Mechanisms and consequences of excess exercise ventilation in fibrosing interstitial lung disease.

The causes and consequences of excess exercise ventilation (EEV) in patients with fibrosing interstitial lung disease (f-ILD) were explored. Twenty-eight adults with f-ILD and 13 controls performed an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test. EEV was defined as ventilation-carbon dioxide output (⩒E-⩒CO2) slope ≥36 L/L. Patients showed lower pulmonary function and exercise capacity compared to controls. Lower DLCO was related to higher ⩒E-⩒CO2 slope in patients (P<0.05). 13/28 patients (46.4%) showed EEV, reporting higher dyspnea scores (P=0.033). Patients with EEV showed a higher dead space (VD)/tidal volume (VT) ratio while O2 saturation dropped to a greater extent during exercise compared to those without EEV. Higher breathing frequency and VT/inspiratory capacity ratio were observed during exercise in the former group (P<0.05). An exaggerated ventilatory response to exercise in patients with f-ILD is associated with a blunted decrease in the wasted ventilation in the physiological dead space and greater hypoxemia, prompting higher inspiratory constraints and breathlessness.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to indicate increased ventilatory variability in subjects with dysfunctional breathing.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is a common, but largely underappreciated, cause of chronic dyspnoea. Under visual inspection, most subjects with DB present with larger sequential changes in ventilation (V̇E) and breathing pattern (tidal volume (VT) and breathing frequency (f)) before and/or during incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Currently, however, there are no objective criteria to indicate increased ventilatory variability in these subjects. METHODS: Twenty chronically dyspnoeic subjects with DB and 10 age- and sex-matched controls performed CPET on a cycle ergometer. Cut-offs to indicate increased V̇E, VT, f, and f/VT ratio variability (Δ = highest-lowest 20 s arithmetic mean) over the last resting minute (rest ), the 2sd min of unloaded exercise (unload ), and the 3rd min of loaded exercise (load ) were established by ROC curve analyses. RESULTS: Subjects with DB presented with increased V̇E, higher ventilatory variability, higher dyspnoea burden, and lower exercise capacity compared to controls (p < 0.05). ΔV̇Eload (>4.1 L/min), Δfrest (>5 breaths/min; bpm), Δfunload (>4 bpm), Δfload (>5 bpm), Δf/VTrest (>4.9 bpm/L), and Δf/VTload (>1.3 bpm/L) differentiated DB from a normal pattern (areas under the curve ranging from 0.729 to 0.845). High Δf, in particular, was associated with DB across all CPET phases. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides objective criteria to indicate increased ventilatory variability during incremental CPET in dyspnoeic subjects with DB. Large variability in breathing frequency seems particularly useful in this context, a finding that should be prospectively confirmed in larger studies.

Responses to progressive exercise in subjects with chronic dyspnea and inspiratory muscle weakness.

INTRODUCTION: Inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) is a potential cause of exertional dyspnea frequently under-appreciated in clinical practice. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is usually requested as part of the work-up for unexplained breathlessness, but the specific pattern of exercise responses ascribed to IMW is insufficiently characterized. OBJECTIVES: To identify the physiological and sensorial responses to progressive exercise in dyspneic patients with IMW without concomitant cardiorespiratory or neuromuscular diseases. METHODS: Twenty-three subjects (18 females, 55.2 ± 16.9 years) complaining of chronic daily life dyspnea (mMRC = 3 [2-3]) plus maximal inspiratory pressure < the lower limit of normal and 12 matched controls performed incremental cycling CPET. FEV1/FVC<0.7, significant abnormalities in chest CT or echocardiography, and/or an established diagnosis of neuromuscular disease were among the exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Patients presented with reduced aerobic capacity (peak V̇O2: 79 ± 26 vs 116 ± 21 %predicted), a tachypneic breathing pattern (peak breathing frequency/tidal volume = 38.4 ± 22.7 vs 21.7 ± 14.2 breaths/min/L) and exercise-induced inspiratory capacity reduction (-0.17 ± 0.33 vs 0.10 ± 0.30 L) (all P < .05) compared to controls. In addition, higher ventilatory response (ΔV̇E/ΔV̇CO2 = 34.1 ± 6.7 vs 27.0 ± 2.3 L/L) and symptomatic burden (dyspnea and leg discomfort) to the imposed workload were observed in patients. Of note, pulse oximetry was similar between groups. Reduced aerobic capacity in the context of a tachypneic breathing pattern, inspiratory capacity reduction and preserved oxygen exchange during progressive exercise should raise the suspicion of inspiratory muscle weakness in subjects with otherwise unexplained breathlessness.

