6-minute Test Research Articles

Effect of anthropometric and physical activity levels on endurance strength: A cross-sectional study of University Practice Senior High School, Ghana

The aim of this study is to determine how anthropometric variables (body weight, body height, upper and lower limb length), Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity (PA) levels affect the number of cycles completed in 3-Minute Burpee Test (3-MBT) among male and female teenagers of University Practice Senior High school. Thirty-two (32) males and 28 females aged 15-17 years engaged in low and moderate physical activity levels took part in the studies. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to assess physical activity levels and 3-MBT was used to evaluate students’ endurance strength capacity. Participants’ limb lengths (for upper and lower) were measured and their BMI was calculated from their measured body height and weight according to standardized guidelines. The results were processed statistically using Pearson’s correlation, independent sample t-test and simple linear regression. In both sexes, only body mass and BMI were bound by negative significant correlation (p < 0.05) with the number of cycles completed in the 3-MBT. Significant differences were noted between males and females engaging in 3-MBT (p < .001). Physical activity levels in MET significantly predicted endurance strength scores (p < .001) as assessed by 3-MBT. On the average, males completed 48.34 cycles/3 min and females scored 38.50 cycles/3 min. More cycles were completed by male and female students with moderate levels of physical activity compared to those characterized by low levels of PA. Males were characterized by higher anthropometric measurements excluding body mass index than females. Body mass, BMI and physical activity levels in MET were the only analyzed variables that significantly had influence on endurance strength (3-MBT) of both sexes.

Long-term outcomes of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair in prohibitive risk patients: futility or benefit?

Abstract Background Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an emerging treatment option in inoperable patients. However, patient selection is challenging, and mostly predetermined by comorbidities and non-specific surgical risk scores. Current guidelines (1) distinguish between high-risk (HR) and prohibitive risk (PR) patients, in order to avoid clinical and procedural futility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand if PR patients can benefit from TTVR long-term. Methods Forty-one consecutive patients with severe TR were assessed by the heart team, considered inoperable, and underwent edge-to-edge TTVR at our institution between November 2020 and January 2022. They were divided into a PR (n=23) and an HR group (n=18), in accordance with the latest guidelines (1). Subgroup allocation took into account STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons) risk score, and several comorbidities (Figure 1A). Mean age was 82.2±5.9 (PR) vs 81.1±3.5 years (HR), with mean STS-Score 14.3±6.7% vs 6.2±1.6% (Figure 1B). Results The primary efficacy endpoint of at least one-grade TR reduction by 30 days was recorded in 92.7% of all patients, with no device related complications. By 12 months, 6 patients died, 5 PR and 1 HR, and MACE rate was 18.1%. Secondary endpoints addressed symptoms, quality of life and multiorgan function, which improved in both groups (Figure 2). More precisely, at inclusion, all patients in the PR group were in NYHA class III and IV, while after 12 months only 27.7%. In comparison, there were no more HR patients in NYHA stage III and IV, after one year. Similarly, self-reported quality of life increased, as assessed by the "Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire" (KCCQ) score, which increased by 23±18.2 (p<0.001) in PR and 27.5±16.1 (p<0.001) points in HR patients, respectively. Walk distance in the 6-minute test also improved by 79.2±82 (p<0.001) vs 113.6±72.8 (p<0.001) meters. Renal and liver function were also impacted by TR reduction, with statistical significance in the PR group [GFR- Glomerular Filtration Rate improvement from 46.7±13.9ml/min/1,73m2 to 51.9±18.1 (p=0.045) vs 62.1±17.1 to 62.1±18.5 (p=0.990); AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase from 33.7±15.4U/L to 27.3±12.3 (p=0.001) vs 33.2±26.1 to 26.2±6.8 (p=0.188)]. Furthermore, TR reduction led to long-term reverse cardiac remodeling, as right ventricular systolic function increased [TAPSE from 14.2±3.1mm to 17.7±2.2 (p<0.001) vs 16.4±3.5 to 20.7±5.4 (p<0.001)], and right atrial size decreased [indexed volume from 93.5±39.1 ml/m2 to 66.3±42.6 (p=0.005) vs 86.3±57.8 to 63.3±59.5 (p=0.032)]. Conclusions TTVR is feasible in very sick symptomatic patients and is associated with improved quality of life, functional capacity, multiorgan function and reverse cardiac remodeling. Patient selection based on risk assessment with surgical risk scores may deprive many symptomatic inoperable patients of this specific percutaneous treatment.Figure 1Figure 2

