Mild to moderate post-COVID-19 alters markers of lymphocyte activation, exhaustion, and immunometabolic responses that can be partially associated by physical activity level- an observational sub-analysis fit- COVID study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate if physical activity is associated with systemic and cellular immunometabolic responses, in young adults after mild-to-moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods: Mild- to- moderate post-COVID-19 patients (70.50 ± 43.10 days of diagnosis; age: 29.4 (21.9- 34.9) years; BMI: 25.5 ± 4.3 kg m2 n = 20) and healthy age-matched controls (age: 29.3 (21.2 - 32.6) years; BMI: 25.4 ± 4.7 kg m2; n = 20) were evaluated. Physical activity levels (PAL), body composition, dietary habits, muscular and pulmonary function, mental health, sleep quality, metabolic parameters, immune phenotypic characterization, stimulated whole blood and PBMC culture (cytokine production), mRNA, and mitochondrial respiration in PBMCs were evaluated. Results: The post-COVID-19 group exhibited lower levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.038); therefore, all study comparisons were performed with adjustment for MVPA. Post-COVID-19 impacted the pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FVC %pred) compared with the control (p adjusted by MVPA (p adj) <0.05). Post-COVID-19 exhibited lower levels of serum IL-6 (p adj <0.01), whereas it showed higher serum IL-10, triglyceride, leptin, IgG, ACE activity, TNFRSF1A, and PGE2 (p adj <0.05) levels compared with controls. Post-COVID-19 presented a lower percentage of Treg cells (p adj = 0.03) and altered markers of lymphocyte activation and exhaustion (lower CD28 expression in CD8+ T cells (p adj = 0.014), whereas CD4+T cells showed higher PD1 expression (p adj = 0.037)) compared with the control group. Finally, post- COVID-19 presented an increased LPS-stimulated whole- blood IL-10 concentration (p adj <0.01). When exploring mitochondrial respiration and gene expression in PBMCs, we observed a higher LEAK state value (p adj <0.01), lower OXPHOS activity (complex I) (p adj = 0.04), and expression of the Rev-Erb-α clock mRNA after LPS stimulation in the post-COVID-19 patients than in the control (p adj <0.01). Mainly, PAL was associated with changes in IL-10, triglyceride, and leptin levels in the plasma of post-COVID-19 patients. PAL was also associated with modulation of the peripheral frequency of Treg cells and the expression of PD-1 in CD8+ T cells, although it abrogated the statistical effect in the analysis of TNF-α and IL-6 production by LPS- and PMA-stimulated PBMC of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Young adults after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection appeared to have lower physical activity levels, which can be associated with clinical and immunometabolic responses in a complex manner.

Autonomic Function Recovery and Physical Activity Levels in Post-COVID-19 Young Adults after Immunization: An Observational Follow-Up Case-Control Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but the literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild to moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for the observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since physical activity (PA) can help improve ANS modulation, investigating factors that can influence HRV outcomes after COVID-19 is essential to advancements in care and intervention strategies. Clinicians may use this research to aid in the development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general anamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. Thus, 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (two doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, a decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p = 0.0024, CI = -24.67--3.26; SNS index: p = 0.0068, CI = -2.50--0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR: p = 0.0097, CI = 33.72-225.51; PNS index: p = 0.0091, CI = -0.20-1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.

Isotemporal Substitution of Sedentary Behavior by Different Physical Activity Intensities on Pain and Disability of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of isotemporal substitution modeling (ISM) of time spent in sedentary activities with physical activity in different intensities on pain and disability of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Observational and cross-sectional study. Device-measured physical activity levels were assessed using an actigraph. Pain intensity was measured using the 11-point numeric rating scale, and disability was measured using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. The ISM was used to estimate the theoretical substitution association of reallocating time from 1 exposure variable to an equal amount of time in another exposure variable while holding total activity time constant. SETTINGS: Outpatient physical therapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS: This study included data from 358 patients (N=358) with chronic LBP aged between 18 and 60 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and disability. RESULTS: Our results suggest that replacing 60 minutes of sedentary behavior with 60 minutes of vigorous activity in a week is significantly associated with a decrease in pain (ß=-1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.18 to -0.15). Additionally, replacing 60 minutes of light physical activity (ß=-1.67; 95% CI, -3.18 to -0.16) or moderate activity (ß=-1.67; 95% CI, -3.21 to -0.13) with the same amount of time of vigorous activity per week may also favorable reductions in pain. For the analysis of disability, no significant associations (P>.05) for disability in any of the isotemporal models were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that replacing 60 minutes of sedentary behavior with equal amounts of vigorous activity per week was associated with reductions in pain intensity. Similarly, replacing a light or moderate activities with vigorous activity was also associated with reductions in pain intensity. Finally, no significant associations were observed between time spent in sedentary activities with physical activity in different intensities for disability.

