Evaluación de los efectos de un dispositivo de entrenamiento de los músculos inspiratorios sobre la oxigenación muscular y la activación neuromuscular de los músculos respiratorios / [Evaluation of the effects of an inspiratory muscle training device on muscle oxygenation and neuromuscular activation of the respiratory muscles]

Objetivo: Comparar los cambios en la actividad electromiográfica y oxigenación muscular periférica de los músculos intercostales, en su condición de musculatura accesoria a la respiración, en pacientes con EPOC durante la realización de un test de marcha de 6 minutos (TM6M) con y sin el uso de un dispositivo FeelBreathe (FB).Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron a 20 sujetos diagnosticados de EPOC a los que se les realizaron dos TM6M separados al menos por 60 minutos. Aleatoriamente, cada uno de los pacientes realizó dos TM6M, uno usando el dispositivo FB y el otro sin FB (SFB) y se midieron durante la realización de ambos TM6M la actividad electromiográfica (EMG) obteniéndose la raíz de la media cuadrática (RMS), y por otro lado la oxigenación tisular de los músculos intercostales a través de la variable de oxihemoglobina (HbO2).Resultados: No hubo diferencias significativas en la distancia recorrida en ambos TM6M con FC a SFB. Tanto la RMS como la oxigenación tisular mostraron valores similares entre la condición FB vs. SFB al final de ambas pruebas (32,26 ± 101,94 μV vs 28,25 ± 87,02 μV; p = 0,16 y 70,63 ± 18,80 vs 70,74 ± 16,77; p = 0,975 respectivamente).Conclusiones: El estímulo de trabajo de la musculatura intercostal durante el TM6M con el dispositivo FB no compromete la aparición de la fatiga temprana por un exceso de activación o disminución de la oxigenación de dichos músculos al nivel de intensidad del TM6M. (AU)

Objective: To compare changes in electromyographic activity and peripheral muscle oxygenation of the intercostal muscles, in their condition as accessory muscles for respiration, in patients with COPD during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) with and without the use of a FeelBreathe (FB) device.Material and methods: 20 subjects diagnosed with COPD who underwent two 6MTMs separated by at least 60 minutes were selected. Randomly, each of the patients underwent two 6MWT, one using the FB device and the other without FB (SFB) and electromyographic activity (EMG) was measured during the performance of both 6MWT, obtaining the root mean square (RMS), and on the other hand, tissue oxygenation of the intercostal muscles through the oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) variable.Results: There were no significant differences in the distance traveled in both 6MWT with HR to SFB. Both RMS and tissue oxygenation showed similar values between the FB condition vs. SFB at the end of both tests (32.26 ± 101.94 μV vs 28.25 ± 87.02 μV; p = 0.16 and 70.63 ± 18.80 vs 70.74 ± 16.77; p = 0.975 respectively).Conclusions: The work stimulus of the intercostal muscles during the 6MWT with the FB device does not compromise the appearance of early fatigue due to excessive activation or decreased oxygenation of these muscles at the intensity level of the 6MWT. (AU)

Sun-related behaviors, attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors.

BACKGROUND: Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports increased sun exposure times. Sun protection behaviors and attitudes are utmost importance to reduce sun exposure. AIMS: To evaluate sun exposure habits, sun protection practices, and sun-related attitudes and knowledge among paralympic sailors. METHODS: This descriptive observational study analysed the answers of a validated self-reported questionnaire of habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure and skin cancer completed by 56 elite sailors with disabilities from 19 countries which taking part in 2019 Para World Sailing Championships. RESULTS: Three in four (76.8%) participants reported a history of sunburn in the previous season. Overall, participants showed an average for sport practice per week of 8.0 h (SD: 4.9). Participants reported a low adherence to sun protection practice, with the exception of using sunglasses (85.7%), sunscreen (83.9%) and hat (75%), having a very low rate (28.6%) of avoidance of midday sun and an inadequate sunscreen reapplication (33.9% reported "do not reapply" and 16.1% "reapply every one or 2 h"). Although 82.1% of participants reported to be worried about can get skin cancer out of the sun, they also presented excessive sun tanning attitudes (42.9% likes sunbathing and 57.1% sunbathing makes them feel well). The average score for sun-related knowledge was low (62.1 out 100 points; SD: 13.6). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness campaigns on sun risk are needed specifically directed at this target group, in order to improve their sun protection habits and reduce the rates of sunburn associated with sports practice.

