Maximal Physical Performance Research Articles

Effects of Different Caffeine Dosages on Maximal Physical Performance and Potential Side Effects in Low-Consumer Female Athletes: Morning vs. Evening Administration.

While previous studies have explored a range of factors governing the optimal use of caffeine (CAF) in athletes, limited research has explored how time of day (TOD) affects the ergogenic effects of various CAF dosages on physical performance. This study aimed to increase knowledge about how different recommended CAF doses (3 mg/kg vs. 6 mg/kg) ingested at different TODs affected maximal high-intensity physical performance and the perception of potential side effects in female athletes. In this double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced study, 15 low CAF consumer athletes (aged 18.3 ± 0.5 y) underwent six trials, including three testing conditions assessed across two TODs: one in the morning (08:00 a.m.) and one in the evening (06:00 p.m.). During each condition, the participants ingested either a placebo, 3 mg/kg CAF (CAF (3 mg)), or 6 mg/kg CAF (CAF (6 mg)) capsules 60 min before each test with an in-between washout period of at least 72 h. In each trial, the participants performed a countermovement jumps test (CMJ), a modified agility t test (MATT), a repeated sprint ability (RSA), a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and finally, a CAF side effects questionnaire. Our findings indicate the absence of an ergogenic effect on CMJ, MAT, and RSA performance in the evening after administering CAF (3 mg) or CAF (6 mg) compared to a placebo. Likewise, when CAF was ingested in the morning, there was an improvement in these performances with both CAF (3 mg) and CAF (6 mg), with greater improvement observed after CAF (6 mg). Additionally, neither the CAF dosage nor the TOD had a significant effect on the RPE. The occurrence of side effects increased significantly after the evening ingestion of CAF, particularly with a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg). Our findings indicate that the effectiveness of CAF depends on the TOD and CAF dosage. When ingested in the morning, a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg), rather than CAF (3 mg), is more effective in improving short-term physical performance without affecting CAF side effects in female athletes. Nevertheless, when ingested in the evening, neither dose was sufficient to enhance short-term physical performance, and both dosages increased the incidence of CAF side effects, particularly at a moderate dose.

Physical enhancement of older adults using hyperbaric oxygen: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAging is associated with a progressive decline in the capacity for physical activity. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of an intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol on maximal physical performance and cardiac perfusion in sedentary older adults.MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial randomized 63 adults (> 64yrs) either to HBOT (n = 30) or control arms (n = 33) for three months. Primary endpoint included the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) and VO2Max/Kg, on an E100 cycle ergometer. Secondary endpoints included cardiac perfusion, evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and pulmonary function. The HBOT protocol comprised of 60 sessions administered on a daily basis, for 12 consecutive weeks, breathing 100% oxygen at 2 absolute atmospheres (ATA) for 90 min with 5-minute air breaks every 20 min.ResultsFollowing HBOT, improvements were observed in VO2Max/kg, with a significant increase of 1.91 ± 3.29 ml/kg/min indicated by a net effect size of 0.455 (p = 0.0034). Additionally, oxygen consumption measured at the first ventilatory threshold (VO2VT1) showed a significant increase by 160.03 ± 155.35 ml/min (p < 0.001) with a net effect size of 0.617. Furthermore, both cardiac blood flow (MBF) and cardiac blood volume (MBV) exhibited significant increases when compared to the control group. The net effect size for MBF was large at 0.797 (p = 0.008), while the net effect size for MBV was even larger at 0.896 (p = 0.009).ConclusionThe findings of the study indicate that HBOT has the potential to improve physical performance in aging adults. The enhancements observed encompass improvements in key factors including VO2Max, and VO2VT1. An important mechanism contributing to these improvements is the heightened cardiac perfusion induced by HBOT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02790541 (registration date 06/06/2016).

Physical Activity Changes From Before to During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Finland.

This study aimed to compare community-dwelling older adults' physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 to their PA levels 2years before and investigate associations between earlier physical performance and PA levels over the follow-up. Participants' (n = 809, initial age 75-85years) self-reported PA was assessed at baseline in 2017-2018 and May/June 2020 as total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA. Physical performance was assessed at baseline using the maximal handgrip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery tests. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a median change in total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA among all participants was + 20.0 (interquartile range: -60.0 to 120.0, p < .001)min per week compared with 2years earlier. Higher baseline Short Physical Performance Battery total scores were associated with higher total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA over the follow-up in men and women, and better handgrip strength in women.

