Title: Changes in handgrip strength in relation to laterality at indoor youth climbing course Objectives: The aim of this diploma theses is to investigate whether regular climbing activity of children at age 7-11 leads to development of handgrip stength or its endurance with respect to laterality. Also if climbing leads to symetrical strenghtening of upper limbs. Methods: Group of 14 children at age 7-11 participated in a climbing course once a week for 3 months. Maximal grip strength was measured, persistence in pressing hand over 30 seconds and evaluation of laterality. First testing was done in October 2016 and second after 3 months in January 2017. Results: The research involved 13 right-handed and 1 left-handed participant and degree of laterality remained unchanged. Grip strength of dominant upper limb was stronger in 10 children from 13 (October 2016 - first measuring) at the first measurement. Our results suggest that climbing activities for three months, according to statistical analysis (t-test Microsoft Excel 2010), may contribute to the symetrical strengthening of upper limbs in 88%. We have discovered two types development phenomena - visualised as 2 distinct curves that show the development of strength in 30 seconds. Keywords: Children, indoor climbing, preference, handedness,...

INTRODUCTION: Reaction time may be broadly defined as the time between stimulus presentation and a response. Analysis of reaction time in terms of rate of force development (RFD), peak force, and surface electromyography (EMG) may help bridge the gaps in knowledge pertaining to the neuromuscular system's role in reaction time. The purpose of the present study was to identify predictors of reaction time using digital hand grip dynamometry and EMG. It was hypothesized that RFD and rate of EMG rise (RER) at the onset of a contraction would correlate with reaction time. METHODS: For grip testing, participants were instructed to squeeze a handheld dynamometer with the right hand "…as hard and fast as possible" for 5 seconds upon hearing a "beep" from the computer. A total of 5 attempts were performed, with 1-minute rest periods. Bipolar surface EMG signals were detected from the right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles throughout grip testing. Bivariate correlations (Pearson r) were used to examine the statistical associations. The 95% confidence interval (CI) for each Pearson r was also computed. An alpha level of p ≤ 0.05 was used to reject the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between reaction time and all other measures of grip force (r = -0.507 to -0.557, p= 0.016 to 0.042), except for time until peak force (r = 0.029, p = 0.915). As FDI EMG amplitude increased reaction time decreased (r = -0.664, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Many of the grip force variables were significantly associated with reaction time. Peak force and rapid force variables showed significant correlations with reaction time. While no significant correlations for any of the FDI RER or FCR variables were found, EMG amplitude from the FDI presented the strongest bivariate correlation. As FDI EMG amplitude, peak force, and rapid force variables increased reaction time decreased. These findings give some insight into the neuromuscular system's role in hand grip tasks and help broaden the current understanding of variables that may be used to assess or improve reaction time in the clinical setting.

Master of Science / Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering / Steve Warren / Handgrip contractions are a standard exercise modality to evaluate muscular system performance. Most conventional ergometer systems that collect handgrip contraction data are manually controlled, placing a burden on the researcher to guide subject activity while recording the resultant data. Further, post-processing tools for this type of experiment are not standardized within the domain, which requires investigators to process their data with multiple tool sets and often create custom tool sets for that purpose. This can make experimental data difficult to compare and correlate, even within the same research group. This thesis presents updates to a hand-forearm ergometer system that automate the control and data-acquisition processes as well as provide a tool set to post process hand contraction data. The automated system utilizes a LabVIEW virtual instrument as the system centerpiece; it provides the subject/researcher interfaces and coordinates data acquisition from both traditional and new sensors. The tool set also incorporates a collection of MATLAB scripts that allow the investigator to post process these data in a standard way, such as automating the processes of noise floor removal, burst start/stop time identification, and mean/median frequency calculation in electromyograms (EMGs). The tool set has proven to be a viable support resource for experimental studies performed by the Kansas State University Human Exercise Physiology lab that target muscle fatigue in human forearms. Initial data acquired during these tests indicate the viability of the system to acquire consistent and physiologically meaningful data while providing a usable tool set for follow-on data analyses.

