Low-load blood flow restriction strength training in patients with COPD: a randomised single-blind pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of lower limb low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) with high-load strength training (HL-ST) as part of an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme on leg strength in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Participants were randomised to LL-BFRT or HL-ST (24 sessions). LL-BFRT was done at 30% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) with 70% arterial occlusion pressure. HL-ST was done at 70% 1-RM. Primary outcome was isometric strength of knee extensors and flexors. Secondary outcomes were 1-RM, functional exercise capacity, physical activity, symptom burden and health-related quality of life. Perceptions of dyspnoea and leg fatigue were recorded after every exercise. We compared groups with t-tests. RESULTS: We included 30 participants (13 women, 17 men, 64 (9) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 47 (18)% pred.), 24 completed the study. Isometric knee extensor strength improved to a clinically relevant degree in both legs in both groups (LL-BFRT: right leg 9 (20) Nm, left leg 10 (18) Nm; HL-ST: right leg 15 (26) Nm, left leg 16 (30) Nm, data are mean (SD)), without statistically significant or clinically relevant between-group differences (right leg mean difference= -6.4, 95% CI= -13.20 to 25.92 Nm, left leg mean difference= -5.6, 95% CI= -15.44 to 26.55 Nm). 1 min sit-to-stand test performance improved to a clinically relevant degree only in the LL-BFRT group (4 (4) vs 1 (5) repetitions). Interestingly, physical activity improved to a clinically relevant degree only in the LL-BFRT group (1506 (2441) vs -182 (1971) steps/day). LL-BFRT lowered perceived in-exercise dyspnoea and increased leg fatigue compared with HL-ST in the initial 12 trainings. CONCLUSION: In patients with stable COPD undergoing outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, LL-BFRT was not superior to HL-ST in improving leg strength. LL-BFRT led to similar strength gains as HL-ST while reducing perceptions of dyspnoea in the initial training phase. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04151771.

Do pulmonary rehabilitation programmes improve outcomes in patients with COPD posthospital discharge for exacerbation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Previous systematic reviews have provided heterogeneous and differing estimates for the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes initiated within 3 weeks of hospital discharge following an exacerbation of COPD. METHODS: An update of a previous Cochrane review was undertaken using the Cochrane Airways Review Group Specialised Register. Searches were conducted from October 2015 to August 2023 for studies that initiated pulmonary rehabilitation within 3 weeks of hospital discharge. Studies assessing the impact of solely inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation were excluded. Forest plots were generated using a generic inverse variance random effects method. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. Posthospital discharge pulmonary rehabilitation reduced hospital re-admissions (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.77, I2=67%), improved exercise capacity (6 min walk test, mean difference (MD) 57 m, 95% CI 29 to 86, I2=89%; incremental shuttle walk test, MD 43 m, 95% CI 6 to 79, I2=81%), health-related quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, MD -8.7 points, 95% CI -12.5 to -4.9, I2=59%; Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ)-emotion, MD 1.0 points, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.6, I2=74%; CRQ-fatigue, MD 0.9 points, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.6, I2=91%), and dyspnoea (CRQ-dyspnoea, MD 1.0 points, 95% CI 0.3 to 1.7, I2=87%; modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale, MD -0.3 points, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.1, I2=60%). Significant effects were not observed for CRQ-mastery, COPD assessment test, EuroQol-5 Dimension-5 Level and mortality. No intervention-related adverse events were reported. DISCUSSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation delivered posthospital discharge for exacerbation of COPD results in a reduction in hospital re-admissions and improvements in exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and dyspnoea in the absence of any intervention-related adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023406397.

