Validity and Reliability of Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Parameters in Older People in Response to Physical Exercise.

BACKGROUND: Currently, and to the best of our knowledge, there is no standardized protocol to measure the effect of low- to moderate-intensity physical exercise on autonomic modulation focused in older people. AIM: Validate a test-retest short-term exercise protocol for measuring the autonomic response through HRV in older people. METHODS: A test-retest study design was used. The participants were selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling. A total of 105 older people (male: 21.9%; female: 78.1%) were recruited from a local community. The assessment protocol evaluated HRV before and immediately after the 2-min step test. It was performed twice on the same day, considering a time of three chronological hours between the two measurements. RESULTS: The posterior distribution of estimated responses in the Bayesian framework suggests moderate to strong evidence favoring a null effect between measurements. In addition, there was moderate to robust agreement between heart rate variability (HRV) indices and assessments, except for low frequency and very low frequency, which showed weak agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide moderate to strong evidence for using HRV to measure cardiac autonomic response to moderate exercise, suggesting that it is sufficiently reliable to show similar results to those shown in this test-retest protocol.

Relationship of cardiorespiratory control and vascular compliance in competitive young athletes / Relación entre el control cardiorrespiratorio y la distensibilidad vascular en atletas jóvenes de competición / Relação entre o controlo cardiorrespiratório e a conformidade vascular em jovens atletas competitivos

Objective: To study the haemodynamic properties of the peripheral circulation and its relationship with cardiorespiratory control, during anaerobicmuscle fatigue test, in young competitive athletes.Method: Nine adolescent of national and international competition level were recruited (age: 15.6 ± 1.9 years; male = 7) and cross-evaluated. Morphological measurements (body mass, percentage of total body fat and height), blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse blood pressure),respiratory measures (spirometry and pimometry), power, and fatigue were recorded through Wingate test.Results: Weight, height, and fat-free mass were positively correlated with the power parameters of the Wingate test (p < 0.05). The respiratoryparameters of forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum sustained pressure (SMIP) were alsosignificantly correlated with the power parameters. Additionally, the cardiorespiratory parameters of MIP and SMIP were positively correlated with pulsepressure at rest (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The increase in MIP and SMIP is associated with a lower arterial compliance, which indicates that a lower vascular elasticity influences agreater diaphragmatic strength and endurance of the young athlete.(AU)

Objetivo: Estudiar las propiedades hemodinámicas de la circulación periférica y su relación con el control cardiorrespiratorio, durante la prueba de fatiga muscular anaeróbica, en jóvenes atletas de competición.Método: Se reclutaron nueve adolescentes de nivel de competición nacional e internacional (edad: 15.6 ± 1.9 años; hombres = 7) y se evaluaron de forma cruzada. Se registraron medidas morfológicas (masa corporal, porcentaje de grasa corporal total y altura), presión arterial (presión arterial sistólica, diastólica, media y pulso), medidas respiratorias (espirometría y pimometría), potencia y fatiga mediante el test de Wingate. Resultados: El peso, la altura y la masa libre de grasa se correlacionaron positivamente con los parámetros de potencia del test de Wingate (p < 0.05). Los parámetros respiratorios de capacidad vital forzada, flujo espiratorio máximo, presión inspiratoria máxima (MIP) y presión inspiratoria máxima sostenida (SMIP) también se correlacionaron significativamente con los parámetros de potencia. Además, los parámetros cardiorrespiratorios de MIP ySMIP se correlacionaron positivamente con la presión del pulso en reposo (p < 0.05).Conclusión: El aumento de la MIP y SMIP se asocia a una menor compliance arterial, lo que indica que una menor elasticidad vascular influye en una mayor fuerza y resistencia diafragmática del joven atleta.(A)

