VO2max Research Articles

Executive functions in older adults with generalised anxiety disorder and healthy controls: Associations with heart rate variability, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and physical fitness

Executive functions (EF) decline with age and this decline in older adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) may be influenced by heart rate variability (HRV), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and physical fitness. Understanding these relationships is important for tailored treatments in this population. In this study, 51 adults with GAD (M age = 66.46, SD = 4.08) and 51 healthy controls (M age = 67.67, SD = 4.04) were assessed on cognitive inhibition (Stroop task), shifting (Trails part 4), flexibility (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test – Perseverative errors), working memory (Digit Span Backwards), IQ (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence), high frequency HRV, serum mature BDNF levels, and VO2 max. Results indicated that participants with GAD exhibited better cognitive inhibition compared to controls, with no general reduction in EF. Cognitive inhibition was predicted by gender, HRV, and BDNF levels, while cognitive shifting was predicted by gender and IQ, and cognitive flexibility and working memory by IQ. The enhanced cognitive inhibition in GAD participants might stem from maladaptive use of this function, characteristic of GAD, or protection from EF decline due to normal HRV. Increased BDNF levels, possibly due to good fitness, or compensatory mechanisms related to the disorder, might also play a role. These findings highlight the complexity of EF and related mechanisms in GAD, highlighting the need for interventions that consider both cognitive and physiological factors for optimal outcomes.

Functional and Social Recovery and Outcomes After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in COVID-19 Patients.

With the COVID pandemic, veno-venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was implanted in many patients around the world. Data regarding follow-up and recovery of patients who are placed on ECMO support after COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or ARDS for any other reason are limited. In our study, we share the 1 year follow-up results and cardiopulmonary exercise test results of the discharged patients. Between April 2020 and February 2022, a total of 29 patients who were supported with VV ECMO due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related ARDS, weaned successfully and discharged to home, and who came for regular follow-up after discharge from the hospital and underwent examinations were included in the study. A total of 35 patients weaned successfully. Thirty patients were discharged to home. Mean age of the patients was 37.1 (±10.3) and 16 (55%) patients were male. Mean ECMO support time was 49.1 (±22.3) days. One year of survival after discharge was 100%. None of the patients had mobilization problems at the end of 12 month follow-up. Mean VO2 max was 18.9 at the end of 12 months. Return to work rate was 90%. We think that starting rehabilitation in the early period, and including patients in post-ECMO follow-up programs by ECMO centers will contribute significantly not only to the functional recovery of patients but also to their integration into social life.

Decoding Ultramarathon: Muscle Damage as the Main Impediment to Performance.

The biological determinants of performance have been well described for running races up to and including the marathon (42.2km). Ultramarathon is more complex. Events range from 50 to 5000km in single or multiple stages, are contested in various environments and terrains, and force athletes to contend with diverse performance-limiting issues such as fueling, hydrating, gastrointestinal distress, muscle damage, and sleep deprivation. Ultramarathons are not simply "long marathons." Nevertheless, scientific developments over the past decade have inched us toward a more complete picture of the psychophysiological factors underpinning performance. In this Current Opinion, we argue that muscle damage and associated fatigue is the main impediment to performance in long ultramarathons; more performance-limiting than aerobic capacity, running economy, or gastrointestinal distress. To assess an athlete's tolerance to ultramarathon-specific muscle damage and fatigue, we propose a lab-based protocol comprising downhill running with pre- to post-exercise measures of muscle contractile function following electrical or magnetic stimulation of the quadriceps muscles or their central nerves, muscle damage biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin), and muscle morphology via imaging techniques. We close by offering training and racing advice on mitigating the deleterious effects of muscle damage. The twofold aims of this paper are (i) to enable athletes and their teams to better prepare for races and (ii) to help medical personnel identify the physiological milieu most likely to afflict the ultrarunner.

Self-reported fatigue in people with post COVID-19: impact on functioning in daily life, and associated factors - a cross-sectional study.

