VO2max Scores Research Articles

Pilot Study-Estimated VO2max via Modified Harvard Step Test (MHST) in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Patients Undergoing Pre-Op Rehabilitation

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury ranging from partial to full thickness tear causes much dysfunction physically and psychologically. It affects both daily & sporting activities with potential of creating long term complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis of knee, functional limitations, increase in body mass index (BMI) and loss of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important indicator for functional and fitness capacity and VO2max is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. VO2max is the maximum rate of oxygen consumption during a vigorous exercise. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is usually done on a treadmill with gaseous exchange system, a process that is time consuming, expensive and difficult to assess and not available in our public health setting. Modified Harvard step test is easy to do, cost friendly and allows mass testing to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) however there are inadequate data on ACL injury and its influence on cardiorespiratory fitness using modified Harvard step test. Method: A prospective study was done using patients attending Sports Medicine Gym Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar 2023 and data from 20 patients who were undergoing pre-ACL reconstruction rehabilitation were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups according to post trauma duration; (<6 months of injury and rehabilitation and >6 months injury and rehabilitation). Patients were required to do modified Harvard step test and translated into VO2max scores. Anthropometric data were also taken from patients. Results: The mean age for our study is 21.9±4.3 years. The mean VO2max for the entire participant was 43.2ml/kg/min. Mean VO2max for groups <6 months injury rehabilitation and >6 months injury rehabilitation was at 35.4±1.8 ml/kg/min and 49.0± 5.8ml/kg/min respectively. We report difference in both groups VO2max Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness is often reduced during earlier phase of injury due to inability to perform aerobic exercises. Progressive rehabilitation can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, aid in patients return to sports and reduces morbidity post operatively. Modified Harvard step test is a reliable and cost-effective method to test VO2max. It is also important to increase cardiorespiratory fitness to maintain healthy BMI.

Protein Supplementation Increases Adaptations to Low-Volume, Intra-Session Concurrent Training in Untrained Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.

Combined endurance and resistance training, also known as "concurrent training", is a common practice in exercise routines. While concurrent training offers the benefit of targeting both cardiovascular and muscular fitness, it imposes greater physiological demands on the body compared to performing each modality in isolation. Increased protein consumption has been suggested to support adaptations to concurrent training. However, the impact of protein supplementation on responses to low-volume concurrent training is still unclear. Forty-four untrained, healthy individuals (27 ± 6 years) performed two sessions/week of low-volume high-intensity interval training on cycle ergometers followed by five machine-based resistance training exercises for 8 weeks. Volunteers randomly received (double-blinded) 40 g of whey-based protein (PRO group) or an isocaloric placebo (maltodextrin, PLA group) after each session. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and overall fitness scores (computed from volunteers' VO2max and one-repetition maximum scores, 1-RM) significantly increased in both groups. The PRO group showed significantly improved 1-RM in all major muscle groups, while the PLA group only improved 1-RM in chest and upper back muscles. Improvements in 1-RM in leg muscles were significantly greater in the PRO group versus the PLA group. In conclusion, our results indicate that adaptations to low-volume concurrent training, particularly leg muscle strength, can be improved with targeted post-exercise protein supplementation in untrained healthy individuals.

The health-related physical fitness of university female students with and without generalized joint hypermobility: A case-control study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on health-related physical fitness. Participants: Female university students between the ages of 18-23. Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness ((maximal cycling ergometer tests, six-minute walking tests (6MW)), respiratory function tests, respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analyses), flexibility (sit and reach tests (SRT), muscle strength and endurance (isometric and isokinetic tests) were evaluated for health-related physical fitness. Results: The mean VO2max (23.6 vs. 21.8, p=.049), MET (6.7 vs. 6.3, p=0.049), W/kg (1.6 vs. 1.5, p=0.035), and SRT scores (23.3 vs. 18.7, p=0.016) were higher in 39 students with asymptomatic GJH compared to 42 non-GJH students. No significant differences found between groups for 6MW, FVC, FEV1, MIP, MEP, body composition, muscle strength, and endurance (p>.05). Conclusion: Females with generalized joint hypermobility have the same or even higher levels of physical fitness capacity as those without the hypermobility.

