Short-term effects of air pollution and weather on physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accumulate low levels of physical activity. How environmental factors affect their physical activity in the short-term is uncertain. AIM: to assess the short-term effects of air pollution and weather on physical activity levels in COPD patients. METHODS: This multi-center panel study assessed 408 COPD patients from Catalonia (Spain). Daily physical activity (i.e., steps, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), locomotion intensity, and sedentary time) was recorded in two 7-day periods, one year apart, using the Dynaport MoveMonitor. Air pollution (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter below 10 µm (PM10) and a marker of black carbon (absorbance of PM2.5: PM2.5ABS), and weather (average and maximum temperature, and rainfall) were estimated the same day (lag zero) and up to 5 days prior to each assessment (lags 1-5). Mixed-effect distributed lag linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, weekday, public holidays, greenness, season, and social class, with patient and city as random effects. RESULTS: Patients (85% male) were on average (mean ± SD) 68 ± 9 years old with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 57 ± 18% predicted. Higher NO2, PM10 and PM2.5ABS levels at lag four were associated with fewer steps, less time in MVPA, reduced locomotion intensity, and longer sedentary time (e.g., coefficient (95% CI) of -60 (-105, -15) steps per 10 µg/m3 increase in NO2). Higher average and maximum temperatures at lag zero were related to more steps and time in MVPA, and less sedentary time (e.g., +85 (15, 154) steps per degree Celsius). Higher rainfall at lag zero was related to fewer steps and more sedentary time. CONCLUSION: Air pollution affects the amount and intensity of physical activity performed on the following days in COPD patients, whereas weather affects the amount of physical activity performed on the same day.

Undergraduate research implementation in physiotherapy: a hands-on and real experience of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the gold standard approach in physiotherapy, and it is essential that students are aware that it is the appropriate way to provide the patient with the best possible treatment. Undergraduate research (UR) can positively influence learning outcomes and research competencies related to EBP compared to traditional methods of higher education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implementing a research-based activity (i.e., active participation in a randomised controlled trial [RCT]) in the UR programme on the learning and acquisition of research methodology-related competencies by first-year physiotherapy students. METHODS: Students in the first academic year of the Bachelor´s Degree in Physiotherapy of University of Deusto (Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain) who were enrolled in the subject 'Introduction to Research Methodology' were invited to take part in a real RCT which consisted of three groups: intervention, placebo, and control group. While the RCT was carried out, researchers and/or participants roles were combined among students during the semester. At the end, a questionnaire that included open and closed questions was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the UR strategies used in students´ acquisition of theoretical knowledge, research competencies, self-efficacy of RCT skills and procedures. Lecturers also completed the questionnaire to evaluate their experience. RESULTS: From the 114 students enrolled in the subject, 102 participated in the RCT and 110 answered the final questionnaire. Regarding the development of research competencies, UR had a positive or very positive impact on critical thinking (67% and 18%, respectively) and in the assessment of methodological quality (66% and 23%, respectively). Furthermore, most students reported that the implementation of the RCT facilitated their knowledge of placebo, detection of bias, development of critical thinking and a better understanding of methodological issues in research. Lecturers reported an additional burden that was difficult to reconcile with daily duties. CONCLUSION: The novel UR program provided students with a new opportunity to improve their knowledge of RCT procedures, thus making the learning process more meaningful. Therefore, ways of teaching and learning focused on improving research and inquiry attitudes should be considered and integrated into the health care curriculum, especially in physiotherapy programs, to ensure the transfer of EBP for the provision of the best care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Registry: ACTRN12622000263796p (14/02/2022).

Urban environment and physical activity and capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity and exercise capacity are key prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but their environmental determinants are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To test the association between urban environment and objective physical activity, physical activity experience and exercise capacity in COPD. METHODS: We studied 404 patients with mild-to-very severe COPD from a multi-city study in Catalonia, Spain. We measured objective physical activity (step count and sedentary time) by the Dynaport MoveMonitor, physical activity experience (difficulty with physical activity) by the Clinical visit-PROactive (C-PPAC) instrument, and exercise capacity by the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). We estimated individually (geocoded to the residential address) population density, pedestrian street length, slope of terrain, and long-term (i.e., annual) exposure to road traffic noise, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5). We built single- and multi-exposure mixed-effects linear regressions with a random intercept for city, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Patients were 85% male, had mean (SD) age 69 (9) years and walked 7524 (4045) steps/day. In multi-exposure models, higher population density was associated with fewer steps, more sedentary time and worse exercise capacity (-507 [95% CI: 1135, 121] steps, +0.2 [0.0, 0.4] h/day and -13 [-25, 0] m per IQR). Pedestrian street length related with more steps and less sedentary time (156 [9, 304] steps and -0.1 [-0.1, 0.0] h/day per IQR). Steeper slope was associated with better exercise capacity (15 [3, 27] m per IQR). Higher NO2 levels related with more sedentary time and more difficulty in physical activity. PM2.5 and noise were not associated with physical activity or exercise capacity. DISCUSSION: Population density, pedestrian street length, slope and NO2 exposure relate to physical activity and capacity of COPD patients living in highly populated areas. These findings support the consideration of neighbourhood environmental factors during COPD management and the attention to patients with chronic diseases when developing urban and transport planning policies.

Roles of the physical environment in health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE: Many clinical and psychological factors are known to influence the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, research on whether environmental factors, such as air pollution, noise, temperature, and blue/green spaces also influence HRQL in COPD has not been systematically investigated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between air pollution, road traffic noise, temperature, and distance to blue/green spaces and respiratory-specific HRQL in COPD. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from a multicenter study in 407 stable mild-to-very severe COPD patients from Barcelona (Catalonia). Patients answered the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ). Individual residential exposure to air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide [NO2] and particulate matters of varying aerodynamic diameters [PM2.5, PM10, and PM2.5absorbance]), road traffic noise (Lden), and land surface temperature were estimated using long-term averages from land-use regression models, 24-h noise maps, and land surface temperature maps, respectively. We measured residential distances to blue/green spaces from the Urban Atlas. We used mixed-effect negative binomial (for CAT) and linear (for CCQ) regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, with a random effect by center. RESULTS: Of those patients, 85 % were male and had a mean (SD) age of 69 (9) years, CAT score of 12 (7), CCQ-total score of 1.4 (1.0), and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 57 (18) %predicted. We found that NO2 and PM2.5absorbance were associated with worsened CAT and CCQ-mental scores, e.g., 0.15-unit change in CAT score [regression coefficient (ß) = 0.15; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.03, 0.26] per interquartile range in NO2 [13.7 µg/m3]. Greater distances to blue/green spaces were associated with worsened CCQ-mental scores [0.08; 0.002, 0.15]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that increased air pollution, particularly NO2 and PM2.5absorbance and greater distances to blue/green spaces negatively influence HRQL in COPD patients. These findings have important implications for the WHO promotion to develop healthy cities for our future.

Long-term efficacy and effectiveness of a behavioural and community-based exercise intervention (Urban Training) to increase physical activity in patients with COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

There is a need to increase and maintain physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed 12-month efficacy and effectiveness of the Urban Training intervention on physical activity in COPD patients.This randomised controlled trial (NCT01897298) allocated 407 COPD patients from primary and hospital settings 1:1 to usual care (n=205) or Urban Training (n=202). Urban Training consisted of a baseline motivational interview, advice to walk on urban trails designed for COPD patients in outdoor public spaces and other optional components for feedback, motivation, information and support (pedometer, calendar, physical activity brochure, website, phone text messages, walking groups and a phone number). The primary outcome was 12-month change in steps·day-1 measured by accelerometer.Efficacy analysis (with per-protocol analysis set, n=233 classified as adherent to the assigned intervention) showed adjusted (95% CI) 12-month difference +957 (184-1731) steps·day-1 between Urban Training and usual care. Effectiveness analysis (with intention-to-treat analysis set, n=280 patients completing the study at 12 months including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients) showed no differences between groups. Leg muscle pain during walks was more frequently reported in Urban Training than usual care, without differences in any of the other adverse events.Urban Training, combining behavioural strategies with unsupervised outdoor walking, was efficacious in increasing physical activity after 12 months in COPD patients, with few safety concerns. However, it was ineffective in the full population including unwilling and self-reported non-adherent patients.

Socio-environmental correlates of physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND: Study of the causes of the reduced levels of physical activity in patients with COPD has been scarce and limited to biological factors. AIM: To assess the relationship between novel socio-environmental factors, namely dog walking, grandparenting, neighbourhood deprivation, residential surrounding greenness and residential proximity to green or blue spaces, and amount and intensity of physical activity in COPD patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 410 COPD patients from five Catalan municipalities. Dog walking and grandparenting were assessed by questionnaire. Neighbourhood deprivation was assessed using the census Urban Vulnerability Index, residential surrounding greenness by the satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, and residential proximity to green or blue spaces as living within 300 m of such a space. Physical activity was measured during 1 week by accelerometer to assess time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vector magnitude units (VMU) per minute. FINDINGS: Patients were 85% male, had a mean (SD) age of 69 (9) years, and post-bronchodilator FEV1 of 56 (17) %pred. After adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic status, dyspnoea, exercise capacity and anxiety in a linear regression model, both dog walking and grandparenting were significantly associated with an increase both in time in MVPA (18 min/day (p<0.01) and 9 min/day (p<0.05), respectively) and in physical activity intensity (76 VMU/min (p=0.05) and 59 VMUs/min (p<0.05), respectively). Neighbourhood deprivation, surrounding greenness and proximity to green or blue spaces were not associated with physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Dog walking and grandparenting are associated with a higher amount and intensity of physical activity in COPD patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Pre-results, NCT01897298.

Non-anaemic iron deficiency impairs response to pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Non-anaemic iron deficiency (NAID) might alter the oxygen pathway in health and disease. The current study aims at assessing the impact of NAID on aerobic capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A prospective sample of 70 non-anaemic COPD patients candidate to participate in an 8-week pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme was studied. Incremental cycling exercise to peak oxygen uptake (V'O2peak ) and constant work-rate exercise at 80% V'O2peak to exhaustion were assessed pre- and post-PR. Training-induced increase of endurance time (ET) ≥33%, which represented the minimal clinically important difference, classified patients as responders to exercise training. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAID was 48% (n = 34) showing no relationship with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages (P = 0.209). Patients with NAID showed lower pre-training ET (P = 0.033) and V'O2peak (P = 0.007) than normal iron status (NIS) patients after adjustment for potential covariates. Significant training-induced physiological changes were seen in the NIS group (ΔV'O2peak 68(132) mL/min; P = 0.009), but not in the NAID group (ΔV'O2peak 26 (126) mL/min; P = 0.269). The NAID group showed lower percentage of responders to training (56%) than the NIS group (78%) (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: COPD patients with NAID showed lower pre-training aerobic capacity and reduced training-induced response than NIS patients after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

Nordic walking enhances oxygen uptake without increasing the rate of perceived exertion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: In healthy subjects, Nordic walking (NW) generates higher oxygen uptake (V˙O2) than standard walking at an equal rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The feasibility and positive outcomes of NW in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been reported. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study is to assess the physiological responses and RPE during NW in COPD patients. METHODS: In 15 COPD patients [mean (SD) age 67 (9) years] with a forced expiratory volume in the 1st s of 55% (15)], V˙O2, minute ventilation and heart rate were measured with a portable system during the 6-min walking test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walking test (SWT), 6-min NW on solid ground (6mNWground) and 6-min NW on soft dry beach sand (6mNWsand). The RPE using a modified Borg scale was assessed after each test. RESULTS: 6mNWground and 6mNWsand showed a higher V˙O2 plateau compared with the 6MWT and peak V˙O2 measured during SWT [mean (SD) V˙O2 21 (3), 22 (4), 18 (4) and 19 (5) ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively; p < 0.05 each]. However, no differences in RPE were observed among 6mNWground, 6MWT and SWT [modified Borg scale score for dyspnea 4.2 (2.0), 4.1 (1.8) and 4.3 (1.7), respectively; nonsignificant]. However, RPE in 6mNWsand was significantly higher than in all the other exercise protocols [modified Borg scale score for dyspnea 5.2 (2.2); p < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: In COPD patients, the use of Nordic poles generates higher V˙O2 than standard walking with no differences in the dyspnea score. The results indicate the potential to enhance community-based training programs in these patients. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Eating disorder symptoms and weight pressure in female rowers: associations between self-concept, psychological well-being and body composition.

BACKGROUND: Female rowers may be at risk of eating disorders and high weight pressure. AIM: The purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence of disordered eating symptoms and weight-related pressure and the associations with self-concept, psychological well-being, socio-demographic data, experience, performance level and body composition in female fixed-bench rowers. METHODS: Female rowers (n = 208; age ranged mean ± SD 23.6 ± 6.5 years) completed the SCOFF scale, Weight-Pressures in Sport-Females (WPS-F), Physical Self-Concept Questionnaire and the Ryff scales of psychological well-being and provided information on their experience and level of competition. In a subgroup of 115 athletes, body composition was assessed using bioimpedance. RESULTS: It was found that 42.3% of the athletes scored ≥ 2 on SCOFF and mean ± SD value of WPS-F score was 3.65 ± 0.82. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that self-concept of strength and pressure from teammates and the uniform were associated with higher ED symptoms, whereas better psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, self-concept of attractiveness, and age were protective factors for ED symptoms. BMI, athletes' physical condition, strength, and experience were associated with more weight-related pressure and better self-concept of attractiveness and physical well-being of autonomy were significantly associated with less pressure. In body composition analysis, higher extra cellular water, self-acceptance, and physical condition were associated with more weight-related pressure in female rowers, being attractiveness and the environmental mastery protective elements. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ED symptomatology and weight-related pressure are high in female fixed bench rowing. The psychological factors of well-being and self-concept, team environment, body image concerns and body composition analysis should be considered to promote healthy eating behaviours in female rowers.

Athletes may be at increased risk of developing disordered eating behaviours that, if persistent, may lead to a diagnosis of an eating disorder. This can affect their health in the short and long term. The risk factors are many, and perceived weight-related pressures and psychological attitudes towards body image, appearance and concerns are less well understood. Female rowers are at high risk for eating disorder symptoms, and athletes' self-concept of strength and pressure from teammates and the uniform were associated as negative factors for eating disorder symptoms. On the other hand, better psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, self-concept of attractiveness and age were protective factors for eating disorder symptoms. Weight pressure was associated with higher body mass index, water retention, physical condition, strength and experience, whereas better self-concept of attractiveness and physical well-being were significantly associated with less pressure. Weight pressure and psychological attitudes towards body image have the role of protective/facilitating factors against the development of eating disorders. They should be taken into account when designing prevention and intervention programmes for athletes, coaches, parents and technical staff.

Effectiveness of neural mobilisation for the treatment of nerve-related cervicobrachial pain: a systematic review with subgroup meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Neural mobilisations (NM) have been advocated for the treatment of nerve-related cervicobrachial pain; however, it is unclear what types of patients with nerve-related cervicobrachial pain (if any) may benefit. Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, PeDro, Cinahl, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until December 2022. Randomised controlled trials were included if they assessed the effectiveness of NM in nerve-related cervicobrachial pain, and outcome measures were pain intensity and/or disability. Studies were classified according to their inclusion/exclusion criteria as radiculopathy , Wainner cluster , Hall , and Elvey cluster or other . Meta-analyses with subgroup analyses were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Rob2 tool. Twenty-seven studies were included. For pain and disability reduction, NM was found to be more effective than no treatment (pooled pain mean difference [MD] = -2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.81 to -1.81; pooled disability standardized mean difference = -1.55, 95% CI = -2.72 to -0.37), increased the effectiveness of standard physiotherapy as an adjuvant when compared with standard physiotherapy alone (pooled pain MD = -1.44, 95% CI = -1.98 to -0.89; pooled disability MD = -11.07, 95% CI = -16.38 to -5.75) but was no more effective than cervical traction (pooled pain MD = -0.33, 95% CI = -1.35 to 0.68; pooled disability MD = -10.09, 95% CI = -21.89 to 1.81). For disability reduction, NM was found to be more effective than exercise (pooled MD = -18.27, 95% CI = -20.29 to -17.44). In most comparisons, there were significant differences in the effectiveness of NM between the subgroups. Neural mobilisations was consistently more effective than all alternative interventions (no treatment, traction, exercise, and standard physiotherapy alone) in 13 studies classified as Wainner cluster . PROSPERO registration: CRD42022376087.

Real-world walking cadence in people with COPD.

Introduction: The clinical validity of real-world walking cadence in people with COPD is unsettled. Our objective was to assess the levels, variability and association with clinically relevant COPD characteristics and outcomes of real-world walking cadence. Methods: We assessed walking cadence (steps per minute during walking bouts longer than 10 s) from 7 days' accelerometer data in 593 individuals with COPD from five European countries, and clinical and functional characteristics from validated questionnaires and standardised tests. Severe exacerbations during a 12-month follow-up were recorded from patient reports and medical registries. Results: Participants were mostly male (80%) and had mean±sd age of 68±8 years, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 57±19% predicted and walked 6880±3926 steps·day-1. Mean walking cadence was 88±9 steps·min-1, followed a normal distribution and was highly stable within-person (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92, 95% CI 0.90-0.93). After adjusting for age, sex, height and number of walking bouts in fractional polynomial or linear regressions, walking cadence was positively associated with FEV1, 6-min walk distance, physical activity (steps·day-1, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, vector magnitude units, walking time, intensity during locomotion), physical activity experience and health-related quality of life and negatively associated with breathlessness and depression (all p<0.05). These associations remained after further adjustment for daily steps. In negative binomial regression adjusted for multiple confounders, walking cadence related to lower number of severe exacerbations during follow-up (incidence rate ratio 0.94 per step·min-1, 95% CI 0.91-0.99, p=0.009). Conclusions: Higher real-world walking cadence is associated with better COPD status and lower severe exacerbations risk, which makes it attractive as a future prognostic marker and clinical outcome.

Heart rate and oxygen uptake kinetics obtained from continuous measurements with wearable devices during outdoor walks of patients with COPD.

Objective: Continuous physiological measurements during a laboratory-based exercise test can provide physiological biomarkers, such as heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) kinetics, that carry clinically relevant information. In contrast, it is not clear how continuous data generated by wearable devices during daily-life routines could provide meaningful biomarkers. We aimed to determine whether valid HR and V̇O2 kinetics can be obtained from measurements with wearable devices during outdoor walks in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: HR (Polar Belt) and V̇O2(METAMAX3B) were measured during 93 physical activity transitions performed by eight patients with COPD during three different outdoor walks (ntr = 77) and a 6-minute walk test (ntr = 16). HR and V̇O2 kinetics were calculated every time a participant started a walk, finished a walk or walked upstairs. HR and V̇O2 kinetics were considered valid if the response magnitude and model fit were adequate, and model parameters were reliable. Results: Continuous measurements with wearable devices provided valid HR kinetics when COPD patients started or finished (range 63%-100%) the different outdoor walks and valid V̇O2 kinetics when they finished (range 63%-100%) an outdoor walk. The amount of valid kinetics and kinetic model performance was comparable between outdoor walks and a laboratory-based exercise test (p > .05). Conclusion: We envision that the presented approach could improve telemonitoring applications of patients with COPD by providing regular, unsupervised assessments of HR kinetics during daily-life routines. This could allow to early identify a decline in the patients' dynamic physiological functioning, physical fitness and/or health status.

Maximal Respiratory Pressure Reference Equations in Healthy Adults and Cut-off Points for Defining Respiratory Muscle Weakness.

INTRODUCTION: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (PImax/PEmax) reference equations obtained in healthy people are needed to correctly interpret respiratory muscle strength. Currently, no clear cut-off points defining respiratory muscle weakness are available. We aimed to establish sex-specific reference equations for PImax/PEmax in a large sample of healthy adults and to objectively determine cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted across 14 Spanish centres. Healthy non-smoking volunteers aged 18-80 years stratified by sex and age were recruited. PImax/PEmax were assessed using uniform methodology according to international standards. Multiple linear regressions were used to obtain reference equations. Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness were established by using T-scores. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 610 subjects (314 females; 48 [standard deviation, SD: 17] years). Reference equations for PImax/PEmax included body mass index and a squared term of the age as independent variables for both sexes (p<0.01). Cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness based on T-scores ≥2.5 SD below the peak mean value achieved at a young age were: 62 and 83cmH2O for PImax and 81 and 109cmH2O for PEmax in females and males, respectively. CONCLUSION: These reference values, based on the largest dataset collected in a European population to date using uniform methodology, help identify cut-off points for respiratory muscle weakness in females and males. These data will help to better identify the presence of respiratory muscle weakness and to determine indications for interventions to improve respiratory muscle function.

Physical activity and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The cardiac autonomic function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been poorly studied. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to 1) describe the cardiac autonomic function assessed by heart rate recovery (HRR) and chronotropic response (CR) during a 6-min walk test (6MWT) and afterward and 2) estimate the association of physical activity with HRR and CR in COPD patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included 320 patients with mild to very severe COPD. Physical activity (steps, time in any/moderate-to-vigorous/vigorous physical activity, intensity and sedentary time) was measured during 1 week by accelerometer. CR and HRR were measured during a 6MWT and 5min after, respectively, and their association with physical activity parameters was estimated by multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: Patients were 82% male and had a mean (SD) age 68 (8) years, post-bronchodilator FEV1 57 (18) % predicted, and walked a mean of 7716 (4139) steps/day. HRR was slow until 5min after the 6MWT; the mean (SD) HRR was 15 (10), 22 (11), 25 (12), 25 (12) and 27 (12) bpm after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5min, respectively. The mean (SD) CR was 35% (16). After adjusting for relevant confounders, time in vigorous physical activity was significantly associated with a fast decrease in HRR (p=0.044) and an increase in CR (p=0.021). We found no independent association for other physical activity parameters. CONCLUSION: A cardiac autonomic dysfunction is present in patients with mild to very severe COPD and is inversely related to the practice of vigorous physical activity. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01897298.

[Respiratory physiotherapy in post-COVID-19: a decision-making algorithm for clinical practice]. / Fisioterapia respiratoria post-COVID-19: algoritmo de decisión terapéutica.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed a great challenge for the healthcare system which has been later aggravated by the need of managing clinical manifestations and potential sequelae in COVID-19 survivors. In this context, respiratory Physiotherapy emerges as a cornerstone in the interdisciplinary management warranted in this population. Given that the implementation and resources available for the interdisciplinary therapeutic interventions in Spain is scarce, it is essential to perform a comprehensive, exhaustive and personalised assessment. This will allow us to establish more accurate selection criteria in order to optimise the use of existing human and material resources. To this end, we propose here a decision-making algorithm for clinical practice to assess the clinical manifestations in people recovered from COVID-19 based on well-established, validated tests and assessment tools. This algorithm can be used at any clinical practice environment (primary care/community or hospital-based), combined with a patient-centered model and the use of community and e-Health resources and its application to improve the Physiotherapy care of these patients in the COVID-19 era.

Exacerbations and Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Patients with Bronchiectasis after 1 Year.

BACKGROUND: Low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis are associated with hospitalisation over one year. However, the factors associated with longitudinal changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour have not been explored. We aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic characteristics related to a change in physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis after one year. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study during which physical activity measurements were recorded using a SenseWear Armband for one week at baseline and at one year. At each assessment point, patients were classified as active or inactive (measured as steps per day) and as sedentary or not sedentary (measured as sedentary time). RESULTS: 53 patients with bronchiectasis were analysed, and after one year, 18 (34%) had worse activity and sedentary levels. Specifically, 10 patients became inactive and sedentary. Multivariable analysis showed that the number of exacerbations during the follow-up period was the only outcome independently associated with change to higher inactivity and sedentary behaviour (odds ratio (OR), 2.19; 95% CI, 1.12 to 4.28). CONCLUSIONS: The number of exacerbations in patients with bronchiectasis was associated with changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Exacerbation prevention may appear as a key factor in relation to physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients with bronchiectasis.

Patterns of Physical Activity Progression in Patients With COPD.

INTRODUCTION: Although mean physical activity in COPD patients declines by 400-500steps/day annually, it is unknown whether the natural progression is the same for all patients. We aimed to identify distinct physical activity progression patterns using a hypothesis-free approach and to assess their determinants. METHODS: We pooled data from two cohorts (usual care arm of Urban Training [NCT01897298] and PROactive initial validation [NCT01388218] studies) measuring physical activity at baseline and 12 months (Dynaport MoveMonitor). We identified clusters (patterns) of physical activity progression (based on levels and changes of steps/day) using k-means, and compared baseline sociodemographic, interpersonal, environmental, clinical and psychological characteristics across patterns. RESULTS: In 291 COPD patients (mean±SD 68±8 years, 81% male, FEV1 59±19%pred) we identified three distinct physical activity progression patterns: Inactive (n=173 [59%], baseline: 4621±1757 steps/day, 12-month change (Δ): -487±1201 steps/day), ActiveImprovers (n=49 [17%], baseline: 7727±3275 steps/day, Δ:+3378±2203 steps/day) and ActiveDecliners (n=69 [24%], baseline: 11 267±3009 steps/day, Δ: -2217±2085 steps/day). After adjustment in a mixed multinomial logistic regression model using Active Decliners as reference pattern, a lower 6-min walking distance (RRR [95% CI] 0.94 [0.90-0.98] per 10m, P=.001) and a higher mMRC dyspnea score (1.71 [1.12-2.60] per 1 point, P=.012) were independently related with being Inactive. No baseline variable was independently associated with being an Active Improver. CONCLUSIONS: The natural progression in physical activity over time in COPD patients is heterogeneous. While Inactive patients relate to worse scores for clinical COPD characteristics, Active Improvers and Decliners cannot be predicted at baseline.

Physical Activity Change during COVID-19 Confinement.

Background: The lockdown and social distancing caused by COVID-19 may influence common health behavior. The unprecedent worldwide confinement, in which Spain has been one of the most affected-with severe rules governing confinement-may have changed physical activity (PA) and sedentary habits due to prolonged stays at home. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate how self-reported PA and sedentary time (ST) have changed during confinement in the Spanish population. Methods: 3800 healthy adults (age 18-64 years) residing in Spain answered the international physical activity questionnaire short (IPAQ-S) twice between 23 March and 1 April (confinement). Data analysis was carried out taking into consideration meeting general PA recommendations before confinement, age and gender. Results: Self-reported PA decreased significantly during confinement in our sample. Vigorous physical activities (VPA) and walking time decreased by 16.8% (p < 0.001) and 58.2% (p < 0.001), respectively, whereas ST increased by 23.8% (p < 0.001). The percent of people fulfilling the 75 min/week of VPA recommendation decreased by 10.7% (p < 0.001) while the percent of people who reached 150 min/week of moderate activity barely changed (1.4%). The group that performed the most VPA before confinement showed the greatest decrease (30.5%, p < 0.001). Men reduced time in VPA more than women (21% vs 9%, respectively) who even increased time in moderate PA by 11% (p < 0.05) and reported less increase in ST than men (35% vs 25.3%, respectively). Conclusion: The Spanish adult population, especially young people, students and very active men, decreased daily self-reported PA and increased ST during COVID-19 confinement.

[Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) Consensus for post-COVID-19 Clinical Follow-up]. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR) para el seguimiento clínico post-COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause a range of respiratory sequelae, especially in patients who have had severe Covid-19 pneumonia. Given the high number of patients who have developed this infection over a short period of time, numerous post-Covid-19 follow-up visits are being carried out, but no clinical follow-up protocol has been established to advise on the complementary tests to be performed and the frequency of these procedures. This consensus document was drawn up by professionals from different areas of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) in order to assist the clinician in identifying possible respiratory complications that may occur during the months following the acute disease, and to protocolize their follow-up and additional tests to be performed. It recommends examinations and interventions to be carried out at various stages in the post-Covid-19 period, and details the specific objectives of these procedures. Primarily, we aim to ensure that patients receive timely clinical follow-up, following a pre-established schedule that takes into account the severity of the disease and the likelihood of long-term sequelae. Another objective is to avoid overloading the health system by eschewing examinations and/or consultations that are, in many cases, unnecessary. Finally, we define criteria for referring patients with specific established sequelae (interstitial lung disease, pulmonary vascular disease, bronchiectasis) to the corresponding specialized units.