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Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Dec 2018Recent research has demonstrated that cardiovascular deconditioning (i.e., cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia) contributes significantly to the Postural Orthostatic... (Review)
Review
Recent research has demonstrated that cardiovascular deconditioning (i.e., cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia) contributes significantly to the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and its functional disability. Therefore, physical reconditioning with exercise training and volume expansion via increased salt and fluid intake should be initiated early in the course of treatment for patients with POTS if possible. The use of horizontal exercise (e.g., rowing, swimming, recumbent bike, etc.) at the beginning is a critical strategy, allowing patients to exercise while avoiding the upright posture that elicits their POTS symptoms. As patients become increasingly fit, the duration and intensity of exercise should be progressively increased, and upright exercise can be gradually added as tolerated. Supervised training is preferable to maximize functional capacity. Other non-pharmacological interventions, which include: 1) chronic volume expansion via sleeping in the head-up position; 2) reduction in venous pooling during orthostasis by lower body compression garments extending at least to the xiphoid or with an abdominal binder; and 3) physical countermeasure maneuvers, such as squeezing a rubber ball, leg crossing, muscle pumping, squatting, negative-pressure breathing, etc., may also be effective in preventing orthostatic intolerance and managing acute clinical symptoms in POTS patients. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacies of these non-pharmacological treatments of POTS.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
PubMed: 30001836
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.07.001 -
Current Opinion in Neurology Dec 2018Recent studies are challenging the utility of prolonged rest as treatment for concussion and postconcussion syndrome (PCS). The purpose of this paper is to review the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Recent studies are challenging the utility of prolonged rest as treatment for concussion and postconcussion syndrome (PCS). The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence for active recovery from concussion and PCS.
RECENT FINDINGS
Emerging data identify the central role of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in concussion pathophysiology. The exercise intolerance demonstrated by athletes after sport-related concussion may be related to abnormal ANS regulation of cerebral blood flow. As aerobic exercise training improves ANS function, sub-symptom threshold exercise treatment is potentially therapeutic for concussion. A systematic assessment of exercise tolerance using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test has been safely employed to prescribe a progressive, individualized subthreshold aerobic exercise treatment program that can return patients to sport and work. Multiple studies are demonstrating the efficacy of an active approach to concussion management.
SUMMARY
Sustained rest from all activities after concussion, so-called 'cocoon therapy', is not beneficial to recovery. Evidence supports the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of controlled sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise treatment for PCS patients. Further study should determine the efficacy and optimal timing, dose, and duration of subthreshold aerobic exercise treatment acutely after concussion because early intervention has potential to prevent PCS.
Topics: Athletic Injuries; Brain Concussion; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Post-Concussion Syndrome; Recovery of Function; Rest
PubMed: 30382949
DOI: 10.1097/WCO.0000000000000611 -
Journal of Cardiopulmonary... Mar 2019Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increasing prevalence with advancing age. It is associated with dyspnea, exercise intolerance,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with an increasing prevalence with advancing age. It is associated with dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and increased risk for clinical events, especially stroke and heart failure. This article provides a concise review of exercise testing and rehabilitation in patients with persistent or permanent AF.
CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The first goal in the treatment of AF is to reduce symptoms (eg, palpitations) and a fast ventricular rate. The second goal is to reduce the risk of a stroke. Exercise testing and rehabilitation may be useful once these goals are achieved. However, there are no large, randomized exercise training trials involving patients with AF, and what data are available comes from single-site trials, secondary analyses, and observational studies.
EXERCISE TESTING AND TRAINING
There are no specific indications for performing a graded exercise test in patients with AF; however, such testing may be used to screen for myocardial ischemia or evaluate chronotropic response during exertion. Among patients with AF, exercise capacity is 15% to 20% lower and peak heart rate is higher than in patients in sinus rhythm. Exercise rehabilitation improves exercise capacity, likely improves quality of life, and may improve symptoms associated with AF. Whole-body aerobic exercise is recommended.
