Physiological effects during downhill walking in patients with interstitial lung disease.

• Grant number: 24/00457-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Augusto Marçal Camillo
• Grantee: Carlos Augusto Marçal Camillo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Celso Ricardo Fernandes de Carvalho ; Ercy Mara Cipulo Ramos ; Fábio de Oliveira Pitta ; Humberto Silva ; Leandro Cruz Mantoani

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often exhibit extrapulmonary changes, such as exercise intolerance and symptoms during exertion. In order to alleviate these changes, the European Respiratory Society advocates the participation of these patients in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs, including physical training. However, a proportion of patients do not show significant improvement with PR. There is evidence that the absence of muscle fatigue development during exertion is associated with a less favorable response to PR. There is also evidence that downhill walking induces muscle fatigue in pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, there are no studies demonstrating this relationship in ILD. Objective: To assess and compare the physiological responses of downhill walking with flat walking in patients with ILD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, physiological responses (i.e., metabolic consumption, tissue oxygenation, muscle fatigue, and symptoms) will be analyzed in ILD patients undergoing two comparative exercise modalities: downhill walking and flat walking. Both activities will last for 20 minutes and will be performed at speeds equivalent to 75% of the average speed achieved in the six-minute walk test. Expected Results: We anticipate a lower metabolic consumption, less pronounced reduction in tissue oxygenation, fewer symptoms, and greater muscle fatigue during downhill walking. If confirmed, this study enables the investigation of the effects of downhill walking associated with a pulmonary rehabilitation program in ILD. (AU)