Prediction of Depression Scores From Aerobic Fitness, Body Fatness, Physical Activity, and Vagal Indices in Non-exercising, Female Workers

Background: Depression is associated with a decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity [PA] levels, higher rates of obesity, and dysfunction in autonomic control of heart rate [HR]. However, these parameters were mostly recorded with indirect methods. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between depression scores and objective measures of body fatness, autonomic indices (i.e. HRV and HRR), cardiorespiratory fitness and PA levels; and subsequently to present the best predictive models of depression scores for this population, based on these variables.Methods: Thirty-five non-exercising women (26–43 years; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max] ~ 17.4–38.3 mL/kg/min) volunteered for participation in this study. All participants responded to the Beck Depression Inventory [DBI] and were evaluated for body mass index [BMI], percentage of body fat, sum of skinfolds, and VO2max. Subsequently, over four consecutive days, an orthostatic test and a submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer were performed to record HRV and HRR, respectively. In addition, incidental PA was recorded during 5 consecutive days using accelerometers.Results: depression scores were related to VO2max (r = −0.446, p = 0.007) and the sum of skinfolds (r = 0.434, p = 0.009). Several stepwise multiple linear regression models were performed and only VO2max was revealed as an independent predictor of the Beck scores (ß = −0.446, R2 = 0.199, p = 0.007).Conclusion: The present study revealed that VO2max and the sum of skinfolds were moderately related to depression scores, while VO2max was the only independent predictor of depression scores in female workers

Correlates of Heart Rate Measures with Incidental Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Overweight Female Workers

[EN] Previous studies have suggested that physical activity (PA) levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impact on the autonomic control of heart rate (HR). However, previous studies evaluating PA levels did not discriminate between incidental PA and regular exercise. We hypothesized that incidental PA “per se” would influence cardiac autonomic indices as assessed via HR variability (HRV) and HR recovery (HRR) in non-exercisers. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between objective PA levels, CRF, and cardiac autonomic indices in adult, regular non-exercising female workers. After familiarization with procedures and evaluation of body composition, 21 women completed a submaximal cycling test and evaluation of HRR on four different days. Resting (2-min seated and standing) and ambulatory (4-h) HRV were also recorded. Levels of PA were assessed by accelerometry over five consecutive days (i.e., Wednesday to Sunday). Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured as an index of CRF. As reliability was low to moderate for most HR measures, relationships between these and PA and CRF were examined using the 4-day average measures. Significant correlations were identified between post-exercise HRR in the first min with various PA indices (daily moderate PA, daily vigorous PA, and the sum of vigorous and very vigorous daily PA). Additionally, VO2max was significantly correlated to HRV but not to HRR. The current results indicated that CRF was influential in enhancing HRV while incidental or non-exercise based PA was associated with greater autonomic reactivation in adult overweight women. Therefore, both CRF and non-exercise based PA contribute significant but diverse effects on cardiac health. The use of 4-day averages instead of single measures for evaluation of autonomic control of HR may provide a better indication of regular cardiac autonomic function that remains to be refined

Correlates of heart rate measures with incidental physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight female workers

Previous studies have suggested that physical activity (PA) levels and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impact on the autonomic control of heart rate (HR). However, previous studies evaluating PA levels did not discriminate between incidental PA and regular exercise. We hypothesized that incidental PA "per se" would influence cardiac autonomic indices as assessed via HR variability (HRV) and HR recovery (HRR) in non-exercisers. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between objective PA levels, CRF, and cardiac autonomic indices in adult, regular non-exercising female workers. After familiarization with procedures and evaluation of body composition, 21 women completed a submaximal cycling test and evaluation of HRR on four different days. Resting (2-min seated and standing) and ambulatory (4-h) HRV were also recorded. Levels of PA were assessed by accelerometry over five consecutive days (i.e., Wednesday to Sunday). Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) was measured as an index of CRF. As reliability was low to moderate for most HR measures, relationships between these and PA and CRF were examined using the 4-day average measures. Significant correlations were identified between post-exercise HRR in the first min with various PA indices (daily moderate PA, daily vigorous PA, and the sum of vigorous and very vigorous daily PA). Additionally, VO2max was significantly correlated to HRV but not to HRR. The current results indicated that CRF was influential in enhancing HRV while incidental or non-exercise based PA was associated with greater autonomic reactivation in adult overweight women. Therefore, both CRF and non-exercise based PA contribute significant but diverse effects on cardiac health. The use of 4-day averages instead of single measures for evaluation of autonomic control of HR may provide a better indication of regular cardiac autonomic function that remains to be refined

Can Pacing Be Regulated by Post-Activation Potentiation? Insights from a Self-Paced 30 km Trial in Half-Marathon Runners

