Introdução: Evidências epidemiológicas mostram que a obesidade sarcopênica (OS) em idosos está associada a um acelerado declínio funcional e alto risco de morbimortalidade, sendo que seu impacto tem se tornado grande preocupação dos profissionais de saúde. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência e a incidência de obesidade sarcopênica, em coorte de idosos domiciliados no município de São Paulo/Brasil 2000 e 2010. Casuística e Métodos: Foram utilizados dados do Estudo SABE (Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento), realizado no município de São Paulo em 2000 (2.143 idosos), e em 2010 (795 idosos). A população deste estudo foi constituída por idosos ( 70 anos), de ambos os sexos, que apresentaram todos os dados necessários para este estudo e que concordaram em participar, totalizando 871 idosos analisados em 2000 e 656 idosos em 2010. As variáveis de estudo foram: 1. Dependente - obesidade sarcopênica, identificada segundo: obesidade, diagnosticada pelo valor da circunferência da cintura (CC 94 cm e CC 80 cm para homens e mulheres, respectivamente); sarcopenia, identificada por: 1- força muscular, pelo teste de preensão manual (FPM - kg) (baixa P25; normal > P25, da mesma população), 2- massa muscular (MM), obtida pelo índice de massa muscular (IMM=MM/altura²) (baixa P20; normal > P20, da mesma população) e 3- desempenho físico, identificado pelo teste (tempo dependente segundos) de sentar e levantar 5 vezes de uma cadeira (SeL) , com os braços cruzados sobre o peito (baixo P75; normal < P75); 2. Explanatórias - sexo e grupos etários (70 79 e 80). Foram classificados com OS idosos que apresentaram, simultaneamente, valores de CC adotados e baixo desempenho e baixa MM, ou então, desempenho normal, mas baixas FPM e MM. A prevalência de obesidade sarcopênica em 2000 e em 2010 foi estimada pelo número de casos de OS identificados nos dois momentos, onde foram realizadas comparações entre os intervalos de confiança, para verificar diferença estatística em idosos ( por cento ) com OS, segundo variáveis explanatórias, com nível de significância de 5 por cento . Para o cálculo do coeficiente de incidência de OS, em 2010, foi considerado o tempo de observação de cada indivíduo, determinado de maneira específica para cada caso. Para os cálculos foi utilizado o programa: Stata/SE ® 10.0 for Windows. Resultados: Dos 871 idosos analisados em 2000, 85 (7,4 por cento ) foram identificados com OS [6,5 por cento mulheres (IC 5,08,4) e 4,8 por cento 80 anos (IC 3,6-6,4)] (p 5 por cento ), e, em 2010, (n=656), 73 (9,2 por cento ) foram identificados com OS [7,2 por cento mulheres (IC 5,5-9,4) e 5,3 por cento 80 anos (IC 4,0-7,0)] (p 5 por cento ). Em 10 anos, foram identificados 43 novos casos de OS. O coeficiente de incidência foi 15,29/1000 pessoas/ano entre 2000 e 2010. Conclusões: A prevalência de OS em 2000 e 2010 foi maior nas mulheres e nos idosos mais longevos, sendo que, em ambos os casos, foi maior em 2010, quando comparada a 2000. Não houve diferença significativa entre os coeficientes de incidência, segundo as variáveis explanatórias. / Background: Epidemiological evidence shows that sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with accelerated functional decline and high risk of morbidity and mortality, and its impact has become major concern of health professionals. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and incidence of sarcopenic obesity in the elderly cohort domiciled in São Paulo / Brazil - 2000 and 2010. Methods: We used data from the SABE Survey (Health, Well-being and Aging), held in São Paulo in 2000 (2.143) and 2010 (795). The study population consisted of elderly ( 70 years) of both sexes, who had all the necessary data for this study and who agreed to participate, totaling 871 elderly analyzed in 2000 and 656 elderly in 2010. The variables of study were: 1.Dependent sarcopenic obesity, identified according to: obesity, diagnosed by the value of the waist circumference (WC 94 cm and WC 80 cm for men and women, respectively); sarcopenia, identified by: 1-muscle strength, by handgrip test (kg) (low P25; normal > P25, of the