Regular Practice Of Physical Exercise Research Articles

Association between peripheral and respiratory muscle strength and gait speed in the elderly is not mediated by peripheral muscle blood flow

BackgroundThe aging process affects different systems, including the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems. Both systems seem to be interconnected in relation to functional capacity deterioration in the elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between peripheral and respiratory muscle strength with gait speed and its possible mediation by leg muscle blood flow (LBF) in the elderly. MethodsPeople aged over 65 years, of both sexes and clinically stable were evaluated. Gait speed was evaluated by the 4.6 m walking test. Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP) by manuvacuometry, Handgrip strength by a dynamometer (Jamar®) and LBF by venous occlusion plethysmography. ResultsWe included 110 patients with mean age 76.9 ± 7.2 years, 56 (50.9 %) were women, 72 (67.9 %) were classified as frail by Fried criteria and 22 (20.0 %) reported the regular practice of exercise. Baseline mean values of MIP was 59.5 ± 23.8 and MEP 68.2 ± 23.8. The median gait speed was 0.88 m/s, handgrip strength 19.5 Kg/f and LBF 2.7 ml/min/100 ml. Further analysis showed a significant association between gait speed and handgrip strength with MIP (p = 0.005, p = 0.013, respectively). However, no mediation by LBF were found. ConclusionThere is a strong association between gait speed and handgrip strength with MIP without mediation by LBF.

Physiotherapists’ barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a behaviour change-informed exercise intervention to promote the adoption of regular exercise practice in patients at risk of recurrence of low back pain: a qualitative study

BackgroundRecurrences of low back pain (LBP) are frequent and associated with high levels of disability and medical costs. Regular exercise practice may be an effective strategy to prevent recurrences of LBP, however, the promotion of this behaviour by physiotherapists seems to be challenging. This study aims to explore physiotherapists’ perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a behaviour change-informed exercise intervention to promote the adoption of regular exercise practice by patients at risk of recurrence of low back pain.MethodsTwo focus groups with primary healthcare physiotherapists were conducted, based on a semi-structured interview schedule informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel, including the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behaviour (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). All focus groups were held through videoconference, audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. A deductive content analysis, using a coding matrix based on the COM-B and TDF, was performed by two independent researchers. A third researcher was approached to settle disagreements.ResultsIn total, 14 physiotherapists participated in the focus groups. The analysis revealed a total of 13 barriers (4 COM-B components and 7 TDF domains) and 23 facilitators (5 COM-B and 13 TDF) to physiotherapists’ implementation of a behaviour change-informed exercise intervention. The most common barriers were the lack of skills and confidence to implement the proposed intervention. These were explained by the fact that it differs from the usual practice of most participants and requires the learning of new skills applied to their contexts. However, for those who had already implemented other similar interventions or whose rationale is aligned with the new intervention, there seemed to exist more positive determinants, such as potential benefits for physiotherapists and the profession, improvement of quality of care and willingness to change clinical practice. For others who did not previously succeed in implementing these types of interventions, more context-related barriers were mentioned, such as lack of time to implement the intervention, schedule incompatibilities and lack of material and human resources.ConclusionsThis study identified modifiable barriers and facilitators to physiotherapists’ implementation of a behaviour change-informed exercise intervention for patients at risk of recurrence of LBP in primary healthcare. The findings of this study will allow the systematic and theory-based development of a behaviour change-informed training programme, aimed at physiotherapists and supporting the successful implementation of the exercise intervention.

The effect of physical exercise on myopia progression

The increasing incidence of myopia in the coming decades supposes a scientific and public health challenge to reduce the negative impact of this chronic condition in society worldwide. Faced with this situation, it becomes clear it is necessary to control myopia progression as early as possible through the usual optical and pharmacological therapies. Still, there is also a need to discover new adjuvant treatments to be incorporated into clinical practice, including the regular practice of physical exercise as a possible strategy to decelerate eye growth and, therefore, myopia development. During the last decade, different cohort and cross‐sectional studies associated higher physical activity and increasing time outdoors with reduced risk of myopia development. However, due to the design of these studies and the multifactorial factors influencing axial growth of the eye, it would not be possible to establish a clear effect of physical exercise on controlling myopia progression. The current talk will discuss the most representative works in the field, focusing on their levels of evidence, and will explore future lines of research to answer whether physical activity can really help to reduce myopia progression and which ocular mechanisms could be implicated.