SUMMARY
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac condition and in these patients, exercise rehabilitation favorably improves exercise capacity. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to better define the effects of exercise training on safety; quality of life; clinical outcomes; and central, autonomic, and peripheral adaptations.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy; Humans
PubMed: 30801433
DOI: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000423 -
Current Sports Medicine Reports Aug 2018Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a physiological brain injury that produces cerebral and systemic effects, including exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance after... (Review)
Review
Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a physiological brain injury that produces cerebral and systemic effects, including exercise intolerance. Exercise intolerance after concussion is believed to be the result of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Ventilation is inappropriately low for the level of exercise intensity, raising arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels. Elevated PaCO2 increases cerebral blood flow (CBF) out of proportion to exercise intensity, which is associated with symptoms that limit exercise performance. Thus, elevated exercise PaCO2 may signal incomplete recovery from SRC. This article reviews recent observational and experimental data and presents the evidence that subthreshold aerobic exercise normalizes the cerebrovascular physiological dysfunction and is "medicine" for patients with concussion and persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). It discusses the systematic evaluation of exercise tolerance after concussion using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) and reviews the utility of the Buffalo Concussion Bike Test (BCBT), the data from which are used to establish an individualized heart rate "dose" of subthreshold exercise to safely speed recovery, which also may work in the acute recovery phase after SRC with the potential to reduce the incidence of PPCS. Evaluation and treatment approaches based on the physiology of concussion suggest that exercise is medicine for concussion, potentially adding a new dimension to concussion care to help safely speed recovery and prevent PPCS in some patients.
Topics: Animals; Athletic Injuries; Brain Concussion; Carbon Dioxide; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diagnosis, Differential; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Post-Concussion Syndrome; Rest
PubMed: 30095546
DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000505 -
Journal of the American College of... May 2019Exercise intolerance is the cardinal symptom of heart failure (HF) and is of crucial relevance, because it is associated with a poor quality of life and increased... (Review)
Review
Exercise intolerance is the cardinal symptom of heart failure (HF) and is of crucial relevance, because it is associated with a poor quality of life and increased mortality. While impaired cardiac reserve is considered to be central in HF, reduced exercise and functional capacity are the result of key patient characteristics and multisystem dysfunction, including aging, impaired pulmonary reserve, as well as peripheral and respiratory skeletal muscle dysfunction. We herein review the different modalities to quantify exercise intolerance, the pathophysiology of HF, and comorbid conditions as they lead to reductions in exercise and functional capacity, highlighting the fact that distinct causes may coexist and variably contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with HF.
Topics: Aged; Comorbidity; Exercise; Exercise Tolerance; Heart Failure; Humans; Middle Aged; Oxygen Consumption; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Severity of Illness Index; Vital Capacity
PubMed: 31047010
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.01.072 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Dec 2020Exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life (QoL) are characteristic of lung transplant candidates and recipients. This review investigated the effects of exercise... (Review)
Review
Exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life (QoL) are characteristic of lung transplant candidates and recipients. This review investigated the effects of exercise training on exercise capacity, QoL and clinical outcomes in pre- and post-operative lung transplant patients.A systematic literature search of PubMed, Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Scopus and CINAHL databases was conducted from inception until February, 2020. The inclusion criteria were assessment of the impact of exercise training before or after lung transplantation on exercise capacity, QoL or clinical outcomes.21 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 1488 lung transplant candidates and 1108 recipients. Studies consisted of five RCTs, two quasi-experimental and 14 single-arm cohort or pilot studies. Exercise training improved or at least maintained exercise capacity and QoL before and after lung transplantation. The impact on clinical outcomes was less clear but suggested a survival benefit. The quality of evidence ranged from fair to excellent.Exercise training appears to be beneficial for patients before and after lung transplantation; however, the evidence for direct causation is limited by the lack of controlled trials. Well-designed RCTs are needed, as well as further research into the effect of exercise training on important post-transplant clinical outcomes, such as time to discharge, rejection, infection, survival and re-hospitalisation.
