Specific Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

Monitoring aerobic capacity in cancer survivors using self-reported questionnaires: criterion validity and responsiveness

BackgroundEvaluating the criterion validity and responsiveness of the self-reported FitMáx©-questionnaire, Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) to monitor aerobic capacity in cancer survivors.MethodsCancer survivors participating in a 10-week supervised exercise program were included. The FitMáx©-questionnaire, DASI, VSAQ and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) were completed before (T0) and after (T1) the program. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated between VO2peak estimated by the questionnaires (questionnaire-VO2peak) and VO2peak measured during CPET (CPET-VO2peak), at T0 to examine criterion validity, and between changes in questionnaire-VO2peak and CPET-VO2peak (ΔT0-T1) to determine responsiveness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to examine the ability of the questionnaires to detect true improvements (≥ 6%) in CPET-VO2peak.ResultsSeventy participants were included. Outcomes at T1 were available for 58 participants (83%). Mean CPET-VO2peak significantly improved at T1 (Δ1.6 mL·kg− 1·min− 1 or 8%). Agreement between questionnaire-VO2peak and CPET-VO2peak at T0 was moderate for the FitMáx©-questionnaire (ICC = 0.69) and VSAQ (ICC = 0.53), and poor for DASI (ICC = 0.36). Poor agreement was found between ΔCPET-VO2peak and Δquestionnaire-VO2peak for all questionnaires (ICC 0.43, 0.19 and 0.18 for the FitMáx©-questionnaire, VSAQ and DASI, respectively). ROC analysis showed that the FitMáx©-questionnaire was able to detect improvements in CPET-VO2peak (area under the curve, AUC = 0.77), when using a cut-off value of 1.0 mL·kg− 1·min− 1, while VSAQ (AUC = 0.66) and DASI (AUC = 0.64) could not.ConclusionThe self-reported FitMáx©-questionnaire has sufficient validity to estimate aerobic capacity in cancer survivors at group level. The responsiveness of the FitMáx©-questionnaire for absolute change is limited, but the questionnaire is able to detect whether aerobic capacity improved. The FitMáx©-questionnaire showed substantial better values of validity and responsiveness compared to DASI and VSAQ.

Effectiveness of Trimetazidine in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Stratified by the Expression of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 (sST2): A Prospective Cohort Study.

Trimetazidine has been reported to have potential benefits in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) was shown to worsen CHF and, hence, has a diagnostic value in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of trimetazidine in patients expressing high and low levels of sST2 compared with their matched placebo. In this prospective cohort study, 170 patients were enrolled. Patients expressing more than 35ng/mL sST2 (S+) were split into a trimetazidine group (groupA) and placebo group (groupB). Likewise, patients expressing 35ng/mL or less of sST2 (S-) were divided into a trimetazidine (groupC) and placebo group (groupD). Patients in both the trimetazidine groups were administered 20-mg twice-a-day doses of trimetazidine. Trimetazidine effectiveness was determined in terms of changes in cardiac function, motor function, and mental status at 1, 3, 6, and 12months from baseline among the four groups. A total of 158 patients were included for final data analysis (groupA, n = 50; groupB, n = 57; groupC, n = 27; groupD, n = 24). On comparing different outcomes between the four groups and across the timepoints, significant difference was observed between the groups in ejection fraction (EF; P < 0.001), cardiac index (CI; P < 0.001), New York Heart Association score (P < 0.001), 6-min walk test (P < 0.001), Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ; P < 0.001), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ; P < 0.001), hospital anxiety and depression scores (P < 0.001), and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (P < 0.001). Significant difference in systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), heart rate (P < 0.001), EF (P < 0.001), CI (P < 0.001), VSAQ (P = 0.017), and MLHFQ (P < 0.001) was observed. Trimetazidine demonstrated an overall improvement in cardiac function, motor function, quality of life (QoL), and mental status in both S+ and S- patients. Among patients administered trimetazidine, significant changes in maximum outcomes were observed among those expressing higher levels of sST2 compared with placebo.

