Perceived Exertion Research Articles

An Analysis of Wellness Responses in Female Lacrosse Athletes Throughout Their Menstrual Cycles

ABSTRACT Introduction The purpose of this observational study was to assess the differences in wellness responses while menstruating and not menstruating in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women’s collegiate lacrosse athletes who took hormonal contraceptives (HC) and those who were naturally cycling (NC). Methods Female collegiate lacrosse athletes (HC, n = 12; NC, n = 11) completed daily surveys scoring their session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) and well-being in several wellness domains (1 to 5 in arbitrary units (AU)): muscle readiness, energy, sleep quality, yesterday’s nutrition, mood, health status, and stress. Athletes also indicated their menstrual cycle status as “menses” or “not menses.” Data were collected for 4 months during the lacrosse competitive season. Analyses compared differences between HC and NC groups and differences with menstruation on game and training days for participant wellness and sRPE. Results On game days, athletes had higher energy scores when they were not menstruating/withdrawal bleeding (NC = 4.1 ± 0.3 AU, HC = 4.1 ± 0.3 AU) compared to when they were (NC = 3.9 ± 0.3 AU, HC = 3.9 ± 0.2 AU; P = 0.03), but there were no group differences. On training days, HC users had higher sRPE (menses = 673.0 ± 104.6 AU, not menses = 669.1 ± 96.1 AU) than NC athletes (menses = 561.8 ± 177.0 AU, not menses = 565.2 ± 98.2 AU; P = 0.006). Conclusion The only differences found were in energy, strengthening the concept that athletes adapt to physically stressful scenarios regardless of their menstrual cycle; however, this may be nuanced for athletes competing in a team sport compared to individual sport athletes. An increased perception of exertion in HC users might be due to accompanying inflammatory responses and changes in fat mass and lean mass that often accompany HC use.

Composite and inter-individual force and neuromuscular responses to a handgrip hold to failure anchored to a moderate perceptual intensity.

The application of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE)-clamp model has allowed for the examination of unique physio-psychological fatigue mechanisms in humans. This study examined the time course of composite and inter-individual responses in force, electromyographic (EMG) and mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude (AMP) and mean power frequency (MPF), and neuromuscular efficiency (NME) during a sustained, isometric handgrip hold to failure (HTF) anchored to RPE of 5 (RPE=5) on 0-10 omnibus-resistance RPE scale in females. Twelve females performed a handgrip HTF at RPE=5 while force (N), EMG and MMG AMP and MPF, and NME (normalized force/normalized EMG AMP) were recorded on the brachioradialis of the dominant arm. Separate, polynomial regression analyses were used to determine the individual and composite relationships for the normalized force, EMG and MMG AMP and MPF, and NME versus normalized time during the HTF at RPE=5. The time to task failure for the handgrip HTF at RPE=5 was 585.3±445.6 sec. There were linear and quadratic decreases in force and neuromuscular parameters (P≤0.05) for the composite responses. However, there was inter-individual variability in the patterns of these responses. To maintain a moderate perceptual intensity over time, it was necessary to voluntarily decrease force, muscle excitation, motor unit recruitment and firing rates, but there were also likely fatigue-induced, intramuscular, metabolic perturbations. However, the variability in force and neuromuscular responses suggested that these responses should be examined on a subject-by-subject basis to provide better insight into fatigue mechanisms across different conditions of RPE-clamp exercise.

Reserve capabilities of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious disease associated with thrombotic lesions of the pulmonary arteries and secondary microvasculopathy, leading to the progression of pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the preferred treatment for CTEPH.Aim: To study the reserve capabilities of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in patients with CTEPH.Material and Methods. The retrospective cohort observational study included 403 patients aged 19 to 77 years with CTEPH who underwent PEA at the National Medical Research Center named after. ak. E.N. Meshalkin from 2004 to 2021. Parameters of transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary circulation tensiometry, pulmonary function tests, six-minute walk test and Borg scale were assessed before surgery, after PEA before discharge and after surgery 12 months later.Results. When comparing transthoracic echocardiography data at the hospital stage after PEA, a decrease in right ventricular systolic pressure was revealed from 82.2 ± 23.1 to 44.9 ± 16.2 mm Hg, leading to an improvement in intracardiac hemodynamics, characterizing the right heart function. These improvements continued into the long-term follow-up. Analysis of pulmonary circulation tensiometry in CTEPH patients after PEA showed that all patients had a significant decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure from 48.3 ± 14.5 to 27.1 ± 10.7 mmHg (by 1.8 times), which was accompanied by a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance by 2.8 times and an increase in cardiac output. In the long-term follow-up improvements in the pulmonary circulation tensiometry indicators also persisted. When comparing the indicators of pulmonary function tests, a statistically significant decrease in tidal and minute respiratory volumes was revealed. After PEA six-minute walk test distance increased by 19.0 meters, in the long-term follow-up by 60.6 meters; shortness of breath according to the Borg scale decreased from “severe” to “moderate”, in the long-term follow-up to “mild”.Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrate the continuation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems recovery processes in the immediate postoperative period, and further during the year of observation after PEA, indicate significant reserve capabilities of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the potential cure of patients with CTEPH.

Acute effects of different warm-up duration on internal load and external load responses of soccer players in small sided games

BackgroundSoccer is a dynamic sport that involves high-intensity running, changes of direction, jumping and contact. Therefore, a proper warm-up duration is of great importance to optimize players'performance and minimize the risk of injury.MethodsThis study examined the responses of amateur young 16 players (age = 17.00 ± 0.81 years; height = 177.38 ± 5.50 cm; weight = 64.50 ± 5.45 kg) 25 min (min), 15 min and 8 min warm-up duration in 4 v 4 small-sided games (SSGs) with mini-goal formats. Participants are assessed using the Participant Classification Framework, they are categorized under Tier 2: Trained/Developmental. The SSG interventions were randomly assigned to three training intervention groups. The features of SSG are determined as size; 25 × 32 m, bout; 4 × 4 min, resting; 4 min. Before the SSG, same protocol was applied at different times in all warm-ups. Warm-up protocols consisted of 13 sections. The intervention time in each section decreased parallel to the total 25 min, 15 min and 8 min warm-up times. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) responses, distance covered and technical activities were consistently recorded during all SSG sessions. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess significant differences in performance among the different warm-up duration.ResultsAfter the interventions, HR, total player load (TPL), successful passes (SP), unsuccessful passes (USP), interceptions and lost ball results demonstrated significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up durations (p < 0.05). Total distance, velocity, RPE and enjoyment results showed no significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up duration (p > 0.05). Results indicate that a 15-min warm-up duration provides an optimal balance between physiological and technical preparation, leading to improved HR responses, SP and interceptions compared to the 25-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 25-min warm-up decreased USP and lost ball occurrences compared to the 15-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 8-min warm-up resulted in a lower TPL, indicating reduced physiological demands.ConclusionsThe 15-min warm-up duration emerged as an optimal protocol, offering a time-efficient approach that enhances both technical performance and physiological readiness while avoiding unnecessary fatigue. This finding provides practical implications for coaches and practitioners in designing warm-up routines that maximize match readiness without overexertion.

Comparing the Impact of High-Intensity Exercise on Vestibular-Oculomotor Function Between Sex, Sport, and Activity Level.

To investigate the impact of high-intensity exercise on the vestibular and oculomotor systems in a group of sedentary and active males and females. Prospective observational study. Performance laboratory; Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, London. Forty-five collegiate athletes and 30 age-matched sedentary participants. A baseline Vestibular and Oculomotor Screening (VOMS) test was performed on all participants before undertaking a self-paced 5-minute treadmill run maintaining an intensity of 17/20 on the Borg scale. Post-run, participants were tested using the VOMS tool a further 3 times with each test 30 seconds apart. Symptom provocation on testing of the VOMS tool. At baseline testing, 25.3% of participants had 1 or more positive VOMS domains although there was no significant differences between sex, sport, or activity level. At postrun testing, 62.5% of participants had 1 or more positive VOMS domains; this was a significant change from baseline with large effect size (Z = 6.12, r = 0.72, P < 0.001). High-intensity exercise has a deleterious impact on vestibular and oculomotor function. This change in function is consistent across all groups when considering activity level, sex, and sporting participation. These findings have implications when considering the timing of VOMS in relation to sporting participation and clinical testing that involves exercise.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Dynamic Stretching Vs Cold Water Immersion on Muscle Performance and Recovery in Recreational Runners: A Comparative Study

