Fisioterapia最新文献

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is essential for health. Post-stroke sequelae and other barriers may interfere with physical exercise (PE). Consequently, the perception of its benefits may vary. The aim of this study was to determine the level of PA as a function of the ambulation capacity and the degree of disability of individuals with chronic stroke, as well as the barriers and benefits perceived by them in the practice of PE.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional survey type study was carried out in a sample of people with chronic sequelae after stroke. The survey consisted of an activity diary, the SIS-16 scale, the IPAQ-E questionnaire, and the FAC and EBBS scales.

Results

Seventy-four individuals participated (mean age 59.2±15.4 years), 51.4% of them showed low level of PA; particularly women (56.7%), those over 65 years of age (76.9%), those living in institutions (100%) and in rural areas (69.2%). Participants with a low degree of disability showed moderate (Mdn = 76) and high (Mdn = 87.5) PA levels, while in those with a higher degree of disability prevailed a low PA level (Mdn = 51). There were significant differences between the dependent walking group (Mdn = 0) and the independent walking group (Mdn = 1110.500; U = 108.500; p<0.001), with the former group presenting a low level of PA. The most common barriers were those related to fatigue and tiredness caused by PE. Participants recognized the benefits of PE for increasing strength and muscle tone, and improving flexibility, heart function and physical condition. No significant differences were found in terms of perceived barriers and benefits.

Conclusion

Most of the participants present a low PA level, prevailing in those with a higher degree of disability and dependent gait. They recognize the benefits of PE for the improvement of their cardiovascular system, muscle strength and physical condition. The lack of PE was justified by the fatigue and tiredness it causes.

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DOI of original article: 10.1016/j.ft.2019.06.002

Introduction and objective

Vaginal laxity syndrome (VLS) encompasses signs and symptoms occurring when the vaginal introitus at rest exceeds the typical size (> 25 mm). Non-ablative monopolar radiofrequency (NAMRF), through endogenously generated heat, increases metabolism and denatures collagen, promoting the formation of new collagen to enhance elasticity and firmness of the skin. This study aims to analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the effect of NAMRF as a treatment for VLS.

Materials and methods

Six electronic databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Science Database, and Sport Discus) were consulted between November 2022 and February 2023 to identify clinical trials involving women with VLS who underwent NAMRF treatment in the vaginal area. Studies combining NAMRF with other therapies in the same group or those with inaccessible full texts were excluded. Methodological quality assessment employed the PEDro and Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After Studies with No Control Group scales, while Cochrane's risk of bias tool assessed bias risk.

Results

Six studies with a total sample of 196 women, averaging 42.34 ± 6 years, were included. All six studies demonstrated low to moderate methodological quality and a high risk of bias. Nevertheless, NAMRF treatment in VLS resulted in a statistically significant decrease in vaginal introitus size in all studies. Statistically significant improvements were also noted in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction, among other factors.

Conclusions

NAMRF appears to reduce vaginal opening and may enhance sexual function, including increased desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction in women self-reporting VLS. It may also strengthen pelvic floor muscles, reduce urinary incontinence frequency, and increase clitoral sensitivity. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the overall low to moderate methodological quality and high risk of bias in the included studies.