Responsive measures to prehabilitation in patients undergoing bowel resection surgery.

Surgical patients often show physiological and metabolic distress, muscle weakness, and long hospital stays. Physical conditioning might help recovery. We attempted to identify the most responsive measure of aerobic fitness from a four-week pre-surgical aerobic exercise program (prehabilitation) in patients undergoing major bowel resection. Twenty-one subjects randomized two to one (exercise: control) scheduled for colorectal surgery. Fourteen subjects [Body Mass Index (BMI) = 27 +/- 6 kg/m(2); maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) = 22 +/- 10 ml/kg/min] underwent 3.8 +/- 1.2 weeks (27 +/- 8 sessions) of progressive, structured pre-surgical aerobic exercise training at 40 to 65% of heart rate reserve (%HRR). Peak power output was the only maximal measure that was responsive to training [26 +/- 27%, Effects Size (ES) = 0.24; Standardized Response Mean (SRM) = 1.05; p < 0.05]. For the submaximal measures, heart rate and oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise was most responsive to training (decrease by 13% +/- 15%, ES = -0.24; SRM = -0.57; and 7% +/- 6%, ES = -0.40; SRM -0.97; p < 0.05) at an exercise intensity of 76 +/- 47 W. There was no change to maximal or submaximal measures in the control group. The distance walked over six minutes improved in both groups (by approximately 30 m), but the effect size and t-statistic were higher in the exercise group. Heart rate and oxygen uptake during submaximal exercise, and peak power output are the most responsive measures to four weeks of prehabilitation in subjects with low initial fitness.

Pilot case study of the therapeutic potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on chronic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO(2)) therapy was explored in the treatment of chronic TBI. It has been speculated that idling neurons in the penumbra zone remain viable several years after injury and might be reactivated by enhanced oxygenation. We studied the therapeutic potential of HBO(2) therapy in a 54-year-old man who had sustained traumatic brain injuries one year before testing that resulted in permanent neurological symptoms. METHODS: Two treatment series separated by a one-year inter-session interval were administered. Treatment series consisted of 20 and 60 daily one-hour exposures to 100% oxygen at 2 ATA. Electrophysiological (event-related potentials), metabolic and behavioral (sensorimotor and neuropsychological) measurements were obtained to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on neurocognitive functioning. RESULTS: Following the initial treatment, the patient showed improvements in sensorimotor functions, as well as enhanced P300 amplitude in the damaged hemisphere. Although most of these gains were no longer observed one year after treatment, these were reinstated with an additional series of 60 exposures. Neuropsychological improvements were also observed after the completion of the second series of treatments. CONCLUSION: The present single-case study provides preliminary evidence of neuropsychological and electrophysiological improvements after series of 20 and 60 treatments, although the first dosage appeared to be insufficient to produce permanent benefits. Longitudinal studies using different treatment parameters should be conducted if we are to systematically investigate long-term improvements resulting from HBO(2) therapy.

Physiological profile of professional hockey players -- a longitudinal comparison.

This paper examines the size, strength, and aerobic fitness of players from a professional hockey team. Beginning in 1917, data on body size were obtained from historical records of the Montreal Canadiens. Body composition, strength, and VO2 max were obtained through physiological testing of Canadiens players between 1981 and 2003. Compared with players in the 1920s and 1930s, current players were an average of 17 kg heavier and 10 cm taller, with BMI increased by 2.3 kg/m2. The gain in BMI was not attributed to added fat mass, since percent body fat remained unchanged over the past 22 years. From 1992 to 2003, upper body strength was assessed using a bench press test. Predicted 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) for the 17- to 19-year-old group was 107.0 kg with the highest values attained by the 25- to 29-year-old age group (128.1 kg). Gains in body mass were associated with an increase in upper body strength. VO(2 max) was measured annually on a treadmill between 1992 and 2003 with annual mean values ranging between 54.6 and 59.2 mL x (kg x min)(-1). Compared with values from players in the early 1980s, VO2 max has increased with the improvements independent of body mass; however, given the variability in the data, we are hesitant to infer that VO(2 max) has increased significantly during the 1990s.

