Resistance training maintains physical function but does not prevent changes in body composition and biochemical markers after detraining in aging adults.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 10 weeks of resistance training (RT) and subsequent 4 weeks of detraining on physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. METHODS: The study sample was selected by convenience and consisted of 12 women with a mean age of 58 ± 7 years. Physical function [Latin-American Group of Development for Maturity (GDLAM) general index], body composition, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycemia were assessed before and after RT (10 weeks) and detraining (4 weeks). RESULTS: After 10 weeks of RT, there were improvements in fat-free mass (39.1 ± 4.2 vs. 39.9 ± 4.4 kg; p < 0.05 and d = 0.2), fat mass (39.9 ± 6.3% vs. 38.7 ± 6.4%; p < 0.05 and d = -0.2), conicity index (1.47 ± 0.07 vs. 1.43 ± 0.06; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6), and physical function (GDLAM index [27.2 ± 5.5 vs. 25.0 ± 4.7; p = 0.001 and d = -0.4]). Significant improvements were also found in total cholesterol (271.8 ± 75.7 vs. 217.2 ± 52.2 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.8), LDL-cholesterol (196.5 ± 61.6 vs. 159.3 ± 38.5 mg/dL; p < 0.01 and d = -0.7), HDL-cholesterol (53.1 ± 7.3 vs. 64.3 ± 23.7 mg/dL; p < 0.05 and d = 0.7), and triglycerides (165.8 ± 32.6 vs. 139.9 ± 46.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001 and d = -0.6). After the detraining period, all benefits in physical function were successfully maintained. CONCLUSION: RT provided benefits in physical function, body composition, and biochemical markers in aging adults. However, 4-week detraining impaired body composition and biochemical markers in the investigated sample.

Short-duration dynamic power training with elastic bands combined with endurance training: a promising approach to hypertension management in older adults.

Previous studies have investigated the effects of different combined training programs involving traditional resistance training and aerobic exercise on hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness in older adults. However, little is known about the impact of power training combined with endurance training on these variables in hypertensive older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic power training with elastic bands combined with endurance training on arterial stiffness and hemodynamic parameters in hypertensive older adults. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to the control group (CG; n = 13) and the intervention group (n = 13). IG participants performed power training with elastic bands combined with endurance training twice a week for 8 weeks. Pulse pressure, central pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, SBP, DBP, central SBP, and central DBP were assessed before and after 8 weeks using the triple pulse wave velocity method. Pulse pressure, central pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, SBP, DBP, central SBP, and central DBP significantly improved after 8 weeks of intervention (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that power training with elastic bands combined with endurance training reduces arterial stiffness and significantly improves hemodynamic parameters in older adults diagnosed with grade 1 hypertension. In addition, underscores the potential of this approach as a promising strategy for the management of hypertension in older adults.

Current Concepts in Early Mobilization of Critically Ill Patients Within the Context of Neurologic Pathology.

Neurocritical patients (NCPs) in the intensive care unit (ICU) rapidly progress to respiratory and peripheral muscle dysfunctions, which significantly impact morbidity and death. Early mobilization in NCPs to decrease the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness has been showing rapid growth, although pertinent literature is still scarce. With this review, we summarize and discuss current concepts in early mobilization of critically ill patients within the context of neurologic pathology in NCPs. A narrative synthesis of literature was undertaken trying to answer the following questions: How do the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems in NCPs behave? Which metabolic biomarkers influence physiological responses in NCPs? Which considerations should be taken when prescribing exercises in neurocritically ill patients? The present review detected safety, feasibility, and beneficial response for early mobilization in NCPs, given successes in other critically ill populations and many smaller intervention trials in neurocritical care. However, precautions should be taken to elect the patient for early care, as well as monitoring signs that indicate interruption for intervention, as worse outcomes were associated with very early mobilization in acute stroke trials.

