One-mile Walk Test Research Articles

A Pre-Post Study Design Exploring the Potential Benefits of a Hiking Intervention for Active and Inactive Older Adults.

Physical activity (PA) is essential for healthy aging, yet PA levels are low in older adults. Group-based nature programming may be an ideal opportunity for engaging older adults in PA and improving health-related quality of life. Twenty-seven older adults, 55-75years of age (n = 14 active and n = 13 previously inactive), enrolled in a biweekly 8-week hiking program. At baseline, participants completed online questionnaires on health-related quality of life, behavioral and psychological outcomes, and a one-mile walk test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. Average attendance was 81% in the previously inactive groups and 74% in the active group. There was a significant increase in the physical component of quality of life over time in the previously inactive group (p = .03, d = 0.71). Participants significantly improved their cardiorespiratory fitness (p = .003, d = 0.77) and competency (p = .005, d = 0.41) as assessed by the Basic Psychological Needs for Exercise Scale. The previously inactive group additionally increased their self-efficacy for exercise (p = .001, d = 1.43). Both active and previously inactive groups exercised at a similar relative intensity during the hikes based on heart rate; however, perceived exertion at the end of the hike on average was lower among active participants (p = .014). Group-based hiking for previously inactive older adults significantly improved physical health-related quality of life over an 8-week biweekly intervention. Hiking at an individualized pace may allow for hiking to be an appropriate PA program in previously inactive older adults.

C-Reactive Protein Is Associated with Physical Fitness in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background: Physical fitness (PF) is an expression of the physiological functioning of multiple body components. PF is an important prognostic factor in terms of cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality. PF has been related to some biomarkers in the general population but not in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Purpose: To evaluate the effects of PF on biomarkers potentially related to physical activity (PA) in a sample of BCS. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 84 BCS (mean age 54) who had finished their treatment were recruited. Different components of PF were evaluated, namely body composition (anthropometry), cardiorespiratory fitness (one-mile walk test), muscular (handgrip and sit-to-stand timed test), and motor (gait speed) components. Sexual hormones, inflammation, and insulin resistance biomarkers were measured. Results: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) was associated with every component of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness (p-value = 0.002), muscular (sit-to-stand timed test, p-value = 0.002) and motor (gait speed, p-value = 0.004) components, and body composition (body mass index, p-value = 0.003; waist, p-value < 0.000; and waist-to-hip index, p-value = 0.012). CRP also was associated with “poor physical condition,” a constructed variable that encompasses all components of physical fitness (p-value < 0.001). Insulin was associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and gait speed (p-values = 0.002 and 0.024, respectively). Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 was negatively associated with waist perimeter and waist-to-hip ratio. Conclusions: CRP can also be considered an indicator of poor PF in BCS. Implications for cancer survivors: in case of elevation of CRP indicating cardiovascular risk, health professionals should recommend lifestyle changes to improve BCS physical condition.

1564P Cancer-related fatigue in colorectal cancer patients at the time of diagnosis

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of most prevalent and distressing symptoms among cancer survivors. It is a subjective experience that should be systematically evaluated in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The PERFORM questionnaire (PQ) was developed among Spanish speaking patients for the assessment of fatigue. It ranges from 12-60, with higher scores indicating less fatigue. PQ scores lower than 46 are associated with poor quality of life. Controversy exists regarding the influence of gender, primary tumour and also the effect of oncological treatments in CRF. Information about CRF at the time of diagnosis is lacking and could be essential to anticipate recommendations and to manage CRF during oncological treatment and after it. Cross-sectional study. Patients with recent diagnosis of CRC, ECOG 0-2, able to walk a mile and willing to wear an accelerometer could be included. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated through the one-mile walk test. Muscular strength was evaluated through dynamometry (handgrip) and through the sit to stand test. Patients who completed PQ are analyzed. 188 (125 male/63 female) patients were included. 111 stage II-III/ 77 stage IV. Average score for the total population was 51. There were significant differences (p < 0.00) between men (PQ 52.9) and women (PQ 46.5). However, there were no differences between patients with metastatic (50.5) and localized (51.4) CRC. Some variables related with physical condition, namely BMI, waist perimeter, handgrip and sit to stand test were associated with PQ scores of fatigue. However weekly physical activity, basal heart rate and cardiorespiratory condition were not associated with fatigue. Fatigue is a prevalent symptom among women with a recent diagnosis of CRC before initiating chemotherapy. In the total population, gender (male), BMI (higher) and muscular strength were associated with less fatigue. However cardiorespiratory fitness and weekly PA were not associated with fatigue at the time of CRC diagnosis. Surprisingly, metastatic patients do not report more fatigue than patients with localized disease. Screening of fatigue is specially recommended in women at the time of diagnosis of CRC.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in breast cancer survivors after treatment: A focus on physical condition.