Effect of noncustom bimolar mouthguards on peak ventilation in ice hockey players.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a noncustom bimolar mouthguard on ventilation in female varsity ice hockey players. DESIGN: Prospective crossover study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Expired ventilation (VE), oxygen uptake (VO2), and heart rate were measured in 12 university varsity female ice hockey players while these players were skating on a skating treadmill. Data were collected for each player with and without a mouthguard at both submaximal and maximal efforts to recreate the intensity of games. RESULTS: VE and VO2 were similar (P > 0.05) with and without a noncustom bimolar mouthguard at submaximal effort. The mean VE at maximal effort (VEmax) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (108.5 l/min) compared with without a mouthguard (114.1 l/min). VO2 at maximal effort (VO2max) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) using the mouthguard (48.8 mL.kg.min) compared with without a mouthguard (52.4 mL.kg.min). Heart rates were similar for players with and without a mouthguard at both submaximal and maximal efforts. CONCLUSIONS: Noncustom bimolar mouthguards may reduce ventilation and oxygen uptake at maximal efforts by female ice hockey players.

Neuropsychological effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cerebral palsy.

We conducted a double-blind placebo study to investigate the claim that hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBO2) improves the cognitive status of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Of 111 children diagnosed with CP (aged 4 to 12 years), only 75 were suitable for neuropsychological testing, assessing attention, working memory, processing speed, and psychosocial functioning. The children received 40 sessions of HBO2 or sham treatment over a 2-month period. Children in the active treatment group were exposed for 1 hour to 100% oxygen at 1.75 atmospheres absolute (ATA), whereas those in the sham group received only air at 1.3 ATA. Children in both groups showed better self-control and significant improvements in auditory attention and visual working memory compared with the baseline. However, no statistical difference was found between the two treatments. Furthermore, the sham group improved significantly on eight dimensions of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, whereas the active treatment group improved only on one dimension. Most of these positive changes persisted for 3 months. No improvements were observed in either group for verbal span, visual attention, or processing speed.

Uma comparaçäo das características físicas entre escolares brasileiros e canadenses de 7 a 18 anos / A comparison of physical characteristics of brazilian and canadian

O objetivo desdte estudo foi comparar o padräo de crescimento de crianças e jovens de 7 a 18 anos de didade de Säo Paulo-Brasil com uma amostra de crianças canadenses. A amostra de Säo Paulo inclui 720 escolares subdivididos em grupos de 30 indivíduos para cadda sexo e idade (12 grupos x 2 sexos x 30 escolares = 720). Os dados da amostra canadense incluiu 7.500 crianças e jovens nas idades de 7 a 19 anos. A comparaçäo entre os escolares brasileiros e canadenses foi feita nas seguintes medidas: altura, peso, índice de Massa corporal (BMI) e somatória de 5 dobras cutâneas (bíceps, tríceps, subescapular, suprailíaca e panturrilha medial). Para o grupo feminino, as comparaçöes revelaram que as garotas canadenses säo: 1) cerca de 3 cm mais altas (164 x 161 cm) do que as brasileiras aos 18 anos; 2) aproximadamente 2 kg mais pesadas (56 x 54 kg); 3) similares nos escores de BMI e 4) similares quanto a somatória de 5 dobras cutâneas (63 mm de gordura subcutânea). Para o sexo masculino, as comparaçöes revelaram que os garotos canadenses säo: 1) mais altos que os garotos brasileiros dos 7 aos 15 anos; 2) os brasileiros atingem a mesma altura a partir dos 17 anos; 3) os garotos canadenses säo aproximadamente 4 kg mais pesados que os brasileiros aos 17 anos de idade; 4) os canadenses apresentam maior BMI que os brasileiros em todas as idades (exceto aos 10 anos); 5) tanto brasileiros quanto canadenses apresentam escores similares de adiposidade entre 11 e 18 anos. Durante este período...

Teste de corrida contínua de múltiplas etapas para predizer a capacidade aeróbica / A continous multistage test to predict aerobic capacity

Baseado na premissa de que o aumento do consumo de oxigênio é diretamente proporcional a velocidade da corrida contínua é que o teste máximo de corrida contínua de múltiplas etapas, foi desenvolvido. Este teste é iniciado a uma velocidade de 5km/h com incrementos de 1,0 km/h a cada minuto. O ritmo de corrida dos sujeitos é coordenado através de sinais emitidos a cada 20 metros. O sinal é emitido por uma fita gravada ou por 1 apito que é soprado pelo avaliador durante um tempo apropriado. O teste termina quando o indivíduo näo consegue se manter completo os 5 metros antes da marca apropriada para o som do sinal. O VO2máx. (ml/kg.min) é predito baseado na última etapa completada e estimada na economia da corrida do sujeito (média ou boa). A equaçäo para predizer o VO2 na corrida horizontal, inclui o componente do trabalho horizontal e o componente de repouso (3,5 ml/kg.min). A inclinaçäo da relaçäo entre o VO2 (ml/kg.min) versus a velocidade (km/h) é de 0,20 para os sujeitos com uma economia de corrida média e de 0,18 para corredores treinados com uma boa economia de corrida. O teste máximo de corrida contínua de múltiplas etapas é um teste qualificado como inexpensivo, que é fácil de administrar em grandes grupos. Normas baseadas na idade, sexo e nacionalidade necessitam ser estabelecidas para o teste máximo de corrida contínua com múltiplas etaas

