Investigation of Underlying Association between Anthropometric and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Markers among Overweight and Obese Adolescents in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents who experience overweight or obesity commonly persist in these conditions into adulthood, thereby elevating their vulnerability to health issues. The focus of this study is on health risk markers such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body surface area (BSA), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The objectives include updating normative values for BMI, WC, WHtR, and BSA in Canadian adolescents, establishing cardiometabolic risk zones, and developing a composite score considering both anthropometric and CRF markers. METHODS: Involving 1864 adolescents, the study used the LMS method to generate percentile norms, stratified by age and sex. Cardiometabolic risk zones were established for each marker based on Z-scores, and a composite score was created. RESULTS: An increase in WC of 5.8 and 7.4 cm for boys and girls, respectively, was observed since 1981. Forward multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the robustness and validity of the proposed model. The results indicated that the model explained nearly 90% (R2 = 0.890) of the common variance between the composite score and the retained independent variables. Moreover, the model demonstrated a mean absolute error (MAE) of approximately 6 percentiles, confirming its high precision. Furthermore, these analyses yielded key thresholds for identifying adolescents at risk: the 70th percentile for high cardiometabolic risk and the 85th percentile for very-high risk. CONCLUSIONS: Individually, WC or WHtR seem to be better markers for evaluating cardiometabolic risk than BMI during adolescence. However, CRF showed comparable importance to anthropometric markers in determining cardiometabolic risk. The simultaneous inclusion of anthropometric and CRF markers provides a better picture of the global cardiometabolic risk in adolescents.

Updating normative cross-sectional values and secular trends in body mass, body height and body mass index among Québec children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to examine secular trends in body mass, body height and body mass index (BMI) from measured rather than self-reported values between 1972 and 2017. METHODS: A total of 4500 students (males = 51%) were selected from a stratified sampling. The age range varied between 6.0 and 17.9 years. The sample came from 24 elementary schools and 12 high schools located in six urban cities from the province of Québec. All the tests selected were based on standardized procedures that are recognized as valid and reliable. Standardization and modeling of smoothed percentile curves for each variable for both sexes were produced. RESULTS: Regional variations between youth from the province of Québec and those from all other Canadian provinces confirm the relevance of using data specific to the target population. Comparisons with the 1972 and 1982 data show an important increase in body mass (~ 7 kg, i.e. 16.4%) and BMI (~ 1.4 kg·m-2, i.e. 19.9%) with minor change in body height (~ 1.8 cm, i.e. 3.9%). Youth from low-income backgrounds (p = 0.001) as well as those living in large urban cities (p = 0.002) see their probability of developing overweight or obesity greatly increase (low-income = 2.1 times; large urban cities = 1.3 times). However, overweight and obesity rates seem to have stabilized at around 21% since 2004. CONCLUSION: This study provides up-to-date data on factors that contribute to the prevalence of overweight and obesity in youth in urban settings of Québec, and will be instrumental in guiding public health strategies designed to optimize growth outcomes.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: L'objectif principal de cette étude était d'examiner les tendances séculaires de la masse corporelle, de la taille et de l'indice de masse corporelle (IMC) de 1972 à 2017 à partir de valeurs mesurées plutôt que de valeurs autodéclarées. MéTHODE: Un total de 4 500 étudiants (garçons = 51 %) ont été sélectionnés à partir d'un échantillon stratifié. La fourchette d'âge variait entre 6,0 et 17,9 ans. L'échantillon provenait de 24 écoles primaires et 12 écoles secondaires situées dans six villes de la province de Québec (Canada). Tous les tests sélectionnés reposaient sur des procédures standardisées, reconnues comme valides et fidèles. Une standardisation et une modélisation des courbes centiles lissées ont été produites pour chaque variable pour les deux sexes. RéSULTATS: Les variations régionales entre les jeunes du Québec et ceux du reste du Canada confirment la pertinence d'utiliser des données spécifiques à la population cible. Les comparaisons entre les données de 1972 et de 1982 montrent une augmentation importante de la masse corporelle et de l'IMC (p ≤ 0,05) sans changement important de la taille corporelle. Les jeunes issus de milieux à faibles revenus (p = 0,001) ainsi que ceux vivant dans les grandes villes (p = 0,002) voient leurs risques de développer un surpoids ou de l'obésité augmenter considérablement (faibles revenus = 2,1 fois; grandes villes urbaines = 1,3 fois). Toutefois, les taux de surpoids et d'obésité semblent s'être stabilisés autour de 21 % depuis 2004. CONCLUSION: Cette étude fournit des données à jour sur les facteurs qui contribuent à la prévalence de l'embonpoint et de l'obésité chez les jeunes des milieux urbains du Québec et contribuera à orienter les stratégies de santé publique afin d'optimiser le suivi sur la croissance physique des jeunes.

