Is there an association between quadriceps muscle endurance and performance on activities of daily living in individuals with COPD? / Existe associação entre a resistência muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas atividades da vida diária em indivíduos com DPOC?

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by limited airflow associated with inflammatory response and systemic manifestations, such as dyspnea, as well as physical inactivity and intolerance to exercise. The sum of these changes can lead to peripheral muscle fatigue and exert an impact on the performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Objective To investigate the possible association between peripheral muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in individuals with COPD, and to compare the results to those of healthy age-matched individuals. Methods Individuals with a diagnosis of COPD and healthy volunteers aged 60 years or older were submitted to evaluations of peripheral muscle fatigue (using surface electromyography) and performance on the Glittre-ADL test. Results Nine individuals with COPD and ten controls were evaluated. Median isometric quadriceps contraction time was 72 [38] and 56 [51] seconds, respectively. Execution time on the ADL test was 6.1 [4] and 3.6 [1.3] minutes for COPD and control group respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the evaluations. Conclusion No association was found between quadriceps muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in the sample studied. In the intergroup comparison, the individuals with COPD exhibited worse ADL time execution, but no significant difference was found regarding quadriceps muscle fatigue.

Resumo Introdução A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é caracterizada por fluxo aéreo limitado associado à resposta inflamatória e manifestações sistêmicas, como dispneia, além de inatividade física e intolerância ao exercício. A soma dessas alterações pode levar à fadiga muscular periférica e exercer impacto no desempenho das atividades de vida diária (AVD). Objetivo Investigar a possível associação entre fadiga muscular periférica e desempenho em AVD em indivíduos com DPOC e comparar os resultados com indivíduos saudáveis da mesma faixa etária. Métodos Indivíduos com diagnóstico de DPOC e voluntários saudáveis com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos foram submetidos a avaliações de fadiga muscular periférica (por meio de eletromiografia de superfície) e desempenho no teste Glittre-ADL. Resultados Foram avaliados nove indivíduos com DPOC e dez controles. O tempo médio de contração isométrica do quadríceps foi de 72 [38] e 56 [51] segundos, respectivamente. O tempo de execução do teste de AVD foi de 6,18 [4,09] e 3,67 [1,3] minutos para DPOC e grupo controle, respectivamente, com diferença significativa entre os grupos (p < 0,05). No entanto não encontrou-se correlação significativa entre as avaliações. Conclusão Não encontrou-se associação entre a fadiga muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas AVD na amostra estudada. Na comparação intergrupos, os indivíduos com DPOC apresentaram pior tempo de execução das AVD, mas não encontrou-se diferença significativa em relação à fadiga muscular do quadríceps.

Analysis of agreement between peak expiratory flow meters and comparison of reference values / Análise da concordância entre aparelhos de pico de fluxo expiratório e comparação dos valores de referência

Abstract Introduction: The peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a practical method that evaluates the caliber of the proximal airways. The ease in handling and the low cost of portable PEF meters made their use frequent. However, few studies have examined the correlation between the different equipment and compared their reference values. Objective: Analyze the correlation of three portable meters of PEF and check if the reference values are applicable in the studied population. Methods: 168 healthy individuals, of both genders, ranging in age from 20 to 80 years, had their PEF measured in Mini-Wright®, Assess® and AirZone® and the values obtained were compared to those predicted by Leiner et al. (1963) and Nunn and Gregg (1989). Statistical analysis was performed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, ANOVA, Wilcoxon test, Spearman correlation and analysis of agreement of Bland-Altman (p< 0.05). Results: There was significant difference in the values of PEF obtained between the Mini-Wright® and Assess® meters in both genders, between the AirZone® and Assess® only in men and between the Mini-Wright® and AirZone® only in women. The predicted values in the three meters have overestimated the obtained in both genders; there was no correlation between the values obtained from three meters due to the great variation of agreement limits and large interindividual variation. Conclusion: The values obtained in the three meters are not interchangeable and the predicted values were unsuitable for the sample.

