Cerebral oxygenation during cardiopulmonary exercise testing in cardiorespiratory diseases: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for analyzing cardiorespiratory fitness and integrating physiological responses. However, the presence of chronic diseases may compromise cerebral hemodynamic responses during CPET. In addition, the acute response of cerebral oxygenation during incremental CPET may identify abnormal behavior and ensure greater safety for patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the cerebral oxygenation acute response during CPET of patients with cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases. METHODS: From inception to 23rd September 2022, five databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase and CINAHAL) were searched for cross-sectional studies performing incremental CPET and measuring the cerebral oxygenation acute response in cardiovascular, metabolic, or respiratory diseases compared with healthy individuals. The Downs and Black tool assessed the risk of bias of the studies. RESULTS: We included seven studies with 428 participants (305 men and 123 women), aged 43 to 70 years. Of these, 101 had heart failure NYHA II and III; 77 idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy; 33 valvular disease; 25 coronary heart disease; 22 pulmonary arterial hypertension; 15 had severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 166 were apparently healthy. There was no eligible article with metabolic disease. There was a lower magnitude increase in cerebral oxygenation of cardiovascular patients compared with the healthy individuals during the CPET. Furthermore, pulmonary arterial hypertension patients presented increased cerebral oxygen extraction, differently to those with severe OSA. CONCLUSION: Considering the heterogeneity of the included studies, patients with cardiovascular disease may suffer from reduced cerebral oxygen supply, and individuals with OSA presented lower brain oxygen extraction during the CPET. Future studies should aim for strategies to improve cerebral oxygenation to ensure greater safety at CPET of cardiovascular and OSA patients. An acute response pattern for metabolic and other respiratory diseases was not established.

Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Functional Effects of Home-Based Exercise Training after COVID-19 Hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: The present randomized, single-center, and single-blinded clinical trial tested the hypothesis that tele-supervised home-based exercise training (exercise) is an effective strategy for improving cardiovascular, respiratory, and functional capacity parameters in individuals who were hospitalized due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Thirty-two individuals (52 ± 10 yr; 17 were female) randomly assigned to exercise ( n = 12) or control groups ( n = 20) had their anthropometric (weight, body mass index), hemodynamic (brachial and central blood pressure), vascular (arterial stiffness), ventilatory (pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength), and functional parameters (handgrip strength, five-time sit to stand, timed up and go test, and 6-min walking test) assessed at baseline (30-45 d of hospital discharged) and after 12 wk of follow-up. RESULTS: Both groups similarly increased ( P < 0.001) forced vital capacity (absolute and percent of predicted), forced expiratory volume in the first second (absolute and percent of predicted), and handgrip strength during follow-up. However, only the exercise group reduced carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (-2.0 ± 0.6 m·s -1 , P = 0.048) and increased ( P < 0.05) resting oxygen saturation (1.9% ± 0.6%), mean inspiratory pressure (24.7 ± 7.1 cm H 2 O), mean expiratory pressure (20.3 ± 5.8 cm H 2 O), and percent of predicted mean expiratory pressure (14% ± 22%) during follow-up. No significant changes were found in any other variable during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings suggest that tele-supervised home-based exercise training can be a potential adjunct therapeutic to rehabilitate individuals who were hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Can Previous Levels of Physical Activity Affect Risk Factors for Cardiorespiratory Diseases and Functional Capacity after COVID-19 Hospitalization? A Prospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the influence of previous levels of physical activity on hemodynamic, vascular, ventilatory, and functional outcomes after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization. Methods: Sixty-three individuals with COVID-19 had their clinical status and previous levels (12 month) of physical activity (Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity) assessed at hospital admission. Individuals were then allocated to lower levels of physical activity (ACTLOWER; N = 22), intermediate levels of physical activity (ACTINTERMEDIATE; N = 22), or higher levels of physical activity (ACTHIGHER; N = 19) groups, according to tertiles of physical activity. Resting hemodynamic (heart rate and brachial/central blood pressures) and vascular (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) variables, pulmonary function (spirometry), respiratory muscle strength (maximal respiratory pressures), and functional capacity (handgrip strength, five-time sit-to-stand, timed-up and go, and six-minute walking tests) were measured at 30 to 45 days after hospital discharge. Results: ACTLOWER showed lower levels (P < 0.05) of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, maximal voluntary ventilation, and maximal expiratory pressure than ACTHIGHER. ACTLOWER also had lower (P = 0.023) walking distance (~21%,) and lower percentage of predicted walking distance (~20%) at six-minute walking test during follow-up than ACTINTERMEDIATE. However, hemodynamic and vascular variables, handgrip strength, five-time sit-to-stand, and timed-up and go were not different among groups. Conclusion: ACTLOWER showed impaired ventilatory parameters and walking performance when compared with ACTHIGHER and ACTINTERMEDIATE, respectively. These results suggest that previous levels of physical activity may impact ventilatory and exercise capacity outcomes 30 to 45 days after COVID-19 hospitalization discharge.

