Inspiratory muscle training in addition to conventional physical rehabilitation in hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in addition to conventional physical rehabilitation on muscle strength, functional capacity, mobility, hemodynamics, fatigue, and quality of life in hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 57 inpatients with hematological diseases undergoing HSCT. Conventional inpatient physical rehabilitation was delivered to the IMT (n = 27) and control (CON; n = 30) groups according to usual care, and the first group additionally performed IMT. The IMT was prescribed according to clinical and laboratory parameters at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 5 days/week throughout the hospitalization, in sessions of 10-20 min. The primary outcome was MIP and the secondary outcomes were maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peripheral muscle strength (handgrip and sit-to-stand tests), functional capacity (6-min step test), mobility (timed up and go test), blood pressure, quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and fatigue (FACT-F) at admission and hospital discharge. RESULTS: The population was predominately autologous HSCT. The IMT group significantly increased the MIP (P < 0.01) and decreased both fatigue (P = 0.01) and blood pressure (P < 0.01) compared with control. No differences were found between admission and hospital discharge in peripheral and expiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, mobility, and quality of life in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the effectiveness of IMT as part of rehabilitation for HSCT inpatients, improving inspiratory muscle strength, and reducing fatigue and blood pressure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03373526 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Exacerbated hemodynamic response during exercise in cancer patients prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy treatment can lead to cardiovascular toxicity and physical impairment prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). Cardiovascular adjustments during exercise and the exercise capacity remain unknown in patients prior to auto-HSCT. Thus, the hemodynamic responses during exercise and exercise capacity were evaluated using a novel effort test in patients prior to auto-HSCT. METHODS: Thirty patients prior to auto-HSCT (BMT group: 44.6 ± 14.1 years) and 23 control participants (CON group: 43.9 ± 16.6 years) performed the 6-Minute Step Test (6MST) to assess their exercise capacity and the hemodynamic responses during exercise. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured during the test. Rate-pressure product (RPP) was calculated multiplying SBP by HR. The highest HR value recorded during the test was compared with the maximum HR predicted by age and was used as % of maximum HR (%HRmax). RESULTS: The number of steps up and down performed by the BMT group was lower than CON (108.8 ± 25.3 vs. 127.5 ± 34.4 steps, P = 0.02). The BMT group showed a higher magnitude of increase in SBP and RPP during the 6MST when compared to CON (ΔSBP: 18.5 ± 11.45 vs. 8.30 ± 18.46 mmHg, P = 0.01; and ΔRPP: 8197.3 ± 3829.1 vs. 6170.9 ± 3568.9 mmHg beats min-1, P = 0.05). The BMT group exhibited higher SpO2 and HR values throughout the protocol (P < 0.05), reaching a higher %HRmax than CON group (76.9 ± 9.6 vs. 66.4 ± 8.9%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with indication for auto-HSCT have exacerbated chronotropic and pressor responses during exercise and reduced exercise capacity in the 6MST.

Safety and feasibility of inspiratory muscle training for hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) usually experienced respiratory muscle weakness. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at HSCT has not been studied yet. Thus, it is important to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of IMT for hospitalized patients undergoing HSCT with an unstable and acute clinical condition. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled feasibility study. Thirty-one hospitalized patients undergoing HSCT were randomized to the conventional physical rehabilitation (CON) or to the IMT group (conventional physical rehabilitation + IMT). IMT was carried out at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 5 sessions weekly, 10-20 min/session. Primary outcomes were safety and feasibility (recruitment, adherence, and attrition rates) of IMT. Secondary outcomes were respiratory strength, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and frequency of patients with oxygen desaturation, bleeding, dyspnea, and acute pulmonary edema. RESULTS: Patients were allocated to the IMT (N = 15; 43.6 years) or to the CON group (N = 16; 46.6 years). The recruitment rate was 100%, the adherence rate was 91%, and attrition was 13% to IMT. Two events were observed in 126 IMT sessions (1.5%). MIP increased in the IMT group (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in respiratory rate and oxygen saturation between groups. Trends to negative outcomes were observed in the CON in comparison to IMT group for a need of oxygen therapy (18% vs. 6%), bleeding (12% vs. 6%), dyspnea (25% vs. 13%), and acute pulmonary edema (6% vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS: IMT is safe, feasible, and improves the inspiratory muscle strength in hospitalized patients undergoing HSCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration: NCT03373526.

Baroreflex gain and vasomotor sympathetic modulation in resistant hypertension.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the gain and latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate in patients with resistant hypertension compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects. METHODS: Eighteen patients with resistant hypertension (56 ± 10 years, mean of four antihypertensive drugs), 17 patients with essential hypertension (56 ± 11 years, mean of two antihypertensive drugs), and 17 untreated normotensive controls (50 ± 15 years) were evaluated by spectral analysis of the spontaneous fluctuations of arterial pressure (beat-to-beat) and heart rate (ECG). This analysis estimated vasomotor and cardiac autonomic modulations, respectively. The transfer function analysis quantified the gain and latency of the response of output signal (RR interval) per unit of spontaneous change of input signal (systolic arterial pressure). RESULTS: The gain was similarly lower in patients with resistant hypertension and patients with essential hypertension in relation to normotensive subjects (4.67 ± 2.96 vs. 6.60 ± 3.30 vs. 12.56 ± 8.81 ms/mmHg; P < 0.01, respectively). However, the latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate was significantly higher only in patients with resistant hypertension when compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects (-4.01 ± 3.19 vs. -2.91 ± 2.10 vs. -1.82 ± 1.09 s; P = 0.04, respectively). In addition, the index of vasomotor sympathetic modulation was significantly increased only in patients with resistant hypertension when compared to patients with essential hypertension and normotensive subjects (4.04 ± 2.86 vs. 2.65 ± 1.88 vs. 2.06 ± 1.70 mmHg2; P < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resistant hypertension have reduced gain and increased latency of arterial baroreflex control of heart rate. These patients also have increased vasomotor sympathetic modulation.

Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in Offspring of Hypertensive Parents During Exercise.

Offspring of hypertensive parents present autonomic dysfunction at rest and during physiological maneuvers. However, the cardiac autonomic modulation during exercise remains unknown. This study tested whether the cardiac autonomic modulation would be reduced in offspring of hypertensive parents during exercise. Fourteen offspring of hypertensive and 14 offspring of normotensive individuals were evaluated. The groups were matched by age (24.5±1.0 vs. 26.6±1.5 years; p=0.25) and BMI (22.8±0.6 vs. 24.2±1.0 kg/m2; p=0.30). Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed simultaneously during 3 min at baseline followed by 3-min isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated using heart rate variability. Primary variables were subjected to two-way ANOVA (group vs. time). P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar between groups during exercise protocol. In contrast, offspring of hypertensive subjects showed a reduction of SDNN (Basal=34.8±3.5 vs. 45.2±3.7 ms; Exercise=30.8±3.3 vs. 41.5±3.9 ms; p group=0.01), RMSSD (Basal=37.1±3.7 vs. 52.0±6.0 ms; Exercise=28.6±3.4 vs. 41.9±5.3 ms; p group=0.02) and pNN50 (Basal=15.7±4.0 vs. 29.5±5.5%; Exercise=7.7±2.4 vs. 18.0±4.3%; p group=0.03) during the exercise protocol in comparison with offspring of normotensive parents. We concluded that normotensive offspring of hypertensive parents exhibit impaired cardiac autonomic modulation during exercise.

Acute effect of ultramarathon on systolic and diastolic cardiac function: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ultramarathon running poses physiological challenges, impacting cardiac function. This systematic review and meta-analysis explore the acute effects of single-stage ultramarathon running on cardiac function. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses recommendations were followed. Searches covered Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Central Cochrane, and Scopus. Random effects meta-analyses assessed left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) variables, expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 6972 studies, 17 were included. Post-ultramarathon reductions were found in LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (-1.24; 95% CI = -1.77, -0.71 mm), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (-9.92; 95% CI = -15.25, -4.60 ml), LV stroke volume (LVSV) (-8.96 ml, 95% CI -13.20, -4.72 ml), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (-3.71; 95% CI = -5.21, -2.22%), LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) (-1.48; 95% CI = -2.21, -0.76%), E/A (-0.30; 95% CI = -0.38, -0.22 cm/s), .E' (-1.35 cm/s, 95% CI -1.91, -0.79 cm/s), RV fractional area change (RVFAC) (-3.34, 95% CI = -5.84, -0.84%), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (-0.12, 95% CI = -0.22, -0.02 cm), RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) (-1.73, 95% CI = -2.87, -0.59%), with increases in RV end-diastolic area (RVEDA) (1.89, 95% CI = 0.63, 3.14 cm2), RV Peak A' (1.32 cm/s, 95% CI 0.20, 2.44), and heart rate (18.24, 95% CI = 15.16, 21.32). No significant differences were observed in LV end-systolic diameter (LVESD), LV end-systolic volume (LVESV), RV end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), RV Peak E', and RV Peak S'. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests immediate impairment of systolic and diastolic cardiac function post-ultramarathon running.

Body Mass Index but not Physical Activity Level Moderates Lowered Cardiac Baroreflex Sensitivity in People Living with HIV.

Reduced cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) is an autonomic marker associated with a worse cardiovascular prognosis. Whether cBRS is lowered in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is yet unclear, as well as potential moderator effects of body mass index (BMI) or physical activity (PA) level. The present study aims to compare the spontaneous cBRS in PLHIV vs. HIV-uninfected controls, and to determine among PLHIV the relationship between cBRS vs. body mass index (BMI) and PA level. Total, upward (cBRS+), and downward (cBRS-) cBRS gains were assessed using the sequential method from beat-to-beat blood pressure at rest in 16 PLHIV (46.5±8.4 years) under antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months, and 16 HIV-uninfected controls (CTL; 42.1±8.0 years). PA level was assessed by the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short version) overall score. PLHIV showed lower total cBRS (8.7±3.1 vs. 15.3±7.7 ms.mmHg-1; p < 0.01), cBRS+ (9.2±4.9 vs. 16.0±6.8 ms.mmHg-1; p < 0.01) and cBRS- (9.5±4.9 vs. 15.3±9.3 ms.mmHg-1; p < 0.01) vs. CTL. No between-group difference was found for BMI (PLHIV: 25.2±2.6 vs. CTL: 26.8±3.2 kg.m-2; p > 0.05) or IPAQ score (PLHIV: 2.4±1.0 vs. CTL: 2.0±1.4; p > 0.05). In PLHIV, total cBRS was inversely correlated vs. BMI (r = -0.44; p = 0.04), but not vs. IPAQ score (r = 0.17; p = 0.26). HIV infection may reduce spontaneous cBRS, which seemed to be moderated by higher BMI, but not PA level of PLHIV.

