Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for Postural Control and Frontal Cognitive Functions in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease: A Controlled Trial

Objective To verify the effects of a systematized multimodal exercise intervention program on frontal cognitive function, postural control, and functional capacity components of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).DesignNonrandomized controlled trial with pre- and posttraining tests in a training group and a control group.SettingKinesiotherapy program for seniors with AD, SAo Paulo State University.ParticipantsConvenience sample of older adults with AD (n=30) were assigned to a training (n=14; aged 78.67.1) and a control (n=16; aged 77.06.3) group.InterventionThe intervention program was structured with the aim of simultaneously promoting better balance and frontal cognitive capacity. The participants attended a 1-hour session three times a week for 16weeks, whereas the control group did not participate in any activity during the same period.MeasurementsFrontal cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Clock Drawing Test, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Symbol Search Subtest. Postural control (center of pressure area) was analyzed under four dual-task conditions. Functional capacity components were analyzed using the Timed Up and Go Test, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, the sit-and-reach test, and the Berg Functional Balance Scale.ResultsIntervention group participants showed a significant increase in frontal cognitive function (P<.001, partial (2)=0.838), with less body sway (P=.04, partial (2)=0.04) during the dual tasks, and greater functional capacity (P=.001, partial (2)=0.676) after the 16-week period.ConclusionIntervention participants performed better on dual-task activities and had better postural balance and greater functional capacity than controls.

An Ultracapacitor-Based No-Break System for Microcomputers

This work aims at presenting a no-break system for microcomputers using ultracapacitors in replacement of the conventional chemical batteries. We analyzed the most relevant data about average power consumption of microcomputers, electrical and mechanical characteristics of ultracapacitors and operation of no-break power circuits, to propose a configuration capable of working properly with a microcomputer switching mode power supply. Our solution was a sixteen-component ultracapacitor bank, with a total capacitance of 350 F and voltage of 10.8 V, adequate to integrate a low-capacity no-break system, capable of feeding a load of 180 Wh, during 75 s. Our proposed no-break increases the reliability of microcomputers by reducing the probability of user data losses, in case of a power grid failure, offering, so, a high benefit-cost ratio. The replacement of the battery by ultracapacitors allows a quick no-break recharge and low maintenance costs, since these modern components have a lifetime longer than the batteries. Moreover, this solution reduces the environmental impact and eliminates the constant recharge of the energy storage device.

Desempenho ortográfico de escolares de 2o ao 5o ano do ensino privado do município de Londrina

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

Sistema de Aquisição de Baixo Custo para um Dinamômetro Biomédico

Objective: to create a purchasing system for optimizing a low cost device fabrication itself. Method: For this purpose was designed a system which is powered by a 12V battery center. The full bridge of "Wheatstone" is powered by the central battery set to 9V. Results: The sign of the strain has a range of 0 to 30 mV which is amplified filtered by a signal conditioner own manufacturing using an LM 324. The electrical signal then passes to vary from 0 to5V which will be processed in an analog input of PIC microcontroller. Tests for the registration and interpretation of data are through software MyOpenLab. Conclusion: The work is in progress and initial results suggest that the system will be able to measure muscular strength accurately and cost-effective.

Estudo químico quântico relativístico das propriedades eletrônicas e estruturais dos compostos Aun(n=1-5), AuOn-e AuSn - (n=1-2) e AuH

Pós-graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais - FC

Brazilian adaptation of the Woodcock-Johnson III cognitive tests

An adaptation of the standard battery of Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ-III) for Brazilian children and youth was investigated. The sample was composed of 1094 students (54 percent girls), ages 7-17, living in Sao Paulo state (91 percent). Items from Brazilian school books as well as from the WJ-III Spanish version (Bateria-R) were added to comprehension-knowledge tests. Brazilian words were adapted to the auditory tests according to syllabic division and stressed syllables. Items were examined through IRT and age differences through analysis of variance. Results indicated the need to remove items from all WJ-III subtests with the exception of the visual learning test. Analysis of Variance indicated significant age differences (p <= 0.001) for all tests. Thus, the importance of a Brazilian adaptation for the WJ-III was confirmed.

