Search

Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder that affects many women. Constant treatments and contraception changes affect women looking for solutions to treat and limit the problems caused by endometriosis. The current narrative review discusses the effects of physical activity on the management, pain, and quality of life in patients with endometriosis. Findings suggest that body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga, the Jacobson method, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life associated with endometriosis. It also highlights the current knowledge gap on available evidence and future research. Moreover, care must be taken when considering patients' physical abilities and goals and avoiding intense physical activities. The forms of endometriosis and its symptoms vary from one woman to another, so it is important to perform studies with various nonmedicinal or surgical techniques. It is important to continue randomized controlled trials to obtain more data on the benefits of physical activity in women with endometriosis and also to identify what types of activities could be beneficial to combat pain symptoms and improve the daily lives of women with endometriosis. Synopsis: Body awareness practices such as Hatha yoga, the Jacobson method, and progressive muscle relaxation reduce pain and stress and improve the quality of life in women with endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between foot kinematics and the development of lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) has been the focus of recent attention. However, most studies evaluated static foot type and not dynamic foot function. The purpose was to compare lower limb and foot kinematics, and plantar pressures during gait in physically active individuals with pronated and non‐pronated foot function. Foot function in 154 adult participants was documented as pronated (n = 63) or neutral (n = 91) using 2 established methods: The Foot Posture Index and the Center of Pressure Excursion Index. Difference between the groups in triplanar motion of the lower limb during barefoot gait was evaluated using a 3D motion capture system incorporating the Oxford Foot Model. Dynamic parameters of plantar pressure were recorded using a pressure platform. Anterior‐posterior pelvic tilt range of motion (ROM), peak knee internal rotation, forefoot dorsiflexion ROM, peak forefoot abduction, and rearfoot eversion were all increased in those with pronated foot function. Hallux contact time and time to peak force under the medial forefoot were increased with pronated foot function, and maximal force under the lateral forefoot was reduced. Pronated foot function affected the whole lower limb kinematic chain during gait. These kinematic alterations could increase the risk of developing MSD. Further studies should elucidate the relationship between pronated foot function and MSD, and, if confirmed, foot function should be evaluated in clinical practice for patients with lower limb and low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke survivors can experience various consequences that affect their physical and psychological balance. Yoga seems to be relevant for this population as it allows to work on both the body and the mind. The first objective of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of yoga compared with conventional physical activity in improving physical function in patients with chronic post-stroke sequelae. The secondary objective was to investigate the superiority of yoga in improving the mental health of these patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients were randomized into two groups to practice a yoga program (YOG'AVC) or the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program. Patients were assessed in a blinding mode pre- (T0) and post-program (T1) and 3–4 months after completion (T2). The physical assessments were the Berg Balance Scale, timed up and go test, 6-minute walk test, and quadriceps strength measured by hand-held dynamometer. Questionnaire assessments were: Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale–Simplified, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory, and the Reintegration to Normal Living Index. Results: The YOG'AVC program was not inferior to the FAME program in improving balance, functional mobility and muscle strength. Both groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) between T0 and T1 in their anxiety, depression, and reintegration to normal life scores, with no significant difference between groups. Discussion: Both programs seem to be valuable in improving the physical abilities and psychological well-being of chronic post-stroke patients. However, further studies are required to confirm the difference between these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La fatigue est considérée comme chronique lorsqu'elle dure plus de 6 mois et qu'elle n'est pas améliorée par le repos. L'évaluation de la fatigue chronique (FC) reste difficile, les outils existants sont soit trop généraux, soit élaborés pour une pathologie spécifique. Associée ou non à une autre maladie chronique, elle constitue un phénomène complexe, multidimensionnel et subjectif expliquant le manque de consensus sur sa définition. L'objectif est d'explorer l'expérience des patients afin de construire une échelle d'autoévaluation de la FC. Trente et une personnes (neuf patients souffrant d'encéphalomyélite myalgique, douze patients ayant une maladie inflammatoire chronique de l'intestin et dix participants tout-venant) ont été interrogées sur la reconnaissance, la description et le vécu de leur fatigue. Leurs discours ont été étudiés par une analyse lexicométrique et une analyse phénoménologique interprétative. Les résultats ont montré des discours significativement différents entre les groupes cliniques et les participants tout-venant. En revanche, les deux groupes de patients présentent quatre dimensions communes : contraintes générées par la FC, conséquences physiques, conséquences sur la vie personnelle et conséquences sur les relations interpersonnelles. Ces dimensions suggèrent que le vécu des patients est plus complexe que ce qu'évaluent les outils existants. Ainsi, ces résultats plaident en faveur de l'élaboration d'une échelle d'évaluation de l'asthénie