Age-predicted Maximum Heart Rate Research Articles

Rate Pressure Product Versus Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate as Predictors Of Cardiovascular Events in Intermediate Risk Patients During Exercise Stress Echocardiography

Rate Pressure Product Versus Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate as Predictors Of Cardiovascular Events in Intermediate Risk Patients During Exercise Stress Echocardiography

Are Rate Pressure Product and Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate Predictors of Future Cardiovascular Events During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography?

Are Rate Pressure Product and Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate Predictors of Future Cardiovascular Events During Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography?

Efficacy of Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Elderly Patients

Introduction: An exercise stress echocardiogram (ESE) is routinely used to exclude coronary artery disease. A diagnostic ESE requires the patient to reach target heart rate (85% of age predicted heart rate maximum). The purpose of this review was to determine if patient age affects the likelihood of a diagnostic ESE. Method: A retrospective analysis of ESEs performed at a tertiary referral centre between January 2016–June 2017 was undertaken. Results were retrieved from the McKesson Cardiology reporting system. Patient age, exercise duration and maximum heart rate were reviewed. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on age- <70 years, 70–74 years, 74–79 years and 80+ years. Results: A total of 880 ESEs were reviewed. Patients aged <70 years (n = 741) mean exercise time was 8 minutes 11 seconds, 15% (n = 112) of tests did not achieve target heart rate. Patients aged 70–74 years (n = 82) mean exercise time was 6 minutes 30 seconds, 17% (n = 14) of tests did not achieve target heart rate. Patients aged <75–79 years (n = 38) mean exercise time was 5 minutes 19 seconds, 31% (n = 12) of tests did not achieve target heart rate. Patients aged >80 years (n = 19) mean exercise time was 3 minutes 46 seconds, 47% (n = 9) of tests did not achieve target heart rate. Conclusion: As patient age increased the mean exercise time and likelihood of obtaining a diagnostic ESE decreased. There was a substantial difference in exercise time and percentage of diagnostic tests in patients aged 75–79 and 80+ years when compared to patients aged <65 years.

The Physiological Strain Index Modified for Trained Heat-Acclimatized Individuals in Outdoor Heat.

Purpose: To determine if the Physiological Strain Index (PSI), in original or modified form, can evaluate heat strain on a 0-10 scale, in trained and heat-acclimatized men undertaking a competitive half-marathon run in outdoor heat. Methods: Core (intestinal) temperature (TC) and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously in 24 men (mean [SD] age = 26 [3]y, VO2peak = 59 [5]mL·kg·min-1). A total of 4 versions of the PSI were computed: original PSI with upper constraints of TC 39.5°C and HR 180beats·min-1 (PSI39.5/180) and 3 modified versions of PSI with each having an age-predicted maximal HR constraint and graded TC constraints of 40.0°C (PSI40.0/PHRmax), 40.5°C (PSI40.5/PHRmax), and 41.0°C (PSI41.0/PHRmax). Results: In a warm (26.1-27.3°C) and humid (79-82%) environment, all runners finished the race asymptomatic in 107 (10) (91-137) min. Peak TC and HR were 39.7°C (0.5°C) (38.5-40.7°C) and 186 (6) (175-196) beats·min-1, respectively. In total, 63% exceeded TC 39.5°C, 71% exceeded HR 180beats·min-1, and 50% exceeded both of the original PSI upper TC and HR constraints. The computed heat strain was significantly greater with PSI39.5/180 than all other methods (P < .003). PSI >10 was observed in 63% of runners with PSI39.5/180, 25% for PSI40.0/PHRmax, 8% for PSI40.5/PHRmax, and 0% for PSI41.0/PHRmax. Conclusions: The PSI was able to quantify heat strain on a 0-10 scale in trained and heat-acclimatized men undertaking a half-marathon race in outdoor heat, but only when the upper TC and HR constraints were modified to 41.0°C and age-predicted maximal HR, respectively.

