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BACKGROUND: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, some workers had the opportunity to work from home, while others remained in on-site work. The aim of the present study was to compare the psychosocial work aspects, work ability, mental health conditions and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of Brazilian workers in remote and on-site work through a longitudinal study with quarterly follow-up assessments over a 12-month period. METHOD: A convenience sample of 1,211 workers from different economic sectors participated in the study, 897 of whom (74.1%) worked from home and 314 (25.9%) remained in on-site work. Psychosocial work aspects were assessed using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Work Ability Score (WAS). Mental health conditions and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate were recorded based on self-reported medical diagnoses. Online questionnaires were answered from June 2020 to September 2021, involving two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The groups were compared using chi-square tests, t-tests, and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: In the first wave of the pandemic, remote workers reported more quantitative demands and work-family conflicts, whereas on-site workers reported more emotional demands, low development of new skills, low commitment, low predictability, low recognition, and low satisfaction. They also reported greater occurrences of unwanted sexual attention, threats of violence, and physical violence. In the second wave, the remote group continued to report high work-family conflicts, whereas the on-site group reported - in addition to the results of the 1st wave - low influence at work, low quality of leadership, and burnout. No significant difference was found between groups with regards to the WAI in either wave. A significant difference was found for the WAS between the 3rd and 12th months (P < 0.01) in both groups. No significant differences were found between groups for the prevalence of anxiety, depression, burnout/stress, insomnia, panic syndrome, and eating disorders, except for the prevalence of insomnia at the 12-month follow-up, with higher rates in the remote group (P = 0.03). SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly lower in the remote group (11.3%) compared to the on- site (16.9%) group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial work aspects differed between remote and on-site workers. Work ability and mental health conditions were similar between groups. Remote work might have played a role in limiting the spread of the virus in Brazil had it been more widely available.

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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between ankle torque and performance-based tests, self-reported pain, and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 39 individuals (24 females, 15 males; mean age: 57.3±6.2 years; range, 40 to 65 years) with knee OA between January 2014 and July 2015. Ankle torque was determined using an isokinetic dynamometer. The 40-m fast-paced walk test and a stair climb test were used to assess functional performance. Self-reported pain and physical function were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to test correlations between the dependent variables (40-m fast-paced walk test, stair climb test, WOMAC pain and physical function domains, sex, age, body mass index, and radiologic evidence of OA) and the independent variables (mean plantar flexor torque and dorsiflexor peak torque). A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to quantify the association between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Dorsiflexor and plantar flexor peak torques in the concentric and eccentric modes were negatively correlated with the 40-m fast-paced walk and stair climb tests (r=-0.33 to -0.51, p≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between concentric plantar flexor torque and the WOMAC physical function score (r=-0.35, p=0.03). No correlation was found between ankle torques and the WOMAC pain score (p>0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the eccentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques were significantly associated with the stair climb test (ß=-0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.001 to 0.000, p=0.03, and ß=-0.002, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.000, p=0.05, respectively). No significant associations were found between concentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques and the stair climb test (p>0.05). No significant associations were found between the ankle torques and the 40-m fast-paced walk test and WOMAC physical function (p>0.05). Conclusion: Ankle torque plays an important role in functional performance. Thus, ankle torque deficit, especially eccentric plantar flexor and dorsiflexor torques, may exert a negative influence on stair climbing performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

