Only a small number of the subjects who enter treatment For obesity maintain their target weight. Explanations for this include increased food efficiency and alterations in resting metabolic rate (RMR). The RMR has been shown to be reduced after weight reduction and it is believed that a benefit of exercise training is an adaptive increase in lean body weight (LBW) with a concurrent decrease in excess body fat. Since caloric restriction is essential for weight reduction, an increase or preservation of LBW is desirable. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of caloric restriction (DO group; n = 6) and caloric restriction plus weight training (DWT group; n = 8} on total weight (TW), percent fat (% fat), lean body weight (LBW), and RMR during an 8 week study. Both groups met 3 days/week for 30-45 min/day to perform a specific exercise or flexibility routine. The DWT group performed three sets of ten lifts on seven resistive exercises, under supervision, while the DO group performed a set routine designed to increase flexibility but result in no appreciable exercise. Subjects met weekly with a Registered Dietitian to provide information regarding nutritional and caloric content of Food, as well as behavior modification techniques. Results revealed non-Significant treatment effects between the groups on the variables RMR, % fat, and LBW. A treatment effect was observed for TW, with the DO group significantly losing more weight. Total weight and % fat significantly decreased in both groups from pre to posttest. A significant difference was noted for the DWT group from 4 weeks - 8 weeks in RMR, although there was no effect from baseline - 8 weeks. Thus, resistive exercise when added to caloric restriction, increases strength, but results in Slower weight loss when compared to diet only subjects while resulting in similar losses in % fat and total weight. / Master of Science

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and abdominal obesity (AbOb) increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Energy restriction (ER), highprotein (PRO) intake and high-intensity interval training (HIT) can independently improve MetS and AbOb. However, ER reduces metabolically active lean body mass (LBM) in addition to body fat (BF). Purpose: To determine the effects of a 16-wk ER diet with 2 levels of PRO (15% or 25% of energy), plus HIT, on MetS risk factors, AbOb, and body composition in women. Methods: Sedentary, premenopausal women (age=35±10y) with AbOb (waist circumference [WC] ≥80cm) were randomized to a 16-wk ER diet (-300kcals/d) with 15% (15PRO; n=17) or 25% (25PRO; n=18) of energy from PRO, plus 45min/d, 3d/wk HIT and 45min/d, 2d/wk continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) (-200kcals/d). Diet and physical activity (PA) were assessed using 4-d weighed food and PA records, respectively; diet and exercise compliance were assessed monthly with multiple-pass 24-h recalls and weekly tracking logs. Body weight (BW), WC, DXA-assessed body composition (BF [%], BF [kg], trunk fat [kg], and LBM [kg]), blood lipids (total cholesterol [TC], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], triglycerides [TG]), glycemic markers (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], beta cell function [HOMA-%β] and insulin sensitivity [HOMA-%S]) and resting blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP [SBP]; diastolic BP [DBP]) were assessed pre/post-intervention. Repeated measures analysis of variance and two sample t-tests were used at analyze the date. Results are reported as means±standard deviations. Results: There were significant time, but not group, differences in BW (-5.1±2.6kg, p=0.0141), WC (- 7.3±3.6cm, p<0.0001), TC (-18.1±17.4mg/dL, p<0.0001), LDL-C (12.2± 16.2mg/dL, p<0.0001), TG (-25.3±56.2mg/dL, p=0.0064), insulin (-2.1±4.2mg/dL, p=0.0048), HOMA-IR (-0.2±0.5, p=0.0062), HOMA-%β (-12.1±35.2%, p=0.0497), HOMA-%S (28.5±78.4%, p=0.0357), and SBP (-3±9mmHg, p=0.214). There were significant group x time differences in DBP (15PRO=-5±8mmHg, 25PRO=- 2±8mmHg; p=0.0024). There were no time or group differences in FPG or HDLC. There were significant time, but not group, effects on changes in BW (-5.1kg± 2.6, p<0.0001), BF (-3.3±1.6%, p<0.0001), and LBM (-0.6kg±1.5, p=0.0283). The 15PRO group lost more absolute whole BF (-5.2kg vs. -3.9kg, p=0.0355) and trunk fat (-3.1kg vs. -2.2kg) vs. the 25PRO group. Conclusion: Both diets significantly improved BW, AbOb, MetS risk factors, glycemic control, and BF (%); LBM (kg) loss was similar in both groups. Compared to the 15PRO diet had significantly greater absolute BF-kg and trunk fat-kg losses. Increased PRO intake did not improve AbOb or MetS risk beyond ER and HIT/CME. The impact of HIT/CME and the greater (-1.3kg) changes in BW in the 15PRO group may have contributed significantly to the changes in absolute BF and trunk fat. More research is needed to separate the impact of HIT/CME and weight loss from the impact of PRO during ER. / Graduation date: 2013 / Access restricted to the OSU Community at author's request from March 28, 2013 - March 28, 2014

