Is Incentive Spirometry Superior to Standard Care in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery on Clinical Outcomes and Length of Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Stay? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac surgery is a frequent surgical procedure and may present a high risk of complications. Among the prophylactic strategies studied to decrease the rates of negative outcomes, respiratory care seems to reduce pulmonary complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is a low-cost, respiratory exercise technique, used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). The aim of this review was to evaluate whether IS is superior to respiratory care, mobilization exercises, and noninvasive ventilation on PPC, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Systematic review. Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (or MEDLINE®), Embase®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (or CENTRAL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (or CINAHL®), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Allied, Scopus®, and OpenGrey databases, clinical trial registration sites, conferences, congresses, and symposiums were searched. RESULTS: Twenty-one randomized trials and one quasi-randomized trial (1,677 participants) were included. For partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), IS was inferior to respiratory care (mean difference [MD] -4.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] -8.32 to -0.63). Flow-oriented IS was inferior to respiratory care on PaO2 (MD -4.53; 95% CI -8.88 to -0.18). However, compared to respiratory care, flow-oriented IS was superior on recovery vital capacity. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that IS was not superior to standard respiratory care for PPCs and clinical outcomes, therefore its use should not be widely recommended until further studies with high quality be performed to ensure this clinical guidance.

Grade-4/5 motor activity log-Brazil for post-stroke individuals with a severely impaired upper limb: a validity, reliability and measurement error study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the clinimetrics of the Brazilian-Portuguese translation of the Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log (MAL 4/5), which assesses everyday use of the more affected upper-limb (UL) in stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe motor impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translated MAL 4/5 was administered to 47 stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairment. Accelerometers were worn on participants' wrists for five days on average prior to the first assessment. Test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using Cronbach's α, and construct validity was tested with correlations with the accelerometry. The measurement error (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: MAL4/5-Brazil's test-retest reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.84; QOU: ICC = 0.90), inter-rater reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.83; QOU: ICC = 0.91), internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91 and 0.95 for AOU and QOU scales, respectively), the SEM and MDC were 0.3 and 0.8 points for the AOU subscale and 0.2 and 0.5 points for the QOU subscale, respectively. The construct validity (AOU scale: r = 0.67; QOU scale: r = 0.76) was high. CONCLUSION: Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log-Brazil is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the more-affected UL use of stroke patients with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairments.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil were established in adults with hemiparesis moderate/severe or severe upper extremity post Stroke.The minimum detectable change for the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil was 0.8 points for the Amount of Use scale and 0.5 points for the Quality of Use scale.Data from the accelerometry supports the construct validity of this instrument.The assessment can now be used clinically and for research in adults with impairment upper extremity moderate/severe or severe post Stroke.

Identifying the Characteristics of Responders and Nonresponders in a Behavioral Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among Patients With Moderate to Severe Asthma: Protocol for a Prospective Pragmatic Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has suggested that most adults improve their asthma control after a short-term behavioral intervention program to increase physical activity in daily life (PADL). However, the characteristics of individuals who respond and do not respond to this intervention and the medium-term response remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) identify the characteristics of adult responders and nonresponders with asthma to a behavioral intervention to increase physical activity and (2) evaluate the functional and clinical benefits in the medium term. METHODS: This prospective pragmatic study will include adults with moderate to severe asthma who enroll in a behavioral intervention. All individuals will receive an educational program and an 8-week intervention to increase PADL (1 time/wk; up to 90 min/session). The educational program will be conducted in a class setting through group discussions and video presentations. Behavioral interventions will be based on the transtheoretical model using counseling, incentives, and individual feedback aiming to increase participation in physical activity. Motivational interviewing and guidelines for overcoming barriers will be used to stimulate individuals to reach their goals. Pre- and postintervention assessments will include the following: PADL (triaxial accelerometry), body composition (octopolar bioimpedance), barriers to PADL (questionnaire), clinical asthma control (Asthma Control Questionnaire), quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), anxiety and depression levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and exacerbations. "Responders" to the intervention will be defined as those who demonstrate an increase in the number of daily steps (≥2500). RESULTS: In December 2021, the clinical trial registration was approved. Recruitment and data collection for the trial is ongoing, and the results of this study are likely to be published in late 2024. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention will likely promote different effects according to the clinical characteristics of the individuals, including asthma control, age, anxiety and depression levels, obesity, and several comorbidities. Identifying individuals who respond or do not respond to behavioral interventions to increase PADL will help clinicians prescribe specific interventions to adults with asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05159076; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05159076. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/49032.

