Sitting-rising Test Research Articles

Factors associated with lower quarter performance-based balance and strength tests: a cross-sectional analysis from the project baseline health study.

Physical performance tests are predictive of mortality and may screen for certain health conditions (e.g., sarcopenia); however, their diagnostic and/or prognostic value has primarily been studied in age-limited or disease-specific cohorts. Our objective was to identify the most salient characteristics associated with three lower quarter balance and strength tests in a cohort of community-dwelling adults. We applied a stacked elastic net approach on detailed data on sociodemographic, health and health-related behaviors, and biomarker data from the first visit of the Project Baseline Health Study (N = 2,502) to determine which variables were most associated with three physical performance measures: single-legged balance test (SLBT), sitting-rising test (SRT), and 30-second chair-stand test (30CST). Analyses were stratified by age (<65 and ≥65). Female sex, Black or African American race, lower educational attainment, and health conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular conditions (e.g., hypertension) were consistently associated with worse performance across all three tests. Several other health conditions were associated with either better or worse test performance, depending on age group and test. C-reactive protein was the only laboratory value associated with performance across age and test groups with some consistency. Our results highlighted previously identified and several novel salient factors associated with performance on the SLBT, SRT, and 30CST. These tests could represent affordable, noninvasive biomarkers of prevalent and/or future disease in adult individuals; future research should validate these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03154346, registered on May 15, 2017.

The Effects of 24 Weeks of Non-Face-to-Face Home Exercise on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Cardiovascular Function, and Blood Profiles in Pre-Metabolic Syndrome Korean Adults: A Pilot Study.

Background: This study assessed Korean residents’ health improvements by reducing chronic disease morbidity through customized health management. After identifying each participant’s strength and health through physical examinations and blood pressure tests, the effects of 24 weeks of online, non-face-to-face home workouts on body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular function, and blood profiles in Korean adults with pre-metabolic syndrome were determined. Methods: Adults living in Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19–65, and at the pre-metabolic syndrome stage were recruited at the Jeungpyeong-gun Public Health Center, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. For 24 weeks, from February 2022 to July 2022, they exercised for 60–70 min, three times a week, on average, at a maximum heart rate of 60–70%. The “Mobile Healthcare” application was used to record exercise time, number of exercises, number of sets, and Rating of Perceived Exertion at the end of each exercise. Body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular function, and blood profiles were measured before and after participation. Results: There were no significant differences in weight, body mass index, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate levels, or glucose levels after participation in the workout (p > 0.05). However, muscle strength/handgrip strength, sitting-rising test results, single-leg balance, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although the 24 weeks of non-face-to-face home workouts did not positively affect body composition or cardiovascular function, it improved physical fitness and dyslipidemia.

Correlação entre preocupação em cair e aptidão muscular funcional em idosos comunitários

Abstract Introduction: To establish a correlation between concern about falling and a more comprehensive functional parameter, functional muscle fitness, a variable that encompasses functional components such as balance, muscle strength, power, flexibility and motor coordination in an integrated way. Functional muscle fitness is measured using the sitting-rising (from the floor) test (SRT), a simple, safe, fast and ecological test. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the correlation between concern about falling and functional muscle fitness in the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The sample consisted of 53 elderly people of both sexes (86.8% women; 65.6 ± 4.7 years old; body mass index 28.5 ± 3.8 kg/m2), who were assessed for concern about falling (through Falls Efficacy Scale International, FES-I-Brazil) and functional muscle fitness (through SRT). Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman test. For all analyses, a significance level of 5% (p &lt; 0.05) was established. Results: Concern about falling showed a negative correlation with functional muscle fitness (rho =-0.229; p = 0.015). Conclusion: Elderly people with lower levels of functional muscle fitness have a higher level of concern about falling.

