Spray-Dried Yerba Mate Extract Capsules: Clinical Evaluation and Antioxidant Potential in Healthy Individuals.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effects and antioxidant potential of spray-dried yerba mate extract (SDME) capsules in healthy individuals. Fourteen healthy volunteers consumed three capsules of SDME three times daily. Measurements were carried out at the baseline and after 7, 30, and 60 days of SDME capsules intake. Electrocardiogram, hematological, urinary, and biochemical parameters analyzed remained within the normal values during all the study. SDME capsules ingestion increased significantly serum antioxidant capacity (after 7 and 30 days) and reduced glutathione values (after 7 and 60 days), and the superoxide dismutase (after 7, 30, and 60 days), catalase (after 7 and 30 days), and paraoxonase-1 activities (after 7 days); and decreased lipid hydroperoxides (after 30 and 60 days) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels (after 7 and 30 days). No change was observed for glutathione peroxidase activity after SDME capsules intake. The present study showed that SDME capsules ingestion by healthy individuals did not promote clinical changes and promoted an increase of antioxidant biomarkers with a concomitant decrease of lipid peroxidation biomarkers in a short and prolonged manner.

Influence of exercise on oxidative stress in patients with heart failure.

Reactive oxygen species play an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). In contrast, regular physical exercise can promote adaptations to reactive oxygen species that are beneficial for patients with HF. We completed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that evaluate the influence of exercise on oxidative stress in patients with HF. Articles were searched in the PubMed, Cochrane, SciELO, and LILACS databases. The search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. We selected 12 studies with a total of 353 participants. The included patients had a left ventricle ejection fraction of < 52% and New York Heart Association functional class II or III disease. A significant increase was observed in peak oxygen consumption (between 10 and 46%) in the group that underwent training (TG). There was an improvement in the oxidative capacity of skeletal muscles in the TG, related to the positive activity of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (between 27 and 41%). An increase in the expression of the enzymes glutathione peroxidase (41%), catalase (between 14 and 42%), and superoxide dismutase (74.5%), and a decrease in lipid peroxidation (between 28.8 and 58.5%) were observed in the TG. Physical training positively influenced the cardiorespiratory capacity and enhanced the benefits of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers in patients with HF. High-intensity training promoted a 15% increase in the plasma total antioxidant capacity, whereas moderate training had no effect.

The Effect of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain on Sexual Function and Quality of Life of Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities are stressors to the body and have a negative impact on quality of life and sexual function. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the coexistence of coronary heart disease and chronic musculoskeletal pain on sexual function and quality of life of patients undergoing an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 105 patients. Instruments used were the musculoskeletal system assessment inventory, Short-Form Health Survey quality-of-life questionnaire, International Index of Erectile Function, and Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: There were no differences in male sexual function compared between participants with and without pain. Participants with pain had lower quality-of-life scores related to socioemotional aspects. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of coronary heart disease and musculoskeletal pain does not seem to affect patients' sexual function, but it negatively affects Patients' quality of life. This study emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary team working in a cardiac rehabilitation program addressing issues related to pain, sexual function, and quality of life.

