Can resistance prehabilitation training bring additional benefits in valvular cardiac surgery? protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of illnesses that include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease and deep vein thrombosis. Major surgery is often chosen as the treatment of choice for CVD. The concept of fast-track rehabilitation after surgery appeared in the 1970s. Participation in these exercise-based prehabilitation programmes may decrease postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. The primary aim of the present study is to evaluate whether the implementation of an additional resistance training (RT) prehabilitation protocol within cardiac exercises based prehabilitation can reduce intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, postoperative complications and hospital length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A protocol of a prospective, parallel, randomised clinical trial includes 96 adult patients diagnosed with valvular pathology and who have been scheduled for surgery. The participants will be randomly assigned to two groups of 48. Control group will be treated with ventilatory and strengthening of respiratory muscles, and aerobic exercise. Experimental group, in addition, will be treated with RT of peripheral muscles. Both hospital stay and ICU stay will be assessed as main variables. Other secondary variables such as exercise capacity, quality of life and respiratory values will also be assessed. Quantitative variables will be analysed with a T-Test or ANOVA, or Mann Witney if the distribution is non-parametric.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

This will be the first controlled clinical study focused on adding strength exercise as an additional treatment during prehabilitation. The results of this study will focus on helping to improve rehabilitation and prehabilitation protocols, considering that it is essential to maintain pulmonary training, as well as the inclusion of peripheral exercises that help people with heart disease to be in a better physical condition in order to increase their participation and sense of quality of life.

Effects of exercise-based interventions on inflammatory markers in patients with fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present review was (1) to determine the effects of exercise based-interventions (EBIs) on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), and (2) to determine the most effective type (acute or maintained) and modality (aerobic, resistance, etc.).

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in various electronic databases to identify all the relevant studies: Medline (PubMed), PEDro, EBSCO and Google Scholar. Clinical trials assessing the effects of EBIs in patients with FM were selected. Methodological quality was evaluated by two independent investigators using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Qualitative analysis was based on the classification of the results into levels of evidence according to GRADE.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in proinflammatory biomarkers by EBIs with a large clinical effect in 19 comparisons (SMD: 1.74; 95 % CI: 0.85-2.62; p < 0.05), especially for IL8. The certainty of the evidence was low. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers (IL10) by EBIs in 6 comparisons and very low certainty of evidence. Evidence was found for acute and maintained effects of exercise, with aerobic and aquatic exercise modalities showing better improvements than resistance exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

EBIs are effective in inducing an immunomodulatory response in FM, characterized by decreased pro-inflammatory signaling. However, there was no evidence of an increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers. These results should be interpreted with caution due to low certainty of evidence.

The impact of a neuromuscular rehabilitation programme on the quality of life of patients with acute coronary syndrome and its relationship with sexual dysfunction: a randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

Many patients with acute coronary syndrome experience problematic or altered sexual function. This aspect of the disease is frequently ignored or overlooked by the healthcare community even though it can strongly influence health-related patient quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of a specific cardiac rehabilitation programme focused on aerobic and neuromuscular strength-resistance training to those of a classic rehabilitation programme, both in terms of HRQoL and erectile dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

METHODS

This study reports both secondary and unregistered outcomes from a double-blinded, randomised, and controlled clinical trial. The proposed intervention was based on the completion of a 20-session (10-week) cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with cardiovascular disease. The patient cohort had been diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and was recruited at the Cardiology Service of a private tertiary hospital. The outcomes assessed in this study were HRQoL and erectile disfunction assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 30 participants were randomly allocated to each study arm. The results of the two-way mixed ANOVAs showed significant group × time interactions for all the outcome measures (EQ-5D_index, p = 0.004; EQ-5D_VAS, p = 0.017; QLMI-Q, p ≤ 0.001; and IIEF-5, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The neuromuscular strength training programme was more effective than the classic strength training programme in terms of increasing the HRQoL and improving erectile dysfunction in patients following acute coronary syndrome, with differences still remaining between these groups at the 6-month follow-up.

Serum lipid biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines associated with onset and clinical status of patients with early knee osteoarthritis

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint condition and one of the greatest causes of disability worldwide. The role of serum lipid and inflammatory biomarkers in the origin and development of the disease is not clear, although it could have important implications for diagnosis and treatment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate differences of serum lipid and inflammatory biomarkers with knee EOA in comparison with matched controls, in order to determine the role of these factors in the origin of EOA.

