Exercise training for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is characterised by excessive sputum production, chronic cough, and acute exacerbations and is associated with symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue, which reduce exercise tolerance and impair quality of life. Exercise training in isolation or in conjunction with other interventions is beneficial for people with other respiratory diseases, but its effects in bronchiectasis have not been well established. OBJECTIVES: To determine effects of exercise training compared to usual care on exercise tolerance (primary outcome), quality of life (primary outcome), incidence of acute exacerbation and hospitalisation, respiratory and mental health symptoms, physical function, mortality, and adverse events in people with stable or acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis. SEARCH METHODS: We identified trials from the Cochrane Airways Specialised Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization trials portal, from their inception to October 2020. We reviewed respiratory conference abstracts and reference lists of all primary studies and review articles for additional references. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials in which exercise training of at least four weeks' duration (or eight sessions) was compared to usual care for people with stable bronchiectasis or experiencing an acute exacerbation. Co-interventions with exercise training including education, respiratory muscle training, and airway clearance therapy were permitted if also applied as part of usual care. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened and selected trials for inclusion, extracted outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We contacted study authors for missing data. We calculated mean differences (MDs) using a random-effects model. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included six studies, two of which were published as abstracts, with a total of 275 participants. Five studies were undertaken with people with clinically stable bronchiectasis, and one pilot study was undertaken post acute exacerbation. All studies included co-interventions such as instructions for airway clearance therapy and/or breathing strategies, provision of an educational booklet, and delivery of educational sessions. The duration of training ranged from six to eight weeks, with a mix of supervised and unsupervised sessions conducted in the outpatient or home setting. No studies of children were included in the review; however we identified two studies as currently ongoing. No data were available regarding physical activity levels or adverse events. For people with stable bronchiectasis, evidence suggests that exercise training compared to usual care improves functional exercise tolerance as measured by the incremental shuttle walk distance, with a mean difference (MD) between groups of 87 metres (95% confidence interval (CI) 43 to 132 metres; 4 studies, 161 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence also suggests that exercise training improves six-minute walk distance (6MWD) (MD between groups of 42 metres, 95% CI 22 to 62; 1 study, 76 participants; low-certainty evidence). The magnitude of these observed mean changes appears clinically relevant as they exceed minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds for people with chronic lung disease. Evidence suggests that quality of life improves following exercise training according to St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score (MD -9.62 points, 95% CI -15.67 to -3.56 points; 3 studies, 160 participants; low-certainty evidence), which exceeds the MCID of 4 points for this outcome. A reduction in dyspnoea (MD 1.0 points, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.53; 1 study, 76 participants) and fatigue (MD 1.51 points, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.22 points; 1 study, 76 participants) was observed following exercise training according to these domains of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire. However, there was no change in cough-related quality of life as measured by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) (MD -0.09 points, 95% CI -0.98 to 0.80 points; 2 studies, 103 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), nor in anxiety or depression. Two studies reported longer-term outcomes up to 12 months after intervention completion; however exercise training did not appear to improve exercise capacity or quality of life more than usual care. Exercise training reduced the number of acute exacerbations of bronchiectasis over 12 months in people with stable bronchiectasis (odds ratio 0.26, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.81; 1 study, 55 participants). After an acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis, data from a single study (N = 27) suggest that exercise training compared to usual care confers little to no effect on exercise capacity (MD 11 metres, 95% CI -27 to 49 metres; low-certainty evidence), SGRQ total score (MD 6.34 points, 95%CI -17.08 to 29.76 points), or LCQ score (MD -0.08 points, 95% CI -0.94 to 0.78 points; low-certainty evidence) and does not reduce the time to first exacerbation (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.22). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review provides low-certainty evidence suggesting improvement in functional exercise capacity and quality of life immediately following exercise training in people with stable bronchiectasis; however the effects of exercise training on cough-related quality of life and psychological symptoms appear to be minimal. Due to inadequate reporting of methods, small study numbers, and variation between study findings, evidence is of very low to moderate certainty. Limited evidence is available to show longer-term effects of exercise training on these outcomes.

