Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients Living with Chronic Kidney Disease and Receiving Hemodialysis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) have impaired respiratory muscle strength and endurance. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, quality of life, endothelial function, and oxidative stress in people living with CKD and receiving HD. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted from inception to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, endothelial function, quality of life, or oxidative stress in adults living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with control, placebo IMT, or conventional physical therapy, were included. RESULTS: Eight studies were included, totaling 246 people. The meta-analysis showed that IMT increased the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) by 22.53 cm H2O, the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) by 19.54 cm H2O, and the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test by 77.63 m. Changes in lung function and quality of life were not observed. It was not possible to quantitatively analyze data on endothelial function and oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: IMT improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD. IMT did not demonstrate significant results for lung function and quality of life. Effects on endothelial function and oxidative capacity remain uncertain. IMPACT: Inspiratory muscle training improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with conventional physical therapy or controls or placebo intervention. Increases in functional capacity in this population are extremely important because of the relationship with the survival of these people.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) over endothelial function in healthy individuals: a preliminary crossover clinical trial.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) causes stimulatory effects that raise cell metabolism. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBMT on the endothelial function of healthy individuals. It was a controlled, randomized, crossover, triple-blind trial with 22 healthy volunteers (female: 77.3%), aged 25.45 years which were randomly divided into three groups. PBMT with gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser (810 nm, continuous-wave mode, 1000 mW, 0.28 cm2) was applied over the radial and ulnar artery regions in two parallel spots: group 1-30 J (n = 22, 107 J/cm2) per spot; group 2-60 J (n = 22, 214 J/cm2) per spot; and group 3-placebo (n = 22, sham). The endothelial function was measured before and immediately after PBMT by the flow-mediated dilation technique (%FMD) with high-resolution ultrasound. Statistical analysis was made with ANOVA for repeated measures, the effect size was measured by Cohen's d, and results are presented as mean and standard error (or 95% confidence intervals). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The %FMD increases 10.4% with 60 J (mean difference = 0.496 mm, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.57, p < 0.001), 7.3% with 30 J (mean difference = 0.518 mm, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.59, p < 0.001), and 4.7% with placebo (mean difference = 0.560 mm, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.63, p < 0.001). We found a small effect size (p = 0.702; d de Cohen = 0.24) without statistical difference between interventions. PBMT with the energy density of 60 J and 30 J did not improve endothelial function.Trial registration number: NCT03252184 (01/09/2017).

Aging-related predictive factors for oxygenation improvement and mortality in COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients exposed to prone position: A multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality.

Aging-related predictive factors for oxygenation improvement and mortality in COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients exposed to prone position: A multicenter cohort study

Abstract Background: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. Results: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. Conclusion: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality.

Effects of robotic rehabilitation using the Erigo® device on patients with neurological injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of robotic rehabilitation with the Erigo® device on patients with neurological injury on safety, spasticity, muscle strength, functionality, gait/balance, and changes in the level of consciousness. METHODS: MEDLINE, SciELO, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library - CENTRAL and PEDro databases were consulted without the restriction of date and language. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the robotic rehabilitation and compared it to conventional or placebo therapy, isolated or in association with other therapy, were selected. Studies in which the treatment time was less than 10 sessions were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed with the use of the RoB 2.0 tool. RESULTS: Nine studies were included, totaling 347 patients. The robotic rehabilitation performed by the Erigo® device proved to be safe for neurological patients. The meta-analysis showed an improvement for spasticity (MD = 0.29; 95% CI = -0.49 to -0.08; I2 = 0%), but there was no significant increase in muscle strength in patients with stroke (MD = 0.25; CI 95% = -0.22 to -0,71; I2 = 0%). Erigo® showed inconclusive effects on functionality, gait/balance and level of consciousness in patients with severe acquired brain injury and vegetative or minimally conscious state. All studies present some concerns for the risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Erigo® as a robotic rehabilitation strategy is safe for patients with acquired brain injury and appears to reduce spasticity in patients with stroke. The effects on muscle strength, functionality, gait and balance and level of consciousness remain uncertain and the methodological quality of the clinical trials included in this review is limited.

