Acu-TENS and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy

2008-2009 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

The impact of COVID-19 critical illness on new disability, functional outcomes and return to work at 6 months: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThere are few reports of new functional impairment following critical illness from COVID-19. We aimed to describe the incidence of death or new disability, functional impairment and changes in health-related quality of life of patients after COVID-19 critical illness at 6 months.MethodsIn a nationally representative, multicenter, prospective cohort study of COVID-19 critical illness, we determined the prevalence of death or new disability at 6 months, the primary outcome. We measured mortality, new disability and return to work with changes in the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 12L (WHODAS) and health status with the EQ5D-5LTM.ResultsOf 274 eligible patients, 212 were enrolled from 30 hospitals. The median age was 61 (51–70) years, and 124 (58.5%) patients were male. At 6 months, 43/160 (26.9%) patients died and 42/108 (38.9%) responding survivors reported new disability. Compared to pre-illness, the WHODAS percentage score worsened (mean difference (MD), 10.40% [95% CI 7.06–13.77]; p TM utility score (MD, − 0.19 [− 0.28 to − 0.10]; p ConclusionsAt six months after COVID-19 critical illness, death and new disability was substantial. Over a third of survivors had new disability, which was widespread across all areas of functioning

Carbon monoxide and respiratory symptoms in young adult passive smokers: A pilot study comparing waterpipe to cigarette

Objectives: Studies have correlated second hand smoke (SHS) with many diseases, especially respiratory effects. The goal of this study was to measure the impact of SHS on the respiratory symptoms and exhaled carbon monoxide. Material and Methods: The study population consisted of 50 young workers in restaurants serving waterpipes, 48 university students who sit frequently in the university cafeteria where cigarette smoking is allowed and 49 university students spending time in places where smoking is not allowed. Subjects completed questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms and exposure to SHS. Exhaled carbon monoxide levels were measured. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used when applicable as well as linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: Exposure to cigarette smoke in university (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 6.06) and occupational exposure to waterpipe smoke (ORa = 7.08) were predictors of chronic cough. Being married (ORa = 6.40), living near a heavy traffic road (ORa = 9.49) or near a local power generator (ORa = 7.54) appeared responsible for chronic sputum production. Moreover, predictors of chronic allergies were: being male (ORa = 7.81), living near a local power generator (ORa = 5.52) and having a family history of chronic respiratory diseases (ORa = 17.01). Carbon monoxide levels were augmented by the number of weekly hours of occupational exposure to waterpipe smoke (β = 1.46) and the number of daily hours of exposure to cigarette smoke (β = 1.14). Conclusions: In summary, young non-smoker subjects demonstrated more chronic cough and elevated carbon monoxide levels when exposed to SHS while the effect of waterpipe was even more evident

A comparison of expiratory flow rates in two breathing circuits used for manual inflation of the lungs

Manual inflation of the lungs by the 'bag squeezing method' (bagging) is commonly used by physiotherapists in the management of intubated patients. A wide variety of 'bagging' circuits are available and the peak expiratory flow rate that can be achieved is influenced by the circuit components. A high expiratory flow rate is desirable as it is believed to be one of the factors that determines the effectiveness of secretion mobilisation during a simulated cough in intubated patients. This study was designed to compare the expiratory flow rates resulting from the elastic recoil of a test-lung using the Mapleson-C breathing system and the Laerdal self-inflating resuscitator. Our data demonstrated that for any given pressure gradient the measured peak expiratory flow was higher with the Laerdal self-inflating resuscitator (p < 0.001). Further studies are required to assess the influence of circuit-type pulmonary secretion mobilisation in clinical practice.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Oxygen consumption and peak heart rate in stroke patients during the completion of the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI)

Physical inactivity reduces cardiorespiratory fitness, which further compromises a stroke victim's daily living activities. It is well known that aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory fitness. We conducted an exploratory study with an aim to compare oxygen consumption and peak heart rate between stroke patients and healthy participants during the performance of the tasks on the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI) and to determine if these tasks reach an aerobic level of intensity during training. Oxygen consumption and heart rate were measured during the performance of the MRMI tasks in healthy patients and those who had suffered a stroke. Data between the two groups were compared using the independent t test and the Mann-Whitney U test, depending on if the criteria for parametric statistics were fulfilled. Results of the study found that there were no between-group differences in terms of the rate of oxygen consumption during the completion of the MRMI tasks (p > 0.05). Stroke patients took longer to perform the tasks (10-minute walk and stair climbing; p = 0.006) and, therefore, were associated with a higher total level of oxygen consumption compared with healthy participants (p < 0.001). The peak heart rate attained during all of MRMI tasks (except for rolling) by the stroke group was 50-60% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate, which was significantly higher than the healthy control group (p < 0.05) during the transfer and walking tasks. We concluded that stroke patients require more total oxygen to complete certain MRMI tasks. These functional tasks could potentially be used as adjunct protocols to assist patients with stroke during aerobic training, but this will require further study.Department of Rehabilitation Science

Acu-TENS reduces breathlessness during exercise in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

201811_a bcmaVersion of RecordPublishe

Acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces discomfort associated with barostat-induced rectal distension : A randomized-controlled study

202012 bcrcVersion of RecordPublishe

Whole-body vibration intensities in chronic stroke : a randomized controlled trial

2016-2017 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journal201804_a bcmaAuthor’s OriginalRGCP0004292Publishe

Leg muscle activity during whole-body vibration in individuals with chronic stroke

2013-2014 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAuthor’s OriginalRGCP0004292Publishe

Effects of vibration intensity, exercise, and motor impairment on leg muscle activity induced by whole-body vibration in people with stroke

2015-2016 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAccepted ManuscriptRGCP0004292Publishe