Handgrip Strength and Pulmonary Disease in the Elderly: What is the Link?

Societies in developed countries are aging at an unprecedented rate. Considering that aging is the most significant risk factor for many chronic lung diseases (CLDs), understanding this process may facilitate the development of new interventionist approaches. Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a serious problem in older adults with CLDs, reducing their quality of life and survival.

The effectiveness of a therapist-oriented home rehabilitation program for a patient with acromegaly: A case study.

Background: Acromegaly causes numerous functional limitations that negatively impact patients' performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and contribute to the deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, the purpose of the present case study was to evaluate the effect of therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) for a patient with acromegaly.

Case Description: We report the case of a 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with primary acromegaly 17 years ago.

Physical exercise improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with acromegaly: a 12-week follow-up study.

Objective: Although the focus of acromegaly treatment is the hormonal control of the disease, a new perspective must be given to the functional rehabilitation of these patients, especially when considering the recent increase in survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of therapist-oriented home rehabilitation (TOHR) on patients with acromegaly.

Patients And Methods: Seventeen adults with acromegaly followed an exercise programme from a booklet with instructions for each exercise prescribed, for 2 months, and were reassessed after 1 month of washout.

An explanatory model of functional exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis: considerations for rehabilitation programs.

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lung function and peripheral muscle function on the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) in systemic sclerosis (SS) patients and, thereby, to develop an explanatory model of functional exercise capacity for these individuals. [Methods] In a cross-sectional study, 31 SS patients underwent pulmonary function testing (including spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO], and respiratory muscle strength), isometric dynamometry with surface electromyography, and the 6MWD. [Results] There was a significant correlation between the 6MWD (% predicted, 6MWD%) and the following parameters: height (r = 0.

Scleroderma: Assessment of posture, balance and pulmonary function in a cross-sectional controlled study.

Background: Systemic sclerosis leads to significant physical limitations in patients, such as diffuse weakness, skin sclerosis, loss of joint function and lung damage. This study aimed to assess posture and balance in systemic sclerosis patients and secondarily to verify correlations between such measurements and lung function.

Methods: Thirty-one patients and a similar number of control subjects matched for age, gender, weight, height and body mass index underwent postural assessment using photogrammetry, balance measurement using the Berg Balance Scale and stabilometry, and pulmonary function tests.

Correlation between posture, balance control, and peripheral muscle function in adults with cystic fibrosis.

Background: In addition to pulmonary involvement, adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at higher risk of developing skeletal muscle dysfunction, nutritional depletion, and bone and joint disease.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between posture, balance, and peripheral muscle function in adults with CF.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 14 clinically stable patients who were subjected to postural assessment (photogrammetry), stabilometry, and peripheral muscle function.