Sema Savci

Six-minute walk distance as a measure of functional exercise capacity in multiple sclerosis.

Purpose. We hypothesised that six-minute walk (6MWT) distance of patients with ambulatory multiple sclerosis (MS) would differ from age-matched healthy control subjects. We also investigated the contribution of demographic, physical and physiological factors to impaired functional capacity in MS. Method. Thirty MS patients and 30 healthy subjects participated in this study. Respiratory muscle strength was measured. Pulmonary function test and 6MWT were performed. The Barthel Index (BI) was used to assess activities of daily living, and the Modified Ashworth Scale was used to determine spasticity. Symptomatic fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Results. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength of ambulatory MS patients were significantly lower, and baseline heart rate and fatigue perception were significantly higher than were healthy controls (p < 0.05). MS patients reached a significantly higher exercise heart rate, and walked significantly shorter distance than did healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The BI score, baseline heart rate and FSS score together accounted for 81 percent variance in 6MWT distance of MS patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The shorter distance covered during a 6MWT is determined by the limitations in activities of daily living, resting heart rate and subjective symptomatic fatigue in ambulatory patients with MS. Respiratory muscle weakness, lung function and level of neurological impairment do not contribute to impaired functional exercise capacity in these patients.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure

AIM To investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on functional capacity and balance, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, pulmonary function, dyspnea, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in heart failure patients. METHODS A prospective, randomized controlled, double-blinded study. Thirty patients with heart failure (NYHA II-III, LVEF<40%) were included. Sixteen patients received IMT at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and 14 patients received sham therapy (15% of MIP) for 6 weeks. Functional capacity and balance, respiratory muscle strength, quadriceps femoris muscle strength, pulmonary function, dyspnea, fatigue, quality of life, and depression were evaluated. RESULTS Functional capacity and balance, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea, depression were significantly improved in the treatment group compared with controls; quality of life and fatigue were similarly improved within groups (p < 0.05). Functional capacity (418.59 ± 123.32 to 478.56 ± 131.58 m, p < 0.001), respiratory (MIP = 62.00 ± 33.57 to 97.13 ± 32.63 cmH(2)O, p < 0.001) and quadriceps femoris muscle strength (240.91 ± 106.08 to 301.82 ± 111.86 N, p < 0.001), FEV(1)%, FVC% and PEF%, functional balance (52.73 ± 3.15 to 54.25 ± 2.34, p < 0.001), functional dyspnea (2.27 ± 0.88 to 1.07 ± 0.79, p < 0.001), depression (11.47 ± 7.50 to 3.20 ± 4.09, p < 0.001), quality of life, fatigue (42.73 ± 11.75 to 29.07 ± 13.96, p < 0.001) were significantly improved in the treatment group. Respiratory muscle strength (MIP = 78.64 ± 35.95 to 90.86 ± 30.23 cmH(2)O, p = 0.001), FVC%, depression (14.36 ± 9.04 to 9.50 ± 10.42, p = 0.011), quality of life and fatigue (42.86 ± 12.67 to 32.93 ± 15.87, p = 0.008) were significantly improved in the control group. CONCLUSION The IMT improves functional capacity and balance, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength; decreases depression and dyspnea perception in patients with heart failure. IMT should be included effectively in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version:

Physical inactivity is a global problem which is related to many chronic health disorders. Physical activity scales which allow cross-cultural comparisons have been developed. The goal was to assess the reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). 1,097 university students (721 women, 376 men; ages 18–32) volunteered. Short and long forms of the IPAQ gave good agreement and comparable 1-wk. test-retest reliabilities. Caltrac accelerometer data were compared with IPAQ scores in 80 participants with good agreement for short and long forms. Turkish versions of the IPAQ short and long forms are reliable and valid in assessment of physical activity.

Short-term effects of inspiratory muscle training in coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective. To investigate the efficiency of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on postoperative respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and psychosocial status in patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Design. Forty-three patients undergoing CABG surgery were randomly assigned to the one of two groups. All subjects received usual care. In addition, subjects in the intervention group received IMT training pre- and postoperatively. Pulmonary function testing, six minute walk test (6MWT), quality of life and psychosocial parameters were assessed preoperatively and the fifth day after the surgery. Results. The mean inspiratory muscle strength increased from 82.64 cmH2O at baseline to 95.45 cmH2O five days postoperatively in the intervention group. The intervention group (319.55 ± 72.17 m before and 387.91 ± 65.69 m after surgery) covered further distance during the 6MWT than usual care (355.43 ± 56.08 m before and 357.69 ± 43.42 m after surgery). The improvement in quality of life was greater in the intervention group for the dimension of sleep. The anxiety scores were significantly lower in the intervention group than the usual care group. The length of intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in the intervention group than the usual care group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. IMT results in faster recovery of inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, intensive care unit stay, quality of life and psychosocial status after CABG.

