Effects of caffeine supplementation on physical performance and mood dimensions in elite and trained-recreational athletes.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine supplementation (CAFF) has an established ergogenic effect on physical performance and the psychological response to exercise. However, few studies have compared the response to CAFF intake among athletes of different competition level. This study compares the acute effects of CAFF on anaerobic performance, mood and perceived effort in elite and moderately-trained recreational athletes. METHODS: Participants for this randomized, controlled, crossover study were 8 elite athletes (in the senior boxing national team) and 10 trained-recreational athletes. Under two experimental conditions, CAFF supplementation (6 mg/kg) or placebo (PLAC), the athletes completed a Wingate test. Subjective exertion during the test was recorded as the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) both at the general level (RPEgeneral) and at the levels muscular (RPEmuscular) and cardiorespiratory (RPEcardio). Before the Wingate test, participants completed the questionnaires Profiles of Moods States (POMS) and Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS). RESULTS: In response to CAFF intake, improvements were noted in Wpeak (11.22 ± 0.65 vs 10.70 ± 0.84; p = 0.003; [Formula: see text] =0.44), Wavg (8.75 ± 0.55 vs 8.41 0.46; p = 0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.53) and time taken to reach Wpeak (7.56 ± 1.58 vs 9.11 ± 1.53; p <  0.001; [Formula: see text] =0.57) both in the elite and trained-recreational athletes. However, only the elite athletes showed significant increases in tension (+ 325%), vigor (+ 31%) and SVS (+ 28%) scores after the intake of CAFF compared to levels recorded under the condition PLAC (p <  0.05). Similarly, levels of vigor after consuming CAFF were significantly higher in the elite than the trained-recreational athletes (+ 5.8%). CONCLUSIONS: CAFF supplementation improved anaerobic performance in both the elite and recreational athletes. However, the ergogenic effect of CAFF on several mood dimensions and subjective vitality was greater in the elite athletes.

Diferencias en las presiones del canal anal y la sensibilidad rectal en pacientes con incontinencia anal, estreñimiento crónico y sujetos sanos / No disponible

Introducción: Existe gran variabilidad en los hallazgos manométricos entre pacientes con incontinencia anal (IA) y sujetos sanos. La correlación entre las presiones del canal anal y la IA no es exacta por el amplio rango de valores normales. Objetivos: Estudio prospectivo para evaluar diferencias en las presiones del canal anal y en la sensibilidad rectal en pacientes con IA, estreñimiento crónico (EC) y sujetos sanos. Material y métodos: Noventa y cuatro pacientes con IA, 36 pacientes con EC y 15 sujetos sanos. Se obtuvieron: edad, sexo, presión de reposo, longitud del canal anal (LCA), presión de máxima contracción voluntaria (PMCV), duración de la contracción voluntaria, primera sensación, sensación de urgencia y máximo volumen tolerado (MVT). Estudio estadístico: test de Kruskal-Wallis, test de Mann-Whitney, regresión logística multinomial. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la edad (p < 0,001), la presión de reposo (p < 0,001), la LCA (p < 0,001) y la PMCV (p < 0,01) en el grupo de IA con respecto a los otros dos grupos. El volumen para la primera sensación fue significativamente más bajo en los sujetos sanos que en los otros dos grupos (p < 0,05). El volumen de urgencia y el MVT fueron menores en el grupo con IA con respecto a los otros dos grupos (p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariante la edad, la presión de reposo y el volumen de la primera sensación y de la urgencia aumentan el riesgo relativo de IA. Conclusiones: La mayor edad, la disminución presión basal del canal anal y la alteración del umbral sensorial rectal aumentan el riesgo de IA(AU)

Introduction: There exist a great variability in the manometric findings between patients with anal incontinence (AI) and healthy subjects. The correlation between the pressures of the anal canal and the AI is not exact by the wide rank of normal values. Objectives: Prospective study to evaluate differences in the pressures of the anal canal and in rectal sensitivity in patients with AI, chronic constipation (CC) and healthy subjects. Material and methods: Ninety four patients with AI, 36 patients with CC and 15 healthy subjects were included. The following data were obtained: age, sex, resting pressure, anal canal length (ACL), squeeze maximum pressure (SMP), squeeze pressure duration (SPD), first sensation, urge and maximum tolerated volume (MTV). Statistical study: test of Kruskal-Wallis, test of Mann-Whitney, and multinomial logistic regression test. Results: There were significant differences in the resting pressure (p < 0.001), the ACL (p < 0.001) and the SMP (p < 0.01) in the group of AI with respect to the other two groups. The volume for the first sensation was significantly lower in the healthy subjects than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The urge volume and the MVT were smaller in the group with AI with respect to the other groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis the age, the resting pressure and the volume for the first sensation and urge increase the relative risk for AI. Conclusions: The greater age, the decrease in anal canal resting pressure and the alteration of rectal sensation increase the risk for AI(AU)

Información posquirúrgica a la familia: un área de mejora. Estudio prospectivo tras cirugía urológica / Postsurgical family information: An improvement area. Prospective study after urologic surgery

Objetivos: Analizar y cuantificar la retención de información postoperatoria, comprobando si es mejorable al entregarla ordenadamente. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, comparativo y no aleatorizado desarrollado entre mayo y octubre de 2008, en el que tras la información básica posquirúrgica a familiares de 50 pacientes operados de la vejiga o la próstata entregábamos un cuestionario sobre lo que le acabábamos de contar que debía rellenar un único miembro de la familia. La información era transmitida de manera diferente: en el grupo 1 (30 pacientes) se informaba a la familia siguiendo una plantilla diseñada por nosotros, redactada de manera simple y con lenguaje llano; en el grupo 2 (20 pacientes) el médico informaba según su costumbre sin saber que está participando en el trabajo, siendo el familiar encuestado por uno de los investigadores. Comparamos entre ambos grupos el porcentaje de acierto global en la encuesta y de cada una de las preguntas: operación realizada, características benignas o malignas del proceso, anestesia empleada, etc. Criterios de exclusión: familiar sanitario, paciente intervenido más de 5 veces, paciente que no autoriza a informar a la familia o paciente no operado por su equipo habitual. Resultados: Sólo 3 familiares (6%) acertaron todas las respuestas y 25 (50%) no acertaron más del 70% de las cuestiones. Lo más conocido fue el órgano intervenido (46 [92%]). De los encuestados, 21 (42%) desconocen si el proceso es en principio benigno o maligno, acertando más los informados con plantilla (20/30 [66,7%] vs. 9/20 [45%]), aunque sin significación. El único ítem en el que hay diferencias en porcentaje de acierto dependiendo de si se usó plantilla es si el paciente lleva sonda (29 aciertos en el grupo 1 [96,7%] y 13 aciertos en el grupo 2 [65%]). No encontramos diferencias en porcentaje de acierto según número de personas informadas, formación, edad o número de intervenciones previas. Conclusiones: Los familiares no retienen todo lo dicho. Ordenar la información proporcionada puede mejorarlo, pero otros factores influyen. Debemos avanzar en cuestiones como la identificación personal. Puede ser útil repetir la información en otro momento (AU)

Objectives: Analyzing and quantifing the postoperative retention of information, checking if it could be improved been delivered in an organized way. Material and methods: After the basic information to relatives of 50 post-surgical patients operated for bladder or prostate, we deliver a questionnaire about what has just been told. It must be completed by a family member. The information is distributed differently: group 1 (30 patients) reported to the family following a script designed by us, written in simple and natural language. In group 2 (20 patients) the doctor informed as usual, not knowing that he is participating in the research. Then the relative is interviewed by one of the researchers. Results: Only 3 (6%) family members matched all the right answers, and 25 (50%) did not hit more than 70% of the issues. The best known concept was the organ involved: 46 (92%). 21(42%) of respondents did not know if the process is basically benign or malignant, getting better results in group 1 but without significance: 20/30 (66.7%) vs 9/20 (45%) (p>0.05). The only item in which there are differences in success rate depending on the group is if a catheter have been set: 29 (96.7%) of successes in group 1, 13(65%) in 2. We found no difference in success rate according to number of family members informed, education, age or number of previous interventions. Conclusions: Relatives do not retain everything that was said. Organizing the information provided may improve, but other factors have influence. We must improve issues such as personal identification. It may be useful to repeat the information later (AU)

[Postsurgical family information: an improvement area. Prospective study after urologic surgery]. / Información posquirúrgica a la familia: un área de mejora. Estudio prospectivo tras cirugía urológica.

