Ergometer Test Research Articles

Calibrating a Comprehensive Immune Age Metric to Analyze the Cross Sectional Age-Related Decline in Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is essential for sustained work ability in good health, but declines with aging, as does the functionality of the immune system, the latter process commonly referred to as immunosenescence. This study aimed to compare the capacity of immunosenescence biomarkers with chronological age for predicting low CRF in a cross-sectional sample recruited from the regional working population. CRF was determined by submaximal bicycle ergometer testing in a cross-sectional sample of 597 volunteers aged 20-70 years from the 'Dortmund Vital Study' (DVS, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05155397). Low CRF was scored if the ergometer test was not completed due to medical reasons or if the power output projected to a heart rate of 130 bpm divided by body mass was below sex-specific reference values of 1.25 W/kg for females and 1.5 W/kg for males, respectively. In addition to established biomarkers of immunosenescence, we calibrated a comprehensive metric of immune age to our data and compared its predictive capacity for low CRF to chronological age, while adjusting our analysis for the influence of sex, obesity, and the level of regular physical activity, by applying univariate and multiple logistic regression. While obesity, low physical activity, chronological and immune age were all associated with increased probability for low CRF in univariate analyses, multiple logistic regression revealed that obesity and physical activity together with immune age, but not chronological age, were statistically significant predictors of low CRF outcome. Sex was non-significant due to the applied sex-specific reference values. These results demonstrate that biological age assessed by our immunological metric can outperform chronological age as a predictor for CRF and indicate a potential role for immunosenescence in explaining the inter-individual variability of the age-related decline in cardiorespiratory fitness.

Relationship between swimming speed and physiological and perceptual responses in skins race

Purpose: This study investigated the relationships between swimming speed and physiological and perceptual responses in a skins race, in which a maximum of three races are repeated with a rest in between each round. Methods: The study measured the physiological responses in terms of the heart rate, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and oxygen debt (O2 debt) and examined the perceived exertion to determine the perceptual response. Specifically, it measured the swimming speed and blood lactate (Bla) levels of seven male collegiate swimmers in three rounds of 50 m freestyle, which simulated skins race. It also conducted a bicycle ergometer test to measure their VO2max and O2 debt. Results: The results showed a significant association between swimming speed and Bla. In other words, the study found a significant association between swimming speed and glycolysis during the skins race. However, it did not find a significant association between swimming speed and VO2max or/and O2 debt. Conclusion: Hence, it concluded that a swimmer’s skill level is related to the swimmer’s speed in the skins race. These findings provide an understanding of the physiological parameters that effect performance in high-intensity sports.

Perspectives on exercise intensity, volume, step characteristics and health outcomes in walking for transport.

Quantification of movement intensity and energy utilization, together with frequency of trips, duration, distance, step counts and cadence, is essential for interpreting the character of habitual walking for transport, and its potential support of health. The purpose of the study is to illuminate this with valid methods and novel perspectives, and to thereby provide a new basis for characterizing and interpreting walking in relation to health outcomes. Habitual middle-aged commuting pedestrians (males = 10, females = 10) were investigated in the laboratory at rest and with maximal treadmill and cycle ergometer tests. Thereafter, levels of oxygen uptake, energy expenditure, ventilation, heart rate, blood lactate, rated perceived exertion, cadence, number of steps, duration, distance, and speed were recorded during the normal walking commute of each participant in Greater Stockholm, Sweden. The number of commutes per week over the year was self-reported. Walking in the field demanded about 30% more energy per km compared to level treadmill walking. For both sexes, the walking intensity in field was about 46% of maximal oxygen uptake, and energy expenditure amounted to 0.96 kcal · kg- 1 · km- 1. The MET values (males: 6.2; females: 6.5) mirrored similar levels of walking speed (males: 5.7; females: 5.9 km · h- 1) and levels of oxygen uptake (males: 18.6; females: 19.5 mL · kg- 1 · min- 1). The average number of MET-hours per week in a typical month was 22 for males and 20 for females. This resulted in a total weekly energy expenditure of ~1,570 and 1,040 kcal for males and females, respectively. Over the year, the number of walking commutes and their accumulated distance was ~385 trips and 800 km for both sexes. Walking in naturalistic field settings demands its own studies. When males and females walk to work, their relative aerobic intensities and absolute energy demands for a given distance are similar. It is equivalent to the lower part of the moderate relative intensity domain. The combination of oxygen uptake, trip duration and frequency leads to high and sustained levels of MET-hours as well as energy expenditure per week over the year, with a clear health enhancing potential. Based on this study we recommend 6000 transport steps per day, or equivalent, during five weekdays, over the year, in order to reach optimal health gains.

