Pulmonary vascular disease in chronic lung diseases: cause or comorbidity?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide timely and relevant insights into the complex relationship between pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and chronic lung disease (CLD), focusing on the causative and consequential dynamics between these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: There are shared pathogenic mechanisms between pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and group 3 pulmonary hypertension, including altered expression of mediators and growth factors implicated in both conditions. Factors such as hypoxia, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia also contribute to pulmonary vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction. However, the role of hypoxia as the sole driver of pulmonary hypertension in CLD is being reconsidered, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with evidence suggesting a potential role for cigarette smoke products in initiating pulmonary vascular impairment. On the other hand, interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a group of heterogeneous lung disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium, leading to impaired gas exchange and progressive respiratory decline, which could also play a role as a cause of pulmonary hypertension. SUMMARY: Understanding the intricate interplay between the pulmonary vascular compartment and the parenchymal and airway compartments in respiratory disease is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with PVD and CLD, with implications for both clinical practice and research.

Which Sit-to-Stand Test Best Differentiates Functional Capacity in Older People?

ABSTRACT: The sit-to-stand test provides insight into age-related functional capacity; however, there are various variants of sit-to-stand, and we do not know which of these better discriminates against age-related functional capacity. Our study aimed to compare the age-related functional capacity in older people by evaluating sit-to-stand power variants, using young individuals as a reference. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 adults (57 women) aged 60-80 and 105 adults (54 women) aged 20-30. Participants performed five times sit-to-stand (5 sit-to-stand), 30-second sit-to-stand, and 1-min sit-to-stand. Z scores were obtained for each sit-to-stand variant using power (W), relative (W/kg), and allometric (W/m 2 ) normalization methods. A mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed the interactions among the sit-to-stand variants, normalization methods, sex, physical activity, and tobacco history. A significant interaction between sit-to-stand variants, normalization methods, and sex ( P = 0.002) was found. The mean effect of sit-to-stand variants revealed that the 1-min sit-to-stand had the lowest Z score ( P < 0.05). Significant variations were observed between sit-to-stand variants in all normalization methods for women ( P < 0.001). However, in men, only the difference between 5 sit-to-stand and 1-min sit-to-stand remained consistent across normalization methods ( P < 0.05). Our findings highlight the efficacy of 1-min sit-to-stand in distinguishing age-related functional capacity over the other sit-to-stand tests, especially in women.

Six-minute walking distance and desaturation-distance ratio in allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with haematological malignancies who undergo allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) receive chemotherapy before the transplant to control the disease. Certain chemotherapy drugs can cause lung toxicity. Conversely, in patients with chronic respiratory conditions, the 6-min walking test (6MWT) and the desaturation-distance ratio (DDR) have demonstrated prognostic significance. Our objective was to determine whether the 6MWD and DDR, assessed prior to HSCT, have a prognostic impact on survival at 24 months post-HSCT. METHODS: A prospective experimental study was conducted in consecutive patients referred for allogeneic HSCT at Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. A complete functional respiratory study, including the 6MWT and DDR, was conducted prior to admission. The area under the curve (AUC) and cut-off points were calculated. Data on patients' characteristics, HSCT details, main events, with a focus on lung complications, and survival at 24 months were analysed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five patients (39% women) with mean age of 48 ± 13 years old were included. Before HSCT, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in the first second were 96% ± 13% predicted and 92% ± 14% predicted, respectively; corrected diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 79% ± 15% predicted; 6MWD was 568 ± 83 m and DDR of .27 (.20-.41). The cut-off points for 6MWD and DDR were 566 m, [.58 95% CI (.51-.64)], p = .024 and .306, [.63 95% CI (.55-.70)], p = .0005, respectively. The survival rate at 24 months was 55%. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that individuals who exhibit a 6MWD shorter than 566 ms or a decline in DDR beyond .306 experienced reduced survival rates at 24 months after HSCT.

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

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

Risk Factors for One-Year Mortality in Hospitalized Adults with Severe COVID-19.