Vastly Different Exercise Programs Similarly Improve Parkinsonian Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: To directly compare the effects of agility exergaming (EXE) and stationary cycling (CYC) exercise training on Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ mobility and clinical symptoms. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Outpatient physiotherapy clinic in a hospital. Participants: Seventy-four stage 2–3, nondemented PD patients were included in this study. Intervention: The groups were as follows: EXE (n = 25), CYC (n = 25), and a wait-listed control group (CON; n = 24). The EXE and CYC groups exercised 5×/week for 5 weeks, matched at 80% of the age-predicted maximal heart rate. Main Outcomes: The primary outcome was the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-II) score. Secondary outcomes were Parkinson’s Disease Quastionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SE-ADL) scale, Euro-Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), the Tinetti Assessment Tool (TAT), the Dynamic Gait Index, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and standing posturography. Results: After treatment, UPDRS-II scores improved (mean change: EXE, –4.5 points; CYC, –3.2 points). The results for the other outcomes (EXE and CYC, respectively) were: PDQ, 13 and 17%; BDI, –2.5 and –2.1 points; 6MWT, 129.6 and 141.6 m; and EQ-5D, 12 and 9% (all p < 0.05, but there was no difference between groups). EXE vs. CYC resulted in improved SE-ADL (8.4 and 4.0 points, effect size [ES]: 0.12), BBS (8.8 and 4.2 points, ES: 0.44), and 2 measures of posturography (ES: 0.11 and 0.21) (p < 0.05). BESTtest, TAT, the Dynamic Gait Index, and 4 out of 6 posturography measures did not change (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Two highly different exercise programs resulted in similar improvement of most motor and clinical symptoms in PD patients.

Cerebral blood flow is not modulated following acute aerobic exercise in preadolescent children.

Cognitive enhancements following a single bout of exercise are frequently attributed to increases in cerebral blood flow, however to date we have little understanding of the extent to which such bouts of exercise actually even influence cerebral blood flow following the cessation of exercise. To gain such insight, both regional and global changes in cerebral blood flow were assessed using 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin-labeled magnetic resonance imaging in a sample of 41 preadolescent children. Using a within-participants randomized crossover design, cerebral blood flow as assessed prior to and following 20-min of either aerobic exercise or an active-control condition during two separate, counterbalanced sessions. The aerobic exercise condition consisted of walking/jogging on a motor driven treadmill at an intensity of approximately 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate (HR = 136.1 ± 11.1 bpm). The active control condition consisted of walking on the treadmill at the lowest possible intensity (0.5 mph and 0% grade; HR = 92.0 ± 12.2 bpm). Findings revealed no differences in cerebral blood flow following the cessation of exercise relative to the active control condition. These findings demonstrate that cerebral blood flow may not be altered in preadolescent children following the termination of the exercise stimulus during the period when cognitive enhancements have previously been observed.

Characterizing the Metabolic Intensity and Cardiovascular Demands of Walking Football in Southeast Asian Women

Given that the recent rise in obesity rates throughout Southeast Asia is disproportionately driven by women, part of the regional solution may be to encourage more habitual physical activity within this population. Taking advantage of the regional popularity of walking football, this study sought to characterize thecardiovascular demands and metabolic intensity of Southeast Asian women competing in walking football matches to determine the sports’ suitability for promoting physical health. It was hypothesized that both cardiovascular and metabolic intensity measures (≥65% HR% and ≥3.0 METs, respectively) would meet or exceed established thresholds for improving fitness and health. Methods: Women’s teams from Singapore (Mean±SD: 42±11 yrs age; 29.2±7.0 kg/m2 BMI; n=14) and Malaysia (40±10 yrs age; 32.9±5.7 kg/m2 BMI; n=8) competed in two successive matches within a single day during which measures of heart rate (HR) and GPS (from portable handheld device) were recorded for each player, while relative HR was computed as a percent of each player’s age-predicted maximal HR (HR%, %). The GPS data were later converted to walking distance and metabolic intensity (i.e., metabolic equivalents, or METs). One-sample t-tests at the 0.05 alpha level were used to compare variables to their respective thresholds. Results: Both Malaysian and Singaporean teams had mean relative HRs (91-95% of HRMAX [P=0.008] versus 77-80% of HRMAX [P&lt;0.001], respectively) that exceeded the 65% threshold for improving cardiovascular fitness. Both teams also maintained an average metabolic intensity that was statistically similar to the 3.0 MET threshold that decreases one risk for non-communicable diseases (3.2±0.9 METs [P=0.0510] versus (3.3±1.0 METs [P=0.288], respectively), and both teams walked an average of 2.2-2.4 kms/match. Conclusions: These results support the idea that competitive walking football is of sufficient intensity to promote positive changes in both cardiovascular and metabolic fitness in this population of Southeast Asian women.

