Being fit in the COVID-19 era and future epidemics prevention: Importance of cardiopulmonary exercise test in fitness evaluation.

Endurance and resistance physical activity have been shown to stimulate the production of immunoglobulins and boost the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, natural killer cells, and neutrophils in the bloodstream, thereby strengthening the ability of the innate immune system to protect against diseases and infections. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) greatly impacted people's cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health worldwide. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains valuable in assessing physical condition, predicting illness severity, and guiding interventions and treatments. In this narrative review, we summarize the connections and impact of COVID-19 on CRF levels and its implications on the disease's progression, prognosis, and mortality. We also emphasize the significant contribution of CPET in both clinical evaluations of recovering COVID-19 patients and scientific investigations focused on comprehending the enduring health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Readaptación funcional basada en ejercicio físico terapéutico en pacientes con COVID persistente (RECOVER) / Functional rehabilitation based on therapeutic exercise training in patients with postacute COVID syndrome (RECOVER)

Introduction and objectives Postacute COVID syndrome (PACS) is common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. One of the most frequent and disabling symptoms is exercise intolerance (EI). Recent evidence suggests that EI in PACS has a peripheral (metabolic-neuromuscular) origin, suggesting that exercise training may be an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the role a therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP) in PACS with EI. Method This single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial compared an exercise training program (intervention group) with regular physical activity recommendations (control group) in patients with PACS and EI. The intervention group underwent an 8-week TPEP. The primary endpoint was improvement in functional capacity, assessed as the change in peak VO2. Results We included 50 participants with PACS (73% women, mean age 47±7.1 years). The intervention group showed a 15% improvement in peak VO2 (peak VO2 pre- and postintervention: 25.5±7.7mL/kg/min and 29.3±4.7 mL/kg/min; P <.001) and a 13.2% improvement in predicted values (92.1±14.3% and 108.4±13.4%; P <.001). No significant changes in VO2 values were observed in the control group. Unlike the control group, the intervention group also showed improvements in all secondary outcomes: quality of life scales, muscle power, maximum inspiratory power, metabolic flexibility, and body fat percentage. Conclusions The program improved functional capacity in patients with PACS and EI (AU)

Introducción y objetivos El síndrome de COVID persistente (SCP) es frecuente tras la infección aguda por SARS-CoV-2, y la intolerancia al ejercicio (IE) uno de los síntomas más frecuentes y limitantes. La evidencia reciente indica que el origen de los síntomas es periférico (muscular), por lo que el ejercicio físico podría ser un tratamiento eficaz. Este estudio evalúa la eficacia de un programa de ejercicio físico terapéutico (PEFT) en la mejora de la capacidad funcional de los pacientes con SCP e IE. Métodos Estudio aleatorizado, unicéntrico, controlado y abierto que compara un PEFT (grupo de intervención) con recomendaciones de actividad física estándar (grupo de control) en pacientes con SCP con IE. El grupo de intervención recibió 8 semanas de PEFT. El objetivo principal fue el cambio en la capacidad funcional medido mediante el consumo pico de oxígeno (VO2 pico). Resultados Se incluyó a un total de 50 pacientes con SCP (el 73% mujeres; media de edad, 47±7,1 años). El grupo de intervención presentó una mejora en el VO2 pico del 15% (VO2 pico inicial y final: 25,5±7,7 y 29,3±4,7ml/kg/min; p <0,001) y del 13,2% en valores del %VO2 máximo predicho (el 92,1±14,3% y el 108,4±13,4%; p <0,001), sin cambios significativos en el grupo de control. Todos los objetivos secundarios también mejoraron exclusivamente en el grupo de intervención: escalas de calidad de vida, potencia muscular desarrollada, potencia inspiratoria máxima, flexibilidad metabólica y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Conclusiones El PEFT mejora la capacidad funcional de los pacientes con SCP e IE (AU)

