FATORES MOTIVACIONAIS DE IDOSOS PRATICANTES DO MÉTODO PILATES

Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores motivacionais de idosos praticantes do Método Pilates e sua relação com o sexo. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado no período de abril e maio de 2014, utilizando amostra por conveniência com 39 idosos, independentemente do sexo, praticantes do Método Pilates em um bairro da zona norte do Rio de Janeiro-RJ. Utilizouse o “Inventário de Motivação à Prática Regular de Atividades Físicas (IMPRAF-54)”, que avalia as dimensões de motivação (“Controle de Estresse”, “Saúde”, “Sociabilidade”, “Competitividade”, “Estética” e “Prazer”). Aplicou-se a estatística descritiva para análise das dimensões. Resultados: Os principais aspectos motivacionais descritos pelos idosos foram “Saúde” (escore bruto médio; mulheres: 34,3(±4,7); homens: 30,3(±5,2)), “Sociabilidade” (escore bruto médio; mulheres: 27,8(±10,2); homens: 28,8 (±9,7)) e “Prazer” (escore bruto médio; mulheres: 30,8(±7,5); homens: 29,3(±8,3)); somente entre os homens o domínio de “Sociabilidade” foi classificado como “motivação alta” (percentil 70), segundo tabelas normativas do instrumento. Conclusão: Fatores relacionados à saúde, sociabilidade e prazer foram determinantes motivacionais entre os idosos avaliados praticantes do Método Pilates.

Impact of weight loss on oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormal markers of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Although, these abnormalities could be modulated with weight reduction; there is limitation in clinical studies that have addressed the beneficial effects of weight reduction in modulating biomarkers of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress for obesity associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: This study was designed to detect the effects of weight loss on the inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers in obese type 2 diabetic patients. Material and Methods: Eighty obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, their age ranged from 35-57 years and their body mass index ranged from 31-35 kg/m2 were equally assigned into 2 groups: the weight reduction group received aerobic exercises, diet regimen, where as the control group received medical treatment only for 12 weeks. Results: The mean values of body mass index (BMI), tumor necrosis factor–alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (sCRP), conjugated dienes (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased, while the mean values of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in patients of group (A), while changes were not significant in group (B). Also, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) at the end of the study. Conclusion: Weight loss ameliorates inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

Evaluation of the protective effects of kolaviron on Kolanut-induced oxidative stress in developing rat brain

The brain is exposed throughout life to oxidative stress, and certain diseases of the brain and nervous system are thought to involve free radical processes and oxidative damage. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of kolaviron on kolanut-induced oxidative stress in developing rat brain. Twenty-five adult pregnant Wistar rats weighing between 160 and 180g were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into five groups of five animals each. The animals were fed with standard diets of mice cubes and water provided ad libitum. The control rats received water and cornoil, while the experimental animals received 200 mg/kg body weight of kolanut (kn), 200 mg/kg of kolaviron (kv), and 200 mg/kg body weight of vitamin E which served as a standard antioxidant with cornoil as vehicle orally in pre- and post-natal life. After birth, gross morphometry and behavioural changes of the pups of days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum were evaluated. Blood samples were collected from pups of day 21 for hematological, liver and renal function analyses, while the brains of pups of day 21 postpartum were preserved in phosphate buffer at a temperature of 4oC and pH 7.4 for biochemical analysis. There were significant alterations in the gross morphometry and behavioural parameters studied in the treated animals compared with the control at p< 0.05. There were elevated levels of RBC, WBC and platelets in the treated group compared with the control at p< 0.05. However, no significant change was observed in the PCV, Hb, liver and renal function parameters studied at p>0.05. A non-significant increase in levels of malondialdehyde, MDA, a bye-product of lipid peroxidation in the kolanut group was observed. However, administration of kolaviron and vitamin E non-significantly (p>0.05) reversed these changes. In conclusion, maternal consumption of kolanut induced mild oxidative stress and the administration of kolaviron and vitamin E decreased the rate at which kolanut induced oxidative stress in developing rat brain.

The Effect of Stress Management Program Using Cognitive Behavior Approach on Mental Health of the Mothers of the Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stress management program using cognitive behavior approach on mental health of the mothers of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients and Methods: In this interventional study, 90 mothers of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were randomly allocated into three intervention, placebo, and control groups. The general health questionnaire was used to measure mental health. Besides, stress was assessed through the depression-anxiety-stress scale. The two instruments were completed at baseline, immediately after, and one month after the intervention by the mothers. Afterwards, within group comparisons were made using one-sample repeated measurement ANOVA. One-way ANOVA was used for inter group comparisons. Mothers in the placebo group only participated in meetings to talk and express feelings without receiving any interventions. Results: At the baseline, no significant difference was found among the three groups regarding the means of stress, anxiety, depression, and mental health. However, a significant difference was observed in the mean score of stress immediately after the intervention (P = 0.033). The results also showed a significant difference among the three groups regarding the mean score of mental health (P < 0.001). One month after the intervention, the mean difference of mental health score remained significant only in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study findings confirmed the effectiveness of stress management program utilizing cognitive behavior approach in mental health of the mothers of the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Cuminum cyminum Linn (Apiaceae) extract attenuates MPTP-induced oxidative stress and behavioral impairments in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Purpose: To evaluate the protective effects of Cuminum cyminum Linn (Apiaceae, CCY) against 1- methyl-4 phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced oxidative stress and behavioral impairments in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: MPTP-intoxicated mice model of PD was used for evaluating the effect of CCY extract on behavioral deficits through rota rod, passive avoidance and open field tasks. The effect of CCY extract on oxidative stress levels were assessed by estimating enzyme status, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) in brain tissues of MPTP-induced mice. Results: MPTP (25 mg/kg, i.p.)-treated mice resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) behavioral deficit in locomotor behavior (from 56.24 ± 1.21 to 27.64 ± 0.94) and cognitive functions (from 298 ± 3.68 s to 207.28 ± 4.12 s) compared with their respective control groups. Administration of CCY extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) for three weeks significantly and dose-dependently improved (p < 0.001 at 300 mg/kg) locomotor and cognitive deficits in MPTP-treated mice. CCY treatment also significantly (p < 0.001 at 300 mg/kg) inhibited MPTP-induced decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and lipid peroxides in mice brain tissues. Conclusion: CCY extract exhibits strong protection against MPTP-induced behavioral deficit through enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Therefore, CCY may be developed as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of neurodegeneration seen in PD.