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BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that leads to functional incapacity and absence from work. OBJECTIVE: To analyze warehouse workers’ prevalence and factors associated with low back pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study design with 204 male warehouse workers (stocker, separator, checker, and packer) from motor parts companies. Age, body mass, marital status, education, the practice of physical exercise, presence of pain, low back pain intensity, comorbidities, time away from work, handgrip strength, flexibility, and trunk muscle strength were collected and analyzed. Data are presented as mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequency. A binary logistic regression was performed, with low back pain (yes or no) as the dependent variable. RESULTS: 24.0% of the workers reported low back pain with an average intensity of 4.7 (± 2.4) points. The participants were young, had completed high school education, were single and married, and had normal body weight. There was a more likely low back pain presence in separator tasks. Greater handgrip strength in the dominant (right) hand and trunk muscle is associated with no low back pain. CONCLUSION: Low back pain prevalence was 24% among young warehouse workers, more likely in separation tasks. A greater handgrip and trunk strength can be a protective factor to no low back pain.

BACKGROUND: An analysis of workers’ exposure to biomechanical risk factors in the workplace with a high methodological quality allows for stronger evidence of the relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement properties of non-explicit observational methods. METHODS: Psychometric study design that included 50 workers in an analysis of occupational tasks (n = 50 video tasks) using a non-explicit observational method, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, and a workers’ self-report on their perception of their biomechanical occupational exposure. The reliability was tested by a non-explicit method and the REBA method. The validity of the non-explicit method was tested using the REBA method and the workers’ self-report, according to COSMIN guidelines. RESULTS: The intra- and inter-evaluator reliability of the non-explicit observational method ranged from moderate to strong (ICC2.1 = 0.45 to 0.87), and the agreement was acceptable (SEM = 0.60 to 2.79), expect for neck region. The REBA method showed intra-evaluator reliability to be moderate to excellent (ICC2.1 = 0.50 to 1.00), inter-evaluator reliability to be poor to strong (ICC2.1 = –0.17 to 0.83), and intra- and inter-evaluator agreement to be poor to moderate (SEM = 0.00 to 0.74). The concurrent validity between the non-explicit and REBA methods showed a strong positive correlation. CONCLUSION: The non-explicit observational method of biomechanical exposure analysis presented reproducible and valid measurement properties. Methods that present better measurement properties provide professionals with a better basis for analysis and assist in decision-making to reduce or eliminate risk exposure.

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy interventions are well known and established in secondary and tertiary care. However, within the Brazilian primary health care (PHC), the role of physiotherapists is still under development, and there is a lack of representative data showing how and what is being implemented by these professionals. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to characterize the professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil. METHODS: This is an exploratory study that adopted a descriptive analysis based on the records of physiotherapists, considering assistance and sociodemographic aspects, in the period from 2016 to 2017. The following variables were extracted: region, federative unit and municipality, age group and sex of the attended user, condition/problem, procedure and place of attendance. RESULTS: A total of 318,780 procedures were recorded, concentrated in the South and southeast regions, with a predominance of clinical-assistance procedures and a higher frequency of attendance in Basic Health Units. Among the assisted users, the female gender prevailed in the age group of 20 to 59 years. Low back pain was the most frequently treated condition. CONCLUSION: The professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil were characterized by healthcare, clinical-assistance, preventive and health promotion activities, with emphasis on clinical-assistance practices focused on musculoskeletal conditions, especially low back pain.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é elencar os questionários utilizados para avaliar a função sexual feminina, bem como analisar o processo de adaptação transcultural para o português brasileiro e as propriedades de medida testadas. Para tanto, foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, Embase, CINAHL e LILACS, usando palavras em inglês, português e espanhol. A partir dessas buscas, foram extraídos dados sobre a tradução, a adaptação transcultural e as propriedades de medida de cada questionário elegível de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. As propriedades de medida relatadas nas publicações foram analisadas por dois avaliadores usando o checklist do COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Um total de 46.987 estudos foi encontrado, dos quais 131 artigos foram analisados integralmente, e apenas 12 foram incluídos na amostra. Foram encontrados sete instrumentos de avaliação da função sexual feminina, e apenas três tiveram suas propriedades psicométricas avaliadas como boas, sendo o Female Sexual Function Index o instrumento mais validado para diferentes populações clínicas. Conclui-se que existe a necessidade de aprimoramento das versões validadas de instrumentos de detecção de disfunção sexual para a população feminina durante todo o seu ciclo de vida. RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es enumerar los cuestionarios utilizados en la evaluación de la función sexual femenina, así como analizar el proceso de adaptación transcultural al portugués brasileño y las propiedades de medición probadas. Para ello, se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase, CINAHL y LILACS, utilizando términos en inglés, portugués y español. Estas búsquedas resultaron en datos sobre traducción, adaptación transcultural y propiedades de medición de cada cuestionario elegible bajo los criterios de inclusión. Las propiedades de medición informadas en las publicaciones fueron analizadas por dos evaluadores utilizando la lista de verificación de COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Del total de 46.987 estudios encontrados, se analizó 131 artículos de manera completa y se incluyó solo 12 en la muestra. Se encontraron siete instrumentos de evaluación de la función sexual femenina, pero solo tres tuvieron sus propiedades psicométricas consideradas como adecuadas; y el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina es el instrumento más validado para diferentes poblaciones clínicas. Se concluye que es necesario mejorar las versiones validadas de instrumentos para evaluar la disfunción sexual femenina a lo largo de todo su ciclo de vida. ABSTRACT This article aims to list questionnaires used to assess female sexual function, as well as to analyze the cross-cultural adaptation process for Brazilian Portuguese and the measurement properties tested. Search strategies were performed in the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and LILACS databases, using words in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Based on the inclusion criteria, data about the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and measurement properties of each eligible questionnaire were extracted. The measurement properties reported were evaluated by two evaluators using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. The search returned a total of 46,987 studies, of which 131 were read in full, and only 12 were included in the review. Of the seven instruments that assess female sexual function found only three had their psychometric properties evaluated as good, with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) being the most validated instrument for different clinical populations. There is a need to improve the validated versions of sexual dysfunction assessment instruments for the female population throughout their life cycle.

