Metabolic Equivalent Units Research Articles

Physical activity promotion intervention improved physical activity knowledge, confidence and behaviour among diverse immigrant women: pre–post multiple methods feasibility study

ObjectivesLittle prior research investigated how to promote physical activity (PA), which can reduce cancer risk, to immigrant women. The overall aim of the current study was to pilot test education...

Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Middle Age Patients without Known Cardiovascular Disease.

Low cardiorespiratory fitness is an established risk predictor for chronic non-communicable diseases. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of fitness level on the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause death), in a contemporary cohort of middle-aged subjects without cardiovascular disease. Retrospective analysis of patients aged 40-60 years without a history of cardiovascular disease. Degree of fitness was determined according to a graded, maximal treadmill exercise stress testing (EST) time achieved, classified into age- and sex-specific quintiles (Q), and categorized as low (Q1), moderate (Q2-Q4) or high (Q5) fitness groups. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the association of fitness level with the risk of MACE. A total of 6836 patients were included, of which 44.5% were women, and the mean age was 52 years. Overall, 289 MACE events occurred during a median follow-up of 7 years. Level of fitness was inversely associated with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for MACE was 1.65 (1.12-2.44) and 2.17 (1.40-3.38) in those at moderate and low fitness levels, compared to the high-fitness group (reference), respectively. For each decrease of one metabolic equivalent (MET) unit achieved at peak exercise, the relative risk for MACE increased by 18%. The association between low fitness and MACE was not modified by other risk factors (P-for-interaction non-significant). Low fitness level, as captured by a maximal treadmill EST, is an independent risk predictor for MACE among middle-age individuals without known cardiovascular disease. The association of low fitness with high burden of cardiometabolic risk factors highlight the importance of lifestyle intervention in this patient population.

Association of cardiorespiratory fitness with adiposity markers

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is inversely associated with metabolic diseases and adiposity markers. To assess the association of CRF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and obesity in a representative sample of the Chilean population. Data from 5,958 participants in the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-1027 aged 15 years or above were analyzed. CRF was estimated by an equation that included sociodemographic, anthropometric and health-related data and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METs). The association between CRF and adiposity was assessed using linear and Poisson regression models and the results were presented as Prevalence Ratio (PR). One MET increment in CRF was associated with a 3.27 kg/m2 (95% confidence intervals (CI): -3.35; -3.2) and 4.56 kg/m2 (95% CI: -4.67; -4.46) lower BMI in men and women, respectively. Waist circumference was 6.7 cm [95% CI: -6.98; -6.42] and 9 cm [95% CI: -9.33; -8.67] lower per 1-MET increment in CRF. With one MET increment, the probability of being obese was 34% (PR = 0.66 [95%CI: 0.63; 0.69]) and 36% (PR = 0.64 [95%CI: 0.61; 0.67]) lower in men and women, respectively. The probability of having a central obesity was 26% (PR = 0.74 [95%CI: 0.71; 0.77]) and 30% (PR = 0.70 [95%CI: 0.68; 0.73]) lower in men and women, respectively. A higher estimated CRF was associated with lower adiposity levels and a lower risk of being obese in both men and women. Public health policies aiming to increase physical activity are needed to increase the CRF of the Chilean population.

What Are the Physical Demands of Sexual Intercourse? A Systematic Review of the Literature

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature investigating the physical demands of sexual intercourse and to synthesize the evidence related to this research topic. Original studies published on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up until April 2020 were examined. The Effective Public Health Practice Project scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. Eighteen studies analyzed physical demands during sexual intercourse through the physiological demands (n = 14) and kinematics (n = 4) of sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can elicit an energy expenditure of ~ 100 kcal (or ~ 6 metabolic equivalent units, METs) during the activity, mean heart rates between ~ 90 and ~ 130 beats per minute (bpm), and peak heart rates up to ~ 170 bpm. However, these physical demands may vary depending on health status, intercourse position, activity duration, intercourse phase, and sex differences. The movement pattern was cyclic in all positions and the greatest demands in lumbar spine flexion were found in the missionary positions for women. Missionary and side-lying positions elicited the greatest lumbar flexion movement in men. Regarding the movement of the hip joint during sexual intercourse, flexion, abduction, and external rotation mainly characterized the woman’s movement while external rotation did so in the man. In conclusion, sexual intercourse may elicit moderate intensity physical demands, but these demands vary depending on contextual variables. In addition, not only studies combining physiological and kinematic analyses are necessary but also more high-quality studies need to be published in order to have a better understanding of the physical demands of sexual intercourse.

