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The benefits of Pilates have been extensively researched for their impact on muscular, psychological, and cardiac health, as well as body composition, among other aspects. This study aims to investigate the influence of the Pilates method on the learning process, motor control, and neuromuscular trunk stabilization, specifically in both experienced and inexperienced practitioners. This semi-randomized controlled trial compares the level of experience among 36 Pilates practitioners in terms of motor control and learning of two Pilates-based skills: standing plank and side crisscross. Data will be collected using various assessment methods, including abdominal wall muscle ultrasound (AWMUS), shear wave elastography (SWE), gaze behavior (GA) assessment, electroencephalography (EEG), and video motion. Significant intra- and inter-individual variations are expected, due to the diverse morphological and psychomotor profiles in the sample. The adoption of both linear and non-linear analyses will provide a comprehensive evaluation of how neuromuscular structures evolve over time and space, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights. Non-linear analysis is expected to reveal higher entropy in the expert group compared to non-experts, signifying greater complexity in their motor control. In terms of stability, experts are likely to exhibit higher Lyapunov exponent values, indicating enhanced stability and coordination, along with lower Hurst exponent values. In elastography, experienced practitioners are expected to display higher transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle elasticity, due to their proficiency. Concerning GA, non-experts are expected to demonstrate more saccades, focus on more Areas of Interest (AOIs), and shorter fixation times, as experts are presumed to have more efficient gaze control. In EEG, we anticipate higher theta wave values in the non-expert group compared to the expert group. These expectations draw from similar studies in elastography and correlated research in eye tracking and EEG. They are consistent with the principles of the Pilates Method and other scientific knowledge in related techniques.

Abstract Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has demonstrated patients’ physiological and psychosocial improvements, symptoms reduction and health-economic benefits whilst enhances the ability of the whole family to adjust to illness. However, PR remains highly inaccessible due to lack of awareness of its benefits, poor referral and availability mostly in hospitals. Novel models of PR delivery are needed to enhance its implementation while maintaining cost-efficiency. We aim to implement an innovative community-based PR programme and assess its cost-benefit. Methods A 12-week community-based PR will be implemented in primary healthcare centres where programmes are not available. Healthcare professionals will be trained. 73 patients with CRD and their caregivers (dyads patient-caregivers) will compose the experimental group. The control group will include dyads age- and disease-matched willing to collaborate in data collection but not in PR. Patients/family-centred outcomes will be dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council Questionnaire), fatigue (Checklist of individual strength and Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy – fatigue), cough and sputum (Leicester cough questionnaire and Cough and sputum assessment questionnaire), impact of the disease (COPD Assessment Test), emotional state (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), number of exacerbations, healthcare utilisation, health-related quality of life and family adaptability/cohesion (Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale). Other clinical outcomes will be peripheral (biceps and quadriceps-hand held dynamometer, 1 or 10 repetition-maximum) and respiratory (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures) muscle strength, muscle thickness and cross sectional area (biceps brachialis, rectus femoris and diaphragm-ultrasound imaging), exercise capacity (six-minute walk test and one-minute sit to stand test), balance (brief-balance evaluation systems test) and physical activity (accelerometer). Data will be collected at baseline, at 12 weeks, at 3- and 6-months post-PR. Changes in the outcome measures will be compared between groups, after multivariate adjustment for possible confounders, and effect sizes will be calculated. A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted. Discussion This study will enhance patients access to PR, by training healthcare professionals in the local primary healthcare centres to conduct such programmes and actively involving caregivers. The cost-benefit analysis of this intervention will provide an evidence-based insight into the economic benefit of community-based PR in chronic respiratory diseases. Trial registration The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov U.S. National Library of Medicine, on 10th January, 2019 (registration number: NCT03799666).

