Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Brazilian green propolis controls intradermal infection induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and modulates the inflammatory response in a murine model.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading causes of skin and soft tissue infections worldwide. This microorganism has a wide range of antibiotics resistance, a fact that has made the treatment of infections caused by MRSA difficult. In this sense, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with natural products has emerged as a good alternative in combating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aPDT with Brazilian green propolis against intradermal MRSA infection in a murine model. Initially, 24 Balb/c mice were infected intradermally in the ears with 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units of MRSA 43300. After infection, they were separated into 4 groups (6 animals per group) and treated with the vehicle, only Brazilian green propolis, only blue LED light or with the aPDT protocol (Brazilian green propolis + blue LED light). It was observed in this study that aPDT with Brazilian green propolis reduced the bacterial load at the site of infection. Furthermore, it was able to inhibit weight loss resulting from the infection, as well as modulate the inflammatory response through greater recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells/neutrophils to the infected tissue. Finally, aPDT induced an increase in the cytokines IL-17A and IL-12p70 in the draining retromaxillary lymph node. Thus, aPDT with Brazilian green propolis proved to be effective against intradermal MRSA infection in mice, reducing bacterial load and modulating the immune response in the animals. However, more studies are needed to assess whether such effects are repeated in humans.

Characterization of Brazilian green propolis as a photosensitizer for LED light-induced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA).

Staphylococcus aureus is the primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Its significant adaptability and the development of resistance are the main factors linked to its spread and the challenges in its treatment. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy emerges as a promising alternative. This work aimed to characterize the antimicrobial photodynamic activity of Brazilian green propolis, along with the key bioactive compounds associated with this activity. Initially, a scanning spectrometry was conducted to assess the wavelengths with the potential to activate green propolis. Subsequently, reference strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA ATCC 43300) and vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA ATCC 700699) were exposed to varying concentrations of green propolis: 1 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 50 µg /mL and 100 µg/mL and were stimulated by blue, green or red LED light. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry techniques, along with classic molecular networking analysis, was performed to identify potential bioactive molecules with photodynamic activity. Brazilian green propolis exhibits a pronounced absorption peak and heightened photo-responsiveness when exposed to blue light within the range of 400 nm and 450 nm. This characteristic reveals noteworthy significant photodynamic activity against MRSA and VISA at concentrations from 5 µg/mL. Furthermore, the propolis comprises compounds like curcumin and other flavonoids sourced from flavone, which possess the potential for photodynamic activity and other antimicrobial functions. Consequently, Brazilian green propolis holds promise as an excellent bactericidal agent, displaying a synergistic antibacterial property enhanced by light-induced photodynamic effects.

Is there an association between quadriceps muscle endurance and performance on activities of daily living in individuals with COPD? / Existe associação entre a resistência muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas atividades da vida diária em indivíduos com DPOC?

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by limited airflow associated with inflammatory response and systemic manifestations, such as dyspnea, as well as physical inactivity and intolerance to exercise. The sum of these changes can lead to peripheral muscle fatigue and exert an impact on the performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Objective To investigate the possible association between peripheral muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in individuals with COPD, and to compare the results to those of healthy age-matched individuals. Methods Individuals with a diagnosis of COPD and healthy volunteers aged 60 years or older were submitted to evaluations of peripheral muscle fatigue (using surface electromyography) and performance on the Glittre-ADL test. Results Nine individuals with COPD and ten controls were evaluated. Median isometric quadriceps contraction time was 72 [38] and 56 [51] seconds, respectively. Execution time on the ADL test was 6.1 [4] and 3.6 [1.3] minutes for COPD and control group respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was found between the evaluations. Conclusion No association was found between quadriceps muscle fatigue and performance on ADL in the sample studied. In the intergroup comparison, the individuals with COPD exhibited worse ADL time execution, but no significant difference was found regarding quadriceps muscle fatigue.