NOVEL INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED INHERITED HEART RHYTHM DISORDERS

Patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders (IHRD) attend regional specialty clinics to undergo a series of cardiac investigations, including ECG, Holter monitor, and exercise tests. Cardiac patch monitors may help reduce the burden of hospital-based testing and extend the ability to capture ambient arrhythmias, changes in heart rate with daily activities and physiologic exercise. We compared home-based patch monitoring to conventional Holter monitoring and exercise testing. Patients assessed at St. Paul’s Hospital from the BC Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic (catchment 4.6 million persons) underwent single ECG lead patch monitoring for seven days (Icentia CardioSTAT device) in a prospective feasibility study, compared to conventional testing modalities. Corrected QT intervals were measured and calculated according to Bazett’s formula. 39 patients underwent seven-day patch monitoring (median age 44 years (range 15-70), 61% male). In a follow-up interview, 76% of patients expressed satisfaction and preferred the device over Holter monitor. The median duration of monitoring was 7.0 days (range 2.0-7.3), with 12% noise during the first 24-hours (median 176 minutes, range 25min-12h). All but one patient was in sinus rhythm throughout (one patient with known atrial fibrillation). The median HR, PAC and PVC burden, and supraventricular and ventricular runs are reported, with strong correlations in all variables between monitoring modalities, except for PVC burden and supraventricular runs (Table). Patch monitors demonstrated variability in ectopic burden over seven days (PACs: 114±451 over 24-hours vs. 161±527 over seven days; PVCs: 388±942 over 24-hours vs. 428±972 over seven days). Compared to the median PAC and PVC burden over seven days, Holter monitoring under- or overestimated ectopy by over 20% in 84% of cases (PAC variation: median 7%, range -100 to +43,000%; PVC variation: median 33%, range -100 to +867%). Corrected QT intervals correlated across monitoring modalities at rest (Figure, Pearson Correlation 0.781 and 0.776), but demonstrated poor correlation at peak heart rate compared to exercise testing (Pearson Correlation 0.098 and 0.161). Most patients (82%) did not reach 85% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate on the patch monitor. The cardiac patch monitor is a reliable option in the diagnostic work-up of patients with suspected IHRD, with basic measurements consistent with other devices. The burden of PACs and PVCs varies significantly day-to-day, and prolonged monitoring may provide for more reliable quantification and improved arrhythmia detection in patients with suspected IHRD. QTc measurements were reproducible at rest, but correlation at peak heart rates was poor and requires further investigation.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Hydration Status and Thermoregulatory Responses in Drivers During Competitive Racing

Carlson, LA, Lawrence, MA, and Kenefick, RW. Hydration status and thermoregulatory responses in drivers during competitive racing. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2061-2065, 2018-Stock car drivers are exposed to high ambient temperatures, further complicated by the fact that they are encapsulated in protective clothing; however, the hydration status of these drivers has not been determined. This study quantified the degree of fluid losses during a competitive event in hot conditions. Nine male stock car drivers (29.6 ± 9.4 years, 177.8 ± 3.0 cm, 81.5 ± 18.5 kg) were studied during a Pro Series Division NASCAR race. Sweat rate (SR) and dehydration was determined through nude body weights (BWs). Prerace BW was 81.5 ± 18.5 kg and decreased to 81.1 ± 18.5 kg after race (p = 0.001). Body weight loss after race was 0.77 ± 0.3% and mean SR was 0.63 ± 0.4 L·h. Intestinal core temperature increased from 38.0 ± 0.4 to 38.5 ± 0.4° C after race (p = 0.001). Skin temperature increased from 35.8 ± 0.8 to 36.9 ± 0.8° C after race (p = 0.001), whereas the core-to-skin temperature gradient narrowed from 2.2 ± 0.9 to 1.6 ± 0.9° C, before race to after race (p = 0.001). Heart rates after race were 89 ± 0.0% of the drivers' age-predicted maximum heart rate (HR). Fluid losses during competitive racing can be significant. Without a fluid replacement strategy, fluid losses may exceed 3% of BW and could negatively impact driving performance in longer races.