Resumo Introdução: O pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE) é um método acessível que avalia o calibre das vias aéreas proximais. A facilidade no manuseio e o baixo custo dos medidores portáteis de PFE tornaram seu uso frequente, entretanto, poucos estudos analisaram a concordância entre os diferentes equipamentos e compararam seus valores de referência. Objetivo: Analisar a concordância de três medidores portáteis de PFE e verificar se os valores de referência são aplicáveis na população estudada. Métodos: 168 indivíduos saudáveis, de ambos os gêneros, na faixa etária de 20 a 80 anos, realizaram medidas de PFE nos aparelhos Mini-Wright®, Assess® e AirZone® e comparou-se os valores obtidos aos previstos por Leiner et al. (1963) e Nunn e Gregg (1989). A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov, ANOVA, teste de Wilcoxon, correlação de Spearman e análise de concordância de Bland-Altman (p<0,05). Resultados: Constatou-se diferença significativa nos valores de PFE obt idos entre os medidores Mini-Wright® e Assess® em ambos os gêneros, entre o AirZone® e o Assess® apenas nos homens e entre o Mini-Wright® e o AirZone® somente nas mulheres, sendo que os valores previstos nos três aparelhos superestimaram os obtidos em ambos os gêneros; não se verificou concordância entre os valores obtidos dos três medidores devido à grande variação dos limites de concordância e grande variação interindividual. Conclusão: Os valores obtidos nos três medidores não são intercambiáveis e os valores previstos se mostraram inadequados para a amostra estudada.

Correlation between functional capacity and health-related quality of life in COPD: a case series / Correlação entre capacidade funcional e qualidade de vida na DPOC: série de casos

Objective To correlate functional capacity test scores from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects with their functional state as assessed by health-related quality of life questionnaires (one respiratory disease-specific [SGRQ] and one generic [SF-36] questionnaire). Materials and methods Study of a case series of 8 COPD patients. The following tests were performed: 1) Six-minute walk test (6-MWT); 2) Shuttle walking test (SWT); 3) Six-minute step test (6-MST); 4) Two-minute sit-to-stand test (STST); and 5) Pegboard and ring test (PBRT). Besides these tests, two health-related quality of life questionnaires were administered: The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out by using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, while correlations were assessed using Pearson's (parametric data) or Spearman's (non-parametric data) rank tests, with p < 0.05. Results The 6-MWT showed strong correlation with the SF-36 scales of physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health. Conversely, the other functional capacity tests showed no correlation with this questionnaire. The SGRQ showed no correlation with any of the tests. Conclusions The 6-MWT may be a good test to reflect the health-related quality of life of COPD subjects.

Objetivo Correlacionar as respostas de testes de capacidade funcional em indivíduos portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) com o estado funcional avaliado de maneira subjetiva pelos questionários de qualidade de vida, sendo um específico para doença respiratória (SGRQ) e outro genérico (SF-36). Materiais e métodos Foi realizado um estudo de uma série de casos com oito pacientes portadores de DPOC que realizaram os seguintes testes: 1) Teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6’); 2) Shuttle walking test (SWT); 3) Teste do degrau de seis minutos (TD6’); 4) Teste de sentar e levantar-se da cadeira em dois minutos (TCad-2min); e 5) Pegboard and ring test (PBRT). Além dos testes, foram aplicados dois questionários de qualidade de vida: Hospital Saint George na doença respiratória (SGRQ) e o Short Form 36 (SF-36). A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk seguido dos testes de correlação de Pearson (dados paramétricos) ou de Spearman (dados não-paramétricos) com p < 0,05. Resultados Somente o TC6’ mostrou forte correlação com o SF-36 nos aspectos físicos, estado geral de saúde, vitalidade, aspectos sociais e saúde mental, diferentemente dos outros testes de capacidade funcional que não mostraram correlação com este questionário. Com relação ao SGRQ, não houve correlação com nenhum dos testes. Conclusões O TC6’ pode ser um bom teste para refletir a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos portadores de DPOC.