Oxidative and inflammatory effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with bronchiectasis. A prospective, randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Background: systemic inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for bronchiectasis, but there is no data about its effect on the inflammatory and REDOX status of these patients. Aims: to investigate the effect of PR in non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) patients, and to compare it with the effect of PR plus a hyperproteic oral nutritional supplement (PRS) enriched with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on serum inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers. Materials and methods: this was an open randomized, controlled trial. Thirty individuals (65 years old or younger with a body mass index over 18.5, older than 65 years with a body mass index over 20) were recruited from September 2013 to September 2014, and randomly assigned to receive PR or PRS. Total neutrophils, and inflammatory and oxidative biomarker levels were measured at baseline, and then at 3 and 6 months. Results: in the PRS group neutrophil levels were decreased from baseline at 6 months. A significantly different fold change was found between the PR and PRS groups. In the PR group, IL-6 and adiponectin were increased by the end of the study while TNFα levels were decreased from baseline at 6 months. REDOX biomarkers remained stable throughout the study except for 8-isoprostane levels, which were increased from baseline at 6 months in both groups of patients. Conclusions: a PR program induced a pro-oxidative effect accompanied by changes in circulating inflammatory cytokine levels in NCFB patients. Our results would also suggest a possible beneficial effect of the HMB enriched supplement on neutrophil level regulation in these patients. The information provided in this study could be useful for choosing the right therapeutic approach in the management of bronchiectasis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la inflamación sistémica y el estrés oxidativo son factores importantes en la patogénesis de la bronquiectasia. La rehabilitación pulmonar (PR) está recomendada en los sujetos con bronquiectasias, pero no hay datos sobre sus posibles efectos sobre el estado inflamatorio y REDOX de estos pacientes. Objetivos: investigar el efecto de la PR en pacientes con bronquiectasias no asociadas a fibrosis quística (NCFB) sobre los biomarcadores oxidativos e inflamatorios, y compararlo con los efectos de la PR junto con la suplementación oral de un suplemento hiperproteico (PRS) enriquecido con beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato (HMB). Material y métodos: ensayo clínico abierto, aleatorizado y controlado. Treinta pacientes (de 65 años o menos con un índice de masa corporal por encima de 18,5, y mayores de 65 años con un índice de masa corporal de más de 20) se aleatorizaron para recibir PR o PRS. Los niveles circulantes de neutrófilos totales y los de biomarcadores de estado inflamatorio y oxidativo se determinaron al inicio del estudio y a los 3 y 6 meses. Resultados: los niveles de neutrófilos en el grupo de PRS se redujeron desde el inicio a los 6 meses, presentando una tasa de cambio significativamente diferente según el tratamiento. En el grupo de PR, la IL-6 y la adiponectina aumentaron al final del estudio, mientras que los niveles de TNFα disminuyeron desde el inicio a los 6 meses. Los biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo se mantuvieron estables durante todo el estudio excepto por los niveles de 8-isoprostano, que aumentaron desde el inicio a los 6 meses en ambos grupos de pacientes. Conclusión: el programa de PR indujo un efecto pro-oxidativo acompañado de cambios en los niveles de citoquinas inflamatorias circulantes en pacientes con NCFB. Nuestros resultados también sugieren un posible efecto beneficioso del suplemento nutricional sobre la regulación de los niveles de neutrófilos de estos pacientes.

Airway clearance, mucoactive therapies and pulmonary rehabilitation in bronchiectasis.

