Temporal trends of dengue cases and deaths from 2007 to 2020 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Dengue, a disease with multifactorial determinants, is linked to population susceptibility to circulating viruses and the extent of vector infestation. This study aimed to analyze the temporal trends of dengue cases and deaths in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2007 to 2020. Data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) were utilized for the investigation. To assess the disease's progression over the study period and predict its future incidence, time series analyses were conducted using a generalized additive model (GAM) and a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model. Over the study period, a total of 463,566 dengue cases and 125 deaths were reported. Notably, there was an increase in severe cases and deaths, marking hyperendemics characterized by simultaneous virus circulation (79.17% in 2016-50% in 2019). The generalized additive model revealed a non-linear pattern with epidemic peaks in 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019, indicating an explosive pattern of dengue incidence. The SARIMA (3,1,1) (0,0,0)12 model was validated for each year (2015 to 2019). Comparing the actual and predicted numbers of dengue cases, the model demonstrated its effectiveness for predicting cases in the municipality. The rising number of dengue cases emphasizes the importance of vector surveillance and control. Enhanced models and predictions by local health services will aid in anticipating necessary control measures to combat future epidemics.

Ventilatory Threshold and Risk of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Whereas pulmonary exacerbations and aerobic fitness play a key role in the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), the use of ventilatory threshold data as markers of exacerbation risk has been scarcely addressed. This study sought to examine the association between aerobic fitness, assessed through ventilatory threshold variables recorded during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and the risk of exacerbations in individuals with CF. METHODS: Participants of this retrospective cohort study were subjects from 6 y of age. Over a 4-y period, the following data were recorded: lung function indicators, CPET variables, time to first exacerbation and antibiotic use, along with demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data. RESULTS: The mean age of 20 subjects included was 16 ± 5.4 y. Univariate regression analysis revealed that lung function (FEV1: Cox hazard ratio [HR] 0.97, P = .03; and forced expiratory flow between 25-75% of vital capacity [FEF25-75]: Cox HR 0.98, P = .036) and aerobic fitness (oxygen consumption [V̇O2 ] at ventilatory threshold: Cox HR 0.94, P = .01; and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide [V̇E/V̇CO2 ] at ventilatory threshold: Cox HR 1.13, P = .049) were associated with exacerbation risk, whereas in the multivariate model, only V̇O2 at the ventilatory threshold (%max) (Cox HR 0.92, P = .01) had a significant impact on this risk. Consistently, individuals experiencing exacerbation had significantly lower V̇O2 values (%max) at the ventilatory threshold (P = .050) and higher ventilatory equivalent for oxygen consumption (V̇E/V̇O2 ) (P = .040) and V̇E/V̇O2 (P = .037) values at the ventilatory threshold. Time to exacerbation was significantly correlated with V̇O2 at the ventilatory threshold (r = 0.50, P = .02), V̇E/V̇O2 (r = -0.48, P = .02), and V̇E/V̇CO2 (r = -0.50, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between CPET variables at the ventilatory threshold and exacerbations. Percentage V̇O2 at the ventilatory threshold could serve as a complementary variable to monitor exacerbations in people with CF.

[Knowledge about warfarin treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation or mechanical prosthetic valves]. / Conocimientos acerca del tratamiento con warfarina en pacientes con fibrilación auricular o portadores de válvulas protésicas mecánicas.

Objective: To determine the degree of knowledge about warfarin treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation or with mechanical prosthetic valves. Materials and methods: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. The OAK test was applied to all adult patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or with mechanical prosthetic valves treated with warfarin, who attended the hematology consultation from May 17 to November 10, 2022, at the "Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular Carlos Alberto Peschiera Carrillo". Results: A total of 150 patients participated, 64% were male, with a mean age of 60.3 ± 15 years, 45.3% with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and 54.7% with mechanical prosthetic valves. The mean OAK test score was 44.4% (8.4/19), only 6% (n=9) achieved a satisfactory score ≥75.0%, the percentage of correct answers according to dimensions was: 68 % in forms of use, 39.3% in interactions and complications and 41.1% in INR control. A 40.7% did not understand the meaning of the term INR and 81.3% did not know their optimal values. Conclusions: The patient's degree of knowledge about warfarin treatment was inadequate; both in its use, interactions and complications. Considering that it is a difficult drug to use, due to its narrow therapeutic window and its multiple interactions, inadequate knowledge of its use may contribute to inappropriate anticoagulation.

