The Effectiveness Of The Six Minute Walk Test For Tracking Progress In Patients With Post-COVID Condition: A Case Report

Background and Purpose Post-COVID Condition (PCC) is defined as the presence of symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 four weeks past the initial infection. The SARS-CoV-2 virus impacts many organs and body systems. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a standardized measure of cardiovascular endurance commonly used in physical therapy practice. Use of the 6MWT has been studied in specific patient populations (e.g., geriatrics, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder). The purpose of this case report is to discuss the utility of the 6MWT as a measure of walking capacity in individuals with PCC. Case Description The patient was a 46-year-old female diagnosed with PCC who presented to outpatient physical therapy with impaired cardiopulmonary endurance, including difficulty breathing, shortness of breath with exertion, and generalized muscle weakness. The patient had persistent pulmonary symptoms that impacted her ability to perform activities of daily living and recreational activities. The 6MWT was used to measure changes in cardiopulmonary endurance and walking capacity during her course of care. Interventions included whole body strengthening and aerobic exercise. Outcomes The patient demonstrated significant improvements in her cardiopulmonary endurance as demonstrated by an increase in the 6MWT distance (from 450 meters to 588 meters) and patient-reported symptoms. Discussion The 6MWT may be an appropriate outcome measure for monitoring change following physical therapy intervention for PCC. Further research is required to determine the psychometric properties of the 6MWT for this patient population

Effect of Caffeine on Vertical jump, the Wingate Test and VO2max Test

INTRODUCTION: Caffeine (CAF) is a central nervous stimulant and is one of the most popular ergogenic aids due to its positive effect on exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to determine the effects of CAF on the various energy systems in the body, including the ATP-PCr, anaerobic glycolysis, and aerobic systems.  METHODS: 10 physically active subjects participated in the study (Age: 21 ± 2 year, Height: 172.2 ± 11.7 cm, Weight: 75.7 ± 20 kg, Body Fat % 21.2 ± 7.7%).  Subjects completed the vertical jump (VJ), Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) and VO2max test, after consuming 100 mg of a CAF gel and a placebo (PLA).  The CAF or PLA was consumed 1 hr prior to the exercise testing session. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the fatigue index (FI) during the WAnT (p \u3c 0.05, CAF: 57.9 ± 17.9%, PLA: 71.3 ± 10.5%).  There were no significant differences between CAF and PLA supplements for anaerobic or aerobic variables (p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION:  The current research showed CAF had little impact on performance. However, there was a significant difference in FI, suggesting CAF allowed the subjects to hold a higher maximum wattage for a longer period