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Aim: Exposure to hypoxia is known to increase oxidative stress and to impair antioxidant defenses in humans. The aim of the study was to measure oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in healthy...

Objective: The research was carried out to test the influence of adaptation to passive whole body hyperthermia (PH) on physical capacity and cardio-respiratory efficiency in men-amateur athletes under the testing load of increasing intensity in laboratory thermal-neutral conditions. Twenty-eight amateur athletes (males, mean age 20.2 ± 2.1 y.o., game-based kinds of sports—football, handball, training experience—4 - 7 years) were randomized into two groups: experimental (14 people), who underwent 24 PH procedures, and control (14 people), who underwent 24 light training sessions in interval regime on elliptical gym apparatus. Results: Adaptation to PH was accompanied by moderate increase of aerobic efficiency and cardio-respiratory endurance in amateur athletes under thermally neutral conditions, while interval training in the control group showed no reliable changes in efficiency. Conclusion: A 10-week course of PH procedures leads to the increase of peak oxygen consumption, oxygen consumption at the level of anaerobic threshold, and heart efficiency (enhancement of oxygen pulse values), as well as efficiency of pulmonary ventilation and bronchial conductance, which we consider to be cross effects of adaptation to passive whole-body repetitive hyperthermia.

Background: Leucine-enriched protein (LEU-PRO) and long-chain(LC) n–3 (ω–3) PUFAs have each been proposed to improve muscle mass and function in older adults, whereas their combination may be more effective than either alone.Objective: The impact of LEU-PRO supplementation alone and combined with LC n–3 PUFAs on appendicular lean mass, strength, physical performance and myofibrillar protein synthesis(MyoPS) was investigated in older adults at risk of sarcopenia.Methods: This 24-wk, 3-arm parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 107 men and women aged ≥65 y with low muscle mass and/or strength. Twice daily, participants consumed a supplement containing either LEU-PRO(3 g leucine, 10 g protein; n = 38), LEU-PRO plus LC n–3 PUFAs (0.8 g EPA, 1.1 g DHA; LEU-PRO+n–3; n = 38),or an isoenergetic control (CON; n = 31). Appendicular lean mass, handgrip strength, leg strength, physical performance, and circulating metabolic and renal function markers were measured pre-, mid-, and postintervention. Integrated rates of MyoPS were assessed in a subcohort (n = 28).Results: Neither LEU-PRO nor LEU-PRO+n–3 supplementation affected appendicular lean mass, handgrip strength, knee extension strength, physical performance or MyoPS. However, isometric knee flexion peak torque (treatment effect: −7.1 Nm; 95% CI: −12.5,−1.8 Nm; P < 0.01) was lower post supplementation in LEUPRO+n–3 compared with CON. Serum triacylglycerol and total adiponectin concentrations were lower, and HOMA-IR was higher, in LEU-PRO+n–3 compared with CON postsupplementation (allP < 0.05). Estimated glomerular filtration rate was higher and cystatin c was lower in LEU-PRO and LEU-PRO+n–3 postsupplementation compared with CON (all P < 0.05).Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe a beneficial effect of LEU-PRO supplementation alone or combined with LC n–3 PUFA supplementation on appendicular lean mass, strength, physical performance or MyoPS in older adults at risk of sarcopenia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov asNCT03429491.

To compare a program based on intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training (IHHT) consisting of breathing hypoxic-hyperoxic gas mixtures while resting to a standard exercise-based rehabilitation program with respect to cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in older, comorbid cardiac outpatients.Thirty-two cardiac patients with comorbidities were randomly allocated to IHHT and control (CTRL) groups. IHHT completed a 5-week program of exposure to hypoxia-hyperoxia while resting, CTRL completed an 8-week tailored exercise program, and participants in the CTRL were also exposed to sham hypoxia exposure. CRF and relevant hematological biomarkers were measured at baseline and after treatment in both groups.After intervention, CRF in the IHHT group was not significantly different (n = 15, 19.9 ± 6.1 mlOIHHT is safe in patients with cardiac conditions and common comorbidities and it might be a suitable option for older patients who cannot exercise. A 5-week IHHT is as effective as an 8-week exercise program in improving CRF, without hematological changes. Further studies are needed to clarify the nonhematological adaptations to short, repeated exposure to normobaric hypoxia-hyperoxia.

