Six minute walk test in children with post-infectious obliterans bronchiolitis. Its relation with spirometry Post infectious obliterans bronchiolitis (OB) causes persistent pulmonary function impairment and could affect patient ability to perform exercise. Six minute-walk test (6MWT) is a useful tool to study these aspects. Objective: Children with OB were evaluated with spirometry and 6MWT and the relationship between spirometrics measurements and 6MWT were determined. Twenty-seven children with OB were studied with a base line spirometry and 6MWT. Correlation between spirometry and 6MWT: covered distance, Borg index (BI), oxygen saturation (O 2 S) and heart rate (HR), were carried out using Rho of Spearman with SPSS 11.5. There was not relation between the covered distance and spirometrics values; only FVC correlates with final O2S (rho = 0.4; p = 0.02). The other spirometrics variables correlates with BI, O 2 S and HR; Interestingly FEV 1 correlates with: BI (rho =-0.7; p < 0.01), O 2 S (rho = 0.5; p < 0.01) and HR (rho =-0.5; p < 0.01). BI was significant related to FEV1/FVC (rho =-0.7; p < 0.01) and FEF25-75 (rho =-0.8; p < 0.01). Airflow obstruction, especifically a low FEV 1 , is related with a high BI and HR; and also with a lower O 2 S at the end of 6MWT. Increase of BI is the change most related with airflow obstruction.

Evaluation of inspiratory musculature in children with myelomeningoceleBackground: Respiratory musculature function in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) has not been evaluated sufficiently. Impairment in inspiratory muscles capacity could make patients prone to complications in clinical situations in which the respiratory work is increased. Objective: Evaluate inspiratory muscle function, measured with Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) in children with MMC. Method: In 13 children with MMC, MIP was obtained according to Black and Hyatt technique, using an aneroid gauge pressure. The results were compared to Szeinberg reference values by t Student, where p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The average age was 11.9 ± 2.8 years and 10 female. Expected MIP average was 112 ± 20 cmH 2 O, with lower limit of 92 cmH 2 O. The observed Pimax was 62 ± 23 cmH 2 O, 33% less than the inferior limit expected (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These children present a decrease of inspiratory musculature force, making them suceptible to muscle fatigue in pathological conditions, requiring a greater respiratory effort and difficulties in mechanical ventilation weaning. We suggest that a regular study of inspiratory muscles is neccessary in MMC patients, in order to define a respiratory musculature training necessity.

One year after the first case reported by a new coronavirus (COVID-19), the evidence has shown a series of persistent signs and symptoms once the acute process has been overcome. Under the WHO’s framework for health and disability, these impairments at cardiorespiratory, cognitive, and musculoskeletal body functions and structures lead, at least in the short and mid-term, to activity limitations and participation restriction. In this review, we discussed the main alterations generating disability and the challenges of implementing effective evaluation strategies in this disease. Along with their role in the health emergency, rehabilitation teams are challenged to design and deliver timely intervention strategies to reduce post-COVID-19 disability.