Applicability of heart rate variability for cardiac autonomic assessment in long-term COVID patients: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To carry out a systematic review to determine the main methods used to study the heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals after the acute phase of COVID-19. METHODS: The study followed the Preferred Items for Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHAL electronic databases were searched from the inception to November 2022. The studies were included if they used HRV assessment based on linear and non-linear methods in long-term COVID-19 patients. Review studies, theses and dissertations, conference abstracts, longitudinal studies, studies conducted on animals and studies that included individuals in the acute phase of the COVID-19 were excluded. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical evaluation checklist for cross-sectional analytical studies. RESULTS: HRV was mainly assessed using 24-h Holter monitoring in 41.6% (5/12) of the studies, and 12­lead ECG was used in 33.3% (4/12). Regarding the type of assessment, 66.6% (8/12) of the studies only used linear analysis, where 25% (3/12) used analysis in the time domain, and 41.6% (5/12) used both types. Non-linear methods were combined with the previously cited linear method in 25% (3/12) of the studies. Moreover, 50% (6/12) of the studies demonstrated post-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction, with an increase in the predominance of cardiac sympathetic modulation. The average score of the evaluation checklist was 6.6, characterized as having reasonable methodological quality. CONCLUSION: 24-h Holter and 12­lead ECG are considered effective tools to assess HRV in post-COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the findings reveal diverse effects of COVID-19 on the autonomic nervous system's sympathovagal balance, which might be influenced by secondary factors such as disease severity, patients' overall health, evaluation timing, post-infection complications, ventilatory functions, and age.

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation assistance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and morbidity is related to poor quality of life (QOL). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may be associated with prolonged survival and QOL in patients with ALS. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether NIV is effective and safe for patients with ALS in terms of survival and QOL, alerting the health system. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting standards using population, intervention, comparison, and outcome strategies. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and CRD databases were searched based on the eligibility criteria for all types of studies on NIV use in patients with ALS published up to January 2022. Data were extracted from the included studies, and the findings were presented using a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 120 papers identified, only 14 were related to systematic reviews. After thorough reading, only one meta-analysis was considered eligible. In the second stage, 248 studies were included; however, only one systematic review was included. The results demonstrated that NIV provided relief from the symptoms of chronic hypoventilation, increased survival, and improved QOL compared to standard care. These results varied according to clinical phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: NIV in patients with ALS improves the outcome and can delay the indication for tracheostomy, reducing expenditure on hospitalization and occupancy of intensive care unit beds. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database: CRD42021279910 — https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=279910.

Awareness of stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Renal dysfunction is an important risk factor for stroke. Brazilian studies on stroke knowledge are generally population based. Studies stratifying stroke knowledge according to comorbidities are rare. Scientific data are essential to guide the awareness of stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess stroke knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study of patients with CKD on hemodialysis in north-eastern Brazil. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey on stroke awareness was administered to patients with CKD on hemodialysis between April and November 2022. The chi-square test and other descriptive statistics were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the analysis. The Brazilian acronym for stroke was used by 53.5% of the participants. Less than 10.0% of the sample showed optimal decision-making ability regarding stroke. Of the participants, 29.9% knew at least one risk factor and one symptom; however, this was considered as having below the minimum capacity because they did not know the emergency service call number. In the analysis adjusted for income and education, females (odds ratio [OR], 0.40%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.82), older patients (OR, 0.24%; 95% CI, 0.09-0.63) and having at most one comorbidity (OR, 0.48%; 95% CI, 0.23-0.98) were factors for lower levels of knowledge or ideal decision-making capacity against stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on hemodialysis, especially women and older people, have little knowledge about stroke.