Cognitive Development and Non-Aerobic Physical Fitness in Preschoolers: a Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Early childhood is the most critical period of healthy motor and cognitive development in human life and increased physical activity may provide health benefits across childhood and adolescence. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between non-aerobic physical fitness and cognitive development in preschool children. Methods: Participants included children from a longitudinal study in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (N=1380, first year; N=1320, second year). Non-aerobic physical fitness was assessed with the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) and cognitive development with the Performance Indicators for Primary Schools (PIPS). Results: Non-aerobic physical fitness and cognitive development (0.25 for language and 0.17 mathematics, p&lt;0.05) were positively correlated. The hierarchical linear regression models revealed that baseline measurements of non-aerobic physical fitness presented a small but significant association with prospective mathematic performance but not language after controlling for confounder variables (ES=0.16 for mathematics first year; ES=0.11 for mathematics second year). Conclusions: These results suggest an association between non-aerobic physical fitness and children's cognitive development in early school years.

Additional Functional Performance Gains After 24-Week Unstable Strength Training With Cognitive Training in Community-Dwelling Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.

The authors investigated the effects of unstable strength training (UST) without or with cognitive training (C+UST) on functional performance in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 50 participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either 24 weeks of thrice-weekly UST (n = 25) or C+UST (n = 25). All participants performed moderate-intensity strength exercises using unstable surfaces, and C+UST participants simultaneously received cognitive training in addition to UST. Primary outcomes included measures of functional performance: single- and dual-task timed up and go tests. Secondary outcomes included dynamic balance, mobility, handgrip strength, flexibility, quality of life, and concern about falling. The authors observed similar improvements on functional performance through the interventions. The C+UST group experienced additional gains at completion (single-task timed up and go: -0.90s, 95% confidence interval [-2.38, -0.03]; dual-task timed up and go: -4.80 s, 95% confidence interval [-8.65, -0.95]) compared with the UST group. Moreover, significant differences were observed in mobility (sitting-rising test: -1.34, 95% confidence interval [-2.00, -0.20]) at 24 weeks. Both exercise modes improved single-task functional performance, while adding cognitive-training-optimized dual-task functional performance gains.

Effectiveness of using staircase as a lifestyle modification among sedentary workers of a municipal corporation in improving fitness level- an interventional study

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases which is the leading cause of death globally. Workplace initiatives like promotion of staircase use are one among many simple measures to overcome the harmful effect of a sedentary workplace. Hence this study was conducted to assess effectiveness of ‘using staircase’ as a lifestyle modification among sedentary workers of a municipal corporation in improving fitness level.Methods: An interventional study was conducted over a period of 8 weeks among workers of a municipal corporation office. A semi structured questionnaire including socio demographic and morbidity details was administered. sitting-rising test (SRT) was administered before and after 8 weeks staircase use intervention to assess fitness levels among study participants.Results: The mean SRT score of 172 study population at baseline was 8.79 and 115 (67%) recorded above it. 3.5-5. Younger age was associated with higher SRT score and those with history of smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and higher BMI had lower SRT scores than their counterparts. Mean value of SRT significantly improved to 9.015 following intervention.Conclusions: Fitness level assessed using SRT score among office staff showed that people with higher age and higher BMI have low SRT score than their counterparts. This study has shown that staircase usage can be prescribed as effective method to improve fitness level at sedentary workplace.

Benefícios do exercício físico na hipertensão arterial pulmonar associada à cardiopatia congênita não corrigida

Introdução: as cardiopatias congênitas são classificadas como um dos principais grupos para desenvolver hipertensão arterial pulmonar. O programa de exercício físico pode auxiliar no aumento da capacidade de vida diária, melhora clínica e funcional, minimizando as consequências deletérias da patologia.Relato do caso: reportamos um caso de um paciente do gênero masculino, 31 anos, com diagnóstico clínico de hipertensão arterial pulmonar grave em decorrência da dupla via de saída do ventrículo direito com comunicação interventricular, sem intervenção cirúrgica. Após ser encaminhado ao programa de Reabilitação Cardiopulmonar e Metabólica em um centro de referência em cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, foram realizadas avaliações clínicas e, também, da capacidade funcional pelo teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, da força muscular e resistência periférica, pelo teste Sentar-Levantar, e da força muscular respiratória, pelo exame de manovacuometria. Os valores apresentavam-se abaixo do valor previsto. O programa de exercício proposto foi realizado durante 30 sessões constando de exercícios aeróbicos com duração de 33 minutos, combinados ao treino de fortalecimento dos grandes grupos musculares.Conclusão: após o término do programa observou-se um acréscimo de 83 metros no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e um aumento da força muscular respiratória, assim como, redução redução nos parâmetros da escala de Borg.