Impact of Self-Reported Exercise on Recounted Levels of Fatigue and Anxiety in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Patients

PurposeExercise may be an alternative strategy to helping early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) patients manage their cancer-related fatigue and anxiety during radiation therapy. This observational study aims to investigate the impact of self-reported exercise on fatigue and anxiety levels pre (T0), mid (T1), and post (T2) radiation therapy in patients with ESBC. MethodsFollowing informed consent, subjects completed three standardized questionnaires measuring physical activity, fatigue/quality of life, and anxiety at T0, T1, and T2. ResultsA total of 58 female patients (57 ± 9 years) completed this study. Mean activity level at T0 was 2548 (3292) metabolic equivalent units (METs), T1 was 3072 (3974) METs, and T2 was 2963 (2442) METs. There was no significant change between the three time points with measures of physical activity. Many patients moved from the moderately active group at T0 to the active group at T1. The mean T0 score using the quality of life questionnaire was 38.97 (11.30), T1 was 36.93 (11.69), and T2 was 35.36 (11.18). There was no significant change between the three time points with measures of quality of life (P = .211). There was statistical significance at P = .025 at T1 for lower quality of life compared to T0 across all exercise types. There was also statistical significance at P = .026 at T1 for the active group with higher quality of life compared to the inactive one. All three physical activity categories showed a decline in quality of life scores over time. Anxiety decreased between the three time point measurements. Mean T0 score for anxiety was 47.33 (5.95), T1 was 43.16 (6.49), and T2 was 38.48 (8.46). The interaction of exercise level and time is not significant for anxiety (P = .91). There was statistical significance (P = .015) for anxiety at T2 compared to T1 across exercise types. DiscussionThis study demonstrated that ESBC patients showed signs of fatigue and anxiety while undergoing radiation therapy regardless of self-reported exercise measured by a physical activity questionnaire. Several trends were observed that showed improved outcomes for patients consistent with previously published studies. The present study highlights a nonsignificant change in fatigue. As fatigue is one of the main side effects from radiation, it may be difficult to demonstrate significance. There are some studies in the field that demonstrate significance between fatigue and exercise with larger sample sizes. The results also highlight a decrease in anxiety from the baseline to the end of treatment. It is postulated that patients become less anxious as treatment progresses due to familiarity of a routine. The present study is limited by several factors including sample size and the study not being a randomized controlled one. ConclusionsExercise may reduce anxiety during radiation treatment for ESBC patients. Further investigation is required to assess the impact of fatigue.

Differences in university students’ motivation between a required and an elective physical activity education policy

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine differences in students’ physical activity motivation, competence, and weekly exercise metabolic equivalent units (METs) between universities with different physical activity education (PAE) policy arrangements (ie, a required PAE vs. an elective PAE). Participants: Participants (N = 953) were purposefully recruited from two universities with different PAE policies 1 week before the start of fall term 2015. Methods: Participants completed questionnaires assessing their physical activity motivation, competence, and weekly exercise METs. Results: The results of this study suggest that having a required PAE policy allows for more students with lower self-determined forms of motivation (ie, amotivation) to be reached in comparison to the elective PAE policy. Conclusions: This finding highlights that a primary value of having a required PAE policy is its ability to reach less motivated students.

Variability in school children's activity occurs in the recess and before-school periods.

