Percentage Of Maximal Heart Rate Research Articles

THE VALIDITY OF SESSION RATINGS OF PERCEIVED EXERTION FOR MONITORING TRAINING INTENSITY DURING INDOOR ROWING: A CASE REPORT FROM AN ELITE ATHLETE IN PREPARATION FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) are a popular tool for monitoring exercise intensity across a range of sports. Despite this, little is known regarding the application of sRPE to...

Chronotropic incompetence can limit exercise tolerance in COPD patients with lung hyperinflation.

PurposeMetabolic-chronotropic relationship is the only concept that assesses the entire chronotropic function during exercise, as it takes into account individual fitness. To better understand interrelationships between chronotropic incompetence (CI), dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and exercise limitation among Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) disease severity, we evaluated cardiopulmonary responses to symptom-limited cycle exercise in stable patients.Patients and methodsWe prospectively studied 47 COPD patients classified by GOLD stage severity. Pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary responses to symptom-limited incremental exercise were studied. CI was defined by regression line between percent heart rate (HR) reserve and percent oxygen uptake (V’O2) reserve, ie, chronotropic-metabolic index (CMI). DH was defined from the knot resulting from the nonlinear regressions of inspiratory capacity changes from rest to peak (dynamic inspiratory capacity (ICdyn)) with percentage of maximal HR and CMI.ResultsAerobic capacity (median interquartile ranges) peak V’O2, 24.3 (23.6; 25.2), 18.5 (15.5; 21.8), 17.5 (15.4; 19.1) mL·kg−1·min−1 and CMI worsened according to GOLD severity. The optimal knot of ICdyn was equal to −0.34 L. The multivariate logistic regression showed a strong relationship between CI (outcome) and DH (odds ratio [confidence interval 95]) 25 (3.5; 191.6).ConclusionCOPD patients with DH have a poor cardiovascular response to exercise, which may be attributed to CI.

Comparıson of the Heart Rate and Blood Lactate Responses of Different Small Sided Games in Young Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax), blood lactate (La−), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE, CR-10) responses across different formats of small-sided games (SSG) in elite young soccer players. Fourteen players (average age 16.7 ± 0.6 years; height 177.6 ± 4.1 cm; body mass 66.3 ± 4.7 kg; average training age 6.7 ± 1.6 years; percentage of body fat 8.4 ± 2.6%) volunteered to perform the YoYo intermittent recovery test (level 1) and eight bouts of soccer drills including 2-a-side, 3-a-side, and 4-a-side games without goalkeepers in random order at two-day intervals. Heart rates were monitored throughout the SSGs, whereas the RPE and venous blood lactate were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. The differences in La−, %HRmax, and RPE either across the different SSGs or between the bouts were identified using 3 × 8 (games × exercise bouts) two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Significant differences were found in terms of La−, RPE, and %HRmax among the different types of SSG (p ≤ 0.05). 3-a-side and 4-a-side games elicited significantly higher responses than 2-a-side games in terms of %HRmax (p ≤ 0.05), whereas 4-a-side games resulted in significantly lower La− and RPE responses compared to 2-a-side and 3-a-side games. The results of this study show that physiological responses differ according to the numbers of players involved in small-sided games. Therefore, it can be concluded that 3-a-side and 4-a-side games could be more effective in improving high intensity aerobic performance than 2-a-side games, which in turn are more appropriate for developing anaerobic performance.

Heart Rate and Energy Expenditure in Division I Field Hockey Players During Competitive Play.

Sell, KM and Ledesma, AB. Heart rate and energy expenditure in Division I field hockey players during competitive play. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2122-2128, 2016-The purpose of this study was to quantify energy expenditure and heart rate data for Division I female field hockey players during competitive play. Ten female Division I collegiate field hockey athletes (19.8 ± 1.6 years; 166.4 ± 6.1 cm; 58.2 ± 5.3 kg) completed the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test to determine maximal heart rate. One week later, all subjects wore a heart rate monitor during a series of 3 matches in an off-season competition. Average heart rate (AvHR), average percentage of maximal heart rate (AvHR%), peak exercise heart rate (PExHR), and percentage of maximal heart rate (PExHR%), time spent in each of the predetermined heart rate zones, and caloric expenditure per minute of exercise (kcalM) were determined for all players. Differences between positions (backs, midfielders, and forwards) were assessed. No significant differences in AvHR, AvHR%, PExHR, PExHR%, and %TM were observed between playing positions. The AvHR% and PExHR% for each position fell into zones 4 (77-93% HRmax) and 5 (>93% HRmax), respectively, and significantly more time was spent in zone 4 compared with zones 1, 2, 3, and 5 across all players (p ≤ 0.05). The kcalM reflected very heavy intensity exercise. The results of this study will contribute toward understanding the sport-specific physiological demands of women's field hockey and has specific implications for the duration and schedule of training regimens.