Respiratory pattern of diaphragmatic breathing and pilates breathing in COPD subjects

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) is widely used in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), however it has been little studied in the scientific literature. The Pilates breathing (PB) method has also been used in the rehabilitation area and has been little studied in the scientific literature and in COPD. OBJECTIVES: To compare ventilatory parameters during DB and PB in COPD patients and healthy adults. METHOD: Fifteen COPD patients (COPD group) and fifteen healthy patients (healthy group) performed three types of respiration: natural breathing (NB), DB, and PB, with the respiratory pattern being analyzed by respiratory inductive plethysmography. The parameters of time, volume, and thoracoabdominal coordination were evaluated. After the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, ANOVA was applied followed by Tukey's test (intragroup analysis) and Student's t-test (intergroup analysis; p<0.05). RESULTS: DB promoted increase in respiratory volumes, times, and SpO2 as well as decrease in respiratory rate in both groups. PB increased respiratory volumes in healthy group, with no additional benefits of respiratory pattern in the COPD group. With respect to thoracoabdominal coordination, both groups presented higher asynchrony during DB, with a greater increase in the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: DB showed positive effects such as increase in lung volumes, respiratory motion, and SpO2 and reduction in respiratory rate. Although there were no changes in volume and time measurements during PB in COPD, this breathing pattern increased volumes in the healthy subjects and increased oxygenation in both groups. In this context, the acute benefits of DB are emphasized as a supporting treatment in respiratory rehabilitation programs. .

Acute effects of transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation on respiratory pattern in COPD patients: cross-sectional and comparative clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (TEDS) has been used to improve respiratory muscle strength in patients with respiratory muscle weakness. However, this physical therapy resource has not been studied in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the respiratory pattern during one session of TEDS in COPD patients. METHOD: Fifteen COPD patients participated in one TEDS session for plethysmographic analysis and assessment of peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR). After the session, patients were divided into two groups: Responder (R; n=9) and Non-Responder (NR; n=6) to TEDS. Statistic analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test and two-way ANOVA. For the parameters that showed interaction, the Student t test was used (P<0.05). RESULTS: R group consisted mainly of men, with lower SpO2 and higher HR than NR group. When time (before and during) and groups (R and NR) were compared (interaction), there were differences in the parameters minute ventilation (Vent), inspiratory tidal volume (ViVol), expiratory tidal volume (VeVol), and respiratory rate (Br/M). In the intergroup comparison, differences were observed in the parameters Vent, ViVol, and VeVol. A significant effect was also observed for time in change in end-expiratory lung volume level (qDEEL), phase relation during inspiration (PhRIB); phase relation during expiration (PhREB); phase relation of entire breath (PhRTB), and phase angle (PhAng). During TEDS, there was an increase in SpO2 and a reduction in HR in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The most hypoxemic group with greater HR responded to TEDS and there was interaction between group and time of analysis for the pulmonary volumes. The time factor had an influence on the two groups with an increase in thoracoabdominal asynchrony. .

Efeito da estimulação diafragmática elétrica transcutânea em parâmetros respiratórios de pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica / The effect of transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation on respiratory parameters of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients / Efecto de la estimulación diafragmática eléctrica transcutánea en parámetros respiratorios de pacientes con enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da estimulação diafragmática elétrica transcutânea (EDET) sobre a força e endurance muscular respiratória, expansibilidade toracoabdominal e variáveis espirométricas de indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). Oito pacientes com DPOC submetidos à fisioterapia respiratória receberam tratamento com EDET duas vezes por semana durante 06 semanas, totalizando 12 sessões. Antes e depois do tratamento eles foram avaliados pelos seguintes parâmetros: pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx); pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx); cirtometria axilar, xifoideana e abdominal; e espirometria. Após o teste Shapiro-Wilk, o teste t de Student pareado e o teste Mann-Whitney foram aplicados para a comparação dos dois estágios (antes e após a EDET). Para a comparação dos estágios antes, após (pós-1a sessão), 1ª, 2ª, 3ª e 4ª semana, a ANOVA seguida do teste de Tukey foram aplicados (p<0,05). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, foi observado que a EDET promoveu aumento significativo em: PImáx (47,3%); PEmáx (21,7%); cirtometria axilar (55,5%); xifoideana (59,2%) e abdominal (74,2%), mas não nas variáveis espirométricas. Na análise longitudinal (nas 4 semanas seguintes) o aumento encontrado na PImáx e na expansibilidade toracoabdominal foi mantido. Assim conclui-se que a EDET promoveu melhora na força muscular respiratória e na expansibilidade toracoabdominal em pacientes com DPOC sem alteração nas variáveis espirométricas; e alguns parâmetros foram mantidos nas quatro semanas seguintes...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (TEDS) on respiratory muscle strength and endurance, thoracic-abdominal expansibility and spirometric variables of subjects with chronic as obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Eight COPD patients submitted to respiratory physiotherapy received treatment with TEDS twice a week for 06 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. Before and after TEDS they were evaluated by the following parameters: maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP); maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); axillary, xiphoid and abdominal cyrtometry; and spirometry. After the Shapiro-Wilk test, the paired Student's-t test and the Mann-Whitney test were applied for comparison of the two stages (before and after TEDS). For comparison of the before, after (post-1st session), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th week stages, the ANOVA followed by Tukey test were applied (p<0.05). In accordance with the results obtained it was observed that TEDS promoted significant increase in: MIP (47.3%); MEP (21.7%); axillary (55.5%); xiphoid (59.2%) and abdominal (74.2%) cyrtometry, but not in the spirometric variables. In longitudinal analysis (in the 4 following weeks) the increase found in MIP and in thoracic-abdominal expansibility was maintained. Thus, we conclude that TEDS promoted improvement in respiratory muscle strength and thoracic-abdominal expansibility in COPD patients without alterations in spirometric variables, and some parameters were maintained in the following 4 weeks...

