Acute physiological and affective responses in postmenopausal women during prescribed and self-selected aerobic exercise

Few elderly meet current physical activity (PA) guidelines. The limitations for PA adherence is due the barriers found such as displeasure, discomfort, pain and sense of exhaustion. Self-selected exercise has been strategy for PA adherence, due greatest tolerance by aerobic exercise practitioners. The aim of this study was investigate physiological and psychological responses in prescribed and self-selected sessions in postmenopausal women. It was recruited 27 women active. The study consisted 3 moments: familiarization, self-selected, prescribed sessions. The intensity of self-selected session was replicated in prescribed session. There was significant main effect of the time for HR (p=0,047), FS (p=0,009) and Borg scale (p=0,012). Session by time interaction the significant main effect in HR (p<0,001). Significant mean difference was observed for psychological variables FS (p= 0,011), Borg scale (p= 0,016) and ITL (p<0,001). This study demonstrates the self-selected session relationship with greatest affection and low perceived effort exercise when compared to prescribed exercisePocos ancianos cumplen con las pautas actuales de actividad física (PA). Las limitaciones para la adherencia de la PA se deben a las barreras encontradas, como el disgusto, la incomodidad, el dolor y la sensación de agotamiento. El ejercicio auto seleccionado ha sido una estrategia para la adherencia de la PA, debido a la mayor tolerancia de los practicantes de ejercicio aeróbico. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las respuestas fisiológicas y psicológicas en sesiones prescritas y auto seleccionadas en mujeres posmenopáusicas. Se reclutaron 27 mujeres activas. El estudio constó de 3 momentos: familiarización, auto-seleccionados, sesiones prescritas. La intensidad de la sesión auto-seleccionada se replicó en la sesión prescrita. Hubo un efecto principal significativo del tiempo para la FC (p = 0,047), FS (p = 0,009) y escala de Borg (p = 0,012). Interacción sesión por tiempo: efecto principal significativo en la FC (p <0,001). Se observó una diferencia de medias significativa para las variables psicológicas FS (p = 0,011), escala de Borg (p = 0,016) y ITL (p <0,001). Este estudio demuestra la relación del sesión auto-seleccionada con el mayor afecto y el ejercicio de esfuerzo percibido bajo en comparación con el ejercicio prescrito.Poche persone anziane incontrano le attuali linee guida sull'attività fisica (FA). I limiti di aderenza alla PA sono dovuti alle barriere incontrate, come dispiacere, disagio, dolore e senso di sfinimento. L'esercizio di auto-selezione è stata una strategia per aderire all'AF a causa della maggiore tolleranza degli operatori di esercizi aerobici. L'obiettivo di questo studio era di indagare le risposte fisiologiche e psicologiche nelle sedute prescritte e autoselezionate nelle donne in postmenopausa. Sono state reclutate ventisette donne attive. Lo studio consisteva in 3 momenti: familiarizzazione, sessione autoselezionata e sessione prescritta. L'intensità della sessione autoselezionata è stata replicata nella sessione prescritta. C'era un significativo effetto principale del tempo per HR (p = 0.047), FS (p = 0.009) scala di Borg (p = 0.012). Interazione della sessione in base al tempo, significativo effetto principale in HR (p <0,001). Significativa differenza media è stata osservata per le variabili psicologiche FS (p = 0.011), scala Borg (p = 0.016) e ITL (p <0.001). Questo studio dimostra la relazione della sessione autoselezionata con maggiore affettività e basso sforzo percepito rispetto all'esercizio prescritto.Poucos idosos atendem às diretrizes atuais de atividade física (AF). As limitações para a adesão à AF se devem às barreiras encontradas, como desprazer, desconforto, dor e sensação de esgotamento. O exercício auto-selecionado tem sido uma estratégia para a adesão à AF, devido à maior tolerância dos praticantes de exercícios aeróbicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as respostas fisiológicas e psicológicas em sessões prescritas e auto-selecionadas em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Foram recrutadas 27 mulheres ativas. O estudo consistiu em 3 momentos: familiarização, sessão auto-selecionada e sessão prescrita. A intensidade da sessão auto-selecionada foi replicada na sessão prescrita. Houve efeito principal significativo do tempo para FC (p = 0,047), FS (p = 0,009) escala de Borg (p = 0,012). Interação da sessão por tempo, efeito principal significativo na FC (p <0,001). Diferença média significativa foi observada para as variáveis ​​psicológicas FS (p = 0,011), escala de Borg (p = 0,016) e ITL (p <0,001). Este estudo demonstra a relação da sessão auto-selecionada com maior afetividade e baixo esforço percebido quando comparado ao exercício prescrito