%HRmax of Submaximal Speeds Accurately Predicts Velocity at O2max in Trained Runners

The running velocity associated with maximal oxygen uptake (vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) has been used extensively to evaluate fitness level, training adaptations and to estimate performance level in running distances ranging from 1500 m to Marathon. However, the systematic use of vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max could be limited as for its determination subjects need to execute an exhaustive progressively incremental test in a sophisticated laboratory setting with the help of skilled laboratory personnel. Consequently, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive and valid field test that could provide a reasonable estimation of vVO2max. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the percentage of maximal heart rate (%HR) at submaximal running speed of 10, 11 and 12 kmh-1 with maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max and ventilatory threshold (VT). METHODS: Sixty trained amateur runners (age 38.2 ± 8.8 years, body mass 76.0 ± 13.0 kg, %fat 13.1 ± 4.3 % and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 52.7 ± 7.8 mlkg-1 min-1) performed a laboratory based incremental treadmill test to volitional exhaustion (0% inclination, 3 min stages) to determine V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. Additionally, the subjects visited the laboratory three times (with interval of 48 hours) to run a 6-min running bout at submaximal speeds 10, 11 and 12 kmh-1 in a random order. Heart rate was collected throughout the submaximal running bouts. Data were assessed for normality (Kolomonov and Smirnoff) and the relationships between the variables were calculated using the Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Significance was set at p < 0.01. RESULTS: The results revealed significant (p < 0.01) correlations between the %HR at all speeds and the vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and VT (10 kmh-1 = -0.817, -0,708, and -0.810 respectively; 11 kmh-1 = -0.863, -0,728, and -0.858 respectively; 12 kmh-1 = -0.911, -0,794, and -0.904 respectively). The highest correlation occurred between the %HR at 12 kmh-1 and vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max (r = -0.911) and the equation for prediction of vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max was y = -0.2917x + 41.3 (r2 = 0.830). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the %HR can accurately predict vV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and VT and this can provide useful information regarding aerobic fitness of trained adults. The %HR at submaximal speeds could be used in monitoring athletes as well as for the estimation of the optimal training intensity.

Sports Physical Therapy Section Poster Presentations (Abstracts SPO1–SPO119)

Sports Physical Therapy Section Poster Presentations (Abstracts SPO1–SPO119)

Biological aging and physical fitness in men aged 20-70 years from Kraków, Poland.

The increasing problem of population aging requires appropriate economic and health-related measures to mitigate its negative effects. The aim was to categorize the biological age of men between 20 and 70 years of age and assess its relationship to their physical activity and fitness. Data included morphological variables, total body water, the results of five Eurofit motor tests and the percentage of maximum heart rate (HR%), during a cardiovascular test of more than 1,400 20-70 year-old men living in Kraków. Biological age was estimated with regression equations. There were significant and consistent differences in physical fitness profiles between the three established groups of relations between biological and chronological age (biologically younger, equal, and older). These three categories of biological age were generally consistent with the regression analysis of physical fitness results, although declared physical activity seemed to be an independent factor. The selected morphological variables represent a set of characteristics useful for the determination of the biological age. The existing relationship between physical activity and biological age indicates that physical activity may contribute to the inhibition of involutional changes, even if it had only been performed regularly in the past. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:503-509, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Immersible ergocycle prescription as a function of relative exercise intensity