Recumbent Ergometer vs Treadmill Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test in HFpEF: Implications for Chronotropic Response and Exercise Capacity

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can identify mechanisms of exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but exercise modalities with differing body positions (eg, recumbent ergometer, treadmill) are broadly used. In this study, we aimed to determine whether body position affects CPET parameters in patients with HFpEF. Subjects with stable HFpEF (n = 23) underwent noninvasive treadmill CPET, followed by an invasive recumbent-cycle ergometer CPET within 3 months. A comparison group undergoing similar studies included healthy subjects (n = 5) and subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension (n = 6). The peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and peak heart rate were significantly lower in the recumbent vs the upright position (10.1 vs 13.1 mL/kg/min [Δ-3 mL/kg/min]; P < 0.001; and 95 vs 113 bpm [Δ-18 bpm]; P < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in the minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production ratio, end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide or respiratory exchange ratio. A similar pattern was observed in the comparison groups. Compared to recumbent ergometer, treadmill CPET revealed higher VO2peak and peak heart rate response. When determining chronotropic incompetence to adjust beta-blocker administration in HFpEF, body position should be taken into account.

Behavior of skin temperature during incremental cycling and running indoor exercises

The study of the human body's energy behavior has received more attention over the past years. The development of thermal infrared cameras brought new possibilities for evaluating physical exercise performance. This work aims to study the skin temperature distribution during treadmill running and cycle ergometer tests with a graded load exercise until exhaustion. Eight amateur athletes performed both tests. In addition, the ventilatory and metabolic data were measured by indirect calorimetry. The thermoregulatory system is highly requested to maintain the internal body temperature. Consequently, the average skin temperature decreased during running and cycling tests, although with a higher variation in running. It was observed that the lower limbs had a similar performance for both exercises; on the other hand, the upper limbs had a higher temperature decrease for running. This may be explained by increased body energy transfer to the environment due to higher degrees of freedom during the test. The main contribution is comparing the thermal behavior of the person's skin performing two different activities, constructing a basis for future energy and exergy analysis of the human body under physical activities complementary to the literature.

Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort.

Simple SummaryIntensive physical activity can cause some deleterious effects on athletes’ health and sports performance. One of the main reasons for these effects seems to be oxidative stress. Therefore, this study was conducted to see if supplementation with an enzymatic antioxidant containing superoxide dismutase of plant origin, GliSODin, could reduce some negative effects of oxidative stress connected to exhaustive exercise. According to the results of this study, it was concluded that supplementation with GliSODin can protect athletes from muscle damage and decrease inflammation caused by intensive physical activity and have some positive influence on the sports performance of elite rowers. Therefore, more studies with a larger number of participants are needed to confirm this positive effect of GliSODin supplementation.This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with plant origin superoxide dismutase (SOD), GliSODin, on parameters of muscle damage, metabolic, and work performance at international level rowers. Twenty-eight rowers were included in a randomized, double-blind study. The study was conducted during a 6-week preparation period. At the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks of the supplementation period, all rowers were tested on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein before and after every ergometer testing. Muscle damage markers creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), inflammation parameters interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Rowing performance was assessed by lactate level in capillary blood and power output on the rowing ergometer. After supplementation, experimental group had significantly lower CK (p = 0.049) and IL-6 (p = 0.035) before and IL-6 (p = 0.050) after exhausting exercise on ergometer. Relative change of power output at 4 mmol/L concentration of lactate in blood, considering the initial and final test, was significantly higher (p = 0.020) in the supplemented group. It was concluded that GliSODin could be considered a good supplement in preventing some deleterious effects of intensive physical activity, including inflammation and muscle damage, and consequently, to enable a better rowing performance of elite rowers.