Role of Body Mass and Physical Activity in Autonomic Function Modulation on Post-COVID-19 Condition: An Observational Subanalysis of Fit-COVID Study.

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study. A general anamnesis was taken, and BMI and physical activity levels were assessed. The ANS was evaluated through heart rate variability. A total of 57 subjects were evaluated. Sympathetic nervous system activity in the post-COVID-19 group was increased (stress index; p = 0.0273). They also presented lower values of parasympathetic activity (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly lower parasympathetic activity and reduced global variability compared to non-obese in control group (p < 0.05). Physically inactive subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly higher sympathetic activity than active subjects in the control group. Parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in physically active subjects in the control group compared to the physically inactive post-COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). COVID-19 promotes changes in the ANS of young adults, and these changes are modulated by overweight/obesity and physical activity levels.

Comparação da resposta hemodinâmica entre terapia convencional e realidade virtual em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca internados na unidade de emergência / Comparación de la respuesta hemodinámica entre la terapia convencional y la realidad virtual en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca ingresados en urgencias / Comparison of hemodynamic responses between conventional and virtual reality therapies in patients with heart failure admitted to an emergency room

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar a resposta aguda de parâmetros hemodinâmicos de acordo com o uso de realidade virtual (RV) semi-imersiva e terapia convencional (TC) em indivíduos internados no serviço hospitalar de emergência por insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Trata-se de estudo de viabilidade com 11 indivíduos submetidos a sessões de terapia com e sem o uso da RV. Na TC, os participantes realizaram alongamentos, exercícios ativos ou ativo-assistidos e inspiração fracionada. Já na terapia com realidade virtual (TRV) utilizou-se os óculos VR box - virtual reality glasses aplicando VR relax associado à TC. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos avaliados foram: frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica e saturação de oxigênio. Para análise, foram utilizados os testes t de Student e de Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Ao avaliar os parâmetros hemodinâmicos basal e final em ambos os grupos, não foi verificada diferença significativa entre os momentos (p>0,05). Com relação à comparação das variações absolutas entre a TC e a TRV, não foi observada diferença significativa entre as respostas hemodinâmicas (p>0,05). Os resultados demonstraram que a implementação da TRV e da TC promoveram alterações fisiológicas nas respostas dos parâmetros hemodinâmicos em indivíduos com IC hospitalizados em uma unidade de emergência, não havendo diferenças significativas entre as duas intervenções. O estudo sugere que a RV é um método hemodinamicamente seguro para aplicação em unidade de emergência.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar la respuesta aguda de los parámetros hemodinámicos según el uso de realidad virtual (RV) semiinmersiva y terapia convencional (TC) en individuos ingresados por insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital. Este es un estudio de factibilidad con la participación de 11 personas, quienes se sometieron a sesiones de terapia con el uso de RV y sin este. En la TC, los participantes realizaron estiramientos, ejercicios activos o activos-asistidos e inspiración fraccionada. En la terapia de realidad virtual (TRV), utilizaron gafas VR box virtual reality glasses aplicando realidad virtual VR relax asociada a la TC. Los parámetros hemodinámicos que se evaluaron fueron los siguientes: frecuencia cardiaca, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, y saturación de oxígeno. El análisis de datos utilizó las pruebas t de Student y de Mann-Whitney (p<0,05). Al evaluar los parámetros hemodinámicos basales y finales en ambos grupos, se observó que no hubo diferencia significativa entre los momentos (p>0,05). En cuanto a la comparación de las variaciones absolutas entre TC y TRV, no se observó diferencia significativa entre las respuestas hemodinámicas (p>0,05). Los resultados mostraron que la implementación de la TRV y la TC posibilitó cambios fisiológicos en las respuestas de los parámetros hemodinámicos en individuos con IC hospitalizados en una unidad de urgencias, sin diferencias significativas entre las dos intervenciones. El estudio apunta que la RV es un método hemodinámico seguro para aplicarse en la unidad de urgencias.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the acute response, due to semi-immersive virtual reality (VR) and conventional therapies (CT), of hemodynamic parameters in hospitalized individuals admitted to an emergency unity for heart failure (HF). This is a viability study with 11 individuals subjected to sessions with and without VR. At CT, stretching, active or active-assisted exercises, and fractional inspiration were performed. In VR therapy (VRT), VR box glasses were used to promote VR relaxation associated with CT. The hemodynamic parameters evaluated were heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and double product. To analyze them, Student's t- and Mann Whitney tests were used (p<0.05). Comparing baseline and final evaluations showed no significant differences in the hemodynamic parameters of both groups (p>0.05). Comparing absolute variations between CT and VRT also produced no significant differences between hemodynamic responses (p>0.05). Results showed that administering VRT and CT promoted physiological changes in the responses of hemodynamic parameters in individuals with HF hospitalized in an emergency unit without significant differences between the two interventions. This study suggests that VRT is a hemodynamically safe method for treating patients in emergency units.

