Factors that contribute to low bone density in postmenopausal women in different Amazonian communities

Background: The aim of this study was to verify socioeconomic differences, nutrition, body balance and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) in two Amazonian communities. Methods: A total of 42 female volunteers participated in the study. The volunteers were separated into two groups: Villa (n= 20; 53±5.5 years) and City (n= 22; 56±7.9 years). The following evaluation instruments were used: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); a socioeconomic questionnaire; a QoL questionnaire; a dietary habits questionnaire; and a balance test. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used. Results: The data showed significant differences in socioeconomic level (Δ%=+15.9%, p=0.000),lumbar spine L2-L4 (Δ%=+0.10%,p=0.007), balance(Δ%=+4.3%,p=0.03)and some important aspects of nutrition, such as the consumption of milk (Δ%=+34%, p=0.01) and alcohol (+14.8%, p=0.0001). These significant differences also contributed to the total QoL score (Δ%=+76.2%, p=0.000) and the majority of the QoL-related functions. Conclusion: This study verified that socioeconomic level, nutritional status, physical activity levels and QoL can influence the BMD of postmenopausal women. The study suggests new strategies for official health organizations to use in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In addition, this study can provide an orientation to physical activity, nutrition and medical professionals. © The Author(s), 2011.

Adapted Judo training on bone-variables in postmenopausal women in pharmacological treatment

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

A Pilot Study Addressing the Impact of Religious Practice on Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether religious practice can modify quality of life (QoL) in BC patients during chemotherapy. QoL and religion practice questionnaire (RPQ) scores were evaluated in a sample of BC patients in different moments. Before chemotherapy initiation, women with lower physical and social functional scores displayed higher RPQ scores. On the other hand, low RPQ patients worsened some QoL scores over time. Body image acceptance was positively correlated with religious practice and specifically praying activity. This preliminary study suggests the importance of religion in coping with cancer chemotherapy. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Diastolic function is associated with quality of life and exercise capacity in stable heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

Exercise capacity and quality of life (QOL) are important outcome predictors in patients with systolic heart failure (HF), independent of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF). LV diastolic function has been shown to be a better predictor of aerobic exercise capacity in patients with systolic dysfunction and a New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification >II. We hypothesized that the currently used index of diastolic function E/e' is associated with exercise capacity and QOL, even in optimally treated HF patients with reduced LVEF. This prospective study included 44 consecutive patients aged 55±11 years (27 men and 17 women), with LVEF,0.50 and NYHA functional class I-III, receiving optimal pharmacological treatment and in a stable clinical condition, as shown by the absence of dyspnea exacerbation for at least 3 months. All patients had conventional transthoracic echocardiography and answered the Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire, followed by the 6-min walk test (6MWT). In a multivariable model with 6MWT as the dependent variable, age and E/e' explained 27% of the walked distance in 6MWT (P=0.002; multivariate regression analysis). No association was found between walk distance and LVEF or mitral annulus systolic velocity. Only normalized left atrium volume, a sensitive index of diastolic function, was associated with decreased QOL. Despite the small number of patients included, this study offers evidence that diastolic function is associated with physical capacity and QOL and should be considered along with ejection fraction in patients with compensated systolic HF.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes portadores de hepatopatias

Pós-graduação em Odontologia Preventiva e Social - FOA

Convivendo com HIV/AIDS: fatores que influenciam na qualidade de vida e condição de saúde bucal

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Qualidade de vida e análise funcional após o tratamento do câncer bucal: perspectivas para a reabilitação oral

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da qualidade de vida dos pacientes idosos em tratamento hemodialítico na cidade de Avaré/SP

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A qualidade de vida de dependentes de álcool

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo da qualidade de vida de religiosas idosas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da qualidade de vida e aspectos psicológicos em pacientes com doença trofoblástica gestacional

Pós-graduação em Ginecologia, Obstetrícia e Mastologia - FMB

Qualidade de vida de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV com ou sem tratmento anti-retroviral

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Qualidade de vida, qualidade do sono e fatores de risco cardiovascular de profissionais de enfermagem em um hospital universitário

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacients tratados e em tratamento para hanseníase: uso do Dermatology Life Quality Index e do Whoqol-bref

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Influência do fortalecimento muscular no equilíbrio e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of muscle strengthening in the balance, mobility and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to check the correlation between muscle strengthening and QoL. Nine subjects belonging to both sexes, diagnosed with PD, participated in this study. Initially, they went through an evaluation of their balance and functional mobility through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the ­Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and a QoL test through the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The subjects also performed a test for determining the maximum load (one-repetition maximum) for the muscle groups trained. After the normality and homogeneity of the data were verified, the Student's t-test and Spearman correlation test were carried out. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered. We verified an improvement in balance (p=0.008) and QoL (p=0.013), and a negative correlation between balance and QoL (evaluation: r=-0.65 and p=0.05, revaluation: r=-0.82 and p=0.005). It was concluded that muscle strengthening was efficient in the improvement of balance and QoL in individuals with PD.