Reproducibility and Convergent Validity of the Sitting-Rising Test in People With Multiple Sclerosis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the test-retest reproducibility and convergent validity of the sitting-rising test (SRT) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). DesignObservational study comprising a test-retest design. SettingMultiple Sclerosis Center, Rehabilitation Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. ParticipantsA total of 50 PwMS (32 women, 18 men, N=50), mean age 44.8±7.6 years and mean disease duration of 13.8±8.5 years since diagnosis, were enrolled in the study. The median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 4.5, indicating a mild-moderate neurologic disability. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresSRT, posturography measures, 10-repetion sit-to-stand test (10STS), timed Up and Go (TUG) test, hand grip strength, strength of hip flexion/extension/abduction, knee flexion/extension, and Fall Status Questionnaire. ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient value for the intrarater test-retest reproducibility (7- to 10-day interval between tests) of the SRT test, was 0.931 (95% confidence interval, 0.796-0.977). Strong correlations were found between the SRT, TUG test (ρ=−0.709), and 10STS (ρ=−0.719), and moderate correlations were found between the SRT and postural control measures (ρ∼0.4). Moderate correlations were found between the SRT and the hip and knee strength (combined) of the weaker limb (ρ=0.344). No differences were found in the SRT score between fallers and nonfallers. ConclusionsThe current study supports the convergent validity and test-retest reproducibility of the SRT in PwMS.

Music-based physical therapy in Parkinson's disease: An approach based on international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

IntroductionSeveral studies suggests that the provision of auditory cues with music could be beneficial for people with Parkinson's Disease (PD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of music-based physical therapy on the international Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) components: disability, cognition, muscle strength, balance, and functional mobility. MethodsThis was a controlled, non-randomized clinical trial involving 13 individuals with PD assessed at three times: baseline, period 1 (treatment), and period 2 (no treatment). The variables analyzed were: disability by Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y), cognitive function by Trail Making Test, muscle strength by Medical Research Council (MRC) and sitting-rising (SR) test, balance and functional mobility by Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed up and Go (TUG). ANOVA with post-hoc multiple comparison was used to determine statistical differences between the baseline, period 1 and 2. Resultsthere was statistically significant difference among the period 1 and 2 for the cognitive function; there was a statistically significant difference between the period 1 and 2 in SR test; in the balance evaluation by BBS, an increase was observed between the baseline and the period 1, followed by a decrease in period 2; in the TUG, there was an increase between the period 1 and 2. Conclusionthe music-based physical therapy, according to the ICF construct, was able to improve balance and functional mobility in individuals with PD. The functional gains were not maintained when the therapy was discontinued.

Impaired performance of women with patellofemoral pain during functional tests

ObjectiveTo compare the performance, reliability, and validity of functional tests between women with and without patellofemoral pain. MethodsTwenty women with a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain between 18 and 40 years of age and 20 age-matched pain-free controls participated in the study. All participants performed a set of five function tests: sitting-rising test, sit-to-stand in 30 seconds, stair-climb test, stair descent test, and six-minute step test. To investigate reliability, participants were assessed on two different days, seven days apart, by two independent investigators blinded to the results of the other investigator. Validity was evaluated through associations with the results on the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. ResultsPerformance in the tests was worse in women with patellofemoral pain than in the control group for the sit-to-stand in 30 seconds (mean difference [MD] 3.4reps; 95%CI: 0.4, 6.4), stair-climb test (MD: 0.36s; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.63), and six-minute step test (MD: 45reps; 95%CI: 20, 70). No differences were observed for the sitting-rising and stair descent tests. All tests in both groups showed moderate to excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.61 to 0.91 and 0.72 to 0.96, respectively). Finally, only the results on the sit-to-stand in 30 seconds test correlated with the Anterior Knee Pain Scale (r=0.44, p=0.047) in the patellofemoral pain group. ConclusionWomen with patellofemoral pain present lower performance on some functional tests. Functional tests are reliable in patients with patellofemoral pain, although they are not associated with the results on the Anterior Knee Pain Scale self-questionnaire.

