American College Of Sports Medicine Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices Regarding Exercise-related Acute Cardiovascular Events in Gym Trainers

Abstract Exercise is a powerful tool in preventing and reducing the occurrence of lifestyle diseases. However, engaging in intense physical activity, especially activities that are unfamiliar, can increase the risk of heart complications, particularly in individuals who are not very physically active. The number of health clubs is growing, leading to a significant increase in the number of fitness trainers who provide guidance and motivation during workout sessions. As a result, it is crucial for fitness center trainers to minimize complications by prescribing personalized workout regimens and promptly addressing any incidents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on gym trainers who had a basic level certification lasting 6 months or more and at least 1 year of experience, using convenience sampling. Trainers with medical or paramedical qualifications were excluded. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was distributed among the gym trainers. Descriptive data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to calculate the percentages. The study found that 51% (120) of the participants were knowledgeable about chest pain, while only 14% (32) were aware that light-headedness and tiredness were symptoms indicating possible cardiovascular events. This implies that the trainers surveyed had limited knowledge. In terms of attitude, when asked about their confidence in recognizing symptoms of a heart attack, only 2% were very confident, 38% were neutral, and 8% were not confident at all. Only 38% of trainers practiced risk stratification/pre-exercise screening, and only 44% followed the guidelines set by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The study suggests that certified gym trainers lack sufficient knowledge, possess a neutral attitude, and do not frequently implement preventive measures related to exercise-related acute cardiovascular arrest.

Types of physical exercise based on the side effects of each oncological patient

Cancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and target therapies can have various side effects on patients, affecting their health and quality of life. Exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing these side effects by regulating hormone levels, improving immune function, and reducing inflammation. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a specific exercise regimen for cancer patients, including cardiovascular exercise and strength training. It is important to tailor exercise programs to each patient's needs and adapt the intensity based on their condition and disease stage. Understanding the physiological effects of cancer treatments is crucial for developing effective exercise programs that benefit patients. Motivating patients to stay active and adhere to exercise routines long term is also essential for their overall well-being.

Executive functions in male and female older adults with aligned levels of VO2max.

Studies have shown a positive relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and executive functioning in older adults. Although this relationship has been well established, there seems to be a gap in the literature on the role of sex differences concerning CRF and executive functions. The current study aimed to assess the effect of sex in the relationship between CRF and cognition in older adults by stratifying the results to examine effects in males and females. Ninety-six older adults (61 females) gave their written, informed consent to participate in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a maximal continuous graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2max</inf>) and a computerized Stroop task (naming, inhibition, and switching) to assess their executive functions. According to VO<inf>2max</inf> test results and the American College of Sports Medicine's guidelines, females and males were classified into higher-fit and lower-fit groups. A general linear model and estimated marginal means analyses were applied. Results showed no significant differences in the naming, inhibition and switching performance tests between male and female older adults (P>0.05). Based on the observed positive relationship between CRF and executive functioning, the data of the current study supports the idea that aerobic exercise, which typically increases CRF, is well-situated to improve executive functioning in older adults, irrespective of sex.

Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine: 2023 Paper of the Year

Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine: 2023 Paper of the Year

Feasibility of a Recumbent Stepper for Short-Interval, Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Stroke.

Studies investigating high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) in stroke typically emphasize treadmill training. However, a literature review suggested that seated devices such as a recumbent stepper or cycle offer a promising alternative for HIIE since exercise can be prescribed using peak power output (PPO). Therefore, this would give health care professionals the ability to monitor and adapt power output for the target heart rate range. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the feasibility of prescribing short-interval, low-volume HIIE using PPO in chronic stroke. We used several methods to test feasibility: (1)Acceptability: Measured by the percentage of participants who completed the entire HIIE protocol; (2) Implementation was assessed by the number of reported cardiac or serious adverse events during submaximal exercise testing and HIIE and the average percentage of participants reaching vigorous intensity, defined by the American College of Sports Medicine as at least 77% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax). Data were available for 28 participants who were 32.2 (17.2) months post-stroke and 61.4 (11.9) years of age. Twenty-eight participants completed HIIE per protocol. No cardiac or serious adverse events occurred during the submaximal exercise test or during HIIE. The rapid switching between HIIE and recovery showed no evidence of blood pressure reaching unsafe thresholds. Average intensity during HIIE reached 76.8% HRmax, which is slightly below the target of 77.0%. A single bout of short-interval, low-volume HIIE, prescribed using PPO, was feasible in chronic stroke.

