EPILEPTIC SEIZURES REVEALING STURGE WEBER'S DISEASE IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT: STUDY OF EIGHT CASES.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the etiological factors of epilepsy are multiple and phacomatoses, in particular Sturge weber's disease, are rarely reported due to under-medicalization and insufficient multidisciplinary care. We carried out a retrospective study of 216 patients hospitalized for recurrent epileptic seizures between 2015 and 2022 in the neurology and pediatrics department of the University Hospital Center of Conakry, among whom eight (8) patients were identified for Sturge Weber's disease in order to reassess this pathology from a clinical and paraclinical point of view in a tropical environment. Sturge Weber's disease was retained in eight (8) on the presence of symptomatic partial epileptic seizures (age 6 months to 14 years) with frequency of status epilepticus, homonymous lateral hemiparesis linked to occipital involvement, piriform calcifications on imaging and ocular disorders. The delay in consultation and medical care revealed severe mental deterioration in our patients. This study shows a stereotyped clinical picture in a context of aggravation of signs related to a delay in multidisciplinary management. These results are important for the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic discussion.

GAYET WERNICKE'S ENCEPHALOPATHY AFTER COVID-19 IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS: STUDY OF SIX (6) OBSERVATIONS IN CONAKRY.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe malnutrition in elderly populations with the appearance of vitamin deficiencies, in particular thiamine responsible for Gayet Wernicke's encephalopathy (EGW). We present a series of six (6) patients hospitalized in the Neurology Department of the CHU Ignace Deen for the management of a brain syndrome with vigilance disorders after recovery from COVID-19, including oculomotor disorders, motor incoordination on a course of severe weight loss. The six patients underwent an evaluation of malnutrition by determining the WHO body mass index, the Detsky index, the serum albumin assay, the thiamine assay and a neuroradiological assessment (MRI) and an electroencephalogram (EEG) examination although this does not seem necessary for diagnosis. Study of nutritional status: weight loss greater than 5%, patients in Desky group B and C, plasma albumin<30 g/l, lowered thiamine and MRI neuroradiological data: by the existence of hypersignals in certain regions of the neocortex, certain gray nuclei, the mammillary bodies the thalamic nuclei close to the wall of the 3rd ventricle and the regions bordering the 4th ventricle sign Gayet Wernicke's encephalopathy syndrome. This study shows a stereotyped clinical, biological, neuroradiological and evolutionary profile of Gayet Wernicke's encephalopathy in elderly subjects recovered from Covid-19 with proven malnutrition. These results are useful for the therapeutic and prognostic discussion.

Insights in the pathophysiology of haemorrhagic strokes in a sub-Sahara African country, an epidemiological and MRI study.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-cerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) seems more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) than in High-Income Countries (HIC) with poorer clinical outcome. Higher impact of hypertension and/or amyloid angiopathy could account for this disproportion. Here, we sought to (i) retrospectively compare ICH clinical and imaging patterns in Belgium and Guinea and in a subsequent cohort (ii) prospectively compare brain MRI characteristics to seek evidence for a different proportion of amyloid angiopathy patterns. METHODS: Ninety one consecutive patients admitted for spontaneous ICH at Brussels Erasme-ULB Hospital and at Conakry Ignace Deen-UGANC were retrospectively compared in terms of ICH volume estimated with the ABC/2 method, clinical characteristics and modified ranking (mRS) score at 30 days. mRS was dichotomised as good outcomes (≤3) and poor outcomes (>3). A prospective cohort of 30 consecutive patients with ICH admitted at CHU Conakry Ignace Deen-UGANC was prospectively included to undergo brain MRI. Results of the Guinean MRI were compared to 30 patients randomly selected from Brussels' initial cohort. Paired Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney u-test were used for group comparisons. RESULTS: Age of ICH onset was higher in Belgium (68 ± 17 years vs. 56 ± 14 years, P < 0.01) while ICH volume and 30-day mortality rate were higher in Guinea (20 ml vs. 11 ml, P < 0.01 and mortality 33% vs. 10 %, P < 0.01). ICH burden in survivors in Conakry and Brussels showed respectively good outcomes in 56.7% and 60.4% (P = 0.09) and poor outcomes in 10.3% vs. 29.6% (P < 0.001). MRI analysis of the prospective cohort failed to disclose significant differences regarding brain MRI characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-cerebral Haemorrhage affected patients 15 years younger in Guinea with larger haematoma volumes and higher mortality than in Belgium. MRI findings did not show more prevalent amyloid angiopathy pathology suggesting that better primary prevention of hypertension could positively impact ICH epidemiology in Guinea.

