Maximal Heart Rate Research Articles

Physiological, physical and anthropometric parameters in padel: A systematic review

This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of existing research on physiological, physical and anthropometric parameters in padel. After searching through PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, 33 articles were analyzed, covering physiological, physical, and anthropometric parameters. Physiologically, heart rate varies by sex and play level; men amateurs show a lower maximum heart rate compared to semi-professionals and professionals (154.75 vs 169.72 vs 188.6 beats per minute). Women players maintain consistent maximum heart rate across levels (∼178 beats per minute). Lactate levels during competition indicate effort within the aerobic transition zone, peaking at 2.40 millimole per liter in women and 3.38 millimole per liter in men. Regarding maximal oxygen consumption, padel players exhibit levels around 76.3%, increasing to 95.1% during peak exertion. Biochemical and hematological parameters vary by sex, with men players typically having higher basal levels, while competition reduces certain elements like copper and zinc. Physically, men players exhibit superior jump height, strength, and maximum speeds around 2.09 kilometers per hour, with significant lateral movements. The average distance covered per match is 3000 meters, with higher-level players traveling less. Anthropometrically, men players are taller with a mesomorphic-endomorphic profile, while women players have an endomorphic-mesomorphic somatotype. The study highlights the need for tailored training based on specific player characteristics and calls for further research to better individualize physical preparation in padel.

The association of coronary artery disease with heart rate at anaerobic threshold and respiratory compensatory point.

There is limited knowledge regarding the association between heart rate (HR) during different exercise phases and coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between four exercise-related HR metrics detected by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and CAD. These metrics include HR at the anaerobic threshold (HRAT), HR at respiratory compensatory point (HRRCP), maximal HR (HRmax), and HR 60 s post-exercise (HRRec60s). The 705 participants included 383 with CAD and 322 without CAD in Beijing Hospital, who underwent CPET between January 2021 and December 2022. The Logistic regression analysis was applied to estimate the odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval. Additionally, the multivariable Logistic regression analyses with restricted cubic splines were conducted to characterize the dose-response association and explore whether the relationship was linear or nonlinear. Our primary finding indicates that for each one-beat increase in HRAT, there is a 2.8% reduction in the adjusted risk of CAD in the general population. Similarly, a one-beat increase in HRRCP corresponds to a 2.6% reduction in the adjusted risk of CAD. Subgroup analyses revealed significant interactions between HRAT and factors such as sex, hypertension, and lung cancer, as well as between HRRCP and sex and hypertension, in relation to CAD. The dose-response analysis further confirmed that higher HRAT and HRRCP are associated with a reduced risk of CAD. These results are suggestive of a good association between HRAT, HRRCP, and CAD. The lower HRAT, and HRRCP are signs of poor HR response to exercise in CAD. HRAT and HRRCP are potentially good indicators of poor HR response to exercise without considering maximal effort.

The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the "ice push sled"-a first cross-sectional study.

To investigate the impact of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by resisted sled sprint at different loads on the subsequent 30 m ice push sled performance of Chinese skeleton athletes, and to identify the resisted sled sprint load that most effectively enhances PAP for Chinese skeleton athletes. Seven elite athletes from the Chinese skeleton team participated in four tests with more than 48 h intervals. During the tests, on the first test, athletes completed a 40 min standard warm-up, rested for 6 min, and then performed a 30 m test. On the second, third, and fourth test, athletes completed the standard warm-up, then performed 20 m sprints with resisted sled (RS) at 75%, 50%, and 25% of body mass (BM), respectively, rested for 6 min, and then performed the 30 m test. No significant differences were found in morning pulse, blood urea, and creatine kinase levels among four tests. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) within different intensity ranges showed no significant differences among four tests. However, significant differences were observed in ice push sled performance among four tests (No BMRS: 5.08 ± 0.27; 25% BMRS: 5.05 ± 0.29; 50% BMRS: 5.02 ± 0.27; 75% BMRS: 5.04 ± 0.28). Post hoc analyses revealed that the 50% BMRS test had faster speed compared to the no resistance (p < 0.05), the 25% BMRS (p < 0.05), and the 75% BMRS (p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, the 75% BMRS test had faster speed than the no resistance test (p < 0.05). A 20 m sprint with 50% BMRS effectively enhances the PAP effect in skeleton athletes, improving their ice push sled performance. Coaches can incorporate this resisted sled sprint in athletes' training routines for performance enhancement in both daily training and pre-competition preparations.

The association between aerobic capacity and spinal curvature and mobility in young soccer players

BackgroundThere is a lot of research in terms of injuries and performance in football and nowadays aerobic capacity, spinal posture and mobility have been taken into consideration separately in terms of performance. Considering from a biomechanical perspective, we thought spinal curvature and mobility may affect aerobic performance and investigated the relationship between them. Research questionDo young soccer players' segmental spinal curvature and mobility affect their aerobic capacity and maximal exercise performance? MethodsThirty-four young league players (mean age 16.56 ±1.11 years) were evaluated pre-season. Spinal assessments in the sagittal plane with a non-invasive, computer-assisted electromechanical device and aerobic capacity assessment with a cardiopulmonary exercise-testing device were applied. The relationship between spinal postural variables with aerobic capacity was done by Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of spinal curvature and mobility on aerobic performance. ResultsVarious parameters of aerobic performance were related to spinal curvature and mobility. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) were negatively correlated with thoracic angle (r=-0.343, p=0.047 and r=-0.344, p=0.046; respectively). Thoracic angle was also associated with tidal volume (VT) and VO2/HR (r=-0.347, p=0.044 and r=-0.348, p=0.044; respectively). Higher thoracic mobility caused to reach the anaerobic threshold (VAT) earlier (r=-0.368, p=0.032), at a lower speed (r=-0.367, p=0.033). In other segments, lumbar mobility was negatively correlated with VT at VAT (r=-0.346; p=0.045), while spinal inclination with HR at VAT (r=-0.387, p=0.024). SignificanceAlthough it is within physiological ranges, increased spinal curvature and mobility are associated with a decrease in aerobic capacity in young soccer players. Spinal curvature and mobility especially in the thoracic region may affect the aerobic performance of a soccer player. The trainers should consider spinal alignment for not only the technical and tactical but also the general performance of the soccer player.

Physiological and perceptual responses of firefighters wearing protective clothing under various training environment and activity conditions

To enhance operational capabilities of firefighters in live-fire scenarios, daily training is absolutely important which involves various types of training tasks in diverse thermal environments. Fire training in heat may impose severe heat stress on firefighters. Yet, the thermal burden associating with different training has rarely been studied. In this study, twelve healthy male firefighters performed 50 min of treadmill exercise while wearing firefighting protective clothing (FPC) in two environmental conditions (34°C and 37°C) with three training intensities (3 km/h, 4.5 km/h and 6 km/h). Results showed that in hot environments, training intensity exhibited a more pronounced effect on physiological responses than ambient temperature. Exposure to 37°C with heavy activity produced high level of core temperature (38.8±0.2°C), near maximal heart rate (164±18 bpm), increased energy expenditure (27.10±1.42 ml/min/kg) coupled with mild dehydration (2.08%±0.35%). The forehead, back and chest which showed the highest level of thermal sensation vote, wetness sensation vote and thermal comfort vote are suggested to be primarily considered when designing cooling strategies. Moreover, when providing recovery and cooling for firefighters working in extreme heat while wearing fully encapsulated FPC, the priority should be given to work intensity and duration, followed by environmental conditions.

Impact of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia on Thromboembolic Events and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to increase the risk of thromboembolic events and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The impact of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) on these risks remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 889 patients diagnosed with PAT and 1106 control patients without PAT, all of whom underwent their initial 24-hour ECG monitoring between 2015 to 2020. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysiswere used to evaluate the association between PAT and the study endpoints, including thromboembolic events and MACE. Over a mean follow-up period of 50.3 months, the incidence of thromboembolic events and MACE was significantly higher in the PAT group compared to the control group (6.5% vs 1.7% and 19.1% vs 9.9%, respectively). After adjusting for common risk factors and baseline imbalances, the PAT group exhibited a significantly elevated risk of thromboembolic events (hazard ratio [HR] 3.782, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.212-6.467; P <0.001) and MACE (HR 1.795, 95% CI 1.398-2.305; P <0.001). However, the frequency of PAT episodes, heart rate, and maximum heart rate were not significantly associated with theseoutcomes. Within the PAT group, a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and chronic renal failure were identified as independent risk factors for thromboembolic events, while hypertension, coronaryheart disease, heart failure, and chronic renal failure were independently associated with MACE. PAT, as detected by 24-hour dynamic ECG, is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events and MACE.

