Comparison of Electrocardiographic Criteria for Identifying Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Athletes from Different Sports Modalities.

OBJECTIVES:: In athletes, isolated electrocardiogram high voltage criteria are widely used to evaluate left ventricular hypertrophy, but positive findings are thought to represent normal electrocardiogram alterations. However, which electrocardiogram criterion can best detect left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes of various sport modalities remains unknown. METHODS:: Five electrocardiogram criteria used to detect left ventricular hypertrophy were tested in 180 male athletes grouped according to their sport modality: 67% low-static and high-dynamic components and 33% high-static and high-dynamic components of exercise. The following echocardiogram parameters are the gold standard for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy: left ventricular mass index ≥134 g.m-2, relative wall thickness ≥0.42 mm, left ventricular diastolic diameter index ≥32 mm.m-2, septum wall thickness ≥13 mm, and posterior wall thickness ≥13 mm. Results for the various criteria were compared using the kappa coefficient. Significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS:: Fifty athletes (28%) presented with left ventricular hypertrophy according to electrocardiogram findings, with the following sensitivities and specificities, respectively: 38-53% and 79-83% (Perugia), 22-40% and 89-91% (Cornell), 24-29% and 90% (Romhilt-Estes), 68-87% and 20-23% (Sokolow-Lyon), and 0% and 99% (Gubner). The Perugia and Cornell criteria had higher negative predictive values for the low-static and high-dynamic subgroup. Kappa coefficients were higher for Romhilt-Estes, Cornell and Perugia criteria than for Sokolow-Lyon and Gubner criteria. CONCLUSION:: All five evaluated criteria are inadequate for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy, but the Perugia, Cornell and Romhilt-Estes criteria are useful for excluding its presence. The Perugia and Cornell criteria were more effective at excluding left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes involved in a sport modality with low-static and high-dynamic component predominance.

Comparison of Electrocardiographic Criteria for Identifying Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Athletes from Different Sports Modalities

OBJECTIVES: In athletes, isolated electrocardiogram high voltage criteria are widely used to evaluate left ventricular hypertrophy, but positive findings are thought to represent normal electrocardiogram alterations. However, which electrocardiogram criterion can best detect left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes of various sport modalities remains unknown. METHODS: Five electrocardiogram criteria used to detect left ventricular hypertrophy were tested in 180 male athletes grouped according to their sport modality: 67% low-static and high-dynamic components and 33% high-static and high-dynamic components of exercise. The following echocardiogram parameters are the gold standard for diagnosing left ventricular hypertrophy: left ventricular mass index ≥134 g.m-2, relative wall thickness ≥0.42 mm, left ventricular diastolic diameter index ≥32 mm.m-2, septum wall thickness ≥13 mm, and posterior wall thickness ≥13 mm. Results for the various criteria were compared using the kappa coefficient. Significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: Fifty athletes (28%) presented with left ventricular hypertrophy according to electrocardiogram findings, with the following sensitivities and specificities, respectively: 38-53% and 79-83% (Perugia), 22-40% and 89-91% (Cornell), 24-29% and 90% (Romhilt-Estes), 68-87% and 20-23% (Sokolow-Lyon), and 0% and 99% (Gubner). The Perugia and Cornell criteria had higher negative predictive values for the low-static and high-dynamic subgroup. Kappa coefficients were higher for Romhilt-Estes, Cornell and Perugia criteria than for Sokolow-Lyon and Gubner criteria. CONCLUSION: All five evaluated criteria are inadequate for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy, but the Perugia, Cornell and Romhilt-Estes criteria are useful for excluding its presence. The Perugia and Cornell criteria were more effective at excluding left ventricular hypertrophy in athletes involved in a sport modality with low-static and high-dynamic component predominance.

Predominance of Intrinsic Mechanism of Resting Heart Rate Control and Preserved Baroreflex Sensitivity in Professional Cyclists after Competitive Training.

