Validity of a novel device for indoor analysis of cyclists' drag area.

PURPOSE: Cyclists need to measure aerodynamic resistance accurately and reliably, as well as economically. Devices such as Notio Aerostick, an equipment device that includes one pitot tube, have appeared for this purpose. The aim of this study is, therefore, to test the reliability and degree of agreement in the evaluation of the CdA (coefficient of aerodynamic drag), assessed by means of the Notio Aerostick compared to the Virtual Elevation (VE) and Martin mathematical models. METHOD: Seventeen professional cyclists rode in a 250-metre-long velodrome covered with a concrete surface with their own time trial bikes. Each cyclist completed three rides of 15 laps at constant speed for the evaluation of the CdA, each of them in a different position [Baseline (B), Change 1 (C1) and Change 2 (C2)]. RESULTS: The differences in CdA between methods were found for Martin in comparison with VE in all positions (p <.001) and with Notio Aerostick in B and C2 (p> .05). About differences of CdA for each method, considering between position changes, the results were the same for VE and Martin, but different for Notio Aerostick. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that, notwithstanding Notio Aerostick is valid if we compare CdA values with respect to VE, since the direction of their between-positions CdA changes differs, the results of their aerodynamic evaluation could lead us to recommend different final setups. We need studies that evaluate different units of the Notio Aerostick device as well as the reliability and precision of each sensor that includes Notio Aerostick.HighlightsThe CdA calculated by the Notio Aerostick and VE, a mathematical model previously validated, can be interchangeable, however the final position recommended by each method may be different, since the changes in the following position are given by the changes of the CdA in the previous position.None of the three methods allowed elite cyclists to measure statistically significant differences between the proposed setups.Although the CdA differences between positions were not significant, they can be decisive in the final result of a time trial competition.

Determinants of dynamic inspiratory muscle strength in healthy trained elderly.

BACKGROUND: The S-Index assessed by means of electronic devices is a measure of Inspiratory Muscle Strength (IMS) that highly correlates with the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). The variables involved when using regression models for the prediction of IMS/MIP depend on both the sample characteristics and the device or protocol used. In light of the scarce information on the influence of physical activity (PA) on IMS in healthy older adults (OA), together with the incorporation of new assessment devices, the objectives of this research are: 1) to determine which factors influence the IMS in a group of trained OA, using a portable electronic device; and 2) to propose a regression model to improve its assessment and training. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine individuals were assessed for body composition, lung capacity, IMS, and PA. A total of 92 individuals (72.73 ± 4.99 years) were considered for the final sample. RESULTS: Using age, sex, and weight as control variables, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) is the variable which is most likely to be included in the model (80%), without physical fitness appearing to be decisive. In the absence of spirometric variables, cardiorespiratory fitness (6MWT) takes on this role in a predictive model (16%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study proposing IMS predictive formulas considering spirometry and/or physical fitness results for a Spanish, healthy, and trained OAs population. A predictive formula including also the spirometric variables (mainly the FEV1) might better predict the inspiratory muscle strength. In addition, physical and respiratory functions confirm to be different, so it is necessary for the inspiratory muscles to be trained in a specific way.

Heart rate dynamics and lactate following high-intensity race-pace continuous vs interval workouts in highly trained athletes.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare the physiological responses of high-intensity race-pace continuous vs. interval workouts commonly used in middle-distance athletics, by means of analyzing post-exercise cardiac autonomic regulation and lactate. METHODS: Nineteen highly-trained 800-m male runners were asked to run a 600-m race-pace continuous workout and a 2 × 4 × 200-m interval training, counterbalanced and randomized within one week of difference. Blood lactate jointly with linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics were assessed during the immediate 15-min recovery. Age-category (Under23-Senior vs. Juvenile-Junior) was considered as an inter-subject factor. RESULTS: Peak lactate was higher following the interval training (15.51 ± 0.99 vs 13.83 ± 1.77 mmol L-1; P < 0.05) whereas lactate removal was almost nonexistent 15 min after both workouts (between 0 and 16%). Vagal modulation (ln RMSSD and lnRMSSD to RR ratio) remained significantly depressed at the end of recovery following both workouts, although the alteration was larger following the interval training. Detrended Fluctuation Analysis evidenced a more random HR behavior (DFA1 closer to 0.5) during the first 9 min of recovery after the interval training, whereas no significant change was observed in heart rate complexity (SampEn). Neither were differences found in post-exercise lactate and HR dynamics as a function of age-category. CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity workouts commonly used in middle-distance athletics, both race-pace continuous and intervallic approaches, induce a large depression of vagal modulation in highly trained runners, although interval trainings appear to induce even a greater alteration of both linear and nonlinear HR dynamics and a higher post-exercise peak lactate.

