Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Individuals Research Articles

Younger epigenetic age is associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with airflow limitation

Younger epigenetic age is associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with airflow limitation

Incongruence between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Subjective Reports of Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Focus on Sex Differences.

The link between moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between self-reported MVPA and objectively assessed cardiorespiratory fitness, emphasizing sex differences. 107 adults with MS (77 females), aged (mean ± standard deviation) 47.2 ± 10.2 years, were recruited from a local MS clinic. Fitness was measured as maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) during a graded maximal exercise test using a recumbent stepper. MVPA (24-hour recall) was estimated as the duration of activities ≥ 3 MET (metabolic equivalent of task). MET-minutes were calculated by multiplying MET by duration. We explored sex differences in self-reported MVPA, cardiorespiratory fitness, and disability; examined sex differences in associations between these variables; and investigated whether MET-minutes of MVPA predicted V̇O2max in females and males. Mean V̇O2max was 24.79 mL·kg-1·min-1, indicating poor cardiorespiratory fitness levels, despite high levels of self-reported MVPA (mean = 412.5 MET-minutes). Fifty-three percent of males and 40% of females had V̇O2max levels below the 20th age- and sex-standardized population percentile, indicating poor cardiorespiratory fitness. There were statistically significant associations between MVPA and V̇O2max (Rho = 0.27, p = .01), as well as disability and V̇O2max (Rho = -0.35, p = .02), in females but not males. A regression model using sex, age, body mass, disability, and MVPA to estimate V̇O2max was valid in predicting V̇O2max values that were statistically equivalent to those measured in the laboratory in females but not males. However, the inclusion of MVPA did not add to the predictive value of this equation. Despite reporting high levels of MVPA, people with MS had poor cardiorespiratory fitness. MVPA, fitness, and disability were associated in females only, indicating that sex differences should be considered in fitness appraisal. Self-reported MVPA did not predict fitness, suggesting 24-hour recall may not be representative of true activity or fitness levels in persons with MS. Future work should examine sex differences in associations between MVPA and fitness using objective measures such as accelerometry.

Association between heart rate variability and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cardiovascular risk, which is partly due to autonomic dysfunction and decreased cardiorespiratory fitness. This study examines the relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in T2DM patients to understand their interconnected impacts on autonomic and aerobic functions. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 77 T2DM patients underwent HRV and VO2max assessments using standard protocols. HRV metrics were analysed in conjunction with VO2max, measured through direct breath-by-breath analysis. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationships between HRV indices and VO2max. Results: VO2max showed strong positive correlations with RMSSD (r = 0.89, p < .001), HF (r = 0.54, p < .001), and pNN50% (r = 0.52, p < .001), indicating higher parasympathetic activity with improved cardiorespiratory fitness. Negative correlations with LF (r = -0.60, p < .001) and the LF/HF ratio (r = -0.39, p < .001) suggested that better fitness levels lead to sympathetic withdrawal and a more favourable autonomic balance. Moderate positive correlations with SDNN (r = 0.46, p < .001) and TP (r = 0.58, p < .001) further suggested that overall autonomic modulation is enhanced with increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: This study substantiates a significant correlation between HRV and VO2max in individuals with T2DM, highlighting the intricate relationship between autonomic function and aerobic capacity. These findings suggest that enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness may improve autonomic balance, offering potential avenues for mitigating cardiovascular risk in the T2DM population.

Impact of resistance training in patients with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: This study reviews the effects of resistance training (RT) and combined exercises on adults with intellectual disabilities (ID), focusing on muscular strength improvements. Methodology: Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until August, selecting studies that compared RT and combined exercises against control groups. Results: A total of 24 studies with 924 participants were analyzed. RT significantly improved body weight (mean difference [MD] = -1.05, p=0.01) and leg press-RM outcomes (MD = 12.86, p<0.0001) versus controls. Combined exercises also showed notable benefits, enhancing overall training effects (MD = 21.95, p=0.0006) and sit-to-stand performance (MD = 3.10, p=0.0003). Conclusion: RT and combined exercises significantly benefit body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with ID. Customizing exercise programs based on individual needs, considering age, ID severity, and preferences, is vital.