e24087 Background: Fatigue is one of the most distressing symptoms among breast cancer survivors (BCS) after finishing their treatment. Besides cancer-related factors, fatigue may be influenced by socio-demographic, physical, medical, psychological and behavioural variables. Exercise is recommended to manage CRF. Methods: PH-UEM02 and PH-UEM06 were prospective observational studies in BCS after finishing their treatments. Fatigue was evaluated through the Perform Questionnaire (12-60, being 60 no fatigue). Anthropometry, physical condition (PC) and physical activity (PA) were objectively evaluated. One-mile walk test (MWT), handgrip and sit to stand were used to assess PC. PA was measured by using accelerometers. Clinical data (treatments) were obtained from the clinical record. Socio-economic, diet (PREDIMED questionnaire) and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) were reported by BCS. Results: 201 BCS were recruited (age 51±9, BMI 25.9±4, median time from diagnosis 22 months). 73% had been treated with chemo, 66% anthracyclines, 20% trastuzumab, 66% radiotherapy, 81% hormone (24% aromatase inhibitors). Mean PERFORM score (45.6/60). Adherence to Mediterranean diet (9.1/14). EORTC Global score (68.9/100). No association with age, socio-economic or marital status, previous chemo, anthracyclines or radiotherapy, WPA, estimated VO2max, handgrip, sit to stand or PREDIMED score was found. Weight, trastuzumab and MWT time were positively associated with fatigue (&lt;.05). Time from diagnosis, basal and recovery heart rate, global QOL-EORTC were negatively associated. An interesting negative association with nut intake was found (&lt;.05). 42% had a fatigue score (&lt; 45) associated with QOL scores under the normative values for the Spanish population. Conclusions: 1. Prevalence of significant CRF in mid-term BCS is around 40%. Weight was a positive predictor. CRF diminishes along the time and has a strong impact on QoL. 2. Regarding PC/PA, only the time spent in MWT predicted fatigue. Neither WPA, estimated VO2MAX or muscular strength were associated with fatigue. 3. Regarding previous treatments, only trastuzumab was associated with CRF. 4. Interestingly heart rate (both basal and recovery) and nut intake were strongly associated with CRF. 5. More research is warranted in heart rate variability and potential related biomarkers. [Table: see text]

THE EFFECT OF A 24-WEEK GREEK TRADITIONAL DANCES PROGRAM ON THE CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS OF ADULT PEOPLE

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a Greek traditional dances program on adult people cardiorespiratory fitness. For this purpose, 40 sedentary healthy adults, 23 women and 17 men, aged 35-55 years, who didn’t participate in any group or individual exercise, physical activity or dancing program for the past six months, were randomly chosen and separated to an experimental and a control group. The subjects of the experimental group (n=20, 12 women and 8 men) attended a Greek traditional dances program of moderate intensity, at a frequency of three training sessions per week, for 60 minutes each, while the subjects of the control group (n=20, 11 women and 9 men) were asked to continue their daily habits for the same period. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO 2 max) was assessed for both groups before and after the 24-week period by the implementation of the Rockport one-mile walk test. Before and after the 24-week period, resting heart rate (RHR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were, also, measured. For the statistical analysis the Statistical Package for Social Sciences ver. 23.0 for windows was used. No significant difference was found in the baseline measures between the two groups. After the participation in the 24-week Greek traditional dances program, VO 2 max of the experimental group increased significantly from 35,95 + 4,3 ml/kg/min to 38,91 + 3,7 ml/kg/min (t=-6,204, p 0,05), and SBP decreased from 125,6 + 7,7 mmHg to 122,6 + 7,7 mmHg (t=2,198, p<0,05). No significant difference was found after the 24-week period for the control group. The results allow us to use Greek traditional dances as an alternative and, also, effective form of physical activity that may help in improving aerobic capacity and may bring favorable changes in cardiorespiratory status of adult people. Article visualizations:

Comparison of Rockport one-mile walk test and McArdle step test for the prediction of VO2max

Background: There are various field tests to predict VO2max. The Rockport one-mile walk test and McArdle step test are among them, which are easy to administer and give good result. The purpose of this study was to see the differences in the result of VO2max predicted by Rockport one-mile walk test and McArdle step test in the adult North Indian population. Methodology: A total of sixty college/university students from North India, between the age group of 18 and 25 years, were divided into two equal groups of thirty each. Group A performed Rockport one-mile walk test and Group B performed McArdle step test. Results and Analysis: The mean age (years), height (cm), weight (kg), and VO2max (ml/kg/min) of Group A were 19.73 (±1.34), 172.37 (±8.52), 63.23 (±11.01), and 55.47 (±3.73), respectively, whereas the mean age (years), height (cm), weight (kg), and VO2max (ml/kg/min) of Group B were 19.30 (±1.02), 174.17 (±7.56), 70.03 (±7.11), and 53.12 (±9.37), respectively. T-test applied between both groups, and there is no statistically significant difference found in age (0.164), height (0.392), weight (0.006), and VO2max (0.206) between both groups. Conclusion: This study has concluded that there is no difference between the Rockport one-mile walk test and McArdle step test for the prediction of VO2max. Hence, we can use any of the tests, either Rockport one-mile walk or McArdle step test, for calculating VO2max in any individuals.

Cardio-respiratory fitness and functional performance in patients with a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

804 Background: Physical capability describes the ability to do the physical tasks of everyday living. Oncologists usually evaluate physical capability through anamnesis generating a performance status (PS) score. Some authors have proposed the use of cardiorespiratory reserve, muscular strength and objective evaluation of physical activity to avoid the subjective, unreliable and non-reproducible condition of PS. Methods: Patients with a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer who accepted to participate were evaluated at the hospital setting. Walking speed was evaluated through both one-mile walk test and six-minute walk test. VO2max was calculated through the Kilne formula. Muscular strength was measured through dynamometry (hand-grip) and “sit to stand” test. Physical activity was objectively evaluated with accelerometers. Fatigue was evaluated through the PERFORM questionnaire (12-60). ECOG was evaluated by the medical oncologist. Results: 100 pats were recruited between March 15 and Jul 17. ECOG O/1/2 (80/14/2). 40 (40 %) were metastatic. Mean age 66 (25-81), Sex M/F; 68/32. Conclusions: Objective evaluation of physical condition is feasible at the hospital setting. There were no differences in BMI, heart rate, fatigue, muscular strength and objective functional performance (weekly PA) between localized and metastatic CRC. In metastatic pts with an excellent ECOG-PS the time to walk one mile and the estimated VO2max could be more sensitive than ECOG to evaluate the functional capacity impairment. In pts with cancer the One- mile walk test could be superior to the Six-minute walk to estimate the cardiorespiratory fitness. The objective evaluation of physical condition is a useful additional tool to select pts for aggressive therapies. [Table: see text]

Cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors (CS) with no active treatment.

