Aerobic exercise inhibits obesity-induced respiratory phenotype.

PURPOSE: Obesity results in decreased lung function and increased inflammation. Moderate aerobic exercise (AE) reduced lung inflammation and remodeling in a variety of respiratory disease models. Therefore, this study investigated whether AE can attenuate a diet-induced obesity respiratory phenotype; including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), remodeling and inflammation. METHODS: Sixty C57Bl/6 male mice were distributed into four groups: control lean (CL), exercise lean (EL), obese (O) and obese exercise (OE) groups (2 sets of 7 and 8 mice per group; n = 15). A classical model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) over 12 weeks was used. AE was performed 60 min/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung inflammation and remodeling, adipokines and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was determined. RESULTS: A high fat diet over 18 weeks significantly increased body weight (p < .0001). Five weeks of AE significantly reduced both AHR and pulmonary inflammation. AHR in obese mice that exercised was reduced at the basal level (p < .05), vehicle (PBS) (p < .05), 6.25 MCh mg/mL (p < .05), 12.5 MCh mg/mL (p < .01), 25 MCh mg/mL (p < .01) and 50 MCh mg/mL (p < .05). Collagen (p < .001) and elastic (p < .001) fiber deposition in airway wall and also smooth muscle thickness (p < .001) were reduced. The number of neutrophils (p < .001), macrophages (p < .001) and lymphocytes (p < .01) were reduced in the peribronchial space as well as in the BAL: lymphocytes (p < .01), macrophages (p < .01), neutrophils (p < .001). AE reduced obesity markers leptin (p < .001), IGF-1 (p < .01) and VEGF (p < .001), while increased adiponectin (p < .01) in BAL. AE also reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BAL: IL-1ß (p < .001), IL-12p40 (p < .001), IL-13 (p < .01), IL-17 (p < .001, IL-23 (p < .05) and TNF-alpha (p < .05), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise reduces high fat diet-induced obese lung phenotype (AHR, pulmonary remodeling and inflammation), involving anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and adiponectin.

Challenges in recruitment and adherence to a randomized clinical trial in Brazil on the effects of transcutaneous nervous electrical stimulation on individuals with peripheral arterial disease: A feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the feasibility, barriers during the recruitment and intervention period, recruitment rate (success and efficiency), and the level of participation and adherence in the randomized clinical trial to verify the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the symptoms of intermittent claudication (IC) and its repercussions on functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular autonomic function in individuals with sta II Fontaine classification, residing in Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Level secondary. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 63 participants were screened, of which 12.6% were included. Eight individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and IC underwent a protocol that lasted 8 weeks. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group received 45 minutes TENS 10 Hz, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, and the control group received a placebo TENS also followed by 30 minutes of exercise. Incremental walking test, gait impairment questionnaire, treadmill test, heart rate variability, and 4-second test were applied, considering adherence, success, and efficiency. RESULTS: The most efficient recruitment sources were as follows: 1) referral by physician and 2) referral by a physiotherapist. Out of 63 participants, 8 (12.6%) were included in the clinical trial. Participants were excluded due to the following reasons: not meeting the criteria (41 participants (65%)), locomotion (6 participants (9.5%)), transportation (5 participants (7.9%)), work release (1 participant (1.6%)), and interest (2 participants (3.2%)). The overall participation was 99 participants (51.6%) in a total of 192 sessions offered. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to succeed in recruitment and adherence rates. The results of this clinical trial reinforce that PAD is neglected, and strategies including a multidisciplinary approach with the effective participation of nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, and nutrition professionals, are necessary to optimize care for individuals with PAD need to be strengthened. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-8RTZFN).

Longitudinal follow-up of cardiac vagal activity in individuals undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a longitudinal investigation of cardiac vagal activity (CVA) by measuring resting HR and calculating the cardiac vagal index (CVI) in individuals undergoing sympathectomy for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: This was a descriptive longitudinal study involving 22 patients, 13 of whom were female. The mean age was 22.5 ± 8.8 years. The palms, soles, and axillae were the most commonly affected sites. Resting HR was measured by an electrocardiogram performed 20 min before the 4-second exercise test (4sET), which was used in order to evaluate CVA at three different time points: before surgery, one month after surgery, and four years after surgery. RESULTS: Resting HR (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have decreased significantly at 1 month after surgery (73.1 ± 1.6 bpm before surgery vs. 69.7 ± 1.2 bpm at one month after surgery; p = 0.01). However, the HR values obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to those obtained before surgery (p = 0.31). The CVI (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have increased significantly at one month after surgery (1.44 ± 0.04 before surgery vs. 1.53 ± 0.03 at one month after surgery; p = 0.02). However, the CVI obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to that obtained before surgery (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: At one month after sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis, patients present with changes in resting HR and CVA, both of which tend to return to baseline at four years after surgery.

Initial and final exercise heart rate transients: influence of gender, aerobic fitness, and clinical status.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare the independent and additive data provided by initial and final heart rate (HR) exercise transients, and to analyze both according to gender, aerobic fitness, clinical status, and medication usage. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Exercise medicine clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 544 subjects (363 men) with a mean (+/- SD) age of 50 +/- 14 years (age range, 10 to 91 years), including asymptomatic and coronary artery disease patients. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: HR transients were obtained from the following two exercise protocols: 4-s exercise test (4sET) followed by a maximal cardiopulmonary cycling exercise test (CPET). The initial HR transient was represented by the cardiac vagal index (CVI), which was obtained by the 4sET, and the final transient (ie, HR recovery [HRR]) was determined by the following equation: CPET maximal HR - the 1-min postexercise HR. Transients were modestly related (r = 0.22; p < 0.001) when adjusted for age, aerobic fitness, clinical status, and negative chronotropic action drug usage. The transients were unrelated to gender (vs CVI, p = 0.10; vs HRR, p = 0.15). Subjects with a measured maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) exceeding 100% of the predicted maximal aerobic power showed higher CVIs than those in less aerobically fit subjects (VO2max < 50% subgroup, p = 0.009; VO2max < 75% subgroup, p = 0.034). Both transient results differed for asymptomatic and cardiac subjects (CVI, 1.32 +/- 0.02 vs 1.42 +/- 0.02, respectively [p = 0.001]; HRR, 33 +/- 1 beats/min (bpm) vs 37 +/- 1 bpm, respectively [p = 0.009]). CONCLUSIONS: The initial and final HR transients were modestly related, suggesting a potentially complementary clinical role for both measurements in the assessment of autonomic function in patients with coronary artery disease. Although both HR transients tended to behave similarly under the influence of several variables, the initial HR transient, measured during 4sET, was more likely to discriminate distinct subgroups compared with the final HR transient.

