Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers Responses after Aerobic Training in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise (PE) may improve plasma concentration of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin (adpN) in heart transplant (HT) patients. However, no consistent data is available on this population. AIM: Thus, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of PE over these pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in HT patients. METHODS: Following the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, we conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Outcomes included IL-6, TNF-alpha, and adpN. Effect size (ES) was calculated using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The PE group (aerobic modality) was associated with reduced IL-6 compared to the control group (ES: -0.53; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.026). However, the PE group did not show a significant effect on TNF-alpha and adpN levels (ES: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.13; P = 0.16 and ES: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.70 to 0.30 pg/mL; P = 0.444, respectively). CONCLUSION: PE is associated with IL-6 reductions, although TNF alpha and adpN did not change after this intervention in HT patients. Therefore, PE is an effective intervention to downregulate IL-6 in post-HT patients.

Effects of aerobic and combined training on pain-free walking distance and health-related quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Decreased walking ability in patients with peripheral arterial disease is often a clinical problem and limits the quality of life and daily activities of these subjects. physical exercise is important in this scenario, as it improves both the daily walking distance and the ability to withstand intermittent claudication related to the limitations of the peripheral disease. Objectives: Our aim was to compare the effects of two types of exercise training (aerobic training and aerobic training combined with resistance exercises) on pain-free walking distance (PFWD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample composed of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: Twenty patients with claudication symptoms were randomized to either aerobic control (AC) N= 9, or combined training (CT) N= 8, (24 sixty-minute sessions, twice a week). The total walking distance until onset of pain due to claudication was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and HRQoL was measured using the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire (general and specific domains) at baseline and after training. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess the differences between groups for the PFWD and HRQoL domains, testing the main group and time effects and their respective interaction effects. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Seventeen patients (mean age 63±9 years; 53% male) completed the study. Both groups experienced improvement in claudication, as reflected by a significant increase in PFWD: AC, 149 m to 299 m (P<0.001); CT, 156 m to 253 m (P<0.001). HRQoL domains also improved similarly in both groups (physical capacity, psychological aspects, and self-reported quality of life; P=0.001, P=0.003, and P=0.011 respectively). Conclusions: Both aerobic and combined training similarly improved PFWD and HRQoL in PAD patients. There are no advantages in adding strength training to conventional aerobic training. This study does not support the conclusion that combined training is a good strategy for these patients when compared with classic training.

Contexto: A diminuição da capacidade de marcha em pacientes com doença arterial periférica é frequentemente um problema clínico e limita a qualidade de vida e as atividades diárias desses indivíduos. O exercício físico é importante nesse cenário, pois melhora tanto a distância caminhada diária quanto a capacidade de suportar a claudicação intermitente relacionada às limitações da doença periférica. Objetivos: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbico (TA) e do treinamento aeróbico combinado com exercícios de resistência (TC) na distância percorrida livre de dor (DPLD) e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP). Métodos: Vinte pacientes com sintomas de claudicação foram randomizados para TA ou TC. Os treinamentos foram realizados em 24 sessões, duas vezes por semana. A DPLD foi avaliada por meio do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, e a QVRS foi medida pelo instrumento da avaliação de qualidade de vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-BREF), no início e após o treinamento. Para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos para DPLD e os domínios da QVRS, foi utilizado o modelo de equações de estimativa generalizada, testando os efeitos principais do grupo e tempo, bem como os respectivos efeitos de interação. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Dezessete pacientes (idade média: 63±9 anos; 53% do sexo masculino) completaram o estudo. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora na claudicação, refletida por um aumento significativo na DPLD: grupo controle aeróbico - de 149 m para 299 m (P < 0,001); grupo de treinamento combinado - de 156 m para 253 m (P < 0,001). Os domínios da QVRS também melhoraram de forma semelhante em ambos os grupos (capacidade física, aspectos psicológicos e qualidade de vida autorreferida; P = 0,001, P = 0,003 e P = 0,011, respectivamente). Conclusões: Ambos os treinamentos melhoraram de forma semelhante a DPLD e a QVRS em pacientes com DAP. Não há vantagens em associar o treinamento de força ao treinamento aeróbico convencional. O estudo não permite concluir que o TC é uma boa estratégia para esses pacientes quando comparado ao treinamento clássico.