Demonstrable Evidence of Beneficial Physical Outcomes from University Physical Education Activity Courses

Introduction: Engagement in physical activity (PA) is often dramatically reduced during the transition from high school into college. There appears to be more stability in PA patterns during the transition from college into post-graduate life. Consequently, researchers have highlighted the years in higher education as pivotal for shaping lasting PA habits. Sadly, there is a widespread lack of evidence regarding the outcomes from physical education activity courses (PEAC) offered on campuses of higher education. Thus, their overall value lacks validation. The purpose of this work was to offer evidence of outcomes from engagement in a single, semester-long university PEAC class. Methods: Students were recruited from a variety of classes. There were no directions provided to the instructors of the courses. For grouping, classes were categorized as aerobic- (aerobics, jogging, and walking) or sport-activity (badminton, pickle ball, self-defense, strength training, and ultimate frisbee). Students in the aerobic-activity arm were randomized to aerobic testing where they underwent a submaximal treadmill protocol and grip strength (GS) testing or body composition testing (air displacement plethysmography) and GS. Those in the sport-activity arm underwent vertical jump and GS testing. Students reported to the human performance lab in the first two and final two weeks of the semester. Paired t-tests were conducted to identify differences in pre-post outcomes. Values were carried forward, not dropped, when a subject failed to return at post-test. Results: A total of 46 students (age = 21.7 ± 4.1) were randomized into the aerobic (n=25; m/f = 11/14) or body composition arms (n=21; m/f = 7/14). Additionally, 45 students (age = 20.8 ± 3.2; m/f = 23/22) from sport-activity classes were enrolled. Participation in aerobic-activity classes resulted in improvements in estimated maximal aerobic ability (p = 0.030; 42.9 ± 9.9 vs. 44.6 ± 10.1). Participation also resulted in increases in GS for those allocated to both the aerobic (p = 0.010; 56.4 ± 21.5 vs. 60.3 ± 22.3) and body composition (p = 0.022; 54.1 ± 22.1 vs. 58.1 ± 24.6) arms. Participation did not result in changes in body composition (p = 0.817; 24.7 ± 8.5 vs. 24.6 ± 7.4) despite a near-significant increase in weight (p = 0.057; 152.7 ± 38.5 vs. 154.5 ± 37.7). Participation in sport-activity classes resulted in an improvement in vertical jump (p = 0.007; 18.2 ± 6.1 vs. 18.9 ± 6.0) and GS (p = 0.002; 65.3 ± 25.6 vs. 70.0 ± 27.8). Discussion: An important first step in rebutting challenges about the credibility and worthiness of PEAC offerings is evidencing beneficial outcomes. These results represent simple, but important, markers of change. Additional demonstrable evidence is needed to ascertain elements such as what outcomes are achievable, what classes are most effective classes, and what components from class support lasting change

Fast identification of transits from light-curves

We present an algorithm that allows fast and efficient detection of transits, including planetary transits, from light-curves. The method is based on building an ensemble of fiducial models and compressing the data using the MOPED algorithm. We describe the method and demonstrate its efficiency by finding planet-like transits in simulated Pan-STARRS light-curves. We show that that our method is independent of the size of the search space of transit parameters. In large sets of light-curves, we achieve speed up factors of order of $10^{8}$ times over the full $\chi2$ search. We discuss how the algorithm can be used in forthcoming large surveys like Pan-STARRS and LSST and how it may be optimized for future space missions like Kepler and COROT where most of the processing must be done on board.Comment: 9 pages, 9 figure

Can biological maturation influence in power muscle and velocity of Young soccer players? / A maturação biológica pode influenciar na força muscular e na velocidade de jovens jogadores de futebol?

The biological maturation is a process manifested more frequently in adolescence, and promotes many physiological changes. The purpose of this study was analysis physical performance of young soccer players in different maturity age. Participated of the study 36 young soccer players (16.5 ± 1.6 years; 178 ± 7 cm; 67 ± 9 kg). During second week of preparation period, were assessed characteristics anthropometric, for obtained the peak height velocity (PHV), vertical jump height tests and sprints tests. Were were separated in 4 groups with 9 players, having as criterion the age of PHV: PHV1 age below than 25th percentile, PHV2 = age between 25th to 50th percentile, PHV3 = age between 50th to 75th percentile and PHV4 = age above 75th percentile. A significant main effect between groups was observed for squat jump (SJ) (p = 0.005), countermovement jump (CMJ) (p = 0.001), sprint 40m (sprint20+20m) (p = 0.013) and sprint 20m (sprint20m) (p = 0.007). In conclusion, becomes important to assess the maturity status in young soccer players due the determinant abilities of match can be predict by maturation age through PHV measurement. 

