Adherence to heart rate training zones in an exercise training program in adults with coronary artery disease

Objectives: To investigate the effect of exercise intensity on functional capacity in individuals with coronary artery disease, assess adherence to the heart rate training zone (HRTZ), and relationship between trained intensity and functional capacity. Methods: Retrospective study led with medical records of 54 outpatients with coronary artery disease in a public hospital. The prescribed intensity started at 50 ­60% of heart rate reserve, increasing monthly to 70 ­80% by the third month. Spearman's test was used to assess the correlation between improvement in distance in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), exercise intensity, and rating of perceived exertion (Borg­RPE). Adherence was classified as 'below' when HRTZ was not achieved in any phase of the program, 'intermediate' when HR was within the HRTZ for one or two months, and 'above' when HR was at or higher than HRTZ two months. Improvement was tested with t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: 51.9% of participants had an increase in ISWT of ≥70 m (p < 0.0001). In at least one month, 50.9% trained below HRTZ. Trained intensity did not go below 8.6% of the prescribed minimal threshold of HRTZ. Changes in ISWT were not significantly correlated with exercise intensity (p = 0.87) or Borg­RPE (p = 0.16). Conclusion: While a significant increase in functional capacity was found, considerable heterogeneity in changes were observed. This may, in part, be related to adherence to HRTZ with progressive exercise intensity and to the variability in exercise volume incardiovascular rehabilitation programs.

Effects of exercise training parameters on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To assess the effects of exercise training parameters on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020210470). Searches were performed on PubMed, PEDro EMBASE, MEDLINE (Ovid), LILACS, PsycINFO, SCIELO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness, defined as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during a maximal or submaximal exercise test. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Data were pooled using a random effects model and expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Heterogeneity (I2) was assessed using Cochran's Q test. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE. Results: Twenty-two studies comparing exercise and control groups were included. The risk of bias indicated some concerns in most studies, and the quality of evidence was rated very low. Interventions with moderate (MD = 1.91, 95%CI = .58 to 3.34) and progressive exercise intensity (MD = 2.70, 95%CI = 2.43 to 2.96) and volume (MD = 1.72, 95%CI = .59 to 2.85) showed greater improvements in VO2max. Conclusions: Protocols that progressively increased exercise training parameters improved the cardiorespiratory fitness response. Progressive exercise might be more suitable for individuals with T2DM. Our conclusion may be limited due to the very low quality of evidence. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-023-01205-5.

Maintenance of Physical Activity Behavior by Individuals with Prediabetes and Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic after Completing an Exercise Intervention in Brazil.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the perception of individuals with prediabetes/diabetes about their living conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify the facilitators, barriers, and reasons to remain physically active at home and adhere to recommended exercise. It included individuals with prediabetes/diabetes who had completed an exercise intervention, which started on-site and moved to a remote home-based regime due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were advised to keep exercising at home. The outcomes were assessed by a bespoke questionnaire that was developed by the research team, the Brazilian Portuguese adapted version of the Exercise Adherence Rating scale, and the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised scale. Of 15 participants (8 female, 58 ± 11 years), most reported positive perceptions about their living conditions and few difficulties maintaining some physical activity at home. However, only 53.8% of them adhered to the recommended exercise. Time flexibility, no need for commuting, and a sense of autonomy were the main facilitators of home exercise, while a lack of adequate space was the main barrier. The descending order of median scores that were obtained in each reason for physical activity was fitness, enjoyment, competence, social, and appearance. Individuals with prediabetes/diabetes maintained some physical activity during the pandemic, mainly motivated by health concerns.

