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Community-dwelling older adults experiencing hip fracture often fail to achieve adequate walking capacity following surgery and rehabilitation. Effects of psychological factors on post-fracture walking capacity are poorly understood. Accordingly, this paper investigates effects of psychological resilience on observed walking capacity measures in older adults following hip fracture, controlling for important covariates.Data were drawn from the Community Ambulation Project, a clinical trial of 210 community-dwelling adults aged ≥60 years who experienced a minimal trauma hip fracture and were randomized to one of two 16-week home-based physical therapist-guided interventions. Psychological resilience was measured at study baseline using the 6-item Brief Resilience Scale (BRS); scores were classified into groups in order to distinguish levels of self-reported resilience. Walking capacity was assessed at study baseline and 16 weeks later using 4-Meter Gait Speed (4MGS), 50-Foot Walk Test (50FWT), and 6-Minute Walk Distance (SMWD). In multivariate analyses of covariance in which 16-week follow-up values of each walking measure were outcomes, covariates included clinical trial arm, gender, age, and baseline values of: walking measure corresponding to the outcome; body mass index; depressive symptom severity; degree of psychological optimism; cognitive status; informal caregiver need; and days from hospital admission to randomization.Increases between baseline and 16 weeks later in mean gait speed in meters/sec (m/s) and walking distance in meters (m) in 4MGS, 50FWT and SMWD were 0.06 m/s (p = 0.061), 0.11 m/s (p 0.01), and 25.5 m (p = 0.056) greater, respectively, in the most resilient BRS group compared to the least resilient BRS group.Higher levels of psychological resilience were associated with greater walking speed and distance. Psychological resilience represents a potentially clinically important pathway and intervention target, toward the goal of improving walking capacity among older adults known to have substantial residual disability following hip fracture.

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT), a simple, reliable, and valid test that uses the distance walked in 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) to quantify functional capacity, is widely used in the management of chronic disorders. However, the absence of reference standards from sub-Saharan African, including Nigerian, school-aged children limits its utility in this age group.To develop normative values and equations for the 6MWD of school-aged Nigerian children.In a cross-sectional study, healthy children aged 6-11 years in Lagos, Nigeria, completed the 6MWT on 20-m-long straight outdoor courses in their schools. The primary outcome was the 6MWD in meters while potential predictors included demographic (age, sex), anthropometric (height, weight, chest circumference, leg length) and physiologic variables (pre-walk, immediate post-walk, and fifth min-post-walk heart rate [HR], oxygen saturation [SpOOverall, 627 pupils (52.1% girls) walked 504.6 ± 66.6 m (95% CI: 499.4, 509.8; range: 326.6-673.0 m); 16 m longer in boys (p = 0.002). A stepwise linear regression model yielded: 6MWD (m) = 347.9 + 14(AgeThese reference standards add to the global normative data on pediatric 6MWT and may be useful for the functional evaluation of Nigerian school-aged children with chronic childhood disorders.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Are chronotropic responses to a 6-minute walk test different in women with post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome compared with control subjects? What is the main finding and its importance? Compared with control subjects, the increase in heart rate was attenuated and recovery delayed after a 6-minute walk test in participants after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Women reporting specific symptoms at time of testing had greater impairments compared with control subjects and SARS-CoV-2 participants not actively experiencing these symptoms. Such alterations have potential to constrain not only exercise tolerance but also participation in free-living physical activity in women during post-acute recovery from COVID-19. ABSTRACT: The short-term cardiopulmonary manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are well defined. However, the implications of cardiopulmonary sequelae, persisting beyond acute illness, on physical function are largely unknown. Herein, we characterized heart rate responses to and recovery from a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in women ∼3 months after mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with non-infected control subjects. Forty-five women (n = 29 SARS-CoV-2; n = 16 controls; age = 56 ± 11 years; body mass index = 25.8 ± 6.0 kg/m2 ) completed pulmonary function testing and a 6MWT. The SARS-CoV-2 participants demonstrated reduced total lung capacity (84 ± 8 vs. 93 ± 13%; P = 0.006), vital capacity (87 ± 10 vs. 93 ± 10%; P = 0.040), functional residual capacity (75 ± 16 vs. 88 ± 16%; P = 0.006) and residual volume (76 ± 18 vs. 93 ± 22%; P = 0.001) compared with control subjects. No between-group differences were observed in 6MWT distance (P = 0.194); however, the increase in heart rate with exertion was attenuated among SARS-CoV-2 participants compared with control subjects (+52 ± 20 vs. +65 ± 18 beats/min; P = 0.029). The decrease in heart rate was also delayed for minutes 1-5 of recovery among SARS-CoV-2 participants (all P

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate whether poor hip range of motion (ROM) and strength predict 12‐month physical function decline among older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP) and whether hip osteoarthritis modifies those relationships. Methods At baseline, passive ROM and strength measurements were taken for hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation; ultrasound images and self‐reported symptoms were used to evaluate hip osteoarthritis presence (eg, osteophytes and hip pain). At baseline and 12 months, performance‐based (repeated chair rise, self‐selected gait speed, 6‐minute walk test [6MWT]) and self‐reported (Quebec LBP Disability Questionnaire, Late‐Life Function & Disability Instrument [LLFDI] basic and advanced lower extremity scales) physical function outcomes were assessed. Regression models were constructed for each outcome predicted by baseline hip ROM and strength measures, with adjustment for potential covariates. To avoid collinearity, hip ROM and strength measures with the strongest unadjusted correlations were included in final models. The hip osteoarthritis presence by hip ROM/strength interaction was also explored. Results Hip abduction strength predicted repeated chair rise (β = −0.297, P < 0.001), gait speed (β = 0.160, P = 0.003), 6MWT (β = 0.159, P ≤ 0.001), Quebec LBP Disability Questionnaire (β = −0.152, P = 0.003), and LLFDI basic lower extremity scale (β = 0.171, P = 0.005) outcomes. Regarding hip ROM, extension predicted repeated chair rise (β = −0.110, P = 0.043) and LLFDI advanced lower extremity scale (β = 0.090, P = 0.007) outcomes, external rotation predicted gait speed (β = 0.122, P = 0.004) outcomes, and abduction predicted LLFDI basic lower extremity scale (β = 0.114, P = 0.026) outcomes. The hip osteoarthritis interaction was not significant for any model. Conclusion Reduced hip strength and ROM predict physical function decline; hip osteoarthritis presence may not modify these relationships.