Lighting the way: Exploring diurnal physical performance differences in school-aged visually impaired children and adolescents

ABSTRACT Circadian rhythms play a pivotal role in governing various physiological processes, including physical performance. However, in individuals deprived of light perception, such as the blind, these circadian rhythms face disruption. This study aimed to explore the influence of disturbed circadian rhythms on short-term maximal physical performance in children and adolescents with visual impairment. Forty-five volunteers participated in this study, comprising 17 blind, 13 visually impaired, and 15 sighted participants. The participants underwent a series of tests assessing maximal isometric strength performance across two days. To mitigate the influence of morning session fatigue on the evening results, each participant group performed in two separate testing sessions (i.e. in the morning (7:00 h) and in the evening (17:00 h)) on non-consecutive days in a randomized and counterbalanced setting, with approximately 36 h of recovery time between sessions. To mitigate the impact of inter-individual differences on mean values and to account for the influence of age and sex on the studied variables, data were normalized. The outcomes revealed a significant diurnal variation in maximal isometric strength performance among sighted individuals, with peak performance observed in the evening. This pattern aligns with their well-entrained circadian rhythm. In contrast, blind and visually impaired individuals did not display significant diurnal variation, signaling disrupted circadian rhythms due to the absence of light perception. These findings emphasize the crucial consideration of circadian rhythms in assessments of physical performance, especially among participants with visual impairments.

Association between maximal oxygen consumption and physical performance tests among older adults with cognitive frailty

IntroductionCardiorespiratory fitness has an inverse relationship with cognitive impairment and frailty in older adults. Direct assessment of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) is the gold standard to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it is costly and requires a laboratory setting. Therefore, VO2 max estimation among older adults with cognitive frailty (CF) will allow the assessment of aerobic capacity, which is commonly overlooked due to the complexity of the test. AimThis study aims to determine the use of one of three physical performance tests (2-minute step, 2-minute walk, and 1-minute sit to stand) to effectively estimate cardiorespiratory fitness among older adults with CF. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years old and above in Klang Valley were screened for CF. The participants performed three physical performance tests (2-minute walk, 2-minute step, and 1-minute sit to stand) followed by treadmill-based maximal exercise testing on another day. ResultsA total of 32 older adults with cognitive frailty (mean age; SD: 67.1;4.7 years) participated in this study. Nearly half of them had hypertension (43.5 %), hypercholesterolemia (43.5 %), and multimorbidity (47.8 %). Among the endurance tests performed, only the 2-minute walk test independently predicted VO2 max by sex-specific with men (R2 = 0.58, p = 0.03) and women (R2 = 0.34, p = 0.01). The 2-minute walk test had good agreement with VO2 max (ICC = 0.77, 95 % CI: −3.1–2.4). ConclusionThe 2-minute walk test is a valid tool for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness among older adults with CF. However, it should be further tested across a larger population.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome: Physical capacity, fatigue and quality of life.

Post-Covid-19 syndrome is defined as the persistence of symptoms beyond 3 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The most common symptoms include reduced exercise tolerance and capacity, fatigue, neurocognitive problems, muscle pain and dyspnea. The aim of our work was to investigate exercise capacity and markers of subjective wellbeing and their independent relation to post-COVID-19 syndrome. We examined a total of 69 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (23 male/46 female; age 46±12 years; BMI 28.9±6.6 kg/m2) with fatigue and a score ≥22 in the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). We assessed exercise capacity on a cycle ergometer, a 6-minute walk test, the extent of fatigue (FAS), markers of health-related quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and mental health (HADS). On average the Fatigue Assessment Scale was 35.0±7.4 points. Compared with normative values the VO2max/kg was reduced by 8.6±5.8 ml/min/kg (27.7%), the 6MWT by 71±96 m (11.9%), the health-related quality of life physical component score by 15.0±9.0 points (29.9%) and the mental component score by 10.6±12.8 points (20.6%). Subdivided into mild fatigue (FAS score 22-34) and severe fatigue (FAS score ≥35), patients with severe fatigue showed a significant reduction of the 6-minute walk test by 64±165 m (p<0.01) and the health-related quality of life physical component score by 5.8±17.2 points (p = 0.01). In multiple regression analysis age (β = -0.24, p = 0.02), sex (β = 0.22, p = 0.03), mental (β = -0.51, p<0.01) and physical (β = -0.44, p<0.01) health-related quality of life and by trend the 6-minute walk test (β = -0.22, p = 0.07) were associated with the FAS. Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome show reduced maximal and submaximal physical performance as well as limitations in quality of life, particularly pronounced in the physical components. These results are essentially influenced by the severity of fatigue and implicating the need for targeted treatments.

