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Introdução: Cerca de 31% dos pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 perdem mais de 5% de seu peso inicial, levando a fraqueza muscular. Portanto, a composição corporal tornou-se foco de investigação, para estimar comprometimento pulmonar, força da musculatura inspiratória e mortalidade. Objetivos: Investigar se a perda de peso e a composição corporal de pacientes internados com COVID-19 influenciam na função pulmonar e na força muscular inspiratória após alta hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo transversal. Pacientes adultos foram avaliados após internação por COVID-19. Os desfechos avaliados foram função pulmonar, pressão inspiratória máxima (Pimáx), composição corporal e mortalidade. As correlações entre as variáveis foram estimadas pelo Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson. Resultados: A capacidade Vital Forçada (CVF) foi correlacionada com perda de peso, massa muscular esquelética, massa magra, perna esquerda e massa livre de gordura; o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) correlacionou-se apenas com a perda de peso; e a Pimáx foi correlacionada com massa muscular esquelética, massa magra, perna esquerda, perna direita e massa livre de gordura. Conclusão: Observou-se correlação moderada entre CVF e as variáveis de composição corporal analisadas, exceto massa magra da perna esquerda; entre VEF1 e perda de peso; e entre Pimáx e as variáveis de composição corporal analisadas, exceto perda de peso.

To analyze functional recovery groups of critically ill COVID-19 survivors during their hospital stay and to identify the associated factors.Prospective observational multicenter study.Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic variables were collected, and physical and functional status were evaluated. The Barthel index was evaluated at three time points: 15 days before hospitalization, at ICU discharge, and at hospital discharge from the ward.Patients with functional independence before COVID-19 diagnosis were recruited from four hospitals and followed up until hospital discharge.Three groups of functional recovery were described for 328 patients: functional independence ( n = 144; 44%), which included patients who preserved their functional status during hospitalization; recovered functionality ( n = 109; 33.2%), which included patients who showed dependence at ICU discharge but recovered their independence by hospital discharge; and functional dependency ( n = 75; 22.8%), which included patients who were dependent at ICU discharge and had not recovered their functional status at hospital discharge. The factors associated with becoming functionally dependent at ICU discharge were time to out-of-bed patient mobilization (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.11-1.29), age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), hyperglycemia (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.56-4.07), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (OR, 1.022; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04). Recovery to baseline independence during ward stays was associated with ICU length of stay (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99) and muscle strength (Medical Research Council test) at ICU discharge (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08-1.18).Age, hyperglycemia, and time for patient mobilization out of bed were independent factors associated with becoming physically dependent after their ICU stay. Recovery of physical function at hospital discharge was associated with muscle strength at ICU discharge and length of ICU stay.

Subjects with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) that reduces ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity. However, no therapeutic intervention has focused on reducing TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elastic tape (ET) on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea symptoms, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPD. This crossover, randomized trial included nonobese males with severe to very severe COPD. ET was placed on the chest wall and abdomen to reduce TAA. Subjects were evaluated at three hospital visits, each 7 days apart. At visit 1, thoracoabdominal kinematic and pulmonary ventilation were evaluated by optoelectronic plethysmography and electrical impedance tomography, respectively, both at rest and during isoload exercise testing. At visit 2, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET; 10 W/min) was performed until exhaustion. Between the visits, subjects used a physical activity monitor (PAM) (at least 5 days of measurement; 10 h/day). At visit 3, all the tests were repeated in the opposite order of the previous randomization. During the isoload exercise, subjects with ET presented lower tidal and minute volumes (P = 0.01) and reduced TAA (P = 0.02) and dyspnea (P = 0.04). During the CPET, subjects with ET presented an increase in peak oxygen consumption (Vo2peak; L/min and mL·kg-1·min-1; P = 0.01), test duration (P = 0.009), and maximal load (P = 0.03). Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which was evaluated by the PAM, was also increased in subjects with ET (P = 0.01). ET reduced TAA and dyspnea and increased exercise capacity and the duration of MVPA in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPDNEW & NOTEWORTHY Elastic tape can be used as a new and low-cost intervention to reduce thoracoabdominal asynchrony and sedentary behavior as well as improve exercise capacity and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Physical activity level and fitness condition seem to be related with pulmonary surgical risk in thoracic and cardiac surgeries; however, in abdominal surgery this relation is not clear. Objective: To compare the physical activity level in daily life and during hospitalization before surgery between patients who developed and did not develop postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after abdominal surgery and to relate to this outcome. Methods: This prospective cohort enrolled 191 hospitalized candidates (52 ± 14yrs; BMI = 29 ± 11 kg/m2) for upper abdominal surgery. Two different tools related to two distinct moments were used to assess preoperatively the physical activity level. First, to assess life physical activity level, the questionnaire Human Activity Profile (HAP) was administered for all patients. During hospitalization, the accelerometry was performed during 4 consecutive days to assess the time in activity. In addition, lung function, muscle strength and resting energy expenditure were assessed. PPC (pneumonia, atelectasis or severe hypoxemia) were checked until discharge. Multivariate analyses were used. Results: 92% of patients were classified as moderately to physically active in daily life. During hospitalization, patients were inactive during 90% ± 5% of time. There was no association with HAP score and acelerometry. 10.5% of patients developed PPC. Being physically active in daily life and during hospitalization have a protective effect against PPC. Our results show that the physical activity behavior in hospital do not reflect the daily life even in patients not restricted to bed and on preoperative period, patients physically actives on daily life and during hospitalization present less chance to develop PPC after abdominal surgery.Keywords: surgery, physical activity, postoperative complication, pneumonia, accelerometry, hospitalization.