Comparação da aptidão física em idosos submetidos a diferentes intervenções de exercício físico

Introduction: The elderly population has increased, and the aging process is responsible for physical and metabolic changes in the body. For the elderly remain independent, with a better quality of life, preventing and treating diseases responsible for this increased of mortality should remain physically active. Objective: To investigate the influence of two types of exercise intervention on physical fitness and physical activity levels in older practitioners of Rio Claro-SP. Method: The study included 18 older adults with mean age 65.8 years (± 2.88) divided into two groups, Program in Physical Exercises Health Unit (PEFUS, n = 9) and Adapted Volleyball (n = 9). Classes of PEFUS were held twice a week lasting 60 min with strength, aerobic endurance, agility, coordination and balance exercises. Classes of Volleyball Adapted were performed 2 times per week lasting 120 minutes, divided into volleyball fundamental exercises and game. For evaluation of physical skills (strength, agility, coordination and flexibility), was performed the AAHPERD test battery. All participants were assessed at the baseline and after 3 months of interventions. The statistical analysis used was the repeated measures ANOVA, through the SPSS version 17.0 and significance level p <0.05. Result: After the interventions there was an increase of leisure time from 362.2 ± 214.9 min / week and 16.7 ± 28.3 min / week to 541.7 ± 137.2 and 44.4 ± 44.8 min / week to Adapted Volleyball and PEFUS, respectively. The variable coordination showed significant improvements after the interventions, decreasing from 12.1 ± 0.7 to 10.8 ± 0.5 sec for Volleyball Adapted and from 14.8 ± 0.9 to 12.1 ± 0, 9 sec for PEFUS (p <0.05). For the variable strength it was observed a group-moment interaction (p <0.05). Conclusion: The interventions showed positive results... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Exposição ambiental ao chumbo: um problema de áreas contaminadas próximas a fábricas de baterias

The concentration of metal pollutants such as lead (Pb), has grown and developed in populated areas due to pollution and other human activities. Consequently, the potential for achieve this element food chain has also increased. Lead is very toxic to humans, especially to children, and exposure to lead can cause adverse health effects mainly on human nervous system, bone marrow and kidneys, interfering with chromosomal or genetic processes. This paper presents an overview of the main aspects related to environmental contamination by lead from battery plants. The assessment of an area contaminated by lead in Bauru-SP next a battery factory was reported in this work as well as the entire history of monitoring, classification and application of processes applied by CETESB since 2002. Analyzing the issue in its economic aspects, we found that the degradation of the environment is directly related to the development model adopted by the capitalist system, which is based on the law of supply and demand for products and services. The data presented indicate that Brazil still needs a broader policy where government agencies, industries and population through awareness can be united for the same purpose: to preserve life

Atividade física e sintomas depressivos em cuidadores de idosos com demência de Alzheimer

The Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative and progressive disorder, characterized by cognitive decline, affecting brain functions like memory, reasoning and communication, occurrence of behavioral disturbances and difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). These conditions lead to patient’s dependence, which can cause depressive symptoms in caregivers, due to physical and mental burden caused by of the difficulties of the act of caring. Whereupon, it became necessary to find strategies to improve the caregivers’ quality of life. An interesting hypothesis is that physical activity can be considered a non-pharmacological alternative in reducing depressive symptoms, being an important factor for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the general population, especially on positive changes in mood and social interaction. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a physical activity protocol on depressive symptoms and burden of caregivers of patients with AD. This experimental study, of longitudinal character, comprised a sample of 19 caregivers, of both genders, divided into two groups: a) intervention group – IG (10 caregivers who participated in a physical activity protocol) and b) control group – CG (9 caregivers who didn’t participate in the physical activity protocol). This protocol, which worked the components of functional ability and social interaction of participants, was held three times a week, being 48 sessions of 60 minutes each, for 16 weeks. Data collect was performed at pre and post-intervention for both groups. The assessment instruments used were: a) Zarit Burden Interview, b) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and c) battery of motor tests of the American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Nonparametric statistics was used, with intra-group comparison by Wilcoxon test... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Incorporação de um sistema nobreak com ultracapacitor em um microcomputador

