The effect of Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga method on air force pilots’ operational performance

IntroductionIn today’s military landscape, optimizing performance and bolstering physical health and mental resilience are critical objectives. Introducing a 12-week Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Supta Method (AVYSM) to the training protocol of military trained Airforce pilots, we aim to assesses the feasibility and impact of the method.Materials and equipmentBorg Scale assesses the intensity level of physical activity during the intervention. Flight simulator data gauges operational performance responses. Postural control responses are measured using a force platform, stress responses are monitored via heart monitor, and handgrip dynamometry will measure strength. Respiratory capacity is assessed using a spirometer, body composition is evaluated using impedance balance, and aviation-related questionnaires are administered before and after the intervention period.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, the totality of pilots from the “Masters in Military Aeronautics: aviator pilot specialist” course at the Portuguese Air Force Academy (PAA) were randomly assigned to the yoga intervention or the waiting list control groups, with participants providing written informed consent. The control group followed protocolized course classes for 12 weeks, while the intervention group integrated two weekly one-hour yoga sessions into their course.ResultsThe PAA has approved the implementation of this intervention protocol at Airbase 11 in Beja, highlighting its significance for the organization’s policy makers. We hypothesize that this method will enhance operational performance and, subsequently, elevate flight safety.DiscussionThis research’s potential extends beyond the PAA, as it can be adapted for use in Airforce departments of other nations and various military contexts.Clinical trial registrationÉvora University research ethics committee—approval number 21050. Study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT05821270, registered on April 19, 2023

Phase Angle as a Predictor for Physical Function in Institutionalized Independent Older Adults

he aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between phase angle (PhA) and physical function in institutionalized, independent older adults. Physical function was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test Battery. PhA was measured by electrical bioimpedance at 50 khz, and body composition parameters were also registered. Results showed that PhA significantly correlated with all physical fitness tests, except for arm curls. Regarding the results of the multivariate analysis, three models were created: Model 1, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and two predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go" and "6 min walk"; Model 2, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and three predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go", "6 min walk" and "30-s chair stand"; and Model 3, formed by a dependent variable "PhA" and four predictor variables "8 ft up-and-go", "6 min walk", "30-s chair stand" and "arm curl". Results showed that predictor variables had a significant influence on the PhA for all three models (Model 1: p = 0.001, 12.5%; Model 2: p = 0.002, 12.9%; and Model 3: p = 0.005, 13.1%). For women, Model 1 showed a significant influence of predictor variables on the PhA (p = 0.030, 9.3%). The results for men in Models 1, 2 and 3 showed significant influences on the PhA (p = 0.002, 31.2%; p = 0.006, 31.6%; and p = 0.016, 31.6%; respectively). This study confirmed previous studies regarding to the relationship between PhA and physical function. It also indicates that PhA could be an excellent predictor of physical function

Test-Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Strength Measurements in Lower Limbs in Elderly

Strength is essential for carrying out the usual activities of daily life. As there is a loss of strength in elderly, many treatments are based on delaying the loss of strength or maintaining it. Isokinetic dynamometry is the gold standard for assessing strength. It is essential that studies are conducted to allow us to identify the reliability of isokinetic strength assessments in older people. This study aimed to test the absolute and relative intra-session reliability of peak torque and work of a concentric knee extension-flexion performed at 60°/s in elderly. Fifty-two elderly subjects performed three repetitions of bilateral concentric knee extension-flexion at 60°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. The relative and absolute reliability were calculated between the second and third repetition. The intra-class correlation coefficient values were between 0.94 and 0.98 for peak torque and work in all measures, which is considered "excellent", except for left leg flexors in women, with values between 0.85 and 0.88, which is considered "good". The standard error of measurement (SEM) percentage oscillated from 3.9% to 10.5%, with a smallest real difference (SRD) percentage of 10.9% to 29.2% for peak torque. The relative reliability of peak torque and work were excellent for all measures except flexors in women, evidencing the utility of isokinetic dynamometry for monitoring lower limb maximal muscle strength and work of concentric knee extension-flexion at 60°/s/s in the elderly. In addition, an SRD > 19.9% in peak torque and an SRD > 23.1% in work is considered a true change

