Reduction In Functional Capacity Research Articles

Effects of thoracic kinesio taping on pulmonary functions, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial

ContextRespiratory and peripheral muscle dysfunctions seen in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cause ventilatory limitation, dyspnea and inactivity, which then result in a reduction in functional capacity. Kinesio Taping (KT) is a rehabilitative technique performed by the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape, thus increasing muscle activation and blood circulation. ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of KT application that was applied on respiratory muscles to improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with COPD. Patients and methodsIn total, 27 COPD patients (16 in KT group, 11 in control group) were included. Thoracic KT was applied to facilitate the respiratory muscles along the subcostal area for KT group. Deep breathing exercises were applied to both groups. Interventions were done 2 days a week, through 6 weeks. Pulmonary function and maximal respiratory mouth pressures were measured with a spirometer. Severity of dyspnea and fatigue were assessed with Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and Modified Borg Scale, respectively. Functional capacity was evaluated using six-minute walk test. ResultsPercentage predicted of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), peak expiratory flow (PEF) value, percentage predicted of peak expiratory flow (PEF%) and walking distance were significantly increased in KT group (p = 0.038, p = 0.011, p = 0.013, p = 0.004, respectively). The severity of dyspnea and fatigue were reduced in KT group (p < 0.05). There was no significant change for other variables in-group and between-group analyses (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThoracic KT may be beneficial for improving pulmonary function and functional capacity in patients with COPD.

Associação entre Alteração da Glicemia de Jejum, Cognição e Capacidade Funcional de Idosos

Objetiva-se investigar a possível associação entre a alteração da glicemia de jejum, o déficit cognitivo e a redução da capacidade funcional. Foram selecionados 802 idosos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos que foram submetidos às questões incluídas na Avaliação Geriatrica Ampla (AGA), no Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), no teste da Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS) e nos testes de Atividade da Vida Diária (AVD), além do exame laboratorial da glicemia de jejum. A análise dos resultados mostrou que há relação entre alteração da glicemia de jejum, o declínio cognitivo e a redução da capacidade funcional. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a hiperglicemia de jejum é um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da diminuição do desempenho cognitivo e para a redução da capacidade funcional de idosos.Palavras-chave: Alteração da Glicemia de Jejum; Declínio Cognitivo; Capacidade Funcional.

Capacidade funcional e força muscular de indivíduos internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes pós-cirúrgicos podem apresentar redução da capacidade funcional e força muscular devido as complicações pós-operatórias ou do internamento hospitalar. Porém, até o momento pouco se sabe sobre o estado funcional de indivíduos internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) cirúrgica. OBJETIVO: Verificar a força muscular periférica e a capacidade funcional de indivíduos no pós-operatório internados em uma UTI cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, do qual participaram 72 pacientes admitidos na UTI cirúrgica com idade ?18 anos, de ambos os sexos, no período pós-operatório. Os critérios de exclusão foram os casos onde os pacientes estivessem: hemodinamicamente instáveis, com desordem cognitiva ou com comunicação limitada que comprometesse a acurácia do registro de dados e aqueles que se recusaram a participar da pesquisa. A avaliação da capacidade funcional foi realizada através da medida de independência funcional, a força muscular através do Medical Research Council. RESULTADOS: A média de idade 51.2 ± 19 anos, sendo 35 (46,8%) do sexo feminino. A média da capacidade funcional foi 95,7 ± 21,3, sendo que 40 (55,6%) dos pacientes apresentaram dependência modificada (assistência de até 25% das tarefas) e 28 (38,9%) independência completa/modificada. A mediana da força muscular periférica foi 58 (48-60). A mediana do tempo de permanência na UTI foi 4 (2-7) dias. O tempo de permanência na ventilação mecânica foi de 24 horas para a maioria dos indivíduos 46 (63,9%). CONCLUSÃO: A força muscular periférica dos pacientes internados em UTI cirúrgica no pós-operatório não foi encontrada alterada. No entanto, grande parte dos pacientes apresentaram limitações funcionais.