Erigo^® device is safe to rehabilitation of patients with neurological injury.Rehabilitation with Erigo^® device appears to reduce the spasticity of patients with stroke.New randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the effects on muscle strength, functionality, gait/balance and level of consciousness.

A Telerehabilitation Program for Maintaining Functional Capacity in Patients With Chronic Lung Diseases During a Period of COVID-19 Social Isolation: Quasi-Experimental Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary diseases represent a great cause of disability and mortality in the world, and given the progression of these pathologies, pulmonary rehabilitation programs have proven to be effective for people with chronic respiratory diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation has become an alternative for patients with such diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes (ie, functional capacity and quality of life) of telerehabilitation to those of usual care among patients who previously participated in face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation programs. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental retrospective study from April 2020 to August 2021. A total of 32 patients with chronic lung diseases were included and divided into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group performed telerehabilitation synchronously twice per week and was supervised by a physical therapist during breathing, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. Changes in the degree of dyspnea and leg discomfort were assessed based on changes in Borg scale scores. The control group did not perform any activities during the period of social isolation. Functional capacity was assessed with the 6-minute walk test, and quality of life was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS: The telerehabilitation group's mean 6-minute walk distance decreased by 39 m, while that of the control group decreased by 120 m. There was a difference of 81 m between the groups' mean 6-minute walk distances (P=.02). In relation to the quality of life, telerehabilitation was shown to improve the following two domains: social functioning and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation programs for patients with chronic lung diseases can ease the deleterious effects of disease progression, be used to maintain functional capacity, and improve aspects of quality of life.

Perception of health professionals on the prone position as a therapeutic strategy for patients with COVID-19 / Percepção de profissionais de saúde sobre a posição prona como estratégia terapêutica para pacientes com covid-19 / Percepción de los profesionales de la salud sobre la posición prono como estrategia terapéutica para pacientes con Covid-19

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a great number of hospitalizations. A considerable number of cases progress to the severe form of the infection and death. Prone positioning is a therapeutic strategy with strong evidence of reduced mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study aims to assess if the prone positioning strategy is used by health professionals in hospitals to treat patients with COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation and the professionals' perception of its effect on the mortality rate. This is a cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample composed of health professionals of both sexes working in hospitals throughout Brazil. Participants answered an online questionnaire composed of 16 questions using Google Forms, from July 2020 to September 2020. A total of 455 questionnaires were answered. Prone positioning is routinely performed in hospitals where 386 (95%) of the responding professionals work. Among them, 374 (96.9%) consider that the prone position strategy reduces hypoxemia and 289 (74.9%) consider that it reduces mortality in patients with COVID-19 and ARDS on invasive mechanical ventilation. Finally, most health professionals working in Brazilian hospitals perform and believe that prone positioning reduces hypoxemia and mortality in patients with COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation.

RESUMO A pandemia de covid-19 gerou um grande número de internações hospitalares e uma quantidade considerável de casos evolui para a forma grave da doença e óbito. A manobra de posição prona é uma estratégia terapêutica com forte evidência de redução da mortalidade em pacientes com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo (SDRA). Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar se a manobra de decúbito ventral é realizada como estratégia de tratamento de pacientes com covid-19 em ventilação mecânica invasiva por profissionais de saúde que atuam em ambiente hospitalar e a percepção sobre seu impacto na mortalidade. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com amostra de conveniência composta por profissionais de saúde que atuam em hospitais de todo o Brasil, de ambos os sexos. Os participantes responderam a um questionário online, composto por 16 questões, elaborado no Google Forms, de julho a setembro de 2020. Quatrocentos e cinquenta e cinco questionários foram respondidos. A manobra da posição prona é realizada rotineiramente em hospitais onde atuam 386 profissionais (95%). Desses, 374 (96,9%) têm a percepção de que a manobra de decúbito ventral reduz a hipoxemia e 289 (74,9%) percebe que ela reduz a mortalidade de pacientes com covid-19 e SDRA em ventilação mecânica invasiva. Em conclusão, a maioria dos profissionais de saúde que atuam em hospitais brasileiros realiza e acredita que a manobra de decúbito ventral reduz a hipoxemia e a mortalidade em pacientes com covid-19 em ventilação mecânica invasiva.

