Search

The aim of the present study was to determine the reliability and feasibility of physical fitness tests in female fibromyalgia patients. 100 female fibromyalgia patients (aged 50.6±8.6 years) performed the following tests twice (7 days interval test–retest): chair sit and reach, back scratch, handgrip strength, arm curl, chair stand, 8 feet up and go, and 6-min walk. Significant differences between test and retest were found in the arm curl (mean difference: 1.25±2.16 repetitions, Cohen d=0.251), chair stand (0.99±1.7 repetitions, Cohen d=0.254) and 8 feet up and go (−0.38±1.09s, Cohen d=0.111) tests. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) range from 0.92 in the arm curl test to 0.96 in the back scratch test. The feasibility of the tests (patients able to complete the test) ranged from 89% in the arm curl test to 100% in the handgrip strength test. Therefore, the reliability and feasibility of the physical fitness tests examined is acceptable for female fibromyalgia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effects of 8-week exercise-intervention on cognition and related serum biochemical markers in nonagenarians. We also studied the effects of a 4-week training cessation ('detraining') period on our study variables. Participants were randomly allocated to a standard-care (control) or intervention (exercise) group [n=20 (16 women)/group]. The intervention focused on supervised, light-to-moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercises (mainly leg press), and included 3 weekly sessions. Cognitive status was determined by the mini-mental state examination and geriatric depression scale. We analysed proteins with reported relation with mechanisms behind cognition changes such as serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme, amyloid-precursor protein, epidermal growth factor, brain-derived neural factor and tumor necrosis factor. No significant change (P>0.05) in any of the variables studied was found following the exercise intervention compared with the standard-care group. Similarly, no significant changes (P>0.05) were observed following the detraining period compared with the standard-care group. Overall changes after the exercise intervention in serum biomarkers were not associated with changes in functional capacity and cognitive measures. An 8-week exercise intervention focusing on resistance exercises neither benefits cognitive function nor affects the levels of the serum proteins analysed in nonagenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tai-Chi has shown benefits in physical and psychological outcomes in diverse populations. We aimed to determine the changes elicited by a Tai-Chi program (12 and 24 weeks) in acute pain (before vs. after session) in fibromyalgia patients. We also assessed the cumulative changes in pain brought about by a Tai-Chi program. Thirty-six patients (29 women) with fibromyalgia participated in a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week). Twenty-eight patients (27 women) continued the program for an additional 12 weeks (i. e., 24 weeks). We assessed pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each single session (i. e., 72 sessions). We observed significant immediate changes (P-values from 0.037 to 0.0001) with an approximately 12% mean decrease of acute pain in the comparison of VAS-values before and after each session (72 sessions in total), with the exception of 4 sessions. We observed significant changes in cumulative pain pre-session (95% CI = -0.019; -0.014; P < 0.001) and cumulative pain post-session (95% CI = -0.021; -0.015; P < 0.001) along the 24-week intervention only. In conclusion, a low-moderate intensity Tai-Chi program for 12 weeks (3 times/ week) decreased levels of acute pain in fibromyalgia patients. A longer period is necessary (e. g. 24 weeks) for observing cumulative changes in pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the effectiveness of an RPE learning protocol for improving the validity of the Borg 6--20 RPE scale for self-regulating exercise intensity during Indoor Cycling (IC). 16 healthy adults performed 5 IC sessions. Heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored. In sessions 1 and 5, participants perceptually regulated exercise intensity to produce pre-determined RPE levels equivalent to estimated HR levels. Sessions 2, 3 and 4 focused on the RPE learning protocol. The RPE-measured HR correlation was 0.59 in session 1 and 0.67 in session 5 (both P < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient between measured HR and estimated HR was 0.85 in session 1 and 0.90 in session 5. There was bias in session 1 (3.69 bpm [SD = 12.44]; P < 0.001) but not in session 5 (0.99 bpm [SD = 9.7]; P = 0.178; mean HR difference session 5 vs. 1: -2.70 bpm [95% CI: -4.49 to -0.91]; P = 0.003; Cohen’s d = 0.24). There was association between the HR difference and the magnitude of the measurement in session 1 (β = 0.208; P < 0.01) but not in session 5 (β = -0.072; P = 0.34). These preliminary results suggested that an RPE learning protocol might slightly improve the validity of the Borg 6--20 RPE scale for exercise intensity self-regulation during IC sessions in healthy adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were: to compare energy expenditure (EE) estimated from the existing GT3X accelerometer equations and EE measured with indirect calorimetry; to define new equations for EE estimation with the GT3X in youth, adults and older people; and to define GT3X vector magnitude (VM) cut points allowing to classify PA intensity in the aforementioned age-groups. The study comprised 31 youth, 31 adults and 35 older people. Participants wore the GT3X (setup: 1-s epoch) over their right hip during 6 conditions of 10-min duration each: resting, treadmill walking/running at 3, 5, 7, and 9 km · h -1, and repeated sit-stands (30 times · min -1). The GT3X proved to be a good tool to predict EE in youth and adults (able to discriminate between the aforementioned conditions), but not in the elderly. We defined the following equations: for all age-groups combined, EE (METs) = 2.7406 + 0.00056 · VM activity counts (counts · min -1) -- 0.008542 · age (years) -- 0.01380 · body mass (kg); for youth, METs = 1.546618 + 0.000658 · VM activity counts (counts · min -1); for adults, METs = 2.8323 + 0.00054 · VM activity counts (counts · min -1) -- 0.059123 · body mass (kg) + 1.4410 · gender (women = 1, men = 2); and for the elderly, METs = 2.5878 + 0.00047 · VM activity counts (counts · min -1) -- 0.6453 · gender (women = 1, men = 2). Activity counts derived from the VM yielded a more accurate EE estimation than those derived from the Y-axis. The GT3X represents a step forward in triaxial technology estimating EE. However, age-specific equations must be used to ensure the correct use of this device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic and extended musculoskeletal pain. The combination of exercise therapy with the warm water may be an appropriate treatment. However, studies focusing on the analysis of immediate pain during and after an exercise session are rare. This study aimed to determine the immediate changes of a warm water pool-based exercise program (12 weeks) on pain (before vs. after session) in female fibromyalgia patients. 33 Spanish women with fibromyalgia were selected to participate in a 12 weeks (2 sessions/week) low-moderate intensity warm water pool-based program. We assessed pain by means of a Visual Analogue Scale before and after each single session (i. e., 24 sessions). We observed immediate benefits on pain with a mean decrease ~15 % in all sessions, except in the fourth one. There was an association of pain difference (pre-post) session with pain pre session (p = 0.005; β = 0.097 ± 0.034) and with age (p < 0.001; β = 0.032 ± 0.008). There were no significant accumulative differences on pain, pre session, post session, and pre-post changes (all p > 0.05). Therefore this study showed that a warm water pool-based exercise program for 12 weeks (2 times/week) led to a positive immediate decrease in level of pain in female patients with fibromyalgia. Improvements were higher in older women and in those with more intense pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to assess the inter-monitor reliability of the tri-axial GT3X Actigraph accelerometer over a range of physical activities (PA). This device collects motion data on each of the vertical (Y), horizontal right-left (X), and horizontal front-back (Z) axes and also calculates the vector summed value …X2 + Y2 + Z2 known as 'vector magnitude' (VM). 8 GT3X accelerometers were worn at the same time by the same participant. Accelerometers were placed back-to-front, all facing forward and in sets of 4 securely taped together, attached to a belt and allocating each block above either left or right hip at waist level. Inter-monitor reliability was assessed during 6 conditions: rest, walking (4 and 6 km•h-1 ), running (8 and 10 km•h-1 ) and repeated sit-to-stand (40 times•min-1 ). The intra-class correlation coefficients were high for X , Y and Z axes (i. e., all ≥0.925) and for VM (≥0.946). In conclusion, we found good inter-instrument reliability of the GT3X accelerometer across all planes, yet our results also suggest that the X and Z axes do not provide further benefits over the 'traditional' Y- axis to assess the movement in typical PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NOS3 -786 T/C polymorphism (rs2070744) is a candidate to explain individual variations