Training Intensity Levels Research Articles

Are temporary hires good or bad for innovation? The Italian evidence

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the relationship between temporary workers and innovation. We model a firm’s choice concerning: (i) the mix of temporary and permanent workers; (ii) the optimal level of training intensity that firms choose by best-responding to the worker’s human capital investments. Results suggest that the innovation-enhancing combination of temporary and permanent workers exists and is unique. Using micro-data on Italian firms, we then find that the relationship between the firm-level share of temporary workers and innovation has indeed an inverted U form, in line with our theoretical expectations. This suggests that studies assuming a linear association may oversimplify the complex relationship between non-standard labor and innovation.

Optimal Intensity of Aerobic Exercise Training for Patient With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Intensity for aerobic exercise is unclear in patient with COPD. Previous systematic review comparing effects of different levels of training intensity was done in 2011 and did not reach any conclusion. We conducted this systematic review to see the differences in aerobic training intensity on various aspects of health in COPD patients with updated information. Method: We included RCTs, comparing the differences in intensity of aerobic training between groups. The primary search was done through Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Proquest, and PEdro. The PEdro scale and Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to rate the studies. Lastly, we also rate the certainty of evidence using GRADE approach. The assessment was carried out by two reviewers independently. Data were extracted by one reviewer then evaluated by second reviewer. Results: We found and analysed data from four studies with total of 472 patients. The primary outcomes extracted were Disease-specific Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Functional exercise capacity, Dyspnea symptoms. There was a significant difference only in St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) symptoms domain for HRQoL outcome (MD=5.53; 95% CI=1.08-9.97), favoured lower intensity group. No other significant results were found for any other outcomes/ outcome measures. According to GRADE, quality of the studies was very low to moderate. Conclusion: The evidence we collected is very limited and difficult to evaluate. Further research comparing higher intensity with lower intensity of aerobic training is needed.

Run for Your Life: A Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Exercise Intensity on Cardiovascular Outcomes in a Rat Model of Hypertension

ObjectiveHypertension increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, and death. To prevent these events in hypertensive patients, regular exercise has been recommended as a nonpharmacological intervention for decades, but it is still not well understood whether cardiovascular benefits vary with exercise intensity. In this meta‐analysis, we explored the effect of treadmill running intensity on systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and resting heart rate (RHR) in a rat model of hypertension, known as spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).MethodsA SciFinder Scholar database search returned 817 comparative studies, of which 72 (1505 rats) were included for quantitative analysis. Studies were characterized as low, moderate, or high intensity based on treadmill speed setting or, where available, %VO2max. Aggregate means and standard errors for SBP, MAP, and RHR were extracted and subjected to one‐way ANOVA with post‐hoc Tukey’s test using GraphPad Prism 9.ResultsWhen compared to sedentary hypertensive controls, both low and moderate‐intensity treadmill exercise yielded significant reductions in SBP, MAP, and RHR, but high‐intensity exercise did not. Although the greatest improvement in SBP, MAP, and RHR resulted from low‐intensity treadmill exercise, no statistically significant difference was found between training intensity levels for these cardiovascular outcomes.ConclusionsLow and moderate‐intensity, steady‐state treadmill sessions over several weeks reduced blood pressure and resting heart rate in hypertensive subjects. The failure of high‐intensity exercise to improve cardiovascular outcomes may suggest a role played by oxidative stress and merits further investigation. Overall, these preliminary results suggest that even low‐intensity exercise may serve as a beneficial tool that positively impacts cardiovascular outcomes in chronic hypertension.

Effects of Different Hangboard Training Intensities on Finger Grip Strength, Stamina, and Endurance.

