Performance Test Outcomes Research Articles

Association of kidney function with physical performance: the Maastricht study.

Kidney failure has been associated with decreased physical capacity, although evidence regarding the physical performance of individuals with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD)remains limited. Cross-sectional data were derived from the prospective, population-based Maastricht Study. Multivariate linear regression models were fitted to assess the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria categories with physical performance test outcomes. Overall, 7396 participants were included. Compared to eGFR 60-90ml/min/1.73m2, values < 60ml/min/1.73m2 were associated with significantly shorter 6-min walk distance (β: - 13.04m, 95% confidence intervals-CI - 19.95; - 6.13), worse timed chair rise stand test time (β: 0.91s, 95% CI 0.36; 1.47), lower maximal grip (β: - 0.83kg, 95% CI - 1.50; - 0.15) and elbow flexion (β: - 3.64 Nm, 95% CI - 7.11; - 0.16) strength. Additionally, eGFR > 90ml/min/1.73m2 was linked to significantly shorter 6-min walk distance (β: - 6.13m, 95% CI - 9.44; - 2.82). Urinary albumin excretion > 30mg/24h was associated with shorter 6-min walk distance (β: - 12.48m, 95% CI - 18.28; - 6.68), worse timed chair rise stand test time (β: 0.51s, 95% CI 0.11; 1.06), lower maximal grip (β: - 1.34kg, 95% CI - 1.91; - 0.76) and elbow flexion strength (β: - 3.31Nm, 95% CI - 5.80; - 0.82). Reduced eGFR and higher albuminuria levels were associated with worse physical performance, especially shorter 6-min walk distance and lower muscle strength. The relationship between eGFR and physical function was non-linear, with also high eGFR values being associated with worse performance, especially in the six-minute walk test.

Age-Related Reference Intervals for Physical Performance Test Outcomes Relevant to Male Youth Middle Eastern Football Players.

To develop age-specific reference intervals for physical performance test outcomes relevant to male youth Middle Eastern football players. We analyzed mixed-longitudinal data (observations range: 1751-1943 assessments) from a sample of 441 male youth outfield football players (chronological age range: 11.7-18.4y) as part of the Qatar Football Association and Aspire Academy development program over 14 competitive seasons. Semiparametric generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape estimated age-specific reference centiles for 10-m sprinting, 40-m sprinting, countermovement jump height, and maximal aerobic speed variables. The estimated reference intervals indicated that the distribution of the physical performance test scores increased monotonically and nonlinearly with advancing chronological age for sprinting and countermovement jump outcome measures, reaching a plateau after 16years common to each of these performance variables. The maximal aerobic speed median score increased substantially until ∼14.5years, with the nonlinear trend flattening off toward relatively older chronological ages. We developed age-related reference intervals for physical performance test outcomes relevant to youth Qatari football players. Country-wide age-specific reference intervals can assist in the longitudinal tracking of the individual players' progress over time against benchmark values derived from the reference population.

Predictive Value of In-Program Academic Variables for Future Clinical Education Performance in Physical Therapist Education: An Exploratory Study

Introduction. The purposes of this study were to (1) explore the relationship of preclinical assessment outcomes and grade point averages (GPAs) with full-time clinical education experience (CEE) performance and (2) determine the predictive value of associated variables to full-time CEE performance. Review of Literature. In-program academic variables such as performance tests, comprehensive examinations, and GPAs reflect a measure of student performance before clinical education. Limited and conflicting physical therapist education research exists examining the relationship between preclinical in-program academic variables and CEE performance. Subjects. A retrospective convenience sample of 130 graduated PT student academic records with expected graduation years of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Methods. Academic records related to performance test outcomes, cumulative program GPAs, utilization of a practical retake appeal policy, and comprehensive examination performance were correlated with CEE performance. A dichotomous ordinal rating scale quantified CEE performance per full-time experience based on the presence of a learning contract. Overall CEE performance was defined as the percentage from the combined CEE performance scores across all experiences. Data analyses included Pearson's correlation coefficient, Spearman's rho, and a multiple linear regression analysis. Results. Ten of 25 course-specific performance tests had significant associations with CEE performance. Cumulative GPA and the practical retake appeal were significantly associated with the CEE III score and overall CEE performance. The practical retake appeal was a significant contributor to clinical performance, explaining 5.3% of the variance (β = 0.24, P = .01, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09, part correlation = 0.23, tolerance = 0.91). Discussion and Conclusion. These findings support the use of performance tests as an effective assessment strategy before CEEs but only represent one aspect of the full picture of readiness to practice. Academic progression policies can offer a mechanism for early identification to support at-risk students before the CEEs.

