Clinical and anthropometric evolution of individuals with cystic fibrosis during COVID-19 pandemic: A 24-month cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the evolution of clinical and anthropometric characteristics of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) over 24 months, including the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A longitudinal study with data collection from May 2018 to November 2020 in physical and electronic records from a pediatric reference center, including individuals with CF aged up to 18 years. RESULTS: The sample encompassed 72 individuals. Weight (p < 0.01), height (p < 0.01), and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.043) were higher in 2020 than in 2018. There were no significant changes in BMI-Z (p = 0.977) and in percentiles of weight (p = 0.540), height (p = 0.458), and BMI percentile (p = 0.454) between both periods. Pancreatic insufficiency was observed in 91.7% of patients in 2020, and there were twice as many confirmed cases of diabetes compared to 2018. There was a 9.7% increase in individuals colonized by the oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (OSSA) (p = 0.039) and an 11.1% reduction in non-colonized individuals (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Although there was an increase in weight, height, and BMI from 2018 to 2020, there were no significant changes in BMI-Z and in percentiles of weight, height, and BMI percentile, suggesting that the anthropometric aspects of nutritional status did not change in this period of 2 years. Moreover, there was an increase in the prevalence of individuals colonized by OSSA and a reduction in the prevalence of individuals non-colonized with any bacteria.

Effects of upper limbs' neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed to voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise, in muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with CKD: a randomized clinical trial protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of unilateral upper limbs' (ULM) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial will be carried out at a Brazilian University Hospital. The patients will be evaluated and randomly allocated to an intervention group (i.e., unilateral NMES on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min) or a control group (i.e., unilateral NMES-Sham on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min). The patients will be treated for 8 weeks, with three weekly treatment sessions totaling 24 sessions. MEASUREMENTS: ULM muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life and also the feasibility, safety and patient adherence to the exercise protocol. All physical measurements will be collected by trained researchers before treatment (week 0) and at the end of treatment (week 9), always in the second hemodialysis session of the week. It will be used in an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this clinical trial protocol may help to know the possible benefits of unilateral ULM' NMES superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of leg cycle ergometer for patients with CKD and to aid clinical decisions about future implementation or not of this technique (NMES) in intradialytic physical training programs.

Brazilian physiotherapist anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey.

This study investigated the prevalence and the potential risk factors for anxiety and depression among physiotherapists during the pandemic. Physiotherapists answered a web-based questionnaire including 1) sociodemographic, professional and clinical information; 2) psychosocial demands; and 3) two validated questionnaires to measure anxiety and depression. Binary logistic regression identified the risk factors by means of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). In 417 participants, there was a high prevalence of anxiety (48.2%) and depression (53.0%). The risk factors for anxiety were female sex (OR 2.07; 95%CI 1.01-4.24), worsening in sleep patterns (OR 3.78; 95%CI 1.92-7.44), moderate (OR 2.24; 95%CI 1.00-5.00) and extreme concern about financial issues (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.57-7.65), and extreme loneliness (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.71-7.07). The risk factors for depression were female sex (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.03-4.55), low family income (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.21-4.89), worsening in sleep patterns (OR 5.97; 95%CI 3.02-11.82), extreme concern about financial issues (OR 2.61; 95%CI 1.15-5.94), and extreme loneliness (OR 4.38; 95%CI 2.00-9.63). This study found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in the studied population and identified risk factors for both.

Brazilian physiotherapist anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey / Ansiedade e depressão em fisioterapeutas brasileiros durante a pandemia de COVID-19: um estudo transversal

Abstract This study investigated the prevalence and the potential risk factors for anxiety and depression among physiotherapists during the pandemic. Physiotherapists answered a web-based questionnaire including 1) sociodemographic, professional and clinical information; 2) psychosocial demands; and 3) two validated questionnaires to measure anxiety and depression. Binary logistic regression identified the risk factors by means of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). In 417 participants, there was a high prevalence of anxiety (48.2%) and depression (53.0%). The risk factors for anxiety were female sex (OR 2.07; 95%CI 1.01-4.24), worsening in sleep patterns (OR 3.78; 95%CI 1.92-7.44), moderate (OR 2.24; 95%CI 1.00-5.00) and extreme concern about financial issues (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.57-7.65), and extreme loneliness (OR 3.47; 95%CI 1.71-7.07). The risk factors for depression were female sex (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.03-4.55), low family income (OR 2.43; 95%CI 1.21-4.89), worsening in sleep patterns (OR 5.97; 95%CI 3.02-11.82), extreme concern about financial issues (OR 2.61; 95%CI 1.15-5.94), and extreme loneliness (OR 4.38; 95%CI 2.00-9.63). This study found a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in the studied population and identified risk factors for both.