Predictors of therapeutic response to specific therapy in distal chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Aim. To assess therapeutic response to specific therapy in patients with distal CTEPH who are ineligible for surgical management as pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA).Materials and methods. The study included inoperable patients with CTEPH (n=53) who are ineligible for surgical management as pulmonary endarterectomy or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. The effectiveness of specific therapy were assessed after dividing the patients into improvement or nonimprovement groups based on the following indicators: functional class I-II (WHO), mean pulmonary artery pressure according to right heart catheterization ≤40 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance ≤400 dyn×s×cm-5, cardiac index ≥2,5 L/min/m2 , decrease in N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide >30%, and increase in 6-minute test distance >30 m at 12th-month follow-up compared to baseline parameters.Results. There were no differences in groups by gender, age, and received specific therapy. Multiple logistic regression was performed, resulting in a model for predicting clinical improvement with sensitivity (57,1%) and specificity (87,1%), p=0,002. It was revealed, that the absence of the loss of pulmonary vascularity by X-ray at the time of verification of the diagnosis in patients with CTEPH by 5,91 times increases the chance of achieving clinical improvement after 12 months of the specific therapy, while the absence of signs of heart failure by 5,79 times, and degree of pulmonary valve insufficiency 0-1 according to echocardiography by 9,2 times, respectively.Conclusion. Early initiation of specific therapy in inoperable CTEPH patients due to distal lesions with the absence of severe vascular remodeling and heart failure symptoms leads to the better therapeutic response after 12 months of treatment.

3-Minute Burpee Test for Patients with Mild Dementia Disorder May Improve Cognitive Function and Physical Composition

3-Minute Burpee Test for Patients with Mild Dementia Disorder May Improve Cognitive Function and Physical Composition

Patients with postprandial distress syndrome experience problems with their interoceptive perceptual function to the gastric region, but their heartbeat perception is normal: a case control study

BackgroundVisceral hypersensitivity in functional dyspepsia can be localized or widespread, and there is no simple method of assessment. Measuring interoceptive accuracy at different sites provides an assessment of perceptual hypersensitivity to specific ecological phenomena. The purpose of this study was to characterize visceral hypersensitivity by comparing gastric sensory and cardiac perceptual tests in patients with postprandial distress syndrome and in healthy volunteers.MethodsSixteen patients with postprandial distress syndrome (age = 47.5 ± 17.4, all female) and 16 healthy volunteers (age = 43.3 ± 16.1, all female) participated in the study after a six-hour fast. Each participant answered questionnaires about physical and mental quality of life, depression and anxiety, tendency of alexithymia, and somatosensory amplification. After completing the questionnaire, the participants took the heartbeat tracking task and the five-minute water load test. We performed statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.ResultsSubjects with postprandial distress syndrome had a lower drinking capacity than healthy volunteers (postprandial distress syndrome = 360.9 ± 170.0 mL, healthy volunteers = 644.1 ± 297 mL, P = 0.009), but there was no significant difference in the heartbeat perception score (postprandial distress syndrome = 0.599 ± 0.175, healthy volunteers = 0.623 ± 0.181, P = 0.647). There was a negative correlation (r = − 0.509, P < 0.05) between drinking capacity and the heartbeat perception score in healthy volunteers, but no correlation in postprandial distress syndrome (r = − 0.156, P = 0.564). Heartbeat perception score did not correlate with psychological measures.ConclusionsCompared with healthy volunteers, only the five-minute water load test values were reduced in patients with postprandial distress syndrome, and no difference was observed in the heartbeat tracking task. Combining the 5-minute water load test and the heart rate tracking task revealed a lost cardiac-gastric perceptual relationship in patients with postprandial distress syndrome that was not observed in healthy volunteers, suggesting that there is hypersensitivity in gastric interoceptive perceptual function. Performing sensory examinations at two different sites may be useful in clarifying whether visceral hypersensitivity is localized.Trial registrationUMIN000057586. Registered11 March 2023(retrospectively registered).

