Two-, six-, and 12-minute walking tests in respiratory disease

Transtibial osseointegration following unilateral traumatic amputation: An observational study of patients with at least two years follow-up

IMPORTANCE

Most patients use a traditional socket prosthesis (TSP) to ambulate independently following transtibial amputation. However, these patients generally require prosthesis repairs more than twice annually and an entirely new prosthesis every two years. Furthermore, transtibial amputation patients have four times the skin ulceration rate of transfemoral patients, prompting more frequent prosthesis refitting and diminished use. Trans-Tibial osseointegration (TTOI) is a promising technique to address the limitations of TSP, but remains understudied with only four cohorts totaling 41 total procedures reported previously. Continued concerns regarding the risk of infection and questions as to functional capacity postoperatively have slowed adoption of TTOI worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

This study reports the changes in mobility, quality of life (QOL), and the safety profile of the largest described cohort of patients with unilateral TTOI following traumatic amputation.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study. The cohort consisted of patients with data outcomes collected before and after osseointegration intervention.

SETTING

A large, tertiary referral, major metropolitan center.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-one skeletally mature adults who had failed socket prosthesis rehabilitation, with at least two years of post-osseointegration follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Mobility was evaluated by K-level, Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). QOL was assessed by survey: daily prosthesis wear hours, prosthesis problem experience, general contentment with prosthesis, and Short Form 36 (SF36). Adverse events included any relevant unplanned surgery such as for infection, fracture, implant loosening, or implant failure.

RESULTS

All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement post osseointegration surgery with respect to K-level, TUG, 6MWT, prosthesis wear hours, prosthesis problem experience, general prosthesis contentment score, and SF36 Physical Component Score (p < 0.01 for all). Three patients had four unplanned surgeries: two soft tissue refashionings, and one soft tissue debridement followed eventually by implant removal. No deaths, postoperative systemic complications, more proximal amputations, or periprosthetic fractures occurred.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

TTOI is likely to confer mobility and QOL improvements to patients dissatisfied with TSP rehabilitation following unilateral traumatic transtibial amputation. Adverse events are relatively infrequent and not further disabling. Judicious use of TTOI seems reasonable for properly selected patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 (Therapeutic investigation, Observational study with dramatic effect).

Physical impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors with and without hip osteonecrosis: a PETALE cohort study

PURPOSE

Long-term musculoskeletal complications represent a growing burden for survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL). This study aimed to describe physical impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in a high-risk subgroup of cALL survivors of the PETALE cohort.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study, using observational data from the PETALE cohort, included a subgroup of survivors who presented high-risk criteria for late effects. Outcomes measures consisted of hip magnetic resonance imaging, maximal isometric muscle strength (MIMS) or torque (MIMT), range of motion (ROM), Near Tandem Balance (NTB), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Five Time Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and health-related quality of life. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Survivors (n = 97, 24.2 ± 6.7 years old) showed limited grip strength, FTSST, and NTB performance compared to reference values (p < 0.001). Thirteen participants (14.6%, 18 hips) had hip osteonecrosis (ON) (53.8% male). Higher severity hip ON was found in female survivors (66.7% vs. 22.2%). Survivors with hip ON had reduced hip external rotation ROM compared to those without (p < 0.05). Relationships were found between MIMS and ROM outcomes (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) and with 6MWT (r = 0.39-0.41, p < 0.001). Our multiple linear regression model explained 27.6% of the variance of the 6MWT.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors in our subgroup had clinically significant physical impairments and activity limitations, and those with hip ON showed worst hip impairment outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

These findings emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up including physical therapy assessment to help early identification and management of physical impairments and activity limitations in survivors of cALL.

Evaluation of an exercise program incorporating an international cycling competition: a multimodal intervention model for physical, psychological, and social wellbeing in residential aged care

BACKGROUND

The transition into residential aged care is frequently associated with a reduction in physical activity, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of a 26-day international cycling competition (Road Worlds Competition for Seniors), incorporating elements of exercise, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, and gamification, on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of aged care residents. We aimed to use findings to inform the development of a multi-modal intervention model to maximise wellbeing for older adults.

METHODS

Residents (N = 32) participated in a mixed-methods single-group intervention pilot study that compared pre-and post-competition measures for the following wellbeing domains; physical, psychological, and social. In addition, interviews were conducted with residents (n = 27) and staff (n = 6) to explore their experiences.

RESULTS

Measures identified significant improvements across multiple wellbeing domains, including functional fitness, depression, self-efficacy, and social network sizes. Findings from the interview data indicated that the multimodal components involved in the program delivery were valued by staff and residents who enjoyed the gamification, audiovisual cycling footage, social engagement, opportunities for reminiscence, and camaraderie between peers, staff, and volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight a constellation of benefits across physical, psychological, and social domains of wellbeing and inform a model for innovative multidimensional programs in residential aged care. The benefits for residents with varying physical and cognitive abilities support the use of creative strategies that maximise inclusion and engagement for residents.

Swim, Strength, or Combined Programs: Effect on Health-Related Physical Fitness in Adolescents With Down Syndrome

The adolescent population with Down syndrome (DS) appears to show higher levels of body fat and lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness or muscle strength than their peers without disabilities. There is a need to create physical activity programs to improve these data. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of a 16-week swimming program, strength program, and combined program (swimming and strength training) on body composition and health-related physical fitness on adolescents with DS and to assess whether there are differences in the results of the different training programs. Forty-five adolescents (17 female and 28 male; average age 15.5 [1.53] years) with DS were recruited and randomized to three groups (swim [n = 15], strength [n = 15], and combined [n = 15]). Results showed that the swim group had significant improvements in all health-related physical fitness variables and there was an improvement in some body-composition variables (p < .05). The strength and combined groups obtained minor improvements in the variables analyzed. In summary, a 16-week swim program consisting of three sessions of 60 min is able to improve levels of body composition and health-related physical fitness in adolescents with DS. The swim training program seems to be more effective in improving body composition and health-related physical fitness than the strength or combined program. These findings could be useful in different special-education centers due to the predisposition shown by the population with DS to this sport modality.

Comparison of patient-reported outcomes of physical activity and accelerometry in people with multiple sclerosis and ambulatory impairment: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Accelerometers and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) are used to assess physical activity (PA) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). So far it is unknown, however, whether these assessments represent mobility limitations in pwMS with mild and moderate to severe disability alike. The primary aim of the study was to assess the correlation between accelerometry and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) scores in pwMS with different degrees of ambulatory impairment. Taken its frequent use into account, the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) was investigated as additional PRO.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort of pwMS, correlational analyses were performed between the number of daily steps, time spent in light, moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and time spent sitting as assessed using accelerometry (ActiGraph®-GT3X), and the respective IPAQ and GLTEQ scores. Additionally, associations of PA with disease-specific characteristics, aerobic capacity (VO2peak), walking assessments (Timed 25-Foot Walk, T25FW; 2-Minute Walk Test, 2MWT) and walking perception (Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12; MSWS-12) were explored. Patient subgroups with mild (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS score <4.0) and moderate to severe disability (EDSS ≥4.0) were analysed for the impact of ambulatory impairment on PA. Multiple linear regression was used to determine predictors of PA.

RESULTS

A total of 56 pwMS completed the study, with a mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 48.4 (10.3) years, disease duration of 14.8 (9.6) years and median (interquartile range) EDSS score of 3.5 (2.0 - 4.4). Moderate to weak correlations were found between daily step count and IPAQ total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes/week (p < 0.001; r = 0.506), MVPA MET-minutes/week (p < 0.01; r = 0.479) and walking MET-minutes/week (p < 0.05; r = 0.372) in the total cohort. Time spent sitting was inversely correlated with total MET-minutes/week and MVPA MET-minutes/week (p < 0.05; r = -0.358 and r = -0.365). Subgroup analysis revealed, that daily step count was significantly correlated with total MET-minutes/week, MVPA MET-minutes/week and walking MET-minutes/week (p < 0.01, r = 0.569; p < 0.01, r = 0.531 and p < 0.05, r = 0.480, respectively) in the "mild disability" subgroup only, whereas time spent sitting was inversely correlated with total MET-minutes/week (p < 0.05; r = -0.582) in the "moderate to severe disability" subgroup. There was no association between objectively assessed PA and GLTEQ scores in any group. In the total cohort, moderate to weak correlations were found between daily step count and walking assessments (T25FW: p < 0.01, ρ = -0.508; 2MWT: p < 0.01, ρ=0.463) and MSWS-12 (p < 0.001; ρ = -0.609). Moderate to weak correlations were also observed between VO2peak and walking assessments (T25FW: p < 0.01; ρ = -0.516; 2MWT: p < 0.01, ρ=0.480). Multiple linear regression analysis identified disability and VO2peak as predictors of PA (p = 0.045; β=0.25 and p < 0.001; β=0.49).

