M.Tech. / Purpose: This randomised, controlled, comparative pilot study was undertaken in order to investigate the effectiveness of the chiropractic manipulation alone, the chiropractic manipulation followed by heat therapy or the chiropractic manipulation followed by cryotherapy in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. It was hypothesised that all three treatment protocols would be effective, but that applying chiropractic manipulation followed by heat therapy would be the most effective protocol in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. Method: Forty-five participants were recruited by means of advertisements posted around the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein campus and surrounding businesses. Only those participants who conformed to the inclusion criteria were accepted to form a part of the study. The forty-five participants were randomly placed into three groups of fifteen each. Procedure: Group 1 received chiropractic manipulation only as their treatment protocol. Group 2 received chiropractic manipulation followed by heat therapy as their treatment protocol and group 3 received chiropractic manipulation followed by cryotherapy as their treatment protocol. Each participant received six treatments over a two week period and attended a follow-up consultation in the third week. The follow-up consultation was used to assess the lasting effects of the treatment protocol. Results: The objective data in the form of cervical range of motion was obtained by means of the Cervical Range of Motion instrument. The subjective data was collected by means of the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. At the end of the trial, statistical analysis was performed to determine whether one treatment protocol was more effective compared to the other treatment protocols. The results indicated that group 2 (Chiropractic manipulation followed by heat therapy) proved to be the most effective treatment protocol. Although the other treatment protocol as well as the control group showed good objective results. Subjective results showed that although all three groups showed statistically significant results, group 2 showed the best results. Thus it is noted that in order to achieve a potentially lasting increase in range of motion and a decrease in pain and disability, the treatment protocol used for group 2 should be the treatment of choice. Conclusion: Trends indicate the most effective treatment protocol in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome is when chiropractic manipulation is followed by heat therapy. The advantage of this combination is that each treatment modality is used to its full potential, thereby providing the patient with the best results in terms of lasting benefits.

Submitted to the Faculty of Health at the Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Background: Cryotherapy is often the first option in treating acute conditions and can be applied in various forms including ice packs and cooling gels. Cooling gels are easy to use and readily available making them popular with consumers. They can also contain additional ingredients which can assist with inflammation, making them ideal for musculoskeletal disorders. A cooling gel containing menthol and anti-inflammatory herbs is available in pharmacies nationwide in South Africa, but has not been clinically investigated. This gel is often used in the treatment of acute injuries such as low back pain but its effectiveness in treating this condition has not yet been verified. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a menthol cooling gel combined with anti-inflammatory herbs compared to a menthol gel and a placebo gel in the treatment of acute non-specific low back pain. Method: A double-blinded placebo controlled clinical trial (n = 60) was conducted. Each participant was randomly allocated into one of three treatment groups consisting of a minimum of 20 participants between the ages of 18 and 40 who met the study criteria. Informed consent was obtained from the participants prior to their participation in the study. At the initial consultation baseline measurements (pain rating, disability and pressure pain threshold) were taken and the respective treatments (menthol with anti-inflammatory herb, menthol or placebo gel) were administered. Participants were instructed on how to apply the gel at home and were requested to apply it three times a day for one week. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA for inter- and intra-group analysis with one way ANOVA and chi square tests being used to compare baseline values. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The study received ethical clearance from the Durban University of Technology Institutional Research Ethics Committee (REC 81/13). Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups at baseline assessment, indicating that the groups were comparable. Participants were instructed on how to apply the gel at home and were requested to apply it three times a day for one week. Follow up appointments for data collection was scheduled at days three or four and six. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups over time for pain (p = 0.95), disability (p = 0.903) or pressure-pain threshold (p = 0.824), with all groups showing improvement. All three groups showed clinically significant changes in pain from moderate to mild over the duration of the study but no clinically significant changes were noted in terms of pressure-pain threshold and disability. Conclusion: The results indicate that irrespective of whether or not the gel contains active ingredients there was an improvement in acute low back pain. Further research needs to be conducted to determine if tissue depth and the concentration of the active ingredients such as menthol are factors affecting the efficacy of this gel.

In recent years our understanding of the physical demands of soccer has improved. We know that the intensity at which the game is played has increased and that the fixture schedules for professional teams can often be very congested. These factors are likely to have increased the importance placed on the physical condition of players. Therefore, the process of monitoring the fitness levels of players is likely to be an important task within clubs. Any fitness assessments that are employed need to be sensitive enough to detect changes that may result from different training stimuli. A further critical consideration for clubs is what are the best practices to implement in order to maximise recover between matches? The two areas that are central to successful recovery of performance are the restoration of muscle and liver glycogen stores and the rapid reduction of muscle soreness. We have a good understanding of the importance of carbohydrate feeding in the immediate hours following the completion of exercise, furthermore that high levels of carbohydrate consumed during short recovery periods can improve subsequent endurance running capacity in both continuous and intermittent exercise. However, there is dearth of literature investigating the effects that different types (glycemic index) of carbohydrates have on subsequent performance of high intensity intermittent exercise. Furthermore, we know that the movement patterns experienced in soccer commonly induce symptoms of muscle damage. Despite this there is little research based information on modalities that reduce these potentially detrimental side-effects (Bamett, 2006). For these reasons the series of investigations that have been conducted in this thesis were designed with the intent to examine areas that are critical to the preparation and recovery of soccer players. The first of five experimental chapters collated information on the use of fitness testing within English professional football. It was concluded that the practise of fitness testing players is extremely commonplace and that field-based testing protocols were far more popular an assessment method. The second experimental chapter went on to demonstrate that the most commonly used fitness test within professional football (MSFT) was sensitive enough to detect performance changes that occur as a result of training. A further finding within the context of the question was that it is possible for female players to significantly improve aerobic capabilities with additional high intensity aerobic training. The third experimental chapter investigated the effect different glycemic index high CHO diets could have on recovery of performance following 90 min of intermittent soccer type exercise. This study concluded that consuming either predominately high or low GI CHO mixed meals in the 24h recovery period between bouts of high intensity prolonged intermittent exercise had no difference on measures of performance. The final two experimental chapters went on to investigate the effects of cold water immersion on indices of muscle damage following intermittent exercise. Results from these investigations suggest that submerging individuals in 10°C water immediately following high intensity intermittent exercise reduces some but not all indices of muscle damage. In summary, fitness assessments of players are commonly made within professional football clubs. The most common test used was the MSFT and this appears to be sensitive to changes that result as a consequence of training. During recovery from high intensity intermittent exercise the importance of carbohydrates is apparent although the type of carbohydrate appears to be less important, furthermore, cold-water immersion may be effective in reducing some but not all indices of muscle damage.

Master's thesis topic: Objectification of selected rehabilitation techniques used to influence the muscle tone Author: Bc. Zuzana Pavelková Branch of study: TVS_B Disertation Tutor: PhDr. Petr Šifta, Ph.D. Year of Defense: 2012 Abstract: The aim of this study was to discover, whether four selected rehabillitation techniques (dry-needling application, cryotherapy, stretching and kinesiotaping) influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. It was assumed, that above mentioned methods decrease the muscle tone of selected muscles, that was increased by previous running performance or owing to acute or chronic problems with Achilles tendon. The muscle tone was measured by myotonometer in Kinesiology laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague; muscle tone of twelve students of thisfaculty was measured. Data were displayed by using an analog- digital convertor and consequently evaluated. The results of this study indicate, that four selected rehabillitation methods influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. The muscle tone was best influenced by application of dry-needling and by kinesiotaping; results of muscle tone measurement after dry-needling application and kinesiotaping confirmed above stated...

