Effects of acute beetroot juice intake on performance, maximal oxygen uptake, and ventilatory efficiency in well-trained master rowers: a randomized, double-blinded crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice (BRJ) intake has been considered a practical nutritional strategy among well-trained athletes. This study aimed to assess the effects of BRJ intake on performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables during a simulated 2000-meter rowing ergometer test in well-trained master rowers. METHOD: Ten well-trained male master rowers (30-48 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design for 3 weeks. In the first week, a researcher explained all the experimental procedures to the participants. In the next two weeks, the participants were tested in 2 rowing ergometer sessions, separated from each other by a 7-day washout period. In both strictly identical sessions, the participants randomly drank BRJ or placebo (PL) 3 hours before the start of the tests. Subsequently, the participants carried out the 2000-meter rowing ergometer tests. Oxygen saturation and blood lactate measurements were performed before starting (pretest) and at the end of the test (posttest). Performance parameters and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded during the rowing ergometer test. RESULTS: An improvement in time trial performance was observed, with a mean difference of 4 seconds (90% confidence limits ± 3.10; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. Relative and absolute maximaloxygenuptakeV˙O2max increased (mean difference of 2.10 mL·kg-1·min-1, 90% confidence limits ± 1.80; mean difference of 0.16 L·min-1 90% confidence limits ± 0.11, respectively; p ≤ 0.05) compared to PL. No ergogenic effect was observed on ventilatory efficiency and blood lactate concentrations after BRJ intake. CONCLUSION: Acute BRJ intake may improve time trial performance as well as V˙O2max in well-trained master rowers. However, BRJ does not appear to improve ventilatory efficiency.

Validation of the Spanish Activity Questionnaire in COPD (SAQ-COPD) in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: The Spanish Activity Questionnaire in COPD (SAQ-COPD) is a short, simple physical activity (PA) measurement instrument for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, we analyzed its validity and sensitivity to change. Methods: Prospective scale validation study. An accelerometer (DynaPort MoveMonitor®) and the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) were used as reference standards. The analyses examined the criterion validity (Spearman correlations), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), factorial structure, test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC), sensitivity to change and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to classify patients with low PA. Results: A total of 300 patients diagnosed with COPD were analyzed (73% males, mean age 66 ± 8 years, 40.3% with severe airflow limitation). Cronbach's alpha was 0.60 and Spearman's correlations with accelerometer measurements of PA [number of steps, metabolic equivalents (MET), physical activity level (PAL)] and YPAS ranged from 0.37 to 0.53 (all p < 0.001). ICC was 0.69 (95% CI 0.61-0.74) and the area under the ROC curve to identify low PA was 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.73). Significant variations in SAQ-COPD scores were found between groups defined by YPAS for change. Conclusion: The SAQ-COPD questionnaire is a valid instrument for classifying PA in patients with COPD. Correlations with other instruments provide criterion validity and also demonstrate good sensitivity to change.

Circulating nitrate-nitrite reduces oxygen uptake for improving resistance exercise performance after rest time in well-trained CrossFit athletes.

This study aimed to determine the effects of circulating nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) concentrations on resistance exercise performance, VO2 and biomarkers of muscle damage. Eleven well-trained male CrossFit athletes (29.2 ± 3.7 years, 78.9 ± 5.4 kg, 175.1 ± 6.3 cm) carried out a resistance exercise test after drinking 140 mL of beetroot juice (BJ) or placebo. The test consisted of repeating the same resistance exercise routine twice: wall ball shots plus full back squat with 3-min rest (1st routine) or without rest (2nd routine) between the two exercises. Higher NOx plasma levels were verified after BJ than placebo in the pretest and post-test (p < 0.001). A higher number of repetitions was observed after BJ intake compared to placebo in the full back squat exercise during the first routine (p = 0.004). A significantly reduced VO2 was detected after BJ intake compared to placebo during rest and full back squat execution in the first routine (p < 0.05). Plasma myoglobin concentrations were significantly increased with BJ compared to placebo (p = 0.036). These results showed that plasma NOx levels reduced VO2 after BJ intake during rest time. These reduced VO2 was a key factor for improving full back squat performance during the first routine.

Oxygen Uptake Slow Component and the Efficiency of Resistance Exercises.

