Efficacy of Respiratory Muscle Training in the Immediate Postoperative Period of Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of respiratory muscle training during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and length of hospital stay. Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search on PubMed®, Excerpta Medica Database (or Embase), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (or CINAHL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (or LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (or SciELO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (or PEDro), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was performed. A combination of free-text words and indexed terms referring to cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, respiratory muscle training, and clinical trials was used. A total of 792 studies were identified; after careful selection, six studies were evaluated. Results: The studies found significant improvement after inspiratory muscle training (IMT) (n = 165, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.68, 21.99) and expiratory muscle training (EMT) (n = 135, 95% CI 8.59, 27.07) of maximal inspiratory pressure and maximal expiratory pressure, respectively. Also, IMT increased significantly (95% CI 19.59, 349.82, n = 85) the tidal volume. However, no differences were found in the peak expiratory flow, functional capacity, and length of hospital stay after EMT and IMT. Conclusion: IMT and EMT demonstrated efficacy in improving respiratory muscle strength during the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery. There was no evidence indicating the efficacy of IMT for pulmonary function and length of hospital stay and the efficacy of EMT for functional capacity.

Impacto del Entrenamiento Respiratorio de Hiperpnea Isocápnica Voluntaria sobre el Costo Energético asociado a la Respiración inducido por Ejercicio Físico / Impact of Voluntary Isocapnic Hyperpnea training on the cost of breathing

Introducción. Determinar el efecto de ocho semanas de entrenamiento por hiperpnea isocápnica voluntaria (HIV) sobre el costo energético asociado a la respiración (COB) reflejado en los cambios en la oxigenación de los músculos intercostales (∆SmO2-m. intercostales) inducida por ejercicio físico de intensidad incremental. Métodos. Doce participantes físicamente activos fueron entrenados durante ocho semanas de HIV 3 días x semana, 12 minutos, al 60% de ventilación voluntaria máxima (VVM). En la semana previa y posterior al entrenamiento HIV se realizó un test cardiopulmonar (CPET) de intensidad incremental en cicloergómetro, durante esta prueba se registró la ∆SmO2-m. intercostales mediante el dispositivo MOXY®. El efecto de HIV sobre la ∆SmO2-m. intercostales se analizó mediante la prueba two-way mixed ANOVA considerando los factores (fase × tarea). Resultados. ∆SmO2-m.intercostales fue significativamente menor a partir del 30% (­5,0±4,7%; p<0.01) hasta el 100% (­10,6±12,8%; p<0.01) de la tarea luego de ocho semanas de HIV. Además, se reportó un aumento de la presión inspiratoria máxima (PIM)=16,5±11,4 cmH2O (p<0.01); y de la resistencia muscular respiratoria=106,6±149,0 s (p<0.01). El tiempo total de ejercicio aumentó en 106,6±149,0 s (p=0.04), así como la carga total en 10,50± 10,12 vatios (p<0.01). Conclusión. El HIV disminuye el COB inducido por ejercicio incremental asociado a un incremento en la performance física y de los músculos respiratorios. En futuros estudios se sugiere estudiar esta estrategia de entrenamiento analítico de los músculos respiratorios en usuarios con limitación física relacionada al aumento prematuro del COB.

