Peak Walking Research Articles

Outcomes following supervised exercise and home-based exercise for patients with intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication (IC) is the most common symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which presents as a consequence of muscle ischaemia resulting from the atherosclerotic obstruction to arterial flow. High-quality evidence (Lane etal., 2017) shows that exercise programmes provide important benefits compared with usual care in improving pain-free and maximum walking distance in people with IC, but do not improve ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI). Retrospective data were analysed to examine walking and ABPI outcomes for participants who completed a 12-week course of supervised or home-based exercise. All participants had a history of IC. 46 participants (mean age 69±11 years; 76% male; 29% current smokers) referred for exercise were assessed, completed a 12-week course of exercise (home-based or supervised) and subsequently attended for re-assessment. Claudication onset distance (COD) increased by 363% (mean improvement 344.7±265.1m; p<.001) and peak walking distance (PWD) by 324.4% in the supervised exercise group; COD increased by 30.6% (mean improvement 32.8±57.2m; p=0.026) and PWD by 31.5% in the home-based exercise group. Resting ABPI for the total cohort significantly improved from 0.82±0.25 at A1 to 0.88±0.25 at A2 (p=0.027). A 12-week course of supervised exercise results in significantly greater walking distance outcomes (COD and PWD) than unmonitored home-based exercise. In contrast with previous findings (Lane etal. 2017), this retrospective study demonstrated a significant improvement in resting ABPI with both supervised exercise as well as home-based exercise. A 12-week programme of exercise favourably influenced walking and ABPI outcomes for patients with IC. Both home-based exercise and supervised individualised exercise increased walking distances, but the magnitude of the improvement in walking outcomes was greater in individuals who attended supervised exercise therapy.

Impaired Modulation of Motor and Functional Performance in Patients after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Observational Study.

Submaximal levels of effort are required for the performance of the most common daily tasks. Inaccuracy in modulating motor outputs during submaximal tasks has been reported as indicator of safety during daily activities in subjects with lower limb musculoskeletal disorders. The study is aimed at investigating performance modulation ability during motor and functional tasks in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Sixteen patients with end-stage osteoarthritis undergoing TKA and twenty age-matched healthy participants performed isokinetic knee extension, sit-to-stand, and walking tasks at three levels of self-estimated effort (100%, 50%, and 25%) the day before (T0) and 4 days after surgery (T1). Maximum performance in terms of peak torque (PT—knee extension), overshoot (OS—sit-to-stand), and walking speed was evaluated. Subsequently, relative error (RE) between target and observed performance was computed for the submaximal tasks (RE50% and RE25%). Our results showed a decline of maximum performance after surgery, which resulted lower in patients compared to healthy subjects. RE50% and RE25% for knee extension (involved limb) (p < 0.001) and RE25% for sit-to-stand (p < 0.001) increased from pre- to postsurgery. At T0, knee extension RE25% and walking RE50% and RE25% were higher in patients. At T1, RE50% and RE25% were higher in patients for knee extension (involved limb), sit-to-stand, and walking. In conclusion, the ability to modulate motor and functional performance decreased after TKA and resulted impaired when compared to healthy age-matched subjects. Based on relationship between ability to modulate motor outputs and risk of falling, the role of modulation ability as indicator of readiness for discharge and safe return to daily activities deserves further investigations in patients in early phase after TKA.

Exercise Dose and Aerobic Fitness Response in Alzheimer's Dementia: Findings from the FIT-AD Trial.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-month cycling aerobic exercise intervention on cardiorespiratory fitness and the dose-response relationship in community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia. The FIT-AD trial was a single blind, 2-parallel group, pilot randomized controlled trial. The aerobic exercise group participated in a 6-month, thrice weekly, moderate-vigorous intensity cycling intervention while control group performed stretching. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated by peak oxygen consumption from cardiopulmonary exercise test and peak walking distance from the shuttle walk test and 6-minute walk test. Aerobic exercise dose was calculated using the novel heart rate physical activity score. The aerobic exercise group significantly increased peak oxygen consumption (1.28 ml/kg/min; p=0.03) in subgroup who achieved maximal criteria on cardiopulmonary exercise test. Changes in peak oxygen consumption and peak walking distance on the shuttle walk and 6-minute walk tests did not significantly differ between aerobic exercise and stretching groups. Notably, the aerobic exercise dose was strongly and significantly correlated to change in peak oxygen consumption (r=0.60; n=16; p=0.01), in subset who met maximal test criteria. Emphasis on exercise dose is needed in aerobic exercise programs to maximize cardiorespiratory fitness gains in persons with mild-moderate Alzheimer's dementia.

Thirty-second sit-to-stand test as an alternative for estimating peak oxygen uptake and 6-min walking distance in women with breast cancer: a cross-sectional study.

PurposeTo determine whether the 30-s sit-to-stand (30STS) test can be a valid tool for estimating and stratifying peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and 6-min walking distance (6MWD) in women with breast cancer.MethodsThis cross-sectional study uses data from the ONCORE randomized controlled trial, including 120 women aged 18–70 years with early-stage breast cancer under treatment with anthracycline and/or anti-HER2 antibodies. Participant characteristics were collected at baseline and pooled data from functional assessment (30STS test, relative and absolute VO2peak, and 6MWD) were collected at baseline and post-intervention (comprehensive cardio-oncology rehabilitation program vs. usual care). Bivariate correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to study the relationship between functional test variables.ResultsThe number of repetitions in the 30STS test showed (i) a moderate correlation with relative VO2peak (ml/kg/min) (r = 0.419; p < 0.001; n = 126), (ii) a weak correlation with absolute VO2peak (ml/min) (r = 0.241; p = 0.008; n = 120), and (iii) a moderate correlation with the 6MWD (r = 0.440; p < 0.001; n = 85). The ONCORE equations obtained from the multivariate regression models allowed the estimation of VO2peak and 6MWD (r2 = 0.390; r2 = 0.261, respectively) based on the 30STS test, and its stratification into tertiles (low, moderate, and high).ConclusionThe 30STS test was found to be a useful tool to estimate VO2peak and/or 6MWD in women with early-stage breast cancer. Its use may facilitate the assessment and stratification of functional capacity in this population for the implementation of therapeutic exercise programs if cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) or 6MWT are not available.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03964142. Registered on 28 May 2019. Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03964142

Impact of supervised exercise on skeletal muscle blood flow and vascular function measured with MRI in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Supervised exercise is a common therapeutic intervention for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), however, the mechanism underlying the improvement in claudication symptomatology is not completely understood. The hypothesis that exercise improves microvascular blood flow is herein tested via temporally resolved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement of blood flow and oxygenation dynamics during reactive hyperemia in the leg with the lower ankle-brachial index. One hundred and forty-eight subjects with PAD were prospectively assigned to standard medical care or 3 mo of supervised exercise therapy. Before and after the intervention period, subjects performed a graded treadmill walking test, and MRI data were collected with Perfusion, Intravascular Venous Oxygen saturation, and T2* (PIVOT), a method that simultaneously quantifies microvascular perfusion, as well as relative oxygenation changes in skeletal muscle and venous oxygen saturation in a large draining vein. The 3-mo exercise intervention was associated with an improvement in peak walking time (64% greater in those randomized to the exercise group at follow-up, P < 0.001). Significant differences were not observed in the MRI measures between the subjects randomized to exercise therapy versus standard medical care based on an intention-to-treat analysis. However, the peak postischemia perfusion averaged across the leg between baseline and follow-up visits increased by 10% (P = 0.021) in participants that were adherent to the exercise protocol (completed >80% of prescribed exercise visits). In this cohort of adherent exercisers, there was no difference in the time to peak perfusion or oxygenation metrics, suggesting that there was no improvement in microvascular function nor changes in tissue metabolism in response to the 3-mo exercise intervention.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Supervised exercise interventions can improve symptomatology in patients with peripheral artery disease, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, MRI was used to evaluate perfusion, relative tissue oxygenation, and venous oxygen saturation in response to cuff-induced ischemia. Reactive hyperemia responses were measured before and after 3 mo of randomized supervised exercise therapy or standard medical care. Those participants who were adherent to the exercise regimen had a significant improvement in peak perfusion.

Effects of home-based leg heat therapy on walking performance in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease: a pilot randomized trial.