AbstractIntroduction Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been shown to present more muscle wasting than their healthy peers, which affects their quality of life [1,2]. The mechanisms behind muscle wasting in COPD are still little understood and even less is known in other chronic respiratory diseases (e.g. interstitial lung diseases – ILD) [3]. Ultrasound (US) is a safe and inexpensive imaging modality which can provide reliable measurements of muscle size and quality [2]. Thus, US may be a useful technique to enhance our understanding of muscle waste in chronic respiratory diseases. This study aimed to explore differences in quadriceps muscle mass in patients with COPD, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (ILD-HP) and healthy people (elderly and young).Materials and methods A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 10 patients with ILD-HP (68.4 ± 9.8yrs), 10 patients with COPD (69.4 ± 6.7yrs) and 10 healthy elderly volunteers (67.8 ± 8.7yrs). Groups were gender (5f/5m) and age matched. A group of 10 young university students (21.9 ± 3yrs) was also included. An US equipment (GE LOGIQ P6) with multifrequency linear probe (10–13 MHz) was used to obtain B-mode US images. The following measures were taken: Rectus Femoris Thickness (RFT), Quadriceps Thickness (QT) and Rectus Femoris cross sectional area (RFCSA). Data were analysed using SPSS version 24. Data normality and homogeneity were assessed. Between-group differences and correlations were performed with non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U-test and Spearman´s correlation coefficient). Statistical significance was set at .05.Results RFCSA (median and IQR) was 5.44 [3.56–6.57] cm2; 4.29 [3.58–4.50] cm2; 6.06 [4.61–9.41] cm2 and 7.99 [5.92–9.41] cm2 for ILD-HP, COPD, elderly and young people, respectively. RFT results were 1.51 [1.08–1.78] cm; 1.16 [1.07–1.53] cm; 1.64 [1.36–1.76] cm and 2.06 [1.68–2.27] cm, respectively. There were significant differences in RFCSA (p = .027), RFT (p = .041) and QT (p = .011) between COPD and elderly people. No differences were found between ILD-HP group and elderly. Significant differences between the elderly and young groups were found for the same measurements (RFCSA p = .034; RFT p = .016; QT p = .034). Moderate and negative correlations were found between age and RFCSA (rs=–0.416), RFT (rs=–0.540) and QT (rs=–0.450). A strong and positive correlation was found between RFT and RFCSA (rs=0.891).Discussion and conclusions Our results seem to corroborate previous findings supporting the existence of quadriceps muscular wasting in patients with COPD when compared with age-matched healthy controls [2,4]. In the group of patients with ILD-HP, muscle mass seems to be somewhat preserved. To confirm our results, future studies should include a larger sample with quantitative measures of muscular quality (e.g. echointensity) and relationship between muscle size/quality and muscle strength.

The paramount importance of a healthy diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes is now well recognized. Blueberries (BBs) have been described as attractive functional fruits for this purpose. This study aimed to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms pertaining to the protective impact of blueberry juice (BJ) on prediabetes. Using a hypercaloric diet-induced prediabetic rat model, we evaluated the effects of BJ on glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles; gut microbiota composition; intestinal barrier integrity; and metabolic endotoxemia, as well as on hepatic metabolic surrogates, including several related to mitochondria bioenergetics. BJ supplementation for 14 weeks counteracted diet-evoked metabolic deregulation, improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and hypertriglyceridemia, along with systemic and hepatic antioxidant properties, without a significant impact on the gut microbiota composition and related mechanisms. In addition, BJ treatment effectively alleviated hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the prediabetic animals, as suggested by the amelioration of bioenergetics parameters and key targets of inflammation, insulin signaling, ketogenesis, and fatty acids oxidation. In conclusion, the beneficial metabolic impact of BJ in prediabetes may be mainly explained by the rescue of hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics. These findings pave the way to support the use of BJ in prediabetes to prevent diabetes and its complications.

Background and Aim: The use of antibiotics is prohibited in poultry feeding in many countries worldwide, which has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, probiotic supplements are a good alternative in these circumstances. Probiotics, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, can reduce the development of resistance and stimulate the growth of broiler ducklings. This study aimed to evaluate properties of the probiotic supplement containing these bacteria. Materials and Methods: We studied the response of broiler ducklings to the addition of a dietary probiotic supplement containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria until they reached 7 weeks of age. All birds participating in the experiment received probiotic supplements on days 1-7, 15-21, 29-35. The state of the ducklings was assessed on day 21. At the age of 21 and 42 days, 4-5 ml of blood was drawn from the wing vein of 10 randomly selected birds (5 in each group). Blood samples were analyzed for total protein, concentration of glucose, hemoglobin, calcium and inorganic phosphorus, as well as the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes. Enzymatic calorimetric method, molybdate method, and haemocytometry according to Nutt method and haemoglobin cyanide method were used to analyze blood samples. Results: The live weight of the experimental ducklings increased by 5.0%, showing a positive effect of probiotic supplementation, whereas their feed consumption per kilogram of weight gain decreased. Their hemoglobin content and red blood cell count increased. Although the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria increased, the number of Escherichia coli cells decreased 2.15-fold (p