in sports related phenotypes. We determined the genotype and allele frequency of NOS3 -786 T/C in a group of 60 male professional elite soccer players. Their results were compared with those of 100 world-class endurance athletes, 53 elite power athletes, and 100 sedentary, healthy men (controls) of the same Caucasian (Spanish) origin. There were significant differences in genotype frequencies between soccer players, controls, endurance and power elite athletes (all P ≤ 0.02). These results were confirmed when we analysed allelic frequencies (all P < 0.01). The likelihood of having the C allele was higher in soccer players compared with (i) controls [odds ratio (OR), 2.165, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.362–3.441], (ii) endurance athletes (OR: 1.879, 95 %CI: 1.184–2.984), and (iii) power athletes (OR: 4.032, 95 %CI: 2.307–7.047). In conclusion, the -786C allele is associated with the status of being an elite soccer player, compared with nonathletic controls and also with elite endurance and power athletes. More research is needed in other groups of elite soccer players in order to replicate the results of the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this systematic review was to study the reliability of the existing field-based fitness tests intended for use with children and adolescents. The medical electronic databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS and SPORTS DISCUS were screened for papers published from January 1990 to December 2009. Each study was classified as high, low or very low quality according to the description of the participants, the time interval between measurements, the description of the results and the appropriateness of statistics. 3 levels of evidence were constructed according to the number of studies and the consistency of the findings. 32 studies were finally included in the present review. The reliability of tests assessing cardiorespiratory fitness (9 studies), musculoskeletal fitness (12 studies), motor fitness (3 studies), and body composition (10 studies) was investigated. Although some fitness components warrant further investigation, this review provides an evidence-based proposal for most reliable field-based fitness tests for use with children and adolescents: 20-m shuttle run test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness; handgrip strength and standing broad jump tests to measure musculoskeletal fitness; 4 × 10 m shuttle run test for motor fitness; and height, weight, BMI, skinfolds, circumferences and percentage body fat estimated from skinfold thickness to measure body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on the link between physical activity (PA) and abdominal fat content in adolescents. For the study, researchers measured abdominal fat content by waist circumference, waist-to-heigh ratio and dual energy X-ray absoptiometry (DXA) at 3 locations. They found that vigorous PA was inversely linked to waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio. They concluded that it is not clear whether CRF plays a role in the link between PA and abdominal fat in adolescents.

We studied the association of ACE and ACTN3 polymorphisms with skeletal muscle phenotypes (i.e. upper and lower body muscular strength and functional tests) in Spanish nonagenarian subjects [n=41, 33 women, 8 men, age: 90-97 years]. Mean values of the study phenotypes were not significantly different (all P>0.05) between ACE and ACTN3 genotypes. The analyses of the combined effects between genotypes (ACE DD & ACTN3 RR/RX vs. ACE II/ID & ACTN3 XX) did not yield any significant difference. Our data suggest that, in the elderly, the influence of genetic factors on muscle phenotype traits is not reducible to a Few single polymorphisms, including ACE and ACTN3 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the genotype and allelic frequency of several genetic polymorphisms (ACE I/D, GDF-8 K153R [and also E164K, P198A and 1225 T] and AMPD1 C34T) that are candidates to influence sports performance in a group of 54 male professional soccer players. Their results were compared with those of elite endurance male athletes (52 runners) and 123 sedentary, healthy men (controls). We found statistical significance for the ACE ID (χ2(2)=8.176, P=0.017) and II genotypes (χ2(2)=16.137, P<0.001) with a higher and lower frequency of ID (P=0.005) and II (P<0.001). respectively, in soccer players than in endurance runners. Statistical significance was also reached for AMPD1 (with a higher frequency of the CT genotype in soccer players than in runners [χ2(2)=7.538, P=0.006]) but not for GDF-8 K153R. Since the ACE II genotype is associated with improved potential for endurance performance but with decreased training gains in muscle mass