Influência da composição corporal durante a hospitalização sobre a função pulmonar e força da musculatura inspiratória em pacientes com COVID-19: estudo transversal / Influence of body composition during hospitalization on lung function and inspiratory muscle strength in patients with COVID19: cross-sectional study

Introdução: Cerca de 31% dos pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 perdem mais de 5% de seu peso inicial, levando a fraqueza muscular. Portanto, a composição corporal tornou-se foco de investigação, para estimar comprometimento pulmonar, força da musculatura inspiratória e mortalidade. Objetivos: Investigar se a perda de peso e a composição corporal de pacientes internados com COVID-19 influenciam na função pulmonar e na força muscular inspiratória após alta hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Pacientes adultos foram avaliados após internação por COVID-19. Os desfechos avaliados foram função pulmonar, pressão inspiratória máxima (Pimáx), composição corporal e mortalidade. As correlações entre as variáveis foram estimadas pelo Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson. Resultados: A capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) foi correlacionada com perda de peso, massa muscular esquelética, massa magra, perna esquerda e massa livre de gordura; o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) correlacionou-se apenas com a perda de peso; e a Pimáx foi correlacionada com massa muscular esquelética, massa magra, perna esquerda, perna direita e massa livre de gordura. Conclusão: Observou-se correlação moderada entre CVF e as variáveis de composição corporal analisadas, exceto massa magra da perna esquerda; entre VEF1 e perda de peso; e entre Pimáx e as variáveis de composição corporal analisadas, exceto perda de peso.

Association between illness perception and clinical control, quality of life, physical activity, and psychosocial status in subjects with moderate to severe asthma: a cluster analysis.

Background: Illness perception (IP) is a psychosocial factor involved in several chronic diseases and is associated with relevant clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between IP and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), psychosocial status, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in subjects with asthma is poorly understood.Objective: To identify groups of subjects with asthma based on their IPs and to assess their association with clinical control, HRQoL, psychosocial disturbances, and PADL.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 149 subjects with moderate to severe asthma. IP, anthropometric data, Asthma Control Questionnaire-7, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, PADL (accelerometry), and general self-efficacy (GSE) were assessed. Cluster analysis was performed to identify clusters with similar profiles and investigate their characteristics and differences. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the associations between IP and other variables.Results: Statistical analyses identified two clusters of subjects with asthma based on IP. Cluster 1 presented worse IP in seven out of eight domains than Cluster 2. Cluster 1 had more negative consequences of the disease, worse understanding, and a high emotional representation of the disease than Cluster 2. Cluster 1 also had a greater extent of asthma symptoms, poor clinical control, worse HRQoL, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression. No difference between clusters was found for PADL or self-efficacy.Conclusion: Subjects with asthma who have worse IP have more negative symptoms, worse clinical control, HRQoL, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Two devices to facilitate the perception of pelvic floor muscle contraction in the sitting position in women with urinary incontinence: comparative analysis / Dois dispositivos facilitadores de percepção da contração do assoalho pélvico na posição sentada em mulheres com incontinência urinária: análise comparativa / Dos herramientas que facilitan la percepción de la contracción del suelo pélvico en posición sentada de mujeres con incontinencia urinaria: un análisis comparativo

ABSTRACT The use of support devices may facilitate the perception of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contraction, which is difficult to be performed. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the perception of PFM contraction in the sitting position during the use of two different support devices on women with PFM dysfunction. This is a cross-sectional study performed with 37 women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence (UI). All women performed three free PFM contractions sitting on a chair, followed by three contractions using each support device (sand pads and a cylindrical foam, which provide sciatic and perineal support, respectively). Women scored the perception of PFM contraction from 1 to 5, as well as the perception of facilitation of contraction (higher grades show better results) and discomfort (higher grades show more discomfort) when compared with free contraction. The cylindrical foam presented similar results to sand pads for the perception of PFM contraction (2.84±1.61 vs. 3.19±1.43; p=0.34) and facilitation of contraction (3.38±1.34 vs. 3.19±1.54; p=0.61), as well as for their discomfort (1.83±1.23 vs. 1.5±1.16; p=0.20). Of all women, 57% preferred sand pads. Thus, both sand pads (sciatic support) and the cylindrical foam (perineal support) improved the perception of PFM contraction and facilitation of contraction in the sitting position of women with PFM dysfunction when compared with sitting with no device. The two devices presented no difference between them.