Regular Physical Exercise Adherence Scale (REPEAS): a new instrument to measure environmental and personal barriers to adherence to regular physical exercise

ObjectiveTo create, develop, and validate a scale that identifies the environmental and personal barriers that make it difficult to adhere to the practice of physical exercise on a regular basis in a population of Brazilian adults.MethodsWe include adult individuals, aged 18–59 years, practitioners or former practitioners of physical exercise, with Brazilian Portuguese as their mother tongue. In the development and validation phases of the process, 6 specialists in the field of the health assessed the content validity: firstly, the specialists were asked to freely list the questions they would ask to investigate the barriers to adherence to regulating physical activity. Secondly, after compiling all the suggestions listed and eliminating suggestions with similar content, the items suggested in the first round were sent to the specialists so that an evaluation of all questions using a 5-point Likert scale and the content validity coefficient was calculated. We then evaluated the structural validity, construct validity, reliability, internal consistency, and ceiling and floor effects of the Regular Physical Exercise Adherence Scale (REPEAS).ResultsSixteen items were proposed to measure the factors that make it difficult to adhere to the regular practice of physical exercise. The internal structure of the REPEAS initially tested was based on the theoretical proposal of creating the instrument with two domains. After the structural analysis, we used the modification indices to identify the redundant items of the instrument. Consequently, the final version of the REPEAS after factor analysis had 12 items. Thus, the structure with 2 domains and 12 items presented adequate fit indices. With regard to construct validity, the REPEAS scores were compared in two distinct groups: irregular practitioners/ex-practitioners versus regular practitioners of physical exercise, in which a significant difference could be observed between groups (p < 0.001) for both the domains. Acceptable reliability was observed for the environment and personal domains, with ICC values of 0.86 and 0.94, in the same order. For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha value was 0.908 (environmental domain) and 0.915 (personal domain), these values being adequate for the REPEAS.ConclusionThe REPEAS is a scale with a valid two-dimensional internal structure, consisting of 12 items, reliable and with a valid construct, which supports its use in the clinical, epidemiological, and research contexts in Brazil.

Effects of combined resistance and aerobic training program on myoelectric activity of Vastus Lateralis in patients with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy period.

Chemotherapy and/or radiation are normally the predominant therapies administered to cancer patients. Commonly, patients express complaints of fatigue during adjuvant treatment. Furthermore, regular practice of physical exercise during adjuvant treatment seems to have positive effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combined muscle strength, and a supervised aerobic training program on myoelectric activity of Vastus Lateralis during isometric test in patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Thirty-two women with breast cancer (20 patients in the training group and 12 patients as controls) undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study. They took part in a 6-week training period. A muscle-strength program included isometric contraction and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS). Aerobic training program consisted of supervised intermittent cycling exercise and home-based walking exercise. The outcome measures were Root Mean Square (RMS), Mean Power Frequency (MPF), Maximal Voluntary isometric Contraction (MViC), and Endurance Time (ET) of Vastus Lateralis, before and after the training period in the two groups. Compared to controls, a significant increase in MViC (p=0.001) and ET (p=0.005) in quadriceps accompanied by a significant decrease in RMS (p=0.007) and a significant increase in MPF (p=0.002) has been obtained in the training group. Supervised muscle strength and supervised aerobic training programs enhanced muscle activity and muscular performance in women with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and optimized the decrease of muscular fatigue.