OBJECTIVES: Analyzing and quantifying the postoperative retention of information, checking if it could be improved been delivered in an organized way. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After the basic information to relatives of 50 post-surgical patients operated for bladder or prostate, we deliver a questionnaire about what has just been told. It must be completed by a family member. The information is distributed differently: group 1 (30 patients) reported to the family following a script designed by us, written in simple and natural language. In group 2 (20 patients) the doctor informed as usual, not knowing that he is participating in the research. Then the relative is interviewed by one of the researchers. RESULTS: Only 3 (6%) family members matched all the right answers, and 25 (50%) did not hit more than 70% of the issues. The best known concept was the organ involved: 46 (92%). 21(42%) of respondents did not know if the process is basically benign or malignant, getting better results in group 1 but without significance: 20/30 (66.7%) vs 9/20 (45%) (p>0.05). The only item in which there are differences in success rate depending on the group is if a catheter have been set: 29 (96.7%) of successes in group 1, 13(65%) in 2. We found no difference in success rate according to number of family members informed, education, age or number of previous interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Relatives do not retain everything that was said. Organizing the information provided may improve, but other factors have influence. We must improve issues such as personal identification. It may be useful to repeat the information later.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma. Is there a place for radiotherapy?

OBJECTIVES: The optimal approach in the management of endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively report the outcome of patients treated for ESS in our hospital over a 27-year period in order to evaluate the treatment results and the role of radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1979 to 2006, 13 patients with ESS were treated at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Patients underwent abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The 1989 FIGO classification for endometrial carcinoma was used in this retrospective study. Seven patients presented stage I (6 IB and 1 IC), 1 stage II, 3 stage III and 2 stage IV. Nine patients had high-grade tumours with an infiltration of the outer 50% of the myometrium. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered in 10 patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up of the patients was 54.6 months (range between 3 and 190). Patients with stage IB had a better outcome in comparison to more advanced stages. Five of the six patients with stage IB received adjuvant radiotherapy and none developed local recurrence, while one patient who received no treatment with radiotherapy had a relapse. Seven of the 13 patients had stages over IB: 5 who had received radiotherapy after surgery had locoregional control and 2 who did not receive radiotherapy had local relapse. Nine patients had high-grade tumours, 6 received radiotherapy after surgery and only one had local relapse. Of the three who did not receive radiotherapy, 2 relapsed locally. Local control rate of the patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy was higher than in the patients who did not (88.9% vs. 50%). CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that deep myometrial invasion and stage over IB are significantly associated with poor overall survival and this finding is similar to those of studies in patients with endometrial cancer. The present study showed that the local control was higher in patients receiving radiotherapy (AU)

No disponible

Differences in the pressures of canal anal and rectal sensitivity in patients with fecal incontinence, chronic constipation and healthy subjects.

INTRODUCTION: There exists a great variability in the manometric findings between patients with anal incontinence (AI) and healthy subjects. The correlation between the pressures of the anal canal and the AI is not exact by the wide rank of normal values. OBJECTIVES: Prospective study to evaluate differences in the pressures of the anal canal and in rectal sensitivity in patients with AI, chronic constipation (CC) and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety four patients with AI, 36 patients with CC and 15 healthy subjects were included. The following data were obtained: age, sex, resting pressure, anal canal length (ACL), squeeze maximum pressure (SMP), squeeze pressure duration (SPD), first sensation, urge and maximum tolerated volume (MTV). Statistical study: test of Kruskal-Wallis, test of Mann-Whitney, and multinomial logistic regression test. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the resting pressure (p < 0.001), the ACL (p < 0.001) and the SMP (p < 0.01) in the group of AI with respect to the other two groups. The volume for the first sensation was significantly lower in the healthy subjects than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The urge volume and the MVT were smaller in the group with AI with respect to the other groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis the age, the resting pressure and the volume for the first sensation and urge increase the relative risk for AI. CONCLUSIONS: The greater age, the decrease in anal canal resting pressure and the alteration of rectal sensation increase the risk for AI.

