Speed In Women Research Articles

Complex decongestive therapy improves finger tapping score in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) impairs upper limb function and cognitive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fifteen sessions of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on fine motor performance and information processing speed in women with BCRL. Thirty-eight women with BCRL (54.97 ± 10.78years) were recruited in the study. Participants either received five times weekly CDT consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression bandaging, and remedial exercises (n = 19) or served as a wait-list control group (n = 19). We used the Finger Tapping Task to assess fine motor performance and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test to assess information processing speed. ANCOVA was performed to analyze the effect of CDT on the dependent variables, adjusting for covariates and baseline values. CDT significantly improved finger tapping score (p < 0.001) compared to the wait-list to the control group, whereas information processing speed did not significantly change (p = 0.673). The findings suggest that CDT is an effective conservative therapeutic approach to improve upper extremity fine motor function in women with BCRL. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of CDT on different cognitive domains.

Comparative analysis of two strength training protocols on throwing speed in women's handball

Shooting represents a fundamental skill in handball. Among other factors, its effectiveness requires a significant development of explosive strength. Isometric training may provide a powerful neuromuscular stimulus for its enhancement. Despite its importance and practicality, few studies have addressed the effect of this type of training on shooting speed in women's handball. Twenty female players were divided into two groups: isometric training (GI, n=10) and dynamic training (GD, n=10). Over nine weeks, twice a week, both groups completed an upper limb pushing resistance training: GI performed maximum isometric strength, and GD performed dynamic strength at 80% of one maximum repetition (1MR). In both cases, the effort was followed by medicine ball throws. The loads for both groups were equated in terms of sets and duration. Pre- and post-intervention, the 1MR of each player was estimated through a load progression test in bench press exercise. Additionally, the shooting speed with and without aiming at a target was measured from seven and nine meters using a radar. The findings showed a trend towards improvement in both groups (slightly higher in GI); however, only the not-targeted shooting speed from 9 meters in GI reached statistical significance (p &lt; .05). The correlation between 1MR and shooting speed was low to moderate. In summary, both types of training yielded similar results. Given the practical advantages of isometric training, it could be suggested that this training could serve as an effective and practical alternative for enhancing strength and shooting speed in handball. Keywords: Handball, handball shooting, isometric strength training, women's sport.

Higher-level competence: Results from the Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan (ILSA-J) on the shape of associations with impaired physical and cognitive functions.

This study aimed to examine the relationships between levels of competence and impaired physical and cognitive functions in older adults. We used a data set of the Integrated Longitudinal Studies on Aging in Japan for 2017 including 5475 community-dwelling older adults. Levels of competence were assessed using the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence (JST-IC). Grip strength (low grip strength: <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women) and gait speed (slow gait speed: <1.0 m/s for both sexes) were evaluated as physical function measurements, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (cognitive decline: <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination) was used to assess cognitive function. The JST-IC had areas under the curve estimated from receiver operating characteristic analysis ranging from 0.65 to 0.73 for detecting low function as assessed by these tests. Restricted cubic spline curves showed that the shape of the association between the JST-IC and impaired function depended on sex and the test used. The comparison between perfect and imperfect JST-IC scores showed significant differences in the prevalence of low grip strength in both sexes, slow gait speed in women, and cognitive decline in men. It may be insufficient to identify those with impaired physical or cognitive function using the JST-IC. The shape of the association with the JST-IC varies across their measurements. Our findings can help interpret JST-IC scores in the context of low physical and cognitive functions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 352-358.

