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There is lack of consensus on whether sex, per se, affects heart rate recovery (HRR). To discriminate between the role of sex and that of cardiovascular fitness on HRR, we compared two groups of male and female participants matched for age and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) percentile. Forty healthy individuals with above-average cardiovascular fitness (VO2peak >50th percentile), aged 18–27 years (23 men; 17 women), performed maximal cycle-ergometer tests with cardiorespiratory measurements. HRR was obtained at 1 and 2 min of passive recovery. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine whether the relationship between VO2peak and HRR differed between sexes. Men attained greater peak values for VO2 and work rate (p 50th percentile), there is no sexual dimorphism in HRR obtained at 1 or 2 min of recovery. It also demonstrates that, in persons with similar VO2peak values, HRR obtained at 2 min of peak exercise cessation is affected by sex.

International audience; ObjectivesNeurodynamic techniques are often used to treat people with sciatica pain, but their mechanical effects on the sciatic nerve are unknown. Shear wave elastography (SWE) has been shown to effectively estimate the stiffness of peripheral nerves in real time. The aim of this study was to use SWE to assess the effects of slump neurodynamics in the sciatic stiffness of people with sciatica.MethodsSixteen participants volunteered for this study. The sciatic stiffness of 8 patients with unilateral chronic sciatica and 8 healthy control participants was measured by SWE, with the participants in a prone position and during a dynamic condition (ie, ankle dorsiflexion). These measurements were performed before and immediately after the neurodynamic intervention, which consisted of a static slump position applied to the symptomatic limb of the patients with sciatica and in a randomly chosen limb of the healthy participants.ResultsThe 8 patients with sciatica included 6 male and 2 female patients, and the 8 healthy control participants included 5 male and 3 female volunteers. Slump neurodynamics resulted in an immediate decrease in the sciatic nerve stiffness of the symptomatic limb in people with sciatica by 16.1% (effect size = 0.65; P = .019). The intervention showed no significant changes in the sciatic nerve stiffness of the healthy participants (effect size = 0.05; P = .754).ConclusionsSlump neurodynamics have the potential of decreasing the sciatic nerve stiffness in people with sciatica, and this effect can be quantified by SWE, which may provide valuable information for health professionals.

Objectives—The purpose of this study was to determine whether sciatic nerve stiffness is altered in people with chronic low back–related leg pain by using shear wave elastography. Methods—In this cross-sectional study, the sciatic nerve shear wave velocity (ie, an index of stiffness) was measured in both legs of 16 participants (8 with unilateral low back–related leg pain and 8 healthy controls). Sciatic stiffness was measured during a passive ankle dorsiflexion motion performed at 28/s in an isokinetic dynamometer. The ankle range of motion and passive torque, as well as muscle activity, were also measured. Results—In people with low back–related leg pain, the affected limb showed higher sciatic nerve stiffness compared to the unaffected limb (111.3%; P5.05). However, no differences were observed between the unaffected limb of people with low back–related leg pain and the healthy controls (P5.34). Conclusions—People with chronic low back–related leg pain have interlimb differences in sciatic nerve stiffness, as measured by a safe and noninvasive method: shear wave elastography. The changes found may be related to alterations in nerve mechanical properties, which should be confirmed by future investigations. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Static stretching with rest between repetitions is often performed to acutely increase joint flexibility.Purpose:To test the effects of the lack of resting between stretching repetitions and the minimal number of stretching repetitions required to change the maximal range of motion (ROM), maximal tolerated joint passive torque (MPT), and submaximal passive torque at a given angle (PT).Methods:Five static stretching repetitions with a 30-s rest-interval (RI) and a no-rest-interval (NRI) stretching protocol were compared. Participants (N = 47) were encouraged to perform the maximal ROM without pain in all the repetitions. Each repetition lasted 90 s. Maximal ROM, MPT, PT, and muscle activity were compared between protocols for the same number of stretching repetitions.Results:The NRI produced a higher increase in maximal ROM and MPT during and after stretching (P < .05). PT decreased in both protocols, although the NRI tended to have a lower decrement across different submaximal angles (.05 < P < .08) in the initial range of the torque-angle curve. Significant changes in maximal ROM (P < .01) and PT (P < .01) were obtained at the 3rd and 2nd repetitions of RI, respectively. The RI did not significantly increase the MPT (P = .12) after stretching; only the NRI did (P < .01).Conclusions:Lack of rest between repetitions more efficiently increased the maximal ROM and capacity to tolerate PT during and after stretching. The use of 30 s rest between repetitions potentiates the decrease in PT. Rest intervals should not be used if the aim is to acutely increase maximal ROM and peak passive torque.

