Anthropometric Indicators of the Cardiometabolic Risk, Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity of Schoolchildren with Intellectual Disabilities during Lockdown in Chile.

Lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the social, psychological, and physical well-being of the world population. In the case of people with intellectual disabilities, the impact of lockdown on their physical condition and functionality is not completely clear. This study aimed to determine the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the anthropometric indicators of cardiometabolic risk, muscle strength, and functionality on schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The sample was composed of 132 students of both sexes (n = 74 pre-lockdown; n = 58 lockdown) belonging to two special education centers from the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Our results showed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in absolute and relative handgrip strength, as well as in functionality, when comparing pre-lockdown and lockdown measurements, with a greater loss in girls than boys. The design and implementation of physical exercise programs centered on strength training are necessary for the physical and functional reconditioning of this population. These programs need to be implemented in special education centers considering the general well-being, quality of life and work needs of people with intellectual disabilities.

Sub Maximal Ergospirometry Parameters in Untrained Non-Frail Octogenarian Subjects.

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age, and in octogenarian elderly, a cardiorespiratory test with gas analysis is more effective in determining the risk of mortality than applying the conventional risk factors. Materials and Methods: 25 untrained non-frail octogenarian subjects (four men) performed a submaximal test with gas analysis, which was stopped after the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was reached. The variables analyzed were oxygen consumption at the first threshold (VO2 VT1); ventilatory class (VE/VCO2); oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES); cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP); oxygen pulse difference between VT2 and VT1 (diff. VO2/HR VT2-VT1). Results: the variables were classified categorically based on cut-off points present in the literature, where the variable with the highest percentage of altered cases was dif. VO2/HR VT2-VT1 at 48%; followed by VO2 VT1 at 40%, OUES at 36%, COP at 32%, and VE/VCO2 at 24%. Chi-square analysis between the measured parameters defined that normal and altered variables were related to each other, except for the variable VE/VCO2 and OUES. Conclusions: it was found that the main altered variable was the oxygen pulse and the least altered variable was VCO2/VCO2; there was only a statistically significant difference in a pair of OUES vs. VE/VCO2 variables.