Fall risk classification for people with lower extremity amputations using random forests and smartphone sensor features from a 6-minute walk test.

Fall-risk classification is a challenging but necessary task to enable the recommendation of preventative programs for individuals identified at risk for falling. Existing research has primarily focused on older adults, with no predictive fall-risk models for lower limb amputees, despite their greater likelihood of fall-risk than older adults. In this study, 89 amputees with varying degrees of lower limb amputation were asked if they had fallen in the past 6 months. Those who reported at least one fall were considered a fall risk. Each participant performed a 6 minute walk test (6MWT) with an Android smartphone placed in a holder located on the back of the pelvis. A fall-risk classification method was developed using data from sensors within the smartphone. The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Center Walk Test app captured accelerometer and gyroscope data during the 6MWT. From this data, foot strikes were identified, and 248 features were extracted from the collection of steps. Steps were segmented into turn and straight walking, and four different data sets were created: turn steps, straightaway steps, straightaway and turn steps, and all steps. From these, three feature selection techniques (correlation-based feature selection, relief F, and extra trees classifier ensemble) were used to eliminate redundant or ineffective features. Each feature subset was tested with a random forest classifier and optimized for the best number of trees. The best model used turn data, with three features selected by Correlation-based feature selection (CFS), and used 500 trees in a random forest classifier. The resulting metrics were 81.3% accuracy, 57.2% sensitivity, 94.9% specificity, a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.587, and an F1 score of 0.83. Since the outcomes are comparable to metrics achieved by existing clinical tests, the classifier may be viable for use in clinical practice.

Efeito do treinamento aeróbio em parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, hemodinâmicos e autonômicos de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Effect of aerobic training on cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and autonomic parameters of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é uma condição clínica de alto risco cardiovascular e os pacientes nos estágios mais avançados da doença que dependem de terapia renal substitutiva frequentemente tem prejuízo cardiorespiratório, níveis elevados de pressão arterial (uso de múltiplas medicações para controle), modulação autonômica prejudicada e graus variados de inflamação. Deste modo este estudo tem como objetivo verificar se o exercício físico aeróbio intradialítico tem impacto em modificar estas alterações. Os pacientes foram selecionados em duas unidades de hemodiálise em São Luís do Maranhão, Brasil, entre junho de 2016 e outubro de 2019, e foram alocados conforme aceitação em grupo controle (GC) e grupo exercício (GE). O GE foi submetido a treinamento aeróbio com bicicleta por um período de 12 semanas. Avaliação física antropométrica, teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6m), ecocardiograma, eletrocardiograma com análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e medidas laboratoriais foram realizadas incluindo interleucina 6 (IL6) antes e após 12 semanas em ambos os grupos. Trinta e um pacientes foram avaliados 15 pacientes no grupo controle (GC) e 16 pacientes no grupo exercício (GE). Após 12 semanas de treinamento houve diminuição da pressão arterial sistólica do grupo exercício em relação ao basal (129,8 ± 9,41mmHg vs 112,00 ± 12,0 mmHg p = 0,03). Não houve alterações na composição corporal e na maioria dos exames laboratoriais, exceto pelo aumento do KTV (índice de adequação de diálise) e diminuição do LDL colesterol no grupo exercício em relação ao grupo controle. No entanto, os níveis de HDL colesterol aumentaram (39,92 ± 6,1 mg/dL vs 48,00 ± 7,85 mg/dL p = 0,02) e IL6 diminuíram (4,56 ± 1,2 pg / mL vs 2,14 ± 1,0 pg / mL p = 0,02). Houve aumento da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada no grupo exercício (473,80 ± 98,6 metros vs 573,50 ± 74,22 metros p = 0,01). Na avaliação ecocardiográfica, verificou-se que no GE houve diminuição da pressão da artéria pulmonar estimada (31,38 ± 2,9 mmhg vs 24,2 ± 1,7 mmhg p = 0,001). Houve melhora na modulação autonômica no GE (RMSSD 11,7 ± 4,2 vs 18,4 ± 5,7 p=0,02), LFnu (52,9 ± 17,2 vs 32,0 ± 18,2 p=0,02) e HFnu (48,1 ± 17,2 vs 68,0 ± 18,2 p=0,01). Não foram evidenciados efeitos adversos e não houve abandono do treinamento. Baseados nestes resultados, é possível concluir que o exercício aeróbio intradialítico por 12 semanas pode melhorar parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, hemodinâmicos e autonômicos, com boa aderência e sem eventos adversos, podendo ser usado como medida coadjuvante para melhora clínica destes pacientes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition of high cardiovascular risk and patients in the more advanced stages of the disease who depend on renal replacement therapy often experience cardiorespiratory impairment, high blood pressure levels (use of multiple medications for control), modulation impaired autonomy and varying degrees of inflammation. Thus, this study aims to verify whether intradialytic aerobic exercise has an impact on modifying these variables. The patients were selected in two hemodialysis units in São Luís do Maranhão, Brazil, between May 2016 and October 2019, and were allocated according to acceptance in the control group (CG) and exercise group (EG). The group exercise was submitted to aerobic exercise with bicycle for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric physical evaluation, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), echocardiogram, electrocardiogram with analysis of heart rate variability (VFC) and laboratory measurements were performed including interleukin 6 (IL6) before and after 12 weeks in both groups. Thirty-one patients were evaluated 15 patients in the control group (CG) and 16 patients in the exercise group (EG). After 12 weeks of training, there was a decrease in systolic blood pressure in the exercise group compared to baseline (129.8 ± 9.41 mmHg vs 112.00 ± 12.0 mmhg p = 0.03). There were no changes in body composition and in most laboratory tests, except for an increase in KTV (dialysis adequacy index) and a decrease in LDL cholesterol in the exercise group compared to the control group. However, HDL cholesterol levels increased (39.92 ± 6.1 mg / dL vs 48.00 ± 7.85 mg / dL p = 0.02) and IL6 decreased (4.56 ± 1.2 pg / mL vs 2.14 ± 1.0 pg / mL p = 0.02). There was an increase in the distance covered in the walking test in the exercise group (473.80 ± 98.6 m vs 573.50 ± 74.22 m p = 0,01). In the echocardiographic evaluation, it was found that in the EG there was a decrease in the estimated pulmonary artery pressure (31.38 ± 2.9 mmhg vs 24.2 ± 1.7 mmhg p = 0.001). There was an improvement in autonomic modulation in the EG (RMSSD 11.7 ± 4.2 vs 18.4 ± 5.7 p = 0.02), LFnu (52.9 ± 17.2 vs 32.0 ± 18.2 p = 0.02) and HFnu (48.1 ± 17.2 vs 68.0 ± 18.2 p = 0.01). There were no adverse effects and training was not abandoned. Based on these results, it is possible to conclude that intradialytic aerobic exercise for 12 weeks can improve cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and autonomic parameters, with good adherence and without adverse events, and can be used as a supporting measure for the clinical improvement of these patients.

