Effects of Different Exercise Interventions on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, as Measured by Peak Oxygen Consumption in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is an important component of rehabilitation care for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to critically analyze and summarize the existing evidence from published systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have evaluated the effects of different types of exercise interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by peak oxygen consumption in people with CHD. METHODS: Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and PEDro) were searched for SRs of exercise interventions of people with CHD. Two reviewers assessed the quality of SRs using the AMSTAR-2 tool and evaluated the strength of evidence quality with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system for relevant outcome measures. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-one SRs (with 125 RCTs) met the study criteria, including 33,608 patients. Compared with usual care, continuous aerobic exercise produced an improvement in peak oxygen consumption, MD of 3.8 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 3.204.4, I2 = 67%); high-intensity interval training, MD 6.1 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 0.4-11.8, I2 = 97%); resistance training, MD of 2.1 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 0.98-3.2, I2 = 60%); combined aerobic and resistance training, MD of 3.0 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI: 2.5-3.4, I2 = 0%); and water-based exercise, MD of 4.4 mL kg-1 min-1 (95% CI, 2.1-6.7; I2 = 2%). CONCLUSION: Exercise interventions improve peak oxygen consumption in people with CHD. However, there was moderate to very-low certainty for the evidence found.

Determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta­regression.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and its possible determinants in post-COVID-19 survivors has not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVES: To identify and summarize studies comparing cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors versus non-COVID-19 controls, as well as to determine the influence of potential moderating factors. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and SciELO since their inceptions until June 2022. Mean differences (MD), standard mean differences (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to evaluate potential moderating factors. RESULTS: 48 studies (3372 participants, mean age 42 years, and with a mean testing time of 4 months post-COVID-19) were included, comprising a total of 1823 COVID-19 survivors and 1549 non-COVID-19 controls. After data pooling, VO2 peak (SMD=1.0 95% CI: 0.5, 1.5; 17 studies; N = 1273) was impaired in COVID-19 survivors. In 15 studies that reported VO2 peak values in mL/min/kg, non-COVID-19 controls had higher peak VO2 values than COVID-19 survivors (MD=6.2, 95% CI: 3.5, 8.8; N = 905; I2=84%). In addition, VO2 peak was associated with age, time post-COVID-19, disease severity, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired in COVID-19 survivors, especially for those with severe disease, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. Furthermore, the degree of reduction of VO2 peak is inversely associated with age and time post-COVID.

Effects of exercise interventions on functioning and health-related quality of life following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of exercise interventions on functioning and health-related quality of life following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro data base, and SciELO (from the earliest date available to January 2023) for RCTs that evaluated the effects of physical rehabilitation interventions following hospital discharge for recovery from critical illness. REVIEW METHODS: Study quality was evaluated using the PEDro Scale. Mean differences (MDs), standard MDs (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the study criteria, including 1259 patients. Exercise interventions improved aerobic capacity SMD 0.2 (95% CI: 0.03-0.3, I2 = 0% N = 880, nine studies, high-quality evidence), and physical component score of health-related quality of life MD 3.3 (95% CI: 1.0-5.6, I2 = 57%, six studies N = 669, moderate-quality evidence). In addition, a significant reduction in depression was observed MD -1.4 (95% CI: -2.7 to -0.1, I2 = 0% N = 148, three studies, moderate-quality evidence). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Exercise intervention was associated with improvement of aerobic capacity, depression, and physical component score of health-related quality of life after hospital discharge for survivors of critical illness.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients in the Postoperative Phase of Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To review the evidence about inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients in postoperative of cardiac surgery. We conducted this systematic review used the databases Ovid, LILACS, CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, and CENTRAL. Randomized clinical trials that addressed IMT after cardiac surgery were selected. The outcomes assessed were maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), tidal volume (TV), peak expiratory flow (PEF), functional capacity (6-minute walk test) and length of hospital stay. The mean difference between groups and the respective 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and used to quantify the effect of continuous outcomes. Seven studies were selected. The IMT was superior to the control over MIP 15.77 cmH2O (95% CI, 5.95-25.49), MEP 15.87 cmH2O (95% CI, 1.16-30.58), PEF 40.98 L/min (95% CI, 4.64-77.32), TV 184.75 mL (95% CI, 19.72-349.77), hospital stay -1.25 days (95% CI, -1.77 to -0.72), but without impact on functional capacity 29.93 m (95% CI, -27.59 to 87.45). Based on the results presented, IMT was beneficial as a form of treatment for patients after cardiac surgery.