Context Hyperthermia is known to be beneficial to patients affected by various diseases. Irisin is a key regulators of fat metabolism known to be released as response to cold. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a marker of neuroplasticity usually increased as response to acute exposure to human body stressors. Objective Effect of a repeated hyperthermia exposure programme on changes in circulating irisin and serum BDNF in healthy humans. Design Setting, Participants: Randomized, single-blind, cross-over trial in healthy humans conducted at Sechenov University Physiology Laboratory from April 2019. The treatment period was 2 weeks (wash-out 3 weeks). Researchers analysing serum biomarkers and questionnaires data were blinded to participants allocation. Participants were 20 healthy male (age 21.5 ± 2.1 years). Intervention Hyperthermia exposure programme (WBPH) versus sham exposure (SHAM) to hyperthermia (10 sessions in two weeks). Main outcome measure Changes in irisin and BDNF before and after short hyperthermia exposure. Results Twenty participants were analysed. Irisin increased significantly in group WBPH only: 6.3 μg/ml (mean with SD = 1.6) compared to 5.4 μg/ml (SD = 1.7) in SHAM group; This value was also higher than baseline (5.0 mean with SD = 1.1) in WBPH. After 10 sessions mean change in BDNF was higher in WBPH group vs SHAM: BDNF was 28,263 (SD = 4213) pg/ml in WBPH group and 24,064 (SD = 5600) pg/ml in SHAM group. BDNF concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values in WBPH group only, 28,263 (SD 4213) vs 25,888 (SD 4316) pg/ml. Conclusion In healthy young humans a 2-week, ten sessions programme consisting of repeated exposure to hyperthermia resulted in a significantly higher increase of circulating Irisin and BDNF.

The effect of carbohydrate (CHO), or CHO supplemented with either sodium caseinate protein (CHO–C) or a sodium caseinate protein hydrolysate (CHO–H) on the recovery of skeletal muscle glycogen and anabolic signaling following prolonged aerobic exercise was determined in trained male cyclists [n = 11, mean ± SEM age 28.8 ± 2.3 years; body mass (BM) 75.0 ± 2.3 kg; VO2peak 61.3 ± 1.6 ml kg−1 min−1]. On three separate occasions, participants cycled for 2 h at ~ 70% VO2peak followed by a 4-h recovery period. Isoenergetic drinks were consumed at + 0 and + 2 h of recovery containing either (1) CHO (1.2 g kg −1 BM), (2) CHO–C, or (3) CHO–H (1.04 and 0.16 g kg−1 BM, respectively) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis were taken prior to commencement of each trial, and at + 0 and + 4 h of recovery for determination of skeletal muscle glycogen, and intracellular signaling associated with protein synthesis. Despite an augmented insulin response following CHO–H ingestion, there was no significant difference in skeletal muscle glycogen resynthesis following recovery between trials. CHO–C and CHO–H co-ingestion significantly increased phospho-mTOR Ser2448 and 4EBP1 Thr37/46 versus CHO, with CHO–H displaying the greatest change in phospho-4EBP1 Thr37/46. Protein co-ingestion, compared to CHO alone, during recovery did not augment glycogen resynthesis. Supplementing CHO with intact sodium caseinate or an insulinotropic hydrolysate derivative augmented intracellular signaling associated with skeletal muscle protein synthesis following prolonged aerobic exercise.