Barriers to and enablers of physical activity participation in lung cancer survivors.

Although physical activity physical activity has been shown to have significant benefits for individuals living with cancer, engaging lung cancer survivors (LCS) in increasing routine physical activity participation has been particularly challenging. To describe enablers of, barriers to, and patterns of physical activity among LCS and to characterize interest in a physical activity program as a first step to improving physical activity engagement. The study consisted of a cross-sectional survey (n = 100) of adult LCS recruited from a thoracic oncology clinic assessing multiple domains of physical activity (engagement, perceived barriers, benefits, physical function, psychosocial factors, self-efficacy, and programmatic preferences). Only 12% of LCS in our cohort (average age 67 years, 54% male, 81% with stage III or IV disease) met American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) physical activity guidelines. Participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, with an average (SD) of 48.4 (91.8) minutes per week. The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity were fatigue (49%), dyspnea (39%), and difficulty with daily activities (34%). Regression analysis demonstrated a positive association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and higher income (r = 0.241, p = .016), physical function (r = 0.281, p = .005), and physical activity self-efficacy (r = 0.270, p = .007). Qualitative results demonstrated a strong interest in physical activity programming that is lung-cancer specific with a high level of support and guidance. This study identified that LCS had low levels of physical activity with fatigue, dyspnea, socioeconomic, and functional limitations contributing. The majority of LCS are interested in an exercise program and believe that exercise engagement will produce functional benefits. The present study presents a framework to guide development of community-based interventions to increase LCS physical activity participation among LCS.

Rating of Perceived Exertion: A Large Cross-Sectional Study Defining Intensity Levels for Individual Physical Activity Recommendations

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a growing risk factor worldwide, therefore getting people into sports is necessary. When prescribing physical activity, it is essential to recommend the correct training intensities. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) enables precise determination of individuals’ training intensities but is unavailable for a broad population. Therefore, the Borg scale allows individuals to assess perceived exertion and set their intensity easily and cost-efficiently. In order to transfer CPX to rating of perceived exertion (RPE), previous studies investigated RPE on specific physiological anchors, e.g. blood lactate (bLa) concentrations, but representativeness for a broad population is questionable. Some contradictory findings regarding individual factors influencing RPE occur, whereas univariable analysis has been performed so far. Moreover, a multivariable understanding of individual factors influencing RPE is missing. This study aims to determine RPE values at the individual anaerobic threshold (LT2) and defined bLa concentrations in a large cohort and to evaluate individual factors influencing RPE with multivariable analysis.MethodsCPX with bicycle or treadmill ergometer of 6311 participants were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. RPE values at bLa concentrations 2 mmol/l, 3 mmol/l, 4 mmol/l, and LT2 (first rise in bLa over baseline + 1.5 mmol/l) were estimated by spline interpolation. Multivariable cumulative ordinal regression models were performed to assess the influence of sex, age, type of ergometry, VO2max, and duration of exercise testing on RPE.ResultsMedian values [interquartile range (IQR)] of the total population were RPE 13 [11; 14] at 2 mmol/l, RPE 15 [13; 16] at 3 mmol/l, RPE 16 [15; 17] at 4 mmol/l, and RPE 15 [14; 16] at LT2. Main influence of individual factors on RPE were seen especially at 2 mmol/l: male sex (odds ratio (OR) [95%-CI]: 0.65 [0.587; 0.719]), treadmill ergometry (OR 0.754 [0.641; 0.886]), number of stages (OR 1.345 [1.300; 1.394]), age (OR 1.015 [1.012; 1.018]), and VO2max (OR 1.023 [1.015; 1.030]). Number of stages was the only identified influencing factor on RPE at all lactate concentrations/LT2 (3 mmol/l: OR 1.290 [1.244; 1.336]; 4 mmol/l: OR 1.229 [1.187; 1.274]; LT2: OR 1.155 [1.115; 1.197]).ConclusionOur results suggest RPE ≤ 11 for light intensity, RPE 12–14 for moderate intensity, and RPE 15–17 for vigorous intensity, which slightly differs from the current American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations. Additionally, we propose an RPE of 15 delineating heavy and severe intensity domain. Age, sex, type of ergometry, duration of exercise, and cardiopulmonary fitness should be considered when recommending individualized intensities with RPE, primarily at lower intensities. Therefore, this study can be used as a new guideline for prescribing individual RPE values in the clinical practice, predominantly for endurance type exercise.