Are the "critical" inspiratory constraints actually decisive to limit exercise tolerance in COPD?

The concept of critical inspiratory constraints is key to the modern understanding of exercise pathophysiology in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD https://bit.ly/2A6bCxD.

Effect of the expiratory positive airway pressure on dynamic hyperinflation and exercise capacity in patients with COPD: a meta-analysis.

Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is widely applicable, either as a strategy for pulmonary reexpansion, elimination of pulmonary secretion or to reduce hyperinflation. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the real benefits of EPAP in reducing dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and increasing exercise tolerance in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To systematically review the effects of EPAP application during the submaximal stress test on DH and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. This meta-analysis was performed from a systematic search in the PubMed, EMBASE, PeDRO, and Cochrane databases, as well as a manual search. Studies that evaluated the effect of positive expiratory pressure on DH, exercise capacity, sensation of dyspnea, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, sense of effort in lower limbs, and heart rate were included. GRADE was used to determine the quality of evidence for each outcome. Of the 2,227 localized studies, seven studies were included. The results show that EPAP did not change DH and reduced exercise tolerance in the constant load test. EPAP caused a reduction in respiratory rate after exercise (- 2.33 bpm; 95% CI: - 4.56 to - 0.10) (very low evidence) when using a pressure level of 5 cmH2O. The other outcomes analyzed were not significantly altered by the use of EPAP. Our study demonstrates that the use of EPAP does not prevent the onset of DH and may reduce lower limb exercise capacity in patients with COPD. However, larger and higher-quality studies are needed to clarify the potential benefit of EPAP in this population.

Tidal Flow-Volume Loop Enveloping at Rest in Advanced COPD.

BACKGROUND: Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is a key physiological abnormality in COPD. Comparing tidal-to-maximum flow-volume (F-V) loops is a simple and widely available method to assess EFL in patients with COPD. We aimed to investigate whether subjects with COPD showing significant resting tidal F-V enveloping (ie, > 50% tidal volume) would present with higher exertional operating lung volumes, which would lead to greater burden of dyspnea and poorer exercise tolerance compared to their counterparts. METHODS: 37 subjects with COPD (21 males; 63.1 ± 9.2 years old; FEV1 = 37 ± 12% predicted) and 9 paired controls (3 males; 55.9 ± 11.7 y old) performed an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. Dyspnea perception, inspiratory capacity maneuvers after 3-4 sequential tidal F-V loops, and esophageal and gastric pressures were measured during exercise. RESULTS: Most subjects (31 of 37, 84%) presented with significant tidal F-V enveloping. Critical inspiratory constraints and upward dyspnea inflection points (as a function of both work rate and ventilation) were reached earlier in these subjects, thereby leading to poorer exercise tolerance compared to their counterparts (P = .01). Abdominal muscle recruitment (ie, increase in gastric pressure ≥ 15%) during tidal expiration was significantly higher in the EFL+ group. However, this did not bear an influence on the operating lung volumes, inspiratory constraints, dyspnea, cardiocirculatory responses, or exercise tolerance (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Tidal F-V loop enveloping at rest should be valued as it is related to relevant clinical outcomes, such as dyspnea burden and exercise tolerance in subjects with COPD.