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between various expressions of relative exercise intensity percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max), percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), %VO2 reserve (%VO2R), and %HR reserve (%HRR)) in order to obtain the more appropriate method for exercise intensity prescription when using an immersible ergocycle (IE) and to propose a prediction equation to estimate oxygen consumption (VO2) based on IE pedaling rate (rpm) for an individualized exercise training prescription. MethodsThirty-three healthy participants performed incremental exercise tests on IE and dryland ergocycle (DE) at equal external power output (Pext). Exercise on IE began at 40 rpm and was increased by 10 rpm until exhaustion. Exercise on DE began with an initial load of 25 W and increased by 25 W/min until exhaustion. VO2 was measured with a portable gas analyzer (COSMED K4b2) during both incremental tests. On IE and DE, %VO2R, %HRmax, and %HRR at equal Pext did not differ (p > 0.05). ResultsThe %HRR vs. %VO2R regression for both IE and DE did not differ from the identity line %VO2R IE = 0.99 × HRR IE (%) + 0.01 (r2 = 0.91, SEE = 11%); %VO2R DE = 0.94 × HRR DE (%) + 0.01 (r2 = 0.94, SEE = 8%). Similar mean values for %HRmax, %VO2R, and %HRR at equal Pext were observed on IE and DE. Predicted VO2 obtained according to rpm on IE is represented by: VO2 (L/min) = 0.000542 × rpm2 − 0.026 × rpm + 0.739 (r = 0.91, SEE = 0.319 L/min). ConclusionThe %HRR–%VO2R relationship appears to be the most accurate for exercise training prescription on IE. This study offers new tools to better prescribe, control, and individualize exercise intensity on IE.

Physiological and Technical Demands of No Dribble Game Drill in Young Basketball Players.

This study assessed the physiological and technical demands of no dribble game drill (NDGD) in comparison with a regular drill (RD). Twenty-three young basketball players performed RDs and NDGDs in a random order. All basketball rules were followed for RDs, whereas dribbling was not permitted for NDGDs. The independent variable was the drill condition, and the dependent variables were percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), Edwards training load (TL), and the following technical actions (TAs): pass (total, correct, wrong, and percent of correct passes), shot (total, scored, missed, and percent of made shots), interception, steal, turnover, and rebound. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to assess differences between NDGD and RD conditions for each dependent variable, and the level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed higher values for %HRmax (p = 0.007), Edwards TL (p = 0.006), and RPE (p = 0.027) in NDGD compared with RD condition. Technical action analysis revealed higher values in NDGD than RD for total (p = 0.000), correct (p = 0.000), and wrong pass (p = 0.005), and interception (p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found for the other TAs. The main finding of this study was that NDGD condition elicited a greater physiological demand and a higher number of passes and interceptions than the RD one. Basketball coaches should consider the NDGD as a viable method to increase the physiological load of their training sessions and to teach passing skills in a game-based situation.

Prediction of Affective Responses in Aerobic Exercise Sessions.

The objective of the present study was to verify which physiological (percentage of maximum oxygen consumption--%VO2 or percentage of maximum heart rate--%HR) or psychological (ratings of perceived exertion--RPE) variable is the best predictor of affective responses during continuous (CT) and interval (HIT) exercise sessions. Fourteen men underwent 3 exercise sessions on the treadmill. In the first session, a graded exercise test was performed to determine the maximum HR, peak VO2, and the respiratory compensation point (RCP). Then, participants performed the CT and HIT exercise in a counterbalanced order. The HIT session consisted of 2 min stimuli with an intensity of 100% of peak VO2 interspersed with periods of passive recovery. The average intensities of both exercise sessions were equalized at 85% of RCP. Linear regression analyses of both exercise sessions showed higher prediction values of RPE (CT--R2=.54, p <.01; HIT--R2=.68, p<.01) compared to %VO2 (CT--R2=.04, p=.08; HIT--R2=0.3, p=.12) and %HR (CT--R2=.07, p=.02; HIT--R2=.05, p=.05). Additionally, the results of the linear regression analysis between the Feeling Scale and physiological variables were not significant, indicating that the slope of the regression analysis was not different from zero. These results may be explained by the conscious mental processing required for the manifestation of both the RPE and the affective responses. In conclusion, the affective responses seem to be modulated not only by the intensity of exercise but also mostly by how the individual perceives this intensity.