The objective of this work is to analyze the viability of incorporation in a microcomputer box of a nobreak with an ultracapacitor as energy storage device, substituting the conventional chemical battery. An advantage of this inclusion is cost reduction because a specific metallic or plastic frame won’t be necessary to protect the components of the nobreak; the microcomputer metallic frame offers the necessary protection for both equipments. Moreover, a large quantity of internal space of microcomputers box isn’t used, and is possible to use it to wrap up the nobreak. This work uses data about average power consumption of microcomputers; operation of switching mode power supplies for microcomputers; electrical and mechanical characteristics of ultracapacitors and operation of power circuits of nobreaks, with the purpose of present a study of energy storage capacity that an ultracapacitor should have to allow a safe switching off of a microcomputer in case of electrical network fail. It was noticed that the use of ultracapacitors is feasible to feed an 180 W load for 75 s, using a capacitive bank with sixteen ultracapacitors, with a total capacitance of 350 F and voltage of 10,8 V. The use of the proposed nobreak increases the reliability of the microcomputer by reducing the probability of user data losses in case of an electrical network fail, offering a high cost/benefit product. The substitution of the battery by an ultracapacitor allows a quick nobreak recharge, with low maintenance costs, since ultracapacitors have a lifetime bigger than batteries; beyond reducing the environmental impact, because they don’t use potentially toxic chemical compounds

Estudo da tecnologia RFID e sua aplicação na gestão de estoques

Due to the need of more agility, dynamism and reliability in stock management, the market has turned its attention to RFID, which offers a practical solution and live up to the big corporations' expectations. The search for continuous improvement establishes a direct link with RFID, for its technology offers accurate real time information in any monitored given place. RFID is a radio frequency communication technology. A reader communicates to a tag through waves. This tag can be active, with a battery, or passive, in which its power is supplied by currents induced by the field variation it is exposed to. The RFID technology has a well defined basic principle, but there are many constructive ways of implementing it. The adaptability as well as the flexibility regard to the several kinds of stock in industry, reaching their particular needs. RFID can lower maintenance costs in stock by collecting data more accurately, lowering human error and optimizing the item handling at its reception, exit and while it is inside the company. This paper presents an example of RFID technology applied in a company's stock management. It is possible to prove that there are, in fact, great advantages in implementing this technology, as it creates the opportunity for continuous improvement in stock management, with better application of material, labour and quality tools, since the data collected through an automatized process using RFID are more reliable and dynamic

A interferência do estado de humor na melhora dos componentes da capacidade funcional em idosos

Mood States are feelings auto regulation deliver to individual better quality of life and healthy aging. The declines of the aging process can be minimized with the regular practice of physical activity and systematized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a dance program in mood states, depressive symptoms and functional capacity in elderly participants of PROFIT. METHOD: The sample was composed of 20 elderly people. The Training Group was formed by 15 elders who participated in a protocol of dance with duration of 1 hour, three times per week, for 12 weeks and the Control Group, composed of 5 elderly, did not attend any program of physical activity. The participants were evaluated by the List of States of Mind Reduced and Illustrated, Geriatric Depression Scale and the battery of tests of AAHPERD. For the mood states was used non-parametric analysis, according to the technique of Binomial Analysis. To compare the components of functional capacity between the groups was used analysis of variance for repeated measures two-way ANOVA and the level of significance was set at 5 %. RESULTS: The functional components remained favorable, highlighting Agility (pre = 21.03 ± 1.64 sec./ post = 18.63 ± 2.26 sec.) And aerobic endurance (pre = 495.94 ± 46.48 sec. / post = 448.01 ± 12.27 sec.). In the comparison between positive and negative functional levels and mood states showed no relationship between these variables, dealing with different aspects and has influence one another. The state post-dancing sessions mood in GT were more positive even for elderly patients with depressive symptoms even unproven statistically, depressive symptoms were maintained or reduced mostly. CONCLUSION: The dance practice maintains the functionality of components; modifies mood states to positive levels and reduces or prevents the onset of depressive symptoms and complications in elderly