Background. Objetive. To determine the effect of eight weeks of voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea (VIH) training on cost of breathing (COB) as reflected by intercostales muscles deoxygenation (∆SmO2-m. intercostales) induced by incremental-intensity physical exercise. Methods. Twelve physically active participants underwent eight weeks of VIH training, three days a week, for 12 minutes each session, at 60% of maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV). In the week before and after VIH training, a cardiopulmonary test (CPET) of incremental intensity was performed on a cycloergometer. During this test, intercostal ∆SmO2-m.intercostales was recorded using the MOXY® device. The effect of VIH on ∆SmO2-m.intercostales were analyzed using a two-way mixed ANOVA test considering the factors (phase × task). Results. ∆SmO2-m.intercostales significantly decreased from 30% (­5.0±4.7%; p<0.01) to 100% (­10.6±12.8%; p<0.01) of the task after eight weeks of VIH. Additionally, an increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) of 16.5±11.4 cmH2O (p<0.01) and respiratory muscle endurance of 106.6±149.0 s (p<0.01) was reported. Total exercise time increased by 106.6±149.0 s (p=0.04), as well as total workload by 10.50±10.12 watts (p<0.01). Conclusion. VIH reduces COB induced by incremental exercise and is associated with increased physical and respiratory muscle performance. Future studies should explore this respiratory muscle training strategy for individuals with physical limitations related to a premature increase in COB.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Introduction: People with type 2 diabetes mellitus present multiple complications and comorbidities, such as peripheral autonomic neuropathies and reduced peripheral force and functional capacity. Inspiratory muscle training is a widely used intervention with numerous benefits for various disorders. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review to identify inspiratory muscle training effects on functional capacity, autonomic function, and glycemic indexes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A search was carried out by two independent reviewers. It was performed in PubMed®, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (or LILACS), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. There were no restrictions of language or time. Randomized clinical trials of type 2 diabetes mellitus with inspiratory muscle training intervention were selected. Studies' methodological quality was assessed using PEDro scale. Results: We found 5,319 studies, and six were selected for qualitative analysis, which was also conducted by the two reviewers. Methodological quality varied - two studies were classified as high quality, two as moderate quality, and two as low quality. Conclusion: It was found that after inspiratory muscle training protocols, there was a reduction in the sympathetic modulation and an increase in functional capacity. The results should be carefully interpreted, as there were divergences in the methodologies adopted, populations, and conclusions between the studies evaluated in this review.

Complex treatment of neuromuscular diseases in PICU / 中国小儿急救医学

Neuromuscular diseases are a group of disorders that affect the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction and skeletal muscle.A subset of children with neuromuscular disease have rapidly progressive conditions that threaten respiratory and medulla oblongata function.The main causes of neuromuscular disease in PICU include severe neurological impairment, infections, comorbidities, unexpected situations, and other conditions that can exacerbate the primary disease.In each case, timely identification and development of the specific therapies and supportive care measures could improve prognosis.

Comparison of Effects of Liuzijue Exercise and Conventional Respiratory Training on Patients after Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Liuzijue exercise (LE) for the clinical effect in patients after cardiac surgery.@*METHODS@#Totally 120 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between July and Oclober, 2022 were allocated to the LE group, the conventional respiratory training (CRT) group, and the control group by a random number table at a ratio of 1:1:1; 40 patients in each group. All patients received routine treatment and cardiac rehabilitation. LE group and CRT group respectively performed LE and CRT once a day for 30 min for 7 days. Control group did not receive specialized respiratory training. The forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak inspiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were evaluated before, after 3 and 7 days of intervention. In addition, the postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and the adverse events that occurred during the intervention period were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 107 patients completed the study, 120 patients were included in the analysis. After 3 days of intervention, the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, MBI and HAM-A of all 3 groups improved compared with that before the intervention (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the control group, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were significantly improved in the CRT and LE groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the LE group compared with the control and CRT groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On the 7th day after intervention, the difference was still statistically significant (P<0.01), and was significantly different from that on the 3rd day (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, on the 7th day of intervention, the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in the LE group were significantly improved compared with those in the CRT group (P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the CRT group compared with the control group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative LOS among the 3 groups (P>0.05). No training-related adverse events occurred during the intervention period.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LE is safe and feasible for improving pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, the ability to complete activities of daily living and for relieving anxiety of patients after cardiac surgery (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062964).

Comparison of the timed inspiratory effort index with the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation: a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial

The "timed inspiratory effort" (TIE) index, a new predictor of weaning outcome, normalizes the maximal inspiratory pressure with the time required to reach this value up to 60 s, incorporating the time domain into the assessment of inspiratory muscle function. The objective of this study was to determine whether the TIE predicts successful extubation at a similar rate as the T-piece trial with less time required. A non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was performed with ICU subjects eligible for weaning. The participants were allocated to the TIE or the T-piece groups. The primary outcome was successful weaning, and the main secondary outcome was ICU mortality. Eighty participants of each group were included in the final analysis. Time from the start of a successful test to effective extubation was significantly lower in the TIE group than in the T-piece group, 15 (10 to 24) vs 55 (40 to 75) min, P<0.001. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, no significant differences were found in successful weaning (79.5 vs 82.5%, P=0.268) or survival rate (62.9 vs 53.8%, P=0.210) between the TIE and T-piece groups at the 30th day. In this preliminary study, the TIE index was not inferior to the T-piece trial as a decision-making tool for extubation and allowed a reduction in the decision time.

