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ObjectivesBalance quickly diminishes after the mid-50s increasing the risk for falls and other adverse health outcomes. Our aim was to assess whether the ability to complete a 10- s one-legged stance (10-second OLS) is associated with all-cause mortality and whether it adds relevant prognostic information beyond ordinary demographic, anthropometric and clinical data.MethodsAnthropometric, clinical and vital status and 10-s OLS data were assessed in 1702 individuals (68% men) aged 51–75 years between 2008 and 2020. Log-rank and Cox modelling were used to compare survival curves and risk of death according to ability (YES) or inability (NO) to complete the 10-s OLS test.ResultsOverall, 20.4% of the individuals were classified as NO. During a median follow-up of 7 years, 7.2% died, with 4.6% (YES) and 17.5% (NO) on the 10-s OLS. Survival curves were worse for NO 10-s OLS (log-rank test=85.6; p<0.001)) for NO individuals. Adding 10-s OLS to a model containing established risk factors was associated with significantly improved mortality risk prediction as measured by differences in −2 log likelihood and integrated discrimination improvement.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of uncontrolled variables such as recent history of falls and physical activity, the ability to successfully complete the 10-s OLS is independently associated with all-cause mortality and adds relevant prognostic information beyond age, sex and several other anthropometric and clinical variables. There is potential benefit to including the 10-s OLS as part of routine physical examination in middle-aged and older adults.

Background Percentage of age‐predicted peak oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) achieved (ppVO 2 ) has been widely used to stratify risk in patients with heart failure. However, there are limitations to traditional normal standards. We compared the recently derived FRIEND (Fitness Registry and the Importance of Exercise: A National Data Base) equation to the widely used Wasserman‐Hansen (WH) ppVO 2 equation to predict outcomes in patients with heart failure. Methods and Results A subgroup of 4055 heart failure patients from the FRIEND registry (mean age 53±15 years) was followed for a mean of 28±16 months. The FRIEND and WH equations along with measured peak VO 2 expressed in mL/kg −1 per min −1 were compared for mortality and composite cardiovascular events. ppVO 2 was higher for the FRIEND versus the WH equation (66±30% versus 58±25%; P P =0.03) and cardiac events (0.70 versus 0.68; P =0.008). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for measured peak VO 2 was 0.70 ( P P 2 for the FRIEND equation, mortality was reduced by 18% (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69–0.97; P 2 for the WH equation, the mortality was reduced by 17% (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71–0.97; P =0.02). The corresponding reductions in risk per 1 SD for cardiovascular events for the FRIEND and WH equations were 23 and 21%, respectively (both P Conclusions Peak VO 2 expressed as percentage of an age‐predicted standard strongly predicts mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure. The FRIEND registry equation exhibited test characteristics slightly superior to the commonly used WH equation.

PURPOSE Medically supervised exercise programs (MSEPs) are equally recommended for men and women with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aware of the lower CVD mortality in women, we hypothesized that among patients attending a MSEP, women would also have better survival. METHODS Data from men and women, who were enrolled in a MSEP between 1994 and 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Sessions included aerobic, resistance, flexibility and balance exercises, and cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed. Date and underlying cause of death were obtained. Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards regression were used for survival analysis. RESULTS A total of 2236 participants (66% men, age range 33-85 yr) attended a median of 52 (18, 172) exercise sessions, and 23% died during 11 (6, 16) yr of follow-up. In both sexes, CVD was the leading cause of death (39%). Overall, women had a more favorable clinical profile and a longer survival compared to men (HR = 0.71: 95% CI, 0.58-0.85; P < .01). When considering those with coronary artery disease and similar clinical profile, although women had a lower percentage of sex- and age-predicted maximal oxygen uptake at baseline than men (58 vs 78%; P < .01), after adjusting for age, women still had a better long-term survival (HR = 0.68: 95% CI, 0.49-0.93; P = .02). CONCLUSION Survival after attendance to a long-term MSEP was better among women, despite lower baseline cardiorespiratory fitness. Future studies should address whether men and women would similarly benefit when participating in an MSEP.