OBJECTIF: L'hémorragie intracérébrale (HIC) semble plus répandue en Afrique subsaharienne (ASS) que dans les pays à revenu élevé (PRE), avec des résultats cliniques moins bons. Un impact plus élevé de l'hypertension et/ou de l'angiopathie amyloïde pourrait expliquer cette disproportion. Ici, nous avons cherché à (i) comparer rétrospectivement les schémas cliniques et d'imagerie de l'HIC en Belgique et en Guinée et dans une cohorte subséquente (ii) comparer de manière prospective les caractéristiques de l'IRM cérébrale pour rechercher des preuves d'une proportion différente des profils d'angiopathie amyloïde. MÉTHODES: 91 patients consécutifs admis pour HIC spontanée à l'hôpital Erasme-ULB de Bruxelles et à Ignace Deen-UGANC de Conakry ont été rétrospectivement comparés en termes de volume d'HIC estimé avec la méthode ABC/2, les caractéristiques cliniques et le score de classement modifié (mRS) à 30 jours. Le mRS a été dichotomisé en bons résultats (≤3) et mauvais résultats (>3). Une cohorte prospective de 30 patients consécutifs atteints d'HIC admis au CHU Ignace Deen-UGANC de Conakry a été incluse de manière prospective pour subir une IRM cérébrale. Les résultats de l'IRM guinéenne ont été comparés à ceux de 30 patients sélectionnés aléatoirement dans la cohorte initiale de Bruxelles. Le test t de Student apparié et le test u de Mann-Whitney ont été utilisés pour les comparaisons de groupe. RÉSULTATS: L'âge d'apparition de l'HIC était plus élevé en Belgique (68 ± 17 ans vs 56 ± 14 ans, P < 0,01) tandis que le volume de l'HIC et le taux de mortalité à 30 jours étaient plus élevés en Guinée (20 ml vs 11 ml, P < 0,01 et mortalité 33% vs 10%, P <0,01). La charge de l'HIC chez les survivants à Conakry et à Bruxelles a montré respectivement de bons résultats dans 56,7% et 60,4% (P = 0,09) et de mauvais résultats dans 10,3% vs 29,6% (P < 0,001). L'analyse IRM de la cohorte prospective n'a pas permis de révéler de différences significatives concernant les caractéristiques de l'IRM cérébrale. CONCLUSIONS: L'HIC a touché des patients 15 ans plus jeunes en Guinée avec des volumes d'hématomes plus importants et une mortalité plus élevée qu'en Belgique. Les résultats de l'IRM n'ont pas montré de pathologie angiopathique amyloïde plus répandue, ce qui suggère qu'une meilleure prévention primaire de l'hypertension pourrait avoir un impact positif sur l'épidémiologie de l'HIC en Guinée.

Ischemic strokes revealing neurosyphilis: Study of six (6) observations at the neurology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), stroke is a major public health problem and the etiological aspects are poorly studied and documented because of under-medicalization; the syphilitic etiology is rarely mentioned. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective study of 472 patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke between 2016 and 2021 in the Neurology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry, confirmed by neuroradiological explorations (brain CT, MRI-Angio) and a biological workup including VDRL-TPHA serological reactions in blood and CSF. Results: Syphilitic etiology was retained for six (6) patients (4 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 43 years (extremes 36 and 49 years). The clinical picture was dominated by carotid syndromes: superficial and deep sylvian syndrome, anterior cerebral artery syndrome and vertebro-basilar syndromes and one case of lacunar syndrome.The diagnosis was based on the positivity of serological reactions (VDRL-TPHA) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the presence of a predominantly lymphocytic hypercellularity and a hyperproteinorachy in the CSF in the absence of any other etiology. Conclusion: These neurological vascular syndromes consecutive to a cerebral treponematous attack are often the result of a still poorly conducted management of primary and secondary syphilis in our country.