Association of Bioelectrical Impedance Phase Angle with Physical Performance and Nutrient Intake of Older Adults.

In recent years, the phase angle (PhA) as a raw bioelectrical impedance analysis variable has gained attention to assess cell integrity and its association to physical performance in either sports-related or clinical settings. However, data on healthy older adults are scarce. Therefore, data on body composition, physical performance and macronutrient intake from older adults (n = 326, 59.2% women, 75.2 ± 7.2 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Physical performance was evaluated by the Senior Fitness Test battery, gait speed, timed up and go and handgrip strength. Body composition was determined by the BIA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (from a subgroup of n = 51). The PhA was negatively associated with the timed up and go test and age (r = -0.312 and -0.537, p < 0.001), and positively associated with the 6 min walk test, 30 s chair stand, handgrip strength, gait speed and physical performance score (r = 0.170-0.554, p < 0.05), but not protein intake (r = 0.050, p = 0.386). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that especially age, sex, BMI, but also the PhA predicted the performance test outcomes. In conclusion, the PhA seems to be an interesting contributor to physical performance, but sex- and age-specific norm values still need to be determined.

A novel low molecular quaternary polymer as shale hydration inhibitor

Polymer inhibitors for deep shale gas drilling have poor temperature resistance and can influence the rheological attributes of the drilling muds. To overcome this issue, a high temperature resistant and low molecular weight quaternary polymer DVAA was prepared by hydrothermal radical polymerization. The characterizations of the DVAA were evaluated by IR, NMR, TG, and GPC, and the inhibition, rheology, and filtration parameters were examined. The shale inhibition mechanism was evaluated by the SEM, zeta potential, contact angle, and XRD. Initial decomposition temperature of DVAA is 354.83 °C and Mp is 4583. The performance test outcomes suggest that using DVAA could lead to a linear expansion reduction rate of MMT at 73.4%, whereas the rolling recovery rate of cuttings was 86.25%. The API filtration of 4% MMT after hot-rolling is 13.6 ml. The mechanism of DVAA showed that DVAA and MMT form ionic bonds and hydrogen bond through electrostatic attraction and can still maintain a good structure under elevated temperature conditions. DVAA can effectively weaken the surface hydration by entering the crystal layer to replace the inter-layer cations, where it forms a polymer-film on the bentonite surface. In summary, the research and development of the DVAA can provide an effective guarantee for the stability of the wellbore during the development of deep shale gas reservoirs.

Relative Skeletal Maturity and Performance Test Outcomes in Elite Youth Middle Eastern Soccer Players.

This study aimed to explore the influence of differences in relative skeletal maturity on performance test outcomes in elite youth soccer players from the Middle East. We integrated skeletal age and performance assessments using mixed-longitudinal data available for 199 outfield players (chronological age range, 11.7 to 17.8 yr) enrolled as academy student-athletes (annual screening range, 1 to 5 visits). Skeletal age was determined as per the Tanner-Whitehouse II protocol. Relative maturity was calculated as the difference (∆) between Tanner-Whitehouse II skeletal age minus chronological age. Performance test outcomes of interest were 10-m sprinting, 40-m sprinting, countermovement jump height, and maximal aerobic speed. Separate random-effects generalized additive models quantified differences in performance test outcomes by relative skeletal maturity. Estimated differences were deemed practically relevant based on the location of the confidence interval (95% CI) against minimal detectable change values for each performance test outcome. For 40-m sprinting, differences of +0.51 s (95% CI, +0.35 to +0.67 s) and +0.62 s (95% CI, +0.45 to +0.78 s) were practically relevant for relative maturity status of ∆ = -1.5 yr versus ∆ = +0.5 and ∆ = +1 yr, respectively. For countermovement jump height, a difference of -8 cm (95% CI, -10 to -5 cm) was practically relevant for ∆ = -1.5 yr versus ∆ = +1 yr relative maturity status comparison. Effects for 10-m sprinting and maximal aerobic speed were unclear. Integration of skeletal age and performance assessments indicated that conventional maturity status classification criteria were inconsistent to inform player development processes in our sample. Between-player differences in test performance may depend on a substantial delay in skeletal maturation (∆ ≤ -1.5 yr) and the performance outcome measure.

Reference values for performance test outcomes relevant to English female soccer players

The purpose of this study was to present reference standards for physical performance test outcomes relevant to elite female soccer players. We analysed mixed-longitudinal data (n = 1715 observations) from a sample of 479 elite youth and senior players as part of the English Football Association’s national development programme (age range: 12.7 to 36.0 years). Semi-parametric generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) estimated age-related reference centiles for 5-m sprinting, 30-m sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance. The estimated reference centiles indicated that the median of the distribution of physical performance test scores varied non-linearly with advancing chronological age, improving until around 25 years for each performance variable. These are the first reference ranges for performance test outcomes in elite English female soccer players. These data can assist practitioners when interpreting physical test performance outcomes to track an individual’s progress over time and support decision making regarding player recruitment and development.

Inter-methodological quantification of the target change for performance test outcomes relevant to elite female soccer players

ABSTRACT Introduction Valid and informed interpretations of changes in physical performance test data are important within athletic development programmes. At present, there is a lack of consensus regarding a suitable method for deeming whether a change in physical performance is practically relevant or not. Methods We compared true population variance in mean test scores between those derived from evidence synthesis of observational studies to those derived from practioner opinion (n = 30), and to those derived from a measurement error (minimal detectable change) quantification (n = 140). All these methods can help to obtain ‘target’ change score values for performance variables. Results We found that the conventional ‘blanket’ target change of 0.2 (between-subjects SD) systematically underestimated practically relevant and more informed changes derived for 5-m sprinting, 30-m sprinting, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (IR1) tests in elite female soccer players. Conclusions For the first time in the field of sport and exercise sciences, we have illustrated the use of a principled approach for comparing different methods for the definition of changes in physical performance test variables that are practically relevant. Our between-method comparison approach provides preliminary guidance for arriving at target change values that may be useful for research purposes and tracking of individual female soccer player’s physical performance.

Canan Outdoor Multisurface Terrain Enhance the Effects of Fall Prevention Exercise in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Walking on complex surface conditions in outdoor environments is important for active aging. This study aimed at examining whether fall prevention exercise integrated with an outdoor multisurface terrain compared with indoor solid ground was more beneficial for older adults. Twenty-two older nursing home residents were randomly assigned to outdoor multisurface terrain (n = 11, 79.5 ± 2.1 years) or indoor solid ground (n = 11, 78.8 ± 5.2 years) groups. Training occurred five times per week (30 min) for 3 weeks. The following performance test outcomes were measured: 10 m walk test (10 mWT), multisurface terrain walk test (MTWT), 2 min walk test (2 MWT), timed up and go test (TUGT), single-leg standing test with eyes open (SLSTEO), single-leg standing test with eyes closed (SLSTEC), and closed cycles test (CCT). Compared with baseline, the outdoor multisurface terrain training significantly improved performance in all tests (p < 0.01). The improvements of the outdoor multisurface terrain group after intervention were significantly higher than those of the indoor solid group in the 10 mWT (p = 0.049), MTWT (p = 0.02), and 2 MWT (p = 0.000). Exercise combined with outdoor multisurface terrain training may be an efficacious approach and a feasible environmental intervention for fall prevention in older adults.

