Physical Work Capacity Research Articles

Independent and joint relationships of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index with liver fat content.

To investigate the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and liver fat content (LFC) in community-based participants and highlight their relationship in people with different body mass indices (BMIs). Using UK Biobank data, CRF was estimated with bicycle ergometer fitness testing and was evaluated based on physical work capacity at 75% maximum heart rate (PWC75%). LFC was quantified through liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on magnetic resonance imaging. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse the associations of CRF and BMI with absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF (%). In total, 5765 participants with a mean age of 55.57 years and a median (range) follow-up of 10.7 (4.0-17.7) years were included. Compared with the lowest PWC75% tertile, the absolute reduction and percentage change in PDFF in the highest PWC75% tertile were -0.450 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.699 to -0.192) and -4.152 (95% CI -6.044 to -2.104), respectively. These associations were independent of BMI, and individuals with obesity and normal weight had the largest absolute reduction and percentage change in LFC, respectively (p for interaction <0.001). Joint analysis showed that PWC75% and BMI had a negative dose-response relationship with PDFF. These associations were consistent in different sex and age subgroups (p for interaction >0.05). There was a significant negative association between CRF and LFC, and this association was independent of BMI. The results of this study strongly recommend improving CRF to mitigate LFC.

Massage prior to exercise delays the onset of the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT).

Functional massage (FM) is a soft tissue technique that incorporates non-end range joint movement with tissue compression to treat musculotendinous pain and dysfunction. FM has been associated with promoting neural excitability and neuromuscular efficiency. In clinical practice, FM may be used at the beginning of a treatment session to prepare fibers of the target muscle and surrounding soft tissues for functional activity. The Physical Working Capacity at the Fatigue Threshold (PWC<inf>FT</inf>) uses surface electromyography (EMG) to demarcate between non-fatiguing and fatiguing exercise. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the efficacy of FM when performed prior to an exercise session. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pre-performance FM delays the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. We hypothesized that FM would increase maximal power output as well as PWC<inf>FT</inf> compared to the control condition. Thirteen healthy college-aged men (mean±SEM: age, 24.1±0.5 years; weight, 83.0±3.2 kg; and height, 1.80±0.02 m) ranging from 22 to 28 years-old volunteered for the present study. On two occasions separated by at least 7 days, participants visited the laboratory to perform single-leg knee-extensor ergometer exercise after either receiving 7 min of FM (experimental condition) or no FM (control condition). The results indicated that the onset of neuromuscular fatigue was significantly delayed for the absolute and relative PWC<inf>FT</inf> (~80%) values compared to the control condition. There was no significant mean difference between FM and control for maximal power output. The findings of the present study indicated that FM was effective in delaying neuromuscular fatigue as assessed by PWC<inf>FT</inf>. These findings may be applicable to both athletic and clinical settings as FM prior to exercise may help to prime a target muscle before training.

Validity and feasibility of four standardized aerobic fitness tests in patients with depression: A cross-sectional study

The objective of this study was to examine the validity and feasibility of four standardized aerobic fitness tests to either measure O2peak or to estimate O2max (e O2max) in patients with major depression disorder (MDD). To this end, all subjects (n=43) performed one maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test with gas exchange measurement (CPET) on a bicycle ergometer. Additionally, three submaximal tests (Åstrand-Rhyming bicycle ergometer test [ART], Physical work capacity test [PWC], and 6-min walk test [6MWT]) were performed within two weeks in counterbalanced order. e O2max from the submaximal tests was compared to the measured O2peak from CPET using rANOVAs, Bland-Altman plots, and correlation analyses. Feasibility outcomes (e.g., perceived exertion, discomfort, pretest anxiety, etc.) were compared via rANOVAs. On group level, e O2max estimated submaximally via ART and PWC did not differ from the CPET-based O2peak, whereas there was a bias in the 6MWT, as differences of the means increased in participants with higher O2peak. During CPET, only 56% achieved a primary or secondary criterion of maximum (physiological) exertion. On the group level, O2peak and e O2max determined with the different tests showed a sufficient degree of agreement (r≥.54, ICCs≥0.66, p<.001), but on the individual level, marked differences occurred between CPET-based O2peak and e O2max. Three of four CRF tests (CPET, ART, PWC) proved to be feasible and could be integrated into everyday therapy and monitoring of patients with MDD as an estimate for improvement of aerobic fitness. For the exact measurement of O2peak, CPET remains the gold standard, also in patients with MDD.