Adequate cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy for a better quality of childbirth

Inadequate Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) during childbirth can lead to potential problems, including preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pain and discomfort during pregnancy, cesarean birth, and postpartum weight gain. This study aimed to assess the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy and the quality of childbirth. An observational analytic study with a prospective cohort design was conducted among 52 pregnant women in their third trimester of gestation. Respondents were selected based on the purposive sampling technique. The variables - cardiorespiratory fitness, indicated by VO2max value, and the quality of childbirth - were respectively measured using the six-minute walk test and the Quality Childbirth Questionnaire, modified from the Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcome Set (PCB), the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), which were declared valid and reliable. Data analysis used descriptive and bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test with a Risk Ratio (RR). The results showed a p-value of less than 0.001, confirming the hypothesis. There is a meaningful link between high VO2 max scores and improved childbirth experiences, with a RR of 6.882 at a 95% confidence interval. This suggests that pregnant women with better cardiorespiratory fitness are 6.882 times less likely to have an adverse labor and delivery outcome. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness through strategic antenatal physical activity with aerobic exercises is recommended to gain a positive childbirth experience.

Physical performance and body composition reference values for modern US Marine Corps women

Women’s roles in the US military have progressively changed over the past several decades. Previously women were barred from combat roles. Recent change in policy allow women into combat roles...

Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and English performance as foreign language

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and foreign language score, among primary and secondary education students in a group of 223 students (111 of primary school and 122 of secondary school) from Baleares region, Spain, aged between 9 and 16 years old that participated in the study. A statistical regression analysis was carried out for the comparison of the two variables (cardiorespiratory fitness and English subject score) in primary and secondary education. Physical fitness was assessed using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the values obtained were shown in VO2max. English subject scores were collected at the end of the year prior to the test. The results obtained did not reveal any correlation between VO2max and final English score in primary school (r=.04, p=.65). However, dataset revealed a positive small correlation between VO2max and final English score in secondary school (r=.26, p=.01). These findings suggest that while physical activity may have some positive effect on final score, the relationship is complex and may be influenced by various other factors. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between physical activity and learning, as well as the potential moderating factors involved.

Associations between soil-transmitted helminth infections and physical activity, physical fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk in primary schoolchildren from Gqeberha, South Africa.

School-aged children in low- and middle-income countries carry the highest burden of intestinal helminth infections, such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). STH infections have been associated with negative consequences for child physical and cognitive development and wellbeing. With the epidemiological transition and rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies have shown that helminth infections may influence glucose metabolism by preventing obesity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association of STH infections in schoolchildren from Gqeberha, focusing on physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score. This cross-sectional study involved 680 schoolchildren (356 girls and 324 boys; mean age 8.19 years, SD±1.4) from disadvantaged communities in Gqeberha (formerly, Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Stool samples were collected and examined for STH infections using the Kato-Katz method. Physical activity (accelerometer) and physical fitness (grip strength, 20 m shuttle run) were measured using standard procedures. Furthermore, anthropometry, blood pressure, as well as glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile from capillary blood samples were assessed. We employed one-way ANOVAs to identify the associations of STH infections in terms of species and infection intensity with physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score. We found a low STH infection prevalence (7.2%) in our study, with participants infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. In comparison to their non-infected peers, children infected with STH had lower mean grip strength scores, but higher mean VO2max estimation and higher levels of MVPA (p < .001). When considering type and intensity of infection, a positive association of A. lumbricoides infection and MVPA was found. In contrast, light T. trichiura-infected children had significantly lower grip strength scores compared to non and heavily-infected children. VO2max and MVPA were positively associated with light T. trichiura infection. No significant association between the clustered CVD risk score and infection with any STH species was evident. STH-infected children had lower grip strength scores than their non-infected peers, yet, achieved higher VO2max and MVPA scores. Our study highlights that the type and intensity of STH infection is relevant in understanding the disease burden of STH infections on children's health. The findings of our study must be interpreted cautiously due to the low infection rate, and more research is needed in samples with higher prevalence rates or case-control designs.

Profil Kebugaran Jasmani Aspek Daya Tahan Vo2max Siswa SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah

ABSTRACT The purpose of study was to determine the physical fitness profile of the VO2 Max endurance aspect of the students of SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah. This type of research was descriptive qualitative research. The research subjects were students in grades III, IV, V and VI of SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah. To analyze the file , the researcher used the multi fitness test (MFT)VO2 Max instrument (arrival back and forth 20 meters). The results of file analysis obtained 21 (29.16%) male students with a value score of VO2 Max &lt;25 with a very bad category, 33 (45 ,83%) of male students with a value score of VO2 Max 25.0 - 33.7 category with a poor category, 17 (23.61%) male students with a value score of VO2 Max 33.8 - 42.5 in the medium category, 1 (1.38% )of male students with a value score of VO2 Max 42.6 was in the good category and 0 (0%) no male students in the very good category. The average V02max of male students was at a value score of VO2 Max 28.91 with a poor category. Mean while, female students found 52 (72.22% ) female students with a value score of VO2 Max &lt;25 in the very bad category, 19 (26.38% ) female students with a value score of VO2 Max score 25.0 - 33.7 with bad category, 1(38% ) female student with a value score of VO2 Max 33.8 - 42.5 in the medium category, 0 (0%) no female students in the good category and 0 (0%) no female students in the very good category. The average V02max of female students was at a value of 24,23 with a very poor category. The average results of physical fitness aspects of endurance VO2 Max students of SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah were at a value of 26,57 with a bad category. Keywords: Physical Fitness, students of SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah, Aspects of Endurance VO2 Max

Comparison of Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Chinese Tibetan Adolescents with Their Han Counterparts: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a core element of healthy physical fitness. Foreign attention to CRF in adolescents at different altitudes is high, while less research has been conducted on Chinese adolescents. In order to compare the CRF of Chinese Tibetan adolescents with their Han counterparts born and raised at high altitude and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level. A total of 2748 participants, including Chinese Tibetan adolescents, Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes, and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level aged 12-18 years old, were obtained using convenience sampling and random cluster sampling. The method of the 20 m shuttle run test (20 m SRT) test was used to derive VO2max by equation. One-way ANOVA and LSD methods were conducted, and effect sizes were calculated to compare the CRF of the three types of adolescents. Regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between altitude and VO2max. The VO2max scores of Chinese Tibetan adolescents and Chinese Han adolescents at sea level were higher than Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes. For both boys and girls, the VO2max scores of Chinese Tibetan adolescents exceeded Chinese Han adolescents at sea level after the age of 16 years old. Regression analysis showed that altitude was inversely associated with VO2max. The pace of lung growth may distinguish Chinese Tibetan adolescents from Chinese Han adolescents born and raised at high altitudes. The results of the study suggest that we should focus on the changes in CRF in adolescents at different altitudes and should adopt different CRF interventions for adolescents at different altitudes.

Cognitive function and cardiorespiratory fitness affect gait speed in type-2 diabetic patients without neuropathy

To identify physical, cognitive, and metabolic factors affecting gait speed in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without neuropathy. This cross-sectional study enrolled 71 diabetic patients without neuropathy (mean age 55.87±7.74 years, 85.9% women). Neuropathy status was assessed with Douleur Neuropathique 4. We used a cut-off point for gait speed of 1 m/s to classify the participants into two groups: slow walkers (SW) and average and brisk walkers (ABW). The groups were compared in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), percentage of muscle mass, percentage of lower extremity muscle mass, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and years of education. Compared with the ABW group, the SW group had significantly lower VO2 max (14.49±2.95 vs 16.25±2.94 mL/kg/min) and MMSE score (25.01±3.21 vs 27.35±1.97), fewer years of education, and these patients were more frequently women (P<0.05). In the multivariate regression models, the combination of VO2 max, sex, and MMSE score explained only 23.5% of gait speed (P<0.001). MMSE score and VO2max independently determined gait speed after adjustment for age, BMI, HbA1c, fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, percent of muscle mass, percent of lower extremity muscle mass, and years of education. In diabetic patients without neuropathy, physical impairment and disability could be prevented by an improvement in aerobic capacity and cognitive function.