Objective: Post-exercise recovery is a critical component for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to maintain performance and prevent injury. Dynamic stretching and cold water immersion are two commonly used recovery techniques believed to accelerate recovery and improve subsequent performance. Dynamic stretching involves controlled movements through a full range of motion, while cold water immersion entails submerging the body or body parts in cold water. Purpose: To determine the effect of dynamic stretching on post-exercise recovery and muscle performance among recreational runners compared to cold water immersion. Materials and method: Thirty recreational runners were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included lower limb muscle performance via countermovement jump test, range of motion assessments, and rated perceived exertion (RPE). The intervention consisted of 10-minute protocols performed immediately after a standardized high-intensity running protocol for 3 consecutive testing sessions. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Group A (DYNAMIC STRETCHING) showed significantly better muscle performance recovery (87.2% vs. 78.4% of baseline, p &lt; 0.0001) and improved range of motion (12.3% vs. 5.6% improvement, p &lt; 0.001) compared to Group B (COLD WATER IMMERSION) in the post-test. Additionally, Group A demonstrated lower RPE scores of 3.2 compared to Group B's 4.1 (p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: This study concluded that dynamic stretching shows significant benefits on post-exercise recovery and muscle performance among recreational runners compared to cold water immersion. Key Words: Post-exercise recovery, muscle performance, range of motion, dynamic stretching, cold water immersion.

Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation Enhances Substrate Metabolism, Exercise Efficiency and Reduces Post-Exercise Fatigue in Active Young Males.

Background: Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) are commonly applied to promote muscle protein synthesis. However, the effects of BCAAs on exercise-induced substrate metabolism, performance and post-exercise fatigue during endurance exercise remain unclear. Methods: In a double-blind cross-over design, eleven active males completed 1 h of constant load exercise (CLE) at 60% VO2max power followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) test at 80% VO2max power after supplementation with BCAAs or placebo on consecutive three days. During exercise, indirect calorimetry was used to measure the carbohydrate (CHO) and fat oxidation rate, as well as the cycling efficiency. In addition, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were obtained at interval times during the whole period. Fingertips and venous blood (n = 8) were collected for the measurement of metabolic responses at different time points during exercise. Results: Compared to the placebo group, the fat oxidation rate was significantly higher after 20 and 30 min of CLE (p < 0.05). The CHO oxidation rates showed a significant increase in the BCAA group during TTE (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the cycling efficiency during TTE was significantly improved (p < 0.05). Interestingly, VAS significantly decreased post-exercise in the BCAA group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of blood insulin between the two groups were significantly higher in the post-exercise period compared to the pre-exercise periods (p < 0.001), while insulin levels were significantly lower in the post-exercise period with supplemental BCAAs compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). BCAAs also enhanced the levels of blood ammonia in the post-exercise period compared to the fasting and pre-exercise periods (BCAA: p < 0.01; Placebo: p < 0.001). However, in the post-exercise period, blood ammonia levels were significantly lower in the BCAA group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows the critical role of BCAAs during exercise in active males and finds that BCAA supplementation enhanced fat oxidation during the CLE, increased carbohydrate oxidation and exercise efficiency during the TTE, and reduced immediate post-exercise fatigue.

Effects of Circuit Training Program on Endurance and Pulmonary Functions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and reduced exercise capacity. While aerobic training is standard in pulmonary rehabilitation, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative efficacy of circuit training on pulmonary function and endurance in COPD patients. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a circuit training program on endurance and pulmonary functions—including FEV1, FVC, PEFR, and exercise tolerance—among patients with COPD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, involving 30 clinically stable COPD patients (n = 30), aged 40–60 years, recruited through simple random sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to a circuit training group (Group A) or an aerobic training group (Group B), with interventions carried out thrice weekly for eight weeks. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were used to assess outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS v27 with paired and independent t-tests (p &lt; 0.05), following ethical approval from Riphah International University and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Group A showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in FEV1 (2.21 ± 0.037 vs. 1.99 ± 0.032 L, p = 0.000), FVC (2.40 ± 0.33 vs. 2.03 ± 0.032 L, p = 0.001), FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.000), RPE (p = 0.004), and 6MWT distance (p = 0.020) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Circuit training significantly improves pulmonary function and exercise endurance in COPD patients and offers a superior alternative to aerobic training alone. It presents a promising addition to standard pulmonary rehabilitation for enhancing clinical outcomes and functional independence.

