Functional recovery of chronically critically ill patients in the first days after discharge from the intensive care unit: Feasibility of the 6-minute step test.

BACKGROUND: Survivors of chronic critical illness often experience weakness and functional dependence to various degrees after their intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Evaluating their functional status with the traditional six-minute walk test is challenging due to space constraints or patient intolerance. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using the six-minute step test (6MST) as a measure of functional capacity in chronically critically ill patients early after ICU discharge. METHODS: This prospective study was undertaken in a private Brazilian hospital. From July 2019 to July 2020, all chronically critically ill patients were asked to participate 48 hours after ICU discharge. On the day of study inclusion and a week later, those who consented underwent functional assessment comprised of the 6MST, peripheral muscle strength using handgrip strength (HGS), and mobility using the ICU mobility scale (IMS). RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included. The 6MST was feasible in 40% on the first evaluation and 57% on the second. The median 6MST was 0 [0-5] on the first evaluation and 3.5 [0-7.75] on the second (P = 0.005). The median HGS increased from 11.50 [9.25-18] on the first evaluation to 14.5 [10-20] on the second (P = 0.006). The median IMS was 4.5 [3.25-7] on the first evaluation and 6 [3.25-7] on the second (P<0.001). Despite the significant improvement, all parameters measured remained well below normal. CONCLUSION: The 6MST was a feasible measure of functional capacity in chronically critically ill patients early after ICU discharge. Patients had functional capacity well below predicted values.

Influence of mild pulmonary congestion on diaphragmatic mobility and activities of daily living in chronic kidney disease: An experimental and clinical study / Influencia de la congestión pulmonar leve en la movilidad diafragmática y las actividades de la vida diaria en la enfermedad renal crónica: un estudio experimental y clínico

Background: Pulmonary congestion is a strong predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the effects of the mild form on functionality have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of mild pulmonary congestion on diaphragmatic mobility (DM) and activities of daily living (ADL) in hemodialysis (HD) subjects, as well as compare ADL behavior on dialysis and non-dialysis days. In parallel, experimentally induce CKD in mice and analyze the resulting pulmonary and functional repercussions. Methods: Thirty subjects in HD underwent thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography, anthropometric assessment, lung and kidney function, respiratory muscle strength assessment and symptoms analysis. To measure ADL a triaxial accelerometer was used over seven consecutive days. Twenty male mice were randomized in Control and CKD group. Thoracic ultrasonography, TNF-α analysis in kidney and lung tissue, exploratory behavior and functionality assessments were performed. Results: Mild pulmonary congestion caused a 26.1% decline in DM (R2=.261; P=.004) and 20% reduction in walking time (R2=.200; P=.01), indicating decreases of 2.23mm and 1.54min, respectively, for every unit increase in lung comet-tails. Regarding ADL, subjects exhibited statistically significant differences for standing (P=.002), walking (P=.034) and active time (P=.002), and number of steps taken (P=.01) on days with and without HD. In the experimental model, CKD resulted in increased levels of TNF-α on kidneys (P=.037) and lungs (P=.02), attenuation of exploratory behavior (P=.01) and significant decrease in traveled distance (P=.034). Thoracic ultrasonography of CKD mice showed presence of B-lines. (AU)