Sensory consequences of critical inspiratory constraints during exercise in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

We aimed to assess detailed ventilatory and sensory responses to exercise contrasting subjects with and without PAH. 20 non-smoking patients with PAH (37.5 ± 12.1 ys; FEV1/FVC = 0.77 ± 0.04; mPAP by heart catheterization = 50.6 ± 18.1 mmHg) and 10 matched controls performed cycling cardiopulmonary exercise test with serial assessments of dyspnea, airway occlusion pressure during the first 0.1 s (P0.1) of tidal volume and inspiratory capacity (IC). Patients showed lower spirometric variables compared to controls. Dyspnea and ventilation (VE) were significantly higher in patients for a given work rate. Dyspnea persisted more intense in patients even when expressed as a function of VE. Lower IC at rest (in non-hyperinflators; n = 10) or exercise-induced reduction in IC (in hyperinflators) predisposed patients to achieve earlier and at lower workloads a critical inspiratory reserve volume (IRV). At this point, there was a sudden rise in P0.1 and dyspnea perception. Attainment of a critical IRV at premature workloads leads to neuromechanical dissociation with an abrupt increment in exertional dyspnea.

Association between respiratory variables and exercise capacity in COPD patients / Associação entre variáveis respiratórias e capacidade de exercício em portadores de DPOC / Asociación entre variables respiratorias y capacidad de ejercicio en portadores de EPOC

Justificativa e Objetivos: A DPOC é caracterizada pela limitação progressiva do fluxo aéreo associada a uma resposta inflamatória. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência e a associação das variáveis respiratórias sobre a capacidade de exercício em portadores de DPOC. Métodos: Estudo transversal avaliou 39 portadores de DPOC para obtenção do volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e a capacidade vital forçada (CVF). A força muscular respiratória (FMR) avaliada em seus componentes de pressão inspiratória máxima (PImax) e pressão expiratória máxima (PEmax). Capacidade de exercício avaliada pelo Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6m) e Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). Resultados: O VEF1 (% 39,8±15,3) e CVF (% 60,2±17,1) se encontram reduzidos em relação ao predito classificando-os em estadiamento grau II (21%), III (51%) e IV (28%). A PImax (92,7±14,6 % predito) e PEmax (97,6±19,0 % predito) se encontram dentro dos valores previsto para os sujeitos. Evidenciada correlação moderada entre a distância percorrida no ISWT vs VEF1 (r=0,35; p=0,02) e ISWT vs CVF (r=0,42; p<0,001), TC6m vs VEF1 (r=0,38; p=0,01) e TC6m vs CVF (r=0,52; p<0,001). A FMR se correlacionou diretamente com a distância percorrida no ISWT [PImax (r=0,44; p=0,005); PEmax (r=0,57; p<0,001)] e com TC6m [PImax (r=0,43; p=0,006); PEmax (r=0,59; p<0,001)]. A PEmax e o VEF1 influenciaram 37% do desempenho no TC6m e a PEmax influenciou isoladamente 58% da distância percorrida no ISWT. Conclusão: A força muscular respiratória e os volumes pulmonares reduzidos se associaram e influenciaram diretamente na capacidade de exercício máximo e submáximo de portadores de DPOC.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation associated with an inflammatory response. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence and the association of respiratory variables on exercise capacity in COPD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluated 39 COPD patients to obtain forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). Respiratory muscle strength (RMS) was evaluated at its maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) components. Exercise capacity was assessed by Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). Results: FEV1 (39.8±15.3%predicted) and FVC (60.2±17.1% predicted) were reduced, which classified them in stages II (21%), III (51%) and IV (28%). MIP (92.7±14.6% predicted) and MEP (97.6±19.0% predicted) were within the expected values. A moderate correlation was observed between the ISWT vs FEV1 (r=0.35;p=0.02) and ISWT vs FVC (r=0.42;p<0.001), 6MWT vs FEV1 (r=0.38;p=0.01) and 6MWT vs FVC (r=0.52;p<0.001). RMS showed a moderate correlation with the ISWT [MIP (r=0.44;p=0.005); MEP (r=0.57;p<0.001)] and 6MWT [MIP (r=0.43;p=0.006); MEP (r=0.59;p<0.001)]. MEP and FEV1 influenced 37% of performance at the 6MWT and MEP alone influenced 58% of distance walked at the ISWT. Conclusion: Reducing both respiratory muscle strength and lung volumes were associated with changes in exercise and they adversely affected the maximum and submaximal exercise capacity in COPD patients.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La EPOC se caracteriza por la limitación progresiva del flujo aéreo asociada a una respuesta inflamatoria. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la influencia y la asociación de las variables respiratorias sobre la capacidad de ejercicio portadores de EPOC. Métodos: Estudio transversal evaluó 39 portadores de EPOC para obtener el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y la capacidad vital forzada (CVF). La fuerza muscular respiratoria (FMR) evaluada en sus componentes de presión inspiratoria máxima (PImax) y presión espiratoria máxima (PEmax). Capacidad de ejercicio evaluada por la Prueba de Caminata de seis minutos (TC6m) e Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT). Resultados: El VEF1 (% 39,8 ± 15,3) y CVF (% 60,2 ± 17,1) se encuentran reducidos en relación al predicado clasificándolos en estadificación grado II (21%), III (51%) y IV (28%). La PImax (92,7 ± 14,6% predito) y PEmax (97,6 ± 19,0% predito) se encuentran dentro de los valores previstos para los sujetos. Se observó una correlación moderada entre la distancia recorrida en el ISWT vs VEF1 (r = 0,35; p = 0,02) e ISWT vs CVF (r = 0,42; p <0,001), TC6m vs VEF1 (r = 0,38; p = 0,01) y TC6m vs CVF (r = 0,52; p <0,001). La FMR se correlacionó directamente con la distancia recorrida en el ISWT [PImax (r = 0,44; p = 0,005); (P = 0,001) y con TC6m [PImax (r = 0,43; p = 0,006); PEmax (r = 0,59; p <0,001)]. La PEmax y el VEF1 influenciaron el 37% del rendimiento en el TC6m y la PEmax influenció aisladamente el 58% de la distancia recorrida en el ISWT. Conclusión: La fuerza muscular respiratoria y los volúmenes pulmonares reducidos se asociaron e influenciaron directamente en la capacidad de ejercicio máximo y submáximo de portadores de EPOC.(AU)