Survey Responses From “Wellness for Life” Classes: Overall Value and Barriers, Motivators, and Motives Towards Physical Activity

Introduction: Skill-based sport activity classes were the historical trend, but greater numbers of higher education institutions now offer courses that encompass “wellness for life” concepts. The goal of these offerings is to guide students in the development of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to adopt and maintain healthful behaviors. There is a need to amass evidence of the outcomes arising from engagement in these classes. Purpose: The purpose of this work was to document outcomes from participation in a single, semester-long, university wellness for life class. Methods: Students were recruited from courses at two universities. Survey responses were collected in the first two and final two weeks of class. The survey items included identification of: engagement in regular physical activity (PA), perceptions about PA (“view of self as an exerciser”, “contentment with current PA level”, among others), and barriers, motivators, and motives towards PA. There were no intervention suggestions provided to instructors. Results: A total of 173 students (m/f/not identified = 51/118/4; age 19.6 ± 1.4) participated. When questioned, many students identified as being an “exerciser.” Some perceived “no need to change their program” (n=37) but most “wanted more regular exercise” (n=88). A lesser number of students identified as being a “non-exerciser.” Most all “wanted more regular exercise” (n=46), but two had “no desire to start a program.” At post-test, the respective numbers were: 37, 95, 41, and 3. Numbers did not always align due to incomplete survey responses. The perceived value of the class to current and future health, rated on a scale from 0 (no impact)-100 (most influential), improved pre-post class (p \u3c 0.001) from 61.7 (±24.5) to 67.8 (±23.5). The top barrier, motivator, and motive at pre-test were: “I need to do better at managing my time to exercise more often,” “If I better organized my time or schedule I could exercise more,” and “I get pleasure or enjoy sports so I exercise,” respectively. There was shuffling among the top choices from pre- to post-test, but the top barrier remained the same. The top motivator became, “If I had more time I would exercise more,” and the top motive became, “I feel less stress after I exercise.” Discussion: Evidenced by the pre-post responses, students feel that wellness for life classes have some benefit and that perception improves after experiencing the class. There appears to be consistency in those who view themselves as “exercisers” and “non-exercisers,” which might represent a precarious situation. There is constancy in the primary barrier to exercise – the socially acceptable answer – time. It is obvious that time management is a critical element for inclusion in these classes. Students may also benefit more if instructors would offer insight on the use of motivators and motives in overcoming personal barriers

CommunityRx, a social care assistance intervention for family and friend caregivers delivered at the point of care: Two concurrent blinded randomized controlled trials

Background: CommunityRx is an evidence-based social care intervention delivered to family and friend caregivers (“caregivers”) at the point of healthcare to address health-related social risks (HRSRs). Two CommunityRx randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are being fielded concurrently on Chicago’s South Side, a predominantly African American/Black community. CommunityRx-Hunger is a double-blind RCT enrolling caregivers of hospitalized children. CommunityRx-Dementia is a single-blind RCT enrolling caregivers of community-residing people with dementia. RCTs with caregivers face recruitment barriers, including caregiver burden and lack of systematic strategies to identify caregivers in clinical settings. COVID-19 pandemic-related visitor restrictions exacerbated these barriers and prompted the need for iteration of the protocols from in-person to remote operations. This study describes these protocols and methods used for successful iteration to overcome barriers. Methods and findings: CommunityRx uses individual-level data to generate personalized, local community resource referrals for basic, health and caregiving needs. In early 2020, two in-person RCT protocols were pre-tested. In March 2020, when pandemic conditions prohibited face-to-face clinical enrollment, both protocols were iterated to efficient, caregiver-centered remote operations. Iterations were enabled in part by the Automated Randomized Controlled Trial Information-Communication System (ARCTICS), a trial management system innovation engineered to integrate the data collection database (REDCap) with community resource referral (NowPow) and SMS texting (Mosio) platforms. Enabled by engaged Community Advisory Boards and ARCTICS, both RCTs quickly adapted to remote operations. To accommodate these adaptations, launch was delayed until November (CommunityRx-Hunger) and December (CommunityRx-Dementia) 2020. Despite the delay, 65% of all planned participants (CommunityRx-Hunger n = 417/640; CommunityRx-Dementia n = 222/344) were enrolled by December 2021, halfway through our projected enrollment timeline. Both trials enrolled 13% more participants in the first 12 months than originally projected for in-person enrollment. Discussion: Our asset-based, community-engaged approach combined with widely accessible institutional and commercial information technologies facilitated rapid migration of in-person trials to remote operations. Remote or hybrid RCT designs for social care interventions may be a viable, scalable alternative to in-person recruitment and intervention delivery protocols, particularly for caregivers and other groups that are under-represented in traditional health services research. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: CommunityRx-Hunger (NCT04171999, 11/21/2019); CommunityRx for Caregivers (NCT04146545, 10/31/2019).</p

