Inspiratory muscle training in patients with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic medical condition that affects, among others, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Interventions for its treatment focus on sustained weight reduction and general health improvement, leaving respiratory management aside. Our objective was to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with obesity. Methods: A systematic review was performed in Embase, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), CINAHL, Web of Science, and PubMed/MEDLINE on June 26, 2023. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and quasi-randomized clinical trials investigating the effects of IMT in people with obesity were included. Selected studies were screened by two independent reviewers who extracted data and assessed the quality of the evidence. Results: The initial search returned 705 potential studies were included. Ultimately, eight studies met the criteria for eligibility and were included in the review. IMT improves physical capacity [6-minute walk test (6MWT): 44.5 m, 95% CI: 30.5 to 58.5; p < 0.0001] and the strength of the inspiratory muscles [maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP): -28.4 cm H2O, 95% CI: -41.9 to -14.8; p < 0.0001] compared to the controls, without differences in the pulmonary function, body mass index (BMI) and metabolic parameters. Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training improves physical capacity and inspiratory muscle strength without significant changes in lung function, BMI, and metabolic parameters.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023439625, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023439625.

Relación entre Índices Antropométricos de Obesidad y Condición Física en Escolares de 9 a 14 Años de la Región de Valparaíso, Chile / Relationship Between Anthropometric Indices of Obesity and Physical Condition in Schoolchildren Aged 9 to 14 Years From the Valparaíso Region, Chile

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron 1) describir factores antropométricos asociados a la obesidad y pruebas de condición física junto con 2) determinar la correlación entre estas variables en un grupo de escolares provenientes de la región de Valparaíso. Participaron un total de 109 escolares divididos por sexo y por grupos de edad. Los escolares fueron divididos en dos grupos entre 9 a 11 años (24 hombres= 47,98 ± 10,4 kg; 145,73 ± 7,3 cm; 25 mujeres= 45,06 ± 11,1 kg; 145,30 ± 6,6 cm) y entre 12 a 14 años (24 hombres= 54,85 ± 13,2 kg; 158,42 ± 8,8 cm; 36 mujeres= 52,21 ± 9,1 kg; 155,36 ± 6,1 cm). Se realizaron evaluaciones de la condición física utilizadas en el proceso de evaluación del Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de la Educación (SIMCE) de educación física para escolares chilenos. Estas evaluaciones incluyeron parámetros de flexibilidad, carrera, salto horizontal, y resistencia muscular. Junto con esto, se evaluaron variables antropométricas como peso, estatura y perímetro de cintura para establecer índices antropométricos de obesidad como el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el perímetro de cintura (PC) y el índice de cintura estatura (ICE). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de hombres de los diferentes grupos de edad en las pruebas de condición física, resistencia muscular abdominal (p = 0,001), salto horizontal (p = 0,002) y prueba de carrera (p = 0,003). Entre los grupos de mujeres se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables de condición física, salto horizontal (p = 0,002) y carrera (p = 0,003). Tanto en hombres como en mujeres del grupo de 9 a 11 años se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre las variables antropométricas con pruebas de salto horizontal y capacidad de carrera (p = 0,03, r = -0,42 - 0,83, moderado a muy fuerte). En este mismo grupo solo las mujeres presentaron una correlación significativa entre parámetros antropométricos y la prueba de resistencia muscular en flexo extensiones de codo (p < 0,05, r = -0,42 - -0,52, moderado a fuerte) y abdominales (p < 0,05, r = -0,57 - -0,60, fuerte). Para el grupo entre 12 y 14 años se obtuvieron correlaciones negativas entre el ICE y la prueba de carrera en hombres (p < 0,016, r = -0,48, moderado), PC y la prueba de carrera en mujeres (p < 0,011, r = -0,41, moderado). Sólo en mujeres fue posible encontrar correlaciones significativas entre PC, IMC e ICE con salto horizontal (p < 0,05, r = 0,38 - 0,48, moderado). Los resultados sugieren una correlación negativa entre parámetros antropométricos de exceso de peso corporal y el rendimiento en pruebas físicas, siendo en el grupo de mayor edad las mujeres quienes presentan mayor cantidad de correlaciones significativas entre variables. Estos datos refuerzan la importancia de incluir abordajes integrales en las clases de educación física considerando estilos de vida activos y saludables en conjunto con la promoción de la actividad física.