A Nonexercise Estimate of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Using a Symptom Questionnaire and Clinical Variables.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has recently been recognized as a risk factor for mortality, but it is not routinely measured in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to assess a nonexercise method to estimate CRF (eCRF) and its association with mortality in a clinically referred population. A symptom tool, termed the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ), and nonexercise clinical variables were obtained from 1545 clinically referred subjects (60 ± 13 yr), and followed for a mean of 5.6 ± 4.2 yr. The VSAQ along with nonexercise clinical and historical variables was used to develop a multivariate model to predict achieved CRF from maximal exercise testing. Proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the association between measured and eCRF and all-cause mortality. The eCRF model was significantly associated with achieved CRF (multiple R = 0.67, P < .001). Mean achieved CRF from maximal treadmill testing and eCRF were similar (8.6 ± 5.0 metabolic equivalents [METs] vs 8.7 ± 4.7 METs respectively, P = .27). Achieved CRF and eCRF performed similarly for predicting mortality. After full adjustment, each 1 MET higher increment in achieved CRF and eCRF was associated with 19% and 26% reductions in mortality risk, respectively. Compared with the lowest fit group (<5 METs), the highest CRF groups (>11 METs) had 88% and 87% lower risks for mortality for achieved CRF and eCRF, respectively. A multivariable nonexercise model featuring a symptom questionnaire combined with clinical variables that are readily available during a typical clinical encounter had a reasonably strong association with achieved CRF and exhibited prognostic characteristics that were similar to achieved CRF.

Estimating VO2peak in 18-90 Year-Old Adults: Development and Validation of the FitMáx©-Questionnaire.

PurposeCardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) plays an essential role in health outcomes and quality of life. However, it is often not assessed nor estimated. Objective CRF assessment is costly, labour intensive and not widely available. Patient-reported outcome measures estimate CRF more cost-efficiently, but current questionnaires lack accuracy. The aim of this study is to develop a new self-reported questionnaire to estimate CRF.Materials and MethodsThe FitMáx©-questionnaire, consisting of only three questions assessing walking, stair climbing, and cycling capacity, was compared with the commonly used Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). These questionnaires were compared to peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) as measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing. This study included 759 cardiac, pulmonary and oncologic patients and healthy persons aged 18‒90.ResultsFitMáx© strongly correlated (r = 0.94 (0.92‒0.95) SEE = 4.14 mL∙kg−1∙min−1) with measured VO2peak. Bias between predicted and measured VO2peak was −0.24 (−9.23‒8.75; 95% limits of agreement) mL·kg−1·min−1. The FitMáx© scored superiorly on correlation and SEE compared with the DASI and VSAQ, r = 0.75 (0.68‒0.80) SEE = 4.62 mL∙kg−1∙min−1 and r = 0.87 (0.83‒0.90) SEE = 6.75 mL∙kg−1∙min−1, respectively.ConclusionFitMáx© is a valid and accessible questionnaire to estimate CRF expressed as VO2peak in clinical practice and shows substantial improvement compared to currently used questionnaires.

Use of a Wearable Biosensor to Study Heart Rate Variability in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Relationship to Disease Severity

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between heart rate variability (HRV) and various phenotypic measures that relate to health and functional status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and secondly, to demonstrate the feasibility of ascertaining HRV via a chest-worn wearable biosensor in COPD patients. HRV analysis was performed using SDNN (standard deviation of the mean of all normal R-R intervals), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio. We evaluated the associations between HRV and COPD severity, class of bronchodilator therapy prescribed, and patient reported outcomes. Seventy-nine participants with COPD were enrolled. There were no differences in SDNN, HF, and LF/HF ratio according to COPD severity. The SDNN in participants treated with concurrent beta-agonists and muscarinic antagonists was lower than that in other participants after adjusting heart rate (beta coefficient −3.980, p = 0.019). The SDNN was positively correlated with Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) score (r = 0.308, p = 0.006) and handgrip strength (r = 0.285, p = 0.011), and negatively correlated with dyspnea by modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire (r = −0.234, p = 0.039), health status by Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) (r = −0.298, p = 0.008), symptoms by COPD Assessment Test (CAT) (r = −0.280, p = 0.012), and BODE index (r = −0.269, p = 0.020). When measured by a chest-worn wearable device, reduced HRV was observed in COPD participants receiving inhaled beta-sympathomimetic agonist and muscarinic antagonists. HRV was also correlated with various health status and performance measures.