Evaluation of the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and disability due to low back pain, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic low back pain

Aims: It has been suggested that the incidence of low back pain is higher in individuals with respiratory disorders compared to healthy individuals. In this study, it was aimed to calculate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and low back pain-related disability, fatigue and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study included 36 individuals (21F, 15M, 46.61±10.19) aged 18-65 years with low back pain. Respiratory muscle strength was measured with Pocket-Spiro MPM100 device. Disability due to low back pain was assessed by Oswestry Function Questionnaire and fatigue was assessed by fatigue severity scale. For cardiorespiratory fitness, a 6-minute walk test was performed. Results: No significant correlation was found between maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) values and disability status due to low back pain and fatigue (p>0.05). There was a significant, positive and moderate correlation between MIP and MEP values and 6 minute walk test (p<0.05). Conclusion: The number of studies in the literature investigating the relationship between low back pain and respiration is limited and no general consensus has been reached. The generally accepted view is that inadequate functioning of the diaphragm may lead to impaired intra-abdominal pressure modulation, which may reduce spinal stabilisation and increase low back pain. However, no data confirming a direct relationship between respiratory muscle strength and low back pain were found in this study. More comprehensive studies are needed in this field.

Validity of the two-minute walk test to assess exercise capacity and estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals after stroke: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of the 2-minute walk test (2MWT) to assess the exercise capacity and the criterion-concurrent validity of the 2MWT and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) to estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness of ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke. In addition, to provide an equation to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT and another to predict the peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) for these individuals. Methods This is a cross-sectional and prospective study. A convenience sample with 57 individuals with chronic stroke was recruited. The 2MWT, the 6MWT and the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were performed in a laboratory. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the validity. To develop the equations, stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used. Results A significant correlation of very high magnitude between the distance covered in the 2MWT and the 6MWT was found (rs = 0.93; p < 0.001). A significant correlation of moderate magnitude between the distance covered in the 2MWT and the VO2peak (rs = 0.53; p < 0.001) similar to the correlation between the 6MWT and the VO2peak (rs = 0.55; p < 0,001) were found. Furthermore, an equation was developed to predict the VO2peak (R2 = 0.690; p < 0.001; VO2peak = 13.532 + 0.078*distance walked in the 2MWT +4.509*sex-0.172*age), and another to predict the distance covered in the 6MWT (R2 = 0.827; p < 0.001; MWT = −1.867 + 3.008*distance walked in the 2MWT). Conclusion 2MWT showed adequate construct and concurrent validity. Furthermore, it is possible to use the prediction equations developed to estimate the VO2peak or the distance covered in the 6MWT.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with and without atrial fibrillation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Liaison Committee for Education, Research and Innovation in Central Norway (Samarbeidsorganet). Background Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important marker of cardiopulmonary health. The majority of published data is however based on healthy individuals. To improve clinical decisions and tailor exercise as treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), knowledge on impact of AF with and without other cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is essential. Purpose To explore impact of age, sex, presenting rhythm during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and presence of other CVDs on directly measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in participants from a general health-survey with and without AF. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the HUNT4 Fitness Study, a subsample of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, 2017-2019). All participants (n = 2548, 49 % women) completed a standardized CPET with ECG monitoring. We stratified participants into categories of validated AF diagnosis (yes/no) and whether the CPET was performed in sinus or AF rhythm among those with AF. As we did not have precise data for subtype of AF, cardiac rhythm under testing was used as a proxy for permanent/persistent AF or non-permanent AF. Other CVD (yes/no) was defined as stroke, coronary heart diseases, or heart failure, using validated diagnoses from hospital registries for those with AF and self-reported diagnoses for non-AF participants. We used a general linear model to investigate the differences in predicted means for VO2peak per category of AF, other CVD, age, and sex testing for interaction between covariates. Results In total, 355 participants had valid AF, and among them 139 performed CPET with AF rhythm (Table 1). Mean VO2peak was 26 and 35 mL/kg/min for women and men, respectively, with non-permanent AF (sinus) and 22 and 26 mL/kg/min for women and men with permanent AF. Results from the general linear model are shown as predicted means with 95% confidence and prediction intervals in Figure 1. VO2peak decreased with higher age for both women and men, with and without other CVD, and were generally lower for women than for men. For both sexes and categories of CVD, participants with permanent/persistent AF, and hence AF during CPET, had lower VO2peak than those with non-permanent AF tested in sinus rhythm, and those without AF. The difference was more prominent in the younger age groups. There were, however, only small differences between participants with non-permanent AF and those without AF. Predicted means for VO2peak were lower for women and men with other CVD than without other CVD. Conclusion VO2peak was similar in participants with AF performing CPET in sinus rhythm to those without AF when no other CVD was present. Permanent/persistent AF and presence of other CVDs were the two factors with the most negative impact on VO2peak for both men and women across age groups.

