A Wireless Rowing Measurement System for Improving the Rowing Performance of Athletes.

The rowing technique is a key factor in the overall rowing performance. Nowadays the athletes' performance is so advanced that even small differences in technique can have an impact on sport competitions. To further improve the athletes' performance, individualized rowing is necessary. This can be achieved by intelligent measurement technology that provides direct feedback. To address this issue, we developed a novel wireless rowing measurement system (WiRMS) that acquires rowing movement and measures muscle activity using electromyography (EMG). Our measurement system is able to measure several parameters simultaneously: the rowing forces, the pressure distribution on the scull, the oar angles, the seat displacement and the boat acceleration. WiRMS was evaluated in a proof-of-concept study with seven experienced athletes performing a training on water. Evaluation results showed that WiRMS is able to assess the rower's performance by recording the rower's movement and force applied to the scull. We found significant correlations (p < 0.001) between stroke rate and drive-to-recovery ratio. By incorporating EMG data, a precise temporal assignment of the activated muscles and their contribution to the rowing motion was possible. Furthermore, we were able to show that the rower applies the force to the scull mainly with the index and middle fingers.

Force-velocity profiles of track cyclists differ between seated and non-seated positions.

The aim of the study was to compare the Force-Velocity profiles of track sprint cyclists obtained in seated and non-seated positions. Athletes were tested on a stationary cycle ergometer for the seated position and on a racing bike at the velodrome for the non-seated position. We modelled torque and power vs. cadence relationships and extracted maximal force (F0), optimal cadence (Copt), maximal power (Pmax), maximal cadence (C0) and Copt/C0 ratio. Torque/power production was larger in the non-seated position for cadences ranging from 20 to 120 rpm, while more torque and power were produced in the seated position at cadences above 160 rpm. The effective pedal force increased by 0.2 times bodyweight at 50 rpm, and the power production increased by 2.5 W. kg-1 at 90 rpm in the non-seated position. Copt (-14 ± 8 rpm, P < 0.05) and C0 (-55 ± 32 rpm, P < 0.05) were lowered, while Pmax (+1.7 ± 1.1 W. kg-1, P < 0.05) and Copt/C0 ratios (+0.07 ± 0.04, P < 0.05) were increased in the non-seated position when compared with the seated position. Our results show that adopting a non-seated position allows sprint cyclists to maximise torque/power production at lower cadences, while torque/power production was maximised at higher cadences when athletes adopted a seated position.

Interrater reliability of a customized submaximal cycle ergometer test.

PURPOSE: Graded exercise testing (GXTs) is used to determine maximum oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]). Recently, customized submaximal exercise testing (CSET) completed on both treadmill and cycle ergometry were validated. METHODS: Interrater reliability of the CSET for cycle ergometry was examined. Thirteen participants (age 31 ± 10.2 y, weight 77.9 ± 10.5 kg, height 176.2 ± 9.9 cm, body mass index 25.1 ± 2.9) completed the 2-stage × 3-min CSET protocol performed by two separate testers. True [Formula: see text] was determined using the highest value derived by a GXT and verification bout. Skeletal muscle oxygen saturation ([Formula: see text]), measured using near-infrared spectrometry on the medial gastrocnemius muscle, and [Formula: see text] were monitored during each CSET; whereby, [Formula: see text] kinetics were modeled breath-by-breath data for each 3-min stage. Measurement agreement was quantified using intraclass coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: "True" [Formula: see text] (ml·kg-1·min-1) between the GXT (41.3 ± 10.5) and verification (42.5 ± 11.5) was established (ICC = 0.98, TE: 0.98, CV 2.1%). Estimated [Formula: see text] by tester 1 (42.5 ± 9.8) and tester 2 (42.7 ± 8.9) did not differ from "true" [Formula: see text] (F2,36 = 0.02, p = 0.98, ηp2 = 0.00). The second stage evoked a [Formula: see text] slow component of 194 ± 124 ml·min-1 that corresponded with a time-dependent decline of [Formula: see text]. The mean [Formula: see text] from the two CSET testers were highly correlated (ICC = 0.91, TE: 4.1%, CV = 8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The CSET is a reliable and valid procedure and [Formula: see text] is a useful tool for corroborating the second stage is in the heavy-intensity domain.

Maximal Fat Oxidation during Incremental Upper and Lower Body Exercise in Healthy Young Males.