성인의 생애주기별 프리젠티즘에 미치는 영향요인

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the factors influencing presenteeism by adult adult life cycle, to understand the factors influencing presenteeism by adult life cycle, and to prepare preventive measures and basic data to reduce presenteeism by adult life cycle through a social and psychological approach. An attempt was made to provide baseline data with adjusted target measures to reduce adult life cycle presenteeism. As a second analysis study using the 2019 data of the Korea Medical Panel (β-version 2.0.1), 3,539 subjects who responded to the presence or absence of presenteeism were selected. The collected data were subjected to frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, and multiple logistic regression analysis.&#x0D; As a result of the study, it was found that 34.1% of young adults, 29.7% of middle-aged adults, and 17.4% of old adults subjects experienced presenteeism according to the adult life cyccle. Gender, subjective health status, suicidal ideation, and quality of life were commonly found to be influencing factors in young adults, middle-aged adults, and old adults by adult life cycle. Compared to other adult life cycles, young adults' employment type, weight control efforts, regular exercise practice, stress perception, and depression were found to be factors influencing presenteeism. In middle-aged adults, age, employment type, body mass index, stress perception, anxiety and depression were found to be factors affecting presenteeism. Old adults were found to be factors influencing presenteeism by the presence or absence of a spouse and regular exercise practice.&#x0D; Therefore, we propose a customized awareness-enhancing program to improve physical and mental health status ane quality of life suitable for the subject, considering women who affect presenteeism by life cycle, poor subjective health atatus, suicidal thoughts, and below average. Finally, various measures and policies that can enhance the understanding of presenteeism by adult life cycle and reduce the losses caused by it should be prepared.

Mental Health of Computer Science Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic Social Isolation

The global COVID-19 pandemic has had impact not just on physical health, but also on mental health, particularly among undergraduate students. Previous studies have demonstrated that Computer Science students in particular already exhibit more symptoms of anxiety and depression than the general population and students in other fields. The study aimed to measure the impact of COVID-19 on Computer Science students' mental health, by assessing the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the factors that most affected their well-being. An online cross-sectional survey focused on concerns and impacts of COVID-19 was designed. The Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories were used to measure the anxiety and depression symptoms. The data were anonymously collected, and analyzed using the TIBCO  Statistica™ software, by non-parametric tests. 174 students (135 males; age=21.07±2.47 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of symptoms was 36.7% for anxiety and 60.3% for depression. 81% of students reported that their well-being had been negatively affected by the pandemic, with the most reported concerns including social isolation and delay in academic progress. Correlations between anxiety and depression symptoms, strong social relationships, regular practice of physical exercise, and students' level of satisfaction with their academic program were found. This paper sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CS students' mental health, suggests ways in which Computer Science students may be able to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve their mental health during and after the pandemic.

Sports cardiology: A glorious past, a well-defined present, a bright future.

The attention towards sports cardiology has dramatically grown after the introduction of preparticipation screening and the need for specific education on electrocardiogram interpretation in athletes, given the differences between athletes and the general population. The present article stresses the need for specific skills, knowledge, and clinical expertise in sports cardiology, which are essential for appropriately screening competitive athletes to prevent sudden cardiac death and avoid overdiagnosis. However, disqualification from sports competitions may lead to sports inactivity, and athletes may enter a gray zone where little or no information is provided about what they can or cannot do to stay active. However, modern sports cardiology cannot neglect the patient's needs and the importance of the safe practice of regular exercise. In this context, the personalized exercise prescription plays a crucial role in the core curriculum and the clinical activity of professionals involved in sports cardiology programs. Given its specificities, sports cardiology requires a formal education plan for medical school students and all residents. Additional education and practice are required for young colleagues who want to focus their professional lives on sports cardiology. The future directions of emerging modern sports cardiology should not neglect the importance of a scientific community that works together, designing multicenter international outcomes-based research to address the many remaining areas of uncertainty.

