Browsing by Author "Machado, Jorge"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 12
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Acupuncture effect on reaction-time changes in Parkinson’s disease patients—Case study seriesPublication . Pereira, Catarina Ramos; Greten, Henry J.; Santos, Rubim; Reis, Ana Mafalda; Ramos, Bruno; Santos, Maria João; Machado, Jorge; Criado, Maria BegoñaParkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with deficit in reaction time which can lead to falls, resulting in limited independence, diminished quality of life, heightened rates of institutionalization and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to examine the effects of an acupuncture protocol in motor time response after an auditory stimulus. Methods: This study employed a case series design. Reaction time to exposed rhythmic and random auditory stimuli outcomes were evaluated at six different moments over a month-long acupuncture treatment protocol using the MP 36 system from Biopac Systems. Results: We observed a tendency to have more pronounced improvements in the time response in the more affected side of the body compared with the contralateral one. Patients tended to show better values of response to random auditory stimuli compared to rhythmic auditory ones. We also observed a tendency to obtain better results when considering the accumulative effects of the acupuncture protocol. Conclusions: Our findings indicated a possible role of reaction time as a sensitive and useful tool for motor function assessment in PD patients. Also, from our results, we concluded that the acupuncture protocol used may lead to an improvement in efficacy of motor response after aleatory and rhythmic stimulus; we also found a tendency for a higher efficacy of acupuncture in random stimuli responses in the first stages of the disease. However, further in-depth research, including a statistical evaluation with a larger participant pool, is necessary to validate and confirm these promising results.
- Cardiovascular rehabilitation program: The influence on cognitive and executive function, kyphotic index, joint range of tibiotarsal and balancePublication . Vieira, Ágata; Noites, Andreia; Machado, Jorge; Melo, Cristina; Gabriel, Joaquim; Viamonte, SofiaCardiovascular disease arises from pathological changes, such as atherosclerosis, and continues to be the main cause of mortality, as coronary artery disease that is responsible for 20% of deaths each year. Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs have several phases, and the last one, the maintenance phase, which aims are to implement healthy lifestyles habits on people.
- Effects of self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques on musculoskeletal disorders of professional orchestra musicians: a randomized controlled trialPublication . Sousa, Cláudia Maria; Coimbra, Daniela; Machado, Jorge; Greten, Henry J.Background Musicians are frequently affected by playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). Common solutions used by Western medicine to treat musculoskeletal pain include rehabilitation programs and drugs, but their results are sometimes disappointing. Objective To study the effects of self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques on the pain intensity caused by PRMD of professional orchestra musicians, using numeric visual scale (NVS). Design, setting, participants and interventions We performed a prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized study with musicians suffering from PRMD. Participating musicians were randomly distributed into the experimental (n = 39) and the control (n = 30) groups. After an individual diagnostic assessment, specific Tuina self-administered exercises were developed and taught to the participants. Musicians were instructed to repeat the exercises every day for 3 weeks. Main outcome measures Pain intensity was measured by NVS before the intervention and after 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 d of treatment. The procedure was the same for the control group, however the Tuina exercises were executed in points away from the commonly-used acupuncture points. Results In the treatment group, but not the control group, pain intensity was significantly reduced on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20. Conclusion The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques could help professional musicians controlling the pain caused by PRMD. Although our results are very promising, further studies are needed employing a larger sample size and double blinding designs.
- Home-based cardiac rehabilitation and virtual reality: effect on balance and kyphotic indexPublication . Vieira, Ágata; Melo, Cristina; Machado, Jorge; Gabriel, JoaquimThe virtual reality is a possibility in a context of cardiac rehabilitation. To analyse the effect of a six-month home-based maintenance phase cardiac rehabilitation specific exercise programme, performed in a virtual reality (Kinect) or conventional (booklet) environment on balance and kyphotic index of subjects with coronary artery disease.: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with subjects from a hospital in Porto, Portugal, who had completed the training phase of cardiac rehabilitation. Subjects were randomly assigned to either intervention group 1(IG1), whose programme encompassed the use of Kinect (n=11); or intervention group 2 (IG2), a paper booklet (n=11); or a control group (CG), only subjected to the usual care (n=11). The three groups received education on cardiovascular risk factors. At baseline, 3 and 6 months was measured the balance, static (One-Leg-Standing Test) and dynamic (Star Excursion Balance Test), and the kyphotic index (Flexicurve). Descriptive and inferential statistical measures were used, significance level of 0.05.