Prediction of the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) for young Saudi females using exercise parameters

BACKGROUND: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), an essential indicator of integrated function of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems, is an excellent predictor of all-cause morbidity and mortality. Direct measurement is a sophisticated procedure which for some individuals is difficult to perform. The use of international formulae leads to overestimation or underestimation of values. Therefore, the present study aimed to generate a best-fit VO2max prediction formula for young Saudi females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two randomly selected young healthy Saudi females (19–25 years) with normal body mass index (18.5–24.99 kg m−2) and sedentary lifestyle underwent maximum cardiopulmonary exercise testing on cycle ergometer when using breath-by-breath analyzing system. Hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters were assessed before and during the maximum exercise. Significantly correlated exercise and nonexercise parameters enterd in multiple linear regression analysis to find the best-fit model, and used to generate a VO2max prediction formula. RESULTS: The mean measured VO2max was 1449.1 ± 233.92 ml min−1. The VO2max prediction formula was 1304.193 ± 17.902 × body weight + 43.857 × time until exhaustion − 6.83 × maximum heart rate. The mean calculated VO2max was 1449.14 ± 143.97 ml min−1. No statistically significant difference was observed between the measured and calculated VO2max. The Bland–Altman test for the limit of agreement was performed and showed good agreement between the two values with a minute proportional bias. The standard error of the estimate was 156.34, which is approximately 10.6% of the mean measured VO2max. Reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.709. CONCLUSION: This study presents a reliable and valid VO2max prediction formula for young Saudi females. This nationally generated formula is far more representative of the VO2max value than international formulae. We recommend the implementation of this formula and an investigation of its validity in other Saudi population groups.

Validity Of A Maximal Heart Rate During An Intermittent Cycle Test: A Pilot Study

Validity Of A Maximal Heart Rate During An Intermittent Cycle Test: A Pilot Study

Exercise intensities and metabolic health: Targeting blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in adults with prediabetes in the postprandial state

ObjectiveExercise improves postprandial glycemia and insulin sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes, but the optimal intensity for this metabolic regulation remains unclear. The current study explored the impact of various exercise intensities on blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels in prediabetic individuals to identify the optimal intensity for improving these metabolic indicators. MethodsIn this crossover study, 25 individuals with prediabetes participated in exercise sessions at four different intensities 50 %, 60 %, 70 %, and 80 % of their predicted maximum heart rate using a treadmill. Each session lasted 30 min, including a 5-min warm-up and 5-min cool-down period. Blood samples were collected at four time points: during fasting, immediately before exercise, and 30 and 60 min post-exercise. These samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels. The effects of exercise intensity on these parameters were evaluated using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with post hoc tests conducted to determine specific differences between the intensities. ResultsThe participants had an average age of 34.88 years, mean height of 170 cm, and body mass index of 30.34 kg/m2. A significant reduction in insulin and glucose levels post-exercise was observed at 70 % intensity (p ≤ 0.001). Despite high fasting blood glucose levels (110–115 mg/dL), significant reductions were noted at 30 and 60 min post-exercise (p ≤ 0.001). Insulin levels approached near baseline at 70 % intensity, from fasting (26.74 ± 20.83) to 60 min post-exercise (28.47 ± 20.79), indicating a positive response at this intensity. C-peptide levels also showed significant changes, with 70 % intensity exercise bringing them closest to fasting levels by 60 min post-exercise. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of exercise intensities in enhancing metabolic parameters in individuals with prediabetes. Specifically, 70 % of the predicted maximum heart rate was beneficial, optimizing insulin sensitivity and potentially reducing the risk of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes.

Rating of perceived exertion as a tool for managing exercise intensity during pregnancy: a scoping review

ObjectiveDuring pregnancy, international guidelines recommend ≥150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, with an intensity perceived as fairly light to somewhat hard on the Borg Rating of Perceived...