Assessment of V̇o2peak and Exercise Capacity After Stroke: A Validity Study of the Human Activity Profile Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the concurrent validity of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) in individuals after stroke to provide the peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) and the construct validity of the HAP to assess exercise capacity, and to provide equations based on the HAP outcomes to estimate the distance covered in the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=57) aged 54±11 years who have experienced stroke. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement between the V̇o2peak provided by the HAP (lifestyle energy consumption [LEC] outcome, in mL/kg-1/min-1) and the criterion standard measure of the V̇o2peak (mL/kg-1/min-1), obtained through the symptom-limited Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). Correlation between the HAP outcomes (LEC, maximum activity score [MAS], and adjusted activity score [AAS]) and the construct measure: the distance covered (in meters) in the ISWT. An equation to estimate the distance covered in the ISWT was determined. RESULTS: High magnitude agreement was found between the V̇o2peak, in mL/kg-1/min-1, obtained by the symptom-limited CPET and the value of V̇o2peak, in mL/kg-1/min-1, provided by the HAP (LEC) (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.75; P<.001). Low to moderate magnitude correlations were found between the distance covered in the ISWT and the HAP (LEC/MAS/AAS) (0.34≤ρ≤0.58). The equation to estimate the distance covered in the ISWT explained 31% of the variability of the ISWT (ISWTestimated, -361.91+(9.646xAAS)). CONCLUSION: The HAP questionnaire is a clinically applicable way to provide a valid value of V̇o2peak (in mL/kg-1/min-1) and to assess the exercise capacity of individuals after stroke. Furthermore, an equation to estimate the distance covered in the submaximal field exercise test (ISWT) based on the result of the AAS (in points) was provided.

Normative values and reference equation for the six-minute step test to evaluate functional exercise capacity: a multicenter study / Valores normativos e equação de referência para o teste do degrau de seis minutos para avaliar a capacidade funcional de exercício: um estudo multicêntrico

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish normative values and a reference equation for the number of steps climbed during the six-minute step test (6MST) in healthy adults, and to assess the reliability of the test and of the equation. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study involving 468 healthy volunteers (age range: 18-79 years) recruited from the general community in six research laboratories across different regions of Brazil, which is a country with continental dimensions. The 6MST was performed twice (30-min interval), and clinical, demographic, and functional variables were evaluated. An independent sample of 24 volunteers was evaluated to test the reference equation a posteriori. Results: The number of steps had excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96 [95%CI: 0.95-0.97]), and the mean number of steps was 175 ± 45, the number being 14% greater in males than in females. The best performance on the test was correlated with age (r = −0.60), sex (r = 0.28), weight (r = 0.13), height (r = 0.41), BMI (r = −0.22), waist circumference (r = −0.22), thigh circumference (r = 0.15), FVC (r = 0.54), and physical activity level (r = 0.17; p < 0.05 for all). In the regression analysis, age, sex, height, and weight explained 42% of the variability of the 6MST. Normative values were established for the 6MST according to age and sex. There was no difference between the 6MST values from the independent sample and its predicted values (157 ± 29 steps vs. 161 ± 25 steps; p = 0.47; 97% of predicted values). Conclusions: The normative values and the reference equation for the 6MST in this study seem adequate to accurately predict the physical functional performance in adults in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estabelecer valores normativos e uma equação de referência para o número de degraus subidos no teste do degrau de seis minutos (TD6) em adultos saudáveis, bem como avaliar a confiabilidade do teste e da equação. Métodos: Estudo transversal multicêntrico com 468 voluntários saudáveis (faixa etária: 18-79 anos) recrutados na comunidade geral em seis laboratórios de pesquisa em diferentes regiões do Brasil, um país de dimensões continentais. O TD6 foi realizado duas vezes (com 30 min de intervalo entre uma e outra), e foram avaliadas variáveis clínicas, demográficas e funcionais. Uma amostra independente composta por 24 voluntários foi avaliada para testar a equação de referência a posteriori. Resultados: O número de degraus subidos apresentou excelente confiabilidade teste-reteste [coeficiente de correlação intraclasse = 0,96 (IC95%: 0,95-0,97)], e a média de degraus subidos foi de 175 ± 45, sendo 14% maior no sexo masculino. O melhor desempenho no teste correlacionou-se com as seguintes variáveis: idade (r = −0,60), sexo (r = 0,28), peso (r = 0,13), estatura (r = 0,41), IMC (r = −0,22), circunferência da cintura (r = −0,22), circunferência da coxa (r = 0,15), CVF (r = 0,54) e nível de atividade física (r = 0,17; p < 0,05 para todos). Na análise de regressão, idade, sexo, estatura e peso explicaram 42% da variabilidade do TD6. Foram estabelecidos valores normativos para o TD6 de acordo com a idade e o sexo. Não houve diferença entre os valores do TD6 na amostra independente e os valores previstos (157 ± 29 vs. 161 ± 25 degraus subidos; p = 0,47; 97% dos valores previstos). Conclusões: Os valores normativos e a equação de referência para o TD6 neste estudo parecem adequados para predizer com precisão o desempenho físico funcional em adultos no Brasil.