Body mass index: a scientific evidence-based inquiry.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively and critically assess body mass index and to propose alternatives for relating body weight and height that are evidence-based and that eliminate or reduce the limitations of the body mass index. METHODS: To analyze the relations involving weight and height, we used 2 databases as follows: 1) children and adolescents from Brazil, the United States, and Switzerland; and 2) 538 university students. We performed mathematical simulations with height data ranging from 115 to 190 cm and weight data ranging from 25 to 105 kg. We selected 3 methods to analyze the relation of weight and height as follows: body mass index - weight (kg)/height (m2); reciprocal of the ponderal index - height (cm)/weight 1/3 (kg); and ectomorphy. Using the normal range from 20 to 25 kg/m2 for the body mass index in the reference height of 170 cm, we identified the corresponding ranges of 41 to 44 cm/kg 1/3 for the reciprocal of the ponderal index, and of 1.45 to 3.60 for ectomorphy. RESULTS: The mathematical simulations showed a strong association among the 3 methods with an absolute concordance to a height of 170 cm, but with a tendency towards discrepancy in the normal ranges, which had already been observed for the heights of 165 and 175 cm. This made the direct convertibility between the indices unfeasible. The reciprocal of the ponderal index and ectomorphy with their cut points comprised a larger age range in children and adolescents and a wider and more central range in the university students, both for the reported (current) and desired weights. CONCLUSION: The reciprocal of the ponderal index and ectomorphy are stronger and are more mathematically logical than body mass index; in addition, they may be applied with the same cut points for normal from the age of 5 years on.

Validation of the 4-second exercise test in the orthostatic position.

OBJECTIVE: To test the operational viability of and validate the 4-second exercise test (4sET) protocol in the orthostatic position (ORTHO). METHODS: The ORTHO protocol, an alternative to the conventional protocol (CYCLO), was used. The ORTHO protocol consists of performing sudden exercise in the orthostatic position -- accelerated stationary walking (alternate upward flexion of the thighs) -- from the fourth to the eighth second of a 12-second maximum inspiratory apnea, instead of rapid cycling without load. The adimensional cardiac vagal index (CVI) was calculated using the ratio between the longest RR interval (RRB) -- the one immediately before, or the first during exercise -- and the shortest RR interval during exercise -- usually the last (RRC) -- measured on electrocardiographic tracings at a 10-ms resolution. Forty-seven individuals (40+/-17 years, 169+/-9 cm, 72+/-14 kg) of both sexes, healthy or unhealthy, randomly underwent 3 consecutive repetitions of the 2 protocols, the first being performed only to acquaint patients with the procedure. RESULTS: Although differences in the CVI were found in both protocols (1.48+/-0.04 vs 1.42+/-0.04; P<0.001), no physiological relevance was observed. In 5 (11%) cases, a clinically significant difference between the ORTHO and CYCLO protocols was observed for CVI. The results of RRB, RRC, and CVI in the 2 protocols were strongly correlated, being 0.84, 0.85, and 0.93, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The 4sET performed in the orthostatic position proved to be a valid option for assessing the vagal cardiac tonus in laboratories lacking a cycloergometer, without jeopardizing clinical interpretation. In addition to simplicity and applicability, the procedure also provides low operational costs.

Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality.

BACKGROUND: While cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly related to survival, there are limited data regarding musculoskeletal fitness indicators. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the ability to sit and rise from the floor and all-cause mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: 2002 adults aged 51-80 years (68% men) performed a sitting-rising test (SRT) to and from the floor, which was scored from 0 to 5, with one point being subtracted from 5 for each support used (hand/knee). Final SRT score, varying from 0 to 10, was obtained by adding sitting and rising scores and stratified in four categories for analysis: 0-3; 3.5-5.5, 6-7.5, and 8-10. RESULTS: Median follow up was 6.3 years and there were 159 deaths (7.9%). Lower SRT scores were associated with higher mortality (p < 0.001). A continuous trend for longer survival was reflected by multivariate-adjusted (age, sex, body mass index) hazard ratios of 5.44 (95% CI 3.1-9.5), 3.44 (95% CI 2.0-5.9), and 1.84 (95% CI 1.1-3.0) (p < 0.001) from lower to higher SRT scores. Each unit increase in SRT score conferred a 21% improvement in survival. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal fitness, as assessed by SRT, was a significant predictor of mortality in 51-80-year-old subjects. Application of a simple and safe assessment tool such as SRT, which is influenced by muscular strength and flexibility, in general health examinations could add relevant information regarding functional capabilities and outcomes in non-hospitalized adults.