Background: The interaction between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the interaction between obesity and incidence of AF have been explored separately. Therefore, we evaluated the association between CRF, body mass index (BMI), and risk of developing AF in a cohort of middle-aged and older US Veterans. Methods: Symptom limited exercise tests (ETT) were conducted among 16,397 Veterans (97% male) from January 9,1987 to December 31,2017. No history of AF was evident at the time of the ETTs. CRF was expressed as quartiles of peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved within each age decile. Weight status was classified as normal (BMI 35 kg/m2). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare the association between BMI, CRF categories, and incidence of AF. Results: Over a median follow-up of 10.7 years, 2,155 (13.1%) developed AF. Obese and severely obese subjects had 13% and 32% higher risks for incidence of AF, respectively, vs. normal weight subjects. Overweight and obese subjects in the most fit quartile had 50% decline in AF risk compared to the least-fit subjects. Severely obese subjects had marked increases in AF risk (~50–60%) regardless of fitness level. Risk of developing AF increases with higher BMI and lower CRF. Conclusion: Improving CRF should be advocated when assessing those at risk for developing AF.

Impairments in heart rate (HR) reserve and HR recovery are associated with mortality, and the combination of these two, termed exercise HR gradient (EHRG), is a better predictor than either alone. However, the confounding effect of beta-blockade on chronotropic impairment to exercise has not been fully explored; the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of beta blockade on EHRG. Participants were 2769 Veterans (58.7 ± 11.6 years) who underwent a maximal exercise test for clinical reasons. HR reserve and HR recovery were acquired and divided into quintiles and summed to provide an EHRG score. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) was performed to evaluate the impact of HR reserve, HR recovery and EHRG on all-cause mortality for patients with and without beta-blocker use. During a mean follow up of 10.9 ± 4.1 years, 657 patients died. Among patients without beta-blocker therapy, adding EHRG score to an established model including multiple baseline risk factors and exercise capacity resulted in an NRI of 14.3% (p

Background Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a powerful predictor of health outcomes. Valid and portable reference values are integral to interpreting measured VO2max; however, available reference standards lack validation and are specific to exercise mode. This study was undertaken to develop and validate a single equation for normal standards for VO2max for the treadmill or cycle ergometer in men and women. Methods Healthy individuals ( N = 10,881; 67.8% men, 20–85 years) who performed a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test on either a treadmill or a cycle ergometer were studied. Of these, 7617 and 3264 individuals were randomly selected for development and validation of the equation, respectively. A Brazilian sample (1619 individuals) constituted a second validation cohort. The prediction equation was determined using multiple regression analysis, and comparisons were made with the widely-used Wasserman and European equations. Results Age, sex, weight, height and exercise mode were significant predictors of VO2max. The regression equation was: VO2max (ml kg–1 min–1) = 45.2 – 0.35*Age – 10.9*Sex (male = 1; female = 2) – 0.15*Weight (pounds) + 0.68*Height (inches) – 0.46*Exercise Mode (treadmill = 1; bike = 2) ( R = 0.79, R2 = 0.62, standard error of the estimate = 6.6 ml kg–1 min–1). Percentage predicted VO2max for the US and Brazilian validation cohorts were 102.8% and 95.8%, respectively. The new equation performed better than traditional equations, particularly among women and individuals ≥60 years old. Conclusion A combined equation was developed for normal standards for VO2max for different exercise modes derived from a US national registry. The equation provided a lower average error between measured and predicted VO2max than traditional equations even when applied to an independent cohort. Additional studies are needed to determine its portability.