ABSTRACT: Garnacho-Castaño, MV, Albesa-Albiol, L, Serra-Payá, N, Gomis Bataller, M, Pleguezuelos Cobo, E, Guirao Cano, L, Guodemar-Pérez, J, Carbonell, T, Domínguez, R, and Maté-Muñoz, JL. Oxygen uptake slow component and the efficiency of resistance exercises. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1014-1022, 2021-This study aimed to evaluate oxygen uptake slow component (V̇o2sc) and mechanical economy/efficiency in half squat (HS) exercise during constant-load tests conducted at lactate threshold (LT) intensity. Nineteen healthy young men completed 3 HS exercise tests separated by 48-hour rest periods: 1 repetition maximum (1RM), incremental-load HS test to establish the %1RM corresponding to the LT, and constant-load HS test at the LT. During the last test, cardiorespiratory, lactate, and mechanical responses were monitored. Fatigue in the lower limbs was assessed before and after the constant-load test using a countermovement jump test. A slight and sustained increase of the V̇o2sc and energy expended (EE) was observed (p < 0.001). In blood lactate, no differences were observed between set 3 to set 21 (p > 0.05). A slight and sustained decrease of half squat efficiency and gross mechanical efficiency (GME) was detected (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were observed between V̇o2 and GME (r = -0.93, p < 0.001). Inverse correlations were detected between EE and GME (r = -0.94, p < 0.001). Significant losses were observed in jump height ability and in mean power output (p < 0.001) in response to the constant-load HS test. In conclusion, V̇o2sc and EE tended to rise slowly during constant-load HS exercise testing. This slight increase was associated with lowered efficiency throughout constant-load test and a decrease in jump capacity after testing. These findings would allow to elucidate the underlying fatigue mechanisms produced by resistance exercises in a constant-load test at LT intensity.

Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Muscular Responses during a Video-Recorded Aerobic Dance Session on an Air Dissipation Platform.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic dance (AD) is an appropriate physical activity for improving cardiorespiratory fitness. This study aimed to compare cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses, and muscle fatigue between an air dissipation platform (ADP) and a hard surface during a video-recorded AD session. METHODS: 25 healthy young women (23.3 ± 2.5 years) completed three sessions. In session 1, participants performed an incremental test to exhaustion on a treadmill. One week after session 1, participants were randomly assigned in a crossover design to perform video-recorded AD sessions on an ADP and on a hard surface (sessions 2 and 3). Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were assessed during AD sessions. Muscular fatigue was measured before and after AD sessions by a countermovement jump test. RESULTS: Significantly higher heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, pulmonary ventilation, ventilatory oxygen equivalent, and ventilatory carbon dioxide equivalent were observed on an ADP than on a hard surface (p < 0.05). Despite a significant increase in lactate levels on an ADP (p ≤ 0.01), muscular fatigue and perceived exertion rating were similar on both surfaces (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Video-recorded AD on an ADP increased the cardioventilatory and metabolic responses compared to a hard surface, preventing further muscle fatigue.

Ventilatory efficiency during constant-load test at lactate threshold intensity: Endurance versus resistance exercises.

There is a lack of evidence about the ventilatory efficiency in resistance exercises despite the key role played in endurance exercises. This study aimed to compare the cardiorespiratory, metabolic responses and ventilatory efficiency between half-squat (HS) and cycle ergometer exercises during a constant-load test at the lactate threshold (LT) intensity. Eighteen healthy male participants were randomly assigned in a crossover design to carry out HS or cycle ergometer tests. For the three HS tests, a one repetition maximum (1RM) test was performed first to determine the load (kg) corresponding to the 1RM percentages. In the second test, the incremental HS exercise was carried out to establish the load (kg) at the LT intensity. Finally, a constant-load HS test was performed at the LT intensity. The first cycle ergometer test was incremental loading to determine the intensity in watts corresponding to the LT, followed by a constant-load test at the LT intensity. A recovery time of 48 hours between each test was established. During both constant-load test, cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were monitored. A significant exercise mode x time interaction effect was only detected in oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate, and blood lactate (p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two types of exercise in ventilatory efficiency (p >0.05). Ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide were highly correlated (p <0.001) in the cycle ergometer (r = 0.892) and HS (r = 0.915) exercises. In the VO2 efficiency slope (OUES), similarly significant and high correlations (p <0.001) were found between VO2 and log10 VE in the cycle ergometer (r = 0.875) and in the HS (r = 0.853) exercise. Although the cardioventilatory responses were greater in the cycle ergometer test as compared to HS exercise, ventilatory efficiency was very similar between the two exercise modalities in a predominantly aerobic metabolism.