INTRODUÇÃO: As distrofias musculares de cinturas (DMC) representam um grupo heterogêneo de desordens hereditárias e degenerativas da musculatura esquelética, com evolução progressiva, caracterizadas pelo acometimento predominante das cinturas escapular e/ou pélvica. São classificadas de acordo com o padrão de herança e o gene envolvido, podendo ser autossômicas dominantes ou autossômicas recessivas. No presente estudo, foi feita a análise de pacientes com diagnóstico de distrofia muscular de cinturas 2B (DMC2B). Trata-se de condição autossômica recessiva, cujo gene envolvido na sua fisiopatologia é o DYSF; sua mutação pode associar-se a alterações na proteína disferlina. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a distribuição da fraqueza muscular na distrofia muscular de cinturas 2B com ênfase no acometimento dos membros superiores; realizar avaliação objetiva da força muscular para preensão palmar e pinças; correlacionar a força muscular dos diferentes movimentos com a idade de início dos sintomas, idade na ocasião da avaliação, tempo de evolução da doença e capacidade funcional. METODOLOGIA: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, corte transversal, caso-controle. Foi feita avaliação clínica da força muscular de membros superiores e superiores dos pacientes, através de instrumentos clínicos específicos e dinamômetro de pinça e de preensão palmar; adicionalmente, foram aplicadas escalas de capacidade funcional (Escala de Vignos e Escala de Brooke). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 12 pacientes com diagnóstico molecular confirmado de DMC2B e recrutados 41 pacientes para o grupo controle. Os grupos não diferiram por gênero nem nas médias etárias. A média da idade de início dos sintomas dos pacientes foi de 26,9 anos (DP 10,05); a idade média na ocasião da avaliação foi de 43,6 anos (DP 9,34). A avaliação clínica da força muscular evidenciou maior acometimento de membros inferiores em relação aos membros superiores. A dinamometria de pinça (bidigital e trigidital) e de preensão palmar evidenciou diferença significativa entre os pacientes e o grupo controle para todos os movimentos citados. Os valores de CK apresentaram média de 2769 U/L (cerca de quinze vezes o limite superior de normalidade). As escalas de avaliação de capacidade funcional evidenciaram uma correlação significativa entre a idade do paciente na ocasião da avaliação e o escore na escala de Brooke. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do padrão de fraqueza dos pacientes com DMC2B evidenciou acometimento de membros inferiores e também de membros superiores. A análise objetiva com dinamometria demonstrou acometimento em todos os movimentos avaliados, evidenciando o envolvimento distal de membros superiores. A análise da capacidade funcional de membros superiores apresentou correlação com idade na avaliação (quanto maior a idade do paciente, maior o grau de incapacidade para membros superiores). Os valores de CK e de força muscular correlacionaram-se com a idade do início dos sintomas e idade na avaliação, ou seja, o início mais precoce da doença correlacionou-se com quadros mais graves (maiores valores de CK e maior envolvimento de força muscular - principalmente distal de membros superiores) / INTRODUCTION: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a heterogeneous group of hereditary and degenerative disorders of the skeletal muscle, with progressive evolution, characterized by the predominant involvement of the scapular and / or pelvic girdles. They are classified according to the inheritance pattern and the involved gene, being autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive. In the present study, we evaluated patients with a diagnosis of 2D (LGMD2B). The LGMD2B is an autosomal recessive condition whose gene involved in its pathophysiology is DYSF; its mutation may be associated with changes in protein dysferlin. OBJECTIVES: To assess the distribution of muscle weakness in 2D womb muscular dystrophy with emphasis on upper limb involvement; perform objective evaluation of muscle strength for palmar grip and forceps; to correlate the muscular strength of the different movements with the age of onset of symptoms, age at the time of evaluation, duration of disease and functional capacity. METHODS: Prospective, observational, cross-sectional, case-control study. Clinical evaluation of the muscular strength of the upper and upper limbs of the patients was made through specific clinical instruments and pinch dynamometer and palmar grip; In addition, functional capacity scales were applied (Vignos Scale and Brooke Scale). RESULTS: Twelve patients with confirmed molecular diagnosis of DMC2B were evaluated and 41 patients were recruited for the control group. The groups did not differ by gender nor in the age groups. The mean age of onset of the patients\' symptoms was 26.9 years (SD 10.05); the mean