The bodyweight walking distance product and its relationship with clinical markers in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

PURPOSE: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is extensively employed to evaluate gait impairment in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) and has been associated with different health outcomes. However, various approaches exist for calculating and interpreting the six-minute test in order to address the needs of patients more effectively. Therefore, we investigated how these different approaches correlate with functional capacity and cardiovascular health in patients with symptomatic PAD. METHODS: In total, 227 PAD patients [65.2% men and 67 (13) y.o.] were included in this cross-sectional study. The 6MWT was performed along a 30-meter corridor and the distance was expressed in three ways: absolute (described as the meters walked during the test), relativized (based on the results of the 6MWT in healthy individuals), and DW (multiplying the body weight in kilograms by the absolute distance in the 6MWT). A functional capacity z-score was calculated using the results of the handgrip strength test, 4-meter walking test, and sit-and-stand test. A cardiovascular parameter z-score was calculated with data on brachial and central blood pressure, the low-frequency component/high-frequency component ratio, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: The absolute (b = 0.30, 95%CI: 18-0.43, R² = 0.11, p < 0.001) and DW (b = 0.40, 95%CI: 27-0.53, R² = 0.17, p < 0.001) measures were related to functional capacity, independently of sex, age, and the ankle-arm index of the patients. Neither absolute nor DW were related to cardiovascular health. The relativized measure was not associated with either functional capacity or cardiovascular health. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic PAD, absolute and DW measures are related to functional capacity, but not cardiovascular function.

Impact of an active lifestyle on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in males with overweight and parental history of hypertension.

Family history of hypertension is associated with early autonomic dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. These alterations have been found to be reinforced by the overweight factor. Conversely, an active lifestyle is effective in improving the mechanisms regulating blood pressure control. Hence, we ought to investigate the effects of an active lifestyle on the hemodynamic, autonomic and oxidative stress parameters in individuals carrying both family history of hypertension and overweight risk factors. Fifty-six normotensive males were divided into four groups: eutrophic offspring of normotensive parents (EN, n = 12), eutrophic and inactive with hypertensive parents (EH, n = 14), overweight and inactive with hypertensive parents (OH, n = 13), and overweight and physically active with hypertensive parents (OAH, n = 17). Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was assessed by heart rate (HRV) and blood pressure (BPV) variability indexes. Oxidative stress included pro/antioxidant markers and nitrite concentration. Inactive offspring of hypertensive parents (EH and OH) showed higher LFSBP (vs EN), an indicator of sympathetic outflow to the vasculature and reduced anti-oxidant activity (vs EN), while higher pro-oxidant markers were found exclusively in OH (vs EN and EH). Conversely, the OAH group showed bradycardia, higher vagally-mediated HFabs index (vs OH and EN), lower sympathovagal balance (vs OH) and preserved LFSBP. Yet, the OAH showed preserved pro/antioxidant markers and nitrite levels. Our findings indicates that overweight offspring of hypertensive parents with an active lifestyle have improved hemodynamic, cardiac autonomic modulation and oxidative stress parameters compared to their inactive peers.

Normative values and prediction equations for the modified incremental step test in healthy adults aged 18-83 years.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative values and reference equations for predicting the number of steps and oxygen consumption (VO2) from the modified incremental step test (MIST) in healthy adults aged 18-83 years. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and ninety-four healthy adults aged 18-83 years with normal spirometry. SETTINGS: Exercise physiology laboratory of a university. METHODS: Participants underwent two MISTs (30 minutes apart). The MIST was performed on a 20-cm-high step using an externally paced rhythm imposed by audible signals, starting with 10 steps per minute and with constant increments of 1 step every 30 seconds. MAIN OUTCOMES: Number of steps and VO2 obtained from MIST. RESULTS: Normative values were provided for males and females for each age group. The following equations were determined: number of steps = 675.113 + (66.165*sex, 0 female and 1 male) - (5.353*age) - (6.593*body mass index) (R² =0.44, P < 0.001); VO2 = 0.106 + (0.216*sex, 0 female and 1 male) - (0.008*age [years]) + (0.021*weight [kilograms]) + (0.001*number of steps) (R² =0.80, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Normative values and prediction equations are proposed for the number of steps and VO2 which can be used to interpret performance on the MIST in individuals with different health conditions. These equations now need validation in other samples.