Agreement between Duke Activity Status Index and Modified Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire in Healthy Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

Agreement between Duke Activity Status Index and Modified Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire in Healthy Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

Epidemiological profile, cardiopulmonary fitness and health-related quality of life of patients with heart failure: a longitudinal study

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a severe and self-limiting syndrome. Its signs and symptoms are believed to predict poorer health-related quality of life scores, which are mainly influenced by deterioration in physical capacity. In the present study we try to analyze the influence of clinical and socioeconomic characteristics and physical capacity on the quality of life of people with HF diagnosis.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted over 2 years with patients diagnosed with HF. To evaluate the patients the method of face-to-face visit and telephone monitoring was used. In the evaluations were applied: the Clinical and Socioeconomic Characterization Questionnaire, the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) for quality of life evaluation and the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) for cardiopulmonary fitness analysis. Measures of central tendency, proportion, normality test, confidence intervals, comparison of data through paired Student t test and Wilcoxon or Mann Whitney test were performed and correlations were verified through Spearman coefficient.ResultsThe study included 108 patients, most of them female (50.90%) and mean age of 66.62 ± 11.33 years. The median time of HF diagnosis was 5 ± 6 years, being Chagas’ disease the main etiologic cause for the disease (57.40%). As for the clinical condition, functional classes II (44.40%) and III (48.10%) of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) were the most frequent. There was a low cardiopulmonary fitness, with loss of capacity to perform daily activities (3 ± 1 to 3 ± 3) over the time of clinical follow-up.There was an increase in the MLHFQ instrument scores, from 50.98 ± 15.52 to 61.76 ± 19.95, over the analysis time. The analysis of correlations demonstrated that variables such as schooling, NYHA class, echocardiographic alterations and the drug profile have a significant relationship with the constructs of quality of life and physical fitness.ConclusionIndividuals in HF have significant impairment of cardiorespiratory capacity and tend to present worsening of QL along the evolution of the disease.

Association of physical function and performance with peak VO2 in elderly patients with end stage kidney disease.

Physical function is impaired in end stage renal disease (ESRD). Various instruments have been used to assess the functional capabilities and health status of patients with ESRD, but it is not known which has the best association with peak VO2. To assess the association between functional measures in ESRD. Thirty nine elderly ESRD patients were evaluated with commonly used functional, health status, and quality of life measures, including maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), 6-min walk (6MWT), sit-to-stand test (STS), Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ), upper and lower body strength, pulmonary function tests, and body composition determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry. The association between performance on these functional tools, clinical variables, and exercise test responses was assessed, and a non-exercise test multivariate model was developed to predict peak VO2. Peak VO2 was modestly related to VSAQ score (r = 0.59, p < 0.01), indices of upper and lower body strength (r = 0.45, p < 0.01 for both), and FEV1 (r = 0.51, p < 0.01). Functional and quality of life questionnaires were generally poorly related to one another and to peak VO2. In a multivariate model, 6MWT performance, forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), and VSAQ score were the best predictors of peak VO2, yielding a multiple R = 0.82, accounting for 67% of the variance in peak VO2. Exercise capacity can be reasonably estimated using non-exercise test variables in patients with ESRD, including a symptom questionnaire (VSAQ), 6MWT and FEV1. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01990495. Registered Nov 21, 2013.

Validity of the Modified Dyspnea Index for the French-Canadian Population.

Multidimensional tools could evaluate the dyspnea of patients with chronic lung disease. The aim was to validate the use of the French-Canadian version of the modified dyspnea index (MDI) among patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). The Spearman test analyzed the convergent validation of the MDI with pulmonary function tests (PFTs), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, the Modified Borg Scale, the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ), physical capacity, physical activity (Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire [GSLTPAQ]), and quality of life (SF-12). The MDI had a low correlation with PFT and physical activity; a moderate with physical capacity; a high with the physical dimension (SF-12). The results support the convergent validation of the MDI French-Canadian version with PAH or ILD.

Novel Respiratory Disability Score Predicts COPD Exacerbations and Mortality in the SPIROMICS Cohort.