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban University of Technology, 2009. / It has been noted that in many recent research studies mechanical neck pain is a serious problem in the world today. There are epidemiological and statistical studies documenting the high incidence and prevalence of mechanical neck pain, which effects people’s daily living (Drew, 1995; Ferrari and Russell, 2003; Cote et al., 2000, Venketsamy, 2007 and Haldeman et al., 2008). Background: Treatments for chronic neck pain, which are non-surgical, appear to be the most beneficial for patients (Haldeman, 2008). In brief, the presentation of chronic mechanical neck pain is defined as localised, asymmetrical neck pain with restricted range of motion and dysfunctional musculature (Grieve, 1988). The muscular dysfunction known as the upper cross syndrome is defined as tightness of the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and levator scapulae and weakness of rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius and deep neck flexors. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing the scapula and the patient may present with rounded, elevated shoulders and anterior head carriage when diagnosed with this syndrome (Liebenson, 1996). Clinical trials conducted by Cassidy et al., (1992 a, b) concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was highly effective in treating mechanical dysfunctions within the cervical spine. However, due to multi systemic involvement of the muscular, neural and passive systems in mechanical neck pain, the treatment may need to target all three of the subsystems of spinal stability to be most effective (Panjabi, 1992 a, b; Lee et al., 1998; Lee 2004 and Richardson et al., 2002). No research has been conducted on the effects and benefits of treatment directed on the cervical spine and upper cross syndromes. This research will compare scapula stabilization training and SMT to SMT in isolation, as a treatment for chronic mechanical neck pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that scapula stabilization had on chronic mechanical neck pain. Pilates exercises were used to strengthen and stabilize the scapula muscles (this included stretching out the hypertonic musculature of the upper cross syndrome). The aim was to improve posture as well as to decrease the mechanical stress on the neck. SMT was also concomitantly used to correct any cervical restrictions that were present. These results were then compared to the results of a group that only received spinal manipulative therapy. The null hypothesis was that the intervention group would not respond differently to the treatment protocol in terms of the subjective and objectives measurements. iv Method: This clinical trial was conducted on a sample population of 30 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Each patient was assigned to one of two groups (n=15) according to convenience sampling. Both groups received SMT to the cervical spine, while group B (intervention group) also received pilates classes twice weekly for four weeks, which retrained the scapula stabilization muscles to function optimally. The patients each underwent six spinal manipulative treatments over four weeks and a seventh consultation in the fifth week for data collection. Both groups were evaluated in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. Subjectively the assessment included 2 questionnaires (Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College [CMCC] neck disability index). Objective assessment included cervical motion palpation, Cervical Range Of Motion goniometer (CROM) measurements, scapula stabilization tests and a postural analysis with the use of digital photography. The statistics were completed under the guidance of a biostatistician, from the College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu – Natal, (Esterhuizen, 2008) who analyzed the captured data with the use of SPSS version 15. All outcome measures were quantitative. Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to assess the presence of a different effect for each outcome measure over time between the two treatment groups. A statistically significant time by group effect would indicate a significant treatment effect. The minimum significance level was 0.05. The trends and direction of the effect were assessed via profile plots. Result: According to the statistical analysis, both groups showed improvements - subjectively and objectively - with regards to chronic mechanical neck pain, which is in keeping with the literature. In terms of the inter-group comparison the SMT group (Group A) showed a more constant improvement in range of motion, pain and disability indexes with the SMT only group while the SMT and pilates group (Group B) showed a greater effect in stabilizing the scapula and increasing the functionality of the surrounding musculature. Conclusions and Recommendations: The intervention treatment (Group B) did not have a greater effect on the short-term treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain than the reference group (Group A). It was also evident that the intervention group (Group B) often continued to improve when the SMT (Group A) only group often regressed at the follow up sessions. This improvement was either not significant enough or v the follow up session did not allow for enough time for a true reflection to be noted. It is recommended that more research be carried out to gain conclusive results indicating whether there is a more beneficial long term result to this treatment protocol.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Background : Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common condition that negatively affects cervical muscle functioning and activities of daily living. Combined exercise and mobilisation are currently recommended as the most effective treatment for this condition. Mobilisation, such as mobilisation of the cervical spine, provides short-term pain relief and affects neural activity, while the craniocervical flexion exercise provides immediate pain relief and activates the deep cervical flexors. The short-term effect of mobilisation and the craniocervical flexion exercise have not been compared. Objectives : This study aimed to compare mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise in terms of subjective and objective outcome measures at a short-term follow-up consultation for the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain. The null-hypothesis was that the mobilisation group would not respond differently to the craniocervical flexion exercise group. Method : A group of thirty females between the ages of 20 and 35 complaining of non-specific neck pain for more than three months were randomly allocated into either the mobilisation or craniocervical flexion exercise groups. During the first two consultations, a mobilisation was administered to the mobilisation group. Whereas the craniocervical flexion exercise and a posture correcting exercise were taught to the participants of the craniocervical flexion exercise group. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire, cervical range of motion and algometer readings were taken at each of the three consultations. The Patient Global Impression of Change Scale was administered at the last consultation one week after the first consultation. Results : Both the mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise groups showed significant improvements in all of the subjective outcomes. The Neck Disability Index score of the craniocervical flexion exercise group was the only subjective outcome that did not decrease enough to be considered clinically significant. The PGIC score of the mobilisation group was slightly higher than that of the craniocervical flexion exercise group. There was no statistically significant improvement in the objective outcomes of either group. All ranges of motion decreased in both groups, while pain pressure threshold improved in both groups. There was no significant difference between the results of the subjective and objective outcomes of the mobilisation and craniocervical flexion exercise groups. Conclusions and recommendations : The two interventions were found to have a similar effect in the treatment of chronic non-specific neck pain in terms of subjective and objective outcome measures. Participants of both groups indicated on the subjective scales that their conditions improved, even though objective outcomes showed no significant change. In future studies, a larger sample size should be used and the sample should be stratified for ethnicity to increase validity of the results.

Thesis (PhD (Biomedical Sciences. Medical Physiology.))