The Moderating Role of Health Variables on the Association between Physical Exercise and Quality of Life in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Scientific evidence demonstrates the positive impact that physical exercise has on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, no study has proposed a model investigating the effect physical exercise has on the QOL of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, considering the most frequent associated diseases (diabetes/hypertension). The objectives were (1) to explore the relationship between physical exercise and the QOL of adults with ESRD, and (2) to examine the moderating and/or mediating role of relevant patient variables. This non-interventional study utilized an ex post facto retrospective data analysis design with a sample of 310 patients with ESRD through two validated questionnaires. The dependent variables were the QOL scale (KDQOL-SF), and the physical function dimension (EFFISICA). The independent variables were the regular practice of intense physical activity (DEPINTE) and the daily time (in hours) the patient is in a sedentary attitude (TiParado). The moderating variables were the clinical situation and associated diseases. The mediator variable used was the body mass index. Bivariate and multiple regression analyses were conducted. Findings suggest implementing intense physical activity in transplant recipients and programmes to avoid sedentary lifestyles in dialysis patients have a positive effect in the QOL of ESRD patients.

Importance of physical exercise prescription in patients with chronic kidney disease: results of the survey of the Grupo Español Multidisciplinar de Ejercicio Físico en el Enfermo Renal [Spanish Multidisciplinary Group of Physical Exercise in Kidney Patients] (GEMEFER).

INTRODUCTION: Despite the benefits of physical exercise (PE) for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the number of Nephrology services that have PE programs is limited. OBJECTIVES: To describe the degree of knowledge of PE benefits in patients with CKD among professionals, as well as the level of implementation and characteristics of PE programs in Nephrology services in Spain. METHODS: A questionnaire on the degree of knowledge and prescription of PE in patients with CKD was designed and sent to members of the Spanish Nephrology and Nephrology Nursing Societies, as well as to physiotherapists and professionals in the Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport (PASS). RESULTS: 264 professionals participated. 98.8% agreed on the importance of prescribing PE, but only 20.5% carry out an assessment of functional capacity and 19.3% have a PE program for patients with CKD in their centre. The most frequent programs are performed for haemodialysis patients and strength and aerobic resistance exercises are combined. A physiotherapist or a PASS usually participates in its prescription. The main barriers were the absence of human and/or physical resources and the lack of training. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare workers know the benefits of PE in patients with CKD. However, the implementation of these programs in Spain is low, motivated by the lack of resources and training of professionals. We must establish strategies to guarantee an adequate functional capacity within the care of our patients.

Importancia de la prescripción de ejercicio físico en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica: resultados de la encuesta del Grupo Español Multidisciplinar de Ejercicio Físico en el Enfermo Renal (GEMEFER) / Importance of physical exercise prescription in patients with chronic kidney disease: Results of the survey of the Spanish Multidisciplinary Group of Physical Exercise in Kidney Patients (GEMEFER)