CONCLUSION

Significant associations of objective PA measurements using accelerometry with IPAQ were found only in pwMS with "mild disability". In pwMS with "moderate to severe disability", IPAQ did not reflect the objectively assessed amount of PA. In our cohort, GLTEQ showed no association with objectively assessed PA. Thus, an MS-specific self-reported questionnaire for assessing PA is warranted.

Qualitative interviews of patients with COPD and muscle weakness enrolled in a clinical trial evaluating a new anabolic treatment: patient perspectives of disease experience, trial participation and outcome assessments

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and muscle weakness can cause impaired physical function, significantly impacting patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Loss of muscle strength is usually assessed through clinical and performance outcome (PerfO) assessments, which consists of tasks performed in a standardized manner, providing evidence of a patient's functional ability. However, evidence documenting the patient experience of COPD and muscle weakness is limited.

METHODS

This two-stage qualitative study used semi-structured interviews in patients aged 45-80 years with COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity ratio < 0.70, and FEV1% predicted of 30-80%) and muscle weakness. In Stage 1, 30-minute concept elicitation interviews were conducted with participants recruited across three US sites to explore impacts on physical functioning and activities of daily living. In Stage 2, interviews were performed with participants exiting a Phase IIa trial investigating the efficacy of a selective androgen receptor modulator (GSK2881078) on leg strength, whereby PerfOs were used to evaluate strength and physical functioning endpoints. These participants completed either 60-minute in-depth (n = 32) or 15-minute confirmatory (n = 35) interviews exploring trial experience, completion of outcome measures, disease experience and treatment satisfaction.

RESULTS

In Stage 1 (n = 20), most participants described their muscles as weak (83.3%). Difficulties with walking (100%) and lifting heavy objects (90%) were reported. In Stage 2, 60-minute interviews, all participants (n = 32) reported a positive trial experience. Most participants reported that the home exercise program was easy to fit into daily life (77.8%), the PROactive daily diary was easy to complete (100%) and wearable sensors were easy to use (65.6%). However, technical issues were reported (71%), and few participants (19.4%) found physical assessments easy to complete. Improvements in muscle strength and functional limitations were reported by most participants. The shorter 15-minute confirmatory interviews (n = 35) supported the in-depth interview results.

CONCLUSION

The qualitative interviews generated in-depth evidence of key concepts relevant to patients with COPD and muscle weakness and support the assessments of patient strength and physical function as outcome measures in this population in future studies.

TRIAL NUMBER

GSK Stage 1: 206869; Stage 2: 200182, NCT03359473; Registered December 2, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03359473 .

Validity and reliability of the 2-min step test in individuals with stroke and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders

Introduction

We investigated the reliability and validity of the 2-min step test (2MST) for assessing the exercise endurance of individuals with stroke and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders.

Participants and methods

The participants were 39 individuals with stroke and 42 with lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders (mainly hip fractures) from the convalescent rehabilitation wards of four hospitals. The concurrent validity and congruence between the 2MST and the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and construct validity by hypotheses testing, including mobility and lower limb muscle strength, were also confirmed. A subset of participants (stroke-group, n = 15; musculoskeletal-group, n = 19) underwent a retest 2MST for our evaluation of relative and absolute reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,1) and Bland-Altman plot.

Results

Both groups showed a moderate correlation between the 2MST and 6MWT (ρ = 0.55-0.60), but the congruence was not sufficient. The 6MWT was correlated with mobility in both groups and with muscle strength in the stroke group, whereas the 2MST did not show a significant correlation with mobility. The relative reliability was excellent in both groups (ICC1,1 > 0.9). In terms of absolute reliability, the width of the limit of agreement was 18.8% for the stroke group and 15.4% for the musculoskeletal group, relative to their respective sample means of 2MST. A fixed bias was identified in the stroke group, in which step counts increased by 6.5 steps upon retesting.

Discussion

Our analyses revealed that the 2MST is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the exercise endurance of individuals with stroke or lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders. However, it is necessary to validate the absolute reliability observed herein by using a larger sample size. In addition, when assessing the exercise endurance of individuals with stroke, it may be necessary to consider the potential bias of an increased step count during retesting.

Prehabilitation in Adults Undergoing Cancer Surgery: A Comprehensive Review on Rationale, Methodology, and Measures of Effectiveness

Cancer surgery places a significant burden on a patients' functional status and quality of life. In addition, cancer surgery is fraught with postoperative complications, themselves influenced by a patient's functional status. Prehabilitation is a unimodal or multimodal strategy that aims to increase a patient's functional capacity to reduce postoperative complications and improve postoperative recovery and quality of life. In most cases, it involves exercise, nutrition, and anxiety-reducing interventions. The impact of prehabilitation has been explored in several types of cancer surgery, most commonly colorectal and thoracic. Overall, the existing evidence suggests prehabilitation improves physiological outcomes (e.g., lean body mass, maximal oxygen consumption) as well as clinical outcomes (e.g., postoperative complications, quality of life). Notably, the benefit of prehabilitation is additional to that of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs. While safe, prehabilitation programs require multidisciplinary coordination preoperatively. Despite the existence of numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the certainty of evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of prehabilitation is low to moderate, principally due to significant methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. There is a need for more large-scale multicenter randomized controlled trials to draw strong clinical recommendations.

The 2-Minutes Walking Test Is Not Correlated with Aerobic Fitness Indices but with the 5-Times Sit-to-Stand Test Performance in Apparently Healthy Older Adults

The 2-minutes walking test (2-MWT) is a valid and reliable test that has a high correlation with the distance walked in the 6-minutes walking test (6-MWT). However, to date, no study has determined the relationship between 2-MWT performance and the aerobic fitness indices obtained during a maximal incremental test to confirm if this test is a valid surrogate of aerobic fitness in apparently healthy older adults. The main objective of this work was to identify the factors associated to the performance in the 2-MWT, including aerobic fitness, functional and spatial-temporal gait parameters. Seventeen elderly adults performed a maximal incremental cycling test to determine maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2), two static standing balance tests with open and close eyes, a 5-times sit-to-stand test (5-TSTS), a handgrip test, and a 2-MWT on three different days over 2 weeks. No correlations were found between aerobic fitness indices and the distance covered in 2-MWT, but significant moderate correlations were found between the distance covered in 2-MWT and the time to perform the 5-TSTS (rho = -0.49) and with stride length (rho = 0.52) during the test. In conclusion, the 2-MWT does not seem a good test to assess aerobic capacity while it showed to be associated to the 5-TSTS performance of the elderly.

Walking test outcomes in adults with genetic neuromuscular diseases: a systematic literature review of their measurement properties

INTRODUCTION

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) include a large group of heterogeneous diseases. NMDs frequently involve gait disorders, which affect quality of life. Several walking tests and tools have been described in the literature, but there is no consensus regarding the use of walking tests and tools in NMDs or of their measurement properties for walking outcomes. The aim of this review is to present an overview of walking tests, including their measurement properties when used in adults with inherited or genetic NMDs. The aim is to help clinicians and researchers choose the most appropriate test for their objective.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was conducted after consulting MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Science direct, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for published studies in which walking outcome measurement properties were assessed. The validity, reliability, measurement error and responsiveness properties were evaluated in terms of statistical methods and methodological design qualities using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 46 studies in NMDs. These studies included 15 different walking tests and a wide variety of walking outcomes, assessed with six types of walking tools. Overall, the 6MWT was the most studied test in terms of measurement properties. The methodological design and statistical methods of most studies evaluating construct validity, reliability and measurement error were "very good." The majority of outcome measurements were valid and reliable. However, studies on responsiveness as minimal important difference or minimal important change were lacking or were found to have inadequate methodological and statistical methods according to the COSMIN guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Most walking outcomes were found to be valid and reliable in NMDs. However, in view of the growing number of clinical trials, further studies are needed to clarify additional measurement properties.

Safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in the treatment of patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy. Single-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is characterized by degenerative joint damage. Patients with hemophilic arthropathy present joint damage, reduced range of motion, and decreased strength and functional capacity. Myofascial release therapy aims to decrease pain and improve tissue mobility and functionality.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myofascial release therapy in patients with hemophilic ankle arthropathy.

METHOD

Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty-eight adult patients with hemophilia were randomly allocated to the experimental group (myofascial release therapy with foam roller) or the control group (no intervention whatsoever). The daily home protocol of myofascial release therapy for the lower limbs using a foam roller lasted eight consecutive weeks. The primary variable was the safety of myofascial release therapy (weekly telephone follow-up). The secondary variables were pain intensity (visual analog scale), range of motion (goniometer), functional capacity (2-Minute Walk Test) and muscle strength (dynamometer), at baseline and at 8 and 10 weeks.