Water-Based Exercises on Peak Oxygen Consumption, Exercise Time, and Muscle Strength in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is a growing use of water-based exercises in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, there is little data concerning the effects of water-based exercise on the exercise capacity of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Objective: To perform a systematic review to investigate the effects of water-based exercise on peak oxygen consumption, exercise time, and muscle strength in patients with CAD. Methods: Five databases were searched to find randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of water-based exercise for coronary artery disease patients. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: Eight studies were included. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.4 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 2.3 to 4.5; I2 = 0%; 5 studies, N = 167), exercise time of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.1 to 1.1; I2 = 0%; 3 studies, N = 69), and total body strength of 32.2 kg (95% CI, 23.9 to 40.7; I2 = 3%; 3 studies, N = 69) when compared to no exercising controls. Water-based exercise resulted in an improvement in peak VO2 of 3.1 mL/kg/min (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.7; I2 = 13%; 2 studies, N = 74), when compared to the plus land exercise group. No significant difference in peak VO2 was found for participants in the water-based exercise plus land exercise group compared with the land exercise group. Conclusions: Water-based exercise may improve exercise capacity and should be considered as an alternative method in the rehabilitation of patients with CAD.

Efeito da manobra de recrutamento alveolar no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca: uma revisão sistemática / Effect of the alveolar recruitment maneuver in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery: a systematic review

Introdução: as cirurgias cardíacas são as intervenções de escolha em níveis mais avançados das doenças cardiovasculares, e complicações pulmonares podem ocorrer como consequência das alterações fisiológicas causadas pela circulação extracorpórea, pela anestesia e pela incisão esterno torácica. A fisioterapia atua com o intuito de prevenir e tratar essas complicações, através da utilização de uma das técnicas de expansão pulmonar mais utilizadas na reversão de hipoxemia e atelectasias, a manobra de recrutamento alveolar, com o objetivo de abrir alvéolos colapsados e aumentar as trocas gasosas. Objetivo: revisar sistematicamente os efeitos da manobra, na relação PaO2/FiO2, SatO2, o tempo de ventilação mecânica, o tempo de internamento, a incidência de atelectasia, a pressão arterial média e a frequência cardíaca. Metodologia: revisão de ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados nas bases de dados PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS e PEDro. Foram incluídos estudos que utilizaram a manobra como prevenção de complicações pulmonares, publicados em inglês e português. Resultados: foram incluídos 4 estudos, publicados entre os anos 2005 e 2017. O nível de pressão da manobra variou entre 30 cmH2O a 40 cmH2O. Os estudos mostraram que a manobra foi estatisticamente relevante na relação PaO2/FiO2, SatO2 e na redução da incidência de atelectasias, sem impacto no tempo de ventilação mecânica, no tempo de internamento, na pressão arterial média e na frequência cardíaca. Conclusão: a manobra de recrutamento pode ser considerada como uma técnica a ser utilizada na prevenção de alterações pulmonares, porém não é possível afirmar se os benefícios da manobra perduraram em longo prazo.

Introduction: Cardiac surgeries are the interventions of choice in more advanced levels of cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary complications can occur as a result of physiological changes caused by cardiopulmonary bypass, anaesthesia and the sternum thoracic incision. Physiotherapy acts with the aim of preventing and treating these complications, through the use of one of the most used lung expansion techniques in the reversal of hypoxemia and atelectasis, the alveolar recruitment maneuver, with the objective of opening collapsed alveoli and increasing gas exchanges. Objective: To systematically review the effects of the maneuver on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, SatO2, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospitalization, incidence of atelectasis, mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Methodology: Review of controlled and randomized clinical trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS and PEDro databases. Studies that used the maneuver to prevent pulmonary complications, published in English and Portuguese, were included. Results: 4 studies, published between 2005 and 2017, were included. The maneuver pressure level ranged from 30 cmH2O to 40 cmH2O. The studies showed that the maneuver was statistically relevant in relation to PaO2/FiO2, SatO2 and in reducing the incidence of atelectasis, with no impact on the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospitalization, mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Conclusion: The recruitment maneuver can be considered as a technique to be used in the prevention of pulmonary alterations; however, it is not possible to state whether the benefits of the maneuver lasted in the long term.