Efficacy of respiratory support therapies during pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training is fundamental in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), but patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often struggle with exercise intolerance. Respiratory support during exercise in COPD patients may be a beneficial adjunct therapy. In this study, the effect of different respiratory support therapy during pulmonary rehabilitation exercise training in COPD patients was assessed through a network meta-analysis. METHODS: Five databases were searched to obtain randomized controlled trials involving different respiratory support therapies during PR exercise training in COPD patients. The Cochrane Handbook tool was employed to assess the risk bias of included studies. Network meta-analysis was performed using the STATA software. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023491139). RESULTS: A total of 35 studies involving 1321 patients and 6 different interventions were included. Network meta-analysis showed that noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is superior in improving exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test distance, peak work rate, endurance time), dyspnea, and physiological change (peak VO2, tidal volume, minute ventilation and lactate level) in stable COPD patients who were at GOLD stage III or IV during PR exercise training. The final surface under the cumulative ranking curve value indicated that NPPV therapy achieved the best assistive rehabilitation effect. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicate that NPPV is most powerful in assisting exercise in severe COPD patients under stable condition. Researchers should focus more on the safety, feasibility, and personalization of interventions. Furthermore, there is a need for additional high-quality trials to assess the consistency of evidence across various respiratory support approaches. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023491139).

Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and/or respiratory muscle training in patients with post-COVID conditions: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The term "post-COVID-19 condition" refers to the symptomatology that appears between four to twelve weeks after Covid-19 infection. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and/or respiratory muscle training on respiratory sequelae in patients with post-COVID condition. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized clinical trials were included in which participants were aged 18 years or older. Articles were excluded if at least one of the therapies did not involve pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory muscle training, if the participants were COVID positive, if studies lacked results, and finally, if interventions were conducted without supervision or at home. This review only encompasses supervised non-virtual interventions. This study adheres to the PRISMA statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023433843). RESULTS: The outcomes obtained in the included studies are assessed across the following variables: Exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test, Dyspnea, fatigue, Pulmonary function, Maximum inspiratory pressure, and Quality of life. CONCLUSION: Despite the absence of a specific treatment at present, it was evident from this review that a well-structured pulmonary rehabilitation program that incorporates both aerobic and muscular strength exercises along with techniques and inspiratory muscle exercises was the most effective form of treatment.

"In their own words": delineating the contours of dyspnea invisibility in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from quantitative discourse analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dyspnea conveys an upsetting or distressing experience of breathing awareness. It heavily weighs on chronic respiratory disease patients, particularly when it persists despite maximal treatment of causative abnormalities. The physical, psychological and social impacts of persistent dyspnea are ill-appreciated by others. This invisibility constitutes a social barrier and impedes access to care. This study aimed to better understand dyspnea invisibility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through quantitative discourse analysis. METHODS: We conducted a lexicometric analysis (lemmatization, descending hierarchical classification, multicomponent analysis, similarity analysis) of 11 patients' discourses (6 men, severe COPD; immediate postexacerbation rehabilitation) to identify semantic classes and communities, which we then confronted with themes previously identified using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Class#1 ("experience and need for better understanding"; 38.9% of semantic forms, 50% of patients) illustrates the gap that patients perceive between their experience and what others see, confirming the importance of dyspnea invisibility in patients' concerns. Class#2 ("limitations"; 28.7% of forms) and Class#3 (management"; 13.1% of forms) point to the weight of daily limitations in performing basic activities, of the need to accept or adapt to the constraints of the disease. These three classes matched previously identified IPA-derived themes. Class#4 ("hospitalization"; 18.2% of forms) points to the importance of interactions with the hospital, especially during exacerbations, which constitutes novel information. CONCLUSIONS: Lexicometry confirms the importance of dyspnea invisibility as a burden to COPD patients.

Outcomes of different pulmonary rehabilitation protocols in patients under mechanical ventilation with difficult weaning: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The endeavor of liberating patients from ventilator dependence within respiratory care centers (RCCs) poses considerable challenges. Multiple factors contribute to this process, yet establishing an effective regimen for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) remains uncertain. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate existing rehabilitation protocols, ascertain associations between clinical factors and patient outcomes, and explore the influence of these protocols on the outcomes of the patients to shape suitable rehabilitation programs. METHODS: Conducted at a medical center in northern Taiwan, the retrospective study examined 320 newly admitted RCC patients between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. Each patient received a tailored PR protocol, following which researchers evaluated weaning rates, RCC survival, and 3-month survival as outcome variables. Analyses scrutinized differences in baseline characteristics and prognoses among three PR protocols: protocol 1 (routine care), protocol 2 (routine care plus breathing training), and protocol 3 (routine care plus breathing and limb muscle training). RESULTS: Among the patients, 28.75% followed protocol 1, 59.37% protocol 2, and 11.88% protocol 3. Variances in age, body-mass index, pneumonia diagnosis, do-not-resuscitate orders, Glasgow Coma Scale scores (≤ 14), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE) scores were notable across these protocols. Age, APACHE scores, and abnormal blood urea nitrogen levels (> 20 mg/dL) significantly correlated with outcomes-such as weaning, RCC survival, and 3-month survival. Elevated mean hemoglobin levels linked to increased weaning rates (p = 0.0065) and 3-month survival (p = 0.0102). Four adjusted models clarified the impact of rehabilitation protocols. Notably, the PR protocol 3 group exhibited significantly higher 3-month survival rates compared to protocol 1, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 3.87 to 3.97 across models. This association persisted when comparing with protocol 2, with ORs between 3.92 and 4.22. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that distinct PR protocols significantly affected the outcomes of ventilator-dependent patients within RCCs. The study underlines the importance of tailored rehabilitation programs and identifies key clinical factors influencing patient outcomes. Recommendations advocate prospective studies with larger cohorts to comprehensively assess PR effects on RCC patients.