238 Background: Fatigue is a subjective experience that should be systematically assessed at the initial visit, at regular intervals and as clinically indicated. Quality of fatigue management should be included in institutional continuous quality improvement projects. The PERFORM questionnaire (PQ) was developed among Spanish speaking patients for the assessment of fatigue. Methods: Outpatients recruited for projects in which physical condition and physical activity (PA) were evaluated, rated their fatigue severity on the PQ (12-60, being 60 no fatigue). PHUEM-01 evaluated early colon CS after finishing adjuvant treatment (AT). PHUEM-02 early breast CS at the end of AT. PH-UEM-03 evaluated colorectal CS (localized and metastatic) at the time of diagnosis. MS-04 evaluated fatigue at the time of diagnosis of different tumors (localized and metastatic). Physical condition was evaluated through the one-mile walk test (VO2MAX) and handgrip dynamometer. Heart rate was measured as a sign of autonomic dysfunction. PA was objectively evaluated through accelerometers generating weekly MVPA information. Results: 262 CS (63% women) were recruited, (110 breast, 119 colorectal, 14 other), mean age 60. 30% of survivors reported no fatigue. Mean PERFORM score 48,34; VO2max 25.5 ml/kg/min; handgrip 29,14 kg; HR 75 bpm. Women, younger CS, CS with worse physical condition, higher BMI, higher HR and less active CS reported more fatigue (only sex, handgrip strength and weekly PA were statistically significant for the overall population). Breast CS reported higher scores of fatigue than colorectal CS (p &lt; 0.000). For breast CS there was an association between fatigue and HR which was not seen in the overall population. Metastatic colorectal did not report worse scores of fatigue than CS with localized tumors. Conclusions: As a subjective symptom, fatigue is unpredictable and its severity and interference with daily activities can be bothersome in an unexpected population (young CS, early stages) with no active treatment. More physically active and fitter CS are less fatigued. Mechanisms underlying cancer-related fatigue could be different for different tumors. More research in prevalence, evaluation, mechanisms and management of fatigue is needed.

Effect of resistance training volume on walking speed performance in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

Low muscle strength and high abdominal fatness play an important role in fast and usual walking speeds decrement in postmenopausal women (PW). Low-volume resistance training (RT) improves muscle strength. However, high-volume RT has shown to improve muscle strength and abdominal fatness in PW. Thus, high-volume RT would elicit greater improvement in fast and usual walking speeds than low-volume RT. ObjectiveTo confirm whether the high-volume RT is better than the low-volume RT, we performed a randomized controlled trial (clinical trial registration: RBR-8SBBVP) study to investigated the effects of two different RT volumes (three sets vs. six sets) on fast and usual walking speed performances (fast: one-mile walk test and usual: four-meter walk), muscle strength (1RM test), and abdominal fatness (WC – waist circumference; WC/W waist circumference-to-weight ratio; WHtR – waist-to-height ratio; ABSI – A body shape index; BRI – body roundness index; CI – conicity index) in PW. MethodsThirty-three PW were randomized (simple randomization) in three groups: control group (CT – no exercise), low-volume RT (LV) and high-volume RT (HV). The RT consisted of eight total body exercises at 70% of one repetition maximum for 16weeks performed three times a week. ResultsThe fast walking speed (6.1% [CI 95% 2.3–9.9]), WC (−4.1% [CI 95% −6.9 to −1.4]), WHtR (−4.2% [CI 95% −7.0 to −1.4]) and BRI (−10.3% [CI 95% −17.3 to −3.4]) improved in the HV when compared to the LV and CT. The WC/W (−3.7% [CI 95% −6.5 to −0.93]), ABSI (−3.8% [CI 95% −6.5 to −1.2]) and CI (−3.9% [CI 95% −6.6 to −1.3]) improved in the HV when compared to the CT. Muscle strength improved similarly in trained groups (LV: 49.1% [CI 95% 42.5–55.6] and HV: 43.7% [CI 95% 33.0–54.5]) when compared with the CT. No differences were observed in usual walking speed. ConclusionOur results suggest that high-volume RT (six sets) at 70% of 1RM is necessary to promote an improved fast walking speed performance and abdominal fatness in PW.