Prediction of Maximum Lactate Concentration During an All-Out Anaerobic Test in Elite Ice Hockey Players.

The lack of specific on-ice tests to predict maximum lactate concentration limits the ability of coaches to better track and develop their ice hockey players. Thus, this study aimed to develop an equation for indirectly assessing the maximum lactate concentration produced from an all-out on-ice skating effort in elite adolescent ice hockey players. Twenty elite male ice hockey players participated in this study (age = 15.7 ± 1.0 year). The lactate anaerobic skating test (LAST) consisted of skating back and forth on an 18.2 m course at maximal speed with abrupt stops at each end for a total of 6 shuttles (total distance = 218.2 m; average time = 52.0 ± 2.0 s). The oxygen uptake was measured using a portable metabolic analyzer (Cosmed K4b2) and the maximum post-exercise lactate concentration with a Lactate Pro analyzer. The variables used to estimate lactate concentration were time, heart rate, number of skating strides in the last shuffle (6th) and the skating stride index. The average maximum lactate concentration was 14.4 mmol· L-1, which is expected in elite players. The analysis of explained common variance using T-test (r2 = 0.759) and linear regression (r2 = 0.863) demonstrates the validity of the model. Additionally, the root mean square error (RMSE = 0.60 mmol· L-1), the mean absolute error (MAE = 0.45mmol· L-1) and the standard error of estimate (SEE = 0.69 mmol· L-1) values further confirm the accuracy of the model. Thus, using simple and easy-to-measure variables (i.e., time and skating stride), coaches will be able to monitor more effectively their players' progress in an effort to optimize their individual on-ice performance.

Secular trends of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents over a 35-year period: Chronicle of a predicted foretold.

Background: In the context of concerns regarding the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of youth populations, the aims of this study were: (1) to update reference values for the VO2max for school-aged Canadians and (2) to document secular trends in CRF after a 35-year interval. Methods: Between September 2014 and April 2017, the CRF of 3725 students (53.2% boys; 6.0 to 17.9 yrs) was determined using the 20-m shuttle run test. The sample was collected in 36 different schools from six cities of Québec (Canada). Results: Median values of VO2max decreased with age in both sexes (p ≤ 0.05). By the age of 10, more than 20% of boys showed VO2max values below the recommended value (42 ml·kg-1·min-1). At the age of 17, that proportion reached 56.8%. A similar proportion of 12 yrs girls (20%) were under the recommended minimal value (37 ml·kg-1·min-1) and that value reached 69.9% at the age of 17. Compared to 1982, the VO2max at age 17 has declined by 18% for boys and 12% for girls. The situation is worse in terms of functional capacity (number of stages completed) with an overall decrease of more than 30%. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, compared to data obtained using the same methodology 35 years ago, the CRF and functional capacity of children and adolescents has declined to levels that should raise concerns from a public health perspective. Thus, the development of strategies to promote a physically active lifestyle in youth is more relevant than ever.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption Requirements in Professional North American Ice Hockey.