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adverse experiences during early life causes alterations in the development of the central nervous system structures that may result in abnormal functioning of the brain. It is well known that, in humans, adverse early-life experiences such as social separation, deprivation, maternal neglect and abuse increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders, such as depression, later in life. We used maternal separation in the rat as a model for early life stress to firstly determine how different brain systems are dysregulated by this stressful experience and additional chronic or acute stress during adulthood. Rat pups were separated from their mothers on postnatal day 2-14 for 3 hours per day while control rats were normally reared. The behavior, stress response, neurotrophin, apoptotic marker and serotonin levels in the ventral hippocampus, striatum and frontal cortex were measured during adulthood. A different group of maternally separated rats were allowed chronic voluntary exercise and similar measurements were done to determine whether exercise was able to normalize the deficits caused by early life stress. Differentially expressed cytosolic proteins of the ventral hippocampus of maternally separated rats versus normally reared rats were also identified. Protein expression levels of maternally separated rats that received chronic voluntary exercise or escitalopram treatment were subsequently determined to unravel the mechanism of therapeutic action for these two interventions. We found that maternal separation increased the baseline corticosterone response of rats and induced a blunted adrenocorticotropin hormone after acute restraint stress. Baseline neurotrophin levels were significantly decreased in the ventral hippocampus. Maternal separation followed by chronic restraint stress during adulthood resulted in increased depressive-like behavior compared to control rats. Maternal separation alone or followed by acute restraint stress during adulthood induced changes in apoptotic marker expression in the striatum and frontal cortex. In rats subjected to maternal separation and chronic restraint stress during adulthood, we found that chronic voluntary exercise decreased their depressive-like behavior and increased brain derived neurotrophin levels in the striatum. Serotonin levels were not affected by maternal separation, but chronic voluntary exercise increased serotonin in the ventral hippocampus of normally reared rats. Maternal separation induced a number of changes in the expression of cytosolic proteins and these stress-induced changes were identified in proteins relating to cytoskeletal structure, neuroplasticity, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, protein metabolism, and cell signaling. Chronic voluntary exercise was able to restore the expression levels of a number of proteins affected by maternal separation that increased the risk for neuronal death. When comparing the efficacy of exercise to that of escitalopram treatment it was evident that, in contrast to exercise, escitalopram targets a different subset of proteins affected by maternal separation, except for a few involved in energy metabolism pathways and neuroprotection. In this study we have shown that chronic voluntary exercise has therapeutic effects in maternally separated rats, decreasing depressive-like behavior, increasing neurotrophin expression and restoring cytosolic protein expression that were dysregulated by early life stress. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Negatiewe stresvolle ervarings gedurende die vroeë stadium van ‘n mens se lewe veroorsaak veranderinge in die ontwikkeling van breinstrukture en het ‘n nadelige uitwerking op die funksionering van die brein. Dit is bekend dat stresvolle ervarings in kinders, byvoorbeeld sosiale afsondering, verwaarlosing en mishandeling, die risiko vir die ontwikkeling van psigiatriese steurings soos depressie gedurende volwassenheid kan verhoog. In hierdie studie gebruik ons moederlike skeiding van neonatale rotte as ‘n model vir vroeë lewensstres om te bepaal hoe dit verskillende sisteme in die brein negatief beinvloed, en dan ook die effek van addisionele kroniese of akute stres gedurende volwassenheid. Die neonatale rotte is weggeneem van hulle moeders af vanaf dag 2 tot 14 vir 3 ure elke dag terwyl kontrole rotte by hulle moeders gebly het. Die gedrag, stres respons, neurotrofiene, apoptotiese merkers en serotonien vlakke is gemeet in die ventrale hippokampus, frontale korteks en striatum gedurende volwassenheid. Rotte wat van hulle moeders geskei is, is dan toegelaat om vir ses weke in wiele te hardloop om te bepaal of kroniese vrywillige oefening die negatiewe effekte wat veroorsaak is deur stres kan ophef. ‘n Bepaling van sitosoliese proteien uitdrukking in die ventrale hippokampus is ook gedoen om die uitwerking van moederlike skeiding op proteienvlak vas te stel. Hierdie protein data is dan vergelyk met die van gestresde rotte wat kroniese oefening of escitalopram behandeling ontvang het om die meganisme van werking van beide behandelings te bepaal. Ons het gevind dat moederlike skeiding die rustende kortikosteroon vlakke van rotte verhoog terwyl dit adrenokortikotropien vlakke na akute stres inhibeer. Moederlike skeiding het ook die neurotrofien vlakke in die ventrale hippokampus verlaag en addisionele kroniese stres gedurende volwassenheid het ‘n verhoging in depressie-agtige gedrag veroorsaak. Moederlike skeiding alleen, sowel as gevolg deur