Determinants of exercise capacity in children and adolescents with severe therapy-resistant asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the exercise capacity of children and adolescents with severe therapy resistant asthma (STRA) aiming to identify its main determinants. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including individuals aged 6-18 years with a diagnosis of STRA. Clinical (age and gender), anthropometric (weight, height and body mass index) and disease control data were collected. Lung function (spirometry), cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) test were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients aged 11.5 ± 2.6 years were included. The mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 91.3 ± 9.2%. EIB occurred in 54.2% of patients. In CPET, the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was 34.1 ± 7.8 mL kg-1 min-1. A significant correlation between ventilatory reserve and FEV1 (r = 0.57; p = 0.003) was found. Similarly, there was a significant correlation between CPET and percent of FEV1 fall in the EIB test for both VE/VO2 (r = 0.47; p = 0.02) and VE/VCO2 (r = 0.46; p = 0.02). Patients with FEV1<80% had lower ventilatory reserve (p = 0.009). In addition, resting heart rate correlated with VO2peak (r=-0.40; p = 0.04), VE/VO2 (r = 0.46; p = 0.02) and VE/VCO2 (r = 0.48; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise capacity is impaired in approximately 30% of children and adolescents with STRA. The results indicate that different aspects of aerobic fitness are influenced by distinct determinants, including lung function and EIB.

The Association of Field Test Outcomes with Peak Oxygen Uptake in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association of field test outcomes with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to describe the main prediction equations available. Data searches were performed in five databases (Pubmed, Embase, LILACs, Scopus and Web of Science) and also in the reference lists of articles included. The following inclusion criteria were used: studies including individuals with CF, presenting both a field test and a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and describing a predictive equation or coefficient of correlation/determination. Case studies, abstracts, letters of reply, editorials and duplicate publications were excluded. The methodological quality analysis was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies scale. Protocol registration number: CRD42020148363. Ten studies were eligible. Five equations were found to predict VO2peak. Equations derived from the shuttle tests (ST) showed strong correlations with VO2peak (r = 0.79 to 0.95). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) showed moderate associations with VO2peak in participants with moderate disease severity (r = 0.53 to 0.65). Furthermore, patients with lower maximum heart rate on the three-minute step test tended to have a higher percent predicted VO2peak (r = -0.40), and the one-minute sit-to-stand test demonstrated moderate correlations between VO2peak and the number of repetitions (r = 0.52 to 0.66). In conclusion, field test outcomes correlate with oxygen consumption assessed through CPET, although only the ST seems to be valid as a predictor of VO2peak in patients with CF.