Examining the Link between Isokinetic Strength Metrics and Ball Speed in Women’s Soccer

The shot performance of female soccer players is one of the most critical factors in winning a soccer match. It is essential to thoroughly clarify the kinetic factors that can improve shot performance. This study explores the connections between ball velocity post-shooting and isokinetic knee extension (EXT) and flexion (FLX) strength performances among female soccer players. Thirteen voluntary players from professional leagues took part in the research study. The study analyzed the average and peak concentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) torques, isometric (Iso) strength performances at angular velocities of 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s, the time required to reach peak torque, and ball velocities during shooting. The relationships among these variables were investigated separately for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) legs. The analysis unveiled significant correlations between ball velocities and D-EXT (Absolute) peak torque at an angular velocity of 60°/s (r = 0.597; p &lt; 0.05), D-%IPS (r = −0.580; p &lt; 0.05), and ND-FLX (Absolute) average torque (r = 0.559; p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, notable associations were observed between ball velocities and ND-EXT (Absolute) (r = 0.581; p &lt; 0.05), as well as ND-FLX (Absolute) (r = 0.602; p &lt; 0.05) average torques at an angular velocity of 180°/s. Additionally, significant relationships were found between ball velocities and peak (r = 0.664; p = 0.013) and average (r = 0.660; p = 0.014) torques generated during ND-EXT (Absolute) at an angular velocity of 300°/s. However, the connections between the time to reach peak torque, eccentric and isometric forces, and ball velocities were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). The results of the study indicate that enhancing concentric isokinetic strength development at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s angular velocities, along with balanced strengthening of the ND extremity, holds paramount importance in elevating shot performance among female soccer players, particularly in the context of rapid shot strategies.

The role of the kynurenine pathway in cognitive functioning after stroke: A prospective clinical study

BackgroundThe kynurenine pathway is the main metabolic pathway of tryptophan degradation and has been associated with stroke and impaired cognitive functioning, but studies on its role in post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) are scarce. We aimed to investigate associations between metabolites of the kynurenine pathway at baseline and post-stroke cognitive functioning over time. MethodsBaseline plasma kynurenines were quantified in 198 stroke patients aged 65.4 ± 10.8 years, 138 (69.7%) men, who were followed up over a period of three years after stroke. Baseline and longitudinal associations of kynurenines with PSCI and cognitive domain scores were investigated using linear mixed models, adjusted for several confounders. ResultsNo evidence of associations between kynurenines and odds of PSCI were found. However, considering individual cognitive domains, higher plasma levels of anthranilic acid (AA) were associated with better episodic memory at baseline (β per SD 0.16 [0.05, 0.28]). Additionally, a linear-quadratic association was found for the kynurenic acid/ quinolinic acid ratio (KA/QA), a neuroprotective index, with episodic memory (Wald χ2 = 8.27, p = .016). Higher levels of KA were associated with better processing speed in women only (pinteraction = .008; β per SD 0.15 [95% CI 0.02, 0.27]). These associations did not change over time. ConclusionsHigher levels of KA, AA and KA/QA were associated with better scores on some cognitive domains at baseline. These associations did not change over time. Given the exploratory nature and heterogeneity of findings, these results should be interpreted with caution, and verified in other prospective studies.

Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Performance Relationships Between International and World-Class Short-Track Speed Skating.

Short-track speed skating race distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 m that last ∼40seconds to ∼2.5minutes and require a maximal intensity at speeds beyond maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Recently, the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) has been applied by scientists and coaches in middle-distance sports to deepen understanding of 1- to 5-minute event performance where different physiological profiles (speed, hybrid, and endurance) can have success. World-class (women, n = 2; men, n = 3) and international-level (women, n = 4; men, n = 5) short-track speed skaters completed maximal aerobic speed and maximal skating speed tests. ASR characteristics were compared between profiles and associated with on-ice performance. World-class athletes raced at a lower %ASR in the 1000- (3.1%; large; almost certainly) and 1500-m (1.8%; large; possibly) events than international athletes. Men's and women's speed profiles operated at a higher %ASR in the 500-m than hybrid and endurance profiles, whereas in the 1500-m, endurance profiles worked at a substantially lower %ASR than hybrid and speed profiles. Women's 500-m performance is very largely associated with maximal skating speed, while women's maximal aerobic speed appears to be a key determining factor in the 1000- and 1500-m performance. World-class short-track speed skaters can be developed in speed, hybrid, and endurance profiles but achieve their performance differently by leveraging their strongest characteristics. These results show nuanced differences between men's and women's 500-, 1000- and 1500-m event performance across ASR profile that unlock new insights for individualizing athlete performance in these disciplines.

