Physical Exercise in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent problem that affects the quality of life, prognosis and survival of patients with heart failure (HF). In the management of ED, physical exercise is a therapeutic strategy that reduces disease-related symptoms and optimizes drug use. However, the repercussions of physical exercise on ED in individuals with HF still need to be elucidated. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on erectile function (EF) in HF patients. This was a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Patients with HF, male and ejection fraction ≤ 45% were submitted to physical exercise of different modalities. The search for scientific articles was conducted in the electronic databases (PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane-Library, Science Direct) from the inception until October 2018, according to the MeSH dictionary descriptors, which were suitable for all databases. Results: Three studies were analyzed, includinng 99 male subjects, age ranging from 53 years (± 7.48) to 58 years (± 12). Seventy subjects were submitted to a physical exercise program and 29 were in the control group. In all studies, physical exercise showed positive results in the management of ED regardless of erectile dysfunction (ED) classification status and intensity of exercise used. It was concluded that physical exercise of different intensities was considered an effective therapeutic intervention to improve EF in individuals with HF and ED

Noninvasive ventilation and exercise tolerance in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) usually develop exercise intolerance. In this context, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can help to increase physical performance. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of NIV on exercise tolerance in patients with HF. METHOD: Search Strategy: Articles were searched in the following databases: Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and MEDLINE. Selection Criteria: This review included only randomized controlled trials involving patients with HF undergoing NIV, with or without other therapies, that used exercise tolerance as an outcome, verified by the distance travelled in the six-minute walk test (6MWT), VO2peak in the cardiopulmonary test, time spent in testing, and dyspnea. Data Collection And Analysis: The methodological quality of the studies was rated according to the PEDro scale. Data were pooled in fixed-effect meta-analysis whenever possible. RESULTS: Four studies were selected. A meta-analysis including 18 participants showed that the use of NIV prior to the 6MWT promoted increased distance, [mean difference 65.29 m (95% CI 38.80 to 91.78)]. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NIV prior to the 6MWT in patients with HF may promote increased distance. However, the limited number of studies may have compromised a more definitive conclusion on the subject.

Validation of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE) for use in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The International Index of Erectile Function has been proposed as a method for assessing sexual function assisting the diagnosis and classification of erectile dysfunction. However, IIEF was not validated for the Portuguese language. OBJECTIVE: Validate the International Index of Erectile Function in patients with cardiopulmonary and metabolic diseases. METHODS: The sample consisted of 108 participants of to Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic program Rehabilitation (CPMR) in southern Brazil. The clarity assessment of the instrument was performed using a scale ranging from zero to 10. The construct validity was carried out by confirmatory factor analysis (KMO = 0.85; Barllet p < 0.001), internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and reproducibility and interrater reliability via the test retest method. RESULTS: The items were considered very clear with averages superior to 9. The internal consistency resulted in 0.89. The majority of items related correctly with their domains, with exception of three questions from sexual satisfaction domain, and one from erectile function. All items showed excellent stability of measure and substantial to almost perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the IIEF is valid and reliable for use in participants of a cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation program.

Dança, Insuficiência Cardíaca e Função Erétil: Perspectiva de Melhor Manejo Clínico? / Dance, Heart Failure and Erectile Function: Perspective of Better Clinical Management?

Na fisiopatologia da Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) tem-se dado destaque à hiperatividade simpática e à inflamação sistêmica de baixa intensidade, aspectos também presentes na disfunção erétil (DE). O exercício físico constitui-se estratégia que proporciona melhora desses parâmetros sendo plausível a hipótese de que quando exercido por meio da dança proporcionaria melhores resultados. Ao unir atividade física e música, a dança seria capaz, dentre outros mecanismos favoráveis, aprimorar o funcionamento das redes neurais centrais e periféricas, contribuindo para o restabelecimento da normalidade da função neuro-hormonal e redução da resposta inflamatória, o que aumentaria a eficácia do tratamento tanto da IC quanto da DE.