Does it matter if I am overweight

Objective. The objective of this article is to consider the impact of obesity upon body biomechanics, physiology, and various measures of human performance and ability. Methods. Information obtained from Ovid/Medline and Google Scholar through to September 2018 was supplemented by a search of the author's personal files. Results. An excessive accumulation of body fat has a wide range of negative consequences for biomechanical and physiological functions. A few potentially positive consequences of obesity have also been suggested, but most of these supposed benefits do not withstand close examination. The mechanical efficiency of movement is impaired, with a consequent reluctance to engage in physical activity. Agility, flexibility and balance are adversely affected, with a reduction of functional capacity both at work and in leisure activities. Deposition of fat around the airways leads to sleep apnoea, predisposing to daytime sleepiness, and heat tolerance is reduced. Body fat may protect the hip bones in the event of a fall, but on the other hand a combination of relative muscle weakness with poorer agility and balance increase the risk of falls. Thermal protection is increased in cold climates, but fat offers a less flexible form of insulation than additional clothing (or external application of a layer of fat in an ultra-long distance swimmer). Brown fat plays a role in cold acclimation, but the brown fat response seems attenuated in those who are obese. The greater buoyancy of an obese person increases flotation, but this benefit is offset by a greater drag as the body rises out of the water. Even the energy reserves of fat have little practical value unless prolonged starvation is anticipated. Conclusions. There are few mechanical or physiological advantages to allowing an excessive accumulation of body fat. Given the extensive range of chronic illnesses provoked by obesity, physiological considerations certainly do not warrant ignoring the clinical imperative to maintain an optimal body mass.

THORACOLUMBAR EPIDURAL ARACHNOID CYST OF DIFFICULT CLINICAL MANAGEMENT: CASE REPORT

ABSTRACT Introduction: Among the primary lesions occupying the spinal space, only 1% corresponds to the epidural arachnoid cyst (EAC). This condition is usually asymptomatic, and identified accidentally in imaging tests. In symptomatic cases, total surgical resection is recommended. Objective: To describe a case of EAC refractory to clinical treatment. Methods: A 45-year-old woman had lumbar pain for six years and increased pain in the last months, with irradiation to the left lower limb (corresponding to L1). No other alterations found in the physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine revealed an intravertebral cystic lesion at T12-L1 level, in the left posterolateral position, causing enlargement of the foramen, and suggesting an epidural arachnoid cyst. Results: Due to failure of the initial clinical treatment, the patient underwent left T12-L1 hemilaminectomy, resection of the cyst and correction of dural failure. The patient progressed with effective pain control and MRI confirmed absence of residual lesion. Conclusion: EAC is more common in men (4:1) and may be congenital or acquired. The most common topography is thoracic (65%). Its clinical presentation is low back pain, lower limb pain and paresthesia. MRI is the method of choice for diagnosis and surgical intervention is restricted to cases that are symptomatic or refractory to clinical treatment, and the prognosis tends to be excellent. We conclude that, in addition to being a rare and commonly asymptomatic condition, an adequate therapeutic approach is essential for complete cure, avoiding intense pain and manifestations that bring about a drastic reduction of functional capacity. Level of evidence: IV. Type of study: Case series.

Diabetic Elderly: Correlation Between Falls and Risk Factors

Introduction: The fall event, when associated with Diabetes Mellitus in the elderly, is multifactorial, however, it can be triggered by the reduction of functional capacity, mainly of the lower limbs. Objective: To correlate the fall event and risk factors in diabetic elderly. Methodology: Cross-sectional and correlational study, approved by the Ethics Committee in Research with Human Subjects (CAAE: 0127.0.106.000-09) and composed of elderly diabetic patients accompanied by medical professionals in a nucleus of attention to the elderly of a Brazilian public university. The instruments used were: semi-structured questionnaire with clinical data (age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and number of falls), Timed Up &amp; Go test (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Statistical analysis used the Spearman correlation. Results: Diabetic elderly (70.37 ± 6.65 years) were matched according to gender and age (1: 1 ratio), two groups were selected for correlation analysis, one with 28 men and the other with 28 women. In the correlation between genders, of the variables age and BMI with number of falls, TUG and SPPB, only women presented correlations between age and number of falls (rho = 0.382, p = 0.045), TUG (rho = 0.529, p = 0.004 ) and SPPB (rho = -0.547, p = 0.003), as well as between BMI and TUG (rho = 0.532, p = 0.004). Discussion: These findings corroborate the current literature, demonstrating that the reduction of functional capacity during aging, when associated with the presence of chronic diseases, increases the risk of falls. Conclusion: As the age advances, the elderly diabetic women become more susceptible to falls than men, possibly due to reduced functional capacity of the lower limbs and gait speed. And overweight seems to influence the reduction of the pace of walking.

Posterolateral overhang affects patient quality of life after total knee arthroplasty.

To investigate the appropriate mediolateral placement of symmetrical tibial components and the amount of overhang expected from the posterolateral of tibial components implanted to give ideal coverage and the subsequent incidence of residual knee pain and reduction in functional capacity. A retrospective evaluation was made of 146 consecutive total knee arthroplasties. The posterolateral overhang, rotational alignment and coverage of the tibial component were measured on a post-operative CT scan and the effect of posterolateral overhang on clinical outcomes was analysed 3years after surgery. Complaints of local pain in the posterolateral corner were determined in 76 (52.1%) patients. At the Posterolateral corner, overhang was determined in 111 (76%) patients, in the cortical border in 11 (7.6%) patients and underhang in 24 (16.4%) patients. In 71 (48.6%) patients, pain was determined together with oversize and in the evaluation of the overhang of the tibial component in the posterolateral region and the rotation status, there was determined to be overhang in 75 (96.2%) patients where the tibial component was placed in ideal rotation, in 25 (100%) where placement was in external rotation and in 11 (25.6%) where placement was in internal rotation. The mean KSS, KSS-F and WOMAC-P scores were 83.9 ± 6.3, 83.3 ± 7.8 and 4.6 ± 2.9, respectively, in those with posterolateral overhang of the tibial component .The mean KSS, KSS-F and WOMAC-P scores were 86.6 ± 8.4, 89.5 ± 7.8 and 2.8 ± 2.1, respectively, in those with no overhang and the difference was determined to be statistically significant. The amount of overhang was determined as mean 3.6 ± 2.0mm in those with posterolateral pain and 0.02 ± 3.4mm in those without pain and the difference was statistically significant. This study demonstrated that overhang in the posterolateral region is surprisingly high and negatively affects the clinical results following TKA, thereby presenting a danger to the success of TKA. The risk of posterolateral oversizing can increase with placement of the tibial component in external rotation.

Mortality After Osteoporotic Fractures: What Proportion Is Caused by Fracture and Is Preventable?

Mortality After Osteoporotic Fractures: What Proportion Is Caused by Fracture and Is Preventable?

Aumento da fadiga e redução da qualidade de vida após tratamento de câncer do colo do útero

Introdução: o câncer do colo do útero (CCU) acarreta prejuízos físicos e emocionais, sendo um grande problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: avaliar fadiga, capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida antes e após o tratamento com quimiorradioterapia para o CCU. Métodos: a avaliação de fadiga e qualidade de vida foi realizada por meio dos questionários: Inventário Breve de Fadiga (BFI) e Functional Assessment of Chronic Therapy – Cervix Cancer (FACT-Cx), respectivamente, já a capacidade funcional por mensuração direta pelo Teste do degrau (TD6). Participaram 11 mulheres com CCU. O Graphpad Prism® foi utilizado para estatística. Resultados: após a quimiorradioterapia houve aumento significativo da fadiga (de 2,80 para 4,83), redução significativa da qualidade de vida (de 107,8 para 88,1) e redução da capacidade funcional (de 91 degraus para 82 degraus). Conclusão: aumento da fadiga e redução da qualidade de vida foram observados uma semana após a realização de quimiorradioterapia para o CCU.

Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in the Metabolic Myopathy Accompanying Peripheral Artery Disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a serious but relatively underdiagnosed and undertreated clinical condition associated with a marked reduction in functional capacity and a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of lower extremity PAD is complex, and extends beyond the atherosclerotic arterial occlusion and subsequent mismatch between oxygen demand and delivery to skeletal muscle mitochondria. In this review, we evaluate and summarize the available evidence implicating mitochondria in the metabolic myopathy that accompanies PAD. Following a short discussion of the available in vivo and in vitro methodologies to quantitate indices of muscle mitochondrial function, we review the current evidence implicating skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of PAD myopathy, while attempting to highlight questions that remain unanswered. Given the rising prevalence of PAD, the detriment in quality of life for patients, and the associated significant healthcare resource utilization, new alternate therapies that ameliorate lower limb symptoms and the functional impairment associated with PAD are needed. A clear understanding of the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of PAD may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Peripheral Artery Disease and Its Clinical Relevance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the COPD and Systemic Consequences-Comorbidities Network Study.

Knowledge about the prevalence of objectively assessed peripheral artery disease (PAD) and its clinical relevance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is scarce. We aimed to: (1) assess the prevalence of PAD in COPD compared with distinct control groups; and (2) study the association between PAD and functional capacity as well as health status. The ankle-brachial index was used to diagnose PAD (ankle-brachial index ≤ 0.9). The 6-minute-walk distance, health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire), COPD Assessment Test, and EuroQol-5-Dimensions were assessed in patients enrolled in the German COPD and Systemic Consequences-Comorbidities Network cohort study. Control groups were derived from the Study of Health in Pomerania. A total of 2,088 patients with COPD (61.1% male; mean [SD] age, 65.3 [8.2] years, GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) stages I-IV: 9.4, 42.5, 37.5, and 10.5%, respectively) were included, of which 184 patients (8.8%; GOLD stage I-IV: 5.1, 7.4, 11.1, and 9.5%, respectively, vs. 5.9% in patients with GOLD stage 0 in the COPD and Systemic Consequences-Comorbidities Network) had PAD. In the Study of Health in Pomerania, PAD ranged from 1.8 to 4.2%. Patients with COPD with PAD had a significantly shorter 6-minute-walk distance (356 [108] vs. 422 [103] m, P < 0.001) and worse health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire: 49.7 [20.1] vs. 42.7 [20.0] points, P < 0.001; COPD Assessment Test: 19.6 [7.4] vs. 17.9 [7.4] points, P = 0.004; EuroQol-5-Dimensions visual analog scale: 51.2 [19.0] vs. 57.2 [19.6], P < 0.001). Differences remained significant after correction for several confounders. In a large cohort of patients with COPD, 8.8% were diagnosed with PAD, which is higher than the prevalence in control subjects without COPD. PAD was associated with a clinically relevant reduction in functional capacity and health status.

Study protocol for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Sitting and ExacerbAtions Trial (COPD-SEAT): a randomised controlled feasibility trial of a home-based self-monitoring sedentary behaviour intervention

IntroductionAn acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) marks a critical life event, which can lower patient quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Patients with COPD...

Effect of Xerostomia on the Functional Capacity of Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To evaluate the intensity of xerostomia and hyposalivation in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as the effects of these conditions on functional incapacity and disease activity. The study sample comprised 236 individuals of both sexes who had RA. All the individuals were submitted to clinical evaluation and unstimulated sialometry. Functional capacity was determined by using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), xerostomia was assessed using the Xerostomia Inventory, and disease activity was evaluated with the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The effect of Sjögren syndrome (SS) was analyzed, and the sample was divided into 2 groups: RA (191 subjects) and RA/SS (45 subjects). The Xerostomia Inventory showed positive and significant correlation with fatigue (r = 0.243; p < 0.0001), number of painful joints (r = 0.218; p = 0.001), HAQ (r = 0.279; p < 0.0001), and DAS28 (r = 0.156; p < 0.0001). On regression analysis, both xerostomia (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.84-8.23, p < 0.001) and DAS28 (for severe disease activity: OR 13.26, 95% CI 3.15-55.79, p < 0.001) showed influence on functional incapacity. Forty-five individuals (19.1%) presented with secondary SS, and having this diagnosis was not associated with disease activity or functional capacity. Xerostomia demonstrated an adverse effect on quality of life of subjects with RA, being associated with a reduction in functional capacity. In this clinical setting, xerostomia can be monitored as a marker of worse clinical evolution.

