Relationship between oxygen uptake, heart rate, and perceived effort in an aquatic incremental test in older women

Different parameters can be used to control the intensity of aerobic exercises, a choice that should consider the population and exercise environment targeted. Therefore, our study aimed to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence during an aquatic incremental test in older women. Nine older women (64.3 ± 4.4 years) engaged in a water-based aerobic training performed an aquatic incremental test using the stationary running exercise (cadence increases of 15 b·min−1 every 2 min) until participants’ volitional exhaustion. VO2, HR, and RPE data were measured, and the percentage of peak VO2 (%VO2peak) and percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) were calculated. Linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed (α = 0.05). Polynomial regressions revealed the best adjustments for all analyses. Data showed a significant relationship (p < 0.001) between %VO2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.921), %VO2peak and RPE (r = 0.870), and %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.878). Likewise, significant relationships between cadence (p < 0.001) and %VO2peak (r = 0.873), %HRmax (r = 0.874), and RPE (r = 0.910) were also observed. In summary, the physiological, subjective, and mechanical variables investigated were highly associated during an aquatic incremental test to exhaustion in older women. Therefore, these different parameters can be employed to adequately prescribe water-based programs according to preference and availability

The “Hypertension Approaches in the Elderly: a Lifestyle study” multicenter, randomized trial (HAEL Study): rationale and methodological protocol

Background: Hypertension is a clinical condition highly prevalent in the elderly, imposing great risks to cardiovascular diseases and loss of quality of life. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of nonpharmacological strategies as a first-line approach to lower blood pressure. Exercise is an efficient lifestyle tool that can benefit a myriad of health-related outcomes, including blood pressure control, in older adults. We herein report the protocol of the HAEL Study, which aims to evaluate the efficacy of a pragmatic combined exercise training compared with a health education program on ambulatory blood pressure and other health-related outcomes in older individuals. Methods: Randomized, single-blinded, multicenter, two-arm, parallel, superiority trial. A total of 184 subjects (92/center), ≥60 years of age, with no recent history of cardiovascular events, will be randomized on a 1:1 ratio to 12-week interventions consisting either of a combined exercise (aerobic and strength) training, three times per week, or an active-control group receiving health education intervention, once a week. Ambulatory (primary outcome) and office blood pressures, cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function, together with quality of life, functional fitness and autonomic control will be measured in before and after intervention. Discussion: Our conceptual hypothesis is that combined training intervention will reduce ambulatory blood pressure in comparison with health education group. Using a superiority framework, analysis plan prespecifies an intention-to-treat approach, per protocol criteria, subgroups analysis, and handling of missing data. The trial is recruiting since September 2017. Finally, this study was designed to adhere to data sharing practices. Trial registration: NCT03264443. Registered on 29 August, 2017

Water-based continuous and interval training in older women: Cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes (WATER study)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two water-based aerobic programs on cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes in older women. Forty-one women (60 to 75 years old) volunteered to participate in the study. Participants were randomized into a water-based continuous (CTG; n = 21; 63.9 ± 2.5 years) or an interval (ITG; n = 20; 64.8 ± 3.6 years) aerobic training group. Both training programs were performed for 12 weeks (45-min sessions twice a week), with exercise intensity based on rating of perceived exertion (Borg's RPE 6-20 Scale). Pre and post training assessments of cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular outcomes were performed. Data analyses were conducted using Generalized Estimating Equations and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α = 0.05). After the intervention, the CTG and the ITG displayed similar improvements in time to exhaustion (8% vs. 11%), peak oxygen uptake (9% vs. 7%), maximal dynamic knee extension strength (5% vs. 6%), dynamic muscular endurance of knee extensors (10% vs. 11%), maximal vastus lateralis electromyographic signal amplitude (13% vs. 35%), as well as an increase in muscle thickness (5% vs. 6%) and decrease in muscle echo intensity (-2% vs. -3%) of the quadriceps femoris. In conclusion, older women benefited from water-based exercise training prescribed based on participants' RPE, with both the interval and the continuous training programs resulting in similar increases in the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular parameters

High-velocity resistance training in middle-aged adults and older adults with- and without mobility limitations: neuromuscular adaptations and its effects on functional performance.