Effects of walking distance over robot-assisted training on walking ability in chronic stroke patients.

An understanding of the dose-response during training is important to identify the rehabilitation programs to obtain the improvement in chronic stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to determine whether distance-dose (distance walked across all sessions) during robot-assisted training affects the change of walking speed and distance in chronic stroke patients after intervention. Fifteen chronic stroke patients were enrolled in this study. The patients performed 8 gait training sessions using the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) for 3 weeks. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and 2-minute walk test (2MWT) were measured before and post-intervention. Total walking distance (distance walked across all sessions) in individual patients were also measured. Gait speed, stride length, cadence, and 2-minute walk test (2MWT) improved significantly after training. The average of walking distance for 8 sessions in individual patients was 3793.3 ± 2105.3 m. Moreover, the change of gait speed (r = 0.53) and 2MWT (r = 0.70) were positively correlated with the walking distance during 8 sessions. This study of finding demonstrated that greater total distance walked over all sessions of training using the HAL is directly associated with the better walking outcomes in patients with chronic stroke. Further researches with a larger number of patients and a control group are needed to quantify the study results more precisely.

Clinical and Ambulatory Gait Speed in Older Adults: Associations With Several Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Health Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although clinical gait speed may indicate health and well-being in older adults, there is a lack of studies comparing clinical tests with ambulatory gait speed with regard to several health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the associations of clinical gait speed, measured by the 2.44-m walk test and the ambulatory gait speed with several physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes in older adults. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. METHODS: The study population comprised 432 high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults (287 women) aged between 65 and 92 years. Clinical and ambulatory gait speeds were measured using the 2.44-m walk test and a portable gait analysis device, respectively. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the association of clinical and ambulatory gait speeds with several health outcomes (body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, chronic conditions, self-rated health, exhaustion, upper- and lower-body strength, physical and mental health status, cognitive status, and self-rated cognitive status). RESULTS: The results showed that the average gait speed for clinical and ambulatory measures cannot be directly compared. Clinical gait speed was associated with 7 health outcomes, and the ambulatory gait speed was associated with 6 health outcomes. The significant associations between measures of gait speed and the health outcomes converged in 5 of the 13 health outcomes studied; however, the strength of associations was singly different between measures. LIMITATIONS: The short monitoring time, the inability to distinguish between the ambulatory gait speed inside the home and outdoor gait speed, and the under-representative sample are limitations of the study. CONCLUSION: The results indicated differences in the number and strength of associations between clinical and ambulatory gait speed. Both measures have construct validity because they have been associated with physical and health outcomes; however, they may have different predictive validity. Further research should be conducted to compare their predictive validity in longitudinal designs.