SUN-388 Role of QUS and Functional Tests in Evaluating Fracture Risk Based on Frax Tool

Background: Osteoporosis is common among elderly people, and identifying those at high risk for fracture is very important. Aim: To evaluate whether the use of quantitative calcaneal ultrasound (QUS), the Sitting–rising test (SRT) and handgrip test (HT) are additional tools for tracking fragility fracture risk when compared to FRAX and NOGG. Methods: During the national campaign against osteoporosis, held in 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, participants were randomly selected to perform QUS, SRT and HT, besides categorization of the risk of major and hip fractures by FRAX and NOGG. The following adequacy values ​​were used: QUS T-score> -1.05 (adequate) or ≤ -1.05 (inadequate);Sitting – rising test (SRT) (composite score): age-reference values at quartiles 3 and 4 (adequate); quartiles 1 and 2 (inadequate); best result 3 attempts of the dominant arm handgrip test, according to age and gender: percentile ≥50 (adequate) and <50 (inadequate); FRAX tool: suggests high risk for major osteoporotic fractures if > 20% and for hip fractures when > 3%; NOGG (complement to FRAX): patient′s risk for major and for hip fractures considered as low (green zone), medium (yellow zone) or high (red zone). Qui square test was used for associations. Results: We included 162 individuals: 118 females, mean age 66.8 years and 44 males, mean age 71.8 years. High risk of hip fractures by FRAX was observed in 51% of those patients with a QUS T-score ≤-1.05 while it was observed in 28% of those with a QUS T-score> -1.05 (p=0.005). An inadequate QUS T-score was also associated with a higher risk of hip fracture by NOGG (p=0.007). An inadequate SRT and HT were not associated with a high fracture risk. Conclusions: As densitometry, a method established in clinical practice for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, has limitations in its use, other tools are necessary for tracking the risk of fragility fractures in these events. Quantitative calcaneal ultrasound was a good predictor of hip fracture risk, while SRT and HT were not capable of evaluate for fracture risk stratification in our study, reinforcing the need for QUS for screening in large populations. Having strength and functional ability did not eliminate the need for investigation.

Validity and Responsiveness of Floor Sitting-Rising Test in Post–Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Cohort Study

ObjectivesTo assess the construct validity and responsiveness of the floor sitting-rising test (SRT) in individuals with total knee arthroplasty (TKA). DesignCohort study with 6-month follow-up. Secondary analysis using data from a randomized controlled trial. SettingAn outpatient rehabilitation research center. ParticipantsParticipants (N=240) enrolled in the parent study who had unilateral primary TKA. InterventionParticipants in the parent study underwent 12 weeks of exercise programs. Main Outcome MeasuresValidity analysis correlated baseline data of participants who completed the SRT and measures of knee motion, muscle strength, performance-based tests, and patient-reported outcomes of physical and psychosocial function. Responsiveness analysis used the 3- and 6-month follow-up data. Effect sizes were calculated using changes from baseline. Areas under the receiving operating characteristics curve were calculated using a global rating of change as the external anchor. ResultsOf the 240 participants (148 women; age, 70±7y), 180 (75%) were able to perform the SRT at baseline. Performers scored significantly better in all physical function tests (P<.0001) than nonperformers. SRT scores generally converged with measures of knee impairment and performance-based tests (associations ranged from small [r=0.15; P=.0516] to moderate [r=0.52; P<.0001]). SRT scores associated with self-efficacy for function (r=0.34; P<.0001) and fear of falls (r=-0.25; P=.001). At 3 (n=174) and 6 months (n=160), SRT effect sizes were 0.38 (95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.52) and 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.60), and areas under the curve were 0.59 (95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.69) and 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.73), respectively. ConclusionsThe results add evidence to the validity of the SRT in patients after TKA. The strength of the associations suggests that the SRT measures a physical function construct not captured by the other tests. The magnitude of indices of responsiveness for the SRT were similar to other performance-based tests, indicating comparable responsiveness to more widespread tests of functional performance.