Resistance training using different elastic components offers similar gains on muscle strength to weight machine equipment in Individuals with COPD: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: To compare the effects of three modalities of resistance training, two using elastic components and one using conventional weight machine on peripheral muscle strength in Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Effects on exercise capacity, impact of disease on health status, body composition and daily level of physical activity were investigated as secondary endpoints.Methods: Forty-eight participants were randomly allocated (Trials Registry #RBR-6V9SJJ) into Elastic band group (Theraband®) (EBG), Elastic tubes training using Lemgruber® (ETG), and Conventional training with weight machine equipment (CG). Participants were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of training regarding peripheral muscle strength by dynamometry; impact of disease on health status via COPD Assessment Test, CAT; exercise capacity by 6-min walk test, 6MWT; body composition by bioelectrical impedance; and daily level of physical activities via accelerometry.Results: Inter-group comparison of training effects did not elucidate significant differences between the modalities in muscle strength (p ≥ .2). Likewise, all training modalities showed similar effects on CAT, body composition and daily physical activity variables with no statistical significance observed (p ≥ .15).Conclusions: Modalities of resistance training using elastic components presented similar effects on muscle strength, health status, exercise capacity, body composition and daily level of physical activity in individuals with COPD. The effects of elastic resistance were similar to conventional resistance training.

Short-Term Effects of a Resistance Training Program Using Elastic Tubing in Patients with Heart Disease

Abstract Background Resistance training is effective in cardiac rehabilitation; however, it is conventionally performed using free weights or machines, which can pose logistic challenges to patients with restricted mobility. For its ease of access and cost-effectiveness, elastic tubing is a particularly appealing alternative, but it remains underutilized for this purpose. Objective To evaluate muscle strength, functional capacity, aerobic capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart disease in phase II of cardiovascular rehabilitation after a resistance training intervention based solely on elastic tubing. Methods Thirteen patients with heart disease (age 63.33±10.80 years) trained with elastic tubing twice weekly for 6 weeks, with progressive load increase every 15 days. The following muscle groups were evaluated and trained: shoulder abductors and flexors, elbow flexors, and knee flexors and extensors. Muscle strength was evaluated using a dynamometer; functional capacity, with a 6-minute walk test and cardiopulmonary exercise test; and quality of life, using the SF-36 questionnaire. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The paired Student's t-test was used for comparisons before and after training, at a significance level of <5%. Results There were significant differences in muscle strength (except for elbow flexion) and functional capacity (485.5 ± 123.3 vs 578.7 ± 110.5; p=0.0399) after the intervention. No statistical differences were found in cardiorespiratory fitness or quality of life. Conclusions Short-term resistance training with elastic tubing improved peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with heart disease, and should be encouraged for this population. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2020; xx(x):xxx-xxx)