RationaleSome COPD patients develop extreme breathlessness, decreased exercise capacity and poor health status yet respiratory disability is poorly characterized as a distinct phenotype.ObjectiveTo define respiratory disability in COPD based on available functional measures and to determine associations with risk for exacerbations and death.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from a multi-center observational study (SPIROMICS). This analysis includes 2332 participants (472 with severe COPD, 991 with mild/moderate COPD, 726 smokers without airflow obstruction and 143 non-smoking controls).MeasurementsWe defined respiratory disability by ≥4 of 7 criteria: mMRC dyspnea scale ≥3; Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire <5; 6-minute walking distance <250 m; St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire activity domain >60; COPD Assessment Test >20; fatigue (FACIT-F Trial Outcome Index) <50; SF-12 <20.ResultsUsing these criteria, respiratory disability was identified in 315 (13.5%) participants (52.1% female). Frequencies were severe COPD 34.5%; mild-moderate COPD 11.2%; smokers without obstruction 5.2% and never-smokers 2.1%. Compared with others, participants with disability had more emphysema (13.2 vs. 6.6%) and air-trapping (37.0 vs. 21.6%) on HRCT (P<0.0001). Using principal components analysis to derive a disability score, two factors explained 71% of variance, and a cut point −1.0 reliably identified disability. This disability score independently predicted future exacerbations (ß=0.34; CI 0.12, 0.64; P=0.003) and death (HR 2.97; CI 1.54, 5.75; P=0.001). Thus, participants with disability by this criterion had almost three times greater mortality compared to those without disability.ConclusionOur novel SPIROMICS respiratory disability score in COPD was associated with worse airflow obstruction as well as airway wall thickening, lung parenchymal destruction and certain inflammatory biomarkers. The disability score also proved to be an independent predictor of future exacerbations and death. These findings validate disability as an important phenotype in the spectrum of COPD.

Relationship Between the Practice of Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Physical Education Students: The Integrated Regulation As a Mediating Variable

The practice of physical activity (PA) contributes to the prevention of chronic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular diseases, being also directly related to the individual’s physical fitness. Therefore, it is necessary to measure and monitoring the levels of PA in childhood and adolescence, since it may be useful to describe their current health status and the association with physical fitness, as well as to reveal putative consequences in the future. Within the educational field, it has been shown that physical education (PE) classes are a favorable context for the creation of healthy physical-sports habits and self-determined motivation could be a key for explaining the level of PA practice. For this reason, the purpose of this research was to study the mediating role of integrated regulation (IR) on the relationship between PA and physical fitness in children and adolescents. A total of 325 students between 11 and 14 years old participated in the study. The level of PA was estimated through the specific Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C), while motivation and IR were measured by using the Perceived Locus of Causality scale (PLOC-2). In addition, physical fitness was measured through the Eurofit fitness battery of tests, composed of three body composition measures and seven tests of different physical capacities. The physical fitness score showed no differences when genders were compared. After regression analysis, the resulting models revealed a good adjustment and correlation between PA practice and physical fitness (β = 0.173; p < 0.001), being established through the macro Process that this relationship is partially conditioned by the IR (β = 0.122; p = 0.03). ROC curve analysis estimated the score of 5.88 as a cut-off point to discriminate between levels of IR for students, classified as physically active or not (AUC = 0.67; p < 0.001). The conclusions from these main and other complementary analyses reporting complete mediations, suggest that the IR could be decisive in predicting and explaining the relationship between the practice of PA and physical fitness at these ages, highlighting its importance for a greater adherence to the practice.

Differences In Physical Activity, Calcium And Vitamin D Intakes In Caucasian, East-asian, And South-asian Women