Bend Don't Break: Stretching Improves Scores on a Battery of Fall Assessment Tools in Older Adults.

Falls and loss of autonomy are often attributed in large part to musculoskeletal impairments in later adulthood. Age-related declines in flexibility contribute to late adulthood musculoskeletal impairment. The novel sitting-rising test has been proposed to be a quick, effective screening of musculoskeletal fitness, fall risk, and all-cause mortality in older adults. The timed up and go and 5 times sit-to-stand tests are two of the 3 most evidence-supported performance measures to assess fall risk. This study aimed to determine if 5 weeks of flexibility training could increase sitting-rising test, timed up and go, and 5 times sit-to-stand scores in community-dwelling older adults. Forty-seven adults aged 60 years and older (mean age = 66.7y, SD = 4.1) participated in this study. Participants completed a static stretching protocol consisting of 3 weekly 1-hour stretching sessions. The protocol improved flexibility as seen in sit-and-reach scores and improved scores on all outcome variables. Specifically, there was a significant increase in sitting-rising test scores from preintervention (M = 7.45, SD = 1.45) to postintervention (M = 8.04, SD = 1.36), t(42) = -5.21, P < .001. Timed up and go scores demonstrated a significant decrease from preintervention (M = 8.85, SD = 1.32) to postintervention (M = 8.20, SD = 1.35), t(46) = 5.10, P < .001. Five times sit-to-stand scores demonstrated a significant decrease from preintervention (M = 12.57, SD = 2.68) to postintervention (M = 10.46, SD = 2.06), t(46) = 6.62, P < .001. Finally, significant increases in sit-and-reach scores were associated with improved functional performance (r = -.308, P = .03). Findings suggest that flexibility training can be an effective mode of low-level exercise to improve functional outcomes. Static stretching may help to improve musculoskeletal health, promote autonomy, and decrease mortality in community-dwelling older adults.

CORRELATION OF LOWER LIMB STRENGTH, POWER, WAIST-HIP RATIO AND BMI WITH A SITTING-RISING TEST IN 18-35 YEARS AGE GROUP

Purpose: To investigate the co-relation of sitting-rising test scores with measures of lower extremity strength, power, and body compositions (body mass index and waist-hip ratio). Furthermore, to find out the level of physical activity in the targeted population.&#x0D; Methods: Participants aged between 18-35 years (n=131) of both genders were recruited in this study. Along with performing sitting-rising test, anthropometric and demographic data were collected to calculate body mass index and waist-hip ratio. Lower extremity strength was assessed using a 30-second chair stand test, and power was assessed using a triple hop test for distance. Also, the Rapid Assessment Disuse Index questionnaire was given to dividing the population into two groups depending on whether they are involved more in physical activity or not.&#x0D; Results: Sitting-rising test scores showed a positive correlation with lower extremity strength and power, negative correlation with body mass index, and no co-relation with waist-hip ratio. Further, 76 participants out of 131 were less physical activity and had more sedentary behavior.&#x0D; Conclusion: Sitting-rising from the floor in young adults is influenced by the strength and power of lower extremities and body mass index except for the waist-hip ratio.&#x0D; Keywords: Sitting-rising test; Lower extremity strength and power; RADI score.

SAT-389 Evaluation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Physical Performance in Older Adults

