Timed immersion expiration measures in patients with muscular dystrophies

Authors

  • Mariana Callil Voos Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Cipotânea 51, São Paulo, SP 05360-000, Brazil
  • Priscila Santos Albuquerque Goya Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Cipotânea 51, São Paulo, SP 05360-000, Brazil
  • Bruna Leal de Freitas Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Cipotânea 51, São Paulo, SP 05360-000, Brazil
  • Aline Moço Teixeira Pires Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Cipotânea 51, São Paulo, SP 05360-000, Brazil
  • Francis Meire Favero Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
  • Fátima Aparecida Caromano Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy Department. Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Cipotânea 51, São Paulo, SP 05360-000, Brazil

Keywords:

Muscular dystrophies, Muscle strength, Spirometry

Abstract

Introduction: Muscular dystrophies (MD) cause muscle weakness, affecting motor and respiratory functions. Aquatic activities maintain strength and ventilatory function and may require immersion expiration control. Objectives: (1) To describe the evolution of timed immersion expiration in patients with MD in one-year follow-up. (2) to describe motor and respiratory outcomes in one-year follow-up. (3) to investigate possible relationships between timed immersion expiration and age, motor and respiratory functions. Method: Fifty-seven patients with MD (12–35 years, Vignos scale 2–8) were evaluated twice, with one-year interval. Immersion expiration control was timed with a chronometer. Motor function was assessed by Motor Function Measure. The respiratory function was evaluated by spirometry. Analysis of variance compared assessments and Pearson tests investigated relationships between variables and age. Results: Motor and respiratory functions decreased (p < 0.001) but timed immersion expiration was maintained. Timed immersion expiration was not correlated to motor and respiratory functions. Conclusion: As patients maintained timed immersion expiration in the one-year follow-up, aquatic therapy might be a facilitator for people with MD.

References