[EN] Purpose Given the co-existence of post-activation potentiation (PAP) and fatigue within muscle, it is not known whether PAP could influence performance and pacing during distance running by moderating fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of PAP on pacing, jumping and other physiological measures during a self-paced 30 km trial. Methods Eleven male endurance-trained runners (half-marathon runners) volunteered to participate in this study. Runners participated in a multi-stage 30 km trial. Before the trial started, determination of baseline blood lactate (bLa) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height was performed. The self-paced 30 km trial consisted of 6 × 5 km splits. At the end of each 5 km split (60 s break), data on time to complete the split, CMJ height, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were collected while heart rate was continuously monitored. Results There was a significant decrease in speed (e.g. positive pacing strategy after the 4th split, p<0.05) with a progressive increase in RPE throughout the trial. Compared with baseline, CMJ height was significantly (p<0.05) greater than baseline and was maintained until the end of the trial with an increase after the 5th split, concomitant with a significant reduction in speed and an increase in RPE. Significant correlations were found between ΔCMJ and ΔSPEED (r = 0.77 to 0.87, p<0.05) at different time points as well as between RPE and speed (r = -0.61 to -0.82, p<0.05). Conclusion Our results indicates that fatigue and potentiation co-exist during long lasting endurance events, and that the observed increase in jump performance towards the end of the trial could be reflecting a greater potentiation potentially perhaps counteracting the effects of fatigue and preventing further reductions in speed.We would like to thank Nova Biomedical for their donation for lactate analyzers and the athletes for their enthusiastic participation

The role of physical activity and heart rate variability for the control of work related stress

[EN] Physical activity (PA) and exercise are often used as tools to reduce stress and therefore the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, heart rate variability (HRV) has been utilized to assess both stress and PA or exercise influences. The objective of the present review was to examine the current literature in regards to workplace stress, PA/exercise and HRV to encourage further studies. We considered original articles from known databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge) over the last 10 years that examined these important factors. A total of seven studies were identified with workplace stress strongly associated with reduced HRV in workers. Longitudinal workplace PA interventions may provide a means to improve worker stress levels and potentially cardiovascular risk with mechanisms still to be clarified. Future studies are recommended to identify the impact of PA, exercise, and fitness on stress levels and HRV in workers and their subsequent influence on cardiovascular healt

Prediction of Depression Scores From Aerobic Fitness, Body Fatness, Physical Activity, and Vagal Indices in Non-exercising, Female Workers

[EN] Background: Depression is associated with a decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical activity [PA] levels, higher rates of obesity, and dysfunction in autonomic control of heart rate [HR]. However, these parameters were mostly recorded with indirect methods. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between depression scores and objective measures of body fatness, autonomic indices (i.e. HRV and HRR), cardiorespiratory fitness and PA levels; and subsequently to present the best predictive models of depression scores for this population, based on these variables. Methods: Thirty-five non-exercising women (26–43 years; maximal oxygen consumption [VO2max] ∼ 17.4–38.3 mL/kg/min) volunteered for participation in this study. All participants responded to the Beck Depression Inventory [DBI] and were evaluated for body mass index [BMI], percentage of body fat, sum of skinfolds, and VO2max. Subsequently, over four consecutive days, an orthostatic test and a submaximal exercise on a cycle ergometer were performed to record HRV and HRR, respectively. In addition, incidental PA was recorded during 5 consecutive days using accelerometers. Results: depression scores were related to VO2max (r = −0.446, p = 0.007) and the sum of skinfolds (r = 0.434, p = 0.009). Several stepwise multiple linear regression models were performed and only VO2max was revealed as an independent predictor of the Beck scores (ß = −0.446, R² = 0.199, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The present study revealed that VO2max and the sum of skinfolds were moderately related to depression scores, while VO2max was the only independent predictor of depression scores in female workers

EDENTULISMO E AUTOPERCEPÇÃO EM SAÚDE BUCAL EM IDOSOS DE UM MUNICÍPIO DO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO / EDENTULISM AND SELF-PERCEPTION IN ORAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM A CITY IN THE NORTHEAST OF BRAZIL