A pilot study for a practical screening tool for dementia: validation of 5-minute cognitive test in a geriatric population.

The aim of this study is to validate the Turkish version of the 5-minute cognitive test (FCT) in a geriatric population. In total, 61 participants aged ≥65 years with normal cognitive functions, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and early stage dementia were included. The FCT was compared to the standardised Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Qmci-TR (quick mild cognitive impairment) test. Test reliability for the FCT was strong (Cronbach's α = 0.747). We demonstrated a strong correlation of FCT scores with MMSE and Qmci-TR scores (respectively, r = 0.730, P < 0.001, r = 0.723, P < 0.001). The fact that the scores obtained in the dementia group were significantly lower also showed that the test can be used reliably in the differentiation of MCI and early dementia (P < 0.001). The FCT is a brief, reliable, and valid cognitive screening test for screening dementia at early stages in a Turkish geriatric population.

The Impact of a 10-Week Military Training Course on Saudi Medical Recruits' Fitness and Physical Activity Levels.

Background In preparation for military service, new recruits undergo a physical transformation. We aimed to determine the fitness outcomes and self-reported activity levels of Saudi medical recruits after a 10-week initial military training course (IMTC). Methods The cohort comprised 104 recruits aged 25-29 years. Anthropometric variables, including height, body mass index (BMI), body weight (BW), percent body fat (%BF), lean body mass (LBM), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), were assessed pre-IMTC and post-IMTC. Physical fitness assessments, including a one-minute sit-up test, push-up test, Cooper's 12-minute run/walk test, and relative maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), were also evaluated. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess self-reported physical activity. Results We found a significant decrease in anthropometric variables following the course, including BW (P = 0.01), BMI (P = 0.01), %BF (P = 0.002), LBM (P = 0.01), WC (P = 0.005), and WtHR (P = 0.003). They also showed significant improvements in the push-up test(P = 0.001), one-minute sit-up test (P = 0.001), 12-minute test (P = 0.001), and relative VO2 max(P = 0.001). The comparison of pre-IPAQ with post-IPAQ demonstrated a percentage improvement in walking activity (15%-82%) and vigorous physical activity (17%-49%) after joining the IMTC. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that Saudi medical recruits who partake in the IMTC can attain significant improvements in their body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity levels.

CARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN ACUTE HYPOXIA AFTER INTERMITTENT HYPOXIC TRAINING IN HUMANS

One of the important areas of research in physiology and medicine is the impact of intermittent hypoxic training on human resistance to exogenous and endogenous environmental factors. Special attention is also paid to cardiac activity.&#x0D; The aim of the paper is to examine the nature and conjugation of human heart bioelectrical processes in acute hypoxia after intermittent hypoxic training.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A 20-minute test with acute hypoxia (AH – 12.3 % O2) was conducted on 29 males, aged 20.2±0.31, at different periods after 16-day-hypoxic training. Blood saturation (SpO2%), amplitude and time ECG parameters were determined.&#x0D; Results. At rest, at certain periods after hypoxic training, we observed an increase in R-R (Day 1, p=0.020), Q-T (Day 1, p=0.005; Day 16, p=0.043) and a decrease in P-Q (Day 7, p= 0.016) compared to the control. In case of acute hypoxia there was a decrease in P1II (Day 1, p=0.019; Day 7, p&lt;0.001; Day 16, p=0.003), P-Q (Day 1, p=0.025; Day 7, p =0.002), PQc and QTc (p&lt;0.001), but an increase in T1II (Day 1, p&lt;0.001; Day 7, p=0.005; Day 16, p=0.010), R-R (Day 1, p&lt;0.001; Day 7, p=0.029; Day 16, p=0.002) and Q-T (Day 1, p&lt;0.001; Day 7, p&lt;0.001; Day 16, p&lt;0.001) compared to the control. According to the period after hypoxic training, we observed the dominance of the factor load R-R, Q-T and P1II, T1II, as well as an increase in the canonical correlation of P1II, RII and T1II with R-R and Q-T.&#x0D; Conclusion. Intermittent hypoxic training leads to an increase in R-R duration, electrical ventricular systole and a decrease in atrioventricular conduction at rest. In case of acute hypoxia in the period after hypoxic training, all ECG parameters (besides maximum ventricular depolarization) change significantly compared &#x0D; to the control. The paper discusses the factorial significance and the degree of conjugation of bathmotropic and dromotropic cardiac processes.

