The Gini Coefficient: A New Approach to Assess Physical Activity Inequality in COPD.

Increasing physical activity (PA) is a complex and challenging task in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, some questions are raised regarding the evaluation of PA in these patients: Have all aspects of PA evaluation in patients with COPD already been explored in the scientific literature and clinical practice? What is the clinical importance of assessing PA inequality? PA inequality is defined as the Gini coefficient (Ginicoef) of the PA distribution of a population and is already shown to have implications for public health in the general population. It is a simple tool that might allow a better understanding of PA disparities among different COPD populations, although to our knowledge there is no previous investigation of PA inequality in patients with COPD using the Ginicoef. In this perspective study we have provided examples of the Ginicoef use in different scenarios. Future studies might try to apply it in order to identify subpopulations with higher PA inequality, and perhaps are therefore more prone to benefit most from interventions specifically tailored to promote PA. In summary, we propose the quantification of PA inequality with the Ginicoef as a tool that might allow us to see PA even more comprehensively than we already do, expanding our perspective on PA in patients with COPD.

Influence of interface and position on upper airway collapsibility assessed by negative expiratory pressure.

PURPOSE: Negative expiratory pressure (NEP) is a simple technique for the evaluation of upper airway collapsibility in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most studies evaluated NEP using a mouthpiece that may exclude the cephalic portion of the upper airway. We hypothesize that NEP determination is influenced by interface and position. METHODS: We evaluated patients with suspected OSA using polysomnography, NEP (-5 cmH2O in sitting and supine position with mouthpiece and nasal mask). A subgroup also underwent computed tomography (CT) of the upper airway. RESULTS: We studied a total of 86 subjects (72 male, age 46 ± 12 yrs, body mass index 30.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2, neck circumference 40.0 ± 3.5 cm, AHI 32.9 ± 26.4, range 0.5 to 122.5 events/hour). NEP was influenced by interface and position (p = 0.007), and upper airway was more collapsible with mouthpiece than with nasal mask in sitting position (p = 0.001). Position influenced NEP and was worse in supine only when evaluated by nasal mask. Expiratory resistance (R 0.2) at 0.2 s during NEP was significantly higher and independent of position with mouthpiece than with nasal mask (20.7 versus 8.6 cmH2O/L s-1, respectively, p = 0.018). NEP evaluated with nasal mask in supine position and with mouthpiece in sitting position, but not when evaluated with mouthpiece in supine position, were correlated with upper airway anatomical measurements including tongue dimensions and pharyngeal length. CONCLUSIONS: Interface and position influence NEP. NEP evaluated with nasal mask in supine position may convey more relevant information for patients under investigation for OSA than when evaluated with mouthpiece.

Assessment of sedentary behaviour in individuals with COPD: how many days are necessary?

Objective: The objective of the present study was to define the minimum number of monitoring days required for the adequate cross-sectional assessment of sedentary behaviour in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the sedentary behaviour of individuals with COPD was assessed using two physical activity monitors during awake time for seven consecutive days. Time spent per day in activities requiring ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) and in sitting, lying and sitting+lying positions was calculated taking into account the average of 7 days (as a reference in all analyses) and of all 119 possible combinations of 2---6 days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and linear regression analyses were performed for all combinations. Results: 91 individuals were analysed (47 female, 66±9 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 50±15% predicted). For the variables time spent per day in activities ≤1.5METs and sitting, the average of any combination of at least four assessment days was sufficient to adequately reflect the average of 7 days (adjusted R2≥0.929, ICC≥0.962, p<0.0001 for all). For time spent per day lying and sitting+lying, only two assessment days were enough (adjusted R2≥0.937, ICC≥0.968, p<0.0001 for all). Results were maintained independently of patient sex, disease severity, day of the week, daylight time or daytime naps. Conclusions: The average of 4 days of objective monitoring was sufficient to adequately reflect the results of a 1-week assessment of the main outcomes related to sedentary behaviour in individuals with moderate to very severe COPD, regardless of sex, disease severity, day of the week, daylight time and occurrence of daytime naps.

General characteristics and risk factors of cardiovascular disease among interstate bus drivers.