chronique construite à partir de l'expérience des participants. Asthenia is considered chronic when it extends over time for more than six months and remains unresolved by rest. Currently, chronic asthenia is difficult to assess as the existing scales are either too generic or, conversely, designed for asthenia associated with a specific pathology that hinders the correct evaluation of the associated fatigue. This is, however, problematic when it comes to chronic asthenia – whether or not it is associated with other chronic diseases – because it constitutes complex, multidimensional and largely subjective phenomena, all of which account for the lack of consensus in the literature about this condition. Therefore, any elaboration of a tool designed to evaluate fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) requires a thorough exploration of the patients' experience of this condition. This was precisely the main goal of the present study. Semi-structured interviews were collected from 31 individuals: a group of patients with ME (n = 9), a group of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, n = 12), and a group of control participants (n = 10), in which fourteen men with a mean age of 39.33 (±11.30) and seventeen women with a mean age of 43.5 (±12.8). The interviews focused on their perception of their relatives' fatigue and the description of their own fatigue. For the two groups of patients (ME, IBD), two additional themes were discussed: the evolution of their fatigue and their relationships with healthcare professionals. Two methods were used to analyze these interviews: lexicometric analysis (using IRaMuTeQ software) and an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). This choice of combining quantitative and qualitative methods limits the subjectivity in discourse analysis. The lexicometric analysis revealed a significantly different content of discourse depending on the group of participants. The discourse of control participants focused on "normal" fatigue, which results from daily activities and can be resolved with rest. The IBD group emphasized the importance of the quality of sleep, the necessity of more frequent rest and fatigue-related pain. Finally, the discourse of participants in the ME group focused on the intensity of the manifestations of fatigue and the unpredictability of the need for rest which affects their everyday life. The interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed six major themes: origins of fatigue, different types of asthenias, its manifestations, its consequences, recovery time, and relationships with healthcare professionals. For all these themes, the discourses of ME group suggested a more intense and unpredictable fatigue than was the case for the two other groups. Taken together, the two types of analyses converged toward four common dimensions of fatigue that are experienced by the two groups of patients (as compared to the control group): constraints generated by chronic fatigue, consequences for their physical condition, their personal life, and their interpersonal relationships. These four dimensions appeared in the discourses of both patient groups, but the expressions about their fatigue and the relative impact were different. This study demonstrated that the experience of chronic asthenia is more complex than what can be assessed using existing specific tools, but also more specific than the dimensions of fatigue comprised in generic tools. These findings, therefore, confirmed the necessity for the developments of prospective assessment scales of chronic asthenia that take into account the patients' subjective experience of fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subacromial shoulder pain syndrome is a very common and challenging musculoskeletal disorder. Kinematics, electromyographic muscle activity and isokinetic dynamometry are promising non-invasive movement analysis tools to improve understanding of this condition. No review has combined their results to provide a better understanding of the effects of subacromial pain syndrome on shoulder movement. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the associations between exposure to shoulder pain due to subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement and changes in shoulder movement measures. The databases were Scholar google, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus and the Cochrane Library. We included studies that observed the association of the presence of subacromial pain syndromes or subacromial impingement with changes in shoulder motion measures. Seventeen studies with 943 participants were included. The main kinematic change was a lower scapular posterior during abduction in the subacromial pain syndrome group with a "low" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = −0.61, 95% confidence interval [−0.80; −0.43]). The main electromyographic change was an earlier onset of activation of the upper trapezius in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a "moderate" level of evidence (standardised mean difference = 1.01, 95% confidence interval: [−2.97; 0.96]). The main isokinetic change was a lower peak internal rotator torque in the subacromial pain syndrome group, with a 'low' level of evidence (standardised mean difference = −0.41, 95% confidence interval: [−0.53; −0.29]). The variables measured during movement are associated with subacromial pain syndrome or subacromial impingement syndrome. Consistency between the results supports the importance of scapula biomechanics measurements in these conditions. • Subacromial pain syndrome changes shoulder movements. • Global changes come from motor redistribution related to pain processing. • Rehabilitation of this condition should increase focus on motor abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article proposes solutions to the physical fitness challenge associated with preparation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. It discusses the correlation of sleep quality, stress and levels of exposure to training loads with a player's physical fitness status. Recommendations for players' preparation include increase in training load during the national training camp, communication between club medical and technical staff to reduce injury incidence and external workload management.