In addition to genetic factors, inadequate non-genetic factors, such as physical activity, and calcium and vitamin D intake can limit the achievement of optimal peak bone mass and increase the risk of fractures later in life (Heaney et al, 2000). These lifestyle factors are however subject to cultural variations and their adherence and importance varies among ethnic groups. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine differences in physical activity levels and dietary calcium and vitamin D intakes in premenopausal women aged 18-45 years belonging to three different racial/ethnic groups: Caucasians, South-Asians, East-Asians. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study consisting of 108 participants. Based on their race/ethnicity the participants were categorized into one of the three independent racial/ethnic groups: Caucasian (Cau; n= 46); East-Asian (EA; n= 34); and South-Asian (SA; n= 28). Physical activity was measured using bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), while calcium and vitamin D were assessed using calcium and vitamin D food intake questionnaires, and sun exposure questionnaire. RESULTS: Past (Cau: 60.62 ± 7.79 vs. EA: 30.51 ± 9.31, SA: 22.76 ± 5.25; p=0.004; ηp2=0.103) and total (Cau: 33.13 ± 4.17 vs. EA: 17.13 ± 4.94, SA: 13.67 ± 2.67; p=0.005; ηp2=0.098) BPAQ scores were significantly greater in Caucasians in comparison to East- and South Asian women. Although no significant differences were observed for daily vitamin D intake, sun exposure scores were significantly higher in Caucasian and East-Asian women in comparison to South-Asians (Cau: 18.26 ± 1.54, EA: 21.90 ± 1.98 vs. SA: 12.21 ± 1.41; p=0.001; ηp2=0.136). Moreover, daily calcium intake (mg/day) was higher in Caucasians and South-Asians compared to East-Asians (Cau: 893.07 ± 52.95, SA: 964.21 ± 110.20 vs. EA: 608.15 ± 52.65; p=0.002; ηp2=0.116). CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used for creating awareness among the at-risk ethnicities regarding the importance of adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and role of physical activity in enhancing cardio-metabolic fitness and bone density apart from merely reducing or maintaining of body weight.

Sex-dependent changes in physical, mental, and quality of life outcomes in metoprolol-treated Chinese chronic heart failure patients.

This study assessed sex differences in cardiac and motor functions, quality of life (QoL), and mental status in Chinese chronic heart failure (CHF) patients after metoprolol treatment.This single-center prospective study, conducted from February 2013 to April 2016, included CHF patients (men and women) with resting heart rate (HR) >80 beats/min using metoprolol continuous release tablets. Metoprolol-induced changes in cardiac and motor functions, QoL, and mental status at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from baseline, within and between the sexes, were analyzed. Descriptive data were represented as counts, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation. Differences at various follow-up periods were compared using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance, followed by post hoc Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Statistical significance was considered at P < .05.Compared with men, women reported significantly higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) (122.28 ± 6.76 vs 125.47 ± 6.67 mm Hg, P < .05) and Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire score (8.16 ± 0.98 vs 8.47 ± 0.89, P = .05) at 12 months. Men reported higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores for depression than women at 1 month (10.27 vs 8.83, P < .05) and for anxiety at 12 months (8.4 vs 7.72, P < .05). Metoprolol significantly decreased HR and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score in men (64.5 ± 3.13 and 53.7 ± 8.00) and women (65.38 ± 3.32 and 53.85 ± 8.42, respectively). Ejection fraction (%, men: 50.00 ± 4.45, women: 50.72 ± 4.09), cardiac index (L/min/m2, men: 2.70 ± 0.25, women: 2.78 ± 0.23), 6-minute walk test distance (m, men: 414.41 ± 20.84, women: 420.34 ± 20.35), and short form-8 questionnaire scores (men: 52.05 ± 1.94, women: 52.19 ± 2.58) increased significantly in both the sexes (P < .001 for all) at 12 months. Copenhagen Burnout Inventory score significantly increased in men (mean score 62.43, P < .05).Metoprolol treatment improves cardiac and motor functions, QoL, and anxiety scores but causes greater depression and burnout in men and women. Sex was seen to affect mental status of CHF patients the most.

Skeletal loading score is associated with bone microarchitecture in young adults.

We determined the association between a new skeletal loading (SkL) score reflecting physical activity from age 11 to adulthood, the bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and bone microarchitecture in young Black and White men and women. We conducted a cross-sectional study of young ([mean ± SD] 23.7 ± 3.3 years) Black (n = 51 women, n = 31 men) and White (n = 50 women, n = 49 men) adults. Microarchitecture and estimated bone strength (by micro-finite element analysis) were assessed at the ultradistal tibia using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Physical activity questionnaires were administered and a SkL score was derived based on ground reaction force, rate of loading, frequency, duration, and life period of participation per activity from age 11 onwards. BPAQ score was also calculated. We used multiple linear regression to determine associations between both SkL score and BPAQ score and bone outcomes, adjusting for age, height, weight, sex, and race. We found that SkL score, which accounts for current and historical physical activity, was significantly associated with most cortical bone parameters at the tibia including area, area fraction, porosity, thickness, and tissue mineral density (R2 = 0.27-0.55, all p < 0.01). Further, trabecular thickness, separation, number, and bone mineral density (R2 = 0.22-0.32, all p < 0.01), as well as stiffness and failure load (R2 = 0.63-0.65, all p < 0.01), were associated with the SkL score. The BPAQ was also significantly associated with most bone parameters, but to a lesser degree than SkL score. These findings suggest that among young adults, greater amounts of osteogenic physical activity, as assessed by the SkL score and BPAQ are associated with improved bone microarchitecture and strength. With the potential to predict bone parameters in young adults, these scores may ultimately serve to identify those most vulnerable to fracture.

Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ): a new and efficient method of assessing exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

IntroductionAssessment of performance status is an important component of clinical management of patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). Usual methods are time-consuming and insensitive to variations within normal or supranormal...

Exercise capacity reflects airflow limitation rather than hypoxaemia in patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) generate a right-to-left shunt. Impaired gas exchange results in hypoxaemia and impaired CO2 clearance. Most patients compensate effectively but some are dyspneic, and these are rarely the most hypoxaemic. To test degrees of concurrent pathology influencing exercise capacity. Replicate, sequential single centre, prospective studies. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) were performed in 26 patients with PAVMs, including individuals with and without known airflow obstruction. To replicate, relationships were tested prospectively in an independent cohort where self-reported exercise capacity evaluated by the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) was used to calculate metabolic equivalents (METs) at peak exercise (n = 71). Additional measurements included oxygen saturation (SpO2), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), vital capacity (VC), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), haemoglobin and iron indices. By CPET, the peak work rate was only minimally associated with low SpO2 or low arterial oxygen content (calculated as CaO2=1.34 × SpO2 × haemoglobin), but was reduced in patients with low FEV1 or VC. Supranormal work rates were seen in patients with severe right-to-left shunting and SpO2 < 90%, but only if FEV1 was >80% predicted. VSAQ-calculated METS also demonstrated little relationship with SpO2, and in crude and CaO2-adjusted regression, were lower in patients with lower FEV1 or VC. Bronchodilation increased airflow even where spirometry was in the normal range: exhaled nitric oxide measurements were normal in 80% of cases, and unrelated to any PAVM-specific variable. Exercise capacity is reduced by relatively mild airflow limitation (obstructive or restrictive) in the setting of PAVMs.

Relationship between Nutrition (REAP), Exercise (VSAQ), and Stress on Premenstrual Syndrome Severity (PSST): Correlation, Cross-Section, Purposive Sample of 75 Females Ages 18-55

The purpose of this study was to determine if specific factors of exercise (type, intensity, frequency, and duration), nutritional intake, or perceived stress were able to predict the PMS symptom severity. This was a prospective, correlation, cross-sectional study, purposive sample of healthy females (N=75), ages 18-55 years of age. This study was approved by Andrews University IRB and voluntary informed consent was given prior to data collection. Factors of exercise were examined using the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). Nutrition was examined using the Rapid Eating Assessment for Patients (REAP). PMS symptoms were measured using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) on 75 women (N=75) (Mean=22.7 years). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze predictive ability of exercise intensity and nutrition on the severity of PMS symptom severity. No significant predictive relationship between VSAQ (exercise intensity) or nutritional intake scores and PMS severity was found. However, a significant relationship between perceived stress and PMS symptoms was reported for the sample (r=0.324, n=75, p<0.005). In conclusion, perceived stress levels were found to have a direct, significant correlation to PMS symptom severity. However, factors related to exercise and nutrition were not significant predictors of PMS symptom severity according to this research study. Future studies should focus on prospective, experimental studies to examine specific exercise and nutritional prescription, with sampling of cortisol levels during the menstrual cycle

Impact of metoprolol treatment on cardiac function and exercise tolerance in heart failure patients with neuropsychiatric disorders