SUMMARY: The objectives of this study were 1) to describe anthropometric factors associated with obesity and physical fitness tests and 2) to determine the correlation between these variables in a group of schoolchildren from the Valparaíso region. A total of 109 schoolchildren divided by sex and age groups participated. The schoolchildren were divided into two groups between 9 to 11 years (24 males = 47,98 ± 10,4 kg; 145,73 ± 7,3 cm; 25 females = 45,06 ± 11,1 kg; 145,30 ± 6,6 cm) and between 12 to 14 years (24 males = 54,85 ± 13,2 kg; 158,42 ± 8,8 cm; 36 females = 52,21 ± 9,1 kg; 155,36 ± 6,1 cm). Physical fitness assessments used by the Sistema de Medición de la Calidad de la Educación (SIMCE) evaluation process for physical education for Chilean schoolchildren were performed. These assessments included flexibility, sprint capacity, horizontal jump, and muscular endurance parameters. In addition, anthropometric variables such as weight, height and waist circumference were evaluated to establish anthropometric indices of obesity such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-height index (WHI). Significant differences were found between the groups of men in the different age groups in the physical fitness tests, abdominal muscular endurance (p = 0.001), horizontal jump (p = 0.002), sprint test (p = 0.003) and the anthropometric index BMI (p = 0.048). Among the female groups, significant differences were only found in the physical condition variables, horizontal jump (p = 0.002) and sprint (p = 0.003). In both males and females in the 9- to 11- year-old group, significant correlations were found between anthropometric variables and tests of horizontal jumping and sprint ability (p = 0.03, r = -0.42 - 0.83, moderate to very high). In this same group, only females presented a significant correlation between anthropometric parameters and muscular endurance tests in elbow flexion (p < 0.05, r = -0.42 - -0.52, moderate to high) and abdominals (p < 0.05, r = -0.57 - -0.60, high). For the group between 12 and 14 years, negative correlations were obtained between WHI and the sprint test in males (p < 0.016, r = -0.48, moderate), WC and the sprint test in females (p < 0.011, r = -0.41, moderate). Only in women was it possible to find significant correlations between WC, BMI and ICE with a horizontal jump (p < 0.05, r = 0.38 - 0.48, moderate). The results suggest a negative correlation between anthropometric parameters of excess body weight and performance on physical tests, with women in the older age group presenting the highest number of significant correlations between variables. These data reinforce the importance of including integral approaches in physical education classes that consider active and healthy lifestyles together with the promotion of physical activity.

Effects of a cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation using functional exercises in individuals after COVID-19 hospital discharge: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present respiratory and motor complications, requiring rehabilitation programs (RP) for long periods. However, access to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation is poor. Cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation is an alternative for cardiopulmonary dysfunction, improving functional capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life. Moreover, few clinical trials verified the effectiveness of telerehabilitation using functional exercise for post-COVID symptoms. Thus, the present study aimed to verify the effects of cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation using functional and accessible exercises in individuals after COVID-19 hospital discharge. METHODS: This blinded, randomized, and controlled clinical trial and included 67 adult individuals after COVID-19 hospital discharge. Participants were randomized into the groups of telerehabilitation (TG; n = 33) and control (CG; n = 34). TG underwent an individualized exercise program (functional and accessible exercises) supervised by a physical therapist (videoconference), and CG received guidance on general care and self-monitoring of vital signs (videoconference). The primary outcome was performance and physiological responses on the 6-minute step test (6MST). Secondary outcomes were performance on the 2-minute stationary walk test (2MSWT), 30-second chair stand test (30CST), and quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire physical functioning concept (PF). RESULTS: Functional capacity (6MST) improved by 28 ± 17 steps in TG and 15 ± 26 in CG (p = 0.04). For secondary outcomes, performance on 2MSWT increased by 39 ± 6 steps in TG and 10 ± 6 in CG (p = 0.00); 30CST by 3 ± 1 repetitions in TG and 1.5 ± 0.5 in CG (p = 0.05); and PF (SF-36) by 17 ± 4 points in TG and 12 ± 4 in CG (p = 0.00). Also, peak oxygen uptake VO2peak (6MST) improved by 3.8 ± 1 mL min-1 kg-1 in TG and 4.1 ± 1 in CG (p = 0.6), and heart rate demand (6MST) by 11 ± 37% in TG and -4 ± 19% in CG (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation using functional exercises improved the exercise and functional capacity assessed using 6MST, 30CST, and 2MSWT and the quality of life of individuals after COVID-19 hospital discharge.

Physical capacity tests as a complement in the evaluation of the level of disability in women with fibromyalgia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The association between motor capacity and the level of disability in patients with fibromyalgia remains underexplored. This study aims to explore the association between physical capacity tests explored in the consultation and the level of disability in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: There were 484 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia who were evaluated with 7 physical capacity tests: 10-m walk, 2-minute walk, 5-repetition getting up from a chair and sitting (G&S), 30-second chair stand, monopodal balance (right and left), and up-and-go. Functional performance was assessed with the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). Evaluation of the association between the physical capacity tests and the FIQR was initially performed using a principal component analysis (PCA). Subsequently, agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) was performed in order to characterize groups of patients. RESULTS: Results show than FIQR and the tests 10-m walk, 2-minute walk, 5-repetition G&S, 30-second chair stand, and up-and-go test were correlated. The results of the AHC determined 3 groups of patients mainly on one motor dimension with significant differences in both the FIQR and the physical capacity tests retained in the PCA (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: The application of these physical tests is simple, fast and can be a complement to the FIQR questionnaire when determining the level of disability of patients with fibromyalgia, in addition to providing information on the evolution of the patients when these tests are administered in the clinical consultation.

Incremento de las capacidades físicas equilibrio y marcha en adultos mayores con Parkinson / Aumento das habilidades físicas, equilíbrio e marcha em idosos com Parkinson / Increase in physical capacities balance and gait in elderly with Parkinson

RESUMEN El restablecimiento de las facultades motrices es uno de los fines de la rehabilitación. Mediante este se pretende determinar la efectividad de un Programa de ejercicios físicos en las capacidades físicas equilibrio-marcha de personas con Parkinson, del área especializada, municipio Cienfuegos. En el estudio, predominó el sexo masculino, la muestra n=29, el promedio de edad x ̅=71,7, con desviación estándar S=6,9. El estudio se realizó mediante un diseño prospectivo, experimental, preexperimento con pretest y postest; se compararon las distribuciones de frecuencias y porcentajes de los indicadores equilibrio, marcha y nivel de conocimiento, evaluados en dos momentos. Se correlacionó y evaluó la independencia entre las variables edad, sexo y equilibrio-marcha y nivel de conocimientos en función de buscar relaciones en variables categóricas de diferentes subtipos. En los subtipos iguales, fueron aplicados los estadísticos Ji-cuadrado de Pearson, Gamma y Tau b de Kendall; se asume una normalidad en la distribución de los datos y una p=0,05, mediante el programa estadístico IBM SPSS para Windows versión 21.0. Prevalece predominio del sexo masculino, 55 % y las edades de 65-74 años, y en el sexo femenino, 75-84 años. El programa reflejó cambios en las dimensiones de los diferentes indicadores de las variables en estudio. En conclusión, el programa evidenció cambios significativos en las capacidades físicas equilibrio y marcha de adultos mayores con Parkinson y en el nivel de conocimiento de familiares, pero no existieron relaciones de dependencia entre las variables sociodemográficas y el equilibrio-marcha.