Functional rehabilitation based on therapeutic exercise training in patients with postacute COVID syndrome (RECOVER).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Postacute COVID syndrome (PACS) is common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. One of the most frequent and disabling symptoms is exercise intolerance (EI). Recent evidence suggests that EI in PACS has a peripheral (metabolic-neuromuscular) origin, suggesting that exercise training may be an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the role a therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP) in PACS with EI. METHODS: This single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial compared an exercise training program (intervention group) with regular physical activity recommendations (control group) in patients with PACS and EI. The intervention group underwent an 8-week TPEP. The primary endpoint was improvement in functional capacity, assessed as the change in peak VO2. RESULTS: We included 50 participants with PACS (73% women, mean age 47±7.1 years). The intervention group showed a 15% improvement in peak VO2 (peak VO2 pre- and postintervention: 25.5±7.7mL/kg/min and 29.3±4.7 mL/kg/min; P <.001) and a 13.2% improvement in predicted values (92.1±14.3% and 108.4±13.4%; P <.001). No significant changes in VO2 values were observed in the control group. Unlike the control group, the intervention group also showed improvements in all secondary outcomes: quality of life scales, muscle power, maximum inspiratory power, metabolic flexibility, and body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS: The program improved functional capacity in patients with PACS and EI.

Utilidad de la ergoespirometría en el diagnóstico precoz de hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes con esclerodermia / Role of cardiopulmonary exercise test in early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma patients

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) es una enfermedad grave y progresiva, con elevada mortalidad. El diagnóstico precoz e inicio de tratamiento temprano mejora el pronóstico. Los pacientes con esclerodermia tienen riesgo elevado de desarrollar HAP. La única estrategia de cribado establecida y validada (ecocardiograma y/o algoritmo DETECT) reconoce la enfermedad cuando ya está avanzada, a pesar de encontrarse en una fase preclínica. La ergoespirometría (CPET) detecta afectación vascular pulmonar en fases más precoces.MétodosEstudio prospectivo de los 52 pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de esclerodermia en nuestra área sanitaria, durante 2 años (2018 y 2019). A todos se les realizó CPET, además del cribado sistemático anual. Se comparó la sensibilidad para detectar HAP del cribado actual frente a la CPET. Para confirmar la presencia de HAP se realizó un cateterismo cardiaco derecho (CCD). En caso de mantener la sospecha de HAP en CPET, pero con CCD en reposo no confirmatorio, se continuó con CCD de esfuerzo.ResultadosSe realizaron 52 CPET, de las cuales 16 indicaron HAP. El CCD de reposo confirmó HAP en 5 pacientes y el CCD de esfuerzo en otros 7 (sensibilidad diagnóstica de CPET junto con el cateterismo de reposo y esfuerzo del 100%). De esos 16 pacientes, DETECT habría identificado 10, de los cuales el CCD de reposo confirmó HAP en 3 y el de esfuerzo en otros 2 (sensibilidad del algoritmo diagnóstico establecido según guías del 70%).ConclusionesLa CPET y el CCD de esfuerzo podrían reconocer HAP más precozmente que el cribado establecido en pacientes con esclerodermia, permitiendo adelantar el diagnóstico. (AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, high mortality and progressive disease. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the prognosis. Patients with scleroderma disease presents high risk of developing PAH. Established screening strategies – echocardiogram and DETECT algorithm – recognize the disease when it is already advanced. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) detects pulmonary vascular injury in earlier stages.MethodsProspective study of 52 consecutive patients diagnosed of scleroderma in our health area, during 2 years (2018 and 2019). All of them undergo CPET, in addition to the annual systematic screening. Sensitivity of current PAH screening is compared to CPET. To confirm the presence of PAH, right heart catheterization (RHC) is performed. In case of suspected PAH in CPET, but non-confirmatory right heart catheterization at rest, patients carried out exercise RHC.ResultsFifty-two CPET were performed, of which 16 suggested PAH. Resting RHC confirmed PAH in 5 patients and exercise RHC in 7 (diagnostic sensitivity of CPET together with rest and exercise catheterization of 100%). Of these 16 patients, DETECT had identified 10, of whom resting RHC confirmed PAH in 3 and exercise RHC in 2 (guideline-based diagnostic algorithm sensitivity 70%).ConclusionsCPET and exercise RHC could detect PAH earlier than established screening in patients with scleroderma disease, allowing early diagnosis. (AU)