Ramadan Fasting and Short-Term Maximal Physical Performance: Searching for Optimal Timing of the Last Meal "Suhoor" in Female Pre-University Handball Players.

Aiming to identify the ideal suhoor timing for maintaining optimal physical performance and health indicators during Ramadan intermittent fasting, the present study compares the effects of early vs. late Suhoor on short-term high-intensity physical exercise while controlling the body mass index (BMI) oral temperature (OT), dietary intake, and sleep patterns. In a randomized design, 19 female pre-university handball players (age: 16.8 ± 0.4 y; height: 1.70 ± 0.9 m; and body mass: 61.5 ± 6.9 kg) underwent two test sessions (at 08:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.) at four different conditions: ten days prior to Ramadan (R - 10), the final ten days of Ramadan (R) including both Early Suhoor R(ES) and Late Suhoor R(LS) conditions, and the ten days immediately following Ramadan (R + 10). A recovery period of at least 48 h has been set between successive test sessions at each period. Outcome measures included the Countermovement Jumps Test (CMJ), Modified Agility t-Test (MATT), Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), OT, BMI, and daily diary intake were assessed across the three periods. The total scores of PSQI decreased significantly during R and R + 10 compared to R - 10. When performed in the afternoon, CMJ, MATT, and RSA performance decreased significantly at R(ES) and R(LS) conditions compared to R - 10. However, these performances decreased only after R(ES) when performed in the morning. Furthermore, performances were lower during R(ES) compared to R(LS) in the afternoon for all tests and the morning for MATT and RSA tests. These findings support prior research showing a deterioration of physical performance during Ramadan fasting and indicate a more pronounced impact following early Suhoor condition. Therefore, consuming a late suhoor, closer to pre-dawn time, could be suggested as an effective strategy to minimize physical performance decline during short-term high-intensity exercise.

Decline of physical performance in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Medical Scientific Fund of the Mayor of the City of Vienna. Introduction The Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy [ATTR-CM] is a progressive disease. Tafamidis is the only approved treatment for ATTR-CM. Nevertheless, extensional evidence above short follow up periods for improvement in physical performance [PP] still lacks. Purpose The purpose of this prospective analysis was to assess the PP in patients with ATTR-CM at baseline compared to follow-up visits over a long-term follow-up period. Methods Patients underwent Cardiopulmonary exercise testing [CPET] and blood testing at baseline, first follow-up [1st FUP] (9 ± 3 months after initiating Tafamidis therapy) and second FUP [2nd FUP] (19 ± 12 months after initiating Tafamidis therapy). We analysed CPET parameters during rest, exercise and recovery and laboratory values prior to CPET. The baseline data was compared with data from 1st FUP and 2nd FUP. Concerning cohorts, patients at baseline were Tafamidis naïve, while patients at 1st FUP and 2nd FUP received Tafamidis 61mg once daily during entire study duration of 26 (± 11) months. An improvement in VO2 at maximum level of exercise [VO2 max] was defined as an increase in ∆max VO2 ≥ 1 mL/kg/min, compared to baseline. A decline was defined as a negative ∆max VO2 mL/kg/min compared to baseline. Results We analysed 11 male patients, with a median age at study entry of 75 (± 9) years and a median Body Mass Index of 26 kg/m2 (± 6 kg/m2). Use of Betablockers was higher at 2nd FUP compared to baseline (54.5% vs 27.3%). Further, Diuretics and/or mineralocorticoid antagonist use was higher at 2nd FUP compared to baseline (63.6% vs. 54.5%). We analysed 33 CPET measurements, evenly divided into baseline, 1st FUP and 2nd FUP. Maximal physical performance was increased at 1st FUP compared to baseline (104.27 Watt vs. 91.45 Watt), but reduced at 2nd FUP compared to 1st FUP (99.36 Watt vs. 104.27 Watt) as illustrated in Figure 1. An increase in VO2 max was evaluated in the 1st FUP compared to baseline (18.75 mL/kg/min vs. 17.70 mL/kg/min). Further, we observed a reduction of VO2 max at 2nd FUP compared to the baseline values (15.80 mL/kg/min vs. 17.10 mL/kg/min). Minute ventilation and exhaled CO2 [VE/VCO2] slope was higher in 1st FUP compared to baseline (35.96 vs. 35.38) and higher compared to 1st FUP (30.31 vs. 35.96). Long term assessment of laboratory values, such as high sensitivity Troponin-T showed an increase at 2nd FUP compared to baseline by 19.30% (51.00 ng/L vs. 42.75 ng/L), further assessment showed a worsening in N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide value by 12.14% by comparing 2nd FUP versus baseline (2194.56 ng/L vs. 1956.93 ng/L) as illustrated in Figure 2. Conclusion ATTR-CM is a progressive disease, a decline of physical performance under Tafamidis and optimal background therapy is common in ATTR-CM patients. Future studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of specific interventions such as rehabilitation to maintain and improve physical performance in ATTR-CM patients.

