Performance Evaluation of a New Sport Watch in Sleep Tracking: A Comparison against Overnight Polysomnography in Young Adults.

Introduction: This study aimed to validate the ability of a prototype sport watch (Polar Electro Oy, FI) to recognize wake and sleep states in two trials with and without an interval training session (IT) 6 h prior to bedtime. Methods: Thirty-six participants completed this study. Participants performed a maximal aerobic test and three polysomnography (PSG) assessments. The first night served as a device familiarization night and to screen for sleep apnea. The second and third in-home PSG assessments were counterbalanced with/without IT. Accuracy and agreement in detecting sleep stages were calculated between PSG and the prototype. Results: Accuracy for the different sleep stages (REM, N1 and N2, N3, and awake) as a true positive for the nights without exercise was 84 ± 5%, 64 ± 6%, 81 ± 6%, and 91 ± 6%, respectively, and for the nights with exercise was 83 ± 7%, 63 ± 8%, 80 ± 7%, and 92 ± 6%, respectively. The agreement for the sleep night without exercise was 60.1 ± 8.1%, k = 0.39 ± 0.1, and with exercise was 59.2 ± 9.8%, k = 0.36 ± 0.1. No significant differences were observed between nights or between the sexes. Conclusion: The prototype showed better or similar accuracy and agreement to wrist-worn consumer products on the market for the detection of sleep stages with healthy adults. However, further investigations will need to be conducted with other populations.

Current issues and options for improving influenza vaccination rates in rural areas / Enjeux actuels et pistes de solution pour améliorer les couvertures vaccinales antigrippales dans les milieux ruraux

INTRODUCTION: Despite the positive impact of vaccination on health, influenza vaccination rates worldwide remain low for certain population groups. In Quebec, vaccination rates among populations with chronic diseases remain below what is expected by public health. Since this situation is also noticeable in rural areas, it is necessary to reflect on the current issues associated with low vaccination rates in the rural population. PURPOSE OF RESEARCH: The purpose of this commentary is to explore the importance of obtaining a multifactorial understanding of the problem raised in order to propose possible solutions to increase influenza vaccination rates among people living in rural areas.

Introduction: Malgré l'impact positif de la vaccination sur la santé, les couvertures vaccinales antigrippales au niveau mondial demeurent faibles pour certains groupes de population. Au Québec, les couvertures vaccinales chez les populations atteintes de maladies chroniques demeurent en deçà de ce qui est attendu par la santé publique. Cette situation étant aussi perceptible en région rurale, il s'avère nécessaire de réfléchir sur les enjeux actuels associés aux faibles couvertures vaccinales au sein de cette population spécifique. But de l'étude: Ce commentaire a pour but d'explorer l'importance d'obtenir une compréhension multifactorielle du problème soulevé afin de proposer des pistes de solution visant à augmenter les couvertures vaccinales antigrippales auprès des personnes vivant en région rurale.

Momentum During a Running Competition: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study.

The purpose of this study was to better understand the psychological momentum (PM) in varsity cross-country competitive runners during a 3000 m selection trials. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used: recruitment trial race day (quantitative) and interview day (qualitative + maximal aerobic running speed [MARS]). Sample was consisted of fifteen university distance runners (n = six women [25.9 ± 7.0 years old; 22.2 ± 1.8 BMI] and nine men [23.2 ± 2.4 years old; 22.6 ± 1.6 BMI]). During the recruitment trial race, athletes' MARS was measured and used to create a performance index (PERFI) relative to selected moments. Also, the recruitment trial race was filmed. During the interviews, the recorded film was used to support athletes in the identification of key moments of the race, as well as to discuss positive and negative PM. PM was both defined by participants and devised by three themes: psychological, physiological and psychophysiological change. A significant PERFI difference (p < 0.001) was observed between positive (97.04 ± 5.88%) and negative (108.46 ± 7.76%) moments of PM. The results of PERFI for men and women athletes were not significantly different (p = 0.118). The PERFI standard deviation for women was not correlated (r2 = 0.26, p = 0.30) with the 3000 m time trial performance, but it was significantly correlated for men (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). The results of the present study could help developing interventions to focus on specific elements of the momentum such as race management/strategy, the attentiveness of the runner during the race and other elements of mental and physical preparation of the athletes.

Comparison Between Power Off-Ice Test and Performance On-Ice Anaerobic Testing.