Characteristics and Factors Associated with Cognitive Decline of Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Objectives: To identify the factors related to cognitive function decline by comparing the characteristics of the cognitive function maintenance and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) groups using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Methods: Individuals were divided into a cognitive function maintenance group and an MCI group based on changes in cognitive function, and their general characteristics were compared. In the next step, we selected the same number of samples from both groups and then compared the characteristics related to MCI. Finally, factors related to cognitive decline were identified in the MCI group. Results: At the time of the 8th survey, when cognitive function changes occurred, the Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and CES-D-10 scores in the MCI group were significantly higher than those in the cognitive function maintenance group. In addition, participation in social activities, regular exercise practice, and drinking were significantly less frequent in the MCI group than in the cognitive function maintenance group. Therefore, ADL, CES-D-10 (Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, 10-item version), quality of life (QoL) score, social activity participation, regular exercise, and drinking were derived as factors highly related to MCI. Conclusions: Because the factors related to MCI presented in this study mainly affect cognitive decline over a long period, not only older individuals but also middle-aged subjects should be managed as a precaution. In addition, among the identified factors related to MCI, participation in social activities and regular exercise have a positive effect on improving cognitive function and reducing dementia risk factors in older individuals. Therefore, dementia prevention education and rules that include these two elements should be promoted.

Association among inflammaging, body composition, physical activity, and physical function tests in physically active women.

Inflammaging is a phenomenon that has been associated with the development and progression of sarcopenia and frailty syndrome. According to the literature, on the one side, the increase in body fat is associated with a systemic pro-inflammatory status, which consequently favors inflammaging, and on the other side, the regular practice of physical exercise can mitigate the development of this scenario. Therefore, here, we aimed to evaluate the association between inflammaging and physical factors, both body and functional, in a group of physically active older women. Seventy older women (mean age 72.66 ± 6.17 years) participated in this observational cross-sectional and were separated into the eutrophic, overweight, and obese groups. It was assessed: by bioimpedance-body fat percentage (Fat%) and total (Fat kg), skeletal muscle mass (muscle), and free fat mass both in percentage (FFM%) and total (FFMkg); by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-the time of moderate-intensity physical activity per week; by physical tests-handgrip (HG), sit-up-stand-on-the-chair in 5 repetitions (Sit-up) and vertical squat jump test (SJ); in addition to the determination of serum cytokine concentration (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-8), and also body mass index (BMI) and calf circumference (Calf). Higher FFM% and lower body fat (both kg and %) were found in the eutrophic group than in the other groups. The eutrophic group also performed more weekly physical activity, jumped higher, and presented not only higher serum IL-6 concentration but also an increased ratio of IL-10/IL-6, IL-10/TNF-α, IL-10/IL-8 as compared to the values found in the overweight group. The obese group presented higher body fat (kg and %) and lower FFM% than the other groups and also higher serum IL-6 concentration than the overweight group. Interestingly, several significant negative and positive correlations between body composition, physical tests, and serum cytokine concentrations were found in the eutrophic and obese groups. While the eutrophic older women group showed a remarkable regulation of the systemic inflammatory status with positive associations in the physical parameters assessed, the overweight and obese groups presented impairment regulations of the inflammaging, which could be related to less weekly physical activity and higher body fat.

Exploring the Bone Mineral Density of Health Professionals of Medical College by Using Calcaneal Quantitative Ultrasound

Background: Osteoporosis, an important cause of fracture in Bangladesh is a highly unrecognized and unaddressed issue among health professionals. Osteoporosis means low bone mineral density (BMD) and screening is not done routinely to diagnose it. Moreover, the prevalence of low BMD among Health professionals in the country is not well known. To prevent osteoporosis-induced fracture it demands more attention to early detection, prevention, and treatment. Objectives: The present study was carried out to assess the bone mineral status of health professionals of Cox’s Bazar medical college and also to find out the correlation with age, sex, Vitamin D, calcium supplementation, and physical activity by using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus. Materials and Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study that has been done at Cox’s Bazar Medical College. Result: The total number of participants was 267 which were screened by using a calcaneal ultrasound heel bone densitometer. Among them 190 were female and 77 were male. The majority of the health professionals 237(88.76%) were below 45 years. Mostly, 194(72.66%) participants had normal BMD, 73(27.34%) participants were in osteopenia and none of them were osteoporotic. Among those above 45 years old study people, nearly half 14(46.67%) were osteopenic, and for ages below 45 years of health professionals, only 59(24.89%) were osteopenic. Out of 77 male participants, 15(19.48%) were osteopenic and out of 190 female participants, 58(30.53%) were osteopenic. Out of the total 267 study people, 81(30.34%) agreed to take calcium and vitamin-D supplementation with significant p-value = 0.003 whereas 32(39.51%) participants were in the osteopenic stage and 49(60.49%) had healthy bony status. The number of using Calcium and vitamin-D supplementation was high, which may be due to positive answers from particular participants like the elderly and health care supporting staff. In our study 120(44.94%) participants did exercise but mostly irregularly, and 147(55.06%) did not do exercise. Out of 120(44.94%) participants doing regular exercise 37(30.83%) were osteopenic and the rest of 83 (69.17%) health professionals were in normal BMD. Conclusion: Among the health care professionals, osteopenia is not uncommon and regular exercise practice and rational Calcium and vitamin-D supplementation may be preventive for osteoporosis. J MEDICINE 2023; 24(2): 131-134