Purpose Data are lacking regarding pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs in patients with lung cancer receiving radiation therapy. This study aimed to confirm the feasibility of an outpatient‐based PR program in lung cancer patients during radiation therapy. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 40 patients with lung cancer who had undergone radiation therapy between July and December 2019. The patients received an outpatient‐based PR program for a total of eight sessions two times weekly comprising 60 min per session. Feasibility was assessed based on the completion rate, adverse events, and satisfaction with the PR program. Functional evaluations using 6‐min walk and grip strength tests were conducted before and after PR. Patient quality of life was assessed by the EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire before and after PR. Results The completion rate for the PR program was 72.5% among the 40 patients. No adverse events related to PR were reported. The overall satisfaction was 5.7 ± 1.1 on a seven‐point Likert scale in all participants. The mean 6‐min walk test distance increased significantly from 419.1 to 446.2 m. The improvement in grip strength in the dominant hand after PR was not significant. The social functioning score in the EORTC QLQ‐C30 improved significantly. Conclusion The results of this study showed the feasibility without serious adverse effects of a 4‐week outpatient‐based PR program for lung cancer patients undergoing outpatient‐based radiation therapy. This program might improve patient physical function and quality of life., The results of this study show the feasibility without serious adverse effects of a 4‐week outpatient‐based pulmonary rehabilitation program for lung cancer patients during outpatient‐based radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVES Only a small proportion of lung transplant recipients achieve a physical status comparable to healthy individuals in the long term. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the necessary cardiopulmonary adaptation required for strenuous physical exercise may be impaired. Exposure to high altitude provides an optimal platform to study the physiological cardiopulmonary adaptation in lung transplant recipients under aerobic conditions. To gain a deeper understanding, 14 healthy lung transplant recipients and healthcare professionals climbed the highest peak in North Africa (Mount Jebel Toubkal; 4167 m) in September 2019. METHODS Monitoring included daily assessment of vital signs, repeated transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, and capillary blood sampling throughout the expedition. RESULTS Eleven out of fourteen lung transplant recipients reached the summit. All recipients showed a stable lung function and vital parameters and physiological adaptation of blood gases. Similar results were found in healthy controls. Lung transplant recipients showed worse results in the 6-minute walk test at low and high altitude compared to controls (day 1: 662 m vs. 725 m, p

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of prehabilitation exercise intervention with respect to (1) acceptability, feasibility, and safety; and (2) physical function, measured by 6‐minute‐walk test (6MWT). Data sources PRISMA guidelines were used to systematically search PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases evaluating prehabilitation exercise interventions. Study selection The inclusion criteria were studies investigating patients who underwent surgery for their cancer and underwent prehabilitation exercise. Data extraction and synthesis Guidelines were applied by independent extraction by multiple observers. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model. Main outcome(s) and measure(s) Acceptability, feasibility, and safety rates were calculated. 6MWT (maximum distance a person can walk at their own pace on a hard, flat surface, measured in meters, with longer distance indicative of better performance status) was compared using two arms using the DerSimonian and Laird method. Results Objective 1. Across 21 studies included in this review, 1564 patients were enrolled, 1371 (87.7%) accepted the trial; of 1371, 1230 (89.7% feasibility) completed the intervention. There was no grade 3+ toxicities. Objective 2. Meta‐analysis of five studies demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in 6MWT distance postoperatively in the control group (mean difference = +27.9 m; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.3; 46.6) and a significant improvement postoperatively in the prehabilitation group (mean difference = −24.1 m; 95% CI: −45.7; −2.6). Meta‐analysis demonstrated improvements in 6MWT distance 4–8 weeks postoperatively in the prehabilitation group compared to the control group (mean difference = −58.0 m, 95% CI: −92.8; −23.3). Conclusions and relevance Prehabilitation exercise for cancer patients undergoing surgery was found to be safe, acceptable, and feasible with a statistically significant improvement in the 6MWT, indicating that prehabilitation can improve postoperative functional capacity., Prehabilitation exercise for cancer patients undergoing surgery was found to be safe, acceptable, and feasible.In this meta‐analysis, panel A shows that there is a 27.9 m c post operatively in the control group. Panel B shows that there is a 24.1 m increase in distance walked during the 6MWTpostoperatively in the prehab group. Panel C shows that the two groups (control andprehab) have the same 6MWT distance before randomization. Panel D shows that prehab intervention improved the 6MWT by 58.0 m, suggesting that prehabilitation can improve postoperative functional capacity.

BACKGROUND Lower-limb amputees have increased metabolic costs during walking that may be mitigated by maintaining quadriceps strength and power following amputation. However, there are no current studies investigating the relationship between thigh strength and walking performance in individuals with transfemoral amputation. OBJECTIVE To quantify the relationship between intact limb quadriceps strength in transfemoral amputees and six-minute walk test (6MWT) performance. DESIGN Descriptive laboratory study. SETTING Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Eleven participants with unilateral transfemoral amputations from trauma or osteosarcoma (4 women/7 men, 46.21 ± 12.68 years old, 28.24 ± 20.57 years following amputation). INTERVENTIONS Strength and power testing on the intact limb followed by 6MWT with a flowmeter to measure oxygen uptake (VO2 ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Strength included mass-normalized peak torque, average torque, and average power. 6MWT measures included total distance traveled and VO2 normalized to distance and mass. Significant correlations (P ≤ .05) were retained for a regression analysis. RESULTS Peak isokinetic knee extensor torque was correlated with total VO2 (r = -.60, P = .05) and distance traveled (r = .84, P = .001). Average isokinetic knee extensor torque was correlated with total VO2 (r = -.61, P = .046) and distance traveled (r = .85, P = .001). Average knee extensor power was correlated with total VO2 (r = -.67, P = .026) and distance traveled (r = .88, P

Objective The goal of this exploratory study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise intervention – progressive resistance training (PRT) on the metabolome of people with MS (pwMS) and to link these to changes in clinical outcomes. Methods 14 pwMS with EDSS

Objective It was aimed to evaluate long‐term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health‐related quality of life results. Methods Sixty‐five patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health‐related quality of life scale (SF‐36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. Results Forty‐nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF‐36 scale, physical function, energy‐vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF‐36 scale subparameters. Conclusion Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long‐term problems that may arise.

