Endurance Scores Research Articles

Metabolic rate and endurance capacity in Australian varanid lizards (Squamata: Varanidae: Varanus)

In ecomorphological and ecophysiological studies, locomotor performance is often considered to be an intermediate step between the form of an organism and its environment. We examined this premise by measuring morphology, physiology and circular track endurance in the closely related group of Australian varanid lizards. Body size, body mass and relative body proportions were poor indicators of endurance. Body mass was not correlated with endurance and size-free lower forelimb length had only a weak relationship with endurance. Instead, maximal metabolic rate was positively correlated with endurance capacity in varanids. A comparison of varanids with other groups of lizards supported this result as varanids showed both elevated maximal metabolic rate and elevated endurance scores when compared with similar sized non-varanid lizards. There was support for a strong association between endurance with foraging mode and climate. Varanid species with higher endurance tended to be widely foraging and from xeric climates, while sit-and-wait and mesic species showed reduced endurance. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 97, 664–676.

A Strength-Endurance Index for Power Grip

The purpose of this study was to quantify muscle strength and endurance in power grip. Workers (74 M and 74 F, 18-72 years) squeezed a dynamometer for a 60 s, 18-cycle test. Initial strength (IS) and final strength (FS) were calculated as the mean peak force for cycles 1-3 and 16-18, respectively. Endurance was defined by the strength decrement index (SDI) where SDI = (IS - FS)/IS x 100. A grip strength-endurance analyzer was constructed from IS and SDI data which were depicted on two parallel, linearly scaled axes. Discrete IS and SDI scores were connected on each axis with a vector. The vector (Vmag) was measured directly from the analyzer and its direction identified from its slope. Integer scales transformed discrete IS and SDI scores into individual strength-endurance performance scores (SEPS). Better than 95% of the sample (n > or = 141) scored within acceptable test ranges defined as the combined sample mean +/- 2SD, for SDI, Vmag and SEPS. Vmag was the best predictor for SEPS. Linear regression for SEPS was SEPS (combined) = 0.09 (Vmag) - 0.29: (SEE = 0.829). The analyzer revealed individual scores outside acceptable ranges for injured and uninjured efforts. The development of a power grip strength-endurance analyzer provided a simple method to graph individual power grip performances. Converting strength and endurance scores to integers and summing them (SEPS) provided a simple means to represent individual estimates of power grip strength-endurance performance.

Apparatus for dynamic balance training during treadmill walking

A presentation of a novel apparatus for dynamic balance training during treadmill walking, which was tested in a case study. The subject was a man with incomplete chronic spinal cord injury (C5), graded D on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale. Following a 6-month baseline period, 4 weeks of control treatment (treadmill walking) and a subsequent 4 weeks of experimental treatment (treadmill walking assisted by the apparatus) were compared. Outcome measures were Lower Extremities Motor Score, Berg Balance Scale, 10-metre walking test and 9-minute walking test. During the baseline period the changes in the outcome measures were small. After the control treatment the balance score remained unchanged, while walking speed and walking endurance increased moderately. Experimental treatment resulted in further substantial changes in balance and walking endurance scores, while further increase in walking speed was moderate. At follow-up these values were maintained. Lower Extremities Motor Scores were almost identical in all study phases. The subject's walking and balancing abilities improved moderately after the control treatment, while greater improvement occurred during experimental treatment. This indicates that the apparatus developed might be an important tool for facilitating dynamic balancing training during treadmill walking.

Validity and Reliability of the Modified Shuttle Walk Test in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Campo LA, Chilingaryan G, Berg K, Paradis, B, Mazer B. Validity and reliability of the modified shuttle walk test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Objectives (1) To examine the concurrent criterion validity of the modified shuttle walk test (MSWT) by using the 6- (6MWT) and 12-minute walk test (12MWT), (2) to examine the concurrent criterion validity of the estimated maximum oxygen uptake (V̇ o 2max) of the MSWT with actual V̇ o 2max, and (3) to determine test-retest reliability of the MSWT in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design Validation study. Setting Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program. Participants Thirty clinically stable adults with COPD. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the 6MWT and 12MWT or the MSWT first. The MSWT was repeated 1 week later (N=30). Estimated V̇ o 2max was calculated, and actual V̇ o 2max was conducted by using the Jones test. Validity of the MSWT was assessed by comparing endurance scores and V̇ o 2max with results from the 6MWT and 12MWT and Jones test, respectively. Results There was a moderately high correlation between the MSWT and the 6MWT and 12MWT at initial testing (.82 and .74, respectively). Correlation between estimated and actual V̇ o 2max was r equal to .68. Test-retest reliability for the entire sample was high (intraclass correlation coefficient, .88). Results remained quite stable across severity, age, and sex subgroups. Conclusions The MSWT is a standardized externally paced submaximal endurance walking test. The results indicate that the MSWT has high concurrent validity and test-retest reliability for patients with COPD.

Preoperative gait comparisons between adults undergoing long spinal deformity fusion surgery (thoracic to L4, L5, or sacrum) and controls.

This investigation compared the gait of revision and primary spinal deformity patients about to undergo surgical reconstruction with that of a group of able-bodied controls. The hypothesis of the study was that both patient groups would have significantly compromised gait, spine motion, and gait endurance compared with the able-bodied group. There is a population of adults with degenerative changes superimposed on idiopathic scoliosis who present for reconstructive spinal surgery (primary patients). There is another group of adults who have already had spinal deformity surgery and present for revision surgery (revision patients). Twenty-seven women were recruited (8 primary, 13 revision, 6 able-bodied controls). A typical gait analysis was performed. Walking endurance was estimated from a submaximal graded treadmill exercise test. Three motion variables describing the orientation of the shoulders with respect to the pelvis in the three principal planes of the body were determined. Also, gait speed, stride length, cadence, and step width were calculated. The variable for the endurance test was the length of time walked on the treadmill. Results for the revision group indicated a slower walking speed, greater sagittal plane trunk flexion, reduced range of motion in the coronal and transverse planes, and poorer endurance relative to age-matched controls. The primary group demonstrated a slower walking speed relative to age-matched controls. The revision group had poorer endurance scores relative to the primary group. This investigation is an objective report describing the compromised gait and walking endurance of adult patients with spinal deformity before spinal fusion surgery. Results supported subjective observations regarding the preoperative gait of these patients and presented results difficult to observe in a clinical setting. The techniques appear useful in providing objective information regarding the gait abilities of these patients.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Physiotherapy and Feldenkrais Interventions in Female Workers with Neck-Shoulder Complaints

The present study aimed to investigate whether physiotherapy or Feldenkrais interventions resulted in a reduction of complaints from the neck and shoulders (prevalence, pain intensity, sick leave, and disability in leisure and work roles) in 97 female industrial workers (not on long-term sick leave). Range of motion of neck and shoulders, VO2, endurance score (i.e., summation of pain intensity ratings during a static shoulder flexion), cortical control according to the Feldenkrais methodology, and physiological capacity according to a dynamic endurance test of the shoulder flexors with simultaneous surface EMG were also recorded. The workers were randomized to: (1) physiotherapy group (PT-group; treatment according to the ergonomic program of the PTs of the occupational health care service), (2) Feldenkrais group (F-group; education according to the Feldenkrais methodology), or (3) control group (C-group; no intervention). Pre- and post-tests were made at one-year intervals. The two interventions lasted 16 weeks during paid working time. The F-group showed significant decreases in complaints from neck and shoulders and in disability during leisure time. The two other groups showed no change (PT-group) or worsening of complaints (C-group). The present study showed significant positive changes in complaints after the Feldenkrais intervention but not after the physiotherapy intervention. Possible mechanisms behind the effects in the F-group are discussed.

