Predicting the occurrence of minor adverse events in cardiac rehabilitation using physical variables.

The safety of exercise practice by individuals with cardiovascular disease is due to a good clinical evaluation to identify patients with a higher risk of adverse events, thus the study of simple variables capable of predicting the rate of events during exercise is relevant and may provide better screening tools to be applied in the clinical practice. The study aimed to evaluate if clinical and physical parameters can predict the rate of adverse events during exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. This was a cohort study that followed 73 patients during 24 sessions of exercise. Were registered 217 simple adverse events, at a rate of 2.5 events per hour of exercise. We found that higher adiposity, worse pulmonary function, lower functional capacity, and reduced heart rate variability were significant and acceptable predictors of adverse events during exercise, according to the ROC curve analysis. We state that these simple physical parameters may be useful for cardiac risk stratification in cardiac rehabilitation programs with low resources, contributing to its safety.

Monitoring autonomic responses in Parkinson's disease individuals: non-linear and chaotic global metrics of heart rate variability.

AIM: To examine and compare the autonomic responses, as assessed through the non-linear and chaotic global metrics of heart rate variability in two groups: the Parkinson's Disease Group (PDG) and the Control Group (CG), both at rest and during an active tilt test. METHODS: The study encompassed 46 participants (PDG: n = 23; 73.73 ± 7.28 years old; CG: n = 23; 70.17 ± 8.20 years old). Initial data collection involved the acquisition of participant's characteristics. The autonomic modulation was estimated both at rest and during the active tilt test. For this assessment, we computed non-linear indices derived from five entropies (Approximate, Sample, Shannon, Renyi, Tsallis), Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and the seven chaotic global metrics (hsCFP1-hsCFP7). RESULTS: At rest, the PDG exhibited lower values of hsCFP3 (0.818 ± 0.116 vs. 0.904 ± 0.065; p < 0.05) and Sample Entropy (0.720 ± 0.149 vs. 0.799 ± 0.171; p < 0.05). During the test, the PDG demonstrated lower values of ApEn, while the CG presented lower values of SampEn, hsCFP1, hsCFP3, hsCFP7, and higher values of hsCFP5. An interaction was observed, indicating that hsCFP1 and hsCFP3 exhibit differential behavior for the CG and PDG in response to the test. CONCLUSION: subjects with PD exhibited reduced complexity of the RR interval series at rest, and a diminished autonomic response to the active tilt test when compared with the CG. The test, together with non-linear indices, may serve for assessing the Autonomic Nervous System in individuals with PD in a clinical setting. The interpretation of these data should be approached with caution, given the possible influences of pharmacotherapies and the inclusion of diabetic participants.

Autonomic and cardiorespiratory responses to the active tilt test in individuals with Parkinson disease: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Parkinson disease (PD) is frequently associated with autonomic dysfunctions. However, data regarding the influence of PD on the autonomic responses to postural changes is limited. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the autonomic responses, evaluated through linear and non-linear methods of heart rate variability, and cardiorespiratory parameters in two groups: Parkinson disease (PDG) and control (CG), at rest and during the active tilt test. METHODS: A total of 48 participants were analyzed (PDG: n = 25;73.40 ± 7.01 years / CG: n = 23;70.17 ± 8.20 years). The autonomic modulation and cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated at rest and during the active tilt test. To assess the autonomic modulation the linear indices, at the time (rMSSD, SDNN) and frequency (LF, HF, LF/HF) domains, and the non-linear indices, obtained through the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2), were calculated. The cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated were heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate. RESULTS: At rest, the PDG presented significantly lower values of rMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF, SD1, SD2, and DBP, and higher values of SpO2. During test, in the PD group, modifications were observed in HR, and SBP, besides a reduced parasympathetic response, and an increased global modulation. The qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot showed that the PDG has a lower dispersion of the RR intervals during rest and the active tilt test. CONCLUSION: Individuals with PD present reduced global variability and parasympathetic modulation at rest, and reduced parasympathetic response and damage in HR regulation when performing the active tilt test, compared with controls.

ANTECEDENTES: A doença de Parkinson (DP) está frequentemente associada a disfunções autonômicas. Porém, dados sobre a influência da DP nas respostas autonômicas às mudanças posturais são limitados. OBJETIVOS: Analisar e comparar as respostas autonômicas, avaliadas por métodos lineares e não lineares de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em dois grupos: DP (GDP) e controle (CG), em repouso e durante o tilt test ativo. MéTODOS: Foram analisados 48 participantes (GDP: n = 25;73,40 ± 7,01 anos/GC: n = 23; 70,17 ± 8,20 anos). A modulação autonômica e os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios foram avaliados em repouso e durante o tilt test ativo. Para avaliar a modulação autonômica foram calculados os índices lineares, nos domínios do tempo (rMSSD, SDNN) e frequência (LF, HF, LF/HF), e os índices não lineares, obtidos através do plot de Poincaré (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2). Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios avaliados foram frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) e frequência respiratória. RESULTADOS: Em repouso, o GDP apresentou valores menores de rMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF, SD1, SD2 e PAD, e maiores valores de SpO2. No teste, foram observadas modificações na FC e na PAS, redução da resposta parassimpática e aumento da modulação global no GDP. A análise qualitativa do plot de Poincaré mostrou que o GDP apresentou menor dispersão dos intervalos RR no repouso e no tilt test ativo. CONCLUSãO: Indivíduos com DP apresentam redução da variabilidade global e modulação parassimpática em repouso, redução da resposta parassimpática e prejuízo na regulação da FC ao realizar o tilt test ativo, em comparação aos controles.

Autonomic and cardiorespiratory responses to the active tilt test in individuals with Parkinson disease: cross-sectional study / Respostas autonômicas e cardiorrespiratórias ao teste ativo de inclinação em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: estudo transversal

Abstract Background The Parkinson disease (PD) is frequently associated with autonomic dysfunctions. However, data regarding the influence of PD on the autonomic responses to postural changes is limited. Objective To analyze and compare the autonomic responses, evaluated through linear and non-linear methods of heart rate variability, and cardiorespiratory parameters in two groups: Parkinson disease (PDG) and control (CG), at rest and during the active tilt test. Methods A total of 48 participants were analyzed (PDG: n = 25;73.40 ± 7.01 years / CG: n = 23;70.17 ± 8.20 years). The autonomic modulation and cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated at rest and during the active tilt test. To assess the autonomic modulation the linear indices, at the time (rMSSD, SDNN) and frequency (LF, HF, LF/HF) domains, and the non-linear indices, obtained through the Poincaré plot (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2), were calculated. The cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated were heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate. Results At rest, the PDG presented significantly lower values of rMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF, SD1, SD2, and DBP, and higher values of SpO2. During test, in the PD group, modifications were observed in HR, and SBP, besides a reduced parasympathetic response, and an increased global modulation. The qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot showed that the PDG has a lower dispersion of the RR intervals during rest and the active tilt test. Conclusion Individuals with PD present reduced global variability and parasympathetic modulation at rest, and reduced parasympathetic response and damage in HR regulation when performing the active tilt test, compared with controls.

Resumo Antecedentes A doença de Parkinson (DP) está frequentemente associada a disfunções autonômicas. Porém, dados sobre a influência da DP nas respostas autonômicas às mudanças posturais são limitados. Objetivos Analisar e comparar as respostas autonômicas, avaliadas por métodos lineares e não lineares de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em dois grupos: DP (GDP) e controle (CG), em repouso e durante o tilt test ativo. Métodos Foram analisados 48 participantes (GDP: n = 25;73,40 ± 7,01 anos/GC: n = 23; 70,17 ± 8,20 anos). A modulação autonômica e os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios foram avaliados em repouso e durante o tilt test ativo. Para avaliar a modulação autonômica foram calculados os índices lineares, nos domínios do tempo (rMSSD, SDNN) e frequência (LF, HF, LF/HF), e os índices não lineares, obtidos através do plot de Poincaré (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2). Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios avaliados foram frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), diastólica (PAD), saturação periférica de oxigênio (SpO2) e frequência respiratória. Resultados Em repouso, o GDP apresentou valores menores de rMSSD, SDNN, LF, HF, SD1, SD2 e PAD, e maiores valores de SpO2. No teste, foram observadas modificações na FC e na PAS, redução da resposta parassimpática e aumento da modulação global no GDP. A análise qualitativa do plot de Poincaré mostrou que o GDP apresentou menor dispersão dos intervalos RR no repouso e no tilt test ativo. Conclusão Indivíduos com DP apresentam redução da variabilidade global e modulação parassimpática em repouso, redução da resposta parassimpática e prejuízo na regulação da FC ao realizar o tilt test ativo, em comparação aos controles.

