Introduction: Shoulder muscle strength imbalance is considered a risk factor for shoulder injuries in athletes, especially in sports involving arm movements above the head. Objective: To assess the strength of the external rotators (ER) and internal rotators (IR) of the shoulder in elite swimmers, to determine possible differences between the dominant and non-dominant limbs, and to calculate the shoulder IR/ER ratio. Methods: Fifteen athletes participated in the study from age 20 ± 2 years, mass of 76 ± 4 kg, stature of 1.83 ± 4 cm, and BMI of 22 ± 1 kg/m2. Duration of practice of 10.74 ± 4.03 years; training frequency 5.95 ± 0.22 days/week, 2.07 ± 0.41 hours/day; and weekly number of meters swum 34.905. An isometric dynamometer (Globus Ergo System®, Codognè, Italy) was used to assess ER and IR strength. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), paired-sample t-test, Pearson´s correlation coefficient and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS), version 16.0. Results: IR and ER strength was lower in the left than in the right shoulder of the swimmers (p < 0.05). Additionally, ER strength ratio was higher than IR strength ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the swimmers had an alteration of the shoulder ER/IR ratio, especially in the dominant limb.

Introduction: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is characterized by non-inflammatory degeneration and pain under the heel, and is one of the most common foot complaints. The compensations and adjustments made to decrease the discomfort caused by the disease are clinical findings and can be a factor that contributes to impaired balance and decreased functional performance. Objective: To compare functional performance as well as static and dynamic balance among subjects with and without PF. Methods: The sample consisted of 124 subjects of both sexes aged 20-60 years. Participants were divided into two groups: a bilateral PF group (PFG; n = 62) and a control group (CG, n = 62). The following outcomes were analyzed: static and dynamic balance (using functional tests) and functional performance (using a questionnaire). We used Student´s t test for independent samples to compare variables between the groups. The alpha error was set at 0.05. Results: Subjects with PF showed greater impairment in their overall dynamic balance performance (p < 0.001) than the control group, except for left posteromedial movement (p = 0.19). The CG showed showed better functional performance (p < 0.001) than the PF group. There was no difference between groups for the variable static balance on stable (p = 0.160) and unstable surfaces (p = 0.085). Conclusion: Subjects with PF displayed smaller reach distances in the overall Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), demonstrating a deficit in dynamic balance and functional performance when compared with healthy subjects.

Introduction: Adiposity is defined as the accumulation of energy reserves within the adipose tissue at specific body sites. Low-frequency electrical stimulation elicits lipolysis. When applied by insertion of needles into the dermis-hypodermis junction, it leads to a modification of the interstitial space, favoring metabolic changes and lipolysis. Objective: To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on body fat localized to the abdomen and flanks. Methods: Randomized, controlled clinical trial consisted of two groups of women with body fat localized to the abdomen and flanks. The intervention group (IG) was made up of 9 women (± 24,77 years) who received ten sessions of electrical stimulation, whereas the control group (CG) was made up of 7 women (± 21,8 years) who did not receive electrical stimulation. Perimetric, adipometric and thermographic data were collected before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, t test, one-way ANOVA. The significance level was set at p < 0,05. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the assessment immediately following intervention (IG: 33.08 ± 1.00; CG: 30.83 ± 1.5; p = 0.002), 15 minutes following intervention (IG: 33.05 ± 0.48; CG: 30.40± 1.24; p < 0.0001) and at the endpoint (IG: 32.22 ± 14.20; CG: 30.53 ± 1.34; p=0.005) for the thermographic data. For the anthropometric variables, there were no statistically significant differences before and after treatment. Conclusion: Electrical stimulation evokes a significant increase in the temperature of the subcutaneous tissue.

Introduction: Health education practices associated with oriented exercises have potential beneficial effect on health promotion and prevention of chronic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effect ofan intervention protocol using Pilates and conversation circles on the functional autonomy and quality of life of older adults in the context of the primary health care of Taió, SC, Brazil. Methods: This study applieda single case experimental design (ABAB), with 24 participants aged 60 years or older who changed phases with and without interventions performed with Pilates sessions and conversation circles. At the end of each phase, anamnesis interview applied with the WHOQOL-OLD inventory and the GDLAM protocol were individually performed. Results: Interventions were associated with increased functional parameters and quality of life as well as to reduced body mass index. Participants also reported improvement in emotional conditions, body harmony and global mobility. Conclusion: The Pilates Method assured increased functionality of the volunteers, and further studies should be carried out to evaluate the subjective indicators.