La goma del muyuyo (Cordia lutea) representa una buena oportunidad para reemplazar estabilizantes de síntesis química que son muy utilizados y traen consecuencias a futuro. Por lo tanto, el objetivo principal de la presente investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la goma del muyuyo (Cordia lutea) como agente estabilizante y en la vida útil del néctar de naranja (Citrus X sinensis). Se aplicó un diseño experimental completamente al azar, de cuatro tratamientos con tres repeticiones que consto de tres concentraciones más un control (T0 – 0 % T1- 2 %, T2 – 4 % y T3 – 6 %). En cada una de las formulaciones elaboradas se realizó una evaluación sensorial. Las variables evaluadas fueron dulzor, acidez y apariencia general, para ello se empleó una escala hedónica. Los datos fueron procesados en el programa estadístico InfoStat, aplicando la estadística no paramétrica y prueba de Kruskall Wallis al 0,05 % de significancia. En la prueba de turbidez se obtuvo un valor de 1506,66 NTU (Unidad de Turbidez Nefelométrica), en el tratamiento 1 y 2 1085,33 NTU. En el análisis físico químico se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: un pH de 3,37; 12,65 ° Brix y una acidez titulable de 0,39. Se evaluó el comportamiento microbiológico, en el que T2 dio como adecuado por estar dentro de la norma NTE 2 337:2008. Se estableció que las variables dulzor, acidez y apariencia general estaban dentro del rango permitido. Es necesario considerar que el T2 (4 % muyuyo) es el tratamiento que mejor se comporta frente al T0 (control). En lo que corresponde al análisis de viscosidad se obtuvo un rango de 5,23 Pa.s que se encuentra dentro del rango establecido. Por lo cual, se instaura que la goma del muyuyo posee propiedades estabilizantes y nutricionales que lo hacen un insumo alimenticio natural prometedor.

Исследования геоакустической эмиссии в сейсмоактивном регионе на Камчатке показывают, что при подготовке землетрясений и последующей релаксации поля локальных напряжений в пункте наблюдений в геоакустических сигналах возникают ярко выраженные импульсные аномалии. Качественному выделению таких аномалий препятствуют сильное искажение и ослабление амплитуды сигнала. Обзор существующих методов анализа акустической эмиссии показывает, что чаще всего исследователи обращаются к анализу энергетических и статистических свойств сигналов, как более доступных для изучения. Отличительными особенностями предлагаемого авторами подхода являются выделение информативных признаков на основе анализа временной и частотно-временной структур геоакустических сигналов и описание многообразных форм распознаваемых импульсов ограниченным набором паттернов. Настоящее исследование открывает перспективу разработки новых методов выявления аномального поведения геоакустических сигналов, в том числе и перед землетрясениями. В работе описана методика извлечения информации из потоков импульсов геоакустической эмиссии звукового частотного диапазона. Представлена математическая модель геоакустического импульса, отражающая процесс генерации сигнала от множества элементарных источников. Приводится решение задачи выделения информативных признаков в геоакустических сигналах путем описания фрагментов сигнала матрицами отношений амплитуд локальных экстремумов и интервалов между ними. Приводится результат применения разработанного алгоритма для автоматического описания структуры выделяемых импульсов и для образования множества паттернов, характеризующих особенности сигналов геоакустической эмиссии, наблюдаемых на полевых станциях ИКИР ДВО РАН. Представлена методика сокращения размерности множества выделенных импульсов, позволяющая найти близкие по структуре паттерны. Предложено решение проблемы обработки большого потока данных путем унификации описания импульсов и их систематизации. Предлагается метод идентификации модели геоакустического импульса с использованием разреженных аппроксимационных схем. Дано алгоритмическое решение задачи понижения вычислительной сложности метода согласованного преследования, заключающееся во включении в метод алгоритма итерационного уточнения решения на каждом шаге. Результаты проведенных научных работ позволили создать инструмент для исследования динамических свойств сигналов геоакустической эмиссии в интересах разработки детекторов предсказания землетрясений.