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers' sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD). But in leisure-time the result is reversed, white-collar and blue-collar groups were significantly more active. There was no association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain intensity and work ability. All the groups of workers exhibited satisfactory physical activity levels, but only blue-collar (longD) were more physically active (10,000 steps per day).

Introduction: Handling activities which includes tasks like lifting, loading, pushing and pulling heavy loads have still been used by workers, in general, this activities are characterized for theirs no corporal limits respect; where the overload in the movements herewith theirs duration and intensity may lead to musculoskeletal diseases, which mainly affect the knee joint and thoracolumbar region of the trunk. Objective: This study intends to evaluate the movement strategies of the spine and knee joint of healthy subjects during a load manual handling course verifying the frequency of these strategies and by what they are influenced (handling high and kind of box). Methods: 42 healthy subjects participated in this study, which had to perform a manual box handling task and unload it in three highs: on the level of the floor, on trochanter’s measured level and shoulder’s measured level. There were utilized four kinds of boxes with variations in: size, material, and presence or not of handles. The conditions (kind of the box and high) were randomized for the subjects. The analysis was made using the unload of the boxes as a reference. Results: the results showed that the characteristics of the boxes (size, material and kind of box, with or without handles) made little influence on the strategies of knee and spine. The principal influence on the posture changes was the difference between the removals and unloads highs. Conclusions: it seems the strategies adopted by the subjects were independent of the characteristics of the load, but dependent of the task demands (i.e., handling high).

BACKGROUND Smartphone use has become common among the population, and new apps are emerging for users to practice physical activity with the aid of virtual technology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify and evaluate the effect of interventions that use smartphone exercise apps to increase the level of physical activity and improve the overall health of users. METHODS A search was conducted in five electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Research Premier and Cochrane Reviews and Trials). A PICO strategy was used to research question construction (Population- healthy adults, intervention (smartphone apps), and outcomes (physical activity level).Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with healthy individuals of both sexes aged 18 years old and older were included. The outcomes assessed were physical activity levels, improvement in general health rates as a function of the apps used. RESULTS Out of the 3924 potential articles, 74 were read for full text analysis. Only seven studies were included in the review. All included studies demonstrated that the use of smartphone apps are effective in increasing the level of physical activity and improving some general health indices (calorie expenditure, weight, BMI.) in healthy adults, regardless of the duration and frequency of intervention, and the apps used. The methodological evaluation of the studies, showed thatonly one demonstrated good quality. CONCLUSIONS Exercise apps increase the level of physical activity and improve general health in healthy adults, although most studies were classified as low methodological quality.The apps evaluated did not have technical standardization points on how to be described in the studies, so that we can evaluate both the effect of the intervention and the apps used in the studies.

The quality of life in the workplace can be achieved by creating a place more humanized and strategies that provide wellness to workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of telehealth education program to promote quality of life of office workers. This is a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT). The participants were office workers computer users (n = 326). All received 9 audiovisual content (grouped into topics: musculoskeletal health, healthy diet, and mental health) that addresses the real needs identified by them in the focus groups. The intervention group (n = 178) was instructed to seek the tutor support about topics addressed by the audiovisual content. The primary outcome measure was quality of life by WHOQOL-BREF. The secondary outcome measure was level of physical activity of the participants. Data analysis was performed by General Linear Mixed Model. After six months of telehealth education program a general improvement in health and environmental domain, was observed in the intervention group. During that period, a within-group analysis showed that there was a significant improvement in the intervention group, with respect to quality of life in general health (p