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and cardiopulmonary function in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer significantly impairs exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has demonstrated positive effects on exercise capacity and HRQL in lung cancer patients. However, its impact on cardiopulmonary function needs further exploration. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of PR on cardiopulmonary function, exercise capacity and HRQL in patients with lung cancer. METHODS: Patients with lung cancer were enrolled in a 12-week PR program. Each participant underwent a thorough evaluation, which included spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respiratory muscle strength test, and evaluation of HRQL using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT). RESULTS: Fifty-six patients completed the PR program. Following PR, exercise capacity significantly improved, as evidenced by increased peak oxygen uptake and work rate (both p < 0.05). Exertional symptoms were notably reduced, including leg soreness and dyspnea at peak exercise, accompanied by a decrease in the CAT score (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, improvements in cardiopulmonary function were observed, encompassing respiratory muscle strength, ventilatory equivalent, tidal volume, stroke volume index, and cardiac index at peak exercise (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PR demonstrated notable enhancements in cardiopulmonary function, exertional symptoms, exercise capacity, and HRQL in patients with lung cancer.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Exercises Effectively Improve Chronic Cough After Surgery for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Cough is a major complication after lung cancer surgery, potentially impacting lung function and quality of life. However, effective treatments for managing long-term persistent postoperative cough remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the potential of a pulmonary rehabilitation training program to effectively address this issue. METHODS: Between January 2019 and December 2022, a retrospective review was conducted on patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lobectomy and lymph node dissection via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at Daping hospital. Based on their postoperative rehabilitation methods, the patients were categorized into 2 groups: the traditional rehabilitation group and the pulmonary rehabilitation group. All patients underwent assessment using the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) on the third postoperative day. Additionally, at the 6-month follow-up, patients' LCQ scores and lung function were re-evaluated to assess the long-term effects of the pulmonary rehabilitation training programs. RESULTS: Among the 276 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 195 (70.7%) were in the traditional rehabilitation group, while 81 (29.3%) participated in the pulmonary rehabilitation group. The pulmonary rehabilitation group showed a significantly lower incidence of cough on the third postoperative day (16.0% vs 29.7%, P = .018) and higher LCQ scores in the somatic dimension (5.09 ± .81 vs 4.15 ± 1.22, P = .007) as well as in the total score (16.44 ± 2.86 vs 15.11 ± 2.51, P = .018, whereas there were no significant differences in psychiatric and sociological dimensions. At the 6-month follow-up, the pulmonary rehabilitation group continued to have a lower cough incidence (3.7% vs 12.8%, P = .022) and higher LCQ scores across all dimensions: somatic (6.19 ± .11 vs 5.75 ± 1.20, P = .035), mental (6.37 ± 1.19 vs 5.85 ± 1.22, P = .002), sociological (6.76 ± 1.22 vs 5.62 ± 1.08, P < .001), and total (18.22 ± 2.37 vs 16.21 ± 2.53, P < .001). Additionally, lung function parameters including FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1%, MVV, MVV%, DLCO SB, and DLCO% were all significantly higher in the pulmonary rehabilitation group compared to the traditional group. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation exercises significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative cough and improved cough-related quality of life in patients undergoing lobectomy, with sustained benefits observed at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, these exercises demonstrated superior lung function outcomes compared to traditional rehabilitation methods.

