Aerobic Capacity Test Research Articles

Impact of MCT Oil and Caffeine on Substrate Metabolism during Submaximal Exercise

Introduction: Recent research has suggested that medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation may increase fat oxidation (FatOx) during aerobic exercise, sparing muscle glycogen and, perhaps, enhancing performance. As both MCT and caffeine (CAF) are theorized to elicit these effects, this pilot study’s purpose was to compare the physiological responses of their combined supplementation during submaximal cycling exercise. Methods: Eight aerobically trained males (mean±SD; age 23.6±4.4 years; body mass 82.3±15.8 kg; height 180.9±8.7 cm) completed one aerobic capacity (VO2peak) test and three 45-min exercise trials at 60% VO2peak. Blinded and counterbalanced, one-hour prior to each trial, participants consumed: MCT+CAF (20 mL + 100 mg), long-chain triglycerides (LCT)+CAF (40 mL + 100 mg), or CAF (100 mg). Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide output (VCO2), and minute ventilation (VE) were measured, subsequently calculating respiratory exchange ratio (RER), energy expenditure (EE), carbohydrate oxidation (CarbOx), and FatOx. Results: No significant differences between conditions were observed for average VO2 (p=0.474; η2=0.101), VE (p=0.323; η2=0.149), (RER (p=0.323; η2=0.149), EE (p=0.474; η2=0.101), CarbOx (p=0.274; η2=0.169), or FatOx (p=0.478; η2=0.100) or for total EE (p=0.474; η2=0.101), CarbOx (p=0.274; η2=0.169), or FatOx (p=0.478; η2=0.100). Conclusions: Co-ingestion of MCT+CAF didn’t produce any significantly different physiological responses compared to co-ingestion of LCT+CAF or the CAF control.

Re-evaluating the Need for Routine Maximal Aerobic Capacity Testing within Fighter Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: There is a current belief in aviation suggesting that aerobic training may reduce G-tolerance due to potential negative impacts on arterial pressure response. Studies indicate that increasing maximal aerobic capacity (<mml:math id="ie1" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂ max) through aerobic training does not hinder G-tolerance. Moreover, sustained centrifuge training programs revealed no instances where excessive aerobic exercise compromised a trainee's ability to complete target profiles. The purpose of this review article is to examine the current research in the hope of establishing the need for routine <mml:math id="ie2" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing in air force pilot protocols.METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, the Aerospace Medical Association, and Military Medicine was conducted. Keywords related to "human performance," "Air Force fighter pilots," "aerobic function," and "maximal aerobic capacity" were used in various combinations. Articles addressing exercise physiology, G-tolerance, physical training, and fighter pilot maneuvers related to human performance were considered. No primary data collection involving human subjects was conducted; therefore, ethical approval was not required.RESULTS: The <mml:math id="ie3" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max test provides essential information regarding a pilot's ability to handle increased Gz-load. It assists in predicting G-induced loss of consciousness by assessing anti-G straining maneuver performance and heart rate variables during increased G-load.DISCUSSION: <mml:math id="ie4" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing guides tailored exercise plans, optimizes cardiovascular health, and disproves the notion that aerobic training hampers G-tolerance. Its inclusion in air force protocols could boost readiness, reduce health risks, and refine training for fighter pilots' safety and performance. This evidence-backed approach supports integrating <mml:math id="ie5" display="inline"><mml:mrow><mml:mover><mml:mtext>V</mml:mtext><mml:mo>˙</mml:mo></mml:mover></mml:mrow></mml:math>o₂-max testing for insights into fitness, risks, and tailored exercise.Zeigler Z, Acevedo AM. Re-evaluating the need for routine maximal aerobic capacity testing within fighter pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(5):273-277.

Short-Term Panax Ginseng Extract Supplementation Reduces Fasting Blood Triacylglycerides and Oxygen Consumption during Sub-Maximal Aerobic Exercise in Male Recreational Athletes.

Ginseng, a popular herbal supplement among athletes, is believed to enhance exercise capacity and performance. This study investigated the short-term effects of Panax ginseng extract (PG) on aerobic capacity, lipid profile, and cytokines. In a 14-day randomized, double-blind trial, male participants took 500 mg of PG daily. Two experiments were conducted: one in 10 km races (n = 31) and another in a laboratory-controlled aerobic capacity test (n = 20). Blood lipid and cytokine profile, ventilation, oxygen consumption, hemodynamic and fatigue parameters, and race time were evaluated. PG supplementation led to reduced total blood lipid levels, particularly in triacylglycerides (10 km races -7.5 mg/dL (95% CI -42 to 28); sub-maximal aerobic test -14.2 mg/dL (95% CI -52 to 23)), while post-exercise blood IL-10 levels were increased (10 km 34.0 pg/mL (95% CI -2.1 to 70.1); sub-maximal aerobic test 4.1 pg/mL (95% CI -2.8 to 11.0)), and oxygen consumption decreased during the sub-maximal aerobic test (VO2: -1.4 mL/min/kg (95% CI -5.8 to -0.6)). No significant differences were noted in race time, hemodynamic, or fatigue parameters. Overall, PG supplementation for 2 weeks showed benefits in blood lipid profile and energy consumption during exercise among recreational athletes. This suggests a potential role for PG in enhancing exercise performance and metabolic health in this population.

Interval training has more negative effects on sleep in adolescent speed skaters: a randomized cross controlled trial.

Sleep is an essential component of athletic performance and recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of high-intensity exercise on sleep parameters in adolescent speed skaters. Eighteen male adolescent speed skaters underwent aerobic capacity testing, Wingate testing, and interval training in a randomized crossover design to assess strength output, heart rate, and blood lactate levels during exercise. Sleep quality after each type of exercise was evaluated using the Firstbeat Bodyguard 3 monitor. The results showed that Wingate testing and interval training led to decreased sleep duration, increased duration of stress, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01). Conversely, aerobic capacity testing did not significantly affect sleep (p > 0.05). The impact of interval training on sleep parameters was more significant compared to aerobic capacity testing (p < 0.01) and Wingate testing (p < 0.01). High-intensity anaerobic exercise has a profound impact on athletes' sleep, primarily resulting in decreased sleep duration, increased stress duration, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio.

The Analysis of the Effects of Interval Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance in Slalom and Giant Slalom Athletes

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of interval training on the aerobic and anaerobic performance of elite-level athletes in slalom and giant slalom disciplines. The study consisted of thirteen male athletes in the alpine skiing discipline (slalom-giant slalom). The heights of the athletes were measured with a stadiometer with a precision of ±1mm (Holtain, UK). Weight measurements were conducted using a Tanita brand body composition analyzer (BC, 418 Tanita, Japan) with a precision of 100 grams. For aerobic power and capacity testing, a breath-by-breath measurement method was employed using the Cosmed K5 portable gas analysis system (Italy). The MaxVO2 protocol was performed on a cycle ergometer, and the anaerobic power and capacity test were conducted using the Wingate method. Aerobic/anaerobic power values of athletes were measured twice, before and after a 4-week interval training program. An Independent Samples T-Test was used to identify differences between pre-test and post-test values of athletes. Significant relationships were found between pre-test and post-test values of MaxVO2, peak power, average power, and power drop percentage for slalom and giant slalom athletes subjected to interval training (p0.05). In conclusion, interval training was observed to increase body muscle mass, reduce body fat percentage, and enhance aerobic and anaerobic capacity in slalom and giant slalom athletes. Including interval training in the content of athletes' training programs when creating annual training plans is considered to positively influence aerobic and anaerobic performance using the interval training method.

Validity of submaximal aerobic capacity and strength tests in firefighters.

Typically, the fitness of UK firefighters is assessed via submaximal estimate methods due to the low demands on time, money, expertise and equipment. However, the firefighter-specific validity of such testing in relation to maximum aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) and particularly muscular strength is not well established. To examine the validity of submaximal methods to estimate V˙O2max and maximal strength in operational firefighters. Twenty-two full-time operational firefighters (3 female) completed same-day submaximal (Chester Step Test; CST) and maximal (treadmill) assessments of V˙O2max, with a sub-sample of 10 firefighters (1 female) also completing submaximal and maximal back-squat (i.e. one repetition maximum; 1RM) assessments. All participants then completed the Firefighter Simulation Test (FFST) within 2-4 days. CST underestimated actual V˙O2max by 1.4 ml·kg-1·min-1 (~3%), although V˙O2max values were positively correlated (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) and not significantly different. Estimated V˙O2max values negatively correlated with FFST performance (r = -0.42). Predicted 1RM underestimated actual 1RM by ~2%, although these values were significantly correlated (r = 0.99, P < 0.001) and did not significantly differ. The strongest predictive model of FFST performance included age, body mass index, and direct maximal measures of 1RM and V˙O2max. Submaximal back-squat testing offers good validity in estimating maximum firefighter strength without exposure to the fatigue associated with maximal methods. The CST provides a reasonably valid and cost-effective V˙O2max estimate which translates to firefighting task performance, although the error observed means it should be used cautiously when making operational decisions related to V˙O2max benchmarks.