Behavior change interventions in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review of the effects on self-management and A1c.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of interventions employed to promote behavior change in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their impact on disease self-management and glycated hemoglobin (A1c). METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to guide the protocol development for this systematic review. Randomized controlled clinical trials which compared behavior change interventions to controls in adults with T2DM and investigated disease self-management and glycated hemoglobin (A1c) measured by validated methods were eligible for this study. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed respectively by Cochrane's tool and grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: A total of 27 studies were included involving 4464 participants. Behavior change was mainly promoted by education sessions on diabetes care delivered face-to-face, monthly, or every other month, lasting more than 60 min, involving blood glucose monitoring, healthy eating, exercise, and medication. Four studies showed significant improvement in both disease self-management and A1c. The risk of bias was classified as high in most studies. A meta-analysis could not be performed for A1c and self-management due to the high differences in intervention parameters (delivery mode, number, duration, and frequency) and self-management assessments. CONCLUSION: Low evidence of improvement in disease self-management and A1c considering only validated assessment methods were found for behavior change interventions, mainly promoted by education sessions on diabetes care. The quality of studies and probably the differences in intervention protocols contributed to this finding. PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42020161162.

A qualitative study of patient's perceptions of two cardiac rehabilitation models.

BACKGROUND: Understanding patients' perceptions about rehabilitation can guide healthcare administrators on modifications of program elements, which can ultimately improve cardiac rehabilitation (CR) use, adherence of heart-health behaviors, and improvements in clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To examine the perception of patients about their participation in CR. METHODS: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, performed in a public CR center in Brazil. Twenty-eight patients were interviewed 2-years following participation in two CR models: exercise-based and comprehensive CR. RESULTS: Themes identified included: knowledge acquisition, improvement in functionality, and psychosocial well-being. It appeared that the perceived benefits of CR participation were overall positive and similar between the two models; however, those in the comprehensive CR identified additional subthemes: self-care need and knowledge transfer. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that patients from two different CR models perceived in the long term that the CR participation positively impacted their disease-related knowledge, promoted functional gains, and improved psychosocial well-being. Structured educational interventions seemed to be associated with improved participants' perception about CR, which could contribute to long-term maintenance of heart-health behavior and better outcomes.

Effects of detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals after stroke. However, the effects of short-term and long-term detraining are not well known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of short-term (1-month) and long-term (6-month) detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) of individuals after stroke, who participated in aerobic training. METHODS: A cohort study was developed. Twenty adults (57 ± 11 years old) with stroke were included. After completing an outpatient aerobic training, participants were divided into gain group (VO2peak increase >1.3 ml.kg-1.min-1 from before to immediately after the training) or non-gain group (VO2peak change ≤1.3 ml.kg-1.min-1). Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), obtained by the cardiopulmonary exercise test was assessed one and 6 months after the end of the training (short- and long-term detraining, respectively), or collected retrospectively from patient chart (before and after the training). RESULTS: There was found a significant interaction effect (time*group) for VO2peak (F= 6.108;p < 0,001). Higher values in the VO2peak observed in the gain group with the aerobic training (F = 25.86; p< .001) were significantly reduced with short-term detraining, reaching values similar to that observed before the training and to that of the non-gain group (F = 14.81;p= .001). Both groups had similar VO2peak values within long-term detraining (F = 2.70;p= .12), with no significant differences from the values observed before the training and after short-term detraining (0.11 ≤ p≤ 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals after chronic stroke occurred within only 1 month. Therefore, it is important to maintain aerobic training throughout life.