As the body's immunity declines with age, elderly-hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 might be at higher mortality risk. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to examine the possible risk factors (demographic, social or comorbidities) most associated with mortality one-year after diagnosis of COVID-19. Routine data were collected from a cohort of hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19. The primary endpoint was mortality at one-year after diagnosis of COVID-19. We used a Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for both all-cause and specific cardiorespiratory mortality. A fully adjusted model included sex, socioeconomic status, institutionalization status, disability, smoking habit, and comorbidities as confounders. A total of 368 severe cases hospitalized on average 67.3 ± 15.9 years old were included. Participants aged ≥ 71 years had significantly higher HRs for all-cause mortality (adjusted HRs = 2.86, 95%CI: 2.01-4.07) and cardiorespiratory mortality (adjusted HRs = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.99-4.12). The association between age and mortality after diagnosis of COVID-19 due to both all-causes and cardiorespiratory mortality showed a consistent dose-response fashion. Institutionalization, disability, and socioeconomic status also showed a significant association with mortality. In conclusion, aging itself was the most important risk factor associated with mortality one year after diagnosis of COVID-19. People with disabilities, institutionalized or low socioeconomic status are significantly more likely to die after COVID-19.

Preoperative respiratory therapy in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A preoperative respiratory therapy treatment was performed to analyze the effectiveness, with respect to postoperative air leak and pain, in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer. OBJECTIVES: To analyze air leakage and postoperative pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy one patients were studied, with a mean age of 62.58 years. Descriptive variables of gender, carcinogenic pathology, type of surgical incision and lung resection, use of glue and endostapler, and presence of adhesions were analyzed. Likewise, analysis of the quantitative variables of age, body mass index and forced expiratory volume in 1 s Two homogeneous groups resulted. Differentiated, experimental group (EG) that performed preoperative respiratory therapy and control group (CG). RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in favor of the EG with respect to postoperative air leak on days 1-2 during the performance of physiotherapy techniques, the food and during the performance of the exercises autonomously. Furthermore, differences in air leakage were observed on days 2-4 during gait. The number of patients decreased to a greater extent in the EG. Regarding pain, there were statistically significant differences in the sample on days 1-4, with greater intensity of pain in the CG and after doing physiotherapy every day except the second. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative respiratory therapy in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer was effective in reducing the number of patients who presented postoperative air leak and reducing pain in the EG.

Exercise capacity in people with haemophilia: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise capacity has been established as a protective factor against joint impairment in people with haemophilia (PWH). However, little is known about how exercise capacity is affected in PWH. AIM: To analyse exercise capacity, as assessed by standardised laboratory or field tests in PWH. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify manuscripts investigating physical capacity in PWH. An electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL and CINAHL was conducted from inception to 13 April, 2022. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed study quality using the critical appraisal tools of the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS: Nineteen studies with 825 patients were included. Most studies used the six-min walk test (6MWT) or peak/maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). In children, the distance walked ranged from 274 ± 36.02 to 680 ± 100 m. In adults, the distance walked ranged from 457.5 ± 96.9 to 650.9 ± 180.3 m. VO2 max ranged from 37 ± 8 to 47.42 ± 8.29 ml kg-1  min-1 . Most studies reported lower values of exercise capacity compared to standardised values. Overall, the quality of the studies was moderate. CONCLUSION: Most of the studies showed that PWH have lower exercise capacity compared to reference values of 6MWT or VO2 max. Based on these results, it is necessary to emphasise in both the promotion and the prescription of physical exercise in PWH.

Respiratory Muscle Training in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) include positive pressure, weight loss, oral appliances, surgery, and exercise. Although the involvement of the respiratory muscles in OSA is evident, the effect of training them to improve clinical outcomes is not clear. We aimed to determine the effects of respiratory muscle training in patients with OSA. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in seven databases. Studies that applied respiratory muscle training in OSA patients were reviewed. Two independent reviewers analysed the studies, extracted the data and assessed the quality of evidence. Results: Of the 405 reports returned by the initial search, eight articles reporting on 210 patients were included in the data synthesis. Seven included inspiratory muscle training (IMT), and one included expiratory muscle training (EMT). Regarding IMT, we found significant improvement in Epworth sleepiness scale in −4.45 points (95%CI −7.64 to −1.27 points, p = 0.006), in Pittsburgh sleep quality index of −2.79 points (95%CI −4.19 to −1.39 points, p < 0.0001), and maximum inspiratory pressure of −29.56 cmH2O (95%CI −53.14 to −5.98 cmH2O, p = 0.01). However, the apnoea/hypopnea index and physical capacity did not show changes. We did not perform a meta-analysis of EMT due to insufficient studies. Conclusion: IMT improves sleepiness, sleep quality and inspiratory strength in patients with OSA.