Respiratory muscle sequelae in young university students infected by coronavirus disease 2019: an observational study

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The infection caused by coronavirus disease 2019 can lead to respiratory sequelae in individuals who have experienced severe or mild symptoms. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was developed, following the STROBE guidelines. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures were assessed in 50 healthy young students (26 women, 24 men; age 22.20±2.41 years). The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged between 18 and 35 years; control group: not diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019; and coronavirus disease 2019 group: diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, at least 6 months ago. The exclusion criteria were as follows: obese/overweight; infected with coronavirus disease 2019 or coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms in the last 6 months; smokers; and asthmatics. RESULTS: When comparing with groups, the coronavirus disease 2019 group presented statistically significant lower maximal inspiratory pressure values compared with the control group (88.32±16.62 vs. 101.01±17.42 cm H2O; p=0.01). Regarding the maximal expiratory pressure, no significant differences were found. Similar results were found when performing a subgroup analysis by sex and group. CONCLUSIONS: Young students who suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 asymptomatically or mildly at least 6 months ago presented a significant decrease in the inspiratory muscle strength as a sequel, so we believe that patients affected by this disease should have a brief postinfection assessment of this musculature to detect the indication for cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.

Inspiratory muscle training as adjuvant therapy in obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to analyze the effects of an inspiratory muscle training (IMT) program on apnea and hypopnea index (AHI), inspiratory muscle strength, sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), whether or not they used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP (+/−) therapy. The intervention group underwent IMT with a progressive resistive load of 40-70% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) for 30 breaths once a day for 12 weeks. The control group was submitted to a similar protocol, but with at a minimum load of 10 cmH2O. Changes in the AHI were the primary outcome. PImax was measured with a digital vacuometer, daytime somnolence was measured by the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and the quality of sleep by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). CPAP use was treated as a confounder and controlled by stratification resulting in 4 subgroups: IMT−/CPAP−, IMT−/CPAP+, IMT+/CPAP−, and IMT+/CPAP+. Sixty-five individuals were included in the final analysis. Significant variations were found in the 4 parameters measured throughout the study after the intervention in both CPAP− and CPAP+ participants: PImax was increased and AHI was reduced, whereas improvements were seen in both ESS and PSQI. The twelve-week IMT program increased inspiratory muscle strength, substantially reduced AHI, and had a positive impact on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, whether or not participants were using CPAP. Our findings reinforce the role of an IMT program as an adjunct resource in OSA treatment.

Inspiratory muscle training can improve the pulmonary functioning, respiratory muscle strength and endurance of morbidly obese persons after bariatric surgery / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the pulmonary functioning, respiratory muscle strength and endurance of morbidly obesity persons after bariatric surgery.Methods:Thirty-six morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. A 20-minute daily IMT intervention was administered on the 2nd through the 30th day after the operation. The intensities were 40% and 5% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum peak expiratory flow, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure, as well as endurance were measured before the operation and on the 2nd, 7th, 14th and 30th day afterward.Results:By the 7th day the pulmonary function of the experimental group had recovered to the level before the operation. For the control group that took until the 14th day. On the 30th day after the operation the average MIP and inspiratory muscle endurance of the experimental group had increased significantly compared with before the operation, while the average MIP of the control group had decreased significantly.Conclusions:Inspiratory muscle training can improve inspiratory muscle strength and endurance and accelerate the recovery of lung function of morbidly obese persons after bariatric surgery.

The effect of respiratory muscle training combined with occupational therapy on the upper limb function of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of combining respiratory muscle training with occupational therapy in rehabilitating the upper limb function of stroke survivors.Methods:Fifty stroke survivors with upper limb dysfunction were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 25. Both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment including proper positioning of the affected limb, physical therapy and motor function training. The observation group also received progressive resistance training of the inspiratory muscles and respiration control training combined with occupational therapy twice daily for 4 weeks. The trunk control test (TCT), Berg balance scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for the Hemiplegic Upper Limb and the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to assess the core stability, balance, upper limb functioning, upper limb muscle tension and ability in the activities of daily living of all of the subjects.Results:Before the treatment there were no significant differences in any of the indexes between the two groups. Afterward the average TCT, BBS, FMA-UE, ARAT, MAS and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly, but the improvements were all significantly greater in the observation group.Conclusions:Combining respiratory muscle training with occupational therapy can further improve the function of the upper limbs and daily living ability beyond what is observed with traditional rehabilitation therapy after a stroke.