Reducción de la sobrecarga del cuidador tras entrenamiento supervisado en ancianos pluripatológicos y paliativos / Reduced caregiver overload after supervised training in pluripathological and palliative elderly / Redução da sobrecarga do cuidador após o treinamento supervisionado em idosos pluripatológicos e paliativos

OBJETIVO: Conocer la relación entre el nivel de independencia de un grupo de ancianos crónicos-pluripatológicos y paliativos (ACP-P) y la sobrecarga de sus cuidadores, tras un programa de entrenamiento multicomponente adaptado al ámbito domiciliario. DISEÑO: mixto, cuantitativo y cuasiexperimental, con medidas repetidas en el factor Entrenamiento, y dos factores de agrupación: edad (70-79 y ≥80 años) y nivel de deambulación del ACP-P (anda/no anda). EMPLAZAMIENTO: Intervención realizada en la Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio (UHD) del Hospital General de Alicante, durante 2014-2016. PARTICIPANTES: 17 pacientes ACP-P, edad media 81,6 años (DE 5,6). Intervención. 3 sesiones semanales durante 26 semanas del programa de entrenamiento funcional-cognitivo EFAM-UVH(c); 3 fases, reduciendo progresivamente la presencia del entrenador para fomentar la autonomía (28 sesiones supervisadas y 20 autónomas en total). MEDICIONES PRINCIPALES: Evaluación de Sobrecarga del cuidador (Zarit) y Nivel de independencia (Índice de Barthel "IB"), apoyados por indicadores fisiológicos y funcionales. RESULTADOS: IB mejoró con el entrenamiento supervisado (p < 0,05), y se mantuvo o descendió leve, aunque no significativamente, al aumentar la autonomía. Estas mejoras se acompañaron de una reducción en la sobrecarga del cuidador, con una dinámica similar, fundamentalmente en cuidadores del grupo <79 años y de los que no andan. No se encontró relación entre IB y Zarit, pero los deltas de ambas variables se asociaron en las fases supervisadas (r=-0,596, p = 0,015), reflejando el impacto del ejercicio. CONCLUSIONES: El entrenamiento multicomponente ayuda a contener la sobrecarga del cuidador, reducida de forma concomitante al aumento de independencia del ACP-P entrenado. Este beneficio indirecto potencia la necesidad de equipos multidisciplinares y programas de ejercicio temprano y supervisado

OBJECTIVE: To know the relationship between the level of independence of a group of chronic-pluripatological and palliative elders (ACP-P) and the overload of their caregivers, after a multicomponent training program adapted to the home environment. DESIGN: Mixed, quantitative and quasi-experimental design, with repeated measures in the training factor, and two grouping factors: age (70-79 and ≥80 years) and the ambulation level of the ACP-P (walk /don't walk). LOCATION: Intervention carried out in the Home Hospitalization Unit (HHU) of the General Hospital of Alicante, during 2014-2016. PARTICIPANTS: 17 ACP-P patients [81.6 years (SD5.6)]. INTERVENTION: 3 weekly sessions for 26 weeks of the EFAM-UVH(c) multicomponent training program (functional + cognitive); 3 phases, progressively reducing the presence of the coach to promote autonomy (28 supervised and 20 autonomous sessions in total). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Evaluation of caregiver overload (Zarit) and level of independence (Barthel Index "BI") of the ACP-P, supported by physiological and functional indicators. RESULTS: BI improved with supervised training (p < 0.05), and remained or fell slightly, although not significantly, when increasing the autonomy. These improvements were accompanied by a reduction in the overload of the caregiver, with a similar dynamic, mainly in the caregivers of the group <79 years and those who do not walk. No relationship was found between IB and Zarit, but the deltas of both variables were associated in the supervised phases (r = -0.596, p = 0.015), reflecting the impact of physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent exercise training at the HHU helps to contain the caregiver's overload, reduced concomitantly to the increased of independence of the trained ACP-P. This indirect benefit maximizes the need of multidisciplinary teams, and early and supervised physical exercise training programs

OBJETIVO: Conhecer a relação entre o nível de independência de um grupo de idosos pluripatológicos e paliativos crônicos (ACP-P) e a sobrecarga de seus cuidadores, após um programa de treinamento multicomponente adaptado ao ambiente doméstico. DESENHO: misto, quantitativo e quase experimental, com medidas repetidas no fator Treinamento e dois fatores de agrupamento: idade (70-79 e ≥80 anos) e nível de deambulação do ACP-P (caminhada / partida). LOCALIZAÇÃO: Intervenção realizada na Unidade de Hospitalização Doméstica (UHD) do Hospital Geral de Alicante, durante o período 2014-2016. PARTICIPANTES: 17 pacientes com ACP-P, com idade média de 81,6 anos (DP 5,6). INTERVENÇÃO: 3 sessões semanais por 26 semanas do programa de treinamento cognitivo-funcional EFAM-UVH (c); 3 fases, reduzindo progressivamente a presença do treinador para promover a autonomia (28 sessões supervisionadas e 20 autônomas no total). PRINCIPAIS MEDIDAS: Avaliação da sobrecarga do cuidador (Zarit) e nível de independência (Índice de Barthel "IB"), apoiados por indicadores fisiológicos e funcionais. RESULTADOS: O IB melhorou com o treinamento supervisionado (p < 0,05) e permaneceu ou caiu ligeiramente, embora não significativamente, aumentando a autonomia. Essas melhorias foram acompanhadas por uma redução na sobrecarga do cuidador, com dinâmica semelhante, principalmente nos cuidadores do grupo <79 anos e naqueles que não andam. Não foi encontrada relação entre IB e Zarit, mas os deltas de ambas as variáveis foram associados nas fases supervisionadas (r=-0,596, p = 0,015), refletindo o impacto do exercício. CONCLUSÕES: O treinamento multicomponente ajuda a conter a sobrecarga do cuidador, reduzida concomitantemente à crescente independência do ACP-P treinado. Esse benefício indireto aumenta a necessidade de equipes multidisciplinares e programas de exercícios precoces e supervisionados