ABSTRACT: Ferland, P-M, Marcotte-L'Heureux, V, Roy, P, Carey, V, Charron, J, Lagrange, S, Leone, M, and Comtois, AS. Maximal oxygen consumption requirements in professional North American ice hockey. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1586-1592, 2021-This study was designed to measure preseason on-ice relative V̇o2max of professional ice-hockey players (n = 101 National Hockey League [NHL], 42 American Hockey League [AHL], 4 East Coast Hockey League [ECHL], and 15 Canadian Hockey League [CHL]) throughout 17 years and compare it between generations, league level, and position, and to verify if it was related to season and NHL career statistics. Relative V̇o2max was measured on ice with a portable metabolic analyzer (K4b2, Cosmed, Rome) with full hockey equipment, except for the helmet with either the Skating Multistage Aerobic Test or the 30-15 intermittent ice test tests. Relative V̇o2max results from both tests were compared between players of the same generation with an independent-samples T-test and were not significantly different. A one-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise tests were performed to detect significant differences between groups. Pearson correlations (two-tailed) were also performed between selected variables. All statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results show that there are no significant differences for relative V̇o2max between generations (2001-2003 vs. 2006 vs. 2015-2017), league level (NHL vs. AHL vs. ECHL vs. CHL), and position (winger, center, and defense), other than the ECHL being lower. There are also no significant relationships between V̇o2max values and hockey season and NHL career statistics. Thus, the results show that there is a minimal relative V̇o2max requirement to play North American ice hockey at the elite level (55.9 ± 5.2 ml·kg-1·min-1; n = 162). Future research should be directed toward comparing V̇o2max of elite and amateur ice-hockey players to confirm the minimal relative V̇o2max requirement to play North American ice hockey at the elite level.

Assessment of On-Ice Oxygen Cost of Skating Performance in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

ABSTRACT: Allisse, M, Bui, HT, Desjardins, P, Léger, L, Comtois, AS, and Leone, M. Assessment of on-ice oxygen cost of skating performance in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3466-3473, 2021-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the robustness of equations to predict the oxygen requirement during different skating circumstances commonly found in ice hockey game situations (skating forward, backward, with and without controlling a puck, during cornering and stops and starts). Twenty-four male elite ice hockey players from 3 categories (pee-wee, bantam, and midget) participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and 4 different on-ice high-intensity and short-duration tests were performed. Execution time, heart rate, oxygen uptake, skating strides, and a skating efficiency index were measured for each test. A regression equation was calculated for each of the 4 tests providing an estimation of oxygen cost. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.91 to 0.93, and SEE was between 4.5 and 8.4%, indicating that the precision of the regression algorithms was excellent. The results also suggest that execution time alone, which is the traditional manner to measure skating performance, is a bad estimator of oxygen uptake requirement for this kind of effort (average common variance <11%). Furthermore, age proved to be a determining factor with younger players showing an overall lower level of skating efficiency compared with older players. In addition, the introduction of a skating index also helps to better determine which factor of performance needs to be improved. Using simple and easy-to-measure variables, coaches will be able to obtain information that will allow them to intervene more precisely on the training parameters that will optimize the individual on-ice performance of their players.

Socioeconomic and gender-based disparities in the motor competence of school-age children.

This study examined socioeconomic and gender-based disparities in motor competence (MC) amongst 6-12-year-old children (N = 2654). Validated product-oriented tests assessing agility, balance and coordination were used to measure MC. School-level socioeconomic status (low, middle, high) was used to assess socioeconomic disparities. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted and odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of having low MC by gender and socioeconomic status (SES). Girls displayed lower MC than boys for agility and coordination involving object-control (P < 0.001) while boys scored lower than girls for balance and hand-foot coordination (P < 0.001). Children in high SES schools displayed the highest level of MC for agility, balance and coordination (P < 0.001). Compared to the children in high SES schools, odds of having low competence in balance was higher for the children in low SES schools and odds of having low competence in agility and coordination were higher for the children in both low and middle SES schools. Newell's model of constraints (1986) and Bourdieu's concept of habitus (1984) were used to consider potential explanations of the observed disparities. To level up inequalities in children's MC, resources invested in school-based interventions should be proportionate to the school SES.