Heart Rate Variability and Salivary Biomarkers Differences between Fibromyalgia and Healthy Participants after an Exercise Fatigue Protocol: An Experimental Study

Previous studies showed that people with Fibromyalgia (FM) suffer from dysautonomia. Dysautonomia consists of persistent autonomic nervous system hyperactivity at rest and hyporeactivity during stressful situations. There is evidence that parameters reflecting the complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system during exercise can provide significant prognostic information. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences between people with FM and healthy controls on heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary parameters (such as flow, protein concentration, enzymatic activities of amylase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in two moments: (1) at baseline, and (2) after an exercise fatigue protocol. A total of 37 participants, twenty-one were people with fibromyalgia and sixteen were healthy controls, participated in this cross-sectional study. HRV and salivary samples were collected before and after an exercise fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of 20 repetitions of knee extensions and flexions of the dominant leg at 180 °·s-1 (degrees per second). Significant differences were found in the HRV (stress index, LF and HF variables) and salivary biomarkers (with a higher concentration of salivary amylase in people with FM compared to healthy controls). Exercise acute effects on HRV showed that people with FM did not significantly react to exercise. However, significant differences between baseline and post-exercise on HRV significantly induce alteration on the HRV of healthy controls. Catalase significantly increased after exercise in healthy controls whereas salivary flow significantly increased in women with FM after an exercise fatigue protocol. Our study suggests that a higher α-amylase activity and an impaired HRV can be used as possible biomarkers of fibromyalgia, associated with a reduction in salivary flow without changes in HRV and catalase activity after a fatigue exercise protocol. More studies should be carried out in the future to evaluate this hypothesis, in order to find diagnostic biomarkers in fibromyalgia

Effects of respiratory muscle training on respiratory efficiency and health-related quality of life in sedentary women with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial

Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a complex disease that is mainly characterised by chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances and may be precipitated or worsened by many stressors. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on respiratory efficiency and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women with FM. Methods: A total of 30 women with FM were included in the intention to treat analyses: 15 were assigned to the RMT group and 15 to the control group. The intervention consisted of 12 weeks of RMT. The primary outcome was the change in pulmonary function assessed by global body plethysmography at 12 weeks compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes of scores in HRQoL assessed by the Short Form 36 Health Survey-Portuguese version. Results: The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) improved by 17.5% (p-value = .033), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) improved 21.6% (p-value = 0.045) and maximum occlusion pressure (P0.1 max) increased 27.7% (p-value = 0.007). HRQoL improved in the dimensions of physical function, physical role, bodily pain and vitality (p-value <0.05). Conclusions: RMT results in a significant improvement of respiratory efficiency and HRQoL after 12 weeks. RMT could be an effective therapy to enhance respiratory function and quality of life in women with FM

The Influence of Surgical Mask on Heart Rate, Muscle Saturation of Oxygen, and Hemoglobin during Whole-Body Vibration Exercise

Background: Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a safe and effective exercise system that affects muscle oxygen through several physiological processes, although its effects on different protocols are still unclear. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated various health problems and controversy or confusion on its possible adverse consequences and impact on performance when wearing a mask during the practice of physical exercise. Aim: To analyze the acute effects of WBV exercise in muscle oxygen variables during different intervention phases with or without a surgical mask and compare protocols that differ in the order of vibration frequencies. Methods: Forty-seven healthy students participated in WBV training. They were randomly assigned to use or not use a mask between the three intervention groups: group A (8, 12.6, and 20 Hz), group B (12.6, 20, and 8 Hz), and group C (20, 8, and 12.6 Hz). Besides the 3 WBV moments, the intervention had a baseline moment, two rest time and a recovery moment. During the whole intervention, the heart rate (HR), muscle oxygen saturation (SatO2), oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb), and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) were registered. Results: There were no significant differences between the mask use and not use groups. Significant differences were found between the variables during the seven intervention moments and between intervention groups (A, B, or C). Conclusion: HR, SatO2, and Hb were not influenced by the use of a surgical mask, but they reacted differently through the different moments and were sensitive to vibration frequencies and respective order

Psychological Stress Triggers a Hyperammonemia Episode in Patient with Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency

An 18-year-old male motorcycle racer, who was a participant in the FIM Road Racing World Championship and had a history of Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, developed nausea and dizziness while driving his motorcycle and became unconscious right after he stopped at the box. He was rapidly attended to by the medical personnel of the circuit, and once he recovered consciousness, he was taken to the local hospital where the blood analysis showed hyperammonemia (307 μg/dL) and excess alkalosis. The patient was properly following the prescribed treatment, and there were no environmental stressors. Hence, psychological stress and its somatization due to the risky task that the patient was performing could have triggered the episode. Stress must be considered as a potential cause, triggering strenuous metabolic stress that leads to hyperammonemia.2020/UEM144.614 JCR (2021) Q1, 45/182 Public, Environmental & Occupational Health0.814 SJR (2021) Q1, 34/136 Health, Toxicology and MutagenesisNo data IDR 2020UE

The Effect of Expertise during Simulated Flight Emergencies on the Autonomic Response and Operative Performance in Military Pilots

Heart rate variability (HRV) and performance response during emergency flight maneuvers were analyzed. Two expert pilots (ages 35 and 33) and two rookie pilots (ages 25) from the Portuguese Air Force participated in this case–control report study. Participants had to complete the following emergency protocols in a flight simulator: (1) take-off engine failure, (2) flight engine failure close to the base, (3) flight engine failure far away from the base, and (4) alternator failure. The HRV was collected during all these maneuvers, as well as the performance data (the time it took to go through the emergency protocol and the subjective information from the flight simulator operator). Results regarding autonomic modulation showed a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared to baseline. In some cases, there was also a higher sympathetic response during the emergency maneuvers when compared with the take-off protocol. Regarding performance data, the expert pilots accomplished the missions in less time than the rookie pilots. Autonomic modulation measured from HRV through portable devices can easily relay important information. This information is relevant since characterizing these maneuvers can provide helpful information to design training strategies to improve those psychophysiological responses.Sin financiación4.614 JCR (2021) Q1, 45/182 Public, Environmental & Occupational Health0.814 SJR (2021) Q1, 34/136 Health, Toxicology and MutagenesisNo data IDR 2021UE

Test-Retest reliability of Biodex Balance SD on physically active old people

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the Biodex Balance System in elderly. Forty-five subjects aged 66±5.5 years old and weight 71.6±9.8 kg were tested on the Biodex Balance System. In order to calculate the reliability, the Fall Risk Test (FRt) and the Postural Stability Test (PSt) were measured on two separate occasions 7 days apart. Every subject completed the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) questionnaire the first day of testing. The Fall Risk Index (FRi) showed a good ICC (.80) and a low percentage of variation of method error. The Overall Stability Index (OSi) showed a good and acceptable reliability measured by the ICC (.69) but a percentage of variation of method error near to 25%. FES-I Score was 23.1 (±7.2). The reliability of the BBS using Bland-Altman method showed that systematic errors (mean difference between test-retest) for the balance test developed were nearly zero and the 95% limits of agreement narrow, indicating a good reliability of the measurement. Biodex balance measures were showed reliable and may be useful for measuring the risk of falls and monitoring programs for prevent falls in elderly. This study revealed that fall risk assessment in older people must be incorporated into the evaluation process of the physical functioning.This study was in part supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Education (AP-2006-03676) and Science and Innovation (BES-2009-013442)