Exercise Capacity and Heart Rate Responses to Exercise as Predictors of Short-Term Outcome Among Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Although exercise capacity (EC) and autonomic responses to exercise predict clinical outcomes in various populations, they are not routinely applied in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that the composite index of EC and exercise heart rate responses would be a powerful determinant of short-term risk in CAD. Patients with angiographically documented stable CAD and treated with β blockers (n = 1,531) underwent exercise testing to allow the calculation of age- and gender-adjusted EC, maximal chronotropic response index (CRI), and 2-minute postexercise heart rate recovery (HRR, percentage of maximal heart rate). Cardiovascular deaths and hospitalization due to heart failure, registered during a 2-year follow-up (n = 39, 2.5%), were defined as the composite primary end point. An exercise test risk score was calculated as the sum of hazard ratios related to abnormal (lowest tertile) EC, CRI, and HRR. Abnormal EC, CRI, and HRR predicted the primary end point, involving 4.5-, 2.2-, and 6.2-fold risk, respectively, independently of each other. The patients with intermediate and high exercise test risk score had 11.1-fold (95% confidence interval 2.4 to 51.1, p = 0.002) and 25.4-fold (95% confidence interval 5.5 to 116.8, p <0.001) adjusted risk for the primary end point in comparison with the low-risk group, respectively. The addition of this risk score to the established risk model enhanced discrimination by integrated discrimination index and reclassification by categorical and continuous net reclassification index (p <0.001 for all). In conclusion, the composite index of EC and heart rate responses to exercise and recovery is a powerful predictor of short-term outcome in patients with stable CAD.

The Effect of Changing Player Numbers on the Physiological Responses and Time-motion Characteristics of a Soccer-Specific Training Drill

Soccer-specific training (SST) drills are used to develop physiological adaptations, technical and tactical skills, and provide coaches with greater control of external training load. Despite widespread use, there has been little analysis of SST drills. This study quantified the effect of manipulating player numbers on the physiological demands of an SST drill. Fourteen players completed nine trials (3 × 8, 10, 12 players) of a 4-min SST drill modelled on soccer time-motion data. Physiological intensity measures (heart rate, blood lactate concentration [BLa-], rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) and GPS time-motion data (movement distances and velocities) were collected for each drill. A repeated measures analysis of variance determined significant (p < 0.05) between-drill differences. Results showed variables such as total running distance (TD), mean percentage of maximum heart rate, RPE, and [BLa-] were greater for the 8-player SST drill. The 10-player drill also had a 22% greater TD and 21% higher average speed compared to the 12-player drill, which tended to have a lower activity profile. The 8-player SST drill could be used to develop aerobic capacity and repeat-sprint ability (RSA) because of a higher activity profile. The 10- and 12-player drills would be suited for RSA and sprint acceleration enhancement.

Effect of different number of players and training regimes on physiological and technical demands of ball-drills in basketball

This study aimed to analyse the effects of two factors (number of players and training regimes) on players’ physiological and technical demands in basketball ball-drills. Twenty-one young basketball players performed four different ball-drills (two levels for each factor). The number of players involved was 2vs2 and 4vs4, while ball-drill regimes were continuous and intermittent. Physiological demand was assessed using the percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), Edwards’ training load and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, the following technical actions were collected: dribbles, steals, rebounds, turnovers, passes (total, correct, wrong and % of correct pass) and shots (total, scored, missed and % of made shot). A 2 × 2 (number of players × regime) two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for physiological parameters and technical actions. The 2vs2 condition showed higher %HRmax (P < 0.001), Edwards’ training load (P < 0.001), RPE (P < 0.001), number of dribbles (P < 0.001), rebounds (P < 0.001), passes [total (P = 0.005) and correct (P = 0.005)] and shots [total (P < 0.001) scored (P < 0.001) and missed (P < 0.001)] than 4vs4. Moreover, the continuous regime revealed higher %HRmax (P < 0.001), Edwards’ training load (P < 0.001), RPE (P = 0.006) and dribbles (P < 0.001) than the intermittent regime. This study showed that both number of players and regime are useful variables able to modify basketball ball-drills workload.

The Diurnal Variation on Cardiovascular Endurance Performance of Secondary School Athlete Student.

Background:The previous investigations in diurnal variation of endurance sports performance did not reach a consensus and have been limited. This study would be a valuable resource for endurance sports trainers and event managers to plan their training and competition in a specific time of day.Objectives:The aim of this study is to find out the diurnal variation in cardiovascular endurance performance in the young athletes.Materials and Methods:Thirty five athlete students (15.17 ± 1.62 years) participated in this study. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), post-exercise percentage of maximal heart rate (MHR% post-ex), post-exercise body temperature (BTemppost-ex), and post exercise blood lactic acid level (LApost-ex) were measured in this study. Three non-consecutive testings: A) Morning (09:00-10:00; AM), B) Noon (12:00-13:00; NN) and C) Afternoon (16:00-17:00; PM) were conducted. Participants were required to follow the meal plan and resting schedule for all testing days.Results:VO2max was significantly higher at NN (F2. 68 = 3.29, P < 0.05, η2 = 0.088) in comparison with PM. The MHR%post-ex, BTemppost-ex, LApost-ex was not significantly different among three times of day.Conclusions:Diurnal effect on endurance performance was found and the highest exercise VO2max was identified at noon. Secondary school students or young athletes are recommended to have sports training related to VO2max at noon for the purpose of maximizing training effectiveness.