The aim of this study was to compare the oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) kinetics in front crawl between male and female swimmers at moderate and heavy intensity. We hypothesized that the time constant for the primary phase [Formula: see text] kinetics was faster in men than in women, for both intensities. Nineteen well trained swimmers (8 females mean ± SD; age 17.9 ± 3.5 years; mass 55.2 ± 3.6 kg; height 1.66 ± 0.05 m and 11 male 21.9 ± 2.8 years; 78.2 ± 11.1 kg; 1.81 ± 0.08 m) performed a discontinuous maximal incremental test and two 600-m square wave transitions for both moderate and heavy intensities to determine the [Formula: see text] kinetics parameters using mono- and bi-exponential models, respectively. All the tests involved breath-by-breath analysis of front crawl swimming using a swimming snorkel. The maximal oxygen uptake [Formula: see text] was higher in men than in women [4,492 ± 585 ml·min(-1) and 57.7 ± 4.4 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1) vs. 2,752.4 ± 187.9 ml·min(-1) (p ≤ 0.001) and 50.0 ± 5.7 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1)(p = 0.007), respectively]. Similarly, the absolute amplitude of the primary component was higher in men for both intensities (moderate: 1,736 ± 164 vs. 1,121 ± 149 ml·min(-1); heavy: 2,948 ± 227 vs. 1,927 ± 243 ml·min(-1), p ≤ 0.001, for males and females, respectively). However, the time constant of the primary component (τp) was not influenced by sex (p = 0.527) or swimming intensity (p = 0.804) (moderate: 15.1 ± 5.6 vs. 14.4 ± 5.1 s; heavy: 13.5 ± 3.3 vs. 16.0 ± 4.5 s, for females and males, respectively). The slow component in the heavy domain was not significantly different between female and male swimmers (3.2 ± 2.4 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), p = 0.476). Overall, only the absolute amplitude of the primary component was higher in men, while the other [Formula: see text] kinetics parameters were similar between female and male swimmers at both moderate and heavy intensities. The mechanisms underlying these similarities remain unclear.

Information regarding the effects of stretching intensity on the joint torque-angle response is scarce. The present study examined the effects of three static stretching protocols with different intensities and durations on the passive knee extension torque-angle response of seventeen male participants (age ± SD: 23.9 ± 3.6 years, height: 177.0 ± 7.2 cm, BMI: 22.47 ± 1.95 kg · m(2)). The stretching intensity was determined according to the maximal tolerable torque of the first repetition: fifty per cent (P50), seventy-five per cent (P75) and the maximum intensity without pain (P100). Five repetitions were performed for each protocol. The stretch duration of each repetition was 90, 135 and 180 s for P100, P75 and P50, respectively. The rest period between repetitions was 30 s. Passive torque at a given angle, angle, stress relaxation, area under the curve, surface electromyography activity and visual analogue scale score were compared. The significant (P < 0.05) results found were as follows: (i) the P50 and P75 did not increase the angle and passive peak torque outcomes, despite more time under stretch; (ii) only the P100 increased the angle and passive peak torque outcomes; (iii) the perception of stretching intensity mainly changed depending on knee angle changes, and not passive torque; (iv) the P50 induced a higher passive torque decrease; (v) when protocols were compared for the same time under stretch, the torque decrease was similar; (vi) the change in torque-angle curve shape was different depending on the stretching protocol. In conclusion, higher stretch duration seems to be a crucial factor for passive torque decrease and higher stretch intensity for maximum angle increase.

This study aimed to determine the influence of the head, upper trunk, and foot position on the passive knee extension (PKE) torque-angle response. PKE tests were performed in 10 healthy subjects using an isokinetic dynamometer at 2°/s. Subjects lay in the supine position with their hips flexed to 90°. The knee angle, passive torque, surface electromyography (EMG) of the semitendinosus and quadriceps vastus medialis, and stretch discomfort were recorded in six body positions during PKE. The different maximal active positions of the cervical spine (neutral; flexion; extension), thoracic spine (neutral; flexion), and ankle (neutral; dorsiflexion) were passively combined for the tests. Visual analog scale scores and EMG were unaffected by body segment positioning. An effect of the ankle joint was verified on the peak torque and knee maximum angle when the ankle was in the dorsiflexion position (P

The aim of this study was to compare the EMG patterns of trunk muscles throughout the golf swing, performed with two different clubs, and also to describe the activity patterns in the average golfer. Nine male golfers performed ten swings using the pitching wedge and the 4-iron, alternately. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from trunk muscles of both sides: rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), erector spinae (ES) and gluteus maximus (GM). 3D high-speed video analysis was used for determination of golf swing phases. Muscles had their highest activation during the forward swing and acceleration phases. The highest mean activation regarding the maximal EMG (EMGMAX), was found in the right EO (59–67% EMGMAX) and in the GM of the trailing leg (62–72% EMGMAX). In the majority of the cases and phases, trunk muscles showed higher mean values of EMG activation when golfers performed with 4-iron club. However, no club effect was verified in trunk muscles.

Previous studies have used isokinetic dynamometry to assess joint torques and angles during passive extension of the knee, often without reporting upon methodological errors and reliability outcomes. In addition, the reliability of the techniques used to measure passive knee extension torque-angle and the extent to which reliability may be affected by the position of the subjects is also unclear. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of the intra- and inter-session reliability of two methods of assessing passive knee extension: (A) a 2D kinematic analysis coupled to a custom-made device that enabled the direct measurement of resistance to stretch and (B) an isokinetic dynamometer used in two testing positions (with the non-tested thigh either flexed at 45° or in the neutral position). The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of torque, the slope of the torque-angle curve, and the parameters of the mathematical model that were fit to the torque-angle data for the above conditions were measured in sixteen healthy male subjects (age: 21.4 ± 2.1 yr; BMI: 22.6 ± 3.3 kg m(-2); tibial length: 37.4 ± 3.4 cm). The results found were: (1) methods A and B led to distinctly different torque-angle responses; (2) passive torque-angle relationship and stretch tolerance were influenced by the position of the non-tested thigh; and (3) ICCs obtained for torque were higher than for the slope and for the mathematical parameters that were fit to the torque-angle curve. In conclusion, the measurement method that is used and the positioning of subjects can influence the passive knee extension torque-angle outcome.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether V ˙ O 2 kinetics and specifically, the time constant of transitions from rest to heavy (τpH) and severe (τpS) exercise intensities, are related to middle distance swimming performance. Design Fourteen highly trained male swimmers (mean ± SD: 20.5 ± 3.0 yr; 75.4 ± 12.4 kg; 1.80 ± 0.07 m) performed an discontinuous incremental test, as well as square wave transitions for heavy and severe swimming intensities, to determine V ˙ O 2 kinetics parameters using two exponential functions. Methods All the tests involved front-crawl swimming with breath-by-breath analysis using the Aquatrainer swimming snorkel. Endurance performance was recorded as the time taken to complete a 400 m freestyle swim within an official competition (T400), one month from the date of the other tests. Results T400 (Mean ± SD) (251.4 ± 12.4 s) was significantly correlated with τpH (15.8 ± 4.8 s; r = 0.62; p = 0.02) and τpS (15.8 ± 4.7 s; r = 0.61; p = 0.02). The best single predictor of 400 m freestyle time, out of the variables that were assessed, was the velocity at V ˙ O 2 max v V ˙ O 2 max , which accounted for 80% of the variation in performance between swimmers. However, τpH and V ˙ O 2 max were also found to influence the prediction of T400 when they were included in a regression model that involved respiratory parameters only. Conclusions Faster kinetics during the primary phase of the V ˙ O 2 response is associated with better performance during middle-distance swimming. However, v V ˙ O 2 max appears to be a better predictor of T400.

Background: Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to sensory and motor polyneuropathies, and functional limitations. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for FAP, requiring medication that negatively affects bone and muscle metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare body composition, levels of specific strength, level of physical disability risk, and functional capacity of transplanted FAP patients (FAPTx) with a group of healthy individuals (CON). Methods: A group of patients with 48 FAPTx (28 men, 20 women) was compared with 24 CON individuals (14 men, 10 women). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and total skeletal muscle mass (TBSMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were calculated. Handgrip strength was measured for both hands as was isometric strength of quadriceps. Muscle quality (MQ) was ascertained by the ratio of strength to muscle mass. Functional capacity was assessed by the six-minute walk test. Results: Patients with FAPTx had significantly lower functional capacity, weight, body mass index, total fat mass, TBSMM, SMI, lean mass, muscle strength, MQ, and bone mineral density. Conclusion: Patients with FAPTx appear to be at particularly high risk of functional disability, suggesting an important role for an early and appro- priately designed rehabilitation program.