Introduction: Patients receiving cardiac surgeries present high risk of developing postoperative complications. Incentive spirometry (IS) is used for the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. Publications have suggested that IS is ineffective. In contrast, some studies have shown that when IS is adequately used, it may lead to beneficial outcomes. Objectives: To assess the effect of IS in patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. Methods/design: Systematic Reviews with randomised and quasi-randomised trials with adult patients undergoing cardiac surgeries, evaluating the effect of flow or volume-oriented IS. Outcome measures: postoperative pulmonary complications; adverse events; mortality; length of hospital stay; length of intensive care unit stay; reintubation rate; pulmonary function; antibiotic use; oxygenation; and respiratory muscle strength. Search: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, LILACS, SCIELO, Allied, AMED, Scopus, Open Grey database, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, clinicaltrialsregister.eu, and ReBec. Two authors will independently extract data. PEDro scale will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Meta-analysis will be performed using the inverse variance method and the random effects model in RevMan 5.3. We will use the I2 statistic to estimate the amount of heterogeneity across studies in each meta-analysis. Ethics and dissemination: The approval of an ethical committee is not required. Only clinical trials that have complied with ethical guidelines and followed the Declaration of Helsinki, will be included in this systematic review. The findings of this study will help clarify uncertainties about the effects of incentive spirometry in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery and may be disseminated to clinicians, assisting in decision making and including the best evidence in the treatment of their patients. Discussion: This review will clarify the uncertainty over whether IS is a useful technique for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries. While good quality studies have shown IS is an effective prophylactic technique, other studies have suggested that there is no evidence to support IS utilization.Keywords: incentive spirometry, cardiac surgery, postoperative.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate whether limitation during the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) was associated with life-space mobility in older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to generate a regression model for life-space mobility score. Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study with a convenience sample included older people (aged ≥60 years old) with COPD. We assessed participants' lung function (spirometry), life-space mobility (University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment questionnaire), severity of dyspnea (Modified Dyspnea Index) and limitation during the performance of ADL (London Chest Activity of Daily Living). We used Pearson's correlation to investigate the associations between the measures, and multiple linear regression to detect which of the measures influenced life-space mobility. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results Fifty participants completed all the assessments (29 females [58%]; mean ± SD age of 67 ± 6 years old, FEV1 47 ± 29% of predicted, and body mass index 22.5 ± 11.6 kg/m2). Their mean scores for life-space mobility and for limitation during the performance of ADL were 49.7 ± 27.2 and 16.46 ± 9.74, respectively. We found a strong inverse correlation between limitation during the performance of ADL and life-space mobility (r = -0.57, p =

Questions: In patients with a collection of fluid in the pleural space, do mobilisation and respiratory techniques: shorten the drainage period and length of hospital stay; improve respiratory function and oxygenation; and prevent pulmonary complications? Does the addition of positive airway pressure to this regimen further improve the effects? Design: Randomised controlled trial with three intervention arms, concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis and blinded assessment. Participants: One hundred and fifty-six inpatients with a fluid collection in the pleural space and with chest drainage in situ. Intervention: Participants received usual care and were randomly assigned to: a control group that also received sham positive airway pressure (4 cmH2O) only (Con); an experimental group that received incentive spirometry, airway clearance, mobilisation and the same sham positive pressure (Exp1); or an experimental group that received the Exp1 regimen except that the positive airway pressure was 15 cmH2O (Exp2). Treatments were provided three times per day for 7 days. Outcome measures: Days of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications and adverse events were recorded until hospital discharge. Costs in each group were estimated. Results: The Exp2 group had shorter duration of chest tube drainage and length of hospital stay compared with the Exp1 and Con groups. In addition, the Exp2 group had less antibiotic use (18% versus 43% versus 55%) and pneumonia incidence (0% versus 16% versus 20%) compared with the Exp1 and Con groups (all p < 0.01). The groups had similar rates of adverse events (10% versus 2% versus 6%, p > 0.05). Total treatment costs were lower in the Exp2 group than in the Exp1 and Con groups. Conclusions: In patients with a fluid collection in the pleural space, the addition of positive pressure to mobilisation and respiratory techniques decreased the duration of thoracic drainage, length of hospital stay, pulmonary complications, antibiotic use and treatment costs. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02246946. Key words: Pleural effusion, Chest drain, Respiratory care, Physical therapy, Clinical trial

Introduction: Major surgeries are highly complex procedures and have a higher incidence of respiratory morbidity and mortality compared to other types of surgery. Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) are common after such surgeries and are associated with increased hospital stay, health care costs and surgical patient mortality. Objective: To investigate the most commonly used physical therapy techniques for the prevention and treatment of PPC among thoracic and abdominal surgery patients in all regions of Brazil. Methods: A total of 489 randomly selected physiotherapists who provided perioperative care for patients undergoing elective abdominal, thoracic or cardiac surgeries participated in this study. A questionnaire with nine questions about routine care and therapeutic choices for the surgical population was developed and assessed by 10 specialists before being administered to the physiotherapists. Results: Among the physiotherapists (63% with at least 5 years of experience with surgical patients), 50.9% considered the patient’s surgical risk in their treatment either always or often. A total of 53.8% patients were treated by the physiotherapist following a physician’s prescription. The most mentioned physical therapy techniques used to prevent PPC were postoperative mobilization/exercises (59.3%), postoperative lung expansion (52.8%), and preoperative advice (50.7%). In addition, 80.6% of the physiotherapists believe that incentive spirometry prevents PPC, while 72.8% expected this effect from positive airway pressure devices. Conclusion: Most physiotherapists in Brazil who work with surgical patients offer preoperative professional advice, use postoperative early mobilization and lung expansion techniques to prevent PPC, and consider the patient's surgical risk during treatment. In addition, some physical therapy sessions are routinely performed preoperatively. Resumo Introdução: As cirurgias de grande porte são procedimentos de alta complexidade, apresentando maior incidência de morbi-mortalidade respiratória em comparação com outros tipos de cirurgia. Complicações pulmonares pós-operatórias (CPP) são comuns após tais cirurgias e estão associadas ao aumento da permanência hospitalar, dos custos com saúde e da mortalidade do paciente. Objetivo: Investigar as técnicas de fisioterapia mais utilizadas em todas as regiões do Brasil para o tratamento das CPP após cirurgias torácicas e abdominais. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 489 fisioterapeutas selecionados aleatoriamente, que atuam na assistência perioperatória de cirurgias eletivas abdominais, torácicas ou cardíacas. Um questionário com nove questões sobre cuidados de rotina e escolhas terapêuticas na população cirúrgica foi elaborado e avaliado por 10 especialistas antes de ser aplicado aos fisioterapeutas. Resultados: Entre os fisioterapeutas (63% com pelo menos 5 anos de experiência com pacientes cirúrgicos), 50,9% considera o risco cirúrgico do paciente em seu tratamento sempre ou frequentemente; 53,8% dos pacientes foram tratados pelo fisioterapeuta após prescrição médica. As técnicas fisioterapêuticas mais citadas para a prevenção de CPP foram: mobilização/exercícios pós-operatórios (59,3%), técnicas de expansão pulmonar pós-operatória (52,8%) e orientações pré-operatórias (50,7%). Além disso, 80,6% dos fisioterapeutas acreditam que a espirometria de incentivo previne CPP, assim como 72,8% esperam esse efeito da pressão positiva nas vias aéreas. Conclusão: A maioria dos fisioterapeutas que trabalham com pacientes cirúrgicos no Brasil utiliza orientações profissionais pré-operatórias e técnicas de mobilização precoce e expansão pulmonar pós-operatória com o objetivo de prevenir CPP. A maioria dos fisioterapeutas costuma considerar o risco cirúrgico do paciente durante o tratamento. Além disso, algumas sessões de fisioterapia são realizadas rotineiramente no pré-operatório.

Questions: Does advice from a physiotherapist about the importance of staying physically active during hospitalisation improve activity, mobility, strength, length of stay, and complications in older inpatients? What barriers to physical activity during hospitalisation do older inpatients perceive? Design: Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinded assessment. Participants: Sixty-eight people who were aged > 60 years and admitted to a university hospital ward. Intervention: In addition to usual hospital care, the experimental group received a booklet with content about the deleterious effects of hospitalisation and the importance of staying active during hospitalisation. The control group received usual hospital care only. Outcome measures: The amount of physical activity was measured via accelerometry during the hospital admission. Mobility was assessed using the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), and muscle strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer. Length of stay and complications were extracted from hospital records. The barriers to staying active during hospitalisation were investigated via a questionnaire. Results: Accelerometry showed a mean between-group difference of 974 steps/day (95% CI 28 to 1919) in favour of the experimental group. The intervention also increased moderate-intensity physical activity and reduced sedentary time, although these effects might be trivially small. Experimental group participants were about one-fifth as likely to lose mobility during their hospital admission (two of 33) than control group participants (10 of 35), relative risk 0.21 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.90). Effects of the intervention were unclear regarding muscle strength, length of stay and incidence of complications between the groups. Patients reported that the main barriers to remaining active during hospitalisation were dyspnoea, lack of space, and fear of contracting infection. Conclusion: In older inpatients, the addition of advice from a physiotherapist about maintaining activity during hospitalisation increases the level of physical activity and prevents loss of mobility. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03297567. Key words: Elderly, Hospitalisation, Immobility, Exercise, Accelerometry

Objective: To identify factors that lead to a positive oxygenation response and predictive factors of mortality after prone positioning. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study involving seven hospitals in Brazil. Inclusion criteria were being > 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, being on invasive mechanical ventilation, having a PaO2/FIO2 ratio < 150 mmHg, and being submitted to prone positioning. After the first prone positioning session, a 20 mmHg improvement in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio was defined as a positive response. Results: The study involved 574 patients, 412 (72%) of whom responded positively to the first prone positioning session. Multiple logistic regression showed that responders had lower Simplified Acute Physiology Score III (SAPS III)/SOFA scores and lower D-dimer levels (p = 0.01; p = 0.04; and p = 0.04, respectively). It was suggested that initial SAPS III and initial PaO2/FIO2 were predictors of oxygenation response. The mortality rate was 69.3%. Increased risk of mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.04 [95 CI: 1.01-1.06]), time to first prone positioning session (OR = 1.18 [95 CI: 1.06-1.31]), number of sessions (OR = 1.31 [95% CI: 1.00-1.72]), proportion of pulmonary impairment (OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.02-2.35]), and immunosuppression (OR = 3.83 [95% CI: 1.35-10.86]). Conclusions: Our results show that most patients in our sample had a positive oxygenation response after the first prone positioning session. However, the mortality rate was high, probably due to the health status and the number of comorbidities of the patients, as well as the severity of their disease. Our results also suggest that SAPS III and the initial PaO2/FIO2 predict the oxygenation response; in addition, age, time to first prone positioning, number of sessions, pulmonary impairment, and immunosuppression can predict mortality.

Background Abdominal cancer surgeries have a high incidence of postoperative complications. One strategy to prevent postoperative complications is preoperative exercise training. There are no systematic reviews that have compared the effects of preoperative exercise training programs of different length, frequency and duration on pre and postoperative clinical outcomes as well as on length of hospital stay (LOS) and in-hospital and late mortality in people with abdominal cancer. Methods Searches for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of preoperative exercise training for people undergoing major surgery for abdominal cancer will be conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and the Cochrane Library. There will be no restrictions on the language or date of publication in the search. The primary outcomes of the systematic review will be incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications as well as post-intervention and postoperative exercise capacity. The risk of bias of included RCTs will be assessed using the PEDro scale. The quality of evidence will be rated using the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Subgroup analyzes will be conducted based on: intervention performed with or without supervision; types of exercises; and frequency and duration of the intervention. Discussion Our hypothesis is that preoperative exercise training will reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in people undergoing major surgery for abdominal cancer by improving their preoperative exercise capacity. We will also explore the effects of the program on LOS and mortality. Systematic review registration: This systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews) (number CRD42020199765).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE The Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire (BHQ) is a simple, repeatable, and self-reporting health status questionnaire for bronchiectasis. This study aims to cross-culturally adapt the BHQ into Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its measurement properties. METHODS The participants answered the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale for dyspnea. The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Bronchiectasis Health Questionnaire (BHQ-Brazil) was used at baseline (test) and after 14 days (retest). The psychometric analyses included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity: factorial validity, convergent validity, and discriminative validity, agreement, and ceiling and floor effects. RESULTS The BHQ-Brazil demonstrated adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and substantial reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.79-0.90). The exploratory factorial analysis was considered suitable. All items presented a factorial load >0.40. The convergent validity of the BHQ-Brazil with mMRC was moderate (r = -0.53, p