Different season trainings may influence autonomic and non-autonomic cardiac control of heart rate and provokes specific adaptations on heart's structure in athletes. We investigated the influence of transition training (TT) and competitive training (CT) on resting heart rate, its mechanisms of control, spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and relationships between heart rate mechanisms and cardiac structure in professional cyclists (N = 10). Heart rate (ECG) and arterial blood pressure (Pulse Tonometry) were recorded continuously. Autonomic blockade was performed (atropine-0.04 mg.kg-1; esmolol-500 µg.kg-1 = 0.5 mg). Vagal effect, intrinsic heart rate, parasympathetic (n) and sympathetic (m) modulations, autonomic influence, autonomic balance and BRS were calculated. Plasma norepinephrine (high-pressure liquid chromatography) and cardiac structure (echocardiography) were evaluated. Resting heart rate was similar in TT and CT. However, vagal effect, intrinsic heart rate, autonomic influence and parasympathetic modulation (higher n value) decreased in CT (P≤0.05). Sympathetic modulation was similar in both trainings. The autonomic balance increased in CT but still showed parasympathetic predominance. Cardiac diameter, septum and posterior wall thickness and left ventricular mass also increased in CT (P<0.05) as well as diastolic function. We observed an inverse correlation between left ventricular diastolic diameter, septum and posterior wall thickness and left ventricular mass with intrinsic heart rate. Blood pressure and BRS were similar in both trainings. Intrinsic heart rate mechanism is predominant over vagal effect during CT, despite similar resting heart rate. Preserved blood pressure levels and BRS during CT are probably due to similar sympathetic modulation in both trainings.

Neurovascular Control and Cardiac Structure in Amateur Runners with Hypertension.

PURPOSE: The neurovascular mechanisms underlying hypertension are minimized by exercise training. However, it is not known whether previously trained individuals with hypertension would have deleterious repercussion of this disease. Our aim was to investigate the neurovascular control and the cardiac structure of athletes with hypertension. METHODS: Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) (microneurography), baroreflex sensitivity (intravenous infusion of phenylephrine and nitroprusside), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity and echotracking), and cardiac structure (echocardiography) were evaluated in 17 runners with hypertension (42 ± 1 yr) and 20 normotensive (43 ± 1 yr) amateur runners. RESULTS: Runners with hypertension had higher MSNA (+24% burst frequency, P = 0.02; +24%, burst incidence, P < 0.01), left ventricular mass (+22%, P < 0.01), septum wall thickness (+9%, P = 0.04), posterior wall thickness (+11%, P = 0.04), and left atrium (+11%, P < 0.001) compared with normotensive runners. Baroreflex control of heart rate was lower in runners with hypertension during increase (P = 0.05) but not during decrease (P = 0.11) of systolic blood pressure when compared with normotensive runners. There was no difference between groups in baroreflex control of MSNA during increase (P = 0.38) and decrease (P = 0.36) of diastolic blood pressure. Pulse wave velocity (P = 0.71) and carotid variables: intima media thickness (P = 0.18), diameter (P = 0.09), and distension (P = 0.79) were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic overactivity seems to be involved in the underlying mechanisms of hypertension in amateur runners. Alterations in cardiac structure and decreased baroreflex control of heart rate suggest limited protection from exercise training. However, baroreflex control of MSNA and elastic properties of artery are preserved in this population.

Cardiovascular risk and clinical factors in athletes: 10 years of evaluation.

PURPOSE: Preparticipation screening in athletes is a very current but controversial theme. Part of this controversy is due to the cost benefit, especially when the screening is merely used as a prevention of sudden cardiac death caused by rare and hereditary diseases. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of preexisting diseases, cardiovascular risk factor for cardiovascular diseases development, and hematological profile in a population of amateur and professional athletes. METHODS: Data of 623 athletes (529 men and 94 women), aged 13-77 yr, were analyzed to detect preexisting diseases. The variables total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, fasting glucose, body mass index, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and ferritin were analyzed in two groups according to age, that is, younger and older 35 yr old, and their prevalence (%) and distribution in quartiles were presented. χ test and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients between variables were applied, and P < 0.05 was adopted for significance. RESULTS: Hypertension was the most prevalent preexisting diseases, although the data showed low prevalence of cardiomyopathy. Cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent in both genders. There were positive correlations between cardiovascular risk factors and age and between body mass index and lipid levels in male athletes. Also, there was a high prevalence of low ferritin levels for women, with positive correlation between the levels of hemoglobin and ferritin. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, hypertension was the most prevalent diagnosed disease, and cardiovascular risk factors showed important prevalence, especially in athletes older than 35 yr. Although physical training represents a cardioprotective factor to the onset of cardiovascular disease, it does not exclude the prevalence of risk factors and diseases in athletes.

Adaptações autonômicas e cardiovasculares em atletas de alto rendimento: influência da modalidade e periodização do treinamento físico / Autonomic and cardiovascular adaptations in high performance athletes: influence of sport modality and physical training periodization

INTRODUÇÃO: O treinamento físico provoca adaptações cardiovasculares, sendo que maiores adaptações estruturais cardíacas são observadas em atletas de elite, que realizam treinamento físico de alta intensidade com o objetivo de aumento no rendimento. Além disto, atletas apresentam diminuição da frequência cardíaca de repouso, embora os mecanismos que explicam a bradicardia em atletas ainda são controversos. O nível das adaptações pode variar e fatores como o tipo de modalidade esportiva, tempo e nível de treinamento físico podem contribuir para tal variação. Desta forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência de modalidades esportivas (ciclismo, corrida de longa distância e remo) e da periodização do treinamento físico nas adaptações estruturais e funcionais, autonômicas e não autonômicas cardíacas e vasculares em atletas de elite no repouso, na inclinação ortostática e nas 24 horas. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo experimental longitudinal prospectivo foram avaliados 13 ciclistas, 13 corredores e 11 remadores de elite, saudáveis (entre 20 e 36 anos; masculino), engajados em treinamento físico competitivo, em 2 períodos de treinamento: período básico-PB e período competitivo-PC. Avaliação da capacidade funcional máxima foi feita por teste cardiorrespiratório. Adaptações estruturais cardíacas foram avaliadas por meio do ecocardiograma bidimensional com doppler. Frequência cardíaca intrínseca foi estudada por meio do duplo bloqueio farmacológico (atropina 0,04 mg/kg e esmolol 500 g/kg, i.v.). Frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial foram registradas continuamente no repouso e no teste de inclinação ortostática por meio de ECG e monitor de pressão arterial, respectivamente (500Hz). A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial foram analisadas pelo método auto-regressivo. Frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial de 24 horas foram aquisitadas pelo Holter e Mapa, respectivamente. Avaliação da sensibilidade barorreflexa espontânea foi calculada pelo...

INTRODUCTION: Physical exercise training provokes cardiovascular adaptations and the highest structural cardiac adaptations are observed in elite athletes who perform high intensity training with the objective of increasing their physical performance. Besides, athlete shows decrease on resting heart rate. However, the mechanisms that explain the bradycardia in athletes are still controversial. The level of these adaptations may vary and some factors as the type of sport modality, time and level of physical training can contribute to such different responses. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sport modalities (cycling, long distane runner and rower) and physical training periodization on cardiac structural and functional, cardiac autonomic and non-autonomic and vascular adaptations in elite athletes at rest, tilt table test and within 24 hours. METHODS: In this prospective longitudinal experimental study, 13 cyclists, 13 runners and 11 rowers, healthy (20 to 36 years old; male), engaged in competitive training were evaluated in 2 periods of training: basic period BP and competitive period -CP. Maximal functional capacity was evaluated by cardiopulmonary test. Cardiac structural adaptations were evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography with doppler. Intrinsic heart rate was studied by means of double pharmacological blockade (atropine 0.04 mg/kg and esmolol 500 g/kg, iv.). Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded continuously at rest and tilt table test by means of ECG and arterial blood pressure monitor, respectively (500Hz). The heart rate and blood pressure variabilities were analyzed by autoregressive method. Heart rate and blood pressure within 24 hours were recorded using Holter and blood pressure ambulatory monitor, respectivamente. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity was calculated using the sequence method. The data were presented as median and interquartile range. RESULTS: Rowers showed higher VO2max than runner...