The abnormal development of placental vascularization leads to placental insufficiency, which further reduces the nutrient and trace exchange between maternal circulation and fetal circulation. These changes cause maternal and fetal complications. The objective of our systematic review was to explore the effects of maternal smoking on placental vascularization. The eligibility criteria were: articles with experimental, quasi-experimental or observational design, performed on human subjects, that study the association, correlation or causation between maternal smoking and changes in placental vascular network. A total of 33 full-text papers were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 12 original articles that were included in the systematic review. Doppler studies confirm reductions in blood flow velocity waveforms and increase in RI in the uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries. These findings are confirmed by morphometric measurements of fetal capillaries in villi that were shown to be smaller in smoke exposure groups. Keywords: Doppler, Fetal, Pregnancy, Smoking

Abstract: The involution of the postpartum bovine uterus is accompanied by bacterial invasion. Studies show that most, if not all, bovine uteri are bacterially contaminated in the immediate postpartum period. The culture at this time will usually produce a wide range of bacteria, including Actinomyces pyogenes, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Clostridium spp., Coliforms and Gram-negative anaerobes. The research is part of a larger study that aimed to isolate and identify potentially pathogenic bacteria from uterine secretions and their role in postpartum infections. To isolate and identify the uterine flora, swabs (n=160) were collected from the lumen of 32 dairy cattle, between 3 to >21 DIM. Bacterial microflora has been monitored for 5 weeks. The samples were passed through all stages of the microbiological examination and the results revealed the presence of the species Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis. At the first examination Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated in 8 (25%) of 32 samples, and Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture was isolated in 4 (12,5%) of 32 samples. At the second and third examination the number of Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture decreased. At 21 days after parturition Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis were isolated in 11 (34,38%) of 32 samples and Streptococcus agalactiae in monoculture was found in 9 (28,12%) of cows. The presence of these bacterial species with pathogenic potential for cattle and humans, highlights a possible zoonotic risk. Keywords: Dairy cows; Group B Streptococcus; Enterococcus faecalis, Uterine infection

In this paper we propose a dynamic model of one-way migration flow. The model is constructed under the hypothesis that immigration grows when the labor productivity of the recipient country increases in comparison with the labor productivity of the donor country. Theoretical and empirical arguments for subsistence of this rule are presented. Migrant’s remittances are included in the model framework. It is assumed that remittances are used for both consumption and capital investment in the donor country. If the native populations of the recipient and the donor countries are constant, the model is mathematically represented by the third order nonlinear autonomous system of differential equations. The system steady state is found, the economic interpretation of the equilibrium is given. Within the bounds of the model the impact of migration on recipient and donor countries economies is analyzed. Gradual equalizing of the donor country labor productivity with the recipient country labor productivity could be revealed.

In this work, we determined the content of antibodies to low-density lipoproteins modified by malondialdehyde, the concentration of circulating immune complexes cholesterol and oxidized low-density lipoproteins in the blood of healthy individuals and patients with various manifestations of atherosclerosis. In addition, the effect of antibodies to low-density lipoproteins modified with malondialdehyde on the interaction of such lipoproteins with macrophages was studied. 253 persons were examined: healthy individuals (59 people), patients with preclinical atherosclerosis (25 people) and patients with coronary artery disease (169 people). It was found that the concentration of circulating immune complexes cholesterol in plasma was increased in patients with coronary artery disease compared with healthy individuals and patients with preclinical atherosclerosis, while oxidized low-density lipoproteins content did not differ between patients groups. At the same time, a positive correlation oxidized low-density lipoproteins plasma concentration with circulating immune complexes cholesterol content was found in patients with atherosclerosis. The plasma level of IgG antibodies to malondialdehyde-modified lipoproteins was significantly reduced in patients with coronary artery disease compared with healthy people and patients with preclinical atherosclerosis. While the level of IgM antibodies to malondialdehyde low-density lipoproteins practically did not change in patients with atherosclerosis independently of disease severity. It was shown that specific antibodies vastly reduced malondialdehyde low density lipoproteins cytotoxicity and ability to induce cholesterol esters accumulation in macrophages derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, the data obtained indicate that anti-lipoprotein antibodies may have a protective effect by preventing cell death and reducing the accumulation of cholesterol esters in macrophages when they interact with modified low-density lipoproteins, i.e. prevent the foam cells formation.