RESUMO A restauração das capacidades motoras é um dos objectivos da reabilitação. O Objetivo deste estudo era determinar a eficácia de um programa de exercício físico sobre o equilíbrio físico e a capacidade de andar das pessoas com doença de Parkinson na área especializada do município de Cienfuegos. O estudo foi predominantemente masculino, a amostra n=29, a idade média x ̅=71,7, com desvio padrão S=6,9. O estudo foi conduzido utilizando um desenho prospectivo, experimental, pré-experimental com pré-teste e pós-teste; as distribuições de frequência e percentagens dos indicadores de equilíbrio, marcha e nível de conhecimento, avaliados em dois pontos no tempo, foram comparados. A independência entre as variáveis idade, sexo e equilíbrio-gait e nível de conhecimento foi correlacionada e avaliada a fim de procurar relações em variáveis categóricas de diferentes subtipos. Em subtipos iguais, foram aplicadas as estatísticas Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Gamma e Tau b de Kendall; a normalidade da distribuição de dados e p=0,05 foram assumidos, utilizando o programa estatístico IBM SPSS para Windows versão 21.0. A prevalência era predominantemente masculina, 55%, e a idade de 65-74 anos, e feminina, 75-84 anos. O programa refletiu alterações nas dimensões dos diferentes indicadores das variáveis em estudo. Em conclusão, o programa mostrou mudanças significativas nas capacidades físicas de equilíbrio e marcha em adultos mais velhos com doença de Parkinson e no nível de conhecimento dos membros da família, mas não houve relações de dependência entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e o equilíbrio-gait.

ABSTRACT Restoration of motor faculties is one of the goals of rehabilitation. Through this, it is intended to determine the effectiveness of a physical exercise program in the balance-gait physical capacities of people with Parkinson's, from the specialized area Cienfuegos municipality. In the study, the male sex predominated, the sample n=29, the average age x ̅=71,7, with standard deviation S=6.9. The study was carried out using a prospective, experimental, pre-experiment with pre-test and post-test design; the distributions of frequencies and percentages of the indicators balance, gait and level of knowledge, evaluated in two moments, were compared. The independence between the variables age, sex and balance-gait and level of knowledge was correlated and evaluated based on looking for relationships in categorical variables of different subtypes. In the same subtypes, Pearson's Chi-square, Gamma and Kendall's Tau b statistics were applied; a normality in the distribution of the data and a p=0.05 is assumed, by means of the statistical program IBM SPSS for Windows version 21.0. Predominance of the male sex prevails, 55% and the ages of 65-74 years, and in the female sex, 75-84 years. The program reflected changes in the dimensions of the different indicators of the variables under study. In conclusion, the program showed significant changes in the physical capacities, balance and gait of elderly with Parkinson and in the level of knowledge of relatives, but there were no dependency relationships between sociodemographic variables and balance-gait.

La transferencia de los ejercicios de fuerza al medio acuático en la segunda etapa de formación básica en el polo acuático

En la formación deportiva, tener presente cómo desarrollar la fuerza en tierra y su transferencia al medio acuático es de vital importancia en la formación de los atletas que comienzan la práctica del polo acuático. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar cómo los ejercicios de transferencia de fuerza influyen en las acciones motrices del polo acuático, lo que ayudaría a una adecuada conducción del proceso de formación deportiva de las atletas investigadas. Para lograr las metas propuestas, los autores se apoyaron en métodos teóricos y empíricos, se utilizó la herramienta de la estadística descriptiva (cálculo porcentual) para procesar la información, tomando como muestra a atletas que se iniciaban en el polo acuático en el área deportiva masiva de Polo Acuático. Para ello, se realizó una encuesta a entrenadores y se analizaron sus opiniones y criterios durante la conducción de este proceso. El resultado final es que son insuficientes los conocimientos de cómo seleccionar los ejercicios para que se desarrolle una transferencia positiva al medio acuático de los ejercicios de fuerza en tierra. No dominan los métodos, procedimientos, contenidos y metodologías, a partir de las investigaciones realizadas sobre el principio y ejercicios de transferencia. Entre las conclusiones más relevantes de esta investigación, se encuentran los referentes teóricos sobre los ejercicios de transferencia de fuera en tierra al medio acuático, lo que aportará desde la teoría una argumentación sólida para su aplicación a la práctica.