Sexual dimorphism in the neuro-endocrine regulation of bicycle ergometric test parameters in untrained individuals with dysfunction of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex

Background. Ergometric physical working capacity (PWC) testing has a long tradition in occupational medicine. PWC can be tested, using performance indicators like VO2max or the mechanical power. However, the calculated by bicycle ergometry PWC in reality reflects the reaction of the autonomic nervous system to muscle load, which, in turn, is strong, but still not absolutely complete, correlates with VO2max as a real indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between PWC, calculated based on the result of two-stage bicycle ergometry, and the parameters of neuro-endocrine regulation as well as sexual differences in such relationships. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 30 women 29-76 (49,4±11,0) years and 30 men 24-69 (47,4±12,0) years without a clinical diagnosis, but with the deviations from the norm in a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of maladaptation. For estimation of PWC a two-stage bicycle ergometry used. Parameters of EEG, HRV and adaptation hormones levels registered twice with an interval of 4 or 7 days. Results. In men, PWC correlates negatively with plasma levels of cortisol (r=-0,52) and triiodothyronine (r=-0,47), but positively with levels of calcitonin (r=0,25) and testosterone (r=0,22). The coefficient of multiple correlation R=0,705. In women, the correlation of the twice lower PWC with cortisol and calcitonin is weaker (r=-0,31 and 0,18, respectively), and is absent with testosterone and triiodothyronine, instead it was found in relation to aldosterone (r=-0,24); R=0,394. The PWC regression model for men includes 6 HRV and 11 EEG parameters (R=0,846), while for women only the mode HRV (r=-0,56) and two EEG parameters (R=0,608). Conclusion. PWC levels in men are generally downregulated by cortisol, triiodothyronine, sympathetic tone, and θ-rhythm generating neurons, but upregulated by testosterone, calcitonin, vagal tone, and related α-rhythm generating neurons. In women, PWC levels are borderline downregulated by cortisol and aldosterone, but significantly upregulated by circulating catecholamines and β-rhythm generating neurons.

Cardiac stroke volume in females and its correlation to blood volume and cardiac dimensions.

We aimed to continuously determine the stroke volume (SV) and blood volume (BV) during incremental exercise to evaluate the individual SV course and to correlate both variables across different exercise intensities. Twenty-six females with heterogeneous endurance capacities performed an incremental cycle ergometer test to continuously determine the oxygen uptake (V̇O2), cardiac output (Q̇) and changes in BV. Q̇ was determined by impedance cardiography and resting cardiac dimensions by 2D echocardiography. Hemoglobin mass and BV were determined using a carbon monoxide-rebreathing method. V̇O2max ranged from 32 to 62 mL·kg−1·min−1. Q̇max and SVmax ranged from 16.4 to 31.6 L·min−1 and 90–170 mL, respectively. The SV significantly increased from rest to 40% and from 40% to 80% V̇O2max. Changes in SV from rest to 40% V̇O2max were negatively (r = −0.40, p = 0.05), between 40% and 80% positively correlated with BV (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). At each exercise intensity, the SV was significantly correlated with the BV and the cardiac dimensions, i.e., left ventricular muscle mass (LVMM) and end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD). The BV decreased by 280 ± 115 mL (5.7%, p = 0.001) until maximum exercise. We found no correlation between the changes in BV and the changes in SV between each exercise intensity. The hemoglobin concentration [Hb] increased by 0.8 ± 0.3 g·dL−1, the capillary oxygen saturation (ScO2) decreased by 4.0% (p < 0.001). As a result, the calculated arterial oxygen content significantly increased (18.5 ± 1.0 vs. 18.9 ± 1.0 mL·dL−1, p = 0.001). A 1 L higher BV at V̇O2max was associated with a higher SVmax of 16.2 mL (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and Q̇max of 2.5 L·min−1 (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the SV strongly correlates with the cardiac dimensions, which might be the result of adaptations to an increased volume load. The positive effect of a high BV on SV is particularly noticeable at high and severe intensity exercise. The theoretically expected reduction in V̇O2max due to lower SV as a consequence of reduced BV is apparently compensated by the increased arterial oxygen content due to a higher [Hb].

Six-minute rowing test: a valid and reliable method for assessing power output in amateur male rowers.