RESUMO O uso de dispositivos de suporte pode auxiliar na percepção da contração dos músculos do assoalho pélvico (AP). O objetivo deste estudo foi, comparar na posição sentada, a percepção da contração dos músculos do AP durante o uso de dois tipos diferentes de dispositivos, em mulheres com disfunção dos músculos do AP. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 37 mulheres com incontinência urinária (IU) de esforço ou mista. Primeiro as participantes faziam três contrações livres dos músculos do AP sem o uso de dispositivos, sentadas em uma cadeira. Em seguida, faziam três contrações utilizando cada um dos dois dispositivos: almofadas de areia e uma espuma cilíndrica, que forneciam apoio isquiático e perineal, respectivamente. As pacientes atribuíram nota de 1 a 5 para a percepção que tiveram da contração dos músculos do AP, da facilitação da contração (quanto maior a nota, melhor o resultado) e do desconforto com o dispositivo (quanto maior a nota, maior o desconforto) em comparação às contrações livres. Como resultados principais, verificou-se que o uso da almofada cilíndrica foi similar ao das almofadas de areia para a percepção da contração dos músculos do AP (2,84±1,61 vs. 3,19±1,43; p=0,34), e da facilitação da contração (3,38±1,34 vs. 3,19±1,54; p=0,61), assim como do desconforto (1,83±1,23 vs. 1,5±1,16; p=0,20). Entre as participantes, 57% relataram preferir as almofadas de areia. Concluiu-se que em mulheres com incontinência urinária, tanto as almofadas de areia (apoio isquiático) quanto a espuma cilíndrica (apoio perineal) melhoraram a percepção da contração e facilitaram a contração dos músculos do assoalho pélvico na posição sentada, não havendo, no entanto, diferença entre os dispositivos.

RESUMEN Las herramientas de apoyo pueden ayudar en la percepción de la contracción de los músculos del suelo pélvico (SP), que no siempre es fácil de obtener su medición. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar si dos tipos diferentes de herramientas ayudan a las mujeres con disfunción muscular del SP a contraer estos músculos en posición sentada. Para ello, se realizó un estudio transversal con 37 mujeres con incontinencia urinaria (IU) de esfuerzo o mixta. Primero, las participantes realizaron tres contracciones libres de los músculos del SP sentadas en una silla, sin el uso de herramientas de apoyo. Luego, realizaron tres contracciones utilizando cada uno de los dos dispositivos de apoyo: almohadillas de arena y espuma cilíndrica, que brindan apoyo isquiático y perineal, respectivamente. Las participantes deberían asignar una puntuación de 1 a 5 cuanto a su percepción de la contracción muscular del SP, de la facilitación de la contracción (cuanto mayor sea la puntuación, mejor será el resultado) y la incomodidad con la herramienta (cuanto mayor sea la puntuación, mayor será la incomodidad) en comparación con las contracciones libres. Los principales resultados encontrados apuntan que el uso de la almohadilla cilíndrica fue similar al de las almohadillas de arena en cuanto a su percepción de la contracción de los músculos del SP (2,84±1,61 vs. 3,19±1,43; p=0,34), y la facilitación de la contracción (3,38±1,34 vs. 3,19±1,54; p=0,61), así como la incomodidad (1,83±1,23 vs. 1,5±1,16; p=0,20). El 57% de las participantes informó preferir las almohadillas de arena. Se concluyó que tanto las almohadillas de arena (apoyo isquiático) como la espuma cilíndrica (apoyo perineal) mejoraron la percepción y la facilitación de la contracción muscular del SP en posición sentada de mujeres con disfunción muscular del SP en comparación con la ausencia de la herramienta, sin embargo, hay no hubo diferencia entre las herramientas.

Impact of prone positioning on patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on invasive mechanical ventilation: a multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. RESULTS: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality.

Factors associated with functional decline in an intensive care unit: a prospective study on the level of physical activity and clinical factors. / Fatores associados com o declínio funcional em uma unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo prospectivo sobre o nível de atividade física e os fatores clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with functional status decline in intensive care unit patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients in an intensive care unit aged 18 years or older without neurological disease or contraindications to mobilization were included. The exclusion criteria were patients who spent fewer than 4 days in the intensive care unit or died during the study period. Accelerometry was used to assess the physical activity level of patients. We recorded age, SAPS 3, days on mechanical ventilation, drugs used, comorbidities, and functional status after intensive care unit discharge. After intensive care unit discharge, the patients were assigned to a dependent group or an independent group according to their Barthel index. Logistic regression and the odds ratio were used in the analyses. RESULTS: Sixty-three out of 112 included patients were assigned to the dependent group. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 (2 - 4). The mean SAPS 3 score was 53 ± 11. The patients spent 94 ± 4% of the time spent in inactivity and 4.8 ± 3.7% in light activities. The odds ratio showed that age (OR = 1.08; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.13) and time spent in inactivity (OR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.14 - 1.67) were factors associated with functional status decline. Time spent in light activity was associated with a better functional status (OR = 0.73; 95%CI 0.60 - 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Age and time spent in inactivity during intensive care unit stay are associated with functional status decline. On the other hand, performing light activities seems to preserve the functional status of patients.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os fatores associados com o declínio do estado funcional em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo pacientes com idade de 18 anos ou mais, sem doença neurológica ou contraindicações para mobilização, internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Os critérios para exclusão foram pacientes com permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva inferior a 4 dias, ou com óbito durante o período do estudo. A avaliação do nível de atividade física dos pacientes foi realizada com acelerometria. Registraram-se idade, escore segundo o SAPS 3, dias de ventilação mecânica, fármacos utilizados, comorbidades e estado funcional por ocasião da alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Segundo seu estado funcional na alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, os pacientes foram designados para os grupos "dependentes" ou "independentes", segundo seu índice na escala de Barthel. As análises foram realizadas com regressão logística e cálculo da razão de chance. RESULTADOS: Dos 112 pacientes incluídos, 63 foram atribuídos ao grupo "dependentes". O índice de comorbidade de Charlson mediano foi de 3 (2 - 4). O SAPS 3 médio foi de 53 ± 11. Os pacientes permaneceram 94 ± 4% do tempo na unidade de terapia intensiva em condições de inatividade e 4,8 ± 3,7% em atividades leves. As análises de razão de chance mostraram que idade (RC = 1,08; IC95% 1,04 - 1,13) e tempo de inatividade (RC =1,38; IC95% 1,14 - 1,67) foram fatores associados ao declínio funcional. O tempo em atividades leves se associou com melhor estado funcional (RC = 0,73; IC95% 0,60 - 0,89). CONCLUSÃO: Idade e tempo em inatividade durante a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva se associaram com declínio do estado funcional. Por outro lado, a realização de atividades leves parece preservar a condição funcional dos pacientes.

Impact of prone positioning on patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on invasive mechanical ventilation: a multicenter cohort study / Impacto da pronação em pacientes com COVID-19 e SDRA em ventilação mecânica invasiva: estudo de coorte multicêntrico

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. Results: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). Conclusions: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar fatores que levam a uma resposta positiva da oxigenação e fatores preditivos de mortalidade após a pronação. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo multicêntrico envolvendo sete hospitais brasileiros. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade > 18 anos com diagnóstico suspeito ou confirmado de COVID-19, ventilação mecânica invasiva, relação PaO2/FIO2 < 150 mmHg e pronação. Após a primeira sessão de pronação, uma melhora de 20 mmHg na relação PaO2/FIO2 foi definida como resposta positiva. Resultados: O estudo envolveu 574 pacientes, dos quais 412 (72%) apresentaram resposta positiva à primeira sessão de pronação. A regressão logística múltipla mostrou que os respondedores apresentaram menores pontuações no Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III) e no SOFA e menores níveis de dímero D (p = 0,01; p = 0,04; e p = 0,04, respectivamente). Sugeriu-se que a pontuação no SAPS III e a PaO2/FIO2 iniciais seriam preditores da resposta da oxigenação. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 69,3%. Maior risco de mortalidade foi associado à idade (OR = 1,04 [IC95%: 1,01-1,06]), tempo até a primeira sessão de pronação (OR = 1,18 [IC95%: 1,06-1,31]), número de sessões (OR = 1,31 [IC95%: 1,00-1,72]), porcentagem de comprometimento pulmonar (OR = 1,55 [IC95%: 1,02-2,35]) e imunossupressão (OR = 3,83 [IC95%: 1,35-10,86]). Conclusões: Nossos resultados mostram que a maioria dos pacientes de nossa amostra apresentou resposta positiva da oxigenação após a primeira sessão de pronação. No entanto, a taxa de mortalidade foi elevada, provavelmente em virtude do estado de saúde e número de comorbidades dos pacientes e da gravidade de sua doença. Nossos resultados também sugerem que a pontuação no SAPS III e a PaO2/FIO2 inicial predizem a resposta da oxigenação; além disso, idade, tempo até a primeira sessão de pronação, número de sessões, comprometimento pulmonar e imunossupressão podem predizer mortalidade.

Perioperative care for major elective surgery: a survey of Brazilian physiotherapists / Cuidados perioperados de cirurgias eletivas de grande porte: um levantamento dos fisioterapeutas brasileiros

Abstract Introduction: Major surgeries are highly complex procedures and have a higher incidence of respiratory morbidity and mortality compared to other types of surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) are common after such surgeries and are associated with increased hospital stay, health care costs and surgical patient mortality. Objective: To investigate the most commonly used physical therapy techniques for the prevention and treatment of PPC among thoracic and abdominal surgery patients in all regions of Brazil. Methods: A total of 489 randomly selected physiotherapists who provided perioperative care for patients undergoing elective abdominal, thoracic or cardiac surgeries participated in this study. A questionnaire with nine questions about routine care and therapeutic choices for the surgical population was developed and assessed by 10 specialists before being administered to the physiotherapists. Results: Among the physiotherapists (63% with at least 5 years of experience with surgical patients), 50.9% considered the patient's surgical risk in their treatment either always or often. A total of 53.8% patients were treated by the physiotherapist following a physician's prescription. The most mentioned physical therapy techniques used to prevent PPC were postoperative mobilization/exercises (59.3%), postoperative lung expansion (52.8%), and preoperative advice (50.7%). In addition, 80.6% of the physiotherapists believe that incentive spirometry prevents PPC, while 72.8% expected this effect from positive airway pressure devices. Conclusion: Most physiotherapists in Brazil who work with surgical patients offer preoperative professional advice, use postoperative early mobilization and lung expansion techniques to prevent PPC, and consider the patient's surgical risk during treatment. In addition, some physical therapy sessions are routinely performed preoperatively.