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la estimulación diafragmática eléctrica transcutánea (EDET) sobre la fuerza y endurance muscular respiratoria, expansibilidad toracoabdominal y variables espirométricas de individuos con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). Ocho pacientes con EPOC sometidos a fisioterapia respiratoria recibieron tratamiento con EDET dos veces por semana durante 6 semanas, totalizando 12 sesiones. Antes y después del tratamiento fueron evaluados por los siguientes parámetros: presión inspiratoria máxima (PImáx); presión expiratoria máxima (PEmáx); cirtometría axilar, xifoidea y abdominal; y espirometría. Después del test Shapiro-Wilk, el test t de Student pareado y el test Mann-Whitney fueron aplicados para la comparación de los dos niveles (antes y después de la EDET). Para la comparación de los niveles antes, después (post-1a sesión), 1ª, 2ª, 3ª y 4ª semana, la ANOVA seguida del test de Tukey fueron aplicados (p<0,05). De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, fue observado que la EDET promovió aumento significativo en: PImáx (47,3%); PEmáx (21,7%); cirtometría axilar (55,5%); xifoidea (59,2%) y abdominal (74,2%), pero no en las variables espirométricas. En el análisis longitudinal (en las 4 semanas siguientes) el aumento encontrado en la PImáx y en la expansibilidad toracoabdominal fue mantenido. Así se concluye que la EDET promovió mejora en la fuerza muscular respiratoria y en la expansibilidad toracoabdominal en pacientes con EPOC sin alteración en las variables espirométricas; y algunos parámetros fueron mantenidos en las cuatro semanas siguientes...

Estimulação diafragmática elétrica transcutânea (EDET) para fortalecimento muscular respiratório: estudo clínico controlado e randomizado / Transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (TEDS) for the respiratory muscle strengthening: randomized and controlled clinical study

O objetivo do estudo foi demonstrar o efeito de dois protocolos da estimulação diafragmática elétrica transcutânea (EDET) sobre a força muscular respiratória de mulheres saudáveis, sendo um protocolo segundo Geddes et al. (1988) e outro padronizado pelo equipamento Phrenics. Mulheres saudáveis foram divididas em 3 grupos: Controle (n=7); EDET com Phrenics (n=7) e EDET com Dualpex (n=7), sendo o tratamento realizado 2 vezes por semana, durante 6 semanas (12 sessões). Foram avaliadas a pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) e pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx), antes e após o tratamento. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste Shapiro-Wilk e Kruskal Wallis com pós-hoc de Dunn (p<0,05). Os dois grupos experimentais apresentaram aumento na PImáx (Phrenics: 32,9%; Dualpex: 63,2%) e na PEmáx (Phrenics: 44,7%; Dualpex: 60,9%), diferentemente do Controle que não apresentou diferença. Em conclusão, os dois protocolos de EDET promoveram aumento da força muscular inspiratória e expiratória em mulheres saudáveis.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of two protocols of transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (TEDS) on the respiratory muscle strength of healthy women, with one protocol according to Geddes et al. (1988) and other protocol standardized by Phrenics equipment. Healthy women were divided in 3 groups: Control (n=7); TEDS with Phrenics (n=7) and TEDS with Dualpex (n=7). The treatment was made twice a week, during 6 weeks (12 sessions). Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) before and after the treatment. The statistical analysis was made by the Shapiro-Wilk and the Kruskal Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc test (p<0.05). Both TEDS protocols promoted increase in MIP (Phrenics: 32.9%; Dualpex: 63.2%) and in MEP (Phrenics: 44.7%; Dualpex: 60.9%), differently of the Control that didn't show difference. In conclusion, the two TEDS' protocols promoted increase of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength in healthy women.