Autonomic nervous system and postural control regulation during orthostatic test as putative markers of physical resilience among community-dwelling older adults

IntroductionWe examined whether autonomic nervous system (ANS) and postural control regulation during orthostatic test reflect physical resilience by studying their associations with maximal walking speed and mortality. MethodsThe participants were community-dwelling Finnish men (n = 303) and women (n = 386) aged 75, 80, and 85 years at baseline. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, and postural sway were obtained using a digital sphygmomanometer, a single-channel ECG, and thigh- and chest-worn accelerometers. Linear and Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations of the physiological indices with maximal 10-m walking speed and 5-year mortality separately for sexes. ResultsBetter maintenance of BP under orthostatic stress was associated with faster walking speed in women and lower mortality hazard in men. Greater HRV in terms of low frequency power and lower respiration rate in supine position and smaller orthostatic changes in these were associated with faster walking speed especially in women. Less postural sway after standing up was associated with faster walking speed in women (−0.057, SE 0.022, p = 0.011) and more postural sway with increased mortality hazard in men (HR 1.71, 95 % CI 1.20–2.43) even after controlling for BP responses. ConclusionsIn addition to ANS regulation at rest and under stress, adaptation of postural control system to orthostasis may be used in quantifying older adults' physical resilience. Wearable sensors capturing stimulus-response patterns and natural fluctuations of body functions may provide opportunities to monitor and incorporate different subsystems' resilience also in free-living conditions.

Jump to platform faster? Gender, institutional change, and pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempt

PurposeThe authors enrich and extend the existing institutional anomie theory (IAT) in the hope of sharpening the understanding of the joint effects of selected cultural values and social institutional changes on women's pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempts. The authors theorize that women are culturally discouraged to pursue pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempts or wealth accumulation in a specific culture. This discouragement creates an anomic strain that motivates women to deviate from cultural prescriptions by engaging in pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempts at a faster speed. Building on this premise, the authors hypothesize that changes in social institutions facilitate the means of achievement for women due to the potential opportunities inherent in such institutional changes.Design/methodology/approachUsing a randomly selected sample of 1,431 registered active individual users with a minimum of 10,000 followers on a leading entertainment live-streaming platform in the People's Republic of China, the authors examined a unique mix of cultural and institutional changes and their effects on the speed of women's engagement in live-streaming platform activity.FindingsThe authors find support for the impact of the interaction between changes in social institution conditions and cultural values. Unexpectedly, the authors also find a negative impact of cultural values on women's speed of engaging in pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempts.Originality/valueThe authors add institutional change to the IAT framework and provide a novel account for the variation in the pre-entrant entrepreneurial attempts by women on the platform.

Predicting Slow Walking Speed From a Pooled Cohort Analysis: Sarcopenia Definitions, Agreement, and Prevalence in Australia and New Zealand.

Recent operational definitions of sarcopenia have not been replicated and compared in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) populations. We aimed to identify sarcopenia measures that discriminate ANZ adults with slow walking speed (<0.8 m/s) and determine the agreement between the Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC) and revised European Working Group for Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) operational definitions of sarcopenia. Eight studies comprising 8 100 ANZ community-dwelling adults (mean age ± standard deviation, 62.0 ± 14.4 years) with walking speed, grip strength (GR), and lean mass data were combined. Replicating the SDOC methodology, 15 candidate variables were included in sex-stratified classification and regression tree models and receiver operating characteristic curves on a pooled cohort with complete data to identify variables and cut points discriminating slow walking speed (<0.8 m/s). Agreement and prevalence estimates were compared using Cohen's Kappa (CK). Receiver operating characteristic curves identified GR as the strongest variable for discriminating slow from normal walking speed in women (GR <20.50 kg, area under curve [AUC] = 0.68) and men (GR <31.05 kg, AUC = 0.64). Near-perfect agreement was found between the derived ANZ cut points and SDOC cut points (CK 0.8-1.0). Sarcopenia prevalence ranged from 1.5% (EWGSOP2) to 37.2% (SDOC) in women and 1.0% (EWGSOP2) to 9.1% (SDOC) in men, with no agreement (CK <0.2) between EWGSOP2 and SDOC. Grip strength is the primary discriminating characteristic for slow walking speed in ANZ women and men, consistent with findings from the SDOC. Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium and EWGSOP2 definitions showed no agreement suggesting these proposed definitions measure different characteristics and identify people with sarcopenia differently.

