Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among taxi drivers in Yaoundé, Cameroon: preventive effect of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are very common conditions in the workplace. Among professional drivers, there would be an increased risk of developing these disorders. Identifying the associated factors would allow us to better devise effective prevention strategies. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among taxi drivers in the city of Yaoundé and to search for associated factors, mainly the level of physical activity. METHODS: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study of 151 adult male professional taxi drivers. We used a non-probabilistic consecutive and non-exhaustive sampling method. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and occupational data were collected. MSDs over the past 12 months were assessed using the Nordic Questionnaire and physical activity level was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Univariate logistic regression models, followed by a multivariate logistic regression, were used to determine factors associated with the presence of MSDs. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MSDs was 86.8% (95% CI 80.8 - 91.4); the most affected areas were mainly the lower back (72.8%) the neck (42.4%), and the knees (29.1%). Job dissatisfaction was associated with MSDs (OR = 2.1 95%CI = 1.1-3.9). Most taxi drivers (62.9%) had a low physical activity level and no association was found between the physical activity level and MSDs. CONCLUSIONS: MSDs are common ailments among taxi drivers in Yaoundé (Cameroon). There is a need to think about how to address job dissatisfaction and better identify other associated factors in order to define good prevention strategies.

Relationship Between Electromyogram Spectrum Parameters and the Tension-Time Index During Incremental Exercise in Trained Subjects.

The inspiratory muscle tension-time index TT0.1 (given by P0.1/PImax x TI/TTOT) could be used to reliably assess inspiratory muscle activity during exercise. So far, the correlation between the TT0.1 and diaphragmatic activity has not been measured and the TT0.1 has not been compared with other measurements of the inspiratory muscle load such as the transdiaphragmatic pressure index or TTdi. In this study we hypothesize that the TT0.1 measuring the mouth is a noninvasive reflection of the electromyographic activity of the diaphragm. We simultaneously measured TT0.1 and surface EMG (SEMG) of 8 trained subjects at rest and during incremental exercise. The curvature of TT0.1 and the root mean square (RMS) follow the same trend during the incremental exercise with a significant correlation between TT0.1 and surface EMG parameters (RMS; r = 0.81 p < 0.001 and MPF; r = 0.80 p < 0.001 respectively). We conclude that TT0.1 measured as s an adequate noninvasive method reflects the diaphragmatic activity during incremental exercise in healthy subjects.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components in secondary school student population in the city of Douala, Cameroon.

While the burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is still increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of data among young Cameroonian population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its components among secondary school students in Douala. This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out on 803 students recruited from February to May 2021 in public and private secondary schools in Douala city, Cameroon. MetS was assessed according to the IDF/AHA/NHLBI 2009 consensus definition. The data collection consisted of a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, measurement of anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and overnight fasting blood sample. Blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured using standard methods. The mean age was 18±3 years, 73.3% female. The prevalence of MetS was 27.4%, common among participants aged ≥16 years, and higher in females compare to males (33.7% vs. 11.1%, P#x003C;0.0001). The prevalence of MetS components i.e abdominal obesity, high BP, fasting hyperglycemia, low-level HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia were 14.1, 18.1, 42.8, 51.4 and 38.6% respectively. All MetS components were significantly higher in females compared to males except for high BP which was similar among the genders. In our study population, the prevalence of MetS is high and this calls for improved monitoring to limit the evolution of associated cardiometabolic complications among young Cameroonians.

Post-exercise heart rate variability recovery after 800-m endurance run load among Cameroonian adolescent's males.

The 800-m (m) run is part of Physical Education classes in Cameroon, after which arrhythmias may occur during recovery. Hence, this study aimed at determining relationship between 800-m run loads on cardiac autonomic recovery among school adolescents. Forty-two male adolescents (aged [17 â€‹± â€‹1] years) performed 800-m. Post-exercise heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded during 5-min (min) (HRV5-min) and 15-min (HRV15-min) in time: Standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN); Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and frequency domain (LH: Low frequency, HF: High frequency, TP: Total power). Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (BLa) were measured after exercise. In HRV5-min, RPE was associated with SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). BLa was correlated with SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.56, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) in the time-domain, LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.64, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.58, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.61, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) in frequency-domain. Moreover, RPE was correlated with LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.49, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) while exercise duration with HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.38, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). In HRV15-min, BLa was correlated with RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.53, p â€‹< â€‹0.001) and SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.68, p â€‹< â€‹0.001). RPE was negatively correlated SDNN (r â€‹= â€‹-0.53, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RMSSD (r â€‹= â€‹-0.44, p â€‹< â€‹0.01). BLa was associated with HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.55, p â€‹< â€‹0.001), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.50, p â€‹< â€‹0.01) and RPE with LF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.51, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.50, p â€‹< â€‹0.01), TP (r â€‹= â€‹-0.49, p â€‹< â€‹0.01). In addition, exercise duration was negatively linked to HF (r â€‹= â€‹-0.36, p â€‹< â€‹0.05). This study outlined that in untrained adolescents an increase of 800-m loads is associated with a slow vagal indexes of HRV during the recovery.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: impact of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Living areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. RESULTS: Low level of PA was (P < 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p = 0.0110), low HDL-c (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p = 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335-2.731, p = 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335-2.731, p = 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389-2.900, p = 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088-2.179, p = 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298-0.686, p = 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277-2.285, p = 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212-0.466, p < 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409-0.794, p = 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534-0.983, p = 0.038) compared to rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: MetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

Musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon.

Objectives. This study assessed musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their correlates among heavy load carriers in Yaounde city, Cameroon. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 healthy male handlers. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence while logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors. Results. MSD prevalence was 100 and 87.7% during the last 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Main sites affected were, respectively, the lower back (84.1 and 61.1%), hips/thighs (81.1 and 47.2%) and neck (74.7 and 43.2%). MSD risk factors were age 25-30 years during the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.2, 6.5]) and 7 days (OR = 4.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 10.7]) for the neck and the last 12 months (OR = 2.6; 95% CI [-1.1, 5.8]) for shoulders. Overweight was a risk factor for wrists/hands in the last 12 months (OR = 2.7; 95% CI [-11.0, 7.2]). Seniority of 5-10 years was a risk factor for the lower back (OR = 1.8; 95% CI [-1.0, 3.3]) and hips/thighs (OR = 3.2; 95% CI [-1.7, 5.8]) in the last 7 days. Conclusion. Handlers showed high MSD prevalence in most sites, e.g., lower back, upper back, hips/thighs, shoulders and neck. Associated significant factors were age, overweight and seniority.

Musculoskeletal disorders among secondary school teachers in Douala, Cameroon: The effect of the practice of physical activities.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries, and are present in many occupational sectors including education. Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is known elicit preventive effects on the occurrence of MSDs. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and the preventive impact of PA on their occurrence among secondary school teachers. Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 teachers in five government secondary schools in Douala, Cameroon. The Nordic and Ricci-Gagnon questionnaires were used to determine MSDs and to assess the level of PA, respectively. Results: The 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSD (PMSD-12m and PMSD-7d) were 84.3% and 69.3%, respectively. The most affected body regions by MSDs were neck (PMSD-12m = 54.2%, PMSD-7d = 33.5%), lower back (PMSD-12m = 43%, PMSD-7d = 33%), and shoulders (PMSD-12m = 35%, PMSD-7d = 22.9%). Compared to female, males were protected against MSDs during the last 12 months (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.16-0.93; p = 0.04). The risk of MSDs during the last seven days was higher in teachers aged 30-40 years (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.14-7.14; p = 0.02) and 40-50 years (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.49-16.29; p = 0.008) than those under 30 years. This risk was tripled in inactive teachers (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.40-6.78; p = 0.005), compared to their active counterparts. Conclusion: MSDs are prevalent among secondary school teachers and associated with aging, gender, and lower level of PA.

Feasibility and reliability of a repeated sprint test in children age 6 to 8 years.

This study investigated the feasibility and reliability of a 12 × 25-m repeated sprint test with sprints starting every 25-s in children aged 6-8 years (36 boys, 41 girls). In all subjects, total sprint time (TST) demonstrated high test-retest reliability (ICC: r = .98; CV: 0.7% (95% CI: 0.6-0.9)). While sprint time varied over the 12 sprints in all subjects (p < .001) with a significant increase in time for the third effort onwards compared with the first sprint (p < .001), there was no difference in performance between genders. In all subjects, TST decreased with age (p < .001) and was accompanied by an increase in estimated anaerobic power (p < .001) but also in sprint time decrement percentage (p < .001). Gender did not effect these changes. The present study demonstrates the practicability and reliability of a repeated sprint test with respect to age and gender in young children.