Aerobic and respiratory exercises are non-pharmacological treatments recommended to improve asthma clinical control; however, the association of both interventions has never been tested. Aim: To assess the effect of aerobic and breathing exercises on the clinical control in subjects with asthma. Methods: Subjects with moderate to severe asthma were randomly assigned to either aerobic+stretching(sham) exercises(AS;n=11) or aerobic+breathing exercises(AB;n=16) for 24 sessions. All patients were assessed before and after the interventions for clinical control (ACQ), health-related quality of life (AQLQ), sleep quality (Pittsburgh), anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS), and hyperventilation symptoms (Nijmegen). Results: There was no difference between groups before intervention. After intervention, no difference was observed on clinical control (-0.27±0.65 vs -0.55±0.59 score), AQLQ (0.76±0.89 vs 0.48±0.75 score), anxiety and depression symptoms (-2.27±4.12 vs -1.13±3.07 score), physical capacity (54.81±97.12 vs 102.12±133.11 meters), and sleep quality (-2.79±6.91 vs. -4.50±9.99 score) between AS and AB (p>0.05 for all outcomes). However, patients from AB improved the hyperventilation symptoms (-1±8.40 vs. -6.73±7.83 score; p=0.02) after intervention compared to AS. Conclusion: The association of aerobic and respiratory exercises seems not to improve asthma control, HRQoL, anxiety and depression symptoms, and sleep quality compared with aerobic exercise alone in patients with moderated and severe asthma. The association of breathing exercise was more effective in improving hyperventilation in this population.

Bronchodilators (BD) are prescribed for subjects with bronchiectasis (BCT). BDs improve exercise capacity in subjects with COPD; however, its effect in subjects with BCT remains unknown. Objectives: to evaluate the effect of BD in the exercise capacity and thoracoabdominal mechanics in subjects with BCT. Methods: This randomized crossover, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included subjects with BCT clinically stable. Subjects performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test and a constant load exercise test (CLET, 75%Wmax) to assess endurance time (Tlim) concurrently to the thoracoabdominal mechanics. BD or placebo was used in a random order, one week apart. Total and compartmental pulmonary volumes, as well as thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA), were evaluated. Tlim time, Borg fatigue (F) and dyspnea (D), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also assessed. Results: Ten subjects were included (48±11yrs, 25.6±4kg/m2). No difference in vital signs, dyspnea and SpO2 was observed before CLET between BD and placebo. At the end of CLET, Tlim and SpO2 were higher using BD compared to placebo (342±119 vs 287±102sec, p Conclusion: BD in subjects with BCT improves exercise capacity and reduces dyspnea and fatigue symptoms. However, the mechanism for such improvement remains unknown.

The aim was to investigate whether patients who participated in a mobility program in the ICU performed better on functional status, muscle, mobility, and respiratory assessments upon discharge than patients who received conventional physiotherapy.Randomized controlled trial.Blind evaluation.Adults with previous functional independence and without contraindications for mobilization were eligible.The intervention group participated in an early and progressive mobility program with five levels of activity. The control group underwent the conventional treatment without a preestablished routine. We evaluated functional status, level of activity, respiratory status, muscle strength, and mobility at ICU discharge.We analyzed 49 patients in the control group and 50 patients in the intervention group. Our data showed patients with better functional status and more functionally independent patients in the intervention group compared with those in the control group (96% vs 44%; p0.001). The results of the sit-to-stand and 2-minute walk tests, as well as the results of the maximum voluntary ventilation tests, also varied between the groups. The intervention group had shorter ICU stays than the control group. Higher Barthel index scores were associated with the amount of activity and participation in the protocol. The benefits to functional status remained during follow-up.Patients who participated in an ICU mobility program had better functional status at discharge from the ICU. The other benefits of the program included better performance in the mobility tests and improved maximum voluntary ventilation performance.

AIM:To translate and adapt cross-culturally the De Morton Mobility Index from English to Brazilian Portuguese. Furthermore, to test the content validity, reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness for older hospitalized patients. METHODS:After we carried out the translation and the cross-cultural adaptation of the De Morton Mobility Index and its administration instructions according to international guidelines, the content validity of De Morton Mobility Index was tested by experienced physiotherapists. In the sequence, the reliability, construct validity, interpretability and responsiveness were tested in a test-retest design with 93 older patients hospitalized in ward for clinical reasons. The reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (internal consistency), standard error measurement (agreement), and interclass correlation coefficients (intra and inter-examiner reliability). The construct validity was tested by Pearson's correlation between the De Morton Mobility Index score and the number of steps. Interpretability was analyzed by determining the minimum detectable change and the floor and ceiling effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scoring). Responsiveness was analyzed by effect size. RESULTS:The Brazilian version of the De Morton Mobility Index was made and adapted. The internal consistency (α = 0.89), reliability intra-(ICC = 0.94) and inter-examiners (ICC = 0.82), agreement were all adequate. The De Morton Mobility Index is validity when correlated with number of steps (r = 0.46). Floor or ceiling effects (

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic and widespread pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, psychological distress and morning stiffness. These patients also present symptoms such as depression, sexual dysfunctions and reproductive problems. Sexuality involves several aspects, including pelvic floor functionality, and one question is whether the sexual performance of women with fibromyalgia is associated with pelvic floor function or other characteristics of the disease. The aim of this study was to gauge the association between perineal function and sexual performance in women with and without fibromyalgia. We performed a cross-sectional study with 109 sexually active women from 19 to 65 years of age, either suffering from fibromyalgia (FM group, n = 51) or free from fibromyalgia (non-FM group, n = 58). Perineal function was measured with the use of perineometry and digital vaginal palpation (PERFECT Scheme), while sexual performance was assessed by the Sexual Quotient Female questionnaire (QS-F). Patients with fibromyalgia presented poor sexual performance compared to those without fibromyalgia (QS-F score 58 (32–66) vs. 66 (56–70); p = 0.002) as well as lower pelvic floor muscle strength measured by perineometry (32.5 (18.2–40.5) vs. 37.9 (23.4- 57.3); p = 0.03). Patients without fibromyalgia presented a positive correlation between perineometry and QS-F (r = 0.22; p = 0.038), while those with fibromyalgia presented no correlation between those two variables (r = 0.22; p = 0.12). The regression model showed an association between sexual performance and the presence of fibromyalgia, pelvic floor muscle strength (perineometry) and age, according to the following equation: sexual performance = 48.52 + (9.5 * non-FM group) + (0.23 * perineometry)–(0.4 * age), with adjusted R2 = 0.19. Women with FM present poor sexual performance and lower pelvic floor muscle strength compared to those without FM. However, the correlation between these variables among women without FM was not observed in women with FM. Sexual performance showed a positive association with absence of fibromyalgia and higher pelvic floor muscle strength, and a negative association with age.