Resumo Este estudo investigou a prevalência e potenciais fatores de risco para ansiedade e depressão em fisioterapeutas durante a pandemia. Fisioterapeutas responderam a um questionário na web, incluindo: dados sociodemográficos, profissionais e clínicos; demandas psicossociais; e dois questionários validados para medir ansiedade e depressão. Regressão logística binária identificou fatores de risco para ansiedade e depressão por meio de odds ratio (OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC). Em 417 participantes houve alta prevalência de ansiedade (48,2%) e depressão (53%). Os fatores de risco para ansiedade foram: sexo feminino (OR 2,07; IC95% 1,01-4,24), piora nos padrões de sono (OR 3,78; IC95% 1,92-7,44), moderada (OR 2,24; IC95% 1,00-5,00) e extrema preocupação financeira (OR 3,47; IC95% 1,57-7,65) e extrema solidão (OR 3,47; IC95% 1,71-7,07). Os fatores de risco para depressão foram: sexo feminino (OR 2,16; IC95% 1,03-4,55), baixa renda familiar (OR 2,43; IC95% 1,21-4,89), piora nos padrões de sono (OR 5,97; IC95% 3,02-11,82), extrema preocupação financeira (OR 2,61; IC95% 1,15-5,94) e extrema solidão (OR 4,38; IC95% 2,00-9,63). Este estudo mostrou alta prevalência de ansiedade e depressão na população estudada e identificou fatores de risco para ambos.

Comparison of different methods of obtaining the rapid shallow breathing index.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) obtained by the ventilometer and from mechanical ventilation parameters. METHODS: Randomized crossover trial, including 33 intubated patients, on mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours, undergoing spontaneous breathing test. Patients were submitted to the measurement of RSBI by four methods: disconnected from the ventilator through the ventilometer; in Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) mode at a pressure of 7.ßcm H2O; in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mode at a pressure of 5.ßcmH2O with flow trigger; in CPAP mode at a pressure of 5.ßcmH2O with pressure trigger. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the RSBI obtained by the ventilometer and in the CPAP mode with flow and pressure triggers, however, in the PSV mode, the values were lower than in the other measurements (p.ß<.ß0.001). By selecting patients from the sample with higher RSBI (... 80 cycles.min-1.L-1), the value of the index obtained by the ventilometer was higher than that obtained in the three options of ventilation methods. CONCLUSION: The RSBI obtained in the CPAP mode at a pressure of 5.ßcmH2O, in both triggers types, did not differ from that measured by the ventilometer; it is, therefore, an alternative when obtaining it from mechanical ventilation parameters is necessary. However, in the presence of borderline values, the RSBI measured by ventilometer is recommended, as in this method the values are significantly higher than in the three ventilation modalities investigated.

Comparison of different methods of obtaining the rapid shallow breathing index

Abstract Objective: To compare the Rapid Shallow Breathing Index (RSBI) obtained by the ventilometer and from mechanical ventilation parameters. Methods: Randomized crossover trial, including 33 intubated patients, on mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours, undergoing spontaneous breathing test. Patients were submitted to the measurement of RSBI by four methods: disconnected from the ventilator through the ventilometer; in Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) mode at a pressure of 7 cm H2O; in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mode at a pressure of 5 cmH2O with flow trigger; in CPAP mode at a pressure of 5 cmH2O with pressure trigger. Results: No significant difference was detected between the RSBI obtained by the ventilometer and in the CPAP mode with flow and pressure triggers, however, in the PSV mode, the values were lower than in the other measurements (p < 0.001). By selecting patients from the sample with higher RSBI (≥ 80 cycles.min−1.L−1), the value of the index obtained by the ventilometer was higher than that obtained in the three options of ventilation methods. Conclusion: The RSBI obtained in the CPAP mode at a pressure of 5 cmH2O, in both triggers types, did not differ from that measured by the ventilometer; it is, therefore, an alternative when obtaining it from mechanical ventilation parameters is necessary. However, in the presence of borderline values, the RSBI measured by ventilometer is recommended, as in this method the values are significantly higher than in the three ventilation modalities investigated.