same population), 2-muscle mass (MM), obtained by muscle mass index (MMI = MM/height ²) (low P20; normal > P20, of the same population) and 3-physical performance, identified by the test (time-dependent seconds) to sit down and get up 5 times a chair (S&L), with their arms crossed on the chest (low P75; normal < P75); 2. Explanatory: sex and age groups (70-79 and 80).They were classified with SO elderly who presented, simultaneously, WC values adopted and low performance and low MM, or, normal performance but low muscle strength and MM. The prevalence of obesity sarcopênica in 2000 and in 2010 was estimated by the number of the cases identified in two moments, where comparisons were made between confidence intervals, to check statistical difference in the elderly ( per cent ) with the second explanatory variables, with a significance level of 5 per cent . For the calculation of the incidence coefficient, in 2010, it was considered the each individual observation time, determined specifically for each case. For the calculations we used the program: Stata / SE ® 10.0 for Windows. Results: Of the 871 analyzed elderly in 2000, 85 (7.4 per cent ) were diagnosed with SO [6.5 per cent women (CI 5.0-8.4) and 4.8 per cent 80 years (CI 3,6-6.4) ] (p 5 per cent ), and, in 2010 (656), 73 (9.2 per cent ) were identified with SO [7.2 per cent women (CI 5.5- 9.4) and 5.3 per cent 80 years (CI 4.0-7, 0) ] (p 5 per cent ). In 10 years, were identified 43 new cases of SO. Incidence coefficient of SO was 15.29/1000 people/year between 2000 and 2010. Conclusion: The prevalence of SO in 2000 and 2010 was higher in women and the oldest old, and, in both cases, was higher in 2010, compared to 2000. There was no significant difference between the incidence coefficient, according to the explanatory variables.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os efeitos do envelhecimento no sistema respiratório iniciam-se aproximadamente aos 25 anos de idade e leva a diminuição da função máxima deste sistema. Esta diminuição de função é perceptível sobre os volumes e capacidades pulmonar, sobre a força dos músculos respiratórios e do fluxo aéreo, predispondo o idoso a complicações que podem resultar em internações e até em morte. A massa e a força muscular reduzida já é bem estudada nesta população, porém com poucos estudos investigando a relação com a função respiratória. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre força muscular respiratória e força de preensão palmar em idosos institucionalizados e da comunidade. MÉTODO: Caracteriza-se por um estudo transversal com 64 voluntários, sendo 33 institucionalizado (GI) e 31 da comunidade (GC). Foram avaliados a pressão inspiratória máxima (PImax), pressão expiratória máxima (PEmax), pico de fluxo expiratório (PF), força de preensão palmar dominante (FPP D) e não dominante (FPP ND), dados antropométricos e nível de atividade física (IPAQ curto). Os dados foram submetidos a análise estatística através do teste t student para amostras independentes para comparação entre os grupos, análise de covariância (ANCOVA) controlada pela covariável idade para as variáveis respiratórias e para a força de preensão palmar, teste de Pearson para avaliação da correlação das variáveis e a análise de regressão linear para identificação da influência das variáveis respiratórias sobre a FPP, além da correção de Bonferroni para excluir o erro do tipo I. RESULTADOS: Os valores encontrados nos testes respiratórios e de força entre os grupos, diferiram estatisticamente mesmo controlado pela covariável idade, sendo que o GI apresentou valores inferiores ao GC. No GI não encontramos correlação entre as variáveis respiratórias e as de FPP, porém o preditor respiratório mais fortemente associado à FPP D foi a PEmax (p=0,04). No GC verificou-se correlação entre PImax e FPP D (r=0,539), PEmax e FPP D / ND (r=0,62 / 0,6), PF e FPP D / ND (r=0,64 / 0,43) e o preditor respiratório mais fortemente associado à FPP D foi PF (p=0,009) e PEmax (p=0,028) e para FPP ND foi a PEmax (p=0,021). Na análise conjunta dos grupos verificou-se associação entre PImax e FPP D / ND (r=0,40 / 0,41), PEmax