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Introduction. Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of the joint, with the knee being the most affected region. These patients have reduced mobility and mobility, among other symptoms. Thus, it is necessary to know the variables that influence the ability to walk. Objective. To analyze how much the gait capacity, in the performance of the six-minute walk test, can be influenced by the maximum isometric strength of the quadriceps or by kinesiophobia in women with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 49 women diagnosed with osteoarthritis. The evaluation was carried out in a single moment. Variables studied isometric quadriceps strength, level of fear of movement (kinesiophobia), and ability to walk. Simple linear regression analyzes were performed, with gait ability as the dependent variable and maximum isometric strength and kinesiophobia as independent. Data were presented with mean and standard deviation and were analyzed by the SPSS Statistic 22.0 software, considering p < 0.05 as significant. Results. The maximum isometric strength presents a significant difference, directly interfering with the gait ability; as kinesiophobia does not show a statistically significant difference, it does not directly interfere with the ability to walk. Conclusion. Maximal quadriceps isometric strength directly interferes with gait ability in women with knee osteoarthritis, thus suggesting the inclusion of this strategy in treatment programs for this population.

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Background : Acupuncture treatment has become increasingly popular in the Western due to its therapeutic effects and low cost. However, some studies suggest that both real and sham acupuncture have effects. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of real and placebo acupuncture in cutaneous and deep sensitivity threshold. Methods: Three different types of placebo acupunctures were compared with real acupuncture, four groups at the St25 point (abdominal) and four at the Bl52 point (lumbar region), totaling eight groups. 185 subjects were recruited and randomized, ratings of cutaneous sensitivity threshold (von Frey filaments) and pressure pain threshold (algometer) occurred before and after the application. Results: The cutaneous sensitivity threshold showed no significant difference in the intragroup analysis and also compared between groups. The pressure pain threshold showed a significant decrease in values in the Real group Bl52 ([Formula: see text] = 0.044) and insertion and removal Bl52 ([Formula: see text] = 0.037) for intra-group analysis and comparison between groups, there was a significant reduction in Real groups St25 and insertion and withdrawal in Bl52 point compared to Park Sham Bl52 and Real Bl52, respectively ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.05). Conclusion: Cutaneous sensitivity threshold did not change after applying acupuncture or placebo, but these techniques influence the pressure pain threshold.

INTRODUÇÃO: A dor lombar é considerada o problema musculoesquelético mais prevalente e oneroso na maior parte dos países. A instabilidade lombar é apontada como causa primária e secundária desse tipo de dor. Dentre os métodos de tratamento, vem ganhando destaque as técnicas de reforço muscular, portanto é nesse contexto que se encaixa a Estabilização Segmentar Vertebral (ESV). OBJETIVO: Analisar a eficiência da técnica de ESV em indivíduos com lombalgia inespecífica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico com distribuição aleatória e encoberto onde 50 sujeitos foram igualmente distribuídos em 2 grupos. No grupo Experimental (GE), os indivíduos foram submetidos a um programa com doze sessões de estabilização lombar, realizado duas vezes por semana, já no grupo Controle (GC), não houve nenhum tipo de intervenção. As variáveis de estudo e suas respectivas ferramentas de mensuração foram: dor (Escala Visual Analógica), avaliação de ativação do músculo transverso através de Unidade de Biofeedback Pressórico e questionário sobre a qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: Ao comparar os resultados referentes a intensidade da dor do GE pré e pós-intervenção, houve melhora significativa (p < 0,0001), da mesma forma quando comparado GE pós-intervenção com GC. Ao analisar a força do músculo transverso, houve melhora no GE tanto quando comparado o pré e pós intragrupo, quanto ao intergrupo (p < 0,0001). Quanto a qualidade de vida, houve melhora estatisticamente significativa no antes e depois do GE (p < 0,0001), como também quando comparado o GE e GC após a intervenção (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A Estabilização Segmentar Vertebral pode ser um método eficaz para tratamento de indivíduos com dor lombar inespecífica.