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well-established treatment for patients with drug refractory heart failure OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the longest RVsense to LVsense activation time (sLAT) versus the longest RVpace to LVsense activation time (pLAT) as the programmed site for LV pacing in CRT patients with quadripolar LV leads at 3 months. Methods This single site, double-blinded, prospective trial, randomized patients 1:1 into the sLAT or pLAT group to determine response. Left ventricular pacing was programmed at implant and maintained thru 3 months of follow-up. The 6-minute hall walk test (6MHW), NYHA, MLWHF, and Clinical Composite Score (CCS) at the 3-months was compared. Results N = 92 patients (73M:19F age 66 ±11.3 years) were randomized implanted and programmed per protocol. Baseline characteristics were comparable. N = 39 sLAT and N = 34 pLAT completed the 3-month visit for final analysis. Significant improvement from baseline to 3 months was seen in the sLAT group from 253.9(+/-11.5) to 323.1(+/-11.9) P = 0.001 Similarly, the pLAT group improved from 274.9 (+/-16.15) to 343.9 (+/-15.9) p = 0.003. The difference between these groups however did not reach significance. (P = 0.86) The pLAT group demonstrated a higher responder rate of (71%) versus the sLAT group (64%) based on the CCS although not reaching significance (P = 0.56) CONCLUSIONS: Use of both the pLAT and sLAT method of programming demonstrated significant improvement in 6MHW distance at 3 months with pLAT demonstrating a slightly higher responder rate based on CCS (P = 0.56). pLAT should be considered at minimum as equivalent in patients with no intrinsic conduction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) often report walking limitations even when the gold standard Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) indicates normal walking endurance/autonomy. The present multicenter study on early-stage PwMS aims at analyzing which aspects are associated with patient-reported walking limitations measured with the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12). METHODS Eighty-two PwMS (EDSS ≤ 2.5) were assessed using the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale-short (FAB-s), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the 6-min Walk Test (6MWT), the latter administered also to 21 healthy subjects. Participants performed the 6MWT wearing three inertial sensors on ankles and trunk. Instrumented metrics describing gait velocity (stride length and frequency) and quality (regularity, symmetry, instability) were computed from sensor data. Fatigue (FSS), balance (FAB-s), walking endurance (6MWT) and instrumented metrics were entered in a multiple regression model with MSWS-12 as dependent variable. RESULTS Gait symmetry, gait instability, fatigue and balance were significantly associated with self-rated walking ability, whilst walking endurance and velocity were not. Fatigue, balance, gait symmetry and instability were more impaired in participants reporting mild-to-moderate (MSMM-PWL , 25 ≤ MSWS-12

Malnutrition in gastric cancer patients with normal body mass index (BMI) is often ignored. This study aimed to explore the role of sarcopenia in predicting postoperative complication and long-term survival in gastric cancer patients with normal BMI. We included patients with normal BMI (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI ＜ 23 kg/m2 ) who underwent radical gastrectomy between July 2014 and December 2016. Sarcopenia was assessed by muscle mass, handgrip strength, and gait speed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the association between sarcopenia and the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors contributing to postoperative complications and long-term survival. Overall, 267 gastric cancer patients with normal BMI were included in this study; of which, 49 (18.35%) patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia patients had higher incidence of a major postoperative complication, longer postoperative hospital stays, and greater hospital costs. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that sarcopenia patients had poorer overall survival than non-sarcopenia patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that sarcopenia was an independent predictor for postoperative complication and long-term survival in such patients. Sarcopenia is an independent predictor for postoperative complication and long-term survival in patients with normal BMI after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We recommend that patients with normal BMI should perform nutritional risk screening by sarcopenia.

Gait speed is a measure of health and functioning. Physical and cognitive determinants of gait are amenable to interventions, but best practices remain unclear. We investigated the effects of a 12-month physical and cognitive training (PTCT) on gait speed, dual-task cost in gait speed, and executive functions (EFs) compared with physical training (PT) (ISRCTN52388040). Community-dwelling older adults, who did not meet physical activity recommendations, were recruited (n = 314). PT included supervised walking/balance (once weekly) and resistance/balance training (once weekly), home exercises (2-3 times weekly), and moderate aerobic activity 150 min/week in bouts of >10 min. PTCT included the PT and computer training (CT) on EFs 15-20 min, 3-4 times weekly. The primary outcome was gait speed. Secondary outcomes were 6-min walking distance, dual-task cost in gait speed, and EF (Stroop and Trail Making B-A). The trial was completed by 93% of the participants (age 74.5 [SD3.8] years; 60% women). Mean adherence to supervised sessions was 59%-72% in PT and 62%-77% in PTCT. Home exercises and CT were performed on average 1.9 times/week. Weekly minutes spent in aerobic activities were 188 (median 169) in PT and 207 (median 180) in PTCT. No significant interactions were observed for gait speed (PTCT-PT, 0.02; 95%CI -0.03, 0.08), walking distance (-3.8; -16.9, 9.3) or dual-task cost (-0.22; -1.74, 1.30). Stroop improvement was greater after PTCT than PT (-6.9; -13.0, -0.8). Complementing physical training with EFs training is not essential for promotion of gait speed. For EF's, complementing physical training with targeted cognitive training provides additional benefit.

Aims This study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline 6 min walk test distance (6MWTD) on time to major cardiovascular (CV) events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and its impact in clinically relevant subgroups. Methods and results In the WARCEF (Warfarin versus Aspirin in Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction) trial, 6MWTD at baseline was available in 2102 HFrEF patients. Median follow‐up was 3.4 years. All‐cause death and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) exhibited a significant non‐linear relationship with 6MWTD (P = 0.023 and 0.032, respectively), whereas a significant association between 6MWTD and CV death was shown in a linear model [hazard ratio (HR) per 10 m increase, 0.989; P = 0.011]. In linear splines with the best cut‐off point at 200 m, the positive effect of a longer 6MWTD on all‐cause death and HFH was only observed for 6MWTD > 200 m (HR per 10 m increase, 0.987; P = 0.0036 and 0.986; P = 0.0022, respectively). The associations between 6MWTD and CV outcomes were consistent across clinical subgroups; for age, a significant relationship between 6MWTD and HFH was observed in patients ≥60 years (HR per 10 m increase, 0.98; P

