6-min Test Research Articles

Sniff, look and loop excursions as the unit of “exploration” in the horse (Equus ferus caballis) when free or under saddle in an equestrian arena

Spontaneous locomotor behavior in a novel space reveals insights into an animal’s world view or Umwelt. For example, in many animal species, spontaneous behavior in a novel environment is parsed into activities at a home base and excursions from the home base. Domestic horses (Equus ferus caballas) are frequently ridden for recreation or in performance events in an equestrian arena but there has been no description of horse behavior in an arena when they are unconstrained and “exploring” or when moving freely under saddle. The present examination of exploration provides insights into horse adaptive behavior more generally as well as insights into horse performance under saddle. Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse and mixed-breed mares and geldings of various ages, with various degrees of training under saddle, and with varying familiarity with the arena were given 30-min tests in which they were at liberty to explore an equestrian arena. Additional 30-min tests were given in which horses explored the arena containing a tethered partner, or were ridden. Despite breed, sex, age and experience, behavior was similar. A horse spent most of its time near the entrance door of the area where it looked out, paced, and rolled. Periodic excursions formed loops. The outward leg of a loop was slow, often featured sniffing the ground, and ended with a head-raised, ears-forward look toward the far end of the arena. The homeward leg of a loop was made with lowered-head and ears-back and was relatively direct and fast. Successive loops could increase or decrease in size over a test period. If a partner was tethered at the far end of the area, a horse shifted its activity toward the partner. When horses under saddle were asked to make excursions into the arena but otherwise left unconstrained, they made loops, similar to that of freely moving horses. When ridden around the arena they returned more quickly to the near end of the arena than when leaving the near end of the arena. This organized home base/excursion behavior is discussed in relation to horse social structure and to its expression while under saddle.

Risks of N95 Face Mask Use in Subjects With COPD.

The N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) is the most popular individual protective device to reduce exposure to particulate matter. However, concerns have been raised with regard to its use because it can increase respiratory resistance and dead space. Therefore, this study assessed the safety of N95 use in patients with COPD and air-flow limitation. This prospective study was performed at a tertiary hospital and enrolled 97 subjects with COPD. The subjects were monitored for symptoms and physiologic variables during a 10-min rest period and 6-min walking test while wearing an N95. Of the 97 subjects, 7 with COPD did not wear the N95 for the entire test duration. This mask-failure group showed higher British modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale scores and lower FEV1 percent of predicted values than did the successful mask use group. A modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale score ≥ 3 (odds ratio 167, 95% CI 8.4 to >999.9; P = .008) or a FEV1 < 30% predicted (odds ratio 163, 95% CI 7.4 to >999.9; P = .001) was associated with a risk of failure to wear the N95. Breathing frequency, blood oxygen saturation, and exhaled carbon dioxide levels also showed significant differences before and after N95 use. This study demonstrated that subjects with COPD who had modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale scores ≥ 3 or FEV1 < 30% predicted wear N95s only with care.

Two mastication tests used in children with down syndrome: A feasibility study.

Children with Down syndrome can have problems with chewing and swallowing. However, no objective tests are available that give information about the efficiency and endurance of mastication. In this study, the feasibility of two mastication tests is studied by answering two research questions: are the Test of Mastication and Swallowing of Solids and the 6-min mastication test feasible to use in children with Down syndrome? Do these tests give information about the mastication efficiency and endurance in these children? A total of 24 (4-18years) children with Down syndrome participated. The collected variables in the Test of Mastication and Swallowing of Solids were masticatory time, discrete bites, masticatory cycles and number of swallows per cracker. The inter-rater reliability of these variables was tested. Collected variables in the 6-min mastication test were total masticatory cycles and percentage difference between minutes 1 and 6. Qualitative ratings of masticatory movements were made. In both tests, a comparison with a typically developing group was made. In both tests, a total of 87.5% of the children completed the test. Both tests are feasible for children with Down syndrome with language comprehension skills of 3years and over. The tests give information about the function and endurance during mastication in children with Down syndrome. The results showed that children with Down syndrome do not have endurance problems during mastication, but there is a lack of efficiency in mastication.