Body image in COPD and its relation with physical activity levels, lung function and body composition: An observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Body image has been previously defined as the mental figure we have of the contours and shape of our body; and the feelings concerning these characteristics. A change in body perception can influence one's feelings of self-worth and compromise functional abilities. Thus, the detection of distortions in body image could be important data for clinical evaluation of subjects with COPD. OBJECTIVES: To assess the body image perception of subjects with COPD. Also, to investigate the association between body image and levels of physical activity in these subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 109 subjects were recruited and divided into the COPD group and control subjects without any pulmonary conditions. For this cross-sectional study, we performed an initial evaluation and participants were evaluated regarding physical activity level, body image (silhouette scale) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Finally, we performed the evaluation of lung function (spirometry) and body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance). RESULTS: BothCOPD and control subjects presented alterations in body image. Both groups desired significantly lower BMI and weight measures, according to the silhouette scale, demonstrating body dissatisfaction (P < .05). No differences in the level body dissatisfaction were found between Control and COPD groups (P > .05). No associations between physical activity levels and body image were observed (P > .05; r = -0.24 to 0.14). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, patients with COPD present significant body dissatisfaction, similar to control individuals. Furthermore, body image perception in COPD is related to body composition measurements but not to physical activity levels.

Analysis of the heart rate deflection point as a tool for exercise prescription in subjects with COPD - a cross-sectional study.

Background: Prescription of exercise training in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a challenge in clinical practice. The heart rate deflection point (HRDP) is an option to reduce costs, reflects the anaerobic threshold and it is noninvasive; however its applicability in COPD is still unknown. Aim: To compare HRDP with gas exchange threshold values (GET) in subjects with COPD. Methods: Thirty-one subjects were evaluated in this cross-sectional study, diagnosed with COPD. The subjects performed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to determine the GET, peak oxygen consumption (VO2PEAK), speed corresponding to VO2PEAK (sVO2PEAK), and peak values of heart rate (HRPEAK). To determine HRDP the heart rate values observed were plotted as a function of intensity. Results: The HRDP was visible in 96.77% of subjects. There was no difference between HRDP and GET (p = 0.07) and a moderate intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.74 [0.52-0.87] and high limits of agreements were presented (±1.1 km·h-1). Conclusion: The HRDP cannot be used to determine the limits between the physiological domains of these subjects. Thus, although significant correlation was found between HRDP and GET, their application for training prescription and monitoring in subjects with COPD proved to be limited.

The perceptions of physical therapists about facilitators and challenges in the use of different tools for resistance training in COPD patients: a mixed-method study / Percepção de fisioterapeutas sobre facilitadores e barreiras no uso de diferentes ferramentas para treinamento resistido em pacientes com DPOC: estudo de método mistos / Percepción de fisioterapeutas sobre facilitadores y barreras en el uso de diferentes herramientas de entrenamiento de resistencia en pacientes con EPOC: estudio de método mixto

