Objective: Despite the common occurrence of lower levels of physical activity and physical fitness in youth with spina bifida (SB) who use a wheelchair, there are very few tests available to measure and assess these levels. The purpose of this study was to determine reliability and the physiologic response …

In 2019, The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) modified the grading system for patients with COPD, creating 16 subgroups (1A–4D). As part of the COPD Cohorts Collaborative International Assessment (3CIA) initiative, we aim to compare the mortality prediction of the 2015 and …

Introduction: Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) are a heterogeneous group of acquired or inherited diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system and muscle mass. The consequences of NMD are loss of muscle mass, function, and posture. Loss of muscle mass causes weakness, a decrease in mobility and cardiac …

Surgery aims to improve a patient’s medical condition. However, surgery is a major life event with the risk of negative consequences, like peri- and postoperative complications, prolonged hospitalization and delayed recovery of physical functioning. One of the major common side effects, functional …

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting, inherited multi-organ disorder affecting Caucasians in the world today. The respiratory system is most often involved, which results in a limited life-span and decreased quality of life. Exercise is an important part of the therapy for cystic fibrosis; …

OBJECTIVE: Juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) is an inflammatory myopathy in which the immune system targets the microvasculature of the skeletal muscle and skin, leading to significant muscle weakness and exercise intolerance, although the precise etiology is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate …

Chest physical therapy (CPT) is a widely used intervention for patients with airway diseases. The main goal is to facilitate secretion transport and thereby decrease secretion retention in the airways. Historically, conventional CPT has consisted of a combination of forced expirations (directed cough …