To assess (i) the impact of self-reported fatigue on functioning in daily life, and (ii) the association with sociodemographics, physical capacity, and work ability among people with post-COVID-19. A cross-sectional study. Adults reporting post-COVID-19 symptoms for at least 2 months. Participants were recruited through social media and responded to an online survey between October 2021 and February 2022 regarding sociodemographics, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbidities, physical and mental fatigue, aerobic capacity, and work ability. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used. A total of 614 participants (88% women, mean age 47 years, on average 13 months of symptoms) were included. A majority (≥ 84%) reported both physical fatigue and mental fatigue, according to the Fatigue Severity Scale and Mental Fatigue Scale. The fatigue impacted motivation, physical functioning, work, family, or social life, and increased sensitivity to stress and concentration difficulties. Among the factors, work ability had the strongest association with both physical fatigue and mental fatigue; odds ratio: 0.650 and 0.473, p < 0.001, respectively. This study found that self-reported fatigue is common among people with post-COVID-19, and negatively impacts functioning in daily life. To achieve a sustainable life and work situation, support and targeted rehabilitation interventions may be important.

Do Hemodynamic Definitions of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Distinguish Between Distinct Phenotypes of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) is defined by chronic organized thrombi in the pulmonary circulation without or with pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The current definition of CTEPH has adopted lower mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) thresholds. Our aim was to identify its impact on the characterization of patients with CTEPD. All consecutive CTEPD patients referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in a PH center were divided into four groups based on pulmonary haemodynamics. Group A: mPAP≤20 mmHg, Group B: mPAP>20 mmHg with PVR>2 and ≤3 WU, Group C: mPAP>20 mmHg with PVR>3 WU, Group D: mPAP>20 mmHg with PVR<2 WU (''unclassified''). We compared CPET, CT pulmonary angiography, and MRI data across the groups. There was mild aerobic capacity impairment, mild/moderate ventilatory inefficiency, and no significant cardiac limitation on CPET in all groups. However, patients in Groups A and D had better ventilatory efficiency and less oxygen desaturation on exercise due to lower dead-space ventilation. There was no difference in chronic pulmonary emboli burden and distribution, or resting RV function between the groups. Seventeen patients were reclassified as having ''CTEPH'' based on the current definition. No functional deterioration was noted within a median period of 13 months on repeat CPET. CTEPD patients with similar clot burden and RV function without or with mild/moderate PH displayed a similar pattern of cardiopulmonary limitation, except for ventilatory efficiency. The current definition for CTEPH may lead to reclassification of CTEPH in a considerable number of patients.

The Relationship between Inflammatory Factors, Hemoglobin, and VO2 Max in Male Amateur Long-Distance Cross-Country Skiers in the Preparation Period

Background: Identifying factors affecting heart health in amateur athletes can significantly impact their health and help them achieve high performance. The current knowledge of these predictors is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to identify the biochemical determinants of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) in male amateur long-distance cross-country skiers (37.9 ± 6.58 years, 51.08 ± 4.61 VO2 max ml/kg/min) in the preparation period. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a time trial test was used to determine VO2 max and venous blood via biochemical markers. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. The regression model determined the predictors. Results: VO2 max was significantly correlated with nine moderate or weak variables. Two regression models (R2 = 0.94 and R2 = 0.9) each identified two determinants of VO2 max, hemoglobin (p &lt; 0.001) and C-reactive protein (p &lt; 0.001), as well as erythrocyte sedimentation (p &lt; 0.001) and platelets (p = 0.03). Only hemoglobin positive affected VO2 max. Conclusions: The results may indicate, in addition to results regarding hemoglobin concentration and its changes, the necessity to monitor the immune system, which may affect the capacity for amateur exercise. Biochemical monitoring is an essential tool for evaluating the individual adaptation to exercise and developing an effective training plan. The application of this knowledge can facilitate the achievement of optimal individual performance capabilities among cross-country skiing amateurs.

Predictive role of peak VO2 for short- and long-term major adverse cardiac events in patients with high cardiovascular risk.

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of VO2 measurements in predicting long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Based on a10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score, 333 patients with high cardiovascular risk were included in this retrospective analysis. The study endpoint was MACEs, comprising all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke, and coronary revascularization. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to the frequency of MACE occurrence. Measurements of VO2 were assessed for the prediction of MACEs. The best predictive accuracy for 1‑year MACEs was determined to be aVO2 max value of ≥ 20.3 mL/kg/min, with 60% specificity and 60% sensitivity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.71; p < 0.001), and for 5‑year MACEs it was ≥ 19.9 mL/kg/min, with 69% specificity and 64% sensitivity (AUC: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.62-0.76; p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for univariable factors, showed that VO2 max was independently associated with both short- and long-term MACEs in patients at high cardiovascular risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.900, 95% CI: 0.858-0.943, p < 0.001). According to the results of this pilot study, VO2 max can predict both short- and long-term MACEs in patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Impact of Multi-Professional Intervention on Health-Related Physical Fitness and Biomarkers in Overweight COVID-19 Survivors for 8 and 16 Weeks: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial.