BackgroundThe Modified Fresno Test has been used to evaluate the use of the Evidence-Based Physiotherapy (EBP). So far, none of the versions of the Fresno Test were subjected to analysis of the factorial structure. The objective of the study was to describe the exploratory and confirmatory factor structure of theModified Fresno Testadapted to the Portuguese-Brazilian and analyze the statistical feasibility for the elaboration of a short version.MethodsThe questionnaire was applied with a convenience sample of 57 physiotherapists, being 36 professionals (13 of these also professors) and 21 students from the last semester of the physiotherapy course. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed by the method of principal components. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed by the method of maximum likelihood. The total score of the answers in the test and retest was evaluated, totalling 228 observations. Reliability was assessed by means of internal consistency, using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.ResultsReliability was satisfactory (α 0.81) for all questions of the instrument. The coefficient α calculated for the corrected item-total showed values higher than 0.20 except for item 9. Preliminary tests for Exploratory Factor Analysis showed acceptable values with Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.80) and Bartlett’s test of sphericity [chi-square (78) = 1149.615,p 1), which explains 60.9% of the instrument’s total variance. In Confirmatory Factor Analysis, none of the indices came close to an acceptable level (≥ 0.90), however, the second model which tested a three-factor structure provided a better fit to the data. From the results of this study the Modified Fresno Test short version was drawn.ConclusionThe analysis showed good factor validity and adequate internal consistency for the use of the instrument consisting of 13 questions and 3 factors. This model proved to be better than the original model. The short version consisting of 9 questions may be an appropriate alternative for use in the population of interest.

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Background: The Modified Fresno Test is an adapted version for physiotherapists. So far, none of the versions of the Fresno Test were subjected to analysis of the factorial structure. Objective of the study was describe the exploratory and confirmatory factorial structure of the Modified Fresno Test adapted to the Portuguese-Brazilian and analyze the statistic feasibility for the elaboration of a short version. Methods: The questionnaire was applied in 57 physiotherapists, being 36 professionals (13 of these also professors) and 21 students of the last semester of the physiotherapy course. Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed by the method of principal components. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed by the method of maximum likelihood. The score of the answers in the test and retest was evaluated, totaling 228 observations. Reliability was assessed by means of internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: The internal consistency indicated value of 0.81 for the questions of the instrument. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test presented acceptable values (KMO=0.80). The Bartlett’s sphericity test indicated that the correlations were sufficient for the analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of 3 factors (eigenvalues > 1), which explains 60.9% of total variance of the instrument. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the second model which tested a three-factor structure provided a better fit to the data. Conclusion: The analysis showed good factorial validity and adequate internal consistency for the use of the instrument consisting of 13 questions and 3 factors. This model proved to be better than the original model. The short version consisting of 9 questions may be an appropriate alternative for use in the population of interest.

Background: Occupational health and ergonomics (OHE) has been recognized as a Physiotherapy specialty in 15 countries; however, a lack of studies that provide profiles of OHE Physiotherapists (PTs)...

Job rotation is widely used in the manufacturing industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of adherence to autonomous job rotation on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability. A total of 120 blue-collar workers from an automotive manufacturing company with a job rotation program as an organizational strategy were included in this study. Job rotation performance, musculoskeletal symptoms, perceived occupational and biomechanical exposure, and work ability were evaluated. For the statistical analyses, the departments were divided into high (83.7%–100%) and low (0–36.4%) job rotation adherence. Two departments showed high adherence to job rotation (n = 78 workers). Workers who had high job rotation adherence had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (32.1%) and higher perceived occupational exposure for the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms (71.4 ± 45.7 points) (P > 0.05). Work ability was considered good or excellent for both high- and low-adherence groups (P > 0.05). High adherence to job rotation had no positive influences on the musculoskeletal symptoms, occupational exposure, and work ability of workers.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a poultry processing industry with the aim of assessing the benefits of ergonomics educational training for novice and experienced workers in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Sociodemographic and occupational questionnaires were used to evaluate age, marital status, education, time in job, musculoskeletal complaints and pain intensity, perceived effort, biomechanical exposure, and perception of ease or difficulty in adoption of ergonomics educational training. Musculoskeletal complaints in the neck, back, and wrists were reduced with training, but pain intensity was reduced only in the wrist region. A reduction in the occupational biomechanical exposure from the baseline to immediately post-training and 2 months after training both for novice and experienced workers was also observed. The novice workers group differed from the experienced workers by presenting a higher reduction of biomechanical exposure in the cutting room. All workers in this study benefited from the ergonomics educational training in the short and medium term. However, the success of training was highly dependent on the content and approach of the training.

Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke (RPSS) evaluates the upper limb reach-to-grasp movement quality and compensatory movements. The objective of the study was to test the reliability, construct validity, and interpretability of the Brazilian-Portuguese RPSS. Fifty-one individuals (mean age 62 ± 10.8 years), with acute-to-chronic stroke (range: 1–300 months) were video recorded while performing a reach-to-grasp task of a cone placed both close and far from the individual. Their degree of motor impairment ranged from 4 to 59 points in the Fugl-Meyer scale. Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke showed excellent intra- (ICC2,1 = 1.00) and interrater (ICC2,1 = 0.98–0.99) reliability, and redundant internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.98). The construct validity between RPSS and Fugl-Meyer scale was strong (Spearman rho = 0.88–0.89; p Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke showed excellent reliability and redundant internal consistency. The construct validity with the Fugl-Meyer scale was strong. Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke was able to discriminate individuals with different levels of upper limb impairment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPost-stroke individuals develop compensatory strategies to perform reaching movements with the paretic upper limb.The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the reach-to-grasp movement.The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke is suitable for use with Brazilian-Portuguese speakers and has adequate reliability and validity. Post-stroke individuals develop compensatory strategies to perform reaching movements with the paretic upper limb. The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke provides a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the reach-to-grasp movement. The Reaching Performance Scale for Stroke is suitable for use with Brazilian-Portuguese speakers and has adequate reliability and validity.

Background The evidence of the influence of Kinesio Taping® in changing electromyographic signal intensity of the lumbar musculature in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) is very sparse. Objectives To evaluate if Kinesio Taping® changes the electromyographic signal intensity of the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. Methods Prospectively registered, three-arm randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Patients were randomly allocated to the following interventions: 1) Kinesio Taping® Group (n = 21), where patients received the tape according to the manufacturer's manual; 2) Placebo Group (i.e. normal surgical tape) (n = 21); and 3) Non-treatment control Group (n = 21). Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after, and 30 min after the intervention. The primary outcome was muscle activity of the iliocostalis and longissimus muscles as measured by surface electromyography. The secondary outcome was pain intensity (measured with a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale). The effects of treatment were calculated using linear mixed models. Results A total of 63 patients were recruited. Follow up rate was high (98.4%). Patients were mostly women with moderate levels of pain and disability. Kinesio Taping® was better than the control and placebo groups in only 4 of 96 statistical comparisons, likely reflective of type I error due to multiple comparisons. No statistically significant differences were identified for the immediate reduction in pain intensity between groups. Conclusion Kinesio Taping® did not change the electromyographic signal intensity of the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles or reduce pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02759757 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02759757)

BACKGROUND: The Modified Fresno Test was developed to assess knowledge and skills of both physical therapy (PT) professionals and students to use evidence-based practice (EBP). OBJECTIVES: To translate the Modified Fresno Test into Brazilian-Portuguese and to evaluate the test's reproducibility. METHOD: The first step consisted of adapting the instrument into the Brazilian-Portuguese language. Then, a total of 57 participants, including PT students, PT professors and PT practitioners, completed the translated instrument. The responses from the participants were used to evaluate reproducibility of the translated instrument. Internal consistency was calculated using the Cronbach's alpha. Reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for continuous variables, and the Kappa coefficient (K) for categorical variables. The agreement was assessed using the standard error of the measurement (SEM). RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process was appropriate, providing an adequate Brazilian-Portuguese version of the instrument. The internal consistency was good (α=0.769). The reliability for inter- and intra-rater assessment were ICC=0.89 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.93); for evaluator 1 was ICC=0.85 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.93); and for evaluator 2 was ICC=0.98 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). The SEM was 13.04 points for inter-rater assessment, 12.57 points for rater 1 and 4.59 points for rater 2. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian-Portuguese language version of the Modified Fresno Test showed satisfactory results in terms of reproducibility. The Modified Fresno Test will allow physical therapy professionals and students to be evaluated on the use of understanding EBP.

Background The progression through the difficulty levels of Pilates exercises is a subjective criterion, that depends on the therapist's experience and ability to identify the best moment to progress to the next level. Objective To identify the factors that interfere in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods Data from 139 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain from a randomized controlled trial were used for statistical analysis using binary logistic regression. The dependent variable was the progression through the difficulty levels, and the independent variables were age, gender, educational level, low back pain duration, pain intensity, general disability, kinesiophobia, previous physical activity, and number of absences. Results The factors that interfered in the progression through the difficulty levels were previous physical inactivity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–17.31), low educational level (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.12–6.10), more advanced age (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.98) and more absences (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.50–0.79). These variables explain 41% of the non-progression through the difficulty level of the exercises. Conclusion Physical inactivity, low educational level, more advanced age and greater number of absences can be interfering factors in the progression through the difficulty levels of the Pilates exercises in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Background Inhaled dust in the environment can trigger specific reactions in the airways and cause various respiratory diseases. Objective Evaluate the lung function and functional capacity of foundry workers who are exposed to metals and use effective control measures. Method A cross-sectional study was realized with 108 workers at a bronze foundry and machining plant and in maintenance at a private university, both in Brazil. The workers were divided into two groups: the study group exposed to metals but using risk control measues and a control group not exposed to metal work. The Medical Research Council Questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered, and lung function and functional capacity were evaluated. Comparative statistics were used to identify differences in the outcome measures between the two groups. Results The groups had similar personal and anthropometric characteristics and time on the job. Spirometry and peak expiratory flow presented no significant differences between the groups. And there was also no statistically significant difference between groups in functional capacity as assessed by performance on the six-minute walk test. Conclusion Foundry industry workers in Brazil who were exposed to metal but used risk control measures had similar lung function and functional capacity when compared to the control group who were not exposed to metal. This is a positive results and maybe related to age, time exposure and control of occupational hazards. However, these workers need to continue being monitored in longitudinal studies.

