Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease / Relação entre espessura do quadríceps e o teste sit-to-stand de 60 segundos em pacientes com doença renal crônica

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance. Results: Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; β = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength. Conclusion: Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

Resumo Antecedentes: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre espessura muscular do quadríceps e desempenho funcional no teste sit-to-stand de 60s (STS-60s), no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M), e na força de preensão manual em pacientes não dialíticos com doença renal crônica (DRC) estágios 4 e 5. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal que avaliou 40 pacientes com DRC com idades entre 30-70 anos. Os participantes foram submetidos a uma avaliação que incluiu a espessura muscular do quadríceps avaliada por um ultrassom portátil. Os testes de desempenho funcional incluíram o STS-60s, a distância percorrida no TC6M e a força de preensão manual. Além disso, foram medidos a composição corporal, avaliada usando a análise de bioimpedância elétrica e o nível de atividade física por meio da versão curta do International Physical Activity. A regressão linear múltipla foi usada para investigar a relação entre a espessura do quadríceps e o desempenho funcional. Resultados: A espessura muscular do quadríceps foi correlacionada com o STS-60s (R2 = 43,6%; IC 95% = 0,022 - 0,665; β = 0,34; p = 0,037). Também foi encontrada uma correlação moderada entre esta espessura muscular e a massa muscular esquelética apendicular (MEA) em pacientes com DRC. (r = 0,603, p <0,001). Nenhuma relação foi encontrada entre a espessura muscular do quadríceps com o TC6M e a força de preensão manual. Conclusão: A espessura muscular do quadríceps está associada ao STS-60s, assim nossos resultados demonstram as repercussões da doença sobre o sistema músculo-esquelético.

Relationship between quadriceps thickness and 60-second sit-to-stand test in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps muscle thickness and functional performance on the 60s sit-to-stand test (60s-STS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and handgrip strength in non-dialytic stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated 40 CKD patients aged between 30-70 years. Participants were submitted to an assessment that included quadriceps muscle thickness evaluated by a portable ultrasound. Functional performance tests included the 60s-STS, distance walked in the 6MWT, and handgrip strength. Also, body composition evaluated using electrical bioimpedance analysis and physical activity level through the short version of International Physical Activity were measured. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between the quadriceps thickness and functional performance. RESULTS: Quadriceps muscle thickness was correlated to 60s-STS (R2 = 43.6%; 95% CI = 0.022 - 0.665; ß = 0.34; p = 0.037). Also, a moderate correlation between this muscle thickness and appendicular skeletal muscle (ALM) was found in CKD patients (r = 0.603, p <0.001). No relationship was found between quadriceps muscle thickness with the 6MWT and handgrip strength. CONCLUSION: Quadriceps muscle thickness is associated to 60s-STS, thus our results demonstrate the repercussions of the disease on the musculoskeletal system.

Effect of an exercise program with blood flow restriction on the muscular strength of patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is performed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before hemodialysis, who may benefit from exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise program associated with partial limb blood flow restriction (BFR) on handgrip strength (HGS) and forearm circumference of CKD patients. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with CKD were randomized to the BFR experimental group (EG, n = 12) and to the non-BFR control group (CG, n = 14) prior to AVF, and underwent isometric exercises for the flexor muscles of the fingers and elbow where the AVF will be performed. RESULTS: There were no differences at the end of eight weeks of training between the EG and CG groups [F (1.23) = 0.03, p = 0.96] regarding the HGS and the forearm circumference [F (1.23) = 0.90, p = 0.76], however muscle strength [F (1.23) = 189.84, p < 0.001] and forearm circumference [F (1.23) = 540.90, p < 0.001] improved between baseline and the results at the end of the program. CONCLUSION: Partial BFR training was not superior to the CG for the outcomes evaluated in this study. Further studies should be conducted so that an indication of an exercise protocol for the evaluated outcomes is prescribed in order to be effectively offered in clinical practice.