Objective: To investigate the impact of neuropsychiatric disorders on the effect of metoprolol on cardiac and motor function in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.Methods: From February 2013 to April 2016, CHF patients with clinical mental disorders received metoprolol (23.75 or 47.5 mg, once daily, orally) at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. Mental status was confirmed by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) scale. Cardiac function parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac index (CI) as well as motor function including the 6 meter walk test (6MWT) and the Veteran’s Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ) were assessed as primary outcomes of the study.Results: A total of 154 patients (median age, 66.39 years; men, n = 101) were allocated into eight groups based on their mental status. There were no significant differences in heart rate (HR) or SBP control achieved by metoprolol in any groups compared with the control (patients with normal mental status). Furthermore, biphasic ejection fraction (EF) changes were observed in all the groups with a decrease in the first month and increase from the sixth month. However, this increase was significantly lower (p < .001) than the EF achieved with metoprolol treatment in the control group except for the anxiety group. A similar pattern was seen for CI, 6MWT and VSAQ changes in all the groups. Patients in the anxiety group responded similarly to the patients with normal mental status.Conclusion: Depressive and high burnout symptoms, but not anxiety, lower the improvement of cardiac and motor function by metoprolol treatment in CHF.

Bone Quality in Weight and Non-Weight Bearing Sports in Male Collegiate Athletes

Bone quality has been correlated with lifetime physical activity. The accrual and maintenance of bone has been shown to be related to the type of sport, length of participation, weight bearing (WB) or non-weight bearing (NWB) activity, and the multidirectional forces applied. PURPOSE: To determine if there are differences between weight bearing and non-weight bearing sports on bone quality in male collegiate athletes. METHODS: Ten male collegiate athletes (20.8+1.2yrs), with no history of musculoskeletal injuries within the last 12 months, were selected from each NCAA Division II men’s soccer, football, cross country, swimming, and USA cycling Division I teams (n=50). For analyses, men’s soccer, football, and cross country were considered WB, and swimming and USA cycling were considered NWB. A bone specific physical activity questionnaire (BPAQ) and a general demographic health questionnaire were collected for each athlete to determine eligibility for the study, as well as their history of physical activity and general demographic information that was relative to bone health. Using the Achilles InSight Ultrasonometer, broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), speed of sound (SOS), and stiffness index (SI) were measured on both heels for each athlete. The BUA, SOS, and SI were compared between sport, WB vs. NWB activities, and foot dominance using a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant foot for sports or WB vs. NWB activities. There were significant differences between BUA scores for sports and WB vs. NWB activities p=0.026 and p=0.015, respectively. The SOS scores were significant for sports and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). SI scores were found to have a significant difference between sports type and WB vs. NWB activities (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing sports have significant effects on bone health in male collegiate athletes.

Resting Energy Expenditure in Adults with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was: 1) To compare Resting energy expenditure (REE) in adult males with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy (BeMD, n = 21, 39 ±12 years) and healthy controls (CTRL, n = 12, 37 ±12 years) 2) Determine whether other physiological parameters correlate with REE in BeMD, and 3) Compare current prediction methods of REE with measured REE.MethodsREE was calculated via indirect calorimetry using continuous, expired gas analysis following an overnight fast. Fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance. B-mode ultrasound measured Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM) anatomical cross sectional area (ACSA). The Bone Specific Physical Activity Questionnaire measured physical activity.ResultsNo difference in REE was found between CTRL and BeMD groups (1913 ±203 & 1786 ±324 Kcal respectively). Other physiological comparisons showed increased fat mass (+54%), decreased TA ACSA (-42%), increased GM ACSA (+25%) as well as reduced respiratory function (FVC -28%; FEV1−27%) in BeMD adults compared to controls. REE estimated from prediction equations (Schofield’s) in Muscular Dystrophy were different from measured REE (P<0.05, bias = -728kcal), while the Mifflin equation was no different from measured REE (r2 = 0.58, Bias = -8kcal). Within the present BeMD, REE predicted from FFM (REE = FFM x 34.57–270; r2 = 0.85) and body mass (REE = BM x 15.65 + 421.5; r2 = 0.66), were not different from measured REE (bias equals 0 and 0.2kcals, respectively)ConclusionsDespite no differences in REE between CTRL and BeMD adults, increased fat masses highlights the requirement for explicit nutritional guidelines, as well as maintenance of physical activity levels, where possible. Prediction equations are frequently used in clinical settings, however these have been shown to be less accurate in BeMD; therefore, the equations proposed here should be used where possible.