Effects of aerobic and combined training on pain-free walking distance and health-related quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial / Efeitos do treinamento aeróbico e combinado na distância percorrida sem dor e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em pacientes com doença arterial periférica: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Background Decreased walking ability in patients with peripheral arterial disease is often a clinical problem and limits the quality of life and daily activities of these subjects. physical exercise is important in this scenario, as it improves both the daily walking distance and the ability to withstand intermittent claudication related to the limitations of the peripheral disease. Objectives Our aim was to compare the effects of two types of exercise training (aerobic training and aerobic training combined with resistance exercises) on pain-free walking distance (PFWD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample composed of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods Twenty patients with claudication symptoms were randomized to either aerobic control (AC) N= 9, or combined training (CT) N= 8, (24 sixty-minute sessions, twice a week). The total walking distance until onset of pain due to claudication was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and HRQoL was measured using the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire (general and specific domains) at baseline and after training. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess the differences between groups for the PFWD and HRQoL domains, testing the main group and time effects and their respective interaction effects. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Seventeen patients (mean age 63±9 years; 53% male) completed the study. Both groups experienced improvement in claudication, as reflected by a significant increase in PFWD: AC, 149 m to 299 m (P<0.001); CT, 156 m to 253 m (P<0.001). HRQoL domains also improved similarly in both groups (physical capacity, psychological aspects, and self-reported quality of life; P=0.001, P=0.003, and P=0.011 respectively). Conclusions Both aerobic and combined training similarly improved PFWD and HRQoL in PAD patients. There are no advantages in adding strength training to conventional aerobic training. This study does not support the conclusion that combined training is a good strategy for these patients when compared with classic training.

Resumo Contexto A diminuição da capacidade de marcha em pacientes com doença arterial periférica é frequentemente um problema clínico e limita a qualidade de vida e as atividades diárias desses indivíduos. O exercício físico é importante nesse cenário, pois melhora tanto a distância caminhada diária quanto a capacidade de suportar a claudicação intermitente relacionada às limitações da doença periférica. Objetivos Comparar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbico (TA) e do treinamento aeróbico combinado com exercícios de resistência (TC) na distância percorrida livre de dor (DPLD) e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP). Métodos Vinte pacientes com sintomas de claudicação foram randomizados para TA ou TC. Os treinamentos foram realizados em 24 sessões, duas vezes por semana. A DPLD foi avaliada por meio do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, e a QVRS foi medida pelo instrumento da avaliação de qualidade de vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-BREF), no início e após o treinamento. Para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos para DPLD e os domínios da QVRS, foi utilizado o modelo de equações de estimativa generalizada, testando os efeitos principais do grupo e tempo, bem como os respectivos efeitos de interação. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Dezessete pacientes (idade média: 63±9 anos; 53% do sexo masculino) completaram o estudo. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora na claudicação, refletida por um aumento significativo na DPLD: grupo controle aeróbico - de 149 m para 299 m (P < 0,001); grupo de treinamento combinado - de 156 m para 253 m (P < 0,001). Os domínios da QVRS também melhoraram de forma semelhante em ambos os grupos (capacidade física, aspectos psicológicos e qualidade de vida autorreferida; P = 0,001, P = 0,003 e P = 0,011, respectivamente). Conclusões Ambos os treinamentos melhoraram de forma semelhante a DPLD e a QVRS em pacientes com DAP. Não há vantagens em associar o treinamento de força ao treinamento aeróbico convencional. O estudo não permite concluir que o TC é uma boa estratégia para esses pacientes quando comparado ao treinamento clássico.

Effect of different physical training modalities on peak oxygen consumptions in post-acute myocardial infarction patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Physical training can increase peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in people who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, there is still a gap in the literature in relation to the effectiveness of different types of interventions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different physical training modalities on VO2peak in post-AMI patients. The following databases were used: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Pedro. Studies that evaluated aerobic exercise, strength exercise, or combined exercise were included. Six studies met eligibility criteria. Aerobic exercise increased VO2peak by 6.07 ml.kg-1.min-1 when compared to the control group (CG) (p = 0.013). The comparison between combined exercise and control group detected a difference of 1.84 ml.kg-1.min-1, but this was not significant (p = 0.312). We therefore conclude that aerobic exercise is the only modality that is effective for increasing VO2peak compared to a control group.