Introduction: Young children are at high risk of respiratory infections. The severity of the disease is based on the assessment of signs and symptoms, although there is a lack of validated scales to the Portuguese population. Objective: The aim of this study was to accomplish the cultural adaptation and validation of the subjective and objective parameters in paediatric respiratory conditions, according to Postiaux. Methods: We ensured the cultural adaptation of the “Paramètres anamnestiques et cliniques utiles au suivi et à l´achèvement de la toilette bronchopulmonaire du nourrisson et de l´enfant”, created by Guy Postiaux. Then we analysed content, conceptual and construct validity, as well as test-retest reliability. The Portuguese version was applied in a sample of 59 children, with a mean age of 23.05 ± 8.34 months, 55.9% male. Results: We stablished semantics and construct validity and adopted the title “Paediatric Respiratory Severity Score” (PRSS). PRSS obtained a good internal consistency (α de Cronbach = 0.80) and an excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.91). Subjective parameters revealed a Cronbach’ α = 0.80 and an ICC = 0.90. Objective parameters obtained a Cronbach’ α = 0.73 and an ICC = 0.85. The application of PRSS to the sample showed that 37.3% of the children had a normal health condition (PRSS = 8) and 62.7% ofthe children had a moderate impairment of their health condition (9 ≤ PRSS ≤ 16). Conclusion: Paediatric Respiratory Severity Score is a valid and reliable measure to assess the severity of acute respiratory infections in children under 36 months of age.

Introduction: Training with exergames has been prescribed for health problems prevention, however, little is known about its influence on the self-perception of the physical condition and on the physical and motor skills (PMS). Objective: To investigate the effects of exergames (EXG) on the self-perception of the physical condition, level of physical activity and PMS in healthy young adults. Methods: Forty young adults, of both genders, were allocated by convenience into Control Group (CG, n = 20, 21.85 ± 0.62 years old), the individuals did not perform the physical training with exergames, and Intervention Group (IG, n = 20, 23.10 ± 0.61 years old), the subjects practiced exergames training (XBOX360 Kinect®), in pairs, twice a week, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements; self-perceived physical condition (International Fitness Scale-IFIS); International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and PMS (flexibility; abdominal endurance; upper limb strength and endurance, agility and velocity) were evaluated. Results: The IG presented better self-perception of the physical condition; increased physical activity level in the leisure domain and enhanced PMS after 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the CG. Conclusion: The EXG was efficient to improve skeletal muscle function, to contribute to physical exercise adherence and to promote physical health in active young adults.

Introduction: Several factors can be associated to the reduction of mobility among the elderly. Early identification of these factors is crucial, since it may lead to prevention of functional dependencies. Objective:To analyze the association between mobility, sociodemographic factors and the prevalence of noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs) in oldest old. Methods: The sample consisted of 120 elderly persons aged (80 and 95 years), with 76 of them being women (83 ± 3 years) and 44 of them men (83 ± 3 years). Sociodemographic factors and NCDs which we studied were: age, gender, marital status, education, nutritional status, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes and osteoarticular diseases. Mobility was analyzed using a battery of Physical Performance Tests. For statistical analysis we used the chi-square test and binary logistic regression to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors, NCDs and mobility. SPSS (17.0) software was used for this and the significance level was set at 5%. Results: Level of education (p ≤ 0.001) and age (p = 0.034) are the two factors related to low mobility. However, the model built by multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age is independently related to limited mobility in oldest old people (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.09 to 9.87). Conclusion: Thus, oldest old >85 years are at a greater risk of decreased mobility independent of their education, marital and nutritional statuses and gender. We encourage further studies in this area. Studies which will not only address those facts considered in this study but that also examine family-related aspects, especially using longitudinal studies.

Introduction: Six-minute walk test (TC6’) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) can be influenced by variables like gender, age and body mass index (BMI). In the school context, these tests can identify losses caused by sedentary habits and/or manifestation of overweight/obesity. Nevertheless, although widely studied in the adult context, they have not been properly clarified in the child public. Objective: To assess the PEF andTC6’ between students in the public and private network and to correlate them with factors like age, gender and BMI. Methods: 39 male and female children between eight and ten years of age were selected for the study. The TC6’ was held at a sports court. The child was instructed to walk at maximum speed for six minutes and the PEF test took place in accordance to the recommendations by Pereira et al (1). Results: No significant correlation was found between the BMI and the PEF and TC6’ scores. No significant correlation was found between sex and PEF, with measures within normal parameters for the entire sample. The EPF measures did not influence the distance walked in the TC6’. A significant correlation was found between sex and distance walked in the TC6’ only among male children attending public schools. Conclusion: Both sex and BMI did not influence the PEF measures which, in turn, does not seem to have influenced the distance the sample walked in the TC6’. Also concerning the TC6’, only the children from public school reached the normal scores proposed in the literature.