Climbing-specific training programs on hangboards are often based on dead-hang repetitions, but little is known about the real intensity applied during such effort. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of different training intensities (maximal, high submaximal, and low submaximal intensities) on the fingers' physiological capabilities using a hangboard fitted with force sensors. In total, 54 experienced climbers (13 women and 41 men) were randomly divided into four groups, with each group following different training intensity programs: maximal strength program performed at 100% of the maximal finger strength (MFS; F100), intermittent repetitions at 80% MFS (F80), intermittent repetitions at 60% MFS (F60), and no specific training (control group). Participants trained on a 12 mm-deep hold, twice a week for 4 weeks. The MFS, stamina, and endurance levels were evaluated using force data before and after training. Results showed similar values in the control group between pre- and post-tests. A significantly improved MFS was observed in the F100 and F80 groups but not in the F60 group. Significantly higher stamina and endurance measurements were observed in the F80 and F60 groups but not in the F100 group. These results showed that a 4-week hangboard training enabled increasing MFS, stamina and endurance, and that different improvements occurred according to the level of training intensity. Interestingly, the different intensities allow improvements in the targeted capacity (e.g., stamina for the F80 group) but also in the adjacent physiological capabilities (e.g., MFS for the F80 group).

The influence of employee membership on training intensity: The case of Polish co-operative banks

• Many of co-operative banks’ employees hold shares of their employer’s bank. • Co-operative banks in Poland differ significantly in training intensity. • Employees who hold shares of their co-operative bank receive more training. • The effect of employee membership is more pronounced in 2017 than in 2015. This study explores the role of employee membership in the training process in Polish co-operative banks. On the basis of human capital theory and social exchange theory two hypotheses were formulated regarding the direct impact of employee membership on the number of training events as well as training days. The research hypotheses were tested on the basis of employee responses from two nationwide research projects about human resources in Polish co-operative banks (N = 2,273 and N = 1,707). The analyses were conducted with several two-level ordered logit models in which the proportional odds assumption was tested. As was expected, employees who hold shares of their co-operative bank receive more training. However, in the first database this result occurs only for employees with a lower level of training intensity, while in the second database it holds for all employees.

Retraction Note to: Simulation of rainfall process in mountainous regions and sports athletes’ fatigue recovery based on convolutional neural network

Convolution neural network is applied in image processing, and it can also carry out deep learning according to image classification. Its main advantage is that it can directly convolute the pixels related to the image, and then extract the main image features from the image. Of course, this way of processing may be closer to that of the human brain system. In this paper, the design and parameter optimization of convolution neural network are deeply studied and discussed. At the same time, the field monitoring and experimental methods are combined with historical data to further study the rainfall and runoff and sediment yield. Through the research and analysis, it is found that athletes can appropriately improve their training performance, competitive ability, and sports ability when choosing more difficult training. High-intensity training can appropriately exceed the normal psychological and bearing capacity of the human body, but if it is excessive, it will lead to physical fatigue. In the normal training process, we should consider the level of training intensity and pay attention to relaxation and recovery exercise. If we want to make the trainer recover in a short time, we should use effective means to carry out reasonable training and improve the sports ability. In the training to a certain time, the body organs may decline in function, so in the daily hard training, we should strictly grasp all aspects of scientific and comprehensive development, and coaches and athletes should timely solve the problem of recovery after sports.

Observational Screening Guidelines and Smartphone Accelerometer Thresholds to Establish the Intensity of Some of the Most Popular Core Stability Exercises.

The lack of training load control, mainly exercise intensity, is one of the main limitations of core stability (CS) programs, which makes the training individualization and the analysis of the dose-response relationship difficult. The objectives of this study were to assess the inter-and intra-rater agreement when using new observational screening guidelines to decide if a core stability exercise represents an adequate training intensity level for a given participant. Besides, the relationship between experts' ratings based on these criteria and pelvic accelerations recorded with a smartphone accelerometer was also analyzed. Ten healthy physically active participants with a smartphone accelerometer placed on their pelvis were video-taped while performing a progression of seven variations of the front bridge, back bridge, side bridge and bird-dog exercises. Two expert and four non-expert raters watched the videos and used the observational screening guidelines to decide for each exercise variation if it represented an adequate training intensity level or not. In order to analyze the inter-and intra-rater agreement, several Kappa (κ) statistics were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to explore if the accelerometry allowed to establish pelvic acceleration thresholds representing the minimum level of exercise intensity for CS training. Cut-off acceleration values were calculated balancing sensitivity (Se) and 1-specifity (1-Sp) indexes (i.e., Youden index) or minimizing 1-Sp. The intra-and inter-rater analysis showed a substantial-high level of agreement with a prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted Kappa > 0.69. The ROC curves showed that the acceleration thresholds for the bridging exercises were very similar, with global cut-off values of 0.35 m/s2 (Se = 82%; 1-Sp = 15%) when using the Youden Index and of 0.50 m/s2 when minimizing 1-Sp (Se = 31%), whilst the bird-dog exercise showed lower cut-off values (Youden Index: 0.21 m/s2, Se = 90%, 1-Sp = 16%; minimizing 1-Sp: 0.32 m/s2, Se = 40%). Overall, this study provides observational screening guidelines and smartphone accelerometer thresholds to facilitate the decision-making process when setting the intensity of some of the most popular core stability exercises in young physically active individuals.

Functional Translation of Exercise Responses from Exercise Testing to Exercise Training: The Test of a Model.

Exercise prescription based on exercise test results is complicated by the need to downregulate the absolute training intensity to account for cardiovascular drift in order to achieve a desired internal training load. We tested a recently developed generalized model to perform this downregulation using metabolic equivalents (METs) during exercise testing and training. A total of 20 healthy volunteers performed an exercise test to define the METs at 60, 70, and 80% of the heart rate (HR) reserve and then performed randomly ordered 30 min training bouts at absolute intensities predicted by the model to achieve these levels of training intensity. The training HR at 60 and 70% HR reserve, but not 80%, was significantly less than predicted from the exercise test, although the differences were small. None of the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values during training were significantly different than predicted. There was a strong overall correlation between predicted and observed HR (r = 0.88) and RPE (r = 0.52), with 92% of HR values within ±10 bpm and 74% of RPE values within ±1 au. We conclude that the generalized functional translation model is generally adequate to allow the generation of early absolute training loads that lead to desired internal training loads.

Local embeddedness and training intensity: The mobility constraints perspective

AbstractThe aim of this article is to analyse the relationship between a company's local embeddedness and training intensity. It is argued that local embeddedness might influence training through several mechanisms, which eventually should lead to a higher level of training intensity. In order to verify this hypothesis, several two‐level ordered logit models were analysed on the basis of data gathered from employees working in Polish cooperative banks (N = 1707). Results confirm a positive correlation between local embeddedness and training intensity (measured by the number of training events and the number of training days). Next, it was verified to what extent this relationship might be attributed to the employees’ mobility constraints. To reach this goal, the level of education was employed as a moderator in a company's local embeddedness and training intensity relationship. The interaction analysis revealed that for lower thresholds (lower intensity of training) the positive correlation between local embeddedness and training intensity occurred only for employees with higher education. Since the employees with a higher level of education are generally perceived as those who receive more training, but are also more willing to change the employer, this result suggests the occurrence of a mobility constraints mechanism of local embeddedness.

Seven months of aerobic intradialytic exercise training can prevent muscle loss in haemodialysis patients: an ultrasonography study.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 7-month intradialytic exercise training (IDE) on vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, functional capacity and quality of life in stable haemodialysis (HD) patients. 44 HD patients were randomly assigned into an Exercise Group (EG = 21), which they received 7 months of IET, at 60% of pre-assessed maximum aerobic power, 3/week) or into a Control Group (CG = 23, no exercise). VL architecture was evaluated with ultrasonography, functional capacity was assessed using a series of functional tests (6min walking test, 5 repetitions sit-to-stand, sit-to-stand 60s, handgrip strength), and maximal aerobic power determined with a modified version of the Åstrand test. Quality of life and fatigue levels were evaluated using validated questionnaires. VL fascicle angle and length did not change significantly in both groups (P > 0.05). Muscle thickness decreased in CG (P = 0.02) while it was fully preserved in the EG. Functional capacity increased only in the EG (6min walking test 15.79 ± 12.35%, P < 0.001; max aerobic power 26.36 ± 1.24%, P < 0.001; STS-60rep: 10.23 ± 1.60%, P < 0.000; hand grip strength: 5.14 ± 28.30%, P < 0.02). Intradialytic aerobic exercise training, improves functional capacity and prevents thigh muscle mass loss in HD patients. It is evident that muscle ultrasonography could play a pivotal role in assessing muscle quality changes in haemodialysis patients. A higher level of training intensity or combination with resistance exercises may be required to further improve anabolism and influence muscle architecture in this patient population. NCT03905551.