Resultados de la evaluación de un instrumento de trabajo interdisciplinar: trayectoria clínica de la Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos / No disponible

Introducción: se entiende como trayectoria clínica el diseño explícito del proceso de cuidados para una población definida, en este caso enfermos y familia con cáncer avanzado y/o terminal. La evaluación cuidadosa, deliberada y detallada de diversos aspectos de los cuidados del usuario a través de la trayectoria clínica, es la clave por excelencia en la provisión delos cuidados de salud, por lo que puede marcar la diferencia entre las prácticas de cuidados predestinadas a repetir los errores y las prácticas de cuidados seguras, eficientes y en constante mejora. En el Hospital de la Esperanza, la dirección de enfermería y el departamento de formación continuada se marcó como objetivo dar respuesta alas nuevas necesidades de cuidados unificando criterios en los equipos de enfermería, utilizando las nuevas tendencias en registros de cuidados. Objetivo: evaluar el grado de utilización y la eficacia de la trayectoria clínica de UCP en los cuidados a los pacientes/familia mediante los estándares de calidad. Material y método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, de todas las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes ingresados en la unidad durante un año. Resultados: se utilizó la trayectoria clínica como registro de los cuidados en todos los pacientes. Quedó registrado el alto grado de confort de los pacientes y ausencia de dolor tras los cuidados y tratamiento. Conclusiones: la trayectoria clínica es un instrumento eficaz para la unificación y registro de los cuidados de los pacientes/familias y la comunicación entre los distintos miembros del equipo (AU)

Introduction: clinical pathway is the specific design of care processes in a defined population, in this case patients with advanced and/or terminal cancer and their families. A careful and detailed evaluation of the different aspects of patient care through the clinical pathway is key in giving quality health care supply. It can make the difference between health care practices that lead to mistake recurrence and safe, efficient and continuously improved ones. In «Hospital de la Esperanza», nursing direction and on-the-job training department established a goal to respond to new needs in care by means of unifying criteria between nursing teams and by using new trends in care records. Objective: to evaluate the utilisation and efficacy of the clinical pathway in patient/family care in a Palliative Care Unit by using quality standards. Material and method: a retrospective study of clinical records of all patients admitted to the Palliative Care Unit during one year was performed. Results: clinical pathway was used as care entry in all patients. Patient high comfort and pain absence after care and treatment were registered. Conclusions: clinical pathway is a useful tool to unify and register patient and family care, and to promote communication between team members (AU)

Acalasia / No disponible

No disponible

Impedancia intraluminal multicanal asociada a pHmetría en el estudio de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico / Multichannel intraluminal impedance associated with pH-metry in the study of gastroesophageal reflux disease

No disponible

Benefits of intrahospital exercise training after pediatric bone marrow transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if an eight-week intrahospital supervised, conditioning program improves functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) in children (4 boys, 4 girls) (mean [SD] age: 10.9 [2.8] years [range: 8-16]) who have undergone bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for leukemia treatment within the last 12 months. A group of 8 age and gender-matched healthy children served as controls. The experimental group performed 3 weekly sessions of resistance and aerobic training inside an intra-hospital gymnasium. A significant combined effect of group and time (p < 0.05) was observed for muscle functional capacity (Timed Up and Down Stairs [TUDS] test) and peak oxygen uptake (V.O(2peak)), i.e., with BMT children showing greater improvements than controls (V.O(2peak) at pre- and post-training of 25.9 (8.2) and 31.1 (7.6) mL/kg/min in diseased children). Muscle strength (6 RM test for bench and leg press and seated row) also improved after training (p < 0.05) in the BMT group. Concerning QOL, a significant combined effect of group and time (p < 0.05) was also observed for children's self-report of comfort and resilience and for parents' report of their children's satisfaction and achievement. In summary, children who have received BMT experience physical and overall health benefits after a relatively short-term (8 weeks) supervised exercise training program.