Resumo Introdução A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é caracterizada por fluxo aéreo limitado associado à resposta inflamatória e manifestações sistêmicas, como dispneia, além de inatividade física e intolerância ao exercício. A soma dessas alterações pode levar à fadiga muscular periférica e exercer impacto no desempenho das atividades de vida diária (AVD). Objetivo Investigar a possível associação entre fadiga muscular periférica e desempenho em AVD em indivíduos com DPOC e comparar os resultados com indivíduos saudáveis da mesma faixa etária. Métodos Indivíduos com diagnóstico de DPOC e voluntários saudáveis com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos foram submetidos a avaliações de fadiga muscular periférica (por meio de eletromiografia de superfície) e desempenho no teste Glittre-ADL. Resultados Foram avaliados nove indivíduos com DPOC e dez controles. O tempo médio de contração isométrica do quadríceps foi de 72 [38] e 56 [51] segundos, respectivamente. O tempo de execução do teste de AVD foi de 6,18 [4,09] e 3,67 [1,3] minutos para DPOC e grupo controle, respectivamente, com diferença significativa entre os grupos (p < 0,05). No entanto não encontrou-se correlação significativa entre as avaliações. Conclusão Não encontrou-se associação entre a fadiga muscular do quadríceps e o desempenho nas AVD na amostra estudada. Na comparação intergrupos, os indivíduos com DPOC apresentaram pior tempo de execução das AVD, mas não encontrou-se diferença significativa em relação à fadiga muscular do quadríceps.

Respiratory and thoracoabdominal motion pattern at rest and after sub-maximum effort in children with asthma.

Asthma involves an increase in airway resistance even in periods between attacks, which generates changes in thoracoabdominal kinematics. The aim of the present study was to detect these adaptations at rest and after physical effort. Evaluations were performed using optoelectronic plethysmography at rest and immediately after physical effort of moderate intensity. Thirty-two children and adolescents participated in the present study (16 asthma- AG and 16 health controls-CG). After exercise, the AG exhibited a less variability of respiratory variables. The kinematic behavior of thoracoabdominal motion was the inverse of that found in healthy controls. These findings suggest mechanical and physiological adaptations to minimize the possible turbulence of the airflow and reduce the impact of airway resistance during physical exertion. Moreover, these changes are found even at rest and in patients whose asthma is clinically controlled.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with curcumin controls intradermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus in mice with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main pathogens that cause infections in diabetic individuals. In this paper, we report the outcomes of our investigation on the intradermal application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) with curcumin in an infection induced by MRSA ATCC 43300 strain in the ear of mice with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). A solution containing 100 µg of curcumin was photoactivated ex vivo with a LED light (450 nm) delivering a fluency of 13.5 J/cm3. This solution was administered in the ear intradermally, at the same inoculum site as the MRSA ATCC 43300 strain (PDT Group). This study also included the use of two control groups (both infected): One was treated with saline and the other was treated with non-photoactivated curcumin. The animals were euthanized 24 h after these treatments and samples of draining lymph node and treated ear were collected for examination. The PDT group showed lower bacterial load in the draining lymph node when compared to the saline and curcumin groups (p-value <0.05) 24 h after treatment. In addition to bacterial load, the PDT group presented a higher concentration of nitrates and nitrites in the draining lymph node when compared to the saline and curcumin groups (p-value <0.001). Examining the infectious site, despite apparently having similar inflammatory cell recruitment compared with the control groups, the PDT group showed a profile with less intense activity in the myeloperoxidase expression when compared to the saline group (p-value <0.001). Additionally, the detected concentration of cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-12, and IL-10 was significantly lower in the PDT group when compared to the saline group (p-value <0.01; p-value <0.05; p-value <0.05, respectively), thus presenting a less intense inflammatory response during infection resolution. Our pilot study showed for the first time the therapeutic potential of PDT using curcumin when administered intradermally in the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus in mice with T1DM.

Effects of physical exercise for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment that requires long periods of hospitalization. The mobility restrictions result in physical, functional and psychological impairments. Physical exercise is a therapy that can restore physical and functional capacities; however, it is necessary to understand the effects of its practice in post-HSCT individuals. The purpose of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the impact of physical exercise in children and adolescents undergoing HSCT. The SR was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines through search in the electronic databases Embase, Lilacs, PEDro, PubMed and SCOPUS, without limitation of dates and languages. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with children and adolescents who underwent HSCT, aged between 3 to 19 years old, who participated in a regular physical activity program, were assessed. After removing duplicates and selecting studies according to the eligibility criteria, seven parallel studies incorporating hospitalized and discharged participants undertaking aerobic and strengthening exercises were included in this study. The main outcomes analyzed were exercise capacity, quality-of-life, body composition and freedom. Five studies comprised the meta-analysis regarding the effects of the distance walked in the 6-min walk test and quality-of-life. Physical exercise is considered to be safe, feasible and efficacious to prevent the decline of the quality-of-life in children and adolescents undergoing HCST, as well as a considerable improvement in physical capacity.

