Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary program of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the goal of improving the functional capacity and quality of life, as well as maintaining the clinical stability of COPD sufferers. However, not all patients are available for such a program despite discomfort with their condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a home-based PR (HBPR) program on functional ability, quality of life, and respiratory muscle strength and endurance.

Analysis of autonomic modulation during maximal and submaximal work rate and functional capacity in asthmatic children.

Background: Children with asthma experience changes in functional capacity and autonomic control. The literature suggests that this imbalance is responsible for bronchial hyperresponsiveness, primarily during physical effort.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate variables of autonomic modulation and functional capacity in asthmatic children after maximum and submaximum work rate.