Epigenetic and neuroplasticity in neurodevelopmental disorders: possibilities of physical exercise

This article deals with the relationship between the mechanisms of neuroplasticity and epigenetics provided through the regular practice of physical exercise for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of the study was to focus on the benefits of early interventions, especially physical exercise, in cases of neurodevelopmental disorders through epigenetic and neuroplasticity mechanisms. For this, a critical review of a narrative nature was carried out in the Scielo, PubMed and PsycInfo databases, as well as consultation in books on the subject. The results show us that exercise seems to promote epigenetic improvements, which can prevent the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders and also promote changes through neuroplasticity, which can mitigate the deficits caused by pathologies, especially if it occurs during early childhood. We can then understand that exercise tends to improve neurodevelopment, but a more robust base of empirical studies on this subject is needed.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Hepatic Biomarkers in Adult Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effects of physical exercise on hepatic biomarkers in adult individuals. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA recommendations and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022337749). MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched, using the terms of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) “exercise”, “liver diseases”, and “biomarkers”. Results: Fourteen studies achieved eligibility with a total of 485 participants. Interventions ranged from 4 to 12 weeks, lasting 24 to 90 minutes per session, with 3 to 5 sessions per week. Interventions with aerobic and resistance exercises, with or without a vibration device and diet implementation, demonstrated a reduction in different hepatic biomarkers, such as aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), ferritin (Fe), and indirect bilirubin (Bil). The main results of the meta-analysis showed no significant difference in ALB, GGT, AST, and ALP. However, there was a significant difference in ALT (SMD: – 0.41; 95% CI: – 0.71 to -0.11; p = 0.008; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Physical exercise (e.g., resistance training, aerobic training, high-intensity interval training) favored the reduction of AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, ALB, Fe, and Bil. This study pointed out that the regular practice of physical exercise can be an efficient and recommended strategy to minimize the deleterious effects of liver diseases. Keywords: exercise; liver disease; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; biomarkers; resistance training; high-intensity interval training.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: WHAT CHANGED? – A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

In early 2020, a new disease took the stage in the world, named COVID-19. Because it is transmitted via droplets and direct contact, it quickly spread across countries, being declared pandemic. The best way to contain this disease is social isolation, which has led to changes in the community, such as closing non-essential places, for example, gyms and other indoor venues. Thus, maintaining the regular practice of physical exercise had to adapt to the pandemic context. Aim: To evaluate a possible influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of physical exercise performed by university students in Minas Gerais. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study, involving 206 students from a private Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the capital of Minas Gerais. A virtual questionnaire was applied, with identification questions, aerobic activity practice and resistance training about the previous period and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The sample had a mean age of 21.4 ± 3.9 years and a predominance of participants in the 2nd year of the course. When comparing the variables before and during the pandemic, they were significantly relevant, in aerobic exercise, a decrease in sports practice, an increase in the use of apps and practice at home. As for strength training, there were significant increases in the use of apps and home practice. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the profile of the practice of physical exercise by academics from a private HEI, preventing training in gyms and prioritizing the use of apps and training at home.

Exercise Restores Hypothalamic Health in Obesity by Reshaping the Inflammatory Network.