No treino desportivo, é de importância primordial ter em conta como evoluir a força em terra e a sua transferência para o meio aquático ou entorno hídrico, no treino dos atletas iniciantes na prática de pólo aquático. O objectivo desta investigação era descobrir como os exercícios de transferência de força influenciam as ações motoras no pólo aquático, o que contribuiria para a correta condução do processo de treino desportivo dos atletas inquiridos. Para alcançar os objectivos propostos, os autores apoiaram-se em métodos teóricos e empíricos, recorrendo à ferramenta da estatística descritiva (cálculo de percentagens) para processar a informação, tomando como modelo os atletas que estavam a começar no pólo aquático no campo do pólo aquático de desportos coletivos. Para este efeito, foi realizado um inquérito com os treinadores e as suas opiniões e critérios foram analisados durante a realização deste processo. O resultado final é que não há conhecimentos suficientes sobre como escolher exercícios para desenvolver uma transferência positiva de força em terra, para o ambiente aquático. Não dominam os métodos, procedimentos, conteúdos e metodologias, com base na investigação efetuada sobre o princípio e exercícios de transferência. Entre as conclusões mais relevantes desta investigação figuram as referências teóricas sobre os exercícios de transferência da terra para o meio aquático, que fornecerão da teoria uma argumentação sólida para a sua aplicação à prática.

In sports training, having in mind how to develop strength on land and its transfer to the aquatic environment is of vital importance in the training of athletes who begin the practice of water polo. The present research had the objective of determining how the strength transfer exercises influence the motor actions of water polo, which would help in an adequate conduction of the sports training process of the female athletes studied. To achieve the proposed goals, the authors relied on theoretical and empirical methods, the descriptive statistics tool (percentage calculation) was used to process the information, taking as a sample athletes who were starting in water polo in the massive sports area of Water Polo. For this purpose, a survey was made to coaches and their opinions and criteria were analyzed during the conduction of this process. The final result is that there is insufficient knowledge of how to select exercises so that a positive transfer to the aquatic environment of strength exercises on land is developed. They do not master the methods, procedures, contents and methodologies, based on the research carried out on the principle and exercises of transfer. Among the most relevant conclusions of this research are the theoretical references on the transfer exercises from land to the aquatic environment, which will provide from the theory a solid argumentation for its application to practice.

Effectiveness of a Primary Care Telerehabilitation Program for Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Feasibility Study.

In many health systems, it is difficult to carry out traditional rehabilitation programs as the systems are stressed. We evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program conducted in primary care in post-COVID-19 patients. An observational, prospective study was conducted in seven primary care centers in Chile. We included adult patients (>18 years) with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The telerehabilitation program consisted of 24 sessions of supervised home-based exercise training. The efficacy was measured by the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min STST), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), fatigue, and dyspnea symptoms before and after intervention. We included 115 patients (55.4% female) with a mean age of 55.6 ± 12.7 years. Fifty-seven patients (50%) had antecedents of hospitalization, and 35 (30.4%) were admitted to the ICU. The 1-min STST was improved after the intervention from 20.5 ± 10.2 (53.1 ± 25.0%predicted) to 29.4 ± 11.9 (78.2 ± 28.0%predicted) repetitions (p < 0.001). The SF-36 global score improved significantly from 39.6 ± 17.6 to 58.9 ± 20.5. Fatigue and dyspnea improved significantly after the intervention. Although limited by the absence of a control group, this report showed that a telerehabilitation program applied in primary health care is feasible and was effective in improving physical capacity, quality of life and symptoms in adult survivors of COVID-19.

Serum potassium levels provide prognostic information in symptomatic heart failure beyond traditional clinical variables.

AIMS: Despite of recent advances in the pharmacological treatment, heart failure (HF) maintains significant morbidity and mortality rates. While serum potassium disorders are common and associated with adverse outcomes, the exact recommended potassium level for patients with HF are not entirely established. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of potassium levels on a cohort of patients with symptomatic chronic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with symptomatic chronic HF were identified at the referral to 6 min walking test (6MWT) and were prospectively followed up for cardiovascular events. Clinical and laboratorial data were retrospectively obtained. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization due to HF, and heart transplantation. The cohort included 178 patients with HF with the mean age of 51 ± 12.76 years, 39% were female, 85% of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, and 38% had New York Heart Association Class III with a relatively high Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score (12.91 ± 6.6). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 39.98 ± 15.79%, and the mean 6MWT distance was 353 ± 136 m. After a median follow-up of 516 days, there were 22 major cardiovascular events (4 cardiovascular deaths, 13 HF admissions, and 5 heart transplants). Patients were stratified according to cut-point level of serum potassium of 4.7 mmol/L to predict combined cardiac events based on receiver operating characteristic analysis. Individuals with higher potassium levels had worse renal function (glomerular filtration rate, K ≤ 4.7: 102.8 ± 32.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. K > 4.7: 85.42 ± 36.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 , P = 0.004), higher proportion of New York Heart Association Class III patients (K ≤ 4.7: 28% vs. K > 4.7: 48%, P = 0.0029), and also higher MAGGIC score (K ≤ 4.7: 12.08 ± 5.7 vs. K > 4.7: 14.9 ± 7.9, P = 0.0089), without significant differences on the baseline pharmacological HF treatment. Both potassium levels [hazard ratio (HR) 4.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59-11.421, P = 0.003] and 6MWT distance (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.993-0.999, P = 0.01) were independently associated with the primary outcome. After adjustments for MAGGIC score and 6MWT distance, potassium levels > 4.7 mmol/L maintained a significant association with outcomes (HR 3.57, 95% CI 1.305-9.807, P = 0.013). Patients with K > 4.7 mmol/L were more likely to present clinical events during the follow-up (log rank = 0.005). Adding potassium levels to the model including 6MWT and MAGGIC significantly improved the prediction of events over 2 years (integrated discrimination index 0.105, 95% CI 0.018-0.281, P = 0.012 and net reclassification index 0.447, 95% CI 0.077-0.703, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Potassium levels were independently associated with worse outcomes in patients with chronic symptomatic HF, also improving the accuracy model for prognostic prediction when added to MAGGIC score and 6MWT distance. The potassium levels above 4.7 mmol/L might identify those patients at an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Association of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and exercises programs in pain and functional capacity of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA): a systematic review of randomized trials.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease in which several treatments and treatment associations have been investigated. This review analyzed the efficacy of the association of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and exercises for people with KOA in randomized controlled clinical trials. PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were searched using the following terms: "knee osteoarthritis," "laser," "low-level laser," "photobiomodulation," "phototherapy," and "exercise." Seven RCT studies involving humans that examined PBMT treatment in association with were found. Most studies used mainly near-infrared PBMT irradiation, with a fluence ranging from 610 mJ/cm2 to 200 J/cm2, 23.55 J to 2400 J total energy per knee, and number of treatment sessions from 10 to 24. In addition, all the protocols included exercises to increase lower limb muscle strength that were performed alone or in association with other types of exercises. However, only 2 studies, considered as a high quality, showed the additional effect of PBMT (lower doses) on an exercise program (involving warming-up, motor learning, balance coordination and strengthening exercises, and stretching) for improvement of pain and functional capacity in people with KOA. This review demonstrates that there is a controversy on the effects PBMT associated with exercises for pain and functional capacity improvement for people with KOA, because there is a heterogeneity between studies in related to PBMT parameters, as dose, number of therapy sessions and the type of PBMT (either LLLT and HILT), and the exercise protocols proposed.