Effects of aerobic training on physical activity in people with stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with stroke have low physical activity levels and spend high amount of time in low-energy expenditure activities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aerobic treadmill training on physical activity levels and time spent in low-energy expenditure activities (primary outcomes), as well as on cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, depression, mobility, quality of life and participation (secondary outcomes) after stroke. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, with 22 adults with chronic stroke was performed. Experimental group: aerobic treadmill training at 60-80% of heart rate reserve. CONTROL GROUP: outdoor-overground walking below 40% of heart rate reserve. Both groups: three 40 min sessions/week over 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-training, and 16-week follow-up. RESULTS: No changes in the primary outcomes were found for any of the groups. The experimental group showed greater improvements in quality of life at 16-week follow-up (13 points;95% CI:3.5-23). Both groups improved depression (2.2 points;95% CI:0.01-4.3), endurance (Six-minute walk test:31 m;95% CI:5.6-57, Incremental shuttle-walk test:55 m;95% CI:3.8-107), and mobility (0.12 m/s;95% CI:0.02-0.2). CONCLUSION: Aerobic treadmill training improved quality of life. Aerobic treadmill training or outdoor-overground walking improved depression, endurance and mobility. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of aerobic training on physical activity levels and time spent in low-energy expenditure activities after stroke.

Comparação das respostas fisiológicas do incremental shuttle walk test e do Glittre-ADL test: instrumentos complementares para avaliação da capacidade funcional / Comparación de las respuestas fisiológicas de incremental shuttle walk test y de Glittre-ADL test: instrumentos complementarios para evaluar la capacidad funcional / Comparison of the physiological responses of the Incremental Shuttle Walk test and Glittre-ADL test: complementary instruments for the evaluation of functional capacity

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar respostas metabólicas, cardiovasculares e ventilatórias do incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) e do Glittre activities of daily living test (Glittre-ADL test). Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com indivíduos saudáveis. A capacidade funcional (CF) foi avaliada pela distância percorrida e consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico) no ISWT e pelo tempo gasto e VO2 no Glittre-ADL test. Trinta indivíduos percorreram 656,67 (IC95%:608,8-704,5) metros no ISWT e executaram o Glittre-ADL test em 2,4 (IC95%:2,2-2,6) minutos. O VO2 pico do ISWT foi 27,8 (IC95%25,6-29,9) versus 22,2 (IC95%20,5-24,1)mL×kg−1×min−1 (p<0,001) no estado estável (EE) do Glittre-ADL test. As correlações entre distância percorrida no ISWT e o tempo gasto no Glittre-ADL test, o VO2pico do ISWT e o VO2 no EE do Glittre-ADL test e a FC no pico do ISWT e no EE do Glittre-ADL test foram de moderada a alta magnitude. O Glittre-ADL test apresenta menores respostas metabólicas, cardiovasculares e ventilatórias se comparado ao ISWT.

RESUMEN El presente estudio tuvo el objetivo de evaluar y comparar las respuestas metabólicas, cardiovasculares y ventilatorias de incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) y de Glittre activities of daily living test (Glittre-ADL test). Es un estudio transversal realizado con individuos sanos. La capacidad funcional (CF) se evaluó utilizando la distancia recorrida y consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx) en el ISWT y el tiempo empleado y VO2 en el Glittre-ADL test. Treinta individuos caminaron 656,67 (IC95%:608,8-704,5) metros en el ISWT y realizaron el Glittre-ADL test en 2,4 (IC95%:2,2-2,6) minutos. El VO2 máx del ISWT fue de 27,8 (IC95%25,6-29,9) versus 22,2 (IC95%20,5-24,1)mL×kg−1×min−1 (p<0,001) en el estado estable (EE) del Glittre-ADL test. Las correlaciones entre la distancia recorrida en el ISWT y el tiempo empleado en el Glittre-ADL test, el VO2máx del ISWT y el VO2 en el EE de Glittre-ADL test y la FC en el máximo del ISWT y en el EE de Glittre-ADL test fueron de moderada a alta magnitud. El Glittre-ADL test presenta respuestas metabólicas, cardiovasculares y ventilatorias más bajas en comparación con el ISWT.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess and compare the cardiovascular, ventilatory and metabolic responses of the Incremental Shuttle Walk test (ISWT) and Glittre Activities of Daily Living test (Glittre-ADL test). This is a cross-sectional study with individuals. The functional capacity (FC) was evaluated by distance and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) in the ISWT and time spent and VO2 in Glittre-ADL test. Thirty individuals went through 656.67 (CI95%:608.8-704.5) meters at the ISWT and performed the Glittre-ADL test in 2.4 (CI95%:2.2-2.6) minutes. The peak VO2 of the ISWT was 27.8 (CI95%25.6-29.9) vs. 22.2 (CI95%20.5-24.1) mL×kg−1×min−1 (p<0.001) in the steady state (SS) of the Glittre-ADL test. Correlations between distance traveled in the ISWT and the time spent in Glittre-ADL test, VO2 peak of ISWT and VO2 in SS of Glittre-ADL test and HR at the ISWT peak and at the Glittre-ADL test SS were moderate to high magnitude. The Glittre-ADL test has lower metabolic, cardiovascular and ventilatory responses compared to ISWT, despite correlations between variables.

Influence of posture, sex, and age on breathing pattern and chest wall motion in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effects of posture, sex, and age on breathing pattern and chest wall motion during quiet breathing in healthy participants. METHODS: Eighty-three participants aged 42.72 (SD=21.74) years presenting normal pulmonary function were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography in the seated, inclined (with 45° of trunk inclination), and supine positions. This method allowed to assess the chest wall in a three dimensional way considering the chest wall as three compartments: pulmonary rib cage, abdominal rib cage and abdomen. RESULTS: Posture influenced all variables of breathing pattern and chest wall motion, except respiratory rate and duty cycle. Chest wall tidal volume and minute ventilation were reduced (p<0.05) in both sexes from seated to inclined and from seated to supine positions, mainly in males. Moreover, moving from seated to supine position significantly increased the percentage contribution of the abdomen to the tidal volume in both sexes (p<0.0001). Regarding sex, women showed higher contribution of thoracic compartment compared to men (p=0.008). Aging provided reductions on rib cage contributions to tidal volume that were compensated by increases of abdomen contributions (p<0.0001). In addition, increases in end-inspiratory and end-expiratory volumes over the years were observed. CONCLUSION: The degree of contribution of chest wall compartments is dependent on posture, sex, and age. Therefore, verticalization increases expansion of pulmonary rib cage as well as horizontalization increases abdominal displacement. Women presented higher thoracic contribution to tidal volume than men. Aging reduces rib cage contributions to tidal volume that were compensated by increases of abdomen contributions.

Efficacy of interventions aimed at improving physical activity in individuals with stroke: a systematic review.

Purpose: To identify interventions employed to increase post-stroke physical activity, evaluate their efficacy, and identify the gaps in literature.Materials and methods: Randomized controlled trials published until March 2018 were searched in MEDLINE, PEDro, EMBASE, LILACS, and SCIELO databases. The quality of each study and overall quality of evidence were assessed using the PEDro and the GRADE scales.Results: Eighteen studies were included (good PEDro and very low GRADE-scores). In seven, the experimental groups showed significant increases in physical activity (aerobics, resistance, and home-based training; counseling, aerobics, resistance, and home-based training; electrical stimulation during walking; functional-task training; robot-assisted arm therapy; accelerometer-based feedback, and physical activity encouragement). In seven, there were no significant between-group differences (physical activity plan; stretching, use of toe-spreaders, standard treatment; counseling; circuit video-game; functional-task; counseling and cognitive training). The combined experimental and control groups showed significant declines in physical activity in one study (aerobic training or stretching) and increases in three others (aerobic, resistance or sham resistance training; stroke-with advice or only stroke-counseling; aerobic training, educational sessions, standard treatment, and coaching, or mobilization and standard treatment). A meta-analysis could not be performed, due to heterogeneity.Conclusions: Some interventions improved physical activity after stroke. However, the interpretability is limited.Implications for rehabilitationIndividuals with stroke show low physical activity, which may compromise function and health.The use of interventions aimed at improving and maintaining physical activity of individuals with stroke are recommended.Some interventions, such as aerobic, resistance, and combined home-based training, electrical stimulation during walking, functional task training, and arm robot-assisted therapy, could improve the physical activity after stroke.