Development and Pilot Study of an iOS Smartphone Application for Perioperative Functional Capacity Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Functional capacity assessment plays a core role in the preoperative evaluation. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) are 2 methods that have demonstrated the ability to evaluate functional capacity and predict perioperative outcomes. Smartphones offer a novel method to facilitate functional capacity assessment as they can easily administer a survey and accelerometers can track patient activity during a 6MWT. We developed a smartphone application to administer a 6MWT and DASI survey and performed a pilot study to evaluate the accuracy of a smartphone-based functional capacity tool in our Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine Clinic. METHODS: Using the Apple ResearchKit software platform, we developed an application that administers a DASI survey and 6MWT on an iOS smartphone. The DASI was presented to the patient 1 question on the screen at a time and the application calculated the DASI score and estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2). The 6MWT used the CMPedometer class from Apple's core motion facility to retrieve accelerometer data collected from the device's motion coprocessor to estimate steps walked. Smartphone estimated steps were compared to a research-grade pedometer using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Distance walked was directly measured during the 6MWT and we performed a multivariable linear regression with biometric variables to create a distance estimation algorithm to estimate distance walked from the number of steps recorded by the application. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients were enrolled in the study and completed the protocol. Steps measured by the smartphone application as compared to the pedometer demonstrated moderate agreement with an ICC (95% CI) of 0.87 (0.79-0.92; P = .0001). The variables in the distance estimation algorithm included (ß coefficient [slope], 95% CI) steps walked (0.43, 0.29-0.57; P < .001), stride length (0.38, 0.22-0.53; P < .001), age in years (-1.90, -3.06 to -0.75; P = .002), and body mass index (-2.59, -5.13 to -0.06; P = .045). The overall model fit was R = 0.72, which indicates a moderate level of goodness of fit and explains 72% of the variation of distance walked during a 6MWT. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study demonstrated that a smartphone-based functional capacity assessment is feasible using the DASI and 6MWT. The DASI was easily completed by patients and the application clearly presented the results of the DASI to providers. Our application measured steps walked during a 6MWT moderately well in a preoperative patient population; however, future studies are needed to improve the smartphone application's step-counting accuracy and distance estimation algorithm.

Assessment of Gait Speed in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gait speed is an important measure of functional ability and has been widely used in older adults as an indicator of frailty. However, the diversity in measurement protocols in clinical settings creates variability in outcome measures. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature relating to the measurement of gait speed in older adults, to propose a protocol suitable for use in clinical and community settings. METHODS: A total of 5 electronic English databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) using key words and synonyms related to gait speed. RESULTS: Fifty relevant articles were identified, with variability being found between studies in the essential elements (timing device, walking distance, timing points, use of walking aids, pace of performance, and total tests recorded) of gait measurement. The majority of studies used unspecified timing devices while others used electronic gait mats or infrared beams linked to electronic stopwatches. Walking distance was assessed over distances between 2.4 and 15 m, with 4 m most commonly used. Most studies permitted the use of walking aids, with assessments being repeated at a usual pace, and the maximum value recorded in meters per second. CONCLUSION: A standardized measurement protocol is proposed for measuring gait speed in older adults.

The minimal important difference for Glittre-ADL test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine Glittre-ADL test minimal important difference in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: This is quasi-experimental study. Sixty patients with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (age 64.1, SD=9.09 years; forced expiratory volume in the first second 37.9, SD=13.0% predicted participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program based on physical training, conducted over 24 sessions supervised, three times a week, including aerobic training in treadmill and resistance training for upper limbs and lower limbs. The main outcomes were the Glittre-ADL test and six-minute walk test, before and after 24 sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation. The minimal important difference was established using the distribution and anchor-based methods. RESULTS: Patients improved their functional capacity after the pulmonary rehabilitation. The effect sizes of Glittre-ADL test and six-minute walk test improvement were similar (0.45 vs 0.44, respectively). The established minimal important differences ranged from -0.38 to -1.05. The reduction of 0.38min (23s) corresponded to a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 69% with an area under the curve of 0.66 (95%CI 0.51-0.81; p=0.04). Subjects who achieved the minimal important difference of -0.38min for the Glittre-ADL test had a superior improvement of approximately 42m in the six-minute walk test when compared to patients who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest -0.38min as the minimal important difference in the time spent in the Glittre-ADL test after 24 sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03251781 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03251781).

