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To evaluate the association between Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to verify the reliability of the MIP in patients on hemodialysis. In a repeated-measures design, patients on hemodialysis performed MIP and specific HRQoL questionnaire (trial 1). The MIP was repeated after 6 to 8 weeks (trial 2) and reliability was assessed using Intra-class Correlation Coefficient. Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change scores were calculated. Sixty-one individuals (68.9% men) were evaluated in trial 1. MIP was associated with specific domains "Symptoms" (r = 0.45; R2 adjusted = 0.192) and the kidney disease component summary (r = 0.38; R2 adjusted = 0.138). Regarding generic domains, the MIP was associated with "Physical Functioning" (r = 0.57; R2 adjusted = 0.375) and Physical component summary (r = 0.47; R2 adjusted = 0.258). Thirty-three patients were randomly selected to perform a second MIP test (trial 2). The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient was 0.94 (95%CI 0.88–0.97). By Bland-Altman analysis, the bias was 3.2 cmH2O, which represents a difference of 3.7%. The Standard Error of Measurement and Minimal Detectable Change for MIP were 5.9 cmH2O and 13.8 cmH2O, respectively. The MIP is a reliable test, associated with physical domains of HRQoL in patients on hemodialysis. Thus, it is a useful method for respiratory evaluation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the fibromyalgia (FM) content in YouTube videos and verify if American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines are being met. The videos were searched with the keyword "Fibromyalgia." Two independent researchers evaluated and coded specific characteristics of the videos. The popularity of the videos, the presentation properties, and content related to FM according to the ACR criteria were analyzed. Of the 200 videos included, the majority were presented by health professionals, 61.5%. Most videos covered more than one subject, 38.5%. The videos presented by health professionals were the most viewed. Following the ACR guidelines, 38% defined FM, 24% described the etiology, 19.5% described the diagnostic criteria and 52% presented recommended management strategies. The results indicate that users mainly watch videos published by health professionals. Most of the published videos do not follow the information recommended by the ACR guidelines. Therefore, videos should be interpreted with caution, not being the most appropriate resource for health education for patients with FM. Most of the videos published on YouTube about FM do not meet the ACR guidelines for FM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ingestion of carbohydrate (CHO, in the form of maltodextrin) or placebo (PLAC, in the form of gelatin) on the physical performance of cyclists during submaximal exercise until fatigue on an ergometric cycle. Nine volunteers exercised on 2 separate occasions at least 2 days apart. On each occasion, after 48 hours of a balanced diet, they pedaled at approximately 66% [Vo.sub.2]peak until fatigue. Every 15 minutes, 150 mL of water and 18 capsules, containing either 0.5 g of CHO or PLAC (~0.13 g x [kg.sup.-1] of body weight), were ingested in accordance with a double-blind, randomized protocol. The results show that after 40% of total exercise time, blood glucose levels in the CHO test returned to baseline levels. However, in the PLAC trial these levels failed to return to baseline levels, remaining lower than levels recorded in the CHO test after 60% of total exercise time. Despite these results, CHO ingestion failed to delay the onset of fatigue (CHO: 91.8 [+ or -] 10.1 minutes vs. PLAC: 93.3 [+ or -] 16.1 minutes; p = 0.87). In practical terms, coaches and trainers should consider that CHO ingestion in previously fed users does not delay the onset of fatigue during submaximal cycle exercise. KEY WORDS maltodextrin, metabolism, blood glucose, physical performance

The effect of central angiotensin A[T.sub.1]-receptor blockade on thermoregulation in rats during exercise on a treadmill (18 m/min, 5% inclination) was investigated. Core ([T.sub.b]) and skin tail temperatures were measured in rats while they were exercising until fatigue after injection of 2 [micro]l of losartan (Los; 20 nmol, n = 4; 30 nmol, n = 4; 60 nmol, n = 7), an angiotensin II A[T.sub.1]-receptor antagonist, or 2 [micro]l of 0.15 mol/l NaCl (Sal; n = 15) into the right lateral cerebral ventricle. Body heat rate (BHR), heat storage rate, threshold [T.sub.b] for tail vasodilation (T[T.sub.b]V), time to fatigue, and workload were calculated. During exercise, the BHR and heat storage rate of Los-treated animals were, respectively, 40 and 53% higher (P < 0.01) than in Sal-treated animals. Additionally, rats injected with Los showed an increased T[T.sub.b]V (38.59 [+ or -] 0.19[degrees]C for Los vs. 38.12 [+ or -] 0.1[degrees]C for Sal, P < 0.02), a higher [T.sub.b] at fatigue point (39.07 [+ or -] 0.14[degrees]C Los vs. 38.66 [+ or -] 0.07[degrees]C Sal, P < 0.01), and a reduced running performance (27.29 [+ or -] 4.48 min Los vs. 52.47 [+ or -] 6.67 min Sal, P < 0.01), which was closely related to the increased BHR. Our data suggest that A[T.sub.1]-receptor blockade attenuates heat dissipation during exercise due to the higher T[T.sub.b]V, leading to a faster exercise-induced increase in [T.sub.b], thus decreasing running performance. tall vasodilation; fatigue; heat balance doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00038.2006.

To verify the association between Human Activity Profile and functional capacity, functional class and systolic function of the patients with Chagas heart disease (CHD). Sixty-two patients with CHD were evaluated by echocardiography, maximal exercise testing and Human Activity Profile questionnaire. The sample was stratified, according to the values of peak oxygen uptake (low or normal), functional class (symptomatic or asymptomatic), and left ventricular ejection fraction (preserved or systolic dysfunction). Linear regression and two-group comparisons analyses were used. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was used to determine different cutoff values of the Human Activity Profile for low peak oxygen uptake prediction. Peak oxygen uptake was an independent predictor of Human Activity Profile (R2-adjusted = 0.27). Patients with low peak oxygen uptake had lower scores in Human Activity Profile [difference of 6.9 (95%CI 2.5–11.4)] than those with normal peak oxygen uptake. Symptomatic patients also showed lower scores when compared to the asymptomatic [difference of 6.2 (95%CI 1.7–10.8)]. There was no difference between left ventricular ejection fraction classes. The Human Activity Profile score of 76.5 was the optimal cut point value in predicting low peak oxygen uptake (sensitivity = 66.0% and specificity = 71.8%). The Human Activity Profile questionnaire is associated with functional capacity of patients with CHD and is able to identify individuals with low peak oxygen uptake. Functional impairment is one of the most common clinical findings in all stages and is an important predictor of poor prognosis of the Chagas heart disease; A patient-derived measure of functional capacity is potentially useful in the setting of the Chagas heart disease; The Human Activity Profile questionnaire is effective in the identification of patients with Chagas heart disease with functional impairment and may be a valid method for functional evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To investigate the influence of central angiotensin AT1-receptors blockade on metabolic adjustments during graded exercise, Losartan (Los) was intracerebroventricularly injected in rats before running until fatigue. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured (n =6) and blood samples collected (n =7) to determine variations of glucose, lactate and free fatty acids (FFA). Los-rats exhibited a hyperglycemic response, already observed at 20% of maximal work, followed by a higher lactate levels and FFA mobilization from adipose tissue. Despite the reduced total time to fatigue and the higher VO2 associated with reduced mechanical efficiency, exercise led to the attainment of similar levels of effort in both groups. In summary, central AT1-receptor blockade during graded exercise induces hyperglycemia and higher FFA mobilization from adipose tissue at low exercise intensities in rats running at the same absolute exercise intensity. These data suggest that the central angiotensinergic system is involved in metabolic adjustments during exercise since central blockade of AT1-receptors shifts energy balance during graded exercise, similarly to situations of higher and premature sympathetic activation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of central angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade on metabolic rate and running performance in rats during exercise on a treadmill (18m×min−1, 5% inclination) was investigated. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured, using the indirect calorimetry system, while the animals were exercising until fatigue after injection of 2μL of losartan (Los; 60nmol, n =9), an angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist, or 2μL of 0.15M NaCl (Sal, n =9) into the right lateral cerebral ventricle. Mechanical efficiency (ME) and workload (W) were calculated. The W performance by Los-treated animals was 29% lesser than in Sal-treated animals (p <0.02). During the first 10min of exercise (dynamic state of exercise), there was a similar increase in VO2, while ME remained the same in both groups. Thereafter (steady state of exercise), VO2 remained stable in the Sal group but continued to increase and stabilized at a higher level in Los-treated animals until fatigue. During the steady state of exercise there was a sharper reduction in ME in Los-treated rats compared to Sal-treated animals (p <0.01) that was closely correlated to W (r =0.74; p <0.01). Our data showed that AT1 receptor blockade increases metabolic cost during exercise, reducing mechanical efficiency. These results indicate that central angiotensinergic transmission modulates heat production, improving ME during the steady state of exercise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]