[Probability of arterial hypertension from anthropometric measures in adults]. / Probabilidade de hipertensão arterial a partir de indicadores antropométricos em adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To associate anthropometric measures with arterial hypertension and develop a mathematical model to estimate this probability. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 3,445 adults of both sexes, between 18 and 60 years of age. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHR), waist circumference (HC), in addition age and sex were assessed. Blood pressure (BP) was measured and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian Society of Hypertension (SBH) recommendations, using frequency analyses, correlation and logistic regression between variables, with p < 0.05. RESULTS: Males were twice as likely as woman to have hypertension, and for each year of life, the chance of hypertension increased 1.04 times. Odds ratio of hypertension in overweight individual increased two times, and in obese subjects, four times. CONCLUSION: Changes in body composition with advancing age, especially in men, were associated with hypertension, and assessment of these changes was relevant in the identification of this disease.

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with hemiparesis after cerebrovascular accident.

BACKGROUND: Due to the hemiparesis, the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness on individuals after cerebrovascular accident (CVA), using exercise tests with conventional protocols, has become a challenge. OBJECTIVE: Perform cardiopulmonary test (CPT) in hemiparetic patients to a pre-participation evaluation aimed at a careful prescription of aerobic exercise. METHODS: The study included eight individuals with chronic hemiparesis who underwent CPT performed with individualized ramp protocol, developed from information on the gait speed of individuals previously evaluated in the track test. We considered the proposal of inclination ranging from 0 to 10.0%, initial speed corresponding to 70.0% of comfortable walking speed rhythm and 40.0% higher than the maximum speed on the track test, expecting that the CPT with this gradual and steady increase in intensity, lasted from 6 to 8 minutes. RESULTS: In 100.0% of the sample, the reason for discontinuation was peripheral fatigue. The peak VO2 achieved was 20.6 ± 5.7 ml/kg.min. The threshold I was identified in all tests, standing at 82.64 ± 4.78% of peak HR and 73.31 ± 4.97% of peak VO2. The respiratory quotient (R) of the group was 0.96 ± 0.09, and three out of eight individuals (37.5%) reached R higher than 1.00, and the Threshold II was identified in these individuals. We found positive relationships between CPT variables and balance scores, performance in the 6-minute walking test and running speed on the ground. CONCLUSION: The test proved to be useful for prescribing physical activity in these individuals.

QUESTIONÁRIO PARA AVALIAÇÃO DA DOR MUSCULOESQUELÉTICA EM PRATICANTES DE EXERCÍCIO (Q-ADOM) / QUESTIONNAIRE FOR EVALUATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN EXERCISE PRACTITIONERS (Q-ADOM) / CUESTIONARIO PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DEL DOLOR MUSCULOESQUELÉTICO EN PRACTICANTES DE EJERCICIO (Q-ADOM)

