Perceived Exertion Research Articles

Altered Functional Connectivity during Mild Transient Respiratory Impairment Induced by a Resistive Load.

Background: Previous neuroimaging studies have identified brain regions related to respiratory motor control and perception. However, little is known about the resting-state functional connectivity (FC) associated with respiratory impairment. We aimed to determine the FC involved in mild respiratory impairment without altering transcutaneous oxygen saturation. Methods: We obtained resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 36 healthy volunteers during normal respiration and mild respiratory impairment induced by resistive load (effort breathing). ROI-to-ROI and seed-to-voxel analyses were performed using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 and the CONN toolbox. Results: Compared to normal respiration, effort breathing activated FCs within and between the sensory perceptual area (postcentral gyrus, anterior insular cortex (AInsula), and anterior cingulate cortex) and visual cortex (the visual occipital, occipital pole (OP), and occipital fusiform gyrus). Graph theoretical analysis showed strong centrality in the visual cortex. A significant positive correlation was observed between the dyspnoea score (modified Borg scale) and FC between the left AInsula and right OP. Conclusions: These results suggested that the FCs within the respiratory sensory area via the network hub may be neural mechanisms underlying effort breathing and modified Borg scale scores. These findings may provide new insights into the visual networks that contribute to mild respiratory impairments.

Variabilidade da frequência cardíaca, escalas psicométricas e desempenho de saltos em atletas de voleibol: jogos em casa e fora

The home advantage is very consolidated in the literature. The aim of this research was to evaluate the behavior of heart rate variability (HRV), perceived recovery status (PRS) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and vertical jumps performance in professional volleyball athletes in home and away matches. Nine male professional volleyball athletes (25,66 ± 5,7 anos, 97,81 ± 8,65 Kg and 200,94 ± 5,19 cm), with experience in national and international competitions participated in the study. HRV and PRS were evaluated in the morning of the matches. RPE was collected immediately after the matches. Jump performance was monitored during the matches. The data was grouped by home matches and away matches and the t test or Wilcoxon test was performed for comparison. Significance level adopted was α ≤ 0.05. Effect size was analyzed by Cohen’s d coefficient. O nível de significância adotado foi α ≤ 0,05. There were no significant difference in HRV, PRS, RPE, jumps height and number of jumps evaluated in home matches and away matches. We conclude that despite the home advantage consolidated in the literature and possible adverse effects of travel on away matches, the VFC, PRS, RPE and jump performance were similar in the two situations evaluated.

Effects of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy on timing sequence recovery of muscle fatigue in chinese university male athletes

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the timing sequence recovery effects of single and repeated Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (MHOT) on muscle fatigue induced by cycling exercise through a comprehensive set of parameters. MethodsThis study employed a controlled crossover design involving 12 Chinese secondary national-level male athletes. Each participant completed two identical trials over six days. Each trial consisted of a 90-min cycling exercise followed by either a Control (CON) intervention (1 atm absolute (ATA), 20.9 % oxygen, 60 min) or MHOT intervention (1.25 ATA, 26%–28 % oxygen, 60 min). Various physiological parameters including Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Heart Rate (HR), Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Perfusion Index (PI%), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Lactic Acid (LA), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Standing Long Jump Distance (SLJ) were measured at six different time points throughout the trials. ResultsRPE revealed that the MHOT group experienced reduced subjective fatigue in comparison to the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, MHOT demonstrated quicker recovery in HR and PI% compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Regarding CK, LA, BUN, SOD, and MDA levels, the MHOT group exhibited accelerated recovery post-6 intervention and at the 24-h mark after six interventions, showing significant improvement over the CON group (P < 0.05). However, no notable disparity was observed between groups concerning SpO2, LDH, and SLJ. ConclusionsBoth single and repeated sessions of MHOT demonstrated efficacy in alleviating subjective fatigue and promoting recovery of heart rate and blood perfusion following muscle fatigue, ensuring parallel structure and consistency in their effects. Repeated MHOT sessions (six times) exhibit a significant reduction in levels of blood markers associated with muscle damage, metabolites, and oxidative stress. However, the impact of a single MHOT intervention was less pronounced.

Functional Exercise Capacity and Perceived Exertion in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome.