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and delivery in Brazil: a comparison to other upper middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Brazil has insufficient cardiac rehabilitation capacity, yet density and regional variation in unmet need is unknown. Moreover, South America has CR guidelines, but whether delivery conforms has not been described. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish: (1) cardiac rehabilitation volumes and density, and (2) the nature of programmes, and (3) compare these by: (a) Brazilian region and (b) to other upper middle-income countries (upper-MICs). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a survey was administered to cardiac rehabilitation programmes globally. Cardiac associations were engaged to facilitate programme identification. Density was computed using Global Burden of Disease study ischaemic heart disease incidence estimates. Results were compared to data from the 29 upper-MICs with cardiac rehabilitation (N=249 programmes). RESULTS: Cardiac rehabilitation was available in all Brazilian regions, with 30/75 programmes initiating a survey (40.0% programme response rate). There was only one cardiac rehabilitation spot for every 99 ischaemic heart disease patient. Most programmes were funded by government/hospital sources (n=16, 53.3%), but in 11 programmes (36.7%) patients depended on private health insurance. Guideline-indicated conditions were accepted in ≥70% of programmes. Programmes had a team of 3.8±1.9 staff (versus 5.9±2.8 in other upper-MICs, p<0.05), offering 4.0±1.6/10 core components (versus 6.0±1.5 in other upper-MICs, p<0.01; more tobacco cessation and return-to-work counselling needed in particular) over 44.5 sessions/patient (Q25-75=29-65) vs. 32 sessions/patient (Q25-75=15-40) in other upper-MICs (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Brazilian cardiac rehabilitation capacity must be augmented, but where available, services are consistent across regions, but differ from other upper-MICs in terms of staff size and core components delivered.

Effects of modified aerobic training on muscle metabolism in individuals with peripheral arterial disease: a randomized clinical trial.

The primary objective of this study was to compare the effects on muscle metabolism of two types of aerobic training, with and without a load on the lower limbs, in adults with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A simple blind randomized clinical trial was conducted using two groups: conventional aerobic (CG) and modified aerobic with a load on the lower limbs (MG). Both groups underwent training by walking three times a week over a 12-week period. The ratings of muscle metabolism were determined after a treadmill test with constant velocity and inclination concomitant with the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Altogether 40 individuals with PAD (CG = 65.45 ± 10.60 and MG = 63.10 ± 10.54) were included in the study. After the intervention, in both groups, there was a reduction in the relative time to recovery (p = 0.002), an improvement in the re-oxygenation rate (p = 0.017), an increased time of resistance after reaching the lowest muscle oxygen saturation (StO2) (p < 0.001), an increase in the distance walked (p < 0.001), and an improvement of the walking economy relative to StO2 (p < 0.001). After 12 weeks of training, an improvement in the deoxygenation rate was observed in both groups (p = 0.002), but with a greater magnitude in the CG (p = 0.017). Only the CG presented an increase in time to reach the lowest StO2 on the treadmill after the intervention (p = 0.010). The traditional aerobic training was superior to the modified training in relation to the improvement of muscle metabolism in patients with PAD.

Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Brazil's Public Health Care: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the main causes of hospitalization and death worldwide, therefore, the implementation of programs to reduce its impact is necessary. Supervised cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to have positive effects on CAD control. However, there are barriers to patient participation in the traditional, face-to-face cardiac rehabilitation programs, mainly in low-resource environments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify patient compliance to a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program, which includes unsupervised health education and physical exercises, guided by telephone. Moreover, we compare this new method to the traditional supervised cardiac rehabilitation offered in most hospital centers. METHODS: We present here a two-arm, single-blinded, and randomized controlled design protocol, which compares the traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CenterRehab) with the home-based cardiac rehabilitation (Home-Based) in 72 patients affected by CAD. The primary outcome is the compliance to the cardiac rehabilitation sessions. The secondary outcomes (to evaluate effectiveness) include measurable variables such as functional capacity, CAD risk factors (blood pressure, waist circumference, glycemic, cholesterol levels, depressive symptoms, and the level of physical activity), the patient's quality of life, the disease knowledge, and the morbidity rate. Parameters such as the program cost and the usability will also be evaluated. The programs will last 12 weeks, with a total of 60 rehabilitation and 6 educational sessions. Patients of the CenterRehab program will participate in 24 supervised sessions and 36 home sessions, while the patients of the Home-Based program will participate in 2 supervised sessions and 58 home sessions, guided by telephone. After the 12-week period all participants will be recommended to continue practicing physical exercises at home or at a community center, and they will be invited for re-evaluation after 3 months. The outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, and after 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Participants are currently being recruited for the trial. Data collection is anticipated to be completed by October 2019. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Brazil comparing the traditional cardiac rehabilitation approach with a novel, home-based protocol that uses an accessible and low-cost technology. If positive results are obtained, the study will contribute to establish a new and viable model of cardiac rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03605992; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03605992. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/13901.