Introduction: Child development is the result of the interaction between biological and environmental factors. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the Functional Capacity, Independence and Home Affordances Level of Stimulation of premature children between 18 and 42 months, attending or not daycare centers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 26 premature children between 18 and 42 months, paired and divided into two groups: attending (study group) and not attending daycare centers (control group). Data was collected from the questionnaires AHEMD-SR, PEDI and an identification questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, and Chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney and Univariate Analysis tests, considering the level of significance of α = 0.05 and tendency of differentiation when α < 010. Results: There was a significant difference in the AHEMD-SR`s Variety of Stimulation (p = 0.036), higher in the control group, and tendency in the Gross Motor Toys (p = 0.086), more available in the study group. In PEDI, there was significant difference in Self-care (p = 0.045) and tendency of differentiation in Mobility (0.068), both of the Caregiver Assistance part (greater to the study). The sample showed low stimulation opportunities regarding Fine and Gross Motor Toys and high percentages of delay in Functional Skills (Mobility) and Independence (Self Care and Mobility), especially in the control group. Conclusion: Daycare centers seem to positively affect the Functional Capacity and Independence in premature children between 18 and 42 months.

Introduction: Amputation is a trauma that involves important functional, psychological and social sequelae. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is based on the biopsychosocial model and enables understanding functioning and disability through the interaction of its components. Objective: This study’s aim was to depict functioning and disability using the ICF conceptual interaction model from the perspective of individuals who suffered a lower limb amputation. Methods: The qualitative approach was used and included a semi-structured interview held with six participants. Results: All the participants used assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs or walkers: three used prostheses and the other three emphasized their difficulty in acquiring prostheses from the Social Security Service or Public Health System. Social support, especially that provided by family and friends, is a major facilitator. The importance of acquiring and adapting prostheses to enable the rehabilitation of amputees became clear; however, rehabilitation is not restricted to the acquisition of prostheses. A rehabilitation program directed to restoring functionality is needed. Conclusion: The multidirectional approach using the ICF’s conceptual interaction model enabled important insights concerning public health issues, such as obstacles related to the access to rehabilitation services and a lack of preparedness on the part of health professionals in relation to care provided to amputees.

Introduction: Changes in the profile of infected individuals with HIV and the chronicity of this condition become necessary a better understanding about the clinical changes caused by the disease. Objective: This study characterizes the physical symptoms of infected individuals with HIV in a physiotherapy department of a specialized HIV treatment center. Methods: A descriptive study with quantitative analysis was performed. All registered users in the physiotherapy department (138 individuals) from 2009 to 2013 were included. Data analysis considered absolute and relative frequencies of the variables of interest. Results: Most patients were female (55%) and the mean age was 35.0 years (± 16.8). Most users were usingantiretroviral therapy and had 4 to 10 years (51.8%) of the HIV diagnosis. Many patients have comorbidities and the most prevalent was cerebral toxoplasmosis. The most common physical complaints were hemiparesis, pain, alteration in muscle tone and lipodystrophy. Conclusion: According the symptomatic profile found, expanding the role of physiotherapists for infected individuals with HIV is necessary, since the physiotherapy has a wide range of preventive and therapeutic interventions that can increase functionality, independence level and social participation.

Introduction: Mouth breathing can lead to changes in body posture and pulmonary function. However, the consequences are still inconclusive and a number of studies are controversial. Objective: Evaluate and correlate spirometric parameters and postural measures in mouth breathing children, and compare them to nose breathers. Methods: two groups of 6 to 12 year-old children were evaluated: mouth breathers (MB, n = 55)and nose breathers (NB, n = 45). Spirometry and body posture analysis using photogrammetry (SAPo 0.68® v) were carried out. The following spirometric measures were evaluated: peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio (%) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%). Biophotogrammetric measures analyzed were: horizontal alignment of acromions (HAA) and anterior superior iliac spine (HAASIS), Charpy angle, horizontal alignment of the head (HAH), cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), cervical distance (CD) and lumbar distance (LD). Results: There were no intergroup differences in spirometric and postural variables. Positive and moderate correlations were found between CL and CD measures with PEF, FEV1, FVC and FEF 25-75%, while weak correlations were observed between lumbar lordosis and PEF, FEV1 and FVC. Conclusion: The breathing mode had no influence on postural and respiratory measures. However, greater forward head posture, with smaller cervical lordosis, was related to higher lung volumes and flows in both groups.