Telomere length in COPD: Relationships with physical activity, exercise capacity, and acute exacerbations.

RATIONALE: Shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with reduced health-related quality of life and increased risk for acute exacerbations (AEs) and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Increased physical activity and exercise capacity are associated with reduced risk for AEs and death. However, the relationships between LTL and physical activity, exercise capacity, and AEs in COPD are unknown. METHODS: Data from 3 COPD cohorts were examined: Cohort 1 (n = 112, physical activity intervention trial), Cohorts 2 and 3 (n = 182 and 294, respectively, separate observational studies). Subjects completed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and provided blood for LTL assessment using real-time PCR. Physical activity was measured as average daily step count using an accelerometer or pedometer. Number of self-reported AEs was available for 1) the year prior to enrollment (Cohorts 1 and 3) and 2) prospectively after enrollment (all cohorts). Multivariate models examined associations between LTL and average daily step count, 6MWT distance, and AEs. RESULTS: A significant association between longer LTL and increased 6MWT distance was observed in the three combined cohorts (ß = 3x10-5, p = 0.045). No association between LTL and average daily step count was observed. Shorter LTL was associated with an increased number of AEs in the year prior to enrollment (Cohorts 1 and 3 combined, ß = -1.93, p = 0.04) and with prospective AEs (Cohort 3, ß = -1.3388, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Among COPD patients, increased LTL is associated with higher exercise capacity, but not physical activity. Shorter LTL was associated with AEs in a subgroup of cohorts.

Necesidad de titular el oxígeno portátil mediante pruebas de marcha de 6 minutos / Need for Portable Oxygen Titration During 6-Minute Walk Tests

No disponible

Emulation of hill walking and turning on Balance Assessment Robot: A preliminary study.

Gait training after stroke is often associated with rehabilitation robotics and virtual environment in order to simulate practice of different functional gait tasks. Changing direction, walking up and down the slope are important skills that need to be practiced. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare inclined treadmill walking and turning conditions with its emulations on a recently developed Balance Assessment Robot for Treadmill walking (BART) on a basis of ground reaction forces (GRF) and lower extremity electromyography (EMG). First, a healthy participant walked overground straight, turning to left and right direction at a predefined walking speed and radius, and walking uphill and downhill on a sloped BART. After that, the participant walked with the proposed and integrated emulation strategies on BART, designed to induce hill walking and turning in human locomotion behaviour. The results of hill walking emulation show high similarities with the inclined treadmill walking, while turning emulation show high similarities when comparing GRF data and some similarities to the overground turning behaviour when comparing EMG data. Further studies on a group of subjects should compare inclined treadmill walking and turning with proposed emulation in order to investigate feasibility of the proposed approach in rehabilitation.

A two-wire body weight support system for interactive treadmill.

Body weight support (BWS) system is widely used for patients to help their gait training. However, that existing systems require large workspace and elastic component in actuation makes the systems inappropriate for wide clinical use. The interactive treadmill was reported to be cost/space effectively simulate overground walking, but there was no suitable BWS system for the treadmill. We proposed a new concept of body weight support system for interactive treadmill. For wide clinical use, we applied a two-wire driven mechanism with simple actuator and a custom pelvic-type harness. With three healthy subjects, the performance of the proposed BWS system on unloading force control was evaluated, and the result showed that the feasibility of the proposed BWS system.