This paper aims to provide physiological rationale for airway clearance, mucoactive therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) (or exercise interventions) in bronchiectasis. There is increasing emphasis on the role of airway clearance techniques (ACT) in the management of bronchiectasis. No single ACT has currently shown superior effect over another. Given the large range of different techniques available, consideration of the physiological effects underpinning a technique including expiratory flow, ventilation and oscillation, is essential to effectively personalize ACT. Key clinical trials of mucoactives in bronchiectasis are underway and will provide clarity on the role of these agents in the management of patients with bronchiectasis. Prescription of mucoactive therapies should be done in conjunction with ACT and therefore the mechanism of action of mucoactive drugs and their timing with ACT should be taken into consideration. PR and/or exercise training are recommended in all current bronchiectasis guidelines. There is a clear physiological rationale that muscle weakness and physical inactivity may play a role in disease progression as well as impacting health-related quality of life, frequency of pulmonary exacerbations and ability to mobilize sputum. However, there are residual unanswered questions surrounding the delivery and accessibility to PR. This review summarizes the physiological principles and supporting evidence for airway clearance, mucoactive medication and PR, which are key components in the management of bronchiectasis.

High-intensity inspiratory muscle training in bronchiectasis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) enhances velocity of inspiratory muscle contraction and modifies inspiratory and expiratory time. This study aimed to examine the impact of high-intensity IMT (H-IMT) on exercise capacity in bronchiectasis. METHODS: Forty-five patients were included. Lung function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, dyspnoea, fatigue and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated. Patients were randomized into two groups: H-IMT and control groups. Twenty-three patients underwent H-IMT for 8 weeks, using threshold loading with a target workload of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) of at least 70%, with 3-min cycles (as 2-min training: 1-min rest intervals) for 21 min. There was a total period of 14 min of loaded breathing and 7 min of recovery. The control group (n = 22) underwent low-intensity IMT at 10% of the initial MIP and was maintained at the same intensity until the end of the training. RESULTS: After training, both MIP and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and the incremental shuttle walk distance were increased in the H-IMT group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in constant threshold load, time and pressure-time units in the H-IMT group (P < 0.05) but not in the control group (P > 0.05). A significant decrease was found in fatigue in both groups (P < 0.05). The Leicester Cough Questionnaire social score for the H-IMT group decreased significantly after the treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The H-IMT increased exercise capacity in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. It has also positive effects on respiratory muscle strength and endurance, and social aspects of QOL.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Only Versus With Nutritional Supplementation in Patients With Bronchiectasis: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

PURPOSE: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for bronchiectasis, but there is little evidence of its efficacy in these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PR in normally nourished patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis compared with the effect of PR plus an oral nutritional supplement (PRONS). METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial, parallel treatment design in which participants were randomly assigned to receive PR for 12 wk or PR plus a high-protein nutritional supplement enriched with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, 12 and 24 wk including cardiopulmonary exercise testing, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), bronchorrhea, dyspnea, psychological symptoms, spirometry, and exacerbations. RESULTS: Thirty patients were randomized into 2 groups of 15 participants. In both groups, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, HRQOL, dyspnea, and spirometry parameters significantly increased from baseline at 3 and/or 6 mo. CONCLUSION: PR improved exercise capacity, HRQOL, and respiratory parameters. The use of PRONS did not have a significant effect on the results.

Efecto de la rehabilitación respiratoria asociada a suplementación nutricional sobre la actividad física en pacientes con bronquiectasias: estudio aleatorizado / The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation associated with nutritional supplementation on physical activity in patients with bronchiectasis: randomized trial