Diagnostic performance of the physical activity-related question of the GINA questionnaire to detect exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the item concerning physical activity of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) asthma control questionnaire for detection of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We divided participants (aged 6-18 years) with a diagnosis of asthma into two groups according to the GINA severity classification: mild/moderate asthma (MMA) and severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA). We collected anthropometric, clinical and functional data (spirometry) and performed an EIB test. We used item 4 of the GINA questionnaire regarding exercise-induced symptoms to assess the diagnostic power of this instrument. RESULTS: We included 40 patients (17 with MMA and 23 with STRA) with a mean age of 11.3 years and a mean FEV1z-score of -0.33, of who 13 (32.5%) were classified as having uncontrolled asthma. Of the patients with uncontrolled asthma, 7 (53.8%) exhibited a decrease in the FEV1 after the EIB test. We found a higher frequency of EIB in participants with FEV1 z-score values of less than -1.0 compared to those with a z-score of -1.0 or greater (P = .05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of EIB based on disease severity and control. We also found no association of item 4 (GINA) with EIB. The area under the ROC curve demonstrated that the discriminative power of the GINA questionnaire for the detection of EIB is inadequate (P = .41), with sensitivity of 42.1% and specificity of 57.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The item concerning physical activity in the GINA questionnaire has insufficient diagnostic power to detect EIB in children and adolescents with asthma.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de la pregunta concerniente a la actividad física del cuestionario GINA para la detección de asma y broncoconstricción inducidas por el ejercicio / Diagnostic performance of the physical activity related question of the GINA questionnaire to detect exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de la pregunta relacionada con la actividad física del cuestionario de control del asma de la Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) para la detección de la broncoconstricción inducida por el ejercicio (BIE) en niños y adolescentes.Materiales y métodos: Se dividió a pacientes (de seis a 18 años de edad) con diagnóstico de asma en dos grupos de acuerdo con la clasificación de gravedad según el cuestionario GINA: asma leve/moderada (ALM) y asma grave refractaria (AGR). Se recogieron datos antropométricos, clínicos y funcionales (espirometría) y se realizó prueba de broncoprovocación con esfuerzo. Se utilizó la cuarta pregunta del cuestionario GINA, concerniente a los síntomas asociados con el esfuerzo físico, para evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico de este instrumento.Resultados: Se incluyeron a 40 pacientes (17 con ALM y 23 con AGR) con una edad media de 11,3 años y un z-score medio de FEV1 de -0,33, de los que 13 (32,5%) se clasificaron como casos de asma no controlada. De los pacientes con enfermedad no controlada, siete (53,8%) mostraron caídas en el FEV1 tras la prueba de esfuerzo. Se observó una mayor frecuencia de BIE en sujetos con z-score de FEV1 < -1,0 en comparación con aquellos con un z-score ≥ -1,0 (p = 0,05). No hubo diferencias significativas en la frecuencia de BIE con base en la gravedad o el control de la enfermedad. Tampoco se observó asociación entre la pregunta cuatro (GINA) y la BIE. El área bajo la curva de características operativas del receptor (receiver operating characteristic, ROC) evidenció que el poder discriminatorio del cuestionario GINA resulta insuficiente para detectar la BIE (p = 0,41), con una sensibilidad del 42,1% y una especificidad del 57,1%.Conclusiones: La pregunta concerniente al ejercicio físico en el cuestionario GINA carece del poder diagnóstico necesario para detectar la BIE en niños y adolescentes asmáticos. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the item concerning physical activity of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) asthma control questionnaire for detection of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in children and adolescents.Material and methods: We divided participants (aged 6 to 18 years) with a diagnosis of asthma into two groups according to the GINA severity classification: mild/moderate asthma (MMA) and severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA). We collected anthropometric, clinical and functional data (spirometry) and performed an EIB test. We used item 4 of the GINA questionnaire regarding exercise-induced symptoms to assess the diagnostic power of this instrument.Results: We included 40 patients (17 with MMA and 23 with STRA) with a mean age of 11.3 years and a mean FEV1z-score of -0.33, of who 13 (32.5%) were classified as having uncontrolled asthma. Of the patients with uncontrolled asthma, 7 (53.8%) exhibited a decrease in the FEV1 after the EIB test. We found a higher frequency of EIB in participants with FEV1 z-score values of less than -1.0 compared to those with a z-score of -1.0 or greater (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of EIB based on disease severity and control. We also found no association of item 4 (GINA) with EIB. The area under the ROC curve demonstrated that the discriminative power of the GINA questionnaire for the detection of EIB is inadequate (p = 0.41), with sensitivity of 42.1% and specificity of 57.1%.Conclusions: The physical activity related question of GINA has insufficient diagnostic power to detect EIB in children and adolescents with asthma. (AU)