ABSTRACT This study sought to quantify and qualitatively analyze the perception of physical therapists about facilitators and the challenges in the use of different types of tools for resistance training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This was a mixed-model study with qualitative analysis developed in a rehabilitation center. Six physical therapists who performed a randomized clinical trial were interviewed. The protocol consisted of the evaluation of three types of resistance training: elastic tubes, elastic bands, and training with conventional weight machines. After completion of the randomized trial, therapists were invited to participate in a focus group to collect qualitative data. Physical therapists also answered a quantitative questionnaire containing closed questions. The main outcome measures were the opinion of physical therapists about the advantages and disadvantages in clinical practice of each of the analyzed tools. The focus group analysis resulted in eight themes: Insecurities regarding load and handling tools, implementation of home-based treatment, improvements of tools, advantages and disadvantages of tools, incidence of injuries with elastic tools, patient's preferences, and particularities of the tools. Physical therapists pointed out different challenges and facilitators for resistance training. Characteristics of the tools such as costs, portability, handling and practicality were cited as factors that influence clinical practice. In the quantitative analysis, no differences were observed when comparing the scores of each instrument. The three tools analyzed are applicable and feasible in the clinical practice of physical therapists; moreover, they present different characteristics and particularities that should be considered, such as cost, clinical applicability, portability and perception of the patient and therapists.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi quantificar e analisar qualitativamente a percepção de fisioterapeutas sobre facilitadores e barreiras no uso de diferentes ferramentas para treinamento resistido em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC). O método utilizado foi desenvolvido em um centro de reabilitação. Seis fisioterapeutas que participaram como terapeutas de um ensaio clínico randomizado foram entrevistados. O protocolo consistiu na avaliação de três ferramentas para treinamento resistido: tubos elásticos, bandas elásticas e treinamento convencional com equipamentos de musculação. Depois da finalização do ensaio clínico randomizado, os fisioterapeutas foram convidados a participar de um grupo focal para análise qualitativa e responder questionário fechado para análise quantitativa. Os profissionais opinaram sobre vantagens e desvantagens de cada uma das três ferramentas na prática clínica. A análise do grupo focal resultou em oito temas: insegurança em relação à carga e manuseio das ferramentas; implementação de tratamento domiciliar; melhorias para ferramentas; vantagens e desvantagens das ferramentas; incidência de lesões com ferramentas elásticas; preferência dos pacientes; e particularidades de cada ferramenta. Fisioterapeutas apontaram diferentes barreiras e facilitadores para o treinamento resistido. Características das ferramentas - como custo, portabilidade, manuseio, praticidade e percepção do paciente e fisioterapeuta - foram citadas como fatores que influenciam a prática clínica. Na análise quantitativa, nenhuma diferença foi observada quando comparados os escores para cada instrumento. As três ferramentas são aplicáveis na prática clínica do fisioterapeuta. Adicionalmente, as características e particularidades de cada uma delas devem ser consideradas.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue cuantificar y analizar cualitativamente la percepción de fisioterapeutas sobre facilitadores y barreras en el uso de diferentes herramientas de entrenamiento de resistencia en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). El método utilizado fue desarrollado en un centro de rehabilitación. Seis profesionales que participaron como terapeutas en un ensayo clínico aleatorizado fueron entrevistados. El protocolo consistió en la evaluación de tres herramientas de entrenamiento de resistencia: tubos elásticos, bandas elásticas y entrenamiento convencional con equipo de entrenamiento con pesas. Después del ensayo clínico aleatorizado, se invitó a los fisioterapeutas a participar en un grupo focal para análisis cualitativo y a responder un cuestionario cerrado para análisis cuantitativo. Los profesionales opinaron sobre las ventajas y desventajas de cada una de las tres herramientas en la práctica clínica. El análisis del grupo resultó en ocho temas: falta de fiabilidad en lo referente a la carga y al manejo de las herramientas; puesta en práctica del tratamiento domiciliario; mejoras en las herramientas; ventajas y desventajas de las herramientas; incidencia de lesiones con las herramientas elásticas; preferencia de los pacientes; particularidades de cada herramienta. Los fisioterapeutas señalaron diferentes barreras y facilitadores para el entrenamiento de resistencia. Características de la herramienta - como costo, portabilidad, manejo, practicidad y percepción del paciente y del fisioterapeuta - fueron mencionadas como factores que influyen en la práctica clínica. En el análisis cuantitativo no se observaron diferencias de puntaje entre los instrumentos. Las tres herramientas son aplicables en la práctica clínica del fisioterapeuta. Además, se deben considerar las características y particularidades de cada una de ellas.