The effects of weight-lowering pharmacotherapies on physical activity, function and fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Weight-lowering pharmacotherapies provide an option for weight management; however, their effects on physical activity, function, and cardiorespiratory fitness are not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the effect of licensed weight loss pharmacotherapies on physical activity, physical function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with obesity. Fourteen trials met our prespecified inclusion criteria: Five investigated liraglutide, four semaglutide, three naltrexone/bupropion, and two phentermine/topiramate. All 14 trials included a self-reported measure of physical function, with the pooled findings suggesting an improvement favoring the pharmacotherapy intervention groups (SMD: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.32) and effects generally consistent across different therapies. Results were also consistent when stratified by the two most commonly used measures: The Short-Form 36-Item Questionnaire (SF-36) (0.24; 0.17 to 0.32) and the Impact of Weight on Quality Of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) (0.29; 0.23 to 0.35). Meta-regression confirmed a significant association between pharmacotherapy induced weight loss and improved physical function for IWQOL-Lite (p= 0.003). None of the studies reported a physical activity outcome, and only one study reported objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness. Improvements in self-reported physical function were observed with weight loss therapy, but the effect on physical activity or objectively measured physical function and fitness could not be determined.

Moderate Intensity Arm Cycling As A Viable Exercise Alternative For Overfat And Obese Individuals

The prescription of aerobic exercise engaging the arms may extend the reach of physical activity and improve cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with obesity. PURPOSE: This study compared the acute cardiopulmonary responses obtained during isocaloric arm and leg cycling trials performed at different intensities among individual’s with and without excess body fat. METHODS: Participants were 37 young adults divided into two groups based on their fat mass index, lean and average (LA) and overfat and obese (OFO). They were tested for mode-specific work rate at the ventilatory threshold (VT) and volitional fatigue (VF) during two randomized ramp tests. The main experiments consisted of four randomized constant work rate isocaloric trials for arm and leg cycling performed at moderate (i.e., work rate equivalent to 80% of VT obtained during the ramp tests) and heavy (i.e., work rate equivalent to 30% of the difference between VT and VF obtained during the ramp tests). The time to expend 100 kcal (Tkcal100) was recorded, and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was averaged for the duration of the tests. A two-way mixed factorial ANCOVA with physical activity level as a covariate determined work rate at VT, and V̇O2 peak responses to the ramp tests. A three-way mixed factorial ANCOVA with the mode-specific fitness difference and physical activity level as covariates were run for Tkcal100 and V̇O2 obtained during isocaloric trials. Cohen’s d were calculated and interpreted with magnitude thresholds and significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Significantly lower work rates at VT and V̇O2 peak were shown for the OFO during ramp tests (LA: 43.4 ± 1.9%, OFO: 37.6 ± 1.9%). Tkcal100 was significantly longer for OFO (25 ± 2 min) in comparison to LA (21 ± 1 min) during isocaloric trials (d = 0.36). The V̇O2 responses were significantly greater in leg cycling (20.4 ± 1.3 mL/min/kg) than arm cycling (15.5 ± 1.3 mL/min/kg), while effect sizes were larger during heavy exercise (d = 1.45) compared to moderate (d = 1.13). CONCLUSION: Arm cycling performed at moderate intensity could be an alternative for young adults with excess body fat and poor cardiorespiratory fitness since this exercise modality elicited a sufficient metabolic response above three metabolic equivalents, which is within the moderate intensity domain suggested by current guidelines.

