Developing strategies to be added to the protocol for antenatal care: an exercise and birth preparation program

To describe the implementation process of a birth preparation program, the activities in the protocol for physical and birth preparation exercises, and the educational activities that have been evaluated regarding effectiveness and women's satisfaction. The birth preparation program described was developed with the following objectives: to prevent lumbopelvic pain, urinary incontinence and anxiety; to encourage the practice of physical activity during pregnancy and of positions and exercises for non-pharmacological pain relief during labor; and to discuss information that would help women to have autonomy during labor. The program comprised the following activities: supervised physical exercise, relaxation exercises, and educational activities (explanations of lumbopelvic pain prevention, pelvic floor function, labor and delivery, and which non-pharmacological pain relief to use during labor) provided regularly after prenatal consultations. These activities were held monthly, starting when the women joined the program at 18-24 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until 30 weeks of pregnancy, fortnightly thereafter from 31 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, and then weekly from the 37 th week until delivery. Information and printed materials regarding the physical exercises to be performed at home were provided. Clinicaltrials. gov: NCT01155804. The program was an innovative type of intervention that systematized birth preparation activities that were organized to encompass aspects related both to pregnancy and to labor and that included physical, educational and home-based activities. The detailed description of the protocol used may serve as a basis for further studies and also for the implementation of birth preparation programs within the healthcare system in different settings704231236COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informação08/10392-

Developing strategies to be added to the protocol for antenatal care: An exercise and birth preparation program

OBJECTIVES: To describe the implementation process of a birth preparation program, the activities in the protocol for physical and birth preparation exercises, and the educational activities that have been evaluated regarding effectiveness and women's satisfaction. The birth preparation program described was developed with the following objectives: to prevent lumbopelvic pain, urinary incontinence and anxiety; to encourage the practice of physical activity during pregnancy and of positions and exercises for non-pharmacological pain relief during labor; and to discuss information that would help women to have autonomy during labor. METHODS: The program comprised the following activities: supervised physical exercise, relaxation exercises, and educational activities (explanations of lumbopelvic pain prevention, pelvic floor function, labor and delivery, and which non-pharmacological pain relief to use during labor) provided regularly after prenatal consultations. These activities were held monthly, starting when the women joined the program at 18–24 weeks of pregnancy and continuing until 30 weeks of pregnancy, fortnightly thereafter from 31 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, and then weekly from the 37th week until delivery. Information and printed materials regarding the physical exercises to be performed at home were provided. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01155804. RESULTS: The program was an innovative type of intervention that systematized birth preparation activities that were organized to encompass aspects related both to pregnancy and to labor and that included physical, educational and home-based activities. CONCLUSIONS: The detailed description of the protocol used may serve as a basis for further studies and also for the implementation of birth preparation programs within the healthcare system in different settings

BORON IN PREVENTING OF SHOOT DIEBACK ON EUCALYPTUS BENTHAMII GROWN IN SOIL WITH DIFFERENT WATER REGIMES

The water deficit interferes in the boron (B) uptake by eucalyptus, causing shoot dieback in young plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of shoot dieback in Eucalyptus benthamii submitted to doses of boron and water regimes in a Humic Cambisol of the Southern Plateau of the state of Santa Catarina. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse (Lages-SC) in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with three replications, adding 0, 0.55, 1.1 and 2.75 g boron plant-1 in the soil, and three water regimes (60, 80 and 100% of the field capacity). The stem diameter and the plants height were measured, using a visual analysis of dieback. The dry mass and boron contents in the tissues and in the soil, were also determined. Water deficiency affected negatively dry matter but it was not affected by boron application. The highest occurrence of shoot dieback was observed in the treatments without addition of boron and in the more restrictive water regime. Fertilization with 0.55 g boron plant-1 in soil was sufficient to avoid shoot dieback