Pulmonary rehabilitation exercises significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative cough and improved cough-related quality of life in patients undergoing lobectomy, with sustained benefits observed at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, these exercises demonstrated superior lung function outcomes compared to traditional rehabilitation methods.

Aerobic physical training reduces severe asthma phenotype involving kinins pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Aerobic physical training (APT) reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation, but its effects and mechanisms in severe asthma remain unknown. METHODS: An in vitro study employing key cells involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma, such as freshly isolated human eosinophils, neutrophils, and bronchial epithelial cell lineage (BEAS-2B) and lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells), was conducted. Additionally, an in vivo study using male C57Bl/6 mice, including Control (Co; n = 10), Trained (Exe; n = 10), house dust mite (HDM; n = 10), and HDM + Trained (HDM + Exe; n = 10) groups, was carried out, with APT performed at moderate intensity, 5x/week, for 4 weeks. RESULTS: HDM and bradykinin, either alone or in combination, induced hyperactivation in human neutrophils, eosinophils, BEAS-2B, and MRC-5 cells. In contrast, IL-10, the primary anti-inflammatory molecule released during APT, inhibited these inflammatory effects, as evidenced by the suppression of numerous cytokines and reduced mRNA expression of the B1 receptor and ACE-2. The in vivo study demonstrated that APT decreased bronchoalveolar lavage levels of bradykinin, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, IL-33, TNF-α, and IL-13, while increasing levels of IL-10, klotho, and IL-1RA. APT reduced the accumulation of polymorphonuclear cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages in the peribronchial space, as well as collagen fiber accumulation, epithelial thickness, and mucus accumulation. Furthermore, APT lowered the expression of the B1 receptor and ACE-2 in lung tissue and reduced bradykinin levels in the lung tissue homogenate compared to the HDM group. It also improved airway resistance, tissue resistance, and tissue damping. On a systemic level, APT reduced total leukocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in the blood, as well as plasma levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-5, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-33, while elevating the levels of IL-10 and IL-1RA. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that APT inhibits the severe asthma phenotype by targeting kinin signaling.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status dyspnea and quality of life among post COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional status dyspnea and quality of life among post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: The study utilized an experimental study design with a total of 120 participants to examine the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A (experimental group) and Group B (control group). Demographic variables such as age, weight, and height were collected. Health-related quality of life (HRQL), post-COVID-19 functional status, and perceived exertion were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Group A demonstrated a higher mean age than Group B, indicating a significant age difference between the two groups, with no significant difference observed in weight and height. Following the intervention, Group A exhibited significant improvement in HRQL, post-COVID-19 functional status, and perceived exertion compared to Group B. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary rehabilitation had positive effects on health-related quality of life, post-COVID-19 functional status, and perceived exertion. The experimental group benefited from improved HRQL, suggesting an overall enhancement in their well-being. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation as an intervention for improving outcomes in individuals post-COVID-19.