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BACKGROUND: To interpret changes of muscle strength in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD), determining the reliability of outcome measures is necessary. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the relative and absolute intra-rater reliability of concentric isokinetic measures of the knee and ankle muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults without and with AD in the mild and moderate stages. METHODS: A methodological study was conducted. The participants were submitted to two isokinetic evaluations with an interval of three to seven days. The evaluations consisted of knee extension and flexion at 60°/s (five repetitions) and 180°/s (15 repetitions) and plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle at 30°/s (five repetitions). The measures of interest were peak torque, average peak torque and total work. The intraclass correlation coefficient two-way mixed model of a single-measure (ICC3,1), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence interval (MDC95) were calculated. The ICC3,1 was interpreted based on Munro's classification. Standard error of measurement and MDC95 were analyzed in absolute and relative values (percentage of error [SEM%] and change [MDC95%]). RESULTS: A total of 62 older adults were included and allocated to the three groups: mild-AD (n = 22, 79.9 years, 15 female and seven male), moderate-AD (n = 20, 81.6 years, 15 female and five male) and without-AD (n = 20, 74.3 years, 10 female and seven male). The ICCs3,1 of the measures of knee were high/very high in the three groups (0.71-0.98). The ICCs3,1 of the measures of ankle were high/very high in the mild-AD group (0.78-0.92), moderate/high/very high in the moderate-AD group (0.63-0.93) and high/very high in the group without-AD (0.84-0.97). The measurements of knee extensors at 60°/s, knee extensors (peak torque and total work), with the exception of peak torque in the mild-AD group, and flexors (average peak torque) at 180°/s, and ankle dorsiflexors at 30°/s had the lowest of SEM% and MDC95% in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Concentric isokinetic measures are reliable for the assessment of knee and ankle muscle strength in community-dwelling older adults without and with AD in the mild and moderate stages.

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BACKGROUND: Elevated patellofemoral joint stress has been associated with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA). Changes in lower limb kinematics, such as excessive femoral adduction and internal rotation and excessive rearfoot eversion during the stance phase of functional activities, may increase patellofemoral stress. There is a lack of studies that assess the effects of interventions for controlling femur and subtalar joint movements during functional activities on self-reported measures in individuals with PFOA. Thus, the primary aim of the study is to determine the immediate effects of the hip strap and foot orthoses during level-ground walking and the single-leg squat test on self-reported outcomes. The secondary aim is to investigate whether the hip strap and foot orthoses result in the kinematic changes that these devices are purported to cause. METHODS: Twenty-nine individuals with PFOA aged 50 years or older will take part in the study. The main outcome is pain intensity. The secondary outcomes are other self-reported measures (global rating of change, acceptable state of symptoms, ease of performance, and confidence) and lower limb kinematics (peak femoral adduction and internal rotation, and peak rearfoot eversion). These outcomes will be assessed during functional tasks performed under three conditions: (i) control condition, (ii) hip strap intervention, and (iii) foot orthoses intervention. To investigate whether these interventions result in the lower limb kinematic changes that they are purported to cause, three-dimensional kinematics of the femur and rearfoot will be captured during each task. Linear mixed models with two fixed factors will be used to test associations between the interventions (control, hip strap, and foot orthoses) and conditions (level-ground walking and single-leg squat test) as well as interactions between the interventions and conditions. DISCUSSION: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the immediate effects of the hip strap and foot orthoses on self-reported measures and lower limb kinematics during functional tasks in individuals with PFOA. The findings of this study will enable future trials to investigate the effects of these interventions in rehabilitation programmes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04332900 . Registered on 3 April 2020.

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BACKGROUND: Most ergonomics studies on office workstations evaluate the effects of an intervention only by subjective measures such as musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. Limited evidence has been provided regarding risk factor reduction in office environments through standardized methods assessments. The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool can provide an estimation of risk factor exposure for office workers as a means by which the outcome of interventions can be quantified. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate if ROSA scores reflect changes in risk factors after an ergonomics intervention among office workers. METHODS: Office workers (n = 60) were divided into two groups. The experimental group received a workstation intervention and the control group received no intervention. Changes in ROSA scores were compared before and after the intervention in both groups. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in the ROSA final and section scores occurred after the intervention in the experimental group with (mean reduction of 2.9, 0.8 and 1.6 points for sections A, B and C, respectively). In contrast, no differences were detected in the control group (mean increase of 0.1 point for sections A and C and mean reduction of 0.1 point for Section B). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that ROSA scores reflect changes in risk factors after an ergonomics intervention in an office environment. Consequently, this tool can be used for identifying and controlling risk factors among computer workers, before and after interventions.

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Objectives. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among blue-collar and white-collar workers stratified by gender and age. Methods. The sample was composed of 390 blue-collar and 510 white-collar workers. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. An independent t test or Mann-Whitney test was used for inter-group comparisons. The χ2 association test was applied for categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of gender and age on musculoskeletal symptoms. Results. The prevalence of shoulder, lower back and ankle/foot symptoms was higher among blue-collar workers compared to white-collar workers. In the analysis stratified by gender, female blue-collar workers had a higher frequency of shoulder symptoms and male blue-collar workers had a higher frequency of lower back symptoms. In the analysis stratified by age, younger blue collar-workers had a higher frequency of shoulder, lower back and ankle/foot symptoms compared to young white-collar workers, and older white-collar workers had a higher frequency of neck symptoms compared to older blue-collar workers. Conclusions. Gender and age exerted an influence on self-reported symptoms in blue-collar and white-collar workers.