Effects of ingesting 250 and 500 ml of water on initial transient heart rate and heart rate variability / Efeito da ingestão de 250 e 500 ml de água sobre o transiente inicial e a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca

ABSTRACT The purpose was to analyze the effect of the ingestion of two amounts of water in the autonomic modulation. A total of 26 men aged 18-30 years under went 2 days of intervention and evaluation with 24 hours in between. The protocol consisted of the intake of 250 or 500 mL of water in a random order. To assess the initial transient HR during dynamic exercise, the cardiac vagal index was obtained using a 4-second exercise test during the pre- and post-ingestion periods (5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes). To evaluate autonomic modulation at home, HRV value 30 minutes after water intake was used when HR at rest was registered. The results shows: Five minutes after the water intake, the initial transient HR was increased (p = 0.02) with no difference in effect of the ingested volumes of water (p = 0.8). In HRV, there was no difference between the intake volumes in the time or frequency domains. There were differences in HR rest after 20 minutes compared to at other times (p < 0.05). In conclusion the results showed no difference in initial transient HR, HRV, or HR rest after the intake of 250 versus 500 mL of room temperature water in healthy individuals. However, resting initial transient HR and HR rest values differed among the analyzed times.

RESUMO O objetivo foi analisar o efeito da ingestão de duas quantidades de água na modulação autonômica. Participaram 26 homens, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos, foram submetidos a dois dias de intervenção e avaliação com intervalo de 24 horas. O protocolo consistiu na ingestão de 250 ou 500 mL de água, em ordem randômica. Para avaliar o TIFC no exercício dinâmico foi utilizado o índice vagal cardíaco (IVC) obtido por meio do Teste de Exercício de 4 segundos nos momentos pré e pós-ingestão (5º, 10º, 20º e 30º minutos). Para avaliar a modulação autonômica no repouso foi utilizada a VFC durante 30 minutos após a ingestão, quando foi registrado a FC de repouso. Os resultados apontam que após 5 minutos da ingestão de água houve um aumento do TIFC (p=0,02), sem que houvesse diferença em função dos volumes de água ingeridos (p=0,8). Na VFC não houve diferença entre os volumes ingeridos, tanto no domínio do tempo quanto no domínio da frequência. Em relação a FC de repouso, houve diferença no 20º minuto quando comparado aos demais momentos (p<0,05). Conclui-se que os nossos resultados demostraram que não houve diferença no TIFC, VFC e na FC de repouso quando foram comparadas a ingestão de 250 e 500 mL de água à temperatura ambiente em indivíduos saudáveis. Contudo, o TIFC e a FC de repouso demostraram diferença entre os momentos analisados.

Longitudinal follow-up of cardiac vagal activity in individuals undergoing endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy / Acompanhamento longitudinal da atividade vagal cardíaca de indivíduos submetidos à simpatectomia torácica endoscópica

ABSTRACT Objective: To conduct a longitudinal investigation of cardiac vagal activity (CVA) by measuring resting HR and calculating the cardiac vagal index (CVI) in individuals undergoing sympathectomy for the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. Methods: This was a descriptive longitudinal study involving 22 patients, 13 of whom were female. The mean age was 22.5 ± 8.8 years. The palms, soles, and axillae were the most commonly affected sites. Resting HR was measured by an electrocardiogram performed 20 min before the 4-second exercise test (4sET), which was used in order to evaluate CVA at three different time points: before surgery, one month after surgery, and four years after surgery. Results: Resting HR (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have decreased significantly at 1 month after surgery (73.1 ± 1.6 bpm before surgery vs. 69.7 ± 1.2 bpm at one month after surgery; p = 0.01). However, the HR values obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to those obtained before surgery (p = 0.31). The CVI (expressed as mean ± SE) was found to have increased significantly at one month after surgery (1.44 ± 0.04 before surgery vs. 1.53 ± 0.03 at one month after surgery; p = 0.02). However, the CVI obtained at four years after surgery tended to be similar to that obtained before surgery (p = 0.10). Conclusions: At one month after sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis, patients present with changes in resting HR and CVA, both of which tend to return to baseline at four years after surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar longitudinalmente o comportamento da atividade vagal cardíaca (AVC) por meio da FC de repouso e do índice vagal cardíaco (IVC) de indivíduos submetidos à simpatectomia para o tratamento de hiperidrose primária. Métodos: Estudo de natureza descritiva e longitudinal que avaliou 22 pacientes (13 mulheres), com média de idade de 22,5 ± 8,8 anos. Os locais mais afetados eram as mãos, pés e axilas. A FC de repouso média foi mensurada através de eletrocardiograma 20 min antes do teste de exercício de 4 segundos (T4s), que foi utilizado para a avaliação da AVC em três momentos: antes da cirurgia, um mês após a cirurgia e quatro anos após a cirurgia. Resultados: A média ± erro-padrão da FC de repouso apresentou uma redução significativa entre a avaliação pré-operatória e um mês após a cirurgia (73,1 ± 1,6 bpm vs. 69,7 ± 1,2 bpm; p = 0,01), tendendo a retornar aos valores pré-operatórios quatro anos após a cirurgia (p = 0,31). Houve um aumento significativo do IVC entre o pré-operatório e um mês após a cirurgia (1,44 ± 0,04 vs. 1,53 ± 0,03; p = 0,02), tendendo também a retornar próximo aos valores do pré-operatório após quatro anos da cirurgia (p = 0,10). Conclusões: A simpatectomia resultou em alteração na FC de repouso e na AVC um mês após a cirurgia, retornando, após quatro anos, aos valores próximos do pré-operatório.

Cardiorespiratory optimal point: a submaximal variable of the cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

BACKGROUND: At the maximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), several ventilatory variables are analyzed, including the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2). The minimum VE/VO2 value reflects the best integration between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and may be called "Cardiorespiratory Optimal Point (COP)". OBJECTIVE: To determine the behavior of the COP according to gender and age in healthy adults and verify its association with other CPET variables. METHODS: Of 2,237 individuals, 624 were selected (62% men and 48 ± 12 years), non- athletes, healthy, who were submitted to maximal CPET. COP or minimum VE/VO2 was obtained from the analysis of ventilation and oxygen consumption in every minute of CPET. We investigated the association between age and COP for both genders, as well as associations with: VO(2)max, VO(2) at anaerobic threshold (VO(2)AT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and with maximum VE. We also compared the intensity of exertion (MET) at the COP, AT and VO(2)max. RESULTS: COP increases with age, being 23.2 ± 4.48 and 25.0 ± 5.14, respectively, in men and women = (p < 0.001). There are moderate and inverse associations with VO(2)max (r = -0.47; p < 0.001), with VO(2)AT (r = -0.42; p < 0.001) and with OUES (r = -0.34; p < 0.001). COP occurred, on average, at 44% do VO(2)max and before AT (67% of VO(2)max) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COP, a submaximal variable, increases with age and is slightly higher in women. Being modestly associated with other ventilation measures, there seems to be an independent contribution to the interpretation of the cardiorespiratory response to CPET.