Do Exercise Pattern and Intensity Influence Affective and Enjoyment Responses in Active Adults? A Secondary Analysis

ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to compare the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective (Feeling Scale), and remembered enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) responses following different exercise intensities/patterns and to investigate possible associations with physiological parameters in active adults. In a randomized crossover trial, 16 active adults (29.9 ± 3.2 years; 8 males/8 females) performed three different conditions: moderate continuous exercise (MCE) at 70% lactate threshold (LT), heavy continuous exercise (HCE) at 10% of the difference between LT and VO2 peak, and heavy interval exercise (HIE) wherein intensity matched HCE but performed as 1-minute on:off with stationary rest in between. RPE (CR10) and affect were evaluated during exercise while remembered enjoyment was assessed at the end of each exercise session. Average RPE was significantly different (p = .001; ηp 2 = .744) between all three exercise modalities (MCE = 2.6 ± 0.8, HCE = 5.1 ± 1.0; HIE = 3.5 ± 0.9; p ≤.001). Average affect during exercise was also significantly different (p = .001; ηp 2 = .427) with post hoc testing revealing lower affect for HCE compared to MCE (p = .002) and HIE (p = .008). Similar results were observed for affect nadir (lowest affect during exercise; MCE = 3.1 ± 1.3; HCE = 1.2 ± 1.7; HIE = 2.4 ± 1.6; p = .001; ηp 2 = .470). Remembered enjoyment was not statistically different between modalities (MCE = 98 ± 18; HCE = 96 ± 17; HIE = 100 ± 16; p = .468; ηp 2 = .049), but more people preferred HCE (10/16; 62.5%) compared with both HIE (4/16; 25%) and MCE (2/16; 12.5%) (p = .039): Despite the higher average RPE and lower affect during HCE, no difference was observed for remembered exercise enjoyment, and active individuals seem to prefer this exercise modality compared with HIE or MCE.

Combined Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training with Pilates on Dyspnea, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Quality of Life in Asthma Patients

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that compromises cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life due to persistent dyspnea and airway inflammation. While Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) has shown benefits in strengthening respiratory muscles, its limited scope fails to address postural and musculoskeletal deficits. There is a research gap regarding the combined effects of IMT and Pilates on multidimensional asthma outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the combined effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Pilates exercises on dyspnea, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life in patients with asthma, compared to IMT alone. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 52 clinically stable asthma patients (n = 52) recruited from Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, using simple random sampling. Participants were allocated into Group A (IMT + Pilates) and Group B (IMT only), receiving three weekly sessions for six weeks. Primary outcomes included dyspnea (Modified Borg Scale), cardiorespiratory fitness (Six-Minute Walk Test), and quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire). Ethical compliance followed the Declaration of Helsinki, with written informed consent obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, applying t-tests, ANOVA, and non-parametric equivalents based on data distribution. Results: Group A showed significantly greater improvements in 6MWT distance (401.9 ± 30.9 vs. 336.1 ± 41.5; p &lt; 0.05), post-intervention symptom scores (69.56 ± 10.92 vs. 79.14 ± 13.16; p = 0.009), and quality of life metrics compared to Group B. Conclusion: The integration of Pilates with Inspiratory Muscle Training offers superior clinical outcomes in asthma management by enhancing respiratory function, functional capacity, and overall quality of life, suggesting a viable, non-pharmacological adjunct for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Predictive factors of clinical success of therapeutic bronchoscopy in malignant central airway obstruction: results from the EpiGETIF registry

Background and objective: Therapeutic bronchoscopy (TB) is considered a safe and effective treatment for patients with malignant central airway obstruction (MCAO). While many factors have been associated with technical success, it does not always translate in clinical success. Few factors to predict clinical response have been described. The objective of this study was to determine predictive factors of clinical success for patients with MCAO undergoing TB. Methods: We used the multicenter prospective registry EpiGETIF to collect data from patients with MCAO undergoing TB from January 2019 to June 2021. The criterion for clinical success was dyspnea measured on the Borg scale. Patients were classified as super responders if they had an improvement of 4 points after the procedure. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to highlight an association between preprocedural features and clinical success. Results: 496 patients from 24 centers met inclusion criteria. The mean preprocedural Borg score was 6.5 ± 2.0 versus 2.2 ± 1.7 postprocedural (mean difference 4.3 ± 2.3). 302 patients (60.9%) were considered super responders. The only factor associated with super responders in multivariate analysis was a higher baseline Borg score. The only factor associated with non-super responders was a poor performance status and mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Patients show good clinical results following TB for MCAO, influenced positively by a worse pre-procedure dyspnea and negatively by a worse performance status. No other data could help predict the effectiveness of TB, confirming the complexity of the process and heterogeneity of the target population.