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INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the PERFECT scheme assessed by uni- and bidigital vaginal palpation in young nulligravid women. METHODS: Forty healthy women [median age 22 (19-34) years] were evaluated by unidigital vaginal palpation by both Examiners A and C, while the other 40 participants [median age 23.5 (19-35) years] were assessed by Examiners B and C by bidigital vaginal palpation. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of all items of the PERFECT scheme were evaluated: P = power (Modified Oxford Scale); E = endurance; R = repetitions; F = fast contractions. Cohen's linear weighted kappa (κw) was used to assess the reliability of the power, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was applied for the other items. A priori sample size calculation found that 40 participants would be adequate. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair for power (κw = 0.34) and poor for other items (ICC < 0.50); bidigital inter-rater reliability was considered moderate (power: κw = 0.57; endurance: ICC = 0.53; fast contractions: ICC = 0.65, respectively) and low (repetitions: ICC = 0.27). Intra-rater reliability was substantial for power (κw = 0.73 and 0.62), moderate for fast contractions (ICC = 0.63 and 0.51) and poor for repetitions (ICC < 0.50), respectively, for uni- and bidigital palpation. Endurance showed poor (ICC < 0.50) and moderate (ICC = 0.61) reliability for uni- and bidigital palpation. CONCLUSIONS: The PERFECT scheme carried out by bidigital vaginal palpation presents higher reliability when two examiners carry out the physical examination. When one examiner is responsible for PFM assessment, both types of palpation are recommended for evaluation of power and fast contraction; endurance should be evaluated using bidigital palpation. Examiners should be careful during the assessment of repetition of sustained contractions because inter- and intra-reliabilities for both types of palpation were classified as poor.

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Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare postural exposure between two methods of sorting recyclable materials: manual sorting on a fixed work surface and the use of conveyor belts. Materials and methods. Postures and movements of the head, upper back and upper arms were recorded during 2 h among 40 workers using inclinometers. Sociodemographic variables were collected with the aid of a standardized questionnaire and musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated using the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. Results. The angular velocity of the head, upper back and upper arms was significantly higher when sorting on a fixed work surface compared to the conveyor belt method. Upper arm elevation was also higher on the fixed work surface. Conclusion. The conveyor belt method showed lower angular velocities during the manual sorting of recyclable materials compared to a fixed work surface.

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Office workers remain in a awkward position for long periods, which can lead to musculoskeletal symptoms. Ergonomic guidelines are recommended to avoid such problems. Evidence of the long-term effectiveness of ergonomic interventions is scarce. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to compare pain intensity among office workers who received an ergonomic intervention and a control group before as well as 12, 24, and 36 wk after the intervention. Workers were randomly allocated to a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). The EG received an ergonomic workstation intervention. Furniture measurements were related to individual anthropometric measurements to identify mismatches. The outcome was pain intensity, which was determined using a numerical pain scale and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. A linear mixed model was created with pain intensity as the dependent variable. Group and time were the independent variables. No significant interactions were found between group and time. Significant differences between groups were found for the pain intensity in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist/hand (p<0.05), with lower intensity in the EG. The intervention reduced pain intensity in the neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist/hand. However, no reduction in pain intensity was found for the lower back or elbow.

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INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: It is known that high-impact exercises can cause an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and provide overload in the pelvic floor structures. We hypothesized that female CrossFit practitioners would report symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and that there will be factors associated with these dysfunctions. METHODS: The study design is an online cross-sectional survey. Demographic and anthropometric data, the characterization of CrossFit activity, the description of PFD and previous obstetric history were collected through a structured web-based questionnaire. Associations between PFD and the clinical and CrossFit-related independent variables were tested using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 828 female CrossFit practitioners answered the questionnaire. The most prevalent symptom was anal incontinence (AI) (52.7%), with flatus incontinence (FI) being the most reported (93.3%). Women who reported constipation are 1.7 times more likely to have FI, and women who practice CrossFit more than five times a week are 3.0 times more likely to have FI. Urinary incontinence(UI) affected 36% of women, and 84.2% of participants reported urinary loss during CrossFit practice. The occurrence of dyspareunia was reported by 48.7% and showed an inverse association with age and body mass index. POP was reported by only 1.4% of the sample. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of PFD in female CrossFit practitioners, with AI being the most reported symptom, especially FI. In addition, constipation and weekly training frequency were significantly associated with FI. UI occurred primarily in CrossFit exercises, and dyspareunia was the most prevalent sexual symptom.

