Inspiratory muscle strength and six-minute walking distance in heart failure: Prognostic utility in a 10 years follow up cohort study.

Background: Maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) and 6-minutes walk distance test (6MWD) may be more available and feasible alternatives for prognostic assessment than cardiopulmonary testing. We hypothesized that the PImax and 6MWD combination could improve their individual accuracy as risk predictors. We aimed to evaluate PImax ability as a mortality predictor in HF and whether the combination to 6MWD could improve risk stratification.

Yoga and breathing technique training in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Current therapies for heart failure (HF) are followed by strategies to improve quality of life and exercise tolerance, besides reducing morbidity and mortality. Some HF patients present changes in the musculoskeletal system and inspiratory muscle weakness, which may be restored by inspiratory muscle training, thus increasing respiratory muscle strength and endurance, maximal oxygen uptake (VO), functional capacity, respiratory responses to exercise, and quality of life. Yoga therapies have been shown to improve quality of life, inflammatory markers, and peak VO mostly in HF patients with a reduced ejection fraction.

Lung hyperinflation by mechanical ventilation versus isolated tracheal aspiration in the bronchial hygiene of patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of lung hyperinflation maneuvers via a mechanical ventilator compared to isolated tracheal aspiration for removing secretions, normalizing hemodynamics and improving lung mechanics in patients on mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial including patients admitted to the intensive care unit and on mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours. Patients were randomized to receive either isolated tracheal aspiration (Control Group) or lung hyperinflation by mechanical ventilator (MVH Group).

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on arterial stiffness and blood pressure in resistant hypertensive individuals: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Resistant hypertension (RH) treatment requires an adequate and intense therapeutic approach. However, the results are not always satisfactory despite intensive treatment. Of the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of RH, sympathetic overstimulation and therapies that block the sympathetic system have been widely studied.