Chronotropic Incompetence in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Patients recovering from COVID-19 commonly report persistence of dyspnea, exertional fatigue, and difficulties in carrying out their daily activities. However, the nature of these symptoms is still unknown. The purpose of the study was to identify limiting causes of cardiopulmonary origin for the performance of physical exercise in post-COVID-19 condition that could explain the symptomatic persistence of dyspnea or fatigue-related symptoms. Thirty-two non-hospitalized patients with post-COVID-19 condition (i.e., still presenting a chronic symptomatic phase lasting >90 days since debut of symptoms that lasted for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis) completed a clinical examination including echocardiography, submaximal and maximal cardiorespiratory fitness tests (Ekblom-Bak and Bruce’s protocols), and a battery of validated questionnaires about fatigue and exercise intolerance. Four participants (12.5%) reported an abnormal cardiac response to exercise during the submaximal test, which aroused suspicion of the presence of chronotropic incompetence. All of them were confirmed with a positive diagnosis maximal exercise test after cardiology screening, even with a comprehensive clinical examination, resting ECG, and echocardiogram, without other findings. No statistical differences were found in any physiological variables or questionnaire values, between patients with positive and negative diagnoses. Chronotropic incompetence and other autonomic disorders may appear in patients with mild forms of COVID-19 presentation and may persist in the long term, being responsible for exercise intolerance after resolution of acute infection. Clinicians should be aware that chronotropic incompetence and other autonomic disorders may be a complication of COVID-19 and should consider appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in these patients, especially when early exercise-related fatigability is reported.

The effect of early arm exercise on drainage volume after total mastectomy and tissue expander insertion in breast cancer patients: a prospective study

Background In prosthesis-based breast reconstruction patients, the drain tends to be kept in place longer than in patients who undergo only mastectomy. Postoperative arm exercise also increases the drainage volume. However, to preserve shoulder function, early exercise is recommended. In this study, we investigated the effect of early exercise on the total drainage volume and drain duration in these patients.Methods We designed a prospective randomized trial involving 56 patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy using tissue expanders. In each group, the patients were randomized either to perform early arm exercises using specific shoulder movement guidelines 2 days after surgery or to restrict arm movement above the shoulder height until drain removal. The drain duration and the total amount of drainage were the primary endpoints.Results There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, body mass index, or mastectomy specimen weight between the two groups. The total amount of drainage was 1,497 mL in the early exercise group and 1,336 mL in the exercise restriction group. The duration until complete removal of the drains was 19.71 days in the early exercise group and 17.11 days in the exercise restriction group.Conclusions Exercise restriction after breast reconstruction did not lead to a significant difference in the drainage volume or the average time until drain removal. Thus, early exercise is recommended for improved shoulder mobility postoperatively. More long-term studies are needed to determine the effect of early exercise on shoulder mobility in prosthesis-based breast reconstruction patients.

High-protein intake and early exercise in adult intensive care patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact on functional outcomes

Background We evaluated the efficacy of high protein intake and early exercise versus standard nutrition care and routine physiotherapy on the outcome of critically ill patients. Methods We randomized mechanically ventilated patients expected to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 4 days. We used indirect calorimetry to determine energy expenditure and guide caloric provision to the patients randomized to the high protein and early exercise (HPE) group and the control group. Protein intakes were 1.48 g/kg/day and 1.19 g/kg/day medians respectively; while the former was submitted to two daily sessions of cycle ergometry exercise, the latter received routine physiotherapy. We evaluated the primary outcome physical component summary (PCS) score at 3 and 6 months) and the secondary outcomes (handgrip strength at ICU discharge and ICU and hospital mortality). Results We analyzed 181 patients in the HPE (87) and control (94) group. There was no significant difference between groups in relation to calories received. However, the amount of protein received by the HPE group was significantly higher than that received by the control group (p < 0.0001). The PCS score was significantly higher in the HPE group at 3 months (p = 0.01) and 6 months (p = 0.01). The mortality was expressively higher in the control group. We found an independent association between age and 3-month PCS and that between age and group and 6-month PCS. Conclusion This study showed that a high-protein intake and resistance exercise improved the physical quality of life and survival of critically ill patients. Trial registration Research Ethics Committee of Hospital São Domingos: Approval number 1.487.683, April 09, 2018. The study protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03469882, March 19,2018).

P.134 Movement medicine: A systematic review on the effect of early aerobic exercise initiation on symptom recovery following concussion

Background: Mounting evidence supports aerobic exercise as a promising treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms beyond four weeks. The purpose of this review was to determine whether initiating structured aerobic exercise within the early period (first two weeks) following concussion affects symptom recovery compared to standard care. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CENTRAL databases, combining keywords: (brain concussion, post-concussion syndrome, mild traumatic brain injury) AND (exercise, exercise therapy, physical activity, kinesiotherapy). Results were limited to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). All selected articles underwent quality assessment. Results: The search generated 112 unique abstracts, of which 5 met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 16 to 103 participants. Of the four studies that were able to analyze between-group differences, one showed significantly faster recovery in the early aerobic exercise group compared to control, while three showed no significant difference. Two studies demonstrated a trend toward faster initial symptom resolution in the early exercise group. Conclusions: Preliminary RCT evidence suggests that aerobic exercise initiated in the early postconcussion period does not exacerbate symptoms or prolong recovery time, and may potentially hasten recovery. Larger, more rigorous RCTs are required to define the optimal exercise parameters to facilitate symptom recovery.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON THE RECOVERY OF OBESITY MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

ABSTRACT Introduction: Myocardial infarction caused by human obesity can cause a decline in mobility and a decline in the quality of a healthy life. Sports training is beneficial to maintain early physical functions after myocardial infarction. Objective: This article deals with the effect of applying walking aerobic exercise in the rehabilitation treatment of patients with myocardial infarction. Methods: We enrolled 91 patients with myocardial infarction in the early exercise group and 90 patients in the control group. The control group received the routine nursing intervention, and the early exercise group received early physical exercise rehabilitation therapy. Results: The actual quality of life of the early exercise group was higher than that of the control group. The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was lower than that of the control group. Conclusion: Physical exercise therapy used in acute myocardial infarction can reduce adverse cardiovascular events and improve the quality of life of patients. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.