e FPP D / ND (r=0,57 / 0,54), PF e FPP D / ND (r=0,57 / 0,47) e o preditor respiratório mais fortemente associado à FPP D foi PF (p=0,01) e PEmax (p=0,03) e para FPP ND foi a PEmax (p=0,008) e PF (p=0,041). CONCLUSÃO: O GI apresenta maior fraqueza da musculatura respiratória e estas variáveis não se relacionam bem com a FPP. Em idosos da comunidade o PF e a PEmax parecem ser um bom preditor para a FPP / INTRODUCTION: The effects of aging on the respiratory system begin at approximately 25 years of age and lead to a decrease in the maximum function of this system. This diminished function is noticeable on lung volumes and capacities, on respiratory muscle strength and airflow, predisposing the elderly to complications that may result in hospitalization and even death. The mass and reduced muscle strength is already well studied in this population, but with few studies investigating the relation with the respiratory function. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and palmar grip strength in institutionalized and community aged individuals. METHOD: It is characterized by a cross-sectional study with 64 volunteers, being institutionalized 33 (GI) and 31 from the community (GC). The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak expiratory flow (PF), dominant palmar grip strength (FPP D) and non-dominant (FPP ND), anthropometric data and level of physical activity (short IPAQ). The data were submitted to statistical analysis through t Student test for independent samples for comparison between groups, covariance analysis (ANCOVA) controlled by covariate age for respiratory variables and for palmar grip strength, Pearson test for correlation evaluation of the variables and the linear regression analysis to identify the influence of the respiratory variables on the FPP, besides the Bonferroni correction to exclude the type I error. RESULTS: The values found in the respiratory and strength tests between the groups, differed statistically even by the covariable age, and the GI presented values lower than the GC. In GI, we found no correlation between respiratory and FPP variables, but the respiratory predictor most strongly associated with FPP D was the PEmax (p = 0.04). In the CG, correlation was found between PImax and FPP D (r = 0.539), PEmax and FPP D / ND (r = 0.62 / 0.6), PF and FPP D / ND (r = 0.64 / 0, 43) and the respiratory predictor most strongly associated with FPP D was PF (p = 0.009) and PEmax (p = 0.028) and for FPP ND was PEmax (p = 0.021). In the joint analysis of the groups, an association between PImax and FPP D / ND (r = 0.40 / 0,41), PEmax and FPP D / ND (r = 0.57 / 0.54), FP and FPP D (P = 0.01) and PEmax (p = 0.03) and for FPP ND it was the PEmax (p = 0.07) and ND (r = 0.57 / 0.47) and the respiratory predictor most strongly associated with FPP D = 0.008) and PF (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: GI shows greater respiratory muscle weakness and these variables do not correlate well with PPF. In the elderly in the community, PF and PEmax appear to be a good predictor of PPF

Submitted by Rosivalda Pereira (mrs.pereira@ufma.br) on 2017-12-05T18:35:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 MayaraBorges.pdf: 2463514 bytes, checksum: 2f542fbab23b5ce1fe0f6d8188839b06 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-12-05T18:35:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MayaraBorges.pdf: 2463514 bytes, checksum: 2f542fbab23b5ce1fe0f6d8188839b06 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-10-02 / The mismatching between supply and oxygen consumption due to intra and postoperative factors leads to several cardiac surgery postoperative complications, which may reduce peripheral muscle strength (PMS) and impair functional capacity. This research proposes to evaluate the repercussion of markers of tissue perfusion in PMS and functional capacity of patients submitted to cardiac surgery. It is a prospective cohort study, performed at Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, in São Luís – MA, with 72 participants who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (Cardiac ICU) between