Updating the Skating Multistage Aerobic Test and Correction for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max Prediction Using a New Skating Economy Index in Elite Youth Ice Hockey Players.

Allisse, M, Bui, HT, Léger, L, Comtois, A-S, and Leone, M. Updating the skating multistage aerobic test and correction for V[Combining Dot Above]O2max prediction using a new skating economy index in elite youth ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3182-3189, 2020-A number of field tests, including the skating multistage aerobic test (SMAT), have been developed to predict V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in ice hockey players. The SMAT, like most field tests, assumes that participants who reach a given stage have the same oxygen uptake, which is not usually true. Thus, the objectives of this research are to update the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values during the SMAT using a portable breath-by-breath metabolic analyzer and to propose a simple index of skating economy to improve the prediction of oxygen uptake. Twenty-six elite hockey players (age 15.8 ± 1.3 years) participated in this study. The oxygen uptake was assessed using a portable metabolic analyzer (K4b) during an on-ice maximal shuttle skate test. To develop an index of skating economy called the skating stride index (SSI), the number of skating strides was compiled for each stage of the test. The SMAT enabled the prediction of the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (ml·kg·min) from the maximal velocity (m·s) and the SSI (skating strides·kg) using the following regression equation: V[Combining Dot Above]O2max = (14.94 × maximal velocity) + (3.68 × SSI) - 24.98 (r = 0.95, SEE = 1.92). This research allowed for the update of the oxygen uptake values of the SMAT and proposed a simple measure of skating efficiency for a more accurate evaluation of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in elite youth hockey players. By comparing the highest and lowest observed SSI scores in our sample, it was noted that the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values can vary by up to 5 ml·kg·min. Our results suggest that skating economy should be included in the prediction of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max to improve prediction accuracy.

Contrast Training Generates Post-Activation Potentiation and Improves Repeated Sprint Ability in Elite Ice Hockey Players.

The purpose of this study was to measure the generating effects of Contrast Training (CT) on 6-hour post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its influence on jumping and on on-ice repeated sprint performance in ice hockey players. Forty-one participants were divided in two groups: experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The EG followed the CT PAP protocol which consisted of 5 sets of 5 half inertia back squat superset with 6 squat jumps. The effects of PAP were measured with the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), stationary broad jump (BJ) and 9 repeated on ice 40-meter maximal sprints with hockey equipment. Results showed that the PAP generated by the CT protocol had no significant impact (p ≥ 0.05) on CMJ, BJ, blood lactate concentration, heart rate peak and rated perceived exertion as EG and CG group presented no significant differences in improvement. However, results show that there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) for the EG in the total sprint time (-5.5 ± 2.6%; 56.2 ± 4.7 to 53.1 ± 3.9sec) mean sprint speed (+5.9 ± 3.0%; 6.4 ± 0.5 to 6.8 ± 0.5m/s) and in 1st sprint speed (+7.4% ± 5.9; 7.3 ± 0.7 to 7.8 ± 0.6m/s), but not for the CG (-1.4 ± 5.1%; 58.0 ± 5.4 to 57.2 ± 6.4sec), (+1.7 ± 5.1 %; 6.3 ± 0.6 to 6.4 ± 0.6m/s) and (+1.9 ± 7.7%; 6.9 ± 0.7 to 7.0 ± 0.7m/s) respectively. Thus, results show that the CT protocol utilized in this study generated PAP which had an acute effect on the on-ice hockey repeated sprint test performance. Therefore, CT could be utilized punctually to improve repeated sprint performance of elite hockey players as it could potentially help create odd man rushes during games.

Comparison Between Power Off-Ice Test and Performance On-Ice Anaerobic Testing.

Boucher, VG, Parent, AA, Miron, FSJ, Leone, M, and Comtois, AS. Comparison between power off-ice test and performance on-ice anaerobic testing. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3498-3505, 2020-The importance of specific testing has been shown in ice hockey performance, and the understanding and connection between them may lead to adapting training and follow-up in elite athletes. The aim of this study was to compare 2 off-ice power tests with performances on ice with National Hockey League (NHL) players. The vertical jump and broad jump tests were used for the off-ice evaluations, whereas a modified SAS-40 and a repeated-sprint skate (RSSm) test were used on-ice as performance variables. Thirty-one players (3 goalkeepers, 10 defense players, and 18 forward players) from the NHL performed before preseason training camp. Four evaluation sessions were performed with 48-hour time intervals between them. The results show that the 2 jump types were correlated (r = 0.45 p < 0.01), and there was a significant correlation between the vertical jump and the best SAS-40 time trial for defense players, but not for forward players (r = 0.76 p = 0.02; r = 0.21 p = 0.16, respectively). By contrast, there was a significant correlation between broad jump and best SAS-40 time trial for forward players but not for defensive players (r = 0.75 p < 0.01; r = 0.19 p = 0.28, respectively). In conclusion, results show that specific player ability needs to be taken into consideration when choosing off-ice tests.

Training program-induced skeletal muscle adaptations in two men with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this side product of another unpublished research project, was to address the effects of a training program on skeletal muscle adaptations of people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), under a multifaceted perspective. The objective of this study was to look at training induced muscular adaptations by evaluating changes in muscle strength, myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA), proportion of myofiber types and with indirect markers of muscle growth [proportion of centrally nucleated fibers (CNF) and density of neutrophils and macrophages]. Two men with DM1 underwent a 12-week strength/endurance training program (18 sessions). Two muscle biopsies were obtained pre- and post-training program. RESULTS: Muscular adaptations occurred only in Patient 1, who attended 72% of the training sessions compared to 39% for Patient 2. These adaptations included increase in the CSA of type I and II myofibers and changes in their proportion. No changes were observed in the percentage of CNF, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages and muscle strength. These results illustrate the capacity of skeletal muscle cells to undergo adaptations linked to muscle growth in DM1 patients. Also, these adaptations seem to be dependent on the attendance. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04001920 retrospectively registered on June 26th, 2019.

Aquatic Exercise Training Outcomes on Functional Capacity, Quality of Life, and Lower Limb Lymphedema: Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether patients with lower limb lymphedema (LLL) can benefit from water immersion exercise training to improve functional capacity, quality of life (QOL), and help control/diminish limb volume. DESIGN: A before-after trial. SETTING: A community University Sports Center. SUBJECTS: Eleven participants were recruited to participate and four declined to pursue the study for personal reasons. A convenient sample of seven female affected by either bilateral or unilateral LLL volunteered for this pilot study. Patients had primary or secondary lymphedema as complications of melanoma or gynecologic cancers. INTERVENTIONS: An aquatic training exercise intervention of moderate to vigorous intensity was conducted for a 6-week period (12 sessions of 45 min). This innovative circuit training program consisted of yoga exercises, aqua-jogging, pedaling on a water bike, and muscular training on an aquastep and a trampoline. OUTCOME MEASURES: The physical characteristics of water could be used to overcome the physical and medical limitations encountered on dry land for patients with LLL to exercise and reach training benefits. Outcome measures were the 6-min walk test (6MWT), handgrip strength test, QOL for limb lymphedema questionnaire (LYMQOL), bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, and limb circumference. RESULTS: The distance covered in the 6MWT and the handgrip strength were significantly improved. A trend toward an increase in the overall QOL score was noticeable, whereas a significantly improved emotions score was observed with the LYMQOL questionnaire. Limb circumferential volume was significantly lower and impedance was increased, denoting a decrease in lymphatic fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Innovative aquatic exercise training program allows moderate and vigorous intensity activities for patients with LLL, increases functional capacity and QOL. Thus, immersion exercise does not appear to exacerbate LLL and a randomized clinical trial with larger numbers is essential to consolidate the results of this study.