The Alfred Health post-COVID-19 service, Melbourne, 2020-2022: an observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the uptake of the Alfred Health Post-COVID service among people hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or referred by general practitioners; to describe their characteristics and symptoms at eight weeks and the clinical services they required. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient post-COVID-19 follow-up service in a tertiary Melbourne hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All people admitted to Alfred Health (inpatients, hospital-in-the-home) with COVID-19, 19 March 2020 - 28 December 2022; people with persistent symptoms referred by general practitioners in the Alfred Health catchment area during 2022. INTERVENTION: Questionnaire-based symptom assessment eight weeks after onset of COVID-19. Dyspnoea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were assessed with standardised tools, as were health status and health-related quality of life; return to work or study, weight loss, and altered cognition and memory were also assessed. Screening was followed by physical assessment and management at the service (specialist general medicine review, physiotherapist, allied health assistant, neuropsychologist) and referral to other specialist medical services as required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of eligible people who used the service for follow-up at eight weeks; proportions of service users who reported symptoms and return to pre-COVID-19 employment or study; clinical services required by service users. RESULTS: Of 6712 people invited for screening, 726 completed questionnaires (11%). At least one persistent symptom was reported by 385 of 642 respondents (60% of respondents, 5.7% of invitees), most frequently memory (371 of 656, 57%) or concentration problems (431 of 656, 66%), dyspnoea (197 of 703, 28%), and extreme fatigue (189 of 673, 28%). Sixty-seven of 453 respondents had not returned to pre-COVID-19 work or study (15%). People were referred to a variety of medical and non-medical services for management, including specialist medical clinics, allied health, and rehabilitation. Among 71 people who also completed questionnaires at twelve months, the proportions who reported fatigue, anxiety, and memory and concentration changes were similar at both assessments. CONCLUSIONS: After acute COVID-19 that required hospital admission or was followed by persistent symptoms in community care, a small proportion of people (5.7%) reported symptoms that required medical and allied health specialist assessment and management. Our findings may assist planning services for people with long COVID.

Validity, Reproducibility, and Minimal Detectable Difference of the Functional Upper Extremity Function Test - Simplified Version - for Adults With Moderate to Severe Asthma and COPD.

BACKGROUND: Upper-limbs (ULs) functional tests which are valid and reliable for individuals with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reproducibility, validity, minimal detectable difference (MDD), and learning effect of the Upper Extremity Function Test - simplified version (UEFT_S) functional test and to characterize its performance for adults with moderate-severe asthma and COPD. METHODS: The UEFT_S was performed twice, and the number of elbow flexions in 20 s was the outcome. In addition, spirometry, 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip dynamometry (HGD), and usual and maximum timed-up-and-go tests (TUG_usual and TUG_max) were also performed. RESULTS: Eighty-four individuals with moderate-severe CRD and 84 control individuals matched by anthropometric data were analyzed. Individuals with CRD presented better performance in the UEFT_S than controls (P = .023). UEFT_S correlated significantly with HGD, TUG_usual, TUG_max, and 6MWT (P < .047 for all). The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 [0.86-0.94], and the MDD was 0.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The UEFT_S is a valid and reproducible tool to assess the functionality of the ULs in people with moderate-severe asthma and COPD. When applied in the modified form, the test can be considered simple, fast, and inexpensive, with an easy outcome to interpret.

European Respiratory Society statement on airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis.

Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are part of the main management strategy for patients with bronchiectasis. Despite being a priority for patients, accessibility, implementation and reporting of ACTs are variable in clinical settings and research studies. This European Respiratory Society statement summarises current knowledge about ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis and makes recommendations to improve the future evidence base. A task force of 14 experts and two patient representatives (10 countries) determined the scope of this statement through consensus and defined six questions. The questions were answered based on systematic searches of the literature. The statement provides a comprehensive review of the physiological rationale for ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis, and the mechanisms of action along with the advantages and disadvantages of each ACT. Evidence on ACTs in clinical practice indicates that the most frequently used techniques are active cycle of breathing techniques, positive expiratory pressure devices and gravity-assisted drainage, although there is limited evidence on the type of ACTs used in specific countries. A review of 30 randomised trials for the effectiveness of ACTs shows that these interventions increase sputum clearance during or after treatment, reduce the impact of cough and the risk of exacerbations, and improve health-related quality of life. Furthermore, strategies for reducing the risk of bias in future studies are proposed. Finally, an exploration of patients' perceptions, barriers and enablers related to this treatment is also included to facilitate implementation and adherence to ACTs.