Introdução: A Prática Baseada em Evidências pode ser definida como o uso de evidências científicas relevantes para orientar a tomada de decisão clínica e otimizar os resultados de saúde dos pacientes. Objetivos: Identificar, avaliar e descrever os instrumentos de avaliação da Prática Baseada em Evidências para fisioterapeutas, que estejam traduzidos e adaptados para o português brasileiro, por meio de uma revisão sistemática. Métodos: Realizaram-se buscas sistemáticas nas bases de dados eletrônicas: Embase, SciELO, CINAHL, PubMed e ERIC; e foram utilizados quatro grupos de termos de busca. Resultados: Dos 707 estudos identificados, apenas cinco foram selecionados para revisão de texto completo e, destes, nenhum preencheu os critérios de inclusão para a pesquisa. Conclusão: Os achados demonstraram a inexistência de instrumentos que avaliem a Prática Baseada em Evidências na Fisioterapia, traduzidos e adaptados para o português brasileiro.

Background There are very few observational methods for analysis of biomechanical exposure available in Brazilian-Portuguese. Objective This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and test the measurement properties of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Strain Index (SI). Methods The cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties test were established according to Beaton et al. and COSMIN guidelines, respectively. Several tasks that required static posture and/or repetitive motion of upper limbs were evaluated (n > 100). Results The intra-raters’ reliability for the RULA ranged from poor to almost perfect (k: 0.00–0.93), and SI from poor to excellent (ICC2.1: 0.05–0.99). The inter-raters’ reliability was very poor for RULA (k: −0.12 to 0.13) and ranged from very poor to moderate for SI (ICC2.1: 0.00–0.53). The agreement was good for RULA (75–100% intra-raters, and 42.24–100% inter-raters) and to SI (EPM: −1.03% to 1.97%; intra-raters, and −0.17% to 1.51% inter-raters). The internal consistency was appropriate for RULA (α = 0.88), and low for SI (α = 0.65). Moderate construct validity were observed between RULA and SI, in wrist/hand-wrist posture (rho: 0.61) and strength/intensity of exertion (rho: 0.39). Conclusion The adapted versions of the RULA and SI presented semantic and cultural equivalence for the Brazilian Portuguese. The RULA and SI had reliability estimates ranged from very poor to almost perfect. The internal consistency for RULA was better than the SI. The correlation between methods was moderate only of muscle request/movement repetition. Previous training is mandatory to use of observations methods for biomechanical exposure assessment, although it does not guarantee good reproducibility of these measures.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high prevalence of fatigue and limited functional capacity, especially those undergoing maintenance dialysis. The evolution of these specific aspects after kidney transplantation has been unknown. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of kidney transplant on the fatigue perception and functional capacity in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: Prospective and longitudinal study with 51 patients. Physical activity level (Baecke), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory - MFI-20) and functional capacity (6-Minutes Step Test-6MST) were evaluated in the pre-operative, 30th and 60th postoperative days (PO). Results: A significant improvement was observed after 30th and 60th PO after transplant in some MFI domains: Mental Fatigue (mean difference Pre vs 30th PO: Δ2.22, 95% confidence interval [CI 95%]: 1.00-3.44; pre vs 60th PO: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.24-2.93), Reduced Activity (pre vs 30th PO: 2.07, 95% CI 1.03-3.10, pre vs 60th PO: 1.87, 95% CI 0.62-3.12), and Reduced Motivation (pre vs 30 PO: 2.19, 95% CI 0.83 - 3.57, pre vs 60 PO: 2.22, 95% CI 0, 65-3.79). The number of steps in TD6M increased significantly (Δ11.0 ± 24.2, p=0.002) after kidney transplant. General Fatigue presented moderate correlation with anxiety levels in pre-operative, 30th and 60th PO days. Conclusion: Cognitive and behavioral aspects of fatigue improved after kidney transplantation, as well as functional capacity of kidney transplant recipient. The results suggest that perception of fatigue in this population can be associated with anxiety levels.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of one workday on pain and perceived exertion, muscular strength, and electromyographic activity of the erector spinae muscles in welders with and without low back pain. This is an observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-two welders, metallurgical shipbuilding, were equally divided into 2 groups: low back pain and no low back pain. Pain and perceived exertion. Muscular strength by maximal voluntary contractions and electromyographic activity of right and left erector spinae muscles during maximal voluntary contractions and in the 3 welding positions for 2 periods of the workday (in the morning and at the end of the workday). RESULTS At the end of workday, the pain increased significantly for the low back pain group (t(22) = 2.448; P= 0.023). The perceived exertion also increased significantly for both groups at the end of workday groups (F(1,22) = 8.570, P= 0.000) and periods (F(1,22) = 8.142, P= 0.000). There were no significant differences between groups and workday periods for muscular strength and electromyographic activity during maximal voluntary contractions of the erector spinae. There was no significance difference for electromyographic activity between groups and workday period and in the 3 welding positions. CONCLUSION Although the pain and perceived exertion increased at the end of the workday, these results did not interfere in muscular strength and electromyographic activity of right and left erector spinae muscles. Thus, we can conclude that welders with chronic low back pain had a good physical capacity (muscular strength) and that muscle performance was maintained.