Associations between food portion sizes, insulin resistance, VO2 max and metabolic syndrome in European adolescents: The HELENA study

Background and aimsThis study aims to examine the associations of food portion size (PS) with markers of insulin resistance (IR) and clustered of metabolic risk score in European adolescents. MethodsA total of 495 adolescents (53.5% females) from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence (HELENA) study were included. The association between PS from food groups and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, VO2 max, and metabolic risk score was assessed by multilinear regression analysis adjusting for several confounders. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the mean differences of food PS from food groups by HOMA-IR cutoff categories by using maternal education as a covariable. ResultsLarger PS from vegetables in both gender and milk, yoghurt, and milk beverages in males were associated with higher VO2 max, while larger PS from margarines and vegetable oils were associated with lower VO2 max (p < 0.05). Males who consumed larger PS from fish and fish products; meat substitutes, nuts, and pulses; cakes, pies, and biscuits; and sugar, honey, jams, and chocolate have a higher metabolic risk score (p < 0.05). Males with lower HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from vegetables, milk, yoghurt, and milk beverages (p < 0.05). Females with lower HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from breakfast cereals, while those with higher HOMA-IR cutoff values consumed larger PS from butter and animal fats (p = 0.018). ConclusionThe results show that larger PS from dairy products, cereals, and high energy dense foods are a significant determinant of IR and VO2 max, and larger PS from food with higher content of sugar were associated with higher metabolic risk score.

Attributable risk factors for asymptomatic malaria and anaemia and their association with cognitive and psychomotor functions in schoolchildren of north-eastern Tanzania.

In Africa, children aged 5 to 15 years (school age) comprises more than 50% (>339 million) of the under 19 years population, and are highly burdened by malaria and anaemia that impair cognitive development. For the prospects of improving health in African citizens, understanding malaria and its relation to anaemia in school-aged children, it is crucial to inform targeted interventions for malaria control and accelerate elimination efforts as part of improved school health policy. We conducted a study to determine the risk factors for asymptomatic malaria and their association to anaemia. We explored the prevalence of antimalarial drug resistance as well as the association of asymptomatic malaria infection and anaemia on cognitive and psychomotor functions in school-aged children living in high endemic areas. This study was a comprehensive baseline survey, within the scope of a randomised, controlled trial on the effectiveness and safety of antimalarial drugs in preventing malaria and its related morbidity in schoolchildren. We enrolled 1,587 schoolchildren from 7 primary schools located in Muheza, north-eastern Tanzania. Finger-pricked blood samples were collected for estimation of malaria parasitaemia using a microscope, haemoglobin concentration using a haemoglobinometer, and markers of drug resistance processed from dried blood spots (DBS). Psychomotor and Cognitive functions were assessed using a ‘20 metre Shuttle run’ and a test of everyday attention for children (TEA-Ch), respectively. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia, anaemia and stunting was 26.4%, 49.8%, and 21.0%, respectively with marked variation across schools. In multivariate models, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia attributed to 61% of anaemia with a respective population attribution fraction of 16%. Stunting, not sleeping under a bednet and illiterate parent or guardian were other factors attributing to 7%, 9%, and 5% of anaemia in the study population, respectively. Factors such as age group (10–15 years), not sleeping under a bednet, low socioeconomic status, parents’ or guardians’ with a low level of education, children overcrowding in a household, and fewer rooms in a household were significantly attributed to higher malaria infection. There was no significant association between malaria infection or anaemia and performance on tests of cognitive function (sustained attention) or psychomotor function (VO2 max). However, a history of malaria in the past one month was significantly associated with decreased cognitive scores (aOR = -4.1, 95% CI -7.7–0.6, p = 0.02). Furthermore, stunted children had significantly lower VO2max scores (aOR = -1.9, 95% CI -3.0–0.8, p = 0.001). Regarding the antimalarial drug resistance markers, the most prevalent Pfmdr1 86-184-1034-1042-1246 haplotypes were the NFSND in 47% (n = 88) and the NYSND in 52% (n = 98). The wild type Pfcrt haplotypes (codons 72–76, CVMNK) were found in 99.1% (n = 219) of the samples. Malaria, stunting and parents’ or guardians’ illiteracy were the key attributable factors for anaemia in schoolchildren. Given malaria infection in schoolchildren is mostly asymptomatic; an addition of interventional programmes such as intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in schoolchildren (IPTsc) would probably act as a potential solution while calling for an improvement in the current tools such as bednet use, school food programme, and community-based (customised) health education with an emphasis on nutrition and malaria control.