Few noninvasive therapies currently exist to improve functional capacity in people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that unsupervised, home-based leg heat therapy (HT) using water-circulating trousers perfused with warm water would improve walking performance in patients with PAD. Patients with symptomatic PAD were randomized into either leg HT (n = 18) or a sham treatment (n = 16). Patients were provided with water-circulating trousers and a portable pump and were asked to apply the therapy daily (7 days/wk, 90 min/session) for 8 wk. The primary study outcome was the change from baseline in 6-min walk distance at 8-wk follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the claudication onset-time, peak walking time, peak pulmonary oxygen consumption and peak blood pressure during a graded treadmill test, resting blood pressure, the ankle-brachial index, postocclusive reactive hyperemia in the calf, cutaneous microvascular reactivity, and perceived quality of life. Of the 34 participants randomized, 29 completed the 8-wk follow-up. The change in 6-min walk distance at the 8-wk follow-up was significantly higher (P = 0.029) in the group exposed to HT than in the sham-treated group (Sham: median: -0.9; 25%, 75% percentiles: -5.8, 14.3; HT: median: 21.3; 25%, 75% percentiles: 10.1, 42.4, P = 0.029). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes between the HT and sham group at 8-wk follow-up. The results of this pilot study indicate that unsupervised, home-based leg HT is safe, well-tolerated, and elicits a clinically meaningful improvement in walking tolerance in patients with symptomatic PAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first sham-controlled trial to examine the effects of home-based leg heat therapy (HT) on walking performance in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We demonstrate that unsupervised HT using water-circulating trousers is safe, well-tolerated, and elicits meaningful changes in walking ability in patients with symptomatic PAD. This home-based treatment option is practical, painless, and may be a feasible adjunctive therapy to counteract the decline in lower extremity physical function in patients with PAD.

Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation during Exercise in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy: Impact of Skin Color and Adipose Tissue Thickness

IntroductionNear infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a potentially valuable tool to examine disease severity and the effects of therapeutic interventions on microvascular leg oxygenation in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, multiple factors can confound the interpretation of NIRS signals and therefore limit its clinical applicability, including adipose tissue thickness (ATT) and skin melanin content. We tested the hypothesis that the changes in the concentration of oxygenated [oxy‐Hb+Mb] and deoxygenated [deoxy‐Hb+Mb] hemoglobin + myoglobin would be reduced in the calf of black PAD patients during exercise when compared to white patients. Similarly, we hypothesized that patients with a thicker calf ATT would exhibit a lower change in oxy[Hb+Mb] and deoxy[Hb+Mb] during exercise relative to patients with low ATT.MethodsTwenty‐four participants with a history of exertional calf pain (18 males, 6 females, 67±7 years; ankle‐brachial index: 0.6±0.1) were asked to complete two graded tests on the treadmill. The protocol consisted of a constant walking speed of 2 mph and progressive increases in grade of 2% every 2 min. The NIRS device was secured to the skin over the medial gastrocnemius muscle of the most symptomatic leg. Oxy[Hb+Mb] and deoxy[Hb+Mb] were measured continuously at rest and during exercise. The final 20‐s averages of stages 1, 2 and peak exercise were utilized for analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the calf was used to measure ATT. The average ATT among all individuals (7±3 mm) was used to divide participants into ‘low’ (n=12) or ‘high’ (n=12) ATT groups. A three‐way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of skin color, ATT, and stage of the treadmill test (i.e. stage 1, stage 2, peak walking time) on the changes from baseline in calf oxy[Hb+Mb] and deoxy[Hb+Mb].ResultsSeven participants were black and the remaining 17 were white. The average ATT at the medial gastrocnemius site was 4±1 mm in the low ATT group and 9±2 mm in the high ATT group. A significant interaction was observed between skin color, ATT, and exercise stage for the change from baseline in oxy[Hb+Mb] (p=0.049). Post‐hoc testing revealed that among white participants, the change in oxy[Hb+Mb] during exercise was significantly lower in the high ATT group when compared to the low ATT group (p=0.039). Among black participants, the change in calf oxy[Hb+Mb] was similar between high and low ATT (p=0.57). There was a trend for a main effect of ATT on the changes in deoxy[Hb+Mb] during exercise (p=0.1), but the main effects of skin color (p=0.2) and the interaction between skin color, ATT, and exercise stage (p=0.5) were not significant.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the changes in NIRS‐derived calf oxy[Hb+Mb] during exercise are impacted by both skin color and ATT in patients with symptomatic PAD.