O uso do frio pela medicina é muito antigo, utilizado inicialmente de forma empírica, teve grandes avanços nos séculos XIV e XX, evoluindo juntamente com a Física. O surgimento de novas técnicas e equipamentos, possibilitou à crioterapia tornar-se uma importante opção no tratamento de neoplasias, benignas e malignas, de diferentes órgãos (tais como fígado, próstata, pâncreas e mamas) e sistemas (ósseo, neurológico e tegumentar). O grande desenvolvimento tecnológico permitiu além do maior número de indicações, melhores resultados, mormente com o uso de técnicas de imagem para o acompanhamento do procedimento. Porém, poucos são os trabalhos que enfocam a monitorização e mensuração do congelamento, pela tomografia computadorizada, bem como avaliação da necrose obtida. No presente trabalho propôs-se avaliar as relações entre as medidas obtidas pela tomografia computadorizada, em 20 cães da raça Beagle, durante o congelamento por aplicação do nitrogênio pela sonda fechada (75 segundos), spray (75 e 135 segundos) e derramamento (75 segundos), comparando estas medidas com aquelas mensuradas pela histopatologia da necrose provocada, para posteriormente avaliar a efetividade dos métodos e criar protocolos de tratamento. Os valores de diâmetro, raio, profundidade e volume do congelamento foram comparados entre si e, com os respectivos valores da necrose após 96 horas do procedimento. Os valores foram submetidos a análise de variância de medidas repetidas e teste de Bonferroni (p<0,05). Constatou-se que: a técnica de sonda fechada oferece congelamento e subseqüente necrose mais superficial que os outros métodos, sendo a técnica menos efetiva; em todas as técnicas o volume, diâmetro e profundidade são inferiores no tecido necrosado quando comparados aos seus similares naquele congelado; em nenhuma das quatro técnicas a profundidade de congelamento foi equivalente ao seu raio. Finalmente, houve a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de protocolos alternativos de congelamento a partir da profundidade de necrose pretendida (hf), obtendo-se como resultado (sonda - Di = hf / 0,29; spray I; Di = hf / 0,31; spray II - Di = hf / 0,35; derramamento -Di = hf / 0,38) o diâmetro do congelamento (Di) necessário para o êxito do tratamento / The use of cold by Medicine is a very old practice, initially used empirically, which had significant advances in the XIV and XX centuries, developing along with Physics. The appearance of new techniques and equipment turned cryotherapy into an important option in the treatment of benign and malignant neoplasms in different organs (such as the liver, the prostate, the pancreas and breasts) and systems (bone, neurological and tegumentary). The large technological development resulted in a higher number of indications as well as better results, especially with the concomitant use of imaging techniques to follow the procedure. However, few studies focus on the monitoring and mensuration of freezing through computed tomography, as well as the assessment of the resulting necrosis. Our study aims at evaluating the association between the measurements obtained through computed tomography in 20 Beagle dogs during freezing by liquid nitrogen use through a probe (75 sec), spray (75 and 135 sec) and overflow (75 sec), comparing these measurements to those obtained through histopathological analysis of the resulting necrosis, for later evaluation of the effectiveness of the methods and design of better treatment protocols. The values of diameter, radius, depth and volume of freezing were compared among them and also with the respective necrosis values 96 hours after the procedure. The values were submitted to analysis of variance of repeated measurements and Bonferroni test (p<0.05). We observed that the closed probe technique causes a more superficial freezing and resulting necrosis when compared to the other methods, being the less effective technique. In all techniques, the volume, diameter and depth are lower in the necrotic tissue when compared to those in the frozen tissue; none of the four techniques showed that freezing depth was equivalent to its radius. Finally, alternative freezing protocols could be developed from the depth of the intended necrosis (hf), resulting in the freezing diameter (Di) (probe - Di = hf/0.29; spray I; Di = hf/0.31; spray II Di = hf/0.35; overflow Di = hf/0.38), which is necessary for therapy success

Introdução: A bolsa de gelo, principal método não medicamentoso de alívio da dor perineal, é efetiva, se aplicada por 10, 15 ou 20 minutos. Mas, seu uso não está padronizado, pois faltam evidências robustas sobre o melhor tempo e o intervalo das aplicações, dificultando o emprego efetivo e seguro dessa terapia, na prática obstétrica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de bolsa de gelo no alívio da dor perineal no pós-parto e sua manutenção até 2 horas após a aplicação por 10 minutos. Método: Ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado com cegamento do avaliador do desfecho, realizado em uma maternidade em São Paulo. Foram incluídas 69 puérperas com idade 18 anos, sem parto vaginal anterior, 6-24 horas, após o parto normal, com dor perineal 3 na escala numérica, que não receberam anti-inflamatório após o parto ou analgésico nas 3 horas prévias à inclusão no estudo. A amostra foi estratificada conforme a condição perineal após o parto em períneo íntegro ou laceração de 1º grau e laceração de 2º grau ou episiotomia. A alocação aleatória ocorreu, separadamente, em cada estrato, em grupo experimental, composto por participantes que receberam uma única aplicação de bolsa de gelo no períneo por 10 minutos e grupo controle, constituído de participantes que não usaram bolsa de gelo. O desfecho primário foi a redução de 30% na intensidade da dor perineal, imediatamente após a intervenção e o secundário, a manutenção da analgesia até 2 horas, após a terapia. A dor perineal foi avaliada pela escala numérica (0-10, zero é ausência de dor e dez, a pior dor imaginável), em três momentos: antes, imediatamente após e 2 horas depois da intervenção. Resultados: Antes da intervenção, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos experimental e controle quanto às características sociodemográficas, relacionadas ao parto e intensidade de dor perineal. Imediatamente após a intervenção, a redução da média de intensidade da dor perineal foi maior no grupo experimental (4,0 versus 0,7; p<0,0001) e a proporção de mulheres cuja dor perineal diminuiu 30% ou mais também foi maior no grupo experimental (82,9% versus 17,6%; p<0,001). Em 2 horas, não houve diferença significativa na redução da média da dor perineal entre os grupos. Contudo, a proporção de mulheres cuja a intensidade da dor diminuiu, pelo menos, 30% foi maior no