Concurrent Resistance and Aquatic Treadmill Training Elicits Greater Lean Mass Gains than Resistance Training Alone.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of combined aquatic treadmill training (ATM) and resistance training (RT) on body composition (Bcomp), strength, and VO2max following 12 wks of training compared to RT alone. METHODS: 5 healthy, sedentary men (32.6yr ±11, 187.5 cm ±4.9, 107.9 kg ±19.5) and 6 women (34.2 yrs ±14.3, 166.6 cm ±8.4, 78.6 kg ±19.69) were recruited and screened to assess VO2max (GXT), Bcomp (DEXA), and strength. During strength assessment, 1RMs were assessed in this order: leg press, chest press, leg curl, lat pull, leg ext, triceps push-down, biceps curl. Subjects were then randomized into 2 groups. Both groups (R = resistance training, CT = concurrent training) performed progressive RT for 12 wks (2/wk, 3 x 8-12 @ 60%1RM, ~1.5min rest int.). Following wk 6, 1RMs were reassessed and intensity was increased for wks 7-12 (3 x 4-8, beginning @ 75%1RM). Concurrently, the CT group performed 12 wks of progressive ATM (60→85%VO2max). VO2max was reassessed following wk 6. ATM occurred immediately following RT sessions and in isolation on a 3rd day during the wk. After training, baseline tests were again performed. A 2x3 factorial ANOVA w/ repeated measures for group (2) by time (3) was used to examine absolute and relative changes in body composition, strength, and VO2max

Prediction of the Total Energy Cost of an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise in Young Men and Women

Prediction of the Total Energy Cost of an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise in Young Men and Women Brad S. Lambert†, Steven E. Martin‡, John S. Green‡ (FACSM), Aaron F. Carbuhn†, Stephen F. Crouse‡ (FACSM). Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (Sponsor S.F. Crouse) ACSM currently recommends resistance training (RT) for each major muscle group at least 2 times per week with a traditional repetition range of 8-12 per set. Because many investigators as well as fitness professionals consider kcal expenditure when creating training protocols, energy costs during both RT and aerobic training must be considered. PURPOSE: To develop a regression equation to predict kcal expenditure for a RT bout involving each major muscle group using VO2max, height, weight, lean body mass, fat mass, and total exercise volume (TV=sets*reps*wt) as independent variables. METHODS: Twelve subjects (7 men, 5 women, age 21-25 yrs) were tested using the standard Bruce treadmill protocol for VO2max, and strength tested to determine their 3-5 repetition max (RM) on Keiser® RT equipment 1 week prior to their experimental RT bout. Body composition was assessed using DEXA. For their experimental RT bout, a warm-up set followed by 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps at 60-70% predicted 1RM were performed for each exercise. Each set was started every two minutes. Exercises progressed in the following order: leg press, chest press, leg curl, lat pull, leg ext., triceps ext., biceps curl. Oxygen consumption was measured continuously throughout the RT bout using an automated metabolic cart. Multiple Linear Regression was used to determine the best model for prediction of kcal consumption. Results: Mean kcal expenditure for the entire RT bout was 221.8±20.65 kcal (men = 272±36 & women = 150±16) with a mean kcal cost of 26.32-38.94 per exercise. Large muscle group/multi-joint exercises had the highest total kcal expenditures as expected. Collinearity diagnostics from the regression revealed that VO2max (L/min) and the square root of TV (TV0.5) were the only predictors needed in the model with all other variables being highly intercorrellated with VO2max (L/min), thus not adding significant improvement to the model. The prediction equation was (p\u3c0.05, R2=0.86): Total kcal = (37.264*VO2max L/min) + (1.087*TV0.5) – 132.488 CONCLUSIONS: VO2max (L/min) and TV0.5 were found to be significant predictors of the energy cost of a RT bout involving each major muscle group. In regards to fitness, performance, and weight management, this equation may aid practitioners and young exercising adults in documenting kcal expenditure from resistance training

Association of Aerobic Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Male Firefighters

Metabolic syndrome has been shown in numerous studies to be related to a higher incidence of coronary artery disease. A study by Jurca and coworkers (Med. Sci. Sports Exerc 36(8):1301-1307, 2004) found a relationship between aerobic fitness and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a group of men enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS). In addition, recent work in our lab (Int J Exerc Sci 2(1): S43, 2009) has supported these findings. However, research exploring this relationship is still lacking in male firefighters, whose leading cause of line-of-duty deaths is heart attacks. Purpose: To further evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome and aerobic fitness in male fire fighters. Methods: As part of an annual physical exam, 210 male fire fighters (average age = 36) underwent evaluation of risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP III. These include the presence of three or more of the following: Waist Circumference \u3e 40 , HDL Cholesterol \u3c 40 mg/dL, Triglycerides \u3e 150 mg/dL, Blood Glucose \u3e 110 mg/dL, and Resting Blood Pressure \u3e 130/85 mm Hg. Aerobic Fitness was determined by estimating VO2max from time on treadmill during a Bruce protocol. Results: The subjects were ranked and divided into quartiles based on VO2max. All data were analyzed using a Chi Square test (p \u3c 0.05). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across quartiles as aerobic fitness declined. Conclusion: These data suggest that as aerobic fitness improves, the likelihood of male firefighters having metabolic syndrome decreases

The Relationship of Metabolic Syndrome and Aerobic Exercise in Adult Male Fire Fighters

Previous studies have concluded that incidence of Metabolic Syndrome may be greater in male firefighters than in the US male population. A recent study reported that approximately 31% of firefighters were positive for Metabolic Syndrome; compared to 24% for the U.S. male population (NCEPIII). Participation in aerobic exercise may decrease the risk of Metabolic Syndrome as cardiac risk factors are improved. This study aims to determine the effect of aerobic exercise participation on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a sample of male firefighters. Purpose: To examine the effect of aerobic exercise participation on the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in a sample of adult male firefighters. Methods: As a part of an annual physical exam, 177 male firefighters (average age=36) participated in an evaluation of risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome as defined by NCEP III. Metabolic Syndrome is defined as having the presence of three or more of the following: Waist circumference \u3e 40”, HDL Cholesterol \u3c 40 mg/dl, Triglycerides \u3e 150 mg/dl, Blood Glucose \u3e 110 mg/dl and resting blood pressure \u3e 130/85 mm Hg. Aerobic exercise participation was determined by self reported activity from a standard health history questionnaire. Subjects were classified for aerobic exercise participation as: aerobic exercise participation of less than or equal to 1 day per week (LOW), 2 to 3 days per week (MOD), and aerobic exercise participation greater than or equal to 4 days per week (HIGH). Results: The subjects were divided into groups based on the level of weekly aerobic activity. All data were analyzed using a Chi Square test (p \u3c 0.05). Of the 177 firefighters tested 46.3% (82) reported LOW, 48% (85) reported MOD, and 5.6% (10) reported HIGH weekly aerobic activity. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome for LOW was 25.6% (21) while the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome for MOD was 15.3% (13). No one in the HIGH group met the criteria for Metabolic Syndrome. Conclusion: Participation in aerobic exercise appears to affect the incidence of metabolic syndrome in adult male fire fighters

Aquatic treadmill running reduces muscle soreness following intense sprint exercise in trained men

Delayed onset muscle soreness is associated with muscle damage, disturbances in proprioception, and decreases in muscular power. The purpose was to determine if short duration aquatic treadmill (ATM) running reduces muscle soreness following intense sprint exercise in trained men. Twenty trained men (180.3±4.4cm, 86.3±5.8kg, 20±1yr) were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: ATM recovery (ATMRec) and passive recovery (PRec). During testing, subjects performed a warm-up followed by sixteen 110yrd cutback runs with a sprint of 60yrds, sharp change of direction, and a return sprint of 50yrds. Work to rest ratio was set at 1:3. Additionally, following exercise, the ATMRec group performed ATM running using a HydroWorx® treadmill at 5mph, 50% maximal jet resistance, and water(33°C) level at chest depth for 10min. Both groups then evaluated their level of soreness/pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS: 0-10, 0=no pain, 10=worst pain) immediately following all exercise (IPE), 24h, and 48h post exercise in the following regions: ARMS, LEGS, BACK, CHEST, SHOULDERS, HIPS, ABDOMEN, NECK, OVERALL. Data were analyzed for group x time interactions using a 2x3 Generalized Linear Mixed Model for non-parametric data (α≤0.05). For significant interactions, the same procedure was used to analyze between group differences at the same measurement timepoint(α≤0.05)