Endurance Test on the Rowing Machine

The purpose of the study was to select or create a test that will be a suitable alternative to the Cooper 12-minute test for a large number of adults who are not able to undergo the running test.&#x0D; A literature review of aerobic capacity indicators and endurance fitness tests on the C2 rowing machine was prepared. The result of extensive research is the design for a simple test with a set duration, when the tested person should try to cover the greatest possible distance (i.e. maximum effort).&#x0D; To verify this, a pilot study was conducted using the new test and collected initial reference values to assess the physical fitness of individuals. &#x0D; A total of 323 students of the University of Defence (270 males, 53 females), aged 20.9±1.82, took the test. The endurance fitness indicators are the distance covered (s, m) and the average power (P, W). Statistical tests (t-test, correlation analysis, non-linear regression analysis, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov difference test, the Spearman correlation) were used to analyse differences and relationships between variables.&#x0D; The results of the pilot study demonstrate the applicability of the created test under required conditions. Significant differences between males and females confirm the necessity of evaluating test results separately for each gender. Low correlations between fitness indicators to body weight and height do not support the need to use relative fitness indicators (per kg of body weight). &#x0D; The results of the study provided initial reference values for individual assessment of aerobic fitness.

Validity of Photoplethysmography Mobile Analysis to Test the Autonomic Stress Status of Tactical Athletes

"Background: The effect of stress on sympathetic modulation measured by HRV has been studied in various population groups exposed to different stressors. HRV measurement tools are based on the electrocardiogram (ECG), portable tools such as POLAR V800, and recently photoplethysmography (PPG). The aim of this study was to analyze the validity of a PPG mobile app to measure HRV with a validated V800 system in a tactical athlete population. Methods HRV of 53 professional militaries were analyzed by POLAR V800 and an HRV Camera app with a smartphone during 5 min and 30 s protocol respectively. Results: The HRV values obtained by the PPG presented a significant negative significant correlation in the HRVI index, LF, HF, LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.), and a positive significant correlation in TINN index by the Polar V800 system with the application of a regression equation over the data obtained. Conclusions: HRV Camera PPG App 30s record analysis protocol could be applied using a regression formula depending on the HRV variables after the comparison with a standard 5-minute test conducted with a validated Polar V800. In future research, it is suggested to validate PPG protocols with longer durations."

A toolbox for a structured risk-based prehabilitation program in major surgical oncology.

Prehabilitation is a multimodal concept to improve functional capability prior to surgery, so that the patients' resilience is strengthened to withstand any peri- and postoperative comorbidity. It covers physical activities, nutrition, and psychosocial wellbeing. The literature is heterogeneous in outcomes and definitions. In this scoping review, class 1 and 2 evidence was included to identify seven main aspects of prehabilitation for the treatment pathway: (i) risk assessment, (ii) FITT (frequency, interventions, time, type of exercise) principles of prehabilitation exercise, (iii) outcome measures, (iv) nutrition, (v) patient blood management, (vi) mental wellbeing, and (vii) economic potential. Recommendations include the risk of tumor progression due to delay of surgery. Patients undergoing prehabilitation should perceive risk assessment by structured, quantifiable, and validated tools like Risk Analysis Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiology Score, or Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group scoring. Assessments should be repeated to quantify its effects. The most common types of exercise include breathing exercises and moderate- to high-intensity interval protocols. The program should have a duration of 3-6 weeks with 3-4 exercises per week that take 30-60 min. The 6-Minute Walking Testing is a valid and resource-saving tool to assess changes in aerobic capacity. Long-term assessment should include standardized outcome measurements (overall survival, 90-day survival, Dindo-Clavien/CCI®) to monitor the potential of up to 50% less morbidity. Finally, individual cost-revenue assessment can help assess health economics, confirming the hypothetic saving of $8 for treatment for $1 spent for prehabilitation. These recommendations should serve as a toolbox to generate hypotheses, discussion, and systematic approaches to develop clinical prehabilitation standards.