Low exertional inspiratory capacity is not related to dynamic inspiratory muscle weakness in heart failure.

Reduction in inspiratory capacity (IC) during exercise has been reported in chronic heart failure (CHF). Since inspiratory muscle dysfunction may be present to a variable degree, the assumption that IC reduction during exercise represents an increase in end-expiratory lung volume must be made with caution. This interpretation is flawed if patients develop dynamic inspiratory muscle strength reduction, i.e., progressively lower esophageal (Pes) pressures as the IC maneuvers are repeated. Sixteen CHF patients and 9 age-matched controls performed an incremental exercise test with serial IC and respiratory pressure measurements. Regardless whether IC decreased or not with exercise (N = 4 and N = 12, respectively), Pes,IC remained stable. This was confirmed by similar Pes,sniff immediately upon exercise cessation (p > .05). No association was found between changes in IC and related Pes from rest to peak exercise. Owing to the lack of dynamic inspiratory muscle weakness, non-invasive indexes of lung mechanics can be reliably obtained from exercise IC in CHF.

Effects of Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure on Exercise Tolerance, Dynamic Hyperinflation, and Dyspnea in COPD.

INTRODUCTION: The application of expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) in patients with COPD during exercise may reduce dynamic hyperinflation, while, on the other hand, it can increase the resistive work of breathing. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of 2 intensities of EPAP during exercise on tolerance, dynamic hyperinflation, and dyspnea in subjects with moderate to very severe COPD. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, experimental, 4-visit study. In visit 1, subjects performed symptom-limited cycling incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). In visits 2-4, at least 48 h apart, in a randomized order, subjects performed constant CPET without EPAP, EPAP with 5 cm H2O (EPAP5), or EPAP with 10 cm H2O (EPAP10). RESULTS: The study included 15 non-hypoxemic subjects ranging from moderate to very severe COPD (mean FEV1 = 35 ± 11% predicted). Increasing intensities of EPAP during constant CPET tended to cause progressive reduction in exercise tolerance (P = .11). Of note, 10 of 15 subjects demonstrated significantly shorter average exercise duration with EPAP10 compared to the test without EPAP (-151 ± 105 s, P = .03 or -41 ± 26%). Minute ventilation increment was constrained by EPAP, secondary to a limited increase in tidal volume (P = .01). Finally, dyspnea sensation and serial measurements of inspiratory capacity during exercise were similar when comparing the three interventions at isotime and at end-constant CPETs. CONCLUSIONS: The application of EPAP5 or EPAP10 during exercise tended to cause a progressive reduction in exercise tolerance in subjects with COPD without improvement in dyspnea or dynamic hyperinflation at equivalent exercise duration.