ANTROPOMETRIC INDICATORS, NUTRITIONALSTATUS AND CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK IN SCHOOLCHILDREN WHIT MAPUCHE AND NON. MAPUCHE ETHNIC GROUPS, CHILE

Objectives: To identify, through the association of anthropometric, status nutritional and physical variables, the cardiometabolic risk in Mapuche and non-Mapuche schoolchildren in the Araucanía Region.&#x0D; Material and methods: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study, using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H statistical tests. The data were analyzed with the SPSS program, version 22.0 (p &lt; 0.05). The participants were 250 schoolchildren: 185 Mapuche and 65 non-Mapuche. Anthropometric tests of weight and height for age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WSR), and the Course Navette aerobic capacity test (VO2max), Ruffier index were evaluated and resting heart rate (RHR).&#x0D; Results: Mapuche and non-Mapuche schoolchildren presented similar sizes; Their weight and waist circumference differed according to their body mass index classifications, however there were no statistically significant differences between the ethnic groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: The size variable does not determine the presence or absence of cardiometabolic risk in schoolchildren with Mapuche and non-Mapuche ethnic ancestry through the WSR indicator. However, the study demonstrated that the weight and WC variables directly influence the presence of cardiometabolic risk in the schoolchildren of the sample diagnosed with overweight and obesity.&#x0D; Keywords: Anthropometry, Schoolchildren, Ethnic group, Cardiometabolic risk.

Non-traditional HIIT-style ROTC training elicits positive bone quality and performance adaptations

ABSTRACT Military personnel experience elevated bone injury incidence, partly due to arduous and repetitive training. Non-traditional High-Intensity Interval Training-style (HIIT) may benefit pre-enlisted Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet’s musculoskeletal health and performance prior to military service. This study investigated 16 ROTC (n = 12 males; n = 4 females) and 15 physically active sex-, age-, and body mass-matched Controls’ musculoskeletal health and performance from November to April. Total body, lumbar spine, and dual- hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and 4%, 38%, 66% tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans, blood draws (serum sclerostin and parathyroid hormone), and maximal muscle strength and aerobic capacity testing were completed. From November to April, ROTC improved bone density (DXA) of the dominant total hip and greater trochanter and non-dominant greater trochanter and 38% and 66% tibial total volumetric and cortical bone density (pQCT) similarly or more than Controls (all p ≤ 0.049). From November to April, ROTC also improved bench and leg press, and peak aerobic capacity (all p ≤ 0.013). From November to January, serum sclerostin increased (p ≤ 0.007) and remained elevated through April, while parathyroid hormone was unchanged. HIIT-style training induced positive musculoskeletal adaptations, suggesting it may be an excellent pre-service training modality for this injury prone group.

Role of specialized pro-resolving mediators on inflammation, cardiometabolic health, disease progression, and quality of life after omega-3 PUFA supplementation and aerobic exercise training in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized 16-week, placebo-controlled interventional trial.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by autoantibody production and synovial membrane damage. It significantly impairs overall function and quality of life. Consumption of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and regular aerobic exercise (AEx) training are reported to have positive effects on the progression of RA. However, the mechanisms behind these benefits are still inconclusive. This study protocol will investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation and AEx training on disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life, and their association with the plasma and synovial fluid levels of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in subjects with RA. Methods: The study consists of a 16-week intervention period, during which participants will be randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to one of four groups: placebo control (PLA), PLA+AEx, n-3, or n-3+AEx. The PLA groups will be given a gelatin-filled capsule, while the n-3 groups will be given n-3 PUFAs equivalent to 2.5 g/d of docosahexaenoic acid and 0.5 g/d of eicosapentaenoic acid. The AEx groups will perform exercise three times per week on a stationary electronically braked cycle ergometer at 60-70% of their VO2peak for 50-60 minutes. Before and after the intervention, participants will undergo RA-specific and functional measurements, peak aerobic capacity test, and a dietary and physical activity assessment. Venous blood and synovial fluid from the knee joint will be collected. Changes in disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life, as well as erythrocyte membrane composition to assess n-3 incorporation, SPM levels, inflammatory markers, and gene expression from blood and synovial fluid will be analyzed. Conclusions: The study aims to elucidate the SPMs that regulate the inflammatory gene expression pathways and associate them with the improvements in disease progression, cardiometabolic health, and quality of life after n-3 PUFA supplementation and AEx training. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT05945693.

Dose-response associations of Monitor-Independent Movement Summary with health-related fitness in youth.

The purpose of this study was to determine the dose-response associations between Monitor-Independent Movement Summary (MIMS) units and health-related fitness in youth. The sample comprised US children and adolescents who participated in the 2012 National Youth Fitness Survey (NNYFS; N = 1158, 48.9% female). Health-related fitness domains were assessed using tests of cardiorespiratory endurance (timed maximal and graded treadmill tests), muscular strength (modified pull-up and grip tests), and muscular endurance (plank test). Movement data were collected using wrist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers with raw data processed using MIMS and the calculated metrics of average MIMS/day, Peak 60-min MIMS, and Peak 30-min MIMS. Weighted regression models examined linear associations between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores. Nonlinear associations were examined using weighted spline models with knots placed at the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles. Models were adjusted for covariates and fit was examined using the coefficient of determination (R2 ). The strongest adjusted linear relationships included a positive association between MIMS/day (per every 1000 units) and maximal endurance times (b = 5.5 s, p < 0.001) and between Peak 60-min MIMS (per every 10 units) and estimated aerobic capacity (b = 1.7 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), modified pull-ups (b = 0.7 reps, p < 0.001), and plank test scores (b = 5.0 s, p < 0.001). Linear spline models had slightly higher R2 values (R2 range = 16.9%-74.8%) compared to linear models (R2 range = 15.0%-74.5%). The relationship between MIMS metrics and fitness test scores was best modeled as piecewise linear functions. Although all MIMS metrics associated with cardiorespiratory endurance, Peak 60-min MIMS showed stronger associations with tests of muscular strength and endurance.

Return to Performance Protocols and Criteria Specific to Aerobic Capacity for Aerobic Athletes Who Sustain Lower Extremity Injuries: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT Return to performance (RTP) protocols vary greatly between sports due to energy system involvement, physical and biomechanical skills, injury type and severity, and varied recommendations from members of the interprofessional care team. Return decisions are guided by clinical reasoning, expert opinion, experience, and sport-specific frameworks. Lower extremity injuries that prevent athletes from continuous aerobic training lead to decreased aerobic capacity upon return, which is linked to increased risk of injury or reinjury. This narrative review compares documented rehabilitation programs and RTP protocols and criteria specific to aerobic capacity for athletes who sustain lower extremity injuries in highly aerobic sports. Databases were searched from 2010 to 2022, yielding 9 primary articles and 11 review articles. No RTP protocol specific to aerobic capacity was identified. Considering the lack of evidence regarding aerobic capacity testing and prescription in RTP protocols, research is necessary to determine the significance of aerobic capacity recommended for RTP. Strength and conditioning coaches should be aware of the decreased aerobic capacity at the time of return, thus the need for additional testing, and implement individualized aerobic conditioning programs to optimize return. .

Measuring Energy Expenditure and Heart Rate during Maximum Aerobic Testing with the Apple Watch Series 7

Introduction: Wrist-worn devices such as the Apple Watch have emerged as technology for tracking physical activity. The aim of this research study is to analyze the Apple Watch Series 7 (AW7) with measurements of the maximum heart rate (MHR) and maximum energy expenditure (MEE) during a maximal aerobic capacity test on the treadmill. AW7 measurements will be compared to the Polar Heart Rate Monitor (Polar) and the PARVO Metabolic Cart (PARVO). Methods: 22 healthy and active subjects (mean ± SD: age 23.8 ± 4.0 years; BMI 23.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2) volunteered for the study. The subjects confirmed their activity, health status, and were measured for body composition and aerobic capacity. Results: No significant difference was found in MEE between PARVO (109.6 ± 41.7 kcal) and AW7 (98.7 ± 24.3 kcal) conditions; t(21)=1.5, p = 0.153. In addition, there was no significant difference in MHR between PARVO (186.2 ± 16.2 BPM) and AW7 (189.3 ± 8.5 BPM) conditions; t(21)=-0.9, p = 0.379. Conclusions: The main findings of this study show that the MEE as well as the MHR between the AW7 compared to the PARVO are not different.

