Antagonist coactivation of trunk stabilizer muscles during Pilates exercises

The purpose of this study was to compare the antagonist coactivation of the local and global trunk muscles during mat-based exercises of Skilled Modern Pilates. Twelve women performed five exercises and concurrently, surface EMG from internal oblique (OI), multifidus (MU), rectus abdominis (RA) and iliocostalis lumborum (IL) muscles was recorded bilaterally. The percentage of antagonist coactivation between local (OI/MU) and global muscles (RA/IL) was calculated. Individuals new to the practice of these exercises showed differences in coactivation of the trunk muscles between the exercises and these results were not similar bilaterally. Thus, in clinical practice, the therapist should be aware of factors such as compensation and undesirable rotation movements of the trunk. Moreover, the coactivation of global muscles was higher bilaterally in all exercises analyzed. This suggests that the exercises of Skilled Modern Pilates only should be performed after appropriate learning and correct execution of all principles, mainly the Centering Principle. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Muscular coactivation (CA) around the knee reduces power production in elderly women

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

Effect of occlusal splint treatment on the temperature of different muscles in patients with TMD

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of occlusal splint treatment on the temperature of masseter (inferior, intermediate and superior), anterior temporal, digastric and trapezius muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Materials and methods: Thirty patients (6 male and 24 female) aged from 16 to 57 years (mean 37.8. ± 11.4 years) were selected. The patients were diagnosed with muscular TMD by clinical examination (application of Research Diagnostic Criteria questionnaire and physical examination). Occlusal splints in acrylic resin were inserted in all patients with a weekly follow-up. The superficial thermography (°C) on the both sides of the muscles was performed using a digital thermometer in a controlled temperature room. This procedure was performed before occlusal splint insertion (patient with pain) and after the completion of the treatment (patient without pain). The data were analyzed by 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey HSD test (P< .05). Results: After occlusal splint treatment a significant increase in temperature was observed in each muscle, both in the right and left sides. When the muscles were compared in the same period (before or after therapy) there was no significant difference among them. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of occlusal splint promoted a significant increase on the muscles temperature. There was symmetry in the temperature of muscles on the right and left sides both before and after the treatment. © 2010 Japan Prosthodontic Society.

Hip muscles strength and activation in older fallers and non-fallers

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

Silent Period of Masticatory Cycles in Dentate Subjects and Complete Denture Wearers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess, through electromyographic activity (EMG), the silent period (SP) of masseter and anterior temporal muscles in dentate subjects (DS) and complete denture wearers (CDW).Materials and Methods: The evaluations were performed at the initial and final period of the mastication for the DS group. For the CDW group, the evaluations were performed at the initial period of mastication, with old complete dentures worn for more than 10 years (OCDW) and at the final period of the mastication with new complete dentures (NCDW), 5 months after rehabilitation. Twenty-four asymptomatic subjects (12 DS, 12 CDW) answered a questionnaire based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorders. The CDW group answered the questionnaire before and after new denture insertion and after 5 months of rehabilitation. The SP of the muscles was recorded through EMG at the initial and final periods of mastication using artificial food (Optocal). The operator monitored 35 chewing cycles performed to grind the artificial food and selected eight open-close-clench-chewing cycles for the record.Results: The SP of the muscles analyzed with new complete dentures showed no statistical difference in comparison to the old dentures. There was a statistically significant difference in the SP between the CDW and DS groups for initial and final chewing.Conclusion: Lowered muscular capacity and ability reduced the SP of muscles after rehabilitation with NCDWs.

Energy substrate utilization during nightly vocal activity in three species of Scinax (Anura/Hylidae)

Anuran amphibians exhibit different patterns of energy substrate utilization that correlate with the intensity of vocal and locomotor activities. Given the remarkable differences among species in breeding and feeding strategies, and the different ways energy is used in the whole animal, the suggested correlations between calling and locomotor behavior and the level of energy substrates in the muscles responsible for such activities are more complex than previously reported. We explored the relationships between calling and locomotor behavior and energy supply to trunk and hindlimb muscles, respectively, within the ecologically diverse tree-frog genus Scinax. Specifically, we measured the relative amount of carbohydrates and lipids in these two groups of muscles, and in the liver of three species of Scinax that differ in vocal and locomotor performance, and compared our results with those of two other species for which comparable data are available. We also compared the contents of lipids and carbohydrates of conspecific males collected at the beginning and after 4 h of calling activity. The stomach content to potential feeding opportunities across species was also assessed in both groups of males. Scinax hiemalis and S. rizibilis exhibit comparatively low and episodic calling during long periods of activity whereas S. crospedospilus calls at higher rates over shorter periods. Male S. hiemalis had highest levels of trunk muscle glycogen followed by those of S. rizilbilis and S. crospedospilus, respectively. There was no correlation between total lipid content in trunk muscle and calling rate among different species, suggesting that other metabolic aspects may be responsible for the energetic support for vocal activity. The levels of lipids and carbohydrates in trunk and hindlimb muscles and liver of males collected at the beginning and 4 h into the calling period were similar across species, so the extent of energetic reserves does not appear to constrain vocal or locomotor activity. Finally, we found exceptionally high levels of carbohydrates and lipids in the liver of S. rizibilis, a trait perhaps related to a long and demanding breeding period.

PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF DILTIAZEM ON THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE HYPOXIC MYOCARDIUM

1. To determine whether diltiazem protects the hypoxic myocardium by reducing contractile work, we have compared the effects of diltiazem and quiescence on left ventricular (LV) papillary muscle subjected to hypoxia. Papillary muscles were obtained from male Charles River CD rats weighing 150-250 g.2. Four groups of muscles were studied: control (N = 6), non-stimulation (N = 10), diltiazem 10(-4) M (N = 6) and diltiazem 10(-4) M plus non-stimulation (N = 10).3. Isolated mt LV papillary muscles were studied in Krebs-Henseleit solution with a calcium concentration of 2.52 mM at 28-degrees-C while contracting isometrically at a stimulation rate of 0.2 Hz. Resting tension and active isometric tension were measured.4. Both diltiazem and quiescence significantly attenuated contracture tension during hypoxia (0.91 +/- 0.10 vs 2.26 +/- 0.49 g/mm2 for diltiazem vs control, and 0.55 +/- 0.18 vs 2.26 +/- 0.49 g/mm2 for quiescence vs control). Recovery of active tension was improved in the diltiazem groups during reoxygenation (4.16 +/- 0.42 vs 3.75 +/- 0.51, 3.53 +/- 0.15 vs 2.90 +/- 0.13, 5.84 +/- 0.33 vs 6.48 +/- 0.29 and 5.98 +/- 0.90 vs 7.67 +/- 0.68 g/mm2 for diltiazem, diltiazem non-stimulation, non-stimulation and control groups).5. The results suggest that the protective effect of diltiazem during hypoxia was due to the reduction in energy demand of the myocardium.

Morphology and expression of genes related to skeletal muscle growth in juveniles of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas, Arapaimatidae, Teleostei)

Skeletal muscle growth in the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) is highly interesting to fish farmers because it provides information about how the mechanism in muscle mass increase, characteristic of the species, is regulated. Pirarucu has specific muscle growth that highlights the species's significance and commercial value. Current research evaluates the morphology and the growth-related gene expression in the red and white skeletal muscles of the pirarucu. Muscle samples were collected from the lateral anterior region and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Histological sections were performed and stained by HE for morphological analysis. Red and white muscle samples were used to determine MyoD, myogenin, and myostatin genes expression by Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Although MyoD and myogenin were not statistically different in the two types of muscles, myostatin was significantly higher in the white rather than in the red muscle. Results show the muscle growth characteristics of the species and may be helpful for improving aquaculture management programs.

Biometry by ultrasonography of the epaxial and pelvic musculature in equines trained with Pessoa's rein

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

Crescimento, desenvolvimento gonadal e composição muscular de matrinxãs (Brycon cephalus) submetidos à restrição alimentar e realimentação durante um ano

Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito da restrição de ração alternada com realimentação no crescimento, desenvolvimento gonadal e composição muscular de matrinxãs (Brycon cephalus) adultos, de ambos os sexos, durante um ano (janeiro de 1998 a janeiro de 1999). Foram utilizados 135 peixes, separados em dois grupos: controle, alimentado diariamente até aparente saciação, e experimental, submetido ininterruptamente a ciclos de três dias de alimentação/2 dias de restrição de ração (40% de restrição ao mês). Foram realizadas 7 amostragens, nas quais foram utilizados 8 a 10 peixes por grupo. Após anestesia, os peixes foram pesados e as gônadas foram retiradas para determinação do IGS, sexo e fase do ciclo reprodutivo. Porções dos músculos branco e vermelho foram retiradas para determinação da porcentagem de lipídio total, proteína bruta, matéria seca e umidade. Os resultados mostraram que a estratégia alimentar utilizada não afetou o crescimento, o desenvolvimento gonadal e a composição muscular do matrinxã. A restrição de ração seguida por realimentação parece ter desencadeado mecanismos de ajuste metabólico para melhor utilização do alimento e aporte suficiente de energia para o crescimento, processo de maturação gonadal e composição corporal. É possível estabelecer formas de manejo alimentar mais econômicas para o matrinxã sem que processos fisiológicos importantes sejam afetados.

Pelvic floor muscle evaluation in incontinent patients

The aim of this study was to assess pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and perception and its correlation with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). One hundred and one women were divided into two groups according to the presence (G1=51 patients) or absence (G2=50 patients) of SUI. Subjective [urine stream interruption test (UST), visual survey of perineal contraction and transvaginal digital palpation to assess pelvic muscle contraction] and objective evaluations of pelvic floor muscles in all patients were performed (vaginal manometry). During the UST, 25.5% of G1 patients and 80% of G2 patients were able to interrupt the urine stream (p<0.05). Digital evaluation of pelvic muscular contraction showed higher strength in G2 than in G1 patients (p<0.0001). Perineometer evaluation of PFM strength was significantly higher in the continent group (p<0.001). Pelvic floor muscle weakness in incontinent patients demonstrates the importance of functional and objective evaluation of this group of muscles.

A proposta biomecânica para a avaliação de sobrecarga na coluna lombar: efeito de diferentes variáveis demográficas na fadiga muscular

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Análise de parâmetros de força e resistência dos músculos eretores da espinha lombar durante a realização de exercício isométrico em diferentes níveis de esforço

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Parâmetros de qualidade da carne de cordeiros submetida aos processos de maturação e injeção de cloreto de cálcio

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

ALGIAS CRANIOFACIAIS - UM ROTEIRO PARA O EXAME FISICO DIRIGIDO

Craniofacial pain is a frequent challenge for the physician anamnesis with the goal to obtain specific and useful information about symptoms in craniofacial pain. It can be improved by identifying aching points. In the article, the authors present a practical and specific schedule for physical examination to be applied in patients with chronic pain. This specific schedule, which has proved useful in detecting the exact anatomic sites of pain, has a sequence ordered which includes palpation and inspection of muscles, nerves and arteries.