age at the time of the evaluation was 43.6 years (SD 9.34). The clinical evaluation of muscle strength showed a greater involvement of the lower limbs in relation to the upper limbs. Pinch dynamometry (bidigital and trigidital) and handgrip dynamometry showed a significant difference between the patients and the control group for all the mentioned movements. CK values presented a mean of 2769 U / L (about eight times the upper limit of normality); there was a significant negative correlation (p <0.01) between the age of the patient at the time of the evaluation and the maximum value of CK. The functional capacity evaluation scales showed a significant correlation between the age of the patient at the time of the evaluation and the score on the Brooke scale. The correlation values between the muscular strength between the different movements evaluated and the age of onset of symptoms, age at the time of evaluation and time of evaluation of the disease presented values of significance close to 0.05 for the upper limb distal muscles and age of onset and age at the time of evaluation. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the weakness pattern of patients with LGMD2B showed involvement of lower limbs as well as upper limbs. Objective analysis with dynamometry showed involvement in all the movements evaluated, showing the distal involvement in the upper limbs. The analysis of functional capacity of upper limbs showed correlation with age in the evaluation (the higher the patient\'s age, the greater the degree of incapacity for upper limbs). The values of CK and muscle strength correlated with the age of onset of symptoms and age at the assessment, ie the earlier onset of the disease was correlated with more severe conditions (higher CK values and greater involvement of muscle strength - mainly distal upper limbs)

Introdução. Cirrose hepática (CH) pode cursar com perda de massa muscular (MM) e sarcopenia. A avaliação de sarcopenia em pacientes com CH é limitada pela presença de ascite e edema em membros inferiores (EMI), que prejudicam o desempenho dos métodos disponíveis para estimativa de MM. A hipótese da presente investigação considerou que o diagnóstico de sarcopenia na CH possa ser realizado com uso da absorciometria radiológica de dupla energia para obtenção do índice de massa muscular esquelética apendicular (IMMA-DXA), que não inclui a região abdominal em seu cálculo. Objetivo. Avaliar se IMMA-DXA é influenciado por ascite e/ou EMI, sua capacidade em identificar baixa MM, seu valor no diagnóstico de sarcopenia e prognóstico para mortalidade, de forma isolada e/ou combinada com a medida da força muscular, em pacientes com CH. Métodos. O IMMA-DXA [calculado através da soma da massa magra dos membros estimada por DXA (kg) / altura2 (m)] e a medida da força muscular [estimada através da medida de força do aperto de mão não-dominante (FAM-ND) por dinamometria (kg)] foram obtidos em 144 homens com CH e ascite, e em 20 voluntários saudáveis. Em 20 dos indivíduos cirróticos, o IMMA-DXA também foi calculado 30 minutos após paracentese. A mortalidade foi registrada por telefonemas efetuados até 36 meses do início do estudo. A possível influência de ascite sobre IMMA-DXA foi verificada pela comparação entre valores de IMMA-DXA obtidos em 20 pacientes antes e após paracentese. A capacidade do IMMA-DXA em identificar baixa MM foi avaliada através da comparação entre valores de IMMA-DXA obtidos nesses 20 pacientes com 20 voluntários saudáveis (pareados por idade, peso e altura). A possível influência de EMI sobre IMMA-DXA foi avaliada, na amostra total, pela comparação de valores de IMMA-DXA de pacientes com e sem EMI. A capacidade de IMMA-DXA diagnosticar sarcopenia e apresentar valor prognóstico para mortalidade foi avaliada em 129 pacientes, pela análise de interação entre IMMA-DXA e FAM-ND com sobrevida; e da capacidade de IMMA-DXA, isolada e conjunta com FAM-ND, em predizer mortalidade em pacientes cirróticos. Ponto de corte para mortalidade foram obtidos pelos tercis dos valores de IMMA-DXA e FAM-ND. A probabilidade de sobrevivência de pacientes com sarcopenia, diagnosticada por este ponto de corte, foi calculada e comparada com ponto de corte proposto pelo Consenso Europeu sobre definição e diagnóstico de sarcopenia [(EWGSOP), IMMA-DXA < 7,26 kg/m2 + FAM-ND < 30 kg]. Resultados. Não houve diferença entre IMMA-DXA pré e pós-paracentese [-0,01 kg/m2, IC de 95% (-0,09; 0,07); p > 0,050] e obtiveram-se bons coeficientes de correlação de concordância de Lin (0,99 kg/m2) e limites de concordância de 95% (-0,33 a 0,31 kg/m2) entre essas medidas. Foram identificados valores menores de IMMA-DXA e FAM-ND em pacientes com cirrose, comparado aos valores obtidos no grupo controle (p < 0,001). A diferença média dos valores de IMMA-DXA não diferiu entre pacientes com EMI e sem EMI (0,30 kg/m², p = 0,068). Morte em consequência da cirrose