The invention patent method of rhythm speech test applied to estimate fat and sugar consumption in endurance exercise of bicycle

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemie period, weight control became an important health issue because of physical inactivity. Developing a valid and convenient tool to estimate energy consumption is a pressing task. Methods: This research investigates the invention patent method of rhythm speech test, introduces the smartphone sport supported fat & glucose calculator (SSFGC) program, applies it to estimation of fat and sugar consumption in endurance exercise of bicycle, and compares it with the results measured by gas analysis indirect calorimetry. The research recruited 12 males (age: 31.8±3.2 yrs, height: 171.6 ± 7.9 cm, weight: 71.2 ± 5.0 kg, peak oxygen uptake: 46.2 ± 5. 6 mL/min/kg, maximum power: 240 ± 50 watts, 15 watts/min progressive exercise load exhaustion time: 982 ± 197 sec and RER: 1.1 ± 0.1). Before the research, the research objects must be measured for peak oxygen uptake and basic physiological data. Participants must follow the SSFGC method of use during the 1 hour' s endurance exercise (30% V• O2peak -80% V• O2peak). The data derived from each analysis are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. The significance is set to p ≦.05. Results: According to SSFGC and gas analysis indirect calorimetry, estimated consumption of sugar (r =. 994, p <. 05) and fat (30% V• O2peak to 50% V• O2peak: r=.888, p <. 05;60% V• O2peak to 80% V• O2peak r=.817, p <. 05) exhibited high positive correlation between the two. Conclusion: The invention patent method of rhythm speech test, by importing SSFGC calorimeter program, can estimate the energy consumption of fat and sugar in stable endurance exercise, and provide the theoretical basis/or further application in the future. © 2021 A. CARBONE Editore. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Pandemic Is Associated with an Adverse Impact on Burnout and Mood Disorder in Healthcare Professionals

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic results in a profound physical and mental burden on healthcare professionals. This study aims to evaluate burnout status and mood disorder of healthcare workers during this period. An online questionnaire was voluntarily answered by eligible adult employees in a COVID-19 specialized medical center. The major analysis included the burnout status and mood disorder. Factors related to more severe mood disorder were also identified. A total of 2029 participants completed the questionnaire. There were 901 (44.4%) and 923 (45.5%) participants with moderate to severe personal and work-related burnout status, respectively. Nurses working in the emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU)/isolation wards, and general wards, as well as those with patient contact, had significantly higher scores for personal burnout, work-related burnout, and mood disorder. This investigation identified 271 participants (13.35%) with moderate to severe mood disorder linked to higher personal/work-related burnout scores and a more advanced burnout status. Univariate analysis revealed that nurses working in the ER and ICU/isolation wards were associated with moderate to severe mood disorder risk factors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that working in the ER (OR, 2.81;95% CI, 1.14-6.90) was the only independent risk factor. More rest, perquisites, and an adequate supply of personal protection equipment were the most desired assistance from the hospital. Compared with the non-pandemic period (2019), employees working during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) have higher burnout scores and percentages of severe burnout. In conclusion, this study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on healthcare professionals. Adequate measures should be adopted as early as possible to support the healthcare system.