Cardiorespiratory fitness of inmates of a maximum security prison in Nigeria

Prisoners are a special population group who have limited freedom and are subjected to restrictions. They may not be able to enjoy health enhancing leisure and recreational activities or exercise of their choice or at a time they desire. The aim of this study is to determine the level of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison; and also to determine the effects of age, gender, and period of incarceration on CRF. A total of 247 apparently healthy inmates of Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison participated in the 2 study. The subjects performed a one-mile walk test from which their VO max was derived using a nomogram. The results show that the prison inmates appear to have a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. The male inmates were found to have higher cardiorespiratory fitness than their female counterparts, but no significant relationship was found between CRF and period of incarceration, or between CRF and the age of the inmates. The cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of the prison inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison is good. Further investigation of the influence of other potential variables of physical activity such as vocational facilities and sporting opportunities on the CRF of prison inmates in Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison is necessary. Keywords: prison inmates, incarceration, cardiorespiratory fitness, vocational training

Influence of training status and eNOS haplotypes on plasma nitrite concentrations in normotensive older adults: a hypothesis-generating study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between 3 eNOS gene polymorphisms and training status (TS) in affecting plasma nitrite concentration (NO2) in normotensive adults over 50 years old. Resting blood pressure (BP) was measured in all participants (n = 101). Plasma was taken to analyze: lipid profile, nitrite concentration (NO2) and lipid peroxide levels (T-BARS). Also, genomic DNA was extracted from plasma for genotyping NOS3 polymorphisms (-786T>C; 894G>T; and VNTR in intron 4). TS was determined by one-mile walk test and Functional Fitness Test Battery from AAHPERD (TS1-regular TS; TS2-good TS; and TS3-very good TS). BP was not influenced by TS, but NO2 was 15% higher in TS3 (123 ± 27 nM) compared to TS-2 (106 ± 22 nM). No differences were found in plasma NO2 in the haplotype analyses. However, the presence of the C allele (T-786C) and ASP allele (Glu298Asp) was found to enhance the correlation between TS and NO2 levels (r = 0.492 in C/4b/ASP haplotype and r = 0.855 in C/4a/ASP haplotype). This study thus identifies NOS3 polymorphism-dependent sensitivity to the effects of physical training on plasma NO2. Maintenance of good levels of training status, in carriers of C allele for T-786C polymorphism, combined with ASP allele for Glu298Asp polymorphism, may result in an increase in the NO2 plasma concentrations, which may reflect improved NO bioavailability in older adult normotensive individuals.

Validade e reprodutibilidade do Teste de Caminhada da Milha para idosas de 70 a 79 anos

The purpose of this study was to verify the reliability and concurrent validity of the One-Mile Walk Test (OMWT) (The Rockport Fitness Walk Test, Kline et al., 1987), as a preditor of the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) among women aged 70 to 79 years. The study used a convenient sample, composed by 30 healthy seniors from Florianópolis, SC. Data collection was structured in three phases: 1) answering questionnaires on sociodemographics, on readiness for physical activity (PAR-Q) and on physical activity level (IPAQ). Anthropometric variables were measured and the participant performed the first evaluation of the RFWT. Afterwards, the subject visited the laboratory for a treadmill walk and for a trial of the equipments (K4 b2 - COSMED) to be used during the stress test (ST) for directly measuring the VO2max; 2) the seniors performed the ST following an incremental test protocol, from 2.4 km.h-1 to 5.6 km.h-1 with grades varying from 0% to 15%; 3) the second RFWT. The statistical analyses included the criteria suggested by Lohman (1992) for validity and the procedures were performed using the SPSS (v. 7.5) and MedCalc (v. 9.1). The level of significance was established at 5%. For reliability, the generalized (GE) and sex-specific equations (SSE) presented high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC=0.942 and 0.948, p &lt; 0,001) for predicted VO2max and low standard error of the estimate (1.14 and 1.48 ml O2.kg-1.min-1). For validity, the predicted VO2max was underestimated by both equations (GE=17.11±5.97 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; SSE=17.15±4.99 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 vs measured VO2max=26.67±3.53 ml O2.kg-1.min-1) (p &lt; 0.001), and low correlation coeficients (r=0.488 and 0.471) between predicted and measured VO2max were observed. The equations presented high constant error (-9.56 and –9.53 ml O2.kg-1.min-1), with only 16.7% of agreement between the methods. Therefore, the RFWT was reliable, however, not valid for predicting VO2max among active elderly women aged 70 to 79 years.

Validity and reliability of the one-mile walk test (the Rockport Fitness Walk Test) among 70-to-79 year old women

The purpose of this study was to verify the reliability and concurrent validity of the One-Mile Walk Test (OMWT) (The Rockport Fitness Walk Test, Kline et al., 1987), as a preditor of the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) among women aged 70 to 79 years. The study used a convenient sample, composed by 30 healthy seniors from Florianopolis, SC. Data collection was structured in three phases: 1) answering questionnaires on sociodemographics, on readiness for physical activity (PAR-Q) and on physical activity level (IPAQ). Anthropometric variables were measured and the participant performed the first evaluation of the RFWT. Afterwards, the subject visited the laboratory for a treadmill walk and for a trial of the equipments (K4 b2 - COSMED) to be used during the stress test (ST) for directly measuring the VO2max; 2) the seniors performed the ST following an incremental test protocol, from 2.4 km.h-1 to 5.6 km.h-1 with grades varying from 0% to 15%; 3) the second RFWT. The statistical analyses included the criteria suggested by Lohman (1992) for validity and the procedures were performed using the SPSS (v. 7.5) and MedCalc (v. 9.1). The level of significance was established at 5%. For reliability, the generalized (GE) and sex-specific equations (SSE) presented high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC=0.942 and 0.948, p < 0,001) for predicted VO2max and low standard error of the estimate (1.14 and 1.48 ml O2.kg-1.min-1). For validity, the predicted VO2max was underestimated by both equations (GE=17.11±5.97 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; SSE=17.15±4.99 ml O2.kg-1.min-1 vs measured VO2max=26.67±3.53 ml O2.kg-1.min-1) (p < 0.001), and low correlation coeficients (r=0.488 and 0.471) between predicted and measured VO2max were observed. The equations presented high constant error (-9.56 and –9.53 ml O2.kg-1.min-1), with only 16.7% of agreement between the methods. Therefore, the RFWT was reliable, however, not valid for predicting VO2max among active elderly women aged 70 to 79 years.

How Much Structured Physical Activity Do Non-Amish Adults Need in Order to Meet the Activity Level of Amish Adults?

The Amish have low rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors, which has been attributed to their active lifestyles. How this activity level relates to non-agrarian workers is unknown. PURPOSE: To determine how much structured physical activity non-Amish adults need in order to equal activity levels of Amish adults. METHODS: Twenty adults (18 to 65 years) completed the Rockport One-Mile Walk Test to assess baseline aerobic fitness. To assess baseline physical activity levels, each subject wore a pedometer during waking hours for one week. Daily logs were used to record total structured and unstructured steps/day and minutes/day of physical activity. The subsequent week, subjects were instructed to increase their activity as need in order to equal the reported steps/day of the Amish (>14,000 steps/day for females and >18,000 steps/day for males). RESULTS: Week 1 steps/day for males was 11,584 (7,444 unstructured/4,134 structured) and for females was 11,184 (6,733 unstructured/4,456 structured), respectively. During Week 2, males increased their total steps/day to 18,654 (7,510 unstructured/11,146 structured) and females increased total steps/day to 14,755 (6,611 unstructured/8,578 structured), respectively. In order to meet the target steps/day, males increased their structured exercise time from 43 to 116 and females from 39 to 73 minutes/day. CONCLUSION: In order to meet the physical activity levels of the Amish, non- Amish adults need to increase the amount of structured physical activity substantially.

Does the C34T Mutation in AMPD1 Alter Exercise Capacity in the Elderly?