Background: Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness is strongly and directly related to major health outcomes, including all-cause mortality. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), directly measured by maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), represents the subject’s aerobic fitness. However, as CPET is not always available, aerobic fitness estimation tools are necessary. Objectives: a) to propose the CLINIMEX Aerobic Fitness Questionnaire (C-AFQ); b) to validate C-AFQ against measured VO2max; and c) to analyze the influence of some potentially relevant variables on the error of estimate. Methods: We prospectively studied 1,000 healthy and unhealthy subjects (68.6% men) aged from 14 to 96 years that underwent a CPET. The two-step C-AFQ describes physical activities with corresponding values in metabolic equivalents (METs) - ranging from 0.9 to 21 METs. Results: Application of C-AFQ took less than two minutes. Linear regression analysis indicated a very strong association between estimated (C-AFQ) and measured (CPET) maximal METs - r2 = 0.83 (Sy.x = 1.63; p < .001) - with median difference of only 0.2 METs between both values and interquartile range (percentiles 25 and 75) of 2 METs. The difference between estimated and measured METs was not influenced by age, sex, body mass index, clinical condition, ß-blocker use or sitting-rising test scores. Conclusion: C-AFQ is a simple and valid tool for estimating aerobic fitness when CPET is unavailable and it is also useful in planning individual ramp protocols. However, individual error of estimate is quite high, so C-AFQ should not be considered a perfect substitute for CPET’s measured VO2max.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and healthcare expenditures among individuals with and without diabetes. Methods Health care costs were quantified among 3924 consecutive men (mean age 58 ± 11 years) referred for a maximal exercise test, and compared according to presence (n = 2457) and absence (n = 1467) of diabetes and fitness. Fitness was classified into 4 categories based on age-stratified quartiles of peak metabolic equivalents: least-fit (5.1 ± 1.5 metabolic equivalents; n = 1044), moderately-fit (7.6 ± 1.5 metabolic equivalents; n = 938), fit (9.4 ± 1.5 metabolic equivalents; n = 988), and highly-fit (12.4 ± 2.2 metabolic equivalents; n = 954). Annual costs per subject were quantified over an 8-year period. Results Age, BMI, and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were similar between subjects with and without diabetes. After adjusting for age and presence of CVD, annual costs per person were higher among diabetics vs. non-diabetics. Individuals with and without diabetes in the highly-fit category had annual costs (US dollars x 103) (mean ± standard deviation) that were on average $32,178 and $30,816 lower, respectively, than individuals in the least-fit category. For each 1-metabolic equivalent higher fitness, annual cost savings per person were $5,193 and $3,603 for individuals with and without diabetes, respectively. Conclusions Higher fitness is associated with lower health care costs. Cost savings associated with higher fitness are particularly evident among individuals with diabetes. The economic burden of diabetes may be reduced through interventions that target improvements in fitness.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of central obesity on the magnitude of the error of estimate of maximal oxygen uptake in maximal cycling exercise testing. METHOD: A total of 1,715 adults (68% men) between 18-91 years of age underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a progressive protocol to volitional fatigue. Subjects were stratified by central obesity into three quartile ranges: Q1, Q2-3 and Q4. Maximal oxygen uptake [mL.(kg.min)-1] was estimated by the attained maximal workload and body weight using gender- and population-specific equations. The error of estimate [mL.(kg.min)-1] and percent error between measured and estimated maximal oxygen uptake values were compared among obesity quartile ranges. RESULTS: The error of estimate and percent error differed (mean ± SD) for men (Q1=1.3±3.7 and 2.0±10.4; Q2-3=0.5±3.1 and -0.5±13.0; and Q4=-0.3±2.8 and -4.5±15.8 (p

Background: Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and ventilatory threshold (VT) obtained during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) are used in the evaluation of athletes. However, the identification of these variables may sometimes be unreliable, which limits their use. In contrast, the cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) is a submaximal variable derived from CPX with objective measurement and prognostic significance. However, its behavior in athletes is unknown. Objective: To describe the behavior of COP in professional soccer players and its association with VO2max and VT. Methods: VO2max, VT and COP were obtained retrospectively from 198 soccer players undergoing maximal treadmill CPX using ramp protocol. COP was defined as the lowest value of the ventilation/oxygen consumption ratio in a given minute of the CPX. The soccer players were stratified according to their field position: goalkeeper, center-defender, left/right-back, midfielder and forwarder. Continuous variables were compared using unpaired Student t test or ANOVA, or Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis test depending on their distribution, and categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. Pearson correlation was used to test the association between COP and other ventilatory variables. A level of 5% was used for statistical significance. Results: COP (mean ± SD) was 18.2 ± 2.1 and was achieved at a speed 4.3 ± 1.4 km.h-1 lower than that achieved at the VT. While VO2max (62.1 ± 6.2 mL.kg-1.min-1) tended to be lower in goalkeepers (p < 0.05), the COP did not vary according to field position (p = 0.41). No significant association was observed between COP and VO2max (r = 0.032, p = 0.65) or between COP and VT (r = -0.003, p = 0.96). Conclusion: COP can be easily determined during submaximal exercise performed with incremental speed in soccer players and does not vary according to the athlete’s field position. The absence of association with VO2max and VT indicates that COP provides distinct and complementary information to these variables. Future studies are needed to determine the practical implications of COP in assessing athletes. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Consideracoes preliminares Os animais livres sempre foram e serao seres fisicamente ativos, sendo o confinamento ou o sedentarismo condicoes antinaturais. O homem, tal como e conhecido hoje, foi capaz de partir de regioes centrais e, por seus proprios meios de locomocao (exercicio), espalhar-se por longinquas areas do planeta. Buscar alimento e agua e fugir de predadores, da infância ate a senilidade, sempre estiveram atrelados ao exercicio. De fato, o sedentarismo e muito recente na historia da humanidade. Antes de discutir [...]