2024 SIAC guidelines on cardiorespiratory rehabilitation in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease.

The 2024 Interamerican Society of Cardiology (SIAC) guidelines on cardiorespiratory rehabilitation (CRR) in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease aim to gather and evaluate all relevant evidence available on the topic to unify criteria and promote the implementation of CRR programs in this population in Latin America and other parts of the world. Currently, there is no unified CRR model for the pediatric population. Consequently, our goal was to create these CRR guidelines adapted to the characteristics of congenital heart disease and the physiology of this population, as well as to the realities of Latin America. These guidelines are designed to serve as a support for health care workers involved in the care of this patient group who wish to implement a CRR program in their workplace. The guidelines include an easily reproducible program model that can be implemented in any center. The members of this Task Force were selected by the SIAC on behalf of health care workers dedicated to the care of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. To draft the document, the selected experts performed a thorough review of the published evidence.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters after an Ironman race.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate oxidative stress markers and inflammatory response in triathletes after an Ironman race (IR). DESIGN: Descriptive research. PARTICIPANTS: Eighteen well-trained male triathletes (mean age, 34.7 +/- 2.15 years; weight, 69.3 +/- 1.9 kg; height, 1.81 +/- 0.58 cm) participated in the study. SETTING: Ironman Triathlon (3.8-km swim, 180-km cycle, 42.2-km run). Mean environmental conditions ranged from 20 to 25 degrees C and from 79% to 85% relative humidity. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before the race and up to 20 minutes after completing the full race, the weights and heights of volunteers were measured and a 10 mL blood sample was drawn from an antecubital vein. Aliquots of washed/lysed red blood cells and plasma/serum samples were stored at -80 degrees C. Lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and cytokines levels [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and IL-1ra] were determined. RESULTS: After the IR, the results showed a significant increase in TBARS levels (prerace = 1.15 +/- 0.11; postrace = 1.98 +/- 0.27), lipid hydroperoxide content (prerace = 0.75 +/- 0.03; postrace = 1.46 +/- 0.18), protein carbonylation (prerace = 0.67 +/- 0.12; postrace = 2 0.15 +/- 0.60), superoxide dismutase (prerace = 2.67 +/- 0.62; postrace = 3.97 +/- 1.48), and catalase (prerace = 1.48 +/- 0.18; postrace = 2.84 +/- 0.39). TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 were not detected at basal conditions, but all markers were significantly increased after the IR (TNF-alpha: prerace = ND and postrace = 67.47 +/- 10.34; IL-6: prerace = ND and postrace = 55.41 +/- 3.45; IL-10: prerace = ND and postrace = 122.53 +/- 9.69; IL-1ra: prerace = 127.79 +/- 25.65 and postrace = 259.51 +/- 32.9). CONCLUSIONS: An Ironman race provokes significant alterations in oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. Thus, more studies with other markers and different designs are needed to elucidate the cellular alterations induced by an IR.

Physical Exercise in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent problem that affects the quality of life, prognosis and survival of patients with heart failure (HF). In the management of ED, physical exercise is a therapeutic strategy that reduces disease-related symptoms and optimizes drug use. However, the repercussions of physical exercise on ED in individuals with HF still need to be elucidated. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on erectile function (EF) in HF patients. This was a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Patients with HF, male and ejection fraction ≤ 45% were submitted to physical exercise of different modalities. The search for scientific articles was conducted in the electronic databases (PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane-Library, Science Direct) from the inception until October 2018, according to the MeSH dictionary descriptors, which were suitable for all databases. Results: Three studies were analyzed, includinng 99 male subjects, age ranging from 53 years (± 7.48) to 58 years (± 12). Seventy subjects were submitted to a physical exercise program and 29 were in the control group. In all studies, physical exercise showed positive results in the management of ED regardless of erectile dysfunction (ED) classification status and intensity of exercise used. It was concluded that physical exercise of different intensities was considered an effective therapeutic intervention to improve EF in individuals with HF and ED

Noninvasive ventilation and exercise tolerance in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) usually develop exercise intolerance. In this context, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can help to increase physical performance. OBJECTIVE: To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of NIV on exercise tolerance in patients with HF. METHOD: Search Strategy: Articles were searched in the following databases: Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and MEDLINE. Selection Criteria: This review included only randomized controlled trials involving patients with HF undergoing NIV, with or without other therapies, that used exercise tolerance as an outcome, verified by the distance travelled in the six-minute walk test (6MWT), VO2peak in the cardiopulmonary test, time spent in testing, and dyspnea. Data Collection And Analysis: The methodological quality of the studies was rated according to the PEDro scale. Data were pooled in fixed-effect meta-analysis whenever possible. RESULTS: Four studies were selected. A meta-analysis including 18 participants showed that the use of NIV prior to the 6MWT promoted increased distance, [mean difference 65.29 m (95% CI 38.80 to 91.78)]. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NIV prior to the 6MWT in patients with HF may promote increased distance. However, the limited number of studies may have compromised a more definitive conclusion on the subject.

Validation of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE) for use in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The International Index of Erectile Function has been proposed as a method for assessing sexual function assisting the diagnosis and classification of erectile dysfunction. However, IIEF was not validated for the Portuguese language. OBJECTIVE: Validate the International Index of Erectile Function in patients with cardiopulmonary and metabolic diseases. METHODS: The sample consisted of 108 participants of to Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic program Rehabilitation (CPMR) in southern Brazil. The clarity assessment of the instrument was performed using a scale ranging from zero to 10. The construct validity was carried out by confirmatory factor analysis (KMO = 0.85; Barllet p < 0.001), internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and reproducibility and interrater reliability via the test retest method. RESULTS: The items were considered very clear with averages superior to 9. The internal consistency resulted in 0.89. The majority of items related correctly with their domains, with exception of three questions from sexual satisfaction domain, and one from erectile function. All items showed excellent stability of measure and substantial to almost perfect agreement. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the IIEF is valid and reliable for use in participants of a cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation program.