Relationship between the number of comorbidities, quality of life, and cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with coronary disease: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a relationship between the number of comorbidities, autonomic modulation, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient rehabilitation center in Presidente Prudente-SP, Brazil. A total of 27 participants (65.33±9.23 years) diagnosed with coronary artery disease were assessed, from a cardiac rehabilitation program, independent of sex or age. The number of comorbidities was evaluated using the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated using the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (eight domains: functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health status, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects, and mental health). To evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation, the heart rate was registered beat to beat using an heart rate monitor in the supine position during rest for 30 min. A total of 1000 RR intervals were considered to calculate linear (time domain: RMSSD, SDNN; frequency domain: LF, HF, LF/HF) and nonlinear indices (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2) of heart rate variability. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between the aggregation of comorbidities and the pain domain of the SF-36 (r=-0.427; p=0.03). No significant correlations were observed between other variables (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The number of comorbidities is inversely related to the pain domain of the SF-36, suggesting that a higher pain level is related to a higher number of comorbidities in coronary artery disease patients.

Does length of time since diagnosis in Parkinson's disease influence heart rate variability? A cross-sectional study / O tempo de diagnóstico na doença de Parkinson influencia a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca? Um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Background: Intrinsic changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) affect the autonomic nervous system, and the disease course can aggravate the initial condition. Although the impact of time since disease onset on autonomic modulation has already been studied in other populations, this has not yet been investigated in PD. Objective: To investigate the impact of the length of time since diagnosis on the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with PD and compare with healthy individuals. Methods: Fifty participants were divided into three groups: a control group (CG; n = 24) and two groups with PD, divided according to the median length of time since diagnosis (median = 5.5 years): below the median (PG1; n = 13) and above the median (PG2; n = 13). To evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation, heart rate was obtained beat-to-beat in the supine position over a 30-min period, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated using linear methods in the time and frequency domains. Results: There were no significant differences in HRV indices between the PG groups, or between the three groups regarding Mean RR, LFun, HFun and LF/HF ratio. Significant reductions in the RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50, LFms2 and HFms2 indices were observed in PG1 and PG2, compared with CG. Conclusions: The cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with PD was not influenced by the time since diagnosis. However, reduced parasympathetic and global modulation were observed in these individuals, compared with controls. These results emphasize the importance of aerobic exercise for improving autonomic modulation among individuals with PD.

RESUMO Antecedentes: As alterações intrínsecas da doença de Parkinson (DP) afetam o sistema nervoso autônomo, e a evolução da doença pode agravar o quadro inicial. Em outras populações, o impacto do tempo desde o início da doença na modulação autonômica já foi estudado, mas na DP isso ainda não foi investigado. Objetivo: Investigar o impacto do tempo de diagnóstico na modulação autonômica cardíaca de indivíduos com DP e comparar os valores aos de indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Cinquenta participantes foram divididos em três grupos: grupo controle (GC; n=24) e dois grupos com DP, divididos de acordo com a mediana do tempo de diagnóstico (5,5 anos): abaixo (GP1; n=13) e acima da mediana (GP2; n=13). Para a avaliação da modulação autonômica cardíaca, a frequência cardíaca foi captada batimento a batimento em posição supina durante 30 minutos, e os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) foram calculados utilizando métodos lineares nos domínios do tempo e frequência. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas para os índices de VFC entre os grupos GP, ou entre os três grupos para Mean RR, LFun, HFun e relação LF/HF. Foram observadas reduções significativas em RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50, LFms2 e HFms2, para GP1 e GP2 em comparação ao GC. Conclusões: A modulação autonômica cardíaca de indivíduos com DP não foi influenciada pelo tempo de diagnóstico, contudo, foi observada redução da modulação parassimpática e global nesses indivíduos em relação aos controles. Esses resultados reforçam a importância do exercício aeróbio para a melhora da modulação autonômica de indivíduos com DP.