Efectos del entrenamiento de la musculatura respiratoria sobre el rendimiento. Revisión bibliográfica / Effects of respiratory muscles training on performance. Literature review

Actualmente, es aceptado por la comunidad científica que el sistema respiratorio puede limitar el ejercicio en personas con enfermedad pulmonar y/o cardiovascular. El objetivo del presente artículo es la revisión de algunos estudios realizados en relación al papel limitante del sistema respiratorio en el rendimiento físico de deportistas. Se realiza una breve descripción técnica de los dispositivos más utilizados para el entrenamiento de la musculatura respiratoria. Finalmente, se presentan los resultados más representativos, obtenidos por diversos investigadores y en distintas poblaciones, relacionados con el entrenamiento de la musculatura respiratoria y sus efectos en el rendimiento físico. Los resultados obtenidos en las distintas investigaciones consultadas sobre el entrenamiento de los músculos respiratorios son dispares, puesto que algunos han mostrado mejoras significativas, mientras otros no han mostrado grandes efectos en el rendimiento. En todos ellos se refleja cómo el sistema respiratorio es un factor limitante del rendimiento físico en deportistas y es preciso plantearse nuevas metodologías, protocolos y planificaciones en el entrenamiento deportivo. El entrenamiento de los músculos respiratorios, tanto mediante dispositivos umbral, de resistencia, o isocapnica, puede provocar mejoras en valores como la presión inspiratoria máxima y mejoras en el rendimiento de algunos deportes; sin embargo, son muy escasos los estudios que han encontrado mejoras en el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max). Las discrepancias entre los estudios analizados pueden estar provocadas por diferencias en las intensidades y duración de los ejercicios utilizados, así como por diferencias en el diseño experimental y el nivel de condición física de los sujetos(AU)

It is currently accepted by the scientific community that the respiratory system may limit the exercise in people with lung disease and / or cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to review some studies about the limiting role of the respiratory system in the physical performance of athletes and the breath factors that can limit it. We make a brief technical description of the devices used for respiratory muscle training. Finally, we present the most representative results obtained by different researchers in different populations, related to respiratory muscle training and its effects on physical performance. Results obtained in different studies about respiratory muscles training are uneven as some have shown significant improvements, while others have shown no major effects on the performance. All of them reflect that respiratory system is a limiting factor in the physical performance of athletes and it is necessary to consider new methodologies, protocols and plans in sports training. Respiratory muscles training, either by a threshold device, resistance, or isocapnic, may cause improvements in the values of maximum inspiratory pressure and improvements in some sports performance, however, very few studies have found improvements in peak oxygen consumption. Disagreements between the analyzed studies may be caused due to differences in intensity and duration of the exercises used in the tests, as well as by differences between the experimental design and the physical fitness level of subjects(AU)

Impact of a physical activity program on cerebral vasoreactivity in sedentary elderly people.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a physical activity program on the hemodynamic response of the brain (vasoreactivity) in elderly people. METHODS: Eighteen men and 25 women (aged 62-67 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental (EXP, N.=22, 12 women) and a control (CON, N.=21, 13 women) group. Subjects in EXP group were required to complete a 7-month program based on aerobic training (3-4 sessions/weekd, 50 min/session, 3-4 sessions/week, at 70% maximum heart rate). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the cerebral blood flow response to hypercapnic and hypocapnic stimuli. We also determined blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and conducted an aerobic capacity test (the 2.4-Km walking test). RESULTS.Brain vasomotor reactivity improved in the EXP group, reflected by a higher blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in both cerebral hemispheres in response to hypercapnia (induced by breath holding) (P<0.05). Subjects in EXP group also improved the cardiovascular profile aerobic physical condition (P<0.001) in terms of reduced arterial pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that cerebral vasoreactivity in elderly may be improved by undertaking an aerobic exercise program.

Percentile values for aerobic performance running/walking field tests in children aged 6 to 17 years: influence of weight status.