Effects of exercise dose based on the ACSM recommendations on patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

This review aimed to assess the impact of different exercise dosages on cognitive function in individuals with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Four electronic databases-Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library-were systematically searched from inception to 01 January 2024, focusing on the impact of exercise therapy on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI. Only randomized controlled trials meeting the criteria were included. The exercise therapy dose and adherence were evaluated following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines, categorized into a high compliance group with ACSM recommendations and a low or uncertain compliance group. A random-effects model compared the effect of ACSM compliance on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI, with the effect size represented by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). In total, 18 studies meeting the criteria were included, with data from 1,742 participants. The findings suggested a beneficial effect of exercise on cognitive function in individuals with PSCI [SMD = 0.42, 95% CI (0.20, 0.65)]. Ten studies were categorized as the "high adherence group" and eight in the "low or uncertain adherence group" based on the ACSM recommendations. The subgroup analysis revealed that the SMD of the high compliance group was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.82) (p = 0.01), while the SMD of the low or uncertain compliance group was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.70) (p = 0.02). Our study indicates the beneficial impact of exercise for patients with PSCI over no exercise. Furthermore, high adherence to the exercise dose recommended by ACSM guidelines demonstrated a more substantial improvement in cognitive function than low or uncertain adherence in patients with PSCI. Systematic Review Registration: https:// www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, identifier CRD42023487915.

FITNESS : EFFECTS AND EFFECTIVENESS

Abstract : Fitness Tracker is outcome of research and development in area of information and technology to analyse health related issues. We explore how wearable technology can be a game changer for encouraging physical exercise and overall well-being on our fitness tracker website. Using data from landmark research on fitness tracker effectiveness (Jacobsen et al., 2016; Flores Mateo et al., 2015) [1][2], we investigate how these gadgets enable users to monitor and enhance their workout regimens. Our content, which highlights industry trends and technological breakthroughs, is informed by market analyses (Market Research Future; Deloitte Insights) [3][4] and extensive textbooks on sensor technology (Sazonov &amp; Neuman) [5]…We discuss the effectiveness of incentives in encouraging persistent physical activity engagement, guided by studies like the randomized controlled experiment conducted by Finkelstein et al. (2016) [6]. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have both released evidence-based guidelines [7][8] that support regular exercise as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle (CDC; Int. J. Sports Med.) [9][10]. These guidelines serve as the foundation for our approach.Additionally, by combining knowledge from digital health and behavioral science, we examine how wearable fitness technology affects habit modification and long-term health consequences. Our website provides thorough information and practical techniques for individuals seeking to maximize their fitness objectives and overall well-being through the synthesis of these diverse viewpoints. .Keywords – Fitness Apps, Fitness Gadgets, Fitness Trackers, Physical Activity, Weight Loss, General Health, Etc.,