Association between early pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery and preoperative physical capacity.

Objective: To investigate whether early postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery are associated with a lower performance in preoperative six-minute walk test.Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of 50 participants who underwent elective abdominal surgery and performed the six-minute walk test within 48 hours prior to surgery were conducted. Postoperative pulmonary complications up to the seventh postoperative day were obtained from medical records.Results: Overall, 25 participants developed postoperative pulmonary complications. The mean (standard deviation) preoperative walked distances of the participants with and without postoperative pulmonary complications were, respectively, 444.8 (81.3) meters and 498.3 (63.7) meters (p = .013). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was greater in the participants with walked distance < 400 meters. The multivariable logistic regression model revealed a significant association between postoperative pulmonary complications and preoperative walked distance (Odds ratio = 0.978, p = .010) in participants who underwent intestinal, stomach, or bile tract resection. Conclusions: This study found a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in abdominal surgery participants and an association between lower preoperative physical capacity and the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in participants who underwent intestinal, stomach, and biliary tract resection.

Condición física y riesgo de caída en adultos mayores autovalentes de la ciudad de Chillán, Chile / Physical condition and risk of fall in autovalent older adults in the city of Chillán, Chile

Objetivos: Comparar características de adultos mayores con y sin riesgo de caídas, relacionar la condición física y características con el riesgo de caídas en adultos mayores autovalentes de la ciudad de Chillán. Resultados: Existe diferencia significativa entre los adultos mayores con y sin riesgo de caídas en cuanto al uso de medicamentos en hombres (p = 0,001) y en mujeres (p = 0,042), en actividad física a la semana solo se encontró diferencias significativas en hombres (p = 0,021). En cuanto a los resultados de correlaciones, se relacionaron significativamente ciertas variables con el riesgo de caídas como la ingesta de medicamentos (r = 0,378), actividad física a la semana (r = -0,853), de igual manera se relacionaron las capacidades físicas fuerza en miembros inferiores (r = 0,482); fuerza en miembros superiores (r = 0,479); equilibrio dinámico (r = 0,662) y equilibrio estático (r = 0,753) con el riesgo de caídas. Conclusión: Los adultos mayores con y sin riesgo de caídas presentan diferencias en ingesta de medicamentos por día y en cantidad de actividad física a la semana. La ingesta de medicamentos, cantidad de actividad física a la semanal, capacidades físicas como la fuerza tanto en miembros superiores como inferiores, equilibrio estático y dinámico están relacionados con el riesgo de caídas

Objective: Compare characteristics of older adults with and without risk of falls, relate physical condition and characteristics with the risk of falls in selfreliant older adults in the city of Chillán. Results: There is a significant difference between older adults with and without risk of falls in terms of medication use in men (p = 0.001) and in women (p =0.042), in physical activity a week, only significant differences were found in men (p = 0.021). Regarding the correlation results, certain variables were significantly related to the risk of falls, such as medication intake (r = 0.006), physical activity per week (r = -0.853), in the same way, physical abilities were related to strength. in lower limbs (r = 0.482); upper limb strength (r = 0.479); dynamic equilibrium (r = 0.662) and static equilibrium (r = 0.753) with the risk of falls. Conclusion: Older adults with and without risk of falls show differences in medication intake per day and in the amount of physical activity per week. Medication intake, weekly amount of physical activity, physical capacities such as strength in both upper and lower limbs, static and dynamic balance are related to the risk of falls.

Effects of elastic tape on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with COPD.