Early mobilization and physical exercise in patients with COVID-19: A narrative literature review.

BACKGROUND: Currently, little is known about early mobilization and exercise in individuals with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To describe the indication and safety of early mobilization and exercises in mild to severe COVID-19 patients and to investigate the use of telerehabilitation to deliver exercise programs to these patients. METHODS: This narrative literature review was conducted performing a comprehensive search of databases. RESULTS: 32 articles met the established criteria and the main findings were summarized and described, including indication, contraindication and recommendation for early rehabilitation and exercises prescription. CONCLUSIONS: The literature suggests that early mobilization and physical exercise are beneficial for individuals with COVID-19. However, much of what has been published is based on expert opinion due to a lack of randomized trials, which are needed.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative workers at a teaching hospital in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal symptoms can affect workers' quality of life and work productivity, leading to sick leave and company losses. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among administrative workers at a hospital in the state of Espírito Santo, the most frequent complaints, and the associated personal and occupational factors. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an evaluation form with personal data and questions related to work conditions, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, which aims to identify musculoskeletal complaints in nine parts of the body, and the Visual Analog Scale. Results: Fifty participants were assessed, of whom 52% were women. The majority was aged 31 to 40 years. Approximately 92% of workers had some musculoskeletal complaint, and 6% had been on sick leave. Regarding pain location, the spine was the most commonly affected region, especially the lumbar spine, followed by the upper extremities (especially shoulders and fists/hands). Only 40% of workers had received ergonomic guidance, and 54% adhered to workplace exercise. In addition, 85% of those who received physical therapy reported pain improvement. Conclusions: Most administrative workers (92%) had complaints of musculoskeletal symptoms, predominantly in the lumbar spine.

Introdução: Sintomas osteomioarticulares podem afetar a qualidade de vida do indivíduo e a produtividade no trabalho, podendo levar ao afastamento e a prejuízos à empresa. Objetivos: Conhecer a prevalência dos sintomas osteomioarticulares em trabalhadores do setor administrativo de um hospital do Espírito Santo, bem como as queixas mais frequentes e os fatores pessoais e profissionais associados. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, observacional. Para a coleta de dados, foi utilizado um formulário de avaliação que continha dados pessoais e perguntas relacionadas à condição de trabalho, além do Questionário Nórdico Musculoesquelético, que tem como objetivo identificar queixas osteomioarticulares em nove partes do corpo, e da Escala Visual Analógica. Resultados: Foram avaliados 50 voluntários, 52% do sexo feminino, sendo a maior parte com idade entre 31 e 40 anos. Cerca de 92% dos trabalhadores apresentaram alguma queixa de sintomas osteomioarticulares, e 6% já precisaram se afastar do trabalho. Com relação ao local de dor, a principal região citada foi a coluna, sendo a lombar a mais afetada, seguida da região dos membros superiores, principalmente ombros e punhos/mãos. Apenas 40% dos trabalhadores receberam orientação sobre ergonomia, e 54% realizavam ginástica laboral no trabalho. Ainda, 85% daqueles que realizaram fisioterapia obtiveram melhora das queixas. Conclusões: Foi evidenciado que uma grande parte (92%) dos trabalhadores do setor administrativo apresentavam queixas de sintomas osteomioarticulares, sendo a coluna lombar a mais afetada.

