Baseline Fitness Research Articles

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Changes As A Function Of Baseline Fitness Level In An Unsupervised Training Program.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Changes As A Function Of Baseline Fitness Level In An Unsupervised Training Program.

632. CAN CARDIOPULMONARY EXERCISE TESTING PREDICT NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY TOXICITY IN OESOPHAGEAL ADENOCARCINOMA PATIENTS?

Abstract Background Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a method of assessing cardiopulmonary fitness. In the context of surgery, it is used to risk-stratify patients, allowing targeted prehabilitation to optimise comorbidities and fitness prior to surgery, and triage patients to the appropriate level of care after the operation. Various CPET-derived variables have been shown to be associated with short- and long-term outcomes after various surgery. In patients post-oesophagectomy, these variables are predictive of long-term survival. This study aimed to assess the use of this tool to predict neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) related complications in patients receiving neoadjuvant FLOT prior to oesophagectomy. Methods All patients who underwent routine CPET during the staging process prior to NAC with FLOT and oesophagectomy in a single high-volume centre between September 2018 and January 2023 were included. Data were extracted from the unit’s contemporaneously maintained database. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare CPET variables in patients who completed NAC with FLOT fully versus those who did not finish NAC with FLOT due to acute chemotherapy toxicities. Results There were 129 patients who received neoadjuvant FLOT and had routine CPET performed during the defined study period. Six of those patients (4.7%) did not complete neoadjuvant chemotherapy due to acute chemotherapy toxicities but progressed to surgery. The median anaerobic threshold, VO2 peak, and VE/VCO2 among those who completed NAC were 14.2 ml/kg/min, 20.3 ml/kg/min, and 28, respectively, compared to 13.4 ml/kg/min, 19.7 ml/kg/min, and 31 in those who did not complete NAC (p=0.595, p=0.695, and p=0.160, respectively). Conclusion Although patients who received all four cycles of NAC with FLOT prior to oesophagectomy demonstrated CPET values indicating better base-line fitness than those who had to discontinue NAC due to acute chemotherapy toxicity, these differences did not reach the level of statistical significance. This study, therefore, did not demonstrate any predictive value of CPET in assessing the risk of incomplete NAC treatment prior to oesophagectomy.

The associations between organized sport participation and physical fitness and weight status development during adolescence

ObjectivesWe are yet to understand how continuous participation in organized sports, dropout from organized sports, or complete non-participation affect adolescents' trajectories of physical fitness and body mass index (BMI). Thus, the aim was to examine longitudinal changes in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI between adolescents 1) who continued or started organized sport participation, 2) who dropped out, and 3) who never participated in organized sport or dropped out before adolescence. DesignLongitudinal observational study. MethodsOver four years (2017–2021), sport participation, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI data were collected annually from 963 participants (Mage = 11.25 ± 0.31). Latent growth curve models were utilized to examine levels (baseline) and slopes (rate of change) of BMI, cardiorespiratory, and muscular fitness in each sport participation group. ResultsFitness levels significantly varied among groups. Continuing sport participants exhibited the highest levels, non-participants the lowest. Both groups showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness over time. Dropouts had higher baseline fitness than non-participants but demonstrated no change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time and a significantly smaller increase in muscular fitness than the two other groups. BMI increased similarly in all groups, with non-participants starting at higher baseline levels. ConclusionsIndividuals who continually participated in sports maintained higher levels of fitness than individuals who did not participate in organized sports across adolescence. However, individuals who dropped out of organized sports, showed plateau in their fitness improvements, suggesting that the physical activity previously obtained through organized sports may not be replaced elsewhere.

Aerobic fitness predicted by demographics, anthropometrics, health behaviour, physical activity and muscle fitness in male and female recruits entering military service

IntroductionThe physical and mental training load can be high during military service. Therefore, tailored preconditioning programmes based on assessment of physical fitness could increase readiness for military service, especially among...

Sprint interval training in the postpartum period maintains the enhanced cardiac output of pregnancy: A case study.