aconteceu em 55 (38%) dos 144 pacientes avaliados, durante 32 meses de seguimento, em mediana e com intervalo interquartil de 17,52 - 33,96 meses. Encontrou-se interação significativa de IMMA-DXA com FAM-ND (p = 0,028) e bom desempenho da combinação de ambas as ferramentas para prever mortalidade [razão de risco relativo (HR) 1,03; IC 95% (1,00 - 1,05)]. Óbitos ocorreram com maior frequência em pacientes que apresentaram, em conjunto IMMA-DXA <= 7 kg/m² e FAM-ND <= 25 kg, do que em indivíduos com valores superiores a este ponto de corte. A frequência de mortalidade prevista pelo novo ponto de corte e o EWGSOP foi de 73,70% e 54,80%, respectivamente. O novo ponto de corte para diagnóstico de sarcopenia identificou pacientes com maior risco de mortalidade, em relação ao ponto de corte de EWGSOP. Conclusão. Em pacientes cirróticos, o uso de DXA para estimativa do IMMA mostrou bom desempenho na identificação de baixa MM, independente da presença de ascite e EMI, e boa aplicabilidade no diagnóstico de sarcopenia, com importante valor prognóstico na predição de mortalidade, principalmente, quando associado à medida de força muscular / Introduction. Cirrhosis can lead to muscle mass loss and sarcopenia. Ascites and lower limb edema (LLE) limit the ability to evaluate muscle mass in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our hypothesis considers that the diagnosis of sarcopenia in cirrhosis can be accomplished with the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to calculate the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (DXA-ASMI), which excludes the abdominal region where ascites is present. Aim. This study aimed to evaluate whether ASMI calculated by DXA (DXA-ASMI) is influenced by ascites and/or LLE, if it is able to identify low muscle mass (LMM), and if it is able, either alone or combined with muscle force, to diagnose sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis patients. Methods. DXA-ASMI (kg/m2) was calculated by summing the lean mass of limbs estimated by DXA divided by the squared height. Muscle strength (kg) was estimated by the nondominant hand grip strength (ND-HGS) measured by dynamometry. DXA-ASMI and muscle strength measurements were obtained from 144 men with cirrhosis and ascites (including 20 patients who underwent paracentesis) and 20 healthy volunteers (control group; matched by age, height, and weight). DXA-ASMI was calculated before and 30 minutes after paracentesis, when performed. Mortality was recorded by the end of the study. To analyze the influence of ascites on DXA, we compared DXA-ASMI values before and after paracentesis in the paracentesis subgroup. To analyze the ability of DXA-ASMI to identify LMM, we compared DXA-ASMI values between the paracentesis subgroup and the control group. To analyze the influence of LLE on DXA, we compared DXA-ASMI values of patients with and without LLE. We analyzed the interaction between DXA-ASMI and ND-HGS with survival, and we calculated their individual and joint capacities to predict mortality in cirrhosis patients. Cutoff points were set as thirds of the DXA-ASMI and ND-HGS values. The survival probability calculated for this cohort of sarcopenia patients was compared to the result with the cutoff point proposed by the EWGSOP (DXA-ASMI< 7.26 kg/m2 + ND-HGS < 30 kg). Results. DXA-ASMI did not differ between before and after paracentesis (-0.01 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.09-0.07; p > 0.050), and there were good CCC (0.99 kg/m2) 95% limits of concordance (-0.33-0.31 kg/m2) between these measurements. Cirrhosis patients had lower DXA-ASMI and ND-HGS values than healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). The average difference of the DXA-ASMI values did not differ between patients with and without LLE (0.30 kg/m², p = 0.068). Patients were tracked for a mean of 32 months (interquartile interval: 17.52-33.96 months). Death due to cirrhosis occurred in 55 patients (38%). We found a significant interaction between DXA-ASMI and ND-HGS (p = 0.028). Combined, these instruments showed good ability to predict mortality (relative hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00-1.05). Death occurred more frequently in patients who had a combination of DXA-ASMI <= 7 kg/m² and ND-HGS <= 25 kg than in those with values higher than the cutoff. Predicted frequencies of death with the new cutoff point and the EWGSOP cutoff were 73.70% and 54.80%, respectively. Compared to the EWGSOP cutoff, the new cutoff point for diagnosing sarcopenia identified patients with a higher risk of death. Conclusion. In cirrhotic patients, DXA-ASMI demonstrated good results, independent of the ascites or LLE presence, and successfully identified LMM. The method had good applicability to sarcopenia diagnosis with an important prognostic value in predicting mortality, especially when combined with the ND-HGS measurement