High-dose Chemotherapy Impairs Cardiac Autonomic Control of Hospitalized Cancer Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients have intermediary and late cardiac autonomic dysfunction, which is an independent mortality predictor. However, it is unknown when this HSCT-related autonomic dysfunction begins during hospitalization for HSCT and whether cardiac autonomic control (CAC) is related to cardiotoxicity in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CAC was assessed in 36 autologous-HSCT inpatients (HSCT group) and 23 cancer-free outpatients (CON group) using heart rate variability analysis. The HSCT group was assessed at five time-points from admission to hospital discharge during hospitalization period. The CON group was assessed once. The severity of cardiotoxicity (CTCAE 5.0) and cardiac troponin I were recorded. RESULTS: The CAC was significantly reduced after high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) (reduction of MNN, SDNN, RMSSD, LFms2 and HFnu, and increase of LFnu and LF/HF; P<0.05). At the onset of neutropenia, pNN50 and HFms2 were also reduced (P<0.05) compared to the admission ones. Although both groups were similar regarding CAC at hospital admission, the HSCT patients showed impaired CAC at hospital discharge (P<0.05). The LF/HF was positively associated with cardiac troponin I and RMSSD was inversely associated with the severity of cardiotoxicity (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: CAC worsened during hospitalization for autologous-HSCT, mainly after HDC. In addition, it seems associated to early signs of cardiotoxicity in these patients.

REDUCED PERIPHERAL AND INSPIRATORY MUSCLE ENDURANCE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) causes several musculoskeletal changes. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance are reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with LC (LC group; 61±14 years) and 18 age-matched subjects (control group; 56±17 years) had accepted to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. To assess peripheral muscle endurance, all volunteers performed a rhythmic handgrip exercise at 45% of their maximum voluntary contraction. A metronome was used to control the contraction-relaxation cycles at 60/min. The inspiratory muscle endurance was assessed using PowerBreath®. Participants underwent inspiratory muscle exercise at 60% of their maximal inspiratory muscle strength. The time until failure characterized the muscle endurance for both handgrip and inspiratory muscle exercises. Additionally, the quality of life of the participants was assessed. RESULTS: The muscle endurance was lower in the LC group when compared to the control group for both handgrip (67 vs 130 s, P<0.001) and inspiratory muscle exercises (40 vs 114 s, P<0.001). The peripheral muscle endurance was directly correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.439, P=0.01) and to the following domains: fatigue (r=0.378 e P=0.030), activity (r=0.583, P=0.001), systemic symptoms (r=0.316, P=0.073) and preoccupation (r=0.370, P=0.034). The inspiratory muscle endurance was inversely correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.573, P=0.001) and the following domains: fatigue (r=0.503, P=0.002), activity (r=0.464, P=0.004), systemic symptoms (r=0.472, P=0.004), abdominal symptoms (r=0.461, P=0.005), emotional function (r=0.387, P=0.02) and preoccupation (r=0.519, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Both peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance were lower in LC patients when compared to the control group.

Blunted blood pressure response to exercise and isolated muscle metaboreflex activation in patients with cirrhosis.

We sought to test the hypothesis that the cardiovascular responses to isolated muscle metaboreflex activation would be blunted in patients with cirrhosis. Eleven patients with cirrhosis and 15 healthy controls were evaluated. Blood pressure (BP; oscillometric method), contralateral forearm blood flow (FBF; venous occlusion plethysmography), and heart rate (HR; electrocardiogram) were measured during baseline, isometric handgrip at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction followed by postexercise ischemia (PEI). Forearm vascular conductance (FVC) was calculated as follows: (FBF / mean BP) × 100. Changes in HR during handgrip were similar between groups but tended to be different during PEI (controls: Δ 0.5 ± 1.1 bpm vs. cirrhotic patients: Δ 3.6 ± 1.0 bpm, P = 0.057). Mean BP response to handgrip (controls: Δ 20.9 ± 2.7 mm Hg vs. cirrhotic patients: Δ 10.6 ± 1.5 mm Hg, P = 0.006) and PEI was attenuated in cirrhotic patients (controls: Δ 16.1 ± 1.9 mm Hg vs. cirrhotic patients: Δ 7.2 ± 1.4 mm Hg, P = 0.001). In contrast, FBF and FVC increased during handgrip and decreased during PEI similarly between groups. These results indicate that an abnormal muscle metaboreflex activation explained, at least partially, the blunted pressor response to exercise exhibited by cirrhotic patients. Novelty: Patients with cirrhosis present abnormal muscle metaboreflex activation. BP response was blunted but forearm vascular response was preserved. HR response was slightly elevated.

Functional Capacity Change Impacts the Quality of Life of Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who improved their functional capacity during hospitalization (increased functional capacity group) with that of patients who maintained or decreased functional capacity during hospitalization (decreased functional capacity group). DESIGN: This observational, longitudinal study included 27 hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Patients were divided into increased functional capacity group (16 patients) and decreased functional capacity group (11 patients). Functional capacity (6-min step test), peripheral muscle strength (sit-to-stand test and handgrip strength), and QOL (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) were assessed at admission and at hospital discharge. RESULTS: Increased functional capacity patients had increased functional capacity and peripheral muscle strength of the lower and upper limbs at hospital discharge (P < 0.01, <0.01, and 0.02, respectively). The patients in the increased functional capacity group demonstrated an increase in global health and reduced symptoms at discharge (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). No significant differences were observed between groups in the functional domain. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, who have improved functional capacity at discharge, also experience an improved QOL, with no such improvement noted among patients who have stable or reduced functional capacity. We recommend that the treatment protocol for hospitalized patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation include an exercise program aimed at improving functional capacity.

