Assessment of cardio-pulmonary efficiency in athletes and non-athletes.

Cardiopulmonary efficiency was studied in 18 Indian medical students and 19 state level athletes by estimating maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), and other parameters related to oxygen transport i.e., heart rate, O2 pulse, respiratory quotient, ventilation volume, breathing reserve and dysponoeic index, following graded exercise on a treadmill. Higher VO2 max observed in athletes, was due to higher stroke volume and arterio-venous O2 difference. Though athletes had higher breathing reserve at VO2 max work load, their dysponoeic index and ventilation volume at VO2 max did not differ significantly from non-athletes suggesting that athletes were economical in expending energy for work of breathing during exercise.

A comparison of ventilatory pulmonary functions between the National Cadet Corps (N.C.C.) of hilly and plain areas.

National Cadet Corps (N.C.C.) were tested for assessing their physical efficiency level with special reference to respiratory performances. The height and weight of the cadets from hilly and plain areas were noted to be similar indicating alike attainment of growth. The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (FVC, IC, ERV+TV, FEV1, MEFR) except MVV were observed to be similar in both the group of subjects. The mean value of MVV was significantly higher in subjects from hilly area than that in those from plain area.

Respiratory performance and grip strength tests on the basketball players of inter-university competition.

The participants of Basketball in the Inter-University competition were tested for assessing the physical efficiency level with special reference to respiratory and strength performances. The simple anthropometric measurements like height and weight of these subjects were noted to be higher than those of average healthy nonathlete populations of India. The socio-economic status of these subjects was assessed by standard questionnaire method and they were from families having income range between Rs. 85/-165/ per capita per month. The respiratory performances viz. FVC, FEV1, MVV, MEFR, PEFR were all noted to be high in these sportsmen in comparison to those of age-matched healthy Indians. The grip strength test values were similar to those of hockey and soccer players. This study, therefore, indicated more efficiency in basketball players than in the age-matched average non-athlete healthy Indians.

Monoamine oxidase activity in the pituitary of mice after estrogen, progesterone and centchroman treatment.

Monoamine oxidase activity (MAO) was estimated in the pituitary of ovariectomized mice after a single administration of estradiol-dipropionate (0.01 mg/kg; im), progesterone (1 mg/kg; im) and centchroman (1.25 mg/kg ip). Estrogen and progesterone were found to decrease the enzymic level, as compared to control, while centchroman remarkably increased it. The significance of dissimilarity in the pituitary threshold for steroidal and nonsteroidal molecule is discussed.