[Prevalence of child and teenage obesity in schools in Dakar]. / Prévalence de l'obésité de l'enfant et de l'adolescent en milieu scolaire à Dakar.

Obesity is currently viewed as a serious worldwide public health issue. In this survey, we aim to determine its prevalence among schoolchildren and teenagers in Dakar. The sample of our survey consisted of 2,356 students aged 11-17, including 1,110 boys and 1,246 girls. For each of them, we have calculated their body mass index. Based on the higher value of the norm of that index, referred to the 97th percentile of Rolland-Cachera MF's curves, we have identified obese students according to their age and sex. The prevalence of obesity within our sample is 9.34%, with 2.88% for boys and 6.46% for girls. It is at its peak in the age of 11, though there is no significance (p > 0.05) in its decrease (from age 12 to 17). There are significantly (p < 0.05) more obese students in "catholic private" schools than in "public" schools where schooling is free. Child and teenage obesity is a reality in Dakar schools. Consequently, it is advisable to determine its nationwide prevalence to take on its prevention as well as its cure.

Validation of an algorithm of time-dependent electro-clinical risk stratification for electrographic seizures (TERSE) in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical implementation of continuous electroencephalography (CEEG) monitoring in critically ill patients is hampered by the substantial burden of work that it entails for clinical neurophysiologists. Solutions that might reduce this burden, including by shortening the duration of EEG to be recorded, would help its widespread adoption. Our aim was to validate a recently described algorithm of time-dependent electro-clinical risk stratification for electrographic seizure (ESz) (TERSE) based on simple clinical and EEG features. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and EEG recordings of consecutive patients undergoing CEEG between October 1, 2015 and September, 30 2016 and assessed the sensitivity of TERSE for seizure detection, as well as the reduction in EEG time needed to be reviewed. RESULTS: In a cohort of 407 patients and compared to full CEEG review, the model allowed the detection of 95% of patients with ESz and 97% of those with electrographic status epilepticus. The amount of CEEG to be recorded to detect ESz was reduced by two-thirds, compared to the duration of CEEG taht was actually recorded. CONCLUSIONS: TERSE allowed accurate time-dependent ESz risk stratification with a high sensitivity for ESz detection, which could substantially reduce the amount of CEEG to be recorded and reviewed, if applied prospectively in clinical practice. SIGNIFICANCE: Time-dependent electro-clinical risk stratification, such as TERSE, could allow more efficient practice of CEEG and its more widespread adoption. Future studies should aim to improve risk stratification in the subgroup of patients with acute brain injury and absence of clinical seizures.

Stroke burden in Guinea: Results from the Conakry Ignace Deen Hospital stroke registry.

Sub-Saharan Africa has extremely high stroke prevalence and case fatality. Most Sub-Saharan African regions are uncharted in terms of stroke characteristics, epidemiology, and burden. We report here the results from the first stroke registry in Guinea.

Impact of poorly controlled epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea.

