Accurate Prediction Equations for Ventilatory Thresholds in Cardiometabolic Disease When Gas Exchange Analysis is Unavailable: Development and Validation.

AIMS: To develop and validate equations predicting heart rate (HR) at the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VTs) and an optimized range-adjusted prescription for patients with cardiometabolic disease (CMD). To compare their performance against guideline-based exercise intensity domains. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 2,868 CMD patients from nine countries. HR predictive equations for first and second VTs (VT1, VT2) were developed using multivariate linear regression with 975 cycle-ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET). 'Adjusted' percentages of peak HR (%HRpeak) and HR reserve (%HRR) were derived from this group. External validation with 1,893 CPET (cycle-ergometer or treadmill) assessed accuracy, agreement, and reliability against guideline-based %HRpeak and %HRR prescriptions using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), Bland-Altman analyses, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: HR predictive equations (R²: 0.77 VT1, 0.88 VT2) and adjusted %HRR (VT1: 42%, VT2: 77%) were developed. External validation demonstrated superiority over widely used guideline-directed intensity domains for %HRpeak and %HRR. The new methods showed consistent performance across both VTs with lower MAPE (VT1: 7.1%, VT2: 5.0%), 'good' ICC for VT1 (0.81, 0.82) and 'excellent' for VT2 (0.93). Guideline-based exercise intensity domains had higher MAPE (VT1: 6.8%-21.3%, VT2: 5.1%-16.7%), 'poor' to 'good' ICC for VT1, and 'poor' to 'excellent' for VT2, indicating inconsistencies related to specific VTs across guidelines. CONCLUSION: Developed and validated HR predictive equations and the optimized %HRR for CMD patients for determining VT1 and VT2 outperformed the guideline-based exercise intensity domains and showed ergometer interchangeability. They offer a superior alternative for prescribing moderate intensity exercise when CPET is unavailable.

Equations to predict heart rate at ventilatory thresholds were developed and externally validated, offering a new perspective when a cardiopulmonary exercise test is unavailable to accurately determine the aerobic exercise intensity domains. Additionally, an adjusted range for exercise intensity prescription based on the percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRR) was provided, utilizing a large sample from eight countries. The proposed equations and the range-adjusted %HRR significantly outperformed the guideline-directed methods for determining exercise intensity, exhibiting higher accuracy, agreement, and reliability. Exercise intensity prescription based on the percentage of heart rate peak showed higher errors, raising concerns about its clinical applicability. Our study may enhance the efficacy of exercise training and physical activity advice when gas exchange analysis is unavailable, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes, even in low-resource settings. Employing these approaches in research could facilitate more tailored and consistent interventions, introducing a contemporary perspective for studies comparing exercise intensity prescriptions.

Different kinesio taping tensions present similar benefits for postural control, dynamic balance, agility and instability sensation in individuals with chronic ankle instability: randomized clinical trial / Diferentes tensões de kinesio taping apresentam benefícios semelhantes para controle postural, equilíbrio dinâmico, agilidade e sensação de instabilidade em indivíduos com instabilidade crônica do tornozelo: ensaio clínico randomizado

Abstract Ankle sprain is the most common injury in the lower limbs of physically active individuals, and one of its complications is chronic ankle instability (CAI), for which Kinesio Taping (KT) can be an alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to compare two treatment protocols with KT at different tensions on postural control, dynamic balance, agility and instability in individuals with chronic ankle instability. This is a randomized clinical trial in which postural control was evaluated through the force platform, agility by the side Hop Test, dynamic balance by the modified Star Excursion balance Test, and application of the Cumberland Ankle Tool Instability and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score to assess self-reported instability and functional instability. An initial assessment was conducted, followed by 5 weeks of intervention with weekly applications of KT, and one week after the completion of the intervention, a reassessment was performed. 21 participants were distributed to the group KT with tension (KTT: n=11) and the group KT without tension (KTWT: n=10). KT improves postural control (anteroposterior velocity: p=0.006 and mediolateral: p<0.001; anteroposterior frequency: p<0.001 and mediolateral: p=0.043 of the area of the center of pressure), dynamic balance (p< 0.001), agility (p=0.001) and feeling of instability in individuals with ICT (p=0.001) for both groups. Only one variable, sports category of the FAOS-FOOT questionnaire showed significant change (p=0.008). KT, with or without tension, is able to improve postural control, balanced balance, postural control, and feelings of instability in young adults with ICT.