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AIMS: To evaluate inter- and intrarater reliability of unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) according to PFM risk factors and dysfunctions. METHODS: A total of 187 women were recruited and evaluated by two examiners. Both performed the evaluation of MVC with unidigital and bidigital palpation, graded by Modified Oxford Scale. After 7-10 days, one examiner repeated the assessment. To analyze reliability by Cohen's linear Kappa (κw), participants were allocated into different groups according to: body mass index (BMI), menopause, parity, type of delivery and PFM dysfunctions, as pelvic organ prolapse (POP), constipation, urgency, urgency urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and stress urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair (κw = 0.21-0.40) to moderate (κw = 0.41-0.60) according to BMI, postmenopausal status, parity, type of delivery, and PFM dysfunctions. Inter-rater reliability of bidigital palpation varied from none (κw = 0.00-0.20) to moderate for all risk factors and PFM dysfunctions. Intra-rater reliability of unidigital palpation was considered fair only for women with POP (κw = 0.37) and moderate to substantial (κw = 0.61-0.80) to all other variables. Intra-rater reliability of bidigital palpation ranged from moderate to almost perfect (κw = 0.81-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: When performing vaginal palpation, physiotherapists must consider the way that is performing the evaluation, as some PFM risk factors and dysfunctions could influence the inter- and intrarater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation.

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BACKGROUND: Multisite pain (MSP) has been studied among the working population because it is associated with reduced work ability. In Brazil, studies have investigated pain without addressing MSP and its interference with work ability. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of MSP among Brazilian workers from different occupations and to associate MSP with work ability. METHODS: Participants in the BRAzilian eValuation of Occupational health (BRAVO) database were analysed. The BRAVO database contains information about personal data, musculoskeletal symptoms (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), occupational stress (Job Content Questionnaire) and work ability (Work Ability Index). The studies were approved by the Ethics Committee and all participants signed an informed consent form. Data were analysed using logistic and linear regression. Sex, age, comorbidities (hypertension, mild emotional disorder and gastritis), type of work (blue and white-collar) and occupational stress were included as covariates of the regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of MSP was 58% (95% CI = 53-62%) among the total sample, 57% (95% CI = 52-62%) in white-collar and 53% (95% CI = 40-66%) among blue-collar workers. The presence of MSP increases the chance of low work ability between 1.8 and 5.1 times. A dose-response relationship was found, with the increase in each pain site causing a reduction of 0.9-1.2 points in the work ability index. CONCLUSIONS: MSP is highly prevalent among Brazilian workers and should be addressed due to its impact on reducing work ability.

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BACKGROUND: The professionals who perform cleaning activity constitute a major economic sector in Brazil. Cleaners may develop health problems related to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. It is necessary to understand the working and health conditions of cleaners in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and heart rate variability (HRV) among cleaners. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at a public higher education institution with 45 outsourced cleaners following approval from the institutional ethics committee. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic, occupational and health data, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, the Physical Activity Questionnaire (work and leisure) and the short version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. Clinical data (height, body mass, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure) and heart rate variability (HRV) were also collected. Logistic and linear regression models were created to identify factors associated with symptoms and HRV. RESULTS: The sample consisted of women (100%) predominantly older than 50 years of age (44%), without a conjugal life (64%), with three or more children (59%), low educational level (58%) and who worked less than 12 months at the company (87%). Systemic arterial hypertension (23%) was the most reported health problem. The highest frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms was identified in the lower limbs (ankles/feet: 31% in the previous 12 months and 24% in the previous 7 days; knees: 31% in the previous 12 months and 20% in the previous 7 days). Moreover, the workers reported not practicing physical activity during leisure time (84%). Psychosocial aspects indicated health risks for the dimensions "influence at work" (74%), "burnout" (59%) and "stress" (52%). Associations were found between ankle/foot symptoms and body mass index, shoulder symptoms and predictability, and knee symptoms and self-rated health and burnout. HRV indices were associated with age. CONCLUSIONS: This study outlined the profile of female cleaners and identified risk factors. The workers exhibited musculoskeletal symptoms, which were associated with the body mass index and some psychosocial factors. HRV indices were associated with age. Thus, health promotion and prevention measures should be taken to benefit this population of workers.