Hospitalary concurrent exercise program in overweight and obese school students and adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic

Determine the changes in anthropometry, aerobic capacity, muscle function, and metabolic control of a 12-week concurrent training protocol in overweight and obese children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. 24 patients participated and were divided into groups once a week (12S; n = 10) and twice a week (24S; n = 14). Anthropometry, muscle function, aerobic capacity, and metabolic biochemical tests were evaluated before and after the application of the concurrent training plan. Two-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher's post hoc test were used. Only the twice times week training improved the anthropometrics parameters (BMI - z, waist circumference and waist to height ratio). The muscle function tests (push up, standing broad jump and prone plank), improved in both groups such as the aerobic capacity measured by VO2maximo and the runned distance in Shuttle 20m run test. The HOMA index only improved with twice times week training without changes in lipid profile in both groups. The 12S and 24S groups improved aerobic capacity and muscular function. Only the 24S improved anthropometric parameters and the HOMA index.

How to Test the On-Ice Aerobic Capacity of Speed Skaters? An On-Ice Incremental Skating Test for Young Skaters.

Aerobic capacity is important for speed skaters to achieve good results in middle-long distance events. The technical characteristics of speed skating cause intermittent blood flow blockage in the lower limbs. Therefore, an athlete's aerobic capacity on ice may differ from that measured by cycling or running. Now, the on-ice aerobic capacity lacks methods for conducting aerobic capacity tests on ice. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a method for measuring on-ice aerobic capacity for young athletes and to compare it with the VO2max test on cycling. Methods: This study established a test method for the on-ice aerobic capacity of young, high-level speed skaters with incremental load (on-ice incremental skating test, OIST) through expert interviews and literature review. In the first part, OIST was used to test the aerobic abilities of 65 youth professional speed skaters (51 males and 14 females) on ice and to explore the correlation with their specific performance. The second part compares the relationship between aerobic capacity on ice and aerobic capacity on bicycle of 18 young high-level male athletes. The third part establishes the regression formula of ice ventilation threshold heart rate. The OIST established in this study can evaluate the on-ice aerobic capacity of athletes from National Level and Level 1&2 in China. The athletes' on-ice aerobic capacity indicators were significantly lower than those of the cycling test. However, the values of absolute VO2max and absolute ventilatory threshold had a high correlation (R = 0.532, p < 0.05; R = 0.584, p < 0.05). The regression formula of ventilatory threshold heart rate on ice = 0.921 × HRmax (Cycling test) -9.243. The OIST established in this study meets the characteristics and requirements of the VO2max measurement method. The OIST seems to be able to better evaluate the aerobic capacity of athletes skating on ice. The indicators of maximum oxygen uptake and ventilation threshold in OIST were significantly lower than those in the aerobic cycling test, but there was a good correlation. The aerobic cycling test can be used as an important selection index of the ice aerobic capacity of speed skaters. The regression formula will provide an important basis for coaches to accurately monitor the intensity of ice training.

Differences in Adolescent’s Cardiometabolic Health: A Comparison Regarding Guided Team and Endurance Sports

Physical exercise can induce changes in gas exchange and ventilation kinetics. Of these, some will lead to various adaptations which can influence performance and health. We conducted a single-center observational study on 40 participants. Of them, 20 participants came from volleyball (Sample 1) and the other 20 participants came from triathlon (Sample 2). All participants underwent anthropometric and basal metabolic rate measurements, along with a laboratory aerobic capacity test (VO2peak). In Sample 1, the VO2peak was 2.38 L/min and 37.5 mL/min/kg, unlike in Sample 2, which had 2.31 L/min (p = 0.402, Mann-Whitney U = 204) and 43 mL/min/kg oxygen uptake (p = 0.0001). VE/VO2 was significantly different (p = 0.0002, Mann-Whitney U = 80), reaching 31.3 and 36.1 L/min in Sample 1 and Sample 2. Similar results were obtained regarding VE/VCO2 (p = 0.0074, Mann-Whitney U = 126), i.e., 31.3 and 33.9 L/min in Sample 1 and Sample 2. The contribution of physical activity was observed in both groups by taking into account the peak oxygen uptake. In comparison, the team sports sample showed an increased metabolic cost at the VO2peak.