Effects of whole-body vibration on muscle strength, quadriceps muscle thickness and functional capacity in kidney transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be an alternative of physical training for kidney transplant recipients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a training program on quadriceps muscle strength and thickness, distance walked in the 6-min walking test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in adult kidney transplant recipients. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. METHOD: Twelve kidney transplant recipients of both genders who underwent WBV training (35 Hz) twice a week for 12 weeks on alternate days (WBVG), and training with a Sham Group (SG) were evaluated before and after intervention. RESULTS: No difference was observed in quadriceps muscle strength and thickness between groups, however a large (d = 0.81) and a small (d = 0.44) effect size were observed after the training, respectively. Both groups improved the execution time of Sit-to-Stand Test before and after analysis, but this effect did not show superiority between them, however there was a large effect size provided by training (d = 1.11). No changes were observed between groups in relation to inspiratory muscle strength, but training effects could be observed by the effect size after the study period (d = 0.59). No changes were observed regarding the distance walked in the 6MWT and the effect size was small (d = 0.31). CONCLUSION: WBV program would induce physiological responses that must be taken into consideration in adults' kidney transplant recipients. Our results show considerable effect sizes were observed for muscle strength and quadriceps thickness, inspiratory muscle strength, and 6MWT walking distance, although no difference was observed between groups at the end of the study.

Does whole body vibration training improve heart rate variability in kidney transplants patients? A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality that can promote improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) with lower patient overload, and consequently reduce cardiovascular risk in renal transplant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week WBV training program of two weekly sessions on HRV. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial with 12 kidney transplant recipients of both genders who underwent WBV training (35 Hz) twice a week for 12 weeks on alternate days (WBV Group) and training with sub-therapeutic WBV (8 Hz) (Sham Group). Variables were evaluated in time and frequency domains of HRV through the 24-h Holter monitor, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) through an exercise stress test. RESULTS: The delta between Sham and WBV groups showed an increase in the low frequency (Δ = 959.05 Hz; p = 0.01) and in the high frequency (Δ = 204.42 Hz; p = 0.04) of the HRV compared to Sham group. No changes in the ergometric variables were observed for any of the groups. CONCLUSION: The present study evidenced an increase in the low and high frequency of HRV in individuals who participated in the Sham WBV group. There was no improvement in the autonomic balance in the groups, in the other HRV parameters, or the exercise test after the WBV training period.

Functional independence and mobility in kidney transplanted patients: cross-sectional study

AIMS: To assess functional independence, balance and mobility of kidney transplant recipients, to verify transplant time, donor type, regular exercise practice, musculoskeletal complaints, as well as association among these variables METHODS: Observational study with 86 kidney transplant individuals, subjected to evaluation of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 43.98 years old, 50% of these individuals were between 5-10 years of transplantation and 50% between 10-15 years. Changes in mobility and balance (TUG) were found in 9.3% of transplant patients, while 2.3% had deficits in functional independence (FIM). The association between TUG and the FIM (χ2= 19.964, p< 0.001) was found in 25% of the 9.3% of individuals who showed changes in TUG. It was found that only 20.9% of kidney transplant between 5-10 years and 14.0% between 11 and 15 years performed regular physical exercises (χ2= 0.727, p= 0.394) and 67.4% presented prevalent complaints on lower limbs musculoskeletal. CONCLUSION: Although the level of dependence and impairments in mobility and balance found in renal transplants are low, deficits in mobility and balance may lead to changes in the ability to perform their functional activities independently.(AU)

