Resting-state EEG as Biomarker of Maladaptive Motor Function and Depressive Profile in Stroke Patients.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between resting-state EEG-measured brain oscillations and clinical and demographic measures in Stroke patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study (DEFINE cohort), Stroke arm, with 85 patients, considering demographic, clinical, and stroke characteristics. Resting-state EEG relative power from delta, theta, alpha, and beta oscillations were measured from the central region. Multivariate regression models were used for both affected and non-affected hemispheres. Results: Motor function was negatively associated with Delta and Theta oscillations, while positively associated with Alpha oscillations (both hemispheres). Similarly, cognition levels measured were negatively associated with Delta activity. Depression levels were negatively associated with Alpha activity specifically in the affected hemisphere, while positively associated with Beta activity in both hemispheres. Regarding pain measures, no significant association was observed, while CPM measure showed a positive association with Alpha activity in the non-affected hemisphere. Finally, we found that theta/alpha ratio was negatively associated with motor function and CPM scores. Conclusion: The results lead us to propose a framework for brain oscillations in stroke, whereas Delta and Beta would represent disrupted mal-adaptive brain plasticity and Theta and Alpha would represent compensatory and functional brain oscillations for motor and sensory deficits in stroke, respectively.

Health-related quality of life and functionality in primary caregiver of surviving pediatric COVID-19.

Objectives: To prospectively assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), global functionality, and disability in primary caregivers of surviving children and adolescents after COVID-19. Methods: A longitudinal observational study was carried out on primary caregivers of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n = 51) and subjects without COVID-19 (n = 60). EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and 12-question WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) were answered for both groups. The univariate regression analysis was carried out using SPSS (v 20) and significance was established at 5%. Results: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis in children and adolescents and longitudinal follow-up visits was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). The median age of children and adolescents caregivers with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was similar to primary caregivers of subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 [43.2 (31.6-60.9) vs. 41.5 (21.6-54.8) years, p = 0.08], as well as similar female sex (p = 1.00), level of schooling (p = 0.11), social assistance program (p = 0.28), family income/month U$ (p = 0.25) and the number of household's members in the residence (p = 0.68). The frequency of slight to extreme problems (level ≥ 2) of the pain/discomfort domain according to EQ-5D-5L score was significantly higher in the former group [74% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.03, OR = 2.57 (1.14-5.96)]. The frequency of disability according to WHODAS 2.0 total score was similar to those without disability and unknown (p = 0.79); however, with a very high disability in both groups (72.5% and 78.3%). Further analysis of primary caregivers of children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) [n = 12/51 (23%)] compared to those without PCC [n = 39/51(77%)] revealed no differences between demographic data, EQ-5D-5L and WHODAS 2.0 scores in both groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: We longitudinally demonstrated that pain/discomfort were predominantly reported in approximately 75% of primary caregiver of COVID-19 patients, with high disability in approximately three-quarters of both caregiver groups. These data emphasized the prospective and systematic caregiver burden evaluation relevance of pediatric COVID-19.

The Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital das Clínicas University of São Paulo School of Medicine comprehensive rehabilitation program for elderly people with knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability in the elderly population. Chronic disabling pain is associated with maladaptive neuroplastic changes in brain networks, commonly associated with central sensitization. The main clinical features of nociplastic pain conditions include combined peripheral and central sensitization, and it is crucial to recognize this type of pain, as it responds to different therapies than nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Objective: To report the effect of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IMREA) comprehensive rehabilitation program to reduce pain and to improve functioning in elderly people with knee OA, under the DEFINE cohort. Methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort of 96 patients with knee OA, recruited from October 2018 to December 2019. All patients were evaluated by a trained multidisciplinary team using the Kellgren Lawrence classification, bilateral knee ultrasonography, the visual analog scale (VAS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, rigidity and difficulty scores, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), 10-m and 6-min walking test (10 and 6 MWT), Berg Balance Scale, isokinetic dynamometry for knee extension and flexion strength, and pain pressure thresholds. The rehabilitation program included paraspinous lidocaine blocks, focal extracorporeal shockwaves combined with radial pressure waves and functional electrical stimulation according to individual needs. The baseline was compred with the treatment results with a paired t-test. Results: The study sample is composed of 96 participants, mostly females (n = 81, 84.38%), with bilateral osteoarthritis (n = 91, 94.79%), and a mean age of 68.89 (SD 9.73) years. Functional improvement was observed in TUG (p = 0.019), 6-mwt (p = 0.033), right knee flexion strength (p < 0.0001), WOMAC rigidity and difficulty domains (p < 0.0001). Pain was reduced from baseline as measured by WOMAC pain domain (p < 0.0001), VAS for both knees (p < 0.0001), and SF-36 pain domain (p < 0.0001). Pressure pain threshold was modified above the patella (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002 for right and left knees, respectively), at the patellar tendons (p = 0.015 and p = 0.010 for right and left patellar tendons, respectively), left S2 dermatome (p = 0.017), and L1-L2 (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The IMREA comprehensive rehabilitation program improved functioning and reduced disabling pain in elderly people with knee OA. We highlight the relevance and discuss the implementation of our intervention protocol. Although this is an open cohort study, it is important to note the significant improvement with this clinical protocol.

