Gualberto Ruas

Musculoskeletal pain, profile and quality of life of individuals with sickle cell disease

BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease is a prevalent condition in Brazil. Its clinical presentation includes vascular occlusion that result in ischemia, inflammation, dysfunctions, pain and chronic hemolysis, causing irreversible damage and compromising quality of life. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to verify the relationship between musculoskeletal pain, from different body parts, with social economic characteristics and quality of life among individuals with sickle cell disease. METHODS 27 individuals with sickle cell disease were interviewed with the use of a structured questionnaire with questions about personal, social, economic and cultural variables, the Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire and the SF-36 Health Survey. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. The inferential Chi-Square test was used for dichotomous variables and the Student t- test for continuous variables, with a significance of 5%. A logistic regression was performed using all variables that correlated with pain as dependent variables. RESULTS The mean age was 31.77 years, predominantly male, black, registered active employment, with average education and income up to three minimum wages. The regions most affected by pain were hip/limbs, chest, lower back and arms. Physical Functioning from the SF-36 had the highest score and mental health the lowest score. Musculoskeletal pain was present in the arms, chest and lower back. Social Functioning was not associated with pain, indicating the influence of other factors. Arm pain was more frequent in black individuals and those with low education. CONCLUSION Body pain was associated with race and education and all pain areas were associated with the physical components of the SF-36. Pain was significantly associated with vitality and mental health components of the SF-36.

Lung function and six-minute walk test performance in individuals with sickle cell disease

Background Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which is characterized by a mutation in the gene encoding beta hemoglobin, causes bodily dysfunctions such as impaired pulmonary function and reduced functional capacity. Objective To assess changes in pulmonary function and functional capacity in patients with SCD and to identify the relationships between these variables. Method We evaluated sociodemographic, anthropometric, lung function (spirometry), respiratory (manovacuometer), peripheral muscle strength (Handgrip strength - HS) and functional capacity (i.e., the six-minute walk test) parameters in 21 individuals with SCD (average age of 29±6 years). Shapiro-Wilk, paired Students, Wilcoxon, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analyses, and the significance threshold was set at p<0.05. Results A total of 47.6% of the study subjects exhibited an altered ventilation pattern, 42.8% had a restrictive ventilatory pattern (RVP) and 4.8% exhibited a mixed ventilatory pattern (MVP). The observed maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) values were below the predicted values for women (64 cmH2O), and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) values, HS values and distance walked during the 6MWT were below the predicted values for both men (103 cmH2O, 39 Kgf and 447 m, respectively) and women (64 cmH2O; 27 Kgf; 405 m, respectively). Positive correlations were observed between maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and MEP (r=0.4; p=0.046); MVV and BMI (r=0.6; p=0.003); and between HS and MIP (r=0.7; p=0.001), MEP (r=0.6; p=0.002), MVV (r=0.5; p=0.015), distance walked in the 6MWT (r=0.4; p=0.038) and BMI (r=0.6; p=0.004). Conclusions SCD promoted changes in lung function and functional capacity, including RVPs and a reduction in the distance walked in the 6MWT when compared to the predictions. In addition, significant correlations between the variables were observed.

Influência de diferentes tipos de bocais e diâmetros de traqueias na manovacuometria

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the respiratory muscle strength (RMS) obtained from analog manometers using different types of mouthpiece and trachea. METHODOLOGY: Fifty healthy sedentary or insufficiently active individuals were evaluated (25 men and 25 women), in age 25 ± 5 years, height of 167 ± 8 cm and weight of 65 ± 12 kg, belonging to the community of Sao Carlos, SP, and region. For the evaluation of RMS were taken measures of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) according to the method recommended by Black and Hyatt (1969). The volunteers were referred to anamnesis and, later, maximum respiratory pressures were measured in the individuals at standing, using an analog manometers with operational limit of ± 300 cmH2O, with a nose clip, a circular and a rectangular mouthpiece and tracheas with the same length and different internal diameters, which are of 1 cm and 1.5 cm. RESULTS: It was observed that there were no significant differences (Wilcoxon Test: p < 0.05) between the diameters of the trachea, and the values obtained by the MEP with the rectangular mouthpiece were significantly higher in both sexes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that there was no interference from the diameters of the trachea in the values obtained from MEP and MIP; however, the types of mouthpiece used in analog manometer interfere in the values obtained from MEP. The anatomical shape of the rectangular mouthpiece cooperated in obtaining the highest values of MEP.

