Clinical Research Directory

Diaphragmatic Function as a Biomarker

Dyspnea is among the most common symptoms in patients with respiratory diseases such as Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Hypertension. However, the pathophysiology and underlying mechanisms of dyspnea in patients with respiratory diseases are still poorly understood. Diaphragm dysfunction might be highly prevalent in patients with dyspnea and respiratory diseases. The association of diaphragm function and potential prognostic significance in patients with respiratory diseases has not yet been investigated.

Impact of Sarcopenia on Dyspnea in Patients With Asthma

Dyspnea in asthma, is mainly due to airway obstruction but can be caused by several alternative diagnoses. The impact of sarcopenia on dyspnea in patients with asthma is unknown. Sarcopenic asthma had a reduced physical activity and is associated with airway obstruction compared to non-sarcopenic asthma. In patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, sarcopenia is associated with shallow breathing and diverse sensory and affective components of exertional dyspnea . The morbidity of sarcopenia is also increased by systemic inflammation and the production of inflammatory cytokines as found in inflammatory airway obstruction. The investigators will investigate the prevalence and impact of sarcopenia in asthmatics patients. This will enable to better manage sarcopenia in asthmatic patients, understand its origins and personalize treatment.

Effects of a Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) affect approximately 30% of the adult global population, significantly impacting respiratory function and quality of life. Pulmonary and cardiovascular rehabilitation has proven to be an effective therapeutic intervention for managing respiratory symptoms and cardiovascular and improving functional capacity in patients with chronic respiratory conditions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of the pulmonary and cardiovascular rehabilitation program on users of the physical therapy service of CECOM of UNICAMP related to functional capacity, quality of life and respiratory variables after 3 months of the program. Candidates for the pulmonary rehabilitation program are users diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma or other lung disease. Candidates for the cardiovascular rehabilitation program are users diagnosed with: infarction (AMI), myocardial revascularization surgery, coronary angioplasty, stable angina, valve replacement, chronic heart failure and who meet the criteria for phase III of cardiovascular rehabilitation. They should be referred to physical therapy by the cardiologist with complementary exams and exercise test. The program's assessment will consist of: anamnesis, analysis and recording of complementary exams, physical assessment (weight, height, BMI, cardiac and pulmonary auscultation, blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory muscle strength), functional capacity (six-minute walk test) and quality of life (questionnaire). The program will include aerobic exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike with an intensity between 50-70% of the reserve HR, below the ischemic thresholds. It will also include peripheral muscle strength exercises for the upper and lower limbs, in addition to respiratory muscle training for lung disease patients.