During pregnancy an increased cardiac output ( ) and blood volume (BV) occur to support fetal growth. Increased and BV also occur during chronic endurance exercise training and benefit performance. We investigated if sprint interval training (SIT) undertaken early postpartum maintains the elevated and BV of pregnancy and benefits performance. The participant, a competitive field hockey player and former cyclist, visited our laboratory at 2weeks of gestation (baseline) and postpartum pre-, mid- and post-intervention (PPpre, PPmid and PPpost). Delivery was uncomplicated and she felt ready to start the SIT programme 5weeks postpartum. Inert gas rebreathing was used to measure peak exercise ( peak); was measured with a metabolic cart; and postpartum haematological values were measured with carbon monoxide rebreathing. The 18 SIT sessions progressed from four to eight sprints at 130% of peak power output. peak increased from baseline at all postpartum time points (baseline 16.2 vs. 17.5, 16.8 and 17.2L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Relative remained below baseline values at all postpartum measurements (baseline 44.9 vs. 41.0, 42.3 and 42.5mL/kg/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) whereas absolute rapidly reached baseline values postpartum (baseline 3.19 vs. 3.12, 3.23 and 3.18L/min at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively). Postpartum BV (5257, 4271 and 5214mL at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) and Hbmass (654, 525 and 641g at PPpre, PPmid and PPpost, respectively) were similar between PPpre and PPpost but decreased alongside peak at PPmid. Peak power was returned to pre-pregnancy values by intervention end (302 vs. 303W, baseline vs. PPpost). These findings show that SIT undertaken early postpartumdefends the elevated peak of pregnancy and rapidly returns absolute and peak power to baseline levels.

RETHINKING THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES-RELATED FOOT ULCERS FROM AN AEP PERSPECTIVE: AN UPDATE FROM THE DFUEX STUDY

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Current treatments for people with diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) focus on foot outcomes - potentially at the expense of broader health and wellbeing considerations. There are barriers to exercise for people with DFU and hesitancy in promoting physical activity by clinicians. AEPs may have the clinical skills to help people with DFUs engage in safe and effective exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of AEP supervised exercise intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness, health and wound healing in adults with DFU. METHODS Using a randomised control trial design (ANZTR registration: 12622000885796p) adults aged 18 to 70 years (n=32) with active DFU are being recruited from an interdisciplinary High-Risk Foot Service (iHRFS) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney Australia, and randomised to receive 12 weeks of supervised exercise (aerobic and resistance) training (Exercise) with usual care or usual care (Control) Measurements including fitness, metabolic and wound outcomes are acquired at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS Preliminary baseline demographic, fitness and health data will be presented. Consideration for the scope of practice for AEPs in the multidisciplinary management of DFUs will be discussed incorporating observations and guidance on implementing exercise in a high risk DFU population, where there is limited patient and practitioner knowledge about safe and effective exercise options, and historical avoidance of physical activity to lessen the risk of wound deterioration. This will include consideration of aspects around exercise which are unique to people with DFUs, such as working with iHRFS, patient ambulation and transport, wound type and location, diversity of wound offloading devices and individual facilitators and barriers to exercise participation. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for robust evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of exercise intervention, and a need for strategies to engage AEPs into the multidisciplinary care of people with DFUs. Supported by the Exercise and Sports Science Australia Research Grant.

Phylogeny, morphology, virulence, ecology, and host range of Ordospora pajunii (Ordosporidae), a microsporidian symbiont of Daphnia spp.

The net outcome of symbiosis depends on the costs and benefits to each partner. Those can be context dependent, driving the potential for an interaction to change between parasitism and mutualism. Understanding the baseline fitness impact in an interaction can help us understand those shifts; for an organism that is generally parasitic, it should be easier for it to become a mutualist if its baseline virulence is relatively low. Recently, a microsporidian was found to become beneficial to its Daphnia hosts in certain ecological contexts, but little was known about the symbiont (including its species identity). Here, we identify it as the microsporidium Ordospora pajunii. Despite the parasitic nature of microsporidia, we found O. pajunii to be, at most, mildly virulent; this helps explain why it can shift toward mutualism in certain ecological contexts and helps establish O. pajunii is a valuable model for investigating shifts along the mutualism-parasitism continuum.

Beyond change scores: Employing an improved statistical approach to analyze the impact of entry fitness on physical performance during British Army basic training in men and women.