Measuring rising heat and flood risk along the belt-and-road initiative

China’s global infrastructure financing flagship, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) encompasses countries hosting over 60% of the global population and one-third of worldwide GDP. It is based mainly on long-term loans that will mature decades into the future, and timely repayments are only possible if they remain commercially viable. But despite its vast global scope, little is known about the climate risks that could imperil the operations of BRI projects over the next few decades, and, consequently, threaten their long-term sustainability. We narrow this gap by estimating the impacts of future climate change on 217 BRI projects across 70 countries and 9 sectors in two dimensions. First, the effects of increased heat stress on human physical work capacity are calculated using the wet bulb globe temperature and an assessment of the workload for each selected BRI project. Second, the potential structural damages from more frequent flooding incidents are measured by return period (RP), where a shorter RP signals heightened risk. Both have direct impacts on human productivity and infrastructural integrity, which are essential to maintaining the operational viability and financial stability of BRI projects. We compared projected changes on both measures for the mid- and late-twentieth centuries (2041–2060 and 2081–2100) to the historical baseline (1981–2010). We found that BRI projects face escalating vulnerability to climatic risks on both counts. The results underscore a broad variance across different future carbon emission scenarios measured under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (including SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). BRI’s aggregated climatic risks are substantially elevated under a high carbon emission scenario compared to a low emission scenario. By the end of the twentieth century, labor workability under SSP3-7.0 (31%) could potentially decrease three times more compared to SSP1-2.6 (10%). Under an intermediate-emission scenario (SSP2-4.5), floods with a historical return period of 10 years could have a return period of 5 years in the future. Significantly hampering the utilization and economic return generation potential of infrastructure projects. In addition, regional geography contributes to risk heterogeneity, with 100-year floods occurring every 15 years in South Asia and every 24 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. Such climate risk implications, potentially overlooked by development financiers, represent significant risks to the sustenance of the BRI, estimated to be worth $1 trillion.

Activation of Students' Cognitive Activity through Physical and Health-Improving Activities

The methodology for developing cognitive activity through physical and health-improving activities is thoroughly examined for primary school students. Regarding the methodology for developing cognitive activity through physical and health-improving activities for middle school students, there are practically few developments, and recommendations are often given in a general form. Thus, the issue of the impact of physical and health- improving activities on the cognitive activity of middle school students is still largely unexplored and has not yet received scientific substantiation. The article determines the influence of the level of physical working capacity on the cognitive activity of 6th-grade students. A method for activating cognitive activity through small forms of physical culture is presented. The study involved the analysis of literary sources and internet resources; analysis of students' academic performance; research on physical working capacity; speed of thinking; determination of the average academic score; mathematical statistics methods using the SPSS program: the Kolmogorov-Smirnov one-sample test; Pearson correlation.

Foot Cooling To Preserve Physical Work Capacity During Occupational Heat Stress -a Pilot Study

Foot Cooling To Preserve Physical Work Capacity During Occupational Heat Stress -a Pilot Study

The Features of changes in the physical fitness of football players 13-14 years in the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle under the influence of a typical training program

The article deals with the effectiveness of using a standard football program for the stage of preliminary basic training in improving the overall and special physical fitness of young football players 13-14 years. The relevance and practical importance of this study is due to the need to improve the quality of existing programs for the construction of the training process of athletes specializing in football, at different stages of long -term sports training, especially in the initial stages of this process. In connection with the above, an assessment of the impact of a standard football program for the stage of preliminary basic preparation on the indicators of general and special physical fitness of football players 13-14 years during the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle was carried out. It is proved that the use of the program athletes of the said program did not contribute to a significant improvement of their general and special physical fitness. To complete the study, there was a significant increase in only individual indicators, namely: the level of physical work capacity and aerobic capabilities by 10%, power capacity for 23 %, 19% agility, the result in the ball of the ball with the ball and the level of special physical fitness by 9%of the change in other parameters were insignificant and ranged from 1%to 6%. The results indicated the lack of efficiency of the typical program of construction of the training process of young football players at the stage of preliminary basic training and the need for its appropriate correction to improve their overall and special physical fitness.

Yogistic efficacy on cardiopulmonary capacities, endurance efficiencies and musculoskeletal potentialities in female college students.