A simulation study to compare physiological responses to hypoxia and exercise between anaemic subjects and healthy controls

Objectives: Military flying is a complex task and requires high level of physical fitness of aviators. Various aviation stressors such as acceleratory force, hypoxia, cold weather conditions and decompression sickness place enormous stress on human physiological systems of the aviators. Individuals with Hb &lt;13 g/dL (males) are being placed in the lower medical category which makes them unfit to fly. The present study was undertaken to assess the implication of low haemoglobin (Hb) on exercise capacity and hypoxia tolerance. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five individuals with anaemia and 15 healthy controls participated in the study. The participants were subjected to normobaric hypoxia (NH) equivalent to an altitude of 15,000 feet. Different physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), respiratory rate (fR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured during NH. Participants also performed maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) and maximal anaerobic capacity test in bicycle ergometer. Results: HR, SBP, DBP and fR in anaemic subjects were higher than healthy controls during NH, whereas SpO2 in anaemic subjects was lower as compared to healthy controls. Anaemic individuals had a lower VO2 max than their healthy counterparts. Critical power and anaerobic work capacity were lower in anaemic subjects than healthy controls. Conclusion: There is a deterioration in exercise capacity and hypoxia tolerance in individuals with low Hb levels. Adequate precaution should be exercised for permitting military aviators to fly with low Hb level.

Effect Of 4 Weeks Of Aerobic Exercise On Changes In Gut Microbiome

PURPOSE: The gut microbiome is a major factor that can affect health and immunity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of aerobic exercise for 4 weeks on changes in the intestinal microbiome. METHODS: A total of 24 men participated; Non-Exercise Group (NEG, 28.6 ± 5.3 yrs, 176.0 ± 7.8 cm, 81.3 ± 14.6 kg), and Exercise Group (EG, 28.6 ± 5.1 yrs, 175.5 ± 4.4 cm, 76.6 ± 10.6 kg). For the inclusion in the study, their physical activity level, intestinal health status, disease prevalence, medical history, and eating disorder were assessed. The basal level of gut microbiome in all participants was examined by stools collected one morning after a 10-hour fasting. EG performed more than 30 min of aerobic exercise per day, 3 or more days per week, for 4 weeks at a moderate intensity predicted from the maximal aerobic capacity test. After 4 weeks of training in EG, samples of gut microbiome were collected. Data analysis was performed using Wilcoxon. RESULTS: EG increased Bacteroidetes (44.16 ± 16.66 % in pre, 54.55 ± 12.30 % in post) and decreased Firmicutes (48.90 ± 14.32 % in pre, 39.38 ± 11.60 % in post) (p < .01). In EG, species of Bacteroidetes; Bacteroides_dorei (9.561 ± 7.408 % in pre, 12.483 ± 10.247 % in post) and Alistipes_indistinctus increased (0.000 ± 0.000 % in pre, 0.013 ± 0.031 % in post) (p < .05). Species of Firmicutes; Streptococcus_salivarius (0.095 ± 0.092 % in pre, 0.036 ± 0.038 % in post), Eubacterium_desmolans (0.352 ± 0.278 % in pre, 0.209 ± 0.175 % in post), Blautia_wexlerae (1.035 ± 1.022 % in pre, 0.670 ± 0.933 % in post), Coprococcus_catus (0.069 ± 0.079 % in pre, 0.029 ± 0.044 % in post), Coprococcus_comes (0.165 ± 0.203 % in pre, 0.082 ± 0.093 % in post), Dorea_longicatena (0.157 ± 0.157 % in pre, 0.058 ± 0.109 % in post), Roseburia_faecis (2.377 ± 2.176 % in pre, 1.842 ± 3.031 % in post), Caproiciproducens_galactitolivorans (0.128 ± 0.147 % in pre, 0.095 ± 0.095 % in post) (p < .05), Dorea_formicigenerans (0.063 ± 0.077 % in pre, 0.018 ± 0.036 % in post), and Veillonella_dispar (0.466 ± 0.817 % in pre, 0.126 ± 0.241 % in post) decreased (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the beneficial bacteria increased and chronic disease-causing microorganisms were reduced by aerobic exercise. Supported by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF-2021R1A6A3A01086909)

A multi-factor Regression Equation-based Test of Fitness Maximal Aerobic Capacity in Athletes