Workers in the transportation industry are at greater risk of an incorrect diet and sedentary behavior. The aim of our study was to characterize a population of professional bus drivers with regard to clinical and demographic variables, lipid profile, and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Data from 659 interstate bus drivers collected retrospectively, including anthropometric characteristics, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, meatoscopy, and audiometry. All participants were male, with a mean age of 41.7 ± 6.9 years, weight of 81.4 ± 3.3 kg, and BMI 27.2 ± 3.3 Kg/m²; the mean abdominal and neck circumferences were 94.4 ± 8.6 cm and 38.9 ± 2.2 cm; 38.2% of the sample was considered hypertensive; mean HDL cholesterol was 47.9 ± 9.5 mg/dL, mean triglyceride level was 146.3 ± 87.9 mg/dL, and fasting glucose was above 100 mg/dL in 249 subjects (39.1%). Drivers exhibited reduced audiometric hearing at 4-8 kHz, being all sensorineural hearing loss. The clinical characterization of a young male population of interstate bus drivers revealed a high frequency of cardiovascular risk factors, as obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia, as well as contributing functional characteristics, such as a low-intensity activity, sedentary behavior, long duration in a sitting position, and high-calorie diet, which lead to excessive weight gain and associated comorbidities.

Sleep-onset time variability and sleep characteristics on weekday and weekend nights in patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sleep-onset time variability, as well as sleep characteristics on weekday and weekend nights, in individuals with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: Sleep was objectively assessed by an activity/sleep monitor for seven consecutive nights in individuals with COPD. For analysis, individuals were divided into two groups according to sleep-onset time variability results, characterized by intrasubject standard deviation of sleep-onset time (SOTV) ≥ 60 min or < 60 min. RESULTS: The sample comprised 55 individuals (28 males; mean age = 66 ± 8 years; and median FEV1 % of predicted = 55 [38-62]). When compared with the SOTV<60min group (n = 24), the SOTV≥60min group (n = 31) presented shorter total sleep time (5.1 ± 1.3 h vs. 6.0 ± 1.3 h; p = 0.006), lower sleep efficiency (73 ± 12% vs. 65 ± 13%; p = 0.030), longer wake time after sleep onset (155 ± 66 min vs. 115 ± 52 min; p = 0.023), longer duration of wake bouts (19 [16-28] min vs. 16 [13-22] min; p = 0.025), and higher number of steps at night (143 [104-213] vs. 80 [59-135]; p = 0.002). In general, sleep characteristics were poor regardless of the day of the week, the only significant difference being that the participants woke up about 30 min later on weekends than on weekdays (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-onset time varied over 1 h in a standard week in the majority of individuals with COPD in this sample, and a more irregular sleep onset indicated poor sleep quality both on weekdays and weekends. Sleep hygiene guidance could benefit these individuals if it is integrated with their health care.

Practice recommendations for the role of physiotherapy in the management of sleep disorders: the 2022 Brazilian Sleep Association Guidelines.

This clinical guideline supported by the Brazilian Sleep Association comprises a brief history of the development of Brazilian sleep physiotherapy, outlines the role of the physiotherapist as part of a sleep health team, and describes the clinical guidelines in respect of the management of some sleep disorders by the physiotherapist (including sleep breathing disorders, i.e., obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, hypoventilation syndromes and overlap syndrome, and pediatric sleep breathing disorders; sleep bruxism; circadian rhythms disturbances; insomnia; and Willis-Ekbom disease/periodic limb movement disorder. This clinical practice guideline reflects the state of the art at the time of publication and will be reviewed and updated as new information becomes available.

Tossing and turning: association of sleep quantity-quality with physical activity in COPD.