AN IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF BRISK WALKING WITH OR WITHOUT MUSIC THERAPY IN REDUCING MENSTRUAL PAIN AMONG YOUTH WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA

Background: Dysmenorrhea divides into two type’s primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea (SD). Dysmenorrhea with absence of pelvic abnormality is termed primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and is likely experience among young women population aged between 15 to 25 years. Despite the effectiveness of the exercise on managing PD, the immediate result of the intervention towards pain was not signified. The study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect of Brisk Walking (BW) with or without Music Therapy (MT) in reducing menstrual pain among youth with primary dysmenorrhea. Material and methods: This experimental study involving 102 female subjects with primary dysmenorrhea aged between 18 to 25 years were divided into two equal groups: a Brisk Walking group (n=51), and Brisk Walking with Music Therapy group (n=51). The menstrual pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pre and post-test taken within 2 menstrual cycle period. The Maximum Heart Rate of each subject were calculated prior Brisk Walking and exercise was conducted within 60 -70% of the individual’s Maximum Heart Rate for 20 minutes. The Music Therapy was completed in their home with music provided by researcher for 20 minutes duration. Results: The data was assessed using the Paired T-test and Independent T-test. The result within the group showed significant value with p&lt;0.05 in both groups. Comparison between groups also showed significant difference p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: A greater improvement was seen in the Brisk Walking with Music Therapy intervention group in managing primary dysmenorrhea. In specific, it is also proven that both study groups, Brisk Walking and Brisk Walking with Music Therapy promote pain reduction.

Implementasi K-Means Clustering pada Pengelompokan Pasien Penyakit Jantung

Heart disease is a prominent global health concern, necessitating early identification and patient grouping for effective management. This study employs the K-Means clustering algorithm with a medical dataset of 303 patients, encompassing various attributes. These include Age, Gender, Chest Pain Type, Blood Pressure, Serum Cholesterol Level, Fasting Blood Sugar, Resting Electrocardiographic Results, Maximum Heart Rate, Angina, ST Depression, and Slope of the ST Segment. The goal is to categorize patients into four clusters based on chest pain types, a crucial symptom indicating disease severity. The computation concludes after the sixth iteration, revealing Cluster 1 (27 patients), Cluster 2 (135 patients), Cluster 3 (15 patients), and Cluster 4 (126 patients). Collaborative analysis with medical experts highlights that Cluster 1, mainly comprising older males, exhibits high-risk indicators. While this grouping aids in personalized treatment strategy development, further clinical validation involving more experts and datasets is imperative for enhanced reliability.

Differences in the ventilatory thresholds in treadmill according to training status in 971 males and 301 females: a cross-sectional study.

To analyze the influence of training status on the percentage of maximum oxygen consumption, heart rate and velocity (%VO2max, %HRmax and %Vmax) at which ventilatory threshold 1 and ventilatory threshold 2 occur (VT1 and VT2, respectively), in males and females separately considering age, during a ramp incremental treadmill test. 791 males (36.8 ± 9.9years) and 301 females (33.9 ± 11.0years) performed a ramp incremental exercise test until fatigue where VT1 and VT2 were determined. Participants were classified as low, medium or high training status combining the oxygen consumption at VT1, VT2 and VO2max by clustering analysis. VO2max is poorly correlated with the %VO2max, %HRmax and %Vmax at which VT1 and VT2 occur (r < 0.3), in contrast, there is a positive correlation between oxygen consumption at VT1 and VT2 with the %VO2max, %HRmax and %Vmax at which VT1 and VT2, respectively, occur in males and females (r = 0.203-0.615). Furthermore, we observed the %VO2max, %HRmax and %Vmax at which thresholds occur were greater the higher the training status (all p < 0.003). The physiological determinants of the percentage of maximum at which VT1 and VT2 occur are more related to oxygen consumption at VT1 and VT2, respectively, than to VO2max. Moreover, due to the higher percentage of maximum at which VT1 and VT2 occur in individuals with a higher training status, the common strategy consisting of establishing exercise intensity as a fixed percentage of maximum might not be effective to match intensity across individuals with different training status. NCT06246760.

Prediction of Heart Disease Risk among Patients in Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Using Naïve Bayes

