High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Functional Ability and Body Mass Index in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The literature suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) to improve functional ability. However, there is no evidence on including HIIT in a circuit programme (HIICT). Our objective was to determine what type of training (HIICT or MICT) induces greater adaptations in the functional ability and body mass index of middle-aged and older women. The study used a quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial with 54 participants (age = 67.8 ± 6.2 years). Participants were randomly allocated to HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or a non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18). The participants in the HIICT or MICT groups trained twice a week (1 h/session) for 18 weeks. Forty-one subjects were analysed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five subjects presented adverse events during the study. Strength, gait, cardiorespiratory fitness, balance and body mass index were measured. A significant training x group interaction was found in the arm curl test, where HIICT was statistically better than MICT and CG. Likewise, HIICT was statistically better than the CG in the BMI interaction. In lower limb strength, gait/dynamic balance and cardiorespiratory fitness, both HIICT and MICT were statistically better than the CG. In conclusion, HIICT generated better adaptations in upper limb strength than MICT. Likewise, HIICT generated better adaptations in body mass index than CG. Finally, both HIICT and MICT had a similar influence on strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and gait/dynamic balance

Effects of laterality on flexibility, strength-endurance and balance in active older women

Los componentes de las cualidades físicas de las personas mayores han sido evaluadas mediante numerosos test. No obstante, no se ha estudiado la influencia de la lateralidad sobre estas cualidades. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las diferencias en la extensibilidad, la fuerza- resistencia y el equilibrio asociadas a la lateralidad en un grupo de mujeres mayores activas. Sesenta y siete mujeres (media de edad: 66.61 ± 6.63 años) realizaron con ambas extremidades los test de flexión del tronco en silla, juntar las manos tras la espalda, flexión completa de brazo y flamenco. Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p<.001) en los test de flexión del tronco en silla y de juntar las manos tras la espalda, siendo mayores los valores cuando la pierna extendida era la no dominante (-2.35±.83 cm con la pierna dominante y -.15±.83 cm con la no dominante) y cuando el brazo situado arriba era el dominante (-10.49±1.26 cm con el brazo dominante frente a -16.74±1.16 cm con el no dominante), respectivamente. En los test de flexión completa de brazo (brazo dominante y no dominante: 23.25 ± .53 y 23.71 ± .51 repeticiones, respectivamente) y flamenco (pierna dominante y no dominante: 23.83 ± 2.63 y 23.10 ± 2.78 seg, respectivamente) no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las ambas extremidades. En conclusión, en mujeres mayores activas hay una relación directa entre la lateralidad y la extensibilidad de las extremidades superiores e inferiores; pero no entre la lateralidad y la fuerza-resistencia o el equilibrio.Older people’ physical abilities have been evaluated with a lot of tests. However, it has not been studied the influence of laterality on these qualities. The aim of this study was to analyse flexibility, strength-endurance and balance differences based on laterality in a group of active women elderly. Sixty-seven women (mean age: 66.61 ± 6.63 years) did chair-sit and reach, back scratch, arm curl and flamenco tests with both extremities. It was found significant differences (p<.001) in chair-sit and reach and back scratch tests. The values were higher with the non-dominant leg (dominant and non-dominant leg: -2.35±.83 and -.15±.83 cm, respectively) and the dominant arm, (dominant arm: -10.49±1.26 cm; non-dominant arm: - 16.74±1.16 cm) respectively. It was not found significant differences in the arm curl (dominant and non-dominant arm: 23.25 ± .53 and 23.71 ± .51 repetitions, respectively) and flamenco tests (dominant and non-dominant leg: 23.83 ± 2.63 and 23.10 ± 2.78 seg, respectively). In conclusion, there is a direct relation between the laterality and the upper and lower extremities extensibility in active women elderly; but there is not it between the laterality and the strength-endurance or balance.Actividad Física y Deport

Fuerza máxima y resistencia muscular de agarre manual en regatistas de vela ligera de la clase Tornado

Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio es determinar las posibles diferencias de fuerza máxima y resistencia muscular de agarre manual entre regatistas, patrones y tripulantes, de la clase olímpica Tornado y sujetos que no practican vela, y valorar además las posibles diferencias entre ambas manos. Método: Se estudia a 38 varones, de los que 19 son regatistas, con un dinamómetro de agarre manual Jamar J5030. El protocolo de valoración de la fuerza consiste en 3 repeticiones máximas con 1 min de descanso entre ellas, y el de resistencia muscular, en 1 min de contracción isométrica máxima. Resultados: No se encuentran diferencias en los resultados de regatistas patrones y tripulantes en ninguno de los test. Los regatistas obtienen registros medios superiores en el test de fuerza máxima: 63,21 kg en la mano dominante y 59,79 kg en la mano no dominante, por los 53,26 y 50 kg, respectivamente, del grupo de sujetos que no practican vela. El grupo control presenta en el test de resistencia muscular un descenso de fuerza más acusado que el grupo de navegantes. La mano dominante consigue valores de fuerza ligeramente más elevados, que sólo son estadísticamente significativos en el grupo de patrones. Conclusiones: Los regatistas (patrones y tripulantes) obtienen resultados similares de fuerza máxima y resistencia de fuerza de agarre manual, que son bastante superiores a los alcanzados por el grupo control, sin que se encontraran diferencias entre la mano dominante y la no dominante

La força màxima i la resistència muscular d'agafada manual en regatistes de vela lleugera de la classe Tornado

Objectius: El propòsit del nostre estudi és determinar les possibles diferències de força màxima i resistència muscular d'agafada manual entre regatistes, patrons i tripulants, de la classe olímpica Tornado i subjectes que no practiquen vela, i a més valorar les possibles diferències entre ambdues mans. Mètode: Es mesuren 38 homes, 19 dels quals són regatistes, amb un dinamòmetre d'agafada manual Jamar J5030. El protocol de valoració de la força consisteix en 3 repeticions màximes amb un minut de descans entre si, i el de resistència muscular, en un minut de contracció isomètrica màxima. Resultats: No es troben diferències en els resultats de regatistes patrons i tripulants en cap dels tests. Els regatistes obtenen registres mitjans superiors en el test de força màxima: 63,21 kg en la mà dominant i 59,79 kg en la mà no dominant, davant dels 53,26 kg i 50 kg, respectivament, del grup de subjectes que no practiquen vela. El grup control presenta, en el test de resistència muscular, un descens de força més acusat que el grup de navegants. La mà dominant aconsegueix valors de força lleument més elevats, que només són estadísticament significatius en el grup de patrons. Conclusions: Els regatistes, patrons i tripulants, obtenen resultats semblants de força màxima i resistència de força d'agafada manual, que són bastant superiors als aconseguits pel grup control, i no es troben diferències entre la mà dominant i la no dominan

HRV-Guided Training for Professional Endurance Athletes: A Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial

Physiological training responses depend on sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) balance. This activity can be measured using heart rate variability (HRV). Such a measurement method can favor individualized training planning to improve athletes’ performance. Recently, HRV-guided training has been implemented both on professional and amateur sportsmen and sportswomen with varied results. There is a dearth of studies involving professional endurance athletes following a defined HRV-guided training protocol. The objectives of the proposed protocol are: (i) to determine changes in the performance of high-level athletes after following an HRV-guided or a traditional training period and (ii) to determine differences in the athletes’ performance after following both training protocols. This will be a 12-week cluster-randomized controlled protocol in which professional athletes will be assigned to an HRV-based training group (HRV-G) or a traditional-based training group (TRAD-G). TRAD-G will train according to a predefined training program. HRV-G training will depend on the athletes’ daily HRV. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) attained in an incremental treadmill test will be considered as the primary outcome. It is expected that this HRV-guided training protocol will improve functional performance in the high-level athletes, achieving better results than a traditional training method, and thus providing a good strategy for coaches of high-level athletes