OBJECTIVE The objective is to characterize the presence of malnutrition, examine the association between malnutrition and baseline functional capacity (FC), and the extent to which patients benefit from preoperative multimodal prehabilitation in patients undergoing lung resection for cancer. METHODS Data from 162 participants enrolled in multimodal prehabilitation or control before lung cancer surgery were analyzed. Malnutrition was measured using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) according to triage levels: low-nutrition-risk (PG-SGA 0-3), moderate-nutrition-risk (4-8) and high-nutrition-risk (≥9). Baseline differences in FC, measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), were compared. Factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to examine the effect of nutrition status and intervention on mean change in 6MWT preoperatively. RESULTS 51.2% patients were considered low-nutrition-risk, 37.7% moderate-nutrition-risk, and 11.1% high-nutrition-risk. Low-nutrition-risk patients had significantly higher 6MWT at baseline (mean of 484 m [standard deviation (SD) = 88]) compared with moderate-nutrition-risk (432 m [SD = 107], P = .005) and high-nutrition-risk groups (416 m [SD = 90], P = .022). The adjusted mean change in 6MWT between prehabilitation vs control was 18.1 (95% confidence interval, 3.8 to 32.3) vs 5.6 m (-14.1 to 25.4) in low-nutrition-risk (P = .309), 28.5 (11 to 46) vs -4 m (-31.3 to 23.4) in moderate-nutrition-risk (P = .053), and 58.9 (16.7 to 101.2) vs -39.7 m (-80.2 to 0.826) in high-nutrition-risk group (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS Lung cancer patients at high-nutrition-risk awaiting surgery had significantly lower baseline FC compared with low-nutrition-risk patients but experienced significant improvements in preoperative FC upon receiving multimodal prehabilitation.

Objective Data on the magnitude of benefit of modern therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in connective tissue disease (CTD)–associated PAH are limited. In this study, we performed meta‐analyses of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and registries to quantify the benefit of these modern therapies in patients with CTD‐PAH. Methods The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles reporting data from RCTs or registries published between January 1, 2000 and November 25, 2019. Eligibility criteria included multicenter studies with ≥30 CTD‐PAH patients. For an RCT to be included, the trial had to evaluate an approved PAH therapy, and long‐term risks of clinical morbidity and mortality or 6‐minute walk distance had to be reported. For a registry to be included, survival rates had to be reported. Random‐effects models were used to pool the data. Results Eleven RCTs (total of 4,329 patients; 1,267 with CTD‐PAH) and 19 registries (total of 9,739 patients; 4,008 with CTD‐PAH) were included. Investigational therapy resulted in a 36% reduction in the risk of clinical morbidity/mortality events both in the overall PAH population (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.54, 0.75; P < 0.001) and in CTD‐PAH patients (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51, 0.81; P < 0.001) as compared to control subjects. The survival rate was lower in CTD‐PAH patients compared to all PAH patients (survival rate 62%, 95% CI 57, 67% versus 72%, 95% CI 69, 75% at 3 years). The survival rate in CTD‐PAH patients treated primarily after 2010 was higher than that in CTD‐PAH patients treated before 2010 (survival rate 73%, 95% CI 62, 81% versus 65%, 95% CI 59, 71% at 3 years). Conclusion Modern therapy provides a similar reduction in morbidity/mortality risk in patients with CTD‐PAH when compared to the PAH population overall. Risk of death is higher in CTD‐PAH patients than in those with PAH overall, but survival has improved in the last 10 years, which may be related to increased screening and/or new treatment approaches. Early detection of PAH in patients with CTD and up‐front intensive treatment are warranted.

Aims The aim of our study was to analyse the benefits of a 9 week hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR) programme in heart failure (HF) patients according to aetiology, as a subanalysis of the Telerehabilitation in Heart Failure Patients (TELEREH‐HF) trial. Methods and results Overall, 555 (65.3%) patients with ischaemic (IS) and 295 (34.7%) patients with non‐ischaemic (NIS) HF aetiology were randomized. There were no differences between the effect of HCTR and usual care (UC) on the primary outcome of number of days alive and out of the hospital in 26 months from the time of randomization in either aetiology (Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test), and no heterogeneity of effect between the aetiologies was noted (van Elteren test, P = 0.746). In Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, treatment was not independently associated with the secondary outcomes. For all‐cause mortality, the adjusted hazard ratio for HCTR vs. UC was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.54–1.51) in IS and 1.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.69–2.94) in NIS (P interaction = 0.316). Differences between HCTR and UC in terms of change in the 6 min walk test distance and cardiopulmonary exercise test time after 9 weeks reached statistical significance in the IS arm (P = 0.015 and P

Objective To characterize the clinical presentation of sleep-disordered breathing and respiratory patterns at rest and during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in children with rapid-onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome. Methods Retrospective study of children with ROHHAD who had a diagnostic baseline polysomnography, daytime cardiorespiratory monitoring at rest and a 6MWT. Polysomnography data were also compared with BMI-, age- and sex-matched controls. Results Of the 8 children with ROHHAD, all 8 (100%) had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 2/8 (25%) had nocturnal hypoventilation on their baseline polysomnography. Comparing the ROHHAD group to the control group, there were no significant differences in the median [IQR] obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI) (11.1 [4.3-58.4] vs 14.4 [10.3-23.3] events/hour, respectively; p=0.78). However, children with ROHHAD showed a significantly higher desaturation index compared to the control group (37.9 [13.7-59.8] vs 14.7 [4.3-27.6] events/hour; p=0.05). While awake at rest, some children with ROHHAD experienced significant desaturations associated with central pauses. During the 6MWT, no significant desaturations were observed, but two children showed moderate functional limitation. Conclusions Among children with ROHHAD, respiratory instability may be demonstrated by a significant number and severity of oxygen desaturations during sleep in the presence of OSA, with or without nocturnal hypoventilation, and oxygen desaturations with central pauses at rest during wakefulness. Interestingly, during daily activities that require submaximal effort, children may not experience oxygen desaturations. Early recognition of respiratory abnormalities and targeted therapeutic interventions are important to limit associated morbidity and mortality in ROHHAD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Accurate estimates of clinically important difference (CID) are required for interpreting the clinical importance of treatments to improve physical function, but CID estimates vary in different disease populations. AIMS: We determined the CID of 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and physical function component (PF10) of Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 in mobility-limited older men using the Testosterone Trials (TTrials) data. METHODS: TTrials participants (n=429) with mobility limitation and gait speed