Adherence to Exercise Training and Physical Function in Older Adults Diagnosed with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) provokes pain, muscle weakness, and consequent impairment in activities of daily living. On the other hand, adherence to exercise training (ET) is associated with the attenuation of the impairments. The aims of the present study were to a) investigate adherence to ET in older adults with KOA diagnosed attending public service; and b) to analyze the physical function of the older adults with KOA who did not adhere to the ET in public service. Methods: The adherence to ET programs was analyzed retrospectively from each patient's date of KOA diagnosis. After assessing the adherence to ET, the physical function of these older adults diagnosed with KOA (n=19) was analyzed and compared with another group composed of asymptomatic sedentary older adults without evidence of KOA (ASKOA) (n=17). Results: Although all older adults with KOA received guidelines to practice ET, only 58% were able to start a program. Additionally, 100% of the sample could not perform ET uninterruptedly. According to the findings, close to 80% of older adults had difficulties scheduling ET sessions in public places. Subjects with KOA (12.1±3.1; IC95%:10.6-13.6) had worse lower limb functional capacity than ASKOA (8.1±1.0; IC95%:7.6-8.6; p<.001; δ=4.0 sec; d=1.7). Likewise, they had a lower dynamic balance than KOA (12.4±2.7; IC95%:11.1-13.7 vs. 8.0±1.1; IC95%:7.4-8.6; p<.001; δ=4.4 sec; d=2.1). Conclusions: The investigated sample has a lack of ET adherence by difficulties in scheduling ET sessions in public places. In addition, it demonstrated impairment in physical function in older adults with KOA.

Effects of combined muscle power and endurance training with different volumes on functional and hemodynamic parameters in previously trained older adults.

BACKGROUND: To promote optimal neuromuscular and cardiovascular gains in older adults, it seems crucial to investigate the effects of different combined training volumes in this population. Thus, the present study aimed to compare the effects of combined muscle power training (MPT) and endurance training (ET) with different volumes on functional and hemodynamic parameters in previously trained older adults. METHODS: Twenty-five older adults were randomly assigned to either the lower-volume group (LVG; n = 13) or the higher-volume group (HVG; n = 12). In the LVG, participants performed 1 set of 6 repetitions for each exercise, followed by 10 min of walking exercise. In the HVG, participants performed 2 sets of 6 repetitions for each exercise, followed by 20 min of walking exercise. Lift from the ventral decubitus position (LPDV), timed up-and-go (TUG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed before and after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Significant increases in LPDV test occurred in both groups after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvements in TUG performance occurred in both groups from week 0 to week 8 (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were observed between groups in functional parameters (p > 0.05). SBP and DBP remain unchanged (p > 0.05) in both groups over the experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that lower-volume and higher-volume of combined MPT and ET promoted improvements in functional parameters. This study has an important practical application, as it indicates that regardless of the volume (lower or higher), comparable improvements are observed in functional parameters in previously trained older adults.

Cardiac Autonomic Function and Functional Capacity in Post-COVID-19 Individuals with Systemic Arterial Hypertension.

Individuals diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) are considered risk groups for COVID-19 severity. This study assessed differences in cardiac autonomic function (CAF) and functional capacity (FC) in SAH individuals without COVID-19 infection compared to SAH individuals post-COVID-19. Participants comprised 40 SAH individuals aged 31 to 80 years old, grouped as SAH with COVID-19 (G1; n = 21) and SAH without COVID-19 (G2; n = 19). CAF was assessed via heart rate variability (HRV), measuring R-R intervals during a 10-min supine period. Four HRV indices were analyzed through symbolic analysis: 0V%, 1V%, 2LV%, and 2UV%. FC assessment was performed by a 6-min walk test (6MWT). G1 and G2 showed no significant differences in terms of age, anthropometric parameters, clinical presentation, and medication use. G2 exhibited superior 6MWT performance, covering more distance (522 ± 78 vs. 465 ± 59 m, p < 0.05). Specifically, G2 demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between 6MWT and the 2LV% index (r = 0.58; p < 0.05). Shorter walking distances were observed during 6MWT in SAH individuals post-COVID-19. However, the study did not find impaired cardiac autonomic function in SAH individuals post-COVID-19 compared to those without. This suggests that while COVID-19 impacted FC, CAF remained relatively stable in this population.