Improvement in lung function and functional capacity in morbidly obese women subjected to bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether weight loss in women with morbid obesity subjected to bariatric surgery alters lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and the level of habitual physical activity and to investigate the relationship between these variables and changes in both body composition and anthropometrics. METHODS: Twenty-four women with morbid obesity were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, body composition, anthropometrics and the level of habitual physical activity two weeks prior to and six months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Regarding lung function, mean increases of 160 mL in slow vital capacity, 550 mL in expiratory reserve volume, 290 mL in forced vital capacity and 250 mL in forced expiratory volume in the first second as well as a mean reduction of 490 mL in inspiratory capacity were found. Respiratory muscle strength increased by a mean of 10 cmH2O of maximum inspiratory pressure, and a 72-meter longer distance on the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test demonstrated that functional capacity also improved. Significant changes also occurred in anthropometric variables and body composition but not in the level of physical activity detected using the Baecke questionnaire, indicating that the participants remained sedentary. Moreover, correlations were found between the percentages of lean and fat mass and both inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that changes in body composition and anthropometric variables exerted a direct influence on functional capacity and lung function in the women analyzed but exerted no influence on sedentarism, even after accentuated weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Improvement in lung function and functional capacity in morbidly obese women subjected to bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether weight loss in women with morbid obesity subjected to bariatric surgery alters lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and the level of habitual physical activity and to investigate the relationship between these variables and changes in both body composition and anthropometrics. METHODS: Twenty-four women with morbid obesity were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, body composition, anthropometrics and the level of habitual physical activity two weeks prior to and six months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Regarding lung function, mean increases of 160 mL in slow vital capacity, 550 mL in expiratory reserve volume, 290 mL in forced vital capacity and 250 mL in forced expiratory volume in the first second as well as a mean reduction of 490 mL in inspiratory capacity were found. Respiratory muscle strength increased by a mean of 10 cmH2O of maximum inspiratory pressure, and a 72-meter longer distance on the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test demonstrated that functional capacity also improved. Significant changes also occurred in anthropometric variables and body composition but not in the level of physical activity detected using the Baecke questionnaire, indicating that the participants remained sedentary. Moreover, correlations were found between the percentages of lean and fat mass and both inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that changes in body composition and anthropometric variables exerted a direct influence on functional capacity and lung function in the women analyzed but exerted no influence on sedentarism, even after accentuated weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Reproducibility of the incremental shuttle walk test for women with morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: The incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) is a valuable tool for the assessment of functional capacity. However, few studies have used the ISWT in individuals with obesity or have determined its reproducibility in this population. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the ISWT in women with morbid obesity. METHODS: Twenty-three women with a body mass index >40 kg/m(2) (mean age: 39.1 ± 7.7) performed the ISWT twice on the same day. RESULTS: The mean distance traveled was 313.3 ± 100.2 m on the first test and 322.5 ± 98.9 on the second test, with no significant difference between tests. The intraclass correlation coefficient (0.91) indicated excellent reproducibility. Reliability determined through Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small mean difference between tests (-9.2 m). CONCLUSION: The practice of repeating the ISWT appears to be unnecessary for women with morbid obesity, as demonstrated by the excellent reproducibility of the test.

Lung age in women with morbid obesity / Idade pulmonar em mulheres com obesidade mórbida

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of morbid obesity on the lung age in women and to correlate with body mass, body mass index (BMI), and ventilatory variables. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 72 morbidly obese women and a control group consisting of 37 normal weight women. The subjects performed a pulmonary function test to determine lung age, and the results were correlated to anthropometric variables and lung volumes. RESULTS: The morbidly obese group had significantly higher lung age (50.1 ± 6.8 years) than the control group (38.8 ± 11.4 years). There was no difference in chronological age between groups. There was a significant positive correlation among chronological age, body mass, BMI, and lung age (r = 0.3647, 0.4182, and 0.3743, respectively). There was a negative correlation among forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and lung age (r = -0.7565, -0.8769, -0.2723, and -0.2417, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lung age is increased in morbidly obese women and is associated with increased body mass and BMI.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência da obesidade mórbida na idade pulmonar de mulheres e correlacionar com a massa corporal, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e variáveis ventilatórias. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal realizado com 72 obesas mórbidas e grupo controle constituído de mulheres eutróficas. As voluntárias realizaram um teste de função pulmonar para determinação da idade pulmonar e os resultados foram correlacionados com as variáveis antropométricas e volumes pulmonares. RESULTADOS: As obesas mórbidas apresentaram uma idade pulmonar significativamente superior (50,1 ± 6,8 anos) às eutróficas (38,8 ± 11,4 anos). Não houve diferença entre a idade cronológica entre os grupos. Houve uma correlação significativa e positiva entre idade cronológica, massa corporal e IMC com a idade pulmonar (r = 0,3647, 0,4182, 0,3743, respectivamente). Houve uma correlação negativa entre a capacidade vital forçada (CVF), volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1), razão (VEF1/CVF) e volume de reserva expiratório (VRE) com a idade pulmonar (r = -0.7565, -0.8769, -0.2723, -0.2417, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A idade pulmonar das obesas mórbidas encontra-se aumentada e está associada com o aumento da massa corporal e IMC.