Introducción: A pesar de los beneficios del ejercicio físico (EF) para pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), el número de servicios de Nefrología que han implementado programas de EF es limitado. Objetivos: Describir el grado de conocimiento del EF en pacientes con ERC entre los profesionales, así como el nivel de implementación y las características de los programas de EF en los servicios de Nefrología en España. Métodos: Se diseñó un cuestionario sobre el grado de conocimiento y de prescripción del EF en pacientes con ERC que se envió a los socios de la Sociedad Española de Nefrología y de la Sociedad Española de Enfermería Nefrológica, así como a fisioterapeutas y profesionales de las Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (CAFyD). Resultados: Participaron 264 profesionales. El 98,8% coincidían en la importancia de prescribir EF, pero solo el 20,5% realizan una valoración de la capacidad funcional y solo el 19,3% disponen de un programa de EF para pacientes con ERC en su centro. Los programas más frecuentes están dirigidos a pacientes en hemodiálisis y combinan ejercicios de fuerza y de resistencia aeróbica. En la prescripción habitualmente interviene un fisioterapeuta o un CAFyD. Las principales barreras fueron la ausencia de recursos humanos y/o físicos y la falta de formación. Conclusiones: Los profesionales sanitarios conocen los beneficios del EF en el paciente renal. Sin embargo, la implementación de estos programas en España es baja, debido a la falta de recursos y a la falta de formación de los profesionales. Debemos establecer estrategias para garantizar una adecuada capacidad funcional dentro de los cuidados de nuestros pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: Despite the benefits of physical exercise (PE) for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the number of Nephrology services that have PE programs is limited. Objective: To describe the degree of knowledge of PE benefits in patients with CKD among professionals, as well as the level of implementation and characteristics of PE programs in Nephrology services in Spain. Methods: A questionnaire on the degree of knowledge and prescription of PE in patients with CKD was designed and sent to members of the Spanish Nephrology and Nephrology Nursing Societies, as well as to physiotherapists and professionals in the Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport (CAFyD). Results: 264 professionals participated. 98.8% agreed on the importance of prescribing PE, but only 20.5% carry out an assessment of functional capacity and 19.3% have a PE program for patients with CKD in their center. The most frequent programs are performed for hemodialysis patients and strength and aerobic resistance exercises are combined. A physiotherapist or a CAFyD usually participates in its prescription. The main barriers were the absence of human and/or physical resources and the lack of training. Conclusions: Healthcare workers know the benefits of PE in patients with CKD. However, the implementation of these programs in Spain is low, motivated by the lack of resources and training of professionals. We must establish strategies to guarantee an adequate functional capacity within the care of our patients. (AU)

Is it Feasible to Use a Low-Cost Wearable Sensor for Heart Rate Monitoring within an Upper Limb Training in Spinal Cord Injured Patients?: A Pilot Study.

(1) Background: Cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients have impairment in the autonomic nervous system, reflected in the cardiovascular adaption level during the performance of upper limb (UL) activities carried out in the rehabilitation process. This adaption level could be measured from the heart rate (HR) by means of wearable technologies. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the feasibility of using Xiaomi Mi Band 5 wristband (XMB5) for HR monitoring in these patients during the performance of UL activities; (2) Methods: The HR measurements obtained from XMB5 were compared to those obtained by the professional medical equipment Nonin LifeSense II capnograph and pulse oximeter (NLII) in static and dynamic conditions. Then, four healthy people and four cervical SCI patients performed a UL training based on six experimental sessions; (3) Results: the correlation between the HR measurements from XMB5 and NLII devices was strong and positive in healthy people (r = 0.921 and r = 0.941 (p < 0.01) in the static and dynamic conditions, respectively). Then, XMB5 was used within the experimental sessions, and the HR oscillation range measured was significantly higher in healthy individuals than in patients; (4) Conclusions: The XMB5 seems to be feasible for measuring the HR in this biomedical application in SCI patients.

Physical Exercise in People with Chronic Kidney Disease-Practices and Perception of the Knowledge of Health Professionals and Physical Activity and Sport Science Professionals about Their Prescription.

There is evidence on the need to include physical exercise as a treatment for diseases. A large number of professionals are involved in this, but it is not known how physical exercise is prescribed and which professionals are involved. This research has two objectives: (a) to find out the current practices in Spain regarding the prescription of physical exercise in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and (b) to analyse the perception that different health and physical activity professionals have of their knowledge to prescribe of physical exercise in the treatment of CKD. This is an empirical research with an ex post facto retrospective analysis of the information in a descriptive and correlational way. A total of 692 health and sports professionals participated. A questionnaire validated by a committee of experts was administered. Descriptive analyses were carried out and the differences in the study variables were analysed using Chi-square tests and one-factor Analysis of Variance. From the results obtained, we conclude there is a need to develop specific training programmes in the field of physical exercise for health professionals, as well as the establishment of multiprofessional teams for the prescription of physical exercise in CKD treatment, including physical exercise professionals (Cafyde).

Eficacia y seguridad de un programa de ejercicio físico intradiálisis / Impact and safety outcomes of an intradialytic physical exercise program

Introducción: Los pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD) suelen tener una condición física mermada y elevado sedentarismo. La consolidación de programas de ejercicio físico en las unidades de diálisis está limitada por barreras como la seguridad inherente a estos programas y la falta de recursos. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad en la implantación de un programa de ejercicio físico intradiálisis (EFI) sobre la condición física de los pacientes con un equipo multidisciplinar (fisioterapeuta y auxiliares de enfermería). Material y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental pre-post unicéntrico prospectivo de 6 meses en 34 pacientes. Intervención con EFI combinado 2 días a la semana, evaluándose de forma basal y final la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (6MWT), fuerza muscular (HG, dinamometría de cuádriceps y 10STS), la composición corporal (bioimpedanciometría) y la capacidad coordinativa (Timed Up and Go test). La seguridad se valoró registrando las incidencias relacionadas con el acceso vascular, la estabilidad hemodinámica y el perfil de rellenado vascular (RBV) durante las sesiones. También se registró la adherencia al programa así como parámetros analíticos habituales. Resultados: La adherencia al programa de EFI fue elevada (70,8%). Se constató una mejora significativa de 47m (p<0,001) en el 6MWT; un incremento medio de 1,6kg (p=0,007) en el HG para la fuerza de extremidades superiores y en las extremidades inferiores (10STS p=0,003; dinamometría p<0,05). Respecto a la seguridad, no se detectaron incidencias ni diferencias significativas en el RBV. Conclusiones: Un programa de EFI combinado favorece la mejora de la condición física de los pacientes en HD sin comprometer la seguridad del tratamiento. Es aconsejable un equipo multidisciplinar para implantar y dar continuidad eficazmente a un programa de EFI. (AU)

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are characterized by a poor physical condition and a substantial sedentary profile. The implementation of physical exercise programs in the hemodialysis units is usually limited by the inherent safeness and the lack of appropriate resources. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact and safety outcomes of the implementation of an intradialytic physical exercise program (IPE) by a multidisciplinary team (physiotherapist and nursing assistant) in the physical condition of the patients. Material and methods: This six months single-centre and experimental pre-post prospective study was carried out in 34 patients. A two day-week combined IPE intervention was implemented. The cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT), muscular strength (HG, leg dynamometry and 10STS), body composition (bioimpedance) and coordination capacity (Timed Up and Go test) was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Safety was evaluated by means of the number of issues regarding the vascular access, the hemodynamic stability as well as the vascular refilling profile (RBV) in each session. The adhesion to the program was also registered. Additionally, analytical parameters were recorded. Results: The adhesion to an IPE program was high (70.8%). A significant improvement of the cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT average increase 47m; p<0.001), superior limbs (HG average increase of 1.6kg; p=0.007) as well as the lower extremities (10STS; p=0.003; dynamometry p<0.05). Regarding safeness, there were no incidences neither significant difference in the RBV. Conclusions: A combined IPE may contribute to the improvement of the physical condition of the patients as well as ensures a safe development of the HD treatment. We suggest a multidisciplinary team in order to efficiently establish an IPE program. (AU)

Impact and safety outcomes of an intradialytic physical exercise program.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are characterized by a poor physical condition and a substantial sedentary profile. The implementation of physical exercise programs in the hemodialysis units is usually limited by the inherent safeness and the lack of appropriate resources. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the impact and safety outcomes of the implementation of an intradialytic physical exercise program (IPE) by a multidisciplinary team (physiotherapist and nursing assistant) in the physical condition of the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This six months single-centre and experimental pre-post prospective study was carried out in 34 patients. A two day-week combined IPE intervention was implemented. The cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT), muscular strength (HG, leg dynamometry and 10STS), body composition (bioimpedance) and coordination capacity (Timed Up and Go test) was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Safety was evaluated by means of the number of issues regarding the vascular access, the hemodynamic stability as well as the vascular refilling profile (RBV) in each session. The adhesion to the program was also registered. Additionally, analytical parameters were recorded. RESULTS: The adhesion to an IPE program was high (70.8%). A significant improvement of the cardiopulmonary capacity (6MWT average increase 47 m; p < 0.001), superior limbs (HG average increase of 1.6 kg; p = 0.007) as well as the lower extremities (10STS; p = 0.003; dynamometry p < 0.05). Regarding safeness, there were no incidences neither significant difference in the RBV. CONCLUSIONS: A combined IPE may contribute to the improvement of the physical condition of the patients as well as ensures a safe development of the HD treatment. We suggest a multidisciplinary team in order to efficiently establish an IPE program.