The aim was to use a robust statistical approach to examine whether physical fitness at entry influences performance changes between men and women undertaking British Army basic training (BT). Performance of 2 km run, seated medicine ball throw (MBT) and isometric mid-thigh pull (MTP) were assessed at entry and completion of Standard Entry (SE), Junior Entry-Short (JE-Short), and Junior Entry-Long (JE-Long) training for 2350 (272 women) recruits. Performance change was analyzed with entry performance as a covariate (ANCOVA), with an additional interaction term allowing different slopes for courses and genders (p < 0.05). Overall, BT courses saw average improvements in 2 km run performance (SE: -6.8% [-0.62 min], JE-Short: -4.6% [-0.43 min], JE-Long: -7.7% [-0.70 min]; all p < 0.001) and MBT (1.0-8.8% [0.04-0.34 m]; all p < 0.05) and MTP (4.5-26.9% [6.5-28.8 kg]; all p < 0.001). Regression models indicate an expected form of "regression to the mean" whereby test performance change was negatively associated with entry fitness in each course (those with low baseline fitness exhibit larger training improvements; all interaction effects: p < 0.001, > 0.006), particularly for women. However, when matched for entry fitness, men displayed considerable improvements in all tests, relative to women. Training courses were effective in developing recruit physical fitness, whereby the level of improvement is, in large part, dependent on entry fitness. Factors including age, physical maturity, course length, and physical training, could also contribute to the variability in training response between genders and should be considered when analyzing and/or developing physical fitness in these cohorts for future success of military job-task performance.

Exploring cardiovascular and respiratory fitness: A comparative study of adolescents involved in extracurricular activitie

Background Problems: The critical importance of maintaining physical fitness among high school students to mitigate the potential health hazards associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Research Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of futsal and hadang extracurricular activities on adolescent cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. Methods: This research used an experimental study with pre-post design and control group. Ninety students from Serang City high schools were divided into three groups: Futsal Extracurricular, Hadang Extracurricular, and Control. Initial assessments established baseline fitness levels, followed by an 8-weeks program and post-program evaluations. Findings and Results: The results showed an increase in aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity after 8-weeks extracurricular program in both groups. The futsal extracurricular group experienced a higly significant increase aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity compared to the baseline. Meanwhile, the hadang extracurricular group experienced a significant increase aerobic capacity and respiratory capacity compared to the baseline. Conversely, the control group appears to exhibit a decline in both aerobic and respiratory capacities, although it is important to note that these changes did not reach statistical significance in our study. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights into how futsal and hadang extracurricular activities impact adolescent cardiovascular and respiratory fitness. These findings were relevant for educators and policymakers, highlighting the role of extracurricular programs in enhancing students' overall well-being. Additionally, it contributes to our understanding of how specific activities can influence the cardiovascular and respiratory health of adolescents.

ASSOCIATIONS THAT FITNESS AND BODY MASS INDEX HAVE WITH DEFICIT ACCUMULATION FRAILTY

Abstract Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity may accelerate aging processes. The degree to which changes in fitness and body mass index (BMI) may alter the rate of aging may be important for promoting lifestyle changes. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations that cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI had with a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Fitness (based on standardized graded exercise tests) and weight (to calculate BMI) were collected at baseline and year 4 from 3,944 participants, ages 45-76 years, in the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) randomized controlled clinical trial. A validated 38-item FI was used as a marker of aging. Associations between baseline levels and changes in fitness and BMI with changes in FI were assessed using linear models. Both baseline and 4-year changes in fitness and BMI were independently associated with 4-year changes in frailty (all p&amp;lt; 0.001). Participants with the greatest fitness increase and BMI loss tended to have improvements (i.e., decreases) in FI: mean [95% confidence interval] changes -0.019 [-0.024,-0.013]. Those with the greatest fitness loss and increases in BMI tended to have worsening (increased) FI: 0.029 [0.024,0.034]. Associations of 4-year changes in fitness and BMI with FI changes were similar across subgroups based on age, gender, baseline BMI, diabetes duration, and cardiovascular disease history. Increased fitness across 4 years was associated with less FI accumulation independent of baseline fitness. Adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity may slow aging processes by increasing their cardiorespiratory fitness and losing weight.

Agreement, reliability, predictors and classification proposal of a 15´-time trial test to assess critical power in amateur swimmers

This study aimed to explore the agreement and reliability of a 15´-time trial test (T315´) to assess critical power in a large cohort of amateur swimmers. An observational retrospective cohort study total of 2212 amateur swimmers were made evaluating the results of anthropometry, cardiovascular and functional fitness assessments. Also, the participants performed a front crawl swimming 15´all-out test to assess critical power. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test, regression, percentiles, intraclass correlation coefficient and Cohen’s d effect size were developed using a statistical software A T315´ categorization proposal was made based on sex and age. There were differences by sex in all anthropometric, functional, physiological and T315´ outcomes. The T315´ swimming test obtained almost perfect reliability in the distance based on intraclass correlation values and linear correlation coefficients. A bias of T315´ of 2% was found, which represented a total of 10.65m between tests. T315´ is a useful test to assess critical power as a baseline fitness reference value for programming swimming exercises in amateurs. Keywords: anaerobic capacity, aerobic capacity, swimming, critical speed, evaluation, assessment.