The aim of this study is to explore participants' views and experiences of an eHealth phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) intervention: Physical Activity Towards Health (PATHway). Sixty participants took part in the PATHway intervention. Debriefs were conducted after the six-month intervention. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed with Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Forty-four (71%) debriefs were conducted (n = 34 male, mean (SD) age 61 (10) years). Five key themes were identified: (1) Feedback on the components of the PATHway system, (2) Motivation, (3) Barriers to using PATHway, (4) Enablers to using PATHway, and (5) Post programme reflection. There were a number of subthemes within each theme, for example motivation explores participants motivation to take part in PATHway and participants motivation to sustain engagement with PATHway throughout the intervention period. Participant engagement with the components of the PATHway system was variable. Future research should focus on optimising participant familiarisation with eHealth systems and employ an iterative approach to development and evaluation. ispartof: PLOS ONE vol:15 issue:7 ispartof: location:United States status: published

The overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a complex, systemic clinical condition affecting athletes exposed to a combination of high training loads and insufficient recovery. OTS could be described as a failure of the athlete’s body to cope with increasing conditioning loads, usually administered to stimulate adaptations leading to enhanced performance. During conditioning programmes, performance may be reduced, temporarily, this condition being a physiological response to training known as ‘functional overreaching’. In this case, performance is reduced for up to few weeks and fully restored after an adequate recovery. When the athlete’s body fails to adequately react to training loads and performance is not restored/improved after a longer period of recovery, ‘non-functional overreaching’ (NFOR), and OTS should be considered as potential diagnostic options.

Context Hyperthermia is known to be beneficial to patients affected by various diseases. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a marker of neuroplasticity usually increased as response to acute exposure to human body stressors. Little is known about BDNF changes after repeated exposure to hyperthermia. Objective To investigate the effect of a repeated hyperthermia exposure programme (HTC) on serum BDNF in healthy humans. Design, setting, participants Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial in healthy humans conducted at Sechenov University Physiology Laboratory between December 2016 and November 2018. The treatment period was 10 weeks. Researchers analysing serum BDNF and questionnaires data were blinded to participants allocation. Participants Were 34 healthy male (age 20.2 ± 1.6 years). Intervention Repeated Hyperthermia exposure programme, HTC, versus Light Intermittent Exercise, LIE, programme as control (10 weeks). Main outcome measure Change in BDNF from baseline to final visit three days after treatment completion. Results 25 participants were analyzed. One participant withdrew before signing the informed consent and 8 participants (n = 3 in HTC and n = 5 in LIE) could not undertake the first assessment and were excluded. Mean change in BDNF was higher in HTC group vs LIE after both time points (after 12 and after 24 sessions). After 24 sessions BDNF was 30170 (SD 5268) pg/ml in HTC group a value that was significantly higher than 24104 (SD 2876) pg/ml measured in LIE group. BDNF concentrations were significantly higher than baseline values in HTC group only, 30170 (SD 5268) vs 26710 (SD 5437) pg/ml. Conclusion A 10-week programme consisting of repeated exposure to hyperthermia resulted in a significantly higher increase of circulating BDNF compared to a programme consisting of intermittent light intensity exercise.

Background Repeated exposure to intermittent normobaric hypoxia improves exercise tolerance in cardiac patients. Little is known on the effects of intermittent normobaric hypoxia-hyperoxia exposure in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (New York Heart Association II-III). Hypothesis IHHT improves exercise tolerance, cardiometabolic profile, and quality of life in CAD patients. Methods The study design was a nonrandomized, controlled, before-and-after trial. Forty-six CAD patients volunteered to take part in the study: a group of 27 patients undertook the intermittent hypoxia (O2 at 10%)-hyperoxia (O2 at 30%) training (IHHT), whereas a control group (CTRL) of 19 patients, who already completed an 8-week standard cardiac rehabilitation program, was allocated to sham-IHHT treatment (breathing room air, O2 at 21%). Exercise performance, blood and metabolic profiles, and quality of life (Seattle Angina Questionnaire [SAQ]) were measured before and after in the IHHT group (IHHG) and sham-IHHT in the CTRL group. Results The IHHG showed improved exercise capacity, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures, enhanced left ventricle ejection fraction, and reduced glycemia, but only at 1-month follow-up. Angina as a reason to stop exercising was significantly reduced after treatment and at 1-month follow-up. The IHHT SAQ profile was improved in the IHHG and not significantly different to the CTRL group after standard rehabilitation. The IHHG was also compared to the CTRL group at 1-month follow-up, and no differences were found. Conclusions In CAD patients, an IHHT program is associated with improved exercise tolerance, healthier risks factors profile, and a better quality of life. Our study also suggests that IHHT is as effective as an 8-week standard rehabilitation program.