Dança, Insuficiência Cardíaca e Função Erétil: Perspectiva de Melhor Manejo Clínico? / Dance, Heart Failure and Erectile Function: Perspective of Better Clinical Management?

Na fisiopatologia da Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC) tem-se dado destaque à hiperatividade simpática e à inflamação sistêmica de baixa intensidade, aspectos também presentes na disfunção erétil (DE). O exercício físico constitui-se estratégia que proporciona melhora desses parâmetros sendo plausível a hipótese de que quando exercido por meio da dança proporcionaria melhores resultados. Ao unir atividade física e música, a dança seria capaz, dentre outros mecanismos favoráveis, aprimorar o funcionamento das redes neurais centrais e periféricas, contribuindo para o restabelecimento da normalidade da função neuro-hormonal e redução da resposta inflamatória, o que aumentaria a eficácia do tratamento tanto da IC quanto da DE.

[Probability of arterial hypertension from anthropometric measures in adults]. / Probabilidade de hipertensão arterial a partir de indicadores antropométricos em adultos.

OBJECTIVE: To associate anthropometric measures with arterial hypertension and develop a mathematical model to estimate this probability. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 3,445 adults of both sexes, between 18 and 60 years of age. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHR), waist circumference (HC), in addition age and sex were assessed. Blood pressure (BP) was measured and classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) and Brazilian Society of Hypertension (SBH) recommendations, using frequency analyses, correlation and logistic regression between variables, with p < 0.05. RESULTS: Males were twice as likely as woman to have hypertension, and for each year of life, the chance of hypertension increased 1.04 times. Odds ratio of hypertension in overweight individual increased two times, and in obese subjects, four times. CONCLUSION: Changes in body composition with advancing age, especially in men, were associated with hypertension, and assessment of these changes was relevant in the identification of this disease.

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary fitness in individuals with hemiparesis after cerebrovascular accident.

BACKGROUND: Due to the hemiparesis, the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness on individuals after cerebrovascular accident (CVA), using exercise tests with conventional protocols, has become a challenge. OBJECTIVE: Perform cardiopulmonary test (CPT) in hemiparetic patients to a pre-participation evaluation aimed at a careful prescription of aerobic exercise. METHODS: The study included eight individuals with chronic hemiparesis who underwent CPT performed with individualized ramp protocol, developed from information on the gait speed of individuals previously evaluated in the track test. We considered the proposal of inclination ranging from 0 to 10.0%, initial speed corresponding to 70.0% of comfortable walking speed rhythm and 40.0% higher than the maximum speed on the track test, expecting that the CPT with this gradual and steady increase in intensity, lasted from 6 to 8 minutes. RESULTS: In 100.0% of the sample, the reason for discontinuation was peripheral fatigue. The peak VO2 achieved was 20.6 ± 5.7 ml/kg.min. The threshold I was identified in all tests, standing at 82.64 ± 4.78% of peak HR and 73.31 ± 4.97% of peak VO2. The respiratory quotient (R) of the group was 0.96 ± 0.09, and three out of eight individuals (37.5%) reached R higher than 1.00, and the Threshold II was identified in these individuals. We found positive relationships between CPT variables and balance scores, performance in the 6-minute walking test and running speed on the ground. CONCLUSION: The test proved to be useful for prescribing physical activity in these individuals.

QUESTIONÁRIO PARA AVALIAÇÃO DA DOR MUSCULOESQUELÉTICA EM PRATICANTES DE EXERCÍCIO (Q-ADOM) / QUESTIONNAIRE FOR EVALUATION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN EXERCISE PRACTITIONERS (Q-ADOM) / CUESTIONARIO PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DEL DOLOR MUSCULOESQUELÉTICO EN PRACTICANTES DE EJERCICIO (Q-ADOM)