Associations that Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Mass Index Loss Have with Deficit Accumulation Frailty.

Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and obesity may accelerate aging processes. The degree to which changes in fitness and body mass index (BMI) may alter the rate of aging may be important for planning treatment. We assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal associations that cardiorespiratory fitness and BMI had with a deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Fitness, based on standardized graded exercise tests, and weight to calculate BMI at baseline and year 4 were collected from 3944 participants aged 45-76 yr in the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) randomized controlled clinical trial. A validated 38-item deficit accumulation FI was used as a marker of aging. Associations between baseline and changes in fitness and BMI with changes in FI were assessed using linear models. Both baseline and 4-yr changes in fitness and BMI were independently associated with 4-yr changes in frailty (all P < 0.001). Mean (95% confidence interval) changes in FI ranged from -0.019 (-0.024, -0.013) for participants in the group with the greatest fitness increase and BMI loss to 0.029 (0.024, 0.034) for participants in the group with the greatest fitness loss and BMI gain. Associations of 4-yr changes in fitness and BMI with FI changes were similar across subgroups based on age, sex, baseline BMI, diabetes duration, and cardiovascular disease history. Increased fitness across 4 yr was associated with less FI accumulation independent of baseline fitness. Adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity may slow aging processes captured by an FI by increasing their cardiorespiratory fitness and losing weight.

Physical Fitness of Thoroughbred Horse Racing Jockeys

Abstract Purpose Thoroughbred racing jockeys compete at maximum physiological capacity in a sport with a high risk of falls and injury. A greater understanding of the physical capacities determining jockey performance may lead to minimum physical performance parameters and corrective interventions to improve jockey fitness and performance and reduce jockey and horse injury. The aim of this study was to develop appropriate physical testing procedures for jockeys and a physical fitness profile for different licence levels. Methods Fifty-eight jockeys (n = 24 females, n = 34 males), representing all apprentice jockeys licenced in New Zealand in 2021 (100%, n = 8 probationers and n = 39 apprentices) and eleven professional jockeys (14%) were assessed to determine baseline physiological and fitness data. Descriptive statistics and boxplots were used to compare aerobic fitness, abdominal (core), upper and lower body strength, muscular power, reaction time, flexibility and a novel ‘saddle’ test targeting lower body strength, balance, and endurance between licencing levels. Effect Size (ES) was used to determine magnitude of differences between groups. Results More experienced jockeys had greater relative lower body strength (ES = 0.2–0.7) and better balance (ES = 0.5–0.9) compared to the less experienced groups. Jockeys who were in the top 20 of the premiership table (jockey rankings) had faster reaction times (ES = 0.7) and greater core extensor strength (ES = 0.7) than other cohorts. Most tests showed little differentiation between jockey licence levels, however the ‘saddle test’ showed greater variability in the less experienced race riders. This test may be an effective measure of jockey baseline performance. Conclusions These data could be used to inform minimum jockey licencing requirements and future physical fitness training programmes to increase jockey physiological fitness, thereby minimising risk of falls or injury due to physiological deficits and performance.