The aim of this study was to provide percentiles values for four different aerobic performance tests in 2752 (1,261 girls) Spanish children aged 6 to 17.9 years. Aerobic performance was assessed by the shuttle run test (20 mSRT), 1-mile, 1/2-mile and 1/4-mile run/walk tests. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. Boys had significantly better score than girls in the studied tests in all age groups, except in 1/4-mile test in 6-7 year old children. Underweight children had similar performance than their normalweight counterparts, and underweight boys had better performance than their obese counterparts. Overweight and obese children had lower performance than their normalweight counterparts. Having percentile values of the most used field tests to measure aerobic performance in youth may help to identify children and adolescents at risk for the major chronic diseases, as well as to evaluate the effects of alternative interventions.

[Health behaviour of school children at the province of Cádiz]. / Conductas de salud en escolares de la provincia de Cádiz.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze some characteristics of health-related behaviour in school children at the province of Cadiz, centering on engagement in sports and physical activity, and on dietary habits. METHODOLOGY: Participants were 738 students, mean age 12.2 years, from primary school o high school. 50.9% were boys and 49.1% girls, who responded a Spanish adaptation of the Health Behavior in Schoolchildren Inventory. RESULTS: Sex differences were observed in the percentage of subjects not engaged in sports, which was higher in girls. Boys practiced sports and physical activity at a higher intensity and more time than girls. A large number of subjects considered good or normal their physical fitness, with only and small percentage describing it as regular. More than half of participants felt a support by parents, and to a smaller extent by brothers and friends. An important part of the subjects did not have breakfast every day, and some even never. A high percentage of the sample ate candies 1 to 3 days per week, being also high the intake of chips, nuts, hamburgers and sausages. Near a quarter of subjects reported not to consume vegetables. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained confirm the necessity of an adequate lifestyle habits education and the development of intervention programs in children and youth, counseling on diet and physical activity and targeting on girls, who are less physically active and on risk of serious disorders.

Análisis de la postura sedente en una población escolar a través de un cuestionario y su posible influencia en las algias vertebrales / Analysis of seated position in a school population through a questionnaire and its possible influence on vertebral pains

Objetivos: a través de este estudio, se pretende conocer cuáles son los hábitos posturales y conocimientos ergonómicos sobre las diferentes formas que utilizan los adolescentes a la hora de sentarse. Además se pretenden establecer relaciones entre las diferentes posiciones adoptadas (de atención, de escritura y de descanso) y la aparición de dolores de espalda. Material y método: desarrollo y aplicación de un cuestionario dirigido a una población de 700 adolescentes (n = 700) Y realizado en cinco centros de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de Ponferrada, Toreno y Cacabelos (pertenecientes a la provincia de León). Resultados: se obtienen datos sobre las posiciones más utilizadas por los escolares en tres situaciones: posición de atención (explicación del profesor), posición de escritura (tomar apuntes) y posición de descanso (tiempo de ocio sentados en sus casas). Asimismo, se comprueba el elevado número de horas que pasan en posición sedente a lo largo del día y si las diferentes posiciones adoptadas tienen alguna influencia en el padecimiento de algias vertebrales. Conclusiones: el número de horas que los alumnos pasan en posición sedente provoca el incremento de desequilibrios musculares. Este factor, unido a un mobiliario mal adaptado ya la adopción de posturas incorrectas, puede incrementar el número de algias vertebrales padecidas a lo largo de sus vidas

Objedives: Through this study, it is intended to know which are the postural habits and ergonomic knowledge on the different ways that the adolescents adopt when sitting down. It also seeks to settle down relationships among the different adopted positions (of attention, of writing and of rest) and the appearance of back pain Material and method: We developed and applied a questionnaire directed to a population of 700 adolescents (n = 700) and carried out in five Compulsory Secondary Education schools in Ponferrada, Toreno and Cacabelos (belonging to the province of León). Results: Data are obtained on the positions more often adopted by the students in three situations: position of attention (the teacher's explanation), writing position (taking notes) and position of rest (time of leisure sitting down in their houses). Also it is pro ven the high number of hours that they spend in seated position along the day and if the different adopted positions ha ve any influence in the suffering of vertebral pains. Conclusions: The number of hours which students spend in seated position causes the increment of muscular imbalances. This factor together to a not well adapted furniture and to the adoption of incorrect postures can in crease the number of vertebral pains suffered along their lives