[Contribution of the 6-minutes walking test and the plasma NT-proBNP at admission and discharge to the prognostic evaluation of patients with NYHA class II-III Heart Failure.] / Contribution du test de marche de six minutes et des taux de NT-proBNP à l'admission et la sortie dans l'évaluation pronostique de l'insuffisance cardiaque classe II-III de la NYHA.

OBJECTIVE: To study the 6MWT and NT-proBNP contribution to the prognosis evaluation of patients with NYHA class II-III heart failure in the Yalgado Ouédraogo Teaching Hospital. METHODS: We carried out a nine months prospective observational cohort from the 1st February to the 31st October 2020. Patients with NYHA class II-III HF who consented to participate were included in the study. We identified two variables of interest: death and readmission. RESULTS: We included 50 patients with congestive heart failure representing 37.3% of heart failure. The average follow up time of patients was 154.58 ± 74.8 days. Twelve patients (24%) were readmited and 11 passed away with five during hospitalisation. On admission, The average distance on the 6MWT (194.6 ± 85.5 m) on admission and average NT-proBNP (5812.1±4729.4 ng/L) measured on admission and before discharge wasn't significantly correlated to the risk of death and re-hospitalisation. The average distance on the 6MWT before discharge (306.2±84.6) was significantly correlated to an increase risk of death and re-hospitalisation. Patients with an increase in NT-proBNP superior to 30% from measurement on admission to the one before discharge had a high risk of re-hospitalisation and death compare to those with a decrease of more than 30% with a moderate to good correlation coefficient of 0.6 between the two. CONCLUSION: 6MWT and NT-proBNP variations from admission to discharge have been necessary to evaluate the prognosis of patients with CHF.

Effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation program combined with cognitive training on exercise tolerance and cognitive functions among Tunisian male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment has been well described in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in addition to cardiorespiratory disability. To reduce this impairment, researchers have recommended the use of single or combined exercise training. However, the combined effect of cognitive training (CT) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on selective cognitive abilities in patients with COPD has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the impact of PR combined with CT on 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) and cognitive parameters in Tunisian males' patients with COPD. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with COPD were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 21, age = 65.3 ± 2.79) and a control group (n = 18, age = 65.3 ± 3.2). The intervention group underwent PR combined with CT, and the control group underwent only PR, three times per week for 3 months. The primary outcomes were 6MWT (6 minutes walking test -6MWT-parameters) and cognitive performance, as evaluated by Montreal cognitive assessments (MOCA) and P300 test. Secondary outcomes were patient's characteristics and spirometric data. These tests were measured at baseline and after 3 months of training programs. RESULTS: Results showed a significant improvement of the 6MWT distance after the rehabilitation period in both groups (p < .001). Moreover, both groups showed significant improvement (p < .001) in cognitive performance including MOCA score and P300 test latency in three midline electrodes. However, the improvement in cognitive performance was significantly greater in the PR+CT group than the PR group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, although PR alone improves 6MWT parameters and cognitive function, the addition of CT to PR is more effective in improving cognitive abilities in patients with COPD. This combined approach may provide clinicians with a complementary therapeutic option for improving cognitive abilities in patients with COPD.

Is preoperative physical function testing predictive of length of stay in patients with colorectal cancer? A retrospective study.

Surgery is the primary treatment for colorectal cancer. A prolonged Length of Stay (pLOS) can increase risk of complications and physical inactivity, leading to a decline in physical function. While promising results were seen from preoperative exercise training and post-operative functional recovery, the predictive potential of preoperative physical function has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study is to determine if preoperative physical function can predict pLOS in patients with colorectal cancer. A total of 459 patients from 7 cohorts were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to determine risk of pLOS (>3 days), and ROC curve was plotted to establish sensitivity/specificity. Selected variables included age, sex, BMI, comorbidity, ASA status, tumor site, surgical approach, handgrip strength, Timed-Up and Go, 30-s Sit-to-Stand, 30-s Arm Curl Test, 6-Minute-Walking Test (6MWT), CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adult and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. The results showed that patients with rectal tumor are 2.7x more at risk to be in the pLOS group compared to those with colon tumor (O.R. 2.7; C.I. 1.3-5.7, p=0.01). For every increment of 20 m in 6MWT, there is a decreased risk of 9% of being in pLOS group (C.I. 1.03-1.17, p=0.00). A cut-off of 431 m can predict 70% of patients in pLOS group (AUC 0.71 C.I 0.63-0.78, p=0.00). Tumor site (rectal) and 6MWT were significant predictors of pLOS. Using the 6MWT as a screening tool for pLOS with cut-off of 431 m should be implemented in the preoperative surgical pathway.