An accurate description of physical activity (PA) at school is required for appropriate health interventions. We examined PA patterns in children, and identified the time periods that influenced them. Forty students in five Japanese primary schools were asked to wear triaxial accelerometers for ≥7days. We obtained coefficients of variance (CV) at 15min intervals, and conducted factor analysis of the school periods. A questionnaire was used to investigate where students spent time before school, and during recess. The amount of PA, and its CV were higher around 8a.m. (before-school period), 10a.m. (morning recess), 1p.m. (lunch recess), and 4p.m. (commuting home from school). Moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA; ≥3.0 metabolic equivalent units [MET]) was highest during lunch recess and the after-school period (12.9 ± 7.4min and 12.6 ± 6.2min, respectively). The percentage of MVPA time was high (>15%) in the before-school period and morning and lunch recesses, but low (10%) in the after-school period. On factor analysis there were differences in PA patterns between the school period and the after-school period. The students who spent their time in the playground logged more MVPA time and less sedentary time (≤1.5 MET) than those who did not spend their time in the playground. Activities before school, and in the morning and lunch recesses influenced daily PA, and were different from after-school PA. Close attention to these periods may help in defining PA parameters during free time at school for PA interventions in children.

Abstract 046: Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity, and Television Viewing Before Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes: A Longitudinal Analysis From the CARDIA Study

Introduction: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and excess sedentary behaviors are associated with a greater risk of type 2 diabetes. Less is known about the role of fitness, MVPA, and sedentary behaviors before pregnancy with subsequent development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a strong risk factor for future diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Objective: To assess the associations of pre-pregnancy fitness, MVPA, and time spent watching television (a surrogate for sedentary behavior) with risk of GDM. Methods: Participants were 1,333 women enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study who did not have diabetes at baseline (1985-86) or before post-baseline births. Baseline fitness was estimated using a graded symptom-limited maximal treadmill test and expressed in metabolic equivalent units (METS). Baseline MVPA (exercise units/day) was measured using the CARDIA physical activity history questionnaire, and television viewing (hours/day) was assessed by self-report in 1990-91. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for study center, baseline age, race, parity, education, family history of diabetes, smoking, alcohol, dietary fat, pre-pregnancy body mass index, HOMA-IR, HDL-cholesterol, and time from baseline to delivery. Results: Over 25 years of follow up, 164 women developed GDM. As shown in the Table , the odds of developing GDM were 22% lower for each 1 standard deviation increment in baseline fitness after adjustment (2.3 METS; OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.95, p=0.013). MVPA and television viewing were not statistically significantly associated with developing GDM. Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to report an inverse association between objectively measured pre-pregnancy fitness and subsequent development of GDM. Improved pre-conception fitness may benefit women at risk for GDM.

P213 Severity of pulmonary hypertension correlates with patients' daily physical activity

Introduction: The main symptom of pulmonary arterial and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PH, PAH/CTEPH) is impaired exercise tolerance leading to reduced daily activity and quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze daily physical activity in patients with PAH/CTEPH and to correlate it with pulmonary hemodynamics. Methods: Incident patients with PAH/CTEPH had hemodynamics assessed by right heart catheterization (RHC) and activity monitoring by SenseWear worn at the upper arm for approximately one week. The 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) and New York Heart Association functional were assessed. Pearson Correlations and regression analysis between activity parameters and hemodynamics were calculated. Results: Twenty-one patients (9 females, median (IQR) 57 (40;69) years, mPAP 44 (34;54) mmHg, cardiac output (CO) 5 (4.0;6.3) l/min, 6MWD 397 (271;590) m, steps/day 2373 (1206;8391)) were included. Eleven patients had a sedentary lifestyle (< 5000 steps/day), nine were moderately active (5000-10'000 steps/day) and one very active. Hemodynamic parameters and the 6MWD correlated with activity parameters (Tables).Table 1Pearson correlations between activity parameters and hemodynamics (n=21).Average METsLow (<3METs)Moderate (3 6METs)Steps/dayActive Energy expenditure/day6MWD0.643**-0.545*0.604**0.840**0.457*NYHA0.114-0.2850.192-0.0470.271mPAP-0.1940.255-0.342-0.089-0.340PAWP-0.3030.348-0.411-0.228-0.480*CO0.245-0.3650.544*0.2280.516*Abbreviations: 6MWD: 6 minute walking distance; NYHA: New York Heart Association functional class; mPAP: mean pulmonary arterial pressure; PAWP: pulmonary arterial wedge pressure; PVR: pulmonary vascular resistance; CO: Cardiac output; MET: Metabolic equivalent units (1MET is 3.5ml O2/kg/min); *p<0.05, **p<0.01. Open table in a new tab Table 2Dependent variable = cardiac output, l/minUnivariable analysisMultivariable modelcoefficient95%CIPcoefficient95%CIPSex (female=0, male=1)-0.5-2.3 to 1.20.532Age, years0.04-0.01 to 0.090.103Average METs1.25-1.1 to 3.60.284Low (<3METs)-0.004-0.009 to 0.0010.104Moderate (3-6METs)0.0090.002 to 0.0160.0110.008-0.01 to 0.0250.382Steps/day0.0000.000 to 0.0000.169Active Energy expenditure/day0.0000.000 to 0.0010.0170.000-0.001 to 0.0010.850n=21 patients. Independent variables with p<0.05 in the univariable analysis were included into the multivariable analysis. The multivariable model was adjusted for the two variables listed, R2 was 0.297, P<0.042. CI=confidence interval. MET: Metabolic equivalent units (1MET is 3.5ml O2/kg/min). Open table in a new tab Abbreviations: 6MWD: 6 minute walking distance; NYHA: New York Heart Association functional class; mPAP: mean pulmonary arterial pressure; PAWP: pulmonary arterial wedge pressure; PVR: pulmonary vascular resistance; CO: Cardiac output; MET: Metabolic equivalent units (1MET is 3.5ml O2/kg/min); *p<0.05, **p<0.01. n=21 patients. Independent variables with p<0.05 in the univariable analysis were included into the multivariable analysis. The multivariable model was adjusted for the two variables listed, R2 was 0.297, P<0.042. CI=confidence interval. MET: Metabolic equivalent units (1MET is 3.5ml O2/kg/min). Conclusion: Everyday life activity correlates with hemodynamic disease severity and hospital-based exercise assessments by the 6MWD thus rendering it a promising outcome measure for use in clinical practice and research.

