Dpto. Enfermería y Fisioterapia

Critical medical and surgical advances have led to a shift in the care and management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). These patients present with muscle deconditioning, which negatively influences their response to exercise, functional capacities, and quality of life. This study evaluates the influence of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) on the function of peripheral musculature of children with CHD. A single-center prospective cohort study was designed. Fifteen CHD subjects, between 12 and 16 years of age, with reduced aerobic capacity on a cardiopulmonary exercise test, were included in a three-month, 24-session CPRP. Measurements of the subjects’ handgrip strength, biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris strength, and triceps surae fatigue process were collected at the beginning of the program, after completion, and six months after the end of the intervention. A substantial and statistically significant improvement was observed in the subjects’ handgrip strength (kg) (p < 0.001), biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris strength (N) (p < 0.001), as well as triceps surae fatigue process (repetitions) (p = 0.018), with a maintenance of the results six months after the intervention. These results suggest that a CPRP could potentially improve the peripheral muscle function of children with CHD. Additional research is needed to confirm and expand on this hypothesis.

Improving the health status of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) through physical activity (PA) or exercise interventions is challenging. One of the gaps in the process of translating the general public PA activity guidelines as well as the CKD-specific guidelines into routine clinical practice is the lack of systematic recording and monitoring of PA and physical function attributes, which can also be used to develop individualized and measurable plans of action to promote PA for health. We aim to present an overview of key considerations for PA, physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluation in people with CKD, with the aim of encouraging health professionals to integrate assessment of these outcomes in routine practices. Physical inactivity and impaired physical function, sometimes to the extent of physical and social disability levels, and subsequently lower perceived HRQoL, are highly prevalent in this population. Enhanced PA is associated with better physical function that also translates into multiple health benefits. Breaking the vicious circle of inactivity and physical dysfunction as early as possible in the disease trajectory may confer huge benefits and enhanced life satisfaction in the longer term. With this in mind, the importance of PA/exercise interventions in CKD to improve HRQoL is also summarized.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different physical exercise programs on the symptomatology, body composition, physical activity, physical fitness, and quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia. A total of 432 patients were assessed for eligibility and 86 were randomized into the aerobic (n = 28), strength (n = 29) or mixed (n = 29) groups. Positive, negative, and general symptoms of psychosis, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (IPAQ-SF), physical fitness (6-min walk test [6MWT] and hand-grip strength [HGS]), and quality of life (WHOQUOLBREF) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention (16 weeks), and at 10-months. Our results at 16 weeks showed significant improvements in all three groups in the negative, general, and total symptoms with moderate to large effect sizes (P < 0.01, ηp 2 > 0.11), no change in the BMI, 6MWT or IPAQ-SF, and a significant improvement in the HGS test in the strength and mixed groups (P ≤ 0.05, ηp 2 > 0.08). Nonetheless, all the improvements had disappeared at 10 months. We concluded that 3 weekly sessions of a moderate to vigorous progressive exercise program for 16 weeks improved the symptomatology of individuals with schizophrenia in all three groups, with no differences between them. However, the effects had declined to baseline levels by the 10-month follow-up, suggesting that exercise interventions should be maintained over time.

Introduction Numerous studies support the practice of different physical exercise modalities as an effective treatment to address the problems associated with schizophrenia, reporting that they result in improvements in patient symptoms and quality of life. Given the lack of studies comparing different types of training in controlled environments, the aim of this proposed study will be to compare the effects of three physical exercise programmes (strength, aerobic and mixed) on the symptoms, body composition, level of physical activity and health-related quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Methods and analysis A multicentre, single-blinded (evaluator), randomised, wait-list controlled (ratio 2:2:2:1) trial will be conducted with 105 patients recruited from different psychosocial care centres. The participants will be randomised into three 16-week training groups comprising 48 sessions lasting 1 hour each, or to the wait-list control group. The training groups will complete aerobic, strength or mixed (aerobic +strength) training. The participants will be assessed before, immediately after and 6 months after the end of the intervention. The patients in the wait-list control group (n=15) will receive one of the three trainings immediately after the intervention. The study variables will include positive, negative and general symptomology (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) as the primary outcome; as secondary outcome: body composition (by assessing body mass index, body fat mass and waist circumference), physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form) and quality of life (abbreviated WHO Quality of Life questionnaire).