Effect of a Home-based Walking Intervention on Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Quality of Life Among Men with Prostate Cancer on Active Surveillance: The Active Surveillance Exercise Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundActive surveillance (AS) is standard care for most men with low-risk prostate cancer (PC); yet, many men on AS eventually undergo curative therapy. Interventions to lower the risk of cancer progression and fear of recurrence among men on AS for PC are needed. ObjectiveTo determine the effect of aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness, body size, and quality of life (QOL) among men on AS for PC. Design, setting, and participantsWe conducted a 1:1 randomized controlled trial among 51 men with low-risk PC who elected AS. Participants were enrolled at the University of California, San Francisco. InterventionThe 16-wk intervention included a home-based walking program with a nonlinear exercise prescription tailored to baseline fitness level, heart rate monitor, and weekly phone call with an exercise physiologist. Controls received printed materials. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisCardiorespiratory fitness was measured using VO2peak; secondary outcomes included change in body size, anxiety, and QOL. Analyses were based on intention to treat. Results and limitationsBetween 2016 and 2021, we randomized 51 men to intervention (n = 26) or control (n = 25). Follow-up was 88% (45/51), 85% (22/26) in the intervention and 92% (23/25) in the control group. At 16 wk, the intervention group had a higher mean VO2peak than the control group (31.9 ± 4.7 vs 27.2 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min; group × time effect p value: <0.001). Additionally, the intervention group reported less fear of PC recurrence and urinary obstruction/irritation, while controls reported more of these two QOL measures, from 0 to 16 wk (p = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). Two participants discontinued the intervention, including one due to knee pain related to the study. ConclusionsA home-based walking program improved VO2peak and reduced urinary obstruction/irritation and fear of recurrence among men on AS for PC. Patient summaryModerate to vigorous aerobic exercise improves fitness and quality of life among men on active surveillance for prostate cancer.

Factors associated with weight loss and health gains in a structured lifestyle modification programme for adults with severe obesity: a prospective cohort study.

Individual responses to behavioural weight loss interventions can vary significantly, and a better understanding of the factors associated with successful treatment might help to target interventions for those who will benefit the most. We sought to identify demographic and clinical characteristics that predicted intervention "success" (defined as ≥5% weight loss) and other health gains in patients with severe obesity attending a ten-week structured lifestyle modification programme. We conducted a prospective cohort study of all 1122 patients (751 (66.9%) female, mean age 47.3 ± 11.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 46.7 ± 7.8 kgm-2) referred from our hospital-based obesity clinic, who started the structured lifestyle programme between 2012-2019. We compared routine clinical measures such as weight, fitness, blood pressure, lipids and HbA1c at baseline and follow-up. We also used validated questionnaires to quantify anxiety, depression and health-related quality of life. Of 1122 patients who started, 877 (78.2%) completed the programme and attended for follow up. Of these, 12.8% lost ≥5% body weight. The amount of weight lost was a strong and consistent predictor of improvements in metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health, even after adjusting for age, sex, programme attendance and baseline fitness. Older age, male sex, being physically active and having lower anxiety and depression scores at baseline predicted greater weight loss. Younger age, depression and longer wait time to start the intervention were associated with drop-out. In adults with severe obesity completing a structured lifestyle modification programme, older age and good mental health were associated with programme completion and attaining ≥5% weight loss. The magnitude of weight lost was a strong predictor of improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health associated with programme completion.

Acute Renal Failure with Severe Loin Pain andPatchy Renal Ischemia after Anaerobic Exercise inActive Duty Marines.

Acute renal failure with severe loin pain and patchy renal ischemia after anaerobic exercise (ALPE) is a rare cause of exertional acute kidney injury. The proposed mechanism of injury in ALPE is renovascular spasm, in the setting of oxidative stress and muscular damage, which creates a characteristic wedge-shaped infarction pattern on delayed imaging. Patients present with nausea, vomiting, loin or abdominal pain, and fatigue within 1-2 days of anaerobic exercise, associated with an acute rise in serum creatinine, which generally plateaus within 3 days. This process is likely exacerbated by dehydration, analgesic usage, and lower baseline fitness levels. This disease process is distinct from rhabdomyolysis, in that creatine kinase levels are not significantly elevated, myoglobinuria is not seen, and aggressive fluid resuscitation is not beneficial. We present three cases of ALPE following participation in the Marine Combat Fitness Test (CFT), an anaerobic evolution. Medical workup demonstrated no additional etiology for acute renal failure. The average peak creatinine in these patients was 2.9 mg/dL, and all demonstrated return to normal renal function, without hemodialysis. One patient experienced recurrent ALPE, after short-interval CFT participation. Military medical providers should be aware of this diagnosis when evaluating service members with acute renal injury after exercise. The clinical course is benign, and affected service members are at increased risk of recurrence, with subsequent intense exercise. Service members should engage in a graduated exercise program, before intense exercise activities, and should be monitored closely for recurrent renal injury.

No acute hyperglycemia induced impairment in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation before or after aerobic exercise training in young recreationally active males.

There is some evidence that transient endothelial dysfunction induced by acute hyperglycemia may be attenuated by a single bout of aerobic exercise. However, the impact of aerobic exercise training on acute hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction has not been explored. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of aerobic exercise training on the endothelial function response to acute hyperglycemia. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed in 24 healthy males (21 ± 1years) pre-, 60 and 90min post ingestion of 75g of glucose. Participants completed a four-week control (CON; n = 13) or exercise training (EX; n = 11) intervention. The EX group completed fourweeks of cycling exercise (30min, 4×/week at 65% work rate peak). Cardiorespiratory fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak) increased and resting HR decreased in EX, but not CON post-intervention (p < 0.001). Glucose and insulin increased (p < 0.001) following glucose ingestion, with no significant difference pre- and post-intervention. In contrast to previous research, FMD was unaffected by glucose-ingestion, pre- and post-intervention in both groups. In conclusion, acute hyperglycemia did not impair endothelial function, before or after exercise training. Relatively high baseline fitness ([Formula: see text]O2peak ~ 46mL/kg/min) and young age may have contributed to the lack of impairment observed. Further research is needed to examine the impact of exercise training on hyperglycemia-induced impairments in endothelial function in sedentary males and females.

Glucocorticoids negatively relate to body mass on the short‐term in a free‐ranging ungulate

Environmental fluctuations force animals to adjust glucocorticoids (GCs) secretion and release to current conditions. GCs are a widely used proxy of an individual stress level. While short‐term elevation in GCs is arguably beneficial for fitness components, previous studies have documented that the relationship between long‐term baseline GCs elevation and fitness components can vary according to ecological and individual factors and according to the life‐history of the species studied. Using longitudinal data on roe deer Capreolus capreolus from two populations facing markedly different environmental contexts, we tested whether baseline GC levels negatively correlate with body mass – a trait positively associated with demographic individual performance – on the short‐ to long‐term. In support, higher baseline GC concentrations were associated to lighter body mass, both measured during the same capture event, in adults of both populations. Overall, we showed that despite the marked environmental and demographic differences between populations and despite the between‐sex differences in life history (i.e. reproductive tactics), the relationship between body mass and GCs is consistent across environmental contexts, but might differ according to the life history stage of an individual. This work opens promising perspectives to further explore the relationship between GC and fitness‐related traits according to life history stages in free‐ranging mammals across seasonal and environmental contexts. The timing and context‐dependence of GC levels highlight the complexity of studying stress responses in the wild.

Barriers and facilitators to participation in exercise prehabilitation before cancer surgery for older adults with frailty: a qualitative study

BackgroundOlder adults with frailty are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes after surgery. Exercise before surgery (exercise prehabilitation) may reduce adverse events and improve recovery after surgery. However, adherence with exercise therapy is often low, especially in older populations. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively assess the barriers and facilitators to participating in exercise prehabilitation from the perspective of older people with frailty participating in the intervention arm of a randomized trial.MethodsThis was a research ethics approved, nested descriptive qualitative study within a randomized controlled trial of home-based exercise prehabilitation vs. standard care with older patients (≥ 60 years) having elective cancer surgery, and who were living with frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale ≥ 4). The intervention was a home-based prehabilitation program for at least 3 weeks before surgery that involved aerobic activity, strength and stretching, and nutritional advice. After completing the prehabilitation program, participants were asked to partake in a semi-structured interview informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Qualitative analysis was guided by the TDF.ResultsFifteen qualitative interviews were completed. Facilitators included: 1) the program being manageable and suitable to older adults with frailty, 2) adequate resources to support engagement, 3) support from others, 4) a sense of control, intrinsic value, noticing progress and improving health outcomes and 5) the program was enjoyable and facilitated by previous experience. Barriers included: 1) pre-existing conditions, fatigue and baseline fitness, 2) weather, and 3) guilt and frustration when unable to exercise. A need for individualization and variety was offered as a suggestion by participants and was therefore described as both a barrier and facilitator.ConclusionsHome-based exercise prehabilitation is feasible and acceptable to older people with frailty preparing for cancer surgery. Participants identified that a home-based program was manageable, easy to follow with helpful resources, included valuable support from the research team, and they reported self-perceived health benefits and a sense of control over their health. Future studies and implementation should consider increased personalization based on health and fitness, psychosocial support and modifications to aerobic exercises in response to adverse weather conditions.

Individual responses to the implementation of mandatory fitness testing within a fire department

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of implementing a consequential fitness assessment (pull-ups, curl-ups, push-ups, 3 min step test) in a fire department on an individual level.MethodsWe used a repeated-measures design to...