Survey of the Relationship Between Activity Energy Expenditure Metabolic Equivalents and Barrier Factors of Physical Activity in the Elderly in Kashan.

BackgroundPhysical activity in the elderly is influenced by aspects of aging that cause personal, mental, environmental, and social changes. Increases in factors that are barriers to activity cause physical energy expenditure to decrease.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to survey the relationship between energy expenditure in metabolic equivalent units (MET) and factors that are barriers to physical activity in elderly people in Kashan, IranMethodsThis is a descriptive analysis done in 2014. The study population was 400 people above 60 years old in medical facilities in Kashan. Multistage sampling was used in 10 clinics in 5 areas of Kashan. The sample size was varied according to gender and elderly population. Contributors were given questionnaires concerning energy expenditure levels in physical activity and factors that are barriers to being active.ResultsThe average age among the study population was 67.6 ± 6.8 years median, and the interquartile range (IQR) of barriers to physical activity among Kashan’s elderly was (8.75) ± 33. Average energy expenditure was 326.21 ± 364.84 based on metabolic equivalent units (MET). In fact, 340 persons (85%) were practically without any active energy expenditure. The most common barrier was the lack of an appropriate place for doing physical activity; 298 (74%) of the participants cited this barrier. The results show the Spearman rank-order correlation is significant (P = 0.038, r = 0.104) between barriers to physical activity and activity energy expenditure in Kashan’s elderly.ConclusionsDecreasing barriers to physical activity among the elderly causes physical activities to increase; therefore, energy expenditure is increased. Decreasing social and environmental problems for the elderly is effective in increasing physical activity and energy expenditure.

Exercise Intensities of Gardening Tasks Within Older Adult Allotment Gardeners in Wales

Previous research has suggested that gardening activity could be an effective form of regular exercise for improving physical and psychological health in later life. However, there is a lack of data regarding the exercise intensities of various gardening tasks across different types of gardening and different populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the exercise intensity of gardening activity for older adult allotment gardeners in Wales, United Kingdom following a similar procedure used in previous studies conducted in the United States and South Korea by Park and colleagues (2008a; 2011). Oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure for six gardening tasks were measured via indirect calorimetery using the portable Oxycon mobile device. From these measures, estimated metabolic equivalent units (METs) were calculated. Consistent with Park et al. (2008a; 2011) the six gardening tasks were classified as low to moderate-high intensity physical activities based on their metabolic values (1.9–5.7 METs).