Analysis of the Effect of External Counterpulsation Combined With High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cardiopulmonary Function and Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease After PCI

PurposeTo explore the intervention effect of external counterpulsation (ECP) combined with high-intensity aerobic exercise (HIAT) on patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) after PCI.Methods124 patients with stable CHD after PCI admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2021 were selected, and all patients were divided into control group and observation group using the random number table method. The control group received conventional treatment, The observation group received ECP combined with HIAT based on the control group. The cardiorespiratory function indexes, exercise endurance indexes, incidence of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE), Barthel index of the two groups were observed.ResultsAfter intervention, METs max, VO2 max, VO2 max/kg, VO2 max/HR, and PP, ED, AT, and Barthel score in both groups were significantly higher than before intervention, and patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of MACE in the observation group (3.23%) was lower than in the control group (12.90%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionECP combined with HIAT can improve the cardiopulmonary function of patients with CHD after PCI, and improve exercise endurance, reduce the incidence of MACE, improve patients' ability of daily living.

The Impact of a Graded Maximal Exercise Protocol on Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds: A Pilot Study.

Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are of interest due to their minimally invasive sampling procedure. Previous studies have investigated the impact of exercise, with evidence suggesting that breath VOCs reflect exercise-induced metabolic activity. However, these studies have yet to investigate the impact of maximal exercise to exhaustion on breath VOCs, which was the main aim of this study. Two-litre breath samples were collected onto thermal desorption tubes using a portable breath collection unit. Samples were collected pre-exercise, and at 10 and 60 min following a maximal exercise test (VO2MAX). Breath VOCs were analysed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using a non-targeted approach. Data showed a tendency for reduced isoprene in samples at 10 min post-exercise, with a return to baseline by 60 min. However, inter-individual variation meant differences between baseline and 10 min could not be confirmed, although the 10 and 60 min timepoints were different (p = 0.041). In addition, baseline samples showed a tendency for both acetone and isoprene to be reduced in those with higher absolute VO2MAX scores (mL(O2)/min), although with restricted statistical power. Baseline samples could not differentiate between relative VO2MAX scores (mL(O2)/kg/min). In conclusion, these data support that isoprene levels are dynamic in response to exercise.

Comparison of the functional and cardiovascular effects of home-based versus supervised hospital circuit training exercises in male wheelchair users with chronic paraplegia.

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of home-based upper extremity circuit training exercises (CTEs) with supervised hospital program in male patients with traumatic complete paraplegia. Patients and methods Twenty men with paraplegia (mean age: 38±10.1 years; range, 30 to 43 years) between January 2007 and November 2007 were randomized into two groups. The first group had supervised hospital CTE program, whereas the second group had home-based CTE. The effects of the upper extremity CTE by using elastic bands 60 min per day, five days a week, for a total of eight weeks (70% maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max]) were examined. The Cybex was used for the isokinetic testing of the upper extremities. The VO2max and maximum heart rate (HR) were assessed using an arm ergometer. The Craig Handicap Report Technique Short Form (CHART-SF) was used for the evaluation of functional independence and mobility. Serum lipid profiles were measured. Results The mean injury duration was 7.9±2 years. The peak torque values of the upper extremities, VO2max, maximum HR, CHART-SF physical independence and mobility scores, and serum lipid profile were all improved in both groups (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of the increase in the muscle strength and serum lipid levels between the groups (p>0.05). The improvement in the VO2max, physical independence, and mobility scores were greater in the supervised exercise group. Conclusion Upper extremity strength, cardiovascular endurance, and lipid profile were improved after supervised and home-based CTE in the men with paraplegia. Home-based exercise programs may be good alternatives to the hospital rehabilitation for this patient population.