RESUMEN La pandemia del Covid-19 ha generado un incremento de las hospitalizaciones y un gran número de casos de esta enfermedad ha evolucionado a su forma grave y la muerte. El manejo de la posición de decúbito prono es una estrategia terapéutica con sólida evidencia de reducción de la mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprobar si la posición de decúbito prono es realizada por los profesionales de la salud que trabajan en un hospital como estrategia para el tratamiento de pacientes con el Covid-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva y la percepción de estos profesionales sobre el impacto de tal práctica en la mortalidad. Se trata de un estudio transversal, con una muestra de conveniencia compuesta por profesionales de la salud que actúan en hospitales de todo Brasil, de ambos sexos. Los participantes respondieron un cuestionario en línea, con 16 preguntas en Google Forms, en el periodo de julio a septiembre de 2020. Se respondieron 455 cuestionarios. El manejo de la posición de decúbito prono se realiza de forma rutinaria en los hospitales donde trabajan 386 profesionales (95%). De estos, 374 (96,9%) tienen la percepción de que el manejo de la posición de decúbito prono reduce la hipoxemia y 289 (74,9%) perciben que esta práctica reduce la mortalidad de los pacientes con Covid-19 y SDRA en ventilación mecánica invasiva. Se concluye que la mayoría de los profesionales de la salud que actúan en los hospitales brasileños realizan y creen que la posición de decúbito prono reduce la hipoxemia y la mortalidad en pacientes con Covid-19 en ventilación mecánica invasiva.

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.

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.

Reabilitação robótica em pacientes com AVC: protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado / Robotic rehabilitation in stroke patients: a protocol of a randomized clinical trial / Rehabilitación robótica en pacientes con ACV: un protocolo de ensayo clínico aleatorizado