Influence of posture on the ventilatory pattern and the thoraco-abdominal kinematics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the influence of posture on ventilatory pattern, compartmental distribution of volume of chest wall and thoraco-abdominal kinematics of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Twelve, male patients with severe COPD (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) = 24.35 ± 4.52%, Forced Vital Capacity% (FVC%) = 60 ± 13.39% and relationship FEV1/FVC = 53.42 ± 14.47). The distribution of the volume of the ribcage [pulmonary rib cage (Rcp), abdominal ribcage (Rca) and abdomen (Ab)] during quiet breathing in a sitting position without back support (SWB), sitting with backrest (SB) and supine position (SUP) was determined using an opto-electronic plethysmograph. RESULTS: The following differences were observed: a greater tidal volume in the SWB position when compared to the SB position (p = 0.01); greater expiratory time in the SUP position in relation to the SWB (p = 0.03) and SB (p = 0.01); and increased abdominal contribution to the tidal volume in the SUP position in relation to the SWB (p < 0.01) and SB (p < 0.001). No difference was found in the thoraco-abdominal synchrony among the positions. CONCLUSION: Sitting position without back support enhances the activation of respiratory muscles by increasing the tidal volume and supine position seems to favor lung deflation by increasing the expiratory time. It seems appropriate to adopt these positions to optimize the ventilation/perfusion relationship and physiotherapeutic intervention in different clinical conditions.

Does verbal encouragement actually improve performance in the 6-minute walk test?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance in the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by comparing to a group of healthy elderly patients, performed with and without verbal encouragement. This cross-sectional study compared 40 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%) = 53.7 ± 23.8%; forced vital capacity (FVC%) = 65.5 ± 20.8%; and the FEV1/FVC ratio = 55.4 ± 12.4) and 40 healthy elderly patients (control). The 6 MWT's were performed with and without verbal encouragement according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS), monitoring the distance walked (6 MWD), the duration of walking (TW) and the perceived effort index (PEI) through the Borg scale between the groups. No differences were observed in patients with COPD when the tests were performed with and without verbal encouragement for the 6 MWD, TW and PEI, the same occurring in the control group for the 6 MWD, TW and PEI, respectively. The use of verbal encouragement was not sufficient to promote improvement in the performance of the 6 MWT (6 MWD, TW and PEI) of patients with COPD and healthy elderly patients.

Reference equations for the six-minute walk distance based on a Brazilian multicenter study

BACKGROUND: It is important to include large sample sizes and different factors that influence the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in order to propose reference equations for the six-minute walking test (6MWT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of anthropometric, demographic, and physiologic variables on the 6MWD of healthy subjects from different regions of Brazil to establish a reference equation for the Brazilian population. METHOD: In a multicenter study, 617 healthy subjects performed two 6MWTs and had their weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) measured, as well as their physiologic responses to the test. Delta heart rate (∆HR), perceived effort, and peripheral oxygen saturation were calculated by the difference between the respective values at the end of the test minus the baseline value. RESULTS: Walking distance averaged 586±106m, 54m greater in male compared to female subjects (p<0.001). No differences were observed among the 6MWD from different regions. The quadratic regression analysis considering only anthropometric and demographic data explained 46% of the variability in the 6MWT (p<0.001) and derived the equation: 6MWDpred=890.46-(6.11×age)+(0.0345×age2)+(48.87×gender)-(4.87×BMI). A second model of stepwise multiple regression including ∆HR explained 62% of the variability (p<0.0001) and derived the equation: 6MWDpred=356.658-(2.303×age)+(36.648×gender)+(1.704×height)+(1.365×∆HR). CONCLUSION: The equations proposed in this study, especially the second one, seem adequate to accurately predict the 6MWD for Brazilians. .

Reference equations for the six-minute walk distance based on a Brazilian multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: It is important to include large sample sizes and different factors that influence the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in order to propose reference equations for the six-minute walking test (6 MWT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of anthropometric, demographic, and physiologic variables on the 6 MWD of healthy subjects from different regions of Brazil to establish a reference equation for the Brazilian population. METHOD: In a multicenter study, 617 healthy subjects performed two 6 MWTs and had their weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) measured, as well as their physiologic responses to the test. Delta heart rate (∆HR), perceived effort, and peripheral oxygen saturation were calculated by the difference between the respective values at the end of the test minus the baseline value. RESULTS: Walking distance averaged 586 ± 106 m, 54 m greater in male compared to female subjects (p<0.001). No differences were observed among the 6 MWD from different regions. The quadratic regression analysis considering only anthropometric and demographic data explained 46% of the variability in the 6 MWT (p<0.001) and derived the equation: 6 MWD(pred)=890.46-(6.11 × age)+(0.0345 × age(2))+(48.87 × gender)-(4.87 × BMI). A second model of stepwise multiple regression including ∆HR explained 62% of the variability (p<0.0001) and derived the equation: 6 MWD(pred)=356.658-(2.303 × age)+(36.648 × gender)+(1.704 × height)+(1.365×∆HR). CONCLUSION: The equations proposed in this study, especially the second one, seem adequate to accurately predict the 6 MWD for Brazilians.