Teacher Evaluation of an Experiential Vegetable Education Program for Australian Primary Schools: Does Face-to-Face Training Add Value above Digital Training?

The teacher-led implementation of healthy eating programs in schools is cost-effective and potentially impactful. Teacher acceptability is important for uptake; however, process evaluations are scarce. This study evaluated the effect of two intensities of teacher training on the evaluation of a vegetable education program for Australian primary schools by teachers. The teachers (n = 65) who implemented the program as part of a cluster RCT (25 schools in two states, New South Wales and South Australia) received either low- (provision with materials and online training) or high (additional face-to-face (F2F) training)-intensity training prior to implementing a 5-week vegetable education program. They evaluated the acceptability of a digital training module and program by indicating the level of agreement with 15 and 18 statements, respectively, using 5-point Likert scales. The average item scores ranged from 3.0 to 4.2. All but one item, including student engagement, alignment to the curriculum and intent for reuse of the program, had a rounded average or median score of 4. The level of training intensity did not impact the teacher acceptability ratings. In conclusion, the teacher acceptability was good, and additional F2F training does not add value above the solely digital training of the teachers.

Effects of aerobic physical activity to cardio-respiratory fitness of the elderly population: systematic overview

Background and Study Aim. Aerobic training is effective manner of exercising aimed at improving cardio-respiratory fitness of young people. However, its effects to the elderly population (over the age of 60), depending on characteristics of the participant (gender, health status, lifestyle, etc.), is still unclear. Aim of this research is systematic overview of the available literature dealing with the topic of effects of aerobic training to cardio-respiratory fitness of the elderly population over the age of 60, depending of gender (male/female), BMI (overweight/normal weight), lifestyle (active/sedentary), health status (diabetes/hypertension/metabolic syndrome).&#x0D; Material and methods: Total number of papers with published research results which met the criteria was 32. Walking is effective manner of exercising which influences improvement of maximum oxygen consumption (mean value: ±SD:12.91±7.40%). Introduction of activities with greater impact (bicycle and jogging) provides more effect to the cardio-respiratory fitness (mean value: ±SD:14.28±7.48%).&#x0D; Results: Aerobic training intensity level (moderate vs. high) makes no significant difference to the adaptive response of the cardio-respiratory fitness in elderly population. Training in duration of 6 weeks may significantly influence increase in maximum oxygen consumption, but longer training duration, however, has better effect. Endurance training has similar effects to improvement of cardio-respiratory fitness in both men and women. On the other hand, it seems that active people have lower adaptive response in comparison to sedentary people (8.3% vs. 18.84%). Effect is similar between overweight and normal weight participants (18.48% vs. 8.6%). Positive influence of aerobic training was also observed in participants with hypertension, metabolic system and diabetes type 2.&#x0D; Conclusion: Results clearly suggest benefits of aerobic training on cardio-respiratory fitness of elderly population. The effect may, however, vary depending of duration, type of activity, as well as characteristics of the sample.

