Long-Term Disabilities in ICU Survivors of COVID-19.

Background: COVID-19 is associated with prolonged disability, particularly after critical illness. This study aimed to assess and compare disability post-hospital discharge of subjects who were invasively ventilated versus those who were not, following ICU admission due to COVID-19. This study also explored variables associated with long-term disability.

A comprehensive physical functional assessment of survivors of critical care unit stay due to COVID-19.

Objective: To examine the physical function and respiratory muscle strength of patients - who recovered from critical COVID-19 - after intensive care unit discharge to the ward on Days one (D1) and seven (D7), and to investigate variables associated with functional impairment.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients with COVID-19 who needed invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation or high-flow nasal cannula and were discharged from the intensive care unit to the ward. Participants were submitted to Medical Research Council sum-score, handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory pressure, maximal expiratory pressure, and short physical performance battery tests.

Predictors of prolonged ventilator weaning and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Objective: To identify factors associated with prolonged weaning and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to ICUs and under invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods: Between March of 2020 and July of 2021, we retrospectively recorded clinical and ventilatory characteristics of critically ill COVID-19 patients from the day of intubation to the outcome. We classified the patients regarding the weaning period in accordance with established criteria.

Understanding the Meaning of Recovery to Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery.

Importance: Postoperative recovery is difficult to define or measure. Research addressing interventions aimed to improve recovery after abdominal surgery often focuses on measures such as duration of hospital stay and complication rates. Although these clinical parameters are relevant, understanding patients' perspectives regarding postoperative recovery is fundamental to guiding patient-centered care.

Does tutors' support contribute to a telehealth program that aims to promote the quality of life of office workers? A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Unlabelled: The quality of life in the workplace can be achieved by creating a place more humanized and strategies that provide wellness to workers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of telehealth education program to promote quality of life of office workers.This is a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Are blue-collar workers more physically active than white-collar at work?

This study evaluates the physical activity level at work and leisure time of white-collar and two groups of blue-collar workers from the latex glove industry and the association of physical activity level and musculoskeletal complains and work ability. The workers' sociodemographic and behavioral health characteristics, work ability index, musculoskeletal complains, total step count and caloric expenditure for three consecutive days, were assessed. The blue-collar workers that move most from the workstation (longD) were more physically active at work compared to white-collar and blue-collar that moved close the workstation (shortD).

Effectiveness of a progressive resistance exercise program for industrial workers during breaks on perceived fatigue control: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: There is strong evidence that physical exercise in the workplace is effective for reducing workers' musculoskeletal complaints. Studies with industrial workers and studies on progressive resistance exercises during breaks are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of a resistance exercise program on perceived fatigue control among industrial workers.

Impact of Renal Transplantation and Immunosuppressive Therapy on Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Study.

Unlabelled: Renal transplantation is the best long-term treatment option compared with maintenance dialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease. This treatment should be combined with immunosuppressive drugs to obtain positive effects; however, the adverse effects of these medications in the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients remain unknown.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life of patients undergoing renal transplantation in the preoperative period and during the first 6 months of postoperative period.

Development of a conceptual framework of recovery after abdominal surgery.

Background: There is a lack of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with robust measurement properties to assess postoperative recovery and support patient-centered care after abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to establish a conceptual framework of recovery after abdominal surgery to support the development of a conceptually relevant and psychometrically sound PROM.

Methods: Patients from four different countries (Canada, Italy, Brazil, and Japan) participated in qualitative interviews focusing on their lived experiences of recovery after abdominal surgery.

Satisfaction levels with physical therapy in hospitalized patients.

Background: Patient's satisfaction level is considered an indicator that interferes with interventions effectiveness. There is evidence from other health professionals that patients with higher satisfaction level recover faster. However, benefits toward physical therapy intervention is poorly known.

Development of an e-health education program at the workplace using formative research - Technologies for improving quality of life.

Background: e-Learning, a means by which to expand people's access to information can be effective in promoting health in the workplace. This study to present steps in the development of an e-health education program at the workplace.

Objective: This study aimed to present all steps of develop a telehealth education program for computer users using formative research to identify themes to health education for workers.