Analysis of successive badminton matches accumulation on neuromuscular fatigue and perceived effort in a national badminton competition

The present study explores how fatigue evolves throughout a single-day national badminton tournament involving five consecutive matches, by examining subjective and objective metrics. Eleven U-17 athletes (14-16 years old; 45% women) were evaluated in a real competition using subjective assessments, including the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), the muscular fatigue visual analog scale (MFVAS), and the total quality recovery test (TQR), as well as objective measures like countermovement jump peak height (CMJh), drop jump peak height (DJh), and drop jump reactive strength index (RSI) before and after each match. Results showed significantly higher RPE, sRPE, and MFVAS scores and significantly lower CMJh and DJh values in the last matches compared to the first (p&lt;0.05; large effect). sRPE showed a positive moderate-strong relationship with match characteristics, including the number of points (p&lt;0.01), sets played (p&lt;0.05), and match duration (p&lt;0.01). The findings indicate that RPE, sRPE, and MFVAS are the most sensitive metrics for assessing fatigue, with DJh being more effective than CMJh among objective measures, while RSI and TQR showed limited sensitivity. These results offer coaches practical tools for monitoring athlete fatigue during competitions.

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Mode on Lung Function, Exercise Tolerance, Vital Signs, and Dyspnea After Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Background/Objectives: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with an intense impact on health worldwide. Among the sequelae, it became necessary to clarify respiratory impairment related to lung function and aerobic capacity, as well as the treatment of curative and preventive measures of pulmonary involvement. In this context, this study aimed to compare vital signs, the sensation of dyspnea (Borg scale), lung function, and exercise tolerance before and after the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) in adults of both sexes after acute infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: A cross-sectional analytical clinical study was performed with the inclusion of individuals who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at least three months before data collection. Individuals were evaluated for vital signs (heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation), Borg scale, spirometry, and submaximal exercise protocol of two minutes of the step test before and after receiving NIV in ventilation mode by continuous positive airway pressure of 6 cm H2O for 30 min. Results: A total of 50 participants were enrolled and grouped as a mild (N = 25) or severe (N = 25) clinical phenotype during SARS-CoV-2 infection according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. In our data, the forced vital capacity (p &lt; 0.001), the ratio between the forced expiratory volume in the first one second to the forced vital capacity and the forced vital capacity (p = 0.020), and the two-minute submaximal step exercise protocol (number of steps—p = 0.001) showed a statistical improvement in the severe clinical phenotype group after NIV. In addition, forced expiratory volume in the first one second to the forced vital capacity (p = 0.032) and the two-minute submaximal step exercise protocol (number of steps—p &lt; 0.001) showed a statistical improvement in the mild clinical phenotype group after NIV. No changes were described for vital signs and the Borg scale. Conclusions: This study allowed us to identify that NIV is a tool that promotes better exercise capacity by increasing the number of steps achieved in both clinical phenotype groups and improving lung function observed in the spirometry markers.

Optimized Physiotherapy Management for Enhancing Respiratory and Physical Functions in a Complex Case of Fungal Pneumonia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus Nephritis, and Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report

Introduction: Fungal pneumonia is a lung infection caused by endemic or opportunistic fungi. It is common in immunocompromised hosts with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to immunosuppressive agents and high doses of glucocorticoid treatment. Case Description and Method: We report a case of a 14-year-old female with complaints of coughing, breathlessness, pedal edema, vomiting, and diarrhea. Initial diagnoses were SLE, lupus nephritis (LN), and acute kidney injury (AKI). She was intubated due to not maintaining oxygen saturation. A Chest X-ray showed consolidation and mild pleural effusion. Diagnosis of fungal pneumonia was confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage. Adventitious sounds, reduced air entry in different areas of the lungs, and reduced chest expansion were found. Chest physiotherapy and passive limb exercises were given. After extubation, other examinations included modified Medical Research Council (mMRC: grade 4), borg scale (15) during limb movements, Cough Symptom Score (CSS: 4) and Functional Status Score for Intensive Care Unit (FSS-ICU: 8) was noted. 6 MWT (220 meters) was taken after the patient shifted to the ward. Respiratory physiotherapy with early mobilization and aerobic exercises were applied. Results: Chest X-ray, chest expansion, mMRC (grade 1), borg scale (9) during limb movements, CSS (2), incentive spirometer (1200 cc/sec), FSS-ICU (35/35), and 6 MWT (310 meters) were improved after physiotherapy interventions. Conclusion: Tailored physiotherapy inputs improve the pulmonary and physical functions of patient with fungal pneumonia, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, and acute kidney injury. Keywords: physiotherapy, fungal pneumonia, respiratory, physical function, systemic lupus erythematosus, acute kidney injury