Resumo A entorse de tornozelo, uma lesão comum em indivíduos fisicamente ativos, frequentemente resulta em uma complicação chamada instabilidade crônica do tornozelo (ICT). A Kinesio Taping (KT) pode ser uma alternativa de tratamento para essa condição. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar dois protocolos de tratamento com KT em diferentes tensões no controle postural, equilíbrio dinâmico, agilidade e instabilidade em indivíduos com instabilidade crônica do tornozelo. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado no qual o controle postural foi avaliado por meio da plataforma de força, a agilidade pelo side Hop Test, o equilíbrio dinâmico pelo Star Excursion balance Test modificado e para avaliar instabilidade funcional e autorrelatada aplicou-se o Foot and Ankle Outcome Score e o Cumberland Ankle Tool Instability. Foi realizada uma avaliação inicial, seguida de 5 semanas de intervenção com aplicações semanais de KT, e uma semana após o término da intervenção, foi realizada uma reavaliação. 21 participantes foram distribuídos para o grupo KT com tensão (KTT: n=11) e o grupo KT sem tensão (KTWT: n=10). KT melhora o controle postural (velocidade ântero-posterior: p=0,006 e médio-lateral: p<0,001; frequência anteroposterior: p<0,001 e médio-lateral: p=0,043 da área do centro de pressão), equilíbrio dinâmico (p<0,001), agilidade (p=0,001) e sensação de instabilidade em indivíduos com ICT (p=0,001) para ambos os grupos. Apenas uma variável, categoria esportiva, do questionário FAOS-FOOT apresentou alteração significativa (p=0,008). O KT, com ou sem tensão, é capaz de melhorar o controle postural, o equilíbrio equilibrado, o controle postural e a sensação de instabilidade em adultos jovens com ICT.

Use of different reference values for handgrip strength in individuals with COPD: analysis of agreement, discriminative capacity, and main clinical implications.

OBJECTIVE: To identify reference values for handgrip strength through a literature search and compare the agreement of reference values from Brazil with others for handgrip strength in a sample of COPD patients in Brazil, as well as to determine which set of reference values is more discriminative regarding differences in clinical characteristics between individuals with low handgrip strength and normal handgrip strength. METHODS: To identify reference values for handgrip strength, a literature search was performed; a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of baseline-only data from two unrelated studies was then performed. Individuals were evaluated for handgrip strength, peripheral muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, body composition, exercise capacity, dyspnea, and functional status. RESULTS: Of the 45 studies that were initially selected, 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis, which included 99 COPD patients in Brazil (52% of whom were male with GOLD stage II-IV COPD). The prevalence of low handgrip strength varied across studies (from 9% to 55%), the set of reference values for handgrip strength in a sample of individuals in Brazil having classified 9% of the study sample as having low handgrip strength. The level of agreement between the reference values for a sample of individuals in Brazil and the other sets of reference values varied from weak to excellent. The reference values for a sample of individuals in Brazil showed the highest number of significantly different characteristics between individuals with low and normal handgrip strength. CONCLUSIONS: The level of agreement between national and international sets of reference values for handgrip strength varied from weak to excellent in COPD patients in Brazil. Reference values for handgrip strength with higher discriminative capacity are not necessarily those that identify more individuals as having low handgrip strength.

Fat mass to fat-free mass ratio and its associations with clinical characteristics in asthma.

BACKGROUND: Fat mass to fat-free mass ratio (FM/FFM) assesses the combined effect of the balance between fat mass and fat-free mass. AIMS: to evaluate the associations beetween FM/FFM and clinical outcomes in asthma and to compare clinical characteristics between individuals with higher and lower FM/FFM. METHODS: 128 participants with asthma underwent anthropometric, spirometry and bioelectrical impedance assessments. Physical activity in daily life (PADL) was assessed by the Actigraph for 7 days. Daily dose of inhaled medication, steps of pharmacological treatment, Asthma Control Questionnaire, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were also assessed. Participants were classified into two groups according to the 50th percentile of reference values for FM/FFM. RESULTS: Individuals with higher FM/FFM (n=75) used higher daily doses of inhaled corticosteroids, had worse lung function and fewer steps/day when compared to those with lower FM/FFM (n=53) (P≤0.021). Associations were found between absolute values of FM/FFM with lung function (FEV1 and FVC [liters]): R2=0.207 and 0.364;P<0.0001), and between the categories of lower or higher FM/FFM with steps of medication treatment (Cramer's V=0.218;P=0.016) and level of PADL (Cramer's V=0.236;P=0.009). The highest FM/FFM was a determining factor of physical inactivity (OR: 3.21;95%CI:1.17-8.78) and highest steps of pharmacological treatment (OR: 8.89;95%CI:1.23-64.08). CONCLUSION: Higher FM/FFM is significantly associated with worse clinical characteristics in individuals with asthma, such as higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids, worse lung function and fewer steps/day. Moreover, higher FM/FFM is a determining factor of physical inactivity and the highest steps of pharmacological treatment for asthma.