The aim of this study is to determine the magnitude of maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during incremental upper and lower body exercise. Thirteen non-specifically trained male participants (19.3 ± 0.5 y, 78.1 ± 9.1 kg body mass) volunteered for this repeated-measures study, which had received university ethics committee approval. Participants undertook two incremental arm crank (ACE) and cycle ergometry (CE) exercise tests to volitional exhaustion. The first test for each mode served as habituation. The second test was an individualised protocol, beginning at 40% of the peak power output (POpeak) achieved in the first test, with increases of 10% POpeak until volitional exhaustion. Expired gases were recorded at the end of each incremental stage, from which fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates were calculated. MFO was taken as the greatest fat oxidation value during incremental exercise and expressed relative to peak oxygen uptake (%V˙O2peak). MFO was lower during ACE (0.44 ± 0.24 g·min-1) than CE (0.77 ± 0.31 g·min-1; respectively, p < 0.01) and occurred at a lower exercise intensity (53 ± 21 vs. 67 ± 18%V˙O2peak; respectively, p < 0.01). Inter-participant variability for MFO was greatest during ACE. These results suggest that weight loss programs involving the upper body should occur at lower exercise intensities than for the lower body.

Six-minute rowing test: a valid and reliable method for assessing power output in amateur male rowers.

Background: Standardized tests are currently available to assess power output in elite rowers. However, there are no valid and reliable tests to assess power output in amateur rowers. Objective: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a 6-min rowing ergometer test (6-minRT) as a predictor of power output (PO) in amateur male rowers. Methods: Twelve male amateur rowers were part of the study. All participants were instructed to perform an incremental test (IT), a 6-minRT test, and a retest. The validity of the 6-minRT was determined by comparing maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and power output (PO) between the IT and 6-minRT. Reliability included the coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and mean standard error between the 6-minRT test and retest. The significance level was p < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in VO2max in both IT and 6-minRT (p = 0.18), while the mean power output (Pmean) generated in the 6-minRT equaled 91.96% of the maximal aerobic power (MAP) generated in the IT (p = 0.004). Reliability analysis for the 6-minRT showed a CV = 0.50% and ICC = 0.97 for distance, a CV = 1.85% and ICC = 0.96 for Pmean. Conclusion: From a ventilatory and mechanical point of view, the 6-minRT is a maximally valid test for establishing MAP in amateur rowers. Also, the 6-minRT evidences a high degree of agreement between days. Therefore, the 6-minRT is a valid and reliable test for assessing PO in amateur male rowers.

Log-Transformed Electromyography Amplitude Power Output Relationship: Nondominant vs. Dominant Limb.

ABSTRACT: Boccomino, HL, Daoud, BT, Hudas, A, North, WA, and Malek, MH. Log-transformed electromyography amplitude power output relationship: nondominant vs. dominant limb. J Strength Cond Res 36(3): 851-856, 2022-Findings from studies that examine bilateral differences between the nondominant and dominant limb during whole-body (i.e., cycle ergometry) are equivocal. This may, in part, be because of the mode of exercise (i.e., whole-body) and how the data are analyzed. Surface electromyography (EMG) is a noninvasive method of examining motor unit recruitment and activation during exercise. The log-transformed electromyography amplitude power output relationship provides y-intercept and slope terms on a subject-by-subject basis that can therefore be statistically analyzed. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to identify potential differences in the muscle for the nondominant and dominant limb using the log-transformed EMG amplitude power output relationship for continuous exercise that isolates the quadricep femoris muscles. Nine healthy college-aged men (mean ± SEM: age, 22.6 ± 1.2 years; mass, 68.6 ± 10.4 kg; and height, 1.76 ± 0.03 m) volunteered as subjects for the current study. Each subject visited the laboratory on a single occasion, had EMG electrodes placed on their rectus femoris muscle for their nondominant and dominant limb, and performed an incremental double-leg knee-extensor ergometry to voluntary exhaustion. The subjects achieved a mean power output (75 ± 8 W) for the exercise test. In addition, a mean end-exercise heart rate (155 ± 8 b·min-1) corresponded to 79 ± 4% of the age-predicted heart rate using the formula 220-age. Separate paired t tests for the slope (t[8] = 0.929 p = 0.38) and y-intercept (t[8] = 0.368, p = 0.72) terms revealed no significant mean differences between the 2 limbs. The results of the present study indicate that there are no differences in muscle activation between the nondominant and dominant limbs for continuous exercise that isolates the muscle.

Perceived Consumption of a High-Dose Caffeine Drink Delays Neuromuscular Fatigue.