Validation and reproducibility of the Glittre activities of the daily living test for evaluation of functional capacity after a stroke.

METHODS: Thirty patients with hemiparesis stemming from a stroke and 20 healthy peers were evaluated. Reproducibility was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard measurement error (SME), minimum detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis. For construct validity, the Glittre ADL test was correlated with the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and analyzed based on convergent validity and the comparison of known groups (stroke survivors and healthy peers). RESULTS: Intra- and inter-observer reliability were excellent (ICC3,1 = 0.98; 0.96, respectively). Intra-observer SME ranged from 0.27 to 0.31 minutes and inter-observer SME was 0.45 minutes. Intra-observer MDC ranged from 1.44 to 1.54 minutes and inter-observer MDC was 1.86 minutes. Strong statistically significant correlations were found between time on the Glittre ADL test and time on the 6MWT (rh = -0.91; p < .001) and TUG test (rh = 0.82; p < .001), whereas a moderate correlation was found with the FIM (rh = -0.47; p < .008). CONCLUSIONS: The Glittre ADL test is valid for assessing functional capacity in stroke patients. It demonstrated good convergent and construct validity and excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility.

Shuttle walk test categorization according to the qualifiers of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: proposal for use in patients with difficult-to-treat asthma, a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To classify functional capacity of people with difficult-to-treat asthma based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). METHODS: Fifty-seven patients underwent the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) to assess functional capacity, in order to categorize them functionally we used the ICF qualifiers. To qualify ISWT results the individual's impairment (i.e. percentage of distance walked in relation to the percentage of predicted) was analyzed. Additionally, body mass index (BMI); physical activity level (IPAQ); and pulmonary function were evaluated. In order to analyze the difference between functional capacity levels, two groups were compared (i.e. mild/moderate vs. severe impairment); therefore, the participants were matched according to age and BMI and the unpaired Student t test was used. RESULTS: Among the fifty-seven included individuals, only one (1.8%) presented mild functional capacity limitation, 12 (21.1%) moderate limitation and 44 (77.2%) severe limitation. There was a significant difference between the ISWT distance between groups (F = 0.217, p < .001). The other variables did not present differences between the mild/moderate and severe groups. CONCLUSION: The ICF qualifiers were able to categorize the ISWT and classified the functional capacity limitation as mild, moderate and severe. Therefore, it has proved to be a useful clinical tool for evaluation, follow-up and clinical decision-making.

Is the modified shuttle test a maximal effort test in children and adolescents with asthma?

PURPOSE: Whether the modified shuttle test (MST) achieves maximal effort in children and adolescents with asthma is unclear. The aim was to compare the physiological responses of MST to the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in pediatric patients with asthma, to observe its convergent validity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with volunteers with asthma (6-17 years of age) under regular treatment. The MST is an external-paced test, and the participants were allowed to walk/run. CPET was performed on a cycle ergometer to compare with MST. Gas exchange (VO2 , VCO2 , and VE) and heart rate (HR) were the outcomes and were continuously assessed in both tests. RESULTS: Forty-seven volunteers were included, normal lung function expiratory forced volume at 1st second/forced vital capacity (FEV1 /FVC) 88.6 (7.7). VO2peak was higher at MST (2.0 ± 0.6 L/min) compared to CPET (1.6 ± 0.5 L/min), p < 0.001. Similar results was observed to VE at MST (50 ± 16 L/min) versus VE at CPET (40 ± 13 L/min), and to VCO2 at MST (2.1 ± 0.8 L/min) versus VCO2 at CPET (1.7 ± 0.6 L/min), p < 0.001. HR was also higher at MST (94 ± 6%pred) versus CPET (87 ± 8%pred), p = 0.002. VO2peak in MST correlated to the CPET (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). The ICC of VO2peak between tests was 0.73 (0.06-0.89), p < 0.001, and VO2peak Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of 0.46 L/min. CONCLUSION: The MST showed a maximal physiologic response in children and adolescents with asthma. It is a valid test and can be used as an alternative to evaluating exercise capacity.

