Exercise training for adults hospitalized with an acute respiratory condition: a systematic scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: In adults hospitalized with an acute or chronic respiratory condition, to determine what has been reported regarding exercise programmes in terms of content, tolerability, evaluation and adverse events. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was conducted of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, The Cochrane Library), trial registries and conference abstracts (Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, the European Respiratory Society Congress, the American Thoracic Society International Conference). REVIEW METHODS: Studies were included if they (1) recruited adults hospitalized with an acute or chronic respiratory condition, (2) described an exercise programme that targeted peripheral muscles and (3) reported that ⩾80% of the sample had initiated training within 72 hours of hospitalization. RESULTS: The last search was conducted on 2 June 2019. Of the 6282 records identified, 20 met the study criteria. These described 18 separate studies (2018 participants). Studies were conducted in adults hospitalized with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or with community-acquired pneumonia. The content of exercise programmes included aerobic and/or resistance training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, whole-body vibration or movement out of bed. In eight studies (44%), the initial session was prescribed using objective measures of exercise capacity, peripheral muscle force and the ability to undertake activities of daily living. Across 7420 training sessions, seven adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Methods used to prescribe and titrate exercise programmes in adults hospitalized with an acute or an exacerbation of a chronic respiratory condition were disparate. When reported, programmes were well tolerated and adverse events were infrequent.

Reduced Step Count and Clinical Frailty in Hospitalized Adults With Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: In adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), increasing ward-based walking may reduce length of stay (LOS). There are few data to describe ward-based walking in this population. In adults hospitalized with CAP, we aimed to report variables of walking and non-walking time, to determine whether demographic or clinical variables influenced daily step count, and to determine whether daily step count influenced LOS. METHODS: Following admission, daily step count and variables related to walking and non-walking time were quantified using the StepWatch Activity Monitor. Details regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, clinical care, and LOS were extracted from the medical records and hospital electronic data systems. Frailty was calculated via the 7-point Clinical Frailty Scale; disease severity was measured via the CURB-65 score. Health care utilization at 30 d following discharge was measured via telephone interview. RESULTS: Two hundred participants completed the study, of whom 121 contributed ≥ 24 h of data from the StepWatch Activity Monitor. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) number of daily steps was 926 (457-1706). These were accumulated over 66 (41-121) min/d, with a usual bout duration of 3 (2-4) min and 1-min peak cadence of 56 (43-74) steps/min. An average of 93% (89-96) of waking hours was spent in non-walking time. In the multivariable model, increased frailty was retained as a predictor of lower step count (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85). For every increase in 500 steps/d, LOS reduced by 11% (IRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects hospitalized with CAP did very little walking, most of which was accumulated in short bouts at a low intensity. Compared with subjects with mild frailty, those with moderate to severe frailty took 59% fewer steps per day. Those with a higher daily step count had a shorter LOS.

Psychometric performance of the CAMPHOR and SF-36 in pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) are widely used to assess patient-reported outcome in individuals with pulmonary hypertension (PH). The aim of the study was to compare the psychometric properties of the two measures. METHODS: Participants were recruited from specialist PH centres in Australia and New Zealand. Participants completed the CAMPHOR and SF-36 at two time points two weeks apart. The SF-36 is a generic health status questionnaire consisting of 36 items split into 8 sections. The CAMPHOR is a PH-specific measure consisting of 3 scales; symptoms, activity limitations and needs-based QoL. The questionnaires were assessed for distributional properties (floor and ceiling effects), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability and construct validity (scores by World Health Organisation functional classification). RESULTS: The sample comprised 65 participants (mean (SD) age = 57.2 (14.5) years; n(%) male = 14 (21.5%)). Most of the patients were in WHO class 2 (27.7%) and 3 (61.5%). High ceiling effects were observed for the SF-36 bodily pain, social functioning and role emotional domains. Test-retest reliability was poor for six of the eight SF-36 domains, indicating high levels of random measurement error. Three of the SF-36 domains did not distinguish between WHO classes. In contrast, all CAMPHOR scales exhibited good distributional properties, test retest reliability and distinguished between WHO functional classes. CONCLUSIONS: The CAMPHOR exhibited superior psychometric properties, compared with the SF-36, in the assessment of PH patient-reported outcome.

A comparison of the acute haemodynamic response to aerobic and resistance exercise in subjects with exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (EIPAH) is associated with reduced exercise capacity and abnormal central haemodynamic responses to maximal aerobic exercise. Aerobic and resistance exercise training are commonly employed to treat reduced exercise capacity; however, the haemodynamic response to aerobic and resistance exercise, at training intensities, in subjects with EIPAH is unknown. METHODS: Fourteen subjects (11 with scleroderma, 12 females) with EIPAH underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a cycle ergometer, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength test and resistance exercise at 40% and 60% of maximum on a bilateral leg press machine. All tests were performed with a pulmonary artery catheter in situ. Haemodynamic and symptomatic responses to aerobic and resistance exercise, performed at 40% of peak oxygen consumption and 40% of 1RM, and at 60% of peak oxygen consumption and 60% of 1RM, were compared. For maximal exercise, the highest haemodynamic responses recorded during the cycling and 1RM tests were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in haemodynamic or symptomatic responses between the two modalities of submaximal exercise. At maximal exercise, all haemodynamic and symptomatic responses were lower during resistance compared with aerobic exercise (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At the intensities studied, lower-limb resistance exercise was well tolerated and was mostly associated with similar or lower haemodynamic responses compared with aerobic exercise, in subjects with EIPAH.