ABSTRACT: Elhaj, HM, Imam, O, Page, BW, Vitale, JM, and Malek, MH. Perceived consumption of a high-dose caffeine drink delays neuromuscular fatigue. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1185-1190, 2022-The placebo effect is a concept in which a desired outcome arises, mainly from the belief that the treatment (i.e., supplement or drug) was beneficial although no active ingredient was given. The results of studies related to the placebo effect primarily examine functional performance. What remains unanswered, however, is whether these changes in performance are associated with neuromuscular alterations in the exercised muscles. The purpose of the study, therefore, was to determine the influence of the placebo effect on the physical working capacity fatigue threshold (PWCFT) for a continuous exercise paradigm. To achieve this aim, subjects were told that they were participating in a study to determine the dosage response (low or high) of caffeine on neuromuscular fatigue when in fact no caffeine was given during the experiment. We hypothesized that the perceived consumption of the high-dose caffeine drink would result in a higher PWCFT than the perceived consumption of the low-dose caffeine drink and placebo. Secondarily, we hypothesized that the perceived consumption of the high-dose caffeine drink would result in a higher power output than the perceived consumption of the placebo. Nine healthy college-aged men (mean ± SEM: age, 25.7 ± 1.3 years; body mass, 84.4 ± 3.1 kg; and height: 1.82 ± 0.02 m) volunteered to be in the study. For each of the visits, subjects were given an 8 oz. bottle of water with dissolved crystal light. After the drink was consumed, subjects rested in the laboratory for 1 hour before performing the incremental single-leg knee-extensor ergometry. Immediately after the termination of the incremental single-leg knee-extensor ergometry, the subject was asked which caffeine dose (placebo, low, or high) they believed they consumed for that visit. There were no significant mean differences for maximal power output for the 3 perceived conditions (placebo: 62 ± 3, low-dose caffeine: 62 ± 4, and high-dose caffeine: 65 ± 3 W). When the subjects perceived consuming the high-dose caffeine drink, there were significant mean differences (all p-values < 0.01), for PWCFT, between the other conditions (mean ± SEM: placebo: 23 ± 3 W, low-dose caffeine: 26 ± 2 W, and high-dose caffeine: 42 ± 3 W). This corresponded to a significant mean difference (all p-values < 0.01) when the PWCFT was presented as a percentage of the maximal power output (mean ± SEM: placebo: 37 ± 5%, low-dose caffeine: 42 ± 3%, and high-dose caffeine: 64 ± 3%). The application of our results may indicate that the subject's expectancy, to caffeine consumption, plays a critical role in delaying the onset of neuromuscular fatigue despite not receiving any caffeine in their drinks.

Recurrence quantification analysis of heart rate variability to detect both ventilatory thresholds.

Aims of this study were: to verify if Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) time series could determine both ventilatory thresholds in individuals with different fitness levels, and to assess the validity of RQA method compared to gas-exchange method (GE). The two thresholds were estimated in thirty young individuals during incremental exercise on cycle-ergometer: Heart rate (HR), Oxygen consumption (VO2) and Workload were measured by the two methods (RQA and GE). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess main effects of methods and methods-by-groups interaction effects for HR, VO2 and Workload at aerobic (AerT) and anaerobic (AnT) thresholds. Validity of RQA at both thresholds was assessed for HR, VO2 and Workload by Ordinary Least Products (OLP) regression, Typical Percentage Error (TE), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and the Bland Altman plots. No methods-by-groups interaction effects were detected for HR, VO2 and Workload at AerT and AnT. The OLP analysis showed that at both thresholds RQA and GE methods had very strong correlations (r >0.8) in all variables (HR, VO2 and Workload). Slope and intercept values always included the 1 and the 0, respectively. At AerT the TE ranged from 4.02% (5.48 bpm) to 10.47% (8.53 Watts) (HR and Workload, respectively) and in all variables ICC values were excellent (≥0.85). At AnT the TE ranged from 2.53% (3.98 bpm) to 6.64% (7.81 Watts) (HR and Workload, respectively) and in all variables ICC values were excellent (≥0.90). Therefore, RQA of HRV time series is a new valid approach to determine both ventilatory thresholds in individuals with different physical fitness levels, it can be used when gas analysis is not possible or not convenient.