January and December, 2016. Peripheral muscle strength, by a hydraulic handgrip dynamometer and functional capacity, through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), were assessed preoperatively and on the sixth postoperative day. Arterial lactate, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) and arteriovenous difference of carbon dioxide (ΔpCO2) were evaluated by arterial and venous blood gases, collected at four periods: anesthesia pre-induction (T0), admission to the ICU (T1), six (T2) and 12 hours (T3) after admission to the ICU. Regarding peripheral muscle strength, there was a reduction in both dominant (p= 0,03) and non-dominant hands (p= 0,004), when comparing pre and postoperative periods, as well as functional capacity (p < 0,0001). No correlation was found between the markers of tissue perfusion and functional outcomes assessed. Therefore, in this sample, cardiac surgery led to repercussions on functional capacity and PMS when assessed at the hospital. However, However, the stratification of the groups regarding the type of surgery in relation to the FMP showed a weak negative correlation of the ΔpCO2 of the T1 of the dominant hand (p = 0,04; r = -0,36) and of the non-dominant hand (p = 0,04; r = -0.36) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Therefore, in this sample, cardiac surgery caused damages in functional capacity and MPF when measured still in a hospital environment. In addition, patients undergoing coronary artery bypass g / O desequilíbrio entre a oferta e o consumo de oxigênio decorrente de fatores intra e pós-operatórios consiste em uma das causas para as mais diversas complicações após cirurgia cardíaca, podendo acarretar em redução da força muscular periférica (FMP) e limitação da capacidade funcional. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento e a correlação dos marcadores de perfusão tecidual com a FMP e capacidade funcional de indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Método: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo coorte prospectivo, com 72 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca e admitidos na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Cardiológicos (UCI Cardio) do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Unidade Presidente Dutra, em São Luís – MA, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2016. Realizou-se a mensuração da FMP, por meio de dinamômetro hidráulico de mão e a capacidade funcional, por meio da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF), no pré-operatório e no 6º dia de pós-operatório. Os marcadores de perfusão avaliados, por meio de gasometrias arterial e venosa, foram: lactato arterial, saturação venosa central de oxigênio (SvcO2) e diferença arteriovenosa de dióxido de carbono (∆pCO2). As coletas foram realizadas em quatro momentos: pré-indução anestésica (T0), admissão na UCI (T1), seis (T2) e 12 horas (T3) após a admissão na UCI. Resultados: O lactato arterial apresentou elevação significativa dos seus valores no T1 em relação ao T0 (p < 0,05), seguido de redução significativa no T2 em relação ao T1 (p < 0,05). A SvcO2 apresentou valores elevados em T0, com redução significativa no T1 (p > 0,05), seguida de manutenção nas demais avaliações. Quanto à ∆pCO2, não foram observadas variações dos seus valores nos momentos avaliados. Foi observada correlação negativa fraca da ∆pCO2 do T1 com a FMP da mão dominante (p = 0,04; rs = -0,36) e da mão não dominante (p = 0,04; r= -0,36) em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (RM). Em idosos foram encontrados piores valores do lactato arterial mensurado no T3 (p = 0,03) e da ∆pCO2 avaliada no T2 (p = 0,03) quando comparados aos indivíduos não idosos. Conclusão: Em pacientes submetidos à RM, maiores valores de ∆pCO2 correlacionaram-se com menor FMP. O lactato arterial e a SvcO2 imediatamente na admissão apresentam valores inadequados, tendendo a melhorar em até 12 horas. Por outro lado, o ∆pCO2 não demonstrou variação nas primeiras 12 horas após a admissão. Pacientes idosos apresentaram piores valores de lactato arterial e ∆pCO2 após a cirurgia cardíaca.