Quantitative and qualitative criteria for assessing gait speed in women aged 60–75 years – A pilot study

Introduction: The use of the Gait Speed (GS) test in clinical practice has been documented in many scientific studies. However, there is a lack of tools to use the aforementioned test for diagnosis and follow-up of changes in the process of health training in postmenopausal women. Having considered the foregoing, the main objective of this study was to develop quantitative and qualitative criteria to assess gait speed in women aged 60–75 years. Material and methods: Sixty women aged 60–75 years participated in the study. The structure of the gait speed rating scale was based on Zaciorski's model. The data collected during the GS test was analyzed. We developed quantitative and qualitative criteria to assess gait speed in women over the age of 60, which ranged from 1.25 m/s to 2.3 m/s. Results and conclusions: The scale presented in this study can constitute an effective tool to help estimate the level of gait speed in women aged 60–75 years, which is particularly important in coaching practice during diagnostics and programming of physical activity.

Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Phloroglucinol in Combination with Oxytocin for the Induction of Labor in Women with Term Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM).

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of phloroglucinol in combination with oxytocin in the induction of labor in women who had experienced term premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods Data from 100 women who experienced PROM between December 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated in this study. The puerperae were categorized into observation and control groups based on their uterine contraction regimens. The observation group consisted of 53 participants that had been treated with phloroglucinol in combination with oxytocin, and the control group consisted of 47 participants that had been treated with oxytocin alone. It was observed and compared in terms of the Bishop score before and after the administration of the puerpera to see which group had the best index. A study was performed after the drug was administered to examine its effects on the duration of labor (including the first, second, and third stages of labor), the mode of delivery (including natural vaginal delivery and cesarean section), the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia), successful labor induction, and complication rates. Results Patients in the observation group had a significantly higher Bishop score after administration than those in the control group (P < 0.05), although there was no difference between the two groups before administration. In comparison to the control group, the observation group had a significantly higher efficacy rate for drug administration (P < 0.05), as well as a significantly lower occurrence of the first stage of labor (P < 0.05), a higher rate of vaginal natural delivery and successful induction of labor (P < 0.05), and a significantly lower incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and complications (P < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, the use of phloroglucinol in combination with intravenous oxytocin in the process of promoting cervical ripening and induction of labor for women with PROM who are at term was investigated. This study could help women speed up cervical dilation, improve the cervical Bishop scores, shorten the total labour process, improve the effective rate of vaginal delivery, and be very safe, making it a good candidate for clinical promotion and application.

Knee osteoarthritis in midlife women: unique considerations and comprehensive management.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal condition that particularly afflicts women in menopause. The purpose of this review is to describe the pathophysiology and treatment considerations for this subset of the population. Medline/PubMed indexed articles related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of osteoarthritis were included in this narrative review. Menopause has a multitude of effects that affect KOA, including hormonal shifts; loss of bone mineral density, muscle mass, and tendon strength; and changes to pain perception. Here, we discuss how a practitioner can assess the factors that are known to worsen KOA symptoms, including postural (spine, pelvic, and knee) alignment and functional muscle strength. The development of an effective exercise program is at the forefront of management. Optimizing other lifestyle factors including nutrition and sleep are particularly important in this patient population. Sleep disturbance from vasomotor symptoms can also increase perception of knee pain, for which pharmacologic options such as gabapentin or duloxetine may be pursued. In total, these interventions have large ramifications in decreasing pain and increasing function through improved range of motion, body composition, and walking speed in women with KOA.