akute stress gedurende volwassenheid het ook veranderinge in die uitdrukking van apoptotiese merkers in die striatum en frontale korteks veroorsaak. Kroniese vrywillige oefening na moederlike skeiding en addisionele stres gedurende volwassenheid kon depressie-agtige gedrag verlaag en neurotrofienvlakke in die striatum verhoog. Serotonien vlakke was nie beinvloed deur moederlike skeiding nie, maar oefening in kontrole rotte het serotonien verhoog in die ventrale hippokampus. Moederlike skeiding het heelwat veranderinge in die uitdrukking van sitosoliese proteiene van die ventrale hippokampus veroorsaak wat ingedeel kan word in die volgende funksionele kategorieë: sitoskelet, neuroplastisiteit, oksidatiewe stres, energiemetabolisme, proteinmetabolisme en seintransduksie. Oefening kon die uitdrukking van verskeie stres-geïnduseerde veranderinge in proteiene weer herstel terwyl dit wou bleik asof escitalopram se meganisme van werking op ‘n ander vlak geskied. Ons bevindinge bewys dat kroniese vrywillige oefening ‘n goeie behandeling is na vroeë lewenstres en dat dit depressiewe gedrag verminder, neurotrofien vlakke verhoog en sitosoliese proteien skeiding alleen, sowel as gevolg deur akute stress gedurende volwassenheid het ook veranderinge in die uitdrukking van apoptotiese merkers in die striatum en frontale korteks veroorsaak. Kroniese vrywillige oefening na moederlike skeiding en addisionele stres gedurende volwassenheid kon depressie-agtige gedrag verlaag en neurotrofienvlakke in die striatum verhoog. Serotonien vlakke was nie beinvloed deur moederlike skeiding nie, maar oefening in kontrole rotte het serotonien verhoog in die ventrale hippokampus. Moederlike skeiding het heelwat veranderinge in die uitdrukking van sitosoliese proteiene van die ventrale hippokampus veroorsaak wat ingedeel kan word in die volgende funksionele kategorieë: sitoskelet, neuroplastisiteit, oksidatiewe stres, energiemetabolisme, proteinmetabolisme en seintransduksie. Oefening kon die uitdrukking van verskeie stres-geïnduseerde veranderinge in proteiene weer herstel terwyl dit wou bleik asof escitalopram se meganisme van werking op ‘n ander vlak geskied. Ons bevindinge bewys dat kroniese vrywillige oefening ‘n goeie behandeling is na vroeë lewenstres en dat dit depressiewe gedrag verminder, neurotrofien vlakke verhoog en sitosoliese proteien vlakke kan herstel.

Title: Effect of exercise therapy to Morbus Bechtěrev patients Objectives: Aim of this Thesis is to collect and analyse the available information from Czech and foreign sources concerning the Morbus Bechtěrev disease. Aim of empiric part is to evaluate the effect of four-week spa therapy In the Lazne Bohdanec spa to the Morbus Bechtěrev patients. Methods: Method of work consists of the study of available sources, assembling of theory part, collection and analysing of data and their statistical evaluation. For this research was used the standardised questionnaire method with added questions needed for the evaluation of hypotheses. Results: By the analysing of 32 pairs of anonymous questionnaires was concluded that the effect of exercise therapy to patients is positive, but not permanent. It is necessary to look for new approaches to Morbus Bechtěrev cure and prevention. Keywords: Morbus Bechtěrev, ankylozing spondylitis, spa therapy, exercise therapy, physical therapy.

O método Pilates é um sistema de exercícios criado pelo alemão Joseph Pilates (1880-1967), que tem como foco o fortalecimento e estabilização da região abdominal e lombar, e que vem sendo adaptado para aplicação em diversas áreas da reabilitação, inclusive nas disfunções da região lombar. O controle dinâmico da musculatura do tronco tem um papel importante na prevenção de lesões das estruturas da coluna vertebral. No método Pilates, os exercícios knee stretch, executados na posição de quadrupedia, são clinicamente recomendados por promoverem o fortalecimento e desafiarem a estabilização da musculatura do tronco. Contudo, há uma carência de estudos científicos sobre a descrição biomecânica destes exercícios. Este estudo investigou a atividade dos músculos estabilizadores do tronco e do quadril, em quatro variações dos exercícios knee stretch: pelve em retroversão e tronco em flexão; pelve em anteversão e tronco em extensão; pelve neutra com tronco inclinado em relação ao solo; e pelve neutra com tronco paralelo ao solo. Participaram do estudo 19 sujeitos saudáveis, com treinamento prévio no método Pilates. Foi registrado o sinal eletromiográfico dos músculos iliocostal, multífido, glúteo máximo, reto do abdome, oblíquo externo e interno. Foi mensurada e comparada a raiz média quadrada do sinal eletromiográfico normalizada pela contração isométrica voluntária máxima de cada músculo em cada variação do exercício nas fases de extensão e de flexão do quadril. Foi calculada a integral do