Assessment of the impact of an exercise program on the physical and functional capacity in patients with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay: An exploratory study.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by the mutation of the SACS gene. Clinical symptoms of this disease include progressive ataxia, spasticity, and peripheral neuropathy. Similar to other neuromuscular disorders, these patients are prone to physical deconditioning which may lead to a loss of functional capacity. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of a training program on the physical fitness and the functional capacity of ARSACS patients. Twelve patients (age: 28.1 ± 8.2 years) participated in this study. They followed an eight-week training program including physical activities, strength-power and aerobic training. Compared to the initial evaluation, measures of physical fitness and functional capacity were significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) for 11 of the 12 tests. Positive gains were also observed for fall frequency and for upper-limb incoordination. This paper supports the importance of a training program for ARSACS patients in order to improve their quality of life. Through these types of interventions, it may be possible to slow down the progression of the disease and help maintain functional capacity.

Effects of an exercise program on the physiological, biological and psychological profiles in patients with mood disorders: a pilot study.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of an 8-week physical training program on physiological, biological and psychological profiles in individual with mood disorders. Methods: Seven patients participated in the study. Patients were trained twice weekly (75 min/session) for 8 weeks. The training program aimed to improve muscular and cardiorespiratory reserves as well as functional capacity. Bioassays were also measured (lipid profile, blood glucose and cortisol). Depression, sleep quality and body image dissatisfaction were assessed. All measures were administrated at pre/post-intervention. Results: At post-intervention, 13 of the 15 physiological fitness, muscular strength and functional capacity variables improved significantly (p < .05). In addition, change in cortisol levels represented a medium to large effect size (Cohen's d = -0.67) which indicates a clinical reduction of stress-related symptoms. Depression was significantly improved (Cohen's d = -0.47; p = .027). Sleep and body image showed a trend-level improvement. Conclusions: An 8-week periodised training program improved physiological, biological and psychological profiles in patients with mood disorders.

Acute cardiorespiratory responses in participants with heart disease during cycling at different immersion levels.

Physical activity is often avoided or practised at a low-intensity level because of the limited ability of patients with heart disease (HD) to provide sustained effort. Immersible training has been suggested as a possible alternative as hydrostatic pressure can modify some hemodynamic parameters in healthy patients and potentially increase the exercise capacity in patients with HD. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute cardiorespiratory adaptations at different levels of immersion using an immersible ergometer (IE) in patients with HD. Twenty-one patients and 13 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Several cardiorespiratory parameters were assessed at two levels of immersion (hips and xiphoid) for five different pedalling rates (40, 50, 60, 70 and peak rpm). At submaximal intensity, HD and HC participants did not differ significantly for most variables. However, for nearly and/or maximal workload, HD participants showed significantly lower values for VO2 and higher values for VE /VO2 and VE /VCO2 for both immersion levels. The increase in immersion level from hips to xiphoid resulted in a significant decrease in VO2 in both HC and HD groups at the same exercise intensity. In addition, the increase in the effects of size values based on the exercise workload indicates that group differences are accentuated with the highest pedalling rates. Our data suggest that participants with HD may benefit from the hydrostatic effect during IE cycling by allowing them to alleviate their submaximal efforts and increasing their maximal cardiorespiratory capacity during hip immersion.

Acute effects of water immersion on heart rate variability in participants with heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Water immersion and aquatic exercise can be an important therapeutic tool in patients suffering from heart disease (HD). However, the effects of water immersion on heart rate variability (HRV) in HD participants remain unknown. METHODS: Twenty-eight volunteers in sinus rhythm within the same age range took part in this study: 18 HD and ten healthy controls (HC). Heart rhythm was collected with a heart rate monitor (sampling rate 1000 Hz) for periods of 10 min at rest in the supine position on land, standing on land (STL) and standing in water (STW) to the xiphoid process. RESULTS: Heart disease participants had the same response as HC participants to the three experimental conditions (no significant between-group differences in all HRV variables). STW (immersion) caused in both groups to increase HRV when compared to supine and STL. CONCLUSION: Heart disease participants demonstrate similar beneficial adaptations as HC participants to the effects of immersion, reinforcing the concept that immersion can be a valuable aquatic cardiac rehabilitation tool to acutely increase HRV. Approaches that improve HRV in both healthy and cardiac patients may have a positive impact on the reduction of morbidity and mortality.