Renal transplantation is the best long-term treatment option compared with maintenance dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. This treatment should be combined with immunosuppressive drugs to obtain positive effects; however, the adverse effects of these medications in the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients remain unknown. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients undergoing renal transplantation in the preoperative period and during the first 6 months of postoperative period. Methods The respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, quality of life, and functional capacity of 40 patients were evaluated from the pretransplant period to 6 months post–renal transplantation. Results Compared with the preoperative period, the patients experienced improvement of the respiratory and peripheral strength 6 months after transplant (maximal inspiratory pressure 44% and maximal expiratory pressure 28.96%, handgrip 13.81%, and lower limbs 26.95%) and also in the quality of life. Conclusion We conclude that 6 months after transplant, patients showed improvement in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and quality of life, but even with the improvement, patients presented an unsatisfactory quality of life and muscle strength, regardless of immunosuppressive therapy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as propriedades de medida (consistência interna, confiabilidade intra e interavaliadores, validade do construto, e efeitos teto e piso) da Escala de Estado Funcional para UTI (FSS-ICU - Functional Status Score for the ICU) e da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF)-domínio motor). Métodos: Neste estudo de propriedades de medida, a FSS-ICU e a MIF foram aplicadas em 100 pacientes (72,1 ± 15,9 anos; 53% masculino; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11,0 ± 3,5 pontos; Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50,2 ± 16,8 pontos) na unidade de terapia intensiva na linha de base e após 2 horas pelo fisioterapeuta 1 (teste e reteste) e 30 minutos após a linha de base pelo fisioterapeuta 2. As propriedades de medidas avaliadas foram a consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach), as confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse), a concordância (erro padrão de medida), a diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90%, os efeitos teto e piso (frequência de pontuação máxima e mínima) e a validade do construto (correlação de Pearson). Resultados: Para a FSS-ICU e a MIF, foram encontradas adequadas consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach: FSS-ICU = 0,95 e MIF = 0,86), confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores para pontuação geral da FSS-ICU e MIF (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse > 0,75), concordância (diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90% e MIF = 1,0 ponto; erro padrão de medida: FSS-ICU = 2% e MIF = 1%) e validade do construto (r = 0,94; p < 0,001). A FSS-ICU apresentou efeito teto de 16% e a MIF de 18%. Conclusão: As escalas FSS-ICU e MIF têm adequadas propriedades de medida para avaliarem funcionalidade em pacientes críticos, embora apresentem efeito teto. ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the measurement properties (internal consistency, intra and interrater reliability, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects) of the Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor domain). Methods: In this study of measurement properties, the FSS-ICU and FIM were applied to 100 patients (72.1 ± 15.9 years; 53% male; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11.0 ± 3.5 points, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50.2 ± 16.8 points) in an intensive care unit at baseline and after 2 hours by physiotherapist 1 (test and retest) and 30 minutes after baseline by physiotherapist 2. The measurement properties evaluated were internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), intra- and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), agreement (standard error of measurement) and minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level, ceiling and floor effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scores) and construct validity (Pearson's correlation). Results: The FSS-ICU and FIM presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, FSS-ICU = 0.95 and FIM = 0.86), intra-and interrater reliability for overall FSS-ICU and FIM score (ICC > 0.75), agreement (minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level: FSS-ICU and FIM = 1.0 point; standard error of measurement: FSS-ICU = 2% and FIM = 1%) and construct validity (r = 0.94; p < 0.001). However, the FSS-ICU and FIM presented ceiling effects (maximum score for 16% of patients for the FSS-ICU and 18% for the FIM). Conclusion: The FSS-ICU and FIM present adequate measurement properties to assess functionality in critically ill patients, although they present ceiling effects.

Aim The Life-Space Assessment (LSA) assesses mobility from the spaces that older adults go, and how often and how independent they move. Despite its increased use, LSA measurement properties remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyze the content validity, reliability, construct validity and interpretability of the LSA for Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. Methods In this clinimetric study we analyzed the measurement properties (content validity, reliability, construct validity and interpretability) of the LSA administered to 80 Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. Reliability was analyzed by Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency), intraclass correlation coefficients and 95% confidence interval (reproducibility), and standard error of measurement (measurement error). Construct validity was analyzed by Pearson's correlations between the LSA and accelerometry (time in inactivity and moderate-to-vigorous activities), and interpretability was analyzed by determination of the minimal detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects. Results The LSA met the criteria for content validity. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.95-0.98) and standard error of measurement was 4.12. The LSA showed convergence with accelerometry (negative correlation with time in inactivity and positive correlation with time in moderate to vigorous activities), the minimal detectable change was 0.36 and we observed no floor or ceiling effects. Conclusions The LSA showed adequate reliability, validity and interpretability for life-space mobility assessment of Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 783-789.

Isabel Fialho Fontenele Garcia,1 Carina Tiemi Tiuganji,1 Maria do Socorro Morais Pereira Simões,2 Ilka Lopes Santoro,3 Adriana Claudia Lunardi1,2 1Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, 2Department of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, 3Respiratory Division, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil Purpose: The objective was to assess whether dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength and the level of physical activity are correlated with life-space mobility of older adults with COPD.Patients and methods: Sixty patients over 60 years of age (40 in the COPD group and 20 in the control group) were included. All patients were evaluated for lung function (spirometry), life-space mobility (University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment), dyspnea severity (Modified Dyspnea Index), peripheral muscle strength (handgrip dynamometer), level of physical activity and number of daily steps (accelerometry). Groups were compared using unpaired t-test. Pearson’s correlation was used to test the association between variables.Results: Life-space mobility (60.41±16.93 vs 71.07±16.28 points), dyspnea (8 [7–9] vs 11[10–11] points), peripheral muscle strength (75.16±14.89 vs 75.50±15.13 mmHg), number of daily steps (4,865.4±2,193.3 vs 6,146.8±2,376.4 steps), and time spent in moderate to vigorous activity (197.27±146.47 vs 280.05±168.95 minutes) were lower among COPD group compared to control group (p

