Respiratory responses and rating of perceived exertion of severely obese adolescents during continuous and intermittent graded walking protocols: Application to cardiorespiratory field tests.

During 20 m shuttle tests, obese adolescents may have difficulty achieving maximum cardiorespiratory performance due to the presence of braking-relaunch phases (BRP). Nineteen obese adolescents aged 15.2 ± 1.5 years (body mass index [BMI] = 39.7 ± 5.9 kg.m-2) performed three graded walking exercises on a 50 m track at speeds between 3 and 6 km/h: a continuous-straight-line protocol (C), a continuous protocol that required turning back every 30 sec (C-BRP) and an intermittent protocol that consisted of successively walking then resting for 15 sec (15-15). Oxygen uptake (VO2), aerobic cost of walking (Cw), ventilation (VE) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at each stage during the protocols. During C-BRP, the responses were not significantly higher compared with C (p > 0.30). During 15-15, the VO2, Cw and VE were ~ 15 to 25% lower than during C beginning at 4 km/h (p < 0.05). In obese adolescents, the respiratory impact of sudden directional changes during the 20 m shuttle-type test appeared to be minor at walking speeds. During the 15-15 test, the intensity increases more progressively, and this design may encourage obese adolescents to walk further than during a continuous test.

The relevant use of the traditional tunisian game ''raqassa'' for cardiovascular stimulation in schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate (HR) responses, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and the feeling during physical education schooling while performing traditional games activities compared to intermittent exercise. Nineteen pre-pubertal children randomly performed on different days two types of lessons (intermittent running mode vs. traditional Tunisian "Raqassa" game) lasting 12-min each. HR was continuously recorded during both lessons, while ratings of perceived exertion and Feeling values were recorded after the sessions. The mean HR value during the traditional game was significantly higher than during intermittent exercise (p<0.05). Conversely, the perceived exertion score was significantly higher after intermittent exercise than the traditional exercise game (p<0.05), showing that the higher cardiovascular strain of the game was perceived as "lighter" than the run. Simultaneously, the children's Feeling was significantly higher after the traditional game than intermittent exercise (p<0.001), showing a higher satisfaction from playing with respect to running. Exercise based on the "Raqassa" traditional game could be used in pre-pubertal children as an alternative or as an additional method for suitable cardiovascular stimulation during physical education lessons with lower perceived exertion and better feeling compared to intermittent running.

Faster pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics in children vs adults due to enhancements in oxygen delivery and extraction.

This study aimed to examine if the faster pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2p) phase 2 in children could be explained by increased O2 availability or extraction at the muscle level. For that purpose, O2 availability and extraction were assessed using deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy during moderate-intensity constant load cycling exercise in children and young adults. Eleven prepubertal boys and 12 men volunteered to participate in the study. They performed one maximal graded exercise to determine the power associated with the gas exchange threshold (GET) and four constant load exercises at 90% of GET. VO2p and HHb were continuously monitored. VO2p , HHb, and estimated capillary blood flow (Qcap) kinetics were modelled after a time delay and characterized by the time to achieve 63% of the amplitude (τ) and by mean response time (MRT: time delay + τ), respectively. Mean values of τ for VO2p (P < 0.001), of MRT for HHb (P < 0.01) and of MRT for Qcap (P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in children. Faster VO2p kinetics have been shown in children; these appear due to both faster O2 extraction and delivery kinetics as indicated by faster HHb and Qcap kinetics, respectively.

Two months of endurance training does not alter diastolic function evaluated by TDI in 9-11-year-old boys and girls.

OBJECTIVE: Superior global cardiac performance (ie stroke volume) is classically reported after training in children. Current knowledge of the impact of exercise training on myocardial relaxation, a major component of left ventricular (LV) filling and subsequently stroke volume, is, however, limited in the paediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic training on LV wall motion velocities by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in healthy children. METHODS: 25 children (11 girls, 14 boys) were enrolled in a 2 month high-intensity aerobic training programme and 25 (12 girls and 13 boys) served as controls. The children (9-11 years old) performed a graded maximal exercise test on a treadmill to evaluate maximal oxygen uptake. Standard Doppler echocardiography and TDI measurements were performed at baseline and end of the study. Tissue Doppler systolic, early and late myocardial velocities were obtained at the mitral annulus in the septal, lateral, inferior and posterior walls. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake increased by 6.5% (before: 51.6 (SD 4.2), after: 55.0 (4.5) ml/min/kg p<0.001) after training. A modest but significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was also noticed (before: 46.1 (3.4), after: 48.3 (4.3) mm.BSA(-1/2), p<0.001), whereas left ventricular wall thickness and mass were unchanged. Neither transmitral inflow velocities nor early and late wall motion (Em: before = 18.4 (2.7), after = 18.0 (2.3) cm/s, Am: before = 6.8 (1.2), after = 6.7 (1.3) cm/s) were affected by training. Shortening fraction and regional systolic function (Sm: before = 10.1 (1.6), after = 10.2 (1.4) cm/s) by TDI were also unchanged. CONCLUSION: High-intensity aerobic sessions repeated over a 2 month period failed to improve regional diastolic function assessed by TDI in healthy young children.

Validity of the polar S810 to measure R-R intervals in children.

Intervals between two consecutive cardiac beats (R-R intervals) and the subsequent analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) obtained simultaneously from the Polar S810 heart rate monitor (HRM) and an electrocardiogram (ECG) in a supine position were compared in twelve children (age 9.6 +/- 0.9 years) before and after protocol correction. R-R intervals were significantly different between the ECG and the HRM uncorrected and corrected signal (p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 0.005, and 0.005, respectively). However, the bias (95 % confidence interval) was 0.80 (- 124.76 - 123.16) ms and 0.80 (- 12.76 - 11.16) ms, respectively. HRV parameters derived from both signals were not different (p > 0.05) and well correlated (r > 0.99, p < 0.05), except SD2 (p < 0.05, ES = 0.000; r = 0.99). These data support the validity of the Polar S810 HRM to measure R-R intervals and make the subsequent HRV analysis in a supine position in children.

Longitudinal follow-up of fitness during childhood: interaction with physical activity.

Health-related fitness values during childhood (from age 11 to 16 years) were analyzed in relation to changes in physical activity level. One hundred fifty-eight children were monitored over a 4-year period. Twice a year, they performed six physical fitness tests: standing broad jump, 10 x 5-meter shuttle run, sit-and-reach, handgrip, number of sit-ups in 30 s, and 20-m shuttle run. Height was measured four times per year to assess age at peak height velocity. Physical activity was assessed with a self-administered questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. The physical activity level was defined by the frequency and the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Two groups were constituted: regularly active and sedentary. A multiple linear multilevel regression analysis was used to analyze the longitudinal relationships between changes in physical activity and physical fitness levels. Corrections were made for both time-dependent (time) and time-independent (sex) variables. Except for flexibility, boys' fitness performances increased more than that for the girls. Positive and significant (P < 0.05) regression coefficients were found with the regularly active for standing broad jump, 20-m shuttle run, number of sit-ups, 10 x 5-m shuttle run in both sexes, and for the girls' sit-and-reach performance. Increasing or decreasing physical activity level was not associated with changes in fitness performances over time, except for flexibility for the girls and the 20-m shuttle run for the boys. From childhood to adolescence, increasing physical activity is not sufficient to be more fit. The children who are stayed the most active were the fittest, particularly the girls. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:51-58, 2006. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

High-intensity intermittent activities at school: controversies and facts.

In comparison to continuous aerobic type activity, little is known about high-intensity intermittent physical activity in children. Repeated short-term high-intensity activities (> maximal aerobic speed and <10 s) are more characteristic of the spontaneous physical activity of children. Recent studies have shown during repetitive bouts of sprints separated by short recovery intervals, that prepubescent children compared with adults are more able to maintain their performance without substantial fatigue. Moreover, repetitive runs at high velocities (near and higher than the maximal aerobic speed) separated by short recovery periods may elicit a high oxygen consumption in children. Several studies using interval training programmes for 7 weeks, twice a week for 30 min in physical education lessons showed that children's aerobic performance (maximal O2 uptake, maximal aerobic speed) could be enhanced. Training based on these repeated short-term high-intensity exercises could also improve children's anaerobic performance (short-term muscle power, strength and speed). Current evidence suggests that recovery from high-intensity exercises is faster in children than in adults and that repeated runs at high velocities separated by short recovery intervals can improve both aerobic and anaerobic performance. Although continuous aerobic type activity is more scientifically established as a training mode, repeated short-term high-intensity exercises in physical education programmes should be considered to enhance aerobic, as well as, anaerobic fitness in children.

Plasma lactate and plasma volume recovery in adults and children following high-intensity exercises.

AIM: To compare plasma lactate concentration recovery kinetics when measured and corrected for variations in plasma volume between children and adults. METHODS: Nine boys (11.3 +/- 1.1 y) and 8 men (21.9 +/- 1.9 y) performed a maximal and a supramaximal exercise until exhaustion. Plasma lactate concentrations, haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured at rest, immediately on completion of exercise and after the 2nd, 5th, 12th and 30th minute of recovery. The plasma lactate concentrations and the rate of recovery were corrected for variations in plasma volume. RESULTS: The maximal decreases in plasma volume were significantly higher in adults than in children for maximal exercise (-18.7 +/- 2.6% vs -14.5 +/- 3.2%; p < 0.05), but similar for the supramaximal exercise (-16.9 +/- 3.4% vs -15.2 +/- 3.4%). During recovery, measured and corrected plasma lactate concentrations were significantly higher in adults. The rate of plasma lactate recovery was higher in adults for maximal exercise only. The same results were obtained when the rates of plasma lactate decrease were calculated from corrected plasma lactate concentrations. CONCLUSION: The correction of the plasma lactate concentrations for variations in plasma volume did not influence the comparison of the concentrations obtained in adults and children, or their rate of recovery.

Effects of high intensity intermittent training on peak VO(2) in prepubertal children.

This study was designed to examine peak VO(2) responses of prepubescent children following a 7-week aerobic training. Twenty-three boys and thirty girls (9.7 +/- 0.8 years) were divided into a high intensity experimental group (HIEG: 20 girls and 13 boys) and a control group (CG: 10 girls and 10 boys). A graded 20-m shuttle run with measurement of gas exchange values was performed prior to and after the 7-week training program. The test consisted of a 3-min run at 7 km x h(-1) to determine energy cost of running, immediately followed by a 20-meter shuttle run test. HIEG had two 30 min-sessions of short intermittent aerobic training per week at velocities ranging from 100 up to 130 % of the maximal aerobic speed. For HIEG, absolute peak VO(2)(9.1 %) and relative to body mass peak VO(2)(8.2 %) increased significantly (p < 0.001); it was unchanged in the CG. Similarly, maximal shuttle run improved significantly in HIEG (5.1 %, p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no significant change for CG. For both groups energy cost of running remained unchanged. These findings show that prepubescent children could significantly increase their peak VO(2) and maximal shuttle velocity with high intensity short intermittent aerobic exercises.

Plasma lactate recovery from maximal exercise with correction for variations in plasma volume.

BACKGROUND: To compare plasma lactate concentrations and plasma lactate kinetics during recovery, for measured and corrected values for changes in plasma volume, after a maximal aerobic exercise. METHODS: Sixteen male subjects performed an incremental and maximal exercise in order to reach maximal aerobic power. Prior to the exercise, at the end and during recovery (2, 5, 12 and 30 min), blood samples were collected through an antecubital catheter. Samples were analysed for lactate, hematocrit and hemoglobin in order to calculate changes in plasma volume. Plasma lactate concentrations ([La]p) were corrected for changes in plasma volume. Plasma lactate kinetics was estimated through the ratio between [La]p after 5 min recovery minus [La]p after 30 min to time (25 min) and expressed in percentage per minute. RESULTS: Maximal changes in plasma volume (-19.7 +/- 3.8%) were correlated to maximal measured [La]p (r=0.66, p<0.01). Maximal measured [La]p values (14.9 +/- 2.6 mmol x l-1) were 17.3% higher (p<0.001) than corrected values (12.7 +/-2.0 mmol x l-1). The kinetics of [La]p decrease was significantly higher (p<0.001) for measured values (2.38 +/- 0.29 % x min-1) than for corrected values (2.22 +/- 0.33 % x min-1). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that changes in plasma volume must be taken into account when peak postexercise plasma lactate concentration or lactate recovery curves are analysed.

High-intensity aerobic training during a 10 week one-hour physical education cycle: effects on physical fitness of adolescents aged 11 to 16.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of a high-intensity aerobic training program on different components of physical fitness in adolescents aged 11 to 16 years. The subjects were divided into a high intensity (HI) group (243 girls and 260 boys) and a control (C) group (21 girls and 27 boys). HI and C completed a weekly 3 hour physical education (PE) session. Before and after a 10-week period, the two groups performed the European physical fitness test battery (EUROFIT). During these 10 weeks HI spent one hour out of three at a specific PE session. These specific sessions consisted of short intermittent exercises (10 seconds) at 100 to 120% of maximal aerobic speed. They showed a significant influence on standing broad jump (2.9 %, P<0.05, F=4.85), 20 meter shuttle run (3.8%, p0.001, F=23.21) and on the maximal distance covered over 7 min (7.6 %, P< 0.001, F= 14.48). For C there was no improvement in EUROFIT performances. It was concluded that training at high intensity improves not only children's aerobic fitness but also performance of standing broad jump. Well-monitored, adequate intensive training is necessary for a more desirable functional development.

Validity of the Université de Montréal Track Test to assess the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake for adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to test the ability to determine the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake for adolescents by means of a simple field test, the Université de Montréal Track Test (UMTT). METHODS: Fifteen adolescents, 13.4 +/- 1.0 years, performed two maximal field tests where oxygen uptake and heart rate were continuously monitored. The first test (graded field test, first stage 8 km.h-1, increment 1.5 km.h-1, duration 3 min) allowed the subjects to reach a steady-state oxygen uptake. Then, the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake was calculated from the ratio between peak oxygen uptake above resting level to energy cost of running. The calculated velocity was kept as the criterion velocity. For the second test (UMTT, first stage 8 km.h-1; increment 1 km.h-1; duration 2 min), the velocity measured at the last completed stage was retained. RESULTS: The measured peak oxygen uptake for the graded field test (51.8 +/- 6.5 ml.kg-1.min-1) and for the UMTT (51.0 +/- 7.9 ml.kg-1.min-1) were not significantly different. The calculated velocity (12.9 +/- 1.0 km.h-1) and the measured velocity (12.7 +/- 0.9 km.h-1) were not significantly different and were significantly correlated (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that, for adolescents, the velocity measured at the last completed stage of the UMTT allows a valid estimation of the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake.