Energy Expenditure at Rest and during Walking in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure: A Prospective Two-Phase Case-Control Study
2011

Energy Expenditure in Chronic Respiratory Failure Patients

Sample size: 75 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Crisafulli Ernesto, Beneventi Claudio, Bortolotti Veronica, Kidonias Nicoletta, Fabbri Leonardo M., Chetta Alfredo, Clini Enrico M.

Primary Institution: Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Ospedale Villa Pineta, Modena, Italy

Hypothesis

The study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the SenseWear® Armband in measuring energy expenditure in patients with chronic respiratory failure receiving long-term oxygen therapy.

Conclusion

The SenseWear® Armband is a valid method for assessing energy expenditure in chronic respiratory failure patients, showing that aided walking significantly reduces energy expenditure.

Supporting Evidence

  • The SWA device was validated against standard calorimetry.
  • Patients showed significant improvement in walking distance with the aid.
  • Energy expenditure was significantly lower during aided walking compared to unassisted walking.

Takeaway

This study found that using a walking aid helps patients with breathing problems save energy while walking.

Methodology

A two-phase prospective study comparing energy expenditure in chronic respiratory failure patients and healthy controls using the SenseWear® Armband and standard calorimetry.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases.

Limitations

The study may not fully capture energy expenditure due to the limitations of the SWA device when the upper arm is not moving normally.

Participant Demographics

40 chronic respiratory failure patients and 35 age-matched healthy controls.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023770

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