ObjectiveTo compare the energy, nutrient and food group compositions of three sources of school-day lunches among students in five secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).DesignCross-sectional study conducted between October 2012 and March 2013. Students completed self-report food diaries over two school days. The energy, nutrient, nutrient density and food group composition of school-day lunches from home, school and ‘out’ in local food outlets were compared using ANCOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference post hoc analysis.SettingFive secondary schools in the ROI.SubjectsMale and female students aged 15–17 years (n 305).ResultsSix hundred and fifteen lunches (376 home lunches, 115 school lunches and 124 lunches sourced ‘out’ in the local environment) were analysed. School and ‘out’ purchased lunches were significantly higher than packed lunches from home in energy (2047 kJ (489 kcal), 2664 kJ (627 kcal), 1671 kJ (399 kcal), respectively), total fat (23·5 g, 30·1 g, 16·6 g, respectively) and free (added) sugars (12·6 g, 19·3 g, 7·4 g, respectively). More home lunches contained more fruit, wholemeal breads, cheese and red meat than lunches from school or ‘out’. Meat products, chips and high-calorie beverages were sourced more frequently at school or ‘out’ than home. Fibre and micronutrient contents of lunches from all sources were low.ConclusionsHome-sourced lunches had the healthiest nutritional profile in terms of energy and macronutrients. Foods high in energy, fat and free sugars associated with school and local food outlets are of concern given the public health focus to reduce their consumption. While school food should be improved, all sources of lunches need to be considered when addressing the dietary behaviours of secondary-school students.

Programmes that promote dietary behaviour change for the prevention of chronic disease must include components that are rooted in best practice and associated with effectiveness. The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews was to examine the characteristics and dietary behaviour change outcomes of nutrition interventions among populations with or at risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing dietary behaviour change interventions published between January 2006 and November 2015 were identified via searches in Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO. Quality of reviews were appraised using AMSTAR. Dietary behaviour change and intervention details were extracted and systematically summarised. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Dietary behaviour changes in response to nutrition interventions were significant in over half of interventions. Reducing dietary fat and increasing fruits and vegetables were the most common behaviour changes. The characteristics of nutrition interventions and their relationship to effectiveness for dietary behaviour change among chronic disease or at-risk populations were reported inconsistently. However, associative evidence exists to support more frequent contacts and the use of specific behaviour change techniques. No clear relationships were found between effectiveness and intervention setting, mode of delivery or intervention provider, although some population-specific relationships were identified. Interventions that promote long-term maintenance of dietary behaviour changes are lacking in the literature. This comprehensive umbrella review identifies specific characteristics of interventions that are associated with effectiveness in interventions that promote dietary behaviour change among different at-risk populations. In order to maximise outcomes, public health, health promotion and healthcare organisations should consider these results in order to inform the development and improvement of nutrition programmes.

Background and aims : Nitric oxide (NO·) exerts key regulatory functions including vasodilation and glucose uptake. Thus reduced NO· levels are associated with insulin resistance and hypertension. In this preliminary work we aimed to measure the levels of NO· metabolites in serum and skeletal muscle of obese and non-obese subjects, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods : Fifteen sedentary male participants [7 obese controls (C) vs 5 obese and 3 non-obese T2DM; age 54±9 years] were selected according to their BMI (>30 kg/m(2) for obese and 23-27 kg/m(2) for non-obese participants) and evaluated for fasted values of blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, serum CRP (C-reactive protein), erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) metabolism, plasma adiponectin, leptin and cytokines (TNF-α and INFγ), serum and skeletal muscle nitric oxide metabolites (nitrite and nitrates; tNOx) and skeletal muscle nNOS and iNOS expression. Body composition was measured by whole body DEXA and muscle microbiopsy was performed in the vastus lateralis. Results : We found that serum tNOx (total nitrite/nitrate; μmol/L) was lower in obese T2DM group (12.7±3.5) when compared with their controls (21.1±2.4), although the non-obese group presented higher concentration of tNOx (33.8±7.2). Skeletal muscle nNOS was higher in obese controls, lower in non-obese T2DM and undetected in obese T2DM. On the other hand, expression of iNOS had an inverse relationship with nNOS, showing higher expression in obese T2DM, decrease in non-obese T2DM and absence in obese control group. tNOx levels (μmol/mg protein) were decreased in the non-obese T2DM group (12.07±0.59) when compared with the obese control (21.68±6.2) and the obese T2DM group (26.3±7.26). Conclusion : We conclude that the decreased serum NO∙ production in obese T2DM patients seems to be associated with adipose mass as lower adiposity was associated with normal NO∙ which was reduced in the skeletal muscle of the non-obese T2DM patients. We suggest that the lower adiposity (and higher adiponectin) in non-obese T2DM could be responsible for differential levels of NO∙ production and insulin resistance.