The responses to supramaximal exercise testing have been traditionally analyzed by means of standard parametric and nonparametric statistics. Unfortunately, these statistical approaches do not allow insight into the pattern of variation of a given parameter over time. The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of dynamic factor analysis (DFA) allowed discriminating different patterns of power output (PO), during supramaximal exercise, in two groups of children engaged in competitive sports: swimmers and soccer players. Data derived from Wingate testing were used in this study. Analyses were performed on epochs (30 s) of upper and lower body PO obtained from twenty two healthy boys (11 swimmers and 11 soccer players) age 11–12 years old. DFA revealed two distinct patterns of PO during Wingate. Swimmers tended to attain their peak PO (upper and lower body) earlier than soccer players. As importantly, DFA showed that children with a given pattern of upper body PO tend to perform similarly during lower body exercise.

This study compared the validity of reported equations as predictors of peak VO(2) in 8-10-year-old children. Participants (90 boys and girls aged 8-10 years) performed the multistage-shuttle-run-test (MSRT) and peak VO(2) was measured in field using a portable gas analyser. The equations that estimated peak VO(2) from the MSRT performance were chosen according to the age range of this study. As follows, the FITNESSGRAM reports and the equations of Leger et al. (Can J Appl Sport Sci 5: 77-84, 1988), Barnett et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 5:42-50, 1993), Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113-125, 2004) and Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602-612, 1998) were used to estimate the peak VO(2) and compared with the directly measured value. The equation of Leger et al. (Can J Appl Sport Sci 5: 77-84, 1988) provided a mean difference (d) of 4.7 ml kg(-1) min(-1) and a 1.0 slope. The equation of Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113-125, 2004)(a) using maximal speed (MS) showed a higher d (5.4) than the remaining using total laps d (4.2). The equation of Barnett et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 5:42-50, 1993)(a) that includes triceps skinfold and MS showed the highest d (6.1) but the smallest range (24.1) and slope (0.6). Data from the FITNESSGRAM had the smallest d (1.8 ml kg(-1) min(-1)), but also had the highest range between limits of agreement (28.6 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) and a 1.2 slope. The lowest slope (0.4) and range (22.2 ml kg(-1) min(-1)) were observed using the equation of Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602-612, 1998). Log transformation of the data revealed that the equations of Matsuzaka et al. (Pediatr Exerc Sci 16:113-125, 2004)(a) (1.1*/÷1.25) and Fernhall et al. (Am J Ment Retard 102:602-612, 1998) (1.17*/÷1.25) showed the closest agreement among all, but they still yield unsatisfactory accuracy.

This study examined whether a high-intensity, moderate-duration bout of stretching would produce the same acute effects as a low-intensity, long-duration bout of stretching. 17 volunteers performed 2 knee-flexor stretching protocols: a high-intensity stretch (i. e., 100% of maximum tolerable passive torque) with a moderate duration (243.5 ± 69.5-s); and a low-intensity stretch (50% of tolerable passive torque) with a long duration (900-s). Passive torque at a given sub-maximal angle, peak passive torque, maximal range of motion (ROM), and muscle activity were assessed before and after each stretching protocol (at intervals of 1, 30 and 60 min). The maximal ROM and tolerable passive torque increased for all time points following the high-intensity stretching (p0.05), but not after the low-intensity protocol (p0.05). 1 min post-stretching, the passive torque decreased in both protocols, but to a greater extent in the low-intensity protocol. 30 min post-test, torque returned to baseline for the low-intensity protocol and had increased above the baseline for the high-intensity stretches. The following can be concluded: 1) High-intensity stretching increases the maximal ROM and peak passive torque compared to low-intensity stretching; 2) low-intensity, long-duration stretching is the best way to acutely decrease passive torque; and 3) high-intensity, moderate-duration stretching increases passive torque above the baseline 30 min after stretching.