Comparison of High-Intensity Interval Training to Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training for Functioning and Quality of Life in Survivors of COVID-19 (COVIDEX): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) for feasibility, safety, adherence, and short- and long-term efficacy in improving functioning and health-related quality of life in survivors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: COVIDEX is a two-pronged, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with an 8-week training intervention. The study participants will be 94 patients aged >18 years, admitted to a specialized post-COVID center. Participants will be randomized to HIIT (4 × 4 minutes of high-intensity work periods at 85% to 90% of peak heart rate) and MICT (47 minutes at 70% to 75% peak heart rate) groups for biweekly sessions for 8 weeks. The participants will undergo 2 phases of supervised training (phases 1 and 2) of 4 weeks each, in a public, specialized, post-COVID center. In phase 1, we will assess and compare the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT intervention. In phase 2, the long-term efficacy of HIIT and MICT will be assessed and compared regarding function and health-related quality of life. To prevent any expectation bias, all study participants and assessors will be blinded to the study hypotheses. Group allocation will be masked during the analysis. All statistical analyses will be conducted following intention-to-treat principles. IMPACT: This study is the first randomized controlled trial that will compare the feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of the HIIT and MICT intervention programs in this population. The findings will potentially provide important information and assist in clinical decision making on exercise to optimize the benefits of clinical health care in survivors of COVID-19.

Lung and physical function in post COVID-19 and clinical and functional associations: a cross-sectional study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess exercise capacity, lung and physical function in COVID-19 survivors, and the association of lesion-level characteristics assessed by chest computed tomography, probable sarcopenia, and percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide with clinical and functional variables. METHODS: This study was conducted in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All patients had a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure history, pulmonary function, computed tomography, and functionality of the participants between 1 and 3 months of diagnosis of the disease were collected. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients after COVID-19 recovery were included in this study. Probable sarcopenia, reduction in percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and a lower 6-min walk distance were observed after COVID-19 infection. Computed tomography>50% was associated with a longer length of stay and a lower percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Probable sarcopenia diagnosis was associated with a worse percentage of the predicted 6-min walk distance in relation to the predicted, absolute 6-min walk distance (m), percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and percentage of total lung capacity. CONCLUSION: Muscle disability and lung dysfunction are common in COVID-19 survivors. Hospitalization was associated with the worst muscle force and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Computed tomography characteristics could be a marker of prolonged hospital stay after the acute phase of COVID-19. Additionally, the probable diagnosis of sarcopenia could be a marker of impact on walking distance. These results highlight the need for long-term follow-up of those patients and rehabilitation programs.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity, Blood Pressure, and Autonomic Responses in Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Despite the well-known positive effects of exercise in hypertensive patients, the best mode of exercise is still under discussion. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of the literature, synthesizing data on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), blood pressure (BP), cardiac autonomic modulation, and resting heart rate (HR) in patients with hypertension. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (via PubMed), CENTRAL, PEDro database, and SciELO (from the earliest date available to December 31, 2020). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of HIIT in hypertensive patients. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION: Mean differences (MDs) with a 95% CI were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS: Nine RCTs encompassing 569 patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Five trials compared supervised HIIT with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and a control; 1 trial compared HIIT with MICT, and 3 compared HIIT with a control. In comparison with MICT, HIIT improved VO2 peak MD (3.3 mL.kg-1.min-1; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3; N = 130). In comparison with controls, HIIT improved VO2 peak MD (4.4 mL.kg-1.min-1; 95% CI, 2.5-6.2; N = 162). CONCLUSION: Despite the low quality of the evidence, HIIT is superior to MICT in improving VO2 peak in patients with hypertension. HIIT effectively improved VO2 peak, BP, and resting HR when compared with controls. HIIT appears to be safe only when performed in a supervised manner for stage 1 hypertension patients without associated risk factors.

