A comprehensive physical functional assessment of survivors of critical care unit stay due to COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the physical function and respiratory muscle strength of patients - who recovered from critical COVID-19 - after intensive care unit discharge to the ward on Days one (D1) and seven (D7), and to investigate variables associated with functional impairment. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients with COVID-19 who needed invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula and were discharged from the intensive care unit to the ward. Participants were submitted to Medical Research Council sum-score, handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and short physical performance battery tests. Participants were grouped into two groups according to their need for invasive ventilation: the Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (IMV Group) and the Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (Non-IMV Group). RESULTS: Patients in the IMV Group (n = 31) were younger and had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores than those in the Non-IMV Group (n = 33). The short physical performance battery scores (range 0 - 12) on D1 and D7 were 6.1 ± 4.3 and 7.3 ± 3.8, respectively for the Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group, and 1.3 ± 2.5 and 2.6 ± 3.7, respectively for the IMV Group. The prevalence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness on D7 was 13% for the Non-IMV Group and 72% for the IMV Group. The maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and handgrip strength increased on D7 in both groups, but the maximal expiratory pressure and handgrip strength were still weak. Only maximal inspiratory pressure was recovered (i.e., > 80% of the predicted value) in the Non-IMV Group. Female sex, and the need and duration of invasive mechanical were independently and negatively associated with the short physical performance battery score and handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: Patients who recovered from critical COVID-19 and who received invasive mechanical ventilation presented greater disability than those who were not invasively ventilated. However, they both showed marginal functional improvement during early recovery, regardless of the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. This might highlight the severity of disability caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Predictors of prolonged ventilator weaning and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with prolonged weaning and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs and under invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Between March of 2020 and July of 2021, we retrospectively recorded clinical and ventilatory characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients from the day of intubation to the outcome. We classified the patients regarding the weaning period in accordance with established criteria. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with prolonged weaning and mortality. RESULTS: The study involved 303 patients, 100 of whom (33.0%) had a prolonged weaning period. Most of the patients were male (69.6%), 136 (44.8%) had more than 50% of pulmonary involvement on chest CT, and 93 (30.6%) had severe ARDS. Within the prolonged weaning group, 62% died within 60 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that lung involvement greater than 50% on CT and delay from intubation to the first separation attempt from mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with prolonged weaning, whereas age and prolonged weaning were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged weaning can be used as a milestone in predicting mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Lung involvement greater than 50% on CT and delay from intubation to the first separation attempt from mechanical ventilation were identified as significant predictors of prolonged weaning. These results might provide valuable information for healthcare professionals when making clinical decisions regarding the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients who are on mechanical ventilation.

Predictors of prolonged ventilator weaning and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19 / Preditores de desmame ventilatório prolongado e mortalidade em pacientes críticos com COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors associated with prolonged weaning and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs and under invasive mechanical ventilation. Methods: Between March of 2020 and July of 2021, we retrospectively recorded clinical and ventilatory characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients from the day of intubation to the outcome. We classified the patients regarding the weaning period in accordance with established criteria. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with prolonged weaning and mortality. Results: The study involved 303 patients, 100 of whom (33.0%) had a prolonged weaning period. Most of the patients were male (69.6%), 136 (44.8%) had more than 50% of pulmonary involvement on chest CT, and 93 (30.6%) had severe ARDS. Within the prolonged weaning group, 62% died within 60 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that lung involvement greater than 50% on CT and delay from intubation to the first separation attempt from mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with prolonged weaning, whereas age and prolonged weaning were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: Prolonged weaning can be used as a milestone in predicting mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Lung involvement greater than 50% on CT and delay from intubation to the first separation attempt from mechanical ventilation were identified as significant predictors of prolonged weaning. These results might provide valuable information for healthcare professionals when making clinical decisions regarding the management of critically ill COVID-19 patients who are on mechanical ventilation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores associados ao desmame prolongado e à mortalidade em pacientes críticos com COVID-19 admitidos em UTI e sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. Métodos: Entre março de 2020 e julho de 2021, registramos retrospectivamente as características clínicas e ventilatórias de pacientes críticos com COVID-19 desde o dia da intubação até o desfecho. Os pacientes foram classificados quanto ao período de desmame de acordo com critérios estabelecidos. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística para identificar variáveis associadas ao desmame prolongado e à mortalidade. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 303 pacientes, 100 dos quais (33,0%) apresentaram período de desmame prolongado. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (69,6%), 136 (44,8%) apresentaram mais de 50% de acometimento pulmonar na TC de tórax, e 93 (30,6%) apresentaram SDRA grave. No grupo desmame prolongado, 62% foram a óbito em 60 dias. A análise multivariada revelou que o acometimento pulmonar maior que 50% na TC e a demora na primeira tentativa de retirada da ventilação mecânica após a intubação apresentaram associação significativa com o desmame prolongado, enquanto a idade e o desmame prolongado apresentaram associação significativa com a mortalidade. Conclusões: O desmame prolongado pode ser utilizado como marco na predição de mortalidade em pacientes críticos com COVID-19. O acometimento pulmonar maior que 50% na TC e a demora na primeira tentativa de retirada da ventilação mecânica após a intubação foram identificados como preditores significativos de desmame prolongado. Esses resultados podem fornecer informações valiosas para os profissionais de saúde na tomada de decisões clínicas sobre o manejo de pacientes críticos com COVID-19 e em ventilação mecânica.