Posição vertical durante o trabalho de parto: dor e satisfação

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the vertical position adopted by nulliparous women during labor in terms of pain and satisfaction with the position. METHODS: the study was based on a secondary efficacy analysis of data from 107 nulliparous women enrolled in a randomized controlled trial in which the vertical position adopted during the dilation phase of labor was evaluated. The analysis involved comparing the median percentages of the duration for which women remained in the vertical position for each of the variables studied . The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to determine the difference s betwee n th e groups. Statistical significance was set at p 7 (p=0.02) . At 4 and 6 cm of dilation , the women who reported greater satisfaction remained more than 50 % of the time in the vertical position (p=0.0 2 an d p=0.03 , respectively). CONCLUSIONS: the vertical position helped relieve labor pain and increased comfort and patient satisfaction.OBJETIVOS: avaliar a posição vertical , adotada por mulheres nulíparas durante o trabalho de parto , em relação à dor e satisfação com a posição. MÉTODOS: abordagem analítica distinta, complementar e de eficácia de 107 nulíparas, secundária aos dados de um ensaio controlado randomizado, que avaliou a posição vertical em nulíparas durante a fase de dilatação do trabalho de parto. A análise foi realizada pela comparação das porcentagens medianas do tempo de permanência na posição vertical para cada categoria das variáveis estudadas. Para testar as diferenças entre as variáveis foram utilizados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e de Mann-Whitney. A significância foi estabelecida em p 7 (p=0.02). As mulheres mais satisfeitas, aos 4 e 6 cm de dilatação, permaneceram mais de 50 % do tempo na posição vertical (p=0.0 2 e p=0.03, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES: a posição vertical auxiliou no alívio da dor , melhorou o conforto e satisfação das parturientes.393398Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia

Background: Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain.Methods: A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). the program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI).Results: 160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% - 0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017).Conclusion: in conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01368406Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Eli Lilly do BrasilCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Ministry of EducationJanssen-CilagNovartisRocheConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundacao SafraFundacao ABRADSLundbeckEli Lilly laboratoryUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04044000 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Med School, Dept & Inst Psychiat, BR-05403010 São Paulo, BrazilCAISM Ctr Atencao Integrada Saude Mental Irmandad, BR-04017030 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04044000 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2007/00464-6Web of Scienc

Analysis of the effects of body weight-supported gait training on the electromyographic activity of the lower limbs and motor irradiation to the upper limbs in spinal cord injured patients

Rehabilitation on the treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) in individuals with spinal cord injuries can passively reproduce gait, helping them with weight bearing on the lower limbs (LL) and orthostatic posture. The objective of the study was to assess motor irradiation from the lower limbs to the upper limbs during gait training with PBWS. The participants were three male individuals diagnosed with low spinal cord injury (T10 and L1), classified as ASIA A, with partial preservation of nerve roots. Subjects were submitted to gait training with PBWS and electromyographic assessment of the muscles Biceps brachii (BB), Rectus femoris (RF) and Lateral Gastrocnemius (LG) on both sides. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk and de Levene tests, One way ANOVA test and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test. In the resting state, there was less activity of BB muscles on both sides when compared to the RF and LG, which can be explained by the secondary impairments arising from the individuals’ injury. The gait cycle (GC) was repeated three times; in GC1 there was greater electromyographic activity in the right LG muscle and lower activity of the right BB muscle and, statistically, right LG and left BB showed higher mean activity (statistically significant results). In GC2, the same pattern of activity of GC1 was observed, but the right RF muscle reduced its activation threshold. In GC3, the activity levels of the previous cycles were maintained, but the left RF muscle showed an increase in the thresholds of electromyographic activation when compared to the other muscles. Based on these results, the BB muscle presented quantitative variations in electromyographic activation, demonstrating the presence of motor irradiation from LL to upper limbs during the GC. The qualitative analysis showed “peaks” of activity in this muscle mainly during the support phases of the gait training.A reabilitação na esteira com suporte parcial de peso (ESPP) nos indivíduos lesados medulares pode reproduzir de modo passivo a marcha, proporcionando-lhes a descarga de peso em membros inferiores (MMII) e a manutenção da postura ortostática. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar se, durante a marcha passiva na ESPP, existe irradiação motora de MMII aos membros superiores. Foram selecionados três indivíduos do gênero masculino, com diagnóstico de Traumatismo Raquimedular baixo (T10 e L1), classificados como ASIA A com preservação parcial de raízes nervosas. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a uma avaliação passiva da marcha na ESSP, utilizando a avaliação eletromiográfica dos músculos: bíceps braquial (BB), reto femoral (RF) e gastrocnêmio lateral (GL) bilateralmente e a uma análise estatística, incluindo testes de Shapiro-Wilk e de Levene, One way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey HSD. Na condição clínica de repouso, observou-se menor ativação dos músculos BB bilateralmente, quando comparado aos músculos RF e GL, fato justificado pelos comprometimentos secundários advindos da lesão dos indivíduos. As condições clínicas do ciclo da marcha (CM) repetiram-se três vezes; no CM1 observou-se uma maior ativação eletromiográfica do músculo GL direito e uma menor ativação do músculo BB direito, e estatisticamente, GL direito e BB esquerdo demonstraram maior atividade média (resultados estatisticamente significantes). No CM2 o mesmo padrão de ativação do CM1 foi observado, no entanto o músculo RF direito reduziu seu limiar de ativação. No CM3 os níveis de ativação das condições anteriores mantiveram-se, no entanto, o músculo RF esquerdo apresentou aumento nos limiares de ativação eletromiográfica, quando comparado aos demais músculos. Com base nestes resultados, o músculo BB apresentou variações quantitativas na ativação eletromiográfica, determinando a presença de irradiação motora de MMII para superiores durante o CM. Em uma análise qualitativa, foi observado que durante as fases de apoio da marcha houve “picos” de ativação deste músculo