Determining the presence of thoracoabdominal asynchrony in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is clinically relevant, but there is no consensus on the optimal parameters for performing this analysis. We assessed 22 COPD patients (FEV1 40 ± 10% predicted) and 13 healthy controls during rest and exercise with optoelectronic plethysmography (70% maximum workload) on a cycle ergometer. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was calculated by using phase angle and phase shift parameters following a three-compartment model involving the upper and lower rib cages and abdomen. Patients were classified as having thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA+) or not (TAA−) based on control values (mean ± 2 SDs). The chest wall volume and compartmental contribution were also measured. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was observed in the lower rib cage. The phase angle detected more TAA+ patients at rest (15 vs. 7 patients) and during exercise (14 vs. 8 patients) compared with the phase shift. TAA+ patients also presented a lower chest wall volume, lower rib cage contribution, and higher abdominal contribution to chest wall volume compared with the control and TAA− patients. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was more detectable during rest and exercise using the phase angle parameter, and it was observed in the lower rib cage compartment, reducing the chest wall volume during exercise in patients with COPD. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study contributes to advance the knowledge over the previous lack of consensus on the assessment of thoracoabdominal asynchrony. We rigorously evaluated the related features that interfere in the measurement of the asynchrony (measurement tool, chest wall model and calculation parameter). Our results suggest that phase angle detects more suitably thoracoabdominal asynchrony that occurs on the lower ribcage and leads to a reduction in the chest wall volume during exercise in COPD patients.

Highlights • Inactivity is an important predictor of poor outcomes in inpatients. • The HAP has been used in healthy and symptomatic populations. • The HAP assesses physical activities ranging from very easy to very strenuous. • The HAP has adequate measurement properties to assess inpatients., Objective To test the measurement properties (reproducibility, internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, and construct validity) of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) questionnaire in hospitalized patients. Methods This measurement properties study recruited one-hundred patients hospitalized for less than 48 h for clinical or surgical reasons. The HAP was administered at baseline and after 48 h in a test–retest design). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-6) was also administered at baseline, aiming to assess the construct validity. We tested the following measurement properties: reproducibility (reliability assessed by type 2,1 intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1)); agreement by the standard error of measurement (SEM) and by the minimum detectable change with 90% confidence (MDC90), internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha, construct validity using a chi-square test, and ceiling and floor effects by calculating the proportion of patients who achieved the minimum or maximum scores. Results Reliability was excellent with an ICC of 0.99 (95% CI = 0.98–0.99). SEM was 1.44 points (1.5% of the total score), the MDD90 was 3.34 points (3.5% of the total score) and the Cronbach's alpha was 0.93 (alpha if item deleted ranging from 0.94 to 0.94). An association was observed between patients classified by HAP and by IPAQ-6 (χ2 = 3.38; p = 0.18). Ceiling or floor effects were not observed. Conclusion The HAP shows adequate measurement properties for the assessment of the physical activity/inactivity level in hospitalized patients.

Introduction Aerobic exercise programs have been used for various health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. However, the literature is still limited regarding the effect of aerobic exercise on pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods Search strategies will be performed in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE (https://www.embase.com), CINAHL, PEDro, Lilacs, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We will include randomized controlled trials in any language or date of publication. The primary outcomes will be pain and disability. The methodological quality and statistical reporting of each eligible trial will be evaluated using the 11-item PEDro scale. The strength of the recommendations will be summarized using the using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Discussion This systematic review will provide a synthesis of current evidence on the effects of aerobic exercise in patients with chronic low back pain on pain and disability outcomes. This information can help healthcare professionals in decision-making related to the use of aerobic exercise in patients with low back pain. Following the guidelines, this systematic review protocol was registered on the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42017071945. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13643-019-1019-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To evaluate the association of moderate-to-intense physical activity with the effects of bariatric surgery on weight loss, level of activities of daily living, dyspnea, and quality of life in sedentary individuals with grade II and III obesity. Seventy-eight candidates for bariatric surgery were evaluated for anthropometry, dyspnea, quality of life, level of activities of daily living, and physical activity. After surgery, all patients were instructed to perform moderate-to-intense physical activity. All 78 patients were reassessed 6 months after bariatric surgery, and 52 patients were reassessed 3 years after bariatric surgery. Adherence to physical activity during the postoperative period was 36% at 6 months and 38% at 3 years. Compared with the patients who did not adhere to physical activity, weight loss was higher in the adherent patients at 6 months (29 ± 4% vs. 26 ± 5%; p = 0.01) and 3 years (32 ± 8% vs. 26 ± 6%, p = 0.005). The level of activities of daily living and quality of life also improved in the patients that adhered to physical activity at both 6 months and 3 years after bariatric surgery. However, no difference in dyspnea was observed between the adherent and non-adherent patients. Adherence to physical activity was an independent factor for postoperative weight loss. Moderate-to-intense physical activity after bariatric surgery increases weight loss, quality of life, and level of activities of daily living, but does not directly influence dyspnea in individuals with morbid obesity.

To compare the measurement properties (internal consistency, intra and interrater reliability, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects) of the Functional Status Score for the ICU (FSS-ICU) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM-motor domain).In this study of measurement properties, the FSS-ICU and FIM were applied to 100 patients (72.1 ± 15.9 years; 53% male; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11.0 ± 3.5 points, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50.2 ± 16.8 points) in an intensive care unit at baseline and after 2 hours by physiotherapist 1 (test and retest) and 30 minutes after baseline by physiotherapist 2. The measurement properties evaluated were internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), intra- and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), agreement (standard error of measurement) and minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level, ceiling and floor effects (frequency of maximum and minimum scores) and construct validity (Pearson's correlation).The FSS-ICU and FIM presented adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, FSS-ICU = 0.95 and FIM = 0.86), intra-and interrater reliability for overall FSS-ICU and FIM score (ICC0.75), agreement (minimum detectable change at a 90% confidence level: FSS-ICU and FIM = 1.0 point; standard error of measurement: FSS-ICU = 2% and FIM = 1%) and construct validity (r = 0.94; p0.001). However, the FSS-ICU and FIM presented ceiling effects (maximum score for 16% of patients for the FSS-ICU and 18% for the FIM).The FSS-ICU and FIM present adequate measurement properties to assess functionality in critically ill patients, although they present ceiling effects.Comparar as propriedades de medida (consistência interna, confiabilidade intra e interavaliadores, validade do construto, e efeitos teto e piso) da Escala de Estado Funcional para UTI (FSS-ICU - Functional Status Score for the ICU) e da Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF)-domínio motor).Neste estudo de propriedades de medida, a FSS-ICU e a MIF foram aplicadas em 100 pacientes (72,1 ± 15,9 anos; 53% masculino; Sequential Organ Failure Assessment = 11,0 ± 3,5 pontos; Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 = 50,2 ± 16,8 pontos) na unidade de terapia intensiva na linha de base e após 2 horas pelo fisioterapeuta 1 (teste e reteste) e 30 minutos após a linha de base pelo fisioterapeuta 2. As propriedades de medidas avaliadas foram a consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach), as confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse), a concordância (erro padrão de medida), a diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90%, os efeitos teto e piso (frequência de pontuação máxima e mínima) e a validade do construto (correlação de Pearson).Para a FSS-ICU e a MIF, foram encontradas adequadas consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach: FSS-ICU = 0,95 e MIF = 0,86), confiabilidades intra e interavaliadores para pontuação geral da FSS-ICU e MIF (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse0,75), concordância (diferença mínima detectável com confiança de 90% e MIF = 1,0 ponto; erro padrão de medida: FSS-ICU = 2% e MIF = 1%) e validade do construto (r = 0,94; p0,001). A FSS-ICU apresentou efeito teto de 16% e a MIF de 18%.As escalas FSS-ICU e MIF têm adequadas propriedades de medida para avaliarem funcionalidade em pacientes críticos, embora apresentem efeito teto.

Objective: To test the measurement properties (reliability, interpretability, and validity) of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire for older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: Clinimetric study. Setting: Pneumology service, ambulatory care, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Participants: Consecutive sample of older adults ( n = 62; 38 (61%) men, 24 (39%) women) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: Life-Space Assessment questionnaire assesses five space levels visited by the older adult in four weeks prior to the assessment. We tested the following measurement properties of this questionnaire: reliability (reproducibility assessed by a type-2,1 intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1); internal consistency assessed by the Cronbach’s alpha; measurement error by determining the standard error of measurement (SEM)), interpretability (minimum detectable change with 90% confidence (MDC90); ceiling and floor effects by calculating the proportion of participants who achieved the minimum and maximum scores), and validity by Pearson’s correlation test between the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire scores and number of daily steps assessed by accelerometry. Results: Reproducibility (ICC2,1) was 0.90 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–0.94), and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) was 0.80 (range = 0.76–0.80 for each item deleted). SEM was 3.65 points (3%), the MDC90 was 0.20 points, and we observed no ceiling (2%) or floor (6%) effects. We observed an association between the score of the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire and daily steps ( r = 0.43; P = 0.01). Conclusion: Life-Space Assessment questionnaire shows adequate measurement properties for the assessment of life-space mobility in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE Lung expansion techniques (LETs) are widely used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). However, the effects of each of these techniques on thoracoabdominal mechanics and PPC incidence after abdominal surgery remain unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of LET on pulmonary volumes, respiratory muscle activation, and PPC incidence after major, elective upper abdominal surgery. METHODS This randomized controlled trial enrolled 137 patients who were randomly assigned into four groups: control (n = 35), flow incentive spirometry (n = 33), deep breathing (n = 35), and volume incentive spirometry (n = 34). Each intervention was performed tid during 5 consecutive days. Subsequently, PPCs (pneumonia, atelectasis, or severe hypoxemia) were analyzed by a blinded assessor until hospital discharge. Lung volumes (optoelectronic plethysmography) and inspiratory muscular activation (surface electromyography) were assessed before and 3 days after surgery. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS Before surgery, all groups were homogenous for age, sex, BMI, lung function, and thoracoabdominal mechanics. After surgery, no difference was observed in the lung volumes and inspiratory muscular activation during the lung expansion technique (P ≥ .05). The PPC incidence was higher in the deep breathing group (P CONCLUSIONS LETs do not modify the changes on thoracoabdominal mechanics or prevent PPCs after abdominal surgery. The indiscriminate use of LETs should not be routinely prescribed to prevent PPCs; however, more studies are required to confirm our results and to change the standard practice. TRIAL REGISTRY ClinicalTrials.gov ; No.: NCT01993602; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov

To investigate the relationship between the presence of symptoms of anxiety or depression with breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal mechanics at rest and during exercise in COPD.Cross-sectional study enrolled 54 patients with COPD ranked according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) score and compared to dyspnea, clinical control, hypercapnia, breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal mechanics at rest and during exercise.Seventeen patients with COPD had no symptoms, 12 had anxiety symptoms, 13 had depressive symptoms and 12 had both symptoms. COPD with depressive symptoms presented greater degree of dyspnea (p0.01). Poor clinical control was observed in COPD with anxious and/or depressive symptoms (p0.05). Breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal mechanics were similar among all groups at rest and during exercise.COPD with symptoms of depression report more dyspnea. Anxiety and depression are associated with poor clinical control without impact on breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal mechanics in COPD.

COPD patients have an impairment in the postural balance, however, the impact of this deficit on the risk of future falls remains poorly investigated. Aim: To evaluate postural balance as a predictor of falls in COPD patients. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 70 COPD patients classified according to GOLD (1.4% mild, 27.2% moderate, 55.7% severe and 15.7% very severe). Postural balance was evaluated by the Mini BESTest (Balance evaluation systems test) and the incidence of falls was followed for one year, assessed monthly by a calendar of self-report of falls and confirmed by telephone calls. For the statistical analysis, discriminative power analysis by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic regression analysis were used. Results: Sixty-seven individuals completed a one-year follow-up period and were analyzed. Three patients died during the follow-up and were excluded. Twenty-five patients (37.3%) had at least one fall event in the follow-up period. It was found that the Mini BESTest was able to identify falls in COPD patients at 6 and 12 months (area under the curve, AUC = 0.85 and 0.87) with good sensitivity (85.7% and 84%) and specificity (66.7 and 73.8%), respectively. In addition, higher scores of Mini BESTest were strongly associated with a lower risk of falls at 6 and 12 months (OR = 0.66 and 0.51, respectively) after evaluation. Conclusion: The postural balance assessed by Mini BESTest is a good medium and long-term predictor of future falls in COPD patients.