Continuous positive airway pressure acutely increases exercise duration in children with severe therapy-resistant asthma: a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Lower exercise tolerance is an important component of asthma and the possible effects of non-invasive ventilation on exercise capacity in individuals with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on exercise tolerance in children with STRA. METHODS: We performed a controlled, randomized, crossover clinical trial including subjects aged 6 to 18 years old diagnosed with STRA. Clinical, anthropometric and lung function data were collected. The participants in the intervention group (IG) used CPAP (PEEP 10cmH2O and FiO2 0.21) for a period of 40 min. Subjects in the control group (CG) used CPAP with minimum PEEP at 1 cmH20 also for 40 min. Afterwards, subjects from both groups underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). After a 15-day washout period, on a subsequent visit, subjects participated in the opposite group to the initial one. RESULTS: Thirteen subjects with a mean age of 12.30 ± 1.7 years were included. The variables of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) before using CPAP and after performing CPET did not show significant differences. Regarding CPET results, there was no significant difference (P = 0.59) between groups at peak exercise for oxygen consumption-VO2 (CG: 33.4 ± 6.3 and IG: 34.5 ± 5.9, mL kg-1 min-1). However, the IG (12.4 ± 2.1) presented a total test time (min) significantly (P = 0.01) longer than the CG (11.5 ± 1.3). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the use of CPAP before physical exercise increases exercise duration in children and adolescents with STRA.

Peripheral muscle strength is associated with aerobic fitness and use of antibiotics in patients with cystic fibrosis.

AIMS: Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop muscle abnormalities, although little is known on its clinical and functional impact. This study aimed to evaluate the association of peripheral muscle strength with aerobic fitness, habitual physical activity, lung function and the use of antibiotics (ATB) in patients with CF. METHODS: A cross-sectional study where individuals aged ≥6 years underwent peripheral muscle strength evaluation (biceps, quadriceps and hamstrings) and performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Demographic, anthropometric, genetic, lung function and total days of ATB use within 1 year of tests were also collected. RESULTS: Correlation was found for biceps (r = .45; P = .002) strength with the peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak). Muscle strength (biceps and quadriceps) also correlated with the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen consumption (VE /VO2 ) at anaerobic threshold (AT) and with the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide production (VE /VCO2 ) both at AT and peak exercise. Negative correlations were found for quadriceps (r = -.39) and hamstrings (r = -.42) with the total days of ATB use in the following year. Patients needing to use ATB presented lower biceps strength (P = .05) and individuals with VO2 peak lower than 37 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 presented lower muscle strength for both biceps (P = .01) and quadriceps (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The results have shown that peripheral muscle strength is associated with aerobic fitness and the use of antibiotics in patients with CF.

The modified shuttle test as a predictor of risk for hospitalization in youths with cystic fibrosis: A two-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) present exercise intolerance and episodes of pulmonary exacerbations. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the distance covered on the modified shuttle test (MST), as well as other clinical variables (anthropometry, chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, lung function), with the risk of hospitalization for pulmonary exacerbation. METHODS: Cohort study including CF patients older than 6 years, from two specialized CF centers. All patients underwent a MST and a lung function test at the time of inclusion. Demographic, anthropometric and clinical data were collected. Free time until the first hospitalization, total days of hospitalization and use of antibiotics during the two years of follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with a mean (SD) age of 12.4 (5.2) years and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 78.7% (22.4) were included. The mean distance covered (m) in the MST was 775.6 (255.7) (73.4 ± 19.5% of predicted). The distance achieved (MST) was considered as the main independent variable to predict the risk of hospitalization (Cox HR 0.97, p = 0.029). Patients who walked a distance of less than 80% of predicted in the MST showed an increase of 3.9 (95%CI 1.0-15.3) in the relative risk for hospitalization and significantly higher total number of days of hospitalization (p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: There is an association between the distance covered in the MST and the risk of hospitalization in youths with CF. Patients with reduced exercise capacity presented a 3.9 times increase in the relative risk for hospitalization due to pulmonary exacerbation.