Introdução: Países do mundo todo vem passando por um rápido processo de envelhecimento, devido ao aumento da expectativa de vida. Nesse sentido, são necessárias estratégias específicas para a população idosa, que garantam a manutenção da saúde bucal, capacidade funcional e autonomia. Objetivo: avaliar o edentulismo, uso e necessidade de prótese dentária e a autopercepção em saúde bucal em idosos do município de São Luís (MA). Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo realizado com idosos de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 60 e 95 anos, atendidos no Centro de Atenção Integrada à Saúde do Idoso (CAISI). O uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária foram avaliados por dois examinadores, utilizando espelho bucal (OMS/1999). A autopercepção em saúde bucal foi avaliada utilizando o questionário Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), proposto por Atchison e Dolan (1990). Resultados: Foram examinados 91 idosos sendo 72,5% do gênero feminino e 27,4% do gênero masculino; 47,0% utilizavam prótese superior. Na arcada inferior, 19,0% faziam uso de prótese parcial removível, 21,0% prótese total e 2,0% a combinação de prótese parcial fixa, removível e total. A necessidade de prótese superior e inferior foi observada, em 54,9% e 41,7% dos idosos, respectivamente. Quanto a escolaridade 36,2% tinham ensino médio completo e 16,4% tinham até um salário mínimo e 80,2% não possuíam automóvel. Conclusão: A prevalência do edentulismo nos idosos avaliados foi considerada alta. A maioria não fazia uso de prótese embora necessitassem de prótese em ambas arcadas e auto percebiam sua saúde bucal como ruim.Palavras-chave: Saúde bucal. Odontogeriatria. Autopercepção.AbstractIntroduction: Countries all around the world have been undergoing a rapid process of aging due to increased life expectancy. In this sense, specific strategies for the elderly are required, in order to guarantee the maintenance of oral health, functional capacity and autonomy. Objective: To evaluate edentulism, dental prosthesis use and necessity and self-perceived oral health in the elderly from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Methods: The sample consisted of elderly of both genders, aged from 60 to 95 years old, treated at the “Center for Integrated healthcare for the elderly” (CAISI, in Portuguese). The use and necessity for dental prosthesis was evaluated by two examiners using a dental mirror (WHO/1999). Self-perceived oral health was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) questionnaire, proposed by Atchison and Dolan (1990). Results: 91 elderly people were examined, 72.5% females and 27.47% males. 47.0% used some kind of upper dental prosthesis. In the lower arch, 19.0% used removable partial dentures, 21.0% used complete dentures and 2.0% used the combination of fixed partial denture, removable partial denture and complete denture. The need for lower and upper dental prosthesis was observed in 54.9% and 41.7% of participants, respectively. 36.2% completed high school, 16.48% received up to a minimum wage and 80.2% had no car. Conclusion: Edentulism prevalence in elderly subjects was considered high. The majority did not use prosthesis, although requiring prostheses in both arches. Their oral health was self-perceived as poor.Keywords: Oral Health. Geriatric Dentistry. Perception

The role of physical activity and heart rate variability for the control of work related stress

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are often used as tools to reduce stress and therefore the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, heart rate variability (HRV) has been utilized to assess both stress and PA or exercise influences. The objective of the present review was to examine the current literature in regards to workplace stress, PA/exercise and HRV to encourage further studies. We considered original articles from known databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge) over the last 10 years that examined these important factors. A total of seven studies were identified with workplace stress strongly associated with reduced HRV in workers. Longitudinal workplace PA interventions may provide a means to improve worker stress levels and potentially cardiovascular risk with mechanisms still to be clarified. Future studies are recommended to identify the impact of PA, exercise, and fitness on stress levels and HRV in workers and their subsequent influence on cardiovascular health

Can Pacing Be Regulated by Post-Activation Potentiation? Insights from a Self-Paced 30 km Trial in Half-Marathon Runners.

Given the co-existence of post-activation potentiation (PAP) and fatigue within muscle, it is not known whether PAP could influence performance and pacing during distance running by moderating fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of PAP on pacing, jumping and other physiological measures during a self-paced 30 km trial.Eleven male endurance-trained runners (half-marathon runners) volunteered to participate in this study. Runners participated in a multi-stage 30 km trial. Before the trial started, determination of baseline blood lactate (bLa) and countermovement jump (CMJ) height was performed. The self-paced 30 km trial consisted of 6 × 5 km splits. At the end of each 5 km split (60 s break), data on time to complete the split, CMJ height, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and blood lactate were collected while heart rate was continuously monitored.There was a significant decrease in speed (e.g. positive pacing strategy after the 4th split, p<0.05) with a progressive increase in RPE throughout the trial. Compared with baseline, CMJ height was significantly (p<0.05) greater than baseline and was maintained until the end of the trial with an increase after the 5th split, concomitant with a significant reduction in speed and an increase in RPE. Significant correlations were found between ΔCMJ and ΔSPEED (r = 0.77 to 0.87, p<0.05) at different time points as well as between RPE and speed (r = -0.61 to -0.82, p<0.05).Our results indicates that fatigue and potentiation co-exist during long lasting endurance events, and that the observed increase in jump performance towards the end of the trial could be reflecting a greater potentiation potentially perhaps counteracting the effects of fatigue and preventing further reductions in speed