Lung age in women with morbid obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of morbid obesity on the lung age in women and to correlate with body mass, body mass index (BMI), and ventilatory variables. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 72 morbidly obese women and a control group consisting of 37 normal weight women. The subjects performed a pulmonary function test to determine lung age, and the results were correlated to anthropometric variables and lung volumes. RESULTS: The morbidly obese group had significantly higher lung age (50.1±6.8 years) than the control group (38.8±11.4 years). There was no difference in chronological age between groups. There was a significant positive correlation among chronological age, body mass, BMI, and lung age (r=0.3647, 0.4182, and 0.3743, respectively). There was a negative correlation among forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and lung age (r=-0.7565, -0.8769, --0.2723, and -0.2417, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lung age is increased in morbidly obese women and is associated with increased body mass and BMI.

Pulmonary Function after Weight Loss in Obese Women Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: One-Year Followup.

Introduction. Obesity is a condition that causes damage to the respiratory function. However, studies have demonstrated that weight loss due to bariatric surgery has resulted in a huge improvement on some lung volumes, but controversy still persists regarding the behavior of the respiratory muscle strength and IRV (inspiratory reserve volume). Objective. To evaluate the effect of weight loss, after 1 year of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), on the lung volumes and the respiratory muscle strength in obese women. Methods. 24 obese women candidates were recruited for RYGB. Lung volumes (spirometry) and respiratory muscle strength were evaluated in preoperative period and one year after surgery. Results. There was a significant increase in some lung volumes. However, when examining the components of the VC (vital capacity) separately, an increase in ERV (expiratory reserve volume) and reduction of IRV were observed. Moreover, a statistically significant reduction in the values of respiratory muscle strength was recorded: MIP (maximal inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximal expiratory pressure). Conclusion. Weight loss induced by bariatric surgery provides an increase in some lung volumes of obese women, but reduction in IRV. Additionally, there was also a reduction in the respiratory muscle strength.

Comportamento da força muscular respiratória de obesas mórbidas por diferentes equações preditivas / Behavior of respiratory muscle strength in morbidly obese women by using different predictive equations

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Estudos sobre o comportamento da força muscular respiratória (FMR) em obesos mórbidos têm produzido resultados conflitantes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a FMR de obesas mórbidas e comparar com os valores preditos por diferentes equações matemáticas encontradas na literatura. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 30 obesas mórbidas e grupo controle constituído por 30 eutróficas. Foram avaliadas as características antropométricas e as pressões respiratórias máximas. Foi utilizada análise visual de Bland-Altman para avaliar o viés de concordância entre as equações estudadas, considerando significativo p<0,05. RESULTADOS: As obesas mórbidas apresentaram aumento significativo nos valores obtidos de pressão inspiratória máxima (PImáx) (-87,83±21,40 cmH2O) em comparação com as eutróficas (-72±15,23 cmH2O) e redução significativa da PImáx (-87,83±21,40 cmH2O) segundo os valores previstos pela equação EHarik (-130,71±11,98 cmH2O). Quanto à pressão expiratória máxima (PEmáx), não houve diferenças nos valores obtidos entre os grupos (p>0,05), assim como não foram observadas concordâncias dos valores obtidos e previstos de PEmáx segundo as equações ENeder e ECosta. Na análise de Bland-Altman, foi observada maior validade na equação de Harik-Khan para predizer a PImáx nas obesas, já, para a predição da PEmáx, não foi possível visualizar qual das equações apresentou maior validade. CONCLUSÕES: Mulheres obesas mórbidas apresentaram maior força muscular inspiratória do que eutróficas. Das três equações utilizadas, a de Harik-Khan parece ser a mais apropriada para calcular os valores de referência das medidas de Plmáx para obesas mórbidas. Mulheres obesas mórbidas e eutróficas parecem apresentar semelhança no comportamento da força dos músculos expiratórios, entretanto esses achados são inconclusivos.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the behavior of respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in morbidly obese patients have found conflicting results. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate RMS in morbidly obese women and to compare the results by using different predictive equations. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study that recruited 30 morbidly obese women and a control group of 30 normal-weight women. The subjects underwent anthropometric and maximal respiratory pressure measurement. Visual inspection of the Bland-Altman plots was performed to evaluate the correlation between the different equations, with a p value lower than 0.05 considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The obese women showed a significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) values (-87.83±21.40 cmH2O) compared with normal-weight women (-72±15.23 cmH2O) and a significant reduction of MIP (-87.83±21.40 cmH2O) according to the values predicted by the EHarik equation (-130.71±11.98 cmH2O). Regarding the obtained maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), there were no between-group differences (p>0.05), and no agreeement was observed between obtained and predicted values of MEP and the ENeder and ECosta equations. CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle strength was greater in the morbidly obese subjects. The most appropriate equation for calculating the predicted MIP values for the morbidly obese seems to be Harik-Khan equation. There seem to be similarities between the respiratory muscle strength behavior of morbidly obese and normal-weight women, however, these findings are still inconclusive.