Análise comparativa da força muscular respiratória de primigestas no puerpério imediato de parto normal e de nuligestas / Comparative analysis of respiratory muscle strength in the immediate puerperium of first pregnancy of natural childbirth and nulliparous

Este artigo visa analisar a força muscular respiratória (FMR) de puérperas primíparas de parto normal e nulíparas. Trata-se de estudo do tipo caso-controle que avaliou 59 mulheres alocadas no grupo puérperas (GP) (primigestas, n=29) e no grupo controle (GC) (nuligestas, n=30). Foram avaliadas características antropométricas e FMR (PImax e PEmax) por meio da manovacuometria digital. O teste t Student comparou dados antropométricos e da FMR entre os grupos. A correlação de Pearson (p<0,05) avaliou a associação entre idade, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e FMR. Houve diferença significante na PImax (p<0,001) e na PEmax (p<0,001) entre GC e GP. A média da PImax (%predito) no GP e GC foi 39,1 ± 16,2 cmH2O e 82,3 ± 23,9 cmH2O e a da PEmax (%predito) foi 34,7 ± 14,6 cmH2O e 80,4 ± 18,4 cmH2O, respectivamente. Houve correlação negativa entre idade e PEmax no GP (r= -0,378; p= 0,043). Evidenciou-se, sem distinção entre grupos, uma correlação negativa de pequena a moderada entre IMC e PImax (r=-0,380; p=0,003) e PEmax (r= -0,525; p<0,001). Foi evidenciada uma FMR menor que pode estar relacionada às alterações decorrentes da gestação na configuração da parede torácica.

This paper aims to analyze the respiratory muscle strength (RMS) of primiparous women of normal delivery and nulliparous. It is a case-control study that assess 59 women allocated to the Puerperal Group (PG) (primiparous, n= 29) and Control Group (CG) (niligestas, n= 30). Anthropometric and RMS characteristics were assessed (MIP and MEP) through digital manovacuometer. The Student's t-test compared anthropometric and RMS data between groups. The Pearson correlation (p<0.05) assessed the association between age, body mass index (BMI) and RMS. There was a significant difference in the MIP (p <0.001) and the MEP (p <0.001) between CG and PG.. The average MIP (predicted%) in PG and CG was 39.1 ± 16.2 cmH2O and 82.3±23.9 cmH2O and the MEP (% predicted) was 34.7±14.6 cmH2O and 80,4±18.4 cmH2O, respectively. There was a negative correlation between age and MEP in PG (r = -0.378; p = 0.043). It was evidenced, without distinction between groups, a small to moderate negative correlation between BMI and MIP (r = -0.380, p = 0.003) and MEP (r = -0.525, p<0.001). A lower FMR was evidenced, which may be related to changes in the chest wall configuration due to gestation.