Ergometría en el entrenamiento de alto rendimiento cubano / Ergometry in cuban high performance training

Introducción: El Centro de Investigaciones del Deporte Cubano, en estrecha relación con el Instituto de Medicina Deportiva, ha realizado en el Área de control cardiorrespiratorio numerosas pruebas funcionales a los deportistas de alto rendimiento. Como parte del control médico a los deportistas, se han ejecutado pruebas ergométricas cardiopulmonares en el laboratorio, con la novedad de ajustarse los protocolos a las necesidades especiales del atleta en función de su modalidad deportiva. Objetivos: Fundamentar la importancia de la ergometría cardiovascular para el entrenamiento deportivo y rediseñar protocolos de ergometría deportiva acordes a las especificidades de la modalidad atlética. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, en el periodo entre noviembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. Muestra selectiva intencional, todos los deportistas de los equipos nacionales en cada modalidad: judo, boxeo y luchas (libre y grecorromana). Resultados: Se rediseñaron los protocolos de ergometría sobre la base de los convencionales estandarizados en medicina deportiva, para judo, boxeo y lucha. Se obtuvieron parámetros óptimos (frecuencia cardíaca, volumen máximo de oxígeno y equivalente metabólico) para cada modalidad deportiva. Conclusiones: Las pruebas ergoespirométricas constituyen una herramienta científica útil en la medicina deportiva. Rediseñar protocolos ergométricos permite una mejor valoración funcional del atleta y proporciona un adecuado soporte científico al entrenamiento individual. La ergometría cardiopulmonar es un instrumento disponible para evaluar, recuperar y mejorar las capacidades funcionales y deportivas de los atletas de alto rendimiento, especialmente en la etapa pos-COVID-19(AU)

Introduction: The Cuban Sports Research Center, in close relationship with the Institute of Sports Medicine, has carried out numerous functional tests on high-performance athletes for cardiorespiratory monitoring. As part of the medical control of athletes, cardiopulmonary ergometric tests have been carried out in the laboratory, with the novelty of adjusting the protocols to the special needs of the athlete depending on their sports modality. Objectives: To demonstrate the importance of cardiovascular exercise testing for sports training and to redesign sports exercise testing protocols according to the specificities of the athletic modality. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal study was carried out from November 2019 to February 2020. Intentional selective sample, all the athletes of the national teams in each modality such as judo, boxing and wrestling. Results: The ergometry protocols were redesigned based on the conventional standardized in sports medicine, for judo, boxing and wrestling. Optimal parameters, as heart rate, maximum oxygen volume and metabolic equivalent, were obtained for each sports modality. Conclusions: Ergospirometric tests are a useful scientific tool in sports medicine. Redesigning ergometric protocols allows better functional assessment of the athletes and provides adequate scientific support for individual training. Cardiopulmonary ergometry is an instrument available to evaluate, recover and improve the functional and sports capacities of high-performance athletes, especially in the post-COVID-19 stage(AU)

Initiating aerobic exercise with low glycogen content reduces markers of myogenesis but not mTORC1 signaling.

BACKGROUND: The effects of low muscle glycogen on molecular markers of protein synthesis and myogenesis before and during aerobic exercise with carbohydrate ingestion is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen on mTORC1 signaling and markers of myogenesis. METHODS: Eleven men completed two cycle ergometry glycogen depletion trials separated by 7-d, followed by randomized isocaloric refeeding for 24-h to elicit low (LOW; 1.5 g/kg carbohydrate, 3.0 g/kg fat) or adequate (AD; 6.0 g/kg carbohydrate, 1.0 g/kg fat) glycogen. Participants then performed 80-min of cycle ergometry (64 ± 3% VO2peak) while ingesting 146 g carbohydrate. mTORC1 signaling (Western blotting) and gene transcription (RT-qPCR) were determined from vastus lateralis biopsies before glycogen depletion (baseline, BASE), and before (PRE) and after (POST) exercise. RESULTS: Regardless of treatment, p-mTORC1Ser2448, p-p70S6KSer424/421, and p-rpS6Ser235/236 were higher (P < 0.05) POST compared to PRE and BASE. PAX7 and MYOGENIN were lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD, regardless of time, while MYOD was lower (P < 0.05) in LOW compared to AD at PRE, but not different at POST. CONCLUSION: Initiating aerobic exercise with low muscle glycogen does not affect mTORC1 signaling, yet reductions in gene expression of myogenic regulatory factors suggest that muscle recovery from exercise may be reduced.