Comportamento cardiorrespiratório em crianças saudáveis durante o exercício progressivo máximo / Cardiorespiratory responses during progressive maximal exercise test in healthy children

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se sabe sobre a resposta cardiorrespiratória e metabólica em crianças saudáveis durante teste de esforço progressivo máximo. OBJETIVO: Testar a hipótese de que as crianças apresentam respostas diferentes nos parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios e metabólicos durante teste de esforço progressivo máximo em comparação aos adultos. MÉTODOS: Vinte e cinco crianças saudáveis (sexo, 15M/10F; idade, 10,2 ± 0,2) e 20 adultos saudáveis (sexo, 11M/9F; idade, 27,5 ± 0,4) foram submetidos a um teste cardiopulmonar progressivo em esteira ergométrica até a exaustão para determinar a capacidade aeróbia máxima e limiar anaeróbio ventilatório (LAV). RESULTADOS: A carga de pico (5,9 ± 0,1 vs 5,6 ± 0,1 mph, respectivamente; p > 0,05), tempo de exercício (9,8 ± 0,4 vs 10,2 ± 0,4 min, respectivamente, p > 0,05), e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (VO2pico, 39,4 ± 2,1 vs 39,1 ± 2,0 ml.kg-1.min-1, respectivamente, p > 0,05) foram semelhantes em crianças e adultos. No limiar anaeróbio ventilatório, a frequência cardíaca, VO2 ml.kg-1.min-1, a frequência respiratória (FR), o espaço morto funcional estimado (VD/VT), o equivalente ventilatório de oxigênio (VE/VO2) e a pressão expiratória final do oxigênio (PETO2) foram maiores nas crianças, enquanto o volume corrente (VC), pulso de O2 e a pressão expiratória final do dióxido de carbono (PETCO2) foram menores. No pico do exercício, as crianças apresentaram FR e VD/VT superiores. No entanto, o pulso de O2, o VC, a ventilação pulmonar, o PETCO2 e a razão de troca respiratória foram menores nas crianças do que em adultos. CONCLUSÃO: Respostas cardiorrespiratórias e metabólicas durante o teste de esforço progressivo são diferentes em crianças em comparação aos adultos. Especificamente, essas diferenças sugerem que as crianças têm menor eficiência cardiovascular e respiratória. No entanto, as crianças apresentaram maior eficiência metabólica durante o teste de esforço. Em resumo, apesar das diferenças observadas, ...

BACKGROUND: Little is known about cardiorespiratory and metabolic response in healthy children during progressive maximal exercise test. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that children show different responses in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters during progressive maximal exercise test when compared with adults. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy children (gender, 15M/10F; age, 10.2 ± 0.2) and 20 healthy adults (gender, 11M/9F; age, 27.5 ± 0.4) underwent a progressive treadmill cardiopulmonary test until exhaustion to determine the maximal aerobic capacity and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). RESULTS: The peak workload (5.9±0.1 vs 5.6±0.1 mph, respectively; p>0.05), exercise time (9.8±0.4 vs 10.2±0.4 min, respectively; p>0.05), and relative aerobic fitness (VO2peak, 39.4±2.1 vs 39.1±2.0 ml.kg-1.min-1, respectively; p>0.05) were similar in children and adults. At ventilatory anaerobic threshold, the heart rate, VO2 ml.kg-1.min-1, respiratory rate (RR), functional estimate of dead space (VD/VT), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2) and end-tidal pressure for oxygen (PETO2) were higher in children, while tidal volume (VT), O2 pulse and end-tidal pressure for carbon dioxide (PETCO2) were lower. At peak of exercise, children showed higher RR and VD/VT. However, O2 pulse, VT, pulmonary ventilation, PETCO2 and respiratory exchange ratio were lower in children than adults. CONCLUSION: Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during progressive exercise test are different in children as compared to adults. Specifically, these differences suggest that children have lower cardiovascular and ventilatory efficiency. However, children showed higher metabolic efficiency during exercise. In summary, despite the differences observed, children showed similar levels of exercising capacity when compared with adults.