Orientador: Marcos Ferreira Minicucci / Resumo: Introdução: A síndrome coronariana aguda sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (SCASSST) é responsável por grande parte das hospitalizações, morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. Diversos estudos sugerem que os escores de risco são ferramentas importantes no manejo das SCASSST e que aperfeiçoamento dos mesmos é fundamental. A literatura tem mostrado correlação entre força muscular (FM), fatores de risco cardiovasculares e mortalidade. É sabido que o teste de força de preensão manual (FPM) é indicador de estado geral de força de fácil aplicabilidade, porém pouco estudado no contexto das síndromes coronarianas agudas. Hipótese: A medida de força de preensão manual pode ser preditora de risco cardiovascular, podendo ser incorporada ao escore de GRACE nos pacientes admitidos com SCASSST. Objetivo: Analisar se a incorporação da FPM ao escore de GRACE, por meio do escore GRACE/FPM, melhora sua performance na predição de risco do desfecho combinado mortalidade, recorrência de angina ou infarto, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) e reinternação em 30 dias após a admissão hospitalar, nos pacientes com SCASSST. Casuística e Métodos: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo e observacional com pacientes admitidos com SCASSST na Unidade de Emergências Cardiológicas e na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Coronariana de nossa instituição com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos, durante 6 meses. Na admissão, foi calculado o escore de GRACE e realizado o teste de FPM em até 72h da admissão. Foram realizadas análises... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation (NSTE-ACS) represent a large amount of hospitalizations, morbidity and mortality around the world. Several researches suggest that risk scores are important tools in NSTE-ACS patients management and its improvement is primordial. Literature has shown a correlation between muscle strength, cardiovascular risk factors and death. It is well known that handgrip strength (HGS) is an easily applicable indicator of general muscular strength, but it is poorly studied in the context of ACS. Hypothesis: Handgrip strength measurement would be a good cardiovascular risk predictor and can be incorporated into the GRACE risk score for the patients with NSTE-ACS. Objective: To analyze whether the incorporation of HGS into GRACE risk score, by the score GRACE/HGS, improves its performance in risk predicting of combined outcome death, recurrence of angina or myocardial infarction, stroke and re-hospitalization in 30 days after hospital admission in patients with NSTE-ACS. Methods: This is a prospective and observational study that includes patients admitted with NSTE-ACS in Cardiologic Emergency Unit and in Coronary Intensive Care Unit of our institution aged over 18 years, for 6 months. In admission, GRACE risk score was calculated and HGS was measured within 72 hours of admission. Uni and multivariate analyses were done and ROC curve was built. Significant p value adopted was 5%. Resu... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Submitted by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-07-09T19:24:27Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CristianeRochadaSilvaDissertacao2018.pdf: 5301288 bytes, checksum: d93f6864fe5fb158fcddd3b560878637 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Sara Ribeiro (sara.ribeiro@ucb.br) on 2018-07-09T19:24:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CristianeRochadaSilvaDissertacao2018.pdf: 5301288 bytes, checksum: d93f6864fe5fb158fcddd3b560878637 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-09T19:24:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CristianeRochadaSilvaDissertacao2018.pdf: 5301288 bytes, checksum: d93f6864fe5fb158fcddd3b560878637 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-05-14 / The aim of the present study was to analyse heart rate recovery (HRR) and chronotropic index (CI) after treadmill Bruce test in obese elderly women classified on the basis of relative manual grip strength. Methods: Eighty-eight obese elderly women who were between the ages of 60 and 87 participated in the study and were categorized and enrolled to one of two groups based on lower (< 1.51 m²) or higher (≥ 1.51 m²) relative handgrip strength, respectively. The heart rate recovery in the first and second minutes following the treadmill exercise test and the chronotropic index were compared between groups. Results: The higher relative handgrip strength group presented a significantly higher peak heart rate (p= 0,019) during exercise and a faster HRR at the first (p = 0.003) and second minutes (p = 0.002) after the ergometric test compared to the low manual grip strength group (p=0,001). Furthermore, there was a tendency (p = 0.059) towards a significantly