Effects of obesity on pulmonary function considering the transition from obstructive to restrictive pattern from childhood to young adulthood.

Adults with obesity exhibit a restrictive pattern, whereas children with obesity exhibit an obstructive pattern. However, the transition process remains unclear. We performed a systematic search for studies reporting on body mass index and pulmonary function in children. The main outcomes were forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), and their ratio (FEV1 /FVC). We compared individuals with overweight or with obesity with individuals with normal weight. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled estimates. A total of 17 studies were included. Individuals with obesity had a lower FEV1 /FVC ratio (mean difference [MD] = -3.61%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -4.58%, -2.64%) and a higher percent-predicted FVC (MD = 3.33%; 95% CI = 0.79%, 5.88%) than those with normal weight. Obesity impaired pulmonary function in the obstructive pattern during childhood to young adulthood, and the maximum obstruction was observed at the age of 16 years in boys and 20 years in girls. The effects attenuated at approximately 30 years and then shifted to the restrictive pattern after 35 years of age in men and 40 years in women. The effects of obesity on pulmonary function change from the obstructive pattern in childhood to the restrictive pattern in adulthood.

Effects of physical exercise for children and adolescents undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment that requires long periods of hospitalization. The mobility restrictions result in physical, functional and psychological impairments. Physical exercise is a therapy that can restore physical and functional capacities; however, it is necessary to understand the effects of its practice in post-HSCT individuals. The purpose of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the impact of physical exercise in children and adolescents undergoing HSCT. The SR was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines through search in the electronic databases Embase, Lilacs, PEDro, PubMed and SCOPUS, without limitation of dates and languages. Randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with children and adolescents who underwent HSCT, aged between 3 to 19 years old, who participated in a regular physical activity program, were assessed. After removing duplicates and selecting studies according to the eligibility criteria, seven parallel studies incorporating hospitalized and discharged participants undertaking aerobic and strengthening exercises were included in this study. The main outcomes analyzed were exercise capacity, quality-of-life, body composition and freedom. Five studies comprised the meta-analysis regarding the effects of the distance walked in the 6-min walk test and quality-of-life. Physical exercise is considered to be safe, feasible and efficacious to prevent the decline of the quality-of-life in children and adolescents undergoing HCST, as well as a considerable improvement in physical capacity.

Does Bilevel Noninvasive Ventilation Have a Bronchodilating Effect and Alter Respiratory Mechanics in Asthmatic Individuals After Bronchoprovocation? Randomized, Crossover Study.

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has an additional important effect that does not occur with medicinal therapy: a reduction in the work of breathing. Understanding the mechanical effects of these therapies is of considerable importance and can affect clinical decision making. Objective: Evaluate the effects of NIV compared to albuterol on lung function and respiratory mechanics in asthmatic adolescents and young adults after bronchoprovocation and determine the effects of a hypertonic saline solution on lung function respiratory mechanics. Methods: A randomized crossover study was conducted involving individuals with a diagnosis of asthma. Evaluations were performed with optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) and spirometry at baseline, after the bronchial provocation test with 4.5% saline solution and after the intervention. The order of the procedures (bilevel NIV and albuterol) was randomized, with the participants crossing over to the other treatment after a 1-week washout period. Inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) 12 and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) 8 cmH2O were set for 10 minutes and the dose of albuterol was 400 µg. Results: Forty individuals were included in the study (mean age: 21.6 ± 4 years; 24 females). The recovery of FEV1% was 87.9% (80.8 ± 35 to 101.1 ± 46.1, p < 0.05) after NIV and 95.9% (84.4 ± 42.4 to 110.3 ± 44.3, p < 0.05) after albuterol. Inspiratory capacity (IC; L) reduced 12% to 15% after bronchoprovocation, with 100% recovery using NIV (2.1 ± 0.7 to 2.42.4 ± 0.6, p < 0.05) and 107.6% using albuterol (2.2 ± 0.8 to 2.8 ± 1.1, p < 0.05). Regarding OEP variables, tidal volume had greater participation in the thoracic compartment. NIV led to an increase in minute volume and a return to the baseline value, which did not occur with albuterol. Conclusion: NIV recovered FEV1 and improves signs of hyperinflation by improving IC. Bronchoprovocation with a hypertonic solution reduced FEV1 by 20% and reduced IC. NIV led to a faster recovery of minute volume and reduced the contraction velocity of the muscles of the rib cage compared to albuterol, although the effects on lung function were less intense.