Methods

For this proposal, a cross-sectional study with a non-randomized sample was performed. 48 subjects with early osteoarthritis (EOA) and 48 matched controls were selected and serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL) and inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA) were analyzed. In addition, clinical (pain, disability) and functional (gait speed, sit-to-stand) variables were measured to establish their relationship to serum lipid levels and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

Patients with EOA showed higher levels of total cholesterol LDL, UA, and CRP. Higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL and CRP were correlated with higher levels of pain intensity and higher disability (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, UA and CRP were inversely correlated with gait speed and sit-to-stand tests (r = −0.038 to −0.5, p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion

These results highlight the relevance of metabolic and proinflammatory aspects in the early stages of knee OA and could be key to developing early diagnoses to prevent the onset and development of the disease.

Feasibility of face mask spirometry during decannulation in head and neck surgery: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relationship between spirometric parameters measured with a face mask versus a mouthpiece, as well as the feasibility of face mask spirometric evaluation in a head and neck surgery (HNS) decannulation context. Furthermore, we examine peak inspiratory flow (PIF) cut-off values before and after decannulation.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Otolaryngology HNS Department of a University teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four patients were selected. A maximal flow-volume loop was conducted before (with mouthpiece) and after (with mouthpiece and face mask) decannulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recorded outcomes were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second, peak expiratory flow, PIF, forced expiratory flow at 50% of FVC and forced inspiratory flow at 50% of FVC. Spearman correlation coefficients between spirometric parameters measured with a face mask versus a mouthpiece were calculated. Wilcoxon test was used to check differences between mouthpiece and face mask values.

RESULTS

Correlation between mouthpiece and face mask spirometric values was moderate to high (r = 0.46 to 0.95). All parameters measured by spirometry were significantly lower with a face mask than those obtained with a mouthpiece (p < 0.05). Before decannulation, the lowest PIF value (tested with mouthpiece) that allowed successful decannulation was 1 L/s. After decannulation, the lowest PIF value tested with mouthpiece and face mask for successful completion of the decannulation process were 0.77 and 0.56 L/s, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Face mask is a feasible option to perform a spirometry when face diseases hinder spirometric evaluation through a mouthpiece in an HNC surgery context.

Escape-cardio: Gamification in cardiovascular physiotherapy. An observational study

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, innovative educational strategies of learning have appeared, to generate greater motivation in the students. Gamification has become popular in the educational area, including Escape Rooms. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate if this gamification activity led to better knowledge acquisition by the students, improving performance in their final exam. As a secondary objective, we surveyed the satisfaction of the students participating in the Educational Escape Room.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational study of cases and controls was carried out. We designed an escape room based on the cardiovascular area of physiotherapy, titled Escape-Cardio. We provided scaffolded learning activities through the activity. Primary outcomes corresponded to the students' qualifications and the number of correct answers in the final exam. Qualitative questionnaire results of students of both courses were collected using a self-created survey, which was completed after the activity.

RESULTS

58 students participated in the Escape-Cardio. We observed better performance in the intervention group, improving their average mark and number of correct answers in the exam, with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p-value<0.05). In the qualitative assessment, students answered the survey, and all of them scored unanimously each item with the maximum score, aiming for 100% satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Escape-Cardio students improved their professional knowledge application in the cardiovascular physiotherapy area in a statistically significant way. An excellent qualitative evaluation was achieved by them.

Effects of neuromuscular training compared to classic strength-resistance training in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

The aim of the present clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular versus classical strength-resistance training as part of a cardiac rehabilitation programme in patients following acute coronary syndrome. The study is designed as a double-blinded, randomised, and controlled clinical trial. Thirty participants suffering from acute coronary syndrome who meet our inclusion criteria will be recruited by a private tertiary hospital. The intervention group will follow 20 sessions of a cardiac rehabilitation programme divided into two parts: aerobic training and neuromuscular strength-resistance training. The control group will complete the same aerobic training as well as a classical strength-resistance training workout programme. The primary outcome of the study will be the mean difference in change from baseline in the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test. The secondary outcomes will be the cardiorespiratory fitness of the patients (assessed by means of the Chester Step Test), lower-limb performance (assessed with the 30-Second Chair Stand Test and Single-Leg Squat Test), lower-limb strength (hip flexor handheld dynamometry), sexual dysfunction assessment (Sex Health Inventory for Men) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). This work will provide evidence for the effectiveness of a neuromuscular versus a classic strength-training programme in terms of cardiorespiratory fitness, lower-limb performance capacities and quality of life, in cardiac patients. The data obtained could lead to more effective and functional workouts which, in turn, may enhance the speed at which these patients can return to their everyday activities of life and improve the efficiency of their movement patterns and heart responses. Furthermore, patients may find neuromuscular workout routines more motivating and engaging, thus encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyle patterns.