Concurrent Validity of the Zeno Walkway for Measuring Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that older adults at high fall risk exhibit altered spatiotemporal gait parameters such as lesser gait speed, shorter step length, and greater step width compared with their healthy counterparts. Measurement of these gait parameters for older adults can play a pivotal role in clinical evaluation. While the GAITRite walkway has been previously validated and used extensively for research purposes, the Zeno walkway validity has not been established. Although both walkways use pressure sensor-based technology, comparison of the spatiotemporal gait measurements between the systems for older adults is unknown. Our purpose was to determine the concurrent validity of the Zeno walkway with the gold-standard GAITRite walkway among healthy older adults and those at high fall risk using a cross-sectional study design. METHODS: Thirty healthy older adults and 17 older adults at high fall risk performed 5 walking trials barefoot on a 16´ × 4´ Zeno walkway and a 14´ × 2´ GAITRite walkway in a quasi-randomized order. Testing on the Zeno walkway was performed in a continuous manner while testing on the GAITRite walkway was performed using 5 discrete trials. Walking trials were done at self-selected comfortable and fast pace conditions. Data from the Zeno walkway were processed using the PKMAS software. Data from the GAITRite were processed using the GAITRite software. For each group and condition, spatiotemporal gait parameters common to both walkways' footfall processing software were compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Concurrent validity was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC(2,5)) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Both groups had significantly greater stride width on the GAITRite walkway during both conditions. During the fast pace condition, both groups walked with greater gait speed, cadence, and stride velocity, lesser step time, stance time, and double-support time, greater percentage of gait cycle spent in single-support phase, and lesser percentage of gait cycle spent in double-support phase on the GAITRite walkway. Differences observed could be attributed to surface textures, software used to process the footfalls, dimensions of the walkways, or the continuous versus discrete protocols used in the current study. The ranges of ICC(2,5) values for healthy older adults and adults at high fall risk walking at a comfortable pace were 0.449 to 0.918 and 0.854 to 0.969 and at a fast pace were 0.784 to 0.964 and 0.850 to 0.976, respectively. These values imply that the concurrent validity was moderate for most temporal parameters when healthy older adults walked at comfortable pace and excellent otherwise. Overall, the concurrent validity between both walkways was acceptable. CONCLUSION: Concurrent validity for spatiotemporal parameters between the GAITRite walkway and the Zeno walkway was moderate to excellent for older adults dependent on the specific parameter (spatial vs temporal), population (healthy or fall risk), and walking pace (comfortable or fast).

How does wearable robotic exoskeleton affect overground walking performance measured with the 10-m and six-minute walk tests after a basic locomotor training in healthy individuals?

It is still unknown to what extent overground walking with a WRE is equivalent to natural overground walking without a WRE. Hence, the interpretability of the 10-m (10MWT) and six-minute (6MWT) walk tests during overground walking with a WRE against reference values collected during natural overground walking without a WRE is challenging. This study aimed to 1) compare walking performance across three different overground walking conditions: natural walking without a WRE, walking with a WRE providing minimal assistance (active walking), and walking with a WRE proving complete assistance (passive walking) and 2) assess the association and the agreement between the 10MWT and the 6MWT during passive and active walking with a WRE. Seventeen healthy individuals who underwent basic locomotor training with a WRE performed the 10MWT (preferred and maximal speeds) and the 6MWT under the three conditions. For the 10MWT, the speed progressively and significantly decreased from natural walking without a WRE (preferred: 1.40±0.18m/s; maximal: 2.16±0.19m/s), to active walking with a WRE (preferred: 0.48±0.10m/s; maximal: 0.61±0.14m/s), and to passive walking with a WRE (preferred: 0.38±0.09m/s; maximal: 0.42±0.10m/s). For the 6MWT, total distances decreased from walking without a WRE (609±53.9m), to active walking with a WRE (196.6±42.6m), and to passive walking with a WRE (144.3±33.3m). The 10MWT and 6MWT provide distinct information and can't be used interchangeably to document speed only during active walking with the WRE. Speed and distance drastically decrease during active and, even more so, passive walking with the WRE in comparison to walking without a WRE. Selection of walking tests should depend on the level of assistance provided by the WRE.

Teste de caminhada de seis minutos em pediatria: discutindo evidências em situações específicas / Six minutes walk test in pediatrics: discussing evidence in specific situations

Teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6) tem se mostrado uma ferramenta bem tolerada, confiá- vel e de baixo custo para monitorar a capacidade funcional de crianças e adolescentes saudáveis e em diferentes situações clínicas. Objetivo: Verificar e discutir as evidências científicas do TC6 utilizado em 4 situações específicas da criança com: 1) asma; 2) fibrose cística 3) obesidade e 4) higidez. Método: A busca nas bases de dados foi conduzida utilizando-se as palavras-chaves: teste de caminhada de seis minutos, crianças, adolescentes, obesos, fibrose cística e asma. Consultou-se as bases Pubmed (Medline), Lilacs e PEDro. Foram considerados os ensaios clínicos em português, inglês e espanhol, publicados no período de 2005 a 2016 e incluídos os estudos que abordam o TC6como método de avaliação, monitorização e prognóstico de crianças e adolescentes saudáveis, com diagnósticos de asma, fibrose cística e obesidade. Resultados: Identificou-se 97 artigos, sendo 48 duplicados. Conduziu-se a pré-seleção de 43 estudos dos quais 6foram excluídos, pelo título ou resumo, por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. A seleção final totalizou 39 manuscritos para a apreciação na íntegra e discussão na presente revisão. Conclusão: TC6 é reprodutível e validado para a população pediátrica, sendo considerado um instrumento importante para avaliar as implicações das doenças crônicas na capacidade funcional. 1) TC6 tem se mostrado útil pra identificação do prejuízo das atividades de vida diária durante a crise de asma e fora dela, assim como do comprometimento da capacidade funcional diante do hábito de vida sedentário. 2) É adequado para avaliação de programas de reeducação alimentar na obesidade. 3) Na fibrose cística é uma boa ferramenta para avaliação de programas de reabilitação pulmonar e acompanhamento da progressão da doença. 4) Entre os saudáveis observa-se a busca por valores de referência e falta de um consenso sobre a forma de aplicabilidade do teste