This doctoral thesis aimed to evaluate and compare the neuromuscular, morphological and functional adaptations of a high-velocity resistance training program in middle-aged adults (40-55 years), older adults (60+ years) and mobility-limited older adults (Short Physical Performance Battery; SPPB ≤ 9). For this, 43 participants were recruited (19 adults, 18 older adults, and 8 mobility-limited older adults) and tested for maximal isometric strength and neuromuscular activity, as well as maximal dynamic strength (1RM) and power, force, and velocity at a wide range of submaximal intensities (30- 90%1RM). Muscle thickness and quality were also measured, as well as functional performance, assessed through the SPPB test, maximal and usual gait speed, 30 s sitto-stand, stair climb, timed up-and-go, and the 6-min walk test. Participants underwent 12 weeks of high-velocity resistance training with a frequency of two sessions per week and repeated the tests at the end of the intervention. Specifically, two studies make up the volume of this thesis. The first corresponds to a narrative review article and analyzes the effects of high-velocity resistance training in older adults with and without mobility limitations, in addition to presenting an overview of the main effects of neuromuscular aging on the functional capacity of these individuals. The second article presents the results of the intervention on the neuromuscular, morphological and functional capacity outcomes investigated, which are accompanied by an extensive set of supplementary materials. Overall, our results demonstrate that a short-term high-velocity resistance training intervention leads to an important functional reserve in middle-aged individuals, while it also mitigates physiological and functional impairments already present in older adults with and without mobility limitation.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul - FAPERGSA presente tese de doutorado teve como objetivo avaliar e comparar as adaptações neuromusculares, morfológicas e funcionais de um programa de treino de potência em indivíduos adultos de meia idade (40-55 anos), idosos (60+ anos) e idosos com limitações na mobilidade (Short Physical Performance Battery; SPPB ≤ 9). Para isso, 43 participantes foram recrutados (19 adultos, 18 idosos e 8 idosos com limitação de mobilidade) e avaliados quanto à força isométrica máxima e atividade neuromuscular, assim como a força dinâmica máxima (1RM) e a força, potência e velocidade em intensidades submáximas (30-90%1RM). Também foram mensuradas a espessura e qualidade muscular, assim como o desempenho funcional, avaliado através dos testes SPPB, velocidade máxima e habitual de marcha, sentar e levantar, subir escadas, timed up and go, teste de caminhada de 6 min e força de preensão manual. Os participantes passaram por 12 semanas de treino de potência com frequência de duas sessões por semana, sendo reavaliados novamente ao término da intervenção. Especificamente, dois estudos compõe o volume desta tese. O primeiro corresponde ao artigo de revisão narrativa e analisa os efeitos do treino de potência em indivíduos idosos saudáveis e com limitações de mobilidade, além de apresentar um apanhado dos principais efeitos do envelhecimento neuromuscular na capacidade funcional desses indivíduos. O segundo artigo, por sua vez, apresenta os principais resultados provenientes da intervenção aplicada. Nele são apresentados os dados dos principais desfechos neuromusculares, morfológicos e de capacidade funcional, os quais são acompanhados por um extenso conjunto de materiais suplementares. De modo geral, nossos resultados demonstram que uma intervenção de curto prazo de treino de potência resulta na formação de uma importante reserva funcional em indivíduos de meia-idade, ao mesmo tempo que é capaz de mitigar deficiências fisiológicas e funcionais já presentes em idosos com e sem limitação de mobilidade

The Role of Water-Based Exercise on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Overweight Children: A Pilot Study

The aquatic environment represents an adequate and safe alternative for children with overweight to exercise. However, the magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force (Fz) during these exercises is unknown in this population. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the Fz during the stationary running exercise between the aquatic and land environments in children with overweight or obesity. The study is characterized as a cross-over study. Seven children, two with overweight and five with obesity (4 boys and 3 girls; 9.7 &plusmn; 0.8 years), performed two experimental sessions, one on land and another in the aquatic environment. In both conditions, each participant performed 15 repetitions of the stationary running exercise at three different cadences (60, 80, and 100 b min&minus;1) in a randomized order. Their apparent weight was reduced by 72.1 &plusmn; 10.4% on average at the xiphoid process depth. The peak Fz, impulse, and loading rate were lower in the aquatic environment than on land (p &lt; 0.001). Peak Fz was also lower at 80 b min&minus;1 compared to 100 b min&minus;1 (p = 0.005) and loading rate was higher at 100 b min&minus;1 compared to 80 b min&minus;1 (p = 0.003) and 60 b min&minus;1 (p &lt; 0.001) in the aquatic environment, whereas impulse was significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.001) with the increasing cadence in both environments. It can be concluded that the aquatic environment reduces all the Fz outcomes investigated during stationary running and that exercise intensity seems to influence all these outcomes in the aquatic environment

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake, Heart Rate, and Perceived Effort in an Aquatic Incremental Test in Older Women

Different parameters can be used to control the intensity of aerobic exercises, a choice that should consider the population and exercise environment targeted. Therefore, our study aimed to verify the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and cadence during an aquatic incremental test in older women. Nine older women (64.3 &plusmn; 4.4 years) engaged in a water-based aerobic training performed an aquatic incremental test using the stationary running exercise (cadence increases of 15 b&middot;min&minus;1 every 2 min) until participants&rsquo; volitional exhaustion. VO2, HR, and RPE data were measured, and the percentage of peak VO2 (%VO2peak) and percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) were calculated. Linear and polynomial regression analyses were performed (&alpha; = 0.05). Polynomial regressions revealed the best adjustments for all analyses. Data showed a significant relationship (p &lt; 0.001) between %VO2peak and %HRmax (r = 0.921), %VO2peak and RPE (r = 0.870), and %HRmax and RPE (r = 0.878). Likewise, significant relationships between cadence (p &lt; 0.001) and %VO2peak (r = 0.873), %HRmax (r = 0.874), and RPE (r = 0.910) were also observed. In summary, the physiological, subjective, and mechanical variables investigated were highly associated during an aquatic incremental test to exhaustion in older women. Therefore, these different parameters can be employed to adequately prescribe water-based programs according to preference and availability