[Knowledge of physicians and obstetric nurses about the prevention of neural tube defects]. / Conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a prevenção dos defeitos no tubo neural.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of obstetricians and obstetric nurses about folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 118 volunteers (95 physicians and 23 nurses) answered a questionnaire with 21 questions about prevention of NTD. The data were analyzed according to the reported knowledge, the recommendations made by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the scientific evidence (SE) available in the literature on the topic. The knowledge based on the SE and recommendations of MOH was different (4.64 ± 0.20 vs. 5.55 ± 0.15, p <0.001, Mean ± SEM). There was no difference between the knowledge of respondents compared to their training, the time spent in prenatal care and between the two classes of professionals evaluated. There were differences between the reported knowledge and that based on SE (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 4.64 ± 0.15, p <0.001) and based on the MOH recommendations (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 5.55 ± 0.20, p <0.001). Thus, the conclusion reached was that 94.1% of those evaluated reported knowing the importance of folic acid in preventing NTD, though 64.2% reported that they did not know when to begin administration of the supplement.

REABILITAÇÃO DOMICILIAR COM EXERCÍCIO NÃO SUPERVISIONADO NA DPOC: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA / HOME REHABILITATION WITH UNSUPERVISED EXERCISE IN COPD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW / REHABILITACIÓN DOMICILIARIA CON EJERCICIO NO SUPERVISADO EN LA EPOC: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA

RESUMO O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi verificar os efeitos de programas de reabilitação pulmonar com exercícios domiciliares não supervisionados em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), uma vez que a baixa disponibilidade de centros especializados no país, alto custo e outros fatores fazem com que poucos doentes tenham acesso a programas de reabilitação supervisionados em ambiente ambulatorial. Foram selecionados pelos autores oito ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão, atingiram pontuação mínima de cinco pontos na escala PEDro, publicados até novembro de 2014 na base de dados PubMed. Cinco desses trabalhos compararam um grupo de reabilitação domiciliar não supervisionado (GRNS) com um controle sem exercício (GC) e três compararam GRNS com um grupo que participou de reabilitação supervisionada (GRS) como controle. Os principais desfechos avaliados foram: capacidade funcional, função pulmonar, dispneia e qualidade de vida. De acordo com a análise realizada foi possível demonstrar que o treinamento não supervisionado em ambiente domiciliar ou na comunidade pode ser uma alternativa para pacientes estáveis com DPOC moderada à grave, visando sobretudo os benefícios relacionados à qualidade de vida e à dispneia; não foi possível verificar melhora em outros desfechos. Além disso, parece que esta forma de reabilitação no tratamento desses pacientes é segura e viável, porém mais estudos são necessários para averiguar os efeitos do treinamento automonitorado em outros desfechos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this systematic review was to verify the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation programs with unsupervised home exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), since the low availability of specialized centers in the country, the high cost and other factors mean that few patients have access to supervised rehabilitation programs. The authors selected eight randomized controlled clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria and reached a minimum score of five points on the PEDro scale, published in the PubMed database up to November 2014. Five of these studies compared a home unsupervised rehabilitation group (URG) with a non-exercise control group (CG) and three studies compared a URG with a supervised rehabilitation group (SRG) as control. The main outcomes measured were: functional capacity, pulmonary function, dyspnea, and quality of life. Based on the analysis it was demonstrated that unsupervised training in the home environment, or in the community, can be an alternative for stable patients with moderate to severe COPD, especially in terms of the benefits related to quality of life and dyspnea; it was not possible to identify any improvement in the other outcomes measured. In addition, it appears that this form of rehabilitation in the treatment of these patients is safe and feasible, but further studies are needed to determine the effects of unsupervised rehabilitation on other outcomes.

RESUMEN El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar los efectos de los programas de rehabilitación pulmonar con ejercicios domiciliarios no supervisados en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), ya que la baja disponibilidad de centros especializados en el país, el alto costo y otros factores hacen que pocos pacientes tengan acceso a programas de rehabilitación supervisados de forma ambulatoria. Fueron seleccionados por los autores ocho ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorios que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, alcanzado la puntuación mínima de cinco puntos en la escala PEDro, publicados hasta noviembre de 2014 en la base de datos PubMed. Cinco de estos estudios compararon un grupo de rehabilitación domiciliaria no supervisada (GRNS) con un grupo control sin ejercicio (GC) y tres compararon GRNS con un grupo que participó en la rehabilitación supervisada (GRS) como control. Los principales resultados evaluados fueron: capacidad funcional, función pulmonar, disnea y calidad de vida. De acuerdo con el análisis realizado se pudo demostrar que el entrenamiento no supervisado domiciliario o en la comunidad puede ser una alternativa para los pacientes estables con EPOC moderada a grave, enfocando en particular los beneficios relacionados con la calidad de vida y la disnea; no se pudo identificar mejoría en otros resultados. Además, parece que esta forma de rehabilitación en el tratamiento de estos pacientes es segura y factible, pero se necesitan más estudios para determinar los efectos del entrenamiento automonitorizado para otros resultados.

