170 research outputs found

    Impaired exercise capacity in electrostatic polyester powder paint workers

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    Purpose: Limited number of studies investigated the effects of Electrostatic powder paints (EPP) on human health. We investigated the effects of EPP exposure on lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life, and the factors determining exercise capacity in EPP workers. Methods: Fifty-four male EPP workers and 54 age-matched healthy male individuals (control group) were included. Lung function and respiratory muscle strength were measured. The lower limit of normal (LLN) cut-points for FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were calculated. An EPT was used to evaluate bronchial hyperactivity. The handgrip and quadriceps muscle strength were evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. An ISWT was used to determine exercise capacity. The physical activity level was questioned using the IPAQ. The SGRQ and NHP were used to assessing respiratory specific and general quality of life, respectively. Results: Duration of work, FEV1, MIP, handgrip strength, and ISWT distance were significantly lower, and the change in FEV1 after EPT and %HRmax were significantly higher in the EPP group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no subjects with a < LLN for FEV1 and FEV1/FVC in both groups. In the EPP group, ISWT distance was significantly related to age, height, duration of work, FEV1, change in FEV1 after EPT, MIP, MEP, handgrip strength, IPAQ, SGRQ, and NHP total scores (p < 0.05). The change in FEV1 after EPT, MIP, and duration of work explained % 62 of the variance in the ISWT distance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Changes in lung function based on LLN for the FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were not clinically relevant in EPP workers. Exercise capacity is impaired in EPP workers. Degree of exercise-induced bronchospasm, inspiratory muscle strength, and duration of work are the determinants of exercise capacity in EPP workers.No sponso

    A core syllabus for post-graduate training in respiratory physiotherapy

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    Physiotherapy contributes significantly to improving quality of life for patients with respiratory disease. Physiotherapists specialised in dealing with respiratory pathology and its associated problems are not only central in the delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation but also provide strategies and techniques for exercise testing, airway clearance, breathlessness management, mobility and function improvement and pain management. Published evidence-based recommendations have paved the way for standardised practice while also unravelling the extended scope of responsibilities of the respiratory physiotherapist. The breakdown of traditional roles and allocation of new responsibilities is not confined to the respiratory physiotherapist within healthcare systems. Team-based healthcare and interprofessional treatment of patients is prevalent in the provision of care across the globe. New methods of healthcare delivery indicate that tasks are entrusted to those deemed competent to perform them. It has therefore been necessary to train allied health professionals to take over parts of clinical care

    European Respiratory Society statement on airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis

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    Airway clearance techniques (ACTs) are part of the main management strategy for patients with bronchiectasis. Despite being a priority for patients, accessibility, implementation and reporting of ACTs are variable in clinical settings and research studies. This European Respiratory Society statement summarises current knowledge about ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis and makes recommendations to improve the future evidence base. A task force of 14 experts and two patient representatives (10 countries) determined the scope of this statement through consensus and defined six questions. The questions were answered based on systematic searches of the literature. The statement provides a comprehensive review of the physiological rationale for ACTs in adults with bronchiectasis, and the mechanisms of action along with the advantages and disadvantages of each ACT. Evidence on ACTs in clinical practice indicates that the most frequently used techniques are active cycle of breathing techniques, positive expiratory pressure devices and gravity-assisted drainage, although there is limited evidence on the type of ACTs used in specific countries. A review of 30 randomised trials for the effectiveness of ACTs shows that these interventions increase sputum clearance during or after treatment, reduce the impact of cough and the risk of exacerbations, and improve health-related quality of life. Furthermore, strategies for reducing the risk of bias in future studies are proposed. Finally, an exploration of patients' perceptions, barriers and enablers related to this treatment is also included to facilitate implementation and adherence to ACTs.</p

    A guide for respiratory physiotherapy postgraduate education : presentation of the harmonised curriculum

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    The design of a European (or global) curriculum for respiratory physiotherapy provides a platform for educational tracks in order to match specific educational programmes to the current consensus of what is expected from a trained respiratory physiotherapist. It also makes suggestions as to how the knowledge, skills and attitudes can be obtained and at which level they should be examined. Importantly, this curriculum also provides third parties (chest physicians, general practitioners, nurses, thoracic surgeons, intensivists, funders and patients) with a comprehensive description of what they can expect from a trained respiratory physiotherapist

    Effects of garlic on aerobic performance

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    The effects of the administration of a single dose of garlic on the aerobic performance of college endurance athletes were investigated in this study. Ten trained male athletes participated voluntarily in this study. A 900-mg dose of dried garlic powder or placebo was administered randomly in a double-blind cross-over fashion. Five hours after ingestion of the tablets, the subjects underwent an incremental treadmill running test according to the Bruce protocol until subjective exhaustion. During the test, blood pressure and heart rate were monitored at 3 rain intervals. After a one-week wash out period, the subjects were crossed over and the procedures were repeated for the other substance. A paired t test was used for statistical analyses. There was a significant increase in maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and endurance performance time 5 h after garlic administration as compared to the placebo (p<0.05). The administration of single dose of garlic was thus shown to increase VO2max and endurance performance time of college endurance athletes during a treadmill running test according to the Bruce protocol
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