Characteristics of Older Patients with Heart Failure Readmitted due to Acute Exacerbations within the Past Year.

We aimed to examine the relationship between physical performance and readmission among older patients with heart failure (HF) over the past year. This retrospective cohort study included 325 patients with HF who were aged ≥65 years and were hospitalized for acute exacerbation between November 2017 and December 2021. We investigated age, sex, body mass index, length of hospital stay, initiation of rehabilitation, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, medications, cardiac/renal function, nutrition, maximal quadriceps isometric strength, grip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis. Altogether, 108 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into the non-readmission (n = 76) and readmission (n = 32) groups. The readmission group exhibited longer hospital stay, more severe NYHA class, higher CCI score, higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, lower muscle strength, and lower SPPB score compared to the non-readmission group. In the logistic regression model, BNP level and SPPB score were independent factors associated with readmission. BNP level and SPPB score were associated with readmission in patients with HF within the past year.

Glucocorticoids and physical performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effect of glucocorticoids on maximal and submaximal performance in healthy subjects. We searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of glucocorticoids on physical performance in Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase and SportDiscus in March 2021. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2). Data from random effect models are presented as standardized difference in mean (SDM) with 95% confidence interval. We included 15 studies comprising 175 subjects. Two studies had high risk of bias. Glucocorticoids had a small positive effect on maximal physical performance compared to placebo (SDM 0.300, 95% CI 0.080 to 0.520) and the SDM for the 13 included comparisons was not heterogeneous (I2 = 35%, p = 0.099). Meta regression found no difference in the effect of acute treatment vs. prolonged treatment or oral ingestion vs. inhalation (p > 0.124). In stratified analysis prolonged treatment (SDM 0.428, 95% CI 0.148 to 0.709) and oral ingestion (SDM 0.361, 95% CI 0.124 to 0.598) improved physical performance. Glucocorticoids improved aerobic performance (SDM 0.371, 95% CI 0.173 to 0.569) but not anaerobic performance (p = 0.135). Glucocorticoids did not change energy expenditure during submaximal performance (SDM 0.0.225 95% CI -0.771 to 0.112). This study indicates that glucocorticoids improves maximal performance and aerobic performance. Glucocorticoids did not affect the energy expenditure during submaximal performance. The conclusions are based on relatively few subjects leading to limited statistical power and uncertain estimates. Still, these results are consistent and should be of interest to WADA and anyone concerned about fair play. Open Science Framework 2021-04-29 (https://osf.io/fc29t/).