Acute effects of Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) on different levels in ventilation and electrical activity of sternocleidomastoid and parasternal muscles in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the acute effects of EPAP on the activity of sternocleidomastoid (SCM), parasternal muscles and ventilatory parameters in COPD patients. Method Twenty-four patients with COPD were studied using surface electromyography (sEMG) and a ventilometer. Patients were randomly assigned to EPAP 10 cmH2O-EPAP10 or 15 cmH2O-EPAP15 for 20 minutes. Results The parasternal muscle sEMG activity increased during EPAP10 and EPAP15; however, a greater and significant increase was observed with EPAP10 (mean between-group difference: 12.5% RMS, 95% CI: 9.5 to 15.4, p<0.001). In relation to the baseline, at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively parasternal activity increased by 23.9%, 28.9% and 19.1% during EPAP10 and by 10.7% at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively, 11.4% and 6.9% during EPAP15 at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively. The sEMG activity of SCM muscle showed an opposite pattern, increasing with EPAP15 and decreasing with EPAP10 (mean between-group difference: 15.5% RMS, 95% CI: 12.6 to 18.4, p<0.001). SCM muscle activity during EPAP15, increased by 4.8% and 6.1% at 10 and 20 minutes and decreased by -4.0% upon recovery compared to decreases of –5.6%, –20.6% and –21.3% during EPAP10 at 10, 20 minutes, and recovery. Ventilation at both EPAP intensities promoted significant reductions in respiratory rate (RR) and dyspnea, more pronounced in EPAP15: RR (mean between-group difference: –3,8bpm, 95%CI: –7,5 to –0,2, p=0,015) and dyspnea (mean between-group difference: –1.01, 95%CI: –1.4 to –0.53, p=0.028) . Conclusion In COPD patients, the use of EPAP10 was more effective in reducing accessory inspiratory activity and increasing parasternal activity, which was accompanied by an improvement in ventilation and a reduction in dyspnea.

Acute effects of Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure (EPAP) on different levels in ventilation and electrical activity of sternocleidomastoid and parasternal muscles in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate the acute effects of EPAP on the activity of sternocleidomastoid (SCM), parasternal muscles and ventilatory parameters in COPD patients. Method: Twenty-four patients with COPD were studied using surface electromyography (sEMG) and a ventilometer. Patients were randomly assigned to EPAP 10 cmH2O-EPAP10 or 15 cmH2O-EPAP15 for 20 minutes. Results: The parasternal muscle sEMG activity increased during EPAP10 and EPAP15; however, a greater and significant increase was observed with EPAP10 (mean between-group difference: 12.5% RMS, 95% CI: 9.5 to 15.4, p<0.001). In relation to the baseline, at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively parasternal activity increased by 23.9%, 28.9% and 19.1% during EPAP10 and by 10.7% at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively, 11.4% and 6.9% during EPAP15 at 10 and 20 minutes and upon recovery, respectively. The sEMG activity of SCM muscle showed an opposite pattern, increasing with EPAP15 and decreasing with EPAP10 (mean between-group difference: 15.5% RMS, 95% CI: 12.6 to 18.4, p<0.001). SCM muscle activity during EPAP15, increased by 4.8% and 6.1% at 10 and 20 minutes and decreased by -4.0% upon recovery compared to decreases of -5.6%, -20.6% and -21.3% during EPAP10 at 10, 20 minutes, and recovery. Ventilation at both EPAP intensities promoted significant reductions in respiratory rate (RR) and dyspnea, more pronounced in EPAP15: RR (mean between-group difference: -3,8bpm, 95%CI: -7,5 to -0,2, p=0,015) and dyspnea (mean between-group difference: -1.01, 95%CI: -1.4 to -0.53, p=0.028) . Conclusion: In COPD patients, the use of EPAP10 was more effective in reducing accessory inspiratory activity and increasing parasternal activity, which was accompanied by an improvement in ventilation and a reduction in dyspnea.

Inspiratory muscle training with threshold or incentive spirometry: Which is the most effective?

Inspiratory muscular training (IMT) increases the respiratory muscle strength, however, there is no data demonstrating its superiority over the incentive spirometry (IS) in doing so. Values of muscle strength after IMT (Threshold IMT(®)) and by the IS (Voldyne(®)) in healthy females was compared. Subjects (n=40) were randomly divided into control group (CG, n=14), IS group (ISG, n=13) and threshold group (TG, n=13). PImax was measured before (pre-IMT), at 15 and 30 days of IMT. There was an increase in PImax of the TG at 15 days (p<0.001) and 30 days of IMT (p<0.001). The same occurred with the ISG, which increased the PImax at 15 days (p<0.001) and 30 days of training (p<0.001). After 30 days of IMT, the TG presented a PImax which was significantly higher than ISG and the CG (p=0.045 and p<0.001, respectively). It can be concluded that IMT by threshold was more effective in increasing muscle strength than the Voldyne.