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi propor um protocolo de ensaio clínico randomizado para avaliar o efeito da reabilitação robótica sobre a funcionalidade de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) subagudo. Trata-se de um protocolo de um ensaio clínico randomizado que será desenvolvido no hospital e centro de reabilitação do Pavilhão Pereira Filho da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre (ISCMPA). Quarenta pacientes com AVC, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 18 e 85 anos e que apresentem hemiparesia ou fraqueza muscular (Medical Research Council - MRC <48 pontos) serão divididos aleatoriamente em grupo controle ou grupo de intervenção. O grupo de intervenção será aquele que realizará reabilitação robótica utilizando equipamento Erigo®, além da fisioterapia convencional, e o grupo controle receberá fisioterapia convencional por meio de exercícios com movimentos semelhantes aos realizados no robô. As intervenções ocorrerão todos os dias na fase hospitalar e, após a alta, três vezes por semana, totalizando aproximadamente 18 sessões. A funcionalidade será considerada o desfecho primário do estudo e será avaliada por meio da escala de Fugl-Meyer. Consideramos como desfechos secundários a força muscular (MRC e teste de repetição máxima), espasticidade (escala de Ashworth modificada), arquitetura do músculo quadríceps e ecogenicidade (ultrassom), mobilidade (teste timed up and go), grau de incapacidade e dependência (escala de Rankin e de medida de independência funcional), qualidade de vida (questionário EQ-5D), repercussões cardiorrespiratórias (monitoramento de sinais vitais), tempo de internação (em dias) e mortalidade (número de óbitos). Os grupos serão avaliados antes das intervenções, após a décima sessão e ao final de seis semanas de tratamento ou 18 sessões.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to propose a randomized clinical trial protocol to evaluate the effect of robotic rehabilitation on the functionality of patients with subacute stroke. This is a protocol of a randomized clinical trial that will be developed at hospital and rehabilitation center of Pavilhão Pereira Filho of ISCMPA. We will recruit 40 patients with stroke, all genders, aged between 18 and 85 years and showing hemiparesis or muscle weakness (Medical Research Council- MRC<48 points), who will be randomized to a control group or intervention group. The intervention group-besides conventional physical therapy-will perform robotic rehabilitation using Erigo® equipment. The control group, in its turn, will receive conventional physical therapy executing exercises with similar movements to those performed on the robot. Interventions will occur every day during hospital phase and three times/week after discharge, totaling approximately 18 sessions. Functioning will be considered the primary outcome of the study and will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer scale. As secondary outcomes, we considered: muscle strength (MRC and maximum repetition test); spasticity (modified Ashworth scale); quadriceps muscle architecture and echogenicity (ultrasound); mobility (timed up go test); degree of disability and dependence (Rankin scale and Functional Independence Measure); quality of life (EQ-5D questionnaire); cardiorespiratory repercussions (monitoring vital signs); length of hospital stay (in days); and mortality (number of deaths). The groups will be evaluated before the interventions, after the 10th session, and at the end of six weeks of treatment or 18 sessions.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue proponer un protocolo de ensayo clínico aleatorizado para evaluar el efecto de la rehabilitación robótica en la funcionalidad de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular subagudo. Se trata de un protocolo de ensayo clínico aleatorizado que será desarrollado en el hospital y centro de rehabilitación del Pavilhão Pereira Filho da Irmandade de la Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre (ISCMPA). Se asignarán aleatoriamente a cuarenta pacientes con ACV, de ambos sexos, con edades entre 18 y 85 años, que presenten hemiparesia o debilidad muscular (Medical Research Council - MRC <48 puntos) a un grupo de control o grupo de intervención. El grupo de intervención realizará rehabilitación robótica utilizando la herramienta Erigo® y fisioterapia convencional, mientras que el grupo de control recibirá fisioterapia convencional mediante ejercicios con movimientos similares a los realizados en el robot. Las intervenciones se realizarán todos los días durante la fase hospitalaria y, tras el alta, tres veces por semana, totalizando aproximadamente 18 sesiones. La funcionalidad