Introdução: Força, resistência e atividade muscular são uma área importante de pesquisa e avaliação contribuindo para um melhor entendimento de aspectos musculoesqueléticos de mecanismos de dor e lesão. No entanto, a utilização de testes que avaliem a região lombopélvica ainda é controversa, pois apesar de muitos testes clínicos estarem disponíveis na literatura, ainda não estão estabelecidos quais os mais confiáveis na prática clínica. Objetivos: Estabelecer valores de referência, determinar confiabilidade intra e interexaminador e as medidas de erro de um conjunto de testes clínicos que avaliam a região lombopélvica em indivíduos assintomáticos de diferentes gêneros, faixas etárias e níveis de atividade física. Materiais e Métodos: Para os valores de referência, 152 indivíduos (79 homens, 73 mulheres) estratificados por gênero, faixa etária e nível de atividade física realizaram um conjunto de nove testes clínicos: força isométrica máxima de abdutores, extensores, flexores e rotadores laterais de quadril, resistência nas posições de ponte lateral, ponte frontal, flexores e extensores lombares e atividade muscular da região lombopélvica. Para a confiabilidade, 33 indivíduos foram avaliados por dois examinadores em um intervalo de 3 a 7 dias, onde realizaram aleatoriamente o mesmo conjunto de testes. As medidas de confiabilidade foram avaliadas pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Interclasse (CCI2,1) e as medidas de erro definidas pelo Erro Padrão da Medida (EPM) e pela Mínima Mudança Detectável (MMD). Resultados: Foram observadas diferenças significativas (p<0.05) nos testes clínicos para as variáveis: gênero, faixa etária e nível de atividade física e estabelecidos valores de referência para cada grupo. Todos os testes apresentaram valores de confiabilidade excelente com CCI (IC 95%) maior que 0.8 para as confiabilidades intra e interexaminador; os valores da MMD foram superiores à média do EPM em todos os testes. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo apontam valores de referência que contribuem com o estabelecimento de referências para auxiliar na tomada de decisões clínicas. Além disso, este conjunto de 10 testes apresentou confiabilidade intra e interexaminador bem como valores de EPM e MMD, confirmando a possibilidade de seu uso na prática clínica. / Background: The assessment of the lumbopelvic region is useful for many musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Several clinical tests are commonly used to assess this region, however, reference values for clinical assessments and results concerning method, reliability and error measurements of these tests have not been reported. Objectives: To establish reference values and to determine intra and interrater reliability, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change (MDC) of a set of clinical tests used for assessing the lumbopelvic region in asymptomatic volunteers of different gender, age groups and physical activity levels. Methods: For reference values, 152 subjects (79 men, 73 women) divided by gender, age group and physical activity levels, performed nine clinical tests: Maximum voluntary isometric strength of hip abductors, extensors, flexors and lateral rotators, transversus abdominis(TrA) muscle activity (using a Pressure Biofeedback Unit), prone and side bridges, trunk flexor and extensor endurance tests. To measure reliability, 33 individuals performed the same set of tests, in random order within a week period. Intrarater and interrater analysis were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and the error measurements were defined by using the SEM and the MDC. Results: Reference values were established for each group and our results showed significant (p<0.05) differences concerning gender, age group and physical activity levels in clinical tests. In general, strength differences were related to gender and physical activity levels and endurance results could be related to interactions between gender, age group and physical activity levels. All tests presented good reliability indices with an ICC (95%CI) higher than 0.8 for the intrarater and interrater reliability; MDC values were greater than mean of SEM in all tests, confirming its usage for clinical practice assessments. Conclusion: Reference values are necessary to help clinicians in the evaluation of subjects and these results can contribute for clinical practice in providing clinical training targets. Also, this set of tests presented good intra and interrater reliability measures of strength, endurance and TrA muscle activity test as well as SEM and MDC values, confirming its use for assessing the lumbopelvic region.