Autonomic and Vascular Control in Prehypertensive Subjects with a Family History of Arterial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with a family history of systemic arterial hypertension (FHSAH) and / or prehypertension have a higher risk of developing this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the autonomic and vascular functions of prehypertensive patients with FHSAH. METHODS: Twenty-five young volunteers with FHSAH, 14 normotensive and 11 prehypertensive subjects were submitted to vascular function evaluation by forearm vascular conductance(VC) during resting and reactive hyperemia (Hokanson®) and cardiac and peripheral autonomic modulation, quantified, respectively, by spectral analysis of heart rate (ECG) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (FinometerPRO®). The transfer function analysis was used to measure the gain and response time of baroreflex. The statistical significance adopted was p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Pre-hypertensive individuals, in relation to normotensive individuals, have higher VC both at rest (3.48 ± 1.26 vs. 2.67 ± 0.72 units, p = 0.05) and peak reactive hyperemia (25, 02 ± 8.18 vs. 18.66 ± 6.07 units, p = 0.04). The indices of cardiac autonomic modulation were similar between the groups. However, in the peripheral autonomic modulation, greater variability was observed in prehypertensive patients compared to normotensive individuals (9.4 [4.9-12.7] vs. 18.3 [14.8-26.7] mmHg2; p < 0.01) and higher spectral components of very low (6.9 [2.0-11.1] vs. 13.5 [10.7-22.4] mmHg2, p = 0.01) and low frequencies (1.7 [1.0-3.0] vs. 3.0 [2.0-4.0] mmHg2, p = 0.04) of SBP. Additionally, we observed a lower gain of baroreflex control in prehypertensive patients compared to normotensive patients (12.16 ± 4.18 vs. 18.23 ± 7.11 ms/mmHg, p = 0.03), but similar delay time (-1.55 ± 0.66 vs. -1.58 ± 0.72 s, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: Prehypertensive patients with FHSAH have autonomic dysfunction and increased vascular conductance when compared to normotensive patients with the same risk factor.

Hemodynamic responses during inspiratory muscle exercise in healthy young adults / Respuestas hemodinámicas durante el ejercicio de los músculos inspiratorios en adultos jóvenes sanos / Respostas hemodinâmicas durante exercício muscular inspiratório em jovens saudáveis

ABSTRACT The literature on hemodynamic responses during inspiratory muscle exercise (IME) lacks a consensus. To evaluate and compare hemodynamic responses during an IME session with and without resistive load, 15 sedentary men were subjected to two randomized IME sessions: one with 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (IME 40%) and another without a resistive load (Sham), both of which were performed for two minutes over eight sessions with one-minute intervals. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and heart rate (HR) were measured by infrared digital photoplethysmography during five basal minutes and during the IME sessions. One-way analysis of variance and the Student's t test for paired data were used to analyze hemodynamic response and delta values between sessions. Effect size was evaluated by Cohen's D. A 5% significance level was adopted. SBP responses (sham: ∆−1±2 vs. 40%: ∆−4±2mmHg, p=0.27), DBP (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆1±2mmHg, p=0.60) and MBP (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆0±2mmHg, p=0.28) were similar between sessions. HR increases were higher in the 40% IME session than in the sham session (sham: ∆9±2 vs. 40%: ∆3±2bpm, p=0.001). SV only decreased during the sham session but responses were similar between sessions (sham: ∆−2±2 vs. IME 40%: ∆−6±2ml, p=0.13). Both sessions did not change SBP, DBP, MBP, CO, and TPR, but we observed a greater increase in HR in the IME 40% session. Only the Sham session decreased SV.

RESUMEN No hay consenso en la literatura sobre las respuestas hemodinámicas durante el ejercicio muscular inspiratorio (EMI). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar las respuestas hemodinámicas durante una sesión de EMI con y sin carga resistiva. Para ello, quince hombres sedentarios recibieron dos sesiones aleatorias de EMI: el 40% de la presión inspiratoria máxima (EMI 40%) y sin carga resistiva (sham), realizadas durante dos minutos, ocho sesiones y a intervalos de un minuto. La presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD), la presión arterial media (PAM), la resistencia periférica total (RPT), el volumen sistólico (VS), el gasto cardíaco (GC) y la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) se midieron mediante fotopletismografía infrarroja digital durante cinco minutos al inicio y durante las sesiones de EMI. Se utilizaron ANOVA unidireccional y la prueba t de Student a datos emparejados para analizar la respuesta hemodinámica y los valores delta entre las sesiones. El tamaño del efecto se evaluó por el d de Cohen. El nivel de significancia adoptado fue de 5%. Las respuestas de PAS (sham: Δ−1±2 vs. 40%: ∆−4±2mmHg, p=0,27), PAD (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆1±2mmHg, p=0,60) y PAM (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆0±2mmHg, p=0,28) fueron similares entre las sesiones. El incremento de la FC fue mayor en la sesión de EMI 40% comparada con la sesión sham (sham: Δ9±2 vs. 40%: ∆3±2bpm, p=0,001). El VS tuvo una disminución exclusiva durante la sesión sham, pero la respuesta fue similar entre las sesiones (sham: Δ−2±2 vs. EMI 40%: ∆−6±2ml, p=0,13). Ambas sesiones no tuvieron cambios en las variables PAS, PAD, PAM, DC y RPT, pero se observó un mayor incremento de la FC en la sesión EMI 40%. Solamente en la sesión sham hubo una reducción del VS.

RESUMO A literatura carece de um consenso sobre respostas hemodinâmicas durante o exercício muscular inspiratório (EMI). Este estudo buscou avaliar e comparar as respostas hemodinâmicas durante uma sessão de EMI com e sem carga resistiva. Para tanto, 15 homens sedentários foram submetidos a duas sessões randomizadas de EMI: 40% da pressão inspiratória máxima (EMI 40%) e sem carga resistiva (sham), realizadas por dois minutos em oito sessões e com intervalos de um minuto. A pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), pressão arterial média (PAM), resistência periférica total (RPT), volume sistólico (VS), débito cardíaco (DC) e frequência cardíaca (FC) foram medidos por fotopletismografia infravermelha digital por cinco minutos basais e durante as sessões de EMI. Anova de uma via e o teste t de Student para dados pareados foram usados para analisar a resposta hemodinâmica e os valores delta entre as sessões. O tamanho do efeito foi avaliado pelo d de Cohen. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. As respostas de PAS (sham: ∆−1±2 vs. 40%: ∆−4±2mmHg, p=0,27), PAD (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆1±2mmHg, p=0,60) e PAM (sham: ∆2±1 vs. 40%: ∆0±2mmHg, p=0,28) foram semelhantes entre as sessões. Os aumentos da FC foram maiores na sessão de EMI 40% do que nas sessões sham (sham: ∆9±2 vs. 40%: ∆3±2bpm, p=0,001). O VS diminuiu exclusivamente durante a sessão sham mas a resposta foi semelhante entre as sessões (sham: ∆−2±2 vs. EMI 40%: ∆−6±2ml, p=0,13). Ambas as sessões não causaram alteração nas variáveis PAS, PAD, PAM, DC e RPT, mas notamos um aumento maior da FC na sessão EMI 40%. Apenas a sessão sham reduziu o VS.