Introducción: la actividad física está fuertemente relacionada con la mortalidad y la situación respiratoria en patologías respiratorias como la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y la fibrosis quística (FQ). Los programas de rehabilitación respiratoria (RR) han demostrado mejorar el grado de actividad física en pacientes con EPOC. No existen trabajos específicos en pacientes con bronquiectasias (BQ). Objetivos: comparar el efecto sobre la actividad física de la RR durante 12 semanas, comparado con RR más un suplemento hiperproteico enriquecido en beta-hidroxi-beta-metilbutirato (HMB) en pacientes con BQ no debidas a FQ. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo aleatorizado, en el que se aplica un programa de RR estructurado a pacientes con BQ durante tres meses. A uno de los grupos, además, se le asoció un suplemento hiperproteico con HMB. Se valoró el grado de actividad física en situación basal, a los tres y seis meses mediante acelerómetro wGT3X (ActiGraph) y cuestionario IPAQ. Se analizaron los datos mediante una Anova de medidas repetidas (intención de tratar). Resultados: se incluyeron 30 pacientes con BQ no debidas a FQ (15 en cada rama) sin diferencias en variables clínicas entre los grupos. Después de la intervención, un porcentaje significativo de pacientes incrementaron la actividad física medida mediante el cuestionario IPAQ en el grupo suplementado a los 3 y 6 meses. No se observaron diferencias significativas en función del tipo de intervención. En ambos grupos se observó un discreto aumento de la actividad física de intensidad moderada medida por acelerómetro, a los 3 y 6 meses, pero no alcanzó significación estadística. Conclusiones: la RR, unida a suplementación nutricional en pacientes con BQ no debidas a FQ, aumentó el nivel de actividad física medida mediante el cuestionario IPAQ (a los 3 y 6 meses). Sin embargo, no alcanzó la significación estadística mediante acelerómetro. Son necesarios más estudios que evalúen la validez de los diferentes instrumentos de medida

Introduction: physical activity is closely related to mortality and respiratory status for respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF).Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs have been shown to improve the level of physical activity in COPD patients. There are no specific studies on patients with bronchiectasis. Objectives: study the effect of PR on physical activity over 12 weeks, in comparison with PR plus a hyperproteic supplement enriched in beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) in patients with non CF bronchiectasis. Material and methods: prospective, randomized study in which a structured PR program is applied in bronchiectasis patients for three months. Additionally, one of the groups received a hyperproteic supplement with HMB. The degree of physical activity was evaluated at baseline and after three and six months using the wGT3X (ActiGraph) accelerometer and the IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire).Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA (intention to treat). Results: 30 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis (15 in each group)were included, without differences in clinical variables between groups. After intervention, a significant percentage of patients in the supplement group increased their average physical activity according to the IPAQ after 3 and 6 months. Significant differences depending on type of intervention were not observed. A slight increase in average moderate intensity physical activity measured by accelerometer was observed at 3 and 6 months, but it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: PR, along with nutritional supplements, in non-CF bronchiectasis patients increased the level of physical activity measured by the IPAQ (at 3 and 6 months).However, it did not reach statistical significance according to accelerometer measurements. Further studies are needed to evaluate the validity of the different measurement instruments

Oral supplement enriched in HMB combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves body composition and health related quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis (Prospective, Randomised Study).

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for bronchiectasis but there is no data about its effect on body composition. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) for 12 weeks in normally-nourished non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis patients compared with the effect of PR plus a hyperproteic oral nutritional supplement enriched with beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on body composition, muscle strength, quality of life and serum biomarkers. METHODS: single center randomized controlled trial, parallel treatment design: Participants were randomly assigned to receive PR for 12 weeks or PR plus ONS (PRONS) (one can per day). Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks: body composition (Dual-energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), phase angle by Bio-impedance), health related quality of life (Spanish QOL-B-V3.0, Physical Functioning Scale), handgrip strength, diet questionnaire, and plasma levels of prealbumin, myostatin and somatomedin-c. RESULTS: Thirty patients were randomized (15 per group) without differences in clinical and respiratory variables. In the PRONS group bone mineral density (BMD), mean and maximum handgrip dynamometry, MAMC, QOLB and prealbumin were significantly increased from baseline at 12 and 24 weeks and Fat free Mass (FFM) and FFM index, at 12 weeks. In the PR group only mean handgrip dynamometry and prealbumin were significantly increased at 12 and 24 weeks. In both groups plasma myostatin was reduced at 12 weeks (without significant differences). CONCLUSION: The addition of a hyperproteic ONS enriched with HMB to Pulmonary Rehabilitation could improve body composition, BMD, muscle strength and health related quality of life in bronchiectasis patients. Clinical Trials Number NCT02048397.