Twenty-Two years of dengue fever (1996-2017): an epidemiological study in a Brazilian city.

This ecological study analyzed the temporal pattern of clinically diagnosed and laboratory confirmed dengue cases in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil from 1996 to 2017. The study was divided into two analytical parts, the first of which evaluated the association between dengue incidence and host and climatic factors. The second part encompassed data from 2002 to 2017 and examined dengue incidence in relation to virus serotype and an intra-urban socioeconomic index. Over 22 years there were 469,171 cases and four epidemic peaks. There was an increase in the number, severity, and lethality of cases over the last 10 years of the study period. Biological and environmental factors appear to modulate the behavior of dengue in a large urban center.

The carbon sink of tropical seasonal forests in southeastern Brazil can be under threat.

Tropical forests have played an important role as a carbon sink over time. However, the carbon dynamics of Brazilian non-Amazon tropical forests are still not well understood. Here, we used data from 32 tropical seasonal forest sites, monitored from 1987 to 2020 (mean site monitoring length, ~15 years) to investigate their long-term trends in carbon stocks and sinks. Our results highlight a long-term decline in the net carbon sink (0.13 Mg C ha-1 year-1) caused by decreasing carbon gains (2.6% by year) and increasing carbon losses (3.4% by year). The driest and warmest sites are experiencing the most severe carbon sink decline and have already moved from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Because of the importance of the terrestrial carbon sink for the global climate, policies are needed to mitigate the emission of greenhouse gases and to restore and protect tropical seasonal forests.

Treatment of textile dyes using advanced oxidative and adsorptive processes individually and combined: study of the operational parameters, kinetic and adsorptive equilibrium.

Advanced oxidative processes (AOP) have been consolidated as an efficient treatment technique to degrade persistent contaminants. In addition to them, biosorption also emerges as a technique capable of removing both pollutants and intermediate products generated by other treatments such as AOP. Thus, this work evaluated the degradation and removal of the mixture of dyes Direct Red 23 and Direct Red 227 in aqueous solution (50 mg·L-1 of each). Preliminary tests showed that the photo-Fenton system under sunlight radiation was the most efficient, reaching a degradation ≥93%. For the adsorptive process using chicken eggshell, preliminary tests indicated that the ideal dosage of adsorbent was 8.0 g·L-1. For this process, a factorial design indicated the best working conditions, which demonstrated from the system adjusted well to the Elovich (kinetic) model and to the Freundlich and Sips models (equilibrium). When associating the two processes, AOP followed by adsorption achieved a total degradation/removal of ≈98% (for all λ) in a time of 60 min. Thus, the feasibility of the combined treatment is indicated.

Effect of an interdisciplinary intervention with motivational approach on exercise capacity in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objective To evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary intervention with a motivational approach on exercise capacity and usual physical activity levels in overweight and obese adolescents. Methods This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial with single blinding of subjects. Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years with overweight and obesity (body mass index ≥ 85 percentile) were included. The adolescents were randomized into two groups: interdisciplinary intervention or control - traditional approach aiming at lifestyle modifications. The initial evaluations were carried out, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test and the physical activity level measurement by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a pedometer. The evaluations were performed in two moments: time zero (time of inclusion in the study) and after 3 months (end of intervention). There were 12 sessions with weekly meetings. Results A total of 37 participants were included, 19 in the Intervention Group. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic, anthropometric and physical activity characteristics between groups, with mean age of 17.3±1.0 years in the Control Group, and 16.8±0.9 years in the Intervention Group (p=0.14). The motivational intervention did not cause significant differences (p>0.05) in the comparison of the variables of exercise capacity and usual physical activity (questionnaire and pedometer) between groups. Conclusion The intervention with a motivational approach did not alter exercise capacity and levels of usual physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02455973 and REBEC: RBR-234nb5.