Determinants of endothelial dysfunction in noncritically ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify determinants of endothelial dysfunction in patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 109 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in noncritical status were cross-sectionally studied. Clinical data (age, sex, comorbidities, and medications) and BMI were assessed. Laboratory tests included serum hemoglobin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein, ferritin, D-dimer, and creatinine. Physical status was evaluated using a handgrip dynamometer. Endothelial function was assessed noninvasively using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) method. RESULTS: The sample average age was 51 years, 51% of patients were male, and the most frequent comorbidity was obesity (62%). Univariate analysis showed association of lower FMD with higher BMI, hypertension, use of oral antihypertensive, higher blood levels of creatinine, and larger baseline artery diameter. After adjusting for confounders, the multivariate analysis showed BMI (95% CI: -0.26 to -0.11; p < 0.001) as the major factor associated with FMD. Other factors associated with FMD were baseline artery diameter (95% CI: -1.77 to -0.29; p = 0.007) and blood levels of creatinine (95% CI: -1.99 to -0.16; p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Increased BMI was the major factor associated with endothelial dysfunction in noncritically hospitalized COVID-19 patients. This may explain one of the pathways in which obesity may increase the risk for severe COVID-19.

Relationship between maximal aerobic power with aerobic fitness as a function of signal-to-noise ratio.

Efforts to better understand cardiorespiratory health are relevant for the future development of optimized physical activity programs. We aimed to explore the impact of the signal quality on the expected associations between the ability of the aerobic system in supplying energy as fast as possible during moderate exercise transitions with its maximum capacity to supply energy during maximal exertion. It was hypothesized that a slower aerobic system response during moderate exercise transitions is associated with a lower maximal aerobic power; however, this relationship relies on the quality of the oxygen uptake data set. Forty-three apparently healthy participants performed a moderate constant work rate (CWR) followed by a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer. Participants also performed a maximum incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The maximal aerobic power was evaluated by the peak oxygen uptake during the CPET, and the aerobic fitness was estimated from different approaches for oxygen uptake dynamics analysis during the CWR and PRBS protocols at different levels of signal-to-noise ratio. The product moment correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation level between variables. Aerobic fitness was correlated with maximum aerobic power, but this correlation increased as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio. Aerobic fitness is related to maximal aerobic power; however, this association appeared to be highly dependent on the data quality and analysis for aerobic fitness evaluation. Our results show that simpler moderate exercise protocols might be as good as maximal exertion exercise protocols to obtain indexes related to cardiorespiratory health.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Optimized methods for cardiorespiratory health evaluation are of great interest for public health. Moderate exercise protocols might be as good as maximum exertion exercise protocols to evaluate cardiorespiratory health. Pseudorandom or constant workload moderate exercise can be used to evaluate cardiorespiratory health.

Photobiomodulation effect on local hemoglobin concentration assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy in humans.