Relationship between power output, lactate, skin temperature, and muscle activity during brief repeated exercises with increasing intensity.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between power output, lactate, skin temperature, and quadriceps muscle activity during brief repeated exercise with increasing intensity. Eighteen regional level soccer players (age 24.5 ± 3.8 years) were selected after a test of maximal exercise capacity to participate in 2 force velocity (Fv) exercise tests separated by 3 days. The tests were done to examine the reliability of variables measured in the selected subjects during this type of task. During each Fv exercise test, data on power output, heart rate (HR), skin temperature, blood lactate accumulation, the root mean square (RMS), and the mean power frequency (MPF) of the surface electromyography of the superficial quadriceps muscle were collected. Results showed a significant correlation between power output and HR, skin temperature, blood lactate accumulation, and RMS. However, no association was observed with MPF that informs on the level of fatigue and power output. Thus, the result of this study may suggest that the Fv exercise test is not a fatigability test.

Effect of recovery mode on exercise time to exhaustion, cardiorespiratory responses, and blood lactate after prior, intermittent supramaximal exercise.

This study aimed to determine the effect of 3 different recovery modes (passive [PR], active [AR], and dynamic stretching [SR]) on exercise time to exhaustion (Tlim) and cardiorespiratory and blood lactate responses during supramaximal exercise. Exercise sessions consisted of 2 series of 4 repeated, intermittent supramaximal cycling exercise interspersed in random order with PR, AR, or SR before the supramaximal continuous cycling time limit (Tlim) exercise test performed at 120% of maximal aerobic power. Ten healthy volunteer soccer athletes aged 25.7 ± 2.4 years participated in this study. During each exercise session, heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption V(O2)), blood lactate concentration, and Tlim exercise performance were recorded. Higher values were obtained in HR (p < 0.01) and in V(O)2 (p < 0.001) with SR and AR compared with PR. Moreover, lower blood lactate concentration (p < 0.01) was observed with SR and AR compared with PR. A greater Tlim exercise duration was obtained for SR compared with AR (p < 0.05) and PR (p < 0.01). Dynamic stretching appeared as the best recovery mode to enhance performance and cardiorespiratory and lactate responses during intermittent supramaximal cycling exercise.

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci-Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.

Effect of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants registered in a fitness center in Douala, Cameroon.

Fitness centers are remarkably abundant in Cameroon. The aim of this work was to assess the effects of a 12-week training program on the anthropometric and physiological profiles of some participants in a fitness center. A total of 86 participants (40 from the experimental group and 46 from the control group) with age ranging from 17 to 53 years were subjected to pre- and posttraining assessments of, anthropometric parameters, physiological parameters, and performance. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC]) and blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure [SBP]) were measured according to standard protocols. Heart rate was recorded using a heart rate monitor. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake or VO2peak) was estimated by the 20-multistage shuttle run test. All the data was collected twice within 12 weeks. Weight, BMI, and WC did not show any significant variation (P>0.05) after a 12-week training program. VO2peak increase was insignificant (P>0.05) higher in men (7.5%, P=0.06), compared to women (5.4%, P=0.4). We noticed a significant reduction (P=0.002) in the SBP of men. Significant increase of HR max was found in women. There was an improvement of 13.7% in the VO2peak of the participants who did not consume alcohol. These results demonstrate the slight benefits of a 12-week training program on health. The weight characteristics of the participants and lifestyle may play an important role in these interactions.

Relationship between vertical jumping performance and anthropometric characteristics during growth in boys and girls.

The aim of the study was to compare vertical jumping performances in boys and girls during growth. The maximum heights attained in a countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) were measured using an Ergojump Bosco System. Average power output (PO) was recorded, and percentage of fast-twitch (%FT) muscle fiber distribution was estimated during the rebound jump. Differences in the maximum CMJ and SJ (CMJ-SJ) heights were calculated. Regressions between PO and age, lean body mass (LBM), and leg muscle volume (LMV), respectively, were computed for 240 boys and 239 girls (aged 11-16 years). Height, LMV, and body mass values were larger in boys than girls aged 14 years. Both groups had a similar body mass index independently of age. The CMJ, SJ, PO, and %FT were larger in boys than in girls between 12 and 16 years of age. Strong correlations were found between PO and age in the population as a whole, and between PO and LBM, PO and LMV in each group. The CMJ-SJ decreased with increasing age in both groups without significant differences. Conclusion Jumping performance increases during growth, with gender differences manifesting from 14 years onwards due to the much greater increase in leg length and LMV in boys than in girls.

Electromyographic Pattern during Gait Initiation Differentiates Yoga Practitioners among Physically Active Older Subjects.