Considering the diverse symptomatology of COVID-19-ranging from mild to severe cases-multi-professional interventions are crucial for enhancing physical recovery, nutritional status, and mental health outcomes in affected patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of such an intervention on health-related physical fitness and biomarkers in overweight COVID-19 survivors with varying degrees of symptom severity after 8 weeks and 16 weeks. This non-randomized clinical trial included 59 overweight COVID-19 survivors (32 males and 27 females) divided into three groups: mild (n = 31), moderate (n = 13), and severe/critical (n = 15). The participants underwent a multi-professional program and were assessed for anthropometric and body composition (primary outcome), as well as physical fitness and biochemical markers (secondary outcome) 8 and 16 weeks before the intervention. After 8 weeks, time effects were observed for the maximum isometric handgrip strength (p < 0.001), maximum isometric lumbar-traction strength (p = 0.01), flexibility (p < 0.001), abdominal strength-endurance (p < 0.001), the sit-and-stand test (p < 0.001), maximum oxygen consumption (p < 0.001), and distance covered in the 6 min walk test (p < 0.001). Additionally, time effects were also observed for fat mass (p = 0.03), body fat percentage (p = 0.02), abdominal circumference (p = 0.01), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoproteins (p < 0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.001), with lower values after multi-professional interventions. After 16 weeks, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed significant reductions independently of the intervention group (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that multi-professional interventions can provide substantial benefits for post-COVID-19 patients, regardless of the severity of their initial symptoms.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes Associated with Quality of Life in Patients with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare (twenty-one per million female inhabitants) neoplastic cystic lung disease that impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the factors associated with impaired quality of life in patients with LAM are poorly understood. To assess the clinical, psychosocial, and functional characteristics associated with impaired quality of life in patients with LAM. This was a cross-sectional study performed on two nonconsecutive days. HRQoL (SF-36 and CRQ), lung function tests, anxiety and depression symptoms (HADS), maximal (CPET and ISWT), and submaximal exercise capacity (6MWT) were assessed. Linear associations among outcomes were assessed using Pearson's correlation and multivariate tests. Forty-five women with LAM (46 ± 10.years; FEV1,74%pred) were evaluated. The lowest SF-36 scores were observed for general health and vitality and the highest for the physical and social domains. The lowest CRQ scores were observed for dyspnea and fatigue, and the highest were for the emotional function and self-control domains. Sixteen (35%) women had anxiety, and 8 (17%) had depression symptoms. Most of the SF-36 and CRQ domains were associated with anxiety and depression symptoms (from r = 0.4 to r = 0.7; p < 0.05) and exercise capacity (from r = 0.3 to r = 0.5; p < 0.05). Lung function parameters were weakly or not associated with quality of life domains. After multiple linear regression, HRQoL was independently associated with depression symptoms and physical capacity but not with lung function. Our results show that aerobic capacity and depression symptoms are the main factors, rather than lung function, related to quality of life in patients with LAM.

Application of blood flow restriction training in lower limb rehabilitation

With the popularity of national fitness campaigns, sports injuries, especially lower limb injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears and ankle sprains, are increasing year by year. There are limitations in traditional treatment such as muscle atrophy. In recent years, the blood flow restriction training method (BFRT) which simulates high-intensity exercise with low intensity and limits arterial and venous blood flow to promote muscle growth and strength enhancement, has drawn attention as a novel approach to rehabilitation. This article reviews the application of BFRT in the rehabilitation of lower limb injuries, discusses its effects on muscle function, pain management and quality of life, and evaluates its safety and prospects for clinical application. BFRT reduces mechanical stress, relieves pain, improves endurance and aerobic capacity, and improves cardiovascular function. However, there are discomfort and potential risks, such as muscle injury and thrombosis, which require individualised adjustments and standardised training. BFRT has shown positive result(reducing pain &amp;oedema and improving function)s in rehabilitation of ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and chronic ankle instability (CAI). In addition, BFRT has been shown to aid in the functional recovery of the lower extremity in patients with Achilles tendon injuries and strokes. Despite the positive effects of BFRT, relevant studies have problems such as small sample sizes and non-uniform parameters. BFRT is considered a safe training modality, but contraindications should be examined before clinical application. Future research endeavours should investigate the impact of BFRT in many rehabilitation contexts and enhance tailored rehabilitation strategies. In order to maximize the therapeutic benefit, a rehabilitation training program should be developed and refined with a minimum effective dose based on the quantification of the in vivo physiological response to BFRT. The identification of the optimal prognostic approach will help to advance the standardisation of BFR treatment methods.

Contextualizing aging clocks and properly describing biological age.

Usage of the phrase "biological age" has picked up considerably since the advent of aging clocks and it has become commonplace to describe an aging clock's output as biological age. In contrast to this labeling, biological age is also often depicted as a more abstract concept that helps explain how individuals are aging internally, externally, and functionally. Given that the bulk of molecular aging is tissue-specific and aging itself is a remarkably complex, multifarious process, it is unsurprising that most surveyed scientists agree that aging cannot be quantified via a single metric. We share this sentiment and argue that, just like it would not be reasonable to assume that an individual with an ideal grip strength, VO2 max, or any other aging biomarker is biologically young, we should be careful not to conflate an aging clock with whole-body biological aging. To address this, we recommend that researchers describe the output of an aging clock based on the type of input data used or the name of the clock itself. Epigenetic aging clocks produce epigenetic age, transcriptomic aging clocks produce transcriptomic age, and so forth. If a clock has a unique name, such as our recently developed epigenetic aging clock CheekAge, the name of the clock can double as the output. As a compromise solution, aging biomarkers can be described as indicators of biological age. We feel that these recommendations will help scientists and the public differentiate between aging biomarkers and the much more elusive concept of biological age.

Effect of home-based isometric training on blood pressure in older adults with high normal BP or stage I hypertension: A randomized controlled trial.

This trial analyzes the effects of home-based isometric handgrip training (IHT) and aerobic exercise training (AET) on ambulatory and office blood pressure (BP) in older adults with high normal to established hypertension. This randomized controlled trial included 84 participants (46 women, 71.1 ± 3.6 years, systolic BP [SBP] 137.1 ± 13.8 mmHg, diastolic BP [DBP] 80.8 ± 8.3 mmHg). Participants were randomized into IHT (n = 28), AET (n = 28), or usual medical care plus lifestyle advice (UC, n = 28). Participants performed IHT or AET three times/week for 8 weeks. IHT consisted of 4 × 45 s bilateral contractions at 50% of maximum voluntary contraction with 1-min rest between sets. AET consisted of walking 30 min at 50%-70% of estimated maximum oxygen consumption. UC received standardized medical care including lifestyle advice. Seventy-six participants completed the intervention: 27 in IHT, 26 in AET, and 23 in UC. At baseline, BP values were similar among groups. No differences were observed in 24-h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime SBP and DBP in any group (p > 0.05). IHT and AET reduced office SBP (-8.0 ± 13.4 mmHg; p = 0.004; -5.6 ± 12.2 mmHg; p = 0.027, respectively). IHT reduced office DBP (-3.3 ± 7.4 mmHg; p = 0.024), but AET did not. No differences occurred in office BP in UC. There was no difference in office BP among groups (p > 0.05). An 8-week home-based IHT and AET failed to reduce ambulatory SBP, while office SBP was reduced by 8/5 mmHg. Only IHT reduced office DBP by 3 mmHg. Thus, IHT and AET may be effective for lowering office BP in older adults with high normal to established hypertension.

Rhythm and rate control strategies in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation treated with cardiac resynchronization: the results of the randomized Pilot-CRAfT study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients. It is a marker of impaired CRT response mainly mediated by the reduction of effectively captured biventricular paced beats (BiVp). There are no randomized trials comparing strategies to maintain high BiVp percentage. To compare the efficacy of rhythm vs rate control strategies in CRT recipients with long-standing persistent AF. We performed a randomized trial including CRT recipients with persistent AF resulting in low BiVp%. All patients received amiodarone, the rhythm control group received external electrical cardioversion (EC), and the rate control group received atrioventricular node ablation, if needed. The primary end-point was 12-month BiVp% (NCT). 43 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 68.4 (SD: ± 8.3) years and the mean BiVp% 82.4% ± 9.7%. AF lasted 25 ± 19 months. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrium area, and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were: 30 ± 8%, 33 ± 7 cm2, and 14 ± 5 mL/(kg*min), respectively. The EC success rate was 58%. 38% patients remained in sinus rhythm (SR) after 12 months. BiVp% increased similarly in both arms reaching 99% [95% CI 97.3-99.8] and 98% [94.0-99.0], P = 0.14 in rhythm and rate control groups, respectively. LVEF raised significantly only in the rhythm control group (ΔLVEF 4.1 (± 7.3), P = 0,018) which was driven by the patients who maintained SR. No differences in VO2max, QoL, clinical and safety end-points were observed. Despite comparable BiVp% in both groups, only restoration of SR led to improved left ventricular ejection fraction in CRT patients with long-standing AF. NCT01850277 registered on 22/04/2013.

Effects of Exercise Training on Mitochondrial and Capillary Growth in Human Skeletal Muscle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression.

Skeletal muscle mitochondria and capillaries are crucial for aerobic fitness, and suppressed levels are associated with chronic and age-related diseases. Currently, evidence-based exercise training recommendations to enhance these characteristics are limited. It is essential to explore how factors, such as fitness level, age, sex, and disease affect mitochondrial and capillary adaptations to different exercise stimuli. The main aim of this study was to compare the effects of low- or moderate intensity continuous endurance training (ET), high-intensity interval or continuous training (HIT), and sprint interval training (SIT) on changes in skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and capillarization. Secondarily, the effects on maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and fiber type proportion were investigated. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases, with no data restrictions, up to 2 February 2022. Exercise training intervention studies of ET, HIT, and SIT were included if they had baseline and follow-up measures of at least one marker of mitochondrial content or capillarization. In total, data from 5973 participants in 353 and 131 research articles were included for the mitochondrial and capillary quantitative synthesis of this review, respectively. Additionally, measures of VO2max, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and fiber type proportion were extracted from these studies. After adjusting for relevant covariates, such as training frequency, number of intervention weeks, and initial fitness level, percentage increases in mitochondrial content in response to exercise training increased to a similar extent with ET (23 ± 5%), HIT (27 ± 5%), and SIT (27 ± 7%) (P > 0.138), and were not influenced by age, sex, menopause, disease, or the amount of muscle mass engaged. Higher training frequencies (6 > 4 > 2 sessions/week) were associated with larger increases in mitochondrial content. Per total hour of exercise, SIT was ~ 2.3 times more efficient in increasing mitochondrial content than HIT and ~ 3.9 times more efficient than ET, while HIT was ~ 1.7 times more efficient than ET. Capillaries per fiber increased similarly with ET (15 ± 3%), HIT (13 ± 4%) and SIT (10 ± 11%) (P = 0.556) after adjustments for number of intervention weeks and initial fitness level. Capillaries per mm2 only increased after ET (13 ± 3%) and HIT (7 ± 4%), with increases being larger after ET compared with HIT and SIT (P < 0.05). This difference coincided with increases in fiber cross-sectional area after ET (6.5 ± 3.5%), HIT (8.9 ± 4.9%), and SIT (11.9 ± 15.1%). Gains in capillarization occurred primarily in the early stages of training (< 4weeks) and were only observed in untrained to moderately trained participants. The proportion of type I muscle fibers remained unaltered by exercise training (P > 0.116), but ET and SIT exhibited opposing effects (P = 0.041). VO2max increased similarly with ET, HIT, and SIT, although HIT showed a tendency for greater improvement compared with both ET and SIT (P = 0.082), while SIT displayed the largest increase per hour of exercise. Higher training frequencies (6 > 4 > 2 sessions/week) were associated with larger increases in VO2max. Women displayed greater percentage gains in VO2max compared with men (P = 0.008). Generally, lower initial fitness levels were associated with greater percentage improvements in mitochondrial content, capillarization, and VO2max. SIT was particularly effective in improving mitochondrial content and VO2max in the early stages of training, while ET and HIT showed slower but steady improvements over a greater number of training weeks. The magnitude of change in mitochondrial content, capillarization, and VO2max to exercise training is largely determined by the initial fitness level, with greater changes observed in individuals with lower initial fitness. The ability to adapt to exercise training is maintained throughout life, irrespective of sex and presence of disease. While training load (volume × intensity) is a suitable predictor of changes in mitochondrial content and VO2max, this relationship is less clear for capillary adaptations.