Determinants of Exercise Capacity Assessed With the Modified Shuttle Test in Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis develop decreased exercise capacity. However, the main factors responsible for this decline are still unclear. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing exercise capacity assessed with the modified shuttle test (MST) in individuals with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in subjects with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who were 6-26 y old and were regularly monitored at 2 cystic fibrosis reference centers in Brazil. Individuals who were unable to perform the tests or who exhibited hemodynamic instability and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms were excluded. Anthropometric, clinical, and genotype data were collected. In addition, lung function and exercise capacity were evaluated with the MST. RESULTS: 73 subjects (mean age 12.2 ± 4.9 y and FEV1 76.8 ± 23.3%) were included. The mean distance achieved in the MST was 765 ± 258 m (71.6% of predicted). The distance achieved on the MST correlated significantly with age (r = 0.49, P < .001), body mass index (r = 0.41, P < .001), resting heart rate (r = -0.51, P < .001), and FEV1 (r = 0.24, P = .042). Subjects with FEV1 > 67% of predicted (P = .02) and those with resting heart rate < 100 beats/min (P = .01) had a greater exercise capacity. Resting heart rate, age, and FEV1 (%) were found as significant variables to explain the distance achieved on the MST (R2 = 0.48, standard error = 191.0 m). CONCLUSIONS: The main determinants of exercise capacity assessed with the MST in individuals with cystic fibrosis were resting heart rate, age, and lung function.

Evaluation of the exercise intensity generated by active video gaming in patients with cystic fibrosis and healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Adherence of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to exercise is challenging. Here we compared the physiological responses during the use of interactive video games (VG) with the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in healthy and CF subjects. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including CF and healthy (CON) subjects older than 6 years. Individuals were evaluated in two visits. At visit one, anthropometric measures, spirometry and CPET were performed. In the second visit, a physical activity questionnaire was applied and gas analyses performed during the use (10 min) of both Nintendo Wii (Wii Fit Plus: (1) Obstacle Course, (2) Rhythm Boxing and (3) Free Run) and Xbox One (Just Dance 2015: (1) Love Me Again, (2) Summer and (3) Happy). RESULTS: Twenty-five CON and 30 CF patients were included. The mean FEV1 (%) was significantly lower in the CF group compared to CON. There were no differences between groups at peak exercise (CPET) for heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2) and minute ventilation (VE). In the CON group, games 2 and 3 (Xbox) and game 3 (Nintendo) increased HR to values similar to the anaerobic threshold (AT), while for the CF group this occurred for games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo). As for VO2 and VE, both groups obtained similar responses as compared to AT values in games 2 (Xbox) and 3 (Nintendo). CONCLUSION: The use of VG generated a cardiorespiratory response similar to AT levels found during CPET, indicating that it may be an alternative for exercise training of CF individuals.

Respiratory physical therapy techniques recommended for patients with cystic fibrosis treated in specialized centers.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory therapy is a part of the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, there is no information about the main factors influencing the recommendation of the use of different techniques or devices by physical therapists from different specialized centers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the respiratory therapy techniques recommended for the treatment of patients with CF seen in specialized treatment centers in Brazil. METHODS: This is a descriptive study including a sample of Brazilian CF specialized treatment centers. Data on demographics, spirometric variables, and recommended respiratory therapy treatment techniques were collected. RESULTS: Twelve specialized treatment centers with a total of 974 patients were included (13.5±11.3 years old and FEV1 (%) 75.7±27.9). The most recommended techniques were huffing (61.1% of patients), high frequency oral oscillation (HFOO) (52.0%), and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) (45.3%). Most often, recommendation was to perform treatment once (54.8% of patients) or twice (34%) a day. There was great variability in the recommendation among the different states. When data were separated by age, there was a predominance of performing conventional and manual techniques in infants and preschool children. There were no significant variations according to pulmonary function. Based on the literature, techniques based on volume, huffing, and PEP were most prevalently performed in international centers. CONCLUSION: The most recommended treatment techniques for patients with CF in Brazil are huffing, HFOO, and PEP, followed by volume-based techniques. There were geographical variations in the preferred treatment techniques, as well as based on patient age, but not based on the level of pulmonary function.