RESULTS

During the experimental phase, none of the patients in the experimental group developed ankle hemarthrosis. There were statistically significant changes in time*group interaction in ankle dorsal flexion (F[1.75] = 10.72; p < .001), functional capacity (F[1.16] = 5.24; p = .009) and gastrocnemius strength (F[2] = 26.01; p < .001). The effect size of the changes after the intervention was medium-large in pain intensity (d = -1.77), functional capacity (d = 1.34) and gastrocnemius strength (d = 0.76).

CONCLUSION

Myofascial release therapy is a safe form of physical therapy for patients with hemophilia. Myofascial release therapy can effectively complement prophylactic pharmacological treatment in patients with hemophilic arthropathy, improving range of motion in dorsal flexion, functional capacity and gastrocnemius strength.

Normative values in healthy adults for the 6-minute and 2-minute walk tests in Belgium and Vietnam: implications for clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To establish reference values for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 2-minute walk test (2MWT) distances, to investigate the correlation between these 2 tests, and to establish prediction equations for these distances in healthy populations of Belgium and Vietnam.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The 6MWT and 2MWT were administered to a convenience sample of 239 Belgian and 303 Vietnamese participants between the ages of 18 and 80 years.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation; SD) 2MWT distances were 215 (32.8) m for Belgian participants and 156 (25.5) m for Vietnamese participants. The mean (SD) 6MWT distances were 625 (90.7) m for Belgian participants and 449 (70.4) m for Vietnamese participants. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the 2 tests was 0.901 (p < 0.001) for Belgian participants and 0.871 (p < 0.001) for Vietnamese participants. Age and sex were the 2 most important predictors of walking distance, followed by body mass index for Belgium and height for Vietnam. The adjusted R² ranged from 0.31 to 0.49 across 4 predictive equations.

CONCLUSION

These results can be used to determine the presence of walking performance deficits and to guide future studies. The 2MWT is suggested as a useful and convenient alternative to the 6MWT for assessing walking performance in clinical practice.

Use of standardized outcome measures for people with lower-limb amputation: A survey of prosthetic practitioners in Canada

BACKGROUND

Outcome measures (OMs) are useful tools; however, clinicians may find implementing them into clinical practice challenging.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize Canadian prosthetists' use of OMs for people with lower-limb amputation, including motivations for use, comfort selecting OMs, resources available for administration, and barriers to implementation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2021. Orthotics Prosthetics Canada sent Canadian prosthetists an invitation to take the online survey.

RESULTS

Forty-nine Certified Prosthetists completed the survey. Only 16% of participants reported that they were expected to use OMs. Participants reported being more comfortable administering performance-based OMs than self-report surveys. More than two-thirds of participants agreed that OMs "can be administered with knowledge they have" and are "within their scope of practice." However, less than 25% agreed that OMs are "administered in a standardized way in the profession," and less than 40% indicated they are "easy to make part of my routine." Participants reported they generally have time and space to do OMs, but there was no agreed-on reason to use them.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of OMs among Canadian prosthetists seems to be low relative to prosthetists in the United States. Education, financial incentives, or changes to professional expectations are likely needed to increase routine OM use. Efforts to improve the standardization of OM administration and ease the incorporation of OMs into routine practice may also increase use. Canadian prosthetists may elevate their standards of clinical practice and better understand the impact of prosthetic treatments on their patients by more routinely using OMs.

Effectiveness of longstanding exercise therapy compared with usual care for people with rheumatoid arthritis and severe functional limitations: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of longstanding (>52 weeks), supervised exercise therapy with usual care in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and severe functional limitations.

METHODS

Participants were randomised 1:1 to the intervention (individualised goal-setting, active exercises, education and self-management regarding physical activity) or usual care. Primary endpoint was the change in the Patient-Specific Complaints activity ranked 1 (PSC1, 0-10) at 52 weeks. Secondary endpoints included the PSC activities ranked 2 and 3 (PSC2, PSC3), Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RAQoL), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function-10 (PROMIS PF-10) and the Short Form-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary Scales (SF-36 PCS and MCS). (Serious) Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Measurements were done by blinded assessors. Analyses at 52 weeks were based on the intention-to-treat principle.

RESULTS

In total, 217 people (90% female, age 58.8 (SD 12.9) years) were randomised (n=104 intervention, n=98 usual care available for analyses). At 52 weeks, the improvement of the PSC1 was significantly larger in the intervention group (mean difference (95% CI) -1.7 (-2.4, -1.0)). Except for the SF-36 MCS, all secondary outcomes showed significantly greater improvements favouring the intervention (PSC2 -1.8 (-2.4, -1.1), PSC3 -1.7 (-2.4, -1.0), PROMIS PF-10 +3.09 (1.80, 4.38), HAQ-DI -0.17 (-0.29, -0.06), RAQoL -2.03 (-3.39, -0.69), SF-36 PCS +3.83 (1.49, 6.17) and 6MWT +56 (38, 75) m). One mild, transient AE occurred in the intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Longstanding, supervised exercise therapy was more effective than usual care in people with RA and severe functional limitations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Netherlands Trial Register (NL8235), included in the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL8235).

Validity of the two-minute walk test to assess exercise capacity and estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals after stroke: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of the 2-minute walk test (2MWT) to assess the exercise capacity and the criterion-concurrent validity of the 2MWT and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke. In addition, to provide an equation to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT and another to predict the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for these individuals.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional and prospective study. A convenience sample with 57 individuals with chronic stroke was recruited. The 2MWT, the 6MWT and the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed in a laboratory. The Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the validity. To develop the equations, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

A significant correlation of very high magnitude between the distance covered in the 2MWT and the 6MWT was found (rs = 0.93; p < 0.001). A significant correlation of moderate magnitude between the distance covered in the 2MWT and the VO2peak (rs = 0.53; p < 0.001) similar to the correlation between the 6MWT and the VO2peak (rs = 0.55; p < 0,001) were found. Furthermore, an equation was developed to predict the VO2peak (R2 = 0.690; p < 0.001; VO2peak = 13.532 + 0.078*distance walked in the 2MWT +4.509*sex-0.172*age), and another to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT (R2 = 0.827; p < 0.001; MWT = -1.867 + 3.008*distance walked in the 2MWT).

CONCLUSION

2MWT showed adequate construct and concurrent validity. Furthermore, it is possible to use the prediction equations developed to estimate the VO2peak or the distance covered in the 6MWT.

Four weeks of inpatient comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation achieves contrasting results in different groups of prosthetic users

BACKGROUND

This study explored how inpatient exercise rehabilitation affected prosthetic mobility, function, and ambulation in persons with lower limb loss.

METHODS

In this explorative prospective nonrandomized intervention study, experienced (EXP-INT, n = 20) and new prosthetic users (NEW-INT, n = 18) completed a 4-week rehabilitation intervention. A control group of experienced prosthetic users (n = 19) received no intervention. Tests were performed at baseline (pretest) and after 4 weeks (posttest). A step-monitoring device recorded ambulatory activity.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome measure, Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, the between-group analysis revealed significant differences (χ2 = 10.91, df = 2, p < 0.01). Within-group Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility T-scores improved by 8.1% for the EXP-INT (p < 0.01) and 15.1% for NEW-INT (p < 0.01). Significant between-group differences were observed for the Amputee Mobility Predictor, L-test, 2-minute walk test, and 10-meter walk test. Within-group analysis demonstrated nonsignificant changes for the EXP-INT except for Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, while the NEW-INT improved by 24.1% (p < 0.001), 34.0% (p < 0.01), 46.5% (p < 0.05), and 31.0% (p < 0.01), respectively. The number of steps during the last 7 d of rehabilitation showed significant differences between the groups (χ2 = 13.99, df = 2, p < 0.001). The NEW-INT improved by 138% (p < 0.05) compared with the first 7 d of rehabilitation, while the EXP-INT had nonsignificant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

A 4-week rehabilitation intervention substantially increased prosthetic mobility, function, and ambulation activity for new prosthetic users but less so for experienced users. The results of the NEW-INT at discharge signify a considerable functional improvement.

The effectiveness of bodyweight-supported treadmill training in stroke patients: randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the impact of conventional rehabilitation (CR) and the combination of bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with CR on walking speed, endurance, balance, mobility, and the quality of life in stroke survivors.

METHOD

In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-blind study, 30 stroke patients were included (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04597658 date: October 22, 2020). These patients were divided into two groups: (1) CR only (control group, n = 14) and (2) CR with BWSTT (experimental group, n = 16). Both groups received CR for 3 consecutive weeks, 5 days a week, for 30 min each day. The experimental group received an additional 30 min of BWSTT per session. Patients were evaluated using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Score, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant improvements across all scales after the intervention. The BWSTT group exhibited particularly noteworthy enhancements in comfortable 10MWT and TUG scores (p = 0.043 and p = 0.025, respectively) compared to the CR group post-intervention.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a holistic approach combining conventional physiotherapy with overground gait training can enhance various aspects of mobility. This approach offers a cost-effective and equipment-free alternative to BWSTT and necessitates specialized treadmill and bodyweight support systems, incurring higher costs. However, using BWSTT as a co-therapy therapy can be costly but provides additional benefits for enhancing functional mobility.