Exercise intolerance in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue, which contribute to exercise limitation. The origins and significance of dyspnea and fatigue in PAH are not completely understood. This has created uncertainly among healthcare professionals regarding acceptable levels of these symptoms, on exertion, for patients with PAH. Dysfunction of the right ventricle (RV) contributes to functional limitation and mortality in PAH; however, the role of the RV in eliciting dyspnea and fatigue has not been thoroughly examined. This paper explores the contribution of the RV and systemic and peripheral abnormalities to exercise limitation and symptoms in PAH. Further, it explores the relationship between exercise abnormalities and symptoms, the utility of the cardiopulmonary exercise test in identifying RV dysfunction, and offers suggestions for further research.

Consensus-based standards for best supportive care in clinical trials in advanced cancer.

Best supportive care is poorly defined in clinical trials, and a standard framework for delivery of such care is needed, using best available evidence and allowing replication of studies. We convened a panel of 36 experts to develop consensus statements via the Delphi method. The first round included open-ended questions; subsequent rounds sought to develop consensus-based standards. Consensus was assessed by use of a 5-point Likert agreement scale; more than 70% of panellists had to give a score of 5 to meet a-priori levels of consensus. The panel identified four key domains of best supportive care in clinical trials: multidisciplinary care; supportive care documentation; symptom assessment; and symptom management. Consensus was reached on 11 statements within these four domains. For example, 24 (96%) panellists recommended that the intervals between symptom assessments should be identical for control and experimental groups. Availability of resources was cited as a challenge to implementation of best supportive care standards.

Validation of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) for the Australian and New Zealand population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) experience severely impaired quality of life. A disease-specific patient reported outcome measure for PAH (the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review--CAMPHOR) has recently been developed and validated in the UK, USA and Canada. It has demonstrated reliability and validity in PAH populations in these countries. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the CAMPHOR in an Australian and New Zealand (NZ) PAH population. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with a cohort of 15 PAH patients (aged 68.9±10.0 years; 11 women) to determine the relevance of the CAMPHOR and ensure the terminology and language used was understandable and appropriate for our PAH population. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the CAMPHOR were then examined in an Australian and NZ PAH population (n=61, aged 56.9±14.5 years; 48 women). RESULTS: Data from the patient interviews confirmed that the CAMPHOR is appropriate for use in our PAH population. The three CAMPHOR scales (symptoms, activity limitations and quality of life) had excellent test-retest reliability (correlation coefficients (r(s))=0.86-0.94, P<0.01) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficients=0.89-0.92). The CAMPHOR also demonstrated the ability to distinguish between individuals with PAH who differed according to World Health Organisation functional class. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown the CAMPHOR to be valid and reliable in an Australian and NZ PAH population and recommend its use in clinical practice.

Short term effects of exercise training on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Advances in the understanding and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension have enabled earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis. However, despite best available therapy, symptoms of exertional dyspnoea and fatigue are commonly reported and result in a reduced capacity to perform daily activities and impaired quality of life. Exercise training has demonstrated efficacy in individuals with other respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Historically, however, exercise training has not been utilised as a form of therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension due to the perceived risk of sudden cardiac death and the theoretical possibility that exercise would lead to worsening pulmonary vascular haemodynamics and deterioration in right heart function. Now, with the advances in pharmaceutical management, determining the safety and benefits of exercise training in this population has become more relevant. Only three studies of supervised exercise training in pulmonary arterial hypertension have been published. These studies demonstrated improvements in exercise capacity and quality of life, in the absence of adverse events or clinical deterioration. However, these studies have not utilised an outpatient-based, whole body exercise training program, the most common format for exercise programs within Australia. It is uncertain whether this form of training is beneficial and capable of producing sustained benefits in exercise capacity and quality of life in this population. DESIGN/METHODS: This randomised controlled trial will determine whether a 12 week, outpatient-based, supervised, whole body exercise training program, followed by a home-based exercise program, is safe and improves exercise capacity and quality of life in individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This study aims to recruit 34 subjects who will be randomly allocated to the exercise group (supervised exercise training 3 times a week for 12 weeks, followed by 3 sessions per week of home exercise for 12 weeks) or the control group (usual medical care). Subjects will be assessed at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. DISCUSSION: This study will determine whether outpatient-based, whole body exercise training is beneficial and safe in individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Additionally, this study will contribute to clinical practice guidelines for this patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12609000502235.