Difference in total workload during sprint interval training for adults living with or without obesity.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of the study was to compare the implications of body composition on work volume, power outputs (peak, mean, and minimum), and relative drop load throughout 4 weeks of sprint interval training (SIT) in individuals living with and without obesity. METHODS: Thirty-four participants living with (n = 16) and without (n = 18) obesity took part in 12 sessions of SIT over 4 weeks. SIT consisted of repeated 30-s Wingate with a drop load of 7.5% of the participant's body mass separated by 4 min of active recovery. Fat-free mass was estimated using a BOD POD. Work volume, drop load, and power output (peak, mean, and minimum) relative to body mass and fat-free mass were calculated using a Monark 874E Weight cycle ergometer. RESULTS: Individuals living with obesity had a significantly larger drop load relative to fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and absolute drop load (p < 0.001) as well as a lower cycling cadence (p < 0.001) compared to individuals without obesity. No significant difference was observed in work volume (p = 0.167) as well as mean (p = 0.903), peak (p = 0.294), and minimum (p = 0.103) power relative to fat-free mass between groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that individuals living with obesity work at a higher relative drop load when utilizing a percentage of body mass; however, a reduced cycling cadence results in similar total work volume throughout SIT.

Ergometría cardiovascular en la cultura física y el deporte / Cardiovascular ergometry in sports and physical culture

Introducción: La cultura física y el deporte tienen una gran importancia en el fortalecimiento de la salud humana y en la prevención de los procesos de enfermedad y envejecimiento. Dentro de las herramientas científico-tecnológicas utilizadas desde las ciencias aplicadas, la ergometría es uno de los instrumentos fundamentales en el campo médico deportivo. Puede ser empleada en la planificación del entrenamiento deportivo e igualmente, en el diagnóstico y la recuperación de la salud en los individuos enfermos, así como en el mantenimiento del bienestar físico en la persona sana, de cualquier grupo de edad. Objetivo: Fundamentar la importancia de la ergometría cardiovascular en apoyo a la cultura física y el deporte. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de literatura científica y trabajos investigativos relacionados con los temas de cultura física y deporte en relación con la ergometría. Se revisaron los trabajos publicados actualmente en Medline con la interfaz PubMed. Desarrollo: La ergometría cardiovascular permite valorar indicadores fiables antes de iniciar toda práctica deportiva. Esto garantiza la implementación de planes de entrenamiento dirigidos sobre bases científicas y evidencia la elevación del rendimiento deportivo, de la calidad de vida y la salud. Conclusiones: La ergometría es una herramienta científico-tecnológica que permite avalar un inicio y mantenimiento eficaz del entrenamiento deportivo individualizado. Es necesaria para la implementación de un correcto programa de ejercicios físicos, que tiene como objetivos promover salud y mejorar los componentes de la aptitud física relacionados con la salud y la rehabilitación(AU)

Introduction: Physical culture and sports are of great importance in strengthening human health and in preventing disease and aging processes. Within the scientific-technological tools used by applied sciences, ergometry is one of the fundamental instruments in the sports medical field. It can be used in the planning of sports training and also in the diagnosis and recovery of health in sick individuals, as well as in the maintenance of physical well-being in the healthy person, of any age group. Objective: To prove the importance of cardiovascular ergometry in support of physical culture and sports. Methods: A review of scientific literature and research works related to the topics of physical culture and sports as to exercise testing was carried out. Articles currently published in Medline with the PubMed interface were reviewed. Findings: Cardiovascular ergometry allows to assess reliable indicators before starting any sports practice. This guarantees the implementation of specific training plans founded on scientific bases, which evidences the rise of sports performance, quality of life and health. Conclusions: Ergometry is a scientific-technological tool that allows to guarantee an effective start and maintenance of individualized sports training. It is necessary for the implementation of correct physical exercise programs, which aims to promote health and improve the components of physical fitness related to health and rehabilitation(AU)

Functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycle ergometry-based progressive mobility programme for mechanically ventilated patients: randomised controlled trial with 6 months follow-up.