INGESTÃO DE ÁGUA NO SISTEMA NERVOSO AUTÔNOMO: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA E META-ANÁLISE / WATER INTAKE EFFECT ON AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS / INGESTIÓN DE AGUA EN EL SISTEMA NERVIOSO AUTÓNOMO: UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA Y METAANÁLISIS

RESUMO Verificar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática, o efeito da ingestão de água (IA) no sistema nervoso autônomo (SNA) e variáveis hemodinâmicas em indivíduos adultos. Foram analisados estudos publicados entre 2000 e 2015, tendo como referência a base de dados Medline via Pubmed, sendo utilizado na construção da frase de pesquisa o MeSH. Foram estabelecidos os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados (ECCR) realizados em humanos, na língua inglesa. Como critério de exclusão: intervenções pouco claras, mal descritas ou inadequadas e na forma de resumos. Utilizou-se as seguintes variáveis para a seleção dos estudos: frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial (PA), componente de alta frequência (AF) e resistência vascular periférica (RVP). Foi usada a sistematização PRISMA para a elaboração desta revisão e a realização de uma meta-análise com o objetivo de evidenciar matematicamente os resultados da frequência cardíaca após a ingestão de água em sete estudos que avaliaram esta variável. Fizeram parte desta revisão 10 ECCR envolvendo 246 indivíduos com idade entre 19 a 64 anos, sendo que 34,55% do sexo masculino. A maioria dos ECCR analisados apresentou alterações após a IA. As alterações comumente observadas foram: diminuição da FC (estatisticamente significativa p < 0,001), aumento da AF e RVP. Contudo, em relação à PA, os resultados demonstraram-se conflitantes, com estudos que evidenciaram aumento e outros que não observaram diferença significativa. Esta revisão evidencia os efeitos da IA no SNA, em especial na FC, AF e RVP, não obstante em relação às alterações hemodinâmicas expressas pela PA permanece ainda um óbice em relação à comunidade científica.

ABSTRACT To verify, through a systematic review, the effect of water intake (WI) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hemodynamic variables in adults. Studies published between 2000 and 2015 were analyzed, with reference to Medline database via Pubmed, and also MeSH was used in the construction of the search phrase. The following inclusion criteria were established: randomized and controlled clinical trials (RCTs) performed in humans, in English. Exclusion criteria: unclear, poorly described or inadequate interventions and in the form of abstracts. The following variables were used for selecting studies: heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), high frequency component (HF) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). The PRISMA systematization was used for the elaboration of this review and a meta-analysis was conducted in order to mathematically evidence the results of heart rate after water intake in seven studies that evaluated this variable. Ten RCTs were part of this review, involving 246 subjects aged 19-64 years, of whom 34.55% were male. Most RCTs analyzed showed changes after WI. Changes commonly observed were the following: decreased HR (statistically significant p < 0.001), increased HF and PVR. However, in relation to BP results proved to be conflicting with studies that showed increase and others that showed no significant difference. This review shows the effect of WI on ANS, particularly in HR, HF and PVR, despite that, in relation to hemodynamic changes expressed by BP, an obstacle still remains regarding the scientific community.

RESUMEN Verificar, a través de una revisión sistemática, el efecto de la ingestión de agua (IA) en el sistema nervioso autónomo (SNA) y las variables hemodinámicas en adultos. Fueron analizados estudios publicados entre 2000 y 2015, con referencia a la base de datos Medline vía PubMed, siendo utilizado en la construcción de la frase de búsqueda el MeSH. Se establecieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: ensayos controlados y aleatorios (ECA), realizados en los seres humanos, en inglés. Criterios de exclusión: intervenciones poco claras, mal descritas o inadecuadas y en forma de resumen. Utilizamos las siguientes variables para la selección de los estudios: frecuencia cardíaca (FC), presión arterial (PA), componente de alta frecuencia (AF) y la resistencia vascular periférica (RVP). Se utilizó la sistematización PRISMA para la preparación de esta revisión y la realización de un metaanálisis con el fin de demostrar matemáticamente los resultados de la frecuencia cardíaca después de la ingestión de agua en siete estudios evaluando esta variable. Hicieron parte de esta revisión 10 ECA con 246 individuos de edades 19-64 años, siendo 34,55% hombres. La mayoría de los ECA analizados mostraron cambios después de la IA. Los cambios observados comúnmente fueron: disminución de la FC (p estadísticamente significativa < 0,001), el aumento de la AF y RVP. Sin embargo, en relación con la PA, los resultados demostraron ser contradictorios, con estudios que indicaron aumento y otros que no encontraron diferencias significativas. Esta revisión muestra los efectos de la IA en el SNA, en particular en la FC, AF y RVP, aunque en relación con los cambios hemodinámicos expresados por la PA sigue siendo un obstáculo en relación con la comunidad científica.

Colonoscopia com infusão de água: revisão sistemática / Water infusion colonoscopy: a systematic review

Objetivo: verificar os benefícios do método de colonoscopia com água versus ar, e esclarecer as limitações dos estudos e revisões sistemáticas preexistentes em relação à taxa e tempo de intubação cecal, taxa de detecção de adenomas, duração da colonoscopia, e incidência de dor. Método: revisão sistemática da literatura sem metanálise. Resultados: em relação à taxa de intubação cecal, não houve aumento significante com o método de água; o tempo de intubação cecal foi significantemente mais longo com o método de água em dois estudos; a taxa de detecção de adenomas apresentou-se numericamente maior, sem apresentar diferença significante; a duração total do exame foi significantemente maior no método de água em apenas um estudo; em relação à dor, houve redução significativa da dor no método com água em relação ao método com insuflação de ar. Conclusão: o principal benefício do método de colonoscopia com infusão de água é a redução significativa da dor durante o procedimento, entretanto, foram encontrados diversos problemas em relação aos dez estudos avaliados e às revisões sistemáticas preexistentes. Concluiu-se pela necessidade de maiores pesquisas para confirmação dos dados.