An evaluation model for fire resistance heat transfer of multi-layer floor assembly structure of rail vehicles

The high-temperature heat transfer performance of rail vehicle floor assembly is an important parameter to study whether the vehicle can resist external fire. The traditional method cannot measure the heat transfer parameters of the aluminum profile sprayed with fireproof paint in the floor assembly. This paper proposes a model for calculating the equivalent density and specific heat capacity of aluminum profiles after the fire. The equivalent density and specific heat capacity can be obtained by using this calculation method. A deep neural network method was used to predict the thermal conductivity of the component, which was 0.6 W / (m·K), combined with the 30-minute fire resistance test data of aluminum profiles with fireproof paint. Using the obtained thermal physical parameters, the finite element calculation and test were carried out for the floor assembly with 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm three kinds of thickness heat-insulating cotton. It is found that the calculated prediction results are close to the test results and have a strong correlation. Pearson correlation coefficients of three kinds of heat-insulating cotton with different thickness are 0.964, 0.98 and 0.978 respectively. After obtaining the thermal physical parameters, the finite element model can effectively predict the back fire surface temperature of multi-layer floor assembly and guide vehicle floor design. In this paper, a calculation model for fire resistance heat transfer of the floor assembly of rail vehicles is proposed, which is of great significance for accurate and rapid design of the floor assembly of rail vehicles.

Audit of the Five-Minute Test to Evaluate Its Effectiveness in Reducing Postcardiotomy Re-exploration

The 5-minute test (FMT) has been reported to reduce re-exploration following open heart surgery. This study audited the practice of the FMT, recording the amount of pericardial bleeding in patients undergoing general cardiac surgery, and determined the relationship between this test and postcardiotomy bleeding.

The dose makes the poison: The longer the heat lasts, the lower the temperature for functional impairment and damage

Climate change increases the intensity and duration of heatwaves. Heat limits for plants are commonly determined by a 30-minute test. This neglects the effect of heat-dose (intensity x exposure-duration) on heat limits, which has been poorly studied. Heat limits for dysfunction (PSII efficiency) and damage were measured after exposure to various heat-doses (34–64 °C x 1–512 min) for five alpine species. The ecological significance of heat-dose was tested based on measured natural heat episodes. With increasing exposure-duration heat limits for 5% damage decreased by 11.2–17.5 K. The same was found for PSII dysfunction, but on average at 7.4 K lower temperatures. Exposure-duration and LT50 followed a slightly species-specific, but logarithmic relationship. This seems very useful for modelling. Natural heat episodes lasted longer than 30 min which questions the 30-minute test. Comparison of natural heat load with the dose-dependent heat limits highlighted that adult trees are safe, but small plants are at high risk for prolonged PSII dysfunction, and even heat damage. Heat responses are not triggered by a single threshold temperature but dose-dependent. The logarithmic relationship found makes it possible to shorten test procedures, extrapolate the response for fully hardened plants and overall more accurately model their heat damage risk in future.

Use of External Uterine Electromyography Across Stage I Labor.