Ageing does affect functional capacity through several changes at the peripheral muscle level that impair the muscles capacity to produce energy and generate force. The skeletal muscle-specific isoform of AMP deaminase (AMPD) plays an important regulatory role in muscle metabolism and in determining energy charge. Since nearly 20 % of the general Caucasian population is heterozygous (CT) for the most common C34T mutation of the gene (AMPD1) encoding for this enzyme, it would be worthwhile to study if such a condition further increases the effects of ageing. Twenty-one women (61 - 80 yrs) served as subjects, and depending on the results of previous genotyping, were assigned to a group with the C34T mutation (heterozygous; n=4; mean+/-SEM age: 71+/-1 yrs) or with no mutation (n=17; 68+/-1 yrs). Several indices of maximal (peak oxygen uptake [V.O (2 peak)], peak power output) and submaximal endurance performance (ventilatory threshold, mechanical efficiency) and functional tests (one-mile walk test and a specific test of lower-body functional performance [sit-stand test]) were compared between the two groups. No significant differences were found in exercise capacity between both groups, e. g. V.O (2 peak) of 19.1+/-1.0 vs. 20.1+/-1.9 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1), V.O (2) at the VT of 11.9+/-0.6 vs. 12.9+/-1.0 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1), or time to complete the one-mile walk test (951+/-18 s vs. 962+/-61 s) and sit-stand test (9.9+/-0.2 vs. 9.2+/-0.2) (no mutation vs. C34T mutation, respectively). Although more research is necessary, it seems that the C34T mutation of the AMPD1, at least in heterozygous individuals, does not affect functional capacity in the elderly.

Physical activity among breast cancer survivors: regular exercisers vs participants in a physical activity intervention

Secondary prevention is of great importance in the cancer survivor population, given the substantial medical risks survivors face. Consequently, researchers have begun developing interventions that target behavioral risk factors, such as sedentary lifestyle, among survivors. This study represents a novel approach for evaluating the efficacy of a physical activity intervention for breast cancer survivors. Repeated measures analyses were used to compare a group of previously sedentary breast cancer survivors offered a physical activity intervention (n=43) with a group of regularly active survivors (n=40). These two groups were compared on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity. Results indicated significant time x group effects on the following: behavioral processes of change, minutes of moderate-intensity activity/week, and time to complete the one-mile walk test (a measure of fitness). There was also a borderline significant interaction for self-efficacy. Contrasts indicated that, for each interaction, previously sedentary and regularly active survivors differed at baseline, but were not significantly different postintervention. Thus, after completing a 12-week physical activity intervention, previously sedentary breast cancer survivors became similar to regularly active survivors on select behavioral and psychosocial measures associated with physical activity.

VALIDATION OF A TREADMILL WALKING TEST TO ESTIMATE CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN OBESE ADULTS

The One-Mile Walk Test (Kine et al.) is accepted as a valid method for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness. An equation and procedures for use of this test on a treadmill were recently developed and validated in over 300 adults (Pober et al. 2001). PURPOSE: To determine if the treadmill walk test (“treadwalk”) provides a valid estimation of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in unfit and overweight/obese individuals. METHODS: Sixty-six sedentary adults (14 male/52 female, 41 ± 10 years) who had a BMI of > 30 kg/m2) performed both a sympton-limited maximal exercise test using respiratory gas analysis and a one mile treadmill walk test on different days. Prior to the treadwalk test, all volunteers performed a familiarization trial where they were asked to walk at the “fastest comfortable speed that could be maintained for one mile” and the corresponding time it would take to complete a mile (at that speed) was calculated and used during the treadwalk test. The average heart rate determined by ECG during the last two minutes of the mile walk, time to complete one mile, body weight, gender, and activity status were used to predict VO2peak. RESULTS: Ninety-eight percent (65/66) of the subjects successfully completed the one-mile protocol without any abnormal cardiovascular responses or undue fatigue and one person stopped due to leg fatigue. The correlation between the treadwalk predicted VO2peak (22.1 ± 7.4 ml'kg−1 min−1) and measured VO2peak (19.4 ± 4.4 ml kg−1min−1) was r = 0.81 (SEE = ± 4.6 ml kg−1; mean residual = −2.7 ml kg−1min−1). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the One-Mile Treadmill Walk Test provides a safe and valid means of estimating VO2peak in sedentary, obese adults. Since walking is a preferred form of exercise for most adults, including those interested in weight loss, this test is a practical method of assessing aerobic fitness in this population.