RESUMO Introdução: As doenças cardiovasculares têm sido associadas à presença de desordens musculoesqueléticas. A dor presente nessas comorbidades pode constituir fator limitante para prática de exercício. No entanto, não foram encontrados instrumentos que proporcionem mensuração mais criteriosa e com informações precisas, que possam ser facilmente utilizados na prática clínica. Neste sentido, torna-se relevante a construção e validação de um instrumento mais específico para obtenção de informações detalhadas sobre a presença e gravidade desses sintomas e sua interferência nos aspectos funcionais, custos e fatores psicossociais, em diferentes momentos, resultando em uma avaliação mais precisa. Com isso, profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar envolvidos nos programas de reabilitação cardiopulmonar e metabólica (RCPM) podem utilizá-lo na prática clínica e abrir mão de estratégias especificamente direcionadas a essas afecções. Objetivo: Construir e validar um instrumento para avaliação da dor musculoesquelética em repouso e durante o exercício em participantes de RCPM. Métodos: Foram realizados procedimentos teóricos, empíricos e analíticos. A análise de concordância entre avaliadores (juízes) foi verificada pelo teste W de Kendall, a consistência interna dos itens, por meio do alfa de Cronbach e a reprodutibilidade e estabilidade de medidas, por meio do teste e reteste (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse - CCI e coeficiente de Kappa). Resultados: A concordância entre avaliadores foi significativa (p = 0,001) e a consistência interna apresentou valores satisfatórios (alfa de Cronbach > 0,82). O teste-reteste sinalizou boa reprodutibilidade e estabilidade de medidas (CCI < 0,40 e Kappa < 0,60). Conclusão: O questionário para avaliação da dor musculoesquelética em praticantes de exercício (Q-ADOM) mostrou-se válido, reprodutível e confiável para ser utilizado na avaliação da dor musculoesquelética de participantes de RCPM.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases have been associated with the presence of musculoskeletal disorders. The presence of pain in these comorbidities may be a limiting factor for exercise practice. However, no instruments were found that provide more thorough measurement and accurate information that can be easily used in clinical practice. In this sense, the construction and validation of a more specific instrument becomes relevant to obtain detailed information on the presence and severity of these symptoms and its interference in the functional aspects, costs, and psychosocial factors at different times that result in a more precise evaluation. Thus, professionals of the multidisciplinary team involved in cardiopulmonary and metabolic rehabilitation (CPMR) programs can use it in clinical practice and put aside the strategies specifically directed to these conditions. Objectives: To construct and validate an instrument to assess musculoskeletal pain at rest and during exercise in participants of CPMR. Methods: Theoretical, empirical, and analytical procedures were performed. The concordance analysis among evaluators (judges) was verified by Kendall's W test, the internal consistency of the items through Cronbach's alpha, and reproducibility and stability measures through the test and retest (intraclass correlation coefficient - ICC and Kappa coefficient). Results: The concordance among evaluators was significant (p=0.001) and showed satisfactory internal consistency values (Cronbach's alpha > 0.82). The test-retest indicated good reproducibility and stability measures (ICC<0.40 and Kappa<0.60). Conclusion: The questionnaire for the evaluation of musculoskeletal pain in exercise practitioners (Q-ADOM) proved to be valid, reproducible, and reliable to be used in the evaluation of musculoskeletal pain in CPMR participants.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares se han asociado con la presencia de trastornos musculoesqueléticos. El dolor presente en estas comorbilidades puede ser un factor limitante para el ejercicio. Sin embargo, no se encontraron instrumentos que proporcionan la medición más criteriosa y con informaciones precisas que se puede utilizar fácilmente en la práctica clínica. En este sentido, es relevante la construcción y validación de un instrumento más específico para obtener información detallada acerca de la presencia y severidad de estos síntomas, y su interferencia en los aspectos funcionales, los costos y los factores psicosociales en diferentes momentos, lo que resulta en una evaluación más precisa. Por lo tanto, los profesionales del equipo multidisciplinario que participan en programas de rehabilitación cardiopulmonar y metabólica (RCPM) pueden utilizarlo en la práctica clínica y poner al lado las estrategias dirigidas específicamente a estas condiciones. Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar un instrumento para evaluar el dolor musculoesquelético en reposo y durante el ejercicio en los participantes de la RCPM. Métodos: Se llevaron a cabo los procedimientos teóricos, empíricos y analíticos. El análisis de la concordancia entre evaluadores (jueces) se verificó por la prueba W de Kendall, la consistencia interna de los ítems a través del alfa de Cronbach y las medidas de reproducibilidad y estabilidad a través de prueba-reprueba (coeficiente de correlación intraclase - CCI y el coeficiente Kappa). Resultados: La concordancia entre evaluadores fue significativa (p = 0,001) y mostró valores de consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach > 0,82). La prueba-reprueba indica buenas medidas de reproducibilidad y estabilidad (CCI < 0,40 y Kappa < 0,60). Conclusión: El cuestionario para la evaluación del dolor musculoesquelético en los practicantes de ejercicio (Q-ADOM) demostró ser válido, reproducible y fiable para ser utilizado en la evaluación del dolor musculoesquelético de los participantes de RCPM.