Strategy for respiratory exercise pattern associated with upper limb movements in COPD patients

INTRODUCTION: Upper limb exercises are frequently used in respiratory physiotherapy, with UL elevation and controlled inspiratory timing. However, the use of expiration during upper limb elevation appears to be a strategy that could minimize the action of accessory muscles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this context, little is known about the synchrony of upper limb (UL) movements associated with breathing. The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory pattern of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients during different UL exercises associated with respiratory exercises. METHODS: Fifteen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients participated in this study. Respiratory pattern analysis by inductance plethysmography was performed during four types of upper limb exercises, two shoulder flexion-extension (one associated with inspiratory time during the concentric phase and the other associated with expiratory time) and two shoulder abduction-adduction (same timing as above). Statistical analysis was performed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and ANOVA with Tukey tests (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The thoracoabdominal coordination measurements increased in the two exercises using both inspiration during shoulder flexion (PhRIB: 172 percent; PhREB: 131 percent; PhRTB: 142 percent and PhAng: 238 percent) as well as in shoulder horizontal abduction (PhRIB: 145 percent; PhREB: 109 percent; PhRTB: 130 percent and PhAng: 229 percent), differing from the exercises with expiration at the time of shoulder flexion and horizontal abduction. CONCLUSION: The exercises performed with inverted respiratory time produced less asynchrony and can be used as important strategies during physical exercise programs in these patients.

Efeitos do exercício resistido de membros superiores na força muscular periférica e na capacidade funcional do paciente com DPOC / Effects of the resistance exercise in upper limb on peripheral muscular strength and functionality of COPD patient

Introdução: A disfunção muscular periférica na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) contribui diretamente para a intolerância ao exercício físico, porém ainda não há consenso sobre estratégias adequadas de treinamento físico para esses pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do exercício resistido de membros superiores (MMSS) em pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave no ganho de forçae na capacidade funcional. Métodos: Doze pacientes com DPOC foram divididos em dois grupos:controle (GC) e treinado (GT). O GT realizou treinamento de força, três vezes por semana, durante seis semanas, com carga de 80% de uma repetição máxima (RM). Antes e após o tratamento, foram realizados os testes de 1 RM e o Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT) em ambos os grupos. Resultados:Após o tratamento, verificou-se aumento significativo da força muscular no GT (aumento de 52% no supino sentado e 22% no pulley, com p < 0,05); e quanto ao PBRT, não houve diferença significativa em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: O treinamento de força de MMSS com duração de seis semanas foi capaz de aumentar a força muscular, mas não a funcionalidade de pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave.

Introduction: Peripheral muscle dysfunction in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes for the intolerance exercise, but there was no consensus about appropriate strategies of exercise training for these patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the resistance exercise in upper limb in COPD patients (from moderate to very severe cases) on the muscular strength and functional capacity. Methods: Twelve patients with COPD were separated into two groups: control (GC) and trained (GT). The GT carried out strength training three times a week, during six weeks, starting with load of 80 percent of one repetition maximum (1 RM). Before and after the treatment were carried out the 1 RM test and the Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT) in both groups. Results: After the treatment, there was a significant increase of the strength muscle in the GT (increase of 52 percent in the supine and 22 percent in the pulley, with p < 0.05); and in the PBRT there were no significant difference in both groups. Conclusion: The upper limb strength training during six weeks was able to improve the muscle strength, but not the functionality of COPD patients (from moderate to very severe cases).

