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2023 SEP 23 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Investigators publish new report on business. According to news originating from Stuttgart, [...]

2022 AUG 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Fresh data on Drugs and Therapies - Chemotherapy are presented in a [...]

2022 MAY 28 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- A new study on sports engineering and technology is now available. According [...]

2022 APR 2 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Research findings on peripheral artery disease are discussed in a new report. [...]

Background. The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) often is used to measure exercise capacity in people with cardiopulmonary diseases but has some disadvantages. The 6MWT administered on a treadmill (Tr6MWT) requires less physical space and allows for easier monitoring of vital parameters than the traditional 6MW*F. Objective. The objectives of this study were: (1) to analyze the validity of the Tr6MWT in people who underwent cardiac surgery; (2) to compare the reliability, responsiveness, and people's tolerance of the Tr6MWT with those of the 6MWT; and (3) to evaluate the agreement between the 2 tests. Design. This study was designed to assess reliability and validity. Methods. Twenty-six participants who were inpatients were assessed before a 2-week rehabilitation program. Twenty of them also were assessed after rehabilitation. All participants performed 3 Tr6MWT trials and 3 6MWT trials that were randomly assigned on 2 consecutive days. Results. The Pearson r correlation coefficient between the Tr6MW and the 6MWT was .72, indicating satisfactory concurrent validity. The Tr6MWT was as well tolerated as the 6MWT. The Tr6MWT produced reproducible results after 2 practice tests, whereas the 6MWT did so after only 1 practice test. Both tests showed high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of >.94; standard errors of measurement of 23 m for the Tr6MWT and 18.5 m for the 6MWT). The Tr6MWT showed better responsiveness than the 6MWT (effect sizes of 0.9 for the Tr6MWT and 0.6 for the 6MWT). The distance covered during the Tr6MWT was significantly shorter (¦X=62 m, SD=91) before rehabilitation but not after rehabilitation. Limitations. A crossover randomized procedure could have improved the reliability of the Tr6MWT in people who performed the 6MWT first. Conclusions. The Tr6MWT appears to be an instrument with adequate concurrent validity and to be tolerable, reliable, and responsive for the evaluation of exercise capacity in people after cardiac surgery even though it is not interchangeable with the 6MWT., Maximal exercise testing is considered to be the 'gold standard' for assessing maximal aerobic capacity, but it has some limitations when used in people whose performance may be limited because [...]

A California man, age 51, saw his primary care physician and internist, Dr. C., and reported a 20-minute-long episode of chest pain in bed that morning. He also said he [...]

This article examines the effects of four weeks of magnesium supplementation on subsequent anaerobic and incremental exercise test performance in active women. Findings indicate that the dietary supplements elevated resting levels of serum magnesium but did not significantly affect exercise performance or recovery.

This study uses an ergometric treadmill and a contact force platform to investigate the effects of leg power and stiffness on sprint performance. Results indicate that leg power helps runners accelerate and maintain speed while leg stiffness produces an effective rebound that also contributes to speed maintenance.

This article investigates the effects of repetitive bouts of aerobic exercise on the fibrinolytic profile of peripheral arterial disease patients. Findings indicate that repeated sessions of submaximal treadmill walking significantly increased tissue plasminogen activator levels and decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor activity for over an hour after each exercise session.

This article evaluates the ability of three physical activity monitors to estimate the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity in field and laboratory settings. Results indicate that all three accelerometry-based devices provided highly correlated information during laboratory treadmill tests and lifestyle activities in field conditions.

Fifteen healthy men participated in treadmill tests at five different speeds to measure the magnitude of shock waves experienced by the human musculoskeletal system while walking. Results indicate that heel-strike generated shock waves increase significantly with walking speed and directly influence dynamic loading.

This study examines the joint kinematics and stride dynamics involved in high-speed running on an inclined treadmill. Results indicate that incline running increases stride frequency and percentage, enhances muscular loading, and requires a greater range of motion for joints during push-off when compared to level running.

Research indicates that modifications to the Rockport Fitness Walking Test protocol for mentally retarded adults provides similar heart rates and end times and can be used to predict aerobic fitness. Results are based on a study of 10 men an 13 women with mental retardation using treadmill testing.

Research indicates that deer hunting elicits an elevated heart rate compared with heart rates during treadmill exercise tests. Results are based on a study of 16 males 20-28 years old.

No difference in endurance running capacity was found by a study carried out to look into the effect of high- and low-glycemic-index (GI) carbohydrate pre-exercise meals on capacity for endurance running. Five male and three female subjects, all active, ran on a treadmill to exhaustion on two occasions 7 days apart. After an overnight fast, and 3 hours before the run, each subject had a single-blind, random-order isoenergetic meal with either high carbohydrate content or low carbohydrate content, regulated as to weight of food relative to body weight.