Autonomic responses of premature newborns to body position and environmental noise in the neonatal intensive care unit. / Respostas autonômicas de recém-nascidos prematuros ao posicionamento do corpo e ruídos ambientais na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the physiological and autonomic nervous system responses of premature newborns to body position and noise in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study. The autonomic nervous system of newborns was evaluated based on heart rate variability when the newborns were exposed to environmental noise and placed in different positions: supine without support, supine with manual restraint and prone. RESULTS: Fifty premature newborns were evaluated (gestational age: 32.6 ± 2.3 weeks; weight: 1816 ± 493g; and Brazelton sleep/awake level: 3 to 4). A positive correlation was found between environmental noise and sympathetic activity (R = 0.27, p = 0.04). The mean environmental noise was 53 ± 14dB. The heart rate was higher in the supine position than in the manual restraint and prone positions (148.7 ± 21.6, 141.9 ± 16 and 144 ± 13, respectively) (p = 0.001). Sympathetic activity, represented by a low frequency index, was higher in the supine position (p < 0.05) than in the other positions, and parasympathetic activity (high frequency, root mean square of the sum of differences between normal adjacent mean R-R interval and percentage of adjacent iRR that differed by more than 50ms) was higher in the prone position (p < 0.05) than in the other positions. The complexity of the autonomic adjustments (approximate entropy and sample entropy) was lower in the supine position than in the other positions. CONCLUSION: The prone position and manual restraint position increased both parasympathetic activity and the complexity of autonomic adjustments in comparison to the supine position, even in the presence of higher environmental noise than the recommended level, which tends to increase sympathetic activity.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e do sistema nervoso autônomo de recém-nascidos prematuros ao posicionamento do corpo e ruídos ambientais na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: Este foi um estudo quasi-experimental. O sistema nervoso autônomo de recém-nascidos foi avaliado com base na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca quando os recém-nascidos foram expostos ao ruído ambiental e colocados em diferentes posições: supina sem suporte, supina com restrição manual e prona. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta recém-nascidos prematuros foram avaliados (idade gestacional de 32,6 ± 2,3 semanas, peso de 1.816 ± 493g e nível Brazelton de sono/vigília de 3 a 4). Identificou-se correlação positiva entre o ruído ambiental e a atividade simpática (R = 0,27; p = 0,04). O ruído ambiental médio foi de 53 ± 14dB. A frequência cardíaca foi mais elevada na posição supina do que nas posições com restrição manual e prona (148,7 ± 21,6; 141,9 ± 16 e 144 ± 13, respectivamente; p = 0,001). A atividade simpática, representada por um índice de baixa frequência, foi mais elevada na posição supina (p < 0,05) do que nas demais posições, e a atividade parassimpática (alta frequência, raiz quadrada da média dos quadrados das diferenças entre os intervalos RR normais adjacentes e porcentagem dos intervalos R-R adjacentes com diferença de duração maior que 50ms) foi mais elevada na posição prona (p < 0,05) do que nas demais posições. A complexidade dos ajustes autonômicos (entropia aproximada e entropia da amostra) foi mais baixa na posição supina do que nas demais posições. CONCLUSÃO: A posição prona e a posição com restrição manual aumentaram tanto a atividade parassimpática quanto a complexidade dos ajustes autonômicos em comparação com a posição supina, mesmo na presença de ruído ambiental maior do que o nível recomendado, o que tende a aumentar a atividade simpática.