- Home-based virtual reality exercise program during the maintenance stage of cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trialPublication . Vieira, Ágata; Melo, Cristina; Noites, Andreia; Machado, Jorge; Mendes, JoaquimHome-based virtual reality technology may become an alternative to cardiac rehabilitation. To evaluate the effects of a specific, home-based exercise program, performed either through a virtual reality (Kinect) or a conventional format (booklet) in the maintenance stage of cardiac rehabilitation for six months on functional muscle strength of the lower limbs, physical activity and exercise tolerance. This is a randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT02753829) with individuals with coronary artery disease from a hospital in Porto, Portugal, randomly allocated to an experimental group “1” (EG1; n = 11), submitted to a virtual reality exercise program (Kinect); an experimental group “2” (EG2; n = 11), submitted to an exercise program described in a booklet (conventional format); or a control group (CG) (n=11), submitted to routine care. Parameters of functional muscle strength of the lower limbs (sit-to-stand test), physical activity (accelerometer) and exercise tolerance (stress test) were assessed and compared between the groups. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, with 95% with a significance level of 0.05. Significant improvements in functional muscle strength of the lower limbs were observed in EG1 compared to EG2, at three months (19.5 ± 7.7 versus 11.9 ± 4.7, p = 0.042), and at six months (23.0 ± 7.7 versus 14.6 ± 4.6, p = 0.027) of intervention. The program did not demonstrate superior results, in relation to the control group and among the different formats, in physical activity and effort tolerance. In relation to the functional muscle strength of the lower limbs, the virtual reality format showed significantly better results when compared to the conventional format only.
- Immediate effects of Tuina techniques on working-related musculoskeletal disorder of professional orchestra musiciansPublication . Sousa, Cláudia Maria; Moreira, Luís; Greten, Henry J.; Coimbra, Daniela; Machado, JorgeBACKGROUND: Musicians are a prone group to suffer from working-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD). Conventional solutions to control musculoskeletal pain include pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation programs but their efficiency is sometimes disappointing. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to study the immediate effects of Tuina techniques on WRMD of professional orchestra musicians from the north of Portugal. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: We performed a prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized study. Professional orchestra musicians with a diagnosis of WRMD were randomly distributed into the experimental group (n=39) and the control group (n=30). During an individual interview, Chinese diagnosis took place and treatment points were chosen. Real acupoints were treated by Tuina techniques into the experimental group and non-specific skin points were treated into the control group. Pain was measured by verbal numerical scale before and immediately after intervention. RESULTS: After one treatment session, pain was reduced in 91.8% of the cases for the experimental group and 7.9% for the control group. CONCLUSION: Although results showed that Tuina techniques are effectively reducing WRMD in professional orchestra musicians of the north of Portugal, further investigations with stronger measurements, double-blinding designs and bigger simple sizes are needed.
- Occupational health: does compliance with physical activity recommendations have a preventive effect on musculoskeletal symptoms in computer workers?Publication . Moreira, Sara; Salomé Ferreira, Maria; Begoña Criado, Maria; Machado, Jorge; Mesquita, Cristina; Lopes, Sofia; Santos, Paula ClaraA lack of physical activity in computer workers (CW) can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Aim: (i) Evaluate MSS over a 12 month and 7 days period, (ii) determine physical activity (PA) levels and compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendations, and (iii) assess the relationship between compliance with WHO PA recommendations and MSS. A cross-sectional observational study comprising 119 computer workers. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. MSS occurred in the lumbar region (56.3%), neck (43.7%), and shoulders (39.5%). 44.7% of the participants reported a low level of PA. The percentage of compliance was similar among women and men (62.2% vs. 58.5%, respectively). Negative correlations were found between pain intensity and metabolic equivalent values. The participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported a lower frequency of MSS compared to those who did not, but the differences were not statistically significant. It was possible to conclude that computer workers presented a higher frequency of MSS in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Regarding the level of PA, participants were mostly classified as low. Participants who followed the WHO PA recommendations reported lower MSS than those who did not. This finding could be important in obtaining successful programs that promote health-oriented physical activity in this group of workers.
- Occupational health: physical activity, musculoskeletal symptoms and quality of life in computer workers: a narrative reviewPublication . Moreira, Sara; Criado, Maria Begoña; Santos, Paula Clara; Ferreira, Maria Salomé; Gonçalves, Carla; Machado, JorgeComputer work has assumed a very important role for many companies, but specific occupational and health symptoms associated with the use of computers can appear. According to the literature, physical activity is considered a key player in the prevention and control of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, contributing to a better quality of life in computer workers. The principal aims of this review are to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship among sedentary behavior, physical activity and quality of life of computer workers; to outline the importance of promoting the development of an educational program for Occupational Health directed at computer workers at the level of quality of life, musculoskeletal symptoms, and physical activity; and to call for attention to the factors needed to initiate and maintain a health program that involves the active participation of workers who must be concerned about their health. This review demonstrates the important role of workplaces in health promotion and the opportunities that workplaces provide to establish and continue successful health-promotion programs for computer workers, generating important benefits for the health and quality of life of individuals and groups.