Exposure of biological tissue to photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) seems to increase the oxygen availability and mitochondrial electrochemical activity. With the advancement of new technologies, such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), information can be obtained about the balance between oxygen utilization and delivery by assessing local oxy- ([O2Hb]) and deoxy-myohemoglobin ([HHb]) concentrations, both measured in micromolars (µM). Consequently, NIRS can be used to study ("in vivo") PBMT effects on the oxidative system, including oxygen availability. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to use NIRS to investigate the acute effects of PBMT by light-emitting diode (LED) on the oxygen delivery and utilization in humans. Twelve healthy young participants were treated with a LED device (850 nm, 50 mW, 2 J) and placebo applied over the proximal third of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle of the left or right forearm selected in a random order. The LED was applied in direct contact with skin and the device was switched on for 40 s in 4 different interventions (I1, I2, I3 and I4) with a 3-min interval between interventions. The placebo condition was considered as the period before the first PBMT. The NIRS device was used to evaluate the relative changes in [O2Hb] and [HHb] before and after placebo and interventions. We found that PBMT statistically increased the [O2Hb] in 0.39 µM. These results demonstrate the potential of PBMT to increase oxygen availability.

Effects of a new approach of aerobic interval training on cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters of metabolic syndrome subjects

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of 16 weeks of periodized aerobic interval training (AIT) on cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters of metabolic syndrome (Mets) individuals. Subjects and methods: The sample was composed of 52 subjects with a diagnosis of Mets, allocated into two groups: AIT (AITG; n = 26) and control (CG; n = 26). The AITG was submitted to a periodized AIT program, over 16 weeks, while CG was not submitted to any training program. To evaluate the autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters in both groups, heart rate variability (HRV) indices, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at the beginning and end of the training. Results: Statistically significant differences were not observed in HFms2 (high frequency in milisseconds), LFnu (low frequency in normality unit), HFnu (high frequency in normality unit), and LF/HF ratio indices, or in the cardiovascular parameters BP and HR when comparing the AITG with the CG. However, significant increases in rMSSD (root-means square differences of successive R-R intervals), LFms2 (low frequency in milliseconds), and SDNN (standard deviation of normal to normal intervals) were observed in the AITG. Conclusion: Periodized AIT promoted positive effects on autonomic modulation of Mets subjects, characterized by an increase in the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and global modulation of this population. Additionally, cardiovascular parameter alterations were not observed in Mets subjects submitted to periodized AIT.

Effects of a new approach of aerobic interval training on cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters of metabolic syndrome subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 16 weeks of periodized aerobic interval training (AIT) on cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters of metabolic syndrome (Mets) individuals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 52 subjects with a diagnosis of Mets, allocated into two groups: AIT (AITG; n = 26) and control (CG; n = 26). The AITG was submitted to a periodized AIT program, over 16 weeks, while CG was not submitted to any training program. To evaluate the autonomic modulation and cardiovascular parameters in both groups, heart rate variability (HRV) indices, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at the beginning and end of the training. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were not observed in HFms2 (high frequency in milisseconds), LFnu (low frequency in normality unit), HFnu (high frequency in normality unit), and LF/HF ratio indices, or in the cardiovascular parameters BP and HR when comparing the AITG with the CG. However, significant increases in rMSSD (root-means square differences of successive R-R intervals), LFms2 (low frequency in milliseconds), and SDNN (standard deviation of normal to normal intervals) were observed in the AITG. CONCLUSION: Periodized AIT promoted positive effects on autonomic modulation of Mets subjects, characterized by an increase in the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and global modulation of this population. Additionally, cardiovascular parameter alterations were not observed in Mets subjects submitted to periodized AIT.

Aerobic training reduces blood pressure and waist circumference and increases HDL-c in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this study is to estimate the effect of aerobic training (AT) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) outcomes. The Medline, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, The Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases were searched from inception to May 2017. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and assessed their quality and data. The pooled mean differences between intervention groups and the control group were calculated using a random-effect model. Only randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of AT on MetS with a control group were included. Seventeen published studies were included in the meta-analysis. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced (-5.11 mmHg [95% confidence interval [CI] -7.36, -2.85] and -2.97 mmHg [-4.99, -0.94], respectively), following AT. There was also a significant reduction in waist circumference (-2.18 cm [95% CI -3.75, -0.62]) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% CI -3.15 mg/dL [-5.30, -1.01]). The pooled effect showed a reduction of -7.64 mg/dL [95% CI -17.65, 2.37] in triglycerides and -1.36 mg/dL [95% CI -4.11, 1.40] in fasting glucose. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides an overview of the evidence supporting AT as an effective approach to reduce blood pressure levels and waist circumference and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These changes may help to reduce the risk of stroke mortality and mortality from heart disease in people with MetS.