[Cardiorespiratory responses during progressive maximal exercise test in healthy children]. / Comportamento cardiorrespiratório em crianças saudáveis durante o exercício progressivo máximo.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about cardiorespiratory and metabolic response in healthy children during progressive maximal exercise test. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that children show different responses in cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters during progressive maximal exercise test when compared with adults. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy children (gender, 15M/10F; age, 10.2 +/- 0.2) and 20 healthy adults (gender, 11M/9F; age, 27.5 +/- 0.4) underwent a progressive treadmill cardiopulmonary test until exhaustion to determine the maximal aerobic capacity and ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT). RESULTS: The peak workload (5.9+/-0.1 vs 5.6+/-0.1 mph, respectively; p>0.05), exercise time (9.8+/-0.4 vs 10.2+/-0.4 min, respectively; p>0.05), and relative aerobic fitness (VO(2)peak, 39.4+/-2.1 vs 39.1+/-2.0 ml*kg(-1)*min-1, respectively; p>0.05) were similar in children and adults. At ventilatory anaerobic threshold, the heart rate, VO(2) ml*kg(-1)*min-1, respiratory rate (RR), functional estimate of dead space (VD/VT), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO(2)) and end-tidal pressure for oxygen (PETO2) were higher in children, while tidal volume (VT), O(2) pulse and end-tidal pressure for carbon dioxide (PETCO(2)) were lower. At peak of exercise, children showed higher RR and VD/VT. However, O(2) pulse, VT, pulmonary ventilation, PETCO(2) and respiratory exchange ratio were lower in children than adults. CONCLUSION: Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during progressive exercise test are different in children as compared to adults. Specifically, these differences suggest that children have lower cardiovascular and ventilatory efficiency. However, children showed higher metabolic efficiency during exercise. In summary, despite the differences observed, children showed similar levels of exercising capacity when compared with adults.

Cardiac and metabolic characteristics in long distance runners of sport and exercise cardiology outpatient facility of a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize electrocardiographic and functional cardiac parameters and cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in long-distance Brazilian runners monitored at the Sport and Exercise Cardiology Outpatient Facility of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Of an initial population of 443 male and female athletes of different sport modalities, we assessed 162 (37%) long-distance male runners, aged from 14 to 67. Electrocardiographic (12 leads) and echocardiographic (M-mode and two-dimensional) parameters were recorded at rest. Cardiopulmonary responses were evaluated on a treadmill with a ramp protocol. RESULTS: Metabolic alterations and cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 17% and 9% of the runners, respectively. Sinus bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy were observed in 62% and 33% of the runners, respectively. Structural alterations such as ventricular cavity > or = 55 mm, relative wall thickness > or = 0.44, and ventricular mass index > or = 134 g/m2 were found in 15%, 11% and 7% of the runners, respectively. Ejection fraction < 55% was observed in 4% of the runners. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) decreased as of the age of 41, although the anaerobic threshold relative to the VO2peak remained unchanged with age. CONCLUSION: Resting bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most frequent cardiovascular adaptations in Brazilian long distance runners monitored by the Sport and Exercise Cardiology Outpatient Facility. Although VO2peak decreases after the age of 41, the relative oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold of these runners remained unchanged.

Características cardíacas e metabólicas de corredores de longa distância do ambulatório de cardiologia do esporte e exercício, de um hospital terciário / Cardiac and metabolic characteristics in long distance runners of sport and exercise cardiology outpatient facility of a tertiary hospital