Heart disease is a silent killer, which can cause sudden death of individuals without obvious symptoms. The risk of heart disease is a sign in human beings that must not be neglected. Therefore, this study aimed to predict heart disease among patients in the Federal Medical Hospital Centre (FMC), Abeokuta. Descriptive statistics and data visualization techniques were used to gain insights into the distribution and relationships among the variables. Subsequently, a Naive Bayes classifier model was built using 80% of the data for training and 20% for testing. In addition, a Decision Tree Algorithm (DT) model was used to compare the performance of the Naive Bayes model. The performances of the two models were evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, ROC-AUC, specificity, precision, and the F1-score. The Naive Bayes model achieved an overall accuracy of 83.61%, precision of 89.29%, recall of 78.12%, F1-Score of 83.33%, ROC-AUC of 90%, sensitivity of 78.12%, and specificity of 89.66. On the other hand, they were compared with the Decision Tree (DT) model which achieved an overall accuracy of 75.41%, precision of 77.42%, recall of 75%, F1-Score of 76.19%, ROC-AUC of 84.54%, sensitivity of 75%, and specificity of 75.86%. Similarly, the confusion matrix for both analyses gave the correct classification of 25 and 22 cases of patients who have heart disease while their wrong classification was 7 and 10 cases of patients who have no heart disease respectively. Furthermore, the importance of features carried out on both showed that the most significant features are the maximum heart rate achieved, fasting blood sugar, resting blood pressure, and chest pain respectively for Naive Bayes and Decision Tree. The findings of the analysis showed that the Naive Bayes model outperformed the Decision Tree in every aspect of the analyses in predicting the risk of heart disease based on the data used and, it suggested that medical health insurance should consider incorporating predictive modelling techniques like Naive Bayes into their risk assessment algorithms, which can be of great use in the medical line.

Repeated Sprint Variations According to Circadian Rhythm at Different Menstrual Cycle Phases.

This study assessed the repeated sprint performance in relation to circadian rhythm during different menstrual cycle phases (MCP). Twelve volunteer eumenorrheic women team sport athletes performed 5×6-s cycling sprints in morning (9 am to 10 am) and evening (6 pm to 7 pm) sessions during the mid-follicular (FP, 6th-10th d) and luteal phases (LP, 19th-24th d). Body weight, oral body temperature, resting heart rate and lactate levels together with estradiol, progesterone and cortisol levels were determined before tests. Relative peak and mean power and performance decrements were determined as performance variables and maximum heart rate, lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were determined as physiological variables. Evening body temperatures were significantly higher. Cortisol levels were higher in the morning and in the FP. Resting lactate levels did not vary with MCP or time of day, but a significant MCP x time of day interaction was observed. Body weight showed no change according to time of day and MCP. There was no significant effect of MCP and time of day on performance and physiological variables, in contrast, maximum lactate values were notably higher in the evening. In conclusion, MCP and time of day need not be considered during repeated sprint exercises of eumenorrheic women athletes.

Ice vests extend physiological work time while wearing explosive ordnance disposal protective clothing in hot and humid conditions

BackgroundExplosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians may be required to work in hot, humid environments while wearing heavy protective clothing. We investigated the ability of an ice vest to attenuate physiological strain and subsequently extend work tolerance. MethodsEight male participants (24.3 ± 4.1 yr, 51.9 ± 4.6 mL kg−1 min−1) walked (4.5 km h−1) in simulated hot and humid conditions (35 °C; 50% relative humidity). Participants wore either an EOD suit (CON) or EOD and ice vest (IV). Heart rate, core and skin temperature were recorded continuously. ResultsParticipants walked longer in IV compared to CON (8.1 ± 7.4 min, p < .05). Over 90% of trials were terminated based on participants reaching 90% of their maximum heart rate. IV resulted in cooled skin (p < .001) and a physiologically negligible change in core temperature (p < .001). A condition by time interaction was identified for heart rate (p < .001), with a lower rate of rise in the IV condition. ConclusionsThe cardiovascular inefficiency that limited performance was attenuated in the IV condition. The ice vest facilitated heat loss from the periphery; thus, the observed reduction in heart rate may reflect the preservation of central blood volume. The results identify the efficiency of a simple, inexpensive ice vest to assist EOD technicians working in the heat.