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a complex condition characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, nasal discomfort, and emotional challenges. This study aimed to evaluate functional exercise capacity and perceived exertion in patients with ENS. Patients with ENS who presented with a range of severe symptoms were prospectively enrolled. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry, and functional exercise capacity was measured via the 6 min walk test (6-MWT). Perceived exertion was quantified using the Borg scale, and cardiopulmonary function was evaluated by monitoring peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). These parameters were assessed before and after nasal reconstruction surgery. A total of 44 patients with ENS were enrolled and classified into mild-to-moderate (n = 20) and severe (n = 24) symptom groups. Spirometry results showed no significant differences before and after surgery in the entire cohort. Perceived exertion showed significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.006). The severe ENS symptom group experienced significant improvement in SpO2 (p = 0.013) and perceived exertion (p = 0.002) at the end of the 6-MWT after surgery. Surgical intervention significantly enhanced functional exercise capacity (p = 0.038) in patients with mild-to-moderate ENS symptoms. Surgical reconstruction positively affected perceived exertion and SpO2 at the end of the 6-MWT in patients with ENS. The severity of ENS symptoms, as assessed by SNOT-25 scores, influenced these outcomes. These findings underscore the potential benefits of surgical intervention for enhancing exercise tolerance and respiratory efficiency.

Exercise intensity at RPE13 in female Kendo practitioners

Abstract: Introduction: Kendo, a Japanese martial art, requires rigorous physical and mental training. Kendo practitioners who engage in daily mental training may experience a disparity between their subjective perception of exertion and the actual physiological load on their bodies. Methods: Fifteen healthy adult female kendo practitioners were recruited as participants. Participants were asked to report levels of exertion using the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a progressive, load-incremented stress test. The participants’ heart rate at the time of reporting RPE13, which is considered a “somewhat hard” level of exertion, as well as heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (AT) to measure actual load, were compared to the maximum heart rate measurement obtained during the test. Results: The participants’ heart rates at RPE13 were found to be higher than those at AT, based on their values as percentages of maximum heart rates. Conclusion: This study discovered that kendo practitioners engaged in regular mental training exhibited a higher heart rate at “somewhat hard” exertion (RPE13) compared to the anaerobic threshold (AT), indicating a relative increase in RPE. Additional research is necessary to determine if this effect is attributable to mental training.

Detecting Fatigue during Exoskeleton-Assisted Trunk Flexion Tasks: A Machine Learning Approach

Back-Support Industrial Exoskeletons (BSIEs) can be beneficial in reducing the risk of injury due to overexertion during trunk flexion tasks. Most real-world tasks include complex body movements, leading to mixed outcomes that necessitate field-based methods for detecting overall physical demands. Monitoring fatigue can be beneficial in this regard to ensure that benefits of BSIEs are translated to the real world. Our experiment included 14 participants, who performed 30 repetitions of 45° trunk-flexion while assisted by a BSIE, first without fatigue and then at medium-high back fatigue (7/10 in the Borg scale). We extracted 135 features from recorded muscle activity, trunk motion, and whole-body stability across bending, transition, and retraction portions of each trunk-flexion cycle. Four classification algorithms, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and XGBoost (XGB), were implemented to assess fatigue prediction. XGB (Accuracy: 86.1%, Recall: 86%, Specificity: 86.3%) was effective in classifying fatigue with data obtained from a single EMG sensor located on the lower back (erector spinae) muscle. Meanwhile, stability measures showed high predictability with both RF (92.9%, 91.9%, 94.1%) and XGB (93.5, 94.1%, 93.1%). Findings demonstrate the success of force plates, and when replaced by pressure insoles, they can facilitate real-world fatigue detection during BSIE-assisted trunk-flexion tasks.

CAN DARK CHOCOLATE ACUTE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVE CYCLOERGOMETER PERFORMANCE TEST?