higher CI, six-minute walk test (p = 0.001) and low time up and go time in the group of high relative manual grip strength compared to the low force group. Conclusion: In conclusion, elderly women with greater relative handgrip strength also demonstrated a better heart rate response during and following exercise and tendency to higher chronotropic index, possibly indicating better autonomic balance. / O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a recuperação da frequência cardíaca (RFC) e o índice cronotrópico (IC) após teste de Bruce em esteira em mulheres idosas obesas classificadas com base na força de preensão manual relativa (FPMR). Métodos: Participaram voluntariamente do estudo 88 mulheres idosas obesas entre 60 e 87 anos que foram categorizadas em dois grupos: baixa força de preensão manual relativa (<1,51 m²) e alta força de preensão manual relativa (≥ 1,51 m²). A RFC no primeiro e no segundo minutos e o índice cronotrópico após o teste ergométrico em esteira foram comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: O grupo de alta força de preensão manual relativa apresentou valores de frequência cardíaca máxima significativamente maiores durante o teste ergométrico (p= 0,019), RFC mais rápida no primeiro (p = 0,003) e segundo minutos (p = 0,002) após o teste ergométrico comparado ao grupo de baixa força de preensão manual relativa (p=0,001). Observamos tendência (p = 0,059) em direção a um IC significativamente maior, Teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (p = 0,001) e baixo tempo no time up and go no grupo de alta força de preensão manual relativa comparado ao grupo de baixa força. Conclusão: Mulheres idosas com alta força de preensão manual relativa apresentam uma melhor resposta da frequência cardíaca durante e após o teste ergométrico, tendência a um índice cronotrópico superior possivelmente indicando um melhor equilíbrio autonômico após o esforço físico e maior capacidade funcional.

Além de muito freqüente, a desnutrição associa-se a morbi/mortalidade em pacientes com doenças hepáticas crônicas. A avaliação do estado nutricional em hepatopatas é difícil pela sobrecarga hídrica e pela alteração na síntese protéica, fatores que alteram os parâmetros tradicionalmente usados na avaliação nutricional. Os objetivos são:a)avaliar o estado nutricional, através da AGS, antropometria, do escore de Mendenhall e da combinação de todos os instrumentos, em pacientes com doença hepática crônica; b)correlacionar o estado nutricional com a gravidade de doença hepática crônica; c)determinar a contribuição da dinamometria do aperto de mão para a avaliação do estado nutricional. Foram incluídos 305 pacientes portadores de doenças hepáticas crônicas, com idade de 18-80 anos, atendidos no ambulatório de doenças hepatobiliares do Hospital Universitátio Pedro Ernesto. A gravidade da doença hepática foi avaliada pela classificação de Child-Pugh e escore de Meld. Foram aferidos parâmetros antropométricos (peso, altura, índice de massa corporal, prega cutânea triciptal, circunferência do braço, circunferência muscular do braço), parâmetros bioquímicos (albumina e contagem total de linfócitos), Avaliação Global Subjetiva, escore de Mendenhall e força do aperto de mão pela dinamometria. Os valores da porcentagem de adequação dos parâmetros foram utilizados para a classificação da desnutrição. Consideramos todos os pacientes com porcentagens de adequação abaixo de 90% como desnutridos. Foi criado o escore risco de desnutrição que se caracterizou pela alteração em qualquer um dos parâmetros da avaliação nutricional. Cerca de 53% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino, 43% portadores de cirrose hepática, 80% com etiologia viral e média de idade de 54 12 anos. Houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre a classificação funcional da doença hepática e a AGS, o escore de Mendenhall e o de risco de desnutrição. A avaliação isolada da antropometria não se correlacionou com a classificação funcional. Segundo a AGS, a prevalência de desnutrição foi de 10% na hepatopatia não cirrótica, 16% na cirrose compensada e 94% na cirrose descompensada. Segundo o escore de Mendenhall, as cifras foram de 31%, 38% e 56%, respectivamente. Segundo o novo escore, as cifras foram de 52%, 60% e 96%, respectivamente. Embora tenha havido uma redução estatisticamente significativa da força muscular com o agravamento do estado nutricional, não foi possível estabelecer um ponto de corte para os valores da dinamometria. A análise do desempenho do percentual de adequação da força muscular como critério diagnóstico de pacientes sob risco de desnutrição revelou provavelmente 56% de falso-positivos e 24% de falso-negativos. A grande variação na prevalência de desnutrição em pacientes com doença hepática depende do instrumento de avaliação nutricional usado e da classificação funcional da doença hepática. Não