Respiratory care
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Single-set resistance training (SSRT) improves strength and function in older adults with COPD. However, its effect on quality of life (QOL) has not been evaluated. This study evaluated the effect of SSRT on QOL in COPD patients enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and identified relationships between muscular strength, endurance and QOL. ⋯ The addition of SSRT to traditional PR does not affect overall improvements in QOL that are influenced primarily by an increase in upper body strength. Our findings suggest a threshold effect for exercise training, such that, once a threshold stimulus has been achieved, further improvements in QOL are not dose-dependent.
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Indoor air pollution and exposure to biomass smoke is a risk factor for pulmonary diseases among women in developing countries. We aimed to assess clinical and functional findings and exposure duration and to evaluate their relationships in patients who used biomass products as fuel and who presented to the clinic due to respiratory symptoms. ⋯ Biomass exposure can have effects on lung function test parameters. Animal dung use is primarily related to risk of deterioration of FEV(1)/FVC, when compared to other biomass fuels. Protective health measures should be taken by assessing the risks in areas where biomass exposure is intense, improving poor design of the stoves and ventilation, and switching to better clean energy sources such as natural gas and solar energy.