Effects of therapeutic interventions on pain due to plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of different therapeutic interventions that have ever been evaluated in randomized controlled trials on pain due to plantar fasciitis. METHODS: We searched different electronic databases until September 2022. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the overall certainty evidence. RESULTS: A total of 236 studies met the study criteria, including 15,401 patients. Botulinum toxin MD -2.14 (CI: -4.15, -0.14), micronized dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane injection MD -3.31 (CI: -5.54, -1.08), dry needling MD -2.34 (CI: -4.64, -0.04), low-dye taping MD -3.60 (CI: -4.16, -3.03), low-level laser therapy MD -2.09 (CI: -2.28, -1.90), myofascial releases MD -1.79 (CI: -2.63, -0.94), platelet-rich plasma MD -2.40 (CI: -4.16, -0.63), radiofrequency MD -2.47 (CI: -4.65, -0.29), and stretching MD -1.14 (CI: -2.02, -0.26) resulted in being effective treatments for pain when compared to the control in the short term. In the medium and long term, only extracorporeal shock wave therapy MD -0.97 (CI: -1.13, -0.81)/MD -2.49 (CI: -3.17, -1.82) was effective for improving pain when compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the available studies, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that different therapeutic interventions seem to be useful strategies for improving pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. In the medium and long term, only extracorporeal shock wave therapy was effective in improving pain when compared to the control.

Lung and physical function in post COVID-19 and clinical and functional associations: a cross-sectional study in Brazil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess exercise capacity, lung and physical function in COVID-19 survivors, and the association of lesion-level characteristics assessed by chest computed tomography, probable sarcopenia, and percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide with clinical and functional variables. METHODS: This study was conducted in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. All patients had a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure history, pulmonary function, computed tomography, and functionality of the participants between 1 and 3 months of diagnosis of the disease were collected. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients after COVID-19 recovery were included in this study. Probable sarcopenia, reduction in percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and a lower 6-min walk distance were observed after COVID-19 infection. Computed tomography>50% was associated with a longer length of stay and a lower percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Probable sarcopenia diagnosis was associated with a worse percentage of the predicted 6-min walk distance in relation to the predicted, absolute 6-min walk distance (m), percentage of diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, and percentage of total lung capacity. CONCLUSION: Muscle disability and lung dysfunction are common in COVID-19 survivors. Hospitalization was associated with the worst muscle force and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide. Computed tomography characteristics could be a marker of prolonged hospital stay after the acute phase of COVID-19. Additionally, the probable diagnosis of sarcopenia could be a marker of impact on walking distance. These results highlight the need for long-term follow-up of those patients and rehabilitation programs.

Effect of the alveolar recruitment manoeuvre on pulmonary complications in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery: preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial / Efeito da manobra de recrutamento alveolar em complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca: resultados preliminares de ensaio clínico randomizado

Introducion: given the great variability in ventilation protocols, postoperative management, characteristics of the alveolar recruitment maneuver (ARM) (frequency, duration and intensity) and tolerability in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS), this study investigates whether ARM is beneficial in this area. situation in order to standardize its use. Objective: we investigated the effectiveness of ARM against pulmonary complications (PCs) immediately after CS. Methods: this randomised clinical trial included 134 patients aged >18 years who underwent coronary artery bypass graft or valve replacement surgery at our institution between February and September 2019. Participants were allocated to receive standard physiotherapy (control group [CG], n=67) or standard physiotherapy plus ARM (intervention group [IG], n=67). Results: there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of PCs between the CG and IG groups (p=0.85). ARM did not improve gas exchange or lower total mechanical ventilation time, reintubation requirement, or intensive care unit and hospital stay. Conclusions: prophylactic ARM does not decrease the insufficiency of PCs in the postoperative period of CS, it did not improve gas exchange, nor did it reduce the time of MV. MRA was associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability. Patients must be screened before performing ARM.