grupo experimental (82,9% versus 44,1%; p=0,002). O número necessário para tratar foi igual a 3 (Intervalo de Confiança- IC 95% 2-7). Além disso, o percentual de mulheres cuja intensidade da dor perineal não aumentou desde a aplicação do gelo foi de 61,9% e 89,3% para o grupo experimental e o controle, respectivamente. Para as demais puérperas, o tempo médio de aumento da intensidade da dor perineal foi 1h45 (IC95% 1h34-1h57) e 1h56 (IC95% 1h51-2h01), para os grupos experimental e controle, respectivamente, com diferença significativa. Conclusão: Aplicação de bolsa de gelo por 10 minutos é eficaz para aliviar a dor perineal após o parto em primíparas e continua a ser eficaz de 1h45 a 2 horas. Além disso, é um método bem aceito pelas mulheres e permite um melhor desempenho de suas atividades diárias / Introduction: The ice pack, the main non-pharmacological method for relieving perineal pain, seems to be effective if applied for 10, 15 or 20 minutes. But its use is not standardized, once it lacks robust evidence on timing and frequency of applications, which hinders the effective and safe use of this therapy in obstetric practice. Aim: To evaluate if a 10 minutes ice pack application is relieving postpartum perineal pain and if its analgesic effect is maintained for up to 2 hours. Method: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed in a birth center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The sample size consisted of 69 primiparous women 18 years old, within 6-24hrs after spontaneous vaginal birth with perineal pain 3 by use of a numeric rating scale, who had neither received anti-inflammatory medication after childbirth nor analgesics within the previous 3hrs. The sample was stratified according to the perineal condition after childbirth into intact perineum or 1st degree laceration and 2nd degree laceration or episiotomy. Random allocation into experimental and control group occurred separately in each stratum. In the experimental group, women received a single ice pack application to the perineum for 10 minutes. In the control group, women did not receive an ice pack. The primary outcome was a reduction by at least 30% in perineal pain intensity, immediately after the application and the secondary, was the maintenance of the analgesic effect for up to 2hrs. Perineal pain was measured using the numeric rating scale (0-10, 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable), at three points of time: before, immediately after and 2hrs after applying an ice pack. Findings: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control group regarding sociodemographic characteristics, facts related to childbirth and perineal pain intensity. Immediately after the intervention, pain intensity was more reduced in the experimental group (4.0 vs. 0.7, p <0.0001), and the proportion of women whose perineal pain decreased by 30% or more was also higher in this group (82.9% vs. 17.6%; p <0.001). Within two hours, there was no significant difference in the mean pain levels in both groups. However, the proportion of women whose mean pain intensity decreased by at least 30% was higher in the experimental group (82.9% vs. 44.1%; p = 0.002). The number needed to treat was 3 (95% CI 2-7). Furthermore, the percentage of women whose perineal pain intensity has not increased since the application of ice was 61.9% for the experimental group and 89.3% for the control group, respectively. For the remaining participants, levels of perineal pain were increasing after an average time of 1hr45 (95% CI 1hr34-1hr57) and 1hr56 (95% CI 1hr51-2hr01) for the experimental and control groups, respectively, with significant difference. Conclusion: Application of an ice pack for 10 minutes is effective for relieving postpartum perineal pain for 1hr45 to 2hrs. Moreover, it is a well-accepted method by women and allows them to better perform their daily activities

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da aplicação da bolsa de gelo na dor perineal após o parto normal. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico, randomizado e controlado, realizado no Centro de Parto Normal do Amparo Maternal, na cidade de São Paulo. A população foi dividida em três grupos Experimental, que utilizou bolsa de gelo no períneo; Placebo, bolsa de água na temperatura ambiente e Controle, sem bolsa. Os critérios de inclusão foram: idade 18 anos, nulíparas de termo, com apresentação cefálica, estar entre 2 e 48 horas de após parto normal, referir dor perineal 3, sem intercorrências clínicas ou obstétricas e com recém-nascido (RN) em boas condições. Os critérios de exclusão foram: síndrome de Raynaud, recusar ou retirar a bolsa. As bolsas foram aplicadas por 20 minutos. Nos três grupos foram controladas as temperaturas perineais, da bolsa, ambiental e axilar. Para avaliação da dor, foi utilizada a escala numérica de zero a dez, sendo zero ausência de dor e dez, dor insuportável. Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Escola de Enfermagem da USP, deu-se a coleta de dados em janeiro e fevereiro de 2008. Foram elegíveis ao estudo 117 mulheres, com a recusa de três, restando 114; 38 em cada grupo. A média de idade das mulheres foi de 22,2 anos; 83,3% tinham ensino médio; 89,5% possuíam companheiro com co-habitação; 49,1% tinham trabalho remunerado; 84,2% não eram pretas e 50,9% tiveram o marido como acompanhante no parto. O trauma perineal ocorreu em 94,4% das mulheres, sendo 64,0% com episiotomia. Quanto às variáveis numéricas, as médias observadas foram: 20,6 h tempo de pós-parto com dor perineal, 3.254 g o peso do RN, 3,4 cm de comprimento do trauma perineal, 36,5°C de temperatura axilar, 26,9°C de temperatura ambiental e 32,7°C de temperatura inicial do períneo. Nos três grupos houve semelhança em todas as variáveis de caracterização estudadas. A temperatura inicial média da bolsa de água foi de 27,2°C, e a do gelo de 3,8°C. A média