Perioperative care for major elective surgery: a survey of Brazilian physiotherapists / Cuidados perioperados de cirurgias eletivas de grande porte: um levantamento dos fisioterapeutas brasileiros

Abstract Introduction: Major surgeries are highly complex procedures and have a higher incidence of respiratory morbidity and mortality compared to other types of surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) are common after such surgeries and are associated with increased hospital stay, health care costs and surgical patient mortality. Objective: To investigate the most commonly used physical therapy techniques for the prevention and treatment of PPC among thoracic and abdominal surgery patients in all regions of Brazil. Methods: A total of 489 randomly selected physiotherapists who provided perioperative care for patients undergoing elective abdominal, thoracic or cardiac surgeries participated in this study. A questionnaire with nine questions about routine care and therapeutic choices for the surgical population was developed and assessed by 10 specialists before being administered to the physiotherapists. Results: Among the physiotherapists (63% with at least 5 years of experience with surgical patients), 50.9% considered the patient's surgical risk in their treatment either always or often. A total of 53.8% patients were treated by the physiotherapist following a physician's prescription. The most mentioned physical therapy techniques used to prevent PPC were postoperative mobilization/exercises (59.3%), postoperative lung expansion (52.8%), and preoperative advice (50.7%). In addition, 80.6% of the physiotherapists believe that incentive spirometry prevents PPC, while 72.8% expected this effect from positive airway pressure devices. Conclusion: Most physiotherapists in Brazil who work with surgical patients offer preoperative professional advice, use postoperative early mobilization and lung expansion techniques to prevent PPC, and consider the patient's surgical risk during treatment. In addition, some physical therapy sessions are routinely performed preoperatively.

Resumo Introdução: As cirurgias de grande porte são procedimentos de alta complexidade, apresentando maior incidência de morbi-mortalidade respiratória em comparação com outros tipos de cirurgia. Complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias (CPP) são comuns após tais cirurgias e estão associadas ao aumento da permanência hospitalar, dos custos com saúde e da mortalidade do paciente. Objetivo: Investigar as técnicas de fisioterapia mais utilizadas em todas as regiões do Brasil para o tratamento das CPP após cirurgias torácicas e abdominais. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 489 fisioterapeutas selecionados aleatoriamente, que atuam na assistência perioperatória de cirurgias eletivas abdominais, torácicas ou cardíacas. Um questionário com nove questões sobre cuidados de rotina e escolhas terapêuticas na população cirúrgica foi elaborado e avaliado por 10 especialistas antes de ser aplicado aos fisioterapeutas. Resultados: Entre os fisioterapeutas (63% com pelo menos 5 anos de experiência com pacientes cirúrgicos), 50,9% considera o risco cirúrgico do paciente em seu tratamento sempre ou frequentemente; 53,8% dos pacientes foram tratados pelo fisioterapeuta após prescrição médica. As técnicas fisioterapêuticas mais citadas para a prevenção de CPP foram: mobilização/exercícios pós-operatórios (59,3%), técnicas de expansão pulmonar pós-operatória (52,8%) e orientações pré-operatórias (50,7%). Além disso, 80,6% dos fisioterapeutas acreditam que a espirometria de incentivo previne CPP, assim como 72,8% esperam esse efeito da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas. Conclusão: A maioria dos fisioterapeutas que trabalham com pacientes cirúrgicos no Brasil utiliza orientações profissionais pré-operatórias e técnicas de mobilização precoce e expansão pulmonar pós-operatória com o objetivo de prevenir CPP. A maioria dos fisioterapeutas costuma considerar o risco cirúrgico do paciente durante o tratamento. Além disso, algumas sessões de fisioterapia são realizadas rotineiramente no pré-operatório.