Burnt sugarcane harvesting is associated with rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers / Colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada está associada a sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios

Abstract Introduction: Burnt sugarcane harvesting requires intense physical exertion in an environment of high temperature and exposure to particulate matter. Objective: To evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers in sugarcane workers. Methods: A total of 32 male sugarcane workers were evaluated with questionnaire for rhinitis symptoms, and for inflammatory markers on peripheral blood and nasal lavage, in the non-harvesting, and 3 and 6 months into the sugarcane harvesting period. Weather data and particulate matter fine concentrations were measured in the same day. Results: The particulate matter concentrations in sugarcane harvesting were 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3), and 63 (17-263 µg/m3); 24 h temperatures were 32.6 (25.4-37.4 ºC), 32.3 (26.7-36.7 ºC) and 29.7 (24.1-34.0 ºC) and relative humidities were 45.4 (35.0-59.7%), 47.9 (39.1-63.0%), and 59.9 (34.7-63.2%) in the non-harvesting period, three and 6 months of the harvesting period. The age was 37.4 ± 10.9 years. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher at 3 months of the harvesting period (53.4%), compared to non-harvesting period (26.7%; p = 0.039) and at 6 months into the harvesting period (20%; p = 0.006). Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in nasal lavage increased after 3 months of the harvesting period compared to the non-harvesting period (p = 0.012). The presence of rhinitis symptoms, after 3 months of the harvesting period, was directly associated with blood eosinophils and inversely associated with neutrophils. Conclusions: After 3 months of work in burnt sugarcane harvesting the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and IL-6 in nasal lavage increased. Furthermore, eosinophil counts were directly associated with the rhinitis symptoms in the period of higher concentration of particulate matter.

Resumo Introdução: A colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada requer esforço físico intenso em um ambiente com altas temperaturas e exposição a material particulado. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da colheita de cana-de-açúcar queimada nos sintomas de rinite e marcadores inflamatórios de cortadores de cana-de-açúcar. Método: Foram avaliados 32 cortadores de cana-de-açúcar do sexo masculino por meio de um questionário para sintomas de rinite, e marcadores inflamatórios em sangue periférico e lavado nasal, no período de entressafra, e em 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar. Os dados climáticos e as concentrações de material particulado fino foram medidos no mesmo dia. Resultados: O material particulado fino na entressafra e em 3 e 6 meses de safra foi 27 (23-33 µg/m3), 112 (96-122 µg/m3) e 63 (17-263 µg/m3), respectivamente; a temperatura de 24 horas foi 32,6 (25,4º-37,4ºC), 32,3 (26,7º-36,7ºC) e 29,7 (24,1º-340ºC) e a umidade relativa do ar foi 45,4 (35,0%-59,7%), 47,9 (39,1%-63,0%), e 59,9 (34,7%-63,2%), na entressafra, 3 e 6 meses após o início da colheita. A idade foi de 37,4 ± 10,9 anos. A prevalência de sintomas de rinite foi significativamente maior em 3 meses da S (53,4%), comparado com a entressafra (26,7%; p = 0,039) e 6 meses da safra (20%; p = 0,006). As concentrações de interleucina 6 (IL-6) no lavado nasal aumentaram após 3 meses do início da colheita comparado com a entressafra (p = 0,012). A presença de sintomas de rinite, após 3 meses do início da colheita, foi diretamente associada com eosinófilos e inversamente associada com neutrófilos. Conclusões: Após 3 meses do início da colheita da cana-de-açúcar queimada, houve aumento na prevalência de sintomas de rinite e IL-6 em LN. Além disso, as contagens de eosinófilos foram diretamente associadas aos sintomas de rinite no período de maior concentração de material particulado.

Burnt sugarcane harvesting is associated with rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers.