Effects of Face Masks on Physical Performance and Physiological Response during a Submaximal Bicycle Ergometer Test.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic requires wearing face masks in many areas of our daily life; hence, the potential side effects of mask use are discussed. Therefore, the present study explores whether wearing a medical face mask (MedMask) affects physical working capacity (PWC). Secondary, the influence of a filtering facepiece mask with exhalation valve class 2 (FFP2exhal) and a cotton fabric mask (community mask) on PWC was also investigated. Furthermore, corresponding physiological and subjective responses when wearing face masks as well as a potential moderating role of subjects’ individual cardiorespiratory fitness and sex on face mask effects were analyzed. Thirty-nine subjects (20 males, 19 females) with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels participated in a standardized submaximal bicycle ergometer protocol using either a MedMask, FFP2exhal, community mask, or no mask (control) on four days, in randomized order. PWC130 and PWC150 as the mechanical load at the heart rates of 130 and 150 beats per minute were measured as well as transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure, saturation of peripheral capillary oxygen, breathing frequency, blood pressure, perceived respiratory effort, and physical exhaustion. Using the MedMask did not lead to changes in PWC or physiological response compared to control. Neither appeared changes exceeding normal ranges when the FFP2exhal or community mask was worn. Perceived respiratory effort was up to one point higher (zero-to-ten Likert scale) when using face masks (p < 0.05) compared to control. Sex and cardiorespiratory fitness were not factors influencing the effects of the masks. The results of the present study provide reason to believe that wearing face masks for infection prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic does not pose relevant additional physical demands on the user although some more respiratory effort is required.

The Effect of Self-Paced Exercise Intensity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Frontal Grey Matter Volume in Cognitively Normal Older Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Exercise has been found to be important in maintaining neurocognitive health. However, the effect of exercise intensity level remains relatively underexplored. Thus, to test the hypothesis that self-paced high-intensity exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (peak aerobic capacity; VO2peak) increase grey matter (GM) volume, we examined the effect of a 6-month exercise intervention on frontal lobe GM regions that support the executive functions in older adults. Ninety-eight cognitively normal participants (age = 69.06 ± 5.2 years; n = 54 female) were randomised into either a self-paced high- or moderate-intensity cycle-based exercise intervention group, or a no-intervention control group. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and fitness assessment pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 12-months post-intervention. The intervention was found to increase fitness in the exercise groups, as compared with the control group (F = 9.88, p = <0.001). Changes in pre-to-post-intervention fitness were associated with increased volume in the right frontal lobe (β = 0.29, p = 0.036, r = 0.27), right supplementary motor area (β = 0.30, p = 0.031, r = 0.29), and both right (β = 0.32, p = 0.034, r = 0.30) and left gyrus rectus (β = 0.30, p = 0.037, r = 0.29) for intervention, but not control participants. No differences in volume were observed across groups. At an aggregate level, six months of self-paced high- or moderate-intensity exercise did not increase frontal GM volume. However, experimentally-induced changes in individual cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with frontal GM volume in our sample of older adults. These results provide evidence of individual variability in exercise-induced fitness on brain structure.

Validation of a Modified Submaximal Balke Protocol to Assess Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Individuals at High Risk of or With Chronic Health Conditions-A Pilot Study.

Objectives: This study aims to validate a submaximal treadmill walking test for estimation of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in individuals at high risk of or with chronic health conditions.Method: Eighteen participants (age 62 ± 16 years; VO2max 31.2 ± 5.9 ml kg−1 min−1) at high risk of getting or with established chronic diseases performed two valid modified Balke treadmill walking protocols, one submaximal protocol, and one maximal protocol. Test duration, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during both tests. VO2max was measured during the maximal test. VO2max was estimated from the submaximal test by multiple regression using time to RPE ≥ 17, gender, age, and body mass as independent variables. Model fit was reported as explained variance (R2) and standard error of the estimate (SEE).Results: The model fit for estimation of VO2max from time to RPE ≥ 17 at the submaximal test, body mass, age, and gender was R2 = 0.78 (SEE = 3.1 ml kg−1 min−1, p ≤ 0.001). Including heart rate measurement did not improve the model fit.Conclusions: The submaximal walking test is feasible and valid for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with high risk of or chronic health conditions.

