ObjectiveThe current study evaluated the costs and benefits of a simple aerobic
walking program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). MethodThis was a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial that recruited 72
patients diagnosed with COPD, 40 of whom were included in the study and
divided into two groups [control group (CG) and pulmonary rehabilitation
group (GPR)]. We assessed pulmonary function, distance covered
during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory and peripheral muscle
strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), body composition, and
level of activities of daily living (ADLs) before and after an 8-week
walking program. The financial costs were calculated according to the
pricing table of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). ResultsOnly 34 of the 40 patients remained in the final sample; 16 in the CG and 18
in the GPR (FEV1: 50.9±14% predicted and
FEV1: 56±0.5% predicted, respectively). The intervention
group exhibited improvements in the 6MWT, sensation of dyspnea and fatigue,
work performed, BODE index (p<0.01), HRQOL, ADL level (p<0.001), and
lower limb strength (p<0.05). The final mean cost per patient for the
GPR was R$ 148.75 (~US$ 75.00) and no patient significantly
exceeded this value. However, 2 patients in the CG did exceed this value,
incurring a cost of R$ 689.15 (~US$ 345.00). ConclusionAerobic walking demonstrated significant clinical benefits in a
cost-efficient manner in patients with COPD.
| Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that affects the cardiorespiratory system and the cardiac autonomic control may be altered at rest and after a submaximal exercise. Objective: To assess the cardiac autonomic control by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis before and after a 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Method: Thirteen children diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CFG) aged 12±2.7 years (FEV 1 /FVC: 0.83±0.11, FEV 1 : 71.4±21 %pred) and 12 healthy children (control group-CG) aged 11.4±2.4 years (FEV 1 /FVC: 0.91±0.12, FEV 1 : 91.6±17.4 %pred) were included in the study. HRV was evaluated prior to and immediately after the 6MWT and the heart rate recovery assessed on the first and second minute after test.
Patients with Parkinson's disease often exhibit respiratory disorders and there are no Respiratory Therapy protocols which are suggested as interventions in Parkinson's patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Breathing-Stacking (BS) and incentive spirometer (IS) techniques in volume variations of the chest wall in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). 14 patients with mild-moderate PD were included in this randomized cross-over study. Volume variations of the chest wall were assessed before, immediately after, then 15 and 30 min after BS and IS performance by optoelectronic plethysmography. Tidal volume (VT) and minute ventilation (MV) significantly increased after BS and IS techniques (p < 0.05). There was greater involvement of pulmonary and abdominal compartments after IS. The results suggest that these re-expansion techniques can be performed to immediately improve volume.
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