Calorimetry of students’ heart rate during exercises of various intensity

The purpose of the study: based on data analysis, to develop a formula for calorimetry of students’ heart rate during physical activity and experimentally prove the effectiveness of its application in the training process. The study participants (n=98) were divided by body weight into groups (n=7), regardless of gender and age (20-25 years). Various mobile devices with the function of heart rate calculation and monitoring of kilocalories burning were used in the implementation of control physical activities at different levels of intensity. Analysis of the obtained calorimetric data for each group and the level of training intensity allowed us to identify patterns and develop a formula based on them for an affordable and simple calculation of kilocalories. N=0.00168-0.098/P, where N is the number of kilocalories burned for 1 heart contraction per 1 kilogram of body weight, P is the heart rate in physical training (beats per minute). An experimental study confirmed the effectiveness of using the author’s formula of heart rate calorimetry for the accuracy and uniformity of kilocalories burning in students when they exercise aerobic physical activity.

Effect of Physical Training on the Levels of Sex Hormones and the Expression of Their Receptors in Rats With Induced Mammary Cancer in Secondary Prevention Model - Preliminary Study.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. In previous work, we presented results of physical activity in primary prevention in a model of induced mammary gland cancer. In the present study, we assessed the influence of physical activity on sex hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) and the expression of their receptors (ER, PR), as well as the level of apoptosis of tumor cells in secondary prevention. Fifty 1-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injection of 180 mg/kg body weight of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) for tumor induction. Three months after the administration of MNU, rats were divided into four groups: low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity physical training groups (combined as PT) and a sedentary control (SC) group. Physical training was conducted 5 days per week with a three-position treadmill according to a precisely described protocol. The entire training was completed by 32 rats from which tissue and blood were collected for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry for ER and PR expression, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling method for detection of apoptosis, and enzyme-linked fluorescent assay for detection of plasma hormone levels (estradiol and progesterone) were performed. Statistical analysis used p<0.05 as the significance level. Significantly stronger expression of ER and PR was found in the SC in comparison to the PT group (p=0.035 and p=0.036, respectively). No statistically significant differences were found in estradiol or progesterone concentrations between SC and PT groups. Apoptosis was non-significantly increased in the PT group in comparison with the SC group. Stronger apoptosis in the PT group correlated positively with the level of training intensity (r=0.35, p=0.05). Physical training may reduce ER and PR expression in breast cancer cells, and reduce cell sensitivity to pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of estrogens, ultimately leading to apoptosis.

Effects of a tailored strength training program of the upper limb combined with transcranial direct\xa0current stimulation (tDCS) in chronic stroke patients: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial

BackgroundA significant proportion of individuals are left with poor residual functioning of the affected arm after a stroke. This has a great impact on the quality of life and the ability for stroke survivors to live independently. While strengthening exercises have been recommended to improve arm function, their benefits are generally far from optimal due to the lack of appropriate dosing in terms of intensity. One way to address this problem is to develop better tools that could predict an individual’s potential for recovery and then adjust the intensity of exercise accordingly. In this study, we aim at determining whether an individualized strengthening program based on the integrity of the corticospinal tract, as reflected in the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in conjunction with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), could lead to more optimal outcomes in terms of arm function in chronic stroke patients.MethodsThis multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial will aim to recruit 84 chronic stroke patients. Before and after training, participants will undergo a clinical evaluation, assessing motor recovery of the affected arm (Fugl-Meyer Stroke Assessment-FMA) and a TMS evaluation to assess the integrity of the corticospinal tract, as reflected in MEP amplitude. Based on their baseline MEPs amplitude, participants will be stratified into three groups of training intensity levels determined by the one-repetition maximum (1RM); 1) low: 35–50% 1 RM (MEPs < 50 μV); 2) moderate: 50–65% 1RM (MEPs 50-120 μV); and 3) high: 70–80% 1RM (MEPs > 120 μV). Training will target the affected arm (3 times/week for 4 weeks). In addition, participants will be randomly allocated into two tDCS groups (real vs. sham) and tDCS will be applied in an anodal montage during the exercise.DiscussionThis study will determine whether an individualized strength training intervention in chronic stroke survivors can lead to improved arm function. In addition, we will also determine whether combining anodal tDCS over the lesioned hemisphere with strength training can lead to further improvement in arm function, when compared to sham tDCS.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02915185. Registered September 21 2016.