Obesity and overnutrition induce inflammation, leptin-, and insulin resistance in the hypothalamus. The mediobasal hypothalamus responds to exercise enabling critical adaptions at molecular and cellular level that positively impact local inflammation. This review discusses the positive effect of exercise on obesity-induced hypothalamic dysfunction, highlighting the mechanistic aspects related to the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. In HFD-fed animals, both acute and chronic moderate-intensity exercise mitigate microgliosis and lower inflammation in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Notably, this associates with restored leptin sensitivity and lower food intake. Exercise-induced cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 mediate part of these positive effect on the ARC in obese animals. The reduction of obesity-associated pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., FFAs, TNFα, resistin, and AGEs), and the improvement in the gut-brain axis represent alternative paths through which regular exercise can mitigate hypothalamic inflammation. These findings suggest that the regular practice of exercise can restore a proper functionality in the hypothalamus in obesity. Further analysis investigating the crosstalk muscle-hypothalamus would help toward a deeper comprehension of the subject.

Damage of Sedentary Lifestyle in Adult Life Because of The Lack of Practice of Activities in Physical Education Discipline in the Contemporary World

Sedentarism is a serious public health problem, as physical inactivity over the years can lead to several noncommunicable chronic diseases, which in Brazil and in the world have shown a high mortality rate. In this context, the objective of this article was to discuss the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle on the health of the adult population due to the lack of physical activity at school age, especially in Physical Education classes, considering that the regular practice of physical exercises is a of the most effective alternatives against this problem. Studies show that health and quality of life awareness must be initiated within classrooms, which must be cultivated and worked on in a didactic-pedagogical context, with the active participation not only of students, but also of their families, in the construction of the school's pedagogical political projects. However, with technological development, increasing urbanization and the increase in violence, many children and young people have reduced their affinity for sports and physical activities in general, which can have bad consequences for their future. Therefore, Physical Education becomes an increasingly important subject for students to be aware of the benefits of practicing physical activities in childhood/adolescence. But for it to become more significant, is necessary for there to be changes in attitudes, even by teachers, regarding the improvement of classes, to help combat sedentary lifestyles within the school environment, enabling the formation of active, critical citizens who are concerned with your long-term health and well-being.

Application of the Pilates method and kinesiotherapeutic approach in pregnant women with low back pain: an integrative review

The gestational period is characterized by several changes in the female body, which come from mechanical and/or hormonal activities. A number of changes take place with the main objective of maintaining and facilitating the healthy development of the fetus. Low back pain is one of the main musculoskeletal complaints referred to during pregnancy, and it is estimated that more than 50% of pregnant women are affected by low back pain, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Physiotherapy, through kinesiotherapy and the Pilates method, enables the treatment of gestational low back pain, as well as the prevention of this disorder. Thus, the general objective of the research is to investigate the benefits of the Pilates method and kinesiotherapy in pregnant women with low back pain. Therefore, the specific objectives are to know the biomechanical changes of the gestational period, to understand the most common pathological changes that occur in the pregnancy period, to understand the so-called gestational low back pain, to know about the importance of physiotherapy in the care of pregnant women and to learn about the Pilates method and kinesiotherapy applied in this phase of female life. It is, therefore, an integrative review of the literature of a qualitative nature, and, for its preparation, the following descriptors were used: "Pregnant women", "Lumbar pain", "Pilates method", "Exercise therapy" in Portuguese , English and Spanish. The work was produced in the year 2022, between the months of March and May. The years 2012 to 2022 were established as a delimitation, with emphasis and preference being given to research from the last 5 years. The databases consulted were: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PEDRo and the Virtual Health Library (BVS). The main finding of this research was the evidence that the Pilates method is extremely superior to the non-treatment used by the control groups of randomized clinical trials for the treatment of gestational musculoskeletal pain. The Pilates method was also beneficial for controlling the progression of diastasis, increasing mobility, functionality and functional capacity, increasing strength and resistance of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. It was also evidenced that the regular practice of physical exercises is recommended for pregnant women, being the moderate intensity, the duration of 150 minutes per week distributed in the frequency of 3 days a week, in sessions that vary between 30 and 60 minutes. Furthermore, it is concluded that kinesiotherapy and the Pilates method have been applied for the treatment and prevention of gestational low back pain. Both are necessary for the improvement of physical conditioning, sleep improvement, pain relief and musculoskeletal discomfort caused by the gestational process.