envoltório linear de cada músculo, normalizada pela contração voluntária isométrica máxima, e calculado o padrão de co-contração entre músculos extensores e flexores de tronco, e também analisada a relação entre os músculos definidos como locais (multífido e oblíquo interno) com os globais (iliocostal e reto do abdome). Os dados eletromiográficos foram comparados por meio de ANOVAs 2-fatores para medidas repetidas, seguidas pelo post hoc HSD Tukey. A posição com pelve em retroversão promoveu uma atividade significativamente maior dos músculos oblíquo externo e glúteo máximo. A posição com pelve em anteversão aumentou significativamente a atividade do multífido e também apresentou uma maior relação entre a atividade de extensores/ flexores. A posição de pelve neutra com tronco inclinado promoveu uma relação significativamente maior entre a ativação de músculos locais/ globais em comparação aos outros exercícios. E a posição de pelve neutra com tronco paralelo ao solo promoveu uma atividade significativamente menor de todos os músculos. A atividade do reto do abdome foi similar em todos os exercícios, não sofrendo influência das posições de pelve e tronco. As variações nas posições de pelve e de tronco nos exercícios knee stretch levaram a uma mudança no padrão de ativação dos músculos multífido, glúteo máximo, reto do abdome e oblíquos, bem como a uma mudança no padrão de ativação da musculatura extensora em relação a flexora, e dos músculos locais em relação aos globais. O baixo nível de atividade do músculo reto do abdome sugere que ele mantém a sua ação para garantir a estabilidade pélvica nos quatro exercícios, independentemente das posições de tronco e de pelve / The Pilates method is an exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967). Its main focus is the strengthening and the stabilization of the trunk muscles. This method has been adapted for application in several physical rehabilitation areas, including low back disorders. The dynamic control of trunk muscles plays an important role in preventing repetitive injury of intervertebral disks, facet joints, and related structures. In the Pilates method the knee stretch exercises are clinically recommended because they can promote the strengthening and challenge the stabilization of trunk muscles. These exercises are done in a quadruped position. However, little biomechanical investigation about them has been reported in the scientific literature. This study investigated the activity of stabilizing trunk and hip muscles in four variations of Pilates knee stretch exercises: retroverted pelvis with flexed trunk; anteverted pelvis with extended trunk; neutral pelvis with inclined trunk; and neutral pelvis with trunk parallel to the ground. Participated in the study 19 healthy subjects experienced in Pilates routines. Surface electromyographyc signal of iliocostalis, multifidus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominis, and external and internal oblique muscles were recorded in the four knee stretch exercises variations. It was calculated and compared the root mean square values normalized by the maximal voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle and exercise in both phases of hip extension and flexion. We also calculated the integral of the linear envelope of each muscle, normalized by the maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and it was determined the co-contraction pattern of extensors and flexors muscles and also the relationships patterns of the so called local (multifidus and internal oblique muscles) and global muscles (iliocostalis and rectus abdominis muscles) in each exercise. The exercises and phases data were compared using a two-way ANOVA for repeated measures followed by the HSD Tukey post hoc test. The retroverted pelvis with flexed trunk position led to significantly increased external oblique and gluteus maximus muscle activation. The anteverted pelvis with trunk extension significantly increased multifidus muscle activity and also presented an increased relation of activity of extensor over flexor muscles. The neutral pelvis with inclined trunk position presented a significantly increased the relation of activity of local over global muscles in comparison with others exercises. The neutral pelvis position with trunk paralel to the ground led to significantly lower activity of all muscles. Rectus abdominis muscle activation was similar in all exercises and was not influenced by position of the pelvis and trunk. Variations in the pelvic and trunk positions in the knee stretch exercises change the activation pattern of the multifidus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominis and oblique muscles, and also the relation pattern of extensors over flexors muscles and of local over global muscles. The lower level activation of the rectus abdominis muscle suggests that it maintains its action to guarantee pelvic stability in the 4 exercises regardless of trunk and pelvic position