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INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The literature presents controversial results regarding the role of delivery mode in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function after birth. Some studies showed a greater impairment of PFM function after vaginal delivery compared with cesarean section, while others have not identified a significant difference between these two modes of delivery. This study aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in short-term PFM function after childbirth in primiparous women who underwent cesarean section compared with those who underwent vaginal delivery. METHODS: Up to December 2018, the PubMed-MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Bireme, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases were searched. Two independent reviewers performed the selection process based on titles, abstracts, and full-text reading. Observational studies comparing PFM function after cesarean section versus vaginal delivery in primiparous women were included. PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations were followed. Methodological quality of the primary studies was assessed through the checklist proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for cross-sectional studies. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize evidence regarding PFM strength in primiparous woman after vaginal delivery compared with cesarean section. The GRADE approach was applied to classify the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. A total of 1726 primiparous women were analyzed after childbirth. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. No difference in PFM strength after childbirth was identified when cesarean section was compared with vaginal delivery [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.85 to 0.56]. Differences in PFM strength were identified when patients who underwent cesarean section were compared with those with an episiotomy or instrumented vaginal delivery (SMD: -12.51, CI 95%: -24.57 to -0.44), favoring the cesarean section group. In both cases, the quality of evidence was classified as very low because of the observational design of the included studies and population heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in short-term PFM strength after childbirth between primiparous women who underwent cesarean section or vaginal delivery, as assessed through vaginal manometry. However, we identified reduced PFM strength in women who underwent an episiotomy or instrumented vaginal delivery compared with those who underwent cesarean section. Nevertheless, this conclusion should be cautiously considered as the observational design of the primary studies and possible heterogeneity among the primiparous women included in the studies contributed to reducing the quality of the evidence synthesized. Future primary studies with longitudinal designs and long-term follow-up periods are needed to strengthen the quality of evidence and provide more conclusive evidence to guide clinical practice.

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BACKGROUND: The prevention and rehabilitation of multisite musculoskeletal pain would benefit from studies aiming to understand its underlying mechanism. Autonomic imbalance is a suggested mechanism for multisite pain, but hardly been studied during normal daily living. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the association between multisite musculoskeletal pain and cardiac autonomic modulation during work, leisure and sleep. METHODS: This study is based on data from the "Danish Physical activity cohort with objective measurements" among 568 blue-collar workers. Pain intensity scales were dichotomized according to the median of each scale, and the number of pain sites was calculated. No site was regarded as the pain-free, one site was considered as single-site musculoskeletal pain and pain in two or more sites was regarded as multisite musculoskeletal pain. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured by an electrocardiogram system (ActiHeart) and physical activity using accelerometers (Actigraph). Crude and adjusted linear mixed models were applied to investigate the association between groups and cardiac autonomic regulation during work, leisure and sleep. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups and no significant interaction between groups and domains in the crude or adjusted models for any HRV index. Significant differences between domains were found in the crude and adjusted model for all indices, except SDNN; sleep time showed higher values than leisure and work time, except for LF and LF/HF, which were higher during work. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study showed that multisite musculoskeletal pain is not associated with imbalanced cardiac autonomic regulation during work, leisure and sleep time.

