Effects of Combined Aerobic and Breathing Exercises on Asthma Control: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Breathing and aerobic exercises are the most recommended nonpharmacological treatments to improve asthma control and quality of life in patients with asthma. However, the benefits of combining both interventions in these outcomes have never been tested.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the combination of aerobic and breathing exercises on asthma control in individuals with moderate-to-severe asthma.

Long-term tobacco exposure and immunosenescence: Paradoxical effects on T-cells telomere length and telomerase activity.

Immunosenescence are alterations on immune system that occurs throughout an individual life. The main characteristic of this process is replicative senescence, evaluated by telomere shortening. Several factors implicate on telomere shortening, such as smoking.

Effects of elastic tape on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with COPD.

Subjects with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) present thoracoabdominal asynchrony (TAA) that reduces ventilatory efficiency and exercise capacity. However, no therapeutic intervention has focused on reducing TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of elastic tape (ET) on thoracoabdominal mechanics, dyspnea symptoms, exercise capacity, and physical activity level in nonobese male subjects with severe-to-very severe COPD.

Effect of an Exercise Program on Lymphocyte Proliferative Responses of COPD Patients.

Exercise training has been shown to reduce symptoms and exacerbations in COPD patients; however, the exercise effect on patients' immune response is poorly known. We thus verified if an exercise program (EP) impacted on proliferative T cell response of COPD patients. Fourteen non-O dependent COPD patients on standard treatment were studied.

Comparison between the phase angle and phase shift parameters to assess thoracoabdominal asynchrony in COPD patients.

Determining the presence of thoracoabdominal asynchrony in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is clinically relevant, but there is no consensus on the optimal parameters for performing this analysis. We assessed 22 COPD patients (FEV 40 ± 10% predicted) and 13 healthy controls during rest and exercise with optoelectronic plethysmography (70% maximum workload) on a cycle ergometer. Thoracoabdominal asynchrony was calculated by using phase angle and phase shift parameters following a three-compartment model involving the upper and lower rib cages and abdomen.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a controlled clinical trial.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a cystic lung disease frequently associated with reduced exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation in LAM.This controlled clinical trial included 40 patients with LAM and a low physical activity level.

Comparison of lung expansion techniques on thoracoabdominal mechanics and incidence of pulmonary complications after upper abdominal surgery: a randomized and controlled trial.

Objective: Lung expansion techniques (LETs) are widely used to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). However, the effects of each of these techniques on thoracoabdominal mechanics and PPC incidence after abdominal surgery remain unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of LET on pulmonary volumes, respiratory muscle activation, and PPC incidence after major, elective upper abdominal surgery.

Effect of volume-oriented versus flow-oriented incentive spirometry on chest wall volumes, inspiratory muscle activity, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in the elderly.

Background: Aging causes physiological and functional changes that impair pulmonary function. Incentive spirometry is widely used for lung expansion, but the effects of volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS) versus flow-oriented incentive spirometry (FIS) on chest wall volumes, inspiratory muscle activity, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in the elderly are poorly understood. We compared VIS and FIS in elderly subjects and healthy adult subjects.

Evaluation of a multimedia online tool for teaching bronchial hygiene to physical therapy students.

Background: Advances in information technology have been widely used in teaching health care professionals. The use of multimedia resources may be important for clinical learning and we are not aware of previous reports using such technology in respiratory physical therapy education.

Objectives: Our approach was to evaluate a conventional bronchial hygiene techniques (BHTs) course with an interactive online environment, including multimedia resources.

Musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain in adults with asthma.

Background: The mechanical alterations related to the overload of respiratory muscles observed in adults with persistent asthma might lead to the development of chronic alterations in posture, musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain; however, these changes remain poorly understood.

Objective: This study aimed to assess postural alignment, muscle shortening and chronic pain in adults with persistent asthma.

Methods: This cross-sectional and controlled study enrolled 30 patients with mild (n = 17) and severe (n = 13) persistent asthma.