Objective This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic and health factors that influence older adults who continue to participate in the workforce. Methods Data were collected and evaluated for 1762 older adults aged 65 years and older who were living in the community and were enrolled in a population-based study (FIBRA Network Study). Older adults who participated in the workforce were compared with those who did not in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, physical and mental health, and physical functioning and performance in advanced and instrumental activities characteristic of daily living. A multivariate hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Factors associated with not participating in the workforce were aged (OR: 1.71, [95% CI: 1.26–2.30], p

To investigate whether the specificities of real jobs create distinctions in the performance of workers in different motor tests for the upper limbs, 24 participants were divided into two groups according to their specific job: fine and repetitive tasks and general tasks. Both groups reproduced tasks related to aiming movements, handling and strength of the upper limbs. There were no significant differences between groups in the dexterity and performance of aiming movements. However, the general tasks group had higher grip strength than the repetitive tasks group, demonstrating differences according to job specificity. The results suggest that a particular motor skill in a specific job cannot improve performance in other tasks with the same motor requirements. The transfer of the fine and gross motor skills from previous experience in a job-specific task is the basis for allocating training and guidance to workers.

INTRODUCTION: Complaints and musculoskeletal discomforts are common manifestations of individuals affected by work-related disorders (WRMD), and the influence of individual and/or psychosocial risk factors may play a significant role in WRMD development. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare work engagement (WE) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and to assess the association between indexes of WE and RPE among healthcare workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen female subjects (36 ± 11 years, 1.58 ± 0.06 m and 59 ± 9 kg) participated, all officially employed on a nonprofit agency. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal complaints and the Borg Scale used to evaluate the RPE. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale quantified WE (vigor, dedication and absorption domains). Participants were divided into two groups, according to their sectors: healthcare clinics and institution for the elderly. The independent student t test was used to verify differences between groups and the chi-square test to verify associations between variables. RESULTS: All subjects reported musculoskeletal complaints, mainly in the low back (58%). RPE did not differ between groups, while in the vigor, it was found a significant statistically difference (p = 0.035). An association between RPE and vigor and RPE and dedication was establish (p = 0.02 and p = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: The association between WE and RPE suggests that workers with lower indexes of vigor and dedication may perceive greater physical demand, which can be imposed by work demands. INTRODUÇÃO: Queixas e desconforto musculoesquelético são manifestações comuns de indivíduos afetados por doenças relacionadas ao trabalho (DORT), e a influência de fatores individuais e ou fatores de risco psicossociais podem desempenhar um papel significativo no desenvolvimento das DORT. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o compromisso com o trabalho (CT) e o esforço percebido (RPE), além de avaliar a associação entre os índices de CT e RPE entre trabalhadores da área da saúde. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram 17 mulheres (36 ± 11 anos, 1,58 ± 0.06 m e 59 ± 9 kg), funcionárias registradas de uma entidade beneficente. Foram utilizados o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas e a escala de Borg para avaliar, respectivamente, as queixas de desconforto musculoesquelético e o esforço percebido. A escala de compromisso com o trabalho (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale) quantificou o CT (domínios vigor, dedicação e interesse). Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos, baseado em seus setores: clínicas e instituição de idosos. O teste t de Student para amostras independentes foi aplicado para verificar diferenças entre grupos e o teste Qui-quadrado para verificar associações entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS: Todos os participantes relataram desconforto musculoesquelético, principalmente na coluna lombar (58%). O RPE não apresentou diferença entre grupos, enquanto o vigor apresentou diferença significante (p = 0,035). Foi encontrada associação entre RPE e vigor entre RPE e dedicação (p = 0,02 e p = 0,036, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A associação entre o CT e o RPE sugere que trabalhadores com baixos índices de vigor tendem a perceber maior demanda física, a qual pode ser imposta por diferentes processos de trabalho.

