Timed immersion expiration measures in patients with muscular dystrophies

Mariana Callil Voos; Priscila Santos Albuquerque Goya; Bruna Leal de Freitas; Aline Moço Teixeira Pires; Francis Meire Favero; Fátima Aparecida Caromano

doi:10.1186/s40945-020-0074-3

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

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-020-0074-3

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.