PURPOSE: Functional electrical stimulation-assisted cycle ergometry (FESCE) enables in-bed leg exercise independently of patients' volition. We hypothesised that early use of FESCE-based progressive mobility programme improves physical function in survivors of critical care after 6 months. METHODS: We enrolled mechanically ventilated adults estimated to need >7 days of intensive care unit (ICU) stay into an assessor-blinded single centre randomised controlled trial to receive either FESCE-based protocolised or standard rehabilitation that continued up to day 28 or ICU discharge. RESULTS: We randomised in 1:1 ratio 150 patients (age 61±15 years, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II 21±7) at a median of 21 (IQR 19-43) hours after admission to ICU. Mean rehabilitation duration of rehabilitation delivered to intervention versus control group was 82 (IQR 66-97) versus 53 (IQR 50-57) min per treatment day, p<0.001. At 6 months 42 (56%) and 46 (61%) patients in interventional and control groups, respectively, were alive and available to follow-up (81.5% of prespecified sample size). Their Physical Component Summary of SF-36 (primary outcome) was not different at 6 months (50 (IQR 21-69) vs 49 (IQR 26-77); p=0.26). At ICU discharge, there were no differences in the ICU length of stay, functional performance, rectus femoris cross-sectional diameter or muscle power despite the daily nitrogen balance was being 0.6 (95% CI 0.2 to 1.0; p=0.004) gN/m2 less negative in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Early delivery of FESCE-based protocolised rehabilitation to ICU patients does not improve physical functioning at 6 months in survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02864745.

Current limits for flowmeter resistance in metabolic carts can negatively affect exercise performance.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether a metabolic cart using a flowmeter in the upper range of accepted resistance to airflow (<1.5 cmH2 O∙L-1 ∙s-1 for flows up to 14 L∙s-1 , American Thoracic Society) negatively impacts exercise performance in healthy individuals. METHODS: 16 recreationally active males (age 25 ± 1 years, height 180 ± 6 cm, weight 73.5 ± 5.8 kg, all mean ± SD) performed two incremental tests on a bicycle ergometer on each of two visits, using a metabolic cart with a flowmeter of either low (Oxycon Pro) or high (Innocor) airflow resistance. Mouth pressures, gas exchange, blood lactate concentration [La- ], perception of breathlessness, respiratory, and leg exertion were assessed throughout the tests. RESULTS: Tests performed with the Innocor were significantly shorter (15.3 ± 3.2 vs. 15.8 ± 3.3 min, p < 0.0001) and showed higher maximal flow resistance (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.0 cmH2 O∙L-1 ∙s-1 , p < 0.0001). At end-exercise, peak oxygen consumption (-200 ± 220 ml.min-1 , p < 0.0001), minute ventilation (-19.9 ± 10.5 L.min-1 , p < 0.0001), breathing frequency (-5.4 ± 5.2 breaths.min-1 , p < 0.0001), heart rate (-2.1 ± 3.6 bpm, p = 0.002) and [La- ] (-0.7 ± 1.0 mmol.L-1 , p < 0.0001), but not tidal volume (-0.1 ± 0.2 L, p = 0.172) were lower with the Innocor, while the perception of breathlessness was higher (+3.8 ± 5.1 points, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Airflow resistance in the upper range of current guidelines can significantly affect exercise performance and respiratory pattern in young, healthy males during incremental exercise. The present results indicate the need to revisit guidelines for devices used in ergospirometry.

Consideraciones médicas entorno a la reincorporación deportiva después de la COVID-19 / Medical considerations around sports resuming after COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: El 11 de marzo de 2020 se declaró por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) a la enfermedad causada por el coronavirus SARS-COV-2, la COVID-19, como pandemia global. Tanto en Cuba como en el mundo los gobiernos han dictado medidas para proteger la salud de sus habitantes. La alta capacidad de transmisión del germen y su elevada morbi-mortalidad ha tenido como consecuencia profundas afectaciones en todos los ámbitos de la sociedad, y el deporte no ha escapado de esta realidad. Objetivos: Definir los niveles de riesgo de contagio según deporte; elaborar recomendaciones generales de prevención respecto a la reincorporación deportiva en la etapa post COVID-19 y establecer las medidas para la realización de las pruebas ergométricas cardiovasculares a los deportistas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de literatura científica y trabajos investigativos relacionados con los temas de la ergometría en el contexto deportivo y la reincorporación de los atletas en la etapa después del COVID-19. Desarrollo: Se elaboraron las medidas en cuanto a acciones a seguir para evitar, tras la reanudación de la práctica deportiva, los contagios entre deportistas y personal que le acompaña, tanto en entrenamiento como en pruebas funcionales cardiorrespiratorias. Conclusiones: La reincorporación al entrenamiento deportivo y la realización de las pruebas cardiopulmonares deben cumplir con las recomendaciones entorno a la reanudación de la actividad atlética, donde será la prioridad minimizar los contagios por virus SARS-COV-2 y reducir la incidencia de las lesiones en los deportistas sometidos a un largo período de aislamiento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: On March 11, 2020, the disease caused by SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, COVID-19, was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Both in Cuba and in the world, governments have issued measures to protect the health of its inhabitants. The high transmission capacity of the germ and its high morbidity and mortality have had profound effects on all areas of society, and sport has not escaped this reality. Objectives: Define the levels of contagion risk according to sport; to develop general prevention recommendations regarding sports reincorporation in the post-COVID-19 stage and to establish measures for performing cardiovascular ergometric tests on athletes. Methods: A review of scientific literature and research papers was carried out on exercise testing in the sports context and the returning of athletes in the post-COVID-19 stage. Findings: Measures were drawn up in terms of actions to follow for avoiding contagion between athletes and accompanying personnel, after resuming sports practice, both in training and in cardiorespiratory functional tests. Conclusions: The return to sports training and the performance of cardiopulmonary tests must comply with the recommendations regarding the resumption of athletic activity, where it will be the priority to minimize infections by SARS-COV-2 virus and to reduce the incidence of injuries in athletes subjected to a long period of distancing.