FITNESS TRACKER : LONG TERM HEALTH OUTCOME

Abstract : The Fitness Tracker is the product of information and technology research and development aimed at analyzing health-related problems. On our fitness tracker page, we discuss how wearable technology can be a game changer for promoting physical activity and general well-being. We examine how fitness trackers help users monitor and improve their exercise routines using data from seminal studies on the subject (Jacobsen et al., 2016; Flores Mateo et al., 2015) [1][2]. Market analyses provide the basis for our material, which showcases technology advancements and industry trends (Market Research Future; Deloitte Insights) [3][4] as well as in-depth sensor technology textbooks (Sazonov &amp; Neuman) [5]… We explore the role that incentives play in promoting sustained involvement in physical activity, informed by research such as the randomized controlled trial carried out by Finkelstein et al. (2016). [6]. Evidence-based guidelines supporting regular exercise as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle have been produced by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) [7][8] (CDC; Int. J. Sports Med.) [9][10]. These recommendations form the cornerstone of our methodology. Additionally, we investigate how wearable fitness technology influences habit modification and long-term health effects by integrating insights from behavioral science and digital health. Through the synthesis of these varied perspectives, our website offers comprehensive information and useful approaches for people looking to maximize their fitness goals and general well-being. Keywords : activity tracker, health metrics, fitness insights ,global fitness market ,innovation in wearables

Which aerobic exercise is more effective in Parkinson's patients? Cycle ergometer versus body weight-supported treadmill.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise applied with bodyweight-supported treadmill (BWSTT) or cycle ergometer (CE) in Parkinson's patients. In the prospective single-blind study, 38 Parkinson's patients with Hoehn-Yahr Stage 1-3 were randomized into the CE and BWSTT groups between May 2019 and March 2020. Evaluations before and after six weeks of treatment included a six-min walking test with a software device as the primary outcome and functional balance tests (Tinetti balance and gait test, one-leg stance balance test) as secondary outcomes. Both groups received 40 min of aerobic exercise three days per week with conventional rehabilitation and various methods. CE and BWSTT groups were created. The aerobic exercise program was designed based on treatment recommendations for Parkinson's patients of the American College of Sports Medicine (CE test, with the Karvonen formula, 40-60% reserve). Posttreatment and pretreatment evaluations were compared within and between groups. The six-week aerobic exercise program was completed by 16 participants (9 males, 7 females; mean age: 65.9±8.1; range, 47 to 78 years) in the CE group and 15 participants (9 males, 6 females; mean age: 62.5±7.5; range, 49 to 79 years) in the BWSTT group. The demographic characteristics of the patients were similar. Primary and secondary outcomes were significantly different after treatment than before treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in outcomes. The results showed that both methods are effective and not superior to each other. Aerobic exercise programs led by experienced clinicians can benefit patients.

Efficacy of a theory-based and setting-based intervention in promoting strength training among older adults in Hong Kong: A clustered randomized controlled trial.

The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of an intervention, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and social support, in promoting strength training (ST) among older adults. A two-arm clustered randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted among 235 older adults from eight elderly centers in Hong Kong. The intervention group engaged in a 6-month intervention comprising ST sessions, exercise consultations, social gatherings, and a buddy program, while the control group participated in social gatherings. Assessments were conducted at baseline (Month 0), post-intervention (Month 6), and 3-month follow-up (Month 9), with primary outcome being the prevalence of meeting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommendations of ST. Results showed that the intervention group reported significantly higher prevalence of meeting ACSM recommendations for ST at both post-intervention and follow-up. Linear mixed models showed significant interaction effect between condition and time on perceived susceptibility of sarcopenia and muscle strength and significant condition effect on self-efficacy for ST, perceived severity of sarcopenia, perceived barriers of ST, and intention to perform ST. Findings suggest that the intervention, guided by HBM and social support, improves older adults' ST participation, muscle strength, perceptions on sarcopenia, and self-efficacy for ST, which offers great potential for broader application in other settings.