Despite strong evidence for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in secondary prevention of CVD, uptake rates are poor and long-term adherence rates are low. Home-based, technology enabled, CR has been advocated as an alternative mode of delivery for community-based CR. PATHway (Physical Activity Towards

Study design: randomized controlled before-and-after and in follow-up trial. Forty-six CAD patients volunteered to take part in the study: a group of 27 patients undertook an Intermittent Hypoxia (O2 at 10%)-Hyperoxia (O2 at 30%) Training (IHHT), while a control group (CTRL) of 19 patients was allocated to sham IHHT treatment (breathing via face mask by room air, O2 at 21%). Exercise performance, blood and metabolic profile, quality of life (MOS SF-36, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, SAQ) were measured before and after IHHT/sham IHHT in both groups; the intervention group was also assessed one month after completing the IHHT.

Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a major concern among endurance athletes and is a leading cause in preventing them to perform for long periods. Intermittent exposure to hypoxia has been shown to be an effective way of improving performance without exercising. Aim of this pilot study was to evaluate intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training combined with light exercise as an intervention to facilitate athletes with OTS to restore their usual performance level. Thirty-four track and field athletes were recruited: 15 athletes with OTS volunteered to participate and undertook a conditioning programme consisting of repeated exposures to hypoxia (O2 at 10%) and hyperoxia (O2 at 30%) (6-8 cycles, total time 45 min-1 h), three times a week, delivered 1·5-2 h after a low-intensity exercise session (2 bouts of 30 min, running at 50% of VO2max with 10 min rest between bouts) over 4 weeks. Nineteen healthy track and field athletes volunteered to participate as a control group and followed their usual training schedule. Measurements before and after the intervention included exercise capacity, analysis of heart rate variability and hematological parameters. In athletes with OTS, a 4-week light exercise combined with intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training improved exercise performance (191·9 ± 26·9 W versus 170·8 ± 44·8 W in exercise capacity test, P = 0·01). Heart rate variability analysis revealed an improved sympatho-parasympathetic index (low frequency/high frequency ratio, 8·01 ± 7·51 before and 1·45 ± 1·71 after, P = 0·007). Hematological parameters were unchanged. Our pilot study showed that intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia training and low-intensity exercise can facilitate functional recovery among athletes with OTS in a relatively short time.

Reason for withdrawal from publication This protocol was withdrawn as authors were unable to complete the review. To view the published versions of this article, please click the 'Other versions' tab.

The use of muscles as power dissipators is investigated in this study, both from the modellistic and the experimental points of view. Theoretical predictions of the drop landing manoeuvre for a range of initial conditions have been obtained by accounting for the mechanical characteristics of knee extensor muscles, the limb geometry and assuming maximum neural activation. Resulting dynamics have been represented in the phase plane (vertical displacement versus speed) to better classify the damping performance. Predictions of safe landing in sedentary subjects were associated to dropping from a maximum (feet) height of 1.6-2.0 m (about 11 m on the moon). Athletes can extend up to 2.6-3.0 m, while for obese males (m = 100 kg, standard stature) the limit should reduce to 0.9-1.3 m. These results have been calculated by including in the model the estimated stiffness of the 'global elastic elements' acting below the squat position. Experimental landings from a height of 0.4, 0.7, 1.1 m (sedentary males (SM) and male (AM) and female (AF) athletes from the alpine ski national team) showed dynamics similar to the model predictions. While the peak power (for a drop height of about 0.7 m) was similar in SM and AF (AM shows a +40% increase, about 33 W/kg), AF stopped the downward movement after a time interval (0.219 +/- 0.030 s) from touch-down 20% significantly shorter than SM. Landing strategy and the effect of anatomical constraints are discussed in the paper.