Introducción: Cada vez es más frecuente la literatura que nos muestra los beneficios de los programas de ejercicio físico para mejorar la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica. Sin embargo, la implementación de estos programas no es una tarea fácil. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa de ejercicio físico domiciliario sobre la fuerza de agarre de las manos, capacidad funcional y calidad de vida en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada en estadíos 4-5. Material y Método: Estudio prospectivo experimental. Los pacientes realizaron un programa completo de ejercicio domiciliario de 3 sesiones semanales durante 12 semanas. Principales datos analizados: dinamometría manual (HG) y la prueba Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) y calidad de vida mediante el Euroqol 5D. Resultados: 62 pacientes incluidos. 34 eran hombres con una edad media 67,4±14,9 años. La velocidad de la marcha en 4 metros aumentó en 0,18 m/s (IC95%: 0,08-0,28). Los resultados del SPPB aumentaron en 1,4 puntos (IC95%: 0,6-2,2 puntos). No se observan cambios significativos ni en la dinamometría manual (de 26,1Kg a 26,4Kg) ni en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (de 67,8 a 71,3 puntos). Conclusión: Un programa de ejercicio físico domiciliario de 12 semanas de duración fue seguro y mejoró la capacidad funcional de los pacientes en enfermedad renal crónica avanzada en estadíos 4-5. / Introduction: Scientific evidence is greater on the benefits of physical exercise programs to improve functional capacity and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease. However, implementing these programs is not an easy task. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a home physical exercise program on hand grip strength, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease in stages 4-5. Material and Method: Prospective experimental study. The patients performed a complete home exercise program of 3 weekly sessions for 12 weeks. The main data analyzed were manual dynamometry, the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, and the EuroQoL 5D questionnaire to assess quality of life. Results: Sixty-two patients were included, 34 men and with a mean age of 67.4±14.9 years. The 4-meter gait speed increased by 0.18 m/s (95%CI: 0.08-0.28). The SPPB results increased by 1.4 points (95%CI: 0.6-2.2 points). No significant changes were observed either in manual dynamometry (from 26.1 to 26.4Kg) or in health-related quality of life (from 67.8 to 71.3 points). Conclusion: A 12-week home physical exercise program was safe and improved the functional capacity of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease in stages 4-5.

Background: In December 2019, 27 cases of pneumonia, of unknown cause, were identified in the province of Hubei (China). The WHO declared the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and it was finally declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Spanish Government obliges the entire population to remain confined to their homes, with the exception of essential basic services, to stop the spread of COVID-19. Home isolation implies a notable physical deconditioning. Telerehabilitation methods have reported positive experiences, and we propose to study in affected patients of COVID-19, due to the general house confinement of the entire Spanish population. Methods: Patients will be recruited in the regions of Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia (Spain). Patients will remain confined to their homes, and there, they will carry out their assigned exercise program, which will be controlled telematically. Evaluators will attend to carry out all measurements at the beginning, during, and end of the study, telematically controlled. The patients will be randomly divided into three groups, two of them will perform a home exercise program (breathing exercises or non-specific exercises for muscle toning) and the third group will perform sedentary activities, using mental activation techniques, and will act as a sham group. We will evaluate respiratory variables and other variables of the physical state through physical tests, effort, and perceived fatigue. The data will be statistically analyzed, and the hypotheses will be tested between the groups, using the SPSS software, v.24, considering a 95% confidence interval. Discussion: We will analyze the results, in terms of the level of fatigue and perceived exertion, physical health, and maintenance of respiratory activity of two types of exercise programs, toning and respiratory, applied in patients affected by COVID-19 during the period of home confinement. We intend to investigate a field not previously studied, such as the repercussion of carrying out a toning and respiratory exercise program in these patients, in historical circumstances that no one had previously observed in Spain, since the general population has never been forced to remain confined in their homes, due to a pandemic infection, by a coronavirus (COVID-19). Observing the effects that these two home exercise programs could produce in patients infected with COVID-19, we will try to better analyze and understand the mechanisms that are associated with the worsening of breathing in this type of patient.