Six-Minute Walking Test and 30 Seconds Chair-Stand-Test as Predictors of Mortality in COPD - A Cohort Study.

Background: Physical inactivity is strongly associated with worse prognosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and assessment of physical function is very important. The six minute walking test (6MWT) is an established test known to predict mortality in COPD, and 30 seconds chair stand test (30sCST) is a potential alternative test. The study aimed to investigate and compare the associations of 6MWT and 30sCSTs with mortality. Methods: Data on patient demographics, established mortality predictors and results from 6MWT and 30sCST were collected from 2016 to 2019 from 97 consecutively included patients with COPD. In August 2021, mortality data were retrieved from patient records. Correlation analysis of 6MWT and 30sCST was performed. The predictive abilities of 6MWT and 30sCST, respectively, were analyzed using Kaplan Meyer-curves and Cox regression with adjustment for sex, age, body mass index below 22 and comorbid cardiovascular disease. Results: A positive correlation between 6MWT and 30sCST was shown (r = 0.61, p < 0.0001). Independent associations with mortality were found for 6MWD 250-349 (HR (95% CI) 3.19 (1.12 to 9.10), p = 0.030) and 6MWD <250 (4.27 (1.69 to10.8), p = 0.002) compared with 6MWD ≥350 meters, and for 30sCST <4 (3.31 (1.03 to 10.6), p = 0.045) compared with 30sCST≥11 risings. When both 6MWT and 30sCST were included in the multivariable model, 6MWD 250-349 (3.09 (1.02 to 9.37), p = 0.046) and 6MWD <250 (3.57 (1.26 to 10.1), p = 0.016) compared with 6MWD ≥350 meters predicted mortality. Conclusion: 30sCST and 6MWT correlates moderately and are independently associated with mortality in patients with COPD. Although 6MWT is the best predictor of mortality, 30sCST may be used as an alternative to identify patients at risk.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of 12-week side-to-side vibration therapy in children and adolescents with congenital myopathy in New Zealand.

This pilot study explored the feasibility and effectiveness of vibration therapy (VT) on muscle and bone health, motor performance, and respiratory function in patients with congenital myopathy (CM). Eleven participants with CM (11.5 ± 2.8 years) underwent 12 weeks of side-alternating VT at 20 Hz for nine minutes per session, four days a week. VT was preceded by a 12-week control period. Assessments included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans, 6-minute walk and 10-meter run tests, muscle function and motor performance assessment, dynamometry, and pulmonary function. VT was well-tolerated, with occasional mild itchiness reported. The median compliance level with VT treatment was 75%. 12 weeks of VT improved the total score of motor function performance by 2.4 units (p=0.006) and velocity rise maximum of the chair rising test by 0.11 m/s (p=0.029). VT was shown to be feasible, safe, and associated with improving motor function performance. Our findings support further exploration of VT's potential health benefits to patients with CM in larger studies involving a longer intervention period.

Two-Minute Step Test as a Complement to Six-Minute Walk Test in Subjects With Treated Coronary Artery Disease.

