Are there differences in muscular activation to maintain balance between individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and controls?

Background: The mechanisms underlying impaired balance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are poorly understood, which makes it difficult to choose the best therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate patterns of muscular activation to maintain balance and its determinants in this population.

Methods: Thirty-three subjects with COPD and 33 controls were assessed by a force platform in four tasks: standing with eyes opened (FHEO) and closed (FHEC); standing on unstable surface (SUS) and one-legged stance (OLS).

The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients' lives: The perception of the health professionals.

Introduction: The perception of health professionals about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective: To analyze the perception of health professionals about the impact of COPD on the lives of affected individuals.

Materials And Methods: Qualitative and cross-sectional study with five health professionals: two nurses, two physiotherapists, and one medical doctor.

NOVEL antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers related to sarcopenia in COPD.

Background: The relation between oxidative stress (OS) and sarcopenia in COPD remains unknown.

Objective: To analyze OS levels and its association with sarcopenia in COPD.

Methods: Thirty-nine individuals with COPD (69±7years; 41%female) and thirty-five for the control group (69±7years; 43%female) were included.

A breath of fresh air: Validity and reliability of a Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile for patients with COPD.

Aim: To provide a Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP), investigating its validity and reliability in Brazilian patients with COPD.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study for translation and linguist validation of the Portuguese MDP version for patients with COPD. The process occurred according to the protocol of Mapi Research Trust, Lyon, France.

Effects of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor function.

Background: Urinary incontinence is well documented as a comorbidity of obesity. Studies demonstrate improvement of incontinency after weight loss. However, the mechanisms are still not clear.