Background:Kinesio Taping (KT) is widely used, however the effects of KT on muscle activation and force are contradictory. Objective:To evaluate the effects of KT on knee extension force in soccer players. Method:This is a clinical trial study design. Thirty-four subjects performed two maximal isometric voluntary contractions of the lower limbs pre, immediately post, and 24 hours after tape application on the lower limbs. Both lower limbs were taped, using K-Tape and 3M Micropore tape randomly on the right and left thighs of the participants. Isometric knee extension force was measured for dominant side using a strain gauge. The following variables were assessed: peak force, time to peak force, rate of force development until peak force, time to peak rate of force development, and 200 ms pulse. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the variables assessed between KT and Micropore conditions (F=0.645, p=0.666) or among testing sessions (pre, post, and 24h after) (F=0.528, p=0.868), and there was no statistical significance (F=0.271, p=0.986) for interaction between tape conditions and testing session. Conclusion:KT did not affect the force-related measures assessed immediately and 24 hours after the KT application compared with Micropore application, during maximal isometric voluntary knee extension.

PEW is a potential method to reduce MSDs in workers, but it was not efficient in reducing stress levels or improving the quality of life of the workers.

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Introdução: A ginástica laboral (GL) é uma modalidade de atividade física praticada dentro da empresa. No entanto, os efeitos dessa prática sobre a prevenção de doenças ocupacionais e melhoria da qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores ainda não está totalmente esclarecido. Objetivo: Fazer uma análise crítica acerca da contribuição da GL na saúde do trabalhador. Metodologia: A revisão integrativa da bibliografia foi o método de pesquisa utilizado neste estudo. Os Bancos de dados utilizados foram: as bibliotecas eletrônicas Scielo e PubMed. Resultados: Dos resultados extraídos dos sete artigos selecionados, foi possível observar que a GL apresentou resultados positivos para a melhora da qualidade de vida, provocou redução nos sintomas de depressão e dores na coluna, bem como melhorou a autoestima dos trabalhadores. Em relação à qualidade dos artigos, o resultado médio para a escala de PEDro foi de 5,7±0,8 pontos. Conclusão: Embora existam poucos artigos sobre os efeitos da GL, os estudos foram classificados como moderado e de boa qualidade. Os resultados mostraram que a GL pode ser uma forma potencial de intervenção para minimizar os problemas de saúde no local de trabalho. Entretanto, outros estudos, em diferentes situações e diferentes locais de trabalho são necessários.

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The purpose of this study is to analyze association between stress perception and physical activity with the prevalence of symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (SMSD) in police officers. The police officers (n=142) answered the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was used to measure strength and direction of relationship between PSS-10 and prevalence of SMSD and showed a positive correlation between variables in the last 7 days (r=0.34, p=0.00001) and in the last 12 months (r=0.40, p=0.00001). The mean prevalence of SMSD in the last 12 months was lower among police officers practicing physical activity (W=1888.5, p=0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the practice of physical activities as well as efforts to reduce stress perception both decrease the odds of musculoskeletal disorders. This study indicated that stress level and physical activity practice influenced in prevalence of SMSD. Multidisciplinary interventions with actions to reduce stress level and encourage physical activity practice are needed to control SMSD prevalence.

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Introduction: Muscle fatigue can be defined as a decrease in the performance of the neuromuscular system in generating force. This situation is considered a complex physiological process involving various body systems, in order to avoid irreversible damage or even cell death. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure muscle strength in order to assess the level of fatigue among footwear industry workers, and to determine a possible correlation between muscle strength and the perception of reported fatigue. Materials and Methods: The study included 32 male workers from the footwear industry with a mean age of 34.63 ± 11.98 years. The workers performed the handgrip strength test using a handheld dynamometer, and completed the Bipolar Fatigue Questionnaire. Results: The mean result of strength testing was 23.1 ± 8.3 kgf, and the mean score of the fatigue questionnaire was 2.28 ± 0.93 points. However, a low correlation was observed between the results of the fatigue questionnaire and the strength test results. Conclusion: The grip strength results of the footwear workers were below the values for the general Brazilian population, a fact that may indicate potential muscle fatigue. However, a low correlation with the perception of fatigue was indicated by the questionnaire.