The Effect of Four-Month Training on Biochemical Variables in Amateur Cross-Country Skiers.

Background/Objectives: Research on the effects of training on the health of amateur cross-country skiers remains limited, particularly on biochemical parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to assess such changes in response to four months of training for amateur cross-country skiers. Methods: Blood samples were collected after spring training in May (active rest) and in September at the end of the preparatory period. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of both measurements (initial and final). Results: Training in a group of amateur cross-country skiers exerts a statistically significant influence on the decrease in leukocyte count (thousand/µL) (p = 0.045) and the decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (g/dL) (p = 0.021). The other parameters did not show statistically significant changes. Conclusions: The change in MCHC and WBC can be attributed to adaptation to prolonged exercise, with a simultaneous increase in VO2 max. It should not be identified with pathology. The decrease in MCHC was likely attributable to changes in hydration status and a slight reduction in hemoglobin concentration. Similarly, it is recommended that other biochemical parameters be within the reference ranges.

Study on Physical Fitness Index BMI and VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; Max of Physical Education Students

Physical activity is human body movement of any type, while physical education programs use physical activity to teach children how to improve and sustain an active lifestyle. One of the most crucial factors to think about when evaluating a subject&amp;apos;s cardiorespiratory efficiency is their Physical Fitness Index (PFI). The risks involved in implementing BMI for adults also affect kids and teenagers. The term &amp;quot;maximal oxygen consumption capacity&amp;quot; (VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;max) refers to the body&amp;apos;s capacity to consume oxygen in the skeletal muscle mitochondria at a maximum rate during vigorous full-body exercise. To investigate correlation body mass index, physical fitness index and maximal oxygen capacity (VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;max) among physical education students. The investigator was selected 36 BPED students (Male: 20 &amp; Female: 16) from University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia. The age range of subject from 19 to 25 years. To conduct this study measured body mass index though Quetelet index, physical fitness index through Harvard step test and maximal oxygen capacity (VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;max) through Queens College Step test were considered. Conclusion of this present study were no significant relationship between physical fitness index and body mass index of male, female students and students as a whole. Significantly relationship between VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; max and body mass index for female students but in case of male and student as a whole found no relationship. Positive relationship between physical fitness index and VO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; max for male students and student as a whole but in case of female found no relationship.

An Effective Method of Aerobic Capacity Development: Combined Training with Maximal Aerobic Speed and Small-Sided Games for Amateur Football Players

This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined training with maximal aerobic speed and small-sided games on football players’ aerobic capacity development. Methods: The football players were divided into three groups as a combined training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.40 ± 2.92 yrs, BMI was 23.67 ± 1.59 kg/m2, mass: 74.80 ± 5.46 kg, height: 177.73 ± 4.31 cm), maximal aerobic speed group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 23.93 ± 2.46 yrs, BMI was 23.32 ± 1.42 kg/m2, mass: 72.66 ± 5.38 kg, height: 176.46 ± 4.99 cm) and regular training group (n = 20) (Mean ± SD age 24.80 ± 5.84 yrs, BMI was 22.87 ± 1.67 kg/m2, mass: 73.06 ± 6.74 kg, height: 178.33 ± 7.98 cm). In addition to regular football training, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games was applied to the combined training group (CT) and only maximal aerobic speed training was applied to the maximal aerobic speed group (MAS) twice a week for 12 weeks. The normal training group (NT) continued their routine football training programme. All participants applied the Yo-Yo IR1 test in the pre-test and post-test of the study. As a result of normality tests, it was determined that the data showed normal distribution, and the ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple comparison test were used in the intergroup evaluation. Results: When the Yo-Yo IR1 Test pre-test and post-test results were analysed, maximal aerobic speed training with small-sided games (CT) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) groups were significantly higher compared to the normal training (NT) group regarding training load, running distance, and VO2max value among the football players (p = 0.001). There was no difference in the normal training group (p &gt; 0.05). As a result, it was determined that combined training with maximal aerobic speed, small-sided games, and only maximal aerobic speed effectively improved football players’ aerobic capacity and general performance.