High-intensity interval training dosage for heart failure and coronary artery disease cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analyses

Introduction and objectives High-interval intensity training (HIT) has been suggested to improve peak VO2 in cardiac rehabilitation programs. However, the optimal HIT protocol is unknown. The objective of this study was to identify the most effective doses of HIT to optimize peak VO2 in coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF) patients. Methods A search was conducted in 6 databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, and SportDiscus). Studies using a HIT protocol in CAD or HF patients and measuring peak VO2 were included. The PEDro Scale and Cochrane Collaboration tools were used. Results Analyses reported significant improvements in peak VO2 after HIT in both diseases (P = .000001), with a higher increase in HF patients (P = .03). Nevertheless, in HF patients, there were no improvements when the intensity recovery was ≤ 40% of peak VO2 (P = .19) and the frequency of training was ≤ 2 d/wk (P = .07). There were significant differences regarding duration in CAD patients, with greater improvements in peak VO2 when the duration was < 12 weeks (P = .05). In HF, programs lasting < 12 weeks did not significantly improve peak VO2 (P = .1). Conclusions The HIT is an effective method for improving peak VO2 in HF and CAD, with a significantly greater increase in HF patients. The recovery intervals should be active and be between 40% and 60% of peak VO2 in HF patients. Training frequency should be ≥ 2 d/wk for CAD patients and ≥ 3 d/wk for HF patients.Actividad Física y Deport

High-Intensity Interval Circuit Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has similar or better effects than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in increasing peak oxygen consumption (VO2max), however, it has not been studied when HIIT is applied in a circuit (HIICT). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a HIICT versus MICT on VO2max estimated (VO2max-ES), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) of middle-aged and older women. A quasi-experimental randomized controlled trial was used. Fifty-four women (67.8 ± 6.2 years) were randomized to either HIICT (n = 18), MICT (n = 18) or non-exercise control group (CG; n = 18) for 18 weeks. Participants in HIICT and MICT trained two days/week (one hour/session). Forty-one participants were assessed (HIICT; n = 17, MICT; n = 12, CG; n = 12). Five adverse events were reported. Cardiorespiratory fitness, HR and BP were measured. The tests were performed before and after the exercise intervention programs. VO2max-ES showed significant training x group interaction, in which HIICT and MICT were statistically superior to CG. Moreover, HIICT and MICT were statistically better than CG in the diastolic blood pressure after exercise (DBPex) interaction. For the systolic blood pressure after exercise (SBPex), HIICT was statistically better than CG. In conclusion, both HIICT and MICT generated adaptations in VO2max-ES and DBPex. Furthermore, only HIICT generated positive effects on the SBPex. Therefore, both training methods can be considered for use in exercise programs involving middle-aged and older women

Research on Devices for Handling Whole Slide Images on Pathology Workstations. An Ergonomic Outlook