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with pulmonary hypertension and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive, and disabling disease, however, there is little knowledge about impaired sexual function in this population. AIM: To identify the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the association between sexual dysfunction level and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 71 women diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension without signs of clinical decompensation was carried out. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and functional capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk test. The relationships between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with sexual function was performed using statistical tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: 71.8% of patients self-reported sexual dysfunction as indicated as a score of <26.55 points on FSFI. Women with sexual dysfunction were older, higher average age of their last menstruation, had worse functional class, shorter distance covered and worse Borg score at the end of the 6-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: There is evident impairment of sexual function self-reported by women with pH and the association of this condition with a decline in functional capacity was identified.

Does tutors' support contribute to a telehealth program that aims to promote the quality of life of office workers? A cluster randomized controlled trial.

The quality of life in the workplace can be achieved by creating a place more humanized and strategies that provide wellness to workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of telehealth education program to promote quality of life of office workers.This is a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT). The participants were office workers computer users (n = 326). All received 9 audiovisual content (grouped into topics: musculoskeletal health, healthy diet, and mental health) that addresses the real needs identified by them in the focus groups. The intervention group (n = 178) was instructed to seek the tutor support about topics addressed by the audiovisual content. The primary outcome measure was quality of life by WHOQOL-BREF. The secondary outcome measure was level of physical activity of the participants. Data analysis was performed by General Linear Mixed Model. After six months of telehealth education program a general improvement in health and environmental domain, was observed in the intervention group. During that period, a within-group analysis showed that there was a significant improvement in the intervention group, with respect to quality of life in general health (p < 0.05) and in the environmental domain (p < 0.01).In the baseline to the eighth month, there were statistically significant changes within-group for the general health (p < 0.05) and for the physical domain (p < 0.01) in both groups (p < 0.01). Telehealth education program promoted an improvement in the participants' quality of life. There was no benefit in favor of the telehealth education program, with tutor support in relation to the conventional program. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02980237). The date of registration was August 23, 2016.

Are blue-collar workers more physically active than white-collar at work?

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers' sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD). But in leisure-time the result is reversed, white-collar and blue-collar groups were significantly more active. There was no association between physical activity level and musculoskeletal pain intensity and work ability. All the groups of workers exhibited satisfactory physical activity levels, but only blue-collar (longD) were more physically active (10,000 steps per day).

Preoperative physical activity has a protective effect against postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery / Atividade física pré-operatória tem efeito protetor contra complicações pulmonares após cirurgia abdominal

Physical activity level and fitness condition seem to be related with pulmonary surgical risk in thoracic and cardiac surgeries; however, in abdominal surgery this relation is not clear. Objective: To compare the physical activity level in daily life and during hospitalization before surgery between patients who developed and did not develop postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after abdominal surgery and to relate to this outcome. Methods: This prospective cohort enrolled 191 hospitalized candidates (52 ± 14yrs; BMI = 29 ± 11 kg/m2) for upper abdominal surgery. Two different tools related to two distinct moments were used to assess preoperatively the physical activity level. First, to assess life physical activity level, the questionnaire Human Activity Profile (HAP) was administered for all patients. During hospitalization, the accelerometry was performed during 4 consecutive days to assess the time in activity. In addition, lung function, muscle strength and resting energy expenditure were assessed. PPC (pneumonia, atelectasis or severe hypoxemia) were checked until discharge. Multivariate analyses were used. Results: 92% of patients were classified as moderately to physically active in daily life. During hospitalization, patients were inactive during 90% ± 5% of time. There was no association with HAP score and acelerometry. 10.5% of patients developed PPC. Being physically active in daily life and during hospitalization have a protective effect against PPC. Our results show that the physical activity behavior in hospital do not reflect the daily life even in patients not restricted to bed and on preoperative period, patients physically actives on daily life and during hospitalization present less chance to develop PPC after abdominal surgery. (AU)