de temperatura perineal, após os 20 minutos de intervenção, foi 34°C no grupo controle, 30,9°C no placebo e 12,6°C no experimental. Comparando-se a média de dor inicial após 20 minutos intragrupo, observou-se que nos três grupos (controle, placebo e experimental) ocorreu redução significativa da dor (p<0,001). Na comparação entre os grupos, verificou-se que o experimental apresentou média de dor inferior ao controle (1,6 versus 3,3; p=0,032). Houve diferença significativa (p=0,003) na porcentagem de melhora da dor perineal entre os três grupos. O grupo experimental foi o que mais referiu alívio da dor, com 22 (57,9%) puérperas apresentando melhora acima de 50% e 13 (34,2%) que informaram melhora entre 30% e 50%. Ao se comparar as médias de dor entre 20 e 40 minutos e entre 40 e 60 minutos não foram constatadas diferenças estatísticas intragrupo e entre os grupos controle, placebo e experimental. Concluiu-se que o uso da bolsa de gelo por 20 minutos foi eficaz para o alívio da dor perineal após o parto normal / The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ice pack application in perineal pain after vaginal delivery. It is a randomized clinical trial controlled and was held at the Birth Center of the Amparo Maternal, in Sao Paulo. The population was divided in three groups - Experimental, which used ice packs on the perineum, Placebo, which used water packs at room temperature, and Control, which did not use any treatment. The inclusion criteria were: age 18 years, nulliparous women, cephalic presentation, time between 2 and 48 hours after normal birth, noting perineal pain 3, no medical or obstetric complications and newborn (NB) in good condition.The exclusion criteria were: Raynaud\'s syndrome and refusal or withdrawal of the packs. The packs were applied during twenty minutes. In all three groups the temperature of perineum, pack, environment and armpit were controlled. For pain assessment a numerical scale from 0 to 10 was used, zero for no pain and ten for unbearable pain. After approval by the Research Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing of the University of São Paulo, the data was collected in January and February 2008. For this study, 117 women were considered eligible but 3 refused to participate; the remaining 114 were divided in three groups of 38. The average age of the women was 22.2 years, 83.3% had high school education, 89.5% lived with a partner, 49.1% had paid jobs, 84.2% were not Afro-descendants and 50.9% had their husband as companion in childbirth.The perineal trauma occurred in 94.4% of the women, 64.0% of them with episiotomy. As numerical variables the averages were: 20.6 h time of postpartum perineal pain, 3254 g weight of newborns, 3.4 cm length of perineal trauma, 36.5 °C armpit temperature, 26.9 °C temperature of environment and 32.7 ° C perineum initial temperature. There were similarities in all groups, in all the variables studied for characterization. The average initial temperature was 27.2 °C for water packs and 3.8 °C for ice packs. Twenty minutes after intervention, the average perineal temperature was 34 °C in the control group, 30.9 °C in the placebo group and 12.6 °C in the experimental group. Comparing the pain average at the beginning and after 20 minutes, it was observed that in the three groups (control, placebo and experimental) there had been a significant reduction of pain (p <0.001). In the comparison between groups it was found that the experimental group had a lower pain average than the control group (1.6 versus 3.3, p = 0.032). There was a significant difference (p = 0.003) in the percentage of improvement in perineal pain among the three groups. The experimental group reported the greatest pain relief, with 22 (57.9%) mothers showing improvement above 50% and 13 (34.2%) reporting improvement between 30 and 50%. When comparing the average pain between 20 and 40 minutes and between 40 and 60 minutes no statistical difference was found within each group and among the control, placebo and experimental groups. It follows that the use of ice packs for twenty minutes was effective for perineal pain relief after vaginal delivery

A dor perineal no pós-parto é uma das morbidades mais comuns que acometem as mulheres no período puerperal. Recursos farmacológicos e não farmacológicos têm sido investigados para aliviar tal sintoma. A crioterapia é uma técnica frequentemente utilizada na clínicaobstétrica, porém existem poucos estudos que fundamentam tal terapêutica. Diante disso, este estudo teve como objetivo geral avaliar o efeito da crioterapia no alívio da dor da região perineal em primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia. Os objetivos específicos foram: mensurar a dor perineal em primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia por meio instrumento unidimensional de dor, caracterizar a dor perineal por meio de instrumento de avaliação multidimensional de dor, verificar quais atividades realizadas pelas puérperas dentro da maternidade estavam limitadas pela presença da dor, verificar o efeito da crioterapia no alívio da dor imediatamente após a aplicação e uma hora pós-tratamento, verificar a temperatura da região perineal antes, durante e depois da crioterapia e a correlação com a intensidade da dor, verificar possíveis efeitos adversos provocados pela crioterapia e verificar a opinião das puérperas sobre o tratamento. Trata-se de um estudo do tipo ensaio clínico aleatório e controlado realizado em uma maternidade localizada no interior do estado de São Paulo. Foram selecionadas aleatoriamente 50 mulheres primíparas que apresentavam dor perineal após o parto vaginal com episiotomia, divididas em 26 mulheres no grupo controle e 24 no grupo experimental. Foi utilizado um formulário para a coleta de dados sócio-demográficos, sobre a assistência ao parto e os dados do recém-nascido; para avaliar a dor foi utilizada a escala numérica