Self-Selected Walking Cadence after 16-Week Light-Intensity Physical Activity Intervention for Older Cancer Survivors.

In this secondary analysis of a light-intensity physical activity intervention, we hypothesized that older cancer survivors would self-select a faster walking cadence to meet their daily step goals. Average steps/day and free-living walking cadence were measured in 41 participants (age 69 ± 3.1 years) with an ActivPAL monitor worn 7 days pre- and post-intervention. Besides peak and average walking cadence, stepping patterns associated with ambulatory intensity were sorted in cadence bands of 20 steps/min from 40–59 (incidental movement) to ≥120 steps/min (fast locomotor movement). Compared to the waitlist Control group (n = 17), the Intervention group (n = 24) increased their peak 30-min cadence (4.3 vs. 1.9 steps/minute; p = 0.03), average 10-min cadence (4.1 vs. −6.6 steps/minute; p = 0.04), and average 30-min cadence (5.7 vs. −0.8 steps/minute, p = 0.03). Steps taken in cadence bands denoting moderate-intensity physical activity (100–119 steps/min) increased by 478 (interquartile range (IQR): −121 to 1844) compared to decreasing by 92 (IQR: −510 to 181) steps/day for the intervention and Control groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Evaluation of free-living walking cadence and patterns of ambulatory behavior can inform future interventions targeting behavior change, especially in those populations most at risk for reduced physical activity and vulnerable to mobility deficits and loss of independence.

Association Between Meeting Physical Activity Time-Intensity Guidelines With Ambulation, Quality of Life, and Inflammation in Claudication.

The aim of this investigation was to determine if meeting the 2018 physical activity (PA) time-intensity guidelines was associated with better ambulatory function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), vascular function, and inflammation than failing to meet the guidelines in patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication. Second, we determined the optimal number of total steps/d and steps taken at moderate cadence needed to meet the PA time-intensity guidelines. Five hundred seventy-two patients were assessed on daily ambulatory activity for 1 wk with a step activity monitor, and were grouped according to whether they achieved &lt;150 min/wk of moderate-intensity PA (group 1 = do not meet guidelines; n = 397) or whether they were above this threshold (group 2 = meet guidelines; n = 175). Treadmill peak walking time (mean ± SD) was higher ( P &lt; .001) in group 2 (709 ± 359 sec) than in group 1 (427 ± 281 sec). The physical function HRQoL score was higher ( P &lt; .001) in group 2 (61 ± 22%) than in group 1 (44 ± 21%). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was lower ( P &lt; .001) in group 2 (3.6 ± 4.5 mg/L) than in group 1 (5.9 ± 6.1 mg/L). Finally, ≥7675 total steps/d and ≥1660 steps/d at moderate cadence were optimal thresholds associated with meeting PA guidelines. Patients with claudication who meet the 2018 PA time-intensity guidelines for US adults had better ambulation, HRQoL, and vascular outcomes than those who failed to meet the PA guidelines. Patients with claudication best achieved the PA time-intensity guidelines by taking ≥7675 total steps/d, and ≥1660 steps/d at a moderate cadence.

Stronger correlation of peak oxygen uptake with distance of incremental shuttle walk test than 6-min walk test in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe 6-min walk test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) are valid and reliable measures to assess exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the comparison of correlation between peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and 6MWT or ISWT distance has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate the correlation between peak VO2 and 6MWT and ISWT distances in COPD patients through a meta-analysis.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to June, 2020 for studies comparing the correlation of peak VO2 with either 6MWT or ISWT in COPD patients. Meta-analysis was performed with R software using a fixed-effect model. We compared the correlation coefficient and measured the heterogeneity using I2 statistics.ResultsWe identified 12 studies involving 746 patients. Meta-analysis showed a significant correlation between peak VO2 and 6MWT and ISWT distances (6MWT: r = 0.65, 95% CI 0.61–0.70; ISWT: r = 0.81, 95% CI 0.74–0.85; p < 0.0001). The heterogeneity was lower in ISWT than in 6MWT (6MWT: I2 = 56%, p = 0.02; ISWT: I2 = 0%, p = 0.71). Subgroup analysis showed a higher correlation coefficient in the low exercise capacity group than in the high exercise capacity group in both field tests.Conclusions6MWT and ISWT significantly correlated with peak VO2. Our findings suggest that ISWT has a stronger correlation with peak VO2 than 6MWT. The exercise capacity in COPD patients may affect the strength of the relationship between peak VO2 and walking distance in both field tests, suggesting the importance of using various exercise tests.Trial registration CRD 42020200139 at crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/

Light and moderate intensity physical activity are associated with better ambulation, quality of life, and vascular measurements in patients with claudication

ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether patients with claudication who reported performing either light intensity physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) would have higher levels of objectively determined physical activity and better physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and vascular measures, consisting of exercise time to minimum calf muscle oxygen saturation (StO2) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, than patients who reported being physically sedentary. MethodsA total of 269 patients were assessed using the Johnson Space Center physical activity scale. The patients were grouped according to whether they performed no physical activities (n = 75), LPAs (n = 140), or MVPAs (n = 54). The primary measurements were the total daily steps obtained from a step activity monitor worn for 1 week, peak walking time obtained from a treadmill test, physical function score on the Medical Outcomes Study short-form 36-item survey to assess HRQoL, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. ResultsThe total daily steps was significantly different among the groups. Both the LPA group (mean ± standard deviation, 7878 ± 2808 steps/d) and the MVPA group (mean, 8551 ± 3365 steps/d) had taken more daily steps (P < .01) than had the sedentary group (mean, 3323 ± 986 steps/d). The treadmill peak walking time was significantly different among the three groups. Both the LPA group (433 ± 296 seconds) and the MVPA group (548 ± 300 seconds) had had a greater peak walking time (P < .01) than that of the sedentary group (302 ± 210 seconds). The physical function score was also significantly different among the groups. The LPA group (44% ± 20%) and MVPA group (58% ± 19%) both had had higher scores (P < .01) than the sedentary group (36% ± 20%). In addition, the exercise time to the minimum calf muscle StO2 was significantly different among the groups. Both the LPA group (215 ± 238 seconds) and the MVPA group (377 ± 351 seconds) had had greater values (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) than the sedentary group (147 ± 172 seconds). Finally, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was significantly different among the groups. Both the LPA group (4.8 ± 5.5 mg/L) and the MVPA group (3.5 ± 3.6 mg/L) had had lower values (P < .01) than the sedentary group (8.6 ± 8.4 mg/L). ConclusionsPatients with claudication who reported performing LPA had greater amounts of objectively determined physical activity levels and better physical function, HRQoL, and vascular measures than those who reported being physically sedentary. Furthermore, these favorable results associated with LPA were even more pronounced for the patients who performed MVPA compared with those who were sedentary. The clinical significance is that our results have shown that engaging in any physical activity, even at relatively light intensity, is associated with favorable health and vascular measures for patients with claudication.

Association Between Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines with Ambulation and Quality of Life in Claudication

We determined if meeting the 2018 physical activity guidelines was associated with better ambulatory function, health-related quality of life, and inflammation than failing to meet the guidelines in patients with peripheral artery disease and claudication. Secondly, we determined the optimal number of total daily steps that are needed to meet the physical activity guidelines. Five hundred seventy-two patients were assessed on their daily ambulatory activity for one week with a step activity monitor, and were grouped according to whether they achieved less than 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week (Group 1=Do Not Meet Guidelines; n=397), or whether they were above this threshold (Group 2=Meet Guidelines; n=175). Treadmill peak walking time (mean±SD) was significantly higher (p<0.001) in Group 2 (709±359 sec) than in Group 1 (427±281 sec). The health-related quality of life score for physical function was significantly higher (p<0.001) in Group 2 (61±22%) than in Group 1 (44±21%). High sensitivity C-reactive protein was significantly lower (p<0.001) in Group 2 (3.6±4.5 mg/L) than in Group 1 (5.9±6.1 mg/L). Finally, 7,675 daily steps was the optimal threshold associated with meeting the physical activity guidelines, with a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 88.4%. In conclusion, patients with claudication who meet the 2018 physical activity guidelines for US adults had better ambulation, HRQoL, and inflammation outcomes than those who failed to meet the guidelines. From a practical standpoint, patients with claudication best achieved the physical activity guidelines by taking a total of 7,675 daily steps.