Introduction: Accidents involving pedestrians are responsible for many cases of serious injuries and deaths. Crossing streets safely requires complex planning and cognitive demand because it is necessary to perform more than one task at a time. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify electromyographic changes during gait in young subjects who performed the cognitive tasks concurrently. Methods: The study included 17 younger women aged between 18 and 25 years. Data collection was performed on a treadmill. The volunteers were instructed to walk in four different conditions: normal gait (NG), gait with dual easy task (DET), gait with dual hard task (DHT) and gait with dual mixed task (DMT). Results: Significant differences were found between the MN condition to the other conditions for all muscles and, during the NG, smaller values of muscle activation were found. Muscle co-contraction between muscles VM / BF showed a significant difference between the conditions of NG and DMT (p = 0.04) and, during the NG, smaller values of co-contraction were observed. Conclusion: The data of this study permits to conclude that the competition between motor and cognitive resources significantly affects the levels of muscle activation and co-contraction during gait in young adult women. Thus, we conclude that the performance of dual cognitive tasks while driving can be considered a risk factor for safe driving.

Introduction: The hip muscles play an important role in controlling the transverse and frontal plane of the femur during displacement. The hip extension and abduction/adduction exercises are among the most widely evaluated protocols both clinically and in research. Objective: To compare which assessment protocol in an isokinetic strength regime (distal grip-ankle vs. proximal grip-knee) best represents the action of hip extension and to analyze the test-retest reliability in the variables peak force (PF) and work (W). Methods: A total of 20 subjects participated in this research. All participants were female. The mean and standard deviations of age, weight and height were 21 ± 3.9 years, 65 ± 11 kg, 166 ± 3.4 cm, respectively. Results: Significant differences were found in both variables (PF and W) between protocols 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) on assessment days 1 and 2. No differences between days 1 and day 2 in either protocol (p < 0.05) were found. Index values of interclass correlation (ICC) of protocol 1 ranged between 0.38 and 0.86. In protocol 2 the ICC range was between 0.33 and 0.87. Conclusions: In light of these results, the hip extension exercise with a proximal grip best represents the strength of the muscle groups involved in this action.

Introduction: Stroke has a high prevalence in the world´s population and a significant impact on those affected. Objective: To determine the relationship between body functions evaluated according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) parameters and the referral of poststroke subjects to rehabilitation services in the city of João Pessoa-PB. Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study involving patients diagnosed with stroke who were affected for less than 60 months and linked to the Family Health Strategy (Estratégia de Saúde da Família - ESF). The ICF stroke core sets that identify disabilities in the body function dimension were used to construct the research instrument. Access to rehabilitation was explored using a questionnaire developed from a literature review. The statistical method of logistic regression was used to identify the disabilities in body functions that were relevant to the referral of the post-stroke subject for rehabilitation. Results: The functions that were significant (p < 0.05) were functions relating to muscle tone (OR = 2.38), functions relating to voluntary movement control (OR = 2.60), emotional functions (OR = 2.22), and sexual functions (OR = 3.92). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the presence of disability in these functions is associated with the referral of chronic phase post-stroke subjects to rehabilitation. Therefore, rehabilitation services should be organized to meet the specific requirements of treatment of the sequelae caused by stroke.

Introduction: The kidney system is responsible for the maintenance of homeostasis and in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease the kidney functions changes, contributing for the development of various complicationsthat will have adverse effects in tolerance to the physical exercise and in Quality of Life of this patients. Objective: To evaluate the Effects of non-invasive ventilatory support in tolerance to the patients’ physical exercise in dialysis. Methods: The patients performed two 6-minute walk tests, following an adapted protocol for treadmill, one of them without the use of non-invasive ventilatory support and the other with non-invasive ventilatory support during the walk. Besides, the patients answered a questionnaire of quality of life and the KDQOL-SFTM specific for the population under study. Results: It was noticed that there was not statistical difference in the distance recorded during the 6-minute walk tests. Regarding the quality of life, the greater impact of the disease was in relation to “Professional Activity”. Conclusion: In conclusion, a non-invasive ventilatory support did not cause significant effects in tolerance to the exercise of this population. However, we should take into consideration the limitations suffered during the research development.