Implications of exercise-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE: To characterize the hemodynamic and ventilatory responses to exercise in a group of patients with unexplained dyspnea, increased risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and an elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP; >30 mm Hg) on exercise. METHODS: A total of 37 symptomatic patients at risk of PAH and 20 healthy controls underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and were assessed for quality of life (QOL). Patients had a pulmonary artery catheter in situ during the exercise test. RESULTS: Seventeen subjects had exercise-induced PAH (EIPAH), which we defined as mPAP ≤ 25 mm Hg at rest, and mPAP > 30 mm Hg and pulmonary artery wedge pressure <20 mm Hg on exercise. These subjects had reduced peak exercise cardiac output (72% ± 19% predicted). Further, compared with matched controls, subjects with EIPAH had reduced peak oxygen consumption (1.2 ± 0.4 vs 1.7 ± 0.5 L · min, P < 0.05), an elevated ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (41.0 ± 7.3 vs 31.0 ± 2.9, P < 0.05) and reduced end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (32.6 ± 3.6 vs 39.4 ± 2.7 mm Hg, P < 0.05) at the anaerobic threshold. These exercise abnormalities were associated with impaired QOL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated pulmonary artery pressure on exercise can be associated with hemodynamic and ventilatory abnormalities typical of PAH, along with impaired exercise capacity and reduced QOL.

Australian perspective regarding recommendations for physical activity and exercise rehabilitation in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

AIM: To determine the opinion of health care professionals within Australia, regarding acceptable levels of exertion and symptoms, and referral for exercise rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHOD: In 2010, 76 health care professionals at a specialist pulmonary hypertension meeting in Australia were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included case studies of patients with PAH in World Health Organization (WHO) functional classes II-IV. For each case study, respondents were asked to report their opinion regarding the acceptable level of exertion and symptoms during daily activities, and whether they would refer the patient for exercise rehabilitation. Three additional questions asked about advice in relation to four specific physical activities. RESULTS: The response rate was 70% (n = 53). Overall, 58% of respondents recommended patients undertake daily activities 'as tolerated'. There was no consensus regarding acceptable levels of breathlessness or fatigue, but the majority of respondents considered patients should have no chest pain (73%) and no more than mild light-headedness (92%) during daily activities. Overall, 63% of respondents would have referred patients for exercise rehabilitation. There was little difference in opinion regarding the acceptable level of exertion or symptoms, or referral for exercise rehabilitation, according to functional class. However, the patients' functional class did influence the advice given regarding the specific physical activities. CONCLUSION: In 2010, there were inconsistencies between individual health care professionals within Australia regarding appropriate levels of physical exertion and acceptable symptoms during daily activities. Almost two-thirds of the respondents reported they would refer patients for exercise rehabilitation.

Validation of the Patient Care Monitor (Version 2.0): a review of system assessment instrument for cancer patients.

CONTEXT: The Patient Care Monitor (PCM) is a review of systems survey delivered by means of an electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) data capture system that uses wireless tablet computers. Although the PCM 1.0 is validated, the updated PCM 2.0 has not been validated nor tested in the academic setting. OBJECTIVES: To validate and test the PCM 2.0 in three cancer populations. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-five individuals participated in three clinical trials enrolling breast (n=65), gastrointestinal (n=113), and lung (n=97) cancer patients. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficients calculated for six PCM subscales (general physical symptoms, treatment side effects, distress, despair, impaired performance, and impaired ambulation) and a Quality-of-Life Index. Construct validity was evaluated through Pearson's correlation between PCM subscales and subscales of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy--General (FACT-G), the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy--Fatigue (FACIT-F). The participants had the following characteristics: mean age was 58 years (standard deviation: 11), 52% were females, 79% were whites, 17% were blacks, 62% had no college degree, and 78% had metastatic or recurrent disease. RESULTS: Raw and normalized scores for PCM 2.0 subscales were internally consistent across study cohorts. PCM 2.0 subscales correlated significantly (P<0.05) with the corresponding subscales on FACT-G, MDASI, and FACIT-F, with the exception of FACT-G social well-being, particularly for the lung cancer population. These correlations demonstrated construct validity. PCM 2.0 results followed expected patterns by cancer etiology. Prior reports demonstrate patient satisfaction with PCM 2.0. CONCLUSION: Within three unique academic oncology populations, PCM 2.0 is a valid ePRO instrument for assessing symptoms with seven patient-centered subscale or index domains.

Integrated care and optimal management of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may occur as an idiopathic process or as a component of a variety of diseases, including connective tissue diseases, congenital heart disease, and exposure to appetite suppressants or infectious agents such as HIV. Untreated, it is a potentially devastating disease; however, diagnosis can be difficult due to the non-specific nature of symptoms during the early stages, and the fact that patients often present to a range of different medical specialties. The past decade has seen remarkable improvements in our understanding of the pathology associated with the condition and the development of PAH-specific therapies with the ability to alter the natural history of the disease. This article reviews the evidence for screening and diagnosis of susceptible patient groups and discusses treatment selection and recommendations based on data available from randomized controlled trials. In addition, due to the complexity of the diagnostic evaluation required and the treatment options available, this review mandates for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of PAH. We discuss the roles and organizational structure of a specialized PAH center in Perth, Western Australia to highlight these issues.