Resumo Introdução: As cirurgias de grande porte são procedimentos de alta complexidade, apresentando maior incidência de morbi-mortalidade respiratória em comparação com outros tipos de cirurgia. Complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias (CPP) são comuns após tais cirurgias e estão associadas ao aumento da permanência hospitalar, dos custos com saúde e da mortalidade do paciente. Objetivo: Investigar as técnicas de fisioterapia mais utilizadas em todas as regiões do Brasil para o tratamento das CPP após cirurgias torácicas e abdominais. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 489 fisioterapeutas selecionados aleatoriamente, que atuam na assistência perioperatória de cirurgias eletivas abdominais, torácicas ou cardíacas. Um questionário com nove questões sobre cuidados de rotina e escolhas terapêuticas na população cirúrgica foi elaborado e avaliado por 10 especialistas antes de ser aplicado aos fisioterapeutas. Resultados: Entre os fisioterapeutas (63% com pelo menos 5 anos de experiência com pacientes cirúrgicos), 50,9% considera o risco cirúrgico do paciente em seu tratamento sempre ou frequentemente; 53,8% dos pacientes foram tratados pelo fisioterapeuta após prescrição médica. As técnicas fisioterapêuticas mais citadas para a prevenção de CPP foram: mobilização/exercícios pós-operatórios (59,3%), técnicas de expansão pulmonar pós-operatória (52,8%) e orientações pré-operatórias (50,7%). Além disso, 80,6% dos fisioterapeutas acreditam que a espirometria de incentivo previne CPP, assim como 72,8% esperam esse efeito da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas. Conclusão: A maioria dos fisioterapeutas que trabalham com pacientes cirúrgicos no Brasil utiliza orientações profissionais pré-operatórias e técnicas de mobilização precoce e expansão pulmonar pós-operatória com o objetivo de prevenir CPP. A maioria dos fisioterapeutas costuma considerar o risco cirúrgico do paciente durante o tratamento. Além disso, algumas sessões de fisioterapia são realizadas rotineiramente no pré-operatório.

Fatores associados com o declínio funcional em uma unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo prospectivo sobre o nível de atividade física e os fatores clínicos / Factors associated with functional decline in an intensive care unit: a prospective study on the level of physical activity and clinical factors

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados com o declínio do estado funcional em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo pacientes com idade de 18 anos ou mais, sem doença neurológica ou contraindicações para mobilização, internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Os critérios para exclusão foram pacientes com permanência na unidade de terapia intensiva inferior a 4 dias, ou com óbito durante o período do estudo. A avaliação do nível de atividade física dos pacientes foi realizada com acelerometria. Registraram-se idade, escore segundo o SAPS 3, dias de ventilação mecânica, fármacos utilizados, comorbidades e estado funcional por ocasião da alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Segundo seu estado funcional na alta da unidade de terapia intensiva, os pacientes foram designados para os grupos "dependentes" ou "independentes", segundo seu índice na escala de Barthel. As análises foram realizadas com regressão logística e cálculo da razão de chance. Resultados: Dos 112 pacientes incluídos, 63 foram atribuídos ao grupo "dependentes". O índice de comorbidade de Charlson mediano foi de 3 (2 - 4). O SAPS 3 médio foi de 53 ± 11. Os pacientes permaneceram 94 ± 4% do tempo na unidade de terapia intensiva em condições de inatividade e 4,8 ± 3,7% em atividades leves. As análises de razão de chance mostraram que idade (RC = 1,08; IC95% 1,04 - 1,13) e tempo de inatividade (RC =1,38; IC95% 1,14 - 1,67) foram fatores associados ao declínio funcional. O tempo em atividades leves se associou com melhor estado funcional (RC = 0,73; IC95% 0,60 - 0,89). Conclusão: Idade e tempo em inatividade durante a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva se associaram com declínio do estado funcional. Por outro lado, a realização de atividades leves parece preservar a condição funcional dos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the factors associated with functional status decline in intensive care unit patients. Methods: In this prospective study, patients in an intensive care unit aged 18 years or older without neurological disease or contraindications to mobilization were included. The exclusion criteria were patients who spent fewer than 4 days in the intensive care unit or died during the study period. Accelerometry was used to assess the physical activity level of patients. We recorded age, SAPS 3, days on mechanical ventilation, drugs used, comorbidities, and functional status after intensive care unit discharge. After intensive care unit discharge, the patients were assigned to a dependent group or an independent group according to their Barthel index. Logistic regression and the odds ratio were used in the analyses. Results: Sixty-three out of 112 included patients were assigned to the dependent group. The median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 (2 - 4). The mean SAPS 3 score was 53 ± 11. The patients spent 94 ± 4% of the time spent in inactivity and 4.8 ± 3.7% in light activities. The odds ratio showed that age (OR = 1.08; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.13) and time spent in inactivity (OR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.14 - 1.67) were factors associated with functional status decline. Time spent in light activity was associated with a better functional status (OR = 0.73; 95%CI 0.60 - 0.89). Conclusions: Age and time spent in inactivity during intensive care unit stay are associated with functional status decline. On the other hand, performing light activities seems to preserve the functional status of patients.