Highly sensitive, external uterine electromyography (EMG) measures myometrial electrical activity and is noninvasive compared with the clinical intrauterine pressure catheter. Most experimental studies have measured EMG in 30-minute epochs, limiting the utility of this instrumentation in intrapartum clinical practice. To test proof of concept, surface uterine EMG contraction activity was continuously collected throughout the first stage of labor from healthy women at term gestation with (n = 3) and without (n = 1) epidural or combined spinal-epidural analgesia for a maximal length of 11 hours and 24 minutes. EMG activity was recorded concurrently with tocodynamometer (toco) signals, using a pair of electrodes on the left and right sides of the maternal umbilicus with grounds attached to both hips of the reclining woman in labor. The preamplifier cutoff frequency settings were appropriate to monitor smooth muscle contraction in labor, with the analog high-pass filter set at 0.05 Hz and the low-pass filter at 1.50 Hz. Signals were sampled at 100 Hz, transmitted to a computer, and visualized by Chart 4.2 software. EMG data from epochs at baseline, during the pre-epidural fluid bolus and at the 60-minute post-epidural test dose, and at 3, 5, 6, and 8 cm dilatation were analyzed for burst power spectrum peak frequency (Hz), burst power spectrum amplitude (mV2 ), and burst duration (seconds). Uterine EMG contractile bursts were preceded and followed by a stable baseline and coincided with toco contractions. Movement artifacts were negligible, and large movement artifacts were easily distinguishable. The EMG bursts and toco contractions remained clearly identifiable, even when one woman without epidural analgesia stood beside the bed laboring for approximately 10 minutes. Burst spectral components fell within the expected 0.34-to-1.00 Hz range for term labor. High-quality data demonstrate that EMG instrumentation effectively and accurately measures uterine contraction parameters across the first stage of term labor.

Base for Physiotherapeutic Treatment Recommendations for Long COVID-19 Patients After Questioning Experienced Physiotherapists Using a Delphi Method

Background: Long COVID-19 is frequently observed in people who have contracted SARS-COV-2. It is characterized by a set of symptoms that can persist for months after infection and represents a challenge for all health care professionals. Among them, physiotherapists play an essential role thanks to their extensive knowledge in the rehabilitation field. To provide quality treatment, they need recommendations on which to rely. The aim of this study is to gather opinions from therapists working in Europe on the management of long COVID-19 patients in physiotherapy. Method: A Delphi method was conducted in three rounds. In the first round, participants were asked about the deficits observed in long COVID-19 patients and about tests, monitoring and treatment to be implemented during the treatment of these patients. During the second and third rounds, they were informed about the results already obtained and had to confirm their answers with 6-point Likert scales. Results: The most frequently observed impairments were pain, reduction in general physical fitness and respiratory problems. For assessment and treatment, the responses are specific to each impairment category. The 6-minute test seems to be particularly relevant for the assessment of several deficits and active approaches seem to have an essential place in the treatment. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the diversity of impairments observed by physiotherapists in long COVID-19 patients and allowed to create a consensus on the assessments and treatments to be preferred for each type of impairment. In general, active treatment should be preferred for most of the impairments for which long COVID-19 patients consult a physiotherapist.

The 3-Minute Burpee Test: A Minimalistic Alternative to the Conventional Estimated Oxygen Uptake Test.

Background Maximal oxygen uptake and muscle strength are fundamental components of physical fitness. Improving these capacities is highly beneficial to health. The validity of maximal oxygen uptake and muscle strength has been widely emphasized in clinical, sports, and research-related settings. However, many of the previous tests required special equipment and space. Aim This study examined the effectiveness of field tests that do not require special equipment or space. Materials and methods The relationship between the 3-minute burpee test (3MBT) and estimated maximal oxygen uptake (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IRT)) using whole-body muscle groups was examined.The subjects were young men (n=127) with a history of exercising at least once a week. Results A strong relationship between 3MBT and Yo-YoIRT was shown (p<0.001). Conclusions The 3MBT is a field test that can be performed anytime and anywhere there is space for plank and standing postures. Because it is very brief, efficient, and uses muscle groups throughout the body, it is effective and potentially quite useful as a new field test.