Background: Ageing is accompanied by decreases in physical capacity and physiological regulatory mechanisms including altered hormonal regulation compared with age-matched sedentary people. The potential benefits of exercise in restoring such altered hormone production and secretion compared to age-matched physically inactive individuals who are ageing remains unclear. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the findings of exercise training in modulating levels of ostensibly anabolic and catabolic hormones in adults aged > 40 years. Methods: We searched the following electronic databases (to July 2021) without a period limit: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search for published studies in Google Scholar was conducted for analysis of the 'grey literature' (information produced outside of traditional commercial or academic publishing and distribution channels). The initial search used the terms 'ageing' OR 'advanced age' OR 'old people' OR 'older' OR elderly' AND 'anabolic hormones' OR 'catabolic hormones' OR 'steroid hormones' OR 'sex hormones' OR 'testosterone' OR 'cortisol' OR 'insulin' OR 'insulin-like growth factor-1' OR 'IGF-1' OR 'sex hormone-binding globulin' OR 'SHBG' OR 'growth hormone' OR 'hGH' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone' OR 'DHEA' OR 'dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)' AND 'exercise training' OR 'endurance training' OR 'resistance training' OR ' strength training' OR 'weight-lifting' OR 'high-intensity interval training' OR 'high-intensity interval exercise' OR 'high-intensity intermittent training' OR 'high-intensity intermittent exercise' OR 'interval aerobic training' OR 'interval aerobic exercise' OR 'intermittent aerobic training' OR 'intermittent aerobic exercise' OR 'high-intensity training' OR 'high-intensity exercise' OR 'sprint interval training' OR 'sprint interval exercise' OR 'combined exercise training' OR 'anaerobic training'. Only eligible full texts in English or French were considered for analysis. Results: Our search identified 484 records, which led to 33 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Different exercise training programs were used with nine studies using endurance training programs, ten studies examining the effects of high-intensity interval training, and 14 studies investigating the effects of resistance training. Most training programs lasted ≥ 2 weeks. Studies, regardless of the design, duration or intensity of exercise training, reported increases in testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), human growth hormone (hGH) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (effect size: 0.19 < d < 3.37, small to very large) in both older males and females. However, there was no consensus on the effects of exercise on changes in cortisol and insulin in older adults. Conclusion: In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that exercise training increases basal levels of testosterone, IGF-1, SHBG, hGH and DHEA in both male and females over 40 years of age. The increases in blood levels of these hormones were independent of the mode, duration and intensity of the training programs. However, the effects of long-term exercise training on cortisol and insulin levels in elderly people are less clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of present study is to investigate the effects of walk training with and without blood flow restriction (BFR and no-BFR) on lipid profiles, inflammatory and haematological factors in over-weighed men. Participants were divided into BFR (n = 9) or no-BFR (n = 9) groups. Both groups were exposed to 8-week walk training on a treadmill: 3 sessions/week at a speed of 50 m/min, 5 sets × 2 min/session. There were differences in pre- to post-levels of (TG) and fibrinogen in the BFR group (p ≤ 0.05) that were accompanied by changes in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB) and haematocrit (HCT) levels (p ≤ 0.05). RBC levels were increased in the BFR group (p ≤ 0.05). The groups differed in their mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). These findings suggest the efficiency of BFR walk training in individuals exposed to chronic diseases associated with overweight, such as metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Animal and human studies have shown that repeated heating may induce skeletal muscle adaptations, increasing muscle strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of localized heating on skeletal muscle strength, volume and contractile properties in healthy humans.Methods: Fifteen active participants (8 males/7 females, 35 ± 6 years, 70 ± 14 kg, 173 ± 7 cm, average training of 87 min per week) were subjected to 6 weeks of single-leg heat therapy. Heat pads were applied for 8 h/day, 5 days/week, on one randomly selected calf of each participant, while the contralateral leg acted as control. The heat pads increased muscle temperature by 4.6 ± 1.2 °C (p < 0.001). Every 2 weeks, participants were tested for morphological (MRI), architectural (ultrasound), contractile (electrically evoked twitch), and force (isometric and isokinetic) adaptations.Results: Repeated localized heating did not affect the cross-sectional area (p = 0.873) or pennation angle (p = 0.345) of the gastrocnemius muscles; did not change the evoked peak twitch amplitude (p = 0.574) or rate of torque development (p = 0.770) of the plantar flexors; and did not change maximal voluntary isometric (p = 0.214) or isokinetic (p = 0.973) plantar flexor torque.Conclusion: Whereas previous studies have observed improved skeletal muscle function following whole-body and localized heating in active and immobilized humans, respectively, the current data suggested that localized heating may not be a potent stimulus for muscle adaptations in active humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sangnier, S, Cotte, T, Brachet, O, Coquart, J, and Tourny, C. Planning training workload in football using small-sided games density. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2801-2811, 2019-To develop the physical qualities, the small-sided games' (SSGs) density may be essential in soccer. Small-sided games are games in which the pitch size, players' number, and rules are different to those for traditional soccer matches. The purpose was to assess the relation between training workload and SSGs' density. The 33 densities data (41 practice games and 3 full games) were analyzed through global positioning system (GPS) data collected from 25 professional soccer players (80.7 +/- 7.0 kg; 1.83 +/- 0.05 m; 26.4 +/- 4.9 years). From total distance, distance metabolic power, sprint distance, and acceleration distance, the data GPS were divided into 4 categories: endurance, power, speed, and strength. Statistical analysis compared the relation between GPS values and SSGs' densities, and 3 methods were applied to assess models (R-squared, root-mean-square error, and Akaike information criterion). The results suggest that all the GPS data match the player's essential athletic skills. They were all correlated with the game's density. Acceleration distance, deceleration distance, metabolic power, and total distance followed a logarithmic regression model, whereas distance and number of sprints follow a linear regression model. The research reveals options to monitor the training workload. Coaches could anticipate the load resulting from the SSGs and adjust the field size to the players' number. Taking into account the field size during SSGs enables coaches to target the most favorable density for developing expected physical qualities. Calibrating intensity during SSGs would allow coaches to assess each athletic skill in the same conditions of intensity as in the competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the authors of the article "Submaximal, Perceptually Regulated Exercise Testing Predicts Maximal Oxygen Uptake: A Meta-Analysis Study" in the 2016 issue is presented.

This study investigates the physiological/physical responses to a simulated mixed martial arts (MMA) competition over 24 hours. Twelve fighters performed a simulated MMA competition, consisting of three 5-minute MMA matches. Physiological/physical data were assessed before (Trest), directly after round 1 (Trd1), round 2 (Trd2) and round 3 (Trd3), and then 30 minutes (Trecovery30min) and 24 hours (Trecovery24h) post competition. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood lactate concentration ([La-]) were assessed at Trest, Trd1, Trd2, and Trd3. Biological data were collected at Trest, Trd3, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h. Physical tests were performed at Trest, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h. HR, RPE, and [La-] were high during competition. Leukocytes, hemoglobin, total protein, and glycemia were increased at Trd3 compared with all other time points (p ≤ 0.05). Cortisol was increased at Trd3 compared with Trest and Trecovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Testosterone was higher at Trd3 and Trecovery30min than Trest (p < 0.001). Higher values of uric acid were noted during recovery periods (p < 0.001). Lactate dehydrogenase was lower at Trest compared with Trd3, Trecovery30min, and Trecovery24h (p ≤ 0.05). Countermovement jump was higher at Trest than Trecovery30min (p = 0.020). Consequently, MMA is a high-intensity intermittent combat sport that induces significant fatigue and muscle damage, both of which are still present at 24 hours post competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated and compared the energy expenditure and postural coordination of two groups of healthy subjects on a mechanical horse at 4 increasing oscillation frequencies. Energy expenditure was assessed from the oxygen consumption, respiratory quotient, and heart rate values, and postural coordination was characterized by relative phase computations between subjects (elbow, head, trunk) and horse. The results showed that the postural coordination of the riders was better adapted (i.e., maintenance of in-phase and antiphase) than that of the nonriders, but the energy expenditure remains the same. Likewise, we observed an energy system shifting only for nonriders (from aerobic to lactic anaerobic mode). Finally, cross-correlations showed a link between energy expenditure and postural coordination in the riders (i.e., effectiveness). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recently, several authors have proposed the use of a submaximal 'perceptually regulated exercise test' (PRET) to predict maximal oxygen uptake ( $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ ). The PRET involves asking the individual to self-regulate a series of short bouts of exercise corresponding to pre-set ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). The individual linear relationship between RPE and oxygen uptake (RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ ) is then extrapolated to the $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ , which corresponds to the theoretical maximal RPE (RPE). Studies suggest that prediction accuracy from this method may be better improved during a second PRET. Similarly, some authors have recommended an extrapolation to RPE rather than RPE. Objectives: The purpose of the meta-analysis was to examine the validity of the method of predicting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from the RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during a PRET, and to determine the level of agreement and accuracy of predicting $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from an initial PRET and retest using RPE and RPE. Data Sources: From a systematic search of the literature, 512 research articles were identified. Study Eligibility Criteria: The eligible manuscripts were those which used the relationship between the RPE and $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ , and used only the Borg's RPE scale. Participants and Interventions: Ten studies ( n = 274 individuals) were included. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: For each study, actual and predicted $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from four subgroup outcomes (RPE in the initial test, RPE in the retest, RPE in the initial test, RPE in the retest) were identified, and then compared. The magnitude of the difference regardless of subgroup outcomes was examined to determine if it is better to predict $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ from extrapolation to RPE or RPE. The magnitude of differences was examined for the best PRET (test vs retest). Results: The results revealed that $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ may be predicted from RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during PRET in different populations and in various PRET modalities, regardless of the subgroup outcomes. To obtain greater accuracy of predictions, extrapolation to RPE during a retest may be recommended. Limitations: The included studies reported poor selection bias and data collection methods. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings: The $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ may be predicted from RPE: $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ during PRET, especially when $$ \dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\;\hbox{max} } $$ is extrapolated to RPE during a second PRET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little known about return to sport and performance after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in high-level alpine skiers. Purpose: To analyze the parameters that influence the return to sport and performance after an ACL tear in French alpine skiers from 1980 to 2013. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The study population included 239 male and 238 female skiers who competed on the national French alpine ski team for at least 1 season between 1980 and 2013 in the speed (downhill and super-G) and technical disciplines (giant slalom and slalom). Two groups were formed: group 1 (G1) included athletes who had sustained an ACL rupture, and group 2 (G2) included athletes who had never sustained an ACL rupture. Three performance indicators were selected: International Ski Federation (FIS) points calculation, FIS ranking, and podium finishes in the World Cup, World Championships, and Olympic Games. Results: The first-decile FIS points and international FIS ranking showed that G1 skiers obtained better performance than did G2 skiers. The mean ± SD career length of G1 skiers (men, 7.9 ± 4.7 years; women, 7.1 ± 4.1 years) was longer than that of G2 skiers (men, 4.5 ± 3.3 years; women, 4.2 ± 3.5 years). In addition, 12.8% (61 of 477) of the skiers achieved at least a podium finish during their careers: 23.0% (34 of 148) in G1 and 8.3% (27 of 329) in G2. The mean age at ACL rupture was 22.6 ± 4.1 years for men and 19.9 ± 3.5 years for women. In G1, 55 podiums were achieved before ACL rupture and 176 after in all competitions. Skiers who improved their performances after ACL rupture were significantly younger (men, 22.2 ± 3.0 years; women, 18.7 ± 2.2 years; P < .0001) at the time of injury than those showing a performance deterioration after ACL rupture (men, 25.3 ± 4.2 years; women, 22.4 ± 4.0 years). All skiers who had ACL tears continued their competitive careers after the injury. Conclusion: The overall results showed