Vibrating Platform Training Improves Respiratory Muscle Strength, Quality of Life, and Inspiratory Capacity in the Elderly Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aging affects respiratory strength that could cause reduction in functional capacity and quality of life, playing a fundamental role in healthy aging and survival. To prevent these declines, the whole body vibration (WBV) has been proposed to increase strength and functional capacity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of WBV on respiratory muscle strength, thoracoabdominal ventilation, and quality of life in the elderly adults. This study was a controlled, randomized double-blind clinical trial. The study included 28 elderly adults randomized into three groups: Resistance (n = 9), WBV (n = 9), or WBV + resistance exercises (n = 10), performing training, sham, or double training for 3 months, twice per week. The variables of the study were as follows: maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), distribution of thoracoabdominal volumes variation in optoelectronic plethysmography (pulmonary rib cage-VRCp, abdominal rib cage-VRCa, and abdomen-VAB), and quality of life. After training, WBV and WBV + resistance groups increased MIP and MEP (p < .001). During inspiratory capacity maneuver, WBV groups had incremental increases in chest wall total volume (p < .001), showing a rise in pulmonary rib cage (p = .03) and abdominal rib cage (p = .04). Furthermore, WBV groups improved SF-36 scores in functional capacity, physical aspects, energy, pain, and general heath domains. The WBV is a training that could improve respiratory muscle strength and quality of life and promote different ventilatory strategies in chest wall and thoracoabdominal compartments in healthy elderly adults.

Associations between multimorbidity, healthcare utilisation and health status: evidence from 16 European countries.

with ageing populations and increasing exposure to risk factors for chronic diseases, the prevalence of chronic disease multimorbidity is rising globally. There is little evidence on the determinants of multimorbidity and its impact on healthcare utilisation and health status in Europe. we used cross-sectional data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2011-12, which included nationally representative samples of persons aged 50 and older from 16 European nations. Negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between number of chronic diseases and healthcare utilisation, self-perceived health, depression and reduction of functional capacity. overall, 37.3% of participants reported multimorbidity; the lowest prevalence was in Switzerland (24.7%), the highest in Hungary (51.0%). The likelihood of having multimorbidity increased substantially with age. Number of chronic conditions was associated with greater healthcare utilisation in both primary (regression coefficient for medical doctor visits = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.27-0.30) and secondary setting (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for having any hospitalisation in the last year = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.42-1.55) in all countries analysed. Number of chronic diseases was associated with fair/poor health status (AOR 2.13, 95% CI = 2.03-2.24), being depressed (AOR 1.48, 95% CI = 1.42-1.54) and reduced functional capacity (AOR 2.12, 95% CI = 2.02-2.22). multimorbidity is associated with greater healthcare utilisation, worse self-reported health status, depression and reduced functional capacity in European countries. European health systems should prioritise improving the management of patients with multimorbidity to improve their health status and increase healthcare efficiency.