Background:Aerobic fitness, assessed by measuring VO2max in maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) or by estimating VO2max through the use of equations in exercise testing, is a predictor of mortality. However, the error resulting from this estimate in a given individual can be high, affecting clinical decisions.Objective:To determine the error of estimate of VO2max in cycle ergometry in a population attending clinical exercise testing laboratories, and to propose sex-specific equations to minimize that error.Methods:This study assessed 1715 adults (18 to 91 years, 68% men) undertaking maximum CPX in a lower limbs cycle ergometer (LLCE) with ramp protocol. The percentage error (E%) between measured VO2max and that estimated from the modified ACSM equation (Lang et al. MSSE, 1992) was calculated. Then, estimation equations were developed: 1) for all the population tested (C-GENERAL); and 2) separately by sex (C-MEN and C-WOMEN).Results:Measured VO2max was higher in men than in WOMEN: -29.4 ± 10.5 and 24.2 ± 9.2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0.01). The equations for estimating VO2max [in mL.(kg.min)-1] were: C-GENERAL = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.483 + 7; C-MEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 10.791 + 7; and C-WOMEN = [final workload (W)/body weight (kg)] x 9.820 + 7. The E% for MEN was: -3.4 ± 13.4% (modified ACSM); 1.2 ± 13.2% (C-GENERAL); and -0.9 ± 13.4% (C-MEN) (p < 0.01). For WOMEN: -14.7 ± 17.4% (modified ACSM); -6.3 ± 16.5% (C-GENERAL); and -1.7 ± 16.2% (C-WOMEN) (p < 0.01).Conclusion:The error of estimate of VO2max by use of sex-specific equations was reduced, but not eliminated, in exercise tests on LLCE. ResumoFundamento:A condição aeróbica, avaliada pela medida do VO2máx no teste cardiopulmonar de exercício máximo (TCPE) ou estimada por equações no teste de exercício, é preditora de mortalidade. Porém, o erro obtido pela estimativa em um dado indivíduo pode ser alto, afetando decisões clínicas.Objetivo:Determinar o erro de estimativa do VO2máx em cicloergometria em população atendida nos serviços de ergometria e propor equações específicas por sexo para minimizar o erro na estimativa do VO2máx.Métodos:Foram avaliados 1715 adultos (18 a 91 anos) (68% homens) submetidos a TCPE máximo em cicloergômetro de membros inferiores (CMI) com protocolo de rampa. Calculou-se o erro percentual (E%) entre o VO2máx medido e o estimado pela equação ACSM modificada (Lang e col. MSSE, 1992). A seguir, foram desenvolvidas equações de estimativa: 1) para toda a amostra testada (C-GERAL) e 2) separadamente por sexo (C-HOMENS e C-MULHERES).Resultados:O VO2máx medido foi maior em homens do que em mulheres - 29,4 ± 10,5 e 24,2 ± 9,2 mL.(kg.min)-1 (p < 0,01) -. As equações de estimativa do VO2máx foram mL.(kg.min)-1: C-GERAL = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 10,483 + 7; C‑HOMENS = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 10,791 + 7; e C-MULHERES = [carga final (W)/peso (kg)] x 9,820 + 7. Os E% em homens foram -3,4 ± 13,4% (ACSM modificada), 1,2 ± 13,2% (C-GERAL) e -0,9 ± 13,4% (C-HOMENS) (p < 0,01). Em mulheres, obtivemos: -14,7 ± 17,4% (ACSM modificada), -6,3 ± 16,5% (C-GERAL) e -1,7 ± 16,2% (C-MULHERES) (p < 0,01).Conclusão:O erro de estimativa do VO2máx através de equações específicas por sexo foi reduzido, porém não eliminado, nos testes de exercício em CMI.