Antecedentes: La congestión pulmonar es un fuerte predictor de mortalidad y eventos cardiovasculares en la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC); sin embargo, aún no se han investigado los efectos de la forma leve sobre la funcionalidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de la congestión pulmonar leve en la movilidad diafragmática (MD) y las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD) en sujetos en hemodiálisis (HD), así como comparar el comportamiento de las AVD en los días de diálisis y no diálisis. Paralelamente, inducir de forma experimental la ERC en ratones y analizar las repercusiones pulmonares y funcionales resultantes. Métodos: Treinta sujetos en HD fueron sometidos a ecografía torácica y abdominal, evaluación antropométrica, función pulmonar y renal, evaluación de la fuerza de los músculos respiratorios y análisis de síntomas. Para medir las AVD se utilizó un acelerómetro triaxial durante 7 días consecutivos. Se aleatorizaron 20 ratones machos en el grupo control y con ERC. Se realizó ecografía torácica, análisis de TNF-α en tejido renal y pulmonar, comportamiento exploratorio y evaluaciones de funcionalidad. Resultados: La congestión pulmonar leve provocó una disminución del 26,1% en la MD (R2=,261; P=,004) y una reducción del 20% en el tiempo de caminata (R2=0,200; P=,01), lo que indica disminuciones de 2,23mm y 1,54minutos, respectivamente, por cada unidad de aumento de las colas de cometa pulmonares. En cuanto a las AVD los sujetos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas para estar de pie (P=,002), caminar (P=,034) y tiempo activo (P=,002) y número de pasos dados (P=,01) en los días con y sin HD. En el modelo experimental la ERC resultó en un aumento de los niveles de TNF-α en los riñones (P=,037) y los pulmones (P=,02), la atenuación del comportamiento exploratorio (P=,01) y una disminución significativa en la distancia recorrida (P=,034). La ecografía torácica de ratones con ERC mostró la presencia de líneas B. (AU)

Influence of mild pulmonary congestion on diaphragmatic mobility and activities of daily living in chronic kidney disease: An experimental and clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary congestion is a strong predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the effects of the mild form on functionality have not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of mild pulmonary congestion on diaphragmatic mobility (DM) and activities of daily living (ADL) in hemodialysis (HD) subjects, as well as compare ADL behavior on dialysis and non-dialysis days. In parallel, experimentally induce CKD in mice and analyze the resulting pulmonary and functional repercussions. METHODS: Thirty subjects in HD underwent thoracic and abdominal ultrasonography, anthropometric assessment, lung and kidney function, respiratory muscle strength assessment and symptoms analysis. To measure ADL a triaxial accelerometer was used over seven consecutive days. Twenty male mice were randomized in Control and CKD group. Thoracic ultrasonography, TNF-α analysis in kidney and lung tissue, exploratory behavior and functionality assessments were performed. RESULTS: Mild pulmonary congestion caused a 26.1% decline in DM (R2=.261; P=.004) and 20% reduction in walking time (R2=.200; P=.01), indicating decreases of 2.23mm and 1.54min, respectively, for every unit increase in lung comet-tails. Regarding ADL, subjects exhibited statistically significant differences for standing (P=.002), walking (P=.034) and active time (P=.002), and number of steps taken (P=.01) on days with and without HD. In the experimental model, CKD resulted in increased levels of TNF-α on kidneys (P=.037) and lungs (P=.02), attenuation of exploratory behavior (P=.01) and significant decrease in traveled distance (P=.034). Thoracic ultrasonography of CKD mice showed presence of B-lines. CONCLUSION: The mild pulmonary congestion reduced DM and walking time in subjects undergoing HD. Individuals were less active on dialysis days. Furthermore, the experimental model implies that the presence of pulmonary congestion and inflammation may play a decisive role in the low physical and exploratory performance of CKD mice.

Efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation with combined low and high frequencies on body composition, peripheral muscle function and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing haemodialysis: a protocol for a randomised, double-blind clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjunctive strategy to increase isolated muscular strength or endurance has been widely investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis (HD). However, the efficacy of combined low and high frequencies, to improve both muscular strength and endurance, is unknown. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of this combined NMES strategy in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised controlled trial with blinded assessments and analysis. A total of 56 patients with CKD undergoing HD will be recruited and randomised to an NMES protocol. The evaluations will be performed on three different days at baseline and after 24 sessions of follow-up. Assessments will include the background, insulin-like growth factor, lactate measurement, malnutrition and inflammation score evaluation, an electrical bioimpedance examination, global muscular evaluation by means of the Medical Research Council scale, handgrip strength evaluation, muscular isokinetic evaluation of lower limbs, 6 min step test performance and quality of life (QoL) questionnaire with emphasis on physical function. The patients will be allocated in one of the following four groups: 1) combined low and high frequencies; 2) low frequency; 3) high frequency; and 4) sham stimulation with minimal intensity to generate only sensory perception (with no visible contraction). In all groups, the intensity throughout the session will be the highest tolerated by patient (except for control group). The primary endpoint is the change of peripheral muscle function (muscular strength and endurance). The secondary endpoints will be the changes of body composition; muscle trophism; exercise tolerance; QoL; and nutritional, inflammatory, and metabolic markers. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable knowledge on how to optimise the NMES intervention, with improvements in both muscle strength and endurance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee on Research with Humans of Hospital Sírio-Libanês (approval no. 24337707). Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03779126.