BACKGROUND: Decreases in functional ability due to aging can impair work capacity and productivity among older workers. OBJECTIVE: This study compares the sociodemographics, health conditions, and physical functioning abilities of young and old workers as well as correlates of physical functioning capacity with the work ability index (WAI). METHOD: This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined employees of a higher education institution (HEI) and those of a metallurgical industry. Older workers (50 years old or above) were matched for gender and occupation type with younger workers (less than 50 years old). The following evaluations were applied: the multidimensional assessment questionnaire (which included sociodemographic, clinical, health perception, and physical health indices), the WAI, and a battery of physical functional tests. RESULTS: Diseases and regularly used medications were more common among the group of aging workers. The WAI did not differ between groups (p=0.237). Both groups showed similar physical functional capacity performances with regard to walking speed, muscle strength, and lower limb physical functioning. Aging workers showed a poorer performance on a test of right-leg support (p=0.004). The WAI was moderately correlated with the sit-to-stand test among older female workers (r=0.573, p=0.051). CONCLUSIONS: Unfavorable general health conditions did not affect the assessment of work ability or most of the tests of physical functional capacity in the aging group. CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O declínio da capacidade funcional, decorrente do envelhecimento, pode comprometer a capacidade para o trabalho e a produtividade dos trabalhadores mais velhos. OBJETIVO: Comparar o perfil sociodemográfico, as condições de saúde e a capacidade físico-funcional de trabalhadores jovens e mais velhos e correlacionar as medidas físico-funcionais ao índice de capacidade para o trabalho (ICT). MÉTODO: Estudo exploratório, transversal, com trabalhadores de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior e uma Indústria Metalúrgica. Os trabalhadores mais velhos (50 anos ou mais) foram pareados em relação ao gênero e ao tipo de ocupação a trabalhadores jovens (menos de 50 anos). Foram utilizados questionário de avaliação multidimensional, contendo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos, percepção da saúde e saúde física, o ICT e uma bateria de testes físico-funcionais. RESULTADOS: O número de doenças e número de medicamentos de uso regular foram maiores para o grupo de trabalhadores mais velhos. O ICT não apresentou diferença entre os grupos (p=0,237). A capacidade físico-funcional revelou desempenho similar entre os grupos em medidas de velocidade de caminhada, de força muscular e de função física de MMII. Os trabalhadores mais velhos apresentaram um pior desempenho apenas no teste de apoio unipodal direito (p=0,004). O ICT se mostrou correlacionado de forma moderada ao sit-to-stand test entre as mulheres do grupo de trabalhadores mais velhos (r=0,573, p=0,051). CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação da capacidade para o trabalho e a maior parte dos testes de capacidade físico-funcional no grupo mais velho parecem não ter sido afetadas pelas condições gerais de saúde desfavoráveis.

BACKGROUND: Most of the available instruments aimed to assess risk exposure associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders were originally developed in English, which makes their use difficult in countries such as Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To test the clinimetric properties of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) instrument previously adapted into Brazilian-Portuguese. METHOD: The original version of the QEC was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Brazilian-Portuguese and tested with 107 workers in two sectors of a textile factory. The internal consistency and construct validity were tested using only baseline values from the participants while reproducibility (reliability and agreement) was evaluated in a test-retest design with a seven-day interval. RESULTS: The adapted version presented appropriate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.76); moderate intra-observer reliability (ICCs ranging from 0.41 to 0.60); moderate to substantial inter-observer reliability (ICCs ranging between 0.62 and 0.86). The standard error of the measurement (SEM) ranged from 8.3 to 11.2 points. Moderate levels of construct validity (Pearson's r=0.38) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of the QEC has appropriate clinimetric properties for measuring different levels of exposure to ergonomics risk factors and can now be used by Brazilian researchers and Occupational Health professionals.

Highlights • The Brazilian reference equations use different variables in their composition. • The predictive validity of equations presented great variability in limits of agreement. • The Brazilian reference equation proposed by Britto et al. (BMI) came closest to the walked distance for these individuals., Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is an important tool for evaluating functional capacity and exercise tolerance. The reference equations for the 6MWT in healthy subjects were established on the basis of American and European populations, but reference equations have been proposed with different variables for the Brazilian population. Objective To analyze the predictive validity of six reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in healthy adult men. Methods We evaluated 103 individuals in relation to level of physical activity (IPAQ), respiratory symptoms (MRC), handgrip strength, and 6MWD test. The data were submitted to a normality test, then the Bland–Altman agreement test was used to compare individual 6MWD values with that expected for each equation. Results The subjects were active, with a mean age of 34.12 (SD = 8.88) years and no respiratory symptoms. The mean of the 6MWD was 663.43 (SD = 93.01) m. The 6MWD's predicted values came closest to the walked distance covered by Britto et al.’s equation (using BMI) of 647.62 (SD = 38.62) m. Conclusions The equation proposed by Britto et al. using body mass index (BMI) was the closest to the 6MWD for the individuals studied and could be widely used as a reference tool during the 6MWT in healthy Brazilian men.