Prevalence of falls and associated factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Falls determine huge epidemiological, clinical, and economic burden in the older population worldwide, presenting high odds of severe disability. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of falls and associated factors in older Brazilians using a systematic review with meta-analysis. Searches were performed in SciELO, PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO databases with no date or language restrictions. Studies on community-dwelling older persons aged ≥ 60 years from both sexes and with a sample size of ≥ 300 participants included. Exclusion criteria were studies conducted specifically for older adults diagnosed with chronic disabling diseases that predispose them to falls. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool focusing on prevalence designs. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the prevalence of falls across studies. Exploratory analysis was conducted examining subgroup estimates, prevalence ratios and meta-regression. Thirty-seven studies involving 58,597 participants were included. Twelve-month prevalence of falls was 27% (95%CI: 24.3-30.0), with significantly higher estimates in female than male (PR = 1.57; 95%CI: 1.32-1.86), in age group ≥ 80 years than age group 60-69 years (PR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.15-1.84), and in participants from the Central region than participants from the South region (PR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.10-1.69) of Brazil. Risk of bias scores did not impact heterogeneity in the 12-month meta-analysis. These estimates strongly support evidence-based public interventions to prevent falls in older Brazilians, especially in women and the oldest-old population.

Barriers to cardiac rehabilitation delivery in a low-resource setting from the perspective of healthcare administrators, rehabilitation providers, and cardiac patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite clinical practice guideline recommendations that cardiovascular disease patients participate, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are highly unavailable and underutilized. This is particularly true in low-resource settings, where the epidemic is at its' worst. The reasons are complex, and include health system, program and patient-level barriers. This is the first study to assess barriers at all these levels concurrently, and to do so in a low-resource setting. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data from three cohorts (healthcare administrators, CR coordinators and patients) were triangulated. Healthcare administrators from all institutions offering cardiac services, and providers from all CR programs in public and private institutions of Minas Gerais state, Brazil were invited to complete a questionnaire. Patients from a random subsample of 12 outpatient cardiac clinics and 11 CR programs in these institutions completed the CR Barriers Scale. RESULTS: Thirty-two (35.2%) healthcare administrators, 16 (28.6%) CR providers and 805 cardiac patients (305 [37.9%] attending CR) consented to participate. Administrators recognized the importance of CR, but also the lack of resources to deliver it; CR providers noted referral is lacking. Patients who were not enrolled in CR reported significantly greater barriers related to comorbidities/functional status, perceived need, personal/family issues and access than enrollees, and enrollees reported travel/work conflicts as greater barriers than non-enrollees (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The inter-relationship among barriers at each level is evident; without resources to offer more programs, there are no programs to which physicians can refer (and hence inform and encourage patients to attend), and patients will continue to have barriers related to distance, cost and transport. Advocacy for services is needed.

Validity of the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test to Assess Exercise Safety When Initiating Cardiac Rehabilitation in Low-Resource Settings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity of the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) for determining risk stratification in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study at a major CR center in a middle-income country. Clinically stable adult cardiac patients underwent an ISWT and an exercise test (ET), wore a pedometer for 7 d, and completed the Godin-Shepherd Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Metabolic equivalents of task (METs) achieved on the ISWT were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were evaluated. The mean ± standard deviation distance on the ISWT was 372.70 ± 128.52 m and METs were 5.03 ± 0.62. The correlation of ISWT distance with ET METs (7.57 ± 2.57), steps/d (4556.71 ± 3280.88), and self-reported exercise (13.08 ± 15.19) was rs = 0.61 (P < .001), rs = 0.37 (P < .001), and rs = 0.20 (P = .031), respectively. Distance on the ISWT accurately predicted METs from the ET (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.774). The ability to walk ≥410 m on the ISWT predicted, with a specificity of 81.5% and a sensitivity of 65.6%, a functional capacity of ≥7 METs on ET. CONCLUSION: The ISWT is an alternative way to evaluate functional capacity in CR and can contribute to the process of identifying patients at low risk for a cardiac event during exercise at moderate intensity.