Resistance exercise snacks improve muscle mass in female university employees: a prospective, controlled, intervention pilot-study

Background

Although resistance training (RT) is essential to preserve musculoskeletal fitness and maintain a healthy, independent life into old age, few women perform RT. We investigated whether resistance exercise snacking (RES) could be an efficient training approach for the workplace health promotion (WHP) to minimize barriers for participation and facilitate RT in women in order to improve musculoskeletal fitness.

Methods

This pilot-study followed a prospective, controlled intervention design. Female employees with sedentary occupations doing RT on less than 2 days/week before study participation were included. Participants self-selected for either intervention (IG) or control group (CG). While the IG [N = 15, mean age 42.1 (SD = 11.1) years] did 10 min of RES on working days for 12 weeks, the CG [N = 15, mean age 49.9 (SD = 9.7) years] was instructed to maintain their habitual physical activity. Primary endpoint was change in muscle mass. Secondary endpoint was change in maximum isometric strength. Balance, cardiovascular fitness, perceived health, and general life satisfaction was assessed for exploratory purpose. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention.

Results

12 participants of IG and 14 of CG completed the study. Muscle mass improved significantly more in the IG [+0.42 (SD = 0.54) kg] compared to the CG [-0.16 (SD = 0.51) kg] (p = 0.01, ƞ2p = 0.24). Strength did not change significantly between groups. Nevertheless, there was a trend for greater improvements in the IG compared to the CG for trunk extension, trunk flexion, and upper body push but not upper body pull. Regarding exploratory endpoints, no significant between-group changes were found. Despite their poor fitness, both groups perceived their health as good and had high life satisfaction before and after the intervention.

Conclusion

RES could be an effective approach for the WHP to promote RT in inactive women with sedentary occupations and improve their muscle mass.

The development of rating scales to evaluate experiential prosthetic foot preference for people with lower limb amputation

BACKGROUND

Selection of a foot is an important aspect of prosthetic prescription and vital to maximizing mobility and functional goals after lower limb amputation. Development of a standardized approach to soliciting user experiential preferences is needed to improve evaluation and comparison of prosthetic feet.

OBJECTIVE

To develop rating scales to assess prosthetic foot preference and to evaluate use of these scales in people with transtibial amputation after trialing different prosthetic feet.

DESIGN

Participant-blinded, repeated measures crossover trial.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Medical Centers, laboratory setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-two male prosthesis users with unilateral transtibial amputation started, and 68 participants completed this study.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants trialed three mobility-level appropriate commercial prosthetic feet briefly in the laboratory.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

"Activity-specific" rating scales were developed to assess participants' ability with a given prosthetic foot to perform typical mobility activities (eg, walking at different speeds, on inclines, and stairs) and "global" scales to rate overall perceived energy required to walk, satisfaction, and willingness to regularly use the prosthetic foot. Foot preference was determined by comparing the rating scale scores, after laboratory testing.

RESULTS

The greatest within-participant differences in scores among feet were observed in the "incline" activity, where 57% ± 6% of participants reported 2+ point differences. There was a significant association (p < .05) between all "activity-specific" rating scores (except standing) and each "global" rating score.

CONCLUSIONS

The standardized rating scales developed in this study could be used to assess prosthetic foot preference in both the research and clinical settings to guide prosthetic foot prescription for people with lower limb amputation capable of a range of mobility levels.

Protocol for the air purification for eosinophilic COPD study (APECS): a randomised controlled trial of home air filtration by HEPA

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution has been associated with lower lung function in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with eosinophilic COPD have been found to have higher levels of airway inflammation, greater responsiveness to anti-inflammatory steroid inhalers and a greater lung function response to PM pollution exposure compared with those with lower eosinophil levels. This study will evaluate if reducing home PM exposure by high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air filtration improves respiratory health in eosinophilic COPD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Air Purification for Eosinophilic COPD Study (APECS) is a double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial that will enrol 160 participants with eosinophilic COPD living in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. Real and sham air purifiers will be placed in the bedroom and living rooms of the participants in the intervention and control group, respectively, for 12 months. The primary trial outcome will be the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). Lung function will be assessed twice preintervention and three times during the intervention phase (at 7 days, 6 months and 12 months postrandomisation). Secondary trial outcomes include changes in (1) health status by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire; (2) respiratory symptoms by Breathlessness, Cough and Sputum Scale (BCSS); and (3) 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Inflammatory mediators were measured in the nasal epithelial lining fluid (NELF). Indoor PM will be measured in the home for the week preceding each study visit. The data will be analysed to contrast changes in outcomes in the intervention and control groups using a repeated measures framework.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre (protocol #2019P0001129). The results of the APECS trial will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04252235. Version: October 2023.

Health Promotion with Long-Term Physical Activity Program for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at higher risk for developing common chronic diseases. Engagement in physical activity (PA) can prevent health issues; however, people with ASD are known to engage in lower levels of PA in comparison to their peers. This study evaluated the effect of a long-term, 12-month PA intervention on the fitness and quality of life of adults with ASD. A quantitative approach was implemented to assess participants' fitness, functional ability, quality of life, and participation in a range of PA classes at three different time points. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with three participants with ASD and three staff members. A total of 34 adults with ASD (mean age 39.76 + 7.27) participated in the quantitative part of the study. Approximately 53% of the participants exhibited perseverance and conducted adequate PA each month. Significant improvements were found in one fitness component and two quality-of-life components. Factors revealed for the program's success were the individuals' free choice of the PA classes and supporting people and a budget that tailored the project. Policymakers who plan health promotion programs for adults with ASD should consider long-term PA programs, with freedom of choice among PA modalities and schedules.

Decreased phrenic nerve compound muscle action potential, inspiratory muscle strength, and exercise capacity after COVID-19

Objectives

Respiratory muscle weakness with higher ventilatory demands were reported even in patients recovering from only mild COVID-19 symptoms. Aim of this study was to assess the function of phrenic nerve and inspiratory respiratory muscle as well as cardiopulmonary exercise capacity in patients with prolonged exertional dyspnea after COVID-19 infection.

Methods

In this observational exploratory study, electrophysiological examination of the phrenic nerve, inspiratory muscle capacity as well as lung function test, 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and cardiopulmonary exercise test, have been performed in 22 patients post COVID-19 diagnosis (post-CoV).

Results

Exercise capacity (peak workload, Wpeak % predicted and peak oxygen uptake, VO2peak % predicted) were significantly affected in the post-CoV patients (61.8 ± 23.3 Wpeak % and 70.9 ± 22.3 VO2peak %). Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) was reduced (60.1 ± 25.5 mbar). In 6 of the 22 patients the electrophysiological response of the phrenic nerve was pathologically decreased (reduced compound muscle action potential, CMAP), while nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was normal, which corresponds to reduced muscle fiber contraction capacity. Positive relationships were demonstrated between 6MWD and MIP (rs = 0.88) as well as quality of life questionnaire (CRQ) and MIP (rs = 0.71) only in patients with reduced CMAP.

Discussion

Respiratory muscle weakness and exercise capacity is associated with reduced phrenic nerve CMAP without signs of neuropathy. This indicates that muscle fiber pathology of the diaphragm may be one pathophysiological factor for the prolonged respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infections.

Perioperative Exercise Testing in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Women have classically been excluded from the development of normal data and reference ranges, with pregnant women experiencing further neglect. The incidence of Caesarean section in pregnant women, and of general operative management in young women (both pregnant and non-pregnant), necessitates the formal development of healthy baseline data in these cohorts to optimise their perioperative management. This systematic review assesses the representation of young women in existing reference ranges for several functional exercise tests in common use to facilitate functional assessment in this cohort.

METHODS

Existing reference range data for the exercise tests the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT) and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) in young women of reproductive age were assessed using the MEDLINE (Ovid) database, last searched December 2023. Results were comparatively tabulated but not statistically analysed given underlying variances in data.

RESULTS

The role of exercise testing in the perioperative period as an assessment tool, as well as its safety during pregnancy, was evaluated using 65 studies which met inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant lack of baseline data regarding these tests in this population, especially amongst the pregnant cohort, which limits the application of exercise testing clinically.

Exercise- and education-based prehabilitation before total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility and estimates of effects of a supervised exercise- and education-based prehabilitation programme aiming to improve knee functioning compared with usual care in patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled pilot study.