Sexual performance and pelvic floor muscle strength in patients with fibromyalgia: a controlled cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic and widespread pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, psychological distress and morning stiffness. These patients also present symptoms such as depression, sexual dysfunctions and reproductive problems. Sexuality involves several aspects, including pelvic floor functionality, and one question is whether the sexual performance of women with fibromyalgia is associated with pelvic floor function or other characteristics of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to gauge the association between perineal function and sexual performance in women with and without fibromyalgia. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study with 109 sexually active women from 19 to 65 years of age, either suffering from fibromyalgia (FM group, n = 51) or free from fibromyalgia (non-FM group, n = 58). Perineal function was measured with the use of perineometry and digital vaginal palpation (PERFECT Scheme), while sexual performance was assessed by the Sexual Quotient Female questionnaire (QS-F). RESULTS: Patients with fibromyalgia presented poor sexual performance compared to those without fibromyalgia (QS-F score 58 (32-66) vs. 66 (56-70); p = 0.002) as well as lower pelvic floor muscle strength measured by perineometry (32.5 (18.2-40.5) vs. 37.9 (23.4- 57.3); p = 0.03). Patients without fibromyalgia presented a positive correlation between perineometry and QS-F (r = 0.22; p = 0.038), while those with fibromyalgia presented no correlation between those two variables (r = 0.22; p = 0.12). The regression model showed an association between sexual performance and the presence of fibromyalgia, pelvic floor muscle strength (perineometry) and age, according to the following equation: sexual performance = 48.52 + (9.5 * non-FM group) + (0.23 * perineometry)-(0.4 * age), with adjusted R2 = 0.19. CONCLUSION: Women with FM present poor sexual performance and lower pelvic floor muscle strength compared to those without FM. However, the correlation between these variables among women without FM was not observed in women with FM. Sexual performance showed a positive association with absence of fibromyalgia and higher pelvic floor muscle strength, and a negative association with age.

Preoperative physical activity has a protective effect against postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery / Atividade física pré-operatória tem efeito protetor contra complicações pulmonares após cirurgia abdominal

Physical activity level and fitness condition seem to be related with pulmonary surgical risk in thoracic and cardiac surgeries; however, in abdominal surgery this relation is not clear. Objective: To compare the physical activity level in daily life and during hospitalization before surgery between patients who developed and did not develop postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after abdominal surgery and to relate to this outcome. Methods: This prospective cohort enrolled 191 hospitalized candidates (52 ± 14yrs; BMI = 29 ± 11 kg/m2) for upper abdominal surgery. Two different tools related to two distinct moments were used to assess preoperatively the physical activity level. First, to assess life physical activity level, the questionnaire Human Activity Profile (HAP) was administered for all patients. During hospitalization, the accelerometry was performed during 4 consecutive days to assess the time in activity. In addition, lung function, muscle strength and resting energy expenditure were assessed. PPC (pneumonia, atelectasis or severe hypoxemia) were checked until discharge. Multivariate analyses were used. Results: 92% of patients were classified as moderately to physically active in daily life. During hospitalization, patients were inactive during 90% ± 5% of time. There was no association with HAP score and acelerometry. 10.5% of patients developed PPC. Being physically active in daily life and during hospitalization have a protective effect against PPC. Our results show that the physical activity behavior in hospital do not reflect the daily life even in patients not restricted to bed and on preoperative period, patients physically actives on daily life and during hospitalization present less chance to develop PPC after abdominal surgery. (AU)