Background Digital Pathology represents a technological innovation that introduces changes in the traditional tasks of pathologists. In this regard, an important issue that has not been enough emphasized is the image handling from an ergonomic point of view to avoid work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The aim of this study was to investigate a proper input device for digital pathology. Material & Methods Research was conducted in two phases: (1). A comparative study to find out an optimal external controller. Eight medical students analyzed 11 input devices: keyboard (Hewlett Packard, HP), conventional mouse (HP), vertical mouse (CLS), touchpad (Logitech), 3 trackballs (Logitech, Kensington Expert and Ulove), Rollermouse (Contour), Ergopointer (Märzhäuser Sensotech), gamepad (Logitech) and a touchless device (Leap Motion Controller), using them with the Image Viewer software (Ventana). The web-based Fitts´ law test (UC Berkeley) was used to objectify the accuracy of each used device, randomly. 12 items were included in the questionnaire: comfort, technical aspects (cursor movement and objective achievement), prospects, overall satisfaction, prior experience, and others. (2). Evaluation by two experienced pathologists of the best rated input device on the previous experiment and its comparison with a voice recognition system (Invox Medical Dictation, Vocali) using a headset microphone (Plantronics). Perceived workload was scored using the NASA Task Load Index on 28 whole slide images visualized on the Digital Image Hub (Leica) platform with a 4 MegaPixel display (Barco). Data were processed with SPSS 21.0. Results Correlation between technical aspects of the evaluated devices and accuracy (Fitts´ law test), and comfort with overall satisfaction, was demonstrated (p<0.05). Comparative analysis of the 11 input devices concluded that vertical mouse was the best rated input device. However, on the second phase of the study, we find a slightly higher perceived workload using this device than using the voice recognition system, which was the best controller in digital pathology from an ergonomic point of view in this study. Conclusions We describe a methodology that can study and compare input devices for future workstations in digital pathology. Pathologists should be involved in this process trying to find ergonomic devices that prevent MSD. Voice recognition can function as a good handsfree device for digital pathology and could be considered in physical disability situations. Further studies using electromyography, accelerometry and 3D reconstruction analysis could provide additional ergonomic information

Effectiveness of an mHealth intervention combining a smartphone app and smart band on body composition in an overweight and obese population: Randomized controlled trial (EVIDENT 3 study)

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is currently among the supporting elements that may contribute to an improvement in health markers by helping people adopt healthier lifestyles. mHealth interventions have been widely reported to achieve greater weight loss than other approaches, but their effect on body composition remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to assess the short-term (3 months) effectiveness of a mobile app and a smart band for losing weight and changing body composition in sedentary Spanish adults who are overweight or obese. Methods: A randomized controlled, multicenter clinical trial was conducted involving the participation of 440 subjects from primary care centers, with 231 subjects in the intervention group (IG; counselling with smartphone app and smart band) and 209 in the control group (CG; counselling only). Both groups were counselled about healthy diet and physical activity. For the 3-month intervention period, the IG was trained to use a smartphone app that involved self-monitoring and tailored feedback, as well as a smart band that recorded daily physical activity (Mi Band 2, Xiaomi). Body composition was measured using the InBody 230 bioimpedance device (InBody Co., Ltd), and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The mHealth intervention produced a greater loss of body weight (–1.97 kg, 95% CI –2.39 to –1.54) relative to standard counselling at 3 months (–1.13 kg, 95% CI –1.56 to –0.69). Comparing groups, the IG achieved a weight loss of 0.84 kg more than the CG at 3 months. The IG showed a decrease in body fat mass (BFM; –1.84 kg, 95% CI –2.48 to –1.20), percentage of body fat (PBF; –1.22%, 95% CI –1.82% to 0.62%), and BMI (–0.77 kg/m2, 95% CI –0.96 to 0.57). No significant changes were observed in any of these parameters in men; among women, there was a significant decrease in BMI in the IG compared with the CG. When subjects were grouped according to baseline BMI, the overweight group experienced a change in BFM of –1.18 kg (95% CI –2.30 to –0.06) and BMI of –0.47 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.80 to –0.13), whereas the obese group only experienced a change in BMI of –0.53 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.86 to –0.19). When the data were analyzed according to physical activity, the moderate-vigorous physical activity group showed significant changes in BFM of –1.03 kg (95% CI –1.74 to –0.33), PBF of –0.76% (95% CI –1.32% to –0.20%), and BMI of –0.5 kg/m2 (95% CI –0.83 to –0.19). Conclusions: The results from this multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial study show that compared with standard counselling alone, adding a self-reported app and a smart band obtained beneficial results in terms of weight loss and a reduction in BFM and PBF in female subjects with a BMI less than 30 kg/m2 and a moderate-vigorous physical activity level. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to ensure that this profile benefits more than others from this intervention and to investigate modifications of this intervention to achieve a global effect

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality