Association between illness perception and clinical control, quality of life, physical activity, and psychosocial status in subjects with moderate to severe asthma: a cluster analysis.

Background: Illness perception (IP) is a psychosocial factor involved in several chronic diseases and is associated with relevant clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between IP and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial status, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in subjects with asthma is poorly understood.Objective: To identify groups of subjects with asthma based on their IPs and to assess their association with clinical control, HRQoL, psychosocial disturbances, and PADL.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 149 subjects with moderate to severe asthma. IP, anthropometric data, Asthma Control Questionnaire-7, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, PADL (accelerometry), and general self-efficacy (GSE) were assessed. Cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters with similar profiles and investigate their characteristics and differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the associations between IP and other variables.Results: Statistical analyses identified two clusters of subjects with asthma based on IP. Cluster 1 presented worse IP in seven out of eight domains than Cluster 2. Cluster 1 had more negative consequences of the disease, worse understanding, and a high emotional representation of the disease than Cluster 2. Cluster 1 also had a greater extent of asthma symptoms, poor clinical control, worse HRQoL, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression. No difference between clusters was found for PADL or self-efficacy.Conclusion: Subjects with asthma who have worse IP have more negative symptoms, worse clinical control, HRQoL, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Sexual performance and pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with fibromyalgia: a controlled cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic and widespread pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, psychological distress and morning stiffness. These patients also present symptoms such as depression, sexual dysfunctions and reproductive problems. Sexuality involves several aspects, including pelvic floor functionality, and one question is whether the sexual performance of women with fibromyalgia is associated with pelvic floor function or other characteristics of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gauge the association between perineal function and sexual performance in women with and without fibromyalgia. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 109 sexually active women from 19 to 65 years of age, either suffering from fibromyalgia (FM group, n = 51) or free from fibromyalgia (non-FM group, n = 58). Perineal function was measured with the use of perineometry and digital vaginal palpation (PERFECT Scheme), while sexual performance was assessed by the Sexual Quotient Female questionnaire (QS-F). RESULTS: Patients with fibromyalgia presented poor sexual performance compared to those without fibromyalgia (QS-F score 58 (32-66) vs. 66 (56-70); p = 0.002) as well as lower pelvic floor muscle strength measured by perineometry (32.5 (18.2-40.5) vs. 37.9 (23.4- 57.3); p = 0.03). Patients without fibromyalgia presented a positive correlation between perineometry and QS-F (r = 0.22; p = 0.038), while those with fibromyalgia presented no correlation between those two variables (r = 0.22; p = 0.12). The regression model showed an association between sexual performance and the presence of fibromyalgia, pelvic floor muscle strength (perineometry) and age, according to the following equation: sexual performance = 48.52 + (9.5 * non-FM group) + (0.23 * perineometry)-(0.4 * age), with adjusted R2 = 0.19. CONCLUSION: Women with FM present poor sexual performance and lower pelvic floor muscle strength compared to those without FM. However, the correlation between these variables among women without FM was not observed in women with FM. Sexual performance showed a positive association with absence of fibromyalgia and higher pelvic floor muscle strength, and a negative association with age.

Impact of a Progressive Mobility Program on the Functional Status, Respiratory, and Muscular Systems of ICU Patients: A Randomized and Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate whether patients who participated in a mobility program in the ICU performed better on functional status, muscle, mobility, and respiratory assessments upon discharge than patients who received conventional physiotherapy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Blind evaluation. PATIENTS: Adults with previous functional independence and without contraindications for mobilization were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group participated in an early and progressive mobility program with five levels of activity. The control group underwent the conventional treatment without a preestablished routine. We evaluated functional status, level of activity, respiratory status, muscle strength, and mobility at ICU discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed 49 patients in the control group and 50 patients in the intervention group. Our data showed patients with better functional status and more functionally independent patients in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (96% vs 44%; p < 0.001). The results of the sit-to-stand and 2-minute walk tests, as well as the results of the maximum voluntary ventilation tests, also varied between the groups. The intervention group had shorter ICU stays than the control group. Higher Barthel index scores were associated with the amount of activity and participation in the protocol. The benefits to functional status remained during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who participated in an ICU mobility program had better functional status at discharge from the ICU. The other benefits of the program included better performance in the mobility tests and improved maximum voluntary ventilation performance.

A study of measurement properties of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To test the measurement properties (reliability, interpretability, and validity) of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DESIGN: Clinimetric study. SETTING: Pneumology service, ambulatory care, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive sample of older adults ( n = 62; 38 (61%) men, 24 (39%) women) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Life-Space Assessment questionnaire assesses five space levels visited by the older adult in four weeks prior to the assessment. We tested the following measurement properties of this questionnaire: reliability (reproducibility assessed by a type-2,1 intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1); internal consistency assessed by the Cronbach's alpha; measurement error by determining the standard error of measurement (SEM)), interpretability (minimum detectable change with 90% confidence (MDC90); ceiling and floor effects by calculating the proportion of participants who achieved the minimum and maximum scores), and validity by Pearson's correlation test between the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire scores and number of daily steps assessed by accelerometry. RESULTS: Reproducibility (ICC2,1) was 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-0.94), and internal consistency (Cronbach's α) was 0.80 (range = 0.76-0.80 for each item deleted). SEM was 3.65 points (3%), the MDC90 was 0.20 points, and we observed no ceiling (2%) or floor (6%) effects. We observed an association between the score of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire and daily steps ( r = 0.43; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Life-Space Assessment questionnaire shows adequate measurement properties for the assessment of life-space mobility in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Is Incentive Spirometry Superior to Standard Care in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery on Clinical Outcomes and Length of Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Stay? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery is a frequent surgical procedure and may present a high risk of complications. Among the prophylactic strategies studied to decrease the rates of negative outcomes, respiratory care seems to reduce pulmonary complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is a low-cost, respiratory exercise technique, used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). The aim of this review was to evaluate whether IS is superior to respiratory care, mobilization exercises, and noninvasive ventilation on PPC, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Systematic review. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (or MEDLINE®), Embase®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (or CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (or CINAHL®), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Allied, Scopus®, and OpenGrey databases, clinical trial registration sites, conferences, congresses, and symposiums were searched. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized trials and one quasi-randomized trial (1,677 participants) were included. For partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), IS was inferior to respiratory care (mean difference [MD] -4.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.32 to -0.63). Flow-oriented IS was inferior to respiratory care on PaO2 (MD -4.53; 95% CI -8.88 to -0.18). However, compared to respiratory care, flow-oriented IS was superior on recovery vital capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that IS was not superior to standard respiratory care for PPCs and clinical outcomes, therefore its use should not be widely recommended until further studies with high quality be performed to ensure this clinical guidance.

Grade-4/5 motor activity log-Brazil for post-stroke individuals with a severely impaired upper limb: a validity, reliability and measurement error study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the clinimetrics of the Brazilian-Portuguese translation of the Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log (MAL 4/5), which assesses everyday use of the more affected upper-limb (UL) in stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe motor impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translated MAL 4/5 was administered to 47 stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairment. Accelerometers were worn on participants' wrists for five days on average prior to the first assessment. Test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using Cronbach's α, and construct validity was tested with correlations with the accelerometry. The measurement error (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: MAL4/5-Brazil's test-retest reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.84; QOU: ICC = 0.90), inter-rater reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.83; QOU: ICC = 0.91), internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91 and 0.95 for AOU and QOU scales, respectively), the SEM and MDC were 0.3 and 0.8 points for the AOU subscale and 0.2 and 0.5 points for the QOU subscale, respectively. The construct validity (AOU scale: r = 0.67; QOU scale: r = 0.76) was high. CONCLUSION: Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log-Brazil is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the more-affected UL use of stroke patients with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairments.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil were established in adults with hemiparesis moderate/severe or severe upper extremity post Stroke.The minimum detectable change for the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil was 0.8 points for the Amount of Use scale and 0.5 points for the Quality of Use scale.Data from the accelerometry supports the construct validity of this instrument.The assessment can now be used clinically and for research in adults with impairment upper extremity moderate/severe or severe post Stroke.

Identifying the Characteristics of Responders and Nonresponders in a Behavioral Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Asthma: Protocol for a Prospective Pragmatic Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has suggested that most adults improve their asthma control after a short-term behavioral intervention program to increase physical activity in daily life (PADL). However, the characteristics of individuals who respond and do not respond to this intervention and the medium-term response remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) identify the characteristics of adult responders and nonresponders with asthma to a behavioral intervention to increase physical activity and (2) evaluate the functional and clinical benefits in the medium term. METHODS: This prospective pragmatic study will include adults with moderate to severe asthma who enroll in a behavioral intervention. All individuals will receive an educational program and an 8-week intervention to increase PADL (1 time/wk; up to 90 min/session). The educational program will be conducted in a class setting through group discussions and video presentations. Behavioral interventions will be based on the transtheoretical model using counseling, incentives, and individual feedback aiming to increase participation in physical activity. Motivational interviewing and guidelines for overcoming barriers will be used to stimulate individuals to reach their goals. Pre- and postintervention assessments will include the following: PADL (triaxial accelerometry), body composition (octopolar bioimpedance), barriers to PADL (questionnaire), clinical asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire), quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), anxiety and depression levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and exacerbations. "Responders" to the intervention will be defined as those who demonstrate an increase in the number of daily steps (≥2500). RESULTS: In December 2021, the clinical trial registration was approved. Recruitment and data collection for the trial is ongoing, and the results of this study are likely to be published in late 2024. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention will likely promote different effects according to the clinical characteristics of the individuals, including asthma control, age, anxiety and depression levels, obesity, and several comorbidities. Identifying individuals who respond or do not respond to behavioral interventions to increase PADL will help clinicians prescribe specific interventions to adults with asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05159076; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05159076. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/49032.

Factors associated with functional decline in an intensive care unit: a prospective study on the level of physical activity and clinical factors. / Fatores associados com o declínio funcional em uma unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo prospectivo sobre o nível de atividade física e os fatores clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with functional status decline in intensive care unit patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients in an intensive care unit aged 18 years or older without neurological disease or contraindications to mobilization were included. The exclusion criteria were patients who spent fewer than 4 days in the intensive care unit or died during the study period. Accelerometry was used to assess the physical activity level of patients. We recorded age, SAPS 3, days on mechanical ventilation, drugs used, comorbidities, and functional status after intensive care unit discharge. After intensive care unit discharge, the patients were assigned to a dependent group or an independent group according to their Barthel index. Logistic regression and the odds ratio were used in the analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-three out of 112 included patients were assigned to the dependent group. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 (2 - 4). The mean SAPS 3 score was 53 ± 11. The patients spent 94 ± 4% of the time spent in inactivity and 4.8 ± 3.7% in light activities. The odds ratio showed that age (OR = 1.08; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.13) and time spent in inactivity (OR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.14 - 1.67) were factors associated with functional status decline. Time spent in light activity was associated with a better functional status (OR = 0.73; 95%CI 0.60 - 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Age and time spent in inactivity during intensive care unit stay are associated with functional status decline. On the other hand, performing light activities seems to preserve the functional status of patients.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores associados com o declínio do estado funcional em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo pacientes com idade de 18 anos ou mais, sem doença neurológica ou contraindicações para mobilização, internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Os critérios para exclusão foram pacientes com permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva inferior a 4 dias, ou com óbito durante o período do estudo. A avaliação do nível de atividade física dos pacientes foi realizada com acelerometria. Registraram-se idade, escore segundo o SAPS 3, dias de ventilação mecânica, fármacos utilizados, comorbidades e estado funcional por ocasião da alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Segundo seu estado funcional na alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, os pacientes foram designados para os grupos "dependentes" ou "independentes", segundo seu índice na escala de Barthel. As análises foram realizadas com regressão logística e cálculo da razão de chance. RESULTADOS: Dos 112 pacientes incluídos, 63 foram atribuídos ao grupo "dependentes". O índice de comorbidade de Charlson mediano foi de 3 (2 - 4). O SAPS 3 médio foi de 53 ± 11. Os pacientes permaneceram 94 ± 4% do tempo na unidade de terapia intensiva em condições de inatividade e 4,8 ± 3,7% em atividades leves. As análises de razão de chance mostraram que idade (RC = 1,08; IC95% 1,04 - 1,13) e tempo de inatividade (RC =1,38; IC95% 1,14 - 1,67) foram fatores associados ao declínio funcional. O tempo em atividades leves se associou com melhor estado funcional (RC = 0,73; IC95% 0,60 - 0,89). CONCLUSÃO: Idade e tempo em inatividade durante a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva se associaram com declínio do estado funcional. Por outro lado, a realização de atividades leves parece preservar a condição funcional dos pacientes.

Impact of prone positioning on patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on invasive mechanical ventilation: a multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. RESULTS: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality.

Musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain in adults with asthma.

BACKGROUND: The mechanical alterations related to the overload of respiratory muscles observed in adults with persistent asthma might lead to the development of chronic alterations in posture, musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain; however, these changes remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess postural alignment, muscle shortening and chronic pain in adults with persistent asthma. METHODS: This cross-sectional and controlled study enrolled 30 patients with mild (n = 17) and severe (n = 13) persistent asthma. Fifteen non-asthmatic volunteers were also assessed. Asthma was classified by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. Postural alignment and muscle shortening were evaluated by head and shoulder positions, chest wall mobility, and posterior (trunk and lower limb) muscle flexibility. In addition, the measures used were previously tested for their reproducibility. Pain complaints were also assessed. RESULTS: In comparison with non-asthmatic subjects, patients with mild or severe persistent asthma held their head and shoulders more forward and had lower chest wall expansion, decreased shoulder internal rotation, and decreased thoracic spine flexibility. Chronic lower thoracic, cervical, and shoulder pain was significantly increased in patients with mild or severe asthma compared with non-asthmatic subjects (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adults with persistent asthma have musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic pain that is independent of the severity of their disease but that might be related to their age at the onset of disease symptoms.

Activities of Daily Living and Life-Space Mobility in Older Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether limitation during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life-space mobility in older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to generate a regression model for life-space mobility score. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study with a convenience sample included older people (aged ≥60 years old) with COPD. We assessed participants' lung function (spirometry), life-space mobility (University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment questionnaire), severity of dyspnea (Modified Dyspnea Index) and limitation during the performance of ADL (London Chest Activity of Daily Living). We used Pearson's correlation to investigate the associations between the measures, and multiple linear regression to detect which of the measures influenced life-space mobility. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Fifty participants completed all the assessments (29 females [58%]; mean ± SD age of 67 ± 6 years old, FEV1 47 ± 29% of predicted, and body mass index 22.5 ± 11.6 kg/m2). Their mean scores for life-space mobility and for limitation during the performance of ADL were 49.7 ± 27.2 and 16.46 ± 9.74, respectively. We found a strong inverse correlation between limitation during the performance of ADL and life-space mobility (r = -0.57, p = <0.01) as well as between severity of dyspnea and life-space mobility (r= 0.86, p= <0.01). Both sex and limitation during the performance of ADL were considered as independent factors associated to life-space mobility (R2= 0.56). Conclusion: In this study, limitations during the performance of ADL and dyspnea had a strong correlation with life-space mobility in older adults with COPD. Also, alongside sex, the limitation during the performance of ADL is an independent factor associated with life-space mobility in a regression model.

Impact of Renal Transplantation and Immunosuppressive Therapy on Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study.

Renal transplantation is the best long-term treatment option compared with maintenance dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. This treatment should be combined with immunosuppressive drugs to obtain positive effects; however, the adverse effects of these medications in the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients undergoing renal transplantation in the preoperative period and during the first 6 months of postoperative period. METHODS: The respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and functional capacity of 40 patients were evaluated from the pretransplant period to 6 months post-renal transplantation. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative period, the patients experienced improvement of the respiratory and peripheral strength 6 months after transplant (maximal inspiratory pressure 44% and maximal expiratory pressure 28.96%, handgrip 13.81%, and lower limbs 26.95%) and also in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 6 months after transplant, patients showed improvement in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and quality of life, but even with the improvement, patients presented an unsatisfactory quality of life and muscle strength, regardless of immunosuppressive therapy.

Reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness of the DEMMI mobility index for Brazilian older hospitalized patients.

AIM: To translate and adapt cross-culturally the De Morton Mobility Index from English to Brazilian Portuguese. Furthermore, to test the content validity, reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness for older hospitalized patients. METHODS: After we carried out the translation and the cross-cultural adaptation of the De Morton Mobility Index and its administration instructions according to international guidelines, the content validity of De Morton Mobility Index was tested by experienced physiotherapists. In the sequence, the reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness were tested in a test-retest design with 93 older patients hospitalized in ward for clinical reasons. The reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (internal consistency), standard error measurement (agreement), and interclass correlation coefficients (intra and inter-examiner reliability). The construct validity was tested by Pearson's correlation between the De Morton Mobility Index score and the number of steps. Interpretability was analyzed by determining the minimum detectable change and the floor and ceiling effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scoring). Responsiveness was analyzed by effect size. RESULTS: The Brazilian version of the De Morton Mobility Index was made and adapted. The internal consistency (α = 0.89), reliability intra-(ICC = 0.94) and inter-examiners (ICC = 0.82), agreement were all adequate. The De Morton Mobility Index is validity when correlated with number of steps (r = 0.46). Floor or ceiling effects (<15%) were not observed and the responsiveness was high (ES = 3.65). CONCLUSION: The De Morton Mobility Index has shown adequate reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness for the evaluation of the mobility of older hospitalized patients.

Adding positive airway pressure to mobilisation and respiratory techniques hastens pleural drainage: a randomised trial.

QUESTIONS: In patients with a collection of fluid in the pleural space, do mobilisation and respiratory techniques: shorten the drainage period and length of hospital stay; improve respiratory function and oxygenation; and prevent pulmonary complications? Does the addition of positive airway pressure to this regimen further improve the effects? DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with three intervention arms, concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessment. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-six inpatients with a fluid collection in the pleural space and with chest drainage in situ. INTERVENTION: Participants received usual care and were randomly assigned to: a control group that also received sham positive airway pressure (4 cmH2O) only (Con); an experimental group that received incentive spirometry, airway clearance, mobilisation and the same sham positive pressure (Exp1); or an experimental group that received the Exp1 regimen except that the positive airway pressure was 15 cmH2O (Exp2). Treatments were provided three times per day for 7 days. OUTCOME MEASURES: Days of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications and adverse events were recorded until hospital discharge. Costs in each group were estimated. RESULTS: The Exp2 group had shorter duration of chest tube drainage and length of hospital stay compared with the Exp1 and Con groups. In addition, the Exp2 group had less antibiotic use (18% versus 43% versus 55%) and pneumonia incidence (0% versus 16% versus 20%) compared with the Exp1 and Con groups (all p < 0.01). The groups had similar rates of adverse events (10% versus 2% versus 6%, p > 0.05). Total treatment costs were lower in the Exp2 group than in the Exp1 and Con groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a fluid collection in the pleural space, the addition of positive pressure to mobilisation and respiratory techniques decreased the duration of thoracic drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications, antibiotic use and treatment costs. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02246946.

Effects of elastic tape on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with COPD.

Subjects with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) that reduces ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity. However, no therapeutic intervention has focused on reducing TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elastic tape (ET) on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea symptoms, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPD. This crossover, randomized trial included nonobese males with severe to very severe COPD. ET was placed on the chest wall and abdomen to reduce TAA. Subjects were evaluated at three hospital visits, each 7 days apart. At visit 1, thoracoabdominal kinematic and pulmonary ventilation were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography and electrical impedance tomography, respectively, both at rest and during isoload exercise testing. At visit 2, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET; 10 W/min) was performed until exhaustion. Between the visits, subjects used a physical activity monitor (PAM) (at least 5 days of measurement; 10 h/day). At visit 3, all the tests were repeated in the opposite order of the previous randomization. During the isoload exercise, subjects with ET presented lower tidal and minute volumes (P = 0.01) and reduced TAA (P = 0.02) and dyspnea (P = 0.04). During the CPET, subjects with ET presented an increase in peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak; L/min and mL·kg-1·min-1; P = 0.01), test duration (P = 0.009), and maximal load (P = 0.03). Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was evaluated by the PAM, was also increased in subjects with ET (P = 0.01). ET reduced TAA and dyspnea and increased exercise capacity and the duration of MVPA in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPDNEW & NOTEWORTHY Elastic tape can be used as a new and low-cost intervention to reduce thoracoabdominal asynchrony and sedentary behavior as well as improve exercise capacity and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bariatric Surgery Associated with Practice of Moderate to Intense Physical Activity Related to Weight Loss, Activity Level in Daily Life, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life of Sedentary Individuals with Morbid Obesity: a Prospective Longitudinal Study.

AIM: To evaluate the association of moderate-to-intense physical activity with the effects of bariatric surgery on weight loss, level of activities of daily living, dyspnea, and quality of life in sedentary individuals with grade II and III obesity. METHOD: Seventy-eight candidates for bariatric surgery were evaluated for anthropometry, dyspnea, quality of life, level of activities of daily living, and physical activity. After surgery, all patients were instructed to perform moderate-to-intense physical activity. All 78 patients were reassessed 6 months after bariatric surgery, and 52 patients were reassessed 3 years after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Adherence to physical activity during the postoperative period was 36% at 6 months and 38% at 3 years. Compared with the patients who did not adhere to physical activity, weight loss was higher in the adherent patients at 6 months (29 ± 4% vs. 26 ± 5%; p = 0.01) and 3 years (32 ± 8% vs. 26 ± 6%, p = 0.005). The level of activities of daily living and quality of life also improved in the patients that adhered to physical activity at both 6 months and 3 years after bariatric surgery. However, no difference in dyspnea was observed between the adherent and non-adherent patients. Adherence to physical activity was an independent factor for postoperative weight loss. CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-intense physical activity after bariatric surgery increases weight loss, quality of life, and level of activities of daily living, but does not directly influence dyspnea in individuals with morbid obesity.

Assessment of the measurement properties of the Brazilian versions of the Functional Status Score for the ICU and the Functional Independence Measure in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. / Avaliação das propriedades de medida das versões brasileiras da Escala de Estado Funcional para UTI e da Medida de Independência Funcional em pacientes críticos na unidade de terapia intensiva.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the measurement properties (internal consistency, intra and interrater reliability, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects) of the Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor domain). METHODS: In this study of measurement properties, the FSS-ICU and FIM were applied to 100 patients (72.1 ± 15.9 years; 53% male; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11.0 ± 3.5 points, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50.2 ± 16.8 points) in an intensive care unit at baseline and after 2 hours by physiotherapist 1 (test and retest) and 30 minutes after baseline by physiotherapist 2. The measurement properties evaluated were internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), intra- and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), agreement (standard error of measurement) and minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level, ceiling and floor effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scores) and construct validity (Pearson's correlation). RESULTS: The FSS-ICU and FIM presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, FSS-ICU = 0.95 and FIM = 0.86), intra-and interrater reliability for overall FSS-ICU and FIM score (ICC > 0.75), agreement (minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level: FSS-ICU and FIM = 1.0 point; standard error of measurement: FSS-ICU = 2% and FIM = 1%) and construct validity (r = 0.94; p < 0.001). However, the FSS-ICU and FIM presented ceiling effects (maximum score for 16% of patients for the FSS-ICU and 18% for the FIM). CONCLUSION: The FSS-ICU and FIM present adequate measurement properties to assess functionality in critically ill patients, although they present ceiling effects.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as propriedades de medida (consistência interna, confiabilidade intra e interavaliadores, validade do construto, e efeitos teto e piso) da Escala de Estado Funcional para UTI (FSS-ICU - Functional Status Score for the ICU) e da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF)-domínio motor). MÉTODOS: Neste estudo de propriedades de medida, a FSS-ICU e a MIF foram aplicadas em 100 pacientes (72,1 ± 15,9 anos; 53% masculino; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11,0 ± 3,5 pontos; Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50,2 ± 16,8 pontos) na unidade de terapia intensiva na linha de base e após 2 horas pelo fisioterapeuta 1 (teste e reteste) e 30 minutos após a linha de base pelo fisioterapeuta 2. As propriedades de medidas avaliadas foram a consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach), as confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse), a concordância (erro padrão de medida), a diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90%, os efeitos teto e piso (frequência de pontuação máxima e mínima) e a validade do construto (correlação de Pearson). RESULTADOS: Para a FSS-ICU e a MIF, foram encontradas adequadas consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach: FSS-ICU = 0,95 e MIF = 0,86), confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores para pontuação geral da FSS-ICU e MIF (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse > 0,75), concordância (diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90% e MIF = 1,0 ponto; erro padrão de medida: FSS-ICU = 2% e MIF = 1%) e validade do construto (r = 0,94; p < 0,001). A FSS-ICU apresentou efeito teto de 16% e a MIF de 18%. CONCLUSÃO: As escalas FSS-ICU e MIF têm adequadas propriedades de medida para avaliarem funcionalidade em pacientes críticos, embora apresentem efeito teto.

Effects of aerobic exercise on pain and disability in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Aerobic exercise programs have been used for various health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. However, the literature is still limited regarding the effect of aerobic exercise on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. METHODS: Search strategies will be performed in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE ( https://www.embase.com ), CINAHL, PEDro, Lilacs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We will include randomized controlled trials in any language or date of publication. The primary outcomes will be pain and disability. The methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial will be evaluated using the 11-item PEDro scale. The strength of the recommendations will be summarized using the using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise in patients with chronic low back pain on pain and disability outcomes. This information can help healthcare professionals in decision-making related to the use of aerobic exercise in patients with low back pain. Following the guidelines, this systematic review protocol was registered on the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42017071945.

Comparing high and low levels of continuous positive airway pressure on lung aeration in patients with pleural drainage: A feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the feasibility of use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 15- and 4-cmH2 O for a randomized controlled trial with patients with pleural drainage. METHODS: Ten patients with traumatic pleural effusion drained within 24 hr, with controlled pain received randomly CPAP with 0-, 4-, and 15-cmH2 O. Computed tomography was used to assess the lung aeration. Patients reported the level of tolerability. Air leak was also observed as a parameter of safety. The levels of pressure were compared using the Friedman test followed by the Tukey test as post hoc. RESULTS: The lung area under CPAP with 15 cmH2 O (median = 3,913 mm2 ; IQR = 3,416-4,390 mm2 ) was greater than 4 (median = 3,495 mm2 ; IQR = 3,075-3,954 mm2 ) and 0 cmH2 O (median = 3,382 mm2 ; IQR = 2,962-3,658 mm2 ; p < 0.001). There was no difference between lung areas under CPAP with 4 and 0 cmH2 O. All levels of pressure were well tolerated by patients. No air leak was observed during the assessments. CONCLUSION: CPAP with 15 cmH2 O is able to expand lungs of patients with pleural drainage. CPAP with 4 cmH2 O seems not have therapeutic effect. In addition, CPAP with 15 cmH2 O is well tolerated and safe in this population.

Clinimetric Properties of the Brief Fatigue Inventory Applied to Oncological Patients Hospitalized for Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The clinimetric properties of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were not previously assessed in oncological patients hospitalized for chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability and validity of the construct, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness of the BFI administered to oncological patients hospitalized for chemotherapy. METHODS: This test-retest study included 100 oncological patients hospitalized for chemotherapy. The clinimetric properties tested were as follows: internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC2,1] and 95% CI), agreement (standard error of measurement and minimum difference changed [MDC90%]), validity of the construct (Pearson's correlation [r] with the Piper Fatigue Scale), responsiveness (effect size [ES] and correlation), and ceiling and floor effects (minimum and maximum score frequencies). The BFI was applied on the first day of chemotherapy and 48 hours and 15 days after the start of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The BFI presented adequate values of internal consistency (α Cronbach = 0.94), substantial reliability [ICC2,1 (95% CI) = 0.87 (0.81 to 0.91)] and very good agreement (standard error of measurement = 1% and MDC90% = -0.37). The BFI had a positive and strong correlation with the Piper Fatigue Scale (r = 0.84; P < 0.001). Internal responsiveness was considered moderate (ES = 0.5), and external responsiveness was absent. A floor effect was present (35%). CONCLUSION: BFI applied to oncological patients hospitalized for chemotherapy replicates its original version with adequate reliability, validity, and internal responsiveness. However, in this population, the BFI showed a floor effect.