O nível de atividade física e o condicionamento físico parecem estar relacionados ao risco cirúrgico pulmonar em cirurgias torácicas e cardíacas; no entanto, na cirurgia abdominal, essa relação não é clara. Objetivo: Comparar o nível de atividade física na vida diária e durante a hospitalização antes da cirurgia entre pacientes que desenvolveram e que não desenvolveram complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias (CPP) após cirurgia abdominal e relacionar esses desfechos. Métodos: Esta coorte prospectiva recrutou 191 pacientes hospitalizados não restritos ao leito e candidatos a cirurgia abdominal (52 ± 14 anos; IMC = 29 ± 11 kg/m2 ; VEF1 = 98 ± 19% do predito; CVF = 96 ± 16% do predito). Duas ferramentas diferentes relacionadas a dois momentos distintos foram utilizadas para avaliar o nível no pré-operatório de atividade física. Primeiro, para avaliar o nível de atividade física da vida diária, o questionário Perfil de Atividade Humana (PAH) foi aplicado a todos os pacientes. O PAH possui 94 perguntas sobre a execução de atividades gradualmente mais intensas. O PAH classifica o paciente como inativo (<54 pontos), moderadamente ativo (54 a 73 pontos) e ativo (>73 pontos). Segundo, a acelerometria foi realizada durante 4 dias consecutivos para avaliar o tempo de atividade durante a hospitalização. As CPP (pneumonia, atelectasia ou hipoxemia grave) foram verificadas até a alta. Análises multivariadas foram utilizadas. Resultados: 92% dos pacientes foram classificados como moderados a fisicamente ativos na vida diária. Durante a hospitalização, os pacientes ficaram inativos em 90% ± 5% do tempo. Não houve associação com escore do PAH e acelerometria. Cerca de 10,5% dos pacientes desenvolveram CPP. Ser fisicamente ativo na vida diária e durante a hospitalização tem um efeito protetor contra CPP (Odds ratio [OR] = 0,69, IC 95% 0,01- 0,93; OR=0,61, IC 95% 0,12-0,87, respectivamente). Nossos resultados mostram que o comportamento da atividade física no hospital não reflete o da vida diária, mesmo em pacientes não restritos ao leito e no período pré-operatório, e os pacientes ativos fisicamente na vida diária e durante a internação apresentam menor chance de desenvolver CPP após cirurgia abdominal. (AU)

Effectiveness of a progressive resistance exercise program for industrial workers during breaks on perceived fatigue control: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that physical exercise in the workplace is effective for reducing workers' musculoskeletal complaints. Studies with industrial workers and studies on progressive resistance exercises during breaks are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a resistance exercise program on perceived fatigue control among industrial workers. METHODS: 204 employees from the dairy industry were allocated to two groups, the intervention group (IG) (n = 98) and the control group (CG) (n = 106). The primary outcome measures were perceived fatigue control and maximum muscle strength, measured through the Need for Recovery Scale and one-repetition maximum contraction (1-RM), respectively. Secondary outcome measures were musculoskeletal complaints, physical activity level, perceived risk factors, physical fitness (BMI, vital signs, and body fat percentage), and workers´ productivity. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and then again after 4 months. The IG performed resistance exercises using progressively greater loads while the CG performed general exercise using elastic bands. The exercise protocols were performed three times per week for 20 min. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed using the mixed linear model. Results were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: The IG did not show to be superior to the CG, although both groups improved perceived fatigue control and muscle strength after the resistance physical exercise program in the worplace. There was also no significant difference between the groups for musculoskeletal complaints and other secondary variables analyzed. However, both groups showed significant improvements between baseline and after 4 months of intervention for all evaluated outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The implementation of a progressive resistance exercise program during work breaks for perceived fatigue control was no more effective than exercises using elastic bands. However, resistance exercises during work breaks presented better results on all measured outcomes regardless of the exercise protocol used. TRIAL REGISTRATION: U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02172053. Registered 19 June 2014.

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.

Satisfaction levels with physical therapy in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Patient's satisfaction level is considered an indicator that interferes with interventions effectiveness. There is evidence from other health professionals that patients with higher satisfaction level recover faster. However, benefits toward physical therapy intervention is poorly known. OBJECTIVE: To measure the inpatient satisfaction level receiving physical therapy care and to evaluate which aspects of these treatments are flawed. METHODS: Patients admitted to hospital were evaluated using MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Physical Therapy Care (MRPS) that scores from 1 to 5 (higher values indicate higher satisfaction) for each item. Patients clinical and demographic characteristics and the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) were also collected. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted. RESULTS: 200 patients were evaluated (50.9±18.81 years, 58% male). Most of MRPS items were above 4. The highest scoring item (4.75) was physical therapist's respect to the patient. The lowest scoring item (1.82) was in relation to physical therapy guidelines at hospital discharge. Mean MRPS total score and GPE were 46.09±4.93 and 2.18±1.18, respectively. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients are satisfied and showed improvement after physical therapy treatment. There is the need for advances and intervention in relation to physical therapy guidelines at hospital discharge. MRPS instrument proved to be appropriate to measure inpatient's satisfaction level with physical therapy care.