Use of different reference values for handgrip strength in individuals with COPD: analysis of agreement, discriminative capacity, and main clinical implications / Uso de diferentes valores de referência de força de preensão manual em indivíduos com DPOC: análise de concordância, capacidade discriminativa e principais implicações clínicas

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify reference values for handgrip strength through a literature search and compare the agreement of reference values from Brazil with others for handgrip strength in a sample of COPD patients in Brazil, as well as to determine which set of reference values is more discriminative regarding differences in clinical characteristics between individuals with low handgrip strength and normal handgrip strength. Methods: To identify reference values for handgrip strength, a literature search was performed; a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of baseline-only data from two unrelated studies was then performed. Individuals were evaluated for handgrip strength, peripheral muscle strength, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, body composition, exercise capacity, dyspnea, and functional status. Results: Of the 45 studies that were initially selected, 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis, which included 99 COPD patients in Brazil (52% of whom were male with GOLD stage II-IV COPD). The prevalence of low handgrip strength varied across studies (from 9% to 55%), the set of reference values for handgrip strength in a sample of individuals in Brazil having classified 9% of the study sample as having low handgrip strength. The level of agreement between the reference values for a sample of individuals in Brazil and the other sets of reference values varied from weak to excellent. The reference values for a sample of individuals in Brazil showed the highest number of significantly different characteristics between individuals with low and normal handgrip strength. Conclusions: The level of agreement between national and international sets of reference values for handgrip strength varied from weak to excellent in COPD patients in Brazil. Reference values for handgrip strength with higher discriminative capacity are not necessarily those that identify more individuals as having low handgrip strength.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar valores de referência de força de preensão manual por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e comparar, em pacientes com DPOC no Brasil, o nível de concordância entre valores de referência de força de preensão manual obtidos no Brasil com outros valores de referência, bem como determinar qual conjunto de valores de referência é mais discriminativo em relação a características clínicas em indivíduos com força de preensão manual baixa e normal. Métodos: Para identificar valores de referência de força de preensão manual, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica. Em seguida, foi realizada uma análise transversal retrospectiva de dados exclusivamente basais provenientes de dois estudos não relacionados. Os indivíduos foram avaliados quanto à força de preensão manual, força muscular periférica, força muscular respiratória, função pulmonar, composição corporal, capacidade de exercício, dispneia e estado funcional. Resultados: Dos 45 estudos inicialmente selecionados, 9 preencheram os critérios de inclusão na análise, que incluiu 99 pacientes com DPOC no Brasil (52% dos quais eram homens com DPOC no estágio II-IV da GOLD). A prevalência de força de preensão manual baixa variou entre os estudos (de 9% a 55%), sendo que os valores de referência de força de preensão manual em indivíduos no Brasil classificaram 9% dos pacientes com DPOC como sendo indivíduos com força de preensão manual baixa. O nível de concordância entre os valores de referência para indivíduos no Brasil e os demais valores de referência variou de fraco a excelente. Os valores de referência para indivíduos no Brasil revelaram o maior número de características significativamente diferentes em indivíduos com força de preensão manual baixa e normal. Conclusões: O nível de concordância entre valores de referência nacionais e internacionais de força de preensão manual variou de fraco a excelente em pacientes com DPOC no Brasil. Os valores de referência de força de preensão manual com maior capacidade discriminativa não são necessariamente aqueles que identificam mais indivíduos como sendo indivíduos com força de preensão manual baixa.

Handgrip Strength as a Reflection of General Muscle Strength in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Muscle dysfunction is one of the main features in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Handgrip strength (HS) has been used as a representation of general muscle strength in various populations, and a few studies found correlation between HS and other measures of upper and lower limbs' muscle strength in the general population, although this was not yet studied in depth in COPD. The aims of this study were to verify if HS is cross-sectionally well correlated with upper and lower limbs' muscle strength in individuals with COPD, and to identify a new cutoff for handgrip weakness in this population. HS was assessed by a dynamometer, whereas other muscle strength assessments comprised maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the quadriceps femoris and 1-repetition maximum (1RM) of biceps and triceps brachii, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and quadriceps femoris. Additional assessments included pulmonary function and volumes, body composition and exercise capacity. Fifty individuals with COPD were studied (65 ± 7 years; FEV1 51 ± 14%pred). HS showed moderate-to-strong correlations with all 1-RM assessments (0.62

Which is the best protocol and cut-off point in the 4-metre gait speed test to discriminate exercise capacity in COPD? / Qual o melhor protocolo e ponto de corte no teste 4-metre gait speed para discriminar capacidade de exercício na Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica?