Effect of an interdisciplinary intervention with motivational approach on exercise capacity in obese adolescents: a randomized controlled clinical trial / Efeito de intervenção interdisciplinar com abordagem motivacional na capacidade de exercício em adolescentes obesos: ensaio clínico controlado randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary intervention with a motivational approach on exercise capacity and usual physical activity levels in overweight and obese adolescents. Methods This is a randomized, controlled clinical trial with single blinding of subjects. Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years with overweight and obesity (body mass index ≥ 85 percentile) were included. The adolescents were randomized into two groups: interdisciplinary intervention or control − traditional approach aiming at lifestyle modifications. The initial evaluations were carried out, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test and the physical activity level measurement by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a pedometer. The evaluations were performed in two moments: time zero (time of inclusion in the study) and after 3 months (end of intervention). There were 12 sessions with weekly meetings. Results A total of 37 participants were included, 19 in the Intervention Group. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic, anthropometric and physical activity characteristics between groups, with mean age of 17.3±1.0 years in the Control Group, and 16.8±0.9 years in the Intervention Group (p=0.14). The motivational intervention did not cause significant differences (p>0.05) in the comparison of the variables of exercise capacity and usual physical activity (questionnaire and pedometer) between groups. Conclusion The intervention with a motivational approach did not alter exercise capacity and levels of usual physical activity in overweight and obese adolescents. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02455973 and REBEC: RBR-234nb5.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção interdisciplinar com abordagem motivacional na capacidade de exercício e no nível de atividade física habitual em adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade. Métodos Trata-se de ensaio clínico controlado, randomizado, com cegamento único dos indivíduos. Foram incluídos adolescentes com idade entre 15 e 18 anos, com sobrepeso e obesidade (índice de massa corporal ≥ percentil 85). Os adolescentes foram randomizados em dois grupos: intervenção interdisciplinar motivacional ou controle − abordagem tradicional, visando à modificação do estilo de vida. Foram realizadas as avaliações iniciais incluindo o teste de exercício cardiopulmonar e a aferição do nível de atividade física por meio do International Physical Activity Questionnaire e do pedômetro. As avaliações foram realizadas em dois momentos, no tempo zero (inclusão no estudo) e após 3 meses (término da intervenção). Foram realizadas 12 sessões com encontros semanais. Resultados Foram incluídos 37 participantes, sendo 19 no Grupo Intervenção. Não houve diferenças significativas nos dados basais de características demográficas, antropométricas e de atividade física entre os grupos, e a média de idade foi de 17,3±1,0 anos no Grupo Controle e 16,8±0,9 anos no Intervenção (p=0,14). A intervenção motivacional não provocou diferenças significativas (p>0,05) na comparação das variáveis de capacidade de exercício e atividade física habitual (questionário e pedômetro) entre os grupos. Conclusão A intervenção com abordagem motivacional não alterou a capacidade de exercício e os níveis de atividade física habitual em adolescentes com sobrepeso e obesidade. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02455973 and REBEC: RBR-234nb5.