Importance of physical detraining in functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a cross-sectional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Physical training is a well-established strategy for rehabilitation of the functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). However, some individuals quit training after participating in a physical training program, undergoing detraining. There is scant literature on the effects of physical detraining in individuals with PAOD and it is therefore important to investigate the effects of this phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article was to evaluate the effects of physical detraining on functional capacity in individuals with PAOD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 22 individuals. Participants were divided into two groups: a detraining group (DG) and a control group (CG). The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWTD) and the pain-free walking distance (PFWD) were evaluated. The PFWD is the distance covered until claudication begins, i.e., the distance covered without pain. RESULTS: Mean age was 66 ± 8 in the DG and 67 ± 7 in the CG. There were no differences between the groups in either the 6MWTD or the PFWD (p = 0.428; p = 0.537, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present pilot study allows us to conclude that the functional capacity of individuals with PAOD who participated in a physical training program and subsequently underwent detraining was not superior in relation to individuals who did not participate in a physical training program. The results of the present study serve to encourage maintenance of physical exercise, since physical training is no longer effective if detraining occurs.

Efeitos do treinamento de caminhada em esteira sobre o equilíbrio e sintomas motores de pessoas com doença de parkinson: uma revisão da literatura / Effects of treadmill walking training on balance and motor symptoms in parkinson's disease: a literature review

A doença de Parkinson (DP) apresenta prejuízo no equilíbrio e piora de sintomas motores, os quais podem aumentar o risco de quedas. O exercício físico tem se mostrado uma estratégia eficaz para combater os sintomas e o avanço da DP. A caminhada parece ser uma das estratégias mais utilizadas dentro da reabilitação na DP. Além disso, a caminhada realizada em esteira parece ser segura e eficaz para o tratamento da DP. No entanto, para nosso conhecimento, não foi realizada uma revisão abrangente da literatura que aborde os efeitos do treinamento físico de caminhada em esteira sobre o equilíbrio e sintomas motores de indivíduos com DP. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os efeitos do treinamento físico de caminhada em esteira sobre o equilíbrio, medido por meio da escala de equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e sintomas motores, medido por meio da escala UPDRS-III ou UPDRS-M (Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale ­ III ou motor scale) em indivíduos com DP. Foi realizada uma busca na literatura nas bases de dados PubMed e SciELO utilizando as seguintes palavras-chave: "Parkinson disease", "Walking" e "Exercise". Um total de 11 artigos foram incluídos para leitura na íntegra. Ao fim do processo de leitura, foram incluídos oito artigos para extração dos dados. Foi observado que existem diferentes modelos de treinamento físico de caminhada em esteira, sendo que o mais utilizado é com a suspensão do peso corporal, aparecendo em cinco artigos. Além disso, um estudo investigou os efeitos da caminhada nórdica em esteira, e outros dois investigaram os efeitos da caminhada convencional em esteira com modelo de prescrição baseado na velocidade autosselecionada. Todos estudos demonstraram efeito positivo do treinamento físico de caminhada, demonstrando melhora no equilíbrio funcional e sintomas motores de indivíduos com DP quando comparados a um grupo controle. (AU)

Parkinson's disease (PD) impairs balance and worsens motor symptoms, increasing the risk of falls. Physical exercise has been shown to be an effective strategy to combat the symptoms and progress of PD. Walking seems to be one of the most used strategies within PD rehabilitation. In addition, walking on a treadmill appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of PD. However, to our knowledge, a comprehensive literature review that addresses the effects of physical walking training on the treadmill on balance and motor symptoms of individuals with PD has not been performed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effects of physical training in treadmill walking on balance, measured using the Berg balance scale and motor symptoms, measured using the UPDRS-III or UPDRS-M scale (Unified Parkinson's disease rating scale - III or motor scale) in individuals with PD. A literature search was performed in the PubMed and SciELO databases using the following keywords: "Parkinson's disease", "Walking" and "Exercise". At the end of the selection process, eight articles were included for data extraction. It was observed that there are different models of physical training for walking on a treadmill, the most used being with the suspension of body weight, appearing in five articles. In addition, one study investigated the effects of Nordic walking on a treadmill, and two others investigated the effects of conventional walking on a treadmill with a prescription model based on self-selected speed. All studies demonstrated a positive effect of physical walking training, showing improvement in the functional balance and motor symptoms of individuals with PD when compared with control group. (AU)

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation: What's New in the Literature.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and it is associated with a significant risk of adverse events, especially ischemic stroke. Oral anticoagulation is the cornerstone for stroke prevention in AF; for many years, only vitamin K antagonists were used for this purpose, with an absolute risk reduction >60%. However, these agents have limitations, such as narrow therapeutic margins and drug-food and drug-drug interactions. More recently, 4 direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs)-non-vitamin K antagonists-have become available for patients with AF: dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban. In addition to a comparable efficacy to warfarin in large randomized controlled trials, DOACs were found to promote a lower risk of intracranial bleeding. The strategic dosage and lack of need for periodic prothrombin-time testing make their use attractive, especially for primary or secondary prevention of stroke in older adults. Furthermore, among patients with AF presenting with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, apixaban is associated with a reduction in serious bleeding events when compared with warfarin. On the other hand, there is no evidence of benefit of DOACs in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves or moderate/severe mitral stenosis. Furthermore, the suitability of DOACs in patients with liver disease is still poorly understood, and their safety in patients requiring renal replacement therapy remains uncertain. This review provides an overview of the main trials of DOACs, their pharmacology and safety profile, clinical implications, and best indications in light of the current evidence.