O nível de atividade física e o condicionamento físico parecem estar relacionados ao risco cirúrgico pulmonar em cirurgias torácicas e cardíacas; no entanto, na cirurgia abdominal, essa relação não é clara. Objetivo: Comparar o nível de atividade física na vida diária e durante a hospitalização antes da cirurgia entre pacientes que desenvolveram e que não desenvolveram complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias (CPP) após cirurgia abdominal e relacionar esses desfechos. Métodos: Esta coorte prospectiva recrutou 191 pacientes hospitalizados não restritos ao leito e candidatos a cirurgia abdominal (52 ± 14 anos; IMC = 29 ± 11 kg/m2 ; VEF1 = 98 ± 19% do predito; CVF = 96 ± 16% do predito). Duas ferramentas diferentes relacionadas a dois momentos distintos foram utilizadas para avaliar o nível no pré-operatório de atividade física. Primeiro, para avaliar o nível de atividade física da vida diária, o questionário Perfil de Atividade Humana (PAH) foi aplicado a todos os pacientes. O PAH possui 94 perguntas sobre a execução de atividades gradualmente mais intensas. O PAH classifica o paciente como inativo (<54 pontos), moderadamente ativo (54 a 73 pontos) e ativo (>73 pontos). Segundo, a acelerometria foi realizada durante 4 dias consecutivos para avaliar o tempo de atividade durante a hospitalização. As CPP (pneumonia, atelectasia ou hipoxemia grave) foram verificadas até a alta. Análises multivariadas foram utilizadas. Resultados: 92% dos pacientes foram classificados como moderados a fisicamente ativos na vida diária. Durante a hospitalização, os pacientes ficaram inativos em 90% ± 5% do tempo. Não houve associação com escore do PAH e acelerometria. Cerca de 10,5% dos pacientes desenvolveram CPP. Ser fisicamente ativo na vida diária e durante a hospitalização tem um efeito protetor contra CPP (Odds ratio [OR] = 0,69, IC 95% 0,01- 0,93; OR=0,61, IC 95% 0,12-0,87, respectivamente). Nossos resultados mostram que o comportamento da atividade física no hospital não reflete o da vida diária, mesmo em pacientes não restritos ao leito e no período pré-operatório, e os pacientes ativos fisicamente na vida diária e durante a internação apresentam menor chance de desenvolver CPP após cirurgia abdominal. (AU)

Effects of elastic tape on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with COPD.

Subjects with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) that reduces ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity. However, no therapeutic intervention has focused on reducing TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elastic tape (ET) on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea symptoms, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPD. This crossover, randomized trial included nonobese males with severe to very severe COPD. ET was placed on the chest wall and abdomen to reduce TAA. Subjects were evaluated at three hospital visits, each 7 days apart. At visit 1, thoracoabdominal kinematic and pulmonary ventilation were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography and electrical impedance tomography, respectively, both at rest and during isoload exercise testing. At visit 2, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET; 10 W/min) was performed until exhaustion. Between the visits, subjects used a physical activity monitor (PAM) (at least 5 days of measurement; 10 h/day). At visit 3, all the tests were repeated in the opposite order of the previous randomization. During the isoload exercise, subjects with ET presented lower tidal and minute volumes (P = 0.01) and reduced TAA (P = 0.02) and dyspnea (P = 0.04). During the CPET, subjects with ET presented an increase in peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak; L/min and mL·kg-1·min-1; P = 0.01), test duration (P = 0.009), and maximal load (P = 0.03). Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was evaluated by the PAM, was also increased in subjects with ET (P = 0.01). ET reduced TAA and dyspnea and increased exercise capacity and the duration of MVPA in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPDNEW & NOTEWORTHY Elastic tape can be used as a new and low-cost intervention to reduce thoracoabdominal asynchrony and sedentary behavior as well as improve exercise capacity and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Impact of Renal Transplantation and Immunosuppressive Therapy on Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study.

Renal transplantation is the best long-term treatment option compared with maintenance dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. This treatment should be combined with immunosuppressive drugs to obtain positive effects; however, the adverse effects of these medications in the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients undergoing renal transplantation in the preoperative period and during the first 6 months of postoperative period. METHODS: The respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and functional capacity of 40 patients were evaluated from the pretransplant period to 6 months post-renal transplantation. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative period, the patients experienced improvement of the respiratory and peripheral strength 6 months after transplant (maximal inspiratory pressure 44% and maximal expiratory pressure 28.96%, handgrip 13.81%, and lower limbs 26.95%) and also in the quality of life. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 6 months after transplant, patients showed improvement in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and quality of life, but even with the improvement, patients presented an unsatisfactory quality of life and muscle strength, regardless of immunosuppressive therapy.

Impact of a Progressive Mobility Program on the Functional Status, Respiratory, and Muscular Systems of ICU Patients: A Randomized and Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate whether patients who participated in a mobility program in the ICU performed better on functional status, muscle, mobility, and respiratory assessments upon discharge than patients who received conventional physiotherapy. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Blind evaluation. PATIENTS: Adults with previous functional independence and without contraindications for mobilization were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention group participated in an early and progressive mobility program with five levels of activity. The control group underwent the conventional treatment without a preestablished routine. We evaluated functional status, level of activity, respiratory status, muscle strength, and mobility at ICU discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed 49 patients in the control group and 50 patients in the intervention group. Our data showed patients with better functional status and more functionally independent patients in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (96% vs 44%; p < 0.001). The results of the sit-to-stand and 2-minute walk tests, as well as the results of the maximum voluntary ventilation tests, also varied between the groups. The intervention group had shorter ICU stays than the control group. Higher Barthel index scores were associated with the amount of activity and participation in the protocol. The benefits to functional status remained during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who participated in an ICU mobility program had better functional status at discharge from the ICU. The other benefits of the program included better performance in the mobility tests and improved maximum voluntary ventilation performance.

Reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness of the DEMMI mobility index for Brazilian older hospitalized patients.

AIM: To translate and adapt cross-culturally the De Morton Mobility Index from English to Brazilian Portuguese. Furthermore, to test the content validity, reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness for older hospitalized patients. METHODS: After we carried out the translation and the cross-cultural adaptation of the De Morton Mobility Index and its administration instructions according to international guidelines, the content validity of De Morton Mobility Index was tested by experienced physiotherapists. In the sequence, the reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness were tested in a test-retest design with 93 older patients hospitalized in ward for clinical reasons. The reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (internal consistency), standard error measurement (agreement), and interclass correlation coefficients (intra and inter-examiner reliability). The construct validity was tested by Pearson's correlation between the De Morton Mobility Index score and the number of steps. Interpretability was analyzed by determining the minimum detectable change and the floor and ceiling effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scoring). Responsiveness was analyzed by effect size. RESULTS: The Brazilian version of the De Morton Mobility Index was made and adapted. The internal consistency (α = 0.89), reliability intra-(ICC = 0.94) and inter-examiners (ICC = 0.82), agreement were all adequate. The De Morton Mobility Index is validity when correlated with number of steps (r = 0.46). Floor or ceiling effects (<15%) were not observed and the responsiveness was high (ES = 3.65). CONCLUSION: The De Morton Mobility Index has shown adequate reliability, validity, interpretability and responsiveness for the evaluation of the mobility of older hospitalized patients.

Activities of Daily Living and Life-Space Mobility in Older Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether limitation during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life-space mobility in older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to generate a regression model for life-space mobility score. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study with a convenience sample included older people (aged ≥60 years old) with COPD. We assessed participants' lung function (spirometry), life-space mobility (University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment questionnaire), severity of dyspnea (Modified Dyspnea Index) and limitation during the performance of ADL (London Chest Activity of Daily Living). We used Pearson's correlation to investigate the associations between the measures, and multiple linear regression to detect which of the measures influenced life-space mobility. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Fifty participants completed all the assessments (29 females [58%]; mean ± SD age of 67 ± 6 years old, FEV1 47 ± 29% of predicted, and body mass index 22.5 ± 11.6 kg/m2). Their mean scores for life-space mobility and for limitation during the performance of ADL were 49.7 ± 27.2 and 16.46 ± 9.74, respectively. We found a strong inverse correlation between limitation during the performance of ADL and life-space mobility (r = -0.57, p = <0.01) as well as between severity of dyspnea and life-space mobility (r= 0.86, p= <0.01). Both sex and limitation during the performance of ADL were considered as independent factors associated to life-space mobility (R2= 0.56). Conclusion: In this study, limitations during the performance of ADL and dyspnea had a strong correlation with life-space mobility in older adults with COPD. Also, alongside sex, the limitation during the performance of ADL is an independent factor associated with life-space mobility in a regression model.

Adding positive airway pressure to mobilisation and respiratory techniques hastens pleural drainage: a randomised trial.

QUESTIONS: In patients with a collection of fluid in the pleural space, do mobilisation and respiratory techniques: shorten the drainage period and length of hospital stay; improve respiratory function and oxygenation; and prevent pulmonary complications? Does the addition of positive airway pressure to this regimen further improve the effects? DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with three intervention arms, concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessment. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-six inpatients with a fluid collection in the pleural space and with chest drainage in situ. INTERVENTION: Participants received usual care and were randomly assigned to: a control group that also received sham positive airway pressure (4 cmH2O) only (Con); an experimental group that received incentive spirometry, airway clearance, mobilisation and the same sham positive pressure (Exp1); or an experimental group that received the Exp1 regimen except that the positive airway pressure was 15 cmH2O (Exp2). Treatments were provided three times per day for 7 days. OUTCOME MEASURES: Days of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications and adverse events were recorded until hospital discharge. Costs in each group were estimated. RESULTS: The Exp2 group had shorter duration of chest tube drainage and length of hospital stay compared with the Exp1 and Con groups. In addition, the Exp2 group had less antibiotic use (18% versus 43% versus 55%) and pneumonia incidence (0% versus 16% versus 20%) compared with the Exp1 and Con groups (all p < 0.01). The groups had similar rates of adverse events (10% versus 2% versus 6%, p > 0.05). Total treatment costs were lower in the Exp2 group than in the Exp1 and Con groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a fluid collection in the pleural space, the addition of positive pressure to mobilisation and respiratory techniques decreased the duration of thoracic drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications, antibiotic use and treatment costs. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.govNCT02246946.