Development of an e-health education program at the workplace using formative research - Technologies for improving quality of life.

BACKGROUND: e-Learning, a means by which to expand people's access to information can be effective in promoting health in the workplace. This study to present steps in the development of an e-health education program at the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to present all steps of develop a telehealth education program for computer users using formative research to identify themes to health education for workers. METHODS: A team of expert conducted focus groups with administrative workers (n = 36 participants) to identify thematic health to the development of program. Three meetings were audio video recorded, and notes. All data were based on constant analysis, classical content analysis and keywords in-context. RESULTS: The content of the nine audio videos included four musculoskeletal health topics (Walking Program, Back School, Muscle Relaxation Techniques, and Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases); three to healthy diet (Eating and Commensality, Ultra-processed Food and Food labeling, and Oil and Fat); two to mental health (Burnout Syndrome and the Meaning of work). CONCLUSION: The proposed steps in the development of a workplace e-health education program were successfully achieved. The engagement of the workers' staged focus groups was fundamental to the choice of themes relevant to the population in question.

Impact of an early physiotherapy program after kidney transplant during hospital stay: a randomized controlled trial / Impacto de um programa precoce de fisioterapia após transplante renal durante a internação: um estudo clínico randomizado controlado

Abstract Introduction: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal dysfunctions are common in the postoperative period of kidney transplant patients and are often accompanied by low exercise tolerance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early physiotherapy program during hospital stay on functional capacity and peripheral and respiratory muscle strength after kidney transplant. Methods: An open, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplant. Sixty-three patients were included (intervention group-IG: n = 30; control group-CG: n = 33). IG received an early physiotherapy program from first postoperative day until hospital discharge and CG received standard care. The variables of interest were measured preoperatively and at discharge except for respiratory muscle strength and vital capacity (VC), which were also measured on the first postoperative day. Functional capacity was evaluated through six-minute walk test (6MWT); peripheral and respiratory muscle strength using a dynamometer and manovacuometer, respectively; and VC through spirometer. Results: After surgery, there was a reduction in functional walking capacity and peripheral muscle strength without different between groups (p > 0.05); however, respiratory muscle strength was significantly higher in IG (p < 0.001) at hospital discharge, when comparing with CG. Conclusions: An early physiotherapy program during hospitalization for patients undergoing living donor kidney transplant caused a lower reduction in respiratory muscle strength and without additional benefits in the functional capacity, when compared to a control group, although the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

Resumo Introdução: Distúrbios cardiorrespiratórios e musculoesqueléticos são comuns no período pós-operatório de pacientes de transplante renal, e são frequentemente acompanhados por baixa tolerância a exercícios. Objetivo: O presente estudo pretendeu avaliar o impacto de um programa precoce de fisioterapia durante a internação sobre a capacidade funcional e força muscular periférica e respiratória após transplante renal. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo clínico randomizado aberto com pacientes submetidos a transplantes renais com doadores vivos. Sessenta e três pacientes foram incluídos (grupo de intervenção GI: n = 30; grupo de controle - GC: n = 33). O GI recebeu o programa precoce de fisioterapia a partir do primeiro dia de pós-operatório até a alta hospitalar e o GC recebeu tratamento padrão. As variáveis de interesse foram medidas no pré-operatório e na alta, exceto por força muscular respiratória e capacidade vital (CV), que foram medidas no primeiro dia de pós-operatório. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada através do teste da caminhada dos seis minutos (TC6); força muscular periférica e respiratória com o uso de um dinamômetro e um manovacuômetro, respectivamente; e a CV por meio de um espirômetro. Resultados: Após a cirurgia houve reduções na capacidade funcional de caminhar e na força muscular respiratória sem diferenças entre os grupos (p > 0,05); contudo, a força muscular respiratória foi significativamente mais elevada no GI (p < 0,001) no momento da alta hospitalar em comparação ao GC. Conclusões: O programa precoce de fisioterapia oferecido durante a internação dos pacientes submetidos a transplantes renais com doadores vivos produziu uma menor redução da força muscular respiratória e não resultou em benefícios adicionais na capacidade funcional, apesar da relevância clínica desse achado ser incerta.