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is regarded as a well-tolerated, reliable and cost-effective tool to monitor the functional capacity of healthy children and adolescents and in different clinical situations. Objective: To verify and discuss the scientific evidence of the 6MWT in four specific situations of children with: 1) asthma; 2) cystic fibrosis 3) obesity and 4) healthy controls. Method: A search was conducted in Pubmed (Medline), Lilacs and PEDro databases with the key words: sixminute walk test, children, adolescents, obesity, cystic fibrosis and asthma. The selected articles were those that reported clinical trials in Portuguese, English or Spanish, published between 2005- 2016 that included studies that assessed the 6MWT as a method of evaluation for monitoring and prognosis of healthy or diseased children and adolescents. Results: We identified 97 articles, 48 of them were duplicate. A pre-selection of 43 remaining studies based on title or summary excluded 6 articles for not meeting the inclusion criteria. Finally, 39 manuscripts were included in this review. Conclusion: 6MWT is reproducible and validated for the pediatric population and is considered an important instrument to assess the implications of chronic diseases on functional status. 1) 6MWT has proven useful to identify function losses to the activities of daily living during or in-between asthma attacks, as well as the functional jeopardy of sedentary habit; 2) It is suitable for assessing nutritional education programs in obesity; 3) In cystic fibrosis, it is a good tool for evaluating pulmonary rehabilitation programs and monitoring of the disease progression; and 4) Among healthy subjects, however, there is still lack of consensus of a reference as well as the most suitable applicability of this test

Reliability and Construct Validity of the 6-Minute Racerunner Test in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy, GMFCS Levels III and IV.

AIM: To determine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of a novel 6-Minute Racerunner Test (6MRT) in children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV. The racerunner is a step-propelled tricycle. METHODS: The participants were 38 children and youth with CP (mean age 11 y 2 m, SD 3 y 7 m; GMFCS III, n = 19; IV, n = 19). Racerunner capability was determined as the distance covered during the 6MRT on three occasions. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable differences (SDD) were calculated to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The ICC for tests 2 and 3 were 0.89 (SDD 37%; 147 m) for children in level III and 0.91 for children in level IV (SDD 52%; 118 m). When the average of two separate test occasions was used, the SDDs were reduced to 26% (104 m; level III) and 37% (118 m; level IV). For tests 1 to 3, the mean distance covered increased from 345 m (SD 148 m) to 413 m (SD 137 m) for children in level III, and from 193 m (SD 100 m) to 239 m (SD 148 m) for children in level IV. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest high test-retest reliability. However, large SDDs indicate that a single 6MRT measurement is only useful for individual evaluation when large improvements are expected, or when taking the average of two tests. The 6MRT discriminated the distance covered between children and youth in levels III and IV, supporting construct validity.

Perfiles de riesgo cardiovascular y condición física en docentes y empleados no docentes de una facultad de salud / Cardiovascular risk profile and fitness in professors and employees of a faculty of health