The influence of active and passive smoking on the cardiorespiratory fitness of adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of active and passive smoking on cardiorespiratory responses in asymptomatic adults during a sub-maximal-exertion incremental test. METHODS: The participants (n = 43) were divided into three different groups: active smokers (n = 14; aged 36.5 ± 8 years), passive smokers (n = 14; aged 34.6 ± 11.9 years) and non-smokers (n = 15; aged 30 ± 8.1 years). They all answered the Test for Nicotine Dependence and underwent anthropometric evaluation, spirometry and ergospirometry according to the Bruce Treadmill Protocol. RESULTS: VO2max differed statistically between active and non-smokers groups (p < 0.001) and between non-smokers and passive group (p=0.022). However, there was no difference between the passive and active smokers groups (p=0.053). Negative and significant correlations occurred between VO2max and age (r = - 0.401, p = 0.044), percentage of body fat (r = - 0.429, p = 0.011), and waist circumference (WC) (r = - 0.382, p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: VO2max was significantly higher in non-smokers compared to active smokers and passive smokers. However, the VO2max of passive smokers did not differ from active smokers.

WITHDRAWN: Inspiratory muscle training with threshold or incentive spirometry: Which is the most effective?

This article has been withdrawn for editorial reasons because the journal will be published only in English. In order to avoid duplicated records, this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rppnen.2014.05.005. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

Avaliação da força de preensão palmar e dos volumes pulmonares de pacientes hospitalizados por condições não cirúrgicas / Evaluation of handgrip strength and lung volumes inpatients hospitalized for nonsurgical conditions

Objetivos: Avaliar a força de preensão palmar e os volumes pulmonares de indivíduos hospitalizados.Métodos: Este estudo transversal avaliou indivíduos com idades entre 30 a 80 anos, de ambos os gêneros e hospitalizados sob condição não cirúrgica por pelo menos 48 horas (Grupo Hospitalizado) e indivíduos hígidos, acessados em um clube esportivo (Grupo Controle), em Santa Cruz do Sul, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizada espirometria para obtenção da capacidade vital forçada, volume expirado forçado no primeiro segundo, relação volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo/capacidade vital forçada, pico de fluxo expirado e do fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25% e 75% da capacidade vital forçada.   Para avaliação da força de preensão palmar foi utilizada Dinamometria Manual.Resultados: Foram avaliados 32 indivíduos, sendo 16 em cada grupo. Houve homogeneidade quanto à idade (p=0,183), altura (p=0,685), peso (p=0,105) e índice de massa corpórea (p=0,157) entre os dois grupos. O Grupo Hospitalizado apresentou mediana de internação de 9,5 dias (7-15; mínimo 3, máximo 17). Em comparação ao Grupo Controle, o Grupo Hospitalizado apresentou redução na capacidade vital forçada (p<0,001), volume expirado forçado no primeiro segundo (p<0,001), relação volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo/capacidade vital forçada (p=0,006), pico de fluxo expirado (p<0,001) e fluxo expiratório forçado entre 25% e 75% da capacidade vital forçada (p<0,001), bem como na força de preensão palmar (p=0,001).Conclusões: Os indivíduos hospitalizados apresentaram redução da força de preensão palmar e dos volumes pulmonares...