Severe cardiomyopathy in a young patient with complete deficiency of adipose triglyceride lipase due to a novel mutation in PNPLA2 gene

Severe cardiomyopathy in a young patient with complete deficiency of adipose triglyceride lipase due to a novel mutation in PNPLA2 gene

Re-innervation of Learning with Neuronal Plasticity: the Neuromuscular Junction as a Model

Re-innervation of Learning with Neuronal Plasticity: the Neuromuscular Junction as a Model

Seasonal differences in falls and fractures among the elderly in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul

Falls and fractures in the elderly represent a significant public health problem, associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality, reduction of functional capacity, institutionalization of the elderly and early death. The scope of this study was to investigate falls and fractures in the elderly living in the metropolitan and mountainous region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, analyzing the associated factors, seasonality and severity thereof. It is a cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive, analytical and quantitative study of the elderly attended for falls from January 1 to December 31 of 2010 using secondary data from emergency units of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Data were collected from all health care reports filed in medical departments. The total number of bulletins for the elderly attended for falls was 6,556: 71% were women; 26.8% were in winter; 30% involved fractures (32% women and 28% men) (p < 0.0001). In only 17.2% of the cases the fall site was recorded, and 58% were outside the home. Winter was the season with 34% of confirmed fractures (p = 0.0002) with more severe outcomes (26.3%). Most falls and their consequences can be prevented and avoided. It is paramount to implement programs and multifactorial actions for intervention.

Evaluation of functional capacity in individuals with signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disease: results of the BRAZCO population study (Brazilian COPCORD Study).

The disability caused by the musculoskeletal signs and symptoms affects the quality of life of a population, especially that related to health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the functional capacity of individuals of the Brazilian population who presented musculoskeletal signs and symptoms (MSK-S). The prevalence of MSK-S was evaluated in 5000 individuals (>15 years) in 16 capitals from the five regions of Brazil using the COPCORD Core Questionnaire. Those individuals (n = 2494) that experienced MSK-S and referred some level of disability at the time of the interview were invited to complete the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The HAQ-DI scores were compared among regions, and subgroups according to gender, age and type of activity. Three hundred ninety-four (7.9 %) participants reported disability at the time of the interview. The average score of HAQ-DI was 1.09 (SD = 0.71), and the Brazilian region with the highest level of disability was the North region. Among individuals without history of trauma, the disability was higher when the duration of MSK-S was longer. Disability was shown to worsen with increasing age, and the group with 25-34 years showed the lowest scores. Females showed worse functional capacity scores compared to males (p = 0.002). Individuals showed higher degrees of difficulty or were incapable of performing the activities walking, reaching, usual activities and dressing. MSK-S reduce the functional capacity of individuals of the Brazilian general population. The reduction in functional capacity was mainly observed in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal complaints not due to trauma, as well as in female gender and in advancing age.

Resistance Training and Vascular Function Among Aged Mature Women

Advancing age is associated with a decline in limb blood flow and vascular conductance that could lead to a reduction in functional capacity. Interestingly, exercise training seems to improve vascular function; however, few studies have evaluated the effects of resistance training on microvascular function. PURPOSE: The purpose was to examine the effects of whole-body resistance training on vascular function (i.e. vascular reactivity) among elderly women. METHODS: Fifteen women (age: 69 ± 7.45 years) signed informed consents prior to testing. These women participated in whole-body resistance training program performed, 2 days/week for 8 weeks. Before and after training muscle strength [One repetition maximum (1RM) for chest press, biceps curl, leg extension, and leg curl) and vascular function (fingertip digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of vascular reactivity] were measured. RESULTS: The 1RM for all the muscle strength outcomes increased significantly [chest press: 29.74%, pre = 8.64±2.46; post = 11.21±2.91kg; biceps curl: 37.02%, pre = 9.02± 2.45; post = 12.36±2.49 kg; leg extension: 19.95%; pre = 34.24±11.76; post = 41.07±14.53 kg; leg curl 25.33%; pre = 36.00±8.92; post = 45.12±8.52 kg, (p<0.05)]. The vascular reactivity index (measured by DTM) increased significantly 13.36% [pre = 2.17±0.44 vs. post = 2.46±0.36, (p<0.05)]. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that whole-body resistance training is capable of increasing muscle strength and vascular function, specifically vascular reactivity, among aged mature women. Clearly, this study underlie the importance of resistance exercise training as part of a healthy and active lifestyle in aged women.