The Slow Component of Oxygen Uptake and Efficiency in Resistance Exercises: A Comparison With Endurance Exercises.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of information regarding the slow component of oxygen uptake (VO2sc) and efficiency/economy in resistance exercises despite the crucial role played in endurance performance. PURPOSE: this study aimed to compare the VO2sc, efficiency/economy, metabolic, cardiorespiratory responses, rating of perceived effort and mechanical fatigue between cycling and half-squat (HS) exercises during a constant-load test at lactate threshold (LT1) intensity. METHODS: Twenty-one healthy men were randomly assigned in a crossover design to perform cycle-ergometer or HS tests. The order of the two cycle ergometer tests was an incremental test for determining load-intensity in watts (W) at LT1, followed by a constant-load test at the LT1 intensity. For the three HS tests, the order was a 1RM test to determine the load (kg) corresponding to the 1RM percentages to be used during the second test, incremental HS exercise to establish the load (kg) at the LT1 intensity, and finally, a constant-load HS test at the LT1 intensity. A rest period of 48 h between each test was established. During the HS and cycle-ergometer constant-load tests, cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were recorded. Lower limbs fatigue was determined by a jump test before and after the constant-load tests. RESULTS: A significant exercise mode × time interaction effect was detected in VO2, heart rate, energy expenditure (EE), gross efficiency (GE), and economy (p < 0.05). A significant and sustained VO2 raise was confirmed in HS exercise (p < 0.05) and a steady-state VO2 was revealed in cycle-ergometer. A higher GE and economy were obtained in HS test than in cycle-ergometer exercise (p < 0.001). In both exercises, a non-significant decrease was observed in GE and economy (p > 0.05). Lower limbs fatigue was only detected after constant-load HS test. CONCLUSION: Although the VO2, heart rate and EE responses were higher in cycling exercise, the constant-load HS test induced a greater VO2sc and EE raise than the cycling test in a predominantly aerobic metabolism. These results could explain a decrease observed in jump performance only after HS test. GE and economy could benefit from the eccentric phase of the HS exercise.

Creación del cuestionario SAQ-COPD (Spanish Physical Activity Questionnaire in COPD) para la medida de la actividad física de pacientes con EPOC en la práctica clínica / Creation of the SAQ-COPD Questionnaire to Determine Physical Activity in COPD Patients in Clinical Practice

Introducción: Aunque la actividad física (AF) es una dimensión clínica relevante en la EPOC, no existen instrumentos útiles en la práctica clínica habitual. Objetivo: Crear un nuevo cuestionario específico, sencillo y de fácil aplicación que detecte el déficit de AF. Método: Se creó un panel multidisciplinar de expertos en EPOC y se revisó el estado de la cuestión sobre AF, sus determinantes y métodos de medida. Se consensuó la metodología de selección de dimensiones e ítems específicos por rondas, definiendo las dimensiones e ítems sobre los que formar la versión preliminar. La estructura del cuestionario fue definida de acuerdo con su aplicabilidad en la práctica clínica. Los acuerdos se alcanzaron por consenso de los miembros. Resultados: Se revisaron un total de 148 ítems, de los que solo fueron seleccionados directamente 3. Se definió que el cuestionario debía evaluar la intensidad (baja, moderada o intensa), cantidad y frecuencia de AF, así como la inactividad o sedentarismo. También ofrece información sobre el perfil del paciente con baja actividad e incluye una medida de impacto, definido como la percepción del paciente respecto a sus expectativas de actividad, lo que abarca su experiencia personal, características de su entorno y personalidad. El cuestionario queda dividido en 2bloques: una herramienta destinada a cuantificar la AF y una parte informativa, solo para los pacientes con baja AF, destinada a definir su perfil e impacto. Conclusión: El SAQ-COPD es un cuestionario específico, breve y sencillo, para evaluar la AF en pacientes con EPOC, que se ha definido para que sea aplicable en la práctica clínica

Physical activity (PA) is a significant clinical dimension in COPD, but no useful tools are available to determine this variable in routine clinical practice. Objective: To create a simple, easy-to-use, specific questionnaire to detect PA deficits. Method: A multidisciplinary panel of COPD experts was formed to review PA, its determinants, and measuring methods. The methodology for selecting specific dimensions and items was agreed in rounds, and the aspects to be included in the preliminary version were determined. The questionnaire structure was defined according to applicability of these aspects in clinical practice. Agreements were reached by consensus of the members. Results: A total of 148 items were reviewed, of which only 3 were directly selected. It was decided that the questionnaire should evaluate the intensity (low, moderate, or intense), amount, and frequency of PA, and inactivity or sedentary lifestyles. It also gathers information on the profile of inactive patients, and includes a measure of impact, defined as the patient's perception of their expectations regarding activity, their personal experience, characteristics of their environment, and their personality. The questionnaire is divided into 2blocks, one aimed at quantifying PA, and the other at collecting data for defining the profile and impact in patients with low PA only. Conclusion: The SAQ-COPD is a simple, short, specific questionnaire, designed to evaluate PA in COPD patients in clinical practice

Creation of the SAQ-COPD Questionnaire to Determine Physical Activity in COPD Patients in Clinical Practice. / Creación del cuestionario SAQ-COPD (Spanish Physical Activity Questionnaire in COPD) para la medida de la actividad física de pacientes con EPOC en la práctica clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is a significant clinical dimension in COPD, but no useful tools are available to determine this variable in routine clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To create a simple, easy-to-use, specific questionnaire to detect PA deficits. METHOD: A multidisciplinary panel of COPD experts was formed to review PA, its determinants, and measuring methods. The methodology for selecting specific dimensions and items was agreed in rounds, and the aspects to be included in the preliminary version were determined. The questionnaire structure was defined according to applicability of these aspects in clinical practice. Agreements were reached by consensus of the members. RESULTS: A total of 148 items were reviewed, of which only 3 were directly selected. It was decided that the questionnaire should evaluate the intensity (low, moderate, or intense), amount, and frequency of PA, and inactivity or sedentary lifestyles. It also gathers information on the profile of inactive patients, and includes a measure of impact, defined as the patient's perception of their expectations regarding activity, their personal experience, characteristics of their environment, and their personality. The questionnaire is divided into 2blocks, one aimed at quantifying PA, and the other at collecting data for defining the profile and impact in patients with low PA only. CONCLUSION: The SAQ-COPD is a simple, short, specific questionnaire, designed to evaluate PA in COPD patients in clinical practice.

The anterior mini-open approach for femeroacetabular impingement: Gait and functional assessment at one year post-surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of the anterior mini-open approach of the hip for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) at one year post-surgery by use of questionnaires, functional capacity tests and biomechanical studies. DESIGN: This is a case series prospective study. A total of 14 patients diagnosed of FAI were included. Patients were classified according to Tönnis scale. Hip joint mobility, Faber distance, pain levels (assessed on a visual analogic scale [VAS]), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Timed up & go test (TUGT), Stairs climbing test, Lequesne functional index, and gait analysis were assessed prior to and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Pain significantly improved following surgery. An improvement of 80% or more was found in 6 patients (42.85% of cases). Improvements were also seen in time support of the affected limb and in the braking force of the contralateral limb, although these are not clinically significant. No statistically significant changes were seen in functional capacity tests. At 12 months after surgery, meralgia paraesthetica presented in 3 patients (21.4%), and a total hip arthroplasty was performed in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant reduction in pain intensity 12 months following mini-open approach for FAI compared to preoperatively. Improvement in gait analysis and functional capacity was also seen, although not statistically significant.

Alteraciones del control postural en fases iniciales del latigazo cervical / Postural control disorders in initial phases of whiplash

Fundamentos y objetivo: El vértigo de intensidad variable es un síntoma frecuente en pacientes que han presentado un síndrome del latigazo cervical (SLC) y que presentan alteraciones del equilibrio bien documentadas. El objetivo del estudio fue evidenciar alteraciones del control postural en las fases precoces del SLC tras el accidente. Pacientes y método: Se incluyó a 99 mujeres; 54 habían presentado un SLC en las 2 semanas previas, mientras que 45 voluntarias sanas formaron el grupo control. En ambos grupos se realizó una posturografía estática sobre una plataforma de fuerza y se estudió en 4 fases secuenciales la prueba de Romberg para valorar el área de barrido (AB) como variable dependiente. Para evaluar el dolor y la funcionalidad cervical se usaron la escala analógica visual (EVA) y el Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPH). Resultados: El AB aumentó de forma significativa en cada una de las fases consecutivas en ambos grupos. Las diferencias de las medias del área de barrido fueron estadísticamente significativas en todas las fases del Romberg (p=0,009 a p=0,000). No se evidenció correlación entre el AB y el dolor o la funcionalidad cervical. Existió una correlación positiva con el AB en Romberg gomaespuma ojos cerrados y el tiempo de incapacidad laboral temporal (r=0,414; p=0,009). Conclusiones: Los pacientes diagnosticados de un SLC reciente muestran alteración del control postural valorado mediante posturografía estática secuencial, lo que sugiere que la alteración del equilibrio no es sólo consecuencia de la evolución tardía del SLC, por lo que debería promoverse la instauración temprana de un plan terapéutico específico si el paciente refiriera vértigos y/o síntomas relacionados (AU)