Long-Term Outcomes of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in the Treatment of Angiitis-Induced No-Option Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Background: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) showed encouraging short outcomes in the treatment of angiitis-induced no-option critical limb-threatening ischemia (AICLTI) in the pilot study. This study aimed to demonstrate the long-term outcomes of this treatment.Methods: From May 2014 to December 2018, patients diagnosed with AICLTI and treated by autotransplantation of PBMNCs in our center were enrolled and analyzed. The primary endpoint was major amputation-free survival (MAFS), the secondary endpoints included peak pain-free walking time (PPFWT), Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale score (WFPRSS), labor recovery, ankle-brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure (TcpO2), and SF-36v2 scores.Results: A total of 58 patients were enrolled. During a minimal follow-up of 36 months, the MAFS was 93.1% and the labor competence restored rate was 62.1%. The WFPRSS was decreased from 8.7 ± 1.6 to 1.6 ± 3.2, and PPFWT was significantly improved from 2.9 ± 4.2 min to 16.6 ± 6.9 min. The quality of life was also significantly improved at each follow-up point. Perfusion evaluating parameters, such as ABI and TcPO2, were also significantly improved. No critical adverse event was observed during the treatment and follow-up period.Conclusions: The treatment of AICLTI by autotransplantation of PBMNCs demonstrated encouraging long-term results. It could not only restore labor competence, improve the quality of life, but also significantly reduce the major amputation rate.

Gait status 26–35 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy: A 9 year follow up study

BackgroundAlthough the short-term outcomes of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been well documented, less is known about the long-term benefits of SDR, especially while aging. Research questionDoes the gait of adults with CP, who underwent SDR in childhood, change during a nine-year aging follow-up period? Do associations exists between the gait deviation index (GDI) and contextual factors at follow-up? MethodsThree-dimensional motion data was captured (Vicon system) of 26 adults (10 female) with CP and spastic diplegia at baseline (17-to-26 years post-SDR) and at nine-year follow-up (26-to-35 years post-SDR), as well as 41 matched typically developed (TD) adults used for reference data. Kinematic, non-dimensional temporal distance and GDI parameters were determined, and associations with contextual factors were studied. ResultsAt follow-up the adults with CP had a (median [interquartile ranges]) age of 35.8 [34.2–41.2] years and classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I (n = 13), level II (n = 10) and level III (n = 3). Overall no clinically relevant change in gait quality (GDI) was detected over the nine-year follow-up period. However, small changes were found in hip and knee range of motion, peak knee flexion and walking speed. In line with the baseline study, a number of gait parameters were different to TD adults. The only association found was between GDI and GMFCS at follow-up (r = 0.64, p < 0.01). SignificanceThe overall walking pattern of the adults with CP who underwent SDR in childhood was characterised by mild crouch gait with minimal signs of spasticity, confirming former physical examination findings. Some small changes in certain gait parameters were determined, though clinically the gait quality remained stable during the nine-year aging period. This finding supports the stability of the gait pattern during mid-life in adults with CP, who met the strict SDR selection criteria.

Effects of supervised exercise on aerobic capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease and patients who underwent liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic liver disease and liver transplantation are risk factors for poor physical health and quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to examine whether supervised exercise improves the physical health and quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplant. Articles were searched in four databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and the Web of Science) from 1 January 1990 to 6 July 2021. Studies that assessed the change in aerobic capacity and quality of life following supervised exercise in patients with chronic liver disease or in those who had undergone liver transplantation were included in this meta-analysis. The two independent reviewers extracted data and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The extracted data were statistically analyzed using review management software (RevMan 5.3). The meta-analysis included 11 studies, comprising 159 patients. We observed that aerobic capacity measured as VO2 peak and 6-min walking test improved in patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplant after supervised exercise. Among the parameters of Short-form-36 (SF-36) used for measuring the quality of life, only physical functioning improved after supervised exercise. The other parameters of SF-36 including role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health were not significantly improved after supervised exercise. Supervised exercise seems essential for patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplant. It was found to be helpful in enhancing the aerobic capacity and physical function in these patients.