Exercise intensity to maximal aerobic speed, physical activity level and heart rate variability in postmenopausal women

Physical inactivity is main cause of disease worldwide. Identify the physical exercise preference, resulting in increases adherence and future intention to perform physical activity. The preference of the intensity of exercise questionnaire (PRETIE-Q) is the main tool used to assess preference in physical exercise. Variables as age, body mass index (BMI), usual physical activity level (PAL), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2máx), can influence in PRETIE-Q answers. The purpose of this study was investigate if there is relation between preference for exercise intensity with maximal aerobic speed (MAS), PAL and heart rate variability (HRV) in postmenopausal women phase. Participated of study 30 subjects who answer PRETIE-Q together with analyses of MAS, PAL and HRV. Preference was large correlated with MAS (r = 0.63), PAL (r = 0.57) and HRVRMSSD (r = 0.52). Together, MAS (40.4%), PAL (10.7%) and HRVRMSSD (6.4%) explained 57.5% of the preference score. This results study allow to health professional, that prescribe physical exercise, understand that subjects with high aerobic capacity, cardiovagal modulation and usual PAL will have preference for high intensity exercise. In consequence, can increase the adherence to systematic practice of physical exercise. Conclude that preference of exercise intensity for women in postmenopausal phase is related with aerobic capacity, high HRV and physical activity level. &nbsp

Americans do not select their doctors based on race

To what extent do Americans racially discriminate against doctors? While a large literature shows that racial biases pervade the American healthcare system, there has been no systematic examination of these biases in terms of who patients select for medical treatment. We examine this question in the context of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, where a wealth of qualitative evidence suggests that discrimination against some historically marginalized communities, particularly Asians, has increased throughout the United States. Conducting a well-powered conjoint experiment with a national sample of 1,498 Americans, we find that respondents do not, on average, discriminate against Asian or doctors from other systematically minoritized groups. We also find no consistent evidence of treatment effect heterogeneity; Americans of all types appear not to care about the racial identity of their doctor, at least in our study. This finding has important implications for the potential limits of American prejudice

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016

Contributions of mean and shape of blood pressure distribution to worldwide trends and variations in raised blood pressure: A pooled analysis of 1018 population-based measurement studies with 88.6 million participants

© The Author(s) 2018. Background: Change in the prevalence of raised blood pressure could be due to both shifts in the entire distribution of blood pressure (representing the combined effects of public health interventions and secular trends) and changes in its high-blood-pressure tail (representing successful clinical interventions to control blood pressure in the hypertensive population). Our aim was to quantify the contributions of these two phenomena to the worldwide trends in the prevalence of raised blood pressure. Methods: We pooled 1018 population-based studies with blood pressure measurements on 88.6 million participants from 1985 to 2016. We first calculated mean systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and prevalence of raised blood pressure by sex and 10-year age group from 20-29 years to 70-79 years in each study, taking into account complex survey design and survey sample weights, where relevant. We used a linear mixed effect model to quantify the association between (probittransformed) prevalence of raised blood pressure and age-group- and sex-specific mean blood pressure. We calculated the contributions of change in mean SBP and DBP, and of change in the prevalence-mean association, to the change in prevalence of raised blood pressure. Results: In 2005-16, at the same level of population mean SBP and DBP, men and women in South Asia and in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa would have the highest prevalence of raised blood pressure, and men and women in the highincome Asia Pacific and high-income Western regions would have the lowest. In most region-sex-age groups where the prevalence of raised blood pressure declined, one half or more of the decline was due to the decline in mean blood pressure. Where prevalence of raised blood pressure has increased, the change was entirely driven by increasing mean blood pressure, offset partly by the change in the prevalence-mean association. Conclusions: Change in mean blood pressure is the main driver of the worldwide change in the prevalence of raised blood pressure, but change in the high-blood-pressure tail of the distribution has also contributed to the change in prevalence, especially in older age groups