Six-minute stepper test in hospitalized elderly patients: Convergent validity, test-retest reliability and safety.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the convergent validity of the six-minute stepper test (6MST) with the variables used in the diagnosis of sarcopenia (appendicular muscle mass, handgrip strength and six-meter gait speed test), as well as to evaluate test-retest reliability and safety when applied to hospitalized elderly patients. Finally, we aimed to compare the performance in the 6MST between hospitalized elderly patients and healthy elderly from the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study. Elderly patients admitted to a private hospital and healthy elderly from the community were recruited. On the first day, the patients included underwent the following assessments: anthropometric, handgrip strength (HGS), six-meter gait speed test (6GST) and 6MST. On the second day, before breakfast, patients underwent body composition assessment. The healthy elderly were evaluated on a single day and performed only anthropometric assessment and 6MST. RESULTS: 30 hospitalized patients (age 71.0±7.9 years) and 15 healthy elderly (age 68.1±5.8 years) were included. There was a high correlation of 6MST with 6GST (r = 0.78; p<0.001), moderate correlation with HGS (r = 0.59; p<0.001) and low correlation with appendicular muscle mass (r = 0.45; p = 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the first and second 6MST performed by hospitalized elderly (196.2±91.0 cycles vs. 191.3±103.7 cycles; p = 0.66), in addition to an excellent agreement between these measures (ICC = 0.90; 95% IC 0.78-0.95). Only one adverse event (3.3%) occurred in the sample. CONCLUSION: 6MST showed convergent validity with the functional variables used in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. In addition, excellent test-retest reliability was observed, which indicates the need for a single assessment in hospitalized elderly patients. The prevalence of adverse events during the application of the test is low, without resulting in clinical symptoms; therefore, the test is considered safe for this population. In addition, hospitalized elderly patients perform worse in the 6MST compared to healthy elderly from the community.

Capacidade pulmonar e funcional no pós-operatório de mulheres submetidas à mastectomia: série de casos / Pulmonary and functional capacity in the post-surgery of women submitted to mastectomy: preliminary results

Mulheres submetidas à cirurgia de mastectomia podem apresentar algumas complicações, dentre elas, alterações respiratórias e prejuízo funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a cinemática da parede torácica e a capacidade funcional no pós-operatório de pacientes mastectomizadas sem tratamento neoadjuvante e adjuvante associados. Foram avaliadas 4 mulheres no grupo mastectomia (GM) e 4 mulheres no grupo controle (GC). Todas as participantes foram submetidas aos procedimentos de avaliação antropométrica, função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, cinemática da parede torácica e capacidade funcional. O GM também foi submetido à avaliação de inspeção e palpação torácica. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Foi observado que o GM apresentou menor variação de volume corrente da parede torácica, com delta de variação de 22,03% a menos que o GC, sendo a maior redução de volume corrente evidenciada no compartimento de caixa torácica pulmonar, com redução de 41,57% em relação ao GC. O GM não apresentou alterações de função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória e capacidade funcional, apresentando valores de normalidade nessas avaliações. Portanto, mulheres submetidas ao procedimento cirúrgico de mastectomia, sem tratamento neoadjuvante e adjuvante associados, não apresentaram comprometimento da função pulmonar, da força muscular respiratória e da capacidade funcional, contudo foi verificado redução do volume pulmonar na região do procedimento cirúrgico.

