Predictors of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COPD patients according to the Weber classification.

Background: Weber classification stratifies cardiac patients based on peak oxygen consumption (V̇O), the gold-standard measure of exercise capacity.

Objective: To determine if Weber classification is a useful tool to discriminate clinical phenotypes in COPD patients and to evaluate if disease severity and other clinical measures can predict V̇O.

Methods: Three hundred and six COPD patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and were divided according to Weber class: 1) Weber A (n = 34); 2) Weber B (n = 88); 3) Weber C (n = 138); and 4) Weber D (n = 46).

Non-invasive ventilatory support accelerates the oxygen uptake and heart rate kinetics and improves muscle oxygenation dynamics in COPD-HF patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) associated with high-intensity exercise on heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (V̇O) recovery kinetics in in patients with coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF).

Methods: This is a randomized, double blinded, sham-controlled study involving 14 HF-COPD patients, who underwent a lung function test and Doppler echocardiography. On two different days, patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and two constant-work rate tests (80% of CPET peak) receiving Sham or NIPPV (bilevel mode - Astral 150) in a random order until the limit of tolerance (Tlim).

The Effect of Adding Noninvasive Ventilation to High-Intensity Exercise on Peripheral and Respiratory Muscle Oxygenation.

Background: We sought to assess whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) as an adjunct with high-intensity exercise (HIEx) is more effective than exercise alone or exercise + sham on respiratory and peripheral oxygenation and vascular function in subjects with coexisting COPD and heart failure (HF).

Methods: On separate days, subjects performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 3 constant load tests: HIEx, HIEx+NIV, and HIEx+sham (bi-level mode, Astral 150). Subjects were randomized with a 1:1 block allocation for the HIEx+NIV group and HIEx+sham group until the limit of tolerance (Tlim).

The Impact of Post-traumatic Stress of SARS-CoV-2 Affliction on Psychological and Mental Health of Student Survivors: Cross Sectional Study.

Background: COVID-19 survivor's population is often associated with a long term impact on mental and psychological health. Recent included studies have also stated affliction of mental health due to fear of virus and preventive policies among the college students.

Objectives: The research was conducted to find the psychological and mental impacts of SARS-CoV-2 affliction among the students' survivors in the university.

Can Non-invasive Ventilation Modulate Cerebral, Respiratory, and Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation During High-Intensity Exercise in Patients With COPD-HF?

Aim: To evaluate the effect of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on (1) metabolic, ventilatory, and hemodynamic responses; and (2) cerebral (Cox), respiratory, and peripheral oxygenation when compared with SHAM ventilation during the high-intensity exercise in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF).

Methods And Results: On separate days, patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing and two constant-work rate tests receiving NIPPV or controlled ventilation (SHAM) (the bilevel mode-Astral 150) in random order until the limit of tolerance (Tlim). During exercise, oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb+Mb) and deoxyhemoglobin (DeoxyHb+Mb) were assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy (Oxymon, Artinis Medical Systems, Einsteinweg, The Netherlands).

The effect of passive mobilization associated with blood flow restriction and combined with electrical stimulation on cardiorespiratory safety, neuromuscular adaptations, physical function, and quality of life in comatose patients in an ICU: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Intensive care unit-acquired atrophy and weakness are associated with high mortality, a reduction in physical function, and quality of life. Passive mobilization (PM) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation were applied in comatose patients; however, evidence is inconclusive regarding atrophy and weakness prevention. Blood flow restriction (BFR) associated with PM (BFRp) or with electrical stimulation (BFRpE) was able to reduce atrophy and increase muscle mass in spinal cord-injured patients, respectively.

Noninvasive ventilation can modulate heart rate variability during high-intensity exercise in COPD-CHF patients.

Objective: to assess the acute effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during high-intensity exercise on heart rate variability (HRV) responses in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.

Methods: This was randomized, double blinded and controlled study. Fourteen patients with COPD-HF diagnosis were evaluated.

Lifestyle and rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: guidance for health professionals and support for exercise and rehabilitation programs.

: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease for both the general population and healthcare professionals caring for infected patients. Of particular concern is the potential for significant respiratory, cardiovascular, physical, and psychological dysfunctions.: In this context, the current review will focus on the following areas: 1) staying physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) highlighting the importance of understanding COVID-19 mechanisms; 3) preventing infections for healthcare workers by using personal protective equipment; 4) highlighting importance of respiratory care and physical therapy during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19; and 5) facilitating referral to a rehabilitation program in patients recovering from COVID-19.

Low-Load Resistance Training Performed to Muscle Failure or Near Muscle Failure Does Not Promote Additional Gains on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Functional Performance of Older Adults.

Bergamasco, JGA, Gomes da Silva, D, Bittencourt, DF, Martins de Oliveira, R, Júnior, JCB, Caruso, FC, Godoi, D, Borghi-Silva, A, and Libardi, CA. Low-load resistance training performed to muscle failure or near muscle failure does not promote additional gains on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and functional performance of older adults. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1209-1215, 2022-The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of low-load resistance training (RT) protocols performed to failure (FAI), to voluntary interruption (VOL), and with a fixed low repetitions (FIX) on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and functional performance in older adults.

Non-invasive ventilation improves exercise tolerance and peripheral vascular function after high-intensity exercise in COPD-HF patients.