Physical exercise participation among female students is significantly compromised throughout the academic periods of college or university due to scholastic demands and also by less parental and community encouragements. Thus, physical inactivity in female college students leads to less musculoskeletal efficiency and work performance. Customized yogic module may be considered to enhance both aerobic and anaerobic power, pulmonary capacity and musculoskeletal efficiency for the improvement of systemic body functions among female college students. A randomized, controlled parallel study design (n = 60; age = 20.16±2.05 years), on sedentary female college students practicing customized yogic module (n = 30) for 5 days / week for 3 months (60 min daily in the morning) to observe anthropometric, physiological, cardiopulmonary and muscular endurance indices. After yogic practice, a significant reduction in body fat (p < 0.05) (%), heart rate (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), double product (p‹0.01) and rate pressure product (p < 0.05) were estimated. Significant improvement (p < 0.001) in vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec was also observed. Evaluation of hand grip strength, maximal oxygen consumption and physical work capacity showed significant increase (p < 0.01) after yogic intervention. A three-month customized yogic training improved resting physiological activities, cardiopulmonary functions, musculoskeletal strength and endurance fitness due to focused breathing, mindfulness meditation and by stretching-strengthening patterns for achieving recreational physical activity among female college students.

Comparing the efficacy of different climate indices for prediction of labor loss, body temperatures, and thermal perception in a wide variety of warm and hot climates.

The purpose of this study was to investigate which climate/heat indices perform best in predicting heat-induced loss of physical work capacity (PWCloss). Integrating data from earlier studies, data from 982 exposures (75 conditions) exercising at a fixed cardiovascular load of 130 beats·min-1, in varying temperatures (15-50°C), humidities (20-80%), solar radiation (0-800 W·m-2), wind (0.2-3.5 m·s-1), and two clothing levels, were used to model the predictive power of ambient temperature, universal thermal climate index (UTCI), wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), modified physiologically equivalent temperature (mPET), heat index, apparent temperature (AT), and wet bulb temperature (Twb) for the calculation of PWCloss, skin temperature (Tskin) and core-to-skin temperature gradient, and thermal perception (thermal sensation vote, TSV) in the heat. R2, RMSE, and Akaike information criterion were used indicating model performance. Indices not including wind/radiation in their calculation (Ta, heat index, AT, and Twb) struggled to provide consistent predictions across variables. For PWCloss and TSV, UTCI and WBGT had the highest predictive power. For Tskin, and core-to-skin temperature gradient, the physiological models UTCI and mPET worked best in seminude conditions, but clothed, AT, WBGT, and UTCI worked best. For all index predictions, Ta, vapor pressure, and Twb were shown to be the worst heat strain predictors. Although UTCI and WBGT had similar model performance using the full dataset, WBGT did not work appropriately in windy, hot-dry, conditions where WBGT predicted lower strain due to wind, whereas the empirical data, UTCI and mPET indicated that wind in fact increased the overall level of thermal strain. The findings of the current study highlight the advantages of using a physiological model-based index like UTCI when evaluating heat stress in dynamic thermal environments.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is an urgent need to determine the optimal heat stress metric when forecasting the impact of heat stress on human performance, physiological stress, and perception. We analyzed a wealth of laboratory data, simulating heart rate (HR)-paced work with wide variations in air temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and clothing. We conclude that the universal thermal climate index (UTCI) [followed by wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT)] is the optimal heat index to reliably predict reductions in performance, and elevations in physiological and perceptual stress.

Quality of life, neuro-humoral status and physical performance in adolescents with sinus tachycardia