Força muscular respiratória e pico de fluxo expiratório de pacientes com bronquiectasia submetidos à reabilitação respiratória / Respiratory muscle strength and peak expiratory flow in patients with bronchiectasis underwent pulmonary rehabilitation / La fuerza muscular respiratoria y el flujo espiratorio máximo en pacientes con bronquiectasias en rehabilitación respiratoria

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la fuerza muscular respiratoria y el flujo espiratorio máximo en pacientes con bronquiectasias en rehabilitación respiratoria. Método. Clínico, experimental, en el que, una vez verificados los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra se dividió aleatoriamente en: grupo experimental (GE, n = 13, edad = 60 ± 14,86 años) - que fueron tratados con rehabilitación respiratoria dos veces por semana, con una duración de 40 minutos por sesión, por 12 semanas y el grupo de control (GC, n = 13, edad = 58 ± 13,90 años) - los pacientes tratados con clínica conservadora de seguimiento permanecieron sin tratamiento durante el período de estudio, porque eran parte de una lista de espera para el servicio. Las variables dependientes del estudio fueron la fuerza muscular respiratoria (MIP - Presión de MIP-espiratorio - MEP) y el flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM), medida por el manómetro y el pico de flujo ®, respectivamente. El nivel de significación se fijó en p <0,05. Resultados. En la comparación dentro de los grupos, hubo un aumento significativo sólo en las variables de GE, a saber: MIP (cmH2O Δ = 18,08, p <0,001); MEP (cmH2O Δ = 12,31, p <0,001) y el FEM (Δ = 26,77 l / min, p = 0,016). En la comparación entre los grupos, hubo incremento satisfactorio en el post-test, el GE frente al GC en el MIP y la MEP (p = 0,005). Conclusiones. Por lo tanto, parece que la terapia física propuesta influencia en el aumento de la fuerza muscular respiratoria y del flujo espiratorio máximo en pacientes con bronquiectasia(AU)

Objetivo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la fuerza muscular respiratoria y el flujo espiratorio máximo en pacientes con bronquiectasias en rehabilitación respiratoria. Método. Clínico, experimental, en el que, una vez verificados los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra se dividió aleatoriamente en: grupo experimental (GE, n = 13, edad = 60 ± 14,86 años) - que fueron tratados con rehabilitación respiratoria dos veces por semana, con una duración de 40 minutos por sesión, por 12 semanas y el grupo de control (GC, n = 13, edad = 58 ± 13,90 años) - los pacientes tratados con clínica conservadora de seguimiento permanecieron sin tratamiento durante el período de estudio, porque eran parte de una lista de espera para el servicio. Las variables dependientes del estudio fueron la fuerza muscular respiratoria (MIP - Presión de MIP-espiratorio - MEP) y el flujo espiratorio máximo (FEM), medida por el manómetro y el pico de flujo®, respectivamente. El nivel de significación se fijó en p <0,05. Resultados. En la comparación dentro de los grupos, hubo un aumento significativo sólo en las variables de GE, a saber: MIP (cmH2O Δ = 18,08, p <0,001); MEP (cmH2O Δ = 12,31, p <0,001) y el FEM (Δ = 26,77 l / min, p = 0,016). En la comparación entre los grupos, hubo incremento satisfactorio en el post-test, el GE frente al GC en el MIP y la MEP (p = 0,005). Conclusiones. Por lo tanto, parece que la terapia física propuesta influencia en el aumento de la fuerza muscular respiratoria y del flujo espiratorio máximo en pacientes con bronquiectasia