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BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can positively affect exercise capacity, maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 ), and symptoms after a 6-week physical training program for subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. METHODS: 47 subjects with COPD who were enrolled in a physical training program were randomized to either physical training alone or NIV + physical training (NIV-Physical training). Physical training consisted of dynamic aerobic exercises on a treadmill 3 times/week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. NIV was titrated according to the subject's tolerance at rest and during exercise. Assessments included physiological responses and symptoms at the incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test peak and during submaximal exercise on a treadmill, 6-min walk distance, maximum inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressure (PEmax), BODE index, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: 43 subjects completed the 6-week physical training program. Both groups improved 6-min walk distance, PImax, BODE index, and quality of life, and no differences were found between groups. However, significant improvements were observed for subjects in the NIV-Physical training group with regard to PEmax, maximum V̇O2 , maximum metabolic equivalents, circulatory power, and maximum SpO2 . CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week physical training program alone can improve tolerance for exercise and quality of life, in addition to reducing the risk of mortality. However, NIV associated with a physical training program was shown to have an additive beneficial effect on powerful prognostic markers (maximum V̇O2 and circulatory power) and to reduce symptoms and improve oxygen saturation in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD.

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BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the most common running overuse injury. Excessive rearfoot eversion is commonly considered as a PFP risk factor and the relationship between ankle-foot complex movement and lower limb may be involved with this dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between rearfoot eversion with tibia and femur kinematics in frontal and transverse planes during running in individuals with and without PFP. The secondary purpose was to compare the lower limb kinematics between runners with and without PFP. METHODS: Fifty-four recreational runners were divided into 2 groups: healthy runners (CG, n = 27) and runners with patellofemoral pain (PFPG, n = 27). Kinematics during running were assessed using three-dimensional motion analysis system. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to establish the correlation of rearfoot eversion with tibial and femur movements. FINDINGS: Greater peak rearfoot eversion was correlated with greater peak femur adduction in PFP runners. Greater peak rearfoot eversion was correlated with greater peak tibial internal rotation and tibial adduction in the PFPG and CG. Additionally, greater peak rearfoot eversion was correlated with greater tibial internal rotation range of motion in the PFPG and CG. No significant differences were found between the PFPG and CG for all kinematics variables. INTERPRETATION: Correlation between greater rearfoot eversion and greater peak hip adduction in the PFPG might be related to PFP persistence in runners with excessive rearfoot eversion, and indicates that treatment strategies aimed at controlling the movement of the rearfoot could help modify the symptoms.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate how the fixed furniture dimensions match with students' anthropometry and to describe head, upper back and upper limbs postures and movements. Evaluation was performed in 48 students from a Brazilian state school. Furniture dimensions were measured with metric tape, movements and postures by inclinometers (Logger Tecknologi, Åkarp, Sweden). Seat height was high for 21% and low for 36% of the students; seat length was short for 45% and long for 9% and table height was high for 53% and low for 28%. Regression analysis showed that seat/popliteal height quotient is explained by 90th percentile of upper back inclination (ß=0.410) and 90th percentile of right upper arm elevation (ß=-0.293). For seat/thigh length quotient the significant variables were 90th percentile of upper back velocity (ß=-0.282) and 90th percentile of right upper arm elevation (ß=0.410). This study showed a relationship between furniture mismatch and postural overload. When the seat height is low students increase upper back left inclination and right upper arm elevation; when the seat is short students decrease the upper back flexion velocity and increase right upper arm elevation.

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Electrogoniometers are prone to crosstalk errors related to endblocks rotation (general crosstalk) and to the characteristics of each sensor (individual crosstalk). The aim of this study was to assess the crosstalk errors due to endblock misalignments and to propose a procedure to compensate for these errors in knee applications. A precision jig was used to simulate pure ± 100° flexion/extension movements. A goniometer was mounted with various degrees of valgus/varus (± 20°) and rotation (± 30°) misalignments. For valgus/varus misalignments, although offset compensation eliminated the error in the valgus/varus recordings for 0° of flexion/extension and reduced it to a few degrees for small (± 30°) flexion/extension angles (root mean square error = 1.1°), the individual crosstalk caused pronounced errors for large (± 100°) angles (18.8°). Subsequent compensation for this crosstalk reduced these errors to 0.8° and 4.5°, respectively. For rotational misalignment, compensation for the general crosstalk by means of coordinate system rotation, in combination with compensation for the individual crosstalk, reduced the errors for small (± 30°) and large (± 100°) flexion/extension angles from 3.6° to 0.5° and from 15.5° to 2.4°, respectively. Crosstalk errors were efficiently compensated by the procedures applied, which might be useful in preprocessing of knee functional data, thereby substantially improving goniometer accuracy.

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