Abstract Sports performance is one of the important indicators to evaluate athletes, which reflects the level of physical exercise. In recent years, our national physical quality has been declining and the physical health of young people is unsatisfactory. In order to improve the quality of national health, promote the harmonious development of society and cultivate students' awareness of lifelong fitness, it is necessary and far-reaching to study the most important factors affecting human physical fitness. Sports performance is an important indicator to evaluate athletes, and sports performance is closely related to the level of physical fitness, so the most basic and valuable thing for sportsmen and women is to ensure their body fat and physical fitness. In recent years, with the rapid economic development, social progress and improvement of people's quality of life in China, fitness in such a fiercely competitive environment has become more and more important. Therefore, in order to better promote the national physical health problem to be solved as soon as possible we must do a good job of national fitness program, which can provide more talent support and intellectual support for the national sports career and improve the national physical fitness. In this paper, through the statistics and analysis of athletes' physical health test data, we can provide more talent support for sports programs.

TUG-10: A Modification of the Timed Up and Go Test for Aerobic Assessment in Older Adults

Purpose: Cardiorespiratory fitness tests are important for older adults to determine baseline cardiovascular fitness and appropriate aerobic exercise intensity. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is a test that can be modified to challenge the aerobic system by performing 10 continuous repetitions (TUG-10). The TUG-10 advantages include less space and time requirements and incorporation of functional tasks with balance challenges. The purpose of this study was to relate the performance and physiologic responses of the TUG-10 to other common aerobic capacity tests. Methods: Fourteen independent community-dwelling adults performed the 6-minute-walk test (6MWT), 2-minute-step test (2MST), and TUG-10. Heart rate (HR), diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded before and after each test. Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the agreement between test performances. Repeated measures mixed models compared differences in the physiologic changes between the tests. Results: Participants had a clinically greater increase in the adjusted mean change in HR during the 2MST (22.5 bpm) than the 6MWT (17.0 bpm) and TUG-10 (12.3 bpm). Diastolic blood pressure response was similar across all 3 tests with no significant change. Systolic blood pressure increased less during the 6MWT (15.4 mm Hg) compared with the 2MST (33.3 mm Hg) and TUG-10 (28.7 mm Hg). Participants reported a higher RPE during the 2MST (7.9) than the 6MWT (6.1) and TUG-10 (5.2). The Bland–Altman plots indicated that participants' performance on the 3 tests was comparable. Conclusions: The TUG-10, 6MWT, and 2MST demonstrated comparable performances and clinically similar physiologic changes. Heart rate and RPE changes were greater during the 2MST than the other tests, suggesting that the 2MST was more demanding. Findings support the TUG-10 as a potential functional outcome measure to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. Moreover, the TUG-10 required minimal space and time and may facilitate the gap in aerobic testing in physical therapy practice.

Children with Poor Motor Skills Have Lower Health-Related Fitness Compared to Typically Developing Children.

Most of the current empirical evidence regarding the relationship between health-related fitness and level of motor performance is based on children from high-income countries. Yet, children from low-resource areas may have fewer opportunities to develop their fitness skills. The aim of the study was to determine if South African children from both low- and middle-income areas scoring below the 16th percentile on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (probable-Developmental Coordination Disorder (p-DCD)) have lower health-related fitness levels than typically developing (TD) children. We hypothesized that children with p-DCD would have lower overall health-related fitness than TD children. A sample of 146 participants aged 10 to 11 (10.05 years (SD = 0.41)) was collected from schools in the North West Province of South Africa, on the basis of their poverty classification. Children were tested for anaerobic capacity and strength using the Bruininks–Oseretsky test of motor proficiency second edition (BOT-2) and aerobic capacity using the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER). Body composition was evaluated using body mass index corrected for age and sex (BMI-z), body fat (BF), and waist circumference. The data was analyzed using Spearman correlations and chi-squared tests. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between groups for running and agility, strength, and aerobic capacity. No significant differences were found between p-DCD and TD groups in terms of body mass (36.1 kg vs. 33.3 kg), waist circumference (62.2 cm vs. 59.8 cm), BMI-z (19.7 vs. 17.6), and fat percentage (20.2 vs. 18.1%). Overweight and obesity prevalence was 15% in those with low socio-economic status (SES) and 27% in high SES. In conclusion, children with p-DCD had lower muscular strength, aerobic capacity, and endurance than TD children. Although it has been reported that children with p-DCD have a higher risk for overweight/obesity than TD children, this is not (yet) the case in 10–11-year-old children living in rural areas in South Africa (North West Province).