RESUMEN Objetivo Establecer el perfil de riesgo cardiovascular y la condición física de docentes y empleados no docentes en una facultad de salud de una universidad pública. Materiales y Métodos Estudio observacional transversal con 40 docentes y 13 empleados, se realizó: test de caminata, Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ), Auto informe de Barreras para la Práctica de Ejercicio Físico, antropometría, perfil lipídico, hemoglobina glicosilada y se identificó el riesgo cardiovascular con la Escala Framingham Clásica. Resultados El 51,4 % de los docentes y 41,7 % de los no docentes presentaron bajo riesgo cardiovascular. Para ambos el valor promedio del IMC fue 25,56 Kg/cm2±3,9 Kg/cm2 y 23,18 Kg/cm2 ± 3,7 Kg/cm2 respectivamente. El promedio del peso graso de los docentes fue del 32 % y en no docentes 27 %. La distancia promedio recorrida por los docentes fue 553 ± 226 metros y para los no docentes de 590 ± 187 metros. Ambos grupos presentaron buena flexibilidad. El 49 % de docentes y el 77 % de los no docentes presentaron nivel de actividad física alto según el IPAQ. Las principales barreras para la práctica del ejercicio físico fueron la falta de tiempo y el exceso de obligaciones. Conclusiones Los empleados docentes y no docentes de la facultad de salud presentaron bajo riesgo cardiovascular con alto nivel de actividad física, esto debe ser considerado en la implementación de programas de promoción de estilos de vida saludable y prevención de enfermedad cardiovascular.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To establish the cardiovascular risk profile and fitness of professors and employees of a faculty of health within a public university. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study with 40 professors and 13 employees who were tested using anthropometry, lipid profile, glycosylated hemoglobin, a 6 minute walking test; two questionnaires on physical activity and barriers to exercise were applied. The cardiovascular risk was calculated for all subjects using the Framingham scale. Results 51.4 % of professors and 41.7 % of employees had low cardiovascular risk. The average value of BMI for teachers and employees showed low cardiovascular risk; the average BMI value was 25,56 Kg/cm2 ± 3,9 Kg/cm2 and 23,18 Kg/cm2 ± 3,7 Kg/cm2, respectively. The average fat mass was 32 % for professors and 27 % for employees. The average distance walked by professors was 553 ± 226 meters and for employees was 590 ± 187 meters. Both groups showed good flexibility; 49 % of teachers and 77 % of employees had a high level of physical activity according to their IPAQ. The main barriers to physical exercise were lack of time and extra obligations. Conclusions Professors and employees of the faculty of health had low cardiovascular risk and high physical activity; this should be considered in the implementation of programs promoting healthy lifestyles and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.(AU)

Impacto de um programa estruturado de hidrocinesioterapia em pacientes com osteoartrite de joelho / Impact of a structured aquatic therapy program on patients with knee osteoarthritis

A osteoartrite é uma doença articular degenerativa, reumática crônica, multifatorial de alta prevalência, atinge 10% da população com mais de 65 anos. Afeta igualmente ambos os sexos, sendo que na mulher a incidência é maior após o período da menopausa. Esta doença compreende 65% das causas de incapacidade, atrás somente de doenças cardiovasculares e mentais. A reabilitação do paciente com artrose é um processo complexo que envolve procedimentos especializados Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de hidrocinesioterapia sobre a capacidade de realização de atividades da vida diária em pacientes com osteoartrite. Métodos: Este é um estudo prospectivo, onde vinte e seis pacientes com histórico de osteoartrite de joelho foram submetidos a um programa de tratamento em hidrocinesioterapia, com frequência de duas vezes por semana com duração de 50 minutos cada sessão. O programa consistia de quatro fases, sendo elas: aquecimento, alongamento, fortalecimento e relaxamento. Estes pacientes foram avaliados pré e pós-tratamento. Utilizando como método de avaliação a goniometria, escala de dor EVA e Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos. Resultados: Houve melhora significante da amplitude de movimento ao realizar flexão dos joelhos acometidos, também foi visto diminuição significativa da dor e melhora significante na capacidade de realização das atividades de vida diária avaliada por meio da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos. Conclusão: Houve melhora da capacidade de realizar AVD e da capacidade física, assim como redução do quadro álgico e aumento da amplitude de movimento

Osteoarthritis is a pervasive, chronic rheumatic, multifactorial, degenerative joint disease, afflicting 10% of the population over 65 years of age. It affects both genders, and in women the incidence is higher after menopause. This disease comprises 65% of the causes of disability, exceeded only by cardiovascular and mental disorders. The rehabilitation of patients with osteoarthritis is a complex process that involves specialized procedures Objective: To evaluate the effects of a hydrotherapy program on the ability to perform activities of daily living in patients with osteoarthritis. Method: This is a prospective study where twenty-six patients with knee osteoarthritis history underwent a treatment program in aquatic therapy, often twice a week lasting 50 minutes each session. The program consisted of four phases, namely: warming up, stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. These patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Assessments were done with the goniometer, EVA pain scale, and Six Minute Walk Test. Results: There was significant improvement in range of motion when performing flexion of the affected knees, as well as a significant decrease in pain and a significant improvement in the ability to perform the activities of daily living, assessed by the distance walked in the six-minute walk test. Conclusion: There was an improved ability to perform ADLs and inn physical capacity, as well as reduced pain and increased range of motion