BackgroundStandardized tests are currently available to assess power output in elite rowers. However, there are no valid and reliable tests to assess power output in amateur rowers.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6-minRT) as a predictor of power output (PO) in amateur male rowers.MethodsTwelve male amateur rowers were part of the study. All participants were instructed to perform an incremental test (IT), a 6-minRT test, and a retest. The validity of the 6-minRT was determined by comparing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and power output (PO) between the IT and 6-minRT. Reliability included the coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean standard error between the 6-minRT test and retest. The significance level was p < 0.05.ResultsThere was no significant difference in VO2max in both IT and 6-minRT (p = 0.18), while the mean power output (Pmean) generated in the 6-minRT equaled 91.96% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP) generated in the IT (p = 0.004). Reliability analysis for the 6-minRT showed a CV = 0.50% and ICC = 0.97 for distance, a CV = 1.85% and ICC = 0.96 for Pmean.ConclusionFrom a ventilatory and mechanical point of view, the 6-minRT is a maximally valid test for establishing MAP in amateur rowers. Also, the 6-minRT evidences a high degree of agreement between days. Therefore, the 6-minRT is a valid and reliable test for assessing PO in amateur male rowers.

Interrater reliability of a customized submaximal cycle ergometer test.

Graded exercise testing (GXTs) is used to determine maximum oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). Recently, customized submaximal exercise testing (CSET) completed on both treadmill and cycle ergometry were validated. Interrater reliability of the CSET for cycle ergometry was examined. Thirteen participants (age 31 ± 10.2 y, weight 77.9 ± 10.5kg, height 176.2 ± 9.9cm, body mass index 25.1 ± 2.9) completed the 2-stage × 3-min CSET protocol performed by two separate testers. True [Formula: see text] was determined using the highest value derived by a GXT and verification bout. Skeletal muscle oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]), measured using near-infrared spectrometry on the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and [Formula: see text] were monitored during each CSET; whereby, [Formula: see text] kinetics were modeled breath-by-breath data for each 3-min stage. Measurement agreement was quantified using intraclass coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV). "True" [Formula: see text] (ml·kg-1·min-1) between the GXT (41.3 ± 10.5) and verification (42.5 ± 11.5) was established (ICC = 0.98, TE: 0.98, CV 2.1%). Estimated [Formula: see text] by tester 1 (42.5 ± 9.8) and tester 2 (42.7 ± 8.9) did not differ from "true" [Formula: see text] (F2,36 = 0.02, p = 0.98, ηp2 = 0.00). The second stage evoked a [Formula: see text] slow component of 194 ± 124ml·min-1 that corresponded with a time-dependent decline of [Formula: see text]. The mean [Formula: see text] from the two CSET testers were highly correlated (ICC = 0.91, TE: 4.1%, CV = 8.9%). The CSET is a reliable and valid procedure and [Formula: see text] is a useful tool for corroborating the second stage is in the heavy-intensity domain.

The Effect Of Sex And Exercise Intensity On Hunger Ratings In Adults: A Pilot Study

Acute exercise transiently suppresses appetite, oftentimes in an intensity dependent manner. However, the majority of prior work only included young adult males, and did not explore the effects of sex on exercise-induced appetite measures. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of exercise intensity and sex on appetite responses in middle-age adult males and females. METHODS: Untrained males (n = 5; age: 46.8 ± 5.8 y; BMI; 22.5 ± 0.84 kg/m2 VO2peak: 34.7 ± 6.7 mL/kg/min) and females (n = 4; age: 43.8 ± 5.4 y; BMI 22.2 ± 0.94 kg/m2;VO2peak: 28.15 ± 2.3 mL/kg/min) completed 3 conditions in a randomized, crossover design: control (C), moderate intensity exercise (at the lactate threshold (LT); MOD), or high intensity (75% of the difference between LT and VO2 peak; HI) exercise. Exercise intensity was determined from a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test. Venous blood was sampled at the end of each 3-min stage and analyzed for lactate. Visits occurred in the morning after an overnight fast. All exercise sessions were calorically matched within subjects. Subjective appetite parameters were assessed via visual analogue scales (VAS) during each condition at: 0 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes. Area-under-the curve values were calculated using the trapezoidal method for each VAS component. RESULTS: Preliminary inspection of data suggest perception of hunger (units = mm*120 min-1; males: C: 491.1 ± 291.7 MOD: 355.8 ± 107.8, HI: 351.6 ± 129.2;females: C: 539.6 ± 69.5, MOD: 419.6 ± 106.9, HI: 409.5 ± 67.5) satisfaction (males: C: 420.6 ± 174.9, MOD: 293.7 ± 187.65, HI: 395.3 ± 197.05; females: C: 279.0 ± 239.7 MOD: 342.4 ± 159.6, HI: 382.0 ± 146.4), fullness (males: C: 393.6 ± 154.3, MOD: 266.1 ± 163.8, HI: 398.6 ± 176.5; females: C: 247.5 ± 241.2, MOD: 264.4 ± 215.5, HI: 411.5 ± 159.9), and how much you think you can eat (males: C: 653.7 ± 225.9, M: 573.9 ± 239.2, HI: 460.2 ± 248.9; females: CON: 684.4 ± 192.1, MOD: 545.6 ± 107.4, HIGH: 731.0 ± 150.2), are affected in an intensity dependent manner with differing responses between middle aged males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Both exercise intensity and sex may impact subjective ratings of appetite. Supported by The University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development, and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (1R01DK12950-01)