Objective: to check the benefits of water colonoscopy method versus air insuflation colonoscopy method, and clarify the limitations of the pre-existing studies and systematic reviews in relation to the cecal intubation rate and time, adenoma detection rate, procedural time, and pain incidence. Method: systematic literature review without meta-analysis. Results: regarding the cecal intubation rate, the water method does not show significant increase; cecal intubation time was significantly longer with the water method, in two studies; the adenomas detection rate had presented numerically greater, although there was no significant difference; total colonoscopy procedural time was significantly greater in water method, only in one study; in relation to pain, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain with water method, compared to the air insufflation method. Conclusion: the main benefit of the water colonoscopy method is significant reduction in pain during the procedure. However, several problems were found in the ten assessed studies and in pre-existing systematic reviews. We concluded by the need for further research to confirm the data.

Comparison of assessment methods of cardiac vagal modulation.

BACKGROUND: Several methods have been used to assess cardiac vagal modulation, but there are gaps regarding the association and accuracy of these methods. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between three valid, reproducible and commonly methods used to assess cardiac vagal modulation and compare their accuracies. METHODS: Thirty healthy men (23 ± 4 years) and 15 men with coronary artery disease (61 ± 10 years) were evaluated in counterbalanced design by Heart Rate Variability (HRV; variables: the time domain = pNN50, SDNN and RMSSD, the frequency domain HF = ms² and HF n.u.), Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) and 4-second Exercise Test (T4s). Thirty healthy men (23 ± 4 years) and 15 men with coronary artery disease (61 ± 10 years) were evaluated in counterbalanced order by Heart Rate Variability (HRV; variables: the time domain = pNN50, SDNN and RMSSD, the frequency domain HF = ms² and HF n.u.), Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) and 4-second Exercise Test (T4s). RESULTS: Healthy subjects had higher vagal modulation by the three methods (p <0.05). There was a correlation in the healthy group (p <0.05) between the results of HRV (SDNN and pNN50 and RSA, but there was no correlation between the T4s and the other two methods. In the group with coronary artery disease, there was a correlation between the results of HRV (pNN50, SDNN, RMSSD, HF ms² and HF n.u.) and RSA. In addition, there was a correlation between the RSA and T4s. Finally, the T4s and RSA methods presented more accurate effect size and better accuracy (p <0.05), when compared to the HRV. CONCLUSION: HRV and RSA generated partially redundant results in healthy subjects and in patients with coronary artery disease, while the T4s generated results that were complementary to HRV and RSA in healthy subjects. In addition, RSA and T4s methods were more accurate when discriminating cardiac vagal modulation between healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease, when compared to HRV.

Acute cardiovascular responses to a session of Manual Lymphatic Drainage / Respostas cardiovasculares agudas a uma sessão de drenagem linfática manual

Introduction Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) creates pressure differentials to promote the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid, for their relocation into the bloodstream and can thus act on the variables responsible for determining blood pressure (BP). Objective To investigate the behavior of hemodynamic parameters, such as BP and Heart Rate (HR) during and immediately after a session of MLD. Materials and methods 23 healthy young volunteers with a mean age of 22 ± 2.97 years (18-29), underwent a session of MLD and evaluation of systolic BP, diastolic BP and HR after 10 minutes of initial rest, at the end of the implementation of the protocol in SP, PP and after 15 minutes of final rest. Results No changes were found in systolic BP or diastolic BP before, during and immediately after the MLD session (p = 0.57, p = 0.20, respectively). There was increased heart rate after the final 15 minute rest when compared to the HR after MLD in SP (72 ± 1.9 vs. 76 ± 1.9, p = 0.002), however, without clinical relevance. Conclusion During a session of MLD with healthy young women, no significant hemodynamic changes occurred, demonstrating that this technique is safe from the cardiovascular point of view. .

Introdução A Drenagem Linfática Manual (DLM) tem por objetivo criar diferenciais de pressão para promover o deslocamento da linfa e do fluido intersticial, objetivando a sua recolocação na corrente sanguínea, podendo, dessa forma, atuar nas variáveis responsáveis pela determinação da pressão arterial (PA). Objetivo Investigar o comportamento das variáveis hemodinâmicas, como PA e Frequência Cardíaca (FC), durante e imediatamente após uma sessão de DLM. Materiais e métodos 23 voluntárias jovens e saudáveis com idade média de 22 ± 2,97 anos (18-29), foram submetidas a uma sessão de DLM e avaliação da PA Sistólica, da PA Diastólica e da FC após 10 minutos de repouso inicial, no fim da realização do protocolo em DD, em DV e após 15 minutos de repouso final. Resultados Não foram encontradas alterações na PA Sistólica e na PA Diastólica antes, durante e imediatamente após a sessão de DLM (p = 0,57; p = 0,20, respectivamente); por outro lado, verificou-se aumento da FC após o repouso final de 15 minutos, quando comparado com a FC após a DLM em DD (72 ± 1,9 vs. 76 ± 1,9; p = 0,002), porém sem relevância clínica. Conclusão Durante uma sessão de DLM em mulheres jovens saudáveis, não ocorrem alterações hemodinâmicas importantes, demonstrando que essa técnica é segura do ponto de vista cardiovascular. .