Acute Effects of Dietary Nitrate on Exercise Tolerance, Muscle Oxygenation, and Cardiovascular Function in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Previous studies have used supplements to increase dietary nitrate intake in clinical populations. Little is known about whether effects can also be induced through vegetable consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of dietary nitrate, through nitrate-rich vegetables (NRV) and beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation, on plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, exercise tolerance, muscle oxygenation, and cardiovascular function in patients with peripheral arterial disease. In a randomized crossover design, 18 patients with peripheral arterial disease (age: 73 ± 8years) followed a nitrate intake protocol (∼6.5mmol) through the consumption of NRV, BRJ, and nitrate-depleted BRJ (placebo). Blood samples were taken, blood pressure and arterial stiffness were measured in fasted state and 150min after intervention. Each intervention was followed by a maximal walking exercise test to determine claudication onset time and peak walking time. Gastrocnemius oxygenation was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Blood samples were taken and blood pressure was measured 10min after exercise. Mean plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations increased (nitrate; Time × Intervention interaction; p < .001), with the highest concentrations after BRJ (494 ± 110μmol/L) compared with NRV (202 ± 89μmol/L) and placebo (80 ± 19μmol/L; p < .001). Mean claudication onset time and peak walking time did not differ between NRV (413 ± 187s and 745 ± 220s, respectively), BRJ (392 ± 154s and 746 ± 176s), and placebo (403 ± 176s and 696 ± 222s) (p = .762 and p = .165, respectively). Gastrocnemius oxygenation, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were not affected by the intervention. NRV and BRJ intake markedly increase plasma nitrate and nitrite, but this does not translate to improved exercise tolerance, muscle oxygenation, and/or cardiovascular function.

Association Between Walking Energetics and Fragmented Physical Activity in Mid- to Late-Life.

Physical activity becomes increasingly fragmented with age, which may be an early marker of functional decline. Energetic cost of walking and energy capacity are also linked with functional decline, but their associations with activity fragmentation, and the potential modifying roles of total daily physical activity and age, remains unclear. A total of 493 participants (50-93 years) from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging underwent measures of energetic cost of usual-paced overground walking (mL/kg/m), energy demand during slow walking (mL/kg/min) on a treadmill (0.67 m/s, 0% grade), and average peak walking energy expenditure (mL/kg/min) during a fast-paced 400-m walk. A ratio of slow walking to peak walking energy expenditure ("cost-to-capacity ratio") was calculated. Activity fragmentation was quantified as an active-to-sedentary transition probability (ASTP) using Actiheart accelerometer data. Linear regression models with ASTP as the dependent variable were used to test whether poorer energy cost and capacity were associated with higher ASTP and whether the associations differed by daily physical activity or age. After adjusting for demographics, body composition, comorbidities, and daily physical activity, every 10% higher cost-to-capacity ratio was associated with 0.4% greater ASTP (p = .005). This association was primarily driven by the least active participants (pinteraction = .023). Peak walking energy expenditure was only associated with ASTP among participants aged ≥70 years. Higher cost-to-capacity ratio and lower energy capacity may manifest as more fragmented physical activity, especially among those less active or aged ≥70 years. Future studies should examine whether an increasing cost-to-capacity ratio or declining energy capacity predicts subsequent activity fragmentation.

Effect of a carbon reinforcement for maximizing shoe outsole bending stiffness on plantar pressure and walking comfort in people with diabetes at high risk of foot ulceration