Background Obesity is now a worldwide problem and Ireland is no exception with approximately two thirds of the adult population now overweight or obese. A recent report has found that 53 % of Irish adults aged 50 years and over are classified as centrally obese and at substantially increased risk of metabolic complications. While most studies investigating weight maintenance have been conducted on those who have managed to lose weight and/or achieved weight loss maintenance (secondary weight maintainers), few studies have been undertaken to understand the attitudes, behaviours, motivations and strategies of those who maintain their weight within normal weight ranges over their lifetime, so called primary weight maintainers. This study aims to explore this issue through qualitative exploration of primary weight maintainers in an Irish University. Methods Seven focus groups were conducted (including three single interviews) with 17 participants in total across three different groups, 1) primary weight maintainers, 2) secondary weight maintainers, and 3) those unable to sustain or achieve weight loss. The interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was applied to interpret the findings. Results After analyzing the participant’s interviews, planning and organization or lack of, emerged as themes across the three groups in varying degrees. Strategizing, perseverance and willpower were seen as integral to weight maintenance and weight loss in groups one and two, these were lacking in group three. Prioritizing exercise and perseverance in maintaining a high level of activity was evident in groups one and two and was lacking in group three. Motivational influences were equal across the groups however, group three found it difficult to turn this into action. Group one had behavioural control of calorie intake maintaining a balance between week and weekend eating. Group three found it difficult to control calorie intake and portion size. Self-image differed across the three groups with cognitive dissonance evident amongst those in group three. Conclusions This study showed that there are many factors that influence primary weight maintenance. Considering that we live in a society that is predominantly sedentary, predominantly overweight and with poor food choice options facing us every day, fighting our way through to ensure healthy weight maintenance requires active, conscious efforts. The factors identified in this study which are important in healthy weight maintenance are all potentially modifiable with life-coach, nutrition, exercise and cognitive interventions particularly if peer support and a whole family approach are incorporated.

To investigate the effect of 16 weeks of aerobic training performed at two different intensities on nitric oxide (tNOx) availability and iNOS/nNOS expression, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation in obese humans with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twenty-five sedentary, obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) males (52.8 ± 7.2 years); 12 controls versus 13 T2DM were randomly allocated to four groups that exercised for 30 min, three times per week either at low (Fat-Max; 30–40 % VO2max) or moderate (T vent; 55–65 % VO2max) intensity. Before and after training, blood and muscle samples (v. lateralis) were collected. Baseline erythrocyte glutathione was lower (21.8 ± 2.8 vs. 32.7 ± 4.4 nmol/ml) and plasma protein oxidative damage and IL-6 were higher in T2DM (141.7 ± 52.1 vs. 75.5 ± 41.6 nmol/ml). Plasma catalase increased in T2DM after T vent training (from 0.98 ± 0.22 to 1.96 ± 0.3 nmol/min/ml). T2DM groups demonstrated evidence of oxidative damage in response to training (elevated protein carbonyls). Baseline serum tNOx were higher in controls than T2DM (18.68 ± 2.78 vs. 12.34 ± 3.56 μmol/l). Training at T vent increased muscle nNOS and tNOx in the control group only. Pre-training muscle nNOS was higher in controls than in T2DMs, while the opposite was found for iNOS. No differences were found after training for plasma inflammatory markers. Exercise training did not change body composition or aerobic fitness, but improved OS markers, especially when performed at T vent. Non-diabetics responded to T vent training by increasing muscle nNOS expression and tNOx levels in skeletal muscle while these parameters did not change in T2DM, perhaps due to higher insulin resistance (unchanged after intervention).

With increasing overweight and obesity among adolescents in Ireland (1) , it is generally agreed that monitoring trends in body weight is important to effectively plan management and prevention strategies. We must also take account of what adolescents are telling us about body image and how it impacts their lives (2) . Our study wished to address the experience of an adolescent group having their weight, waist circumference and height taken as part of a research study. Five Irish postprimary schools enrolled fourth year classes (aged 15–17 years) in the study. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured on the school grounds by trained health professionals including dietitians, nutritionists, nurses and doctors. Screens provided privacy for participants while measurements were being taken. At the end of the study period, all students were asked to complete an anonymous participant-evaluation questionnaire. Seventy-two percent (362/500) participated in the anthropometric measurements. Response rates were higher in single gender schools and ranged from 58 % (120/206) in a mixed gender school to 86 % (67/78) and 91 % (41/45) in a female only and male only school respectively. Principal reasons given for not participating were lack of interest in the study, absenteeism, and feeling uncomfortable about being measured. Eighty-five percent of students (308/362) who took part in anthropometry completed an evaluation survey. Students were asked to rate the experience as ‘positive’, ‘negative’ or ‘neither positive or negative’ and comment on their response.

Incremental tests are widely used in cardiopulmonary exercise testing, both in the clinical domain and in sport sciences. The highest workload (denoted W peak ) reached in the test is key information for assessing the individual body response to the test and for analyzing possible cardiac failures and planning rehabilitation, and training sessions. Being physically very demanding, incremental tests can significantly increase the body stress on monitored individuals and may cause cardiopulmonary overload. This article presents a new approach to cardiopulmonary testing that addresses these drawbacks. During the test, our approach analyzes the individual body response to the exercise and predicts the W peak value that will be reached in the test and an evaluation of its accuracy. When the accuracy of the prediction becomes satisfactory, the test can be prematurely stopped, thus avoiding its entire execution. To predict W peak , we introduce a new index, the CardioPulmonary Efficiency Index (CPE), summarizing the cardiopulmonary response of the individual to the test. Our approach analyzes the CPE trend during the test, together with the characteristics of the individual, and predicts W peak . A K-nearest-neighbor-based classifier and an ANN-based classier are exploited for the prediction. The experimental evaluation showed that the W peak value can be predicted with a limited error from the first steps of the test.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is an objective method to evaluate both the cardiac and pulmonary functions. It is used in different application domains, ranging from the clinical domain to sport sciences, to assess possible cardiac failures as well as athete performance. The highest workload reached in the test is a key information to evaluate the individual's physiological characteristics, to plan rehabilitation and/or training sessions. However, these tests are physically very demanding and may expose the tested individual to cardiopulmonary overload. This paper presents a new approach that allows an early prediction of the highest workload that will be reached in the cardiopulmonary test. The test can be prematurely stopped, avoiding its entire execution. The proposed approach relies on a new index, the CardioPulmonary Efficiency Index, which describes the cardiopulmonary response of an individual by summarizing the physiological signals monitored during the test. A k-Nearest Neighbor based classifier analyzes the index trend during the test, together with the characteristics of the individual, and predicts the highest workload. Preliminary experiments, performed on a real dataset provided by the CSA Sport Training Center, showed that the proposed approach is able to effectively predict the highest workload with a limited error since the first steps of the test.

The application of intermittent exposure to hypoxia-hyperoxia, IHHT, as form of training to improve exercise perfor mance has not been investigated yet. This case study reports on the effects of a 3-week daily intermittent hypoxia (11% О 2 ) – hyperoxia (30% О 2 ) training on intermittent exercise (one minute at 85% of maximum workload, Wmax, followed by one minute at 50% Wmax, this stage being repeated until exhaustion). 21 years old amateur football player showed an impressive improvement of his intermittent performance after IHHT. 30 stages (vs 14 at baseline) were completed, Heart Rate was lower by 13 beats/minute (182 at baseline vs 169 after IHHT) and blood lactate was also reduced at the end of the intermittent exerci se test (5.8 after IHHT vs 7.3 mmol/l). Thus, IHHT seems very promising to improve cardiopulmonary efficiency and lactate removal when exercising intermittently.