Aims: The aim of this investigation was to analyzehandgrip strength and lung volumes in hospitalized patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled subjects aged between 30 and 80 years of both genders and hospitalized under non-surgical conditions for at least 48 hours (Hospitalized Group) and healthy subjects accessed in a sport club (Control Group) in Santa Cruz do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Forced vital capacity, expiratory volume in the first second, expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity relation, expiratory flow peak, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity were evaluated. The handgrip strength was evaluated through hand dynamometry.Results: A total of 32 subjects were evaluated, being 16 in each group. They matched in age (p=0.183), height (p=0.685), weight (p=0.105) and body index mass (p=0.157) in both groups. The Hospitalized Group had a median hospital stay of 9.5 days (7-15; minimum 3, maximum 17). When compared to the Control Group, the Hospitalized Group had a reduction in forced vital capacity (p<0.001), expiratory volume in the first second (p<0.001), expiratory volume in the first second /forced vital capacity relation (p=0.006), peak expiratory flow (p<0.001) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (p<0.001), as well as in the handgrip force (p=0.001).Conclusions: The hospitalized subjects showed decrease in handgrip and lung volumes...

Capacidade funcional submáxima e força muscular respiratória entre idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e dança: um estudo comparativo / Submaximal functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength among elderly practitioners of hydrogymnastics and dance: a comparative study

O exercício físico é uma estratégia eficaz para prevenir e retardar as perdas funcionais do envelhecimento, mas há poucos estudos indicando qual a melhor modalidade para incrementar o status funcional do idoso. OBJETIVO: Comparar a força muscular respiratória (FMR) e a capacidade funcional submáxima de idosas praticantes de hidroginástica e dança. MATERIAL e MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com idosas do sexo feminino (n=46), praticantes de hidroginástica (Grupo Hidroginástica - GH; n=23) e dança (Grupo Dança - GD; n=23). Para medida da prática de atividade física, foi utilizado o International Physical Activit Questionnarie (IPAQ-versão curta); a FMR foi avaliada por meio da pressão inspiratória máxima (PImax) e da pressão expiratória máxima (PEmax), e a medida da capacidade funcional submáxima, realizada pelo Teste da Caminhada dos Seis Minutos (TC6m). RESULTADOS: O GD apresentou maior PImax (84 ± 12,49 cmH2O) quando comparado ao GH (63,35 ± 10,47 cmH2O) (p< 0,0001), e a PEmax não variou significativamente entre os grupos (p= 0,08). Quanto à distância percorrida no TC6m, o GD (616,53 ± 60,81 m) obteve melhor desempenho que o GH (446,65 ± 48,67 m) (p< 0,0001). Quanto ao nível de atividade física, o GD apresentou 19 idosas (82,61%) muito ativas e quatro (17,39%) ativas, e o GH apresentou oito idosas (30,76%) muito ativas e 15 (69,23%) ativas. CONCLUSÃO: As idosas praticantes de dança evidenciaram maior força muscular inspiratória e capacidade funcional submáxima, possivelmente devido ao maior nível de atividade física e também pelo fato de a dança ser uma modalidade essencialmente aeróbia.

Exercise is an effective strategy to prevent and slow the functional losses of aging, but there are few studies indicating the best method to improve functional status of the elderly. OBJETIVE: To compare respiratory muscle strength (RMS) and submaximal functional capacity of older practitioners of hydrogymnastics and dance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with elderly women (n=46), practitioners of hydrogymnastics (Hydrogymnastics Group - HG; n=23) and dance (Dance Group - DG; n=23). For the measurement of physical activity, it was used tthe International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - short version); the RMS was assessed by measurement of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); and the measure of submaximal functional capacity was assessed by the six-minute walk test (6MWT). RESULTS: The DG showed that higher MIP (84 ± 12.49 cmH2O) compared to the HG (63.35 ± 10.47 cmH2O) (p< 0.0001) and the MEP did not differ significantly between the groups (p= 0.08). The distance covered in the 6MWT DG (616.53 ± 60.81 m) was better performed than HG (446.65 ± 48.67 m) (p <0.0001). For the physical activity level, the DG showed that 19 elderly women (82.61%) were very active and four (17.39%) active, and the HG showed that eight elderly women (30.67%) were very active and 15 (69.23%) active. CONCLUSION: The elderly women practitioners of dance showed higher respiratory muscle strength and submaximal functional capacity, possibly due to the higher level of physical activity and also because dance is primarily an aerobic modality.