In eukaryotes, oxidized PUFAs, so-called oxylipins, are vital signaling molecules. The first step in their biosynthesis may be catalyzed by a lipoxygenase (LOX), which forms hydroperoxides by introducing dioxygen into PUFAs. Here we characterized CspLOX1, a phylogenetically distant LOX family member from Cyanothece sp. PCC 8801 and determined its crystal structure. In addition to the classical two domains found in plant, animal, and coral LOXs, we identified an N-terminal helical extension, reminiscent of the long α-helical insertion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa LOX. In liposome flotation studies, this helical extension, rather than the β-barrel domain, was crucial for a membrane binding function. Additionally, CspLOX1 could oxygenate 1,2-diarachidonyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, suggesting that the enzyme may act directly on membranes and that fatty acids bind to the active site in a tail-first orientation. This binding mode is further supported by the fact that CspLOX1 catalyzed oxygenation at the n-10 position of both linoleic and arachidonic acid, resulting in 9R- and 11R-hydroperoxides, respectively. Together these results reveal unifying structural features of LOXs and their function. While the core of the active site is important for lipoxygenation and thus highly conserved, peripheral domains functioning in membrane and substrate binding are more variable.

Energy homeostasis is a fundamental property of animal life, providing a genetically fixed balance between fat storage and mobilization. The importance of body fat regulation is emphasized by dysfunctions resulting in obesity and lipodystrophy in humans. Packaging of storage fat in intracellular lipid droplets, and the various molecules and mechanisms guiding storage-fat mobilization, are conserved between mammals and insects. We generated a Drosophila mutant lacking the receptor (AKHR) of the adipokinetic hormone signaling pathway, an insect lipolytic pathway related to ss-adrenergic signaling in mammals. Combined genetic, physiological, and biochemical analyses provide in vivo evidence that AKHR is as important for chronic accumulation and acute mobilization of storage fat as is the Brummer lipase, the homolog of mammalian adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Simultaneous loss of Brummer and AKHR causes extreme obesity and blocks acute storage-fat mobilization in flies. Our data demonstrate that storage-fat mobilization in the fly is coordinated by two lipocatabolic systems, which are essential to adjust normal body fat content and ensure lifelong fat-storage homeostasis.

Introdução: Com o aumento do uso de dispositivos tecnológicos e auxiliares na reabilitação, tem-se observado um crescente interesse na exergaming e gamificação para melhorar a motivação e o envolvimento dos indivíduos em processo de reabilitação (Willwacher & Korn, 2021). No entanto, embora o exergaming e a gamificação tenham já sido amplamente estudados em vários contextos, há uma falta de compreensão sobre o que a literatura indica relativamente à experiência, perceção e expectativas dos indivíduos acerca do recurso ao exergaming e à gamificação para reabilitação. Objetivo: Sintetizar a literatura qualitativa disponível para fornecer uma compreensão abrangente das experiências, perceções, e expectativas utilização de exergaming e/ou gamificação por parte dos indivíduos em processo de reabilitação. Material e métodos: Foi desenvolvida uma revisão sistemática da literatura de evidência qualitativa com recurso às recomendações do JBI e a extensão PRISMA (JBI, 2020). Foi utilizada uma estratégia de pesquisa em três fases. Os critérios de inclusão incluíram estudos com indivíduos com idade superior a 18 anos em processo de reabilitação com recurso a exergaming e/ou gamificação, que visassem a compreensão das suas experiências, perceções e expectativas no uso destas tecnologias. Foram considerados todos os contextos de reabilitação. Estudos qualitativos e mixed-methods publicados em inglês ou português de natureza qualitativa foram incluídos, sem limite temporal. A estratégia de busca incluiu as seguintes bases de dados: MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), SportDiscus(EBSCOHost), PEDro, Scopus, Dart-Europe e RCAAP. Para efeitos deste trabalho, foi realizada uma análise preliminar dos resultados obtidos na MEDLINE (PubMed). Resultados: Num total de 310 artigos, foram analisados 63 artigos após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão. Pela análise dos artigos, verificou-se que as categorias consideradas facilitadoras mais mencionadas se relacionavam aspetos de motivação associada ao divertimento, benefícios percecionados, e o impacto psicossocial. As categorias consideradas como dificultadoras mais mencionadas relacionavam-se com a monotonia/tédio a médio longo-prazo, frustração pela dificuldade no jogo, e perceção de não existir recuperação. Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem que a gamificação/exergaming podem ser ferramentas percecionadas como eficazes no processo de reabilitação. No entanto, desafios como a monotonia/tédio e a frustração devem ser abordados para garantir um engajamento sustentado.