Introduction: Assessing the functional capacity of the upper limbs (UL) is essential to direct treatments in clinical practice but there is a lack of research on specific methods for this end. Objective: To verify the relationship of physical activity, grip strength (GS) and body mass index (BMI) with performance on 6-minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT) in healthy subjects. Methods: Cross-sectional, exploratory and quantitative study. Apparently healthy adults were evaluated, both sexes, according to sociodemographic and anthropometric aspects, health conditions, physical activity level (IPAQ - short version), GS and functional capacity of the upper limbs (6PBRT). The data were analyzed descriptively using means, standard deviations, absolute figures and percentages. Correlations were found between variables using Spearman´s correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 17.0 was used for analysis purposes. Results: In total, 50 individuals were evaluated, the majority classified as active (54%). The mean GS was 30.70 ± 9,47kgf and the average number of loops moved during the 6PBRT was 277.6 ± 34.48. There was no correlation between the number of rings moved in 6PBRT and the level of physical activity (r = 0.076; p = 0.602), GS (r = -0.008; p = 0.956) or BMI (r = 0.031; p = 0.829). Conclusion: The level of physical activity, GS and BMI did not influence the performance on 6PBRT, demonstrated by the lack of correlation between these variables.

Introduction: Recovery and maintenance of patients suffering from heart and respiratory diseases using the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) help maintain their functionality and improve the activities of daily living (ADLs) carried out according to their functional limitations. Objective: To investigate the efficacy of a CPRP in a patient with cardiopulmonary disease, following a 5-month training program. Methods: A 66-year-old female patient, body weight 78 kg, height 1.55 m, diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and bronchial asthma underwent a six-minute walk test (6MWT) to measure exercise tolerance; the Wells Bench was used to measure the flexibility of the posterior chain and lower limbs (LL), and a handheld dynamometer (HHD) was used to measure upper limb strength (ULS). Vital sign measurements include blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), oxygen saturation (SpO2) as well as dyspnea and LL fatigue (modified Borg scale) at rest, during and after 5-month CPRP. Results: An increase of 145 meters during the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program i.e. 30% of walk distance (WD) in the 6MWT (pre = 345, post = 490m). There was an increase of 32% in flexibility (pre = 13, post = 19cm); in right upper limb (pre = 26, post = 60 kgf) and left lower limb strength (pre = 28, post = 72kgf), there was an increase of 57% and 61%, respectively. Conclusion: The CPRP proved to be effective in increasing exercise capacity, upper limb strength and flexibility of the posterior chain and lower limbs.

Introduction: Neonatal respiratory physicaltherapy plays an important role in prevention and treatment of respiratory pathologies. In preterm neonates, immaturity of respiratory system can let development of variousrespiratory diseases. Meanwhile, it is discussed if respiratory physiotherapy can cause pain. Objective: Investigate presence of pain in neonates undergone to respiratory physiotherapy by a systematic review. Methods: Scientific search in electronic databases: Medline, Lilacs, Bireme, PEDro, Pubmed, Scielo and Capes thesis and dissertations base. Portuguese, English and Spanish, publication year from 2000 to 2012. Results: Thriteen studies were included, but one of them was excluded due to fulltext unavaiable. Therefore, twelve articles were included, nine (81,8%) confirm pain in newborn (NB), from these, in eight (72,7%) intervention was suction and in only one vibrocompression. Four articles studied term and premature newborns. Mechanical ventilatory assistance was used in seven of the studies analyzed. Conclusion: Results: suggest that suction and vibrocompression were pain causers in NB. However, evidenced the necessity of well delineated methods to evaluate if physicaltherapy techniques can cause pain in neonates.

Introduction: Physical function impairment is a significant concern for patients who survive their intensive care unit (ICU) stay, due to its impact on the patient´s independence and functional status. In this context,the choice of a suitable instrument for the assessing functional status is important, because an inappropriate assessment could lead to incorrect conclusions regarding patient prognosis, treatment benefits, and condition. Objective: To identify which functional assessment tools are used in Brazil to assess patients who are in ICU. Additionally, we investigated the translation, adaptation, and validation of these instruments for use in this population. Methods: We searched Pubmed, SCIELO, Lilacs, and Scopus in November 2015. No language or date restrictions were applied to the search. Results: Ten studies and seven instruments were identified. The most commonly used instruments were the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale Scores and the Functional Independence Measure. Conclusion: The instruments found in the review were neither specifically developed to assess the functional status of ICU patients, nor were they validated for use in this population in Brazil. Transcultural development or adaptation studies should be conducted, followed by a validation process.