compartimentada em 11 pontos e os descritores do questionário McGill; também foi utilizado um formulário sobre as atividades funcionais desempenhadas pelas puérperas que estavam limitadas pela dor; por fim, foi aplicado um questionário sobre a opinião das mulheres sobre a terapêutica. A técnica de crioterapia utilizada consistiu de bolsa plástica no formato de um absorvente, contendo gelo triturado, aplicada durante 20 minutos. Foram realizadas três avaliações em ambos os grupos: avaliação inicial onde era questionada a intensidade da dor pela escala numérica e a aplicação do questionário McGill; avaliação dois: realizada após 20 minutos da primeira avaliação, sendo que no grupo experimental foi realizada após a crioterapia; avaliação três: realizada após uma hora da segunda avaliação. Este trabalho foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da EERP/USP. Verificou-se alívio da dor para o grupo experimental comparado ao controle na segunda avaliação e na terceira avaliação (p=0,000). As puérperas de ambos os grupos apresentavam limitadas as funções de sentar, deitar e deambular. A dor perineal foi caracterizada pelas puérperas como latejante, que repuxa, que esquenta, ardida, dolorida, chata, incômoda, que prende e que deixa tenso. A média da temperatura perineal antes da crioterapia foi a 34,5o C, baixando para 23,4ºC após a técnica. Uma hora após o tratamento a média passou para 33,7ºC. Foi encontrada correlação positiva entre a intensidade da dor e as modificações da temperatura perineal. Sobre a satisfação das mulheres com a crioterapia 87,5% referiram estar satisfeitas com o recurso e 12,5% referiram estar muito satisfeitas. A crioterapia mostrou-se eficaz no alívio da dor perineal, entretanto, são necessários demais estudos que possam elucidar questões tais como tempo de alívio do sintoma, intervalo entre as aplicações e os efeitos sobre demais sinais e sintomas do processo inflamatório. / Postpartum perineal pain is among the most common morbidities affecting women in the puerperal period. Studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological resources to relief this symptom. Cryotherapy is a frequently used clinical-obstetric technique, but few studies have provided the foundations of this therapeutics. In this view, this study had the purpose to: assess the effect of cryotherapy in providing pain relief of the perinal region of primiparae submitted to natural childbirth with episiotomy using a one-dimensional pain instrument; characterize perineal pain using a multidimensional pain assessment tool, verify what activities performed by the puerperae in the maternity were limited due to the presence of pain; verify the effect of cryotherapy in relieving pain immediately after it application, and one hour later; verify the temperature of the perineal region before, during, and after cryotherapy, and the correlation with the intensity of pain, verify the possible adverse effects caused by cryotherapy; and verify the puerperaes opinion about the treatment. This is a controlled and random clinical trial carried out in a maternity in the interior of Sao Paulo state, and it was approved by the EERP/USP Research Ethics Committee. Fifty primiparae with perineal pain after vaginal delivery with episiotomy were randomly selected and 26 were assigned to the control group and 24 to the experimental group. A form was used to collect socio-demographic data, as well as information about care during the delivery and regarding the newborn; an 11-point numerical scale and descriptors from the McGill questionnaire were used to assess the pain. In addition, a form was used to assess the functional activities performed by the puerperae that were limited due to the pain. Finally, a questionnaire was applied to obtain the womens opinion about the therapy. The cryotherapy technique used consisted of a plastic bag in the shape of an absorbent pad, containing ground ice, which was applied for 20 minutes. Three assessments were performed in both groups: an initial assessment, in which the women were asked about the intensity of the pain using the numerical scale and by administering the McGill questionnaire. The second assessment was performed 20 minutes after the first, and in the experimental group it was performed after the cryotherapy. The third assessment was performed one hour after the second. This study was approved by the EERP/USP Ethics Committee. It was verified there was pain relief in the experimental group compared to control in the second and third assessment (p=0.000). On the other hand, the women reported feeling pain again in the third assessment. The puerperae from both groups had limited functions when sitting, laying down, and walking. The puerperae characterized the perineal pain as pulsing, pulling, hot, stinging, hurting, annoying, troublesome, tight and tense. The average perineal temperature before cryotherapy was 34.5 o C, dropping to 23.4 o C after the technique. One hour after the treatment, the average lowered to 33.7 o C. There was a positive correlation between the intensity of pain and the changes in perineal temperature. As for the womens satisfaction toward the cryotherapy, 87.5% reported being satisfied with the resource and 12.5% reported being much satisfied. Cryotherapy was effective in relieving perineal pain, however further studies are needed in order to elucidate issues like time of symptom relief, interval time between applications, and the effects over other signs and symptoms of the inflammatory process.