Computer-based assessment of upper-limb incoordination in autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay patients: A pilot study.

Ataxia refers to a group of neurological disorders characterized by a lack of coordination during voluntary movements. One of the most commonly used tests to assess upper-limb coordination is the Archimedes spiral test. The purpose of this research is to present an innovative computer-based Archimedes spiral test that can accurately assess coordination. Forty nine individuals (age: 25.2±7.1years) were recruited including thirteen patients diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix/Saguenay (ARSACS). Participants were instructed to trace a spiral on the touch-screen with the tip of their index finger at a self-paced velocity by following an on-screen spiral template. Mean error and maximum error as well as frequency analysis were calculated to classify healthy and ARSACS participants. While mean and maximum errors provided good results, the highest classification success rate was obtained using frequency analysis, particularly between f=1.2Hz and f=1.7Hz. Interpretation of traditional paper-drawn Archimedes spirals is limited, and several computerized versions have been reported. Herein, we present a custom-made tool that allows discrimination of measures assessing ataxia in ARSACS. This utilizes a proposed frequency method that may have the potential to track the evolution of upper-limb incoordination in patients and therefore help clinicians and scientists to better monitor their patients.

Morphological, Physiological and Skating Performance Profiles of Male Age-Group Elite Ice Hockey Players.

The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of morphological, physiological and skating performance profiles of elite age-group ice hockey players based on repeated measures spread over one season. In addition, the results of fitness tests and training programs performed in off-ice conditions and their relationship with skating performance were analyzed. Eighteen high level age-group ice hockey players (13.1 ± 0.6 years) were assessed off and on-ice at the beginning and at the end of the hockey season. A third evaluation was also conducted at the beginning of the following hockey season. The players were taller, heavier, and showed bone breadths and muscle girths above the reference population of the same age. Muscular variables improved significantly during and between the two hockey seasons (p < 0.05). However, maximal aerobic power improved only during the off-season. All skating performance tests exhibited significant enhancements during the hockey season, but not during the off-season where some degradation was observed. Finally, weak observed variances (generally <20% of the explained variance) between physiological variables measured off-ice and on-ice skating performance tests indicated important gaps, both in the choice of the off-ice assessment tools as well as in training methods conventionally used. The reflection on the best way to assess and train hockey players certainly deserves to be continued.

Measurement properties of a new wireless electrogoniometer for quantifying spasticity during the pendulum test in ARSACS patients.

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix/Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neuromuscular disorder that induces spasticity in lower limbs. The Wartenberg pendulum test is a classical method of assessing lower limb spasticity based on the dynamics of the pendular leg motion. However, in its original form, this test only provides subjective results and do not allow accurate assessment of spasticity. METHODS: Thirteen ARSACS patients were assessed using a new wireless electrogoniometer to measure spasticity by quantifying oscillation amplitudes and relaxation indices during the Wartenburg pendulum test. The validity of the instrument was evaluated by comparing its measurements to a known precise goniometer whereas discriminant validity was evaluated by comparing healthy participants and ARSACS patients. Reliability was measured using intraclass correlation (ICC) between pendulum test scores obtained at different moments in time. RESULTS: Data from different tests show that the proposed device is accurate (standard error of measurement of 0.0005°), discriminates healthy and ARSACS patients (most variables have p=0.00) and provides repeatable results (significant ICC usually higher than 0.64 and p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The proposed tool allows the clinician to analyze pendulum oscillation amplitudes and ratios and thus, provide an index of spasticity for the patients affected by ARSACS. This is important as the original procedure is only evaluated visually and the progression cannot be detected until the condition changes drastically. Thus, the system proposed meets the requirements of being useful, precise and user-friendly in the evaluation of patients in a research as well as a clinical environment.