Objective To determine the discriminative capacity and cut-off point of different 4-metre gait speed test (4MGS) protocols in identifying preserved or reduced exercise capacity using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); also, to compare 4MGS protocols and characteristics of individuals according to the best cut-off point. Methods We evaluated fifty-six patients with COPD, all of which were submitted to the assessment of anthropometric characteristics, pulmonary function (spirometry) and functional exercise capacity (6MWT and four protocols of the 4MGS). In the 4MGS test, patients were instructed to walk at normal pace and at maximum speed in a 4 meters course (4MGS 4m - usual pace and at maximum) and 8 meters course (4MGS 8m - usual pace and at maximum). Results Only the 4MGS 4m-maximum protocol was able to identify preserved exercise capacity in the 6MWT (AUC=0.70) with moderate correlation between them (r=0.52; P=0<0.0001). The cut-off point found in the 4MGS 4m-maximum was 1.27 m/s. Patients with preserved exercise capacity (4MGS 4m-maximum ≥1.27m/s) walker greater distances on the 6MWT in %pred (91±2 vs 76±3; P<0.0001). In the other comparisons involving gender, BMI, FEV1% pred and GOLD index there were no significant differences between the groups. In addition, the agreement of individuals classified as preserved and reduced exercise capacity in the 6MWT and 4MGS 4m-maximum was significant (P = 0.008). Conclusion The 4MGS 4m-maximum test can be used to discriminate preserved exercise capacity in patients with COPD and correlates with the 6MWT.

Are the Effects of High-Intensity Exercise Training Different in Patients with COPD Versus COPD+Asthma Overlap?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting asthma overlap (ACO) benefit similarly in comparison to patients with only COPD after a 12-week high-intensity exercise training (ET) program. METHODS: Subjects with a diagnosis of COPD alone or ACO were evaluated and compared before and after a high-intensity ET program composed of walking and cycling plus strengthening exercises of the upper and lower limbs (3 days/week, 3 months, 36 sessions). Assessments included spirometry, bioelectrical impedance, 6-min walk test (6MWT), London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale (LCADL), Hospital anxiety and depression Scale, modified Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength [manovacuometry and 1-repetition maximum test (quadriceps femoris, biceps and triceps brachialis), respectively]. ACO was defined according to Sin et al. (Eur Respir J 48(3):664-673, 2016). RESULTS: The sample was composed of 74 subjects (57% male, age 67 ± 8 years, BMI 26 (21-32) kg/m2, FEV1 47 ± 17%predicted), and 12 (16%) of them were classified as presenting ACO. Both groups improved pulmonary function, 6MWT, peripheral and inspiratory muscle strength, LCADL, and SGRQ after ET (p < 0.005 for all). There were no significant interactions between ACO and COPD on ET effects (p > 0.05 for all). Likewise, there was no difference in the proportion of patients achieving the minimum clinical important difference for 6MWT and mMRC. CONCLUSION: High-intensity exercise training generates similar benefits in patients with COPD regardless of whether presenting asthma overlap or not.

Functional Status of Patients with COPD Assessed by London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale: Gender Association and Validity of a Cutoff Point.

PURPOSE: Whether the difference in the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the functional status of men and women stems from clinical distinctions or to the measuring instrument used is unclear. Like most instruments for assessing functional limitation in COPD, the interpretation of the results of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale is limited because a lack of a valid cutoff point to this scale. For that, this study sought to compare the functional status between men and women with COPD; and propose a cutoff point for LCADL capable of discriminating the prognosis of these individuals. METHODS: A sample of 138 subjects with moderate-severe COPD was evaluated by the LCADL. The percentage of the individual maximum score was used to obtain a cutoff point capable of discriminating patients with the worse prognosis according to the BODE Index. The cutoff point was also tested in an independent sample (n = 70). RESULTS: Regarding the total score, domestic and leisure domains of the LCADL, men had better scores than women (P ≤ 0.01). The cutoff point found was 37% (area under the curve = 0.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.60-0.80, sensitivity = 0.55 and specificity = 0.74). Individuals who scored ≥ 37% had a worse prognosis and level of physical activities of daily living than those who scored below (P ≤ 0.02). CONCLUSION: When evaluated by the LCADL, men and women with COPD present difference in the functional status. The established cutoff point (37%) adequately discriminates individuals regarding the prognosis, contributing to improve the interpretation capacity of the LCADL.