Effects of scoliosis on respiratory muscle strength in patients with neuromuscular disorders

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are characterized by loss of lung volume and respiratory muscle weakness, but the effects of scoliosis on lung function are unclear. PURPOSE To compare pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in patients with NMD with and without scoliosis as well as in healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Prospective comparison of pulmonary function testing and respiratory muscle strength were made at the pediatric pulmonology and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation units of a university hospital. PATIENT SAMPLE Twenty-two patients with NMD and scoliosis, 17 patients with NMD without scoliosis, and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Outcome measures were compared in patients with NMD with and without scoliosis and healthy subjects using Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and Spearman rank correlation, as appropriate. OUTCOME MEASURES 1) Pulmonary function: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF), forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF(25-75%)), and maximum expiratory flows at 75%, 50%, and 25% of FVC (MEF(75), MEF(50), and MEF(25), respectively); 2) oxygen saturation: pulse oxymeter reading; and 3) respiratory muscle strength: maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory mouth pressure (MEP). METHODS Pulmonary function, oxygen saturation, MIP, and MEP were measured and compared in patients with NMD, patients with and without scoliosis, and in healthy subjects. RESULTS The patients with NMD, both with and without scoliosis, had significantly lower PEF, MIP, MEP, % predicted MIP (%MIP), and % predicted MEP (%MEP) than those of healthy subjects (p<.05). The patients with NMD and scoliosis had significantly lower values than those with NMD without scoliosis and controls (p<.05) for FVC, FEV(1), and FEF(25-75%). CONCLUSION Both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength were diminished in patients with NMD compared with healthy controls. Significant differences were also noted in pulmonary function in patients with NMD with or without scoliosis. This suggests that NMD may impact respiratory function independently of the effects of scoliosis. Clinicians treating patients with NMD should be aware of the possibility of compromised respiratory function in these patients to address possible complications.

Extrapulmonary features of bronchiectasis: muscle function, exercise capacity, fatigue, and health status

BackgroundThere are limited number of studies investigating extrapulmonary manifestations of bronchiectasis. The purpose of this study was to compare peripheral muscle function, exercise capacity, fatigue, and health status between patients with bronchiectasis and healthy subjects in order to provide documented differences in these characteristics for individuals with and without bronchiectasis.MethodsTwenty patients with bronchiectasis (43.5 ± 14.1 years) and 20 healthy subjects (43.0 ± 10.9 years) participated in the study. Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength (maximal expiratory pressure – MIP - and maximal expiratory pressure - MEP), and dyspnea perception using the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MMRC) were determined. A six-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed. Quadriceps muscle, shoulder abductor, and hand grip strength (QMS, SAS, and HGS, respectively) using a hand held dynamometer and peripheral muscle endurance by a squat test were measured. Fatigue perception and health status were determined using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), respectively.ResultsNumber of squats, 6MWT distance, and LCQ scores as well as lung function testing values and respiratory muscle strength were significantly lower and MMRC and FSS scores were significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis than those of healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In bronchiectasis patients, QMS was significantly associated with HGS, MIP and MEP (p < 0.05). The 6MWT distance was significantly correlated to LCQ psychological score (p < 0.05). The FSS score was significantly associated with LCQ physical and total and MMRC scores (p < 0.05). The LCQ psychological score was significantly associated with MEP and 6MWT distance (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPeripheral muscle endurance, exercise capacity, fatigue and health status were adversely affected by the presence of bronchiectasis. Fatigue was associated with dyspnea and health status. Respiratory muscle strength was related to peripheral muscle strength and health status, but not to fatigue, peripheral muscle endurance or exercise capacity. These findings may provide insight for outcome measures for pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with bronchiectasis.

Do Yoga and Aerobic Exercise Training Have Impact on Functional Capacity, Fatigue, Peripheral Muscle Strength, and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors?