Behavior of respiratory muscle strength in morbidly obese women by using different predictive equations.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the behavior of respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in morbidly obese patients have found conflicting results. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate RMS in morbidly obese women and to compare the results by using different predictive equations. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study that recruited 30 morbidly obese women and a control group of 30 normal-weight women. The subjects underwent anthropometric and maximal respiratory pressure measurement. Visual inspection of the Bland-Altman plots was performed to evaluate the correlation between the different equations, with a p value lower than 0.05 considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The obese women showed a significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) values (-87.83±21.40 cmH(2)O) compared with normal-weight women (-72±15.23 cmH(2)O) and a significant reduction of MIP (-87.83±21.40 cmH(2)O) according to the values predicted by the EHarik equation (-130.71±11.98 cmH(2)O). Regarding the obtained maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), there were no between-group differences (p>0.05), and no agreeement was observed between obtained and predicted values of MEP and the ENeder and ECosta equations. CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle strength was greater in the morbidly obese subjects. The most appropriate equation for calculating the predicted MIP values for the morbidly obese seems to be Harik-Khan equation. There seem to be similarities between the respiratory muscle strength behavior of morbidly obese and normal-weight women, however, these findings are still inconclusive.

Effects of preoperative inspiratory muscle training in obese women undergoing open bariatric surgery: respiratory muscle strength, lung volumes, and diaphragmatic excursion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether preoperative inspiratory muscle training is able to attenuate the impact of surgical trauma on the respiratory muscle strength, in the lung volumes, and diaphragmatic excursion in obese women undergoing open bariatric surgery. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Meridional Hospital, Cariacica/ES, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two obese women undergoing elective open bariatric surgery were randomly assigned to receive preoperative inspiratory muscle training (inspiratory muscle training group) or usual care (control group). MAIN MEASURES: Respiratory muscle strength (maximal static respiratory pressure--maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure), lung volumes, and diaphragmatic excursion. RESULTS: After training, there was a significant increase only in the maximal inspiratory pressure in the inspiratory muscle training group. The maximal expiratory pressure, the lung volumes and the diaphragmatic excursion did not show any significant change with training. In the postoperative period there was a significant decrease in maximal inspiratory pressure in both the groups. However, there was a decrease of 28% in the inspiratory muscle training group, whereas it was 47% in the control group. The decrease in maximal expiratory pressure and in lung volumes in the postoperative period was similar between the groups. There was a significant reduction in the measures of diaphragmatic excursion in both the groups. CONCLUSION: The preoperative inspiratory muscle training increased the inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure) and attenuated the negative postoperative effects of open bariatric surgery in obese women for this variable, though not influencing the lung volumes and the diaphragmatic excursion.

Silicone-ring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of obesity: effects of laparoscopic versus laparotomic surgery on respiration.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of silicone-ring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass carried out by laparoscopy versus that accomplished by laparotomy on pulmonary function. METHODS: A total of 26 women (body mass index (BMI) 35-49 kg/m(2)) were studied candidates for silicone-ring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass carried out by laparoscopy (LG; n = 13) and laparotomy (or open surgery (OG); n = 13). Smokers, patients having lung disease, and those unable to carry out the tests properly were excluded. The physical therapy was standardized for both the groups. Respiratory evaluation was carried out during the preoperative period and on the second postoperative day by using spirometry and other tests that evaluated respiratory muscle strength and diaphragmatic mobility. Pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale on the second postoperative day. The statistical analysis was carried out with parametric or nonparametric tests, depending on the distribution of variables, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients were similar with respect to age, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. A decrease in all variables was observed for both the groups in the postoperative period, although this decrease was less pronounced in the LG group. Pain intensity was also lower in the LG group. The length of hospital stay was 2 days, and there were no pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: As there were no differences in the incidence of pulmonary complications and the length of hospital stay between the groups, the results showed that silicone-ring Roux-en-Y gastric bypass carried out by laparoscopy caused less pain and impairment of pulmonary function in the postoperative period.