Introdução: Pessoas acamadas correm o risco de múltiplos problemas causados pela imobilidade prolongada. Assim, existe a necessidade de desenvolver soluções que garantam a implementação de programas de reabilitação física de forma interativa, evitando o desenvolvimento da síndrome da imobilidade. Neste contexto, surgiu o projeto ABLEFIT – visa desenvolver um sistema avançado de reabilitação física para pessoas acamadas com imobilidade prolongada. Objetivos: Criar um dispositivo médico (Ablefit) para a reabilitação física de pessoas acamadas com imobilidade prolongada, considerando aspetos de funcionalidade, ergonomia e segurança. Material e Métodos: Um consórcio foi criado entre a Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, o sector industrial e a faculdade de engenharia para criar o protótipo. Etapa1 – Scoping review para mapear programas de reabilitação física para pessoas acamadas com imobilidade prolongada. Etapa2 – Criação do protótipo de acordo com a evidência obtida na scoping review. Etapa3 – Estudo pré-clínico, abordagem multi-método centrado no utilizador (User and Human-Centered Design) avaliou a funcionalidade, ergonomia e segurança do dispositivo. Etapa4 – O protótipo foi aprimorado considerando os aspetos identificados no estudo pré-clínico. Etapa5 – Novo estudo pré-clínico realizado para garantir a viabilidade das melhorias realizadas e garantir a segurança do novo modelo. Resultados: Os resultados da scoping review (Cardoso et al., 2022) sustentaram o desenvolvimento e versatilidade do protótipo, oferecendo resposta ao nível dos domínios motor e cardiorrespiratório, contemplando movimentos lineares e circulares, passivos e ativos. A primeira etapa pré-clínica foi desenvolvida com uma amostra de 11 enfermeiros e 1 fisioterapeuta (manipularam o aparelho) e 8 end-users idosos (usaram o aparelho). Observou-se a necessidade de incorporar estabilizadores articulares e integrar gamificação para promover a motivação e conscientização do processo de recuperação. Com esta informação, desenvolveu-se uma nova versão do Ablefit para dar resposta ao objetivo proposto, tendo sido desenvolvido um segundo estudo pré-clínico para garantir a sua funcionalidade, ergonomia e segurança. Conclusões: O desenvolvimento do sistema Ablefit permite monitorizar um conjunto de variáveis e condições inerentes à imobilidade. Ao mesmo tempo permite ser uma solução dinâmica, utilizando tecnologias de gamificação, através da criação de planos de reabilitação personalizados.

Introdução: Doentes acamados com imobilidade prolongada desenvolvem frequentemente complicações como pneumonia, úlceras de pressão, atrofia muscular e trombose venosa profunda (TVP), aumentando as taxas de mortalidade durante o internamento e após alta, e com um impacto relevante em termos económicos. Atualmente, o desenvolvimento de dispositivos médicos inovadores, principalmente na tecnologia de reabilitação, é uma tendência da área da saúde que visa aumentar e manter a independência e a autonomia de pessoas com deficiência física. Para responder a esta realidade e, assim, contribuir para a resolução dos problemas mencionados, o projeto “Ablefit” propõe o desenvolvimento de um sistema avançado de reabilitação. Objetivos: Avaliar a funcionalidade, ergonomia e segurança do protótipo Ablefit desenvolvido. Material e Métodos: Um estudo pré-clínico foi realizado através de um design centrado no usuário e uma abordagem de método misto com usuários finais. Recrutou-se uma amostra não randomizada de oito idosos (65 anos ou mais) em condição física saudável. Os participantes realizaram exercícios passivos e ativos nos membros superiores e inferiores utilizando o Ablefit. Vários parâmetros foram avaliados e registados antes, durante e após os exercícios. Entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas ao final dos testes. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados através do SPSS, nomeadamente estatística descritiva e os dados qualitativos, através da análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Os participantes tinham entre 69 e 89 anos (M= 78,60; DP=6,98), e sete (70,0%) eram do sexo feminino. As diferenças não foram significativas na pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio. A análise de conteúdo revelou cinco categorias: segurança, facilidade de uso/aprendizagem, conforto, movimentos e benefícios. Conclusão: Este estudo contribuiu para desenvolver um novo protótipo atualizado e otimizado, com inclusão de mudanças nas categorias identificadas, com reforço de um sistema de feedback ao usuário final, demonstrando a necessidade de desenvolver soluções centradas na pessoa.