Physical fitness and chronic low back pain: A case-control study including 517 individuals

Deconditioning syndrome in chronic low back pain is admitted. However, profil of physical fitness, on the basis of energy expenditure, is controversial. The goal of the study was to assess physical fitness in chronic low back pain patients using markers of energy expenditure. This was a case-control study. Patients with chronic low back pain and healthy age- and sex-matched controls underwent bicycle exercise test, up to muscle exhaustion. Recorded energy variables were: duration of exercise in seconds, maximal power (P max) in watts, percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate (HR max) and metabolic equivalents (MET). Pain intensity using the 0–100-VAS, pain duration and functional limitation using the Quebec scale were also assessed in chronic low back pain patients. Relationship between energy variables and clinical parameters was investigated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results of both groups were compared using the Student t -test. One hundred and ninety-two chronic low back pain patients (age 44 ± 8, ratio M/F 106/86, pain intensity 47 ± 19, pain duration 51 ± 57 months, Quebec 39 ± 16) and 325 healthy controls (44 ± 8, ratio M/F 199/126) were included. Duration of exercise (−0.23), P max (−0.21), and MET (−0.29) were related with the Quebec score in chronic low back pain patients ( P < 0.05). There was no other relationship between energy variables and clinical parameters. Energy variables were not different in both groups as they were globally considered. However, chronic low back pain patients with highest functional limitation (the fourth quartile of the Quebec scores) had lower duration of exercise (349 ± 134 vs. 431 ± 189), lower P max (129 ± 39 vs. 147 ± 49), and lower MET (7 ± 2 vs. 8 ± 2) than healthy controls ( P < 0.05). Physical fitness was not altered in the entire chronic low back pain population. However, physical fitness appeared to be decreased in chronic low back pain patients with highest functional limitation.

Contrast-Enhanced Stress Echocardiography and Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients Hospitalized With Chest Pain: A Randomized Study.

Ultrasound contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography improves endocardial visualization, but diagnostic test rates versus stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have not been studied. A prospective randomized trial was performed between April 2012 and October 2014 at a single-center, safety net hospital. Hospitalized patients referred for noninvasive stress imaging were randomized 1:1 to stress echocardiography or stress MPI. The primary outcome was diagnostic test rate defined as interpretable images and achievement of >85% of age-predicted maximal heart rate (for dobutamine and exercise). Rates were assessed among those completing testing and then based solely on image interpretability. Charges and length of stay were secondary outcomes. A total of 240 patients were randomized, and 229 completed testing. Diagnostic test rates were similar for stress echocardiography versus MPI {89.4% [95% confidence interval (CI), 82.2-94.4] vs. 94.8% [95% CI, 89.1-98.1], P = 0.13} and did not differ with multivariable adjustment. Modalities requiring a diagnostic heart rate criteria were more frequently ordered with stress echocardiography (100% vs. 26%; P < 0.001). Therefore, an imaging-based analysis without the 12 individuals who failed to achieve target heart rate (n = 217) was evaluated with diagnostic test rates of 100% versus 94.8% (95% CI, 89.1%-98.1%; P = 0.03) for stress echocardiography and MPI, respectively. Median length of stay did not differ. Median (interquartile range) test-related charges were lower with stress echocardiography: $2,424 ($2400-$2508) versus $3619 ($3584-$3728), P < 0.0001. Overall, tests were positive for ischemia in 8% of patients. In conclusion, contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography provides comparable diagnostic test rates to MPI with lower associated charges.