Aims To investigate the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness with cardiac, vascular, renal and cardiorenal characteristics in chronic heart failure in a telerehabilitation randomized clinical trial. Secondly, to evaluate the associations of cardiorenal syndrome with the effects of exercise. 2peak) measurement and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Baseline VO2peak and 6MWT distance was 0.85 mL*min-1 *kg-1 lower and 20 m shorter per 10 mL/min/1.73m2 lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (both P < 0.001). Heart failure patients with cardiorenal syndrome had 3.5 (1.1) mL*min-1 *kg-1 lower VO2peak and diastolic dysfunction grade 2–3, and elevated filling pressure was >50% more common compared with those without (all P < 0.05). At the 3-month post-intervention follow-up, only the non-CRS patients in the intervention group increased VO2peak (0.73 (0.51) mL*min-1 *kg-1 ), whereas VO2peak in the CRS subpopulation of controls decreased (-1.34 (0.43) mL*min-1 *kg-1 ). Cardiorenal syndrome was associated with a decrease in VO2peak in CRS patients compared with non-CRS patients, -0.91 (0.31) vs. 0.39 (0.35) mL*min-1 *kg-1 respectively, P = 0.013. Conclusions Cardiorenal syndrome was negatively associated with VO2peak and 6MWT distance in chronic HF, and the associations were stronger than for heart failure phenotypes and other characteristics. The effect of exercise was negatively associated with cardiorenal syndrome. Exercise seems to be as important in heart failure patients with cardiorenal syndrome, and future studies should include CRS patients to reveal the most beneficial type of exercise.

Background and Aim Dynamic hyperinflation (DH) is a major contributor to exercise intolerance in patients with obstructive lung diseases. However, it has not been investigated in children with bronchiectasis (BE). We aimed to investigate dynamic ventilatory responses and their influence on functional exercise capacity in children with BE. Methods Forty children with BE (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] = 78 +/- 19%pred) were included. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) was conducted using Spiropalm 6MWT (R) for evaluating dynamic ventilatory responses including inspiratory capacity (IC), minute ventilation (VE), breathing reserve (BR) and respiratory rate (RR). A decrease of >= 100 ml in IC during exertion was defined as DH. Also, spirometry was performed, and peripheral muscle strength were measured. Results Twenty patients (50%) developed DH, and four patients (10%) were ventilatory limited (BR < %30) during 6MWT. There was a 176 [100-590] ml decrease in IC after exertion in patients with DH. DH did not correlate to clinical or functional indicators of the disease, except for an increase in RR ( increment RR) during exertion. High increment RR was associated with presence of DH (r(pb)= 0.390; p < 0.05). Clinical features, peripheral muscle strength, and Spiropalm 6MWT metrics including 6MWT distance did not differ between patients with and without DH. Univariate analysis revealed FVC% (R = 0.340), VEpeak (R = 0.565), quadriceps strength (R = 0.698) and handgrip strength (R = 0.711) were the only predictors of 6MWT distance (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although DH is common in children with BE, the severity of DH is rather low and may not seem to affect functional exercise capacity. However, peripheral muscle strength was a major contributor to functional exercise capacity.

INTRODUCTION A prolonged mismatch between the demand for respiratory muscle work and the capacity to meet that demand in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result in symptoms of dyspnea and the development of muscle fatigue. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare two different respiratory muscle endurance assessment methods of sustainable inspiratory pressure (SIP) and incremental threshold loading (ITL) in COPD. METHODS Thirty-four patients diagnosed with COPD were included in the study. Physical and demographic characteristics of the subjects were recorded. Pulmonary function testing (PFT), modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale, COPD assessment test, inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP, respectively) measurement and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to assess subjects. Two different respiratory muscle endurance tests (SIP and ITL) were performed within 48 hours apart, and each test was repeated two times on the same day. RESULTS There was no correlation between the SIP and ITL tests (r = 0.069, P = .699). According to the test-retest reliability analysis, both tests were reproducible (ICC = 0.843; P < .001 for SIP, ICC = 0.905; P < .001 for ITL). Finding no differences between repeated tests showed that tests are not affected by learning effect. CONCLUSION The SIP and ITL tests are used for the same purpose but have different characteristics. Regarding the relationship between the other parameters and tests, the ITL is well tolerated and reflects the differences in respiratory muscle endurance better.

BACKGROUND Nephropathic cystinosis is a lysosomal storage disorder with late-onset systemic complications, such as myopathy and dysphagia. Currently employed outcome measures lack sensitivity and responsiveness for dysphagia and myopathy, a limitation to clinical trial readiness. METHODS We evaluated 20 patients with nephropathic cystinosis in two visits over the course of a year to identify outcomes sensitive to detect changes over time. Patients also underwent an expiratory muscle strength training program to assess any effects on aspiration and dysphagia. RESULTS There were significant differences in the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Timed 25-Foot Walk (25-FW) between baseline and 1-y follow-up (P

To examine whether simple mobility assessments can predict functional limitations and length of hospitalization after acoustic neuroma (AN) resection.Prospective case series.A prospective clinical study of adult patients undergoing AN resection by either the translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid, or middle fossa approach was conducted at a tertiary center. Preoperative mobility assessments included the functional gait assessment (FGA) and the 10-m walk (10 MW). Postoperatively, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AMPAC, at 48 hours), FGA, and 10 MW (at 1 week) were obtained. Demographic and medical data were collected.One hundred and thirty-eight patients were analyzed (mean age: 48.3 years, 68.8% female). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 3.1 days. The translabyrinthine approach was most commonly performed (48.6%). On regression analyses, preoperative FGA (P = 0.03) and 48-hour postoperative AM-PAC (P 0.001) independently predicted LOS, even after accounting for age, gender, body mass index, and tumor size. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, a preoperative FGA cut score of 25.5 predicted a protracted hospital stay (4 days) with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 50% (area under curve: 68.5).This study demonstrated that preoperative mobility assessments can predict functional limitations and LOS after AN resection. These objective tools can be used by clinicians to manage expectations and guide preoperative counseling in patients considering surgery.3 Laryngoscope, 131:644-648, 2021.

Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders with an impaired quality of life in association with fatigue, pain, and kinesiophobia. A retrospective evaluation of the effects of an outpatient rehabilitation program (RP) was performed in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobile type (hEDS) patients. The 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) was used to evaluate functional capacity. Kinesiophobia, fatigue, pain, and quality of life were self‐evaluated at the start, at the end, and 6 weeks after the end of the RP. The retrospective analysis of patients' records showed significant improvement for the walked distance during the 6MWT (491.8 ± 72.5 vs. 439.4 ± 100.9 m) maintained at 6‐week follow‐up (p = .001), significant improvement for kinesiophobia (p = .033) and the impact of fatigue on activity (p = .01), and significant increase for quality of life with in particular improvements of vitality (p = .001). This retrospective study showed encouraging results of a RP for hEDS patients on functional capacity and quality of life, and prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to confirm them.