An observational feasibility study - does early limb ergometry affect oxygen delivery and uptake in intubated critically ill patients - a comparison of two assessment methods.

BACKGROUND: Early rehabilitation can reduce ventilation duration and improve functional outcomes in critically ill patients. Upper limb strength is associated with ventilator weaning. Passive muscle loading may preserve muscle fibre function, help recover peripheral muscle strength and improve longer term, post-hospital discharge function capacity. The physiological effects of initiating rehabilitation soon after physiological stabilisation of these patients can be concerning for clinicians. This study investigated the feasibility of measuring metabolic demand and the safety and feasibility of early upper limb passive ergometry. An additional comparison of results, achieved from simultaneous application of the methods, is reported. METHODS: This was an observational feasibility study undertaken in an acute teaching hospital's General Intensive Care Unit in the United Kingdom. Twelve haemodynamically stable, mechanically ventilated patients underwent 30 minutes of arm ergometry. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were monitored. A Friedman test identified changes in physiological parameters. A metabolic cart was attached to the ventilator to measure oxygen uptake. Oxygen uptake was concurrently calculated by the reverse Fick method, utilising cardiac output from the LiDCO™ and paired mixed venous and arterial samples. A comparison of the two methods was made. Data collection began 10 minutes before ergometry and continued to recovery. Paired mixed venous and arterial samples were taken every 10 minutes. RESULTS: Twelve patients were studied; 9 male, median age 55 years, range (27-82), median APACHE score 18.5, range (7-31), median fraction inspired oxygen 42.5%, range (28-60). Eight patients were receiving noradrenaline. Mean dose was 0.07 mcg/kg/min, range (0.01-0.15). Early ergometry was well tolerated. There were no clinically significant changes in respiratory, haemodynamic or metabolic variables pre ergometry to end recovery. There was no significant difference between the two methods of calculating VO2 (p = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: We report the feasibility of using the reverse Fick method and indirect calorimetry to measure metabolic demand during early physical rehabilitation of critically ill patients. More research is needed to ascertain the most reliable method. Minimal change in metabolic demand supports the safety and feasibility of upper limb ergometry. These results will inform future study designs for further research into exercise response in critically ill patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04383171. Registered on 06 May 2020 - Retrospectively registered. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov .

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in severe osteoarthritis: a crossover comparison of four exercise modalities.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is performed increasingly for cardiorespiratory fitness assessment and pre-operative risk stratification. Lower limb osteoarthritis is a common comorbidity in surgical patients, meaning traditional cycle ergometry-based cardiopulmonary exercise testing is difficult. The purpose of this study was to compare cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables and subjective responses in four different exercise modalities. In this crossover study, 15 patients with osteoarthritis scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplasty (mean (SD) age 68 (7) years; body mass index 31.4 (4.1) kg.m-2 ) completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill, elliptical cross-trainer, cycle and arm ergometer. Mean (SD) peak oxygen consumption was 20-30% greater on the lower limb modalities (treadmill 21.5 (4.6) (p < 0.001); elliptical cross-trainer (21.2 (4.1) (p < 0.001); and cycle ergometer (19.4 (4.2) ml.min-1 .kg-1 (p = 0.001), respectively) than on the arm ergometer (15.7 (3.7) ml.min-1 .kg-1 ). Anaerobic threshold was 25-50% greater on the lower limb modalities (treadmill 13.5 (3.1) (p < 0.001); elliptical cross-trainer 14.6 (3.0) (p < 0.001); and cycle ergometer 10.7 (2.9) (p = 0.003)) compared with the arm ergometer (8.4 (1.7) ml.min-1 .kg-1 ). The median (95%CI) difference between pre-exercise and peak-exercise pain scores was greater for tests on the treadmill (2.0 (0.0-5.0) (p = 0.001); elliptical cross-trainer (3.0 (2.0-4.0) (p = 0.001); and cycle ergometer (3.0 (1.0-5.0) (p = 0.001)), compared with the arm ergometer (0.0 (0.0-1.0) (p = 0.406)). Despite greater peak exercise pain, cardiopulmonary exercise testing modalities utilising the lower limbs affected by osteoarthritis elicited higher peak oxygen consumption and anaerobic threshold values compared with arm ergometry.