The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life and functional capacity after chemotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life during the survival period in individuals with small cell lung cancer. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), who completed chemotherapy treatment and were in the survival period, were included in the study. A pulmonary rehabilitation program was applied to individuals at 40-70% of submaximal heart rate, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The pulmonary rehabilitation program will consist of warm up, breathing exercises, gait training, aerobic exercises, and cool down exercises. Demographic information, walking distance, and presence of dyspnea were questioned. Inspiration/expiration difference was evaluated. Vital signs were evaluated before each session. Quality of life was assessed with the Cancer-Specific Developed Quality of Life Scale (EORTC-QLQ-C30). RESULTS: Of the patients, 80% (36 people) completed the entire 8-week program. The mean age of the individuals was 51.78 ± 10.23. In the evaluation made at the end of the rehabilitation program, it was observed that the walking distance of the individuals increased significantly. Inspiration of individuals' expiratory difference increased by an average of 2.01 ± 0.40 cm. Improvement was found in the sub-parameters of quality of life (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The participants with small cell lung cancer had decreased quality of life due to long-term immobilization, surgery, hospitalization times, side effects of chemotherapy treatment, and other problems. Regular exercise programs can provide an increase in the individual's pulmonary functions. Individual-specific pulmonary rehabilitation programs have important contributions to the quality of life in SCLC on the survival period, and it has shown that this study can guide physiotherapists and physicians working in oncological rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation duration on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PuRe Duration Trial): A randomized controlled equivalence trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is no strong evidence on the optimal duration of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes. The aim of the study was to determine whether an 8-week PR programme was equivalent to a 12-week PR programme in improving endurance exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Participants with COPD were randomized to either an 8-week (8-wk Group) or 12-week (12-wk Group), twice weekly, supervised PR programme consisting of endurance and strength training and individualized self-management education. Between group comparisons were made at completion of each programme (i.e., week 8 or week 12), for both programmes at week 12, and at 6-12-month follow-up. The primary outcome was endurance exercise capacity measured by the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) with the minimally important difference of 186 s set as the equivalence limit. RESULTS: Sixty-six participants [mean (SD); age 69 (7) years, FEV1 48 (17) %predicted] were randomized (33 per group). Between-group comparisons demonstrated that the ESWT time was equivalent for the 12-wk Group compared to the 8-wk Group at programme completion [mean (95% CI)] [71 s (-61 to 203)], week 12 [70 s (-68 to 208)], and 6-12-month follow-up [93 s (-52 to 239)], though superiority of the 12-wk Group could not be ruled out at each time point. CONCLUSION: Equivalence was shown between 8-and 12-week PR programmes for endurance exercise capacity, but superiority could not be ruled out for the 12-wk Group. Decisions about programme duration may depend on local waitlist times, healthcare budgets and patient preference.

Impact and timing of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients undergoing bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves: A multicentre randomized controlled trial in patients with severe emphysema.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Both bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves (BLVR-EBV) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are effective treatments for improving exercise capacity and patient-reported outcomes in patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). According to current recommendations, all BLVR-EBV patients should have undergone PR first. Our aim was to study the effects of PR both before and after BLVR-EBV compared to BLVR-EBV alone. METHODS: We included patients with severe COPD who were eligible for BLVR-EBV and PR. Participants were randomized into three groups: PR before BLVR-EBV, PR after BLVR-EBV or BLVR-EBV without PR. The primary outcome was change in constant work rate cycle test (CWRT) endurance time at 6-month follow-up of the PR groups compared to BLVR-EBV alone. Secondary endpoints included changes in 6-minute walking test, daily step count, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Ninety-seven participants were included. At 6-month follow-up, there was no difference in change in CWRT endurance time between the PR before BLVR-EBV and BLVR-EBV alone groups (median: 421 [IQR: 44; 1304] vs. 787 [123; 1024] seconds, p = 0.82) or in any of the secondary endpoints, but the PR after BLVR-EBV group exhibited a smaller improvement in CWRT endurance time (median: 107 [IQR: 2; 573], p = 0.04) and health-related quality of life compared to BLVR-EBV alone. CONCLUSION: The addition of PR to BLVR-EBV did not result in increased exercise capacity, daily step count or improved patient-reported outcomes compared to BLVR-EBV alone, neither when PR was administered before BLVR-EBV nor when PR was administered after BLVR-EBV.

