Background Rehabilitation plays an important role in the management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and current guidelines recommend implementation of a monitored individualized exercise training program as adjuvant therapy for stable PAH patients on optimal medical treatment. An optimal rehabilitation model for this group of patients has not yet been established. This randomized prospective study assessed the effectiveness and safety of a 6-month home-based caregiver-supervised rehabilitation program among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods A total of 39 patients with PAH were divided into two groups: intervention group (16 patients), subjected to a 6-month home-based physical training and respiratory rehabilitation program adapted to the clinical status of participants, and control group (23 patients) who did not perform physical training. The 6-min walk test (6MWT), measurement of respiratory muscle strength, quality of life assessment (SF-36, Fatigue Severity Scale – FSS) were performed before study commencement, and after 6 and 12 months. Adherence to exercise protocol and occurrence of adverse events were also assessed. Results Physical training significantly improved 6MWT distance (by 71.38 ± 83.4 m after 6 months (p = 0.004), which remained increased after 12 months (p = 0.043), and respiratory muscle strength after 6 and 12 months (p < 0.01). Significant improvement in quality of life was observed after the training period with the use of the SF-36 questionnaire (Physical Functioning, p < 0.001; Role Physical, p = 0.015; Vitality, p = 0.022; Role Emotional, p = 0.029; Physical Component Summary, p = 0.005), but it did not persist after study completion. Adherence to exercise protocol was on average 91.88 ± 14.1%. No serious adverse events were noted. Conclusion According to study results, the home-based rehabilitation program dedicated to PAH patients is safe and effective. It improves functional parameters and quality of life. Strength of respiratory muscles and 6MWD remain increased 6 months after training cessation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03780803. Registered 12 December 2018

Disturbed static foot function is one of the main causes of impaired quality of life, which may be related to the frailty syndrome of older adult patients with Rheumatoid Arthitis (RA). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between parameters of static foot function disturbances and quality of life of older adult patients with RA. The study was performed among 102 patients with RA diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and EULAR 2010 criteria. Patients were divided into four subgroups depending on radiological evaluation according to the Steinbrocker classification. Plantoconturography examination was conducted using a podoscope with a 3D scanner and software for computer foot examination CQ ST2K. Quality of life of patients with RA was evaluated using the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 (AIMS-2). A statistically significant relationship between AIMS-2 and parameters of static foot function disturbances was observed. The study revealed correlations between parameters of disturbed static foot function and RA severity in comparison to disease duration. Our results indicate a relationship between static foot function disturbances and quality of life of patients with RA, not only in the area of physical activity, but also in the social an emotional domain. Study results indicate that plantoconturography and assessment of quality of life using AIMS-2 could be useful as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in RA.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disorder with a poor prognosis associated with non-specific symptoms, including general weakness, shortness of breath on exertion, and decreased muscle strength and endurance. Despite recent significant progress in the field of PAH therapy, many patients are still characterized by a dynamic course of the disease, a significant reduction in physical performance, a constantly deteriorating quality of life, and limited activity in everyday life. Thus, the main goal of PAH therapy is to ensure an acceptable level of quality of life as early as possible in the course of the disease, reduce the progression of symptoms and, if possible, improve the prognosis, which is still poor. The perception of the importance of activity and exercise has changed significantly in recent years, and rehabilitation dedicated to PAH patients is now considered to be one of the new adjuvant treatment options. Currently, there is insufficient data on what form, frequency, and intensity of exercise are required for the best results. Nevertheless, exercise training (ET) is necessary in order to reverse the accompanying PAH impairment of exercise capacity and, without additional clinical risk, to maximize the benefits of pharmacotherapy. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the rehabilitation of PAH patients and presents the available rehabilitation models. In addition, it includes a ready-to-use, illustrated, safe home rehabilitation program with recommendations for its use. Utilizing ET as an adjuvant treatment option to improve the functional capacity and quality of life of patients may enhance the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic management and contribute to the improvement of the quality of care for patients suffering from PAH. The beneficial effect of exercise training on the development of symptoms improves the clinical course of the disease, and a lower incidence of adverse events can lead to a reduction in health care expenditure.

Background: Rehabilitation plays an important role in the management of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). An optimal rehabilitation model for CHF patients consisting of exercise training, breathing exercises and inspiratory muscle training has not yet been established. This prospective interventional pilot study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a 6-month home-based caregiver-supervised rehabilitation program among CHF patients. Methods: Analysis included a total of 54 CHF patients randomized into two groups: intervention group (28 patients), subjected to a 6-month home-based physical training and respiratory rehabilitation program and control group (26 patients) not included in rehabilitation program. The reference group consisted of 25 healthy individuals. The measurement of 6-min walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength, quality of life assessment (SF-36, Fatigue Severity Scale – FSS) were performed prior to the start of the study and after 6 months. Occurrence of adverse events and adherence to training protocol were also assessed. Results: As a result of objective problems caused by outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the course and final outcome of the study have differed from the original protocol, control group has not been assessed after 6 months. In the intervention group, 6 months physical training statistically significantly improved 6MWT distance by 37,86 m (p = 0.001) and respiratory muscle strength PImax by 20.21 cmH2O, PEmax by 20.75 cmH2O (p < 0.01). Statistically significant improvement was observed after the training period with the use of FSS questionnaire -0.68 (p = 0.029). Adherence to exercise protocol was on average 91.5 ± 15.3%. No serious adverse events were noted. Conclusions: The home-based rehabilitation program that includes respiratory muscle training in CHF patients is safe and effective. It improves functional parameters and diminishes the level of fatigue. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03780803. Registered 12 December 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03780803

Rheumatic diseases lead to postural problems, which increase the risk of falls and lead to greater disability. The aim of the present work is to evaluate posture disorders in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as to evaluate the influence of other factors. A total of 71 subjects were enrolled in this study. Joint position sense (JPS) and the functional assessment of proprioception on a balance platform for both lower limbs were examined. The Average Trace Error (ATE), test time (t), and Average Platform Force Variation (AFV) were calculated. Additionally, an equilibrium test was carried out in the one-legged standing position (Single Leg Stance—SLS). The results were compared in several ways and revealed the following: (1) A JPS of 10° plantar flexion in RA obtained significantly worse results when repeating the movement than OA; the ATEs were significantly lower in RA; and RA needed more support during SLS assessment. (2) RA patients with higher DAS28 had statistically significantly higher values in JPS, with 5° plantar flexion and 10° dorsal flexion, SLS assessment, and stabilometric rates. A statistically significant correlation between DAS28 and RA was found in a JPS of 10° plantar flexion. The VAS ruler demonstrated a significant moderate correlation with t. (3) Patients who experienced at least one fall demonstrated higher JPS and t. Our study shows that proprioception is the most influenced by the nature of the disease and the level of disease activity. We can see that the stability and balance functions are also greatly influenced by the patient’s falling experience and the level of pain. These findings may be useful in designing an optimal proprioception-enhancing movement training plan.