Abstract AIMS The aim of this study was to verify the influence of Pilates on muscle activation of lumbar multifidus (LM) and transversus abdominis/internal oblique muscles (TrA/IO) in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. METHODS Twelve individuals of both sexes with non-specific low back pain were evaluated before and after a two-month Pilates program in relation to electromyographic activity of LM and TrA/IO, as well as clinical aspects such as pain, flexibility, muscular endurance, quality of life; and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (in relation to physical and work-related activities. A statistical analysis was performed using a test for independent samples and significance was established at the level of 0.05. RESULTS After eight weeks of Pilates training, there was an improvement in the clinical parameters of pain, flexibility, muscular endurance and disability. The individuals presented lower LM activation (p=0.025), higher trunk extension strength (p=0.005) and an increase in time from onset to peak muscle activation (p=0.02). CONCLUSION Pilates protocol was effective for clinical improvement and motor behavior in patients with nonspecific low back pain and the parameters assessed showed a large effect size despite the small sample.

Abstract AIMS The aim of this study was to verify the influence of Pilates on muscle activation of lumbar multifidus (LM) and transversus abdominis/internal oblique muscles (TrA/IO) in individuals with nonspecific low back pain. METHODS Twelve individuals of both sexes with non-specific low back pain were evaluated before and after a two-month Pilates program in relation to electromyographic activity of LM and TrA/IO, as well as clinical aspects such as pain, flexibility, muscular endurance, quality of life; and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (in relation to physical and work-related activities. A statistical analysis was performed using a test for independent samples and significance was established at the level of 0.05. RESULTS After eight weeks of Pilates training, there was an improvement in the clinical parameters of pain, flexibility, muscular endurance and disability. The individuals presented lower LM activation (p=0.025), higher trunk extension strength (p=0.005) and an increase in time from onset to peak muscle activation (p=0.02). CONCLUSION Pilates protocol was effective for clinical improvement and motor behavior in patients with nonspecific low back pain and the parameters assessed showed a large effect size despite the small sample.

Abstract Introduction Motorcycles accidents are responsible for most of the injuries due to external causes and consequent high hospitalization rates. Objective This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend in motorcycle accident morbidity among young male adults in the State of Santa Catarina. Methods This is an ecological study on motorcycle accident morbidity in men aged 20 to 39 years in the State of Santa Catarina between 1998 and 2012. Data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used in the study. Specific hospital morbidity rates adjusted for age, age group and geographical region, were calculated to analyze the temporal trend in the State through regression model estimates obtained using the Joinpoint program. Results A total of 19.889 hospital admissions for motorcycle accidents occurred in the State of Santa Catarina in the period studied, with a significant increase of 10.9% per year. In the studied age groups, the 20-29 year old group increased 9.7% per year, whilst the 30-39 year old group increased 13.7%. Except for Foz do Rio Itajaí, all geographical regions of the state showed a significant increase of morbidity. Conclusion There has been an increasing trend of morbidity for motorcycle accidents in State of Santa Catarina. These results show the need for improvement of policies to reduce the causes of this type of accident.

Abstract Introduction Motorcycles accidents are responsible for most of the injuries due to external causes and consequent high hospitalization rates. Objective This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend in motorcycle accident morbidity among young male adults in the State of Santa Catarina. Methods This is an ecological study on motorcycle accident morbidity in men aged 20 to 39 years in the State of Santa Catarina between 1998 and 2012. Data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used in the study. Specific hospital morbidity rates adjusted for age, age group and geographical region, were calculated to analyze the temporal trend in the State through regression model estimates obtained using the Joinpoint program. Results A total of 19.889 hospital admissions for motorcycle accidents occurred in the State of Santa Catarina in the period studied, with a significant increase of 10.9% per year. In the studied age groups, the 20-29 year old group increased 9.7% per year, whilst the 30-39 year old group increased 13.7%. Except for Foz do Rio Itajaí, all geographical regions of the state showed a significant increase of morbidity. Conclusion There has been an increasing trend of morbidity for motorcycle accidents in State of Santa Catarina. These results show the need for improvement of policies to reduce the causes of this type of accident.