The association between characteristics of sleep and physical activity in daily life (PADL) has not yet been investigated in depth in subjects with COPD. This study evaluated whether time spent per day in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour are associated with sleep quantity and quality in this population. Sleep and PADL were objectively assessed by an activity monitor for 7 days and analysed on a minute-by-minute basis. Subjects also underwent spirometry and 6-min walking test (6MWT). Fifty-five subjects with moderate-to-severe COPD (28 male, 67±8 years) were studied. Subjects with total time in bed (TIB) per night ≥9 h had higher wake-after-sleep onset than TIB 7-9 h and TIB ≤7 h (195 (147-218) versus 117 (75-167) and 106 (84-156) min) and more fragmented sleep than TIB ≤7 h (8.2 (6.7-14.3) versus 6.3 (5.6-6.9) sleeping bouts; p<0.05 for all). Subjects with TIB ≥9 h also spent more time per day in sedentary behaviour and less time per day in PA of light and moderate-to-vigorous intensity than those with TIB 7-9 h and ≤7 h. In multiple linear regression, TIB ≥9 h was the only significant predictor of physical inactivity (ß=-3.3 (-5.1, -1.6), p≤0.0001), accounting for 20% of its variation. Sleep fragmentation was frequent and more pronounced in physically inactive than active patients (7.5 (6.3-9.6) versus 6.4 (5.5-7.3) sleeping bouts; p=0.027). In summary, subjects with COPD with TIB ≥9 h·night-1 have more fragmented sleep, are more sedentary and less physically active than those with <9 h·night-1, independently of the awake time. Sleep quality is frequently poor and even worse in patients classified as physically inactive.

Sleep-onset time variability and sleep characteristics on weekday and weekend nights in patients with COPD / Variabilidade do tempo de início do sono e características do sono durante a semana e o fim de semana em pacientes com DPOC

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate sleep-onset time variability, as well as sleep characteristics on weekday and weekend nights, in individuals with moderate-to-severe COPD. Methods: Sleep was objectively assessed by an activity/sleep monitor for seven consecutive nights in individuals with COPD. For analysis, individuals were divided into two groups according to sleep-onset time variability results, characterized by intrasubject standard deviation of sleep-onset time (SOTV) ≥ 60 min or < 60 min. Results: The sample comprised 55 individuals (28 males; mean age = 66 ± 8 years; and median FEV1 % of predicted = 55 [38-62]). When compared with the SOTV<60min group (n = 24), the SOTV≥60min group (n = 31) presented shorter total sleep time (5.1 ± 1.3 h vs. 6.0 ± 1.3 h; p = 0.006), lower sleep efficiency (73 ± 12% vs. 65 ± 13%; p = 0.030), longer wake time after sleep onset (155 ± 66 min vs. 115 ± 52 min; p = 0.023), longer duration of wake bouts (19 [16-28] min vs. 16 [13-22] min; p = 0.025), and higher number of steps at night (143 [104-213] vs. 80 [59-135]; p = 0.002). In general, sleep characteristics were poor regardless of the day of the week, the only significant difference being that the participants woke up about 30 min later on weekends than on weekdays (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Sleep-onset time varied over 1 h in a standard week in the majority of individuals with COPD in this sample, and a more irregular sleep onset indicated poor sleep quality both on weekdays and weekends. Sleep hygiene guidance could benefit these individuals if it is integrated with their health care.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a variabilidade do tempo de início do sono, bem como as características do sono durante a semana e o fim de semana, em indivíduos com DPOC moderada a grave. Métodos: O sono foi avaliado objetivamente por meio de um monitor de atividade/sono durante sete noites consecutivas em indivíduos com DPOC. Para a análise, os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a variabilidade do tempo de início do sono, caracterizada pelo desvio-padrão do tempo de início do sono (TISV) ≥ 60 min ou < 60 min em um mesmo indivíduo. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 55 indivíduos [28 homens; média de idade = 66 ± 8 anos; mediana do VEF1 em % do previsto = 55 (38-62)]. Em comparação com o grupo TISV<60min (n = 24), o grupo TISV≥60min (n = 31) apresentou menor tempo total de sono (5,1 ± 1,3 h vs. 6,0 ± 1,3 h; p = 0,006), menor eficiência do sono (73 ± 12% vs. 65 ± 13%; p = 0,030), maior tempo de vigília após o início do sono (155 ± 66 min vs. 115 ± 52 min; p = 0,023), blocos de vigília mais longos [19 (16-28) min vs. 16 (13-22) min; p = 0,025] e maior número de passos dados à noite [143 (104-213) vs. 80 (59-135); p = 0,002]. Em geral, as características do sono foram ruins independentemente do dia da semana; a única diferença significativa foi que os participantes acordaram cerca de 30 min mais tarde nos fins de semana do que nos dias de semana (p = 0,013). Conclusões: O tempo de início do sono variou mais de 1 h em uma semana-padrão na maioria dos indivíduos com DPOC da amostra, e um início de sono mais irregular indicou má qualidade do sono tanto nos dias de semana como nos fins de semana. A orientação a respeito da higiene do sono pode ser benéfica se for integrada à atenção à saúde desses pacientes.