Modified Shuttle Test Distance Correlates With Peak Oxygen Uptake in Children and Adolescents With Severe Therapy-Resistant Asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Several tests may be used to assess exercise intolerance in severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA), including the gold standard cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and the modified shuttle test (MST). OBJECTIVE: To correlate the distance achieved in the MST with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and to compare the maximal heart rate (HRmax) obtained in both tests in children and adolescents with STRA. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, with 19 children and adolescents with STRA. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical data, and spirometric values were collected. CPET and the MST were performed in two consecutive visits. HRmax, pulse oxygen saturation, and dyspnea were compared between tests. The distance achieved in the MST was correlated with VO2peak. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with a mean age of 11.5 ± 2.5 years were included. The mean HRmax (bpm) achieved was 180.8 ± 12.10 for the MST and 187.6 ± 9.35 for CPET, whereas the mean HRmax as a percentage of predicted (HRmax%) was 90.7 ± 6.5 for the MST and 93.8 ± 4.5 for CPET. A difference of only 6 bpm was found for HRmax (p = 0.10) and of 3% for HRmax% (p = 0.06) between tests. A strong correlation was found between the MST (r = 0.79; p = 0.001) and VO2peak measured through CPET. However, there were no correlations between the MST and both body mass index (r = -0.14; p = 0.564) and forced expiratory volume in the first second - FEV1 (r = -0.02; p = 0.917). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the MST distance strongly correlates with VO2peak, measured through CPET, and the main physiological variable responses were similar between both tests. Our results provide additional data for the use of the MST to assess exercise capacity in children and adolescents with STRA.

Exercise capacity in children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans: a systematic review / Capacidade de exercício em crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infecciosa: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate exercise capacity in children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans. Data source: This is a systematic review based on data from PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). We used the following search strategy: "Exercise capacity OR Exercise Test OR Physical fitness OR Functional capacity OR Six-minute walk test OR Shuttle walk test OR Cardiopulmonary exercise test AND Bronchiolitis obliterans." We selected studies that evaluated exercise capacity through maximal/submaximal testing in children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, and no other associated disease. We searched articles in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, without restrictions regarding the period of publication. The methodological quality was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) protocol. Data synthesis: Out of the 81 articles found, only 4 were included in this review. The studies totaled 135 participants (121 with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans and 14 healthy), with sample sizes between 14 and 58 subjects. All patients underwent spirometry to evaluate pulmonary function, indicating an obstructive ventilatory pattern. Among them, 3/4 had their physical performance assessed by the six-minute walk test and 2/4 by the cardiopulmonary exercise testing. These test results were compared to those of a control group (1/4) and presented as percentage of predicted and/or in meters (3/4). Lastly, 3/4 of the studies showed reduced exercise capacity in this population. The studies included were classified as having high methodological quality. Conclusions: Findings of the study demonstrate that children and adolescents with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans have reduced exercise capacity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade de exercício em crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infeciosa. Fonte de dados: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática por meio das bases de dados PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Utilizou-se a seguinte estratégia de busca: "Exercise capacity OR Exercise Test OR Physical fitness OR Functional capacity OR Six minute walk test OR Shuttle walk test OR Cardiopulmonary exercise test AND Bronchiolitis obliterans". Foram selecionados estudos que avaliaram a capacidade de exercício por meio de testes máximos/submáximos em crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infeciosa, sem qualquer outra doença associada. Buscaram-se artigos nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol e sem restrições quanto ao período de publicação. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada pelo protocolo da Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ). Síntese dos dados: De um total de 81 artigos, apenas 4 foram incluídos nesta revisão. Os estudos totalizaram 135 participantes (121 com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infeciosa e 14 saudáveis), com tamanho amostral entre 14 e 58 sujeitos. Todos avaliaram a função pulmonar por meio da espirometria, observando um padrão ventilatório obstrutivo. Desses, 3/4 avaliaram o desempenho físico pelo teste de caminhada de seis minutos e 2/4 pelo teste de exercício cardiopulmonar. Os resultados desses testes foram comparados a um grupo controle (1/4), bem como apresentados em percentual do previsto e/ou em metros (3/4). Por fim, 3/4 dos estudos demostraram que a capacidade de exercício se encontra reduzida nessa população. Os estudos incluídos foram classificados com alta qualidade metodológica. Conclusões: Os achados do estudo demonstram que crianças e adolescentes com bronquiolite obliterante pós-infeciosa apresentam redução da capacidade de exercício.