Heart Rate Response of Professional Musicians When Playing Music.

The primary aim was to determine the level of physiological stress evoked while playing music in a standing position as indicated by heart rate (HR) response. A secondary aim was to analyze the effect of music genre (classic rock, western, contemporary Christian, and metal rock) on the relative HR response. Lastly, we considered potential physiological initiators of the music-playing-induced HR response. HR response was monitored in 27 professional musicians (3 women, 24 men) between the ages of 21 and 67 yrs old during rehearsal and public performances. The percent maximal HR (%MHR) evoked was determined by taking a percentage of the age-predicted maximal HR for each musician and comparing the average %MHR in each genre during public and rehearsal events. The role of the potential initiators of these responses (e.g., number of years playing in public, event type, instrument type, tempo, etc.) was determined using multiple regression analyses. The overall average %MHR responses were 52 ± 5% and 59 ± 5% during rehearsal and public performances, respectively, with genre type having a significant effect on the HR response (p=0.01). Body mass index and tempo were each found to be significant contributors to the HR response while playing music (r²=0.506, p=0.001). Playing music professionally evokes considerable increases in HR response, with music genre influencing the level of the physiological response. We concluded that 50% of the HR response while playing music was associated with body mass index, music tempo, and instrument type.

Determination of Initial Intensity to Elicit Proper Test Duration for a Modified-Astrand Protocol

The modified-Astrand protocol is used often in research when measuring VO2max, particularly in trained runners. The starting speed of the protocol is subjectively chosen by the researcher and varies based on training and racing history of the subject or subject population. This process results in test durations that may or may not meet the 10 minute test end point recommendation. There is currently no recommendation of an objective intensity for beginning the modified-Astrand protocol to achieve a proper test duration of 10 minutes in well-trained runners. PURPOSE: To determine an objective intensity for beginning the modified-Astrand protocol in an effort to elicit a test duration of 10 minutes. METHODS: Thirteen well-trained runners and triathletes (mean VO2max = 64.9ml·kg-1·min-1) underwent an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion utilizing the modified-Astrand protocol. VO2 was averaged every 30 seconds throughout testing. VO2max was confirmed using a verification phase protocol. Correlations were determined between test duration and both steady state VO2 during the first stage (as a percentage of VO2max, SSVO2) and steady state heart rate during the first stage (as percentage of maximal heart rate, SSHR). Bivariate regression was used to predict test duration from SSVO2 and SSHR. RESULTS: All subjects achieved VO2max based on results of the verification phase test. SSVO2 was significantly related to the duration of the test (r = -.837, p < .001, r2 = .700). SSHR was also significantly related to the duration of the test (r = -.791, p = .001, r2 = .626). Bivariate regression resulted in the determination that an initial work rate eliciting 65% of VO2max or 83% of maximal heart rate will likely result in a test duration of 10 minutes (SSVO2 SEE = .937 min, SSHR SEE = 1.27 min). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that an initial workrate of 65% VO2max or 83% of maximal heart rate is chosen when using the modified-Astrand protocol with well-trained runners in order to attain the recommended test duration of 10 minutes. Supported by The Ohio State University Alumni Grant for Graduate Research and Scholarship

Exercise training intensity prescription in breast cancer survivors: validity of current practice and specific recommendations.

Cancer survivors are recommended to perform 150 min/week of moderate or 75 min/week of vigorous aerobic exercise, but it remains unclear how moderate and vigorous intensities can be prescribed. Therefore, it was investigated whether and how intensity prescriptions for healthy adults by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) need to be adapted for breast cancer survivors. Fifty-two breast cancer survivors (stage 0-III, age 52 ± 9 years, BMI 25.4 ± 3.5 kg/m2) performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests at the end of primary therapy. Intensity classes defined as percentages of maximal heart rate (HRmax), heart rate reserve (HRR), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were compared to the ACSM's intensity classes using oxygen uptake reserve as reference. The prescriptions for moderate and vigorous exercise intensities were significantly different between breast cancer survivors and healthy adults when using VO2max (moderate 50-66 vs. 46-63 and vigorous 67-91 vs. 64-90% VO2max) or HRR (moderate 26-50 vs. 40-59 and vigorous 51-88 vs. 60-89 % HRR), but not when using HRmax (moderate 65-76 vs. 64-76 and vigorous 77-94 vs. 77-95% HRmax). In breast cancer survivors, intensity prescriptions for healthy adults result in considerably too intense training if HRR is used as guiding factor. Prescriptions using VO2max result in a slightly too low exercise intensity, whereas recommendations in percentages of HRmax appear valid. Cancer survivors should not uncritically adopt exercise intensity prescriptions for healthy adults. Specific prescriptions for the studied population are provided.

Functional capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in hypoxemic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BackgroundThe risk of hypoxemia increases with the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the deterioration of pulmonary function. The aim of this study was to compare functional capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic patients with COPD.MethodsThirty-nine COPD patients (mean age: 62.0±7.03 years) were included in this study. Arterial blood gas tensions were measured, and patients were divided into two groups according to oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), the hypoxemic COPD (PaO2 <60 mmHg) (n=18), and the control (PaO2 ≥60 mmHg) (n=21) groups. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Oxygen saturation, dyspnea, and fatigue perception were measured before and after the 6MWT. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and an accelerometer. Quality of life was assessed using the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).ResultsThe number of emergency visits and hospitalizations were higher in hypoxemic patients (P<0.05). Lung function parameters, 6MWT distance, exercise oxygen saturation, IPAQ total score, and energy expenditure during daily life were significantly lower, but percentage of maximum heart rate reached during the 6MWT was significantly higher, in hypoxemic COPD patients than in controls (P<0.05).ConclusionHypoxemia has a profound effect on functional capacity and physical activity in patients with COPD.

Cardiac factors affecting the success of vardenafil in erectile dysfunction.

To evaluate the predictability of vardenafil success in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) by using cardiological tests. Patients diagnosed with ED who did not benefit from lifestyle changes (n = 68) were evaluated with an abridged 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The pretreatment and posttreatment IIEF-5 scores were compared with pretreatment data obtained from cardiological examinations. When pretreatment scores were compared with test parameters, mitral flow E/A ratio and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) E'/ A', exercise test duration, exercise capacity in MET, and percentage of maximum heart rate were found to be statistically significant. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between mitral flow E/A ratio, TDI E'/A', exercise test duration, exercise capacity in MET, and the difference in post- and pretreatment IIEF-5 scores. As a diastolic function indicator, TDI E'/A' positively correlates with pretreatment IIEF-5 scores and negatively correlates with the beneficial effect of vardenafil treatment. As a result, the cardiological status of the patient correlates with individual IIEF-5 scores, and it seems to be useful in predicting vardenafil success.

Seasonal training-load quantification in elite English premier league soccer players.

To quantify the seasonal training load completed by professional soccer players of the English Premier League. Thirty players were sampled (using GPS, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) during the daily training sessions of the 2011-12 preseason and in-season period. Preseason data were analyzed across 6×1-wk microcycles. In-season data were analyzed across 6×6-wk mesocycle blocks and 3×1-wk microcycles at start, midpoint, and end-time points. Data were also analyzed with respect to number of days before a match. Typical daily training load (ie, total distance, high-speed distance, percent maximal heart rate [%HRmax], RPE load) did not differ during each week of the preseason phase. However, daily total distance covered was 1304 (95% CI 434-2174) m greater in the 1st mesocycle than in the 6th. %HRmax values were also greater (3.3%, 1.3-5.4%) in the 3rd mesocycle than in the first. Furthermore, training load was lower on the day before match (MD-1) than 2 (MD-2) to 5 (MD-5) d before a match, although no difference was apparent between these latter time points. The authors provide the 1st report of seasonal training load in elite soccer players and observed that periodization of training load was typically confined to MD-1 (regardless of mesocycle), whereas no differences were apparent during MD-2 to MD-5. Future studies should evaluate whether this loading and periodization are facilitative of optimal training adaptations and match-day performance.