The Functional Fitness Assessment Battery: Reliability and Validity Data for Elderly Women

A battery of field tests was recently developed to assess five fitness parameters in elderly persons. The present study examined the test-retest reliability of each item in the battery and tested the validity of the cardiorespiratory endurance item. Reliability and validity data were obtained from two convenience samples. The 29 subjects in the reliability study were community-living women enrolled in seniors’ exercise classes. The validity of the cardiorespiratory endurance item was tested by comparing it with maximal work capacity on a treadmill test. The 52 women in that part of the study were all participants in a study to assess the effect of weight-bearing exercises on women with low bone mass. Both samples were combined for a principal component analysis. Low reproducibility was observed for coordination (0.54) and strength/endurance (0.56). After slightly modifying the test protocol for these two items, reproducibility reached 84 and 94%, respectively. The correlation between the cardiorespiratory endurance score and maximal work capacity was −0.65, while that between the composite score and maximal work capacity was −0.64. Given these minor modifications, then, the Functional Fitness Assessment battery is a reliable and valid tool for assessing functional fitness in elderly women.

Height, body weight, skinfold thickness and endurance fitness of children attending national schools in Ireland

Height, body weight, the thickness of triceps, biceps, subscapular and supra-iliac skinfolds and the six-minute run-walk test of aerobic endurance were measured on 1163 National school children between the ages of 7 and 13, who were attending rural or urban schools in counties Cork, Galway, Limerick, Mayo, Waterford and Wexford. Height, weight and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds were compared with 11 to 13 year-olds from Northern Ireland, for whom the same data is available. Endurance scores were compared with international norms. Although of the same height as other European children, the subjects were heavier and had higher skinfold thicknesses. Aerobic endurance scores averaged about 80% of international norms.

Effects of Advanced Weight Training on Body-Cathexis and Self-Esteem

27 college students participated in an advanced weight-training course while a control group of 30 completed a physical education major theory course. Both groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Secord and Jourard Body-cathexis Scale prior to and at the conclusion of a 16-wk. field experiment. The weight-training subjects had significantly higher self-esteem and body-cathexis scores than the control group which were attributed, in part, to significant improvement in their body composition, maximal strength, and strength endurance scores. These data support the contention that global self-esteem is a multidimensional construct responsive to positive changes in the physical self.

EFFECTS OF ADVANCED WEIGHT TRAINING ON BODY-CATHEXIS AND SELF-ESTEEM

27 college students participated in an advanced weight-training course while a control group of 30 completed a physical education major theory course. Both groups were administered the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Secord and Jourard Body-cathexis Scale prior to and at the conclusion of a 16-wk. field experiment. The weight-training subjects had significantly higher self-esteem and body-cathexis scores than the control group which were attributed, in part, to significant improvement in their body composition, maximal strength, and strength endurance scores. These data support the contention that global self-esteem is a multidimensional construct responsive to positive changes in the physical self.

The effect on endurance of a verbal commitment versus exhortation, task information, and monetary incentives

Fifty-six male students worked to better their initial endurance scores on a second trial. Those who had formed a verbal commitment to do so performed significantly better than those offered a monetary incentive, exhortations to try hard, or information on how to deal with fatigue cues. The power of the “contract” in this study appears to be due not to additional specificity of information or to experimenter demands but more directly to the reinforcement value of having made a commitment in the presence of another.

Relationship between Individual Differences in a Steady Pace Endurance Running Performance and Maximal Oxygen Intake

Abstract The relationship between individual differences in a steady-pace endurance running test and maximal oxygen intake (L/min., ml/kg·min, ml/kg LBW·min) was determined in 25 college men. In the running test subjects attempted to maintain an initial running speed of 10 mph (4.89 yd/sec) for 10 min. as they were paced around a 440-yd. track. Running performance was scored as running time between consecutive sections of the track, and an endurance score was calculated as the cumulated distance run during each minute. Max VO2 (ml/kg-min) correlated r = .61 with cumulative distance after 5 min. of running. Validity correlations were only slightly increased by including minutes 8 to 10. Expressing max VO2 in either L/min. or ml/kg LBW·min did not improve the correlation. Percent drop-off in running speed from the initial pace averaged 16% at minute 5 and 31% at minute 10. Body weight and percent body fat were inversely correlated with 10 min. of cumulative performance (r = -.33 and -.43, respectively). At ...

