A estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) é um importante recurso utilizado em medicina esportiva para acelerar processos de recuperação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos da EENM durante a imobilização do músculo gastrocnêmio, em posições de alongamento (LP) e encurtamento (SP). Para tanto, 60 ratas fêmeas jovens Wistar foram distribuídas em seis grupos e acompanhadas durante sete dias: controle (C), eletroestimuladas (EE), imobilizadas em encurtamento (ISP), imobilizadas em alongamento (ILP), imobilizadas em encurtamento e eletroestimuladas (ISP + EE) e imobilizadas em alongamento e eletroestimuladas (ILP + EE). Para a imobilização, o membro posterior direito foi envolvido por uma malha tubular e ataduras de algodão juntamente à atadura gessada. A EENM foi utilizada com freqüência de 50Hz, 10 minutos por dia, totalizando 20 contrações em cada sessão. Após sete dias os animais foram submetidos a eutanásia e os músculos gastrocnêmios retirados para a realização do ensaio mecânico de tração em uma máquina universal de ensaios (EMIC®). A partir dos gráficos carga versus alongamento, foram calculadas as seguintes propriedades mecânicas: alongamento no limite de proporcionalidade (ALP), carga no limite de proporcionalidade (CLP) e rigidez. As imobilizações SP e LP promoveram reduções significativas (p < 0,05) nas propriedades de ALP e CLP, sendo mais acentuada no grupo ISP. Quando utilizada a EENM, houve acréscimo significativo (p < 0,05) dessas propriedades somente no grupo ISP. Já em relação à rigidez, foi observada redução significativa (p < 0,05) somente do grupo C para o grupo ISP. Quando utilizada a EENM, a rigidez do grupo ILP + EE foi significativamente (p < 0,05) maior e mais próxima do grupo C que a do grupo ISP + EE. Neste modelo experimental, a imobilização dos músculos em alongamento atrasou o processo de atrofia, e a estimulação elétrica, realizada durante a imobilização, contribuiu para a manutenção das propriedades mecânicas durante o período de imobilismo, principalmente no grupo ILP + EE.
Purpose The aim of this study was to establish ranges of angular variation in lordotic and kyphotic curves in normal male and female children and adolescents. Methods We developed a pantograph to measure dorsal curves. It consisted of a tripod-supported vertical strut to which an articulated bar was fixed and which had an arm that was able to follow the dorsal surface while moving up and down. This arm was positioned over the C7 spinous process and followed spinous processes to L5 at constant speed. A laser beam was used to ensure the proper positioning of the pantograph and the subject. The motion was recorded using software so that the dorsal outline was represented on a computer screen, and lordotic and kyphotic curves were automatically measured. Before performing the population study, the pantograph was validated in 20 normal subjects by comparing the pantograph measurements with lateral spine radiographs. There were no statistically significant differences in the measurements. There were 718 subjects with no race selection, of whom 350 were males and 368 females ranging in age from 5 to 20 years and presenting normal weight and height. Individuals with generalized ligament laxity, trunk asymmetry, muscle retraction, or any orthopedic anomaly were excluded from the study. Data were analyzed according to age and gender. Student's t tests and regression analysis were performed. Results Kyphotic curves increased linearly from 25°at 7 years of age to 38°at 19 years of age (kyphotic angle = 25°+ 0.58 · age). Lordotic curves increased linearly from 22°at 5 years of age to 32°at 20 years of age (lordotic angle = 24°+ 0.51 · age). There were no differences between males and females. Conclusions The pantograph that was developed for this study was successfully used to establish the normal ranges and progression of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis in the studied population. Both curves increased linearly with age, with no differences between males and females.
We assessed and compared the effects of swimming, jumping, and vibration therapies on the prevention of bone loss because of unloading. Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: S, permanent hind limb-suspended rats; CON, control rats; S + Swim, unloading interrupted by swimming exercise; S + C(Swim), suspension interrupted by regular weight-bearing with the same duration as in the S + Swim protocol; S + Jump, unloading interrupted by jumping exercise; S + C(Jump), suspension interrupted for regular weight-bearing as in the S + Jump group; S + Vibr, unloading interrupted by vibration; and S + C(Vibr), suspension with interruptions for regular weight-bearing with the same protocol as that used for the S + Vibr rats. At the end of the experiment, the bone mineral density, bone strength, histomorphometric parameters, and serum levels of the bone markers were analyzed. The hind limb-suspended rats exhibited bone quality loss. In contrast, the trained rats showed a significant increase in bone mass, bone strength, bone formation, and serum levels of bone markers compared with the respective controls. Although we did not find a significant difference among the three physical exercises, the osteogenic effect of vibration was slightly lower than that of swimming and jumping. Thus, all physical exercises were efficient in preventing bone loss because of unloading and preserving bone quality.
pelo exemplo de dedicação e valiosos ensinamentos para a realização deste trabalho e para a vida. Aos funcionários do Laboratório: Terezinha, Eng. Moro pela ami zade e, Francisco Carlos Mazzocato e Luiz Henrique Alves Pereira pela inestimável ajuda durante a fase experimental. À amiga Eloisa pela amizade incondicional. Aos amigos Adriano, Luiz Carlos, Valdeci e Vítor pela amizade e pelo auxílio durante a realização desta pesquisa, em especial ao amigo Marcos Shimano pela grande ajuda nos trabalhos de computação. Aos colegas da pós-graduação pela agradável convivência. Ao Curso de Fisioterapia da Universidade de Ribeirão Preto pelo incentivo na realização deste trabalho. À secretária do Laboratório de Bioengenharia da EESC-USP, Janete dos Santos, pela presteza e cordialidade no atendimento aos pós-graduandos.
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