INTRODUCTION: Blunting of the circadian rhythm of the hypothalamic–pituitary– adrenal (HPA) axis is known to occur with aging, although a pathological overall increase in glucocorticoid secretion is rare in elderly. Persistently high levels of cortisol are associated with increased catabolism of skeletal muscle, so that a link between chronically elevated cortisol and frailty is biologically plausible in this population. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationships between the activity of the HPA axis, determined the diurnal cortisol release pattern and DHEA secretion, and physical performance in older adults. METHODS: A total of 69 elderly (65.2% female), aged 60-84 years, with normal cognition and functionally healthy, with a median BMI of 27.3 kg/m2 (ranging from 19.1 to 38.6), were enrolled. Physical performance was tested by: a) number of steps per day measured by a pedometer during 3 consecutive working days; b) Sitting-Rising Test (SRT); c) Single-Leg Stance (SLS); d) Timed Up and Go (TUG); e) One-Repetition Maximum Test (1RM); f) Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Individuals were considered active when mean daily steps was ≥7,000 steps, and insufficiently active when <7,000 steps. Salivary cortisol (sC) was collected 30min after awakening, at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and before bedtime in the third day of the pedometer use, and blood samples for serum DHEA concentration were collected on a subsequent day. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation test, when applicable, were used for statistical analysis. Area under curve (AUC) was calculated for determination of the diurnal cortisol release pattern. RESULTS: A total of 41 individuals (59.4%) were classified as insufficiently active, and 28 as active (40.6%), according to pedometer-assessed steps per day. Active elderly exhibited a better balance and performance in the 1RM Test (p=0,05) than inactive. A worse performance in the 1RM Test was observed in individuals with higher sC at 11 a.m and in those with a larger AUC of sC (p<0,05). In addition, individuals with lower serum DHEA concentration exhibited a worse performance at the 6MWT (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Our findings support the association between spontaneous physical activity levels, assessed by the pedometer daily steps measurement, and functional performance in elderly. In addition, higher diurnal cortisol secretion and lower DHEA plasmatic levels were associated with a lower physical performance in older individuals.

Evaluating the muscular strength, functional capacity, and risk of sarcopenia in elderly women who practice Mat Pilates

Abstract Introduction: Despite the importance of appropriate levels of muscular strength to maintain the functional capacity and a healthy life in old age, the current literature still lacks studies that investigate the profile of elderly women who practice Mat Pilates regarding these variables. Objective: This study aimed to analyze muscular strength, functional capacity, and risk of sarcopenia in elderly women who practiced Mat Pilates. Method: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 50 elderly women who practice Mat Pilates in the city of Maringá, Paraná. Sociodemographic and health questionnaires were used, in addition to tests created by a Latin American development group for maturity called Grupo de Desenvolvimento Latino Americano para a Maturidade (GDLAM), sitting-rising test, arm curl test, and SARC-F questionnaire. For data analysis, Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests, as well as Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficients, were used. The level of significance was p &lt; 0.05. Results: The 70-79-year-old elderly women showed worse results in the functional capacity and muscular strength tests of the upper limbs and a higher risk of sarcopenia than the individuals who were under 70 years of age. Muscular strength was inversely related to the reduction of the risk of sarcopenia, and functional capacity was directly associated with this risk. Conclusion: A good functional capacity seems to be related to the reduction of the risk of sarcopenia. Age seems to be an intervening factor for reducing muscular strength levels and functional capacity and increasing the risk of sarcopenia.

CLINIMEX Aerobic Fitness Questionnaire: Proposal and Validation

Background: Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness is strongly and directly related to major health outcomes, including all-cause mortality. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), directly measured by maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), represents the subject’s aerobic fitness. However, as CPET is not always available, aerobic fitness estimation tools are necessary. Objectives: a) to propose the CLINIMEX Aerobic Fitness Questionnaire (C-AFQ); b) to validate C-AFQ against measured VO2max; and c) to analyze the influence of some potentially relevant variables on the error of estimate. Methods: We prospectively studied 1,000 healthy and unhealthy subjects (68.6% men) aged from 14 to 96 years that underwent a CPET. The two-step C-AFQ describes physical activities with corresponding values in metabolic equivalents (METs) - ranging from 0.9 to 21 METs. Results: Application of C-AFQ took less than two minutes. Linear regression analysis indicated a very strong association between estimated (C-AFQ) and measured (CPET) maximal METs - r2 = 0.83 (Sy.x = 1.63; p < .001) - with median difference of only 0.2 METs between both values and interquartile range (percentiles 25 and 75) of 2 METs. The difference between estimated and measured METs was not influenced by age, sex, body mass index, clinical condition, ß-blocker use or sitting-rising test scores. Conclusion: C-AFQ is a simple and valid tool for estimating aerobic fitness when CPET is unavailable and it is also useful in planning individual ramp protocols. However, individual error of estimate is quite high, so C-AFQ should not be considered a perfect substitute for CPET’s measured VO2max.