Effect of physical exercise on non-linear parameters of heart rate variability in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with autonomic nerve dysfunction. Nonlinear methods of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis have been gaining interest as a method of detecting changes in cardiac autonomic nerve function. Regular practice of physical exercise may cause improvement of this impaired autonomic nerve function. Objectives: To assess the effect of physical exercise on nonlinear measures of HRV analysis in male patients with COPD. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbag, Dhaka in 2018 on 60 diagnosed male COPD patients aged 40-75 years with disease duration of at least 5 years selected from the Department of Respiratory Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka. Thirty patients underwent physical exercise (walking for 30 minute and pursed lip and diaphragmatic breathing 10 minuts)for 3 months in addition to standard treatment. Thirty (30) patients received only standard treatment for 3 months. For comparison, 30 age matched apparently healthy males were also enrolled. HRV data of all patients were recorded before and after 3 months of follow up. HRV data of healthy controls were recorded once at baseline. For assessing autonomic dysfunction, nonlinear parameters of HRV were recorded by Power Lab 8/35. For statistical analysis, paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test were done as applicable. Results: SD1, SD2 and SD1/ SD2 were found significantly lower in COPD patients compared to healthy controls at baseline. After 3 months of physical exercise, significant increment of these parameters occurred with a trend of improvement in cardiac autonomic nerve function in these patients. Conclusion: This study concluded that physical exercise can improve cardiac autonomic nerve dysfunction function in COPD patients. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2022, June; 17(1): 6-13

“OPERATION PHALCO”—Adapted Physical Activity for Breast Cancer Survivors: Is It Time for a Multidisciplinary Approach?

The international literature emphasizes the importance of physical activity (PA) in the first steps after cancer surgery. The regular practice of physical exercise causes positive adaptations on several functional capacities, with positive consequences on patients' quality of life. This project aims to evaluate the effect of a post-operative training protocol, structured by taking into account both cancer-related issues and the presence of comorbidities, on functional capacities and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Therefore, it was necessary to create a synergy between oncologists (referring physicians), sport medicine physicians (risk stratification and exercise prescription) and kinesiologists (trainers). Thirty-five post-surgery BC patients decided on a voluntary basis to attend an online Adapted PA (APA) protocol for 4 months, twice a week (APA Group) or Usual Care Group (UC Group). Functional capacity of the APA Group significantly increased, by 13.1% (p = 0.000), whereas perceived exertion decreased by 19.7% (p = 0.020). In the same group, the general health evaluated through the questionnaire EORTC-QLQ-C30 increased (p = 0.050). No differences were found in the UC Group. Operation Phalco, creating a network between oncologists, sports medicine physicians and kinesiologists, confirms the importance of structuring a post-operative path where APA should be included as early as possible in the cancer patient care.

Exercise and Academic Performance: Implications of Aerobic Capacity and Hand Grip Strength in Middle-School Students

The regular practice of physical exercise has a positive role on mental health and a positive contribution to the development of cognitive function, considered beneficial to academic performance. The present study aimed to analyse the impact of physical exercise on students' academic performance. 227 students participated, of which 112 (49.3%) were male and 115 (50.6%) were female, aged between 10 and 13 years old, from 5th and 6th grades in a Portuguese public school. The Susan Harter Self-Concept Scale validated for the Portuguese population was used, and a descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was conducted to analyse the levels of handgrip strength, aerobic capacity and academic performance. Linear regression analysis was used to interpret the predictive variables and we calculated the magnitude of the effect. The results suggest that the practice of physical exercise enhances the levels of aerobic capacity, handgrip strength and academic performance of students. In addition to physical education classes, the individual sports combined with the team sports present very positive values in relation to the variables described.