Reference Values for 7 Different Protocols of Simple Functional Tests: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVES: To establish reference values and equations (ages 20-80y) for 7 simple functional tests based on a multicenter study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data collection in 4 research centers across different regions of a continental dimension country. SETTING: Healthy subjects from general community were assessed in different research laboratories. PARTICIPANTS: Data collection of 296 volunteer subjects (N=296; 45% men; aged 50±18y, forced expiratory volume in the first second 95±13% pred, body mass index 26.9±4.5 kg/m2) aged 20-80 years; representing both sexes; with the ability to understand and perform all proposed assessments; and with no severe and/or unstable condition that could limit functional assessments occurred simultaneously in all centers. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants randomly performed the following 7 functional tests twice: (1) the 4-meter gait speed test at usual walking speed; (2) the 4-meter gait speed test at maximal walking speed; (3) the Sit-to-Stand test performed with 5 repetitions; (4) the Sit-to-Stand test performed in 30 seconds; (5) the Sit-to-Stand test performed in 1 minute; (6) the Timed Up and Go test at usual speed; and (7) the Timed Up and Go test at maximal speed. Spirometry, quality of life, depression, anxiety, physical activity, and comorbidities were also assessed to better characterize the sample. The best performance of each test was used to propose reference values for men and women and reference equations for all. RESULTS: Participants similarly distributed by age groups from the 4 centers were included. All tests were correlated with age (0.34

Supervised maintenance programmes following pulmonary rehabilitation compared to usual care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation benefits patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but gains are not maintained over time. Maintenance pulmonary rehabilitation has been defined as ongoing supervised exercise at a lower frequency than the initial pulmonary rehabilitation programme. It is not yet known whether a maintenance programme can preserve the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation over time. Studies of maintenance programmes following pulmonary rehabilitation are heterogeneous, especially regarding supervision frequency. Furthermore, new maintenance models (remote and home-based) are emerging. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether supervised pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance programmes improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL), exercise performance, and health care utilisation in COPD patients compared with usual care. Secondly, to examine in subgroup analyses the impact of supervision frequency and model (remote or in-person) during the supervised maintenance programme. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro, and two additional trial registries platforms up to 31 March 2020, without restriction by language or type of publication. We screened the reference lists of all primary studies for additional references. We also hand-searched conference abstracts and grey literature through the Cochrane Airways Trials Register and CENTRAL. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included only randomised trials comparing pulmonary rehabilitation maintenance for COPD with attention control or usual care. The primary outcomes were HRQoL, exercise capacity and hospitalisation; the secondary outcomes were exacerbation rate, mortality, direct costs of care, and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Results data that were similar enough to be pooled were meta-analysed using a random-effects model, and those that could not be pooled were reported in narrative form. Subgroup analyses were undertaken for frequency of supervision (programmes offered monthly or less frequently, versus more frequently) and those using remote supervision (e.g. telerehabilitation versus face-to-face supervision). We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included 21 studies (39 reports) with 1799 COPD patients. Participants ranged in age from 52 years to 88 years. Disease severity ranged from 24% to 88% of the predicted forced expiratory volume in one second. Programme duration ranged from four weeks to 36 months. In-person supervision was provided in 12 studies, and remote supervision was provided in six studies (telephone or web platform). Four studies provided a combination of in-person and remote supervision. Most studies had a high risk of performance bias due to lack of blinding of participants, and high risk of detection, attrition, and reporting bias. Low- to moderate-certainty evidence showed that supervised maintenance programmes may improve health-related quality of life at six to 12 months following pulmonary rehabilitation compared to usual care (Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire total score mean difference (MD) 0.54 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 1.03, 258 participants, four studies), with a mean difference that exceeded the minimal important difference of 0.5 points for this outcome. It is possible that supervised maintenance could improve six-minute walk distance, but this is uncertain (MD 26 metres (m), 95% CI -1.04 to 52.84, 639 participants, 10 studies). There was little to no difference between the maintenance programme and the usual care group in exacerbations or all-cause hospitalizations, or the chance of death (odds ratio (OR) for mortality 0.73, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.51, 755 participants, six studies). Insufficient data were available to understand the impact of the frequency of supervision, or of remote versus in-person supervision. No adverse events were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that supervised maintenance programmes for COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation are not associated with increased adverse events, may improve health-related quality of life, and could possibly improve exercise capacity at six to 12 months. Effects on exacerbations, hospitalisation and mortality are similar to those of usual care. However, the strength of evidence was limited because most included studies had a high risk of bias and small sample size. The optimal supervision frequency and models for supervised maintenance programmes are still unclear.

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in people with bronchiectasis: a randomised controlled trial.

AIM: To investigate the short- and long-term effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) on functional capacity, quality of life, peripheral muscle strength, dyspnoea and daily physical activity in people with bronchiectasis. METHODS: Randomised controlled trial with 63 participants with bronchiectasis. The HBPR group performed three sessions per week for 8 weeks (aerobic exercise: step training for 20 min; resistance training: exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings, deltoids and biceps brachii using elastic bands). The control group received a recommendation to walk at moderate intensity, three times per week. A weekly phone call was conducted for all participants, and the HBPR group received a home visit every 15 days. The primary outcome was distance in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Secondary outcomes were time in the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT), number of steps in the incremental step test, quality of life, quadriceps muscle strength and daily physical activity. Measures were taken before and after intervention and 6 months later. RESULTS: After the intervention, the HBPR group had increased ISWT distance compared with the control group with between-group difference 87.9 m (95% CI 32.4-143.5 m). In addition, between-group differences were found in the ESWT, incremental step test, quality of life and quadriceps muscle strength, favouring the HBPR group. After 6 months, no differences were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: HBPR is an effective alternative offering of pulmonary rehabilitation for people with bronchiectasis. However, the programme was not effective in maintaining the benefits after 6 months of follow-up.

A more effective alternative to the 6-minute walk test for the assessment of functional capacity in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is directly correlated with the functional capacity (FC). The most common FC test is the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), however, there is evidence to suggest that the 6MWT does not reflect the real FC in PH patients. AIM: To compare physiological responses among three field walk tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and to determine the determinants of distance walked in the field walk tests. DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. POPULATION: 26 volunteers (49.8±14.6 years), WHO functional class II-III and a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 45 mmHg. METHODS: Patients underwent three field walk test: 6MWT, incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), and endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) and CPET on different, non-consecutive days. The main outcome measures were heart rate and perception of effort at the peak of exercise. RESULTS: The ISWT achieved maximum levels of effort without significant difference in any physiologic response compared to CPET. The physiological responses during ISWT were significantly higher than 6MWT and ESWT responses. CONCLUSIONS: The ISWT produced the greatest physiologic response of the field tests safely for which reason it appears to be the most effective test to assess FC of PH patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The self-paced characteristic of the 6MWT and lower physiologic responses compared to the CPET were the main reason for this test to be classified as submaximal in PH patients. The physiological responses during the ESWT were significantly lower than other field tests highlighting the need for more research on this test and other field test in PH patients.

Heart rate recovery in asthmastic children and adolescents after clinical field test.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation caused by chronic lung disease in childhood may lead to delayed heart rate recovery (HRR) however, there is lack of evidence on HRR in this population. The aim was to assess HRR after functional capacity testing in asthmatic children and adolescents and to compare with severity and disease control. METHOD: This was a study secondary to a randomized control trial. The modified shuttle test (MST) was performed to assess functional capacity and HRR. This is an externally cadenced test in which the distance walked is the outcome. HRR was assessed after MST and was defined as HR at exercise peak minus HR in the second minute after the end of exercise. Asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT). Data normality was tested by Shapiro Wilk and the comparison between groups was made by Student's t test or Mann Whitney test for numerical variables, and by Chi-square test for categorical variables. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05. SPSS version 20 was used in the analyzes. RESULTS: The sample included 77 patients diagnosed with asthma (asthma group - AG) who were regularly treated for asthma. Control group (CG) consisted of 44 volunteers considered healthy, matched in age and gender to AG. The median age of CG was 12 (10-14) years and in AG 11 (9-13 years) being classified as mild to moderate asthmatic, and 57% of the sample had controlled asthma by ACT. Distance walked in the CG was 952 ± 286 m and AG 799 ± 313 m, p = 0.001. HRR was more efficient in CG (79 ± 15 bpm) compared to AG (69 ± 12 bpm), p = 0.001. The mild (69 ± 12 beats) and severe (72 ± 15 beats) AG presented worse HRR compared to control group (79 ± 15 bpm), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic children and adolescents have delayed HRR after modified Shuttle test compared to their peers, suggesting that asthma leads to autonomic nervous system imbalance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in Clinical Trials under number NCT02383069 and approved by the Universidade Nove de Julho - UNINOVE Research Ethics Committee, protocol number 738192/2014.

Application of the Modified Incremental Step Test for Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: A Modified Incremental Step Test (MIST) performed in the home may facilitate entirely home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The aims of this study were to investigate the reliability and responsiveness, and the utility of the MIST for exercise prescription in people with stable chronic lung disease. METHODS: The MIST was undertaken at the center and home in random order, before and after pulmonary rehabilitation, with 2 tests at each time point. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Responsiveness was evaluated as effect size. The minimal important difference was appraised using distribution and anchor-based methods. In a substudy, physiological responses to MIST were measured by a portable metabolic system, followed by a constant step rate test at 60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), to evaluate utility for exercise prescription. RESULTS: Forty-six participants were recruited (29% of eligible candidates). There was excellent reliability for number of steps recorded in home- and center-based settings (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.954, 95% CI = 0.915-0.976). A small-moderate effect size was demonstrated following pulmonary rehabilitation (0.34), and the minimal detectable change was 7 steps. All participants in the substudy achieved 60% of VO2peak and achieved steady state by the fourth minute, with 60% of VO2peak corresponding to a mean 37% (95% CI = 29-44) of the MIST final level. CONCLUSIONS: The MIST is reliable and responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation in people with stable chronic respiratory disease. It provides new opportunities to assess exercise capacity, prescribe exercise training, and reassess exercise program outcomes in environments where established field walking tests are not feasible. IMPACT: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a highly effective treatment that is underutilized worldwide. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation may improve access for patients and deliver equivalent clinical outcomes but is limited by the availability of a robust exercise test that can be used at home to assess exercise capacity and prescribe training intensity. This study tested the clinimetric properties of the MIST and demonstrated a new way to assess exercise capacity, prescribe exercise training of an appropriate intensity, and reassess exercise capacity in environments where established field walking tests are not feasible.

Telerehabilitation for chronic respiratory disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a proven, effective intervention for people with chronic respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and bronchiectasis. However, relatively few people attend or complete a program, due to factors including a lack of programs, issues associated with travel and transport, and other health issues. Traditionally, pulmonary rehabilitation is delivered in-person on an outpatient basis at a hospital or other healthcare facility (referred to as centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation). Newer, alternative modes of pulmonary rehabilitation delivery include home-based models and the use of telehealth. Telerehabilitation is the delivery of rehabilitation services at a distance, using information and communication technology. To date, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of the clinical efficacy or safety of telerehabilitation, or its ability to improve uptake and access to rehabilitation services, for people with chronic respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and safety of telerehabilitation for people with chronic respiratory disease. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; six databases including MEDLINE and Embase; and three trials registries, up to 30 November 2020. We checked reference lists of all included studies for additional references, and handsearched relevant respiratory journals and meeting abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled trials and controlled clinical trials of telerehabilitation for the delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation were eligible for inclusion. The telerehabilitation intervention was required to include exercise training, with at least 50% of the rehabilitation intervention being delivered by telerehabilitation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methods recommended by Cochrane. We assessed the risk of bias for all studies, and used the ROBINS-I tool to assess bias in non-randomised controlled clinical trials. We assessed the certainty of evidence with GRADE. Comparisons were telerehabilitation compared to traditional in-person (centre-based) pulmonary rehabilitation, and telerehabilitation compared to no rehabilitation. We analysed studies of telerehabilitation for maintenance rehabilitation separately from trials of telerehabilitation for initial primary pulmonary rehabilitation. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of 15 studies (32 reports) with 1904 participants, using five different models of telerehabilitation. Almost all (99%) participants had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Three studies were controlled clinical trials. For primary pulmonary rehabilitation, there was probably little or no difference between telerehabilitation and in-person pulmonary rehabilitation for exercise capacity measured as 6-Minute Walking Distance (6MWD) (mean difference (MD) 0.06 metres (m), 95% confidence interval (CI) -10.82 m to 10.94 m; 556 participants; four studies; moderate-certainty evidence). There may also be little or no difference for quality of life measured with the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score (MD -1.26, 95% CI -3.97 to 1.45; 274 participants; two studies; low-certainty evidence), or for breathlessness on the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnoea domain score (MD 0.13, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.40; 426 participants; three studies; low-certainty evidence). Participants were more likely to complete a program of telerehabilitation, with a 93% completion rate (95% CI 90% to 96%), compared to a 70% completion rate for in-person rehabilitation. When compared to no rehabilitation control, trials of primary telerehabilitation may increase exercise capacity on 6MWD (MD 22.17 m, 95% CI -38.89 m to 83.23 m; 94 participants; two studies; low-certainty evidence) and may also increase 6MWD when delivered as maintenance rehabilitation (MD 78.1 m, 95% CI 49.6 m to 106.6 m; 209 participants; two studies; low-certainty evidence). No adverse effects of telerehabilitation were noted over and above any reported for in-person rehabilitation or no rehabilitation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that primary pulmonary rehabilitation, or maintenance rehabilitation, delivered via telerehabilitation for people with chronic respiratory disease achieves outcomes similar to those of traditional centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation, with no safety issues identified. However, the certainty of the evidence provided by this review is limited by the small number of studies, of varying telerehabilitation models, with relatively few participants. Future research should consider the clinical effect of telerehabilitation for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases other than COPD, the duration of benefit of telerehabilitation beyond the period of the intervention, and the economic cost of telerehabilitation.

Expanding the Use of Six-Minute Walking Test in Patients with Intermittent Claudication.

BACKGROUND: Six-min walking test (6MWT) has been widely in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) to quantify the walking impairment and the efficacy of different therapeutic interventions. Despite the aforementioned usefulness of 6MWT for PAD, the information provided by this test goes beyond the meters walked. The aim of this study was to describe the relative values of 6MWT and body weight-walking distance product (DW) in patients with symptomatic PAD. METHODS: Two hundred twenty-seven patients with symptomatic PAD participated in the study. The 6MWT was performed and absolute and claudication distances were obtained. The results of 6MWT were then relativized and expressed as a percentage of a healthy subject. DW was obtained by the product of 6MWT distance by weight. In both sexes, the relative 6MWT ranged from 57% to 64%. RESULTS: Absolute 6MWT total distance (P < 0.001) was lower in women than in men, whereas the relative 6MWT total distance was similar between sexes (P = 0.398). The absolute and relative 6MWT total distance were similar among age categories (P > 0.072). The DW was higher in men than in women (P < 0.05). In addition, in women, DW was higher in younger group than in other age groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic PAD achieve less than 70% of the distance achieved by an age-matched healthy subject. In patients with symptomatic PAD, the relative values of 6MWT total distance are similar between sexes and among different age groups, whereas DW are influenced by age and sex.

Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis: a study of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: Clinically stable individuals with a diagnosis of bronchiectasis. MEASURES: The evaluations performed were spirometry, incremental shuttle walk test, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and the modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale. The Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis was administered twice (seven to 14 days apart). Psychometric analyses were performed as follows: reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, and interpretability. RESULTS: In total, 108 individuals (48 ± 14 years, 61 women) participated in the study. Internal consistency was considered adequate (Cronbach's alpha ⩾ 0.70) for the majority of scales (from 0.58 to 0.93). Test-retest coefficients were moderate to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.70 to 0.93). In the construct validity, 35 of 37 items correlated more strongly with their assigned scale than a competing scale. The convergent validity showed significant correlations between scales of the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis with modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, and incremental shuttle walk test (r from 0.20 to 0.59). A low to moderate correlations was revealed between all scales of the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis and the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire domains (r from 0.26 to 0.70). The standard error of measurement was acceptable. Ceiling effects were found for the Social Functioning and Treatment Burden scales. CONCLUSIONS: The Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bronchiectasis is a reliable, valid instrument with adequate internal consistency for the evaluation of the impact of bronchiectasis on the health-related quality of life of Brazilian adults.

Patients with asthma have reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior / Pacientes com asma apresentam redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário

Abstract Objective The modified shuttle test is a field test that avoids the ceiling effect, and there are no reports of a multidimensional assessment concerning physical activity in asthmatic patients. Thus, the aim was to evaluate functional capacity by MST, additionally to perform a multidimensional assessment as physical activity in daily life, muscle strength, and cytokine levels in children and adolescents with asthma, and to correlate these variables. Method This cross-sectional study included volunteers aged between 6 and 18 years who were divided into two groups: asthma group (n = 43) that received regular treatment and control group (n = 24). Functional capacity was evaluated by distance walked during the MST; physical activity in daily life was evaluated using an accelerometer by the number of steps. Quadriceps femoris strength was evaluated by load cell. Results Distance walked was lower for the asthma group (790 m [222 m]) when compared with the control group (950 m [240 m]; p = 0.007); however, the number of steps was similar between the two groups (asthma group: 7743 [3075]; control group: 7181 [3040]; p = 0.41), and both groups were classified as sedentary behavior. There was no difference in muscle strength. Tumor necrosis factor-α differed, but interleukin levels were similar between groups. Quadriceps strength was correlated to distance walked (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and tumor necrosis factor-α to the number of steps taken (r = −0.54, p = 0.005). Conclusion Children and adolescents undergoing regular asthma treatment showed reduced functional capacity and sedentary behavior. The lower the quadriceps strength, the shorter the distance walked; the higher the tumor necrosis factor-α levels, the lower their daily physical activity levels.

Resumo Objetivo O Teste Shuttle Modificado é um teste clínico de campo que evita o efeito-teto e não existem relatos de avaliação multidimensional com relação à atividade física em pacientes com asma. Assim, o objetivo era avaliar a capacidade funcional, a atividade física na vida cotidiana, a força muscular e os níveis de citocina em crianças e adolescentes com asma, a fim de correlacionar essas variáveis. Método Este estudo transversal incluiu voluntários entre seis e 18 anos, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo com asma (n = 43), que recebeu tratamento regular, e o grupo de controle (n = 24). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada pela distância percorrida durante o Teste Shuttle Modificado, ao passo que a atividade física na vida cotidiana foi avaliada utilizando um acelerômetro pelo número de passos. A força muscular do quadríceps femoral foi avaliada por uma célula de carga. Resultados A distância percorrida foi menor no grupo com asma (790 m [222 m]) em comparação com o grupo de controle (950 m [240 m]; p = 0,007), contudo o número de passos foi semelhante nos dois grupos (grupo com asma: 7.743 [3.075]; grupo de controle: 7.181 [3.040]; p = 0,41) e ambos os grupos foram classificados como sedentários. Não houve diferença na avaliação da força muscular. O fator de necrose tumoral-α apresentou divergências, porém os níveis de interleucina foram semelhantes entre os grupos. A força muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com a distância percorrida (r: 0,62; p < 0,001) e o fator de necrose tumoral-α, ao número de passos dados (r = −0,54, p = 0,005). Conclusão Crianças e adolescentes que recebem tratamento regular de asma apresentaram redução da capacidade funcional e comportamento sedentário. Quanto menor a força muscular do quadríceps, menor a distância percorrida; quanto maiores os níveis de fator de necrose tumoral-α, menores seus níveis diários de atividade física.