Acute effects of aerobic intensities on the cytokine response in women with mild multiple sclerosis

BackgroundThere is limited information as to the effects of aerobic exercise on the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). One of the unresolved questions is which training intensity level is optimal for PwMS. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare the effects of moderate intensity with the effects of vigorous intensity on cytokine levels in women with mild MS. MethodsThe study included 15 women with MS and a control of 10 healthy women. The initial session determined the value of the maximum oxygen consumption and was carried out on an instrumented treadmill with a portable system for monitoring gases. During the second session, the participant walked on the treadmill for 15-minutes at a moderate capacity level (∼50% VO2 peak). Blood samples were taken at baseline, immediately after exercise and two hours later. IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α and IFN-ɣ cytokines were tested. The third session was identical to the second except for a vigorous training intensity session (∼80% VO2 peak). ResultsIL-6 increased after moderate exercise for both the MS (p = 0.02) and control group (p = 0.02). IL-10 decreased during the vigorous session only in the MS group (p = 0.02). No other differences were seen over time in either group for all other cytokine measurements. ConclusionsWith the exception of IL-10, women with mild MS have similar inflammatory reactions to moderate and high intensity exercise as do healthy women.

Intense exercise and endurance-training program influence serum kinetics of muscle and cardiac biomarkers in dogs

Few data exist on the physiological consequences of an incremental exercise test (IET) and training in dogs. Here we evaluated the effect of an endurance-training program (ETP) on the kinetics of the serum biomarkers: creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), myoglobin, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). Eighteen Beagle dogs were assigned to three groups: sedentary (S), untrained (U), and trained (T). The dogs from the groups T and U underwent IET, and their lactate threshold (LT) was determined. The LT and velocity corresponding to the LT (VLT) was determined by visual inspection. The VLT was utilized to determine the training intensity level. Thus, the dogs from group T underwent an eight-week aerobic conditioning program with the intensity training set to 70–80% of the VLT. Next, dogs from the groups T and U have submitted to IET again. The group S did not undergo IETs or training. The maximal velocity (Vmax) at which the dog achieves in the IET and heart rate were determined. For biomarkers, venous blood samples were collected before the experimental procedure (baseline) and before and 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after the IETs. VLT and Vmax increased in group T (P < .05), indicating an improvement in dogs' aerobic and anaerobic fitness. CK and AST rose (P < .05), peaking 6 h after both IETs and returning to baseline levels after 12-24 h. Levels of cTnI and myoglobin were unaltered. CK-MB peaked 1 h after the IETs and returned to baseline levels after 12 h (P < .05). We concluded that ETP improved the aerobic capacity of the dogs without any skeletal or cardiac muscle injury.

Safety and efficiency of supervised aerobic exercise training, using cardiovascular machines, for patients with terminal heart failure, included in heart transplant waiting list