Prevalence studies of dark chocolate may produce results similar to those observed after resistance exercise. The results examining the effects of dark chocolate ingestion on aerobic exercise performance are controversial. In addition, there is a choice in experiments with chronically consumed chocolate components (40 to 80 g) and large amounts of dark chocolate in studies to improve athletic performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study to verify the effect of acute supplementation of 80 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) on performance on cycle ergometer test. Eleven healthy, physically active, but untrained men participated in the study. Two incremental cycle ergometer tests were performed to determine the peak power output (Ppeak) without chocolate supplementation (control condition, C) and with supplementation of 80 g of dark chocolate 70% cocoa (C70%) ingested orally two hours before the test. Variables such as heart rate (HR), blood glucose concentration [GLI], blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored. Data normality was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The performance data of the tests and physiological variables were compared using Student's t-test for paired samples, adopting a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. No statistical differences were found for Ppeak (238.0 ± 35.1 vs 250.9 ± 42.7 W) between conditions (C and C70%, respectively), as well as in the other variables. Therefore, we concluded that although the ingestion of 80 g of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) 2 hours prior the cycle ergometer test did not modify the peak power output, physiological and psychophysiological variables analyzed when presenting the average results, individual analysis demonstrated that this supplementation could be used to enhance peak power, which support individual as opposed to group analysis to evaluate performance responses to supplementation protocols.

Do Longer Fins Improve Ocean Rescues? A Comprehensive Investigation into Lifeguard Performance and Physiological Impact.

Coastal environments present dynamic challenges necessitating rapid and efficient responses during aquatic emergencies. Lifeguards, as pivotal links in the intervention chain, rely on various tools, with rescue time being paramount. The choice of fins, specifically long versus short ones, plays a critical role in optimizing lifeguard performance during rescues. This randomized cross-over study explores the impact of flipper size on ocean rescues, employing a sample of 14 lifeguards. Long fins (LFs) and short fins (SFs) were compared in terms of rescue time (RT) and physiological load (PL). Tests included ocean rescues without fins (R), with LF (R-LF), and with SF (R-SF). Variables recorded encompassed swim approach time, tow-in time, overall rescue time, perceived exertion rates (RPEs), and post-rescue lactate concentration. Long fins demonstrated superior performance in swim approach and tow-in times compared to both short fins and no fins (p < 0.001). Overall rescue time favored long fins significantly (p < 0.001), indicating their efficiency in practical ocean rescue scenarios. Physiologically, long fins induced lower perceived exertion in arms (p = 0.033) compared to short fins. Lactate concentrations post-rescue revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05). This study demonstrates that long fins significantly improve lifeguard performance during ocean rescues, reducing rescue times and alleviating arm fatigue.

Validation of "CENTR(AR)" walking trails: Different field criteria do not lead to different physical activity intensities in people with COPD

BackgroundValidating walking trails is essential to promote physical activity (PA) safely and confidently in people with COPD. ObjectivesWe aimed to validate predetermined light, moderate, and vigorous intensities of walking trails in people with COPD. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included individuals with COPD walking in predetermined light, moderate and vigorous intensity trails. Activity intensity and volume outcomes were collected. Dyspnoea and fatigue (modified Borg scale), energy expenditure (EE, Sensewear), heart rate (HR, HR monitor), time spent in different PA intensities, and cadence (ActiGraph) were recorded and used to classify PA intensity. ResultsTwenty people with COPD [71(7) years, 80 % male, FEV1%predicted 65.6(11.6)] were included. Fatigue differed significantly between light and moderate [3.0(2.0;4.0) vs 3.4(2.5;4.5), p = 0.01], but not vigorous (3.5[2.5–4.0]) tracks. Dyspnoea [2.3(1.5) vs 2.7(1.6) vs 2.6(1.4)], EE [5.1(0.8) vs 4.9(0.5) vs 4.6(0.8) METs], HR [92.5(11.1) vs 93.7(18.6) vs 95.4(15.0) beats/min] and cadence [115.1(104.0;120.3) vs 104.7(99.6;117.6) vs 111.2(99.9;118.5) steps/min] were similar across trails (p > 0.05). Time spent in light and moderate PA, EE volume, walking time, and step count increased along with the proposed intensity levels (p < 0.01). Walking trails were categorised as moderate intensity in most participants. ConclusionWalking trails were safe and valid for practising moderate-intensity PA in people with COPD. Participants adjusted their physiological responses and perceived symptoms to match a moderate intensity.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Interventions in Individuals With Emerging Virtual Respiratory Tract Infectious Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective Assessing rehabilitation effectiveness for persistent symptoms post-infection with emerging viral respiratory diseases. Data sources Systematic review of seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, MedRxiv, CNKI, Wanfang) until 30 December 2023. Review methods Evaluated 101 studies (9593 participants) on respiratory function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies and non-RCTs, and the NIH Quality Assessment Tools for before-after studies. Results The most common rehabilitation program combined breathing exercises with aerobic exercise or strength training. Rehabilitation interventions significantly enhanced respiratory function, as evidenced by improvements on the Borg Scale (MD, −1.85; 95% CI, −3.00 to −0.70, low certainty), the mMRC Dyspnea Scale (MD, −0.45; 95% CI, −0.72 to −0.18, low certainty), and the Multidimensional Dyspnoea-12 Scale (MD, −4.64; 95% CI, −6.54 to −2.74, moderate certainty). Exercise capacity also improved, demonstrated by results from the Six-Minute Walk Test (MD, 38.18; 95% CI, 25.33–51.03, moderate certainty) and the Sit-to-Stand Test (MD, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.07–5.01, low certainty). Conclusion Rehabilitation interventions are promising for survivors of viral respiratory diseases, yet gaps in research remain. Future investigations should focus on personalizing rehabilitation efforts, utilizing remote technology-assisted programs, improving research quality, and identifying specific subgroups for customized rehabilitation strategies to achieve the best outcomes for survivors.

Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Performance and Affective Responses in Male Sport Science Students during Sprint Modalities.

This investigation aimed to examine the effect of verbal encouragement teacher to student (VETS) versus verbal encouragement student to student (VESS) on physical performance and affective responses during different modalities of sprint tests in active male students. In a randomized crossover design, twenty-two male sport science students (age: 21 ± 1.2 years, body height: 1.77 ± 0.3 m, body mass: 76.6 ± 2.1 kg, BMI: 22.9 ± 1.3 kg·m-2) performed linear and change-of-direction sprint tests under one of three conditions: (1) VETS; (2) VETS; (3) no verbal encouragement. In each condition, participants performed the 20 m sprint test, the 10 × 2 sprint test, and the L sprint test. The assessed parameters comprised physical performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and a feeling scale. Post hoc test analysis indicates a significant increase in physical performance during VETS and VESS conditions compared to the control condition due to a decrease in sprint in line 20 m (VETS: p < 0.001, d = 0.55; VESS: p = 0.016, d = 0.41), sprint 10*2 (VETS: p < 0.001, d = 0.64; VESS: p = 0.05, d = 0.36), and sprint L (VETS: p = 0.001, d = 1.19) times compared to the control condition. Moreover, the feeling score was greater after VETS compared to other conditions (p = [<0.001-0.001], d = [0.77-1.18]). In addition, the RPE had no effect on sprint performance between the different conditions. It is indicated that VETS, rather than VESS, is a more significant and effective way to increase effort intensity and positive feelings during sprinting modalities.

Jump Squats Performed with Both Light and Heavy Loads Have Similar Effects on the Physical Performance of Elite Rugby Players during the Initial Phase of the Competitive Period.

We examined the effectiveness of two different jump-squat (JS) loading ranges on the physical performance of rugby players. Twenty-eight elite male rugby players were divided into two JS training groups: a light-load JS group ("LJS"; JS at 40% of the one-repetition maximum [1RM] in the half-squat (HS) exercise) and a heavy-load JS group ("HJS"; JS at 80% HS-1RM). Players completed the distinct training programs over four weeks, three times per week, during the initial phase of the competitive period. Pre- and post-training tests were conducted in the following sequence: vertical jumps, a 30-m speed test, peak power in the JS and the HS, and maximum isometric force in the HS. Additionally, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was assessed at the end of all training sessions throughout the intervention. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, followed by the Tukey's post-hoc test, was employed to analyze differences between groups. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Effect sizes were used to assess the magnitude of differences between pre- and post-training data. Except for the RPE values (which were lower in the LJS group), no significant changes were detected for any other variable. In summary, using either a light- (40% HS-1RM) or a heavy-load (80% HS-1RM) JS during the initial phase of the competitive period is equally effective in maintaining physical performance levels attained during the preceding training period (pre-season), with the significant advantage of the light-load protocol resulting in lower levels of the RPE. This finding may have important implications for resistance training programming, especially in disciplines where acute and chronic fatigue is always a problematic issue.

Detection of dynamic lung hyperinflation using cardiopulmonary exercise testing and respiratory function in patients with stable cardiac disease: a multicenter, cross-sectional study.