Adapting Sedentary Video Games to Require Physical Activity

Approximately $117 billion in annual healthcare costs are associated with physical inactivity. The Pew Research Center reports that about 49% of American adults play video games (VG). Adapting traditionally sedentary VG controls to require physical activity using low-cost devices may increase opportunities to adhere to physical activity guidelines. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of adapting sedentary VG to require physical activity on exercise intensity, perceived exertion, enjoyment, and VG performance. METHODS: Six women and nine men 19 to 52 years of age played PAC-MAN Championship Edition DX+ (NAMCO) in three conditions: sedentary play (SED), standing active play using gestures recognized by a motion sensor (AVG-G), and standing active play using buttons (AVG-B). Each participant started with SED and the two adapted conditions were counterbalanced. Exercise intensity was assessed by recording continuous heart rate using a chest strap monitor. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were reported using the Borg 6 to 20 scale. Enjoyment was reported using an abbreviated Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. VG performance was represented by the in-game score. Repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to compare heart rate, RPE, enjoyment, and VG performance across conditions. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of game condition on heart rate, percent of age predicted heart rate maximum (APHRM), RPE, and VG performance (p < 0.001). Enjoyment was not significantly different across conditions (p = 0.216). Post hoc analysis indicated that AVG-G and AVG-B elicited a higher mean (±SD) heart rate (108±16 and 97±15 BPM), percent of APHRM (58±10 and 51±9%), and RPE (13±2 and 12±2) versus SED (72±13 BPM, 39±8% APHRM, 7±1 RPE). Participant VG performance was lower during AVG-G and AVG-B (51.75±28.07 and 68.84±35.52 arbitrary units) versus SED (202.11±91.08 arbitrary units). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the majority of participants achieved and sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity during adapted sedentary VG for at least 10 minutes. Enjoyment did not suffer as a result of active play despite lower VG performance.

Muscular Strength And Cardiovascular And All-cause Mortality In Adults With Hypercholesterolemia

PURPOSE: To determine the associations of muscular strength (MS) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in adults with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: Participants comprised 1,925 adults aged ≥40 years (mean age 50) who had a medical examination during 1980-1990 in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. They were free of CVD, cancer, had ≥85% of their age-predicted maximal heart rate on a treadmill test, and hypercholesterolemia at baseline. MS was measured by 1 repetition maximums of bench and leg presses and a composite MS score was computed by combining the standardized values of both tests. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was estimated from a maximal treadmill test. We used tertiles of the sex- and age-specific total MS scores. Further, MS and CRF were dichotomized into either weak (lower one-third) or unfit (lower half), or strong (upper two-thirds) or fit (upper half) in a joint analysis of MS and CRF with mortality. Mortality follow-up was through 2003 using the National Death Index. Cox regression models included baseline age, sex, examination year, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, parental CVD, hypertension, diabetes, abnormal electrocardiogram, total cholesterol, and CRF. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 18 years, 67 CVD and 172 all-cause deaths occurred. Compared with lower MS group, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD and all-cause mortality were 0.45 (0.24-0.85) and 0.58 (0.40-0.85) in middle MS group ,respectively, and 0.46 (0.25-0.86) and 0.63 (0.43-0.93) in upper MS group, respectively, after adjusting for confounders including CRF. We found similar trends in both men and women, and normal weight and overweight or obese adults. In the joint analysis, compared with unfit and weak group, HRs (95% CIs) for CVD and all-cause mortality were 0.41 (0.22-0.78) and 0.41 (0.27-0.62) in unfit and strong group, respectively; 0.70 (0.30-1.66) and 0.60 (0.34-1.08) in fit and weak group, respectively; and 0.39 (0.19-0.82) and 0.59 (0.39-0.90) in fit and strong group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MS, independent of CRF, should be promoted as a predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality in adults with hypercholesterolemia who are at increased mortality risk. Supported by NIH Grant AG06945, HL62508, DK088195, and HL133069.

Validity &amp; Reliability Of A New Hockey-Specific Test In Elite Ice Hockey Players

A valid and reliable method of assessing hockey-specific physiological performance is warranted as elite hockey players compete for scholarships and professional contracts. The Hockey-Specific Test (HST) is an on-ice, position-specific assessment that integrates competition specific, multi-planar movement patterns and is generalizable to hockey players at the highest level of competition. Generalizability in the use of published on-ice tests is problematic due to small sample sizes and the use of recreational youth and non-elite players. More importantly, they don’t include hockey-specific movement patterns (e.g., turns, deceleration, skating backward). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the new assessment. METHODS: 54 male players (National Hockey League = 16; American Hockey League = 23; Under 17 USA National Team = 15) gave informed consent and minor assent to participate in both the HST and a 30-second Wingate Test (WAnT) with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg body weight. The HST consists of 6 on-ice trials interspersed with 30-seconds active rest. All players wore full gear and carried a stick. Measurements included 15 m peak acceleration (m/s2), 166 m total trial speed (m/s), percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR%), and post-exercise blood lactate (BLA post) as markers of maximal effort and physiological capacities. RESULTS: A strong correlation exists between WAnT peak power and HST trial speed (r = .765, p < 0.001) and 15 m acceleration (r = .716, p < 0.001) in elite players, demonstrating construct validity. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for all participants verified within and between trial reliability for 15 m acceleration, F (50) = 0.67, p < 0.001 and trial speed, F (50) = 0.85, p < 0.001. Multinomial logistic regression for predicting WAnT peak power (w) from results of the HST = 27.98 - (18.05 x trial 1 time) + (11.04 x weight) + (25.69 x age). Adjusted peak power, APMHR%, and BLApost were 1023±108, SEE = 26±6; 89.3±3.6 and 91.2±4.5; 10.6±2.0 and 11.2±1.7 for the WAnT and HST, respectively. These values coincide with a test that sufficiently taxes the glycolytic energy pathway. CONCLUSION: The HST appears to be a valid and reliable test for determination of physiological performance in elite hockey players.

Effect of different exercise modes at high intensity on immediate learning and arousal

Acute exercise has an influence on human cognition, and evidence suggests that immediate learning can be facilitated. The purpose of this study was to explore the acute effect of high-intensity exercise conducted with different exercise modes on immediate learning outcome, and whether the effect was moderated by self-reported arousal. To this end, young adults [n = 42, 8 males/35 females, mean (SD) age: 23.53 (3.06), BMI: 23.19 (3.14)] were randomised to resting (control), ergometer cycling, or boxing a punching bag. The exercise was 90% of age-predicted maximal heart rate. Immediately after exercise or resting, participants studied a text containing historical information followed by a multiple-choice test. Results indicated that neither of the exercise groups performed better on the recall task compared to the control group, and the effect was not moderated by self-reported arousal. Further studies are warranted to establish the dose–response relationship between exercise and learning effects and its possible moderators.

Age-Predicted Maximal Heart Rate in Recreational Marathon Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study on Fox's and Tanaka's Equations.

Age-based prediction equations of maximal heart rate (HRmax), such as the popular formulas Fox's 220-age, or Tanaka's 208-0.7 × age, have been widely used in various populations. Surprisingly, so far these equations have not been validated in marathon runners, despite the importance of the role of HRmax for training purposes in endurance running. The aim of the present study was to examine the validity of Fox and Tanaka equations in a large sample of women and men recreational marathon runners. Participants (n = 180, age 43.2 ± 8.5 years, VO2max 46.8 mL/min/kg, finishers in at least one marathon during the last year) performed a graded exercise test on a treadmill, where HRmax was measured. Measured HRmax correlated largely with age in the total sample (r = −0.50, p < 0.001), women (r = −0.60, p < 0.001) and men (r = −0.53, p < 0.001). In women, a large main effect of method on HRmax (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.294) was shown with measured HRmax lower than Fox-HRmax (−4.8 bpm; −8.4, −1.3) and Tanaka-HRmax (−4.9 bpm; −8.1, −1.8). In men, a moderate effect of assessment method on HRmax was found (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.066) with measured HRmax higher than Fox-HRmax (+2.8; 1.0, 4.6), Tanaka-HRmax higher than Fox-HRmax (+1.2; 0.7, 1.7). Based on these findings, it was concluded that Fox and Tanaka' formulas overestimated HRmax by ~5 bpm in women, whereas Fox underestimated HRmax in men by ~3 bpm. Thus, we recommend the further use of Tanaka's formula in men marathon runners. In addition, exercise physiologists and sport scientists should consider the observed differences among various assessment methods when performing exercise testing or prescribing training program relying on HR.