RESUMO Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares têm sido associadas à presença de desordens musculoesqueléticas. A dor presente nessas comorbidades pode constituir fator limitante para prática de exercício. No entanto, não foram encontrados instrumentos que proporcionem mensuração mais criteriosa e com informações precisas, que possam ser facilmente utilizados na prática clínica. Neste sentido, torna-se relevante a construção e validação de um instrumento mais específico para obtenção de informações detalhadas sobre a presença e gravidade desses sintomas e sua interferência nos aspectos funcionais, custos e fatores psicossociais, em diferentes momentos, resultando em uma avaliação mais precisa. Com isso, profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar envolvidos nos programas de reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica (RCPM) podem utilizá-lo na prática clínica e abrir mão de estratégias especificamente direcionadas a essas afecções. Objetivo: Construir e validar um instrumento para avaliação da dor musculoesquelética em repouso e durante o exercício em participantes de RCPM. Métodos: Foram realizados procedimentos teóricos, empíricos e analíticos. A análise de concordância entre avaliadores (juízes) foi verificada pelo teste W de Kendall, a consistência interna dos itens, por meio do alfa de Cronbach e a reprodutibilidade e estabilidade de medidas, por meio do teste e reteste (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse - CCI e coeficiente de Kappa). Resultados: A concordância entre avaliadores foi significativa (p = 0,001) e a consistência interna apresentou valores satisfatórios (alfa de Cronbach > 0,82). O teste-reteste sinalizou boa reprodutibilidade e estabilidade de medidas (CCI < 0,40 e Kappa < 0,60). Conclusão: O questionário para avaliação da dor musculoesquelética em praticantes de exercício (Q-ADOM) mostrou-se válido, reprodutível e confiável para ser utilizado na avaliação da dor musculoesquelética de participantes de RCPM.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases have been associated with the presence of musculoskeletal disorders. The presence of pain in these comorbidities may be a limiting factor for exercise practice. However, no instruments were found that provide more thorough measurement and accurate information that can be easily used in clinical practice. In this sense, the construction and validation of a more specific instrument becomes relevant to obtain detailed information on the presence and severity of these symptoms and its interference in the functional aspects, costs, and psychosocial factors at different times that result in a more precise evaluation. Thus, professionals of the multidisciplinary team involved in cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation (CPMR) programs can use it in clinical practice and put aside the strategies specifically directed to these conditions. Objectives: To construct and validate an instrument to assess musculoskeletal pain at rest and during exercise in participants of CPMR. Methods: Theoretical, empirical, and analytical procedures were performed. The concordance analysis among evaluators (judges) was verified by Kendall's W test, the internal consistency of the items through Cronbach's alpha, and reproducibility and stability measures through the test and retest (intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC and Kappa coefficient). Results: The concordance among evaluators was significant (p=0.001) and showed satisfactory internal consistency values (Cronbach's alpha > 0.82). The test-retest indicated good reproducibility and stability measures (ICC<0.40 and Kappa<0.60). Conclusion: The questionnaire for the evaluation of musculoskeletal pain in exercise practitioners (Q-ADOM) proved to be valid, reproducible, and reliable to be used in the evaluation of musculoskeletal pain in CPMR participants.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares se han asociado con la presencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos. El dolor presente en estas comorbilidades puede ser un factor limitante para el ejercicio. Sin embargo, no se encontraron instrumentos que proporcionan la medición más criteriosa y con informaciones precisas que se puede utilizar fácilmente en la práctica clínica. En este sentido, es relevante la construcción y validación de un instrumento más específico para obtener información detallada acerca de la presencia y severidad de estos síntomas, y su interferencia en los aspectos funcionales, los costos y los factores psicosociales en diferentes momentos, lo que resulta en una evaluación más precisa. Por lo tanto, los profesionales del equipo multidisciplinario que participan en programas de rehabilitación cardiopulmonar y metabólica (RCPM) pueden utilizarlo en la práctica clínica y poner al lado las estrategias dirigidas específicamente a estas condiciones. Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar un instrumento para evaluar el dolor musculoesquelético en reposo y durante el ejercicio en los participantes de la RCPM. Métodos: Se llevaron a cabo los procedimientos teóricos, empíricos y analíticos. El análisis de la concordancia entre evaluadores (jueces) se verificó por la prueba W de Kendall, la consistencia interna de los ítems a través del alfa de Cronbach y las medidas de reproducibilidad y estabilidad a través de prueba-reprueba (coeficiente de correlación intraclase - CCI y el coeficiente Kappa). Resultados: La concordancia entre evaluadores fue significativa (p = 0,001) y mostró valores de consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach > 0,82). La prueba-reprueba indica buenas medidas de reproducibilidad y estabilidad (CCI < 0,40 y Kappa < 0,60). Conclusión: El cuestionario para la evaluación del dolor musculoesquelético en los practicantes de ejercicio (Q-ADOM) demostró ser válido, reproducible y fiable para ser utilizado en la evaluación del dolor musculoesquelético de los participantes de RCPM.

[Construction and validation of the CADE-Q for patient education in cardiac rehabilitation programs].

BACKGROUND: Being aware of the coronary artery disease can be considered the first step to reduce the risk of cardiac complications. OBJECTIVE: Building and validating a tool to assess and describe coronary patients' awareness in cardiac rehabilitation programs, with the purpose of education. METHODS: For the construction, we analyzed articles and field studies to submit items to multidisciplinary team associated to cardiac rehabilitation. After this analysis, we generated the version tested in a pilot study. The tool, named CADE-Q (Questionnaire for Coronary Patient Education) was applied in 155 patients aged 61 +/- 9 (min = 36, max = 86) in response to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Out of the 155 patients, 114 were men. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Reproducibility was tested by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and construct validity was performed by exploratory factor analysis. The analysis compared the total scores as a function population characteristics and rehabilitation groups (private and public). RESULTS: The final version has 19 questions with 4 alternatives, with 4 quadrants of awareness. Cronbach's alpha was 0.68 and ICC was 0.783. The factor analysis revealed 6 factors, covering three areas of awareness, which demonstrates the multifactorial nature of the instrument. The population characteristics as a function of the total score showed significant differences depending on the socioeconomic status variables (type of rehabilitation, household income and education level). CONCLUSION: CADE-Q has proper validity and reliability to be used in the Brazilian population in future research.

