Is the weight-bearing lunge test a better tool for assessing ankle mobility in chronic venous insufficiency? A reliability and validity study.

ObjectivesPatients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) often present with limited mobility, which can lead to pain, edema, and reduced ankle range of motion (ROM). The aim of the present study was to compare the inter-rater reliability and construct validity of the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT) and traditional goniometry in assessing ankle dorsiflexion ROM in individuals with CVI.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 54 patients with CVI (66 ± 11 years; CEAP 1 to 6).

Human Activity Profile Questionnaire: functional assessment and screening for systolic dysfunction in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Background: Patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) may present with fatigue and dyspnea, which contribute to functional impairment. However, simple and inexpensive methods for evaluation of functional impairment and identification of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with CCC are lacking. The Human Activity Profile (HAP) has potential in functional evaluation of patients with CCC.

The Physiological Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Other Exercise Modalities in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Emerging evidence indicates that whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a relevant adjunct in interventions targeting overweight and obese individuals. Moreover, WBV has been applied in combination with other exercise modalities and therapeutic strategies, with various physiological responses observed in this population.

Objective: The current systematic review aimed to assess the physiological effects of WBV with other modalities of exercises in overweight and obese individuals.

Analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of plasma sTNFr-2 concentrations in identifying sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.

While the potential of immunological biomarkers as an alternative to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of sarcopenia has been explored, there are still few studies evaluating their diagnostic accuracy. Specific biomarkers and diagnostic cutoff points remain unknown. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to verify the association between sarcopenia and a panel of inflammatory biomarkers and to investigate the diagnostic accuracy to propose cutoff points for this assessment.

Physical and inflammatory aspects associated to respiratory sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women.

To investigate the relationship between respiratory sarcopenia with physical tests and a set of inflammatory biomarkers, seventy-one older women from the community with age 75 ± 7 years and BMI 26 ± 4 kg/m² were evaluated for appendicular lean mass using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, respiratory muscle strength using an analog manuvacuometer, physical tests using handgrip strength, timed up and go and sit to stand in chair tests, and a panel of inflammatory biomarkers was measured, containing Adiponectin, BNDF, IFN, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, Leptin, Resistin, TNF and their soluble receptors sTNFr-1 and sTNFr-2. The analyzes suggest that older women with respiratory sarcopenia also had significantly low physical function and higher concentrations of sTNFr-2 (> 2241pg/ml), additionally respiratory muscle strength was inversely associated with sTNFr-2 concentrations (MIP: β = -0.48; R² = 0.

High level of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors is associated with lower residual diuresis volume in patients on hemodialysis: An exploratory study.

Objective: Patients on hemodialysis commonly present with elevated inflammatory markers. It is noteworthy, however, that higher levels of these markers may deteriorate residual renal function in in these individuals. Further investigation is essential to clarify the potential link between systemic chronic inflammatory parameters and residual diuresis volume in this population, particularly when accounting for confounding variables such as body composition.

Prognostic value of soluble TNF receptors in Chagas cardiomyopathy: observational study.

Background: Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the most severe clinical form of the Chagas disease. There is a strong correlation between soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) and cardiac and functional parameters in CCC, but their prognostic value remains unknown.

Objective: To verify the prognostic value of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in CCC.

Handgrip strength and menopause are associated with cardiovascular risk in women with obesity: a cross-sectional study.

Background: While physical performance is closely linked to cardiovascular health, further research is essential to elucidate the association of physical tests in the early screening for cardiovascular risk (CVR), underscoring the potential for these assessments to enhance preventive healthcare strategies.

Objectives: To investigate the association between the Handgrip Strength (HGS) test and CVR in women with obesity, as well as to evaluate the predictive value of the HGS test as a CVR screening tool in this population.

Methods: Fifty-five eligible women with obesity, aged 40 to 65 years, were studied.

Factors associated with the presence of Candida spp. in the oral and tracheobronchial secretions of patients admitted to an adult intensive care unit.

to verify factors associated with the presence of Candida spp. in oral and tracheobronchial secretions of 135 patients admitted to an adult ICU, general of the Santa Casa de Caridade, of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Oral samples showed significant differences between colonized and non-colonized patients in the variables age (p < 0.

Health-related quality of life in Chagas cardiomyopathy: Development of a theoretical model.

Objective: Chagas disease can cause several complications, such as Chagas cardiomyopathy, the most severe clinical form of the disease. Chagas cardiomyopathy is complex and involves biological and psychosocial factors that can compromise health-related quality of life. However, it is necessary to establish interactions that significantly impact the health-related quality of life of this population.

Effects of Physical Exercise on the Body Composition and Functionality in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition with airflow limitation and obstructive characteristics of respiratory function. In addition, musculoskeletal dysfunction and negative changes in body composition, among other comorbidities associated with this disease, result in a low quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), which includes physical exercise, can positively contribute to improving the clinical conditions in individuals with COPD.

The association between cardiovascular risk and physical performance in individuals with obesity: A cross-sectional study focusing on the 5× sit-to-stand test.