- Positive effects of an online workplace exercise intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life perception in computer workers: A quasi-experimental study designPublication . Moreira, Sara; Criado, Maria Begoña; Ferreira, Maria Salomé; Machado, Jorge; Gonçalves, Carla; Clemente, Filipe Manuel; Mesquita, Cristina; Lopes, Sofia; Santos, Paula ClaraComputer workers’ sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a high risk for many chronic diseases, leading to a decrease in health-related quality of life (QoL). Workplace exercises consist of a set of physical exercises, implemented during work breaks, that have multiple benefits for workers’ health. To assess the impact of online workplace exercises on computer workers’ perception of quality of life. Methods: Quasi-experimental study with two groups: a control group (n = 26) and an intervention group (n = 13). The inclusion criteria were that participants must be aged between 18 and 65 years old and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. The interventions consisted of workplace exercises, which were applied for 17 consecutive weeks, each session lasting 15 min, three times a week. The exercise programme, performed online and guided by a physiotherapist, consisted of mobility exercises, flexibility and strength exercises, with the help of a TheraBand® for elastic resistance. The control group were not subjected to any intervention. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36v2) were used in two assessment stages (M0—baseline and M1—final of intervention). A mixed ANOVA with interaction time*group was used to evaluate the effect of the exercise programme. A good perception of the QoL was obtained in both stages. The exercise programme had a positive effect in the domains of Pain (ptime*group = 0.012, η2p = 0.158), Physical Function (ptime*group = 0.078, η2p = 0.082), Physical Performance (ptime*group = 0.052, η2p = 0.098), and Emotional Performance (ptime*group = 0.128, η2p = 0.061). After 17 weeks of workplace exercises, it became clear that the intervention group positively increased their QoL perception, with this improvement being significant in the Pain domain, which resulted in an improvement in their health condition. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal exercise for CWs, with detailed exercise types, different intensities and focused on various health conditions.
- The effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the perception of physical activity and on the perception of musculoskeletal symptoms in computer workers: comparative longitudinal study designPublication . Moreira, Sara; Criado, Maria Begoña; Ferreira, Maria Salomé; Machado, Jorge; Gonçalves, Carla; Mesquita, Cristina; Lopes, Sofia; Santos, Paula ClaraLockdown resulting from the pandemic led to a change in the health habits of the computer workers community. Sedentary work, together with less active lifestyles, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic leads to impacts on physical activity (PA) and can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Understand the effects of lockdown on the perception of physical activity levels and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms, over periods of 12 months and 7 days, in computer workers. Longitudinal comparative study between 2019 (M1) and 2021 (M2), over 18 months, in 40 volunteer participants. The inclusion criteria were full-time workers aged between 18 and 65 and the exclusion criteria included diagnosis of non-work-related medical conditions. In addition to a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate the MSS and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was used to analyse the perception of the level of PA. These questionnaires were used in two assessment stages (M1 and M2). McNemar test and Wilcoxon paired test were used to evaluate the effect of lockdown on the perception of PA, and on the perception of frequency of musculoskeletal symptoms. The MSS prevalence in the previous 12 months increased significantly in the neck (M1: 45.0%, M2: 62.5%, p = 0.046), in the shoulders (M1: 37.5%, M2: 55.0%, p = 0.033), and in the hands/wrists (M1: 25.0%, M2: 45.0%, p = 0.019). The mean pain score increased in the shoulders (1.43 ± 2.24, 2.35 ± 2.55, p = 0.003) and in the elbows (0.18 ± 0.59, 0.60 ± 1.34, p = 0.015). No differences were found in the PA between M1 and M2, but the weekly mean sitting time increased from 4.75 ± 2.26 to 6.26 ± 2.65 (p < 0.001). After 18 months it became clear that MSS perception increased mainly in the neck, shoulders and hands/wrists with a significant increase in pain intensity in the shoulder and elbow regions. The weekly sitting time increased significantly. Further studies are needed in order to determine the impact of teleworking in a pandemic context. But multifactor behind these results should be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks in Computer Workers in order to adopt educational strategies for the promotion of Physical activity (PA), in these workers.