Awareness of stroke among patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Renal dysfunction is an important risk factor for stroke. Brazilian studies on stroke knowledge are generally population based. Studies stratifying stroke knowledge according to comorbidities are rare. Scientific data are essential to guide the awareness of stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess stroke knowledge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study of patients with CKD on hemodialysis in north-eastern Brazil. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey on stroke awareness was administered to patients with CKD on hemodialysis between April and November 2022. The chi-square test and other descriptive statistics were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients were included in the analysis. The Brazilian acronym for stroke was used by 53.5% of the participants. Less than 10.0% of the sample showed optimal decision-making ability regarding stroke. Of the participants, 29.9% knew at least one risk factor and one symptom; however, this was considered as having below the minimum capacity because they did not know the emergency service call number. In the analysis adjusted for income and education, females (odds ratio [OR], 0.40%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.82), older patients (OR, 0.24%; 95% CI, 0.09-0.63) and having at most one comorbidity (OR, 0.48%; 95% CI, 0.23-0.98) were factors for lower levels of knowledge or ideal decision-making capacity against stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on hemodialysis, especially women and older people, have little knowledge about stroke.

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation assistance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and morbidity is related to poor quality of life (QOL). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may be associated with prolonged survival and QOL in patients with ALS. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether NIV is effective and safe for patients with ALS in terms of survival and QOL, alerting the health system. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting standards using population, intervention, comparison, and outcome strategies. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and CRD databases were searched based on the eligibility criteria for all types of studies on NIV use in patients with ALS published up to January 2022. Data were extracted from the included studies, and the findings were presented using a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 120 papers identified, only 14 were related to systematic reviews. After thorough reading, only one meta-analysis was considered eligible. In the second stage, 248 studies were included; however, only one systematic review was included. The results demonstrated that NIV provided relief from the symptoms of chronic hypoventilation, increased survival, and improved QOL compared to standard care. These results varied according to clinical phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: NIV in patients with ALS improves the outcome and can delay the indication for tracheostomy, reducing expenditure on hospitalization and occupancy of intensive care unit beds. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database: CRD42021279910 - https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=279910.

Impact of dynamic explosive resistance exercise with elastic bands on pulse pressure in hypertensive older adults: a randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the acute responses of pulse pressure (PP), SBP, and DBP to dynamic explosive resistance exercise (DERE) with elastic resistance bands in hypertensive older adults. METHODS: Eighteen hypertensive older adults were randomly assigned to participate in DERE and control sessions. PP, SBP, and DBP were measured before (baseline) and after each session (immediately, 10, and 20 min after the session). The DERE protocol has five sets of two consecutive exercises. RESULTS: There was an important clinical decrease in PP (Δ = -7.8 mmHg; dz = 0.7) and in DBP (Δ = -6.3 mmHg; dz = 0.6) favoring the exercise session post-20 min in the intersession comparison. DERE also promoted lowering levels in SBP (140.3 ±â€…16.0 vs. 126.2 ±â€…14.3 mmHg; Δ = -14.1 mmHg; P  = 0.04) with a large effect size ( dz = 0.9) post-20 min when compared to the control session. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that DERE with elastic resistance bands improved SBP in hypertensive older adults. In addition, our results support the hypothesis that DERE can an important clinical decrease in PP and DBP. According to this, professionals may have additional exercise training possibilities with elastic resistance bands when prescribing resistance exercises for systemic arterial hypertension treatment in this population.

Autonomic dysfunction in COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can damage cardiac tissue by increasing troponin levels and inducing arrhythmias, myocarditis, and acute coronary syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac autonomic control in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional analytical study of ICU patients of both sexes receiving mechanical ventilation was conducted in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Patients were divided into COVID-19-positive (COVID(+)) and COVID-19-negative (COVID(-)) groups. Clinical data were collected and heart rate variability (HRV) records obtained using a heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 82 subjects: 36 (44%) in the COVID(-) group (58.3% female; median age, 64.5 years) and 46 (56%) in the COVID(+) group (39.1% females; median age, 57.5 years). The HRV indices were lower than the reference values. An intergroup comparison identified no statistically significant differences in the mean normal-to-normal (NN) interval, standard deviation of the NN interval, or root mean square of successive differences in NN intervals. The COVID(+) group had an increased low frequency (P = 0.05), reduced high frequency (P = 0.045), and increased low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (P = 0.048). There was a weak positive correlation between LF/HF and length of stay in the COVID(+) group. CONCLUSION: Patients who received mechanical ventilation had lower overall HRV indices. COVID(+) patients who received mechanical ventilation had lower vagal HRV components. These findings likely indicate clinical applicability, as autonomic control impairments are associated with a greater risk of cardiac death.