Validation of the Brazilian Version of CADE-Q II to Assess Knowledge of Coronary Artery Disease Patients / Validação da Versão Brasileira em Português do CADE-Q II para Avaliar o Conhecimento de Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana

Abstract Background: The Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire (CADE-Q), an instrument aimed at assessing patients' knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD), was originally developed and psychometrically validated in Brazil. It was later translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated to English. Although both versions demonstrated good reliability and validity, new studies in the area have pointed out the need of implementing the CADE-Q with other components of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, such as psychologic factors, which had not been considered in previous version and were added in the subsequent, adapted version. Thus, a second version of CADE-Q was developed in English, the CADE-Q II. Objective: to translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the CADE-Q II in Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: After translation and review by a Committee of specialists in CR, a version in Brazilian Portuguese was generated and tested in 307 patients in CR. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in 49 patients; internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α); and, criterion validity was assessed regarding patients' educational level and family income. The level of significance adopted for all tests was 5%. Results: After the ICC analysis, 4 items were excluded. The questionnaire was considered internally consistent (α > 0.7). Associations were found between the mean total scores and the variables schooling (p < 0.001) and income (p < 0.001). Median total score was 53 (14) points corresponding to 65.4% of the total possible score. Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the CADE-Q II showed sufficient reliability, consistency and validity, supporting its use in future studies.

Resumo Fundamento: O questionário para avaliar o conhecimento de pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (CADE-Q) foi originalmente desenvolvido e validado no Brasil. Mais tarde foi traduzido, adaptado culturalmente e validado para o inglês. Embora ambas as versões possuam boa confiabilidade e validade, com o avanço dos estudos da área observou-se a necessidade de implementar o CADE-Q com outros componentes envolvidos em programas de reabilitação cardíaca (RC), como fatores psicológicos, que não tinham sido abordados na versão anterior e foram adicionados nesta versão. Devido a isso, uma segunda versão foi desenvolvida em inglês, o CADE-Q II. Objetivo: Traduzir, adaptar culturalmente e validar psicometricamente para o português o questionário CADE-Q II. Métodos: A versão em português foi gerada (após tradução e revisão por um comitê de especialistas em RC) e testada em 307 pacientes em programas de RC. A confiabilidade teste e reteste foi avaliada por meio do coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) em 49 pacientes, a consistência interna foi avaliada pelo alfa de Cronbach (α), e a validade de critério foi avaliada em relação à escolaridade e renda familiar mensal dos pacientes. O nível de significância adotado para todos os testes foi de 5%. Resultados: Após a análise do CCI, quatro itens foram excluídos da versão em português. O questionário foi considerado internamente consistente (α > 0,7). Foram encontradas associações entre os escores totais médios e as variáveis escolaridade (p < 0,001) e renda (p < 0,001). A mediana da pontuação total foi de 53 (14) pontos correspondendo a 65,4% do escore total possível. Conclusão: A versão em português do CADE-Q II apresentou confiabilidade, consistência e validade suficientes, apoiando a sua utilização em estudos futuros.

Validation of the Brazilian Version of CADE-Q II to Assess Knowledge of Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire (CADE-Q), an instrument aimed at assessing patients' knowledge about coronary artery disease (CAD), was originally developed and psychometrically validated in Brazil. It was later translated, cross-culturally adapted, and validated to English. Although both versions demonstrated good reliability and validity, new studies in the area have pointed out the need of implementing the CADE-Q with other components of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, such as psychologic factors, which had not been considered in previous version and were added in the subsequent, adapted version. Thus, a second version of CADE-Q was developed in English, the CADE-Q II. OBJECTIVE: to translate, culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the CADE-Q II in Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: After translation and review by a Committee of specialists in CR, a version in Brazilian Portuguese was generated and tested in 307 patients in CR. Test-retest reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) in 49 patients; internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α); and, criterion validity was assessed regarding patients' educational level and family income. The level of significance adopted for all tests was 5%. RESULTS: After the ICC analysis, 4 items were excluded. The questionnaire was considered internally consistent (α > 0.7). Associations were found between the mean total scores and the variables schooling (p < 0.001) and income (p < 0.001). Median total score was 53 (14) points corresponding to 65.4% of the total possible score. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese version of the CADE-Q II showed sufficient reliability, consistency and validity, supporting its use in future studies.