Objetivo: Estudar as propriedades hemodinâmicas da circulação periférica e sua relação com o controle cardiorrespiratório, durante o teste de fadigamuscular anaeróbica, em jovens atletas competitivos.Método: Nove adolescentes de nível de competição nacional e internacional foram recrutados (idade: 15.6 ± 1.9 anos; masculino = 7) e avaliados de formacruzada. Medidas morfológicas (massa corporal, percentual de gordura corporal total e altura), pressão arterial (sistólica, diastólica, média e pulso),medidas respiratórias (espirometria e pimometria), potência e fadiga foram registradas através do teste Wingate.Resultados: Peso, altura e massa livre de gordura foram correlacionados positivamente com os parâmetros de potência do teste Wingate (p < 0.05). Osparâmetros respiratórios de capacidade vital forçada, pico de fluxo expiratório, pressão inspiratória máxima (MIP) e pressão inspiratória máximasustentada (SMIP) também foram significativamente correlacionados com os parâmetros de potência. Além disso, os parâmetros cardiorespiratórios daMIP e SMIP foram positivamente correlacionados com a pressão de pulso em repouso (p < 0.05).Conclusão: O aumento da MIP e SMIP está associado a uma menor complacência arterial, o que indica que uma menor elasticidade vascular influenciauma maior resistência diafragmática e resistência do jovem atleta.(AU)

La electroestimulación neuromuscular como mecanismo complementario en el entrenamiento deportivo de predominancia anaeróbica / Neuromuscular electro-stimulation as a complementary mechanism in sports training of anaerobic predominance

Introducción: La electroestimulación neuromuscular puede dar un valor agregado a los programas de ejercicio físico de rehabilitación, siempre y cuando se contemplen aspectos como los objetivos propios de cada persona, la tolerancia a la intensidad y las necesidades de recuperación y descanso. Así mismo, puede ser un elemento interesante a agregar en la planificación deportiva con miras a mejorar la recuperación, así como en el aumento del rendimiento físico. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de la presente investigación fue determinar los efectos del ejercicio combinado de electroestimulación neuromuscular y ejercicios de alta intensidad y corta duración en hombres sanos y físicamente activos sobre el índice de fatiga. Metodología: 34 hombres sanos, físicamente activos y estudiantes de educación física (19,4 ± 2,60 años) fueron aleatorizados y organizados en cuatro grupos: G1, programa de electroestimulación neuromuscular; G2, entrenamiento de alta intensidad y corta duración: G3, ejercicio combinado de alta intensidad y corta duración y, electroestimulación neuromuscular; y G4, grupo control. Se aplicó un test de Wingate antes y después del periodo de entrenamiento. Resultados: En el grupo G3 se evidencian aumentos en el rendimiento anaeróbico con diferencias significativas en la potencia promedio relativa al peso (p=0,027), con un aumento de 7,36% y con una disminución de 12,2% en el índice de fatiga (p=0,048). En el grupo G4 se evidencian disminuciones en el rendimiento, evidenciado a través de las diferencias significativas en la potencia media (p=0,030), con una disminución en el rendimiento de 6,32% y una disminución en el rendimiento en la potencia media relativa al peso con diferencia significativa (p=0,010) de 3,92%. Conclusiones: Un programa combinado de electroestimulación neuromuscular y ejercicio intervalico de alta intensidad mejora el rendimiento anaeróbico en la potencia media y relativa al peso, evidenciado a través de un test de Wingate. Así mismo, disminuye el porcentaje de caída del rendimiento anaeróbico, mostrando mejores resultados frente a un entrenamiento de solo ejercicio intervalico de alta intensidad

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrostimulation can add value to rehabilitation physical exercise programs, as long as aspects such as the objectives of each person, tolerance to intensity, and the needs for recovery and rest are considered. Likewise, it can be an interesting element to add in sports planning with a view to improving recovery, as well as increasing physical performance. Objective: The main objective of this research was to determine the effects of combined neuromuscular electrostimulation exercise and high intensity and short duration exercises in healthy and physically active men on the fatigue index. Methodology: 34 healthy, physically active, and physical education male students (19.4 ± 2.60 years) were randomized and organized into four groups: G1, neuromuscular electrostimulation program; G2, high intensity and short duration training; G3, combined exercise of high intensity and short duration, and neuromuscular electrostimulation; and G4, control group, A Wingate test was applied before and after the training period. Results: In the G3 group, there are increases in anaerobic performance with significant differences in the average power relative to weight (p=0.027), with an increase of 7.36%, and a decrease of 12.2% in the fatigue index (p=0.048). In the G4 group there are decreases in performance, evidenced through the significant differences in the average power (p = 0.030), with a decrease in performance of 6.32% and a decrease in the performance in mean power relative to weight with a significant difference (p=0.010) of 3.92%. Conclusions: A combined program of neuromuscular electrostimulation and high-intensity interval exercise improves anaerobic performance in mean power and relative to weight, evidenced through a Wingate test. Likewise, it decreases the percentage of drop in anaerobic performance, showing better results in comparison to training with only high-intensity interval training

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en persona sana y físicamente activa. Reporte de un caso y actualización de los principales hallazgos / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a healthy and physically active person. Case report and update of the main findings

Introducción. No todas las personas expuestas al COVID-19 desarrollan una en-fermedad respiratoria grave y el número de personas adultas jóvenes sin patologías previas, afectadas gravemente por el virus, viene en aumento. Se ha evidenciado un gran número de síntomas inespecíficos y complicaciones, posterior a la recuperación. Objetivo. Evaluar las repercusiones en un sujeto sano y físicamente activo que pre-sentó complicaciones médicas graves y complicaciones posteriores al COVID-19. Reporte de caso. Hombre de 41 años de edad, físicamente activo y sin enfermeda-des conocidas, en quien se documenta infección por SARS-CoV2 con prueba PCR positiva. Requirió 22 días en UCI, 17 días en hospitalización general, 57 días de incapacidad y posterior a doce meses presenta pérdida evidente de peso y de memo-ria, dificultad para pensar y concentrarse, pérdida de masa muscular, compromiso de la función hepática, cansancio y fatiga, dolor muscular, problemas para dormir, cambios en el estado de ánimo y alteraciones del gusto. De acuerdo con los actuales hallazgos, la producción de un tipo de anticuerpo impide que el sistema inmune ten-ga una respuesta adecuada contra la enfermedad. Sumado a esto, se ha descrito una nueva puerta de entrada del virus en el organismo: la proteína neuropilina-1 (NRP1), además de la posible disminución del surfactante que permite la flexibilidad de los pulmones. Lo anterior podría dar respuestas a las complicaciones en personas sanas y físicamente activas posterior a la infección por COVID-19. Conclusiones. Entendiendo que el COVID-19 es una enfermedad reciente, aún hay mucha información por recolectar para así entender su comportamiento en el cuerpo humano. Sin embargo, las investigaciones van dando evidencia del porqué el COVID-19 puede generar graves complicaciones médicas en personas sanas y físicamente activas. Son necesarias más investigaciones con esta población, para así realizar planteamientos de manejo clínico acordes a la enfermedad y evitar desenlaces fatales.

Introduction. Not all people exposed to COVID-19 develop a severe respiratory disease and the number of young adults without previous pathologies, seriously af-fected by the virus, is increasing. Many of non-specific symptoms and complications have been evidenced after the recovery. Objective. To evaluate the repercussions in a healthy and physically active subject who presented serious medical complications and post-COVID-19 complications.Case report. A 41-year-old man, physically active and without known diseases, in whom SARS-CoV2 infection with a positive PCR test is documented. He required 22 days in the ICU, 17 days in general hospitalization, 57 days of disability and after twelve months there is evident weight and memory loss, difficulty thinking and con-centrating, loss of muscle mass, compromised liver function, tiredness and fatigue, muscle pain, sleep problems, changes in mood, and alterations in the taste. According to the current findings, the production of a type of antibody prevents the immune system from having an adequate response against the disease. In addition to this, a new gateway for the virus into the body has been described: the protein neuropilin- 1 (NRP1), as well as the possible decrease in surfactant that allows the flexibility of the lungs. This could provide answers to complications in healthy and physically active people after COVID-19 infection. Conclusions. Understanding that COVID-19 is a recent disease, there is still a lot of information to collect to understand its behavior in the human body. However, research is providing evidence on why COVID-19 can cause serious medical compli-cations in healthy and physically active people. Understanding that it is a multifac-torial situation, more research is necessary with this population in order to carry out clinical management approaches according to the disease and avoid fatal outcomes.

Efectos del ejercicio aeróbico en agua sobre el dolor percibido y la variabilidad cardiaca en mujeres con fibromialgia / Effects of water aerobic exercise on perceived pain and cardiac variability in women with fibromyalgia

La fibromialgia es una enfermedad caracterizada por presentar un dolor cónico asociada a una desregulación autonómica de quien la padece, sin muchas alternativas de tratamiento. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo, conocer la relación existente entre el ejercicio físico en medio acuático, la percepción del dolor y el control autonómico cardiovascular en mujeres adultas que padecen fibromialgia. La muestra se compuso por 15 mujeres diagnosticadas con fibromialgia quienes participaron en 24 sesiones de ejercicio en medio acuático de 40 minutos. Se evaluaron medidas antropométricas, variabilidad de frecuencia cardiaca (VFC) y percepción de dolor (PCS) en cuatro tiempos experimentales (t1, basal; t2, sesión 8; t3, sesión 16; t4, sesión 24). Además, se evaluó la percepción al dolor en cada sesión a través de EVA. Los resultados muestran, que la percepción del dolor a través de EVA disminuyó al comparar todas las medias evaluadas antes y después de cada sesión (p < 0.05). En la aplicación de PCS, un menor Dolor Total y Rumiación se obtuvo al comparar t1 con t4. Los valores de VFC mostraron que SDNN y RMSSD fueron mayores después de la sesión, cuando se comparó t4 con t1 (p < 0.05). La frecuencia cardiaca media disminuyó al finalizar las sesiones, mostrando una mejor adaptación al ejercicio. La relación entre dolor y medidas cardiacas, estuvo dada por una correlación positiva en los dominios de dolor registrados antes de las sesiones y los valores de RMSSD y SDNN. En conclusión, la práctica de ejercicio físico en medio acuático, indicaría una menor percepción de dolor y una mejor respuesta autonómica cardiaca en mujeres con fibromialgia

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by conical pain associated with autonomic dysregulation of the sufferer, without many treatment alternatives. The objective of this study was to find out the relationship between physical exercise in an aquatic environment, pain perception and cardiovascular autonomic control in adult women suffering from fibromyalgia. The sample consisted of 15 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia who participated in 24 40-minute exercise sessions in a water environment. Anthropometric measures, heart rate variability (HRV ) and pain perception (PCS) were evaluated in four experimental times (t1, baseline; t2, session 8; t3, session 16; t4, session 24). In addition, the perception of pain was evaluated in each session through VAS. The results show that the perception of pain through VAS decreased when comparing all the means evaluated before and after each session (p < 0.05). In the PCS application, a lower Total Pain and Rumination was obtained when comparing t1 with t4. HRV values showed that SDNN and RMSSD were higher after the session, when t4 was compared with t1 (p < 0.05). The mean heart rate decreased at the end of the sessions, showing a better adaptation to exercise. The relationship between pain and cardiac measurements was given by a positive correlation in the pain domains recorded before the sessions and the RMSSD and SDNN values. In conclusion, the practice of physical exercise in an aquatic environment would indicate a lower perception of pain and a better cardiac autonomic response in women with fibromyalgia

Efectos de un programa de ejercicio aeróbico submáximo sobre el rendimiento cardiorrespiratorio y la potencia anaeróbica

Introducción: Existen beneficios en salud al realizar ejercicio físico, sin embargo, son pocas las investigaciones que reportan el rendimiento anaeróbico y su correlación con indicadores cardiorrespiratorios. Por tal motivo, el propósito de esta investigación fue determinar valores de rendimiento cardiorrespiratorio y aptitud anaeróbica después de un programa de ejercicio aeróbico en el cual se determinó la correlación entre ellos. Métodos: 22 hombres (20±2 años) conformaron dos grupos, G1-(entrenamiento), 6 semanas/tres días por semana, intensidad horaria de 45 minutos/día, G2-(Control). Antes y después realizaron un test de Wingate y una prueba de esfuerzo de predominancia aeróbica. Resultados: Aumentos significativos entre el pre-pos en G1 en VO2máx y vatios que mejoraron 7,6 % y 15,9 % respectivamente, diferencia significativa en la PP y en PM/kg con una mejora del 18,8 % y 18,9 %, respectivamente. Conclusión: Un programa de ejercicio aeróbico submáximo en bicicleta estática aumenta el rendimiento cardiorrespiratorio y rendimiento anaeróbico sin que exista una relación de dependencia entre las diferentes variables.