Does heart rate response confirm the attainment of maximal oxygen uptake in adults 45 years and older?

PURPOSE: To test the efficacy of a plateau in heart rate (HRplat) as an effective indicator for confirming [Formula: see text]max attainment in a middle-aged to older sample. METHODS: Nine men and eleven women (age 60 ± 8.5 years, [Formula: see text]max 35.9 ± 9.4 ml/kg/min, N = 20) completed a single [Formula: see text]max test on both the treadmill and cycle ergometer.[Formula: see text]max was confirmed using a plateau in [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]plat) of ≤ 150 ml/min, a verification bout, and HRplat (≤ 4 bpm). RESULTS: [Formula: see text]plat occurred in 100% and 95% of participants on the treadmill and cycle ergometer, respectively. Verification criteria ([Formula: see text]max during verification ≤ 2% of [Formula: see text]max during incremental test) were met by 80% of participants on both modalities. HRplat was achieved by 90% and 70% of participants on the treadmill and cycle ergometer, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a verification bout is reliable for confirming [Formula: see text]max in older adults on both modalities. In our sample of middle-aged and older adults, [Formula: see text]plat was the most robust method to assess [Formula: see text]max when indirect calorimetry is available. Although more research is warranted, when indirect calorimetry is not available, a HRplat of ≤ 4 bpm may be a useful alternative to get an accurate representation of maximal effort in middle-aged and older adults.

A New Approach for Training-load Quantification in Elite-level Soccer: Contextual Factors.

The aims of this study were to analyse the physical responses of professional soccer players during training considering the contextual factors of match location, season period, and quality of the opposition; and to establish prediction models of physical responses during training sessions. Training data was obtained from 30 professional soccer players from Spanish La Liga using global positioning technology (N=1365 performances). A decreased workload was showed during training weeks prior to home matches, showing large effects in power events, equivalent distance, total distance, walk distance and low-speed running distance. Also, the quality of the opposition also affected the training workload (p<0.05). All regression-models showed moderate effects, with an adjusted R2 of 0.37 for metabolic-work, 0.34 for total distance covered, 0.25 for high-speed running distance (18-21 km·h-1), 0.29 for very high-speed running distance (21-24 km·h-1), 0.22 for sprint running distance (>24 km·h-1) and 0.34 for equivalent distance. The main finding of this study was the great association of match location, season period and quality of opposition on the workload performed by players in the training week before the match; and the development of workload prediction-models considering these contextual factors, thus proposing a new and innovative approach to quantify the workload in soccer.

A 3-min All-out Upper-body Ergometer Test For Competitive Swimmers.

We examined the application of a land-based swimming ergometer 3-min all-out test to determine physiological predictors of swimming performance. Fourteen young elite swimmers participated (males: n=6; females: n=8). The swimmers completed two 3-min upper-body all-out tests on a swimming ergometer. Additionally, the swimmers completed freestyle swim races ranging from 50 m to 1500 m. High test-retest reproducibility (r=0.98 and coefficient of variation values <7.5%) was evident for ergometer derived peak, mean and critical power. Very strong correlations (r>0.87, p<0.001) were obtained between the 200-, 400-, 800- and 1500-m swimming performances and derived critical speed. Moreover, correlations were found between peak force and peak power and 50-m performance, in addition to critical power and performance for all distances. The critical speed was the dominant predictor of 200- to 1500-m performances (r=0.84-0.99). In conclusion, the land-based 3-min all-out swimming ergometer test is reliable and valid in predicting swimming performance in competitive swimmers and evaluates important physiological components in swimmers independent of technical abilities.