Peso corporal e estado hídrico de triatletas no Ironman Brasil: Um fator de correção / Body weight and water condition in Ironman Brasil triathletes: A correction factor / Peso corporal y estado hídrico de triatletas en el Ironman Brasil: Un factor de corrección

INTRODUÇÃO: O triatlo Ironman é uma prova de longa duração em que comumente se observam alterações hidroeletrolíticas. A desidratação e hiponatremia são prevalentes e o diagnóstico diferencial entre elas deve levar em conta a variação de peso corporal do atleta. Contudo, deve-se considerar também que as variações são um somatório de fontes hídricas e não hídricas, sendo necessário aplicar um fator de correção para avaliação do real estado hídrico do atleta. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado hídrico do atleta baseado nas variações de peso corporal sem e com aplicação de fator de correção.MÉTODO: Vinte e seis atletas foram pesados em três momentos distintos (dois dias antes da prova, imediatamente antes e após a realização). O estado hídrico foi classificado com base no cálculo da variação percentual de peso corporal isolado e com aplicação do fator de correção de 1 kg proporcional ao atleta de 70 kg. Além disso, foram registrados os principais sinais clínicos e sintomas referidos.RESULTADOS: Nas 48 horas que antecederam a largada houve um ganho médio de peso de 1,2 kg. Após a prova, vinte e três (88,4%) atletas foram classificados como desidratados inicialmente, porém após a aplicação do fator de correção à variação do peso, esse número caiu para 12 (46,1%). Dos classificados como desidratação severa houve redução de 7 (26,2%) para nenhum atleta. Dez atletas (3,8%) apresentaram sinais e sintomas de desidratação.CONCLUSÃO: A classificação do estado de hidratação baseado nas perdas hídricas durante a prova foi significativamente modificado pela aplicação do fator de correção, sendo sua utilização justificada pelas evidências de que o ganho de peso nas 48 horas anteriores à prova está possivelmente relacionado ao acúmulo muscular de glicogênio e água (fontes não hídricas intravasculares).

INTRODUCTION: The Ironman Triathlon is a long-lasting competition where commonly electrolyte changes are observed. Dehydration and hyponatremia are prevalent and the differential diagnosis between them should take into account the body weight variation of the athlete. Nevertheless, one should also consider that variations are a summation of water and no-water sources, being necessary to apply a correction factor to evaluate the real water condition of the athlete. Objective: To evaluate the water condition of the athlete based on body weight changes with and without correction factor applied.METHOD: Twenty-six athletes were weighed in three different times (two days before the competition, immediately before and after performance). The water was classified by calculating the percentage of isolated body weight variation and application of correction factor of 1kg proportional to the athlete of 70kg. In addition, the main clinical signs and symptoms were recorded.RESULTS: In the 48 hours before the start there was an average weight gain of 1.2kg. After the race, 23 (88.4%) athletes were classified as dehydrated initially but after applying the correction factor to the weight change, this number dropped to 12 (46.1%). Those classified as severe dehydration decreased by 7 (26.2%) to no athlete. Ten athletes (3.8%) presented signs and symptoms of dehydration.CONCLUSION: The classification of hydration status based on water loss during the race was significantly modified by the application of the correction factor, and its use is justified by evidence that weight gain within 48 hours prior to the race is possibly related to the muscle glycogen and water accumulation (no intravascular water sources).