The Role of Genetic Profile in Functional Performance Adaptations to Exercise Training or Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Variations in genotype may contribute to heterogeneity in functional adaptations to exercise. Methods: A systematic search of eight databases was conducted, and 9,696 citations were screened. Results: Eight citations from seven studies measuring 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and nine different functional performance test outcomes were included in the review. There was one observational study of physical activity and six experimental studies of aerobic or resistance training. The ACE (D) allele, ACTN3 (RR) genotype, UCP2 (GG) genotype, IL-6-174 (GG) genotype, TNF-α-308 (GG) genotype, and IL-10-1082 (GG) genotype all predicted significantly superior adaptations in at least one functional outcome in older men and women after prescribed exercise or in those with higher levels of physical activity. Conclusion: There is a small amount of evidence that older adults may have better functional outcomes after exercise/physical activity if they have specific alleles related to musculoskeletal function or inflammation. However, more robust trials are needed.

Impact of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage on Performance Test Outcomes in Elite Female Basketball Players.

Doma, K, Leicht, A, Sinclair, W, Schumann, M, Damas, F, Burt, D, and Woods, C. Impact of exercise-induced muscle damage on performance test outcomes in elite female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1731-1738, 2018-The purpose of this study was 2-fold: first, to examine the impact of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) on physical fitness qualities after a basketball-specific training session; second, to determine the reproducibility of the sport-specific performance measures in elite female basketball players. Ten elite female basketball players (age 25.6 ± 4.5 years; height 1.8 ± 0.7 m; and body mass 76.7 ± 8.3 kg) undertook a 90-minute training session involving repeated jumping, sprinting, and game-simulated training. Indirect muscle damage markers (i.e., countermovement jump, delayed onset of muscle soreness [DOMS], and creatine kinase [CK]) and sport-specific performances (i.e., change-of-direction [COD] test and suicide test [ST]) were measured before and 24 hours after training. These measures were also collected 1 week after training to determine the reproducibility of the basketball-specific performance measures. A significant reduction in lower-body power (-3.5 ± 3.6%; p ≤ 0.05), while a significant increase in DOMS (46.7 ± 26.3%; p ≤ 0.05) and CK (57.6 ± 23.1%; p ≤ 0.05) was observed 24 hours after exercise. The ST was also significantly increased (2.1 ± 1.8%; p ≤ 0.05), although no difference was observed for COD (0.1 ± 2.0%; p > 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation for the COD and ST were 0.81 and 0.90, respectively, and 1.9 and 1.5%, respectively. In conclusion, appropriate recovery should be considered the day after basketball-specific training sessions in elite basketball players. Furthermore, this study showed the usability of performance measures to detect changes during periods of EIMD, with acceptable reproducibility and minimal measurement error.

Impact of Blood Flow Restricted Cycle Training in College-Aged Triathletes on Performance and Physiological Parameters

Aerobic exercise training with blood flow restriction (BFR) has been reported to increase aerobic capacity and muscle strength and volume. However, there is no evidence that such a training strategy increases performance in athletes. PURPOSE: To elucidate the effects of a 4 week BFR cycle training protocol on aerobic capacity, muscle function and performance variables in triathletes of a university club. METHODS: Eighteen healthy university triathletes were randomly assigned to BFR group (n = 12; 19 ± 1 yrs) or no BFR group serving as the control (CON; n = 6; 20 ± 1 yrs). Both groups trained by cycling for 30 minutes, 3 days/week for 4 weeks. BFR was performed for 15 minutes total during each session as 5 minutes with BFR followed by 5 minutes without BFR, by applying cuffs to the upper thighs. The BFR group was further subdivided into two groups: one group with compression set to 160 mmHg (constant pressure, BFR-CP, n = 6); in the other, the compression was gradually increased from 160 to190 mmHg over 4 weeks (incremental pressure, BFR-IP, n = 6). All tests were performed before (Pre) and after 4 weeks of training (Post). Triathlon-specific performance tests were used: 5000-m run and 1500-m swim time trials and a 20-min bike distance trial, as well as the evaluation of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), one legged knee extensor strength, and thigh muscle cross sectional area (CSA). Two-way repeated ANOVAs were used (BFR vs CON or BFR-CP vs BFR-IP and Pre vs Post) with significance accepted as p<0.05. RESULTS: VO2peak significantly increased after the training (main effect of time) and significant group-by-time interactions were detected (3198 to 3449 mL/min and 3152 to 3212 mL/min in BFR and CON). However, a post-hoc analysis indicated no significant interaction in VO2peak between BFR-CP (3137 to 3396 mL/min) and BFR-IP (3259 to 3501 mL/min). Although the 5000-m run time was significantly shorter after the training (main effect of time), no significant interaction were detected (20.3 to 19.8 min and 20.1 to 19.8 min in BFR and CON). Lastly, there were no significant effects of training on muscle strength or CSA, 1500-m swim time, or 20-min bike distance. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of university triathletes, 4 weeks of BFR cycle training increased aerobic capacity, but had no added effect on muscle strength and volume or performance test outcomes.

Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both, in addition to usual care, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: a randomized controlled trial. 1: clinical effectiveness

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of manual physiotherapy and/or exercise physiotherapy in addition to usual care for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. In this 2×2 factorial randomized controlled trial, 206 adults (mean age 66 years) who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for hip or knee OA were randomly allocated to receive manual physiotherapy (n=54), multi-modal exercise physiotherapy (n=51), combined exercise and manual physiotherapy (n=50), or no trial physiotherapy (n=51). The primary outcome was change in the Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) after 1 year. Secondary outcomes included physical performance tests. Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation. Of 206 participants recruited, 193 (93.2%) were retained at follow-up. Mean (SD) baseline WOMAC score was 100.8 (53.8) on a scale of 0-240. Intention to treat analysis showed adjusted reductions in WOMAC scores at 1 year compared with the usual care group of 28.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2-47.8) for usual care plus manual therapy, 16.4 (-3.2 to 35.9) for usual care plus exercise therapy, and 14.5 (-5.2 to 34.1) for usual care plus combined exercise therapy and manual therapy. There was an antagonistic interaction between exercise therapy and manual therapy (P=0.027). Physical performance test outcomes favoured the exercise therapy group. Manual physiotherapy provided benefits over usual care, that were sustained to 1 year. Exercise physiotherapy also provided physical performance benefits over usual care. There was no added benefit from a combination of the two therapies. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12608000130369.

Tinnitus and Its Effect on Working Memory and Attention

In 2 experiments, the assumption that continual orienting to tinnitus uses cognitive resources was investigated. It was hypothesized that differences in performance of tinnitus and control groups would manifest during demanding or unfamiliar tasks that required strategic, controlled processing and that reduced performance was not related solely to levels of anxiety. Nineteen participants with chronic, moderate tinnitus-matched with a control group for age, education, and verbal IQ-completed auditory verbal working-memory and visual divided-attention tasks, with task order counterbalanced across participants. As hypothesized, reading span of the tinnitus group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (Task 1). In Task 2, the tinnitus group recorded slower reaction times and poorer accuracy in the most demanding dual task context. Covariate analyses revealed that differences in task performance were not attributable to anxiety scale scores. Complaints of the distracting effects of tinnitus have a basis in performance test outcomes. Future research should investigate effects of severe tinnitus and possible effects of hearing loss. At the level of theory development, results from this study suggest that tinnitus affects cognition to the extent that it reduces cognitive capacity needed to perform tasks that require voluntary, conscious, effortful, and strategic control.

Performance measures were necessary to obtain a complete picture of osteoarthritic patients

Objectives Self-report questionnaires and performance measures represent two methods for assessing physical function. A recurring theme is that self-report measures are superior to performance measures. This study investigated the association between three performance test outcomes of four activities (pain, exertion, and time or distance; for self-paced walk, stair test, timed up-and-go, 6-minute walk) with self-reports of physical function (WOMAC Physical Function subscale and LEFS) and the association between the change scores of the performance tests and those of the self-report measures. Study Design and Setting Performance and self-report measures were administered three times (presurgery and at ∼1 week and ∼8 weeks post arthroplasty) to 85 patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty. Components of the performance tests were pooled within each domain across the four measures. Multiple regression analyses were applied. Independent variables were performance tests components; dependent variables were self-report measures. Standardized regression coefficients described the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Results Pain was the principal determinant of WOMAC Physical Function subscale scores. Pain, exertion, and time or distance were strongly associated with the LEFS at the first, second, and third assessments, respectively. Change in pain was most strongly associated with change in self-reported physical function. Conclusion Our findings caution against the isolated use of self-report assessments of physical function.