Screening for physical inactivity among adults: the value of distance walked in the six-minute walk test. A cross-sectional diagnostic study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Accelerometry provides objective measurement of physical activity levels, but is unfeasible in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to identify physical fitness tests capable of predicting physical inactivity among adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic test study developed at a university laboratory and a diagnostic clinic. METHODS: 188 asymptomatic subjects underwent assessment of physical activity levels through accelerometry, ergospirometry on treadmill, body composition from bioelectrical impedance, isokinetic muscle function, postural balance on a force platform and six-minute walk test. We conducted descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression including age, sex, oxygen uptake, body fat, center of pressure, quadriceps peak torque, distance covered in six-minute walk test and steps/day in the model, as predictors of physical inactivity. We also determined sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and area under the curve of the main predictors by means of receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 14%. The mean number of steps/day (≤ 5357) was the best predictor of physical inactivity (S = 99%; Sp = 82%). The best physical fitness test was a distance in the six-minute walk test and ≤ 96% of predicted values (S = 70%; Sp = 80%). Body fat > 25% was also significant (S = 83%; Sp = 51%). After logistic regression, steps/day and distance in the six-minute walk test remained predictors of physical inactivity. CONCLUSION: The six-minute walk test should be included in epidemiological studies as a simple and cheap tool for screening for physical inactivity.

Screening for physical inactivity among adults: the value of distance walked in the six-minute walk test. A cross-sectional diagnostic study / Triagem para inatividade física em adultos: o valor da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos. Um estudo transversal diagnóstico

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Accelerometry provides objective measurement of physical activity levels, but is unfeasible in clinical practice. Thus, we aimed to identify physical fitness tests capable of predicting physical inactivity among adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic test study developed at a university laboratory and a diagnostic clinic. METHODS: 188 asymptomatic subjects underwent assessment of physical activity levels through accelerometry, ergospirometry on treadmill, body composition from bioelectrical impedance, isokinetic muscle function, postural balance on a force platform and six-minute walk test. We conducted descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression including age, sex, oxygen uptake, body fat, center of pressure, quadriceps peak torque, distance covered in six-minute walk test and steps/day in the model, as predictors of physical inactivity. We also determined sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and area under the curve of the main predictors by means of receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 14%. The mean number of steps/day (≤ 5357) was the best predictor of physical inactivity (S = 99%; Sp = 82%). The best physical fitness test was a distance in the six-minute walk test and ≤ 96% of predicted values (S = 70%; Sp = 80%). Body fat > 25% was also significant (S = 83%; Sp = 51%). After logistic regression, steps/day and distance in the six-minute walk test remained predictors of physical inactivity. CONCLUSION: The six-minute walk test should be included in epidemiological studies as a simple and cheap tool for screening for physical inactivity.

RESUMO: CONTEXTO E OBJETIVOS: A acelerometria fornece medida objetiva do nível de atividade física, porém não é viável na prática clínica. Assim, foram investigados testes de aptidão física capazes de predizer inatividade física em adultos. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo de teste diagnóstico, desenvolvido em laboratório universitário e uma clínica de diagnósticos. MÉTODOS: 188 participantes assintomáticos tiveram o nível de atividade física avaliado por acelerometria, ergoespirometria em esteira, composição corporal por bioimpedância, função muscular isocinética, equilíbrio postural em plataforma de força e teste de caminhada de seis minutos. Foram realizadas análise descritiva e regressão logística múltipla, incluindo idade, sexo, consumo de oxigênio, gordura corporal, centro de pressão, pico de torque de quadríceps, distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos e passos/dia no modelo como preditores da inatividade física. Adicionalmente, foram determinadas a sensibilidade (S), especificidade (Sp) e área abaixo da curva dos principais preditores por meio de curvas de característica de operação do receptor. RESULTADOS: A prevalência da inatividade física foi 14%. O número médio de passos/dia (≤ 5357) foi o melhor preditor da inatividade física (S = 99%, Sp = 82%). O melhor teste de aptidão física foi a distância no teste de caminhada de seis minutos e ≤ 96% dos valores preditos (S = 70%; Sp = 80%). A gordura corporal > 25% também foi significativa (S = 83%, Sp = 51%). Após regressão logística, passos/dia e a distância no teste de caminhada de seis minutos permaneceram preditores da inatividade física. CONCLUSÃO: O teste de caminhada de seis minutos deve ser incluído em estudos epidemiológicos como ferramenta simples e barata para triagem da inatividade física.