The variety of causes, conditions and prognosis of sinus tachycardia (ST) had determined the study examining the quality of life, neurohumoral status as well as ST course in 17-year-old adolescents compared to their peers without heart rhythm disorders. The aim was to study neurohumoral status, quality of life and physical performance in adolescents of both sexes, aged 17 years with diagnosed ST during preventive examination using 24-hour ECG monitoring. Materials and methods. In the open prospective study, 165 adolescents (74 boys and 91 girls) with a mean age of 17.5 ± 0.5 years were enrolled. 24-hour ECG monitoring showed increased heart rate &gt;90 bpm in 12 boys and 19 girls considered themselves healthy. All the children were examined according to a program including 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, heart rate variability, serum concentrations of the main hormones, endothelin and copeptin. Health-related quality of life was measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. A physical work capacity test (PWC170) on a bicycle ergometer was evaluated in an 8-month physical rehabilitation program. Results. Adolescents of both sexes with ST were hypersympathicotonic with humoral dysregulation of the sinoatrial node, grade I arterial hypertension, elevated blood levels of estradiol and osteocalcin and low renin in females. ST in adolescents was associated with reduced physical performance, the restoration of which was accompanied by ST termination. Conclusions. The examination of the 165 adolescents with the mean age of 17.5 years who considered themselves healthy has revealed 12 (16.6 %) males and 19 (22.9 %) females with ST and mean 24-hour heart rate &gt;90 bpm. The children have been clinically diagnosed with inappropriate ST based on international classification, that were inadequate to healthy state. ST was accompanied by hypersympathicotonic type of sinoatrial node humoral dysregulation, grade I arterial hypertension in boys, abnormal pubertal development in girls with elevated blood levels of total estradiol and osteocalcin and low free renin levels, lowered levels of quality of life on role functioning of the SF-36 questionnaire. Adolescents with ST had lower performance in the PWC170 tests. The completion of the 8-week physical rehabilitation program via stationary cycling exercises has resulted in improved physical performance based on the PWC170 test from baseline levels of 8.6 ± 1.9 kgm/min per kg body weight to 12.8 ± 2.1 kgm /min per kg in girls (p = 0.08) and from 13.2 ± 1.5 kgm/min to 15.9 ± 1.6 kgm/min per kg body weight in boys (p &gt; 0.1), that was accompanied by ST termination.

Extremes of Weather Conditions and Child Health

Background: The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change worldwide. Heat-related mortality for people over 65 years of age and young children has increased by 85% between 2000–2004 and 2017–2021. World Meteorological Organization announced that there’s an 80% chance that the world will exceed the 1.5 °C temperature limit in at least one of the next 5 years. Aim: To review the impact of extremes of climate changes on Children’s health based on cases managed and reported in media. Methods: Material &amp; Methods: This article is a review of the impact of extremes of heat &amp; Cold weather on children, based on personal handling of cases and media reports of the adverse effects of heat this summer, exercising /punishing children in hot and cold weather. Key findings: Most children experience increased thirst, weakness, headache, dizziness or fainting, muscle cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, irritability, prickly heat &amp; heavy sweating. Dehydration in children is more than just being thirsty, as it is a condition where there isn’t enough fluid in the body because children lose more water than they take in. High heat stress also reduces physical work capacity and motor-cognitive performances, with consequences for school attendance for children. The cold weather itself doesn’t cause illness, but it weakens the immune system, making it a lot harder for the child to fight off infections. Conclusion: Temperatures above long-term averages during summer months and heatwaves are associated with cardiorespiratory and other diseases and mental health issues. Very young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat, irrespective of income level or geographical region. Most heat-related mortality and morbidities are preventable with individual efforts like avoidance of exposure, improved community preparedness, and Public Health Advisory.

Work-Readiness self report lift capacity test short form.

The Multidimensional Task Ability Profile (MTAP) is a measure of self reported physical work capacity developed for injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to determine readiness to return to work. This study compared the concurrent validity of a new short form MTAP (MTAP-SF) comprised of 16 lifting and/or carrying items with the MTAP 55-item version. The hypothesis addressed is whether the validity of a version that imposes less respondent burden (MTAP-SF) would be comparable to the more burdensome instrument (MTAP-55). MTAP scores were compared with demonstrated lift capacity in 1,252 healthy adults. Parallel regression analyses were conducted to examine the explanatory power of both MTAP versions. Age, gender, body mass and MTAP-SF explained 55% of the variance (p < 0.001) in demonstrated lift capacity, equivalent to MTAP-55. Self reported performance in physical work capacity tasks accounts for significant variance in lifting performance. MTAP-SF diminishes respondent burden while maintaining validity and may be useful for managing MSDs by enhancing understanding of the evaluee's psychophysical component in return-to-work rehabilitation planning.

Caffeine Expectancy Does Not Influence the Physical Working Capacity at the Fatigue Threshold.