Does length of time since diagnosis in Parkinson's disease influence heart rate variability? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) affect the autonomic nervous system, and the disease course can aggravate the initial condition. Although the impact of time since disease onset on autonomic modulation has already been studied in other populations, this has not yet been investigated in PD. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of the length of time since diagnosis on the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with PD and compare with healthy individuals. METHODS: Fifty participants were divided into three groups: a control group (CG; n = 24) and two groups with PD, divided according to the median length of time since diagnosis (median = 5.5 years): below the median (PG1; n = 13) and above the median (PG2; n = 13). To evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation, heart rate was obtained beat-to-beat in the supine position over a 30-min period, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated using linear methods in the time and frequency domains. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HRV indices between the PG groups, or between the three groups regarding Mean RR, LFun, HFun and LF/HF ratio. Significant reductions in the RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50, LFms2 and HFms2 indices were observed in PG1 and PG2, compared with CG. CONCLUSIONS: The cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with PD was not influenced by the time since diagnosis. However, reduced parasympathetic and global modulation were observed in these individuals, compared with controls. These results emphasize the importance of aerobic exercise for improving autonomic modulation among individuals with PD.

Relationship between the number of comorbidities, quality of life, and cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with coronary disease: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if there is a relationship between the number of comorbidities, autonomic modulation, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient rehabilitation center in Presidente Prudente-SP, Brazil. A total of 27 participants (65.33±9.23 years) diagnosed with coronary artery disease were assessed, from a cardiac rehabilitation program, independent of sex or age. The number of comorbidities was evaluated using the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire, and quality of life was evaluated using the Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) (eight domains: functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health status, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects, and mental health). To evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation, the heart rate was registered beat to beat using an heart rate monitor in the supine position during rest for 30 min. A total of 1000 RR intervals were considered to calculate linear (time domain: RMSSD, SDNN; frequency domain: LF, HF, LF/HF) and nonlinear indices (SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2) of heart rate variability. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between the aggregation of comorbidities and the pain domain of the SF-36 (r=-0.427; p=0.03). No significant correlations were observed between other variables (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The number of comorbidities is inversely related to the pain domain of the SF-36, suggesting that a higher pain level is related to a higher number of comorbidities in coronary artery disease patients.

Autonomic modulation at rest and in response to postural change in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of autonomic modulation after postural change may inform the prognosis and guide treatment in different populations. However, this has been insufficiently explored among adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). OBJECTIVE: To investigate autonomic modulation at rest and in response to an active sitting test (AST) among adolescents with DMD. METHODS: Fifty-nine adolescents were included in the study and divided into two groups: 1) DMD group: adolescents diagnosed with DMD; 2) control group (CG): healthy adolescents. Participants' weight and height were assessed. Lower limb function, motor limitations and functional abilities of the participants in the DMD group were classified using the Vignos scale, Egen classification and motor function measurement, respectively. The following variables were assessed before, during and after AST: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (f), oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). To analyze the autonomic modulation, the HR was recorded beat-by-beat. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated in the time and frequency domains. RESULTS: Differences in relation to groups were observed for all HRV indices, except LF/HF, oxygen saturation, HR and f (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time and the interaction effect between group and time were observed for RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2 and LFnu, HFun, SBP and DBP (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time were also observed for the indice SDNN, FC and f (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Performing the AST promoted reduced autonomic modulation and increased SBP, DBP and HR in adolescents with DMD.

Autonomic modulation at rest and in response to postural change in adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a cross-sectional study / Modulação autonômica em repouso e em resposta a mudanças posturais em adolescentes com distrofia muscular de Duchenne: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Background: Analysis of autonomic modulation after postural change may inform the prognosis and guide treatment in different populations. However, this has been insufficiently explored among adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Objective: To investigate autonomic modulation at rest and in response to an active sitting test (AST) among adolescents with DMD. Methods: Fifty-nine adolescents were included in the study and divided into two groups: 1) DMD group: adolescents diagnosed with DMD; 2) control group (CG): healthy adolescents. Participants' weight and height were assessed. Lower limb function, motor limitations and functional abilities of the participants in the DMD group were classified using the Vignos scale, Egen classification and motor function measurement, respectively. The following variables were assessed before, during and after AST: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (f), oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR). To analyze the autonomic modulation, the HR was recorded beat-by-beat. Heart rate variability (HRV) indices were calculated in the time and frequency domains. Results: Differences in relation to groups were observed for all HRV indices, except LF/HF, oxygen saturation, HR and f (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time and the interaction effect between group and time were observed for RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2 and LFnu, HFun, SBP and DBP (p < 0.05). Differences in relation to time were also observed for the indice SDNN, FC and f (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Performing the AST promoted reduced autonomic modulation and increased SBP, DBP and HR in adolescents with DMD.