Moderate intensity aerobic exercise prevents myopathic consequences of glucocorticoid administration in aged female mice

Elevated glucocorticoids induce a myopathy characterized by the loss of muscle mass and increased muscle fatiguability. The elderly is highly susceptible to the myopathic effects as they are more likely to experience elevated glucocorticoid levels. Aerobic exercise can prevent glucocorticoid-induced loss of muscle in younger rodents; however, it is unknown whether aerobic exercise can influence glucocorticoid myopathic features in aged muscle. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to define the extent to which moderate intensity aerobic exercise influenced glucocorticoid myopathy in aged muscle. 24-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 4 groups of equal bodyweights. Two groups remained sedentary while the other 2 groups began treadmill aerobic exercise performed 5x/week at 10 m/min for 30 min at 5% grade. At the end of the first week of exercise, one group of sedentary mice and one group of exercising mice began receiving once daily subcutaneous injections of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg; DEX). The other group of sedentary mice and group of exercising mice began receiving once daily subcutaneous injections of saline only. All treatments (sedentary/exercise or DEX/saline) continued for an additional 2 weeks. At the end of week 3, the contractile properties of the triceps surae muscle complex were assessed in situ via electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Specific measures included twitch force, sub tetanic force (60 Hz stimulation frequency), tetanic force (125 Hz stimulation frequency), and a fatigue protocol consisting of 60 high force contractions, with each contraction separated by 4 seconds. After testing, muscles of the triceps surae complex were extracted and weighed. Total protein content of the gastrocnemius was determined by the Bradford method. DEX lowered muscle mass, lowered gastrocnemius total protein content, and enhanced fatigue, with aerobic exercise preventing those changes. Interestingly, main effects were noted for DEX to increase twitch and 60 Hz absolute force, normalized force, and RFD in both sedentary and exercise trained mice. Neither DEX nor exercise altered half-relaxation time at any stimulation frequency, nor did they alter tetanic force at the 125 Hz stimulation. These data show that the detrimental effects of elevated glucocorticoids to skeletal muscle morphology and contractile function in aged muscle can be mitigated by moderate intensity aerobic exercise training. They also indicate that there may be some positive benefits to submaximal force generating capacity following a clinically relevant dose of glucocorticoids in aged females. This work was supported by a Doctoral grant from the American College of Sports Medicine (GRL) and NIH R03AG073445 (BSG). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The Development and Implementation of a Competency-Focused Curriculum in Health and Exercise Sciences

Historically, undergraduate programs in Health and Exercise Sciences (i.e. Kinesiology) are rooted in common areas such as physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, motor control, psychology, nutrition, and rehabilitation. A typical four-year program offers a general education across these areas often delivering a breadth of knowledge in many areas, albeit often lacking in transferable technical skill that relates to industry. With many graduates now pursuing advanced training in professional programs there is a need to develop more competency-focused curricula to better prepare students for entry into professional fields. Further, overburdened healthcare systems worldwide combined with an ageing population find themselves with a gap in service delivery, given the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of high-quality exercise training in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic conditions. In 2018, following feedback from provincial ministries, the University Senate, faculty, students, and community partners, the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan underwent a strategic review. This review led to the development of a professionally focused, competency-based program, now known as the Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences. Within this program are three concentrations geared towards developing knowledge and skills in differing areas dependent on student interest and desired career path: Kinesiology and Allied Health, Health Behaviour Change, and Clinical Exercise Physiology. The development of the revised curriculum involved crucial components such as defining new program and concentration level learning outcomes, competency profiles, definitions, progressions, and practical assessment strategies. Additionally, each concentration integrates a community practicum designed to enhance mastery of competencies within a professional setting. Establishing these practicums necessitates ongoing collaborative efforts with both existing and new community partners, the formulation of standards, and the implementation of a process to ensure students possess a baseline skill level before engaging with the community. A substantial challenge in the revised curriculum is the instruction of technical skills in a lab environment, as well as effective practical skill assessment that meets industry standards, for upwards of 200 students. To this end a great deal of planning was required from a resources standpoint, onboarding of new faculty with industry experience, as well as alignment with pre-existing certifying bodies including the American College of Sports Medicine, Exercise &amp; Sport Science Australia, and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. Looking to the future we anticipate both challenges and opportunities as we continue to redefine professional competencies and remap them throughout the curriculum to enhance skill progression and ensure our graduates are fit for purpose. Further, we are excited to continue to work alongside provincial entities and existing certifying bodies as we look toward the professionalization of the field. Lastly, but up utmost importance, is the dissemination of our process to other organizations and institutions in hopes to build momentum in the quickly evolving academic and professional landscape of Health and Exercise Sciences. None. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Impact Of Walking And The OTAGO Exercise Program On Improving Balance Parameters In The Elderly