Lesões musculares em atletas do sexo masculino atendidos no Centro de Estudos e Atendimento em Fisioterapia de Presidente Prudente - SP / Muscle injuries in male athletes at the Center of Studies and Physiotherapy Services of Presidente Prudente - SP / Lesiones musculares en atletas de sexo masculino atendidos en el Centro de Estudios y Atención en Fisioterapia de Presidente Prudente - SP

Resumo Objetivou-se caracterizar e determinar a frequência de lesões musculares (LM) de atletas atendidos em uma clínica universitária de fisioterapia. Foram feitas análises de prontuários e caracterizaram-se dados antropométricos, locais anatômicos, tratamentos usados, dentre outros. Foram identificados 47 casos de LM, distribuídas em grau I (n = 13) e grau II (n = 34). O segmento coxa foi o local anatômico mais acometido com 63,1% (p < 0,05) e 85,7% (p < 0,01) para modalidades coletivas e individuais, respectivamente. Aproximadamente 75% dos casos apresentaram alta por retorno ao esporte, onde observa-se terapias convencional (95,7%) e manual (70,2) os tratamentos mais frequentes. Conclui-se que LM acometem predominantemente o segmento coxa posterior, independentemente da modalidade esportiva e os tratamentos usados demonstraram-se efetivos no retorno ao esporte.

Abstract This study aimed to characterize and determine the frequency of muscle injuries (MI) in athletes assisted in a university service center in physical therapy. Analysis of medical records were made, characterizing anthropometric data, anatomic spots, treatments, among others. Forty-seven cases were identified, distributed in grade I (n=13) and grade II (n=34). The thigh segment was the anatomic spot with the higher prevalence, with 63.1% (p<0.05) and 85.7% (p<0.01) for collective and individual sports, respectively. The rate of return to sports was about 75%, in which conventional therapies (95,7%) and manual (70.2%) were the most common treatments. Thus, we conclude that MI predominantly affects the anatomical thigh segment, regardless of the sport, and that physiotherapy interventions used were effective to return to sports.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue definir y determinar la frecuencia de las lesiones musculares (LM) de atletas atendidos en una clínica universitaria de fisioterapia. Se realizó un análisis de los registros, definición de datos antropométricos, espacios anatómicos y tratamientos utilizados, entre otros. Se identificaron 47 casos de LM, distribuidas en grado I (n = 13) y grado II (n = 34). El segmento del muslo fue el espacio anatómico más afectado con el 63,1% (p <0,05) y el 85,7% (p <0,01) en el caso de deportes colectivos e individuales, respectivamente. Hubo un 74,46% de altas para la vuelta a la práctica deportiva y se encontró que los tratamientos más frecuentes fueron las terapias convencionales (95,7%) y manuales (70,2%). Se concluye que las lesiones musculares afectan predominantemente al muslo, independientemente del tipo de deporte, y que los tratamientos utilizados fueron efectivos para la vuelta a la práctica deportiva.

Resistance training reduces systolic blood pressure in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors through comparison with a control group. DESIGN: Meta-analysis comparing resistance training interventions with control groups. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and assessed their quality and data. The pooled mean differences between resistance training and the control group were calculated using a fixed-effects model. DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE, PEDro, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus and The Cochrane Library databases were searched from their earliest records to 10 January 2015. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised controlled trials that compared the effect of resistance training on metabolic syndrome risk factors with a control group were included. All types of resistance training, irrespective of intensity, frequency or duration, were eligible. RESULTS: Only systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced, by 4.08 mm Hg (95% CI 1.33 to 6.82; p<0.01), following resistance training. The pooled effect showed a reduction of 0.04 mmol/L (95% CI -0.12, 0.21; p>0.05) for fasting plasma glucose, 0.00 (95% CI -0.05, 0.04; p>0.05) for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.03 (95% CI -0.14, 0.20; p>0.05) for triglycerides, 1.39 mm Hg (95% CI -0.19, 2.98; p=0.08) for diastolic blood pressure and 1.09 cm (95% CI -0.12, 2.30; p=0.08) for waist circumference. Inconsistency (I2) for all meta-analysis was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance training may help reduce systolic blood pressure levels, stroke mortality and mortality from heart disease in people with metabolic syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015016538.