Women submitted to a mastectomy surgery may present some complications, among them, respiratory changes and functional impairment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chest wall kinematics and functional capacity in the postoperative period of mastectomized patients without associated adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment. A total of four (4) women in the mastectomy group (MG) and four (4) in the control group (CG) were evaluated. All participants were submitted to the procedures of anthropometric evaluation, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, chest wall kinematics and functional capacity. Patients in MG were also submitted to an inspection and palpation evaluation of the chest and breasts. Database was analyzed using descriptive statistics. It was observed that the MG presented a smaller variation of tidal volume of the chest wall, with a variation delta of 22.03% less than CG, with the largest reduction in tidal volume evidenced in the pulmonary chest cavity compartment, with a reduction of 41.57% when compared to CG. The MG did not present alterations of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, presenting values of normality in these evaluations. Therefore, women submitted to the surgical procedure of mastectomy without associated neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment did not present any impairment of pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity. However, a reduction could be observed in the pulmonary volume in the region of the surgical procedure.

Is the peripheral muscle weakness a limitation to exercise on chronic kidney disease? / A fraqueza muscular periférica é uma limitação ao exercício na doença renal crônica?

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem with systemic repercussions, compromising muscle function and making patients less exercise tolerant. Objective: To verify the contribution of peripheral muscle strength in the exercise capacity of patients in hemodialysis (HD), as well as to compare peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity between renal patients and healthy individuals. Method: 50 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who performed HD and 13 healthy subjects underwent anthropometric evaluation, evaluation of peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function test and exercise capacity assessment. Results: Simple linear regression indicated that the peripheral muscle strength contributed 41.4% to the distance walked in the six-minute walk test (R2 0.414; p < 0.001), showing that for every 1 Kgf reduced in the right lower limb the patient it stops walking 0.5m while for every 1 Kgf reduced in the lower left limb the patient stops walking 0.8m. In addition, it was observed that patients with CKD had a reduction in right lower limb muscle strength (129.44 ± 48.05 vs. 169.36 ± 44.30, p = 0.002), left (136.12 ± 52, 08 vs 168.40 ± 43.35, p = 0.01) and exercise capacity (421.20 ± 98.07 vs. 611.28 ± 80.91, p < 0.001) when compared to healthy pairs. Conclusion: Peripheral muscle weakness is an important limiting factor for exercise in CKD and patients on HD experience a decline in peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity when compared to healthy individuals.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é um problema de saúde pública global com repercussões sistêmicas, comprometendo a função muscular e tornando os pacientes menos tolerantes ao exercício. Objetivo: Verificar a contribuição da força muscular periférica na capacidade de exercício de pacientes em hemodiálise (HD), bem como, comparar a força muscular periférica e a capacidade de exercício entre pacientes renais e indivíduos saudáveis. Método: 50 pacientes com DRC que realizavam HD e 13 indivíduos saudáveis foram submetidos à avaliação antropométrica, avaliação da força muscular periférica, prova de função pulmonar e avaliação da capacidade de exercício. Resultados: A regressão linear simples indicou que a força muscular periférica contribuiu em 41,4% a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (R2 0,414; p < 0,001), mostrando que para cada 1 Kgf reduzido no membro inferior direito o paciente deixa de caminhar 0,5m enquanto que para cada 1 Kgf reduzido no membro inferior esquerdo, o paciente deixa de caminhar 0,8m. Além disso, observou-se que pacientes com DRC apresentam redução da força muscular de membro inferior direito (129,44 ± 48,05 vs. 169,36 ± 44,30; p = 0,002), esquerdo (136,12 ± 52,08 vs. 168,40 ± 43,35; p = 0,01) e da capacidade de exercício (421,20 ± 98,07 vs. 611,28 ± 80,91; p < 0,001) quando comparados aos pares saudáveis. Conclusão: A fraqueza muscular periférica é um importante fator de limitação ao exercício na DRC. Além disso, pacientes em HD apresentam redução da força muscular periférica e da capacidade de exercício quando comparados a indivíduos saudáveis.