Exercícios de inclinação da pelve (\"pelvic drop\") são frequentemente utilizados para o fortalecimento do músculo glúteo médio com o objetivo de aumentar ou priorizar o seu recrutamento. No entanto, o efeito da rotação do quadril no desempenho da ação do glúteo médio é desconhecido. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da rotação do quadril no recrutamento do músculo glúteo médio, tensor da fascia lata e quadrado lombar. Dezessete sujeitos saudáveis executaram o exercício de inclinação pélvica com o rotação de quadril lateral (IPRL), medial (IPRM) e neutro (IPN). A atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos glúteo médio (GM), tensor da fáscia lata (TFL) e quadrado lombar (QL) foram avaliadas por meio da eletromiografia de superfície. Os resultados demonstraram aumento significativo na ativação do GM com rotação medial e posição neutra quando comparados com a rotação lateral. Em relação à rotação medial e neutra não houve diferença. A razão GM/TFL não foi diferente em nenhum dos posicionamentos analisados. Em relação à razão GM/QL houve um aumento significativo da ativação muscular em rotação medial e neutra. Exercícios de inclinação pélvica são mais eficientes para ativar o glúteo médio quando o quadril está em rotação medial e posição neutra / Pelvic drop exercises are often used to strengthen the gluteus medius muscle with the aim of increasing or prioritizing its recruitment. However, the effect of hip rotation on the performance of the action of the gluteus medius is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hip rotation on the recruitment of the gluteus medius muscle, tensor fasciae latae and quadratus lumborum. Seventeen healthy subjects performed pelvic drop exercises with lateral (PDLR), medial (PDMR) and neutral (PDN) rotation of the hip. The electromyographic activity of the gluteus medius muscle (GM), tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and quadratus lumborum (QL) were evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG). The results showed significant increases in activation of the GM with medial and neutral rotation compared with lateral rotation. There was no difference between medial and neutral rotation. The GM/TFL ratio was the same in all analyzed positions. Regarding the GM/QL ratio, there was a significant increase in muscle activation in the medial and neutral rotation. Pelvic drop exercises are more efficient for activating the gluteus medius when the hip is in medial rotation and neutral position

This dissertation was a sub-study of a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded randomized clinical trial (R21 NR016112) that examined the effects of resistance training (RT; i.e., weight lifting) on depression in Black/African American (AA) men. The focus of this study was to examine resilience in that population. Resilience is one’s ability to adapt, withstand, and grow in the face of adversity and stress, and it is thought to be inversely associated with stress-related mental illness. Previous research has linked resilience with other intrapersonal factors such as physical self-concept (PSC), and mastery experiences, yet no study has examined the role exercise might play in these relationships. Purpose: To conduct the first study to examine the effects of RT on resilience and PSC, and to explore how mastery experiences might affect these variables. Methods: Twenty-nine participants in the parent study were randomized into either a 12-week RT group or time-matched control. Both groups were required to attend two on-site sessions per week (i.e., 24 total sessions), and all completed questionnaires at three time points (baseline, week 6, week 13). Changes in resilience, PSC, and mastery were analyzed using a series of linear mixed models. Results: There was a significant effect of Time (t = 2.3, p = .02) for resilience, such that the mean score significantly increased by 2.9 points from baseline to the Week 13 in the aggregated sample. There was no significant effect of Group; however, the resistance training group significantly increased their resilience from baseline to Week 13 (p < .01). There was a significant effect of Group (t = 2.5, p = .02) and Time (t= 2.4, p < .01) on PSC from baseline to Week 13. In addition, the results revealed that for every 1-unit increase in PSC from baseline to Week 13, there was a 0.1-point increase in resilience for the aggregated sample. Mastery was not related to any outcome. Conclusion: Results suggest that RT has the potential to influence both resilience and PSC. Furthermore, changes in PSC appeared to be associated with changes in resilience. Future research will be needed to better understand these associations.