Introdução: dada a grande variabilidade nos protocolos de ventilação, manejo pós-operatório, características da manobra de recrutamento alveolar (MRA) (frequência, duração e intensidade) e tolerabilidade em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca (CC), este estudo investiga se a MRA é benéfica nesta área, a fim de padronizar seu uso. Objetivo: investigou-se a eficácia da MRA contra complicações pulmonares (CPs) imediatamente após a CC. Metodologia: este ensaio clínico randomizado incluiu 134 pacientes com idade > 18 anos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio ou cirurgia de substituição valvar em nossa instituição entre fevereiro e setembro de 2019. Os participantes foram alocados para receber fisioterapia padrão (grupo controle [GC], n=67) ou fisioterapia padrão com adição da MRA (grupo intervenção [GI], n=67). Resultados: não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na incidência de CPs entre os grupos GC e GI (p=0,85). A MRA não melhorou as trocas gasosas ou reduziu o tempo total de ventilação mecânica, necessidade de reintubação na unidade de terapia intensiva e internação hospitalar. Conclusão: a MRA profilática não diminui a incidência de CPs no pós-operatório de CC, não melhora as trocas gasosas, nem reduziu o tempo de VM. A MRA foi associada a um risco aumentado de instabilidade hemodinâmica. Os pacientes devem ser avaliados antes de realizar MRA.

Correlação entre pico de fluxo de tosse e controle postural em indivíduos após AVE na fase subaguda hospitalar / Correlation between peak cough flow and postural control in individuals with stroke in the subacute hospital phase

Introdução: o Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) caracteriza-se por um déficit neurológico agudo e está entre as principais causas de mortalidade e incapacidade no mundo. As complicações respiratórias são responsáveis pelo aumento dos custos com internamento hospitalar e estão associadas a piores desfechos funcionais. Objetivo: investigar a correlação entre o pico de fluxo da tosse e o controle postural em indivíduos após AVE na fase subaguda hospitalar. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo observacional, de delineamento transversal, com indivíduos diagnosticados com AVE, em um hospital de referência em neurologia da rede pública estadual. Para quantificação do pico de fluxo da tosse (PFT) foi utilizado o aparelho Peak Flow Meter e para avaliação do controle postural a Escala de avaliação postural para pacientes após AVE (EAPA). A análise da correlação foi realizada utilizando-se o coeficiente de Pearson. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 28 voluntários, com média de idade de 57,39±15,1 anos, em sua maior parte com diagnóstico de AVE isquêmico (78,6%), hemiparesia esquerda (70,8%), sexo feminino (67,9%), tempo médio de internação de 21,6±18,0 dias, média do PFT 193,5±93,8 e de EAPA 21,6±11,0. Foi encontrada correlação positiva de moderada a boa entre o PFT e a EAPA (r= 0.52; p= 0.006). Conclusão: existe correlação positiva de moderada a boa entre capacidade da tosse e controle postural em indivíduos com AVE na fase subaguda hospitalar. Compreender essas alterações auxilia na sistematização dos programas de prevenção e reabilitação, desde o internamento.

Introduction: the Stroke is characterized by an acute neurological deficit and is among the main causes of mortality and disability in the world. Respiratory complications are responsible for increased hospital admission costs and are associated with worse functional outcomes. Objective: to investigate the correlation between peak cough flow and postural control in patients with stroke, in the subacute hospital phase. Methods: this is an observational, cross-sectional study with individuals diagnosed with stroke in a neurology referral hospital in the state public network. To quantify peak cough flow (PFC) the Peak Flow Meter device was used and to assess postural control the Postural Assessment Scale for patients after Stroke (PASS). Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's coefficient. Results: the sample consisted of 28 volunteers, with a mean age of 57.39±15.1 years, mean length of stay of 21.6±18.0 days, most of them female (67.9%) and diagnosed with ischemic stroke (78.6%), left hemiparetic (70.8%), mean PFC 193.5 ± 93.8 L/min and PASS 21.6 ± 11.0. A moderate to good positive correlation was found between PFC and PASS (r= 0.52; p= 0.006). Conclusion: there is a moderate positive correlation between coughing ability and postural control in patients with stroke in the subacute hospital phase. Understanding these changes helps in the systematization of prevention and rehabilitation programs, from hospitalization.