Objective. This research aimed to evaluate the respiratory muscle strength and peak expiratory flow in patients with bronchiectasis undergoing respiratory rehabilitation. Method. Clinical trial where, after scrutiny of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample was divided randomly into experimental group (EG, n = 13, age = 60 ± 14.86 years) - who underwent treatment with respiratory rehabilitation twice week, lasting 40 minutes per session, at 12 weeks and control group (CG, n = 13, age = 58 ± 13.90 years) - patients with conservative clinical follow-up without therapy during the period of research because they were part of a waiting list for care. The dependent variables of the study were respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure - MIP- expiratory pressure - MEP) and peak expiratory flow (PEF), measured by the manometer and the peak flow®, respectively. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. In within groups comparison, there was a significant increase only in the EG variables, namely: MIP (Δ = 18.08 cm H2O, p < 0.001) and MEP (cmH2O Δ = 12.31, p < 0.001) and PEF (Δ = 26.77 l / min, p = 0.016). In the between groups comparison, increased satisfactory post-test, GE, compared to GC in MIP and MEP (p = 0.005). Conclusion. it appears that physical therapy influences the proposed increase in respiratory muscle strength and peak expiratory flow in patients with bronchiectasis(AU)

Inspiratory muscle training in bronchiectasis patients: a prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and feasibility of home-based inspiratory muscle training in patients with bronchiectasis. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Outpatient clinic of a tertiary care medical centre. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with bronchiectasis were randomly divided into inspiratory muscle training and control groups. In the inspiratory muscle training group (n = 13), the training programme started with an intensity of 30% maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), which was increased by 2 cmH(2)O each week, for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week for eight weeks. The control group (n = 13) did not receive inspiratory muscle training. Main outcome measures included spirometry, resting oxyhaemoglobin saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO(2)), lowest SpO(2) and Borg Scale during 6-minute walking tests, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), 6-minute walking work (6M(work)), MIP, maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. RESULTS: There were significant differences in change from baseline in 6MWD (411.9 (133.5) vs. 473.2 (117.2) m, P = 0.021), 6M(work) (21 051.0 (8286.7) vs. 23 915.5 (8343.0) kg-m, P = 0.022), MIP (60.8 (21.8) vs. 84.6 (29.0) cmH(2)O, P = 0.004), and MEP (72.3 (31.1) vs. 104.2 (35.7) cmH(2)O, P = 0.004) in the inspiratory muscle training group. Significant improvements in both MIP (23.8 (25.3) vs. 2.3 (16.4) cmH(2)O, adjusted P-value = 0.005) and MEP (31.9 (30.8) vs. 11.5 (20.8) cmH(2)O, adjusted P-value = 0.038) levels after adjusting for age by linear regression analysis were observed between groups. CONCLUSIONS: An eight-week home-based inspiratory muscle training is feasible and effective in improving both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, but has no effect on respiratory function and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis.

The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is characterised by sputum production, exercise limitation and recurrent infections. Although pulmonary rehabilitation is advocated for this patient group, its effects are unclear. The aims of this study are to determine the short and long term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity, cough, quality of life and the incidence of acute pulmonary exacerbations. METHODS/DESIGN: This randomised controlled trial aims to recruit 64 patients with bronchiectasis from three tertiary institutions. Participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention group (supervised, twice weekly exercise training with regular review of airway clearance therapy) or a control group (twice weekly telephone support). Measurements will be taken at baseline, immediately following the intervention and at six and 12 months following the intervention period by a blinded assessor. Exercise capacity will be measured using the incremental shuttle walk test and the six-minute walk test. Quality of life and health status will be measured using the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire, Leicester Cough Questionnaire, Assessment of Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The rate of hospitalisation will be captured as well as the incidence of acute pulmonary exacerbations using a daily symptom diary. DISCUSSION: Results from this study will help to determine the efficacy of supervised twice-weekly pulmonary rehabilitation upon exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis and will contribute to clinical practice guidelines for physiotherapists in the management of this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00885521).

[Diagnosis and treatment of bronchiectasis. Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de las bronquiectasias. SEPAR.