The Effects of Percentage-Based, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Repetitions in Reserve, and Velocity-Based Training on Performance and Fatigue Responses.

Cowley, N, Nicholson, V, Timmins, R, Munteanu, G, Wood, T, García-Ramos, A, Owen, C, and Weakley, J. The effects of percentage-based, rating of perceived exertion, repetitions in reserve, and velocity-based training on performance and fatigue responses. J Strength Cond Res 39(4): e516-e529, 2025-This study assessed the effects of percentage-based training (%1RM), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), repetitions in reserve (RIR), and velocity-based training (VBT) on (a) acute kinematic outputs, perceptions of effort, and changes in neuromuscular function during resistance training; and (b) neuromuscular fatigue and perceptions of soreness 24 hours after exercise. In a randomized crossover design, 15 subjects completed a %1RM, RPE, RIR, and VBT training condition involving a fatiguing protocol followed by 5 sets of the free-weight back squat and bench press at 70% of 1 repetition maximum. Subjects returned at 24 hours to assess neuromuscular fatigue and perceived soreness. Percentage-based training and RPE allowed the smallest volume loads, with %1RM prescription causing sets to be regularly taken to failure. Alternatively, RIR and VBT allowed greater maintenance of training volume. Velocity-based training had the most accurate training prescription, with all sets being within 5% of the intended starting velocity, while the RPE and %1RM prescriptive methods caused subjects to train with loads that were increasingly inaccurate. The RPE prescriptive method had the lowest reported values for differential RPE while the %1RM had the greatest change across the session. At no point were there between-group differences in measures of neuromuscular fatigue or perceived soreness. These findings demonstrate that autoregulatory prescriptive methods can be used to mitigate the risk of training to failure, ensure accurate training prescription that can maintain training volume, and enhance within-training kinematic outputs without altering neuromuscular fatigue or perceptions of soreness.

Physical Activity and Enjoyment in Active Virtual Reality Games in Youth: Comparative Analysis of Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber.

Virtual reality (VR) active gaming is growing in popularity, but little is known about physical activity during gameplay. Two popular VR games are Gorilla Tag (Another Axiom Inc) and Beat Saber (Beat Games). Little is known about physical activity during these games in youth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the enjoyment, intensity, and amount of physical activity while playing Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber in early adolescent youth. Sixteen participants, 13 males and 3 females with an average age of 10.7 (SD 0.34) years, played 2 VR games (Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber) in a single session. Both games followed the same procedure: a maximum of 10-minute familiarization period, 5 minutes of rest, 15 minutes of gameplay, and 10 minutes of rest. Participants wore a heart rate monitor to track heart rate reserve (%HRR) and accelerometers on the wrist and waist to monitor time in sedentary activity, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity of the arm and whole body. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-Child Version (PACES) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were completed after each game. Dependent t tests compared measures between games. The results revealed that average and maximum %HRR were significantly higher during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber, with heart rate-based physical activity intensity reaching light for Beat Saber and moderate for Gorilla Tag. Arm moderate to vigorous physical activity and whole-body moderate to vigorous physical activity and light physical activity were greater during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber. Arm and whole-body sedentary time were significantly lower during Gorilla Tag than during Beat Saber. Gorilla Tag and Beat Saber were rated as highly enjoyable. There were no differences between games for maximum (P=.352) or average (P=.362) RPE. Both games were rated as light intensity for average RPE (Gorilla Tag: mean 4.3, SD 1.9; Beat Saber: mean 4.7, SD 2.3) and moderate intensity for maximum RPE (Gorilla Tag: mean 5.4, SD 1.9; Beat Saber: mean 5.8, SD 2.4). These results suggest that Beat Saber produced light-intensity physical activity and Gorilla Tag produced light- to moderate-intensity physical activity in early adolescent youth, with both games rated as highly enjoyable.