Efeito de diferentes modalidades de treinamento físico no consumo de oxigênio de pico em pacientes pós-infarto agudo do miocárdio: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise / Effect of different physical training modalities on peak oxygen consumptions in post-acute myocardial infarction patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Resumo O treinamento físico é capaz de aumentar o consumo de oxigênio de pico em indivíduos que sofreram infarto agudo do miocárdio. No entanto, em relação à eficácia de diferentes tipos de intervenções ainda há uma lacuna na literatura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes modalidades de treinamento físico no consumo de oxigênio de pico de pacientes pós-infarto agudo do miocárdio. Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Scopus e PEDro. Foram incluídos estudos que avaliassem exercícios aeróbicos, de força ou combinados. Seis estudos preencheram elegibilidade. O exercício aeróbico aumentou 6,07 mL.kg-1.min-1 quando comparado ao grupo controle (p = 0,013). Na comparação entre exercício combinado e grupo controle, foi observada uma diferença de 1,84 mL.kg-1.min-1, no entanto, sem significância (p = 0,312). Portanto, concluímos que o exercício aeróbico é a única modalidade que apresenta eficácia para aumentar o consumo de oxigênio de pico em comparação a um grupo controle.

Abstract Physical training can increase peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in people who have suffered acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, there is still a gap in the literature in relation to the effectiveness of different types of interventions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different physical training modalities on VO2peak in post-AMI patients. The following databases were used: PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Pedro. Studies that evaluated aerobic exercise, strength exercise, or combined exercise were included. Six studies met eligibility criteria. Aerobic exercise increased VO2peak by 6.07 ml.kg-1.min-1 when compared to the control group (CG) (p = 0.013). The comparison between combined exercise and control group detected a difference of 1.84 ml.kg-1.min-1, but this was not significant (p = 0.312). We therefore conclude that aerobic exercise is the only modality that is effective for increasing VO2peak compared to a control group.

Importância do destreinamento físico sobre a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com doença arterial obstrutiva crônica periférica: estudo transversal piloto / Importance of physical detraining in functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a cross-sectional pilot study

Resumo Contexto O treinamento físico é uma estratégia bem estabelecida para a reabilitação da capacidade funcional de indivíduos com doença arterial obstrutiva crônica periférica (DAOP). No entanto, após um programa de treinamento físico, alguns indivíduos podem descontinuá-lo, causando destreinamento. A literatura é escassa sobre os efeitos do destreinamento físico em indivíduos com DAOP; portanto, torna-se importante investigar os efeitos nessa temática. Objetivos Avaliar os efeitos do destreinamento físico sobre a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com DAOP. Métodos Estudo transversal com 22 indivíduos. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo destreinamento (GD), grupo controle (GC). Foram avaliadas a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (DTC6M) e a distância livre de dor claudicante (DLDC), a qual é referida pela distância percorrida até o início da claudicação, ou seja, sem dor. Resultados A média da idade foi de 66±8 para o GD e de 67±7 para o GC. Tanto a DTC6M como a DLDC não apresentaram diferenças entre os grupos (p = 0,428 e p = 0,537, respectivamente). Conclusões O presente estudo piloto permite concluir que indivíduos com DAOP que participaram de um programa de treinamento físico e posterior destreinamento não tiveram efeitos superiores na sua capacidade funcional em relação a indivíduos que não participaram de programa de treinamento físico. O resultado do presente estudo serve para incentivar a manutenção da prática de exercício físico, visto que o treinamento físico deixa de ser efetivo se ocorrer destreinamento.