surpreendentemente, os escores combinados detectaram as maiores taxas de prevalência de desnutrição. Houve associação significativa entre o estado nutricional e a gravidade da doença hepática. O aumento das taxas de prevalência de desnutrição trazido pela dinamometria ocorreu às custas de resultados falso-positivos. / Malnutrition is often present and under diagnosed in patients with chronic liver diseases. Many of the traditional methods used to evaluate nutritional status may be altered by edema, ascites, and protein deficit caused by liver disfunction. To compare different methods to assess nutritional status; to correlate nutritional status with severity of liver dysfunction, and to determine the role of handgrip strength to nutritional assessment in patients with chronic liver disease. This prospective, cross-sectional study evaluated 305 consecutive outpatients adults with chronic liver disease. The severity of liver dysfunction was assessed by Child`s classification and Meld score. The nutritional assessment was evaluated by subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometry, handgrip strength, Mendenhall score, and a new malnutrition score (defined by alteration in any nutritional parameter). The anormality of all parameters was considered when the adequation percentage was under 90%. Fifty-three percent of patients were male, 43% had liver cirrhosis, 80% had viral etiology, with a mean age of 54 12 years. There was a significative relationship between the severity of liver dysfunction and SGA, Mendenhall score, and the new malnutrition score. The isolated assessment of anthropometry had no relationship with the severity of liver dysfunction. According to SGA, the prevalence of malnutrition was 10% for non-cirrhotic hepatic disease, 16% for compensated cirrhosis, and 94% for descompensated cirrhosis. According to Mendenhall score, the rates were 31%, 38%, and 56%, respectively. According to the new malnutrition score, the rates were 52%, 60%, and 96%, respectively. Although there had had a significant reduction in handgrip strength with the severity of malnutrition, we cant establish a cut-off value. The performance of handgrip strength adequation percentage as a criteria for diagnosing malnutrition showed 56% of false-positive and 24% of false-negative results. The prevalence of malnutrition is variable in patients with chronic liver diseases. It depends on the method used to evaluate nutritional status and the severity of liver dysfunction. Not surprisingly, the scores who combined multiple parameters of nutritional assessment showed the higher prevalence of malnutrition. There was a significant association between nutritional status and severity of liver dysfunction. If we add the measurement of handgrip strength to nutritional assessment, the prevalence rates of malnutrition will increase because of false-positive results.

Notre comportement au quotidien nécessite la prise en compte d'informations et l'élaboration d'actions qui peuvent nous paraître banales. Il est cependant le fruit d'un traitement élaboré et complexe de la part de notre cerveau. Ce traitement cérébral est à la base des fonctions cognitives et motrices chez l'homme. Si nous voulions enregistrer in situ l'évolution temporelle des signaux cérébraux traduisant notre comportement lors de tâches cognitives et/ou sensori-motrices, nos choix se porteraient sur l'utilisation de méthodes non-invasives utilisées en neuroergonomie. Parmi les méthodes actuellement disponibles en neuroimagerie fonctionnelle, la spectroscopie proche infrarouge (NIRS) quantifiant indirectement l'activité corticale (i.e., modification de la réponse hémodynamique) apparaît la plus pertinente quant à l'appréciation de l'activité corticale en continu. Dans cette thèse, nous nous sommes intéressés, en exploitant la NIRS, à mettre en évidence les corrélats entre l'activité corticale (lobe frontal) et le niveau de sollicitation engendré par des charges de travail dans des tâches cognitives et/ou motrices à des intensités sous-maximales et de difficultés variables. Trois études ont été menées, dont les résultats montrent que l'activité hémodynamique mesurée par NIRS varie en fonction de la charge de travail. L'activité corticale est estimable à une intensité d'effort sous-maximale pour des tâches cognitives et/ou motrices, à condition que l'analyse des signaux soit suffisamment discriminante pour des sollicitations faibles à modérées. Ce travail a révélé la sensibilité et l'utilité de la NIRS dans l'exploration de la charge de travail.