Long-term functioning status of COVID-19 survivors: a prospective observational evaluation of a cohort of patients surviving hospitalisation.

OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the long-term functional status of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors to explore and document their functional situation. DESIGN: This prospective observational study assessed 801 COVID-19 survivors at 3-11 months after hospital discharge. It analyses participants' sociodemographic background, COVID-19 clinical manifestations, and clinical and functional evaluations. SETTING: Tertiary-level university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants are COVID-19 survivors admitted to hospital care for at least 24 hours to treat acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. OUTCOME MEASURES: Epworth Sleepiness Scale, EuroQoL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, Functional Independence Measure, Functional Oral Intake Scale, Handgrip Strength, Insomnia Severity Index, Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale, MRC sum score, Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, pain Visual Analogue Scale, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status, Timed Up and Go, WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, 1-Minute Sit to Stand Test. RESULTS: Many participants required invasive mechanical ventilation (41.57%, 333 of 801). Mean age was 55.35±14.58 years. With a mean of 6.56 (SD: 1.58; 95% CI: 6.45 to 6.67) months after hospital discharge, 70.86% (567 of 800) reported limited daily activities, which were severe in 5.62% (45 of 800). They also reported pain and discomfort (64.50%, 516 of 800), breathlessness (64.66%, 514 of 795), and anxiety and depression (57.27%, 457 of 798). Daytime sleepiness and insomnia evaluations showed subthreshold results. Most (92.85%, 727 of 783) participants reported unrestricted oral intake. Data indicated no generalised fatigue (mean score: 39.18, SD: 9.77; 95% CI: 38.50 to 39.86). Assessments showed poor handgrip strength (52.20%, 379 of 726) and abnormal Timed Up and Go results (mean 13.07 s, SD: 6.49). The invasive mechanical ventilation group seemed to have a better handgrip strength however. We found no clear trends of change in their functional status during months passed since hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle weakness, pain, anxiety, depression, breathlessness, reduced mobility, insomnia and daytime sleepiness were the most prevalent long-term conditions identified among previously hospitalised COVID-19 survivors.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Long COVID outpatient rehabilitation: a call for action / Reabilitação ambulatorial da COVID longa: uma chamada à ação

COVID-19 has motor, cognitive, psychological and nutritional consequences that require rehabilitation. Objetive: To describe the outpatient rehabilitation program developed at the Instituto de Medicina Física e Reabilitação do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. Method: We collected sociodemographic and clinical data of 12 adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, severe and critical, who needed hospitalization in the acute phase. Functional assessments included Functional Independence Scale (FIM), EQ-5D-5L, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale (PCFS), Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN-4), Epworth sleepiness scale, Insomnia Severity Index, Montreal Ontario Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21), nutritional assessment, Timed Up and Go test, 10-meter walking test (10 MWT), handgrip strength, MRC sum score, musculoskeletal ultrasound of the thigh.The outpatient rehabilitation program included electrical and musculoskeletal inductive magnetic stimulation, extracorporeal shockwave treatment, isokinetic exercises, emotional approach, cognitive stimulation, occupational performance stimulation, nutritional guidance, and educational program by COMVC mobile application. Individualized program was delivered twice a week until pre-stablished discharge criteria was achieved. Results: VAS and TUG presented statistically significant improvements (p <0.001). PCFS, FIM, handgrip strength, 10 MWT and DASS-21 anxiety presented slopes in the direction of improvement. Conclusion: The optimized, intensive, interdisciplinary and short-term outpatient rehabilitation program improves pain, mobility and anxiety in long COVID patients.

A COVID-19 tem consequências sensório motoras, cognitivas, psíquicas e nutricionais que necessitam de reabilitação. Objetivo: Descrever o programa de reabilitação ambulatorial desenvolvido no Instituto de Medicina Física e Reabilitação do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, otimizado, intensivo e de curta duração. Método: Obtivemos informações sociodemográficas e clínicas de 12 adultos com diagnóstico laboratorial de COVID-19, grave e crítica, que necessitaram de hospitalização na fase aguda. Avaliações funcionais: Escala de Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF), EQ- 5D-5L, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), Post- COVID-19 Functional Status scale, Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, escala visual analógica (EVA) para dor, DN-4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4), escala de sonolência de Epworth, Índice de Gravidade da Insônia, Montreal Ontario Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), escala de Depressão, ansiedade e estresse (DASS-21), avaliação nutricional, Timed Up and Go, teste de caminhada de 10 metros, teste de preensão palmar, MRC sum score, ultrassonografia musculoesquelética da coxa antes, durante e após programa de reabilitação ambulatorial. Este incluiu estimulação magnética indutiva e elétrica musculoesquelética, tratamento por ondas de choque extracorpóreas, exercícios isocinéticos, abordagem emocional, estimulação cognitiva, estimulação do desempenho ocupacional, orientação nutricional e programa educacional por aplicativo COMVC. O tratamento foi realizado duas vezes por semana até atingir os critérios de alta pré-estabelecidos. Resultados: VAS e TUG proporcionaram melhora estatisticamente significante (p <0,001). PCFS, MIF, Handgrip, 10 MWT e DASS-21 domínio ansiedade apresentam tendências de melhora. Conclusão: O programa melhora a dor, mobilidade e ansiedade em pacientes com COVID longa.

Persistent symptoms and decreased health-related quality of life after symptomatic pediatric COVID-19: A prospective study in a Latin American tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate demographic, anthropometric and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) METHODS: This was a longitudinal observational study of surviving pediatric post-COVID-19 patients (n=53) and pediatric subjects without laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 included as controls (n=52) was performed. RESULTS: The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis (n=53) and follow-up was 4.4 months (0.8-10.7). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) patients reported at least one persistent symptom at the longitudinal follow-up visit and 12/53 (23%) had long COVID-19, with at least one symptom lasting for >12 weeks. The most frequently reported symptoms at the longitudinal follow-up visit were headache (19%), severe recurrent headache (9%), tiredness (9%), dyspnea (8%), and concentration difficulty (4%). At the longitudinal follow-up visit, the frequencies of anemia (11% versus 0%, p=0.030), lymphopenia (42% versus 18%, p=0.020), C-reactive protein level of >30 mg/L (35% versus 0%, p=0.0001), and D-dimer level of >1000 ng/mL (43% versus 6%, p=0.0004) significantly reduced compared with baseline values. Chest X-ray abnormalities (11% versus 2%, p=0.178) and cardiac alterations on echocardiogram (33% versus 22%, p=0.462) were similar at both visits. Comparison of characteristic data between patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit and controls showed similar age (p=0.962), proportion of male sex (p=0.907), ethnicity (p=0.566), family minimum monthly wage (p=0.664), body mass index (p=0.601), and pediatric pre-existing chronic conditions (p=1.000). The Pediatric Quality of Live Inventory 4.0 scores, median physical score (69 [0-100] versus 81 [34-100], p=0.012), and school score (60 [15-100] versus 70 [15-95], p=0.028) were significantly lower in pediatric patients with COVID-19 at the longitudinal follow-up visit than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with COVID-19 showed a longitudinal impact on HRQoL parameters, particularly in physical/school domains, reinforcing the need for a prospective multidisciplinary approach for these patients. These data highlight the importance of closer monitoring of children and adolescents by the clinical team after COVID-19.