PURPOSE: To characterize people with epilepsy (PWE) presenting to a free neurology consultation and antiepileptic drug (AED) service in the Republic of Guinea. METHODS: Guinea is a low-income country in West Africa that recently experienced an Ebola Virus Disease epidemic. Community-dwelling PWE were seen at a public referral hospital in Conakry, the capital city. During two visits in 2017, an African-U.S. team performed structured interviews and electroencephalograms and provided AEDs. RESULTS: Of 257 participants (143 children, 122 female), 25% had untreated epilepsy and 72% met our criteria for poorly controlled epilepsy. 59% had >100 lifetime seizures, and 58% reported a history consistent with status epilepticus. 38 school-aged children were not in school and 26 adults were unemployed. 115 were not currently taking an AED, including 50 participants who had previously taken an AED and stopped. Commonly cited reasons for AED discontinuation were perceived side effects, unaffordability, and unavailability of AEDs. Traditional medicine use was more frequent among children versus adults (92/143 vs. 60/114, p = 0.048). 57 participants had head injuries, 29 had burns, and 18 had fractures. In a multivariable regression analysis, >100 lifetime seizure count was strongly associated with seizure-related injury (p < 0.001). Burns were more likely to occur among females (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to improve the standard of care for PWE in Guinea. Several missed opportunities were identified, including low use of AEDs and high use of traditional medicines, particularly in children. Targeted programs should be developed to prevent unintentional injury and improve seizure control.

[Supervision of body composition and cardiovascular parameters in long sprint running athletes (400 m)]. / L'entrainement au sprint long (400 metres plat): suivi de la composition corporelle, des constantes cardiovasculaires et de l'electrocardiogramme des athletes.

INTRODUCTION: The follow-up of performances and the prevention about possible incidents at the athletes make necessary the medical supervision in physical training. The aims of this study are to estimate the effect of a precompetition training program in athletes' body composition, and cardiovascular modifications (in clinical examination and electrocardiogram) MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten athletes (3 men and 7 women; mean age of 23.6 +/- 3.16 years) of Dakar international Athletics' Center are subjected to a training on a period of 2 months in aerobic dominant followed by a period of 3 months in anaerobic dominant. At the beginning and the end of training program, an electrocardiogram is recorded after blood pressure (BP) measure in lying and standing posture and heart rate (HR) take. The weight, height and cutaneous folds are measured to calculate the body fat percentage, fat body mass, fat-free mass and body mass index. Every athlete has performed the Ruffier test Comparisons are realized by the paired t-test, statistically significant for a p value < 0,05 RESULTS: Significant declines after training interest HR (79.2 +/- 14.7 vs 63.2 +/- 10.25 beat min(-1); p< 0.001), systolic BP in standing posture (11.8 +/- 0.44 vs 10.6 +/- 0.96 mmHg; p= 0.02), and Ruffier index (4.4 +/- 3.28 vs 2.23 +/- 1.62; p= 0.048) whereas the fat-free mass increased (53.14 +/- 8.41 vs 54.16 +/- 9.67 kg; p= 0.046). At the electrocardiogram, the number of athletes having sinusal bradycardia is crossed from 1 to 4; there is no modification as for the two cases of uncomplete right bundle-branch block and the pre-existent left ventricular hypertrophy. Negative T waves in V1 and V2 leads are present in one athlete before training and in two others after. CONCLUSION: The impact of the specific training on body is real, interesting more the cardiovascular system.

Acute parasitic and other infectious myelopathies in the tropics: 26 cases at the University Hospital in Conakry.

In tropical countries, laboratory-confirmed diagnostic certainty of parasitic and other infectious causes of acute myelopathy is difficult because of a shortage of medical professionals and consulting delays. We performed a retrospective study of 168 patients hospitalized for spinal disorders between 2007 and 2013 and identified 26 diagnosed with acute non-compressive myelopathy of presumed sudden onset. An parasitic or other infectious cause was established for all. A preliminary clinical infection preceding the development of neurologic signs was reported for 22 patients (84.6 %). Neurological signs were limited to the existence of a progressive sensorimotor symptomatology with sphincter disorders.

[Clinical appearance and scalable profile Thiamine deficiency in prison in Guinea: study of thirty-eight observations]. / Aspect clinique et profil évolutif de la carence en thiamine en milieu carcéral en Guinée : étude de trente-huit observations.