Many patients with heart disease potentially have comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, there are not enough opportunities for screening, and the qualitative differentiation of shortness of breath (SOB) has not been well established. We investigated the detection rate of SOB based on a visual and qualitative dynamic lung hyperinflation (DLH) detection index during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and assessed potential differences in respiratory function between groups. We recruited 534 patients with heart disease or patients who underwent simultaneous CPET and spirometry (369 males, 67.0 ± 12.9 years) to scrutinize physical functions. The difference between inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume was calculated (TV E-I) from the breath-by-breath data. Patients were grouped into convex (decreased TV E-I) and non-convex (unchanged or increased TV E-I) groups based on their TV E-I values after the start of exercise. Among the recruited patients, 129 (24.2%) were categorized in the convex group. There was no difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups. The Borg scale scores at the end of the CPET showed no difference. VE/VCO2 slope, its Y-intercept, and minimum VE/VCO2 showed no significant difference between the groups. In the convex group, FEV1.0/FVC was significantly lower compared to that in the non-convex group (69.4 ± 13.1 vs. 75.0 ± 9.0%). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between FEV1.0/FVC and Y-intercept (r=-0.343), as well as between the difference between minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slope (r=-0.478). The convex group showed decreased respiratory function, suggesting a potential airway obstruction during exercise. A combined assessment of the TV E-I and Y-intercept of the VE/VCO2 slope or the difference between the minimum VE/VCO2 and VE/VCO2 slopes could potentially detect COPD or airway obstruction.

The Significance of Selected Myokines in Predicting the Length of Rehabilitation of Patients after COVID-19 Infection.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the intricate mechanisms of the body's response to infection and inflammation has become a priority for the medical and research communities. It has been proven that during COVID-19 infection, molecules are secreted-namely organokines, which may directly or indirectly play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to scrutinize the potential correlation between the levels of selected myokines (myostatin, agrin, irisin, and myonectin) and the duration of rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between the levels of these myokines and the length of hospitalization during COVID-19 treatment. The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Szczecin (Poland). Patients in the study participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program following COVID-19 treatment. In order to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, the following tests were performed: a 6 min walk test with an assessment of exercise tolerance (Borg scale), an assessment of dyspnea severity (mMRC scale), a spirometric assessment of respiratory function, a measurement of arm strength, and an assessment of fatigue using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Myokine levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.1 software. Lower concentrations of irisin and myonectin and higher concentrations of myostatin correlated with longer rehabilitation time. Baseline levels of specific myokines in post-COVID-19 patients could play a crucial role in anticipating the duration of rehabilitation. The duration of hospitalization for the infection may influence myokine levels in patients recovering from COVID-19.

Development and feasibility assessment of a virtual reality-based aerobic exercise program with real-time pulse rate monitoring on hemodynamic and arterial stiffness in healthy people: a pilot study.

Virtual reality (VR) exercises are reportedly beneficial as a physical activity tool for health promotion and rehabilitation, and can also help individuals exercise under professional supervision. We developed and investigated the potential feasibility of a VR-based aerobic exercise program using the XBOX ONE console and Kinect sensor with real-time pulse rate monitoring. The VR setting consisted of two-dimensional (2D) environments via computer, laptop, or television screens. In addition, the study investigated the potential feasibility of the VR-based exercise program on hemodynamic response and arterial stiffness in healthy participants of various ages. Healthy participants (n = 30) aged > 18 years were enrolled in the VR exercise-based program. All participants were required to wear a polar heart rate (HR) monitor set for moderate-intensity exercise, targeting 40%-59% of their HR reserve. Hemodynamic and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) were noninvasively measured. The Borg scale rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was also assessed. Following a VR-guided exercise routine, all participants performed moderate-intensity exercise with no adverse health outcomes during or after the exercise. The effects of VR-based aerobic exercise extended beyond enhanced central hemodynamic and arterial stiffness. However, neither hemodynamic nor arterial stiffness showed significant differences before and after the VR exercise, except for a higher RPE response following the exercise program. VR-based aerobic exercise with pulse rate monitoring is a promising physical activity tool to induce physiological changes and impact dyspnea scales and is also feasible for administration to healthy populations.