Background Thoracoabdominal asynchrony is the nonparallel motion of the ribcage and abdomen. It is estimated by using respiratory inductive plethysmography and, recently, using optoelectronic plethysmography; however the agreement of measurements between these 2 techniques is unknown. Therefore, the present study compared respiratory inductive plethysmography with optoelectronic plethysmography for measuring thoracoabdominal asynchrony to see if the measurements were similar or different. Methods 27 individuals (9 healthy subjects, 9 patients with interstitial lung disease, and 9 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease performed 2 cycle ergometer tests with respiratory inductive plethysmography or optoelectronic plethysmography in a random order. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was evaluated at rest, and at 50% and 75% of maximal workload between the superior ribcage and abdomen using a phase angle. Results Thoracoabdominal asynchrony values were very similar in both approaches not only at rest but also with exercise, with no statistical difference. There was a good correlation between the methods and the Phase angle values were within the limits of agreement in the Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion Thoracoabdominal asynchrony measured by optoelectronic plethysmography and respiratory inductive plethysmography results in similar values and has a satisfactory agreement at rest and even for different exercise intensities in these groups.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing abdominal surgery are at risk for pulmonary complications. The principal cause of postoperative pulmonary complications is a significant reduction in pulmonary volumes (FEV1 and FVC) to approximately 65-70% of the predicted value. Another frequent occurrence after abdominal surgery is increased intra-abdominal pressure. The aim of this study was to correlate changes in pulmonary volumes with the values of intra-abdominal pressure after abdominal surgery, according to the surgical incision in the abdomen (superior or inferior). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 60 patients who underwent elective open abdominal surgery with a surgical time greater than 240 minutes. Patients were evaluated before surgery and on the 3rd postoperative day. Spirometry was assessed by maximal respiratory maneuvers and flow-volume curves. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured in the postoperative period using the bladder technique. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56±13 years, and 41.6% 25 were female; 50 patients (83.3%) had malignant disease. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical incision (superior or inferior). The lung volumes in the preoperative period showed no abnormalities. After surgery, there was a significant reduction in both FEV1 (1.6±0.6 L) and FVC (2.0±0.7 L) with maintenance of FEV1/FVC of 0.8±0.2 in both groups. The maximum intra-abdominal pressure values were similar (p = 0.59) for the two groups. There was no association between pulmonary volumes and intra-abdominal pressure measured in any of the groups analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that superior and inferior abdominal surgery determines hypoventilation, unrelated to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Patients at high risk of pulmonary complications should receive respiratory care even if undergoing inferior abdominal surgery.

Com o aumento de morbidades no envelhecimento, há necessidade de serviços de saúde que prestem assistência aos idosos, como o atendimento domiciliar. Com o objetivo de analisar o desempenho físico e a força de preensão palmar (FPP) em idosos atendidos pelo Núcleo de Assistência Domiciliar Interdisciplinar, 19 idosos com capacidade de compreensão, independentes para marcha e sem descompensação de doença foram avaliados e reavaliados após um ano. A avaliação consistiu na coleta de dados clínicos e antropométricos nos registros de prontuários e desempenho físico (Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB) e força de preensão palmar no domicílio do paciente. Compararam-se as avaliações (teste t pareado) e verificou-se associação entre índice de massa corporal (IMC), idade, SPPB e FPP (correlação de Pearson). Em um ano, houve piora significativa na FPP nos dois membros, velocidade de marcha e desempenho físico geral. O IMC, equilíbrio e força de membros inferiores (FMI) foram mantidos. Correlação inversa foi observada entre idade e variação de equilíbrio (r=-0,55) e direta entre FPP e marcha (r=0,48). As outras variáveis não apresentaram correlação significativa. Uma assistência mais específica e frequente traria benefícios para a independência e qualidade de vida dessa população, uma vez que os idosos têm elevada perda funcional e comorbidades.

The symptoms of asthma impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL), increase anxiety and depression and may keep subjects from engaging in physical exercise. Physical inactivity has been related to poor asthma outcomes; however, the association between physical fitness and psychosocial disorders remains poorly understood.To verify the association between aerobic capacity, HRQoL, and psychological distress in adults with moderate or severe persistent asthma who were clinically stable.Eighty-eight participants (68 females) with either moderate or severe persistent asthma (age range, 20-60 years) who were under medical treatment for at least 6 months and considered clinically stable were studied. Participants were evaluated on two non-consecutive days. On the first day, the HRQoL, depression and anxiety levels and pulmonary function were assessed. On the second day, subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing.Using the agglomerative cluster approach, two clusters were identified: 21 participants (24%) were grouped in Cluster 1, and 67 (76%) were grouped in Cluster 2. Asthmatic subjects from Cluster 1 exhibited increased aerobic capacity, better HRQoL and lower depression levels than did subjects in Cluster 2 (p.05). No difference was observed between the clusters with respect to gender, age, body mass index (BMI) or pulmonary function (p.05). The discriminant function model exhibits good accuracy (R(2) = 0.79) and predicted 93% of the case allocations.Our results suggest an association between reduced exercise capacity, low HRQoL and increases in depressive symptoms in clinically stable asthmatic subjects. These results suggest the need to assess physical fitness and psychosocial distress during asthma treatment and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.

Background: Incentive spirometers (IS) are widely used in clinical practice and classified as flow-oriented (FIS) and volumetric (VIS). Until recently, the respiratory inductive plethysmography used to evaluate the effects of IS on chest wall mechanics presented limitations, which may explain why the impact of VIS and FIS remains poorly known. Objective: We compared the effects of the VIS and FIS on thoracoabdominal mechanics and respiratory muscular activity in healthy volunteers. Methods: This cross-sectional trial assessed 20 subjects, 60% female, aged between 20 and 40 years and with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30 kg/m2. All participants performed 8 quiet and 8 deep breaths using both FIS and VIS in a randomized order. The outcomes measured were the thoracoabdominal kinematics (i.e., chest wall, upper and lower ribcage and abdominal volumes), assessed using Optoelectronic Plethysmography, and the muscular activity of the sternocleidomastoid and superior and inferior intercostal muscles, assessed using electromyography. The statistical analysis was performed with one-way repeated measures ANOVA, and the significance level was set to 5%. Results: VIS increased 17 the chest wall volume to a greater extent than the FIS (p=0.007) and induced a larger increase in the upper and lower ribcages and abdomen (respectively, 156%, 91% and 151% p