Difference Between Slow and Forced Vital Capacity and Its Relationship with Dynamic Hyperinflation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between slow and forced vital capacity (SVC-FVC) difference with dynamic lung hyperinflation (DH) during the 6-min walking test (6MWT) in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-four subjects with COPD (12 males; 67 ± 6 years; forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1] 56 ± 18% predicted) performed lung function tests by spirometry and plethysmography. DH was assessed by serial measurements of inspiratory capacity (IC) performed during the 6MWT and defined as ∆IC ≥ 150 mL or 10%. IC decrease significantly during the 6MWT (ΔCI: - 0.48 ± - 0.40 L; P < 0.0001), and 18 individuals (75%) presented DH. There was significant difference when comparing IC measured at rest with the other serial IC measurements (P < 0.0001). Correlation between the SVC-FVC difference and DH during the 6MWT was r = - 0.38; P = 0.06. The SVC-FVC difference presented only weak correlation with the development of DH during the 6MWT in patients with COPD.

Physiopathological relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and insulin resistance.

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent and progressive airflow obstruction that is associated with an abnormal chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lungs to noxious particles. COPD often leads to physical inactivity and deconditioning that added to inappropriate/excessive inflammatory responses leads to systemic consequences. Studies have shown that metabolic syndrome and manifested diabetes are more frequent in COPD than in healthy subjects; a possible explanation is that different pathophysiological aspects of COPD can lead to insulin resistance. Thus, this mini-review aims to present the main studies suggesting a pathophysiological relationship between COPD and insulin resistance. METHODS: A review of literature was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases with the aim of searching for studies supporting a relationship between COPD and insulin resistance. RESULTS: A physiopathological relationship between COPD and insulin resistance was found, supported in part due to common risk factors presented by these two conditions, such as smoking and physical inactivity. Also, systemic effects (worsening of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, inflammation and oxidative stress, body composition abnormalities) and the corticosteroid treatment of patients with COPD may play a role. CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD should be screened for abnormalities in insulin sensitivity in order to reduce morbidity and improve health status in this population.

4-Meter Gait Speed Test in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: INTERRATER RELIABILITY USING A STOPWATCH.

PURPOSE: 4-meter gait speed (4MGS) is increasingly used to assess functional performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the current literature lacks information regarding some technical standards for this test. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare and to evaluate the interrater reliability between a stopwatch and video recording used as timing systems for the 4MGS in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as to verify the interrater reliability between 2 observers measuring the 4MGS time using a manual stopwatch. METHODS: Fifty-one patients performed the 4MGS using 4 different protocols (random order): walking at the usual and maximum speed in a 4-meter course and walking at the same 2 speeds on an 8-m course using a 2-m acceleration zone, a 4-meter timing area, and a 2-m deceleration zone. Gait speed was measured simultaneously using a stopwatch and a video recording. In a subanalysis (n = 24), 2 independent observers timed the 4MGS using a stopwatch. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in comparison between the 2 timing methods (P > .05 for all), and the reliability between video recording and stopwatch was excellent in all 4MGS studied protocols (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.91). Moreover, when comparing gait speed measured by 2 observers using a stopwatch, no significant difference was found among all proposed protocols (P > .05 for all), and there was also excellent reliability between the 2 independent observers (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.94). CONCLUSION: The stopwatch, a low-cost and feasible tool, is reliable as a timing device for the 4MGS in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Multitask protocols to evaluate activities of daily living performance in people with COPD: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue, which hinder their performance in activities of daily living (ADL). A few multitask protocols have been developed to assess ADL performance in this population, although measurement properties of such protocols were not yet systematically reviewed. Areas covered: Studies were included if an assessment of the ability to perform ADL was conducted in people with COPD using a (objective) performance-based protocol. The search was conducted in the following databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL and LILACS. Furthermore, hand searches were conducted. Expert commentary: Up to this moment, only three protocols had measurement properties described: the Glittre ADL Test, the Monitored Functional Task Evaluation and the Londrina ADL Protocol were shown to be valid and reliable whereas only the Glittre ADL Test was shown to be responsive to change after pulmonary rehabilitation. These protocols can be used in laboratory settings and clinical practice to evaluate ADL performance in people with COPD, although there is need for more in-depth information on their validity, reliability and especially responsiveness due to the growing interest in the accurate assessment of ADL performance in this population.