Effects of 12 weeks of inspiratory muscle training and whole body vibration on the inflammatory profile, BDNF and muscular system in pre-frail elderly women: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: to investigate the effects of the whole body vibration (WBV) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the inflammatory profile and in muscle mass and strength in pre-frail older women. METHODS: this study was a randomized double-blind trial. Forty two older women aged 60-80 years were randomly allocated to IMT + WBV (G1), IMTsham + WBV (G2) or Sham groups (G3). During 12 weeks G1 received both trainings, whereas G2 received WBV alone and G3 received IMT with a low fixed load and were positioned at the vibratory platform without therapeutic effect. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention for the following outcomes: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory biomarkers (IB), respiratory (RT) and quadriceps thickness (QT) and diaphragmatic mobility (DM) using muscle ultrasound, body composition (BC) using a bioelectrical impedance scale and inspiratory muscle strength (IMS). RESULTS: after the training, G1 (114.93 ± 21.29) improved IMS (p<0.005) compared with G2 (91.29 ± 23.10) and G3 (85.21 ± 27.02). There was also a significant improve on time of the DM (p<0.001) and RT (p=0.006) for G1 (8.59 ± 3.55 and 11.11 ± 12.66) compared with G2 (1.05 ± 3.09 and 1.10 ± 10.60) and G3 (0.40 ± 2.29 and -1.85 ± 7.45). BDNF, IB, QT and BC were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: IMT associated with WBV is effective to improve in increasing IMS, RT and DM in pre-frail older women. However, these interventions do not modify BDNF, IB, QT or BC in this population.

Influence of Mechanical Ventilation Modes on the Efficacy of Nebulized Bronchodilators in the Treatment of Intubated Adult Patients with Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Little has been reported in terms of clinical outcomes to confirm the benefits of nebulized bronchodilators during mechanical ventilation (MV). Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) could be a valuable method to elucidate this gap. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of nebulized bronchodilators during invasive MV with EIT by comparing three ventilation modes on the overall and regional lung ventilation and aeration in critically ill patients with obstructive pulmonary disease. METHOD: A blind clinical trial in which eligible patients underwent nebulization with salbutamol sulfate (5 mg/1 mL) and ipratropium bromide (0.5 mg/2 mL) in the ventilation mode they were receiving. EIT evaluation was performed before and after the intervention. A joint and stratified analysis into ventilation mode groups was performed, with p < 0.05. RESULTS: Five of nineteen procedures occurred in controlled MV mode, seven in assisted mode and seven in spontaneous mode. In the intra-group analysis, the nebulization increased total ventilation in controlled (p = 0.04 and ⅆ = 2) and spontaneous (p = 0.01 and ⅆ = 1.5) MV modes. There was an increase in the dependent pulmonary region in assisted mode (p = 0.01 and ⅆ = 0.3) and in spontaneous mode (p = 0.02 and ⅆ = 1.6). There was no difference in the intergroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Nebulized bronchodilators reduce the aeration of non-dependent pulmonary regions and increase overall lung ventilation but there was no difference between the ventilation modes. As a limitation, it is important to note that the muscular effort in PSV and A/C PCV modes influences the impedance variation, and consequently the aeration and ventilation values. Thus, future studies are needed to evaluate this effort as well as the time on ventilator, time in UCI and other variables.

Chest wall volumes, diaphragmatic mobility, and functional capacity in patients with mucopolysaccharidoses.

PURPOSE: We investigated respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm mobility, lung function, functional capacity, quality of life, body composition, breathing pattern, and chest wall (VT,CW) and compartmental volumes of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) patients and compared these variables with matched healthy individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with data analyzed separately according to age group. A total of 68 individuals (34 MPS and 34 matched-healthy subjects) were included. Six-minute walking test assessed functional capacity and ultrasound assessed diaphragm mobility during quiet spontaneous breathing (QB). Optoelectronic plethysmography assessed VT,CW and breathing pattern during QB in two different positions: seated and supine (45° trunk inclination). RESULTS: Body composition, lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and functional capacity were reduced in MPS (all p < 0.01). Diaphragm mobility was only reduced in adolescents (p = 0.01) and correlated with body composition and breathing pattern. Upper chest wall compartmental volumes were significantly lower in MPS, while abdominal volume only differed significantly in adolescents. Percentage contribution (%) of upper ribcage compartments to tidal volume was reduced in MPS children, whereas %AB was significantly increased compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: Lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, diaphragm mobility, and quality of life are reduced in MPS compared with matched healthy subjects. VT,CW was mainly reduced due to pulmonary and abdominal ribcage impairment. Implications for RehabilitationReduction in respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, diaphragm excursion and low lung volumes were found in individuals with Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS).Chest wall volumes and the upper chest wall compartmental volumes during quiet spontaneous breathing are reduced in MPS.Assessment and monitoring of the respiratory system for individuals with MPS should be performed periodically through standardized assessments to enable identification of changes and early intervention by rehabilitation protocols.This study may provide the necessary basis for carrying out respiratoty rehabilitation protocols that can improving chest wall mechanics with breathing exercise in this group.

Effects of continuous aerobic training associated with resistance training on maximal and submaximal exercise tolerance, fatigue, and quality of life of patients post-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance are common in post-COVID-19 patients. In these patients, rehabilitation can improve functional capacity, reduce deconditioning after a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit, and facilitate the return to work. Thus, the present study verified the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation consisting of continuous aerobic and resistance training of moderate-intensity on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, maximum and submaximal tolerance to exercise, fatigue, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study with a protocol of 12 sessions of an outpatient intervention. Adults over 18 years of age (N = 26) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and hospital discharge at least 15 days before the first evaluation were included. Participants performed moderate-intensity continuous aerobic and resistance training twice a week. Maximal and submaximal exercise tolerance, lung function, respiratory muscle strength, fatigue and quality of life were evaluated before and after the intervention protocol. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation improved maximal exercise tolerance, with 18.62% increase in peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and 29.05% in time to reach VO2 peak. VE/VCO2 slope reduced 5.21% after intervention. We also observed increased submaximal exercise tolerance (increase of 70.57 m in the 6-min walk test, p = 0.001), improved quality of life, and reduced perceived fatigue after intervention. DISCUSSION: Patients recovered from COVID-19 can develop persistent dysfunctions in almost all organ systems and present different signs and symptoms. The complexity and variability of the damage caused by this disease can make it difficult to target rehabilitation programs, making it necessary to establish specific protocols. In this work, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation improved lung function, respiratory muscle strength, maximal and submaximal exercise tolerance, fatigue and quality of life. Continuous aerobic and resistance training of moderate intensity proved to be effective in the recovery of post-COVID-19 patients.

Inspiratory muscle training in addition to whole body vibration for functional and physical outcomes in pre-frail older women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: to investigate the efficacy of addition of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to the whole body vibration (WBV) on functional outcomes, physical performance, muscle strength and metabolism in pre-frail older women. METHODS: this study was a randomized double-blind trial. Forty-two older women aged 60-80 years who meet the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty criteria for pre-frailty were randomly allocated to IMT + WBV, IMTsham + WBV or Sham groups. IMT + WBV group received 12 weeks of both trainings, whereas IMTsham + WVB received 12 weeks of WBV alone. Sham group received 12 weeks of IMT with a low fixed load and were positioned at the vibratory platform without therapeutic effect. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention for the following outcomes: 6-min walk test distance (6MWD), balance using Tinetti test, functional mobility using timed up and go test (TUG), handgrip strength (HGS) and peripheral muscle metabolism (glucose and lactate levels). RESULTS: after the training, both groups IMT + WBV and IMTsham + WBV improved 6MWD [mean percentage changes = 20.31 (SD = 14.62) and 13.02 (SD = 12.14), respectively] compared with Sham [0.27 (SD = 6.51)], P <0.01. There was also a significant decrease of mean percentage changes on time of the TUG for IMT + WBV [-21.87 (SD = 7.87)] and IMTsham + WBV [-11.15 (SD = 13.64)] compared with Sham [-4.25 (SD = 13.25)], P <0.01. IMT + WBV group improved balance when compared with IMTsham + WBV and Sham groups (P <0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). HGS and levels of lactate and glucose were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: the addition of IMT to the WBV was effective to improve functionality, balance and physical performance in pre-frail older women.

Does Valved Holding Chamber Improve Aerosol Lung Deposition with a Jet Nebulizer? A Randomized Crossover Study.

Using valved holding chambers (VHC) during aerosol therapy has been reported to improve the inhaled dose with various aerosol devices, including vibrating mesh nebulizers. The aim of this study was to quantify the pulmonary deposition of a jet nebulizer (JN) with and without a VHC, and a mesh nebulizer (MN) with a VHC in a randomized cross-over trial with seven healthy consenting adults. Our hypothesis was that the use of a VHC would improve deposition with the JN. Diethylnitriaminopentacetic acid with technetium (DTPA-Tc99m), with the activity of 1 mC with 0.9% saline solution was nebulized. The radiolabeled aerosol was detected by 2D planar scintigraphy after administration. The pulmonary deposition was greater with a JN with a VHC (4.5%) than a JN alone (3.2%; p = 0.005. However, an MN with a VHC (30.0%) was six-fold greater than a JN or JN with a VHC (p < 0.001). The extrapulmonary deposition was higher in the JN group without a VHC than in the other two modalities (p < 0.001). Deposition in the device was greater with a JN + VHC than an MN+/VHC (p < 0.001). Lower residual drug at the end of the dose was detected with an MN than either JN configuration. The exhaled dose was greater with a JN alone than either an MN or JN with VHC (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the addition of the VHC did not substantially improve the efficiency of aerosol lung deposition over a JN alone.

Association between performance on the Glittre ADL-test and the functional capacity of patients with HF: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The Weber classification based on peak VO2 is a well-established method for categorizing patients with heart failure (HF) regarding severity. However, other submaximal tests such as the Glittre ADL-Test have been gaining prominence in practice due to a coherent and more comprehensive correlation with limitations for performing activities of daily living in patients with heart failure.Objective: To investigate the correlation between the time required to perform the Glittre ADL-Test and the peak VO2 in patients with HF.Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with 40 adult individuals (21 to 65 years) diagnosed with HF of all etiologies, with LVEF<50% and NYHA II and III.Results: The average time for performing the Glittre ADL-Test was 284.9 seconds, and a significant difference was found between Weber classification classes A and C (p = .01). Significant correlations with peak VO2 were also found (r = -0.424 - p < .01). Thirty (30) patients performed a second test, and the ICC found in the reproducibility analysis was 0.75 (95% CI 0.14-0.91) and p < .01.Conclusion: The Glittre ADL-Test was able to reflect the functional performance of individuals with HF, suggesting that it represents an evaluation tool which can be safely used in clinical practice.

Functioning profiles of individuals with Mucopolysaccharidosis according to the International Classification of Functioning.

BACKGROUND: The classification of health problems of persons with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) may contribute to better understanding the disease impacts. The ICF is a useful tool to describe disabilities and functioning, especially in diseases with multisystemic involvement. AIM: To identify and classify the health needs of persons with non-neuronopathic MPS according to the ICF. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Department of Physical Therapy (Federal University, Brazil). POPULATION: Persons with non-neuronopathic MPS. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews covering all components of the ICF were conducted to know the patients' perspectives of their health problems (patient-reported outcomes). The speeches were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by researchers to identifying meaningful concepts. Then, the concept units were linked to ICF components and the magnitude of the problem to ICF qualifiers. Data are shown by descriptive statistics and separated into two groups: children and adolescents, and adults. RESULTS: A total of 60 different ICF categories were used to classify participants' functioning. A total of 28 and 51 categories was necessary to classify the health problems of children and adults, respectively. Additionally, 16 categories related to contextual factors were used, of which eight and 12 were identified as facilitators by children, adolescents, and adults, respectively. The main problems were related to supportive functioning of arms or legs (b7603), pain in the body part (b2801), respiratory functions (b440), and voice functions (b310). Limitations in the activity and participation component were related to walking (d450), fine hand use (d440), washing oneself (d510), and dressing (d540). Recreation and leisure (d920) was restricted to approximately half of the studied population. CONCLUSIONS: People with MPS face impairments of body structures and functions, activity limitations and restrictions to participation. Environmental factors may be act as facilitators of these problems. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The ICF is a useful tool to classify the health problems of people with non-neuropathic MPS. The planning of rehabilitation programs needs to covers all components of functioning to provide a biopsychosocial model of care. The ICF categories may direct health professionals to more effective targets.

Accuracy of Algorithms and Visual Inspection for Detection of Trigger Asynchrony in Critical Patients : A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to summarize the accuracy of the different methods for detecting trigger asynchrony at the bedside in mechanically ventilated patients. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted from 1990 to 2020 in PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. The reference list of the identified studies, reviews, and meta-analyses was also manually searched for relevant studies. The reference standards were esophageal pressure catheter and/or electrical activity of the diaphragm. Studies were assessed following the QUADAS-2 recommendations, while the review was prepared according to the PRISMA criteria. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and eleven studies were selected, and four were eligible for analysis. Esophageal pressure was the predominant reference standard, while visual inspection and algorithms/software comprised index tests. The trigger asynchrony, ineffective expiratory effort, double triggering, and reverse triggering were analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 65.2% to 99% and 80% to 100%, respectively. Positive predictive values reached 80.3 to 100%, while the negative predictive values reached 92 to 100%. Accuracy could not be calculated for most studies. CONCLUSION: Algorithms/software validated directly or indirectly using reference standards present high sensitivity and specificity, with a diagnostic power similar to visual inspection of experts.

Effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, quadriceps muscle thickness and functional capacity in kidney transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be an alternative of physical training for kidney transplant recipients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a training program on quadriceps muscle strength and thickness, distance walked in the 6-min walking test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in adult kidney transplant recipients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. METHOD: Twelve kidney transplant recipients of both genders who underwent WBV training (35 Hz) twice a week for 12 weeks on alternate days (WBVG), and training with a Sham Group (SG) were evaluated before and after intervention. RESULTS: No difference was observed in quadriceps muscle strength and thickness between groups, however a large (d = 0.81) and a small (d = 0.44) effect size were observed after the training, respectively. Both groups improved the execution time of Sit-to-Stand Test before and after analysis, but this effect did not show superiority between them, however there was a large effect size provided by training (d = 1.11). No changes were observed between groups in relation to inspiratory muscle strength, but training effects could be observed by the effect size after the study period (d = 0.59). No changes were observed regarding the distance walked in the 6MWT and the effect size was small (d = 0.31). CONCLUSION: WBV program would induce physiological responses that must be taken into consideration in adults' kidney transplant recipients. Our results show considerable effect sizes were observed for muscle strength and quadriceps thickness, inspiratory muscle strength, and 6MWT walking distance, although no difference was observed between groups at the end of the study.

Oxygen uptake efficiency slope: A submaximal test evaluation tool that provides cardiopulmonary reserve data in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a method for investigating cardiorespiratory fitness and is proposed as an alternative to overcome the limitations of traditional measures such as peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for patients who do not achieve a maximum response, such as in Parkinson's disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of individuals with PD during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) using the OUES. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study including 12 individuals with PD and 12 healthy controls. Participants performed the 6MWT along with an analysis of exhaled gas kinetics. The OUES was determined from the last 16 s of the walk test. Multiple linear regression analyses were computed to explore associations between the independent (OUES) and the dependent variables (VO2peak) controlled by group. RESULTS: The OUES was associated to VO2peak on the 6MWT (ß=0.24, p<0.01) in individuals with PD. The PD group had low performance on the 6MWT with a shorter distance walked (mean difference: -113.1 m; 95% CI: -203.2, -59.1) and worse cardiopulmonary condition with lower OUES values (mean difference: -0.52 [l/minO2]/[l/minVE]; 95% CI: -0.83, -0.21) found in this same group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that OUES is related to VO2peak during the 6MWT, and therefore it could be used as a submaximal test evaluation tool which provides cardiopulmonary reserve data in individuals with PD.

Frailty syndrome and risk of cardiovascular disease: Analysis from the International Mobility in Aging Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between frailty and a summary cardiovascular risk measure (Framingham Risk Score, FRS) in a sample of older adults from different epidemiologic contexts participating in the multicenter International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the IMIAS, which is composed of older adults from four different countries (Canada, Albania, Colombia and Brazil). A total of 1724 older adults aged 65-74 years were assessed. Frailty was defined as the presence of 3 or more of the following criteria: unintentional weight loss in the last year, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slowness in gait speed, and low levels of physical activity. The FRS was calculated to estimate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on: sex, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and treatment for hypertension, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, diabetes mellitus status and smoking habits. Confounders included measures of childhood social and economic adversity, as well as mid-life and adult adversity. RESULTS: After adjustment for adversities which occurred during in early, adult or current life, frail individuals presented higher FRS values (ß = 3.81, 95 %CI: 0.97-6.65, p-value <0.001) when compared to robust participants. A statistically significant relationship was also observed in prefrail participants with FRS (ß = 1.61, 95 % CI: 0.72-3.02, p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Frailty and prefrailty were associated to FRS, independent of life course adversities. Screening cardiovascular risk factors should be a target, mainly in those who present frailty syndrome.

Immediate Effects of Rib Mobilization and Diaphragm Release Techniques on Cardiac Autonomic Control in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of testing an intervention protocol and measuring the immediate effects of a rib mobilization technique (RMT) and a diaphragm release technique (DRT) on the autonomic nervous system of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This was a pilot study of a randomized controlled trial. Fourteen individuals were evaluated. Eligibility criteria were being a sedentary person with a diagnosis of COPD, age between 50 and 72 years, and being clinically stable. Exclusion criteria were heart disease, other respiratory comorbidities, and body mass index above 30kg/m2. Participants first underwent cardiorespiratory evaluation and were then allocated into 2 groups: the RMT + DRT group and the DRT group. Clinical assessments were performed immediately before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was carried out through a paired-sample Wilcoxon test, and the comparison between groups was performed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: All randomized participants completed the assessment and intervention protocol. Sample size was estimated at 24 individuals per group. The DRT group decreased resting heart rate by 5 bpm (P = .03) and increased variance (P = .04) and mean R-R interval (P = .03). The RMT + DRT group decreased mean R-R interval (P = .02). CONCLUSION: The design for this study appears to be feasible for evaluating manual-therapy intervention in the nonmusculoskeletal function of patients with COPD. It was possible to determine the sample size for future studies. Preliminary data show that the diaphragm release technique may reduce mean resting heart rate and increase heart-rate variability immediately after the intervention.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Quality and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: Exercise programs have been considered as an adjuvant treatment in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, few studies have focused on the effects of the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in reducing the severity and the symptoms of OSA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted and approved by the local Ethics Committee. All subjects signed the informed consent form and were randomized into 2 groups: a) IMT group (n = 8), 8 weeks of IMT with 75% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and b) placebo group (n = 8): subjects performed IMT without load. RESULTS: IMT group showed reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (p = 0.01), in the Berlin questionnaire score (p = 0.001) and an increase in inspiratory muscle strength (p = 0.018). IMT group demonstrated a reduction in the AHI (31.7 ± 15.9 events/h vs 29.9 ± 15.8 events/h; p <0.001), in the Berlin questionnaire scores (2.6 ± 0.5 vs 1.2 ± 0.5; p = 0.016), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (7.2 ± 3.6 vs 3.7 ± 1.3; p = 0.008), in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (12.5 ± 4.0 vs 7.7 ± 3.0; p = 0.008) and increase in MIP (83.6 ± 26.5 cmH2O and 127.9 ± 32.5 cmH2O; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: The IMT promotes discrete changes in the AHI and improves sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness in OSA. Moreover, IMT is a cheap, useful and simple home-based training program and can be considered as an adjunct therapy for OSA patients.

Predictive anatomical factors of lung aerosol deposition in obese individuals. Would modified mallampati score be relevant? Clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a highly prevalent condition worldwide that aggravates symptoms of already existing conditions such as asthma and COPD. The limited effectiveness of inhaled medications in these individuals may be related to anatomic characteristics of their upper airways, mainly due to compressive factors. METHODS: Controlled clinical trial with obese and nonobese individuals. The following variables were evaluated: anthropometric characteristics, Lung and airway deposition of radiolabeled aerosol (pulmonary scintigraphy), upper airways anatomy (CT scans), and modified Mallampati score. RESULTS: 29 subjects (17 nonobese and 12 obese) participated. Obese volunteers presented 30% lower aerosol lung deposition compared to nonobese. Moreover, obese subjects Mallampati classification of 4 presented an aerosol lung deposition two times lower than nonobese subjects (p = 0.021). The cross-sectional area of the retropalatal region and retroglossal region were lower in obese patients (p < 0.05), but no correlation to aerosol lung deposition was observed. BMI was associated with 32% of the variance of lung deposition (p < 0.001; ß -0.28; 95% CI -0.43 to -0.11). CONCLUSION: High BMI correlated to reduced percentage lung deposition. Also, modified Mallampati class 4 was even more detrimental to aerosol delivery into the lungs. Obese subjects have narrower upper airways, compared to nonobese, but this is not reflected in higher radiolabeled aerosol impaction into their oropharynx and does not predict the percentage of lung deposition in this group. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03031093 (clinicaltrials.org).

Effects of physical exercise on the autonomic nervous system in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Imbalance in autonomic modulation can occur after a cardiac event, which can lead to deleterious consequences. Exercise has proven to be a therapy which affects this modulation and can be assessed through heart rate variability (HRV). AREAS COVERED: The objective of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on heart rate variability in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). The PubMed, PEDro, Scielo, Lilacs and Cochrane databases were systematically searched, for articles which performed supervised exercises in phase II of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CAD. EXPERT OPINION: Given the differences between studies on interventions and population characteristics, it is difficult to justify similarities or divergences in terms of results. In addition to the variation in sample size, intervention duration, carrying out an additional program at home, and patients with different clinical presentations, it can be inferred that responses to exercise may vary for certain types/clinical profile of individuals with CAD. Thus, it is necessary to carry out more studies with greater methodological rigor, greater standardization of the variables studied and the evaluation forms, in order to increase the veracity of the results and the consequent clinical relevance and therapeutic application.

Maximal Voluntary Ventilation Should Not Be Estimated From the Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second in Healthy People and COPD Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the concordance between the value of the actual maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and the estimated value by multiplying the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and a different value established in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with healthy subjects and patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Five prediction formulas MVV were used for the comparison with the MVV values. Agreement between MVV measured and MVV obtained from five prediction equations were studied. FEV1 values were used to estimate MVV. Correlation and agreement analysis of the values was performed in two groups using the Pearson test and the Bland-Altman method; these groups were one group with 207 healthy subjects and the second group with 83 patients diagnosed with COPD, respectively. RESULTS: We recruited 207 healthy subjects (105 women, age 47 ± 17 years) and 83 COPD patients (age 66 ± 6 years; 29 GOLD II, 30 GOLD III, and 24 GOLD IV) for the study. All prediction equations presented a significant correlation with the MVV value (from 0.38 to 0.86, p < 0.05) except for the GOLD II subgroup, which had a poor agreement with measured MVV. In healthy subjects, the mean difference of the value of bias (and limits of agreement) varied between -3.9% (-32.8 to 24.9%), and 27% (-1.4 to 55.3%). In COPD patients, the mean difference of value of bias (and limits of agreement) varied between -4.4% (-49.4 to 40.6%), and 26.3% (-18.3 to 70.9%). The results were similar in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: The equations to estimate the value of MVV present a good degree of correlation with the real value of MVV, but they also show a poor concordance. For this reason, we should not use the estimated results as a replacement for the real value of MVV.

Effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training associated with a cardiac rehabilitation program on sympathetic activity and functional capacity in patients with heart failure: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals affected by heart failure (HF) may present fatigue, dyspnea, respiratory muscle weakness, and sympathetic activity hyperstimulation of the myocardium, among other symptoms. Conducting cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs can be associated with inspiratory muscle training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscular training (IMT) associated with a CR program on modulating myocardial sympathetic activity and maximal functional capacity, submaximal functional capacity, thickness, and mobility of the diaphragm muscle in patients with HF. METHODS: We will conduct a clinical, controlled, randomized, double-blind trial that will include sedentary men and women who are 21-60 years old and who have diagnosed systolic HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 45%. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: experimental and control. The control group will follow the conventional CR protocol, and the experimental group will follow the conventional CR protocol associated with IMT 7 days a week. The two proposed exercise protocols will have a frequency of three times a week for a period of 12 weeks. The sympathetic innervation of the cardiac muscle, the maximum and submaximal functional capacity, diaphragm mobility and thickness, and the quality of life of the participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention protocol. DISCUSSION: This clinical trial will be the first study to investigate the additional effects of IMT on CR in sympathetic hyperstimulation in the myocardium. The results of this study will contribute to developing therapeutic strategies collaborating to elucidate whether the association of IMT with CR can induce clinical benefits for patients with HF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02600000. Registered November 9, 2015. Retrospectively registered.

Patient-ventilator asynchrony in conventional ventilation modes during short-term mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery: randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Studies regarding asynchrony in patients in the cardiac postoperative period are still only a few. The main objective of our study was to compare asynchronies incidence and its index (AI) in 3 different modes of ventilation (volume-controlled ventilation [VCV], pressure-controlled ventilation [PCV] and pressure-support ventilation [PSV]) after ICU admission for postoperative care. METHODS: A prospective parallel randomised trialin the setting of a non-profitable hospital in Brazil. The participants were patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to VCV or PCV modes of ventilation and later both groups were transitioned to PSV mode. RESULTS: All data were recorded for 5 minutes in each of the three different phases: T1) in assisted breath, T2) initial spontaneous breath and T3) final spontaneous breath, a marking point prior to extubation. Asynchronies were detected and counted by visual inspection method by two independent investigators. Reliability, inter-rater agreement of asynchronies, asynchronies incidence, total and specific asynchrony indexes (AIt and AIspecific) and odds of AI ≥10% weighted by total asynchrony were analysed. A total of 17 patients randomly allocated to the VCV (n=9) or PCV (n=8) group completed the study. High inter-rated agreement for AIt (ICC 0.978; IC95%, 0,963-0.987) and good reliability (r=0.945; p<0.001) were found. Eighty-two % of patients presented asynchronies, although only 7% of their total breathing cycles were asynchronous. Early cycling and double triggering had the highest rates of asynchrony with no difference between groups. The highest odds of AI ≥10% were observed in VCV regardless the phase: OR 2.79 (1.36-5.73) in T1 vs T2, p=0.005; OR 2.61 (1.27-5.37) in T1 vs T3, p=0.009 and OR 4.99 (2.37-10.37) in T2 vs T3, p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of breathing asynchrony in postoperative cardiac patients, especially when initially ventilated in VCV. VCV group had a higher chance of AI ≥10% and this chance remained high in the following PSV phases.