with PD and healthy elderly. Thirty subjects distributed in two groups (Group 1, PD patients off and on medication; Group 2, healthy elderly) participated in this study and were instructed to walk in two experimental conditions: non-cued and cued. Therefore, kinematic, kinetic and electromyography analyses were utilized to investigate the locomotor pattern. Changes in locomotor pattern (greater muscular activity) with auditory cue were observed for PD patients. Regarding the medication, locomotor parameter improvement was observed after levodopa intake in association with the auditory cue. These results confirm the hypothesis about the external cues therapy that could be used as a complement to drug therapy to achieve improvement in the locomotor pattern of PD patients.

Contribuição da amplitude de movimento articular do joelho na marcha de crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica

Individuals with spastic cerebral palsy show muscle weakness, difficulties in the control of agonist and antagonist muscles, decreased range of motion and tonus and sensibility alterations, especially in knee joint. These problems can interfere on the performance of functional activities such gait. The aim of this study was to analyze the contribution of knee range of motion on gait of hemiplegic and diplegic children considering their asymmetries. Twelve children, 6 hemiplegics e 6 diplegics from 7 to 12 years of age (age average= 9,5 ± 1,93) took part. Spasticity was assessed by the Ashworth’s Modified Scale and the passive knee range of motion by an eletrogoniometer. The task was to walk on a walkway of 8m long, in their preferred speed, in 6 attempts, been 3 on right and 3 on left sagital planes. Eigth passive markers were bilaterally fixed for the kinematic record. Orthogonally to the walkway, two digital camcorders were assembled on the sagital plane. The fotogrametric procedures were performed by the Dvideow 6.3 software. The Matlab 7.0.1 software was used to filter and to calculate the dependent variables. The U test of Mann- Whitney found differences to the cerebral palsy type for knee extension/hiperextension (U = - 2.943; p= 0.003), knee relative angle at heel contact (U = - 5.992; p= 0.001) and knee range during stride (U = - 4.099; p= 0.001). The Wilcoxon’s test revealed differences according to the asymmetries for the hemiplegics only for the knee relative angle at heel contact (T= - 2.635; p<0.008). The contributions of passive knee range of motion, revealed by the Spearman correlations, for the more afected limb of the diplegics, showed that the knee extension/hiperextension interfere on the cadence, stride duration and step width; the knee relative angle at heel contact change the stride length and duration and cadence; and the...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Comportamento de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson no levantar da cadeira e no início da marcha: relações com o envelhecimento

Large motor dysfunctions are observed in older adults with the age advance. Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have motor deficits to perform daily living activities. To raise from a chair, a daily task necessary to live independently, requires both large muscle recruitment and large joint range of motion to achieve the vertical position safely. Normally, we initiate gait after raise from a chair. The aim of this study was to analyze the PD patients’ behavior when rising from a chair and initiating gait and to compare it according to the age advance. In order to do that, 23 PD patients (66.61±7.64 years old) were distributed in three age groups: Young group, between 51 and 60 years of age (n=7); intermediary group, between 61 and 70 years of age (n=7); and elderly group, over 70 years of age (n=9). There were no statistical differences among groups either for the disease evolution stage or for it compromising. The task was to stand from a chair and to initiate gait forward in three attempts. The dependent variables were: spatial and temporal (first step length and duration, and stride length, duration and velocity) and angular (flexion and extension of head, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle). The motion of standing from a chair was divided in two phases. The data was statistically treated by means of Analyses of Variance with group as the only factor. The Scheffé’s post hoc test was used to localize differences among groups and the significance level was adjusted to p≤0.017. There were statistical differences for stride...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Análise cinemática da marcha livre e adaptativa de pacientes com doença de Parkinson e idosos sadios: efeito da dica auditiva

Disorders in gait are identified in Parkinson’s disease patients. As a result, the capacity of walking independently and the interaction with the environment can be impairment. So, the auditory cues have been utilized as a non-pharmacological treatment to improve the locomotor impairment of the PD patients. However, these effects were observed in the regular lands and it’s not known the effects of auditory cues in gait during avoidance obstacles that could be more threaten for these patients. Yet, few studies in the literature compare the Parkinson’s disease patients with the older adults during the locomotor tasks and obstacle avoidance in association with the effects of auditory cues. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of the auditory cues in the gait and during obstacle avoidance in PD patients and older adults. 30 subjects distributed in two groups (Group 1 - 15, Parkinson’s disease patients; Group 2 - 15, healthy older adults) are going to participate of this study. After the participation approval, the assessment of clinical condition will be done by a physician. So, to investigate the locomotor pattern, it will be done a kinematic analysis. The experimental task is to walk on 8 m pathway and 18 trials will be done (6 for the free gait and 12 for adaptive gait). For the adaptive gait, two different obstacle heights will be manipulated: high obstacle (HO) and low obstacle (LO). In order to verify possible differences between the groups and the experimental condition, multivariance tests will be used with a significance level of 0.05. MANOVA revealed effect of condition and task. Thus, with DA, we observed an increase in cadence and reduced single support and stride length. When the tasks were compared, it was observed that the LO task, subjects had lower velocity and stride length... 9Complete abstract click electronic access below)