Evaluation of cardiac autonomic control during the 6-min walk test in women with systemic sclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate the association between sympathovagal balance and exercise performance, as measured by the 6-min walk test (6MWT), in women with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without cardiac involvement.

Results: This was a cross-sectional study in which 69 women with SSc [median age 51 (40-63 years)] without cardiac involvement underwent the 6MWT. Throughout the 6MWT, heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using dedicated software.

Reference value for the 6-min walking distance in women with systemic sclerosis considering the impact of muscle strength.

Background: Early triage, the search for new therapies, and closer monitoring of patients with systemic sclerosis before their lung function irreversibly deteriorates are urgent concerns. Because it is an independent predictor of systemic sclerosis-related mortality, the 6-min walk test is a potentially useful tool to evaluate outcomes, along with pulmonary function and computed tomography. This study aimed to establish a reference value for the 6-min walking distance in women with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease that takes into account the effects of muscle and lung function.

Feasibility of the Glittre-ADL test in the preoperative period of thoracic surgery.

Background: The Glittre-ADL test (TGlittre) broadly meets the need for an objective evaluation of physical function, using similar activities to those of daily living.

Objective: To assess whether TGlittre in the preoperative assessment of patients who are candidates for thoracic surgery is associated with measures of pulmonary function, body balance, and quality of life and, secondarily, whether TGlittre may be related to postoperative complications.

Methods: This study evaluated 34 patients in the preoperative period of thoracic surgery.