Exercise Therapy in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Exercise is integral part of rehabilitation programme. It is necessary for optimal physical functioning and psychological wellbeing. It has a direct positive effect on maximal oxygen capacity increasing cardiac output, decreasing blood lipids, decreasing blood pressure, increasing blood flow through the coronary arteries, increasing muscle mass flexibility, improving psychological state and assisting weight loss and control. A regular schedule of moderate exercise even after many years of sedentary living is beneficial. One method used to identify levels of physical activities is through metabolic equivalent (MET) units. 1 MET is the amount of oxygen needed by the body at rest -3.5 ml of oxygen per kilogram per minute. In the hospital, the activity level is gradually increased so that time of discharge the patient can tolerate moderate energy activities of 3–5 MET.

The effects of antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice for women who are overweight or obese on maternal diet and physical activity: the LIMIT randomised trial.

BackgroundOverweight and obesity is a significant health concern during pregnancy. Our aim was to investigate the effect of providing antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice to women who are overweight or obese on components of maternal diet and physical activity.MethodsWe conducted a randomised controlled trial, in which pregnant women with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, and singleton gestation between 10+0 to 20+0 weeks were recruited and randomised to Lifestyle Advice (involving a comprehensive dietary and lifestyle intervention over their pregnancy) or Standard Care. Within the intervention group, we conducted a nested randomised trial in which a subgroup of women were further randomised to receive access to supervised group walking sessions in addition to the standard information presented during the intervention contacts (the Walking group) or standard information only.The outcome measures were maternal dietary intake, (including food groups, macronutrient and micronutrient intake, diet quality (using the Healthy Eating Index; HEI), dietary glycaemic load, and glycaemic index) and maternal physical activity. Women completed the Harvard Semi-Structured Food Frequency Questionnaire, and the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing Physical Activity (SQUASH), at trial entry, 28 and 36 weeks’ gestational age, and 4 months postpartum.Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis, using linear mixed effects models with adjustment for the stratification variables.ResultsWomen randomised to Lifestyle Advice demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the number of servings of fruit and vegetables consumed per day, as well as increased consumption of fibre, and reduced percentage energy intake from saturated fats (P < 0.05 for all). Maternal HEI was significantly improved at both 28 (73.35 ± 6.62 versus 71.86 ± 7.01; adjusted difference in means 1.58; 95% CI 0.89 to 2.27; P < 0.0001) and 36 (72.95 ± 6.82 versus 71.17 ± 7.69; adjusted difference in means 1.77; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.53; P < 0.0001) weeks. There were no differences in dietary glycaemic index or glycaemic load. Women randomised to Lifestyle Advice also demonstrated greater total physical activity (adjusted difference in means 359.76 metabolic equivalent task units (MET) minutes/week; 95% CI 74.87 to 644.65; P = 0.01) compared with women receiving Standard Care. The supervised walking group was poorly utilised.ConclusionsFor women who are overweight or obese, antenatal lifestyle advice improves maternal diet and physical activity during pregnancy.Please see related articles: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/163 and http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/12/201.Trial registrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12607000161426)Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-014-0161-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abdominal obesity and low physical activity are associated with insulin resistance in overweight adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPrevious studies have assessed the metabolic changes and lifestyles associated with overweight adolescents. However, these associations are unclear amongst overweight adolescents who have already developed insulin resistance. This study assessed the associations between insulin resistance and anthropometric, metabolic, inflammatory, food consumption, and physical activity variables amongst overweight adolescents.MethodsThis cross-sectional study divided adolescents (n = 120) between 10 and 18 years old into 3 groups: an overweight group with insulin resistance (O + IR), an overweight group without insulin resistance (O-IR), and a normal-weight control group (NW). Adolescents were matched across groups based on age, sex, pubertal maturation, and socioeconomic strata. Anthropometric, biochemical, physical activity, and food consumption variables were assessed. Insulin resistance was assessed using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA Calculator Version 2.2.2 from ©Diabetes Trials Unit, University of Oxford), and overweight status was assessed using body mass index according to World Health Organization (2007) references. A chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. ANOVAs or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. Multiple linear regression models were used to calculate the probability of the occurrence of insulin resistance based on the independent variables.ResultsThe risk of insulin resistance amongst overweight adolescents increases significantly when they reach a waist circumference > p95 (OR = 1.9, CIs = 1.3-2.7, p = 0.013) and watch 3 or more hours/day of television (OR = 1.7, CIs = 0.98-2.8, p = 0.033). Overweight status and insulin resistance were associated with higher levels of inflammation (hsCRP ≥1 mg/L) and cardiovascular risk according to arterial indices. With each cm increase in waist circumference, the HOMA index increased by 0.082; with each metabolic equivalent (MET) unit increase in physical activity, the HOMA index decreased by 0.026.ConclusionsSedentary behaviour and a waist circumference > p90 amongst overweight adolescents were associated with insulin resistance, lipid profile alterations, and higher inflammatory states. A screening that includes body mass index, in waist circumference, and physical activity evaluations of adolescents might enable the early detection of these alterations.