Нелинейная зависимость показателей моторного развития от ИМТ у мальчиков-школьников 7–12 лет

Introduction. Childhood and adolescent obesity are associated with impairment of motor skills. However, studies assessing effect of underweight on motor skills as well as the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and motor skills are limited. The purpose of the study was to evaluate relationship between motor skills and BMI in the group of school-aged boys (7–12 years). Material and methods. The data were collected from 7–12-year-old boys (1–5th grade) in the 38 Russia's federal constituent entities of eight federal districts. Height and weight were measured, BMI was calculated. Physical education teachers conducted the testing: endurance 6-minute run test (meters), 3x10 m shuttle run test (seconds), long standing jump (centimeters), forward bend test (centimeters), and 30-m sprint run test (seconds). The dataset contained 54 381 observations. The linear, quadratic and general additive models were built to check relationships between the motor skills and BMI. Results. It was identified that high values of BMI are associated with impaired results of endurance and speed-strength abilities. Male children with a low and normal BMI values did not differ in motor skills. Despite a low level of explained variation of proportion of motor skills, a significant relationship between of motor development and BMI are noted. In the group of 7-year-old male children, the relationship was not identified. Whereas in the group of 8–12-year-old children it has a curvilinear relationship. Conclusion. The relationship between motor skills and BMI is curvilinear (quadratic) in the group of 8–12-year-old boys. Hereafter, the modeling of non-linear relationship between motor development and BMI with other predictors might help identifying the optimum zone of body composition where the adaptation potential will be the highest. It is also allowed to compare this zone in the groups of different ages and sexes.

Effects of 15 weeks of Jianzi training on the physical fitness and physiological functions of university female students

The current study investigated how the traditional sport of Jianzi (also called shuttlecock) affects physical fitness and body functions. The experimental group (EG) conducted a 15-week experiment with the Shuttlecock Model Club (SMC), while the control group (CG) participated in the physical education (PE) program at An Giang University (AGU) as usual. Both groups comprised 60 normal healthy female students. To evaluate fitness, this study included five tests: the 30-second sit-up test, the 30-meter sprint test, the shuttle run test (4 x 10 meters), the long jump test, and the 5-minute running test to measure maximal aerobic rate (MAS). We used 10 tests to evaluate physiological functions of the body such as BMI; Body fat %; Chest skinfold (mm); Waist skinfold (mm); Thigh skinfold (mm); Diastolic pressure; Flexion angle of the hip joint; Resting heart rate; Systolic pressure; VO2max. Except for explosiveness and core strength of the legs, this study demonstrated that EG improved more than CG in speed, agility, and maximal aerobic speed after completing 15 weeks. The EG group exhibited the most significant improvement in fitness tests, with MAS increasing by 23.60% and speed by 1.03%. The control group improved at a low level with an increased rate of 0.99% in speed and 6.87% in MAS. For functional body tests, the EG group also showed significant improvement compared to the CG. The highest improvement (18.39%) was in the variable waist skinfold (mm) in the EG.

The accuracy of an electronic nose to diagnose tuberculosis in patients referred to an expert centre.

An electronic nose (eNose) device has shown a high specificity and sensitivity to diagnose or rule out tuberculosis (TB) in the past. The aim of this study was to evaluate its performance in patients referred to INERAM. Patients aged ≥15 years were included. A history, physical examination, chest radiography (CRX) and microbiological evaluation of a sputum sample were performed in all participants, as well as a 5-minute breath test with the eNose. TB diagnosis was preferably established by the gold standard and compared to the eNose predictions. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess potential risk factors for erroneous classification results by the eNose. 107 participants with signs and symptoms of TB were enrolled of which 91 (85.0%) were diagnosed with TB. The blind eNose predictions resulted in an accuracy of 50%; a sensitivity of 52.3% (CI 95%: 39.6-64.7%) and a specificity of 36.4% (CI 95%: 12.4-68.4%). Risk factors for erroneous classifications by the eNose were older age (multivariate analysis: OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.10-2.18, p = 0.012) and antibiotic use (multivariate analysis: OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.06-9.66, p = 0.040). In this study, the accuracy of the eNose to diagnose TB in a tertiary referral hospital was only 50%. The use of antibiotics and older age represent important factors negatively influencing the diagnostic accuracy of the eNose. Therefore, its use should probably be restricted to screening in high-risk communities in less complex healthcare settings.