Introdução: A dor perineal é uma morbidade frequente no pós-parto vaginal. A crioterapia, aplicação de frio para fins terapêuticos, é eficaz para seu alívio, além de ser uma prática de baixo custo, fácil preparo e compatível com a amamentação. No entanto, ainda não se conhece a duração do efeito analgésico da crioterapia quando aplicada à região perineal. Objetivo: Avaliar a duração da analgesia perineal em multíparas, após a aplicação de bolsa de gelo por 20 minutos no pós-parto normal. Método: Trata-se de ensaio clínico não controlado, realizado no Alojamento Conjunto de uma maternidade de São Paulo. Foram incluídas 50 mulheres com idade igual ou maior que 18 anos com, pelo menos, um parto vaginal prévio ao atual, sem intercorrências clínicas ou obstétricas, sem ter recebido anestesia peridural, anti-inflamatório ou analgésico nas últimas 3 horas antes da inclusão no estudo e com dor perineal igual ou maior que 3 pontos, entre 6 e 24h do pós-parto. A intervenção foi realizada por meio de uma única aplicação da bolsa de gelo na região perineal por 20 minutos, sendo controladas as temperaturas perineais, da bolsa de gelo, do ambiente e da axila. As participantes foram avaliadas em três momentos: 1) antes da crioterapia (T0); 2) imediatamente, após a crioterapia (T20); 3) 120 minutos após o término da crioterapia (T120). Para avaliação da dor, foi utilizada a escala numérica de zero a dez, sendo zero ausência de dor e dez dor insuportável. Resultados: A idade média foi 27,1 anos (dp=5,4); 52% tinham ensino médio; 40% eram pardas; 90% possuíam companheiro com coabitação; 52% tinham trabalho remunerado e 62% tiveram o companheiro como acompanhante no parto. O trauma perineal ocorreu em 58,0% das participantes, destes, 44,0% foram laceração espontânea de primeiro grau e 14,0% laceração de segundo grau ou episiotomia. Quanto às variáveis numéricas, as médias observadas foram: a queixa de dor perineal ocorreu com 11,6h (dp=0,2) de pós-parto, temperatura axilar de 36,3ºC (dp=0,6), temperatura ambiental de 25,8°C (dp=1,6), temperatura inicial do períneo de 33,2°C (dp=0,8) e peso do RN de 3.305g (dp=454). As médias de intensidade da dor apresentaram diferenças significativas ao longo do tempo (teste de Friedman p<0,0005). Entre T0 e T20, houve uma redução estatisticamente significante da dor perineal (5,4 e dp=1,8 versus 1,0 e dp=1,7). Comparando a intensidade da dor perineal entre T20 e T120 constatou-se que não houve diferença significante (1,0 e dp=1,7 versus 1,6 e dp=2,4), o que corresponde à manutenção do efeito analgésico. O tempo médio foi avaliado para o retorno da dor perineal, após a crioterapia, sendo de 94,6 minutos (IC 95%: 84,8; 104,5 minutos), estimado pela curva de sobrevida. Conclusão: A aplicação de bolsa de gelo por 20 minutos no períneo de multíparas no pós-parto normal promove o alívio da dor, com redução significativa de sua intensidade e manutenção de efeito analgésico por até 120 minutos, sendo necessária reavaliação, após este período. A crioterapia foi considerada pelas puérperas como um procedimento confortável, gerador de satisfação por diminuir a dor e promover o bem-estar. / Introduction: Perineal pain is a common morbidity after vaginal delivery. The cryotherapy, application of cold for therapeutic purposes, is effective for its relief, besides being a low cost practice, easy preparation and compatibility with breastfeeding. However, one still does not know the duration of the analgesic effect of cryotherapy when applied to the perineal region. Objective: To evaluate the duration of perineal analgesia in multiparous, after applying ice pack for 20 minutes in normal postpartum. Method: This is an uncontrolled clinical trial conducted in the rooming at a maternity hospital in São Paulo. The study included 50 women aged 18 years or above, who had experienced at least one prior vaginal delivery free of clinical or obstetric complications, who did not receive epidural anti-inflammatory nor analgesic over the past 3 hours prior to study entry and who experienced perineal pain equal to or greater than 3 points, between 6 and 24 hours of postpartum. The intervention, in which the temperature of the perineum, ice pack, environment and armpit were controlled, was performed by a single application of ice packs on the perineal region for 20 minutes. Participants were assessed at three moments: 1) before cryotherapy (T0); 2) immediately after cryotherapy (T20); 3) 120 minutes after the cryotherapy (T120). For the assessment of pain, the numerical scale from zero to ten was used, zero and ten representing no pain and excruciating pain respectively. Results: The mean age was 27.1 years (sd=5.4); 52% had completed high school; 40% were brown; 90% lived with a partner; 52% had paid job and 62% had as companion during childbirth. The perineal trauma occurred in 58.0% of participants, of whom 44.0% suffered first degree spontaneous laceration and 14.0% second degree laceration or episiotomy. As for numerical variables, the averages observed were: the complain of perineal pain occurred with 11.6 hours (sd=0.2) of postpartum, axillary temperature of 36.3ºC (sd=0.6), environmental temperature of 25.8°C (sd=1.6), perineum initial temperature of 33.2°C (sd=0.8) and birth weight of 3.305g (sd=454). The means of pain intensity showed significant differences over time (Friedman test p < 0.0005). Between T0 and T20, there was a statistically significant reduction in perineal pain (5.4 and sd=1.8 versus 1.0 and sd=1.7). Comparing the intensity of perineal pain between T20 and T120, one could find that there was no statistically significant difference (1.0 and sd=1.7 versus 1.6 and sd=2.4), corresponding to the maintenance of the analgesic effect. The average time for the return of perineal pain was evaluated, after cryotherapy, as 94.6 minutes (95% CI: 84.8, 104.5 minutes), estimated by the survival curve. Conclusion: The application of ice packs for 20 minutes in the perineum of normal multiparous in the postpartum promotes pain relief with significant reduction of its intensity and maintenance of analgesic effect for up to 120 minutes, requiring reassessment after this period. Cryotherapy was considered by the women as a comfortable procedure, generating satisfaction by reduction of pain and promotion of well-being.