Ambrozy, CA, Hawes, NE, Hayden, OL, Sortzi, I, and Malek, MH. Caffeine expectancy does not influence the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1056-1062, 2024-The placebo effect occurs when a desired outcome is experienced due to the belief that a treatment is effective, even in the absence of an active ingredient. One explanation for this effect is based on a person's expectations of a drug or supplement. Although caffeine's effects on sports performance have been studied, little is known about how expectations of caffeine affect neuromuscular fatigue during continuous muscle action. The physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) can be used to assess neuromuscular fatigue noninvasively using surface electromyography. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether caffeine expectancy influences PWCFT. We hypothesized that regardless of expectancy, caffeine consumption would delay neuromuscular fatigue. The study involved 8 healthy college-aged men (mean ± SEM: age, 25.6 ± 1.0 years) who visited the laboratory on 4 occasions, each separated by 7 days. The subjects completed 4 experimental conditions, in random order, where they were told that they were consuming caffeine or placebo and either received caffeine or placebo. After consuming the drink, the subjects remained in the laboratory for an hour and then performed an incremental exercise test. The results showed that the condition where subjects were told that they were consuming caffeine and received caffeine had significantly higher mean values for maximal power output (F(3, 21) = 11.75; p < 0.001), PWCFT (F(3, 21) = 12.28; p < 0.001), PWCFT (%maximal power output; F(3, 21) = 8.75; p < 0.001), and heart rate at end exercise (%predicted; F(3, 21) = 3.83; p = 0.025) compared with the 2 conditions where placebo was received. However, no statistically significant mean differences were found from the condition where subjects were told that they were consuming placebo but consuming caffeine. This suggests that a person's expectancy and potential somatic response may serve as a cue for how an ergogenic aid or placebo could affect subsequent performance.

Influence of distance section classes on aesthetic gymnastics on the physical condition of students of 18-19 years of higher education institution

The article deals with the possibility of using aesthetic gymnastics in the program of remote section classes among students of 18-19 years of higher education. The relevance and practical significance of this study is due to the need to improve the overall physical condition of the student youth, especially in recent years, which are characterized by the unjustified transition of many universities of Ukraine mainly to the sectional form of work with students, the consequences of the world pandemic at the Covid-19 and the military condition. In connection with the above, an evaluation of the use of aesthetic gymnastics tools was used in the program of sectional distance classes of students of higher education. It is proved that the use of the studio girls of the said program contributed to a significant improvement in their overall physical condition. The completion of the study was a significant increase in the levels of functional state of circulatory systems and external respiration (respectively by 36.37%and 26.33%), physical health (by 27.97%), physical work capacity (by 33.13%), weight loss (by 3.74%), values of deviation of body weight from proper values (by 7.63%), fat component (by 20.27%) and score for the type of body construction (by 15.57%). The results testified to the high efficiency of the use of aesthetic gymnastics in the program of section remote classes for students of higher education institution and the possibility of practical use in the boiling process of higher education in physical education.

Возрастные особенности аэробных возможностей организма у спортсменов с разной направленностью физических нагрузок

The purpose of this study was to identify age-related features of aerobic capacity in athletes working on their endurance or speed-strength qualities. Materials and methods. The research involved 103 male athletes, who were divided into groups according to the type of physical activity (endurance (n = 58) and strength-speed (n = 45)) and age (12–15, 16–18 and 19–26 years). Their aerobic capacity was determined using cardiorespiratory exercise testing. Results. It was shown that the increase in relative peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was influenced not so much by age as by the type of physical activity (ANOVA: F = 18.1, p = 0.00004). At the same time, respiratory coefficient (F = 5.6, p = 0.007), heart rate at anaerobic threshold (F = 4.9, p = 0.009), tidal volume (F = 7.5, p = 0.01) and minute ventilation (F = 6.6, p = 0.002) were influenced mainly by age. In athletes aged 12–15 years, factor analysis established a negative correlation of type of physical activity with oxygen pulse, while physical working capacity was positively correlated with breathing parameters. Subjects aged 16–18 years showed no significant correlations between the variables and type of physical activity; at the same time, the number of correlations between ergometry parameters and physical working capacity factor increased with age. In athletes aged 19–26, the variables correlated strongly with the type of physical activity; the contribution of VO2peak to the physical working capacity factor is clearly demonstrated. The development of aerobic capacity is mainly influenced by the type of physical activity. However, in athletes aged 12–15 years, aerobic loads do not lead to a significant increase in VO2peak. The greatest increase in VO2peak is observed in 16–18-year-olds, while after 18 years of age, its growth halts.

