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Physiotherapy in lymphangioleiomyomatosis: a systematic review
Victoria Maria Garcia de Medeiros1, Jéssica Gonçalves de Lima1, Claudia Rosa2
1Education and Research Department, National Institute of Cardiology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Annals of Medicine
|October 10, 2022
Summary
Physiotherapy, including endurance and resistance training, can improve lung function and quality of life for patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). However, more research is needed on specific exercise protocols for LAM management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Respiratory Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease characterized by progressive dyspnea and exercise intolerance.
- Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in pulmonary rehabilitation for LAM patients.
- There is a significant gap in understanding specific physiotherapy approaches for LAM.
Approach:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, and PEDro.
- Keywords included "Lymphangioleiomyomatosis" and "Physiotherapy."
- Four studies detailing physiotherapy interventions for LAM were included and analyzed.
Key Points:
- Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy incorporating endurance and resistance training emerged as a key strategy.
- These interventions showed potential to improve lung function, functional capacity, and quality of life in LAM patients.
- Improvements were also noted in managing depression symptoms associated with LAM.
Conclusions:
- Endurance and resistance training are foundational for physiotherapy in LAM.
- Despite reported benefits, there is a notable lack of research on the optimal modalities, safety, and dosage of physiotherapy for LAM.
- Further investigation is crucial to establish evidence-based physiotherapy guidelines for LAM.
