Pulmonary diffusing capacity measured by NO/CO transfer in Tunisian boys.

BACKGROUND: The diffusing capacity, which measures gas-exchange, uses reference values based on data from American or European studies. There are currently no reference values of pulmonary diffusing capacity (TL) and its components, such as the conductance of the membrane (Dm) and capillary lung volume (Vc) for healthy North African children. OBJECTIVES: We determined the prediction equations-reference values for TL, Dm, Vc and the alveolar volume (VA) in healthy Tunisian boys. METHODS: Values of Vc, Dm, TL, and VA were measured by the NO/CO transfer method, using a single breath maneuver in 118 Tunisian boys (8-14 years old) at rest. We performed linear regression analysis of the pulmonary parameters and independent variables, such as height, weight, and age. RESULTS: The reference equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO ) was 0.201 × weight (kg) + 8.979; for TLNO was 0.76 × height (cm)-24.383; for Dm was 0.388 × height (cm)- 12.555 and for VA was 0.34 × height (cm)-3.951. Vc increased significantly with weight (P < .05) but not with age (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: References norms for TLCO and TL for nitric oxide and its components in young Tunisian boys are similar to data from other countries. The prediction equations we developed can be extended to clinical practice in Tunisia and can be considered for use in neighboring North African countries.

Effects of Combined Balance and Strength Training on Measures of Balance and Muscle Strength in Older Women With a History of Falls.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of combined balance and strength training on measures of balance and muscle strength in older women with a history of falls. METHODS: Twenty-seven older women aged 70.4 ± 4.1 years (age range: 65 to 75 years) were randomly allocated to either an intervention (IG, n = 12) or an active control (CG, n = 15) group. The IG completed 8 weeks combined balance and strength training program with three sessions per week including visual biofeedback using force plates. The CG received physical therapy and gait training at a rehabilitation center. Training volumes were similar between the groups. Pre and post training, tests were applied for the assessment of muscle strength (weight-bearing squat [WBS] by measuring the percentage of body mass borne by each leg at different knee flexions [0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°], sit-to-stand test [STS]), and balance. Balance tests used the modified clinical test of sensory interaction (mCTSIB) with eyes closed (EC) and opened (EO), on stable (firm) and unstable (foam) surfaces as well as spatial parameters of gait such as step width and length (cm) and walking speed (cm/s). RESULTS: Significant group × time interactions were found for different degrees of knee flexion during WBS (0.0001 < p < 0.013, 0.441 < d < 0.762). Post hoc tests revealed significant pre-to-post improvements for both legs and for all degrees of flexion (0.0001 < p < 0.002, 0.697 < d < 1.875) for IG compared to CG. Significant group × time interactions were found for firm EO, foam EO, firm EC, and foam EC (0.006 < p < 0.029; 0.302 < d < 0.518). Post hoc tests showed significant pre-to-post improvements for both legs and for all degrees of oscillations (0.0001 < p < 0.004, 0.753 < d < 2.097) for IG compared to CG. This study indicates that combined balance and strength training improved percentage distribution of body weight between legs at different conditions of knee flexion (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) and also decreased the sway oscillation on a firm surface with eyes closed, and on foam surface (with eyes opened or closed) in the IG. CONCLUSION: The higher positive effects of training seen in standing balance tests, compared with dynamic tests, suggests that balance training exercises including lateral, forward, and backward exercises improved static balance to a greater extent in older women.

Comparison of isokinetic trunk flexion and extension torques and powers between athletes and nonathletes.

This study is aimed to perform and compare maximal concentric isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques and powers between high-level athletes and a control population. In addition, the ratio of isokinetic trunk extension and flexion torques was measured, and compared between groups. Eighteen high-level male athletes and 15 male nonathletes without low back pain were recruited. Subjects performed isokinetic trunk extension and flexion at 60°/sec, 90°/sec, and 120°/sec through a maximal range of motion in a dynamometer. Trunk extension torque of athletes was significantly higher than in nonathletes at 60°/sec and 90°/sec but not at 120°/sec. Trunk extension power of athletes was significantly higher than the control group at 90°/sec and 120°/sec but not at 60°/sec. There was no difference between the athlete and nonathlete groups in respect of trunk flexion torque or power at any angular velocity. Consequently, the ratio of trunk flexion to extension strength was greater in nonathletes than in athletes. Trunk extension and flexion torques tended to decrease, and trunk extension and flexion powers tended to increase, with increasing angular velocity. High-level athletes seem to display preferentially greater trunk extension strength and power in comparison with trunk flexion strength, compared to nonathletes. This could be caused by the use of strength training exercises such as squats and deadlifts, or it may be associated with greater athletic performance.