Effects of a resistance training program in kidney transplant recipients: A randomized controlled trial.

Kidney transplant recipients are at risk of developing important adverse effects after transplantation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a 10-week supervised resistance exercise-based intervention in kidney transplant recipients. Sixteen participants were randomized to a training (n = 8, 49.7 ± 9.6 years) or control group (n = 8, 48.6 ± 10.6 years). The primary endpoint was health-related quality of life evaluated through the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), which includes the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and secondary endpoints included physical performance (6-minute walk distance [6-MWD], 60-second sit to stand test [60-STS], 8-foot up and go test, and handgrip and lower limb muscle strength), muscle mass, and biochemical parameters. Endpoints were assessed at baseline and after 10 weeks. Resistance exercise significantly increased (P < .05) some SF-36 domains and tended to induce improvements in one specific KDQOL-SF domain (P = .050). Further, exercise benefits were observed for 6-MWD (9% and 1% for the training and control groups, respectively; P < .001), handgrip strength (7% and -1%; P = .005), 60-STS repetitions (18% and -7%; P < .001), and 8-foot up and go test performance time (-5% and 6%; P = .010). No between-group differences (P > .05) were found for the remaining endpoints. There were no adverse events, musculoskeletal injuries, hypoglycemic episodes, cardiovascular events, or hospitalizations related to the intervention. In conclusion, 10 weeks of supervised resistance training is enough to improve quality of life and physical performance without side effects such as musculoskeletal injuries, hypoglycemic episodes, cardiovascular events, or hospitalizations related to the intervention in kidney transplant recipients.

Ultraendurance Exercise in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Study.

CONTEXT: Exercise improves the commonly impaired physical fitness and cardiovascular health of transplant recipients. However, concerns remain about the safety of strenuous physical exercise in this population. PURPOSE: To describe the physiological effects of ultraendurance exercise in a renal transplant recipient. METHODS: After a 25-week training program, a 31-year-old male with stage 3 chronic kidney disease who had undergone 2 kidney transplants participated in a 62-km (5600 m of positive altitude change) trail-running race. Blood and urine analyses were performed at baseline (24 h before the race), 4 days after the race, and at different time points up to 16 weeks postexercise. RESULTS: The participant completed the race in 12 hours 18 minutes. No noticeable side effects were recorded during the whole study period, including the prerace training program. No major urine or blood alterations were observed after ultraendurance exercise, with glomerular filtration rate remaining steady during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Ultraendurance exercise induced no adverse physiological effects in a well-trained young renal transplant recipient.

Exercise training in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evidences on the benefits of physical exercise in kidney transplant patients (KTx) are not conclusive and concerns on safety remain. We here gather and interpret current evidence on the benefits/harms of exercise training intervention in KTx. METHODS: Systematic review of exercise training programs in KTx. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies including 654 KTx patients on intervention and 536 controls were evaluated. The median age was 46 years; the transplant vintage was 2 days to 10 years. The intervention was an aerobic or resistance exercise program or a combination of both; interventions consisted of 20-60 min' sessions, 2-3 times per week repetitions and 5.5 months' median duration. Most studies improved cardiorespiratory fitness (expressed as VO2peak) as well as maximum heart rate, which was associated with a significant increase in muscle performances and strength. No significant changes in body weight or composition were observed, but a trend towards weight reduction in overweight or obese patients on stable KTx was noted. The arterial blood pressure reduced a little after exercise when it was high at start. Exercise intervention had no clinically relevant impact on anaemia, glycaemia or lipidaemia. In contrast, exercise training improved several aspects of quality of life. No data on long-term hard outcomes or on high-risk subpopulations such comorbid or elderly patients were available. CONCLUSIONS: In adult kidney transplant patients, a structured physical exercise program improved the aerobic capacity and ameliorated muscle performance and quality of life. No harms were observed in the short-term, but long-term RCTs are required. Overall, in mid-age kidney transplant patients without major comorbidities, an aerobic or resistance supervised exercise lasting 3-6 months could be suggested within the comprehensive treatment of kidney transplant.