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Improves Respiratory Muscle Function and Functional Capacity in Children with Congenital Heart Disease. A Prospective Cohort Study

Critical surgical and medical advances have shifted the focus of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients from survival to achievement of a greater health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL is influenced, amongst other factors, by aerobic capacity and respiratory muscle strength, both of which are reduced in CHD patients. This study evaluates the influence of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity. Fifteen CHD patients, ages 12 to 16, with reduced aerobic capacity in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were enrolled in a CPRP involving strength and aerobic training for three months. Measurements for comparison were obtained at the start, end, and six months after the CPRP. A significant improvement of inspiratory muscle strength was evidenced (maximum inspiratory pressure 21 cm H₂O, 23%, p < 0.01). The six-minute walking test showed a statistically and clinically significant rise in walked distance (48 m, p < 0.01) and a reduction in muscle fatigue (1.7 out of 10 points, p = 0.017). These results suggest CPRP could potentially improve respiratory muscle function and functional capacity, with lasting results, in children with congenital heart disease, but additional clinical trials must be conducted to confirm this finding.

SO067VIRTUAL REALITY EXERCISE INTRADIALYSIS IMPACT ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL WITH FOLLOW-UP

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite the benefits reported by the implementation of exercise during dialysis, currently it is not a clinical routine. Non-immersive virtual reality (VR) is a feasible option to exercise and in a short pilot study of intadialysis VR exercise improved physical function (PF), Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity (PA). The objective of this research was to investigate if a 12-weeks non-immersive VR exercise program intradialysis improves PF and PA.

METHODS

This was a crossover randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized in a control-VR group (CVR) or VR-control group (VRC). There were two consecutive periods of 12 weeks, one control and one exercise period. The CVR started with a control period and followed by the exercise period, and the VRC did the opposite. PF and PA were assessed at four time points: baseline, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. The functional tests administered included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), gait speed in 4 meters, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), balance with the one-legged stance test (OLST), Sit-to-Stand 10 (STS10) and Sit-to-Stand 60 (STS-60), 6 minute walking test (6MWT). Human Activity Profile (HAP) was used to assess PA level. Intradialysis exercise consisted of a video game adapted to dialysis: Treasure hunting. It is a non-immersive VR game in which the patient must catch some objectives avoiding obstacles by moving the lower limbs. The exercise session lasted from 20 to 40 minutes. Intensity was checked through the rate of perceived exertion (RPE). A mixed model of repeated measures were used to assess the effect of the intervention.

RESULTS

47 subjects were included in the study, 22 subjects (median age 73.5 years; 13 males) in the CVR and 25 subjects (median age 72 years, 15 males) in the VRC. At 24 weeks we tested 33 subjects and at 36 weeks 31 patients were tested. The results of all functional tests improved after the exercise program (Gait speed in 4 meters -0.16 seconds, 95% CI -0.1- -0.2 VRC and -0.12 seconds, 95% IC -0.06--0.17 CVR; TUG -1.8 seconds, 95% CI -1.2--2.5 VRC and -1.3 seconds, 95% CI 0.1--2.7 CVR; OLST 6.2 seconds, 95% CI 2.6-9.8 VRC and 8.1 seconds, 95% CI 4.2-12.0 CVR; STS-10 -5.6 seconds, 95% CI -3.5--7.8 VRC and -6.0 seconds, 95% CI -4.0--7.9 CVR; and 6MWT 105.4 meters, 95% CI 76.2-134.6 VRC and CVR 59.5 meters, 95% CI 34.5-84.5). The VRC showed a significant increase in HAP (9.2, 95% CI 6.4-12.0) after the 12 weeks of exercise program. The CVR did not change during the first 12 weeks of no exercise, but showed a significant increase at 24 weeks after the end of the exercise program in HAP (7.4, 95% CI 3.8-11.0). The follow-up of 12 weeks after the end of the program in the VRC showed a significant decrease in function in the following tests (Gait speed in 4 meters -0.13seconds, 95% CI 0.08--0.18; STS-10 -1.4 seconds, CI 95% 0.11-2.65; and 6MWT -66.4 meters, 95% CI 43.5-89.2). During the follow-up period, at 24 weeks, the VRC showed a significant decrease in HAP (-7.7, 95% CI -11.0--4.4), there was no further decrease at 36 weeks. At 36 weeks, after 12 weeks of follow-up, participants in the CVR presented a significant decrease in HAP (-7.2, 95% CI -10.5--4.0).

CONCLUSIONS

A non-immersive VR exercise program during intradialysis improves PF and PA and HRQoL. Exercise benefits are not maintained after 12 weeks of follow-up.