A single session of subthreshold repetitive non-invasive brain stimulation does not improve maximal physical exercise performance

A single session of subthreshold repetitive non-invasive brain stimulation does not improve maximal physical exercise performance

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Mitochondrial Respiration and Physical Performance in Middle-Aged Athletes: A Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionHyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used to increase endurance performance but has yet to be evaluated in placebo-controlled clinical trials. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intermittent HBOT protocol on maximal physical performance and mitochondrial function in middle-aged master athletes.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study on 37 healthy middle-aged (40–50) master athletes was performed between 2018 and 2020. The subjects were exposed to 40 repeated sessions of either HBOT [two absolute atmospheres (ATA), breathing 100% oxygen for 1 h] or SHAM (1.02ATA, breathing air for 1 h).ResultsOut of 37 athletes, 16 HBOT and 15 SHAM allocated athletes were included in the final analysis. Following HBOT, there was a significant increase in the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Max) (p = 0.010, effect size(es) = 0.989) and in the oxygen consumption measured at the anaerobic threshold (VO2AT)(es = 0.837) compared to the SHAM group. Following HBOT, there were significant increases in both maximal oxygen phosphorylation capacity (es = 1.085, p = 0.04), maximal uncoupled capacity (es = 0.956, p = 0.02) and mitochondrial mass marker MTG (p = 0.0002) compared to the SHAM sessions.ConclusionHBOT enhances physical performance in healthy middle-age master athletes, including VO2max, power and VO2AT. The mechanisms may be related to significant improvements in mitochondrial respiration and increased mitochondrial mass.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03524989 (May 15, 2018).

The effect of Ramadan fasting on the morning–evening difference in team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performances in elite female team-handball players

ABSTRACT The combined effect of Ramadan fasting and the time of theday on the physical performance of team-handball players has not yet been fully investigated. This study investigated the effects of Ramadan fasting on the morning–evening difference in team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performance. With acounterbalanced study design, 15 elite female team-handball players underwent the hand grip (HG), ball throwing velocity (BTV), modified agility T-test (MAT), and repeated shuttle-sprint and jump ability (RSSJA) tests at 07:00 h and 17:00 h, one week before Ramadan (BR), and during thesecond (SWR) and fourth week of Ramadan (4WR). The oral temperature (OT) was monitored prior to exercise and the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) scale were obtained after RSSJA. The results showed that the time of theday had an effect on OT under all conditions. The HG, BTV, and MAT test performances were higher in the evening than in the morning BR (P< .001, P< .05, and P< .001, respectively). However, the diurnal variation noted in the HG and MAT tests was reversed during the SWR and 4WR, while the BTV variation was blunted during the SWR and reversed during the 4WR. The best RSSJA performance was observed in the evening BR. However, for the best and mean sprint times, areversal of this diurnal variation was observed, which was blunted for the mean jump height and sprint time decrement during Ramadan. Moreover, RPE were influenced by the time of theday and the month of Ramadan. These findings suggest that the diurnal variation of team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performance may be reversed and/or blunted during Ramadan fasting.

Age of Peak Performance Differs by Functional Task in Mice Tracked Over 2 Years.

Mouse models are often used to validate novel interventions prior to human testing, although biological differences between mice and humans limit the translatability of outcomes. A common assumption in animal research is that maximal physical performance will be present at a young age, and that differences in task performance between young and old can be attributed to the aging process. However, this may not be true for all physical function tasks, and leaving out intermediate time points could drastically alter data interpretation. Here, we document age-related changes in forelimb and hindlimb grip strength, balance and coordination, and body composition in mice (n = 43) collected at multiple time points between 4 and 24 months of age. Maximal forelimb grip strength was recorded at 4 months of age, but maximal hindlimb grip strength was recorded at 15 months of age. Balance performance was stable from 4 to 15 months of age, declining significantly at 18 months. Both lean and fat mass peaked at 18 months before declining steadily. We conclude that the inclusion of intermediate time points is essential for the accurate evaluation of physical function status in mice, particularly in the context of translating intervention outcomes into strategies to be tested in humans.

Comparing Active, Passive, and Combined Warm-Ups Among Junior Alpine Skiers in −7°C

