The effect of prior exercise intensity on oxygen uptake kinetics during high-intensity running exercise in trained subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different kinds of prior exercise protocols [continuous exercise (CE) versus intermittent repeated sprint (IRS)] on oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics parameters during high-intensity running. METHODS: Thirteen male amateur futsal players (age 22.8 ± 6.1 years; mass 76.0 ± 10.2 kg; height 178.7 ± 6.6 cm; VO2max 58.1 ± 4.5 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) performed a maximal incremental running test for the determination of the gas exchange threshold (GET) and maximal VO2 (VO2max). On two different days, the subjects completed a 6-min bout of high-intensity running (50 % ∆) on a treadmill that was 6-min after (1) an identical bout of high-intensity exercise (from control to CE), and (2) a protocol of IRS (6 × 40 m). RESULT: We found significant differences between CE and IRS for the blood lactate concentration ([La]; 6.1 versus 10.7 mmol L(-1), respectively), VO2 baseline (0.74 versus 0.93 L min(-1), respectively) and the heart rate (HR; 102 versus 124 bpm, respectively) before the onset of high-intensity exercise. However, both prior CE and prior IRS significantly increased the absolute primary VO2 amplitude (3.77 and 3.79 L min(-1), respectively, versus control 3.54 L min(-1)), reduced the amplitude of the VO2 slow component (0.26 and 0.21 L min(-1), respectively, versus control 0.50 L min(-1)), and decreased the mean response time (MRT; 28.9 and 28.0 s, respectively, versus control 36.9 s) during subsequent bouts. CONCLUSION: This study showed that different protocols and intensities of prior exercise trigger similar effects on VO2 kinetics during high-intensity running.

Magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder: a painful procedure?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain expected to that effectively caused by magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder and, secondarily, to describe a simplified approach to the technique for articular access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 40 participants who used a visual analog scale and a simplified categorical scale to indicate the level of pain expected and that experienced after the procedure, comparing the two with the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test. We also determined gender-related differences in pain conditions using the Mann-Whitney U test. In addition, we described a modified technique involving radiographic localization and the use of standard puncture needles for articular access. RESULTS: Analysis of the visual analog scales showed that the pain experienced was less than had been expected, with median scores of 1.75 and 3.75, respectively (p < 0.001). The level of pain expected was higher among women than among men, with median scores of 8.0 and 3.0, respectively (p = 0.014), as was the level of pain experienced, with median scores of 3.0 and 1.5, respectively (p = 0.139). The overall categorical evaluation corroborated that difference (p = 0.03). Articular access with the modified technique was successful in all patients. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder is less painful than patients expect. In addition, digital radiographic guidance combined with the use of standard puncture needles appears to improve the efficiency of the method.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a expectativa de dor com a efetivamente produzida em procedimentos de artrorressonância do ombro e, secundariamente, descrever abordagem simplificada da técnica de acesso articular. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Avaliamos, prospectivamente, 40 participantes, que assinalaram a sua expectativa álgica e a dor pós-procedimento em escalas visual analógica e categórica simplificada, que foram comparadas por meio de teste pareado de Wilcoxon. Também determinamos a diferença do quadro doloroso por gênero, com aplicação do teste U de Mann-Whitney. Descrevemos, ainda, técnica de localização radiográfica e emprego de agulhas simples de punção para acesso articular. RESULTADOS: A análise das escalas visuais analógicas demonstrou que a dor experimentada foi inferior à esperada (medianas de 1,75 e 3,75, respectivamente; p < 0,001). As mulheres tinham expectativa de dor superior aos homens (medianas de 8,0 e 3,0; p = 0,014), assim como maior dor experimentada (medianas de 3,0 e 1,5; p = 0,139), respectivamente. Avaliação categórica global corroborou tal tendência (p = 0,03). O acesso articular, empregando técnica adaptada, foi obtido com sucesso em todos os pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A artrorressonância do ombro é menos dolorosa do que se imagina. Adicionalmente, a orientação radiográfica digital aliada ao emprego de agulhas simples de punção aumentam a eficiência do método.