Abstract Background Physical training is a well-established strategy for rehabilitation of the functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). However, some individuals quit training after participating in a physical training program, undergoing detraining. There is scant literature on the effects of physical detraining in individuals with PAOD and it is therefore important to investigate the effects of this phenomenon. Objectives The objective of this article was to evaluate the effects of physical detraining on functional capacity in individuals with PAOD. Methods Cross-sectional study with 22 individuals. Participants were divided into two groups: a detraining group (DG) and a control group (CG). The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWTD) and the pain-free walking distance (PFWD) were evaluated. The PFWD is the distance covered until claudication begins, i.e., the distance covered without pain. Results Mean age was 66 ± 8 in the DG and 67 ± 7 in the CG. There were no differences between the groups in either the 6MWTD or the PFWD (p = 0.428; p = 0.537, respectively). Conclusions The present pilot study allows us to conclude that the functional capacity of individuals with PAOD who participated in a physical training program and subsequently underwent detraining was not superior in relation to individuals who did not participate in a physical training program. The results of the present study serve to encourage maintenance of physical exercise, since physical training is no longer effective if detraining occurs.

Importância do destreinamento físico sobre a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com doença arterial obstrutiva crônica periférica: estudo transversal piloto / Importance of physical detraining in functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a cross-sectional pilot study

Resumo Contexto O treinamento físico é uma estratégia bem estabelecida para a reabilitação da capacidade funcional de indivíduos com doença arterial obstrutiva crônica periférica (DAOP). No entanto, após um programa de treinamento físico, alguns indivíduos podem descontinuá-lo, causando destreinamento. A literatura é escassa sobre os efeitos do destreinamento físico em indivíduos com DAOP; portanto, torna-se importante investigar os efeitos nessa temática. Objetivos Avaliar os efeitos do destreinamento físico sobre a capacidade funcional em indivíduos com DAOP. Métodos Estudo transversal com 22 indivíduos. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo destreinamento (GD), grupo controle (GC). Foram avaliadas a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (DTC6M) e a distância livre de dor claudicante (DLDC), a qual é referida pela distância percorrida até o início da claudicação, ou seja, sem dor. Resultados A média da idade foi de 66±8 para o GD e de 67±7 para o GC. Tanto a DTC6M como a DLDC não apresentaram diferenças entre os grupos (p = 0,428 e p = 0,537, respectivamente). Conclusões O presente estudo piloto permite concluir que indivíduos com DAOP que participaram de um programa de treinamento físico e posterior destreinamento não tiveram efeitos superiores na sua capacidade funcional em relação a indivíduos que não participaram de programa de treinamento físico. O resultado do presente estudo serve para incentivar a manutenção da prática de exercício físico, visto que o treinamento físico deixa de ser efetivo se ocorrer destreinamento.

Abstract Background Physical training is a well-established strategy for rehabilitation of the functional capacity of individuals with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). However, some individuals quit training after participating in a physical training program, undergoing detraining. There is scant literature on the effects of physical detraining in individuals with PAOD and it is therefore important to investigate the effects of this phenomenon. Objectives The objective of this article was to evaluate the effects of physical detraining on functional capacity in individuals with PAOD. Methods Cross-sectional study with 22 individuals. Participants were divided into two groups: a detraining group (DG) and a control group (CG). The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (6MWTD) and the pain-free walking distance (PFWD) were evaluated. The PFWD is the distance covered until claudication begins, i.e., the distance covered without pain. Results Mean age was 66 ± 8 in the DG and 67 ± 7 in the CG. There were no differences between the groups in either the 6MWTD or the PFWD (p = 0.428; p = 0.537, respectively). Conclusions The present pilot study allows us to conclude that the functional capacity of individuals with PAOD who participated in a physical training program and subsequently underwent detraining was not superior in relation to individuals who did not participate in a physical training program. The results of the present study serve to encourage maintenance of physical exercise, since physical training is no longer effective if detraining occurs.

A 9-Week Nordic and Free Walking Improve Postural Balance in Parkinson's Disease.

Aerobic training has a neuroprotective effect in people with Parkinson's disease. Recent evidence indicates that Nordic walking seems a promising alternative due to positive outcomes in functional mobility. However, the effects of Nordic walking compared to free walking on static and functional balance parameters are still unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nine weeks of Nordic and free walking training on static and functional balance. The sample size was 33 individuals with eight dropouts, leaving 25 individuals in the final sample (Nordic Walking, n=14, Free Walking, n=11). The participants underwent two evaluations in the present randomized clinical trial, pre- and post-training, to determine average velocity and root-mean-square values from center of pressure with eyes open and eyes closed. The functional balance showed approximately 5% improvement for the two groups ( p =0.04). The results indicate that nine weeks of Nordic and free walking training were enough to induce improvements in the proprioceptive system and functional balance.