Relationship between handgrip strength and pulmonary capacity in patients on hemodialysis / Relação entre a força de preensão manual e a capacidade pulmonar de pacientes em hemodiálise

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as loss of kidney function, but its progression leads to systemic changes that compromise the quality of life of patients on dialysis. As such, the decline in lung capacity in this population may be one of the factors related to reduced peripheral muscle strength. Objective: Assess the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS), pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Method: Thirty patients with CKD were assessed in terms of anthropometric data, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and HGS. Results: A moderate association was observed between HGS and the variables forced vital capacity (r=0.54; p=0.002), maximum voluntary ventilation (r=0.51; p=0.004) and maximum expiratory pressure (r=0.59; p=0.001), and a weak association with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (r=0.46; p=0.009) and maximum inspiratory pressure (r=0.38; p=0.03). Additionally, about 67% of the sample (n=20) exhibited some degree of restrictive ventilatory defect in the pulmonary function test. With respect to muscle strength, 40% of the sample (n=12) displayed below-normal handgrip strength, as well as low mean MIP and MEP. Conclusion: Decreased lung capacity may be related to a decline in HGS in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis. Thus, therapeutic strategies aimed at lung expansion and respiratory muscle training may contribute to facilitating and favoring rehabilitation in this population.

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é definida pela perda da função renal, contudo a sua progressão leva ao surgimento de alterações sistêmicas que comprometem a qualidade de vida dos pacientes em hemodiálise. Consequentemente, a redução da capacidade pulmonar nessa população pode ser um dos fatores que esteja relacionado ao declínio da força muscular periférica. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a força de preensão manual (FPM) com a função pulmonar e a força muscular respiratória de pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Método: 30 pacientes com DRC foram avaliados quanto aos dados antropométricos, função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória e FPM. Resultados: Observou-se uma relação moderada da FPM com as variáveis capacidade vital forçada (r=0,54; p=0,002), ventilação voluntária máxima (r=0,51; p=0,004) e pressão expiratória máxima (r=0,59; p=0,001). Já as correlações entre a FPM com o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (r=0,46; p=0,009) e a pressão inspiratória máxima (r=0,38; p=0,03) foram fracas. Além disso, aproximadamente 67% da amostra (n=20) apresentou algum grau de restrição ventilatória na prova de função pulmonar. Em relação à força muscular, 40% da amostra (n=12) apresentou FPM abaixo do previsto de normalidade, e as médias da pressão inspiratória máxima e da pressão expiratória máxima em porcentagem também se encontraram reduzidas. Conclusão: A redução da capacidade pulmonar pode estar relacionada com o declínio da FPM nos pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise. Sendo assim, recursos terapêuticos visando à expansão pulmonar e o treinamento muscular respiratório podem ser estratégias para facilitar e favorecer a reabilitação dessa população.

Capacidade pulmonar, muscular e funcional de pacientes com doença renal crônica / Pulmonary, muscular and functional capacity of patients with chronic kidney disease

Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil pulmonar, muscular e funcional de pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) e verificar a relação entre a força muscular periférica e a capacidade funcional desses pacientes. Métodos: 21 pacientes com DRC e 17 saudáveis foram avaliados quanto à antropometria, função pulmonar, força muscular periférica e capacidade funcional. Para comparação entres os grupos foi utilizado o teste t de Student ou U de Mann Whitney. Para correlacionar a força muscular periférica com a capacidade funcional do grupo DRC utilizou-se o coeficiente de Pearson ou Spearman. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos DRC e saudável, respectivamente, nas variáveis da função pulmonar: volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (77,62 ± 18,05% vs. 99,71 ± 16,43%; p = 0,001) e capacidade vital forçada (78,86 ± 17,16% vs. 98,48 ± 16,99%; p = 0,001); e na força muscular periférica de quadríceps direito (127,76 ± 49,77 Nm vs. 170,90 ± 55,38 Nm; p = 0,006) e esquerdo (134,10 ± 55,19 Nm vs. 171,05 ± 57,86 Nm; p = 0,04). O teste de caminhada de 6 minutos foi menor no grupo DRC comparado ao saudável em valor absoluto (419,95 ± 98,51m vs. 616,90 ± 90,01m; p < 0,0001) e em % do predito (66,07 ± 15,04% vs. 94,80 ± 9,35%; p < 0,0001). Observou-se correlação moderada entre a capacidade funcional e a força muscular periférica de quadríceps direito (rho = 0,52; p = 0,01) e quadríceps esquerdo (r = 0,63; p = 0,002) no grupo DRC. Conclusão: Pacientes com DRC apresentam alteração na função pulmonar, redução da força muscular periférica e da capacidade funcional. (AU)