Comparison of five portable peak flow meters

OBJECTIVE To compare the measurements of spirometric peak expiratory flow (PEF) from five different PEF meters and to determine if their values are in agreement. Inaccurate equipment may result in incorrect diagnoses of asthma and inappropriate treatments. METHODS Sixty-eight healthy, sedentary and insufficiently active subjects, aged from 19 to 40 years, performed PEF measurements using Air Zone®, Assess®, Galemed®, Personal Best® and Vitalograph® peak flow meters. The highest value recorded for each subject for each device was compared to the corresponding spirometric values using Friedman’s test with Dunn’s post-hoc (p<0.05), Spearman’s correlation test and Bland-Altman’s agreement test. RESULTS The median and interquartile ranges for the spirometric values and the Air Zone®, Assess®, Galemed®, Personal Best® and Vitalograph® meters were 428 (263–688 L/min), 450 (350–800 L/min), 420 (310–720 L/min), 380 (300–735 L/min), 400 (310–685 L/min) and 415 (335–610 L/min), respectively. Significant differences were found when the spirometric values were compared to those recorded by the Air Zone® (p<0.001) and Galemed ® (p<0.01) meters. There was no agreement between the spirometric values and the five PEF meters. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the values recorded from Galemed® meters may underestimate the actual value, which could lead to unnecessary interventions, and that Air Zone® meters overestimate spirometric values, which could obfuscate the need for intervention. These findings must be taken into account when interpreting both devices’ results in younger people. These differences should also be considered when directly comparing values from different types of PEF meters.

Relationship between frailty and respiratory function in the community-dwelling elderly

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of frailty on respiratory function in a community- dwelling elderly. METHOD 51 community-dwelling elderly were evaluated (mean age of 73±6 years), being 29 men (56.7%) and 22 women (43.3%). We collect the following variables: sociodemographic characteristics, frailty phenotype, pulmonary function test and assessment of the respiratory muscles using an analog manometer. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov and Smirnov tests, one-way ANOVA, Paired Students t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient (p<0.05). RESULTS There were no statistically significant between-group differences among the frail group (FG=9.8%), pre-frail group (PG=47.1%) and non-frail group (NG=43.1%), in relation to anthropometric, demographic and spirometric data. Regarding to the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), statistically significant between-group differences were observed among the three groups, being these pressures significantly lower in the FG and PG compared to the NG. With regards to the obtained and predicted values, the FG and PG showed statistically significant difference (p=0.004). The PG showed positive correlations between the MIP and MEP with the values of hand grip strength (r=0.7). The NG showed positive correlation between the MEP and the values of physical activity level (r=0.7). CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated that maximal respiratory pressures may decrease according to the frailty condition among the non-frail, pre-frail and frail elderly. Furthermore, it also indicated a positive correlation between inspiratory muscle strength, expiratory muscle strength and hand grip strength in pre-frail elderly. Further investigation with regards to prevention or intervention programs that incorporate actions to minimize the loss of respiratory function are necessary in order to reverse or prevent the progression of the frailty condition.

Efeitos do exercício resistido de membros superiores na força muscular periférica e na capacidade funcional do paciente com DPOC

INTRODUCAO: A disfuncao muscular periferica na doenca pulmonar obstrutiva cronica (DPOC) contribui diretamente para a intolerância ao exercicio fisico, porem ainda nao ha consenso sobre estrategias adequadas de treinamento fisico para esses pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do exercicio resistido de membros superiores (MMSS) em pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave no ganho de forca e na capacidade funcional. METODOS: Doze pacientes com DPOC foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC) e treinado (GT). O GT realizou treinamento de forca, tres vezes por semana, durante seis semanas, com carga de 80% de uma repeticao maxima (RM). Antes e apos o tratamento, foram realizados os testes de 1 RM e o Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT) em ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS: Apos o tratamento, verificou-se aumento significativo da forca muscular no GT (aumento de 52% no supino sentado e 22% no pulley, com p < 0,05); e quanto ao PBRT, nao houve diferenca significativa em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSAO: O treinamento de forca de MMSS com duracao de seis semanas foi capaz de aumentar a forca muscular, mas nao a funcionalidade de pacientes com DPOC moderada a muito grave.

Influence of forward leaning and incentive spirometry on inspired volumes and inspiratory electromyographic activity during breathing exercises in healthy subjects.

Breathing exercises (BE), incentive spirometry and positioning are considered treatment modalities to achieve lung re-expansion. This study evaluated the influence of incentive spirometry and forward leaning on inspired tidal volumes (V(T)) and electromyographic activity of inspiratory muscles during BE. Four modalities of exercises were investigated: deep breathing, spirometry using both flow and volume-oriented devices, and volume-oriented spirometry after modified verbal instruction. Twelve healthy subjects aged 22.7 ± 2.1 years were studied. Surface electromyography activity of diaphragm, external intercostals, sternocleidomastoid and scalenes was recorded. Comparisons among the three types of exercises, without considering spirometry after modified instruction, showed that electromyographic activity and V(T) were lower during volume-oriented spirometry (p = 0.000, p = 0.054, respectively). Forward leaning resulted in a lower V(T) when compared to upright sitting (p = 0.000), but electromyographic activity was not different (p = 0.606). Inspired V(T) and electromyographic activity were higher during volume-oriented spirometry performed after modified instruction when compared with the flow-oriented device (p = 0.027, p = 0.052, respectively). In conclusion BE using volume-oriented spirometry before modified instruction resulted in a lower work of breathing as a result of a lower V(T) and was not a consequence of the device type used. Forward leaning might not be assumed by healthy subjects during situations of augmented respiratory demand.

Fatores que influenciam a capacidade física de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

The purpose of this study was to verify to what extent certain factors may influence physical capacity (as assessed by the six-minute walk test, 6MWT) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); factors considered were age, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and distance covered in the symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CET). Subjects were 18 male elderly (mean age 69.6±8.4 years) with II- and III-degree COPD diagnosis, submitted to spirometry and the 6MW and CE tests. Moderate significant correlations were found between distance walked at the 6MWT and FEV1 (r=0.62), MVV (r=0.50), and distance walked in CET (r=0.67); no correlation was found with age. Therefore, it may be said that the degree of airway obstruction, endurance of respiratory muscles, and maximum exertion capacity may influence physical capacity of subjects with II- and III-degree COPD when performing a daily activity such as walking.

Relationship of muscle strength with activities of daily living and quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Few activities of daily living (ADLs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are tolerated because they are associated with ventilatory and metabolic changes. Simply lifting the upper limb muscle requires changes, resulting in thoracic abdominal asynchrony, increased dyspnea, and can interfere with quality of life (QoL). Objective: to relate the muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip with the degree of dyspnea in ADLs and secondarily correlate them with QoL in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Materials and Methods: Nine male subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease III and IV (COPDG) and nine healthy, sedentary male individuals - control group (CG) were evaluated. All patients underwent the following evaluations: Pulmonary function, muscle strength of shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip, and questionnaires. Results: In the intergroup analysis found that the spirometric variables of the COPDG were significantly lower compared to the CG. Intragroup analysis for measures of muscle strength, found significant difference for shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip between both groups (COPDG) with lower mean (CG). Only the shoulder girdle had a positive correlation with ADLs and QoL. Conclusion: COPDG individuals, in addition to having pulmonary compromise, showed a significant decrease in muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip when compared to the CG. Only the shoulder girdle strength was positively correlated with the level of dyspnea in ADLs in QoL. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important tool for strengthening these muscles, possibly providing a positive impact on the degree of dyspnea during ADLs and reflecting on QoL.

Airway Clearance With an Optimized Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation Maneuver

BACKGROUND: Standard mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) therapy is applied with fast insufflation-exsufflation pressures to achieve high peak expiratory flows (PEF) and assist airway clearance. No attention is given to the resultant high peak inspiratory flows (PIF), although it may impair secretion removal. It has been proposed that an expiratory flow bias (ie, PEF higher than PIF) might be the key determinant for mucus clearance instead of the PEF alone. We examined the effects of 2 MI-E maneuvers, standard versus optimized, with fast and slow insufflation, respectively, along with different MI-E pressure settings on secretion displacement in 3 lung-impedance scenarios that simulated a patient on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: The MI-E device was connected to a lung model that simulated a patient on mechanical ventilation. Known quantities of mucus simulant were injected into the system and exposed to various MI-E ventilation conditions. Mucus movement was examined with image-analysis software. RESULTS: The optimized MI-E maneuver resulted in a much lower PIF (37.5 L/min [interquartile range, 24.9–47.9 L/min] vs 101.8 L/min [interquartile range, 89.1–115.7 L/min], P < .001). Consequently, the expiratory flow bias, expressed by PEF:PIF and the PEF-PIF difference, was much higher in the optimized maneuver. The higher expiratory flow bias in the optimized maneuver displaced the mucus outward, with a difference of 2.6 cm compared with the standard maneuver. Multivariate analysis revealed that the type of maneuver (optimized vs standard), PEF-PIF difference and MI-E pressure gradient were significantly correlated with mucus displacement (r2 = 0.817, P < .001), whereas the PEF was not. PEF:PIF and the PEF-PIF difference were lower in the obstructive lung scenario when compared with the restrictive and normal lung scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The optimized MI-E maneuver, applied with slow insufflation, resulted in a higher expiratory flow bias, which made the therapy more effective at moving mucus outward, compared with the standard MI-E maneuver, typically applied with fast insufflation.