Comparison of VO2max Estimations for Maximal and Submaximal Exercise Tests in Apparently Healthy Adults.

Due to limited accessibility, direct measurement of VO2max is rarely performed in clinical settings or sports centers. As a result, regression equations have been developed and are currently used during exercise tests to provide an indirect estimation. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has recommended a regression equation for running to provide an indirect estimation of VO2. However, significant differences have been observed between these estimations and directly measured VO2max. Additionally, since submaximal assessments may be more convenient for both athletes and sedentary/diseased individuals, they were included in the analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of VO2max estimations provided using the ACSM running equation when used during both maximal and submaximal exercise tests among adult runners. A total of 99 apparently healthy and active adults (age: 39.9 ± 12.2 years; VO2max: 47.4 ± 6.0 mL O2/kg∙min-1) participated in this study. Two types of submaximal estimations were performed to predict VO2max: one based on age-predicted maximal heart rate (HRmax) (ACSMsubmax,Fox), and the second using the actual HRmax measured during the exercise test (ACSMsubmax,measured). The measured VO2max was compared to these estimations obtained from a single exercise test. Both maximal and submaximal exercise tests significantly overestimated VO2max (ACSMmax: +9.8, p < 0.001; ACSMsubmax,Fox: +3.4, p < 0.001; ACSMsubmax,measured: +3.8 mL O2/kg∙min-1, p < 0.001). However, the submaximal estimations were closer to the measured VO2max (p < 0.001). This analysis demonstrated that the included methods overestimated the true VO2max. Nonetheless, the submaximal exercise tests provided a more accurate prediction of VO2max compared to the maximal exercise tests when using the ACSM running equation.

Promoting physical activity and academic achievement through physically active learning: Qualitative perspectives of co-design and implementation processes.

This article discussed the issue of low PA levels among school-aged children and highlights the promising approach of school-based interventions, including physically active learning (PAL), to increase PA levels. The study aimed to co-design and to assess the implementation of a PAL program for 8 weeks in 4 elementary classrooms (82 students and 7 teachers), emphasizing the potential of integrating PA with academic learning and the importance of co-designing programs with teachers to maximize their effectiveness. Technology was found to support PAL practices in promoting PA and academic achievement. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the societal implications of PAL programs, including their potential to improve the health and well-being of children while promoting positive academic outcomes.

The Impact of Pain on Functionality, Postural Control and Fall Risk in Woman Aged 45 to 64 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Ageing in women is associated with chronic degenerative pain leading to a functional decrease and therefore increase fall risk. It is therefore essential to detect early functional decreases in the presence of pain related to osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of pain on functionality, postural control and fall risk in women aged between 45 to 64 years old. METHODS: Twenty-one (21) women aged 45 to 64 were evaluated by clinical and functional measures such as a pain questionnaire (Lequesne Index), functional tests (Stair Step Test, 5 times sit-to-stand, 6MWD, Timed-up and Go) and postural performance (under force platform). Women were classified into 2 groups from the Lequesne Pain Index (PI): low pain (score ≤ 9) and strong pain (score ≥ 10) for subsequent comparisons on functionality (physical and postural control performance). RESULTS: A significant impact was observed between the pain index (strong PI) and 3 of the 4 functional tests carried out including Stair Step Test (p = 0.001; g = 1.44), walking distance (p = 0.003; g = 1.31) and Timed-up and Go (p = 0.04; g = -0.93). The group with a strong PI score reported further poor postural control under force platform compared to the weak pain group. CONCLUSION: Pain and severity based on the PI index negatively modulate physical and postural control performance in women aged 45 to 64 years old.

Evening vs. morning wake EEG activity in adolescents with anxiety disorders.

UNLABELLED: Adolescents with anxiety disorders often report sleep disturbance. To dissociate the effects of both sets of symptoms (anxiety vs. sleep disturbances) on clinical markers we recorded evening and morning wake EEG activity in 13 anxious adolescents without sleep complaints and compared results to 15 matched healthy controls. Evening EEG activity did not differ between the two groups; in the morning, patients showed a significantly higher activity than controls at central (0.75-10 Hz and 13-20 Hz) and occipital (2.5-7.75 Hz) electrodes. Trait anxiety scores of anxious participants correlated with central electrodes delta activity and occipital electrodes delta and theta activity. State anxiety correlated with delta activity on central electrodes, particularly in the low frequency range. CONCLUSION: The evening EEG results are not consistent with presence of central nervous system (CNS) hyperarousal in adolescents with anxiety disorders not complaining of sleep disorders. The morning EEG results could point toward a marker of CNS malfunctioning in pediatric anxiety disorders.