Objective: To study the pulmonary, muscular and functional profile of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and verify the correlation between peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity of these patients. Methods: 21 patients with CKD and 17 healthy individuals were evaluated for anthropometry, pulmonary function, peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity. In the comparison between the groups, the Student t test or the Mann Whitney U test were used. Correlation of peripheral muscle strength with the functional capacity of the CKD group was tested by the Pearson or Spearman coefficient. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the CKD and healthy groups, respectively, in the pulmonary function variables: forced expiratory volume in the first second (77.62 ± 18.05% vs. 99.71 ± 16.43%, p = 0.001) and forced vital capacity (78.86 ± 17.16% vs. 98.48 ± 16.99%, p=0.001); and right quadriceps muscle strength (127.76 ± 49.77 Nm vs. 170.90 ± 55.38 Nm, p = 0.006) and left quadriceps (134.10 ± 55.19 Nm vs. 171.05 ± 57.86 Nm; p = 0.04). The 6-minute walk test was lower in the CKD group compared to healthy in absolute values (419.95 ± 98.51 m vs. 616.90 ± 90.01 m, p < 0.0001) and in % predicted (66,07 ± 15.04% vs. 94.80 ± 9.35%, p<0.0001). There was a moderate correlation between functional capacity and muscle strength of right quadriceps (rho = 0.52, p = 0.01) and left quadriceps (r = 0.63, p = 0.002) in the CKD group. Conclusion: Patients with CKD have altered pulmonary function, reduced peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity. (AU)

Postural alignment of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / Alinhamento postural de pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica

Abstract Introduction: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), airflow resistance impairs respiratory mechanics that may compromise postural alignment. There is a lack of studies that have investigated compromised postures and their possible associations with pulmonary function. Objectives: To compare the postural alignment of COPD patients with apparently healthy individuals; To correlate pulmonary function with postural alignment in the COPD group. Methods: 20 COPD patients and 20 apparently healthy individuals performed: anthropometry, spirometry and postural evaluation. The following postural changes were assessed: lateral head tilt (LHT), shoulder asymmetry (SA1), anterior pelvic asymmetry (APA), lateral trunk tilt (LTT), scapular asymmetry (SA2), posterior pelvic asymmetry (PPA), head protrusion (HP), shoulder protrusion (SP), anterior pelvic tilt (APT) and thoracic kyphosis (TK). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between COPD patients and apparently healthy individuals in the following variables: PPT (p= 0.021), APT (p=0.014) and TK (p=0.011). There was a correlation between pulmonary variables and postural alignment in the COPD group: Forced Volume in one second (FEV1% pred) and HP (°) (r=0.488, p=0.029), FEV1 (% pred) and APT (°) (r= -0.472, p= 0.036); Forced Vital Capacity (FVC % pred) and HP (°) (r=0.568, p=0.009); FVC (% pred) and APT (°) (r=-0.461, p=0.041). Conclusion: Postural alignment of the anterior tilt of the right and left pelvis and thoracic kyphosis is different when compared with COPD patients and healthy individuals. There is a relationship between pulmonary function and postural alignment in COPD patients.

Resumo Introdução: Na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), a resistência ao fluxo aéreo prejudica a mecânica respiratória que pode comprometer o alinhamento postural. Existe uma escassez de estudos que tenham investigado os comprometimentos posturais e suas possíveis relações com a função pulmonar. Objetivos: Comparar o alinhamento postural entre pacientes com DPOC e indivíduos aparentemente saudáveis; correlacionar a função pulmonar com o alinhamento postural no grupo DPOC. Métodos: 20 pacientes com DPOC e 20 indivíduos aparentemente saudáveis realizaram: antropometria, espirometria e avaliação postural. Foram analisadas as alterações posturais: inclinação lateral da cabeça (ILC), desnivelamento dos ombros (DO), desnivelamento pélvico anterior (DPA), inclinação lateral do tronco (ILT), desnivelamento das escápulas (DE), desnivelamento pélvico posterior (DPP), protrusão da cabeça (PC), protrusão de ombro (PO), báscula anterior da pelve (BAP) e cifose torácica (CT). Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os pacientes com DPOC e os indivíduos aparentemente saudáveis nas variáveis: DPP (0,021), BAP (p=0,014) e CT (p=0,011). Houve correlação entre as variáveis pulmonares e o alinhamento postural no grupo DPOC: volume forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1 %prev) e PC (°) (r= 0,488, p=0,029), VEF1 (%prev) e BAP (°) (r= -0,472; p= 0,036); Capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF %prev) e PC (°) (r= 0,568; p= 0,009); CVF %prev) e BAP (°) (r= -0,461; p=0,041). Conclusão: O alinhamento postural da báscula anterior da pelve direita e esquerda e da cifose torácica é diferente quando comparados pacientes com DPOC e saudáveis. Existe relação entre a função pulmonar e o alinhamento postural no paciente com DPOC.