COVID-19-Related Anxiety and Cognition in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Examining Sex as a Moderator.

Aging populations experience disproportionate risk for cognitive decline, which may be exacerbated by coronavirus (COVID-19) illness, particularly among women. This study tested sex as a moderator of associations between COVID-19 state anxiety and cognition in middle-aged/older adults. Adults aged 50+ (N = 275; 151 men/124 women) completed the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire online from remote locations in July/August 2020. A subset of participants (n = 62) completed an objective cognitive task (Stroop). Multiple regressions determined whether sex moderated associations between COVID-19 anxiety and cognitive outcomes. Sex was a significant moderator, such that for women (not men), greater COVID-19 anxiety was associated with more memory failures and blunders (subjective measures) and worse processing speed (objective measure). COVID-19 state anxiety is linked to everyday cognition and processing speed in women, but not men. Consistency across subjective and objective measures promotes the need for sex-specific understanding of the pandemic’s behavioral and cognitive effects in mid-to-late life.

The Sex Difference in Gait Speed: How Do Sociodemographic, Lifestyle, Social, and Health Determinants Contribute?

This study explores whether a sex difference in sensitivity to (strength of the association) and/or in exposure to (prevalence) determinants of gait speed contributes to the observed lower gait speed among women compared to men. Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. In total 2407 men and women aged 55-81 years were included, with baseline measurements in 1992/2002 and follow-up measurements every 3-4 years for 15/25 years. Multivariable mixed model analysis was used to investigate sex differences in sensitivity (interaction term with sex) and in exposure to (change of the sex difference when adjusted) for socio-demographic, lifestyle, social and health determinants of gait speed. On average, women had a 0.054 m/s (95%CI:0.076-0.033, adjusted for height and age) lower mean gait speed compared to men. Higher BMI and lower physical activity were more strongly associated with lower gait speed in women compared to men (i.e. higher sensitivity). Lower educational level, living alone and having more chronic diseases, pain and depressive symptoms among women compared to men also contributed to observed lower gait speed in women (i.e. higher exposure). In conclusion, both a higher sensitivity and higher exposure to determinants of gait speed among women compared to men contributes to the observed lower gait speed among women aged 55 years and older. The identified (modifiable) contributing factors should be taking into account when developing prevention and/or treatment strategies aimed to enhance healthy physical aging. This might require a sex-specific approach in both research and clinical practice.

Influence of Anthropometric Characteristics on Ice Swimming Performance-The IISA Ice Mile and Ice Km.

Ice swimming following the rules of IISA (International Ice Swimming Association) is a recent sports discipline starting in 2009. Since then, hundreds of athletes have completed an Ice Mile or an Ice Km in water colder than 5 °C. This study aimed to expand our knowledge about swimmers completing an Ice Mile or an Ice Km regarding the influence of anthropometric characteristics (i.e., body mass, body height, and body mass index, BMI) on performance. We analyzed data from 957 swimmers in the Ice Km (590 men and 367 women) and 585 swimmers in the Ice Mile (334 men and 251 women). No differences were found for anthropometric characteristics between swimmers completing an Ice Mile and an Ice Km although water temperatures and wind chill were lower in the Ice Km than in the Ice Mile. Men were faster than women in both the Ice Mile and Ice Km. Swimming speed decreased significantly with increasing age, body mass, and BMI in both women and men in both the Ice Mile and Ice Km. Body height was positively correlated to swimming speed in women in the Ice Km. Air temperature was significantly and negatively related to swimming speed in the Ice Km but not in the Ice Mile. Water temperature was not associated with swimming speed in men in both the Ice Mile and Ice Km but significantly and negatively in women in Ice Km. In summary, swimmers intending to complete an Ice Mile or an Ice Km do not need to have a high body mass and/or a high BMI to swim these distances fast.