Fatores psicossociais envolvem sintomas como cansaço físico ou mental e estresse, além de serem importantes contribuidores para a incidência e severidade dos Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORTs). Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da Ginástica Laboral (GL) compensatória em funcionários administrativos de uma universidade pública, visando a redução de queixas relacionadas ao estresse ocupacional e dor osteomuscular. Pesquisa de delineamento quase-experimental com análise quantitativa e comparativa dos dados, tendo como amostra 30 funcionários administrativos da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto (EERP-USP). Para a coleta dos dados adotou-se três questionários: o de caracterização dos trabalhadores que abordava os aspectos pessoais e ocupacionais dos sujeitos; a Escala de Estresse no Trabalho (EET) para identificar a presença de estresse ocupacional e o Diagrama de Corlett (DC) para avaliar a presença, localização e intensidade das queixas de dor osteomuscular. O período de coleta de dados ocorreu de fevereiro a junho de 2010 e foi dividido em três etapas: a primeira foi o pré teste que constou da aplicação dos questionários aos sujeitos; a segunda foi a intervenção por GL a qual teve uma freqüência de 2 vezes por semana, duração de 15 minutos cada, no período de 10 semanas e contava com técnicas de estabilização segmentar, alongamento muscular em cadeias e segmentar e cinesioterapia ativa. A terceira etapa foi o pós-teste em que os sujeitos responderam novamente à EET e ao DC. Para analise dos dados de estresse ocupacional e dor osteomuscular utilizou-se inicialmente estatística descritiva; para verificar se estes valores foram significativos, realizou-se estatística não paramétrica e o Teste de Wilcoxon foi aplicado, separadamente, para a analise de cada variável, adotando o nível de significância de 95% (p=0,005). Os resultados mostraram que a maioria dos sujeitos era do sexo feminino (56,7%), casada (70%), com nível superior de escolaridade (73,3%) e adotava a mão direita como dominante (90%). Possuía idade média de 41,7(±8,79) anos e praticava atividade física, em média, 2,6(±1,5) vezes semanais; trabalhava 40,1h (±0,7) em turno integral; 73,3% não realizavam horas-extras e 13,3% possuíam outro emprego. Constatou-se presença de estresse ocupacional leve nos funcionários avaliados, com níveis médios de 2,3 no pré e 2,2 no pós-teste, não havendo redução estatisticamente significativa. Todavia, houve redução álgica osteomuscular em todos os segmentos corporais avaliados, sendo esta estatisticamente significativa em pescoço, cervical, costas superior, médio e inferior, coxa direita, perna esquerda, tornozelo direito e pés. Ficou evidente que a GL aplicada nestes sujeitos promoveu a redução significativa de algias osteomusculares na coluna vertebral, além de promover uma redução sintomatológica positiva em todos os segmentos corporais avaliados, bem como favoreceu, também, a não elevação dos níveis de estresse ocupacional. / Psychosocial factors involve symptoms such as physical or mental tiredness and stress, in addition to being important contributors to the incidence and severity of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD). The objective was to evaluate the effect of compensatory Labor Gymnastics (LG) in administrative workers, aiming to reduce complaints related to occupational stress and musculoskeletal pain. Search quasi-experimental design with quantitative analysis and comparative data that had a sample of 30 administrative staff from School of Nursing from Ribeirao Preto, USP. To collect the data we adopted three questionnaires: the characterization of workers that addressed the personal and occupational characteristics of the subjects, the Scale of Occupational Stress (SOE) to identify the presence of occupational stress and Corlett Diagram (CD) for to assess the presence, location and intensity of musculoskeletal pain complaints. The period of data collection occurred from February to June 2010 and it was divided into three stages: the first was a pre-test that consisted of the questionnaire administration directly to the subjects; the second was the intervention by LG with a frequency of 2 times per week, lasting 15 minutes each, between 10 weeks and it relied on techniques of segmental stabilization, stretching in chains and segmental and active kinesiotherapy. The third stage was the post-test in which subjects responded again to the SOE and the CD. For data analysis of occupational stress and musculoskeletal pain was initially used descriptive statistics; to verify that these values were significant, there was statistical and nonparametric Wilcoxon Test was applied separately for the analysis of each of these variables, adopting the level of significance 95% (p = 0.005). The results showed that most subjects were female (56,7%), married (70%), with higher education level (73,3%) and adopted the right hand as dominant (90%). Had a mean age of 41,7 (± 8,79) years and made exercise for an average of 2,6 (± 1,5) times weekly; they worked 40,1 hours (± 0,7) in full turn, 73,3 % did not engage in overtime and 13,3% had another job. We found the presence of occupational stress on employees evaluated, with average levels of 2,3 in the pre and 2,2 in the post test, no statistically significant reduction. However, there was a reduction in musculoskeletal painful in all body segments evaluated, being statistically significant in neck, upper, middle and bottom back, right thigh, left leg, right ankle and feet. It was evident that the LG applied in these subjects promoted a significant reduction of musculoskeletal pains mainly localized in the spine, and promote a positive symptomatologic reduction in all the body segments evaluated, so it favored, also, not to higher the levels of occupational stress.