se considerará el resultado primario del estudio y se evaluará mediante la escala de Fugl-Meyer. Se consideraron como resultados secundarios la fuerza muscular (MRC y test de máxima repetición), la espasticidad (escala de Ashworth modificada), la arquitectura del músculo cuádriceps y ecogenicidad (ultrasonido), la movilidad (test timed up and go), el grado de discapacidad y dependencia (escala de Rankin y medida de independencia funcional), la calidad de vida (cuestionario EQ-5D), la repercusión cardiorrespiratoria (seguimiento de constantes vitales), la estancia hospitalaria (en días) y la mortalidad (número de defunciones). Los grupos serán evaluados antes de las intervenciones, después de la décima sesión y al final de las seis semanas de tratamiento, es decir, 18 sesiones.

Photobiomodulation therapy increases functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney failure: randomized controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used in different populations as a strategy to attenuate muscle fatigue and improve exercise performance. Recent findings demonstrated that a single session with specific PBM doses during hemodialysis (HD) increased the upper limb muscle strength of chronic kidney failure (CKF) patients. Now, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the chronic effect of PBM on the functional capacity of this population. Secondarily, we aimed at investigating the effects of PBM on the patients' strength, muscle thickness and echogenicity, perception of pain, fatigue, and quality of life. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in which the intervention group (IG, n = 14) received 24 sessions of PBM (810 nm, 5 diodes × 200 mW, 30 J/application site) on lower limb during HD. The control group (CG, n = 14) did not receive any physical therapy intervention, it only underwent HD sessions. As a result, there was an increase in the functional capacity (assessed through the six-minute walk test) for the IG compared with the CG [50.7 m (CI95% 15.63; 85.72), p = 0.01, large effect size, d = 1.12], as well as an improvement on lower limb muscle strength (assessed through the sit-and-stand test) [- 7.4 s (CI95% - 4.54; - 10.37), p = 0.00, large effect size, d = 1.99]. For other outcomes evaluated, no significant difference between-group was observed. Finally, PBM applied as monotherapy for 8 weeks in the lower limb improves functional capacity and muscle strength of CKF patients.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation alone or as additional therapy on chronic post-stroke spasticity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects and to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation protocols, alone or as additional therapy in chronic post-stroke spasticity through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.Methods: Search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Physiotherapy Evidence Database through November 2017 (CRD42015020146). Two independent reviewers performed articles selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The main outcome was spasticity assessed with Modified Ashworth Scale or other valid scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects method, and pooled-effect results are mean difference with 95% confidence interval.Results: Of 6506 articles identified, 10 studies with 360 subjects were included in the review. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation alone or as additional therapy is superior to placebo TENS to reduce post-stroke spasticity assessed with Modified Ashworth Scale (-0.52 [-0.74 to -0.30] p < 0.0001, 6 studies), especially in lower limbs (-0.58 [-0.82 to -0.34] p < 0.0001, 5 studies), which is in accordance with the studies that used other scales. Low frequency TENS showed a slightly larger improvement than high-frequency, but without significant difference between subgroups. Most studies present low or unclear risk of bias.Conclusion: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can provide additional reduction in chronic post-stroke spasticity, mainly as additional therapy to physical interventions. Studies with better methodological quality and larger sample are needed to increase evidence power.Implications for RehabilitationTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as additional treatment to physical interventions can lead to additional reduction in chronic post-stroke spasticity.High and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation showed similar results, with a smaller numerical superiority of low frequency TENS.More studies are needed to substantiate the best protocol of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the treatment of spasticity.