The sex difference in gait speed among older adults: how do sociodemographic, lifestyle, social and health determinants contribute?

BackgroundThis study explores whether a sex difference in sensitivity to (strength of the association) and/or in exposure to (prevalence) determinants of gait speed contributes to the observed lower gait speed among older women compared to men.MethodsData from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were used. In total 2407 men and women aged 55–81 years were included, with baseline measurements in 1992/2002 and follow-up measurements every 3–4 years for 15/25 years. Multivariable mixed model analysis was used to investigate sex differences in sensitivity (interaction term with sex) and in exposure to (change of the sex difference when adjusted) socio-demographic, lifestyle, social and health determinants of gait speed.ResultsWomen had a 0.054 m/s (95 % CI: 0.076 − 0.033, adjusted for height and age) lower mean gait speed compared to men. In general, men and women had similar determinants of gait speed. However, higher BMI and lower physical activity were more strongly associated with lower gait speed in women compared to men (i.e. higher sensitivity). More often having a lower educational level, living alone and having more chronic diseases, pain and depressive symptoms among women compared to men also contributed to observed lower gait speed in women (i.e. higher exposure). In contrast, men more often being a smoker, having a lower physical activity and a smaller personal network size compared to women contributed to a lower gait speed among men (i.e. higher exposure).ConclusionsBoth a higher sensitivity and higher exposure to determinants of gait speed among women compared to men contributes to the observed lower gait speed among older women. The identified (modifiable) contributing factors should be taken into account when developing prevention and/or treatment strategies aimed to enhance healthy physical aging. This might require a sex-specific approach in both research and clinical practice, which is currently often lacking.

Urinary pentosidine level is associated with grip strength and gait speed in community-dwelling adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMuscle and bone interactions might be associated with osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Urinary pentosidine and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) might affect muscle and bone interactions. It is unclear whether these biomarkers are affected by age and sex or play a role in muscle and physical functions. We aimed to investigate the association between urinary pentosidine and serum 25(OH)D levels with muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in community-dwelling adults.MethodsTwo-hundred and fifty-four middle-aged and elderly adults were enrolled. There was no significant difference in age between 97 men (75.0 ± 8.9 years) and 157 women (73.6 ± 8.1 years). The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), grip strength, and gait speed were assessed. The urinary pentosidine level was measured. We evaluated the association of urinary pentosidine and serum 25(OH)D levels with age and sex (student’s t-test) and correlations between biomarker and each variable (Pearson’s correlation coefficients). Multiple regression analysis was performed with grip strength and gait speed as dependent variables and with age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), speed of sound (SOS), SMI, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 25(OH)D, and pentosidine as independent variables using the stepwise method.ResultsThe urinary pentosidine level was negatively correlated with grip strength, gait speed, eGFR, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in men and with SOS, grip strength, and gait speed in women. The serum 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with IGF-1 in women and grip strength in men. Grip strength was associated with age, height, and pentosidine in men and height and pentosidine in women. Gait speed was associated with age, BMI, and pentosidine in men and age, height, and pentosidine in women.ConclusionUrinary pentosidine levels are significantly associated with grip strength and gait speed and may serve as a biomarker of muscle and bone interactions.

Abstract 14374: Peripheral Artery Disease and Gait Speed in Women With and at Risk for HIV

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with decreased physical function and increased mortality in the general population. PAD is common in women with and at risk for HIV infection, but its association with functional decline is unclear. We examined the contribution of PAD to gait speed in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and HIV-related factors. Methods: 1,839 participants (72% HIV+) with measured ankle-brachial index (ABI) and 4-meter gait speed were included in analysis. ABI scores were categorized as: &lt;0.7, moderate-severe PAD; 0.7-&lt;0.9, mild PAD; 0.9-&lt;1.0, borderline PAD; 1.0-&lt;1.1, low-normal; 1.1-1.4, normal. Longitudinal regression models with repeated measures were used to examine the association of PAD category with log-transformed gait speed after controlling for demographic, behavioral, and cardiovascular disease risk factors, and HIV and HCV status. Coefficients represented percentage differences. Results: Median age was 50 years, &gt;70% were Black. Figure 1 shows median gait speed by PAD group. In univariate analysis, compared to normal ABI, each category of PAD severity was associated with slower gait speed: 6% slower for low-normal (95% confidence interval [CI]:4%, 9%), 10% for borderline (95% CI:6%, 13%), 14% for mild (95% CI:9%, 18%), and 16% for moderate-severe (95% CI:5%, 25%). In multivariate analysis, PAD severity remained associated with 6% (95% CI:4%, 9%), 10% (95%CI:7%, 14%), 12% (95%CI:8%, 17%), and 11% (95%CI: -1%, 22%) slower gait speed, respectively. HIV/HCV coinfection reduced gait speed by 9% (95%CI:4%, 14%). Among HIV+ women, neither CD4 count nor HIV viral load was associated with gait speed. Conclusions: In middle-aged women with and at risk for HIV, greater PAD severity is associated with progressively slower gait speed. ABI measurement may be a simple and clinically useful tool for early assessment of functional declines.

Association of phase angle and running performance

A high phase angle derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis has been linked to a high level of physical activity. However, it is unknown whether a high phase angle is related to running performance. We included all subjects who participated for the first time to the Course de l'Escalade between 1999 and 2016, a yearly city run occurring in Geneva. The subjects underwent a measurement by 50-kHz tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analysis (Nutriguard®). Running time was converted to running speed in km/h. Results are shown as mean (SD) and as frequencies. We performed sex-specific univariate and multivariate regressions, adjusted for age, body mass index, categories of running distance and year of measurement, to evaluate whether the phase angle is associated with running speed. We analyzed 2264 subjects (1025 women and 1239 men). In univariate regressions, phase angle was significantly related to running speed in women (coeff 0.52, 95% CI 0.35-0.67, p<0.001, adjusted R2 0.037) and men (coeff 0.57, 95% CI 0.42-0.73, p<0.001, adjusted R2 0.039). Multivariate regressions showed that the phase angle was still significantly associated with running speed in women and men (p<0.001 for both models), with an adjusted R2 of 0.262 and 0.282, respectively. The phase angle is positively associated with running performance in men and women. It remains to be demonstrated if this association reflects the benefit of regular training and whether the phase angle might be suitable to monitor improvements in running performance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT03400761.

Efficacy of whole body vibration on neurocognitive parameters in women with and without lumbar hyper-lordosis

IntroductionThe prevalence of lumbar hyper-lordosis is high in young women. Considering the previous studies into the effects of the whole body vibration (WBV) on the physiological parameters, the present study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of WBV on the neurocognitive parameters in women with and without lumbar hyper-lordosis. MethodA total of 15 women with normal lumbar lordosis and 15 women with lumbar hyper-lordosis participated in the study. The effects of the WBV (30 Hz, 5 mm, and 5 min) on the visual and auditory reaction time and anticipatory skills were assessed using the Speed Anticipation Reaction Time (SART) Test. ResultsThe results indicated that the auditory complex choice reaction time decreased, and the anticipation skill with high speed increased after the WBV in women with normal lumbar lordosis (P = 0.01, P = 0.01, respectively). Additionally, the visual choice reaction time in women with lumbar hyperlordosis significantly decreased after WBV intervention. Although other variables in the two groups decreased after vibration, these changes were not statistically significant. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that WBV had positive immediate effects on the reaction time in both groups, however, it had negative effects on anticipatory skill with high speed in women with normal lumbar lordosis; these negative effects appeared to be due to mental fatigue in the participants. This finding indicated WBV had the potential to enhance neuro-cognition. Therefore, further evaluations with different study settings and populations should be conducted.