Age-Predicted Maximal Heart Rate Equations Are Inaccurate for Use in Youth Male Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between measured (MHRobt) and predicted (MHRpred) maximal heart rate (MHR) in youth athletes. In total, 30 male soccer players [14.6 (0.6)y] volunteered to participate in this study. MHRobt was determined via maximal-effort graded exercise test. Age-predicted MHR (MHRpred) was calculated for each participant using equations by Fox, Tanaka, Shargal, and Nikolaidis. Mean differences were compared using Friedman's 2-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise comparisons. Agreement between MHRobt and MHRpred values was calculated using the Bland-Altman method. There were no significant differences between MHRobt and MHRpred from the Fox (P = .777) and Nikolaidis (P = .037) equations. The Tanaka and Shargal equations significantly underestimated MHRobt (P < .001). All 4 equations produced 95% limits of agreement of ±15.0beats per minute around the constant error. The results show that the Fox and Nikolaidis equations produced the smallest mean difference in predicting MHRobt. However, the wide limits of agreement suggests that none of the equations adequately account for individual variability in MHRobt. Practitioners should avoid applying these equations in youth athletes and utilize a lab or field testing protocol to obtain MHR.

Reference values for peak oxygen uptake: cross-sectional analysis of cycle ergometry-based cardiopulmonary exercise tests of 10 090 adult German volunteers from the Prevention First Registry

ObjectiveThis study aims to construct quantile reference values for peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) measured by cycle ergometry-based incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests.DesignCross-sectional study using quantile regressions to fit sex-specific and age-specific...

The Relationship Between Soldier Performance on the Two-Mile Run and the 20-m Shuttle Run Test.

The 20-m shuttle run test (MSRT) is a common field test used to measure aerobic fitness in controlled environments. The U.S. Army currently assesses aerobic fitness with the two-mile run (TMR), but external factors may impact test performance. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the Army Physical Fitness Test TMR performance and the MSRT in military personnel. A group of 531 (403 males and 128 females) active duty soldiers (age: 24.0 ± 4.1 years) performed the MSRT in an indoor facility. Heart rate was monitored for the duration of the test. Post-heart rate and age-predicted maximal heart rate were utilized to determine near-maximal performance on the MSRT. The soldiers provided their most recent Army Physical Fitness Test TMR time (min). A Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between TMR time (min) and MSRT score (total number of shuttles completed). The study was approved by the Human Use Review Committee at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts. A significant, negative correlation exists between TMR time and MSRT score (r = -0.75, p < 0.001). Sex and MSRT score significantly predicted TMR time (adjusted R2 = 0.65, standard error of estimate = 0.97, p < 0.001) with a 95% ratio limits of agreement of ±12.6%. The resulting equation is: TMR = 17.736-2.464 × (sex) - 0.050 × (MSRT) - 0.026 × (MSRT × sex) for predicted TMR time. Males equal zero, females equal one, and MSRT score is the total number of shuttles completed. The MSRT is a strong predictor of the TMR and should be considered as a diagnostic tool when assessing aerobic fitness in active duty soldiers.

Impact of short-term cycle ergometer training on quality of life, cognition and depressive symptomatology in multiple sclerosis patients: a pilot study.

In this pilot study, we investigate whether a routine cycle ergometry training programme has therapeutic potential in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) by improving quality of life (QOL) and depressive symptomatology, while ameliorating cognitive disturbances. Healthy volunteers and MS patients cycled for 30min at 65-75% age-predicted maximal heart rate on a recumbent ergometer, with this session repeated twice a week for 8weeks. QOL, depressive symptomatology and cognitive function were assessed pre- and post-exercise using the MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire, 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16) questionnaire and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), respectively. We determined that QOL was lower in MS patients, compared to healthy subjects, with a reduction in physical and mental health summary scores observed. Exercise improved both physical and mental health scores in MS patients. In support of this, exercise was shown to reduce depressive symptomatology in MS patients. Exercise was also associated with an improvement in visual sustained attention, executive function/cognitive flexibility and hippocampal-dependent visuospatial memory in patients. Overall, this study identifies a short-term exercise programme that improves physical and mental health, while reducing depressive symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction in MS.