INTRODUCTION: Burnt sugarcane harvesting requires intense physical exertion in an environment of high temperature and exposure to particulate matter. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of burnt sugarcane harvesting on rhinitis symptoms and inflammatory markers in sugarcane workers. METHODS: A total of 32 male sugarcane workers were evaluated with questionnaire for rhinitis symptoms, and for inflammatory markers on peripheral blood and nasal lavage, in the non-harvesting, and 3 and 6 months into the sugarcane harvesting period. Weather data and particulate matter fine concentrations were measured in the same day. RESULTS: The particulate matter concentrations in sugarcane harvesting were 27 (23-33µg/m3), 112 (96-122µg/m3), and 63 (17-263µg/m3); 24h temperatures were 32.6 (25.4-37.4°C), 32.3 (26.7-36.7°C) and 29.7 (24.1-34.0°C) and relative humidities were 45.4 (35.0-59.7%), 47.9 (39.1-63.0%), and 59.9 (34.7-63.2%) in the non-harvesting period, three and 6 months of the harvesting period. The age was 37.4±10.9 years. The prevalence of rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher at 3 months of the harvesting period (53.4%), compared to non-harvesting period (26.7%; p=0.039) and at 6 months into the harvesting period (20%; p=0.006). Concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in nasal lavage increased after 3 months of the harvesting period compared to the non-harvesting period (p=0.012). The presence of rhinitis symptoms, after 3 months of the harvesting period, was directly associated with blood eosinophils and inversely associated with neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 months of work in burnt sugarcane harvesting the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms and IL-6 in nasal lavage increased. Furthermore, eosinophil counts were directly associated with the rhinitis symptoms in the period of higher concentration of particulate matter.

Use of 95% confidence intervals in the reporting of between-group differences in randomized controlled trials: analysis of a representative sample of 200 physical therapy trials.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of the use of 95% confidence intervals in the reporting of between-group differences in randomized controlled trials of physical therapy interventions and to determine if the prevalence is changing over time. METHODS: Observational study, including an analysis of 200 trials from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database: 50 from each of the years 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2016. The primary outcome used was the prevalence of the between-group difference presented with 95% confidence intervals. We also extracted trial characteristics for descriptive purposes (i.e., number of participants, number of sites involved in recruitment, country(ies) of data collection, funding, subdiscipline of physical therapy, publication language and total Physiotherapy Evidence Database score). RESULTS: Most commonly, the trials were published in English (89%) and classified in the musculoskeletal subdiscipline (23%). The overall prevalence of use of confidence intervals was 29% and there was a consistent increase in reporting between 1986 and 2016, with peak usage in the 2016 cohort (42%). Confidence intervals were more likely to be used in trials that had received funding, were conducted in Europe and Oceania, and in trials with a Physiotherapy Evidence Database score of at least 6/10. CONCLUSIONS: Most trials of physical therapy interventions do not report confidence intervals around between-group differences. However, use of confidence intervals is increasing steadily, especially among high-quality trials. Physical therapists must understand confidence intervals so that they can understand a growing number of trials in physical therapy.

Effects of conventional and virtual reality cardiovascular rehabilitation in body composition and functional capacity of patients with heart diseases: randomized clinical trial / Efeitos da reabilitação cardiovascular convencional e da realidade virtual na composição corporal e na capacidade funcional de pacientes cardiopatas: triagem clínica randomizada

Background: Virtual reality is an alternative therapeutic resource to be inserted into cardiovascular rehabilitation, stimulating the practice of physical activity through man-machine interaction. Objective: To compare the effects of conventional and virtual reality cardiac rehabilitation on body composition and functional capacity in patients with heart disease. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with 27 cardiac patients divided into conventional rehabilitation group (CRG) and virtual reality rehabilitation group (VRG). They underwent a rehabilitation program with 60-minute training sessions twice a week for eight weeks. The VRG training consisted of exercises from the Xbox 360® with Kinect™, using YourShape™ and Dance Central 3™ games. The CRG used conventional treadmills for aerobic exercise and free weights for resistance exercise. Bioimpedance and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were evaluated at baseline and after training. For main outcome analysis, Student t and Mann Whitney tests were used with a 5% significance level. Results: The VRG showed a significant increase in body fat percentage and fat weight when compared to the CRG, and a smaller amount of total water. There was a significant improvement in functional capacity evidenced by the increase in the distance covered in the 6MWT (54.00 m and 32.25 m in the CRG and VRG, respectively), but the gains did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: The two rehabilitation modalities had no effect on the body composition of the groups. In addition, the improvement in functional capacity was similar in both groups

Analysis of Autonomic Modulation in Response to a Session of Aerobic Exercise at Different Intensities in Patients With Moderate and Severe COPD.