Functional capacity of children with leukemia.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the functional capacity and quality of life of children receiving treatment against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is decreased compared to healthy age and gender-matched children. Functional capacity was assessed with a number of measurements as the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and ventilatory threshold determined during a ramp treadmill test, functional mobility (Timed Up and Down Stairs test [TUDS]) and ankle dorsiflexion passive and active range of motion (passive and active DF-ROM, respectively). Quality of life (QOL) was determined with the Spanish version of the Child Report Form of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition (CHIP-CE/CRF). Fifteen children (9 boys, 6 girls; mean [SD] age: 6.8 +/- 3.1 years) receiving maintenance therapy against ALL were studied and fifteen, nonathletic healthy children (9 boys, 6 girls; 6.9 +/- 3.3 years) were selected as controls. The mean values of VO2peak and active DF-ROM were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in patients (25.3 +/- 6.5 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1) vs. 31.9 +/- 6.8 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1) in controls and 19.6 +/- 8.0 degrees vs. 24.1 +/- 5.0 degrees , respectively). Children's self report of satisfaction (with self and health) (p < 0.05), comfort (concerning emotional and physical symptoms and limitations) (p < 0.01) and resilience (positive activities that promote health) (p < 0.01) were significantly decreased in patients with ALL. In summary, children receiving treatment against ALL have overall lower functional capacity and QOL than healthy children. However, their physical condition and health status are sufficiently high to allow them to participate in physical activities and supervised exercise programs.

Estudio mediante absorciometría de la integración de una prótesis total de cadera* / Total hip prosthetic osteointegration: an absortiometric study

Objetivos. Se ha valorado la osteointegración de un modelo de prótesis de cadera, cuantificando los cambios periprotésicos mediante densitometría de absorción de rayos X. Material y método. Se seleccionaron 73 pacientes intervenidos durante 5 años. En todos los pacientes se implantó un modelo protésico tipo ABG II. Se cuantificaron los cambios óseos periprotésicos mediante densitometría de absorción de rayos X. Resultados. Cuando se observan los datos de medición en las diferentes áreas del fémur, se aprecia que en general hay una mayor masa ósea en las zonas inferiores periprotésicas, densidad mineral ósea (DMO) media de 1,678 g/cm2 en el área 4 de Gruen, cuando se compara con las metafisarias superiores, DMO media de 0,680 g/cm2 en el área 1. Al analizar las zonas óseas periacetabulares, se aprecia un descenso de la DMO en todas ellas a partir del quinto año. En el área 1 de DeLee, la DMO asciende hasta el tercer año, momento en el que se produce un descenso progresivo hasta el último año. Conclusiones. Esto se debe al anclaje adicional de los tornillos, los cuales se introducen en dicha zona, dando lugar a un aumento de la fijación inicial y a una activación de los procesos osteogénicos entre el primer y tercer año. Sin embargo, a partir del tercer año se produciría un anclaje insuficiente por ineficacia de los tornillos, activándose entonces los fenómenos osteolíticos, siendo responsables del descenso de la DMO en el área 1 de DeLee. En el área 2, la DMO se mantiene constante