High-intensity inspiratory muscle resistance training can improve the exercise capacity and life quality of persons with bronchiectasis / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore any effect of high-intensity inspiratory muscle resistance training on exercise capacity and life quality for persons with bronchiectasis.Methods:Sixty patients with bronchiectasis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 30. The observation group received two 30-minute sessions of inspiratory muscle resistance training daily using the PowerBreak inspiratory muscle trainer 3 days/week for 8 weeks. The intensity was 70% of the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). The control group underwent the same training with the intensity at 10% of the MIP. The severity of illness, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity and life quality of the two groups were evaluated before and after the intervention.Results:Compared with before the intervention, the average MIP in the observation group and the average distance they walked in the 6min walk test (6MWT) improved significantly. Their average social factor score on the Leicester cough questionnaire had increased significantly, while their average heart rate and self-perceived exertion during the 6MWT had decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in any of these indicators for the control group.Conclusions:High-intensity inspiratory muscle resistance training can significantly improve the exercise capacity and life quality of patients with bronchiectasis. The treatment is worthy of further research and application in the clinic.

Combining respiratory muscle training with feedback electrical stimulation can improve the pulmonary functioning and respiratory muscle strength of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any short-term effect of combining respiratory muscle training with feedback respiratory electrical stimulation on the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty stroke survivors were randomly divided into an observation group ( n=30) and a control group ( n=30). Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation 6 days a week for 3 weeks, but the observation group also received respiratory muscle training with feedback electrical stimulation. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ pulmonary functioning and respiratory muscle strength were measured, and also their trunk control, skill in the activities of daily living and fatigue level. The trunk impairment scale (TIS), modified Barthel index (MBI) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) were used. The incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) was also compared between the two groups. Results:After the treatment, average forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, as well as the average TIS and MBI scores of both groups had improved significantly, and there was a significant decrease in the average FSS scores. After the intervention, all of the average measurements of the experimental group were significantly better than the control group′s averages except their MBI scores. There was no significant difference in the incidence of SAP.Conclusions:Three weeks of respiratory muscle training combined with electrical stimulation feedback can effectively improve the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory muscle endurance of stroke survivors, resulting in better coughing ability, trunk control and reduced fatigue.

Pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19: a living systematic review protocol

Objective This living systematic review aims to provide a timely, rigorous and continuously updated summary of the evidence available on the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Design This is the protocol of a living systematic review. Data sources We will conduct searches in the L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19, a system that maps PICO questions to a repository maintained through regular searches in electronic databases, preprint servers, trial registries and other resources relevant to COVID-19. No date or language restrictions will be applied. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies and methods We adapted an already published common protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question. We will include randomized trials evaluating the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation as monotherapy or in combination with other interventions-versus sham or no treatment in patients with COVID-19. Two reviewers will independently screen each study for eligibility, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. We will pool the results using meta-analysis and will apply the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. Ethics and dissemination No ethics approval is considered necessary. The results of this review will be widely disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, social networks and traditional media.

Programa Condicionamento Vocal e Respiratório (CVR): proposta de intervenção para profissionais da voz / Vocal and Respiratory Conditioning (VRC) Program: intervention proposal for voice professional / Programa de Condicionamiento Vocal y Respiratorio (CVR): propuesta de intervención para profesionales de la voz

Programas de intervenção para profissionais da voz podem englobar estratégias de treinamento muscular vocal e respiratório. Neste tipo de abordagem, a integração de ações fonoaudiológicas e fisioterapêuticas tem produzido resultados positivos. A presente comunicação tem como objetivo apresentar uma proposta de intervenção fonoaudiológica e fisioterapêutica denominada Condicionamento Vocal e Respiratório (CVR), desenvolvida com profissionais da voz. Composta por oito encontros semanais, ela teve como objetivo aumentar a resistência vocal e respiratória dos participantes, promovendo melhor desempenho profissional. Para a fonação, foram indicados exercícios de trato vocal semiocluído com a utilização de canudos comerciais e de silicone; para a respiração, foram realizados exercícios com um incentivador a fluxo (Respiron Classic®).