The purpose of this study was to understand the ventilatory and physiological responses immediately below and above the maximal lactate steady-state (MLSS) velocity and to determine the relationship of oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2) kinetics parameters with performance, in swimmers. Competitive athletes (N = 12) completed in random order and on different days a 400-m all-out test, an incremental step test comprising 5 × 250- and 1 × 200-m stages and 30 minutes at a constant swimming velocity (SV) at 87.5, 90, and 92.5% of the maximal aerobic velocity for MLSS velocity (MLSSv) determination. Two square-wave transitions of 500 m, 2.5% above and below the MLSSv were completed to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O2 on-kinetics. End-exercise V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at 97.5 and 102.5% of MLSSv represented, respectively, 81 and 97% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max; the latter was not significantly different from maximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). The V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at MLSSv (49.3 ± 9.2 ml·kg-1·min-1) was not significantly different from the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) (51.3 ± 7.6 ml·kg-1·min-1). The velocity associated with MLSS seems to be accurately estimated by the SV at VT2 (vVT2), and vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max also seems to be estimated with accuracy from the central 300-m mean velocity of a 400-m trial, indicators that represent a helpful tool for coaches. The 400-m swimming performance (T400) was correlated with the time constant of the primary phase V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics ([tau]p) at 97.5% MLSSv, and T800 was correlated with [tau]p in both 97.5 and 102.5% of MLSSv. The assessment of the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 kinetics in swimming can help coaches to build training sets according to a swimmer�s individual physiological response.

Background Liver transplantation is nowadays the only effective answer to adjourn the outcome of functional limitations associated with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by sensory and motor polyneuropathies. Nevertheless, there is a detrimental impact associated with the after-surgery period on the fragile physical condition of these patients. Exercise training has been proven to be effective on reconditioning patients after transplantation. However, the effects of exercise training in liver transplanted FAP patients have not been scrutinized yet. Methods The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 24-week exercise training program (supervised or home-based) on body composition, muscle strength, and walking capacity of liver transplanted FAP patients. To fulfill this goal, a sample corresponding to 33% of all FAP patients who undergone a liver transplantation in the area of Lisbon between January 2006 and December 2008 were followed over time. Three evaluation periods were accomplished: M1 (pre-exercise training period), M2 (immediate post-exercise training period), and M3 (24 weeks after M2). The former allowed an assessment of the impact of detraining in these patients. Results The exercise training program improved body composition (lean mass and total body skeletal muscle mass), weight, and walking capacity. The improvements were more pronounced within the patients with supervised exercise training compared with the patients on the home-based program. In general, the benefits of the exercise training perdure even after a 24-week detraining period. Conclusions Exercise training results in significant improvements on the physical condition of liver transplanted FAP patients.

The application of ergonomics in product design is essential to its accessibility and usability. The development of manual devices should be based on ergonomic principles. Effort perception analysis is an essential approach to understand the physical and subjective aspects of the interface. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effort perception during a simulated task with different door handles by Portuguese subjects of both genders and different ages. This transversal study agreed with ethical aspects. 180 subjects of both genders pertaining to three age groups have participated. Five door handles with different shapes were evaluated. A subjective numeric rating scale of 5 levels was used to evaluate the effort. For statisti- cal analysis it was applied the Friedman non-parametric test. The results have showed no significant differences of effort per- ception in door handles "A" and "B"; "A" and "D"; and "D" and "C". Door handle "E" presented the lowest values of all. In general, there's an inverse relationship between the results of biomechanical studies and the effort perception of the same task activity. This shows that door handles design influence directly these two variables and can interfere in the accessibility and usability of these kinds of products.

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Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to sensory and motor polyneuropathies, and functional limitations. Liver transplantation is the only treatment for FAP, requiring medication that negatively affects bone and muscle metabolism. The aim of this study was to compare body composition, levels of specific strength, level of physical disability risk, and functional capacity of transplanted FAP patients (FAPTx) with a group of healthy individuals (CON).A group of patients with 48 FAPTx (28 men, 20 women) was compared with 24 CON individuals (14 men, 10 women). Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and total skeletal muscle mass (TBSMM) and skeletal muscle index (SMI) were calculated. Handgrip strength was measured for both hands as was isometric strength of quadriceps. Muscle quality (MQ) was ascertained by the ratio of strength to muscle mass. Functional capacity was assessed by the six-minute walk test.Patients with FAPTx had significantly lower functional capacity, weight, body mass index, total fat mass, TBSMM, SMI, lean mass, muscle strength, MQ, and bone mineral density.Patients with FAPTx appear to be at particularly high risk of functional disability, suggesting an important role for an early and appropriately designed rehabilitation program.

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