Prevalence of Presenteeism in Agricultural Workers: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism, the act of showing up to work when one is ill, is a prevailing global phenomenon, at rates varying from 30% to 90%. Presenteeism results in consequences to the worker's health, like pain, depression, and poor work ability, as well as consequences to the organization like productivity loss, negative feelings and engagement of coworkers, and risk of accidents. Agriculture is an important sector for the global economy, providing employment for 27% of the global workforce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of presenteeism and its associated factors among agricultural workers. METHODS: A systematic review was performed through searches at PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases. Observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort or case-control) that reported the prevalence of presenteeism in agricultural workers were eligible. FINDINGS: A total of 139 studies were found but only two met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies reported prevalence rates of presenteeism of 5.0% and 58.2%. Poor work safety climate, female workers, workers dissatisfied with management, and sunscreen not available at the workplace were strongly associated with the prevalence of presenteeism. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: We concluded that the scientific literature about the prevalence of presenteeism among agricultural workers is scarce. Future studies about presenteeism among agricultural workers should measure the prevalence and/or incidence of presenteeism by using the epidemiological approach and, furthermore, should integrate these measures with the work productivity approach.

Impaired Cardiovascular Parameters in Resistance Training Practitioners Who Take Ergogenic Aids.

BACKGROUND: Although there are studies on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic cardiac control (ACC) impairments caused by ergogenic aids, research has scarcely addressed this analysis during sleep. This study analyzed BP and ACC during sleep and wake periods in three groups of resistance training (RT) practitioners: ergogenic aid non-users, thermogenic supplement (TS) self-users, and anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) self-users. METHODS: RT practitioners were selected for the Control Group (CG; n = 15), TS self-users Group (TSG; n = 15), and AAS self-users Group (AASG; n = 15). All individuals underwent cardiovascular Holter monitoring (BP, ACC) during sleep and wake periods. RESULTS: The maximum systolic BP (SBP) during sleep was higher in AASG (p < 0.01) than CG (p < 0.001). CG had lower mean diastolic BP (DBP) than TSG (p < 0.01) and lower mean SBP (p = 0.009) than the other groups. Additionally, CG had higher values (p < 0.01) than TSG and AASG for SDNN and pNN50 during sleep. HF, LF, and LF/HF ratio values during sleep were statistically different in CG (p < 0.001) from the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that high doses of TS and AAS can impair cardiovascular parameters during sleep in RT practitioners who take ergogenic aids.

Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity, Blood Pressure, and Autonomic Responses in Patients With Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Despite the well-known positive effects of exercise in hypertensive patients, the best mode of exercise is still under discussion. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of the literature, synthesizing data on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), blood pressure (BP), cardiac autonomic modulation, and resting heart rate (HR) in patients with hypertension. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (via PubMed), CENTRAL, PEDro database, and SciELO (from the earliest date available to December 31, 2020). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of HIIT in hypertensive patients. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION: Mean differences (MDs) with a 95% CI were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS: Nine RCTs encompassing 569 patients met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Five trials compared supervised HIIT with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and a control; 1 trial compared HIIT with MICT, and 3 compared HIIT with a control. In comparison with MICT, HIIT improved VO2 peak MD (3.3 mL.kg-1.min-1; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3; N = 130). In comparison with controls, HIIT improved VO2 peak MD (4.4 mL.kg-1.min-1; 95% CI, 2.5-6.2; N = 162). CONCLUSION: Despite the low quality of the evidence, HIIT is superior to MICT in improving VO2 peak in patients with hypertension. HIIT effectively improved VO2 peak, BP, and resting HR when compared with controls. HIIT appears to be safe only when performed in a supervised manner for stage 1 hypertension patients without associated risk factors.