Intervention program for voice professionals may cover strategies for vocal and respiratory muscle training. The integration of speech-language pathology and physiotherapeutic interventions in these approaches has resulted in positive outcomes. This communication aims to introduce a proposal for speech-language pathology and physiotherapy intervention called Vocal and Respiratory Conditioning (VRC). Developed with voice professionals and consisting of eight weekly meetings, this proposal aimed to increase the vocal and respiratory endurance of the participants, promoting better professional performance. On the one hand, semi-occluded vocal tract exercises using commercial and silicone straws were indicated for phonation; on the other hand, exercises with a flow stimulator (Respiron®) were performed for breathing.

Los programas de intervención para profesionales de la voz pueden incluir estrategias de entrenamiento de los músculos vocales y respiratorios. En este tipo de abordaje, la integración de las acciones de fonoaudiología y fisioterapia ha producido resultados positivos. Esta comunicación tiene como objetivo presentar una propuesta de intervención fonoaudiológica y fisioterapeutica denominada Condicionamiento Vocal y Respiratorio (CVR), desarrollada con profesionales de la voz. Compuesto por ocho reuniones semanales, tuvo como objetivo aumentar la resistencia vocal y respiratoria de los participantes, promoviendo un mejor desempeño profesional. Para la fonación, se indicaron ejercicios de vías vocales semicerrados utilizando canutos comerciales y de silicona; para la respiración, los ejercicios se realizaron con un estimulador de flujo (Respiron Classic®).

Inspiratory Muscle Weakness is Related to Poor Short-Term Outcomes for Heart Transplantation

Abstract Introduction: In heart transplantation (HT) recipients, several factors are critical to promptly adopting appropriate rehabilitation strategies and may be important to predict outcomes way after surgery. This study aimed to determine preoperative patient-related risk factors that could adversely affect the postoperative clinical course of patients undergoing HT. Methods: Twenty-one hospitalized patients with heart failure undergoing HT were evaluated according to respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity before HT. Mechanical ventilation (MV) time, reintubation rate, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay were recorded, and assessed postoperatively. Results: Inspiratory muscle strength as absolute and percentpredicted values were strongly correlated with MV time (r=-0.61 and r=-0.70, respectively, at P<0.001). Concerning ICU length of stay, only maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) absolute and percent-predicted values were significantly associated. The absolute -MIP- was significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.58 at P=0.006) and the percent-predicted MIP was also significantly negatively correlated with ICU length of stay (r=-0.68 at P=0.0007). No associations were observed between preoperative functional capacity, age, sex, and clinical characteristics and MV time and ICU length of stay in the cohort included in this study. Patients with respiratory muscle weakness had a higher prevalence of prolonged MV, reintubation, and delayed ICU length of stay. Conclusion: An impairment of preoperative MIP was associated with poorer short-term outcomes following HT. As such, inspiratory muscle strength is an important clinical preoperative marker in patients undergoing HT.

Manifestaciones pulmonares y sistémicas de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar: Un enfoque panvascular

La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) es una grave enfermedad cuyo resultado final de la interacción entre el tono vascular y la alteración progresiva de la remodelación de las arterias pulmonares provoca insuficiencia cardíaca derecha y muerte. El remodelado vascular pulmonar es la alteración estructural clave en la hipertensión pulmonar. Este proceso implica cambios en la íntima, media, adventicia y espacio perivascular, a menudo con la interacción de células inflamatorias. Los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de la HAP abarcan una serie de modificaciones vasculares que producen un aumento de la resistencia vascular pulmonar. Las modificaciones vasculares que se producen en la HAP incluyen: la vasoconstricción, la proliferación del músculo liso, la inflamación, la apoptosis endotelial, la proliferación endotelial resistente a la apoptosis, la fibrosis, la trombosis in-situ, y finalmente, las lesiones plexiformes. Hasta hace poco, la HAP se consideraba una enfermedad restringida a la circulación pulmonar. Sin embargo, existe una creciente evidencia de que los pacientes con HAP también exhiben disfunción vascular sistémica, como lo demuestra la alteración de la dilatación mediada por el flujo de la arteria braquial, el flujo sanguíneo cerebral anormal, la miopatía esquelética y la enfermedad renal intrínseca. Los datos recientes apoyan un vínculo con los eventos genéticos y moleculares detrás de la patogénesis de la HAP. Esta revisión sirve de introducción a los principales hallazgos sistémicos en la HAP y la evidencia que apoya un vínculo común con la fisiopatología de la HAP. Sobre la base de la evidencia disponible, proponemos un paradigma en el que las anomalías metabólicas, la lesión genética y la disfunción vascular sistémica contribuyen a las manifestaciones sistémicas de la HAP. Este concepto no sólo abre interesantes posibilidades de investigación, sino que también anima a considerar las manifestaciones extrapulmonares en el tratamiento de los pacientes con HAP, pues la disfunción vascular sistémica contribuiría a las manifestaciones sistémicas de la HAP.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious disease whose end result of the interaction between vascular tone and the progressive alteration of the remodeling of the pulmonary arteries causes right heart failure and death. Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the key structural alteration in pulmonary hypertension. This process involves changes in the intima, media, adventitia, and perivascular space, often with the interaction of inflammatory cells. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PAH include a series of vascular modifications that produce an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Vascular modifications that occur in PAH include: vasoconstriction, proliferation of smooth muscle, inflammation, Endothelial apoptosis, apoptosis-resistant endothelial proliferation, fibrosis, in-situ thrombosis, and finally, plexiform lesions. Until recently, PAH was considered a disease restricted to the pulmonary circulation. However, there is growing evidence that patients with PAH also exhibit systemic vascular dysfunction, as evidenced by impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, abnormal cerebral blood flow, skeletal myopathy, and intrinsic kidney disease. Recent data support a link to the genetic and molecular events behind the pathogenesis of PAH. This review serves as an introduction to the main systemic findings in PAH and the evidence supporting a common link with the pathophysiology of PAH. Based on the available evidence, we propose a paradigm in which metabolic abnormalities, genetic injury, and systemic vascular dysfunction contribute to the systemic manifestations of PAH. This concept not only opens up interesting research possibilities, but also encourages consideration of extrapulmonary manifestations in the treatment of patients with PAH, since systemic vascular dysfunction would contribute to the systemic manifestations of PAH.

A hipertensão arterial pulmonar (HAP) é uma doença grave cujo resultado final da interação entre o tônus vascular e a alteração progressiva da remodelação das artérias pulmonares causa insuficiência cardíaca direita e morte. A remodelação vascular pulmonar é a principal alteração estrutural na hipertensão pulmonar. Esse processo envolve mudanças na íntima, média, adventícia e espaço perivascular, muitas vezes com a interação de células inflamatórias. Os mecanismos fisiopatológicos da HAP incluem uma série de modificações vasculares que produzem um aumento na resistência vascular pulmonar. As modificações vasculares que ocorrem na HAP incluem: vasoconstrição, proliferação do músculo liso, inflamação, apoptose endotelial, proliferação endotelial resistente à apoptose, fibrose, trombose in situ e, finalmente, lesões plexiformes. Até recentemente, a HAP era considerada uma doença restrita à circulação pulmonar. No entanto, há evidências crescentes de que os pacientes com HAP também apresentam disfunção vascular sistêmica, conforme evidenciado pela dilatação prejudicada mediada pelo fluxo da artéria braquial, fluxo sanguíneo cerebral anormal, miopatia esquelética e doença renal intrínseca. Dados recentes suportam uma ligação com os eventos genéticos e moleculares por trás da patogênese da HAP. Esta revisão serve como uma introdução aos principais achados sistêmicos em HAP e as evidências que apoiam uma ligação comum com a fisiopatologia da HAP. Com base nas evidências disponíveis, propomos um paradigma em que anormalidades metabólicas, lesão genética e disfunção vascular sistêmica contribuem para as manifestações sistêmicas da HAP. Esse conceito não apenas abre possibilidades interessantes de pesquisa, mas também incentiva a consideração das manifestações extrapulmonares no tratamento de pacientes com HAP, uma vez que a disfunção vascular sistêmica contribuiria para as manifestações sistêmicas da HAP.