Effects of Foot Orthoses on Pain and the Prevention of Lower Limb Injuries in Runners: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: A variety of approaches have been proposed to prevent lower limb injuries in runners. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce lower limb pain and injury after intensive running is very weak. OBJECTIVE: The authors performed a systematic review to investigate the effects of foot orthoses on pain and the prevention of lower limb injuries in runners. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The authors searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Scielo, and Cochrane Central (from inception to February 2022) databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of foot orthoses in runners. The authors then calculated mean differences and 95% confidence intervals from these trials. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Furthermore, the authors compared the criteria between runners with foot orthoses and ones with no intervention (control group). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies (5321 runners) met our review criteria. The control and the foot orthoses group sustained 721 (37%) and 238 (24%) injuries, respectively. Compared with the control group, the use of foot orthoses resulted in a significant reduction in lower limb injury risk (risk ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.7; P = .00001, I2 = 54%; 7 studies, N = 2983: moderate-quality evidence). Moreover, the foot orthoses group corresponded to a 40% reduction in the risk of developing lower limb injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The use of foot orthoses may help reduce the incidence of lower limb injuries and pain in runners.

Incidência, fatores associados e impacto de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica / Incidence, associated factors and impact of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of pediatric cardiac surgery

Objetivo: determinar a incidência, os fatores associados e o impacto das complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca pediátrica. Metodologia: estudo de coorte, prospectivo, que incluiu lactentes e crianças submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca em um hospital pediátrico, no período de novembro de 2016 a julho de 2019. Foram coletados dados dos prontuários referentes ao sexo, idade, presença de outras malformações associadas, tipo de cardiopatia, ocorrência de complicações pulmonares, tempo de ventilação mecânica (VM) e de internamento na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e óbito. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída por 111 lactentes e crianças, mediana da idade de 13 meses (7-32 meses), 54,1% do sexo feminino. Quanto ao tipo de cardiopatia, 80,2% foram cianogênicas. As complicações pulmonares ocorreram em 44,1% dos casos, sendo a mais frequente a atelectasia. A mediana do tempo de VM foi 8 horas (1-48h) e 45 (40,5%) permaneceram na VM por mais de 24h. A mediana do tempo de internamento na UTI foi de 7 dias (4-12dias). Evoluíram a óbito 7 (14,3%) pacientes. Conclusão: a amostra investigada apresentou incidência elevada de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca

Objective: to determine the incidence, associated factors and impact of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of pediatric cardiac surgery. Methodology: prospective cohort study, which included infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery in a pediatric hospital, from November 2016 to July 2019. Data were collected from medical records regarding sex, age, presence of other associated malformations, type of heart disease, occurrence of pulmonary complications, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) stay and death. Results: the sample consisted of 111 infants and children, median age 13 months (7-32 months), 54.1% female. As for the type of heart disease, 80.2% were acyanotic. Pulmonary complications occurred in 44.1% of cases, with atelectasis being the most frequent. The median time on mechanical ventilation (MV) was 8 hours (1-48h) and 45 (40.5%) remained on MV for more than 24h. The median length of stay in the ICU was 7 days (4-12 days). 7 (14.3%) patients died. Conclusion: the investigated sample had a high incidence of pulmonary complications in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on exercise capacity, muscle strength and quality of life in COPD patients: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on disabilities and activity limitation of individuals affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PEDro database, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and SciELO, were searched from inception until October 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Inclusion criteria were patients with COPD, randomized controlled trials comparing neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone or combined conventional pulmonary rehabilitation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation versus control or sham or pulmonary rehabilitation in disabilities and activity limitation in COPD. There were no mandatory language or publication date restrictions. Two reviewers selected studies independently. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results 32 studies met the study criteria, including 1.269 participants. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improved exercise capacity (MD 1.10, 95% CI: 0.33, 1.86, N = 147), and muscle strength (0.53, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.87, N = 147) compared to sham group. Combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation and conventional rehabilitation improved exercise capacity (MD 34.28 meters, 95% CI: 6.84, 61.73, N = 262) compared to conventional rehabilitation alone. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation resulted in small improvement in disabilities and activity limitation (below the MCID) in COPD. Thus, the inclusion of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in rehabilitation programs must consider the cost Because of inadequate methodological conduction and reporting of methods, some studies were of low quality.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and disability in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS: We searched Pubmed, PEDro database, Scielo, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of LLLT for patients with PF. The methodological aspects of the studies included were scored using the PEDro scale. Three comparisons were made: LLLT compared with placebo, LLLT combined with conventional rehabilitation (CR) compared with CR and LLLT compared with extracorporeal shock wave therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (817 patients) met the study criteria. Compared to the placebo group, LLLT improved pain (MD, -2.3; 95% CI: 2.6 to -2, I2 = 0%; 4 studies, N = 234: moderate-quality evidence) in the short term (0-6 weeks). No significant difference in short-term disability was found for participants in the LLLT group compared to the placebo group. Compared to the CR group, LLLT combined with CR improved pain (MD, -2.0; 95% CI: 2.9 to -1.1, I2 = 0%; 2 studies, N = 90: moderate-quality evidence) in the short term (0-6 weeks). Compared to extracorporeal shock wave therapy, LLLT did not significantly reduce pain intensity in the short term (MD, 0.5; 95% CI: 2.0 to 2.9, I2 = 96%; 4 studies, N = 175: low-quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: LLLT may improve pain in the short term and can be considered as a component of care of patients with PF. However, this superiority disappeared compared to extracorporeal shock wave therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level I.

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training reduces pain and disability in individuals with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Although proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises are used in rehabilitation practice, their effects in patients with low back pain (LBP) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of PNF training for pain and disability in patients with LBP. METHODS: In this systematic review, we searched five databases from the earliest date available to October 2020. Three comparisons were performed: PNF versus control, PNF versus core strengthening, and PNF versus conventional physical therapy. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria (722 patients). PNF training improved pain (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.2 to -0.9, n = 174) and disability (SMD: -3.29; 95% CI: -5.3 to -1.3, n = 144) compared to the control. PNF training also yielded a greater benefit for pain reduction (mean difference [MD]: -1.8, 95% CI: -2.2 to -0.3, n = 177) and disability improvement (MD: -6.6, 95% CI: -9.3 to -3.8, n = 113) than did core strengthening. CONCLUSION: PNF training seems to be a useful strategy for decreasing pain and improving disability in patients with LBP. However, the quality of evidence for the outcomes of both pain and disability was low to moderate.

Comparison of the Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Warfarin in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Valvular Heart Disease: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) are approved for use in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs vs. warfarin and update the evidence for treatment of AF and valvular heart disease (VHD). Methods: We identified randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and post-hoc analyses comparing the use of DOACS and Warfarin in AF and VHD, including biological and mechanical heart valves (MHV), updating from 2010 to 2020. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, by using the "Rev Man" program 5.3, the primary effectiveness endpoints were stroke and systemic embolism (SE). The primary safety outcome was major bleeding, while the secondary outcome included intracranial hemorrhage. We performed prespecified subgroup analyses. Data were analyzed by risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) and the I-square (I 2) statistic as a quantitative measure of inconsistency. Risk of bias and methodological quality assessment of included trials was evaluated with the modified Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Results: We screened 326 articles and included 8 RCTs (n = 14.902). DOACs significantly reduced the risk of stroke/SE (RR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68-0.94; P = 0.008; moderate quality evidence; I 2 = 2%) and intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.66; P = 0.0004; I 2 = 49%) with a similar risk of major bleeding (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.56-1.24; P = 0.36; I 2 = 88%) compared to Warfarin. Conclusions: In this update, DOACs remained with similar efficacy and safety compared to warfarin in thromboprophylaxis for AF and VHD.