BackgroundDifferent shoe design features can reduce peak plantar pressure to help prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes. A carbon reinforcement of the shoe outsole to maximize bending stiffness is commonly applied in footwear practice, but its effect has not been studied to date. Research questionWhat is the effect of a carbon shoe-outsole reinforcement on peak plantar pressure and walking comfort in people with diabetes at high risk of foot ulceration? MethodsIn 24 high-risk people with diabetes, in-shoe regional peak pressures were measured during walking at a comfortable speed in two different shoe conditions: an extra-depth diabetes-specific shoe with a non-reinforced outsole and the same type of shoe with a 3-mm-thick full-length carbon reinforcement of the outsole. The same custom-made insole was worn in both shoe conditions. Walking comfort was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (0–10, 10 being highest possible comfort). ResultsSignificantly lower metatarsal head peak pressures (by a median 10–22 kPa) were found with the reinforced shoe compared to the non-reinforced shoe (p < .001). In >83% of cases with the reinforced shoe and >71% with the non-reinforced shoe metatarsal head peak pressures were <200 kPa. At the hindfoot, peak pressures were significantly higher (by a median 24 kPa) with the reinforced shoe (p = .001). No significant shoe effects were found for the toes. No significant shoe effects were found for walking comfort: median 6.1 for the reinforced shoe versus 5.6 for the non-reinforced shoe. SignificanceAdding a full-length carbon reinforcement to the outsole of a diabetes-specific shoe significantly reduces peak pressures at the metatarsal heads, where ulcers often occur, in high-risk people with diabetes, and this does not occur at the expense of patient-perceived walking comfort.

Impact of home-based squat training with two-depths on lower limb muscle parameters and physical functional tests in older adults

This study investigated the effect of home-based shallow and deep squat trainings on knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness, one-repetition maximum (1RM) leg press, and physical function in older individuals. Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to the shallow squat group (SS group; age, 71.0 ± 4.0 years) or deep squat group (DS group, age; 68.6 ± 3.6 years). Chairs of 40-cm height and chairs with a cushion of 20-cm height (60-cm in total) were used as the depth targets for squats, with participants instructed to sink until their hip touched the chair and cushion. Participants performed four sets of squats per day (35 repetitions per set), three days per week, for 12 weeks at their home. Knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness of quadriceps femoris (e.g., vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius), and physical function were measured at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12. Maximal isometric knee extension peak torque, muscle thickness, and walking speed did not change significantly over the 12-week training period in either group (P > 0.05). However, compared with the baseline, there was significant improvement in the results of 30-s sit-to-stand repetition tests after weeks 8 and 12 in both groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, 1RM leg press results were significantly improved after weeks 4 and 12 in the DS group, and weeks 4, 8, and 12 in the SS group (P < 0.05). Results indicate that home-based weight-bearing squat training improves lower limb function in older adults, as well as performance in physical functional tests related to activities of daily living. Moreover, such training benefits older adults regardless of whether squats are shallow or deep.

Long-Term Outcomes of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in the Treatment of Angiitis-Induced No-Option Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Background: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) showed encouraging short outcomes in the treatment of angiitis-induced no-option critical limb-threatening ischemia (AICLTI) in pilot study. We aimed to demonstrate the long-term outcomes of this treatment. Methods: From May 2014 to December 2018, patients diagnosed with AICLTI and treated by autotransplantation of PBMNCs in our center were enrolled and analyzed. The primary endpoint was major amputation-free survival (MAFS), the secondary endpoints included peak pain-free walking time (PPFWT), Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale score (WFPRSS), labour recovery, ankle-brachial index (ABI), transcutaneous partial oxygen pressure (TcpO2), and SF-36v2 scores. Findings: A total of 58 patients were enrolled. During a minimal follow-up of 36 months, the MAFS was 93.1%, labour competence restored rate was 62.1%. The WFPRSS was decreased from 8.7 ± 1.6 to 1.6 ± 3.2, and PPFWT was significantly improved from 2.9 ± 4.2 minutes to 16.6 ± 6.9 minutes. The quality of life was also significantly improved at each follow-up point. Perfusion evaluating parameters, including ABI and TcPO2 were also significantly improved. No critical adverse event was observed during the treatment and follow-up period. Interpretation: The treatment of AICLTI by autotransplantation of PBMNCs demonstrated encouraging long-term results. It could not only restore the labour competence, improve the quality of life, but also significantly reduced the major amputation rate. Funding: National Nature Science Funds (81970407), the Training Program for Outstanding Academic Leaders of the Shanghai Health and Family Planning System (2018BR40); the Project of Outstanding Academic Leaders of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (19XD1401200). Declaration of Interest: All of the authors declare no conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University.