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are now seen as a contemporary health problem in Australia with possible widespread health effects not limited to bone health1. Despite this, the Vitamin D status (measured as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) of ambulatory adults has been overlooked in this country. Serum 25(OH)D status is especially important among this group as studies have shown a link between Vitamin D and fall risk in older adults2. Limited data also exists on the contributions of sun exposure via ultraviolet radiation and dietary intake to serum 25(OH)D status in this population. The aims of this project were to assess the serum 25(OH)D status of a group of older ambulatory adults in South East Queensland, to assess the association between their serum 25(OH)D status and functional measures as possible indicators of fall risk, obtain data on the sources of Vitamin D in this population and assess whether this intake was related to serum 25(OH)D status and describe sun protection and exposure behaviors in this group and investigate whether a relationship existed between these and serum 25(OH)D status. The collection of this data assists in addressing key gaps identified in the literature with regard to this population group and their Vitamin D status in Australia. A representative convenience sample of participants (N=47) over 55 years of age was recruited for this cross-sectional, exploratory study which was undertaken in December 2007 in south-east Queensland (Brisbane and Sunshine coast). Participants were required to complete a sun exposure questionnaire in addition to a Calcium and Vitamin D food frequency questionnaire. Timed up and go and handgrip dynamometry tests were used to examine functional capacity. Serum 25(OH)D status and blood measures of Calcium, Phosphorus and Albumin were determined through blood tests. The Mean and Median serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) for all participants in this study was 85.8nmol/L (Standard Deviation 29.7nmol/L) and 81.0nmol/L (Range 22-158nmol/L), respectively. Analysis at the bivariate level revealed a statistically significant relationship between serum 25(OH)D status and location, with participants living on the Sunshine Coast having a mean serum 25(OH)D status 21.3nmol/L higher than participants living in Brisbane (p=0.014). While at the descriptive level there was an apparent trend towards higher outdoor exposure and increasing levels of serum 25(OH)D, no statistically significant associations between the sun measures of outdoor exposure, sun protection behaviors and phenotypic characteristics and serum 25(OH)D status were observed. Intake of both Calcium and Vitamin D was low in this sample with sixty-eight (68%) of participants not meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for Calcium (Median=771.0mg; Range=218.0-2616.0mg), while eighty-seven (87%) did not meet the Adequate Intake for Vitamin D (Median=4.46ug; Range=0.13-30.0ug). This raises the question of how realistic meeting the new Adequate Intakes for Vitamin D is, when there is such a low level of Vitamin D fortification in this country. However, participants meeting the Adequate Intake (AI) for Vitamin D were observed to have a significantly higher serum 25(OH)D status compared to those not meeting the AI for Vitamin D (p=0.036), showing that meeting the AI for Vitamin D may play a significant role in determining Vitamin D status in this population. By stratifying our data by categories of outdoor exposure time, a trend was observed between increased importance of Vitamin D dietary intake as a possible determinant of serum 25(OH)D status in participants with lower outdoor exposures. While a trend towards higher Timed Up and Go scores in participants with higher 25(OH) D status was seen, this was only significant for females (p=0.014). Handgrip strength showed statistically significant association with serum 25(OH)D status. The high serum 25(OH)D status in our sample almost certainly explains the limited relationship between functional measures and serum 25(OH)D. However, the observation of an association between slower Time Up and Go speeds, and lower serum 25(OH)D levels, even with a small sample size, is significant as slower Timed Up and Go speeds have been associated with increased fall risk in older adults3. Multivariable regression analysis revealed Location as the only significant determinant of serum 25(OH)D status at p=0.014, with trends (p=>0.1) for higher serum 25(OH)D being shown for participants that met the AI for Vitamin D and rated themselves as having a higher health status. The results of this exploratory study show that 93.6% of participants had adequate 25(OH)D status-possibly due to measurement being taken in the summer season and the convenience nature of the sample. However, many participants do not meet their dietary Calcium and Vitamin D requirements, which may indicate inadequate intake of these nutrients in older Australians and a higher risk of osteoporosis. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D and functional measures in this population also requires further study, especially in older adults displaying Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.