Comparison of body composition, cardiorespiratory, and neuromuscular adaptations induced by three different high intensity training protocols.

This study investigated body composition, cardiorespiratory, and neuromuscular adaptations induced by three high intensity trainings easy to fit into daily routine. Thirty-seven adults participated in one of the following 8-week interventions: vigorous intensity continuous training (VICT; 28 min at 70% of peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak]), long interval high intensity interval training (LI-HIIT; 6 × 2 min at 85% VO2peak), or short interval HIIT (SI-HIIT; 12 × 30 s at 125% maximal power output). Heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included fat and lean mass, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, knee extensors maximal isometric torque, voluntary activation, and endurance during a submaximal contraction. Compared to SI-HIIT and VICT, LI-HIIT sessions were characterized by a shorter duration, a similar time spent above 90% HRmax, but a higher RPE (p < 0.05). VO2peak and muscle endurance increased respectively by 14% and 12%, while knee extensors torque, voluntary activation, and lean mass increased to a lesser extent (1%-3%) after the interventions (ANOVA time-effect, all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the modalities (intervention × time interaction, all p > 0.05). In conclusion, comparable body composition, cardiorespiratory, and neuromuscular adaptations were induced by the three high intensity training protocols, while RPE was higher during LI-HIIT sessions.

Impact of moderate environmental heat stress during running exercise on circulating markers of gastrointestinal integrity in endurance athletes.

In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of moderate ambient heat stress on exercise-provoked patterns of "leaky gut" biomarkers and stress markers in well-trained athletes. Eleven triathletes performed a strenuous 1-h treadmill run, both under normal ambient conditions (N, 18-21°C) as well as under moderate heat environmental conditions (H, 28-30°C). Core body temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) significantly increased under both conditions, with significantly higher values during and after the H run. We observed a significant main effect of acute exercise on circulating leukocyte numbers, release of cell-free human DNA (cfDNA) but not bacterial DNA (bacDNA), and on plasma levels of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), endotoxin (LPS), and D-lactate. Exercising under H conditions accelerated the mobilization of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, and significantly affected the release of cfDNA, D-lactate, I-FABP, creatinine, and blood potassium levels. Multiple correlation analysis revealed a significant association between Tc, max and exercise-provoked release of cfDNA (r = 0.583, p = 0.012) as well as with I-FABP (r = 0.554, p = 0.026). Our data indicate that acute exercising and heat stress may not only affect paracellular but also transcellular intestinal permeability.

Effects of different block designs on low back and shoulders biomechanical loads and postural stability during crab pot handling

Effects of different block designs on low back and shoulders biomechanical loads and postural stability during crab pot handling

Electromyography-Based Human-in-the-Loop Bayesian Optimization to Assist Free Leg Swinging

Background/Objectives: The manual tuning of exoskeleton control parameters is tedious and often ineffective for adapting to individual users. Human-in-the-loop (HIL) optimization offers an automated approach, but existing methods typically rely on metabolic cost, which requires prolonged data collection times of at least 60 s. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals, as an alternative, enable faster optimization with reduced data acquisition times. Methods: This study develops a rapid EMG-based HIL Bayesian optimization framework to tune hip exoskeleton controllers for assisting free leg swinging. Eight participants are asked to perform leg swinging at two frequencies with assistance from a hip exoskeleton. EMG signals from four sensors, representing muscle activity during forward and backward swings, are dynamically processed into cost functions. Bayesian optimization with Gaussian processes tunes four controller parameters using an expected improvement acquisition function. Optimization outcomes are validated against no device, zero torque, and general control baselines. Results: Optimization converges within an average of 142 s with a standard deviation of 24 s across all participants. The controller yields muscle activity reductions of 16.1% (p &lt; 0.001) compared to no device, 21.7% (p &lt; 0.001) versus zero torque, and 15.1% (p &lt; 0.001) versus general control. EMG-based tuning is faster than metabolic-cost-based methods and perceived as less effortful, with Borg scale reductions of up to 39.5%. Conclusions: EMG-based HIL optimization significantly enhances controller tuning speed and effectiveness, demonstrating its potential for scalable and user-specific exoskeleton applications.