The Effects of Functional Training, Bicycle Exercise, and Exergaming on Walking Capacity of Elderly Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Single-blinded Trial

ObjectivesTo compare the effects of functional training, bicycle exercise, and exergaming on walking capacity of elderly with Parkinson disease (PD). DesignA pilot randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. SettingA state reference health care center for elderly, a public reference outpatient clinic for the elderly. ParticipantsElderly individuals (≥60 years of age; N=62) with idiopathic PD (stage 2 to 3 of modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale) according to the London Brain Bank. InterventionThe participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (G1) participated in functional training (n=22); group 2 (G2) performed bicycle exercise (n=20), and group 3 (G3) trained with Kinect Adventures (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) exergames (n=20). Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT); secondary outcome measures were the 10-m walk test (10MWT), sitting-rising test (SRT), body mass index, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. ResultsAll groups showed significant improvements in 6MWT (G1 P=.008; G2 P=.001; G3 P=.005), SRT (G1 P<.001; G2 P=.001; G3 P=.003), and WHODAS 2.0 (G1 P=.018; G2 P=.019; G3 P=.041). Only G3 improved gait speed in 10MWT (P=.11). G1 (P=.014) and G3 (P=.004) improved quality of life. No difference was found between groups. ConclusionsEight weeks of exergaming can improve the walking capacity of elderly patients with PD. Exergame training had similar outcomes compared with functional training and bicycle exercise. The three physical exercise modalities presented significant improvements on walking capacity, ability to stand up and sit, and functionality of the participants.

Effects of High-Intensity Inspiratory Muscle Training Associated with Aerobic Exercise in Patients Undergoing CABG: Randomized Clinical Trial

ObjectiveEvaluate the interaction between high-intensity inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and aerobic exercise on physical capacity, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsTwenty-four patients underwent CABG were randomized into two groups. During 36 sessions, one group received IMT associated with aerobic exercise and the other group received only aerobic exercise. Primary outcome was the distance in the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) test. Secondary outcomes included respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life. Measures were taken at the baseline, at the 12th session, the 24th session, and 36th session.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in any outcome [6MWD - P=0.935; peak oxygen consumption (PeakVO2) - P=0.853; maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) - P=0.243; maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) - P=0.268; sitting-rising test (SRT) - P=0.212], but there was interaction in MIP (P=0.000) and all outcomes improved in the two groups (6MWD - P=0.000; PeakVO2 - P=0.000; MIP - P=0.000; MEP - P=0.000; SRT - P=0.000).ConclusionThere was an improvement of all outcomes in both groups, but IMT was not able to provide additional benefits. The use of this combination should be used with caution to not generate higher costs in the rehabilitation process of these patients.

What clinical, functional, and psychological factors before treatment are predictors of poor quality of life in cancer patients at the end of chemotherapy?

To correlate physical activity level (PAL), functional capacity and psychological state with quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT). Observational cohort study. Patients (n=121) with any primary cancer site with indications of chemotherapy with palliative or curative intent were evaluated at three moments: 1) patient admission (week 0), before chemotherapy; 2) week 8; 3) end of CT. Data were collected regarding QoL, PAL, clinical data, functional capacity (short walking distance test, sitting-rising test, isometric manual gripping force), and anxiety and depression tests. There was significant improvement at the end of CT for: level of physical activity; walk test (> 500 meters); sitting-rising test (> 20x). There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of moderate/severe depression. The prevalence of high QoL showed a significant increase in evaluation 3 (42.4% vs. 40.0% vs. 59.2%, p=0.02). Education up to high school level, low PAL, walking < 300 meters, sitting and rising < 20 times, having depression (moderate to severe) and QoL that was not high at the start of treatment (week 0) all proved to be risk factors for low quality of life at week 16. Conversely, early staging, curative intent chemotherapy and low-grade symptoms were shown to be protective factors. Performing less than 20 movements in the sitting-rising test and low PAL at the start of chemotherapy represent independent risk factors for low quality of life at the end of chemotherapy.