Different times of day do not change heart rate variability recovery after light exercise in sedentary subjects: 24 hours Holter monitoring.

Incidence of cardiovascular events follows a circadian rhythm with peak occurrence during morning. Disturbance of autonomic control caused by exercise had raised the question of the safety in morning exercise and its recovery. Furthermore, we sought to investigate whether light aerobic exercise performed at night would increase HR and decrease HRV during sleep. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that morning exercise would delay HR and HRV recovery after light aerobic exercise, additionally, we tested the impact of late night light aerobic exercise on HR and HRV during sleep in sedentary subjects. Nine sedentary healthy men (age 24 ± 3 yr; height 180 ± 5 cm; weight 79 ± 8 kg; fat 12 ± 3%; mean±SD) performed 35 min of cycling exercise, at an intensity of first anaerobic threshold, at three times of day (7 a.m., 2 p.m. and 11 p.m.). R-R intervals were recorded during exercise and during short-time (60 min) and long-time recovery (24 hours) after cycling exercise. Exercise evoked increase in HR and decrease in HRV, and different times of day did not change the magnitude (p < 0.05 for time). Morning exercise did not delay exercise recovery, HR was similar to rest after 15 minutes recovery and HRV was similar to rest after 30 minutes recovery at morning, afternoon, and night. Low frequency power (LF) in normalized unites (n.u.) decreased during recovery when compared to exercise, but was still above resting values after 60 minutes of recovery. High frequency power (HF-n.u.) increased after exercise cessation (p < 0.05 for time) and was still below resting values after 60 minutes of recovery. The LF/HF ratio decreased after exercise cessation (p < 0.05 for time), but was still different to baseline levels after 60 minutes of recovery. In conclusion, morning exercise did not delay HR and HRV recovery after light aerobic cycling exercise in sedentary subjects. Additionally, exercise performed in the night did change autonomic control during the sleep. So, it seems that sedentary subjects can engage physical activity at any time of day without higher risk.

Peripheral Vascular Resistance Impairment during Isometric Physical Exercise in Normotensive Offspring of Hypertensive Parents.

BACKGROUND:: A family history of hypertension is associated with vascular and autonomic abnormalities, as well as an impaired neurohemodynamic response to exercise. OBJECTIVE:: To test the hypothesis that normotensive individuals with a family history of hypertension present an impaired peripheral vascular resistance response to exercise. METHODS:: The study included 37 normotensive volunteers of both sexes who were sedentary, eutrophic, and nonsmokers, comprising 23 with (FH+; 24 ± 3 years) and 14 without (FH-; 27 ± 5 years) a family history of hypertension. Blood pressure, heart rate (DIXTAL®), forearm blood flow (Hokanson®), and peripheral vascular resistance were simultaneously measured for 3 minutes during rest and, subsequently, for 3 minutes during an isometric exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (Jamar®). RESULTS:: At rest, the FH+ and FH- groups present similar mean blood pressure (83 ± 7 versus 83 ± 5 mmHg, p = 0.96), heart rate (69 ± 8 bpm versus 66 ± 7 bpm, p = 0.18), forearm blood flow (3 ± 1 mL/min/100 mL versus 2.7 ± 1 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0.16), and peripheral vascular resistance (30 ± 9 units versus 34±9 units, p = 0.21), respectively. Both groups showed a significant and similar increase in mean blood pressure (∆ = 15 ± 7 mmHg versus 14 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0.86), heart rate (∆ = 12 ± 8 bpm versus 13 ± 7 bpm, p = 0.86), and forearm blood flow (∆ = 0.8 ± 1.2 mL/min/100 mL versus 1.4 ± 1.1 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0.25), respectively, during exercise. However, individuals in the FH+ group showed no reduction in peripheral vascular resistance during exercise, which was observed in the FH- group (∆ = -0.4 ± 8.6 units versus -7.2 ± 6.3 units, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION:: Normotensive individuals with a family history of hypertension present an impaired peripheral vascular resistance response to exercise. FUNDAMENTO:: O histórico familiar para hipertensão arterial está relacionado a anormalidades vasculares e autonômicas, bem como disfunções no comportamento neuro-hemodinâmico durante o exercício físico. OBJETIVO:: Testar a hipótese de que indivíduos normotensos com histórico familiar de hipertensão arterial apresentam resposta prejudicada da resistência vascular periférica durante o exercício físico. MÉTODOS:: Foram avaliados 37 normotensos de ambos os sexos, sedentários, eutróficos e não tabagistas, sendo 23 com histórico familiar positivo (HF+, 24 ± 3 anos) e 14 com histórico familiar negativo (HF-, 27 ± 5 anos) para hipertensão arterial. Foram identificados pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca (DIXTAL®), fluxo sanguíneo muscular do antebraço e resistência vascular periférica local (Hokanson®) por 3 minutos durante o repouso e, em seguida, 3 minutos durante exercício isométrico de preensão palmar a 30% da contração voluntária máxima (Jamar®). RESULTADOS:: Em repouso, os grupos HF+ e HF- apresentaram valores semelhantes de pressão arterial média (83 ± 7 mmHg versus 83 ± 5 mmHg, p = 0,96), frequência cardíaca (69 ± 8 bpm versus 66 ± 7 bpm, p = 0,18), fluxo sanguíneo muscular (3 ± 1 mL/min/199 mL versus 2,7 ± 1 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0,16) e resistência vascular periférica (30 ± 9 unidades versus 34 ± 9 unidades, p = 0,21), respectivamente. Durante o exercício, HF+ e HF- mostraram aumento significativo e semelhante da pressão arterial média (∆ = 15 ± 7 mmHg versus 14 ± 7 mmHg, p = 0,86), frequência cardíaca (∆ = 12 ± 8 bpm versus 13 ± 7 bpm, p = 0,86) e fluxo sanguíneo muscular (∆ = 0,8 ± 1,2 mL/min/100 mL versus 1,4 ± 1,1 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0,25), respectivamente. Entretanto, no grupo HF+ não houve redução significativa da resistência vascular periférica durante o exercício, fato que ocorreu no grupo HF- (∆ = -0,4 ± 8,6 unidades versus -7,2 ± 6,3 unidades, p = 0,03). CONCLUSÃO:: Indivíduos normotensos com histórico familiar de hipertensão arterial apresentam resposta prejudicada da resistência vascular periférica durante o exercício físico.

Resistência muscular periférica e inspiratória reduzida em pacientes com cirrose hepática: um estudo transversal / Reduced peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance in patients with liver cirrhosis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis (LC) causes several musculoskeletal changes. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance are reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with LC (LC group; 61±14 years) and 18 age-matched subjects (control group; 56±17 years) had accepted to participate in this cross-sectional observational study. To assess peripheral muscle endurance, all volunteers performed a rhythmic handgrip exercise at 45% of their maximum voluntary contraction. A metronome was used to control the contraction-relaxation cycles at 60/min. The inspiratory muscle endurance was assessed using PowerBreath®. Participants underwent inspiratory muscle exercise at 60% of their maximal inspiratory muscle strength. The time until failure characterized the muscle endurance for both handgrip and inspiratory muscle exercises. Additionally, the quality of life of the participants was assessed. RESULTS: The muscle endurance was lower in the LC group when compared to the control group for both handgrip (67 vs 130 s, P<0.001) and inspiratory muscle exercises (40 vs 114 s, P<0.001). The peripheral muscle endurance was directly correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.439, P=0.01) and to the following domains: fatigue (r=0.378 e P=0.030), activity (r=0.583, P=0.001), systemic symptoms (r=0.316, P=0.073) and preoccupation (r=0.370, P=0.034). The inspiratory muscle endurance was inversely correlated with the total quality of life score (r=0.573, P=0.001) and the following domains: fatigue (r=0.503, P=0.002), activity (r=0.464, P=0.004), systemic symptoms (r=0.472, P=0.004), abdominal symptoms (r=0.461, P=0.005), emotional function (r=0.387, P=0.02) and preoccupation (r=0.519, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Both peripheral and inspiratory muscle endurance were lower in LC patients when compared to the control group.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A cirrose hepática (CH) causa várias alterações musculoesqueléticas. OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de que as resistências dos músculos periféricos e inspiratórios estão reduzidas em pacientes com CH. MÉTODOS: Vinte e um pacientes com CH (grupo CH; 61±14 anos) e 18 indivíduos pareados por idade (grupo controle; 56±17 anos) aceitaram participar deste estudo observacional transversal. Para avaliar a resistência muscular periférica, todos os voluntários realizaram um exercício de preensão manual rítmica a 45% de sua contração voluntária máxima. Um metrônomo foi usado para controlar os ciclos de contração-relaxamento a 60/min. A resistência muscular inspiratória foi avaliada com o PowerBreath®. Os participantes foram submetidos a exercícios musculares inspiratórios a 60% de sua força muscular inspiratória máxima. O tempo até a falha caracterizou a resistência muscular para os exercícios de preensão manual e de músculos inspiratórios. Além disso, foi avaliada a qualidade de vida dos participantes. RESULTADOS: A resistência muscular foi menor no grupo CH quando comparada ao grupo controle tanto para os exercícios de preensão manual (67 vs 130 s, P<0,001) quanto para os músculos inspiratórios (40 vs 114 s, P<0,001). A resistência muscular periférica foi diretamente correlacionada com o escore total de qualidade de vida (r=0,439, P=0,01) e com os seguintes domínios: fadiga (r=0,030, P=0,378), atividade (r=0,378 e P=0,030), sintomas sistêmicos (r=0,316, P=0,073) e preocupação (r=0,370, P=0,034). A resistência muscular inspiratória foi inversamente correlacionada com o escore total de qualidade de vida (r=0,573, P=0,001) e com os seguintes domínios: fadiga (r=0,503, P=0,002), atividade (r=0,464, P=0,004), sintomas sistêmicos (r=0,472, P=0,004), sintomas abdominais (r=0,461, P=0,005), função emocional (r=0,387, P=0,02) e preocupação (r=0,519, P=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: As resistências musculares periférica e inspiratória foram menores nos pacientes com CH quando comparados ao grupo controle.