Forma física y calidad de vida en pacientes trasplantados de riñón: estudio de casos y controles / Fitness and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: case-control study

Antecedentes y objetivos: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los niveles de forma física, estructura muscular y calidad de vida de adultos con trasplante de riñón y adultos sanos. Pacientes y métodos: En este estudio participaron 16 trasplantados renales y 21 controles. Se evaluó la forma física, la fuerza isocinética de flexión y extensión de rodilla, así como el cuestionario de calidad de vida SF-36. Además, se realizó una ecografía muscular para analizar la estructura muscular. Resultados: Se observaron valores inferiores en el grupo de trasplantados en los test de agilidad y sentarse y levantarse de la silla (p < 0,001) y en todos los parámetros de estructura muscular, fuerza y potencia. Los pacientes evaluaron peor su calidad de vida en todos los niveles, encontrándose diferencias significativas con respecto a los pacientes en los dominios de función física, rol físico, salud general y la función social (p < 0,001). Discusión: La forma física, fuerza y masa muscular y calidad de vida de personas trasplantadas de riñón está disminuida, situación que podría conllevar un mayor riesgo para su salud (AU)

Background and objectives: We analyzed the levels of fitness, muscle structure and quality of life of adults after kidney transplant and healthy adults. Patients and methods: A total of 16 kidney transplant patients and 21 healthy controls performed several fitness test, isokinetic evaluation of knee flexion and extension and ultrasonography muscle thickness assessment. They also completed the quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Results: Physical fitness, muscle structure and quality of life of the kidney transplant recipients were significantly poorer than the controls. The transplant patients performed less well in the "get up and go" and "sit to stand" test (p < .001) as well as in assessments of muscle structure, strength and power. The patients had a poorer score in their quality of life assessments, differing from the controls in domains of physical function, physical role, general health and social function (p < .001). Discussion: Fitness, strength and muscle mass are diminished in kidney transplant patients, resulting in a poorer quality of life which might entail an increased risk to their health (AU)

[Fitness and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: case-control study]. / Forma física y calidad de vida en pacientes trasplantados de riñón: estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the levels of fitness, muscle structure and quality of life of adults after kidney transplant and healthy adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 16 kidney transplant patients and 21 healthy controls performed several fitness test, isokinetic evaluation of knee flexion and extension and ultrasonography muscle thickness assessment. They also completed the quality of life questionnaire SF-36. RESULTS: Physical fitness, muscle structure and quality of life of the kidney transplant recipients were significantly poorer than the controls. The transplant patients performed less well in the "get up and go" and "sit to stand" test (p<.001) as well as in assessments of muscle structure, strength and power. The patients had a poorer score in their quality of life assessments, differing from the controls in domains of physical function, physical role, general health and social function (p<.001). DISCUSSION: Fitness, strength and muscle mass are diminished in kidney transplant patients, resulting in a poorer quality of life which might entail an increased risk to their health.

Free-Weight Augmentation With Elastic Bands Improves Bench Press Kinematics in Professional Rugby Players.

García-López, D, Hernández-Sánchez, S, Martín, E, Marín, PJ, Zarzosa, F, and Herrero, AJ. Free-weight augmentation with elastic bands improves bench press kinematics in professional rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2493-2499, 2016-This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining elastic bands to free weight resistance (EB + FWR) on the acceleration-deceleration and velocity profiles of the bench press in professional rugby players and recreationally trained subjects. Sixteen male subjects (8 rugby players and 8 recreationally trained subjects) were randomly assigned to complete 2 experimental conditions in a crossover fashion: EB + FWR and FWR. In both conditions, subjects performed 1 bench press set to volitional exhaustion with a load equivalent to the 85% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). In the EB + FWR condition, the contribution of elastic resistance was approximately 20% of the selected load (85% 1RM). Results indicate that EB + FWR condition increased significantly the range of concentric movement in which the barbell is accelerated. This increase was significantly higher in rugby players (35%) in comparison with recreationally trained subjects (13%). Maximal velocity was also increased in EB + FWR (17%), when compared with FWR condition. These results suggest that when combined with variable resistance (i.e., EB), the external resistance seems to be more evenly distributed over the full range of motion, decreasing the need for dramatic deceleration at the end of the concentric phase. The present data also indicate that the kinematic benefits of an EB + FWR approach seems to be more prominent in athletes from modalities in which high level of strength and power are required (i.e., rugby players).