Cardiovascular and neurological manifestations associated with thiamine deficiency in Guinean prisons are common but not reported.We performed a prospective study of 38 cases related to vitamin B1 deficiency over a period of 4 years. In this population, the literature of traditional data gathered: frequency peak after thirty (92.6%) and clear representation male (sex ratio M/F: 18/1). The clinical symptomatology remains essentially dominated by sensorimotor polyneuropathy and pure sensory (52.2%), overall heart failure (31.5%) and to a lesser degree by Gayet Wernicke's encephalopathy (7.8%) and shoshin beriberi with severe evolution (5.2%). The study of nutritional status by body mass index (BMI) of the World Health Organization, by the criteria of Detsky and biological markers including albumin, shows that these patients are severely malnourished.

Are athletes able to self-select their optimal warm up?

This study aimed to examine whether athletes are able to self-select their optimal warm up and to propose a methodological approach in investigating the effects of warm up on performance. Nine male subjects underwent a free field warm up (FWU) at a self-selected intensity and duration during which heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (Tre) were monitored. The intensity of this warm up was subsequently estimated from the HR obtained during an incremental test to determine maximal power (Pmax). Performance (cycle time to exhaustion at Pmax), HR and Tre, were then examined following either: NWU (no warm up); RWU (reference warm up based on FWU); RWU-10 (warm up intensity diminished by 10% compared to RWU); and RWU+10 (warm up intensity increased by 10% compared to RWU). Results showed no significant difference in HR (P = 0.37) and Tre increase (P= 0.77) between FWU and RWU. Performance improvement after warm up conditions gave RWU (56%; ie, 5/9 subjects) >RWU-10 (33%; ie, 3/9) >RWU+10 (11%; ie, 1/9) >NWU with significant differences between RWU and NWU (P < 0.01); RWU and RWU+10 (P < 0.01); RWU-10 and NWU (P < 0.01). A warm up intensity ranging from 54-72% Pmax, and inducing an increase in heart rate to 80 +/- 6% HRmax, was found to be optimal. While most athletes were able to self-determine the intensity of their optimal warm up, for others there is still a need for control.

[Effects of Ramadan fast on weight, performance and glycemia during training for resistance]. / Effet du Ramadan sur le poids, la performance et la glycemie au cours d'un entrainement a la resistance.

INTRODUCTION: Pysical activity and sports training can be proved exhausted for the organism during normal alimentation period. These sensations may go on more pronounced during Ramadan, period of complete fast marked by an absence of energetic and hydroelectrolytic supply. Our propose was to evaluate the impact of Ramadan on weight, performance and glycaemia during a training for resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten Senegalese males 200 and 400 meters runners aged 24.4 +/- 6 years old had two training sessions, one during the Ramadan and the other during normal non fast time. The 200 meters runners had executed each one two series of 3 x 150 m, and the 400 meters runners executed one serie of 3 x 250 m. These parameters have been measured respectively by a SECA scales, a PC 70 A chronometer, and a capillary glycaemia reader. RESULTS: During Ramadan the weights a nd performances of our athletes decreased significantly (0.01 > p > 0.001) with race intensities equal to or slightly higher than those of competition, requiring anaerobic glycolysis. We found severe hypoglycaemia mainly before the training session, 10 hours after the last meal. We found no severe hypoglycaemia in normal non-fast time. Therefore all differences in average glycaemia rates in each testing case (except between the morning and after training in time of complete fast) a nd between them, a re significant. The performance fall is the conjugation of the blood sugar rate collapse a nd recovery. CONCLUSION: A balance diet with high content of carbon hydrates is a dvisable to prevent h ypoglycaemia that c an a dversely affect the health of fasting sportsman training for resistance.

[Comparative study of the effect of fasting during Ramadan on the glycaemia at rest in sportsmen and sedentaries]. / Etude comparative de l'effet du jeûne du ramadan sur la glycémie au repos chez des sportifs et des sédentaires.

