Inspiratory fraction as a marker of skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with COPD

AbstractBackgroundAn inspiratory capacity to total lung capacity (IC/TLC) ratio of ≤25% has emerged as a better marker of mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The relationship among the IC/TLC ratio to lower extremity skeletal muscle function remains unknown.MethodsThirty-five men with moderate to severe COPD were divided into those with IC/TLC≤25% (n=16) and >25% (n=19). The subjects were tested for thigh muscle mass volume (MMT), maximal strength, power output of the lower extremities, and physical activity.ResultsTotal MMT in the IC/TLC<25% group was significantly lower (413.91±89.42cm3) (p<0.001) than in the IC/TLC>25% group (575.20±11.76cm3). In the IC/TLC≤25% group, maximal strength of the lower extremities and muscle peak power output of the lower extremities were 36–56% lower (p<0.01) than among the patients in the IC/TLC>25% group.ConclusionIC/TLC≤25% is associated with reduced maximal strength and peak power output of the lower extremities. IC/TLC≤25% may have an important clinical relevance as an index to determine peripheral muscle dysfunction

Efectos de realizar actividad física en la función muscular en EPOC

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-month physical activity (PA) programme consisting in walking on muscle function in patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Forty-four men (70.3 ± 6.7 years old) diagnosed with moderate-severe COPD were recruited. The intervention group (PAG) completed a physical activity programme and the control group (COG) followed their standard treatment. Upper-and lower-limb maximum strength (1RM), lower-limb muscle power (50% and 70% 1RM) and physical activity were measured before and after 12 months. After 12 months, lower-limb maximum strength increased by 8% in the PAG (P<0.01), while it did not change in the COG. Lower-limb muscle power at 50% 1RM increased by 12% in the PAG, while it decreased by 9% in the COG (P<0.05). A physical activity programme increased muscle strength and preserved muscle power of the lower limb. © 2021, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid y CV Ciencias del Deporte. All rights reserved

Performance Evaluation in the UEFA Champions League

This article aims to evaluate the sports performance of teams that have participated in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) during the last 10 seasons (2004-2005 to 2013-2014). Technical efficiency is estimated using well-known data envelopment analysis (DEA) approaches and a bootstrapped DEA model. To solve the problem of measuring sporting results as output in knockout competitions, we propose the use of the coefficients applied by the UEFA from UCL revenue distribution. The results obtained show first that there is a high level of inefficiency in UCL over the period studied: Only 10% of the teams seem to be efficient. Also, the teams have many problems in maintaining their efficiency during the seasons. Second, the champion is always efficient. Third, we identify two sources of inefficiency: waste of sports resources and the selection of sporting tactics. Finally, from a methodological perspective, the output measure proposed seems to be suitable to represent reliably the sports results achieved by clubs in this qualifying competition type. Furthermore, our results are robust when applying alternative estimation methods. Regarding the results, some management implications are discussed and suggestions are made to boost the efficiency in inefficient clubs

Noncoronary Vascular Calcification, Bone Mineral Density, and Muscle Mass in Institutionalized Frail Nonagenarians

The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular calcification in thoracic aorta (TAC), abdominal aorta (AAC), iliac arteries (IAC), and femoral arteries (FAC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae between frail and robust nonagenarians, as well as to verify the associations between vascular calcification with BMD, muscle tissue quality, and quantity in both groups. Forty-two elderly subjects participated in this study: 29 institutionalized frail (92.0 ± 3.2 years) and 13 robust (89.0 ± 4.0 years) elderly participants. All patients underwent nonenhanced helical thoracic, abdominal, and thigh computed tomography. The frail group presented significantly greater FAC as well as less lumbar BMD than the robust group (p less than 0.05). In the frail group, significant negative relationships were observed between the individual values of FAC with the individual values of BMD (r = -0.35 to -0.43, p less than 0.05) and with the individual values of the quadriceps muscle quantity and quality (r = -0.52, p less than 0.01), whereas no significant relationships were observed in the robust group. The robust group presented less vascular calcification and more BMD in the vertebral bodies than the frail group. In the frail group, femoral artery calcification was significantly negatively correlated with BMD, leg muscle quality, and muscle mass volume. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017

Noncoronary Vascular Calcification, Bone Mineral Density, and Muscle Mass in Institutionalized Frail Nonagenarians

The purpose of this study was to compare the vascular calcification in thoracic aorta (TAC), abdominal aorta (AAC), iliac arteries (IAC), and femoral arteries (FAC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae between frail and robust nonagenarians, as well as to verify the associations between vascular calcification with BMD, muscle tissue quality, and quantity in both groups. Forty-two elderly subjects participated in this study: 29 institutionalized frail (92.0 ± 3.2 years) and 13 robust (89.0 ± 4.0 years) elderly participants. All patients underwent nonenhanced helical thoracic, abdominal, and thigh computed tomography. The frail group presented significantly greater FAC as well as less lumbar BMD than the robust group (p less than 0.05). In the frail group, significant negative relationships were observed between the individual values of FAC with the individual values of BMD (r = -0.35 to -0.43, p less than 0.05) and with the individual values of the quadriceps muscle quantity and quality (r = -0.52, p less than 0.01), whereas no significant relationships were observed in the robust group. The robust group presented less vascular calcification and more BMD in the vertebral bodies than the frail group. In the frail group, femoral artery calcification was significantly negatively correlated with BMD, leg muscle quality, and muscle mass volume. © Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2017

Olfactory characterization and training in older adults: protocol study

The aim of this article is to present the research protocol for a prospective cohort study that will assess the olfactory function and the effect of an intervention based on olfactory training in healthy very old adults (>= 75 years old). A convenience sample of 180 older people (50% female) will be recruited in three different environments: hospitalized control group (CH) with stable acute illness (n = 60); ambulatory control group (CA) of community-based living (n = 60); and an experimental odor training group (EOT) from nursing homes (n = 60). The odor training (OT) intervention will last 12 weeks. All the volunteers will be assessed at baseline; CA and EOT groups will also be assessed after 12 weeks. The primary end point will be change in olfactory capacity from baseline to 12 weeks period of intervention or control. The intervention effects will be assessed with the overall score achieved in Sniffin Sticks Test (SST) - Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) extended version. Secondary end points will be changes in cognitive tasks, quality of life, mood, immune status, and functional capacity. All these measurements will be complemented with an immune fitness characterization and a deep proteome profiling of the olfactory epithelium (OE) cultured ex vivo. The current study will provide additional evidence to support the implementation of olfactory precision medicine and the development of immunomodulatory nasal therapies based on non-invasive procedures. The proposed intervention will also intend to increase the knowledge about the olfactory function in very elderly people, improve function and quality of life, and promote the recovery of the health