Aim. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga on the functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, quality of life (QOL), and fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Material and methods. A total of 52 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: aerobic exercise (n = 28) and yoga added to aerobic exercise (n = 24). Both groups participated in submaximal exercise 30 minutes/d, 3 d/wk for 6 weeks. The second group participated in a 1-hour yoga program in addition to aerobic exercise training. Functional capacity was assessed by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Peripheral muscle strength was evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. The fatigue severity level was assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The QOL was determined by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results. There were statistically significant increases in peripheral muscle strength, the 6MWT distance, and the perception of QOL in both groups (P < .05). Additionally, the group with aerobic exercise and yoga showed marked improvement compared with the aerobic exercise group in fatigue perception (P < .05). Conclusion. According to the data from this study, aerobic exercise training and yoga improved the functional capacity and QOL of breast cancer patients. Aerobic exercise programs can be supported by body mind techniques, such as yoga, in the rehabilitation of cancer patients for improving functional recovery and psychosocial wellness.

A comparison of muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, fatigue perception and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy subjects: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has significant systemic effects that substantially impact quality of life and survival. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare peripheral muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, fatigue perception and quality of life between patients with COPD and healthy subjects.MethodsTwenty COPD patients (mean FEV1 49.3 ± 19.2%) and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. Pulmonary function testing and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed. Peripheral muscle strength was measured with a hand-held dynamometer, peripheral muscle endurance was evaluated with sit-ups, squats and modified push-ups tests. Fatigue perception was assessed using the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). General quality of life was determined with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and cough-specific quality of life was evaluated with the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ).ResultsPulmonary functions, strength of shoulder abductor and flexor muscles, numbers of sit-ups and squats, 6MWT distance and 6MWT% were significantly lower in COPD patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.05). FIS psychosocial sub-dimension and total scores, NHP scores for all sub-dimensions except pain sub-dimension of the COPD group were significantly higher than those of healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The LCQ physical, psychological and social sub-dimensions and total scores were significantly lower in COPD patients than in healthy subjects (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPulmonary functions, peripheral muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity and quality of life were adversely affected in patients with COPD. There are greater effect of fatigue on psychosocial functioning and general daily life activities and effect of cough on the quality of life in patients with COPD. This study supports the idea that COPD patients must be evaluated in a comprehensive manner for planning pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Active cycle of breathing techniques in non-invasive ventilation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure

We hypothesised that applying the active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure undergoing non-invasive ventilation would improve patient outcome. Thirty-four patients were randomised so that 17 patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure received the ACBT and non-invasive ventilation (ACBT group), and 17 patients received non-invasive ventilation alone (control group). The primary outcome measure was length of time requiring non-invasive ventilation, and secondary outcome measures were change in acute physiology score, change in arterial blood gas values, total duration of non-invasive ventilation, and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Although not significant, there was a greater decrease in arterial carbon dioxide pressure in the ACBT group compared to the control group (-21.41 mmHg vs -17.45 mmHg, p = 0.27). Total duration of ventilation tended to be shorter in the ACBT group than in the control group (64.9 hours vs 84.1 hours, p = 0.15). Length of time in need of non-invasive ventilation was significantly lower in the ACBT group than in the control group (5.0 days vs 6.7 days, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in length of stay in the intensive care unit between the two groups (8.0 vs 9.4 days, p = 0.31). The use of ACBT may have positive effects in the treatment of patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, resulting in a shorter length of time requiring non-invasive ventilation.

Determinants of physical activity in minimally impaired people with multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE Despite the commonly known benefits of physical activity, evidence shows that people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are relatively inactive. There are several studies about factors affecting physical activity in pwMS. However, these factors have not investigated in minimally impaired pwMS who do not have remarkable symptoms and walking disturbance. The objective was to determine factors affecting physical activity in minimally impaired pwMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS We recruited 52 minimally impaired pwMS and measured physical activity with Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and an accelerometer used for the 7-day period. Demographic data were recorded. Walking (speed, endurance, dexterity, and quality), fatigue, depression, and quality of life were measured. METHODS We recruited 52 minimally impaired pwMS and measured physical activity with Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and an accelerometer used for the 7-day period. Demographic data were recorded. Walking (speed, endurance, dexterity, and quality), fatigue, depression, and quality of life were measured. RESULTS The walking speed assessed by the Timed 25-Foot Walk and gender were found the determinants of physical activity level assessed by the GLTEQ and accelerometer, respectively. Walking (speed, endurance, and dexterity), gender, employment status, and quality of life were associated with physical activity. Either female or unemployed participants had significantly less physical activity. There were no significant difference between physical activity levels and the other subgroups. CONCLUSION Either to be a female or to have slower walking speed was associated with less physical activity. Strategies to improve walking should be focused on female pwMS with minimal impairment.