Subjects with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) that reduces ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity. However, no therapeutic intervention has focused on reducing TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elastic tape (ET) on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea symptoms, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPD. This crossover, randomized trial included nonobese males with severe to very severe COPD. ET was placed on the chest wall and abdomen to reduce TAA. Subjects were evaluated at three hospital visits, each 7 days apart. At visit 1, thoracoabdominal kinematic and pulmonary ventilation were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography and electrical impedance tomography, respectively, both at rest and during isoload exercise testing. At visit 2, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET; 10 W/min) was performed until exhaustion. Between the visits, subjects used a physical activity monitor (PAM) (at least 5 days of measurement; 10 h/day). At visit 3, all the tests were repeated in the opposite order of the previous randomization. During the isoload exercise, subjects with ET presented lower tidal and minute volumes (P = 0.01) and reduced TAA (P = 0.02) and dyspnea (P = 0.04). During the CPET, subjects with ET presented an increase in peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak; L/min and mL·kg-1·min-1; P = 0.01), test duration (P = 0.009), and maximal load (P = 0.03). Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was evaluated by the PAM, was also increased in subjects with ET (P = 0.01). ET reduced TAA and dyspnea and increased exercise capacity and the duration of MVPA in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPDNEW & NOTEWORTHY Elastic tape can be used as a new and low-cost intervention to reduce thoracoabdominal asynchrony and sedentary behavior as well as improve exercise capacity and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Thyroid hormone treatment improved the response to maximum exercise test and preserved the ventricular geometry in myocardial infarcted rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Does thyroid hormone treatment given after myocardial infarction preserve left ventricular function and treadmill exercise performance, and improve parameters of oxidative stress in the right ventricle and lungs of Wistar rats? What is the main finding and its importance? Thyroid hormone treatment improved the performance of the maximum exercise test in infarcted rats and induced effects in the heart and lungs that were similar to those observed with exercise training. This suggests there is a significant value of thyroid hormones for preserving exercise tolerance after myocardial infarction. ABSTRACT: Left ventricular myocardial infarction (MI) provokes damage in the heart and in other tissues, such as right ventricle and lungs. The present study elucidated whether thyroid hormone treatment (THT) may present positive effects in heart and lungs after MI, and whether or not these effects are similar to those of exercise training (ET). Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham operated (SHAM), infarcted (MI), infarcted + exercise training (MIE), and infarcted + thyroid hormones (MIH). A maximum exercise test, left ventricle echocardiography, pulmonary histology, and oxidative stress in the right ventricle and lung were evaluated. THT and ET both reduced left ventricular dilatation and end-diastolic wall stress indexes to a similar extent. MI accentuated the content of macrophages and inflammatory infiltrate in the lungs, which was partially prevented in the MIH and MIE groups. THT and ET presented similar effects in the heart and lungs, and both improved the performance of the maximum exercise test in infarcted animals.

Cluster-sets resistance training induce similar functional and strength improvements than the traditional method in postmenopausal and elderly women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 12 weeks of traditional resistance training (TRT) or resistance training using Cluster-set (CS) on functional performance and physical fitness of postmenopausal and elderly women. METHODS: Participants (61.1 ± 4.9 years, body mass 64.5 ± 1.8 kg, height 155.7 ± 4.7 cm) were randomized to TRT (n = 35) or CS (n = 31). Anthropometric measures, muscle strength and power, gait speed, core stability, flexibility, and functional performance tests were performed before and after 12 weeks of training. The difference between protocols was the structure of rest intervals. The TRT group performed 120 s of rest between sets of 8 repetitions, while the CS performed 30 s of rest after every 2 repetitions. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for each variable and, when needed, the Bonferroni post hoc was used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No group by time interaction was found for any variable. Regarding between-moment comparisons, there were significant improvements for 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press (F = 104.6; ηp2 = 0.62; p < 0.001), 1RM leg press (F = 74.6; ηp2 = 0.53; p < 0.001), medicine ball throw (F = 64.0; ηp2 = 0.26; p < 0.001), standing long jump (F = 27.6; ηp2 = 0.30; p < 0.001), countermovement jump (F = 17.4; ηp2 = 0.21; p < 0.001), squat jump (F = 23.2; ηp2 = 0.26; p < 0.001), plank time (F = 31.6; ηp2 = 0.33; p < 0.001), 6 m walking test (F = 18.0; ηp2 = 0.22; p < 0.001), sit-to-stand test (F = 20.4; ηp2 = 0.24; p < 0.001), sit and reach test (F = 56.8; ηp2 = 0.47; p < 0.001) and 2 kg elbow curls (F = 15.9; ηp2 = 0.19; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering that both CS and TRT methods were equally effective to improve the physical fitness and functionality of elderly women, the decision of which protocol to use should be based on individual preferences and practical aspects.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in COPD.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) for patients with COPD are documented in the literature, but its isolated effect or association with other interventions, the best training methods, and what type of patient benefits the most are not clear. We sought to assess the effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, dyspnea, functional capacity, and quality of life for subjects with COPD, considering IMT isolated or association with other interventions, presence of inspiratory muscle weakness, training load, and intervention time. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane CENTRAL, and LILACS databases in June 2018. We also performed a manual search of references in the studies found in the database search and included in this analysis. We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the above-mentioned outcomes and assessed IMT, either isolated or associated with other interventions, in comparison with a control group, placebo, or other interventions, in subjects with COPD. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Of 1,230 search results, 48 were included (N = 1,996 subjects). Isolated IMT increased PImax (10.64 cm H2O, 95% CI 7.61-13.66), distance walked in 6-min-walk test (34.28 m; 95% CI 29.43-39.14), and FEV1 (0.08, 95% CI 0.02-0.13). However, there was no improvement in dyspnea and quality of life. The presence of inspiratory muscle weakness did not change the results; higher loads (60-80% of PImax) promoted a greater improvement in these outcomes, and a shorter intervention time (4 weeks) improved PImax, but longer intervention times (6-8 weeks) are required to improve functional capacity. IMT associated with other interventions only showed an increase in PImax (8.44 cm H2O; 95% CI 4.98-11.91), and the presence of inspiratory muscle weakness did not change this result. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated IMT improved inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and pulmonary function, without changing dyspnea and quality of life. Associated IMT only increased inspiratory muscle strength. These results indicate that isolated IMT can be considered as an adjuvant intervention in patients with COPD.