Introduction In clinical practice, observational scales are the most common approach used to assess gait pattern in people with neurological disorders. The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) is an observational gait scale, and it has proved to be the most comprehensive, homogeneous, and objective of all the observational gait scales studied in people with neurological conditions. Objective To study the construct validity of the GAIT in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design An observational study was conducted. Setting Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in Madrid (Spain). Patients Thirty-five patients with MS were assessed. Main outcome measure(s) GAIT construct validity was assessed using the following scales: Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA), Tinetti Gait Scale (TGS), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), Timed Up&Go (TUG), Hauser Ambulatory Index (HAI), Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI). Results A total of 35 subjects with MS were assessed. The correlations between the GAIT and the RVGA were excellent (r > .90) and moderate with TGS (values between -.62 and -.59). Correlations with HAI, FGA, MSWS-12, and RMI were moderate (with values between .57 and .67). Correlations were lower for the velocity scales TUG and MAS. Conclusions The construct validity of the GAIT is high, as a measure of gait coordination in people with MS. Specifically, there was excellent correlation with the RVGA. There was a moderate correlation for the GAIT with measures of functional mobility, but a lesser correlation of the GAIT with measures restricted to temporal gait characteristics (speed measures) or measurements of impairments underlying gait patterns such as balance or muscle tone.

Objective: As myotonic dystrophy type 1(DM1) evolves slowly and interventional trials often have a short duration, responsive outcomes in DM1 are needed. The objective of this study was to determine the responsiveness of muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility measurements after a 1-year follow-up period in individuals with DM1. Methods: Sixty-three adults with noncongenital DM1 completed the following assessments at baseline and at 1-year follow-up: Handheld dynamometry (lower limbs), stationary dynamometry (lower limbs), step test, timed-up-and-go test (TUG), modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance (mCTSIB), feet-together stance, tandem stance, one-leg stance, 10-meter walk test, and sit-to-stand test. Results: Change was captured by stationary dynamometry (proximal flexor and extensor muscles), handheld dynamometry (proximal flexor and distal extensor muscles), TUG, and mCTSIB (P ≤ 0.04). Ceiling or floor effects were shown for most static balance tests. Interpretation: Overall, adequate responsiveness was shown for both muscle strength dynamometers, TUG and mCTSIB. These outcomes are therefore likely candidate endpoints for clinical trials lasting 1 year. Most static balance tests are not responsive and not recommended in a heterogeneous DM1 population.

The six-minute walk test is widely used to assess the severity and prognosis of pulmonary hypertension. However, the pathophysiology underlying a compromised six-minute walk distance is incompletely characterized. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Fick principle and pulmonary hemodynamic determinants of the six-minute walk distance in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension. Twenty-nine patients were retrospectively studied and underwent a right heart catheterization for the evaluation of suspected pulmonary hypertension. With the pulmonary artery catheter in place, patients were moved to a treadmill and completed a six-minute walk test. Fick cardiac output and indices of right heart afterload were calculated using continuous measurements of pulmonary vascular pressures, gas exchange, and mixed venous blood samples. Fifteen subjects who walked ≤ 348 m were compared to 14 subjects who walked > 348 m. Systemic oxygen delivery was impaired in six-minute walk distance ≤ 348 m compared to six-minute walk distance > 348 m (15.2 ± 6.2 vs. 23.2 ± 6.8 mL/kg/min, p

Background Group and home-based exercises to improve function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are common but have little underpinning evidence. Objective To determine the comparative effectiveness of a center-based group versus home-based individual 8-week exercise program to improve gait and balance in people with MS. Design Prospective, randomized controlled trial. Setting Community center-based and home-based exercise program. Participants Fifty people with MS were randomized and completed allocated intervention (n = 26 center, n = 24 home), 47 completed post-assessment and 44 follow-up assessment. Methods The center- and home-based groups completed an 8-week progressive functional and balance training exercise program. The center-based groups of four to six were supervised by a physiotherapist. The home-based group was provided with telephone support. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome was gait speed (10-meter walk test). Secondary outcomes were gait endurance (6-minute walk test) and balance (Berg Balance Scale). Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately postintervention and at 8-week follow-up. Results There was no statistically significant difference between groups in gait speed post training, with a mean difference of 0.01 m/s, 95% CI −0.36 to 0.37. There were no group effects, time effects, or interactions for gait speed, endurance, or balance. In both groups, gait speed improved to a level that met minimal clinically important differences. Conclusions Gait speed, endurance, and balance did not statistically improve in either group; however, gait speed changes met minimally important differences.

Aim To develop a 6-minute walk-distance (6MWD) reference equation for children and adolescents with obesity, and to assess its determinant factors. Methods A cross-sectional study using mixed linear and multiple regression models was conducted in 497 children (235 girls and 262 boys) aged 6-18 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 97th percentile. Anthropometrics and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed. Results Mean 6MWD was 547 ± 86 m for girls and 575 ± 96 m for boys, which averaged ~80% of a reference normal-weight population matched for age and ethnicity. Age, weight and BMI were positively correlated with 6MWD whereas waist and hip circumferences (WC and HC, respectively) were negatively correlated with 6MWD for both genders. The combination of age, height, BMI and HC explained 69% of the 6MWD variability in the equation for the whole population. Moreover, the combination of age, height, HC as well as the combination of age, height, BMI and WC explained 67% and 75% of the variability in the girls' and boys' equations, respectively. Conclusion This 6MWD reference equation, which was influenced by abdominal obesity markers in a gender-specific way, extends and enhances scientific knowledge and provides useful predictive tools for the care of obese children.