Effects of home-based telerehabilitation-assisted inspiratory muscle training in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are few studies that have used inspiratory muscle training (IMT) as an intervention for patients with isolated idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to investigate and interpret the effects of home-based telerehabilitation-assisted IMT in patients with IPF. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants with IPF took part in the study. Lung function tests, functional exercise capacity by 6-min walk distance (6MWD), dyspnoea perception by modified medical research council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), and inspiratory muscle strength by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were assessed. IMT was performed twice a day, 7 days/week, for 8 weeks. The intervention group (n = 14) performed IMT at 50% of their baseline MIP while the control group (n = 14) performed IMT without applied resistance. Loading intensity was progressed by keeping the load at 4-6 on a modified Borg scale for the highest tolerable perceived respiratory effort for each patient. RESULTS: Dyspnoea based on mMRC score (p < 0.001, η2 effect size = 0.48) significantly decreased within the intervention group compared with the control group. There were significant increases in the intervention group compared to the control group based on 6MWD (p < 0.001, η2 effect size = 0.43), MIP (p = 0.006, η2 effect size = 0.25) and MIP % predicted (p = 0.008, η2 effect size = 0.25). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that an 8-week home-based telerehabilitation-assisted IMT intervention produced improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, leading to improvements in functional exercise capacity and dyspnoea.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Stress Urinary Incontinence in North African Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) are involved in respiratory mechanisms. Additionally, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can affect physical function. This randomized controlled trial was aimed at investigating the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on SUI severity, PFM function, and physical function in Tunisian women with SUI. METHODS: Twenty-seven incontinent women were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. The following parameters were assessed: respiratory muscle strength (RMS; maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures), SUI severity (Urogenital Distress Inventory-6; Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7; pad test), PFM function (Modified Oxford Scale, electromyography, and endurance), and physical function (Timed Up & Go test; 6-min walk test; incremental shuttle walking test). IMT was conducted using threshold IMT. RESULTS: The IMT program significantly reduced the severity of SUI (p < 0.01), improved PFM function (p < 0.001), enhanced physical function (p < 0.01), and increased RMS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training could be an effective method for improving pelvic floor disorders and physical function in women with SUI.

Effects of Combined Endurance and Resistance Eccentric Training on Muscle Function and Functional Performance in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adherence to treatment and efficacy of an eccentric-based training (ECC) program on peripheral muscle function and functional exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation unit of a tertiary subacute referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty (N=30) stable inpatients (mean age 68±8 years; FEV1 44±18% of predicted) with COPD were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Inpatients were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of a combined endurance and resistance ECC (n=15) or conventional training (CON; n=15). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quadriceps peak torque (PT) was the primary outcome measure for muscle function. Rate of force development (RFD), muscle activation and quality (quadriceps PT/leg lean mass), 6-min walk distance (6MWD), 4-meter gait speed (4mGS), 10-meter gait speed, 5-repetition sit-to-stand (5STS), dyspnea rate, and mortality risk were the secondary outcomes. Evaluations were performed at baseline and repeated after 4 weeks and 3 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Quadriceps PT, RFD, and muscle quality improved by 17±23% (P<.001), 19±24%, and 16±20% (both P<.05) within the ECC group. Besides, a significant between-group difference for RFD (56±94 Nm/s, P=.038) was found after training. Both groups showed clinically relevant improvements in 6MWD, 4mGS, dyspnea rate, and mortality risk, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: Combined endurance and resistance ECC improved lower limbs muscle function compared with CON in inpatients with COPD. In contrast, ECC did not further improve functional performance, dyspnea, and mortality risk. ECC may be of particular benefit to effect on skeletal muscle function in patients with COPD.

Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Exercise Capacity, Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Patients With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection. In addition, to compare the modalities of PR services (face-to-face and telerehabilitation) and the duration of PR in weeks (4-8 weeks and >8 weeks). DATA SOURCES: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Central/Cochrane Library, SciELO Citation Index (Web of Science), and CINAHL. STUDY SELECTION: Studies determining the effects of PR in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included and grouped according to PR delivery modality. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by 2 reviewers. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 1 (RoB-1). DATA SYNTHESIS: The literature search retrieved 1406 articles, of which 7 studies explored the effects of PR on patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, with 188 patients randomized to PR. The mean age of participants was 50 years and 49% were women. Meta-analysis showed an increase in exercise capacity with PR compared with control (6-minute walking test: mean difference: 60.56 m, 95% confidence interval: 40.75-80.36), a reduction in fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale: -0.90, -1.49 to -0.31) but no change in dyspnea (-0.57, -1.32 to 0.17) and muscle strength (3.03, -1.89 to 7.96). There were no differences between telerehabilitation and face-to-face PR regarding effects on peripheral muscle strength (P=.42), dyspnea (P=.83), and fatigue (P=.34). There were no differences between programs 4-8 weeks and >8 weeks regarding exercise capacity (P=.83), peripheral muscle strength (P=.42), and dyspnea (P=.76). CONCLUSIONS: PR improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Duration of PR (4-8 weeks vs > 8 weeks) or PR modality (telerehabilitation vs face-to-face) did not affect outcomes but data were limited and based on subgroup analysis. Further evidence is required to determine the optimal delivery mode and duration of PR for post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Unmet Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent and burdensome condition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Challenges to better care include more effective diagnosis and access to affordable interventions. There are no previous reports describing therapeutic needs of populations with COPD in LMICs who were identified through screening. Objectives: To describe unmet therapeutic need in screening-detected COPD in LMIC settings. Methods: We compared interventions recommended by the international Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease COPD strategy document, with that received in 1,000 people with COPD identified by population screening at three LMIC sites in Nepal, Peru, and Uganda. We calculated costs using data on the availability and affordability of medicines. Measurement and Main Results: The greatest unmet need for nonpharmacological interventions was for education and vaccinations (applicable to all), pulmonary rehabilitation (49%), smoking cessation (30%), and advice on biomass smoke exposure (26%). Ninety-five percent of the cases were previously undiagnosed, and few were receiving therapy (4.5% had short-acting ß-agonists). Only three of 47 people (6%) with a previous COPD diagnosis had access to drugs consistent with recommendations. None of those with more severe COPD were accessing appropriate maintenance inhalers. Even when available, maintenance treatments were unaffordable, with 30 days of treatment costing more than a low-skilled worker's daily average wage. Conclusions: We found a significant missed opportunity to reduce the burden of COPD in LMIC settings, with most cases undiagnosed. Although there is unmet need in developing novel therapies, in LMICs where the burden is greatest, better diagnosis combined with access to affordable interventions could translate to immediate benefit.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Adults with Chronic Respiratory Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Background: Despite the known benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with chronic respiratory disease, this treatment is underused. Evidence-based guidelines should lead to greater knowledge of the proven benefits of PR, highlight the role of PR in evidence-based health care, and in turn foster referrals to and more effective delivery of PR for people with chronic respiratory disease. Methods: The multidisciplinary panel formulated six research questions addressing PR for specific patient groups (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension) and models for PR delivery (telerehabilitation, maintenance PR). Treatment effects were quantified using systematic reviews. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to formulate clinical recommendations. Recommendations: The panel made the following judgments: strong recommendations for PR for adults with stable COPD (moderate-quality evidence) and after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation (moderate-quality evidence), strong recommendation for PR for adults with interstitial lung disease (moderate-quality evidence), conditional recommendation for PR for adults with pulmonary hypertension (low-quality evidence), strong recommendation for offering the choice of center-based PR or telerehabilitation for patients with chronic respiratory disease (moderate-quality evidence), and conditional recommendation for offering either supervised maintenance PR or usual care after initial PR for adults with COPD (low-quality evidence). Conclusions: These guidelines provide the basis for evidence-based delivery of PR for people with chronic respiratory disease.

A pilot study on the effectiveness of a language-specific (Chinese) pulmonary rehabilitation programme for individuals with chronic pulmonary disease: a 2-year prospective cohort study in Sydney, Australia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves dyspnoea, fatigue and healthcare-related quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic lung disease (CLD). Non-English-speaking background (NESB) patients face language and cultural barriers that hinder their access to PR programmes, contributing to health disparities. Our trial aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of a Chinese language-specific PR programme on lung function, functional exercise capacity and QoL measures. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted over a 2-year period. Participants were enrolled in an 8-week PR programme with biweekly sessions conducted by Chinese-speaking physiotherapists. Baseline and post-rehabilitation testing included pulmonary function testing, 6-min walk test (6MWT), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGQR) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: We enrolled 76 patients (58% male) with a median age of 77 years (interquartile range (IQR) 68-81) and achieved a completion rate of 86.8% (n = 66). CLD included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (42%), asthma (15%) and interstitial lung disease (3%). Baseline median forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 1.63 L (IQR 1.17-2.05), and the median 6MWT was 282 m (IQR 232-332). Post-intervention median 6MWT increased to 332 m (IQR 290-390), and the median FEV1 was 1.99 L (IQR 1.3-2.1). Both QoL measures (SGQR and SF-36) showed significant improvement after intervention (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that a language-specific PR programme is feasible, improving outcomes in NESB patients with CLD. The improvement in 6MWT and QoL measures was comparable to English-based programmes. Ensuring equal access to healthcare programmes, regardless of cultural background or language barriers, is crucial in promoting health equity.