Investigating the Relationship between Maximum Aerobic Capacity and Cognitive Ability and Employees’ Workability in a Dairy Factory

Abstract Aim: Considering the importance and necessity of physical and mental fitness of the employees with their job demands, this study aimed to estimate the levels of aerobic capacity among the workers and determine the factors that might affect these levels. The relationship between the aerobic capacity levels and the values of workers’ cognitive function and workability was also investigated. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy male employees from a dairy factory were recruited using a random sampling method. The study design consisted of the completion of checklists containing personal data, anthropometric measurements, and evaluation of job ability, maximum aerobic capacity along with the cognitive ability of the participants using the Workability Index (WAI) standard questionnaire, Queen’s College step test, and psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), respectively. Results: The mean values of VO2 max, reaction time (RT), and WAI of workers were 45.54 ± 6.13 mL/kg/min, 337.82 ± 29.93 ms, and 42.76 ± 5.02, respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation test, a weak statically significant correlation was observed between PVT and VO2 max (r = 0.3, P = 0.02) as well as PVT and physical work capacity (r = 0.263, P = 0.04). The findings of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between height, weight, body mass index, RT, and error percentage with maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max). Conclusion: According to the physiological criteria, the employees’ capabilities and job requirements are not in balance; particularly for those working in laboratory, office, or service departments. Therefore, using standardized recruitment tests, providing sports facilities and developing integrated indicators are a principal element of establishing an ergonomic balance in this workplace.

Changes in haemoglobin and ferritin levels during basic combat training: relevance for attrition and injury frequency

IntroductionThe primary aim of the present study was to assess interindividual and intraindividual variations in haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in Swedish recruits over 5 months of basic combat training (BCT)....

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The Morphofunctional Condition of Students in Secondary Schools and the Importance of Physical Education in Physical Education Lessons Summary Peculiarities of morphofunctional indices of schoolchildren, studying at the secondary educational institutions with different levels of the organization of physical training, are reflected in the article. We determined an effect of the factor of physical training organization on physical development posture, physical working capacity, strength qualities, functioning of cardio-respiratory system of the children. Key words: health, anthropometric indices, functional indices, children of school age, physical training, risk

Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing in glioblastoma patients undergoing chemotherapy: assessment of feasibility, safety, and physical fitness status.

Maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (max. CPET) provides the most accurate measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, glioblastoma (GBM) patients often undergo less intensive tests, e.g., 6-min walk test or self-rating scales. This study aims to demonstrate feasibility and safety of max. CPET in GBM patients, concurrently evaluating their physical fitness status. Newly diagnosed GBM patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy were offered participation in an exercise program. At baseline, max. CPET assessed cardiorespiratory fitness including peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), peak workload, and physical work capacity (PWC) at 75% of age-adjusted maximal heart rate (HR). Criteria for peak workload were predefined based on threshold values in HR, respiratory quotient, respiratory equivalent, lactate, and rate of perceived effort. Data were compared to normative values. Adverse events were categorized according to standardized international criteria. Further, self-reported exercise data pre- and post-diagnosis were gathered. All 36 patients (median-aged 60; 21 men) met the predefined criteria for peak workload. Mean absolute VO2peak was 1750 ± 529 ml/min, peak workload averaged 130 ± 43 W, and mean PWC was 0.99 ± 0.38 W/kg BW, all clinically meaningful lower than age- and sex-predicted normative values (87%, 79%, 90%, resp.). Only once (3%) a minor, transient side effect occurred (post-test dizziness, no intervention needed). Self-reported exercise decreased from 15.8 MET-h/week pre-diagnosis to 7.2 MET-h/week post-diagnosis. Max. CPET in this well-defined population proved feasible and safe. GBM patients exhibit reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating the need for tailored exercise to enhance health and quality of life. CPET could be essential in establishing precise exercise guidelines.

The Influence of Cold Therapy on the Physical Working Capacity at the Electromyographic Threshold for Consecutive Exercise Sessions.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether cold therapy after the first exercise test influences the physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWCFT) during the second exercise test. We hypothesized that cold therapy would delay the onset of PWCFT for the second exercise test relative to the control visit (i.e., no cold therapy). Eight healthy college-aged men volunteered for the present study. For each of the two visits, subjects performed incremental, single-leg, knee-extensor ergometer, followed by either resting for 30 min (control visit) or having a cold pack applied for 15 min and then resting for 15 min (experimental visit). Then, the same exercise test was performed. The order of visits (control vs. experimental) was randomized for each subject. The exercise indices and PWCFT were determined for each of the two visits and statistically analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. The results indicate no significant (p > 0.05) mean differences for maximal power output, heart rate at end-exercise, and PWCFT between the control and cold therapy visits. Moreover, there were no significant (p > 0.05) mean differences between the first and second exercise workbout within each visit. The findings of this study suggest that cold therapy did not influence neuromuscular fatigue.