Abstract Introduction: Older women experience higher rates of falls, musculoskeletal diseases, and muscle loss, leading to functional limitations. The relationships between different muscle assessment methods and physical function in older women with osteoporosis remain insufficiently explored. Objective: To explore the agreement between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for skeletal muscle mass assessment and the associations of ultrasound-derived and anthropometric muscle measures with physical function in older women with osteoporosis. Muscle quality (MQ) was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional study included 11 older women with osteoporo-sis (76.5 ± 8.9 years). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using BIA and DXA. Vastus lateralis muscle architecture was evaluated by ultrasound, and thigh circumference was measured anthropometrically. Muscle strength, lower-limb power, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and the Short Physical Performance Battery were assessed. MQ was calculated as the ratio of handgrip strength to ASM. Results: No agreement was observed between BIA and DXA for ASM. Muscle thickness was positively correlated with handgrip strength (ρ = 0.644; p = 0.033), and fascicle length was positively correlated with gait speed (ρ = 0.617; p = 0.043). MQ differed ac-cording to the method used to estimate muscle mass, with lower values using BIA than DXA (1.52 ± 0.47 vs. 1.81 ± 0.50; p = 0.001 ). Conclusion: In this exploratory sample, agreement between BIA and DXA for skeletal muscle mass assessment was low. Ultrasound-derived muscle measures showed positive associations with selected indicators of physical function, whereas MQ estimates varied according to the method used to assess muscle mass.
Abstract Introduction: Idiopathic scoliosis is a multifactorial postural deformity showing a concerning increase among children and adolescents; surgical correction is recommended for 42% of this population with scoliotic curves > 40°. Objective: To analyze the association between sexual maturation, body mass index (BMI), back strength, and scoliosis. Methods: The Tanner questionnaire, BMI, Trunk Lift test, and Digital Image-based Postural Assessment were applied. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 24.0, Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression. Results: Statistically significant results were identified between back strength and scoliosis (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex using binary logistic regression, students with back strength classified as unhealthy had a 52.2% greater chance of presenting scoliosis when compared to students with healthy back strength (OR = 1.522; 95% CI: 1.013 - 2.295). Conclusion: No statistically significant associations were found between scoliosis, sexual maturation, and BMI. Statistically significant results were identified regarding the relationship between back strength and scoliosis; students with back strength classified as unhealthy were 52.2% more likely to present with scoliosis compared to students with healthy back strength.
Abstract Introduction: Healing complications, such as surgical wound (SW) necrosis, can lead to delays in oncological treatment. Photobiomodulation (PBM) can stimulate the viability and activity of various cell types, contributing to the healing process. Objective: To present the effects of PBM on the re-epithelialization of a complex SW. Methods: A patient diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma underwent oncoplastic lumpectomy, which progressed to SW necrosis. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, along with photographic records and SW assessment using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. Treatment included PBM using blue (470 nm), red (658–660 nm), and near-infrared (858 nm) LEDs, as well as a near-infrared laser (904 nm), applied to the wound bed and edges. Functional elastic taping was used to reduce tissue tension. Results: After seven days, the onset of re-epithelialization was observed. After 30 days of treatment, there was a significant reduction in the SW area, substantial progress in re-epithelialization, and the identification of epithelial islands in the center of the wound. At 44 days, following 12 sessions, the wound showed approximately 40–50% healing. The total healing time was 12 weeks. Conclusion: The treatment contributed to the healing of the complex SW, featuring central epithelialization rather than just edge contraction, as evidenced by the presence of epithelial islands. These findings suggest the possible involvement of different cell populations in the healing process. However, due to the study design and the combination of interventions, it is not possible to attribute the outcomes to a specific technique.
Abstract Introduction: Decannulation is crucial in rehabilitation but lacks standardized protocols. In Brazil, there is a conflict between the restrictions imposed by COFFITO Ruling 475/2016 and medical opinions permitting the procedure under medical supervision. Objectives: To understand physiotherapists' practices and experiences regarding the decannulation process and their perceptions of current regulations. Methods: An exploratory, qualitative study using online snowball sampling. Physiotherapists independently completed a two-part semistructured questionnaire via Google Forms (covering sociodemographic/professional characteristics and clinical experience with decannulation). Descriptive analysis was performed on demographic, educational, and professional practice data. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results: Fifty-one physiotherapists participated; the majority were female, aged 23 to 50. Most were from the state of São Paulo and had graduated between 1997 and 2021. The majority reported holding a postgraduate qualification in hospital physiotherapy. Half the sample had over eight years of professional experience, 25% had up to four years, and one-quarter had 12 years or more; 84% reported receiving training in the care of patients with tracheostomies; the majority participate in the decannulation process; about one-third reported that physiotherapists have the autonomy to perform it, and more than half reported feeling comfortable performing the procedure. Conclusion: Comfort in managing tracheostomies contrasts with the diversity of opinions regarding the legislation. Professionals associate successful decannulation with interprofessional collaboration and motor functionality.
Abstract Introduction: In postgraduate osteopathy programs, the adoption of active learning methodologies faces challenges such as insufficient faculty training, student resistance, and a lack of structured materials to guide their implementation. Objective: To develop and validate a practical guide on active learning methodologies for postgraduate osteopathy faculty. Methods: This was a methodological study conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of an integrative literature review to inform the guide's development. The second involved content validation by experts using the content validity index (CVI ≥ 0.80). Participants included faculty members holding at least a specialist qualification, experience with active learning methodologies in higher education, and scoring ≥ 8 on an adapted Fehring model scale. Experts evaluated clarity, pertinence, organization, logical sequence, suitability, applicability, and relevance. The third stage was semantic validation involving physio-therapist faculty members from the postgraduate osteopathy program at the Brazilian School of Osteopathy and Manipulative Physiotherapy, who assessed the guide's clarity, pertinence, and applicability. Both validation instruments utilized a 1-to-5 Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: All items in the content validation phase showed a CVI ≥ 0.90, with five items achieving a CVI of 1.00. In the semantic validation phase, all items exceeded the minimum criteria, confirming the guide's clear language and practical applicability. Conclusion: The guide demonstrated robustness and pedagogical relevance, serving as a structured tool to support faculty in implementing active learning methodologies.