AIMS This study examined the effects of the starting position, distance and ending point on walking speed in older adults with both the usual and maximum walking speeds. METHODS In total, 101 older community-dwellers aged between 60 and 74 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were instructed to walk two distances (i.e., 10 and 25 m) at usual and maximum speeds twice. The paired t-test was used to examine the effects of starting positions (static start vs. dynamic start) and ending points (known vs. unknown ending point) on walking speed. Analysis of variance was used to explore walking speed differences among 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20 and 25 m walking tests. RESULTS Differences in walking speed between static start and dynamic start became larger with a decrease in the walking distance (Cohen's d: 4 m > 6 m > 10 m), and differences were larger in tests at the maximum walking speed (Cohen's d = 0.28-0.85) compared with those at usual walking speed (Cohen's d = 0.21-0.67). The walking speed increased with distance, but no significant changes were found among 10, 15, 20 and 25 m tests at the usual speed. Trivial speed differences were observed in walking speed between known (mean = 1.23-1.82 m/s) and unknown ending points (mean = 1.27-1.86 m/s; Cohen's d

Arslan, Ugur/0000-0001-8572-3571; Yenercag, Mustafa/0000-0002-0933-7852 WOS: 000524288900001 PubMed: 32198929 Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an important and effective therapy for end-stage heart failure (HF). Nonresponse to CRT is one of the main obstacles to its application in clinical practice. Herein, we investigated the utilization of the optimization technique using noninvasive cardiac output measurement (NICOM) based Mobil-O-Graph device that measures several circulation parameters noninvasively. Methods Seventy-five CRT nonresponder HF patients with an implanted CRT device were included. Patients were randomized equally to 3 groups: NICOM, echocardiographic, and empirical optimization groups. After 3 months of optimization, changes in six minutes walk test (6-MWT), cardiac output (CO), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and end-systolic volume (LVESV) were measured. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and hospitalization for HF were also determined. Results There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of demographics, baseline characteristics. In the NICOM group, the 6-MWT, LVEF, CO, and LVESV measurements showed significant improvements compared to baseline values (P < .05). There was no significant improvement in 6-MWT, LVEF, CO, NYHA class, and LVESV in Echo and Empirical groups after 3 months (P > .05). 6-MWT, CO, LVESV percentages, and hospitalization for HF were significantly different between the groups (P < .05). In post hoc analyzes, the percentages of the change in 6-MWT, CO, LVESV, and hospitalization for HF were significantly higher in the NICOM group (P < .017). Conclusions This study suggests that Mobil-O-Graph device optimization according to CO measures does appear to have potential hemodynamic and clinical benefits in nonresponder CRT patients. Use of Mobil-O-Graph device as an option for optimization of CRT devices can be an attractive method of improving CRT outcomes.

INTRODUCTION People with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience exercise intolerance, dyspnoea and poor quality of life. However, the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in this group is unclear. OBJECTIVES This randomised controlled trial aimed to explore the effects of home-based PR in people with mild COPD. METHODS People with mild COPD (FEV1 /FVC 80%predicted) with a smoking history of ≥10 packet years were randomised to either 8 weeks of home-based PR (one home visit and seven once-weekly telephone calls) or standard care (weekly social telephone calls). Six minute walk distance (6MWD), and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC) and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) scores were compared. RESULTS A total of 58 participants (34 males, mean age 68 (SD 9) years, FEV1 %predicted 90 (7), 6MWD 496 (105) m) were included with 31 participants randomised to home-based PR. Participants attended an average of 6.8 of the 8 scheduled sessions, ranging from 3 to 8 sessions. Both groups showed improvements in exercise capacity, symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time, however there was no difference in 6MWD at end-intervention (mean difference -3 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) -64 to 58) or 6 months (7 m, 95% CI -59 to 72). At 6 months home-based PR participants were more likely to have clinically important improvements in CRQ emotional function (50% of home PR vs 0% control, P

INTRODUCTION The product (DSP) of the distance walked (meters) and minimum oxygen saturation obtained during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has been proposed as a predictor of mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the DSP's ability to predict mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the outpatient level and compare it to the BODE index and meters walked in the 6MWT. MATERIAL AND METHODS Descriptive observational study in a cohort of patients with COPD being treated at outpatient pulmonology clinics. Each of the patients completed the 6MWT following ATS/ERS protocols and their BODE index and DSP were calculated. RESULTS About 103 patients were included. The average length of follow-up was 36 months. Patients who died showed a lower number of meters walked in the 6MWT (P

PURPOSE We investigated the effectiveness, safety and compliance of Zheng's Supine Rehabilitation Exercise (ZSRE) as a rehabilitation programme among elderly patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS About 82 elderly patients with AECOPD were divided into a rehabilitation group and control group on their admission day, and both groups received routine medical treatment. Patients in the rehabilitation group started ZSRE on the second day of admission and continued until 8 weeks after discharge. RESULTS At the 9th week after discharge, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) in the rehabilitation group were all significantly better than those in the control group (P

Objectives Risk factors for motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), a predementia syndrome characterized by slow gait and cognitive complaints, have been identified, but few are reversible. Polypharmacy is a potentially reversible risk factor for cognitive decline, but the relationship between MCR and polypharmacy has not been examined. Our aim was to compare the epidemiology of MCR and polypharmacy. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Community-based Health and Retirement Study cohort. Participants A total of 1119 adults 65 years and older (mean age = 74.7 ± 7.0 y; 59% female). Measurements Polypharmacy is defined as the use of five or more regularly scheduled medications. MCR is defined as cognitive complaints and slow gait in an individual without dementia. Results The prevalence of MCR among 417 participants with polypharmacy was 10%; it was 6% among 702 participants without polypharmacy. The odds of meeting MCR criteria in those with polypharmacy was 1.8 (confidence interval = 1.0-3.0; P = .035) compared with those without polypharmacy, even after adjusting for high-risk medication use. Conclusion Our results show the coexistence of MCR and polypharmacy in older adults, suggesting a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1072-1077, 2020.

Background Dysphagia is reported in patients with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy. Our clinical experience suggests that, compared with Duchenne patients, impaired mastication and swallowing occur early in Becker patients relative to their skeletal muscle involvement. The aim of this study was to assess dysphagia in Duchenne and Becker patients in relation to ambulatory capacity. Methods In patients in the early ambulatory stage, clinical symptoms, quantitative muscle ultrasound of the orofacial muscles, and maximum bite force were assessed. The 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) was used to measure ambulatory capacity. Results Eleven Duchenne and 11 Becker patients were included. Although Becker patients had a greater 6MWT distance than Duchenne patients, the occurrence of mastication and swallowing difficulties was similar. The temporalis muscle was significantly thicker in Becker patients. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of dysphagia in both groups, even when ambulation is still well preserved.