Aim: Evaluate the acute effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NiPPV) during high-intensity exercise on endothelial function in patients with coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF).

Methods: This is a randomized, double blinded, sham-controlled study involving 14 COPD-HF patients, who underwent a lung function test and Doppler echocardiography. On two different days, patients performed incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and two constant-work rate tests (80% of CPET peak) receiving Sham or NiPPV (bilevel mode - Astral 150) in a random order until the limit of tolerance (Tlim).

Effect of high-intensity exercise on cerebral, respiratory and peripheral muscle oxygenation of HF and COPD-HF patients.

Objective: To investigate cerebral oxygenation (Cox) responses as well as respiratory (Res) and active peripheral muscle (Pm) O delivery during high-intensity cycling exercise and contrast responses between patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-heart failure (HF) and HF alone.

Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 11 COPD-HF and 11 HF patients. On two different days, patients performed maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and constant load exercise on a cycle ergometer until the limit of tolerance (Tlim).

Effects of acute inspiratory loading during treadmill running on cerebral, locomotor and respiratory muscle oxygenation in women soccer players.

Respiratory limitation can be a primary mechanism for exercise cessation in female athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of inspiratory loading (IL) on intercostal muscles (IM), vastus lateralis (VL) and cerebral (Cox) muscles oxygenation in women soccer players during high-intensity dynamic exercise. Ten female soccer players were randomized to perform in order two constant-load tests on a treadmill until the exhaustion time (Tlim) (100 % of maximal oxygen uptake- V˙O).

Validity, intra and inter-reliability of manual evaluation of the respiratory muscle strength in asthmatic patients.

Objective: This study investigated the concurrent validity, inter and intra-reliability of manual evaluation in Asthma patients.

Methods: Twenty six asthma patients were assessed. Maximal respiratory muscle strength (Mrms) was tested by inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP and MEP, respectively) trough manovacuometer.

Publisher Correction: The Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Determining Severity in Patients with both Systolic Heart Failure and COPD.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Determining Severity in Patients with both Systolic Heart Failure and COPD.

Our aim was to identify optimal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) threshold values that distinguish disease severity progression in patients with co-existing systolic heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to evaluate the impact of the cut-off determined on the prognosis of hospitalizations. We evaluated 40 patients (30 men and 10 woman) with HF and COPD through pulmonary function testing, doppler echocardiography and maximal incremental CPET on a cycle ergometer. Several significant CPET threshold values were identified in detecting a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV) < 1.

Overlap syndrome: the coexistence of OSA further impairs cardiorespiratory fitness in COPD.

Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important prognostic marker in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also negatively affects exercise tolerance. However, the impact of their association on CRF has not been evaluated.

Noninvasive measurements of hemodynamic, autonomic and endothelial function as predictors of mortality in sepsis: A prospective cohort study.

Background And Aim: Sepsis is associated with marked alterations in hemodynamic responses, autonomic dysfunction and impaired vascular function. However, to our knowledge, analysis of noninvasive markers to identify greater risk of death has not yet been investigated. Thus, our aim was to explore the prognostic utility of cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), indices of vagal modulation (RMSSD and SD1), total heart rate variability (HRV) indices and FMD of brachial artery (%FMD), all measured noninvasively, in the first 24 hours of the diagnosis of sepsis.

Effect of individualized resistance training prescription with heart rate variability on individual muscle hypertrophy and strength responses.

The aim of the present study was to investigate if resistance training (RT), performed with individualized recovery between sessions (RT-IND), promotes greater gains in strength and muscle mass and reduces the variability on adaptations compared to RT with fixed recovery intervals (RT-FIX). Twenty young men (age 21.9 ± 3.

Exploring Vascular Function Biomarkers: Implications for Rehabilitation.

The endothelium plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and regulating blood vessel function. Endothelial function is considered an independent predictor for risk of future cardiovascular events in cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular patients, as well as a predictor for postoperative complications in cardiovascular surgery patients. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation by high-resolution ultrasound is widely used to evaluate endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which is mainly mediated by nitric oxide release.

Hemodynamic and metabolic response during dynamic and resistance exercise in different intensities: a cross-sectional study on implications of intensity on safety and symptoms in patients with coronary disease.

Resistance (RE) and aerobic exercise (AE) can promote hemodynamic, physiologic and clinical modifications in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The aim of the study is to assess key physiologic and clinical responses during RE at 30% and 60% of 1-RM on a 45° leg press and to compare responses during AE. We evaluated fifteen male subjects with coronary artery disease (60.

Critical load: a novel approach to determining a sustainable intensity during resistance exercise.

Background: A hyperbolic function as well as a linear relationship between power output and time to exhaustion (Tlim) has been consistently observed during dynamic non-resistive exercises. However, little is known about its concept to resistance exercises (RE), which could be defined as critical load (CL). This study aimed to verify the existence of CL during dynamic RE and to verify the number of workbouts necessary to determine the optimal modeling to achieve it.

Heart rate autonomic responses during deep breathing and walking in hospitalised patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective: To evaluate the acute effect of physiotherapy (deep breathing exercises and walking) on heart rate variability in patients hospitalised with chronic heart failure (CHF).

Design: Ten males with CHF (57 ± 7 years) and 10 healthy controls (59 ± 9 years) were included. Heart rate and RR intervals were recorded in the following conditions: supine, seated, during deep breathing exercises and during and after walking.