Feasibility of a novel eHealth intervention for Parkinson’s disease targeting motor-cognitive function in the home

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) drastically affects motor and cognitive function, but evidence shows that motor-cognitive training improves disease symptoms. Motor-cognitive training in the home is scarcely investigated and eHealth methods can provide continual support for PD self-management. Feasibility testing is however required.ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility (i) Recruitment capability (ii) Acceptability and Suitability (iii) Demand and Safety of a home-based motor-cognitive eHealth exercise intervention in PD.MethodsThe 10-week intervention was delivered using the ExorLive® application and exercises were individually adapted and systematically progressed and targeted functional strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and motor-cognitive function. People with mild-to moderate PD were assessed before and after the intervention regarding; gait performance in single and dual-task conditions; functional mobility; dual-task performance; balance performance; physical activity level; health related quality of life and perceived balance confidence and walking ability; global cognition and executive function. Feasibility outcomes were continuously measured using a home-exercise diary and contact with a physiotherapist. Changes from pre- and post-intervention are reported descriptively.ResultsFifteen participants (mean age 68.5 years) commenced and 14 completed the 10-week intervention. In relation to intervention Acceptability, 64% of the motor sessions and 52% of motor-cognitive sessions were rated as “enjoyable”. Concerning Suitability, the average level of exertion (Borg RPE scale) was light (11–12). Adherence was high, with 86% of all (420) sessions reported as completed. No falls or other adverse events occurred in conjunction with the intervention.ConclusionsThis motor-cognitive eHealth home exercise intervention for PD was safe and feasible in terms of Recruitment capability, Acceptability, Safety and Demand. The intensity of physical challenge needs to be increased before testing in an efficacy trial.Trial registrationThis trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05027620).

The variability of physical enjoyment, physiological responses, and technical-tactical performance according to the bout duration of small-sided games: a comparative study between female and male soccer players

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare various factors, namely perceived enjoyment (PE), percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak), blood lactate (La), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and technical-tactical performance among soccer players across different bout durations (CB: continuous bout, MIB: medium intermittent bouts, and SIB: short intermittent bouts) and between male and female players during four-a-side (4vs4) small-sided games (SSGs) including goalkeepers.Methodssixteen female soccer players (age: 20.1 ± 0.5 years old) and sixteen professional male adults (age: 20.7 ± 0.7 years old) participated in the study. SSGs (4vs4) were performed in a CB: (1 × 12 min), and in an interval format: MIB: (2 × 6 min), and SIB: (3 × 4 min) with 2 min of passive recovery. PE was collected after each SSGs. The players’ heart rate (HR) was continuously measured, whereas ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and, blood lactate concentration ([La]) were determined at the end of each SSGs. Technical-tactical performance were analyzed during each session of SSGs. Pitch dimensions were (length x width) (25 × 32 m), and relative space per players was 100 m2.ResultsFor female soccer players, medium intermittent bouts (MIB) elicited significantly higher perceived enjoyment (PE) compared to continuous bouts (CB) (p < 0.001) and short intermittent bouts (SIB) (p < 0.01). Conversely, for male soccer players, CB resulted in higher PE compared to MIB (p < 0.001) and SIB (p < 0.001). During CB and MIB, peak heart rate (PeakHR) and percentage of peak heart rate (%HRpeak) were significantly higher in female players compared to SIB (PeakHR: CB: p < 0.001; PeakHR: MIB: p < 0.01; %HRpeak: CB: p < 0.001; %HRpeak: MIB: p < 0.01). Blood lactate (La) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were significantly greater in CB compared to MIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (La: p < 0.001; RPE: p < 0.001) for female players only. For male players, CB resulted in significantly higher PeakHR, %HRpeak, La, and RPE compared to MIB (peak HR: p < 0.01, dunb = 1.35; %HR: p < 0.01; La: p < 0.01; RPE: p < 0.01) and SIB (peak HR: p < 0,01; %HR: p < 0.01; RPE: md = 0.87, p < 0.05). Regarding technical-tactical performance, in female players, the % of successful passes, successful tackles, and successful duels were higher during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.01; p < 0.001; p < 0.001), while ball loss was lower during SIB compared to CB (p < 0.001) and MIB compared to CB (p < 0.001). In male players, % of successful passes and tackles were higher during CB compared to MIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and SIB (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), while CB had a lower % of ball loss compared to MIB (p < 0.01) and SIB (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the % of successful duels between the bouts for either gender.ConclusionThis study showed a difference in physical enjoyment between male and female soccer players depending on the bout duration of SSGs. For that, trainers should consider intermittent bouts for female soccer players and continuous bouts for male soccer players when designing SSGs-based training in order to significantly improve PE, training load, and technical-tactical performance.