Boucher, VG, Parent, AA, Miron, FSJ, Leone, M, and Comtois, AS. Comparison between power off-ice test and performance on-ice anaerobic testing. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3498-3505, 2020-The importance of specific testing has been shown in ice hockey performance, and the understanding and connection between them may lead to adapting training and follow-up in elite athletes. The aim of this study was to compare 2 off-ice power tests with performances on ice with National Hockey League (NHL) players. The vertical jump and broad jump tests were used for the off-ice evaluations, whereas a modified SAS-40 and a repeated-sprint skate (RSSm) test were used on-ice as performance variables. Thirty-one players (3 goalkeepers, 10 defense players, and 18 forward players) from the NHL performed before preseason training camp. Four evaluation sessions were performed with 48-hour time intervals between them. The results show that the 2 jump types were correlated (r = 0.45 p < 0.01), and there was a significant correlation between the vertical jump and the best SAS-40 time trial for defense players, but not for forward players (r = 0.76 p = 0.02; r = 0.21 p = 0.16, respectively). By contrast, there was a significant correlation between broad jump and best SAS-40 time trial for forward players but not for defensive players (r = 0.75 p < 0.01; r = 0.19 p = 0.28, respectively). In conclusion, results show that specific player ability needs to be taken into consideration when choosing off-ice tests.

Repeated Linear and Quadrangular Sprint as a Function of Anaerobic Power.

Almansba, R, Boucher, VG, Parent, AA, and Comtois, AS. Repeated linear and quadrangular sprint as a function of anaerobic power. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2177-2184, 2019-This investigation aims to study in U17 soccer players the relationships among performance indices of linear or quadrangular (square shape) repeated-sprint bouts (RSBs) and leg muscular power measured with the Wingate test and the squat jump. Seventeen athletes were recruited. Participants were 16 ± 0.35 years old and had a body mass of 66.5 ± 8.69 kg and a height of 175 ± 0.05 cm. All participants performed linear or quadrangular RSBs, the Wingate test, and a vertical jump test. The mean fast linear sprint time was strongly correlated (p < 0.01) with the force and power measured with the vertical jump test (r = -0.68 and -0.75, respectively), whereas the mean linear RSB was weakly correlated with the peak power and fatigue index measured by the Wingate test (r = -0.54 and -0.56, respectively). There was a correlation between quadrangular RSBs performance indices and both Wingate and vertical jump parameters. In addition, there were no correlations (p > 0.05) between indices of the linear RSBs (decrement index, average, and fastest times) and quadrangular RSBs. Moreover, physiological and perceptual responses were significantly higher (p < 0.01) with quadrangular RSBs compared with linear RSBs. These results indicate that the Wingate test and the vertical jump test can be used as a substitute for repeated-sprint performance time. Finally, however, the repeated sprints with or without direction changes are 2 different motor abilities that should be trained independently of one another.

Pilot project: Physiologic responses to a high-intensity active video game with COPD patients-Tools for home rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition that causes a significant deterioration of the quality of life. However, exercise can improve the quality of life for COPD patients and it is for this reason previous study observed the effects of active video games to increase exercise. Using motion capture devices with short bursts of exercise never been tried with COPD patients. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to observe the feasibility of using this device safely and easily with COPD patients. METHODS: A total of 14 participants (8 men, 69 ± 6 years, 6 women, 74 ± 6 years), with a moderate to severe COPD diagnosis performed exercise games (Shape-Up, Ubisoft, Mtl) adapted under supervision. Gaming sessions of 10-15 min duration were composed of four games of about 1.5 min separated by rest. RESULTS: Average and peak minute ventilation, and METs peak were, respectively: Stunt Run game (lifting knees on spot) 25.3 ± 6.8, 33.5 ± 8.2 L/min and 4.2 ± 1.5 METs; Arctic Punch game (punching targets): 23.1 ± 5.6, 31.8 ± 9.8 L/min and 3.7 ± 1.2 METs; To the Core game (core twist), 22.2 ± 7.3, 29.2 ± 9.9 L/min and 3.3 ± 1.1 METs; and Squat me to the Moon game (sitting to standing), 27.8 ± 6.7, 36.8 ± 11.1 L/min and 4.4 ± 1.1 METs. CONCLUSION: Knowing the pleasure reported by the participants, the safety, and the ability to use it with assistance, it seems that the games could be a good tool in order for COPD patients to exercise at home. However, further investigation needs to be completed in order to observe the benefits in comparison to a traditional training program.