Background and objective: Dizziness of variable intensity is a frequent complaint in patients who suffered whiplash and largely documented balance disturbances. The objective of the study was to identify balance disorders in early stage of whiplash after road traffic accidents. Patients and method: Ninety nine women were included in the study. Fifty four women had suffered whiplash within two weeks and 45 were included in a healthy control group. Static posturography on a force platform was carried out in all study participants, by means of the Romberg test in four sequential phases, using the postural sway area (SA) as a dependent variable. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPH) were used to evaluate pain and function. Results: Postural sway area increased significantly in each of the consecutive phases in both groups. The differences of the means of the postural sway area were statistically significant in all Romberg phases (p=.009 to P=.000). No correlation was found between SA and VAS or NPH scores. There was a positive correlation between the postural sway area standing on a thick foam cushion placed over the plate with closed eyes and the number of days of transitory incapacity (r=0.414; P=.009). Conclusions: Patients with recent whiplash show a postural control disturbance revealed trough a sequential static posturography analysis. This suggests that the balance disorder is not only a consequence of late whiplash syndrome evolution. Therefore, we should promote early instauration of a specific therapeutic approach if and when the patient refers dizziness and related symptoms (AU)

[Postural control disorders in initial phases of whiplash]. / Alteraciones del control postural en fases iniciales del latigazo cervical.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dizziness of variable intensity is a frequent complaint in patients who suffered whiplash and largely documented balance disturbances. The objective of the study was to identify balance disorders in early stage of whiplash after road traffic accidents. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Ninety nine women were included in the study. Fifty four women had suffered whiplash within two weeks and 45 were included in a healthy control group. Static posturography on a force platform was carried out in all study participants, by means of the Romberg test in four sequential phases, using the postural sway area (SA) as a dependent variable. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPH) were used to evaluate pain and function. RESULTS: Postural sway area increased significantly in each of the consecutive phases in both groups. The differences of the means of the postural sway area were statistically significant in all Romberg phases (p=.009 to P=.000). No correlation was found between SA and VAS or NPH scores. There was a positive correlation between the postural sway area standing on a thick foam cushion placed over the plate with closed eyes and the number of days of transitory incapacity (r=0.414; P=.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recent whiplash show a postural control disturbance revealed trough a sequential static posturography analysis. This suggests that the balance disorder is not only a consequence of late whiplash syndrome evolution. Therefore, we should promote early instauration of a specific therapeutic approach if and when the patient refers dizziness and related symptoms.

Angular position, range of motion and velocity of arm elevation: a study of consistency of performance.

BACKGROUND: To define the normal range, velocity and consistency of the movement of active arm elevation with humerus in neutral or in external rotation using a simplified kinematic model. METHODS: Nine normal volunteers and the non-involved side of twenty five patients with unilateral shoulder lesion participated. A 3D optoelectronic tracking system was used to register the movement of raising the arm from the normal upright position to maximal elevation in a repetitive way. Peak humeral position, range of movement, velocity of motion and consistency of cycles were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, correlation between variables and with sex, age and side are presented, including differences between performances of movement done in neutral or external rotation. FINDINGS: Data of the six variables were: maximal abduction 142 degrees [137.4-147.0], range of motion 118.1 degrees [112-124], maximal velocity 238 degrees/s [209-265]; mean velocity 113 degrees/s [96-130]; coefficient of variation of maximal angular abduction was 2.2% [1.7-2.7]; coefficient of variation of maximal velocity 8.6% [7.3-9.9]. No significant differences were observed either on side, sex or between the shoulder of normal volunteers or that of the patients with opposite shoulder lesions. Participants older than 45 years old showed only a significant slightly lower average velocity. The study confirms the weak association between dependent (biomechanical) and independent variables. INTERPRETATION: As it is described here, analysis of arm elevation has not been previously studied and shows that has a good consistency in angular position, velocity and repeatability of motion in normal conditions which permits a picture of the overall performance of the shoulder.