At exercise steady state, the lower the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), the lower the O2 return $$(\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2}).$$ A linear relationship between these variables was demonstrated. Our conjecture is that this relationship describes a condition of predominant sympathetic activation, from which it is hypothesized that selective β1-adrenergic blockade (BB) would reduce O2 delivery $$(\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}{\text{aO}}_{2} )$$ and $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} .$$ To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of BB on $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}{\text{aO}}_{2}$$ and $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ in exercising humans in normoxia and hypoxia. O2 consumption $$(\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{V}{\text{O}}_{2} ),$$ cardiac output $$(\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}, CO_{2}\; \hbox{rebreathing}),$$ heart rate, SaO2 and haemoglobin concentration were measured on six subjects (age 25.5±2.4years, mass 78.1±9.0kg) in normoxia and hypoxia (inspired O2 fraction of 0.11) at rest and steady-state exercises of 50, 100, and 150W without (C) and with BB with metoprolol. Arterial O2 concentration (CaO2), $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}{\text{aO}}_{2},$$ and $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ were then computed. Heart rate, higher in hypoxia than in normoxia, decreased with BB. At each $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{V}{\text{O}}_{2} ,$$ $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}$$ was higher in hypoxia than in normoxia. With BB, it decreased during intense exercise in normoxia, at rest, and during light exercise in hypoxia. SaO2 and CaO2 were unaffected by BB. The $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}{\text{aO}}_{2} $$ changes under BB were parallel to those in $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}.$$ $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ was unaffected by exercise in normoxia. In hypoxia the slope of the relationship between $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}{\text{aO}}_{2} $$ and $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{V}{\text{O}}_{2} $$ was lower than 1, indicating a reduction of $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ with increasing workload. $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ was a linear function of SaO2 both in C and in BB. The line for BB was flatter than and below that for C. The resting $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ in normoxia, lower than the corresponding exercise values, lied on the BB line. These results agree with the tested hypothesis. The two observed relationships between $$\ifmmode\expandafter\dot\else\expandafter\.\fi{Q}\bar{{\text{v}}} {\text{O}}_{2} $$ and SaO2 apply to conditions of predominant sympathetic or vagal activation, respectively. Moving from one line to the other implies resetting of the cardiovascular regulation

The costs of walking (Cw) and running (Cr) were measured on 10 runners on a treadmill inclined between −0.45 to +0.45 at different speeds. The minimum Cw was 1.64 ± 0.50 J · kg−1· m−1at a 1.0 ± 0.3 m/s speed on the level. It increased on positive slopes, attained 17.33 ± 1.11 J · kg−1· m−1at +0.45, and was reduced to 0.81 ± 0.37 J · kg−1· m−1at −0.10. At steeper slopes, it increased to reach 3.46 ± 0.95 J · kg−1· m−1at −0.45. Cr was 3.40 ± 0.24 J · kg−1· m−1on the level, independent of speed. It increased on positive slopes, attained 18.93 ± 1.74 J · kg−1· m−1at +0.45, and was reduced to 1.73 ± 0.36 J · kg−1· m−1at −0.20. At steeper slopes, it increased to reach 3.92 ± 0.81 J · kg−1· m−1at −0.45. The mechanical efficiencies of walking and running above +0.15 and below −0.15 attained those of concentric and eccentric muscular contraction, respectively. The optimum gradients for mountain paths approximated 0.20–0.30 for both gaits. Downhill, Cr was some 40% lower than reported in the literature for sedentary subjects. The estimated maximum running speeds on positive gradients corresponded to those adopted in uphill races; on negative gradients they were well above those attained in downhill competitions.

To date, physical capacity of adults with GH deficiency (GHD) has been studied in terms of muscle strength, contractile properties and aerobic performance. As a result, scanty data are available regarding the maximum anaerobic performance of these patients with reference to healthy controls. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate maximum anaerobic power of adults with GHD and of age-matched controls by two methods, one testing lactacid power (w.;(c)) through a 15-s-maximal bout on a bicycle ergometer, the other testing alactic power (w.;(j)) through a vertical jump on a force platform. Absolute w.;(c)and w.;(j)values were both found to be 35% lower(P