Purpose. To assess the degree of osteointegration of a hip prosthesis model, quantifying periprosthetic changes by means of x-ray absortiometry. Materials and methods. Seventy-three patients were selected, who had been operated on over a 5-year period. An ABG II hip prosthesis was implanted in all patients. Periprosthetic bone modifications were quantified by means of x-ray absortiometry. Results. On analyzing the measurements of the different femoral areas, it can be observed that generally there is more bone stock in the lower periprosthetic regions (mean bone mineral density [BMD] is 1.678 g/cm2 in Gruen's zone 4) as compared with the higher metaphyseal regions (Mean BMD is 0.680 g/cm2 in Gruen's zone 1). When one looks at periacetabular bone areas, all of them show a decrease in BMD from the fifth year onwards. In DeLee's zone 1, BMD increases until the third year, after which it gradually decreases until the last year. Conclusions. This is due to the use of additional screws in the above mentioned area, which give rise to an increased initial fixation and unleash osteogenic processes between the first and the third year. Nevertheless, from the third year the screws start becoming incompetent, fixation becomes insufficient and a series of osteolytic processes ensue, which are responsible for the BMD decrease in DeLee's zone 1. In zone 2, BMD remains constant (AU)

Effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise capacity and spontaneous physical activity in elderly subjects: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve exercise capacity in diseased populations. We chose to examine the effects of eight weeks of IMT on exercise capacity and spontaneous physical activity in elderly individuals. Eighteen moderately active elderly subjects (68.1 +/- 6.8 years [mean +/- SD]; range 58 - 78 years) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 9) or a control group (n = 9) in a double-blind manner. All subjects underwent inspiratory muscle testing, treadmill exercise testing and a four-day measurement period of spontaneous physical activity (using accelerometry) both pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group underwent eight weeks of incremental IMT using a pressure threshold device, while the control group underwent sham training using identical devices. After IMT training, inspiratory muscle strength (mean + 21.5 cm H (2)O; 95 % CI: 9.3, 33.7; p = 0.002), V.O (2peak) (+ 2.8 ml x min (-1) x kg (-1); 95 % CI: 0.5, 5.2; p = 0.022), time to exhaustion during a fixed workload treadmill test (+ 7.1 min; 95 % CI: 1.8, 2.4; p = 0.013) and time engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (+ 59 min; 95 % CI: 15, 78; p = 0.008) improved. Except for a decline in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no significant changes were seen in the control group. Therefore, IMT may be a useful technique for positively influencing exercise capacity and physical activity in elderly individuals.

Effects of detraining on the functional capacity of previously trained breast cancer survivors.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a relatively short (8-weeks) period of detraining on cardiorespiratory capacity, dynamic strength endurance, task specific functional muscle capacity and quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors who had previously undergone a combined supervised (aerobic and resistance) training program. Eleven women survivors of stage I - II ductal breast carcinoma (47 +/- 7 yrs) entered the study and performed a battery of tests (including anthropometric evaluation, a graded cycle ergometer test, tests of strength endurance [leg and bench press] and the sit-stand test) and completed a specific QOL questionnaire (EORTC-C30) at three time points: i) before, ii) after an exercise program (including aerobic and resistance exercises) of 8-weeks duration, and iii) after a subsequent 8-weeks period of training cessation. Training-induced improvements in strength endurance, muscle functional capacity (sit-stand test) and QOL were not significantly changed after detraining (p > 0.05 for post-training vs. detraining comparisons). The lack of significant loss in muscle strength endurance occurred despite significant losses in estimated total muscle mass after detraining (27.3 +/- 2.4 kg) compared with post-training (28.5 +/- 2.9 kg). In contrast, cardiorespiratory capacity was significantly decreased during detraining (V.O (2peak) of 29.0 +/- 4.6 vs. 22.7 +/- 3.9 ml . kg ( -1) . min (-1) at post-training vs. detraining, p < 0.01). In conclusion, cancer survivors who have participated in a combined training program can retain some of the training gains (particularly improved QOL and muscle strength endurance/functional performance) after a relatively short duration detraining period.

Changes in mucosal and humoral atopic-related markers and immunoglobulins in elite cyclists participating in the Vuelta a España.