INTRODUCCIÓN: El triatlón Ironman es una prueba de larga duración en la que se observan comúnmente alteraciones hidroelectrolíticas. La deshidratación e hiponatremia son prevalentes y el diagnóstico diferencial entre éstas debe llevar en cuenta la variación de peso corporal del atleta. Sin embargo, se debe considerar también que las variaciones son una sumatoria de fuentes hídricas y no hídricas siendo necesario aplicar un factor de corrección para evaluación del real estado hídrico del atleta. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado hídrico del atleta con base en las variaciones de peso corporal sin y con aplicación de factor de corrección.MÉTODO: Veintiséis atletas fueron pesados en tres momentos distintos (dos días antes de la prueba, inmediatamente antes y después de la realización de la misma). El estado hídrico fue clasificado con base en el cálculo de la variación porcentual de peso corporal aislado y con aplicación del factor de corrección de 1 kg proporcional al atleta de 70 kg. Además, fueron registradas las principales señales clínicas y síntomas referidos.RESULTADOS: En las 48 horas que antecedieron a la largada hubo un aumento medio de peso de 1,2 kg. Después de la prueba, veintitrés (88,4%) atletas fueron clasificados como deshidratados inicialmente, aunque después de la aplicación del factor de corrección a la variación de peso, ese número cayó para 12 (46,1%). Y de los clasificados como deshidratación severa hubo reducción de 7 (26,2%) para ningún atleta. Diez atletas (3,8%) presentaron señales y síntomas de deshidratación.CONCLUSIÓN: La clasificación del estado de hidratación con base en las pérdidas hídricas durante la prueba fue significativamente modificada por la aplicación del factor de corrección, siendo su uso justificado por las evidencias de que el aumento de peso en las 48 horas antes de la prueba está posiblemente relacionado a la acumulación muscular de glicógeno y agua (fuentes no hídricas intravasculares).

Evaluation of the musculoskeletal system of patients in cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation programs.

BACKGROUND: Participants of cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation (CPMR) programs may present with musculoskeletal changes that may affect treatment compliance and effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To develop an instrument for evaluation of the musculoskeletal system and identification of problems, especially those related to exercise, so that patients can be cleared to exercise with no restrictions, cleared with restrictions, or not cleared before approval from a specialist. METHODS: Construction and validation (according to Cronbach's alpha) of a musculoskeletal system assessment inventory (MSSAI), for subsequent administration to participants in CPMR programs. RESULTS: A total of 103 individuals participating in CPMR programs were evaluated by means of the MSSAI, whose internal validity and reliability proved to be satisfactory. Of these, 33 were men (32%) and 70 were women (68%), with age ranging from 36 to 84 years; 47 (45.6%) had already been diagnosed with musculoskeletal system disorders; 39 (37.9%) had already received specific treatment for the musculoskeletal system; 33 (32%) used to take medications to relieve symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system; and 10 (9.7%) had a medical restriction for performing some type of exercise. We should point out that 48 individuals (46.6%) reported pain in the musculoskeletal system; in 14 (13.6%) of them, the pain worsened by exercise, and this should have prevented them from participating in exercise programs before receiving approval from a specialist. CONCLUSION: The MSSAI, whose internal validity and reliability proved satisfactory, showed that there was some restriction to exercise practice for almost half of the individuals participating in CPMR programs, and that some of them should not have been cleared without approval from a specialist.

[Relation between anthropometric indicators and risk factors for cardiovascular disease]. / Relação de indicadores antropométricos com fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Studies have been carried out to identify the best anthropometric predictor of chronic diseases in different populations. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relation between anthropometric measures and risk factors (lipid profile and blood pressure) for cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: Transversal study carried out with 180 males and 120 females, with mean age 39.6+/-10.6 years old. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (%BF), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid profile, glycemia and blood pressure were the variables assessed. RESULTS: BMI, WC and WHR were higher among males, and %BF were higher among females (p<0.001). The proportion of altered cases of WHR and %BF in relation to LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol (TC) was higher among males. The individuals considered normal for WC presented alteration in the values of LDL-c, TC and HDL-cholesterol. There was a correlation between BMI and WC (males: r=0.97 and females: r=0.95; p<0.001). Among males, the best correlation (p<0.001) was presented between WC and WHR (r=0.82) and among females, %BF and WC (r=0.80). Triglycerides (TG) presented correlation to WHR (males: r=0.992; females r=0.95; p<0.001), and to WC (males: r=0.82; females r=0.79; p<0.001). In the multiple analysis (Prevalence ratio - PR, Confidence interval - CI), the BMI were associated with total cholesterol (PR=1.9; 95%CI 1.01-3.69; p=0.051) among males and slightly associated with TG/HDL-cholesterol (PR= 1.8; IC95% 1.01-3.45; p=0.062) among females. CONCLUSION: BMI and WHR were the anthropometric indicators with strongest relation to lipid profile in both sex groups. This data support the hypothesis that BMI and WHR may be considered as risk factors for cardiovascular disease.