Colonografia por tomografia computadorizada versus colonoscopia óptica no rastreamento do câncer colorretal: uma revisão sistemática / Computed tomographic colonography versus optical colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review

Objetivo: comparar, por meio de uma revisão sistematizada, a colonografia por tomografia (CTC) versus colonoscopia óptica (CO) em relação ao rastreamento e vigilância do câncer colorretal (CCR). Método: foram analisados estudos em inglês e português sobre CTC e CO realizados em humanos adultos de ambos os sexos, publicados no MedLine/PubMed (National Library of Medicine) e no Scielo (Scientific Eletronic Library Online) no período entre 1990 a 2013. A busca incluiu combinações de palavras-chave (Colonoscopy, Cólonoscopic surgery, virtual Colonoscopy, CT Colonography) com boolianos AND e OR. Os critérios de inclusão foram ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados, estudo de revisão, revisões sistemáticas com ou sem metanálise, consenso, pacientes adultos, pacientes assintomáticos ou sintomáticos. Os critérios de exclusão foram pacientes inapropriados e somente em resumo. Resultados: foram selecionados 26 estudos com melhor abordagem dos desfechos selecionados para rastreamento e vigilância do câncer (CCR). O número global de pacientes submetidos às variáveis foi de 397.342 indivíduos. Os valores das variáveis de sensibilidade e especificidade para detecção de pólipos maior ou igual a 10mm e câncer colorretal apresentam percentagens semelhantes, sendo a taxa de sensibilidade da CTC diretamente proporcional ao tamanho do pólipo. A taxa de pacientes submetidos à CO após a CTC variou de 12% a 36,4%; destes, 3,8% apresentaram lesões significativas. A análise da taxa de CO incompleta obteve um padrão de variações entre 11% e 64,8%. A aceitação dos pacientes, tanto para o preparo intestinal como para o procedimento, foi maior para a CTC. Os achados extracólicos nos pacientes submetidos à CTC foram analisados e variaram de 58 a 69%. As complicações dos dois métodos foram baixas, maior na CO. Conclusão: as diferenças na sensibilidade e especificidade entre a CO e a CTC no rastreamento e vigilância do CCR não são relevantes. A indicação de CO após CTC deve seguir critérios consensuais para evitar aumento de custos e de riscos ao paciente. Pacientes com CO incompleta têm indicação de realizar CTC por se enquadrar no grupo de alto risco para desenvolver CCR. A aceitação dos pacientes na realização dos dois métodos é boa e não representa impedimento ao rastreamento e vigilância do CCR. Os achados extracólicos na CTC é um benefício adicional para o paciente. As complicações inerentes aos dois métodos não superam o impacto positivo dos mesmos na prevenção do CCR.

Objective: to compare in a systematic review the computed tomographic Colonography (CTC) and the optical Colonoscopy (OC) methods for the screening and monitoring of colorectal cancer (CRC). Method: english and portuguese studies on CTC and OC that were carried out on adult humans of both genders that had been published in MedLine/PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) between 1990 and 2013 were analyzed. The search included combinations of keywords (Colonoscopy, Cólonoscopic surgery, virtual Colonoscopy, CT Colonography, etc.) with the AND and OR Boolean operators. The inclusion criteria were as follows: controlled and randomized clinical trials, review studies, systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis, consensus, adult patients, and asymptomatic or symptomatic patients. The exclusion criteria were as follows: unsuitable patients and manuscripts only containing abstracts. Results: twenty-six studies that included the selected outcomes for screening for and monitoring CRC were selected. The overall number of patients analyzed was 397, 342 individuals. The sensitivity and specificity percentages for the detection of polyps greater than or equal to 10 mm and for colorectal cancer were similar between the two methods, and the CTC sensitivity rate was directly proportional to the size of the polyp. The rate of patients undergoing OC after CTC ranged from 12% to 36.4%, and of these patients, 3.8% had significant lesions. The analysis of the incomplete OC rate found variation ranging from 11 to 64.8%. The acceptance rates of the patients for both intestinal preparation and for the procedure were greater for CTC. The extracolic findings in patients undergoing CTC were analyzed and ranged from 58 to 69%. Complications were minimal for the patients undergoing both methods and higher for those in the OC group. Conclusion: the differences in the sensitivity and specificity of OC and CTC in screening and monitoring CRC are not significant. The indication of OC after CTC must follow agreed-upon criteria to avoid increased costs and risks to the patient. Patients with an incomplete OC should undergo CTC, as they fall within the high risk group for developing CRC. The acceptance of patients undergoing the two methods is good and does not represent an impediment to screening for and monitoring CRC. The extracolic findings, in the CTC group, is an additional benefit to the patient. The complications inherent in the two methods do not outweigh their positive impacts in the prevention of CRC.

Ponto ótimo cardiorrespiratório: uma variável submáxima do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício / Cardiorespiratory optimal point: a submaximal variable of the cardiopulmonary exercise testing

FUNDAMENTO: No Teste Cardiopulmonar de Exercício (TCPE) máximo são analisadas diversas variáveis ventilatórias, incluindo o equivalente ventilatório de oxigênio (VE/VO2). O valor mínimo do VE/VO2 reflete a melhor integração entre os sistemas respiratório e cardiovascular, podendo ser denominado Ponto Ótimo Cardiorrespiratório (POC). OBJETIVO: Determinar o comportamento do POC em função do gênero e da idade em adultos saudáveis e verificar a associação com outras variáveis do TCPE. MÉTODOS: De 2.237 indivíduos, foram selecionados 624 (62% homens e 48 ± 12 anos de idade), não atletas, saudáveis, submetidos ao TCPE máximo. O POC ou VE/VO2 mínimo foi obtido a partir da análise da ventilação e do consumo de oxigênio em cada minuto do TCPE. Foi verificada a relação entre idade e POC para os dois gêneros, assim como as associações com: VO2máx, VO2 no limiar anaeróbico (VO2LA), eficiência da inclinação de consumo de oxigênio (OUES) e com VE máxima. Comparou-se ainda a intensidade do esforço (MET) no POC, LA e VO2máx. RESULTADOS: O POC aumenta com a idade, sendo 23,2 ± 4,48 e 25,0 ± 5,14, respectivamente, em homens e mulheres (p < 0,001). Há associações moderadas e inversas com VO2máx (r = -0,47; p < 0,001), com VO2LA (r = -0,42; p < 0,001) e com o OUES (r = -0,34; p < 0,001). O POC ocorreu, em média, a (44% do VO2máx) e antes do LA (67% do VO2máx) (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: POC, uma variável submáxima, aumenta com a idade e é discretamente mais alto em mulheres. Sendo modestamente associado a outras medidas ventilatórias, parece haver uma contribuição independente na interpretação da resposta cardiorrespiratória ao TCPE.