Respostas autonômicas de recém-nascidos prematuros ao posicionamento do corpo e ruídos ambientais na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Autonomic responses of premature newborns to body position and environmental noise in the neonatal intensive care unit

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e do sistema nervoso autônomo de recém-nascidos prematuros ao posicionamento do corpo e ruídos ambientais na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: Este foi um estudo quasi-experimental. O sistema nervoso autônomo de recém-nascidos foi avaliado com base na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca quando os recém-nascidos foram expostos ao ruído ambiental e colocados em diferentes posições: supina sem suporte, supina com restrição manual e prona. Resultados: Cinquenta recém-nascidos prematuros foram avaliados (idade gestacional de 32,6 ± 2,3 semanas, peso de 1.816 ± 493g e nível Brazelton de sono/vigília de 3 a 4). Identificou-se correlação positiva entre o ruído ambiental e a atividade simpática (R = 0,27; p = 0,04). O ruído ambiental médio foi de 53 ± 14dB. A frequência cardíaca foi mais elevada na posição supina do que nas posições com restrição manual e prona (148,7 ± 21,6; 141,9 ± 16 e 144 ± 13, respectivamente; p = 0,001). A atividade simpática, representada por um índice de baixa frequência, foi mais elevada na posição supina (p < 0,05) do que nas demais posições, e a atividade parassimpática (alta frequência, raiz quadrada da média dos quadrados das diferenças entre os intervalos RR normais adjacentes e porcentagem dos intervalos R-R adjacentes com diferença de duração maior que 50ms) foi mais elevada na posição prona (p < 0,05) do que nas demais posições. A complexidade dos ajustes autonômicos (entropia aproximada e entropia da amostra) foi mais baixa na posição supina do que nas demais posições. Conclusão: A posição prona e a posição com restrição manual aumentaram tanto a atividade parassimpática quanto a complexidade dos ajustes autonômicos em comparação com a posição supina, mesmo na presença de ruído ambiental maior do que o nível recomendado, o que tende a aumentar a atividade simpática.

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the physiological and autonomic nervous system responses of premature newborns to body position and noise in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: A quasi-experimental study. The autonomic nervous system of newborns was evaluated based on heart rate variability when the newborns were exposed to environmental noise and placed in different positions: supine without support, supine with manual restraint and prone. Results: Fifty premature newborns were evaluated (gestational age: 32.6 ± 2.3 weeks; weight: 1816 ± 493g; and Brazelton sleep/awake level: 3 to 4). A positive correlation was found between environmental noise and sympathetic activity (R = 0.27, p = 0.04). The mean environmental noise was 53 ± 14dB. The heart rate was higher in the supine position than in the manual restraint and prone positions (148.7 ± 21.6, 141.9 ± 16 and 144 ± 13, respectively) (p = 0.001). Sympathetic activity, represented by a low frequency index, was higher in the supine position (p < 0.05) than in the other positions, and parasympathetic activity (high frequency, root mean square of the sum of differences between normal adjacent mean R-R interval and percentage of adjacent iRR that differed by more than 50ms) was higher in the prone position (p < 0.05) than in the other positions. The complexity of the autonomic adjustments (approximate entropy and sample entropy) was lower in the supine position than in the other positions. Conclusion: The prone position and manual restraint position increased both parasympathetic activity and the complexity of autonomic adjustments in comparison to the supine position, even in the presence of higher environmental noise than the recommended level, which tends to increase sympathetic activity.