Associations Between Recently Diagnosed Conditions and Hospitalization due to COVID-19 in Patients Aged 50 Years and Older-A SHARE-Based Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have been carried out with a large sample size on the relationship between chronic conditions and hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and there is no research examining recently diagnosed conditions. Our purpose was to evaluate this association in a large sample including the older population from Europe and Israel. METHOD: Data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe COVID-19 Survey, a representative survey of individuals aged 50 or older residing in 27 European countries and Israel, were retrieved. Associations between recently diagnosed chronic conditions (ie, conditions detected over the last 3 years) (exposure) and hospitalization due to COVID-19 (outcome) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 51 514 participants on average 71.0 (SD = 9.2) years old were included. Participants with multimorbidity (ie, 2 or more recently diagnosed conditions) had significantly higher odds for COVID-19 hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.91 [95% CI = 2.14-7.12]). Independent conditions such as lung disease (AOR = 16.94 [95% CI = 9.27-30.95]), heart disease (AOR = 3.29 [95% CI = 1.50-7.21]), or cancer (AOR = 3.45 [95% CI = 1.26-9.48]) showed particularly high odds for hospitalization due to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: People with recently diagnosed diseases, and in particular those having lung disease, heart disease, or cancer, were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19.

Secuelas físicas y emocionales en pacientes post hospitalización por COVID-19 / Physical and emotional sequelae after hospitalization for COVID-19

Background: Facing a severe life-threatening disease has physical and emotional consequences for patients. Aim: To evaluate the physical and emotional sequelae in patients who survived COVID-19 pneumonia. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from post-COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted to an outpatient follow-up program in a public hospital in Chile. One month after hospital discharge, the evaluation of physical capacity was carried out through the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1STST). In addition, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale were applied. Results: We included 70 patients aged 63 ± 13 years (54% women). Eighty-five percent of the patients were able to execute the 1STST with an average of 20.6 ± 4.8 repetitions. Forty-eight percent of the patients had a performance below the 2.5th percentile according to the reference values and 28% of patients had exertional desaturation. The CFS classified as mildly vulnerable or with some degree of frailty to 33% of patients. Twenty-five percent of the patients presented symptoms of depression and 33% of anxiety. Conclusions: Patients who survived COVID-19 have a decrease in physical capacity and a significant proportion of depression and anxiety one month after hospital discharge.

Determinantes sociales de la salud asociados a la severidad y mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 / Social determinants of health associated with severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19

Resumen Introducción: Históricamente, las pandemias han tenido como resultado tasas de mortalidad más altas en las poblaciones más vulnerables. Los determinantes sociales de la salud (DSS) se han asociado a la morbimortalidad de las personas en diferentes niveles. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre los DSS, la severidad de COVID-19 y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que se recolectaron datos de pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital público de Chile. Las variables sociodemográficas relacionadas con los DSS estructurales se clasificaron según las siguientes categorías: sexo, edad (< 65 años, ≥ 65 años), educación secundaria (completada o no), condición de trabajo (activo, inactivo) e ingreso económico (< USD 320, ≥ USD 320). Resultados: Fueron incluidos 1012 casos con COVID-19 confirmados por laboratorio. La edad promedio fue de 64.2 ± 17.5 años. La mortalidad de la muestra total fue de 14.5 %. La edad, nivel educativo, desempleo e ingresos tuvieron fuerte asociación con la mortalidad (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: Los hallazgos refuerzan la idea de que los DSS deben considerarse una prioridad de salud pública, por lo que los esfuerzos políticos deben centrarse en reducir las desigualdades en salud para las generaciones futuras.