Bronchiectasis is the end result of several different diseases that share principles of management. The clinical course usually involves chronic bronchial infection and inflammation, which are associated with progression. The cause of bronchiectasis should always be investigated, particularly when it can be treated. We recommend evaluating etiology, symptoms, bronchial colonization and infection, respiratory function, inflammation, structural damage, nutritional status, and quality of life in order to assess severity and to monitor clinical course. Care should be supervised by specialized units, at least in cases of chronic bronchial infection, recurrent exacerbations, or when there is a cause that is likely to respond to treatment. Improving symptoms and halting progression are the goals of management, which is based on treatment of the underlying cause and of acute or chronic infections and on the drainage of secretions. Complications that arise must also be treated. Antibiotic prescription is guided by how well infection is being controlled, and this is indicated by the color of sputum and a reduction in the number of exacerbations. We recommend inhaled antibiotics in cases of chronic bronchial infection that does not respond to oral antibiotics, when these cause side effects, or when the cause is Pseudomonas species or other bacteria resistant to oral antibiotics. Inhaled administration is also advisable to treat initial colonization by Pseudomonas species.

Exercise training and inspiratory muscle training in patients with bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is a chronic suppurative lung disease often characterised by airflow obstruction and hyperinflation, and leading to decreased exercise tolerance and reduced health status. The role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has not been investigated in this group of patients. METHODS: Thirty two patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis were randomly allocated to one of three groups: PR plus sham IMT (PR-SHAM), PR plus targeted IMT (PR-IMT), or control. All patients (except the control group) underwent an 8 week training programme of either PR or PR plus targeted IMT. Exercise training during PR was performed three times weekly at 80% of the peak heart rate. IMT was performed at home for 15 minutes twice daily over the 8 week period. RESULTS: PR-SHAM and PR-IMT resulted in significant increases in the incremental shuttle walking test of 96.7 metres (95% confidence interval (CI) 59.6 to 133.7) and 124.5 metres (95% CI 63.2 to 185.9), respectively, and in endurance exercise capacity of 174.9% (95% CI 34.7 to 426.1) and 205.7% (95% CI 31.6 to 310.6). There were no statistically significant differences in the improvements in exercise between the two groups. Significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength were also observed both in the PR-IMT group (21.4 cm H2O increase, 95% CI 9.3 to 33.4; p = 0.008) and the PR-SHAM group (12.0 cm H2O increase, 95% CI 1.1 to 22.9; p = 0.04), the magnitude of which were also similar (p = 0.220). Improvements in exercise capacity were maintained in the PR-IMT group 3 months after training, but not in the PR-SHAM group. CONCLUSION: PR is effective in improving exercise tolerance in bronchiectasis but there is no additional advantage of simultaneous IMT. IMT may, however, be important in the longevity of the training effects.

Evaluation of nebulised hypertonic saline (7%) as an adjunct to physiotherapy in patients with stable bronchiectasis.

Sputum clearance is of prime importance in the management of patients with bronchiectasis. While nebulised normal isotonic saline (0.9%) (IS) has been anecdotally used to treat patients with tenacious sputum, the use of hypertonic saline (7%) (HS) could have potential muco-protective and clearance properties. 24 patients with bronchiectasis were randomised to receive four single treatment schedules in random order: (1) active cycle breathing technique (ACBT) alone, (2) nebulised terbutaline then ACBT, (3) nebulised terbutaline, nebulised IS then ACBT and (4) nebulised terbutaline, nebulised HS then ACBT. Sputum weights were significantly higher after HS than IS (P = 0.002). Ease of expectoration also differed overall (P < 0.0001) and was significantly lower with HS than with IS (P = 0.0005). Sputum viscosity differed between treatment phases, with a significant linear trend to reduced sputum viscosity with HS (P = 0.0002). These changes were associated with small but statistically significant differences in FEV1 (P = 0.043) and FVC (P = 0.011) between treatment phases. Nebulised hypertonic saline can be used safely and effectively as an adjunct to physiotherapy in selected patients. A long-term prospective trial is now indicated to determine its effectiveness on long-term infection rate, quality of life and lung function.

Bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy in bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study had two objectives: (1) to examine the effects of bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis; (2) to determine any differences between manual and mechanical techniques for bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy. DESIGN: The study design was a systematic review of the literature that used an exhaustive search for trials and review methods prescribed by the Cochrane Collaboration. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials examined patient groups, interventions, and dependent variables. PATIENTS: Patients included those with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) or bronchiectasis. INTERVENTIONS: Any of the following interventions or combinations thereof were included: manual interventions, such as postural drainage, chest percussion, vibration, chest shaking, directed coughing, or forced exhalation technique. CONTROLS: Controls of the study were as follows: no intervention; placebo; coughing; and mechanical interventions, such as mechanical vibration. RESULTS: The search identified 99 potential trials; inclusion or exclusion analysis left 7, which examined a total of 126 patients. Mean score on trial quality was 1.4 (5 = greatest). Three separate trials (N = 51) found statistically significant effects for bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy on sputum production and radioaerosol clearance. No trials (N = 126) found statistically significant effects on pulmonary function variables or differences between manual and mechanical techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the small sizes, low quality, and mixed results from the trials, the research on bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy is inconclusive. There is a need for adequately sized, high-quality, randomized controlled trials with uniform patient populations to examine the effects of bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy.

Cinesioterapia em piscina na bronquiectasia: discussäo acerca de uma nova abordagem terapêutica / Kinesiotherapy in swimming pool employed in bronchiectasia: discussion about a new therapeutic management

Os autores propoem, após uma revisao da conceituaçao básica referente à terapêutica da bronquiectasia, a utilizaçao da hidroterapia, em piscina aquecida, nessa síndrome. Para tanto, seis pacientes bronquiectásicos crônicos foram submetidos, durante 10 dias, a técnicas de cinesioterapia clássica associadas a uma proposta original de modificaçao de exercícios respiratórios em meio aquático. Os resultados foram avaliados, após cada sessao, através do volume de secreçao mucosa expectorada por cada paciente em sacos coletores e pela monitorizaçao da freqüência respiratória individual durante percurso de 3 minutos em terreno horizontal de 450 metros. Observou-se uma melhora no tônus muscular respiratório, da eliminaçao e do descolamento do muco endobrônquico e do controle da freqüência respiratória. O presente artigo procura expor uma abordagem fisioterápica complementar para a conduçao da paciente bronquiectásico crônico, sugerindo-se uma nova opçao na reabilitaçao respiratória.

Evaluation of chest percussion in the treatment of patients with copious sputum production.

The effect of manual chest percussion was studied in nine patients with copious sputum production. Treatment consisting of postural drainage (PD) and the forced expiration technique (FET) produced sputum at the rate of 0.831 g min-1. When percussion was included in the treatment regimen, the rate of sputum production was significantly greater (P less than 0.05), being 1.231 g min-1 for fast percussion and 1.040 g min-1 for slow percussion. Pulmonary function and oxygen saturation were unaffected by any of the treatment regimens. This study demonstrates that manual chest percussion is a useful adjunct to PD and FET in the treatment of patients with copious sputum production.

A rehabilitation program for improving exercise tolerance of patients with chronic lung disease.

A Chronic Chest Disease Rehabilitation Program has been developed in the Toronto General Hospital to improve exercise tolerance in very disabled patients. The most important part of the program is physical conditioning using mainly a motor-driven treadmill. The treadmill exercise is done breathing room air or, in the case of the most disabled patients, an oxygen-enriched gas mixture. Other exercise includes riding a stationary bicycle, going up and down stairs, and turning a wheel by hand. Other aspects of the program are breathing exercises, inhalation therapy using an ultrasonic nebulizer, chest physiotherapy, and patient education. The importance of a team approach with encouragement, enthusiasm and demonstration of steady progress is emphasized.