Efeito de massa adicional no desempenho do teste de obstáculo hexagonal / The effect of added man on performance of the hexagonal obstacle test

O Excesso de massa corporal é prejudicial no desempenho de atividades de longa duraçäo, nas quais o praticante tem que carregar sua massa corporal (por exemplo correndo). O efeito do excesso de massa é desconhecido na performance em muitas atividades de curta duraçäo. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de examinar o efeito da sobrecarga a performance no teste de obstáculo hexagonal (Hex.). Os sujeitos foram 16 homens (idade= 20,7 anos) e 8 mulheres (idade = 20,0 anos). Os avaliados realizaram 4 tentativas do teste de salto hexagonal carregando uma massa correspondente a 0%, 3%, 6% ou 9% de sua massa corporal. A sobrecarga foi colcoada num cinto e presa a cintura dos avaliados. Os resultados para as quatro tentativas Hex foram: grupo 0% - homens 27,8% e mulheres 34,8%; grupo 3% - homens 28,7% e mulheres 36,3%; grupo 6% - homens 28,1% e mulheres 35,0% e grupo 9% - homens 20,0% e mulheres 36,7%. Os dados foram analisados por sexo usando a Análise de Variância "One way" para repetidas medidas. Para ambos os grupos näo houve diferenças significantes na performace do test Hex, com adiçäo da sobrecarga

Comparaçao do teste hexagonal com corrida de 50 metros, Shuttle run, 40 segundos e high box teste / Comparison of hexagonal test with 50 meters, Shuttle run, 40 seconds and high box test

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de determinar a especificidade do teste de obstáculo hexagonal (THEX) como medida de agilidade, velocidade, potência de membros inferiores e capacidade anaeróbica. O teste hexagonal foi comparado com quatro testes que comprovadamente medem, respectivamente, os seguintes componentes: "shuttle-run" (SR), corrida de 50, metros (50m), "high box test" (HB) e corrida de 40 segundos (40 seg.). Para a realizaçäo do projeto foram avaliados 16 indivíduos do sexo masculino e 10 do sexo feminino, sendo que ambos os grupos eram estudantes de Educaçäo Física recém-admitidos. Os alunos foram submetidosa realizaçäo de sete tentativas no THEX, duas tentativas nos 50m, 40 segundos, "Shuttle - run" e "high test". Após a análise estatística, verificou-se de modo significativo o efeito do aprendizado durante a realizaçäo das sete tentativas no THEX. Na comparaçäo entre os dois sexos, observou-se diferenças significantes entre a sexta tentativa do THEX e os outros testes realizados. Os resultados tratados pelo índice de correlaçäo de Pearson seguem: 50m Maculino 0,56, feminino 0,76, total 0,83; 40seg. masculino -0,41, feminino -0,61 total -0,74; SR - masculino 0,59, feminino 0,74, total 0,78; HB-15seg. - masculino -0,77, feminino 0,87, total -0,87; HB-60 seg. - masculino -0,74, feminino 0,87, total -0,84. Desta foram pode-se observar que os resultados sugerem que o THEX é um bom indicador de velocidade, potência de membros inferiores e agilidade, associado com realizaçäo de saltos

Intensity of Old-Timer Hockey Play.

In brief Twelve men (mean age 32 years) from six recreational hockey leagues in the Montreal area were measured for heart rate during league old-timer hockey games. The games were divided into six activities, including recovery on the bench, according to intensity of play so that heart rates could be matched to different parts of the game. Mean heart rate during hockey play was 161 beats-min-1, and 85% intensity (Karvonen method). Because this represents strenuous activity, communities should encourage physically unfit men to improve their fitness before playing old-timer hockey.

The Effect of Added Weight on Ice Hockey Performance.

In brief The effect of excess fat weight and equipment weight on skating performance is unclear because much of the player's skating movement is performed in a gliding position. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of added weight on a player's skating performance in an ice hockey fitness test. During added-weight conditions, the players were slower and had greater anaerobic endurance times. Coaches and players should be concerned about the players' fat weight and equipment weight because they contribute to slower performance times.