and strength, these findings together with previous results [37] support the notion that elite soccer players tend to have a power/strength oriented genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the criterion related validity of 1/2 mile run/walk (1/2MRW) test for estimating VO2peak in children aged 6-17 years. The criterion related validity of the Fernhall's equation in a sub-group of children aged 10-17 years was also examined. A total of 86 children completed a maximal graded treadmill test and the 1/2MRW test. The cohort was randomly divided into either validation (n=47) or a cross-validation (n=39) group. A regression equation was computed and assessed through several error measures, and the Bland and Altman method. There was no systematic bias in the validation group nor in the cross-validation group (P>0.1). The root mean sum of squared errors (RMSE), and the percentage error were 6.5 ml/kg/mm, and 13.9%, respectively. These figures were very similar in the cross-validation group. The new equation had a lower RMSE and percentage error than the Fernhall's Equation (6.2 vs. 19.7 ml/kg/mm, and 16% vs. 50.4%, respectively, P <0.001). The Fernhall's equation showed a significant underestimation of VO2peak (18.1 ml/kg/mm, P<0.001). In conclusion, the new regression equation is valid for estimating VO2peak from the 1/2MRW time, sex, and body mass index in healthy children aged 6-17 years, and is more accurate than Fernhall's equation in the sample studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to replicate the original findings by Eynon etal. [4] showing an association between the T alíele of the CNB3 C825T polymorphism and elite endurance athletic status, in larger cohorts and in other ethnicities. We compared allelic and genotypic frequencies of the CNB3 C825T polymorphism among non-athletic controls (N=340), elite endurance athletes (N = 174), and power athletes (N = 134). The population sample included participants from 2 different ethnic/geographic backgrounds (Israel and Spain). We observed no significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies between countries or groups (all P>0.1). The odds ratio (OR) of being an endurance athlete if the subject had a T alíele was 0.841 (95%CI: 0.638-1.110) compared to the control group and 1.047 (95% CI: 0.751-1.461) compared to the power group. Our findings support the need to corroborate genotype :phenotype associations in the field of sports genetics with the largest possible population samples, including populations of different ethnic backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine whether acute strenuous physical exercise, partially performed under moderate altitude, influences the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation. Eleven male amateur cyclists took part in a 95-km mountain bike challenge with a cumulative altitude difference of 2340 m. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after the race in order to determine plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, and to assess the susceptibility of the former to peroxidation. Neither plasma lipid nor lipoprotein levels changed significantly after the race. However, the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation increased by 71.8%. We concluded that strenuous physical exercise partially performed under hypoxic conditions increases the susceptibility of plasma lipids to peroxidation in untrained subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the criterion related validity of 1/2 mile run/walk (1/2MRW) test for estimating VO2peak in children aged 6-17 years. The criterion related validity of the Fernhall's equation in a sub-group of children aged 10-17 years was also examined. A total of 86 children completed a maximal graded treadmill test and the 1/2MRW test. The cohort was randomly divided into either validation (n=47) or a cross-validation (n=39) group. A regression equation was computed and assessed through several error measures, and the Bland and Altman method. There was no systematic bias in the validation group nor in the cross-validation group (P > 0.1). The root mean sum of squared errors (RMSE), and the percentage error were 6.5 ml/kg/min, and 13.9%, respectively. These figures were very similar in the cross-validation group. The new equation had a lower RMSE and percentage error than the Fernhall's Equation (6.2 vs. 19.7 ml/kg/min, and 16% vs. 50.4%, respectively, P<0.001). The Fernhall's equation showed a significant underestimation of VO2peak (18.1 ml/kg/min, P<0.001). In conclusion, the new regression equation is valid for estimating VO2peak from the 1/2MRW time, sex, and body mass index in healthy children aged 6-17 years, and is more accurate than Fernhall's equation in the sample studied.