BACKGROUND: At the maximal Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET), several ventilatory variables are analyzed, including the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2). The minimum VE/VO2 value reflects the best integration between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and may be called "Cardiorespiratory Optimal Point (COP)". OBJECTIVE: To determine the behavior of the COP according to gender and age in healthy adults and verify its association with other CPET variables. METHODS: Of 2,237 individuals, 624 were selected (62% men and 48 ± 12 years), non- athletes, healthy, who were submitted to maximal CPET. COP or minimum VE/VO2 was obtained from the analysis of ventilation and oxygen consumption in every minute of CPET. We investigated the association between age and COP for both genders, as well as associations with: VO2max, VO2 at anaerobic threshold (VO2AT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and with maximum VE. We also compared the intensity of exertion (MET) at the COP, AT and VO2max. RESULTS: COP increases with age, being 23.2 ± 4.48 and 25.0 ± 5.14, respectively, in men and women = (p < 0.001). There are moderate and inverse associations with VO2max (r = -0.47; p < 0.001), with VO2AT (r = -0.42; p < 0.001) and with OUES (r = -0.34; p < 0.001). COP occurred, on average, at 44% do VO2max and before AT (67% of VO2max) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COP, a submaximal variable, increases with age and is slightly higher in women. Being modestly associated with other ventilation measures, there seems to be an independent contribution to the interpretation of the cardiorespiratory response to CPET.

Conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a prevenção dos defeitos no tubo neural / Knowledge of physicians and obstetric nurses about the prevention of neural tube defects

Foi avaliado o nível de conhecimento de médicos e enfermeiros obstetras sobre a utilização de ácido fólico (AF) para a prevenção dos defeitos do fechamento do tubo neural (DFTN). Estudo descritivo transversal no qual 118 voluntários (95 médicos e 23 enfermeiros), responderam um questionário com 21 perguntas sobre a prevenção dos DFTN. Os dados foram analisados em função do conhecimento relatado, das recomendações preconizadas pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS) e das evidências científicas (EC) disponíveis sobre o assunto investigado. O nível de conhecimento baseado nas EC e nas recomendações do MS foi diferente (4,64 ± 0,20 vs 5,55 ± 0,15; p < 0,001; Média ± EPM). Não houve diferença entre o nível de conhecimento quando comparado à formação dos mesmos, ao tempo que realizam atendimento pré-natal e entre as duas classes de profissionais avalia­dos. Houve diferença entre o nível de conhecimento relatado e o baseado nas EC (6,76 ± 0,18 vs 4,64 ± 0,15; p < 0,001) e o baseado nas recomendações do MS (6,76 ± 0,18 vs 5,55 ± 0,20; p < 0,001), 94,1% dos profissionais conhecem o papel do ácido fólico, contudo, 64,2% relataram não saber quando iniciar a suplementação no pré-natal. Frente ao exposto foi verificado que a grande maioria dos avaliados relatou conhecer a importância do AF na prevenção do DFTN, porém, existe ainda desconhecimento sobre o assunto investigado.

The scope of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of obstetricians and obstetric nurses about folic acid in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 118 volunteers (95 physicians and 23 nurses) answered a questionnaire with 21 questions about prevention of NTD. The data were analyzed according to the reported knowledge, the recommendations made by the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MOH) and the scientific evidence (SE) available in the literature on the topic. The knowledge based on the SE and recommendations of MOH was different (4.64 ± 0.20 vs. 5.55 ± 0.15, p <0.001, Mean ± SEM). There was no difference between the knowledge of respondents compared to their training, the time spent in prenatal care and between the two classes of professionals evaluated. There were differences between the reported knowledge and that based on SE (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 4.64 ± 0.15, p <0.001) and based on the MOH recommendations (6.76 ± 0.18 vs. 5.55 ± 0.20, p <0.001). Thus, the conclusion reached was that 94.1% of those evaluated reported knowing the importance of folic acid in preventing NTD, though 64.2% reported that they did not know when to begin administration of the supplement.

Influence of different respiratory maneuvers on exercise-induced cardiac vagal inhibition.

Physical exercise inhibits cardiac vagal activity. To study the relationship between heart rate (HR) and respiratory pattern, we applied the 4-s exercise test (4sET) and measured cardiac vagal index (CVI) in 30 healthy subjects who served as their own controls, using the standard plus three additional variations, essentially respiratory, of the original protocol: (a) a maximum inspiratory apnea of 16 s, of which 8 s were in the pre-exercise phase (4sET(insp)); (b) free respiratory pattern (4sET(unc)); and (c) maximum expiratory apnea of 12 s (4sET(exp)). The respective results were expressed by the following CVIs: CVI(insp), CVI(unc) and CVI(exp). CVI was determined in a continuous digital ECG recording through a specific ratio of two RR interval durations. The results [(mean +/- SEM)] for the four different maneuvers were as follows: CVI (1.56 +/- 0.05), CVI(insp) (1.55 +/- 0.05), CVI(unc) (1.63 +/- 0.05) and CVI(exp) (1.37 +/- 0.02). ANOVA-Bonferroni significant differences were only found between CVI(exp) and CVI(insp) (P = 0.009), CVI(unc) (P < 0.001) and CVI (P = 0.003). Dividing our sample in terciles according to CVI values, those with lower CVI, showed an attenuation of biphasic HR response after a 15 s maximum inspiratory apnea. We conclude that cardiac vagal reflex seems to be influencing the biphasic HR response modulation after a 12 s inspiratory apnea as described in the original protocol of 4sET, and this appears to be the option that best discriminates the cardiac vagal reflex, with less variability in the maneuvers when subjects are divided in terciles.