SUBJECTS

Patients receiving primary, unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Patients randomized to the intervention group participated in a personalized 4-8-week prehabilitation programme before surgery. Feasibility of the intervention and self-reported knee functioning, pain, physical performance and hospital stay were assessed at baseline, immediately preoperatively, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (mean age 72.7±5.95 years) were enrolled in this study. The personalized prehabilitation programme was found to be feasible and safe, with an exercise adherence of 90%. Significant medium interaction effects between groups and over time favouring prehabilitation were reported for the sport subscale of the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (F(3/54) = 2.895, p = 0.043, η² = 0.139) and Tegner Activity Scale (F(2.2/39.1) = 3.20, p = 0.048, η² = 0.151).

CONCLUSION

The absence of adverse events and high adherence to the programme, coupled with beneficial changes shown in the intervention group, support the conduct of a full-scale trial investigating the effectiveness of prehabilitation.

Value of the 3-min walk test and its association with motor functions in older adults

BACKGROUND

The 3-min walk test (3MWT) has been used in the clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE

To present the 3MWT value and investigate its association with motor and respiratory functions of healthy older adults.

METHODS

Two hundred six older adults and 27 younger adults were enrolled. The 3MWT was assessed by the walking distance within 3 min. Knee extension muscle strength (KEMS), 5-repetition sit-to-stand (5 R-STS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume 1.0 (FEV1.0), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) were measured. The 3MWT distance was examined by age group (18-39, 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years). A multivariate regression analysis investigated the association between 3MWT and motor function test.

RESULTS

The 3MWT values in each age group were 273-385, 233-414, 93-351, and 171-345 m for men and 215-375, 220-349, 198-325, and 174-332 m for women respectively. The 3MWT values were correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), KEMS, 5 R-STS, TUG, FVC, FEV1.0, MEP, and MIP. On the multivariate regression analysis, 3MWT was significantly associated with BMI (standard beta = -0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.20 to 0.83), KEMS (standard beta = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.06-0.13), 5 R-STS (standard beta = -0.13; 95% CI, -5.70 to -0.13), and TUG (standard beta = -0.36; 95% CI, -17.15 to -7.73) in older adults (adjusted R2 = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3MWT distance decreased with age and was associated with motor and respiratory functions. No range trends were observed among groups. Our findings suggest that 3MWT reflects functional capacity.

Exercise therapy as a digital therapeutic for chronic disease management: consideration for clinical product development

Digital exercise therapies (DET) have the potential to bridge existing care gaps for people living with chronic conditions. Acting as either a standalone, embedded within multi-modal lifestyle therapy, or adjunct to pharmacotherapy or surgery, evidence-based DETs can favorably impact the health of a rapidly growing population. Given the nascent nature of digital therapeutics, the regulatory landscape has yet to mature. As such, in the absence of clear guidelines clinical digital product developers are responsible for ensuring the DET adheres to fundamental principles such as patient risk management and clinical effectiveness. The purpose of this narrative review paper is to discuss key considerations for clinical digital product developers who are striving to build novel digital therapeutic (DTx) solutions and thus contribute towards standardization of product development. We herein draw upon DET as an example, highlighting the need for adherence to existing clinical guidelines, human-centered design and an intervention approach that leverages the Chronic Care Model. Specific topics and recommendations related to the development of innovative and scalable products are discussed which ultimately allow for differentiation from a basic wellness tool and integration to clinical workflows. By embodying a code of ethics, clinical digital product developers can adequately address patients' needs and optimize their own future digital health technology assessments including appropriate evidence of safety and efficacy.

Longitudinal changes in physical activity accumulation patterns during 1-year follow-up in stroke survivors

PURPOSE

Few studies have reported changes in the accumulation patterns of physical activity over a year after stroke. This study characterized the longitudinal changes in physical activity levels and their accumulation patterns for a 1-year follow-up period in stroke survivors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-center, prospective, longitudinal observational study, 47 stroke survivors were assessed at rehabilitation discharge and at 6 and 12 months post-discharge. Physical activity was evaluated, and measures included the number of steps, walking duration, total number of bouts per day, and intensity (light, moderate-to-vigorous) and spread (short, medium, and long bouts).

RESULTS

There were no significant main or interaction effects of time on any physical activity variables. Light physical activity accounted for 90% of all walking bouts and 70% of walking duration. Regarding moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 85% of walking bouts and 35% of walking duration were accumulated in short and medium bouts. The number of long-bout MVPA was three per day.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent MVPA is important for maintaining physical activity levels in stroke survivors. These findings will promote a better understanding of disability and rehabilitation practice.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONPhysical activity levels and accumulation patterns were highly stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period.The accumulation of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in long bouts might be challenging for stroke survivors.Accumulating light physical activity and intermittent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may be acceptable for stroke survivors.

Categorization and recommendations for outcome measures for lower limb absence by an expert panel

BACKGROUND

Understanding the psychometric strengths and limitations of outcome measures for use with people with lower limb absence (LLA) is important for selecting measures suited to evaluating patient outcomes, answering clinical and research questions, and informing health care policy. The aim of this project was to review the current psychometric evidence on outcome measures in people with LLA to determine which measures should be included in a stakeholder consensus process.

METHODS

An expert panel was assembled, and a 3-stage review process was used to categorize outcome measures identified in a systematic literature review into 3 distinct categories (recommended for measures with better than adequate psychometric properties; recommended with qualification; and unable to recommend). Panelists were asked to individually categorize measures based on results of a systematic review of identified measures' psychometric properties. Each measure's final categorization was based on ≥70% agreement by all panelists.

RESULTS

No outcome measure attained the ≥70% consensus threshold needed to achieve a rating of "recommend." Hence, panelists suggested combining "recommend" and "recommend with qualifications" into a single category of "recommend with qualifications." Using this approach, consensus was reached for 59 of 60 measures. Consensus could not be reached on 1 outcome measure (socket comfort score). Thirty-six outcome measures were categorized as "unable to recommend" based on available evidence; however, 23 (12 patient-reported measures and 11 performance-based measures) demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in LLA samples and were thus rated as "recommend with qualification" by the expert panel. The panel of experts were able to recommend 23 measures for inclusion in the subsequent stakeholder review. A key strength of this process was bringing together international researchers with extensive experience in developing and/or using LLA outcome measures who could assist in identifying psychometrically sound measures to include in a subsequent stakeholder consensus process.

CONCLUSION

The above categorizations represent the current state of psychometric evidence on outcome measures for people with LLA and hence may change over time as additional research becomes available. The results will be used to achieve wider consensus from clinicians, health policymakers, health clinic managers, researchers, and end users (i.e., individuals with LLA) on outcome measures for the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics lower limb Consensus Outcome Measures for Prosthetic and Amputation ServiceS.

Systematic Review of the Use of the 6-Minute Walk Test in Measuring and Improving Prognosis in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

Introduction

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) has been used for over 30 years to assess exercise capacity in patients with respiratory disease, and more recently, in those with heart failure. However, despite being a simple and reproducible test of real-world exercise capacity, its use in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) is less well accepted. We sought to review systematically the evidence surrounding the 6MWT in IHD.

Methods

We searched the Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for the following key terms: "six minute walk test/6 minute walk test/6MWT" and "angina/coronary artery disease/coronary disease/IHD/ischemic heart disease." We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to select publications for full-text review and analyzed the collated data.

Results

A total of 1228 unique papers were found, of which 71 were chosen for full-text review and 37 for detailed analysis. Most (23) concerned the effect on 6MWT distance (6MWTd) of cardiac rehabilitation, with measurements commenced after an intervention (acute myocardial infarction, n = 4; open heart surgery (OHS), n = 5; percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), n = 3; or other, n = 11). The effect on 6MWTd of OHS was investigated in 6 studies and of PCI in one study. The 6MWT is a useful measurement of physical capacity; data are limited on its ability to assess benefit following PCI.

Conclusions

The 6MWT has been studied inconsistently in IHD. The majority of data are on patients before and after CR. Data are limited concerning the effect on 6MWTd of OHS or PCI. The available data support the 6MWT as a measure of change in performance status following coronary intervention. More work is required to confirm this hypothesis.

Test-retest reliability of the six-minute walking distance measurements using FeetMe insoles by completely unassisted healthy adults in their homes

Wearable technology provides an opportunity for new ways of monitoring patient gait remotely, through at-home self-administered six-minute walk tests (6MWTs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of FeetMe insoles, a wearable gait assessment device, for measuring the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) during tests conducted with a one-week interval by completely unassisted healthy adults in their homes. Participants (n = 21) performed two 6MWTs at home while wearing the FeetMe insoles, and two 6MWTs at hospital while wearing FeetMe insoles and being assessed by a rater. All assessments were performed with a one-week interval between tests, no assistance was provided to the participants at home. The agreement between the 6MWD measurements made at baseline and at Week 1 was good for all test configurations and was highest for the at-home FeetMe measurements, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.95, standard error of the measurement (SEM) of 15.02 m and coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.33%, compared to ICCs of 0.79 and 0.78, SEMs of 25.65 and 26.65 and CVs of 6.24% and 6.10% for the rater and FeetMe measurements at hospital, respectively. Our work demonstrates that the FeetMe system could provide a reliable solution allowing individuals to self-administer 6MWTs independently at home.