Resumo Antecedentes: A análise da modulação autonômica após mudanças posturais pode gerar informações prognósticas e orientar o tratamento em diferentes populações. Porém, isso não foi suficientemente explorado em adolescentes com DMD. Objetivo: Investigar a modulação autonômica em repouso e em resposta ao teste ativo sentado (TAS) em adolescentes com DMD. Métodos: 59 adolescentes foram incluídos no estudo e divididos em dois grupos: 1) Grupo DMD: adolescentes com diagnóstico de DMD; 2) Grupo controle: adolescentes saudáveis. O peso e a altura dos participantes foram avaliados. No grupo DMD, a funcionalidade de membros superiores, limitações motoras, e habilidades funcionais foram classificadas pela escala de Vignos, Egen Klassification, e motor function measure respectivamente. Pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), frequência respiratória (f), saturação de oxigênio, e frequência cardíaca (FC) foram avaliadas em repouso, durante e após o TAS. Para analisar a modulação autonômica, a FC foi registrada batimento a batimento. Os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) foram calculados nos domínios do tempo e da frequência. Resultados: Diferenças entre os grupos foram observadas para todos os índices da VFC, exceto LF/HF, saturação de oxigênio, FC e f (p<0,05). Diferenças em relação ao tempo e interação entre grupo e tempo foram observadas para RMSSD, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2, LFms2, LFun, HFnu, SBP e DBP (p<0,05). Diferenças em relação ao tempo foram também observadas para o índice SDNN, FC e f (p<0,05). Conclusões: A realização do TAS promoveu redução da modulação autonômica e aumento da PAS, PAD e FC em adolescentes com DMD.

Autonomic responses to facial expression tasks in children with autism spectrum disorders: Cross-section study.

BACKGROUND: The autonomic nervous system has an influence on emotions and behavior modulation, however, the relationship between autonomic modulation impairment and the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is yet to be fully described. AIMS: To evaluate the autonomic responses of children with and without ASD through the non-linear, and linear heart rate variability (HRV) measures, and assess the correlation between these responses, the severity and behavioral symptoms of autism. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 27 children diagnosed with ASD (EG = experimental group) and 28 matching controls (CG = control group) were evaluated. The HRV was evaluated in 15 min sections at the following moments: I) Resting condition; II) During facial expression tasks; and III) Recovery. The severity and behavioral symptoms of autism were evaluated by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autistic Behaviors Checklist (ABC) scales. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The facial expression tasks influenced the activity of the autonomic nervous system in both groups, however the EG experienced more autonomic changes. These changes were mostly evidenced by the non-linear indices. Also, the CARS and ABC scales showed significant correlations with HRV indices. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Children with ASD presented an autonomic modulation impairment, mostly identified by the non-linear indices of HRV. Also, this autonomic impairment is associated with the severity and behavioral symptoms of autism.

Parkinson's disease effect on autonomic modulation: an analysis using geometric indices.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) produces autonomic changes, indicating lower parasympathetic modulation and global variability, but these changes need further studying regarding geometric methods. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the autonomic modulation in individuals with PD using heart rate variability (HRV) indices obtained through geometric methods. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 50 individuals, split into two groups: PD group (PDG; n=26; 75.36±5.21 years) and control group (CG; n=24; 75.36±5.21 years). We evaluated the autonomic modulation by measuring the heart rate beat-to-beat for 30 min with the individual in supine rest using a heart rate monitor and assessed geometric indices (RRtri, TINN, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2 ratio, and qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot). RESULTS: Significant reductions were found in RRtri, TINN, SD1, and SD2 indices among PDG compared to CG. Regarding the SD1/SD2 ratio, no significant changes were detected between the groups. The Poincaré plot demonstrated that individuals with PD had lower beat-to-beat dispersion in RR intervals, in addition to greater long-term dispersion of RR intervals compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a reduction in the parasympathetic autonomic modulation and global variability in individuals with PD compared to controls, regardless of sex, age, and body mass index.