Effects of Pacing vs. Nonpacing on a One-Mile Walk Test in Adults with Mental Retardation

The purpose was to compare heart rates and completion times of adults with MR after performing a 1-mi walk test with and without a pacer. Fifteen participants (8 males, 7 females) with mild or moderate mental retardation (M age = 38.8 years ± 10.2) performed the test a minimum of two times with a pacer and two times without a pacer. Analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between genders; thus data were combined for further analysis. Intraclass reliability coefficients (R) for walk time with a pacer, walk time without a pacer, heart rate with a pacer, and heart rate without a pacer were .99, .99, .91, and .95, respectively. Results indicated that the average walk times for the pacer and no pacer conditions were significantly different, t (14) = 3.11, p = .008. The pacer condition resulted in a faster average walk time by approximately 1 min; however, there was no significant difference between conditions on heart rate. Therefore, it is recommended that, when having adults with MR perform a walk test, a pacer should be used to assure maximum performance.

The Validity of a One-Mile Walk Test for High School Age Individuals

The purpose of this study was to validate a one-mile walk (1-MW) test for high school age individuals. Twenty-one students completed the 1-MW on two separate occasions. Forty-four students completed one 1-MW and a modified Balke walking treadmill test to volitional fatigue; the mean (M) of maximal oxygen comsumption (VO2max) = 45.39, standard deviation (SD) = 8.26 mL · kg-1 · min-1. VO2max values were predicted from the 1-MW results using the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. (1987) Rockport Fitness Walking Test (RFWT) equation (M = 46.91, SD = 6.38 mL · kg-1 · min-1) and the Dolgener, Hensley, Marsh, and Fjelstul equation (1994; M = 39.88, SD = 5.87 mL · kg-1 · min-1). Intraclass stability reliability coefficients were .91 for the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equation and .97 for the Dolgener et al. equation. The validity coefficient was r =.84, standard errors of the estimate (SEE) = 4.50, Error = 7.16, and 38.6% of the measured VO2max values fell within ±4.5 mL · kg-1 · min-1 of the estimated VO2max values for the Dolgener et al. equation. Comparable values for the Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equation were r = .80, SEE = 4.99, Error = 5.17, and % = 65.9. The difference between the measured VO2max and the values estimated from the Dolgener et al. and Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. equations, respectively, were t(43) = -7.91, p < .0001 and t(43) = 2.02, p = .05. Using the FITNESSGRAM® (Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research, 1992) standards and the two estimated VO2max values from Kline, Porcari, Hintermeister, et al. (1987), a 100% proportion of agreement was achieved for criterion-referenced reliability. Similarly, a 91% proportion of correct classification decisions with a phi coefficient of .76 was determined for criterion-referenced validity between the measured and RFWT estimated VO2max values. It was concluded that the 1-MW is an acceptable test of cardiorespiratory fitness for high school aged individuals, if VO2max is estimated from the RFWT equation.

Estimation of &amp;OV0312;O2max from a one-mile track walk, gender, age, and body weight

The purpose of this investigation was to explore an alternative field test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) using a one-mile walk test. VO2max was determined in 343 healthy adult (males = 165, females = 178) subjects 30 to 69 yr using a treadmill protocol (mean +/- SD: VO2max = 37.0 +/- 10.7 ml X kg-1 X min-1). Each subject performed a minimum of two, one-mile track walks as fast as possible. The two fastest walks (T1, T2) with elapsed times within 30 s were used for subsequent analyses. Heart rates were monitored continuously and recorded every one-quarter mile. Multiple regression analysis (best sub-sets) to estimate VO2max (l X min-1) yielded the following predictor variables: track walk-1 time (T1); fourth quarter heart rate for track walk-1 (HR 1-4); age (yr); weight (lb); and sex (1 = male, 0 = female). The best equation (N = 174) was: VO2max = 6.9652 + (0.0091*WT) - (0.0257*AGE) + (0.5955*SEX) - (0.2240*T1) - (0.0115*HR1-4); r = 0.93, SEE = 0.325 l X min-1. Comparing observed and estimated VO2max values in a cross-validation group (N = 169) resulted in r = 0.92, SEE = 0.355 l X min-1. Generalized and sex-specific equations to estimate VO2max (ml X kg-1 X min-1) were also generated. The accuracy of estimation as expressed by SEE was similar among the equations. The results indicate that this one-mile walk test protocol provides a valid sub-maximum assessment for VO2max estimation.