Optimal duration of endurance performance on the cycle ergometer in relation to maximal oxygen intake.

The problem was to determine the optimal duration of endurance performance on the bicycle ergometer using max [Vdot]o2 as the criterion of validity. Max [Vdot]o2 was measured in 50 male college students using the, step-increment method (the initial resistance was 2·5 at 60 rpm on a bicycle ergometer, and was increased by 0·5 kg each two minutes until the subject would no longer turn.the ergometer, or when the rate fell to 40 to 50 rev/min).,In contrast, the endurance performance test was of the ‘ steady- pace ’ type in which all of the subjects began pedalling at the same initial rate of 69. pedal rpm at a work rate of 1656 kgm/min for 12 minutes. Although the rate of pedalling (and thus the Work rate) declined as fatigue developed, the friction load remained constant at124 kg throughout the test. There were 12 endurance scores for each individual, endurance being measured as the cumulated work done up to a particular minute. The 12 scores ranged from no decrement in the case of a few subjects with comple...

Reliability, Individual Differences and Intravariation of Endurance Performance on the Bicycle Ergometer

Abstract A procedure is described for measuring endurance performance on the bicycle ergometer where all individuals begin work at the same pace initially and continue for the same duration of time. Individuals with 100% endurance showed no drop-off in work rate from the initial pace, while those lower in endurance showed varying amounts of drop-off. Reliability, individual differences, and intravariation of endurance performance were determined for 34 subjects who pedalled a Monark bicycle ergometer at an initial work rate of 1,512 kgm/min for 10 min. on two occasions. Because the initial rate of work was so heavy there was an average 17.5% drop-off in work rate at the end of the test. Test-retest reliability for the endurance scores (defined as cumulated work performed) was r = .87. Within each test, individual differences increased progressively over the 10 min. to 420%, while intravariation increased 55%. In the test-retest situation, reliability increased 45%, individual differences increased 30-fold...

Subjective Assessment of Effort in Dynamic Work

18 male Ss were instructed to walk as long as possible at 75% of their maximum walking speed on a motor driven treadmill. Each S walked for 8 sessions. During the sessions Ss were instructed to report on a 5-point scale the increase in the amount of effort required by the walking task. The obtained effort scales were linear as had been reported for shorter duration isometric muscle contractions. Correlations between the endurance scores and various physical and psychological measures suggested that while maximum walking speed was primarily related to physique, endurance appeared to be related more to other variables.

A comparison of the maximal endurance of normal children and patients with congenital cardiac disease

A technique to measure maximal endurance in children is described, and the results of its application to normal children and to those with congenital cardiac lesions are recorded. The children with heart disease were unable to achieve pulse rates as high as could the normal ones, and had considerably less endurance. The maximal endurance score of a child with cardiac disease tended to reflect his functional status as indicated by cardiac catheterization studies.

THE LOAD-ENDURANCE RELATIONSHIP FOR A STATIC MANUAL RESPONSE.

Each of 64 male subjects was required to maintain certain proportions of his maximum response strength as long as possible. An essentially linear relationship was obtained between the relative load (the percentage-of-maximum strength) and the endurance of the manual response within the range of loads employed. As the load was increased from 50% to 80% of maximum strength, the mean endurance of manual pull decreased from 63.3 sec to 21.4 sec. A comparison of endurance scores for two arm positions yielding different response strengths revealed little difference in performance despite the fact that the mean force to be maintained was 41% greater at one arm position than at the other. Thus, relative loading tended to equalize endurance despite large differences in the actual force of the sustained response.