Construct validity of the PROMIS PF-10 in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and severe limitations in physical functioning

OBJECTIVE

Assessing the construct validity of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function 10-Item Short Form (PROMIS PF-10) in a subpopulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients with severe limitations in physical functioning (PF).

METHOD

RA/axSpA patients with severe functional limitations completed the PROMIS PF-10, Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI for RA) or Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI for axSpA), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-level (index score, EQ-VAS), and performed the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Construct validity was assessed by computing Spearman rank or Pearson correlation coefficients and testing hypotheses about correlations between the PROMIS PF-10 and measures of PF and quality of life.

RESULTS

Data from 316 patients (180 RA/136 axSpA, 91.7%/47.8% female, mean ± sd age 58.6 ± 13.2/54.0 ± 11.3 years) were analysed. The median (IQR) PROMIS PF-10 score was 34.5 (31.4-37.6) in RA and 36.0 (32.8-38.3) in axSpA patients. The PROMIS PF-10 correlated strongly with the HAQ-DI, BASFI, and EQ-5D-5L index score (r > 0.6), moderately with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary score, EQ-VAS, and 6MWT (0.30 ≤ r ≤ 0.60), and weakly with the SF-36 Mental Component Summary score (r < 0.30). Five of six hypotheses (83%) were confirmed in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The overall strong correlation of the PROMIS PF-10 with measures of PF and moderate to weak correlations with outcomes measuring different constructs were confirmed in subpopulations of RA and axSpA patients with severe functional limitations, supporting its construct validity.

Short-Term, Community-Based, Slow-Stream Rehabilitation Program for Older Adults Transitioning from Hospital to Home: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation

Introduction

Shortened hospital stays have shifted the burden of care for older adults to community, informal (ie, family, caregiver) and formal post-acute care and services, highlighting the need for effective post-hospital stay services and programs. As there is a dearth of information related to community-based, slow-stream rehabilitation program models for older adults transitioning from hospital to home in the Canadian context, the paper describes a mixed methods evaluation of such a program.

Materials and Methods

A mixed methods program evaluation, with process- and outcome-related elements, included 1) review and analysis of program documents; 2) observations to examine fidelity. Observation data were coded and summarized using descriptive statistics. Coded information and data were compared to document review data; 3) quantitative assessment of pre-post changes in physical, social, and psychological outcome measure and instrument scores using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and confidence intervals (p = 0.05); and 4) exploration of acceptability through interviews and focus groups with 41 of the older adult participants and 17 family caregivers. Thematic analysis was used to examine focus group and interview transcripts.

Results

Observational data indicated alignment with the program document information overall. Statistically and clinically significant positive trends in improvement for physical outcome measure scores were observed (6-minute Walk Test, Life Space Assessment, Short Physical Performance Battery, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity). Participants and family caregivers identified several positives and benefits of the program, ie, improvement in physical, social and mental well-being, decreased caregiver burden; and areas for improvement ie, need for more information about the program prior to enrollment and individualization, several of which aligned with the observation and quantitative data.

Discussion/Conclusion

This mixed methods program evaluation provided a detailed description of a community-based, slow-stream rehabilitation program for older adults who are transitioning to home post-hospital stay and its participants. Evidence of program fidelity, acceptability, and positive trends in improvement in physical outcome measure scores were found. Information about program strengths and areas for improvement can be used by stakeholders to inform program refinement and enhancement.

Ecological validity of a deep learning algorithm to detect gait events from real-life walking bouts in mobility-limiting diseases

Introduction

The clinical assessment of mobility, and walking specifically, is still mainly based on functional tests that lack ecological validity. Thanks to inertial measurement units (IMUs), gait analysis is shifting to unsupervised monitoring in naturalistic and unconstrained settings. However, the extraction of clinically relevant gait parameters from IMU data often depends on heuristics-based algorithms that rely on empirically determined thresholds. These were mainly validated on small cohorts in supervised settings.

Methods

Here, a deep learning (DL) algorithm was developed and validated for gait event detection in a heterogeneous population of different mobility-limiting disease cohorts and a cohort of healthy adults. Participants wore pressure insoles and IMUs on both feet for 2.5 h in their habitual environment. The raw accelerometer and gyroscope data from both feet were used as input to a deep convolutional neural network, while reference timings for gait events were based on the combined IMU and pressure insoles data.

Results and discussion

The results showed a high-detection performance for initial contacts (ICs) (recall: 98%, precision: 96%) and final contacts (FCs) (recall: 99%, precision: 94%) and a maximum median time error of -0.02 s for ICs and 0.03 s for FCs. Subsequently derived temporal gait parameters were in good agreement with a pressure insoles-based reference with a maximum mean difference of 0.07, -0.07, and <0.01 s for stance, swing, and stride time, respectively. Thus, the DL algorithm is considered successful in detecting gait events in ecologically valid environments across different mobility-limiting diseases.

Activities of daily living in lower limb amputees with a bone-anchored prosthesis: a retrospective case series with 24 months' follow-up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Little is known about the activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with a bone-anchored prosthesis (BAP). We aimed to objectively measure ADL without and with BAP during standard care of follow-up. Our secondary aim was to measure mobility and walking ability.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients aged 18-99 years who underwent surgery for transfemoral or transtibial BAP between September 11, 2017, and February 11, 2021, were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective case series of patients with socket prosthesis. ADL was measured with a continuous recording activity monitor (hours [h]) before surgery, and at 6, 12, and 24 months with BAP. Mobility and walking ability were assessed by the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (seconds [s]) and 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (meters [m]), respectively.

RESULTS

48 of the 57 eligible patients provided informed consent and were included. Their age was 59 (1st quartile to 3rd quartile 51-63) years. Total daily activity before BAP was 1.6 h (0.82-2.1) and increased to 2.1 h (1.4-2.5) at 6, 2.0 h (1.5-2.7) at 12, and 2.7 h (2.0-3.3) at 24 months with BAP. Daily walking increased from 1.3 h (0.79-1.9) before BAP to 1.8 h (1.6-2.3) at 6, to 1.7 h (1.2-2.4) at 12, and 2.0 h (1.6-2.6) at 24 months. Median TUG decreased from 12 s (9.1-14) before BAP to 8.9 s (7.7-10) at 24 months. Mean 6MWT increased from 272 m (SD 92) before BAP to 348 m (SD 68) at 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Objective measurements on ADL positively changed in patients with BAP. This effect was also seen in mobility and walking ability at 24 months.

Characteristics of Early Interventions for Pain and Function Following Lower Extremity Joint Replacement: Systematic Review

Occupational therapy is beneficial among adults with chronic pain; however, occupational therapy interventions addressing earlier phases of pain have not been clearly explicated. This systematic review characterized acute and subacute interventions billable by occupational therapy after hip or knee replacement to improve pain and function. Seven articles met inclusion criteria. Six articles had a low risk of bias. Three intervention types were found: task-oriented exercise, water-based, and modalities. Only task-oriented interventions improved both pain and function one-year after surgery. There are long-term benefits to early task-oriented exercise. Further research is needed to contextualize occupational therapy's role in early pain interventions.

Yoga is effective for treating chronic pain in veterans with Gulf War Illness at long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Gulf War Illness (GWI) recommend integrative health approaches such as yoga for relief from symptoms, yet little is known about the long-term efficacy of yoga in reducing symptoms of GWI. Here, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) chronic pain treatment in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 75 Veterans (57 men, 42-71 ± 7.1 years of age) with Gulf War Illness (GWI).

METHODS

Participants received either 10 weeks of yoga or 10 weeks of CBT for chronic pain. The primary outcome measures were pain severity, and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form). The secondary outcome measures were fatigue, as indicated by a measure of functional exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Test), depression, autonomic symptom severity, and quality of life. Piecewise linear mixed models were used to examine study hypotheses.

RESULTS

Compared to the CBT group, yoga was associated with greater reductions in pain severity during the 6-month follow-up period (group × time interaction: b = 0.036, se = 0.014, p = .011). Although we did not find between-group differences in the other primary or secondary outcome measures during follow-up (p's > 0.05), exploratory analyses revealed within-group improvements in pain interference, total pain (an experimental outcome variable which combines pain severity and interference), and fatigue in the yoga group (p's < 0.05) but not in the CBT group.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report long-term follow-up results of yoga as a treatment for GWI. Our results suggest that yoga may offer long-term efficacy in reducing pain, which is a core symptom of GWI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Secondary analyses of ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02378025.