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar parâmetros cardíacos, eletrocardiográficos e funcionais, e respostas cardiopulmonares ao exercício em corredores de longa distância brasileiros, acompanhados no Ambulatório de Cardiologia do Esporte e Exercício de um hospital terciário. MÉTODOS: De uma população inicial de 443 atletas, de ambos os sexos, de diferentes modalidades esportivas, foram avaliados 162 (37 por cento) corredores de longa distância, do sexo masculino, com idade variando entre quatorze e 67 anos. Registros eletrocardiográficos (doze derivações) e ecocardiográficos (modos mono e bidimensional) foram realizados em repouso. Respostas cardiopulmonares foram avaliadas durante teste em esteira rolante, com protocolo em rampa. RESULTADOS: Alterações metabólicas e doenças cardiovasculares foram diagnosticadas em 17 por cento e 9 por cento dos corredores, respectivamente. Bradicardia sinusal e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda foram verificadas em 62 por cento e 33 por cento dos corredores, respectivamente. Alterações estruturais, como cavidade ventricular > 55mm, espessura relativa de parede > 0,44 e índice de massa ventricular > 134g/m2 foram encontradas em 15 por cento, 11 por cento e 7 por cento dos corredores, respectivamente. Fração de ejeção < 55 por cento foi observada em 4 por cento dos corredores. O consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico) diminuiu a partir de 41 anos, embora o limiar anaeróbio relativo ao VO2pico tenha se mantido inalterado com a idade. CONCLUSÃO: Bradicardia de repouso e hipertrofia ventricular esquerda são as adaptações cardiovasculares mais freqüentes em corredores de longa distância brasileiros acompanhados no Ambulatório de Cardiologia do Esporte e Exercício. Apesar da diminuição do VO2pico a partir de 41 anos, há manutenção do consumo de oxigênio relativo no limiar anaeróbio nesses corredores.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize electrocardiographic and functional cardiac parameters and cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in long-distance Brazilian runners monitored at the Sport and Exercise Cardiology Outpatient Facility of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Of an initial population of 443 male and female athletes of different sport modalities, we assessed 162 (37 percent) long-distance male runners, aged from 14 to 67. Electrocardiographic (12 leads) and echocardiographic (M-mode and two-dimensional) parameters were recorded at rest. Cardiopulmonary responses were evaluated on a treadmill with a ramp protocol. RESULTS: Metabolic alterations and cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 17 percent and 9 percent of the runners, respectively. Sinus bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy were observed in 62 percent and 33 percent of the runners, respectively. Structural alterations such as ventricular cavity > 55mm, relative wall thickness > 0.44, and ventricular mass index > 134g/m2 were found in 15 percent, 11 percent and 7 percent of the runners, respectively. Ejection fraction < 55 percent was observed in 4 percent of the runners. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) decreased as of the age of 41, although the anaerobic threshold relative to the VO2peak remained unchanged with age. CONCLUSION: Resting bradycardia and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most frequent cardiovascular adaptations in Brazilian long distance runners monitored by the Sport and Exercise Cardiology Outpatient Facility. Although VO2peak decreases after the age of 41, the relative oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold of these runners remained unchanged.

Validity and reliability of the Baecke questionnaire for the evaluation of habitual physical activity among people living with HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluates the validity and reliability of the Baecke questionnaire on habitual physical activity when applied to a population of HIV/AIDS subjects. Validity was determined by comparing measurements for 30 subjects of peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, and energy expenditure with scores for occupational physical activity (OPA), physical exercise in leisure (PEL), leisure and locomotion activities (LLA), and total score (TS). Reliability was determined by testing and retesting 29 subjects at intervals of 15-30 days. Validity was evaluated with the Pearson correlation and reliability analyses were done using the intraclass correlation, paired Student t-test, and Bland-Altman methods. Peak VO2 and peak workload had significant correlation with PEL (r = 0.41; r = 0.43; respectively). Energy expenditure had a significant correlation with OPA (r = 0.64). The intraclass coefficients were 0.70 or more for OPA, PEL and TS. There was no difference in OPA, PEL, LLA and TS between the two evaluations. The Bland-Altman methods showed that there was good agreement between the measurements for all habitual physical activities scores. Results show that the Baecke questionnaire is valid for the evaluation of habitual physical activity among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Validity and reliability of the Baecke questionnaire for the evaluation of habitual physical activity among people living with HIV/AIDS

Verificar a validade e reprodutibilidade do questionário Baecke de avaliacão da atividade física habitual para portadores do HIV/AIDS. Foram estudadas trinta pessoas na análise da validacão. Os escores de atividade física ocupacional (AFO), exercício físico no lazer (EFL), atividades de lazer e locomocão (ALL) e escore total (ET) foram comparados com o consumo de oxigênio de pico, carga de pico e gasto energético. Na análise da reprodutibilidade, foram estudadas 29 pessoas (intervalo entre 15-30 dias). O coeficiente de correlacão de Pearson foi utilizado para validacão. O coeficiente de correlacão intraclasse, teste t-pareado e Bland-Altman foram utilizados para reprodutibilidade. O VO2 pico e a carga de pico foram correlacionados, significativamente com o EFL (r = 0,41; r = 0,43, respectivamente). O gasto energético foi correlacionado, significativamente, com o AFO (r = 0,64). Os coeficientes de correlacão intraclasse foram de 0,70 ou superiores para AFO, EFL e ET. Não houve diferencas significativas nas médias dos escores entre as duas medidas, e o método de Bland-Altman mostrou boa concordância para todos os escores. O questionário Baecke mostrou-se válido para avaliacão da atividade física habitual em portadores do HIV/AIDS.