that it is possible to return to preinjury or even higher levels of performance after an ACL rupture and that age is the main element that guides postsurgical recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to define the time-motion (i.e., fighting, preparatory and breaking activity), technical (i.e., attack, timed-attack, counterattack, blocking and grasps) and tactical (i.e., upper limb, lower-limb, combination and throwing) profiles of the senior top-level karate competition played under the most recent rules of the International Karate Federation in relation to gender, match outcome and weight categories. Time-motion, tactical actions and technical executions were investigated of senior karatekas (n = 60) during the Karate World Championship. The referee’s decisions caused an overall activity-to-break ratio of ~1:1.5 with a significant difference (P = 0.025) between karateka’s weight categories (light = 1:1.5; middle = 1:2 and heavy = 1:1). High-intensity actions (i.e., attack and defensive actions performed quickly and powerfully) were higher in male compared to female athletes. Top-level karatekas used upper limb techniques more than lower limb ones, with both applied in the head more than in the body. For the high-intensity-actions to pause ratio and the percentage of combined techniques, light weight category was significantly higher than middle weight category. These findings suggest that training programs may need to be specific to the requirements of the gender and weight categories. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: We assessed the validity of predicting peak oxygen uptake ( $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O peak) from the relationship between oxygen uptake ( $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O) and overall ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) obtained during the initial stages of a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Method: Fifteen healthy participants and 18 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) performed a maximal CPET, during which $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O and RPE were measured until RPE. Results: Individual regressions between $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O and RPE were extrapolated to RPE to predict $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O peak. Mean actual and predicted $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O peak were not significantly different in healthy women (18.9 ± 4.1 vs. 20.4 ± 4.5 mL kg min, respectively) and men (28.9 ± 7.8 vs. 29.7 ± 8.5 mL kg min, respectively), or in women (15.2 ± 4.7 vs. 15.8 ± 5.0 mL kg min, respectively) and men (16.2 ± 4.4 vs. 17.4 ± 5.4 mL kg min, respectively) with COPD ( P = 0.067). Moreover, actual and predicted $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O peak were highly correlated in healthy participants and COPD patients ( r ≥ 0.89; P < 0.001). The bias and 95 % limits of agreement were −1.0 ± 4.0 and −1.0 ± 4.6 mL kg min for healthy and COPD participants, respectively. Conclusion: $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O peak can be predicted with acceptable accuracy in healthy participants and patients with COPD from the individual relationship between $$ {\dot{V}} $$ O and RPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Voluntary breath-holding (BH) elicits several hemodynamic changes, but little is known about maximal static immersed-body BH. We hypothesized that the diving reflex would be strengthened with body immersion and would spare more oxygen than maximal dry static BH, resulting in a longer BH duration. Methods: Eleven trained breath-hold divers (BHDs) performed a maximal dry-body BH and a maximal immersed-body BH. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), contractility index (CTI), and ventricular ejection time (VET) were continuously recorded by bio-impedancemetry (PhysioFlow PF-05). Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO) was assessed with a finger probe oximeter. Results: In both conditions, BHDs presented a bi-phasic kinetic for CO and a tri-phasic kinetic for SV and HR. In the first phase of immersed-body BH and dry-body BH, results (mean ± SD) expressed as percentage changes from starting values showed decreased CO (55.9 ± 10.4 vs. 39.3 ± 16.8 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions), due to drops in both SV (24.9 ± 16.2 vs. 9.0 ± 8.5 %, respectively; p < 0.05 between conditions) and HR (39.7 ± 16.7 vs. 33.6 ± 17.0 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions). The second phase was marked by an overall stabilization of hemodynamic variables. In the third one, CO kept stabilizing due to increased SV (17.0 ± 20.2 vs. 10.9 ± 13.8 %, respectively; p < 0.05 between conditions) associated with a second HR drop (14.0 ± 10.0 vs. 12.7 ± 8.9 %, respectively; p < 0.01 between conditions). Conclusion: This study highlights similar time-course patterns for cardiodynamic variables during dry-body and immersed-body BH, although the phenomenon was more pronounced in the latter condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]