ALBUMINURIA IS ASSOCIATED WITH LESS EFFORT TOLERANCE IN HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES

Introduction: The presence of albuminuria is an adverse marker of renal dysfunction progression. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus predispose to albuminuria. However, not all hypertensive and diabetic patients have albuminuria, so it is relevant to identify risk factors associated to this abnormality. The acute effect of intense physical activity may lead to transient albuminuria. On the other hand, physical inactivity is associated with risk factors for albuminuria Objective: To analyze the association between activity levels or physical performance and albuminuria in hypertensive and/or diabetic patients treated at basic health services. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study with hypertensives and/or diabetics subjects. The patients were evaluated in regard of albuminuria, clinical, laboratory and physical test performance variables. Results: There was no association between the degree of albuminuria and demographic, anthropometric, laboratory variables, functional capacity and level of physical activity. The degree of albuminuria was associated with systolic blood pressure, as well as the perception of effort, obtained by Borg Scale during the test in univariate analysis (odds ratio 4.11 with 95% confidence interval from 1.18 to 14.37, p = 0.027) and adjusted for systolic blood pressure and diabetes (odds ratio 3.02 with 95% confidence interval from 1.35 to 6.75; p = 0.007). Conclusion: there was association between albuminuria and perceived effort, as well with systolic blood pressure. There was not with association physical performance or level of activity. Further studies are needed to elucidate the association of albuminuria with Borg Scale.

The Value of Ultrasound for Detecting and Following Subclinical Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a complication in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Accurate strategies to identify its presence in early phases are essential. We conducted the study aiming to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) in detecting subclinical ILD in SSc, and to ascertain its potential in determining the disease progression. 133 patients without respiratory symptoms and 133 healthy controls were included. Borg scale, Rodnan skin score (RSS), auscultation, chest radiographs, and respiratory function tests (RFT) were performed. A rheumatologist performed the lung US. High-resolution CT (HRCT) was also performed. The patients were followed every 12 weeks for 48 weeks. A total of 79 of 133 patients (59.4%) showed US signs of ILD in contrast to healthy controls (4.8%) (p = 0.0001). Anti-centromere antibodies (p = 0.005) and RSS (p = 0.004) showed an association with ILD. A positive correlation was demonstrated between the US and HRCT findings (p = 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of US in detecting ILD were 91.2% and 88.6%, respectively. In the follow-up, a total of 30 patients out of 79 (37.9%) who demonstrated US signs of ILD at baseline, showed changes in the ILD score by US. US showed a high prevalence of subclinical ILD in SSc patients. It proved to be a valid, reliable, and feasible tool to detect ILD in SSc and to monitor disease progression.

Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up on High-Intensity Exercise Performance and Muscle Oxygenation.

An inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) improves inspiratory muscle function, but the effects of high-intensity exercise are inconsistent. We aimed to determine the effects of high-intensity IMW on high-intensity exercise performance and muscle oxygenation. Ten healthy men (maximal oxygen uptake [V˙O2max] 52.2 [5.0]mL·kg-1·min-1) performed constant-load exercise to exhaustion on a cycle ergometer at V˙O2max under 2 IMW conditions: a placebo condition (PLA) and a high-intensity IMW condition (HIGH). The inspiratory loads were set at 15% and 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure, respectively. Maximal inspiratory pressure was measured before and after IMW. Oxyhemoglobin was measured in the vastus lateralis by near-infrared spectroscopy during exercise. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE)for a leg was measured after 1 and 2minutes of exercise. Exercise tolerance was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA (228 [49]s vs 218 [49]s, P = .003). Maximal inspiratory pressure was significantly increased by IMW under HIGH (from 125 [20] to 136 [25] cm H2O, P = .031). Oxyhemoglobin was significantly higher under HIGH than PLA at 80% of the total duration of exercise (P = .048). RPE for the leg was significantly lower under HIGH than PLA after 2minutes of exercise (P = .019). Given that oxyhemoglobin is an index of local oxygen supply, the results of this study suggest that high-intensity IMW increases the oxygen supply to active limbs. It may also reflect a reduction in RPE in the leg. In addition, high-intensity IMW may improve exercise performance.