D’Agostini (2012) Immersion effects in the ventilatory parameters of individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
ABSTRACT
Objective. To analyze the effects of immersion on the ventilatory parameters of non-ambulant patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Method. Transversal study, with casuistry of 21 individuals, 8 with DMD and 13 forming the control group (CG). They were evaluated in ground and during immersion at the following parameters: oxygen saturation (SatO2), heart rate (HR), maximal inspiratory (PImax) and maximal expiratory (PEmax) pressures, minute volume (MV), respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV), forced vital capacity (FVC) and cough peak flow (CPF). Results. The DMD group reduced the FVC in the water. The CG decreased the CPF, the RR, and increased the TV after immersion. The values of FVC in ground and in the water had a positive correlation between both groups, as like the values of PFT in group DMD. Conclusion. The positive correlations of FVC and CPF suggests a way to estimate these ventilatory parameters in immersion from the results obtained in ground. This is an important parameter to be considered in the indication of aquatic therapy for patients with DMD.
Keywords. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Immersion, Forced Vital Capacity.