1. Introducao Esta cientificamente comprovado, sendo algo incorporado ao senso comum, que ser fisicamente ativo contribui para preservar e recuperar a boa saude do corpo e da mente. Os efeitos favoraveis da reabilitacao cardiovascular (RCV) com enfase nos exercicios fisicos tem sido consistentemente documentados, inclusive em meta-analises de estudos clinicos randomizados, que demonstram significativas reducoes da morbimortalidade cardiovascular e global, bem como da taxa de hospitalizacao, , com expressivo ganho de qualidade de vida, , justificando a sua consensual e [...]

Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is a simple measure of platelet activation, has recently become an interesting topic in cardiovascular research. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive intervention that decreases mortality-morbidity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Studies on the effects of exercise on platelet activation have yielded conflicting results.The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an exercise-based CR programs on MPV in patients with stable CAD.The sample was composed of 300 consecutive stable CAD patients. The patients were divided into two groups: CR group (n = 97) and non-CR group (n = 203). Blood analysis was performed. Point-Biserial correlation measures were performed to show correlation between MPV change and CR. A p value of0.05 was considered statistically significant.The decrease in MPV was greater in the CR group than in the non-CR group [(-1.10(-1.40-(-0.90)) vs. (-0.10 (-2.00-0.00)); p0.001]. ΔMPV had a positive correlation with Δ neutrophil (r = 0.326, p0.001), ΔTG (r = 0.439, p0.001), ΔLDL-c (r = 0.478, p0.001), ΔWBC (r = 0.412, p0.001), and ΔCRP (r = 0.572, p0.001). A significant correlation was found between ΔMPV% and CR (r=0.750, p0.001).We were able to show that exercise-based CR has a strong relationship with MPV reduction in patients with CAD. We consider that decreased platelet activation with exercise-based CR might play an important role in reducing thrombotic risk in patients with stable CAD. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).O volume plaquetário médio (VPM), uma medida simples de ativação plaquetária, tornou-se recentemente um tópico interessante no campo da pesquisa cardiovascular. A reabilitação cardíaca (RC) baseada em exercícios é uma intervenção abrangente que diminui a morbidade-mortalidade em pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Estudos sobre os efeitos do exercício físico na ativação plaquetária têm produzido resultados conflitantes.O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito de um programa de RC baseado em exercícios sobre o VPM em pacientes com DAC estável.A amostra foi composta por 300 pacientes consecutivos com DAC estável. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo RC (n = 97) e grupo não RC (n = 203). Foi feito um hemograma. As medidas de correlação ponto-bisserial foram tiradas para mostrar a correlação entre a alteração do VPM e a RC. Valor de p0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo.A diminuição do VPM foi maior no grupo CR do que no grupo não CR [(-1,10 (-1,40-(-0,90)) vs. (-0,10 (-2,00-0,00)); p0,001]. ΔVPM teve correlação positiva com Δ neutrófilos (r = 0,326, p0,001), ΔTG (r = 0,439, p0,001), ΔLDL-c (r = 0,478, p0,001), ΔGB (r = 0,412, p0,001) e ΔPCR (r = 0,572, p0,001). Foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre ΔVPM% e CR (r = 0,750, p0,001).Pudemos mostrar que a RC baseada em exercícios tem forte relação com a redução do VPM em pacientes com DAC. Consideramos que a diminuição da ativação plaquetária com RC baseada em exercícios pode desempenhar um papel importante na redução do risco trombótico em pacientes com DAC estável. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).