Parkinson's disease effect on autonomic modulation: an analysis using geometric indices / Efeito da doença de Parkinson na modulação autonômica: análise por meio de índices geométricos

ABSTRACT Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) produces autonomic changes, indicating lower parasympathetic modulation and global variability, but these changes need further studying regarding geometric methods. Objective: To investigate the autonomic modulation in individuals with PD using heart rate variability (HRV) indices obtained through geometric methods. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 50 individuals, split into two groups: PD group (PDG; n=26; 75.36±5.21 years) and control group (CG; n=24; 75.36±5.21 years). We evaluated the autonomic modulation by measuring the heart rate beat-to-beat for 30 min with the individual in supine rest using a heart rate monitor and assessed geometric indices (RRtri, TINN, SD1, SD2, SD1/SD2 ratio, and qualitative analysis of the Poincaré plot). Results: Significant reductions were found in RRtri, TINN, SD1, and SD2 indices among PDG compared to CG. Regarding the SD1/SD2 ratio, no significant changes were detected between the groups. The Poincaré plot demonstrated that individuals with PD had lower beat-to-beat dispersion in RR intervals, in addition to greater long-term dispersion of RR intervals compared to CG. Conclusions: The results suggest a reduction in the parasympathetic autonomic modulation and global variability in individuals with PD compared to controls, regardless of sex, age, and body mass index.

RESUMO Introdução: A doença de Parkinson (DP) produz alterações autonômicas, que indicam menor modulação parassimpática e variabilidade global, mas que devem ser investigadas quanto aos métodos geométricos. Objetivo: Investigar a modulação autonômica em indivíduos com DP, por meio de índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) obtidos pelos métodos geométricos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, no qualforam avaliados 50 voluntários, divididos em dois grupos: o grupo doença de Parkinson (GDP; n=26; 75,36±5,21 anos) e o grupo controle (GC; n=24; 75,36±5,21 anos). Para a avaliação da modulação autonômica a frequência cardíaca foi captada batimento a batimento por meio de um cardiofrequencímetro com os indivíduos em decúbito dorsal por 30 min e índices geométricos da VFC foram avaliados (RRtri, TINN, SD1, SD2 e plot de Poincaré). Resultados: Houve reduções nos índices RRtri, TINN, SD1 e SD2 para o GDP em comparação ao GC. Para a relação SD1/SD2, diferenças significantes não foram observadas entre os grupos. O plot de Poincaré mostrou que indivíduos com DP têm menor dispersão batimento a batimento dos intervalos RR, bem como maior dispersão dos intervalos RR a longo prazo em relação ao GC. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem haver diminuição da modulação autonômica parassimpática e da variabilidade global em indivíduos com DP em relação a indivíduos sem a doença, as quais são independentes de sexo, idade e índice de massa corporal.

An investigation into whether cardiac risk stratification protocols actually predict complications in cardiac rehabilitation programs?

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the capacity of cardiac risk stratification protocols on simple complications that occur during activities of a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. DESIGN: Observational longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of cardiovascular rehabilitation. SUBJECT: Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN MEASURES: The relationship between the cardiac risk classes of seven risk stratification protocols and the occurrence of simple complications (such angina, abnormal changes in blood pressure, arrhythmias, fatigue, muscle pain, pallor) was assessed using the chi-square test, and when statistical significance was observed, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were determined. RESULTS: About 76 patients were analyzed. The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) protocol showed a statistically significant relationship between simple complications and cardiac risk classes (P-value = 0.046), however the results of sensitivity (0.53), specificity (0.52), and accuracy (0.53) were not significant. The other protocols analyzed were not significant: American College of Sports Medicine (P-value = 0.801), Brazilian Society of Cardiology (P-value = 0.734), American Heart Association (P-value = 0.957), Pashkow (P-value = 0.790), Society French Cardiology (P-value = 0.314), and Spanish Society of Cardiology (P-value = 0.078). CONCLUSION: The AACVPR protocol showed a significant relationship between the risk classes and the occurrence of simple complications, however, the low values obtained for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy show that it is not useful for this purpose. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03446742.