Association of Cardiovascular Fitness and Syndrome X in Male Firefighters

Metabolic syndrome has been shown in numerous studies to be related to a higher incidence of coronary artery disease. A study by Jurca and coworkers (Med. Sci. Sports Exerc 36(8):1301-1307, 2004) found a relationship between cardiovascular fitness and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a group of men enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS). In addition, recent work in our lab (Int J Exerc Sci 2(1): S43, 2009) has supported these findings. However, research exploring this relationship is still lacking in male firefighters, whose leading cause of line-of-duty deaths is heart attacks. Purpose: To further evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular fitness in male fire fighters. Methods: As part of an annual physical exam, 224 male fire fighters (average age = 36) underwent evaluation of risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP III. These include the presence of three or more of the following: Waist Circumference \u3e 40 , HDL Cholesterol \u3c 40 mg/dL, Triglycerides \u3e 150 mg/dL, Blood Glucose \u3e 110 mg/dL, and Resting Blood Pressure \u3e 130/85 mm Hg. Cardiovascular Fitness was determined by estimating VO2max from time on treadmill during a Bruce protocol. Results: The subjects were ranked and divided into quartiles based on VO2max. All data were analyzed using a Chi Square test (p \u3c 0.05). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across quartiles as cardiovascular fitness declined. Conclusion: These data suggest that as cardiovascular fitness improves, the likelihood of male firefighters having metabolic syndrome decreases

Exploring patient characteristics and barriers to Hepatitis C treatment in patients on opioid substitution treatment (OST) attending a community based fibro-scanning clinic.

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue. There is substandard uptake in HCV assessment and treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID). Community fibroscanning is used to assess disease severity and target treatment. Methods: A survey was administered to a cohort of chronically HCV infected patients attending a community fibroscanning clinic. Questions targeted diagnosis of HCV, suitability, willingness and barriers to engagement in treatment. Descriptive and regression analysis, with thematic analysis of open-ended data was conducted. Results: There was high acceptance of community fibroscanning among this cohort with over 90% (68) attending. High levels of unemployment (90%) and homelessness (40%) were identified. Most patients were on methadone treatment and had been HCV infected for greater than 10 years with length of time since HCV diagnosis being significantly longer in patients with fibroscan scores > 8.5 kPa (P = 0.016). With each unit increase in methadone dose, the odds of the >8.5 fibroscan group increased by 5.2%. Patient identified barriers to engagement were alcohol and drug use, fear of HCV treatment and liver biopsy, imprisonment, distance to hospital and early morning appointments. Conclusion: The study highlights the usefulness of community fibroscanning. Identifying barriers to treatment in this cohort affords an opportunity to increase the treatment uptake. The availability of afternoon clinics and enhanced prison linkage are warranted

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation improves exercise capacity and health-related quality of life in people with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised trials

Objective: The aim of this study was to undertake a contemporary review of the impact of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) targeted at patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We conducted searches of PubMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Trials (up until 30 November 2017) using key terms related to exercise-based CR and AF. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials were included if they compared the effects of an exercise-based CR intervention to a no exercise or usual care control group. Meta-analyses of outcomes were conducted where appropriate. Results: The nine randomised trials included 959 (483 exercise-based CR vs 476 controls) patients with various types of AF. Compared with control, pooled analysis showed no difference in all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 1.08, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.53, p=0.64) following exercise-based CR. However, there were improvements in health-related quality of life (mean SF-36 mental component score (MCS): 4.00, 95% CI 0.26 to 7.74; p=0.04 and mean SF-36 physical component score: 1.82, 95% CI 0.06 to 3.59; p=0.04) and exercise capacity (mean peak VO2: 1.59 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 0.11 to 3.08; p=0.04; mean 6 min walk test: 46.9 m, 95% CI 26.4 to 67.4; p<0.001) with exercise-based CR. Improvements were also seen in AF symptom burden and markers of cardiac function. Conclusions: Exercise capacity, cardiac function, symptom burden and health-related quality of life were improved with exercise-based CR in the short term (up to 6 months) targeted at patients with AF. However, high-quality multicentre randomised trials are needed to clarify the impact of exercise-based CR on key patient and health system outcomes (including health-related quality of life, mortality, hospitalisation and costs) and how these effects may vary across AF subtypes