To determine it Holter monitoring can predict cardiac risk in patients when the exercise test is nondiagnostic, a total of 90 eligible patients were monitored for 24 hours after their exercise test without alterations in baseline medications. Prospective follow-up was obtained and events were confirmed by investigators unaware of subjects' clinical data. Nineteen patients (21%) had a total of 71 episodes of ST depression, all of which were asymptomatic. During a mean follow-up of 719 days, there were 10 patients with adverse events: 3 with cardiac deaths, 3 with nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 4 with admissions for unstable angina. Of the 10 adverse events, 9 occurred in the group of 19 with ST depression detected by Holter (relative risk 34, 95% confidence interval 10 to 114). The sensitivity of ST depression was 90%, the specificity 88%, the predictive positive value 47%, and the predictive negative value 99%. In a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model that controlled for prior history of coronary artery disease, hypercholesterolemia, and all exercise test variables, the presence of ST depression detected by Holter was the only independent predictor of outcome. In patients with nondiagnostic exercise tests, ST depression detected by Holter monitoring identified those with an increased risk of adverse cardiac events. The absence of ST depression detected by Holter was a useful predictor of low risk. (Am J Cardiol 1993;72:889-893)

One hundred thirty-four patients with redistribution on a thallium-201 exercise test who did not experience angina (group 1) were compared with 134 patients also having redistribution who had angina during the test (group 2). The groups were matched by age, sex, and peak exercise heart rate. Although patients in both groups achieved an equivalent exercise level, patients in group 1 had less frequent (53 vs 71%, p

The maximal P-wave duration in all time-aligned leads, and the maximal P-wave amplitude in leads [V.sub.5] and [V.sub.6] were measured on a 12-lead, signal-averaged electrocardiogram during the recovery period of an exercise stress test (EST). The study group consisted of 75 patients with coronary artery disease. (CAD) documented by [is greater than or equal to] 50% diameter stenosis in 1 or more arteries and a control group of 7 subjects, 15 of them young volunteers and 32 with no or minimal coronary antherosclerosis and normal left ventricular function. All subjects underwent a symptom limited EST, with use of the Ellstad protocol. Signal-averaged P waves recorded before exercise, and for the first 6 minutes in recovery were measured using a 5X magnifier. The mean P duration before exercise in the control group was 107 [+ or -] 16 ms ([+ or -] 1 standard deviation) and 111 [+ or -] 15 ms at the third minute of recovery, (p

Exercise tests are used to identify cardiovascular disease and respiratory abnormalities, to develop individualized exercise programs, and to evaluate the patient's physical condition following a myocardial infarction (MI). The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy men over the age of 40 and women older than 50 who wish to begin a vigorous exercise program (exercise at 60 percent of aerobic capacity) should have an exercise test before they begin. Also, exercise tests are recommended for people who have two or more major risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and for those who have symptoms of heart, lung or metabolic disease. Exercise tests are not recommended for patients with unstable angina (frequent and severe chest pain), congestive heart failure, severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the main artery), uncontrolled arrhythmias (abnormal heart rates), blood clots, or acute infections. The preferred method of exercise testing involves performing exercises on a treadmill. For older patients, the exercise test begins at a low intensity and exercise intensity is increased gradually. For patients with uncomplicated MI, exercise tests are performed two to three weeks after the MI and are used to determine when the patient can resume normal activities. In most cases, men and women younger than 60 years of age return to work within two weeks of the exercise test. The American Heart Association recommends that exercise tests should be performed for 6 to 12 minutes. For patients with orthopedic, neuromuscular or leg problems, and for older patients who cannot perform treadmill exercises, arm exercise testing may be substituted. However, arm exercise is less sensitive in detecting heart disease than leg exercise, possibly because maximal heart rate and blood pressure are greater during leg exercise than arm exercise. The safety of exercise tests has improved over the years and few patients develop complications as a result of exercise testing. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Even though it is widely recognized that exercise can improve health, the results of a recent survey indicate that only 15 percent of interns provide exercise counseling to their patients on a regular basis. In developing a suitable exercise program for a patient, several factors have to be taken into consideration. First, a general physical exam should be performed to determine if the patient has any disabilities or illnesses that may affect the type of exercise that is prescribed. Patients with high blood pressure, irregular heart beats (atrial fibrillation), other heart disease, or diabetes, should be treated before they begin an exercise program. Patients with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations should not engage in vigorous exercise. For patients who plan on walking or jogging for exercise, a treadmill exercise test may be helpful. However, this test is not recommended for patients with congestive heart failure, unstable angina (chest pain during exercise), coronary artery disease, or severe arrhythmias (irregular heart contractions). For patients who are healthy and have no apparent disease or illness, an exercise program should include aerobic and strength-training exercise; exercises should be performed three to five times per week for 20 to 60 minutes per session; and heart rate should be between 60 and 90 percent of maximum. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