Upper airway collapsibility evaluated by a negative expiratory pressure test in severe obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the usefulness of measuring upper airway collapsibility with a negative expiratory pressure application as a screening test for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). INTRODUCTION: OSA is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it may have serious consequences. Its recognition may have important implications during the perioperative period. Increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, and its evaluation could be useful for identifying this condition. METHODS: Severe OSA and normal subjects (24 in each group) were matched by body mass index and referred to our sleep laboratory. The subjects were enrolled in an overnight sleep study, and a diurnal negative expiratory pressure test was performed. Flow drop (ΔV) and expiratory volume were measured in the first 0.2 s (V(0.2)) of the negative expiratory pressure test. RESULTS: ΔV (%) and V(0.2) (%) values were statistically different between normal and OSA subjects. OSA patients showed a greater decrease in flow than normal subjects. In addition, severely OSA patients exhaled during the first 0.2 s of the negative expiratory pressure application was an average of only 11.2% of the inspired volume compared to 34.2% for the normal subjects. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristics showed that V(0.2) (%) and ΔV (%) could accurately identify severe OSA in subjects with sensitivities of 95.8% and 91.7%, respectively, and specificities of 95.8% and 91.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: V(0.2) (%) and ΔV (%) are highly accurate parameters for detecting severe OSA. The pharyngeal collapsibility measurement, which uses negative expiratory pressure during wakefulness, is predictive of collapsibility during sleep.

Negative expiratory pressure test: a new, simple method to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.

The objective of this article was to describe a new method for assessing expiratory flow limitation during spontaneous breathing, using the negative expiratory pressure test to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Upper airway collapsibility is evaluated by measuring decreases in flow and in expired volume in the first 0.2 seconds after negative expiratory pressure application at 10 cmH2O. The negative expiratory pressure test is easily applied and could be adopted for the evaluation of expiratory flow limitation caused by upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Outpatient vs. home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality affecting a large number of individuals in both developed and developing countries and it represents a significant financial burden for patients, families and society. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary program that integrates components of exercise training, education, nutritional support, psychological support and self-care, resulting in an improvement in dyspnea, fatigue and quality of life. Despite its proven effectiveness and the strong scientific recommendations for its routine use in the care of COPD, PR is generally underutilized and strategies for increasing access to PR are needed. Home-based self-monitored pulmonary rehabilitation is an alternative to outpatient rehabilitation. In the present study, patients with mild, moderate and severe COPD submitted to either an outpatient or at-home PR program for 12 weeks were analyzed. METHODS: Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomized into three distinct groups: an outpatient group who performed all activities at the clinic, a home-based group who performed the activities at home and a control group. PR consisted of a combination of aerobic exercises and strengthening of upper and lower limbs 3 times a week for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distance covered on the six-minute walk test (p < 0.05) and BODE index (p < 0.001) in the outpatient and at-home groups after participating in the rehabilitation program compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: A home-based self-monitoring pulmonary rehabilitation program is as effective as outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and is a valid alternative for the management of patients with COPD.

A novel protocol for occlusal splint adjustment to treat TMD in sleep bruxism / Um novo protocolo para ajuste de placa oclusal no tratamento do bruxismo noturno

INTRODUCTION: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a stereotypical movement disorder that is characterized by rhythmic masticatory muscle activity associated with tooth grinding and occasional jaw clenching. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the relief time for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), cervical and otological signs and symptoms in patients with BS treated with occlusal splints (OS) for a period of 180 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients, between ages 22 and 53 years old, presenting SB and TMD, including cervical and otological symptoms, were enrolled in this study. The patient’s treatment protocol consisted of using the OS applying a novel adjustment protocol. The total follow-up period was 180 days. The paired Student t-test was used to compare before and after long-term OS treatment. RESULTS: For all variables, the results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). As to the TMD symptoms, in most patients the relief of pain in masseter, temporalis, cervical and TMDs occurred in the 3rd month. Twenty percent of the patients were aware of clenching teeth while awake and reported that this parafunction decreased by the end of 6 months, and 90% reported an improvement in sleep quality as well. CONCLUSION: The use of an OS with a novel adjustment protocol was an effective treatment for TMD sign and symptoms in patients with SB.

INTRODUÇÃO: O bruxismo do sono (BS) é um distúrbio estereotipado de movimento que se caracteriza pela atividade rítmica mastigatória muscular associada com ranger de dentes e apertamento da mandíbula ocasional. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o tempo de alívio para desordens temporomandibulares (DTM), cervical e sinais e sintomas otológicos em pacientes com BS tratados com placas oclusais (PO) por um período de 180 dias. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes, entre 22 e 53 anos, apresentando BS e DTM, incluindo sintomas cervical e otológicos, foram incluídos neste estudo. O protocolo de tratamento do paciente consistiu na utilização da PO com a aplicação de um novo protocolo de ajuste. O período de acompanhamento total foi de 180 dias. O teste t de Student pareado foi utilizado para comparar os efeitos após o tratamento a longo prazo da PO. RESULTADOS: Para todas as variáveis os resultados foram significativos (p < 0,001). Quanto aos sintomas da DTM, na maioria dos pacientes o alívio da dor no masseter, temporal, cervical e DTM ocorreu no terceiro mês. Vinte por cento dos pacientes autorrelataram ranger os dentes enquanto acordado e informaram que essa parafunção diminuiu até o final de 6 meses, 90% dos sujeitos relataram, também, melhora na qualidade do sono. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de uma PO com novo protocolo de ajuste foi um tratamento eficaz para os sinais e sintomas de DTM em pacientes com BS.

Upper airway collapsibility evaluated by a negative expiratory pressure test in severe obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the usefulness of measuring upper airway collapsibility with a negative expiratory pressure application as a screening test for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). INTRODUCTION: OSA is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it may have serious consequences. Its recognition may have important implications during the perioperative period. Increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, and its evaluation could be useful for identifying this condition. METHODS: Severe OSA and normal subjects (24 in each group) were matched by body mass index and referred to our sleep laboratory. The subjects were enrolled in an overnight sleep study, and a diurnal negative expiratory pressure test was performed. Flow drop (DV) and expiratory volume were measured in the first 0.2 s (V02) of the negative expiratory pressure test. RESULTS: DV ( percent) and V02 ( percent) values were statistically different between normal and OSA subjects. OSA patients showed a greater decrease in flow than normal subjects. In addition, severely OSA patients exhaled during the first 0.2 s of the negative expiratory pressure application was an average of only 11.2 percent of the inspired volume compared to 34.2 percent for the normal subjects. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristics showed that V02 ( percent) and DV ( percent) could accurately identify severe OSA in subjects with sensitivities of 95.8 percent and 91.7 percent, respectively, and specificities of 95.8 percent and 91.7 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: V02 ( percent) and DV ( percent) are highly accurate parameters for detecting severe OSA. The pharyngeal collapsibility measurement, which uses negative expiratory pressure during wakefulness, is predictive of collapsibility during sleep.

Teste de pressão negativa expiratória: um novo método simples para identificar pacientes com risco para apneia obstrutiva do sono / Negative expiratory pressure test: a new, simple method to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea

O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever um novo método para avaliar a limitação ao fluxo expiratório durante a respiração espontânea, possibilitando a identificação do risco para apneia obstrutiva do sono através do teste de pressão negativa expiratória. A colapsabilidade da via aérea superior é avaliada pela medida da queda de fluxo e de volume expirado a 0,2 segundos imediatamente após a aplicação de pressão negativa expiratória de 10 cmH2O. O teste de pressão negativa expiratória é de fácil aplicação e poderia ser utilizado na avaliação da limitação ao fluxo expiratório causada por obstrução da via aérea superior em sujeitos portadores de apneia obstrutiva do sono.

The objective of this article was to describe a new method for assessing expiratory flow limitation during spontaneous breathing, using the negative expiratory pressure test to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Upper airway collapsibility is evaluated by measuring decreases in flow and in expired volume in the first 0.2 seconds after negative expiratory pressure application at 10 cmH2O. The negative expiratory pressure test is easily applied and could be adopted for the evaluation of expiratory flow limitation caused by upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.