Topics: Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33115788
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0053-2020 -
JACC. Heart Failure Dec 2018Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is common, increasing in prevalence, and refractory to available pharmacotherapies. Our understanding of HFpEF has... (Review)
Review
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is common, increasing in prevalence, and refractory to available pharmacotherapies. Our understanding of HFpEF has evolved from a disorder of diastolic dysfunction to a constellation of physiologic impairments that lead to elevated left ventricular filling pressures and exercise intolerance. Accordingly, the therapeutic and preventive focus has shifted to identifying lifestyle factors that may have more pleotropic effects on the pathophysiologic mechanisms that define HFpEF. Recent studies have demonstrated that physical inactivity, low fitness, and obesity are potential modifiable targets for prevention as well as management of HFpEF. In this review, we have discussed the emerging epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical evidence that support the role of these lifestyle factors as key determinants of development and progression of HFpEF. We also summarize the available evidence and major knowledge gaps with regard to developing exercise training and weight loss as unique and effective therapeutic strategies for management of HFpEF.
Topics: Exercise; Heart Failure; Humans; Obesity; Physical Fitness; Stroke Volume
PubMed: 30497652
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2018.09.006 -
Medicine and Science in Sports and... Nov 2016: The hyperbolic form of the power-duration relationship is rigorous and highly conserved across species, forms of exercise, and individual muscles/muscle groups. For... (Review)
Review
: The hyperbolic form of the power-duration relationship is rigorous and highly conserved across species, forms of exercise, and individual muscles/muscle groups. For modalities such as cycling, the relationship resolves to two parameters, the asymptote for power (critical power [CP]) and the so-called W' (work doable above CP), which together predict the tolerable duration of exercise above CP. Crucially, the CP concept integrates sentinel physiological profiles-respiratory, metabolic, and contractile-within a coherent framework that has great scientific and practical utility. Rather than calibrating equivalent exercise intensities relative to metabolically distant parameters such as the lactate threshold or V˙O2max, setting the exercise intensity relative to CP unifies the profile of systemic and intramuscular responses and, if greater than CP, predicts the tolerable duration of exercise until W' is expended, V˙O2max is attained, and intolerance is manifested. CP may be regarded as a "fatigue threshold" in the sense that it separates exercise intensity domains within which the physiological responses to exercise can (
CP) be stabilized. The CP concept therefore enables important insights into 1) the principal loci of fatigue development (central vs. peripheral) at different intensities of exercise and 2) mechanisms of cardiovascular and metabolic control and their modulation by factors such as O2 delivery. Practically, the CP concept has great potential application in optimizing athletic training programs and performance as well as improving the life quality for individuals enduring chronic disease. Topics: Energy Metabolism; Exercise; Humans; Isometric Contraction; Lactic Acid; Muscle Fatigue; Muscle, Skeletal; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 27031742
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000939 -
Chest Sep 2023Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic... (Review)
Review
TOPIC IMPORTANCE
Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood.
REVIEW FINDINGS
Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms.
SUMMARY
This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Exercise; Exercise Test
PubMed: 37054777
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049 -
The Effects of Physical Exercise on Mental Health: From Cognitive Improvements to Risk of Addiction.International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2021(1) : we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on cognitive functions and deficits of healthy population and other needy groups. Secondly, we... (Review)
Review
(1) : we aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on cognitive functions and deficits of healthy population and other needy groups. Secondly, we investigated the relation between healthy habits and psychopathological risks. Finally, we investigated the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on exercise addiction and possible associated disorders. (2) : From April 2021 to October 2021, we conducted a review aimed at identifying the effects of physical exercise on mental health, from cognitive improvements to risk of addiction; we searched for relevant studies on PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINHAL. (3) : For the first purpose, results indicated multiple effects such as better precision and response speed in information processing tasks on healthy populations; improvement of executive functions, cognitive flexibility and school performance in children; improvement of attention and executive functions and less hyperactivity and impulsiveness on children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); improvement of executive and global functions on adults; improvement of overall cognitive functioning on patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder. Data also demonstrated that exercise addiction seems to be related to low levels of education, low self-esteem, eating disorders and body dysmorphisms. Eventually, it was found that people with lower traits and intolerance of uncertainty show a strong association between COVID-19 anxiety and compulsive exercise and eating disorder. (4) : these findings underline on one side the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognitive function in healthy individuals in a preventive and curative key, while on the other side the importance of an adequate evaluation of psychological distress and personality characteristics associated with exercise addiction.
Topics: Adult; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; COVID-19; Child; Cognition; Executive Function; Exercise; Humans; Mental Health; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34948993
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413384