The fast of Ramadan submits body to transient metabolic modifications; and decrease of glycaemia can be one of results. Physical exercise modifies rate of plasmatic hormones responsible for its regulation. The purpose of this study is to appreciate the influence of the fast on this biologic parameter in sportsmen and sedentaries. Thirty (30) healthy subjects (15 sportsmen of stamina and 15 sedentaries), with 25 years of average age were recruited. They have all a comparable diet. We excluded subjects having practised a physical exercise the day of the test. Capillary glycaemia was measured after weighed and physical exam, in 2 periods: in second Ramadan's fortnight, 15 minutes before food intake, two (2) months after Ramadan at least 4 hours at distance of the last meal. Comparisons were remitted in the test of Student, significant for p value lower than 0.05. During Ramadan, the glycaemia of the sportsmen at rest, is at one exception always superior or equal to that of the sedentaries. However, there is non significant difference as much during the fast as in normal food intake. Respective averages are 4.6 mmol/l, 0.15 and 4.5 mmol/l, 0.01 during Ramadan. They cross then in 4.8 mmol/l, 0.2 and 4.8 mmol/l, 0.4 in normal food intake. Landmark, the comparison of the averages from period to the other one in every group shows a significant difference only for the sedentaries. The return to normal food intake was expressed by an important gain in weight for all subjects. The fast of Ramadan has no notorious influence on sportsman's glycaemia contrary to that of sedentary. In other words, the sportsman administers better his stocks of glucose. Previous works however strongly advised against sports practice during Ramadan and more particularly the competitions, because, exercises of strong intensity can induce dehydration.

[Physical performance and thermoregulatory study of subjects with sickle cell trait during a sub-maximal exercise]. / Etude de la performance physique et de la thermoregulation des sujets porteurs du trait drepanocytaire au cours d'un exercice sous maximal.

The sickle cell trait is a genetic abnormality of red blood cells. It is due to the mutation of a parental gene, which rest Its to the substitution of glutamic acid by valin on beta globin chain of haemoglobin. The possibility for sickle cell trait carriers (SCT) to present any disturbance during predominantly anaerobic and aerobic exercises is unclear. Ten (10) subjects with sickle cell trait and 10 subjects control were studied during exercise test on cycloergometer. They were all students of the National Institute of Popular Education and Sport of Dakar. The mean of environmental temperature was 26 degrees C and humidity was 60 to 80%. After haematological analysis, a submaximal muscular exercise for one hour with 75% of maximal heart rate was done. We have determined heart rate, blood pressure, rectal and skin temperature during exercise. Haematological parameters shown any significant difference between the two groups. No significant difference was found in cardiocirculatory variables during maximal exercise in cycloergometer between control group and sickle cell trait group. The two groups have done submaximal exercise during 1 hour without particular difficulty. We have not observed a significant difference between the two groups in cardiovascular variables, rectal and skin temperature during exercise, and after 3 minutes of rest. These results show that subjects with SCT have physical capacity comparable with control subjects during a sub maximal exercise for 1 hour. We can assure that subjects with SCT in our country may participate in sports competition, as well as normal subjects (HbAA).

Clinical efficacy and tolerability of tenoxicam in African patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis and/or bursitis: an open study.

An open clinical evaluation was carried out in 736 African out-patients suffering from rheumatic and inflammatory disorders to assess the efficacy and tolerability of tenoxicam in relieving the signs and symptoms of their condition. On entry, all previous treatment was discontinued and patients received a simple daily dose of 20 mg tenoxicam orally for 15 days in the case of those with rheumatoid arthritis or tendinitis, or for 30 days in those with osteoarthritis. Paracetamol was allowed as a rescue analgesic. Subjective verbal scale assessments were used to determine levels of pain at rest, on movement and at night, sleep disturbance and functional incapacity, on entry and during treatment. At the end of the study period, both physicians and patients gave an overall opinion of the clinical response to tenoxicam, and patients were asked how their current compared with their previous treatment. The results showed that approximately 90% of patients had an excellent or good response to tenoxicam with marked improvement in all the signs and symptoms evaluated. Moreover, tenoxicam proved to be well tolerated, only a small number of patients reporting adverse events, mainly gastro-intestinal.

[Growth and ventilatory function in Black children and adolescents]. / Croissance et fonction ventilatoire chez l'enfant et l'adolescent noirs.