Warming up in very cold climates and maintaining an elevated body temperature prior to a race is challenging for snow-sport athletes. To investigate the effects of active (ACT), passive (PAS), and a combination of ACT and PAS (COM) warm-ups on maximal physical performance in a subzero environment among snow-sport athletes. Ten junior alpine skiers completed 3 experimental trials in -7.2 (0.2)°C. The ACT involved 5minutes of moderate cycling, 3 × 15-second accelerations, a 6-second sprint, 5 countermovement jumps (CMJs), and a 10-minute passive transition phase, while in PAS, participants wore a lower-body heated garment for 24 minutes. In COM, participants completed the active warm-up, then wore the heated garment during the transition phase. Two maximal CMJs and a 90-second maximal isokinetic cycling test followed the warm-up. CMJ performance was likely (P = .150) and very likely (P = .013) greater in ACT and COM, respectively, versus PAS. Average power output during the cycling test was likely (P = .074) greater in ACT and COM versus PAS. Participants felt likely to almost certainly warmer (P < .01) and more comfortable (P = .161) during ACT and COM versus PAS. In addition, participants felt likely warmer (P = .136) and very likely more comfortable (P = .161) in COM versus ACT. COM resulted in significantly improved CMJ performance versus PAS while both ACT and COM led to likely improved 90-second cycling performance. Participants felt significantly warmer during ACT and COM versus PASand likely warmer in COM versus ACT. Therefore, a combined warm-up is recommended for alpine skiers performing in subzero temperatures.

Effects of Exercise Alone or in Combination with High-Protein Diet on Muscle Function, Aerobic Capacity, and Physical Function in Middle-Aged Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Obesity accelerates and exacerbates the age-related changes on muscle function and exercise capacity. In addition, the middle-aged population is often overlooked when talking about the prevention of sarcopenia. This study investigated the effects of exercise alone or in combination with a high-protein diet on muscle function and physical fitness in middle-aged obese adults. Sixty-nine middle-aged (50-64 years old) obese adults were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control group (C; n=23), exercise group (E; n=23) or exercise plus high-protein group (EP; n=23). Individuals within the E and EP groups received 12 weeks of exercise training; whereas, the individuals in the EP group also received a high-protein diet intervention (1.6g/kg/day). Individuals within the C group were asked to maintain their lifestyle for 12 weeks. Participants were evaluated before and after the intervention. Outcome measures included maximal exercise capacity, muscle function and functional physical performance. Analysis of covariance was used to determine the effects of the intervention. After the intervention, the E and EP groups had greater maximal work rate, peak oxygen consumption, and muscle power during muscle contractions at 180°/sec than that in the C group (P<0.05). The EP group, but not the E group, showed significant improvement in the sit-to-stand test and climbing stairs test than the C group after the intervention (P<0.05). Within group comparisons showed that the anaerobic threshold only increased in the EP group (+12% from pre-test). For middle-aged obese adults, exercise with a high-protein diet not only improved muscle power and exercise capacity but also enhanced their functional physical performance.

Sit-to-stand muscle power test: Comparison between estimated and force plate-derived mechanical power and their association with physical function in older adults.

This study aimed i) to assess the assumptions made in the sit-to-stand (STS) muscle power test [body mass accelerated during the ascending phase (90% of total body mass), leg length (50% of total body height) and concentric phase (50% of total STS time)], ii) to compare force plate-derived (FPD) STS power values with those derived from the STS muscle power test; and iii) to analyze the relationships of both measurements with physical function. Fifty community-dwelling older adults (71.3±4.4years) participated in the present investigation. FPD STS power was calculated as the product of measured force (force platform) and velocity [difference between leg length (DXA scan) and chair height, divided by time (obtained from FPD data and video analysis)], and compared to estimated STS power using the STS muscle power test. Physical function was assessed by the timed-up-and-go (TUG) velocity, habitual gait speed (HGS) and maximal gait speed (MGS). Paired t-tests, Bland-Altman plots and regressions analyses were conducted. Body mass accelerated during the STS phase was 85.1±3.8% (p<0.05; compared to assumed 90%), leg length was 50.7±1.3% of body height (p<0.05; compared to 50%), and measured concentric time was 50.3±4.6% of one STS repetition (p>0.05; compared to assumed 50%). There were no significant differences between FPD and estimated STS power values (mean difference [95% CI]=6.4W [-68.5 to 81.6W]; p=0.251). Both FPD and estimated relative (i.e. normalized to body mass) STS power were significantly related to each other (r=0.95 and ICC=0.95; p<0.05) and to MGS and TUG velocity after adjusting for age and sex (p<0.05). Estimated STS power was not different from FPD STS power and both measures were strongly related to each other and to maximal physical performance.