No description available.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide. It often leads to mobility limitations resulting from deficits in muscle performance. While reduced muscle strength and rate of force production have been reported, little is known about the power generating capability of people after stroke and its relationship to mobility. Research in other populations has found that measures of muscle power may have a greater association with activity performance than do measures of muscle force alone. Consequently, in an attempt to optimise power, investigators have focused on identifying ideal parameters within which to train for power. One such parameter is the identification of the loading level at which maximal power is generated. Literature reporting optimal loads from both young athletic and healthy older populations has yielded mixed results, making the applicability to a hemiparetic population difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate muscle power performance at differing loads and to determine at what load muscle power is best elicited in hemiparetic and age and gender matched control groups. A secondary aim was to ascertain whether there is a relationship between the muscle power values obtained and activities such as gait, stair climbing and standing from a chair. Twenty nine hemiparetic volunteers and twenty nine age and gender matched controls were evaluated. Involved and uninvolved legs of the stroke group and a comparison leg of the control group underwent testing. Leg press muscle power was measured using a modified supine leg press machine at 30%, 50% and 70% of a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) load. Participants were positioned on the leg press machine and asked to push, with a single leg, as hard and as fast as they could. Data was collected via a mounted force platform and a linear transducer connected to a platform on which the participants lay. From these, power was able to be calculated. The activities were timed while being performed as fast as possible. The results showed that peak muscle power values differed significantly between the involved, uninvolved and control legs. Peak leg power in all three leg groups was greatest when pushing against a load of 30% of 1-RM. Involved leg peak power tested at 30% of 1-RM (Mean:240; SD:145 W) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the uninvolved leg (Mean:506; SD:243 W). Both the involved and uninvolved legs generated significantly lower peak power (p<0.05) than the control leg (Mean:757; SD:292 W). Correlations were found between the involved leg peak power and gait speed and involved leg peak power and stair climbing (r=0.6-0.7, p<0.05). No correlation was found between paretic leg peak power and chair stands. The control group leg peak power demonstrated significant associations with the performance of all three activities.In summary, there were significant differences between the involved and the uninvolved leg in power production after stroke. As well, there are significant differences between the uninvolved leg and the leg of those not affected by stroke. Power was related to a number of activities.

TThis thesis looks at the development of a Hand and Wrist Strength Gauge. The gauge was developed by the author at the Flinders Medical Centre Occupational Therapy Department in 1997. / thesis (MApSc(OccupationalTherapy))--University of South Australia, 2003.

Plantar heel pain is a common disorder that can involve considerable pain. Many treatments have been suggested to manage the condition however few have been rigorously evaluated. Two treatments commonly recommended in clinical practice are adhesive taping applied to the foot and calf muscle stretching. The effectiveness of neither treatment is supported by good quality evidence. Aim: To examine the effectiveness of two short-term interventions, low-Dye taping and calf muscle stretching, for the treatment of plantar heel pain. In addition, the effect of the interventions on biomechanical variables was investigated. Design: Four studies were undertaken in the thesis. The first study in the thesis (Chapter 3) investigated the biomechanical effect of low-Dye taping on the lower limb by systematically reviewing appropriate clinical trials. Meta-analyses were undertaken where appropriate. The second study (Chapter 4) was a blinded randomised trial conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of low-Dye taping for the short-term treatment of plantar heel pain. The third study (Chapter 5) investigated the effect of calf muscle stretching on ankle joint range of motion by systematically reviewing appropriate clinical trials. Meta analyses were again undertaken where appropriate. The fourth and final study (Chapter 6) was another blinded randomised trial conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of calf muscle stretching for the short-term treatment of plantar heel pain. Setting: Both randomised trials were conducted at a university-based clinic in Sydney, Australia. Participants In the randomised trials, 184 participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for plantar heel pain were recruited from the local community. In the first trial 92 participants were evaluated over a one-week period and randomly allocated to receive either low-Dye taping or a sham intervention. In the second trial 92 participants were evaluated over a two-week period and randomly allocated to receive either calf muscle stretching or a sham intervention. Outcome measures In the first systematic review, all trials that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria evaluated the effect of low-Dye taping on kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic outcomes. For the second systematic review, all trials that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria examined