Avanços na Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital Universitário da UFJF / Advances in the Rehabilitation Unit of the University Hospital of UFJF

No processo de reabilitação de um paciente devem ser enfatizadas estratégias de avaliação, diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamento das doenças com objetivo de manter e restaurar a função física, social, emocional e laboral, com consequente melhora na qualidade de vida.1 Neste contexto, a Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora/Empresa Brasileira de Serviços Hospitalares (HU-UFJF/EBSERH), que tem abrangência nas áreas hospitalar e ambulatorial, engloba equipe multiprofissional composta por fisioterapeutas, profissional de educação física, terapeuta ocupacional, fonoaudiólogos, enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem.O objetivo principal é manter, dentro do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), um padrão de qualidade de excelência que foi construído ao longo de anos de integração entre assistência, ensino e pesquisa, com base no modelo de atendimentos individualizados em sua maior parte, e em grupos para casos específicos. A importância deste trabalho para a Rede de Atenção à Saúde que compreende Juiz de Fora e região pode ser ilustrada com alguns indicadores. Na fisioterapia, enquanto o número de sessões ambulatoriais realizadas no período de 2016 a 2018 pelo SUS no município reduziu 10%, o HU-UFJF/EBSERH elevou o número de atendimentos em mais de 140%, alcançando cerca de 2.500 sessões mensais, realizadas por 14 subespecialidades distintas, que beneficiam em média 600 pacientes por mês. Na internação são aproximadamente 970 sessões mensais nas enfermarias clínica, cirúrgica, pediátrica e terapia intensiva. Na fonoaudiologia, além das cerca de 130 consultas e atendimento contínuo a pacientes internados, mensalmentesãorealizados cerca de 90 exames, dos quais alguns exclusivos ao SUS na região, como potenciais evocados auditivos de curta latência e vectoeletronistagmografia.Complementam as atividades de reabilitação da Unidade, cerca de 150 atendimentos mensais realizados por profissionais de educação física e terapia ocupacional. Um dos programas mais recentes na Unidade é o de Atividade Física em Saúde que tem como objetivo avaliar, orientar e treinar fisicamente os usuários de diferentes ambulatórios do HU-UFJF/EBSERH. Apesar de recente, já foi possível observar resultados positivos nas condições físicas e mentais desses usuários após poucos meses de treinamento físico. Além da área assistencial, a Unidade de Reabilitação do HU-UFJF/EBSERH possui ampla atuação em atividades de ensino, pesquisa e extensão. Especificamente no ensino, as Unidades Santa Catarina e Dom Bosco são cenários de prática para os alunos dos cursos de fisioterapia e educação física. Adicionalmente, via programas de residência intitulados Multiprofissional em Saúde do Adulto e Integrada Multiprofissional em Atenção Hospitalar, profissionais da área da saúde são capacitados na Unidade. O atendimento à população da cidade de Juiz de Fora e região é complementado pela atuação de alunos, professores e profissionais em projetos de extensão e de treinamento profissional que englobam atividades com lactentes com risco para alterações no desenvolvimento, pacientes com doenças pulmonares, idosos, pacientes em hemodiálise, pacientes cirróticos, entre outros. Uma das atividades que apresentou maior avanço na Unidade de Reabilitação foi a de pesquisa por meio do desenvolvimento de projetos de doutorado, mestrado, iniciação científica e trabalho de conclusão de curso. Considerando que uma das políticas desta Unidade é o incentivo a qualificação, vários profissionais também estão participando ativamente deste processo. Algumas evidências científicas produzidas já foram inseridas no serviço, sendo que esta aplicação clínica representa um dos grandes objetivos dos projetos de pesquisa. Um dos exemplos foi a criação do serviço de fisioterapia para os pacientes em hemodiálise no HU-UFJF/EBSERH em 2018. Resultados de estudos prévios conduzidos desde 2005 nesta linha de pesquisa proporcionaram a implementação do atendimento fisioterapêutico durante as sessões de hemodiálise, sendo que o HU-UFJF/EBSERH é um dos poucos hospitais do Brasil a oferecer este programa.2,3 De forma similar, após realização de projetos de pesquisa sobre os efeitos do exercício físico em pacientes com cirrose, foi iniciado um programa assistencial de treinamento físico para esses pacientes.4 Esses dois exemplos demonstram que somada a publicação de manuscritos, muitas vezes internacionais, os resultados científicos são transformados e devolvidos para a sociedade.De fato, a realização de projetos científicos faz parte fundamental da Unidade de Reabilitação do HU-UFJF/EBSERH. Por meio da infraestrutura física, dos recursos humanos, apoio financeiro da própria instituição e de órgãos de fomento, dezenas de pesquisas científicas são realizadas anualmente. Essa característica agrega aos serviços potencialidade, real e futura, de inovação técnica e de conhecimento. E, paralelamente, muitas destas pesquisas servem como base para os trabalhos de conclusão dos graduandos e pós-graduandos, caracterizando a ciência como formadora de pessoas qualificadas para atuarem no mercado de trabalho.Mesmo com todos os desafios inerentes ao SUS,5 pelo exposto é possível entender que a Unidade de Reabilitação do HU-UFJF/EBSERH vem conseguindo integrar as vertentes do ensino, pesquisa e extensão com a assistência de excelência, o que fortalece sobremaneira o cuidado prestado aos usuários e, sem dúvida, promove a melhora da qualidade de vida destas pessoas.

Anxiety increases the blood pressure response during exercise

Aim: The hypothesis that higher levels of anxiety promote greater blood pressure (BP) responses during physical exercise is tested. The hypothesis that metaborreflex response is increased in an anxious individual is tested as well. Methods: There were 43 volunteers divided by anxiety level: 12 volunteers with mild, moderate and severe symptoms (anxious-group) and 31 volunteers with a minimum level of anxiety (control-group). Arterial BP, heart rate, and forearm blood flow were measured simultaneously during handgrip exercise and post-exercise ischemia, and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) was calculated. Results: Anxious group present higher systolic, diastolic and mean BP at rest when compared with control group (130±11 vs. 122±12 mmHg, p=0.048; 70±6 vs. 65±8 mmHg, p=0.033; 90±7 vs. 84±9 mmHg, p=0.033, respectively) and higher response of systolic, diastolic and mean BP and FVR during exercise when compared with control group (20±9 vs. 13±7 mmHg, p=0.009; 17±8 vs. 11±6 mmHg, p=0.006; 18±8 vs. 11±6 mmHg, p=0.005; and 0±13 vs. -7±9 units, p=0,003, respectively). During post-exercise ischemia, the anxious group also present higher response of diastolic BP, mean BP and FVR when compared with a control group (11±12 vs. 3±4 mmHg, p=0,001, 10±8 vs. 3±5 mmHg, p=0,002; 9±11 vs. -2± 8 units, p=0,03, respectively). Conclusion: Anxious individuals present higher BP responses during physical exercise when compared with those with minimal anxiety symptoms. This increased response may be explained, in part, by increased peripheral vascular resistance due to the greater metaborreflex response.(AU)

[Impairment of muscle vasodilation during mental stress in women with subclinical hypothyroidism]. / Prejuízo da vasodilatação muscular durante estresse mental em mulheres com hipotireoidismo subclínico.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) have forearm vascular conductance (FVC) impaired during mental stress. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 20 women with SH and 21 euthyroid (Control group), matched for age (p = 0.699) and body mass index (p = 0.462). Muscle blood flow (MBF) was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography and blood pressure by Dixtal2023. Both variables were recorded simultaneously for 3 minutes of baseline followed by 3 minutes of mental stress. The FVC was calculated by dividing MBF by mean arterial pressure. Significant differences were assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The SH group had higher concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (7.57 ± 3.17 vs. 2.10 ± 0,88 mU/L, p < 0.001). At baseline, the SH and control groups were similar for MBF (2.50 ± 0.79 vs. 2.55 ± 0,71 mL/ min/100 mL, p = 0.905, respectively) and FVC (2.80 ± 0.90 vs. 2.92 ± 0.88 units, p = 0.952, respectively). Throughout the mental stress test the SH and Control groups increased the MBF (time effect, p < 0.001) and FVC (time effect, p < 0.001) compared to baseline protocol. However, these variables were lower in SH group during the first (MBF: 3.66 ± 0.96 vs. 4.66 ± 1,61 mL/min/100 mL, p = 0.018, FVC: 3.95 ± 1.08 vs. 5.19 ± 1,96 units, p = 0.010) and second (MBF: 3.55 ± 1.01 vs. 4.62 ± 2,27 mL/min/100 ml, p = 0.018; FVC: 3.75 ± 1.07 vs. 4.92 ± 2,37 units, p = 0.020) minutes of mental stress test. CONCLUSION: Women with SH have reduced muscle vasodilatatory response during mental stress.

Efeito da prática regular de atividade física na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de hipertensos resistentes / Effect of regular physical activity on health-related quality of life of resistant hypertensive patients

Introdução: Hipertensos resistentes apresentam pior qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em relação aos pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica. A prática regular de exercícios físicos melhora essa qualidade de vida de pacientes com hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Assim, é possível que a atividade física melhore a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde dos hipertensos resistentes. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da prática regular de atividade física na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pacientes com hipertensão arterial resistente. Material e Métodos: Foram avaliados 38 pacientes, de ambos os gêneros, diagnosticados com hipertensão arterial resistente, divididos nos grupos ativo (n=19, 64±7 anos) e sedentário (n=19, 56±10 anos). Foi considerado fisicamente ativo o paciente que praticava exercício físico por pelo menos três vezes por semana, com duração mínima de duas horas semanais, por período superior a quatro meses. Foi utilizado o teste t de Student para amostras independentes, com nível de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde foi significativamente maior no grupo Ativo em relação ao grupo Sedentário para os domínios capacidade funcional (69±25 vs. 44±22 pontos, p<0,01), dor (66±23 vs. 49±22 pontos, p=0,03), estado geral de saúde (61±16 vs. 52±9 pontos, p=0,03), vitalidade (69±20 vs. 43±22 pontos, p<0,01), limitação por aspectos físicos (75±38 vs. 40±34 pontos, p<0,01) e saúde mental (76±24 vs. 53±26 pontos, p=0,01), respectivamente. Os grupos Ativo e Sedentário foram semelhantes para os domínios aspectos sociais (74±24 vs. 68±28 pontos, p=0,54) e limitação por aspectos emocionais (63±38 vs. 40±36 pontos, p=0,07), respectivamente. Conclusão: A prática regular de atividade física parece melhorar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de hipertensos resistentes.

Introduction: Resistant hypertensive patients have worse health-related quality of life than patients with systemic arterial hypertension. Regular exercise improves this quality of life of patients with systemic arterial hypertension. Thus, it is possible that physical activity increases the health-related quality of life of resistant hypertensive patients. Objective: To test the hypothesis that regular physical activity improves the health-related quality of life of patients with resistant hypertension. Material and methods: Were evaluated 38 patients, male and famale, diagnosed with resistant hypertension, divided into Active (n=19, 64±7 years old) and Sedentary (n=19, 56±10 years old) groups. The patient who was physically active for at least three times a week, with a minimum duration of two hours per week for more than four months, was considered physically active. And, considered sedentary, the patient who had not practiced exercise regularly for at least six months. Student's t test for independent samples was used and considered significant p <0.05. Results: Health-related quality of life was significantly higher in the Active group compared to the Sedentary group for the domains functional capacity (69±25 vs. 44±22 points, p<0.01), pain (66±23 vs. 49±22 points, p=0.03), general health (61±16 vs. 52±9 points, p=0.03), vitality (69±20 vs. 43±22 points, p<0.01), limitation by physical aspects (75±38 vs. 40±34 points, p<0.01) and mental health (76±24 vs. 53±26 points, p=0.01), respectively. And, the Active and Sedentary groups were similar for the domains social aspects (74±24 vs. 68±28 points, p=0.54) and limitation by emotional aspects (63±38 vs. 40±36 points, p=0.07), respectively. Conclusion: Regular physical activity improves the health-related quality of life of patients with resistant hypertension.