Diaphragmatic mobility: relationship with lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate diaphragmatic mobility in relation to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in patients with COPD. METHODS:: We included 25 patients with COPD, classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, and 25 healthy individuals. For all of the participants, the following were evaluated: anthropometric variables, spirometric parameters, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic mobility (by X-ray), PADL, and the perception of dyspnea. RESULTS:: In the COPD group, diaphragmatic mobility was found to correlate with lung function variables, inspiratory muscle strength, and the perception of dyspnea, whereas it did not correlate with expiratory muscle strength or PADL. CONCLUSIONS:: In patients with COPD, diaphragmatic mobility seems to be associated with airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, as well as with ventilatory capacity and the perception of dyspnea, although not with PADL. OBJETIVO:: Avaliar a relação da mobilidade diafragmática com a função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, dispneia e atividade física de vida diária (AFVD) em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS:: Foram avaliados 25 pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, classificados de acordo com critérios da Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, e 25 indivíduos saudáveis. Todos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: mensuração antropométrica, espirometria, força muscular respiratória, mobilidade diafragmática (por radiografia), AFVD e percepção de dispneia. RESULTADOS:: No grupo DPOC, houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com variáveis de função pulmonar, força muscular inspiratória e percepção de dispneia. Não houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com força muscular expiratória e AFVD. CONCLUSÕES:: A mobilidade diafragmática parece estar associada tanto com a obstrução das vias aéreas quanto com a hiperinsuflação pulmonar em pacientes com DPOC, assim como com a capacidade ventilatória e percepção de dispneia, mas não com AFVD.

Diaphragmatic mobility: relationship with lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life in patients with COPD / Relação da mobilidade diafragmática com função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, dispneia e atividade física de vida diária em pacientes com DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate diaphragmatic mobility in relation to lung function, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in patients with COPD. Methods: We included 25 patients with COPD, classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria, and 25 healthy individuals. For all of the participants, the following were evaluated: anthropometric variables, spirometric parameters, respiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic mobility (by X-ray), PADL, and the perception of dyspnea. Results: In the COPD group, diaphragmatic mobility was found to correlate with lung function variables, inspiratory muscle strength, and the perception of dyspnea, whereas it did not correlate with expiratory muscle strength or PADL. Conclusions: In patients with COPD, diaphragmatic mobility seems to be associated with airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation, as well as with ventilatory capacity and the perception of dyspnea, although not with PADL.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação da mobilidade diafragmática com a função pulmonar, força muscular respiratória, dispneia e atividade física de vida diária (AFVD) em pacientes com DPOC. Métodos: Foram avaliados 25 pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC, classificados de acordo com critérios da Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, e 25 indivíduos saudáveis. Todos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: mensuração antropométrica, espirometria, força muscular respiratória, mobilidade diafragmática (por radiografia), AFVD e percepção de dispneia. Resultados: No grupo DPOC, houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com variáveis de função pulmonar, força muscular inspiratória e percepção de dispneia. Não houve correlações da mobilidade diafragmática com força muscular expiratória e AFVD. Conclusões: A mobilidade diafragmática parece estar associada tanto com a obstrução das vias aéreas quanto com a hiperinsuflação pulmonar em pacientes com DPOC, assim como com a capacidade ventilatória e percepção de dispneia, mas não com AFVD.