Atopic-related factors, humoral and mucosal immunoglobulins (Ig), and cortisol were measured in 17 professional cyclists competing in the 2003 Vuelta a España (a three-week multi-stage race). Venous blood and saliva samples were obtained the morning before the start of the race (T0), on the first rest day after 10 days of racing (T1), and before the start of the last stage after 21 days of racing (T2). Atopic-related factors, IgE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophils, were significantly altered during the race. Serum IgE (T1: + 10 %) and ECP (salivary, T1: 113 % and serum, T2: 155 %) were significantly increased, while eosinophils (T1: - 32 %, T2: - 55 %) were significantly lower, than pre-race levels. Salivary sIgA secretion rate was significantly decreased at T2 (- 36 %). Pearson product-moment correlations revealed a modest correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP (T1: r = 0.30; T2: r = 0.48; p < 0.01). Serum IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgA levels, at T1 and T2, and cortisol at T2, were significantly lower than pre-race levels. In conclusion, the elevation in IgE and ECP suggests an up-regulation of atopic-related factors in professional cyclists participating in the Vuelta a España. The correlation between salivary sIgA and salivary ECP indicates a role for sIgA in mediating mucosal inflammation. The alterations in Ig levels may indicate Ig isotype switching. An increasing state of hormonal fatigue may have influenced the observed immune alterations.

Combined aerobic and resistance training in breast cancer survivors: A randomized, controlled pilot trial.

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a combined cardiorespiratory and resistance exercise training program of short duration on the cardiorespiratory fitness, strength endurance, task specific functional muscle capacity, body composition and quality of life (QOL) in women breast cancer survivors. Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to either a training (n = 8; age: 50 +/- 5 yrs) or control non-exercising group (n = 8; age: 51 +/- 10 yrs). The training group followed an 8-week exercise program consisting of 3 weekly sessions of 90-min duration, supervised by an experienced investigator and divided into resistance exercises and aerobic training. Before and after the intervention period, all of the subjects performed a cardiorespiratory test to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), a dynamic strength endurance test (maximum number of repetitions for chest and leg press exercise at 30 - 35 % and 100 - 110 % of body mass, respectively) and a sit-stand test. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 (EORTC-C30) questionnaire. In response to training, QOL, VO2peak (mean 3.9 ml/kg/min; 95 % CI, 0.93, 6.90) performance in leg press (17.9 kg; 95 % CI, 12.8, 22.4) and sit-stand test (- 0.67 s; 95 % CI, - 0.52, - 1.2) improved (p < or = 0.05). We observed no significant changes in the control group. Combined cardiorespiratory and resistance training, even of very brief duration, improves the QOL and the overall physical fitness of women breast cancer survivors.

Does the C34T mutation in AMPD1 alter exercise capacity in the elderly?

Ageing does affect functional capacity through several changes at the peripheral muscle level that impair the muscles capacity to produce energy and generate force. The skeletal muscle-specific isoform of AMP deaminase (AMPD) plays an important regulatory role in muscle metabolism and in determining energy charge. Since nearly 20 % of the general Caucasian population is heterozygous (CT) for the most common C34T mutation of the gene (AMPD1) encoding for this enzyme, it would be worthwhile to study if such a condition further increases the effects of ageing. Twenty-one women (61 - 80 yrs) served as subjects, and depending on the results of previous genotyping, were assigned to a group with the C34T mutation (heterozygous; n=4; mean+/-SEM age: 71+/-1 yrs) or with no mutation (n=17; 68+/-1 yrs). Several indices of maximal (peak oxygen uptake [V.O (2 peak)], peak power output) and submaximal endurance performance (ventilatory threshold, mechanical efficiency) and functional tests (one-mile walk test and a specific test of lower-body functional performance [sit-stand test]) were compared between the two groups. No significant differences were found in exercise capacity between both groups, e. g. V.O (2 peak) of 19.1+/-1.0 vs. 20.1+/-1.9 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1), V.O (2) at the VT of 11.9+/-0.6 vs. 12.9+/-1.0 ml . kg (-1) . min (-1), or time to complete the one-mile walk test (951+/-18 s vs. 962+/-61 s) and sit-stand test (9.9+/-0.2 vs. 9.2+/-0.2) (no mutation vs. C34T mutation, respectively). Although more research is necessary, it seems that the C34T mutation of the AMPD1, at least in heterozygous individuals, does not affect functional capacity in the elderly.