Predicting METs from the heart rate index in persons with Down syndrome.

Persons with Down syndrome (DS) have altered heart rate modulation and very low aerobic fitness. These attributes may impact the relationship between metabolic equivalent units (METs) and the heart rate index (HRindex-the ratio between heart rate during activity and resting heart rate), thereby altering the HRindex thresholds for moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity. This study examined whether the relationship between METs and HRindex differs between persons with and without DS and attempted to develop thresholds for activity intensity based on the HRindex for persons with DS. METs were measured with portable spirometry and heart rate with a monitor in 18 persons with DS (25 ± 7 years; 10 women) and 18 persons without DS (26 ± 5 years; 10 women) during 6 over-ground walking trials, each lasting 6min, at the preferred walking speed and at 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5m/s. The relationship between METs and HRindex in the two groups was analyzed with multi-level modeling with random intercepts and slopes. Group, HRindex, and the square of HRindex were significant predictors of METs (p<0.001; R(2)=0.65). Absolute percent error did not differ significantly between groups across speeds (DS: 19.6 ± 14.4%; non-DS: 21.0 ± 14.5%). Bland-Altman plots demonstrated somewhat greater variability in the difference between actual and predicted METs in participants with than without DS. The HRindex threshold for moderate-intensity activity was 1.32 and 1.20 for persons with and without DS, respectively. The HRindex threshold for vigorous-intensity activity was 1.80 and 1.65 for persons with and without DS, respectively. Persons with DS have an altered relationship between METs and HRindex and higher HRindex thresholds for moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Thermoregulatory responses in wheelchair tennis players: a pilot study

This was an observational study. Spinal cord-injured (SCI) individuals are thermoregulatory compromised because of an inability to vasodilate and sweat below the injury, increasing the risk, proportional to the injury level, for marked core body temperature (CBT) rises. We compared thermoregulatory responses between wheelchair tennis players with and without a SCI. British Open 2013, Nottingham, UK. A total of 8 (3 SCI and 5 non-SCI) wheelchair tennis players played a 45-min match while we continuously measured CBT, 8-point skin temperature (Mean-Tsk) and exercise intensity (metabolic equivalent units (METs)). Thermal sensation and perceived exertion were measured before and after each set. Video-assisted logging of each serve, stroke and point duration was used to determine match intensity. No statistics were performed for CBT because of small sample sizes. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature varied between 18 and 20 °C. CBT increased stronger in the SCI players (+0.6±0.1 °C; n=2) compared with the non-SCI players (+0.3±0.1 °C; n=4), whereas Mean-Tsk was similar between groups (P=0.29). No Tsk differences were observed above (>T6) or below (< or =T6) the lesion level. Thermal sensation, perceived exertion, exercise and match intensity were similar between groups (all P>0.05). In this small, descriptive study, CBT increased slightly more in the SCI wheelchair tennis players compared with non-SCI players during a 45-min match in moderate environmental conditions. Further research to investigate whether SCI players are more prone to heat illness is warranted.

Exercise Intensities of Gardening Tasks Within Older Adult Allotment Gardeners in Wales

Previous research has suggested that gardening activity could be an effective form of regular exercise for improving physical and psychological health in later life. However, there is a lack of data regarding the exercise intensities of various gardening tasks across different types of gardening and different populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the exercise intensity of gardening activity for older adult allotment gardeners in Wales, United Kingdom following a similar procedure used in previous studies conducted in the United States and South Korea by Park and colleagues (2008a; 2011). Oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy expenditure for six gardening tasks were measured via indirect calorimetery using the portable Oxycon mobile device. From these measures, estimated metabolic equivalent units (METs) were calculated. Consistent with Park et al. (2008a; 2011) the six gardening tasks were classified as low to moderate-high intensity physical activities based on their metabolic values (1.9-5.7 METs).