[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to compare foundry workers of the metallurgical industry with high and low exposure time and with a control group. [Subject and Methods] The workers were evaluated for pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow (PEF), respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA one-way test were used. [Results] The mean age was 33.9 +/- 8.25 years (18-59), pulmonary function: FVC: 95 +/- 18% of predicted, FEV1: 95.0 +/- 15.8% of predicted, FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.82 +/- 0.09, and PEF = 499.7 +/- 118.5 l/min. Overall, 85.1% of workers were classified that physically active, 7.93% of workers reported respiratory symptoms, and 14.28% reported being smokers. There was no statistically significant difference between groups for the variables of lung function. [Conclusion] The pulmonary function is preserved in foundry workers independently of exposure time. Univ Cidade Sao Paulo UNICID, Masters & Doctoral Program Phys Therapy, Cesario Galeno,447 Sao Paulo, BR-03071000 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Paulista UNIP, Dept Phys Therapy, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Pulmonol Div, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Pulmonol Div, Sao Paulo, Brazil Web of Science

Most instruments used by occupational safety and health professionals have been originally developed in English. Cross-cultural adaptation enables the use of these instruments in other countries, cultures and languages in countries like Brazil, where the official language is not English. This methodology ensures that the translation process includes the cultural and linguistic equivalence between the original instrument and the translated version. Therefore, this study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the instrument Quick Exposure Check (QEC) into Brazilian-Portuguese. The process of cross-cultural adaptation followed the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review and pretesting. The final questionnaire was pretested by two raters in 40 workers employed in an expedition of knitting and textile industry. All versions resulting from the translation process (T1, T2) and back-translation (BT1, BT2) showed good agreement. During the pre-test was not presented any difficulty in understanding or completing the instrument adapted QEC for Brazilian language.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) include a list of inflammatory and degenerative diseases charac- terized by the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, compensatory posture changes and functional disabilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetic/functional characteristics of textile plant workers, their level of exposure to risk factors and the contribution these make to musculoskeletal symptoms. The sample of 42 workers answered the Nordic Questionnaire and the Job Factors Questionnaire. The kinetic/functional characteristics of each worker were verified by a blinded evaluator. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. Musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent in the spinal region and upper limbs. The exposure levels to risk factors were identified as a serious problem. Postural disorders, musculoskeletal symptoms and risk factors were correlated (P � 0.05).

UNLABELLED The aim was to evaluate work engagement (WE), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), postural deviations and to characterize musculoskeletal symptoms of federal civil servants of an institution of higher education. METHODS Twenty four women (age 40.0 ± 11.2 years, 1.6 ± 0.1m, 66.6 kg ± 10.0 kg) and 13 men (age 38.3 ± 10.3 years, 1.7 ± 0.1m, 84.3 kg ± 19.1 kg) were recruited. The Nordic Questionnaire was used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms and the Borg Scale for the RPE. WE was quantified by the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (vigor, dedication and absorption domains). Posture was assessed by photogrammetry and analyzed with the Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO). The independent student t test was used to verify WE and postural differences and the chi-square test to verify RPE and symptoms' differences between genders. RESULTS All subjects reported musculoskeletal complaints, mainly in the low back (28.4%). Women presented more musculoskeletal complaints (67%). RPE and WE did not differ between genders, however, women presented pronounced postural deviations compared to men (angle between leg and right foot dorsum, and horizontal pelvic alignment; p

Introdução: Mudanças no trabalho e maior expectativa de vida da população solicitam estudos para que se compreendam suas demandas e necessidades. Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção sobre capacidade para o trabalho e real capacidade física entre trabalhadores do setor de limpeza de uma instituição de ensino. Métodos: Utilizaram-se o Questionário Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT) e ergoespirometria. Resultados: Dos 32 indivíduos avaliados, 52,94% dos homens consideraram sua capacidade ótima, contra 6,71%, das mulheres. Entre os indivíduos de 20 e 39 anos, 43,12% avaliaram sua capacidade como ótima, contra 15,39%, entre os de 40 e 59 anos. Comparando os sexos, notou-se que as mulheres percebem sua capacidade como pior. A FC prevista e o VO2 máx obtidos foram maiores para gênero e para faixa etária. Conclusão: Ambos os gêneros apresentaram capacidade cardiorrespiratória semelhante, já a percepção da capacidade para o trabalho foi mais bem avaliada pelos homens. Os mais jovens têm melhor capacidade cardiorrespiratória e melhor percepção da capacidade para o trabalho.