Smartphone and application use in self-management of chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional feasibility study

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. METHODS: The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

Autonomic dysfunction in COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can damage cardiac tissue by increasing troponin levels and inducing arrhythmias, myocarditis, and acute coronary syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac autonomic control in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional analytical study of ICU patients of both sexes receiving mechanical ventilation was conducted in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Patients were divided into COVID-19-positive (COVID(+)) and COVID-19-negative (COVID(-)) groups. Clinical data were collected and heart rate variability (HRV) records obtained using a heart rate monitor. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 82 subjects: 36 (44%) in the COVID(-) group (58.3% female; median age, 64.5 years) and 46 (56%) in the COVID(+) group (39.1% females; median age, 57.5 years). The HRV indices were lower than the reference values. An intergroup comparison identified no statistically significant differences in the mean normal-to-normal (NN) interval, standard deviation of the NN interval, or root mean square of successive differences in NN intervals. The COVID(+) group had an increased low frequency (P = 0.05), reduced high frequency (P = 0.045), and increased low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (P = 0.048). There was a weak positive correlation between LF/HF and length of stay in the COVID(+) group. CONCLUSION: Patients who received mechanical ventilation had lower overall HRV indices. COVID(+) patients who received mechanical ventilation had lower vagal HRV components. These findings likely indicate clinical applicability, as autonomic control impairments are associated with a greater risk of cardiac death.

Smartphone and application use in self-management of chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: Smartphone and application use can improve communication and monitoring of chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, through self-management and increased adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To assess smartphone use in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and their willingness to use mobile applications as a disease self-management strategy. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the São Francisco Valley in the Northeast Region, Brazil. METHODS: The questionnaire developed by the authors was administered between April and June 2021. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the construct was 0.69. Associations between the dependent and independent variables were determined using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression analysis was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were included, of whom 64% had a smartphone, although only 3.1% knew of a kidney disease-related application. However, 59.3% believed that using an application could help them manage their disease. Having a smartphone was associated with treatment adherence, higher educational attainment, and higher per capita income. Educational attainment remained an independent factor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: More than 64% of patients had a smartphone, although few knew of applications developed for kidney disease. More than half of the population believed that technology use could benefit chronic kidney disease treatment. Smartphone ownership was more common among the younger population, with higher educational attainment and income, and was associated with greater adherence to hemodialysis sessions.

Awareness towards stroke among high school students in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Educational interventions on stroke are potentially effective in reducing the period between the onset of symptoms and the initial emergency medical assistance. OBJECTIVES: To assess high school students' knowledge of stroke. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in high schools in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: A self-structured questionnaire survey regarding stroke awareness was applied among high school students in northeastern Brazil. Data were collected between 2018 and 2019. The chi-square test and other descriptive statistics were used. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,788 students were analyzed. Eighty percent (n = 1430) of them did not have the minimum knowledge on how to act in a stroke situation. Only 10% (n = 179) presented the ideal knowledge on how to act. Males presented lower levels of knowledge on risk factors (odds ratio, OR: 0.62%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.49-0.79) and signs and symptoms of stroke (OR: 0.63%; 95% CI: 0.52-0.77). Students with ≥ 10 years of schooling (OR: 1.64%; 95% CI: 1.30-2.07) demonstrated greater knowledge of signs and symptoms of stroke. Students aged 18 years (OR: 1.70%; 95% CI: 1.14-2.52) demonstrated greater knowledge than other ages regarding the telephone number of the emergency medical services. CONCLUSIONS: There was a knowledge deficit with regard to recognizing stroke and activating the emergency medical services. The findings apply to the sample investigated and suggest that there is a need for stroke educational interventions, starting in high school.