Equilíbrio, funções executivas e quedas de idosos com demência de Alzheimer: um estudo longitudinal

Falls among older people is a major clinical problem due to its high incidence, with consequent implications for the health and care costs. Elderly patients with dementia of Alzheimer type (AD) are more susceptible to falls due to the impairment of executive functions and gait, with the risk of falls 3 times higher than non-demented elderly. This study used a longitudinal design and aimed to analyze the effects of a regular and systematized physical activity program on the frequency of falls in patients with AD. Additionally, we aimed to correlate the frequency of falls with the executive functions and equilibrium, after and before the physical activity program. The study included 21 patients with clinical diagnosis of AD, divided into two groups: control group (CG), composed of 11 subjects not engaged in any systematized physical activity and training group (TG): 10 seniors who participated in the Cinesioterapia Functional and Cognitive in Elderly with Alzheimer's disease program (PRO-CDA). The physical activity program lasted four months, with weekly frequency of three times, with each session lasting 60 minutes. Were administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive functioning and global score of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) to classify the severity of dementia. For the evaluation of executive functions were used the Clock Drawing Test (TDR) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). In addition, we used the Functional Balance Scale, Berg test (EEFB) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) to assess the equilibrium and risk of falls. Falls were recorded by means of a questionnaire, which included the number of falls in the last four months. Analyzing the results, it was observed that TG obtained significant improvements in equilibrium and in executive functions, highlighting the beneficial effects of physical activity in these variables... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Análise cinemática e cinética do salto vertical de crianças com transtorno do desenvolvimento da coordenação (TDC)

Due to motor difficulties, children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) doesn't feel motivated to do physical activities, sometimes resulting in a decline of their physical fitness, but it isn't really known for sure the reasons that induct children with DCD to low performances in physical fitness tests, because a lot of tasks that are part of the battery of tests of physical performance are complex in the coordination and/or motor control point of view, like the vertical jump for example. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors that induct children with DCD to low performances in physical fitness tests, especially in the vertical jump task. For that, cinematic (duration of the eccentrical phase, duration of the concentrical phase, shift of the mass center and velocity of the mass center), kinetic (potency peak and force peak) and vertical jump performance analysis in two conditions (with the use of arms and without it) were realized in a force platform. The results indicated that children with DCD show a lower performance compared to their peers with typical development (TD), due to a lower potency production

Efeitos do treinamento com pesos nas atividades de vida diária básicas e instrumentais de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer

The Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative and progressive disease, mostly seen in elderly people, characterized by memory loss. This commitment leads causes deficits in functional capacity, compromising the individual in execution of activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing. This study, with a longitudinal character, aimed analyze the effects of a protocol of weights training (WT) in global cognitive status and realization of activities of daily living (ADL´s) basic and instrumental in AD patients, comparing the effects of four months of WT in the performance of ADL´s in global cognitive status. And also aimed to verify the possible relations between ADL's and global cognitive status of patients before and after the experimental period. The study included 24 patients with clinical diagnosis of AD, divided into two groups: a) training group (TG) consisted of 13 patients who underwent a protocol of WT b) Social Gathering Group (SCG) consists of 11 patients participating in a protocol of social gathering not systematized with activities of reading, writing and walking. Both protocols lasted four months, being developed in three non-consecutive weekly sessions, lasting 60 minutes each. To quantify global cognitive status and the basic and instrumental ADLs were used, respectively, the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Self Perception of Performance in Activities of Daily Living, along with the battery of tests of Activities of Daily Life of Andreotti and Okuma (1999). To analyze the results where complied the nature of the data, using analysis of variance for repeated measures ANOVA two-way and Pearson correlation for continuous data and tests of U Mann Whitney, Wilcoxon and Spearman correlation for non-continuous data, assuming level significance of 5% for all analysis. After analysis it´s possible... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)