Introduction: There are health benefits when performing physical exercise, however, there are few investigations that report anaerobic performance and its correlation with cardiorespiratory indicators, for this reason, the purpose of this research was to determine the values of cardiorespiratory performance and anaerobic fitness after an aerobic exercise program determining the correlation between them. Method: 22 men (20 ± 2 years), were divided into two groups, G1 (training), 6 weeks, three days a week with an hourly intensity of 45 minutes per day, G2 (control). Before and after exercise they performed a Wingate test and a predominantly aerobic stress test. Results: Significant increases between pre-post in G1 in VO2Max and watts improving 7.6% and 15.9% respectively, a significant difference in PP and PM/kg improving 18.8% and 18.9% respectively. Conclusion: A submaximal aerobic exercise program on a stationary bike increases cardiorespiratory performance and anaerobic performance without a dependency relationship between the different variables.

Feasibility and Effects of Structured Physical Exercise Interventions in Adults with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease which affects young adults at a time of maximum personal, professional and social growth. Recent guidelines on physical activity have established that exercise is an essential component of the clinical management of people with MS with mild or moderate degree of disability. The main purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and the effects of two different 40-week structured physical exercise interventions (a supervised high intensity interval training plus home exercise program and a self-applied home-based exercise program) on clinical evolution, psychological wellbeing, quality of life, fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and balance of people with MS. Twenty-nine participants with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) participated in this study. All of them were fully ambulatory and with minimal disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale <3), for at least the last six months. Participants selected to be part of a combined face-to-face plus home exercise group (CFTFG; n = 8); a self-applied home-based exercise group (HG; n = 11) or a control group (CG; n = 10). A total of 23 participants completed the protocol (79.3%), of which 8 participants (100%) from the CFTFG, 7 (63.6%) from the HG and 8 (80%) from the CG. During the first 20-weeks of training, adherence from the CFTFG reached 77.5% and from the HG reached 50 %. During the second 20-weeks of training, adherence from the CFTFG reached 62.5% and from the HG reached 45.4%. After 20-weeks of training, a significant improvement in the absolute VO2 peak and in the 30-second sit to stand test was observed in the CFTFG (all p < .05). This study confirms that offering a 40-week structured exercise programme to a group of fully ambulatory and minimally disabled persons with RRMS is feasible and safe. Any adverse event related to the trial was reported by the participants.

Circadian and Sex Differences After Acute High-Altitude Exposure: Are Early Acclimation Responses Improved by Blue Light?

OBJECTIVE: The possible effects of blue light during acute hypoxia and the circadian rhythm on several physiological and cognitive parameters were studied. METHODS: Fifty-seven volunteers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: nocturnal (2200-0230 hours) or diurnal (0900-1330 hours) and exposed to acute hypoxia (4000 m simulated altitude) in a hypobaric chamber. The participants were illuminated by blue LEDs or common artificial light on 2 different days. During each session, arterial oxygen saturation (Spo2), blood pressure, heart rate variability, and cognitive parameters were measured at sea level, after reaching the simulated altitude of 4000 m, and after 3 hours at this altitude. RESULTS: The circadian rhythm caused significant differences in blood pressure and heart rate variability. A 4% to 9% decrease in waking nocturnal Spo2 under acute hypoxia was observed. Acute hypoxia also induced a significant reduction (4%-8%) in systolic pressure, slightly more marked (up to 13%) under blue lighting. Women had significantly increased systolic (4%) and diastolic (12%) pressures under acute hypoxia at night compared with daytime pressure; this was not observed in men. Some tendencies toward better cognitive performance (d2 attention test) were seen under blue illumination, although when considered together with physiological parameters and reaction time, there was no conclusive favorable effect of blue light on cognitive fatigue suppression after 3 hours of acute hypobaric hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: It remains to be seen whether longer exposure to blue light under hypobaric hypoxic conditions would induce favorable effects against fatigue.