The physical fitness evaluation of medical student in Semarang : a cross sectional study

Objective: Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important determinants for physical fitness (PF) in adolescence and young age. The previous study showed that most medical students as part of young population were found to be physically inactive. Our study aims to evaluate the correlation between PA and PF status among medical students.&#x0D; Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty five medical students of UNISSULA were enrolled in this study. PA level was measured using international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form. PF status was evaluated by cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max score), handgrip muscle strength (HGS), and body composition (fat persentage and BMI). The data were analyzed using pearson correlation analysis.&#x0D; Results and discussion: The majority of PA level among participants were low. There was a correlation between PA level and sex (p= 0.001, r = 0.272), PA level and BMI (p = 0.001, r = 0.264), PA level and HGS score (p=0.000, r = 0.345). However, there was no correlation between PA level and VO2max or fat percentage.&#x0D; Conclusion: The PA level and PF status among participants were considered to be low and fair, respectively. Only one component of PF status (HGS) was correlated with PA level. Further investigations on the correlation between PA level and PF status using more objective methods are needed especially when involving medical students.&#x0D; Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(3) 2021 p.625-630

EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING AND RESPIRATORY MUSCLE TRAINING IN IMPROVING SWIMMING PERFORMANCE AMONG COLLEGIATE SWIMMERS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Previous researches have been conducted to determine the types of training to improve swimming performance. Nevertheless, no study has been done on the individualized training approach among swimmers. Hence, this study aimed (i) to examine the effects of respiratory muscle training on swimming performance (ii) to examine the effects of combined respiratory muscle training with individualized training on swimming performance, and (iii) to compare the differences between the isolated respiratory muscle training, combined intervention of respiratory muscle training with individualized training and usual training on swimming performance. For this, 45 collegiate swimmers with no previous injuries and swims regularly for at least 1 hour per week participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups; Group A: Respiratory muscle training and Individualized Training, Group B: Respiratory muscle training alone, and Group C: Usual training session. The difference within the groups after four weeks of the intervention was analyzed using Paired T-test, while the differences between intervention groups were analyzed using repeated measure two-way ANOVA. Both the intervention groups (Group A and B) showed significant improvement after four weeks of intervention, whereas in group comparison, Group A showed tremendous improvement in swimming performance (F (17,238) = 8.385, p&lt;0.05, np2 = 0.375). Thus, the current study has proven that the combination of respiratory muscle training with individualized training could further enhance the swimming performance in terms of heart rate, Vo2 max, stroke volume, perceived exertion, and SWOLF score. Future studies on athletic swimmers with a larger sample size are recommended to further examine the individualized training approach.

The Effect of Implementation Intention on Improving Physical Activity Level and Cardiovascular Fitness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Control Study

Objective: Regular physical activity (PA) is one of the most effective recommendations to prevent diabetic complications. However, the reported level of PA is low in this group. This study evaluates intervention based on the implementation intention (II) theory, to improve the level of PA and the health of patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: This randomized control study was conducted on 124 patients with type 2 diabetic. The participants were randomly assigned in to two groups. PA level was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Rockport test was used in order to measure Maximal oxygen consumption volume (vo2max). In the intervention group, Individuals were asked to identify details of the behavior of PA and their own strategies for removing the barriers of exercise. Post-tests took place 3 month later. Normal distributed data were analyzed using two independent and paired sample T-test. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare PA level. Results: The results showed that although the median level of PA after the intervention (396) had increased. This difference was not statistically significant (P-value= 0.12). Also, after three months vo2max score (19.91) was not significantly different from before (P-value= 0.30). Conclusion: Intervention based on II had no significant effect on level of PA in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using multiple methods, as well as incorporating it with motivating interventions should be investigated to increase the level of PA in this group

