Respiratory muscle training: a bibliometric analysis of 60 years' multidisciplinary journey

Effects of Breathing Exercises on Neck Pain Management: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Given the relationship between reduced pulmonary and respiratory muscle function in neck pain, incorporating breathing exercises into neck pain management may be beneficial. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of breathing exercises for treating neck pain. Methods: We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), PEDro, CINAHL, Scopus, and EMBASE databases, up to the 28 of February 2024. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of breathing exercises on reducing pain and disability in both persistent and recent neck pain were selected. A meta-analysis was conducted for each outcome of interest; however, if quantitative methods were not possible, a qualitative synthesis approach was used. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 Tool (version 22 August 2019). We used the GRADE approach to judge the certainty of the evidence. Results: Five studies were included. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in pain (standardized mean difference (SMD), -10.16; 95% CI: -14.82, -5.50) and disability (SMD, -0.80; 95% CI: -1.49, -0.11), in favor of breathing exercises. Qualitative synthesis for pulmonary functional parameters resulted in a statistically significant improvement for FVC, MIP, MEP, and MVV, in favor of breathing exercises. Conclusions: Breathing exercises showed significant short-term effects in reducing pain and disability for persistent neck pain. They also provided benefits for functional respiratory parameters. However, the evidence certainty is low.

Tracking the trajectory of frankia research through bibliometrics: trends and future directions

Frankia represent a unique group of filamentous, sporangia-forming bacteria, renowned for their exceptional capacity to establish symbiotic partnerships with actinorhizal plants. The objective of this paper is to offer quantitative insights into the current state of frankia research and its future potential. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis covering the years 2000-2022 was conducted using Scopus and SciVal. A steady increase in both annual publication and international collaboration has been observed, particularly since 2013. Research performance metrics for the last 5 years (2018-2022) indicate China and India as leaders with high Field-Weighted Citation Impact scores. This analysis highlighted prominent authors, research groups, and the evolving research landscape, suggesting an increasing focus on molecular and genomic aspects. The genomic era has transformed our understanding of frankia biology, highlighting their significance in diverse ecological and agricultural contexts. This study comprehensively maps the evolving landscape of frankia research, emphasizing key milestones that have catalysed international interest in frankia-actinorhizal research, expanding our perception of frankia's capabilities beyond its traditional symbiotic role. As research in this field progresses, a deeper comprehension of frankia-plant interactions, symbiotic signalling, and the intricacies of metabolic pathways holds the promise of revealing innovative techniques for optimizing nitrogen fixation and broadening the spectrum of host plants.

Inspiratory Muscle Training for Lung Transplant Candidates and Recipients

OBJECTIVES

Inspiratory muscle training is used in rehabilitation to exercise respiratory muscles in various conditions associated with limited ventilatory reserve. In this review, we investigated inspiratory muscle training in lung transplant candidates and recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched 5 primary databases from inception through April 2024. Two key word entries, "lung transplantation" and "inspiratory muscle training," were matched using the Boolean operator AND. No filters were applied for document type, age, sex, publication date, language, and subject.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The searched databases returned 119 citations. Seven articles that considered 64 patients (47% female) were included in the final analysis, with 1 study involving a pediatric patient. Lung transplant recipients used a threshold trainer at 15% to 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure and mostly exercised twice daily for 10 to 15 minutes per session. Lung transplant candidates exercised at 30% to >50% of maximal inspiratory pressure twice daily, performing 30 to 60 inspirations or for 15 minutes. The highest inspiratory muscle strength was observed in a series of adult lung transplant recipients whose mean value improved by 31.8 ± 14.6 cmH2O versus baseline after treatment. To the same extent, the highest value of maximal inspiratory pressure was detected in a pediatric patient who scored 180 cmH2O after training. Overall, participants obtained improvements in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity), functional performance, dyspnea intensity, and exercise tolerance. Inspiratory muscle training is easy to perform and can be done at home without specific supervision (in adults) before or after a lung transplant. Nevertheless, additional rigorous investigations should aim to replicate the positive effects reported in the present review.

Effects of Hypopressive Abdominal Training on Ventilatory Capacity and Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Pelvic floor dysfunctions, associated with alterations in respiratory mechanics and, consequently, quality of life, are the cause of the most frequent gynecological problems. Pelvic floor muscle training emerges as a first-line treatment, with new approaches such as hypopressive exercises. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of an 8-week supervised training program of hypopressive exercises on the pelvic floor and its impact on improving the ventilatory mechanics and quality of life in women. Analysis of the spirometric parameters showed a significant main Group × Time effect for three parameters: the ratio of FEV1/FVC (p = 0.030), the forced expiratory flow at 75% of the expired vital capacity (p < 0.001), and the forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the forced vital capacity (p = 0.005). No statistical significance was found regarding the SF-12 questionnaire components; only differences were found over time in the physical role (p = 0.023), bodily pain (p = 0.001), and vitality (p < 0.010) domains and in the physical component summary score (p = 0.010). After an 8-week intervention of hypopressive exercises, an improvement in the ventilatory and pulmonary capacities can be observed.

Preliminary guideline for reporting bibliometric reviews of the biomedical literature (BIBLIO): a minimum requirements

BACKGROUND

A bibliometric review of the biomedical literature could be essential in synthesizing evidence if thoroughly conducted and documented. Although very similar to review papers in nature, it slightly differs in synthesizing the data when it comes to providing a pile of evidence from different studies into a single document. This paper provides a preliminary guideline for reporting bibliometric reviews of the biomedical literature (BIBLIO).

METHODS

The BIBLIO was developed through two major processes: literature review and the consensus process. The BIBLIO started with a comprehensive review of publications on the conduct and reporting of bibliometric studies. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Library. The process followed the general recommendations of the EQUATOR Network on how to develop a reporting guideline, of which one fundamental part is a consensus process. A panel of experts was invited to identify additional items and was asked to choose preferred options or suggest another item that should be included in the checklist. Finally, the checklist was completed based on the comments and responses of the panel members in four rounds.

RESULTS

The BIBLIO includes 20 items as follows: title (2 items), abstract (1 item), introduction/background (2 items), methods (7 items), results (4 items), discussion (4 items). These should be described as a minimum requirements in reporting a bibliometric review.

CONCLUSIONS

The BIBLIO for the first time provides a preliminary guideline of its own kind. It is hoped that it could contribute to the transparent reporting of bibliometric reviews. The quality and utility of BIBILO remain to be investigated further.