Cardiovascular disease is up to 10 times more likely among childhood cancer survivors compared to siblings. Low cardiorespiratory fitness is a modifiable risk-factor for cardiovascular diseases. Yet, cardiorespiratory fitness is not routinely screened in pediatric oncology, and healthy VO2max cut-points are unavailable. We aimed to predict cardiorespiratory fitness by developing a simple algorithm and establish cut-points identifying survivors' cardiovascular fitness health-risk zones. We recruited 262 childhood cancer survivors (8-18 years old, ≥1-year posttreatment). Participants completed gold-standard cardiorespiratory fitness assessment (Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test [CPET; VO2max ]) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Associations with VO2max were included in a linear regression algorithm to predict VO2max , which was then cross-validated. We used Bland-Altman's limits of agreement and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves using FITNESSGRAM's "Healthy Fitness Zones" to identify cut-points for adequate cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of 199 participants (aged 13.7 ± 2.7 years, 8.5 ± 3.5 years posttreatment) were included. We found a strong positive correlation between VO2max and 6MWT distance (r = 0.61, r2 = 0.37, p

INTRODUCTION Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth cause of mortality and it's frequently associated with breathing sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to point out the benefit of smoking cessation over three months in terms of improvement of respiratory functional variables. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed evaluating the impact of smoking cessation on 145 patients with COPD and nocturnal oxygen desaturation. For this purpose, for all patients, overnight pulse oxymetry detection on room air, arterial blood sampling, plethysmography and exhaled test for carbon monoxide were performed at baseline and 3 months after the beginning. Smoking cessation was achieved by varenicline plus individual counselling. RESULTS About 51% of patients quit smoking which was established by exhaledcarbon monoxide (eCO) measure (cut-off 5 ppm). Patients who quit smoking displayed notably better results compared with patients who did not. The eCO significantly decreased by 16 ppm versus 4 (P = 0.01), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) was reduced by 3 points versus 0.8 (P = 0.01) and forced expiratory in 1 second volume increased by 7% of predicted value versus 1% (P = 0.01). The walking test was improved by 102 m versus 25 in sustainers (P = 0.01). The CAT score was also improved by 10 versus 8 in sustainers (P = 0.01) and PaO2 increased by 5 mm Hg versus 0.5 (P = 0.04). The percentage of SaO2

Aim: This study examined the associations of activity behaviors composition (sleep, sedentary time, light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) with adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness, and how isotemporal reallocations of time between activity behaviors are associated with differences in adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 130 women during midpregnancy. Activity behaviors, conceptualized as a 24-hours composition, were objectively assessed by multi-sensor monitors. Skinfold thickness, fat mass index, and body mass index were calculated as indicators of adiposity. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using a 6-minute walk test. Log-ratio multiple linear regression models and compositional isotemporal substitutions were used to analyze the associations and estimated differences in outcomes. Results: The activity composition was significantly associated with adiposity indicators (all P < .001) and cardiorespiratory fitness (P values from .025 to, Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla. Departamento de Deporte e Informática

Our objective was to establish the impact of wearing a face mask on the outcome of six-minute walk test in healthy volunteers. In a study of 20 healthy volunteers who each completed two 6MWTs, one with a mask and one without, there was no difference in distance walked. However, there was a significant difference in perception of dyspnea between the two groups.

Background Pulmonary transplantation is the final treatment option for people with end-stage respiratory diseases. Evidence suggests that exercise training may contribute to speeding up physical recovery in adults undergoing lung transplantation, helping to minimize or resolve impairments due to physical inactivity in both the pre- and post-transplant stages. However, there is a lack of detailed guidelines on how exercise training should be carried out in this specific sub-population. Objectives To determine the benefits and safety of exercise training in adult patients who have undergone lung transplantation, measuring the maximal and functional exercise capacity; health-related quality of life; adverse events; patient readmission; pulmonary function; muscular strength; pathological bone fractures; return to normal activities and death. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register up to 6 October 2020 using relevant search terms for this review. Studies in the CKTR are identified through CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE searches, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov . Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included comparing exercise training with usual care or no exercise training, or with another exercise training program in terms of dosage, modality, program length, or use of supporting exercise devices. The study population comprised of participants older than 18 yearswho underwent lung transplantation independent of their underlying respiratory pathology. Data collection and analysis Two authors independently reviewed all records identified by the search strategy and selected studies that met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. In the first instance, the disagreements were resolved by consensus, and if this was not possible the decision was taken by a third reviewer. The same reviewers independently extracted outcome data from included studies and assessed risk of bias. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Main results Eight RCTs (438 participants) were included in this review. The median sample size was 60 participants with a range from 16 to 83 participants. The mean age of participants was 54.9 years and 51.9% of the participants were male. The median duration of the exercise training programs for the groups undergoing the intervention was 13 weeks, and the median duration of training in the active control groups was four weeks. Overall the risk of bias was considered to be high, mainly due to the inability to blind the study participants and the selective reporting of the results. Due to small number of studies included in this review, and the heterogeneity of the intervention and outcomes, we did not obtain a summary estimate of the results. Two studies comparing resistance exercise training with no exercise reported increases in muscle strength and bone mineral density (surrogate outcomes for pathological bone fractures) with exercise training (P > 0.05), but no differences in adverse events. Exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pulmonary function, and death (any cause) were not reported. Three studies compared two different resistant training programs. Two studies comparing squats using a vibration platform (WBVT) compared to squats on the floor reported an improvement in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (28.4 metres, 95% CI 3 to 53.7; P = 0.029; and 28.3 metres, 95% CI 10.0 to 46.6; P < 0.05) with the WBVT. Supervised upper limb exercise (SULP) program improved 6MWT at 6 months compared to no supervised upper limb exercise (NULP) (SULP group: 561.2 +/- 83.6 metres; NULP group: 503.5 +/- 115.2 metres; P = 0.01). There were no differences in HRQoL, adverse events, muscular strength, or death (any cause). Pulmonary function and pathological bone fractures were not reported. Two studies comparing multimodal exercise training with no exercise reported improvement in 6MWT at 3 months (P = 0.008) and at 12-months post-transplant (P = 0.002) and muscular strength (quadriceps force (P = 0.001); maximum leg press (P = 0.047)) with multimodal exercise, but no improvement in HRQoL, adverse events, pulmonary function, pathological bone fractures (lumbar T-score), or death (any cause). One study comparing the same multimodal exercise programs given over 7 and 14 weeks reported no differences in 6MWT, HRQoL, adverse events, pulmonary function, muscle strength, or death (any cause). Pathological bone fractures were not reported. According to GRADE criteria, we rated the certainty of the evidence as very low, mainly due to the high risk of bias and serious imprecision. Authors' conclusions In adults undergoing lung transplantation the evidence about the effects of exercise training is very uncertain in terms of maximal and functional exercise capacity, HRQoL and safety, due to very imprecise estimates of effects and high risk of bias.