Novos valores de referência para pressões respiratórias máximas na população brasileira / New reference values for maximal respiratory pressures in the Brazilian population

OBJETIVO: Comparar PImáx e PEmáx medidas em indivíduos saudáveis com os valores previstos utilizando-se as equações propostas em outro estudo e, se necessário, sugerir novas equações para PImáx e PEmáx para a população brasileira. MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 60 homens e 60 mulheres saudáveis com idades entre 20 e 80 anos (20 indivíduos por faixa etária de 10 anos). As pressões respiratórias máximas foram determinadas segundo um protocolo padronizado. RESULTADOS: Os valores medidos de PImáx foram significativamente menores que aqueles previstos tanto para homens (31 por cento) e mulheres (24 por cento). Não houve diferenças significativas entre a PEmáx medida e prevista nos dois gêneros. A idade provou ser a variável com melhor poder preditivo para PImáx e PEmáx nos dois gêneros. Novas equações foram propostas. CONCLUSÕES: As equações propostas no estudo prévio não foram capazes de predizer PImáx e PEmáx de todos os indivíduos de nossa amostra. Portanto, os resultados deste estudo podem facilitar a predição da força muscular respiratória de adultos saudáveis no Brasil. Novos estudos, com indivíduos de diferentes regiões do país, poderão contribuir para o desenvolvimento de melhores tabelas ou equações para as pressões respiratórias máximas na população brasileira.

OBJECTIVE: To compare MIP and MEP determined in healthy subjects with those predicted using the equations proposed in another study, and, if necessary, to suggest new equations for MIP and MEP to be used in the Brazilian population. METHODS: The study sample comprised 60 healthy males and 60 healthy females, 20-80 years of age (20 subjects per ten-year age bracket). Maximal respiratory pressures were determined following a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Regarding MIP, the measured values were significantly lower than those predicted for both males (31 percent) and females (24 percent). There were no significant differences between measured and predicted MEP in either gender. We found that age presented the greatest power to predict MIP and MEP in both genders. New equations were proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The previously proposed equations were unable to predict MIP and MEP for all of the subjects in our sample. Therefore, the results of this study can facilitate the prediction of respiratory muscle strength in healthy adult subjects in Brazil. Further studies, involving subjects from different regions of the country, could lead to the development of better tables or equations for maximal respiratory pressures in the Brazilian population.

Drenagem postural: prática e evidência / Postural drainage: practice and evidence

Introdução: A drenagem postural (DP) constitui uma das técnicas de higiene brônquica mais antiga e amplamente utilizada na fisioterapia respiratória, que tem a finalidade de auxiliar a mobilização de secreções através da ação da gravidade, principalmente em doenças com grande quantidade de secreção. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sobre a eficácia da DP isolada ou em associação com outras técnicas em diversas condições clínicas. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico de estudos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais entre os anos de 1960 a 2007. Conclusão: A DP é benéfica para aumentar a clearance do muco, mas seus efeitos ainda permanecem controversos quando combinados com outras modalidades.

Effects of chest physiotherapy on the respiratory function of postoperative gastroplasty patients

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery has become increasingly more recommended for the treatment of morbidly obese individuals for whom it is possible to identify co-morbidities other than alterations in pulmonary function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of conventional chest physiotherapy (CCP) and of conventional physiotherapy associated with transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (CCP+TEDS) on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. METHODS: In total, 44 female patients with an average age of 37 ± 7.3 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 47.4 ± 6.5 K/m² were selected as candidates for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass laparoscopy. They were evaluated for pulmonary volume and flow using spirometry and maximum respiratory pressure through manovacuometry during the preoperative period and on the fifteenth and thirtieth postoperative days. RESULTS: No differences were detected between CCP and CCP+TEDS, and both factors contributed to the maintenance of pulmonary flow and volume as well as inhalation muscle strength. Exhalation muscle strength was not maintained in the CCP group at fifteen or thirty days postoperative, but it was maintained in patients treated with conventional chest physiotherapy + transcutaneous electric diaphragmatic stimulation. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that both conventional chest physiotherapy and conventional chest physiotherapy + transcutaneous electric diaphragmatic stimulation prevent the reduction of pulmonary function during the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass postoperative period, and that transcutaneous electric diaphragmatic stimulation also contributes to expiratory muscle strength.