Introduction: Although it is established that individuals with obesity are at increased risk of cardiovascular events, the relationship between cardiovascular risk and physical function in this population is still a topic of discussion. The objectives of the present study were: to check the association between cardiovascular risk and physical performance through physical-functional tests and to identify cutoff points for functional tests to be used for the definition of high cardiovascular risk.

Methods: A cross-sectional study included adults, both sexes, with obesity.

Validity and reliability of the modified sphygmomanometer test for assessing upper limb and trunk muscle strength in adolescents.

The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) is a method for assessing muscle strength that offers objective measures similar to those of a portable dynamometer, while also being cost-effective. However, previous studies have not investigated the measurement properties of the MST in adolescents. Thus, the objectives of the study were (1) to examine the concurrent criterion validity, test-retest and interrater reliability of the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (TMS) for assessing muscle strength in adolescents, (2) to calculate the Standard Error of Measurement (EPM) and the smallest real difference (SRD) of muscle strength values; and (3) analyze the different forms of operationalization and their influence on the results obtained.

The accuracy of respiratory muscle strength in identifying systolic dysfunction in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Purpose: To verify the accuracy of respiratory muscle strength in identifying systolic dysfunction in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC), and to validate optimal cutoff points based on respiratory muscle strength.

Methods: First, 72 patients with ChC were enrolled and underwent echocardiography and assessment of respiratory muscle strength by manovacuometry. Inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength was defined by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), respectively.

Sedentary Behavior, Obesity, and Disabilities in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Analysis of the Brazilian National Health Survey 2019.

Research suggests that sedentary behavior (SB) and obesity are associated with disabilities in basic activities (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living. However, there is a lack of studies investigating this association in community-dwelling older adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between different SB typologies, isolated and in conjunction with obesity, and their associations with BADL and IADL disabilities in community-dwelling Brazilian older adults.

Analysis of sarcopenic obesity prevalence and diagnostic agreement according to the 2022 ESPEN and EASO Consensus in hospitalized older adults with severe obesity.

Background: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a clinical disorder characterized by increased adiposity and decreased muscle mass and function, commonly observed in older adults. However, most of the studies that investigated SO prevalence rates were not based on current standardized diagnostic methods. Thus, this study aims to estimate the prevalence rates of SO and their level of agreement using different instruments proposed by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) Consensus, in a sample of hospitalized older adults with severe obesity.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDUAL DIURESIS AND SARCOPENIA IN PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS.

Objective: To assess the association of residual diuresis with sarcopenia in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) on hemodialysis.

Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, patients on hemodialysis were subjected to a Dual Energy Radiologic Absorption (DEXA) exam to record muscle mass. Based on the volume of urine collected in 24 hours, patients were classified as anuric (diuresis ≤ 100 mL/day) or non-anuric (diuresis > 100 mL/day).

The Influence of Physical Exercises on the Flexibility of Older Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Background: Flexibility is a component of functional capacity and is relevant in maintaining the musculature and structures adjacent to the joints. Then, the improvement of the flexibility must be a critical goal in the rehabilitation programs. By improving flexibility in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) individuals, the pain is relieved, the risk of injury is reduced, and the need for surgical interventions is delayed.

Factors associated with clinical severity in chronic venous disease: The role of functional parameters.

Introduction: Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a highly prevalent disease that presents a wide spectrum of clinical expressions due to abnormalities in the venous system. Patients often have major functional changes that can limit daily activities. However, the functional factors associated with the severity of the disease remain poorly understood.

Association Between Typologies of Sedentary Behavior and Muscle Strength, Gait Speed, and Balance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Knowledge of how the different types of sedentary behaviors (SB) are associated with functional limitations can guide professionals who work with older adults on better recommendations about the amount of daily time that should be encouraged in each type of SB. The objective was to estimate the associations between two SB typologies (SB television [TV] and SB computer/internet) and the presence of handgrip strength, lower limb strength, gait speed, and balance limitations in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults. This is a cross-sectional study with 1,298 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years).

Prediction of resting energy expenditure in Italian older adults with severe obesity.

Background: In the last decade a large number of studies proposed and/or validated equations to estimate the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in adults and/or older adults, however, no equation currently available showed good accuracy for older adults with severe obesity. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate new predictive equations for REE, based on data from the indirect calorimetry, in Italian older adults with severe obesity.

Methods: A retrospective study was as conducted with 764 Caucasian older adults with severe obesity (age range: 60-74 years and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m/²).

Association between biomarkers of redox status and cytokines with different patterns of habitual physical activity in eutrophic and overweight/obese preschoolers: multivariate analysis of a cross-sectional study.

Background: Although it is well known that obesity is frequently associated with reduced levels of habitual physical activity (HPA), which contributes to determining severe oxidative stress and inflammatory state, this association is however unknown in preschoolers so far. This study aimed to investigate the association between biomarkers of redox status and cytokines with different patterns of HPA according to the adiposity of preschoolers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 preschoolers (25 overweight/obese, OW/OB and 25 eutrophic, EU), matched for age, sex, economic level, and maternal education.