Maternal position during the first stage of labor: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Policy makers and health professionals are progressively using evidence-based rationale to guide their decisions. There has long been controversy regarding which maternal position is more appropriate during the first stage of labor. This problem has been examined often and repeatedly and the optimal recommendation remains unclear. METHODS: This is a systematic review of the effect of maternal position during the first stage of labor. The main question addressed here is: Does encouraging women to adopt an upright position or to ambulate during the first stage of labor reduce the duration of this stage? All randomized controlled trials carried out to assess this effect were taken into consideration in this review. The following electronic databases were accessed to identify studies: MEDLINE, Popline, the Scientific Electronic Library On-line and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information. Citation eligibility was independently assessed by two reviewers. The methodological quality of each trial was also evaluated independently by two reviewers and a trial under consideration was included only when consensus had been attained. Allocation concealment and screening for the occurrence of attrition, performance and detection biases were considered when studies were appraised. The decision whether to perform data pooling was based on the clinical similarity of studies. RESULTS: The search strategy resulted in 260 citations, of which 18 were assessed in full-text. Nine eligible randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Randomization methods were not fully described in eight studies. The allocation concealment was considered adequate in four studies and unclear in five. The investigators pooled the data from seven studies in which the length of the first stage of labor and results were in favor of the intervention, but the high level of heterogeneity (I(2 )= 88.4%) impaired the meaning of this finding. The intervention did not affect other outcomes studied (mode of delivery, use of analgesia, labor augmentation and condition of the child at birth). CONCLUSION: Adoption of the upright position or ambulation during first stage of labor may be safe, but considering the available evidence and its consistency, it cannot be recommended as an effective intervention to reduce duration of the first stage of labor

Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour

Background: It is more common for women in both high- and low-income countries giving birth in health facilities, to labour in bed. There is no evidence that this is associated with any advantage for women or babies, although it may be more convenient for staff. Observational studies have suggested that if women lie on their backs during labour this may have adverse effects on uterine contractions and impede progress in labour, and in some women reduce placental blood flow. Objectives: To assess the effects of encouraging women to assume different upright positions (including walking, sitting, standing and kneeling) versus recumbent positions (supine, semi-recumbent and lateral) for women in the first stage of labour on duration of labour, type of birth and other important outcomes for mothers and babies. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (31 January 2013). Selection criteria Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing women randomised to upright versus recumbent positions in the first stage of labour. Data collection and analysis: We used methods described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions for carrying out data collection, assessing study quality and analysing results. Two review authors independently evaluated methodological quality and extracted data for each study. We sought additional information from trial authors as required. We used random-effects analysis for comparisons in which high heterogeneity was present. We reported results using the average risk ratio (RR) for categorical data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data. Main results: Results should be interpreted with caution as the methodological quality of the 25 included trials (5218 women) was variable. For Comparison 1: Upright and recumbent positions versus recumbent positions and bed care, the first stage of labour was approximately one hour and 22 minutes shorter for women randomised to upright as opposed to recumbent positions (average MD -1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.22 to -0.51; 15 studies, 2503 women; random-effects, T2 = 2.39, Chi2 = 203.55, df = 14, (P < 0.00001), I2 = 93%). Women who were upright were also less likely to have caesarean section (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.94; 14 studies, 2682 women) and less likely to have an epidural (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.99, nine studies, 2107 women; random-effects, T2 = 0.02, I2 = 61%). Babies of mothers who were upright were less likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, however this was based on one trial (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.89, one study, 200 women). There were no significant differences between groups for other outcomes including duration of the second stage of labour, or other outcomes related to the well being of mothers and babies. For Comparison 2: Upright and recumbent positions versus recumbent positions and bed care (with epidural: all women), there were no significant differences between groups for outcomes including duration of the second stage of labour, or other outcomes related to the well being of mothers and babies. Authors' conclusions: There is clear and important evidence that walking and upright positions in the first stage of labour reduces the duration of labour, the risk of caesarean birth, the need for epidural, and does not seem to be associated with increased intervention or negative effects on mothers' and babies' well being. Given the great heterogeneity and high performance bias of study situations, better quality trials are still required to confirm with any confidence the true risks and benefits of upright and mobile positions compared with recumbent positions for all women. Based on the current findings, we recommend that women in low-risk labour should be informed of the benefits of upright positions, and encouraged and assisted to assume whatever positions they choose