Effects of detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with chronic stroke

ABSTRACT Background Aerobic training can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals after stroke. However, the effects of short-term and long-term detraining are not well known. Objective To determine the effects of short-term (1-month) and long-term (6-month) detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) of individuals after stroke, who participated in aerobic training. Methods A cohort study was developed. Twenty adults (57 ± 11 years old) with stroke were included. After completing an outpatient aerobic training, participants were divided into gain group (VO2peak increase >1.3 ml.kg−1.min−1 from before to immediately after the training) or non-gain group (VO2peak change ≤1.3 ml.kg−1.min−1). Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), obtained by the cardiopulmonary exercise test was assessed one and 6 months after the end of the training (short- and long-term detraining, respectively), or collected retrospectively from patient chart (before and after the training). Results There was found a significant interaction effect (time*group) for VO2peak (F= 6.108;p < 0,001). Higher values in the VO2peak observed in the gain group with the aerobic training (F = 25.86; p< .001) were significantly reduced with short-term detraining, reaching values similar to that observed before the training and to that of the non-gain group (F = 14.81;p= .001). Both groups had similar VO2peak values within long-term detraining (F = 2.70;p= .12), with no significant differences from the values observed before the training and after short-term detraining (0.11 ≤ p≤ 1.00). Conclusions Detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals after chronic stroke occurred within only 1 month. Therefore, it is important to maintain aerobic training throughout life.

Boxing Training Effects On Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Individuals With Prehypertension

PURPOSE: Boxing training is a type of exercise that involves high cardiovascular demands in an enjoyable environment. Previously, boxing training has shown to have excellent cardiovascular outcomes in obese population, however, research regarding the effects of boxing training on cardiovascular health in individuals with high blood pressure is scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a boxing training intervention on maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), power output, and lactate and ventilatory thresholds in individuals suffering from prehypertension. METHODS: A total of 14 subjects with prehypertensive were randomly assigned to a boxing intervention group or a control group. The intervention had a duration of 6 weeks, meeting 3 sessions weekly. Each boxing session consisted on 10 rounds of 3 minutes and 1 minute rest in between. From those 10 rounds, 3 were set at 95%VO2max and 7 at 60% VO2max. Before and at the end of the intervention, all subjects completed a graded maximal exercise test on an arm-crank ergometer in which VO₂max, power output, and lactate and ventilatory thresholds were obtain. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, there were significant improvements on power output (p=0.002), ventilatory threshold (p=0.002), and lactate threshold (p=0.001) in the boxing group compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant reduction on VO2max in the control group (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Individuals with prehypertension who underwent 6 weeks of boxing training improve the peripheral component of their cardiovascular fitness based on a significant enhancement in their lactate thresholds and ventilatory thresholds, which in turn produces power output increments. Boxing training may be a suitable exercise alternative to be prescribed in high blood pressure population.

INFLUÊNCIA DE UM PROGRAMA DE TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL SOBRE APTIDÃO CARDIORRESPIRATÓRIA E A CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL EM INDIVÍDUOS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: UM ESTUDO PILOTO

Indivíduos com síndrome de Down (SD), apresentam um estilo de vida sedentário e, consequentemente, uma baixa aptidão cardiorrespiratória e capacidade funcional, podendo muitas vezes influenciar de maneira negativa nas suas atividades de vida diária. Objetivou verificar a influência de um programa de treinamento funcional (TF) de oito semanas sobre a capacidade funcional e aptidão cardiorrespiratória em indivíduos com SD pertencentes à escola APAE da cidade de Tomazina-PR. O trabalho foi aprovado pelo CEP 1.215.776, participaram do estudo cinco indivíduos com SD, com idades entre 17 e 35 anos, nos quais foi aplicado um programa de intervenção no período de oito semanas constituído por dez exercícios físicos funcionais trabalhados em forma de circuito. Os dados foram tratados por meio de estatística não paramétrica e Delta Bruto e Delta percentual (?%) de cada variável. O nível de significância adotado para verificar alterações entre os momentos pré e pós intervenção foi de (P&gt;0,05). Os resultados indicaram que após o programa de TF, verificou-se um aumento na distância percorrida por todos os participantes através do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6min), com aumento médio de 3,1% na distância percorrida no momento pós intervenção. Em relação ao teste funcional Timed “Up and Go” (TUG), houve uma redução média no tempo de -12,66%, quando comparados ao momento pré-intervenção. Conclui-se que o programa de TF se apresentou como uma ferramenta acessível e viável, contribuindo para melhora do sistema cardiovascular e da mobilidade funcional dos indivíduos com SD.&#x0D; &#x0D; Recebido em: 06/04/2020&#x0D; Reformulado em: 14/06/2020&#x0D; Aceito em: 15/06/2020&#x0D;