Despite the many benefits of performing physical exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), information on the response of acute cardiac autonomic modulation in subjects with moderate and severe COPD during and after an aerobic exercise session at different intensities is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with moderate and severe COPD during and after an aerobic exercise session at different intensities. Twenty-seven patients with COPD, divided into: Moderate Group and Severe Group, underwent an aerobic exercise sessions with intensities equivalent to 60% and 90% of velocity corresponding to peak oxygen consumption. The heart rate variability (HRV) indices were analyzed in the time and frequency domains at the following times: at rest, during exercise, immediately after, and 5, 10, and 15 minutes after exercise. In the comparison analysis between the two groups, no differences were observed in any of the HRV indices at different intensities applied. However, it was observed that the exercise caused autonomic changes when the groups were analyzed separately. Sessions of aerobic exercise influence the autonomic modulation in patients with COPD. However, COPD severity did not influence the autonomic nervous system response to exercise and recovery moments; and there was no difference between the exercise intensities.

Influência de variáveis espirométricas e transporte mucociliar na funcionalidade de tabagistas leves / Influence of spirometric variables and mucociliary transport on the functionality of light smokers

Introdução: O tabagismo provoca efeitos deletérios a saúde afetando o estado de saúde geral do indivíduo. Neste contexto, torna-se indispensável à avaliação da influência do fumo nas variáveis respiratórias e na capacidade funcional de tabagistas. Objetivo: Analisar a influência de variáveis espirométricas na capacidade de exercício de indivíduos tabagistas. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 78 indivíduos tabagistas, idade entre 40 e 60 anos, no qual foram avaliadas a função pulmonar (espirometria), a capacidade funcional (teste de caminhada de seis minutos-TC6) e a transportabilidade mucociliar nasal (teste do tempo de transporte da sacarina-TTS). Resultados: As variáveis espirométricas apresentaram correlação positiva significativa com o TC6 e o TTS não apresentou correlação com o TC6. Conclusão: A função pulmonar tem correlação com a capacidade funcional, no entanto o TTS não apresenta essa correlação em indivíduos tabagistas leves.

Introduction: Smoking causes deleterious health effects affecting the general health of the individual. In this context, it is essential to evaluate the influence of smoking on respiratory variables and on the functional capacity of smokers. Objective: To analyze the influence of spirometry variables on the exercise capacity of smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 78 smokers, age between 40 and 60 years old, in which pulmonary function (spirometry), functional capacity (six-minute walk test ­ 6MWT) and nasal mucociliary transportability (Saccharin Transport Time Test ­ STT) were evaluated. Results: Spirometric variables had a significant postive correlation with the 6MWT and the STT did not present a correlation with the 6MWT. Conclusion: Pulmonary function correlated with functional capacity, however STT did not present this correlation in light smokers.

Critical Velocity Determined by a Non-Exhaustive Method in Subjects With COPD.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training is an effective and low-cost tool for COPD rehabilitation. Thus, validating a non-exhaustive method to determine a patient's anaerobic threshold would be a very interesting tool in practical settings. We aimed to test the reproducibility of critical velocity values determined in a non-exhaustive manner (CVNE) and tolerance for exercise performed at this physiological marker in subjects with COPD. METHODS: Twelve subjects with COPD were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The study was divided into 2 phases: Phase A consisted of reproducibility of CVNE for subjects with COPD, and Phase B determined the tolerance for exercise tests performed at this physiological marker. RESULTS: The proposed protocol for determining CVNE presented fair reproducibility according to blood lactate concentrations (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.58). However, we cannot consider that the tests were reproducible due to the wide CI (0.03-0.85). Furthermore, moderate and strong correlations were observed between the CVNE determined by lactate concentration, by oxygen consumption (V̇O2 ) (r = 0.66), and by heart rate (r = 0.88). However, a high limit of agreement was observed ±1.45 km/h and ±1.55 km/h, respectively. In the tolerance for exercise test, none of the subjects presented lactate destabilization, whereas 3 tests were interrupted by oxygen saturation decline and 1 test was interrupted by hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the subjects presented good tolerance for exercise at CVNE, fair levels of reproducibility were observed in subjects with COPD, even using lactate. Thus, the use of CVNE determined through double 3-min efforts should be considered with caution.