La polyarthrite rhumatoïde (PR) est une maladie inflammatoire, auto-immune, chronique et systémique avec la présence d’arthrites et synovites périphériques. Une autre conséquence sévère de la maladie et de ses traitements est la présence d’une rigidité artérielle élevée précoce, par conséquent une haute incidence de problèmes cardiovasculaires pour les sujets atteints. La pratique d'exercices physiques (EP) est reconnue comme une des thérapies non-pharmacologiques les plus efficaces pour lutter contre le risque cardiovasculaire. Cependant la population PR présente un bas niveau de pratique d’activité physique et les programmes d’EP sont rarement proposés dans la prise en charge thérapeutique de ces patients. Pour dépasser cette problématique l’association de la cryothérapie à un programme d’EP adapté semble être une stratégie intéressante. L’objectif de ce travail était de concevoir et de tester un programme d’EP associé à de la cryothérapie adapté aux patients PR afin de lutter contre le risque cardiovasculaire.A partir d’une revue systématique, nous avons montré le caractère lacunaire de la littérature en termes de programme d’EP associé à de la cryothérapie pour des patients PR, le manque de consensus sur les méthodes utilisées aussi bien pour le type d’EP à proposer que pour les méthodes de cryothérapie et les températures employées. Face à cette situation, nous avons proposé plusieurs études préliminaires afin de déterminer les modalités d’exercice et de cryothérapie les plus appropriées pour définir un programme simple, efficace et adapté aux patients PR. Ces travaux ont été réalisés d’une part avec des sujets sains et d’autre part avec des patients PR. Nous avons également entrepris de mieux définir les conditions d’utilisation de la vitesse de propagation de l’onde de pression pour traduire la rigidité artérielle, afin d’utiliser cette dernière comme un marqueur des effets de nos propositions de programme d’EP sur le risque cardiovasculaire. Enfin nous avons tenté d’évaluer quels pouvaient être les freins à la pratique d’EP pour ces patients afin de pouvoir les prendre en compte et les contourner dans la mise en place de nos propositions. Les principaux résultats de nos travaux nous ont permis de définir les caractéristiques d’un programme d’EP associé à de la cryothérapie pour des patients PR afin d’agir sur leur rigidité artérielle.Ce programme, intitulé Prexcrim, a été mise en œuvre avec un groupe de patients atteints de PR. Les premiers résultats que nous avons obtenus confirment la faisabilité de nos propositions et la bonne tolérance des patients. Aucune sortie de l’étude ou effet secondaire a été observé. A ce stade des inclusions et de l’analyse des résultats, il semble que le programme d’EP proposé permette de modifier la rigidité artérielle en particulier des patients qui présentaient une rigidité artérielle élevée au départ. Il n’a pas été observé d’aggravation de la maladie ou du syndrome inflammatoire ce qui semble renforcer l’intérêt de la méthode de cryothérapie proposée. Les inclusions qui se poursuivent permettront sans doute d’affiner ces premières interprétations.En conclusion, notre travail a permis de combler une partie des lacunes constatées dans la littérature en termes de lutte contre le risque cardiovasculaires accru constaté chez les patients PR. Notre approche a permis la réalisation d’un programme simple et facile d’EP associé à de la cryothérapie, dont les premiers résultats répondent aux attentes fixées. Les premières analyses que nous avons réalisées montrent que les principes d’individualisation et de progressivité seront certainement à améliorer pour optimiser les effets du programme. / Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune, chronic and systemic disease with the presence of arthritis and peripheral synovitis. Another severe consequence of the disease and its treatments is the presence of early high arterial stiffness, hence a high incidence of cardiovascular problems for the subjects with RA. The practice of physical exercises (PE) is recognized as one of the most effective non-pharmacological therapies against the cardiovascular risk. However, the RA population has a low level of physical activity and PE programs are rarely offered in the therapeutic management of these patients. To overcome this problem, the association of cryotherapy to an appropriate PE program seems to be an interesting strategy. The objective of this work was to design and test a PE program associated with cryotherapy adapted to patients with RA in order to fight against the cardiovascular risk.From a systematic review, we have shown the lack of the literature in terms of PE program associated with cryotherapy for patients with RA, the lack of consensus on the methods used for both the type of PE to be proposed and the cryotherapy methods and temperatures employed. Consequently, we have proposed several preliminary studies to determine the most appropriate exercise and cryotherapy modalities for defining a simple, effective and suitable program. These works were carried out firstly in healthy subjects and after in patients with RA. We have also undertaken to better define the used conditions of the pulse wave velocity to interpret arterial stiffness and use it as a marker of effects of our PE program on cardiovascular risk. Finally, we tried to evaluate what could be the obstacles to the practice of PE for these patients, to consider and overcome them in the implementation of our proposals. The main results of our works allowed us to define the characteristics of a PE program associated with cryotherapy for patients with RA to act on their arterial stiffness.This program, entitled Prexcrim, was implemented with a group of patients with RA. The first results confirmed the feasibility of our proposals and the good tolerance of patients. No study output or side effect was observed in the patients. At this stage of inclusion and analysis of the results, it appears that the proposed PE program allows for changes in arterial stiffness, particularly for patients with high arterial stiffness. It was not observed exacerbation of the disease or inflammatory syndrome, which seems to reinforce the interest of the proposed cryotherapy method. The inclusions that continue will undoubtedly refine these first interpretations.In conclusion, our work proposes some responses about the lack in terms of the fight against the increased cardiovascular risk observed in patients with RA. Our approach allowed the realization of a simple and easy PE program associated with cryotherapy. The first results meet our expectations. The first analyzes shown that the principles of individualization and progressivity need to be improved to optimize the effects of the program.