Non-Invasive Muscle Metabolism Assessment with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Background: Muscle biopsy, the gold standard for assessing muscle aerobic capacity, is an invasive procedure. Noninvasive alternatives, such as 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), provide valuable insights, with NIRS providing superior time resolution and ease of use compared with 31P-MRS. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate muscle metabolism using a 6 s muscle contraction phase with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and to assess the impact of EMS on exercise performance under hyperbaric conditions with elevated oxygen pressure. Methods: This study included nine male participants (21 ± 2 years) who underwent 5 min of EMS on the forearm flexor muscle group, with muscle oxygen dynamics assessed using NIRS. For statistical analysis, the mean values between groups were assessed using paired t-tests, and associations were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Spontaneous blood flow interruption during EMS-induced muscle activity indicated the potential for assessing muscle metabolism without disrupting external blood flow. A significant negative correlation was observed between oxygen consumption and changes in oxygenated hemoglobin levels during muscle activity under hyperbaric conditions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that skeletal muscle metabolism can be measured using a brief 6 s quantitative EMS. Furthermore, hyperbaric exercise appears to enhance aerobic capacity by increasing the rate and availability of oxygen consumption during exercise.

The higher the fraction of maximal oxygen uptake is during interval training, the greater is the cycling performance gain.

It has been suggested that time at a high fraction (%) of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) plays a decisive role for adaptations to interval training. Yet, no study has, to date, measured the % of VO2max during all interval sessions throughout a prolonged training intervention and subsequently related it to the magnitude of training adaptations. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between % of VO2max achieved during an interval training intervention and changes in endurance performance and its physiological determinants in well-trained cyclists. Twenty-two cyclists (VO2max 67.1 (6.4) mL·min-1·kg-1; males, n=19; females, n=3) underwent a 9-week interval training intervention, consisting 21 sessions of 5×8-min intervals conducted at their 40-min highest sustainable mean power output (PO). Oxygen uptake was measured during all interval sessions, and the relationship between % of VO2max during work intervals and training adaptations were investigated using linear regression. A performance index was calculated from several performance measures. With higher % of VO2max during work intervals, greater improvements were observed for maximal PO during the VO2max test (R2 adjusted=0.44, p=0.009), PO at 4mmol·L-1 [blood lactate] (R2 adjusted=0.25, p=0.035), the performance index (R2 adjusted=0.36, p=0.013), and VO2max (R2 adjusted=0.54, p=0.029). Other measures, such as % of maximal heart rate, were related to fewer outcome variables and exhibited poorer session-to-session repeatability compared to % of VO2max. In conclusion, improvements in endurance measures were positively related to the % of VO2max achieved during interval training. Percentage of VO2max was the measure that best reflected the magnitude of training adaptations.

Exercise testing in patients with tricuspid regurgitation undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) has shown promising results with persistent reduction of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and improvements in functional class and quality of life (QOL). To analyze the impact of TTVI on maximal and submaximal exercise capacity (SEC). Constant work-rate exercise-time (CWRET) testing reflects SEC, which is more likely to be relevant for daily life activities and provides more differentiated physiological insight into the nature of exercise intolerance. Thus, 30 patients undergoing TTVI (21 direct annuloplasty and 9 edge-to-edge repair) received cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and CWRET (at 75% of maximum work rate in the initial CPET) before and 3months after TTVI. Patients' age was 80.5 [74.8-82.3] years and 53.3% were female. TR reduction ≥ 2 grades was achieved in 93.3% (TR grade ≤ moderate in 83.3%). Echocardiography revealed improved right ventricular (RV) characteristics with decreased RV basal diameter (47.0mm [43.0-54.3] vs. 41.5mm [36.8-48.0]; p < 0.001) and decreased inferior caval vein diameter. CWRET testing showed a significantly improved SEC (246.5s [153.8-416.8] vs. 338.5s [238.8-611.8] p = 0.001). Maximum oxygen uptake showed a positive trend without statistically significant differences (9.9ml/min/kg [8.6-12.4] vs. 11.7ml/min/kg [9.7-13.3]; p = 0.31). In contrast to the six-minute-walking distance (6MWD), SEC correlated moderately with effective regurgitation orifice area reduction (r = 0.385; p = 0.036), increased cardiac output (r = 0.378; p = 0.039), and improved QOL (r = 387; p = 0.035). Improvements in exercise capacity after TTVI mainly occur in the submaximal rather than in the maximal exercise range and correlate with hemodynamic effects and QOL. This may have a methodological impact on assessment of exercise capacity in these patients.