The 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) has been presented as an alternative to the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) based on the association between the two tests in older adults; however, some authors propose that it should not be a substitute but rather a complement to the latter in the fitness evaluation. Specifically, in coronary disease, despite the potential and clinical utility of 2MST, the relationship of both tests in this population is unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationship between 6MWT and 2MST and to explore the relationship of biodemographic factors for both tests in subjects with treated coronary artery disease. For this, the 6MWT and the 2MST were applied to patients with coronary artery disease treated in 6 hospitals in Chile between May 2019 and February 2020. Additionally, lower limb strength was assessed by a chair-stand test, grip strength was assessed by a dynamometer, and physical measurements were applied. In total, 163 participants underwent both tests (average age = 58.7 ± 9.8 years; 73.6% men; 64.4% revascularized by angioplasty; 28.2% revascularized by surgery, and 7.4% treated by drugs or thrombolysis). Heart rate was higher at the end of the 6MWT, while the perception of effort was greater at the end of the 2MST. There was a weak positive correlation between the 6MWT and the 2MST in subjects with treated coronary disease (r = 0.28, p = 0.0003). While age (r = -0.27), weight (r = 0.25), height (r = 0.49), and strength of both lower limbs (r = 0.41) and grip strength (r = 0.53) correlated weakly or moderately to the covered distance in 6MWT, the number of steps by the 2MST correlated only weakly to height (r = 0.23), lower limb strength (r = 0.34), and grip strength (r = 0.34). Age, weight, height, lower limb strength, and grip strength would explain better the meters walked in the 6MWT than the steps achieved in the 2MST. With these findings, we can conclude that, in patients with treated coronary artery disease, it does not seem advisable to replace 6MWT with 2MST when it is possible to do so. Additionally, the 2MST may provide additional information in the fitness evaluation. However, the usefulness of 2MST in this population needs to be further studied.

Efeito do treinamento aeróbio em parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, hemodinâmicos e autonômicos de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Effect of aerobic training on cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and autonomic parameters of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis

A doença renal crônica (DRC) é uma condição clínica de alto risco cardiovascular e os pacientes nos estágios mais avançados da doença que dependem de terapia renal substitutiva frequentemente tem prejuízo cardiorespiratório, níveis elevados de pressão arterial (uso de múltiplas medicações para controle), modulação autonômica prejudicada e graus variados de inflamação. Deste modo este estudo tem como objetivo verificar se o exercício físico aeróbio intradialítico tem impacto em modificar estas alterações. Os pacientes foram selecionados em duas unidades de hemodiálise em São Luís do Maranhão, Brasil, entre junho de 2016 e outubro de 2019, e foram alocados conforme aceitação em grupo controle (GC) e grupo exercício (GE). O GE foi submetido a treinamento aeróbio com bicicleta por um período de 12 semanas. Avaliação física antropométrica, teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6m), ecocardiograma, eletrocardiograma com análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e medidas laboratoriais foram realizadas incluindo interleucina 6 (IL6) antes e após 12 semanas em ambos os grupos. Trinta e um pacientes foram avaliados 15 pacientes no grupo controle (GC) e 16 pacientes no grupo exercício (GE). Após 12 semanas de treinamento houve diminuição da pressão arterial sistólica do grupo exercício em relação ao basal (129,8 ± 9,41mmHg vs 112,00 ± 12,0 mmHg p = 0,03). Não houve alterações na composição corporal e na maioria dos exames laboratoriais, exceto pelo aumento do KTV (índice de adequação de diálise) e diminuição do LDL colesterol no grupo exercício em relação ao grupo controle. No entanto, os níveis de HDL colesterol aumentaram (39,92 ± 6,1 mg/dL vs 48,00 ± 7,85 mg/dL p = 0,02) e IL6 diminuíram (4,56 ± 1,2 pg / mL vs 2,14 ± 1,0 pg / mL p = 0,02). Houve aumento da distância percorrida no teste de caminhada no grupo exercício (473,80 ± 98,6 metros vs 573,50 ± 74,22 metros p = 0,01). Na avaliação ecocardiográfica, verificou-se que no GE houve diminuição da pressão da artéria pulmonar estimada (31,38 ± 2,9 mmhg vs 24,2 ± 1,7 mmhg p = 0,001). Houve melhora na modulação autonômica no GE (RMSSD 11,7 ± 4,2 vs 18,4 ± 5,7 p=0,02), LFnu (52,9 ± 17,2 vs 32,0 ± 18,2 p=0,02) e HFnu (48,1 ± 17,2 vs 68,0 ± 18,2 p=0,01). Não foram evidenciados efeitos adversos e não houve abandono do treinamento. Baseados nestes resultados, é possível concluir que o exercício aeróbio intradialítico por 12 semanas pode melhorar parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios, hemodinâmicos e autonômicos, com boa aderência e sem eventos adversos, podendo ser usado como medida coadjuvante para melhora clínica destes pacientes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition of high cardiovascular risk and patients in the more advanced stages of the disease who depend on renal replacement therapy often experience cardiorespiratory impairment, high blood pressure levels (use of multiple medications for control), modulation impaired autonomy and varying degrees of inflammation. Thus, this study aims to verify whether intradialytic aerobic exercise has an impact on modifying these variables. The patients were selected in two hemodialysis units in São Luís do Maranhão, Brazil, between May 2016 and October 2019, and were allocated according to acceptance in the control group (CG) and exercise group (EG). The group exercise was submitted to aerobic exercise with bicycle for a period of 12 weeks. Anthropometric physical evaluation, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), echocardiogram, electrocardiogram with analysis of heart rate variability (VFC) and laboratory measurements were performed including interleukin 6 (IL6) before and after 12 weeks in both groups. Thirty-one patients were evaluated 15 patients in the control group (CG) and 16 patients in the exercise group (EG). After 12 weeks of training, there was a decrease in systolic blood pressure in the exercise group compared to baseline (129.8 ± 9.41 mmHg vs 112.00 ± 12.0 mmhg p = 0.03). There were no changes in body composition and in most laboratory tests, except for an increase in KTV (dialysis adequacy index) and a decrease in LDL cholesterol in the exercise group compared to the control group. However, HDL cholesterol levels increased (39.92 ± 6.1 mg / dL vs 48.00 ± 7.85 mg / dL p = 0.02) and IL6 decreased (4.56 ± 1.2 pg / mL vs 2.14 ± 1.0 pg / mL p = 0.02). There was an increase in the distance covered in the walking test in the exercise group (473.80 ± 98.6 m vs 573.50 ± 74.22 m p = 0,01). In the echocardiographic evaluation, it was found that in the EG there was a decrease in the estimated pulmonary artery pressure (31.38 ± 2.9 mmhg vs 24.2 ± 1.7 mmhg p = 0.001). There was an improvement in autonomic modulation in the EG (RMSSD 11.7 ± 4.2 vs 18.4 ± 5.7 p = 0.02), LFnu (52.9 ± 17.2 vs 32.0 ± 18.2 p = 0.02) and HFnu (48.1 ± 17.2 vs 68.0 ± 18.2 p = 0.01). There were no adverse effects and training was not abandoned. Based on these results, it is possible to conclude that intradialytic aerobic exercise for 12 weeks can improve cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and autonomic parameters, with good adherence and without adverse events, and can be used as a supporting measure for the clinical improvement of these patients.

[The long-term follow-up of enzyme replacement treatment in late onset Pompe disease]. / A késoi kezdetu Pompe-kórban szenvedok enzimpótló kezelésének hosszú távú követése.

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare lysosomal disease caused by the deficient activity of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme due to mutations in the GAA gene. The enzymatic deficiency leads to the accumulation of glycogen within the lysosomes. Clinically, the disease has been classically classified in infantile and childhood/adult forms. Presently cc. close to 600 mutations distributed throughout the whole gene have been reported. The c.-32-13T>G splice mutation that is very common in patients of Caucasian origin affected by the childhood/adult form of the disease, with an allelic frequency close to 70%. Enzyme replacement treatment (ERT) is available for the patients with Pompe disease (Myozyme). In this paper, we are presenting the long term follow up of 13 adult onset cases treated more than 5 years. The longest follow up was 15 years. To evaluate the treatment efficacy, the 6 minutes walking test (6MWT) and the respiratory functions were monitored annually. The analysis revealed that at the beginning of ERT for 3-4 years the 6MWT had been generally increasing, then it declined, and after 10 years it was lower in 77% of the cases than it had been at the start of the treatment. In 23% of the cases the 6MWT increased during the follow up time. Only one of the patients become wheelchair dependent during the follow-up period. The respiratory function showed similar results especially in supine position. A high degree of variability was observed among patients in their responses to the treatment, which only partially associated with the antibody titer against the therapeutic protein. The efficacy of the ERT was associated with the type of the disease causing mutation, the baseline status of the disease, the lifestyle and the diet of the patient. The long-term follow up of the patients with innovative orphan drugs is necessary to really understand the value of the treatment and the need of the patients.