Effect of quantitative consciousness index on seizure parameters during electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is both an effective treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and a noxious stimulus. Although some studies have explored the effect of sedation depth on seizure parameters in ECT, there is little research on the noxious stimulation response to ECT. In this study, we used two electroencephalography (EEG)-derived indices, the quantitative consciousness (qCON) index and quantitative nociceptive (qNOX) index, to monitor sedation, hypnosis, and noxious stimulation response in patients with MDD undergoing acute ECT. AIM To evaluate the effect of anesthesia depth based on the qCON and qNOX indices on seizure parameters. METHODS Patients with MDD (n = 24) underwent acute bilateral temporal ECT under propofol anesthesia. Before ECT, the patients were randomly divided into three groups according to qCON scores (qCON60-70, qCON50-60, and qCON40-50). Continuous qCON monitoring was performed 3 minutes before and during ECT, and the qCON, qNOX, vital signs, EEG seizure parameters, and complications during the recovery period were recorded. The 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were evaluated before the first ECT session, after the fourth ECT session, and after the full course of ECT. RESULTS A total of 193 ECT sessions were performed on 24 participants. The qCON index significantly affected the EEG seizure duration, peak mid-ictal amplitude, and maximum heart rate during ECT (P &lt; 0.05). The qNOX index significantly affected the post-ictal suppression index (P &lt; 0.05). Age, number of ECT sessions, and anesthetic-ECT time intervals also had a significant effect on EEG seizure parameters (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in complications, 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores, Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale scores, or Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores among the three groups (P &gt; 0.05). CONCLUSION Electrical stimulation at a qCON index of 60-70 resulted in better EEG seizure parameters without increasing complications in patients with MDD undergoing bilateral temporal ECT under propofol anesthesia.

Oxygen Consumption, Ventilatory Thresholds, and Work Zones in Nordic Walking Competitors.

Background: Nordic walking (NW) is a physical sports activity that has been sufficiently studied from the point of view of health, but physiological and performance analyses have not been so much. Objectives: With this study, we intend to analyse the physical work areas, according to ventilatory thresholds, that occur during a NW competition. Methods: Four participants of different characteristics anthropometrics (weight 57.6-85.6 kg; height 165.8-178 cm; and fat percentage 14.5-21.5%) gender (3 males and 1 female) and age (15-57 years) who participated in the NW regional championship have been chosen, and their electrocardiographic tracing was recorded using a NUUBO® device throughout the race, obtaining average and maximum heart rates (HR) in eight sections of the circuit. Previously, in the laboratory, a maximal stress test was performed to determine the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), the first (VT1) and second (VT2) ventilatory threshold (VT). With these data, four work areas were obtained. Results: Most of the sections of the circuit were conducted with average HRs in zone 2a (above average between VT1 and VT2 but below VT2) and peak HRs in zone 3 (between VT2 and VO2max). Conclusions: We conclude that, with the data collected on HR, VO2max, and VT, the training zones obtained can be related to the heart rates in the different sections of the circuit. This can be used to improve the sports performance of the walkers.

Target Heart Rate Formulas for Exercise Stress Testing: What Is the Evidence?

Exercise stress testing (EST) is commonly used to evaluate chest pain, with some labs using 85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR) as an endpoint for EST. The APMHR is often calculated using the formula 220-age. However, the accuracy of this formula and 85% APMHR as an endpoint may be questioned. Moreover, failing to reach 85% APMHR (known as chronotropic insufficiency) may also indicate poor cardiovascular prognosis, but measurements, such as percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR), maximum rate pressure product (MRPP), and the maximum metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) reached during EST may provide better prediction of cardiovascular outcomes than not reaching 85% of APMHR. There is a need to incorporate comprehensive measurements to improve the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of EST.

Effects of varied aerobic exercise on health related outcomes of fibromyalgia patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background and purpose Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic illness affecting the immune system. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with this condition. It causes widespread muscle and bone pain and is most commonly experienced by people between the ages of 20 and 60. Recent studies have shown that people with fibromyalgia may experience heart abnormalities and arrhythmias after exercise. This study explores how different aerobic exercise levels affect pain, cholesterol levels, and overall quality of life (QoL) for women with fibromyalgia. Materials and Methods In a study conducted at Abu-Kabir Central Hospital in Al Sharquia, 60 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomly allocated to a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (AE) (n=30) or a low-intensity aerobic exercise AE (n=30). The women were between the ages of 30 and 40 and had a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 26 kg/m2. Before and after the intervention, all patients in both groups were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), symptom severity scale (SS-scale), and cholesterol level measurements. Results After the intervention, the group that engaged in moderate-intensity aerobic exercise showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes compared to the group that engaged in low-intensity aerobic exercise. The effect size was high for VAS (MD = -3.73; ES = 0.395 and p = 0.001), cholesterol level (MD = -52.19; ES = 0.681 and p = 0.001), FIQ (MD=-36.26; ES = 0.746 and p = 0.001), and symptom severity scale (MD = -473; ES = 0.273 and p = 0.001). Conclusion Our research has shown that moderate-intensity AE performed at 60% to 70% of maximum heart rate, is more effective in reducing pain, improving overall QoL, and lowering cholesterol levels than low-intensity AE at 45% to 55%.