Stabilization of lumbo-pelvic region and electromyography of the abdominal muscles

It is usual to find athletes that can perform de curl up test easily, but are unable to maintain the stabilization of the low back during the double straight leg lowering (DSLL). In spite of having strong abdominal muscles, its stabilization role seems not to be effective. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the relation among individuals with strong abdominal muscles and the ability in perform posterior pelvic tilt (PPT); the ability to stabilize the low back during the DSLL and the eletromyographic activity of the abdominal muscles. Eighteen male subjects (aged 19.27 ± 3.5), without history of muscle skeletal dysfunction, performed both the PPT and DSLL tests. During these tests electromyographic signals of the rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus internus abdominis (01) and obliquus externus abdominis (OE) were recorded, the angle of the hip and the pressure under the low back were measured The results of analyses of variance (ANOVA) show that most volunteers accomplished the PPT test, actively flattening the low back with regular or good quality. However, none of them was able to stabilize the low back during the DSLL test. During the PPT test all abdominal muscle portions analysed were activated without significant differences. In an attempt of maintaining the lumbo-pelvic region stabilized during the DSLL, it was observed a tendency of higher bilateral activation of OE when compared to RA and 01 muscle portions between 70 and 20 degrees of hip flexion.

The effect of eccentric strength training on heart rate and on its variability during isometric exercise in healthy older men

The purpose of this study was to investigate if chronic eccentric strength training (ST) affects heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during sub-maximal isometric voluntary contractions (SIVC). The training group (TG) (9 men, 62 ± 2) was submitted to ST (12 weeks, 2 days/week, 2 - 4 sets of 8-12 repetitions at 75-80% peak torque (PT). The control group (CG) (8 men, 64 ± 4) did not perform ST. The HR and the HRV (RMSSD index) were evaluated during SIVC of the knee extension (15, 30 and 40% of PT). ST increased the eccentric torque only in TG, but did not change the isometric PT and the duration of SIVC. During SIVC, the HR response pattern and the RMSSD index were similar for both groups in pre- and post-training evaluations. Although ST increased the eccentric torque in the TG, it did not generate changes in HR or HRV. © Springer-Verlag 2008.

Exercise programs improve mobility and balance in people with Parkinson's disease

Compromised balance and loss of mobility are among the major consequences of Parkinson's disease (PD). The literature documents numerous effective interventions for improving balance and mobility. The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of two exercise programs on balance and mobility in people with idiopathic PD. Thirty-four participants, with idiopathic PD that ranged from Stage I to Stage III on the Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) scale, were assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n = 21; 67±9 years old) was engaged in an intensive exercise program (aerobic capacity, flexibility, strength, motor coordination and balance) for 6 months: 72 sessions, 3 times a week, 60 minutes per session; while Group 2 (n = 13; 69±8 years old) participated in an adaptive program (flexibility, strength, motor coordination and balance) for 6 months: 24 sessions, once a week, 60 minutes per session. Balance and basic functional mobility were assessed in pre- and post-tests by means of the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go Test. Before and after the interventions, groups were similar in clinical conditions (H&Y, UPDRS, and Mini-Mental). A MANOVA 2 (programs) by 2 (moments) revealed that both groups were affected by the exercise intervention. Univariate analyses showed that participants improved their mobility and balance from pre- to post-test. There were no differences between groups in either mobility or balance results. Both the intensive and adaptive exercise programs improved balance and mobility in patients with PD. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The acute effects of static stretching on peak force, peak rate of force development and muscle activity during single- and multiple-joint actions in older women

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

A 12-month follow-up of hypopigmentation after laser hair removal

Introduction: Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional methods such as shaving, waxing, among other methods. Semiconductor diode lasers are considered the most efficient light sources available and are especially well suited for clinical applications including hair reduction. The effectiveness of laser hair reduction depends on many variables, including the skin type of the patient. Material and Methods: A patient with Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV was submitted to laser hair removal of the arms with a high-power diode laser system with long pulses with a wavelength of 800 nm, a fluence of 40 J/cm2 and a pulse width of 20 ms. A 12-month follow-up assessment was performed and included photography and questionnaire. Results: Hypopigmentation was observed after a single laser hair removal section. After 6 months with the area totally covered, a gradual suntan with a sun screen lotion with an SPF of 15 was prescribed by the dermatologist. After 12 months of the initial treatment, a complete recovery of the hypopigmentation was achieved. Conclusion: Although a safe procedure, lasers for hair removal may be associated with adverse side effects including undesired pigment alterations. Before starting a laser hair removal treatment, patients seeking the eradication of hair should be informed that temporary, and possibly permanent, pigmentary changes may occur. © 2013 Informa UK, Ltd.

Influence of exercise order on upper body maximum and submaximal strength gains in trained men

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise order on one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and ten-repetition maximum (10-RM) strength gains after 6 weeks of resistance training (RT) in trained men. Sixteen men were randomly assigned into two groups based on the order of exercises performed during training sessions: a group that performed large muscle group exercises first and progressed to small muscle group exercises (LG-SM); while a second group performed the opposite sequence and started with small muscle group exercises and progressed to large muscle group exercises (SM-LG). Four sessions of RT were conducted per week; all exercises were performed for three sets of 8-12 repetitions with 1-min rest intervals between sets. Maximal and submaximal strength were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of RT with 1-RM and 10-RM testing for the bench press (BP), lat pulldown (LPD), triceps pulley extension (TE) and biceps curl (BC), respectively. Two-way ANOVA for the 1-RM and 10-RM tests indicated a significant group x time interaction. The 1-RM values significantly increased for all exercises in both groups (P<0.05), but were not significantly different between groups. However, effect size (ES) data indicated that the LG-SM group exhibited a greater magnitude of gains (1-RM and 10-RM) for the BP and LPD exercises. Conversely, ES indicated that the SM-LG group exhibited a greater magnitude of gains (1-RM and 10-RM) for the TE and BC exercises. In conclusion, the results suggest that upper body movements should be prioritized and performed according to individual needs to maximize maximal and submaximal strength. © 2013 Scandinavian Society of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine.

Influência do laser terapêutico no reparo de defeito ósseo de ratos submetidos à ausência de carga

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

Efeito do laser de baixa intensidade sobre as células odontoblastóides

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

Avaliação da efetividade do laser terapêutico no controle de índice de dor de pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência do laser em baixa intensidade no processo de reparo de de enxerto ósseo autógeno implantado em bloco na mandíbula de ratos modificados sistemicamente com nicotina: estudo histo- morfométrico

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Cicatrização óssea de defeitos de tamanho crítico tratados com Aspirado de Medula Óssea, Laser em Baixa Intensidade ou a associação de ambas as terapias: estudo histológico e histométrico em calvárias de ratos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo histológico da ação do laser e da terapia fotodinâmica no processo de reparação de feridas cutâneas em ratos tratados com corticóide

Pós-graduação em Odontologia - FOA

Influência do laser em baixa intensidade (660 nm) no processo de reparo de feridas cutâneas provocadas em ratos tratados com nicotina: estudo histológico

Pós-graduação em Odontologia - FOA

Avaliação histológica do efeito do laser de baixa intensidade na resposta do tecido conjuntivo ao cimento Endofill

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ação do laser em baixa intensidade no tratamento da doença periodontal induzida em ratos diabéticos e não diabéticos: estudo histológico e histométrico. -

Pós-graduação em Odontologia - FOA