Is the Leukocyte Telomere Length Associated with Decreased Physical Functional Capacity in the Elderly?

Leukocyte telomere length in the elderly has been positively associated with healthy living and physical activity. Factors that interfere with telomere shortening are similar to those that may be associated with decreasing functional capacity. To investigate the relationship between mean leukocyte telomere length and functional capacity in community-dwelling elderly individuals, this is an observational, cross sectional, multicentric study conducted with elderly Brazilian patients. Sample characterization was performed using a sociodemographic clinical questionnaire. Telomere length was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and functional capacity was evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). A total of 113 elderly individuals (age 70 ± 5.4 years; 75 women and 38 men) were enrolled in this study. Unexpectedly, it was found that lower relative telomere length was associated with better physical capacity in the global SPPB score. Although telomere shortening is observed with increasing age, it is not associated with decreased functional capacity. Functionality is broad and multidimensional, involving the connection of biopsychosocial and cultural factors. While functionality may not be considered a marker of functional aging in an elderly cohort, it can still play an important role in longitudinal studies, which attempt to elucidate process theories. Future studies should use different techniques to measure telomere lengths in subpopulations of cells.

Photobiomodulation via a cluster device associated with a physical exercise program in the level of pain and muscle strength in middle-aged and older women with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that leads to pain and functional incapacity. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of the incorporation of photobiomodulation (PBM) (via cluster) into a physical exercise program on the level of pain, lower limb muscle strength, and physical capacity, in patients with knee OA. Sixty-two female volunteers with a diagnosis of knee OA were distributed in 4 groups: exercise associated with placebo PBM group, exercise associated with active PBM group, active PBM group, and placebo PBM group. Sixteen sessions of lower limb strength exercises and PBM via cluster (808 nm, 100 mW, 7 points each side, 56 J total) were performed. The level of pain, physical capacity, and lower limb muscle strength were evaluated with the use of the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), 6-min walking test (6-MWT) and timed up and go (TUG), and maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVIT) before and after the interventions. Both groups presented a significant decrease in the level of pain when compared with the placebo-treated women. Furthermore, the 6-MWT showed that the trained groups (with or without PBM) demonstrated higher values in the distance walked comparing pre and post-treatment values. The same behavior was found for the MVIT load before and after intervention. TUG was higher for all the treated with exercise groups comparing the pre and post-treatment values. Physical exercise and PBM showed analgesic effects. However, PBM did not have any extra effect along with the effects of exercise in improving the distance walked, the TUG, and the muscle strength.Trial registration: RBR-7t6nzr.

The validity and reliability of the "My Jump App" for measuring jump height of the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The ability to jump has been related to muscle strength and power, speed and amplitude of the lower limbs movements, and specifically for the elderly, the vertical jump has been shown to be a good predictor of functional capacity and risk of falling. The use of a mobile application (App) which can measure the vertical jump (i.e., iPhone App My Jump) has recently emerged as a simple, cheap and very practical tool for evaluation of jump ability. However, the validity of this tool for the elderly population has not been tested yet. The elderly usually perform very low jumps and therefore the signal-to-noise ratio may compromise the validity and reliability of this method. Thus, the aim of the current study was to verify the validity and reliability of the iPhone App "My Jump" for the evaluation of countermovement jump (CMJ) height within an elderly population. METHODS: After familiarization, 41 participants performed three CMJs assessed via a contact mat and the My Jump App. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the relative reliability, while the coefficient of variation (CV%) and the typical error of measurement (TEM) were used to verify the absolute reliability. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to verify the strength of the relationship between methods (i.e., concurrent validity), a Bland-Altman plot to show their agreement, and the Student's t-test to identify systematic bias between them. For reliability analyses, all jumps were considered (i.e., 123). All jumps (i.e., 123), the average height of each attempt (i.e., 41), and the highest jump, were considered for validity analyses. RESULTS: The CMJ height of the highest jump was 10.78 ± 5.23 cm with contact mat, and 10.87 ± 5.32 with My Jump App, with an identified systematic bias of 0.096 cm (P = 0.007). There was a nearly perfect correlation between methods (r = 0.999; P = 0.000, in all cases) with a very good agreement observed (0.3255 to -0.5177 cm, 0.2797 to -0.5594 cm, and 0.3466 to -0.6264 cm, for highest jump height, average jump height, and all jump heights, respectively). The ICC of the My Jump App was 0.948, the TEM was 1.150 cm, and the CV was 10.10%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the My Jump App is a valid and reliable tool compared to the contact mat for evaluating vertical jump performance in the elderly. Therefore, it allows a simple and practical assessment of lower limbs' power in this population. For the elderly, as well as for other populations with low jumping heights, the highest jump height and the average jump height could be used indistinctly.

Caracterización de la capacidad física en niños del Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística de Chile / Characterization of the physical capacity in children of the Chilean National Program of Cystic Fibrosis

Resumen: Introducción: La fibrosis quística (FQ) es una enfermedad multisistémica hereditaria y progresiva. Una mejor capacidad física puede retardar la progresión de la enfermedad, mejorando así el pronós tico y la supervivencia. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la capacidad física de los niños admitidos en el programa nacional de FQ de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Pacientes y Método: Se utilizó un diseño de estudio transversal multicéntrico. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: niños de 6 a 12 años de edad, incluidos en el Programa Nacional de FQ, madurez sexual Tanner I, ausencia de exacerbaciones respiratorias en los últimos 30 días y ausencia de enfermedades musculoesqueléticas. La capacidad aeróbica máxima fue evaluada a través del consumo pico de oxígeno (VO2pico) y se determinó con un protocolo incremental en un cicloergómetro magnético conectado a un ergoespirómetro en el que paralelamente se analizaron los gases respiratorios: valores de consumo de oxí geno y producción de dióxido de carbono cada 30 segundos, umbral anaeróbico y carga máxima de trabajo. Además, se evaluaron los valores de capacidad vital forzada (CVF), volumen espiratorio al primer segundo (VEFj), relación VEFj/CVF y los flujos espiratorios forzados entre el 25 y 75% de la capacidad vital. Durante la prueba se registró: saturación arterial de oxígeno, frecuencia respiratoria, frecuencia cardíaca, presión arterial, volumen corriente y se consultó la percepción de fatiga de extre midades inferiores y disnea a través de la escala de Borg modificada. La duración aproximada del test fue alrededor de 10 minutos. Resultados: Se revisaron los registros clínicos de 43 niños, recogidos en seis centros de salud. Veintinueve niños cumplieron los criterios de inclusión siendo 23 reclutados. Dos niños no pudieron participar, reduciendo el grupo final de sujetos a 21 (13:8 varones:mujeres). La edad media fue de 8,8 ± 2 años; el peso fue de 30,5 ± 10,9 kg; la talla fue de 1,32 ± 0,11 m y el índice de masa corporal fue de 17,1 ± 3,5 (z-score 0,01 ± 1,34). Más de la mitad (61%) de los niños estaba eutrófico. El VO2pico obtenido fue de 43,7 ± 6,5 ml/min/kg (106,7 ± 19,8% de los valores teóricos de referencia). Sólo el 10% de los niños tenían valores inferiores a los valores teóricos esperados para población normal, ajustados por sexo y edad. No se encontraron correlaciones entre el VO2pico y las variables antropométricas y de función pulmonar. Conclusión: La mayoría de los niños evaluados (90%) tenían capacidad física similar a los valores teóricos de referencia para niños sanos ajustados por sexo y edad.

Abstract: Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited, progressive, multisystem disease. Better physical capacity may slow disease progression, thus improving prognosis and survival. The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical capacity of children admitted to the National CF Pro gram of the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Patients and Method: A multicenter, cross-sectional stu dy design was used. The inclusion criteria were children aged 6 to 12 years enrolled in the National CF Program; Tanner sexual maturity stage I, no respiratory exacerbations in the last 30 days, and no musculoskeletal pathologies. The maximum aerobic capacity was assessed through the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and determined with an incremental protocol in a magnetic cycle ergometer connected to an ergo-spirometer with which, at the same time, respiratory gases, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production values every 30 seconds, anaerobic threshold, and maximum workload were analyzed. The values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVj), FEVj/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flows between 25% and 75% of vital capacity were assessed through ergo-spirometry. At the beginning of the ergo-spirometry, arterial oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, tidal volume and the per ception of lower extremity fatigue and dyspnea were recorded using the modified Borg scale. The test lasted approximately 10 minutes. Results: The clinical records of 43 children collected from six health centers were reviewed. Out of these, 29 children met inclusion criteria, and 23 were re cruited. Two children were unable to participate, reducing the final subject group to 21 (13 males, 8 females). The mean age was 8.8 ± 2 years; weight 30.5 ± 10.9 kg; height 1.32 ± 0.11 m; and body mass index 17.1 ± 3.5 (z-score 0.01 ± 1.34). More than half of the children (61%) had normal weight. The obtained VO2peak was 43.7 ± 6.5 ml/min/kg (106.7 ± 19.8% of the predictive values). Only 10% of the children had values lower than those predicted by sex and age. No correlations were found between VO2peak and anthropometric and pulmonary function variables. Conclu sion: Most of the evaluated children (90%) had physical capacity similar to healthy subjects by sex and age.

The changes in maximal oxygen uptake (V̊O2MAX) induced by physical exertion during an Antarctic expedition depend on the initial V̊O2MAX of the individuals: a case study of the Brazilian expedition.

Antarctic climate is challenging, since the cold, wind and sensory monotony are stressful stimuli to individuals. Moreover, camp activities and heavy clothes may contribute to increase physiological strain. Thus, we aimed to characterise the physiological demand of a 24-day period in the Antarctic field and then to evaluate the effect of this expedition on the aerobic fitness in individuals with heterogeneous initial aerobic fitness (as determined by estimating maximum oxygen consumption - V̊O2MAX). Before and after the 24-day period in Antarctica, 7 researchers and 2 mountaineers were subjected to incremental tests to estimate their V̊O2MAX. Field effort was characterised by measuring heart rate (HR). During the field trips, their HR remained 33.4% of the recording time between 50-60% HRMAX, 22.3% between 60-70% HRMAX, and only 1.4% between 80 and 90% HRMAX. The changes in estimated V̊O2MAX during the expedition depended on the pre-expedition aerobic fitness. The post-expedition V̊O2MAX increased by 5.9% and decreased by 14.3%in individuals with lower (researchers) and higher (mountaineers) initial V̊O2MAX, respectively. We concluded that physical effort in the Antarctic field is characterised as predominantly of low- to moderate-intensity. This effort represented an effective training load for individuals with lower initial V̊O2MAX, but not for those with higher V̊O2MAX.