Test-Retest Reliability and Physiological Responses Associated with the Steep Ramp Anaerobic Test in Patients with COPD

The Steep Ramp Anaerobic Test (SRAT) was developed as a clinical test of anaerobic leg muscle function for use in determining anaerobic power and in prescribing high-intensity interval exercise in patients with chronic heart failure and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); however, neither the test-retest reliability nor the physiological qualities of this test have been reported. We therefore, assessed test-retest reliability of the SRAT and the physiological characteristics associated with the test in patients with COPD. 11 COPD patients (mean FEV1 43% predicted) performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on Day 1, and an SRAT and a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) on each of Days 2 and 3. The SRAT showed a high degree of test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.99; CV = 3.8%, and bias 4.5 W, error −15.3–24.4 W). Power output on the SRAT was 157 W compared to 66 W on the CPET and 231 W on the WAT. Despite the differences in workload, patients exhibited similar metabolic and ventilatory responses between the three tests. Measures of ventilatory constraint correlated more strongly with the CPET than the WAT; however, physiological variables correlated more strongly with the WAT. The SRAT is a highly reliable test that better reflects physiological performance on a WAT power test despite a similar level of ventilatory constraint compared to CPET

High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT): Definition and Research Implications for Improved Fitness

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise modality that emphasizes functional,multi-joint movements that can be modified to any fitness level and elicit greater muscle recruitmentthan more traditional exercise. As a relatively new training modality, HIFT is often compared tohigh-intensity interval training (HIIT), yet the two are distinct. HIIT exercise is characterized byrelatively short bursts of repeated vigorous activity, interspersed by periods of rest or low-intensityexercise for recovery, while HIFT utilizes constantly varied functional exercises and various activitydurations that may or may not incorporate rest. Over the last decade, studies evaluating theeffectiveness of HIIT programs have documented improvements in metabolic and cardiorespiratoryadaptations; however, less is known about the effects of HIFT. The purpose of this manuscript is toprovide a working definition of HIFT and review the available literature regarding its use to improvemetabolic and cardiorespiratory adaptations in strength and conditioning programs among variouspopulations. Additionally, we aim to create a definition that is used in future publications to evaluatemore effectively the future impact of this type of training on health and fitness outcomes

Three-month recovery from common negative physical, functional, and psychosocial effects among individuals infected with COVID-19: a single observational group repeated measure study

Purpose: We examined three-month recovery from common negative effects of COVID-19 infection on select physical, functional, and psychosocial parameters among infected individuals and their implications for rehabilitation programs. Methods: Twenty-one subjects participated in this study. Four standardized questionnaires were used to assess dyspnea, physical, and psychosocial variables in this study. The post-test survey was conducted 90 days following the pre-test survey. Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test and paired t-test were used to compare the variables data between pre- and post-testing time points. Results: Dyspnea scores decreased from (pre: 2 vs post:1, Z=-3.276, p=0.001, r=.50). Work performance scores increased from (pre: 42 ±25 vs post: 57 ±21, t(20) =-2.868, p=0.010, r=.62). Social functioning increased from (pre: 44 ±27 vs post: 60 ±24, t(20) =-3.525, p=0.002, r=.76) and pain scores from (pre: 42 ±30 vs post: 53 ±25, t(20) =-2.134, p=0.045, r=.46) also increased across the 90 days. Conclusions: Long-term symptoms after COVID-19 infection include ongoing physical, functional, and psychosocial deficits. While dyspnea decreased and work performance and social functioning increased, we observed a concomitant increase in pain scores over the 90-day measurement period. Long-term multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs should be designed to address the ongoing deficits among this population

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols on Liver Enzymes and Wellness in Women

Background. Single-modality, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using traditional cardiorespiratory exercise selection has been found to provide similar and sometimes superior cardiometabolic effects compared with moderate-intensity continuous training. However, little is known regarding the cardiometabolic and psychosocial effects of HIIT using resistance training modalities. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of HIIT using rowing (R-HIIT) and multimodal HIIT (MM-HIIT) using resistance training on liver enzymes, cardiometabolic risk factors, and psychosocial outcomes. Method. Recreationally active females with a body mass index <30 kg/m2 (N = 16, 23.0 ± 5.9 years) were randomized into a MM-HIIT or R-HIIT group and completed a 12-week HIIT intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03093441) using principles of social cognitive theory (SCT). Participants completed pre- and postintervention measurements on anthropometrics, resting heart rate, blood pressure, blood measures (lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose), exercise self-efficacy, and perceived wellness. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in postintervention measures between groups after controlling for baseline values, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio. Results. R-HIIT group had significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (mean difference = 13.16, P=0.013, effect size (ES) = 0.44, confidence interval (CI) = 3.40 to 22.92) and aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference = 10.79, P=0.024, ES = 0.38, CI = 1.67 to 19.90) levels compared with the M-HIIT group, and the whole group had improved wellness scores (14.72 ± 2.6 to 16.89 ± 2.76, P=0.002). Conclusion. R-HIIT may be an effective preventative method for improving liver health in females without obesity. When using principles of SCT, HIIT may enhance overall well-being