There will likely be a rise in fall rates as the population ages. This will impact our society and put more strain on healthcare systems by increasing the number of unintentional injuries and injury-related deaths. According to Zijlstra et al. (2007), falls have a significant psychological impact on individuals, frequently leading to diminished confidence, decreased functional activity, deconditioning, and an elevated risk of falls. Estimated costs of fall-related damage to older adults owing to demographic changes in Australia (2003) predict that by 2051, fall-related injuries, which currently account for 5% of the country's overall health budget, would triple and cost the Australian health system about $1,375 million annually. Exercise and other modifications in lifestyle can potentially reduce the risk of many physical falls (Gregg et al., 2000; Sherrington et al., 2011). The current recommendations for physical exercise among older persons, which include elements of aerobic, resistance, and balance training, are not met by many of them. According to Chodzko-Zajko et al. (2009), the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM) advises older persons to engage in aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and flexibility exercises. People who have mobility issues or are at risk of falling should also engage in certain activities designed to enhance their balance. We determined that the study's subjects would be third-age individuals (over 65) who reside in assisted living facilities located in Tirana's district and city due to the issues that this demographic faces. Keywords: falls prevention, ageing, nursing home support services, quality of life, older people, walking, OTAGO exercise program, balance, preventive care.

Effect of Training in Water and Training with Thera-Band on the Frequency Spectrum of Electrical Activity of Lower Limb Muscles in People with Pronated Foot During Walking: A Clinical Trial Study

Introduction: The ankle joint is one of the most vulnerable joints in the body due to weight bearing. Pronated foot is one of the most common complications of the lower limbs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of training in water and training with thera-band on the frequency spectrum of electrical activity of lower limb muscles in people with pronated foot during walking. Methods: The present research was a clinical trial study that was conducted in a semi-experimental and laboratory. The statistical sample of the present study included 45 students of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili who had pronated foot, were selected purposefully and were randomly and equally placed in three groups: TheraBand, exercise in water, and control. The training protocol used for the water training group was based on the sports prescription guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and for the training group with the thera-band, it was performed using an orange thera-band in three sets with repetitions of 14 movements. To measure the frequency spectrum of the electrical activity of the lower limb muscles, it was recorded using a wireless surface electromyography device. Likewise, analysis of variance with repeated measurements and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to analyze the data at a significance level of P≤0.05. Results: The results showed that the interactive effect of time and group on the middle frequency spectrum of electromyography of the vastus medialis muscle in the exercises of the thera-band group during walking had a significant decrease (P=0.02). Other variables from the pre-test stage to the post-test did not show statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: It seems that doing exercises in water and thera-band doesn't statistically have much effect on the frequency spectrum of the electrical activity of the lower limb muscles.

Abstract SY08-01: Does exercise or fitness deter cancer progression after diagnosis

Abstract SY08-01: Does exercise or fitness deter cancer progression after diagnosis

Estimating metabolic rate from International Organization for Standardization heart rate method and two walking equations.