Intradialytic exercise (ID) programs are effective and safe for hemodialysis (HD) patients to avoid functional deterioration. However, exercise is not routinely undertaken in most HD units, and we do not know if home-based (HB) programs are as effective as ID programs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of ID exercise versus a HB exercise program for HD patients. A total of 46 patients were randomly assigned to the ID group (n = 24) or HB group (n = 22). They completed a 16-week combined exercise program 3 times/week. We measured physical activity level, physical functioning, depression level, and health-related quality of life at baseline and after 16 weeks. A significant time effect was found in both groups for the physical activity level (p = 0.012). There was also a significant group–time interaction effect for the one-leg standing test (OLST) (p = 0.049) and a significant time effect for the Short Physical Performance Battery (p = 0.013), timed up-and-go test (p = 0.005), sit-to-stand-10 (p = 0.027), right and left hand handgrip (p = 0.044, p < 0.001), one-heel left leg raise (p = 0.019), and 6-minute walking (p = 0.006), depression (p = 0.017). HRQoL remained unchanged. There was no difference between the two interventions on the tested outcomes (besides OLST). Both interventions were associated with positive changes of the physical activity levels and physical function.

Critical surgical and medical advances have shifted the focus of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients from survival to achievement of a greater health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL is influenced, amongst other factors, by aerobic capacity and respiratory muscle strength, both of which are reduced in CHD patients. This study evaluates the influence of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (CPRP) on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity. Fifteen CHD patients, ages 12 to 16, with reduced aerobic capacity in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) were enrolled in a CPRP involving strength and aerobic training for three months. Measurements for comparison were obtained at the start, end, and six months after the CPRP. A significant improvement of inspiratory muscle strength was evidenced (maximum inspiratory pressure 21 cm H2O, 23%, p < 0.01). The six-minute walking test showed a statistically and clinically significant rise in walked distance (48 m, p < 0.01) and a reduction in muscle fatigue (1.7 out of 10 points, p = 0.017). These results suggest CPRP could potentially improve respiratory muscle function and functional capacity, with lasting results, in children with congenital heart disease, but additional clinical trials must be conducted to confirm this finding.

Introducción. Las personas con enfermedad renal deben recibir una atención integral que incluya programas de ejercicio físico adaptado a sus necesidades. Objetivo. Evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en estadios IV y V ante un programa de ejercicio físico domiciliario. Material y Método. Estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes que realizaron un programa completo de entrenamiento físico domiciliario de 12 semanas de duración. Tras esta intervención, respondieron de forma anónima a un cuestionario ad-hoc validado por expertos, sobre su opinión acerca del programa. Resultados. Participaron 62 pacientes. 24 estaban en programa de hemodiálisis, 17 en diálisis peritoneal y 7 en situación de enfermedad renal crónica estadio IV. 34 eran hombres. La edad media fue de 67,4±14,9 años. 52 pacientes realizaron el programa solos en su domicilio. 33 de los pacientes les pareció muy correcto que el programa fuera domiciliario, 15 correcto y 2 poco correcto. 47 de los participantes consideraron muy correcto que la persona que dirigiera el programa fuera una enfermera conocida. 19 consideró que tras el programa habían mejorado mucho, 14 que habían mejorado, 9 que habían mejorado poco y 3 que no habían mejorado. 39 estuvieron muy satisfechos de haber podido participar en el programa, 6 satisfechos, 1 poco satisfecho y 1 de los pacientes no estuvo satisfecho. No hubo diferencias significativas en las respuestas en relación al sexo, edad, tipo de tratamiento, o realizar el programa solo o acompañado. Conclusiones. El programa de ejercicio físico domiciliario fue bien valorado por los pacientes que en su mayoría manifestaron haber mejorado y consideraron adecuado que fuera una enfermera la que dirigiera el programa. / Objective. To evaluate patient satisfaction chronic kidney disease in stages IV and V after a home physical exercise program. Material and methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study in patients who carried out a complete 12-week home physical training program. After this intervention, they responded anonymously to an ad-hoc questionnaire validated by experts, about their opinion about the program. Results. 62 patients participated. 24 were on a hemodialysis program, 17 on peritoneal dialysis and 7 on stage IV chronic kidney disease. 34 were men. The mean age was 67.4 ± 14.9 years. 52 patients carried out the program alone at home. 33 of the patients considered as very correct that the program was domiciliary, 15 correct and 2 not correct. 47 of the participants considered as very correct that the person leading the program was a well-known nurse. 19 responded that after the program the improvement was a lot, 14 a good improvement, 9 little improvement and 3 that had not improved. 39 were very satisfied to participate in the program, 6 satisfied, 1 not very satisfied and 1 of the patients was not satisfied. There were no significant differences in the answers in relation to sex, age, type of treatment, or if the program was done alone or accompanied. Conclusions. The home physical exercise program was well valued by the patients, who mostly said they had improved and considered as appropriate that a nurse leads the program.