Can a physical activity similar to activities of daily living cause dynamic hyperinflation and change the thoracoabdominal configuration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Introduction: COPD is characterized by the ventilatory limitation, with reduction of the inspiratory reserve volume and dynamic hyperinflation (DH), which changes the configuration of the thoracic compartment, resulting in a disadvantage in respiratory muscle kinetics, and reduced functional capacity. The optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) has been used to monitor changes in thoracoabdominal mobility. The Glittre-ADL test is a short battery of functional tests that simulate activities of daily living. In mild and moderate COPD, the effect of Glittre-ADL on thoracoabdominal kinetics and DH is understudied. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the acute effects of the Glittre-ADL test on lung function and thoracoabdominal mobility using OEP in patients with mild and moderate COPD. Materials and methods: Twenty-five male and female patients between 45 and 80 years of age with COPD were submitted to the exercises that simulated Glittre-ADL test. Spirometry and OEP were performed before and after the test. Results: After the Glittre test, increases were found in EV (p=0.005), percentage of contribution of the abdominal compartment (p=0.054) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) (p=0.006) and reductions were found in the contribution of the upper thoracic compartment (p=0.008) and inspiratory capacity (IC) (p=0.040). Conclusion: The acute effect of ADL was a change in thoracoabdominal kinetics, especially the percentage of contribution of the abdominal compartment, as demonstrated by OEP. These findings, together with the reduction in IC and increase in ERV, after the Glittre-ADL test suggest the occurrence of DH, even in patients with mild to moderate COPD according to the GOLD classification.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, lung function, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in Parkinson's disease: Randomized controlled clinical trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), in addition to motor impairment, may evolve with respiratory and autonomic nervous system disorders. Currently, there are few studies with emphasis on muscle and pulmonary dysfunction and that verify the benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in this population. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether IMT is effective for the improvement of respiratory muscle strength, lung function, thoracic mobility, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in PD. METHODS: A randomized and controlled trial will be conducted with 26 participants with idiopathic PD, with aged between 50 and 65 years, in the Stages I to III by the Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale. Respiratory muscle strength will be performed by manovacuometry and lung function by spirometry. Functional capacity will be evaluated by the 6-min walk test and autonomic cardiac function by heart rate variability. In addition, thoracic mobility measurement will also be performed. After the evaluations, these participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the IMT group with Powerbreathe® , which will perform the eight series of 2 min each, with 1 min of rest between them, totaling 30 min, at 60% of the maximum inspiratory pressure and the control group, who will perform the same training protocol but with the load maintained at 9 cmH2 O. All participants will be submitted to the same motor training protocol. CONCLUSION: It is expected that IMT increases the inspiratory muscle strength, contributing to the improved expiratory muscle strength, lung function, thoracic mobility, functional capacity and cardiac autonomic function in individuals with mild to moderate PD.

Acute Effects Using Light-Emitting Diode Therapy (LEDT) for Muscle Function during Isometric Exercise in Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acute application of LEDT in improving peripheral muscle performance during isometric exercise in patients with asthma. Eleven patients, with a mean age 38 ± 10, underwent a single LEDT and sham application in the femoral quadriceps' dominant member (cluster with 50 LED λ = 850 nm, 50 mW, 15 s; 37.5 J), 48 h apart in a randomized crossover design. Before and after LEDT and sham application, the patients were submitted an isometric endurance test (60% of the maximum isometric voluntary contraction), up to the limit of tolerance simultaneous recording of surface electromyography. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at the time of contraction (before 41±14 versus 44±16; after 46±12 versus 45±20 s) during the isometric contraction test and inflammatory markers before and after a single LEDT application. A single application of LEDT in the parameters and dose according to the equipment used in the study were not able to promote differences in the time of contraction and the fatigue response in asthmatic patients. However, the chronic effects of LEDT application for improving muscle performance in these patients are unknown and may present different responses during applications for a long time.

Noninvasive Ventilation as an Important Adjunct to an Exercise Training Program in Subjects With Moderate to Severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can positively affect exercise capacity, maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2 ), and symptoms after a 6-week physical training program for subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. METHODS: 47 subjects with COPD who were enrolled in a physical training program were randomized to either physical training alone or NIV + physical training (NIV-Physical training). Physical training consisted of dynamic aerobic exercises on a treadmill 3 times/week for 6 weeks, for a total of 18 sessions. NIV was titrated according to the subject's tolerance at rest and during exercise. Assessments included physiological responses and symptoms at the incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test peak and during submaximal exercise on a treadmill, 6-min walk distance, maximum inspiratory (PImax) and expiratory pressure (PEmax), BODE index, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: 43 subjects completed the 6-week physical training program. Both groups improved 6-min walk distance, PImax, BODE index, and quality of life, and no differences were found between groups. However, significant improvements were observed for subjects in the NIV-Physical training group with regard to PEmax, maximum V̇O2 , maximum metabolic equivalents, circulatory power, and maximum SpO2 . CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week physical training program alone can improve tolerance for exercise and quality of life, in addition to reducing the risk of mortality. However, NIV associated with a physical training program was shown to have an additive beneficial effect on powerful prognostic markers (maximum V̇O2 and circulatory power) and to reduce symptoms and improve oxygen saturation in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD.

Noninvasive ventilation and respiratory physical therapy reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm and pulmonary inflammation in children with asthma: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is characterized by hyperresponsiveness of the airways, and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a symptom that limits a large proportion of asthmatic patients, especially children. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to a reduction in the reactivity of the airways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of outpatient treatment with CPAP and bilevel pressure combined with respiratory physical therapy for children and adolescents with asthma following bronchial hyperresponsiveness caused by an exercise bronchoprovocation test. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, blind, clinical trial was conducted involving 68 asthmatic children and adolescents aged 4 to 16 years divided into three groups: G1, treated with bilevel pressure (inspiratory positive airway pressure: 12 cm H2O; expiratory positive airway pressure: 8 cm H2O), G2, treated with CPAP (8 cm H2O) and G3, treated with respiratory muscle training (RMT), considered as the control group. All groups were treated at an outpatient clinic and submitted to 10 1-hour sessions, each of which also included respiratory exercises. Evaluations were performed before and after treatment and involved spirometry, an exercise bronchoprovocation test, respiratory pressures, fraction of nitric oxide (FeNO), the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ6) and anthropometric variables. This study received approval from the local ethics committee (certificate number: 1487225/2016) and is registered with ClinicalTrials [ ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02939625]. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients concluded the protocol; the mean age of the patients was 10 years. All were in the ideal weight range and had adequate height ( z score: -2 to +2). The three groups demonstrated improved asthma control after the treatments, going from partial to complete control. A significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure occurred in the three groups, with the greatest increase in the RMT group. A reduction in FeNO in the order of 17.4 parts per billion (effect size: 2.43) and a reduction in bronchial responsiveness on the exercise bronchoprovocation test occurred in the bilevel group. An improvement in FeNO on the order of 15.7 parts per billion (effect size: 2.46) and a reduction in bronchial responsiveness occurred in the CPAP group. No changes in lung function or responsiveness occurred in the RMT group. CONCLUSION: Positive pressure and respiratory exercises were effective in reducing pulmonary inflammation, exercise-innduced bronchoespasm (EIB), and increased the clinical control of asthma, as well as RMT, which also resulted in improved clinical control.

Improvement in lung function and functional capacity in morbidly obese women subjected to bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether weight loss in women with morbid obesity subjected to bariatric surgery alters lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and the level of habitual physical activity and to investigate the relationship between these variables and changes in both body composition and anthropometrics. METHODS: Twenty-four women with morbid obesity were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, body composition, anthropometrics and the level of habitual physical activity two weeks prior to and six months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Regarding lung function, mean increases of 160 mL in slow vital capacity, 550 mL in expiratory reserve volume, 290 mL in forced vital capacity and 250 mL in forced expiratory volume in the first second as well as a mean reduction of 490 mL in inspiratory capacity were found. Respiratory muscle strength increased by a mean of 10 cmH2O of maximum inspiratory pressure, and a 72-meter longer distance on the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test demonstrated that functional capacity also improved. Significant changes also occurred in anthropometric variables and body composition but not in the level of physical activity detected using the Baecke questionnaire, indicating that the participants remained sedentary. Moreover, correlations were found between the percentages of lean and fat mass and both inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that changes in body composition and anthropometric variables exerted a direct influence on functional capacity and lung function in the women analyzed but exerted no influence on sedentarism, even after accentuated weight loss following bariatric surgery.

Reproducibility of inspiratory muscle endurance testing using PowerBreathe for COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the strength and endurance of respiratory muscles is fundamental for characterizing respiratory muscle dysfunction. Although a variety of tests are used to evaluate respiratory muscle endurance, not all of them are applicable in clinical practice. Assessments can be made using a practical device called PowerBreathe®, but its reproducibility has not been tested in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. AIM: To verify the reproducibility of the inspiratory muscle endurance test using a manometer and PowerBreathe® in COPD patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used. In total, 19 moderate-severe COPD patients, male and female, aged 50 to 80 years took part in the research. This evaluation consisted of 2 tests: an incremental test and a constant one held on the same day and repeated after 48 hr. The incremental test started with 10-cm H2 O, adding 10-cm H2 O every 2 min and taking 1 min of rest before increasing the load. The highest load that could be sustained for at least 1 min was considered the sustained maximum inspiratory pressure (SMIP) value. The constant test was performed at an intensity of 80% of the SMIP and the maximum time limit was 30 min. RESULTS: In the incremental test, there was a significant increase in the SMIP compared to the test-retest (61 ± 24/64.7 ± 23.8; p = .015); the value of the relative reproducibility was 0.96, the standard error of the absolute measurement was 4.7 (95% confidence interval 9.2), and the minimum detectable difference was 10.9. In the Bland-Altman analysis, the mean error was 4.2 (confidence interval -7.6 to 16.1). The constant test was not reproducible. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the incremental test was reproducible to evaluate inspiratory muscle endurance in COPD patients. Furthermore, 2 tests needed to be carried out due to the learning effect.