Abstract Introduction: Historically, pandemics have resulted in higher mortality rates in the most vulnerable populations. Social determinants of health (SDH) have been associated with people morbidity and mortality at different levels. Objective: To determine the relationship between SDH and COVID-19 severity and mortality. Methods: Retrospective study, where data from patients with COVID-19 were collected at a public hospital in Chile. Sociodemographic variables related to structural SDH were classified according to the following categories: gender, age (< 65 years, ≥ 65 years), secondary education (completed or not), work status (active, inactive) and income (< USD 320, ≥ USD 320). Results: A total of 1,012 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were included. Average age was 64.2 ± 17.5 years. Mortality of the entire sample was 14.5 %. Age, level of education, unemployment and income had a strong association with mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings reinforce the idea that SDH should be considered a public health priority, which is why political efforts should focus on reducing health inequalities for future generations.

Capacidad funcional y desempeño de pacientes con neumonía por Covid-19 / Functional capacity and performance of patients with Covid-19 pneumonia

One year after the first case reported by a new coronavirus (COVID-19), the evidence has shown a series of persistent signs and symptoms once the acute process has been overcome.Under the WHO's framework for health and disability, these impairments at cardiorespiratory, cognitive, and musculoskeletal body functions and structures lead, at least in the short and mid-term, to activity limitations and participation restriction. In this review, we discussed the main alterations generating disability and the challenges of implementing effective evaluation strategies in this disease. Along with their role in the health emergency, rehabilitation teams are challenged to design and deliver timely intervention strategies to reduce post-COVID-19 disability. (AU)

Producción Científica e Investigación en Kinesiología en Chile. Una Revisión de los últimos 20 años / Scientific production and research in Kinesiology in Chile. A Review of the Last 20 Years

Introducción: La Kinesiología en Chile ha alcanzado un importante desarrollo, impulsado por el modelo biopsicosocial. La investigación ha mostrado un incipiente pero exponencial desarrollo vinculado a las universidades. El propósito de este estudio es describir y caracterizar el estado de la producción científica realizada por Kinesiólogas y Kinesiólogos de Chile en los últimos 20 años. Método: Se realizó una revisión exploratoria con búsqueda sistemática de la literatura producida entre los años 2000-2020, en diferentes bases de datos: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro y SciELO. Los términos de búsqueda utilizados fueron: Kinesiología, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy y Chile. Resultados: Se identificaron 644 artículos con los criterios de inclusión. El idioma predominante fue el inglés (n=451). El 8,9% presentó participación exclusiva de mujeres y el 69,7% de hombres. Las áreas con mayor producción fueron musculoesquelético, cardiometabólico y fisiología del ejercicio, mientras que las más y las más emergentes ergonomía y el área de educación. Geográficamente, la Región Metropolitana concentró más de la mitad de las publicaciones, seguida por la región del Maule, que fue la segunda en cuatro de las seis áreas con mayor producción. Entre 2000- 2005 no se identificaron artículos publicados según los criterios definidos para esta investigación, mientras que entre 2017­2019 se concentró el 56,8%. Conclusiones: En los últimos tres años (2017, 2018 y 2019) ha existido un notorio crecimiento de publicaciones nacionales, concentrándose mayormente en la Región Metropolitana. Las áreas de mayor producción científica son las históricamente incluidas como parte de la formación en kinesiología. Existe una importante brecha de género en relación con la menor participación de mujeres como coautoras y autoras principales.

Introduction: Kinesiology in Chile has reached an important development, driven by the biopsychosocial model. Research has shown an incipient but exponential development with a strong relation with universities. The aim of this study is to describe and characterize scientific production carried out by Kinesiologist/Physical Therapist in Chile in the last twenty years. Methods: An exploratory review with systematic review of literature produced between 2000-2020 in different databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, SciELO.The search terms used were: Kinesiología, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Physical Therapy and Chile. Results: 644 articles with inclusion criteria were identified. Predominant language was english (n=451). 8,9% have exclusive participation of women and 69,7% of men. Areas with the highest production were musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic and exercise physiology, and the most emerging ergonomics and education. Geographically, Metropolitan Region concentrated more than half of publications, followed by Maule region, which was the second position in four of the six areas with highest production. Between 2000-2005 no published articles were identified according to the criteria defined for this research, while between 2017-2019, 56,8% were concentrated. Conclusions: In the last three years (2017, 2018 and 2019) there has been a noticeable growth of national publications, concentrating mainly in Metropolitan Region. Areas with greatest scientific production are those historically included as part of academic teaching/training in kinesiology. There is a significant gender gap in relation to the lower participation of women as co-authors and as main authors.