Assigning a value for metabolic rate is central to heat stress assessment. ISO 8996 describes a predictive method for walking based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) method and another generalized method based on average heart rate. In addition, the US Army uses the load carriage decision aid (LCDA) predictive equation to estimate metabolic rate. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy/bias and precision of the ISO heart rate method and the ACSM and LCDA equations. The laboratory database included metabolic rate, heart rate, treadmill speed, and grade during a progressive heat stress protocol. Treadmill speed and grade were set to represent one of three metabolic rates. Accuracy and precision were assessed with Bland-Altman plots. All three methods had good accuracy (low bias). For precision, the ISO heart rate method had a root mean square error (RMSE) of 34 W and 11% when adjusted for repeated measures. The RMSE for two equations was 20 W and 7%. Although the heart method had less accuracy, its application is more generalizable. The heart rate method should be used below the occupational exposure limit to avoid a bias toward higher predicted values due to heat strain.

Age-Related Declines in Health and Fitness among Law Enforcement Officers Compared to Population Norms.

Physical fitness is mandatory for public safety officers. Police officers experience elevated levels of cardiovascular disease and associated risks making fitness a peak concern. Officers often have more marked fitness level decreases with aging compared to the general population. This cross-sectional study investigated the cardiovascular health, muscular strength/endurance, and mobility of officers in a medium-sized police department (N = 83); (4 females, 79 males), age (36.82 ± 10 years), height (179.02 ± 7.7 cm), body mass (95.1 ± 16.29 kg) compared to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. The findings revealed that police officers begin their careers with above average strength but demonstrate greater declines with age than the general population. Officers also demonstrated cardiovascular fitness below ACSM standards and significant decreases with aging compared to the general population. Body fat percentages (p = 0.003) and BMI (p = 0.028) surpassed recommendations, with higher than normal increases with age. Maximum vertical jump decreased as officers age (p = 0.004). These findings support the implementation of a targeted physical fitness regimen and the resources for a program designed to improve current health and fitness, reduce the greater than expected decreases with aging, and aim to optimize occupational performance and the safeguarding of the lifelong health and well-being of officers.

O101: Current guidelines on physical activity do not prevent skeletal muscle loss and physical decline prior to Oesophagogastric cancer surgery: a new benchmark for prehabilitation?

Abstract Prehabilitation is being widely adopted to optimise physical health prior to surgery. However, there remains a lack of consensus regarding exercise type and intensity with current guidance extrapolated from generic, non-cancer populations. The WHO and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend 600-1200 Metabolic Equivalent minutes (MET-mins) per week of physical activity (PA) but the effectiveness of this recommendation in cancer populations is unknown. Patients undergoing treatment for Oesophagogastric cancer were prospectively recruited. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) quantified PA at baseline and throughout treatment. Two cohorts were defined (lowPA and highPA) based on ACSM cut-off of 1200 MET-mins/week. Outcome measures were physical function (1 minute sit-to-stand, 1mSTS), CT muscle mass, chemotoxicity, and failure to complete planned treatment. 38 patients completed all study assessments (highPA n=20, lowPA n=18) with no difference in baseline characteristics or disease stage between groups. LowPA group showed declines in 1mSTS performance following chemotherapy, whereas the highPA group improved (mean difference -4 versus +10, p=0.001). Whilst both saw a decline in skeletal muscle mass, the lowPA group lost significantly more (mean difference -5.1 versus -1.8, p=0.007). There were trends towards a lower incidence of severe chemotoxicity (30% vs 61%, p=0.054) and failure to complete planned treatment (15% versus 28%, p=.33) in the highPA group. Whilst further research is required to define the most effective prehabilitation strategy, this study is the first to suggest a new benchmark to preserve muscle mass and function is higher than current guidelines and should be considered when developing prehabilitation recommendations.