There has been a considerable increase of interest in exercise and physical training, even for those with cardiovascular disease. The response to exercise is complex, however, and many physiological details must be considered; among these is the level of potassium in the blood, an important determinant of heart function. Since many patients with cardiovascular disease are likely to be taking beta blocker drugs, which block the beta receptors for adrenalin, the effects of exercise and training in combination with beta blockers were studied in 40 healthy volunteers. After a two-week drug-free period to establish baseline measurements, the subjects were given atenolol, propranolol, or placebo. The subjects performed maximal treadmill tests in combination with oxygen consumption measurement. The results indicated that the subjects treated with either atenolol or propranolol experienced significantly higher levels of potassium in their blood after maximal exercise than did the subjects who received only placebo. One week after the discontinuation of the drugs, the treated group returned to normal levels of postexercise potassium. The results suggest that exercise should be carefully considered for patients taking beta blocking drugs. Those with low values of serum potassium may benefit, while patients with kidney problems and a tendency towards hyperkalemia (excessive potassium) may not. The level of potassium in the bloodstream is important because relatively small changes in the potassium of body fluids outside of cells results in a large change in the voltage potential across the membrane of the cells. The effect of a small potassium change on an excitable cell like a heart muscle cell may be very serious. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

The ability to predict who will survive an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack, AMI) is important for decision-making during treatment. Cycle length variability (CLV) measures changes in the cycles, or recurrent patterns, of a patient's electrocardiogram over a 24-hour period. In combination with results from exercise tests, CLV has been a good predictor of survival after an AMI. A decreased CLV, that is, a more uniform cycle length, is associated with increased mortality. One problem with this measure, however, is that CLV may only reflect the activity level of the patient, indicating less variability for more inactive, sicker patients. As such, it would not be a truly independent measure of physiological function. Nor is it known whether CLV alone, without the inclusion of exercise scores, can reliably predict mortality. To address these issues, electrocardiographic readings were obtained from over 800 AMI patients just before discharge from the hospital. Results from treadmill tests were also available. The patients were then followed for an average of 31 months to determine mortality. For patients who did not take the exercise test, death was much more frequent in the low-CLV patient group (54 percent) than the high-CLV group (3.5 percent). These differences could not be attributed to variation in activity level. For patients with all levels of exercise scores, CLV alone proved a good predictor of mortality. This measure may even be a better predictor than exercise alone, since it is independent of the level of training a patient might have reached. As such, CLV is a true measure of a physiological characteristic. Understanding the nature of that characteristic is necessary for the most appropriate application of CLV in treating AMI. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Objective: Schizophrenia may be associated with hyperthermic syndromes such as febrile catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and heatstroke. The authors hypothesized that an exercise-heat tolerance test would disclose abnormal thermoregulation in schizophrenic patients. Method: Seven male schizophrenic outpatients in remission maintained on depot antipsychotic treatment and eight healthy comparison subjects completed a heat tolerance test that consisted of two 50-minute bouts of walking a motor-driven treadmill at 40xC (relative humidity=40%). Results: A significantly higher rise in rectal and skin temperatures was observed in the patient group. No differences in heart rate, blood pressure, or perspiration were detected. Conclusions: Schizophrenic patients maintained on antipsychotic drugs exhibit impaired heat tolerance. Possible explanations are a reduced ability to convey heat from the body's core to the periphery with or without excessive heat production. The hyperthermic response to the heat tolerance test may reflect a dysfunction associated with schizophrenia, a neuroleptic-induced side effect, or both

The influence of exercise on mammary tumorigenesis in p53-deficient mouse model of breast cancer is studied. Results suggested that exercise had detrimental influence on tumorigenesis of breast cancer.

A study was conducted to compare fitness and mortality with the difference in mortality rates observed between the least-fit (Q1) and the next-least-fit (Q2) quintile of fitness. Findings suggested that reduced physical activity contribute to the striking difference in mortality rates between Q1 and Q2 quintile of fitness.

A study was conducted to compare the readings of kinematic and kinetic readings of treadmill running with those of overground running. Results showed that treadmill-based readings can be generalized to overground running only if the surface of the treadmill is stiff and the belt speed is regulated.