Yann Combret

Comparison of oxygen uptake during cycle ergometry with and without functional electrical stimulation in patients with COPD: protocol for a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial

Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has systemic repercussions that can lead to peripheral muscle dysfunction. Muscle atrophy reduces aerobic capacity, greatly limiting activities of daily living and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the gold standard treatment for these patients, however, patients may not be able to reach sufficient training intensities for benefits to occur. Technologies such as functional electrical stimulation (FES) are currently being adapted and tested to enhance exercise training. We hypothesise that FES coupled with cycling (FES-cycling) will improve maximal uptake of oxygen (VO2) and aerobic capacity more than endurance training with placebo stimulation. Methods A randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial will be carried out to evaluate the effects of FES-cycling on VO2 during endurance exercise on a cycle ergometer in patients with COPD. 25 patients with COPD will carry out two 30 min sessions at a constant load; one session with active and one with placebo FES. The primary outcome is oxygen uptake recorded with a metabolic measurement system. Secondary outcomes include ventilation equivalent for oxygen, ventilation equivalent for carbon dioxide, cardiac output, lactate values, perceived dyspnoea and perceived muscle fatigue. Results and conclusions Approval has been granted by our Institutional Review Board (Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest 3). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT02594722.

Effects of different early rehabilitation techniques on haemodynamic and metabolic parameters in sedated patients: protocol for a randomised, single-bind, cross-over trial

Introduction Early rehabilitation has become widespread practice for patients in intensive care; however, the prevalence of intensive care unit-acquired weakness remains high and the majority of physiotherapy is carried out in bed. Several inbed rehabilitation methods exist, but we hypothesise that techniques that provoke muscle contractions are more effective than passive techniques. Methods A randomised, controlled cross-over study will be carried out to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of early rehabilitation techniques on cardiac output (CO) in sedated patients in intensive care. 20 intubated and sedated patients will undergo 4 10 min rehabilitation sessions. 2 sessions will involve ‘passive’ techniques based on mobilisations and inbed cycle ergometry and 2 involving electrostimulation of the quadriceps muscle and Functional Electrical Stimulation-cycling (FES-cycling). The primary outcome is CO measured by Doppler ultrasound. The secondary outcomes are right ventricular function, pulmonary systolic arterial pressure, muscle oxygenation and minute ventilation during exercise. Results and conclusion Approval has been granted by our Institutional Review Board (Comité de Protection des Personnes Nord-Ouest 3). The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT02920684.

Effect of backpack carrying on forced vital capacity in cystic fibrosis: A randomized crossover-controlled trial

Background Backpack carrying impacts lung function in healthy children but the effect in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is unknown. Methods Three backpack positions were tested: no backpack (NB), a 12.5% body-weight backpack carried bilaterally (BB) or unilaterally (UB), at rest and during a 10 minute walk. Primary outcome was forced vital capacity (FVC). Secondary outcomes included comparison of cardio-respiratory variables within and between groups. Results Nine children with CF (13.3±2.6 years; FEV1 66±22%) and 18 healthy children (13.8±1.8 years; FEV1 107±30%) were included. FVC was reduced with UB compared to NB (68.5±23.3% vs 72.1±24.3%, p = 0.024) in children with CF. FEV1, MIP and MEP decreased more with UB in children with CF than in healthy peers. Increases in VO2, VCO2 and minute ventilation with UB were greater in the CF group during walking. Conclusions Unilateral backpack wearing affects FVC in children with CF and requires greater cardio-respiratory adjustments compared to healthy peers.

Effect of high-flow nasal therapy during acute aerobic exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after exacerbation: protocol for a randomised, controlled, cross-over trial

Introduction Early pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended after a severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, this is difficult to implement, particularly for exercise training. High-flow nasal therapy (HFNT) may reduce the work of breathing and dyspnoea and may improve exercise tolerance. Methods and analysis This is a single-centre, prospective, controlled, randomised, cross-over study. Eligible patients will have a diagnosis of COPD (postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio of <0.7). Two constant work rate exercise tests at 80% of the peak work rate will be carried out on two consecutive days with and without HFNT. The primary outcome will be the difference in endurance time between the two conditions. Secondary outcomes will be the change in muscle oxygenation during exercise, dyspnoea and muscle fatigue, respiratory muscle strength after exercise, respiratory rate, cardiac frequency, transcutaneous CO2 pressure and pulsed O2 saturation. Nineteen patients will be included. Data will be analysed as intention to treat by a blinded statistician. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committees Nord-Ouest III, Caen, France (N° ID RCB: 2016-A01325-46). The study will begin in April 2017 for a duration of 2 years. The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Trial registration number NCT03058081.