Depressive symptoms, inflammatory markers and body composition in elderly with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

UNLABELLED: Our aim was to assess the relationships between cortisol, interleukin-2 (Il-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in elderly with and without COPD presenting with or without depressive symptoms. Forty COPD patients and 53 elderly individuals with no COPD took part in the study. Depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale=GDS-15), IL-2 and TNF-α, serum cortisol, number of comorbidities, smoking habits and body composition were evaluated. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in COPD group. The number of comorbidities was higher in patients with depressive symptoms. No differences were found between IL-2, TNF-α and cortisol levels, years of smoking and smoked pack-years in the groups. The COPD group obtained lower body mass index (BMI) and fat content and higher fat free mass index as well as greater nutritional depletion. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms as well as fat and lean body composition, due to preserved BMI in those with nutritional depletion, must be investigated.

Undertreatment of depressive symptomatology in the elderly living in long stay institutions (LSIs) and in the community in Brazil.

The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of depressive symptomatology among elderly residents in long stay institution (LSI) and in the community of Recife, Brazil. In total, 81 LSI elderly patients (mean age of 75.55 + or - 9.18 years) and 132 elderly (mean age of 73.14 + or - 8.27 years) individuals from the community were evaluated. Depressive symptomatology was assessed by the geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), cognitive status by the mini mental state examination (MMSE) and capacity to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) by the Katz Index. Comorbidities and the use of medication were recorded. The LSI elderly exhibited more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) and more dependency (p < 0.001). We observed no differences in MMSE (p = 0.058). The elderly in the community displayed more comorbidities and the LSI elderly consumed more medication (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). According to multivariate analysis (logistic regression), being male, having no spouse and having a low schooling level are risk factors for depressive symptoms. In conclusion, most elderly with depressive symptoms received no medication for depression.

Associação da pressão positiva expiratória ao final da expiração ao nebulizador ultrassônico: efeito na deposição de aerossol no pulmão / Association of positive end expiratory pressure to ultrassonic nebulizer: effect on aerosol deposition into lungs

Este estudo visou comparar deposição de aerossol no pulmão mediante o uso de nebulizador ultra-sônico (US), sem e com utilização de válvula de pressão positiva expiratória final (PEEP), comparando ainda duas pressões da válvula, de 5 cmH2O e de 10cmH2O. Para analisar a deposição de aerossol, foram delimitadas regiões de interesse...

This study aimed comparing aerosol deposition into lungs using an ultrasonic (US) nebulizer, with and without using a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, also comparing two valve pressures, 5 cmH2O and 10cmH2O. Twelve young healthy volunteers were submitted to Tc99m radioaerosol inhalation generated by nebulizer in three stages:

Inspiratory muscle endurance testing: pulmonary ventilation and electromyographic analysis.

This study analyzed regional pulmonary ventilation and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the respiratory muscles during an inspiratory muscle endurance (IME) test in 10 young women. Radioaerosol (99mTc-DTPA) was generated using a jet nebulizer connected to a linear inspiratory loading system. The lung scintigraphic analysis showed an increase in the radioaerosol deposition using loads of 20 and 30 cmH(2)O (p<0.01). The vertical gradient showed a larger radioaerosol deposition in the medium third of the lungs during the control period (p<0.001). There were larger amounts of radioaerosol deposition in the medium third when compared with the upper and lower third at 30 cmH(2)O (p<0.001). The horizontal gradient showed a larger deposition in the intermediate and central segments during all phases (p<0.00). Electromyographic activity from the muscles of the lower rib cage increased with loads of 20 and 30 cmH(2)O (p<0.03). There was an increase in deposition of radioaerosol when the load increased (r=0.584, p=0.000 for the left lung and r=0.609, p=0.000 for right lung). These findings suggest that during the IME test, EMG activity in the muscles of the lower rib cage increase during progressive respiratory workloads is associated with a greater radioaerosol deposition in the medium third and intermediate and central segments of the lungs.