During gait initiation, postural adjustments are needed to deal with balance and movement. With aging, gait initiation changes and reflects functional degradation of frailty individuals. However, physical activities have demonstrated beneficial effects of daily motor tasks. The aim of our study was to compare center of pressure (COP) displacement and ankle muscle co-activation during gait initiation in two physically active groups: a group of walkers (n = 12; mean age ± SD 72.6 ± 3.2 years) and a yoga group (n = 11; 71.5 ± 3.8 years). COP trajectory and electromyography of leg muscles were recorded simultaneously during five successive trials of gait initiation. Our main finding was that yoga practitioners had slower COP displacements (p < 0.01) and lower leg muscles % of coactivation (p < 0.01) in comparison with walkers. These parameters which characterized gait initiation control were correlated (r = 0.76; p < 0.01). Our results emphasize that lengthy ankle muscle co-activation and COP path in gait initiation differentiate yoga practitioners among physically active subjects.

Pre- and post-exercise electrocardiogram pattern modifications in apparently healthy school adolescents in Cameroon.

Background Physical Education and Sport (PES) is compulsory in Cameroonian education system. Cardiac accidents and sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) have been reported during PES examinations. This study aimed to contribute in the prevention of these cardiac accidents by studying pre- and post-exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern modifications in apparently healthy school adolescents. Methods One hundred school adolescents without apparent heart disease [aged 18 ± 2 years; body mass index (BMI): 21.9 ± 2.3] were included. Participants performed two intermittent sprint-endurance tests. The test consisted in walking 2000 m as warm-up, followed by sprint and endurance races. A 12-leads ECG was performed before and in 5 min after the tests. ECG patterns changes were studied with particular attention to abnormalities that could be associated with risk of SCD. Results At rest, ECG patterns variants consisted of bradycardia (30%), sinus arrhythmia (9%), posterior hemi post-block (2%), and early repolarization (3%). which disappeared after exercise in all participants. QTc (ms) and heart rate (HR) increased after exercise (p < 0.001); and RR (ms) decreased post-exercise (p < 0.001). Other changes includes the appearance of the T-waves reversed in precordial leads (V2-V4) (p < 0.001), ventricular (6%), atrial and other supraventricular premature beats (2%) in the post-exercise ECG. Left ventricular hypertrophy (2%), right auricular enlargement (2%), short PR (2%) appeared at the end of the tests. Conclusion This study suggests that an intermittent exercise can induce cardiac abnormalities able to provoke cardiac accidents and SCD in apparently healthy school adolescents.

Inspiratory muscle performance in endurance-trained elderly males during incremental exercise.

The aim of this study was to compare the inspiratory muscle performance during an incremental exercise of twelve fit old endurance-trained athletes (OT) with that of fit young athletes (YT) and healthy age-matched controls (OC). The tension-time index (TT0.1) was determined according to the equation TT0.1=P0.1/PImax×ti/ttot, where P0.1 is the mouth occlusion pressure, PImax the maximal inspiratory pressure and ti/ttot the duty cycle. For a given VCO2, OT group displayed P0.1, P0.1/PImax ratio, TT0.1 and effective impedance of the respiratory muscle values which were lower than OC group and higher than YT group. At maximal exercise, P0.1/PImax ratio and TT0.1 was still lower in the OT group than OC group and higher than YT group. This study showed lower inspiratory muscle performance attested by a higher (TT0.1) during exercise in the OT group than YT group, but appeared to be less marked in elderly men having performed lifelong endurance training compared with sedentary elderly subjects.

Effect of 24-week repeated short-time walking based training program on physical fitness of black Cameroonian obese women.

This study aimed to examine the effects of a training program based on repetition of short-time walk sequences on cardiorespiratory response, physical performance and metabolic parameters in black Cameroonian obese women. One hundred thirty-nine obese women (body mass in-dex [BMI]>30 kg/m2) were divided into three groups: premenopausal (Pre-M; 39.7±7.9 yr; n=48), postmenopausal (Post-M; 55.0±2.5 yr; n=61) and control group (CONT; 48.7±9.4 yr; n=30). Only Pre-M and Post-M completed 24-week repeated short-time walking program. An-thropometric, cardiorespiratory, metabolic parameters, and the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were measured at baseline (S1), 12 weeks follow-up (S2), and 2 days after the last session (S3). Significant changes were observed in weight, BMI, fatty mass and 6MWD in Pre-M and Post-M after 24 weeks. The waist and hip circumferences, percentages of water, muscle mass and bone mass changed in Post-M. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and forced expiratory volumes in 1 and 6 sec showed significant improvements in Pre-M and Post-M. High density lipoprotein increased only in Post-M (0.5±0.2 g/L vs 0.7±0.1 g/L, P=0.041). In conclusion, this training modality could constitute an option for obese women rehabilitation.