Purpose of research is to assess safety and efficiency of controlled aerobic training for patients with terminal heart failure (HF) and to develop methodology of interval training using treadmill and cycle for HF patients, included in heart transplant waiting list (HTWL). Nineteen males with terminal HF, included in HTWL, aged 22–64, with left ventricular ejection fraction 11–33% were assessed. Initially, 6-minute walk (6MW) and cardiopulmonary test (CPT) were performed, and the type of aerobic training was selected in accordance to individual cardiorespiratory fitness level and personal cardiovascular machine preference. Study group included HF patients with stable hemodynamic data, without inotropic therapy, with 6MW distance from 100 to 427 m, and CPT results from 5.4 to 13.4 mL/kg/min. All patients participated in long-term (2–12 months) 4–5 days a week interval training. The duration of training session was 6–30 min according to patient's individual working capacity and subjective condition. Heart rate reserve for study group was calculated: HRR = (190-age)-HRrest, and the HRtraining was determined as 30–40% of HRR. Training speed (V) on treadmill = 50% of V (6MW-test) km/hour. After 2–12 months of training sessions, all patients demonstrated increase: training duration from 13.1 min at baseline to 25 min (av. 11.9 ± 0.4 min) Р < 0.05; treadmill walking distance from 356 m at baseline to 742 m (av. 386 ± 16 m) Р < 0.01; treadmill walking speed from 1.58 km/hour at baseline to 2.37 km/hour (av. 0.78 ± 0.01 km/hour) Р < 0.001. The number of training sessions was associated with growth of treadmill walking distance ( r = 0.38) and overall session duration ( r = 0.6). All patients well-tolerated individualized physical training sessions with intensity regulated by the proposed formula. No complications were registered. In total, 77.7% of patients self-selected cardiovascular machine: 42.1% preferred treadmill, but 31.6% used both treadmill and cycle. Controlled training, using cardiovascular machines, are safe, well-tolerated and effective for patients with terminal HF, included in HTWL, in case of self-selection of the machine and individualised training intensity level.

Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training

Limited data are available on the effect of combined aerobic and resistance training (combined training) in Asian populations. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of combined training on fatness and fitness outcomes, including body fat mass, waist circumference, muscle strength, and flexibility; and also clinical outcomes, including blood pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and fasting blood glucose in Japanese women. METHODS: Forty-one women were randomized to a training group, n = 23 (age 47.3 ± 6.5 years) or control group, n = 18 (age 46.7 ± 6.5 years). The intervention included participation in a 24-minute circuit training session (combining aerobic and resistance training, each of which lasted 30 seconds) and 6-minute stretching 3 times per week for 16 weeks. The aerobic exercise was stepping on a step board while executing resistance training, using 12 different hydraulic devices developed for females to increase their muscle strength. During this training, the participants measured their heart rates once every 8 minutes based on the instructor’s guidance to maintain them at 60 to 80% of their maximal heart rates throughout training by adjusting training intensity levels. All outcomes were measured at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Although there was no statistically significant change in the control group, there were significant reductions in waist circumference (91.0 ± 6.3 to 89.8 ± 6.5 cm) (p = 0.045), systolic blood pressure (127.5 ± 18.9 to 123.3 ± 19.5 mmHg) (p = 0.038), fasting blood glucose (101.0 ± 19.4 to 95.3 ± 13.2 mg/dL) (p = 0.015), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (1315 ± 181 to 1271 ± 173 cm/s) (p = 0.009) in the combined training group. Also, significant increases in the knee extension strength (858 ± 184 to 1140 ± 216 watts) (p < 0.001) and flexibility (33.7 ± 6.4 to 35.9 ± 6.4 cm) (p < 0.001) only in the training group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this randomized controlled trial showed that a 16-week combined training significantly improved the fatness and fitness outcomes and the clinical outcomes in Japanese women.

The influence of breed, age, gender, training level and ambient temperature on forelimb and back temperature in racehorses.

A previous thermographic study of racehorses identified 13 regions of interest (ROIs) for monitoring the impact of training. However, that investigation did not consider the influence of breed, age, gender or training intensity level on the temperature of ROIs. The present study adopted a multivariate analysis approach to determine whether the aforementioned factors, along with ambient temperature, significantly influenced ROI temperature in the key body regions. Thermography measurements were obtained from 53 racehorses of three breeds. Horses were in regular training for over 10 months, having 13 thermographic examinations in each racing season. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that ambient temperature and breed contributed significantly to the model for predicting ROI temperature at all 13 ROIs. Training intensity level contributed significantly to the model only at the thoracic vertebrae, the left third metacarpal bone and left fetlock joint. Neither gender nor age contributed to the model significantly at any ROI. Our data suggest that ambient temperature, breed and training level affect racehorse body surface temperature in some areas of the distal parts of the forelimbs and the back. This contributes to a better understanding of the normal range of thermographic findings in racehorses undergoing intensive training.