Efeitos da intervenção robótica associada à terapia convencional na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral / Effects of robotic intervention associated with conventional therapy on gait speed and resistance and trunk control in stroke patients

Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do treino de marcha e escada robótica, com o G-EO System, associado à reabilitação convencional, na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco de participantes acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 28 participantes na fase crônica da doença. Utilizou-se o G-EO System como intervenção de marcha e escada robótica. Protocolo de 20 sessões de 20 minutos associado à terapia multidisciplinar convencional. Utilizados as ferramentas de Teste de Caminhada de 10 metros(TC10m), Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos(TC6min) e Escala de Deficiências de Tronco(EDT). Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos com teste de Wilcoxon pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Encontradas diferenças significativas nos testes. EDT apresentou valor médio inicial de 14.29 (±5.30) e final de 17.04 (±4.49), com p=0.00044. TC10m apresentou velocidade inicial média de 0.498 m/s (±0,27) e final de 0,597 m/s (±0.32), p=0.00008. TC6min apresentou valor inicial médio de 155.89m (±85,96) e final de 195.39m (±109.78), p=0.00152. Conclusão: Terapia de marcha e escada robótica, associada à terapia convencional, foi eficaz para promover aumento na velocidade, resistência e aptidão para maiores distâncias de marcha e controle de tronco nos indivíduos em fase crônica após acometimento de AVC.

Objective: To verify the effects of gait and robotic stair training with G-EO System, associated with conventional rehabilitation, on gait speed and endurance and trunk control of stroke participants. Methods: Retrospective study with 28 participants in the chronic phase of the disease. G-EO System was used for gait and stair robotic intervention. 20-session protocol of 20 minutes associated with conventional multidisciplinary therapy. The 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) tools were used. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant with Wilcoxon test before and after intervention. Results: Significant differences found in the tests. TIS presented initial mean value of 14.29 (± 5.30) and final value of 17.04 (± 4.49), with p = 0.00044. 10mWT presented average initial velocity of 0.498 m/s (± 0.27) and final velocity of 0.597 m/s (± 0.32), p = 0.00008. 6mWT presented mean initial value of 155.89m (± 85.96) and final value of 195.39m (± 109.78), p = 0.00152. Conclusion: Gait and stair robotic therapy, associated with conventional therapy, was effective in promoting increased speed, endurance aptitude for greater gait distances and trunk control in individuals with chronic stroke after stroke.

Efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e terapia robótica no equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com lesão medular incompleta / Combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait balance and speed in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Restaurar a capacidade de andar é um dos objetivos da reabilitação na lesão medular incompleta (LMI). O treino orientado a tarefa abrange os princípios do aprendizado motor, envolvendo mecanismos de neuroplasticidade central e, consequentemente, reorganização cortical. O treinamento da marcha robótica G-EO System (GS) atua como um reforço da prática repetitiva e específica das fases da marcha. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e da terapia robótica na funcionalidade da marcha em relação ao equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com LMI. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 14 pacientes na fase crônica da doença, que realizaram 20 sessões de GS associado à fisioterapia convencional (FC). Utilizamos o Teste de Caminhada de 10 Metros (TC10) e a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB). Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos pelo teste de Wilcoxon ao início da fisioterapia convencional e pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Observou-se que no TC10, a velocidade inicial média variou de 2,60 m/s ± 1,72 no início da FC a 1,57 m/s ± 0,80 no final das 20 sessões de GS com p = 0,0424. Para a EEB no início da FC, a média foi de 31,85 pontos ± 12,50 e 42,35 ± 14,25 ao final da intervenção, com p = 0,0096. Conclusão: A terapia robótica da marcha associada à FC mostrou-se eficaz na promoção do equilíbrio e da melhora da velocidade da marcha em indivíduos na fase crônica da LMI.