Short period of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training improves inspiratory muscle strength in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a complex disease that impacts multiple organs and systems (including musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory) leading to reduction of functional capacity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a short period of high intensity inspiratory muscle training on maximum inspiratory pressure, functional capacity and endothelial function of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 25 patients who were allocated into two groups: intervention (IMTG=14) and control (CG=11) groups. Intervention patients received the exercise protocol over a period of 5 weeks, 6 times per week, with each session consisting of 5 sets of 10 repetitions with an initial load of 50% progressing to 70% of maximum inspiratory pressure , measured weekly. The primary outcome was inspiratory muscle strength and the secondary outcomes were functional capacity and endothelial function evaluated before and after the training protocol. RESULTS: The inspiratory muscle training induced a marked improvement in maximum inspiratory pressure which was evident after the training period (mean difference 19.0cmH2O - 95%CI 0.4-37.5; IMTG: 102±25.7cmH2O vs CG: 83±19.2; p=0.046). The magnitude of maximum inspiratory pressure improvement was 33.5% at the end of the protocol for the IMTG. Functional capacity and endothelial function did not vary between or within groups. CONCLUSION: A short period of high-intensity inspiratory muscle training for five weeks was able to improve inspiratory muscle strength of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT03082404).

Effects of cryolipolysis on lower abdomen fat thickness of healthy women and patient satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of cryolipolysis on the fat thickness of the lower abdomen of healthy women and patient's satisfaction. METHODS: Design and setting: a randomized controlled trial, with concealed allocation and blinded assessor. PARTICIPANTS: 34 healthy women between 18 and 48 years, skinfold in the lower abdomen ≥3cm, BMI between 18.5 and 27kg/m2, low level of physical activity, and no contraindication to cryolipolysis were allocated to intervention group (IG, n=17) or control group (CG, n=17). INTERVENTIONS: The IG received one session of cryolipolysis with -10°C of temperature for 50min. The CG was not submitted to any kind of intervention. Both groups did the evaluation protocols at baseline, 30, 60 and 90 days after the intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: fat thickness was measured by ultrasonography (US), skinfold (SF) and abdominal circumference (AC1 and AC2). RESULTS: No significant differences between the IG and CG were demonstrated at any evaluation at any time of follow up for the variables US (30 days: 0.05cm (95%CI: -0.12; 0.22), 60 days: 0.05cm (95%CI: -0.11; 0.20) and 90 days: 0.04cm (95%CI: -0.7; 0.25)), SF (30 days: -0.09cm (95%CI: -0.25; 0.08), 60 days: -0.14cm (95%CI: -0.36; 0.09) and 90 days: -0.001cm (95%CI: -0.237; 0.234)), AC1 (30 days: 0.42cm (95%CI: -1.1; 1.9), 60 days: -0.1cm (95%CI: -1.74; 1.54) and 90 days: -0.007cm (-1.9; 1.9)) and AC2 (30 days: 0.183cm (95%CI: -0.84; 1.20), 60 days: -0.13cm (95%CI: -1.61; 1.35) and 90 days: -0.31cm (95%CI: -1.61; 1.00)). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed that a single application of the utilized protocol of cryolipolysis does not produce any significant effect on fat thickness of the lower abdomen of healthy women. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03160976 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03160976). Contribution of the Paper: the study is one of the first studies in the literature with methodological rigor to report an unfavorable result for localized abdominal fat treatment with a single session of cryolipolysis.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Chronic Kidney Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) on hemodialysis (HD) on lower and upper limb muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life. DATA SOURCES: Data were obtained from MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scielo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. There were no mandatory language or publication date restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials that assessed the chronic effect of NMES (alone or associated with other physical therapy) on lower limb muscle strength or functional capacity of CKF patients on HD compared with control, placebo, or another intervention were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted data using a predesigned data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I, and quality of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten studies were included, totaling 242 patients. Randomized clinical trials showed some concerns or high risk of bias, and the nonrandomized ones showed moderate or critical risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that NMES increases quadriceps muscle strength (standardized mean difference=1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-2.07; P<.0001 moderate quality of evidence), upper limb strength (mean difference [MD]=10.02kgF; 95% CI, 0.78-19.27; P=.03 low quality of evidence), and functional capacity (MD=30.11m; 95% CI, 15.57-44.65; P<.0001 moderate quality of evidence). It was impossible to quantitatively analyze quality of life data; however, NMES associated or not with exercise appears to have positive effects on them. CONCLUSIONS: NMES improves quadriceps muscle strength and the functional capacity of patients with CFK on HD. The effects on upper limb muscle strength and quality of life seem to be positive; however, the quality of evidence is very limited for these outcomes.

Acute effect of photobiomodulation therapy on handgrip strength of chronic kidney disease patients during hemodialysis.

Pre-exercise photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) reduces fatigue and enhances performance in different populations. However, PBMT benefits have never been tested on chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, who present muscle weakness, fatigue, and reduced functional performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of three different doses of the PBMT on maximal handgrip strength of CKD patients. Fifteen volunteers (58 ± 8 years, 10 male/5 female) under chronic hemodialysis treatment (6 ± 4 years) participated in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Each patient was assessed at four hemodialysis sessions with 1 week interval between evaluations. Placebo or PBMT (cluster probe with five 850 nm/200 mW laser diodes) were applied at three sites along the flexors of the finger (total doses of 60, 90, or 120 J per arm). The maximal handgrip strength was evaluated before and after PBMT/placebo treatment in each session. Repeated measures ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) confirmed no learning effect on handgrip tests, and high scores for test-retest reliability (ICC scores = 0.89 to 0.95). Significant strength increases occurred after PBMT application with doses of 60 J/arm (4.85%, p = 0.005, ES = 0.32) and 90 J/arm (4.45%, p = 0.013, ES = 0.25), while no changes were detected with placebo or 120 J/arm. In conclusion, in consensus with a recent systematic review, a single bout of the 60 J/arm was the best dose/response for increased strength of the small muscles (handgrip strength). In view of the increasing implementation of exercise programs during hemodialysis, the current study opens a new field for PBMT for CKD patients.

Muscle Atrophy in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The renal damage and loss of kidney function that characterize chronic kidney disease (CKD) cause several complex systemic alterations that affect muscular homeostasis, leading to loss of muscle mass and, ultimately, to muscle atrophy. CKD-induced muscle atrophy is highly prevalent and, in association with common CKD comorbidities, is responsible for the reduction of physical capacity, functional independence, and an increase in the number of hospitalizations and mortality rates. Thus, this chapter summarizes current knowledge about the complex interactions between CKD factors and the pathophysiological mechanisms that induce muscle atrophy that, despite growing interest, are not yet fully understood. The current treatments of CKD-induced muscle atrophy are multidisciplinary, including correction of metabolic acidosis, nutritional supplementation, reducing insulin resistance, administration of androgenic steroids, resisted and aerobic exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and inspiratory muscle training. However, further studies are still needed to strengthen the comprehension of CKD-induced muscle atrophy and the better treatment strategies.

Intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduces DNA damage in chronic kidney failure patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney failure (CKF) patients on renal replacement therapies exhibit elevated levels of DNA lesions and this is directly related to high mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on genomic damage in CKF patients on conventional haemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Twenty-one patients with CKF on HD were randomized into control (CG =10) or neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMESG = 11) groups. NMES was applied on the quadriceps muscle during the HD session, three times a week, for 8 weeks in NMESG. DNA damage in blood was evaluated by the alkaline comet assay prior to follow-up, after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Intradialytic NMES in CKF patients induced a significant decrease in DNA damage after four [49.9 (3.68) vs 101.5 (6.53); p = 0.000] than eight [19.9 (2.07) vs 101.5 (6.53); p = 0.000] weeks compared to baseline. Genomic damage was also significantly less after four [NMESG: 49.9 (3.68) vs CG: 92.9 (12.61); p = 0.001] than after eight [NMESG: 19.9 (2.07) vs CG: 76.4 (11.15); p = 0.000] weeks compared to CG. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time that intradialytic NMES is able to reduce DNA damage in blood of CKF patients.

Effects of Intradialytic Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Strength and Muscle Architecture in Patients With Chronic Kidney Failure: Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and architecture, functional capacity, and endothelial function in patients with chronic kidney failure (CKF) on hemodialysis (HD). Twenty-one patients with CKF on HD were randomized into a control group (CG; n = 10) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation group (NMESG; n = 11) who received NMES in the quadriceps muscle for 8 weeks, 3 times/week (20-34 min) during HD sessions. The muscle strength of the lower limbs was evaluated by dynamometry and sit-and-stand test (SST); muscle architecture through ultrasonography; functional capacity by the distance covered in a 6-min walk test and the endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation technique of the brachial artery. There was an increase in the strength of the lower limbs in the NMESG compared to the CG (dynamometry: 43.28 ± 16.94 vs. 35.84 ± 16.89, P = 0.006; SST: 16.10 ± 6.51 vs. 12.50 ± 4.7, P = 0.029). There was a significant reduction in pennation angles of the right vastus lateralis (RVL) and left vastus lateralis (LVL) in the CG when compared to the NMESG (RVL: 11.93 [10.70-15.11] vs. 13.57 [11.81-15.96], P = 0.039; LVL: 11.62 [9.00-14.20] vs. 15.52 [12.86-20.02], P = 0.042). There was no change in functional capacity and in the endothelial function for CG and NMESG, respectively. In conclusion, NMES increases muscle strength and has a protective effect against muscle atrophy of the lower limbs of patients with chronic kidney failure on HD.

Functional electrical stimulation improves muscle strength and endurance in patients after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has shown benefits in patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, it is possible that FES can benefit patients similarly after cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: This randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of FES on lower limb functional capacity, strength, endurance, and muscle mass after discharge from cardiac surgery. METHODS: Twenty patients were allocated (1:1) to the group receiving FES to the quadriceps (FESG) or FES placebo (FESPG). FES was applied at a frequency of 15Hz, with 0.5ms pulse width, 5s contraction time, and 10s resting time, twice a week for 40min over a period of eight weeks. Functional capacity was assessed using the six-minute walk test (6MWT), lower limb muscle strength using the one repetition maximum test (1RM), endurance using the sit-and-stand test (SST), and muscle using the perimeter of the thighs. RESULTS: Both groups increased the distance covered in the 6MWT (FESG: 49.6m, 95% CI 15.9-83.3; FESPG: 41.5m, 95% CI 7.8-75.2), but without a difference between groups. There were significant between-group differences for quadriceps muscle strength (7.2kg, 95% CI 0.2-14.2) and muscle endurance (2.2 repetitions, 95% CI 1.0-3.4) in favor of the FESG. CONCLUSION: FES improves lower limb muscle strength and endurance in patients after cardiac surgery. Larger trials are needed to confirm our findings.