Salivary Concentrations Of Lipid Peroxidation Products Represent Plasma Concentrations In Athletes Before And After Exercise

Many types of muscular exercise promote the production of reactive oxygen species and result in oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased levels of lipid peroxidation products in both blood plasma and saliva. PURPOSE: To assess the agreement between quantitative measurements of lipid peroxidation products in plasma and saliva of athletes at rest and following the Åstrand-Rhyming test. METHODS: 20 elite athletes, aged 18-22 years, participated in the study. Athletes underwent the Åstrand-Rhyming cycle ergometer test. Blood and saliva samples were collected before (pre-exercise) and immediately after the exercise (postexercise). Diene conjugates (DC), triene conjugates (TC) and Schiff bases (SB) were photometrically determined. Optical densities were measured at 220 nm (absorption of isolated double bonds), 232 nm (absorption of DC), 278 nm (absorption of TC), and 400 nm (absorption of SB). Assumption of normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Since all data were normally distributed, comparisons were made using paired Student’s t-test. Bland-Altman (B&A) analysis was applied. RESULTS: DC levels were elevated in plasma (0.17 + 0.02 vs. 0.19 + 0.02 a.u., p < 0.001) and saliva (0.17 + 0.02 vs. 0.19 + 0.02 a.u., p < 0.01) in response to exercise, as were the plasmatic (0.12 + 0.04 vs. 0.14 + 0.04 a.u., p < 0.05) and salivary (0.11 + 0.03 vs. 0.14 + 0.03 a.u., p < 0.05) TC concentrations. SB levels were also significantly higher at postexercise compared to pre-exercise in both plasma (21.46 + 4.63 vs. 31.14 + 6.25 a.u., p < 0.001) and saliva (20.83 + 4.06 vs. 30.19 + 6.45 a.u., p < 0.001). The bias calculated for DC (0.005, pre-exercise; 0.004, postexercise), TC (0.002, pre-exercise; 0.004, postexercise) and SB (0.64, pre-exercise; 0.95, postexercise) using the B&A statistics was not significant both at pre-exercise and at postexercise because the line of equality was within the confidence interval of the mean difference. All of the data points lay within the respective agreement limits. CONCLUSIONS: High agreement between quantitative measurements of plasmatic and salivary DC, TC and SB was detected both at rest and following the Åstrand-Rhyming test. Saliva may be considered as an attractive option for identifying exercise-induced oxidative stress in athletes.

Cardiorespiratory Coordination Among Intermediate And Novice Female Collegiate Rowers