Evaluación Funcional y Respiratoria en Pacientes post COVID-19: ¿Cuáles son las mejores pruebas? / Functional and Respiratory Assessment in Post COVID-19 Patients: What are the best tests?

La evaluación de la capacidad respiratoria y funcional en pacientes con COVID-19 después de la fase aguda es esencial para estimar el impacto de los deterioros causados por la enfermedad en el nivel de funcionamiento relacionados con las actividades y tareas y su impacto en la participación. Esta información provee evidencia invaluable del impacto de la enfermedad para implementar las estrategias de rehabilitación más adecuadas. El objetivo de esta revisión es determinar cuáles son las mejores herramientas para evaluar la capacidad respiratoria y funcional en personas post-infección por COVID-19, para ello, se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura incluyendo estudios que aplicaron evaluaciones respiratorias y funcionales en pacientes post-infección por COVID-19. Se encontró que las herramientas más utilizadas para evaluar la función respiratoria fueron la capacidad de difusión y la espirometría. Para evaluar la capacidad funcional, las pruebas más utilizadas fueron el test de marcha de 6 minutos, el Sit-to-Stand test, Short Performance Physical Battery y el índice de Barthel. Finalmente, dada la heterogeneidad de la presentación clínica de la COVID-19, es fundamental contar con herramientas sencillas para evaluar y monitorizar las consecuencias de la enfermedad en la función respiratoria y el estado funcional de los pacientes.

The assessment of respiratory and functional capacity in patients with COVID-19 after the acute phase is essential to estimate the impact of the disease's impairments on functioning related to the activities and tasks and their impact on participation. This information provides invaluable evidence of the impact of the disease to implement the most appropriate rehabilitation strategies. This review aims to determine the best tests to assess people's respiratory and functional capacity after COVID-19 infection. A narrative review of the literature was carried out that includes studies that applied respiratory and functional assessment in post-COVID-19 infection patients. It was found that the most used tests to assess respiratory function were diffusion capacity and spirometry. The most widely used tests to assess functional capacity were the 6-minutes walk test, the Sit-to-Stand test, the Short Performance Physical Battery, and the Barthel index. Finally, due to the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation of COVID-19, it is essential to have simple tests to assess and monitor the consequences of the disease on patients' respiratory function and functional status.

Physical activity in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise and physical activity (PA) are essential components of the care of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Lower PA levels have been associated with worse pulmonary function, aerobic fitness, glycemic control, and bone mineral density. Most people with CF do not engage in the recommended amounts of PA. OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of PA in children and adolescents with CF. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted without language restrictions in five databases. Were included studies that analyzed PA measured by objective and subjective instruments in children and adolescents with CF. Two independent reviewers analyzed the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of evidence. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: Of the 1535 reports returned by the initial search, 20 articles reporting on 785 patients were included in the data synthesis. The forest plot showed that the CF group had a similar moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (mean difference, -7.79; 95% CI -15.65 to 0.08 min/d; P = .05) and sedentary time (mean difference, -50.81; 95%CI, -109.96 to 8.35 min/d; P = .09) to the control group. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with CF have a similar MVPA and sedentary time compared to controls. There are many options, subjective and objective, for assessing PA in this population. Optimal tool selection should guarantee more valid results.

Recomendaciones de protección para kinesiólogas y kinesiólogos que realizan técnicas y procedimientos respiratorios en personas con COVID-19 / Protection recommendations for kinesiologists and kinesiologists who perform respiratory techniques and procedures in people with COVID-19

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha definido la infección por coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) como una pandemia. Su infección puede causar potencialmente una enfermedad respiratoria muy severa1,2. Por otro lado, la tasa de transmisión ha sido muy alta, especialmente entre profesionales de la salud. Los kinesiólogos están en un alto riesgo de contraer la infección, particularmente cuando aplican técnicas respiratorias, el uso de oxígeno o la ventilación no invasiva. El objetivo de estas recomendaciones es proveer información práctica para que los profesionales tomen las precauciones necesarias para evitar contraer la infección. Además describir los riesgos de transmisión, dispersión de partícula según intervención y las recomendaciones basadas en la literatura actual revisada.

Recently the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) as a pandemic. Its infection can potentially cause a very severe respiratory illness1,2. Furthermore, the transmission rate has been very high, especially among health professionals. Physiotherapists are at high risk of contracting the infection, particularly when applying respiratory techniques, the use of oxygen, or non-invasive ventilation1. The objective of these recommendations is to provide practical information for professionals to take the necessary precautions to avoid contracting the infection. Also, to describe the risks of transmission, particle dispersion according to intervention and the recommendations based on the current literature reviewed.

Kinesiología respiratoria en niños con disquinesia ciliar primaria / Respiratory phisioterapy in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a rare autosomal recessive disease with compromised mucociliary drainage. Among the most commonly recommended non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies are secretion drainage techniques. However, the evidence for the use and effectiveness of these techniques is low, and they are generally based on extrapolated evidence of cystic fibrosis. This article reviews the recommendations and available evidence of chest physiotherapy, mainly manual and instrumental techniques of bronchial drainage and physical exercise in children with primary ciliary dyskinesia.

La disquinesia ciliar primaria es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva rara con compromiso del drenaje mucociliar. Entre las estrategias terapéuticas no farmacológicas más comúnmente recomendadas se encuentra las técnicas de drenaje de secreciones. Sin embargo, la evidencia del uso y efectividad de estas técnicas es reducida y generalmente se basan en evidencia extrapolada de la fibrosis quística. Este artículo revisa las recomendaciones y la evidencia disponible de la kinesiología respiratoria, principalmente las técnicas manuales e instrumentales de drenaje bronquial y el ejercicio físico en niños con disquinesia ciliar primaria.

[Characterization of the physical capacity in children of the Chilean National Program of Cystic Fibrosis]. / Caracterización de la capacidad física en niños del Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística de Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited, progressive, multisystem disease. Better physical capacity may slow disease progression, thus improving prognosis and survival. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical capacity of children admitted to the National CF Pro gram of the Metropolitan Region, Chile. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A multicenter, cross-sectional stu dy design was used. The inclusion criteria were children aged 6 to 12 years enrolled in the National CF Program; Tanner sexual maturity stage I, no respiratory exacerbations in the last 30 days, and no musculoskeletal pathologies. The maximum aerobic capacity was assessed through the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and determined with an incremental protocol in a magnetic cycle ergometer connected to an ergo-spirometer with which, at the same time, respiratory gases, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production values every 30 seconds, anaerobic threshold, and maximum workload were analyzed. The values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVJ, FEVj/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flows between 25% and 75% of vital capacity were assessed through ergo-spirometry. At the beginning of the ergo-spirometry, arterial oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, tidal volume and the per ception of lower extremity fatigue and dyspnea were recorded using the modified Borg scale. The test lasted approximately 10 minutes. RESULTS: The clinical records of 43 children collected from six health centers were reviewed. Out of these, 29 children met inclusion criteria, and 23 were re cruited. Two children were unable to participate, reducing the final subject group to 21 (13 males, 8 females). The mean age was 8.8 ± 2 years; weight 30.5 ± 10.9 kg; height 1.32 ± 0.11 m; and body mass index 17.1 ± 3.5 (z-score 0.01 ± 1.34). More than half of the children (61%) had normal weight. The obtained VO2peak was 43.7 ± 6.5 ml/min/kg (106.7 ± 19.8% of the predictive values). Only 10% of the children had values lower than those predicted by sex and age. No correlations were found between VO2peak and anthropometric and pulmonary function variables. Conclu sion: Most of the evaluated children (90%) had physical capacity similar to healthy subjects by sex and age.