Abstract Context: Transtibial Amputation (TA) predisposes to a sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of a short-term (8-week) Concurrent Training (CT) program in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees (UTA) and to compare it with the physical condition of a group of Paralympic athletes in preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics. Design: This was a longitudinal, prospective and controlled trial study. Methods: Thirty-four male subjects with UTA and using prostheses for six months or more were selected for this study. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) – 17 non-athlete and untrained UTA and Group 2 (G2) – 17 paralympic athletes with active UTA in the training phase. G1 was evaluated before and after eight weeks of CT and G2 made a single evaluation for control. All were submitted to anamnesis, clinical evaluation (blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and heart rate) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a lower limb cycle ergometer, and isokinetic knee dynamometry. The CT of G1 included resistance exercise and aerobic interval training on a stationary bicycle and G2 followed the training of the Paralympic teams. Results: Patients were retested by the same methods after CT. The two most important central dependent variables (maximal oxygen uptake and muscular strength) increased by 22% and knee extensor and flexor strength by 106% and 97%, respectively. Conclusion: After eight weeks of CT, there was an improvement in general functional condition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory performance improving protection against chronic diseases and quality of life.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of rehearsals on cardiorespiratory parameters and body composition in Brazilian samba dancers belonging to a first-league samba school. Methods Twenty-six women were divided into a Samba Group (n=13) and a Control Group (n=13). Cardiorespiratory parameters (cardiopulmonary exercise test) and body composition (skinfold assessment) were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of rehearsals. The Samba Group rehearsed three times per week for 30–60 minutes, and the Control Group participated in no physical activity. A comparison test was performed within and between groups, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results Compared with the Control Group, the Samba Group showed a significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake (19%), oxygen pulse (13%), and lean body mass (3%) and a decrease in body fat percentage (11%) and fat mass (12%). Conclusion Twelve weeks of samba dance rehearsals improved the cardiorespiratory and body composition parameters in women dancers compared with the Control Group. These findings suggest that dancing samba regularly can increase physical activity levels and positively affect the health parameters of samba dancers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radial shockwave treatment with conventional physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis after 12 months of follow-up. METHOD: This was a randomized, prospective, comparative clinical study. Forty patients with a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis were divided randomly into two treatment groups: group 1, with 20 patients who underwent ten physiotherapy sessions comprising ultrasound, kinesiotherapy and guidance for home-based stretching; and group 2, with 20 patients who underwent three applications of radial shockwaves, once a week, and guidance for home-based stretching. All patients were assessed regarding pain and functional abilities before treatment, immediately after and 12 months after treatment. The mean age was 49.6 ±11.8 years (range: 25-68 years), 85% were female, 88% were overweight, 63% were affected bilaterally, and 83% used analgesics regularly. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, both treatments were effective for improving pain and functional ability among the patients with plantar fasciitis. The improvement with shockwaves was faster. CONCLUSION: Shockwave treatment was not more effective than conventional physiotherapy treatment 12 months after the end of the treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare radial shockwave treatment and conventional physiotherapy for plantar fasciitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with plantar fasciitis were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was composed of 16 patients who underwent 10 physiotherapy sessions each, consisting of ultrasound, kinesiotherapy and instruction for stretching exercises at home. Group 2 was composed of 16 patients who underwent three applications of radial shockwaves (once a week) and received instruction for stretching exercises at home. Pain and ability to function were evaluated before treatment, immediately afterwards, and three months later. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 ± 10.3 years (range 25-68); 81% were female, 87% were overweight, 56% had bilateral impairment, and 75% used analgesics regularly. RESULTS: Both treatments were effective for pain reduction and for improving the functional abilities of patients with plantar fasciitis. The effect of the shockwaves was apparent sooner than physiotherapy after the onset of treatment. CONCLUSION: Shockwave treatment was no more effective than conventional physiotherapy treatment when evaluated three months after the end of treatment.