Pilates method is employed for physical and mental conditioning. Elderly people could be benefited from a patterned and regulated conditioning work based on Pilates method. We performed a systematic review to assess the evidence on the effects of Pilates method in physical fitness on older adults. Our search included the following databases: MEDLINE-PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCO and SPORTDiscus databases (up to April 2014). A summary of the results was performed using a best evidence synthesis and was reported according to the systematic review method proposed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the methodology quality of selected studies. Seventeen experimental studies were included in this review. Fourteen were randomized controlled trials (RCT) and three clinical controlled trials (CCT). Quality scores according to PEDro indicate low quality of the included studies (range 1-6, mean 3.8±1.2). The most studied components related to physical fitness were neuromotor fitness (n=11), muscle strength (n=8), cardiorespiratory endurance (n=4), body composition (n=4) and flexibility (n=4). Results indicate that Pilates method seems to present positive effects in neuromotor fitness, especially in static and dynamic balance. Related to the other components of physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength, body composition and flexibility), contradictory results were observed. The Pilates method indicates to be an appropriate exercise modality in order to improve balance on older adults. Nevertheless, more intervention research is needed to build a solid knowledge base about the health benefits of Pilates method on older people, especially regarding the other components of physical fitness.

Background Despite visceral leishmaniasis (VL) being epidemic in most Brazilian regions, the Northeast region is responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality outcomes within the country. Objective To analyse the spatiotemporal dynamics of VL cases to identify the temporal trends and high-risk areas for VL transmission, as well as the association of the disease with social vulnerability in Brazilian Northeast. Methods We carried out an ecological time series study employing spatial analysis techniques using all VL confirmed cases of 1,794 municipalities of Brazilian Northeast between the years 2000 to 2017. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to represent the social vulnerability. Incidence rates were standardized and smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian Method. Time trends were examined through segmented linear regression. Spatiotemporal analysis consisted of uni- and bivariate Global and Local Moran indexes and space-time scan statistics. Results Incidence rate remained stable and ranged from 4.84 to 3.52 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was higher case prevalence between males (62.71%), children and adolescents (63.27%), non-white (69.75%) and urban residents (62.58%). Increasing trends of new cases were observed among adult male subjects (≥ 40 years old) and urban residents. Importantly, VL incidence showed a direct spatial dependence. Spatial and space-time clusters were identified in sertão and meio-norte sub-regions, overlapping with high social vulnerability areas. Conclusions VL is a persistent health issue in Brazilian Northeast and associated with social vulnerability. Space-time clustering of VL cases in socially vulnerable municipalities demands intersectoral public policies of surveillance and control, with focus on reducing inequalities and improving living conditions for regional inhabitants.

The treatment of occupational mechanical neck pain by myofascial release therapy seems to be more effective than manual therapy for correcting the advanced position of the head, recovering range of motion in side bending and rotation, and improving quality of life.

No abstract

No abstract

(1) Background: Those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may present difficulties in performing dual tasks (DT). The use of DT during training can improve different abilities. Therefore, the objective of this study is to verify the influence of a cycling exercise program combined with a cognitive task on cognitive and physical PD aspects; (2) Methods: A double-blind, randomized pilot study was undertaken. Participants performed a DT intervention composed of cycling and a cognitive task. The cycling parameters, MDS-UPDRS, PDQ-39, TUG Test, 30 s Chair Sit to Stand test and Stroop were used to measure outcomes; (3) Results: DT generated impairment in performing the cycling task, with significant differences in cycling parameters, active and passive distance (m), total work (W) and active speed (rpm). At the cognitive level, there was a trend of improvement in the group that performed the training with DT, which improved by 211%; (4) Conclusions: Combining cycling with a cognitive task caused impairment in the performance of the physical task and an improvement at the cognitive level. Therefore, combining cycling with a cognitive task in a presumably safer environment for patients with PD can be a good way to train these patients for the dual-task challenges with practical applications.

This pilot study aimed at assessing the feasibility and efficacy of a Mat Pilates program in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). The participants carried out a Mat Pilates program twice a week for 12 weeks. The Senior Fitness Test battery and the 39-item PD Questionnaire were used to assess the effects of the program on the participants' fitness level and quality of life. A total of 16 patients with mild-to-moderate PD volunteered for and finished the study. The Mat Pilates program proved to be feasible. Adherence to the program was excellent, and no adverse effects were observed. The program had a positive effect on the participants' fitness levels, except for shoulder range of motion and dynamic balance, and on their quality of life. Assessments at follow-up indicated a regression in the improvements obtained by the end of the intervention, even though the sample still showed higher levels of fitness and quality of life than those tested at baseline. Mat Pilates is feasible and may be a beneficial rehabilitation strategy to improve fitness and quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate PD. Future randomized controlled trials might determine the extent of such benefits.

Introducción: El uso de la Realidad Virtual Inmersiva (RVI) se encuentra en auge en todas las franjas de edad. Sin embargo, algunos problemas estructurales han limitado su aplicación en colectivos más frágiles. Objetivo: Analizar la seguridad, usabilidad y experiencias de la RVI en personas mayores. Método: 4 varones (2 parkinsonianos y 2 sanos, 57-78 años) participaron en el estudio. Realizaron una sesión de RVI (10-15 minutos) con un dispositivo Head-Mounted Display (HTC Vive Pro). Se evaluó la seguridad de la experiencia inmersiva (SSQ), usabilidad del sistema (SUS) e impresiones tras la experiencia (GEQ y un cuestionario de satisfacción ad hoc para identificar fortalezas y puntos débiles de la herramienta). Resultados: Todos completaron la sesión con éxito, sin efectos adversos. La usabilidad del sistema fue buena, incluso salvando obstáculos como la presencia de gafas correctoras de visión y audífono. Las opiniones tras la sesión señalaron lo positivo de la experiencia y todos mostraron su predisposición a repetirla, calificándola como entretenida, divertida y útil. Conclusión: El uso con éxito de la RVI en los casos presentados abre la puerta a futuras investigaciones con ensayos clínicos que puedan evaluar la posible mejora de variables físicas, psíquicas y sociales en la población sénior española. Abstract. Background: The use of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) is booming in all age groups. However, some structural problems have limited its application in more fragile groups. Objective: Analyze the safety, usability and experiences of IVR in older people. Method: 4 males (2 parkinsonian and 2 healthy, 57-78 years) participated in the study. They conducted an RVI session (10-15 minutes) with a Head-Mounted Display (HTC Vive Pro) device. The safety of immersive experience (SSQ), system usability (SUS), and impressions after experience (GEQ and an ad hoc satisfaction questionnaire to identify strengths and weaknesses of the tool) were evaluated. Results: Everyone completed the session successfully, without adverse effects. The usability of the system was good, even overcoming obstacles such as the presence of vision corrective glasses and hearing aids. Opinions after the session pointed out the positive experience and all participants showed their willingness to repeat it, describing it as entertaining, fun, and useful. Conclusion: The successful use of IVR in the cases presented opens the door to future research with clinical trials that can evaluate the improvements of physical, psychic and social variables in the Spanish senior population.