Análise da incidência de quedas e a influência da fisioterapia no equilíbrio e na instabilidade postural de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson / Analysis of falls incidence and the influence of physical therapy on balance and postural instability of patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Os pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (DP) estão mais propensos a cair, pois soma-se aos sintomas da doença o fator idade, contribuindo ainda mais para tornar as quedas freqüentes e agravantes. Este estudo objetivou investigar a incidência de quedas e verificar a eficácia da fisioterapia sobre o equilíbrio e a instabilidade postural na DP. Doze pacientes com diagnóstico de DP, idade média de 68,42 ± 12 anos, realizaram fisioterapia em solo, durante 6 meses e foram avaliados bimestralmente através da Escala UPDRS e do Teste de Alcance Funcional (AF), além de um Diário de Quedas recolhido mensalmente. Para análise estatística foi aplicado o Teste de Friedman, ANOVA e Correlação de Pearson (p ≤ 0,05). Os resultados mostraram aumento significativo da pontuação total da escala UPDRS (p = 0,0038), porém sem diferença significativa para a pontuação da seção III (exploração motora), p = 0,065. Não houve aumento significativo do AF (p = 0,3095), mas observou-se declínio das quedas; também verificamos correlação negativa dos valores do AF com a pontuação da seção III da escala. Assim, concluímos que apesar de tratar-se de uma doença degenerativa, a fisioterapia pode ser eficaz na melhora do equilíbrio e na diminuição da incidência de quedas desses pacientes.

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have more incidence of falls, because added to symptoms is associated the aging factor, contributing to produce frequent and serious falls. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of falls and check the efficacy of physical therapy on balance and postural instability in PD. Twelve patients with PD, average age 68.42 ± 12 years old, were submitted to physical therapy on the floor for 6 months and were evaluated each 2 months through the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Functional Reach Test (FR); also a monthly diary on falls was collected. For statistical analysis, a Friedman Test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation (p ≤ 0.05) were applied. The results showed a significant increase in UPDRS total score (p = 0.0038), but with no significant difference to section III score (motor exploration), p = 0.065. There was no significant increase of FR (p = 0.3095), but it was noticed a reduction of falls; also there was an inverse correlation of FR values with section III score. Therefore, we conclude that although this disease is degenerative, physical therapy can be efficient to improve balance and to reduce the incidence of falls in these patients.

Avaliação da função pulmonar e muscular respiratória em mulheres com câncer de mama / Pulmonary and muscular respiratory function evaluation in women with breast cancer

Complicações pulmonares são freqüentes após a radioterapia (RT) no tratamento do câncer de mama, contudo ainda não estão bem definidas. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a função pulmonar e muscular respiratória em curto prazo após cirurgia e RT, bem como analisar outros fatores, como tipo de cirurgia, idade, quimioterapia (QT), reforço de RT e fossa supraclavicular (FSC) irradiada. Foram selecionadas 15 mulheres, com idade média de 58±9 anos, submedtidas à cirugia de mastectomia ou quadrantectomia, que realizaram RT adjuvante. Os testes de função pulmonar (TFP) – capacidade vital (CV), capacidade vital forçada (CVF), volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF) e ventilação voluntária máxima (VVM) – foram efetuados no pós-operatório e após o término da RT. O exame de força muscular respiratória (FMR) foi realizado nas fases pré e pós-operatória e após a RT. Na análise estatística, aplicou-se o teste de Wilcoxon no TFP e ANOVA de Friedman para a FMR (p < 0,05). Não ocorreram alterações pulmonares significativas após a cirurgia de mastectomia e quadrantectomia, seguida de RT nos testes realizados, demonstrando que houve a manutenção dos valores da função pulmonar e muscular respiratória até um mês após o término da RT. Os fatores avaliados separadamente também não interferiram nos resultados.

Pulmonary complications are frequent after radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of breast cancer, yet are not well defined. This study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle in the short term after surgery and RT, as well as examine other factors such as type of surgery, age, chemotherapy (CT), upgrading of RT and supraclavicular fossa (FSC) irradiated. We selected 15 women, mean age 58 ± 9 years, the requisite surgery to mastectomy or quadrantectomy, who underwent adjuvant RT. The pulmonary function tests (PFT) - vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory ) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) - werevolume in one second (FEV performed postoperatively and after the end RT. The examination of respiratory muscle strength (RMS) was performed in the pre-and post-operative and post-RT. Statistical analysis applied the Wilcoxon test in the TFP and the Friedman ANOVA for RMW (p <0.05). There were no significant pulmonary changes after surgery of mastectomy and quadrantectomy followed by RT in the tests, demonstrating that there was maintenance of the values of pulmonary function and respiratory muscle until one month after completion of RT. The factors evaluated separately also did not affect the results as well.