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Several benefits of aerobic training for asthmatic patients have been demonstrated. However, its effects on systemic inflammation and on airway remodeling mediators and lung mechanics are unknown. This prospective study included 21 intermittent and mild asthma patients, and as primary outcomes, the evaluation of pro- and anti-inflammatory and pro- and antifibrotic mediators in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and blood were performed, beyond the cell counting in blood and in induced sputum. Aerobic training was performed for 3 months, 3 times per week. Aerobic training increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and of antifibrotic mediators in the breath condensate: IL-1ra ( p = 0.0488 ), IL-10 ( p = 0.0048 ), relaxin-3 ( p = 0.0019 ), and klotho ( p < 0.0043 ), respectively. Similarly, in plasma, increased levels of IL-1ra ( p = 0.0147 ), IL-10 ( p < 0.0001 ), relaxin-3 ( p = 0.004 ), and klotho ( p = 0.0023 ) were found. On contrary, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the breath condensate, IL-1β ( p = 0.0008 ), IL-4 ( p = 0.0481 ), IL-5 ( p < 0.0001 ), IL-6 ( p = 0.0032 ), IL-13 ( p = 0.0013 ), and TNF-α ( p = 0.0001 ) and profibrotic markers VEGF ( p = 0.0017 ) and TSLP ( p = 0.0056 ) were found. Similarly, in plasma, aerobic training significantly reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β ( p = 0.0008 ), IL-4 ( p = 0.0104 ), IL-5 ( p = 0.0001 ), IL-6 ( p = 0.006 ), IL-13 ( p = 0.0341 ), and TNF-α ( p = 0.0003 ) and of profibrotic markers VEGF ( p = 0.0009 ) and TSLP ( p < 0.0076 ). Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was reduced after the intervention ( p = 0.0313 ). Regarding inflammatory cells in sputum, there was a reduction in total cells ( p = 0.008 ), eosinophils ( p = 0.009 ), and macrophages ( p = 0.020 ), as well as of blood eosinophils ( p = 0.0203 ) and lymphocytes ( p = 0.0198 ). Aerobic training positively modulates chronic airway inflammation and remodeling mediators, beyond to improve systemic inflammation in intermittent and mild asthmatic patients.

Background The progression of Parkinson disease can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, reduced peak expiratory flow and quality of life (QoL). The aim was to evaluate the effects of strength training on levels of respiratory muscle strength, peak expiratory flow and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. Methods A total of 28 patients were randomized into one of two groups: the control group (CG) comprised 16 participants, and the strength training group (STG) comprised 12 participants. All subjects maintained the standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson disease, and the intervention group participated in a 16-week strength training program. The primary outcome was the measurement of respiratory muscle strength. Results The STG showed improved values of maximum inspiratory pressures (36.11±11.82 to 52.94±24.17; P=0.01), maximum expiratory pressures (56.67±22.08 to 71.04±33.71; P=0.03) and QoL (41.75±20.33 to 34±20.92; P=0.0054); there was no significant difference in the peak expiratory flow (336.11±198.04 to 380±229.57; P=0.09). The CG showed significantly decreased values of peak expiratory flow (336.88±183.40 to 279.37±125.12, P=0.02) and non-significant changes in the other variables. Conclusions Sixteen weeks of strength training improves the inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. These findings suggest that strength training could be considered an adjunct therapeutic intervention for elderly with Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND Depression affects up to 40% of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PURPOSE To assess resistance training effects on the depressive symptoms of elderly PD patients. STUDY DESIGN A randomized control study. METHODS Thirty-three patients (aged ≥ 60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) control group: n = 16 and (b) resistance training group (RTG): n = 17. All patients with Parkinson's disease (stage 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The RTG, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, performed 20 weeks of resistance training. The control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, unified Parkinson's Disease scale, and functional capacity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS The RTG presented a significant reduction (P

Objective: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–39. Results: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson disease (PD) results in impairment of neural stimulus and transmission to the respiratory muscles, may leading to upper airway obstruction, which can be aggravated by postural alterations in PD patients. Resistance training (RT) is recommended specially to elderly individuals, due to its beneficial effects on muscle strength and quality of life. However, the effects of high intensity RT on pulmonary response of PD population is unknown. Thus, the effects of a high intensity (85% maximal work load) RT program (16 weeks, 2x/week, 3 sets of 8 reps, composed by seated bench press, seated row, deadlift, standing calf and abdominal) in 32 elders (64,9±2.32 years old; body max index 26,89±1.41), which were randomized in Control and Exercised groups were evaluated. Peak flow, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), hand grip strength, quality of life (PQD-39 questionnaire), functional capacity (performance-oriented mobility assessment, 6 minutes walking test, maximum gait speed, rising from the chair and walking), flexibility, anxiety and depression and exercise specific strength were measured before and after completing the 16 weeks of exercise. RT resulted in improvements in peak flow rate (p