Impact of an early physiotherapy program after kidney transplant during hospital stay: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal dysfunctions are common in the postoperative period of kidney transplant patients and are often accompanied by low exercise tolerance.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early physiotherapy program during hospital stay on functional capacity and peripheral and respiratory muscle strength after kidney transplant.

Methods: An open, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients undergoing living donor kidney transplant.

Predictive validity analysis of six reference equations for the 6-minute walk test in healthy Brazilian men: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is an important tool for evaluating functional capacity and exercise tolerance. The reference equations for the 6MWT in healthy subjects were established on the basis of American and European populations, but reference equations have been proposed with different variables for the Brazilian population.

Objective: To analyze the predictive validity of six reference equations for the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in healthy adult men.

Measurement properties of the Human Activity Profile questionnaire in hospitalized patients.

Objective: To test the measurement properties (reproducibility, internal consistency, ceiling and floor effects, and construct validity) of the Human Activity Profile (HAP) questionnaire in hospitalized patients.

Methods: This measurement properties study recruited one-hundred patients hospitalized for less than 48h for clinical or surgical reasons. The HAP was administered at baseline and after 48h in a test-retest design).

Effectiveness of an early mobilization program on functional capacity after coronary artery bypass surgery: A randomized controlled trial protocol.

Background: Muscle atrophy and prolonged inactivity are associated with an increased sensation of fatigue and reduced functional capacity in the postoperative period in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac rehabilitation after hospital discharge is highly recommended and contributes to improvement in functional capacity and quality of life. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of early mobilization protocols during hospitalization on the patterns of physical activity and functional capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Resistance training program for fatigue management in the workplace: exercise protocol in a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Fatigue is a multifactorial condition that leads to disease and loss in production, and it affects a large number of workers worldwide. This study aims to demonstrate a resistance exercise protocol that individuals will perform during the work schedule, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this exercises program for fatigue control.

Methods/design: This is a cluster randomized controlled trial with two arms and is assessor blinded.

High oxygen extraction and slow recovery of muscle deoxygenation kinetics after neuromuscular electrical stimulation in COPD patients.

Purpose: It was hypothesized that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would exhibit a slow muscle deoxygenation (HHb) recovery time when compared with sedentary controls.

Methods: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES 40 and 50 mA, 50 Hz, 400 µs) was employed to induce isometric contraction of the quadriceps. Microvascular oxygen extraction (µO2EF) and HHb were estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Effect of conventional physical therapy and Pilates in functionality, respiratory muscle strength and ability to exercise in hospitalized chronic renal patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of conventional physical therapy and Pilates on function, restoration, and exercise ability in hospitalized chronic renal patients.

Methods: A total of 56 inpatients were randomized into two groups: Conventional physical therapy and Pilates. The primary outcomes were functionality (Barthel Index), respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometry), and ability to exercise (step test) evaluated in the following periods: preintervention, after the 5th session, and after the 10th session or at discharge.

Effect of time of exposure to environmental risk on the lung function of foundry workers: a cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] This cross-sectional study aimed to compare foundry workers of the metallurgical industry with high and low exposure time and with a control group. [Subject and Methods] The workers were evaluated for pulmonary function and peak expiratory flow (PEF), respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and physical activity level. Descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA one-way test were used.

Effectiveness of conventional physical therapy and Pilates' method in functionality, respiratory muscle strength and ability to exercise in hospitalized chronic renal patients: A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease can present compromised functional abilities, and hospitalization may further contribute to their health deterioration and loss of functional independence.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness between Pilates Method and Conventional Physical Therapy in functionality, exercise capacity and respiratory muscle strength in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods: 56 patients will be randomized into Control (usual care) or Pilates groups.

Lung function and functional capacity among foundry workers using effective risk control measures.

Background: Inhaled dust in the environment can trigger specific reactions in the airways and cause various respiratory diseases.

Objective: Evaluate the lung function and functional capacity of foundry workers who are exposed to metals and use effective control measures.

Method: A cross-sectional study was realized with 108 workers at a bronze foundry and machining plant and in maintenance at a private university, both in Brazil.

Effects of nephrectomy on respiratory function and quality of life of living donors: a longitudinal study.

Background: A living donor transplant improves the survival and quality of life of a transplant patient. However, the impact of transplantation on postoperative lung function and respiratory muscular strength in kidney donors remains unknown.

Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in kidney donors undergoing nephrectomy.