Predictive validity analysis of six reference equations for the 6-minute walk test in healthy Brazilian men: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is an important tool for evaluating functional capacity and exercise tolerance. The reference equations for the 6MWT in healthy subjects were established on the basis of American and European populations, but reference equations have been proposed with different variables for the Brazilian population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive validity of six reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in healthy adult men. METHODS: We evaluated 103 individuals in relation to level of physical activity (IPAQ), respiratory symptoms (MRC), handgrip strength, and 6MWD test. The data were submitted to a normality test, then the Bland-Altman agreement test was used to compare individual 6MWD values with that expected for each equation. RESULTS: The subjects were active, with a mean age of 34.12 (SD=8.88) years and no respiratory symptoms. The mean of the 6MWD was 663.43 (SD=93.01)m. The 6MWD's predicted values came closest to the walked distance covered by Britto et al.'s equation (using BMI) of 647.62 (SD=38.62)m. CONCLUSIONS: The equation proposed by Britto et al. using body mass index (BMI) was the closest to the 6MWD for the individuals studied and could be widely used as a reference tool during the 6MWT in healthy Brazilian men.

Impact of an early physiotherapy program after kidney transplant during hospital stay: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal dysfunctions are common in the postoperative period of kidney transplant patients and are often accompanied by low exercise tolerance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early physiotherapy program during hospital stay on functional capacity and peripheral and respiratory muscle strength after kidney transplant. METHODS: An open, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplant. Sixty-three patients were included (intervention group-IG: n = 30; control group-CG: n = 33). IG received an early physiotherapy program from first postoperative day until hospital discharge and CG received standard care. The variables of interest were measured preoperatively and at discharge except for respiratory muscle strength and vital capacity (VC), which were also measured on the first postoperative day. Functional capacity was evaluated through six-minute walk test (6MWT); peripheral and respiratory muscle strength using a dynamometer and manovacuometer, respectively; and VC through spirometer. RESULTS: After surgery, there was a reduction in functional walking capacity and peripheral muscle strength without different between groups (p > 0.05); however, respiratory muscle strength was significantly higher in IG (p < 0.001) at hospital discharge, when comparing with CG. CONCLUSIONS: An early physiotherapy program during hospitalization for patients undergoing living donor kidney transplant caused a lower reduction in respiratory muscle strength and without additional benefits in the functional capacity, when compared to a control group, although the clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

Resistance training program for fatigue management in the workplace: exercise protocol in a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a multifactorial condition that leads to disease and loss in production, and it affects a large number of workers worldwide. This study aims to demonstrate a resistance exercise protocol that individuals will perform during the work schedule, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this exercises program for fatigue control. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a cluster randomized controlled trial with two arms and is assessor blinded. A total of 352 workers of both sexes, aged 18-65 years, from a medium-sized dairy plant were enrolled in this study. Participants will be recruited from 13 production sectors according to the eligibility criteria and will be randomized by clusters to either the Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE) intervention group or the Compensatory Workplace Exercise (CWE) comparative group. A resistance exercise program will be implemented for both groups. The groups will receive instructions on self-management, breaks, adjustments to workstations, and the benefits of physical exercise. The PRE group will perform resistance exercises with gradual loads in an exercise room, and the CWE group will perform exercise at their workstations using elastic bands. The exercise sessions will be held 3 times a week for 20 min. The primary outcome measures will be symptoms of physical and mental fatigue, and muscular fatigue based on a one-repetition maximum (1RM). The secondary outcome measures will be level of physical activity, musculoskeletal symptoms, physical condition, perceived exposure, and productivity. The workers will be assessed at baseline and after a 4-month program. A linear mixed model will be applied on an intention-to-treat basis. DISCUSSION: This intervention is expected to reduce symptoms of fatigue in the workers. The exercise program is indicating in the workplace, although there are few studies describing the effects of exercise on the control of fatigue in the workplace. Emphasis will be placed on adherence to the program, which may result in significant and clinically important reductions in fatigue. It is also expected that the findings of this study will contribute significantly to the decision-making capacity of professionals working in the field of occupational health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: U.S. National Institutes of Health, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02172053 . Date registered 19 June 2014.