Effect of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on hemodynamic responses to acute stress: a randomized crossover trial in healthy women

BackgroundThe mechanisms by which chronic stress increases the risk of non-communicable diseases remain poorly understood. On one hand, chronic stress may increase systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and blood pressure, which may lead to blood vessels injury and altered myocardial perfusion. On the other hand, chronic stress may promote the overconsumption of sugar-containing foods and favor obesity. There is indeed evidence that sweet foods are preferentially consumed to alleviate stress responses. The effects of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) on hemodynamic stress responses remain however largely unknown.Objective/designThis study aimed at comparing the effects of sucrose-containing and NNS-containing drinks, as compared to unsweetened water, on hemodynamic responses to acute stress in twelve healthy female subjects. Acute stress responses were elicited by a 30-min mental stress (5-min Stroop’s test alternated with 5-min mental arithmetic) and a 3-min cold pressure test (CPT), each preceded by a resting baseline period. Hemodynamic stress responses were investigated by the repeated measurement of mean arterial pressure and the continuous monitoring of cardiac output by thoracic electrical bioimpedance measurement. SVR was selected as a primary outcome because it is a sensitive measure of hemodynamic responses to acute stress procedures.ResultsWith all three drinks, SVR were not changed with mental stress (P = 0.437), but were increased with CPT (P = 0.045). Both mental stress and CPT increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate (all P < 0.001). Cardiac output increased with mental stress (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged with CPT (P = 0.252). No significant differences in hemodynamic responses were observed between water, sucrose and NNS (stress × condition, all P > 0.05).ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that sucrose and NNS do not alter hemodynamic responses to two different standardized acute stress protocols.

The 400-m Front Crawl Test: Energetic and 3D Kinematical Analyses.

The aim of the study was to verify the relative contributions of energetic and kinematic parameters to the performance in 400-m front crawl test. Fourteen middle-distance swimmers participated in the study. Oxygen consumption was measured directly and blood samples were collected to assay lactate concentration. Both oxygen consumption and lactate concentration were used to calculate the: (i) overall energy expenditure, (ii) anaerobic (alactic and lactic) and (iii) aerobic contributions. The mean centre of mass speed and intracycle velocity variation were determined through three-dimensional kinematic analysis. Mean completion time was 315.64±26.91s. Energetic contributions were as follows: 6.1±0.28% from alactic anaerobic metabolism, 5.9±0.63% from anaerobic lactic and 87.8±0.88% from aerobic. Mean intracycle velocity variation was 0.14±0.03. The results indicated that performance of 400-m test relies predominantly on aerobic power. Parameters such as lactate, mean speed, anaerobic lactic and alactic (kW) correlated with performance of 400-m test (p

Trimeresurus Malabaricus Bites: Need of Species-specific Management for Snakebites.

Dear Editor, Apart from the “big four” species of venomous snakes, the pit vipers (hump nosed, Malabar, bamboo) and banded kraits are the other types seen in Kerala. Malabar pit viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) is an elusive species, seen in the forests of the Western Ghats. We have come across the case of a 54-year-old healthy female after a snakebite. On examination, she had a bite mark on the right parietal region of the scalp, with swelling and tenderness in the surrounding area extending to the neck. She also had multiple tender lymph nodes in the right jugulodigastric and posterior auricular groups [Figure 1a]. She had no features of neurotoxicity. Her 20-min whole blood clotting test (WBCT) was prolonged. The snake was later identified and confirmed to be a Malabar pit viper [Figure 1b]. 20-min WBCT and coagulation profiles repeated periodically for the next 48 hr were normal. Even though characteristics of pit viper bites have been previously profiled,[12] the incidence of Malabar pit viper bites is less. Envenomation following Malabar pit viper bites results in significant local reaction and hematotoxicity, along with milder forms of renal impairment. The Polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) used in India does not contain antibodies against pit viper venom and since cross neutralization with venoms of other species of snakes has not been proven,[3] its use is considered futile the treatment. With snakebites other than the “big four” snakes covered by the polyvalent ASV on the rise, the need for newer techniques for identification of snakes and development of species and region-specific antivenom is the need of the hour.Figure 1: (a) Enlarged right jugulodigastric lymph node with swelling seen on the right neck. (b) Photograph of the offending snake Malabar pit viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) on the tree branchDeclaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given her consent for her images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Microbial Risks in Household UF Purifiers and Disinfection Strategy with Electrolysis

The research studied microbial deterioration in household ultrafiltration membrane (UF) purifiers with residence time and anti-bacterial strategy with electrolysis. The pilot test was conducted on a household drinking water purifier. A 72-h stagnation test and a 60-min anti-bacterial test with electrolysis were subsequently done. There were some findings in this study: (1) The level of HPC exceeded the hygienic standard when the stagnation time was more than 3 h. (2) The lag phase of bacterial growth was no more than 12 h in filters. (3) With the method of electrolysis, microbial contamination induced by water stagnation can be controlled in the acceptable range, which was more efficient than the method of flushing with tap water.

Effect of combined extracts of aged garlic, ginger, and chili peppers on cognitive performance and brain antioxidant markers in Aβ-induced rats.

A combination of aged garlic, ginger, and chili peppers extracts (AGC) was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and ferric-reducing antioxidant assays, and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in Aβ1-42-induced rats. The AGC was orally administered to Wistar rats at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (AGC125, AGC250, AGC500, respectively) for 64 days. At day 56, Aβ1-42 was injected via both sides of the lateral ventricles. The effects of the AGC on spatial and recognition memory were examined using a Morris water maze and novel object recognition tasks. Rats induced with Aβ1-42 exhibited obvious cognitive deficits, as demonstrated by their increased escape latency time (ET) and decreased retention time (RT) and percentage of discriminative index (DI). When compared with the control group, all AGC-treated rats showed significantly shorter ETs and higher DIs during the 5-min delay testing phase. Rats treated with AGC250 also had significantly longer RTs. Administration of Aβ1-42 significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the rat brain homogenate. Pretreatment with the AGC caused significant increases in SOD, GPx, and CAT activities, as well as a significant decrease in MDA in the rat brain homogenates after Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Our results suggested that an AGC may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in Aβ-treated rats due to its role in the upregulation of SOD, GPx, and CAT.

Effect of Instituting Upper Limits for Chest Compression Depth for Laypersons at Six-months After Chest Compression-Only Training: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Study

Context/ research question: Chest compression quality plays a major role in patient outcomes after cardiac arrest. The Japanese cardiopulmonary resuscitation (JRC) guidelines 2015 indicates that chest compression depth should be approximately 5 cm but not more than 6 cm. However, the upper limit of chest compression depth might be a barrier to the delivery of adequate chest compressions by laypersons. We hypothesized that laypersons may be able to perform chest compressions (approximately 5 cm) as per the JRC guidelines, without setting an upper limit for chest compression depth. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to either the “unlimited group” (no recommendation regarding the upper limit of compression depth) or the “limited group” (“push to approximately 5 cm, don’t push over 6 cm”) and stratified according to sex using permuted blocks. All participants completed a 15-min chest compression training session, and their compression skills were individually evaluated immediately and at 6 months after the training using the Laerdal® PC SkillReporting System at Kyoto University. The primary outcome was the median compression depth during the 2-min test period 6 months after the training. Results: Seventy-two participants were enrolled; 33 participants in each group completed the study. The unlimited group performed significantly deeper chest compressions (>60 mm) immediately after the training than the limited group; however, there was no significant difference 6 months after training. Although not significant, the number of compressions with the recommended depth (49–59 mm) was higher in the limited group. Importance: These results suggest that simplified instructions that do not mention the upper limit of compression depth may help people perform deeper chest compressions; however, there are concerns about the risks associated with too deep compressions. Considering the situation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Japan, studies focusing on compression depths in another aged people should be considered.

Impact of cognitive functions on the quality of spirometry performance in patients with COPD

OBJECTIVE: We researched the relationship between the cognitive scores and the error codes which determine pulmonary function test (PFT) compliance accompanied by the phenotypic findings of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in a stable condition with COPD, who were diagnosed with the criteria recommended in the international guidelines, were included in the study. PFTs were requested from all the patients during the regular outpatient admission. The following tests were applied to all the patients in a 30-min test session; COPD assessment test, modified British Medical Research Council and neurophysiological tests (Mini-Mental Test, Trail Making Test Part A and B, Clock Drawing Test, Straight and Backward Digit Span, Brown Peterson Task and Verbal Fluency Test). We analyzed the statistical relationship between data collected after cognitive tests and PFT quality data. RESULTS: The study was concluded with a total of 70 patients. When the PFT evaluations of the patients were examined, the percentage of patients who correctly fulfilled the repeatability criteria was found as 28%, who met the acceptability criteria as 57%, and who correctly fulfilled both criteria as 14%. The relationship between the results of patients, who fulfilled both repeatability and acceptability criteria correctly and incorrectly at the same time, with the backward digit span test results was found to be significant (P DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Error codes that identify the compliance in PFTs could be used as predictors of cognitive impairment in COPD.

Prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in COPD: A systematic review.

There has been an increased interest in simple measures of physical function and muscle strength that can be used in all clinical settings to assess individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and predict their prognosis. The main objective was to examine the prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in relation to exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality in individuals with COPD. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched. We included prospective observational studies that examined the prognostic value of simple performed-based tests or self-reported measures of physical function or muscle strength in relation to exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality in individuals with COPD. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used tests were the handgrip strength (HGS) (n=4) and 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) (n=2). There were considerable variations in terms of characteristics of patients included, setting of recruitment, type of tests used, duration of follow-up and outcome measures of interest. The majority of the studies were classified as having "fair" or "poor" methodological quality. There is a limited number of studies examining the prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in relation to exacerbations, hospitalizations and mortality in individuals with COPD. To date, the HGS and 1-min STS tests are the most studied tests and seem to be suitable for prognosis purposes in individuals with COPD. However, more studies with better methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

Evidence of Pain, Stress, and Fear of Humans During Tail Docking and the Next Four Weeks in Piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus).

Tail docking is widely performed in pig farms to prevent tail biting. We investigated the consequences of this practice on behavioral indicators of pain and stress, and on the human-piglet relationship during lactation. Within 19 litters, piglets (1–3 days of age) were submitted on day 0 (D0) to docking with a cautery iron (D), sham-docking (S), or no docking (U). Piglets from the D and S groups were observed during the procedure (body movements and vocalizations) and just after, in isolation, during 20 s for body, tail and ear postures as well as ear movements. Piglets from the three treatments were observed in their home pen after docking on D0 and D3 afternoon for body posture, tail posture and movements. Piglets from the D and U groups were observed on D6, D12, D19, and D26 in their home pen for oral behavior, body, and tail posture. Tail damage and tear staining were scored on D5, D11, D18, and D25. A 5-min motionless human test was performed on D14. During the procedure, D piglets screamed more and with a higher intensity (P < 0.05) than S piglets (n = 48–50). Just after docking, D piglets held their ears in a posture perpendicular to the head-tail axis and changed their ear posture more often (P < 0.05). Between D6 and D26, D piglets kept their tail immobile (P < 0.001) and in a horizontal position (P < 0.01) more often than U piglets (n = 45–47). Between D11 and D25, U piglets had higher scores for tail damage and damage freshness than D piglets (0.09 < P < 0.02) whereas tear-stain score was similar. In the human test, D piglets interacted later with an unfamiliar human than U piglets (P = 0.01, n = 18/group). Present data indicate signs of acute pain and stress in piglets due to docking during the procedure itself and adverse consequences throughout lactation thereafter, including on their relationship with humans. On the other hand, the presence of tail lesions shows that undocked piglets are subject to more tail biting, even before weaning.

A pre-drive ocular assessment predicts alertness and driving impairment: A naturalistic driving study in shift workers

Sleepiness is a major contributor to motor vehicle crashes and shift workers are particularly vulnerable. There is currently no validated objective field-based measure of sleep-related impairment prior to driving. Ocular parameters are promising markers of continuous driver alertness in laboratory and track studies, however their ability to determine fitness-to-drive in naturalistic driving is unknown. This study assessed the efficacy of a pre-drive ocular assessment for predicting sleep-related impairment in naturalistic driving, in rotating shift workers. Fifteen healthcare workers drove an instrumented vehicle for 2 weeks, while working a combination of day, evening and night shifts. The vehicle monitored lane departures and behavioural microsleeps (blinks >500 ms) during the drive. Immediately prior to driving, ocular parameters were assessed with a 4-min test. Lane departures and behavioural microsleeps occurred on 17.5 % and 10 % of drives that had pre-drive assessments, respectively. Pre-drive blink duration significantly predicted behavioural microsleeps and showed promise for predicting lane departures (AUC = 0.79 and 0.74). Pre-drive percentage of time with eyes closed had high accuracy for predicting lane departures and behavioural microsleeps (AUC = 0.73 and 0.96), although was not statistically significant. Pre-drive psychomotor vigilance task variables were not statistically significant predictors of lane departures. Self-reported sleep-related and hazardous driving events were significantly predicted by mean blink duration (AUC = 0.65 and 0.69). Measurement of ocular parameters pre-drive predict drowsy driving during naturalistic driving, demonstrating potential for fitness-to-drive assessment in operational environments.