Restoring the ability to walk, especially independently, is one of the goals in the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). The G-EO System (GS) robotic gait training acts as a reinforcer of the repetitive and specific practice of the gait phases. Objective: Investigate the combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait functionality in relation to balance and gait speed in patients with ISCI. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with 14 patients in the chronic phase of the disease, using the GS as a robotic intervention for gait and stairs, consisting of a 20-session protocol associated with conventional physical therapy. We used the 10-meter Walk Test (10WT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant using the Wilcoxon test at the beginning of conventional physical therapy and before and after intervention. Results: At the 10WT, the mean initial velocity ranged from 2.60 m/s ± 1.72 at the beginning of conventional physical therapy to 1.57 m/s ± 0.80 at the end of the 20 GS sessions with p = 0.0424. For BBS at the beginning of conventional physical therapy, the average was 31.85 points ± 12.50, and 42.35 ± 14.25 at the end of the 20 GS sessions, with p = 0.0096. Conclusions: Robotic gait therapy associated with conventional physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in promoting balance and gait speed improvement in individuals in the chronic phase after involvement of incomplete spinal cord injury.

Cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients on land versus underwater treadmill tests: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare responses to a cardiopulmonary exercise test on land versus on an underwater treadmill, to assess the cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients while immersed in warm water and to compare with the performance of healthy individuals. METHODS: The sample population consisted of 40 subjects, which included 20 coronary artery disease patients aged 63.7±8.89 years old, functional class I and II, according to the New York Hearth Association, and 20 healthy subjects aged 64.7±7.09 years old. The statistical significances were calculated through an ANOVA test with a (1 - ß) power of 0.861. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00989248 (22). RESULTS: Significant differences were uncovered in coronary artery disease group regarding the variables heart beats (HB), (p>0.01), oxygen consumption (VO2), (p>0.01) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (p<0.01). Also, for the same group, in relation to the environment, water versus on land for HB, VO2, VCO2 and oxygen for each heart beat (VO2/HB) all of than (p<0.01). The stages for data collected featured the subject's performance throughout the experiment, and within the given context, variables rating of perceived exertion (RPE), HB, VO2, VCO2 and VO2/HB (p<0.01) showed significant interactions between test stages and environment. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between the etiology and the test stages for the variables HB, VO2 and VCO2 (p<0.01). Electrocardiographic changes compatible with myocardial ischemia or arrhythmia were not observed. The subjects exhibited lower scores on Borg's perceived exertion scale in the water than at every one of the test stages on land (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study show that a cardiopulmonary exercise test can be safely conducted in subjects in immersion and that the procedures, resources and equipment used yielded replicable and reliable data. Significant differences observed in water versus on land allow us to conclude that coronary artery disease patients are able to do physical exercise in water and that the physiological effects of immersion do not present any risk for such patients, as exercise was well tolerated by all subjects.

Cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients on land versus underwater treadmill tests: a comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To compare responses to a cardiopulmonary exercise test on land versus on an underwater treadmill, to assess the cardiorespiratory performance of coronary artery disease patients while immersed in warm water and to compare with the performance of healthy individuals. METHODS: The sample population consisted of 40 subjects, which included 20 coronary artery disease patients aged 63.7±8.89 years old, functional class I and II, according to the New York Hearth Association, and 20 healthy subjects aged 64.7±7.09 years old. The statistical significances were calculated through an ANOVA test with a (1 - β) power of 0.861. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00989248 (22). RESULTS: Significant differences were uncovered in coronary artery disease group regarding the variables heart beats (HB), (p>0.01), oxygen consumption (VO2), (p>0.01) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (p<0.01). Also, for the same group, in relation to the environment, water versus on land for HB, VO2, VCO2 and oxygen for each heart beat (VO2/HB) all of than (p<0.01). The stages for data collected featured the subject's performance throughout the experiment, and within the given context, variables rating of perceived exertion (RPE), HB, VO2, VCO2 and VO2/HB (p<0.01) showed significant interactions between test stages and environment. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between the etiology and the test stages for the variables HB, VO2 and VCO2 (p<0.01). Electrocardiographic changes compatible with myocardial ischemia or arrhythmia were not observed. The subjects exhibited lower scores on Borg's perceived exertion scale in the water than at every one of the test stages on land (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study show that a cardiopulmonary exercise test can be safely conducted in subjects in immersion and that the procedures, resources and equipment used yielded replicable and reliable data. Significant differences observed in water versus on land allow us to conclude that coronary artery disease patients are able to do physical exercise in water and that the physiological effects of immersion do not present any risk for such patients, as exercise was well tolerated by all subjects.