HYPOXIA-HYPEROXIA ADAPTATION AND INCREASED EXERCISE CAPACITY IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Aim.To assess effectiveness and safety of a new rehabilitation method — interval hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) — in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CCHD).Material and methods.This pilot study included 40 CCHD patients, Functional Class II–III (31 men and 9 women; mean age 61,7±7,7 years). The IHHT group (n=30) underwent 20 procedures (duration 40–50 minutes, 5 times a week), while the control group (n=10) underwent 20 similar placebo procedures. The REOXY device (AIMediqS.A., Luxemburg) was used for the creation of the gas mixtures with O2 content from 10% to 35–40%. At baseline and in the end of the treatment, individual hypoxia sensitivity was assessed in a 10-minute hypoxic test (HT). The IHHT procedure started with 5–7 minutes of mask inhalation of 12–11% О2, followed by 2–3 minutes of mask inhalation of 30% O2. The automatic switch between the gas mixtures followed the biological feedback principle; one procedure included 6–8 hypoxiahyperoxia cycles. Before and after the intervention phase, all participants underwent clinical and biochemical blood assay, rest ECG, submaximal treadmill test (time of the test, workload, and exercise capacity in metabolic equivalent units (MET)).Results.After the IHHT course, the main group demonstrated a significant increase in exercise capacity: test time increased by 34,1% (vs. —2,7% in controls), while exercise capacity (MET) increased by 15,8% (vs. 5,4% in controls), and the prevalence of angina attacks as the result of test termination significantly decreased. Improved exercise capacity was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, initially elevated blood pressure and resting heart rate, as well as with an elevated hypoxia tolerance threshold in the HT. In all participants, IHHT was well tolerated and free from adverse effects.Conclusion.The IHHT method increases exercise capacity in CCHDpatients, which is associated with lipid profile normalisation, blood pressure reduction, decreased number of angina attacks, and increased resistance to hypoxia.

Step-rate thresholds for physical activity intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

This study examined whether the relationship between metabolic equivalent units (METs) and step-rate is altered in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and developed step-rate thresholds for activity intensity for these persons. Participants were 24 persons with MS (20 women; age = 44 ± 12) and 24 healthy persons without MS (20 women; age = 41 ± 11). The MS group was divided using the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) into two walking impairment subgroups: (a) minimal (n = 13, MSWS-12 ≤ 12.5) and (b) mild-moderate (n = 11, MSWS-12 > 12.5). METs were measured with spirometry and step-rate with hand-tally. Step-rate, height, group, the step-rate by group interaction, and the square of step-rate significantly predicted METs. At a given height, the step-rate thresholds at 3 and 6 METs were lower for persons with minimal impairment than persons without MS and even lower for persons with mild-moderate impairment. The relationship between METs and step-rate is altered in persons with MS, lowering their step-rate thresholds for activity intensity, especially for persons with MS who have higher levels of walking impairment.

Step-rate thresholds for physical activity intensity in persons with multiple sclerosis.

This study examined whether the relationship between metabolic equivalent units (METs) and step-rate is altered in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and developed step-rate thresholds for activity intensity for these persons. Participants were 24 persons with MS (20 women; age = 44 ± 12) and 24 healthy persons without MS (20 women; age = 41 ± 11). The MS group was divided using the 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) into two walking impairment subgroups: (a) minimal (n = 13, MSWS-12 ≤ 12.5) and (b) mild-moderate (n = 11, MSWS-12 > 12.5). METs were measured with spirometry and step-rate with hand-tally. Step-rate, height, group, the step-rate by group interaction, and the square of step-rate significantly predicted METs. At a given height, the step-rate thresholds at 3 and 6 METs were lower for persons with minimal impairment than persons without MS and even lower for persons with mild-moderate impairment. The relationship between METs and step-rate is altered in persons with MS, lowering their step-rate thresholds for activity intensity, especially for persons with MS who have higher levels of walking impairment.