The correlation between sleep quality and performance in football athlete

Athletes are at risk of overtraining. Therefore, athletes need to build a strategy to get a better condition after training. If optimum recovery is achieved by good sleep, athletes can be engaged in other physical activities or increase the load of exercise in the upcoming days. Thus, we assumed that sleep quality is related to the performance of football athlete. To investigate if there is correlation between sleep quality and performance in football athletes, we undertook a cross-sectional analysis of 100 male football athletes. Sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, and athlete’s performance was quantified by oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max) measurement by bleep test, while resting heart rate and blood pressure were measured with digital sphygmomanometer. There was significant correlation between sleep quality and all performance indicators including resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and VO2max (p < 0.001). In Pearson correlation, we found that sleep quality affects 14% of resting heart rate (r = 0.384) (p < 0.001), 17% of systolic pressure (r = 0.421) (p < 0.001), 21% of diastolic pressure (r = 4.69) (p < 0.001), and 16% of VO2max score (r = − 0.412) (p < 0.001). By Gamma correlation, we found that almost all of the participants with good sleep quality have normal resting heart rate, normal blood pressure, and either superior or excellent VO2max score (rheart rate = 0.768) (p = 0.002), (rsystolic = 0.773) (p < 0.001), (rdiastolic = 1.00) (p < 0.001), (rVO2max = 0.68) (p < 0.001). There was correlation between sleep quality and performance of football athlete.

Differences In Fitness Between Law Enforcement Cadets And Officers: A Retrospective Study Of Two Agencies

INTRODUCTION: Research suggests that police officers progressively become less fit during their careers which may impact their ability to perform job-specific physical tasks. However, as tasks may vary between different law enforcement agencies (LEAs), there may be differences in both fitness levels and changes in fitness between different LEAs. PURPOSE: To identify differences in fitness parameters between cadets and incumbent police officers across two independent LEAs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from two separate LEAs were analyzed. The study cohort consisted of 388 male incumbent police officers (LEA 1 n = 72; mean age = 39.43 ± 8.28 yrs; mean weight = 87.47 ± 11.60 kg: LEA 2 n = 316; mean age = 37.92 ± 7.71 yrs; mean weight = 88.80 ± 12.93 kg) and 157 cadets (LEA 1 n = 66; mean age = 29.95 ± 5.73 yrs; mean weight = 85.65 ± 11.92 kg; LEA 2 n = 91; mean age = 30.14 ± 6.93 yrs; mean weight = 86.50 ± 12.23 kg). Fitness measures included 1 min maximum push-up repetitions (PU), and sit-up repetitions (SU), a vertical jump (VJ), and either a 1.5 mile run or a 20m multistage fitness test (20m MSFT), with the latter measures converted to VO2max. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare, both combined and individual, LEA cadet cohorts against incumbent officer cohorts. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: When combined, cadets were found to be significantly younger (p<0.01) and lighter (p<0.05) than incumbent police officers. When divided into respective LEAs only differences in age remained between cadets and officers. When comparing fitness measures, cadets achieved higher PU, SU, VJ, and VO2max scores as a cohort (p<0.001 respectively) and as LEA 2 (p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). However, only PU, SU and VO2max (p<0.001 respectively) were significantly higher in LEA 1 with no differences in VJ between cadets and incumbent officers. CONCLUSIONS: Cadets were generally more fit than incumbent police officers, whose fitness may decrease over time due to job demands (e.g. shiftwork and stress), age-related declines, and changes in physical activity. Police officer fitness appears to peak during their time as cadets and decreases regardless of LEA. Maximizing fitness levels during cadet training and minimizing fitness loss after training is vital if incumbent officers are going to remain fit for duty.