Effects of respiratory muscle training on parasympathetic activity in diabetes mellitus

This study verified the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on hemodynamics, heart rate (HR) variability, and muscle morphology in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups and 34 completed the study: i) sham-sedentary (Sham-ST; n=9); ii) sham-RMT (Sham-RMT; n=9); iii) DM-sedentary (DM-ST; n=8); and iv) DM-RMT (DM-RMT; n=8). Hemodynamics were assessed by central cannulation, and R-R intervals were measured by electrocardiogram. In addition, the effects of RMT on the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm, anterior tibial, and soleus muscles were analyzed. The induction of DM by streptozotocin resulted in weight loss, hyperglycemia, reduced blood pressure, and attenuated left ventricular contraction and relaxation (P<0.05). We also observed a decrease in root mean square of successive differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD) index and in the cross-sectional area of the muscles assessed, specifically the diaphragm, soleus, and anterior tibial muscles in diabetic rats (P<0.05). Interestingly, RMT led to an increase in RMSSD in rats with DM (P<0.05). The induction of DM produced profound deleterious changes in the diaphragmatic and peripheral muscles, as well as impairments in cardiovascular hemodynamics and autonomic control. Nevertheless, RMT may beneficially attenuate autonomic changes and improve parasympathetic modulation.

Effect of Water-based Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the effect of water-based pulmonary rehabilitation on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:From February, 2020 to February, 2021, 50 patients with stable COPD in our hospital were divided into control group (n = 25) and experimental group (n = 25), who accepted pulmonary rehabilitation training on land and in water, for eight weeks. They were measured forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), percents of forced expiratory volume in first second for prediction (FEVl%) and ratio of forced expiratory volume in first second in forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) with pulmonary function instrument; measured root mean square (RMS) of electromyogram of diaphragm and right transversus abdominis with surface electromyography; and assessed with modified breathlessness measurement of British Medical Research Council (mMRC), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life scale for COPD adults (COPD-QOL) before and after treatment. Results:FEV1, FEVl%, FEV1/FVC, RMS of diaphragm and transversus abdominis, and 6MWT distance and COPD-QOL score increased in both group (t > 2.08, P < 0.05), and increased more in the experimental group than in the control group (t > 2.27, P < 0.05); while mMRC score decreased (t > 2.09, P < 0.05), and decreased more in the experimental group than in the control group (t = 2.13, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Water-based pulmonary rehabilitation training can further improve lung function, strength of respiratory muscles, dyspnea, tolerance and quality of life for patients with COPD.

Effects of respiratory muscle endurance training on lung function, respiratory muscle strength and the motor capacity of hypertense patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of respiratory muscle endurance training on the blood pressure, lung function, respiratory muscle strength and motor capacity of persons with hypertension.Methods:Sixty persons with essential hypertension were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 30. The experimental group received 8 weeks of inspiratory resistance training with an intensity of 55% of their maximum inspiratory air pressure (MIP) while the control group had an intensity of 10% MIP with the other training conditions the same as those of the experimental group. Both groups practiced 30 times as a set, two sets a day, 4 days a week. Blood pressure, lung function and respiratory muscle strength were measured before and after the intervention, and motor capacity was measured using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).Results:After the intervention, the average MIP of the experimental group had increased significantly (to 123.6±13.9 from 83.5±9.8cmH 2O). The average 6MWT time of the experimental group had also improved significantly, but there were no significant differences in any of the control group observations. Conclusion:Eight weeks of respiratory muscle endurance training can improve the inspiratory muscle strength and motor capacity of patients with essential hypertension, but it has no effect on blood pressure or lung functioning.

Factors influencing respiratory muscle dysfunction among stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To analyze the respiratory muscle functioning of stroke survivors and explore factors influencing it so as to provide references for clinical rehabilitation intervention.Methods:A total of 139 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a respiratory muscle dysfunction group and a control group based on the actual strength of their inspiratory muscles divided by the predicted strength. Beyond typical clinical data, information was collected about the subjects′ exercise habits. Balance ability was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and the simplified Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing respiratory muscle dysfunction.Results:Among the 139 patients, 81 (58.27%) had respiratory muscle dysfunction. Univariate analysis showed that patients with stroke in the brainstem and dysphagia and those with poor FMA and BBS scores were at significantly greater risk of respiratory muscle dysfunction. Logistic regression analysis showed that dysphagia, FMA and BBS scores were factors independently predicting respiratory muscle dysfunction among stroke survivors, with dysphagia as a risk factor, and high FMA and BBS scores as protective factors.Conclusion:Some stroke survivors may have respiratory muscle dysfunction, and dysphagia is a risk factor, while the high FMA and BBS scores are protective.