Elite rowers present high levels of cardiorespiratory performance. Rowers’ on-water performance can be predicted by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and related measured parameters such as maximum oxygen uptake test (VO2max), ventilation (VE), heart rate (HR), expired fraction of oxygen (FeO2) and carbon dioxide (FeCO2). However, such testing provides little information about the non-linear dynamic interactions during rowing and the qualitative synergetic reconfigurations between cardiovascular and respiratory systems to adjust to the individual rowing performance. Cardiorespiratory coordination (CRC) has been proposed as a method to measure the co-variation among cardiorespiratory variables during a CPET. PURPOSE: To measure and compare the CRC through principal components analysis (PCA) between intermediate (9) and novice (9) rowers. METHODS: Eighteen females, members of NCAA Division II team, participated based on their off-water performance on 6000 m time trial and training status (i.e., Intermediate vs, Novice) in a discontinuous incremental rowing ergometer test to exhaustion. A variety of cardiorespiratory values were recorded. VE, HR, FeO2, and FeCO2 values during the last two stages before volitional fatigue between intermediate and novice rowers were analyzed by PCA on SPSS vs28. The number of principal components (PCs) and the first PC eigenvalues were computed for each group. RESULTS: While 67% of participants in the intermediate group showed one PC, only 22% of the novice group displayed 1 single PC. The formation of an additional PC in N rowers was the result of the shift of FeCO2 from the PC1 cluster of variables. CONCLUSIONS: Intermediate rowers showed a trend towards lower number of PCs compared to novice rowers, reflecting a higher degree of CRC. These findings point toward a higher efficiency of cardiorespiratory function in intermediate rowers, potentially as a result of improved bicarbonate buffering efficiency during high-intensity exercise. Intermediate rowers presented better gas exchange and relied less on ventilation for a given oxygen consumption. CRC appears as a complementary measure to assess aerobic fitness as well as cardiorespiratory interactions and their response to exercise in rowing may be useful to coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.

Fitness, performance, and cardiac autonomic responses to exercise in people with epilepsy

People with epilepsy (PWE) are less fit and have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Imbalances within the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are believed to mediate some of those effects. However, results are mostly derived from patients whose seizures are refractory to medical therapy. In this study, an exhaustive bicycle ergometer test was delivered to 25 PWE (19 seizure free in the last 6 months) recruited in a community-based setting and 25 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls. During the exercise test a 12-channel ECG was recorded and spirometry was carried out to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) as the gold standard to assess fitness. Before and after exercise, heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA) were measured along with an electroencephalogram (EEG). Blood samples were collected to determine anti-seizure drug (ASD) serum levels and physical activity of daily living was evaluated via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). People with epilepsy and healthy controls were similarly fit and physically active. However, PWE had a lower maximum heart rate, a lower heart rate reserve, and a lower chronotropic index. The ratio between low- to high-frequency HRV changes (LF/HF ratio) was lower in PWE. Two patients with idiopathic genetic epilepsies revealed generalized interictal epileptiform discharges only after, but not before exercise. However, post-exercise EEG measurement was three times longer than pre-exercise and those patients did not report exercise induced seizures in the history. Besides epileptogenesis, anti-seizure medications may also contribute to those autonomic differences.

Experimental Development of Composite Bicycle Frame

This article focuses on the development of a carbon composite bicycle frame using various experimental methods of structural analysis. Two types of frame specimen were used. The complete frame specimen was tested in accordance with ISO test load cases with the addition of an ergometer test in order to refine the operational strain envelope of such a frame. Resistive strain gauges and optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors were used for this analysis. The FBG sensors were embedded inside the head tube joints during the manufacturing process. The head connection was designed as a geometrically precise form–connection of wound composite tubes, reinforced with a wrap of high-strength unidirectional carbon tapes and carbon fabrics. Additional structural strength laboratory tests were conducted using simplified frame specimens, in order to evaluate the range of the limit case strain ranges. The digital image correlation method was used for the evaluation of the strain distribution in the head tube area. Resistive strain gauges were used for local strain analysis in critical areas. The acoustic emission method was used to detect structural defects before they could influence the stiffness response of the frame. It was found that the joints of the frame tubes are crucial for the strength and safety of the frame. Therefore, attention was also focused on the strengthening of the head tube joint, and on its experimental verification. A positive effect on the strength of the reinforced frame was found by doubling the thickness of the carbon fabric in the head tube joint area.

Clinical efficacy of a personalized exercise program in the rehabilitation of patients with atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation

Aim. To study the clinical efficacy and safety of a personalized exercise program in the rehabilitation of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after primary pulmonary vein radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Material and methods. Patients (n=48) with paroxysmal AF who underwent RFA were randomized into two groups: main (n=24) — patients involved in the exercise program and received standard therapy; control (n=24) — patients received standard therapy. The program included exercise complexes with the calculation of energy consumption, step training and walking. The program lasted 6 months, while the follow-up period — 12 months. All patients in the study underwent a faceto-face learning interview.Results. After 6-month exercise program, bicycle ergometer test revealed an increase in duration (by 18,6%, p&lt;0,001) and power (by 24,8%, p&lt;0,01) of the load, while these changes were not revealed in the control group. The positive aftereffect of training on these parameters persisted even after the completion of program. Left atrial and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension remained stable in exercise program group and significantly increased in the control group. In contrast to the control group, the following parameters significantly decreased in trained patients after 6 months: body mass index by 2,8% (p&lt;0,05), systolic blood pressure by 2,1% (p&lt;0,05), heart rate by 12,1% (p&lt;0,05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration by 18,8% (p&lt;0,001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by 22,9% (p&lt;0,05), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide by 28,2% ( p&lt;0,05), aldosterone by 41,5% (p&lt;0,001) and angiotensin II by 41,3%, p&lt;0,05). In addition, in the exercise program group an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 20,6% (p&lt;0,05) and physical activity level by 23,8% (p=0,001) was revealed. At the same time, both groups showed a significant decrease in the concentration of fibrinogen and transforming growth factor-β1. After 6 months, in the exercise program group versus the control group, there was a decrease in the number of registered supraventricular premature beats (p&lt;0,01), episodes of supraventricular tachyarrhythmia (p&lt;0,05), including AF (p&lt;0,05).Conclusion. Involvement of patients with AF after catheter RFA in a cardiac rehabilitation program based on moderate-intensity aerobic training improves exercise tolerance, cardiac function, corrects thrombogenic factors, and reduces the likelihood of arrhythmia recurrence, including AF.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical activity levels of referring mental healthcare professionals, and their attitudes and referral practices related to exercise and physical health

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) interventions can improve mental and physical health of people with mental illness, especially when delivered by qualified exercise professionals. Also, the behaviour, engagement and support of referring mental healthcare professionals (HCP) seem essential, but research is scarce. We aimed to study HCP physical fitness and PA, and associations with their attitudes and referral practices related to physical health and PA interventions. MethodsHCP at the Dutch Association for Psychiatry congress (2019) were invited to an online questionnaire (demographic/work characteristics, stress, PA levels, knowledge/attitudes regarding PA, referral practices) and cycle ergometer test. Strongest associations were analysed using linear and logistic regression. ResultsOf the 115 HCP who completed the questionnaire (40 also completed the ergometer test), 43% (n = 50) met PA guidelines (i.e., ≥150min moderate-to-vigorous PA and ≥2x bone/muscle-strengthening exercises/week). Women, HCP interns/residents and HCP experiencing more stress were less active and less likely to meet PA guidelines. Conversely, there were positive associations with personal experience with an exercise professional. Knowledge/attitudes on physical health and PA were positive. HCP were more likely to refer patients to PA interventions if they met PA guidelines (OR = 2.56, 95%BI = 0.85–7.13) or had higher beliefs that exercise professionals can increase adherence to PA interventions (OR = 3.72, 95%BI = 1.52–9.14). LimitationsMainly psychiatrists, affecting generalizability. ConclusionsHCP report the importance and relevance of PA in mental healthcare. Despite strong evidence and guidance for PA interventions in prevention and treatment, referral to such interventions partly depends on the PA behaviour and attitude of patient's physician/clinician.

Blood Pressure Response and Pulse Arrival Time During Exercise Testing in Well-Trained Individuals.

Introduction: There is a lack of data describing the blood pressure response (BPR) in well-trained individuals. In addition, continuous bio-signal measurements are increasingly investigated to overcome the limitations of intermittent cuff-based BP measurements during exercise testing. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the BPR in well-trained individuals during a cycle ergometer test with a particular focus on the systolic BP (SBP) and to investigate pulse arrival time (PAT) as a continuous surrogate for SBP during exercise testing. Materials and Methods: Eighteen well-trained male cyclists were included (32.4 ± 9.4 years; maximal oxygen uptake 63 ± 10 ml/min/kg) and performed a stepwise lactate threshold test with 5-minute stages, followed by a continuous test to voluntary exhaustion with 1-min increments when cycling on an ergometer. BP was measured with a standard automated exercise BP cuff. PAT was measured continuously with a non-invasive physiological measurements device (IsenseU) and metabolic consumption was measured continuously during both tests. Results: At lactate threshold (281 ± 56 W) and maximal intensity test (403 ± 61 W), SBP increased from resting values of 136 ± 9 mmHg to maximal values of 219 ± 21 mmHg and 231 ± 18 mmHg, respectively. Linear within-participant regression lines between PAT and SBP showed a mean r 2 of 0.81 ± 17. Conclusion: In the present study focusing on the BPR in well-trained individuals, we observed a more exaggerated systolic BPR than in comparable recent studies. Future research should follow up on these findings to clarify the clinical implications of the high BPR in well-trained individuals. In addition, PAT showed strong intra-individual associations, indicating potential use as a surrogate SBP measurement during exercise testing.