Effect of resistance training on physical performance and functional respiratory capacity of elderly women / Efeito do treinamento resistido no desempenho físico e capacidade funcional respiratória de mulheres idosas

ABSTRACT In the aging process, additionally to other functional losses, there are reductions in physical and functional respiratory performance.It is known that resistance training (RT) is effective at developing trophism and muscle strength; however, little is known about the influence of RT on respiratory variables. To compare maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP; MEP), Axillary, Xiphoid and Abdominal ranges - AxR, XiR and AbR -, Peakflow and performance in theIncremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) of elderly women participating in an RT program with those of untrained ones. Methods: 53 women, aged 66 ± 5.2 years -28 participants of an extension project at Pará State University, with a minimum of 6 months of practice in a RT program, composing the trained group (TG), and 25 volunteers who composed the untrained group (UG). Assessments consisted of measurements of MIP, MEP, AxR, XiR, AbR, Peak Flow and performance in the ISWT. As results, significant differences were found, with better values in the TG as to all variables assessed, except for AbR. In conclusion, elderly women subjected to anRT program showed favorable and significant differences in MIP, MEP, XiR, Peakflow and ISWT compared tountrained ones.

RESUMO No processo de envelhecimento, entre outras perdas funcionais, ocorrem reduções no desempenho físico e capacidade funcional respiratória. Sabe-se que o treinamento resistido (TR) é eficaz no desenvolvimento do trofismo e força muscular, contudo, pouco se sabe sobre a influência do TR em variáveis respiratórias. Este estudo comparou as pressões inspiratórias e expiratórias máximas (PImáx; PEmáx), as amplitudes Axilar (AAx), Xifoideana (AXi) e Abdominal (AAb), o Peak-Flow e o desempenho no Incremental ShuttleWalk Test (ISWT) de idosas praticantes de um programa de TR, com os de idosas não treinadas. Foram avaliadas 53 mulheres idosas, idade de 66±5,2 anos, sendo 28 participantes de um projeto de extensão da Universidade do Estado do Pará, com mínimo de seis meses de matrículaem um programa de TR, que compuseram o grupo de treinadas (GT) e, 25 voluntárias que compuseram o grupo de nãotreinadas (GNT). As avaliações constaram de medidas de PImáx, PEmáx, AAx, AXi, AAb, Peak-Flow e de desempenho no ISWT. Constataram-se diferenças significativas, com valores favoráveis ao GT em todas as variáveis avaliadas, exceto AAb. Conclui-se que mulheres idosas do GT obtiveram diferenças favoráveis e significativas na PImáx, PEmáx, AAx, AXi, Peak-Flow e ISWT, quando comparadas com mulheres idosas do GNT.

Improvement in lung function and functional capacity in morbidly obese women subjected to bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether weight loss in women with morbid obesity subjected to bariatric surgery alters lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and the level of habitual physical activity and to investigate the relationship between these variables and changes in both body composition and anthropometrics. METHODS: Twenty-four women with morbid obesity were evaluated with regard to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, body composition, anthropometrics and the level of habitual physical activity two weeks prior to and six months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Regarding lung function, mean increases of 160 mL in slow vital capacity, 550 mL in expiratory reserve volume, 290 mL in forced vital capacity and 250 mL in forced expiratory volume in the first second as well as a mean reduction of 490 mL in inspiratory capacity were found. Respiratory muscle strength increased by a mean of 10 cmH2O of maximum inspiratory pressure, and a 72-meter longer distance on the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test demonstrated that functional capacity also improved. Significant changes also occurred in anthropometric variables and body composition but not in the level of physical activity detected using the Baecke questionnaire, indicating that the participants remained sedentary. Moreover, correlations were found between the percentages of lean and fat mass and both inspiratory and expiratory reserve volumes. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that changes in body composition and anthropometric variables exerted a direct influence on functional capacity and lung function in the women analyzed but exerted no influence on sedentarism, even after accentuated weight loss following bariatric surgery.