[Role of cardiopulmonary exercise test in early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma patients]. / Utilidad de la ergoespirometría en el diagnóstico precoz de hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes con esclerodermia.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, high mortality and progressive disease. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the prognosis. Patients with scleroderma disease presents high risk of developing PAH. Established screening strategies - echocardiogram and DETECT algorithm - recognize the disease when it is already advanced. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) detects pulmonary vascular injury in earlier stages. METHODS: Prospective study of 52 consecutive patients diagnosed of scleroderma in our health area, during 2 years (2018 and 2019). All of them undergo CPET, in addition to the annual systematic screening. Sensitivity of current PAH screening is compared to CPET. To confirm the presence of PAH, right heart catheterization (RHC) is performed. In case of suspected PAH in CPET, but non-confirmatory right heart catheterization at rest, patients carried out exercise RHC. RESULTS: Fifty-two CPET were performed, of which 16 suggested PAH. Resting RHC confirmed PAH in 5 patients and exercise RHC in 7 (diagnostic sensitivity of CPET together with rest and exercise catheterization of 100%). Of these 16 patients, DETECT had identified 10, of whom resting RHC confirmed PAH in 3 and exercise RHC in 2 (guideline-based diagnostic algorithm sensitivity 70%). CONCLUSIONS: CPET and exercise RHC could detect PAH earlier than established screening in patients with scleroderma disease, allowing early diagnosis.

Living With Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Without an Infusion Pump? Selexipag has a Role to Play / ¿Viviendo con hipertensión arterial pulmonar grave sin una bomba de infusión? Selexipag tiene un papel

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Mechanical efficiency of high versus moderate intensity aerobic exercise in coronary heart disease patients: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical efficiency (ME) refers to the ability of an individual to transfer energy consumed by external work. A decreased ME, could represent an increased energy cost during exercise and may, therefore, be limited in terms of physical activity. This study aimed to compare the influence of two different exercise protocols: moderate continuous training (MCT) versus high intensity interval training (HIIT), as part of a cardiac rehabilitation program on ME values among coronary patients. METHODS: One hundred and ten coronary patients were assigned to either HIIT or MCT groups for 8 weeks. Incremental exercise tests in a cycle ergometer were performed to obtain VO2peak. Net energy expenditure (EE) and ME were obtained at intensities corresponding to the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory thresholds, and at VO2peak. RESULTS: Both exercise programs significantly increase VO2peak with a higher increase in the HIIT group (2.96 ± 2.33 mL/kg/min vs. 3.88 ± 2.40 mL/kg/min, for patients of the MCT and HIIT groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The ME at VO2peak and VT2 only significantly increased in the HIIT group. At VT1, ME significantly increased in both groups, with a greater increase in the HIIT group (2.20 ± ± 6.25% vs. 5.52 ± 5.53%, for patients of the MCT and HIIT groups, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of HIIT to patients with chronic ischemic heart disease of low risk re- sulted in a greater improvement in VO2peak and in ME at VT1, than when MCT was applied. Moreover, only the application of HIIT brought about a significant increase in ME at VT2 and at VO2peak.

Selección de lo mejor del año 2017 en hipertensión pulmonar / Selection of the best of 2017 in pulmonary hypertension

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Selección de lo mejor del año 2016 en riesgo vascular y rehabilitación cardiaca / Selection of the best of 2016 in vascular risk and cardiac rehabilitation

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Selección de temas de actualidad en riesgo vascular y rehabilitación cardiaca 2015 / Vascular risk and cardiac rehabilitation 2015: a selection of topical issues

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