Cardiovascular risk factors in a healthy population in the Croatian centre for cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction According to the statistics of the WHO, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death. The problem of CVD is the fact that they do not give the right symptoms, and often lead to personal or public health problems. The first signs of CVD may be an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or cerebrovascular insult (CVI) and it is important that the cause of them is a combination of risk factors (RF) that we can influence. High cardiovascular risk, due to the presence of one or more RF, requires early intervention with the aim of timely prevention of possible new complications. Purpose The aim of the retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular RF in persons who underwent preventive examinations at our Clinic for Treatment, Prevention and Rehabilitation of CVD. Methods The study included 100 respondents aged between 30 and 60y. When collecting and presenting data, the privacy and identity of the respondents are protected. For the purposes of the research, the data of medical documentation were used. The parameters used for the study were age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, abdominal thickness, arterial pressure values, blood sugar, ergometric and spirometry findings. For each respondent, daily life habits such as alcohol and smoking consumption, and levels of physical activity were recorded. Microsoft Excel and Statistics are used for data processing. Results According to the analysis of the obtained data, an equal number of men and women participated in the research (average age 47y). Anthropometric testing yielded a mean BMI for men and women which tells us that 44% of respondents are overweight and 21% are obese. Prior to the examination, 20% of respondents were diagnosed with arterial hypertension (AH), arrhythmia, hyperlipoproteinemia and diabetes. Only 2% of the subjects had elevated blood glucose values. Spirometric findings in all subjects were correct, while ergometric testing showed a decrease in values in as many as 75% of subjects. The control of daily living habits determined the enjoyment of tobacco products in 32% and alcohol in 10% of respondents. A worrying fact is that only 5% of respondents engage in some physical activity. In addition, new diagnoses are hyperlipoproteinemia IIa (40%), hyperlipoproteinemia IIb (16%), AH (13%), hyperlipidemia (6%), arrhythmia (4%), diabetes (2%), triglyceridemia (2%), ischemic heart disease (1%), carotid artery stenosis (1%). Conclusions The study found an increased incidence of cardiovascular RF in people who are not older. New diagnoses suggest a change in life habits towards eliminating the present cardiovascular RF in order to prevent possible cardiovascular incidents. It is through this organized, systematic and regular prevention that cardiovascular diseases are reduced to a significant level.

Exercise Echocardiography and Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in The Assessment of Suspected or Known Coronary Artery Disease

Exercise echocardiography has become a significant tool of non-invasive valuation of coronary artery disease (CAD). The Exercise echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography are widely applied methods with different clinical procedures and indications. Objective: To determine the exercise echocardiography and dobutamine stress echocardiography in the assessment of suspected or known coronary artery disease. Methods: 260 consecutive patients endured Stress Echocardiography in the Cardiology department of NICVD Karachi for one-year duration from January 2021 to December 2021. The treadmill was used for Exercise echocardiography applying the Bruce protocol. The standard method was applied for dobutamine stress echocardiography. The Stress Echocardiography was taken as positive on the basis of the appearance of worsening or new wall motion abnormalities. Results: Exercise echocardiography performed by 160 patients and DSE in 100 subjects with mean age of 47.21 and 53.10 years, correspondingly. Males were dominated in both groups. The both groups have similar risk factors. In the diagnosis of CAD, Exercise echocardiography was used more often than dobutamine stress echocardiography (61.5% vs 38.5%). The Viability tests have been carried out exclusively by DSE. The frequency of adverse events was 29% in dobutamine stress echocardiography and no one has side-effects in exercise echocardiography. Stress-related dysfunction of left ventricle was much communal in dobutamine stress echocardiography. Conclusion: Exercise Echocardiography is a better and safer non-invasive imaging method among subjects who can execute exercise, but DSE is further beneficial for pre-operative evaluation, viability and patients who are disabled physically for ergometer and treadmill exercise test.