Monitoring functional capacity in heart failure.

This document reflects the key points of a consensus meeting of the Heart Failure Association of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) held to provide an overview the role of physiological monitoring in the complex multimorbid heart failure (HF) patient. This article reviews assessments of the functional ability of patients with HF. The gold standard measurement of cardiovascular functional capacity is peak oxygen consumption obtained from a cardiopulmonary exercise test. The 6-min walk test provides an indirect measure of cardiovascular functional capacity. Muscular functional capacity is assessed using either a 1-repetition maximum test of the upper and lower body or other methods, such as handgrip measurement. The short physical performance battery may provide a helpful, indirect indication of muscular functional capacity

Effect of high-intensity interval training in adolescents with asthma: The eXercise for Asthma with Commando Joe's® (X4ACJ) trial

BackgroundHigher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with reduced asthma severity and increased quality of life in those with asthma. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-month high-intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention in adolescents with and without asthma.MethodsA total of 616 adolescents (334 boys; 13.0 ± 1.1 years; 1.57 ± 0.10m; 52.6 ± 12.9kg, mean ± SD), including 155 with asthma (78 boys), were recruited as part of a randomized control trial from 5 schools (4 control, 1 intervention). The 221 intervention participants (116 boys; 47 asthma) completed 6 months of school-based HIIT (30mins, 3 times per week, 10–30s bouts at >90% age-predicted maximum heart rate with equal rest). At baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up, measurements for 20-metre shuttle run, body mass index (BMI), lung function, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Asthma Control Questionnaire were collected. Additionally, 69 adolescents (21 boys; 36 asthma) also completed an incremental ramp test. For analysis, each group's data (intervention and control) was divided into those with and without asthma.ResultsParticipants with asthma did not differ from their peers in any parameter of aerobic fitness, at any time-point, but were characterised by a greater BMI. The intervention elicited a significant improvement in maximal aerobic fitness but no change in sub-maximal parameters of aerobic fitness, lung function or quality of life, irrespective of asthma status. Those in the intervention group maintained their BMI, whereas BMI significantly increased in the control group throughout the 6-month period.ConclusionsHIIT represents an effective tool for improving aerobic fitness and maintaining BMI in adolescents, irrespective of asthma status. HIIT was well tolerated by those with asthma, who evidenced a similar aerobic fitness to their healthy peers and responded equally well to a HIIT programme

Le maintien du bien être physique et psychique des seniors par l'activité physique sportive et de loisirs: action publique et opportunités économiques (table ronde)

International audienc

L'Activité Physique Adaptée dans tous ses états : Bilan des techniques actuelles et perspectives pour les personnes en perte d'autonomie

National audienc

L'activité physique : médicament de demain

National audienc

[Interest of the scientific contributions in the research of the performance in handball and rugby] : Intérêt des apports scientifiques dans la recherche de la performance en handball et en rugby

Présenté au colloque Sports et sciences, faculté des sciences et technique de Limoges, 9 mai 2007.National audienceObjectifs Appréhender l'intérêt d'une approche scientifique dans l'amélioration de la performance dans les sports collectifs. Actualités L'entraîneur cherche en permanence la performance optimale pour son équipe. Dans ce contexte, le rugby et le handball ont connu un développement de l'approche scientifique bien différent. Le handball, considéré comme un jeune sport collectif, a bénéficié presque immédiatement d'une approche scientifique. Le rugby quant à lui, a développé cette approche par hasard, pour des raisons plutôt historiques, fondées sur l'agressivité grandissante des contacts et la mise en sécurité des joueurs sur le terrain. Par ailleurs, la culture scientifique a connu un intérêt majeur avec l'augmentation considérable du nombre d'heures de pratique et avec l'arrivée ensuite du professionnalisme. Il fallait évaluer, diriger et améliorer les performances des sportifs, établir des suivis précis afin qu'ils assument cette charge de travail. Les études scientifiques ont contribuées à ces adaptations. Conclusion L'apport de démarches ou procédés scientifiques doit contribuer à mieux cerner cette problématique de " la recherche du progrès permanent ". Toutefois il est important de conserver au centre des priorités la formation technique et tactique du joueur sans stopper sa créativité

The Adapted Physical Activity or Therapeutic Education for activity, "Review of current techniques and prospects for people in loss of autonomy".

International audienc

Social Participation and Physical Activity Incentive at Home in Stroke Survivor: Contribution of Technologies

Increased physical activity has been demonstrated as a relevant treatment after a stroke, with positive effects on impairment recovery, activity limitation, social participation and quality of life. Furthermore, PA is now recommended as part of the stroke recovery pathway, starting during inpatient care and extending through rehabilitation and community integration. The purpose of this presentation is to describe how current technologies may facilitate a continuity of care for stroke survivors. We present a synthesis of 8 studies that we have conducted to date to assess and monitor the activity level of post-stroke patients at home. The results of these studies show that home rehabilitation of post-stroke patients requires the use of individualized monitoring criteria to optimize patient care. To encourage the patient to increase his level of moderate physical activity and reduce his sedentary time, it would be recommended to propose a regularly monitored and structured program