Evolution of neurodegeneration in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus: a monocentric follow up study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine in patients with idiopathic and neurodegenerative normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) if motor and cognitive performance as well as changes in biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evolve differently.

METHODS

41 patients with a typical clinical and MR-/CT-morphological presentation of NPH divided into an Alzheimer-negative (AD-, n = 25) and an Alzheimer-positive (AD+, n = 16) group according to neurodegenerative biomarkers (S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, β-amyloid 1-42, Tau protein, phospho-Tau, protein-level and CSF pressure) in CSF. Follow-up of cognitive and gait functions before and after a spinal tap of 40-50 ml CSF of up to 49 months. Clinical, motor, neuropsychological and CSF biomarkers were analyzed using a repeated multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc testing.

RESULTS

Gait and neuropsychological performance and CSF biomarkers evolved differently between the AD- and AD+ patients. In particular, the AD+ patients benefited from the spinal tap regarding short-term memory. In contrast, gait parameters worsened over time in the AD+ patients, although they showed a relevant improvement after the first tap.

CONCLUSIONS

The results substantiate the recently reported association between a tap-responsive NPH and CSF changes of Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, they suggest that the AD changes in CSF manifest in an age-related fashion in AD- patients presenting with NPH.

Longitudinal Changes in Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Late Life: The ARIC Study

BACKGROUND

There is limited data regarding longitudinal changes of diastolic function in the very old, who are at the highest risk for heart failure (HF).

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to quantify intraindividual longitudinal changes of diastolic function over 6 years in late life.

METHODS

The authors studied 2,524 older adult participants in the prospective community-based ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study who underwent protocol-based echocardiography at study visits 5 (2011-2013) and 7 (2018-2019). The primary diastolic measures were tissue Doppler e', E/e' ratio, and left atrial volume index (LAVI).

RESULTS

Mean age was 74 ± 4 years at visit 5 and 80 ± 4 at visit 7, 59% were women, and 24% were Black. At visit 5, mean e'septal was 5.8 ± 1.4 cm/s, E/e'septal 11.7 ± 3.5, and LAVI 24.3 ± 6.7 mL/m2. Over a mean of 6.6 ± 0.8 years, e'septal decreased by 0.6 ± 1.4 cm/s, E/e'septal increased by 3.1 ± 4.4, and LAVI increased by 2.3 ± 6.4 mL/m2. The proportion with 2 or more abnormal diastolic measures increased from 17% to 42% (P < 0.001). Compared with participants free of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors or diseases at visit 5 (n = 234), those with prevalent CV risk factors or diseases but without prevalent or incident HF (n = 2,150) demonstrated greater increases in E/e'septal and LAVI. Increases of E/e'septal and LAVI were both associated with the development of dyspnea between visits in analyses adjusted for CV risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Diastolic function generally deteriorates over 6.6 years in late life, particularly among persons with CV risk factors, and is associated with development of dyspnea. Further studies are necessary to determine if risk factor prevention or control will mitigate these changes.

Effects of a Physical Therapist Intervention on GPS Indicators of Community Mobility in Older Adults: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The authors compared the effects of a standard strength and endurance intervention with a standard plus timing and coordination training intervention on community mobility measured using global positioning systems (GPS) among community-dwelling older adults in this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Participants were randomized to a standard or a standard plus timing and coordination training program. Community mobility was measured using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) and GPS indicators of community mobility at baseline, as well as at 12 (immediately after the intervention), 24, and 36 weeks. Linear mixed models were used for analysis.

RESULTS

There were 166 participants with GPS data at baseline, including 81 in the standard plus group and 85 in the standard group. The groups did not differ in participant characteristics or GPS measures at baseline. There were no significant within-group changes in GPS indicators of community mobility or LSA score over time, nor between-group differences of the same.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant changes in community mobility with either intervention or between-intervention differences. These findings suggest that interventions targeting physical function alone may not be sufficient to improve community mobility or participation in older adults. Future research should focus on the development of multifaceted interventions targeted to improve real-world participation.

IMPACT

The studied interventions did not significantly change community mobility measured using GPS-derived community mobility measures or self-report measures in older adults, suggesting that more comprehensive interventions may be needed to target improvements in community mobility.

Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees with burn trauma

OBJECTIVE

Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees (TOFA) surgically implants a prosthetic anchor into the residual limb's bone, enabling direct skeletal connection to a prosthetic limb and eliminating the socket. TOFA has demonstrated significant mobility and quality of life benefits for most amputees, but concerns regarding its safety for patients with burned skin have limited its use. This is the first report of the use of TOFA for burned amputees.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed of five patients (eight limbs) with a history of burn trauma and subsequent osseointegration. The primary outcome was adverse events such as infection and additional surgery. Secondary outcomes included mobility and quality of life changes.

RESULTS

The five patients (eight limbs) had an average follow-up time of 3.8 ± 1.7 (range 2.1-6.6) years. We found no issues of skin compatibility or pain associated with the TOFA implant. Three patients underwent subsequent surgical debridement, one of whom had both implants removed and eventually reimplanted. K-level mobility improved (K2 +, 0/5 vs 4/5). Other mobility and quality of life outcomes comparisons are limited by available data.

CONCLUSION

TOFA is safe and compatible for amputees with a history of burn trauma. Rehabilitation capacity is influenced more by the patient's overall medical and physical capacity than their specific burn injury. Judicious use of TOFA for appropriately selected burn amputees seems safe and merited.

Concurrent validity of the 2-and 6-minute walk test in knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is frequently used for the assessment of walking distances in several conditions, as knee osteoarthritis, but it can be both time-consuming for the researcher or clinician, and exhausting of painful for the subject suffering from this condition. The objective of our study was to analyze the concurrent validity of the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) for patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

METHODS

Cross-sectional validation study. Scores from the 6MWT of 42 ambulatory patients affected by knee osteoarthritis were compared to those from the shorter 2MWT. An initial correlation test was used to assess correlation between both measures, and a subsequent univariate regression analysis was performed with the aim of comparing the estimated outcomes of the 6MWT versus the actual 6MWT.

RESULTS

The scores from the 2MWT and 6MWT showed excellent correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.976; p-value < 0.001); the predictive equation based on the scores from the 2MWT (R2 = 0.952, p-value < 0.001) estimates the 6MWT scores with a relative error of 3.23%.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2MWT may be a practical assessment tool in replacement for the 6MWT in clinical assessment due to its low burden on patients and as a means of improving efficiency in a timely manner.

Convergent Validity of the Timed Walking Tests with Functional Ambulatory Category in Subacute Stroke

Determining the walking ability of post-stroke patients is crucial for the design of rehabilitation programs and the correct functional information to give to patients and their caregivers at their return home after a neurorehabilitation program. We aimed to assess the convergent validity of three different walking tests: the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) test, the 10-m walking test (10MeWT) and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). Eighty walking participants with stroke (34 F, age 64.54 ± 13.02 years) were classified according to the FAC score. Gait speed evaluation was performed with 10MeWT and 6MWT. The cut-off values for FAC and walking tests were calculated using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Area under the curve (AUC) and Youden's index were used to find the cut-off value. Statistical differences were found in all FAC subgroups with respect to walking speed on short and long distances, and in the Rivermead Mobility Index and Barthel Index. Mid-level precision (AUC > 0.7; p < 0.05) was detected in the walking speed with respect to FAC score (III vs. IV and IV vs. V). The confusion matrix and the accuracy analysis showed that the most sensitive test was the 10MeWT, with cut-off values of 0.59 m/s and 1.02 m/s. Walking speed cut-offs of 0.59 and 1.02 m/s were assessed with the 10MeWT and can be used in FAC classification in patients with subacute stroke between the subgroups able to walk with supervision and independently on uniform and non-uniform surfaces. Moreover, the overlapping walking speed registered with the two tests, the 10MeWT showed a better accuracy to drive FAC classification.

Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY - results from the ENJOY program for independence in dementia: a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial

The Seniors Exercise Park program is an evidence-based outdoor physical and social activity program designed originally for older people with no cognitive impairment. This study aimed to pilot this program for people living with dementia in residential aged care. We examined the feasibility of delivering the program, evaluating its structure, safety, and supervision needs. In addition, physical, social, health and cognitive benefits of participation were examined. Method This was a feasibility pilot randomised controlled design. Adults aged ≥ 60 years with symptoms of dementia and/or diagnoses of dementia were recruited from an aged care facility in Australia. Participants allocated to the intervention underwent a 12-week structured supervised physical activity program using the outdoor Seniors Exercise Park equipment followed by a 12-week maintenance phase, while the controls received usual care programs. Assessments occurred at baseline, 12 and 24-weeks. Feasibility evaluation included recruitment rate, retention, attendance, overall adherence, dropout rate, adverse events, program delivery modifications and supervision requirements. A suite of cognitive and health-related questionnaires and physical function measures were also collected. Results Sixteen participants were recruited (recruitment rate: 58.6%), eight for the intervention (83.3 ± 7.5 years, 87.5% women) and eight for the control (age 87.5 ± 3.0 years, 87.5% women). Eighty-eight percent completed the 12-week structured program, with 75% retention at 24-weeks. Across the 24-week period, 84.3% participation adherence was reported. No falls or adverse events occurred. Modifications of the program mainly related to method of communication, cueing and adjustments to suit individual personality and characteristics. A ratio of one trainer to two participants was practical and safe. There were no significant changes over time between groups in any of the secondary outcomes. High level of engagement, enjoyment and mood was reported throughout the exercise program. Conclusion The Seniors Exercise Park physical activity program was safe and feasible for people living with dementia in residential care, with high levels of enjoyment, positive attitude, and engagement reported in the intervention group. Individualised communication during program delivery was needed to facilitate motivation and participation. Further research is needed to assess the program effectiveness on physical and cognitive function on a larger scale. Trial registration This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry-Registry Number ACTRN12620000733976 . Registered on the 13/07/2020.

Studies on Reliability and Measurement Error of Measurements in Medicine - From Design to Statistics Explained for Medical Researchers

Reliability and measurement error are measurement properties that quantify the influence of specific sources of variation, such as raters, type of machine, or time, on the score of the individual measurement. Several designs can be chosen to assess reliability and measurement error of a measurement. Differences in design are due to specific choices about which sources of variation are varied over the repeated measurements in stable patients, which potential sources of variation are kept stable (ie, restricted), and about whether or not the entire measurement instrument (or measurement protocol) was repeated or only part of it. We explain how these choices determine how intraclass correlation coefficients and standard errors of measurement formulas are built for different designs by using Venn diagrams. Strategies for improving the measurement are explained, and recommendations for reporting the essentials of these studies are described. We hope that this paper will facilitate the understanding and improve the design, analysis, and reporting of future studies on reliability and measurement error of measurements.

Peak steps: Capacity for activity improves after adding approved therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients have low activity. Activity intensity or duration could be a measure of clinical status or improvement. We aimed to determine whether standard or novel actigraphy measures could detect increases in activity after adding therapy. This was a prospective, single-center observational study evaluating activity after adding therapy in Group 1 PAH; we also report a validation cohort. For our study, two different accelerometers were used, a wrist (ActiGraph) and chest (MC10) device. Patients were analyzed in two groups, Treatment Intensification (TI, adding therapy) or Stable. Both groups had baseline monitoring periods of 7 days; the TI group had follow-up at 3 months, while Stables had follow-up within 4 weeks to assess stability. Activity time and steps were reported from both devices' proprietary algorithms. In ActiGraph only, steps in 1-min intervals throughout the day were ranked (not necessarily contiguous). Average values for each week were calculated and compared using nonparametric testing. Thirty patients had paired data (11 Stable and 19 TI). There was no between-group difference at baseline; we did not observe therapy-associated changes on average daily steps or activity time/intensity. The top 5 min of steps (capacity) increased after adding therapy; there was no difference in the stable group. This key finding was validated in a previously reported randomized trial studying a behavioral intervention to increase exercise. Total daily activity metrics are influenced by both disease and non-disease factors, making therapy-associated change difficult to detect. Peak minute steps were a treatment-responsive marker in both a pharmacologic and training intervention.

A multi-site trial of an electronic health integrated physical activity promotion intervention in breast and endometrial cancers survivors: MyActivity study protocol

Despite the known benefits of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for breast and endometrial cancer survivors, most are insufficiently active, interventions response is heterogeneous, and MVPA programming integration into cancer care is limited. A stepped care approach, in which the least resource-intensive intervention is delivered first and additional components are added based on individual response, is one strategy to enhance uptake of physical activity programming. However, the most effective intervention augmentation strategies are unknown. In this singly randomized trial of post-treatment, inactive breast and endometrial cancer survivors (n = 323), participants receive a minimal intervention including a Fitbit linked with their clinic's patient portal and, in turn, the electronic health record (EHR) with weekly feedback delivered via the portal. MVPA progress summaries are sent to participants' oncology team via the EHR. MVPA adherence is evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks; non-responders (those meeting ≤80% of the MVPA goal over previous 4 weeks) at each timepoint are randomized once for the remainder of the 24-week intervention to one of two "step-up" conditions: (1) online gym or (2) coaching calls, while responders continue with the minimal Fitbit+EHR intervention. The primary outcome is ActiGraph-measured MVPA at 24 and 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes include symptom burden and functional performance at 24 and 48 weeks. This trial will inform development of an effective, scalable, and tailored intervention for survivors by identifying non-responders and providing them with the intervention augmentations necessary to increase MVPA and improve health outcomes. Clinical Trials Registration # NCT04262180.

Radiological findings based comparison of functional status in patients who have post-covid lung injury or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Following COVID-19 infection, some patients acquired lung injury and fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by lung fibrosis. Both post-COVID lung injury and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis cause loss of respiratory function and involvement of the lung parenchyma. We aimed to compare respiratory related functional characteristics and radiological involvement between post-COVID lung injury and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

A single center, cross-sectional study was applied. Patients with post-COVID lung injury and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis included in the study. All patients underwent the 6-minute walk test, as well as the Borg and MRC scales. Radiological images were evaluated and scored for lung parenchymal involvement. The impact of post-COVID lung injury and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on respiratory functions of were compared. The relationship of functional status and radiological involvement, as well as the effect of potential confounding factors were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were included in the study. Forty-eight (67.6%) of the patients were male and the mean age was 65.4 ± 10.3 years. Patients with post-COVID lung injury had greater 6-minute walk test distance and duration, as well as higher oxygen saturations. The MRC and Borg dyspnea scores were comparable. At radiologic evaluation, ground glass opacity scores were higher in patients with post-COVID lung injury, whereas pulmonary fibrosis scores were higher in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, the total severity scores were similar. While pulmonary fibrosis score was found to have a negative correlation with 6-minute walk test distance, test duration, and pre- and post-test oxygen saturation levels, there was a positive correlation with oxygen saturation recovery time and MRC score. There was no relationship between ground glass opacity and the functional parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having equal degrees of radiological involvement and dyspnea symptom severity, PCLI patients exhibited higher levels of functional status. This might be due to different pathophysiological mechanisms and radiological involvement patterns of both diseases.

Usefulness of a new parameter in functional assessment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: desaturation - distance ratio from the six-minute walk test

BACKGROUND AND AIM

New parameters in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) are needed for assessing exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the potential of using the desaturation distance ratio (DDR) to assess exercise capacity specifically in patients with IPF. This study aimed to investigate whether DDR is a potential tool for assessing the exercise capacity of patients with IPF.

METHODS

This study conducted with 33 subjects with IPF. Pulmonary function tests and a 6MWT were performed. To calculate the DDR, first, the difference between the patient's SpO2 at each minute and the SpO2 of 100% was summed together to determine the desaturation area (DA). Next, DDR was calculated using dividing DA by the 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD) (i.e., DA/6MWD).

RESULTS

When correlations of 6MWD and DDR with changes (Δ) in the severity of perceived dyspnea were examined, 6MWD did not significantly correlate with ΔBorg. Conversely, there was a significant correlation between the DDR and ΔBorg (r= 0.488, p=0.004). There were significant correlations between 6MWD and FVC % (r=0.370, p=0.034), and FEV1 % (r=0.465, p=0.006). However, DDR was significantly more correlated with FVC % (r= -0.621, p< 0.001), FEV1 % (r= -0.648, p< 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between DDR and DLCO % (r= -0.342, p=0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that DDR is a promising and more useful parameter for assessing patients with IPF.

The Use of Serious Gaming to Improve Sensorimotor Function and Motivation in People with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to review the evidence for serious gaming interventions in improving sensorimotor function in children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Seven databases were searched with terms related to serious gaming and CP. Articles were evaluated according to the Downs and Black rating scale and important principles of serious gaming defined by Whyte et al. Extracted data included the population, intervention, serious gaming elements, outcomes, and authors' conclusions. Fifty-seven articles were identified for inclusion. Participants' ages ranged from 3 to 57 years. Interventions tested included commercial videogames as well as specially designed games. Most interventions had themed content, short-term goals, rewards, feedback, and multiple games. Outcome measures and study designs were inconsistent between studies. Sensorimotor function results of noncomparative studies were positive or neutral overall, but results of comparative studies were more mixed. We concluded that serious gaming interventions may be a useful adjunct to treatment as they are noninvasive, were not associated with deterioration in most cases, and may improve compliance. More comparative studies need to be completed to assess compliance and treatment outcomes. Future games should also aim to adhere more closely to the principles of serious gaming.