The authors realized an anthropometric and spirometric study in Senegalese children and adolescents, 119 males and 82 females were selected. They studied the statural and thoracic rate of growth with age and the consequences on lung function growth. The correlations between each spirometric parameter and each anthropometric parameter were calculated in order to determine the best regression equations of pulmonary volumes and flows according to height, weight and other anatomical parameters. Results were compared to literature. The spirometric values were very close to Black American and African ones but the spirometric volumes were about 20% less than Caucasian values. The differences in forced expiratory flows were smaller (10%). The explanation is mainly anatomic: African children have smaller thorax with long limbs as it was shown largely in adults. The rate of somatic and lung growth was not similar to Caucasian children, thus we have proposed our regression equations as spirometric reference values for African children and adolescents.

[An attempt to analyse the recovery mode effects on heart rate and performance in a series of 400 meter flat race]. / Essai d'analyse des effets du mode de récupération sur la fréquence cardiaque et la performance au cours d'une série de courses de 400 mètres plats.

22 subjects divided into two groups A and B have to observe respectively passive and active recuperations. The analysis of the results shows that the subjects of Group B present a lower pulse rate at the end of the test. However, their average heart rate is not significantly different form that of the subjects of Group A. Group B is significantly more performant than Group A with regard to the total distance covered (P < 001) and duration (05 > P > 01).

[Transverse study comparing certain physical characteristics of Senegalese children and adolescents from 7 to 13 years of age]. / Etude transversale--comparativé de certaines qualités physiques d'enfants et d'adolescents sénégalais âges de 7 a 13 ans.

350 boys and 350 girls 7 to 13 years of age that are equally divided into 7 age groups according to sex, have been submitted to action speed tests (pure speed), co-ordination-speed, pure-power, co-ordination-power, flexibility and balance. The objective of our study was to compare the average evolution of each of these qualities according sex and age. From 7 to 13 boys were more performing than the girls in the first four tests; it's the opposite when il comes to the last two ones. Yet, the differences shown on both sides were not altogether significant but in action--speed (except at 9) and in flexibility. The two sexes were significantly different at the age of 7 and from 9 to 10 in balance, from 10 to 13 in pure-power, from 11 to 13 in co-ordination-power and from 12 to 13 in co-ordination-speed. It is often from the age of 7 to 9 or 10 that the average yearly gains of the performances are significant. Among the girls, they undergo more noticeable reductions from 9 or 10 until 12, before to decrease between 12 and 13 (in pure speed, co-ordination-speed and pure power), whereas the boys', for all the above mentioned physical qualities, remain unchanged or increase in a more significant way (except in flexibility). These significant results suggest a diversification of motor learning contents for boys and girls of the same age, or of different age according to sex.

[Central temperature and its circadian rhythm in men acclimated to the intertropical zone]. / La température centrale et son rythme circadien chez l'homme acclimaté à la zone intertropicale.

The central temperature has been measured at rest over 623 black men who are between 18 and 78 years old, and perfectly fit to warm weather in the intertropical areas. The measures have been taken according to two protocols: dealing with the ambiant temperature and the humidity (ambiant temperature varying from 20 degrees C to 42 degrees C, the humidity from 70% to 80%). dealing with the daily cycle: The central temperature was recorded every 3 hours by 24 hours at two different periods in the year, on June (the ambiant temperature varying from 28 degrees C to 42 degrees C and the humidity from 33 to 42%), and on December (the ambiant temperature varying from 21 degrees C to 25 degrees C and the humidity from 70 to 90%). On the one hand, the results showed an influence of the external temperatures on the circadian curves of the central temperature (maximal central temperature taken in the afternoon was 37.2 degrees C in winter and 37.6 degrees C in summer). On the other hand, there's a linear relation between central temperature and ambiant temperature, at least on certain limit and apart from the weather. In spite of two modifications, the thermoregulator system of some designed individual remain efficiency but would work rather than according to the mechanism of the "following" systems.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)