Evaluation of gait in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Relation of 3D gait analysis to clinical assessment.

Walking ability in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) deteriorates progressively until complete loss of the function. Interventions aimed at maintaining ambulatory ability relies on accurate clinical-based scores and evaluations of walking. This kind of assessment has intrinsic limitations. A 3D optoelectronic system could provide elements useful for the functional evaluation of patients with DMD. Nineteen boys with DMD were evaluated using the 6-Minutes Walking Test, North Star Ambulatory Assessment and 3D gait analysis. Participants' gait parameters were compared to those of an age-matched control group and correlated with standard clinical scores. Seventeen kinematic variables differed between DMD and control groups. Strong correlations with North Star Ambulatory Assessment were found for stride width, gait velocity and ankle angles on the sagittal plane. The 6-Minutes Walking test did not correlate with investigated kinematic variables but showed a correlation with North Star Ambulatory Assessment. Our data support the reported DMD gait pattern characterized by increased anterior pelvic tilt and ankle plantar flexion. The stride width and ankle kinematics emerged as the main representative gait parameters of DMD global ambulatory status. Although preliminary, our findings suggest that 3D gait analysis may provide useful objective and accurate parameters reflecting the functional ability of individuals with DMD.

Is SPPB useful as a screening method of functional capacity in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease? / ¿Es útil el SPPB como método de screening de capacidad funcional en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: One of the consequences of the CKD, is the deterioration of the functional capacity, being able to manifest from different stages of the disease, until renal replacement therapy. The objective of this study was to determine the functionality of patients with CKD through functional capacity test, valuing the usefulness of the SPPB as a screening test in parallel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It assessed the functional capacity of patients with CKD, using the test SPPB, 6MM, TUTG and STS. Also found the muscle strength with manual dynamometry. RESULTS: Of 121 patients who came to the CKD query, 118 presented a minimum functionality to perform tests of functional capacity, a 71.2% of the patients were able to perform 4 tests, a 28.8% only could make the SPPB test. To a 71.43% of patients who presented a low score in SPPB, not could follow assessed them with the rest of the test, while the 92.31% of which had a high score, continued with the rest of the evidence. To differentiate by age ranges, the majority of young patients have minimal limitations, finding higher rates of disability in older age ranges. A good score in SPPB meant to present good functional capacity and allowed to continue evaluating the patient, obtaining better results with the rest of test and more muscle strength. A good nutritional better status and body composition was a better functionality. CONCLUSION: In the absence of a consensus of what is the best method of determining the functional capacity of the kidney patient, and to assess all patients, propose to use the test SPPB as screening method, and depending on the result used as the rest of the test to more complete if it is necessary to study.

Prueba de caminata en seis minutos en sujetos chilenos sanos de 20 a 80 años / Reference values for the 6-minutes walking test in healthy subjects 20-80 years old

Background: The six minute walking distance test (6MWD) is widely used to evaluate exercise capacity in several diseases due to its simplicity and low cost. Aim: To establish reference values for 6MWD in healthy Chilean individuals. Material and methods: We studied 175 healthy volunteers aged 20-80 years (98 women) with normal spirometry and without history of respiratory, cardiovascular or other diseases that could impair walking capacity. The test was performed twice with an interval of 30 min. Heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation (with a pulse oxymeter) and dyspnea were measured before and after the test. Results: Walking distance was 576 ± 87 m in women and 644 ± 84 m in men (p < 0.0001). For each sex, a model including age, height and weight produced 6MWD prediction equations with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.63 for women and 0.55 for men. Conclusions: Our results provide reference equations for 6MWD that are valid for healthy subjects between 20 and 80 years old.