the effect of calf muscle stretching on the outcome of ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion. Both randomised trials in this thesis used the Visual Analogue Scale and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire as primary outcomes. In the stretching randomised trial secondary outcomes were also assessed, namely the Foot Posture Index-6 and the Ankle Lunge Test. Results: The first systematic review found that low-Dye taping provides a small, statistically significant increase in navicular height immediately after application (weighted mean difference 5.90mm; 95% confidence interval 0.41 to 11.39; p=0.04)1 indicating a reduction in foot pronation. However, after exercise, taping had no statistically significant effect on navicular height (weighted mean difference 4.70mm; 95% confidence interval –0.61 to 10.01; p=0.08). In addition, taping had no statistically significant effect on maximum rear foot eversion (weighted mean difference –0.59°; 95% confidence interval ����2.53 to 1.35; p=0.55) or total rear foot range of motion while walking (weighted mean difference 2.3°; 95% confidence interval –0.64 to 5.24; p=0.13). The first randomised trial found that low-Dye taping had a significantly greater decrease in ‘first-step’ pain compared to a control group. The estimate of the mean difference between the groups (measured on 100mm Visual Analogue Scale) favoured the taping group (-12.3mm; 95% confidence interval -22.4 to -2.2; p=0.017). There 1 P values are provided to three decimal places except when values were generated using systematic review software, Review Manager 4.2.7, which sometimes only calculates results to two decimal places. were no differences detected in any of the other outcome measures. The taping was associated with mild to moderate short-lived adverse events that could be minimised with the use of hypoallergenic tape and careful application of the tape to reduce tightness. The second systematic review found that calf muscle stretching provides a small, statistically significant increase in ankle joint dorsiflexion. Stretching for ≤15 minutes (in a single session or accumulated over multiple sessions) provides a weighted mean difference of 2.07° (95% confidence interval 0.86 to 3.27; p(less than)0.001). 15 to 30 minutes (accumulated over multiple sessions) increased dorsiflexion by a weighted mean difference of 3.03° (95% confidence interval 0.31 to 5.75; p=0.03), and >30 minutes of stretching (accumulated over multiple sessions) increased dorsiflexion by a weighted mean difference of 2.49° (95% confidence interval 0.16 to 4.82; p=0.04) indicating no further increase in dorsiflexion is achieved by stretching for >30 minutes. The second randomised trial found that calf muscle stretching compared to a control group, had no significant effect on ‘first-step’ pain, foot pain, foot function or general foot health. Stretching was associated with mild to moderate adverse effects that were short-lived once stretching ceased. Conclusion: When used for the treatment of plantar heel pain, low-Dye taping provides a small increase in navicular height, and after one week, produces a small reduction in the ‘first-step’ pain. Calf muscle stretching increases ankle joint dorsiflexion approximately 2 to 3 degrees but has no effect on plantar heel pain after two weeks. It can therefore be concluded that low-Dye taping is effective for the short-term treatment of the ‘first-step’ pain associated with plantar heel pain, but calf muscle stretching is not effective for plantar heel pain. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Little is known about the early recovery of functional outcomes in the lung transplant population. This thesis investigated skeletal muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and daily physical activity pre- and early post-lung transplantation in a cohort of fifty participants. Significant functional limitations were observed pre-transplant, however levels of physical activity were higher on rehabilitation days as compared to non-rehabilitation days. Post-transplant, improvements in functional exercise capacity and physical activity lagged behind the early improvements in pulmonary function and health-related quality of life. Muscle strength was reduced at hospital discharge compared to pre-transplant levels, but improved to pre-transplant levels by three months post-transplant. In summary, significant functional limitation exists pre-transplant, and lung transplantation leads to significant improvement of functional outcomes; however functional recovery occurs at different time periods and to varying degrees, and does not reach levels of a healthy reference population by three months post-lung transplant.

Little is known about the early recovery of functional outcomes in the lung transplant population. This thesis investigated skeletal muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and daily physical activity pre- and early post-lung transplantation in a cohort of fifty participants. Significant functional limitations were observed pre-transplant, however levels of physical activity were higher on rehabilitation days as compared to non-rehabilitation days. Post-transplant, improvements in functional exercise capacity and physical activity lagged behind the early improvements in pulmonary function and health-related quality of life. Muscle strength was reduced at hospital discharge compared to pre-transplant levels, but improved to pre-transplant levels by three months post-transplant. In summary, significant functional limitation exists pre-transplant, and lung transplantation leads to significant improvement of functional outcomes; however functional recovery occurs at different time periods and to varying degrees, and does not reach levels of a healthy reference population by three months post-lung transplant.