Valoración física, condición física y calidad de vida en pacientes con diferentes tratamientos renales sustitutivos / Physical assessment, fitness and quality of life in patients with different renal replacement therapies

La actividad física es de vital importancia en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, ya que mejora la capacidad funcional de los sujetos e incrementa notablemente su calidad de vida. Para mejorar la calidad de vida en pacientes con tratamiento renal sustitutivo, dializados o trasplantados, deberían ser incluidos programas de actividad física planificados y supervisados por profesionales. Existen varios estudios sobre entrenamiento aeróbico y de fuerza en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica en hemodiálisis pero pocos sobre la condición física relacionada con la salud en estos pacientes y escasos los referentes a condición física en trasplantados y en pacientes con diálisis peritoneal. El objetivo principal del estudio fue evaluar el nivel de actividad física, condición física y calidad de vida de enfermos renales crónicos con diferentes tratamientos sustitutivos. Material y métodos: 25 enfermos renales crónicos varones de entre 59 y 72 años, que participaron voluntariamente en este estudio, fueron divididos en 3 grupos: trasplantados renales: N=11, hemodializados: N=6, y en tratamiento de diálisis peritoneal: N=8. Se les administró el cuestionario de cuantificación de actividad física YALE, el cuestionario de calidad de vida KDQoL y realizaron la batería de tests Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos en ninguno de los cuestionarios ni en los tests realizados. Los 3 grupos mostraron valores inferiores que otras poblaciones sanas de referencia de la misma edad. Conclusiones: El tipo de tratamiento sustitutivo en los pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica no influye sobre el nivel de actividad física, condición física ni calidad de vida (AU)

Introduction: Physical activity has been shown very helpful in chronic renal patients (CKD) because it improves the subject’s physical fitness and therefore their quality of life. To improve the quality of life in patients with substitute renal treatment, dialysated or transplanted, they should be included in physical activity programmes carefully planned and supervised by experts and professionals. There are several researches in literature about aerobic and strength training with patients with CKD in hemodialysis, but a few about physical condition related to health in this patients, and less than a few, the related researches about the physical condition in transplanted and peritoneal dialysis patients. This study aimed to assess the physical activity, physical fitness and quality of life levels in chronic renal patients with different alternative treatments. Material and methods: 25 male chronic renal patients aged between 59 and 72 years old were divided in 3 groups: renal transplant (Tx): N= 11, hemodialysis (HD): N = 6, and peritoneal dialysis (DP): N=8. The YALE physical activity survey was administrated along with KDQoL questionnaire of quality of life. Furthermore, subjects performed the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Results: Significant differences between groups were not found concerning neither the questionnaires nor the physical tests. The three experimental groups showed lower values than same-age healthy individuals regarding both, the questionnaires and the physical tests. Conclusion: Alternative treatments in ERC do not have influences on the level of physical activity, fitness and quality of life (AU)

ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and explosive leg-muscle power in elite basketball players.

PURPOSE: To determine the association of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism with leg-muscle explosive power in Spanish (white) elite basketball players and controls. PARTICIPANTS: 100 (60 men) elite basketball players (cases) and 283 nonathletic controls. METHODS: The authors assessed power performance by means of the vertical-squat and countermovement-jump tests. RESULTS: Genotype distributions did not differ between groups (cases: 37.0% [RR], 42.0% [RX], and 21.0% [XX]; controls: 31.8% [RR], 49.8% [RX], and 18.4% [XX]; P = .353). The authors did not observe any effect of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on study phenotypes in either group, including when they performed the analyses separately in men and women. They found no association between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and the likelihood of being an elite basketball player using the dominant or the recessive model, and the results remained unaltered when the analyses were adjusted for sex, weight, height, and age or when performed for men and women separately. CONCLUSIONS: Although the ACTN3 R577X is associated with explosive muscle performance and this phenotype is important in the sport of basketball (ie, during jumps), the authors found no association with leg explosive power in elite basket players or with the status of being this type of athlete.