The link between cardiovascular risk and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with a low socioeconomic status: An indisputable call for more action.

The link between cardiovascular risk and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with a low socioeconomic status: An indisputable call for more action.

53 - Long-Term Physical Activity Adherence After the End of an Exercise Intervention in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review

Randomized, controlled trials have shown that supervised exercise interventions reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in people with impaired glucose tolerance, and improve glycemic control, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We undertook the present systematic review to determine the extent to which participants in supervised exercise trials continue to be physically active after the end of the structured interventions.

Adiposity predicts low cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with metabolic diseases

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is impaired in those with metabolic diseases and strongly predicts mortality. We found that adiposity, not glycaemic control or disease type, is the strongest predictor of low CRF in those with metabolic diseases. We discuss how adiposity and metabolic health may relate to outcomes in obesity.

Physical activity pattern and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with schizophrenia compared with a population-based sample

ObjectiveThorough description of objectively assessed physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in people with schizophrenia is lacking, and previous studies comparing PA and cardiorespiratory fitness levels with healthy controls are limited by their small sample size and/or poor methodology. MethodPA, sedentary behavior, and cardiorespiratory fitness level were assessed in 67 adults diagnosed with schizophrenia (EPHAPS study) and compared with a population-based sample of 2809 adults (NPASS study). ResultsFifty-five percent of the participants with schizophrenia had the unhealthy combination of not meeting the PA recommendations and sitting >7.5 h per day compared to 32% in the population-based sample. The PA level was especially low on weekday afternoons and evenings and throughout most of the day on weekends. The peak oxygen uptake for EPHAPS women was on average 23% lower than that for NPASS women, while EPHAPS men achieved on average 34% lower oxygen uptake on the exercise test compared with NPASS men. ConclusionPeople with schizophrenia are significantly less physically active, more sedentary, and have a poorer cardiorespiratory fitness level compared with the general population. Tailor-made PA interventions for people with schizophrenia should target their PA and sedentary behavior on afternoons and weekends especially.

Fatigability, oxygen uptake kinetics and muscle deoxygenation in incomplete spinal cord injury during treadmill walking.

The purpose of the present study was to characterize hypothesized relationships among fatigability and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with chronic motor-incomplete SCI (iSCI) during treadmill walking. The theoretical framework was that exacerbated fatigability would occur concomitantly with diminished cardiorespiratory fitness in people with iSCI. Subjects with iSCI (n=8) and an able-bodied reference group (REF) (n=8) completed a 6-min walking bout followed by a walking bout of 30-min or until volitional exhaustion, both at a self-selected walking speed. Fatigability was assessed using both perceived fatigability and performance fatigability measures. Pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2 on-kinetics) was measured breath-by-breath and changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin/myoglobin concentration (∆[HHb]) of the lateral gastrocnemius was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Adjustment of VO2 and ∆[HHb] on-kinetics were modeled using a mono-exponential equation. Perceived fatigability and performance fatigability were 52% and 44% greater in the iSCI group compared to the REF group (p=0.003 and p=0.004). Phase II time constant (τp) of VO2 on-kinetics and ∆[HHb] ½ time during resting arterial occlusion were 55.4% and 16.3% slower in iSCI vs REF (p<0.01 and p=0.047, respectively). The results of the present study may suggest that compromised O2 delivery and/or utilization may have contributed to the severity of fatigability in these individuals with iSCI. The understanding of the extent to which fatigability and VO2 and Δ[HHb] on-kinetics impacts locomotion after iSCI will assist in the future development of targeted interventions to enhance function.