The development of a noninvasive behavioral test for assessment of goat-human interactions.

The objective was to develop a protocol for a noninvasive behavioral test to assess goat-human interactions. Boer goats (n = 45) were housed in groups of 3 at the K-State Sheep and Meat Goat Unit. A 3-min human approach test (HAT) was conducted after their first- and seventh-handling experience (i.e., moved by group through the chute and scale). Video footage was analyzed using specialized software (Observer 11.5 XT, Leesburg, VA, USA). The ethogram included three main categories (mutually exclusive within category): 1) spatial (close, middle, far); 2) orientation (facing vs. turned-away); and 3) structural (lie, stand, and nutritive and nonnutritive oral behaviors). The durations of these behavior outcomes were converted to percent, and then applied to a weighted formula to create an approach index (AI). This index placed behaviors on a 0 to 100% scale (0 = lying in back of the pen; 100 = closest to the human, performing oral behaviors). The Proc Univariate (SAS v.9.3, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used to evaluate descriptive statistics and calculate sample size for future projects from all behavior outcomes. In addition, each goat AI categorized as great approach (GA; ≥75% quartile), moderate approach (MA; 25% to 75% quartiles), or least approach (LA; ≤ 25%) and the 1st vs. 7th handling experience was evaluated using Chi-square (χ 2) analysis. The CV% was low for the AI outcome; therefore, less animals are needed if the AI is used rather than other behavior outcomes used. After the first-handling experience, there were less GA-goats than what was expected from the χ 2 analysis (χ 2 = 17.6; P ≤ 0.01; residual = 0.26; expected = 24.5). After the seventh-handling experience, there were more MA-goats than expected (χ 2 = 17.6; P ≤ 0.01; residual = 1.92; expected = 52.0). Repeated handling appeared to moderately improve goat approach to humans, which indicates that this protocol is a promising behavioral test to assess welfare of goats.

The 400-m Front Crawl Test: Energetic and 3D Kinematical Analyses.

The aim of the study was to verify the relative contributions of energetic and kinematic parameters to the performance in 400-m front crawl test. Fourteen middle-distance swimmers participated in the study. Oxygen consumption was measured directly and blood samples were collected to assay lactate concentration. Both oxygen consumption and lactate concentration were used to calculate the: (i) overall energy expenditure, (ii) anaerobic (alactic and lactic) and (iii) aerobic contributions. The mean centre of mass speed and intracycle velocity variation were determined through three-dimensional kinematic analysis. Mean completion time was 315.64±26.91s. Energetic contributions were as follows: 6.1±0.28% from alactic anaerobic metabolism, 5.9±0.63% from anaerobic lactic and 87.8±0.88% from aerobic. Mean intracycle velocity variation was 0.14±0.03. The results indicated that performance of 400-m test relies predominantly on aerobic power. Parameters such as lactate, mean speed, anaerobic lactic and alactic (kW) correlated with performance of 400-m test (p <0.05). Multiple linear regressions indicated that mean centre of mass speed and anaerobic alactic (kW) determined the 400-m test performance (R2=0.92). Even though the T400 is characterized by aerobic metabolism, the anaerobic alactic component cannot be negligible at this competition level.

Measuring walking-related performance fatigability in clinical practice: a systematic review.

Fatigability, a change in performance according to tasks and circumstances, can contribute to walking limitations in daily life. Walking-related fatigability (WF) has been assessed subjectively, but current knowledge on best objective measurement methods is limited. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of objective clinical measurement methods assessing WF in different populations. Articles were searched in Pubmed and Web Of Science by two independent raters. Studies were included when meeting inclusion criteria of measuring WF objectively in a clinical setting, with no exclusion towards any population. Case studies and reviews were not included in the review (systematic review registration number: PROSPERO - CRD42017074121). In total, 28 articles were included. The study populations were older adults (N.=7), multiple sclerosis (N.=14), spinal muscle atrophy (N.=3), osteoarthritis (N.=3), interstitial lung diseases (N.=1), and myasthenia gravis (N.=1). Data about patient characteristics, walking task, WF formula and interpretation (cut-off values and/or psychometric properties) got extracted from included literature. Every included article got checked for quality and risk of bias. WF was mostly measured during longer walking test such as six-minute walking test (6MWT) and 500 or 400-m walking test, by comparing the first and last minute or lap for spatiotemporal or kinematic changes in well-defined formulas. No gold standard is however available yet given different tasks or outcome measures across study populations. Longer walking test were most often used, with a preference towards the 6MWT, thereby comparing the changes over the last and first part of the test. Psychometric properties need more documentation before inclusion as experimental outcome.

Habitual Sleep, Social Jetlag, and Reaction Time in Youths With Delayed Sleep–Wake Phase Disorder. A Case–Control Study

The aim of this study was to explore habitual sleep, social jetlag, and day-to-day variations in sleep (measured as intra-individual standard deviation, ISD) in youths with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD), compared to healthy controls. We also aimed to investigate time of day effects in performance. The sample comprised 40 youths with DSWPD (70.0% female, mean age 20.7 ± 3.1 years) and 21 healthy controls (71.4% female, mean age 21.2 ± 2.2 years). Subjective and objective sleep were measured over 7 days on a habitual sleep schedule by sleep diary and actigraphy recordings. Performance was tested twice with a 12-h interval (22:00 in the evening and 10:00 the following morning) using a simple, 10-min sustained reaction time test (RTT). The results showed later sleep timing in the DSWPD group compared to the controls, but sleep duration, social jetlag, and ISD in sleep timing did not differ between the groups. Still, participants with DSWPD reported longer sleep onset latency (SOL) and poorer sleep efficiency (SE), sleep quality, and daytime functioning, as well as larger ISD in SOL, sleep duration, and SE. The groups had similar evening performances on the RTT, but the DSWPD group performed poorer (slower with more lapses) than the controls in the morning. The poor morning performance in the DSWPD group likely reflects the combined impact of sleep curtailment and circadian variations in performance (synchrony effect), and importantly illustrates the challenges individuals with DSWPD face when trying to adhere to early morning obligations.

A Comparison of Two Commercial Swim Bench Ergometers in Determining Maximal Aerobic Power and Correlation to a Paddle Test in a Recreational Surfing Cohort.

The recent addition of surfing to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has fueled a surge in commercial and research interest in understanding the physiological demands of the sport. However, studies specific to maximal aerobic testing of surfers are scarce. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare two commercially available swim bench (SWB) ergometers in the determination of maximal aerobic capacity in recreational surfers. A secondary aim was to correlate (independent of one another) the two ergometer findings of VO2peak to the time taken to complete a water-based 400-m paddle test. This cross-sectional study consisted of 17 recreational surfers aged between 18–58 years. Participants were randomized to either the SwimFast ergometer or VASA ergometer and tested for maximal aerobic capacity, followed by a 400-m paddle test. There were no significant differences between the two SWB ergometers in the determination of relative VO2peak (mean difference 0.33 mL/kg/min; 95% CI −1.24–1.90; p = 0.66). Correlations between VO2peak obtained from maximal paddling effort on the SwimFast and the VASA and the 400-m paddle test (total time (s)) showed a negative significant correlation r = −0.819, p = 0.024; r = −0.818, p = 0.024, respectively. Results suggest that either ergometer (SwimFast or VASA) can be used to determine peak aerobic capacity within a recreational surfing cohort. The significant correlation of the two SWB ergometers and the 400-m paddle test suggest that the 400-m paddle test may be a suitable field-based method of determining aerobic capability. Collectively, these preliminary findings provide initial evidence for similarities in VO2peak on two commercial ergometers and their correlations with a field-based test. However, further research is needed with a larger sample size and inclusive of competitive surfers to provide robust findings which can be generalized to the surfing population.

Sensory nerve stimulation causes an immediate improvement in motor function of persons with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study

Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms reported in the first year of the disease include sensory impairment, fatigue, reduced mobility, and declines in hand function. The progressive reduction in motor function experienced by persons living with MS is invariably preceded by changes in sensory processing, which are strongly associated with the declines in both walking performance and manual dexterity. Aims:To assess the influence of concurrent sensory stimulation using augmented transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (aTENS) applied to leg and hand muscles on clinical tests of motor function in individuals whose mobility was compromised by MS. Methods:Thirteen persons with MS (52 ± 8 years; 6 women) and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy adults (52 ± 9 years) met the inclusion criteria. Participants visited the lab on two occasions with one week between visits. Each visit involved the participant performing four tests of motor function and completing two health-related questionnaires (PDDS and MSWS-12). The tests assessed walking performance (6-min test and 25-ft test), dynamic balance (chair-rise tes, and manual dexterity (grooved pegboard test). aTENS was applied through pads attached to the limbs over the tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles of the affected leg, and over the median nerve and the thenar eminence of the dominant hand. The pads were attached during both visits, but the current was only applied during the second visit. The stimulation comprised continuous asymmetrical biphasic pulses (0.2 ms) at a rate of 50 Hz and an intensity that elicited slight muscle contractions. Results:At baseline and during both treatment sessions, the performance on all four tests of motor function was worse for the MS group than the Control group. The MS group experienced significant improvements in all outcomes during the aTENS session with medium-to-large effect sizes. PDDS ratings improved (from 2.8 ± 1.3 to 2.0 ± 1.5; effect size d = –0.70) and the MSWS–12 scores declined (from 36 ± 11 to 28 ± 12; effect size d = –1.52). The concurrent application of aTENS enabled the MS group to walk further during the 6-min test (from 397 ± 174 m to 415 ± 172 m; effect size d = 0.81), to complete the 25-ft test in less time (6.7 ± 3.0 s to 6.3 ± 2.9 s; effect size d = –0.76), to increase the counts in the chair-rise test (from 11.2 ± 3.8 to 13.6 ± 4.8; effect size d = 1.52), and to perform the grooved pegboard test more quickly (from 110 ± 43 s to 99 ± 37 s; effect size d = –0.98). The only significant effect for the Control group was a significant increase in the 6-min walk distance (from 725 ± 79 to 740 ± 82 m; effect size d = 0.87). Conclusions:Stimulation of sensory fibers with aTENS evoked clinically significant improvements in four tests of motor function and the self-reported level of walking limitations in persons who were moderately disabled by MS. Moreover, the improvements in function elicited by the concurrent application of aTENS were immediate.

Acute Effects of the 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test in COPD.

There are few reports in the literature supporting the understanding of the physiological mechanisms of intolerance in patients with COPD to perform unsupported upper limb activities. The aims of this study were to quantify the electrical activity and oxygenation of inspiratory and upper limb muscles, and to investigate whether electromyographic manifestations of muscle fatigue are related to upper limb function as assessed by the 6-min pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) in subjects with COPD and in healthy subjects. Thirty subjects with COPD (FEV1 42.1 ± 16.4% predicted; 68.0 ± 7.6 y old) comprised the COPD group, and 34 healthy subjects (66.8 ± 8.0 y old) comprised the control group. Both groups were assessed for body composition with dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry and spirometry. The 6PBRT was performed with simultaneous assessment of electromyography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and gas analyses (expiratory minute volume). Differences were observed between groups for performance (number of rings) in the 6PBRT, with the COPD group achieving lower values than the control group (P < .001). The ventilatory demand (expiratory minute volume/maximum voluntary ventilation) and root mean square amplitude of the sternocleidomastoid muscle were higher in the COPD group than in the control group (P < .04). Lower values for oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin were found in intercostal muscles of the COPD group compared to the control group. The root mean square amplitude of the intercostal muscles was lower in the COPD group, while it was similar between groups for anterior deltoid and trapezius muscles. Median frequency of anterior deltoid muscles presented a decreased in both groups. Our results indicate that the 6PBRT was performed at a higher electrical activity in the accessory inspiratory muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and a lower oxygenation profile in the intercostal muscles in subjects with COPD compared with healthy controls, but without muscle fatigue signs. These findings suggest that the higher ventilatory demand presented in subjects with COPD could have contributed to the worse performance in this group without signals of peripheral muscle limitation.