Nebulization associated with bi-level noninvasive ventilation: analysis of pulmonary radioaerosol deposition.

UNLABELLED: Nebulization associated with noninvasive ventilation is used in emergency services and intensive care units. PURPOSES: To compare pulmonary radioaerosol deposition during jet nebulization associated to noninvasive ventilation versus spontaneous breathing nebulization; to measure the rate of lung depuration and the correlation between lung deposition, inspiratory flow and tidal volume (V(t)) using scintigraphy. SUBJECTS: Thirteen healthy volunteers (with normal spirometry), mean age (23.3+/-1.49) years, body mass index 21.2+/-2.3 kg/m(2). METHODS: Nebulization was performed in spontaneous breathing and associated with bi-level noninvasive ventilation (inspiratory pressure=12 cm H(2)O, expiratory pressure=5 cm H(2)O). The radioaerosol used in the nebulization was technetium (Tc99m) with diethylene triamine penta acetic acid, generated over a period of 9 min in a jet nebulizer. Analysis was performed through scintigraphy. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (for repeated measures), Bonferroni method, Student's t-test and Person's correlation. RESULTS: There was a decrease in radioaerosol lung deposition with nebulization associated to noninvasive ventilation (mean counts in spontaneous breathing 200,510+11,012 and mean counts in noninvasive ventilation 106,093+2811 (P<0.001). During spontaneous breathing nebulization there was a significant correlation between V(t) and radioaerosol deposition (r=0.565, P<0.05), also between inspiratory flow and radioaerosol deposition in the lungs (r=0.141, P<0.05). However, there was no correlation between V(t) and pulmonary deposition of radioaerosol in bi-level noninvasive ventilation nebulization (r=0.082). CONCLUSION: During nebulization with noninvasive ventilation in healthy volunteers, there was an increase in V(t) associated to a higher inspiratory flow rate, without resulting in a significant increase in pulmonary radioaerosol deposition.

Which pulmonary volume should be used in physiotherapy to obtain higher maximal inspiratory pressure in COPD patients?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present pulmonary hyperinflation as the main cause of mechanical disadvantages in respiratory muscles. Measurement of the force generated by those muscles is converted into pressure changes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) from the residual volume (RV) and from the functional residual capacity (FRC), in patients with COPD, and to determine which pulmonary volume should be used in physiotherapy so as to obtain higher MIP results. METHOD: An investigation of 18 male patients with stable COPD. Patients were examined using a manual vacuometer to measure the MIP of 20 daily manoeuvres. Ten measurements were taken from the RV and 10 from the FRC, taken alternately with an interval of 1 minute between each measurement, for five consecutive days. RESULTS: Increases in MIP were obtained from the RV measurements (mean +/- SE) from 59.7 (+/- 5.2) to 66.6 (+/- 5.3) cm H2O (F(4,64) = 3.34; p < 0.015) and from the FRC measurements, from 55.4 (+/- 4.9) to 64.4 (+/- 4,8) cm H2O (F(4,64) = 6.72; p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed an increase, over consecutive days, in both RV and FRC. For FRC, an increase was revealed on the second and third days, a fall was found on the fourth day and a new increase was found on the last day. MIP reached different levels, between RV and FRC, on the first (t = 2.888; p = 0.010) and fourth (t = 2.165; p = 0.045) days. CONCLUSION: In the present study, MIP reached higher levels at FRC during the five days of evaluation, and a learning effect occurred in the patients. Motor units from the respiratory muscles may have been recruited in order to perform the manoeuvres during the days of evaluation. The study suggests that there is good evidence for the use of the FRC as a parameter to find the major MIP value.