High-intensity interval training on body composition, functional capacity and biochemical markers in healthy young versus older people

The aim of the following study was to identify the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the modification of parameters of body composition, functional capacity as well as lipid and glucose homeostasis markers in healthy young people versus older adults. Experimental trial. Healthy young (YNG, 21±1years, BMI 26.01±2.64kg·m-2, n=10) and older (OLD, 66±5years, BMI 27.43±3.11kg·m-2, n=10) males were subjected to 12weeks of HIIT. Prior to and immediately after the HIIT program, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, dominant leg strength one-repetition maximum (1-RM), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and physical performance tests were performed. Blood samples were also taken. Flexibility (P=0.000), static balance (P=0.004), timed up and go test (TUG) (P=0.015), short physical performance battery (SPPB) (P=0.005), dominant leg strength 1-RM(P=0.012), and VO2max (P=0.000) were better in YNG versus OLD. HIIT improved the % whole-body fat mass (P=0.031), leg lean mass (P=0.047), dominant leg strength 1-RM (P=0.025), VO2max (P=0.000), fasting cholesterol (P=0.017) and fasting glucose (P=0.006). TUG was improved by the training only in the OLD group (P=0.016), but insulin (P=0.002) and the homeostasis model assessment - insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS) (P=0.000) decreased only in the YNG group. HOMA-IS was correlated positive with BMI (R=0.474, P=0.035) and with whole-body fat mass (R=0.517, P=0.019). HIIT for 12weeks improves parameters of body composition, functional capacity and fasting serum lipid and glucose homeostasis markers in healthy young and older participants. Young people are shown as benefiting more.

Does the 6-minute walk test in hospitalized COPD patients exclusively correlate with lung function parameters or should psychological factors also be taken into account?

The 6-minute walk test is generally considered a standard test for the evaluation of short-term maximal physical performance. It has not been evaluated whether psychological factors, such as anxiety or depression, affect the performance or the results of the test. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether a correlation exists between psychological factors and the data from the 6-minute walking test. The study cohort consisted of 85 (♀ = 34 and ♂ = 51) 66 ± 10 (mean ± SD) year-old patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalized for disease exacerbation. Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) (% predicted) as predictor for lung function, as well as anxiety and depression symptoms assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as psychological predictors were collected. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical linear regression models were used to analyse the correlations. Walking distance was on average 260m ± 107m and ranged from 64m to 480m. HADS was negatively correlated with 6-min walking distance (r = 0.441, p = .0009, r = -.523, p = 00006). Hierarchical linear regression showed that FEV1 alone explained 33%, and together with the psychological variables anxiety and depression explained 42% of the variance of results from the 6-minute walking test. These findings demonstrated that 11% of the data correlated with the psychological variables alone (p = .011). The effect size for lung function (f2 = .717) and psychological variables (f2 = .352) were high, whereas the socio-demographic variables sex, age, educational level and BMI could not explain any additional variance in our cohort. In conclusion, our study indicates that psychological factors such as symptoms of depression and anxiety are associated with lower physical functional performance in the 6-minute walking test. As such, these factors should also be assessed. Future research is needed to show if treatments of anxiety and depression can improve the walking distance in COPD patients.

Appropriate heart rate during exercise in Fontan patients.

To evaluate heart rate against workload and oxygen consumption during exercise in Fontan patients. Fontan patients (n = 27) and healthy controls (n = 25) underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with linear increase of load. Heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured during tests. Heart rate recovery was recorded for 10 minutes. Heart rate at midpoint (140 ± 14 versus 153 ± 11, p < 0.001) and at maximal effort (171 ± 14 versus 191 ± 10 beats per minute, p < 0.001) of test was lower for patients than controls. Heart rate recovery was similar between groups. Heart rate in relation to workload was higher for patients than controls both at midpoint and maximal effort. Heart rate in relation to oxygen uptake was similar between groups throughout test. Oxygen pulse, an indirect surrogate measure of stroke volume, was reduced at maximal effort in patients compared to controls (6.6 ± 1.1 versus 7.5 ± 1.4 ml·beat-1·m-2, p < 0.05) and increased significantly less from midpoint to maximal effort for patients than controls (p < 0.05). Heart rate is increased in relation to workload in Fontan patients compared with controls. At higher loads, Fontan patients seem to have reduced heart rate and smaller increase in oxygen pulse, which may be explained by inability to further increase stroke volume and cardiac output. Reduced ability to increase or maintain stroke volume at higher heart rates may be an important limiting factor for maximal cardiac output, oxygen uptake, and physical performance.