The Role of Water-Based Exercise on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Overweight Children: A Pilot Study

The aquatic environment represents an adequate and safe alternative for children with overweight to exercise. However, the magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force (Fz) during these exercises is unknown in this population. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the Fz during the stationary running exercise between the aquatic and land environments in children with overweight or obesity. The study is characterized as a cross-over study. Seven children, two with overweight and five with obesity (4 boys and 3 girls; 9.7 ± 0.8 years), performed two experimental sessions, one on land and another in the aquatic environment. In both conditions, each participant performed 15 repetitions of the stationary running exercise at three different cadences (60, 80, and 100 b min−1) in a randomized order. Their apparent weight was reduced by 72.1 ± 10.4% on average at the xiphoid process depth. The peak Fz, impulse, and loading rate were lower in the aquatic environment than on land (p −1 compared to 100 b min−1 (p = 0.005) and loading rate was higher at 100 b min−1 compared to 80 b min−1 (p = 0.003) and 60 b min−1 (p p < 0.001) with the increasing cadence in both environments. It can be concluded that the aquatic environment reduces all the Fz outcomes investigated during stationary running and that exercise intensity seems to influence all these outcomes in the aquatic environment

Comparação da confiabilidade teste-reteste do teste de subir escadas em idosos com limitação de mobilidade

O aumento no número de idosos na população é notório e conforme esses indivíduos envelhecem uma série de declínios fisiológicos são observados. Essa deterioração natural de diversos sistemas predispõem os indivíduos idosos a uma série de restrições na sua capacidade funcional. Como consequência, a habilidade destes desempenharem atividades como subir escadas, levantar de uma cadeira ou caminhar torna-se prejudicada até que, em alguns casos, não sejam mais capazes de realizá-las. A literatura, contudo, é escassa de publicações que avaliem a capacidade funcional de idosos com limitações de mobilidade. A adequada investigação das informações de replicabilidade de teste funcional é relevante para auxiliar no desenho de estudos que comparem adaptações no desempenho funcional em virtude do envelhecimento. Diferenças quanto aos avaliadores, equipamentos e protocolos empregados, por exemplo, também dificultam a compreensão das diferenças (ou não) da confiabilidade deste teste neste grupo. Portanto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi de examinar a confiabilidade teste-reteste do teste de subir escadas em idosos com limitação na mobilidade

Short-Term Effects of Land-Based Versus Water-Based Resistance Training Protocols on Post-Exercise Hypotension in Normotensive Men: A Crossover Study

Considering that water immersion may acutely reduce blood pressure (BP) and that exercise may elicit positive post-exercise hypotension (PEH) responses, we aimed to analyze the presence of PEH in normotensive individuals and compare its magnitude between two resistance training sessions performed in aquatic or land environments. Ten physically active men (23.2 ± 3.1 years) performed the two training protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. BP measurements were performed for 30 min (at 5 min intervals) both prior to (resting) and after each of the protocols. No differences were observed between protocols at baseline (p > 0.05). Only the water-based resistance training protocol resulted in a systolic BP reduction from 10 to 20 min post-exercise (all p p p < 0.001). Our results suggest that water-based resistance training holds the potential as a nonpharmacological strategy to lower BP levels following exercise

Effects of a remotely supervised physical training program combined with cognitive training for older individuals at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background Despite the robust body of evidence for the benefits of home-based physical exercise, there is still a paucity of data on the benefits of home-based cognitive training for older adults, especially in those at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability. As such, the present study aims to compare the chronic effects of a telehealth-delivered physical training intervention alone or combined with a cognitive training program in older adults at increased clinical-functional vulnerability risk. Methods A randomized clinical trial will be conducted including 62 sedentary older individuals classified as at increased risk of clinical-functional vulnerability based on their Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index score. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two groups, an intervention group including physical training combined with cognitive training, or an active control group including physical training alone. Both groups will receive home-based supervised training remotely for 12 weeks and will be assessed for the primary and secondary outcomes of the study before and after the training period. Primary outcomes include cognitive function and dynamic balance with a dual task. Secondary outcomes encompass physical, cognitive, and occupational performance, functional capacity, quality of life, and anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as hemodynamic measures. Data analysis will be performed by intention-to-treat and per protocol using mixed linear models and Bonferroni’s post hoc (α = 0.05). Discussion Our conceptual hypothesis is that both groups will show improvements in the primary and secondary outcomes. Nevertheless, we expect physical combined with cognitive training to improve cognitive function, dual task, and occupational performance to a greater degree as compared to physical training alone. Trial registration NCT05309278. Registered on April 4, 2022