Physical and functional follow-up of tuberculosis patients in initial intensive phase of treatment in Cameroon using the 6-min walk test.

This study aimed to evaluate functional capacities of Cameroonian tuberculosis (TB) patients in initial intensive phase of treatment using the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and to compare them to an age-matched healthy group. Twenty-eight TB patients newly diagnosed and 19 healthy age-matched peoples participated in the study. Performance parameters were determined using the 6MWT. Anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured at baseline and after 6MWT. Two months later, TB patients were submitted to the same evaluation. We found significant differences in anthropometric parameters between the two groups. The baseline cardiorespiratory parameters and performance characteristics of TB patients were lower than control group (571.7±121.0 m vs 841.6±53.0 m, P<0.0001 for 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and 18.1±2.8 mL/kg/min vs 24.3±1.2 mL/kg/min, P<0.001 for mean VO2 peak (peak oxygen consumption). Two months after, significant improvements were noted in anthropometric, cardiorespiratory and performance parameters except for bone mass and FEV1/FEV6 (forced expiratory volumes in 1 second/6 seconds) ratio. Significant correlations were found between the 2-min walked distance (P<0.0001, r=0.95), 4-min walked distance (P<0.0001, r=0.97) and 6MWD. In conclusion, TB patients have impaired physical functional capacity but they improved after 2 months of treatment. 6MWT can be a useful tool in the assessment of physical parameters and cardiorespiratory functional capacity rehabilitation of TB patients during the treatment.

Advanced Mechanical Ventilatory Constraints During Incremental Exercise in Class III Obese Male Subjects.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the role of mechanical ventilatory constraints in obese class III subjects during incremental exercise. METHODS: We examined 14 control subjects (body mass index [BMI], 23.6 ± 3.2 kg/m(2)), 15 obese class II subjects (BMI, 37.2 ± 4.5 kg/m(2)), and 17 obese class III subjects (BMI, 53.4 ± 6.8 kg/m(2)). All subjects performed pulmonary function tests and maximal inspiratory pressure at rest, ventilatory parameters, flow-volume loops, and rated perceived exertion and breathlessness during exercise. RESULTS: All subjects had normal pulmonary function. Obesity resulted in increased minute ventilation for a given submaximal work rate, although minute ventilation during peak exercise was lowest in the obese class III subjects. End-expiratory lung volume was significantly lower in the obese subjects at rest and during exercise at the ventilatory threshold but not during peak exercise. During heavy-to-peak exercise, the obese subjects increased their end-expiratory lung volume, whereas the control group continued to decrease this parameter. Compared with controls, end-inspiratory lung volume was significantly lower in obese class II subjects and obese class III subjects at rest and at the ventilatory threshold but not during peak exercise. At maximal exercise, obese class III subjects had a greater end-inspiratory lung volume than obese class II subjects and controls. Obese class III subjects displayed a greater expiratory air flow limitation at rest, at the ventilatory threshold, and during peak exercise than both controls and obese class II subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical ventilatory constraints increase progressively with degrees of obesity, contributing to exercise limitation in obese subjects.

Is there a beneficial effect difference between age, gender, and different cardiac pathology groups of exercise training at ventilatory threshold in cardiac patients?

BACKGROUND: Research on cardiac rehabilitation has raised interesting methods and effects without however establishing the share of the profits according to age, sex and cardiac pathology. Yet today, this disease with various pathologies strikes people of all ages and both sexes, and the recommended rehabilitation exercise intensity is often the ventilatory threshold. The aim of this study was to compare benefits of a training program at ventilatory threshold according to age, gender and cardiac pathology. METHODS: One hundred and eighty eight cardiac patients, of whom 62 had coronary artery bypass surgery, 22 artery angioplasty, 54 myocardial infarction and 50 valve replacements, aged 31-82 years, performed spirometric and cardiopulmonary exercise tests before and after a training program. This program consisted of exercise on a cycloergometer for three sessions of 45 min per week for eight weeks at heart rates attenuated at ventilatory threshold (V(Th)) obtained during a cardiopulmonary exercise test conducted before the training period. RESULTS: Peak heart rate, peak aerobic power, and peak oxygen uptake determined at V(Th) increased during the training period in all groups of subjects. Men and adult groups had higher absolute values compared to women and elderly groups. No difference was observed in cardiac pathology groups. Similar improvements of aerobic capacities were observed in age, gender and cardiac pathology groups. CONCLUSIONS: A training program conducted at personalised V(Th) significantly improves the aerobic physical capacities of all cardiac patients, and inducessimilar benefits whatever the age, gender or cardiac pathology.